What exactly DID you do at Disney? May 2011 TR (TR link pg 44)

[lbuzz52]

I have to say, you are being a much better trooper than I would have been. It seems that you are the one who is always having to give. I would have had a few tantrums by now. Very unselfish on your part
Maya takes the same useless body part pictures. I have t least a million pictures of my feet.

 

[basketkat]

I love your shirt!!! Super cute!!!

Chef Mickey's is so fun...I know some people aren't fans...but we are!

 

[ksl5f123]

I am so sorry that you missed MSEP and Wishes. The park must have been crazy crowded. I can't imagine getting a spot 2 hours ahead. We only waited 1 hour during spring break!

We never seem to have our cell phones with us either when we really need them - although that is usually my fault. I am glad you could see Caitlin and catch up. Being left behind would have been really annoying!

I understand getting "that" feeling walking into AKL. It does it to me too.

 

[basketkat]

I love your shirt!!! Super cute!!!

Chef Mickey's is so fun...I know some people aren't fans...but we are!

 

[TinksThree]

Chapter Links

Arrival Day

Our new favorite resort- drumroll please...

Link to my resort review

We finally arrive in Disney!

4am!

Pixar Weekend

This is SO boring!. Another boring night

Yay! It's our MK day

Mk

More Mk

Photopass pics

So far, so good- Could it last?

Chef Mickey, AKL check in

Hey Girl! Since I fell so far behind I was excited to see you had a link to each update!!

I swear our DHs must be related! I kept thinking how "sorry" I felt for you! I definitely felt your pain!!

I was surprised by your favorite resort. Since you were staying at the BC I figured that would be it...since it seems everyone raves about that resort!

Good for you hanging around Epcot and enjoying some "you" time! I found that caramel store simply amazing!!!

CP/Chef Mickey's: I can't believe he ate a hot dog knowing you were about to go eat a big dinner!! Even at buffets we rarely get more than one plate, maybe return for something we really liked but usually one plate is enough for me! Of course that one plate may be packed!! We skipped Chef Mickey's this trip and I felt we missed it a little. However, we liked dinner there better than breakfast.

And the picture taking...totally felt your pain there! So much eye rolling and I had to run to catch up more than once!

Okay, I will leave it there but can't wait to hear if the upcoming days improve any!!

 

[bouncycat]

I get the eye rolling and the "hurry up and take the picture" look from my guys quite a bit. I still take my camera with us any time we go over there, even for a short couple of hours. Never know when you're gonna need it. I learned that the hard way!!! But, in about 20 years, your DH and the little one will be happy that they have those memories!! I hate to have my picture taken, but I do try to make the best of it. I don't think I'm very photogenic, plus that gaudy wheelchair makes me self conscience enough!

 

[PirateKate]

I'd gotten really far behind, but I'm all caught up now. MK day sounds kind of frustrating. I hate it when nothing goes how you want it to.

So far, it looks like you're off to a wonderful day now- a nice meal at Chef Mickey's and checking in at AKL. I can't wait to hear all about IOA.

 

[Moira222]

I apologize now...I'm so far behind! I did quotes and will try to kill off the things I"m not commenting on so it doesn't take up a whole page!!

Yay! It’s finally our Magic Kingdom day. I LOVE Magic Kingdom. I would say that it is my favorite park. I am sure Epcot would come close but I have never really had the time to really explore Epcot.

I think that I was very fair on the other days about going with the flow and doing what the others wanted. Not today. Today was my day. We were staying at MK and we were going to rides some rides, darn it!!

Was Monday not the most beautiful day of the whole week? I just thought the weather was perfect - cool in the morning, warm in the afternoon, clear blue skies.

And you know my thoughts on the "MY DAY"....you own it!!

I thought Roaring Fork was okay since we never really used it for anything other than a snack between meals, but it did look very busy during meal times. I really wish they could have a deluxe resort with more of a value/moderate type food court.

I've seen the photos of the value food courts, and they are impressive! I do wish there were "middle of the road" type options at a deluxe. The food was pretty good at RF.

I was so excited to take the boat to MK. You always hear people who stay at WL talk about how they love taking the boat to MK and how convient it is.

I LOVE the boats!

