WDW @ BWV with the Inlaws: The complete trip

[disney junky]

Trip Report: Day One

We stopped in NC for the wedding of my niece and the first leg of our journey to WDW. The wedding was beautiful. I’ve been married 24 years so I know from my wife that I should say those sorts of things.

Background.
Last summer, my in laws bought a house in NC. They are both from PA and have had this dream of moving south. They were still working and needed to tie up some loose ends before making the move permanent, so they made a few trips back and forth to make sure the house was as they wanted it. My SIL and family live about 20 minutes from their new home, so they were leaving one daughter to be near the other, who they’ve lived apart from for 26 years. It’s all good.

Last summer during one of the trips to work on the house, FIL experiences a good bit of exhaustion, shortness of breath, so came home and got a check up. In September he entered the hospital for what was supposed to be a catheterization - turned into a sextuple bypass surgery. He is 68, has never smoked or drank, isn’t overweight, and was given an excellent prognosis for recovery. Unfortunately, there were too many complications to list here, but needless to say, his recovery was slow. We had booked the trip, and they insisted that we would go.

We knew it would be unlike any before.

If you’ve read this long, thanks.

We arrived at BWV on Monday afternoon. We is I, 50 YO school teacher, DW, 46 YO administrative secy, DS, unemployed recent college grad, FIL and MIL. DD is CM/CP.

I had requested a BW view 2BR and was not disappointed. We looked out over the lake and Spaceship Earth. Gorgeous view.

As we settled in, they were taken by the view and the amenities.

The only plan for the evening was to get to MGM for Fantasmic. By this time my daughter had arrived with some groceries for the week so we were set.

ESPN club for dinner. While there, they recorded the evening radio show. Watching the expression on my IL’s faces was priceless. They’ve never seen anything like this before, tv cameras, guys running around with mikes, clapping to lead into and out of the breaks. It would be a great week.

We boarded the boat to MGM, stopping at the BCV, Swan and Dolphin. I am a fanatic and I have two newbies who have to listen to me. I begin filling them in on everything we are going to do and see as well as trivia that no one cares about. After while their eyes glazed over. My son doesnt' hear me and my wife just sighs.

We arrive at MGM and head straight for the Great Movie Ride. After that it was the Little Mermaid. I just love it when it rains inside. I had made a list of things we could and couldn’t do for FIL’s condition, but he is such a humble and wonderful man, we had to watch that he didn’t push himself too hard. We walked down Sunset to show them where DD works (ToT) and then DD, DS and I rode RnR on a FP. DW isn’t a fan of coaster so she stayed behind with her parents.

From there it was the late Fantasmic. DD’s roomie was Belle that night and blew us all a kiss from the float. Her mom was behind us sceaming for her daughter. From there, back to the boats to rest up for the morning at EPCOT.

There is nothing like coming back to BW late at night, rounding the corner and seeing the beauty of the lights that surround the lake.

As we said goodnight, we all slept with our curtains open so we could roll over and look out at Spaceship Earth.

 

[Backstage_Gal]

Wonderful start! Keep it coming please.

 

[tlmdisney]

great post!

 

[heaven2dc]

What a great start to your vacation - I'm envious! Absolutely LOVE the BWV - please post more!

 

[lauren_elizabeth]

That view sounds so nice! Looking forward to more!

 

[disney junky]

We awoke relatively early and refreshed. DS had the pull out in the living room. In laws had the studio and we had the master BR. I love my in laws but I’m not nuts.

You know how it is when you are vacationing with people you haven’t spent a lot of time with? We tip toed around, hoping not to disturb each other. Finally, about 9ish, we knocked on their door. No answer. We knocked harder. No answer. We went in. No in laws…..how could we have lost them on the first day.

A few minutes later they returned from the BW bakery having discovered banana nut muffins and decaf. Perhaps this would be more of an adventure than I’d realized.

Off to EPCOT. DS is still in college mode so without a class to attend, he’s still on the couch.

After entering through international gateway, I grab all the passes and high tail it over to Soarin’ for FP’s while DW, FIL and MIL stroll slowly behind. Another WDW surprise. When I get the FP’s for Soarin’ I get four surprise FP’s for Living with the Land.

