Angela's - (linanglab) The rest of the story

[linanglab]

Okay....I started my report from July a LONG time ago. I thought I would finish it.

3rd Day - We got up early and went to MGM for EMH hour. We were only there for 1/2 day last time, so we were anxious about enjoying it more this trip.

This kids and DH went on Tower of Terror. I chickened out.....I can kick myself now. I don't like pitch black spaces. I wouldn't have minded the ride part, but I knew it would be dark.

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Bethany (DD) came out of the ride with a very distraught look and tears in her eyes. She DID NOT like it. She was going to ride Rock N Roller Coaster with all of us, but after that ride she refused. So I also did NOT get to ride the coaster. I was very saddened about that. We should have done the child swap thing, but it never crossed my mind at the time.

So instead, Bethany and I went to see Donald and Daisy. This was the 1st time we have ever seen Daisy, so we were pretty excited!

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All the boys met up with us and we went to the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground. My kids could have spent HOURS there. They loved it. I also did. I wanted to go down the slide so bad, but I was busy taking pics.

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We kept saying all vacation long that we would go back and visit the playground, however we never did.

[lilianddomsmom]

can't wait to hear more angela!!!

[linanglab]

After the playground, we went to this ride/show. For the life of me, the name of if....I cannot remember. DH was asked to do one of the parts.

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We actually had to come back and finish the ride another day. Once DH got changed, the tram already left. We had ressies at Rainforest Cafe so we could not wait for the next one.

Let me tell you... I absolutely LOVED RC. The food was fine, however I LOVED the theming.

Here my kids are trying to be cool. I think my DS12 does it the best. Of course, he thinks he doesn't HAVE to try, because he is already there....oh brother....
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A nice family volunteered to take our pics as a family. We then took theirs also. I loved the background of that picture

[linanglab]

The food was alright and the price was a bit steep. But we enjoyed immensely. The shop was pretty fun too. We wandered around there for quite awhile.

After lunch, we headed back to the hotel and did some swimming. We then went to MK to watch fireworks. Again...they were WONDERFUL. I just love Wishes. I actually saw a lady sitting down watching them. She was tearing up while watching them. I thought "She is one of US! She gets WDW!"

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And here is DD watching Wishes.
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And that concluded day 3. We went back and crashed! Animal Kingdom bright and early!

[linanglab]

I absolutely LOVE AK. I wish we spent more time there. We have not explored much of it. Mainly because when we go it is in the middle of summer and it is very hot. But someday, I want to explore all of the animal habitats that we have missed.

We head to the Safari first. It was an EMH morning so we were hoping to get on EE fairly quickly afterwards.



The safari is one of my favorites.
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The wildebeest was on the path for quite awhile at one point and we had to sit and wait until a truck was able to "talk" the wildabeest into standing somewhere else....

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We finished up the ride and headed to EE- after DD had a slight meltdown. She wanted NO more pics. Well...this is WDW! And I am your Mom! You will get your pics taken and you WILL smile and you WILL have FUN!!!! Well...maybe mom had a slight meltdown....I am a bit of a picture crazed mom.... You can tell here in the pic, that she is enjoying herself incredibly....

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It was one of the looks between smiling and crying....

[linanglab]

We headed toward EE. DS wanted to take our picture. Gee...wonder where he gets that from. And DH ruined a perfectly nice picture....I think you could kind of tell in that picture that I had just gotten over the melt down. Didn't have my normal perky smile going on....

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DD still is not in a great mood. You can tell by her slouchy position and the "DO NOT TOUCH ME BROTHERS" attitude she was possessing.

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Finally...moods have changed from bad to excitement of riding EE. Could not Wait. It was fun. I was not too fond of the dark parts. As mentioned earlier, I have a bit of a phobia about pitch dark. As goofy as it sounds, I am afraid that if I am in pitch dark long enough, I will be blind....I know...it sounds crazy. Even writing it is embarrassing....oh well.....DD did NOT like the ride. She was brave and did not cry, but her face said it all. Wish I had a picture of that!

We headed to Dinoland and Dinosaur (another of my not so favorite rides...remember...the dark?) But I survived. DD7 likes it better than me. I am such a baby....

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We then headed to Finding Nemo the musical. It was SUPER crowded. We had terrible seats. But it was nice to cool down and relax. It was good. However, I did fall asleep a couple times. We were just a bit tired....

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[linanglab]

We headed to It is Tough to Be a Bug. We tried to go in 2003, but the kids were afraid and we had to leave early. We did not even try in 2005. So this time we were going to try.
My monkies with the monkies:

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Why does every boy of 12 feel the need to put their hands up the monkeys nose????

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They did good in the show. They could not believe that they were afraid of it last time.

My DS then won a stuffed dino in Dinoland and gave it to DD. Sweet, huh? I enjoyed that part because it doesn't happen too often.....

