charitycase20....Charity 10 Posted February 2, 2012 Report Share Posted February 2, 2012 So, to start at the beginning...I've been planning, begging and pleading for this trip FOREVER! And last spring Alex (Alerope) said "Ok". So for the past 9 months I have been generally driving him batty about going to WDW and FW. I don't know who was more excited me or the kids! But January finally got here...and off we go!Now to back up just a tad, this excursion turned into a multi-family trip. So not only was it Alex, myself, Gracie (who had just turned 6 the previous weekend) and Zach (4). It was also Alex's parents, who flew into MCO extremely late saturday nite, my parents, who pulled their brand new fifth wheel down and my brother and his girlfriend from JAX that tagged along. So count 'em, eleven, yes 11! people in our "Grand Gathering". (Remember this, it will figure in to many headaches down the road.)So January 20th, friday nite roughly 5:45pm, we pulled out of our driveway in Salisbury, MD. Gracie had been sick all week, Zach was bouncing off the walls and I was just in a bad mood all around. Here's what I saw when I looked into the back of the van when pulling out...If you look closely, you can see all the "stuff" we had piled in the back there. This was in addition to the Roof Bag we had on top. **Note to self: We don't need all that stuff next time!**We swung into Princess Anne, MD to pick up my neice from my mom's house and heading south. We hit the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel about 9ish. This was after having to stop for Zach to go potty before we even got off the shore. We were in South Carolina somewhere around 2:15am. I drove most of the night, of course, it caught up with me the next day. And it rained the whole time I was driving!! This is significant because everytime we drive to OK and I'm behind the wheel, it rains...the whole entire time!! Downpours, deluges, squalls!! You name it and I've driven through it.But we hit the FL border at about 5:30a. Found the nearest Starbucks before heading to my Aunt & Uncle's for breakfast which was where we met up with the rest of the crew. My brother, JJ and his girlfriend, Sarah was late as usual so we didn't get back on the road until almost 11am. Which in hindsight, was good, as Donnie was running late that morning too. He had the camper to deliver! :)I believe we saw this lovely site around 1pm...And this one not long after...WELCOME HOME!!Because we didn't have a camper, I got to go inside to check in. While Mom & Wes drove through the gate. They put us in 1726 & 1728, which turned out to be perfect even with the sites having the weirdest set up for the connections. But we were real close the the comfort station and it was so quiet even though the loop was practically full.Still uploading pics to photobucket...more to come... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tri-Circle-D 2,059 Posted February 2, 2012 Report Share Posted February 2, 2012 Charity-You are off to a great start!I can't wait to read the rest.Gracie isn't getting ready to hurl in that first photo, is she?TCD Quote Link to post Share on other sites
.....Gary 85 Posted February 2, 2012 Report Share Posted February 2, 2012 Charity-You are off to a great start!I can't wait to read the rest.Gracie isn't getting ready to hurl in that first photo, is she?TCDI was thinking the same thing!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ajcjmom 8 Posted February 2, 2012 Report Share Posted February 2, 2012 Can't wait to hear more! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BuckeyeFortFan 35 Posted February 2, 2012 Report Share Posted February 2, 2012 You are off to a great start! Don't worry that it is wordy cause I can reads good! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PureTcrazy...rita 380 Posted February 2, 2012 Report Share Posted February 2, 2012 I'm here! Great start! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gots2pitt.. Jeff 64 Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 As others said don't worry, just write the TR you want. We will enjoy it. Off to a great start. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mouseketab.....Carol 1,261 Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 Awesome start!!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
parrothead7368 aka Norm 101 Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 Hurry, more pictures!!!Best Regards,Norm Quote Link to post Share on other sites
charitycase20....Charity 10 Posted February 3, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 Charity-You are off to a great start!I can't wait to read the rest.Gracie isn't getting ready to hurl in that first photo, is she?TCDLOL Andrew! No she wasn't "that" kind of sick. I think she had just finished throwing a massive melt-down fit. That look is her trying to calm herself so Daddy doesn't strap her to the roof of the van!! :)I was thinking the same thing!!Too funny!!Can't wait to hear more!Thank you for reading along. I'm trying but facebook and photobucket doesn't want to cooperate. And I'm still trying to find pictures taken with the Photopass that are lost!! Ugh!!You are off to a great start! Don't worry that it is wordy cause I can reads good!Thank you!! Its a good thing you can reads good cause I can't type good most of the time! :clint: I'm here! Great start!Hi Rita!! :wave1: As others said don't worry, just write the TR you want. We will enjoy it. Off to a great start.The hard part is trying to remember what all we did! :rofl3: Awesome start!!!!Thank you Carol!Hurry, more pictures!!!Best Regards,NormNorm - I'm working on it!! LOL :jumpforjoy Quote Link to post Share on other sites