Just as an aside, FIL used to keep a beautiful garden. I’ve never known anyone who enjoyed digging around in the dirt as much as he did. About 15 years ago, they moved into a condo and he’s not had the opportunity to continue this hobby. In all the years we’ve been coming to WDW, Living with the Land has always been something I wanted him to experience. Now I would have my chance.

By the time I had the FP’s, they were entering the Land. Since our times were for later, we needed to find a couple things to occupy us, so it was off to the Living Seas. I for one miss the fake elevators and the ride into the exhibit. Sure, you knew you weren’t really going deep into the ocean, but it was fun. Since they’d never known that part of LS, I could fill them in on what it “used to be like.” Glazed eyes.

We spent a good half hour exploring; we didn’t do turtle talk. I loaned them Finding Nemo a few months back but they only got through the first 15 minutes of it and turned it off. Hey, I tried. Anyway, off to Spaceship Earth.

I must say, it has been a long time since I had to wait in line for SE, but low and behold, there is a 20 minute wait. I found out later that the FL schools started this Monday, so everyone was taking their last trip to the world last week. I have never experienced crowds like these. After SE, our FP’s to LWTL were valid so we headed there.

If you visit WDW often, you take for granted that some rides are boats and some are trains and some are electric cars, but my in laws are new to this. I could see them suffering from sensory overload…so much to soak in, yet it was fun watching them.

Then to Soarin’. I love this ride. I get emotional, I don’t know why. It’s just so spectacular. If it lasted an hour, I would still want more. DW said MIL hung on for dear life. FIL didn’t say much. I think it was the sensory overload thing again.

I happened to be seated next to a woman who hadn’t ridden it before, was a bit scared, and didn’t speak English well at all. I tried to explain to her how much fun it would be, that it’s such a great ride, telling her about the hidden Mickey on the golf ball that she’d surely duck for, and I think her eyes glazed over…I’m not sure.

From there we took pause, and the whispering began. It went something like this. I’d ask my FIL how he was doing (not wanting him to overdo it). He’d say fine. “It’s like they told us in the Marines. One foot in front of the other.” But MIL would whisper to DW who would whisper to me that they’d had enough for a while and I’d say, “Let’s head back for a little rest.” The whispering continued for the rest of the week. It’s probably still going on now. I’ll know when my wife tells me.

We headed over to the Nations and rode through Mexico. The whispering grew louder, I can take a hint, so it was back to the room. I sent them on their way, keeping their passes, and headed over to test track for some FP’s for later. By the time I got through the International Gateway, they were still waiting for the boat. We all rode back together, grabbed a bite in the room and rested. The plan was to catch Spectro and Wishes later.

After a couple hours rest, we headed back to EPCOT and ate at the counter service restaurant next to American Experience.

DS and I rode TT with the FP's from earlier while the rest waited. While we were walking from TT to catch up with the rest of the family, DS's cell phone rang. Yep...we are some of those people. The company that interviewed him before we left was calling to offer him the job....Yeah. I know it's not Disney related but we both were excited. BTW, he accepted.

From there we met up with everyone else, walked out the main gate and took the monorail to MK.

I don’t know about everyone else, but riding the monorail solidifies the Disney experience for me. I rode it when I was 16 in 1971, and yet the novelty of it has never worn off.

We got off at MK about 8:15 for the 9 Spectromagic. The crowds already lined the streets, so we headed into the center of things to find some open space. We were able to get a reasonable spot where I was pretty sure we’d see everything to be seen.

Then it happened. To our left, a family tried to push their children to the front of the mob to be able to see. Another family took exception. “We’ve been waiting for 55 minutes. It’s not fair for you to push your children to where we’ve been standing.” This continued for about five minutes, sending ripples of murmurings through the crowds. One man tried to mediate. I think he failed Mediation 101, but it was amusing to watch him try. After a while things settled, but there was whispering going on.

Spectromagic hasn’t changed much since I saw it last, which I believe was about 10 years ago. This was for the in laws. After it concluded, the lights were still low, so we stayed put for a bit until all the angry people dispersed. I noticed FIL had moved away from the front. The heat and the crowd had been a bit much for him so he’d just moved to an open area to get some air.

From there we headed through the stores (why don’t more people do this…it’s AC’d) to the front to get a good spot for Wishes. MIL and FIL stayed off to the side while DW and I made ourselves large and held a spot. I pointed to where Tink flies from the castle so FIL and MIL would know where to look.

