The Ridemax Made Me Take That Wheelchair December 2009 Trip Report updated 4/23

[nic100308]

WOO HOO new cocktail hour recipe!!!

Your next Epcot day wasn't until the end? We did an afternoon there one day, just to sort of hang out and enjoy the atmosphere. By far my favorite for atmosphere. LOL and because we wanted to spend time with you guys, we ended up going to Epcot more than any other park!!

 

[Panotchr]

Well, I have no school tomorrow and I have plenty of time to read an update..... we got 8 inches of snow and that does not usually happen here. Girls are thrilled.... I am thrilled.... but hmmmmmm what happened next on your trip????

xoxoxoxo

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Hi Erin - I'm all caught up. We were just days behind you...I'm so anxious to compare our TR's and see where we were on the same days. We did Ohana but on Wednesday (the 9th) that week!

My heart was racing for you with the airport scare! I always have this terrible feeling in my tummy until I'm actually seated on the plane. So stressful - I don't think I could survive if I had to travel for work.

Can't wait to read more!

Hi!!!! Glad to hear from you! Yes...I am reading yours and comparing also!! LOL I'll have to really examine my pix and see if I caught you at all!! Ohana is so great, right?

Yeah...airport=scary!!!!

I am going to force myself to stay up and do an update tonight!!!

WOO HOO new cocktail hour recipe!!!

Your next Epcot day wasn't until the end? We did an afternoon there one day, just to sort of hang out and enjoy the atmosphere. By far my favorite for atmosphere. LOL and because we wanted to spend time with you guys, we ended up going to Epcot more than any other park!!

Hey there buddy!!! We had them this past weekend!!

Nope...second to last day...actually last full day. It's my favorite too...I feel like we didn't get enough time there this trip. We did have fun on our Epcot day...along with all of our other park days!! LOL Wait until you see some of the pix I have from the last Epcot day...great!!!!

Well, I have no school tomorrow and I have plenty of time to read an update..... we got 8 inches of snow and that does not usually happen here. Girls are thrilled.... I am thrilled.... but hmmmmmm what happened next on your trip????

xoxoxoxo

Sorry...ended up getting pretty busy...we have been on the hunt for a new sofa and new furniture for the kids' rooms. Plus, we are redoing the bedroom floors...and painting everyone's rooms...busy busy. So, I am getting it up tonight. I hope you got all dug out!! Are you getting hit with the next storm this weekend, too?

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Moving on...to Day 2! This was our first day in Epcot. We were getting an early start again and meeting another Dis friend. So, up and at 'em at 6:30. I again got up, took my shower and dressed. Then, I woke everyone else up and packed the park bags while they dressed. When they finished, I handed out their surprise gifts. (Sorry, no pictures.) It only took the kids a few minutes to tear through the bags of goodies. So, we repacked them and put them away. It was about 7:15 and we needed to get out the door. We quickly made it to the bus stop just as an Epcot bus pulled up. Lucky us, no wait!

After a few more stops, we were on our way to Epcot. We arrived there at about 7:45, went through bag check and the turnstiles. I took these pictures on the way in:

We had an 8:05 a.m. reservation at Akershus. We got there just in time! We all really like breakfast best out of all meals. This one, however, we all agreed we can take or leave. It is o.k. - but just o.k. in our opinions. We have done it before and feel it was the same then, but can find other meals that are better. We seem to keep going back for Lexi to see a bunch of princesses at once. That being said, the character interaction was very good here. The boys weren't totally into the princesses (especially James). But, they made jokes with the boys and paid special attention to them. Also, it was nice to see Ariel. We have never seen her up close before. The other times we ate here, Mulan and Jasmine were doing the meet and greets. This time we had Cinderella and Ariel along with Snow White, Aurora and Belle who all seem to be standard. As we walked in, we met Belle.

The photographer took some pictures and then we were taken to our table. We got drinks and made our way up to the cold buffet. We each had some fresh fruit and a pastry. Not long after sitting back down, our hot platter was brought out. The potatoes were very good. As we ate, we were greeted by:

Cinderella

Aurora

Snow White

and Ariel

We also got two picture packages included with this meal since we were a party of five. One had Belle and the kids. The other had Belle with the whole family.

After we finished our meal, we walked back out around to Test Track. I took these along the way:

We grabbed Test Track fast passes and headed to:

We started feeling a few drops of rain at this point, but kept on. This was going to be the first time Logan and I rode this. Justin had been on in past visits with James and Lexi. Logan was never tall enough, so I just always sat it out with him. Anyway, being our first time, we opted for the easier side. Justin sat this ride out because he still wasn't 100%. Here is Logan excited to ride:

Let me preface this by saying that I ride ALL rides and never have any issues. OK. We did the debriefing. Waited for our shuttle. Loaded. And then it happened. I freaked out! I mean full-on sweat, shakes, heart-thumping panic attack! I never have had an issue with small spaces before. But, when the shoulder harness came down and the control panel came in and the door shut, I lost it. I told the kids I needed to get out and that I couldn't do it. They were so good...telling me that it was o.k. and I'd be fine. I was banging on the door, but we were preparing for lift-off, so it was too late. I just decided I had to get myself calmed down. So, I focused on the screen and took some deep breaths. I got through the ride and did like it, but the beginning and not knowing how close everything got made me really nervous. So, somehow...not sure how...I did calm down and made it through. I was glad it was over but still had to hear the jokes from Justin and the kids. I now can laugh about it, but at the time I was really scared!

After such a scary ride, it was time for something a bit easier. We headed to:

This was a first for all of us. We actually enjoyed it quite a bit. It definitely calmed me down! While we were waiting in line, I noticed the woman behind us was knitting a scarf!! LOL The line was a little long (about 15-20 minutes), but really??!! I thought it was funny so I texted Nicole to tell her. We had just talked the night before about some of the funny things people do in Disney!!

Our journey over, we headed to the Land and grabbed fast passes for Soarin'. We planned to use them later after our dinner at the Garden Grill. Fast passes in hand, we then made the move back to the Seas. We were going to ride Nemo.

On the way in, we saw these guys:

Logan LOVES them!!!

And, we were able to walk right onto the ride. I did manage a few pictures in the que while walking through.

With Nemo back safely with his dad, we headed to catch Turtle Talk with Crush. I love this show! Logan and Lexi sat up front, but did not get called on during the show. That was o.k. We still enjoyed it. After the show, we looked at the tanks a bit and headed out. It was time for the World Showcase. We had a lunch planned for 2:00 in Germany and a Dismeet planned for right after. As we exited the shop in the Seas Aquariums, the skies opened up! We decided to put our ponchos on and rough it out for now. Maybe the rain would stop?!

Up next: Snacks, KP Mission, lunch, dinner...and does that Dismeet ever happen?

 

[creativeamanda]

Your boys look thrilled, lol, with Akershus !

Love the pictures, but I can't believe Mission Space had that effect on you. I guess it affects everyone differently--I don't think I'd get back on Tower of Tower.

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I can't believe somebody was knitting a scarf in line, that is too funny!

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Your boys look thrilled, lol, with Akershus !

Love the pictures, but I can't believe Mission Space had that effect on you. I guess it affects everyone differently--I don't think I'd get back on Tower of Tower.

LOL I know...James looks like he would rather be sticking needles in his eyes!!

Thanks!! I was really caught off guard by my reaction! It wasn't the ride itself...this all happened before it even started moving. I guess maybe I could be a bit claustrophobic and didn't know it?? I did go on it later in the trip again and was fine. I prepared myself! But, Tower of Terror...I LOVE!!!!

I can't believe somebody was knitting a scarf in line, that is too funny!

Yeah...it was pretty funny. I mean basically, you have to go to Disney with the intention of being bored in order to even pack the supplies, right?

 

[creativeamanda]

Oh, I'm sure I will get back on TOT, but I'm not necessarily looking forward to it.

Sometimes a little healthy dose of fear is okay. . .

 

[thechesters420]

Love your report!

 

[Trentmom]

Loved your boys expressions in the princess meals


Great pics

That is why I am afraid to go on Mission Space. I go on anything, but that just really scares me for some reason

 

[Panotchr]

Love that Ariel is holding James's arm. Too funny... like.. don't you run off LOL

Stayed home again today. Haven't heard about tomorrow but it is still slushy out there. My guess is a delay. We are supposed to get more this weekend. Baylie is upset because her 13th b-day party is supposed to be Friday night. Oh well... I can't control the weather.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

nice update!!! I feel the same way about MS. I have not issues with tight spaces but with all the health/death issues they've had with it, I guess it just freaks you out and you worry. I do what you did, I always focus on the screen and say a lil prayer before "lift off". It's an interesting ride..the type that you ride once a trip and you walk away and move on!

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Oh, I'm sure I will get back on TOT, but I'm not necessarily looking forward to it.

Sometimes a little healthy dose of fear is okay. . .

LOL Your kids may just be the ones to drag you back on!!

But, yeah...fear keeps the blood pumping!!!!

Love your report!

Hi!!! Thanks!!!!

Loved your boys expressions in the princess meals


Great pics

That is why I am afraid to go on Mission Space. I go on anything, but that just really scares me for some reason

LOL...yeah. Not really the best meal for the boys!! But, like I said, the princesses made them get involved.

Thanks

I didn't go into the ride expecting the reaction I had. So, I surprised myself. I just thought I would ride a new ride and be done???? Somewhere we went terribly wrong!! LOL

Love that Ariel is holding James's arm. Too funny... like.. don't you run off LOL

Stayed home again today. Haven't heard about tomorrow but it is still slushy out there. My guess is a delay. We are supposed to get more this weekend. Baylie is upset because her 13th b-day party is supposed to be Friday night. Oh well... I can't control the weather.

Ha!!!! Yeah...she was the most insistant of all of them that he get up. Plus, by the time she got around to us, he had enough. Well, she didn't seem to care. So, in the picture he went...willing or not!! LOL

Wow...you are getting quite the little mini vaca!!! Now does that add on to the end of your school year? We will probably have a delay tomorrow. We are getting just a small storm tonight. But, Saturday is still up in the air for us! Awww!!! Tell Baylie that I feel for her. My sixteenth birthday party got snowed out...it was a blizzard...30" of snow!!!!! You definitely can't control the weather...but can you reschedule the party?

nice update!!! I feel the same way about MS. I have not issues with tight spaces but with all the health/death issues they've had with it, I guess it just freaks you out and you worry. I do what you did, I always focus on the screen and say a lil prayer before "lift off". It's an interesting ride..the type that you ride once a trip and you walk away and move on!

Thanks Megan!! I didn't know I would have that reaction...but I sure found out quick! I had only heard about one death on the ride a few years ago?? I didn't know about other issues??!! Please inform!!! I did end up liking it but it does make me nervous still.

 

[ladybugmom]

YAY!! Great update!! We just LOVE Akershus!! Great pics!! I'm so sorry about what happened on Mission Space! How scary!! That is exactly why I never ride--I'm too claustrophobic!!!

 

[Panotchr]

We are out again today! We got freezing rain last night. They won't add to our year. The NC legislature passed this crazy law a few years ago. It came from pressure from parents about not starting school before August 25th and not getting out after June 10th. That doesn't leave us many makeup days. So basically, we won't have Spring Break, but they are thinking of letting us do Saturdays or possibly extend our days by a couple of hours. Oh well, I have enjoyed the snow.
We will have to reschedule Baylie's party until the next weekend. I was supposed to go to the beach with some friends that weekend to work on my National Boards, but I will have to pass on that and do her party instead.

I'll tell Bay about your 30"...... at least we didn't get that. We wouldn't be going to school for weeks then. We only got 8 this time!

 

[praisehisname]

Joining in!

Denise

 

[raider97]

Great update, Erin! We love Akerhouse. I think I would happy if they just served that yummy potato casserole. We were surprised to see Ariel this time too. Can't wait to hear about your lunch!!

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

Hey Erin - I'm back! Life has gotten a bit crazy, but I am here! I do not think a TR is in my future , but I may post some pics. Our Ariel looked like Kathy Griffin, that alone needs to be shared with the DISworld!

 

[DisneyJo]

Great photos with the Princesses and I'm glad you managed to calm down on MS I'm really surprised there is no panic button in there

Too funny about the knitter in the queue

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

YAY!! Great update!! We just LOVE Akershus!! Great pics!! I'm so sorry about what happened on Mission Space! How scary!! That is exactly why I never ride--I'm too claustrophobic!!!

Thanks! Yeah...it was pretty scary! I was able to get over it, but at the time...eh!

We are out again today! We got freezing rain last night. They won't add to our year. The NC legislature passed this crazy law a few years ago. It came from pressure from parents about not starting school before August 25th and not getting out after June 10th. That doesn't leave us many makeup days. So basically, we won't have Spring Break, but they are thinking of letting us do Saturdays or possibly extend our days by a couple of hours. Oh well, I have enjoyed the snow.
We will have to reschedule Baylie's party until the next weekend. I was supposed to go to the beach with some friends that weekend to work on my National Boards, but I will have to pass on that and do her party instead.

I'll tell Bay about your 30"...... at least we didn't get that. We wouldn't be going to school for weeks then. We only got 8 this time!

Oh my goodness!!!! You guys are getting worse weather than us this year! No offense...better you than me! Although I wouldn't mind getting snowed in for 4 or 5 days. I always seem to get so much done when I'm forced to stay inside!!! And, the renovations we are starting require a lot of time in!! We just made a big shopping trip to Lowe's and are going to bury ourselves in the kids' rooms...only to come out when we have to for wrestling and dance...groceries...meals...etc!!!

I don't think my kids would like to have to go to school on Saturdays...but they like their summer vacation, too!!!

Yeah...8 inches for us would be one snow day and maybe a delay the next day!! We are just used to it much more than the crews in the south. You guys don't really have the trucks or materials for that, right?

Joining in!

Denise

Hi!!! Welcome!!

Great update, Erin! We love Akerhouse. I think I would happy if they just served that yummy potato casserole. We were surprised to see Ariel this time too. Can't wait to hear about your lunch!!

Ha!!! Yeah...I love them!! It was our first time with Ariel ever...anywhere...so that was nice! Mmmmmm...Biergarten...yummy!!!

Hey Erin - I'm back! Life has gotten a bit crazy, but I am here! I do not think a TR is in my future , but I may post some pics. Our Ariel looked like Kathy Griffin, that alone needs to be shared with the DISworld!

WoooHoooo!!! Hope everything is ok! Yes...at least post some pix!!!!! I'd love to see a visual narration of your trip!!! I thought our Ariel was pretty. Are you still taking Madi alone in Sept?