Saturday, April 15, 2017

January 2016 - A Disney Trip with Hayley

Hayley and I scheduled this trip before my mom got sick, and we went less than two weeks after she died.  It had been my mom's long-time desire to go back to Disney, and she always loved to hear about my trips.  

I first traveled to Disney World (back when there was only Magic Kingdom and Epcot) as my high school graduation present in 1987, and visited the park with just my mom.  She and I both fell in love with the Magic Kingdom on that very first trip.  We only spent one day at the park while my brother and dad went to Epcot, which was not nearly as entertaining as it is today, and my brother does NOT remember the trip fondly.  We stayed from park open until park closing, enjoying everything.  My mom did not ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or Space Mountain, but she DID ride Haunted Mansion with me a record 23 times in one day - a feat I have yet to duplicate.  

After she started getting sick in September 2015, I offered to take her back to Disney World and even push her in a wheelchair if need be, and she seriously considered it at one point, but she felt like it would just be too much.  I really wish she'd been able to experience it again.

Hayley and I took this trip with a photo of mom; she was going to ride all of the rides she had always wanted to go back and experience.  It was a trip I will always remember with fondness.  I love you and miss you, mom.  I wish you had been with us in more than just spirit. 

So, as it has been almost a year and a half since Hayley and I took this trip, I wanted to post some of our photos.  It was a wonderful time.  Hayley Moore, I apologize in advance.  I know you don't like some of these photos, but I do.  <3

Early morning flight

Disney's Caribbean Resort - a very large, moderately priced property.
It was a far walk to everything, but our room was close to the main entrance.

Our room - pretty simple.
I prefer Port Orleans Riverside by far.

Mom's first stop: Epcot

Test Track
It was a very chilly trip around the Test Track outdoor track!
My lovely child at Epcot.

Street performers in Epcot (Italy pavilion)

Lunch at Katsura Grill (Japan pavilion)


France pavilion
We loved that everything was still decorated for Christmas in early January!



Tribute bands perform at the England pavilion
Hayley's favorite slow ride - Living with the Land

Night view of Spaceship Earth


My favorite photo of us was from Spaceship Earth
Us as part of the ride, lol!


Back at Magic Kingdom
Teacups!


Teacup spinnnnnnnnn...

Space Mountain at last!

Space Mountain beauty!
Who doesn't love the Haunted Mansion?

Good memories of riding Pirates of the Caribbean with my mom - we loved it

Pirate wenches
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad



Splash Mountain

Extra Fast Passes because they had to shut down Space Mountain while we were in the seats waiting to start the ride on our second time around.  Woo hoo!



A well-hidden performer

In line for Expedition:Everest

Random surprised guy behind us in line, lol!
Silverback gorilla on the walking safari

Love this show!

Delicious lunch at Yak & Yeti - a great restaurant!
I believe we had bang bang shrimp (middle), sweet and sour shrimp and combination fried rice.  All delicious!
Splash Mountain possums

And Splash Mountain buzzards

Haunted Mansion - stretching room

Cinderella's castle dressed with icicles

Boat ride from Port Orleans Riverside to Downtown Disney

Inside Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar - Downtown Disney

Dinner at Morimoto Asia - Downtown Disney




Sake sangria is delicious!
Shuimai




Two desserts:  Chocolate cream and crunch (Hayley's-top), and Cream Caramel

A rainy day at Animal Kingdom to ride Expedition:Everest


Everybody's covered!

It was wet and fun!

Back to Yak & Yeti because it was so good!

Honey Chicken

Firecracker Shrimp

Hollywood Studios - Rockin' Roller Coaster

Tower of Terror - yay!


Hollywood Studios at night


Inside the Tower of Terror lobby

The end...see ya real soon!

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