WalkerFiend

Ok, sorry again for the long delay.  The DD ended up at the doctor because of a pretty high fever that did not want to go away.  Thankfully, by Friday she was doing better, and we even got to do some camping over the weekend.  But that's another report.

Ok, let's continue...  Just a few more installments left.  

Thursday 6/18

Off to Breakfast at the Log Cabin Pancake House If you visit Gatlinburg, the law requires that you eat at least one meal here!  

We have a small generator at home that could run everything in the camper and charge the house battery...  But.  It's hot weather and it could not run the AC.  I can "rough it" with just battery power, in cooler weather maybe. But today this is one case where I actually prefer a site with full hookups, close in to Gatlinburg, and AC!  

Those credits would cover an $11 or $12 meal at a Quick Serve location, right?

 

So, you're paying the equivalent of $22-24 for one pizza?

 

TCD

Yup - That's about the size of it.  Reason 100 to ditch the meal plan next year...

Good job with the multi-quotes.

 

As long as you're answering questions, I have some for you about the use of the Disney Dining Plan at the Trail's End take-out.

 

I've witnessed people using credits for pizzas and for Giddyap and Go chicken meals, but the published menus don't indicate that DDP credits can be used for these items.

 

So what's the deal?

 

TCD

I'm not 100% Positive, but I think our Dining plan covered just about everything at Trails End.  The one exception I can remember for sure is Sticky Buns!  The last morning we tried to get some and were told that they were not covered on the DP.

Pizza for sure and some of the other selections I think count as two meal credits...

So this is how the MultiQuote thingy works!

I've had a similar conversation with my husband many times at the end of vacations. Ours has often been stopping in Williamsburg VA, totally out of the way but one of our favorite places, during the trip back to SC from NJ. We've never been sorry and I hope you weren't either.

I've learned over the years that a statement starting with "Would it be stupid..." Is normally something She really wants to do, and I'd better be paying attention!  

:)

- Yes She has trained me well.  Well - I say*.   I do need remedial training on a somewhat regular basis.

*Some opinions may vary...

Wow, there are quite a few updates I didn't get a chance to comment on.

 

I know I busted your chops earlier about some of your FP+ choices, but I have to say I like your style:

 

-great choice taking the MK boat, ferry and monorail to Epcot- why not?

 

-good idea to plan a Fort day.  It looks like your gang really enjoyed that.

 

-that spot you found at the end of the trail with the view of the MK is a good place to watch the fireworks.  Back in the day, they had speakers rigged up in the old cabin, and would blast the fireworks soundtrack from there.  They still stop the wagon ride there for fireworks and the EWP, but I don't think they have the fireworks soundtrack available anymore.  If you want to check out the fireworks view, you can park your cart at the outlet from the 300 loop, and it's not a far walk back to that spot.  But, it is dark.  And buggy.  And, I'm pretty sure you won't be able to hear the soundtrack.  But the view is still very special.

 

-good job going for Dole Whips at the Polynesian.  Those attraction posters you asked about are a great purchase.  All three of my daughters have a set, and they have some of the posters framed and hanging in their apartments.

 

-good job visiting Tom Sawyer Island.  That's a place too many people skip.  But, it's a great place to get away from the crowds.

 

-very cool about your last minute stop on the way home.  Great idea.

 

-and wow about that flat tire.  What if you had been on the road when that happened?

 

Looking forward to the rest of your report, but a bit bummed that it's nearing the end.

 

TCD

Thanks!  I really appreciate the kind words and encouragement from you and everybody else.  I have really had a *lot* of fun re-living this trip with the Fiends and world at large.  

I hope Snarky and the "Fiends Trip Report Review Commission" will deem it "Spike Worthy" in the end when I submit it for formal review.   :)

Fort day was such a good thing for us.  It was sooooo nice to have a day just to do whatever.  It was very relaxing.

Tom Sawyer Island is so neat!  It's great to escape and just have a place for the kids to play.

For Ben, pretty much anything that moves is an attraction in and of itself!   :)  Boat, Train, Bus, it's all good!  (We did keep the bus rides to as few rides as possible, mostly just to fetch, and then after returning the Golf cart.)  We will have another Gremlin visit related to Gatlinburg transportaion coming soon (believe it or not!)

Okay... so apparently several of us female Fiends (and maybe a few male too ), cry when we leave the Fort.  Ahhh... the Fort.

 

The KOA in Savannah... we were suppose to say there next weekend, but plans changed and I'm now flying home (eeckk... I hate to fly!  ) to see family.  Glad to know that you found it decent; might be somewhere that we consider at a later date.

 

TN, such a pretty area :)  Nice spot!  I like all the cement and all the foliage! 

 

Praise God that you were not traveling on that tire!  What a blessing.

I will not admit to shedding any tears.  But, I completely get the feeling. Couldn't blame anybody...

Sorry about the plane!  I'm am 100% with you.  I used to fly quite a bit for my job, and now...  I. Am. Over. It!  So much hassle it seems so I avoid it.  

As I said earlier Savannah South KOA is a place I'd definately recommend if you need a place to overnight, or even a couple of days to explore the area.   I'm not so sure it would be someplace I'd plan a long vacation around.  The sites are tight and close together.  But that is my chief complaint.  The staff is friendly, there are lots of trees, it borders a nice lake (mind the alligators.)  It is not fancy, but it is clean, the pool is very nice for relaxing, its  clean, and well kept.  For what it is, it is good.  That's not a huge endorsement maybe...  I'm not intending to bash it in any way, we've stayed there three different times now, and we'd use it again.

I love TN and the Smoky Mountains!!!!!!  If I could figure out how to make a living here...

And yes.  I've thanked God more than once for the decision to go to Gatlinburg instead of continuing on our way home.  The Wife and I talked about this several times in fact as we continue the journey...  I think we must have had somebody watching over and traveling with us besides the Gremlin.   :)

I meant to comment on your campsite, too:

 

 

So, you had a bench mounted there on your patio?

 

I can't say I've ever seen that before.

 

I like the patio, though.

 

And you need a longer post for your Mickey light.

 

TCD

Yep, as best I can remember - every site was like this.  Very nice patio with attached bench, and gravel in areas (I think) that would most likely be hard to keep grass growing.  I do not recall ever seeing another Campground with a similar setup.

And yes :)  I know that light is short.  Partly because it was constructed with the shorter members of the family in mind; partly because I did not trust the base to stand up to any wind - and I did not want it to get broken.