Wishes is beautiful. I know there are more spectacular fireworks, but nothing is quite like this. FIL asked if Tink was a real person…..yep. You betcha. This is WDW. He said to me, it’s amazing how the music and the fireworks are timed with each other. YES!!! He gets it! Wishes!!!

Back to the room on the bus. I have to admit, this was the lowest point of the day. I don’t like the busses. I shouldn’t say that. I don’t like the busses at 10:30 PM when cranky kids and parents are jostling for position, when (I can be extremely judgmental) people with kids could hold those kids (who are less than 5 years old) on their laps so old people who may or may not have had open heart surgery in September could sit, but no, let those little urchins take up seats (they’re asleep for heavens sake, they don’t care if they’re in a seat, in your lap, or on the floor)…..sorry, I digress.

We are greeted by Spaceship Earth back at the room. We’re doing okay, and I must say, I’m proud of the way the trip is going. Usually, I hate sleeping at WDW. If they had 24 hour EMH I’d probably just do rides like Small World for some shut eye. But I had determined to operate at a pace that everyone could do, and it seemed to be working.

Tomorrow would be the biggest challenge. Animal Kingdom and AM EMH.

 

[disney junky]

Wednesday morning is EMH at AK so I thought, what the heck, let’s introduce the concept of getting to the park before the general public. After all, that’s one of the advantages of staying on site.

Tuesday evening I had suggested that we’d probably do well to try and get there early, say 8 or so, because my experience has been that AK gets really hot and there is a lot of walking, more so than the two previous days. No problem, we’ll be ready….

We got through the gates at 9:20 with the rest of the crowd….so much for beating the heat and the crowds, and the first showing of Lion King was at 9:40. DS, though now employed, decided that he needed to rest up since he’d be starting work soon. DD would pick him up and be meeting us later at the park. She had the morning off.

I grabbed the passes and headed for Safari. There already was a 50 minute wait (figures) and I could just sense the animals heading for the shade and their morning naps. The FP’s should get us in near the time we’d be leaving Lion King.

The Festival of the Lion King is my favorite in park show. You are so close to the action, the singers are fantastic and the music is fabulous. My in laws agreed. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves. MIL said this was her favorite thing that we did all week.

After the show, we headed to Safari. While they made their way towards the FP entrance, I took the passes and headed to EE for some EE FP’s. The line was so long and the FP’s wouldn’t be good until well after lunch. No problem, the kids were coming and I figured this would be a short day for the rest of the crew.

Back on safari, most of the animals were hiding. It was already beastly hot (sorry-couldn’t resist). Our driver seemed to have fallen in love with both the brake and the gas. Hey buddy…you don’t have to press it all the way to the floor every time.

After safari, we headed to the Wildlife Express and took the train to conservation station for some up close looks at the behind the scenes activities of AK. Plus, it’s AC’d.

Another aside….I watched one of the CM’s hand a little girl giraffe poop (it was in a sterile condition). That was so cool. Where else but WDW could you see something like that.

After a nice casual stroll through Conservation Station, we returned to the train and headed back to the crowds. The kids were meeting us for lunch (naturally-dad was paying) and we found them on the way to Flame Tree. This is one of our favorite counter service restaurants. I love the seating overlooking EE. Last year we watched it being built while we ate.

After lunch the whispers told me that MIL, FIL and DW were heading back to the room. Not a problem. I now had the kids and some EE FP’s so have nice afternoon.

Dinosaur and EE with the kids and we were done too. I don’t recall ever having sweated as much as I did that day. DD had driven over to AK, so we headed to the car and back to the villa.

Back at BW, everyone was settled in for afternoon naps, I, being at WDW and unable to sleep donned my bathing suit and headed down to the clown (the pool at BW has a water slide in which you enter the water through a clown’s mouth). I hung out in the water, reflecting on what a wonderful time we were having and it occurred to me that for all the money I’d spent to join DVC and the annual dues I pay every year, I’d never come out of the clown’s mouth.

Now had DW, DD or DS been there, I would have been forbidden from using the waterslide. I am, after all, 50 years old, and water slides are for kids. But since they had chosen to rest in the room, they had no say in whether or not I made a fool of myself. Up the stairs I went to the top of the slide. Some five year old kid tried to get by me to the top, but I was able to cut him off and hold my spot in line. Don’t mess with me kid.

