TravelStream™ news feed for member ricflack on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/ricflack en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:27:30 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ricflack/5/1253621725/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ricflack/5/1253621725/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ricflack/5/1253621725/tpod.html Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:27:30 -0400 Ric and Steve's Orlando Adventure

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Orlando, Florida, United States

We had asked about early entry for OnSite Hotel Guests and were told that we could get into the parks 30 minutes early so we headed over to Islands of Adventure where we were going to start our day. We found out that the Early Entry was only at Universal Studios so we went over there. There was a whole group of Brazilian Tourists going into the park so we were a little concerned about crowds but we went into the park ahead of them. We decided to go ride the Mummy.

Turns out the Brazilian Tourists were having a private event on the lawn in front of the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit so we headed right past. We were stopped by an employee who told us that the only two attractions open for early entry were Jimmy Neutron and Shrek so we stood and talked to her for a while until they opened the park officially. We were the first people to ride the Rip Ride Rockit and the only people on our train. When we got off we went to view our ride video only to find out that, like the night before, the video didn't work. The worker told us to go ride it again and see if it worked. The line was still short so we took a second ride on it and got the video.

Next was the Mummy, we grabbed so breakfast at Starbucks then went to Men In Black and the Simpsons. We were going to go see Terminator but the next show wasn’t for about 35 minutes so we decided to head over to Islands of Adventure.

In Islands of Adventure we rode everything in Seuss Landing and then walked through The Lost Continent and past the new Harry Potter "Island" that will be opening up next Spring. We rode Dueling Dragons in what is currently The Lost continent but will be part of Harry Potter and then it was time for our lunch reservation at Mythos. Steve had a Chicken wrap and I had Blueberry crusted pork.

After lunch, we decided that we would walk back through Seuss Landing and head over to Marvel Super Hero Island because the construction of Harry Potter made it difficult to get over to the other islands and we wanted to do the wet rides at the end. So, we rode the Hulk, and Spider Man before heading to Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge Barge Rapids and Dudley Do Right Rip Saw Falls. If you know anything about these rides, there is absolutely no way to come off them dry. We were dripping wet! Then it was off to Jurassic Park River Adventure. That was the end of the rides at IOA and, since we were wet, we decided to go ride Jaws at Universal Studios. On the way through, it turned out that Terminator was starting in 5 minutes so we went in. Then off to Jaws and finally we went to see Shrek.

We decided to go to the pool and swim for a while before dinner since we were already drenched. There weren’t many people at the pool other than a group of people who had imbibed in what appeared to be a large amount of spirits. They were loud and obnoxious and even entertained the whole pool area by singing God Bless America. It was quite a show.

We had a 7:50 dinner reservation at Kouzzina by Cat Cora at the Boardwalk but decided to go over early to see if we could be seated. Turns out there was a no-show and they seated us immediately. The food was delicious! This is a great new restaurant and a place we would recommend. The service was a little slow the the food was great. I had a Pastitsio, a “Greek Lasagne”, and Steve had a Flank Steak that the server recommended. We started out with an appetizer that was three separate dips with pita. There was a yogurt dip, a olive and fig dip and hummus.

We then decided we needed to go to Beaches and Cream for some ice cream. Steve got a sundae with peanut butter and chocolate and I got a mocha shake. Then it was a couple of laps around Crescent Lake to work off a little of our dinner and dessert.

We then went back to the hotel and packed because we were moving to Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge for the next two nights. Lights out was around 12:30 and then, at around 2:00 I was woken up by either a fight or a party going on somewhere near our room. I laid there trying to decide if I should call the front desk when Steve woke up as well. We figured out which room it was coming from and called the Front Desk to ask them to do something about it. They sent a security guard up and the people were quiet for about 10 minutes until more people joined in. Finally, around 3:30 Steve called the front desk again where he was told that “people party hard at the Hard Rock” he asked to speak to the hotel night manager who said that he would get the situation taken care of immediately. We heard the phone ring and then the party was over and we both fell asleep around 4:00 only to both be awake around 5:30….who need sleep on a trip like this.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ricflack/5/1253672624/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ricflack/5/1253672624/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ricflack/5/1253672624/tpod.html Tue, 22 Sep 2009 22:24:56 -0400 Ric and Steve's Orlando Adventure

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Orlando, Florida, United States

Well, both of us were up before the wake up call. We got ready to leave and left the hotel around 9:00 to go to Disney's Hollywood Studios and ride Toy Story Midway Mania. The Fastpass tickets weren’t for 2 hours away and we had limited time so we got in the 40 minute standby line which turned out to be only about 25 minutes.