I am pretty sure I took this picture while walking. The one good thing about the Sony camera I bought is that it had an anti blur function. It actually took some good shots while I was walking, which was nice since no one ever wanted to stop.

I think I took most of my photos while walking. SO glad for the anti blur!!!

She doesn’t understand why Rapunzel can’t be there. She loves Tangled but didn’t like the way the Rapunzel meet and greet was set up.

we never saw Rapunzel ---where was she??

http://i764.p If we ever have another little girl we will go to Akerhus instead unless she really wants to BBB and CRT, then I think I would book the 8am breakfast or first dinner slot.[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR][/QUOTE]

We did CRT for dinner one time and were very disappointed. In my book Akershus is always the way to go (IMHO)

[quote="pinkxray, post: 41376257"][COLOR="Blue"][SIZE="3"][FONT="Franklin Gothic Medium"]
An empty beach
[IMG]http://i764.photobucket.com/albums/xx290/pinkxray/Disney%202011/DisneyMay2011onSony197.jpg

An empty pool being enjoyed by some ducks

you were up WAAAYY to early

Our one character encounter on Pixar Weekend.

Great Pixar PHotos - we only saw the Pixar characters in the big Pixar building, not in the parks. never did make it to the character spots in FutureWorld.

Caitlin actually seemed to enjoy it. She was scared to ride it and once she was on she realized it wasn’t scary. We all liked the new hitchhiking ghost at the end.

Katie is still commenting on the hitchhiker we brought home with us

We headed towards Frontier land. We the walkway on the side that looks like a bridge and there was a family ahead of use. They had a giant stroller, tons of bags and balloons. They were walking very slowly and taking up the whole path. I kept my distance and walked along at the slow pace. Once on the path there isn’t a way to get back to the main walkway. There was another couple behind us and they pushed their way past the family. I heard the women comment about how rude the couple was. I guess taking up the entire walkway and walking at a snail’s pace isn’t rude?

if it weren't for the fact that I know we were in AK that "rude couple" would have been us, because Joe is not capable of walking at a comfortable pace yet alone a slow one!

Really? Well, I know how much you love waiting in line so I grabbed a fast pass for the ride with a 5 minute wait and figured we could ride it after waiting in stand by for the ride with an hour wait. Seriously, what does he think I do on these boards all day?

Anyway… There was a very short wait for Big Thunder Mountain and we got on quickly. Caitlin really liked this ride.

We did BTMRR three times!

We completely missed the Confectionery on main st -- was it near CP but on Main St?

He started to mention that he was hungry. What could he eat for a snack?

“Well, we have CP in about 45 minutes so just grab a snack. “

“I don’t really want a snack.”

“If you get anything bigger than a snack you won’t eat anything at CP and you will rush me out while I am trying to eat as much as possible.
“
“Please, one little burger or hot dog won’t ruin my meal. Just go on your ride.”

Oh I know you wanted to tell him to suck it up and wait!!! Too bad you can't tell DH to do as you can for DD !

I love CP and would go back for dinner sometime, but only if traveling with someone who actually eats at a buffet. DH doesn’t like buffets. He doesn’t understand how people go back over and over again. If you eat 1 plate of food at home for dinner, why would you need more on vacation?

We loved CP - it was our first time there and the food was great! I usually do go up a few times but will fill my first plate with greens and veggies only, then try small samples to see what's good, then get what I really liked the best. but, we don't snack between meals, and as you may see on my TR there are very very few "snack breaks" during the day - we are basically 3 meals and maybe a fruit in between somewhere.

He won $500Since my birthday is coming up he is going to split it with me

WOOHOOOO

I walked through the doors and that was it. I was in love.

That's a great feeling! and nice that you could have that bit of time to yourself to experience it.

I don’t get the Mickey Statue at all. I’ve seen people get nice pictures but I just wouldn’t pay that much for a picture with a statue.

really what's up with that??


Your breakfast looks better than our dinner was there but we all agreed that it was not a "return to" place. aside from the bread pudding, the best thing I ate was the tomato bisque soup and a salad I fixed for myself!

I am hoping not to get so far behind again - I am chuckling in utter sympathy with you as you half run to keep up with your DH going through the parks. been there, done that!!!

