Like a Bad Meal (V Keeps Coming Back) - THE END! 1/12/09

[PrincessV]

Contents
Lead-up... right here in this first post.
Introductions (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24727518&postcount=25)

Trip #1 - Four Parks, Two Days and We're Still Alive!
Pre-Trip (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24804478&postcount=67)
Trip 1, Day 1. Also Known As "Why I Hate the AK." (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24947960&postcount=94)
A Colorful Review of Typhoon Lagoon (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25093919&postcount=151)
Mommy, What's That SMELL? Part 4 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25156728&postcount=189)
Leo’s Key to the Kingdom – or at least the Caribbean (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25403311&postcount=227)
~Coming Attractions~ (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25536623&postcount=249)
Slow and Low – That Is the Tempo (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25539259&postcount=257)

~Breaking News 6/20/08~ (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25786216&postcount=286)

Trip #2 - Disney World As "Lake House"
Prologue (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25790487&postcount=296)
It’s All About the Nooks. And Crannies. And Possibly the Cuervo. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25912855&postcount=331)
Dinner. And a Show?! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26020760&postcount=357)
It's Tea TIme! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26254642&postcount=387)

Trip #3 – The Little Trip That Could.
Why, why, WHY July?!?!?! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26480250&postcount=432)
Room Angst, Revisited (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26645987&postcount=471)
Nothing Says "America" Like... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26783998&postcount=513)
The Incredible Sinking Leo. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27170981&postcount=545)
The Less-Than-Exciting Installment (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27297050&postcount=583)

Trip #4 – Wasting Away Again in Fockerita-ville
In the Beginning... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27357573&postcount=622)
Ask Not for Whom the Hurricane Cometh - Pt. 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27490003&postcount=654)
Ask Not For Whom the Hurricane Cometh - Pt. 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27534617&postcount=687)
Have I Mentioned the Rain? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27893292&postcount=723)
Fockers of the Animal Kingdom: Curse of the Mojito (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28048327&postcount=764)
The Mojito Strikes Back (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28404476&postcount=786)
~~~Intermission : Tales from Food & Wine 2008 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28656890&postcount=828) ~~~
It Takes A Village Baybee! FockerFest 2008 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28839523&postcount=846)
THE END! Final Installment (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29624625&postcount=888)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As I type this, it’s been exactly ten (10) days since I wrote the following on my last TR:

Listen, I’m gonna level with you all – I’m no good at endings. Really. Haven’t you noticed that I kind of just slip out of one trip report and right on into another?





Not gonna happen. This time.


And this:

What I’m saying is, NO BIG TRIPS TO WDW IN 2008!! …

2008 promises to be a year of shorter, but no less meaningful, WDW trips.


Oh, and this:

So, you see, we’ll have plenty of time at WDW, but perhaps not in any way that’s conducive to trip reporting.

Maybe I’ll take a year off.



Did anyone place a wager on how soon I’d be back in the trip report writing saddle?

Let me know. I’d like to publicly recognize the winner. I can think of a few people around here who are likely to have gotten it right. Or at least darned close. ;)




So, yeah. Here it is, yet another trip report. Wondering what on earth I have to say after five of these things? You’re not alone. So there.


I honestly have no idea what shape this one might take. But I know this much:


It’s different.


Than the others.


One of these trip reports is not like the others,
One of these trip reports just doesn’t belong.
Can you tell which trip report is not like the others,
By the time I finish my song (ramble)?


My past trip reports have been about single trips.





Except for that one that covered two trips, really close to each other. And that one that had a Food & Wine Fest report thrown in. Oh. And that other one with a Food & Wine Fest thrown in. And that last one that included pictures and memories of a bunch of past trips.





Crap. :headache:





Maybe it’s more like this:

Four of these trip reports belong together
Four of these trip reports are kind of the same
Can you guess which one of these doesn't belong here?
Now it's time to play our game.


Heh heh.


Here’s what I’m getting at: best consider this one sort of a progressive trip report. Or a continuing trip report. Perhaps an enduring trip report? Would you buy a protracted trip report? Maybe it’s a chronic trip report.



One thing’s for sure, if you’ve made it this far, you’re likely thinking it’s a pernicious trip report.


Shout out to Mr. Roget.

And the Mrs. Can you imagine living with the guy? :crazy2:



Where am I???

Oh yeah – so this trip report will be more like a bunch of trip reports. In one, easy-to-locate thread. Which may or may not include links to updates. That seems a little too easy. I can promise directions to each update from the front page, though.

The reason for this new(ish) format is that I’m just not taking any long WDW trips for the rest of 2008. And I’ve been, er… encouraged ;) to continue writing. But it’s kind of hard to get excited about spending the time and mental energy required to write a TR for a weekend trip. I’m hoping a series of short trips, though, will prove motivational. :cheer2:


So, to everyone who er,… encouraged ;) me to write again, thank you for your support; here's hoping you won’t be disappointed. For any new readers just checking in, here’s hoping I’m able to keep your interest.


Mesdames et Messieurs, je vous présent….

Like a Bad Meal (V Keeps Coming Back) :rolleyes:

[lovealldisney]

Hello is anyone there?? Am I first??? Sweeeeeeet Totalllllllyyy!

I knew you couldn't stay away! I just knew it!!! You made my day V! Thank you, Thank you!!!

[sharkB8HooHaHa]

:yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay:

Yeah, V's back!!!!!!!!!

[thewesterberg]

Oooooo goody!! :cool1: I was one of 'em, hoping you'd write more! And maybe since I found this TR in the beginning I can be a loyal NON-LURKING supporter!!

[Lauralee131]

I just KNEW you'd be back!!!

Wooooo Hoooooo!!!:woohoo:


Ok, so I'm ready baby!!!!popcorn::

[jcc0621]

:cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:
:yay: :yay: :yay: :yay:
:banana: :banana: :banana:
:dance3: :dance3:
It's more like a fine wine. Better as aged

[Goofyluver]

YAY!!!! I'm signin' on!

[lynn71092]

I am officially subscribed.....:cool1:

[Tinkerbellarella]

I was definitely rue-ing? ruing? (whathaveyou - I was sad) the loss of a daily dose of V and figured that just meant I'd need to spend more time on my pre-trippie.

But then I find this: Like a Bad Meal (V Keeps Coming Back)

And I'm all like this: :scared1:

And then a little like this (but with less potassium): :banana:

And now I'm like this (because it's one of those days where I want to consume everything in site, and what goes better with massive food consumption than popcorn?): popcorn::

Yay for the progressive, continuing, enduring, protracted, chronic, trip report! While it puts my drivel to shame, I'm excited to be here.

