January 7, 2005 –

This morning we woke up to a warm and muggy day. We headed east towards Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center. Passed through some rain showers by before getting to the coast – but by the time we got to the Center it was 84 degrees. On the way we passed through the little town of Christmas, Florida. It has a museum; community center and you can just imagine the decorations. There was even an RV park there – complete with year round decorations and site numbers placed on 6-foot candy canes. When Dad suggested that we move there – the idea was just laughed at. (Guess they have lost that Christmas spirit).

The security at the Space Center is more significant than at Disney World – and aside from the exhibits at the Visitor Center there are buses that take you out to observation tower and the Saturn / Apollo exhibit – as vehicles are not permitted. While travelling by the Staging area – where they assemble the rockets, fuel cells and attach them to the Space Shuttle – you could see significant repair marks to the walls and roof – as it suffered some damage from the two hurricanes through the area this year. A crawler – with a moving service area the size of a football field, then moves the assembled Shuttle to the launching pad – about four miles away. This crawler moves along at a top speed of 1 mile per hour (2 miles per hour when it isn’t carrying the shuttle) and gets a whooping 37 feet to the gallon of diesel.

The area that NASA uses is surrounded by a large nature reserve that has many birds and over 3000 alligators (some of which we saw on our tour). There are also a couple of bald eagles that have made their home in a tree that has a bird’s eye view of the launch pads. Their nest did not seem to sustain the same damage as the building did from the hurricanes. Maybe they know something about building – we don’t.

The people around NASA are in a happy and busy mood as the new rocket fuel cell has been delivered – and NASA has announced a tentative shuttle launch date for June of 2005. The fuel cell was unloaded at the harbour last night – and is being prepared to move to the staging area. This will have things gearing up and this will become a busy place – as the Shuttle has not flown in some time (since the Columbia disaster).

At the Apollo / Saturn exhibit – we watched a performance re-enacting both the Apollo program and the moon landing. It took you both through the launch sequence – using the same control room as was originally used – as well as the original video and news recording of the Apollo 11 moon landing. It brought back many memories for Mom and Dad – and also gave the boys a since of the magnitude and drama of the event.

Returning to the Visitor Center we saw a large number of rockets and capsules as well as the space shuttle. The kids seemed to enjoy all the exhibits – and we all thoroughly enjoyed the IMAX movie on the Space Station which was phenomenal. Overall it was a great day that we all enjoyed – although the kids really wanted to see more of the inside workings of the space shuttle. There is supposed to be a satellite launch in five days (Deep Impact Mission) – but we do not think we can fit coming back into our schedule. Headed back to Apopka stopping off at a Steak and Shake for a great supper. We saw an ad for a ‘sippable sundae’ a few days ago and the kids have been watching for the restaurant ever since.

January 8, 2005

This morning it was back to Dizzy World – and the Animal Kingdom. On the way to the Magic Kingdom stopped off at a great park and campground (Turtle Lake City Park) where the family we had met from Alaska are staying. It is in a very picturesque setting and is closer to Disney World. The only down side appear to be that the pool, laundry, club house and facilities, all close down at 5:00 PM when the city employees go home – and therefore there is not much too do when you get back. Hans and Tam stayed at the campground in Disney World for a couple of day while touring the resort – and are now on to other things. We will try to hook up later on in the week – as schedules allow.

We started off our day in the Animal Kingdom with a ride down their river raft adventure (it was only 10:00 but already hot). Mickey and Dad ended up getting soaked. The kids were somewhat disappointed that it was not as long and did not have as many drops as Grizzly Rapids in California – but were pleased just the same. (We ended up doing it twice more that day – and Mickey got soaked each time – so we have dubbed him the “water magnet”). The Flights of Wonder bird show was great and the kids enjoyed the Safari ride. Keelan has started to turn into a roller coaster junkie – which is unusual as neither of his parents are – however we have been taking turns on the rides with him – consequently the Primeval Whirl was done a couple of times (once by each parent). Mickey on the other hand enjoys the ride simulators more – or things that he can figure out how they work. As a result the Dinosaur ride was done a couple of times – as it was as close as we could get to the Indiana Jones ride that Keelan was not able to do when we were in California.

There were a couple of great walks through a variety of animal exhibits – and the Zoo design probably rivals Seattle’s Zoo for how friendly and accessible the exhibits are – without looking like a zoo. We were fortunate enough to see a couple of the tigers play fighting, and the gorillas goofing around. They also have a great bird area – however it kept being eclipsed by the local cranes and pelicans landing on the concession booths and rides.

