wind blowin',sun shinin',Soarin'on a magical celebration!April/10: Final thoughts!

[Peter Pan Fan 22]

Very authentic looking Ronald McDonald. I know sometimes characters outside of Disney can look sort of fake. That guy looked the part. Glad to hear he put on a good show too!

 

[BelleTinkMom]

Love the Disney decorations from Walgreens. The closest one to me is about an hour away in Houma, and I was just in Houma Friday night. I might have to make a trip back to Houma.

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Well, I am still having problems with pictures...so this post will be pictureless...SORRY! I had to reboot the computer again due to some virus issues!
So, I will just recap our last day and I will come back with a few pictures as soon as I can get them into the system...

I decided to go back to photobucket and look what I found mixed into some of my disney shots

SO, our last day as you know was spent at US
here is the last post I started a month ago about our day (in case you want a quick recap)
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38247064&postcount=581

While we were waiting for Gwendolyn and Joe to join us we happened across several characters
Ashton was able to meet Bart and Lisa Simpson, and bus came by and off came Woody Woodpecker, Curious George, and Ashton's FAVORITE Scooby Doo! Gwendolyn called while we were waiting to meet the characters to say that Diego from Go Diego Go! was outside the front gates with no one around...but, since we were already waiting (in very short lines) we decided to stay where we were...

he had no clue who they were?!?

as we were walking over to E.T. we met a group of very funny penguins from Madagasgar...Ashton was in heaven with all the characters he had just met! and with the crowds so low each of the characters were able to give him that hug and high five!!!

We finally made our way over to E.T., we than caught a stage show of Woody Woodpecker and friends; Danny asked Ashton if he wanted to ride the small roller coaster there but Ashton said he was too scared
so we walked off to watch the Animal Show. The older kids had gone off to ride Rip, Ride, Rock it and Danny was going to meet up with them to ride the Mummy and R3 while Ashton and I went to watch Barney and ride E.T. one more time.

After riding and watching Barney we met up with my mom and dad who had just come into the park...we walked over to Jaws to meet up with Danny and the kids and ride Jaws.

(Now, I really don't care to back track-- but I had missed out on the Simpson's the year before and I was really looking forward to it this year). So, after Jaws mom and dad said they were going to walk around City Walk; Dad had no interest in US and mom had been craving Chinese food since we arrived., so we were off to ride the Simpson's and Men in Black. Now, Ashton was able to ride the Simpson's (Danny had to sit in a special seat due to his height--the first row) Ashton did not think much of the Simpson's: I remember when this was Back to the Future it was pretty rough and intense and so is the Simpson's...if you have motion sickness this is not the ride for you.

From there we walked over to MIB, I figured if Ashton was tall enough for the Simpson's he would be fine for MIB...NOT! he would have loved this ride! But, this is where I LOVE the parent swap at US...Danny and I walked through the queue, Ashton and I went sit in the glass enclosed room where you watch the loading dock w/a TV to enjoy while waiting; when Danny returned I just walked right up to the loading dock --no wait! from there we visited Earthquake and Tornado...we finished with a visit to the Pizza place for a quick slice of pizza and decided to make our way back to the resort.

Once, we got back to the resort we met up with Dayne and Luke and all went and had some fun at the pool!(Ashley you guys are going to love this pool), the pool has a water spray play area set up to look like Popeye's boat or something (I think this is why the water was cool) they have water gysers and water cannons, Dayne, Luke and Ashton has a blast! The water was cool but relaxing and alot of fun...Ashton loved this and it was a wonderful way to end our trip.

That night everyone went their own way for dinner;Gwendolyn & Joe went to Margaritaville, Dayne & Luke went to Hard Rock, don't know where mom and dad went, and Danny, Ashton, and I headed to Nascar and enjoyed a quiet dinner just the three of us before our long ride home!



up next the pros and cons of our trip!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Wow! Ashton was able to see a bunch of characters. I am sure he thought that was fantastic.

We haven't been to Universal Studios in quite a few years and have thought about going back. Just haven't done it yet.

I like that you all split up and had dinner separately. That may sound weird but sometimes you need a little time away from each other.

 

[3princesses+aprince]

Hi! I love the pic with Bart Simpson! Ashton is such a cutie! Last day on vacation is always such a bummer!

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Wow! Ashton was able to see a bunch of characters. I am sure he thought that was fantastic.

We haven't been to Universal Studios in quite a few years and have thought about going back. Just haven't done it yet.

I like that you all split up and had dinner separately. That may sound weird but sometimes you need a little time away from each other.

Yes, Lisa Ashton was in character heaven!
and my biggest piece of advice when traveling with a large group and family at that! is to be sure to schedule individual times...it really was great to have time to our selves several times throughout the trip. It made for a much calmer ME!

Hi! I love the pic with Bart Simpson! Ashton is such a cutie! Last day on vacation is always such a bummer!

Thanks! Pam yes it was a bummer but by doing US/IOA as the last leg of our trip it made it a bit easier for me to head home...leaving WDW is the hardest for me because I always wish I would have had more time there

 

[longing2Batdisney]

I guess I will do my final thoughts on our April 2010 Walt Disney World and Universal/Islands of Adventure​

.

