Drinking The Kool-aid, DISney-washing the DH (COMPLETED 12/13) New!!!

[javamom]

Drinking The Kool-aid, DISney-washing the DH (the Pre-trip)

If you care to read it, there is also a post HERE (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1063366&referrerid=93883&highlight=7+stitches) that you can read that tells the story of the birth of all of this mayhem, aka “what possessed me to give Disney thousands of our dollars.” For those that went to read that, my apologies for the gross-out and you will see that the characters have changed a bit, but you will soon see why.


For the rest of you, grab your mouse and let’s go…

Characters:

Me - Steph - aka, Mom, Mommy, Pretty Lady (that's what DH calls me). :love: 38 years old, way ”in to” pirates. pirate: POTC was my favorite ride growing up in So. California, going to DL. Went to WDW for a couple of whirlwind days tagging along with friends in ’91.

DH - Crashdad - aka Dad, Daddy, Crash and Brickhead (to his coworkers there is a whole story about that, but perhaps another time?), and Sweetie (that's what I call him). 38 years old, loves his family, works too hard, and loves the fact that I bring out the Tigger in him. Likes to pretend that I talked him into this Disney stuff, but we really know the truth. He has always wanted to see "the Big Ball" (SE to you and me).

Present in Spirit, or making cameos - Kids: 16, 7, 6 and my Mom, Step-dad, MIL, and crazy band of Vikings many of us have come to know (and wub) as the Maelstrommers of NorVAY!

Foreword:

It all started easily enough (ok maybe not so easily, if you read my first pre-trip, or shall we call that the Pre-pretrippy?), a decision to book a "once-in-a-lifetime" Christmas trip for the whole family with all the trimmings. Easy! Just www.disneyworld.com and click a few buttons and viola, you have yourself a trip. However, as you will see it turned out a bit differently…

Part One: The Kool-Aid is Prepared!

Just because I am me, it just can't be that easy. Click, click, click, trip????? No way!? So I found myself on the DIS searching and researching... hmmmm what's this TGM I keep seeing, and what's with all these acronyms.. CRT, CBR, DVC, POR, ToT, RnR.... great googly moogly, it's like alphabet soup! Have I mentioned that I love alphabet soup? Yep, I wonder if that cheese soup in Canada is as good?? Can’t wait to try it… in December :rolleyes:

Oh where was I? Oh yes, I remember. So, I am a punch-every-button-try-every-knob kinda gal, and the DIS fed my info frenzy to a fever pitch! Of course then it happened, I found the Trip Report boards and started reading them to DH...

I regaled him with tales of other people’s trips (you know who you ALL are) and the unending antics of the Maelstrommers of NorVAY. ;-)

Eventually, he started calling me from work saying things like: "How many more months until our December trip?" and “Can you call Texas Roadhouse and try to get us an ADR for tonight?”

The Kool-Aid Ferments (a little):

I found the food pics threads and showed them to DH. The Kool-aid became merlot, baby! He started saying things like “So how’s that DVC thing work again?” and “Are we going to eat there? Not this trip, huh?” Did you catch that: THIS TRIP. We haven’t even been there yet and he’s starting to drink the Kool-Aid!!

Some back story and a side note: This is my second marriage, hence the large gap between my oldest child and my youngest. My DH had never been married. As we were dating I discovered all sorts of things about him. He had never eaten lobster, or salmon (now one of his favorites), and a host of other things. So, many of our dates were full of new dining experiences, for him. So fast forward more than a year later, we are at a dinner party thrown by one of our friends from church where we broke the happy news that we were expecting our first child together! Over coffee and dessert we all start reminiscing about the day we all met etc… Have you ever said something that was the worst possible thing to say for the setting, taken out of context???? Well I did. Here we were, surrounded by all our church friends reminiscing about the time that had passed, when I make the following nonchalant statement: “Yes, Crashdad and I have had a lot of firsts together.” :eek:
The room immediately bursts into fits of hysterical laughter. To which, I :o and gushed “I didn’t mean THAT! Get your minds out of the gutter!” I then try to explain myself, which only adds fuel to the fire. NEVER, I repeat never try to explain your way out of an innocent comment gone wrong. Don’t do it, learn from my mistake. It is a moment that we still snicker over to this day… :lmao: All of this to explain that my hubby and I have a “dining history”…

Because what happens next in our story is this, the really magic words: Free Dining!

BAM... SHAZAM!!! A few phone calls to Mom to see if she can watch the kids, a couple of conversations at work for the time off, and trip number 2 is BOOKED! This one with no kids!!! Sept 30-Oct2 Pop Century, here we come!

So, now we have 2. Count them 2, trips booked to the Happiest Place on Earth. Yipppeee!!! Wait, that means 2 reports… no wait one really long one – I dunno we’ll just have to play that by the mouseears???
:earsboy:

We have never taken a trip alone, ever. We so often refer to each other as Mommy and Daddy to our kids that we often find ourselves re-introducing ourselves to one another on those rare occasions that we are alone. "Hi, I'm Eeyore. What's your name?" I fully expect this to be the first thing that he says to me when we get seated on our plane to MCO (only with his real name, which is not DH or Eeyore... I think...).

We can scarce imagine what 4 days without them will be like, but here's a shot at it:

Liberty Tree Tavern
Wishes
Spectromagic
Mama Melrose's Fantasmic Dinner Package
Flying Fish (hmm maybe we'll eat some more lobster here??? Actually it isn't even on the menu) ;)
Illuminations

Oh yes, a certain Viking Trek in NorVAY with my crazed DIS friends ;-) Maelstrom is a fastpasss??!! Baby!!

And let's not forget the F&WF in Epcot, shall we? More “firsts” for us!!! Heh, heh ;)

Up next: Someone Almost Spilled the Koolaid... (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1207463&page=2&pp=15)

[SoNotAPrincess]

Great start, AvatarQueen! Almost makes me glad to be stuck at my second job, waiting for pizza to arrive, surfin' the net, and feeding my Disney addiction.

Please, ma'am, can I have some more? :sunny:

[TwinkieMama]

Oh goodie! Finally the Princess of NorVAY has started her trip report. Your DH sounds adorable. How does this DVC thing work? where will we eat on this trip? I love it!
TwinkieMama
ps just got back from a mommy-daddy only trip to WDW :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 it was great.... and you have already dealt with the only downside- missing the kidcakes- by already having a family trip planned in just a few whiles

[sheridac]

Eventually, he started calling me from work saying things like: "How many more months until our December trip?" and “Can you call Texas Roadhouse and try to get us an ADR for tonight?”

Steph!!!!!!

He is assimilated!!!! :teeth:

PS~ even tho I love ya, I gotta say:

FLAGGED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!

[javamom]

Man.. dwats.. flagged on my own trip report. Is that legal? I need an official ruling in this from the RULZZZ from GACat!!!??

:rolleyes1

[Backstage_Gal]

Steph, great start, can't wait to hear how it turns out.

Love your writing style (not to mention your mad avatar skillz :teeth: )
I'll be following your story.

See you near the trolls...

[Yzma and Kronk]

JavaSteph:

Oh yes, a certain Viking Trek in NorVAY with my crazed DIS friends ;-) Maelstrom is a fastpasss??!! Baby!!

And let's not forget the F&WF in Epcot, shall we? More “firsts” for us!!! Heh, heh

Oh, I'm sure there will be many more "firsts".........you can count on that!

:banana: :banana: :banana:

(Great P-T BTW)

:moped:

[HaleyB]

More more more!

:banana:

[em'smom]

Great start to your pre trip, trip report, part deux!

[jw50]

“Yes, Eeyore and I have had a lot of firsts together.”

Would you care to enumerate those firsts Steph? ;)

[javamom]

SNAP - Did your pizza ever arrive? ;)

YAK - Umm, yes I am sure there will be more "firsts," but I may not include all of them in our trippie ;) :joker:

Haley and Em's Mom - Thanks! :thumbsup2

and of course Gentleman JW50:

Umm, no, see I learned my lesson. But it bears repeating: NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, try to explain your way out of an innocent comment gone wrong, or an ICGW as it were. So, there will be no enumeration of these events beyond the foodstuff's that have already been mentioned...
:rolleyes1

[UtahMama]

Goody! A new Trip report to read from the beginning!
You guys sound SOOO funny!

I guess the "Flagged" is an inside joke, yes?

[javamom]

Yes, the flagging is a Maestrom anomaly. It's like getting 2 posts for the price of one, sort of.

Although I am still awaiting my official ruling from Georgia Aristocat as to whether this "Rule" also applies to Maelstrom trip reports???? :confused3


In the meatime, I had better try to find that edit button...

