Day 8: One Last Go

This was the first morning I actually slept in.  My morning routine this past week was to wake before everyone, shave, dress, and grab a coffee. While I sipped my coffee, I would stroll the grounds.  For me, this trip is inspirational. I would walk briefly around the resort.  No technology.  No calls.  No meetings.  I would then collect my thoughts for the day. I think they call it 'vacation'.

But this morning I let it go and slept in a whole 30 minutes longer.  But Jen asked why I didn't wake anyone to get in the park early. Truth was we did it all.  We were 'parked out'.  However, it wasn't over.  We had a few hours and we headed into Universal's Islands of Adventure to get a few rides in.  Sadly, Jen couldn't make it and tried to get a gift but then realized we had little time to get out of the room and had to head back.


So Jill, Jake and I hit the Dragon Challenge after hopping out of line at the Harry Potter ride and did one ride on the blue and one ride on the red (ice and fire).  The last one we did from the front row.  WOW!  While grabbing one last butterbeer we visited the candy shop and made our way to the Hulk and Dr. Doom.  The Hulk line was long even with the express ticket and didn't fail to excite.  Then we jumped on Dr. Doom.  I forgot how that rocket ride felt.  Oooommph!

We then walked to the boat for a final departure to our room.  We packed our suitcases and headed out to the Portofino Marketplace where we enjoyed a tray of pizza that was actually quite good.  We grabbed a few last photos and boarded our taxi to the airport.  The driver told stories about an alligator eating a woman sitting in her chair by a lake!

As we flew from Orlando to Charlotte then into Avoca where Jordan picked us up, you couldn't help but feeling you wanted to go back.  Disney trips are amazing.  We plan for two years eagerly looking forward to them counting down days, countdown emails, and watching old trips on DVD. I can think of no better place to be with family and friends.

Final Thoughts
So, another vacation is behind us and we are created new memories.  Sure, there were moments of tension but there were more moments of laughs and excitement.  These are the moments that we all take back home with us.  I know we will return again and it will be even better.  I write these blogs so one day my kids and my grandkids will have some  insight as to how we enjoyed our times together.  I can only hope we can continue spending Disney vacations together.  Although our age spread is diverse we manage to 'manage' it.   So as you read this before the next Disney vacation, I hope it gets you excited as you look forward to so many great sights, sounds, dinners, snacks, laughs, and simple moments in the parks.  See ya in 2016!!!

Day 7: Adventures on the Island and Butterbeer

Disney is a tremendous 'experience' and not a thrill ride park so to speak.  Universal's Islands of Adventure is.  But with that being said, you gotta admire Harry Potter's world section in Island's of Adventure.  Utilizing our early park entry and our Express Plus ticket, Jen, Jillian, Jake and I headed into the park.  Jordan wanted to get some rest but would catch up with us soon.  After a really cool ride experience with Harry Potter. We enjoyed a drink of Butterbeer.  Cannot quite explain the flavor other than it tasted like vanilla-rootbeer-butterscotch. Not bad.  At that point, everyone joined us in the park and we headed into Jerassic Park. But not before getting their Harry Potter magic wands.

Jurasic Park was where the 'wet encounters' started.  It was now pretty hot.  Kids weren't dragging you can certainly feel it coming.  The first ride was the Jurassic Park ride where we shot down a massive water hill with Jordan, Jake, Matty, Jen, and I got S O A K E D.  While we dried off, Steve/Jake, Jake/Matty, Jillian/Kayla took flight on the Pteradon Flyers.  The water soaking was not over.  We continued on through to Toon Town and there awaited Ripsaw Falls.  This log ride was another soaking event that got us all before getting off at Alottapoopoo Island.

We stopped for lunch which hit the spot...burgers, hot dogs, pizza and Chinese food.  Jake was eyeing up another serving of Churro's around the corner in the Marvel Superhero section.  By this time it was HOT.  We were able to get on Spider Man and the The Hulk but passed on the Dr. Doom since we were ready to get some pool time.  The whole gang headed back to the room and got changed.....kinda.  Between getting changed in the closet, the bathroom and the main room, we all had a chance to get bathing suits on between sword fights and attacking stuff animals.