 

[pinkxray]

I am all caught up again. I did not have much DIStime this week and I fell how many pages behind??????

Sorry to hear about your MK day. I hope you did make it back and had time to do all you had planned!

I love all your photos! Great shots and as I have said before, your daughter is a doll!

I have no idea how you manage to keep up with your own reports, so I am amazed you even find the time to pop over here.

The beginning of the day was pretty good, we probably shouldn't have pushed our luck and just stayed at the resort that night.

Like the updates!! I hate how crowded MK gets for an old parade and wishes. Wishes I can understand!! I dunno. Sorry that night didn't go so well. I am eager to see how you liked WWHP...can't wait for that update!!! CM looked like fun, they have the Mickey Waffles!!! I LOVE me some Mickey waffles!!!! I think they're spiked with crack along with the popcorn!! HAHAHA

I loved Mickey Waffles this trip. I didn't really like them last year, but they seemed so much better this time. I have been seeing Roaring Forks mentioned on the dining board and they have all kinds of yummy varities. I am kicking myself for not trying them. I guess a visit to WL will be in order next time.

We did get to see the parade pass as we walked out. I would have liked to see it but there is no way I would sit for anything over maybe an hour. I'll just watch it on youtube.

I did the Chef Mickeys breakfast once (even before I met my husband) and I am trying to avoid it as much as I can. The reviews seem to be consistently on the negative side so...

I am glad you had a great start of the day and I LOVE your alien t-shirt!

Q

I always see bad reviews, but it is still one of those places you feel the need to try for yourself. Plenty of people seem to like it though. I just wish the Tuskerhouse staff/cooks could give them a bit of training.

When we went to the Christmas party, I think I found our parade spot about 30 minutes before the parade started (in Fronteirland, so it wasn't crowded at all) and I thought that was SO boring...I can't imagine waiting for 2 hours!

Ugh, I tried that cream cheese pretzel too and I wasn't impressed. I feel like it would have been better with some salt on it.

I really want to stay at AKL now! I know if I switch from WL I'll regret it though. Some other time, I guess.

I don't really like Chef Mickey's, it's too loud and the food is not that great. The characters are fun, though, and you got some nice pictures!

I thought the pretzel needed salt too. I was about to go get another regular pretzel and smush some of that salt on there. I think it might have been good then.

I didn't get the wait for the parade. I have never seen it mentioned that you need to get there that early. I doubt I'll ever see a parade if that's the case.

CM is fun and Caitlin seemed to like it. She doesn't actually eat though so good for is never a factor for her.

Nice meal at Cm for you! That plate of food looks truly tasty- although, I'm not a big breakfast eater, by any means. Glad he got the sunglasses then, rather than paying $50 for a pair over at IOA.

I hope that your family is totally wowed by AKL, and you get the thrill of seeing their faces light up. Time will tell....

Interesting you should mention having to buy more sunglasses.

I think my family lacks the ability to be truely wowed by anything. I was on the balcony one day and the kids next to me were talking about how amazing AKL was and saying things like "This is the best hotel/ vacation ever!!!" I need to borrow one of those kids next time.

I have to say, you are being a much better trooper than I would have been. It seems that you are the one who is always having to give. I would have had a few tantrums by now. Very unselfish on your part
Maya takes the same useless body part pictures. I have t least a million pictures of my feet.

There were a few times I wanted to have a bit of a temper tantrum, but then I remembered that I promised myself I would just go with the flow. It did seem like I was the one giving up what I wanted to do the most, but what are you going to do?

I love your shirt!!! Super cute!!!

Chef Mickey's is so fun...I know some people aren't fans...but we are!

Thank you.

I like the atmosphere at CM. It is fun and if my kids really wanted to go back I would. The food isn't terrible, it just has plenty of room for improvement. I have a feeling I'll end up back there at some point. It's hard to skip seeing the Fab 5 in one place.

I am so sorry that you missed MSEP and Wishes. The park must have been crazy crowded. I can't imagine getting a spot 2 hours ahead. We only waited 1 hour during spring break!

We never seem to have our cell phones with us either when we really need them - although that is usually my fault. I am glad you could see Caitlin and catch up. Being left behind would have been really annoying!

