Orlando Here We Come!....Or, Came!

What a month February has been!  Although there hasn't been hardly any snow this year we've tried to ski (well, not me anymore since I hurt my knee).  Eric and the boys went up to Park City before our bog Disneyworld trip.  Joey is getting to be quite the good little skier!  Tyler pretty much skied off a cliff and almost got hurt (it was an accident) but luckily I only heard about it after they got home!

Then it was finally time for our big Orlando vacation!  It could not have come at a better time--COVID restrictions has made it nearly impossible to go anywhere or do anything.  Movie theaters are mostly closed, and those open are at limited capacity and showing old movies since no new ones are being released.  Restaurants are hard to get into because they only seat half their tables.  A lot of recreation areas are closed.  Travel is restricted to a lot of places.  Anyway, we were all looking forward with a lot of excitement for this trip!  Here we go!  Plane rides stink even in the best of circumstances.  Having to wear a mask didn't help, but we managed!

A long layover because of a flight delay made it so we had time to stop for a nice lunch at the airport.  Joey sure does love hot wings!  He got a whole plateful just for himself.

Then it was off to Disneyworld!  My pictures will be a little out of order, as usual.  I don't know why the computer doesn't load them onto the blog in the order they are in, but it's a hassle to rearrange.  So this is what you get.  

We stayed at the Disney Swan hotel, and yes, there was a giant swan (2 actually) on top of our hotel.  We got two room that adjoined together.  We thought about keeping the kids separate and away from our room (Eric's idea), but I reminded him that our kids would quickly be kicked out of the hotel if we weren't there to keep them in line.  Ha ha.  He agreed.  So, adjoining rooms it was!  We had a few squabbles about sleeping arrangements, but other than that it went pretty smoothly.  There were a few pools, hot tubs, etc.  They had free transportation to all the parks.  We walked to Epcot, took a boat to Hollywood Studios, and then a bus to the other parks.  It was a nice central location without the cost of staying in an official Disney resort.  The kids definitely thought the swan was a fun landmark...

Our first day was spent at Epcot.  I really wasn't sure what to expect, because I've never met anyone who can really explain to me what Epcot is.  It's basically a giant circle and as you walk around it each little jut off the circle is designed to look like a street in a different country--they have food stands and restaurants that sell the kind of food that is typical in that particular country as well.  There is also a Tomorrowland area at the front of the park--that is where the giant ball thing is.  Here are me and Ty under the ball...

Yes we had to wear masks the entire time.  And they were very strict about it.  But the weather wasn't hot (in fact two days it was freezing--more on that in a minute) so the masks weren't awful.  It was a worthwhile sacrifice to make to be able to go on a vacation!

The food at Epcot was so good--I think that's why people go there.  We had a lunch reservation at a French place and then a dinner reservation at a German place.  They were both excellent, however I wished we didn't have a lunch reservation and just snacked at all the food stands around the park.  There were so many yummy looking things I was too full to eat!  Here's Tyler pretending to be British in the England area....

And Joey pouting because we couldn't find a place that sold chicken strips.  We bought poutine which was delicious, but he wouldn't ear any of the fries that had anything on them.  This kid is missing out!  Oh well, more for me.  But he wasn't happy about it.

So he was happy when they served individual baguettes at the French restaurant we ate at for lunch.  He loves bread and rolls.  We just watched him enjoy his little baguette and enjoyed some mask free time while eating.  

There are some fun rides at Epcot.  The funnest ride I thought was Mission Space.  We heard from lots of people to not go on it because it will make you sick for the rest of the day.  But now they offer two "missions"--one that is less intense and then the normal one.  We went on the less intense one first.  The only part I had a minor freak out about was after you strap in the front wall moves in toward you and you're basically trapped in this tiny area--a little claustrophobia happening there.  But I took some deep breaths and made it through.  I have an iron stomach when it comes to rides (except drop rides...yuck) and I felt totally fine on the less intense version.  Apparently the ride is on a giant centrifuge that spins to simulate the force astronauts feel--the less intense "green" mission barely spins but the "orange" mission spins at 45 mph and you feel something like 5 G's.  Eric (who apparently has the weakest stomach known to man) was already feeling sick, so decided to stay off.  Jacob was dying to try the more intense one, so I went with him.  It was actually super fun.  You are pushed back in your seat and it almost feels hard to breathe for a few seconds while you watch a video screen right in front of you like you are in a space shuttle taking off.  After we reported back, all the kids wanted to try it, even Joey.  Everyone liked it except Maggie was "iffy."  They all went on it another time but I stayed with Eric so he didn't have to keep sitting alone.  Poor guy.

