SWW, BCR & Technically, we were literally on Mars! New - 8/31 - Final Update

[lovethattink]

Wow, there are so many things we haven't seen yet at Innoventions.

I can totally relate to your story about your son's worrying about Mission Space and the gas. We too have to talk in code or text to talk.

Boo to the mom with the kids on the rock. What a fine example she showed her children.

So nice of your husband to offer to do the laundry. Was he regretting his offer when all the machines didn't work?

Is the pizza on the Boardwalk different than other resort pizza?

 

[lsenquiz]

Wow, there are so many things we haven't seen yet at Innoventions.

I know what you mean. There are still things on our list that we have not done there even after this last 2 week trip!

I can totally relate to your story about your son's worrying about Mission Space and the gas. We too have to talk in code or text to talk.

Boo to the mom with the kids on the rock. What a fine example she showed her children.

I know. I swear there are times that it takes all my willpower to keep quiet.

So nice of your husband to offer to do the laundry. Was he regretting his offer when all the machines didn't work?

He actually fell asleep by the quiet pool while he was doing the laundry so I don't think it was as bad as he thought it was going to be about the first few missteps.

Is the pizza on the Boardwalk different than other resort pizza?

It is supposed to be authentic New York style Pizza. I have never had authentic New York Pizza before so can not say for sure. However, I do think it is better than what you usually get when you order at the resort.

 

[lovethattink]

He actually fell asleep by the quiet pool while he was doing the laundry so I don't think it was as bad as he thought it was going to be about the first few missteps.




It is supposed to be authentic New York style Pizza. I have never had authentic New York Pizza before so can not say for sure. However, I do think it is better than what you usually get when you order at the resort.

How nice, he got a cat nap out of it. That's a bonus in my eyes.

We will have to try it sometime. I have tried NY style pizza, grew up on it and miss it.

 

[lvcourtneyy]

We spent very little time in the Innoventions buildings but the few things we did do were pretty fun and interesting, even as adults with no kids!

Aw I find it adorable that he was so worried about making it through Mission Space ok! I'm glad you guys were able to reassure him without having to ruin the magic for him.

As far as the worrying goes, I feel like he's at an age where kids take things adult say very literally. I remember being around his age hearing my parents talk about different things where I didn't fully comprehend the situation and being very worried about it!

Ah we were THOSE people who left during the Norway movie

Aw love the pictures of the mama duck with the duckling. I feel like there are so many of them in Disney!

Ugh people are so rude. I give CMs a lot of credit for dealing with nonsense. Because, you know, that mother would be the first one to yell and threaten to sue if one of her kids fell even though she was told multiple times not to have them sit there.

Aw how sweet of your husband to volunteer to do the laundry.

I love the story about your mom.

 

[indimom]

Ooooh, Epcot, my favorite. You are getting me so excited about our upcoming visit!!!

We did quite a bit in Innoventions when the kids were smaller, but didn't stay long on our last trip. We might have to check it out a bit more on this trip. If we have the time.

The games at the end of Mission Space are fun. We got to be up front for that game on our last trip, but we lost. It was fun, but I wanted to WIN! lol.

A bit of a long story, but I've got to share. When I clicked on your thread, one of the first things I skimmed over, before I found my way back to your post, was this comment from lovethattink: "I can totally relate to your story about your son's worrying about Mission Space and the gas. We too have to talk in code or text to talk."
So, I went into your post, thinking that Gabriel was worrying about "having gas" on Mission Space and was talking in code so your fellow travelers wouldn't understand. I'm such a dork. But, I am really glad you didn't have to travel all the way to Mars through a cloud of methane... that could be dangerous.

The Test Track changes look interesting. I bet that makes the line a little more manageable. Can't wait to try it out.

Thanks for the heads up about skipping the movie at the end of Maelstrom. I want to hit that ride this time (we keep missing it) and I forgot about that tip. My husband would never have forgiven me. lol.

And I have to agree with you about Epcot being the hottest park, especially in WS section. I'm always too warm when we are there. Not sure if it's just bad luck, or longer days, or what, but it drives me crazy. I've specifically chosen the coolest clothes I own to wear on our Epcot day.