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We left and went back to POR to eat some supper. Then we headed to DTD!

[wdwabby]

I'm glad you've picked up where you left off! Like you said last week (I think) I've been in a big Disney mood lately and these reports help. A little.

[linanglab]

Okay...we headed to DTD on the boat at POR. It was a great and tiring day. A great and tiring week. What gave that away????

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We strolled around DTD. Went to Goofys Candy store for the 1st time. Boy did I want to buy LOTS of things. But I have pretty good self control and only came out with some breath mints. But they were shaped like characters, so it was still fun....(SO my frugality gets in the way of fun sometimes). The kids each got those long sugar filled plastic thingys. They devoured those before supper. Dessert is acceptable before supper while vacationing. And WHY OH WHY did I not take pictures of the candy store??? That kills me!

Went to the Christmas store and spent a small fortune. Each of the kids always gets an ornament for Christmas. They each picked out one, and then I pick one out for the "family ornament" for 2007. I could have spend SOOO much more money. See...it is good that I did not overdo it on candy! And again...I took NO pictures of this either. I had lapses in judgement.

We ate at Planet Hollywood that night. We have eaten there several times in the past. However, DH had their ribs this time....they were INCREDIBLE!!! They were the best I have ever had. I don't even like ribs and I kept picking on DH's plate. YUMMY!

We started heading back to the boat. It started to thunder and lightning. Took a couple pictures with some of our favorite characters then got on to the POR boat.

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The one thing I did not do this trip that I said I was going to do for the last year, was pick a pearl. I can kick myself now for NOT doing it. DH tried to get me to. But that dumb frugality thing kept making me feel guilty. I am not one to spend much money on myself. NEXT time I will. Guys...hold me to that PLEASE! I do not wear jewelery much at all. I was going to have it made into a ring and it would have been a great memory. GRRRRRR.....

[Nite0wl71]

Very nice pictures :)

My cousin is afraid of being in the dark also. When she went with me to WDW in Feb she kept her digital camera out on all rides and turned it on in her lap so when it got dark she could look at some light. It seemed to really help her.

She went on everything but TOT and that is because she also is claustrophobic.

[linanglab]

Very nice pictures :)

My cousin is afraid of being in the dark also. When she went with me to WDW in Feb she kept her digital camera out on all rides and turned it on in her lap so when it got dark she could look at some light. It seemed to really help her.

She went on everything but TOT and that is because she also is claustrophobic.

That sounds SOOO much like me. I kept my cell phone with me and would use that as light "just in case". I am also claustrophobic. I did do Mission Space - the slow version ( I will explain later in report). I survived...but barely....LOL

[Hedy]

That sounds SOOO much like me. I kept my cell phone with me and would use that as light "just in case". I am also claustrophobic. I did do Mission Space - the slow version ( I will explain later in report). I survived...but barely....LOL

I'll be interested to hear about that...MS always struck my claustrophobic self as too scary.

[linanglab]

I'll be interested to hear about that...MS always struck my claustrophobic self as too scary.

All I will say until report time is: NEVER AGAIN

[linanglab]

Next day. Epcot. I do not have any pictures for this day, except photopass, because DH brings the digital, but forgets to put the battery in before we leave POR. I am not too happy, but I forgive him. The kids are VERY happy because they get a day without pictures - until I got a throw away camera!

We ride Soarin first. One of my absolutely FAVORITE rides! I could ride that thing 10 times straight. So relaxing.

We then go on to Test Track. This ride stopped for about 10 minutes when we were in the curving section. But it was cool and no one had to go to the bathroom, so we were alright....

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We then head toward Mission Space. DH takes the boys on the spinning version. DD and I go toward the mild one.

I was a bit nervous. I was afraid it would still spin too much for me. Secondly, I am claustrophobic, but was going to attempt this. Mainly because DD wanted to ride it. So I proceeded bravily.

We start talking to the couple we were going to ride with. I asked if they had been on it. They said it was more tame than Star Tours. GREAT! I like Star Tours. Don't have any problems with it. I can handle the claustrophobia on that ride - meaning I like it, however, I still like to get out when it is over. So I think this will be fine!

Then we board our pods.....okay.....this is a bit smaller and tighter than I had envisioned it. I can do it....I was trying to be strong for DD. THEN they close the pod....okay...I feel my heart pounding and I am having trouble breathing. DD is starting to look scared. So I start smiling at her and tell her it will be fun. But inside I am starting to panic. I start looking around for a "get off" button. I almost asked the couple next to me how to get out. I almost lost it. I prayed to myself. Then air started hitting my face. I needed that BADLY! I needed something to help me breathe and that seemed to do the trick. The ride started and it wasn't bad. DD was crying. I found out later that she was afraid she wouldn't push her button in time and would crash us.

The ride ended and I felt good that I accomplished Mission Space - even though it was the tame version. I will never do it again, but I at least experienced it.