As many of you know this trip was suppose to take place Dec 12 - 18, 2010! I have been wanting to see a Disney Christmas for a few years now and this was to be the year. As January 2010 approached and Disney had offered the military salute and room discount again this year, we asked Joe and Gwendolyn if they would be joining us again this year. The only difference they would have to pay for their share of the room, their food, and thier US/IOA tickets. We would pay for their WDW tickets (since it was Joe's discount that was allowing us to travel sooner than expected). Also, we had realized that Dayne's spring break was falling at a value period for Disney. Dayne had orginally planned to take his Sr trip to Disney, but many of the kids he was planning with were deciding they were more interested in spending a week at Panama City Beach. With that I pushed up the planning and planned our magical adventure.

About three weeks before we were to leave (I had orginally booked three rooms) Gwendolyn & Joe had decided to split the cost of a room with Dayne and Luke (which made me and Luke very happy--more spending money). Just before I cancelled the room I asked my parents if they wanted to join us (I knew my mom really wanted to go; but, my dad had just finished radiation and said he really did not think he was interested). I gave them three days to decide...with a NO, but Thank you; I cancelled the room!

Secretly, I was happy that they decided not to join us this visit and had hoped they would join us when we do go back for the Holidays one year.

We were only doing 4 day hoppers and had really planned to hit the parks commando style and I knew my parents can not do the parks that way. My mom cannot walk for long distances, climb stairs, and so on...my dad as I said had just completed radiation.

With ONE AND HALF WEEKS TO DEPARTURE my mom called and asked if I had cancelled the room. THEY WERE COMING WITH US!! if they were still invited...of course they were invited!
I was unable to get the room rate I had and so they had to pay full price for their room!

I had no ADR's planned that included them and was unable to add them for our Donald's Tusker House Breakfast (which I know upset my mom-but, in hindsite it was nice because it gave Danny and I time to ourselves).
and I cancelled our T-Rex ressie's because my parents were joining us on our DTD visit (the day we arrived) and dad does not like places like that. So, I figured he would rather Earl of Sandwich (was I wrong--should have kept the T-Rex ADR, I think they would have enjoyed the atmosphere with Ashton. OH! WELL LIVE AND LEARN).

I also learned that since my dad retired and had gone through radiation his taste buds have changed...all he wanted to eat almost the entire trip was baked chicken it began to be a joke throughout the trip. I do wish that they would have tried to get an ADR for one of the resturants in World Showcase...NOTE to self for next trip with them!


So, what type of trip would I file this one as:

A MAGICAL SUCCESS!! ​

would I plan things different if we were to do it again, YOU BET!
would I do it again, YES! I would... with stipulations!!!

first thing I would suggest to anyone planning a trip with family
plan time away from everyone!!!! like I know now that when I get one of my crazy ideas to ride the bus to MK when our destination is Epcot; let my parents go straight to Epcot via bus and rent a scooter and meet up later

plan at least one Character Breakfast with everyone and ONE dinner!!! and than all other meals plan for seperate meals. This gives everyone much needed space.

Also, I will be sure to have EVERYONE around for at least one group photo at MK! Dayne missed out on this and both he and I are very upset about that one.

I also knew but did not listen to my inner voice NEVER LEAVE THE PARKS with mass crowds...THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN! the Choas that ensued as we exited Magic Kingdom this year really left a bad taste in my mouth and made leaving Disney in the morning alot easier!!!

We loved being there in April! the weather was BEAUTIFUL!!! it was warm enough to swim but not HOT! we had wonderful breezes thoughout the days and the nights were still cool!

So, when do you ask is our return visit????

as of this moment I am TRYING to plan our next trip Sept 29 - Oct 4, 2011...I have some friends I am dreaming of meeting and seeing some for a second time! we will not know if this will come to be until the middle of Dec.
but, I am hoping for Free Dining and finally getting to plan some ADR's to have some fun with Ashton and I am looking forward to seeing WDW for Halloween...
so, what about my dream of Christmas, well, I thinking Dec 2012!

Thank you all for sharing our magical celebration! and I look forward to sharing your adventures with you and your family!
Connie

and since Dayne and Luke were missing one of my favorites

 

[longing2Batdisney]

REMINDER: CHAPTER LINKS IN FIRST POST!

a recap of some of my favoirtes from this year not in any particular order...​

this next shot, my mom asked my dad about a week ago why he always looks so mad and/or sad a.k.a. miserable
He said I don't know I was having FUN! (that made my day--I am always trying so hard to make him happy...it was nice to know that sometimes he is)

this one is a big favorite

Again,

 

[chicagoshannon]

love the recap!

Are you going to run the 5k if you manage to go next fall? or is the trip with a different group?

In any case I'm looking forward to your next PTR.

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Hey Shannon!
it is the same group you are referring to!

but don't think this body would ever make something like that...I have to get off this lazy b??t and train. and Although I keep talking about it; I never get the motavation to start! think I may just have to be a cheerleader for the ladies!!!

waiting to see if it happens

 

[racefanof88]

Great update Connie . I always like reading final thoughts on a trip. As usual the pictures of Ashton are so cute.