After Toy Story we got in the car and headed over to the Magic Kingdom. We wanted daytime photos and realized we forgot to ride Pirates the night before. When we got into the park, we took photos, and then on the way to Pirates decided to see if we could find the son of a friend of ours who works in Tomorrowland so we took the long way around. We saw Josh in Fantasyland and since we were there decided to see Philharmagic. Then, it was off to Pirates, where we were sidetracked and rode the Haunted Mansion. Finally it was time for Pirates. When we got off, we headed off to Downtown Disney for lunch before heading to the airport for our flights home.

We ate lunch at the Earl of Sandwich and headed to the airport. I got on my flight on time but, Steve found out that his flight had been canceled and he would miss his connecting flight to Richmond. He was able to get it switched but wouldn’t be home until 1:00 am.

Now it is time to find the next big adventure for us.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ricflack/5/1253672144/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ricflack/5/1253672144/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ricflack/5/1253672144/tpod.html Tue, 22 Sep 2009 22:17:19 -0400 Ric and Steve's Orlando Adventure

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Orlando, Florida, United States

This was our marathon day. We decided that we would go to all four Theme Parks today and started off at the Animal Kingdom. Before going to the park, we went over to Jambo House to have breakfast at The Mara.

We were at Disney's Animal Kingdom for rope drop and rode Expedition Everest, Primeval Whirl and Kilimanjaro Safari and got our photos taken with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Kenai and Koda.

Next was Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Where we rode Rock n Roller coaster, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, The Great Movie Ride and had lunch at Pizza Planet.

It was a really hot day and we decided to go back to the hotel to cool off in the pool. While we were there, they had a Disney Trivia contest and Steve and I won.

After getting redressed we went to Epcot for our dinner reservation at the Coral Reef. Both Steve and I had the Salmon and it was delicious. After dinner we rode Soarin’, Test Track and Spaceship Earth.

Then to the Monorail to head over to the last park of the day, the Magic Kingdom. It was Extra Magic Hours so the park was open until midnight. We rode Splash mountain (got drenched), the Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, and the People Mover. We watched the new Hall of Presidents and got Dole Whips.

Since this was the last night of our trip, we ended up sitting up and talking until 4:45 am. We set a wake up call for 8:00 and went to bed.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ricflack/5/1253671005/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ricflack/5/1253671005/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ricflack/5/1253671005/tpod.html Tue, 22 Sep 2009 22:07:07 -0400 Ric and Steve's Orlando Adventure

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Orlando, Florida, United States

We planned on leaving the hotel around 8:00 and head over to Sea World for the morning. Since we were both up early this wasn't a problem. We got to Sea World at about 8:15 and the parking lot wasn’t open so we sat in the car waiting for it to open. We were the first car in the lot and were able to park in a shady spot. Then we went up the gates got our tickets and went into the park. Our goal for the morning was to ride the three roller coasters. The first was the new Manta roller coaster that is a flying roller coaster with an awesome queue through an aquarium full of Manta Rays. It was a really good coaster. Then we grabbed a bite to eat at the bakery before heading back to ride Kraken and Journey to Atlantis and Manta a second time.

Then we headed over to WDW to check into our Villa at Kidani Village in the Animal Kingdom Lodge. We had a One Bedroom Villa with a Standard View and the room was ready for us. So we went up, unpacked changed to go to Typhoon Lagoon and headed out. On the way over, we stopped at Epcot Guest Service so Steve could pick up his park ticket. Typhoon Lagoon wasn’t too crowded and we were able to go on every slide and spend time in the wave pool and lazy river plus some time lounging on chairs on the beach. We swam in Shark Reef and took photos before heading back to the hotel to get changed for dinner at Boma. As usual, dinner was delicious and Boma is mine and Steve’s favorite restaurant.

