What's in a title anyway? How about 1300 pictures? 4/15/11-> Bonus Section pt1 & 2

[NateNLogansDad]

Yep, the Sum Of All Thrills. I remember reading all about it on the Dis when it first came out. It looked like one of the coolest rides I had seen in a while and thought for sure it would draw more people into Innoventions but there really wasn’t ever any “crowds” around it. Brandon wasn’t a big fan of the idea so Tracy and I went on it together while Tina watched the kids.

After we made our ride creation, we handed in our cards to this lady.

She recommended putting the camera into a locker that they have right there, so no more pictures for now on that.

I don’t know if maybe I had built the ride up in my head too much but I really wasn’t all that impressed with it. It was OK, but really not too much more. I guess that would explain the lack of crowds I mentioned before.

We headed out on Innoventions and down towards the World Showcase. Little Austin needed a potty break so we found a little spot near where Duffy did meet-and-greets to hang out for a few.

Tracy with her nephews….

Break over, we took a walk around a nearly deserted World Showcase with not too much in mind. We had already done so much this week that we weren’t worried about cramming in too much today. Today was more of a soak-it-all-in kind of day.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Since we were here already, and there was no wait, we figured we stop in to ride Maelstrom one last time.

Didn’t everybody look like they were having the time of their lives???
OK, maybe it’s not exactly a thrill ride but it’s kinda cute I guess. At least when you get off of your ship, you can try to conquer a troll in the gift shop.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

I had see something on one of the Dis Unplugged Podcasts where there were all different kinds of snacks in China and Japan that were weird but delicious and were snack credits on the Dinning Plan so I quickly ran over here to see what I could find…..

Unfortunately I couldn’t find the dried shrimp or caramel covered insects that I was looking for so I came back empty handed. I really wanted to get a good reaction from everybody when they found out what they were eating but I guess that will have to wait for another trip.

By now the sun was really starting to beat down on us and everybody was getting pretty hungry and a little parched. We still had a little bit of time left before our Soarin’ Fastpasses were ready to be used, so we headed over to the Electric Umbrella for one last meal in Epcot.

Tina went with the Chicken Caesar which looked really good but I figured I’d try out the Meatball Sandwich. Not expecting much because they mass produce these meatballs, I was pleasantly surprised with it. They gave you a good amount and it was pretty darn good!

After everything was cleaned up, everybody made a last bathroom break before heading out. I on the other hand needed to capture every last bit of Disney that I could, knowing that throughout the winter I would be looking at these pics to get a little Disney fix now and then.

A few minutes later we were off to what is arguably the best ride in Epcot. Even so, it does not help the fast that it would be the last ride inside any of the parks. We were all happy to get on, but there’s also that feeling in the bottom of your stomach that feel like you are walking up to an old friend to say goodbye for quite some time.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

We left the strollers outside and went in, down the escalator, and up to the Fastpass guy. There was one problem. Little Austin is way too little to get on. Brandon left Austin and Tracy outside with a child swap ticket and we all headed in.

The whole time, we were keeping an eye on our watches because we needed to be back to the Beach Club soon for a ride to the airport. The 20 minutes we were waiting felt like hours.

FINALLY, we were up up and away!

I love this pic…..

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Well, since it’s toward the end of our TR, I’ll give you a little glimpse of what the actual ride looks like in case you have never been on and are nervous about trying it.

The ride is VERY safe and VERY cool. If you never got the chance, do it on your next trip!

So, we quickly headed out to go meet up with Tracy and I was dreading the conversation we would be having in the next few minutes.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

When we came out she was standing there with Austin looking like a puppy ready to get out of the car after a long trip. The problem was the time. We had about 45 minutes till we needed to leave the Beach Club and head over to the airport. I felt pretty bad for her but at least she didn’t know what it was that she was missing right?
We headed out of Future World and back over towards the World Showcase.

Poor Austin doesn’t know that this is it…..

God I hated this march…..

The whole time I just kept telling myself over and over, “It really is a nice day to fly.” It really was perfect flying weather but who would want to leave all this for an airplane ride?

