Marla Hellwig
I'm not lost, it's called creative exploring
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2000
- Messages
- 16,020
Two Gals from Ohio take on the World!
This is a repost on our trip from last July, from the old boards, by request!
CAST:
Marla - me
Kara - kid - 9
DAY 4 - Wednesday, July 19 Camp Café May, and Illuminations Cruise:
As we were boarding Friendship # something it started to sprinkle. Before we had barely pulled away from the dock, terrible lightening, thunder and the skies just opened up. Wondered if the parade got canceled? We made our way up to the BC and walked through and under the covered walkways until we got to the YC. Found the kid area in the corner of the lobby and parked Kara there with our stuff and left her watching television. I found the restroom and tried once again to connect with a girl friend. We had been playing phone tag with each other since our arrival on Sunday.
The Careys arrived about 5. They had been standing in the little lighthouse at the dock for about ½ hour waiting for the worse part of the rain to subside. We met and was so nice to finally meet them in person! We got talking and laughing like we had known each other for years. Kara and Meghan (4) had a good time with each other.
I had brought them State of Ohio flag lapel pins and 3 of the new dollar gold coins as a remembrance of our meeting. They had brought Kara a really cute doll called Wee Laddy that Cathy had made. He is wearing a little kilt and has his bag pipes. I also got a box of candy.
We checked in for dinner about 5:20 and was seated right around 5:40 p.m. Meghan and Kara liked the paper on the table that they could draw and color on.
Camp Café May, Dinner, Wednesday, July 19, 2000
Our total bill was 35.36.
This is a huge buffet. Lots of cold salads some with seafood.
2 soups, one was clam chowder and the other was a vegetable type.
Kara and I skipped the seafood side entirely, but I think I remember seeing shrimp, clams, and mussels.
Barqure pork ribs, mashed potatoes, green beans with onions, steak, all were good.
Kids area had: chicken nuggets, fish nuggets, mini hot dogs, and macaroni and cheese.
Desserts here were to die for! Lots of Chocolate type desserts. One that was really good was like an Oreo cookie base with whipped choc piled on and dipped with melted chocolate. Yummy, went back for more and plate was empty - wonder why! I could have just had my dinner from the dessert section, but didnt want to set a bad example for the girls.
Kara ate ribs along with her chicken strips. She really likes ribs and gets into them. When she was done, sauce ear to ear and grinning!
Dinner was great and we were talking up a storm. At the table next to us, there was a young lady who was celebrating her graduation from nursing school. Some of the waiters and waitresses brought out a cupcake with candle and two balloons for her. Just as we were leaving the table, she came over with the balloons for Kara and Meghan. After dinner and quick restroom stop, and a good face washing for someone, we lingered in the lobby for awhile. Both of the girls went over to the kid area and watched a little television while the grownups continued chatting away. While we were eating dinner another hard rain started and we had started to wonder about the cruise. The storm quit and we walked outside and let the girls play in the sand for a few minutes.
Earlier Kara had spent some of her own money and bought Pip outside of Bear. As Kara walked onto the beach, she turned to me and cried "Mom - where's Pip?" We didnt have him, so I walked back up to the resort with Kara in the background yelling at me to run. Ha, fat chance there kid - I was doing good to waddle after that great dinner.
Got back to the resort and went over the kids area. Yep, there is Pip sitting in the chair watching television. I gathered him up and waddled back (this time a little faster) to the beach area. Kara was relieved to see that I had found Pip and told him was in trouble for running away.
We got to the dock between 8 and 8:15 and Captain Laurie met us. We are now ready for our last two Surprises for the day. Were meeting another Dis member Sharon Lambert (SharonRNms), her daughter Jennifer and Jennifers boyfriend Cory and on to our Illuminations cruise. It was Jennifers 18th birthday.
When I booked the cruise, I had asked about birthday but didnt want to spend the extra money for the birthday stuff. We got the girls fitted into their life jackets and waited for Sharon and her crew to show up. We waited until 8:30 and no Sharon. Captain Laurie said we had to get going and another captain said he would run Sharon and company out to us when they showed up.
Cruise price 120.01.
We felt bad that we left without them, but with the other captain saying he would run them out, we went ahead and left.
When we got into the boat, noticed that there was a Happy Birthday banner and balloons tied on. I asked about it and Laurie said she noticed that there was a birthday on board that night, but we hadnt ordered the package. She said no one else had requested the banner, and they had the balloons blown up so she gave them to us.
