Trip Report "the Good, the Bad and the Sleepy"

Has it really been two weeks since we got back?! I debated about doing a trip report but like all of you I can't seem to stay away. This may end up being a short condensed report but then again maybe not since I'm so indecisive. No notes were taken and everything is kind of a blur, I'm just giving you warning ahead of time. Also a lot of my pictures were taken on my phone so some of the quality may not be the best. We purchased the Memory Maker and so glad we did. I never am able to get pic's of all of us on any vacations so this really helped and the ride photos were fantastic, the kids loved posing for them. Now on to the report!!

Here we are!!

We're:
Katie
Terrie
Jake
Emma
Zack

Katie brought a friend along who will show up in future pictures. We will call her Friend.

We left Indiana July 21st at 3:00am . This worked out perfect since Joe is usually up at this time for work. Due to construction and breaks we didn't arrive to Orlando until 9pm. We had 2 full days planned and stayed at Hilton Embassy Suites.

Large Connect Four anyone?

We also ate at Giordano's!! Thanks @lostpro9het and @imahistorygeek !

Had some elevator dancing

And some serious games of Ping Pong

Although we had a great time Disney was calling so off we headed to Beach Club for some Dinner . We were having The Kitchen Sink for dinner!! We only could get a reservation for 4 but had 6 in our party. When we checked in we let them know what we did and Joe and I offered to sit out if it was an inconvenience. With smiles and not fake ones they said "no problem but it may take longer". We waited about 20 minutes and were called to our table. As soon as Katie asked if they still make an announcement for the Kitchen Sink the lights went off and the waitress started her routine!! It was a great new experience for us and would recommend it!!

We headed to the Board Walk to see what was going on over there!

Because we didn't want to leave Disney Property yet we took a boat to HS to watch the Star Wars fireworks from outside the gates.

It was nice but none of us are Star Wars fan and I'm sure it was much better from inside the park. When the flames went off we felt the heat from where we were!

We decided to head back to Hilton. We weren't to sad, we knew we'd be back very very soon.

 

[Me 'Earties]

Really enjoying the trip report! And, I really enjoyed that the whole family is into it and having just a grand time!

 

[Zipadeelady]

Really enjoying the trip report! And, I really enjoyed that the whole family is into it and having just a grand time!

I'm so glad you like my report and thanks for letting me know! It was a really great trip. This was our 5th trip as a family of five +Friend and I would say other than our very first trip and seeing all the magic in that first trip this was my next favorite! Adding more in just a few minutes.

 

[Zipadeelady]

Continuing with the 28th.

Katie and I didn't get much of a break because everyone was ready to go. We were heading to Epcot yet again. Emma and Friend really like WS but havent really had a chance to see each country so Emma really pleaded her case and off to WS we went. I'll admit when the kids were little we spent very little time at WS and didn't even stop at most countries but now that they're older we really got to look around and see things we've never seen before. But first we must eat so we head to Sunshine Seasons/ Jake gave his fish tacos two thumbs up!

Now on to Canada!! I never even knew this beautiful oasis was back here! And yes my family has a habit of not being serious during photos

As we stop by France Katie's favorite Princess is out!!

Jake's fish tacos have digested and ice cream was a must.

All the girls picked a pearl. Katie got the biggest one at 8mm

We spent a lot of time in Japan waiting and waiting for the others to finish shopping.

We tried and tried to get this pose right but then we finally gave up. It was too hot! seriously. We only stayed in China for a few minutes then headed into Mexico

 

[Zipadeelady]

After Mexico we headed towards the International Gateway, we had taken a vote and we decided to hop on a ferry at the Gateway rather than go to the entrance and catch a bus. We are headed to HS.

We have dinner reservations at 50's Prime Time and some FP's to use up. TT, Toy Story, and Star Wars. Friend was the rebel spy.

We had a great experience at 50's. Debbie was our waitress and made such an impression I emailed Disney to let them know how great she was. Emma kept asking me to ask Debbie for things, finally I said you ask and her response was "no way, she scares me"! Everyone loved all their dinner choices.

We went on a few more rides then it was an unanimous decision to go back to the resort and swim.

Rockin Roller Coaster was our last ride. We all did single rider.