Love the pictures of the momma duck and babies. When we were at Pop Century on our last trip, they closed the pool to get a family of ducks out. It was a comedy watching the lifeguards and CMs trying to shoo the ducks out when they wouldn't get in the water. They were just keeping the poor critters corralled in the middle of the pool, probably too scared to head for the wall and all those crazy people.



And I just have to add, I think I love your mom. What an amazing lady! I'm really enjoying the stories.

 

[lsenquiz]

Ooooh, Epcot, my favorite. You are getting me so excited about our upcoming visit!!!

We did quite a bit in Innoventions when the kids were smaller, but didn't stay long on our last trip. We might have to check it out a bit more on this trip. If we have the time.

Gabriel loves this area and it is a really nice place to go and cool off on a hot afternoon.

The games at the end of Mission Space are fun. We got to be up front for that game on our last trip, but we lost. It was fun, but I wanted to WIN! lol.

Gabriel won both games he played thank goodness. He does not like to lose

A bit of a long story, but I've got to share. When I clicked on your thread, one of the first things I skimmed over, before I found my way back to your post, was this comment from lovethattink: "I can totally relate to your story about your son's worrying about Mission Space and the gas. We too have to talk in code or text to talk."
So, I went into your post, thinking that Gabriel was worrying about "having gas" on Mission Space and was talking in code so your fellow travelers wouldn't understand. I'm such a dork. But, I am really glad you didn't have to travel all the way to Mars through a cloud of methane... that could be dangerous.

Cracking up The sad new is Gabriel would have cared less about having gas while we were all stuck in that capsule.

The Test Track changes look interesting. I bet that makes the line a little more manageable. Can't wait to try it out.

I actually like it better now than I used to.

Thanks for the heads up about skipping the movie at the end of Maelstrom. I want to hit that ride this time (we keep missing it) and I forgot about that tip. My husband would never have forgiven me. lol.

Trust me, we will be skipping on all future trips if we decide to do Maelstrom again.

And I have to agree with you about Epcot being the hottest park, especially in WS section. I'm always too warm when we are there. Not sure if it's just bad luck, or longer days, or what, but it drives me crazy. I've specifically chosen the coolest clothes I own to wear on our Epcot day.

I think part of my problem is I really do not care for shopping so rarely go in the stores. If I did that a little more I would atleast get some air conditioning breaks.

Love the pictures of the momma duck and babies. When we were at Pop Century on our last trip, they closed the pool to get a family of ducks out. It was a comedy watching the lifeguards and CMs trying to shoo the ducks out when they wouldn't get in the water. They were just keeping the poor critters corralled in the middle of the pool, probably too scared to head for the wall and all those crazy people.

The life guards at Beach Club could have cared less about those ducks and just stood back and laughed at us all while we tried to help them get out.

And I just have to add, I think I love your mom. What an amazing lady! I'm really enjoying the stories.

She always was and always will be my hero

 

[jenniferreich]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip report! I am enjoying reading it so much! My sons are big SW fans too! I am also enjoying your "mom stories." Thank you for sharing them with us. I hope you're having a great day!

 

[im4kycats]

Day 1 Our travel day​

An hour or so later we are on our way out the door. As we leave my dad says I will call you if I have any computer problems. My immediate response: Honestly, it would be better to call Kenny. He knows so much more about computers than I do. Now realize that my dad knows I have worked in IT for the last 25 years and he knows that has something to do with computers. He has seen me fix many a computer problem when he and my mother lived with us for 3 years. However coming from the generation that he comes from it is no problem for him to believe that Kenny (a man) knows more than me (a woman) about computers. I also have no problem throwing Kenny under the bus after his if he wants to learn how to do it his self just show him statement earlier.

OMG! This is me with my mom! I, too, have been in IT for more than 25 years and my mom starts almost every single conversation with 'on my computer'. I swear I am going to hire someone for her to call!

 

[lsenquiz]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip report! I am enjoying reading it so much! My sons are big SW fans too! I am also enjoying your "mom stories." Thank you for sharing them with us. I hope you're having a great day!

Thanks so much for following along!

 

[lsenquiz]

I swear I am going to hire someone for her to call!

