June-11 Trip: Are you Eating, Flying and Sailing Nuts? FINAL UPDATE 9/14

[lisaviolet]

Hey, did you see CJ at AKV? I haven't caught up so maybe you looked your namesake in the eye.

 

[dgaston]

So cool! I don't think I'll ever do this. Wild Africa Trek and walking over the crocs was enough for me, but I bet my adult sons would love this. Come to think of it, probably my daughter (the new mom) would especially love it.

 

[kikiq]

OMG, I mean, OMG...How cool are you as a dad? This just confirms it, you are an awesome DIS DAD!!!

BTW, we just got back from a stayvacation at DLR/VGC. My DH attempted to get me to DLR Magical Morning (early entrance) I really have to work on this early morning stuff for my DGD.

 

[DenLo]

Mouth wide open. Hey that's

 

[cj9200]

When you open up an event and see your pictures in the right-hand section, you can Command-Trackpad Click multiple pictures and then chose the Facebook button at the bottom right of your screen to start the import into Facebook.

Also, did you buy your Mac after June 6th? If so, you qualify for a free download of the new operating system, Lion, that was released today.

Worked like a charm. Thanks. I do get the free download and since I have 1 to 1 I will have them download it for me. The PC blew up with a virus a couple of days ago so downloading those files will take a while.

Perhaps the little purple pills had something to do with your restful sleep??? I do not know what this icon is but it is purple and shaped like a traditional pill.

Cool icon. Not only is it purple and pill shaped but it is also upside down. Totally appropriate. Whatever the cause, I slept great at both resorts.

Priceless all around.

I guess I did overreact a bit. The surprise was ready to be sprung and I didn’t want it blown at the last minute.

The laughter is for you picking Madeline as *maybe* her name.

I thought it appropriate.

Yeah!

Shhh. Don’t tell the Doc. It was nice to have a glass of wine with dinner.

Blasphemous. Period. Exclamation Point.

In honour of such blasphemy I think I will have some rainbow trout tonight.

Enjoy the trout. Trying to get to expand into that food group but there is a long personal history between me and fish. Not pretty.

Lovely.

It was. It really was.

OMG. This and all the pictures almost killed me. Just lovely. One day.

Well actually we did somewhere at WDW - many courses - when I was sixteen but it wasn't called Victoria and Albert's.

Loved this post. Yours I mean.

Yours isn’t bad either but I had food porn and you didn’t.

Hey, did you see CJ at AKV? I haven't caught up so maybe you looked your namesake in the eye.

I FORGOT ABOUT CJ. Do you remember what kind of animal is my namesake? For those that didn’t know, Discovery Cove has a dolphin also named CJ.

So cool! I don't think I'll ever do this. Wild Africa Trek and walking over the crocs was enough for me, but I bet my adult sons would love this. Come to think of it, probably my daughter (the new mom) would especially love it.

I have to do that sometime. We saw people walking around when we were on safari. Looks like something I would like to do. Skydiving was one of those unusual ways to add spice to the vacation. Pretty neat too.

Congrats on the new grandchild.

OMG, I mean, OMG...How cool are you as a dad? This just confirms it, you are an awesome DIS DAD!!!

BTW, we just got back from a stayvacation at DLR/VGC. My DH attempted to get me to DLR Magical Morning (early entrance) I really have to work on this early morning stuff for my DGD.

This is on my cool dad resume. Next summer I hope to stay at VCG for a couple of days next summer on our way to Aluani. Fingers crossed it will come through. Did you throw something at him when he tried to get you up? If not, I call that progress.

Mouth wide open. Hey that's

Don’t do this with your mouth open. Just a suggestion.

I got the idea from a Samantha Brown episode on Orlando. Don’t think it was a Disney one. When I saw it I thought why not. Forgot to mention the cost was $129 for the two of us. They do have a $5 off coupon somewhere.

Many things to do around the house tomorrow before I can work on finishing Day 4. Probably see it Sunday or Monday.

 

[mckryan]

Worked like a charm. Thanks. I do get the free download and since I have 1 to 1 I will have them download it for me. The PC blew up with a virus a couple of days ago so downloading those files will take a while.

LOL...so the PC gave you "the finger" about your Mac purchase, eh?

You may want to download the upgrade before your 1-on-1 appointment because it takes 30 minutes or so. But, the techs may have a quicker way to do it at the store. You may want to ask about that when you schedule the appointment so you can come in prepared. I still haven't bitten the bullet and done the download and upgrade on my machines.

Glad the FB steps worked for you! Holler if you have any more questions - I'd be glad to help!

 

[afwdwfan]

THERE IS NO WAY THAT I AM GOING TO JUMP OUT OF A PERFECTLY GOOD AIRPLANE.

I have a friend that wants me to go skydiving with him. This is always my answer any time he mentions it.

