Super Summer Softball Extravaganza-Complete w/ final thoughts About This Page:

[Colexis Mom]

Another great update

[lauren-roxy]

Wow, sounds like Typhoon Lagoon was really busy!!! We were supposed to go that day too, but my daughter got sick and we ended up staying at the resort, and boy am I glad we did!!I am so sorry that Jack is not feeling well, I hope is isnm't sick for the rest of the vacation. Can't wait to read more!! Your picture from Typhoon Lagoon is adorable!!

[DawnDenise]

I don't think I've ever seen Typhoon Lagoon that busy!! We loved the "pineapple" course on Crush n Gusher!! Another great day and looking forward to more!

[SharonK0527]

Just getting caught up on your trip report - great so far!! We were at WDW from 7/6-7/16 so we were there many of the same days as you. The day we went to Typhoon Lagoon it was packed as well. We waited in line for 45 minutes just to order lunch. The Family Raft Ride wait time was never less than 60 minutes all day.

Sorry to hear your boys are sick - hope they are feeling better in the next installment.

Can't wait for more....great photos too....

[Tink and co.]

Day 9 July 17th—The Happiest Day on Earth

Today we had a wake up call at 7, so we’d all be at Disney Studios at 9:00 for park opening. Jack still didn’t feel great, but wanted to go and wanted to eat something. Rob’s stomach was really killing him, but he really wanted to go as well. I hopped down to the food court and got some saltines, a banana, and some Sprite for Jack. And some frozen Coke for me! Rob refused to eat. Hal and I dined on the last of the cereal bars and some milk. Miraculously, we were all at the park at opening and decided that we needed to get a fastpass for Lights, Motors, Action and then head to Tower of Terror and Rock n Roller Coaster.

Rob said that he’d probably faint if he walked all the way to the far end of the park to obtain the fastpasses, so it was my turn. It was at this point that Rob said he’d probably head back to the room after I’d had my ride on the thrill rides. Thank goodness, as he was pretty grouchy. I got the fastpasses, then got fastpasses for Rock n Roller Coaster and met the others at the front of TOT, my favorite ride in all of WDW! Rob was looking poorly, and decided not to go, and Jack doesn’t care for it so Hal and I got in line. It was a 15 minute wait. And one awesome ride! When we exited the ride, the wait was 70 minutes already. We found Rob and Jack waiting in the shade, drinking PowerAde. Rob said he wanted to go on RNR, so he and Hallie went first while Jack and I stayed in the shady spot. They were back in a few minutes, and then it was my turn! Woo Hoo! Second favorite ride! The song they were playing wasn’t one of my favorites this time. I must speak with Disney execs about that. I’m sure they care! But it was still a great ride. I think Jack might like it. I bet he tries it next year.

At this point, I suggested that Rob head back to the room that we’d be okay without him, but he plodded on. We had about half an hour until our 11:30 lunch ADR at Brown Derby, and he had really been looking forward to it. We didn’t really have time to experience any of the attractions on this side of the park, and I didn’t want to exhaust Rob or Jack, and Hallie and I were quite hot and sweaty as usual. We wandered to the courtyard with the giant hat and who did we see—no, not the Marx family again—but Piglet! This was a record number of Piglet sightings for sure. Hallie was in hog heaven (pardon the pun!). After a hug and an autograph, but no picture, (we’d forgotten the camera today), we checked in at Brown Derby a few minutes early. We were seated in a few minutes and our server came around to greet us and take our drink order. I explained that Rob wasn’t feeling well (He was in the restroom.) and that we had a fastpass for the 1:00 Lights, Motors, Action show, so unfortunately this wouldn’t be a leisurely lunch. The server was most accommodating, and we were at the show in plenty of time. I had the Cobb salad, Jack had chicken noodle soup, Hallie had chicken noodle soup and the kids grilled chicken breast meal, and Rob had Sprite and saltines. All I can say is that Cobb salad is to die for! Hallie and I had an absolutely delightful meal, the service was impeccable, and I really liked the atmosphere. I promised Rob we’d go again on our next trip. That won’t be a hard promise to keep!

We made our way to the show next where there was a huge crowd. We got good seats, up high and in the middle. It was so hot in that stadium though; that I was feeling like it was time to leave. I enjoyed the show, but not as much as the Indy one. Jack really liked it. After we descended the bleachers (I was feeling pretty shaky from the heat after the show. It was really stuffy-feeling in the stadium), we were squished in the crowd until we made a break for Honey I Shrunk the Kids play area. This had been closed on our last trip, so we wanted to be sure to see it. It was really cute, but we were all ready to leave. I got us frozen Fanta from a nearby bar, and we walked out of the park. When we got back to the room we all lolled around in the AC until we were cool, and slept for about an hour.

I woke up ready to return to the park, as I was sure that something must be happening for Disneyland’s Birthday! Rob couldn’t even wake up at this point, so I told him that the kids and I were heading back out, and he sort of grunted and nodded, but never really woke up. We decided to ride the bus back to the Studios just for a change of pace. We were there in a few minutes and caught the tail end of the Stars and Motorcars parade. What we saw was really cute. We’ll be sure and see it for real next time. It was about 40 minutes until our ADR at Sci Fi so we checked out the pin store under the big hat. We saw some Happy Birthday Disneyland pins in a little container next to the register. I was so excited! Finally, some acknowledgement! I asked the CM about the pins and was told that they were only available at WDW and only on that day. They were a limited edition. I bought eight! I kept one, and the kids each kept one and Rob sold the rest on E-bay when we got home.

We checked in for our dinner, and had about a 20 minute wait. During that time, the podium turned away a ton of people coming in for seating. We were seated at the front of a car (Hallie got to drive!), and had some hitchhikers in the back seat! We had a great time! This is such a unique restaurant, and almost like an attraction in itself. Jack had plain Penne pasta and Sprite with a glow in the dark ice cube. Hallie had veggies and ranch, mac n cheese, and soda with a glowing cube. I was planning on trying something new, but wound up having the Rueben and a chocolate shake again…yum! I was really sad Rob missed out on this too. We called to check on him, but he didn’t answer, so we decided to try Voyage of the Little Mermaid. We were the last people let in for the show, whew! It was cute, and we really enjoyed it. We’d missed it on our last trip too. As we came out, they were seating for Playhouse Disney, so we skipped across the way and had a seat. This show was so cute (another first do), we thought Tutter was so sweet with his little blankie and stuffed animal. Even Jack, who claimed it was a baby show wound up dancing along and really enjoying himself.

We called Rob again, and this time he answered, but clearly had no idea what was going on! There were only two must do’s left on our list, Beauty and the Beast (which we’d missed the last showing of) and the Great Movie Ride. We saw the folks handing out the EMH bracelets, so we stopped and got ours. Then we got in line for the Great Movie Ride which had about a 30 minute wait. We thoroughly enjoyed this ride again, and our guide did an outstanding job. We really didn’t have anything else we really wanted to do at this point (I really wanted to ride TOT in the dark, but there was no one to supervise Jack), so we did a little poking through shops and made our way to the bus stop. We were back at Pop in a jiffy, and Rob was just waking up. He was feeling a little better, and ate a bowl of cheerios and went back to sleep. The kids showered and were asleep by 11:00. I prepared for the next day, set a wake up call for 6:30, and crashed myself. Tomorrow was Epcot morning EMH!

Next up, I guess it’s not just for boys, and tour guide Hallie…

[lauren-roxy]

Great update!! I'm so sorry that the guys are not feeling well. Can't wait to read more!!

[DrDolphin]

GREAT updates -- sorry the boys were ill....

although your next title makes me worry..... hurry back with more!

[luvnwdwgal]

So sorry that Jack and Rob weren't feeling well. Uh oh, I've got a feeling it's not going to get any better either by your next title.

[Colexis Mom]

Sorry the kids were sick More please

[Tara O'Hara]

Oh my gosh! I have just read your entire report so far and it!! What a terrific time you guys are having and you sound like you really enjoy ewach other's company! So sorry that the boys got sick! And uh oh, about your upcoming post! I hope the girls don't get it too bad!

[Tink and co.]

Day 10 July 18


Today was EMH for Epcot, and we planned to spend the day here! Everyone was rarin’ to go today, as Epcot is our favorite park. We hopped in the car and were in the second row of parked cars at the park! We had our backpack checked and were through the turnstiles when the park opened. We decided to make a beeline straight for Test Track. We checked the schedule for Turtle Talk while in line and discovered that it wasn’t playing today. Bummer! That was one of the attractions on our must-do list. Oh well, we’ll catch it at DCA in November. We waited less than ten minutes for Test Track and had to go on it AGAIN! So we hopped in the single rider line, and explained to Jack that we’d be riding in different cars. He was okay with that, so Rob went first. We sandwiched the kids in the middle and I went last. And actually, Jack and I would have wound up in the same car if this kid (He was about 12 or so.) hadn’t cut in between us. He just kind of mushed up in line with us like he was part of the family or something.

After our second spin, the kids checked out the new cars and the kidcot stop in the shop on the way out. Now it was off to the Land. We had completely missed this pavilion on our last trip, so we were pleasantly surprised that it was all indoors and air conditioned. Boy does that feel good! We snagged a Fastpass for Soarin’ and went to ride Living with the Land. It had about a 30 minute wait, and we all enjoyed it. Especially the Mickey Shaped pumpkins. We still had some time until our Fastpass was up so we saw the movie with Timon and Pumba. It was cute. Hallie thought it would be better if they had a character meet and greet from the headliners after the movie. Great idea! She loves those autographs! It still wasn’t time for our flight over California, so we stopped for a snack at the food court area. There were really a lot of different (and some healthy!) choices here. I had a delicious chocolate chip muffin, Rob had a blueberry one, Jack had a “dirt cup,” and Hallie had a hard boiled egg (is she on South Beach, and I don’t know it?!). All of our snacks were yummy. We saw the Garden Grill Restaurant as well, and discussed lunching here, but we already had an ADR for Biergarten.

Next, we head off to Soarin’ where we have a very brief wait (less than 10 minutes), and we’re on. It’s identical to the ride at DCA, and we loved it! The theming of the queue area was different, more futuristic. After Soarin, we made our way to the Imagination Pavilion where re rode the Figment ride. It was cute. We played in the photo area after the ride for a while, and had fun emailing silly pictures, and enjoyed most of the activities there. The only other must-do in future world was Spaceship Earth, and we decided to do that on the way out, so we moved on to World Showcase!

We decided to start off in Canada this time, as we’d started in Mexico on our last time in Epcot. We headed in to see the movie, since we’d missed this on our last trip as well. After the movie, I wasn’t feeling too well, and I blamed it on the Cirlcevision. It used to make me dizzy when I was a kid. After the movie the kids hit the Kidcot stop, and I sat in the shade to rest. We were right near LeCellier, and Rob checked and it was only a 10 minute wait for lunch seating, but for some reason he didn’t want to eat there. So we were off to England, where everyone decided they were starving. Didn’t I just suggest eating a few minutes ago?! So we decide to check at Rose and Crown because we all need a little AC at this point.

WARNING! THIS IS WHERE THE VACATION TURNS HORRIBLY WRONG!
Well, for me at least. We can be seated immediately on the patio, but there’s a 10 minute wait for indoor seating. I say “we’ll wait.” DH says lets try the patio. The guy listened to DH—sexism, I swear. So, rather than “tell off” the host, I turn around and snap at DH. If you know me at all, this should have been a huge sign. I don’t snap normally (particularly at WDW), and I’m very easy going. DH muttered something and walked away while the kids and I were led to the table out back. It was oppressively hot there. No air circulation at all. Fortunately, the service was wonderful, and our waiter had drinks for us quickly. I tried calling DH on the cell, but no answer. Hallie stepped out front to check for him, but didn’t see him. So we went ahead and ordered. We all ordered fish and chips. The kids really liked it, and wound up eating all of my order as well as their own. For dessert, the kids had build-your-own sundaes. I tried to eat, but every time I put the fish in my mouth. Ick. I thought I was going to throw up. Yeah, that’s another big clue, but do I pay attention? No! Jack asks how we’ll get back to Pop without Dad, and Hal answers, we’ll take the bus, silly. When we walk out of the Rose and Crown, there’s Rob sitting on a bench in the sun.

So, we’re all together again and wander into the toy store where we discover Piglet and all of his friends, and Mary Poppins as well. Hallie had a ball. The hundred acre woods gang made such a fuss over her, and we got some terrific pictures. We also found a new stuffed pig to add to her collection. I want to return to the room at this time, but Hallie has been waiting all 9 days to do world showcase, so we plod on with her as our tour guide. Highlights include Princess Aurora in France, and Mom beginning to feel faint and stumbly around Norway. After the kids completed all their Kidcot stops, we make way for the front gate. In the car I get so hot that I think I am melting. When we get out of the car at Pop and head for the room, my legs start shaking and I’m not sure I’ll make it up the stairs. But after some frozen coke and an hour in the air conditioning, I feel fine. We chalk it up to overheating (yeah, I didn’t overheat on any of those other days, another clue not taken. I just refuse to be sick on vacation!).

The kids have no desire to return to Epcot at this point, so we decide to hit the pool. We suit up and hit the Hippy Dippy (with a stop for frozen coke first). We have a nice time relaxing and floating around; the pool isn’t overly crowded today! The kids want to show Rob the computer pool, so we head over there for a float, and everyone decides they are hungry again. We vote for Everything Pop, and DH and I have meatball sandwiches and the kids have plain pasta. And frozen coke for all. My stomach feels weird while eating, but I ignore it, and we decide to drive to the Beach Club, park and take a boat to Epcot to catch Illuminations. So, after everyone showers and dresses, we’re on our way. The parking attendant at the Beach Club tells us the same thing about parking there, that as long as we valet park, its fine. So, we leave the car and find the boat dock. We really think this area is beautiful, and the Boardwalk area was hoppin’. Maybe we’ll stay at the Beach Club some day.

We arrive at Epcot after the leisurely boat ride, and begin to stake out our spot. We’ve only seen Illuminations once before, and had a terrible spot. Seeing it from a good vantage point was one of our must dos. We found a good spot right next to England, and while we were sitting there, we spotted what we thought was an even better spot. Rob and Hallie went to investigate, while Jack and I stayed put. Rob waved to me from a little patio WITH A BENCH right next to the dining patio at Rose and Crown. So, Jack and I made our way over. There were only 2 other families down there and about 6 benches. It looked like a place you couldn’t get to, because all of the other areas were for private parties. We were so close to the fireworks that ash fell right on us. In fact, we were closer than the folks on the Illuminations cruises. And Wow! What a spectacular show. It was just such a wonderful spot and a glorious evening. What a beautiful ending to our day there.

Afterwards, it was a short walk to the boat dock, and we were back to the Beach Club and in our car lickety split. That was way better than fighting the crush to the monorail like we did last trip. We decide to get everything packed (except what we need for tomorrow) when we get back to the room so we can check our luggage at the resort and then head to Disneyquest until it’s time to go to the airport. Rob and I start packing everything up, and after the first suitcase for me, I just had to lie down. I just couldn’t stay up anymore. So, I told Rob I’d rest for just a little bit and then be up to help him. Obviously, that’s not what happened. I pretty much passed out (Remember how Rob slept yesterday, with no concept of what was going on?) and then woke up about 11:30 vomiting. Beautiful. I was sick most of the night, and in the morning, I was still throwing up and not capable of being upright for more than a few minutes at a time. Blah. I called the front desk, and they extended our check out to 1:00. Thank you. Rob and the kids had breakfast from the food court, and at about noon, I took a shower and then we checked our bags and got our boarding passes (that was easy!). Then it was off to fill up the car and Rob and the kids went into Taco Bell and ate. I slept in the car, and all the way to the airport. We returned the car and then Rob found a bench for me where I laid down and fell right back to sleep. Right there in front of everyone! I just couldn’t stay awake. I think it was part of the “bug.” I’m sure I was quite a sight! Why couldn’t I have been sick any other day, where I could have just slept this thing off in the room? Long story short, we made it home at 11:00 that night. All our flights were fine, I think. I slept through the whole thing! We arrived home to 105 degree heat, and I fell into bed. Not our best vacation by a long shot, but we’d still had some magical moments.

[lauren-roxy]

What a terrible end to a wonderful trip! Sorry you got so sick. I have really enjoyed reading your trip report and thanks so much for sharing!!!

[Colexis Mom]

How awful that you ended up sick on your last day Glad you made it thru the day though!

[Tara O'Hara]

Sorry your trip ended on a bad note! Thank you so much for sharing your memories!!

[Tink and co.]

Thanks for all the kind comments everyone! I'll be wrapping up with final comments, etc. Probably this weekend.