I understand getting "that" feeling walking into AKL. It does it to me too.

I had no idea MK would be that busy that night. It didn't seem that bad to me during the day.

I was so glad that I could see Caitlin. I still get annoyed when I think of that night. I just don't get what was running through DH's head.

AKL

Hey Girl! Since I fell so far behind I was excited to see you had a link to each update!!

I swear our DHs must be related! I kept thinking how "sorry" I felt for you! I definitely felt your pain!!

I was surprised by your favorite resort. Since you were staying at the BC I figured that would be it...since it seems everyone raves about that resort!

Good for you hanging around Epcot and enjoying some "you" time! I found that caramel store simply amazing!!!

CP/Chef Mickey's: I can't believe he ate a hot dog knowing you were about to go eat a big dinner!! Even at buffets we rarely get more than one plate, maybe return for something we really liked but usually one plate is enough for me! Of course that one plate may be packed!! We skipped Chef Mickey's this trip and I felt we missed it a little. However, we liked dinner there better than breakfast.

And the picture taking...totally felt your pain there! So much eye rolling and I had to run to catch up more than once!

Okay, I will leave it there but can't wait to hear if the upcoming days improve any!!

I am glad I am not the only one. Everyone else seems to have DH's that are taken over by Disney magic. I keep thinking one day DH will finally get it and enjoy Disney , but I think I have finally realized that isn't happening. Oh well.

Seriously who eats a meal before going to a buffet??

I really enjoyed my alone time, but I just don't know if I could do it for a whole solo trip yet. I wanted to stay at Epcot a bit longer, but I also wanted to head back to WL so I could catch Caitlin having fun at the pool.

Cailtin never mentioned the picture taking as long as she had her camera, since she was taking even more than me. The problem was that her camera didn't take great pictures so she got annoyed. Next time I need to get her a decent point and shoot.

 

[pinkxray]

I get the eye rolling and the "hurry up and take the picture" look from my guys quite a bit. I still take my camera with us any time we go over there, even for a short couple of hours. Never know when you're gonna need it. I learned that the hard way!!! But, in about 20 years, your DH and the little one will be happy that they have those memories!! I hate to have my picture taken, but I do try to make the best of it. I don't think I'm very photogenic, plus that gaudy wheelchair makes me self conscience enough!

I kept telling DH he would appreciate the pictures once Caitlin was older. We'll see. I don't think I have ever seen him flip tough any of our 4 Disney photo albums yet.

I think you look great in your pictures

I'd gotten really far behind, but I'm all caught up now. MK day sounds kind of frustrating. I hate it when nothing goes how you want it to.

So far, it looks like you're off to a wonderful day now- a nice meal at Chef Mickey's and checking in at AKL. I can't wait to hear all about IOA.

Our MK day wasn't to bad, the night was a complete waste of time. I wish we had headed over to FW or at least stayed at WL and just watched the movie on the beach. The night probably would have actually been enjoyable.

Tuesday was a much better day. Nothing beats walking into AKL and knowing you are actually there to check in.

I apologize now...I'm so far behind! I did quotes and will try to kill off the things I"m not commenting on so it doesn't take up a whole page!!


Was Monday not the most beautiful day of the whole week? I just thought the weather was perfect - cool in the morning, warm in the afternoon, clear blue skies.

And you know my thoughts on the "MY DAY"....you own it!!


I've seen the photos of the value food courts, and they are impressive! I do wish there were "middle of the road" type options at a deluxe. The food was pretty good at RF.



I LOVE the boats!



I think I took most of my photos while walking. SO glad for the anti blur!!!


we never saw Rapunzel ---where was she??



We did CRT for dinner one time and were very disappointed. In my book Akershus is always the way to go (IMHO)

you were up WAAAYY to early

Great Pixar PHotos - we only saw the Pixar characters in the big Pixar building, not in the parks. never did make it to the character spots in FutureWorld.


Katie is still commenting on the hitchhiker we brought home with us


if it weren't for the fact that I know we were in AK that "rude couple" would have been us, because Joe is not capable of walking at a comfortable pace yet alone a slow one!





We did BTMRR three times!