:flower3:

[DisneyJo]

How could you not do it :rotfl2:

Can't wait to read all your adventures V :yay:

[stagemomx3]

For any new readers just checking in, here’s hoping I’m able to keep your interest.


New reader, happy to be here. :goodvibes

[PrincessV]

Hello is anyone there?? Am I first??? Sweeeeeeet Totalllllllyyy!
Dude! You were all over FIRST! :cheer2:

Oooooo goody!! :cool1: I was one of 'em, hoping you'd write more! And maybe since I found this TR in the beginning I can be a loyal NON-LURKING supporter!!
No more lurking - I'm holding you to that! Gotta have feedback in order to improve my craft. ::yes::

Yeah, V's back!!!!!!!!!
I just KNEW you'd be back!!!

Wooooo Hoooooo!!!:woohoo:


:cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:
:yay: :yay: :yay: :yay:
:banana: :banana: :banana:
:dance3: :dance3:
It's more like a fine wine. Better as aged

YAY!!!! I'm signin' on!
How could you not do it :rotfl2:

Can't wait to read all your adventures V :yay:
Yeah, I somehow suspect none of you are surprised in the least. ;) Welcome back guys! :grouphug:

I am officially subscribed.....:cool1:
Welcome - thanks for reading!
rue-ing? ruing?
Dang. I'm stumped on that one, too. And Mr. Webster has disappeared from my office. Thanks for joining in!

New reader, happy to be here. :goodvibes
Hi there :wave: and welcome!

[Disneyland_Mama]

I'm here, but I'm late. Sorry.:flower3:

Sometimes it's not good living on the west coast. :headache:

[askelton]

Yippee! :cool1:

[KatGarcia]

So I decided to clean out my TR subbed threads today, to try and keep things manageable to keep up with... but i can not by any means resist a V TR!!!! So I am SO in!

[disneyhockeymad]

Stumbled across this... sounding good already.
I'm up for the read :)

[snowwhite325]

As a lurker from your last TR I am popping in to say hi and promising to post more often :goodvibes

[hematite153]

Fabulous!

I love reading your trip reports!

[2xcited2sleep]

Yippee!!!! :cool1: :banana: :worship: :dance3: :yay: :cheer2: :woohoo:

I'm excited... can you tell????? Looking forward to the hearing more about your adventures!

I will be heading to food & wine for the 1st time this October... any tips?

popcorn::

[puggymom]

You know I'm here girlfriend:thumbsup2

[cmp1111]

I'm here! ;)

[sorul82?]

Here I am....late as usual.:rolleyes:

[Phibbles]

:surfweb: I will be a new reader.

[PrincessV]

I'm here, but I'm late. Sorry.:flower3:

Sometimes it's not good living on the west coast. :headache:
Listen, I'm happy to see you no matter what time zone we're in! :hug:
Yippee! :cool1:


So I decided to clean out my TR subbed threads today, to try and keep things manageable to keep up with... but i can not by any means resist a V TR!!!! So I am SO in!

Fabulous!

I love reading your trip reports!

You know I'm here girlfriend:thumbsup2
I'm here! ;)

Here I am....late as usual.:rolleyes:
Yippee!!!! :cool1: :banana: :worship: :dance3: :yay: :cheer2: :woohoo:

I'm excited... can you tell????? Looking forward to the hearing more about your adventures!
Yay! It's like a little party already. Thanks for coming back for another run guys! :goodvibes
I will be heading to food & wine for the 1st time this October... any tips?

popcorn::
First tip: what happens at F&W STAYS at F&W. :cool2:

J/K - I'll definitely share whatever knowledge I have as we get closer to that time.
:surfweb: I will be a new reader.
Stumbled across this... sounding good already.
I'm up for the read :)
As a lurker from your last TR I am popping in to say hi and promising to post more often :goodvibes
Welcome aboard all! I hope you'll have a good time here. :yay:

[PrincessV]

Well, since I’m about to start Trip #1 of this recurring trip report, it might be nice to let you all know with whom you’ll be virtually traveling, eh?



PrincessV Really, it’s just V. Honest, that’s what I go by, even in real life. Most of the time... By now you may have noticed that I like punctuation. Nay, I LOVE punctuation! :banana: Which is not to say that I’m a stickler for punctuation; I just enjoy using it. In real life, I use it properly in everything I write. In trip reports and general DISing, I use in myriad ways to get my point across. You’ll find that I have a few favorites that are certain to be included in pretty much every post of mine:

…

-

;


All hail the semi-colon! :worship:

I love the semi-colon – by far my favorite means of punctuating. My mother hates the sucker and avoids its use at all costs. I used to have her proof-read my writing and every single paper would be returned with semi-colons circled and a little note saying, “two sentences would be stronger.” Well, maybe I didn’t want that particular phrase to be strong! Did she think of that, huh?!

Just a little window into our award-winning mother-daughter relationship. :rolleyes:



Are you still reading?



So yeah, I love punctuation. And grammar. Which is good, since I mostly write for a living. Right? I’m currently working in marketing/ public relations and am working toward a career change by finishing my degree.

In Art History.




Did you hear that?




That was the sound of my retirement deflating.

Because the only thing I’ll be able to do with a BA in Art History is use it as a base for an MFA in Art History. Which will assist in my ascent to a PhD in Art History. Which will give me the necessary knowledge and pedigree to…. make approximately ¼ of what I’m making now. Crap. :headache:



So, I’m a punctuation-loving art historian. But I’m also a single mom. Which brings me to the next introduction…


Leo – my awesome almost-6-year-old son. I never thought I’d have kids. Actually, I never wanted kids. But one day, I knew I wanted to give this parenting thing a shot and along came Leo. All I hoped for in my child was that he be average. I was decidedly not average; I questioned everything, bucked every trend and generally made the world around me come undone. I was certain “average” would be a much easier life for my offspring.

it should come as no surprise that in my own child, what I got was not at all average, either.

Leo is a questioner, which is good, but makes for some challenging parenting. He’s very sensitive and fights hard for those things about which he cares deeply. His creativity often gets the better of him and he’s not all that agile. Recently, Leo’s become an inventor of sorts, creating Rube Goldberg-esque contraptions out of a whole host of toys in his room. No joke – I got up one recent Saturday morning and found him building a “machine” out of a dump truck, 3 pieces of train track, half of a Transformer, a large dinosaur, a slinky and 2 marbles. When he saw me, he said, “Look at my machine Mommy! All I need now is a banana.”

:headache:

Welcome to my always-interesting, sometimes-terrifying world.