Every line we waited in was very "socially distanced."  They would skip the parts where you wind around, had markers all over of where to stand, and big plexiglass dividers where needed with signs saying ......

I'm such a rebel.  Kidding.

After exploring Epcot we had dinner at the German Haus.  It was a family style all you can eat.  It was so so so good.  I could eat there every night.  The ambiance was so fun too--it felt like being outside in a little German street watching a live band play.  The band even had an alpenhorn!  So fun and so good.  Of course Joey didn't eat anything so that was annoying.  Big shocker.

The second day we went to Magic Kingdom.  This is the park most like Disneyland.  The castle was huge!  We got there early but even still you can see how sparsely crowded it was.  It was, however, freezing.  I was like, Florida, what is up?!?!  Of course I'd rather it be cold than super hot and humid.  Especially while wearing masks. 

Splash Mountain was a classic favorite.  I think I liked this one better than the Disneyland one.  It was longer and nicer.  The kids loved it too.  We went on it a few times.

Up at the top, when we were all alone in our own log, Jake slipped his mask down below his nose, and almost instantly someone came over the speaker saying you have to wear your mask over your mouth and nose!  Man, they are serious!  Big brother was watching!  Ha ha.  But one nice thing about the social distancing was we pretty much got our own cars/boats/etc on the rides we were on.  No sitting with strangers.  So that's fun.

Another fun Splash Mountain drop.....

These markings were everywhere in the park, and I mean everywhere.  Every line for every ride, every food line, every store line, every popcorn kiosk line.....you name it.  And they had millions of them because they had to spread the lines out so far because each marking was at least 6 feet apart.  

In line for Pirates of the Caribbean (which isn't as fun as the Disneyland one), Joey said, "Mom! let me take a picture of you so you can be in one!"  Well I thought that was so nice.  So he takes it, gives me my phone back, and this is the picture he took.......  stinker!

Space Mountain is always a classic.  I didn't know where the camera was but obviously Eric and the older boys did.  Ha ha.

Autopia....this one was definitely not as good as the one at Disneyland.  It didn't help that by the afternoon it was FREEZING cold.  So cold in fact we went an bought sweatshirts for 3 of us.  We tried to wait it out until the end of the day but it was miserably cold.  Once we got some extra hoodies it was much more enjoyable!

Here's me in my new bright yellow Mickey hoodie--they had limited selection because I think everyone in the entire park went in and bought a sweatshirt that day!  But it was kind of fun, and the kids could always find me!  Ha ha.

Leaving Magic Kingdom after a full and fun day!

The third day was Animal Kingdom. While the park as a whole wasn't our favorite (a lot of the shows and stuff were closed, and it felt a little like a zoo), they did have one of our favorite rides.  First was the Flight of Passage ride, supposed to be one of Disney's best ever.  Well, while it was amazing, Eric got so motion sick on it he actually threw up in his mask.....like, for real.  We get off the ride and he's holding his mask away from his face because it was full of puke.  Ewww!  I told him just to take it off and chuck it, but he was afraid the puke would spill all over.  Gag.  Luckily I brought lots of extra masks and he was able to get a bathroom and clean up.  It was such a neat ride we went on it again and obviously Eric sat out.  But while he was talking to the workers he told them he couldn't go on it again because he puked, and he mentioned something to the effect of they must think he's a lightweight.  Their response?  "Oh no!  People throw up on this ride all the time!  We always have to clean up puke."  Ha ha!  So I guess Eric has company.  Here we are in line for the Pandora ride.