We first cruised from the YC and BC over to the Swan and Dolphin and then over to the Studios. From the Studios, we went to Epcot and docked under the International Gateway. Laurie was very nice and filled us with lots of details about each of the resorts and the new walkway - which by the way is almost finished. They were installing the rod iron fences and lights that week.
At 9 Illuminations started and we thoroughly enjoyed the show. Meghan doesnt like fireworks too much but she ended up sitting on Lauries lap and ended up having a good time. Kara just sat in awe of the entire show. I dont think she moved a muscle the whole time. Cathy, Harry and I just kept grinning at each other. Harry was playing with his new toy a digital camera and I had mine - camcorder. The tape came out great.
After Illuminations ended, we slowly made our way back to the YC and BC dock. Laurie took us by the Boardwalk and described the restaurants, dance hall and the resort itself. As we were leaving Epcot, people walking along the river were shouting happy birthday. We just waved and shouted thanks.
As we pulled up at the dock we hear "Hey, we finally made it!" It was Sharon and her crew. They had gotten stuck somewhere between the Dixie Landings and YC with the Disney transportation system totally failing them. Though, according to the other captain there was still room on one of the other cruises for the next night, and Sharon was to call in the morning to check to see if they could join it. I hope this worked out for them. As we were leaving the boat, Laurie gave me all of the balloons for Kara and Meghan to share.
It was fun meeting Sharon, Jennifer and Cory. We were just so sorry that they didnt get there in time. Guess they finally got to the dock about 9:15 which was too late for the other captain to run them out.
We then slowly made our way up to Beaches and Cream for ice cream. We couldnt get a table inside (there was a 45 minute wait minimum - no PSs here), so we found a table outside and gathered up almost enough chairs for everyone. Some of us got in line at the carry out register and continued talking. Kara and I got one each a regular strawberry shake (total 7.42) and boy, they were good! Surprised at getting a milk shake with whipped cream and a cherry on top! The Careys got a large strawberry shake to share and Sharons group got a Mickey sundae and the fudge thing to share.
Meghan was fading fast so the Careys left us shortly. Sharon and I stayed awhile longer, until Kara asked if it was getting time for bed. We then discussed the best way to try to get back to our respective resorts. We finally decided to try a Friendship boat back to the Studios and catch our buses from there. Had about a 5 - 10 minute wait for the boat.
As we got down to the dock, I remembered that I hadnt given Meghan her half of the balloons. I then tried to give them to Jennifer since it was her birthday but she wanted the Kara to have them. Sharons group was leaving Friday for a 3 day cruise. We all climbed onto the Friendship and were off to the Studios. As we were making our way, the boat driver announced that it was Jennifers 18th birthday and had her stand up and take a bow. After about a 7 minute boat ride we arrived at the Studios. We had a short discussion on whether to stay for the 11:00 show of Fantasmic, but all decided to call it a night.
We got back to our resort and Kara was in bed and asleep by 11:30. Drats, Diane called again. Hopefully we can make contact tomorrow.
Due to the humidity in the air I was hanging our clothes on the little luggage racks to dry. Some of our clothes were dry, so I started the first round of packing. I decided to try something new this trip. I unpacked everything the first 2 nights and as the clothes dried, I packed them up. No laundry duties for this mom on this trip. Its my vacation too!
This system seemed to work quite well except for the last couple of days where the clothes we wore still werent dry when it came time for that final round of packing.
I finished the packing, made our wake up call for 6:00 and was in bed in time to watch Zorro. Boy, my feet look bad tonight. Hopefully, they wont look so bad in the a.m.
We are off to another magical day in the a.m. at the MK, and 2 moreSurprises
The plan for the day was to hit ToT and RRC first thing and will stay at the Studios seeing the rest of the park until about 4 p.m., when we need to catch a boat or bus from the Studios to the YC / BC. Surprise meeting up with some new Internet friends, Surprise PS at Cape May Cafe at 5:30 p.m., and then on to our last Surprise - I have got an Illuminations Cruise booked! Am sharing this cruise with 2 other families from the DIS. After cruise, all 9 of us will be going to Beach's and Cream for ice cream and companionship!
About half of the plan went out of the window, but as I was crawling into bed Wednesday morning at 2:30 a.m., I knew it would be. Just wanted to take it easy today so we would last until the cruise and fellowship we had planned.
Will we get back on plan Thursday? Stayed tuned and see . . .
This is a repost on our trip from last July, from the old boards, by request!