Gramma My mother. Remember her? The semi-colon nazi? She lives with Leo and me, with varying degrees of success. Gramma works in healthcare and often becomes overly attached and emotionally involved in her clients lives. She also loves Leo to death.

All of which mystifies me, since we have this totally un-lovey-dovey relationship. :confused3

Gramma’s been along on quite a few WDW trips, but has little or no love for the place. She’s opting out of this first trip on which I’ll soon be reporting, and probably most of the others, as well. But she’s likely to be involved in a plot line or two, so she deserves introduction.



My Hair – Laugh all you want, but readers of my past reports know that my hair is so frequently discussed in trip reports, it might as well be recognized as a character in its own right. My hair is forever in a state of change… sometimes I’m growing it out, sometimes I’m cutting it shorter and shorter. One week it’s red, the next it’s blond. With multiple trips over the next nine months about which to report, I’m sure my hair will be a topic of conversation at some point. Here’s a little look at WDW do’s over the years…

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2233/2442138502_f216ea13ac_m.jpghttp://farm1.static.flickr.com/198/502211825_d07ed7aa7a_m.jpghttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2408/2129043052_a099b80625_m.jpghttp://farm1.static.flickr.com/123/317290241_97f6549ba8_m.jpghttp://farm1.static.flickr.com/192/490199124_c34376eb88_m.jpg

I rest my case.



Coming soon: Trip #1! :yay:

[TheDISneyFamily]

:hug: I knew you couldn't resist another TR. :goodvibes I'm all in. :thumbsup2

Give that mouse a hug for me this weekend. I wish I could go too!!! :sad1:

Cheers!
-Michelle

[Tinkerbellarella]

Did you hear that?




That was the sound of my retirement deflating.

:rotfl:

I got up one recent Saturday morning and found him building a “machine” out of a dump truck, 3 pieces of train track, half of a Transformer, a large dinosaur, a slinky and 2 marbles. When he saw me, he said, “Look at my machine Mommy! All I need now is a banana.”

Makes perfect sense.

Here’s a little look at WDW do’s over the years…

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2233/2442138502_f216ea13ac_m.jpghttp://farm1.static.flickr.com/198/502211825_d07ed7aa7a_m.jpghttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2408/2129043052_a099b80625_m.jpghttp://farm1.static.flickr.com/123/317290241_97f6549ba8_m.jpghttp://farm1.static.flickr.com/192/490199124_c34376eb88_m.jpg

The second to last pic is my favorite of you and Leo and I think I like you hair best in the last one. I'm just sayin'. I know how much my 2 cents is worth. ;)

:flower3:

[sorul82?]

I want to see you with blonde hair.

[thewesterberg]

PrincessV Really, it’s just V. Honest, that’s what I go by, even in real life. Most of the time...

Socrates, Cinderella, Plato, Raven, Prince, Cher, and V. Famous philosphers, princesses, performers, and TRers. One name, 'nuff said. You're a one name legend!



…

-

Ooo, Oooo... these are my favorites too! I love 'em and use 'em all the time - not the semicolon so much though. Never got the ;proper; use of them.


Recently, Leo’s become an inventor of sorts, creating Rube Goldberg-esque contraptions out of a whole host of toys in his room. No joke – I got up one recent Saturday morning and found him building a “machine” out of a dump truck, 3 pieces of train track, half of a Transformer, a large dinosaur, a slinky and 2 marbles. When he saw me, he said, “Look at my machine Mommy! All I need now is a banana.”

Love it! Kind of, sort of like my DS's obsession with the turkey baster. Why it keeps ending up in the couch, I don't think I'll ever know, and, honestly, it's probably just better that way. It's time to just smile and support the creativity.


Coming soon: Trip #1! :yay:
YIPEE! :thumbsup2

[Lauralee131]

Well, right about now, while I'm trying to enjoy my coffee and considering the amount of both yard and house work that has to be done...you're almost at our Happy Place! Lucky stiff!!

Great installment...love the hair mention. It does need to be mentioned, doesn't it? I can't decide which style is my favorite though...you're one of the lucky few who can work that naturally curly hair, girl!:thumbsup2

Well, I really must be off; have a ton of work to get done. Yes, 2 sentences WOULD have been stronger Gramma, but....:rolleyes:

Talk to ya when you get home!!! Hugs :hug: to our little buddy!!

[DisneyJo]

I want to see you with blonde hair. Oh me too :yay: :rotfl2:

[disneyhockeymad]

Your son sounds so funny...

all I need now is a banana!
I nearly cried with laughter!

Looking forward to the rest of this report! :thumbsup2

[jcc0621]

I want to see you with blonde hair.

Me too:yay: :yay:

BTW: What did Leo need the banana for:confused3

And, please don't hate me...I am terrible with punctuation;)

[stagemomx3]

I'm a little scared to post now. I think I might suck at punctuation? I know I suck at spelling, but usually spell check helps me out. I've never understood the semi colon. :confused3

[Disneyland_Mama]

Oy vey! Your punctuation frightens me - I feel so inadequate. :confused:

I love that your hair trama is such a huge part of your TR's. Perhaps because I can completely relate.

Have a great weekend! Can't wait to read all about it! :goodvibes

[pajules]

Joining In :banana: :banana:

I enjoy reading about your trips so much as it seems to be a mirror image of mine...ie life as a single mom with a precocious boy and a loving but sometimes overbearing Grandmother.:goodvibes

It's amazing how much you look like a former co-worker of mine. If I could figure out how how to post pictures I would post one, but if you ever google the name Melissa Cole and meterologist, you may be able to find a piture of her. She's currently working in Hartford on the show Better Connecticut as one of their "It Moms." Look her up and I swear you will be amazed at how much you look like each other.

[WorkForVacation]

Sounds fun

[Backstage_Gal]

Hi V!

I read most of your prior reports, and thought I would officially subscribe to this one. Looking forward to it.

Your neighbor in Orlando,

[Phibbles]

The elipse is much more important in the world of grammer and syntax. The semi-colon is a lightweight, if you ask me. :laughing:

[scottny]

glad u started a new one. I am so here. :thumbsup2

[Bloodhound]

Hi V, Im on board...better late that never I always say.

[1Princess1Prince2006]

I'm mostly a lurker but I just got done reading your December TR and thought I'd come over here and read this one too. Especially since I'm getting in before it even starts. Half the time I subscribe and never get back. :sad2:

Anyways, looking foward to all your Disney adventures!:wizard:

[princessjv]

V-

The way I see it... You, my friend are walking around WDW, maybe with drink in hand, just about now. Me, my friend...I am sitting here in my jams with a laptop on my lap...as the snow melts again (yes it snowed again!) Wishing I was in WDW, walking around...just like you!

