Who knew you had to plan for a trip to WDW! PTR and TR Combined: Completed

[pajules]

I can't believe you rode primevel whirl so many times, I rode it once and I think dh rode it 3 times with the girls. I did not enjoy it, to jerky for me.

If I had my way we would have only gone on it once, but since I didn't have anyone to child swap with, I had to put on a brave face and go again, and again, and again.

In fact, I'm pretty sure this ride is it's own form of birth control because it whips your insides around so much.

 

[Lady Lallie]

I'm just joining in, just finished reading the PreTrip and now what you have the Trip. Your DS is adorable!

In fact, I'm pretty sure this ride is it's own form of birth control because it whips your insides around so much.

This is just waaaay too funny.
Just thinking about riding that more than once makes my stomach hurt!

 

[PrincessV]

When we got to the gates we just told the CM's she was dropping us off. Then she went to where the taxi's do drop offs and we got door to door service.

This is awesome - the only way to travel!

But I was very proud that he rode it and decided to reward him with a pin.

Good job - and what a great memeory he'll have with the pin.

I had hoped our next stop would be "Tough to be a Bug"

But DS is majorly afraid of bugs. We're talking freaks out when he sees an ant. So we bypassed this and decided to call it a day.

Good call. I'm reasonably bug-tolerant and ITTBAB gives me the heeby-jeebies!

DS proceeded to lecture me that not only did he not like characters, but this one was a BUG....duh!

 

[pajules]

Today was Monday and to be honest we were starting to drag. It always amazes me how the heat seems to "wear you out." But after our nap yesterday and a good night's sleep we were up and out the door by 8:45am.

We didn't make it to rope drop but we were on the monorail by 9am.

Goals for today...get as much done as possible and Wishes. DS has been to MK once before but it was literally for just 2 hours. He was 6 at the time and rode SM and LOVED it! Even after this trip, it's still his favorite ride.

Our first Castle Pix

First stop....you guessed it SM.
Since it was still early, there were no lines and we rode 2 times...once on each side. DS is convinced the left side is better because it has a "loop-di-loop." Yes, I know it doesn't but why destroy the magic.

Next up was the Indy Speedway

I wanted to get this out of the way since it seems to get really hot here and there's really no shade while you wait in line. We had about a 10 minute wait, which wasn't too bad and before I knew it, DS was behind the wheel. Let's just say I had horrible images of him 8 years from now and with his license I'm not ready for that one yet. DS meanwhile is really into cars lately...especially high-end racing cars. Right now Porche and Ferrari are his favorites and he's convinced he's going to get one on his 16th birthday....

After our trek around the track we both wanted to cool off a little so it was off to Buzz Lightyear. Again, no lines...YEAH so we rode twice. The first time through we both did pretty bad....but by the second time around we did a little better.

Of course I knew where our next stop would be and I wasn't exactly thrilled, but like a good Mom I put on a good face and we headed off to Stitch. Of course there were no lines because most folks are smart enough to realize after their first ride that it's not worth it and can scare the pants off little ones...as we would experience in just a few minutes. We did ride Stitch in 2006, and DS really liked it and likes Stitch so I knew he would want to do it. We were fine, the rest of the parents on the ride were not so lucky. As soon as the lights when out, kids all over the room started screaming! It was not just a meltdown scream, we're talking terror inducing...get me out of here NOW! And of course this ride is not exactly a short one and when there are multiple screaming kids, it's even longer. But we made it through the burps, licks, and captured Stitch...all was well with the world.

We headed into Fantasy Land with my hope of seeing Mickey's Philharmagic and maybe doing Peter Pan, Haunted Mansion and then getting lunch....but DS was starting to drag. We took a break inside Pinnochio Haus and watched It's a Small World. I knew there was no way DS would go on it and after he saw it, my thoughts were confirmed.