I waited for the lifeguard to give the all clear, and down I went (I must admit, I wonder what he thought). I gotta tell you, this slide is pretty intense. After hitting the water, I made sure I had everything I started with and returned to my quiet corner of the pool, content in the knowledge that I had put my DVC membership to full use.

After a time, I headed back to the room and was informed that the inlaws wouldn’t be visiting any parks that evening. We grabbed dinner at Big River Grill, and the in laws settled in for the evening. It was EMH at MGM and DD was working, so DS, DW and I headed there.

As a DVC member, one of the things I learned is that the knowledge that I’ll be back to the world makes me less intense in my desire to do everything. As we arrived at MGM, we headed directly to tower. DD was working the front and took us through back and directly onto the ride. (Anyone out there who gave me a dirty look, you know you are just jealous) Again, there was someone sitting next to my wife who hadn’t ridden before. Now she could experience the glazed eyes. Four drops later and we had the adrenaline rush going.

DS doesn’t do this ride. He hates not knowing the number of drops. That’s the part I enjoy the most.

From there it was off to Star Tours. I remember when this was theeeee ride. Now, it’s just fun. They don’t even do the pre show, it’s just onto the ride, fasten the seatbelts and go save the universe. But I love it and so does DS.

He was in a much better mood now that he had a job to go home to, and we began to reminisce about all the trips we’ve take to WDW. The midnight swimming at Dixie Landings when it was still Dixie Landings. The time he rode along with me while I golfed. We saw a real live armadillo on the course, and letting him drive the cart was the highlight of the week (he was 12). Our family has so many fond memories of our vacations here.

We didn’t have much else that we wanted to do, so we walked through One Man’s Dream. We didn’t do the movie, but I enjoy the history of Walt Disney’s life and the highs and lows of the development of his work. The models of the different rides and exhibits are cool too.

Back to the villa, and get ready for MGM in the morning. Our second last full day. The time sure does fly.

 

[Disney_Mama]

Sounds like a nice trip. Can't wait to read the rest.

 

[pumba]

Thanks so much for your report. It is great. I was laughing outloud and the kiddos wanted to know what was funny.....it was the going down the slide from the clowns mouth ......we are 50ish too and loved the slide at the Dolphin and French Quarter...thanks again for your report

 

[kaceyisme]

Loved reading your report! I was also laughing at your "sliding"

 

[disney junky]

Morning dawned on day four of our adventure. Each morning I would get up and start the coffee, go out on the balcony and see what was taking place on the lake. Usually there were fishing excursions, and I watched as people tried their hands at catching and releasing bass. Part of me imagined scuba divers below the surface of the water placing fish on the lines of the fishermen. This is Disney, and don’t they think of everything?

After the usual morning routine, we headed to the boat for MGM. I must say the weather held out for us. There were storms in the area each afternoon, but we never got caught in any downpours. It was hot, however.

On the way, we discovered that none of us had remembered our cell phones, so any attempt to contact us was out of the question. This put DS at a disadvantage, but then he could get up with the rest of the family (can I get an amen from the congregation). Actually the night before, my phone has slipped from my pocket on Star Tours and I had to go back on the ride to find it. Fortunately, it was still on the ride. So I figured why risk it twice. Who needs to talk to me anyway?

While the rest of the throngs headed down Sunset Blvd, we headed in the opposite direction and grabbed four FP’s for the new stunt show. Then it was over to back lot tour for the back lot tour. They need to do something more for this ride. I miss Bette Midler, the plastic Dalmations, the kids on the Honey I Shrunk the Kids bee, the street with the recognizable homes, and the working studios. Now it’s just the harbor scene, the earthquake, some really ratty looking props from old movies and the back end of the new stunt show. Oh well…I’ve seen better days myself. The in laws didn’t seem to mind and we’d given up explaining how it used to be, at least for now.

After the tour, we headed over to use our FP’s at the Lights, Motor, Action Stunt show. I never used FP’s here before so I was wondering what advantage there was. We got our pick of seats and then sat for an additional 20 minutes. I know all the answers to the quiz and amazed people around me with my knowledge of chase scene movies.

During one of the first runs, the cars touched. That was cool. In fact, it seemed a lot like driving down 95. My enjoyment of the show seems to correlate directly with how hot I am. If I’m really hot, I don’t enjoy it too much. In June, it was really good. This time…too hot. Finally the finale and we’re headed out.