I am thrilled you didn't give up on us. I had faith that you would be back!

[PrincessV]

:hug: I knew you couldn't resist another TR. :goodvibes I'm all in. :thumbsup2
Somehow, I knew you'd know I couldnt' resist. ;)
The second to last pic is my favorite of you and Leo and I think I like you hair best in the last one. I'm just sayin'.
:lmao: Here's why I'm laughing hysterically: I really like that 'do, too. But it only looked like that for one (1) afternoon. You read me right. A single afternoon was the lifespan of that particular look.
I want to see you with blonde hair.
Oh me too :yay:
You guys saw that, didn't you? My punk stage:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2196/2258672061_2de234bc68.jpg

I know- it's covered by the beret, but it actually looked neat platinum-blond. However, the third-degree burns caused by the bleaching agent weren't so attractive. Nor so comfortable. TFI. :scared:
Ooo, Oooo... these are my favorites too! I love 'em and use 'em all the time - not the semicolon so much though. Never got the ;proper; use of them.
I've never understood the semi colon. :confused3
Never fear the semicolon - he's our friend! Since I almost exclusively use Associated Press (AP) standards for writing, I'll give you their run-down on the semicolon:

In general, use the semicolon to indicate a greater separation of thought and information than a comma can convey but less than the separation that a period implies. :thumbsup2

Well, I really must be off; have a ton of work to get done. Yes, 2 sentences WOULD have been stronger Gramma, but....:rolleyes:
:rotfl2: Ironic, isn't it, that Gramma prefers the silent treatment over the use of any sentences, semicoloned or not?

Your son sounds so funny...
Thanks, he is! Sometimes. He's also very aggravating. Sometimes. ;)
BTW: What did Leo need the banana for:confused3
Your guess is as good as mine. :confused3 I never did get a good explanation out of him!
I love that your hair trama is such a huge part of your TR's. Perhaps because I can completely relate.
::yes:: But just wait - good news in on the horizon!

I enjoy reading about your trips so much as it seems to be a mirror image of mine...ie life as a single mom with a precocious boy and a loving but sometimes overbearing Grandmother.:goodvibes
You KNOW it! :hug: I'm glad you're on board.
It's amazing how much you look like a former co-worker of mine. If I could figure out how how to post pictures I would post one, but if you ever google the name Melissa Cole and meterologist, you may be able to find a piture of her. She's currently working in Hartford on the show Better Connecticut as one of their "It Moms." Look her up and I swear you will be amazed at how much you look like each other.
Okay, I'm totally intrigued, but couldn't find a pic of her...
Sounds fun
Thanks, and welcome!
Hi V!

I read most of your prior reports, and thought I would officially subscribe to this one. Looking forward to it.

Your neighbor in Orlando,
Hi Marita! I haven't seen you in a while - good to have you back! :goodvibes
The elipse is much more important in the world of grammer and syntax. The semi-colon is a lightweight, if you ask me. :laughing:
Hay! :mad: Though, actually... I do love me some elipses.
glad u started a new one. I am so here. :thumbsup2
Woo hoo - hi Scott! :wave:
Hi V, Im on board...better late that never I always say.
Absolutely! And you're in nice and early :thumbsup2
I'm mostly a lurker but I just got done reading your December TR and thought I'd come over here and read this one too.
Thanks for coming out of lurkdom - it's always so good to meet new DISers on these reports!
Me, my friend...I am sitting here in my jams with a laptop on my lap...as the snow melts again (yes it snowed again!)

O
M
G
!!!!!

It did NOT snow on you again?!?! This is just ridiculous. :hug: I'm trying to throw some sunshine your way Jen - you need it!

[askelton]

I love that you've added your hair to your report since we all have hair issues! Right now my hair is about your color, but I'm thinking about trying red (insert correct punctuation here :rolleyes1) ie Heidi Collins below.

http://www.reportercaps.com/Home_CNN/hcollins/heidi_collins_74.jpg

And of course I'm looking forward to the Leo and Gramma stories. :thumbsup2

[Miz Diz]

Looking forward to your TR, V. When is your next trip?

[PrincessV]

[LEFT]I love that you've added your hair to your report since we all have hair issues! Right now my hair is about your color, but I'm thinking about trying red (insert correct punctuation here :rolleyes1) ie Heidi Collins below.
OK, have you done red before? Let me share some of my red experiences...

1. The tone is critical - look at your veins; are they blusich or greenish in color? Blue = cool and you'll want to stick with undertones of red and violet. Green = warm and you'll want undertones of orange.

2. Red = maintenance. It jsut doesn't stick very well, so you'll need a red shampoo/conditioner and frequent re-colors to keep it up.

That said, I looooved being red and frequently consider doing it again. :thumbsup2
Looking forward to your TR, V. When is your next trip?
Just came back from it! :yay: I'm uploading pics and gathering my random thoughts and may have a first installment up in the next week. :)

[DisneyJo]

You guys saw that, didn't you? My punk stage:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2196/2258672061_2de234bc68.jpg

OMG how could we have forgotten that? :rotfl2: Those burns sound nasty BTW!!!

[sorul82?]

V! I had forgotten about that picture of you!

[jcc0621]

You guys saw that, didn't you? My punk stage:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2196/2258672061_2de234bc68.jpg

I do remember seeing this before:thumbsup2

:rotfl2: Ironic, isn't it, that Gramma prefers the silent treatment over the use of any sentences, semicoloned or not?

OMG, sounds like my mother in law:rotfl2: :rotfl2:

Your guess is as good as mine. :confused3 I never did get a good explanation out of him!

They are scary smart sometimes aren't they:scared:

[puggymom]

Well, that is the first time I have seen that pic and I never would have guessed that was you!

You do look good as a blonde, but the burns sound painful, see I am a natural blonde and wouldn't know abut such things:snooty:



;)

[jcc0621]

BTW - Your title confused me...it says Pg 25:confused3

[askelton]

OK, have you done red before? Let me share some of my red experiences...

1. The tone is critical - look at your veins; are they blusich or greenish in color? Blue = cool and you'll want to stick with undertones of red and violet. Green = warm and you'll want undertones of orange.

2. Red = maintenance. It jsut doesn't stick very well, so you'll need a red shampoo/conditioner and frequent re-colors to keep it up.

That said, I looooved being red and frequently consider doing it again. :thumbsup2


Good advice to keep in mind, thanks. I've never gone that drastic with my color so I'm not sure what I'll do.

[PrincessV]

BTW - Your title confused me...it says Pg 25:confused3

WHOOPS!! Thanks for the catch...

