Trip Report When can we do this again? A Fractal family Odyssey. *COMPLETED*

Definition of odyssey:

• : a long journey full of adventures
  
  
• : a series of experiences that give knowledge or understanding to someone

Not too long ago I had a lot of doubt this trip would ever happen. The financial cost of higher education, the fact my wife Val wanted to go anywhere BUT Disney, the crazy and conflicting schedules of the kids, made the odds of keeping our 2-year WDW trip tradition a large long-shot. But maybe things do happen for a reason...

A great deal came our way and before we knew it we were on our way back to the World. Not without a major sacrifice however as my eldest daughter Alexandra had to miss the trip due to her schooling ( she graduates this Friday as an Registered Nurse!). She is a bit of a kindred spirit to me with a personality closer to mine than the other two, so I knew I would miss her dearly on the trip.

Here she is at Christmas with my Mom (Yia-Yia).

Speaking of Yia-yia; she will join us again at WDW! We had a great time with her on our 2013 trip at the Poly. We would meet up with her, my Sister Marina (here with me)...

and my two nieces; Courtney...

and Mia...

at the Yacht Club on the second leg of our journey. The first part of our trip took us to my in-law's (Al & Sue) who moved to Florida (Tampa - St. Pete area) last year. They would also join us at WDW!

Here they are from a 50th anniversary party we had for them last Winter...

It was early evening Thursday July 20th when we began our Odyssey. My good friend Wally picked us up to take us to the Baltimore (BWI) airport.

Excitement was building for our trip but the real Disney excitement would come later.

Sterg and Toni occupied the back seat. They were almost late for the pickup as they decided a last second Starbucks run was in order. Sterg ended up paying for that about an hour later as his bladder protested strongly.

Val was next to me and could barely contain her enthusiasm.

Not only was she not fully in favor of another Disney trip, she was (rightfully) concerned with the potential problems, complications, and stress of merging these 3 parts of the family together in the already chaotic environment of managing reservations, room assignments, getting to the parks, fastpasses and dinner plans. I had much of the same worries, which were also amplified by the fact Yia-Yia and Al would be using electric scooters during our time at the World. But hey, it's Disney, what could go wrong?

 

[fractal]

It's hot, it's humid, we are standing around in the sun waiting, we're at Disney and Val's smiling? Maybe because she's posing with her "favorite" child or maybe, just maybe she kinda likes Disney?

You do get a little self conscience when entering rides via the handicapped way (at least I did). It's like they sneak you in the back, which makes you look like you are skipping in front of everyone else (which you are not). For BTMR we were on the other side of the tracks and told we would load into the next train. Over on the "normal" side I saw a young boy and girl get all excited as they moved up to the front gate. Their anticipation was deflated as they were told to "stand down" from entering the new empty train as we started to climb in. I know there have been times I looked at the entourage of a handicapped person showing up out of nowhere to take my spot and had a feeling of being "jobbed". This trip certainly changed my perspective.

Up we climbed through the caves...

and Mountain.

The "clankety-clank" always reminds me of my youth on the Wildwood boardwalk.

Going down...

Everyone was screaming and laughing as we were being whipped around.

We purposely choose the back of the train for more speed and G force. It was great!

MK Mountain #2 down. 1 to go.

bigger smile from Val! (back focused this shot probably due to the AF setting I had on during the ride).

Off to Fantasyland to rendezvous with Yia-Yia, Marina and Mia...

 

[Tiggerish]

It's hot, it's humid, we are standing around in the sun waiting, we're at Disney and Val's smiling? Maybe because she's posed with her "favorite" child or maybe, just maybe she kinda likes Disney?

Hmm...I'd call that more of a pained look than a smile. She's still not sold on Disney (and some of her expressions earlier in the TR are priceless!)

I know there have been times I looked at the entourage of a handicapped person showing up out of nowhere to take my spot and had a feeling of being "jobbed". This trip certainly changed my perspective.