[Minnie_Moo]

Steph, I'm with Em'smom re: the decision to edit or not to edit over here - sorry, Sher!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[javamom]

ah it's no big whoop, we're just being silly... as usual :) It's just a lot more fun to pull GACat into the whole thing :)


LY/MI!!

[sheridac]

Yes, the flagging is a Maestrom anomaly. It's like getting 2 posts for the price of one, sort of.

Although I am still awaiting my official ruling from Georgia Aristocat as to whether this "Rule" also applies to Maelstrom trip reports???? :confused3


In the meatime, I had better try to find that edit button...
Steph!!!!!!

I think you may have misremembered.

Although Kitty is the Rule Book Writer.

I am The Enforcer.

:teeth:

BTW~ When's the next install????

[Grammyof2]

Ok Java - Queen of Avatars.....Glad to see the pre trip of the 1st pre trip. Is that possible :smooth:

[javamom]

Someone Almost Spilled the Koolaid:

So, the Free Dining trip is all booked when one day I call my dear Mom. During the course of the conversation, the upcoming trip is mentioned. Seems somewhere along the lines she forgot the part about watching the kids. DOH! :scared1:

No harm though, all is set right and there is still plenty of time for the arrangements to be made.
:crazy:

We all chalk it up to my Mom changing Nanny jobs at the same time all of this happened and she just got a bit stressed out and remembered it wrong. A few forwarded reply emails and her memory is right back where it ought to be. Love my Mom, am soooo glad that she (really does) still have her faculties about her. Crashdad's mother has Alzheimer's and let me tell you, that is one complicated disease. I often count my blessings that my Mom is still so strong and self-sufficient. Still, I worry about the years to come all too soon with her 2 states away. But I digress, sorry.

The Anticipation Before That First Big Gulp:

You now how it feels when you are really thirsty and you pour a tall, cool glass of liquid refreshment? You can almost taste it already, can’t you? That’s what waiting for this trip is like.

Flights: Check, re check, scheduled, re-scheduled.... sheesh, stop changing my flights will ya?!
Free Dining and Hotel: Check
MYW Non-hoppers: Check
New Luggage: Check
Mom: Check and double, make that triple, Check
ADRs: Check, ok changed a few ump-teen times, but yes CHECK!
(btw did anyone here get called by Disney Dining today, I did, a friendly reminder to make my ADRs....lol)
Post-9/11 Air Travel Rules: Check
ME tags: Check :sunny:
Self-Tanner (that’s for you L2): Check (Hey I’m a pale-faced Midwesterner)
Passporter: Check
TGM tips: Check
Disney Visa: Check
Souvenir Shopping List for Kids: Check
Provisions for Pets: Check
Stuff For the Kids to Take to Moms: Check, Check, Check

What have I misssed....? Whatever I have missed I am sure it will turn up later in this report... :rolleyes1

Now, it should be said that the kids are DISney-washed too. They walk around singing “brains on a bun” (thanks Mel) and calling each other Saladhead (thanks Kim). My son commented just last night that, “Daddy is just like Mel Happyhaunt’s husband.” I say, “Come again, how so?” He says, “He doesn’t like to get picked for stuff.”
:cool:

Well, knock me over with a feather I read that stuff to them months ago… months! You can do that when you start planning a WDW trip almost a YEAR in advance ;) So the whole crew is revved up and ready to get to The World. :dance3:

Another aside: I think I mentioned already that Crashdad’s mom has Alzheimer’s. Some days she is rational, and other days she is the person that we refer to as Sybil. Sybil is not a pleasant person. We know because we tried moving MIL in with us when it became apparent that she could no longer live alone. Unfortunately, Sybil spoiled everything by waking everyone up in the middle of the night on a regular basis to rant about imaginary and impossible things. This was not good for any of us, so MIL went to live in an assisted living center. I nice one! She has an adorable little apartment and lots of friends and things to do every day. On her good says she loves it there and couldn’t imagine leaving. One her bad days, Crashdad is the anti-christ and everything in the world is his fault, personally. :darth:

Needless to say, Crashdad is very ready for this vacation. However, the neighbors made on offer on his Mom’s property and he decided that it was better to sell it to them than have the State take it eventually. All the money goes toward her care, and the whole thing is coordinated with the State. So, between now and Sept 30th, Crashdad has to go through a lifetime of stuff at the house and decide what to keep, sell, or throw away. :sad2: I guess that I should mention that he is an only-child as well. No one to fight with, but no one to help either. Not an easy task, even if he wanted to do it. He is sooooo ready for this trip and he hasn’t even started this arduous task. Many thanks to my DISfriends that have sent prayers and pixie dust our way. We really do appreciate it. Whereas, my hubby reads some of what I do on the DIS, he will likely never post here, it’s just not his thing. He’s not an Internet posting kind of guy. But trust that he does know about all the prayers, pixie dust, and well wishes. Thanks so much to you all!

Great googly moogly, the ice cubes in this BIG GULP are melting already…. Come on Sept 29th, aka The Day Before the Big Gulp! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1207463&page=3&pp=15)

I am not sure how much more I will be posting between now and this big milestone, but I have learned that you never know when something is going to come along to Stir the Koolaid...

popcorn::

[sheridac]

my DISfriends
Steph~

I just made a comment earlier today that echoed this sentiment. Same as I've seen some others we know express.

I was watching the news report about Ernesto. And how it may affect some of my DISfriends.

I don't think a day goes by when there isn't something that happens to remind me of you all.

Or.

Something crazy that happens that I can't wait to share. :teeth:

[TwinkieMama]

Your (pre) trip report is so good
it is so good when it hits your lips.

[crashdad]

Many thanks to my DISfriends that have sent prayers and pixie dust our way. We really do appreciate it. Whereas, my hubby reads some of what I do on the DIS, he will likely never post here, it’s just not his thing. He’s not an Internet posting kind of guy.



I am not an internet posting kind of guy (the javaqueen is working on me), but I would like to say thank you for all the prayers and pixie dust.

Mike

[kpk89]

Off to a mad start, you rockin' coffee or computer mom! ((thanks for my avatar too, very muchly!))

Admit it, tho --it probably matters not what any of us think about edits and flags on the TRs. Sher is a FORCE and she will flag as she pleases. :teeth:

[UtahMama]

Javamom! I am a huge fan! Both of you and that of your "Pre-PRE-Trip Report!!!"
Mine is in a coma right now because I started it 43 days before our trip ;) .

Looks like you have a HUGE fan club of groopies and I wanted to jump on board before you go! So consider me both (a fan and a groopie)! You can never ever have too many DISfriends!!! :grouphug:

[GeorgiaAristocat]

Sure. Pull me into this debate.

Okay ~ more important things first. (Yes Sher, something IS more important than the great debate about edit-quette.)

Steph - great start. Strangely, as much as I post elsewhere, I really tend not to post too much on trip reports. But I am enjoying yours muchly.

Now, here are the actual "rules" as set forth in the Rulebook:
Rule 2: An edit is required for every post.

Rule 2.13.7: Upon failure to comply with Rule 2, said offender will be "flagged." The keeper of the flags will usually (exclusively, really) be Sheridac. It is in her sole descretion whether such flags shall be issued.

Rule 2.13.7.1: Appeal of decisions under Rule 2.13.7:
If any member wishes to appeal a flag issued under Rule 2.13.7, then s/he shall be required to do the following, in no particular order: beg, grovel, plead, compliment the thrower of the flags, complement the shoes of the thrower of the flags, complement the legs and feet contained within the shoes that you are complimenting being worn by the thrower of the flags, offer alcohol to the thrower of the flag who has gorgeous feet in gorgeous shoes, that you should complement.

As the keeper of the Rulebook, I have to say that the rule regarding edits does not specify whether such edits should be ONLY for the "Maelstrom" or for all posts. It is a Rulebook for "Maelstromers." So, I think the question then is, are you only a "Maelstromer" when posting on M2 (currently) or in all posting?

If you are in the camp that once a Maelstromer, always a Maelstromer, then I think the rulebook somewhat dictates edits ALWAYS.

If you are in the camp that Maelstroming should be somewhat confined to certain areas, like M2 and perhaps threads started by other Maelstromers, then the question of whether edits are required is a little fuzzier. I point out that our origins are the Trip Report board. So, if there is to be an extension beyond M2 about where to edit, then I think the logical next place of invasion would be on the Trip Report Board.

BUT,and this is a big BUT,

I also do not think that any of us wish to cause others to feel alienated or as outsiders,

SO, I think that as a policy, the flagging should be confined to M2, which is not to say that I think that there is anything stopping the enforcer from flagging THERE for infractions which may occur HERE.

