They were more like guidelines, anyway...

[mommytothreeboys]

A ball game sounds like fun....even if it was a little chilly!

 

[golf4miami]

We took in the Reds-Marlins game today. It was a good game. It got a little cold for us once the sun moved and we ended up in the shade; but, not too terrible. And the Reds Won! Which makes up for sitting there chilling. lol. (I couldn't believe the people eating dippin dots or frozen lemonades . Yikes, too cold for me. I wanted a Hot Chocolate. ) But, all in all, a good day.

Nothing new really in our life, and no new plans to report.
Only three more weeks of school for me, and five for the kids. Then, it's officially summer at our house. (Whether the calendar and the weather cooperate or not. lol.) At that point, this trip is going to feel much, much closer!
Can't wait!!!

That's funny that we ended up going on back to back games after we both talked about needing to go. Glad you guys got to see a win as well!

 

[indimom]

How is Emily's job search going? Riley turned 15 last Tuesday and now wants to get a job. The only problem is most places around here want the kids to be 16. Oh well...if he keeps trying maybe he can find someplace to give him a chance.

No luck so far, but she's got a couple more applications to turn in. I think the 15 number might be more of a problem than I anticipated.
Oh well, she's got some babysitting gigs planned and she's going to keep tutoring my friends' little guy through the summer. She also takes the three boys to the pool once a week or so since their mom is anti-pool.
She won't go completely without work, she was just really hoping for a regular gig.

A ball game sounds like fun....even if it was a little chilly!

Yeah, the boys love it, completely engrossed in the game; and Em and I enjoy hot dogs, cotton candy, and people watching while we catch the more exciting highlights from the game. . It did get very exciting right at the end this time.

That's funny that we ended up going on back to back games after we both talked about needing to go. Glad you guys got to see a win as well!

I was thinking that when I read your post. Isn't it nice when people are looking to part with good seats? DH used to get Bengals tickets all the time from a boss at work, and they were great seats! Sadly, he gave up his season passes a few years ago, so now we're stuck being responsible and buying the occasional tickets we can afford.

 

[indimom]

So, it dawned on me that I haven't updated the plan since we changed the dates for the second time. I'm dying to do some planning or at least day-dreaming, so I'm going to run through the details one last time (maybe).

Friday, July 19 is D-Day!!!

It's going to kill Matt to go to work that day, and I'm still not convinced he will.
While he's off working, ahem, the kids and I will get the house tidied up, run errands, pack those last minute items, and prep the car for the road.

Matt will get home at about 3 p.m. He'll need a shower.
While he's getting that done, the kids and I will shut off all the electronics, turn down the a/c, check the doors and windows, and do a final walk through.

It's my goal to be ON THE ROAD by 4 p.m.

Then DRIVE, DRIVE, DRIVE!!!

 

[indimom]

Saturday, July 20

Arrival Day.


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If the driving goes according to plan, we should get to Orlando around 8 a.m.

Hopefully the kids will have slept through the last 6-8 hours worth of driving time and will be blissfully unaware of how far we've really gone. And, of course, well rested. Dad and I may not be, but I figure we can nap at the pool or just hit the sack early this evening.

We'll check in bright and early. I'm not expecting to be given a site this quickly, so we'll use the early hours to check out the ft, travel to DD, or just be tourists.


I circled the two locations our tent site will be located in. The cheapeast sites they offer. (They have electric and water, but are smaller and mainly used for pop ups and tent camping.)
I'm hoping for the 1500 loop (at the top of the map). The campsites are smaller, BUT it is much closer to the pool.
If we get the 2000 loop, that's okay too, the sites are much larger, so more comfortable, it's just a longer walk to the pool.

Once we have a site available, we'll get hopping to set up the tent and supplies. Then, we have to make a final trip outside the bubble to pick up some of the foodstuffs. It makes more sense than trying to fit everything in the trunk for that long drive.

As for the evening:


Emily may want to run, if so, I'll tag along.

There's a nice running path between Ft. Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge that would be fun to check out.
But, I'm a little scared to try it this late in the day, in July, in Florida! EEK!!!


We'll enjoy the resort pool.

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Maybe the singalong with Chip and Dale (if the kids are interested)

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And possibly the MK fireworks and the electric water pageant from the beach.

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Just a lazy campground day. Then off to bed so we can get an early start in the AM.

 

[indimom]

Sunday, July 21Our first Park Day!!! Woo Hoo!


At this point, it looks like this will be a DHS day.

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But, this is the only day, that I think "could" change in our plan.
Because this is a smaller park, with fewer atttractions, I think it's possible the kids could sway dad into considering the MK instead.


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Matt and I chose DHS because of the big thrill rides there that the we all love, and because it doesn't feel as crowded as the MK. (And I was worried that the new Fantasyland would just make that situation worse. Matt's not a huge fan of the crowds at MK.)

