EPCOT (1.30.10)

Epcot was impressive, despite the fact that our final day at the Disney complex was spent in the rain. Before it poured, we were able to enjoy a fast ride on Test Track. But regardless of the weather outside Sourin’ and Mission Space were out of this world!

In Finks fashion, we stopped off for catch a quick bite of schnitzel at the Biergarten in Germany. If only Helga had been with us, we’d have stayed for the oom-pah band. But, we had a lot of ground to cover before our nap!

From Mexico to Canada and every country in between (including Never Never Land), we had a day full of international experiences.


We ended our night(before the fireworks, of course)in Japan at Teppan Edo. Yummy!

Animal Kingdom (1.29.10)

Our family loves animals. We have currently 2 cats, 2 dogs, 2 lizards, and we are the first to take in the homeless. So, we thought that Animal Kingdom would be our favorite park. This was the only day we made it to the park early, actually before it opened.

Our first adventure was going down Exhibition Everest, a roller coaster based on the Himalayan Mountains and the Yeti. We learned very quickly that Harrison was not as fond of heights or thrill rides as his sister is, which obligated Grayson and me to ride the first time by ourselves. Grayson (a.k.a The Wild Woman) LOVED it, and she begged to go a second time, but this time with Dad. I’ll let you be the judge of how that went over. Needless to say, Grayson and I rode a final third time without the boys.

Other experiences included Dinosaur (which scared Mom more than anyone) and the Kali River Rapids, which soaked us all. By the third time, even the poncho that I wore couldn’t keep me from being wet! Kilimanjaro Safari was a big hit, which we rode twice before heading back to the hotel for pool time.




We visited Downtown Disney in the evening and ate dinner at Wolfgang Puck. Check out these pups made of legos! The kids wished for them to turn to life. After all, this is Disney, isn't it?

Hollywood Studios and American Idol (1.28.10)

For what ever reason, all of Florida (and lots of guests from Canada) decided to come to Hollywood Studios on this day. We were fairly lucky with the crowds at the Magic Kingdom, but, we were packed like sardines for most of the mid morning to night here. I had to remind Lloyd that coming to Disney was his idea, which seemed to silence his comments (if only for a short time).

Despite the people, we had a very fun day. Lloyd insisted that I try out for an American Idol show. Not the real TV show, but, the American Idol Experience, which is meant to mimic the TV show. On my first audition when asked “Why do you want to be an American Idol?” I said, “I don’t. I’m humoring my husband”. Sang a cappella. Pass….round two. “Why do you want to be an American Idol?” Answer. “I’m not”. “Let me sing “Walkin’ in Memphis” for you. Pass…round three. “Shannon, what do you do?” Answer: “I’m a pharmacist”. “Get out of town! Why does my ACE inhibitor make me cough?” After our counseling session was over, I sang again, and he advanced me to a show!

I was put through “hair and makeup” and voice coaching and given some time to practice on stage. It was a very fun experience. I repeat…. I am NOT an American Idol. But, the staff certainly made you feel like you were! The kids and Lloyd sat in VIP seating. Audience filled to 300+. Judges were just like the show. Most memorable was the kind female judge who said that my voice was like chocolate soufflé… like she was listening to Karen Carpenter. The Simon judge was very funny and told me that if it’s true that talent skips a generation, then my children will be very talented! I am very disappointed to report that I did not advance to the finale show, and you will not be watching me make a fool of myself on national television. Ah, all those dreams!



Our must see attractions included dining at the Sci-Fi Diner, The Car Stunt Show (which we missed because of pool time), Toy Story, the Tower of Terror, and Fantasmic. Very fun day.

Magic Kingdom (1.27.10)

To see this park in one day, I was told to have a plan of attack. So, when the crowd headed toward Space Mountain, we instead went left and lingered at Swiss Family Robinson, Pirates of the Caribbean (which we rode twice) and the Jungle Cruise. Splash Mountain was closed (bummer….) but, the rest of Frontier land thrived.

Big Thunder Mountain was Harrison’s favorite roller coaster in the entire Disney complex. We rode 3 times- our most memorable ride was at night.

After lunch at Tony’s Town Square Pizza (Lady and the Tramp-- think spaghetti), Grayson and I managed to ride Space Mountain at least once before it broke down for the day. We drove cars, spun tea cups, rode It’s a Small World, and split up for Lloyd and Harrison to conquer The Haunted Mansion while the girls rode Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (ah, nostalgia).



The kids demanded “pool time” so, we “rested” at the pool while Lloyd took a nap, before rushing back to M.K. just in time for the fireworks. I remember visiting the Magic Kingdom as a child. Why don’t I remember being exhausted at the end of the day?

A Disney Vacation

For all of you who love Disney, please forgive me for what I am about to say. Disney is NOT a vacation. It is more like….BOOT CAMP.

“Rise and shine campers! You will get to breakfast before the bus leaves to take you to the theme park for the day. And when you get to the park, you will stand in line to get your backpack cleared, then, stand in line to enter before you run for your first Fast Pass. You will walk a million miles, then stand in line for the prized ride. You will stand in line for lunch, then stand in line for the bathroom, then stand in line for the bus to take you back so you can rest. You will be on time for all reservations and you will plan accordingly. You will do this for 5 days in a row, and you will be happy about it!”

I am old, apparently.