So very true, and a very important observation. I will make sure to remember this next time I'm there.

bigger smile from Val! (back focused this shot probably due to the AF setting I had on during the ride).

Now, that's a smile! Obviously, she just needed to be whipped around on a runaway mine train.

 

[DisneyGigi]

That photo of the Riverboat and Harper's Mill is absolutely stunning! I am and always have been so jealous of your photography skills. I get lucky every now and then but not anything like that! I am obsessed with taking photos of that area. Catching the birds posing near the mill, but mine stink! Lol

I know exactly what you mean about changing your opinions on things when the shoe is on the other foot. I have always hated strollers at the parks for a child over 3-4. My kids were troopers and we only used one, one trip with our daughter when she was 2 1/2. My son refused one his first trip at age 3, walked every step. It is a whole different story when you enter into the world of a sensory disorder- ADHD child. There is literally, no way, that we could not use a stroller with our oldest Grandson. It has really made me step back and not be so quick to judge. A necessity is a necessity. There is a big difference in a need and the few people that just try to take an advantage. Clearly, you guys did not.

 

[mousefreak]

Your pictures are absolutely beautiful! Especially the ones in MK!! Can't wait to see more.

 

[SweetEvangeline]

Although I did a day trip with Alex and "Toni 2 years ago, Magic Kingdom was the only park we didn't visit. Abstinence indeed made my heart grow fonder. It didn't take long for me to approve of the new color scheme on many of the Main Street buildings."

"Abstinence"?!! Hahahah. I think you meant absence!

 

[fractal]

Although I did a day trip with Alex and "Toni 2 years ago, Magic Kingdom was the only park we didn't visit. Abstinence indeed made my heart grow fonder. It didn't take long for me to approve of the new color scheme on many of the Main Street buildings."

"Abstinence"?!! Hahahah. I think you meant absence!

we men have a one track mind

 

[SweetEvangeline]

we men have a one track mind

Hahahah!!!! That is hysterical!! Totally made me LOL. BTW, your pictures are AMAZING!!

 

[Figaro Family]

I agree with what you said about feeling self conscious going through the handicap entrance on rides. We use DAS (disability access service) for our son. On the rides with fast pass entrances we are just slipped in with no one noticing, but on other rides we have to go in the wheel chair access point and I feel like everyone is staring at us and wondering why we're getting "special" treatment. I remind myself that they don't know what we go through on a daily basis and hey, we'll never see those people again!

 

[Texas2Florida2017]

Love your pics! They're so clear I feel like I could step right into the picture and be at WDW.

 

[fractal]

We continued our trek through a now even hotter and more humid Magic Kingdom. AK may be warmer but at least it affords you a nice amount of shade. The walkways in MK served at heat reflectors, blasting you as you march along.

Almost every little sliver of shade was a magnet for people to stand in.

And we found our slice of relief while waiting for Yia-Yia. Still smiling, kinda.

Our next FP window was now open and it was for 7 dwarves mine. This would be a first for my family and the in-laws; Marina and her crew were veterans. Patience was starting to grow thin as we decided to wait for everyone to get there and to go on all together.

Finally they arrived! First was Mia, who decided not to get the full blown Princess makeover because she wanted to be Moana and they didn't have Moana. She settled for hair and makeup. She also showed us a small scab on her ankle from a little "run in" with Yia-Yia's scooter.

The grandkids love Yia-Yia and properly greeted her - they couldn't wait to take a photo.

My Mom is a tough lady. She's 81 and extremely independent and active. This Spring however, she started having problems with her knees ( still original ones ). It didn't help that she ignored Doctor's advise to slow down. After taking a day trip to New York City which required miles of walking, and decided out of the blue to paint her back patio (herself) the knees only got worse. We took her to the Doctor a few weeks before the trip and his strong advise to her regarding our Disney trip was "Stay at the hotel and sit by the pool. Forget the parks."

