Welcome, Foolish Muggles! IoA/US/MK/SW *July 2013 Trip Report Link*

[natebenma]

I was going to include an installment about lunch, but I need to start getting ready for my day.

I will be in a place where there are no cell phones and no technology for several hours. The 1700’s! Ben has Colonial Day at school- he dresses in Colonial gear, samples Colonial snacks and plays Colonial games.

Unfortunately, I won’t be there to help

Ironically, I am working at a Colonial Days celebration at another school, teaching students to write with Quill pens.

Haveth a great day, everyone!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Well, the saving? grace- the first day is not a scheduled park day, anyway. The school has planned for pool time and a pizza party.

I won't hit them too hard with my arsenal of tips and strategies- it may overwhelm mere Disney visitors- but I feel like I can share with the people here, because you can all handle the instructions.

Yep share away not only can we handle it we (well me anyway) absolutely relish it! All of it! We insist on knowing every last tip you've ever come across in your own lifetime (less fussed on accepting those tips gained in previous lives as things change from time to time lol)!

Hope both ye and Ben haveth wonderfuleth days

 

[ddluvsdisney]

I think all I can say is WOW!!!
It just looks like such a fantastic place. I wanna go tomorrow!
I really like the tube slide that goes through where the sharks are are- very cool!
Thanks for sharing all the helpful info. Now if we ever get there, I'll be so informed.

 

[jenseib]

WE have a metro park in the area that used to be an estate too. The house is stil lthere...and I just love it. I always imagine what it would've been liked to have that whole place as my yard!

you have some stunning pictures. The camera is pretty darn good.
I'm with you on the water slides...tubes I'll do every so often....but I just hate the body slides. I always have the bottoms tucked up in no mans land and then the tip part of my gets free for all the world to see. Then I trip getting off and skin my knee.

 

[natebenma]

Yep share away not only can we handle it we (well me anyway) absolutely relish it! All of it! We insist on knowing every last tip you've ever come across in your own lifetime (less fussed on accepting those tips gained in previous lives as things change from time to time lol)!

Hope both ye and Ben haveth wonderfuleth days

Although I was disappointed at missing Ben's Colonial Day, the school I was at was probably the best one I have worked at in the 4 years I have been doing this!

They had some incredible presenters: a Cooper who was making barrels, a Colonial surgeon with authentic tools, a trapper with a campfire going and lots of goodies for the kids to explore and CANNONS firing. The staff made us an awesome lunch- sandwiches, salads, drinks, desserts and the kids were really well behaved and respectful.

Here's a couple of pictures a Ben and me before we each left for our days.

 

[natebenma]

I think all I can say is WOW!!!
It just looks like such a fantastic place. I wanna go tomorrow!
I really like the tube slide that goes through where the sharks are are- very cool!
Thanks for sharing all the helpful info. Now if we ever get there, I'll be so informed.

We obviously enjoy it as we have visited twice!

Atlantis is incredible. I was a little worried that we would be bored doing the same thing every day, but we weren't. We just had such a fun time!

WE have a metro park in the area that used to be an estate too. The house is stil lthere...and I just love it. I always imagine what it would've been liked to have that whole place as my yard!

you have some stunning pictures. The camera is pretty darn good.
I'm with you on the water slides...tubes I'll do every so often....but I just hate the body slides. I always have the bottoms tucked up in no mans land and then the tip part of my gets free for all the world to see. Then I trip getting off and skin my knee.

It is pretty incredible thinking about what it would have been like to live in a house/estate that people would later visit for recreation!

I work at a farmhouse that was built in 1690 with a huge barn built in 1775. Originally 440 acres of farmland, we still have over 200 acres. Fascinating people have lived there through the years- farmers, pirates (well, legalized Privateers), sea captains, farmers, immigrants.

Thanks for the kind comments about the camera. So far so good with the Lumix. Some of the pictures are also from my Olympus, too. I am a big convert to the underwater cameras. I love having one camera that goes everywhere with me. The only problem is they can die at a moment's notice if there is a water breach.

I'm looking forward to putting the Lumix through the paces at Disney in a couple of weeks!

 

[MEK]

More beautiful pictures of the water park. That place really does look fabulous. Really considering that as a destination when I finally take that cruise.

Love the colonial garb. I was just in Williamsburg, VA (actually twice) last month and I'm really into all that history stuff even though I can't remember half of it.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Although I was disappointed at missing Ben's Colonial Day, the school I was at was probably the best one I have worked at in the 4 years I have been doing this!

They had some incredible presenters: a Cooper who was making barrels, a Colonial surgeon with authentic tools, a trapper with a campfire going and lots of goodies for the kids to explore and CANNONS firing. The staff made us an awesome lunch- sandwiches, salads, drinks, desserts and the kids were really well behaved and respectful.

Here's a couple of pictures a Ben and me before we each left for our days.

Love these photos though my youngest son (5yr old)said he hopes Ben isn't going to shoot Mickey Mouse because then there'd be no more clubhouse tv shows

 

[natebenma]

More beautiful pictures of the water park. That place really does look fabulous. Really considering that as a destination when I finally take that cruise.