Saw a stage show called Tarzan Rocks – which had some great acrobatics and inline skating – however the boys gave it mixed reviews.

Mickey was happy as we found a Quizno’s on the way home – and to satisfy Keelan’s needs (or aversion of Quizno’s) he and mom had Chinese food. Sat in Quizno’s and ate – with Mickey shivering every once in awhile – due to still being soaked from the Raft ride. Tried to stop by and see the Gisler’s on the way home – but the gate to the park was locked – and it was not until we got home that we got their phone message with the combination to the gate. Oh well we will try again.

January 9, 2005

Today was dedicated to Disney’s MGM Studios. Unfortunately this was the day of the Disney Marathon – and therefore there were traffic jams getting in and some of the rides and areas were closed (Back Lot Tour). This resulted in us having to change how we had planned to go through the park. It also meant that after the Marathon – you had 15,000 runners, plus their families, and the race volunteers – all-coming into the Theme parks to relax. The unseasonably warm weather this year (82 degrees F today), made it a difficult race for some of the runners. Oh well, they are talking about a cool front coming in by next weekend – and the possibility of rain (we have been real lucky so far – so I guess we can’t complain).

Initially decided that none of us were up to the Tower of Terror and the 13 story drop – however Keelan wanted to go on the Rock’n” Roller Coaster – which quickly accelerates to 60 MPH and does three loops. He took mom with him. Mom states that Mickey helped her get over her fear of spiders – and Keelan was helping her get over her fear of roller coasters. Keelan came back from the ride all smiles – and said that he only had his eyes closed half the time. (Looks like we have created a monster!). Mom just said that she just focussed on the music (Aerosmith) and hung on.

The kids really enjoyed the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular – and seeing how some of the fight and explosion scenes from the movies were made. They were also pleased that both Star Tours and Muppets 3-D were the same as they remembered in California. Mom couldn’t convince any of us to go into “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” – which is probably just as well as the tickets for the show had to be picked up a couple of days before the show was recorded. (It may be something we try and do for our last day). Mom and Dad enjoyed A Man and His Dream (the Walt Disney Story) and the Great Movie Ride (It is amazing of how many movies that mom and dad recognized both in the ride and in the preamble – and how few of the classics the kids had seen).

We decided to take the boat over to Epcot for a brief walk around World Showcase. Watched the 360 degree of Canada – which although it was a bit dated – the kids had fun recognizing all the places that they had been. We then went through the boat ride in the Mexico Pyramid – (which had a restaurant at the beginning that has some of the atmosphere of the Blue Bayou). Also did the Viking boat “tour” through Norway – which was well done – even though it was a bit short. Stopped for a couple of open faced sandwiches at the Norwegian exhibit – as it reminded Dad of the sandwiches he had when he was in Scandinavia back in ’74.

Hurried back to MGM Studios in time to catch the performance of Fantasmic!. Keelan was absolutely fascinated with the images projected on the water mist screen and the character performance – and it was almost more fun watching him than watching the show. The fire on the water – and the special effects were phenomenal.

We then headed back the 30 miles to the campground – to a meal of barbeque pork sandwiches – the pork that have been slowly cooking in the Crock Pot all day. Still trying to perfect the tricks to this little Crock Pot – but it is wonderful to come home late to the smell of food – and not having to do all the work. Oh well, we have lots of time to practice…

January 10, 2005

Missed the corner into the Epcot parking lot this morning – and ended up touring around the many roads by Disney World’s Campground – Fort Wilderness – before being able to get turned back. No one seems to make a good map of how the resorts connect together – and if you miss one corner it is difficult to try and figure out how you can cut across to get back. With 49 square miles of resort area and theme parks – is a map too much to ask? However during the day Dad was able to find some people selling Disney Vacation time-shares (may go to the presentation later in the week) who had produced a map of the entire theme park, resort hotels and roads – that was just great. They however say that they are the only ones that produce it.

Spent most of the day at Epcot and the World Stage – but jumped over to the Magic Kingdom for a couple of hours to see their electric parade – before hurrying back to Epcot for their laser light and fireworks display.

However the biggest tragedy was that Dad’s favourite hiking sandals had disintegrated the day before and he was soon hobbling around with blisters in his cheap Disney “Birkenstock” knock-offs. This made the “hurrying” more difficult. However, now that his hiking sandals are gone – the tan (dried up, leathery, rough) lines on his feet are extremely noticeable – as it appears that this is one area where sunscreen was not applied. Initially we all thought it was dirt – but try as hard as he could – Dad could not wash it off. Everyone is making guesses as to how long it will take to go away or at least get evened out.