We completely missed the Confectionery on main st -- was it near CP but on Main St?


Oh I know you wanted to tell him to suck it up and wait!!! Too bad you can't tell DH to do as you can for DD !



We loved CP - it was our first time there and the food was great! I usually do go up a few times but will fill my first plate with greens and veggies only, then try small samples to see what's good, then get what I really liked the best. but, we don't snack between meals, and as you may see on my TR there are very very few "snack breaks" during the day - we are basically 3 meals and maybe a fruit in between somewhere.


WOOHOOOO


That's a great feeling! and nice that you could have that bit of time to yourself to experience it.


really what's up with that??


Your breakfast looks better than our dinner was there but we all agreed that it was not a "return to" place. aside from the bread pudding, the best thing I ate was the tomato bisque soup and a salad I fixed for myself!

I am hoping not to get so far behind again - I am chuckling in utter sympathy with you as you half run to keep up with your DH going through the parks. been there, done that!!!

Monday was a perfect day weather wise. Tuesday and Wed. were pretty nice too. Thursday was the day where the heat and humidity starting kicking in. I think hot weather over the last few days really made my plans go out the window for our weekend. Even I was okay with skipping parks and must do’s to head to the pool. It was way too hot to be standing in any lines.


Do you think you can explain the whole “My day” concept to DH and Caitlin? They don’t seem to get.


I thought the food was pretty good at RF, I just really liked all the options at POR and Pop. I agree that there should be some type of middle ground.


I think I am the only person who wasn’t impressed with the boats. I didn’t mind them when heading back to the resort, but taking them in the morning bothered me. Since DH likes to drive everywhere we will probably stick to that. It just seems easier to me.

Rapunzel had her own meet and great near the castle. It is in the spot where Belle used to have her story time. It was easy to miss unless you knew it was there. You could have just followed the long line though.

I really enjoyed Akersus. Although I keep thinking we are going to do limited TS meals next trip, I would really like to go back here again for breakfast. We didn’t have the best time and I think I need a redo. I might just do a girls only breakfast and have DH meet us later.

Ugh, those people walking at a snail’s pace were awful. It wouldn’t have been so bad if they stuck to one side, but they took up the whole walkway so you couldn’t get around them. I was surprised DH didn’t try to plow through them. He did seem to be getting annoyed, but I guess he figured he wasn’t it a hurry to do anything else.

CP was really good. I can’t wait to go back to breakfast. I’m telling you it is going to be tough to only pick a few TS meals next time. Why did I agree to that again?

I need to catch up on so many TRs. You spend a few days off the Dis and it is tough to catch up. Caitlin finishes school next week which is going to severly interrupt my Dis time.

 

[tinacaplan]

Just saying hello!

 

[All7OfUs]

Another howdy!!

Hmm... the sunglasses comment does NOT bode well.

 

[pinkxray]

Alright, I think I am finally caught up on everyone else’s trip reports. Geez, you take a few days off and it is hard to catch up.



Let’s see…. where were we? That’s right we had just left CM and it was time to head to IOA.

Since we were a bit later than I planned DH spent the extra $5 for preferred parking. Honestly it saved no time at all since you have to still walk over the moving walkways and through City Walk.

We arrived at a little before 9 but since there is a long walk from the parking lot to the actual park and then another long walk to WWOHP we arrived at our destination a bit after 9.

I told DH the plan well in advance. Since I was the only HP fan in the family I would ride Forbidden Journey while he took Caitlin on the Flight of the Hippogriff. We arrived at the Forbidden Journey and I handed him my bags since I didn’t want to worry about having a bag. I pointed out where we would meet and started to head off. “Wait, you’re going to ride that right now?” Didn’t I go over this plan multiple times? Yes, I am going on the most popular ride while there is a 20 minute wait. It will get busier.

DH looked annoyed but I headed off anyway. It took a bit longer than the posted 20 minutes but finally I made it. I have to say the ride was okay. I thought the best part was the inside of the castle. I didn’t feel the need to make it back to WWOHP to ride it again.