Did I mention that he can be a very picky 8 year old? He's one of those kids who knows what he likes and what he doesn't. He thrives on routine and plays with the same toys/games day in and day out and when he's out of that routine and in an element where he's not familiar he gets very nervous. I knew if I pushed him too hard to try some of these rides (even though I knew he would probably like them) we would have a major meltdown. So after cooling off for a little we just decided to walk around and get a feel for the "left side" of the park.

After making our way over to Frontierland the lines were getting longer and longer. I knew we were coming back later that night so we decided lunch and some time in the pool to relax was just what we both needed.

One more pix on the way out....

We did have some luck on the monorail...yup we rode with the driver and DS got his co-pilot license We sat with another woman and her grandson who were also from PA and we talked about our vacations...they were leaving that day and wished like us they had taken time out of the parks during the heat of the day.

and then it was back to the condo. Since it was still pretty early in the day...11:30am. I asked DGM to swing by the AKL. It's less than 1 mile from our condo. We all wanted to see it and I wanted to grab something to eat here. We parked the car and went inside. The first words out of DS's mouth..."I want to stay here!" I do too, but it would have to wait for another trip. We took a quick stroll through the lobby and then I found a map to see where the Mara was. I remembered reading that they serve the same soups they have at Boma and Jiko here and I wanted to surprise DGM. DGM and DS headed into the gift shop to look around and I headed downstairs. The soups of the day were the butternut squash and chicken corn soup. I got a cup of each, some zebra domes for dessert, and a chocolate chip cookie for DS. I think the bill was around $11...not to bad for Disney standards.

Back into the car and over to the condo. DGM and I split the soups so we could both try each. Both were on the sweet side, but I liked the Chicken corn the best. We each had a zebra dome and thought they were good, but not anything special...if they were on a buffet I would get them again, but I wouldn't order them as a dessert.

Now it was pool time. We spent several hours playing in the pool before coming back in to shower, dinner, and then head back to MK for Wishes. We got back to the park around 6:30pm, Wishes was at 9pm. Plenty of time to get a few more rides in before we found our spot. First stop... you guessed it SM! There was only a 15 minute wait so we rode twice...again! Are you keeping count...we're now at 4 rides just today. Second stop was buzz...then it was time to head over to POC. I was sure DS would love this ride...boy was I wrong. He has seen all of the movies and enjoyed them but for some reason when we got to the ride, he announced that he didn't want to go on. He got so worked up that he started to cry He was very embaressed and asked me please to not tell DGM he was too scared to ride.(bless his little heart) French Fries always seem to cure the blues so we grabbed some at a little cart nearby and went to watch people on Splash Mt. My hope was to do this and Thunder Mt and then maybe, just maybe Haunted Mansion. But I knew after the incident at POC my chances were slim

The result....No, No, and No. See, I told you we should have taken the day off. It was just not meant to be today. Instead we went back over to Tomorrow Land and did another ride on SM, 2 rides on Buzz and then headed over to the castle to find our spot for Wishes. I was a little worried DS would not want to see this either as he does not like the cannons that are invovled in most fireworks shows...but once we found a good spot he seemed content to just sit. I had brought along some glow sticks and he was excited to get one as was the little girl sitting behind me...I figured I could spread a little pixie dust too. We both really enjoyed Wishes...

I tried to get a night shot of the castle, but was using DS's camera and couldn't find the night setting...so this is what I got.

Next Up Day 4: Hollywood Studios and lunch at Sci-Fi

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

As soon as the lights when out, kids all over the room started screaming! It was not just a meltdown scream, we're talking terror inducing...get me out of here NOW!

Sometimes I want to scream right along with the kids. It's not because it's scary, I just don't like being strapped down into anything unless it's going to be whipping me around at high speeds or flipping me upsidedown.

 

[If U Had Wings]

I give you credit for going on Primeval Whirl that many times. That makes you a fantastic mom in my eyes. I'd be making up excuses to my nieces after the first time. I always get off feeling like I've been beaten up.

