The Sixth and Final Day at Disney - A Return to Hollywood!

On our sixth and final day at Disney, we decided to return to Hollywood Studios. We took our time that day - no rushing through the crowds! I think we all wanted to savor these last hours. The bad thing about Disney World is that the time passes so quickly. Soon, you have to head home and, dare I say, back to reality. Part of the MAGIC of Disney is that you literally escape all the cares of the real world. Sure, that isn't something you can do forever but, honestly, doing it for a week is simply magnificent!

Didn't get any pictures of me that day. But just so you know I looked fabulous, lol!


First stop - why Star Tours of course! Justin was truly wishing they'd had the Jedi Training Academy when he was younger!


Then on to Indiana Jones...


...okay enough with the itinerary! We did EVERYTHING! Here are a few pics of the family. First Marc and sweet baby girl...

Handsome Justin (btw we were eating at the Backlot Restaurant)

Justin and evil Sith #1

Justin and evil Sith #2 (although I think he turned AWAY from the dark side if I remember correctly...)

Kendal riding the tram...


Justin dreaming of all the fun he'd had and wishing he could stay another week!

This is the resort where we stayed - thanks to my big bro Scoop (aka Greg) Thanks Scoop!!!

And, here is Gabby the next day - heading home (Sophie is in the van too - just hiding from the trauma of spending a week in the dogie hotel!)

I couldn't help but think, as I looked through these photos, that the era of having my babies in my home is coming to a close. Justin is beginning tenth grade (can you believe it?) and Kendal will be in eighth. Where have the years gone? Sometimes, during our vacation, I would see a glimpse of the little boy and little girl who came with us to Disney World all those years ago. The way Kendal's eye's lit up when she spotted a Disney Princess... The expression on Justin's face when he visited Star Tours for the first time... As teenagers, the experience was a little different. However, it was no less magical. I guess that just proves that you really are NEVER too old to be a kid. And for that, I am grateful!


Our previous Disney trip 2001

Disney World Day Five - More Magic

Life has been a little hectic the last few days and I have neglected to post photos of the remaining few days of our incredible trip to Disney World. Here are a few pictures of day five when we returned to the Magic Kingdom. It was a fabulous day and hopefully the pictures speak for themselves (if not, I'll come back in a few days and add the commentary, lol) I'll post days six and seven soon. =D

Disney World Day Four - Epcot

I debated as to whether or not I should break day four into two posts. If you have been to Epcot you know why. There is so much to do and see that it is hard to summarize without the risk of missing something. I mean, where else can you go to the future and around the world in a day? But, to avoid spending an entire day loading pictures onto my blog, I'll do my best to break it down. Just be advised that I am very likely to leave something out. My apologies.

The weather on day four was the best of the entire week. The sun did not peek through the clouds once, and although the clouds were thick, we did not get a drop of rain! Also, there was a nice breeze and low humidity. Almost made us forget we were in Florida!

So the first thing we did when we entered the gates of Epcot was snap a few family pictures. We did not take the time to ask someone to take a picture of our entire family. In fact, you will see that we did not do that the entire day. Not sure why. Kind-of wish we had now.


Here you see Batman has returned to pose for a picture with our kiddos.

Here I am with my sweeties - glasses on my head just like 99% of the time.


Once we'd finished taking pictures we literally RAN to Soarin'. Thankfully, the line was short and we walked right in. This is an amazing ride and a MUST DO if you visit Epcot. Even if you're not a ride kind of person you'll love it. If you're afraid of heights, hmm...maybe not so much. But, I LOVED it! It is definitely in my top three favs at Disney.

After flying over California on Soarin', we RAN again to Mission Space. We'd heard the line for this could be a killer as well. Again, we were lucky and the line was short. I suppose a good strategy is to hit the most popular rides early in the morning. Although I usually like my vacations laid back and relaxing, honestly, it does help having a plan.

After Mission Space there was some sort of interactive video game thing where the two sides of the room competed against each other. It was no surprise that Justin's team won. I don't mean to sound prideful but those who know him know he'd be hard to beat on something like this!

While we waited on Justin, Batman posed for a picture with Kendal...

And, with me!

Justin found another giant video game to beat, and...

Kendal got bored and joined in the fun!

Then it was time for 3-D Honey I Shrunk the Audience. Hmmm...it was okay but not the Muppet's -my personal favorite!

We visited all of the attractions in Future World we could including the giant aquarium. Kendal snapped 100's of pictures but they didn't really turn out. Besides, we all know what fish look like, right?

After a quick bite we moved back from the future to travel the world. I snapped this picture of the kids on a bridge and then asked Kendal to take one of Batman and I. This is what we got...

Okay, very funny! Boy, am I thankful for digital cameras. The next one "turned" out much better!

As I walked into the World Showcase, I thought to myself "this is fantastic - I want to savor every moment." Then I look up and guess what I saw...

Yep, you guessed it. Only now all three of my family members were racing through the crowds. Wait, do you see a crowd? So I caught up with them and asked to take a picture or two.

This is the reaction I got...

Umm..is that a little attitude coming from sweet baby girl?

And, what's up with that hand? Do I see Batman smiling at her? Is this a conspiracy?

After much complaining, they finally consented to a photo. This is what I got...

I am growing a bit weary of loading all of the pictures (I knew this would happen, should have broken it into two posts.) To sum it up we strolled through the World Show case enjoying each nation and its unique contributions. We tasted the food, watched the shows, and enjoyed every moment. Just a few of the places we visited include:

The good ole USA! We didn't actually go to this one first but I thought I'd place it first on the list since we were there during the 4th of July celebration. This is outside of a very cool show about our country. It is very similar to the show at the Hall of Presidents in MK. We loved it!

After the show, Kendal was feeling a little patriotic in the gift shop.

I honestly can't remember if this is the UK or Norway - too many castles.

Here is a pic of Justin as a Viking. (I'm sure this is Norway!)

And Kendal too.


Kendal's favorite place in the World Showcase was Japan where she purchased chop sticks for her hair. What was Justin's favorite you ask? I'd have to say it was Germany but sorry no pics(unless that earlier castle was in Germany...) I liked Germany too and not just because the chocolate was DELICIOUS!

Marc's favorite?

Why the USA, of course!

While we in the UK we saw the Beatles - they were groovy, man!

(Just a cute shot of the kids...)

We had great seats for the IllumiNations - it was AWESOME!


The only trouble with being so close to fireworks is the ash. It was pretty windy and the ash blew right in our faces. Poor Kendal got ash in her eye and had to go to first aid. I didn't even think about getting a picture of that. I just went immediately into "mommy mode." But, on the way out of first aid I saw something that I just had to record.

Batman took his baby girl by the hand and led her out of Epcot.

Even now this warms my heart and brings a tear to my eye. Don't know if it was the Disney Magic or the realization that you're never too old to need your daddy. Or, you mom for that matter.

Day four was another perfect day at Disney. We were exhausted when we got back to the resort but it was a good kind of tired, ya know? I am happy to report that Kendal's eye was fine the next morning and we were up early for a repeat appearance at the Magic Kingdom. This is the night that I started getting that dull nagging feeling that our vacation was coming to a close. Not that I didn't miss family and friends and think of them often. I just enjoyed so much being together with Marc and the kids. No distractions - just us. I didn't want that to end. Really, I didn't.