The whole group headed out to the pool and enjoyed the water slides and cool water.  A perfect way to recharge batteries....and also begin to wearing them out.  Plans were made to head back to the park for a quick ride before a final dinner all together at the Hard Rock.  After grabbing another ride on Rock It, the Simpsons, and Transformers it was time to wind down with dinner.  After eating his cheeseburger with no bun, Jack went out like a light.

That was the end of the big adventure.  With hugs and kisses we ended the evening saying goodbye.  Like a loyal band of brothers, we separated ways knowing we had another great vacation to put into the memory books.

Day 6: Vacation Part II

So this year we decided to try something new.  Our stay at the Polynesian was drawing to a close.  Ugh.  But we were about to start our second part at Universal.  Yay!!  However, leaving Disney is never easy and neither was this.  Even though I wanted to stay upbeat it felt sad leaving a hotel that is perfect in so many ways.  Our room  was litterally a few steps from the pool, right on the monorail, snacks a few yards away, and all in the heart of Disney.  But as we now, change can be fun too.  So we packed the night before and baorded a taxi to head for Loew's Portofino Hotel Resort which is right on the water at Universal Studios.

Up and out around 8am after a final Disney breakfast we headed to a new hotel, new settings, new pool, new snacks, and a new park.    The hotel is based on an Italian port and has the entire staff tossing Italian greetings around.  Very fun.   But we also knew our time was limited.  One of the best features we were given since we stayed at the Universal resort was their version of Fast Pass+, Express Plus.  This got us on rides quicker.  This was good to have since the temps were climbing.

We all met up in Universal Studios where we quickly took on the Simpsons ride!  It was quite suprising to all the kids who never saw it before.  Steve and I were obliged to take in a cold Duff Beer as we headed out.  While in the park deciding what to do, Kayla tripped and banged her lip on the ground.  OUCH!!!  A scraped knee and busted lip were the only injuries.  But after an ice cream, she was ready to go!!

The kids took a quick trip on Woody Wood Peckers ride.  Then some of us headed in to experence ET.  This was a little different than I remembered but it still spoke our names at the end.....BROOOMMMOOOOO.   A classic to say the least.

While there we also hit some of the other major attractions.  Twister and The Mummy also impressed the kids.  With temps creeping up again it was time to sit in some air conditioning and grab lunch.  We ate at O'Rourkes in Universal Studios and this got everyone back on track.

As we split up, Jen, Jillian, Jake and Jordan headed back to the room for a short pool break.  We

Day 5: The Magic in the Kingdom

 We have been experiencing other visitors these past few days.  A family of ducks have made it a point to stop and say hello as we have a light breakfast snack before heading into the parks.  Juan Pablo is one name and Jake and Jill have name the others too. Wednesday arrived and it was Joe Joe's departure day. I am sure, he didn't want to leave but was ready nonetheless.  Papa took Joe out to the airport and Dorothy relaxed back at the hotel.  In the meantime, the "adventure teams" headed into the Magic Kingdom.  Crowds were lighter and with Fast Passes ready to go, we enjoyed a quick tour of Small World and raced the cars around the Speedway.  While the group chose to hit the Tea Cups I got my chance to visit the Hall of Presidents.  Personally....one of the best attractions.

We enjoyed a great lunch at Cosmic Rays in Tomorowland and and then headed to give Space Mountain another run.  We occupied 9 seats and rocketed around one of Disney's Mountain Ranges one final time.  Truly one of the best ride experiences ever.  Today was also was one of first days in a string of days where temperatures were starting to creep up.  So the best solution is a Dole Whip.  We all made our way over to Adventureland and grabbed a cool spot to enjoy a classic Dole Whip, a float, or even a twist with orange.  Since some of the kids never ventured up on Swiss Family Tree House, we thought that would be a quick experience.  Jillian led us up the winding steps and down.  It is funny how you cannot see this tree from anywhere else in the park considering how big it is!

At that point we decided a pool trip was in order.  So Jill and Jake headed back with Steve and his gang to enjoy some pool time.  Jen, Jordan and I headed back to our Polynesian room.  For the ladies it was a bit of rest.  At that point I toured around the resort noting all the changes coming as wall after wall have begun to spring up.   I feel bad for anyone planning a stay in the coming months.  For those of us who have enjoyed the Polynesian, it is going to be a change.  I am sure for the better but it is still hard to let it go.