We had only made one ADR for the week and were playing meals by ear, so we rounded the corner and found Mama Melrose. The in laws love sit down restaurants, so I figured I’d give it a shot. NO WAIT. In fact, it was almost empty. We had the most delightful meal. Ken, our waiter, was perfectly gracious, explained that everything was prepared to order and that if we wanted, we could order anything from either the lunch or dinner menu. We did lunch, with desert, and then I discovered that I get the DVC discount….I love it here.

After our relaxing meal, we headed over to catch the Muppets. Someone moved the key from under the mat. I looked pretty foolish. This show doesn’t get old for me either, though I didn’t get squirted in the face. Hey Disney. Fix the 12th seat from the left in row seven. Make ‘em wet.

The whispering started, so it was off to the boat and back to the villa. I arrived to the scolding from my son. “I walked around MGM for two hours and couldn’t find you guys. Why didn’t you have your cell phones?” Role reversals are great! MIL and FIL (and DW) took their afternoon siestas. Illuminations was the evening activity.

After the naps, we made some hot dogs and I got take out Macho Nachos from ESPN club for all to share. We hung around the boardwalk a bit and then headed to EPCOT to stake our claim for Illuminations viewing.

We got lucky. In front of France there is a place to view that is often roped off for special activities. Not tonight. We got there about 40 minutes early and just relaxed and waited. Illuminations is also spectacular. Both MIL and FIL agreed this was their favorite nighttime show. DS had come along, and it happened to be evening EMH, so he and I parted with the rest of the family to enjoy some of the rides we were omitting for the folks.

First we hit TT. The FP’s from the previous day still worked like a charm, though we did get held up right before the barrier test. The ride was delayed for about 15 minutes so we got to know this really nice family from Ft. Myers. Even though the ride isn’t operating, you can’t unfasten the seatbelt. Their little girl had to go potty. Tough combination, but we got through it.

From there it was off to Mission Space. Now they hand you a card so you get to read how sick you are going to get riding this ride. I’ve done it once before. DS is a veteran. I almost chickened out, but at the last minute shamed myself into going on. We shared our space craft with two new riders (there is a pattern here) and at first they were yukking it up pretty good. About 30 seconds into the takeoff, they got real quiet. DS is sitting there playing with his buttons, my buttons, and any buttons he could find. I was just enjoying not feeling sick, but really hoping I wouldn’t be hearing any noise from my right. This is a great ride.

After that we did Spaceship Earth again. I don’t think we heard any of the dialogue, we just talked through it. I pointed out the hidden Mickey’s that I know of and we just enjoyed each other’s company. His job situation had created some stress for the family over the last couple months, not just for us but for him as well. That stress had disappeared, and we were just sharing some wonderful quality time. I love my kids.

We didn’t really feel like any other rides. EPCOT wasn’t that full, so walking around the lake was just really nice. DD called to ask DS to meet her at ESPN club with some friends, so we headed out and he left me for some fries.

My kids are really close. They went to the same college so when DD got in the college program, it meant that they wouldn’t be able to share his last semester together. I was happy that they were able to share some time here.

Off to beddy bye. Tomorrow was MK and our last day in the parks. Just for fun, I decided to set a wake up call for 7. The phone was on DW’s side of the bed, so I figured this would be a great surprise.

 

[heaven2dc]

Still can't quit chuckling at what you said about the clown slide btw 50 is NOT old - I'm hoping to go down it if I ever get back to BWV and I'm almost 50...ok I'm 50...well over 50 but I'm still young

(we had a boardwalk view 2bedroom reserved for next month but can't get in touch with the dvc owner. Was so looking forward to sitting on the balcony b4 everyone was up sipping coffee watching scenery...plus would have been a great place to stake out male Disney junkies who might be single ...ok it was a thought).

Glad your inlaws are enjoying their trip - afternoon naps sound just what they needed too. Please post more!

 

[Ji||s]

Loving your trip report, very well written. It sounds like you had a blast and some good family time. Like everyone else I am still giggling at you being Zzub'd by the clown.

 

[disney junky]

We saved the last full day for MK. DS was up and ready to go, as was DW, FIL and MIL. I made an executive decision the night before and that was to drive to the park. In all our trips to WDW, I had only driven for a dinner reservation, but the bus situation had warranted this, and watching my daughter tool around for a few days gave me the confidence to try myself.

