Our First Summer Trip! 3 Canucks Tackle Orlando in August: A Trip Report (Complete!)

[Debbie]

I'm following along. We left Disney on the 25th, and were glad to avoid Sir Isaac. Your rooms look amazing!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Monday, August 27th....our first full day in Orlando!

Isaac's influence created a very rainy, rainy morning. No matter....we had inside stuff planned for today anyway. How's that for perfect timing?

My motion sickness had disappeared so we were off to the Florida Mall. We had a family photo session scheduled at Studio One to One, thanks a a great Groupon deal I had purchased months prior. We hadn't had our family pics done since our Disney trip in 2009 so let's just say this was LONG overdue.

We had a ton of fun at this session.....I cannot say enough about our photographer, Terri. She was fantastic . And she also got some great pictures of our family.....34 in total....and I will share with you a few of my favourites. One of them is the first pic in this report. Here are a selection of others:

Best souvenir of our trip. Highly recommend this studio. Walked out with our CD in hand, and our actual prints were printed on an expedited basis at no additional cost and ready for pick up before we flew home.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I'm following along. We left Disney on the 25th, and were glad to avoid Sir Isaac. Your rooms look amazing!

Welcome, Debbie!!! Glad to have you!

So happy to hear that Isaac's timing didn't affect your trip.

The room WAS fantastic!!! Better than we hoped!!! (you see the pics on a website but never really know if that's exactly what you will get ).

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Following the conclusion of our portrait session, we decided it was a great time to do some shopping. We could hear the rain and thunder outside so we were in no hurry to leave the cool, dry mall. We headed to M&M World:

House of Hoops (yes, AGAIN...you might remember we were also at a HoH at the Carousel Mall in Syracuse ):

and basically just did "the tour". Shortly after noon, the rain let up considerably so we ventured out for some lunch. Breakfast had been reasonably light (at Dunkin Donuts....Jake's pick) so we opted for a heartier mid-day meal at Steak & Shake. We had heard about their milkshakes and had to try them for ourselves! I will be wishing soon that I had bought some new pants while at the Florida Mall .... specifically, something with an elastic waste...... .

 

[ginny_lynn]

and basically just did "the tour". Shortly after noon, the rain let up considerably so we ventured out for some lunch. Breakfast had been reasonably light (at Dunkin Donuts....Jake's pick) so we opted for a heartier mid-day meal at Steak & Shake. We had heard about their milkshakes and had to try them for ourselves! I will be wishing soon that I had bought some new pants while at the Florida Mall .... specifically, something with an elastic waste...... .

mmmmm....Steak & Shake!! we tried it when we were down and LOVED IT!!!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

mmmmm....Steak & Shake!! we tried it when we were down and LOVED IT!!!

For some reason, we had thought it was a typical fast food place. I didn't realize we would be sat at a table and served. It was a nice surprise.

Definitely added this one to our must-do-again lunches on our next trip.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

By the time we reached Steak & Shake, the rain had pretty much stopped . Knowing so many of our Disboard friends were enjoying Disney parks (with the free dining promotion well underway), we were happy to see that at least part of their weather-soaked day might be salvaged.

So Steak & Shake was a real hit with the boys.

The milkshakes were TO DIE FOR. And huge. Ridiculously, shockingly huge. And apparently, according to our server, the take-out versions of these bad boys are even bigger.

There was no way in heck I was ever going to see the bottom of my glass, but I gave it my best shot. It was a cookie dough shake, after all, and how many places can you actually get that flavour?

Its worth noting, for milkshake enthusiasts, that these behemoths are half price every day from 2-4 pm and 2-4 am.

After lunch, the weather was still kind of questionable, so we rolled our bloated bellies to the Premium Outlets on the north end of International Drive. Over the course of the afternoon, we picked up a host of ridiculously cheap clothing and some souvenirs for the family.

Afterward, we stopped for supplies at Walmart (bottled water, beer, and snacks), enjoyed a leisurely dinner at Olive Garden (hubby's favourite) and then headed back to enjoy a surprisingly beautiful evening at the resort. Jake's shopping urges had been sufficiently satisfied worship and we were ready to RELAX.