“OK, we will compensate for it when we get in there.” HUH?

Did that mean they crank up the afterburners?

From there, it was back out to the car where you naturally had to exit through a gift shop.

So what you're saying is that it's owned by Disney???

I've done the indoor skydiving thing before... not in Orlando, but it was the same type of set up. It really is harder than it looks at first. Definitely a lot of fun though and much better than jumping out of a plane!

 

[Chellymouse]

Just found your TR and love it!! You and DD always have the most amazing experiences! Looks like DD really loved her surprises thus far. Still at your "Teenage Obxnoium" animal...that's hilarious! Can't wait for the next installment!

 

[Disney Princess]

What a fun activity. I don't know if I'd have the guts to try. It sounds like a great afternoon. I can't wait to read more.

 

[ajf1007]

I am trying to get over to the Apple store for my first session. Was having a problem with iphoto but fixed that by myself. I am starting to use Facebook and need to figure how to import photos to my FB album.

Most of the sharks you see are really babies and unless you are a fish in distress, they won’t hurt you. The nurse is a predominant shark species in the keys. Usually whenever anyone does get bit, they are beach goers on the surface or doing something stupid underwater. Not that I would go free diving with Great Whites. They have intro to scuba down here for around $200 or you can get certified in two days for around $300. You should try it. DD and I love it.

Next one might be tomorrow or Friday at the latest. This surprise was pretty fun.

Have you made it over to the Apple store yet? I'm so curious about what you've learned. I really need to spend more time with mine, I'm not real sure what I don't know yet. The possibilities are endless and I'd really like to use it to it's full potential. The one thing I do know is that I'll never go back to a pc again!

I hear you about the sharks and diving. But I know when I've just tried snorkeling, I get alittle panicky (?) so I can only imagine what I would do if I saw a shark up close and personal ! I would love to try it, I'll have to see if I can get the courage.

I loved your surprise!!!! What an incredible idea! How did you find out about that place? You did a great job and your DD looked like a natural! I have to agree with you, jumping out of a plane would be a bit much, but this looked awesome!!! Think your DD got the bug to try it for real now? As I was reading the update, I just kept picturing you flying down the highway to get there on time. Nobody stands between a Dad and mission.

 

[cj9200]

Sorry it has been a while but my Internet was down for two days. Next update should be tonight.

LOL...so the PC gave you "the finger" about your Mac purchase, eh?

You may want to download the upgrade before your 1-on-1 appointment because it takes 30 minutes or so. But, the techs may have a quicker way to do it at the store. You may want to ask about that when you schedule the appointment so you can come in prepared. I still haven't bitten the bullet and done the download and upgrade on my machines.

Glad the FB steps worked for you! Holler if you have any more questions - I'd be glad to help!

Funny about the PC. Problem is that is now DD’s computer and I have to get it up and running. Once she is done with it, the old computer will be tossed off the top floor of a very tall building.

I have a friend that wants me to go skydiving with him. This is always my answer any time he mentions it.

Makes sense doesn’t it?

Did that mean they crank up the afterburners?

By extending the legs at a less acute angle a subsequent increase is created by the surface interface. By increasing surface interface, the vertical air flow produced from the source instrument allows more dynamic lift to the per square inch of surface area. This increase allows an equal amount of thrust to the total surface area without necessarily increasing the overall air flow amount from the source.

Or to put it another way, yea, they cranked up the afterburners.

So what you're saying is that it's owned by Disney???

That was funny. I was thinking the same exact thing when we hit that mandatory detour. Guess they think you are still pumped by the adrenalin rush that you will buy anything to prove your manhood.

I've done the indoor skydiving thing before... not in Orlando, but it was the same type of set up. It really is harder than it looks at first. Definitely a lot of fun though and much better than jumping out of a plane!

Agreed, agreed and agreed.

Just found your TR and love it!! You and DD always have the most amazing experiences! Looks like DD really loved her surprises thus far. Still at your "Teenage Obxnoium" animal...that's hilarious! Can't wait for the next installment!

Welcome back. So far so good. Two down, one to go. Will I be three for three? Sorry it has been a while. Da** Internet providers.

What a fun activity. I don't know if I'd have the guts to try. It sounds like a great afternoon. I can't wait to read more.

You only live once. It may look scary but what is the worst that can happen? Decapitation? Actually it is really safe. We came through without a scratch.

Have you made it over to the Apple store yet? I'm so curious about what you've learned. I really need to spend more time with mine, I'm not real sure what I don't know yet. The possibilities are endless and I'd really like to use it to it's full potential. The one thing I do know is that I'll never go back to a pc again!

I hear you about the sharks and diving. But I know when I've just tried snorkeling, I get alittle panicky (?) so I can only imagine what I would do if I saw a shark up close and personal ! I would love to try it, I'll have to see if I can get the courage.