But, of course, the MK has some pretty major rides too, and Matt enjoys the rides there just as much as the kids do, so I'm not counting it out just yet.

I have a feeling this will be a very last minute decision/family vote.

I don't know if we'll take a midday break or just finish the park "early" by like 6 or 7, but I'm sure we'll take some time to hit the pool and cool off.

ETA: I'm not planning the activities for most of our park days, we'll obviously hit the headliners first, but after that we'll just see where the day leads us. Last trip, I was too structured and managed to annoy the husband and upset myself, so I'm gonna let loose of the reins this time around.
So, obviously, I won't have many details in these plans on our major park days...

 

[indimom]

All the updating I have time for right now. I need to get a powernap in before my Speech class tonight! It's group speech day. Yeah. See how thrilled I am??

Have a great day everyone!!!

 

[Riles_and_Gabe]

Sounds like some really great plans. I didn't realize the pool at Fort Wilderness was so nice.

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

Just found this PTR and thought I would say Hi as I subscribe to it.

 

[indimom]

Sounds like some really great plans. I didn't realize the pool at Fort Wilderness was so nice.

I think they redid the pool area just a couple years ago. We usually spend a good amount of time at the pools so I'm glad we got one with a slide this time. The kids (okay, Matt and I too) will like that.

If we've got time when we're at Universal, I'd love to pool hop and try out all three resort pools. We'll be there three days, so if we could do a different one each day, that might work...

Hard Rock has music you can hear under the water, sounds neat.
Royal Pacific has a neat play area with water cannons, our kids enjoyed this last time, even though it was December and the water was ice cold in those sprayers (or maybe BECAUSE it was December and they could hit each other with the ice cold water from the cannons).
Portifino has a fun looking theme and a water slide I think the kids would enjoy trying out.

Between the pools and our two days at the Water Parks, we may come home soggy, but it should help beat the Florida heat quite nicely!

Just found this PTR and thought I would say Hi as I subscribe to it.

Hello and

Come back and chat some more!!
I accept all tips and advice, even concerns and outright criticism. lol.

And I love to gab. It makes the wait time go just a little faster than a crawl.

 

[indimom]

Monday, July 22:

Blizzard Beach

This morning, I will let Em drag me out for a run.
Or I may have to drag her.

I'll be crying about the actual running.
She'll be pouting about getting up early.

But, it is a good day to squeeze one in. Since the water park opens at 9 a.m., we'll have plenty time to run, shower, and eat and still get to the park on time. Especially since we probably won't bother to style our hair. What's the point right??

I figure the boys can make breakfast while we run, and we'll eat after we hit the shower. Should time out just about right.

Tell me this doesn't look relaxing? It doesn't even look like you are in the middle of a World devoted to theme parks and thousands of people.
I think we'll enjoy the run once we get over the "it's too early to be out of bed, why is it hot out here at 7 a.m." pouting, whining and crying...

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Once we're cleaned up and fed, it's off to:

BLIZZARD BEACH

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Doesn't that look fun?
Other than arriving early to hit the two big slides and the family raft ride before the crowds arrive, we will just relax and enjoy the water.
Ahhhh...

Well, I do have one plan in mind...
And it involves THIS slide!

Summet Plummet

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I'm going to try my very best to beg, plead, borrow, steal and BRIBE Emily into trying it this time.
Why? Just to hear the kid scream!
I kid.... maybe...

Dad and Boy hit this up first thing on our trip in 2010. They LOVED it, and finally convinced me to try it. I was freaked out, but went through with it and found out it's not bad at all.

Emily wouldn't even consider it. Not at all. The closest she would come, was the second biggest slide (Slush Gusher, I think) just to the right in this photo. It had a "less scary looking" starting point.

In all honesty, it's way scarier than SP, the hills make you feel like you are going to fly off. You actually get some air time on this slide! EEK!

Once you lay down to start Summet Plummet, it's just over in like 20 seconds and you don't even feel like you are going downhill. It's just a super fast slide. AND, no air time.

But, we couldn't convince Emily of that. I'm hoping this time, she'll give it a shot, if only just once.

We'll see. I won't make her. But, I might bribe...

Since we're in the area on this day, I think we may consider doing a round of Putt Putt golf. I'm pretty sure the resort stay still comes with a little discount. And I'm sure we'll have time.

So, who knows...
And, since it's right there, I think this is a good option for our Blizzard Beach Day:


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Doesn't this look fun??

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After all that swimming and possibly putt-putt, I think this is a good night for some leisurely resort touring. I'd love to check out two resorts in particular:

Animal Kingdom Lodge

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I would love to explore the walking paths around here and see the animals (especially since I'll be missing my park Animal Kingdom )

And who wouldn't want to take a walk through this resort??