Love the colonial garb. I was just in Williamsburg, VA (actually twice) last month and I'm really into all that history stuff even though I can't remember half of it.

If you like the waterpark, just wait until we get to the aquarium part!!!

I am not a natural lover of history, but my job as a teacher for a historical organization has certainly given me a new appreciation for the subject. Ben is quite a history buff. His favorite subject is war eras, but he enjoys learning about other time periods as well.

I haven't been to Williamsburg, but I think my family would like it. At least Ben and I would appreciate it. I could talk "shop", literally, with the shopkeepers!

What is the big amusement park near by- is it Busch Gardens?

Love these photos though my youngest son (5yr old)said he hopes Ben isn't going to shoot Mickey Mouse because then there'd be no more clubhouse tv shows

Please tell your 5 year old that Mickey is safe!!!

Although parents of boys who visit Disney may notice that that is indeed a Disney rifle that Ben is sporting! This has been the souvenir of choice for our past couple of trips.

 

[JanetMom]

If you like the waterpark, just wait until we get to the aquarium part!!!

I'm looking forward to the aquarium report!

 

[HockeyMomR]

Dee - I am catching up again. Enjoying your waterpark pics. Oh and if my kids were little, that kiddie waterpark looks like an excellent time.

My favorite pics though, the ones of you and Ben dressed for Colonial Day - love it!!!

 

[Leslie63]

Dee, I hardly ever post on here, I'm mainly a lurker, reading everyone's TR's! However, I just HAD to post what a weirdly small world it truly is...
I recently accompanied my husband on a big company business trip to...wait for it...Atlantis! Imagine my surprise when on our last day there, I look up during breakfast and see YOU, walking speedily through the outside dining area! I couldn't believe my eyes! I thought, "I know that lady", but of course, I don't really, I just feel like I do since I've "gone on vacation" with you and your family! I actually got up from my table and tried to catch you to say hi, but quickly gave up, 1: because I didn't want you to think I was some weirdo, and 2: because you were moving really fast! So now I'm taking a moment to say HI, and thanks for sharing your TR with all of us. And, don't be afraid if some stranger says HI, because they think they know you!

Leslie

 

[natebenma]

Dee, I hardly ever post on here, I'm mainly a lurker, reading everyone's TR's! However, I just HAD to post what a weirdly small world it truly is...
I recently accompanied my husband on a big company business trip to...wait for it...Atlantis! Imagine my surprise when on our last day there, I look up during breakfast and see YOU, walking speedily through the outside dining area! I couldn't believe my eyes! I thought, "I know that lady", but of course, I don't really, I just feel like I do since I've "gone on vacation" with you and your family! I actually got up from my table and tried to catch you to say hi, but quickly gave up, 1: because I didn't want you to think I was some weirdo, and 2: because you were moving really fast! So now I'm taking a moment to say HI, and thanks for sharing your TR with all of us. And, don't be afraid if some stranger says HI, because they think they know you!

Leslie

NO WAY!!!

OMG- my family would have freaked!!! They are always saying that we can't go anywhere and not have someone who knows me.

There were a couple of big conventions going on while we were there and we did walk through the breakfast areas a couple of times on our way to the water park.

And the "fast walking" definitely sounds like my MO.

I hope you got a chance to enjoy all of features of Atlantis.

Wasn't it just a spectacular week there??? The weather was amazing! I have the Bahamas weather icon on my computer and it looks like it has been raining pretty much since we returned.

Thank you so much for sharing our close enounter!

Dee

 

[natebenma]

I'm looking forward to the aquarium report!

I'm looking forward to having a few minutes to write it!!! Working most of this week, for a change.

Dee - I am catching up again. Enjoying your waterpark pics. Oh and if my kids were little, that kiddie waterpark looks like an excellent time.

My favorite pics though, the ones of you and Ben dressed for Colonial Day - love it!!!

Thank you so much. It was not easy to get the picture of the two of us. Ben offended his brother over something, Nate would not take the photo until he apologized...

So 10 mintues later, we were able to broker a deal.

I was sad that I didn't get to help out at Ben's school, but I was really blown away by how great the event was at the school where I worked that day.

 

[pixarmom]

Hi Dee! All caught up and enjoying it, as usual! Again, I appreciate all the helpful information. So far, I've learned that: 1) my concerns regarding the cost for a family of five are valid; and 2) there are many slides the boys would "dare" me to try and I would be a miserable failure!

Not to involve you all in a family debate, but… is my camera one of the electronics that must be shut off upon takeoff and landing? I’m skeptical that a couple of clicks from my Lumix could interfere with the operation of the airplane, but what do you guys think?

Involve me, because I have my own family debate regarding this very topic. I stand firm in my belief that the camera does NOT count unless and until an FAA agent on the boards tells me otherwise.

The Abyss is a steep body slide. You enter into a crypt like structure. The first park of the slide goes through the dark. There is a brief opening, I think it gets dark again, you go through a waterfall and end up in a cavern with tanks of catfish and alligator gar.