The boys got off of their spinning version and absolutely loved it.

We did the Ellen ride. I remembered this ride when I was little, so it was fun going through it again.

Bethany had her birthday pin on that day and a CM gave her a Tinkerbell pin and another one to share with someone. She found "the girl" she wanted to give it to, and almost knocked people over to get it to her. It was so cute!
Did I tell you I had NO camera for this special moment???? That DH......

We toured a little more of the countries and then went home (POR) for the rest of the day.

[linanglab]

Next day was and MGM day. Once again the boys went on Rock and Roller Coaster.

DD and I visited some characters while waiting. HIIIIYAAAA!

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Then Bethany wanted to get "her face done". So she got a Minnie look. Thought it was cute at first until she kept smearing it. But it was fun while it lasted.

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We went to see the Little Mermaid. This is one of our favorites. Love the bubbles and the mist. Very cool.

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We did Star Tours quickly. We had a lunch ressie at Sci Fi. We were very excited about it since I wanted to go there on our last trip, but never made it.

[linanglab]

Finally we got to Sci Fi. Didn't wait at all and went right in. It was really neat. We got our car and sat in it. Of course my middle DS who is EXTREMELY smart, yet not alot of common sense in his little brain, asks if the movies we were watching were really real. He was a bit disappointed.

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The food was pretty good. But the atmosphere was nice. DH got a little flashy ice cube in his adult drink. The kids thought that was pretty neat. I got a salad. It was fine. Nothing special. We spent quite a bit of money on meals this trip - again, DH says "we are on vacation!"

We left, wallet a bit thinner, and headed past the Narnia picture place. Of course, camera in hand, made the kids pose for me.

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Linden, oldest son, wonders why Dad had to remember the battery today.....

We also pass the large pirates sign. So I decide to pose in front of it and wave my hands like I am fanning myself because he is a bit of a hottie. I was very serious with this pose for about a minute. Then I started to giggle because DH was taking FOREVER to take the picture. He lost the moment....People kept passing by us looking at us weird. Like THEY have never posed for a picture before!

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[linanglab]

We then went to see Beauty and the beast. This was the 1st time seeing this show at MGM. It was wonderful. I took SOOO many pictures, though, that I did not enjoy it as much as I would have liked.

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As we were leaving MGM, High School Musical show was coming out. We stayed and watched. Bethany was THRILLED!

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We decided to go to the Disney's All Star Sporting Complex. Let me just say that this was the highlights of my boys and DH's trip. They are all very sports minded and athletic. The fell in love with this place. We ate at the All star cafe. The boys wanted pictures of themselves with some of the favorite athlete's stuff. The were quite excited about this place.

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The booths at the all star cafe is shaped like a baseball mitt, each digit being a seat. DH thought that was awesome. He was 12 again. I was there all week long, was waiting for him to join me! LOL

[wilsonfamily4]

Thanks Angela for getting back to this. Your family seems to really enjoy each other. I love to take pictures too but my husband always tells me no more. So I try to sneak them in and it loses the fun. :) Next time we go we are bringing his parents so I will tell him it is for the kids! Anyway, all that was to say I love all your pictures. :)

[wilsonfamily4]

Okay, I know nothing about the world wide of sports. Can you go somehere there for free? What is there? My husband would love this but I know nothing!

[linanglab]

Can't you see the excitement in their faces???? Have you seen that kind of smile in all the pictures that I have posted yet??? They loved looking at all the memoribilia.

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We explored the complex. We ran into some workers and DH was asking who plays at the baseball diamond, etc., etc., etc. He was in sports heaven....

I was getting bored there. So I found my favorite tree in the world! I wish I lived in the south so I could have these in my yard. It reminds me of warmth! I hate the cold here in Ohio. So I made DH take a picture of me and my tree. He thought I was a bit silly, but even now, when I see this picture, I smile. I love those trees! Oh...and Bethany is in the picture with me. She doesn't know how to walk without being attached to me. (Did you notice she was in my Johnny depp picture too???) She is a bit of a Mama's girl....

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Afterwards, we decided to go and visit Animal Kingdom Lodge. It was a nice resort. But I wasn't as impressed as I was expecting to be. The pool was really nice. It was nice to watch the animals. But it didn't wow me as much as I was hoping.

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[eaglesdare]

great pictures!

what is with us moms and taking pictures. LOL i brought lots of disposables with me, just in case.

[coastalgirl]

Love the pictures. Yes your Dh does look 12 again in that picture. My sons elite team went to play there when he was 14, my guys had the best time in the world being at Disney and getting to play baseball. Even now at almost 18 he still says that was his best trip ever!! :love:
thanks for sharing your trip! I too am in a Disney funk and we were there in May. I miss it, I need to go home!

