The MERBS Poppn', Show stopn', Hoppn' Swim w Sharks WDW/US/ IOA Trip Stop in and post

[Candy30]

I checked with Coral Reef restaurant to see if they had any cancellations or openings for around 2:00PM but she said I had to come and check back then.

Ok. So let me give you some background on this tour. It is a tour where you can snorkel with an oxygen tank in the aquarium at Nemos Pavilion. I found out about this...where else on these boards. You pay in advance (which some of you know was good for me) and they give you a reservation number. Now here on the boards they told me that you have to meet in the front of the park at EPCOT. Well when talking with the cast member she told me to meet in Nemo's pavilion at 11:30. You can be as young as 8 but must have an adult accompany you. So I knew my DS and I would love this. So I asked the whole family if they wanted to do this. Well my DD was a no and my DH No was more resounding. So I made arrangements for the 2 of us to go. Prior to going to Disney I saw my doctor and he recommended at this time I not do it because of having a new port put in recently.

So I was mad at that. So I also had to convince my DH to do it with my DS. OH Boy! He finally agreed and said that I owed him one.

So after Soaring we went to see Nemo ride in the Shells. Kinda kiddie like or as my teens said "Lame." Then the rest of the group went on Turtle Talk while we waited for the Tour Group. While waiting we watched the show with the guy in the scuba gear in the tank. Pretty cool. After the show I asked a Cast Member Carrie?, if the group met here and she told me no at the entrance of EPCOT. Well by now it was 11:30 and I was panicking. She told me not to panic and she would go find out where they were at. A few minutes later she said that someone will pick them up from here at Noon. PHEW! Well my son wanted to see the tank he was swimming in so we toured that and came back down. I told the rest of the group they could go see other rides instead of waiting but everyone wanted to see them. And DAuntie had been teasing my DH that she was going to take pictures and put them on UTUBE. So we finally met with Gordon. I asked Gordon if we could take pictures before they went out. DAuntie mentioned Utube again and Gordon was like sure. So off they went and we kinda hung around until they were ready. My DS said they were given a behind the scenes tour of how they took care of the sea life and a little show the dolphins did for them back stage. They were told in the tanks not to go near the dolphins side because they would try and pull them through the gate to play.

So we were waiting at the top of the stairs to be the paparazzi when Gordon came out and waved us down. He said he was taking them another way and wanted us to be able to take pictures beforehand. I got Video... Notice my son's facial change for pictures.


Before my DH left he said "you know this is not my cup of tea." I knew he was nervous then. My DS was ready! I was so excited for them and bummed for me. Here's a few shots from the paparazzi:

We were all so excited waiting for them to come into the tanks. My DBFF saw them first. Here is a few shots. Not too clear but you can kinda make them out.

My son: He really was a natural at this. The one lady said she thought he was one of the instructors. He loved it too. Who knows maybe???? He asked how long they have to go to school and he was turned off by the Marine biology of 6 years.

He was chasing everything including the sharks. They were told not to reach out to them because they were wild animals. We knocked on the pane at my son and he waved and pointed to a sea turtle he was chasing and was gone. DAuntie said he had a motor on his bum he was swimming so fast.

DH was Nervous! He waved at us quickly and kept his eyes open for sea life coming close. He said he was trying to find DS to keep an eye on him too.

DS changed his tank about 3 times. They were only supposed to be in the water for 1/2 hour but they were in there for 1 hour. It was awesome.

They were given a tshirt and a picture. Here it is! My guys!!!!! Love them.

After they got out I ran around the corner to see if Coral Reef had any openings and they didn't. So we walked through the lands to find a place to eat. We finally reached UK and Rose and Crown could seat us in 15 mins. Texted the guys and they met us there. I have pictures but I can't upload those yet from that goofy camera. More on EPCOT later.

 

[teedee]

I am so loving your TR! Thanks for posting it. I had never heard of the Aqua Seas tour before, but it's something I think my daughter and son in law will love. I'm going to try and book it for our trip together next June.

Terri

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Hi Candy!!