After the ride I glanced at the sign and it was now an hour wait. I found DD and DH at our meeting place and went to check the wait for the Flight of the Hippogriff since I wanted to ride it while DH went on FJ. It was now a 60 minute wait for Hippogriff and there was no way I was waiting for a kiddie coaster for 60 minutes. It was still a bit before 10 at this point. Caitlin was grumpy b/c she was hungry. Yep, we just got here after CM and she was hungry. She kept seeing people with Doritos and she wanted some. DH wanted to ride the Dragon Challenge and there was no wait so we headed that way.

I spotted a butter beer cart and thought maybe Caitlin could settle for that. We got a frozen butter beer.

We sat down on a wall outside of Dragons Challenge to enjoy it. Caitlin did not like it and continued to whine that she was hungry. I thought it was okay. I think I had about an inch and then it got tossed in the trash.


DH came back and told me he was going to try FJ. Caitlin and I decided to head to the shops to find something to eat. We checked the candy store and she didn’t want anything. I could tell she was going to be in one of those moods where she wasn’t happy with anything until she got what she wanted. I made us stop in the bathroom b/c I wanted to hear Moaning Myrtle. Caitlin wasn’t impressed, but I thought it was pretty cool. We checked out the food stands but there was nothing Caitlin wanted.

WWOHP

By 10am it was packed in there. I sent DH a text telling him we were going on search of food and headed out of WWOHP.
My overall thoughts of HP?

Busy, Busy, Busy. It was my own fault though. I knew we needed to get there early to be there as early as possible. However I didn’t want to cut CM short. I knew we could go back very early later in the week if we missed anything.

By the time 10am rolled around it was insane. The whole area is amazing but way too small. I know the author wanted to preserve the feeling or whatever but it was way too small for the amount of people who want to see it.
Caitlin was only tall enough for 1 out of 3 attractions. She was not happy there.

The stores were very cute but again crowded. Most of the merchandise is available at the main store as you exit the park so save your shopping for later.

I knew we could come back on Fri. but as we left I made a mental note that we probably wouldn’t return until our next trip when some of the buzz has worn off. Not enough for Caitlin to do and too many people to actually enjoy all the details of the place.

After leaving WWOHP Caitlin and I crossed back into the Lost Continent. There was a little food place there and they had Doritos. Whoo-hoo. I picked up a bag for Caitlin and also purchased a refillable travel cup for the day.
While finishing up the Doritos DH called and I told him where to find us. Once he arrived we looked over the map to make a plan of things to do. Caitlin’s favorite ride in IOA last year was the Jurassic Park ride. She claimed she didn’t want to ride it but we decided to head that way anyway.

Once we got there we saw that the ride was closed.

Caitlin saw the kid’s ride (I don’t remember the name) that she liked and asked to go on it. The seat looks sort of like a swing with a person in front and person in back. You have to have a child riding, no adults only. The swing is attached to a track above it and you fly through the Jurassic Park play area. I think it is pretty cool and relaxing but of course DH hates it. Not the actual ride, but the wait. Since you can only go 2 at a time and not many people go out at once it takes forever to get on. I offered to go but Caitlin really wanted to go with Daddy.

I waited outside for them. DH was miserable when he got back and proclaimed he would never ride that ride again. Caitlin asked if I would go on but DH insisted we move on.

Caitlin really wanted to find some rides she could go on so we headed to Toon Lagoon to hit their version of Splash Mountain. (Riptide Falls, is it?)

There was a 60 minute wait. DH was annoyed. Then, he remembered about the Universal version of the fast pass that you had to pay for. He decided he was going to get it. We found a store that sold them and we purchased the express pass. There were a few options. Both parks or one park. They also had the option of riding a ride once or multiple times, with the single ride being cheaper. We figured we probably wouldn’t be repeating anything so we got the single ride tickets. I think it was about $78.

We headed back to the fake Splash Mountain. We handed over the express passes and went right on. Unlike Disney Fast passes where you wait sometimes to get on, the Universal express pass just you on pretty much immediately which was awesome.

