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

[NateNLogansDad]

Be back in a little bit.....duty calls.....stupid job stuff

 

[MissMichelle]

LOVING it and can't wait to read on ...Great photos and such quirky reading. I am having a good time and its only page 3. Going to have to say "George" 3 times next month---I like to test ghost stories...I was the girl in the mirror saying *Bloody Mary*

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

Hi Rob - Tagging along on this TR! I will be taking good notes as we are tentatively planning to go the same week this year... Great reading and pics so far!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

LOVING it and can't wait to read on ...Great photos and such quirky reading. I am having a good time and its only page 3. Going to have to say "George" 3 times next month---I like to test ghost stories...I was the girl in the mirror saying *Bloody Mary*

If you remember to do it, wait till you are already on the ride! If it breaks down and you are already floating you bump into the backlog of people at the end of the ride which works out great if you want to get some good pictures of Jack at the end, which I might have some around here somewhere But that's not till later!

Also, when you get off at the end and before you go up the escalator thingy, there's a cast member to your right. Ask him/her about George and if they said goodnight the night before.

One word of warning. If there's a big burly guy there wishing everybody a good 'morrow as they leave and you have this big honken camera around your neck you will be blamed for the person in front of you using a flash on the ride. Point to your right and say "Look it's the Governors daughter!" and run up the escalator! He has a sword and isn't afraid to use it....again!

Hi Rob - Tagging along on this TR! I will be taking good notes as we are tentatively planning to go the same week this year... Great reading and pics so far!

So glad you came back for round 2! The week was amazing. Shorts and T-shirts during the day with Jeans and t-shirts at night. Just remember the Food and Wine Festival will be going on till November 13th I believe. That could be good or bad, depending on your point of view

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Wow, I’m loving having all these new subscribers! Welcome aboard everybody!!!! It’s so nice to see both new faces and familiar friends who have been here for my first report! Welcome everyone!

Now back to your regularly scheduled program…….

So, Pirate League? Check. POTC? Check. Food? Eh….sort a kind a. Unfortunately there still wasn’t any time for a big meal yet because we needed to find that crazy bell hop with our bags! I wasn’t positive, but I don’t think Nate had brushed his teeth yet……

So, before an oral surgeon needed to be called we hopped on the next bus home. Back to Philly you ask? Oh no no no. That’s where our HOUSE is, we were looking to go home…

Yes ladies and gentlemen, we went back to the Beach Club. After all, home is where the heart is right? As I’m typing this, the snow is falling outside at work and the temperatures keep dropping. All I want to do right now is roast marshmallows on the beach at the campfire behind Storm Along Bay. Oh cruel fate, why did you have me born so far north???

…..sorry I drifted off there for a minute. But yes! WE WERE HOME! For the next week we would be living here!

Whoa! What the heck was that?!?!?

Oh yea, it’s just me )

So after checked in and found that pesky Bell Services guy I got a text message from my brother. Him, Tracey, Austin, and my mommy were already there, checked in (we had rooms next to each other), and went on the prowl for something light to eat. My message was to meet them in the World Showcase.

Have I ever mentioned that the World Showcase is probably my most favorite park in all the parks? I love love LOVE the world showcase. But, when it comes to the food and wine festival, you can have it. It’s just way too crowded ALL THE TIME. And of course, it’s the last weekend of F&W. *Sigh* Oh well, I can do two days without going all Philly on anybody

We headed out right when the teams were setting up for Illuminations.

Being a little kid with way to much access to fireworks when I was kid, I was drooling over this

And being a boat guy now, I needed to grab another picture like this

Usually, when we visit the Showcase it’s very calm and quiet with not to many people around. In my opinion it’s the perfect park. There’s still a few rides, good food, and plenty of things to see and do but without all the crowds and the one or two people who refuse to be anything but miserable somehow, even though they are in the Happiest Place on EARTH!

Today was not a peaceful day like that.

To tell you that for the hour or two we were there, I did not take one more picture, should say something about how bad it got. We met up with everybody and grabbed some snacks here and there but nothing to really write home about. We talked about their flight down and how they had all been up since 4am for their 7:00 flight and how their room must have been overlooked by the cleaning staff that morning. On a side note… if your room is still a mess when you check in, it might be considered a good thing, those guys got a $75 credit on their room key! Can’t cry too much about that!

So, after battling around for a bit with a double stroller in a crowd that rivals a baseball game letting out, we headed back to our hotel for a swim and a quick bath to get the boys cleaned up.