When we got back to the resort there was only 25 minutes left for the pool to be open so we all jumped into our suits and went to the quiet pool. Ugh the water was so hot. I can't believe I actually stayed in the pool. At about five to 11 the life guard made a second announcement that the pool was closing, at this time i get out and dry off. I watch as this family comes into the pool area and removes robes and shoes and start to get in. The life guard tries to tell them the pool is closing but they can't be understanding what shes saying because they continue into the pool. I look at the large clock and it says 10:59. Just as the lady walks down the steps and submerges herself the lifeguard blows her whistle and tells everyone to get out. Those poor unfortunate souls.

 

[Me 'Earties]

Sunshine Seasons! What a great QS! Those tacos do look good....

 

[Zipadeelady]

Today is July 29th. It's our last park day and our 6th straight day. Katie has been going strong and hasn't let me rest much. To be honest I was truly exhausted. She wants to go to MK for opening again and of course everyone else wants to sleep in, I can't believe it but I just want to sleep in too but duty calls and when your daughter wants to go to MK you get up and go.

This morning was very different from yesterday's morning at MK. We got there right before 9am but still missed the morning show. This was bag check when we arrived.

Now don't let that scare you. During our entire trip this was the only day that it was chaotic. Upon entering it seems quite a bit busier, instead of our normal bee-line for Frontierland we headed for Tomorrowland. We ride buzz, my first buzz ride for the whole trip . Then on to the scariest ride at Disney. Astro!!

Wait, that wasn't as scary as I remember. We go to Laugh Floor because Katie is a Monsters Inc junky and can't seem to get enough. I was called upon to answer questions, put on safety glasses and make antenna's with my fingers. It was very comical. It put me in a better mood. (remember I'm exhausted and sweaty). He head to Fantasyland and ride Dumbo, another first time for this trip. We also did Story time with Belle.

We also ride Mermaid, SDMT, Winnie and our first Carousel ride since our first trip!!!

After our spin on the Carousel we see Anastasia and Drizella by the castle walls and I have to meet them!!

We head to Frontierland for HM and our last stop of the morning, Splash. In all my years I've never seen the line this long! Good thing we had FP!

We have to get back to the resort so we decide to take the train instead of the long walk to the bus. This little guy walked up to the train tracks and laid on his belly for quite awhile until the train came.

 

[lostpro9het]

We have to get back to the resort so we decide to take the train instead of the long walk to the bus. This little guy walked up to the train tracks and laid on his belly for quite awhile until the train came.

View attachment 157118

HA! That little guy made me think of this:

 

[fractal]

I hate hot pool water! Enjoying the report - you have a beautiful family.

 

[Zipadeelady]

HA! That little guy made me think of this:

Now that is funny.

I hate hot pool water! Enjoying the report - you have a beautiful family.

Thank you very much. Hot pool water is on now my list of the worst things.

 

[Zipadeelady]

We had to get back to the resort because Friend is leaving. She had a flight at 2:20 out of Sanford. Yes Sanford. So I loaded her up and off we go. On the way back I'm feeling the exhaustion now more than ever. I finally made it back, I never thought I would post this picture at the end of my report.

While I was being chauffeur Jake, Zach and Emma have been up and are now bored and want to eat. So they head to Splitsville at DTD oops, Disney Springs. A quick plug.... They thought it was one of the best places they ate at. Zach got the sushi and said it's the second best sushi he's had. They were very happy. When I got back Katie was already up from her nap but I fell into my bed and had the deepest sleep I think all week. I remember Katie saying I'm going to MK sometime during my sleep but it felt dream like. Emma came into my room, woke me up and said where's Katie?!! What!!! I woke up thinking that they came back and they all went to MK together. Nope. We call Katie and she's been at MK for a few hours. She said it's been the best time all week . The rest of us get around and head to MK for our last night at Disney.

We arrived and had another great CM experience. I also wrote to Disney about Julian our PhotoPass Photographer. I can't say the pictures are the best (actually I look pretty beat up from my nap) but he was great and tried to pose us a certain way that the kids starting laughing at Jake and I. In that moment Julian snapped pictures of each of our kids unexpectedly and it sounds silly but it was a great moment. We rode quite a few rides and walked around at a slower pace it was very nice. We ate at Colombia Harbor House. For any vegetarians out there, Katie gives the Lighthouse sandwich two thumbs up.