[jordanyosh]

Okay...Lord help me....I'm in.

[luvmyboys]

Suh-weeet! Another V report. I am making myself a promise to lurk less and post more. After all, someone has to keep your overuse of the semi-colon in check! ;)

[aldisneygrl]

V! So sorry I'm late for the party! party: You forgot to send me directions.:drive: :rotfl2: Ok, I love the fact that your hair got a shout out. :rotfl2: Can't wait to see where it ends up.

Oh, and I have NO IDEA how to use the ";", so don't expect to see it anywhere in my posts, K. :thumbsup2

I can't believe that Leo is about to be six! Where has the time gone? :confused3

Ok, I'm buckled up and ready for another ride. :drive:

I knew you couldn't stay away for that long. :rolleyes1

[Tinkerbellarella]

:lmao: Here's why I'm laughing hysterically: I really like that 'do, too. But it only looked like that for one (1) afternoon. You read me right. A single afternoon was the lifespan of that particular look.

Ugh. Don't you hate that?! I have looooong, thick hair (currently a mocha color (natural) with red highlights. Gawd fahbid I ever want to wear it curly. It lasts me about 3 steps away from the curling iron.


You guys saw that, didn't you? My punk stage:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2196/2258672061_2de234bc68.jpg

Punk, I know. But all I can think of when I see this pic is that you are so a Material Girl. Living in a Material World. Whilst Desperately Seeking Susan. Or your True Colors. Shining Through (a la Cyndi and not Phil). Or Just Wanting to Have Fun....though she may have been fire engine red at that point and not at all blonde.

[PrincessV]

Okay...Lord help me....I'm in.
Heh heh heh.
Suh-weeet! Another V report. I am making myself a promise to lurk less and post more. After all, someone has to keep your overuse of the semi-colon in check! ;)
Yay, welcome aboard! TFI - there's no such thing as "overuse" when it comes to the semicolon. ;)
I can't believe that Leo is about to be six! Where has the time gone? :confused3
Hi Allie! :wave: I know, I know. His Bday is next week and I haven't done much to prepare; I'm having a hard time facing 6. :guilty:
Punk, I know. But all I can think of when I see this pic is that you are so a Material Girl. Living in a Material World. Whilst Desperately Seeking Susan. Or your True Colors. Shining Through (a la Cyndi and not Phil). Or Just Wanting to Have Fun....though she may have been fire engine red at that point and not at all blonde.
AACCK!!! :scared: While I'll confess to a great admiration for both Madonna and Cyndi, I was definitely not listening to them at that time. More like Black Flag. Dead Kennedys. Replacements. TSOL. Siouxsie. And the Banshees. Ramones. The Clash. And several other punk greats whose names are filtered on the DIS.

But.

I was always "fashion first." You may have seen me sporting some liberty spikes, but only with the perfect shade of red lipstick. :rotfl:

[TheDISneyFamily]

No, No, No! Not Madonna - SID & NANCY!!!

http://www.punk77.co.uk/graphics/nancy/nancysid.jpg

:cool2: Heh, heh!

[sharkB8HooHaHa]

No, No, No! Not Madonna - SID & NANCY!!!

http://www.punk77.co.uk/graphics/nancy/nancysid.jpg



:thumbsup2

[sorul82?]

there's no such thing as "overuse" when it comes to the semicolon. ;)



Just please don't say comma splice. It gives me the hebee jebee's like nails on a chalkboard.

[PrincessV]

No, No, No! Not Madonna - SID & NANCY!!!
http://www.punk77.co.uk/graphics/nancy/nancysid.jpg
:cool2: Heh, heh!
:thumbsup2
::yes::

Just please don't say comma splice. It gives me the hebee jebee's like nails on a chalkboard.
You've got it! :thumbsup2 But you may want to look away for the first part of the next update...

[sorul82?]

You've got it! :thumbsup2 But you may want to look away for the first part of the next update...

Ok, tell me when it is safe to look. ;)

[scrap4u]

Hey V! Glad to see you have another report going! This one sounds promising.

I haven't been around too much the last few months but I have been lurking over on your other report. I haven't finished it yet so it should be interesting reading 2 at the same time.

Of course, at 1 point I was reading 3 of The happyhaunts reports at the same time until Mel let them die. I hope you didn't do the same with yours!:rotfl:

Hard to believe Leo is going to be 6! They grow up so fast!

[PrincessV]

Of course, at 1 point I was reading 3 of The happyhaunts reports at the same time until Mel let them die. I hope you didn't do the same with yours!:rotfl:

HIYA!! I haven't seen you in a while - it's good to have you back! :goodvibes Nope, much as I adore Mel, one thing I'll not imitate is her utter - yet strangely charming - inability to finish a TR. ;)

[PrincessV]

All Hail Aldus Manutius!
The heroic status of Aldus Manutius the Elder (1450-1515) among historians of the printed word cannot be overstated.
WHO invented the italic typeface?
Aldus Manutius!
WHO printed the first semi-colon?
Aldus Manutius!
The rise of printing in the 14th and 15th centuries meant that a standard system of punctuation was urgently required, and Aldus Manutius was the man to do it.
-calendar page excerpted from Lynn Truss’ “Eats, Shoots & Leaves”


Trip #1 – Four Parks, Two Days and We’re Still Alive!

Pre-Trip

Frankly, there’s not a lot to tell of the events leading up to this, the first of my regurgitating, er… recurring trip reports. It was somewhat last-minute and began with ideas of a Mother-Son weekend in April….


WHOA! Wait just a minute – some of you may be thinking, “Didn’t V start her 2008 WDW trips with a visit in January??” True. Leo and I did, in fact, visit The Mouse in late January of this very year. More importantly, we visited our dear friends Lauralee and Michael then, too.

Which is partly why I won’t be reporting on it here. All has been reported on LL’s report and there’s no need to repeat it here. If you haven’t read hers yet, head on over – it’s good stuff. ::yes::

So I see no need to repeat reports of a trip about which much has been reported already.




That, and I don’t remember a whole heck of a lot about it at this point. :rolleyes: Heh.




No, this new TR begins with a weekend in April. And it was a tough weekend to pin down. See, I can count on Leo being with me every other weekend, except when a holiday comes in and screws things up for a while.

Which is exactly what’s happening this year. :headache:

Leo’s scheduled to be with his dad Memorial Day weekend. With that thrown in, I wind up without him for all but one weekend in May. And that one weekend is his birthday party, so no WDW.

I wasn’t keen on April, but with Easter so early this year, I thought maybe, maybe late April wouldn’t be too bad, crowd-wise. And I was pretty desperate for some warm-but-not-yet-so-hot-it-makes-me-feel-like-a-McNugget touring weather.