Located right outside our building's front entrance was the Citrus Breeze pool and activity center.

In addition to the large pool, there was a hot tub and a kid's pool with a water mushroom.

In total, there were 7 pools, 7 hot tubs, and 4 kids pools located at various locations throughout the resort.

The activity center had full-time staff organizing various crafts, games and activities at any given time. From build-a-bear to tye-dye t-shirts and decorating your own cowboy hat to bicycle rentals, a book and board game lending library, sports equipment rentals and organized games such as family bingo, there was no shortage of fun stuff to do.

But tonight, we just wanted to GET WET. Last one in is a rotten egg!

 

[minnie mum]

I am really enjoying your trip report so far. Those portraits of you and your family were wonderful!! Glad you were able to have a fun and productive first day despite all the rain.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Tuesday, August 28th........

What is this kid doing sleeping?!?!? Doesn't he know that the sun is out and we have a big day planned?

He was enticed awake with the prospect of a buffet breakfast at Sizzler.

Sufficiently satisfied, we piled back in the car and within minutes were at our destination...........

First off, we checked in at Guest Services and were escorted to our private cabana.

We loved, loved, LOVED the cabana. It was great to have our own private space, our own fridge, a full stock of Dasani water, towels, etc. We were in the Uluwatu Cabana area and had cabana #4. That would be the one on the right. It was located just beside the wave pool....a great location within the park!

It was hot, it was sunny, and we were totally pumped for a full day of waterpark fun!!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I am really enjoying your trip report so far. Those portraits of you and your family were wonderful!! Glad you were able to have a fun and productive first day despite all the rain.

Thank you . We were actually ready for the rain....had enough ponchos and umbrellas in the carryons to keep an army dry . It was good timing on Mother Nature's part that our rainy day was the one earmarked for shopping. The rest of the week was absolutely marvellous weather-wise.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

As I suspected, the boys were eager to tackle Dolphin Plunge right off the bat. The prospect of being able to slide right through the Commerson dolphin pool was a big draw. So off they went.

Not a huge slide girl myself, I was happy to watch these gorgeous and graceful creatures from the wonderful shaded viewing area. They are so tiny and yet so graceful.

My kind of water activitiy looks more like this:

There was a beautiful aquarium located on the lazy river, and it also took you past another dolphin viewing area. I could have stayed on that tube for hours.

But there was so much to do! We couldn't just stay in one place. Check out the huge play area they have for kids. It made me wish I had a preschooler or two in tow so I could spend some more time there without the little kids looking at me funnny :

And I still haven't shown you my ultimate favourite section of the park. The best water attraction ever. You'll need a lifejacket for this one......

 

[jennyjinx3]

WOW!! I can't believe the size of that water play area! Looks like so much fun! Sorry you had a hard time at the airport, making me nervous for us this week! On Tuesday we are crossing at Buffalo and it is Sept 11. I am hoping it will all go ok at the airport too.

BTW in the M&M store picture you look more like your DS's sister than his mom!!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

WOW!! I can't believe the size of that water play area! Looks like so much fun! Sorry you had a hard time at the airport, making me nervous for us this week! On Tuesday we are crossing at Buffalo and it is Sept 11. I am hoping it will all go ok at the airport too.

BTW in the M&M store picture you look more like your DS's sister than his mom!!

I wouldn't worry at all about going through security. I think our extra attention really was a fluke. Coming home, we had no problem at all (except for a small glass jar of marmalade that they confiscated from our carry on ... who knew that marmalade was considered a liquid? ). I don't blame the TSA one bit, because they were just doing their job (and I had nothing to hide, so nothing to worry about ). I will keep my fingers crossed for you to have an uneventful and easy border crossing, and a smooth and enjoyable flight experience!!

And let me tell ya, your comment about the photo of us at the M & M store has officially made my day.