You never know what ride is going to set kids off. My last trip with my nieces my then 5 yr. old niece rode ToT, and Thunder Mtn. with no problems, but was in hysterics after getting off of Splash Mountain. Her younger sister (then 2) who we were all afraid was going to react badly to Haunted Mansion told us after she got off it needed more ghosts. Go figure.

 

[pajules]

Her younger sister (then 2) who we were all afraid was going to react badly to Haunted Mansion told us after she got off it needed more ghosts. Go figure.

According to my Mom (DGM) the same thing happened to me as a child. We went to MK when I was 5 and I loved, loved, loved Space Mt.....until I turned 8. Yep, three years later I refused to step foot on it. I figure I'll give DS a few years and he'll hate Space Mt. and love POTC.

 

[Maddie2]

Loving your TR!

I am SO jealous of your trip! Looks like you had some wonderful bonding experiences. I am thankful that our boys have never had the desire to go on Primevil Whirl; 'cause I think I would have to pass. Though I can relate to your son, as the tilt-a-whirl was my favorite ride when I was little and my mom would go on it with me. Now that I'm the mom, there's no way I'd get back on it! OY!

So nice to have your mother as your door-to-door transportation! Sounds like you had it made all the way around. I hope your DGGM also enjoyed herself. Were you able to have some special meals with them? How was the time you spent with relatives??

Sorry I've been MIA lately. Our DS14 has had some medical issues and we've been going to lots of doctor visits out of town. He's wearing a heart monitor for a month now, trying to figure out why his heart races for no good reason. So far, the Family Practice doctor has said hormones and growth spurt, whereas the Pediatric Cardiologist isn't going with that diagnosis yet -- waiting on this month-long monitoring time to see. It all started back on 5/14 and (thankfully) after it started at school it reoccurred in the doctor's office. Of course, now that he has a monitor, nothing has happened! We were pretty freaked out that first couple of weeks, but since then things have calmed considerably. Sorry to hijack your thread, but I wanted to explain. Hope you decide to add more to your TR!

 

[pajules]

Sorry it's been so long since I posted the rest of my trip report. I'm having issues with photobucket and everytime I try to upload the pictures from the rest of my trip it shuts down. It's been very frustrating to say the least.

But, I figured I would finish writing out the rest of the trip and if I can get photobucket to work, I will come back and post pix later....sound like a plan?

Okay, let me see if I can remember everything....Hollywood Studios, this was the day I thought DS would love. It had Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and stunt cars...what's not to love when you're an 8 year old boy.

It was another early morning and we got to the park, shortly after it opened. First stop...Star Tours. DS loves, loves, loves Star Wars.

Since it was early there was no line and we went on twice in a row. He of course loved it and while it's fun, it can certainly use some updating. After the rides, we went to the gift shop which was like Christmas morning for DS. In addition to loving Star Wars, he also loves Transformers and now they have Star Wars Transformers! DS already has a couple at home, but saw one he had never seen before, I think it was a "Walker" not sure if that's what it's really called , but they're those giant walking things in "Return of the Jedi"...yes, that's a technical description. He also found these matchbox cars that had Star Wars designs on them...I think they also had Disney characters too, but it was only Star Wars for my kiddo!

When we went outside a Jedi Training session was just starting. I knew they would pick kids from the crowd, but DS wanted to stay in the back...way back. We ended up sitting at the tables for the restaurant that's right there...Boy was he in for a surprise when he saw what really happened, kids on stage, light sabers....and wait for it....DARTH VADER.

DS loved the show and of course wanted to participate in the show...This would come back to haunt us the rest of the day. I think we came back 4 times that day but DS didn't get picked He was very upset.

Next up was the first showings of the day for the Indiana Jones Stunt Show. DS was very excited about this and has seen all of the movies. We saw the new one the weekend it came out....when did Harrison Ford get so old.

I remembered the show from 10 years ago and I think it's exactly the same. A lot of the jokes seemed to go over the kids' heads, but DS loved the stunts especially the explosion at the end. Since we were in the 5th row, we got to "feel the burn."