I loved your surprise!!!! What an incredible idea! How did you find out about that place? You did a great job and your DD looked like a natural! I have to agree with you, jumping out of a plane would be a bit much, but this looked awesome!!! Think your DD got the bug to try it for real now? As I was reading the update, I just kept picturing you flying down the highway to get there on time. Nobody stands between a Dad and mission.

Went for a seminar on Mail. I was the only one there and the only question I had was how to add mailboxes. She taught me how to do that and a few other things. I want to start doing stuff with I-photo so when we get back from a trip to Savannah I will start with 1 to 1 on that.

Diving is a great sport. Some people can’t get over the claustrophobic feeling of wearing a mask. The biggest thing is staying calm. That and getting the proper training. It can be dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing and dive in conditions you have no business diving in. The 2-day Lobster mini season started here at midnight and already one person died and another is missing. It happens every year unfortunately. Nearly 100% of injuries or deaths occur because of diver error. All sorts of people come down here to get “bugs” (lobsters) during the season and many have no idea what they are doing.

When we went on our first cruise, DD was about seven and wanted to go snorkeling. Before hand, I bought her a good mask and made her practice in the tub. We also talked about the marine life she might encounter. Of course, the first time she did it at Castaway Cay, a barracuda decided to swim up and check us out. I wanted to take a pic but was worried about her reaction. She did as she was prepped to do and remained still. They looked at each other for a little bit until he swam away. She turned to me and her eyes were like saucers and a big smile on her face. I love that story.

I saw an episode by Samantha Brown where she did The indoor skydiving. Put that in my memory bank and googled it when it came trip planning time. Thought it was pretty cool and it was. Princess is hooked on the notion of trying the real thing. I said sure, she can do anything she wants. As soon as I and dead and gone.

 

[kid-at-heart]

When we went on our first cruise, DD was about seven and wanted to go snorkeling. Before hand, I bought her a good mask and made her practice in the tub. We also talked about the marine life she might encounter. Of course, the first time she did it at Castaway Cay, a barracuda decided to swim up and check us out. I wanted to take a pic but was worried about her reaction. She did as she was prepped to do and remained still. They looked at each other for a little bit until he swam away. She turned to me and her eyes were like saucers and a big smile on her face. I love that story.

I saw an episode by Samantha Brown where she did The indoor skydiving. Put that in my memory bank and googled it when it came trip planning time. Thought it was pretty cool and it was. Princess is hooked on the notion of trying the real thing. I said sure, she can do anything she wants. As soon as I and dead and gone.

What a fantastic memory for your daughter and you. Smart move on your part having her practice in the tub.

Sounds like we say the same things to our daughters, "she can do anything she wants. As soon as I am dead and gone" For me that includes extra piercings, tattoos, dating.

 

[cj9200]

Day 4 Part 3 Wednesday, June 15: The rest of the day. AKA Everything but the kitchen sink.

That and DD’s number 1 goal for the week. Victoria and Alberts? No. Indoor skydiving? No. The parks? No. It was this.

Princess needed to accessorize her hair for the summer. This has become a tradition for her. The first time she did it, her hair was so fine that while on our cruise, it broke off at the roots. Tears over that one.

The line ahead of her was long and this is not a quick process. I stood in the queue while she picked out her beads and dangly thing to go on the end. It took forever for the line to move and for her to pick out what she wanted. Meanwhile my back was hurting and all I wanted to do was sit down. After some encouragement from me (no I did not yell but I did threaten) the beads were chosen.

Forty dollars later we were out of there. FORTY DOLLARS! She was supposed to use her gift card but they didn’t accept them there. So guess who got stuck with the tab? You are right. Dad. She is tricky like that.

On the way to our next destination, I was hungry after all, took this from the Boardwalk. Someone was having a bad day. Hoped they were all right.

We were headed to one of my favorites, Beaches and Cream. As usual, the wait was more than a half an hour. We told the hostess we would be willing to sit at the countertop and she said we could be seated right away. Not so fast, the other hostess said. There was a couple of groups ahead of us. She then explained the other hostess was earning her ears and didn’t quite know the ropes yet. In fact, this was her first day. Poor kid. At the job for all of a couple of hours and she had to deal with me.

We (well I) kidded the “veteran” hostess because I couldn’t in good conscious overwhelm her with my repartee. No matter because in less then 10 minutes, we were seated.

The Princess on her throne at the counter

B&C is the V&A of Ice Cream. No harpist but it is bright and festive.

What to have? A burger perhaps?

Or do I go straight for dessert?

Or maybe both?

I got the cheeseburger, DD the banana split. Hey, she is on vacation too. I did give her some fries. I think B&C serves the best burger at WDW. This one just reaffirmed that. Nicely seasoned and juicy. The split wasn’t bad either. More than enough for her and what was left made a great finish of our meal for me.

