gw_lit
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2003
- Messages
- 924
Cast:
Me: many previous trips to WDW (loves to play "roll your eyes and sigh")
DW: a few previous trips to WDW (loves to play "turn around and glare")
DS5: first trip to WDW
DS2: first trip to WDW
Dateline: May 9, 2004
Day #2 can be found here.
What would this morning bring? Would ARCF SIL have our bags packed for us and sitting at the front door? Would she have our shoes lined up by size from largest to smallest? Nothing that fun, but DS2 does greet us with, "Mommy, my ear hurting." Lovely! What is it with going out of town and kids getting sick? He was actually starting to get sniffley before we left, so DW talked with our pediatrician, who assured us that we could page him and he would call us in a prescription if necessary. Uh, doc its necessary. So, after a Sunday morning call to Dr. L, our next trip on vacation was to Walgreens. WOO HOO!
The plan for the day was to get over to SeaWorld at opening, and spend the day there. We had reservations for Dine with Shamu, and then we'd say goodbye to my brother and DN, and wave to ARCF SIL, they'd head home, and we'd head to WDW to check-in at the Poly!
I guess we were taking too long, ARCF SIL was ready to go Hey Sis, its vacation lighten up! Not a chance in the world. Once we got our tribe packed into the UAVMV (see Day #1 if you need an explanation), and my brother's family packed into his car, all we'd need to do is stop by Walgreens on the way out, pick up DS2's prescription and we'd on our way to SeaWorld. That wasn't soon enough for ARCF SIL (uh, Sis, our son has an ear infection, we're over a thousand miles from home, can you give us 10 minutes to pick up some medicine?), she started with the "roll the eyes and sigh" game. (Oh great, a new game how I miss "turn around and glare!") We agreed that they'd go ahead and we'd call them on their cell phone once we got into SeaWorld so we could meet up with them.
After a quick stop in Walgreens to pick up DS2's antibiotic, we were headed back to Orlando and SeaWorld. The ticket line wasn't too bad for a Sunday morning. I had my Rapid Rewards card ready to get my 20% off, not a problem. Just showed it, and my drivers license, and 'VOILA' 20% off. I think if we'd go back at a busy time, I'd try to buy discount tickets ahead of time and avoid the line at the ticket booth. We wouldn't save as much $$$, but we'd save some time. Once we got through bag check and the turnstiles, we called my brother. They were over by the stingrays, so we said we'd meet them there. Of course, as soon as hanging up the phone, DS5 needs to go the bathroom. Oh look, we're right next to one! Great! This restroom stop took a little while, if you get my drift. DS5 loves to sing while he goes to the bathroom, so imagine, me standing outside of the stall door (you can't be in with him while he's doing his business), and this little voice belting out songs from the stall. I'm trying not to crack up, while I'm getting those understanding glances and snickers from other dads. OK, business done, let's head over to the stingrays. "Hey, where are the boys hats?" (Both are very fair skinned, like their mother, and it was a pretty warm, sunny day.) Their hats were safely in the van keeping the luggage from getting too hot and red that luggage has had a couple busy days going from Little Rock to Dallas to Orlando via Columbus and who knows where else. It wasn't worth a trip back to the van in the parking lot, so we let the boys each pick out a SeaWorld hat and then head to the stingrays. As we walked over that direction, DW and I commented on how happy ARCF SIL would be with us, since it was probably 15 minutes since we called them and told them we'd be right over. Hey Sis, its vacation lighten up! Oh goodie I bet we get to play more "roll your eyes and sigh" again soon!
We made it over to the stingray tank wait wait wait there it is! "Roll your eyes and sigh!" I love this game! And of course, ARCF SIL says, "OK, let's go see the manatees." Uh sis, how 'bout lettin' the boys have a look at the stingrays? The boys were pretty well content just to look, they had no plans on reaching in and touching those things, even if Mom and Dad did. After a few minutes, we headed over to see the manatees. I just love this exhibit, the manatees are so big, so peaceful, and so vulnerable. I'm glad there's been such an increased awareness of these creatures.
