" Visiting Mickey's (WET!!!) Neighborhood" Update 7-17Completed w/ final thoughts About This Page:

[MAria R]

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I feel like you missed out on so much at IOA. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] You skipped over some things I think you two would have enjoyed (Sinbad show, Lost Continent, Jurassic park hands on activities in the downstairs area of the Main bldg, Pteranydon Flyers) Glad you took the time to go back to Universal to do the things you liked though!

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<font color="blue"> Yeah, I knew when we left that there was probable much more to see and do but I blame that on my lack of planning and not really knowing what all was there. Antonio loves both of those parks now so I am sure we will end up there again and next time I will do some planning before hand. </font>

[lauren-roxy]

Great updates Maria!! Sorry you got so wet, that really is not fun at all. Hope your knee is feeling better. Can't wait to hear about KSC, we really enjoyed it there.

[jimmymac]

Glad you enjoyed US / IOA even getting soooo wet. Mummy / Spiderman are great rides. Dr. Doom is actually a great ride too (and I'm afraid of heights [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cry.gif[/img]), as is Hulk. Looking forward to the next chapter [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zread.gif[/img]

[Caldercup]

Great updates, Maria.

[ QUOTE ]
And that is when I remembered why these trips are so precious to me. It isn't often during the hustle and bustle of everyday living that I get to sit back and enjoy the time I have with Antonio. But these trips allow me to sit back and do that, and there really isn't anything better.

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[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] that!! It sums up perfectly why I like to take my son so much!
Eileen

[MAria R]

<font color="blue"> <u>Kennedy Space Center</u>

We woke up bright and early and I tried to perpare myself for the day considering all my body problems. My father and brother were joining us on this trip so I was glad that we would be able to spend our last day in Orlando doing something with them. It is funny because we had planned to go here from the beginning but a few days into the trip my father bought some coke cans at the local Wal-mart. Well low and behold these were special cans. With these cans we were able to get both kids in free by turning one can in for each and paying an adult ticket. My father and I were pretty happy about that. Well it took us what felt like forever to get there. I am convinced there was a quicker route but oh well. I had not even managed to make it from the parking lot to the ticket booth when my knee started to hurt badly [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/ouch.gif[/img] and my thighs weren't feeling great either. I was bummed because I knew that this would make it a very long day and that the pain would probable keep me from enjoying this day as much as I wanted to. This was my first trip here so I wanted to make the most of it. I adjusted some things in my clothing that made the thigh situation better and resorted to limping as that was really the only thing that helped relieve some pressure from my knee. Though I felt like a complete dork. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

We entered the vistor complex which is layed out in several buildings and areas. Looking at the map I was totally clueless [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]. I could not get my bearings and had no idea where we were or how to get anywhere. Our tickets included a three-stop bus tour and we decided to do this first. As a way to get it out of the way but also because it wasn't crowded yet. I went and found someone to ask for directions to the bus stop and before you know it we were boarding our first bus. The bus takes you to three seperate locations. You are able to get out at each station and walk around and explore. You can than chose to head back to the visitor complex or head to another bus that will take you to the next stop. We were on a total of four buses as we journeyed around Kennedy Space Center. All the drivers were very knowledgeable and nice except for the last one who left much to be desired. During the bus rides which weren't that long they played several short videos to watch preparing you for the encounters you would have at the stop.

The first stop was the Observtaion Gantry- we used this stop to have a snack, we watched a short film and looked at some displays. We did not go to the top of the gantry which is supposed to have a nice of view of the launch pads, and vehicle assembly building. Instead we decided to catch the next bus. We did get to see the launch pads and vehicle assembly buildings while riding on the bus. Both places were very neat.

Second stop: Apollo/Saturn V center. In this stop there was a gift shop, place to sit down and eat as well as many exhibits to look at. We wondered around a bit, took picutres. We really didn't spend to much time here. I think we spent more time waiting for the bus, than actually exploring. Not that there isn't anything to explore but my knee was killing me already from the walking around and we were all ready to move on.

The third and final stop: the International space station. We got to watch actually pieces being assembled that would be taken up to the space station. I can't help but think about whether or not we saw something that was taken up on the 4th. Very cool [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img]! I didn't linger here either because all I wanted was the bus and the chance to sit down. The longer I walked around the worse my knee hurt. I only hoped that I was not causing more damage by walking around on it. I felt really bad too because I didn't want to ruin everyone else's experince by moving slow and my dad knew that I was in pain. But we forged ahead and made it back to the visitor's complex. Now what do we do.

