All smiles!

Tuesday found us back in the big leagues, doing the Disney thing.  We planned to go to Hollywood Studios in the morning and then if all was well, we'd move on to Epcot.  Hollywood Studios is small enough that it can easily be done in a day.  But could we accomplish all we wanted having 5 young kids with us?  The answer is yes!

When Sam is good, she is VERY good.  And when she is bad, I can only liken it to being outside in a hurricane while trees are crashing down all around you.  You know you need to get out of the way, you just aren't sure which way to go.  And as we've experienced, this storm can last hours upon hours with no relief.   But I am pleased to report that just like the Tuesday before, Sam was amazing.  Exceptional even. All 5 kids were at their best.  It was the most phenomenal day. Even being caught in at least 3 major rain showers didn't slow us down one bit. 

We arrived at Hollywood Studios right when they opened and 7 wet hours later, we were heading back to the car.  Here is a list of all we saw and did:

Star Tours
Muppet Vision 3D
Met Phineas and Ferb
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Lunch at Backlot Express
Toy Story Mania!
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
The Magic of Disney Animation
Disney Junior Live on Stage



Toy Story Mania!  It is as great as everyone says!!



Hanging with Phineas and Ferb

We hadn't fully decided if we would go back to my sister's house for some downtime or continue on to Epcot without a break.  Once all the kids were strapped in their seats, Jen and I looked at each other and decided to go for it.  As previously mentioned, neither of us is going to be the voice of reason.  It made more sense to keep going than lose any time.

Here is a list of what we saw and did at Epcot:

Spaceship Earth
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Living with The Land
Dinner at Seasons
Journey into Immagincation with Figment
Phineas and Ferb World Showcase



In between rain showers, we arrive at Epcot.

Everything was a winner except our last thing at Epcot.  Saving the world with Phineas and Ferb is too hard to do after a long day at Disney.  It was too challenging to hear the clues with all the people around you and one device for 4 kids is just not fair.  The world is going to have to be saved by someone else.  We turned in our device and headed home.  Stick a fork in us, we had enough.

By far, the most favorite thing we all loved was Toy Story Mania!  This ride was so awesome and I can see why it is the most popular thing at Hollywood Studios.  

On so many levels we got lucky on both Tuesdays spent at Disney -- we managed to have little to no wait on every single ride we went on.  And then we'd look behind us, and there would be a big line of people!!   And when we approached a show to see when the next showtime was, it would be within the next 5 minutes, with plenty of seats still available.  The other thing that worked in our favor was the fast passes.  This is the best thing ever.  Fast passes has got to be one of the best inventions ever.   Toy Story Mania! for example had an 85 minute wait, but we walked right on with the fast pass.  Sweet!!   

Our stay in Orlando is winding down.  Wednesday was our last full day.  We met up with my mom and stepfather for lunch at T-Rex Cafe in downtown Disney and then took it easy back at my sister's house.

Mom-Mom and Ian...together again.

Today (Thursday) is our drive back to NoVa.  We decided to do the drive back during the day and hopefully get home by midnight.  If timed correctly, we will miss the traffic in Orlando, Jacksonville, Richmond and the D.C. Metro area.  It is going to be good to get back home.  I miss Jeff.  The kids are going to have a wonderful time here in Orlando with my family and I am in desparate need of a break.