After the show we still had a little time to kill before our ADR's at Sci-Fi. We headed over to Honey I shrunk the Kids playground and DS ran off some steam.

We also ran into the Power Rangers and I thought DS would want to get some pictures because while he doesn't watch them now, he used to really love them. But you know our cardinal, I mean Character rule.... so all we got was a picture with him and the car....oh well, works for me.

Lunchtime....this was my special treat for the day as most of the trip we ate at our condo. I thought of anywhere he would really like Sci-Fi. Of course as we headed over he was full of questions and I tried to explain to him we would sit in cars and watch old monster movies. His response...."Mom, I don't like Monsters." Me: "But, they're not scary monsters, it's like Godzilla and the 50 foot woman." DS: "Okay, but if I get scared, we're leaving."

We ended up being hitchhikers behind another family which was fine and lucky for me when we sat down there was a Tom and Jerry cartoon playing and he was fine with that. Lunch was pretty uneventful. I got the burger and fries with a chocolate shake and DS got the kids meal pizza, which according to him, was gross. I only ate half my burger because it was so big, but actually pretty good despite all of the bad reviews I've read about the place.

After lunch we headed over to watch "Lights, Motors, Action." This was pretty good, a little long, but kept DS's attention until the final explosion. There's nothing cooler to an 8 year old than something blowing up!

Today was probably the hottest day we had on our vacation and we were both ready to cool off after this so it was back to the condo for a nap, a swim, and dinner.

Before we left, we grabbed this quick shot....

I tried to explain to him how to hold the umbrella like in the movie, but it just wasn't happening....so this is the new and improved 2008 version of "Singing in the Rain."

Around 7pm we came back to HS to do a few more things and hopefully catch Fantasmic. Did you see that I wrote hopefully, yes, that's a forshadow of things to come. We hit Star Tours again and then made our way over to RR and ToT. I wanted to get some pictures by the NYC and San Fran streetscapes so we headed that way. First we did NY and then as DS was walking closer to the San Fran one so I could get a better picture, this woman comes up on her scooter and runs over his foot! And what's worse, she didn't even stop! The people she was with stopped and apologized profusely, but not her, she just kept on going. After I got a closer look, I noticed she had a kid on her lap, probably about 3 or 4 and was letting them drive. Fortunately nothing was broken or bleeding but I could tell it definitly hurt. We sat down for a little while and then continued on our journey to RR and Tot, but the night just wasn't meant to be after our little accident.

I though maybe, just maybe DS would want to try these, but they got a big old negative. DS's reasoning for ToT cracked me up..."Mom, it's a haunted hotel and the elevator is broken...you want me to go on that? Are you crazy!" Yes, my son has a flare for the dramatics, maybe someday he'll be winning an Oscar.

So what better to calm your nerves and a hurt foot than some ice cream. We grabbed 2 dishes at the little ice cream stand across the street from Fantasmic and grabbed a seat on a bench to try and enjoy the rest of the evening. It was getting closer to Fantasmic starting and as we started to go in, DS just wasn't in a good mood and honeslty who could blame him after getting run over by the scooter lady.

one last pic before we leave....

After a quick call to DGM it was "Home Jeeves."

Next up, Day 5: Let's Sleep In, Play some golf, and indulge at the Poly.

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

First we did NY and then as DS was walking closer to the San Fran one so I could get a better picture, this woman comes up on her scooter and runs over his foot! And what's worse, she didn't even stop! The people she was with stopped and apologized profusely, but not her, she just kept on going. After I got a closer look, I noticed she had a kid on her lap, probably about 3 or 4 and was letting them drive. Fortunately nothing was broken or bleeding but I could tell it definitly hurt.

RAR! That would get me going and would sorely test my ability to keep my vocabulary Disney-friendly. I'm sorry this put a damper on the evening.

But I LOVE DS's reasoning for not riding ToT. Just awesome!

 

[If U Had Wings]

So glad to hear DS wasn't hurt by the scooter. I think the woman ignoring it would have irritated me more than anything else.