To be cont...... </font>

[Tara O'Hara]

Maria, I'm so sorry about your knee! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/pout.gif[/img] You are a tough cookie!! It sounds like another fun day!

[Jillybean]

Oh no! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] I was hoping that your bum knee was just a one day occurrence! Sounds like you managed to see a lot of cool stuff anyway!

Jill

[Colexis Mom]

Sorry about your knee Maria [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grouphug.gif[/img] What a great deal with the coke cans! I think I'll be on the lookout for those in August [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[MAria R]

<font color="blue">

Upon returning to the visitor's complex we headed to the Shuttle Explorer. It is set up so that you can go up and walk inside of it (sort of). I chose the handicapped elevator because at that point I felt that way. It was neat inside but not as big as I thought it would be. The biggest thing at the visitor's complex is that there is a lot of walking around and explorering, not as much hands on.

I suggested that we stop for lunch so we ate at the Orbit cafe and all got a chance to rest.

There are a couple of shows/movies that are available to see so we first chose Mad Mission to Mars. I chose this because it is a kids show and thought the boys would enjoy it. It was to be a 3-D movie with live action. But I guess that aren't using the 3-D anymore[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/pout.gif[/img] which was a bummer. They used a lot of volunteers from the audience and the show was cute, but very corny! I know the kids enjoyed it but there were times when it was just painful to watch. I know my dad made the same comment when we left.

From there we walked over to the rocket garden where they have all these rockets displayed. There is also a children's play area (we didn't visit it) and a play water pad that the boys got to look at. Of course Antonio had to get as close to it as he could. That boy loves to get wet.

We than walked over to Nature and technology which was just a walk through exhibit of the wildlife that makes it's home there. My father was not impressed [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img].

We all really wanted to catch an IMAX movie and I thought that would be a great rest for my knee. So we headed to the theater and watched Walking on the Moon with Tom Hanks. This was my first IMAX experience and WOW [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] it is really great the way they do those effects. The movie was very educational, I guess that is why Antonio fell asleep [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/snore.gif[/img]. He took I a nice little nap. Which was probable for the best because he woke up feeling great.

After the movie we decided that we would start to head out. Though we hadn't seen everything there was we wanted to go to the Astronaunt Hall of Fame which is included in the ticket but you have to drive to a seperate location. So we stopped by the Space Shop to pick up googies. I was on the hunt for a key chain that I had seen on the bus tour but I couldn't find it anywhere [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]. Talk about being upset. It was the one thing I wanted and it was no where to be seen. I got a magnet for the fridge and a toy for Antonio. My dad picked up a shot glass for my sister who collects them and a toy for my brother. We made our way out to the car and finally I was able to sit. At this point I really have no idea how I am able to continue to walk but I knew that once we made it to the Hall of Fame hopefully there wouldn't be as much walking there. My dad knew that I was in pain and kept asking if I was okay.

We drove down to the Hall of Fame and began walking around. There is a lot to look at here and there are a lot of hands on stuff you can do. As well as some rides. The first thing we did was the simulator. It is a two seater so even though there were not that many people in front of us it still ended up being quite a wait. Well both people get in these two tiny inclosed seats, seperate from each other. The whole time you are to watch a screen that has a jet on it flying. I think it is supposed to make you feel up to 5-G forces. Well they have a red panic button inside and a barf bag so I knew it would be intense. My dad and brother went first and my dad was worried that my brother would push the red button which automatically stopped the ride. He didn't and they made it out in one piece. Than it was Antonio's and my turn. Okay my stomach just wasn't the same after this [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/dizzy.gif[/img]. Mission space I had no problem with but this [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img] good gracious. My father admitted to me that he was the one who felt like pushing the panic button.[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rofl2.gif[/img] We than walked over to another ride this one doesn't spin you but it is very jerky as it makes you feel like you are walking on the moon. There were about 14 people on this ride. When we were getting on the man said something about rows 1 and 3 but I couldn't hear him so Antonio and I sat in row 2. And my butt literally would not fit in the seat. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] Now I will be the first to admit that I have some junk in the trunck but I have no problem fitting into seats. I made a comment and my dad said oh didn't you hear the man he said that rows 1 and 3 were the larger, regular seats. The others were smaller. Well no I didn't hear that! He suggested i move but than an man and his little daughter sat in beside us. And poor guy experienced the same thing I did. So it wasn't easy to enjoy the ride when everytime we jerked I hit the side of the seat, which I was sitting on.