I own a DVC membership, but my points are spoken for until March 2009. So I sidled on up to the Annual Passholder’s section of the Disney site and looked for a good rate at a Value resort…


Only All Star Movies.

:crazy2: No way. I’m a total snob when it comes to mattresses and ASMo hasn’t been rehabbed yet.

Fine, how about the Moderates…

And here’s where things got interesting:

POR only had the most expensive Water View category.
Ditto for CBR.
POFQ had nothing.
CSR had the Water View, and also the Standard View price for which I was looking!

BUT, in the second choice option it showed CSR again, with a Standard View, with a price $25 less than the previous screen.



HUH????



I have no idea if this was some kind of website error or if there’s some kind of hidden, cheaper booking category within “Standard”, but let me tell ya – I jumped on it! Moments later, I wondered just what that secret booking category included. :scared:



That was pretty much all the planning that went into this trip. Two days before we left, I asked Leo which two parks he most wanted to visit. His answer: MK and AK.

Then I asked, “And what do you want to do at the AK?”

Here’s his answer, verbatim: “The animal ride, the tigers, the bats and the snake-in-the-glass-box-next-to-the-bats.”

Me: “That’s it? Just the safari, tigers, bats and the snake-in-the-glass-box-next-to-the-bats?”

Leo: “Yep.”



Well. That took care of our first hour in The World. :rolleyes:


So I offered up another activity:

“If it’s warm enough, would you like to go to Typhoon Lagoon?”

Leo: “YEEES!!!! Disney’s water’s not cold?” Spoken like a true Florida boy. Poor thing – he’s been desperate to swim, but our pool’s not heated and it’s still cool enough at night that the water hasn’t gotten warm enough for swimming. But I know WDW’s water is heated to 82-ish, which isn’t ideal for us Floridians, but manageable.

I reassured Leo that yes, Disney’s water was warm, and mentally penciled in Typhoon Lagoon for the afternoon of Day 1.



Day 2 was easy – all MK, all day long. Gramma hates the MK, so I try to limit our time there to 3-hour increments when she’s along. But, with it being just Leo and me, I thought we could stay until we had to head back home.

Plus, my DIS friend boysmom5150 was arriving at WDW that morning and I wanted to catch up with her. :yay:


So, by Friday night, I had a plan, hotel reservations, and a packed suitcase.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/2448740627_e5d174df01.jpg

Hmmm. Seems like my suitcase brought along a couple of friends. Does anyone else think this is a bit excessive for an overnight stay?


Strange place to ask that question, I know. :rotfl:


But really – I remember a time when I could prep for an overnight stay at WDW with a single, small backpack. For both me and my then-DH.

So why do I require so much more STUFF now??? I seem to have become far more high-maintenance than I was nearly 20 years ago. Back then, we spent a day at MK and EP, bopped over to Pleasure Island, then decided (at 2am) we couldn’t drive home. So we showed up at the Grand Floridian, no bags in sight, asking for a room. For the night.

:lmao:


Nowadays, I pack, among other things:
A small down comforter.
An extra sweatshirt in case I get chilly in the room.
Every medication I or Leo could possibly need.
Extra shoes, in case my feet need a change.
One entire extra outfit for Leo. You never know.
Breakfast food so we don’t have to deal with going somewhere.
Dishes with which to dispense said food.
A book for reading after Leo falls asleep.

You get the picture.

Reviewing that list, my luggage pile doesn’t look so bad after all.




So I got ready by packing up and Leo geared up with some pirate play and a wholesome meal of mac & cheese and apple.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2228/2448740243_659439e6f3.jpg

He’s pretending to be the Kraken. Charming.


We both managed to get to bed at a reasonable hour and slipped off into a peaceful slumber before our early morning departure.

Next: Oy – the teenagers! Oy – the heat!

[jcc0621]

Oooh. Am I first:cool1:

Great start! Isn't it amazing how much stuff you have to pack for one small child;)

[sharkB8HooHaHa]

The snake in the glass box next to the bats? I'll have to keep an eye out for that one.

I really like Eats, Shoots, and Leaves. It's the English teacher in me. I tried to get a student I was tutoring to read it last year, but he thought it was, and I quote, stupid. Ummm... okay.

Love the picture of Leo. The whole pirate hat meets Krakan thing works for me. :thumbsup2

[Tinkerbellarella]

the first of my regurgitating, er… recurring trip reports.

Definitely recurring. Not regurgitating. THAT would belong over on ZZUB's report.

Then I asked, “And what do you want to do at the AK?”

Here’s his answer, verbatim: “The animal ride, the tigers, the bats and the snake-in-the-glass-box-next-to-the-bats.”

Me: “That’s it? Just the safari, tigers, bats and the snake-in-the-glass-box-next-to-the-bats?”

Leo: “Yep.”

A boy after mine own heart. And so young! These are my favoritest things at AK too...well maybe sans snake-in-the-glass-box-next-to-the-bats and add on Flights of Wonder.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/2448740627_e5d174df01.jpg

Does anyone else think this is a bit excessive for an overnight stay?

:sad2: I thought, "Wow, she's a light packer!" I'd likely have twice this. For just me.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2228/2448740243_659439e6f3.jpg

That mac and cheese looks like the bomb diggity. Sorry, ZZUB used that in his most recent post. The phrase has been stuck in my head all day.

Yay for a great update!

:flower3:

[Lauralee131]

It must be Tuesday!!!:woohoo:

Laughing, just a little bit at the down comforter, but other than that...honestly, for 2 people, it didn't look like you had all that much stuff... But, you've seen how I pack so....:rolleyes:

Love Leo's impression of the Kracken...I think I have a couple of pictures of him doing that in January with Michael....hmmm...January...January....I had a trip report going for January...

Hmmmm....wonder if it's done yet....:rolleyes1

[DisneyJo]

So I see no need to repeat reports of a trip about which much has been reported already. Can I say that about the August trip???? :rotfl2:

BUT, in the second choice option it showed CSR again, with a Standard View, with a price $25 less than the previous screen. Wooohooo :yay:

Moments later, I wondered just what that secret booking category included. :scared: Ewwww :scared: Ranchos maybe? :rotfl2:

But I know WDW’s water is heated to 82-ish, which isn’t ideal for us Floridians, but manageable. But V that's like bath temperature :rotfl:

So we showed up at the Grand Floridian, no bags in sight, asking for a room. For the night. And did they have one? :rotfl2:

[sharkB8HooHaHa]

....hmmm...January...January....I had a trip report going for January...