 

[LISAMWDW]

So glad to hear DS wasn't hurt by the scooter. I think the woman ignoring it would have irritated me more than anything else.

I agree! How terrible that a grown adult would act so poorly. I hope your DS lets it go and doesn't let it be a memory of your magical vacation!

 

[pajules]

So glad to hear DS wasn't hurt by the scooter. I think the woman ignoring it would have irritated me more than anything else.

Yes, Thankfully we came home with the same number of toes that we left with....but let's just say I have a new hatred for these

But despite our little accident, Disney magic was still alive and well after a good night's sleep!

 

[pajules]

I had planned this to be our off day for the trip and in hindsight, I probably should have done it on either Monday or Tuesday. After getting up early everyday to get at the parks when they opened, we were all ready for a "lazy" morning.

We only have one major plan today and that was our dinner I had scheduled at Kona for everyone. Other than that, it was a day to relax and recharge.

After breakfast I asked DS if he wanted to go miniature golfing, which he loves and he was very excited. DGM let me have the car for the day (I felt like I was in High School having to ask for the keys) and DS and I headed off to Blizzard Beach and the Winter/Summer golf.

Ds chose the winter side and we had a lot of fun. The course is pretty simple and I think DS got 4 home in ones. He's no Tiger Woods, but lucky was sure on his side that day. Me on the other hand, not so lucky
For the life of me, I couldn't get that ball to go in the hole!

For lunch we, well I decided to driver over to the Boardwalk. I wanted to see the resort as a possible locale for future trips. I really liked it and even more, I liked how you could walk to the Beach Club and Yacht Club. In the back of my mind, I'm planning a girls only weekend and think this might be the perfect location for a long weekend.

It was almost lunchtime, but not quite, so DS killed a little time in the arcade next to ESPN and then we got pizza at the place next to the bakery and for dessert ice cream!!!!

Back to the condo for some time in the pool and then it was time to get ready for dinner. I was very excited for tonight. As many of you know it took me awhile to come up with which restaurant for our "big night out." I needed to find a place that was good for an 8 year old and a 94 year old....but after reading many reviews, Kona was our choice and I wasn't disappointed.

When we arrived we grabbed our pager and killed some time in the gift shop. I think it was only 5-10 minutes before we were seated. I knew right away what I wanted since I had already seen the menu. DGM and I split a Lapu Lapu...holy cow that was good . I'm glad we split it because that thing is potent...I could fill my heart racing...kinda made me feel like this ...not necessarily a bad thing,

I thought about getting an appetizer, but knew I wanted to save room for dessert instead. For dinner, I had the Tuna Oscar, DGM had the Macademia Nut crusted Mahi Mahi, DGGM had crab cakes, and DS had chicken nuggets. DGM and I split our meals so we could both try each others. They were both Fabulous!

As for dessert, I really wanted to eat something, but I was stuffed! So I decided to get the Macademia Nut Tart to go. DGM got one too, but ate here's there and I can't remember what DGGM got....maybe cheesecake?

DS didn't get dessert either and while DGM and DGGM were finishing up, we decided to take a walk out by the pool. Let's just say once we got outside DS was very jealous! It was a beautiful night and the pool was packed with kids playing. I will say that was the only downside to our condo. There weren't any kids for DS to play with....oh, and no volcano in the pool. I told him maybe someday we could stay here...we can all dream can't we

With full bellies, we made our way home and made a quick pit stop at the AKL to see if we could see any animals on the savannah with the night vision goggles. I will say it was kind of a let down. It took us a little while to find the area where they offered it and once we got there there were only 2 goggles...and a line of people waiting! Leave it to Disney to have lines for this too The lady in front of us in line told her husband she would rather be back in the room watching American Idol!

Finally it was our turn and we did see a Mama giraffe and her baby and some vultures, but it wasn't worth the 20 minute wait. But, now we can say we've done it and we don't need to bother with it on another trip.

Up next....It's Back to Epcot for some Fast Track and World Showcase!

