Day 7 (Friday) - TBA

Final Entry for 2016 - Reflections of the Trip & Funny One Liners

With 14 people travelling to Disney, no trip would be complete without funny one liners or guestures.  This trip had it's fair share.  So I ask everyone to send me their funny one liners to put hear for the years to come.  "These children (and adults) are precious!" 


One Liners, Guestures, and other funny things

• "Splash Mountain should be called dry mountain because you don't even get wet!" - Jack
• "It's a Hukilau!" - Fred
• "I didn't complain once this trip."  - Jordan
• Face swapping the Haunted Mansion characters
• "What is the express monorail?" - Joe
• "These children are precious." - Joe Joe
• "Can I have a new piece of gum?  Mine is dry." - Kayla
• "I am being honest, it looks horrible." (Kayla in Belle's castle about Jordan's bathing suit)
• "Why do they have a microwave in the closet?" - Jordan in the Polynesian room (safe)
• "The grey stuff turns to brown stuff."  - Jake at Belle's castle
• Grandma walking out of Bug's Life with the 3D glasses on.
• "I'm good at messaging peoples scabs."  - Kayla
• "My tummy still feels like it is still dropping." - Emma after riding the Tower or Terror
• "I had a daughter and it cannot die." Playing the telephone game (I like big butts and I cannot lie)
• "I would like to buy a pin but I do not have a vest to put it on." - Jack
• "It sounds like Hellen Keller singing."  - Jordan at Ohana.
• "KEEP MOVING FORWARD SIDE BY SIDE" - Peter Pan ride
• On Small World, Jack was looking for a car Matty dropped 6 years ago instead of watching the ride.

Our time in Disney
For me, I began my travels with this large caravan when Jen and I were first dating.  We stayed at the Marriott in the tower and not the villas.  I believe the year was 1998.  We also made the trip consecutive years until Jen and I started growing our family which then got harder to do.  Now we go every two years with some of us travelling there in between for work or vacation or both.  That is alot of Disney but it is the most amazing place in the world.  No, I will rephrase that.  It is the most amazing experience in the world.  It engages all your senses.  Whether it be the smell of popcorn on Main Street, the sweet pineapple (and vanilla for some) taste of the Dole Whip in Adventureland, the cinnamon flavor of a Churro in Disney Studios, or a cool foreign land beverage in the World Showcase you become immediately uplifted.  Seeing the lights at night or the bright colors of the locations give you and idea of quality that really is unmatched.

But for me, as I watch my kids who once arrived in the Magic Kingdom in strollers and had to be out of the park by Noon to the energized Disney fanatics who want to ride the brightly lit rides and enjoy classic snacks during late night Magic Hours, I see Disney as my home away from home.  Even as venues expand and significantly change like Disney Studios and we await Star Wars land, Toy Story Land, and Pandorum in the Animal Kingdom, we know all the paths, nooks, and crannies of this great place.  But yet, even on this trip I came across neat surprises in EPCOT like the letter to George Washington in Morocco, we had an great African Trek and saw things you cannot see from the Safari, I found a few new benches, and the Tower of Terror even had to a few new things.  These are just to name a few.

I think we all see signs we are getting older but in the meantime, the hugs, laughs, smiles, and yes, the stress at times are all part of what makes Disney, Disney.  You can't replace this place with any other location.  So as I wrap up this BLOG (which is the 6th Disney BLOG) I will look at photos and with tools provided by Google will do some editing and posting.  I will also get the video done which will be played time and time again.  We will play Disney music streaming from websites, look for ways to put it around our homes all the while the next trip will slowly creep towards us and we get to do it all over again!!

See everyone in 2018!!  (unless we hit the lottery...and do it in 2017)

P.S.   hmmm  that DVC.........

Day 8 (Saturday)- One Last Time and The Return Home

Just as we arrived in waves, we departed in waves.  Jordan, Jake, and I had to be out to the Magical Express bus for 540am.  As we crossed the area by the pool, not a soul was around and I took one last look at the Polynesian.  Aloha.

We boarded the bus and made our way to the airport, checked our bags, passed through security and one last monorail ride to the gate for this trip.  Joe and Dorothy were there although Joe thought he misplaced his phone he was fine.  Needless to say, TSA has that affect on us all.

We boarded the plane and began to head back home.  One stop in Charlotte, then home landing around 1:05pm.  Once we landed, the skies were gray and the temps were cool.  Jordan exclaimed that this was her kind of temperatures!  Jake and I were hungry, so while Ryan picked up Jordan, we stopped at Panera Bread where we discovered our Magic Bands were no longer 'magical'.  :-(  Joe Joe also departed by mid morning and arrived with no problem back to NYC.