That night we headed back into EPCOT for dinner at the Rose and the Crown.  Menus did change but I think it was still an excellent meal!! We then took a walk (quickly....again!) through the World Showcase trying to get to a Test Track Fast Pass.  Jill and I slowed it down just a little bit and we explored the Morocco Pavilion shops as they wind around alleys.  Then we did the same at the Japanese pavilion.


Ultimately we made it to our destination, Test Track!!  This was a great renovation that makes great use of the Magic Bands which keeps preferences of the car you model and then test out on the track.  Very cool.

At the end of the night we made our way onto the monorail and headed home to our room.  Since it wasn't too late, Jake and I took a quick swim where I somehow managed to drive my forehead into a side wall.  Ouch.  That definitely left a mark!

Day 4: Breakfast in a Galaxy Far Far Away AND The Return of the King

Up and out to head to Disney Studios.  The day started out for Jake, Jillian and I with a bus ride over.  When there we met Steve, Joe Joe, Matty, Jack and Kayla for another quick spin on Rock 'n' Roll Coaster.  We are down in Disney again during Star Wars Weekends which seems to get bigger every year.  This year we were able to reserve seating at the Star Wars Dining experience in the Sci Fi Drive In Diner at Disney Studios.  This is a place where I do not recall ever eating.  When you walk in it is a Drive In inside with cars that are your tables.  With the Star Wars theme we ate breakfast and met Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Jawas, Greedo, and Stormtroopers.  Before heading in Jake needed to arm himself so we picked up a Boba Fett like blaster.  Jack also came armed with a grabber claw!  The breakfast was a fun way to meet the character and the food was good too.

On our way out of a Fast Pass ride for Star Tours, we stopped a posed for a photo. At that time, a cast member said "you are exactly who I am looking for, you just earned a VIP Tour of Star Tours!!!  A magical moment!!  We got a behind the scenes look of the ride so to speak and another no wait ride for Star Tours!! Very very cool.  Everyone was really thrilled.

By that time Jen, Dorothy, Michelle and Emma were coming out of the Ariel show and we were ready to head back to swim.  In the afternoon I took Matty, Jake and Jillian back out on the speed boats.  Matty rode with me but our boat was a bit slow.  After swapping it out we were back out on the water.  Zipping around can be fun but you really need to keep looking all around you for other boats!

Today was the first of our departures.  Ryan said his good byes and headed to the airport.  It was great to have him along and we all know it is never easy leaving this place.  Joe Joe departs next.

After hitting the pool, we got ready to head into EPCO

T.  We still were not able to get on Test Track but will try again on Wednesday.  We did take another spin to Mars with the same crew as last with Jack leading the way!  Heading into the World Showcase, we started looking for a bite to eat.  No formal dining this evening just poking around the countries.  As we moved past Great Britain, Steve took Matty, Jack, and Jake to begin selecting their knight weapons.  Upon return, Jack appeared with a crown and was now King Jack.  Jake also got a cool sword, shield and helmet.  A look that is perfect for Disney World!!




When we got back to our room, Jill wasn't feeling well and Jordan and Jen were relaxing.  Jake and I headed into the pool for a night swim.  The slide was all ours!!  When we hopped out and headed to our room, we battled with light sabres in the dark outside our room.  Once again....in Disney....imagination is re-inspired!!!

Day 3: A Safari To Remember

Today was the day we headed into the Animal Kingdom.  We loaded up on our bus and headed out.  We had Extended Magic Hours and got in an hour early.  This park, in my opinion, changes every year.  Although not packed with rides, it offers alot of chances for kids and adults to learn something new about animals.  This works out great for Jillian and Jake as they learn much of this in class in some aspect.  Needless to say we all headed over to the Kali River Rapids where we started off with getting 'soaked'.  This ride always seems to be perfect on a sunny warm day.  As we walked away from our river adventure we stopped and watched some of the Gibbons Monkeys climb around the ancient temple. One even had a baby monkey clinging on to its momma.