 

[If U Had Wings]

After breakfast I asked DS if he wanted to go miniature golfing, which he loves and he was very excited. DGM let me have the car for the day (I felt like I was in High School having to ask for the keys) and DS and I headed off to Blizzard Beach and the Winter/Summer golf.

I've never been to the mini golf courses. Honestly I forget all about them when I'm in the parks. I'd love to try them out one day. I hear that they are themed great.

For lunch we, well I decided to driver over to the Boardwalk. I wanted to see the resort as a possible locale for future trips. I really liked it and even more, I liked how you could walk to the Beach Club and Yacht Club. In the back of my mind, I'm planning a girls only weekend and think this might be the perfect location for a long weekend.

Every time I see the Boardwalk I'm dying to stay there. I've been thinking of renting points next year for a solo weekend to try it.

DS didn't get dessert either and while DGM and DGGM were finishing up, we decided to take a walk out by the pool. Let's just say once we got outside DS was very jealous! It was a beautiful night and the pool was packed with kids playing. I will say that was the only downside to our condo. There weren't any kids for DS to play with....oh, and no volcano in the pool. I told him maybe someday we could stay here...we can all dream can't we

I'm afraid that is what is going to happen with my nieces. They are going to be staying at a vacation home with their own pool. I just know they are going to miss playing with other kids. We are going to try to have them over to play with us one day at the POFQ.

Glad you got to have a nice down day. We have a few of those planned too. Should be fun.

 

[LISAMWDW]

Sounds like you all had fun!!!!!! Too bad about the goggle thing at AKL! We love Kona and try to eat there every trip! Yum!

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

DGM and I split a Lapu Lapu...holy cow that was good . I'm glad we split it because that thing is potent...I could fill my heart racing...kinda made me feel like this ...not necessarily a bad thing,

I'm so looking forward to having one of these on our trip in Sept.!!!

The lady in front of us in line told her husband she would rather be back in the room watching American Idol!

Now this is funny. But don't speak it too loudly - you'll give Disney the idea! I see it alread - Savannah Idols.

 

[pajules]

After our relaxing day it was time to head back to the parks. I had planned to let DS decide where to spend our Thursday and figured he would pick Epcot because we had only really ridden Soarin on our first day.

So off to Epcot we went. DS was determined to ride Fast Track today and get a pin to add to his collection. I'm happy to say we went into the park with a plan and it was accomplished.

We arrived soon after rope drop and made our way towards FT. As we walked by Space Ship Earth there was no wait and decided to make a slight detour. I know a lot of people are bored with this ride and actually use it to take a nap but I was really surprised with how much DS enjoyed the ride. He was really interested in the history of communications and would try and guess what each scene was about before it came over the speakers. We did get stopped for about 10 minutes which kinda freaked DS out, especially because it was right after we switched directions and were now going backwards!

But we both enjoyed the ride, the interactive part at the end, and the different activities afterwards. We tried to send a postcard but for some reason we couldn't find our pictures on the screen , oh well, there's always next time.

After our relaxing start to the day, DS was feeling, "the need, the need for speed." There was a 40 minute wait at Fast Track so we grabbed Fast Passes which were only an hour away and decided to head towards World Showcase.

As we made our way around the fountain, I noticed there were a bunch of studio lights and a camera crew. There was a small crowd gathered and who was in the middle.....

yup, it's Jessica's Ex-Husband himself, Nick Lachey. I did have to laugh because DS had absolutely no clue who he was and as I tried to explain he was married to Jessica Simpson.... and was in the boy-band 98 Degrees , finally I just said, he's on tv....okay that's enough for this 8 year old. By the way, he's shorter in person.

At first I couldn't figure out what he was doing, but then I saw a small sign that said "Filming for High School Musical." At the time I thought it was something for High School Musical 3, like a promotion for the movie, but once we got home I started seeing the promo's for the new reality show, "Get in the Picture." And of course who's the host....Nick Lachey. So that was our little brush with fame.