My sister Marina brought up the idea of renting a scooter (ECV), which I was against. I thought we could make by with a wheelchair as needed. Thankfully she won the argument as her knees are worse than I thought. The ECV can be a royal pain in the back side and now having 2 in our growing battalion only slowed us down even more, but without them Yia-Yia and Al would have definitely not been able to do 90% of what they ended up doing.

Well, what are we waiting for? Let's meet the 7 dwarves and Snow White!

Yia-Yia took our spot in the shade, skipping the coaster. Mia latched on to her new buddy.

I read many reviews of this coaster over the past couple years. The general consensus was that it was a nice little ride but way too short. I was pleasantly surprised to find the ride lasted more than 20 seconds and was more thrilling than I imagined. Of course I would love if it where maybe a minute longer, but I really enjoyed it - it exceeded my expectations!

The final scene is very well done.

but I missed the witch.

Our next FP was Space Mountain and the time slot was not too far off as we hit 7DMT towards the end of it's time slot. With troops gathered we marched towards Tomorrowland. As we passed the Tea Cups I mentioned out loud that I had never rode them and was determined to do so this trip. It never happened.

I am really looking forward to seeing a Tron Coaster in this Land!

Sterg announced that he had to use the restroom, after I nodded with a smirk towards the water bottle he was carrying I gave him general directions to where he might find one (it was clear I was given the title of all knowing Disney person and should be able to know where everything is at all times). I logically told him the Cosmic Ray's probably has one, but logic was wrong as he disappeared in there only to come out quickly with a sour look on his face.

"Not in here!" he said

By this time I had spotted the sign for the restrooms further up. "Over there." I pointed.

"I know!" he snapped back. "and wait for me!"

At this point Val grew tired of his drama. "We don't have to wait for him. Let's keep everyone moving."

"OK, you guys keep going and I'll wait." I answered in a "no man left behind" way.

"Chris, he's not 12 years old. He'll find us." She said correctly and I followed her advise.

Sterg protested when he did catch up with us. When traveling with a group like this it can be easy to feel left out. I felt the pressure of trying to keep everyone happy, yet at the same time do what's best for the group. It was a difficult balance.


Mia stopped to cool off. We DID wait for her. See the difference Sterg? She is 7.

With still some time to kill, we found solace from the heat in the SM gift shop.

and some entertainment from this guy...

Up next - Yia-yia gives lessons; more drama and even more drama...

 

[12in12]

Drama is fun when it is not your family.
It is also making me look forward to my solo trip even more as last time I was at WDW I was the all knowing park person for my group. I know it can be exhausting trying to keep everyone happy and on schedule.

 

[kaitertot5249]

We purposely choose the back of the train for more speed and G force. It was great!

I always request the back of the train when riding Big Thunder, it's the only way to ride in my opinion

 

[Tiggerish]

Everyone loves Yia-Yia!!

This post made me laugh. @RedNoseMickey is right, drama is fun when it's not your family.

 

[Notes from Neverland]

This trip report is giving me flashbacks to the time we had a large group of family, friends and coworkers touring around MK. It was one of those "we are never doing this again" moments, which is why our next trip is just myself and my wife.

 

[becca_]

This trip report is giving me flashbacks to the time we had a large group of family, friends and coworkers touring around MK. It was one of those "we are never doing this again" moments, which is why our next trip is just myself and my wife.

I went on a trip with my entire Dad's side of the family..... there were like 15 of us... never, ever, ever, again. It was just too hard to do everything that everyone wanted to do.

 

[Tuvalu]

The witch is in 7DMT......she's just in disguise.

 

[gobstoper27]

Taking photos mid-day in the sun is not ideal. Yes there is plenty of light (which really helps smaller cameras and smart phone cameras) but the light is very harsh. This is in contrast to the warm glowing light we had on the beach at sunset and during the "blue hour". But you have to work with what you have. I almost always shoot full manual ( being able to control the shutter speed, aperture and ISO) and I made sure to drop my aperture smaller (stopped down) to around f/7 or f/8. The advantage of shooting "stopped down" is most lenses are their sharpest between f/5.6 and f/8. You don't get the blurred background look, but these shots were "landscape" which doesn't call for that.