charitycase20....Charity 10 Posted February 3, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 Lets see where did I leave off, we made it to FW, right? Checked in, texted Donnie who was eating lunch at Trails End waiting for us, and started unloading. **Why did we bring so much stuff?!**The sad part is I didn't get any pictures of us unloading, Donnie setting up the camper or anything! The fun part of the afternoon was picking up the ECV that I had rented from All Star Scooters (aka Walker Mobility). I ended up just riding it back to our site. It was a nice scooter, had some get up and go! :siren: My brother also had a good time "joy riding" on it. Mainly cause we wouldn't let him have the GC! But here's a couple pics Alex (alerope) shot of the surrounding area.Saturday evening was taken up by a Wally World run for food, dinner and to bed so we could be up when my in-laws got in about 1:30am. Their flight was delayed in Dallas, thank GOD for the magical express. Neither Alex nor myself could've made it MCO that night.Sunday was our Magic Kingdom day, it was decided before the trip that we would pack a cooler for lunch since my munchkins are picky eaters and to save some $$. So we had 11 people, 1 scooter, 1 double stroller rented from Baby Wheels Orlando (fabulous!!), a cooler and a backpack. Looking at us heading for the bus, you would have thought we were moving in!!And a note on the busses, all in all, we had a pretty good experience. But I can say we did get some cranky drivers. That ECV doesn't make them too happy apparently! Lou - whats up with that!!??Some of us weren't sure if we wanted to go to the park or go back to bed!So we finally made it off the bus and headed to the boat. As you see I was bringing up the rear all day!On our way to the boat, we met this adorable little guy! (I had to convince some members of our party that yes, he was real!!) He was enjoying his breakfast, which I think I neglected to have that morning due to all the excitement!Some more pics that Alex took from the boat...And with that, we made it to Magic Kingdom! Here's a pic of our birthday girl Princess. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lou... 3,118 Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 If I did read TRs, which I don't, I would read this one. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tri-Circle-D 2,059 Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 If I did read TRs, which I don't, I would read this one.Poor misguided Lou.You don't know what you're missing.That was a great update, Charity!It looks like you had picture perfect weather for your first MK day!TCD Quote Link to post Share on other sites
michele j 9 Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 Looking foward to more.Did you like Walker Mobility? We might need to rent one when we go someday Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PureTcrazy...rita 380 Posted February 4, 2012 Report Share Posted February 4, 2012 I know it ain't easy with a big family. I can't wait to hear about the Birthday Princess's day at the park! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
4mickey2 41 Posted February 4, 2012 Report Share Posted February 4, 2012 great trip report.. love the pics from the boat. i hope the princess had a magical day. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stefa70 205 Posted February 5, 2012 Report Share Posted February 5, 2012 Great start Charity! I'm just trying to catch up on all that I've missed while at the fort. 11 people on vacation together?!? Holy cow, you must have the patience of a saint. I can't hardly keep track of myself, let alone 10 others. There is a silver lining to "bringing up the rear" all day....no one is behind you taking pictures of your rear.Looking forward to more, and Happy belated Birthday to the princess. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MLM5.. aka Judy 97 Posted February 5, 2012 Report Share Posted February 5, 2012 Charity, thank you so much for sharing! I know how much work goes into resizing of the pictures..lol I have a back log of trip reports to read but I'm dying to hear how you managed all those people. Seven drains my will to live at times, I cant imagine 11, although our next trip will include my inlaws and two lab's so I'll be up to 11.. shew.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
charitycase20....Charity 10 Posted February 6, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 6, 2012 If I did read TRs, which I don't, I would read this one.Thank you Lou! :heart: Poor misguided Lou.You don't know what you're missing.That was a great update, Charity!It looks like you had picture perfect weather for your first MK day!TCDThanks Andrew! The weather was wonderful! Much better than the cold and snow we had at home after we left! :whew: Looking foward to more.Did you like Walker Mobility? We might need to rent one when we go somedayHi Michele! Yes, I have to say I was very pleased with All Star/Walker Mobility. They were one of the least expensive I found. The ECV was waiting for us when we checked in, we had some issues with it on Monday, I called the office and they gave me some tips for trouble shooting