5/29 - 6/8/02 Comfort Inn LBV Master Matt's Disney Adventure (and his mom went too!) About This Page:

[Youngatheart]

What a prize winning report!!! I love it! The pictures and narration are excellent!! I look forward to each installment. Great work!

[reinstructor]

Great trip report. Can't wait to read the rest. Your pictures are really good. Sounds like you had a marvelous time [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[PS - I LUV WDW]

Thanks for the latest pics. Loved the ones of the Hoop De Doo! Made me feel like I was sitting at the table with you two!

[minnievoice]

Yay, more pics!! You really did have a great seat for Hoop De Doo!! Can't wait for the next installment!

[Ursunique2001]

Okay so you know the routine. I will add the pictures tonight when I get home. Thank you for the encouraging words, everyone. Now I understand why it takes Nate so long to write his report. It is fun to do, but very time consuming. But it is great to relive it again.

Wednesday, June 5, 2002 ------- Day 8, Part 2


“A dream come true!”

Matthew and I had decided that we would try to do more of Epcot this trip, so tonight it was on to Epcot in order to tour the “world.” We arrived at Epcot around 5:30 pm I guess, and took some great pictures of Space Ship Earth.



Is it me or does Epcot look different each time you go back. Every time we went back I would say to Matthew “was that there the last time we were here?” Anyway we decided to ride Space Ship Earth again. This is really a nice relaxing ride and Matthew really enjoys it too. We made our way to Ice Station Cool where we tasted the coke products, Matthew made sure he stayed away from the Beverly this time. It was funny to watch other people try out the Beverly and to see their facial expression afterwards. Afterwards we started making our way to Mexico. We were walking past the fountains when we got a good soaking. It seems that we happened upon the fountain while it was in the middle of its many musical shows. We stopped to watch it and stood in awe. I must say that the water did feel really good. On our way to Mexico we asked some other visitors to take our picture.


I must say that we did well with asking others to take pictures of us together. Matthew and I are both a little shy, so this was a big accomplishment for us. Oh, and I stopped a brought batteries for my camera. Up till this point I had been having problems with my cameras automatic flash coming back up. It seemed to me that it was taking a long time for it to come back up between pictures. I had changed the batteries before we left home and again while we were at Disney but was still having problems. I decided to by some energizer batteries and what do you know the camera has worked fine since. So if anyone ever tells you that batteries are batteries, don’t listen. I found out you get what you pay for.

Okay we were at Mexico and noticed a boat that would take us to Germany. We decided to wait for the boat since it was on its way back over. Matthew really enjoyed the boat ride over and we just relaxed in the cool air. Once in Germany, we took a few pictures and then inquired as to where the parade would be. We decided to watch the parade and found a spot between Germany and China. We were across from a snack station and found a seat at some tables by the water. After about a 15 minute wait, the parade began and eventually reached us. Matthew sat in awe as he watched the processional.


His facial expression was simply priceless as he gazed at the puppets.

He said he really enjoyed the parade and thought it was definitely worth the wait. After the parade we made our way to China where I brought a fan for my Mom. She had been hounding us about what we were going to get her. She is so nosey. But we managed to keep it a secret and she did not find out what it was till we got home. After taking pictures and gazing at the sites, we made our way through Norway and Mexico and found ourselves back at the fountain. We definitely have to spend more time at Epcot next time because we really did not get to see as much as we wanted to. On the positive side, we did get to do things we had missed on our last trip. Decided that we were ready to go since we were both very hungry, but stopped at Innoventions for about 20 minutes while Matthew played some of the games. I sat and relaxed while I waited for him to get finished. After leaving Epcot, we went to Cracker Barrel restaurant for dinner. Matthew had the chicken tenders dinner and I had the catfish dinner (I think), I know the food was very good and inexpensive. As always we were very pleased with our meal. Stopped in the Cracker Barrel store before leaving and brought some of those delicious mints that melt in your mouth before leaving and then it was off to the hotel. By now we were both tired and were sleep before our heads hit our pillow.

Coming Next: “It’s a Pirate’s life for me.”

[ 07-04-2002, 05:51 PM: Message edited by: Ursunique2001 ]

[AKLRULZ]

SUPER!!! I'm just now getting all caught up on your report, and I'm really digging the photos! NICE TOUCH!! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[Ursunique2001]

pics added to last installment for your enjoyment.

[sweet156]

OMG I love the pictures!!!
Cant wait for more.

[michnash]

Hey, there, Ursula! What a wonderful report! (It's about time I get around to reading it, huh?) Well, I have been working furiously on my own report. I loved the part where I got to re-live our meeting! It was so nice to meet you- I thought it neat to find that we had so much in common! Todd loved meeting you both, too. He wanted to spend all day together! (As I did, too!) Well, I guess we'll just have to go back and meet again. (Darn!) [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] Keep up the great work! I love the pictures, too! I'll have to get my pictures up soon, too!

[tinksmom]

Thanks, so much. I'm really enjoying your report and pictures!

[Disney Matter]

Your report is great! And the pictures, how cool is that?! I must try to have people snap our pics together when we go, I'm never in any pictures cause I'm the photographer.

Ya'll just look like your having the BEST time.

I noticed that Matthew is carrying a backpack. I wonder, did he find it cumbersome at all?

(Good self control on the munchkin in line at Kilimanjaro Safari!) [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[Ursunique2001]

Disney Matter,
Believe it or not Matthew actually preferred the backpack to the waistpack, probably because it was easier to manage. I must admit that we did not carry alot in the backpack though. We had my Passporter book, his notebook, two washclothes, his penny press book, and his autograph book. It wasn't even half full.

We also came up with a way for him to have it checked by security without him even taking it off. I opened all the zippers and pockets and when they were finished I closed them. This way he never had to take it off.

Michnash,
We really enjoyed you and your son, Todd. It was nice how they got along from the start and actually talked amongst themselves. After we left you, I thought to myself that I should have given you my cell phone and hotel phone number so that maybe we could have met up before we left. I agree, we will just have to do Disney again, so that we can meet up again.

Thanks everyone for your feedback. It really makes writing this trip report enjoyable.

[tikibird]

Just got caught up on your report.

Great installments, and love the pictures!

Keep it coming! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[Ursunique2001]

You know the routine. I'll add the pictures when I get home tonight. Thanks everyone for your feedback and encouraging words

Thursday, June 6 2002 ------- Day 9


“It’s a Pirate’s life for me.”

Today was sort of a rest and relaxation day. Our original plans were for Matthew to do the Pirate’s Adventure Cruise at the Grand Floridian Resort and then to go to one of the water parks. But this would change a little as the day progressed.

Woke up at around 8 am and got Matthew and I dressed. My plan was to get him to the Grand Floridian a little early so that we would not have to rush once we got there. This plan worked out quite well. This would be the first time that we would have problems following Disney’s signs. The Grand Floridian is a Magic Kingdom Resort, so you have to go through the same entrance as those who are going to the park. The only difference is that you don’t have to pay to park at the resorts. Some how we missed the sign the first time and turned left instead of right. This took us back to the gas station at the entrance. We drove around again and this time decided to make a right and what do you know, we actually found the Grand Floridian. After getting pass the guard at the entrance we parked the car and made our way back to the Resort. I have to say that we were both simply amazed as to how beautiful this Resort is. The detail and décor was excellent. As we walked into the lobby, our mouths dropped in awe.


It was simply beautiful. The colors, the feeling of being in luxury, and the atmosphere was just awesome. We made our way back to the Marina and I checked Matthew in while he found a life jacket that fit him perfectly. I had planned to pay with cash, even though I had given my credit card for to secure his reservation, but they had already charged it to the credit card. I was a little disappointed because I was operating on a cash only basis when it came to purchases and this kind of threw a monkey wrench into my system. Thank God I had enough on the credit car to cover that too.

Now as we checked in there was a CM in training who was tying the bandanas on the children. She did a good job on Matthew considering that he is sporting a bush and has a whole lot of hair. After getting his bandana and his life jacket
the kids were lined up and told to pair up with a partner. Matthew was the oldest, tallest and biggest child there. Not to mention he was the only African-American child too. I was a little leery because I did not want him to feel like he was out of place. Not because of his skin color, but because he was with a whole bunch of little kids in his eyes. I mean the next oldest child may have been about 6 or 7 years old and small for their age.

Okay the kids paired off and it was an odd number of kids so Matthew did not have a partner. The “Captain” of the ship told Matthew he would be his partner and could sit up front with him. As the boat pulled off I took some pictures and told him to have a good time.

I decided to go back to the lobby and just sit and read a little. I also thought this would be a good time to catch up on the notes for this trip report. I had become a little lazy when it came to taking notes and had some serious catching up to do. I have to say that as I sat in the lobby and wrote a little and relaxed a little I felt like I had sunk into a luxurious dream. I sat and took in the scenes, did a little people watching and just soaked in the atmosphere. This is definitely a place where I could see myself staying if I had the funds. I took some pictures of the lobby and it’s beautiful furniture and architecture

and then made my way back to the marina. As I sat and read a little more, it started to drizzle so I moved to one of the benches outside of one of the buildings. I still had about 45 minutes before the boat would return and I took the time to chat with some of the other people who were waiting for their children to return. One lady was here with her husband who was on business and was staying near the airport. She asked about my passporter book and I took the time to explain to her how to get it, how great it is and also about this website. Another lady was babysitting two children for the day and explained to us what she did and the rates. She was very nice and seemed to really be concerned about the children that she cared for. They were a pleasure to talk to as we waited for the arrival of our little tikes.

The boat was now arriving and the system was that you had to have your receipt for your child in order to claim them. So we waited in line and one by one we stepped up and claimed our children. The CM who paired with Matthew announced that Captain Matthew’s mother was here and told the other CM to send him down. Matthew told me that they let him drive the boat back and he had a blast. I was really thankful that he had a good time. He said they had fun looking for treasure and the CM’s kept trying to steal the treasure. He said he loved it and I am very thankful that I took the chance and let him go on the cruise. As we were leaving we took some more pictures of the lobby and the grand stairwell.

We decided that we would not go to the water park, but instead we would get lunch and then go back to the hotel where he could swim and I could relax some more. We stopped at the Waffle House for lunch where the food was very good and then made our way back to the hotel. Matthew changed for the pool and I laid across the bed. I got up and checked on him periodically and just relaxed as he swam and played. I must also say that each time Matthew got in the pool he always managed to link up with other kids and adults to play with. He was in the pool for about 3 or 4 hours before I called him upstairs. As usual he went through the routine of taking a shower and washing his hair, and then I dried it as usual. We decided to try out a Chinese restaurant that was just down the road from the hotel. We had fried chicken wings and shrimp fried rice. It was very, very good and the price was reasonable also. As we arrived back at the hotel we noticed that they had a group called “No Vacancy” performing and decided to change into our swim wear and go to the pool. As usual I sat on the side and watched the show while Matthew played in the pool. The group was very good.

There were five girls who sang a lot of the old Motown songs as well as a few new gospel songs. They also did puppet shows to the songs also.

They were there for two shows and we stayed for both. Afterwards we went back to the room and Matthew had to go through his ritual again. We popped some popcorn and watch TV before turning in for the evening. Today was a very relaxing day for the both of us.

Coming Next: “Hey, how did we miss this?”

[ 07-09-2002, 08:47 PM: Message edited by: Ursunique2001 ]

[AKLRULZ]

Well it sound like the Pirate Cruise was a hit! How fun for him! And what a relaxing day - at least for you! Matthew was probably zonked from all that swimming - isn't funny how kids are magnet to other kids yet adults often find it hard to say hi to another adult! If we adults acted more like kids in the pool with one another the world would be such a better place!

Super!