We all enjoyed the ride and didn’t get too wet. Once we got off DH wanted to test the express pass and see if they actually only let you ride the ride once. I refused b/c I hate breaking rules and Caitlin said she didn’t want to go either. DH headed over and the guy scanned his ticket again and sent him through. DH gave me a little smirk and was on his way. As soon as he was out of sight Caitlin decided she wanted to go too. This happened the whole trip. She would change her mind about something when it was too late and get upset when she couldn’t do whatever she wanted to do. DH was gone and he had all the passes. There was no way she could go on, deal with it. She got over it when I pointed out we could see the logs pass and let’s look for Daddy. We were able to spot DH going down the drop and hear his loud screaming which he insisted was just for our benefit.

Since we were already wet we headed to Pluto’s Barges which is a fake Kali Rapids.

We ended up getting completely soaked.

 

[pinkxray]

It was now about lunch time and we needed some food. Last year our food at IOA was disgusting so we decided to find some hot dogs. They have Nathan’s hot dogs so we knew they couldn’t be too gross.

We decided on Blondie’s and found a spot outside right in the sun.

Our hot dogs and chips were perfectly fine.

I think Toon Lagoon was adorable and there are so many photo opts. I don’t remember why I didn’t take more pictures. It wasn’t too busy in that area. Maybe since we were wet?

After Toon Lagoon it was time to head to DH’s favorite place in FL, the Marvel section.

As we approached there were some superheroes taking pictures but they left by the time we got there. DH has had his picture taken with Wolverine each time we had been there so I really wanted to get that picture.

There was a huge crowd on the street from where all the superheroes just were so we stepped into the stores nearby. I think Caitlin’s favorite thing to do this trip was shop. She lit up every time I mentioned going to a store. She had been saving her money all year and Grandma had been nice enough to give her a Disney gift card for each holiday this past year. She had more saved but DH and I allowed her to bring her $125 in gift cards and another $100 or so in cash. She was armed with cash and ready to spend it.

After checking out this store we headed over to the Spiderman ride. There was about a 30 minute wait but we used our express passes to head ride on.

I’m not a huge Spiderman lover, but have to admit this ride is pretty cool. Very well done if you ask me.

After Spiderman we headed over to the Hulk coaster. There was only a 5 minute wait which is only b/c it takes forever to walk to the loading dock.

DH went first while Caitlin and I went on the Storm ride.

Once DH returned it was my turn to ride the Hulk coaster. This was my first solo ride of the trip and I remembered why I hadn’t done more. I LOVE roller coasters, but I don’t like going by myself. I’ll probably skip them until Caitlin is old enough to go on. It’s just not the same with some stranger next to you. I know, I’m weird.

I found DH and he wanted to ride the Hulk coaster again.

Instead of waiting around I told him to meet us in Seuss Landing. Caitlin had refused to go in this area last year for some reason and I insisted we were doing it this time.

First up was Trolley in the Sky.

It was my first time riding it and it was so cute. It is just a little train that is above Seuss Landing but the view is great and it is a nice relaxing ride. Caitlin really liked it too.

We walked past the Grinch with some random people

And this guy.. He was all alone. He looked a bit sad. I should have made Caitlin take a picture. Poor Sam I am.

 

[pinkxray]

DH sent a text and asked where to meet. We decided to try One Fish, Two Fish

The best part about this is that they have 3 seaters so we could ride together this ended up being a great ride. You can control the fish up and down to avoid the water that is being squirted at you. Caitlin didn’t want to control it so DH kept trying to get me wet since I was in the outside of the fish.

Next up, merry go round. It has a cute name – Caro Seussel or something

It was around 2 and we had done everything we wanted. I took one last picture on the way out.

The green eggs and ham building. It was one of my favorites books as a kid. I ran over to see if they still had the green eggs on the menu. They have some sort of green eggs and ham sandwich, but I haven’t seen the place open in the past few trips.


We left IOA but still needed to hit City Walk to do some shopping. I was getting a bit nervous that I still hadn’t gotten a text about our room. I was hoping it would be ready by the time we were ready to go back to the resort.
We made a stop at the huge store on City walk that has pretty much everything that is offered at the little stores in the parks. They had pretty much all the HP merchandise there.

Caitlin was particularly interested in the stuffed toys.

I was looking for something that had Professor Snape on it.( I Professor Snape. ) They didn’t have anything so I don’t think I got anything HP related this trip.

Caitlin was having a very hard time picking what to buy. She decided she wanted Ron’s rat.