Remember this?

Yea, I’ve seen car paint come off easier. I think DuPont must own the rights to Disney face paint. Anyway! All cleaned up and with somewhere to go! We have a tradition in our family now! Whenever we stay at our Beach House (Thank you DVC!!!) our first real meal has to be here.

Sorry, just like my first TR, this one is rated G. So, NO FOOD PORN!
What I can do is tell you that they have a clam bake every night for dinner and the buffet is amazing. The snow crabs were perfect, the beef was delicious, and the seafood was plentiful! My mouth is watering just thinking about it, but I won’t do that to you so I’ll end it here for now.

Man, after all this you’d think we’d at least be done Day 2 by now wouldn’t ya? Nope! There’s still lights, fireworks, ghosts, shows and more on the way! (Stay tuned, I might have another update in a few more hours but I can’t promise that.)

 

[BsAngel]

I am in off to work then cant wait to read a trip report

 

[NateNLogansDad]

I am in off to work then cant wait to read a trip report

First off, Glad to have you! Welcome aboard! Grab some popcorn, it's complementary! The seats all have a great view and later on tonight we will be bringing out hot chocolate for everybody

Second, I have another one started but I'm running on about 1 1/2 hrs of sleep so I'm a little afraid to finish it just yet. I may post something around lunch time depending on whether or not Logan lets me take a nap after preschool. How come kids don't care too much for naps anymore

Worse case, I'll have something up just after dinner-ish

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Angel, I changed my mind. Here's a little bit for now.......

 

[NateNLogansDad]

So our first Disney sit down diner was done and over, and with my belly wondering what in the world just happened, we head out. Since this is baby Austin’s first time to Disney and Mommom’s first day here with Brandon and Tracey, where would you go?

I’m pretty sure Austin doesn’t care. He has no idea what he’s in for. So far, between the airplane and the bus rides, he’s had a pretty exciting day!

Logan knows and can’t wait!

The boys are on the lookout for any signs of our next adventure. I think the girls are getting annoyed with my camera….

Within a few minutes we made it!

I think everybody needs to start their vacation at the magic kingdom! That is what Disney is all about!

Oblivious to everything going on inside, I made everybody stand out front and make a few memories.

We step through the magical gates underneath the train station into what I can only describe as my own fountain of youth. Instantly, I’m 5 again. Can’t you just feel it when you walk into the park? You know what I mean.

However, not having a clue of what time it was, I wasn’t ready for the crowds we very quickly became a part of. It took me a minute to grasp the fact that a parade was about to start. And not just any parade, it was the Electrical Parade!!! I freaked out for a second because this one was kind of special to me and I hadn’t seen it since I was a tiny tot. We tried to grab a spot but were told by the closest cast member that we needed to move. I thought we were all moving towards the front of Exposition Hall and grabbed Nate, threw him on my shoulders, and moved on. Apparently I heard Mr. Cast Member wrong as everybody else just needed to take a few steps back. So, with Nate on my shoulders I walk around the front and up the steps with everyone else and wait, and wait, but Tina and everybody else was no where to be seen. With the show starting, what’s a guy to do? We watched the parade, just the two of us. With Nate on my shoulders it was a little difficult to get some of the shots I wanted and from the angles I wanted, but that’s what being a dad is all about right? There was no way I’d let him miss this. It was just so cute, because just before he left school two days earlier, the vice principle made him promise to get a picture of Tink. So, of course when she came around first he kept “tapping” me on the top of my head begging for a picture. I couldn’t stop laughing and I tried my best……

To be continued…..

 

[NateNLogansDad]

…….continued

Like I said before, I had Nate on my shoulders dancing around ( I may have danced a bit during the show) so I knew the pictures weren't going to be as good as I wanted but I at least had to get something for my Dis friends for when I got home!

I love that show and wish they would do that every night along with Spectromagic. I’m greedy I know, but what can ya do. I’m going to leave you guys here for now because I’m running on fumes from not enough sleep last night……or the night before…or………..wait what was I saying? Sorry, nodded off there for a sec. I’ll post another update tonight if you feel like swinging by.

Till we meet again!

 

[princessjv]

I can't believe they FINALLY have Tink back in a parade! I remember the days {not too long ago} that she was NEVER seen in WDW. I love it!

I think you did a great job with the parade pictures. Those are tough!