I do want to add some height and a sign hanger to it eventually.  That said... This Mickey light's part of our story is not quite done yet - but you'll have to wait a little more for that part.   :)

Wednesday 6/17: 

Yah - Whatever this virus is has kept her home all week.  And cost us a lot of sleep.  So, I'm a little behind.  I wanted to combine a couple of days here, but I think I'll make this a short update and get another posted later on if I don't fall asleep!  :) 

Thanks again for your kind words.  

Tuesday:  6/16

We’re headed home today…  

 

You know you have had a good time at the Fort and Disney if you try to use your Magic Band’s PIN to open the keyless entry on your truck!  :)

 

We took our internet kit back to the Meadows Trading Post and used some left over snack credits for some sweets for the long drive home.  Then we're were off to Trails End for a takeout breakfast for Maddie and I, and some muffins and cinnamon rolls for our trip home.

 

Ate at the camper and started to get everything secured and stowed for travel.  It’s not even 9AM and it is hot as a furnace!   

 

Finally came the sad time to take our good friend the golf cart back.  Rinding the bus back to 1300 one last time.

 

By 10:30 there is not a lot left to do. All we need to do is pull in the slides, roll up the awning, hitch up and... Oh no!  I have to stow the Shore Power Cord...  I hate the Shore Power cord on our camper!  It’s the type that is hard wired inside a just-about-too-small compartment…  It has also laid outside all week, so it’s covered in sand from the rains.

 

Ick!  Time to try to put the Genie back in the bottle!

 

One foot at at time I clean the sand off while trying to master the double secret combination of twisting/stuffing the monster back into it’s hole.  

 

And a second try, and a third, and  a fourth!…  Over and over my nemisis battled me! 

 

Finally with somebody from the the Fort Staff orbiting around our site…  (Obviously waiting of us to be gone.) I finally got the dang thing stowed!   Yes it was an absolute tooth-and-nail battle!  It looked like I had ran a marathon by the time I got it in there.  Sweat from head to toe.  Sheesh!  I think I need to mod this hateful thing so it just connects at both ends and stows in a tub.

 

We finally pull out of and bid farewell to 1303 at 11:30!  

 

 

Maddie's face is priceless in this pic. 

 

 

One last look at Spaceship Earth...

 

Today’s trip (now that we are finally on the road), backtracks our route:  I-4, to 1-95 back to Savannah South KOA.  The trip was uneventful  but the HEAT!!!  90 at Noon, 94 at 3PM… Eating in the camper is not an option today!  Thank goodness for Denny’s!

 

Reached the campground at about 5:30. A quick check of my weather app on the phone said that the temp had risen to 98, and the little “Current Conditions” icon just has the single word “Hot” along with picture of a blazing sun and cactus!  LOL - Yep...

 

We did a quick setup without unhitching and got the AC fired up, then Ate our Trails End pizza for dinner.  Mom stayed behind in the camper when the kids and I Went to pool for a few hours.  (This pic is from last year - it's a really nice pool as I'd mentioned earlier.)

 

 

Actually we stayed in the water until the pool closed.

Well, we have a sick one at home today, so I'm going for  the trifecta...

Monday 6/15.  Our last day at Disney...

 

7:52 AM:

One thing I've noticed, or noticed at lot less of on this trip are the geckos.  

 

 

Our site in 1400 last year was covered by what seemed 100 geckos per square foot!  This year, there are plenty, but much less than last.  I don't know if it's just because of our location, if the geckos have had a bad year... 

 

Or if it was the giant Owl?

 

This Owl is HUGE.  At night you can sometimes see it sitting on the fence just outside the comfort station here in 1300.  As a matter of fact I walked right past it one evening without even seeing it until another guest pointed it out and told me that he'd just watched me walk right past it.

 

I would not be surprised if this Owl was well over two feet tall.  Huge, beautiful creature.  Sadly, I never got a picture because of the poor lighting.  Do they eat geckos?  Humph.  I think they do.

 

Ok so onward we go!  No signs of rain today and it is extremely hot! 

 

We have another fast pass for Big Thunder Mountain, followed by Splash Mountain.  There are no gremlins so far today and everything is working well so far.

 

We're in the front two rows this time and I got soaked!  These pics make me laugh though :)

 

We wondered toward our lunch destination and saw that the line was short, so we went on Small World one last time.  (At least it is cool!)  :)

 

For lunch we went back to Pinocchio Village Haus again since we're already right next door.  The Pixie dust must be strong here!  We got our food and then, believe it or not, we again got seated at the window overlooking Small World!  We were literally at the table next to the one we were seated at a few days ago!  The kids had a great time again waving to the folks as they passed us on their way into Small World. 

 

Magical.  :)

 

What are the odds of this happening?  

 

 After lunch our final fast pass was for meeting Anna and Elsa!!!  We went to the wrong entrance first, quickly found our way, and my prince and princess got to meet Disney's. 

 

 

 

 

I said a few days ago that it seems to feel cooler here at MK than it does at Epcot...

 

I might have spoken to soon.  

 

We head over for a visit to Tom Sawyer's island - even in all of the shade it is very hot!  We had fun exploring here for awhile...

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the few boats we missed riding this year!  

 

 

...then we took the raft back to the mainland and headed to the Frontierland station for our last train ride for this trip.  

 

Took train from Frontierland to Fantasyland and then wondered over to Tomorrowland for one more visit to to People mover.  And. Then, yes, one last visit to Carousel of Progress!

 

We are pretty much roasted at this point and the kids are almost chanting: Pool! Pool!

We strolled back to Main Street where we naturally had to pick up a Starbucks (yes-addicted), some cold water for Ben, and some Ice Cream for Mom and Maddie.  

 

One last look around...

 

 

Then -headed back to campground.  

 

 

Back at the fort we stopped at the camper long enough to cool down some and just generally, relaxed for awhile. 

 

We realized at this point that we were in danger of leaving some meal and snack credits unused.  To help use them up we decided to get another Trails end pizza to have for lunch on the road tomorrow.  (I've read complaints about the pizza.  It's OK.  Not the best I've ever had by any means, but it's Ok IMHO.) 

 

Tomorrow morning we will get take out breakfasts, muffins, sticky buns, snacks from the trading post, and some candy treats to take with us us as we head home.

 

When we come back next year (my Wife will smile at that statement) our Ben will be charged as an adult for the Dining plans, even though he eats like a bird, and is PAINFULLY picky about what he will eat.  I'm thinking next time we come, no more Dining plan.  I think we can do better on our own, easily.