[linanglab]

Thanks Angela for getting back to this. Your family seems to really enjoy each other. I love to take pictures too but my husband always tells me no more. So I try to sneak them in and it loses the fun. :) Next time we go we are bringing his parents so I will tell him it is for the kids! Anyway, all that was to say I love all your pictures. :)

It is free to get in. Of course you have to pay to eat. We were able to look around everywhere. There was not much to actually do except look around. We were able to go into the stadium. That was neat. No one was there and we were able to get right next to the diamond. There is a nice shop to go into with a lot of sporting clothes, ESPN items, Disney sporting stuff, etc. We spent some money there, of course. The other thing you can do there is go around hugging palm trees. I found great satisfaction in doing that!

[wilsonfamily4]

The other thing you can do there is go around hugging palm trees. I found great satisfaction in doing that!

LOL. It is not always good to laugh out loud when on a computer. My kids look at me like I have totally lost it!

I may try to squeeze that in next time. Thanks for letting me know more

[bs4free]

Thanks for posting the continuation of your tr, great photos, and tr thanks keep it up!

[ItsmeSunnyV]

Aww These were all very fun to look at Angela!! You have a beautiful family!!:)

Veronica

[howdyfrtx]

You have such a cute family….thanks for sharing your trip.

[DisneyMa]

Awww!! Thanks for the trip report. Even though I have never been to DisneyWorld, I now miss it!!!:D Good thing I'll be at Disneyland soon.:cooldance:

[linanglab]

I still have 5 more days to go in my TR. I will continue maybe tomorrow. Need to take a break. It definitely has been fun reliving our trip. And it DEFINITELY makes me want to go back! How I can love a place SOOO much just floors me....Even more, it amazes the people who don't "get" WDW. What I love, is that my family gets it. So at least I am not alone! Thanks for reading and looking at my pics with me!

[nurseminnie76]

Thanks for sharing Angela. I'm luvin' all the pics! Keeps me daydreaming about our upcoming Christmas trip. :love:

[Magical JenK]

The other thing you can do there is go around hugging palm trees. I found great satisfaction in doing that!

Ok, that made me giggle out loud! Too funny! Thanks for saying what World of Sports was...I knew they sometimes had events there, but I didn't know what you could do there w/o an event! Next time!

I still have 5 more days to go in my TR. I will continue maybe tomorrow. Need to take a break. It definitely has been fun reliving our trip. And it DEFINITELY makes me want to go back! How I can love a place SOOO much just floors me....Even more, it amazes the people who don't "get" WDW. What I love, is that my family gets it. So at least I am not alone! Thanks for reading and looking at my pics with me!

I'm glad continuing your TR has helped your Disney blues!! I love reading your report! What's so impressive is that your vacay was a few months ago, but you're writing it like it was yesterday! I think it's due to your photos that you take! I know they always help me remember what I did on what day!

I love how even when you "make" your kids get their picture taken, they still seem to look like they're having a great time...even when DD was still getting over a meltdown! I don't know about your family members, but I find that when DH doesn't want any more photos taken he always asks to see the photo right after it's taken!! We're all hams, we always want our photos taken even if we say we don't!! :p

Can't wait to read more about your trip & love to see your photos! You have a beautiful family & I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE when you said that they "get it"!! That's the best part if you ask me!

[linanglab]

July 3rd....This was our ALL day planned MK day. We have always watched the 4th of July fireworks on THIS day rather than on the 4th. You wouldn't catch us dead in a park on the 4th.

We get up early and arrive at MK. We had not ridden Dumbo yet, and this was our 1st ride of the day. And remember that I mentioned meltdowns ealier??? Well, DD had another one. She wanted DH, me and her to ride in our elephant. I looked at it and realized that it was just TOO tight for that. So I sat at. She was just a pouting! Also, remember how I said she barely knows how to function without her being ALL over me? Well...that added to our misery....But she got over it after the elephants took flight. However, I think it left DH in a grumpy mood for awhile....(even though he wouldn't admit it)

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We then headed over to Thunder Mountain and Splash. Splash was the family favorite! We rode it over 10 times during our trip. The more I rode it, the more I loved it. We got to the point that we all decided ahead of time what kind of face we would do coming down the hill. We pretended to sleep, pretended to be scared, pretended to be cool (or if you remember, my oldest doesn't think he has to pretend because it comes naturally!), DH and I kissed once, we did the covering of the ears, mouth and eyes thing. We did not buy any of them. Now talking about it, I wish we did.....

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We then headed over to Toontown to meet Mickey.

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[linanglab]

Mickey was great. He kept pointing to my ears and to his heart. He made me hold onto his arm. After the pictures he wouldn't let me go. Then when he did let me go, he started following me! It was so cute. I wish DH was taking pictures of that. But no....I am the camera queen. So finally the CM explained to poor Mickey that I was NOT Minnie and he would have to let me go. Parting was quite painful for him, but alas, he indeed let me go.....