Nate was behind me as I attempted this for the first time. What little respect my son had for me disappeared as it took me Too.Much.Time. to get started as I inched down waiting for gravity to take over. Finally, I started the plummet. I swallowed some water along the way and came up choking.

“Mom, you are really bad at the Abyss!”

What???? This is crazy scary. I didn't know that you could get a performance rating on a waterslide - love Nate's comment! I would not only be bad at it - I would be a non-participant. You win lots of points for bravery.

But, when push came to shove, I returned to my senses! I just don’t like body slides. I don’t enjoy the water in my face, or gulping in water as I scream. I don’t understand waiting in line for 15 or more minutes for the privilege of receiving a wedgie. You can’t even see the sharks because you are either going too fast and/or your eyes are closed.

I wimped out.

Good call! And don't worry about the loss of bravery points - you earned lots of sanity points here!

 

[natebenma]

Hi Dee! All caught up and enjoying it, as usual! Again, I appreciate all the helpful information. So far, I've learned that: 1) my concerns regarding the cost for a family of five are valid; and 2) there are many slides the boys would "dare" me to try and I would be a miserable failure!



Involve me, because I have my own family debate regarding this very topic. I stand firm in my belief that the camera does NOT count unless and until an FAA agent on the boards tells me otherwise.



What???? This is crazy scary. I didn't know that you could get a performance rating on a waterslide - love Nate's comment! I would not only be bad at it - I would be a non-participant. You win lots of points for bravery.



Good call! And don't worry about the loss of bravery points - you earned lots of sanity points here!

Good to see you here again!

You think it's expensive so far- my next post is about dining on Paradise Island...

I'm glad to have someone in my corner on the camera in the sky debate.

Nate's comment about the Abyss was pretty funny. And very true.

 

[MHTeacher]

That is one of the biggest pools I've ever seen. Or either it just looks that way because there aren't many people in it.

Cute pic! Hope you had a fun colonial day!

 

[Leslie63]

NO WAY!!!

OMG- my family would have freaked!!! They are always saying that we can't go anywhere and not have someone who knows me.

There were a couple of big conventions going on while we were there and we did walk through the breakfast areas a couple of times on our way to the water park.

And the "fast walking" definitely sounds like my MO.

I hope you got a chance to enjoy all of features of Atlantis.

Wasn't it just a spectacular week there??? The weather was amazing! I have the Bahamas weather icon on my computer and it looks like it has been raining pretty much since we returned.

Thank you so much for sharing our close enounter!

Dee

Atlantis is an amazing resort! We thoroughly enjoyed our time there. I avoided the water slides since I prefer not to have an atomic water wedgie! We did however, love the beaches and the so-called lazy river, that wasn't so lazy! It was much more lively than I thought. But, very enjoyable!

BTW, my husband's company is headquartered in your neck of the world...EMC, maybe you know it. And we used to live just west of 495, along route 9.

I just noticed that we will also be in Disney World at the same time! Maybe we're destined to meet. I'll keep my eyes open in hopes of running into you along the way! Have a wonderful trip! And again, thanks for sharing your wonderful TR!

 

[natebenma]

That is one of the biggest pools I've ever seen. Or either it just looks that way because there aren't many people in it.

Cute pic! Hope you had a fun colonial day!

The pool was pretty big. There were actually several very large pools throughout the property. None of them were very crowded- there is just so much else to do.

Yes, our Colonial Days were really nice.

Atlantis is an amazing resort! We thoroughly enjoyed our time there. I avoided the water slides since I prefer not to have an atomic water wedgie! We did however, love the beaches and the so-called lazy river, that wasn't so lazy! It was much more lively than I thought. But, very enjoyable!

BTW, my husband's company is headquartered in your neck of the world...EMC, maybe you know it. And we used to live just west of 495, along route 9.

I just noticed that we will also be in Disney World at the same time! Maybe we're destined to meet. I'll keep my eyes open in hopes of running into you along the way! Have a wonderful trip! And again, thanks for sharing your wonderful TR!

That looked like quite a convention down there!

I found more pictures from our trip (from Ben's camera, which I had to use a couple of times when my batteries ran out of charge)-

We actually looked out on the Atlantis Convention Center from our room- this is how close we were. One night we saw a party.

I loved the decorations at the pool that was part of one of the conventions parties.

***********************************************************

OK, that's really freaky that you will be at Disney at the same time. We will be at the parks Tues, Wed and Thursday. Not sure which parks which days. I'll be with a pack of teen boys who tower over me!

Although you may be a little scared that our group of 140 teens will be there during your trip, we have been told that our group is always complimented on their behaviour by the pilots, flight attendants, CMs at the Disney resort where we stay and by the teachers in the Y.E.S program we attend. Hopefully this bunch of kids is not the exception!

 

[DrMomof3]

I'm just getting caught up.
Looks like you had a lovely Mother's Day!
I'm not sure if I'd do the steep body slide or not. I'm not an expert on water parks and would have forgotten the wedgie issue. Atlantis really looks like a fun place. One of the nurses at work just got back and said that 4 days was really enough. At least the Bahamas is a relatively short flight from NY if we ever decide to go.

Amanda