 

Well, now it's off to the pool for the last time!   We ate our dinner there at the snack bar and stayed until dark.  

 

 

Finally I had to drag them out of the water to go see the EWP and Fireworks.

 

We climbed into the cart and headed to the beach.  It's a day of "lasts" for this trip but we've had so much fun!  

 

I am not happy to leave, but, I am satisfied that we have made the most of this trip and made memories that the kids will keep forever.  So, oddly I'm kinda happy in that respect.

 

So without thinking very much about it, as we walked out onto the beach to wait, I looked down at my little girl and said something like: 

 

"This will be the last Fireworks for this trip."

 

I should have known I was in trouble when she looks up and says: "The last time???"

 

I should have known, but I didn't catch on, and said:

 

"Well, yes sweetie. We have to start home tomorrow."

 

And clueless dad here was a little shocked, and a little heartbroken when his beautiful, happy little girl started to cry. Sobbing actually. Not a fit or tantrum...

 

She just honestly didn't realize that the time to leave was here.  

 

I hate making anybody cry and her most of all.    

 

A coupe of years ago she hit me in the shin by accident and it hurt like heck!  I yelped loudly in shock and pain.  She though she'd really hurt me badly and cried.  I felt like a real ass then, as I do right now. I'd cut off my arm right now if I knew that by doing so she'd never have to cry again!

 

While I made a mental note to tear up my parent-of-the-year application form...    

 

Mom (as always) knows just what to do.  By the end of the fireworks the storm has passed and she's recovered. Not thrilled to be leaving, but happy again, as we head off for one last round of looping on our way home and to bed. 

 

On the bright side...  Well. I tried to tell myself that she musta had a pretty darn good time to not really be aware that the time to leave was already here.  That cheered me up some.  

 

It also made the geek in me think of the late Steve Jobs' fabled "Reality Distortion Field"... I think that the one here at Disney is working at full power!

 

Off to bed. Tears and all...  It's the perfect day to close out our visit.

 

Holiday two for one special - today only - bonus post!!!  :)

Sunday, 6/14 Fort Day!

 

Since we were already here at the settlement we went over to the TriCircleD ranch to see the horses and stables.  

 

 

 

From there we took a walk around to the Backyard Barbecue area.  Nobody was around and so I took a (non trespassing) pic or two of the old River Country.  I've seen some tall cherry picker type machines located here from the boat a couple of times and some fairly bright lights on one night...  We can't see any equipment today from this perspective though.  As far a I can tell, there is still nothing happening here, just kinda ongoing slow decay.

 

 

It's funny that my iPhone automatically has tagged many of the pics I've taken here as being at "River Country".  I also noticed that the ticket(?) booth still has signs from the RC days.

 

 

I wanted to do some more exploring. It's getting HOT and fast!  The ladies weren't really interested in a lot of walking after yesterday, but I talked the boy into it and so we compromised.  

 

While DW and DD went and did some shopping (I think there was some ice cream involved as well.) Ben and I took a walk down the beach toward the canal. Old maps show a nature trail going across the canal and into the woods.  I knew we couldn't get across the canal anymore (can we?) but I wanted to see this area.  We did manage to get a peek at the old cabin in the woods. Well, I'm pretty sure that is what it is anyway.

 

 

Then, just across the fenced and locked gate across the water control lock/dam thingy...

 

 

We could see what I can only guess is what is known as the Big ### Bat House(?).  Uh, no bats to report...  But it's daytime...  

 

 

It's starting to get pretty hot and Ben is campaigning for some pool time so we headed back.  On the way there is this point and wow!  What a great view of the MK.  I wonder if the view of the fireworks would be better from here, and if there is a closer place to park the cart?  I've got this place filed away for additional exploration on future visits if we are that lucky. 

 

 

Once we had all regrouped we decided we were ready for some quality pool time.  I'm not sure exactly how long we were actually in the pool but it was a great time.

 

And all four of us got sunburn - oopsy!

 

Somehow even our SPF 9,000 sunscreen was no match for the midday FL sun on our pasty-pale winter bleached skin. Even though we'd been at the pool almost daily we got pretty red, pretty quick.  Time to rethink the afternoon plan just a little. 

 

Luckily it wasn't an awful burn.

 

With some soothing lotion applied all around...  We decided to head back out during the heat of the day to do some resort hopping for awhile.  We hopped on the boat to MK and then onto the resort monorail.  

 

We skipped the contemporary for the time being and made our first stop at the  Polynesian to nose around. 

 

 

It's here that we saw and got our first ever Dole whip to share!  Yum! I'm not sure where you can get Dole Whips, but I wish they'd go national!  :) I'd heard of them but I guess we'd never seen them during our entire stay until now.

 

While in the gift shop we found a pretty cool set of posters at the gift shop before we made our way back to the Monorail.  It's a neat set because it included posters for some attractions that no longer exist.  They will look great down in our toy room someday when I reclaim that space for my home theater.

 

(That may be some wishful thinking on my part, but a guy can dream!) 

 

 

Another thing we learned: Purchases made at one resort can't be delivered back to your resort. That only works at the parks.  Oh well, no biggie, we didn't buy much.

 

It is interesting to see the elaborate pools and slides here at these resorts.  Yah, they are pretty darn cool, not a doubt about it...  Not sure I'd trade any of it in for the Fort though.

 

Next stop: The Grand Floridian resort.  We looked around for a few minutes.  Uh.  It's beautiful.  It's not my style.  I actually felt slightly out of place in such an upscale locale.  I remember telling the kids not to touch anything!

 

 

I noticed an older woman sitting in the lobby (just by the bird cage and out of view on the left of the pic above) as we made our way around and didn't think much about it at the time.  She kinda just looked at us as we went by.  Then all of a sudden in the elevator my wife mentioned that she'd just remembered reading about a lady that visits here on a regular basis just to talk to people.  

 

Not sure if that was her, or if the story is true.  She kinda caught my eye as we passed, and I was thinking more along the lines that she'd figured us out as one of "those trailer people" and so I didn't speak.  

 

Heh.  Had I been aware of the story, I surely would have at least stopped to say hello... Just ask my wife!  She says I'll talk anybody's ear off!  

 

Now finally we're head back to the Contemporary.  

 

We ate again at the Contempo Cafe and then did some Shopping.  I found this really cool t-shirt that made me laugh out loud, sadly, they didn't have in in my size.  

 

 

Oh well.  One for two on the t-shirts...  From here we ventured down to the docks and hopped  the resort boat across to the Fort.  I kept hoping we'd get to ride with the singing captain, but no such luck.  