 

[NateNLogansDad]

As we were walking through the International Gateway, I ran into the store here and used up about 10 snack credits on candy and rice crispy Mickey heads. Seriously, how do you ALWAYS end up with so many credits left over?!?!?

Since I just stole 5 minutes of our time in the store we picked up the pace heading back. Camera in hand, I made a last ditch effort to grab a few more shots of what will always be our home away from home. I’m thinking of starting a new sport called Speed Walking Photography. Here’s my entries, taken at full stride…..

Walking into the lobby we went strait to Bell Services to request our luggage. They told us that it will be out any minute so we went out front and our van driver was already there waiting for us. I brought our bags over and the driver loaded everything up. Minutes later, we were off.

Mommom Gimny trying not to cry….

Tina and I, on the other hand, both silently shed a tear in the back seat.

So far, the whole trip went with without a hitch. Even with so many different age groups and different personalities things went as smooth as could be expected.

Even when we got all the way over to the airport, the guy at the gate told us that our flight was on time. Seriously, at this point what could possibly go wrong????

Without meaning to, I actually captured the exact moment that Brandon realized that none of their luggage was in the van

Yep, apparently when Bell Services brought out the luggage cart for their room, no one bothered to go get it. I had grabbed mine but figured he was doing the same. Guess not.


Now, I know what you’re thinking but really it’s probably just an optical illusion. This is NOT a picture of Brandon getting aggravated and Tina giggling in the background.

It must have been the lighting or something. I just can’t see Tina finding humor in this!
Since our luggage was there already and checked in, we went inside to go find our terminal.

Brandon, Tracey, my mom, and Austin waited outside so they could check their luggage whenever they would get it.

Our driver hung out for a bit because my mom was going to ride back over to the Beach Club, grab the luggage, and head back to the airport. But first she called the hotel to confirm that the luggage was still there. I was shocked when they actually had someone throw their stuff in a van and bring it all to her which saved her a trip and a LOT of time.

The one thing that really fell into their favor was that as soon as our group found seats over at the terminal, our flight was delayed for an hr. We hunkered down and did the usual airport stuff and before you knew it, we were airborne.

Every time we take off, I’m like a little kid looking out the window to see if I could possibly get one more glance of the castle from here. Maybe one more view of the fireworks. Or possibly a faint glow of the water on fire over at Fantasmic. Looking out the planes window, I’ve never been able to get that view. All I saw were the twinkling lights of what seemed like little ants below carrying on with their day to day lives. All too consumed with the world of reality, not one probably looks up at our plane and thinks how lucky we were to have lived a week in a world of fantasy. I put my head back and closed my eyes for a minute. The sadness of our departure faded away. I ignored the view outside and let my mind run wild with everything that we had just experienced during the week.

Yep, from up here the view was amazing.



Thank you everybody for joining along and sticking with me through the end. I sincerely apologize for how long it’s taken me to finish up, but I hope you enjoyed it at least half as much I did while sharing it with you.

Please, always consider me a friend here on the Dis. Each trip report is truly an honor.

Thank you,

-Rob

 

[amandaw]

What a wonderful trip report! I have truly enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing your family & your memories with all of us here. Between the description of those all-too-familiar last day feelings and your feelings about your mom, you had me completely in tears over here. So glad my DH is at work & can't make fun of my crying! I am considering writing a trip report when we get back from our upcoming trip. But, I keep reading all of these wonderfully well-written reports here, and I don't know if I could do as well a job. Again, thank you for sharing & for all of the wonderful photos! Who doesn't love Disney photos, right?

 

[NateNLogansDad]

What a wonderful trip report! I have truly enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing your family & your memories with all of us here. Between the description of those all-too-familiar last day feelings and your feelings about your mom, you had me completely in tears over here. So glad my DH is at work & can't make fun of my crying! I am considering writing a trip report when we get back from our upcoming trip. But, I keep reading all of these wonderfully well-written reports here, and I don't know if I could do as well a job. Again, thank you for sharing & for all of the wonderful photos! Who doesn't love Disney photos, right?

Awe...thank you Don't cry though! Disney is the Happy Place!!! It is always rough on the last day isn't it? Don't feel bad for me though.....we'll be back there in a few weeks

b/t/w I just saw you ticker.....We'll be going down there at the same time!