 

[KaraLyn]

Sorry to hear about your ordeal at Security...must have been pretty hair rasing! I was going to make the same comment...you look like you could be your son's sister!!

 

[pigletto]

Oh Gina!! Your travel day was a bit of a nightmare!!
It rates right up there with my 7 year old vomiting as he was handing the TSA agent his passport and boarding pass at MCO. Good times I tell you!
I mean really.. bomb chemicals on your shoes?! Your poor boy..he must have been terrified!!
It will become his favourite travel story.. once the trauma wears off. Sheesh!!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Sorry to hear about your ordeal at Security...must have been pretty hair rasing! I was going to make the same comment...you look like you could be your son's sister!!

Oh Gina!! Your travel day was a bit of a nightmare!!
It rates right up there with my 7 year old vomiting as he was handing the TSA agent his passport and boarding pass at MCO. Good times I tell you!
I mean really.. bomb chemicals on your shoes?! Your poor boy..he must have been terrified!!
It will become his favourite travel story.. once the trauma wears off. Sheesh!!

You know, we have really had a good laugh at the whole thing......and man, did we feel safe on that airplane . I mean, if that were scrutinizing people that extensively, we had no worries of there being a terrorist onboard Jetblue Flight 661.

By the time we rolled into the resort, me with my nose still over the barf bag, rain falling outside, hubby looked at me and grinned and said "well sweetie, you know what they say...."poor start, good ending"!". And he was right.....the rest of the trip was perfect. We just got all the crap over with at one time!

And Karalyn ... . With compliments like yours, I may have to do trip reports more often .

 

[retiredkid]

Gina, I just found your TR. I really like your writing style and I am thoroughly enjoying your report. I totally agree with what pps have said, you certainly don't look like Jake's Mom. The portraits are fabulous.....what a great idea. I read your post about airport security to my DH and he just shook his head and said 'wow'. How scary at the time. Happy that you are able to laugh at it now.
thanks for sharing this, and looking forward to the next instalment.

off to click the link to your previous report!!

 

[pooksma]

Quite an adventure so far! Glad you got to relax on the lazy river, you earned it

I am showing DS (11) your pics of Aquatica as it is on his to-do-list for our next summer trip! You are getting rave reviews and so is the park

 

[hcoker1]

Yeah! another trip report!
I loved your photos from the portrait studio, what a great excuse to get family pictures done. I hope my son will be willing to hang out with us at 16 like yours is. Hopefully he will, one of the benefits of having an only child I suppose.

Can't wait to read the rest of your report and to see what other fun things you guys did!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Gina, I just found your TR. I really like your writing style and I am thoroughly enjoying your report. I totally agree with what pps have said, you certainly don't look like Jake's Mom. The portraits are fabulous.....what a great idea. I read your post about airport security to my DH and he just shook his head and said 'wow'. How scary at the time. Happy that you are able to laugh at it now.
thanks for sharing this, and looking forward to the next instalment.

off to click the link to your previous report!!

Thanks so much for the kind comments . Glad to have you along for the ride!!

Quite an adventure so far! Glad you got to relax on the lazy river, you earned it

I am showing DS (11) your pics of Aquatica as it is on his to-do-list for our next summer trip! You are getting rave reviews and so is the park

He will LOVE IT. Its a beautiful park, and so much fun. Rides and slides and attractions for every age and preference, which is kinda nice. Stuff for thrill lovers, stuff for those looking to relax. I hope he enjoys the next batch of photos! (if there's anything I didn't post a pic of that he wants to see, let me know .... I took way more pics than I am posting in this TR).

Yeah! another trip report!
I loved your photos from the portrait studio, what a great excuse to get family pictures done. I hope my son will be willing to hang out with us at 16 like yours is. Hopefully he will, one of the benefits of having an only child I suppose.

Can't wait to read the rest of your report and to see what other fun things you guys did!

Aw, thanks! Jake is a good kid, very family-oriented and grounded. I am a lucky mom. Our next trip at Christmas was actually HIS idea!

Lots more to come! Hoping to post another round of updates later today if I can get Photobucket to co-operate .