While I snapped a few pictures, DS was trying to pull me away, he had more important things on his mind then watching some b-list celebrity....he wanted a soft pretzel! Come on Mom we have priorities here! So off we went to find a cart to satisfy his rumbling tummy. With pretzel and drink in hand, we sat down on the bench outside the Rose and Crown to eat. I on the other hand, knew I could wait as I was feeling a little Morrocan today.

We stopped to get our obligatory picture of the phone booth

and then began our trek over to Morroco. I would have liked to stop in France and grab a snack for later, but I had made the mistake of telling DS that Japan was here and they might have rare pokeman stuff.

Before making it to Japan, I grabbed my much anticipated chicken gyro style sandwhich at the CS in Morroco. It came with some lentils, which were disgusting. I should have asked for tabbouleh, which I love but didn't want to make a fuss. With sandwhich in hand, I walked and DS ran to Japan, grabbed some pokeman packs and then continued to make our way through WS. We stopped and grabbed some enormous ice cream cones at a stand just before mexico and then DS stopped to play.....

Before we knew it our FP's were not only up, but were almost past their time. Yes, I know you can use them later, but DS didn't and was afriad he would miss his ride, so we high tailed it over to FT. It was great and we both had a great time. We were in the front seat which made it even better. I was trying to explain to DS about GM. A family friend works for GM and is living in Korea for 3 years. DS sent them his Flat Stanley for a school project, but I digress.

After once around the track, DS wanted to go again and this time he didn't mind the 30 minute wait time, so we rode again, then hit Mission Space for 2 times, one green, one orange, and another ride on SE to round out our day. We wanted to do Soarin one last time because we enjoyed it so much, but they were out of FP and it was a 75 minute wait, we decided to just savor the memory of our first ride.

Oh, and DS did get his Fast Track Pin and it's now proudly displayed on his lanyard.

It was a very good day for us, probably one of our better days, and we went back to the condo filled with lots of stories to tell.

Up Next....Last Day, Which Park will DS pick?

 

[pajules]

Friday....it was finally here, the last day of our Disney World vacation.

Before heading out today we had to pack, clean up the condo, and load everything into the car. The whole process took about an hour and by around 10 we were ready to hit the road. Like the day before, I gave DS the option of choosing what to do today with one exception...we had to go to AK first so we could do the Safari. After that we were free to roam wherever he wanted.

Because AK was so close to our condo, we arrived 5 minutes later, made our to Harambe and grabbed FP's because there was already a 40 minute wait. To pass the time we we grabbed a cold drink, did some people watching, and went through the Pangini trail again to let DS take some pictures. The time flew by pretty quickly since we only had to wait an hour and before we knew it we were in the FP line and headed to our safari car.

I didn't take a lot of pictures today, and while I did get a bunch on the safari, I know you've probably seen most of these animals before so I will be selective in my displays. Our guide finally pulled up and we got a seat in the first row which was great.

We headed out onto the Savannah and were only a couple of minutes into our trip when we came to a stop. At first the guide said it would only be a little while, well that little while ended up being 20 minutes! I was find just chilling out for awhile, but not DS and to make the delay seem even longer there was a screaming baby right behind us. As a mother I completely felt their pain. They were trying everything to calm their upset little boy down, but he was hot, and he was hungry and tired. I thought the poor Mom was going to cry too. I turned around to start talking with them and the mother told me she had left their diaper bag with their stroller thinking they wouldn't need it on the ride.....

Fortunately I had my bag and had my emergency kit for when my own DS gets cranky. Yes, he's 8 and the little boy was probably only 1, but I figured I had something that would work. As I searched my bag, what should I find but my stash of snacks, including everyone's favorite....goldfish!

I gave Mom a bag and the little guy was happy to gobble them up. But considering how long we sat there, it wasn't enough to end his cries for good. DS then gave them his squirt fan and that entertained him until we started moving....

Off we went to see the animals.