As for Jen and Jillian, they got to do a whirlwind tour with Steve and Michele and the kids one last time.  From what it sounds, the crowds were perfect as they found their way on one ride after another.  What an awesome way to spend their last day.  They then boarded the Magical Express and headed to the airport.  They followed the same route through Charlotte but ended up getting delayed by thunderstorms.  Their flight finally arrived in Avoca at 1:15am or so.  I am sure they were glad to be home but at the same time, not.

While they were sitting in Charlotte, and we were hanging out at home, Steve and his family headed into EPCOT for dinner in Italy.  They enjoyed their evening in the World Showcase on what looked like a perfect weather evening.  As they left, we learned Kayla cryed as she didn't want to leave.  You know what.....I don't blame her at all.

At that point, our family trip to Disney came to a close.  Steve, Michele, Matty, Kayla, Jack, and Emma just sent me a text letting us all know they landed near home at 1030am on this morning (Sunday).

One more entry for this BLOG






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Day 6 (Thursday) - A Walk Around DisneySprings

If you look back across the BLOGS over all these years you can see we love this place.  It never gets old but is always full of great surprises.  The days are definitely long and the days can be quite tiring.  That being said, every day brings a new adventure.   One of the classic traditions we started many years ago was a character breakfast.  So the girls all got up and out and headed to a breakfast with the princesses in Norway.  The girls got to interact with the leading princesses of Walt Disney but in the meantime, Jake and I grabbed a quick breakfast (he loves the Chocolate Chip muffin and strawbettery milk....only in Disney!)  and took a boat over to the Magic Kingdom with Steve, Matty and Jack.

While getting something adjusted with my Disney Experience app the guys headed over to Space Mountain.  Due to a mixup with my account they awarded me 15 Fast Paases to be used anywhere.  So we will return to that shortly....  I played catchup while they hopped aboard a rocket leaving Space Station 7 5 (75 for the year it was built). That ride is one of the top rollercoasters in the Magic Kingdom and I would stack it up against any, anywhere.

Joe and Joe Joe joined us and we got a chance to chase down Zurg this morning where Jake racked up around 190,000 plus points!  And Steve managed to direct hits on some major point targets.  Joe and I, maybe not as high but still managed to put Zurg back in his cage.  Jack was eager to see what Stitch was doing so we went to see Stitches escape which used to be Alien Encounter.  This is an interesting experience that is full of sites and sounds that are definitely unique.  There was a huge school group of younger students and they were SCREAMING!  LOL

Hopped off that and onto the PeopleMover, the best moving bench in all the lands!!

By that time the ladies retuned from their breakfast and using the 15 Fast Passes we all rode the 7 Dwarves mine train as Joe, Joe Joe and Dorothy didn't ride it yet....ever.  One of the great features built into this ride is how it video tapes you. I will try to embed that video here, so stay tuned.

As the heat of the day started to build we strolled over to Splash Mountain.  Jordan wanted to check out Main Street and all that is offered, so she went and grabbed one of the famous cookies from the bakery.  After a fun ride on Splash Mountain with minimal wet butt, we started to head to Jungle Cruise.  At that point, Jake was ready for a TURKEY LEG!!!  He grabbed his first ever Turkey Leg and seemed to enjoy it. Definitely not for everyone.  I did look for the Cheeseburger Spring Rolls but ....no luck.  They were sold out!! Instead we skipped the Jungle Cruise and grabbed a classic hot dog at Casey's Corner.  I grabbed something I normally wouldn't but since in Disney, why not!  I grabbed a candy apple at the Confectionary.  We then departed the Magic Kingdom probably for the last time on this trip.  So I took a final glance and said to myself.....we'll be back, smiled, and headed out.

Steve, Matty, Kayla, and Jack decided to stay back with us and swim but clouds were brewing and then lightning and thunder.  So the pool got closed.  Swimming wasn't going to happen today.  As we tried to get to the bus the skies opened up and we got a bit....wet. But no worries, the dinner that night would take us all together to Raglan Road which was quite good!  It is located in the newly renovated Disney Springs.  We enjoyed Irish step dancers while enjoying various meals.  Duing the dinner we played the 'pass along' (can't remember the actual title) where we laughed as we passed along various I am impressed by the architecture and all that is built up in Disney Springs.  I am mostly impressed by the locations that are tied to experiences like Jock Lindsey's Hanger Bar.  Jock was the pilor for Indiana Jones in the first movie.   We toured a bit of the location where Jordan and Jillian shopped a bit and Jen, Jake and I strolled for a litttle bit.  We headed back to the hotel where Jen, Jake and I caught Wishes from the beach.  Jake and I hung out in the lobby for a few and then called it a day.

Another fun day but everyone was definitely tired!!