That's my interpretation of the rules.

For those that are not familiar with this crazy bunch of Vikings, the debate about the flags is about whether some pithy edit should be attached to each post. In case you care. Which you probably don't. But, you should try it, it's FUN!

[MyTalula]

I'm hooked great pptr and ptr!

I must say though thanks for the queeeezies on the finger slicing. Ugh... I almost fainted watching DH get stitches, I don't think I'd survive getting them myself. :faint:

[javamom]

:thumbsup2
I also do not think that any of us wish to cause others to feel alienated or as outsiders,

SO, I think that as a policy, the flagging should be confined to M2, which is not to say that I think that there is anything stopping the enforcer from flagging THERE for infractions which may occur HERE.

That's my interpretation of the rules.

For those that are not familiar with this crazy bunch of Vikings, the debate about the flags is about whether some pithy edit should be attached to each post. In case you care. Which you probably don't. But, you should try it, it's FUN!

See, I knew we would get a great pearl of wisdom from GACat! I think this is wise, so as not to confuzzle all the folks here on the TR board.
:surfweb:

Thank you oh so wise, Georgia Kitty lady.

LYMI!

[javamom]

Heh, I actually got my DH to post on the DIS! I can't believe it... BORG!

Resistance is stupid!!

:3dglasses

[javamom]

Javamom! I am a huge fan! Both of you and that of your "Pre-PRE-Trip Report!!!"
Mine is in a coma right now because I started it 43 days before our trip ;) .

Looks like you have a HUGE fan club of groopies and I wanted to jump on board before you go! So consider me both (a fan and a groopie)! You can never ever have too many DISfriends!!! :grouphug:


TY UtahMama, but I do not have groupies. I DO have a great group for silly Maelstrommer friends though, and there is always room for more over ther :)

:banana:

[javamom]

I'm hooked great pptr and ptr!

I must say though thanks for the queeeezies on the finger slicing. Ugh... I almost fainted watching DH get stitches, I don't think I'd survive getting them myself. :faint:

Thanks Talula, it wasn't so bad. I did not watch her do it, well I might have a peeked atime or 2, but that was it. I was just so glad to finally have them doing it, so that I could get out of there.

:crazy:

[javamom]

ROFL :lmao:

For whatever reason I thought that my LGMHPCs, that I swiped from the Local Home De-Pot, were stickers. So, in a moment of what I thought would be great DIS fun, I pulled one out of my purse to slap it on my calendar at work for the 30th of September. It was going to be a sort of private Grand Ceremony whereby my Great Countdown would begin.

They AREN"T FREAKING STICKERS... oh puffer!! :crazy:

So, I sat there like a dork and put tape on the back.

It just wasn't as much fun as it would have been to slap that sticker on there with great gusto, baby!

So, the latest installment of this pre-trippy is that I somehow managed to flunk LGMHPCs... oh the shame of it all. How did I miss this vital piece of information whilst scouring the DIS???
:confused3 :crazy:

[UtahMama]

I KNOW!
I've found that out the hard way that the buggers are most certainly NOT stickers! When I was makin' my ultra cool paint chip countdown calender (which only has 2 more days on it!!!)

Say I wanted to paint my kitchen wall Alien Green???? (ok, it IS Laura Ashley Apple-very close, and fyi: it "rooks" maw-vel-ous!) Wouldnt I want a convenient sticker-like, perhaps a post-it-ish, paint chip? Christmas on a cracker!

LOVE IT!!!! Thus far. :woohoo: HEY, this smilie is called Woo Hoo! (Good call!)
UtahMama

[javamom]

I KNOW!
I've found that out the hard way that the buggers are most certainly NOT stickers! When I was makin' my ultra cool paint chip countdown calender (which only has 2 more days on it!!!)




Lucky!!!

popcorn::

[Shelby5514]

Steph~ Can't wait to read about the Maelstrom all you Vikings are going to create. I don't think I'll have to go to the library for any books until after Christmas! LOL!

[javamom]

No, see after Christmas I'll be back from our Christmas trip and I'll have a trippy to write for that!!
:thumbsup2

[Shelby5514]

No, see after Christmas I'll be back from our Christmas trip and I'll have a trippy to write for that!!
:thumbsup2

Well I guess I won't be incurring any late fees then. (I always take out more books than I can possibly read before their due back, therefore incurring many late fees...thank God there's a cap of $1 a book!)

[jamal]

Steph! You rockin javamama, I am all caught up and ready to go on the trip with you.

Saladhead. Love that one here, too.

See YOU in a few weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jami

[rer1972]

ROFL :lmao:

For whatever reason I thought that my LGMHPCs, that I swiped from the Local Home De-Pot, were stickers. So, in a moment of what I thought would be great DIS fun, I pulled one out of my purse to slap it on my calendar at work for the 30th of September. It was going to be a sort of private Grand Ceremony whereby my Great Countdown would begin.

They AREN"T FREAKING STICKERS... oh puffer!! :crazy:

So, I sat there like a dork and put tape on the back.

It just wasn't as much fun as it would have been to slap that sticker on there with great gusto, baby!

So, the latest installment of this pre-trippy is that I somehow managed to flunk LGMHPCs... oh the shame of it all. How did I miss this vital piece of information whilst scouring the DIS???
:confused3 :crazy:
:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:
Javamom love the pre-TR. Especially the Kool-Aid comments. My favorite drink; especially with some spirits added ;) .
I can't believe no one sent you the users manual for LGMHPC's. I just read on another post that someone tried peeling the mickey heads off using the microwave. Luckily it didn't get to the point of needing the fire department :eek: .
Can't wait for the rest of your report popcorn:: .

[javamom]

Rer - Glad you like it thus far :) I started to have second thoughts about the title after I posted it. Wondered if I was taking a chance at getting flamed for implying that there was anything funny about that whole Jim Jones thing. But, I've heard that phrase coined on the DIS a few times and decided to let it stand. Thus far, no flames, and for the record my TR and that horrible incident have no connection.
:thumbsup2

As far as the LGMHPCs not being stickers, that still floors me! Why did they go to the trouble of making them look like mounted stickers? Looks like a monumental waste of money to mount them that way for the sake of a paint chip??? But I guess it's their money... or is it mine -- since I have obviously Drank the Kool-Aid??? :rotfl2:

Maybe I should buy a share of Disney stock, then it can be "our" money??!!
:confused3 ;) :rolleyes1

[corinnak]

My kids have been known to holler "Hey, Saladhead!" at each other across the dinner table. Free Food (& Wine Fest, too) and Christmas at WDW - that's a lot of yummy TR goodness to look forward to!

[javamom]

Hey ya DISers! Driving to Dallas on Friday to drop off kiddos at Mom's (thanks, Mom) and we fly out in the AM!!!

I was correct in my statement that you never know when something is going to stir the Kool-aid, but I won't go into it. I think that I will save it for the next Chapter/s. I'll just say that I am sure that we will have a great trip!! We are ready for some :wizard: !!

[OhMari]

Hope you have a great trip.

I've moved you over to the new Pre-Trip board. Give me or another moderator a PM when you return and you can change your title and we will move you to Trip Reports Board.

[horsegirl]

Well.........Have you pmed a mod to have them bump this up? When are you starting the trippie woman!?! :banana: We are all awaiting!

[javamom]

Umm, I am working on it. I will have this moved when I am ready to post something. Soonish. I swear.

[jamal]

Steph!!! Get on it, girlfriend! Do I have to hold the awesome pic I have of you and Crashdad hostage as a bribe??

[javamom]

When I last left you, we were anticipating that Big Gulp weren’t we, so here we go:


The Day Before the Big Gulp!

1 word: packing

I spent this day making sure that I had packed up the last remaining things on my list. Making sure that the school knew to send the kids’ homework home with them to do at Grandma’s house. Trying to tie up all those loose ends. It was nerve-wracking. I slept, maybe, 5 hours the night before.

Miraculously, though I got it all packed (or so I thought). Went to work early so that I could get off an hour earlier. Picked the kiddos up from school, headed home for a few so that Crashdad could get the rest of his act together, and we were GONE, Baby! Southbound and down.

We got oh, I’d say 10 miles away from the house and realized that I forgot my cell phone charger, oops. Nope, we are not going back for it. My Grandmother, Lord rest her soul, taught me many superstitions. Here is a list of my favorites: throwing salt over your left shoulder if you should happen to spill it, if your nose itches it’s because someone just walked over the site of your grave, and last but not least, if you leave the house and have to return, you have to sit down and count to 10 or it is bad luck. For me, it’s just easier to NOT GO BACK. So we didn’t. Besides, Crashdad informed me that he brought his charger and that would be fine, I would just shut mine off to conserve battery power. Matter was settled (so we thought) and we continued on down the highway toward Dallas, TX.

Things got a little creepy-dee

I drove all the way through Oklahoma City and then some. Got stuck in 2, count them 2, traffic jams there. The first one, was due to some sort of Halloween related event at Frontier City (for those that do not know what this is: think a poor man’s Universal – sort of thing). The second jam, was a minor fender bender just between OKC and Moore.

Unfortuantely, I was beginning to think that my trip was going to be like Happyhaunt’s was because my stomach was suddenly telling me that it did not like my lunch earlier that day. Long story short, we had to stop 2 extra times for my stomach issues. It pained me, literally, to have to stop.

We finally pulled into my Mom’s about 11ishpm. She immediately informs me that there had been a “flub” in the plan on her part. She failed to realize that Papa (my step-dad) had to go to work 2 hours before we have any need to be anywhere near the airport. After some discussion, I decided to call a cab to come get us. Pay attention to this flub, because it will come back to haunt us all later. Called the dispatcher, gave her my Mom’s address twice. We head to sleep for a good 3 hours, yeah right!

The Big Gulp, Finally!

Papa wakes us up as he leaves for work , and we start to get ready for our departure. At 4:15 the phone rings, it’s the cab company. No cab for you! They sent him to the wrong address. Fortunately, this cab driver speaks English and knows how to get where we are. 6 minutes later, he arrives. Please meet our cab driver.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/gallagher.jpg

His name was Something Cabot, we like to call him Driver Gallagher. Now, honestly, he was really trying his best to entertain us. At 4:30am, though, I am not really looking for entertainment. He really was a funny-ish guy. I wondered if he would make a good Jungle Cruise skipper???

So, we arrive at the DFW airport for our first visit there. We really expected it to be more crowded. We went through security and were complimented on having our liquids in the approved 1-qt ziplock baggie. Although he said we deserved blue ribbons, sadly, none appeared for the scrapbook. I told him we had our baggies because I am an obsessive over-planner. He didn’t get the joke, but that’s ok because we did. Got through security easily, no wanding necessary, and made it to our bustling gate:

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/dallasgate.jpg

Crickets…………………………….

We had a long-ish wait now. Eventually, other Disney travelers started to appear and, since I am me, conversations struck up almost immediately. They informed me that a couple of weeks ago they were here and it took 3 hours to clear security, so it wasn’t such a bad thing that we had arrived so early today. This gal was an amputee, so major props go out to her for doing Disney with her new prosthesis. If she is reading this (I didn’t ask her if she was a DISer), I hope that her Orlando balloon ride was awesome!

Eventually our quiet gate became quite crowded. I saw a little boy spinning circles and crash into an older lady carrying a tray of coffee from Starbucks. It spilt all over her and the little boy. I walked over and offered her a wet wipe, because I am an obsessive over-packer. This was the only time I needed them the whole trip. As the gate became more and more crowded, I just knew that they had over-booked this flight and, for a moment, pondered whether or not I could make 3600 on my way to WDW!!??? ;)

Up next: Do We or Don't We... and more coffee mayhem! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1207463&page=4&pp=15)

[jamal]

OOOoohhhh...Steph...Don't tell me you got bumped??? We had a chance on the way home but declined as we were ready to see our babies.

Love the travel tales! Keep it coming!

[NAB]

Steph you an obsessive over planner.....just well prepared. I usually pack a whole drug store with us just in case.

Great start......

[Grammyof2]

Steph - The kool aid is about to be drank, just like at Jelly Rolls, where my hubby informed me, you have mad skillz besides planning :teeth: :lmao:

[javamom]

Grammy, it's true... I was once quite the Partygirl. In my wild 20's which I benember... mostly. umm-ish.

Had I been a bit braver, I may have had everyone join in on the silliness.


http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/Drinking_trink21.gif

[javamom]

Ok so we were at the over-crowded gate and...

I was right, they announced that they needed 5 people to surrender their seats for other compensation. They must have found them quickly, because almost immediately, they started boarding us. They boarded our section right after First Class. There was a lady in front of me with long, red hair and she was carrying a toddler. Unfortunately, for her and the man sitting in first class with his fresh cup of hot airplane coffee, as she walked by, her toddler’s foot caught the tray table and spilled hot coffee all over him. She was in tears by the time we made our way to the back of the airplane. I felt sorry for them both. It really was an accident. I told her it was going to be OK. I hope that she and her family had a great rest of the trip though.

I got really lucky, and the third person in our row never showed up for the flight!! Crashdad and I had the whole row to ourselves (which was a little weird considering that they asked folks to give up their seats?)!! Yippee!!
:banana: We were on our way!

As the plane started to taxi away, I found myself tearing up. It finally sunk in that we were really going. All the turmoil of the last year, and the fatigue of the last few weeks in particular just started to flood me with emotions: joy, relief, sorrow, gratitude, you name it – I felt it. I felt so blessed to be able to take this trip with Crashdad, and I just knew it was going to be a wonderful adventure. I sad a prayer for our flight and all the Maelstrommers and DISers that were also flying today and the week to come. I sat and watched Crashdad stare out the window and so thrilled to be there with him.

The rest of the flight was uneventful, and I would fly Airtran Airways again.
We made it to the main terminal and saw the Magical Express people telling people which way to go. Unfortunately for me, my ears were still ringing a bit, so I only heard the word cruises, so I thought that we were maybe going the wrong way. Although it didn’t matter to me, because I DIS, I knew where I needed to go. He teased me a bit and reiterated what he had said. If I hadn’t been up for the last umpteen hours, I might have found it funny. As it was, I did not, and shrugged him off and made my way to the stairway (or was it an escalator, I forget). FYI, upon departure from WDW, we learned that they moved it from A side to B side. We found our first Disney queue and got in line for check-in. Several non-DISer's asked me why we needed to check-in, why couldn't they just get on the bus to their resort. I must have had one of those Happyhaunt signs on my forehead that said "She DISes" because 2 or three poeple asked me this question. I politely pointed out that they needed to know that you had arrived so that they would know to retrieve your luggage for you. "oh yeah, that makes sense," was the general reply. No problem, glad I could help. No I was not wearing a LGMHPC at all. I just did not get around to making it and laminating it. *I can hear the air sucking out of the room, forgive me LGMHPCfriends*

We made it to the correct queue for Pop and waited. At some point the queues were not moving so much; and thus, a castmember wearing the Mickey hands spoke up saying “OK folks, you get bonus points if you can answer this question (in a sing-song voice) “Who’s the leader of our club and all our family?” To which we all replied with the appropriate “M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E!” We actually won no prizes, but lots of smiles.
::MickeyMo

Finally, we boarded our ME motor coach to Pop Century. I took this picture of the right-hand side of the gateway from the window of the coach:

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/wdwgate.jpg

We arrived at Pop and got in yet another queue to check-in. By the time that we checked in, confirmed our fridge and upper floor, we were really hungry so we wandered over for our first look at Everything Pop.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/popfoodct.jpg

Crashdad needed to eat, so I let him go first. I told him how to use his Key to the Kingdom, and sat down to read the check-in info they gave and to watch our bags. Finally, he returned with a Very Sloppy Joe and his refillable mug.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/mug4life.jpg

We joked about whether we would be able to keep track of it for the next 40-some years or so, or life whichever came first. He had finished his food before I returned with mine, so no pic. Here is what I ordered:

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/popsmfood1.jpg

Yes, I am a dork that takes pictures of vacation food. Sue me. No, don't.

We were supposed to call after 3pm to get our room assignment, but because I DIS, I knew that it was likely that it may be ready. So, we made our way to a house phone and called the little number on the card. Yes, our room was ready: 4362. Now, the instructions say to have your map ready when you call. I know why now. I asked MsDon'tHaveAMap which building that was in and was told 70s. We walked toward 70’s only to realize that there was no way that our room number could be over there. So, we headed back over toward the Hippy Dippy Pool, and found our room on the middle level on the far end away from the pool. Here are some pics:

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/poprmview.jpg

Up Next: Will We Get To A Park????? (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1207463&page=4&pp=15)

[HaleyB]

Wooo Hooo I get to be first!!! :sunny:

Score on the room location! We were a few rooms down in 2005 and really really missed it this time around.

[Arilady]

I am loving this!! I can't wait for the next installment.

[Backstage_Gal]

Steph, Love your report!

Parmesan chicken, am I right? HUh? Huh?