Wow that aqua seas tour looks awesome. I can see ds17 doing it when he turns 18, then we wont have to go with him. That was so sweet that you booked that for your ds!! Sorry you couldnt get into Coral Reef, we got an adr there in dec. as dh likes it there. Perfect timing that you were not in wdw during that incident!! Waiting for more!!

 

[Candy30]

I am so loving your TR! Thanks for posting it. I had never heard of the Aqua Seas tour before, but it's something I think my daughter and son in law will love. I'm going to try and book it for our trip together next June.

Terri

Terri,

It was by far one of the top highlights of our trip! We were just spectators and we were loving it. After my daughter saw them in their wet suits she was ready to do it. It was totally worth every penny!

Hi Candy!!

Wow that aqua seas tour looks awesome. I can see ds17 doing it when he turns 18, then we wont have to go with him. That was so sweet that you booked that for your ds!! Sorry you couldnt get into Coral Reef, we got an adr there in dec. as dh likes it there. Perfect timing that you were not in wdw during that incident!! Waiting for more!!

Your son will love it!!! I hope this gives my DS the push to decide what he wants to do.....I wish we could have gotten in at Coral Reef but Rose Crown wasn't too bad. The fish and chips was huge. My son was so hungry after that he ate his, DAuntie's and DNana's meals.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

So what does he think he might want to do?? If he can swim like that I think he definetely could be a summer lifeguard, its the est couple of hundred bucks I ever spent on the ds for lifeguard school. Does he want to be a marien biologist etc?

 

[bookmama]

I love your TR. The aqua seas tour look fun. I so want to do this. I would sign up with my son, but he can't swim.

 

[Candy30]

So what does he think he might want to do?? If he can swim like that I think he definetely could be a summer lifeguard, its the est couple of hundred bucks I ever spent on the ds for lifeguard school. Does he want to be a marien biologist etc?

I know he wants to deal with animals. He right now is interning for the Humane Society and loves it. I am going to look into that for him. He would like lifeguard. He is not too sure about what he is going to do.

I love your TR. The aqua seas tour look fun. I so want to do this. I would sign up with my son, but he can't swim.

BookMama it was great. Well worth it. They had floatation devices on them so they could stay at the top. I am going to do my next installment soon.

 

[trickiwoo]

Great TR!!!! I love the pictures!!!! Oh, I miss Disney so much!!!!

Wow! You've got quite a big group there! That must have been so much fun!!!

I wanted to stay at Pop Century on my trip, but it was all booked up! I'm hoping to stay there on my next trip! I really wanna try that tie dye cheesecake!!!

US/IOA looks like so much fun!!! My boyfriend loves it, but I've never been!

I was at Magic Kingdom the day of the bomb scare! Once the buses were back up and running they were backed up the rest of the night! So it was absolute chaos trying to leave the park that night!

The Aqua Sea tour definitely looks like something I would LOVE to do!!! Oh, that looks so awesome! I'm sorry you weren't able to do it, but it's great that your DS got to!

I can't wait to read more!

 

[Candy30]

Thanks for checking in! I just got finished updating myself on your report. I love all of your pictures of the grounds. I have awful news. My little disk went bad in my camera. I lost all of my pictures. I am going to my Mom's to get her pictures. LOL

 

[Candy30]

While at Turtle Talk. DN Kayla got picked again to talk to Crush. That was cool. We couldn't pass up the photo op with Bruce.

The girls

and another

I forgot to mention that my DBFF had the scooter(which was very expensive to rent for one day) and was able to go from restaurant to restaurant until she found Rose and Crown could accomodate our group (boy did that scooter come in handy). After eating at Rose and Crown we split up again. I had to take my daughter to Mexico for school and the others wanted to go to O'Canada. We managed to get video of her shopping and doing a transaction in Spanish (so we thought) so I didn't bother to take pictures. We Rode the boat ride and it was cute.

