Winding Down

Today we started packing and preparing to leave. Elijah was still able to fit in swimming, fishing and rock climbing. We also made our traditional trip to the outlet mall. Our usual stops include the Stride Rite Outlet and the Coach Outlet. Great deals at Coach -- 75-80% off!

Tomorrow we hit the road to head back to the cold weather. Say a prayer that we have safe travels.

Magic Kingdom and some other things

Today we started out with some swimming, followed by rock climbing. After that we ventured out to Magic Kingdom for an early afternoon adventure. It worked out well for the most part. We got lucky with Pirates of the Carribean. It was closed for some reason, but reopened right when we walked up. Then we were off to the Haunted Mansion. Elijah seemed interested in Big Thunder Canyon, but the wait was 70 minutes. I didn't want to wait that long for a water ride. It was warm, but not that hot. From there we ventured over to Fantasyland, Toon Town, and Tomorrowland. A pretty eventful day. Now the debate begins . . . do we leave tomorrow or Saturday? Guess it's time to turn on The Weather Channel.

It's Ash Wednesday

Today we took it easy. Elijah did some fishing and even tried out rock climbing. He also did the paddle boats. We debated a late start to the day, but Elijah got a little too much sun on his neck. It was bothering him, so I did some aloe treatments and we took it easy. Thanks to the internet and GPS, we found a Long John Silvers -- Elijah's favorite fish place to take on a lenten meal.

I also got to catch up with an old friend! Not bad for not hitting a park today. Oh, Elijah caught a Bass. We took a picture and then put the fish back in the water.

Hollywood Studios

Today we ventured back to Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly known as Disney/MGM). It was a good time. We went on the Toy Story ride. Grandpa S hadn't been on it before since it was also being built (like the Simpson's Ride USF) when he was here last. Still a great ride. Then it was the usual -- Muppetvision 3-D, Star Tours, etc. This time we took in the parade which was more of a show than a parade. They made two stops on the route and entertained you with music, dancing and tricks. Elijah recovered to souvenier balls from the show.

They also opened a new attraction: American Idol, but Elijah didn't want to do it. He has this thing about bad singing.

After that we stopped at the store to pick up some fishing polls. The condo we're at lets you fish. Elijah has been loving that!

Epcot

Today we started out with the intent of going to Hollywood Studios, but when we got there, the line was really long to just pay for parking, so we decided to head on over to Epcot. First stop is always Spaceship Earth. Elijah loves going in the "giant golf ball." I ran over to get some fast passes and on the way back, I noticed that Kim Possible is recruiting agents to save the world. I'm in! We did a mission and it was really fun. I don't think Grandpa enjoyed it as much as Elijah and I did.

We also went in Innoventions and played 'Don't Waste It' and got to sort out all the trash our household uses in a year. They emailed us a certificate and everything. Pretty cool day.

When we got back to the condo, Elijah and Grandpa S went out on the paddle boats while I went out to dinner with friends who live here. When I got back I found out that they were also able to go fishing. Elijah caught one but it broke the line and got away. Maybe next time!

Universal Studios

Today we went to Universal Studios. First thing we took Grandpa S to The Simpson's Ride. They were still building it the last time he was down there. Good times, although when they were showing some of the clips from the show, I was thinking about how much it may be warping my son.

Finishing the Drive

We made it to Knoxville and left at about 8:15 on Saturday morning. We made it to Orlando at about 6 p.m. Wasn't too bad overall, but there were some times that felt like it would be an eternity.

Now we are all tired. Unpacked the car and decided to unwind a little. No energy to go out -- too bad because the Mardi Gras party at Universal is probably a blast. Oh well, new day tomorrow.

Winding Down

Our last full day in Orlando was spent shopping, relaxing, and hanging out at the condo. We decided to forgo a trip to one of the parks and deal with the blistering heat.

My mom's new hobby is quilting, so we found a quilting store outside of downtown Orlando. It was an interesting trip, but a fun experience. We also made the trip to Downtown Disney and hit the big store. Before leaving the grounds, Elijah and Grandpa stopped for Disney temporary tattoos. The evening closed with a nice dinner and round of mini-golf.

Hollywood Disney Style

Today we went to Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly known as Disney/MGM). It was hot again -- another 96 degree day. We visited the new Toy Story ride and it was very cool. The rest of the day was spent going on the usual rides and a stop at the 50's Prime Time Cafe. No elbows on the table and you can earn a sticker if you clean your plate!

More heat

Today we went to Islands of Adventure. It was another smoking hot day. We spent some time in Seuss Landing. The Lost Continent is pretty tore up since they started building the Harry Potter Ride. We wrapped up with a trip on Popeye's & Bluto's Barges. That ride leaves you soaked from head to toe. Needless to say that even though it was still smoking hot, we came back to the condo soggy.

After a nice shower and a change of clothes it was off to have dinner with a couple of friends. All in all a good day, but hot!

