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We’re now back from Disney… back to the cold, back in time for a winter storm, back to Buffalo politics. I’ve posted the photos today after geotagging them & adding captions to most.

We left on Thursday after the kids got home from school - scheduled to leave at 4:00 and we pulled out at 4:01. Laura’s Aunt Patty, Uncle Dave and cousin Kristine left shortly after us (Laura’s mom & dad were already on their way). Our plan was to drive straight through, only napping if necessary. Once we entered South Carolina, I had to stop and sleep. I think that was about 3:30 in the morning - the kids were fast asleep, and Laura had been asleep for a while as well. So I slept until about 4:45, then back in the car for a short trip to McDonald’s (potty, coffee and a bite to eat). As I was sitting in the car, I noticed Laura’s uncle inside! Imagine that - a 1200 mile trip and we stop at the same McDonald’s! After that, we kept in touch with each other. At lunch, Patty suggested we go to Blue Spring State Park and see the manatees that are there. It was along the way, but Laura called anyway to see if the manatees were actually there - well they were! For a $5 entry fee, we were able to see 85 manatees in the wild! I’ve never seen a manatee in the wild before, so that was really cool.

We arrived at Orange Lake, checked in, enjoyed a cup of coffee, then went to bed. After being awake for 39 hours, with a 1:15 nap in there, I was really tired. We were staying in our week 7 unit in the tennis villas. It was really nice and I’m happy with the purchase.

The next day (Saturday), we had the usual sales presentation at the resort. I was OK going to it, as I had questions for them about some things. However, I’d only buy timeshares on ebay if I ever buy another. They’re about 1/3 the price than if bought from the resort. But, we showed up 2 minutes late and they didn’t have anyone to entertain us, so we left and checked out the new River Island water park. This opened 2 months after our last time there, so it was all new to us. 2 pools, connected by a lazy river, with cabanas around it, a sand beach with hammocks, hot tub and a water slide. Really nice.

Afterwards, we went to Downtown Disney so the girls could get makeovers at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (their birthday present from Aunt Patty & Uncle Dave). They got their nails done, makeup on, hair pulled back and extensions put in. With their princess dresses, they looked even more beautiful than usual. Everyone was smiling at them as we walked from store to store.

After the makeovers, we did some quick shopping & had dinner as we waited for Mom & Dad Bishop to arrive at Orange Lake. When we got back to the condo, the Shimos moved into our other unit (Saturday to Saturday - this is important, as you’ll see later) and the Bishops arrived later that night.

Sunday we went to Animal Kingdom for our first day in the parks. Nothing special there, really, except Laura went on the Expedition Everest roller coaster. Again, it was something not there last time we were there. It was nice & hot on Sunday - up to 85!

On Monday we were up very early to get the girls all done up again and off to have breakfast with the princesses at the Magic Kingdom. This was our Christmas gift to the Bishops & Shimos and if you go to Disney, something you should really consider. First, you get into the park early, so you can get some nice photos without tons of people in the background. Second, the breakfast is very, very good (especially the sausage!). You get to meet Cinderella, then other princesses (Snow White, Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), Belle and Jasmine) come around to each table as you eat. This year the photos with Cinderella are included with the breakfast. We spent much of the day at the Magic Kingdom, but a late rain sent us home near dusk. We took the monorail from Magic Kingdom to the Ticket & Transportation Center and Laura and the kids got to ride up front with the driver!

Tuesday was MGM Studios, now Hollywood Studios. This is one I plan on skipping next time (yes, already planning next time). I took the girls back to the condo in the afternoon and we played in the pool for a bit before heading back. Laura and Jason stayed until after Fantasmic at MGM and got home late.

Wednesday we went to Epcot. Becca and I split off from the others, as we both avoid rides and breaking up a large group allows everyone to get more done. Right after the park opened, cast members were practically begging people to get in line to see Mickey & others, so we took care of that right away. Then we went to the new Nemo ride, which was amazing. Spaceship Earth was also redone since our last visit, which had some good improvements and some lame ones.

Thursday was supposed to be our last day on vacation, so we went back to Magic Kingdom. Again Becca and I split off and did our thing (shows & slow rides). This time, we stayed for the SpectroMagic parade and fireworks at night!

Now I say Thursday was supposed to be our last day on vacation as we were supposed to check out on Friday. But a band of heavy storms with tornadoes kept us there for another day (oh, what a shame!). So we moved to our other unit with the Bishops & Shimos, spent the day at River Island and Laura and I went back to Downtown Disney that night.

At 6AM on Saturday we were on the road and shortly before 6AM on Sunday we were home again - and boy, is it cold here!

We plan on going back in 2010, but may take 2 weeks then. Laura wants to go to the Harry Potter park at Universal and I’d like to spend some time actually relaxing on vacation, rather than being constantly on the run. For now, it’s back to the real world: work and school. No more traveling ’til Boston in August!

This entry was posted on Monday, February 25th, 2008 at 8:10 pm and is filed under Travel. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.