I said the exact same thing to my husband about my dad

 

[lsenquiz]

Special Project​

I have been working on my Trip report since we returned from vacation and finally finished it. I plan to add updates to my TR a little at a time over the next month or so just so I do not overwhelm anyone reading along. However, I was already feeling down about the fact that I was done writing it and would be done soon with updating it. A tremendous amount of time and effort went into creating it and I just did not want it to be finished. So I decided to turn my TR into a book. It ended up being 124 pages when all was said and done. I had it printed at Office Max and I am so proud of the end result. I am also happy that I will have a printed version as well as my own soft copy that we can keep forever. I think it will make a great memory for Gabriel when he is older. It is now my plan to do this for all our trips. I have included some pictures below to give you an idea of how it turned out:


DSC04474 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr


DSC04475 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr


DSC04476 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr


DSC04477 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

 

[lovethattink]

Love it! Great idea and keepsake!

 

[ohboyx3]

Great idea!!!

 

[natebenma]

Great day at EPCOT!!!

I enjoyed your story that was the inspiration for your trip report title. Sounds like you handled the situation well while you were in line.

Nice job, Gabriel, getting everyone home safely.

The first time we rode with Ben (7 or 8 at the time), he was the pilot and at the critical moment he either forgot to push the button or pushed the wrong button. And something went wrong!!!

"My bad!"

The pictures from the African outpost with the masks and drums are awesome!

I also appreciate you posting the picture of the sign about the beads. I have read about them before but I didn't know they were made from recycled maps and stuff.

The ducks at the pool were so cute. So funny that everyone tried to help them.

Wow, your trip report book is great!!! Definitely a wonderful keepsake of the memories you made on this trip.

And great story about your mom. What a special woman.

 

[wiigirl]

Awesome idea!

 

[lsenquiz]

Love it! Great idea and keepsake!

Great idea!!!

Awesome idea!

Thanks so much. I am so not creative when it comes to scrapbooking so my older two children do not have much in the way of memories in this area. So glad Gabriel will have this

 

[lsenquiz]

Great day at EPCOT!!!

I enjoyed your story that was the inspiration for your trip report title. Sounds like you handled the situation well while you were in line.

Nice job, Gabriel, getting everyone home safely.

It is so cute when they are little and believe in all the Magic

The first time we rode with Ben (7 or 8 at the time), he was the pilot and at the critical moment he either forgot to push the button or pushed the wrong button. And something went wrong!!!

"My bad!"

I felt alot of pressure when we were riding not to screw up

The pictures from the African outpost with the masks and drums are awesome!

I also appreciate you posting the picture of the sign about the beads. I have read about them before but I didn't know they were made from recycled maps and stuff.

There was actually a Photopass Photographer over there so he took the pictures

When we go back in September I am going to find out where you put your maps for recycling.

The ducks at the pool were so cute. So funny that everyone tried to help them.

It was hilarious!

Wow, your trip report book is great!!! Definitely a wonderful keepsake of the memories you made on this trip.

I am so happy that you can do this digitally now since I am so much more creative on the computer than I am with my hands.

And great story about your mom. What a special woman.

She is my hero!

 

[lsenquiz]

Today = Sunday June 2nd

Day 10– Magic Kingdom​

So my PTR had us going to DHS today for our 3rd SWW day. I just could not do it. The last SWW day had done me in. So, instead we headed to MK. We were not in a huge hurry but still managed to get there right at the end of the opening show. Touring plans had this as a 4.something day but I could tell when we got there that it was going to be much more crowded.

We stopped here first since there was really no line and Gabriel just loves Pluto:


Photo0166FourBySix by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
I love this picture. Gabriel struggles with his smile in some pictures and it ends up looking fake so I love when we get a genuine smile out of him.

Then we headed to Gabriel’s favorite MK ride Buzz. I do not plan to put every time we rode this into my TR but will say we road over 30 times this trip. I know we rode at least three times first thing this morning.


Photo0174FourBySix by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

Next we headed over to get FPs for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and stopped for a few pictures along the way:


DSC03929 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr


DSC03930 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

We grabbed FPs for BTMR and then decided to get in line to see Woody and Jessie who are right behind the play area between the mountains. We stood in line for about 15 minutes and then it started to rain. I knew it was raining too hard for them to let Woody and Jessie stay out and sure enough soon they took them in. It did not look like it was going to rain for long so we stuck it out. Soon they announced that they were going to bring them back out but they would be under the cover up by the restrooms. So they said they were moving the line up to that area. I knew that the line move would not go well but attempted it anyway. Well the minute everyone up by the restrooms realized they were forming a line up there they jumped in it and by the time we got up there the line was twice as long as it had been. So, we decided to leave and try again later. The worst part was it stopped raining completely about 5 minutes later.