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We left Mickey's and lo and behold we fell into a character meeting! Many characters were outside awaiting to have their pictures taken. So we made our way - we were about 1st in line (however, somehow, people made it in front of us. Like we didn't feel their pushes and see that they were all of a sudden was somone in front of us. We need a name for these types of people. They truly got on my nerves.....character quacks....no....picture pirates....no.....if you think of a good one, let me know)

Here are some of the ones we got:

I think rafiki almost suffocated DD. But I gave him credit. He would NOT interact with those line jumping losers. He would point to the back of the line and look at them....

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We also got Max, Pinochio, and Friar Tuck. It was starting to be a very magical day for us.

[linanglab]

We decided to take a train ride around MK. Quite relaxing and enjoyable.

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I am not sure of all the things we did until about dinner time. Since it has been such a long time since our trip, I am going by my digital pictures (since they are in order it has been easier to keep track of chronological order...) But I somehow, do not pics between the train and dinner.

We did visit this: I thought Austin, middle son, did this well.

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and visited the Libery bell.

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It was time for our ADR (4:00 ish) at Liberty Tree Tavern. It was nice to try something new, however, this was the least favorite of ours. We could not understand our waiter, and it made it very difficult ordering drinks.

We did allow DD to wear her Bday pin again (okay...scold me later. I thought the bday pin would be more fun at MK than it was at Epcot.) The character all moved their hands around like they were directing. They were in essence singing happy birthday. That made Bethany quite happy.

[linanglab]

Dinner tasted alright. It just was not our favorite. We probably will not go back.


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Here is where Pluto was "singing" to Bethany. Quite cute.

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And I love how Austin is hugging the stink out of Pluto. My kids just love Pluto!

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And one of the chipmunks acting surprised about Bethany's birthday. (Never remember who is Chip and Dale. You could tell me which one is which, but by tomorrow, I would forget again...)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/7-6-2007-083.jpg

[linanglab]

After dinner we decided to do a few more rides before we took our special fireworks positions. I insisted on riding the Carousel. Why I like this ride....it just isn't a day at MK without a whirl on the horses.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/7-6-2007-092.jpg
You have to admit. I do look pretty happy. I really need to be at WDW more than I am. Just LOOK at that happiness that just overflows!

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/7-6-2007-091.jpg
Okay, so DH isn't as happy as me....but he doesn't think the horse thing is all THAT exciting.

But my kids share my overflowing joy at WDW. They are TRULY my kids when it comes to WDW!
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/7-6-2007-090.jpg

We then went to Tomorrowland and rode Space Mountain. We also LOVE this ride. We actually rode this one when the lights were on. That was quite interesting. Kind of an ugly and boring ride with the lights on. But since the lights were on, they let us get right back on and ride again. So 2 times in 10 minutes we were able to ride Space. Very cool.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/7-6-2007-089.jpg

After riding some rides, we visited Main Street. Now here is where it will get exciting for you. I am about to show you some pictures that you will be quite impressed with. Okay....maybe not so much. As much as I like to take pictures, DD likes to get her pictures taken (of course unless she is in the meltdown process). Well. She wanted these taken of her. I tried to avoid it, but then I could see a glimpse of the meltdown and - for lack of better parenting skills, or should I say I threw my good parenting skills out the window so we could have this very magical day STAY magical - I gave into her desire and snapped away. Please....these pictures may be too exciting. Look at your own risk....

[linanglab]

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/7-6-2007-100.jpg
Can you see the ALMOST meltdown in the above picture? I snapped it JUST in time!

AND

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/7-6-2007-101.jpg

AND

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/7-6-2007-105.jpg

AND

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/7-6-2007-102.jpg

I won't thrill you with anymore because I would have to post 20 more posts to fit all of them in. Almost EVERY window she wanted her picture taken....UGH!!!! But, it is fun looking at all the windows. Brings lots of memories walking down Main Street.

It was about time for our patriotic firework display. If you have never been there during this show, you are missing out. I am a very patriotic person and this gets to me EVERY time. It is beautiful. I tear up in pride. It is truly an amazing show. The people who have died for our freedom, the people who are fighting right now for our freedom. I am thankful for all those who serve and who have served. What an amazing gift to all of us who live our lives everyday in peace....okay...I am off my soapbox now.

On with the show.....

[linanglab]

We find our place on the curb - right on Main Street between Crystal Palace and the castle. Perfect position.
We sat down with a snack and watched all the people buying balloons, light up toys and interacting with the CM's. I love watching. However my kids get a little antsy. But they did alright.

Mom....why must you KEEP taking pictures. I will not smile. You cannot make me. Remember....I am TOO cool.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/7-6-2007-117.jpg

Lets see if we can annoy the middle child. Go on Bethany. Do what you do best and be annoying to your brother....