Started off the day in Epcot with Mission Space – simulator ride to Mars – both kids did well on this – agreeing to maybe do it again later. There were no takers to do Test Track – a car testing simulator – complete with braking, cornering tests and speeds in excess of 65 MPH.

The kids really enjoyed the Innovation Centres and participated in many of the activities there (Fire Safety; Electronic Playgrounds, Robot Making) and Dad really enjoyed the modern house, which has a sound theatre system to die for. From there went to their Living Waters display and their brief “simulator” to get you into the aquarium. Ended up going through the Energy Show with Ellen and Bill Nye the Science Guy – in a combination theatre performance and ride that was quite amusing

Headed over to the Magic Kingdom – and managed to take in a couple of rides – including Mickey’s PhilharMagic symphony. Both kids were devastated to see that “It’s A Small World” was closed for renovations (Not). The crowds in the Magic Kingdom were significant, and therefore decided that rather than waiting in line we would head over to Main street for a place to sit and watch the parade. We also wanted to be seated somewhere close to the main gate and the Monorail so that we could get back to Epcot quickly. The parade route was crowded and although the parade was good – it did not seem as long or as varied as the one in California had.

After the parade – hurried out to the monorail and back to Epcot and find a place to sit around the lagoon. The turkey legs that we so thoroughly enjoyed previously – were sold out – so we had to satisfy ourselves with some very good fish and chips – and “Bass” to drink.
The laser light show in the lagoon at the World Stage – was brilliant. The fireworks went off from around the lagoon – including about one set of three that were launched from about 10 feet in front of where we were standing. The performance was well worth the wait and even the late night walk around Epcot seemed to appeal to the kids.

January 11, 2005

Today is the day for Sea World. It was a welcome change from the hectic days we have spent in Disney. The pace at Sea World was slower, the crowds reduced, the food prices less, and the staff seemed to be having fun doing their jobs. We all enjoyed the Pet Show (Cats, Dogs, Pigs, Birds); Shamu – the killer whales; and Clyde and Seemore (Seals, Walrus and Otters) performances. It seemed amazing as to what they could train these animals to do – (cats especially – one walked a double tightrope over the audience). Although the Dolphin show is currently not running as they are doing repairs on the Dolphin performance area – the boys were able to watch the Dolphins in the Nursery – and try and pet them in their open pools. Sea World is also very proud of the fact that the Park is certified by the Association of Zoo’s and Aquariums – for treatment of their animals; their educational programs; and the large number of animal rescues and rehabilitations they perform.

The boys also enjoyed the Journey to Atlantis ride – but even Keelan had no interest in doing the floorless roller coaster (it’s okay he isn’t tall enough yet – and Mom said she would shrink if necessary). Atlantis was a combination log plume (visible) and roller coaster (not visible). Keelan wanted to go a second time – so mom went with him … however Mickey did not think they were wet enough – and activated three water cannons which thoroughly soaked both Mom and Keelan when they floated by on the viewing area. We then moved on to the polar adventure simulator and the exhibits there (we may have done this backwards, as moving into a cool place after getting wet was probably not the brightest thing to do).

The day also provided some surprises for all of us. We encountered one shop that was reducing their inventory and had clothes and souvenirs on at 70% off. Mom was able to get a couple of outfits – and dad and the boys able to get a few things – all at significantly reduced prices. Further as Sea World is operated by Anheiser Busch – there was also an instruction area on the making of beer – as well as the Clydesdale village – where some of the Budweiser horses and wagons are housed. In addition – they offer two free product samples of their beer (@12 oz each) – per person, which made up for the $8 parking fee in mom and dad’s opinion.

To top it off – Sea World allowed you to present your tickets on the way out – and gave you a second day for free – with all you had to pay was for the parking (and you can get new samples!!). As there were a couple of things we would like to see again – we may go come back if we have time – as the price is right.

We returned to the campground – and had a quick supper and then had time to visit with the Gisler’s. The boys enjoyed playing around the campground and having a later night – but got a bit of a scolding from an older lady who told them that they should be at home an in bed. Mom and Dad enjoyed the visit – with other longer-term travellers and home schoolers – and to get some ideas on where to stop on the West Coast of Florida. Although our schedules means that we will be going different directions tomorrow – we will try and hook up again somewhere down the road.