DS2, DN, DS5 with the Manatees
We also caught the Penguin Encounter. DS5 really loves penguins and puffins. In fact, when DS5 was 2 we went to SeaWorld in San Antonio, and we went through the penguin exhibit at least a dozen times. I think this time we only went through twice, there was lots more to see. We caught a few more exhibits on our way over to the Shark Encounter. This exhibit used to be so much better when you had the pre-show where the restaurant is now. There used to be a video about sharks, and then the screen raised you could see into the shark tank. From there, you would walk down to the tunnel through the tank. Now they just herd you through the tunnel. It was getting close to lunch time, so we headed over to the Clydesdales and the Hospitality Center. ARCF SIL has packed lunch for us again (yes, gourmet PB&J one more time). Of course, the advantage of the Hospitality Center is that you get to try free samples of Anheuser-Busch products. Mmmm beer! DW and I had our share of PB&J the previous day, so I went up to the counter and got a caesar salad for us to share it was very good. DW said ARCF SIL griped and moaned the whole time I was in line. "Why is he getting something else? I've got PB&J for him." Lighten up Sis, its vacation!
Went through Wild Arctic its cold in there! Brother's family has annual passes to SeaWorld, so we went in through the passholders entrance and skipped the pre-show motion simulator part since we had small kids. I know we could have just stood, and not got on the ride part, but we just wanted to see the animals. The polar bears were both sleeping, but the belguas and harbor seals were having quite the time when one of the belugas exhaled through its blowhole right in front of us, DN freaked out. Remember ZOO(SeaWorld)=Animals.
The rest of the afternoon was just heading around the park seeing exhibits and we caught the Key West Dolphin show. A pretty good show with dolphins and false killer whales. ARCF SIL pitched a fit because we wanted to get a cold drink for the boys. She doesn't allow DN to have any soda, lemonade, or fun in general. Figuring we were going to be parting ways in a couple of hours, I really didn't care, plus I wanted to get in a few more games of "roll your eyes and sigh" before we left. Here's your icee's boys, enjoy! My brother ending up getting him and DN an icee to share. Oh boy, I bet he was going to get an earful on the ride home!
DS5 & DN at SeaWorld
We had a 5:15 seating for Dine with Shamu, so we headed back over to that side of the park. After waiting in line for about 15 minutes, we got to the hostess and they took us to our table. There are two rows of tables that seat four each, since we had 7 in our group, they slide a front and back table together, so we were guaranteed front row. Our server took our drink orders soft drinks, tea, beer or wine. Oh good, more Anheuser-Busch products to sample! We were impressed with the food offerings, the kids buffet had chicken strips, hot dogs, french fries, mac-n-cheese and other kiddie food. The adult buffet had a couple of salads, fruit, and the hot entrees were a jambalaya, chicken alfredo, some kind of beef dish, and there was some kind of vegetarian offering. (DW & I are carnivores, so I apologize for not remembering what the dish was.) And then the desserts lots of variety and all yummy. The kids' favorites were BIG whale-shaped sugar cookies covered with chocolate. While we were eating, the trainers came out and brought the whales into the tank and talked about the whales and had them perform some different behaviors for us. Dine with Shamu was definitely the highlight of the day, it was well worth it, and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
Dine with Shamu
Once Dine was over, we headed over to Shamu Stadium to catch Shamu Rocks America. A great up tempo show, a little different than the day time show, but good in its own right. Once the show was over, the park was closing, so we headed to the front gate. We wanted to get our 2nd day free tickets, so we'd have to wait in line to do that (there were maybe a dozen people in line). ARCF SIL didn't feel like waiting around, SHE was ready to go, even though her daughter and our DS5 were practically in tears because they were parting company. DN & DS5 see each other less than once a year, but when they get together they are inseperable. Lighten up Sis, let the kids have a few more minutes together its vacation! But after one more game of "roll your eyes and sigh," we said our goodbyes, and off they went to their car. Bye Bro and DN, we'll miss you. Bye ARCF SIL, we won't miss you! Now it was my turn to play "Roll MY eyes and sigh."