[MousekaMaddi]

.and where the heck are u??????? LOL :Pinkbounc waiting oh so patiently for more... :badpc:

[NAB]

Steph-- great report....I know how hard you worked to make this happen.

Crashdad looks very happy too.

Never stayed at POP but it looks very nice. Love the pics.

[javamom]

Steph, Love your report!

Parmesan chicken, am I right? HUh? Huh?

I believe that was the Chicken Penne Alfredo. I think that the Parmesan Crusted Chicken comes with a salad instead, but it is the same chicken in both dishes.

It was yummy. Not fantastic, but to a tired, worn-out, needing-some-nourishment-traveler it hit the spot!

[sheridac]

I was yummy.
Steph!!!!! Have more self-confidence why dontcha :rotfl2:

[1000thhappyhaunt]

I don't have half the mad skillz you have.

However... I'm not going let my green-eyed monster disuade me from being...IN.

ON THIS.

Trippie.

Just starting... but really enjoying.

Go crazy Coffee/Software Lady!

You rock!

Cheers, Mel.

[javamom]

Do We Get To A Park???

Man we were tired after all the traveling. I knew that we were going to be at Magic Kingdom until closing at midnight, so I suggested that we take a short nap.
:eek:
Yes, you read that right… a nap. You see not only are we pasty white Midwesterners, but we are apparently getting to become Old Farts as well. Of course, it could also be due to the fact that we were just fatigued from, not only, the traveling but all that lead up to the traveling these last months, and most specifically, weeks. (Holy run-on sentences Batman!) So, after a quick shower to rid ourselves of the airline gunk, we did. Nap.

We woke up, grabbed our stuff, made it to the bus stop and off to Magic Kingdom.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/MKtrainstsm.jpg

Because our bottled waters (that we placed into the fridge at Pop) were not cool yet, we stopped in at the Main Street Bakery for waters. I was about to check out by paying cash (because I just couldn’t waste a snack credit on water), when I noticed the rice-krispy-Mickeyheads-on-a-stick-with-the-ears-dipped-in-chocolate-with-sprinkles. So we used our first snack credits for the Mickeyheads! Yummo – they were all that I had heard they were here on the DIS. We wandered further into the Castle hub, and took these pics of the new Castle show.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/YOMDcastleshow2sm.jpg

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/YOMDcastleshow3sm.jpg
OOOOOh Maleficient!

I thought the Maleficient fireworks were fun. I never saw Cinderellabration, but I have to say that I liked this show. It was all about believing in the power of dreams, and that dreams can come true. I did get a little teary at the finale. It occurred to me that dreams really do come true or I wouldn’t be standing here with Crashdad at this very moment. So, thanks to Walt for making this place that was all started by a mouse and a dream. Dreams really do come true.
:wizard:
After the castle show was over, I really wanted to ride Space Mountain. But I knew that Crashdad is not a thrill-junkie, so I suggested Pirates of the Caribbean instead. I got a couple of pics, sadly none of the ones of Captain Jack turned out. I forgot to set it on motion mode. I did snap this pic of my favorite scene.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/potc3sm.jpg

Really enjoyed the new POTC elements from the movie and spent a few minutes in the dump shop. I was trying to decide whether to get a t-shirt or pirate ears of some sort. Their computers were down so no Key to the Kingdom could be used to purchase, so I took that as a sign that it wasn’t meant to be for either. We headed over to Liberty Square and the Haunted Mansion.

I had forgotten how great this ride is! As we moved into the Dead Center of the room, we were very impressed with the Castmember in the stretching room. Not because she creeped anyone out, but because of her attention to detail. Standing near me, was a mother holding a toddler. Just before the hanging scene unfolded, she quietly walked over to them and placed a Minnie Mouse sticker on the toddler’s shirt and then tapped on it to draw the child’s attention away from what was about to appear up there. Hence the toddler missed the potentially scary moment and did NOT start shrieking. The Mom was nearly oblivious to the whole scene. By the time she figured out what had just happened, it was over. Great work of the part of this castmember!! Crashdad really enjoyed his first ride on Haunted Mansion!

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/hm2sm.jpg

Next we hoofed it into Fantasy Land to ride It’s a Small World, just because it is so quintessentially Disney. After that, it was time for our ADR at Liberty Tree Tavern for Goofy’s Liberate Your Appetite Dinner. I chose ADR’s for this trip that we will not be experiencing when we return in December. This one we paid for OOP instead of using our Free Dining credits. We checked in at the podium and in no time at all they called “PastyWhiteMidwesterner's from the Great State of Kansas.” We had a blast here watching the characters interact with everyone, including us!

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/mikenchipsm.jpg

Ok there is a picture of me w/ Goofy, but Crashdad did not do me the favor of waiting until I was done chewing, so that picture will never see the light of day. Chip also came over and kissed my hand and the pretended to fight with Crashdad.

We really liked the marinated flank steak, appreciated that the mashed potatoes were real mashed potatoes and not instant, and the strawberry vinaigrette on the salad was yummy. The ham was cold and I don’t care for mac-n-cheese, but the rest of the meal was good. Something fantastic happened during this meal though, so I had to get a picture of it:

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/biggrinsm.jpg
Crashdad found his grin again! I hadn’t seen that smile in months it seems.

Up Next: How Far Apart Can You Be During Wishes??? (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=15524808#post15524808)

[javamom]

.and where the heck are u??????? LOL :Pinkbounc waiting oh so patiently for more... :badpc:

I got it up almost soon-ish???

Thanks!

[javamom]

I don't have half the mad skillz you have.

However... I'm not going let my green-eyed monster disuade me from being...IN.

ON THIS.

Trippie.

Just starting... but really enjoying.

Go crazy Coffee/Software Lady!

You rock!

Cheers, Mel.

Thanks Mel, wish you could have been there too.. then I would have had something really cool to add to my trippie because everyone knows that you are the Happiest of Haunts!

[javamom]

I am loving this!! I can't wait for the next installment.

Thanks :)

[Grammyof2]

Steph - Day 1 - Swan for 1 night - suggested by my good friend Donna.
DH took a nap about 25 minutes after checking in. In the 2 die for bed, which really was 2 die for. Me I laid in a hammock on the beach and called Donna :thumbsup2

I am sooooo happy that this trip was everything you wanted, cause you have had a rough time this last few months. CrashDad DID find his smile :cheer2:

[kpk89]

Steph, I"m all caught up now. and me sorry for the "link" suggestion over there --- duh! I should've known that you'd be all over the links.

I am so excited to read about your trippy, and so happy for the two of you that you could get away and forget your stresses for a while. And super happy to have met and hugged you in person!!!!

[Minnie_Moo]

Steph - How could Crashdad NOT be grinning and feeling more relaxed wearing that cool shirt in the happiest place on earth!

Henceforth, I shall require my hubby to take his Hawaiian shirts to WDW!!!

http://www.smiling-faces.com/smilies/hawaiian.gif

[horsegirl]

Steph. Please tell me Gallagher Driver was not wearing rainbow suspenders....

And sorry you didn't get the chance to be bumped. Would you have taken it, if you had?

Sounds like this was a much needed trip for you guys. I am sorry Crashdad hadn't found his smile for a while. He looked like he had it when I saw you! :thumbsup2

Great Report Steph. And I thought it was so sweet that you thought of everyone on the plane.

I sure am in! Take your time, no pressure here!

[HaleyB]

Ryan wondered why I took so many pictures of the rides... silly boy.

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g75/sillyhaley/100_3411.jpg

[HaleyB]

And a bit blurry but my favorite too :)

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g75/sillyhaley/100_4018-1.jpg

better but missing the dog (mostly)

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g75/sillyhaley/100_4017.jpg

[sheridac]

Crashdad found his grin again! I hadn’t seen that smile in months it seems.
Steph!!! I saw Crashdad smiling A LOT!!!!

And. I know that you know that I know that you know that I know that you're sooooooooo happy about that!!!

[javamom]

Grammy - Swan, eh? Hmmm will have to investigate that some time.

:grouphug: KPK89 - Kimmie - Good thing so many of us were huggers, right! It was wonderful!

Minnie Moo - Crashdad loves his Hawaiian shirts. He got started on them when we visited my sister in CA. Her husband had a closet of them, as it was all he ever wore. Of course, his were the expensive ones. Crashdad's are umm not. LOL

Horsegirl - Horsey - No, Driver Gallagher did not have any suspenders on, but he did very much look, and sound like Gallagher. I could sooo see him swinging a sledge hammer at a watermelon this moment.

pirate: Haley - Thanks for the PIC!! I love it!

Sheridac -Sher Sher - Yes, he was all smiles. I know that he was excited for me too to finally get to meet the nutwings. I am so glad that he is such a good sport about all my silliness and he let's it all rub off on him as well.
:love:

[horsegirl]

Bumpity bump bump! Just waiting for your next installment Steph! :thumbsup2

[Shelby5514]

The ham was cold and I don’t care for mac-n-cheese, but the rest of the meal was good.

I think it's in the Constitution that everyone MUST love mac n cheese. Are you from Canada?


So glad Crashdad is starting to enjoy his vacation! You BOTH deserve it!

[kpk89]

Bumparoonie!

Get on with it, Stephie!!!

[drebert]

I'm herrrreeeee! Get to posting girlie. I'm all caught up now. :thumbsup2

Great TR. I'm so glad that you both were able to get away from life for a bit and enjoy being together.

[javamom]

How Far Apart Can You Be During Wishes?

After dinner, we took our perma-grins through a short-cut (Crashdad started to question the wisdom of walking through a dark and shadowy shortcut, but then remembered where he was again) and we headed toward Main St. to find a spot to watch Wishes. I really wanted to take pictures of Wishes, but I just couldn’t bear to take my eyes off of it long enough to fiddle with the camera. We stood there and watched the whole thing, and yes, got a little teary. I also felt sad for a couple that we saw nearby. He was very “into” the whole thing and you could tell that she just wasn’t at all. You could tell that he was more than just into the moment, he was into being there with her at that place and time. They couldn’t have been any farther apart emotionally. He was in Fantasyland bound for Tomorrowland, and she was somewhere closer to the Orlando Airport. It was sad, to me, and it made me appreciate our moment even more.

I laid my head on Crashdad’s shoulder for a few moments and just took it all in. I think that this is my favorite moment from the trip. We were once again so very blessed to be here, to be together, and have this moment to ourselves. It was an intimate moment despite the thousands of strangers all around us. *Wishes….. Wishes…. Wishes* We can hardly wait until Christmas to share this with the kiddos!
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/mickey3.gif

As soon as Wishes was over, we headed toward Main Street to grab some curb for Spectromagic. Again, I wished that I could have taken my eyes off of it long enough for some pics, but I didn’t. By the time it was over, we were very tired and made our way to the exit. We made a newbie mistake. We followed the signs that said to Busses. Wrong busses. The very nice monorail guy let us through so that we could make our way to where we were really supposed to be. We got to the queue and waited and waited. Finally it looked like we might get on a bus, but it filled. The driver came out and said very enthuiasically, “What, doesn’t anyone wanna stand. I’ve got room!” So we decided to stand, despite our tired feet. We got back to Pop. I took a shower. I remember mumbling something to Crashdad about setting a wakeup call and fell asleep.

The phone rang and I gave it to Crashdad, he was too sleepy to tell me who it was. So, I do not know if it was Mickey or Stitch or both??? We got around, and headed down to the food court for some of the atrocious brown concentrate that mixes as it is dispensed into your refillable mug. Man with all that Disney does right, this coffee only seems that much worse. I dumped a buttload (that was for Mel) of cream and Splenda into it and we both ordered this:

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/popsmfood2.jpg

It was pretty good, and really big. Pity that there was no lobster in it. We headed off to the bus stop for MGM. Here is where my memory fails me for sure. But I think that it was here that I ran into my Viking DISfriend Jamal AKA The Fixer. It might have been the night before in the bus line to MK. But I think it was in this line. The thing is though that I do not recall seeing her at the turnstiles at MGM, so maybe not?? Hey Fixer, fix my memory please??? Anywho, I recognized her from her siggie picture. We greet each other briefly and then she boarded the bus. I knew that I (The Professor – aka has mad computer skillz) would meet up with her (MaryAnn – has mad pie skillz?) again in Epcot on another day.

Ok so that is all I have time for tonight!

Up next: Getting Our Full Geek On At MGM (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=15733564#post15733564)

[Backstage_Gal]

How Far Apart Can You Be During Wishes?

I laid my head on Crashdad’s shoulder for a few moments and just took it all in. I think that this is my favorite moment from the trip. We were once again so very blessed to be here, to be together, and have this moment to ourselves. It was an intimate moment despite the thousands of strangers all around us. *Wishes….. Wishes…. Wishes* We can hardly wait until Christmas to share this with the kiddos!
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/mickey3.gif



Awww, Steph, how sweet!!!!!!

So glad you posted an update, I almost gave up on you!


Wonderful job!!!!!!!!!

[drebert]

Am I first???? WhooHooo!
I was afraid you weren't going to finish.

Really sad about the couple. It makes you wonder what their real life is like. Sad. :sad2:

Keep it up. "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!"

[Grammyof2]

A trip, good food, your husband, good friends and all you can think about was Lobster in your eggs :rotfl2: :lmao: :rotfl:

Countdown to your next trip is creeping up :banana: :banana:

Relax and enjoy. We will still be here :moped:

[kpk89]

Yay another episode of Javamom and Crashdad. That is so sad about that couple at Wishes. And very astute of you to notice. You're an ole empathetic softie, you are!

I can't wait for your Christmas, either. What a magical time that will be for the Javas!

[jamal]

Rockin Javamom!! I loved this installment. There is nothing better than watching Wishes with your head on your loved one's shoulder. The whole story, for all reasons, gave me goose bumps.

But I think that it was here that I ran into my Viking DISfriend Jamal AKA The Fixer. It might have been the night before in the bus line to MK. But I think it was in this line. The thing is though that I do not recall seeing her at the turnstiles at MGM, so maybe not?? Hey Fixer, fix my memory please??? Anywho, I recognized her from her siggie picture. We greet each other briefly and then she boarded the bus. I knew that I (The Professor – aka has mad computer skillz) would meet up with her (MaryAnn – has mad pie skillz?) again in Epcot on another day.

I think it was on the MGM bus! That was the first time I had had someone I didn't recognize call out my name!! I was in total planning conversation with my pals when I heard a sweet 'Jamal!' and saw a smile to match the voice.

The CM driver smushed us onto the bus so we waved goodbye to the Javas...til we met again!!

Keep it coming, girl.

xoxo,
Jam

[NAB]

That was my favourite thing when we were there in Aug. Watching the faces of my kids watching Wishes.Having my hubby's arm around me and just taking it all in. Pure magic indeed.


--

[Grammyof2]

where of where can you be :confused3

[nicolemarie]

I guess it's a good thing Grammy is over here bumping up TR's. Yet another one that I've read, yet never posted to.

Lovin' your report and lovin' hearing of all the adventures that I missed. Hope everyone is doing better around your way!

NM :sunny:

[javamom]

Getting Our Full Geek On At MGM

Before I get to the MGM Full Geek Experience, I must tell you about a smaller geeky experience that occurred this next morning.

I had designed some very Viking t-shirts for the Maelstrommers and I had printed a set for Haley. I woke up at the crack of early and headed down to Everything Pop for some more of the brown liquid that they call coffee and to see a CM at the front desk about getting the set of iron-on transfers to Haley and Mr. Silly. I knew that they would be needing them for the planned rendezvous in Norway the next day. SO, I walk up to the counter and try to explain to the CM that, while I do know their name (thank the Lord I did not have to explain that they are my internet friends and their names are Haley and Mr. Silly), I do not know where they are staying exactly and (because we BOTH forgot to pack our cell phone chargers) I cannot call them to tell them via Sheridac. So, I ask if I can leave them there at the desk and they could call them to come pick them up. I swear, for a second there that it would not have surprised me in the least if she checked the package to see if it was porn. Lo and behold, the lady picks up the phone and then hands it to me. I stand there for a second expecting it to ring and it doesn’t. She looks at me like I just flunked telephone and tells me to leave a message. She had dialed straight into their VM. So I leave this really lame message that I was not prepared to leave and feel like a kindergartener that just flunked scissors. I think it went something like this (maybe Haley can corroborate): “Oh leave a message… Ok, umm, Hi Haley this is javamom, Steph, I have left your t-shirt transfers here at the front desk… at Pop in your name. Hope I got them to you in time, see you tomorrow, Steph.” It was something riveting like that as I recall. At any rate, that awkward moment over, we headed to MGM.

We made it there early and I took these pictures:

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/mgm2sm.jpg
First in line at the turnstile

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/mgm3sm.jpg

I went to rope drop to get a pic of the hat and the photopass castmember mugged for my photo. All of us that were lined up for rope drop got a chuckle out of it. When the rope dropped, we went left. Yes, I know everyone goes right to get to ToT and RnRC. Again, Crashdad not so much of a thrill seeker. I would have loved to ride RnRC, but the truth is that this trip was really all about him. Besides how am I gonna DISney-wash him if I scare the begeebies out of him? Instead we went left, and headed toward Star Tours because we are the quintessential Star Wars geeks:

Have you ever wondered what you would look like in a movie poster??? Well we found out: WARNING this is guaranteed to make you crack up or pass-out whichever comes first
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Warning: Extreme Geek Moment Caught for Posterity
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http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/hannleiasm.jpg

I warned ye, I did.
We enjoyed our trip to Endor and a chance to battle the Empire! :darth: :yoda: :ewok: :chewy:

Next is was off to Muppets 3D

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/mgm4sm.jpg
This sign cracked me up!

We really liked this one too. It was neat to sit in the Muppet theatre complete with Waldorf and Statler. I forgot to look for the key!!! I wish I would have taken pics of the theatre. After this, we headed over to the Great Movie Ride.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/gmrwizsm.jpg
I forgot to set the camera to motion mode, so it is a bit blurry

We really enjoyed the castmembers here as they gave the ride more interaction than it would have had otherwise and one of them reminded me of my nephew.

After this we headed over to Indiana Jones to grab Fastpasses, then we headed for Beauty and the Beast. We waited at the rope for the seating to begin. They came late. It has hot and there was no shade to be had. Finally a castmember carrying a clipboard came through and headed up the ramp. In short time, another cast member came down the ramp to let us through. I took lots of pics of this show. Crashdad was less than thrilled to be going, but said afterward that it was good and he was glad that we saw it. He enjoyed the live theatrical performances:

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/bbshow26sm.jpg

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/bbshow6sm.jpg
This man had an amazing voice

Ok, that’s all for tonight.

Up Next: Pixie Dust at MGM and Onward (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=15965418#post15965418)

[HaleyB]

I think that is just about a word for word transcript of that phone message.
I pretty much always sound like that when I leave messages.

[Backstage_Gal]

Yay, Steph, you are back!!

I can soo relate to awkward moments, LOL!

And what do you mean about the star trek pics, looks like movie stars to me!!

Keep on trucking, I look forward to it!

[Minnie_Moo]

Yay, another episode!

Love the Star Wars pic!!!!!

[Jake & Crew]

looking forward to more kool aid! :thumbsup2

[NAB]

Steph loving your report. We love the Beauty and the Beast. I love the colourful dress and DD always asks me which one I would want to be.

DS has his face put to Ob one ?? Can't spell but I am sure you know.



--

[winkers]

I'm loving your tr! Can't wait to see how your trip with the kids goes!

[javamom]

Steph loving your report. We love the Beauty and the Beast. I love the colourful dress and DD always asks me which one I would want to be.

DS has his face put to Ob one ?? Can't spell but I am sure you know.



--

Ok this took me a time or three to read over, but I figured it out.

You son had his face put on the Obi Wan poster. It's Fun!!

:smooth:

Will be a couple of days before I can post another leg of the journey, thanks everyone. Glad you are enjoying... more Kool-Aid to come :)

:moped:

[NAB]

You caught me Steph I am not a Star Wars fan and I asked my son and I thought that is what he said :rotfl2: That and I can't spell and thought you would figure it out. :thumbsup2 Everyone couldn't believe that was my son's face in the picture it was that good.

A few years ago my son and hubby did the Buzz and Woody picture too. DS was Buzz and hubby was Woody. :lmao:


--

[javamom]

Pixie Dust at MGM and Onward!

Next it was on to Mama Melrose’s for dinner on Melrose Ave, our waiter was a handsome guy named Pal, pronounced Paul – complete with Italian accent.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/melrose2sm.jpg
View from our table. Ok I know that many of us would have preferred a view of Pal, trust me on this!
:smooth:
But I didn't want to "go all stalker on him" and shoot his picture.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/melrosesmfood2sm.jpg
Butcher Charred Steak w/ Roasted Red Pepper Polenta, Grilled Asparagus and Gongonzola butter, it was delish!!! I spread the gorgonzola butter all over my steak. Sssshhhh!
:ssst:
We had reserved the Fantasmic Dinner Package which included appetizer, entrée, and desserts for 2 and a pass for advanced seating to the Fantasmic show later that night. Not pictured were the appetizer (4 Cheese Flatbread – yummo) the desserts and the Bellini cocktail that I had with dinner. It was all yummo.

After this, we stumbled onto the Disney Animation Tour. We watched a neat presentation about the Animation process and then went through different exhibits. A neat guy took this picture for us and didn’t even steal our camera:
;)
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/animation1sm.jpg
Our brief visit to Radiator Springs was fun!

After this, we went back to Star Tours. :darth:
We ran into a really nice CM that stopped whatever it was that she had been on her way to do to give us a guided tour through the Streets of America area and on to The Little Mermaid. This time, I was the one that thought it would be lame, but again the Disney Imagineers did a good job with this show. It was great! However, upon exiting, Crashdad started to feel ill and almost knocked me over. Clearly, he needed to get back to the Pop and rest. So, as we made our way to the park exit, I knew that we needed to find a couple and give away our advanced Fantasmic seating pass. We spotted a young couple. Judging from their accents, they must have been from the UK. I asked them if they intended to stay that night for Fantasmic and they said yes. I gave them the pass, explained what it was and what to do to use it. It made their day a little more magical, and it made us feel better knowing that the pass would not be wasted!!
:tinker:
We made our way to the exit when I noticed a first aid station. We went inside hoping to cool off and use the rest room before making our way to the bus. The CM there checked us in and then Crashdad went to the facilities. While he was there, she asked me all about what happened and what our plans had been for the evening. I told her about the pass and giving it away and all. She asked me if we could wait about 10 minutes, maybe she could arrange a van to take us back to Pop personally. WOW! Sure thing I said. So, Crashdad came out and she disappeared again. When she came back she presented me with this:

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/YOMDtinkpin2sm.jpg
front
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/YOMDtinkpinback1sm.jpg
back

She said that since we had helped to spread some pixie dust, that she wanted us to have some back. So she gave us this: one pin to keep, and one to give away to someone else. The next day, I would get my opportunity!! Anyway, a CM named Pedro showed up and drove us to Pop.
:car:
We got the see the backlot of MGM, that was kinda cool too. Within minutes, we were back at the Pop for showers and some sleep. This night I elected to not set a wake-up call.

Next morning, I woke up before Crashdad, with a horrible headache.
:headache:
I took my refillable mug to the Everything Pop food court to get some of the ummm "stuff that they call coffee" at WDW. This is the only thing that I think Disney does not do rightat all, and when they do sooo many things sooo right, this coffee seems all the worse to me. It is Nescafe, need I say more? Yes? Ok, then it is Nescafe concentrate that mixes as it dispenses, apparently. I know because I was there early enough that morning to watch them refill the machine with the carton dispenser that it comes in. YUCKO!! Bring your own coffee if you go to WDW and a small machine (if your room does not include one). I went back up to the room and got Crashdad up and around. We made it to Epcot only about 15 mins after opening. We headed directly for Soarin’, grabbed Fastpasses and then got in the stand-by line. We waited maybe 20 mins to ride, and chatted with a family from the UK. One thing that we really enjoyed, about WDW, was all of the accents that we got to hear. We “heard” folks from all over. It was neat! This father was telling us how impressed he was with the Disney CMs. Apparently, he lost a camera on a ride and the CM dutifully checked each and every car, as it came by, for his camera. They didn’t find it, but he was blown away that they would do that. He said that back at home, that would never happen and that it is things like this that make the Disney difference. He was wearing a Red Hot Chili Peppers UK tour concert T-shirt, and he and Crashdad talked about how they would each like to have opposite shirts. He wants a US tour shirt and Crashdad wanting a UK tour shirt. They were great folks, we wished them a great ride and trip as we ended up on different concourses for our “flight” on Soarin’. OMG, I cannot say enough about how cool this ride is.
:hyper2:
Disney Imagineers need to earn a cookie or 2 hundred for this one. It is a fantastic experience. We were so glad that we grabbed those Fastpasses so that we could ride it again!!

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/soarinsm.jpg
Ok, since this is one of the few pics that I remembered to stop and take at Epcot, know that this is a great ride. The whole rest of the day, I did not take hardly any further pics. I was having too much fun to stop!

After this ride, we stopped at Sunshine Seasons so Crashdad could get some breakfast. I wanted to save my counter service credit for something in World Showcase for lunch, so I just had a fruit cup using a snack credit. After this, we walked back toward the park entrance to ride Spaceship Earth, aka the Big Golfball that is the Epcot icon. Crashdad had always wanted to see this, and now he really was! We rode that and then headed back to The Land Pavilion to ride Soarin’ again with our Fastpasses. Time now was about 10:30 and the wait time was now 65 mins!!! We were really glad that we had those Fastpasses, we waited maybe 10 minutes to ride. After that, we headed to the World Showcase to meet up with my crazy DIS viking friends at the Norway Pavilion. We posed for a few group shots and then we all got on two Viking ships and rode the Maelstrom ride in Norway (I mean Norvay). It is a Fastpass, dontcha know?!!
:thumbsup2
I designed the t-shirts that some of us were wearing that day (only the one that I wore was black instead of white):

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/tshirtfsample.jpg

After the ride, we posed for more pictures in the dump shop, I mean gift shop:
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/maelstrom1sm.jpg

Fellow DISer KPK89 made me a luggage tag, so I gave her the Pixie Dust pin that I had received the day before and told her the whole story.
:tinker:
Next it was on to the Mexico Pavilion and the Cantina Del San Angel for margaritas by the World Showcase Lagoon. They were yummo and, BTW, made my headache go away – go figure that one out?? After that, the crazy DIS Vikings (or is that Dorkings?) all went their separate ways, more or less, until later that night when we would all meet up again for Illuminations.

Crashdad and I headed out around the World Showcase to peruse the kiosks for the International Food and Wine Festival. We sampled goodies, wines, and champagnes from around the world. Love, love, loved the cheddar cheese soup from Canada. It was yummo. Zzub should definitely try it Me(l)’s right! Wonder if he has? I am so behind on trip reports it isn’t funny.
:sad2:
If you have never been to Epcot, it is huge. You walk and walk and walk. So the little samples of stuff really didn’t seem to fill you up, you walked them off. Finally, it was time to use that counter service credit that I had left and I decided upon the Tangerine Café in the Morocco Pavilion. Because FSUmarchief loves this so much (oh no wait, sorry I mean the food in France) I chose this:

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/tangerinefoodsm.jpg
Chicken and Lamba Shwarma Platter with hummus, tangerine coucous, Moroccan bread, and baklava

This was yummo, and I was expanding my dining adventurism by trying it. I am glad that I did! The little gal that served me was stunningly beautiful and her name was just as pretty: Hanane, pronounced Hahn-ahn. He was just lovely. BTW, the Castmembers in World Showcase are mostly exchange students from the “country” in which they work, so they can speak the native language of that country and can tell you all about their homeland. That was the way Walt wanted it to be, so I have been told.

After that lunch, we headed to the Japan Pavilion where we stopped at the Mitsukoshi Department Store. We stopped and purchased an oyster ticket and headed over to the oyster tanks to pick my oyster. I picked one near a rock (just for you Mel) and they opened my oyster to fish out the pearl inside. It was a white pearl 7-1/4mm. They cleaned it and showed me the size. I chose to have it mounted in a silver heart ring. It was a great choice for a trip souvenir!!

By evening, we had walked all around World Showcase, and headed toward the International Gateway to walk to the Boardwalk area for our dinner at the Flying Fish. After changing into a fresh set of clothes, stored in a locker near the Gateway, we were ready for a Disney Signature Dining experience. Here are some pics:

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/ffsmmusselssm.jpg
Appetizer: Chardonnay Steamed Mussels with Fennel and Cream Pesto

I know that this looks really strange, but it was SOOOOOOOOOOOOO good. The mussels were very fresh and juicy, not fishy or rubbery. The fennel and pesto gave the dish a slight “bite,” but the chardonnay and cream kept it light on the pallet. It was to die for and the bowl was so huge that I shared with Crashdad. He ordered the cold lobster salad for his appetizer, not pictured. I had the Potato-wrapped Snapper for my main, which was good, but I enjoyed the mussels more!!

The Flying Fish did not disappoint at all. It was lovely, yet not at all pretentious. I am so glad that we got to experience it. For dessert, we both ordered the Chocolate Excursion or something like that. It had a chocolate mouse tart, a warm chocolate phyllo purse sort of thing, and a lemon-grass chocolate tea. It was fun, but if I ever go back to FF I’ll try another dessert. I really wish that I had taken some pics of the Boardwalk at night, as it was so beautiful. We headed back over the International Gateway to find the crazy DIS vikings to watch Illuminations and sip champagne by the World Showcase lagoon. Illuminations was great! After that, the crazy band of Vikings went on the Friendship boat singing songs like “Rock The Boat” and “Michael Row The Boat Ashore.” Needless to say, led by Sheridac, we were the shipboard entertainment. The Captain of the boat was sure to point out that we were indeed on our way to the Boardwalk, where he was sure we were on our way to Jellyrolls!!

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/stepperkay/Jellyrollssm.jpg

Jellyrolls is a piano bar. We all enjoyed adult beverages and sang badly, some worse than others, to tunes such as: Paradise By The Dashboard Light, The Best of Times, Brown-eyed Girl, Bohemian Rasphody, and a few that flat made no sense at all. Oh yeah, I almost forgot about the bottle trick. Something I learned in my wild and wooly 20's that Crashdad had never seen (and has asked me about a few times), so I did it for him and Grampy. It was fun, and I hadn't done that trick in so long, I wasn't sure that I could still do it. If you wanna know more, you'd need to ask Crashdad or Grampy about it. So, having revisited my miscreant youth, we left Jellyrolls and headed back to the Pop.
:drinking:
Time to wrap this little trek up. The next morning we packed our stuff and, sadly, hopped on the motor coach back to the Orlando airport, Horsey was on the same coach with us.

In summation: for 4 days we heard no bad news, we played like kids, and partied like grown-ups, sortof-ish? We had a great time. As we sat there in the Orlando airport listening to CNN and the stories of the Amish school shootings that took place that week, reality hit back at us. It was then, that we really appreciated the Disney difference the most. It was hard to leave that World where we are all a little more like the people that we wished we could be. Well, at least most of us anyway. To come back to the real world where things are not at all that Magical, was a real downer. We finally understand why so many people go year after year, it’s to reconnect with that Magic.

We got home on a Wednesday to find out that our water was still not going to be repaired until Friday (did I mention that the water broke just before our trip, I forget and am not going to go read back), but worse than that, we came home to an ill pet. She was fine when we left and our other dog was fine. But, we lost Lilo on Friday, after she spent a couple of days at the vet hospital. We are sad. She was a great little dog.

However, there is good news. We will be returning to the Magic, and this time, the whole family is going. See, looky at my ticker!!!
:dance3:
We are booked for another Disney vacation. We will celebrate DS’s 17th Birthday and Christmas at Walt Disney World. We will be staying from 12/18 to 12/25 at POR. I cannot wait to watch it all again from my children’s eyes. Yes, it will be a different experience with them. No, we won’t get to do so much of the “grown up” stuff, but we will get to see the Magic light up in their eyes as they experience the Disney difference for themselves, and that will be truly Magical. I can’t wait!

Merry Christmas to all, Happy Hanukah, or whatever you celebrate. PEACE to my DIS friends. The Kool-aid Gang will be back soon with another, hopefully, funnier-wittier-ever-so-much-more-magical trip report after the New Year (hey a girl can dream, right? Maybe Santa will magically write it for me?? "it could happen")!!! So have a great one, until then!
:wave:

[Backstage_Gal]

Steph, what a great report!! And happy it was so good for you (except for Crashdad's illness).

I am so happy you are leaving again so soon, I wish you the most magical trip!!!!!!! It has been a long time coming for you.

Sorry about your doggie and the water and the reality, but hopefully that should all be forgotten again soon.

You will LOVE POR, it is sooooooooooo pretty!!!!!!!!!!

Looking forward to your report when you get back.

[Minnie_Moo]

Loved your finale, Steph, especially the Tink pin story!

Have a WONDERFUL Christmas/son's birthday trip to the World. Hope you get some great weather.

[nicolemarie]

OK - I'm starving now. All the food looks really good!

I loved your report and have enjoyed getting all the different perspectives from the Viking crew. What a great time y'all had - I could tell!!

I'll be looking forward to hearing about the Christmas trip. That sounds like a blast.

Have a great time and thanks for sharing!!

NM :sunny:

[javamom]

We are off on our next adventure in the AM!

[kpk89]

Steph, have a MAGICAL time!!!!! Take it easy, enjoy the holiday, and take in whatever attractions you can. Mostly, enjoy being together with your family in such a happy, happy place!

And, thank you one more time for the pin. I passed it on to Sydney, who found it quite magical. She calls it her "opinion." As in, "Mummy, can I put on my opinion today?"

Have fun! Can't wait to hear about it when you get back!