Hmmmm....wonder if it's done yet....:rolleyes1

You mean the TR elves have been slacking? ;)

[jcc0621]

It must be Tuesday!!!:woohoo:

Laughing, just a little bit at the down comforter, but other than that...honestly, for 2 people, it didn't look like you had all that much stuff... But, you've seen how I pack so....:rolleyes:

Love Leo's impression of the Kracken...I think I have a couple of pictures of him doing that in January with Michael....hmmm...January...January....I had a trip report going for January...

Hmmmm....wonder if it's done yet....:rolleyes1

Gee, I wonder if it is...should we all go look:rolleyes:

[KatGarcia]

I think you packed a normal amount...but most of us here have issues when it comes to that kind of thing...but I;d always rather have too much than not enough!

[thewesterberg]

All Hail Aldus Manutius!
The heroic status of Aldus Manutius the Elder (1450-1515) among historians of the printed word cannot be overstated.
WHO invented the italic typeface?
Aldus Manutius!
WHO printed the first semi-colon?
Aldus Manutius!
The rise of printing in the 14th and 15th centuries meant that a standard system of punctuation was urgently required, and Aldus Manutius was the man to do it.
-calendar page excerpted from Lynn Truss’ “Eats, Shoots & Leaves”
Thank you for the very informative lesson. He was one busy guy, inventing italic AND the semi-colon!


BUT, in the second choice option it showed CSR again, with a Standard View, with a price $25 less than the previous screen.

JACKPOT!! Don't you just love finding a deal like that?! My good-cheap-hotel story is from our first night as newlyweds. Our choices were pretty limited as I had waited too long to book something and nice weekends are few and far between in Northern MN so EVERYTHING was booked. I called a htoel super late one night and the guy behind the desk said he'd give us a "special" since it was our honeymoon - the honeymoon suite for $69 if we left him a little tip. I thought it sounded fishy, but told him to put us down for it. The next day I called to talk to the supervisor to find out if this was real or not. She sounded NOT so happy, but said she'd honor the price and "She'd be talking to him." We ended up paying less for our suite than our guests did for regular ol' rooms.


“If it’s warm enough, would you like to go to Typhoon Lagoon?”
Question for you - our DS is a year younger than Leo. Is Typhoon Lagoon better for little guys that are 5?

So, by Friday night, I had a plan, hotel reservations, and a packed suitcase.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/2448740627_e5d174df01.jpg

Hmmm. Seems like my suitcase brought along a couple of friends. Does anyone else think this is a bit excessive for an overnight stay?
Do I see a kitchen sink in there somewhere? :rotfl2: No, it really doesn't look like that much!

[sorul82?]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/2448740627_e5d174df01.jpg

Did you grab a bottle or two of that wine before heading out?

Hmmm. Seems like my suitcase brought along a couple of friends.

Did you pack those 5lb dumbells again?


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2228/2448740243_659439e6f3.jpg

He’s pretending to be the Kraken. Charming.

Yes, he is charming!

I keep calling Kraken, "McKraken."




Oy – the heat!

NO! Not heat! :mad:

[Goofyluver]

One suitcase families are *SO* uninformed.

[askelton]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/2448740627_e5d174df01.jpg

It is much harder to pack for one night than one week!

Next: Oy – the teenagers! Oy – the heat!The heat in Florida is so good October-March. :sunny:

[hematite153]

Just out of curiosity...what temperature is the water in your unheated pool?

I always think that the wdw pools are VERY warm. When my Dad had a pool in his yard, anything over 15C (59F) was considered warm enough for swimming and I swam at least once in 12C (53.5F) water.

I know that we set our standards based on what we're used to, and, that I think it's too hot at about the point you find it warm, but, I always find it funny when I hear about standards for cold.

(I do prefer swimming in water over 20C (68F), though.)

Great update!

[askelton]

Just out of curiosity...what temperature is the water in your unheated pool?

I always think that the wdw pools are VERY warm. When my Dad had a pool in his yard, anything over 15C (59F) was considered warm enough for swimming and I swam at least once in 12C (53.5F) water.

(I do prefer swimming in water over 20C (68F), though.)


:scared1: That's freezing! Our pool is only 62F. The days have been in the 80's but the nights haven't been that warm. Hopefully next month the water will get to 80F so I can swim.

[kykatt2]

Well... better late than never... I have read all six pages now...
You slam stuff together like we do... but them again you live MUCH MUCH CLOSER.

Good read.

[pajules]

Hey V!

Real quick before I head out your way. I can't remember if it was on my thread or yours where we were talking about suncscreen for your scalp....but I bought a new product. I was at the salon yesterday getting a pre-trippie haircut and asked my stylist if there was anything on the market I could use that would protect my head from burning and wouldn't make my hair greasy. Low and behold they had just gotten something in the day before....It's made by Biolage and is a "Protective Daily Mist." Yes, that's what it's called but it has sunscreen in it and is supposed to help protect hair from sun, pool, and seawater....

I am testing it out during my trip and hopefully will come back with rave reviews or at least not a burned part that leaves my scalp peeling....GAWD I hate that!

[sharkB8HooHaHa]

Low and behold they had just gotten something in the day before....It's made by Biolage and is a "Protective Daily Mist." Yes, that's what it's called but it has sunscreen in it and is supposed to help protect hair from sun, pool, and seawater....


This is fantastic! What is the SPF?

[jordanyosh]

I wonder if you can still show up and get a room for the night...

Oh the days of partying on Pleasure Island.....those were the days...Could you even do that now? I don't think I could do what I did now...no way.

As far as the packing.....it happens when you have kids....or get old...pick the one that is less horrifying.

[Disneyland_Mama]

How the heck did I not post?? I know I read the latest, as the first paragraph about punctuation scared me a little! :eek: :lmao:

Hey, LL, I don't think that's a bedspread, it her tote bag!:lmao:

I'm with S'late - I sure hope you grabbed a bottle of vino before heading out! ;)

BTW, love the Cracken photo! :thumbsup2

[PrincessV]

Great start! Isn't it amazing how much stuff you have to pack for one small child;)
Yeah, yeah, that's the ticket - it's all becuase of the kid! :rolleyes1
I really like Eats, Shoots, and Leaves. It's the English teacher in me. I tried to get a student I was tutoring to read it last year, but he thought it was, and I quote, stupid. Ummm... okay.
:faint: "Stupid?!" I will say that I think the author could stand some medication, though. This seems a bit much:
2/29/08 calendar entry: Getting your itses mixed up is the greatest solecism in the world of punctuation. No matter what you have a PhD and have read all of Henry James twice. If you still persist in writing, "Good food at it's best", you deserve to be struck by lightning, hacked up on the spot and buried in an unmarked grave."

