What to do....UPDATED!! 7-11 w/photos

[dpuck1998]

Day 4:

http://www.twisney.com/dpuck1998/2008/6/18

I'm at work, but haven't updated in a couple days so I thought I should get day 4 going. All my photos are at home, but this was a quiet day for us so I didn't have my photos anyway. I promise to insert some photos tonight!

After two loonnnggg days we decided to skip our plans to hit Typhoon Lagoon and just take a slow day. We got up slow and ate in the room and just hung out for a while. The kids played games and watched TV while we got organized and started "packing" AHH...yikes...

We decided to go mini-golfing and headed to winter/summerland. We prefer the winter side, so we all played a round.

After a fun round of mini golf we packed up and went back to the WL. Of course the boys wanted to hit the arcade, so we did and then the pool. We spent several hours at the pool and ate lunch poolside.

I bought a nice waterproof camera case a couple years ago for my pocket camera. I love it, so we got some good pool photos.

The lifeguards got a water basketball game going while DS 7 found a friend to hang out with and go up and down the slide. Until the lifeguard yelled at him for running and I made him sit for a while. But he didn't run anymore after that.

After lunch and swimming we stopped at the Cubs Den for craft time. The room is very nice, if it were a longer trip I think the kids would love going there one night (so would the parents). We've only left them at a club once at the Poly. They still talk about it and want to go back.

We hung out at the Den while the kids made visors and colored. The older boys wrote in their journals about the trip while DS7 worked on a puzzle and DD3 colored.

After some fun there it was time to head over to Fort Wilderness for our 6pm Carrage ride. We went a little early to walk around and check out Fort Wilderness. I'd hoped to check out the petting zoo and pony rides, but they closed right when we got to FW. Darn, ohh well. We walked around the stables and checked out the grounds. We hit the playground for a while.

Time for the carrage ride, we weren't sure if all 6 of us would not fit, but our guide assured us it wasn't a problem.

The ride was nice, our guide and horse were both named Jon and John (horse). We went thru the woods and around the campgrounds a bit. The kids weren't overly excited about it, but it was nice a peaceful.

We got back with about 30 mins before HoopD started. People were already lining up, they really should tell them that you don't have to wait in line. Your table is already assigned to you. We took a photo and went on it. We were able to add our guest last minute so our table was in the back right by the doors. Actually a nice spot to view from, but you could tell it wasn't a normal table location.

The kids LOVED this dinner show! I think it was the hit of the trip. We finally found some good food our guest really enjoyed. The show was a big hit with everyone.

After another fun day, very relaxing today, we take the boat back to WL and call it a (somewhat) early night. Tomorrow a fun filled day at Hollywood Studios.

 

[alebisi]

I love this trip report! but you HAVE to get some photos there! so we'll be waiting for more

 

[dpuck1998]

added photos to last day, I'll try to get the final up tonight!

 

[dpuck1998]

Sorry I've been so slow updating. Crazy summer with camps, tutors, etc!

Anyway our last day in the parks. I'll add photos in once I get to my home computer.

http://www.twisney.com/dpuck1998/2008/6/19

Today is our day at Disney Hollywood Studios. I've been looking forward to this park to go on Toy Story Mania. This is one my favorite parks anyway, but TSM makes it even better.

The weather is a little questionable today, but the morning turns out nice and we are at the park just before rope drop.
We have some time to kill before going into the park.

All goes well and we make a bee line to TSM. The line isn't very long, but I get in line to get a fastpass and I pick the broken machine. Ugh, wait in another line...another broken machine. They were having serious issues with the FP machines today, but I finally get a fastpass for TSM and we head over to the first showing of Playhouse Disney.

I might be the minority here, but I preferred the old show. They got the audience involved more and the kids up on the their feet more often. I like having the current characters, but they made the show less interactive. The kids loved it, of course the two 9 yo boys claimed it was boring, but I know my 9 yo loves it....he just can't say it with his friend along!

Our FP for TSM is still a bit off, so we head over to the Great Movie Ride. This really is one of my favorite rides in the park. When we get to the front (5 mins max) I ask if we can go on the Western tram. They have us stand to the side and we are first to board the next tram. Its been a LOOONNGGG time since I've seen the western side, and none of my family have ever seen it. It was a neat change for us.

After hitting the great movie ride, its time for TSM. We head over and hop in the fastpass line. Even with Fastpass it is still about 15 mins and the standby line has swelled to over an hour.