Next we decided to get in the standby line for Splash Mountain. Gabriel had mixed feelings about this ride. He loved the ride up until the 50 foot drop which he hated. He was brave enough to get on but then almost worked himself into a panic attack while we were riding. This is why I am hanging on to him in the picture and also the reason for the look on his face:


47794580013 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

We got much wetter than I ever remember getting in the past. Our FPs for BTMR were open by the time we got off Splash. This is another ride that Gabriel has mixed feels about. They let us all three ride in one car which was great because it kept Gabriel from getting thrown around all over the place. We headed to lunch after that. We were eating at a place we had never eaten before:


DSC03934 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

Gabriel attempted his luck at the ring toss along the way


DSC03933 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

Once we were in the restaurant we got in line to order. You actually had to get in line to get in line. The first line they give you a menu so you can decide what to eat and then when you get to the front of that line they tell you which register to go to. While we were waiting Gabriel started to feel bad so Kenny took him to the restroom and then they were going to find a table. I got to the front pretty quickly and knew exactly what we wanted. However, the people opposite of me had no clue what they wanted. They let their children take at least 5 minutes to decide on which dessert they wanted. Then they asked the cashier how many CS credits they had left on their dining plan. They did not like her answer so she proceeded to go through the detail of their entire dining plan with them. After about 10 minutes the lady behind me got very irritated and the cashier realized she needed to move things along. I was irritated too but had just about accepted that I had seriously bad line Karma for this trip and there was just nothing I could do about it.

Our food came up quickly so I grabbed it and went looking for Kenny and Gabriel because I wanted to make sure Gabriel was ok. I found them upstairs in a booth. Gabriel was laying down and still did not feel good. He kept thinking he was going to throw up but I knew just looking at him that he wasn’t. Riding Splash and BTMR back to back had just done him in. I think he generated a lot of adrenalin during his almost panic attack on splash and his body was now processing it. I was so glad we had a booth so he could just lie down and relax while Kenny and I ate.

As soon as I sat down I realized we did not have all our food. I did not have my slaw or diet coke. Kenny offered to go get it. He was back within a minute without the slaw or diet coke but told me that a manager had offered to bring them up. I thought that was very nice and the manager showed up a couple minutes later with the missing items. Lunch was good but again I forgot to take pictures. I got a tuna sandwich and slaw and Kenny got a fish basket. Gabriel got his usual of macaroni and cheese and French fries but I do not think he ate much.

After lunch I thought we needed to do something with a little less thrill to it so we headed to one of Gabriel’s favorites – The Hall of Presidents. Gabriel is a very patriotic fellow and really loves history so he always enjoys this show. A show had just started so the next one was not for 18 minutes. We walked around a little bit right near the entrance and saw a boy playing the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom game. Gabriel asked him about it and after hearing what he had to say decided he had to play. Since there is a kiosk where you can get started right behind the Christmas shop that is across from the Hall of Presidents we went over there to get signed up.

We gave them our three APs and they gave us three packs of cards. Then they gave us a quick training class using a portal that is over there and we were told our first mission would be in Fantasy Land. It was time for us to head back to the Hall of Presidents by that point so we put the first mission off for a bit.


DSC03945 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

After Hall of Presidents we started to make our way to Fantasy Land to start our mission but made a little detour along the way to experience another attraction we had never made time for:


DSC03954 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr


DSC03956 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

I was glad we did it but do not feel the need to do it again. Finally we made our way to Fantasy Land and found the portal where we were supposed to start and began our mission. Honestly I do not see what people see in this game but it is possible that I still have no idea how to play . They would play a video and we would all hold up a card at the end. Then the video would tell you where to go next. It took us about 30 minutes to defeat the villain in Fantasyland and then we were sent over to Adventureland.


DSC03959 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

Before we left Fantasyland we went ahead and rode:


DSC03963 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr


DSC03967 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

We had gotten FPs earlier in the day so we did not wait long. After Pooh and a quick quest in Adventureland we decided to head back over to Tomorrowland. We stopped along the way to watch - Dream Along With Mickey.