I got 2 tickets to Universal with my coke rewards so we just need to buy one and I think we may spend a day over there in December.

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Thanks Dana!
Oh! that will be fun!!! I hear the Grinch for Christmas is a hoot.

 

[leamom2princesses]

Hi Connie! Great wrap up! I really, really, really, really hope you can make it in October. It would be so great. We got back on Sunday and we had a GREAT time. The weather was wonderful, Food and Wine was interesting, and we really enjoyed dressing up for the MNSSHP. I've never seen Josie dance so hard at a parade. She really loved the parade at the Halloween party. I will be booking our trip at the end of the month. I have my fingers crossed that you can make it next year with us. Now if I can convince Dana....

 

[jenseib]

I LOVED Back to the Future. It's my all time favorite movie and in 1995 My frined, her Brother and I rode it. I think it was brand new then. We waited like almost 3 HOURS in line in July with 90+ degree weather. It was awful hot and I swore I was about to pass out. But it was so worth it when we rode it. I have never rode a simulated ride like that that was that good. of course I haven't rode a new one in alot of years either. LOL!

I really need to try and get to Universal one of these days. I am kind of thinking that the next Orlando trip...after hopefully the one in Dec, we can just do Universal, and maybe one day at Disney. But I always change my mind. I swore last year, that my next trip would include Universal. But with harry Potter just opening, I think it will be too crowded at this point and time.

 

[jenseib]

OOps, posted on the thread again, when I thought I was posting somewhere else. LOL!

 

[wlwilliams9]

Loved the final thoughts, Connie! I really, really, really hope you can make it to Disney next fall too! Did you see the video of the Halloween 5K? There were many people walking, which is probably what I'll be doing because, like you, I can't get off my butt and start exercising either!!

Loved all of the family pics, Ashton is such a cutie!! He'd have a blast with all of the kids next Oct.!

 

[laashley]

Noah would be in heaven to meet Scooby Doo! How cool that Ashton got to.

Thanks for the tip on the pool, hopefully we will have time for it.

I am thinking Chloe will make it on the 42" rides and just hoping that Noah can make it on the 40" ones (I would be so sad if he can't ride Spiderman, the Simpsons, or Jimmy Neutron). I do like the way universal does the child-swap, seems like we will probably be using it on some rides.

Great wrap-up and great insight for the next trip with the family. Hope an October 2011 trip is in the cards for you!

 

[KatMark]

Ashton really hit the mother load on the character photos your last day at US...good for him.

I love your closing thoughts...you did a great job with the entire report and I truly enjoyed following along.

I love all of the photopass pictures with Ashton and the characters...he is just too cute.

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Hi Connie! Great wrap up! I really, really, really, really hope you can make it in October. It would be so great. We got back on Sunday and we had a GREAT time. The weather was wonderful, Food and Wine was interesting, and we really enjoyed dressing up for the MNSSHP. I've never seen Josie dance so hard at a parade. She really loved the parade at the Halloween party. I will be booking our trip at the end of the month. I have my fingers crossed that you can make it next year with us. Now if I can convince Dana....

Thank you, Leanne
each time I mention it to Danny he talks about it more like it is going to happen...but, we all know we are waiting to see how things go with work. Things have already started to take a downward spiral but we'll see (they lost a $50K a month contract w/the ship yard last week-it end next month I think Danny told me so it starts!).

In 2001 we went the first week of October and it was wonderful! weather wise... Halloween did not start until the middle of Oct back than so it will be fun to see. That is so cute to hear about Josie! I'm glad to hear how much she enjoyed it! and your costumes looked GREAT!
I have my fingers crossed too! and it would be great if Dana joined us too!

Thanks for stopping by miss you my friend...

 

[longing2Batdisney]

I LOVED Back to the Future. It's my all time favorite movie and in 1995 My frined, her Brother and I rode it. I think it was brand new then. We waited like almost 3 HOURS in line in July with 90+ degree weather. It was awful hot and I swore I was about to pass out. But it was so worth it when we rode it. I have never rode a simulated ride like that that was that good. of course I haven't rode a new one in alot of years either. LOL!

I really need to try and get to Universal one of these days. I am kind of thinking that the next Orlando trip...after hopefully the one in Dec, we can just do Universal, and maybe one day at Disney. But I always change my mind. I swore last year, that my next trip would include Universal. But with harry Potter just opening, I think it will be too crowded at this point and time.

Hey Jen,
the Simpson's is basically the same thing as Back to the Future except you get into a carnival ride car....it still rises up above the floor and you join the Simpson family on the carnival ride of your life... as for simulated rides I think Spider man is the BEST! it is a car alot like you ride in Dinosaur and it has the screen like in Back to the Future/Simpson's with 3D glasses, you get the 4D effects such as heat, water, wind...it is an awesome experience!

you really do need to experience Universal and Islands of Adventure some of the attractions are not Disney quality but some are sensational!
as for crowds I heard the parks are OK crowd wise but Harry Potter section is very crowded.