Everyone in our group really enjoyed the ride. I thought it was very good, but isn't this the same technology they have on the Pirate ride at downtown disney? All in all a great ride that appeals to everyone in our party. Even our 3 yo had a blast shooting things.

After having fun on TSM I grab some more fastpasses for RnR later and we head to see Muppets 3D.

Always a great show that everyone enjoys. We decide to grab some lunch near RnR while we wait for our fastpass return times.

We split up and take turns on RnR, of course its a hit and I always find it to be better than I remember. The standby line is over an hour and the fastpass about 15 mins.

Next stop, Indiana Jones. I think the new movie has made this a must see for everyone. The place is SWAMPED!! We wait in line and the entire area is covered with people. We finally get in and get a seat minutes before the show starts. This is the first time all trip that everyone was overheated and ready to get out of the sun. It was hot at this point and standing in the street was not fun.

Before hitting Indy, I had grabbed a fastpass for ToT. I don't know why I hadn't thought of this, but I can use my fastpass and child swap to equal two quick rides. We do this and I wait with 3yo, then swap and go again.

Our 7 yo went on for the first time and so did our guest. Both decided to sit out the second ride, so I was able to give my FP away to someone going into the standby line.

Since not everyone hit RnR last time, we have three FPs left. We take another ride on RnR. Our guest says this is his favorite ride, but I have a hilarious ride photos that might say a little different! I have to scan this one, since its not on photopass :-(

Its time for dinner, we have an early 4:20 dinner fantasmic package booked at the Brown Derby. Remember the wedding we went to before we left, well that couple is at Disney for their honeymoon. I planned it all out for them and they are meeting us for dinner at the Brown Derby.

We had a very nice diner at brown derby and great dessert. All the boys head over to hop on Star Tours while the girls do some shopping. Star Tours is in desperate need of an update, but what Star Wars fan isn't in love with this ride.

Sidenote, the entire trip our 7 yo has been looking for Wall-E toys. They are hard to find apparently. I get a call from the girls that the store across from Playhouse Disney has some and they say its the only store with any Wall-E toys. We make a beeline over there!

While shopping they tell us the illustrator from one of the Wall-E books in signing at the art shop a hundred feet away. We grab a book and go meet him and get our book signed. Our 7 yo was in heaven! What a neat unexpected experience for him. He reads the book all the time and loves it.

We are all exhausted and its now raining. We decide to skip Fantasmic and head back to the resort to pack. We have to catch a plane at 8am!

good bye disney :-( For the first time in years I'm not planning a trip! But I'm sure we will be back soon though

 

[alebisi]

I love too the Great Movie Ride is one of my favourites, I'm sorry you missed Fantasmic because I think it's a great show (but you're right with rain not worth it).

 

[DisneyWorld Delight]

That was a good read. Thanks for posting. I'm sure happy for your little guest that things worked out so well. And the baby girl, so very precious.

 

[DVCsince02]

Yeah!!!! Great report!

 

[bellazachmom]

Thank you so much for the wonderful trip report! I have really enjoyed reading it and the pictures are wonderful!

One question .... Western Tram?!?!?!? What is this? Please explain. We have been riding the GMR since our first visit to MGM in 1994 and this doesn't sound familiar to me.

Thanks!

 

[DexLabDeeDee]

Thank you so much for the wonderful trip report! I have really enjoyed reading it and the pictures are wonderful!

One question .... Western Tram?!?!?!? What is this? Please explain. We have been riding the GMR since our first visit to MGM in 1994 and this doesn't sound familiar to me.

Thanks!

I think that he means that you either get a tram where the western guy/gal takes over or the mob guy/gal takes over. I think the front tram is the western and the back tram is the mob.

 

[dpuck1998]

I think that he means that you either get a tram where the western guy/gal takes over or the mob guy/gal takes over. I think the front tram is the western and the back tram is the mob.

yes, exactly. We always seemed to be on the mob/gangster scene and we requested the cowboy scene this trip. It was neat to do something different. I don't think they run the western as often as the gangster.

 

[jamieT]

Oh I teared up! That is so sweet to do. He may never have an opportunity to go. It is great when people with the means do that for people...especially children!

 

[dpuck1998]

I made a few changes and put photos on our last day finally!