I'm sooo ready it's just not even funny! I hope you guys have a blast! I'm extremely jealous about your cruise!!!!!

 

[amandaw]

Awe...thank you Don't cry though! Disney is the Happy Place!!! It is always rough on the last day isn't it? Don't feel bad for me though.....we'll be back there in a few weeks

b/t/w I just saw you ticker.....We'll be going down there at the same time!

I'm sooo ready it's just not even funny! I hope you guys have a blast! I'm extremely jealous about your cruise!!!!!

You're welcome! It is so tough on that last day on vacation. I'm already trying not to think of it & we still aren't even leaving yet!

That's too funny that y'all will be there at the same time. April 30th can't get here fast enough for me! I feel like time is slowing down, if anything.

I am excited but also nervous about our cruise. It is our first Disney cruise. DH & I have only been on one other cruise & hated it! But, he said he would try a Disney cruise if I booked the shortest amount of nights & got him a balcony. I'm praying he likes it & that DS, who turned 3 in March, does well on his first cruise!

 

[cyndiloveswalt]

Rob- Great ending to a great trip report. Sorry I haven't been around much the last couple of weeks either. Work is crazy and both my boys decided to play lacrosse, which means 3 nights a week at practice and Sat. games!
Man, I know how you feel about the last day and your last day looked amazing! Those were some seriously beautiful blue skies in your pics.
Atleast you finished up with not too many days til you go back. I spent a lot of time in my head today planning our next trip, which is not until Nov!
Please write another report when you get back, i'll be looking forward to it and it will help me get through until I get to go back.
Thanks- Cyndi
P.S. I have no friends on my list and maybe it would make it easier to find your next report, do you want to be my friend? (actually, you'll have to let me know how to even do it because I have no idea!)

 

[jaiwin]

What a GREAT trip you guys had. I have to admit I started reading your last day, at work today, and I had to stop and wait untill i got home. It was just to sad.. They last day is always the worst. it doesnt matter how hard you try to make good out of it. You still feel so sad that you have to leave.

You make me wanna do a TR myself. Who knows maybe ill give it a try after this trip.But i dont know if I will come anything close to what you gave us. You did a great job. You made me feel as though i was there myself.

Enjoy your up coming trip. I will deffinatly be looking out for more updates on your family and your Disney adventures..

 

[TeaForTulips]

Another one crying here. Such a sad last post! Your report was one of the best I've read. I just loved it. You really can tell from something as basic as a vacation report to Disney what a great family you have and what a great guy you are. Thanks for sharing your memories!


I look forward to your next report!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

You're welcome! It is so tough on that last day on vacation. I'm already trying not to think of it & we still aren't even leaving yet!

That's too funny that y'all will be there at the same time. April 30th can't get here fast enough for me! I feel like time is slowing down, if anything.

I am excited but also nervous about our cruise. It is our first Disney cruise. DH & I have only been on one other cruise & hated it! But, he said he would try a Disney cruise if I booked the shortest amount of nights & got him a balcony. I'm praying he likes it & that DS, who turned 3 in March, does well on his first cruise!

I'm sure you guys are going to like it. I have a friend who has done several Disney cruises and they start talking about the next time they can go again as soon as they get back. DS3 is going to have a ball. Relax a little, do some homework, just don't over plan it. It's your first Disney Cruise! The minute you stop trying to have fun, you WILL have fun

Rob- Great ending to a great trip report. Sorry I haven't been around much the last couple of weeks either. Work is crazy and both my boys decided to play lacrosse, which means 3 nights a week at practice and Sat. games!
Man, I know how you feel about the last day and your last day looked amazing! Those were some seriously beautiful blue skies in your pics.
Atleast you finished up with not too many days til you go back. I spent a lot of time in my head today planning our next trip, which is not until Nov!
Please write another report when you get back, i'll be looking forward to it and it will help me get through until I get to go back.
Thanks- Cyndi
P.S. I have no friends on my list and maybe it would make it easier to find your next report, do you want to be my friend? (actually, you'll have to let me know how to even do it because I have no idea!)