 

 

(See family Sherpa in action the pic above)  :)

 

Now that the sun has settled some, we feel safe to go back to the pool without roasting ourselves the rest of the way.  We spent a long time at the pool just relaxing.  

 

 

Finally we make our now customary trip to the beach to see the EWP and Fireworks, looping our way (going and coming) to see all the other Mickey lights and decorations.

8-9 miles!!! Wow did you loose any weight after this trip was said and done? Seriously with all the walking and sweating I would think you could eat whatever you wanted and everything would even out in the end.

Well, I didn't go into every dietary detail here in the report - haha - but - we uh, ate well.  If I recall it right the DW and I ended up about where we started in the end.  So, at least we did no damage!  :)

Hope everybody is enjoying a long Holiday weekend.  Let's continue.

For some reason I do not have a lot of notes or pictures for today.  I'm not sure if I've lost some, or if we were just so busy that we didn't take as many.  Oh well, here we go:

Saturday: 6/13 Back to Epcot!

We slept in some today and didn't leave the campground at about 10:45.

 

This time, Ben wanted to ride the big ferry boats, so we rode to MK, and got on the ferry to the transportation hub.  From there we caught the monorail to Epcot.  The masses of people were still headed in the opposite direction into the MK and we practically had the ferry to ourselves. 

 

 

The first FP was for Test Track.  Our impatient vehicle guru Ben just wanted to drive the car already!  But we had fun playing at the consoles first anyway. 

 

 

 

 

After some shopping (mom got a new Mickey tshirt) it was off to Spaceship Earth.  The kids like Spaceship earth.  I like that we are sitting down and that it's cool!  The rains have left for awhile and now the heat is on!

 

Now it's time for a cool down and a quick rest before we head off to see the World one more time. 

 

 

We had another FP, but is was SO hot and so far away that we actually decided to skip it and head for some lunch.

 

Today the crowds are larger and it looks like both boats are running.  We rode one across the lake to Germany, then went to lunch in the America area at Liberty Inn.

 

(what could possibly go wrong here?  LOL - no, nobody dunked themselves - but I thought about it!

 

While we were there We stayed to see the American Adventure movie.  Ben and I had missed this one last year because we'd taken a bathroom break, and then watched the patriot show (I can't remember what they called it) outside.  

 

 

Somehow It's even warmer today.  We walked through some shops in Germany and a building in Norway (art of Frozen).

 

And then we walked, and walked, and walked...  We had skipped most of this side of the World the other day because we were tired. Took a break for awhile at the Mexico pavilion and rode the Three caballeros boat ride for a cool down.  (I have not one picture form here - and I am almost certain that we’d taken some.  humph!)

 

Then we walked and walked and walked some more. Hah.  How are my legs even more tired today?  I mean we rode the boat across...   I do love this picture from Germany with Maddie and the Pickle tree:

 

 

Anyway it is quickly approaching dinner time and the kids are ready for the pool so we head out.

 

Took monorail to transportation hub, and again caught ferry boat back to the MK.  This worked out again as at this time of the day we were headed in the opposite direction of most of the crowds.  

 

 

 

 

You can see me here with the backpack, playing family Sherpa...  A dad's job is never done!   :)

 

We'd had zero mishaps today and I had not really even thought of the gremlin, when suddenly the ferry crashed into the barrier at the dock at the MK!

 

Uh, this wasn't a quiet, gentle bump either.  There was a fairly loud crashing sound, and a pretty violent jerking motion. I saw more than one person nearly knocked off of their feet. Luckily there were very few people on board.

 

As I looked at the pilot house (or whatever it's called.)  I could not hear what the captain said and, I think it was maybe better that way.

 

Nobody was hurt, we docked the rest of the way without incident and all was well.

 

The captain didn't really look mad or upset at this point, but I figured this was not the best time to stop him and explain my gremlin theory!   :)

 

Then we hopped the boat back to the Fort.  Everybody is ready for hopefully uninterrupted pool time this evening.   :)

Stay tuned.  Tomorrow is "Fort Day".   :)

I do as well. I could sit for hours just observing all the comings and going of the park. If you haven't already, read the book Behind the Magic. I could spend a day just looking for and at all thr things thr book lays out.

Thanks! Been looking for a book. I'll have to add that to my Christmas list! :)

Was anyone else even there for Mary Poppins? Looks like you have the station to yourselves. I love the enthusiasm of your trip report and seeing your beautiful family having such a great time. But my feet hurt each time I read your total steps for the day!

As I recall it, we started up the stairs and she was standing outside, went in as we got to the top.

When we went inside I think there was one family already in there and we were next.

Several more folks got in line just behind us.

It was strange come to think of it. We'd never been able to just walk right up to one of the characters like that before.

Thanks for the kind words. This is a lot of fun for me to write. I'm Working on the next installment but work and my grass and the holiday weekend are competing for my time.

Sorry for the delay.

Great update!

I'm glad to hear that Ben enjoyed getting spiked.

It was great to meet you and the family, and it sounds like maybe next time I need to bring you a spike too.

TCD

Thanks and thanks again! I think Ben and I can share though. I read elsewhere that the Spike supply might be gettin a little depleted.

What an awesome day. The geek in me was geeking out at your greekness. Lol

LOL! I guess as an "adult" I enjoy the place at a different level. Heheh.

Ok - let's continue:

Friday: 6/12 - back to MK 

 

Took the boat to the MK and then up to the train station at Main Street for our start of the day Train ride :) and got our very first unexpected treat of the day as well.

 

Who is waiting in the station lobby? Mary Poppins!  First thing.  This is a good sign for sure!

 

 

We got our books signed, took the train to Fantasy land,  and then walked to the Tomorrowland Speedway for a second try at driving.

 

 

This time we made a point to avoid getting into the line that would put us in that far right hand lane. I have no idea if that made any real difference.  I do know for sure that both of the kids had a much easier time driving the cars today.

 

 

Then, Kids wanted to do Peoplemover and Carousel of Progress again, so we did both.

 

This time it was People mover having issues actually moving people!  The ride stopped at least 3 times while we were on it, and the up escalator was on the fritz. The gremlin did not follow us to the CoP this time, it worked fine.

 

Then we wondered across the park some.

 

 

 

On our way to our next FP...  We stopped in at Country Bear Jamboree.  :) 

 

 

Once we were done there it was time for our FP at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, but it was broken. Oopsy!  Well the gremlin is following us it seems.  Eh.  Ok.  Let's have some lunch.  We went and grabbed some chow at Pecos Bill's

 

After lunch Thunder Mountain is still not working, but, we've already been notified that we can use the FP pretty much anyplace in the park at any time for the remainder of the day.  So, one way or the other, it's gonna work out!

