Orlando, The Long Version, Day Five.

Time to go home. After a very busy day at the world's happiest, snort, place - it was time to load up and go home.

Having spent the night before loading up dirty clothes, we were pretty much set. The valet guys thought it was pretty funny that each kid dragged their own pilot sized suitcase. It was, but that's something we work on here - self reliance.


Loaded up the minivan one last time. Watched part of the movie one last time as we headed to the airport. Got to the airport and decided to eat breakfast before going through security. I'm more of a get through security first type girl. Ate, and then got in line.


Not quite sure how it happened, but we ended up in the slowest line. First, the gal insisted that we each hold our own ticket, rather than one of the adults holding them all. Then, she proceeded to ask the kids their names. Ok... Fine. But when your four year old turns into the quiet, shy, won't talk to strangers type, it's not good. Asked the big girl her name first. She answered, then ended up answering for all of the kids. Good, I suppose. She then hands all the tickets to my husband. Not bad, but why insist that each person hold his/her own, then hand them back to one person?


Get in the actual security line. Again, the slowest line. I'm not kidding, I counted the others soaring through their lines. Soaring - no problem. We just plodded along while I grew more and more agitated. This, I repeat, this is why I want to go through security first, then eat.


Finally get through security and make our way to the plane. Everyone is already lined up and it's a full flight. Decide to gate-check the Toddler's carseat. Finally get on the plane.


It was a long flight. At least it felt like it. Note to self: next time, if the Toddler is still in her carseat - have her fly in it. We, meaning I, ended up with the tired, wiggling, buckle-unbuckle, girl that wouldn't take a nap. I do believe if she'd been in her carseat, she would have.


Arrive at the airport. We'd had to park at another parking garage because they'd closed one down for repairs. We decided that Husband would take the boy and get the car while I waited for the luggage. We finished up about the same time, with the exception that I thought he had a black suitcase, when infact it was grey. Sorted that mess out and it was time to go home.


Overall it was a great trip.

Next time - just pack two big suitcases. Each child does not need his or her own pilot case. Though not necessary, the kids loved the new crayons and markers to work with. Also, go through security before eating...

Orlando, The Long Version, Day Four

Arrived at the Magic Kingdom at 9:45. Hopped on the shuttle, then a boat, then finally through the turnstiles. The Big Girl pointed out the maps. I grabbed five, because, you know, everyone needs his or her own map.

The morning had started out rainy, so there weren't too many people around. Jumped on the train. Kids looked around while my husband and I made our game plan for the park. We started at Toon Town and proceeded from there. None of the lines were very long. Around 11:30, we stopped for some food. Our plan was to eat snacks more than meals. Between the five of us we split a turkey sandwich, order of chicken tenders, a personal size pizza and two drinks. Yes, I make my kids share a drink. We did that two more times - the kids ate better than if we'd bought them one big meal. Our only purchases, with the exception of food and drink, were sunglasses for the kids and the girls each picked out a pull-over and the boy, a long sleeve shirt. All in all, with the tickets purchased through a friend, the eating a little bit here and there, and the clothes, we didn't do too bad on cost. While on the subject of purchases, and far be it from me to question another's parenting, but... If you must buy your child a sixteen inch plastic sword, please do so at the end of the day. There is nothing delightful or cute about seeing it swung with wild abandon in a crowd of people. Back to the park, we split our time between rides and "shows" - the anamatronic kind. Oh, and we did see the revue of "High School Musical." That's a favorite movie around here. The park was more crowded in the afternoon, the sun had come out and it was a great day. Glad I grabbed the sunscreen. I still have the "It's a Small World" theme in my head.

The toddler took a nap on Daddy's shoulder for about 45 minutes - she just laid her head down and slept. As any parent can attest, when dealing with unfamiliar circumstances and a child that naps, the best outcome you can hope for is that - just laying their head down and falling asleep. The other option is the screaming-fighting-sobbing youcantmakemesleep mess.