We also took an animal safari.  The good thing about it being cold (this was the coldest day of all) was that all the animals were out in the sunshine instead of hiding away in their caves for shade.  So we saw lots of animals!

A funny little car by our favorite ride, which was......

FAVORITE RIDE:  Expedition Everest!  It was a roller coaster that went through the "Himalayas" but the track gets torn up by a yeti--so then it goes backwards!  You get right to the edge of the broken track--it's a little scary!  Then backwards you go.  It was so fun.  A favorite for everyone but dad and Joey.  We probably went on it 10 times in a row.  We love roller coasters!  Eric went on it once and was fine (he's usually ok on coasters...weird) but didn't want to press his luck and be sick for the rest of the day.  Probably smart. But while he was waiting he got some great pictures of us.  Here's one....

The kids in front of the big tree at the entrance to Animal Kingdom....

Joey started a collection of pressed pennies.  By the end of the trip he had around 10 or so.  These were his first 4.  He loved them!

By the end of Animal Kingdom we were pooped, and cold.  I went to the bathroom and came out to this raggedy bunch.  Man, do I love them!

Since we finished at Animal Kingdom a little early we went to Disney Springs shopping/restaurant area to explore.  Once again, they took our temperature to get in.  You had to pass a "temperature check" to get into anywhere--any park or shopping area.  In fact, I brought my own thermometer and an arsenal of medications just in case.  Every morning I would take everyone's temperature just to be sure.  Because if only one person in your group has a temperature they won't let anyone in your group in!  Luckily we had no fevers!  

After dinner at Disney Springs we waited for the bus to come bring us back to to hotel.  It was so cold we were all dancing to the music on the speakers to try to stay warm!

The fourth day was the last Disney World park, Hollywood Studios.  This was out favorite park.  The Toy Story Land is the cutest thing I've ever seen.  Every little detail is thought of.  Even the lights strung up high for evening were like Christmas tree lights!  Joey loved Slinky Dog Dash....    and we went on Eric's favorite ride, Toy Story Mania, like 5 times.  

At Hollywood Studios they also have the Star Wars land.  It was really cool.  We got passes to go on the new Rise of the Resistance ride (you have to get online at 7 am and try for passes--the run out within less than a minute!) so that was cool.  Man it was quite a ride!  We also went on the Millennium Falcon ride which was fun because it was just our family in the cockpit. 

We had to try blue and green milk--blue is better!

In front of the Millennium Faclon.....

Finally inside the Millennium Falcon!

Hollywood Studios was super fun.  Lots of cute and fun rides.  Another of our favorite rides was the Rock N' Roller Coaster.  Joey was terrified to go on it, but once he did he loved it so much we ended up going on it several times.  He's going to be my roller coaster buddy!  We really liked it.  Spent the entire day, from morning until closing time!  

Then it was off to Universal Studios.  I had low expectations but I was shocked at how much fun it was.  There were lots of thrill type rides, which are my jam totally.  Lots of virtual reality type rides too which were pretty cool.  They had several really fun roller coasters--all the kids love them.  Even Joey!  We went on the Hulk coaster a few times--and that is a serious coaster.  It probably goes upside down like 10 times.  Joey loved it!  I'm so glad he likes roller coasters now.  It opens up a whole new world for amusement parks.  Maggie was totally into it too.  Yay!  

But aside from all the other fun rides, hands down our favorite area in ANY of the parks we visited was Harry Potter world.  I've never seen anything like it!  You walk through a walkway in a brick wall and it's like you are in an entire other world.  Talk about EVERY DETAIL.  Every shop, storefront, etc.  Even the food at the restaurants are only authentic type--no soda, just Butterbeer.....heaven in a cup!

We had to revisit the Butterbeer carts multiple times.  All the rides were amazing too.  In fact, the lines for the rides were almost as cool as the rides themselves!  This is just in the line for the ride, but it's like the actual bank building from the movies, and the goblins actually move like they are working.  I could go on and on about how amazing it was.  Literally you couldn't find a single thing wouldn't have been from that world.