and told me if it didn't work to call back, they would get me another before our next day. Momma said it was easy to drive and we didn't have any issues getting it on and off the buses.I know it ain't easy with a big family. I can't wait to hear about the Birthday Princess's day at the park!Oh she thought she was SOMETHING!great trip report.. love the pics from the boat. i hope the princess had a magical day.Thank you! More is a comin!! :stars-shower-smiley: Great start Charity! I'm just trying to catch up on all that I've missed while at the fort.11 people on vacation together?!? Holy cow, you must have the patience of a saint. I can't hardly keep track of myself, let alone 10 others. There is a silver lining to "bringing up the rear" all day....no one is behind you taking pictures of your rear.Looking forward to more, and Happy belated Birthday to the princess.Thank you Stef! I did find a couple of "rear" shots but its standard when Alex has the camera... Charity, thank you so much for sharing! I know how much work goes into resizing of the pictures..lolI have a back log of trip reports to read but I'm dying to hear how you managed all those people. Seven drains my will to live at times, I cant imagine 11, although our next trip will include my inlaws and two lab's so I'll be up to 11.. shew..After the first day Judy, I didn't even bother...I just made sure I knew where Alex and the 3 kids were. :banghead: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
campingpixi 11 Posted February 6, 2012 Report Share Posted February 6, 2012 Great report.. can't wait for the rest!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lil Lisa 53 Posted February 6, 2012 Report Share Posted February 6, 2012 Woo hoo! It is like trip report central around here lately! Can't wait for more! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
charitycase20....Charity 10 Posted February 6, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 6, 2012 Day One - Magic Kindgom - continuedSo I left off at the boat dock with our Birthday Princess, Gracie. Everyone was excited and really anxious to get in the gates...but to back up a bit...Alex had some pictures on his phone from the boat ride...I'm going to put them here.This is Gracie, my neice Taylor on the left and my mom (Grammy) on the right. This was Taylor's first trip to WDW also!"Look! Its Cinderella's Castle!" (No i'm not certain thats exactly what was being said but considering the group, I'm probably right!!)My step-dad (Poppy) being silly.My baby brother! I love this guy!! He and his girlfriend, Sarah, were able to sneak away and spend 3 days with us!! It was great!Ok - on to MK, of course what is the first thing you do when you go through the gates? See Mickey & Minnie and the Princesses of course! No pics of Mickey & Minnie, Zach wasn't too sure so Mommy couldn't hold him and take pictures at the same time. But Daddy was good about taking pictures of the Birthday Princess with the Disney Princesses...(I think Daddy was trying to take a "close up" here of Belle)Then it was on to Tomorrowland. We had promised Zach that he could ride "Buzz Lightyear".But, Wait! Who is that outside of the Theater...(Dave don't look!!)At this point, Zach is beyond DONE with Princesses, he's ready to go to Buzz NOW!!But not before we were able to snap this picture. Doesn't she look a little star struck?And this one after her very first pin trade!Tomorrowland! I swear, we spent half the day there!Zach talked a good game about Buzz Lightyear, but I guess he was just smaller in his mind! I don't think he could've have gotten any farther away and still be in my arms!But I held up my end of the deal, I rode the Buzz Lightyear ride with him (can you tell I have no idea what it is called?).And some other pics from Tomorrowland...Including Zach's favorite ride at Magic Kingdom, can you guess what it is?Yes, its the Tomorrowland Speedway! We rode that thing 3 different times! Don't ever ride it with the 4 year old driving! I swear he beat me to death! Then we rode it again only this I rode with Gracie driving...no different!Alex and I have discussed it, and neither of us are teaching them to drive. Even if it bankrupts us, we're hiring someone to do it!! :whew:And with that, it was decided that it was lunchtime. The kids and grandparents found a shady spot to dish out the PB&Js while the adults rode Space Mountain. BEST. RIDE. EVER!!! :jumpforjoy It was awesome!! and of course no one thought to get a shot of the picture! Yeah, I know we suck! :hah:Coming up next...the rest of our Magic Kingdom day. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tri-Circle-D 2,059 Posted February 6, 2012 Report Share Posted February 6, 2012 Great update!And LOL at the comment about not wanting to teach your kids how to drive. All three of the TCD girls are now licensed drivers, but I'll tell you it wasn't easy!TCD Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stacktester 78 Posted February 6, 2012 Report Share Posted February 6, 2012 Charity, your report is great. It was a pleasure helping your family with the camper. Your mom and Wes were really nice people too. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gots2pitt.. Jeff 64 Posted February 6, 2012 Report Share Posted February 6, 2012 Awesome update. Can't wait for more (but you know we will). Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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