After that I parked it and just waited while they explored a little bit. After that we were all ready to go. As we were leaving i spy a gift shop. I drag my father in there to look for the key chain and [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] I found it. I was so excited. It is a dangle key chain that had a space monkey charm, a red star charm, an american flag charm, a soace shuttle charm, and than a NASA logo charm. It just seemed very patriotic to me [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/usa.gif[/img] and I was thrilled that I found it.

There was a rocket launch that day, the military was sending something up and we walk outside right after it happened. So all we got to see was the trail of smoke behind it.

We climbed in the car and ahhhhh relief. I knew my knee was finally going to rest. On our way home we came across an accident that had traffic backed up for hours so it took us a really long time to get back home. When we finally did it was a shower, dinner, and off to bed. My father tried to get us to stay another day and head off to the beach. But I was already exhausted from the week and ready to get home. Plus I did not want to drive 9 hours after being at the beach all day. So I got the luggage ready and drifted off to sleep.</font>

[Colexis Mom]

Great update Maria [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zwavin.gif[/img] Sorry your knee was still hurting [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] Glad you found your keychain [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img] We haven't been to the Astronaut HOF yet, but might have to give that a try [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/thanx.gif[/img]

[luvnwdwgal]

So sorry you were in such pain from your knee! I've never really thought much about going to KSC but I'm sure DH would enjoy it. Maybe someday. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Tara O'Hara]

Oh Maria!! I sure hope your knee is better soon!! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] The KSC sounds really cool!! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img]

[Jillybean]

I had no idea that there was so much to do at KSC! I am so sorry that your knee was still bothering you. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

Glad that you were able to find your key chain - - it sounds [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]!

Jill

[Tink and co.]

Just getting caught up with your trip report, and sorry to see that it's about to come to an end. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] You've got me excited about going to KSC!

[MAria R]

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We woke up early, got the car packed and ready to go and said our goodbyes.[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/bye.gif[/img] We stopped for gas and ice and we hit the road by 8:30. Now I had to really mentally prep myself for this. Because it would be all me driving and there would be no one to take over half way there. Antonio fell asleep pretty quickly, so I pumped the music and just enjoyed this quite time. We stopped at a rest stop just before hitting Jacksonville I didn't want to think about having to use the bathroom when we went through. I had been warned a lot about watching the signs because it is easy to get confused. Well I was doing so good but at some point close to the end I didn't vear off and instantly knew I had made a mistake. I took the first exit I came to and had no idea where I was. All I know is that it didn't look to be the best part of town. I turned left because I didn't see anything to the right. I went under the overpass and saw a small store. So I am telling Antonio to hurry up and get out, so I can lock the doors and run inside to ask directions. Thank goodness it is still morning time. As soon as I step out of the car I look behind me and see a N-95 sign. I hollar to Antonio to hurry up and get back in. I drive out of there as quickly as I can, follow the sign and within 5-10 minutes we are out of Jacksonville. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] I wasn't completly content until I saw the N-95 sign again and than I could relax. We drove straight through until we hit Savannah, that's our halfway point. I found a McDonald's with a play area so while I ate Antonio got to play and stretch his legs. He took his food to go. We filled up the tank and were back on the road. The ride was pretty uneventful [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/thanx.gif[/img]. The only semi-scary thing that happened was a pick-up truck was carrying furniture and boxes and a wooden chair came flying off the truck it made contact with the road right as I passed by it. Yes, I almost had a heart attack but it was the people behind me that I felt really bad for. Once the chair hit it began flying into a bunch of pieces and everyone behind me had to play dodge the chair. My only objective was to get away from this truck before anything else went flying off it. I do believe that further up ahead another car was able to inform them that they lost something because they quickly exited. Antonio continued to sleep off and on and finally we see South of the Border. I never would have thought I would be so happy to see that place. Well is wasn't really that place but once we pass there we enter NC and I never thought I would be this happy to be back in NC. We made a stop at my sister's house and my mother's house once we hit Fayetteville. I arrived at my mom's just as she had finished cooking so she feed us. Is my timing good or what! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] Finally I couldn't take it anymore we jumped in the car and headed home. Raeford is about 20-30 minutes from where I was in Fayetteville so it is not a bad drive and since I spend so much time in Fayetteville it wasn't a big deal but boy I was ready to get home. We made and could finally relax. Next final thoughts.....