So we piled in the van and headed to the original, the Magic Kingdom.

After entering, we headed straight to POTC after picking up FP’s for Jungle Cruise. The line for Pirates was pretty long, but the additions have made it worth the wait. MIL and FIL aren’t pirate people so they weren’t as excited as I was. The new entry with the fog is great. I do believe MIL thought she was going to get wet!

After pirates we walked on to JC. We had a great guide; she had the script perfect, great timing and a wonderful British or Australian accent. This ride’s old but it’s a classic.

From there it was the Country Bears and then Hall of Presidents. Both of these look much better than they have in a few years. The Hof P especially looked much cleaner than the last time I saw it. The in-laws loved it. FIL is an ex Marine. Sometimes his eye water during patriotic shows...must be allergies.

DS and I got some quick FP’s and rode BTMR. Splash Mt wasn’t running so that was out. The in laws were being gracious in allowing us to do some of the rides they couldn’t. Gotta luv em.

We grabbed a bite over in Tomorrowland, and then I got the whisper. By now I know we’re headed out. But before we would could leave there was one thing we had to do. Perhaps it was never as pressing as it was this year. The Tomorrowland Transit Authority. Having read all of Zzub’s trip reports, I knew that I had to share Dr. To Morrow with the in laws. I too enjoy this little ride. It’s an escape from the crowds if just for a short time, and this day was as crowded as ever.

Back in the fall, I discovered Zzub’s free dinning post. As I read it, I was moved to tears as he related his experiences, but even more, I was moved to embrace the times that I have left with the people I love. The nest is emptying. I miss those days when I’d come home and the kids were little enough to just throw themselves into my arms. I had the privilege of not only teaching at the school my kids attended, but having them in class as well. I never had to miss an activity unless it was to attend one child’s rather than the other. Our house was constant commotion with coming and going of the kids and their friends. Now, it’s pretty quiet. I see my daughter in her ToT uniform fulfilling a lifelong dream based on the many vacations we shared as a family in WDW. She has said, “It’s your fault that I’m here Dad.” I’ll take all the blame. She is the most wonderful daughter a father could have. My DS makes be proud daily. I know he’s just starting out in this life, but he’ll be great at whatever he does. Secretly, I was glad that he didn’t get a job until after the trip, and what a perfect way to find out you’ve gotten one but while at WDW. When FIL first took ill this fall, I was struck by how fleeting this life is. I tend to be the worrier of the family, the saver, the fretter, while my wife just takes things as they come. I always count the cost, and while that’s good sometimes, other times you just have to let go, and that’s why DW and I are perfect for each other. I have come to realize that we sometimes work and work for some far off dream of retirements, often at the cost of our time today. FIL and MIL did that. At 68, they were both working full time. And in a week in September, that all changed. It sounds cliché, but we really do need to live each day to its fullest. Thanks Zzub for the reminder.

Another aside. You may have noticed that there isn’t much written about time with DD. We were fortunate to get some reasonable air fare over Father’s Day weekend and she was able to get time off, so we did have four wonderful days together in June, and she was at the niece’s beautiful wedding. Usually she dropped by the villa before or after work. The washer dryer doesn’t require coins.

Another digression. Sorry…

We hopped the train in Mickey’s Toon Town and got off at the main gate.

My in laws own a time share so they were interested in the various DVC resorts. Since I don’t mind sharing my experiences, I explained to them how it works. We decided before we headed back to do a bit of exploration of Wilderness Lodge. We hopped on one of the resort boats and made our way to WL If you’ve never visited WL, you really should. Eat there or just visit, but experience the atmosphere. We’ll use our points there one of these trips.

Back to the entrance of MK, jump on the Monorail to TTC.

Out to the van and we’re headed to the BW.

We had ADR at 8:25 for O’hana, but until then there wasn’t much to do. Everyone rested. Except me.

I took a brisk walk to MGM and rode Tower one last time. I had hoped to find DD. She was working, but she was in the control tower, so I didn’t see her. I learned later she saw me on the screen and commented to one of co-cm’s about the guy who looked like her dad. Yep. I do look like me. I checked RnR but a 50 minute wait was more than I could muster so it was a brisk walk back to BW.