CAST:
Marla - me
Kara - kid - 9
DAY 4 - Wednesday, July 19 Camp Café May, and Illuminations Cruise:
As we were boarding Friendship # something it started to sprinkle. Before we had barely pulled away from the dock, terrible lightening, thunder and the skies just opened up. Wondered if the parade got canceled? We made our way up to the BC and walked through and under the covered walkways until we got to the YC. Found the kid area in the corner of the lobby and parked Kara there with our stuff and left her watching television. I found the restroom and tried once again to connect with a girl friend. We had been playing phone tag with each other since our arrival on Sunday.
The Careys arrived about 5. They had been standing in the little lighthouse at the dock for about ½ hour waiting for the worse part of the rain to subside. We met and was so nice to finally meet them in person! We got talking and laughing like we had known each other for years. Kara and Meghan (4) had a good time with each other.
I had brought them State of Ohio flag lapel pins and 3 of the new dollar gold coins as a remembrance of our meeting. They had brought Kara a really cute doll called Wee Laddy that Cathy had made. He is wearing a little kilt and has his bag pipes. I also got a box of candy.
We checked in for dinner about 5:20 and was seated right around 5:40 p.m. Meghan and Kara liked the paper on the table that they could draw and color on.
Camp Café May, Dinner, Wednesday, July 19, 2000
Our total bill was 35.36.
This is a huge buffet. Lots of cold salads some with seafood.
2 soups, one was clam chowder and the other was a vegetable type.
Kara and I skipped the seafood side entirely, but I think I remember seeing shrimp, clams, and mussels.
Barqure pork ribs, mashed potatoes, green beans with onions, steak, all were good.
Kids area had: chicken nuggets, fish nuggets, mini hot dogs, and macaroni and cheese.
Desserts here were to die for! Lots of Chocolate type desserts. One that was really good was like an Oreo cookie base with whipped choc piled on and dipped with melted chocolate. Yummy, went back for more and plate was empty - wonder why! I could have just had my dinner from the dessert section, but didnt want to set a bad example for the girls.
Kara ate ribs along with her chicken strips. She really likes ribs and gets into them. When she was done, sauce ear to ear and grinning!
Dinner was great and we were talking up a storm. At the table next to us, there was a young lady who was celebrating her graduation from nursing school. Some of the waiters and waitresses brought out a cupcake with candle and two balloons for her. Just as we were leaving the table, she came over with the balloons for Kara and Meghan. After dinner and quick restroom stop, and a good face washing for someone, we lingered in the lobby for awhile. Both of the girls went over to the kid area and watched a little television while the grownups continued chatting away. While we were eating dinner another hard rain started and we had started to wonder about the cruise. The storm quit and we walked outside and let the girls play in the sand for a few minutes.
Earlier Kara had spent some of her own money and bought Pip outside of Bear. As Kara walked onto the beach, she turned to me and cried "Mom - where's Pip?" We didnt have him, so I walked back up to the resort with Kara in the background yelling at me to run. Ha, fat chance there kid - I was doing good to waddle after that great dinner.
Got back to the resort and went over the kids area. Yep, there is Pip sitting in the chair watching television. I gathered him up and waddled back (this time a little faster) to the beach area. Kara was relieved to see that I had found Pip and told him was in trouble for running away.
We got to the dock between 8 and 8:15 and Captain Laurie met us. We are now ready for our last two Surprises for the day. Were meeting another Dis member Sharon Lambert (SharonRNms), her daughter Jennifer and Jennifers boyfriend Cory and on to our Illuminations cruise. It was Jennifers 18th birthday.
When I booked the cruise, I had asked about birthday but didnt want to spend the extra money for the birthday stuff. We got the girls fitted into their life jackets and waited for Sharon and her crew to show up. We waited until 8:30 and no Sharon. Captain Laurie said we had to get going and another captain said he would run Sharon and company out to us when they showed up.
Cruise price 120.01.
We felt bad that we left without them, but with the other captain saying he would run them out, we went ahead and left.
When we got into the boat, noticed that there was a Happy Birthday banner and balloons tied on. I asked about it and Laurie said she noticed that there was a birthday on board that night, but we hadnt ordered the package. She said no one else had requested the banner, and they had the balloons blown up so she gave them to us.
We first cruised from the YC and BC over to the Swan and Dolphin and then over to the Studios. From the Studios, we went to Epcot and docked under the International Gateway. Laurie was very nice and filled us with lots of details about each of the resorts and the new walkway - which by the way is almost finished. They were installing the rod iron fences and lights that week.