We met up with our group again and decided to ride Test Track. We got fast passes and then got on the ride. We Loved it!!! Then we went to Mission Space. And choose the more intense side. It was totally awesome. I thought it was going to be cheesy but it was absolutely great! We went back to test track and rode it again. Afterwards, Mom DAuntie and DBFF were tired and decided to go back to the resort. We rode Test Track again and went to Honey I shrunk the audience. Fun. Then we decided to leave before Illuminations. Everyone was getting tired. There was a throng coming in as we were walking toward the entrance. DD wanted to ride spaceship Earth so we did reluctantly. I was pleasantly surprised at the ride and the movie at the end. It was kinda cool. We caught our bus back to the resort and ate at Everything Pops. I got a greek salad with chicken and of course my tye dyed cheesecake. We took it back to the room to eat. Walking past my DNana and DAuntie's room was dark and I thought WoW we must have worn them out! But then DNana knocked on our door still dress and asked for something I don't remember what. She said she caught her 2nd wind and they walked around the worlds and stayed for Illuminations She never ceases to amaze me Next stop....Downtown Disney, Pool day and Hooptee-Doo-Review!!!!

 

[trickiwoo]

Oh no!!! I'm so sorry to hear about you losing your pictures!!!

I love the Bruce pictures!!! Too cute!! Haha, I did end up passing up the Bruce photo op! There was a bit of a line, and I had to go to the bathroom so bad!!! So I said, "Forget it! I need to find the restroom!" I'll have to be sure to get a picture there next time!

Aww! I miss Epcot! I didn't get to spend nearly enough time there!!!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

How fun to do the Seas tour!! My friend just signed up to do it with her family in November. Her DH can't swim, but they told her he can wear a floatie and he will be fine! I hope you will be able to do the tour on your next trip!

You are a BRAVE girl to do the serious side of Mission Space! We have done the weenie side a couple of times - that was enough. I hate to have air blowing on me, and the last time we rode that A/C was blowing in my face the whole time.

We only have enough DVC points left for 12 nights at WDW next year, so I *think* we will end up doing 3 nights at US/IOA. Wed-Fri, then go home early Sat. That gives us a full day at each park and time to just putz around.

 

[Candy30]

Oh no!!! I'm so sorry to hear about you losing your pictures!!!

I love the Bruce pictures!!! Too cute!! Haha, I did end up passing up the Bruce photo op! There was a bit of a line, and I had to go to the bathroom so bad!!! So I said, "Forget it! I need to find the restroom!" I'll have to be sure to get a picture there next time!

Aww! I miss Epcot! I didn't get to spend nearly enough time there!!!

I know!! I loved Epcot. Next time I will spend 2 days or at least a day and half there. I got my Mom's pictures and will be uploading them tonight!

How fun to do the Seas tour!! My friend just signed up to do it with her family in November. Her DH can't swim, but they told her he can wear a floatie and he will be fine! I hope you will be able to do the tour on your next trip!

You are a BRAVE girl to do the serious side of Mission Space! We have done the weenie side a couple of times - that was enough. I hate to have air blowing on me, and the last time we rode that A/C was blowing in my face the whole time.

We only have enough DVC points left for 12 nights at WDW next year, so I *think* we will end up doing 3 nights at US/IOA. Wed-Fri, then go home early Sat. That gives us a full day at each park and time to just putz around.

Tell your friend she will LOVE IT! My husband told me that there was a woman there that couldn't swim well and you saw the instructor was with her almost the whole time. My husband it not a great swimmer but he did just fine. He said they make you comfortable about throughout the whole tour. Look for another installment soon!!

 

[Candy30]

We slept in and I took the girls to the swimming pool. While everyone else mosied along. Some ate breakfast at Everything Pops (which I was told had great omelets) and other just laid around. I had great pictures and a video of me and the girls doing synchronized swimming! I am so bummed about my camera. So around Noon we got on the bus to downtown disney. First stop was to create your own TShirt. The girls did this and DNana and DAuntie had one made as well. They all turned out great. We were supposed to eat lunch at Rainforest (I really wanted to.) but everyone ruled it out the day before. So We took pictures in front of it. I loved this restaurant. Yeah the Animaltronics are a bit corny but it is good food.
DNana, DH and tha girls