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/7-6-2007-116.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/7-6-2007-118.jpg

Lets take a picture of the castle all decked out in its fourth of July lights! (A little blurry. I am still trying to master my new camera. Don't have a lot of camera skills. Like to take pics anyway!)
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/7-6-2007-122-1.jpg

[linanglab]

And the music starts....My tears start....My chill bumps join in the festivites. The National Anthem begins....My heart pounds. What a truly wonderful country we live in....I begin singing with the music. Sorry...but if my national anthem is played, I cannot help myself. My country. My anthem. My chance to sing and celebrate too. It is beautiful.

Side note: I have wondered for those who are at WDW who are not from the United States, what they think of the whole thing.

Anyway....

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http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/7-6-2007-143.jpg

What a great ending to a wonderful day. We were SOOO tired, yet exhilerated at the same time. We will sleep well tonight. Tomorrow is a non Disney day. We will be heading toward Sea World. I may share some of that also, if you don't mind. We do like Sea World...not NEAR as much as WDW. But it was fun too.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/7-6-2007-154.jpg

After the show is over I turn around and looked at Main Street. It is a beautiful site. I wipe my teary eyes and take a picture of this. We were not sure if we would be back during the evening again during this trip, so I wanted to remember how wonderful it looks all lit up.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/7-6-2007-121.jpg

[ligrumpygirl]

Loving the report! We usually go over the 4th of July but this year we pushed it back to get more trips out of our APs...now I see that even with the crowds I miss it. I love the July 3rd/4th show!!

[linanglab]

Loving the report! We usually go over the 4th of July but this year we pushed it back to get more trips out of our APs...now I see that even with the crowds I miss it. I love the July 3rd/4th show!!


I wish we could go another time of year, but that is the week DH gets his vacation. However, the fireworks are wonderful. I would love to go around Halloween time or especially Christmas time. I would also like going when all the flowers are in bloom in the spring.....okay....maybe I would like to go EVERY time of the year! It would be nice to experience each season, just to see how different it would be than summer. Maybe someday....

[m 'n c]

I love your TR Angela. Sorry you didn't like LTT. For some reason that is Mike's favorite restaurant (I liked it but he LOVES it). I'm surprised the CM making your ADRs didn't note the entire week that it was Bethany's b-day. Last Sept the CM made a note on every ADR (not at my request) that it was my b-day since my b-day was during the trip. LTT does a nice table decoration with confetti and a cupcake but that's about it.

[linanglab]

I love your TR Angela. Sorry you didn't like LTT. For some reason that is Mike's favorite restaurant (I liked it but he LOVES it). I'm surprised the CM making your ADRs didn't note the entire week that it was Bethany's b-day. Last Sept the CM made a note on every ADR (not at my request) that it was my b-day since my b-day was during the trip. LTT does a nice table decoration with confetti and a cupcake but that's about it.


It would have been nice to have had something a bit more special for Bethany's birthday, however, it was fine the way it was. Didn't want Bethany's head to get TOO big. She may have had a few more LARGER meltdowns if she knew that she would be considered "special" ALL day EVERY day! LOL

[Magical JenK]

Angela- Until this trip I could never remember who was Chip & who was Dale...but here's what I learned from a server at Tony's Town Square this last trip...Dale has the red nose, Chip has the brown nose....how to remember...chocolate chips are brown...Chip has the brown nose. Disney association by food! I love it & won't forget!! I hope it helps you!

How are the crowds during the time you're there? We've never gone during a real busy season, so the longest we ever have to wait is 20 mins...I think I'd love to see the Patriotic Fireworks too! Thanks for sharing!!
Jen

[linanglab]

Angela- Until this trip I could never remember who was Chip & who was Dale...but here's what I learned from a server at Tony's Town Square this last trip...Dale has the red nose, Chip has the brown nose....how to remember...chocolate chips are brown...Chip has the brown nose. Disney association by food! I love it & won't forget!! I hope it helps you!

How are the crowds during the time you're there? We've never gone during a real busy season, so the longest we ever have to wait is 20 mins...I think I'd love to see the Patriotic Fireworks too! Thanks for sharing!!
Jen

It is very busy. However, we used early EMH consistently and did 1 late EMH (which I thought I would be too tired for - I am getting old, you know) that we actually really enjoyed. We used fastpasses also. We only waited about 15 minutes at the most for rides. I think you have to plan out a bit more than if it was not a busy time of the year. At least I am assuming, since we have only gone during the week of the 4th. My DH can't stand crowds, but we did pretty good! He even thought so.

And I will have to remember the Chip - brown nose because of chocolate chips - thing. Thanks for that tip!

[linanglab]

Well, July 4th.....Sea World day. I won't bore you all with that, since most of you are EXTREME Disney fans. But here are just a few pics. We had a great day at Sea World. Stayed most of the day and then went back to POR for a good swim....

Who knew they had anteaters at Sea World????
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/7-6-2007-260.jpg

As we were leaving....