We then went mini-golfing at Winter Summerland where Steve beat me by 5 strokes. We had thought about playing a round on each course but it was so hot we ran over to Downtown Disney to pick up a couple of items and then back to the hotel for bed.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ricflack/5/1253620532/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ricflack/5/1253620532/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ricflack/5/1253620532/tpod.html Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:08:35 -0400 Ric and Steve's Orlando Adventure

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Orlando, Florida, United States

Steve and I decided that since we both had Universal Orlando tickets from the Super Bowl that we would take a long weekend with just the boys in Orlando. Steve's flight arrived in Orlando in around 10 am and he picked up the car and went to the Hard Rock Hotel to check in. He then spent the next few hours walking around Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios taking photos. When I arrived around 4:15 he picked me up at the airport Our original plan was to go directly to Walt Disney World for dinner but Steve told me that we would need to exchange my voucher for a ticket and that the line to do so was very long when he exchanged his. So, we decided to take my luggage to the hotel, exchange my voucher and ride the new roller coaster at Universal Studios called the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. We got to the queue at about 5:40 and there was a 20 minute wait which was perfect since the park closed at 6:00. It actually turned out to be a 40 minute wait but we rode it and had a great time. It has a vertical hill for the first hill and then several new moves never before done on a coaster before. You also get to pick you own soundtrack to listen to during the ride.

After riding we decided to go tour the Portofino Bay Hotel and then went back to the Hard Rock Hotel, got the car and drove over to Disney’s Polynesian Hotel to have dinner at Kona Café. Our reservation was for 8:00 but we asked if we could be seated early. They told us they probably would be unable to do so but actually did seat us in about 10 minutes. That was great because both Steve and I were starving. We had sushi for an appetizer and Steve ordered Shrimp and Scallops and I had Tuna Oscar. The food was really good and we were both glad we tried the restaurant. We decided to go to the counter service restaurant at the Polynesian and get a Dole Whip for dessert.

It was time for Wishes to start so we walked out to the beach to see them but ultimately decided we didn’t want to so we watch so we got the car and went to Downtown Disney to shop for a while and then back to the Hard Rock. We did work for a while before turning in for the night.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ricflack/4/1248971518/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ricflack/4/1248971518/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ricflack/4/1248971518/tpod.html Sun, 02 Aug 2009 12:53:47 -0400 Disneyland July 2009

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Anaheim, California, United States

We debated whether we needed to take advantage of Early Entry but, in the end we decided we would get up early and head to the parks again. We overslept but still made it to the turnstile a little after 7am. Space Mountain was our first ride of the day. We then rode the Matterhorn and it was at this point that we realized that this was not going to be a successful Early Entry. The crowds were HUGE. We finished Matterhorn just as the Park was opening...two rides in one Early Entry hour vs our successful Early Hour a couple of days earlier.

Since the line for Storybook Canal Boats can get long we jumped on that ride so that the Baker family could experience all the greatness that original attraction has to offer. Then a few of the group rode the Mad Hatter Tea Party.

Breakfast was again at the Bakery on Main Street and then we took the train back to ToonTown. We had a short wait for Roger Rabbit and then wandered around ToonTown, saw Mickey Mouse and even bumped into Goofy on the street.

Our next stop was going to be it's a small world but....BROKEN!

We caught the train and took it around to New Orleans Square so that we could see the Grand Canyon and Primeval World and then finish up by riding Pirates and Haunted Mansion. As soon as we got off the Train Steve and I went to get Splash FastPasses. Then rode the Mansion, and Pirates before grabbing lunch at the River Belle.

Then it was time for our Splash FastPasses. As we walked up toward Splash, it was eerily quiet..BROKEN! Our streak continues.

So, we decided to head to The Enchanted Tiki Room where we could get Dole Whips and watch the show.

After the Tiki Room we went to Disney's California Adventure where we rode Toy Story Mania, Maliboomer, played some more games on the boardwalk, rode California Screamin' and then went to the Animation Academy where we learned to draw Pooh. We wanted to ride Monsters Inc so we headed over there but, our streak continued....BROKEN.