Day 5 (Wednesday) - Rocking and Dropping

We grabbed a quick breakfast at Captain Cook's and Jen, Jake, Jillian and I headed out on the Disney Bus over to Disney Studios.  Jordan wanted to get a bit more rest before meeting up with us.  As we headed over we noticed a little girl dressed as Princess Leia.  It then occurred to me how much this park is about to change with the construction


planned for Star Wars land and Toy Story land.

As we arrived we headed to Toy Story Mania to meet Steve, Michele and the kids.  That ride is by far one of the best in WDW and is nearly impossible to get a Fast Pass.  So we got there early enough not to have too long of a wait.  Jack and I rode together and he racked up a great score!


From there we headed over to rock with Aerosmith on RocknRoll Rollercoaster.  As Jen and Joe passed through using their Magic Bands, it recognized them and produced a very cool personalized poster with a concert announcement.  It was Jack's first time on it and I think he was a bit speechless but also loved it.  We then made our way over to the always popular and the one that always 'freaks me out', Tower of Terror.  We had a full group go into the hotel hoping all would return......

Up and down and up....and then down and up again....then down we went.  Some new twists did happen and we noticed a few new changes that made it even better.  Needless to say, we laughed alot!!  Jordan then joined up with us and she was ready to go.  So we headed back on to do it again and it was even better.  The pattern was totally different!

From there we headed over to Star Tours where us Star Wars geeks were pleasantly surprised to ride with BB8 and fly through the battle wrecks on Jakuu which were both from the new Star Wars The Force Awakens movie that opened this  year.   The weather was still quite perfect with no sign of rain today!!  Steve headed back with the kids to get some pool time but we hung back where I got a chance to see some more Star Wars oriented events that gave you a bit of foreshadowing of what is to come with the new park expansion.

As we left the park we headed back to the hotel where we enjoyed a dip in the pool.  Jake loves the speed boats and wanted to hit the water again.  Jill jumped on board with me and we headed out.  It is funny to see them grow up and get bigger as we have rode these boats over the years.  At first with me and now on there own.  However, Jill wanted to ride with me as we cruised around the abandoned Discovery Island.

Once we got back we were off to EPCOT for Dinner at the San Angel Inn which sites right on the water.  Jen got us the most perfect seating for viewing Iluminations.  The meal, company, and show were all a great way to wrap up another awesome day in Disney.   Jill, Jake and I took our time exiting the park and then decided to head into the Magic Kingdom for some extra Magic Hours.

 However, we were not the only ones thinking it!  It waa a bit crowded but still fun to be in the Magic Kingdom that late!  The lights make the park look totally different at night.

Day 4 (Tuesday) - A Trek to Remember

We had heard that rain might be moving in during our stay at Disney.  We have been in during full sunny days for days on end with no rain and we have survived a hurricane.  So it really is no big deal for us to be here during a crazy rain storm.  You make the best of it and ride it out!  So what did we do....




In the morning we split up.  Jill, Jake and I headed into the Animal Kingdom where we had some fast passes for Expedition Everest and Dinosaur.  Everest is such a great ride and I think it will be even better when we ride it at night as the part begins to take on new places and events that focus on nighttime hours.  As we exited we noticed there was a 5 minute single rider line and hopped right back on. The first ride, however, had us sitting in the back which does give you a totally different feel.

Making our way to Dinosaur we saw where the Rivers of Light will be opening up.  Unfortunately, we won't catch it this trip, but be sure we will next trip!  Jill was a little apprehensive with this ride but as she has been doing some she isn't too keen on, she got on and rode it!!  We brought back the dino egg and decided to have a snack!  Jill grabbed a fruit bar which was perfect while thought I was going to have something simliar turned out to be more like an ice cream and as usual...I was surprised I liked it!

While we were doing that, Steve and Michele had the kids over on Kali River Rapids where a wave soaked Steve and Emma!!  That ride is always great to cool you down.  We met up at Primevil Whirl where we boarded two cars to spin.  It is funny as Steve's kids get older and ours get bigger how you forget who rode what and who didn't.  This was a first for Jack who rode with us as we dipped and spun!  Jack asked..."Did you like that?"  We did!

By that time Jen and Jordan made it to the park and we met them in Harambe Village where the Lion King show takes place.  This was a new location that was quite nice and the show really is amazing.  Probably one of the best in WDW.  Jill noted some of the gymnastic moves like the 'giant'.  Jordan wants to know how they eat the fire.  Maybe forced perspective?  LOL (inside joke)

The big thing for Jill, Jake and I was something new for older park visiters.  We signed up for the Jungle Trek.  This was a separate special tour that took you onto the trails and bridges of the Jungle Safari.  You get fitted with a harness, water bottle. and communication devices and then assembled in your tour of 12.  The bridges at one point were about 30 feet high above the animals but then as close as 8 feet. We had only 11 and two guides Davis and Jason.  Both were excellent tour guides who lead us to get up close to Hippos where we stood next to the trainer who fed these massive animals, Alligators/Crocodiles, and then onto the plains where our be boarded a truck to view the giraffe, wildebeest, gnu, and elephant.  We would pull over and we got to hear more behind the scenes info on the animals.  The truck then pulled us up to the Boma House on the plains where they pull out some African figure foods served in safari like tins. I feel like the kids and myself got to experience something we will all remember for a very long time.  I hope there are more of these types of events in Disney's future because you really can learn alot and have a lot of fun.