After getting our pictures taken for our 2nd day free passes, we loaded everyone into the UAVMV. Oh look, the luggage kept nice and cool thanks to the boys hats! As we headed west on I-4, I think I was getting as excited, if not more, than the boys. As we got closer, I had to quote from my brother and I's favorite movie, "Wally World, next 3 exits." To the chagrin of our parents and spouses, my brother and I have the uncanny ability to recite pretty much every line from National Lampoon's Vacation arguably one of the best movies ever! We couldn't tell you what our spouses wore a day earlier, but darn it, we can quote Chevy Chase lines from 20 years ago! There's nothing like exiting off of I-4 and driving under the Walt Disney World sign "We made it damn it, we made it!" (Another Vacation quote sorry, I'll try to stop.) I had to get a picture, so we slammed on the brakes right in the center lane so we could get a great shot. (OK, we really didn't stop, but I'm amazed at the number of cars I've seen stopped in the middle of the road to get pictures, not even on the shoulder.) Driving along Epcot Center Drive, we were parallel to the Epcot monorail beam. The boys hadn't noticed it yet, but soon, we heard from the backseat, "Twain Dad, a twain!" DS2 was the first to spot the monorail. DS5 said that since the first monorail he saw was the purple one that was his favorite. Soon, we were up to the guard shack for the Polynesian, gave our reservation number and up we drove to the GCH. There, bell services loaded our luggage into the golf cart, while the boys just kept looking up at all the monorails going by. Just seeing their faces was priceless. We gave the keys to our UAVMV to the valet, and we climbed into the golf cart to go to our room in the Hawaii Longhouse. The CM (I wish I remembered his name) gave us a nice tour of the property and soon we were at the doors to our building. We were in Room 1521, facing the quiet pool. He took us and our bags (Hey, be careful with those bags they've been to Columbus!), and told us to check-in at the concierge desk at our convenience. I was quite happy with the room. I had heard that some people don't like the Poly because they say the rooms are too dark or smell musty/moldy, but we didn't have any complaints about either of those things. By the time we got our bags unpacked and settled in, it was probably close to 8 p.m. We headed down to the concierge desk to check-in, that all went very smoothly, they printed us our itinerary with all of our PS's, and we were good to go.
Since we were right there, we walked upstairs to check out the lounge. We each got a few snacks and drinks--milk for the boys, adult beverages for DW & I, and grabbed an empty table by the window. It was just "magical" looking out over the lake and seeing the castle all lit up. Although we took several trips to WDW when I was young, we always stayed offsite, but my dream was always to stay in the Poly and here we were with my lovely bride of almost 10 years and our two darling boys. (October 2004 was our 10 year anniversary, and our anniversary trip to Hawaii turned into a family trip to WDW hey, at least we were in the Hawaii longhouse!) Within a few minutes here comes the Electrical Water Parade! Seeing the look on the boys' face was worth every penny we spent on the trip. (Little did they know that Wishes would be starting a few minutes!) Soon the lights dimmed, and the boys asked, "What happened?" About that time the fireworks started they were mesmerized! What a great show! DW & I just looked at each other and smiled we were at Disney with OUR family!
Day #4 - Apricot
Me: many previous trips to WDW (loves to play "roll your eyes and sigh")
DW: a few previous trips to WDW (loves to play "turn around and glare")
DS5: first trip to WDW
DS2: first trip to WDW
Dateline: May 9, 2004
Day #2 can be found here.
What would this morning bring? Would ARCF SIL have our bags packed for us and sitting at the front door? Would she have our shoes lined up by size from largest to smallest? Nothing that fun, but DS2 does greet us with, "Mommy, my ear hurting." Lovely! What is it with going out of town and kids getting sick? He was actually starting to get sniffley before we left, so DW talked with our pediatrician, who assured us that we could page him and he would call us in a prescription if necessary. Uh, doc its necessary. So, after a Sunday morning call to Dr. L, our next trip on vacation was to Walgreens. WOO HOO!
The plan for the day was to get over to SeaWorld at opening, and spend the day there. We had reservations for Dine with Shamu, and then we'd say goodbye to my brother and DN, and wave to ARCF SIL, they'd head home, and we'd head to WDW to check-in at the Poly!
I guess we were taking too long, ARCF SIL was ready to go Hey Sis, its vacation lighten up! Not a chance in the world. Once we got our tribe packed into the UAVMV (see Day #1 if you need an explanation), and my brother's family packed into his car, all we'd need to do is stop by Walgreens on the way out, pick up DS2's prescription and we'd on our way to SeaWorld. That wasn't soon enough for ARCF SIL (uh, Sis, our son has an ear infection, we're over a thousand miles from home, can you give us 10 minutes to pick up some medicine?), she started with the "roll the eyes and sigh" game. (Oh great, a new game how I miss "turn around and glare!") We agreed that they'd go ahead and we'd call them on their cell phone once we got into SeaWorld so we could meet up with them.