We shopped for a bit and then ate at different places. I wanted to try Earl of Sandwhich! DS and DNeph dis Puck something and said it was really good. Earl of Sandwhich to me was a lot like Panera Bread. I didn't like my sandwhich. It was Hawaiian steak. My husband loved his and my daughters vegetarian was awesome (I know because I ate the other half). It was very busy but organized. We left there and shopped some more. I was looking for Mickey's Place where there are inexpensive souvenirs. Well after asking several cast members we stumble upon it ourselves. It is the same souvenirs just the cheaper ones. The boys left us to go to another park but we made them promise to be at Ft Wilderness on time and they were. So we decided to leave from Downtown Disney to get to Hooptee Doo. Found out we had to take a bus to Grand Floridian and take a boat from there. It was the least amount of walking for my DNana and DBFF. Here are more pictures of DTN Disney:

Here's Picture of us at Grand Floridian: Beautiful resort

We got to Ft. Wilderness and it was so cool. It was like walking back into olden days. I loved it. We waited to check in for Hooptee Doo. Here are some pictures of us waiting...

DH was interested in the horses that did the horse rides. The CM was so nice and talked with us for a while. He said the one horse falls asleep while walking.
DNana checking out to see if the horse was awake.

Then we finally got checked in and picture taken. I will post that later. Inside we went for Hooptee Doo. It was so funny and corny at the same time. The food was DA BOMB!!

more :

BBQ Ribs, Fried chicken, baked beans, salad, corn bread (excellent), red mashed potatoes and sangria, beer, all you can eat! If you emptied a bucket they refilled it!
Everyone loved the show! When we left we got on the bus and my DS and DNeph started making jokes from the show. Play on words (bear). Making statements like that was a "Beary good show" or we Bearly made it on this bus. So the rest of the trip we would do jokes like that. We had to wait a long time B4 the bus moved. One person got so upset he was yelling at the bus driver. The Bus driver was very diplomatic and told him that he would have to take it up with Guest Services. He was doing his job to make sure everyone was on the bus. Besides listening to his rants we had a wonderful time there. We went back to the resort and crashed. This was the first time that everyone in the family was snoring!!! Next up...getting my DD to come over to the "Thrill" side!

 

[KELLY]

Just wanted to let you know I following your trip report. We are staying at pop in 3 weeks. How was your stay there? We usally stay at a moderate but are trying to save some money this trip since it is the second one this year. We are doing 2 days at Epcot we love it there.

 

[Melissa<3Disney]

I absolutely love this trip report!! Your family seems like they are having such a great time!! We are taking my family in March...5 adults and 2 kids!! It's so nice to see big groups having a good time!! I love, love, love, your pics!! I'm so sorry you lost your camera.. I think I would cry!! !! Can't wait to hear more!!

 

[Candy30]

Just wanted to let you know I following your trip report. We are staying at pop in 3 weeks. How was your stay there? We usally stay at a moderate but are trying to save some money this trip since it is the second one this year. We are doing 2 days at Epcot we love it there.

Welcome! Ask any questions! We stayed in rooms 5241-5243! They were great! It was close enough to the pool but far enough and around the back where you didn't hear the noise of the pool! We loved it there! Everything Pops is busy is very at Dinner time but it was still great. The theming is cool! The pools are very nice. The Cast Members were always helpful.

I absolutely love this trip report!! Your family seems like they are having such a great time!! We are taking my family in March...5 adults and 2 kids!! It's so nice to see big groups having a good time!! I love, love, love, your pics!! I'm so sorry you lost your camera.. I think I would cry!! !! Can't wait to hear more!!

I know I wanted to cry. It was so disheartening because I had pictures at the pool and other places that were so great! I took it to a computer GURU at work and he couldn't get them off of the disk. Welcome to my trip report!

 

[Candy30]

So we had a 8:30AM ADR at Tusker house for Animal Kingdom. On the way to the bus we met a family that had a boy with Cerebal Palsy. He had the most beautiful eyes and he was very sweet. His family was Mom, Dad, Grandma and Great Auntie. We were running late and they told us not to worry that they were always late. We rode the bus and talked to the Dad and they were so nice. Once we got to Animal Kingdom we checked in at the turnstiles(because we were there before the park opened) and they checked to see if our names were there. We ran ahead and got checked in. On the way in all the cast members were saying welcome and smiling. It was nice. Once we all arrived, we were met at the door by our waitress Chris (Judy, I will explain that). She explained how the buffet worked and the Jungle Juice which we loved. It was some African breakfast cuisine on one buffet, regular buffet on another and cold cereal stuff on another. It was great! We got to spend time with the characters and DNana and DAuntie had hats for their favorite characters. Here are some pictures.

