June 17th, 2008 - Farewell to Grandpop Pete and Nana - Hello Again, Disney

Well, as the title of this post says, it's the last day for Grandpop Pete and Nana's. We plan to head out a little later in the morning since we're only going to Orlando and we'll be staying there for a couple of days before making the final jump on home. A final stop at the Magic Kingdom - Hey, wait a minute. Didn't I say we were through there? - and then maybe a water park and then we'll finally be through. I think.

First, though, no one really wants to get started:



But start we must. Though not before a few shots to prove we were actually there:





A happy time. We're so blessed to be able to do this, to have this family of ours.

Onward then, and no looking back. We hit I-75 and followed it to the Sawgrass Expressway on over to the Turnpike and raced north. In only a few hours we were there and checked in at the Caribbean Beach Resort.

Odd thing though: they said the room was ready but when we got there, it seemed only half cleaned. Oh, sure, the beds were made and the towels seemed fresh but there was trash on the table and the tub hadn't been wiped out or the floor mopped. As if they had only gotten halfway through. Great. So I called the front desk and was put on hold, gave up after a few minutes and we all just hauled ourselves back down there. Not nearly apologetic enough - it seemed the interns were crewing the computers since it was a slow time of day and they seemed more concerned about the correct procedure in getting us into another room. They finally did but, boy, we weren't pleased with the service. The first time Disney has fallen down on their task.

I'll post pictures of the place later but already this is turning into a place we don't want to stay at again.

Anyways. . .

Out to The Magic Kingdom for what I swear this time will be the absolute last ride on Splash Mountain. The magic's still there:



We ran into some rain but we were prepared. The dark skies made the lights in the castle warm and inviting:



We saw an obviously newlywed couple pose here - they asked me to take their picture and I did - so we thought this was good enough for us. I don't know if it's new or not but it's something I can't recall coming across before. See? There's still lots to explore at The Magic Kingdom!



A final shot of the castle with more storm clouds looming but Emily brought her own sunshine:



The rain kept up, off and on through the evening until we went back to the room.

Okay, now we're REALLY through with the Magic Kingdom this year. Tomorrow it's on to Disney Studios.