Since the plan for this night was to let the Kids enjoy the parks while the grown ups went to Dinner at Napa Rose we decided this would be a good time to split up. Nikki and Susan wanted to freshen up so the four adults went back to the hotel and the kids got some freedom.

While the ladies went up to the rooms Steve and I went to check in for our flights and then took a quick tour of the DVC units that will be opening up at Disney's Grand Californian.

Dinner was delicious and the company was great! Since we all ordered something different we were able to taste several different dishes.

Steve and I still had California Screamin' FastPasses so we went and rode that after dinner while the ladies went to shop. Then we met the kids at the Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street in Disneyland. The kids had a great adventure without the parents and I am sure that they were glad for their freedom.

It was getting crowded for the Fireworks so we grabbed a spot on Main Street to wait for the show to start. I have to say that although the new "Magical" show is nice, it is nothing compared to the "Remember" show that it replaced. We were all tired so we rode the Monorail back to the hotel.

Since the Bakers had to leave early the next morning to catch their flight we said our goodbyes and went to bed.

]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ricflack/4/1249058335/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ricflack/4/1249058335/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ricflack/4/1249058335/tpod.html Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:48:38 -0400 Disneyland July 2009

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

West Valley City, Utah, United States

I was awake and heard the Bakers leaving their room so I decided to step out in the hall and say goodbye. They had to get gas and get to LAX for their flight so they left fairly early.

Nikki got out of bed around 8 and the girls got up around 8:30 and 9 so we had a lazy morning. We packed and took our luggage down to Bell Services to store for us.

Then we were off to the Monorail to go into Disneyland. We had breakfast at Tomorrowland Terrace and then went to Pixie Hollow to see the Fairies. Finally Kelise got to see Fawn so she was happy.

After that, Regan and I left to walk over to Anaheim Garden Walk Shopping center to see Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince in 3D on the IMAX Screen. Kelsie and Nikki stayed in the parks to enjoy more of the day.

Only about 25 minutes of Harry Potter was in 3D so it was a little disappointing but still a good movie.

Nikki and Kelsie rode Autopia, Pirates, Haunted Mansion, a few rides in Fliks Fun Fair and had lunch.

After the movie we met back up with them and rode Monster's Inc and then went to learn to draw Goofy at the Animation Academy. Once we were done there it was close to time to leave for the airport so we stopped by the Tortilla Factory and Boudin Bakery for samples and headed back to the hotel to get our luggage and car.

The drive back was fairly easy with just a little traffic where the 22 merges with the 405.

I had planned on filling up the car at the Chevron Station right on the corner by Long Beach Airport but, when we got there the gas station is completely gone, just a pile of dirt remains. So, we ended up paying $4.70 per gallon for the gas that we used.

We made it through security and onto the plane and home all as smoothly as possible.

It was a great trip with great friends and we were all sad it had to end.

]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ricflack/4/1248884067/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ricflack/4/1248884067/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ricflack/4/1248884067/tpod.html Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:49:31 -0400 Disneyland July 2009

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Anaheim, California, United States

We decided not to take advantage to Mickey's ToonTown Morning Madness because that would give us the chance to sleep in at least a little.

We stopped by the Jazz Kitchen Express for Beignets then went into Disney's California Adventure. We had planned on taking advantage of the Toy Story Midway Mania pre-line that they offered but when we arrived we were told that they stopped that three weeks ago. So, we rode Soarin and then, got to the rope just as they dropped them. We went right back to ride Toy Story Midway Mania. Steve was the #2 spot for the day (which he didn't let anyone forget for the rest of the trip). We then rode California Screamin' and, just as we got off...it broke (are you noticing a pattern?). We headed to Mickey's FunWheel to ride and we watched people being evacuated from California Screamin. Unfortunately a few people in our party didn't fare to well on the FunWheel. W

The kids played a few games on the Midway. We decided to walk to get a tortilla but, unfortunately, Kelsie didn't feel well from her experience on the FunWheel so she and Nikki headed back to the Hotel for a break.