The walk then lead us back into Asia where we all boarded Expedition Everest.  Even Jack joined us!!  I managed to get this trip on video but won't see it until we get back home.  Jordan and Ryan had front row seats!!  I believe Jack commented that he did not like the Yetti since he broke the tracks!!

We then headed over to the Jungle Safari where we used our Fast Pass to get on our safari truck.  By far, this was the best one I had ever been on.  Right before hand I told Papa that I wasn't going to video much as they all kinda seemed the same.  Well, this time animals were coming right up to us!!  Ostriches, Rhinos, and other four legged creatures were all out on this trip!  Giraffes and gators (or is it crocodiles) too!!  I sat next to Kayla who seems amazed (and a little worried) that they just got to walk around.

Once we left Africa we strolled over to Dino-Land.  While there we ate at the dino dig restaraunt.  A perfect meal to recharge all our batteries.  With that being said, with a stomach full of food what a better thing to do than go on a spinning ride!!  So we did.  Primevil Whirl was next where I rode with Jillian and Kayla!  Joe Joe rode with Matty and Jake!  In the meantime Ryan tried getting a picture with Goofy and Pluto.  Then at the last minute when Ryan was next, they shut down!  Jack and Steve took a shot at winning some games in the midway area.

Never a dull moment.

We headed back to our rooms where we relaxed around the pool and Jen wanted to get some laundry done.  The laundry chore took more time than expected!!  As we were now rushing to get to EPCOT for dinner in Mexico.  Before that though, we had a Fast Pass to get on Soaring.  That is a ride that never ever fails to impress!!!  Jack gave it a thumbs up!  WHile sitting in my seat, I stared at Jake's bare feet hanging down!

Dinner was something new.  Instead of eating inside, we dined in the new outdoor Mexican restaurant.  This was a beautiful setting which gave us a view of Illuminations with a perspective that was tremendous!!  I was really impressed by the whole evening.  As we left the restaurant the park had emptied out and all was pretty quiet. This gave us a chance for some nice photos.

Even though we got back a little earlier than other nights, it was a PERFECT day!!

Day 2: Dining with Princesses and a Mission to Mars

On our second day the girls had a reservation to meet with the Disney Princesses for breakfast.  Jordan and Ryan decided to hang back at the pool and soak up some rays.  Meanwhile Jake and I were off to EPCOT's Future World.  We did a quick transfer of monorails (actually not quick since they had to reboot the monorail) and headed into one of our favorite parks.  Lines got long quick and we couldn't get on Fasttrack.  Although Steve, Jack, Matty, Joe, and Papa did. They got there just a bit earlier than us. We met with everyone shortly thereafter and then decided on a trip to Mars.

At first, Jake wanted to go on the extreme version.  While we were in line, he realized, it wasn't for him and we hopped back out.  My team was comprised of Jen, Steve, and Jack.  Jack was ready to go!!  As our commander, he lead the way to a near fatal landing but salvaged our arrival to Mars.  After a quick stop in the gift shop to load up on space ice-cream, we headed over the the Universe of Energy.  After watching the movie and then loading up on the ride, someone did something that stopped the entire ride and we had to get off.  They had to reboot.  We then headed over the Living with the Seas featuring NEMO!!  The line moved us along into our clam shells where we followed Nemo along his underwater adventure.

The weather has been amazing and everyone in pretty good spirits with only a few 'moods' in effect.  We headed back to our rooms to catch a nap or quick dip in the pool.  However, this year Jake and Jill were old enough to take out their own racer boats on the Seven Seas Lagoon.  I have to admit I was a little nervous with the traffic on the lake but they did fantastic.  We jetted around the lake stopping to look at the Magic Kingdom and the Wildnerness Lodge.

Once done, we got ready for dinner at Downtown Disney which is also undergoing a big renovation.   Our large group 15 enjoyed a dinner at T-Rex where everyone had plenty to eat.  Only bad thing was that Papa's order went to another table!! But seeing everyone enjoy themselves and having snacked on appetizers he was good.

We did a quick stop in the Lego Store where Jake picked up a few lego guys but eyed up a few Lego sets that are hard to find.

With everyone winding down, it was time to head back to the hotel.  More to come.