I had pictures of the buffet but ....you know what happened. They give the kids Moraccas and they dance around the restaurant.

DH kept calling our waitress "Judy". It was hilarious! She was such a great waitress. She played along when we would tease my DH. He took a picture with her. Here are more pictures.

Goofy signing for the Girls

After breakfast, DNana, DAuntie and DBFF wanted to do the Safari. The rest of us wanted to ride. Now my DD is afraid of most rollercoasterst that have a hill or sound scary. So she did not want to ride the Yeti. So the first ride we rode was the River rapid. I didnot want to get wet so I waited. I met a nice guy from NJ and we sat and talked. Then we went to ride the Yeti. My daughter waited outside the entrance. Well once I rode it I knew she would like it once she got on. So DS, DN, DNeph and I were trying to convince her to get on. DS said you have to stop being afraid of everything. She said I am not afraid I am just Thrill ride Challenged. We all fell out laughing. She then decided to get on and absolutely loved it!!!! She got on again and again. I got a call from the other group and they said that Lion King show was going to show soon. The Boys decided they didn't want to see it so we met with the other group and waited to get inside. I loved the fans with the mist. They had one in line. Those are the best. We finally got in for the show and DD and DN were picked to show the dance at the beginning. Here are pictures.

My DH got picked to do the "Elephant Side" here is my DNana's video. Its hilarious. Keep in mind she is new to technology.

The show is awesome:

The Monkeys kept picking "bugs" off of the girls and us! They also would jump and scare the girls. It was Great!!!
It was hot at Animal Kingdom! Whew. Went to Dinoland and rode the Primeval whirl. It was fun but very jerky. Then we went to ride Dinosaur! Wait until you see our picture. I will upload it tomorrow!

 

[Candy30]

Our Dinosaur picture!!

Look at DNana she is just so calm and smiling. We all asked her weren't you scared. She told us, "Honey, at my age and with 7 kids and umpteen grand and great grand kids...what could scare me? Not a stupid Dinosaur. I tell you that!!!."

 

[Candy30]

For the last three days we rented a scooter for DBFF and DNana. It was the best thing. My suggestion is NOT to rent from Disney. It's $80.00 dollars per day and you get $20.00 back. I asked the Great Aunt of the family we had met earlier and she said to rent from someone else it's cheaper. So I called a few numbers off the back of scooters and found the cheapest. It was a little over a Hundred dollars and included insurance. The Dad of the family (while on the bus) told us that the Great Aunt demolished 2 Scooters and that they were afraid that no one would rent to her this trip!

Here a few pictures of our room that my DNana had. We took our kids out of school for the trip and my daughter had designated times to do schoolwork all but one of the days. It worked out for us because when we returned from Disney, the G-20 summit was occuring and they didn't have school Wed-Fri and she was able to complete all her assignments and do some bonus work.
Daughter doing homework

My DD said that I had to put an embarassing picture of her Brother. This is the one she picked:

I am not sure why my DNana had this picture:

The pools were great. Many mornings and evenings there were people in the pools. A few mornings there were 2 ducks in the pools. There were Anoles all around (little lizards). My son used to have them as pets but they still scared me when they ran. There were a few love bugs not many and they were really attracted to white. Here's a blurred picture of the pool. This was our last day so we gave our ball to some kids that were already in the pool that morning. Here's DN paying it forward:

About the 3rd day I noticed this door:

It was Parkers momma from on the Disboards! I never got to meet them but I did sign there door. It was funny. I really only met one person and that was the first day. I had my green badge on my purse and our backpack we took into the park. So I was happy to sign ParkersMom's door. THANKS!!!!
They had their window decorated with Disney characters. It was cute.