After a quick stop in Walgreens to pick up DS2's antibiotic, we were headed back to Orlando and SeaWorld. The ticket line wasn't too bad for a Sunday morning. I had my Rapid Rewards card ready to get my 20% off, not a problem. Just showed it, and my drivers license, and 'VOILA' 20% off. I think if we'd go back at a busy time, I'd try to buy discount tickets ahead of time and avoid the line at the ticket booth. We wouldn't save as much $$$, but we'd save some time. Once we got through bag check and the turnstiles, we called my brother. They were over by the stingrays, so we said we'd meet them there. Of course, as soon as hanging up the phone, DS5 needs to go the bathroom. Oh look, we're right next to one! Great! This restroom stop took a little while, if you get my drift. DS5 loves to sing while he goes to the bathroom, so imagine, me standing outside of the stall door (you can't be in with him while he's doing his business), and this little voice belting out songs from the stall. I'm trying not to crack up, while I'm getting those understanding glances and snickers from other dads. OK, business done, let's head over to the stingrays. "Hey, where are the boys hats?" (Both are very fair skinned, like their mother, and it was a pretty warm, sunny day.) Their hats were safely in the van keeping the luggage from getting too hot and red that luggage has had a couple busy days going from Little Rock to Dallas to Orlando via Columbus and who knows where else. It wasn't worth a trip back to the van in the parking lot, so we let the boys each pick out a SeaWorld hat and then head to the stingrays. As we walked over that direction, DW and I commented on how happy ARCF SIL would be with us, since it was probably 15 minutes since we called them and told them we'd be right over. Hey Sis, its vacation lighten up! Oh goodie I bet we get to play more "roll your eyes and sigh" again soon!
We made it over to the stingray tank wait wait wait there it is! "Roll your eyes and sigh!" I love this game! And of course, ARCF SIL says, "OK, let's go see the manatees." Uh sis, how 'bout lettin' the boys have a look at the stingrays? The boys were pretty well content just to look, they had no plans on reaching in and touching those things, even if Mom and Dad did. After a few minutes, we headed over to see the manatees. I just love this exhibit, the manatees are so big, so peaceful, and so vulnerable. I'm glad there's been such an increased awareness of these creatures.
DS2, DN, DS5 with the Manatees
We also caught the Penguin Encounter. DS5 really loves penguins and puffins. In fact, when DS5 was 2 we went to SeaWorld in San Antonio, and we went through the penguin exhibit at least a dozen times. I think this time we only went through twice, there was lots more to see. We caught a few more exhibits on our way over to the Shark Encounter. This exhibit used to be so much better when you had the pre-show where the restaurant is now. There used to be a video about sharks, and then the screen raised you could see into the shark tank. From there, you would walk down to the tunnel through the tank. Now they just herd you through the tunnel. It was getting close to lunch time, so we headed over to the Clydesdales and the Hospitality Center. ARCF SIL has packed lunch for us again (yes, gourmet PB&J one more time). Of course, the advantage of the Hospitality Center is that you get to try free samples of Anheuser-Busch products. Mmmm beer! DW and I had our share of PB&J the previous day, so I went up to the counter and got a caesar salad for us to share it was very good. DW said ARCF SIL griped and moaned the whole time I was in line. "Why is he getting something else? I've got PB&J for him." Lighten up Sis, its vacation!
Went through Wild Arctic its cold in there! Brother's family has annual passes to SeaWorld, so we went in through the passholders entrance and skipped the pre-show motion simulator part since we had small kids. I know we could have just stood, and not got on the ride part, but we just wanted to see the animals. The polar bears were both sleeping, but the belguas and harbor seals were having quite the time when one of the belugas exhaled through its blowhole right in front of us, DN freaked out. Remember ZOO(SeaWorld)=Animals.
The rest of the afternoon was just heading around the park seeing exhibits and we caught the Key West Dolphin show. A pretty good show with dolphins and false killer whales. ARCF SIL pitched a fit because we wanted to get a cold drink for the boys. She doesn't allow DN to have any soda, lemonade, or fun in general. Figuring we were going to be parting ways in a couple of hours, I really didn't care, plus I wanted to get in a few more games of "roll your eyes and sigh" before we left. Here's your icee's boys, enjoy! My brother ending up getting him and DN an icee to share. Oh boy, I bet he was going to get an earful on the ride home!
DS5 & DN at SeaWorld
We had a 5:15 seating for Dine with Shamu, so we headed back over to that side of the park. After waiting in line for about 15 minutes, we got to the hostess and they took us to our table. There are two rows of tables that seat four each, since we had 7 in our group, they slide a front and back table together, so we were guaranteed front row. Our server took our drink orders soft drinks, tea, beer or wine. Oh good, more Anheuser-Busch products to sample! We were impressed with the food offerings, the kids buffet had chicken strips, hot dogs, french fries, mac-n-cheese and other kiddie food. The adult buffet had a couple of salads, fruit, and the hot entrees were a jambalaya, chicken alfredo, some kind of beef dish, and there was some kind of vegetarian offering. (DW & I are carnivores, so I apologize for not remembering what the dish was.) And then the desserts lots of variety and all yummy. The kids' favorites were BIG whale-shaped sugar cookies covered with chocolate. While we were eating, the trainers came out and brought the whales into the tank and talked about the whales and had them perform some different behaviors for us. Dine with Shamu was definitely the highlight of the day, it was well worth it, and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
Dine with Shamu
Once Dine was over, we headed over to Shamu Stadium to catch Shamu Rocks America. A great up tempo show, a little different than the day time show, but good in its own right. Once the show was over, the park was closing, so we headed to the front gate. We wanted to get our 2nd day free tickets, so we'd have to wait in line to do that (there were maybe a dozen people in line). ARCF SIL didn't feel like waiting around, SHE was ready to go, even though her daughter and our DS5 were practically in tears because they were parting company. DN & DS5 see each other less than once a year, but when they get together they are inseperable. Lighten up Sis, let the kids have a few more minutes together its vacation! But after one more game of "roll your eyes and sigh," we said our goodbyes, and off they went to their car. Bye Bro and DN, we'll miss you. Bye ARCF SIL, we won't miss you! Now it was my turn to play "Roll MY eyes and sigh."
After getting our pictures taken for our 2nd day free passes, we loaded everyone into the UAVMV. Oh look, the luggage kept nice and cool thanks to the boys hats! As we headed west on I-4, I think I was getting as excited, if not more, than the boys. As we got closer, I had to quote from my brother and I's favorite movie, "Wally World, next 3 exits." To the chagrin of our parents and spouses, my brother and I have the uncanny ability to recite pretty much every line from National Lampoon's Vacation arguably one of the best movies ever! We couldn't tell you what our spouses wore a day earlier, but darn it, we can quote Chevy Chase lines from 20 years ago! There's nothing like exiting off of I-4 and driving under the Walt Disney World sign "We made it damn it, we made it!" (Another Vacation quote sorry, I'll try to stop.) I had to get a picture, so we slammed on the brakes right in the center lane so we could get a great shot. (OK, we really didn't stop, but I'm amazed at the number of cars I've seen stopped in the middle of the road to get pictures, not even on the shoulder.) Driving along Epcot Center Drive, we were parallel to the Epcot monorail beam. The boys hadn't noticed it yet, but soon, we heard from the backseat, "Twain Dad, a twain!" DS2 was the first to spot the monorail. DS5 said that since the first monorail he saw was the purple one that was his favorite. Soon, we were up to the guard shack for the Polynesian, gave our reservation number and up we drove to the GCH. There, bell services loaded our luggage into the golf cart, while the boys just kept looking up at all the monorails going by. Just seeing their faces was priceless. We gave the keys to our UAVMV to the valet, and we climbed into the golf cart to go to our room in the Hawaii Longhouse. The CM (I wish I remembered his name) gave us a nice tour of the property and soon we were at the doors to our building. We were in Room 1521, facing the quiet pool. He took us and our bags (Hey, be careful with those bags they've been to Columbus!), and told us to check-in at the concierge desk at our convenience. I was quite happy with the room. I had heard that some people don't like the Poly because they say the rooms are too dark or smell musty/moldy, but we didn't have any complaints about either of those things. By the time we got our bags unpacked and settled in, it was probably close to 8 p.m. We headed down to the concierge desk to check-in, that all went very smoothly, they printed us our itinerary with all of our PS's, and we were good to go.
Since we were right there, we walked upstairs to check out the lounge. We each got a few snacks and drinks--milk for the boys, adult beverages for DW & I, and grabbed an empty table by the window. It was just "magical" looking out over the lake and seeing the castle all lit up. Although we took several trips to WDW when I was young, we always stayed offsite, but my dream was always to stay in the Poly and here we were with my lovely bride of almost 10 years and our two darling boys. (October 2004 was our 10 year anniversary, and our anniversary trip to Hawaii turned into a family trip to WDW hey, at least we were in the Hawaii longhouse!) Within a few minutes here comes the Electrical Water Parade! Seeing the look on the boys' face was worth every penny we spent on the trip. (Little did they know that Wishes would be starting a few minutes!) Soon the lights dimmed, and the boys asked, "What happened?" About that time the fireworks started they were mesmerized! What a great show! DW & I just looked at each other and smiled we were at Disney with OUR family!
Day #4 - Apricot