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

Madilynn and I did Epcot this last October, on Halloween to be exact, and I was very "eh" about it too... I only tried food from on vendor, South Korea - that was where my fiance was stationed when he was in the army. It was spicy and just eh. I think we are planning on arriving on Saturday and not hitting Epcot until after F&W is over. Shamus may want to go to F&W and I may have to suck it up so he can do it - cause as the Disney Junkie of the family, I have to satisfy his appetite if I want to continue these superb family vacations (Madi & I went solo last year and it turned out to be a mild disaster during the trip, but a enjoyable, memorable vacation after the fact...). Our Halloween F&W crowds were not bad, and your pictures make me want to throw up in my mouth a little bit... Oh well, at least it's almost over for you during this trip and we can carry on...

 

[NateNLogansDad]

I can't believe they FINALLY have Tink back in a parade! I remember the days {not too long ago} that she was NEVER seen in WDW. I love it!

I think you did a great job with the parade pictures. Those are tough!

It was so much fun to see that parade again after all these year! If you get down there again while they are still running it, she came out in the very beginning so make sure you get there early!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Madilynn and I did Epcot this last October, on Halloween to be exact, and I was very "eh" about it too... I only tried food from on vendor, South Korea - that was where my fiance was stationed when he was in the army. It was spicy and just eh. I think we are planning on arriving on Saturday and not hitting Epcot until after F&W is over. Shamus may want to go to F&W and I may have to suck it up so he can do it - cause as the Disney Junkie of the family, I have to satisfy his appetite if I want to continue these superb family vacations (Madi & I went solo last year and it turned out to be a mild disaster during the trip, but a enjoyable, memorable vacation after the fact...). Our Halloween F&W crowds were not bad, and your pictures make me want to throw up in my mouth a little bit... Oh well, at least it's almost over for you during this trip and we can carry on...

It sounds like we may be down there again on the week of Halloween this year. I hear the crowds are usually pretty good unless you stumble into the world showcase Unfortunately I'm not the planner this time or else I'd be there the week before it all starts. Oh well, we'll still have a good time right???

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

It sounds like we may be down there again on the week of Halloween this year. I hear the crowds are usually pretty good unless you stumble into the world showcase Unfortunately I'm not the planner this time or else I'd be there the week before it all starts. Oh well, we'll still have a good time right???

So we're trading weeks this year? I went for Halloween, you went the week before T-giving and this year, we switch... I spent our Epcot day scouring for castmembers to sign Madi's birthday book:

We, like you, stayed for the beginning of Illuminations, but quickly bee-lined it ahead of the crowds. The crowds def weren't as thick as your pics, but it was steady...

 

[blessedby3]

Subbing to your TR....Im enjoying all your pictures and your boys are adorable Cant wait to read more and see more pictures Its getting me excited for our next trip in May

 

[mickmom728]

Really loving all your pictures...and your family is adorable! My son is in the College Program and I highly recommend it to your sons(even though they have quite awhile before they get there). My DH loves POC and we have to ride it numerous times when we are there. Just so happens that both my DH and DS are named George so we can usually get the ride to "break down" just in our conversations--which we test every time without fail!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Subbing to your TR....Im enjoying all your pictures and your boys are adorable Cant wait to read more and see more pictures Its getting me excited for our next trip in May

May is an awesome time to go! Towards the end of the month it get pretty hot but the beginning is awesome! We're still up in the air on if we are going or not but I'll post it if we do!

Really loving all your pictures...and your family is adorable! My son is in the College Program and I highly recommend it to your sons(even though they have quite awhile before they get there). My DH loves POC and we have to ride it numerous times when we are there. Just so happens that both my DH and DS are named George so we can usually get the ride to "break down" just in our conversations--which we test every time without fail!

I'm sure when the time comes, as soon as they hear about it I'd have no problem convincing them to go for it. If things go as planned, we'll be living down there by then! I'm thinking of telling him about it the year they starts slacking off in school. Maybe that would be enough to keep them in line

 

[NateNLogansDad]

b/t/w almost ready to post another one but I have to go into work in a few. Hopefully it won't be too busy when I first get in. I want to finish up day 2 tonight so that means we'll have at least another 100 pictures minimum. See ya in a little bit!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Hey, believe it or not I finished day 2

Work was pretty busy tonight but I squeezed it in.

I just have to wrap up a few things here and I should have it up in the 1/2 hr or so if anyone's still awake (I'm looking at you Russia )