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I've got to say, I'm really excited about the Cars section. It just looks amazing! The other sections are neat, and the pool looks awesome, but there's just something about the Cars area.

I really hope we have the time to stop in for a visit.

And that is ALL I have planned for our Blizzard Beach day. We'll probably be to bed early, because I expect Day Three at Disney to be our longest day of the trip!

 

[indimom]

Tuesday, July 23
EPCOT DAY!!!

Woo Hoo! Our favorite park!!!


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In the morning, we'll focus on the major attractions. And, obviously Future World.


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I wouldn't be surprised if we take a break around lunch time because this will be such a big day and we have never been able to spend 12 hours in a park. We're wimps, lol.

Then, we'll spend the evening roaming through Matt's favorite part of the World.
The World Showcase:

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He could spend days here and we've never gotten to spend enough time checking out the countries. On our last trip we focused on the KidCot stops so the kids could get their passports signed. And, we tried some quick service locations for different snacks and meals to share.

This time, we would like to check out more of the street entertainers, and continue the dining tradition.


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And I would like to try one of these, that I've read soooo much about.

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And, if we can swing it, I'd like to ride the two little rides they have there. We have NEVER done them. Ever. I know they aren't major attractions. But, that just bugs me.

Finishing off the night, I would like to see Illuminations, which we missed in 2010.
So I haven't seen it since 2005. Grrr.


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I'll gladly watch it alone if the rest of the family wants to leave. lol.

And that's it for our Epcot Day!

 

[indimom]

But it goes without saying that we'll be doing THIS:



I managed to get everyone in the family to try it last time. Even me, although there is no photo of that??

So, for your entertainment:

BEFORE


And AFTER


Matt was the only one who didn't know what was coming. The kids and I completely set him up.




But, his mild reaction convinced the kids to give it a try....





Their reactions were much more fun!











BEFORE








And AFTER




The guy in the background was getting a kick out of this!






BEFORE:








AND AFTER:


I'm not sure what I love more. Her Face. Or Garrens!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Loving the plans! Nice to see another family who loves Epcot as much as we do!

hmm...running? No thanks. At Disney? No way! In July? Are you nuts??

 

[indimom]

Loving the plans! Nice to see another family who loves Epcot as much as we do!

Oh yeah!!! Matt and I could probably spend an entire vacation just at Epcot! I'd love to go during the Flower and Garden Festival someday, and he would be crazy over the Food and Wine event. I figure we'll make those our empty-nest trips.

hmm...running? No thanks. At Disney? No way! In July? Are you nuts??

I admit it does sound a little
Alright, more than a little.


I have a complete love-hate relationship with running.

I usually have to drag myself out the door, whining and crying all the way.
But, by the time I'm done, I'm full of energy, high on life, and soooo happy I went.
It's a sickness, I think.

 

[lsenquiz]

Wow I am gone a few days and miss a ton of updates:

Love your plans for your first day. We are going to watch wishes from the beach at Ft Wilderness during out September trip. It really looks awesome.

I am surprised that you can do DHS in such a short time frame. It takes us 2 days at least .

We love blizzard beach. I did try SP two years ago and I must say once was enough for me

I completely agree that EPCOT is the best park! Glad you are going to be able to dedicate a full day to it.

 

[indimom]

Wow I am gone a few days and miss a ton of updates:

Love your plans for your first day. We are going to watch wishes from the beach at Ft Wilderness during out September trip. It really looks awesome.

I am surprised that you can do DHS in such a short time frame. It takes us 2 days at least .

Oh, don't get me wrong, we usually spend two days there (when we take longer trips).
But since I'm not sure how FP will work and DH usually requires a break in the day, I just don't know how that park will work for us this time.
If we take a midday break, we'll lose out on the value of fastpasses and probably only get one run on each big ride. If we stay and try to cram in more fastpass returns, he'll get fried out and grumpy.
It's a hard call. So, I guess I'm planning for the worst, that we'll only do the headliners once, and that will make it a shorter day. But, who knows? He could surprise me. lol.

We love blizzard beach. I did try SP two years ago and I must say once was enough for me

The ride itself I was okay with once I gave it a shot. But, the wedgie? I'm only willing to go through that once a day. So, it'll be a one hit wonder for me. (But, I still hope I'll get Rosie to give it a try.)

I completely agree that EPCOT is the best park! Glad you are going to be able to dedicate a full day to it.

OH YEAH!
Like DHS, I know we'll need a break at some point. Matt just can't do 12 hour days in the parks. I'm not sure I could either (but I've never tried).
The difference is, we won't need FP in the afternoon since we're mainly focusing on entertainment we can just walk up on and enjoy. I honestly don't even know if the two rides have FP. If they do, and it's still available in the late afternoon, we'll use it, but I doubt it will be a necessity.

