MY Last Trip........

[sandie]

19th August – Islands of Adventure

We woke up and quickly dressed before heading downstairs for another quick breakfast. Today we all shared fruit cups. We waited for the boat and boarded for our short trip to Islands of Adventure. The internet touts Islands of Adventure as being the most heavily themed theme park in all the US. Walking under the entrance bridge this was very easy to believe. The first area is called Port of Entry and looks like a European village form the 17th Century – somewhere where you would expect to run into adventurers and explorers. There are no attractions here just shops so we quickly passed through.

The first attraction we came to was the Hulk but this a huge menacing triple looped coaster so I thought we should leave this for later! We continued walking around Super Hero Island and came to Spiderman. This attraction is raved about on the internet so I wanted us all to go on it however Peter wanted to wait until I tried it first. With our magic passes we went straight to the front of the line and boarded our car and put on our 3D glasses. This attraction is a motion simulator with a 3D movie but is different in that the vehicle also moves through the building. The effects were very believable and we got straight back on with Peter!

Next stop on the tour was Comic Island where John and I went on Dudley Do-Rights Ripsaw Falls. This was a log flume ride based on the old Dudley Do-right cartoon. What made it different was that after you came racing down the big drop you hit a few smaller hills which really made your stomach lurch. We had fun and were just wet enough that we felt ready to join the others on Popeye and Blutos Bilge Rafts. This is a regular round raft ride and was heaps of fun and we got extra wet – so much so that we used our passes and got back on again. We were now so wet that our clothes were see though! The kids played on the Popeye Boat whilst Peter and I took some photos and tried to dry off a bit. Once they were finished we had a look around the area before heading over the bridge to the Mythical Island. Up until this point of the trip I had been restricting John’s access to roller coasters thinking he was too young. This morning he had made it quite clear to me that he was ready for more action so he and I lined up for Fire and Ice. These are two suspended coasters that entwine and race each other at some points the two trains pass within 3 metres of each other.

We boarded Ice and went flying. John loved it and wanted to go again straight away. We then met up with the others and headed to Flying Unicorn a smaller coaster which was just right for Peter and Eloise. We were now all getting hungry so we headed to the Enchanted Oak for lunch. The Enchanted Oak is a counter service restaurant inside an old enchanted tree. Our only disappointment with the park was that the other guests were pigs – how hard is it to put your lunch rubbish in the bin when you are finished? We had a mixture of ribs and burgers for lunch and enjoyed the cool for a while. Once we were ready we headed out to Jurassic Island. Eloise took one look at the Jurassic Park ride and chickened out so Peter took her to line up for another attraction whilst John and I went on. When we got off we couldn’t find them so we went on again. Eventually we met back up and headed into the Jurassic Park visitor centre to look at the displays and play with the interactive dinosaurs.

Lunch was wearing off so it was time for ice cream before we headed into Suess Island. Suess Island is just like walking into a Dr Suess book – the colours are vibrants and there are Suess touches everywhere. In the first five minutes alone I saw a Wocket in my Pocket, Horton, the Grinch and all my favourites! I think the kids thought I was a nut for wanting to get my photo taken with the Grinch but I really, really had to!

We went on all the Suess attractions but the favourite of all of us was One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. We sat in large fish that went around in a circle and you could move them up and down – just like Dumbo. The difference was the music that went along with the ride gave hints of where you should be in order to avoid getting wet by the shooting fish. Of course we all got a bit wet but that’s only because we are slow to follow instructions!

Next up was The Cat in the Hat ride. Here we all sat on a green lounge chair that travelled through the story. It was about now that I realised that I had not read my kids enough Dr Suess as they didn’t know who the Cat in the Hat was! Thing 1 and Thing 2 were featured heavily though and Eloise identified with their naughtiness. We had a stop at the Dr Suess shop and I bought a Grinch t-shirt and a Grinch beanie and Eloise bought a Thing 1 t-shirt.

It was getting late and I thought we might have dinner at the chinese place we had walked past in Toon Island but when we got there it was closed. It seemed a bit weird as the internet had said they would be open to ten and it was only 7.30pm. I asked a cast member and he said they closed at 8. John started to cry as he had not gone on Hulk yet and I had promised I would take him on. He and I ran ahead and used our front of the line passes to get on the last ride of the day. He loved it. I thought it went on for two long – 2 loops are sufficient – after 4 inversions you have trouble walking!

We were all hungry so we decided to eat at City Walk. After looking at all the menus we settled on an Italian place – Pastamore. We were all hot and tired so first up we ordered cold drinks and had a bit of a rest. First up we all shared a garlic and cheese pizza and then followed up with Peter having Veal Parmigiana, I had Fettuccine Carbonara and both kids enjoyed spaghetti and meatballs. It was all very yummy and left us very full. We headed back to the resort and the kids got changed for a swim. I watched them while Peter checked his email and when he joined us the three of them got ice cream and I grabbed a cup of tea. We all showered and settled down to sleep.

[mushu mama]

Suess Isand?

I LOOOOVE DR. SEUSS.

why has no one told me about this before.?
I so want a Grinch T shirt
AND... I can think of a couple of kids that would look good in Thing 1 and Thing 2 T shirts.

Lisa. -/

[sandie]

Suess Island is so awesome - I could have stayed there all day - and once the harry Potter area opens this will be at least a 2 day park

Sandie

[churros]

Up until this point of the trip I had been restricting John’s access to roller coasters thinking he was too young. This morning he had made it quite clear to me that he was ready for more action so he and I lined up for Fire and Ice. These are two suspended coasters that entwine and race each other at some points the two trains pass within 3 metres of each other.

We boarded Ice and went flying. John loved it and wanted to go again straight away.

This is some introduction to roller coasters!

[sandie]

20th August – Islands of Adventure and Welcome to WDW

We had planned to spend most of today shopping but I wanted to go back to Islands Of Adventure so we decided to pack the car and head over there until lunch time and then come back and grab the car and go shopping. We put the suitcases in the car and grabbed some breakfast before jumping on the boat to the parks.

Since we only had limited time we decided to hit our favourites. We started with a double go on Spiderman and made a quick stop in the shop to buy a t-shirt for our nephew Jarod. Next up was Fire and Ice. This time Peter wanted to try it so he convinced Eloise to try as well. By the time we were heading up the first hill she was crying, John was yee hawing and Peter was getting ready to swear. Afterwards John and I went on again – once was enough for the other two. This time we sat in the very front row and as the two casters passed each other it felt like they were going to crash.

The kids and I wanted to try One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish again and we wanted Peter to video it. We got in a fish built for three and the kids made sure I got hit by every single jet of water!!! It was almost lunchtime so we made one more stop at the Hulk for John and I before heading back to the boat and eventually the car. It was a bit sad to leave the Hard Rock Hotel but we were all excited to be heading to WDW. First stop though was the shops!

We spent some time at Sears where Peter grabbed some shorts and we made the obligatory stop at Toys R US where the boys bought more model cars. On the way to the resort we drove straight past a Walmart so of course we stopped and grabbed some sunscreen and wasted some more time just browsing. Finally we got back in the car and drove through the WDW gates and made our way to my favourite resort – Port Orleans Riverside. Peter wandered around the foyer and the shop with the kids whilst I checked in. The cast member told me she had some parcels for us. I just assumed that they were from our travel agent. Two of them were but there was also a box from my friend Jeanette who we would be meeting up with later tonight. Peter came over just in time to grab the boxes and we drove our car over to our room. We had gotten exactly what I requested, Oak Manor on the ground floor. Oak Manor is right next to a quiet pool and a guest laundry and it is only a few minutes walk to the lobby, restaurants and main themed pool.

We had about ninety minutes before we had to meet up with Jeanette’s family at the Contemporary Resort so I quickly unpacked and we had a look in the mystery parcel. There was a truck for John, a stuffed toy for Eloise and 4 lime green shirts. Each shirt had a large Mickey head in the centre with the words Morthen Family Vacation 2007. Peter’s eyes almost fell out of his head and you could see him formulating an excuse to not wear the shirt.

We headed over to the Contemporary and made our way to the counter service eatery. Jeanette, John, Nina and Julia were all sitting down eating so we said a quick hello grabbed some food and sat down with them. This was the first time we had used the Disney Dining Plan and it was super easy. Each of us got a meal with a drink and dessert and all we had to do was swipe our room cards. Normally this would cost $37.95 per day each for Peter, Eloise and I and $10.99 for John. As part of a special deal we got this for free with our room and it entitled us to one counter service meal, one table service meal and one snack each day. You could spread them out however you liked over the length of your stay and we had trouble using them all up as the portions were so large. I estimated that this saved us over $4000.

We spent some time catching up before heading upstairs to meet the other family who would be joining us on tonight’s adventure, the Moys. As there were 13 of us all staying at the same time we qualified for Disney’s Grand Gatherings. There are a number of adventures you can chose from and we had settled on a Pirate Cruise to start our trip. Jeanette and Mary know each other and were spending the first three days of our WDW stay with us before heading for a Disney cruise. The kids were all friends within a few minutes and we gave out some stuffed toys we had bought from home. Before too long it was time for our adventure to begin and we were lead into a special room. There were pirate decorations and a huge feast laid out for the fifty participants. The kids ate rice krispie treats, chocolate, candy, chips and soft drinks until they were ready to burst. After a while two Pirates entered the room and caused a stir before introducing Hook and Smee. Everyone had time for photos and autographs before we split into two groups and followed our Pirate down to the boats.

We sailed around for an hour enjoying pirate songs and pirate jokes as well as playing pirate trivia. Right at 9pm the boats dropped anchor and we had a perfect view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks going off and reflecting in the water. We sailed back to the wharf and we were all very excited to see Peter Pan waiting for us.

The Moys were staying at the Polynesian so they headed back there and it turned out that Jeanette’s family was in a room two doors away from us so we arranged to meet at the bus stop in the morning for our day at Typhoon Lagoon.

