I know, summer is over but I realized I hadn't posted the trip review!

Phil, the girls and my parents flew on JetBlue for the first time (for everyone except my mom, who went to PR with my two sisters). TV screens are set up on each chair. LOVE IT! Crappy part was, you had to buy your own food if you were hungry. Since our flight wasn't until the late morning, I picked up lunch at Whole Foods the night before.

The girls napped a little and soon enough, we landed in Orlando on time. It was steamy hot (NYC was only in the low 70s that week). I hadn't been to Orlando since I was in my early teens with my dad and sisters. We were stalled for a bit because we had to wait for our luggage and car rental. From the airport to Disney, it took us less than a half hour.

Check in wasn't too bad but we had to wait about an hour before going to our room. The biggest surprise was when we received a package from my girlfriend Linda- she sent us a talking Mickey Mouse-you push MM's hand and it will give you a tour wherever you are in Disney. Pretty neat! By the way, another neat tip wherever you travel- ship all non-important items to your hotel (ie, cereals, diapers, snacks, etc.) so you don't have to pack it in your suitcase!).

Since it was already late in the afternoon, we didn't want to rush and run around in the park, we decided to unpack, relax, walk the hotel grounds before heading out for dinner (we lodged at Port Orleans). We ate at Salt Island Restaurant (off the Disney premise) with my parents, my cousin Cliff (who lives in Orlando) and Phil's sister and her family (who flew in to meet us there). One of Phil's assistant gave Phil a $100 gift certificate so we had to use it. Food was horrible. My salad was drowned in dressing and my filet mignon was charred crisp. The girls didn't really eat much either. My mother complained about her salty dinner and the owners deducted her meal off the bill. Definitely wouldn't recommend eating there.

Second day, we made our way to Magic Kingdom (MK). We took the ferry boat over and it sorta felt magical that we arrived there by water. I think Sophia was in awe too. After going on some of the kiddie rides and shopping in the store (to get some A/C relief), we took the train back to Main Street and ate at The Plaza for lunch. The Plaza had your basic sandwiches and a kids menu (I had a vegan sandwich, really good!). Free drink refills. It also helped that I got 20% company discount off the bill. We also bought a fan spray bottle that helped us cool down. That sure came in handy (and pricey too).

O was getting tired and cranky, so I brought her back to the hotel room along with my parents. S stayed with Phil and her cousins, aunt and uncle. I think for dinner, my parents, O and I drove around looking for an Asian restaurant (those old folks need their daily rice intake) outside of the Disney complex. S and Phil got back pretty late that evening. She told Phil she had a magical day. Aww.

Second day, we headed over to EpCot Center. The weirdest part of it all was the entrance area where they erected stones that reminded me of tombstones. Fans everywhere would purchase a "plot" where one can inscribe on the stones. Some even had their photos etched in! Really spooky. Just another way for Disney to rob consumers.

We bypassed the "golf ball" and walked towards the different countries. The kids were beginning to get hungry and hot, so we tried to find something suitable. We were close to Japan, so we went to Tokyo Dining. There was a long wait and I didn't want to sit on a big table eating hibachi style food. So we left and went over to Yakitori House which sold quick rice bowls and such. Maybe it was me, but the food was HORRIBLE! I ordered chicken terayaki bowl- looked all gloopy. Blech. Phil had curry and said it was good (he always says that, so not sure whether or not to believe him). Annoying situation- because everybody was hungry, somehow I was the only person standing in line. Phil, his sister, brother in-law didn't even bother to get up and order food for themselves or their kids. My main concern is feed my own kids and my parents!

After our bellies were full, we watched the Taiko drums. And after that was done, we went over to the pavillion and a Japanese lady was making animals out of sugar candy- totally cool. The lady made a dog for Sophia (she was the last customer).

We started rushing all the others cities and decided to call it a day. We went back to the hotel room to nap. Phil's sister and family went to Animal Kingdom (AK) since it was their last night. When everyone woke up from their nap, we went to AK for dinner at the Tusker House and saw them as they were on their way out. Food at Tusker House wasn't great. Despite the good reviews I read, the food was either cold or too spicy. Maybe we had too late of a reservation? It didn't help that the restaurant was freezing from the A/C.

The next day, we drove to Clearwater Beach, east of Orlando. It took alittle over an hour to get there. The Gulf water was definitely warm. Not much to report about the beach except it was a nice change from Disney. We had dinner at the Japanese restaurant again (my father wanted to eat at Ponderosa- disgusting!).

The other days we went back to the parks again. Sophia and I met with Sophia's ex-classmate from her old pre-k for 3 yr olds school (they moved to Florida) and spent the afternoon at Magic Kingdom. We had lunch at Pinocchio Village Haus- great fish and chips! They even had a kid's menu where they offered carrot sticks instead of fries. The following evening Phil and I had dinner at Marrakesh (in Morrocco) at EpCot. Food and belly dancing entertainment was great...highly recommended. We also had dinner at the Animal Kingdom Lodge called BOMA. Buffet food was AMAZING. They even had carrot ginger soup...ahh, so good.

One evening we ventured to Downtown Disney. I was reluctant on eating Rainforest Cafe food but it turned out alright. The area is mostly food and shopping. I think I did more pocket damage in this area by buying silly pins and souvenirs.

I never got to swim in the pool (unbelievable, I know), but Phil and the girls did. My mother and I went outlet shopping (nothing great) instead. We were always too busy running around at the parks.

All in all, thinking back, a great family bonding trip (although I begged to differ then). The girls got to spend more time with their grandparents, even though we only live a few blocks away from each other. Phil and I never got to go on a "date" by leaving the girls with my parents. Phil did though, go on a scary ass roller coaster ride by himself (we had just finished eating dinner and I wasn't about to barf it up) at AK. Sophia and I got my mom to ride "It's a Small World" (one of my favorite rides). Olivia learned how to finish my sentence when I repeated to her, "No...touching."

Sophia now believes Cinderella lives in a magical castle along with Aurora, Belle and Snow White (roll eyes). Ah, it's good to be five years old with princess dreams.

Ted, a few weeks ago I was cleaning my bedroom when I came across a book that was made by your friends and colleagues. I forgot that I had it. As I blew the dust off the front cover, I read the book once again. The memories of you came back. Never failing to help others, never failing to give a great a story (especially about music), never failing to be a good person. Never forgetting.

Rest in peace, Edward Hennessy (and Paul Friedman).