At 9 Illuminations started and we thoroughly enjoyed the show. Meghan doesnt like fireworks too much but she ended up sitting on Lauries lap and ended up having a good time. Kara just sat in awe of the entire show. I dont think she moved a muscle the whole time. Cathy, Harry and I just kept grinning at each other. Harry was playing with his new toy a digital camera and I had mine - camcorder. The tape came out great.
After Illuminations ended, we slowly made our way back to the YC and BC dock. Laurie took us by the Boardwalk and described the restaurants, dance hall and the resort itself. As we were leaving Epcot, people walking along the river were shouting happy birthday. We just waved and shouted thanks.
As we pulled up at the dock we hear "Hey, we finally made it!" It was Sharon and her crew. They had gotten stuck somewhere between the Dixie Landings and YC with the Disney transportation system totally failing them. Though, according to the other captain there was still room on one of the other cruises for the next night, and Sharon was to call in the morning to check to see if they could join it. I hope this worked out for them. As we were leaving the boat, Laurie gave me all of the balloons for Kara and Meghan to share.
It was fun meeting Sharon, Jennifer and Cory. We were just so sorry that they didnt get there in time. Guess they finally got to the dock about 9:15 which was too late for the other captain to run them out.
We then slowly made our way up to Beaches and Cream for ice cream. We couldnt get a table inside (there was a 45 minute wait minimum - no PSs here), so we found a table outside and gathered up almost enough chairs for everyone. Some of us got in line at the carry out register and continued talking. Kara and I got one each a regular strawberry shake (total 7.42) and boy, they were good! Surprised at getting a milk shake with whipped cream and a cherry on top! The Careys got a large strawberry shake to share and Sharons group got a Mickey sundae and the fudge thing to share.
Meghan was fading fast so the Careys left us shortly. Sharon and I stayed awhile longer, until Kara asked if it was getting time for bed. We then discussed the best way to try to get back to our respective resorts. We finally decided to try a Friendship boat back to the Studios and catch our buses from there. Had about a 5 - 10 minute wait for the boat.
As we got down to the dock, I remembered that I hadnt given Meghan her half of the balloons. I then tried to give them to Jennifer since it was her birthday but she wanted the Kara to have them. Sharons group was leaving Friday for a 3 day cruise. We all climbed onto the Friendship and were off to the Studios. As we were making our way, the boat driver announced that it was Jennifers 18th birthday and had her stand up and take a bow. After about a 7 minute boat ride we arrived at the Studios. We had a short discussion on whether to stay for the 11:00 show of Fantasmic, but all decided to call it a night.
We got back to our resort and Kara was in bed and asleep by 11:30. Drats, Diane called again. Hopefully we can make contact tomorrow.
Due to the humidity in the air I was hanging our clothes on the little luggage racks to dry. Some of our clothes were dry, so I started the first round of packing. I decided to try something new this trip. I unpacked everything the first 2 nights and as the clothes dried, I packed them up. No laundry duties for this mom on this trip. Its my vacation too!
This system seemed to work quite well except for the last couple of days where the clothes we wore still werent dry when it came time for that final round of packing.
I finished the packing, made our wake up call for 6:00 and was in bed in time to watch Zorro. Boy, my feet look bad tonight. Hopefully, they wont look so bad in the a.m.
We are off to another magical day in the a.m. at the MK, and 2 moreSurprises
The plan for the day was to hit ToT and RRC first thing and will stay at the Studios seeing the rest of the park until about 4 p.m., when we need to catch a boat or bus from the Studios to the YC / BC. Surprise meeting up with some new Internet friends, Surprise PS at Cape May Cafe at 5:30 p.m., and then on to our last Surprise - I have got an Illuminations Cruise booked! Am sharing this cruise with 2 other families from the DIS. After cruise, all 9 of us will be going to Beach's and Cream for ice cream and companionship!
About half of the plan went out of the window, but as I was crawling into bed Wednesday morning at 2:30 a.m., I knew it would be. Just wanted to take it easy today so we would last until the cruise and fellowship we had planned.
Will we get back on plan Thursday? Stayed tuned and see . . .
One of the things I really regret is that we did not leave much, much earlier trying to get to the illuminations cruise earlier. Who would have known we would have been in bus transportation limbo for a couple of hours!!!
We were really glad to meet you and Kara and Harry and his family though afterwards and go on to Beaches and Cream for dessert. That was a real treat!
We are planning to go back this Christmas and we will definitely go to Illuminations and do the other things we missed such as Fantasmic. We got into a thunderstorm right when we got off the bus for Fantasmic and had to run, run, run back to the bus and missed it, too. 
Oh, well. We had fun anyway. 