Oh, and we saw Fantasmic on our last trip so I'm not too bothered skipping that one this time. We'll see how the kids feel about it when the time comes. That could change the DHS plan entirely.

 

[indimom]

Wednesday, July 24

Typhoon Lagoon

Once again, Em and I will try to fit in an early morning jog before we hit the water park. Hopefully we can manage it before it gets too hot. Then with a cool shower, and some breakfast, we'll be ready for our day.


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Really, doesn't that look a little bit relaxing? I'm going to keep reminding myself of that picture when I get grumpy about running in the heat of summer. Cause that really does look lovely.

Then, it's off to the World's Best Wave Pool!!!


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A wicked water coaster...


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And a wee bit of snorkeling,

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We'll probably spend most of the morning and early afternoon at Typhoon Lagoon...

When we finally get too water-logged, we'll head back to camp, clean up, and make our way to DD for some " end-of-Disney trip " shopping.


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And we may have dinner at:


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We really enjoyed this and thought it was well worth the money on our last trip. It doesn't feel like "fast food" at all. And we much preferred the atmosphere to Earl of Sandwich which was just packed and crazy and crowded and loud. Maybe it was the time of day we visited each of these, but the experience was very different. So, if WP looks as nice as it did the last time, we may eat out this evening.

We'll also have to spend part of the evening packing up and getting our campsite ready to go. (Another great excuse to eat out rather than at our campsite.) I want to just get up Thursday morning, tear down our tent, pack everything into the trunk and hit the road for Universal.

 

[indimom]

Thursday, July 25

And we're moving on up.... (Can you hear me singing??)

So, this is the day that this vacation goes

We'll pack up all our gear, load the car, and the kids will think we are heading for home. Yep, vacation over, back to the grind. Wahhhh!!!

We'll head North on I-4 and at some point, we'll spring our little surprise. We're not going home. We're going to...


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And, even better, we won't be sweating it out in a tent. We'll be staying at this fabulous resort again...


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In this lovely room with these soft and comfy beds:


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And this fun pool area,


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Heaven! Nirvana!

We'll check in, but we won't be hanging out at the resort (even if our room is ready). Instead we'll head straight to the parks.
The awesome thing is, that with Express Pass it really doesn't matter which park we head to first, we'll be able to hit just about any ride we want.
The only thing we won't hit early this first morning is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
We will certainly miss the early opening and this section gets hammered early, so we'll save it for evening or first thing on Friday.

IF I can keep the family and myself away, that is... it's going to be hard.

I mean really, this looks sooooo amazing. It's going to be hard to wait even a few more hours!

Stock Photo

 

[indimom]

Friday, July 26

Universal Studios Florida/Islands of Adventure

THIS morning, we'll will get up early for the WWoHP. We want to get in at least one morning of early entry so we can see Olivanders and get a couple runs in on Journey before the crowds hit.

that we can slow down and relax for the rest of the day.

Technically, this should be a run day for me and Em, but I'll leave that up to her. It will mean getting up very early since we want to make early entry for HP. But, we could put it off and do a run on Saturday morning before our final day in the parks. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

There is a small jogging path around the resort, but I've also heard that you can jog through city walk if it's early enough. They won't allow you to run when the crowds are coming through, obviously. But, before business hours, they won't stop you. I think that would be a fun place for our morning jog.

Some handy Dis-member created this map which shows the walking path from Royal Pacific to Islands of Adventure (City Walk is to the right at the final bend in the path). I'll have to do some searching to figure out about how long the path it, but I think we could make a three mile trip out of it if we go beyond city walk toward the other resorts, and back. Sounds like a nice round trip.

Then, a shower, and off to Islands of Adventure and the WWoHP.
Our first stop:


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This is just a short show similar to the experience Harry has getting his first wand in Sorcerer's Stone, but it is a very long wait if you don't hit it early. Since FJ is a quick loading ride, the Dis experts recommend hitting this first, because the line will still be short at FJ for the first hour or so. So, that's my plan.

And then the headliner:

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After that, we'll just hit whatever attractions strike our fancy.
I'm sure we'll take a mid-afternoon break to go swimming.
This might be an opportunity to try out the Hard Rock and Portofino pools, if the kids and Matt want to.
They look inviting, don't you think?

The Hard Rock/Stock Photo


Portifino/Stock Photos

Then, it will be back to the parks for some more rides/shows/and fun!

I don't know if we'll get the chance on this trip. But, one other thing I would love to try at Universal Orlando are their new Putt Putt courses.
I did mention I'm a putt putt junkie, right?? I don't know why. I don't even play golf. But, putt putt I like. lol.
Anyway, these two look pretty neat: