Disney...Take me AWAY. (With LOTS of Pics) **Now Complete**

[J and R's mom]

PreTrip:
MAY 2003---Princess J arrives—WAAAAAAAHHH WAAAAAHHHH WAAAAAAAHHH

NOVEMBER 2004—Princess R arrives AND Princess J hits a new phase—WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH WHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINE WAAAAAAAAAAHHHH

All together now: WAAAAAAH WHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINE WAAAAAAH WHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINE WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!!!!

March 2006: Momma looks over at daddy (AKA TEEBEE) and says, “Let’s go to Walt Disney World. ALONE. Call your parents.”

The cast, crew…and story....to follow. But for now…here’s a look at our two little princesses that made this trip possible (or should I say necessary?) and our new puppy that we adopted in Jan 2006, so we better add some yipyipyipppss to the mix--oh and that last bit reminds me, let's add some pppsssssss to the mix as well--being a puppy and all.

http://img348.imageshack.us/img348/261/playingwiththedog10kj.jpg



Edited To Add--Below is a list of installments and their post numbers:

Cast: #2

Day 1: #5, #11, #14, #20, #25

Day 2: #41, #51, #58, #67, #71, #77, #78, #86,

Day 3: #91, #98

Day 4: #105

[J and R's mom]

The Cast:

You’ve already been introduced to Princess J (3) . She’s high-strung and hyper—like her momma. She won’t sit still for very long. Too much to do. Her favorite pastime is whining. She might tell you it's something different, but don’t be fooled, whining seems to be her favorite hobby. At least to me it does.

You’ve also been introduced to Princess R(18months) . Although I doubt she’d appreciate being called a princess. At least not yet. Quite the opposite of her sister, really. She’s VERY laid back and easy going—like her daddy. BUT OH, can she throw a tantrum. At least they pass quickly.

TEEBEE —My sweet, tolerant, patient husband. Most of the time, anyway. He tolerates my Disney obsession but doesn’t share it. I’m just thrilled he agrees to go with me as many times as he does.

Momma —(me)—but you can call me mom. Heh. Heh. [Please don’t, though. I hear it enough on any given day.] I am addicted to Walt Disney World. Shameful, I know. I have been addicted since my first trip when I was 11 years old. I’ve had many trips since then. TEEBEE and I were even married there and had our honeymoon there.

Now, Princess R was a surprise. We had only planned on having one child. But I touched TEEBEE’s foot one night and Princess R was on her way. And only 18 months, 5 days after I had given birth to Princess J. Having two kids that close together is…hmmm… welll, challenging. [Heh, heh. That’s like calling Mt. Everest a hill.] Anyway, both sets of grandparents (our parents) live three hours away. They are our only babysitters (at least until my youngest turns two…I’m just weird that way…I make no apologies). So TEEBEE and I don’t get alot of alone time. That’s alone time together (is that an oxymoron?) or alone time apart. We are typically in the company of our two princesses. Once a month or so we go visit the grandparents and let them babysit while we go see a movie (in a theater….I had almost forgotten what those were like) or eat a dinner out.

But sometime in March 2006, after my 18 month-old threw yet ANOTHER tantrum and my 3 yr-old was whining, YET AGAIN, I looked at TEEBEE and said…well, you already know what I said if you read the first post. So, let’s get a move-on, shall we?

Day One, May 11, 2006

I really have a hard time calling anything “DAY” when it’s still dark outside, but technically it was morning, 4:30am to be exact. I’d rather be going to bed at 4:30am than waking up at that hour. I am NOT a morning person. But for Disney, I’ll make that exception.

Mornings and my husband go together like investments and Enron. It’s just not a good mix. We’ve learned over the years that minimal talking is best until after lunch. And neither of us drinks coffee. So you can just imagine. :eek:

We toss the last few remaining items into our carry-on bags and go kiss the princesses good-bye as they sleep. My mother-in-law gets up to tell us to have a great trip and wish us well. TEEBEE grunts at her (or something similar to a grunt) and I thank her once again for coming up to babysit for us. We jump into the car at 5:00am and pretend to head to the airport. I say pretend because we had to come back to the house since I remembered--a few blocks after leaving-- that I needed to get my hat. It gets sunny in Florida, you know. TEEBEE didn’t say a word. He didn’t even grunt. He just turned the car around and drove back to the house.

Our flight wasn’t scheduled to depart until 7:20pm (since we thought TEEBEE would be working that day) but he had taken the day off so we decided to try and fly stand-by on the 7:45am flight instead. A whole 12 hours early. Woo Hoo. More WDW time for us. We hope. If not, it’d be a LONG wait at the airport. But I had called the night before and was told that we should not have a problem getting seats. The flight still had over 30 seats available.

As we neared the exit for the airport I mentioned to TEEBEE that we should try the parking lot that had the yellow shuttles with all of the black dots all over them. He grunted his agreement and we exited for the airport. As we drove right past the Yellow-Spotted parking place, I looked at TEEBEE and said:



Me: So, you didn’t want to try it afterall, huh?

TEEBEE: What?

Me: The yellow spotted place.

TEEBEE: Oh. No. I guess not.



He zones a little that early in the morning. I just laughed. We parked in our typical lot. The shuttle pulled up before we could even get out of our vehicle. We only had two carry-ons (we can pack LIGHT when we’re not traveling with little ones) and the shuttle driver looked at the back of the car and asked us, “Is this it?” Yes, sir!

And we were off. Headed to the airport.

Up next: So, what are our chances of getting on that early morning flight? Did 30 people end up booking up all of those seats?

Oh yeah, and I will have pictures. But not until we actually MAKE it to WDW. Assuming that we do.

[pooksma]

Oh boy Im settling in again! You guys keeping writing these great TRs and I'll never get any work done! :surfweb:

[JustEngagedNicole]

I can't wait to read what happens next! Your writing is very entertaining!! Good work : )

[J and R's mom]

Day 1 Continues:

I didn’t even know that many people would be awake that early, let alone at an airport. The place was CROWDED! I’m assuming that they’re all there to make sure that those 30 seats get filled up before TEEBEE and I can get our seats, darn their hides.

We make it up to the Continental check-in , do-it-yourself, computer thingy. It asks me to enter a card. So I pull out my Mickey Visa and tell TEEBEE to do the same.



TEEBEE: No way. I’m not sticking that in there.

Me: Well, you need to put something in there so it can identify you.

TEEBEE: Well, I’ll put my driver’s license in there.

Me: It won’t be able to read that. USE MICKEY!

TEEBEE: GRUNT!



Of course, my computer won’t work. The nice little airline worker comes over to help me. She assumed, of course, that I was just another moron. At least that’s what her tone implied.



Airline Assumptress: Put your card back in there, Sweetie. Okay, now you just touch the screen right here….Hold on….touch..the…screen…Hey Ray! Pull up this passenger on your terminal and check her in will ya’? This machine’s broken.

Me: Thanks.

TEEBEE: Hey look! It recognized me when I used my driver’s license!

Me: GRUNT!



Well, Ray gets me checked-in and TEEBEE gets himself checked in….using a driver’s license. Smarty pants. And we head on down to our gate to check in at the counter there. Mr. I’m-Not-In-a-Chatting-Mood takes our stand-by requests but refuses to fill us in on our chances. He said, “We’ll call your name right before boarding if we have seats for you.”

So TEEBEE heads down to get something to eat. I don’t eat breakfast. Never really have. I just don’t have the stomach for it most mornings. TEEBEE, though, MUST EAT or he’s a bear….that grunts even more.

While he does that I decide to go to the ladies’ room and put on some make-up. Yep, you read that correctly. I was going to put on some make-up. Since most of you don’t know me, I’ll fill you in. I don’t wear make-up very often anymore. Before I became a SAHM (Stay-at-home-mom), I’d wear it to work--and maybe church. But that was it. Now that I’ve been home, I wear it maybe once a month and sometimes to church.

This is my theory on make-up. When Eve ate that apple and God kicked both of them out of Eden, God handed Eve a bag of make-up and said, “You will now be cursed with the need to feel like you must wear make-up to look pretty. And Adam, you will be cursed with DEALING with women and their make-up routines and costs. Now BE GONE WITH YOU.” Or something like that.

Anyway, I go sit next to TEEBEE and he looks at my face and says:



TEEBEE: What’s on your face.

Me: Make-up silly.

TEEBEE: Why’d you go put that stuff on your face?

Me: To make me look pretty.

TEEBEE: I like you better without it.

Me: Tough. GRUNT!



We then hear, “Will stand-by passengers TEEBEE and Momma please report to the check-in counter.”

Yep folks. WE GOT OUR SEATS! And we’re off. Finally. To WDW.

Up next: Pictures from Day 1...and one was taken redneck style (or so I've read).

[cjhinch]

I'm so jealous.......a trip......ALONE......to Disney World??? I can't wait to read more!

[kpk89]

OK, J&R'sMom, I'm in! I can very much understand that desire to get away without the little precious ones. Can't wait to read the rest of your vaca!

[precious pixie]

Great writing I can't wait to read more!

[twoprincesses]

Haven't had a trip with out the DDs yet! After this report I may have to start planning.... I'm hooked already...

[Minniespal]

Enjoying reading ~ Thanx for sharing.

[J and R's mom]

Day 1 STILL Continues:

The sun had finally risen. I felt a little more human, even if I did have make-up on my face.

We board the plane and get fairly decent seats (not together). We don’t really mind sitting apart. We just revel in the silence. It’s not something we get very often. I look around at my fellow passengers and notice a mom and her 14-month old daughter (I asked the age) that were crunched in the center seat an aisle over and back from me. I just smiled. I didn’t have to contend with my dear little ones on this flight. I was going to get to read a book. Without getting smudges on it and pages torn while reading it….unless, of course, the person sitting next to me had some health problems I wasn’t aware of. Anyway, the little girl was fussy during taxiing and take-off so I tried to divert her attention by making faces at her and playing peek-a-boo. It's so much easier to entertain OTHER peoples’ kids. And it actually worked. Soon after take-off the little one fell fast asleep and I read my book.

I am happy to report that my fellow passengers did not have any health problems that interfered with my reading. We had a great and un-eventful flight and arrival at MCO.

I know some folks make fun of MCO’s faux monorails, but I LOVE that part. It gets me ready for the real thing at WDW. It sets the mood. At least for me. So we jump on one and head down to find a cab. We decided against taking Magical Express this trip. I’m glad we did. TEEBEE and I spent most of the time zoning on the way over to WDW. I swear he can sleep with his eyes open. He’s perfected the art by practicing it on me while I’m having discussions with him.

We wake up in time to see the sign for the Epcot Resorts. That’s us BABY! We pull into the driveway of the Boardwalk and I get tinglely all over. We checked into our 1 bedroom villa. Although it wasn’t ready, I’ll post the pictures here since I promised some--a few pictures of the view from our balcony:

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/7420/ourview27xo.jpg

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/7751/ourview38dq.jpg

http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/6863/ourview43hh.jpg

And here's one of our towel animal:

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/704/ourroom59rb.jpg

We left her just the way we found her...so the next family could enjoy her.

Since our room wasn't quite ready, we decided to head on over to MGM and ride my ALL-TIME FAVORITE RIDE--ROCK-N-ROLLER COASTER!

Here we are on the boat to MGM (I'm taking the picture so it looks a bit odd) but take notice of the HAT...I'm sure glad we went back to get it!

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/5338/tomgm1fk.jpg

And here's where we exited....

http://img346.imageshack.us/img346/2345/tomgm26yf.jpg

I'm not entirely sure why I took this shot, but mainly because I'd never seen it deserted like this before.

Up next: The redneck photo I mentioned and a few others....

[scanne]

Loving your report and pics! Glad you got the early flight, too!!!

[KerriSue]

Im enjoying your report. by-the-way, I think you look nice with make up one :thumbsup2

Keep the report and pics comin

Kerri :Pinkbounc

[J and R's mom]

Day 1 Continues on:

I was HUNGRY. So we headed over to the counter service area next to Rock-N-Roller Coaster. It was going to be our first attempt with the Disney Dining Plan (DDP). Luckily for us, I have no funny story to add here or boring tangent to inflict on my readers. Everything went really smoothly. And I really like the DDP.

We chose our table carefully. We had some inside information. We knew that the storm that was in east Texas the night before was going to be getting into Florida that afternoon. We even had to fly around it on the way in. Keeping this information in mind, we snagged a table under one of the larger canopies that house three tables. We sat at the middle table. We were just about finished with our hamburgers when the rain hit. We had ALOT of fun watching the folks scramble or just try to figure out what to do. It was an attraction all unto itself. Here is a picture of a cute couple taking refuge under the canopy at the condiments bar:

http://img391.imageshack.us/img391/4747/wetdayatmgm2bt.jpg

But we took pity on some of our fellow diners. TEEBEE scooted over to my side of the bench and we invited a family of six to share our table…. well as much of it as they could anyway. They were quite a pleasant family. Wish I had a picture of them. They were from England, Nottingham to be exact…(as the son said to me, “You know, like from the movie Robin Hood.” ) I chuckled when he said that. I guess we Americans aren’t known for our geography skills.

I’m the chatty sort (in case you haven’t already figured that out) and so bombarded them with questions:

Me: What’s your favorite ride?
Me: What’s your favorite park?
Me: Where are you staying?
Me: How long will you be here?
Me: So, have you MET Robin Hood?

Now if only I would learn to let people answer some of those questions. Joking. They had already been there for a week and planned on staying another week. And they were staying off-site somewhere.

By the time I finished harassing our new friends, the rain had let up and they made a run for it. So I figured what better time to hit my FAVORITE ride?! A full belly and a husband prone to motion sickness. Perfect timing, I say. Our conversation went like this:

TEEBEE: I swear you get me full just before we ride this ride EVERY time. I think you do it on purpose. Do you just hate me?
Me: Heh. Heh. Heh. Come on toughie. I’ll race ya’!

http://img331.imageshack.us/img331/581/rnc37rw.jpg

What a fun ride. I have a picture of the picture that they took of us on the ride. Want to see it? I’ve heard that this technique is called the “Redneck” version of getting the ride photo. I’m pretty sure my Maelstrom buddy LaLa coined that phrase. Anyway here you go (the arrows are pointing right at us):

http://img391.imageshack.us/img391/4230/rnc24wy.jpg

Now TEEBEE really likes Tower of Terror. I think it’s one of his favorites. The lines at these two rides are practically non-existent so we sail right on through and after a brief pause or two hop on the ride. LOVED IT! As usual. Took another Redneck shot:

http://img305.imageshack.us/img305/5193/tot3of.jpg

And I finally realize that my hat is missing. CRAP. The last I saw of it, I was sitting on it during our RnRC ride. I force TEEBEE to ride it with me again and ask the CM as we’re disembarking (a Disney word) from the ride if there’s a way to see if someone found my hat. She goes and gets a box of lost items and THERE’S MY HAT! Woo Hoo! I notice TEEBEE just shakes his head at me. That’s TWICE in one day that hat has haunted him. Since there was hardly a line, I wanted to ride again. TEEBEE was done. It was time to go check out our room anyway.

On the way out we see Pluto. He decided to flirt with me. How sweet. Good dog!

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/5190/plutoatmgm29su.jpg

And then I decide to get a picture of my hat with the BIG hat in the background...just to do it...and irk TEEBEE some more:

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/7765/mgm7ci.jpg

Plus, I might need a picture of it to show the CM the next time I lose it. Heh. Heh.

Next up: Belly dancing, pasta and blue thong…oh MY!.....and, yes, the END of Day 1.

[twoprincesses]

Love it so far... the two of you are a cute couple.

[exwdwcm]

enjoying your report and can't wait to hear the rest! how long were you there for?

lol at the 'redneck' photos.......we do that too sometimes!

[1000thhappyhaunt]

I am enjoying this much.

Your dog is pretty darn cute.

I'm so glad you rode Aerosmith.

I love it too.

I can't believe you ate at a DS COUNTER SERVICE.

You are both foolish and brave.

Kudos. Or Cudos. I'm confuselled now.

Thanks for clearing up something for Me(l): I always thought you were JR's Mom. Miss Ellie.

Keep 'em comin'. From Dallas.

Cheers, Mel.

[AshClan]

Great start on your trippie! And you and DH are cuties! That dog must eat a lot. He's pretty big. I'm just sayin.

Anyway, just wanted to let you know I was reading. And enjoying. And waiting. For the next installment......

[missummer]

Can't wait to read more! I'm really enjoying this! :thumbsup2

[J and R's mom]

Day One DOESN’T Come to a Close (Yet):

Because the weather was nice and cool after the rain shower, and because the boat had just pulled away, TEEBEE and I decided to walk back to the BWVs from MGM. Now, we’ve taken this walk before and KNOW how long it actually is. But we enjoy taking it. And racing the boat. Did I mention that TEEBEE is competitive? Well, so am I really, but on this day, he was a bit more competitive than I was. He couldn’t stand that the boat was pulling away from us. When he started to speed-walk (something this laid-back person RARELY does) I had to rein him back.:



Me: Whoa, boy. Slow down.

TEEBEE: That boat’s not going to beat me.

Me: Define “beat.”

TEEBEE: What?

Me: Well, if you run and get yourself all tired, I’d say it beat you anyway. Plus, if you run, then I’ll have to run (since I’m competitive, too) and then I’ll have to beat you…but with my fists. For making me tired. ON OUR FIRST DAY HERE. Besides, it has a few stops to make before it makes it to BWV. So CHILL!

TEEBEE: Grunt. (Still grunting after lunch even. I got him up WAY too early.)



We continue at a relatively nice pace over to the Boardwalk. I must add here how much I like the Epcot resort area. It’s a little town unto itself. A town that has its own lake and easy access to two theme parks, not to mention nightlife and more restaurants than someone can eat at in one visit. What more could a vacationer ask for? Miniature golf, you say? Hmmm….well, Fantasia Gardens is just on the other side of the Swan and Dolphin.

The other reason I’m so attached to this area is that TEEBEE and I were married at Sea Breeze Point—the white and green gazebo on the Boardwalk. Here is some proof:

http://img477.imageshack.us/img477/4781/seabreezepoint0050015ms.jpg

http://img328.imageshack.us/img328/3435/seabreezepoint0050047ex.jpg

http://img328.imageshack.us/img328/949/seabreezepoint0050033ox.jpg

And we honeymooned at the BWI (more "proof"--heh, heh):

http://img348.imageshack.us/img348/261/playingwiththedog10kj.jpg

OH WAIT! That's the WRONG picture...here you go:

http://img328.imageshack.us/img328/707/seabreezepoint0050055vr.jpg

Man is he handsome. I’m one LUCKY woman! So anyway, it’s a special place for us.

We make it into the lobby and check into our room. I’ve shown you some photos of our view (and you can see Sea Breeze Point from our balcony) but here are some shots of the living room and kitchen:

http://img55.imageshack.us/img55/4796/ourroom18qz.jpg

http://img55.imageshack.us/img55/5523/ourroom26vq.jpg

You've seen this shot, but I'll post it again since the gazeebo might hold a bit more sentiment now (plus, I really like this shot):

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/7420/ourview27xo.jpg

And here are some shots of the bathroom (a side-note for those that are interested--the 1 bedroom units come with a split bathroom—the tub, vanity and closet area….)

http://img328.imageshack.us/img328/5548/ourroom43oi.jpg

…and then a sink, toilet, shower area:

http://img369.imageshack.us/img369/6855/ourroom32qp.jpg

It’s interesting to note that I took pictures of the bathroom but didn’t get pictures of the actual bedroom area (It has a king bed, TV armoire, table and chairs, and another balcony--for those that are interested). Nice to see where my priorities lie. Or disturbing. I’ll leave that up to you.

Up Next: I didn’t make it anywhere near the belly dancer, blue thong or pasta in this installment but I’m hoping that at least ONE of them makes it into the next installment.

[missmun52]

i am enjoying your report. love the wedding pics !

[kddlm]

Loving the stories! Not to mention so envious of you for travelling without your kids! Have never been able to get myself to that point yet and they are 11 and 6! P.S. My mom is the only babysitter my kids ever had as well!!! Keep up the great stories!

[Mom of Sleepy, Bashful and BabyDoc]

Love the review.......keep it coming. :sunny:

[Nee Nee and Biddy]

I love it! We also got married at WDW and have proof of it! haha I'm also one of those mamas that won't leave the baby with anyone but family so we are craving some alone time too. I'm so jealous...but I plan on showing your report to DH so we can plan a childless vacation in the future.

[J and R's mom]

Day One….Still:

You saw the pictures of the wedding and some pictures of the room. BUT DID WE BEAT THAT DARNED BOAT?!

It was a tie, really. The boat clearly beat us to the Swan & Dolphin, but it was halfway over to the Boardwalk as we rounded the corner onto the wooden planks. But I didn’t have to smell that diesel exhaust so I still feel like I won.

We loved our room and our view but we had important things to discuss. Like whether or not we should take a nap. We’re generally nicer when we’ve had our sleep. We had dinner reservations at Alfredo’s in Italy in two hours (and given the context of this trip report, I’m assuming you all know that I mean Italy in World Showcase at EPCOT—not the one in Europe). We can’t nap at home (see post one if you’re not clear on why) and we both LOVE our naps, so….a nap it is.

An hour-an-a-half later, and a phone call from some indistinct Disney character later, we’re headed to World Showcase to eat some dinner. But before we could make it to Italy, we came across some live entertainment in the streets of Morocco:

http://img415.imageshack.us/img415/6541/bellydancer27gx.jpg

That gentleman in the green hat sure is getting into it, isn’t he? Heh, heh. A few of my family members that were not able to attend would really appreciate a good belly dancer, so I took a few photos and continued on my way.



Me: She’s pretty good, huh, TEEBEE?.....Don’t you think so TEEBEE?......Hey…. TEEBEEE…..TEEBEE...... Get over here. We have dinner reservations to get to young man! Move it along!



Darn those belly dancers. Maybe I need to look into buying one of those outfits. Do they sell them in Morocco’s gift shops? I better check on that later in the trip.

Without any other interruptions, we make it to Italy. Now, I’ve never been to Alfredo’s before, but I’ve been reading some good reviews about it, and especially about their original Fettuccine Alfredo. Here we are in the lobby of Alfredo’s as we wait for our names to be called. (Again, I’m taking the picture, so it looks a bit odd):

http://img346.imageshack.us/img346/2540/alfredos9gn.jpg

Having researched the dinner menu on Allearsnet.com prior to our trip, we were looking forward to our dinner and pretty much knew what we wanted to order. Our server, however, wasn’t as pleased with our choices, at least not mine. I was craving a salad, so I ordered (or tried to anyway) “Alfredo's Famous Caesar Salad.” This is where I offended our server:



Me: For an appetizer I’ll have the Ceasar Salad. And for….

All-Wise-Server-Man: Oh, no no, Madam. Why come to a place such as this and use your dining plan for a silly salad. Try something different. Something Italian. You don’t have to be cheap. You’re already on the dining plan. Surely there is something else you’d prefer.



Now typically, this would have caused sparks to shoot out of my eyes…and my mouth. They would have had to cover the ears of the wee ones sitting at the tables right (and I mean RIGHT) next to us. But, All-Wise-Server-Man had a point. Besides, TEEBEE and I had been having a hard time deciding between three different appetizers. So:



Me: Well, although something with lettuce in it sounds good to me, I was wanting to try the calamari. So, I’ll go with that.

All-Wise-Server-Man: Much better.



My husband was glad when the guy finished taking our order and left. He looked as if he had just dodged a bullet. He knows what a pistol I can become when someone is patronizing to me. I think he was afraid I was about to embarrass him in public…. Again. Having kids must have mellowed me in a lot of ways. For whatever reason, this guy just gave me a chuckle.

The calamari and sauce were EXCELLENT! I’m glad that I ordered it. For an entrée I had the dish they’re known for: Le Originali Fettuccine all'Alfredo. I’m glad I tried it, but I won’t be ordering it again. I never could get adjusted to the taste of it. And I won’t tell you what TEEBEE said when he tried it. Let’s just leave it at, “he wasn’t a fan.” We both had the chocolate mousse for dessert but we shared TEEBEE’s and took mine to-go.

Time to walk off all of that food! So we continued around the World Showcase in the direction of Mexico. Here’s a cute topiary display we saw on our way:

http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/4605/snowwhiteinepcot22bt.jpg

Can anyone guess WHY I’m headed to Mexico? I’m sure it’s for the same reason that many of you head that direction.

MARGARITAS!

Now naps may make me a bit nicer, but a margarita will make me fun to be around (or at least funny to watch). Notice that I said “a.” Seriously, that’s all it takes. I don't drink very often. So, one margarita and I’m very tipsy. Once it kicks in, I have difficulty walking a straight line, much to the aggravation (and amusement) of my husband. So I stand in line behind about six other people and wait to get my margarita….with salt. TEEBEE passes on the alcohol. He knows from past experience that he’ll probably be having to keep me in check and navigate us back to the hotel later.

We decide to go do some shopping for the girls at Mouse Gear. It’s a really fun store. One of my favorites, even when I’m sober. We find a few shirts for the girls, and a few for my parents and I only giggled a little bit….until we stood in line to check out. Some of you have been tortured by this picture already. For some, this will be your first exposure to it. Consider yourselves warned. The picture looked clear to me but I had had a margarita. In the blur, you will notice a little boy with his mother. They are standing in front of us and blocking our view of this site at first. And then they moved:

"The Picture" was deemed too risqué to post on the Trip Reports board by the TR moderators so it has been removed...but just imagine a girl in a pink shirt and pink skirt and somewhere around the hip line she has the upper part of her blue thong showing along with it's straps...and you'll get the idea...

I wasn’t going to snap that picture (and TEEBEE was adamant that I didn’t) until the young lady reached behind her and MADE SURE that her blue undergarment was showing for the world to see. At first when she reached back there I thought she was going to pull her shirt down or her skirt up over it. WRONG! She moved the shirt up and the skirt down even more. So I snapped a quick photo. The mom in front of us sent her son off to find his father shortly after the girl adjusted her blue undergarment…thank goodness.

After we checked out I wanted to head back to Mexico for another margarita since Blue-Thong-Girl had pretty much sobered me up. But, Illuminations was starting and we decided to watch some of it and then head back to BWVs. It’s hard for us to watch Illuminations without our oldest daughter now. We took both of the girls to WDW back in November of 2005 (along with MY parents) and stayed at BCV. Our oldest LOVED going over to see the Illuminations fireworks every night. So this show makes us kind of sad when she’s not around.

Day one has finally come to a close.

And a tally: # of calls home to check on the girls--4
# of indecent outfits 2-- (I’m counting the belly dancer in this)
# of margaritas--only 1 (darn it!)

[roberrl187]

I'm hooked. Great report. :thumbsup2

[BeckWhy]

I can't believe you are counting the belly dancer as indecent. :( At least they look good dressed like that.

That girl though, the skirt.... th.... I'm not gonna say it. Maybe WDW needs their own fashion police!

[lillygator]

thank goodness I don't own a pink skirt!

[missmun52]

some people have no class and certianly no shame!

[J and R's mom]

I can't believe you are counting the belly dancer as indecent. :( At least they look good dressed like that.

That girl though, the skirt.... th.... I'm not gonna say it. Maybe WDW needs their own fashion police!

LOL...I'm only counting her as indecent because my husband liked her performance too much....not because she was indecent... ;) The other one...well...she earned the title all on her own!

And to ALL who have taken the time to post and say encouraging things: I THANK YOU ALL! I means ALOT to me.

And to those who are reading this, thanks for taking the time to share in our trip!

[ArielDreams]

redneck photos... i like the idea!!! will have to try that one out next trip...

great report! can't wait to read more!

[Ponkeo]

just like mickey and minnie. ::MinnieMo ::MickeyMo . you are such a beautiful bride. if you saw any eggrolls, please include them in the report for me with details on location. thanks

[precious pixie]

I love the stories!!! Keep 'em coming :thumbsup2

[sheridac]

Mornings and my husband go together like investments and Enron. It’s just not a good mix. We’ve learned over the years that minimal talking is best until after lunch. And neither of us drinks coffee. So you can just imagine.

What??!!! You don't drink coffee??? Holy crap!!! You poor things!! How do you function??

Also, uh, where to start?? Loved the pics of the view and the honeymoon.

And. I am the original thrill ride girl!! I could do R&R, ToT and all the mountains ALL DAY LONG!!!!

An most excellent adventure, my girl. You deserve the finest muffins and bagels in all the land!!!

[tinker*dust]

I'm hooked! And I'm envious. Of your vacation to WDW without kids.
Looking forward to more!

[J and R's mom]

....if you saw any eggrolls, please include them in the report for me with details on location. thanks
I personally didn't see the eggrolls, but I know they exist somewhere in EPCOT...or that's what I've heard anyway...Click here (http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/men_lbc.htm) for an awesome WDW website. This link is to the menu for China's Counter Service eatery. Eggrolls are listed on it.

Now I'm craving Chinese food...and it's time for bed. GREAT!

Hi Sher! :wave: Thanks for stopping in!

tinker*dust--and all the others that have mentioned envy of a sans kid trip-- stay tuned...it's not quite as easy as I thought it would be...****SPOILER ALERT****and I doubt we'll be doing it again anytime soon...well, I hear the teenage years may sending us running back by ourselves, but until then, I want their tiny, whinny, crying little bottoms there with us.

The next installment should be up tomorrow. :wave:

[LaLa]

I'd rather eat a whole jar of hairy pickled pig lips with no Yoo Hoo to wash it down with than have to see that site live and in technicolor.

Aside from that, J&R's MOM! YOU SO ROCK.

I just read the first three pages and I am loving it. How cute are yall! Such a cute couple. The both of ya. Really. I love the wedding pictures. The one of him looking at you is so sweet. You can just see the love on his face. Thanks for sharing those. They're awesome.

And you done me proud Mama. With the Redneck Photos. I need a moment. And the MAELSTROM FANNY PACK. How cool is that? I think this is my new favorite trip report. No, wait. I KNOW this is my new favorite trip report. Currently being written. Cause ZZUB hasn't started his yet. And he IS Coke, after all. The original. The better tasting one. The one that blows Pepsi away. BTW.

Seriously. I love your TR and I'm really glad I found you Woman. Keep it coming.

Oh, and one more thing that I just can't let slip by me...

This is my theory on make-up. When Eve ate that apple and God kicked both of them out of Eden, God handed Eve a bag of make-up and said, “You will now be cursed with the need to feel like you must wear make-up to look pretty. And Adam, you will be cursed with DEALING with women and their make-up routines and costs. Now BE GONE WITH YOU.” Or something like that.

Yeah, I think the makeup thing is on the low end of the totem pole in regards to the fallout with this one. Don't believe me? I got two words for ya.

CHILD. BIRTH.

Mama no like.

[BDDisney]

KEEP IT COMING!!!

I'm lovin' it! Great report!

[NAB]

J R mom....It is nice to put a face to you. I see your name somewhere else all the time.

Loving your report and the pics. You are so funny( in a good way that is). Funny thing is I can relate to the babysitter thing. That is what we do too. And the make up thing too. It really catches hubby of guard when I do wear it.

Waiting for more..... popcorn::

[J and R's mom]

LALA!!!!!!! HI!

Yeah, I think the makeup thing is on the low end of the totem pole in regards to the fallout with this one. Don't believe me? I got two words for ya.

CHILD. BIRTH....

Well...try this one out...Women who feel the NEED to WEAR make-up DURING child birth...

Oh, and NAB! and BDDisney...good to see ya!

[J and R's mom]

You won’t believe this, but Day One STILL Continues:

I just can’t help myself, I guess. That first day was EXTRA magical. There is something about arriving at Disney World on that first day, at least for me. I’m just happy ALL over. But the real reason I’m going to add an addendum to Day One is because I forgot a VERY important part of that night…MAELSTROM!

Now, a few of you have been following the whole Maelstrom thing. And as a tribute to my Maelstrom buddies, I made a sign for my fanny pack. It read “Maelstrom….Is a FASTPASS?!” I proudly taped that sign to my fanny pack and was wearing it all around WDW on our first day. TEEBEE wasn’t very amused. Oh. And he flat out REFUSED to wear the fanny pack as long as that sign was on it. And as payback for having to be seen so close to the offending sign, he refused to wear the fanny pack the rest of the trip…even after I lost my sign. (It's a good thing he didn't pull a Zzub because I wouldn't have let him use my fanny pack!--MAELSTROM!)

You’ve seen this picture, but it’s the only one that shows any part of the Mealstrom sign. (I’m sure TEEBEE did that on purpose—he’s probably upset that THAT much of the sign made it into any photo).

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/7765/mgm7ci.jpg

So after we left Mouse Gear, we knew that Illuminations was about to start but I HAD to ride Maelstrom…in honor of my new DIS friends. So we trek on over to Norway. The stand-by line said 20 minutes. TEEBEE grunted. I, however, trudged forward. I would NOT be daunted. The actual wait was more like five minutes, though.

As we approached the CM at the front of the line, he looked down at my sign and had the strangest face….but said nothing. We boarded the ride. And….I really liked it. Yep. You read that correctly. I LIKED it. Still not sure why it’d be a Fastpass, but it was pretty cute…in a trollish kind of way.

MAELSTROM, I say.

But sadly, by the time we got back to the resort, the “Maelstrom” part of my sign was gone. Never to be seen again. At least not by me.

Day Two, May 12, 2006

That indistinguishable Disney character voice was on the phone again. Was that supposed to be Stitch? But I could swear I heard a Mickey laugh in there somewhere. Was Stitch assaulting Mickey? And if so, did Mickey’s laugh mean that Mickey liked it?

I figured it was time to get up and head on over to Magic Kingdom so I could ask Mickey about that.

The plan was to get to Magic Kingdom BEFORE the gates opened:



Me: TEEEEEEEBEEEEEEE. Time to get uuuuuuuppppppp.

TEEBEE: GRUNT!

Me: Up, Mister!

TEEBEE: GRUNT!

Me: (as I throw open the curtains…heh, heh) Oh, LOOK! The sun’s up.

TEEBEE: WOMAN!

Me: Hee hee hee



As Mr. Grumpy-Pants goes and showers, I finish getting ready and go outside and take in the view from our balcony. It’s really hard to beat that view. All of the sudden I hear:


TEEBEE: You better feed me!

Me: Well, let’s go Mister. I know of an EXCELLENT little bakery right down there (pointing to Boardwalk Bakery from our balcony).


So Grumpy (TEEBEE) and I head over to the Boardwalk Bakery. He likes sweets in the morning. Me....not so much. I’m not big on breakfast and I’m not big on sweets, so putting them BOTH together in the mornings is disturbing to me. But this is about TEEBEE. So we enter. Using his snack credit, he gets a cherry turnover. I get us some water. And off we go to the bus stop.


TEEBEE: Where are you going?

Me: Where are YOU going?

TEEBEE: I’m going over to that table [right outside the bakery along the lake front] to eat.

Me: If you wanted to sit down and eat breakfast you should have gotten up sooner. It’s not on my itinerary. Now let’s move it along. They have benches at the bus stop.

TEEBEE: GRUNT!!


But once he had some food in his belly, all was well:

http://img416.imageshack.us/img416/9776/breakfastatthebusstop11ts.jpg

And he had plenty of time to finish it before the bus arrived. We had just missed one bus and it took about 20 minutes for the next one to arrive (which wasn’t too bad). I did, however, look at TEEBEE and say:


Me: See. I TOLD you we had time for you to sit down and eat that at the table.

TEEBEE: GLARE!

Me: Heh, heh.


We made it to Magic Kingdom in plenty of time to catch the opening ceremony. The first experience I have with watching the opening ceremony at Magic Kingdom was back in February of this year when I took Princess J with me for a mother-daughter-get-a-way. The ceremony actually made me tear up (as in crying, not ripping). I became all sappy. I blamed it on being a mom and being there with my precious little 2.5-year-old. Otherwise, I would have been a toughie with no tears.

WRONG! I teared up again as TEEBEE and I watched it. He rolled his eyes at me…which is standard if I get tears in my eyes over something sappy. Here are some pictures...of the opening, not my tears...:

http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/2327/mkopening49ps.jpg

http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/9082/mkopening33ni.jpg

http://img416.imageshack.us/img416/5528/mkopening22cc.jpg

http://img416.imageshack.us/img416/1014/mkopening13px.jpg

It’s such a neat experience…at least until they drop the rope and let everyone inside. And then it’s like running with the bulls in Spain, but instead of dodging horns on a bull you’re dodging strollers and crazed teenagers trying to get to THE rides. My advice, either run or GET OUT OF THE WAY. This will satisfy most everyone, except the CMs….they frown at the runners.

Up Next: Our MK adventures and some more revealing clothing—but in a Disney way.

[Ponkeo]

i'm just on this kick this month - bear with me. i'm probably the only one who thinks it's funny. :lmao: you know i have never ridden maelstrom or seen the opening ceremony :welcome: that i can remember, can't wait to do both this time. wait something's coming back to me now - is this the boat think in the netherlands or something? anyway, i'm loving it. keep it coming.

[Jennifer48]

First off J and R's Mom, you are way too young and thin to be the mother of those to princesses! princess: princess:

Second, this is a great TR! :thumbsup2 I'm lovin' it like McDonalds.

:moped: :moped: just for you!

Btw, I have never been to the rope drop at MK but I have been on Maelstrom, why didn't you fastpass it?! :rotfl:

:rolleyes1

[ZZUB]

OH MY EYES!!! SOMEONE PLUCK OUT MY EYES!
I can't believe I had to see THAT again!!!!!!!!
Just when I healed from my last exposure to the horror of that picture, HERE IT COMES AGAIN! Good night! It's like Mad Tea Cups. Only grosser. I'm gonna spew! Again.

We had only planned on having one child. But I touched TEEBEE’s foot one night and Princess R was on her way.This must be the new biology they're teaching. I always thought babies came from a different place.

I HAD to ride Maelstrom…in honor of my new DIS friends. So we trek on over to Norway. The stand-by line said 20 minutes. TEEBEE grunted. I, however, trudged forward. I would NOT be daunted. The actual wait was more like five minutes, though. To better honor us, you could NOT ride that joke of an attraction and merely spit in its direction. That's what I plan to do. By they way, it's ALWAYS a 5 minute wait. The 20 minute sign is a pump fake. They put it up to make people think it's cool to ride Maelstrom.

And….I really liked it.And now you're on ignore. Nerd.

Other than your willigness to subject yourself to the crappiest ride in the crappiest park (sorry, LaLa) and your need to subject us to the second scarriest picture in the known world, this is a fun read.

:moped:

[LaLa]

As we approached the CM at the front of the line, he looked down at my sign and had the strangest face….but said nothing. We boarded the ride. And….I really liked it. Yep. You read that correctly. I LIKED it. Still not sure why it’d be a Fastpass, but it was pretty cute…in a trollish kind of way.

MAELSTROM, I say.

Most definitely IS a fastpass. You know it.

I am ROLLING. On the floor. At the plucking out of the eyes comment. Above me. No silent shaking today. Good thing I'm at home. Or else my boss would think I need to be committed. Again.

Post it again, J&R's MOM. The one from Mouse Gear. Somewhere down the line just sneak it in. Where someone least expects it. For La2.

Well...try this one out...Women who feel the NEED to WEAR make-up DURING child birth...


We had only planned on having one child. But I touched TEEBEE’s foot one night and Princess R was on her way.

This must be the new biology they're teaching. I always thought babies came from a different place.

Just in case there's any question, why don't you try asking the women wearing the makeup. I'm sure they'd be more than happy to tell you where babies come from. Right after they tell you where to go. Cause you're a member of the male species. We think.

J&R'sMOM, I love your trip report. I love Epicot. I love Maelstrom. I love Coke too. BTW. And I just like Pepsi. These days.

Keep it comin Woman. I love all the pictures. They really make me wanna be there NOW. Is it September yet?

:moped:

La2

[sheridac]

But sadly, by the time we got back to the resort, the “Maelstrom” part of my sign was gone. Never to be seen again. At least not by me.

Methinks Teebee very slightly may have had something to do with that. Just sayin'. :teeth:

[kathymc]

enjoying your reports. dont have anything witty or cute to add. but I don't have you on ignore.

thanks for sharing

[bigsis1970]

Oh my Lord -- You are soo funny, Love your report so far..
your girls, the puppy and your wedding photos --- BEAUTIFUL !!! hubby is a handsome devil.. you are a Lucky Lady!!! Michelle

(I took my first solo last Sept/Oct and had such a wonderful time but I surely did miss my 2 darlings - DD is 12 and DS is 9 but with that said - I just booked my second solo trip for the same time this year!! LOL )

[tadamom]

I really enjoy reading your trip reports and can't wait for the next one.

[J and R's mom]

...eggroll carts (not ones on menus)
LOL. Sorry. Hmmm... eggroll carts. I, for one, have not had the pleasure of running across one of these yet. Maybe someone will come along and enlighten us both.

...i have never ridden maelstrom....is this the boat thing in the netherlands or something?....!
Close. It's in Norway and, yes, it's the one with the boat. And a FASTPASS!

First off J and R's Mom, you are way too young and thin to be the mother of those to princesses!
:blush: Now that's just too sweet. Just wait until I get to the part (assuming that I do) about the CM serving me a margarita over at the Cantina. He had a comment about my age that just about sent me over the counter! Let's just say it's a good thing that was my FIRST margarita of the night I was ordering and not my second. (There's no fear of me ever consuming a third margarita...I'll have passed out at the end of the second).

Now if only I was on my second margarita when I saw that blue undergarment for the first time. My inhabitions would have been lowered enough to quote the following to that young lady:
OH MY EYES!!! SOMEONE PLUCK OUT MY EYES!

...This must be the new biology they're teaching. I always thought babies came from a different place.
Let me guess. You still think that the stork brings the babies. It's ALL ABOUT the FOOT, now ZZUB. All about the foot.

...And now you're on ignore. Nerd.
That was one of my objectives in writing this report, you know. :moped:

...Post it again, J&R's MOM. The one from Mouse Gear. Somewhere down the line just sneak it in. Where someone least expects it. For La2....
I just might have to do that...

Methinks Teebee very slightly may have had something to do with that. Just sayin'. :teeth:
Yeah...I'm thinking you just might be right.

...but I don't have you on ignore...
And I thank you for that!

Oh my Lord -- You are soo funny, Love your report so far..
your girls, the puppy and your wedding photos --- BEAUTIFUL !!! hubby is a handsome devil.. you are a Lucky Lady!!!
:blush: Thank you.

And thanks to you, too, tadamom. (Cool name, by the way!)

[J and R's mom]

Day Two Continues:

AAAHHHHHH. Main Street. The Castle. All is right with the world. Except for one MAJOR thing. I was missing my girls. ALOT! So was TEEBEE. So I decided to make my first call home for the day. Except that it was too early back home. They’re not on Disney time back there. So we headed to Space Mountain. Have any of you ever heard of this ride? Anyone ever ridden it before? Evidently it’s pretty popular….judging by the swarming heard that was rushing that way.

But I knew a shortcut. HaHa! CRAP! Another rope-holder was in my way. Why was he standing there ruining my shortcut with that rope? He liked the feel of POWER, I just knew it. Now all the other folks were catching up and being pinned in by their rope lover too. DARN THEIR HIDES!

Finally, after wheeling enough power over the masses, the Rope-holders released their ropes and the stampede commenced. To Space Mountain.

I knew a secret about Space Mountain, too. It had TWO loading platforms. Not just the one to the right. Most folks will just follow the person in front of them and moooooove on to the loading platform to the right. So I typically opt for the left. Except the CMs have conspired to ruin my plans AGAIN! The left was closed. So we moooooved on with the other cattle to the right. And about TWO minutes later, they opened up the left side. GRRRRRR! and a GRUNT for good measure! But we didn’t have to wait too long for our turn. And I scored the front seat! Being in the front seat of Space Mountain just gives it that extra umph. I LOVE this ride! And so does TEEBEE. But one of his favorite parts of the ride was missing this time…at least we didn’t hear it. It’s the part on the people mover AFTER the ride that says, “Innnn the Future…” Bummer. We felt just a tad cheated, I must say.

Now, I’ve heard rumors about Dole Whips. Having never tried them before, I decided this would be a good opportunity to indulge. So off to Adventureland we went. And look what I saw:

http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/3026/jasminealadin7bu.jpg

I don’t know the man there with his daughter. I just wanted a picture of Jasmine and Aladdin…without having to stand in line for one-on-one time. Plus, there’s no sense in letting TEEBEE get too close. I wouldn’t want him to sprain anything. And I was on a mission. Dole Whips—for those that may have forgotten after seeing the above photo.

I found something that looked like a refreshment center and asked the CM:

Me: Do you sell Dole Whips here?

CM: Huh?

Me: Dole Whips. Do you sell them here?

CM: What are those?

Me: I’m not entirely sure myself, but I read something about pineapple and ice cream.

CM: Oh. I’m not sure where you get those.

Well, that was helpful. So we stroll around Adventureland some more and I find another refreshment center. And people are walking away with ice cream concoctions. Surely this was it. But the menu confused me. I did, however, spot Dole Whips on it so I ordered one. I took my first bite …... and ….. and …. and …. I wasn’t a big fan. I know this will offend many folks. But Dole Whips aren’t for me. Neither was Bob Dole…, but I don’t think the two are related.

Up Next: Ghosts and Steamboat TEEBEE…and a Fire Station

[ZZUB]

Being in the front seat of Space Mountain just gives it that extra umph. I couldn't agree more. Space Mountain is more of a nostalgic thrill than an actual thrill anymore. I drive faster in my driveway. But it reminds me of being young and thinking Space Mountain was really cool. So we have to do it. About the only way I enjoy Space Mountain now is if I'm in front or my whole family is on board and we're shouting random lines from movies. Napoloeon Dynamite and Airplane! add to virtually anything.

I've never had a Dole Whip. Never seen a Dole Whip. Have no desire to taste a Dole Whip if only because everyone on these boards SCREAMS about how good they are. Also, like you, thought Bob Dole should be horsewhipped.

Why does he do those commercials? Does anyone need that image?

:moped:

[sheridac]

I don't know what was funnier for me. Your power struggle with the little rope power puffs or this:

I know this will offend many folks. But Dole Whips aren’t for me. Neither was Bob Dole…, but I don’t think the two are related.

[LaLa]

I did, however, spot Dole Whips on it so I ordered one. I took my first bite …... and ….. and …. and …. I wasn’t a big fan.

Don't tell me that.

See, I'm all hyped up about a Dole Whip for our next trip. Now you're telling me it won't live up to my expectations. That's what you're basically saying. Oh well. At least there's always Space Mountain. And Mickey bars. And Epicot. I can live with that.

They do have Coke products there, right? Cause if I got stuck with a bad Dole Whip and had to wash it down with something lame like a Pepsi One, that would put me in a mood.

Loved the latest. Little short. But good anyway.

We love Space Mountain too. And DH loves Jasmine. I actually have proof. It's on the videotape that we took at Akershus. You can hear him and his friend ogling her like a couple of pimply high school kids at the prom. Men.

Anyway, keep it coming. Hey, don't forget about...you know. From earlier. For Z. Just keep it on the down low.


La2

[sheridac]

Last edited by LaLa : Today at 02:29 PM. Reason: Hey Z. Thanks for that from earlier. You know what. And don't listen to Sher. You rock.

La~ Whatever are you talking about?? Are you high?? JR does ROCK. And so does her TR. This installment was a little lean is all. :teeth:

[J and R's mom]

Also, like you, thought Bob Dole should be horsewhipped....Why does he do those commercials? Does anyone need that image?...

Thanks for that...now I need to go find my Maelstrom fanny pack... :crazy2:

I don't know what was funnier for me. Your power struggle with the little rope power puffs or this: I know this will offend many folks. But Dole Whips aren’t for me. Neither was Bob Dole…, but I don’t think the two are related.
Well, I vote for the dole whip being slightly funnier since the RopeNazis foiled my plans. :furious: DARN THEIR HIDES!

Don't tell me that.

See, I'm all hyped up about a Dole Whip for our next trip. Now you're telling me it won't live up to my expectations. That's what you're basically saying.
Let's see. MILLIONS of DISers LOVE Dole Whips. J and R's Mom doesn't. Hmmmm.... I think you're safe. If not, they have trash cans nearby. :smooth: :duck:

....Hey, don't forget about...you know. From earlier. For Z. Just keep it on the down low....La2
You might need to go re-read post #25.

Thanks to all for staying with me. I know I made the last post rather short. The next one is slightly longer...but really doesn't make it anywhere either. Oh well. At least this trip was only FOUR days long.

[Shelby5514]

Sorry I'm a little late to this party...been busy...on vacation...to the Amish country...yada, yada, yada...nice little trippie ya got going here...I missed the thong, but I remember it from before...ya know...over there...and NO I did NOT think it was you...as if...no maelstrommer would be caught DED in anything like that with a camera around to capture it...I just love these little guys...


...:thumbsup2

[J and R's mom]

Boy, that last installment was short. I’m wondering if this one will be any longer. I guess it just depends on how long the Princesses J and R nap. Onward, then.

Day Two Continues:

With half of a Dole Whip now safely stored in the nearest trash can, we took a gander at my typed-out, pocket-sized itinerary. Since we’ve been to the World a few times, we really don’t have too much on our TO-DO list for this quick trip. And notice the absence of times. My itineraries typically have a time-range listed next to the attractions but for this trip, it really wasn't necessary. This itinerary was more of a "guide" or "reminder" than a "MUST DO" mandate.

Magic Kingdom
Space Mountain
Buzz (maybe)
Splash Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain RR
Haunted Mansion
Mickey’s Philharmagic
(before 11:30am or during parades)
TTA
Carousel of Progress

Maybes:
Country Bear Jamboree
Diamond Horseshoe Review

To Eat At:
Pecos Bill
Cosmic Ray
Dole Whip (Adv Land)
El Pirata y El Peric (Adv Land)


TEEBEE: Well, what’s next…since that Dole Whip thing didn’t work out…

Me: I’m not sure. Let me check. Hmmmm….Let’s try Mickey’s Philharmagic.

TEEBEE: I knew you wouldn’t pick my ride.


Let me add here that TEEBEE’s favorite ride is the Haunted Mansion. (That should delight a certain little ghost I know—unless she doesn’t like to share). I think he likes this ride because he views it as a personal challenge to race into his doom buggy BEFORE he reaches the end of that darned people mover. I often times wonder what happens to the folks that can’t get into their doom buggy on time…but I’ll leave that pondering for a little later. For now, we’re headed off to Mickey’s Philharmagic.

Now, TEEBEE and I have never seen this attraction. I’ll pause here and wait for everyone to pick their jaws up off the floor. Okay. Let’s proceed……

Before having kids, TEEBEE and I didn’t spend too much time in Fantasyland (although I think “Fantasyland” is where people WITHOUT kids truly live in the real world, but anyway…). We had other rides to tend to and most things in Fantasyland go in circles and make TEEBEE ill or sing repetitive songs over-and-over and make us BOTH ill… and homicidal. But I’ve heard WONDERFUL things about this attraction and wanted to give it a try. I also wanted to test it out before attempting to take my girls on it later this year.

I’m not sure if most of you realize this or not, but there are TONs of little kids at WDW. And for some reason, EVERY child that was around 3 yrs old or 18 months old began reminding me of my little ones. Sometimes it worked in our advantage, as evidenced by this one-sided conversation we overhead in line at Mickey’s Philharmagic:



Stressed-Out-Mom: Honey, get off of the railing….Now we’re not supposed to climb on that, honey, it makes Mickey mad…Get down….because,mommy said…I mean it, GET DOWN!!!!



Advantage—TEEBEE and MOMMA. Because WE weren’t having to have these conversations…well, unless I drank too many margaritas, that is.

But just as soon as we’d smile and gloat to each other that WE weren’t having to corral our kids, a parent around us would have sappy moment with their kids:



Sappy-Rub-It-In-Your-Face-I’m-Here-With-My-Kids-Mom: When we’re finished with this show, it’ll almost be time to go eat lunch with the Princesses. Are you excited about that?

Sappy-Mom’s-Precious-Kid—Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. OOHHH, will I finally get to meet Cinderella? You said she’d be there. Do you have my autograph book?



But THANKFULLY, the doors opened and we all entered the theater before I got all teary-eyed again..which would lead to TEEBEE rolling his eyes at me…yet again.

I have a question for you. Would you consider Donald Duck one of the unluckiest ducks you’ve ever seen? And how does he manage to STILL have any friends left? I would have stuffed him long ago--if I were Mickey. That’s another thing I plan on asking Mickey when I see him again.

But I DID benefit from Donald Duck's latest misfortunes in Mickey’s Philharmagic. What an awesome little adventure that was. Except that all of those food smells made TEEBEE and I REALLY hungry. It was nearing lunchtime, you know. As we left the theater, we both decided that Princess R wouldn’t much care for that show. Not yet, anyway. And we’re still not sure about Princess J. At this point she’d probably spend most of her time taking the glasses off and then putting them back on….over-and-over again.

Up Next: Who the heck knows. I’m entirely too long-winded to actually make it to the good stuff. So, as an apology, I’ll post some pictures from our November 2005 trip (since I don’t really have any pictures of this brief hour of the trip I just wrote about).

Here's a picture of the castle...and that's my WONDERFUL mother in the orange (SHE shares--and started--my Disney obesssion):

http://img369.imageshack.us/img369/3200/disney0825ay.jpg

And since I did manage to MENTION Cinderella in this post, here's a shot of her during HER wedding...that she repeats several times a day...every day...

http://img56.imageshack.us/img56/9985/disney0886gp.jpg



Until next time....

[calypso*a*go-go]

Shhhh...I don't like Dole Whips either!

[disneycutie84]

Great report!
I'm hooked!!!

[LaLa]

Stressed-Out-Mom: Honey, get off of the railing….Now we’re not supposed to climb on that, honey, it makes Mickey mad…Get down….because,mommy said…I mean it, GET DOWN!!!!

Sappy-Rub-It-In-Your-Face-I’m-Here-With-My-Kids-Mom: When we’re finished with this show, it’ll almost be time to go eat lunch with the Princesses. Are you excited about that?

Sappy-Mom’s-Precious-Kid—Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. OOHHH, will I finally get to meet Cinderella? You said she’d be there. Do you have my autograph book?


You could be talking about my family in both those instances. Back to back, even. Gotta love those roller coasters at Disney. The literal ones. And the figurative ones.

I have a question for you. Would you consider Donald Duck one of the unluckiest ducks you’ve ever seen? And how does he manage to STILL have any friends left? I would have stuffed him long ago--if I were Mickey.

I think you may be onto something here. Maybe that's why Mickey's hangin out with Stitch these days. Maybe he finally got sick of dealing with Donald and that attitude of his and put him up the road.

We absolutely LOVE Mickey's Philharmagic. It's one of our favorites. The scene where it looks like you're flying is the best. Granted, it's no Soarin. Or Maelstrom for that matter, but it's definitely fastpass worthy.

You usually have your iteneraries down to the TIMES you're gonna ride certain rides? And I thought I was bad. You go Miss Organization.

Nice installment J&Rs MOM. Keep em comin.

[sheridac]

We had other rides to tend to and most things in Fantasyland go in circles and make TEEBEE ill or sing repetitive songs over-and-over and make us BOTH ill… and homicidal.
I soooo know of which you speak. I got stuck there once for about 40 minutes and it was worse than watching the shrub address the nation!!! :teeth:

[angel*lady]

Great trip report! :cool1:

[jw50]

Darn those belly dancers. Maybe I need to look into buying one of those outfits. Do they sell them in Morocco’s gift shops? I better check on that later in the trip.

I don't think that you would really need one but I am sure that TEEBEE would not complain too much if you did ;)

[pumba]

OHHHHHHHH I have seen the little belly dancer outfits at the gift shop on the lagoon side of the Morocco. IT was so darn cute. Plus they had those little bitty things you hold on your fingers to make the clinking noises........and WOW I LOVE JUNIOR MINTS......but can't eat them......Oh well I can live thru you eating them... :rotfl: :rolleyes:

[matthewpaul939]

Nice TR! Very funny stuff!

You and your DH sound like a fun couple!

[J and R's mom]

Matthewpaul939...I just had to say: WHAT A GORGEOUS, PRECIOUS little one you have hanging from your nose! Congrats on that special little bundle!



Day Two Continues:

We were HUNGRY--thanks to the way-too-authentic-smelling attraction we just exited (Mickey’s Philharmagic for those that may have forgotten). We scanned the itinerary and decided to eat at Pecos Bill’s. I LIKE Pecos Bill’s. It really has nothing to do with the food. I just like the name. I spent a few of my single-digit years living in a speck of a town that shared part of that eatery’s name. Oh yeah, and I REALLY like their condiments bar (be sure you read that word correctly, I don’t want there to be any confusion as to what I’m after at this place, now).

TEEBEE agrees since he’s really not picky and is just thrilled that HE didn’t have to plan any part of this trip. And it’s here that I make a suggestion and try to show-off some of my mad Disney knowledge to my husband:



Me: I know a short-cut to Pecos Bill’s. Aaaannnnddddd…it’ll take us right past the Haunted Mansion. What do you say? Want to ride it first, before we go eat?

TEEBEE: Yeah. Okay. Whatever.



So, I took a right (WHOOPS!) and headed off towards the Castle in search of It’s-A- Small-(homicidal)-World.

Okay…let me stop here for a minute and explain myself—since I keep taking jabs at this poor, innocent ride. I have to confess something. Not counting this trip, I ALWAYS make it a point to go on this attraction. Next to Main Street and the Castle, this annoying little ride DEFINES being in WDW for me. I haven’t figured out why yet. I think it’s because it’s one of the rides that I remember so vividly from my first trip to WDW. So I try to make a point to ride it. It wasn’t in the cards for this trip, however.

Okay. Moving along.

Now, I’ve mentioned before that I’m not as familiar with Fantasyland as I am the other parts of WDW. But I was SURE that I had remembered this shortcut correctly. But when I hit the Castle area, I knew that I had made a tactical error somewhere. DARN IT!


TEEBEE: This doesn’t look right.

ME: GRUNT! Hush. This is the shortcut for the long way around.


For those not quite familiar with the area that I’m referring to, or those that can’t quite remember the layout of MK, imagine, if you will, a clock. Mickey’s Philharmagic is around the 2 o’clock position and the Haunted Mansion is just northwest of the 10 o’clock position. So I should have turned LEFT out of Mickey’s Philharmagic and gone counter-clockwise. But remember, I turned RIGHT and went clock-wise…and ended up walking twice as far. But the scenery was nice. Sure wish I would have taken some pictures of it. But since I didn’t…here is another shot from our November 2005 trip. It's fitting here since we did pass this on my misguided shortcut:

http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/8475/disney0842zi.jpg

You may be wondering if TEEBEE was put out by this side-adventure I led him on. Well, he wasn’t (at least not that he showed). Mainly because he’s accustomed to me doing this type of thing to him. You see, I’m the navigator when he drives. So, we’ve had plenty of these adventures in our time together…and I’m sure we’ll have plenty more…since I love to find shortcuts….to the LONG way around.

Passing by the Hall of Presidents (now at the 7 o’clock position on above mentioned clock) I spot THE HAUNTED MANSION! Yes. We're ALOMST there!

Me: Aren’t you EXCITED, TEEBEE?

TEEBEE: No. I’m tired. And my feet hurt.

Me: Don’t make me make you the 1000th Happy Haunt.



Spooky. That’s the word that sums up the entrance to this ride. But in a COOL way. How did Disney come up with all of that neat stuff? And the humor of this ride starts with those headstones (and possibly the shortcuts taken to get to the attraction). But I’m a coward. And the pre-show ALWAYS spooks me a little…ESPECIALLY at night. And the corpse hanging from the rafters…why did I ever have to look up and see that? Some folks may not know what I’m talking about here either. But at the very end of the pre-show, when the lights go out and it thunders and lightenings…look up at the ceiling… it’s pretty disturbing.

The lights come back on, the door opens and we race to the doom buggies. But we must first conquer the people mover. We both step onto it and aren’t quite sure which buggy we’re supposed to get into. Since the folks in front of us took the buggy we were aiming for, we changed our aim to the one behind them. But we were nearing the end of the people mover. Like I mentioned earlier, TEEBEE views this part of the ride as a personal challenge. So he hurries into the buggy, banging his knee really hard on the handle. OUCH. But, we won. We were in the buggy BEFORE we reached the end of the people mover.

So what happens to the folks who aren’t as lucky as we were? I have a theory. It came to me once while we were on this ride on a previous trip and all the buggies stopped. We were mid-turn, in front of a LOUD speaker, in the room with the floating-head-in-a-globe thingy. In my mind I imagined that someone had failed the Doom-Buggy-Entrance-Challenge and was fed to one of those “things” behind those doors at the beginning of the ride. But I’m sure Disney wouldn’t do that. Would they? Unless it was Mike Eisner. Hmmm…maybe THAT’S where he went.

We made it through the ride and I survived those screaming heads that kept popping up from the ground….and kept SCARING the TAR out of me….again….still. But when we reached the end of the ride, we were cheated. We didn’t get a hitch-hiking ghost. The couple in front of us did. And the empty buggy behind us did…but NO HITCH-HIKING-GHOST for us! Maybe next time.

And speaking of next time: I should make it through our lunch at Pecos Bill’s. Until then, here's a picture from our Dec. 2000, trip with my parents:

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/4392/disney178tj0.jpg

I'm including this picture since my "shortcut" led right past these things...making TEEBEE really wish I was locked up in them at the moment...And for those that may not know this, the Haunted Mansion is just to the right of where this picture was taken (and a little to the north).

Until next time....

[jamal]

Hey girlie, just wanted you to know I am loving your TR! It's great to see you two kids at play.

[sheridac]

And the pre-show ALWAYS spooks me a little…ESPECIALLY at night. And the corpse hanging from the rafters…why did I ever have to look up and see that?
See, now. I LOVE this part. I always look up. But, then again, I am just the very tiniest bit warped.

So what happens to the folks who aren’t as lucky as we were? I have a theory. It came to me once while we were on this ride on a previous trip and all the buggies stopped. We were mid-turn, in front of a LOUD speaker, in the room with the floating-head-in-a-globe thingy. In my mind I imagined that someone had failed the Doom-Buggy-Entrance-Challenge and was fed to one of those “things” behind those doors at the beginning of the ride. But I’m sure Disney wouldn’t do that. Would they? Unless it was Mike Eisner. Hmmm…maybe THAT’S where he went.
Hmm. Interesting theory. There’s a few politicians I’d like to test this out on!!! But seriously. Think about it. If Disney actually did that (fed those poor unfortunate souls to one of those "things" behind the doors), they'd have no way of continued wallet hemorrhage now, would they?? And we all know how important that is to Disney!!

[NAB]

Lost in WDW never, I am sure you meant to go that way so you could see more. That's what I tell my hubby when he says why didn't we go that way.
Keep it coming.... :)

[J and R's mom]

Day Two Continues (Thank goodness this was only a four day trip):

Can we EAT already?!

Yeah…I think we should. But no shortcuts this time. Come to think of it, I’m starting to feel that my entire trip report is shaping up to be ALOT like one of my notorious shortcuts. ONWARD!!!

Since we BOTH know the way from Haunted Mansion over to Frontierland, we managed the trek with great ease. I love this part of Magic Kingdom. My roots are from “the Good Ole West.” It’s like home to me. Except we didn’t have any bears…. just desert and tumble weeds (seriously). And just up the way we spot this (although this picture was from our November 2002 trip, it pretty much looked the same):

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/8515/disney177pl9.jpg

Now, we don’t know any of the folks in the picture…we’re just snagging a shot of the bear…and the PECOS BILL SIGN!

I won’t drag out our eating experience too much, but I will say this, I enjoyed their dry hamburgers. If you put enough mustard on it, it’s hard to tell how dry it really is. And I made my standard stop by the condiments bar to load up on some cooked mushrooms, pickles, shredded lettuce and tomatoes. YUM YUM! Oh yeah, and a tiny speck of ketchup for my fries. A warning about the desserts…well, what they tried to pass off as a dessert anyway. They only have one…the Peanut Butter Brownie Mousse. The name scared us enough as it was, but we figured we’d try it since it was included with the dining plan anyway. I’d rather have had a Dole Whip. Enough said.

I’ll also spare you the parenting tips TEEBEE and I discussed at our table while trying desperately to ignore the children at the table across from us whose parents CLEARLY had no parenting knowledge. This isn’t the debate board and some of you might not agree with what TEEBEE and I think those young ‘uns needed a good dose of. So…we’ll skip that part.

And finally, I will spare you pictures of more indecent clothing (mainly because I didn’t take any photos of this most recent assault on decency). But I have another question for you. Is the new style to try and show as much flesh as possible? I know it’s hot in Florida. Even in May. But must I see three fourths of a persons’ cleavage? And as low as some of those waistlines were on shorts, I’m fairly confident that seeing undergarments wasn’t going to be a problem. There’s no way that they were wearing any. Okay…visuals and rants over…at least until I get to day three.

With our bellies full, it was time to go ride a ride that is fast becoming one of my favorites: Tomorrowland Transit Authority (TTA)! Steven was just thankful I hadn’t recommended a spinning ride or rollercoaster. This ride is more his speed anyway. I’d love to say that we swang by Adventureland and rode the all new POTC, but I can’t…at least not truthfully. They had just closed it down to make it “all new.” But we did see this along the way:

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/5025/disney179an3.jpg

Okay. So a squirrel can’t make up for missing POTC—even if it is a Disney squirrel--but that’s okay because TTA was waiting for us. When you’re hot and/or not in the mood to battle crowds, this is a cute little ride. Ask ZZUB. I think he’s friends with one of the gentleman that gets paged on the ride…Mr. Tom Morrow. Maybe ZZUB can tell Mr. Tom Morrow to answer that darned page already. (And if that last part makes no sense to you, click here (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=934306)
for a most excellent adventure...and explanation).

But this ride makes me start missing my little ones again. Princesses J and R really like this ride…except for the tunnels. That spooks them a little. And an added bonus to this ride…you get to play the People-Mover-Challenge twice—once getting onto the ride and again when you exit. Four times if you count the Escalator-Without-Stairs that takes you to and from the loading platform. No banged knees or close calls for us this time around. We were pros.

I mentioned to TEEBEE that I’d like to take some time during this trip and visit the Main Street Fire Station and Town Hall as well as browse leisurely through the Main Street shops…all things that we can do and now appreciate…since the Princesses aren’t with us. Let me say this: Please go explore Town Hall. It has some hidden treasures inside…and it’s air-conditioned. We had the place to ourselves:

http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/7979/snowwhiteinmkee3.jpg

I'm making that face because I'm not quite sure how I feel about having my head sticking out what appears to be Dopey's stomach...ICK!!!

But look at this handsome devil:

http://img472.imageshack.us/img472/4538/steamboatwillieinmk25lo.jpg

We then headed over to the Fire Station and bought a few MORE things. Oh, it appears that I forgot to mention ALL of the stuff we bought for the Princesses while we toured the Main Street shops. I guess I’m still in denial over that topic.

Gift bags in tow, we head to the bus stop.

Me: Come ON, TEEBEE!

TEEBEE: (behind mounds of shopping bags) You COULD help me with these, you know.

Me: Well, I already have to carry the fanny pack. You’re getting off easy.

TEEBEE: GRUNT!



Up Next: Probably a nap….Unless we decide to hit Animal Kingdom a day early.

[sheridac]

Now, we don’t know any of the folks in the picture…we’re just snagging a shot of the bear…and the PECOS BILL SIGN!

Are you sure????

Look closer.....

[ZZUB]

When you’re hot and/or not in the mood to battle crowds, this is a cute little ride. Ask ZZUB. I think he’s friends with one of the gentleman that gets paged on the ride…Mr. Tom Morrow. Maybe ZZUB can tell Mr. Tom Morrow to answer that darned page already. (And if that last part makes no sense to you, click here Aw shucks. Thanks for the promo.

We love the PeopleMover. Yes it's lame, yes there is no thrill in it and yes the narration is cheesier than the stuff they sell for your "nachos" at the Circle K. Still, it's classic Disney. And when you think about it, most of the MK rides are kinda lame. Space Mountain is nothing compared with RnR. But it's Disney World and, at least for us, it's a must do.

The look on your husband's face. We have about 2 dozen pictures of me with the same look. Why do y'all insist on making us take those pictures?

:moped:

[precious pixie]

I love the pictures i also subject my DH to those pictures and I make him were all sorts of hats like extra large sombreros, pirates hats, and that large neon green Goofy one to name a few

[Disney owl]

Great reports can't wait for mor.

Thanks for sharing your photos with us

[Jennifer48]

I mentioned to TEEBEE that I’d like to take some time during this trip and visit the Main Street Fire Station and Town Hall as well as browse leisurely through the Main Street shops…all things that we can do and now appreciate…since the Princesses aren’t with us. Let me say this: Please go explore Town Hall. It has some hidden treasures inside…and it’s air-conditioned. We had the place to ourselves:

Ya know, after reading this and seeing your pictures, I'm going to have to stop in at the Town Hall and Fire Station too. I can't believe I've never been in there before! Thanks! :thumbsup2

[J and R's mom]

Day Two Still:

Here’s what was on the itinerary for day two:

Fri 5/12
7:00am Wake up
7:30am BW Bakery
8:00am Bus Stop
9:00am MK
2:00pm Back to BWV
3:00pm Nap, swim
7:00pm Head to EPCOT
7:20pm Rose and Crown ADR# 38436242
9:00pm Illuminations and EMH

In case you’re wondering (and even if you’re not), I am copying and pasting these itineraries from the originals. It’s much easier than re-typing them. And this is the "Daily" itinerary. You've already been introduced to the "Park" itineraries. Yes. I have two sets--one for the day and one for each park. I'm just weird that way. I make no apologies.

Now stop rolling your eyes at me. Honestly, you’re starting to remind me of TEEBEE.

ONWARD!

We make it to the bus and I’m thankful that there’s no limit to the amount of shopping bags allowed on board. On the way back to BWV we discuss our game-plan for the remainder of the day.


Me: Are you tired?

TEEBEE: Not really.

Me: Well. Do you want to go hit Animal Kingdom for a few hours instead of napping?

TEEBEE: I don’t care what we do as long as we DROP THESE BAGS OFF FIRST!


It was decided then:

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/8636/animalkingdom4kc4.jpg

Yep. That’s where we went next.

Although I’ve been to WDW once since the opening of Expedition Everest, I haven’t been able to ride it. It was just Princess J and myself back in Feb. 2006, so I had no one to baby-swap with and I couldn’t find shoes for her with high enough heels to make her reach the minimum height requirement. Not even those insane platform ones would have worked. DARN IT! I considered bribing a nice looking family to babysit briefly while I rode Expedition Everest, but honestly, what had they ever done to deserve that? Joking. Maybe.

I’ve learned from my own past experience and research that the best time to visit Animal Kingdom is at opening or a few hours before closing. Of course, this was all pre-Expedition Everest mind you.

But one good thing about arriving at AK later in the afternoon (we got there around 3:00pm) was we pretty much had the characters at the entrance to ourselves. Here’s a picture of me taking a picture of the couple in front of us with their camera:

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/8972/animalkingdom3je0.jpg

Notice my hat. I still have it. Finally…it’s my turn:

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/7766/animalkingdom2ad9.jpg

Robin Hood (the Disney version) is one of my favorites. I just like that intro song:

Robin Hood and Little John
Running through the forest
Laughin’ back-n-forth at what the other ‘un had to say
Reminiscin', this-'n-that-'n, havin’ such a good time
Oo-da-lolly oo-da-lolly, golly what a day …Or something like that…

Anyway, I’m not fond of Prince John in the movie, but an occasional picture with a villain is fine.

But we’re on a mission to go conquer Mount Everest. I’m just glad that we’ll be doing it in 90 degree weather instead of bone-chilling cold like the real thing. Unless Disney has figured out a way to make it THAT authentic.

I grabbed a map on the way in. Yes, I had already looked up my shortcut prior to leaving home and had it all memorized…just like the shortcut at MK. So I got the map. I couldn’t afford any mistakes this time. We only had two hours and I wanted to make sure we rode the ride.

The park appeared nearly empty. We passed hordes of folks exiting as we entered and saw very few people as we entered and walked to the Tree of Life. But I’m no dummy. I knew where the remaining people were hanging out and it most likely wasn’t with Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends. Sure enough, we cross over into Asia and BAM (as Emeril would say) there they were. All hanging out in line at Expedition Everest. I was prepared to wait and knew that we most likely would. The stand-by line wait time was 50 minutes. Okay, that’s not too bad. And it wasn’t. We were actually off of the ride in 40 minutes. Plus, once you get inside the building, they have some really neat stuff to look at and read. It’s one of the only times I ever remember wishing that I didn’t have to move forward so quickly while standing in line.

I’ve seen the videos of this ride on the internet prior to actually riding it. So I somewhat knew what to expect. But, as with most things in life, doing it in person is SO MUCH more FUN!

So how was the ride, you ask? AWESOME! But I’m biased since I love rollercoasters. I even sported a nice bruise on my elbow for a week after that ride. That’s how you know it’s a good ride…when you have battle scars (okay, bruises) to show off to your friends and family. You’ll be glad (depending on the time of year you visit anyway) to know that the ride does NOT take place in bone-chilling cold. But don’t worry, you WILL get a really nice “BREEZE” going while on this ride to cool you down some.

I was ready to ride it again…until I saw that the line was actually longer than when we entered 40 minutes earlier, so I passed on it. Which seemed to relieve TEEBEE. I think once a day was enough for him.

We headed over to ride Dinosaur. We KNOW we can’t do this with the girls, so we have to enjoy it when they’re not around. This ride was at walk-on status. I LOVE it when that happens. But again, we only rode it once. We then did some shopping for the girls and accidently found the PERFECT shirt for my mother-in-law. I say accidently because we were cutting through a shop to avoid the crowds watching the closing parade and VIOLA, there it was.

And back to BWV we headed. We had dinner reservations and evening Extra Magic Hours (EMH) at EPCOT…which some of you might remember from the itinerary above....in about 2.5 hours, so we figured it best to go back and rest up some.

If you noticed, I didn’t elaborate much on our AK visit. No funny stories or philosophical questions. I had a few I could throw in there, I guess. But mostly it was the same stuff I’ve already mentioned. Clothing (or lack thereof) and another errant shortcut (seriously). Let’s just say, the errant shortcut ended with me handing TEEBEE the map and saying, “Fine then, YOU figure it out!”

So, I’ll leave you with these pictures that were taken on our trips in 1999 and 2000 since I really didn’t take too many at AK during this trip. Here’s one of the Tree of Life (you can tell this was from a previous trip since TEEBEE is wearing the fanny pack…he’s the speck by the railing with the hat, sunglasses and fanny pack):

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8892/disney180xc6.jpg

And here’s an up-close shot. It STILL amazes me--all of the animals carved into that structure!

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/9159/disney181vl6.jpg

Well, if those above are the “Tree of Life,” is this, then, the “Tree of Death?” And if so, it seems a bit ominous that they put it on the safari ride…Do some of those safari vehicles go missing and its occupants become dinner? Hmmmmmm….

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/4279/disney182gq8.jpg

And what the heck are THESE? They look like bug piñatas but I’m not sure:

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/5241/disney183qv9.jpg

Up Next: Dinner and some Soarin’ and some Test Track and maybe even the END of day two. (But don’t get your hopes up).

[J and R's mom]

Evening Two (I’m tired of seeing the word “Day” at the beginning of these installments):



Here’s the short version of the remaining afternoon:


Me: (at AK bus stop) Are you tired?

TEEBEE: Yep.

Me: Feel like taking a nap?

TEEBEE: Yep.


And that’s what we did.

Fast forward two hours and I’m listening to Mickey laugh while being assaulted by Stitch again. I will say this, it’s an effective wake-up call--if for no other reason than it makes me wonder why Disney couldn’t come up with something MUCH more Disney…esk.

We had an ADR for Rose and Crown in England at 7:20pm. It’s the latest seating we could get. Prior to our trip I had e-mailed TEEBEE a link at work to the menu on Allearsnet.com so that he could start planning ahead. This way I didn’t have to see him rolling his eyes at me (AGAIN) for having him plan ahead. His reply back to me was:


TEEBEE: Why the heck (but worse) did you make reservations there?


There’s only one reason that I would make reservations there and it’s NOT because of British food.

ILLUMINATIONS! Duh!

Now I had already explained this to TEEBEE prior to sending him the menu, but he has selective hearing. If I’m talking he typically SELECTS not to hear it. It’s just our thing. And he makes NO apologies. Trust me.

Rose and Crown has a nice little patio that overlooks EPCOT’s lagoon (or is it a lake?). I hear it’s an EXCELLENT place to sit and watch Illuminations….assuming you can get a reservation, that is. And I wanted to give it a try. But since our reservations were for 7:20pm, I figured we’d be finished long before Illuminations started. Sometimes I LOVE it when I’m wrong.

We head on over to EPCOT and stand in line to check-in. I’ve gotten to where I really LIKE this part of the ADR process. It separates those that are “in the know” from those that just “don’t know.” One can see all sorts of interesting human behavior while standing in line to check in for an ADR. There are those people that by-pass what they assume to be all those “poor people standing in line with out ADRs.” These folks like to bully their way up to the front of the line and engage in the following conversation with CMs:

Bullying ADR Man: I have a reservation.

Too-Sweet-and-Kind-CM: Yes, sir. Please take a spot in line and we’ll be with you shortly.

Bullying ADR Man: But I already have a reservation. I just want to check-in.

Too-Sweet-and-Kind-CM (and/or a Cranky-Guest-Already-“In the Know”): Yes, sir. As do most of the folks standing in line.

Bullying ADR Man: (As he’s walking to the back of the line) Grumble…grumble…silly process…grumble…you’d think…grumble…reservation…grumble…

Heh, heh. I just love that part. I’m not sure why. That doesn’t make me a very nice person, does it?

Then there are those poor folks that REALLY have no clue. I actually feel sorry for these folks. They’re the ones that have waited patiently (or not so patiently) in line and get up to the CM and say:


Mr. Clueless: I’d like a table for 6 please…on the patio.

Too-Sweet-and-Kind-CM: Do you have a reservation?

Mr. Clueless: No.

Too-Sweet-and-Kind-CM: I’m sorry, sir. We are booked for the evening…and the next evening…and the entire next week…and the entire next 180 days.

Mr. Clueless: #$&%*))$!~!


Yep, folks. It’s a good idea to make your ADRs in advance.

We get up to the podium, ADR # at the ready (in case giving them my name wasn’t enough), and get our pager. We decided to go across the street and browse the UK shops while we waited. As far as I could tell, the main thing the British were proud of was their connection to the Beatles. I did, however, buy some of the candy bars. I bet they had Beatles candy bars, too. I just didn’t look hard enough. As we were passing through Beatle hall, look who we spotted:

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/4903/marrypoppinsfq5.jpg

I really like Mary Poppins. Her attitude ROCKS! She pretty much thumbs her nose at folks and does it here way…all the while acting like those strange things happening around her are perfectly normal…or are someone else’s fault. I wish she could have been my nanny. I never got “a spoon full of sugar” from any of my babysitters. But that's another story.

Our pager beeped at us and said that we were out of range so we went back outside. The whole UK area had topiaries of the Winnie the Pooh Gang, so we snapped a few shots:

Piglet and Eeyore...
http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/217/pigletandeeorekb9.jpg

Pooh, himself...
http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/8437/poohsm1.jpg

TEEBEE as thrilled as ever to be posing yet AGAIN for the camera (notice the bag..it's full of my candy bars):

http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/5973/tiggeratepcotxp1.jpg

And then it was our turn to eat. I was actually hoping for (and got) a table inside since it was still pretty hot outside. Plus, I know that if we’re still around when Illuminations starts, they let us go outside on the patio and watch from there anyway.

I can’t remember our waiter’s name, but he was really good…and from Ireland. One of the other servers came by as we were being seated and said something to him….and his cheeks went BRIGHT red. Hmmmm…. So from here on out I’ll refer to him as Red Cheeks.

For an appetizer I chose the cheese and fruit plate. If I wasn’t on the dining plan I never would have done this, but since we were, I figured…why not?! And you can see TEEBEE's prawns in the background.

http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/78/rosencrown1mf9.jpg

It was pretty good. I’m glad I tried it. For an entrée I had the Chicken Pasty and TEEBEE had the Grilled Steak. It was edible and I didn’t have to use the salt shaker near as much as I figured I might. And don’t listen to TEEBEE's reviews. He just likes to complain. Heh. Heh.

By the time we had had dessert, Illuminations was about to start and Red Cheeks had come over to escort us to our place on the patio. TEEBEE and I stood there about three minutes before we decided to leave. Although it probably seems like we had finally lost our minds, it was evening EMH (extra magic hours) and we had yet to ride Soarin’…EVER! (Jaws back up off the floor please.) We’ve seen Illuminations over a dozen times and without Princess J there, it really just made us sad (it’s her FAVORITE thing to watch…next to the princesses).

So we wanted to get a jump on the crowds and get to Soarin’ while so many folks were gathered to watch Illuminations. The stand-by line was already 30minutes long when we got there, so I’m glad that we decided to head over when we did. The line only got LONGER as the night progressed. (I’ll fill you in later as to why I know this).

I can’t say that the queuing area of this attraction is one of Disney’s best, but we enjoyed reading the facts on those ever changing screens. We started challenging each other on the quizzes, too. I’ll just say it was a tie….even if it wasn’t.

Now, I’ve seen WDW’s website photo of the family of four soarin’ around in what appears to be a seat that looks alot like a ski-lift chair. And I’ve read reviews on various forums talking about how if you’re not in the front row (out of four) you’ll see the dangling feet of the other riders. Given all of these varying descriptions I had NO IDEA what to expect as far as seating went. But I was hoping for row 1.

We got row 4.

So we’re outside the doors lined up in row 4 waiting to go in. Then it’s our turn. We enter. And anything I could have imagined for seating was soon shot out the window. It was NOTHING like what I expected. But I had faith. I stowed my belongings, buckled up and before I knew it, we were Soarin’….across California, I believe.

FREAKY! That’s the feeling I had….but in a good way. With the chair contraptions hidden by the darkness all you can see is the picture on the screen. And I felt as if I was in a chair…flying all by myself (along with some dangling feet above me)…through some really cool and good smelling places. I also felt like if I leaned over too far, I’d fall right out of my chair and smack-dab onto some trees…or in some water…or onto some snow. That’s the part that was freaky….well, that and the dangling feet.

Go experience this attraction.

TEEBEE has pretty severe motion sickness and this ride didn’t bother him at all… just the dangling feet.

Here's a picture from our table at the Rose and Crown. I'm bummed that it came out blurry, but it was such a GORGEOUS site, I had to try and capture it...

http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/7536/viewfromrosencrownbn2.jpg


Up Next: The end of Night Two….maybe...

[missmun52]

I am really enjoying your report. I cannot wait to hear how day two ends.

[Jennifer48]

I didn't know that they take you out to the patio at Rose & Crown when you eat there during ILLUMINATIONS. Good to know! :thumbsup2 :goodvibes

[Lisa_Belle]

Just discovered this wonderful trip report - not sure how I missed it! I'm still back on page 5, but felt compelled to let you know what a writer you are! (I have to meet a friend for lunch or I would keep reading).

Oh, and yes, Bob Dole and the Dole Whip ARE related. Bob is descended from the Dole pineaple people. And that loud noise is a herd of Yellow Dog Democrats scampering out of Adventureland.

[J and R's mom]

I didn't know that they take you out to the patio at Rose & Crown when you eat there during ILLUMINATIONS. Good to know! :thumbsup2 :goodvibes

I figured this out by accident on one of our previous trips and this was my first time to try it out...too bad we didn't stay...



Just discovered this wonderful trip report - not sure how I missed it! I'm still back on page 5, but felt compelled to let you know what a writer you are! (I have to meet a friend for lunch or I would keep reading).

Oh, and yes, Bob Dole and the Dole Whip ARE related. Bob is descended from the Dole pineaple people. And that loud noise is a herd of Yellow Dog Democrats scampering out of Adventureland.

:lmao: OMGosh. I just learned something new. And thanks for your sweet words about my report.

[UtahMama]

Oooo.... Let me live though you! No...Kids? I love it! BUT, and that's a big but, I would be thrilled and all giddy at the naughty kids tormenting their exhausted mamas for about 2 hours then I'd "see" my kids in all the strangers kids and miss the stuffin' out of them! How did you do it? Besides buying them stuff...Did you spend more on them not with you than when they come along? (not) Sorry I missed the THONG! Mother of all things Holy, WHY...why????
I love this trip report so far. I love how people have different experiences and opinions on all things WDW! The ONE thing all the mamas reading your thread have in common is THAT expression on your DH's face is in all OUR scrapbooks and photo albums and home movies... just on OUR DHs!
One more thing I'm living through you, three little letters....N.A.P! :cloud9:

[ZZUB]

J&R: Good as ever! I laughed to myself (who else was I going to laugh to?) when I read that although you purposefully booked Rose & Crown to watch Illuminations, you didn't stay for Illluminations. It reminded me of the time my wife and I did the Fantasmic meal deal but missed Fantasmic. Of course there were other reasons, but same idea.

I have a question about Epcot and EMH. Were there fastpasses available during EMH when you were there?

:moped:

[J and R's mom]

Oooo.... Let me live though you! No...Kids? I love it! BUT, and that's a big but, I would be thrilled and all giddy at the naughty kids tormenting their exhausted mamas for about 2 hours then I'd "see" my kids in all the strangers kids and miss the stuffin' out of them! How did you do it? Besides buying them stuff...Did you spend more on them not with you than when they come along? (not) Sorry I missed the THONG! Mother of all things Holy, WHY...why????
I love this trip report so far. I love how people have different experiences and opinions on all things WDW! The ONE thing all the mamas reading your thread have in common is THAT expression on your DH's face is in all OUR scrapbooks and photo albums and home movies... just on OUR DHs!
One more thing I'm living through you, three little letters....N.A.P! :cloud9:

UTAHMAMA made it my way?! COOL! To answer some of your questions... There were MANY times TEEBEE and I looked at each other and grinned when we'd see parents battling their children's melt-downs, or dirty faces, or diaper changes (right outside ToT, no less) or WHINING. And there were actually many MORE times that we looked at each other and said how much we missed our girls (although I doubt that's what we'll be saying to each other during our November trip when they're whining, melting down and pooping diapers).

Strangely enough (or not), we spent WAY MORE on them on this trip than we did when they were with us last November. It must have been the guilt or something...or maybe it was because we could actually shop and stand in a check-out line without any whining (except for TEEBEE's), melt-downs and poopy diapers.

And about TEEBEE's expressions...I just LOVE to capture them. It's become comical to me...which makes me an evil person, I'm betting....and causes even more "huffy get-on-with-it" faces...heh, heh

Oh yeah....NAPs ROCK!





J&R: Good as ever! I laughed to myself (who else was I going to laugh to?) when I read that although you purposefully booked Rose & Crown to watch Illuminations, you didn't stay for Illluminations. It reminded me of the time my wife and I did the Fantasmic meal deal but missed Fantasmic. Of course there were other reasons, but same idea.

I have a question about Epcot and EMH. Were there fastpasses available during EMH when you were there?

:moped:

BUZZ....oops....ZZUB!!!!

We're NUTS, I'm telling ya'...NUTS! It was, however, TEEBEE's call that we left early. I think it was his way of getting back at me for making him eat there.

As for the fastpasses...I can't remember...DARN IT. I don't think Soarin's were open or we would have gotten one after we exited the first time. And I'm pretty sure that Test Track's were all covered up as well...we'd pass through them on our way back over to the single rider's line from the gift shop. So there's some non-helpful information for ya'.

Thanks to both of you for your kind words on my TR. It helps keep me motivated to finish the darn thing.

[J and R's mom]

Night Two Comes To an End:


As we exited Soarin’ we noticed that the stand-by line was quite a bit longer than when we were in it…of course, Illuminations was over. So we decide to check out the line to Living With The Land (LWTL).

OH MY! It’s amazing how some things can become popular just because they’re close to something REALLY popular. I’ve heard and read that LWTL can have some really long lines now that Soarin’ is in the same building, but I was shocked. That’s the LONGEST I’ve ever seen that line. TEEBEE and I laughed our way out of The Land pavilion and headed over to TEST TRACK (TT)! We figured that everyone was over at the Land, so why not!

And we were right. We waited about 10 minutes to get on TT. But by the time we exited the ride the stand-by line was long, so we decided to try out the single rider line. We’d never done this before, but figured it couldn’t be too bad…unless they kicked us out for being married…heh, heh.

Somewhere around our second time into the single rider line I began to realize something. Our candy bar bag was missing. CRAP! At least it wasn’t the hat….again. TEEBEE knows that smile I get:


TEEBEE: Oh heck (but worse). What is it now?

Me: Well, we’re missing a bag.

TEEBEE: What do you mean, “WE?” YOU were the one carrying it.

Me: Well, I’m not carrying it now…am I?

TEEBEE: Where’d you leave it?

Me: The last I remember, I stowed it away before we went Soarin’ over California with the dangling feet.

TEEBEE: Well, that was over an hour ago. I’m sure the candy bars are digesting in someone else’s belly by now.

Me: Well, you know I’m going to go back over there and ask anyway…don’t you.

TEEBEE: GRUNT!!!


It’s a good thing he loves me…even it he doesn’t like me all of the time. Heh, heh.

As we trek to the opposite side of EPCOT, we notice the crowds are starting to thin out some. I even mentioned to TEEBEE that if the Soarin’ line was 30 minutes long or less we could give it another try, since the park would only be open another hour or so. Goodness, I crack myself up sometimes!

As we near the end of the escalator, we see the LINE for Soarin’. It was the longest I’d ever seen it. And it wasn’t one of those “The-parks-about-to-close-so-lets-psyche-everyone-out-with-a-fake-long-line” things that WDW will sometimes do. Those poor folks were crammed in there. So I asked one of the CMs where to check for my lost bag of candy bars. He said to go back to the exit of our loading bay and enter through there as the current riders leave.

Me: Okay. How do we get there.

Not-So-Funny-CM: Go up the exit ramp. When you come to the wall, turn down the hallway that you originally came from. Then take either your first left or first right depending on which side you choose. Then find the bank of doors you came out of and wait there.

Me: (Mouth open…blink..blink) All righty then. Did you catch all that TEEBEE.

TEEBEE: GRUNT!


I’m not quite sure how, but we managed to find our way to the correct doors. We received some really weird looks from those folks exiting and even weirder looks from those folks loading that thought we might be after their seats. I recognized one of the CMs from our ealier ride and asked her about our bag of candy. She walked over to a podium and…..and…..and…..

….held up my little bag of candy! WooHoo!! And all of the candy was still in it.

As we walk back down the exit ramps I take the time to look over at the folks still in the stand-by line. There were LOADS of them. Heck, some may STILL be there waiting for their turn.

We did notice, however, that LWTL no longer had much of a wait, so we jumped on board. I like this ride. It amazes me that they can grow a Mickey shaped pumpkin…hanging from the ceiling. It also amazes me that their gardens never have any weeds. If it wasn’t for weeds, my garden wouldn’t have any green in it…but I digress…again.

We were sharing our seat with some honeymooners. They were all cuddly and smoochie and lovey (and wearing the Mickey and Minnie honeymoon/wedding hats). Let’s just see how they are seven years from now after she leaves a bag of candy on Soarin’. But we congratulated them and wished them well anyway.

The park was due to close in half an hour so I decided it was time to load TEEBEE down with some more bags. And I’m happy to report that THIS TIME at Mousegear, we didn’t see anything too disturbing…expect a few price tags.

With TEEBEE properly loaded down…we headed off to BWV to get some sleep…and maybe eat a few candy bars.

And a tally: # of calls home to check on the girls? 5 (Would have been more if my MIL wouldn’t have quit taking my calls.)
# of indecent outfits: Let’s just call it 1 out of 4 seen
# of margaritas? NONE (DARN it!)


Sorry there are no pictures this time. Even if I had managed to take a few at night, you’d never be able to tell what it was a picture of. But, day THREE is loaded with pictures.

Up Next: Lots of pictures around EPCOT…and a few stories to go with them…

[Backstage_Gal]

Great report, J&R, love it, keep it coming.

[Ltl Mermaid]

Love the report!!!

[Jennifer48]

another great installment. :happytv: :moped: :moped:

[missmun52]

great installment!

[J and R's mom]

Day THREE, May 13th:


I bet you’re thinking that I’m going to say that Mickey and Stitch (and their unhealthy relationship) woke us up again. WRONG! Not this morning. I actually allowed for us to sleep in this morning…even if my itinerary didn’t say so:

Sat 5/13
7:00am Wake up
7:30am BW Bakery
8:00am Bus Stop
9:00am AK
12:00pm Back to BWV
1:20pm Head to EPCOT
1:50pm LeCellier ADR# 39485442
3:00pm Head back to BWV (nap or swim)
6:00pm DTD
7:00pm Eat at Earl of Sandwich
8:00pm Back to BWV

Since we had already taken care of Animal Kingdom for this trip, we opted to sleep in…another luxury that is given up when the Princesses are around.

After taking our time waking up and getting ready, we strolled over to the Boardwalk Bakery so that TEEBEE could use a few more snack credits. And I even let him eat his breakfast at one of the tables outside. We did some people watching. We did some duck watching. We chatted. Once TEEBEE finished up breakfast we strolled over to Sea Breeze point and reminisced some. Finally we were off to EPCOT.

One of the things I like to do at EPCOT is go into Journey of the Imaginations’s dump shop and take our picture and e-mail it out. It’s fun to do this and it’s one of the things that WDW doesn’t charge extra for. We passed this on our way:

http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/5828/thecandlesticknp4.jpg

TEEBEE and I found an open station and proceeded to have our picture taken….LOTS of times. We were refusing to open our eyes at the same time, or to look at the camera at the same time, or to smile at the same time. FINALLY we took a picture we could both live with and TEEBEE proceeded to do some computer voodoo on it. It was really cute! I didn’t know there were so many options but he just jumped right in and created some cute stuff. Would you like to see it?

Well, so would I.

But for some reason, that picture ended up lost in cyber space. We sent it to four different e-mail addresses and it never made it to any of them. This was the first time (out of four) that our pictures didn’t make it to the intended parties. And we had made that one special for the Princesses. At first I just thought my MIL didn’t know how to work my computer. But, sadly, after returning home, we realized that NO ONE received it. Oh well…. You get what you pay for.

But since we didn’t know any of this at the time, we continued our merry way over to Canada…proud of the picture we had just sent out.

I must say, Canada has to be one of the prettiest sections in EPCOT. Don’t believe me:

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/3554/canada2jk4.jpg


http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/7522/canada1md6.jpg

See what I mean? I have more, you know. But I’ll save them.

We had lunch reservations for Le Cellier. Now, TEEBEE was really looking forward to this lunch…and so was I. A certain little HappyHaunt had turned us on to this place in one of her HILARIOUS trip reports. I just didn’t realize that we’d have to eat in a dungeon. At least that’s what it looked like to me. But the food was AWESOME! This will be going on my itineraries for each of our subsequent trips. After a really great lunch we decided to watch the 360 degree movie that Canada hosts. Again, I’m not being too kind to TEEBEE’s delicate stomach. He watched the floor alot during that movie. So did I, come to think of it. But don’t be discouraged….the movie is really neat. And you’ll be in air conditioning for about 20 minutes.

Here are some more shots from the garden in Canada:

http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/1184/canada3vz0.jpg


http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/3346/canada5kg1.jpg

We decided to spend alot of time in the different countries during this trip. Moving counterclockwise again, we bypassed the UK…since we’d already seen the Beatles and Marry Poppins the night before. So we cross the bridge and head over to France. And look who we see:

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/883/beautybeastinfranceby1.jpg

Belle is my FAVORITE Disney princess. There, I said it. And there’s something about the Beast that reminds me of TEEBEE. Hmmmmm….

How many of you remember what I’m going to be looking for in Morocco? Here’s a reminder:

http://img415.imageshack.us/img415/6541/bellydancer27gx.jpg

As some of you know (and have already noted…smarty pants) they DO sell those outfits in the gift shops. So did I buy one?

I’m not telling.

We browse through Japan’s GIANT gift shop and stop and look at some of the tiny bonsai trees they have in their garden. I have NO IDEA why I didn’t take any pictures. I just didn’t.

We skipped going into the American Pavilion but I have no idea why. Maybe for the same reason I didn’t take pictures in Japan. Or maybe it was because we were side-tracked by this:

http://img305.imageshack.us/img305/369/epcotliftbridgelg9.jpg

In all of my ten visits (I know…some of you are calling me a rookie, some are wondering why I would go there 10 times), I have never seen this. As a matter of fact, I didn’t even know there WAS a lift bridge between China and Germany. As it turns out, they were bringing out the barges for Illuminations. That was quite a site to watch. If the barges started moving too quickly, the fronts of them would sink down and fill up with about a foot of water and they would have to slow down so that the fronts of the boats would lift back up. And all this time I thought that they just magically appeared each night.

We continued on our way and saw this:

http://img305.imageshack.us/img305/679/epcotflowerweddingcakece6.jpg

It looks scrumptious, but it’s made of flowers and leaves…and I’m betting…some styrofoam.

We skipped Italy since we toured it on our first night and TEEBEE wanted to skip Germany…he doesn’t like the smell. But I wanted to go check it out…so we did.

Finally we made it to China (and this is the only picture I took there):

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/5372/chinapandanr1.jpg

But we did see a performance by some young children (probably ages 8 to 12). We arrived as they were starting so our view was obstructed and we weren’t able to get any good pictures of them. Now, I’ve taken a few science classes in my day. And what I saw those kids doing with their bodies defies anything I ever learned in science classes. It’s one thing for them to bend into those positions, but to add jumping, spinning and tumbling to it…well, that’s just not right. I’m thinking that they weren’t really human at all…just some Disney rubber molded to look like little humans. They were astonishing, though.

Norway…sweet, Norway. We didn’t ride Maelstrom again. Darn it! TEEBEE felt that once a trip (or lifetime) was enough.

We finally hit the best place in the World(showcase). Margarita. I mean, Mexico. We were both a bit parched by this time so we headed to the Cantina. Because the line was LONG, TEEBEE opted to go sit in some shade and let me stand in line. (Don’t worry, I’ll get him back later…with shopping bags). His ONLY request was that I bring him some water. Easy enough.

At first I thought the line was unusually long because everyone wanted a margarita (or beer) at the same time. Then I, like those in front of me, figured out what the hold-up was. A pair of women who couldn’t, for the life of them, decide what to order. Or when to STOP ordering.


Indecisive Woman 1: No. Cancel that. Make it nachos. No beans, though.

CM: (calling to the back) Change that to nachos, no beans.

Indecisive Woman 1: Oh, what the heck. Add the beans.

CM: Make those nachos with beans, not without.

Indecisive Woman 1: You know what. Cancel the nachos and just give me chips and dip.

CM: …mumbles something in Spanish to the back…Will that be all?

Indecisive Woman 1: Yes. (She pays the CM..then) Oh, you know what, go ahead and give me a beer. No wait. What kind of margaritas do you have?


And I’ll stop there. You get the idea. You should have seen how long it took her to decide on salt or no salt. And then it was the other woman’s turn and it was the SAME darn thing.

GRRRRRRRR!

The remaining six people ahead of me took less time combined to get through the line than those two women did. (Seriously).

Finally it was my turn to order.


Me: Margarita with salt, please. (I’m from the south. We say please).

CM: Can I see your ID?

Me: Seriously?

CM (now my new hero): Yes ma’am.

Me: (shuffling through the fanny pack) I could just jump over this counter here and KISS you…..but I won’t. (He really looked scared that I might).


I’m no spring chicken folks. Twenty-one has LONG since come and gone for me—as have my twenties for that matter. And here was a CM wanting to see my ID. The trip had just paid for itself. WooHoo! So I take my margarita and head out to tell TEEBEE the good news.

It amazes me that what I might consider good news, he might not:


Me: TEEBEE…that CM just asked for my ID!

TEEBEE: What the heck (but worse) took you so long!

Me: Women.

TEEBEE: Ah. Say no more. Hey, where’s my water?

Me: Oh CRAP! I was so excited about being ID’ed I forgot all about it.

TEEBEE: GRUNT!

Me: I’ll stop at the snack cart and get you one. Better bring my ID, though…just in case.

TEEBEE: GRUNT!


Up Next: Butterflies and flowers….and TEEBEE makes is OWN itinerary….

[ZZUB]

A certain little HappyHaunt had turned us on to this place in one of her HILARIOUS trip reports.Hilarious? I must have missed that. Was it posted on the Disboards?

I just didn’t realize that we’d have to eat in a dungeon.Obviously, you didn't carefully read my Trip Report. I warned you about the "atmosphere."

Now, I’ve taken a few science classes in my day.Evidently, you didn't pay attention too closely. Aren't you the one who thinks babies come from touching a foot?!

TEEBEE felt that once a trip (or lifetime) was enough.Evidently, TEEBEE is a very smart man.

You make Epcot almost sound a like a fun place to visit. :moped:

[jackdis]

My picture from Imaginations is in cyberspace with yours! We sent one to Grami in July and it still hasn't gotten to her (or us!) We thought it might have been her at first too!!

I'm enjoying your trip report so much! :)

[Ms. Heimlich]

Thanks for the report. Enjoying the read. :thumbsup2

Can't wait... I leave in 9 days (in single digits now!). I can hear the margaritas calling my name!!

JR

[missmun52]

You are too funny, loving this report more and more each time :teeth:

[Sneezie]

ME: GRUNT! Hush. This is the shortcut for the long way around.


This quote garnered you my first ever Coke spew!!! :drinking1 :laughing:

[J and R's mom]

I just didn’t realize that we’d have to eat in a dungeon.
Obviously, you didn't carefully read my Trip Report. I warned you about the "atmosphere."


You wrote a TRIP REPORT (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=934306) ? I must have missed that. Was it posted on the Disboards? :moped: Heh, heh.



Now, I’ve taken a few science classes in my day.
Evidently, you didn't pay attention too closely. Aren't you the one who thinks babies come from touching a foot?!


I'm from the south. That's how we teach having safe female/male relations. I should have worn my socks that night, though.

TEEBEE felt that once a trip (or lifetime) was enough.
Evidently, TEEBEE is a very smart man.

Yes, he is. But let's keep that between us. No good can come from me letting him know that I know that.

You make Epcot almost sound a like a fun place to visit. :moped:
All is takes is a margarita. Cha...cha...cha... :moped:


jackdis --I've read that some of those lost photos show up four months later. One can only hope!

Ms. Heimlich --HAVE AN AWESOME TRIP! And post a TR afterwards.

missmun52 --Thanks for the kind words. I notice you've been a loyal reader. I much appreaciate that!

Sneezie --This is for you.... :drinking1 And I'm HONORED that that title has gone to me. WooHoo!!!!!

[J and R's mom]

Day THREE Continues and ENDS:

TEEBEE got his water and was MUCH happier. I was still on cloud nine about being ID’ed.

We decided to take some pictures with two cute dogs we came across:

http://img305.imageshack.us/img305/6933/ladytramp2tw2.jpg

And then I had a picture taken with the flowery Mickey and Minnie:

http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/8725/mickeyminnie1nl2.jpg

And then headed on to see some butterflies:

http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/7666/epcotbutterflies1cb6.jpg

Inside the butterfly hut (it was part of the Flower and Garden show this year) we came across this (sorry it's blurry):

http://img305.imageshack.us/img305/2761/minniemousejq6.jpg

And here is a picture of me with the topiaries of Snow White and a dwarf:

http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/5332/snowwhiteinepcotev1.jpg

Yep, that’s pretty much all we did. Wandered around Future World looking at the topiaries and taking pictures.

EPCOT is our favorite park. We just like being in it. And during the Flower and Garden show there’s even more to look at. Since we had ridden most of the rides we wanted to the night before, we just took it easy on this day, well…evening really. Much of this part of the trip is a blur…I’d had a margarita…remember (as evidenced by me holding onto the railing or sitting down in the above pictures)? An hour can pass in what seems like 5 minutes when I’m tipsy. But I do remember deciding to ride Spaceship Earth. We hadn’t been on this ride in several years. We tend not to waste too much time on it if we’re on a tight schedule.

I just about fell asleep on the way down, though. That’s a long ride down to be reclined backwards...in the dark…coming off of a margarita buzz....and NOT fall asleep.

I was sobering up at this point, though, and wanted to go check out the topiary at the entrance to EPCOT. It’s typically STUNNING and we’d yet to see it.

For those that don’t know this, if you stay at an EPCOT resort (BW, YC/BC, Swan/Dolphin) you enter the park through the International Gateway in the World Showcase…unless you take your own car or a cab to the front entrance. So you have to make a special point to walk to the front entrance of EPCOT.

Here are a couple of shots of the entrance topiaries:

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/5015/epcot2nv3.jpg



http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/4848/epcot1fv4.jpg

They really are different pictures…it’s just hard to tell.

As we’re standing there, done with the park…and bad mouthing the Leave a Legacy tomb stones (you can see them in the background of those pictures)…TEEBEE says:


TEEBEE: Let’s go to Magic Kingdom.

Me: Seriously?!

TEEBEE: Yep.

Me: Well, hot dang….Let’s go! The monorail is right over there.


This IS NOT like TEEBEE. He tends to want to relax...go slow...take it easy...hang out at the hotel...

I was wondering if maybe they spiked his water with Pixie Dust or something. So, on the monorail over to MK (and not before...incase he changed his mind), I asked him why he wanted to head over there. Did he have a hot date with Jasmine or something?

Nope.

It turns out he just wasn’t ready for our vacation to be over yet. Sniff. Sniff. (Those sniffs are mine…it was a sappy moment for me).

Now, true to form, we had LOTS of bags. I was hoping that they’d let me store them at MK's package pick-up place. But NOPE. They only hold bags that were purchased INSIDE the MK. So we rented a locker…or two.

The sun had pretty much set by this time and all of the MK lights were on. I LOVE the Magic Kingdom at night. It’s a very different experience and ambiance than in the daylight hours. I’m about to get sappy again, so I’ll stop there.

Since this was TEEBEE’s request, I let him decide where and what we were doing the remainder of the evening. It went something like this:

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (multiple times)

Splash Mountain (once)

TTA (several times)

And lots of shopping and wandering around the park. But I didn’t have the camera with me. I had left it in one of the lockers.

It was one of the best nights I’ve ever had at WDW.

For all of you planners out there…take note! Sometimes the best moments at WDW will be those that are not planned. If it feels right, go with it. Those are the memories that will last the longest and matter the most later on when your back home in the real world.

We headed out to the busses just as the fireworks were starting. We’ve seen them. We wanted to beat the crowds. AM I’M GLAD WE DID! But if you haven’t seen them…stay and enjoy them. Shop and browse some (or people watch) on Main Street afterwards while the crowds thin out. And then head to the busses or monorails or ferries. It’s an awesome show to watch.

Off to BWVs we went. It was almost time to see our Princesses!

And a tally: # of calls home to check on the girls? 7
# of indecent outfits: I’ve grown immune to them by this point
# of margaritas? One…And I was ID’ed!!!!

[jackdis]

I still get excited when I'm proofed at the grocery store to buy beer, even though the sign says "We must ID over 40." LOL.....

:cool1:

[Kala]

Thanks for your great report... so far. My kids are much older, but it's still hard to go to WDW without "the kids". We've done several trips for 2 since they "left the nest", and we have a great time, but it's hard not to walk around saying we wish they were there. We also seem to spend more time at "Epicot" when we're alone, and we even stayed at BWV in January and loved it. We didn't start going alone til the youngest kid "left the nest" and joined the Marines :eek: :confused: :sad: :worried:. Thank God he came home after 5 years (he was in boot camp when 9/11 happened!) and he doesn't want to go with us when we go in September. We will have fun with our 2 oldest grandkids (of 5!), who are 3 and 4, but we will definitely be missing him. We took several trips without him while he was working for Uncle Sam (with his siblings, cousins, aunts, nieces and nephews), but none while he was home. He said something about spending time with his girlfriend, who will just be returning from studying abroad in Europe, and something about a party at our house while we're gone??? :dance3: ... but I'm sure he's kidding about that last part :rotfl: :lmao: .

So...did you give the princesses all their loot as soon as you got home, or did you spread it out over time???

Can't wait to "see what happens"!

Kelli

[sheridac]

It turns out he just wasn’t ready for our vacation to be over yet. Sniff. Sniff.

JR!!!!

Who DOESN'T feel that way??? Seriously dude(ette), we're all HERE.

Reading this.

Living the dream vicariously through trip reports (evn the crappy ones thet turn wator slidding into a said spoort :teeth: ) until we can be there in technicolor ourselves.

TTA
Now. That's just wrong. It's the People Mover, now and forever!!!!!

[Beana9802]

http://img328.imageshack.us/img328/949/seabreezepoint0050033ox.jpg

http://img328.imageshack.us/img328/707/seabreezepoint0050055vr.jpg

Just joining your trip report, but wanted to tell you that your beautiful wedding dress was my high school prom dress senior year, and my commencement ball dress senior year of college....beautiful!!!

Wonderful writing! :0)

[J and R's mom]

I still get excited when I'm proofed at the grocery store to buy beer, even though the sign says "We must ID over 40." LOL.....

:cool1:

Anytime they ask you for an ID it's a beautiful thing...unless you're under 21...then it just ruins plans...

We didn't start going alone til the youngest kid "left the nest" and joined the Marines ....


So...did you give the princesses all their loot as soon as you got home, or did you spread it out over time??? ...

WOW. The Marines. That would scare me some too. I'm glad to read that he made it home, though (even if he does spend most of his time with the girlfriend).

The loot was pretty much all given when we got home except for several bags of stuff that were bought for Princess J's birthday. They aren't spoiled rotten...No....Seriously....They're not.... ;)


Just joining your trip report, but wanted to tell you that your beautiful wedding dress was my high school prom dress senior year, and my commencement ball dress senior year of college....beautiful!!!

That's really cool. What good taste you have. ;) TEEBEE actually picked that dress out. Here I was going through a magazine of traditional wedding dresses and THAT'S the one he picks out. I have to say...I LOVED his choice (or I wouldn't have worn it).

The last installment should be up later today or tomorrow.

[kpk89]

Hey, J&R's mom,
I got all caught up on your report this weekend whilst driving to and fro the lake. (ahem, I mean DH was driving, I was a passenger, and reading on my bat-phone)

Loving the report. You and TEEBEE sound like fun, and I'm glad to have someone else out there like myself who is mean enough to go to Disney without their children and ... enjoy it!! (the missing and heart aches and lumpsinthethroat aside).

Is the chronicle of Day 4 on the way??? HUh? Huh? Is it?

[J and R's mom]

Day FOUR (our final day at WDW):


Our flight was scheduled to leave around noon. But we were desperately missing our girls. I had called the night before to check availability on the early morning flight. Plenty of seats. So we were up early. Here are some shots at dawn from our balcony:


http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/72/ourview5hs9.jpg


http://img305.imageshack.us/img305/3429/ourview6el9.jpg


http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/2567/ourview7cj6.jpg


http://img305.imageshack.us/img305/916/ourview8zu1.jpg



We loaded up the bags and headed downstairs to catch a cab to MCO. On the way to the airport I took this photo:



http://img305.imageshack.us/img305/8673/byebyewdwlz0.jpg



Most folks take this picture from the other side of the rode…when they’re ARRIVING for their vacations. We were still zoning when we arrived (if you remember), so I didn’t get a shot of it then.

Typically, when we’re leaving, this angle of that sign makes me VERY weepy and depressed. But not this time. I was ready to get home and see my little precious PRINCESSES. Plus, I knew that we’d be back in six months…with Princesses and in-laws in tow.




Until then….

[Jennifer48]

Awww so sad it has to end! :sad2:

Thanks for the wonderful report and I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for that TR when you get back in 6 months! :hourglass :goodvibes

[LaLa]

So how was the ride, you ask? AWESOME! But I’m biased since I love rollercoasters. I even sported a nice bruise on my elbow for a week after that ride. That’s how you know it’s a good ride…when you have battle scars (okay, bruises) to show off to your friends and family. You’ll be glad (depending on the time of year you visit anyway) to know that the ride does NOT take place in bone-chilling cold. But don’t worry, you WILL get a really nice “BREEZE” going while on this ride to cool you down some.

We haven't ridden EE yet and are pretty stoked about going on it soon. I hear there's a surprise in it though. Wait. Don't tell me. There's a gorilla involved. Somehow. Right?

I just got caught up on your trip report and I gotta say...I can't believe it's already over. You know, you could've stretched it out some. You could've at least taken six months to write it. Like some sad potatoes around here that we knouw.

I love all the pictures from Epicot. They're gorgeous. We also LOVE the landscaping at Canada and stopping to take pictures there with the kids is always a must do for us. Also, Le Cellier ROCKS. It's true that the atmosphere may not be as upbeat as Chef Mickey's but the food is great. Regardless of what ZZUB says. Let's face it. This is the same guy that thinks Yoo Hoo anchors the newly revised and often controversial food pyramid. So you gotta take his recomendations with a grain of salt. Or Phazyme. I'm just sayin.

Anywho, we have an ADR for Rose and Crown and hope to get a table for Illuminations on our upcoming trip so I was glad to see that you were able to swing it within that time frame IF YOU HAD STAYED. I don't blame you though for wanting to catch Soarin. It is, hands down, our favorite ride at the second best park on Disney property.

For all of you planners out there…take note! Sometimes the best moments at WDW will be those that are not planned. If it feels right, go with it. Those are the memories that will last the longest and matter the most later on when your back home in the real world.

That's so true. We can spend so much time planning and organizing and making inteneraries but sometimes the best times and memories just come from going with the flow. Some of the LaLas' best memories on our vacations in the World have been when we didn't plan anything at all and just kind of did the spontaneous thing for a change.

That parting shot on the way back out into the real world actually made me do an involuntary pouty lip thing and make a said face. Sitting in front of my computer. For real. It's usually such a depressing sight to see, but in this case, it meant you were headed back to your baby girls, which doesn't even hold a candle to a silly old Mouse. So I totally get your slightly lessened case of Disneyfreude. I'd be ready to get back too.