Tyler bought a wand (from a shop EXACTLY like the one in the movie, stacked floor to ceiling with wand boxes all askew and everything).  It was fun because they had certain places throughout the Harry Potter world where you could point your wand at something, move it in a certain way and make something happen.  Like a water fountain spouting water, or a window display changing, or making it rain in a certain area!  So fun.  

The rest of Universal was fun--Simpsons area....

We even saw the Delorian from Back to the Future...this was one actually used in the movies!  You could see the flux capacitor inside.

And Jurassic World....

But then it was back to Harry Potter.  Each park (Universal has 2 in Orlando) was decorated like a different area.  One was Diagon Alley and the other (our favorite) was Hogsmeade.  It was really amazing.  Here's Maggie using the wand to make the fountain squirt water.

You can take the Hogwart's Express train between the two worlds/parks.  They've even made it so that you watch people go through the platform to platform 9 3/4 (you have to read the book of see the movies if you don't know what I'm taking about).  People literally disappear into the wall.  Here I am on the way through the wall!  Like I said, every detail...

Tyler trying to use his wand on me.....

The Hogwart's train is LITERALLY a train.  For real.  A huge engine, etc.  It's not even really a ride because it's actually a physical train that takes you to the other park. Well, it is a ride because while on it they make it seem like your going to Hogwarts with a simulated screen on the window, and stuff in the hallway.  Totally awesome.

And there is the castle of Hogwart's school.  It's like a real castle.  There's even a ride in it--my favorite ride.  Once again, the line was just as cool as the ride.  

Our other favorite ride was the Hagrid's motorbike coaster.  It went forwards, backward, and even had a vertical drop!  Oh my gosh it was fun.  We went on it a couple times.  We just loved the Harry Potter world.  It was so engrossing.  In fact since we've been home we've started watching all the movies.  The detail gives me an even greater appreciation for what they did with Harry Potter world!  

Lunch at the Three Broomsticks.....fish and chips, meat pie, beef pasties.....it was legit!

Our last day we had the option of going back to Hollywood Studios or Universal.  We opted for Hollywood Studios.  We didn't stay long--it was really crowded since we not only slept in, but it was also a Saturday.  We went on the Rise of the Resistance ride again and a couple others.  

Then finally back home.  Joey zonked on the plane.  I don't blame him!  It was a week jam packed with fun.  We walked miles and miles every day.  Some days we walked 10 miles!  But it couldn't have gone better.  The lines were really short, even the long lines were 25 minutes.  Most rides we just about walked on.  It wasn't hot, no one was sick, we did everything we wanted to do...multiple times!  So all in all a great time.  A desperately needed getaway!  

One funny story--Tyler gets night terrors.  He has his whole life.  It was gotten less frequent now that he's older, but they still happen and they often happen when he is in a new place.  Just last winter he was trying to climb out his window well in the middle of winter in his underwear.  Ha ha.  Well after our first day at Harry Potter world, that night he starts yelling.  I run in to try to stop him, and he's got his arm straight out like he's holding a wand and he's yelling, "Please stop!  Please stop!  I don't know how to combat magic like this!  I don't know how to combat magic like this!  Can we pause for a sec?"  I laughed so hard!

Then in was back to reality.  And Covid reality.  This bit was from an email from Joey's teacher at school....

I mean, they are quarantining the Valentine's boxes?!?!?  ugh.

The dogs were thrilled to see us after a week.  They stayed with a family that boards dogs.  They have gotten sick the last two times we took them to the kennel so this was a new option we tried and really liked it.  They got way more attention there anyway!  Here's Pepper zonked out on the sofa.

Maggie has some mishaps.  She lost her brand new EarPods somewhere on the way to Orlando.  Grrrr.  Then when we get home she drops her phone and shatters it.  Double Grrrr!  

 A couple funny stories from the past month--Joey is taking guitar lessons now.  His teacher gives him a treat if he does well.  A few weeks ago he came out and said he did good and showed me the Tootsie Roll he got.  I pretended like I was going to take it from him.  He said, "You can have it.  I don't like Tootsie Rolls, but I still feel accomplished."  Too cute.  Sometimes he says they cutest most mature things it catches me off guard!  And then sometimes he's Joey.....  ha ha..