We decided to leave early for our ADR and ride the monorail through CR and GF. We got off at the GF and looked around for a few minutes. DS decided that he’d be honeymooning there (he is single and unattached…and by the way, he has a job, 6'2", 190, he'll kill me for that). I suggested that a girlfriend might be a first step towards a honeymoon, but then what do I know. Weddings are certainly planned well before the groom is found….

From there to O’hana. Our table looked out towards Cindy’s castle. I'm convinced that WDW is all about the views. DD told me she watched the July 4th fireworks from the top of Tower. There's a view for you!

If you like to eat, you’ll love O’hana. One of the side effects of FIL’s surgery was nausea. When he tried to eat, he’d gag. The doctors thought it was the meds, but they never did find out what was causing it. This persisted for months and he lost a good bit of weight. Even now there are things that make him nauseous just thinking about. Well, his appetite has returned, I’m glad to say. Between him and DS, they kept the wait staff hopping. DW and MIL got leis (I have used this in the past for a double-entendre but have been told it’s inappropriate so I won’t here) from the entertainer for the evening. One suggestion I would make to Disney that would improve the experience. Douse the bread pudding desert in brandy and light that sucker up. There’s nothing like flaming deserts. That would be cool. I mean bananas foster is lit. So throw a little fire into the mix. Blow that baby up! I do like fire.

It was nearly ten when we left. Since the monorail would be heading towards MK, and people would be leaving the park, we decided to walk to the van. Waddle seems a more appropriate verb…

As we took the tram to the van Wishes exploded in the distance. It had been a great week.

We got home with the knowledge that tomorrow we were leaving. One last night with Spaceship Earth in the window and then a return to reality.

 

[ZZUB]

I really enjoyed reading this and I'm blessed that in some small way something I wrote encouraged you to enjoy the time with your family even more. Honestly, though, based on what you wrote, I don't think you needed my encouragement. When I close my eyes and try to imagine what the next 15 years will be like for me and my wife, I always hope my kids are close with each other (assuming the Lord blesses us with more children) and our kids still enjoy being around us.

Enough of the mushy crap, onto the funny:

But since they had chosen to rest in the room, they had no say in whether or not I made a fool of myself. Up the stairs I went to the top of the slide. Some five year old kid tried to get by me to the top, but I was able to cut him off and hold my spot in line. Don’t mess with me kid.

So it's not just me who pushes kids out of the way on waterslides, huh? Glad to hear that. When you're competing for Olympic Gold, it's war, man!

After hitting the water, I made sure I had everything I started with

Always a good idea, I think.

Where I come from, means good job. Actually, where I come from no one knows what means. But, we assume it's something good.

 

[disney junky]

First, thanks for all your kind responses. I just appreciate the fact that people take the time to read this. The rest will be short.

Morning arrived a little too quickly. I wish I could say we made one last loop around the parks, but instead we had the mundane task of packing our bags, emptying the fridge, loading the dishwasher and heading out. I’ve gotten over the sadness of leaving. DVC will do that. I pay the bill and the points keep coming.

One of the pleasures of driving is that we talk about all the things that we did and enjoyed. The highlights for MIL and FIL were the Lion King and Illuminations.

Early Sunday, DW, DS and I finished the last leg of the journey home. I think FIL’s allergies were acting up again as he and MIL thanked us for such a wonderful time.

Arriving home, I did a quick check of my points so I could start planning for 2008. Next year is our 25th anniversary, and though WDW would be a great destination, we’ve decided to do Hawaii.

Monday morning I called FIL to let him know we’d gotten home okay. He told me that he and MIL spoke and decided that this was just about the best vacation they ever had. Then my allergies started acting up. When you are able to share something that means so much to you with people you love, and they appreciate it and get it, it’s just priceless.

Thanks for reading.

 

[soldiersmom]

Disney Junky, I so enjoyed your family's trip! It's a comfort to know others suffer from the same "allergies" I have in the World.

 

[smschex]

Okay now my allergies are acting up! Somebody pass the Kleenex.

Thanks for a great report. I've got to go hug my kids.

 

[Disney owl]

Great reports thanks

 

[subtchr]

Those allergies must be contagious!

Hopefully people with young kids can read your TR and mine and have hope that not all teens and young adults are cynical and sullen. We went through so many of the same feelings you did on our trip this summer. Thanks for taking the time to share!