[Mel]

Is PO Riverside the moderate resort that can accommodate five per room? Do you think they would be big enough for a family of five for 10 days? What's the Disney transportation like to that resort?

That Pirate Cruise sounds awesome!

[calisota]

I'm almost wishing I had a family to do all these extra things with. Sandie, you must do so much research to find out about things like the grand gathering. I can't help feeling I miss out on stuff like that by just rocking up on my own.

Some major planning in the future for my next Disney trip I think.

Greg

[calisota]

By the way, this topic has the most posts of any, even more than the V8 supercar one. It just shows how much we all enjoy travelling even if it is vicariously through others sometimes.

Are there any Disney specialist travel agents who would put together packages including all of Sandies hidden treasures?

Greg

[Mel]

Are there any Disney specialist travel agents who would put together packages including all of Sandies hidden treasures?

Greg

A friend of mine got back from WDW last month and her travel agent had organised the Grand Gathering Illuminations Cruise thingy so I guess they do have specialist Disney Travel Agents. Not in Oz though.

[sandie]

Is PO Riverside the moderate resort that can accommodate five per room? Do you think they would be big enough for a family of five for 10 days? What's the Disney transportation like to that resort?

Some of the Alligator Bayou rooms sleep 5 but one is on a trundle. I would not do it though. Actually next trip we will be booking adjoining rooms for the space and because ofthe fateful morning Eli asked loudly in a full restaurant if all married people make noises like her Mummy and Daddy in bed! (I do not think she was talking about snoring either!

Are there any Disney specialist travel agents who would put together packages including all of Sandies hidden treasures?

Any of the online US travel agents will do it for you but it is so easy to do it yourself.

Sandie

[mushu mama]

Actually next trip we will be booking adjoining rooms for the space and because ofthe fateful morning Eli asked loudly in a full restaurant if all married people make noises like her Mummy and Daddy in bed! (I do not think she was talking about snoring either!
Sandie

Ok... I roared laughing when I read that.

The walls in the Menage were surprisingly thin in that regard as well.... I'm sure I don't have to fill in the blanks... One night I actually banged on the wall and told them to keep it down - not sure how their kids slept through all that.... I suspect they've been married a while though... it was an interesting 8 minutes tops....

Lisa.

[calisota]

Any of the online US travel agents will do it for you but it is so easy to do it yourself.

Sandie

I was actually thinking of potential business ideas.

Greg

[churros]

Are there any Disney specialist travel agents who would put together packages including all of Sandies hidden treasures?

Greg

I used an American Disney specialist for my land portion her name is Jana. She now has he own company Mainstreet travel. Also highly recommended are MEI & Mouse Fan Travel. Until Jana changed companies she was great and was prepared to book us anything we needed even though she wasn't going to make any money out of it. Unfortunately she changed companies after we booked and the her old company kept the booking. They have been fine, a little slow with communication, but they really just did what I asked, whereas the Disney specialist will tell you best rooms, transport, extras etc

[churros]

Actually next trip we will be booking adjoining rooms for the space and because ofthe fateful morning Eli asked loudly in a full restaurant if all married people make noises like her Mummy and Daddy in bed! (I do not think she was talking about snoring either!

Sandie

Family suite All Star Music - I'll take photos and give you a report!

[sandie]

21st August – Typhoon Lagoon

We were spending today with Jeanette, John and the girls and the pastor from their church and his family. We met at the bus stop and all went over together. We went in and we shared a locker with Jeanette as all we really needed to lock up was our money!

The new family we were meeting had 4 children and the kids all spent most of the day together we us just supervising. The wave pool was a big hit with John and Peter and I took turns playing in there with him. I took Eloise for a go on the new water coaster Crush n Gusher. It was fun but a bit rough on the bottom and having to carry the raft up the tower was a pain. The same ride at Castaway Bay dragged the rafts up for you!

As Eloise and I walked over to some other slides I slipped and cut open my knee. We spent a few minutes in First Aid – after we found a cast member who knew where first aid was. I was given an ice pack and Eloise went off with John and Julia while I rested for a while. We all had hot dogs for lunch and at about two o’clock Peter was all water parked out. He left to go back to the hotel and get the car before heading over to Walmart again and the kids I stayed. We arranged to meet back in the room at six.

Most of the afternoon was spent in and out of the water and we didn’t actually leave the park until six which made us a bit late to meet up with Peter. When we did get back to the room at 6.45 we found a funny little note that he had left us. We changed and by the time we were all ready Peter was back. We were meeting the others in the food court at 7.30 for dinner so we headed over and found a table large enough for all of us.

The food court had changed a bit since our last visit so we all had to try new things. Peter had carved flank steak with vegetables, I had a turkey sandwich, John had a pizza and Eloise had fish and chips. We also had dessert with our meals so we shared chocolate cake and brownies with Jeanette’s family.

After spending all day at the water park the kids wanted to go swimming. Jeanette and I found two lounges pool side and chatted for a couple of hours whilst they swam and occasionally visited us when they needed feeding. We all finally went back to the room about 10.30 with plans to meet at the bus stop at 8.30 in the morning ready to conquer EPCOT in our green shirts.