The lady at the register pointed out he was missing a finger just like in the movie.


I don’t think I bought anything. I saw a sweatshirt I liked but I wanted to wait until Friday since I knew we still had other places I might want to spend my money.


DH headed to Bubba Gumps gift shop to purchase a shirt and hat for his dad. I thought it was a strange gift to pick while you are at Universal/ Disney/ Discovery Cove, but he thought it was perfect. I guess his dad had a hat from there when he was a kid. He also picked up a shirt for his sister. His sister told Caitlin to get her something good so I am sure she was thrilled with DH’s pick.


It was now 3 and still no text. I called AKL and asked if our room was ready. It was. Hmmmm. I received a text as soon as I hung up that it was ready.


We thought about going to the movies while we were there but AKL was calling.

It was about 4pm when we left. That’s right we made it almost the whole day at IOA. Why can’t my days work out this way?

IOA was very fun. We all enjoy it and there is something for everyone. I think once Caitlin gets big enough for the coasters we will need the whole day here.


The express pass was great. I am thinking of doing a split stay with a Universal hotel for 2 nights before moving to AKL next time but if we don’t we will buy the express pass. DH is all about not waiting in line and will gladly spend the extra money to skip the line. The only rides that aren’t included in IOA is Forbidden Journey and the Jurassic park ride DH had gone on with Caitlin.

 

[pinkxray]

Just saying hello!

Hello! You must be so excited that school is almost over and your trip is so soon. On one hand I am happy Caitlin is almost out for the summer and then, on the other hand I remember I am going to have to entertain her all summer. Any plans or interesting plans you go in CT with Max during the summer? I need some ideas of things to do.

Another howdy!!

Hmm... the sunglasses comment does NOT bode well.

Before I did my update I popped over to your thread to catch up. It looks like I something good. Now, I am finally done and can spend some time with what looks like a very difficult Disney test.

Yep, those sunglasses come back to haunt me.

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Sounds like this day went better than your others. Too bad we missed each other at WWoHP, we were in line for Forbidden Journey about the same time as you. We also were in the Marvel section around the same time. Seems we keep just missing each other!

Hopefully you get to experience WWoHP more on your next trip, it was such a neat area.

PS. The regular butterbeer was way better than the frozen in my opinion.

 

[Chaitali]

Thanks for the IOA report. Those express passes definitely sounded like they were worth it! Was that price for all three of you or per person?

 

[pinkxray]

Sounds like this day went better than your others. Too bad we missed each other at WWoHP, we were in line for Forbidden Journey about the same time as you. We also were in the Marvel section around the same time. Seems we keep just missing each other!

Hopefully you get to experience WWoHP more on your next trip, it was such a neat area.

PS. The regular butterbeer was way better than the frozen in my opinion.

I couldn't decide if I should try the regular or frozen. I knew I would only get one chance to try it and the frozen just looked so much better. Oh well. I thought the area was pretty neat, but I will be happy to wait until it calms down a bit to check it out. I couldn't believe how cramped it felt with all the people. I can't imagine what it is like during the summer.

Thanks for the IOA report. Those express passes definitely sounded like they were worth it! Was that price for all three of you or per person?

The express pass were awesome. It was pretty busy the day we went. I forgot to mention that there were tons of school groups there since I think it was the last week of school for kids in FL.

The $78? was for the 3 of us. The prices vary depending on the time of year and which option you get but we loved them. You can pre-purchase them online but I would wait and check out the wait times for the day you go. There are probably many times of the year when you wouldn't need them. We didn't have many waits last year and we were there in May. I think the school groups really added to crowds. They were pretty cool. It must be so nice to stay at one of the Universal resorts and get front of the line access included. I am really considering trying that out next trip for a few days.

 

[amandaluvsgoofy]

I'm so glad you guys had a great (and full) day at IOA! The WWOHP looks so cool, but it did look very crowded! I hope you guys get to head back and go a little earlier!

You can buy fast passes at Universal?! No wonder you hear guests at WDW mumble about "being rich enough to skip" from the FP lanes!

I'm so sorry Caitlin was a little hungry-fussy! I get the same way if I haven't had enough to eat!

Oh! I can't wait to hear about your check-in qt AKL!!