13 Rides We Love in Disney World

We are a Disney Family. We have been there several times that I lost count. It helps that we used to live in South Florida which is only a few hours away from Orlando and our ILs have timeshare there also a bonus.

So here are my Thursday Thirteen for this week. The rides we love in Disney World.

1) Pirates of the Caribbean - Ok. I admitted I love it because last time we went we had no wait time at all. It was a nice ride and we love the movie. I think even if we have to wait in line we would enjoy looking at all the deco that they have in there.

2) Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin - This is an interactive ride that is fun for the whole family. Also the fact that Mr. Rojo loves game also helps. But I think I beat him last time we rode it. :)

3) It's a Small World - Good ride to do when you need a break from a hot day. But be ware that the song might stay in your head for the rest of the day..

4) Tomorrowland Transit Authority - It's an old ride that doesn't get much attention. But I think that's why we like it. There is no long ride and you get to enjoy the view even a peek at the Space Mountain.

5) The Barnstormer @ Goofy's Wiseacre Farm - Well, this is more of Mr. Z's favorite than mine. It's a little kid version of the roller coaster. The ride gives you a taste of real roller coaster but can they make it a little bit longer? I think the ride lasts about 15 seconds.

6) Walt Disney World Railroad - Having an Train-obessed son, this is a must on our itinerary. It's a good way to get from point A to point B and save your energy from walking and bumming to other millions guests in the park.

7) Kilimanjaro Safaris - Ok.. It's not Africa but I guess for our family this might be as close as we will get in the mean time. We haven't been there for a while so I'm looking forward to going back there our next trip (whenever that might be).

8) It's Tough to be a Bug - A fun 3-D show that we enjoy. I also won't mind the long line to get to the show as we had fun trying to spot the animals craving on the big Tree.

9) Festival of The Lion King - I love this show. Mr. Rojo didn't get to see the whole show so we need a repeat just for him. :)

10) The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror - This one is the ride before kids. I love it but for now we probably need to put it on the list after kids are bigger.

11) Mission: SPACE - Another fun experience that I love. I know that I will never join NASA or have enough money to pay my way to the Space Station. So for $70 I will get just a little tiny bit of experience. I will take it!

12) Epcot Pavillions - It's not the same as going to each country yourself. But it's just a good way to browse and eat around the world. :)

13) Kali River Rapids - A fun ride that is not too intimidating as other rapid river from other parks (like the one in Island of Adventure - Love that one). But it's good enough to enjoy a few thrill in the Animal Kingdom.

Here it's my list for this Thursday. There are more rides that I would love to do but those are new and I have never tried it yet. So I'm sure I will have more to my list later on!

Check out other Thursday Thirteen here.

Unexpected Guest!

This past weekend we had an unexpected guest! Miss Lily or what we called her 'Java' was lost and wandered to our garage on this past weekend. We couldn't find the owner in our neighborhood so we kept her for a night. She is such a great dog. The kids love her. Fortunately, we found a flyer posted by the owner the next day. So we returned her to the rightful owner. Now that my kids got the taste of small playful dog, they have been praying for another dog!

Then this morning, Lily (or Java) came back to visit us again. This time she has her collar on so at least we know who to call. :) I guess she just misses us!

Five Finds for Friday - Free Things to Do in Atlanta

Aloha Friday!!! This weekend seems to be a nice weekend with a bit chilling weather ahead. But with Sunny sky on Sunday, it will be nice to plan your weekend for some free things to do in Atlanta.


1) Tour historic district on various cities around Atlanta : City of Decatur, Marietta Square, or Roswell Historic District. Don't forget to check various events throughout the year.


2) Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site : Tour the Birth Home of Dr. King with park ranger guide. Also check out the exhibit at the Visitor Center and pay respect to Dr. King at the Peace plaza.


3) Biking along the PATH various trails : Check out a network of off-road trails in and around Atlanta. These series of scenic greenways offer a great opportunities for your family to enjoy nature together free of charge!


4) Georgia Capitol Museum : Check out the State Capitol Museum with historic artifacts and exhibits. Attend the State Capitol tour to learn more about Georgia history.