 

For our third FP we rode Splash Mountain

 

 

(Ben was scared at first, but liked it. Maddie didn't like the big hill!) The looks on the ladies faces are priceless!  (Back two rows.)  I think the ladies in the first row probably know about where the camera is...

 

 

LOL!

 

Wanted to mention here:  

 

I think this was more of a loading/waiting thing that any kind of a breakdown:  We got stuck near the end of Splash Mountain.  I don't think it's the gremlin this time.  I think they had some delay/congestion where they load and unload riders and the resulting backup stopped us at a part of the ride you'd normally float right past.  

 

It's hilarious that the Imagineers had the animatronics programmed on cue to start talking to you about it, explaining who was likely at fault, stay seated, and so on... Too funny!

 

Finally we've decided to stay for afternoon parade: Festival of Fantasy. We don't have to worry so much now about that one FP, we've managed not to bake even though the temps have been escalating all week...  I think there are more shady spots at MK so it just doesn't feel so dang hot here compared to Epcot, or maybe I'm getting used to it???  

 

Anyway, we found a shady spot in Frontierland and settled in to wait.  Maddie and I got Mickey ice cream bars. 

 

 

Again, the geek in me enjoyed the wait by people watching and then watching as the Cast Members came buy setting up the ropes in preparation.

 

Today the clouds are rolling in again and it looks like a nasty storm nearby.  The storms last year prevented us from seeing any parades at all and I'm hoping we don't have another washout today.  

 

I guess somebody in the Disney weather office must have been worried as well, because for some reason the parade actually started early!  I'm guessing that they decided to go a little sooner so that they could get it done before the rains came.

 

At any rate, our luck held out and we watched parade from the first row in Frontierland!

 

 

The other advantage for us this day is that the end of the parade passed us first in Frontierland, and, the geek in me got to see the Cast members at the end coming past and very efficiently removing the posts and ropes.  

 

It looks like they've done this a time or two!  

 

The bad news is the the weather really looks like it is going to get NASTY  The wind is really blowing and dark clouds are close by.  So.  We made the call to head back to the Fort to hang out for a little while.  We're planning to come back later in the afternoon or evening.

 

The other neat thing I'd never thought of when we decided to watch the Parade from Frontierland is that we were basically following it toward Main Street now.  On our way back to the entrance we cut through Adventureland and got back to main street as the parade made its way around the hub, so, we ended up at the Main Street train street station just in time to see part of the same parade a second time.

 

 

 :)  two for one special.  

 

The sky is now turning a fairly angry black color and I'm thinking we might be in for another Monsoon.  But.  So far so good, we hit the dock, got on the boat, and headed back to the Fort.

 

Back home we took the cart over to the Meadows and picked up our purchases from Epcot.  We decided to wait at the camper for awhile to see what the storm did.  Then we'd plan out the evening.  It worked out.  The kids got to play with some new toys for awhile, we rested, and then the most magical part of the whole trip came.  :)  

 

Well, for the geek in me anyway...

 

As the clouds parted, and the sun shown brightly again, there was a knock on the door of our camper...

 

Now that I've got you on the edge of your seat.  I'll leave you hanging for a second because I've not yet told you that Ben is a HUGE fan of pretty much anything on rails if you have not yet guessed this by the number of train rides we’ve taken.

 

So much so that we made it a family thing this summer here at home.  When we would hear a train whistle on the tracks a mile or so away from our home, everybody would hop in the van and we'd try to catch the train so that Ben could see it go by.  If we were really lucky Ben would get to wave at the engineer as the locomotive would go by…  

 

Also, since he's so interested, we've been working on a HO scale layout in our basement.  Only because it's something that he actually enjoys doing with dear ole Dad...  I personally have no interests in trains *at all*.

 

 

 

I'm just being supportive of my boy!  

 

That is my story and I'm sticking to it...

 

Ahem, well, where was I?  

 

Oh yes: Trollys, monorails, trains, tracks...  He's fascinated by it all.  I've been talking to him all week about the Fort Wilderness Railroad.  We've been checking out the several places at the Fort where you can still find some signs of the past.  It's a very interesting part of Fort history. I really wish I could have visited here in those days when a train would  come past.  Ben would have been in 7th heaven.  Oh well.  

 

Some Fiends have gathered spikes from the old FWRR, and I learned that it might be possible to get one.  I posted to the "Getting Spiked" thread.  I didn't really expect anything, just gave it a try.  I got a message back from another member that said something to the effect of "the wheels are in motion" but no real details.  I also received a very nice private message from at least one other member offering to help me get one...  

 

Now I'll bring you back to the knock on our door...

 

My wife made this entry in the notes she kept as we started talking about making a journal:

 

"-man from Fort Fiends came to our camper and brought us a spike from the Fort Wilderness railroad that used to be here!"

 

That man is no other than TCD!  

 

(Hey guy! I want you to know how special that short visit was.  That spike will be kept with us always.  Ben loved it, I love it, it is very much appreciated.  So, so very happy to have had the pleasure of meeting you in person.)

 

Of all the weirdness with the gremlins and rain on our trip so far, this time it worked out perfectly and our paths crossed.  This I'll add was the one day of the whole vacation that we spent most of the day away at the parks.  Pixie dust for everybody!  

 

TCDs visit was short and we parted ways, the storms have missed the MK and the Fort completely.  We've got one parade under our belt, now its time for the second.

 

First we have a FP to use.  Man.  It is NICE to have a open ended FP!

 

We went back to MK to use the FP that was postponed from the morning for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. 

 

Afterwords we went over and got our dinner at Columbia Harbour House.  After dinner (which was late for us) we walked to Main Street and found a place to sit for the Main Street Electrical Parade!

 

 

We found a seat right on the curb and parked ourselves for some people watching. Last year we'd got the kids the light up Mickey sticks and then the parade was cancelled.  This year they finally get put to their intended use.  :)

 

 

We met a nice couple from KY, and their kids kept ours entertained during the wait.  The weather was warm but not uncomfortable even in the masses of people.  

 

We were lucky to be seated on the curb right up on the tape they put down to keep certain areas open to those crossing the street before the parade starts.  The advantage was that we had what amounted to our very own dedicated Cast member (my wife later referred to her as the "Parade Police".) She very politely and aggressively guarded the area around our sitting place to keep folks moving and away from blocking our view in the process.  One centimeter past that tape and she'd materialize out of thin air to swish the trespassers out of the way.  