We saw two parades - the first I think was at 3:30, complete with all the princesses a little girl could stand. The second was at 9 pm. Everthing was lit and the kids were speechless.We rounded up our tired kids and left the park at 9:45. Rode the tram, then the shuttle, back to the parking lot. Decided even though they were dirty, to wait for bath until the morning. The morning we'd go home. Good thing to, we were nearly out of clean clothes.

Orlando, The Long Version, Day Three

Friday, my husband had to work and I had every intention of taking the kids to Sea World. They hemmed and hawed and asked to swim at the pool. Fine with me. They jumped in and swam and goofed around for a couple hours. Got them dressed and took off in the minivan in search of lunch. Found a Sonic. Mmmmm. Cherry Lime-Aid. Ate. Took this picture:Called my friend K, who could get us a good deal on Disney World tickets. Loaded the kids back up and headed to her office about 30 minutes away. The kids watched the movie in the minivan, again. Picked up the tickets and saved a bunch of money... Whoo hoo.

Headed back to the hotel, not for sure what the plan was. Talked to my husband, he mentioned they were planning a dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe. Sounded good to me.

Loaded up and went to the Hard Rock Cafe. It was closed to the public. They had rented the whole thing out. The food was great. They even had a special section set up for the kids - and their own buffet. Mini corn dogs, spaghetti and meatballs, grilled cheese, cookies - it looked really festive, all decked out for Halloween. There was a great adult buffet as well. And a dessert buffet. In the kids' section, there was also a craft area, where they could make one of five things. As a parent, it is really neat when companies go above and beyond the call of duty to include and welcome kids. One decorated a picture frame and the other two made masks. They also had a dress up area complete with a polaroid camera. Maroon 5 was on hand for a concert. We watched it on the TV's. Still, pretty cool for a work function. We left about 9:30, the kids tired from a busy day of playing and eating. We needed our sleep. After all, the next day was Magic Kingdom...

Orlando, The Long Version, Day One

I'll break this up in installments, to help keep boredom at bay...

Wednesday, I packed the remaining few things. We headed to the airport, got through security, and ate some lunch. Headed to the gate to realize that it was thirty minutes before the flight took off and everyone else was already on the plane.

The kids did great. The were amused by the bathroom. Clearly my kids have no concept of "home field advantage" when it comes to bending one. The nearly pottly-trained two year old did indeed take a huge crap on the plane - in the toilet.

Have you ever tried to help a two year old sit on the toilet, in an airplane, with a little turbulance? I have.

We arrived, picked up our luggage, and the rental car. I take that back - rental minivan. With a DVD player. And automatic sliding doors. The kids wanted to keep it. I said no. Headed to the hotel and got checked in.

Just as we were wondering what to do, Husband's friend called. He was in town as well and had seen on the news that there would be a rocket launch at Cape Canaveral. We picked him up ten minutes later (it was a five minute drive to his hotel) and headed out. Made it with a little time to spare. Found a place to park near the beach and to the sand. It was dark, but I could see the waves roll in. The kids wanted nothing to do with the ocean, but loved the giant sandbox.

This ranks right up there in the top five coolest things I've ever seen. We were far enough back we couldn't hear if there was an audible countdown. The adults talked, planning coulda-woulda-shoulda to bring a cooler and lawn chairs. The kids played in the sand.

All at once you could hear it. A giant roar. I'm not sure if it was my imagination or not, but I swear I felt the earth shake. It was a huge ball of light. Up, up, up, up...

We watched and watched. I kicked myself for leaving the camera in the car. My husband snapped this picture with his phone. I called my dad as we were driving to eat. He was duly impressed. Something he's never done - and that says something.

Afterward, we headed out to Steak n Shake and had dinner. It was 10:30 pm by the time we arrived back at the hotel. Hopped in bed, ready for Thursday's adventure.

Orlando, the short version

Wednesday:

Arrived.
Rocket launch at Cape Canaveral.

Thursday:
Univeral Studios
Husband had to work in the afternoon.
I took the kids to the beach.


Friday:
Husband had to work.
Kids opted out of Sea World in favor of the hotel pool.
Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe.
Saturday:
Magic Kingdom. For twelve hours.
Before
After
Sunday: Return Home.