Feeling Hot Hot Way Too Hot

Today was a scorching 96 degrees. We started out the day at Animal Kingdom, but ended up back by 3:30 pm. It was HOT! The rest of the day was spent hanging out at the condo.

I was also able to secure our 2009 trip. Yahoo! That time of year is nice and not too hot.

Shop til you Drop

Today we ended up outlet shopping. A few pairs of shoes, and a few more purchases later (did I mention that there is a Coach store there?). Anyway, we came back in time for one of those quick FL showers and then off to dinner. Not a typical day in Orlando, but it was a good day. Especially having time to recover from all the sun the day before.

Blizzard Beach

We went to Blizzard Beach to try out a Disney Waterpark. Elijah went down the Summit Plummet -- the largest free fall water slide. He's a bit of a dare devil. It was a good day and the weather held out. Although at the end of the day I discovered the places where the sun screen was missed.

I also got "bit" by the chair lift (a chair lift takes you to the top where three rides are). A quick trip to first aid made it better. Today I'm sporting a nice bruise. Despite my injury, it was a good day and a great waterpark. Thumbs up!

Reporting Live from Orlando

We came to Orlando today. Nice and toasty hot. All week I was wondering at "Fay" and what it would be like down here. Last night positive news came that it was away from the central Florida area. Although on the plan today the pilot came over the intercom to tell us that "Fay" was to the right of the plane. Looked like a lot of clouds to me. Plus there was the wing of plane obstructing the view.

After checking in and grabbing lunch, we headed off to Universal Studios. First stop: The Simpsons Ride. (formerly known as Back to the Future Ride). It was pretty cool. I would rate it higher than it's predecessor. After that a few more rides and here comes the rain again. Good thing we had those ponchos! We wrapped up our visit to the park with an awesome dinner at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Highly recommended.

Back to Life, Back to Reality

Well, we came home today. Yesterday was spent at Animal Kingdom. I think we were still suffering from our wild ventures the night before, because we didn't stay out long. The mid afternoon was spent lounging around and getting ready to venture back into the cold.

Flying back was nice, but a little turbulent at times. So much so that the captain made the flight attendants sit down too. Descending in all we could see is white -- a big difference from flying into Florida.

The rest of today was spent unpacking and staying out of the cold.

Before I forget . . . congratulations to my cousin Marc . . . he proposed to his Girlfriend!

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! We spent the day going to Epcot. Every time I go, I think of my friend Ray and his quest to have a drink in every country. I hope to go again with you my friend, and try to be a part of your quest. Although we need another driver!

After our ventures at Epcot, we took the tram over to Magic Kingdom to participate in the Princess and Pirate Party. A jolly good time, but also a late night. We were beat after finding different treasures throughout the park -- in addition to riding various rides along the way!

"Yo ho yo ho a Pirate's life for me!"

Rock & Roll

Wednesday we hit Disney's Hollywood Studios (the park formerly known as Disney/MGM). Elijah made great strides today and rode Aerosmith's Rock n Rollercoaster! It was a proud moment. His first words after getting off were: "that was a sweet ride." Gary would have been proud!

Universal Again!

Monday and Tuesday we did Islands of Adventure and Universal. The thing I noticed was the short lines -- 5 minutes for Spiderman? Wow! The new buzz onsite is the new Simpson's ride that is supposed to be opening this spring. In case you were wondering, it has replaced Back to the Future (say it isn't so). The ride is blocked off so you can't see anything. However, they did get the store up and running - it is called the "Quick-E-Mart." We ventured in and made a few purchases.

At first I though the lack of people could be the time of year, but perhaps it was the convention going on - it pretty much sold out the city and drove rates up high enough to scare off some tourists. At least that is what some of my work friends that now live/work in Orlando told me. All I know is that it was nice.

That's the way I like it!

After suffering through -19 degree wind chill at the "race", we came home to finish preparations to venture to Orlando! We didn't fly out until evening, so we didn't accomplish much that night. I can tell you that it was a very nice change in weather. 50-60's in the evening, 70-80's during the day. Very nice!

Did I mention that I ended up renting an Escape Hybrid? It was all that was left due to a convention in town -- plus it was only $15 more than an economy car!

Out of Touch

Sorry I haven't had a chance to write. I can't believe how fast the last ten days have gone by. We had a great time in Florida, although Elijah developed a double ear infection the day we were to leave. I had to take him to urgent care. Needless to say, he could not fly home. So, it was either stay there another 3-4 days or drive home. I opted to drive because my schedule was way too hectic back home to take more days off!

By the time we got back from urgent care, figured out the game plan and got to the airport (to return the car rental and pick up another), it was 2 p.m. last Saturday before we hit the road. We made it to the GA/TN boarder before stopping for a power "nap". We were on the road again by 7 a.m. the next day. All in all it was just under 20 hours. I thought we did well considering it was completely UNPLANNED!

So, now I'm struggling to catch up with schoolwork. If anyone is strong in accounting, please call me and help me get through this!

Elijah is doing better and we are back to the old routine. After Tuesday, I'll get back on my regularly scheduled posts! Have a nice weekend!