 

Again the geek in me is impressed with way the cast worked to get everything ready for the parade to start.  I was amused to see this 5'2" woman work the area.  I know on certain holidays the crowds must be very much worse, and I've read the stories.  No such issues tonight.  

 

Finally the Parade is underway:

 

 

 

(These pictures ended up being posted in no particular order.)

 

Afterword we headed to the exit and the boat back to the Fort.  (We decided to leave before Celebrate the Magic and the fireworks because the sudden loud noises can make Ben upset). 

 

We got back to the Fort as the EWP was still pulling away across the lake, and just as the fireworks began.  Perfect timing!

Oh, and I've been meaning to ask- can you translate those steps into distances for us?

TCD

Ahh. Well I've done a little research because I didn't actually know myself. The Steps to distance conversion is not exact. Variables include how accurate your devices are at recording steps. Then you have to take terrain and the length of your stride into account.

What I have read online suggests that (on average) one mile will generally equal 2,000 up to 2,500 steps. This is a rule of thumb. You might find people ready to put up a spirited debate about it elsewhere on the net where they can get pretty serious about this stuff.

Not that Campers or Fiends could ever get passionate about something! :)

Wow, that was very cool about the dolphins in the Living Seas.

Sorry about the transportation (and pool) gremlins.

You're doing great with this trip report, by the way.

Oh, and I've been meaning to ask- can you translate those steps into distances for us?

TCD

Thank you! I've read and enjoyed many of your trip reports, normally after the fact, so I do not get to comment very often.

I do not have words or pictures that really capture those Dolphins. It was really a special treat. I could have watched that all day.

As for the "issues". Really I don't intend them to make anybody think we enjoyed our trip any less. I've worried that I'd give a negative impression. Not my intention. It's maybe not always the most fun while it's happening, but in the balance, it was all about as close to perfect as it gets. So when I'm describing them I'm trying to convey at least some tounge-in-cheekedness (look I may have invented a new word!). :)

Oh gosh... had to laugh at that :) I've never been "that" parent for poo or puke... but I've been "that" parent for many other things. Yes... those moments are um, "awesome" :)

Another great update and oh my gosh... that was A LOT of steps. I should get myself a pedometer. Not just for Disney, but maybe a good thought overall.

Thank you very much! Yah. I think we've all been "That Parent". It's only a matter of time before your number comes up if you have kids! :)

We were using the Pedometer built into our iPhones. Not sure how accurate that really is, but, incidental spot checking seems to say that it's in the ballpark accuracy wise, at least for my purposes.

OK!  Sorry of the long delay - here we go...

Thursday: 6/11

8:27AM

To Epcot!

Well...  First, to Trails End for take out Gravy and Biscuits!  These Disney and Fort calories do not count on vacation.  Repeat this with me, does not count...

 

I'm not a big breakfast eater but today the craving has set in and I got up early to get some yummy Fort breakfast food.  

 

We're taking this vacation seriously, and we have no really early FP this morning and so  we managed to get to the Marina at 5 till 10.  Again, we take the boat to MK and then we hop onto the Monorail to the Transportation center, and change to the Epcot line. Everything goes without a hitch and we arrive at about 10 till 11.  

 

 

Today there are no early signs of rain.  The forecast is for hot and partly cloudy.  We've heard this story before however...  It is still FL.

 

With time to spare we wondered over to the Seas and had time to look around before out first FP for Turtle Talk with Crush.  Ok, I'm a full grown man.  The little kid in me loves Turtle Talk!  Will either of my children sit up front with the rest of the kids - no.  Heck!  I'd sit up there if people wouldn't look at me funny!  Haha.  The kids still loved it from the safety of their perches on the bench.  Oh well.  

 

 

Our next FP is a little while away and we have some time to look around the Aquarium Part of The Seas.  We saw sea turtles, Sharks, Rays, and dolphins.  We got a really special treat here. 

 

Some sort of guided thing where a few guests (I'm assuming) actually got into the water with the Dolphins and it looked like they were able to interact with the creatures as they swam in from  the deeper sections to get their fish treats.  Then the fun really started!  The handlers had these Dolphins diving, leaping, circling over and over.  Being able to see this from below the waterline was awesome!  They move like rockets underwater, leap into the air (and vanish from our underwater perspective) and then crash back into the water, diving all the way to the bottom...  Awesome, awesome, awesome!

 

 

These pictures really do not do the sight justice at all.  What a unique perspective!

 

 

Next we rode The Seas with Nemo and Friends and the kids loved it.  We'd rode this last year as well and it's still a hit with the youngans.  

 

Last year we'd visited during a monsoon outside and somehow I lost one of our ponchos on this ride.  The wife still reminds me how much it cost us to buy a replacement on property!  This year I have spares in the backpack if needed, but it's looking nice and hot outside and I think we may actually get a rain free day...

 

Yah the trade in for sun is heat.  It seems hotter here that it ever did at the MK.  Not sure why.  Or maybe this is just all a perception of mine.  Our final FP is Soarin but we have plenty of time and decide to grab some lunch.  Off to the Electric Umbrella we go.

 

After lunch we rode Soarin.  Man, what can I say that's not been said 1,000 times.  I wish that it was longer, I wish the that it was in HD...  Still.  It's a fabulous experience.  We'll be back.  In just a couple of days actually.  We scheduled two Epcot days this time around.

 

Now.  We've past hot and I'm starting to think fondly of the rain storms yesterday hah.  We are headed for the boats.  The plan is to take a boat across to US side of the lagoon and work our way back around to the entrance.  Maybe having a drink along the way.  

 

On the way we decided to stop at the "Cool Spot" and have a tasting of Coke products from around the world. Mom liked Zimbabwe that tasted like raspberry cream soda, daddy and Maddie liked one from Peru that tasted like bubble gum. 

 

Afterwords sloshing with various Sodas we did some shopping and got some souvenirs. 

 

 

 

Now off to the world...  Our plan was to catch a boat to the far side and walk back.  Well.  Our Transportation  gremlin, who had been strangely absent all day decided to show up again now.  Or, we were there on a slow day.  Whatever was going on, only one of the two boats were running and the line for it seems to be  excessive.  So we started off on foot instead and decide to cover the half that we'd missed altogether last year, then catch the boat back.

 

 

That was the plan...  Off we go.  Canada, UK, France.  At France we stopped while Maddie and mom got ice cream.  Ben and I found a small patch of shade beside a fountain and played in the water while we waited.