So as we came out of the Trek we met us with Jen, Jordan, Joe Joe, Joe, and Dorothy where we enjoyed a great African flavored dinner at Tusker House.  Also joining us was Mickey, Donald, Daisey, and Goofy!!  We sampled all sorts of dishes as it was buffet and got filled fast.  Then it began...  as we stepped out from Tusker House the rains came down and they came down pretty hard.  With ponchos on we then 'trekked' thru the park from the point almost farthest from the entrance LOL!  Needless to say...as Jordan captured the moment ...."it was like the real rainforest." and it was kinda fun.  We will remember that one.

The evening was kinda a wash (no pun intended) as we stayed put at the resort.  I sampled a shrunken head at Trader Sam's (the new club named after the character on the Jungle Cruise selling shrunken heads) and while the rains continued I suggested we board the monorail and do a resort tour.  We headed to the Grand Floridian where we had a nice time browsing the shops and enjoying the jazz band.    Jake and I witnessed a little kid lose his cookies (aka throw up) all over the nice tile floor!  At that point

Jordan made her final pin decision for Ryan only to learn....that wasn't the one he wanted traded.  So she 're-aquired' for future trading.


We have an early departure to Disney Studios on the morning.  Hopefully the rain will be not as crazy!

Day 3 (Monday) - Frushi, Dry Mountain, and Dinner with the Beast

Monday was a great day.  The weather did not fail to impress.....until.....

I woke up and using my refillable mug headed to Captain Cook's where I enjoyed a coffee while everyone was sleeping.  Jill had gotten up and early and then came down to sit with me as we enjoyed a peaceful morning outside on the deck of Captain Cook's.  Jen, Jordan and Jake headed over to the Marriott pool to swim while Jill and I headed to EPCOT where we did a nice stroll to France and enjoyed a pastry and drinks.  Jill and I continued our walk to Japan where we sampled for the first time "Frushi".  This was coconut rice, with cantelope, pineapple, and strawberry done as sushi and you can dip it in a rhasperry.where we learned some origami and made some paper frogs.  It
was really a lot of fun just walking and talking.

After viewing China 360 we noted the time and headed back to meet everyone and head back into the Magic Kingdom for some fast passes on Big Thunder Railroad and Ariel's Adventure.  We all got on time and then Steve, Jake, Jillian, Kayla, Jack and Matty turned right back around to do it again but this time we went through the regualar queue where you can also interact with items like dynamite and mining tools. These are two great rides but they were ultimately leading us up to a great dinner at the Beast's Castle.  We ate in the great hall as a large party 14 taking in all the sites and sounds of Beauty and Beast.  We enjoyed some great deserts and then got a photo with the Beast.  These dining halls are really impressive and the food was quite good!

As we left the castle the clouds were building and rain threatening.  We cut through Fastasyland over to the Haunted Mansion.  No matter how many times you ride that classic ride, you seem to always notice something different. The kids had some fun 'face swapping' using their Snap Chat (that crazy Chap Snatters) They would walk up to the haunted mansion busts and do it.  Too funny.  The queue is filled with some funny things to interact with or simply just "touch".  As we got to the doors and the Leotta tombstone opened her eyes to gaze upon us, you can see a few get a little creeped out!!  As we left Gracely Manor the rain drops began falling on our heads so we began to head to Splash Mountain where Jack renamed it "Dry Mountain".  Spirits were high as we were already getting wet!!  We moved through the line and got into our boats to enjoy some "wet butt".  We all made some pretty interesting Laughing Place faces and we screamed down the hill!  Making our way through the Adventureland Pirates only had a 5 minute wait.  Somehow I got in the first row with Matt and Jake and that little tiny dip managed to get me more wet than Dry Mountain!!!!

As we exited the park Jill grabbed some popcorn.  Jordan was looking for a choocolate chip cookie on Main Street.  We will be back!

As we got back to our rooms the gang grabbed Dole Whips at the new stand at the Polynesian.  Then we took a quick peek at Trader Sam's where we saw them bring out the volcano drink.  To wrap up the night Jake and I put on our bathing suits and jumped into the pool and then stepped over to the jacuzzi.  When we got out it was in time to see Wishes at the Magic Kingdom from our beach.  Awesome!!!