We got our free tortillas and bread and then went to ride Grizzly.

Lunch was at Taste Pilots Grill and then we went to ride the attractions in Bugs Land. Kelsie and Nikki joined us for most of them. We then went to Tower of Terror for another ride on it.

After an afternoon swim we headed to our favorite restaurant in Southern California called Luigi's d' Italia.

Then, back to Disney's California Adventure to see Disney's Electric Light Parade. Steve, the kids and I rode Mulhollad Madness while Nikki and Susan saved a space for us. (We had some extra FastPasses for it so, Steve and I rode it a second time too.)

After the parade we went shopping at World of Disney then back to the hotel to call it a night.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ricflack/4/1248878082/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ricflack/4/1248878082/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ricflack/4/1248878082/tpod.html Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:31:40 -0400 Disneyland July 2009

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Anaheim, California, United States

Early Entry was at 7 am so we met at 6:45 to go to the Monorail and into Disneyland. Unfortunately, the Monorail was having issues and was not going to be able to take us into the park so we walked the rest of the way.

We were able to ride all of the Fantasyland rides (except Pinocchio which is closed while the refurbish it), the Matterhorn and Finding Nemo Subs (which we walked right onto). By the time we finished it was park opening time so Steve and I ran to get FastPasses for Space Mountain while the rest of our families waited near Autopia which was going to be our next ride. Kelsie loves to drive the cars so we ride this every time as early in the day as we can so we avoid the huge lines that form.

Once we finished driving on Autopia we went to the bakery for breakfast. We then used our Space FastPasses. Next came a ride on Buzz Lightyear then off to explore the rest of the park. The crowds weren't awful at all and we were able to see most of the park.

Lunch was at the Blue Bayou and we were able to get a table right on the water. As usual, we got our Monte Cristo Sandwiches and Mint Juleps.

We took an afternoon pool break which was awesome! It was hot and that little bit of time in the cool water was a great pick me up.

Dinner was at Rancho del Zocalo inside Disneyland Park. Regan loves this place so we eat there every visit.

We made arrangements to have the Preferred Seating for Fantasmic which was great. The dessert box was packed full of pastries, cheeses, crackers and grapes. We were able to stay and watch the fireworks too!

Afterwords Nikki, Susan and Brittany went back to the hotel and Steve, Regan, Kelsie, Justin, Josh and I stayed to ride some rides. We got in line for Space Mountain..it broke down. Then, in line for the Matterhorn...it broke down. Then we went to Big Thunder Mountain...it worked. Then we decided we were beat and were going to take the Monorail back to the hotel. On the way there, we passed Casey Jr and it had no wait. Steve remembered this ride from his childhood and, since I didn't let him ride it last September, we decided we would do it. Josh and Justin LOVED the ride. Then we went to the Monorail...guess what?! it broke down.

So, we walked back to the hotel for bed.




]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ricflack/4/1248584036/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ricflack/4/1248584036/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ricflack/4/1248584036/tpod.html Sun, 26 Jul 2009 01:02:15 -0400 Disneyland July 2009

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Anaheim, California, United States

We started the day out with Breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen. It is located in the Disneyland Hotel so getting there was very easy.

After we were seated and got our breakfast we saw Chip, Dale, Goofy, Cinderella, The Fairy Godmother and Baloo. As usual, we stuffed ourselves on all the brunch offerings.

We then drove over to Knotts. It is an easy drive, about 10 minutes, parking was a breeze and we were in the park before it opened. The first ride we went on was Silver Bullet. We also rode Ghostrider (my favorite ride at Knotts), Xcellerator, Perilous Plunge, Montezuma's Revenge, The Pony Express and a few others.

Then it was time for dinner at Knotts Chicken Dinner Restaurant. The food was as delicious as always and still a good value. I dint believe that there is anyway to walk away from there anything but stuffed.

We made a stop by Disney's Character Warehouse on the way back to the hotel. The girls bought a few things that they couldn't live without.

Then, we were on our way back to the Disneyland Hotel to swim.

Tomorrow is an Early Entry Day so we will be up early for a busy day at the Disneyland Resort.

]]>