Tried to get a pic of her with a spoon fill of ice cream but she wasn’t playing

What we did not have was this. One of these days.

Starting the building process

A whole can of whipped cream! A WHOLE CAN?

And the remains of the building process

Fat and happy we left paying a $24.08 less tax and discount plus tip. From there it was back to our already unpacked room. The rest of the evening was spent on the balcony, watching TV and reading. Some snacks were periodically thrown in. Bed was relatively early because we had a date with the Princesses for breakfast.

All in all, another good day. Skydiving was a big hit and Beaches and Cream was the perfect meal to satisfy our tummies. Getting the money back from the AKV wasn’t bad either.

Up Next: Up Next Day 5 Thursday, June 16: Park Day 2 AKA The MK and a trip around the world.

 

[franandaj]

Great update! You seem to know the best of all the best. V&A's is great at it's time, but there are some times when a great burger and fries is all you need. I've never been to Beaches and Cream, but really hope to get there for a good unpretentious meal! The Burgers sound great and so do the sundaes, we'd probably have to split both to really enjoy them.

Glad you got your money and someday we hope to try the indoor skydiving thing too, but there are a lot of mobility issues to overcome. We'll see it if happens.

Looking forward to the next parts of your trip!

 

[afwdwfan]

Forty dollars later we were out of there. FORTY DOLLARS!

Although I guess the sign says $2/inch and judging from the picture it looks like they probably gave you a little break on the price.

So guess who got stuck with the tab? You are right. Dad. She is tricky like that.

That's why she took you with her.

I got the cheeseburger, DD the banana split. Hey, she is on vacation too. I did give her some fries. I think B&C serves the best burger at WDW.

Those pictures could be considered cruel and unusual punishment. I always love a good burger and that one looks delicious... and then there's ice cream too!!!

Looks like an enjoyable evening. I'm trying to see if we can squeeze Beaches & Cream in during our trip at some point. Maybe leave DHS and walk over since there's really no place in the studios that I just absolutely have to eat. Burgers and ice cream are always a winning combination. Actually, I'm really hoping our big family trip next year comes together. I can see a few of us running off to face the challenge known as the kitchen sink.

 

[lisaviolet]

This pic was a total fluke.COLOR] It looks like the sergeant major is staring down a barracuda. It was actually further in the background out of harms way. Didn’t know I had it until it was downloaded.

Wow. Nice.

And almost fell off my chair with humble.

A good friend of ours passed away last year. To commemorate his life, other friends placed a plaque on one of the dive sites.

It is a real cool area in a swim thru. Lots of color with the coral and tons of fish.

I'm sorry CJ.

What a lovely choice to mark his passion.

 

[lisaviolet]

OK, I guess I’ll take it. A big Whooo Hoooo on the inside!

And I'm with you on the online check-in. The same.

I used the time to take a few pictures of the room.

First up was the view

You know I thought I was a giving - happy for others -person. I really did.

But I found myself swearing under my breath at this catch. OMG, pure jealousy. PURE UGLY JEALOUSY.

Provision holding devices

I did not take the cash out of the safe at AKV. Shoot (or rather a more descriptive voicing of emotion).

Shoot.

on all that.

Glad it all worked out.

Their clock said 12:29:45

Fine work.

 

[lisaviolet]

OK, we made it. What did we make?

You know what killed me about this entire post - well that you remark about meds, wine and the doctor.

Hey doc - -you know what's next? I think I'll go indoor skydiving!

No worries about the shoulders - they'll do what they want.

She actually thought that I would throw her out of a perfectly good airplane so she could hurdle to certain death when she contacts the ground at speeds exceeding 200 MPH. Afterward I chuckled because while there is a chance that I would throw her out of a perfectly good airplane, THERE IS NO WAY THAT I AM GOING TO JUMP OUT OF A PERFECTLY GOOD AIRPLANE.

OMG. How incredibly giving and loving of you.

But they were not separated so I checked no.

“OK, we will compensate for it when we get in there.” HUH?

This entire post is priceless.

Should we go back to the mental health box?

It then comes to DD’s turn and within seconds, she is flying by herself. Of course, it was a snap for Princess.

OK, here I am flying on top of a jet engine and I have to tell you, IT WAS COOL.

my shoulder hurt like the villain in Hercules,

How incredibly shocking.

Just to show you that we did fly solo, I had to buy the pictures.

Nice.

How did you decide on this activity?

Very curious. EDIT: Forget it. I caught up. Found it.

 

[Chellymouse]

I have to say, after reading your TR's DH and I did finally get to B&C this trip and we absolutely LOVED IT!! We ate there twice (really ARE the best burgers on property) and also grabbed ice cream a couple of times. It's now on our "must do" list every trip.

 

[lisaviolet]

For me that includes extra piercings, tattoos, dating.

Kate.