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/7-6-2007-295.jpg

Now on with our Disney vacation....The next day we went to Epcot....I wanted to get there BRIGHT and EARLY. And I MEAN IT!!!! We had an early bedtime the night before, so we got up just as me, MOM, wanted. Got in line and.....well..........................we waited....................and waited..............Maybe I pushed everyone out a tad early. But I wanted to get there....you guessed it.....BRIGHT AND EARLY!!!

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/7-6-2007-312-2.jpg

So, as you could tell, everyone was really letting me know that I got them up TOO early.....

[linanglab]

Of course our first ride was Soarin. Did I tell you I LOVE that ride???? Then off to Test Track. Then the boys wanted to do Mission Space. Of course that was NOT going to happen for DD and me. So as the boys rode that, DD went around looking at shops, seeing if any characters were out, etc. We had a slush and met some characters....


And this is Dale, because of his BLACK nose....Thanks Jen!!!!
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/7-6-2007-330.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/7-6-2007-325.jpg

We finally met up with the boys and decided to get some family pictures taken. This was fun....

Us with Mickey.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/mickeyfamily6.jpg


Then....there was the most popular blooper picture that I posted earlier on another thread.....Had NO idea this happened until pictures came back. Poor DD..she had no idea...Poor Goofy...He had no idea what was coming!

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/goofykids-2.jpg
After pictures, we decided to stroll through the countries one last time. We were really hoping to meet Mulan. Bethany had been wanting to meet her "all of my life" as she puts it. So we went to China and we were told she would be out in 15 minutes as long as it didn't rain. Rain clouds were coming in. We started sweating bullets. Then....Bethany got to meet the person she had been waiting for her WHOLE trip.....

[linanglab]

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/7-6-2007-338.jpg

She was SOOOO happy. Then the kids made some masks and then we decided it was time to eat. No one could decide where. So we ended up....very exciting....in the United States of America eating hamburgers....yes...we are a very boring restaurant family.....

We decided to go home. But we met one other person. Beast was supposed to be with her, but for some reason could not make it. Austin does not like to take pictures with "girl" characters. However, he must have thought this one was cute, because he jumped in at the last minute.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/7-6-2007-346.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/7-6-2007-347.jpg

Then we walked around for a little while and decided to relax. Tomorrow would be our LAST full day in WDW. The 11 days was going fast. I started to get sad....How I can get sad before it is over??? Well...I am sure you all have experienced it.....

[linanglab]

July 6th. The last FULL day....We went to ...of course....MK! My favorite.

We had breakfast at 8:05 at Crystal Palace. We enjoyed it. However, it was not as good as the last time we went. The characters were not as interactive either. We sat FOREVER before Eeyore came to our table. And, in my opinion, is the BEST Pooh character ever! So we waited for Eeyore and left.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/7-6-2007-389.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/7-6-2007-397-1.jpg


We had not ridden Snow White yet, so we decided to get in line for that. It was a very short line. So, we waited. But the line was not moving. Finally they told us that we would have to leave the line, because the ride was not working properly. Okay...I was pretty mad. The ONLY ride I had not ridden in Fantasyland. This might be the only chance for me to ride it! DH told me to calm down and enjoy my last day. OH! What does he know! My mood was blown. I was NOT happy. We walked over to the Pooh ride. I really like this ride....even WAY better than Snow White....but it was NOT THE PLAN!!!!!

So I tried to smile and ride. I did enjoy the ride. Started to calm down a bit. Isn't Eeyore SOOO cute? I was anxious to get into the little shop afterward to do some last day shopping. But wait! What is this??????












http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/7-6-2007-421.jpg

We got dream fast passes at MK!!!! YIPPEE!! It was perfect! On our last FULL day! What a dream. Okay...I have to tell you I felt a bit bad for having a mommy planning mood. If Snow White had not been closed, we would not have gotten on Pooh and gotten these FP. So listen all! When life stinks, something fragrant might be around the corner!

The rest of the day was dreamy. We visited Ariel, at DD's request. The boys played in the water in the "waiting area" as they say.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/7-6-2007-425.jpg

[Magical JenK]

Noooooooooooooooooooo I don't want your TR to be over soon either!!

Glad my "trick" for Chip worked!! See, those CMs know what they're talking about!!

[linanglab]

Of course we spent the the day using up all of our fastpasses. It was AWESOME! We did not wait much for than 5 mintues for anything that day. The only thing we did not use on our Dream FP was Stitch Great Escape. We manages to escape seeing that one our entire 11 days. That is our LEAST favorite.

We took a mid afternoon break. We did not think we would go back. Then we realized that it was late EMH. You have GOT to be kidding me. I am NOT a late night person. So, around 6:00 we head back to MK. By 9:00 I am EXHAUSTED!!!! We decided that DD and I would go back to the van after riding Splash and sleep there while the boys ran around the park. I was so tired I couldn't STAND it. So we rode Splash. Well....if that didn't do it, I do not know what did. But Bethany and I were wide awake after that. We ended up staying until 1:45 am. WOW!!! It was a great day.