DSC03982 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

Then we rode Buzz a bunch more times:


DSC03989 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

Then we made time to do another thing that I had always discouraged us from doing before to keep us on schedule - Club 626 Character Dance Party:


DSC04007 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr


DSC04010 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr


DSC04012 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

This was just so much fun. Gabriel absolutely loves to dance. He will dance anywhere, anytime anyplace regardless of who is watching. He had a blast and even learned a new dance – the cotton eyed joe! Below is a video of him:

Gabriel learns the Cotton Eyed Joe!

After all that dancing we decided to take another round on the Peoplemover. I wanted to try and get a Castle picture from the ride. This is the best I could do:


DSC04031 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

Then we decided to find a place to have some dinner. I wanted to try to stay for the MSEP and Wishes and knew we were going to have to have a long break if I was going to do that. We decided on Cosmic Rays. I got chicken (one of my favorite meals in Magic Kingdom) and Kenny and Gabriel had a burger. Once we got our food and sat down Kenny announced he had a headache. This immediately sent me into a panic because Kenny does not get headaches. He gets migraines. When he gets one they will usually lay him up for at least a full day. I looked into my purse for the Tylenol we brought with us and realized it was still in the room. So, I hightailed it over to the first aide center which is right by Crystal’s Palace and got some Tylenol. I also made him drink a coke hoping the caffeine would help.

We sat is Rays for at least an hour or more hoping that the tylenol, caffeine and air condition would help with Kenny’s headache and thankfully it did. Then we started to head back to Frontierland which is where we planned to watch the parade. This would be our first time watching it from there as we normally watch from Main Street. However, I had had my fill of that during our trip last September when several people attempted to get in front of us at the last minute and I constantly had to tell them no.

We did stop for this picture on the way over:


DSC04043 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

After that Gabriel reminded me that I promised to get him a new light spinner before the parade. He wanted the R2D2 spinner. He found one on a cart right by the castle which is when I realized we had absolutely no cash and the carts only take cash. We did not have our ATM card either just our KTTWC. I told Gabriel not to panic that we would just find the spinner in a store that accepted the KTTWC. Well that was easier said than done as we looked in all the stores along the way.

We finally stopped at a store near Country Bear Jamboree and I explained our situation to a CM working there. He said they did not have one but he would call around and see if he could find a store that did. We told him we would wait right out front since that is where we were going to sit for the parade anyway. As time went by with no word I started preparing Gabriel that he would probably not have a spinner for the parade. He is such a sweet child and knew I felt bad about the lack of cash so he did not make a big deal about it. Then about 8:30pm the CM from the store walked out carrying an R2D2 light spinner!!! Yeah – he had found one. I was so excited and thanked him repeatedly then got my KTTWC out to walk back into the store to pay. He said it was Mickey’s gift to Gabriel. I was completely blown away. I know for a fact that there were no light spinners in that store so I think he had gone to a cart and got a spinner for Gabriel himself. I almost started crying (and actually can not tell this story to anyone without tearing up) and for some reason took not a single picture. Gabriel did give him a big hug though ! I did take a picture the next day of the spinner:


DSC04049 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

I also wrote the CMs name down and sent an email letting Disney know how awesome he was. He really saved the day and I will never forget it. Now we were all set. We had an awesome parade spot (which I will say we could have gotten up until about 20 minutes before the parade) and Gabriel had his spinner and then right at 9pm it started to rain .

The parade got cancelled so we made our way to the front. However, nothing was going to ruin our mood after such a big dose of A bus came pretty quickly but was very crowded. I was impressed to see two college age boys jump up immediately to give their seat to a child. I complemented the boys and we struck up a conversation that continued until we got back to the hotel.

Up next; More EPCOT and then some more Magic Kingdom

 

[lovethattink]

What a fabulous day at MK. I'm sure you faced much less crowds than we did at SWW. You ate at our two favorite counter service restaurants. That's great that your son likes history. My oldest one does too, especially Greek and Roman history. The dancing sounds fun. We'll have to check it out on a cool day if they are still doing it then. The R2D2 story is so wonderful. What an awesome sprinkling of pixie dust!

 

[FancyNancy]

Aww I love pixie dust! What a nice memory for you guys.

Sounds like those boys mother raised them right. I hate seeing the elderly and small tired children having to stand on the buses.