We saw a bunch more, but figure you know what most of them look like. I do have one favorite shot to share with you, but it's not an animal. Halfway through our safari our guide told us we had to be on the lookout for poachers and we better "cross our fingers" we would make it out okay...That's when I happened to look over at DS and saw this....

Yup, that's my boy! I think I started to cry a little because I thought it was so cute

Thanks to DS to made it back to Harambe and "Little Red" was found!

Once we got off the ride, we realized it was a lot later than what we expected so we started back towards the entrance. On the way we stopped to watch the otters, which are DS's favorite.

He could sit and watch these little guys all day. When we were in Orlando 2 years ago he loved the sea lion and otter show and got a stuffed animal otter as his souvenir for the trip. Ottie still has a special place on his bed!

Before heading out we made one last stop in Dino Land....honestly you didn't think I was going to get out of there without a least 1 more ride on the Primevil Whirl, but I made sure to let DS know it was just 1 ride! My body couldn't take it anymore on that thing! I'd have to go back and count, but I think my total for the week on that thing had to be around 10!

One last shot to remember the dino's....

Then it was off to do a little shopping. While I looked around for some things to take home for some of our friends and family, DS did his best Jack Sparrow imitation..aargghh

.

With our money spent we headed out to grab a bus. DS had decided that he was done with the parks but really wanted to play miniature golf. I suggested we go back to Blizzard Beach and try the summer side, so that's what we did. 18 holes later we were pooped and ready to say so long to the House of Mouse. I gave DGM a call and she and DGGM were just leaving the GF. They had gone to the Grand Floridian Cafe for lunch and really enjoyed it. It was a gorgeous day and after lunch they did some exploring around the grounds. I would have liked to have done that too, but DS was done for the day. I'm pretty sure he slept most of the way to Ocala and when we arrived at my Aunt and Uncles house we spent some time in the pool and then we were all ready for bed.

All in all, it was a GREAT week and some good bonding for DS and I. He's pretty sure he wants to go back and says if we go next summer, he'll be 10 then and ready to go on RnR, POTC, and BTM. I would like to go back too, but need to start saving my pennies if we want to do it anytime soon or better yet, maybe we'll get some disney and we'll WIN a free vacation...hey, it's all about making your dreams come true!

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

...

By the way, he's shorter in person.

Just as cute, though, I see!

I was find just chilling out for awhile, but not DS and to make the delay seem even longer there was a screaming baby right behind us. As a mother I completely felt their pain. They were trying everything to calm their upset little boy down, but he was hot, and he was hungry and tired. I thought the poor Mom was going to cry too. I turned around to start talking with them and the mother told me she had left their diaper bag with their stroller thinking they wouldn't need it on the ride.....

Fortunately I had my bag and had my emergency kit for when my own DS gets cranky. Yes, he's 8 and the little boy was probably only 1, but I figured I had something that would work. As I searched my bag, what should I find but my stash of snacks, including everyone's favorite....goldfish!

Super moms UNITE!

Halfway through our safari our guide told us we had to be on the lookout for poachers and we better "cross our fingers" we would make it out okay...That's when I happened to look over at DS and saw this....

Sweet. As. Pie.

On the way we stopped to watch the otters, which are DS's favorite.

He could sit and watch these little guys all day. When we were in Orlando 2 years ago he loved the sea lion and otter show and got a stuffed animal otter as his souvenir for the trip. Ottie still has a special place on his bed!

OMG! These are my favorite too and, up until recently, didn't know they had them at AK. I can't wait to find them on my trip! I, too, have a stuffed otter on my bed. His name is Pasquale. A gift from the San Diego Zoo when my brother recently visited.

All in all, it was a GREAT week and some good bonding for DS and I. He's pretty sure he wants to go back and says if we go next summer, he'll be 10 then and ready to go on RnR, POTC, and BTM. I would like to go back too, but need to start saving my pennies if we want to do it anytime soon or better yet, maybe we'll get some disney and we'll WIN a free vacation...hey, it's all about making your dreams come true!

Thank you so much for sharing your trip! I hope you get to go back soon!