From here on out, I do not have any pictures. They are still on my digital camera. I know....it is October, and they are not developed yet! I am a bit surprised at myself too!

So I will be brief with the last day....

Slept in. The boys decided to let Mom have her last day back at MK! Did I tell you I love my boys???? It was awesome. We ran around and rode lots of rides. We were able to watch the afternoon parade before heading to the airport. My baby girl cried as we left. She made me cry. My poor DH now has 2 emotionally distraught girls on his hands. I was trying to be strong. But as we boarded the monorail, and I looked at the MK, I had that sinking feeling in my stomach....it was over....I wouldn't be back for 2 years. Even writing this, I am tearing up. I love that place. What a magical and beautiful place!

It was an awesome vacation! Thanks for letting me post all my posts and rant away. It is fun reliving your vacation. Thanks again!

[LuvMyBoys]

Of course we spent the the day using up all of our fastpasses. It was AWESOME! We did not wait much for than 5 mintues for anything that day. The only thing we did not use on our Dream FP was Stitch Great Escape. We manages to escape seeing that one our entire 11 days. That is our LEAST favorite.

We took a mid afternoon break. We did not think we would go back. Then we realized that it was late EMH. You have GOT to be kidding me. I am NOT a late night person. So, around 6:00 we head back to MK. By 9:00 I am EXHAUSTED!!!! We decided that DD and I would go back to the van after riding Splash and sleep there while the boys ran around the park. I was so tired I couldn't STAND it. So we rode Splash. Well....if that didn't do it, I do not know what did. But Bethany and I were wide awake after that. We ended up staying until 1:45 am. WOW!!! It was a great day.

From here on out, I do not have any pictures. They are still on my digital camera. I know....it is October, and they are not developed yet! I am a bit surprised at myself too!

So I will be brief with the last day....

Slept in. The boys decided to let Mom have her last day back at MK! Did I tell you I love my boys???? It was awesome. We ran around and rode lots of rides. We were able to watch the afternoon parade before heading to the airport. My baby girl cried as we left. She made me cry. My poor DH now has 2 emotionally distraught girls on his hands. I was trying to be strong. But as we boarded the monorail, and I looked at the MK, I had that sinking feeling in my stomach....it was over....I wouldn't be back for 2 years. Even writing this, I am tearing up. I love that place. What a magical and beautiful place!

It was an awesome vacation! Thanks for letting me post all my posts and rant away. It is fun reliving your vacation. Thanks again!

Great report Angela!! :)

Thank YOU for sharing your family's trip with us! :sunshine:

[JillyFish]

Oh geez....I'm getting all teary-eyed just having your TR be over! :cry:

Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us Angela. I loved all the pictures. (You have a beautiful family BTW!) It sounds like you had a perfect vacation. Aren't the Dream FP's great? We won them in January.

[bs4free]

Thank you so much for your report Angela , i really enjoyed the photos and reading it, I know what you mean when your leaving for the last time! But do not worry i know you will get back just as soon as you can, and we here on sr can help make that 2yr go by fast, and think of all the rewards you will earn along the way!

[wilsonfamily4]

We are on the 2 year plan too. It is down to a year and a half left now. The time flew by. I hope the next year and some goes fast too! My husband thinks this will be the last of disney for awhile BUT I know we will do this every two years for a long time. He forgets how much fun he has when we go. And how detemined his wife is. :) He is also not against me taking just my daughter sometime so I will probably do that someday too.

I enjoyed the trip report. I was sad to see it end. :(

[linanglab]

Just thought I would add just a few more of my favorite pictures....


An exhausted day at the parks.....
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/7-6-2007-356.jpg



This is one of my favs. It is from the Winnie the Pooh tree.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/linanglab/7-6-2007-132.jpg

[Hedy]

Love the sleeping picture-we have a pricesless picture somewhere of my brothers doing that when they were in their teens.

[coastalgirl]

It's over, thats all??:(
Just kidding! Thanks for sharing! I really enjoyed it and all the pictures of your beautiful family!!
I always cry on the day we leave. Sad thing is, we drive and I tend to pout and whine all the way home! :rotfl:

Thanks again for sharing your family and trip with us!!!

[Magical JenK]

That's so cute! I love the Winnie the Pooh tree one!! Too bad you weren't in it too! There were 4 openings!! DH could have taken the photo for you! :0)

Thank you for continuing your TR! It's so much fun to see photos & hear what you did!!

[wdwabby]

I just finished and I'm sad it's over. It looks like you guys had a great vacation - and I'm in the "it doesn't look like I'm going back for 2 years" boat as well and I'll have to keep myself pretty busy on here if I'm going to be able to afford it too.

We'll just have to get more people do to TRs and keep on keepin' on ...


Great TR, thanks for sharing!