January 12, 2005 –

Today is our move day – as we have used up our seven days at the Apopka RV Park. We are moving to about 20 minutes east of Disney World – in Kissimmee. Slow and lazy start for all of us. Hans (Gisler) had gone out to Tow World with their new Suzuki to get the tow bracket installed – and Dad went out with Tam to pick him up (so that they wouldn’t have to take their RV out) while Mom finished packing up. Came back and said good-bye to the Gisler’s for now – and headed out to the new campground.

Got to new campground, dropped the RV, quickly jumped into our “toad” and headed to a nearby Wal-Mart parking lot. It was located on a high point of ground – and gave us a good view to the East. At 1:46 NASA launched “Deep Impact”, a scientific satellite that was going to rendezvous with an asteroid. Then on July 4, 2005 – a probe will be launched into the Asteroid and the impact will create a crater the size of football field. Both the impact as well as the analysis of the surface – will be sent back to the satellite and then forwarded to earth. (Hope they know what they are doing – messing with the route of an asteroid). From the Wal-Mart parking lot we could see the rocket launch, roll over and head up and out over the Atlantic Ocean.

Returned to the RV Park after a short grocery shop. The RV Park is physically divided into a section for people with children and a section for people without children. The without children crowd is mostly travelling or snowbird retirees – with a small number of permanent residents. They seemed to be down at the hall enjoying karaoke (youngest person in the room was at least 60). The “with” children group are mostly young families – and there are multitudes of children. The first gentleman we met tried to be really friendly – welcoming us to the kids’ area. He let us know that his brother lived beside us (the one with a confederate flag on both the flag pole and in the trailer window) and had a couple of kids, that the lady down the way that this week had custody of four young girls, and the neighbour dogs – who he had just let out, were friendly etc.

Dad went out to get a few supplies – as the window in the door of the RV came loose during our trip down today. By the time he got back – Mom got to meet several other of the locals – including one older gentleman – who provided her with some epoxy for the window. The street was filled with kids riding around on bicycles and motorized toys – and seemingly “communally” parented. The one older gentleman tried to play the role of the mediator – while other parents bellowed from their easy lounges. Suffice it to say that it is fortunate that except for today we will be gone most of the time – as the communal parenting styles and standards – seemed to be a far different from our own.

The boys spent the afternoon and evening trying to get caught up on both their schoolwork and journals – given the hectic pace that we have had for the last week. Dad did a number of minor repairs to the RV and Toad – and mom completed the laundry. Tomorrow we return to the hectic pace of Dizzy World.

January 13, 2005 –

Up to a later start this morning – and despite all of Dad’s protests about destroying his perfect record – we took a toll way to Disney – and still arrived about our usual time due to the shorter and more direct route that the toll way offered. Parked at the Magic Kingdom – intent on completing some of the rides that we had missed and repeating those that we enjoyed. As a result we ended up doing a number of the higher speed rides (Thunder Mountain Railway, Splash Mountain, Space Mountain) – even Mickey was enjoying these and Mom even wanted to do Space Mountain again. Dad was even able to find another Turkey Leg to munch on and share (for the cost it is probably one of the best values at $5.25 when you consider that hot dogs are $4.00).

Completed all of what we wanted to do in the Magic Kingdom – and this time took the car and moved it to the MGM parking lot. Were able to get into the Back lot Tour (disappointment after Universal California) and were able to repeat several other rides there. Mom and Keelan were even able to repeat the Rock’n Roller Coaster – much to Keelan’s delight. Dad dropped into the light show long enough to pick up some cups he was looking for – and then it was out the gate.

Stopped by a number of discount tourist souvenir shops on the way home – and everyone but mom was able to find something – however Mom still has her haul the other day from Sea World to keep her going. They are predicting over an 1 1/2 inches of rain here tomorrow (continuation of the storm front that caused all the rain and mud slides in California) – so we are not sure what things we will be able to do. Mom has tentatively booked us into the Disney Vacation Club open house at Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. They are picking us up at downtown Disney – so we can probably do some looking around – as the rides may be a bit wet. Mom and Dad figure this is the right time to check this out – as they have no money that they can commit to anything right now – and therefore can’t be sucked in. The sales rep however promised that there were no high-pressure tactics (as the last thing they wanted to do was upset Disney families) and the most difficult choice that you would have would be deciding which flavour of ice cream you wanted (presentation ends up in an old fashion ice cream parlour).