5) Ride The Buc : The Buckhead free shuttle bus that allows you to explore exquisite homes, shopping and dining plaza. You can also check out the Governor's Mansion and the Atlanta History Center.

To also join Aloha Friday with An Island Life, here is my question 'What's your favorite weekend activity in your family?'

For us, we love to just hang out in our PJs as long as we could and then head out to a park or a bike ride in the neighborhood.

13 Things I will pack on my cruise

I know it's still a few months away before I will go on my cruise. But I can't contain my excitement. Along with my obsessive compulsive to have to start planning as soon as I can. Today Thursday Thirteen will be about 13 things I will pack for my cruise.

1) Sunscreen - A must for a vacation in the carribean

2) Sunglass - No amount of hat will be enough to block the Sun. Plus I don't want to squin my eyes on my picture.

3) Croc - I need to get a new croc that is not a winter version. Need an original croc or maybe a more girlie looking one.

4) Bonnie - I don't want to test myself so I'd rather be safe than throw up. ;)

5) Swimming suit - Of course, we can't go on a cruise without getting in the water.

6) Leapster game - No.. not for me but when you travel with your kids you also pack for your kids. And I will say most of the stuff on my packing list will be for them.

7) Waterproof card container - I can use that on the beach day so I don't have to worry about losing my stuff

8) Goggle - Gotta have it since I wear contact lens.

9) Snorkel gears - We are not the regular snorkeler (is it a word?). But I know that I would rather get my own since this will not be my last carribean vacation.

10) Digital Camera - A must in our vacation. I'm still debating on the waterproof case which cost more than typical low-end digital camera. So I might just pick up a cheap waterproof disposable camera in that case.

11) Extra batteries - I know that where we go will have pretty everything we can get. But I just don't want to get put in a situation where we run out of the batteries and I can't get it.

12) First Aid kit - With 2 kids, we are bound to have some accidents so bandage in Princess and Spider will help sooth their pain in the pinch.

13) Our Passports - Can't leave the house without it. Now with the new rule in effect. For us, we have no issue of applying for passport. I got that cover 6 months ago. :)

This is just the main things but I'm sure there will be more in my suitcase.

Wordless Wednesday: No Shoes in This House

Whenever my friends come to visit my house, they always have a giggle over the sign in front of my house. This sign is actually the original sign when we purchased the house from the builder. During that time, the house was still on the market and in order to reduce the dirt tracking into the house, the builder put the sign in front of the house asking any prospect buyers to remove their shoes. What a great idea!!!

This rule works great for me! The main reason is it helps reduce the amount of dirt inside my house, hence reduce the time I spend in cleaning.

Planning Romantic Getaway Weekend

This month is the marked of our 7th year anniversary. So Mr. Rojo and I plan to getaway for a nice romantic weekend somewhere. We have so many choices that it's hard to pick just one.

First, we decided on what type of vacation we want. Do we want Golf&Spa, beach, cabin or some other options? I think since we have done Golf & Spa before and we will go to a beach vacation in the next few months, we decided on cabin or mountain getaway this time.

I have looked at Gatlinburg, Helen, and Blue Ridge mountain. I have found a lot of options here. So we have to narrow down our choices yet again.

Gatlinburg is the fartest so it might be out at this time. Helen has always been a place that we want to visit. With only about an hour drive from where we live, it's a perfect weekend getaway. After all, this will be the first time we leave both our kids.

So I start getting busy checking out online. Here are a few candidates.

1) Timberloft - Alpine Escape : A brand new 1 bedroom cabin. Total cost approx. is $400 for 2 nights stay.

2) Cedar Creek - Allure unit: A one bedroom with high ceiling and water fall jacuzzi. Best of all pillow top mattress. Total cost is $380 for 2 nights stay.

After I saw the Cedar Creek-Allure unit, I can't find anything else come even close to this cabin. So this is my Tackle It Tuesday. I have done planning our romantic weekend getaway from Atlanta. Will make reservation this afternoon. Yeah!!!!