 

 

 

 

 

The WalkerFiend weather scale tops of at "nuke-at-close range", and then "surface-of-sun".  The needle is creeping toward "Nuke"...  But!  No signs of rain, and so who's complaining!  Ha!  You can see Ben's sweating.

 

 

Morocco, and Japan...  At Japan we got the kids fans with their names written in Japanese and Maddie got a lucky cat in gold.

 

 

Now.  We are done.  Done done.  As in well done, close to broiled.  We looked forward to a easy boat ride back and a relaxing ride back to the fort...  No such luck.  The slow boat was now no boats is seemed, and the line was huge.  So onward we marched.  We ended up walking the rest of the way around the World Showcase.

 

 

We were ready for the Fort and the pool!!!  It's Thursday (I wonder if that really explains why they didn't have both boats running at Epcot) and the crowds seem to be a bit thin.  We hopped the Monorails back, caught the boat, and soon were back at the Fort.  

 

We'd been looking for opportunities to catch the parades and had thought earlier about heading back over to the MK in the evening.   But by the time we reached the dock the kids were entering a surly stage, and we decided for the sake of domestic tranquility that we'd scrap that plan, grab some food, and dunk the kids in the pool until they were done.

 

I’m not sure if it was a slow day, or if the larger boats where having some issue.  A smaller resort boat was waiting at the doc as we get into line for the Fort.  A Cast Member waves us over to the resort boat and we take a little detour to the lodge on the way back.  Despite walking all the way around Epcot because of th long wait of the one operating boat, we’ve had very few issues today.

 

So far.  This next part you may not want to read on a full stomach.  

 

You have been warned.  :)

 

After a quick check on the camper and a short rest…  We got takeout pizza from Trails End for dinner.  Abby stayed back at the camper and the rest of us headed toward the Meadows.  No rains today so it was crowded.  I just wanted to sit.  That is all.  I was toast.  The kids  just want to swim, and in they went.

 

For five minutes.

 

The kids are barely wet... All of the sudden the whistles blow and everyone is out of the pool.  After a few minutes word starts to spread around that somebody, hopefully a baby somebody, has had a bit of, um, an accident in the pool.  Now.  My children are almost beside themselves because they are within feet of their personal favorite place and can't go in.

 

I am just happy to be still.  I hurt, my feet, ankles, legs, hurt.  Heheh.  

 

The geek in me - I'm sorry this is gross, but I had a geek interest in the process of watching the cast, uh, retrieve the troublesome leavings, check the water, check the water, check the water, and, check the water some more.  

 

40 minutes later and the pool is reopened.  I'm not interested in swimming at this point, the kids could care less what was in the pool, they wanted to swim...  And in they went.

 

For five more minutes...

 

Again, the whistles blow, and out everybody comes...

 

So let's review.  In over an hour the kids have managed to get wet, and that is about it.  A total of less than 15 minutes in the actual pool!  

 

I don't know if there is another torpedo in the water, if they missed a depth charge from the first attack, or if there is some other issue now, and, really don't care at this point ha!  We're done.  I know the kids are tired at this point because they really don't even argue about leaving.

 

As darkness fell, we made it up to them with some more looping in the cart.  We ended up at the beach for EWP and Wishes.  Everybody was tired and happy.   

 

This has been a very good day. Poop and all!  :)

 

I peeked at the pedometer and knew why I needed a drink and Tylenol before bed!

  

Thanks everybody.

The wife has pointed out about a thousand grammar and puctuation and spelling issues so far (she's a teacher and grades hard!). I'll fix them! :)

I had a work emergency intervene tonight, and all weekend I've had very limited internet access. I'm working on the next installment.

All I'll say right now is that we are no place close to the record Pedometer step count yet!

And with that little tease. I'll get back to work. :)

Wednesday: 6/10 

 

9:12AM - We’re off!  Rain, Rain Stay Away! Once again we’re off at the crack of 9AM.  Hey it’s vacation.  

 

 

You can still see some raindrops from the off and on all evening rains from the day before.  Last year we were haunted by wet weather pretty much our entire stay - so much so that we never once got to see any of the parades; they ended up getting canceled every time we tried.  We are starting to worry about this year as well - but we’ve build in more flex time and generally a less demanding schedule this year.  We’ve got Park Hopper passes because the price difference wasn’t so much, but we’re not really planning on doing any hopping.  Heck - I think the kids would be thrilled if we just let them stay in the Fort’s pool all day everyday...

 

-No Boat to the Magic Kingdom.

Out of the gate we’re visited by the transport gremlin.  Got to the Marina and - we thought we were in for better luck.  Well...  Here comes the boat…  And it docked in short order and let the few arriving guests depart. 

 

That’s when the first mate (uh I may have just made the first mate thing up - not sure what he’s called) comes over and tell us all that the boat is going out of service…  He says another boat will be along “shortly”…  And off they go…  Straight across Bay lake and out of sight.  I guess that must be where they service to boats, I noticed one of the big ferry boats coming from that direction yesterday at one point.  

 

One of the returning guests mentioned that one of the seats had “broken” in transit.  Not sure how it was broken…  

 

Also - worth mentioning:  Have you seen some of these people handling the ropes? WOW!  One of the men I watched - I can’t describe it.  He just kinda grabbed the rope, flicked his wrists, there was a blur, and the boat is tied to the dock.  It was darn impressive to watch  One of the other guests looks at the guy, smiles, and says “You’ve done that once or twice haven’t you?”  Hah!  Understatement of the day.

 

Also worth mentioning: We did not see ( or hear) the “Singing Captain” at all on this whole trip.  I hope he’s still around and was maybe just away on a vacation of his own...

 

Ok -back to it:  Well - the wait is on.  This time we’re really not concerned.  Other than squirmy impatient kids there  is no time crunch for any of our FP selections today (we hope).  We passed the time talking with some other guests visiting from Australia, very pleasant and friendly.  I’m not really sure how much time passed, but eventually another boat came and off to the MK we went.

 

Once in the gate we took train to Fantasyland station and still had a some time to spare before our first ride of day: Barnstormer.  Somehow neither of us managed to get a picture.  I think were both afraid of dropping the phone.  So, you are just going to have to trust me on this one.   :)  It was a fun ride.

 

It’s hot already.  Seems the clouds have already started building and a quick check of the weather radar is not looking promising.  Wattayagonnado?

 

We went an looked the Gift shops for awhile for a AC break and then we’re off to Dumbo!!!