Still on the move...


OK - time to catch up with everyone else heading to Splash Mountain...

Christmas in July has been extended, because we have a Fractal Trip Report!!!!!!!!!!! I really appreciate the photography "tidbits" that you sprinkle throughout your posts. I just recently purchased my first real camera so I'm trying to learn all that I can!! As always AMAZING photos, you give so much life to something as simple as a restaurant menu board

 

[gobstoper27]

Umm can you please adopt me? I'm 30, potty trained, I cook, clean, and I'm pleasant 97% of the time. My grocery bill may be your breaking point however.

Loving your report so far, both your writing style and photos! What a beautiful family you have. Thanks for sharing with us so far!

OMG I thought the same thing!!!! LOL

 

[fractal]

We find an outlet in the wall at the gift shop and plug in Yia-yia's ECV to keep her battery fresh. Within 5 minutes Mia brings a "blinged up" magic band over to Yia-Yia.

"Yia-Yia, will you buy this for me?" she asks.

"What is this Mia? How much does it cost?" Yia-Yai responds in your Greek accent.

"It's $25..." Mia says before being cut off.

"$25 for this?! That's crazy! Put it back Mia. They're just trying to take your money!" Yia-yia snaps back in a significantly louder version of her Greek accent.

"But Yia-Yia, I need it."

"For what?!" she says incredulously.

"It's a magic band."

"Oh Yeah, Magic? It's not magic Mia! What's so magic about it? Is it going to make you fly?" Yia-yia argues.

This started a long rant about how the band is not magic, and how it's a conspiracy to make you spend money despite Courtney's attempts to explain what Mia meant by "Magic Band". Finally Yia-yia caught on.

"Anyway, you have a Magic Band, and that was free!"

"Not entirely free." I thought to myself, while enjoying this heated exchange - (but not as much as Val and Marina).

"But this is so much prettier..." a persistant Mia replied.

"I would rather have the $25! No Mia." Yia-Yia said as her final words which I certainly couldn't argue with.

Mia tried with her Mom to no avail, then continued shopping. Soon after it was time for our FP. We left Yia-yia behind with her charging ECV and I can only imagine, her resolve to talk other youngins out of foolish purchases.

Well - at the FP line Al was escorted by the CM to a ECV parking area. Then some confusion happened. Apparently the CM asked Al if he could "transfer" to the ride or does he need a wheelchair. Also apparently Al didn't quite hear or understand what he was saying and further apparently Sue told the CM he was able to "transfer". Even further apparently, the CM didn't inform them that the queue line was about 1/4 mile long.

I didn't pick up on what was going on until I saw Al walking up the ramp inside Space Mountain. Initially I thought maybe he was feeling up to some walking, but soon realized he wasn't expecting such a long walk. Well, that walk was very slow & a bit uncomfortable until we caught up with the group in front of us. Meanwhile, being at the end of the group I had these 2 anxious little boys literally bouncing off the back of my legs.

Finally we arrive at our "gate".

First group loaded up...

Then it was my turn along with my crew of 2. It was becoming apparent that Sterg and I were now competing for Mia's best buddy slot.

Blast off!

Unanimous thumbs up from all the riders! Mia wanted to ride again. Sterg said he felt it was more thrilling than he remembered. I answered that yes, the feeling of being decapitated at any moment does have an element of "thrill". I did enjoy it, but I also remember how much better it is in DL with the new track.

We made our way out as Sue was getting a wheelchair for Al to help them "transfer" back to his scooter.

Up next, hustling to get to Ohana's, and yes - more drama.

 

[Zipadeelady]

Love the pic of Sterg in the tunnel on SM.