....some closing thoughts.

Vacations come and go. They are mini-adventures with all the twists and turns of a good novel along with all the family politics that can rival the Tudors. This was no exception but still great fun and laughs. Although we spent time in different hotels it was a chance for my gang to hang out in one room and really experience Disney in a way that I had hoped for. Staying in the Polynesian meant you never left Disney world. The down side was we didn't have that day to day, hour to hour interaction with everyone we did in the past. But looking back and knowing how we moved around the parks, it may have been ok.

My key memories from this trip was seeing Jordan, Jillian and Jake no longer in strollers or needing constant supervision enjoy the parks as young persons should. Yeah, it was a vacation with extreme HEAT and then a brutal thunderstorms but it was part of our vacation together.

I did miss Hall of Presidents and the American Adventure but I know we'll be back. Disney world is a place where no two trips are the same and it NEVER fails to impress! See ya in 730 days Walt! Thanks for the great memories everyone.....

Saturday....heading home

Joe and Dorothy met up with us for breakfast at the Kona Cafe...our last dining experience in Disney world. It was, like all the others, super filling. Jordan's Tonga toast rivaled all others. After eating, Jill and Jake went to do one last trade with their Vinylmation Mickeys in the Polynesian but didn't see any they liked. We decided to take one last ride around on the monorail to the other shops in the Grand Floridian and then the Contemporary before loading up our bags and heading to the airport.

As we rode around it was a picture perfect clear blue sky morning. The kind of day that makes you feel like staying longer! In any case not only did we trade in the Contemporary we also found a Gymnastics necklace that was lost at some point. Jill was happy! As we pulled into the monorail station Jill, Jake and I walked back on the path to the Polynesian and talked about which resort we liked best and talked about coming back to Disney.

With bags loaded Joe and Dorothy waited for us in the parking lot and we headed out to the airport for our departure. Passing thru security and heading to our flight was quick and easy.

The flights went very smooth and we were back in Avoca by early evening where Bob and Carol were waiting for us with our cars. Needless to say....physically we were in Scranton but mentally we were still in Disney.

Friday

We got up early on our last full day in Disney. I have to say, I would love to extend our time here since it has been a great trip. Magic Hours were our calling for Disney Studios where Jordan and I caught Tower of Terror and Jen, Jillian, and Jake hopped on Rock n Roll Roller Coaster. The park was not nearly as crowded as it was on last Sunday. Everyone else hit the Magic Kingdom where we tried to meet but ended up taking advantage of short lines for Muppets 3-D and the Back Lot tour. Plus the kids got the world famous churros. So we didn’t miss Soarin, we shot over to EPCOT and grabbed some fast passes since we are heading back there tonight for dinner in Mexico. We saw the TRON monorail in view daylight today and it is a unique looking monorail but I was told it is only a decal and can be peeled away later.

Unfortunately, rains moved in again! This gave us some time to have lunch with everyone in Capt Jacks as they came back in from the Magic Kingdom. Joe Joe enjoyed a Dole Whip...or was it two? While there I learned how Matty tripped and lost his Astro Orbiter car in Small World. Luckily, Joe Joe saved his day and got a new one from the shop here in the Polynesian. We roamed around the lobby where Jake and Jillian both swapped out their Mickey’s. That has actually become a favorite activity of ours.

Little pool activity due to the rain threat so Jake and I wandered around the beach area until it was time to get ready for dinner. Our fast passes had us on Soarin by 5pm and it never fails to impress. We all enjoyed it. Jen wanted to get onboard Figment one last time so we took one more ride through. On our way to Mexico we hit Club Cool so Jen can sample Mezzo and Beverly. When everyone arrived we strolled into the Mexican Pavillion and had dinner. Jordan took her chance at ordering in Spanish and she did well.....at least we didn't get something different like a lead pencil with cheese.

After a ride on the new Mexican boat ride, we began to walk through the lands while Jill and Jake did a Kim Possible. This was a pretty interesting way to do a scavenger hunt with a variety of interactive items in China like statues that came to life with clues and appearing doors, etc..

By the end of the evening we said goodbye to everyone and realized the trip was ending. It was a combination of being tired and also a feeling a sadness knowing we had to head back home. On our way back out Jake and I rode Spaceship Earth one last time....