 

 

Well.  Dumbo was Dumbo.  The kids loved it and that’s all that matters. The water and fountains around the ride gave me the illusion that I was not in fact about to melt. 

 

Another glance at the radar is little more hopeful.  We’ve got a lot of time now before our next FP and we voted to venture back down to the People Mover.  

 

We are a selfie-stick free family -but...

 

 

 

Today the People Mover Grimlin rides with us and the ride stops about 10 seconds after sitting down.  Now, I’ve started to detect a pattern here.  LOL!  Despite the delay, it was actually kinda neat (for the geek in me) to be able to watch the Cast Members get everything back operating.  Soon we were off and the rest of the ride went on without a hitch.  

 

Next it’s off to get a snack and play in the misting station for a little while before our next FP.  

 

Eventually we hoof it back to the Mine Train… Now - I think this is a newer ride.  I loved it, Ben loved it…  But that ride can be a bit rough!  I think I actually strained my back a little (something zigged and the ride zagged - getting old sucks!) and Maddie came away saying that it: “Made my stomach hurt.”  It’s not that we did’t really have fun.  It just seems a teeny tiny bit rough compared to some of the other Disney coaster type rides.  Oh well  I think we’d all go again.  

 

We’ve reached “oven” on the WalkerFiend weather scale and it’s time for lunch.  We wondered through the park and over to Pinocchio Village Haus.  

 

 

We generally pick our resturaunts where we’ve found things on the kids menu that Ben might eat.  To say he is a picky eater is an understatement.  One very nice thing happened here.  A tiny bit of Magic (for us)… It was still fairly crowded and so they had the Cast Members herding the cats so that everybody got a seat as quickly as possible.  We got really lucky and got a table sitting right next to the windows looking out onto “Small World”.

 

 

The kids had a great time watching and waving at folks as they floated past on the beginning of their ride.  I was just happy to be inside with AC and dry as the rains have arrived.  I hope not for all day, but, it’s FL…  The Radar did not look good but it actually did quit raining and the sun came back out.  I moved the weather status from “Oven” to “Oven/Sauna” LOL!

 

Since we’d sat and watched the riders heading off on Small World the kids decided it would be a great idea to ride it again since we were right there anyway - and so we did.

 

One thing I’d never noticed about Small World before is the clock.  Between last year and this we’ve ridden this ride PLENTY :)  because there is a bit of a wait today we actually saw it in action. 

 

 

After some exploring...

 

 

We went to yet another attraction that we’d missed completely last year: The Hall of Presidents. The kids we’re probably a little less impressed with this, but I thought it was OK.  AC, and rest for the feet… Humm...  Was that thunder?   Oh yah!  We exited the HOP into a torrential downpour. Ponchos are good thing to have handy in FL! 

 

It was pretty weird wading through what looked like a mostly empty MK.  We made our way back to the entrance and the boat back to the Fort.  Thankfully the boats were still running (or they’d restarted by the time we got to the dock.)  Last year we’d been stuck a couple of times when the boats were halted due to storms.

 

It seems like it rained, and rained, and rained, but we were ready for a rest at this point anyway.  After the storms past we visited the pool for awhile and as dinner time approached we decided to check off another form of disney transport - the Monorail…

 

We took boat back to MK, then caught the Monorail to Contemporary for dinner at Contempo Cafe.  Looked around in there for a while and then rode the monorail loop around the rest of the way before making our way back to the fort.

 

(Have you noticed that we don’t do a lot of cooking?  We are not a cooking people when it can be avoided!)  Hah - actually we tend to do more of our own cooking when we are camping - just not this week.  These little side trips were a lot of fun.  Any excuse to be on the Train, Boat, Monorail is a good thing in Ben’s book.

 

The rest of the evening was pretty laid back and relaxed, we did some looping, noticed that the 900 loop was completely empty…  They didn’t have a barriers up or anything, it was just completely and totaly empty.

 

And finally we ended the evening back at the beach for the EWP and Wishes.  Another great day, rain and all.  We are happy campers.

Ok - I just had to hijack my own thread for one second and post this here while I'm working on the next chapter - LOL.  This is a picture of my living room this evening.  The kids are off school tomorrow and so they wanted to sleep in the tent  This Camping thing just might have been a good idea.  I think they like it.  :)  Stay tuned - I'm working, just had to share.

This is probably a good spot to do a little explaining. Ben (DS) is a high functioning kid someplace on the Autisim Spectrum. While we relish and even celebrate the "typical" and there is plenty of it, we've long ago faced the special challenges Ben has.

Some folks with kids on the spectrum will relate, but, there is this saying I'm fond of:

"If you've met one Autistic kid... Then, you've met one Autistic kid."

Such an interesting, frustrating, scary, and sometimes awe inspiring journey we are on...

In fact we came to our decision to get the camper in the first place based largely around his special needs. When we started planning our first trip to Disney we were completely terrified that some stupid TSA agent, or the noise of a terminal, or the confinement of a plane might result in a meltdown.

What if he completely flipped out, and then worried and obsessed about the return trip the whole time, or balked at getting on the flight home? These are things we have to keep in mind. We also have to worry about his diet so he doesn't starve. Haha.

I'm not so concerned now that he has matured some more, but, the ability to take his "home" with us is a huge advantage. The comfort of the known, the food we know he will eat, the bed he's used to sleeping in, his "stuff"... Things we'd have a very hard time bringing along on a airline.

We thought at first that we'd drive a car, that progressed to me looking at campers and discovering the Fort. It was the perfect solution for us. It's allowed us to really expand all of our opportunities with the "known" of a safe secure place to come home to. After all it's vacation, it needs to be a fun experience for everybody, we desperately wanted that...

Quote from Wife while we were visiting AoA last year: "As nice as the resorts are, at the end of the day, you're still at a hotel."

So, just know when we make odd looking choices and ride the same head scratching ride - maybe over and over, because we're going to be doing that! :) There's a little reason. Besides our "typical" weirdness! :)

And most importantly: This is all just for background. I hesitated writing this because it is so hard to communicate intention or emotion on a Internet posting... I only hope letting folks know some more about our Ben will give an idea, or confidence, or inspire another parent with a Kid on the Spectrum. I've taken and will take no offense to any of the good natured joking and prodding I'm bound to find here. It is all good! ;-) Laugh at us along with us! We know we're kinda off. We wallow in it!

This is awesome, thanks for being one of the "good guys"

Well, thanks! I just think of it as common sense and trying not to be completely oblivious.