Friend request sent I keep dabbling here and there when it comes to planning our October trip. I'm thinking it's going to be the most relaxed and laid back trip to Disney that we've ever had. Hopefully we can keep the planning to a minimum and just fly by the seat of our pants the whole time. No reservations for dinner and park hoppers Do whatcha want, when ya want!

As for work and the home life, I am with you 100%. Everybody keeps telling me to slow things down and take a break here and there. My advice? Don't do it! It's so hard getting back into that grove again. Keep pushing through and keep your head up. November will be here way before you know it!!!

What a GREAT trip you guys had. I have to admit I started reading your last day, at work today, and I had to stop and wait untill i got home. It was just to sad.. They last day is always the worst. it doesnt matter how hard you try to make good out of it. You still feel so sad that you have to leave.

You make me wanna do a TR myself. Who knows maybe ill give it a try after this trip.But i dont know if I will come anything close to what you gave us. You did a great job. You made me feel as though i was there myself.

Enjoy your up coming trip. I will deffinatly be looking out for more updates on your family and your Disney adventures..

Awe, you guys can't be crying! Big smiles!!!! We really had a great time and can't wait to get back. The last day is always a small price to pay for the fun you have during the rest of your trip. I hope you do a TR and I hope you pass it along when it starts! Make sure you come home with a bunch of pictures!!!

There will be one more update with a bonus section soon. I wanted to do it tonight but I ran out of time before work to upload the pictures.

Another one crying here. Such a sad last post! Your report was one of the best I've read. I just loved it. You really can tell from something as basic as a vacation report to Disney what a great family you have and what a great guy you are. Thanks for sharing your memories!


I look forward to your next report!

You guys are getting me choked up over here. I hate to see anybody cry. We really had a great time.....cheer up! The last day is never as good as the rest of the trip, but you can't have the rest without having the last day. We had so many smiles, laughs, and just great family moments during the week that, in retrospect, make the last day just so worth it. Thank you for sticking around through the end. I really had a great time.

 

[DisneyRed95]

Great Trip Report Rob! I enjoyed all the pictures, especially the attraction pictures. They always took me back to my personal memories of the rides.

Glad everyone had a nice trip!

Thanks again for sharing!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Great Trip Report Rob! I enjoyed all the pictures, especially the attraction pictures. They always took me back to my personal memories of the rides.

Glad everyone had a nice trip!

Thanks again for sharing!

Thank you very much! There's going to be a few more pictures up soon so feel free to stop back. I'll change the title to say something about a bonus section.

 

[TXdisney]

WOW!!! Great TR!! Seriously great photos!! I felt like I was there!! Thanks for sharing!!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

WOW!!! Great TR!! Seriously great photos!! I felt like I was there!! Thanks for sharing!!

Thanks for the compliment and thanks for joining us! Hope you had a good time

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

Hi there Rob - just stumbled upon your TR and blazed through it in one night - and a good thing I did it once it was finished, seems like you went AWOL on more than one occasion!

I hate living the last day, reading about others last days, pre-planning the last day - I hate the last day in EVERY form... except that on the last day of your current vacation you are closer to your next vacation than you were on your first day! A-HA! Optimism!

How many days til the May trip? Will you go again in Oct and/or Nov of this year as well? I am at 192 days - 191 tomorrow!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Hi there Rob - just stumbled upon your TR and blazed through it in one night - and a good thing I did it once it was finished, seems like you went AWOL on more than one occasion!

I hate living the last day, reading about others last days, pre-planning the last day - I hate the last day in EVERY form... except that on the last day of your current vacation you are closer to your next vacation than you were on your first day! A-HA! Optimism!

How many days til the May trip? Will you go again in Oct and/or Nov of this year as well? I am at 192 days - 191 tomorrow!

Yea yea, things are still a little nuts right with things around the house now but I'm trying to get a lot done before the crabs start running good. If I can get my honey-do list down low, that gives me more weekend time to get the boat out crabbing. last night I sat down and FORCED myself to finish this thing up. In a way, I am glad it took this long. Now I can concentrate on packing up and preparing for this trip without too much time in between.
In about 35 minutes I can say we have 16 days left!!!!!!

When we get back I'll start counting down the days until out October trip