I really enjoyed your trip report, Woman. It sounds like you and TeeBee had a great time together. Thanks for taking us with you.

By the way, you're workin' that fanny pack. No wonder they carded you.

:moped:

La2

[GeorgiaAristocat]

Hey, J&RM ~

I don't know how I missed your trippie. I just found it and read it straight through.

Excellent reporting. And I TOTALLY understand about missing the kiddos. My hubby and I did a "get-away-from-it-all-and-scout-for-the-kids" trip last September. We had a wonderful time and it was all about us, but I kept seeing other kids and wishing I could share everything with my little princess. She was just days away from 3 at the time.

So, naturally, we're taking her and little bro for her 4th birthday! Along with Grammy and an older cousin. Good times.

So sorry your trip is at an end (unless you have any interesting flying back stories?), but looking forward to the next trip!

:thumbsup2 Amy

[missmun52]

I really enjoyed you trip report and i cant wait to read the next one.

I was really debating about taking my ds (20 months). Originally the plan was to leave him with my mother but it did not seem like that would work out so we decided to take him along. Well now that the date is much closer i see that i actually can leave him with her after all My DH said no, he feels i would not be able to make it without him as he has never ever been away from me more than about 5 hours. After reading this i know that i would just want to come back home if he were not with me.......sappy I know......i am trying

[J and R's mom]

Thanks so much jennifer48, lala, and GA!

And missmun52, I have to agree with your husband. You'd be missing DS ALOT if you went to WDW without him! Of course, you will most likely have a few moments throughout your trip where you'd LOVE to be missing him, but mostly, I'm betting you'll be glad he's along.

I doubt I'll try too many more (if any) trips without the Princesses in tow. At least not for awhile. I hear the teenage years will send me running for cover, but until then, I'll be bringing them along.

WDW is just such a happy place and, like most moms, my true happiness involves my kiddos...so they just go together.

And when I need some time away from the whining and tantrums, we call one of the grandparents to come up and babysit and we take off for a night or two to my second favorite vacation spot just 2 hours away. That's just enough time (but not too much) to recharge.

And to all those who have read this TR, thanks for taking this journey with me.

[UtahMama]

J and R's mom! THAT WAS FABULOUS! I really enjoyed your childless trip! Hope you do another TR for the next trip! Bet your princesses were SO happy to see you! well duh!

Love,
UtahMama

[schmoopypoo]

Just got done readin this TR and it was so awesome!!! I'm going in November without my little one (1st trip ever without her) and I thought I would be feeling guilty. You've given me hope :) I mean, I know I will miss her, but I'm gonna be in Disney, so how could anything go wrong HAHA

but anyways, great job and I really enjoyed reading and seeing the great pics.

[SleepingBeautyDreamr]

Subbing so I can finish reading it later :thumbsup2

[pongoperdigirl]

Hey J&R!!!

I am in the same boat as GAKitty there. I just found your report, and the time in which to read it.

Let me just say that I LOVE LOVE LOVE it.

Also, your family is very beautiful.
You are very pretty too. Gorgeous Dahling.
I loved those wedding pictures.

[TwinkieMama]

I have been sneaking peaks at your TR off and on and tonight I sat down to read the whole thing. I enjoyed it very much and was very interested in the whole princess-free angle as we are taking a princess and pirate-less party to WDW in just a couple of weeks. I know the only way you made it through was knowing that you would be back soon with the kidcakes. Thanks for sharing- I, for one, thought your emblazoned fanny pack made the trip. Can't wait to read the next trippie-
TwinkieMama
PS I teach at a university so I am in tune with what the youngun's are wearing, or shall I say not wearing these days.... at least you were at a vacation destination in the heat. I have seen people courting pneumonia in the midwest midwinter at a Biology Lab!!!

[DptyDogg]

terrific TR!!

Before we took our first "family" trip to WDW my DW and I had booked a trip but ended up changing our plans and did something in state instead. Now that we have taken the boys we unfortunately closed the door on a future trip for just the two of us. That is until the boys hit college, so let's see.... only 13 more years and we're set. :hourglass

I only have one word for you....LUCKY.

Although I must admit, the main reason that we will have to wait that long to go alone is that I get such a kick out of going with them. (especially since they are 5 and 10 and can go on everything) My favorite part about going now is getting to experience what I love about disney world through my boys. There isn't anything better.

[MissMagnolia]

I just started reading these trip reports and I have to say I'm hooked. You, the happyhaunts report, and the banter back and forth between Lala, ZZUB, etc. are addicting and making me very excited for our trip in...23 days!!! BTW, after seeing ZZUB's signature, he'll be there at the same time. Now I am going to be walking around wondering...I won't wonder around Maelstrom, though (which I have to ride again, just because :rotfl: ).

[J and R's mom]

WOW! Thanks so MUCH for all the positive feedback!

GA and Pongo...nice to see you around these parts... :wave:

I can't believe Twinkiemama and Utahmama showed up here too! :cool1:

SleepingBeautyDreamr...Have you finished yet? I'm glad you joined us!

schmoopypoo--You'll definitely miss her, but you'll also enjoy the alone time. You guys have a GREAT trip!

DptyDogg--WDW really is special through the eyes of the little ones. It makes it REALLY hard to want to be there without them...And I keep trying to remind myself of that everytime one (or both) of my angels are throwing fits... :smooth:

MissMagnolia...OMGosh...you put me in there with ZZUB and the happyhaunts... :woohoo: Thanks for reading my report (and the others). I've learned that the TR Board is a VERY addicting place! Glad to see a fellow addict hanging out on my thread....

[Bibbidi]

Your trip report was hysterical. I can't wait until you go back so I can read another one! Your husband reminds me of mine. A lot grunting and selective listening! :rotfl2:

[BeastiesBelle]

I know the feeling!

[J and R's mom]

Your trip report was hysterical. I can't wait until you go back so I can read another one! Your husband reminds me of mine. A lot grunting and selective listening! :rotfl2:

I think they teach a class on how to "be male" to the male children in school and just call it PE or something....and thanks for the kind words...


I know the feeling!

Is this who I think it is? Beast's Belle? He's one heck of a man and a TR writer...no matter what he says. I'm enjoying his report immensely!

[Lisa_Belle]

I have thoroughly enjoyed your trippie. Can't wait until you go again so I have another good read - hope you are taking the little princesses with you next time ;)

[MomPlanner22]

I have thoroughly enjoyed your trip report! I would love to take a mommy & daddy only trip to WDW. Maybe after our trip this December with the whole family....

Thanks for sharing and especially for the great pictures!

[NAB]

J and R loved your report and all the pictures. You really do look young. Especially those pics by the flowers with Minnie and Mickey.

Hope you write about your next trip your are good at it. :thumbsup2

[ZZUB]

So, the key to not being depressed when you leave DWorld is to leave your kids at home! You solved the riddle. But I don't think I could get the wife to leave the kid at home. I'm not sure the wife could get her husband to leave the kid at home either. It's all we can do to leave the dog.

Sheridac wrote:Living the dream vicariously through trip reports (evn [sic] the crappy ones thet [sic] turn wator [sic] slidding [sic] into a said spoort [sic]) until we can be there in technicolor ourselves. What a harsh way to attack Lala's excellent trip report. Wasn't it bad enough that poor LaLa only took Olympic Silver?

While Sheridac is usally wrong (hormones, you understand. She is 3 months pregnant), she correctly pointed out that there is is no such ride as the TTA in the Magic Kindgom. You must have ridden the PeopleMover.

I enjoyed your report a lot. I especially liked the pictures. I wish more people would put pictures in their Trip Reports. It makes it so much more interesting.

:moped:

[LaLa]

What a harsh way to attack Lala's excellent trip report. Wasn't it bad enough that poor LaLa only took Olympic Silver?

Although I appreciate the [sick] fact that [sick] you have my [sick] back on this, I gotta ask one [sick] question.

Who are you? Do I knouw you?

Okay, that was two.

Fourthly, for the record, the gold medalist was disqualified. Remember? For illegal use of a nonrefillable mug as well as wearing a [sick] Speedo that was two [sick] sizes too small. Improper [sick] Waterslide Apparel Violation #626 . So give it up. Nobody's buying your story anymore. But thanks for saying my TR was excellent. Right back atcha. In spades. Whoever you are.

J&R's Mom. I just have to tell you that I was reading back through your TR and came upon this shot again....

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/2567/ourview7cj6.jpg

Of all the gorgeous pics you have in this TR, and you have alot, that's one of my favorites. It really is pretty. It just looks really serene and I think the fact that you can see Epicot, the second best park on Disney property, in the background just really makes it.

You did a wonderful job with your TR. Thanks for sharing.

[sheridac]

Fourthly, for the record, the gold medalist was disqualified. Remember? For illegal use of a nonrefillable mug as well as wearing a [sick] Speedo that was two [sick] sizes too small. Improper [sick] Waterslide Apparel Violation #626.


La~

You do realize that the two-sizes-too-small speedo was overcompensation for the lack of hair on his head, right???

Also to avoid anyone noticing the abundance of hair on his toes. Specifically, his big toe. Which is vomitus-inducing.

Just sadin'. ((big grin))

JR~

I agree with La about the pho-toes. Did you know I was warring with myself between my beloved Poly and the BW???

This didn't help.

Yeah, thanks. :teeth:

[Shelby5514]

JR~ Loved the trippie...and I agree...some of our best memories of WDW are when we threw the plans out the window and just flew by the seat of our pants. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us! :)

[SleepingBeautyDreamr]

I finished reading. Great report. I loved the pictures and your discription about the margarita's and the ladies who could not order :rotfl:

[MommyPoppins]

Thanks for the great TR! Though I really couldn't relate to you missing your girls so much. Maybe you need a couple more. heh. ;)

I think it gets easier as they get older. I missed my babies(1 and 3 year old) a lot more than I missed my big boys(4 and 5) when Chad and I went in May.

[MyTalula]

I just read your entire TR this afternoon. Here at work. :rolleyes1

I needed a well deserved break, after all that stressful tr reading I did this morning, whilst pretending to be working and ignoring many customers! :happytv: It really is hard to hold some of these laughs in.

Great job on the report and pictures, you have really made me consider BW next time.... I soooooo want to explore that side of the 'world'.

Cheers!

[Eeyore18]

I loved your report! My husband basically looks the same in all the pictures too! And he carries around his candy bag! Never been there without the kids- ...I'd feel guilty leaving them at home, but maybe someday! Glad you had a great time!

[Corinne]

JR~
Loved your TR! The photos of the Y&BC from your balcony were gorgeous. I know just how you felt without your girls~we went several years ago for our anniversary and missed our boys so much!

[Eventer98]

Thanks a bunch for the trip report! It's one of the best I've read so far. I have a feeling my fiancee will act quite similiar to your husband since I have our trip planned as much as you did...in fact they even share some physical likenesses. :sunny:

[Fairy_Tale_Bride]

Day 1 STILL Continues:

The sun had finally risen. I felt a little more human, even if I did have make-up on my face.

We board the plane and get fairly decent seats (not together). We don’t really mind sitting apart. We just revel in the silence. It’s not something we get very often. I look around at my fellow passengers and notice a mom and her 14-month old daughter (I asked the age) that were crunched in the center seat an aisle over and back from me. I just smiled. I didn’t have to contend with my dear little ones on this flight. I was going to get to read a book. Without getting smudges on it and pages torn while reading it….unless, of course, the person sitting next to me had some health problems I wasn’t aware of. Anyway, the little girl was fussy during taxiing and take-off so I tried to divert her attention by making faces at her and playing peek-a-boo. It's so much easier to entertain OTHER peoples’ kids. And it actually worked. Soon after take-off the little one fell fast asleep and I read my book.

I am happy to report that my fellow passengers did not have any health problems that interfered with my reading. We had a great and un-eventful flight and arrival at MCO.

I know some folks make fun of MCO’s faux monorails, but I LOVE that part. It gets me ready for the real thing at WDW. It sets the mood. At least for me. So we jump on one and head down to find a cab. We decided against taking Magical Express this trip. I’m glad we did. TEEBEE and I spent most of the time zoning on the way over to WDW. I swear he can sleep with his eyes open. He’s perfected the art by practicing it on me while I’m having discussions with him.

We wake up in time to see the sign for the Epcot Resorts. That’s us BABY! We pull into the driveway of the Boardwalk and I get tinglely all over. We checked into our 1 bedroom villa. Although it wasn’t ready, I’ll post the pictures here since I promised some--a few pictures of the view from our balcony:

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/7420/ourview27xo.jpg

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/7751/ourview38dq.jpg

http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/6863/ourview43hh.jpg

And here's one of our towel animal:

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/704/ourroom59rb.jpg

We left her just the way we found her...so the next family could enjoy her.

Since our room wasn't quite ready, we decided to head on over to MGM and ride my ALL-TIME FAVORITE RIDE--ROCK-N-ROLLER COASTER!

Here we are on the boat to MGM (I'm taking the picture so it looks a bit odd) but take notice of the HAT...I'm sure glad we went back to get it!

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/5338/tomgm1fk.jpg

And here's where we exited....

http://img346.imageshack.us/img346/2345/tomgm26yf.jpg

I'm not entirely sure why I took this shot, but mainly because I'd never seen it deserted like this before.

Up next: The redneck photo I mentioned and a few others....


Awww...I got married right there at Sea Breeze Point in that gazebo! What a beautiful shot! I never looked at it from that angle and never realized Spaceship Earth was right behind it!! Beautiful!!!

[nicolemarie]

J & R's Mom -

I loved your report!! And the pics.

I just read through the whole thing and haven't gotten a thing done all morning. But it was worth it. I enjoyed it very much!!

:sunny:
Nicolemarie

[WDW Poly Princess]

Loved your report! I've been reading at work whenever I get time, and now I'm sad that it is over!

[J and R's mom]

Hi ALL! :wave2: Sorry it's taken me awhile to get back to everyone...

I've just gone back to work this week after being a stay-at-home-mom for the past three years.

Thanks so much for all of the kind replies!

Lisa Belle...YES! The Princesses will DEFINITELY be going with us on our next trip...and we're taking along babysitters (AKA--the IN-LAWS). THAT might make for a really interesting TR...hmmmm

MomPlanner22 and NAB...Thanks. You're both very sweet.

Zzub...pictures in a TR?...You mean some people DON'T include pictures?... :moped:

LaLa....Yep, that early morning view of the lagoon and boardwalk area was just breath-taking...and seeing EPCOT in the background always makes me sappy...

Sher...You, of all people, would have a BLAST staying at the BW. It's right up your alley...

Shelby...Disney by the seat-of-your-pants is the way to go every now and then!

SleepingBeautyDreamr...thanks...and I'm still in awe over those two women...they're probably standing in line somewhere right now ordering something making ALOT of other folks CRANKY!

MommyP...BITE YOUR TONGUE!...no more Princesses...or Princes for that matter either...two is PLENTY for this Momma and TEEBEE...and thanks for the kind words...

WDW Poly Princess and My Talula...Thanks for reading my TR...even if you were supposed to be working instead... :rotfl2:

Eeyore18 and Corinne...Yep...it's strange how leaving the little ones behind can make you go all sappy...I was just glad to know that I missed them as much as I did...

Earning My Ears ...Well then your fiance must be quite the looker! And he might make fun of you now...but he'll be kissing your feet once you're there...unless you take him on one of my famous short cuts to the LONG way around....

Fairy Tale Bride...What GORGEOUS wedding photos you have in your signature....It's always so cool to run into other Sea Breeze Point brides (either while we're there at WDW or here on the DIS). And the view of the gazeebo is one of the reasons I love the BWV boardwalk view option so much. Congrats on the wedding, by the way!

nicolemarie...Thanks for spending the morning on me and TEEBEE...I think that's cool...now we're even for when I spent so many hours catching up on yours! (Go read it (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1064872) for those that haven't yet).

Again....Thanks to ALL of those that have taken time out of their lives to read about a few days of ours.

[NewOrleansLady]

I just found your TR and this sounds just like my husband and I!



Day 1 Continues:



Anyway, I go sit next to TEEBEE and he looks at my face and says:



TEEBEE: What’s on your face.

Me: Make-up silly.

TEEBEE: Why’d you go put that stuff on your face?

Me: To make me look pretty.

TEEBEE: I like you better without it.

Me: Tough. GRUNT!




Can't wait to catch up on the report :smooth:

[NewOrleansLady]

Just finished and it was a wonderful report! I can't wait to read the next one :)