I love this view coming out of HM. I've never noticed it before until I was going through my pictures.

The boys decide that they're done and call it a night. Not us girls were staying until close! Plus I have Wishes to watch!!
We get our last few "musts" in. Then I hear Celebrate the magic and I go into a panic!!! There's no where with a good view. We zig zag aroung the hub and I look around and realize there is a ton of people but so many places to stand and so I just stop and watch. It was beautiful, people were Ohhhing and Ahhhing, people were crying, some were clapping. Glorious!

This was taken right before Wishes. Talk about a good selfie.

We head over to ride Peter Pan then get a Dole Whip as our last snack. The three of us walk out slowly glancing back several times.

 

[Zipadeelady]

Here are some of Julian's Pictures. Some of these aren't my favorites but he did a great job.

 

[fractal]

Thumbs up for Julian!

 

[Zipadeelady]

Here are a few more Memory Maker Pictures that didn't make it in my narratives.

 

[Zipadeelady]

And just a few more.

 

[Zipadeelady]

Here are a few of the video's you get with Memory Maker. Very Cute.

 

[Zipadeelady]

What can I say about this trip? It was one of my favorites. The "bad" list is very small. The heat and my feet. Transportation was spot on. I don't think I waited more than 10 minutes anywhere. My daughter did have an incident where they had a very long wait at HS, her and Friend left about 30 minutes after us and got stuck with large crowds. Being at a value I've heard some say that they are worried about the buses. Two parks had direct buses to All Star Movies. MK and HS. It's a shared bus with All star Music and Sports for AK and Epcot. CM's were great. I only gave two names to Disney but there were two other Photographers that did a great job. Actually they were both at MK, one outside the Train Station and the other right inside by the Candy Shop. They were both on the same day too. She had us laughing. Only one grumpy CM (that I noticed, I don't tend to stalk the CM's to see there moods) she was working the FP line at Space Mountain. She let the other worker know that "she was done with this". Whatever that means. Like I said before the Value resort was fine but that's it just fine. I will be staying at a Moderate next time. Oh I remember something else. The Quick Service. I didn't find much that I liked. It was all pretty blah. Maybe it was just what I ordered, I thought I would like it but just wasn't impressed.

The Good. Everything else! Everyone did what they wanted, no one was grumpy because they had to do something they didn't want to. They went back to the resort when they wanted, Had a beer when they wanted, swam when they wanted, rode what they wanted. It was great!. The sit down restaurants were worth it. Maybe it was because of the heat and I needed a break. Who knows but I was very happy with our choices. Loved Loved Loved 50's Primetime and Ohana. And Jake wants to give another shout out to Splitsville.

Friend.... She doesn't understand our crazy obsession with Disney but she had a good time especially going at her own pace. Being 17 I didn't feel bad about letting her stay at the hotel in the morning to sleep in, of course she missed a lot but she was happy and we were happy. I wouldn't bring a friend again though.

Katie and I are already planning for a trip for us two next October. We haven't seen the fall decorations since 2010 and Halloween time at Disney is my favorite so that's what our plan is as of now. We're going to be Rapunzel and Mother Gothel.

 

[TheMouseFan]

So glad you had a great time! Awesome that you are planning to go back next year! I would love to go back in the fall, but not until the kids are out of school, or Brian and I go alone!

 

[Zipadeelady]

So glad you had a great time! Awesome that you are planning to go back next year! I would love to go back in the fall, but not until the kids are out of school, or Brian and I go alone!

Thank you! I just read your trip report you yook to get your bounceback offer and I hate to say that even though I just got back from Disney I'm jealous of your trip. It just seems so nice being able to go slow and check out all the resorts. Some day I'll plan a trip with a few lazy days built it.

 

[TheMouseFan]

Thank you! I just read your trip report you yook to get your bounceback offer and I hate to say that even though I just got back from Disney I'm jealous of your trip. It just seems so nice being able to go slow and check out all the resorts. Some day I'll plan a trip with a few lazy days built it.

Yeah, I say that every time too!! It never happens unless I am there with no park tickets!

 

[fractal]

Loved the report! videos are great!