Big Thanks to everyone that followed us along on our trip, it really was fun taking you with us

Now that I'm a month or so removed, the trip was really fantastic. Going thru looking at photos really brings it back. It wasn't our most "magical" trip ever since it was so short and we dealt with so many people (Our guest, Brother and family and grandma) all that kept us hoping and going in lots of directions. Since we had a first time we had to hit all the BIG attractions and didn't get much time to slow down and relax. Overall however it was a huge success. DD going to BBB was a huge highlight, she got sooo much attention for the whole week she really thought she was a princess. Hoop-D was a huge hit for everyone and huge KUDOS to the Hoop-D folks for letting us add one person last minute and giving us such a great time (too bad the same isn't true for CRT, won't be back).

Anyway, thanks to twisney too for a little slice to remember the trip. It really helped me write my report!

 

[dpuck1998]

Big thanks for Kevin for mentioning me. Its really great sharing with folks that "get it" like our family. I just went back thru my reports and re-read it all. It is a fantastic way to remember a trip. Everyone should write a trip report if only for themselves.

Anyway, thanks everyone. This was the first trip I felt like I was bringing part of my DIS family with me.

 

[mdsouth]

I am so glad the trip worked out so well for you and your guest!

Thanks for adding the pictures. I can tell that your kids and their friend had a great time together! I am sure that even though this trip was a short one for your family it will definitely be one that you will remember the most over the years!

It is great that you chose to bring your son's friend with you at the last minute. What a wonderful gesture on your part! It will be something he will cherish his whole life.

 

[dpuck1998]

I am so glad the trip worked out so well for you and your guest!

Thanks for adding the pictures. I can tell that your kids and their friend had a great time together! I am sure that even though this trip was a short one for your family it will definitely be one that you will remember the most over the years!

It is great that you chose to bring your son's friend with you at the last minute. What a wonderful gesture on your part! It will be something he will cherish his whole life.

Thanks mdsouth....for the kudos and for bringing the thread to the top again. Its been a while and I re-read my report and had a great time all over again

 

[newtodis]

What a wonderful thing you did for that boy and his family. I have to ask---did you remember the gift for the little sister??

We're from MI too but recently moved near Hilton Head Island, SC-much closer to Mickey's house!! I've got a friend in Vicksburg-I had to look twice when I saw that.

It sounds like you all had a wonderful trip-that's great. It sounds very busy but you saw and did a lot of amazing things. Kudos to your entire family for being so patient and understanding of each other to know when to split up and when to wait it out with each other. It could have been a huge disaster but it sounds like it worked out great! Were you ever able to hear from your son or ask the friend what his thoughts were?? It would be interesting to hear what he thought about it all.

So sorry to hear about your problem with CRT...it doesn't seem like it's really that hard to squeeze in one more person but there's always "behind the scenes" stuff so hopefully there was a good reason for it-still disappointing.

I can only hope that we'll be able to do this for our son's friends when they get a bit older to spread the Disney magic. Thank you for sharing your trip with us. The pictures are great!

 

[dpuck1998]

What a wonderful thing you did for that boy and his family. I have to ask---did you remember the gift for the little sister??

We're from MI too but recently moved near Hilton Head Island, SC-much closer to Mickey's house!! I've got a friend in Vicksburg-I had to look twice when I saw that.

It sounds like you all had a wonderful trip-that's great. It sounds very busy but you saw and did a lot of amazing things. Kudos to your entire family for being so patient and understanding of each other to know when to split up and when to wait it out with each other. It could have been a huge disaster but it sounds like it worked out great! Were you ever able to hear from your son or ask the friend what his thoughts were?? It would be interesting to hear what he thought about it all.

So sorry to hear about your problem with CRT...it doesn't seem like it's really that hard to squeeze in one more person but there's always "behind the scenes" stuff so hopefully there was a good reason for it-still disappointing.

I can only hope that we'll be able to do this for our son's friends when they get a bit older to spread the Disney magic. Thank you for sharing your trip with us. The pictures are great!

YES, we did remember the gift for the sister. She got it the minute we pulled into their driveway. I cute baby snow white doll for her. She seemed to like it a lot.

We have seen the friend several times since the trip. He comes over to swim and play once a week or so during the summer. We talk a lot about the trip and he seems to have a lot of great memories. We sent him home with a lot of photos and a great one of him on RnR. We pushed him pretty hard, but I think he had a great time looking back. It was a great experience for everyone involved.