:scared: Somebody get her some Xanax, STAT!


:sad2: I thought, "Wow, she's a light packer!" I'd likely have twice this. For just me.
Ooo, I feel better now! Enough so to admit that there were two(2) more bags brought not pictured. :rolleyes:

Love Leo's impression of the Kracken...I think I have a couple of pictures of him doing that in January with Michael....hmmm...January...January....I had a trip report going for January...

Hmmmm....wonder if it's done yet....:rolleyes1
Gee, I wonder? :rotfl: LY!
But V that's like bath temperature :rotfl:
UGH! Sorry Jo, my bath's in the 105 range. :cloud9:

I think you packed a normal amount...but most of us here have issues when it comes to that kind of thing...
Why do you think I ask here? I know where best to get my enabling. ::yes::

Question for you - our DS is a year younger than Leo. Is Typhoon Lagoon better for little guys that are 5?
Well, we haven't yet made it to BB, so I can't really compare. But TL has been a BIG hit for Leo all year! :thumbsup2

Did you grab a bottle or two of that wine before heading out?
I should have!!
Did you pack those 5lb dumbells again?
:lmao: I forgot about that!

One suitcase families are *SO* uninformed.
Exactly!
It is much harder to pack for one night than one week!
Isn't it though?
I always think that the wdw pools are VERY warm. When my Dad had a pool in his yard, anything over 15C (59F) was considered warm enough for swimming and I swam at least once in 12C (53.5F) water.
AAAACCCCKKK!!!!! No way - that's why I live down here! I think my pool's up to about 70 right now. Still a ways to go. ;)

You slam stuff together like we do... but them again you live MUCH MUCH CLOSER.
Gotta say - it used to be so much easier to slam a WDW trip together. Of course, we were also broke and sponging off of parents. :rolleyes:
It's made by Biolage and is a "Protective Daily Mist." Yes, that's what it's called but it has sunscreen in it and is supposed to help protect hair from sun, pool, and seawater....
Cool! I don't get the part burn (no part, dark hair), but I sure could use some protection for my color. Let me know how it works out!
Oh the days of partying on Pleasure Island.....those were the days...Could you even do that now? I don't think I could do what I did now...no way.
No way. Uh-uh. Trust V. (Not that I've tried in recent years or anything. :rolleyes1 )
Hey, LL, I don't think that's a bedspread, it her tote bag!:lmao:
:rotfl2: You need a re-read T... she meant the down comforter I packed!

[LurrrvtheDuck]

V!!!

I'm subbed and welcome back (belatedly)!!

I'll catch up as soon as I can.

[askelton]

:faint: "Stupid?!" I will say that I think the author could stand some medication, though. This seems a bit much:
2/29/08 calendar entry: Getting your itses mixed up is the greatest solecism in the world of punctuation. No matter what you have a PhD and have read all of Henry James twice. If you still persist in writing, "Good food at it's best", you deserve to be struck by lightning, hacked up on the spot and buried in an unmarked grave."

:scared: Somebody get her some Xanax, STAT!

For some reason this year I have been bothered my (and others) use of a preposition at the end of a sentence and have been trying hard to correct myself. The incorrect use of you and I instead of you and me is also a pet peeve of mine. I have especially noticed this is radio ads and it makes my skin crawl. I know, why do I care, but it really bothers me. Not that I am an English wiz by any stretch but for some reason I've gotten old & crotchety! :sad2:

[scottny]

Hi,
Just wanted to let you know I am un-subbing from all pre tr's. I have alot going on and am really busy and cannot keep up. I have the dates written down and will definitely be there for the tr. U can pm if u like.

[Disneyland_Mama]

Is it Tuesday yet???

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w10/jojonola/thcincodemayochilipepper.jpg

[Sleeping*Beauty]

:banana: Yipppeee!!!!! another V trip report(s)!!!

[PrincessV]

V!!!

I'm subbed and welcome back (belatedly)!!

I'll catch up as soon as I can.
Hi Z! You'll soon notice that I've borrowed your year-long TR idea. Thanks for teh inspiration! :hug:

For some reason this year I have been bothered my (and others) use of a preposition at the end of a sentence and have been trying hard to correct myself. The incorrect use of you and I instead of you and me is also a pet peeve of mine. I have especially noticed this is radio ads and it makes my skin crawl. I know, why do I care, but it really bothers me. Not that I am an English wiz by any stretch but for some reason I've gotten old & crotchety! :sad2:
OMG, don't even get me started on ending with a preposition! The funny thing is, I'm fine with it spoken that way, but in writing? Makes me crazy.
Is it Tuesday yet???

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w10/jojonola/thcincodemayochilipepper.jpg
Indeed, it IS Tuesday! ;)
:banana: Yipppeee!!!!! another V trip report(s)!!!
Welcome back! :wave:

[PrincessV]

Before I get started on the actual trip of this trip report segment, let’s take a moment to talk a bit more about our third character, my hair.

My hair isn’t curly, but it isn’t straight.
It isn’t glossy, but it isn’t flat, either.
It tends toward frizz and is extraordinarily pouffy.
Each strand is baby-fine, but there’s a ton of it.

Sounds fun, doesn’t it? :headache:

Basically, I have a few choices when it comes to styling:

1. Grow it long-ish so as to pull it back in ponytails, chignons, etc.
2. Keep it closer to shoulder length with just a couple layers and spend 45 minutes blow-drying and flat-ironing it each day.
3. Go up to chin-ish length with layers.

The common theme with any of these options is what I call the “flip-pouff factor.” Basically, the flip-pouff factor states that no matter how my hair is cut, it shall always become full, ensuring a bob-like shape, and it shall always flip upward.


Why is any of this important to a WDW TR? Because, traditionally, the hair styles that work best for work and everyday life do not work for WDW, and vice-versa. Sure, pulling long hair back into a bun is perfect for making rope drop, but it does not convey a serious, professional yet creative look at work (for me.) I don’t blow-dry at WDW. ‘Nuff said there. But what about shorter with layers? How might that carry over to the land of Mouse???


Aaaahhh, and here we are. About to set out for a weekend at WDW…. just after a new haircut. :scared:

A couple weeks prior, I chopped off a bunch of length and went for the “LuAnn” as seen on Bravo’s Real Housewives of NYC. Click here for some images. http://www.bravotv.com/Real_Housewives_NYC/season/1/gallery/index.php She's the one with shortish hair.

Okay, she’s got it all blown-out and fixed nice here, but it looked cute whilst playing tennis and gallivanting around the Hamptons, too. Trust V. The new ‘do was looking quite cute and I was VERY happy that it required 5 minutes of prep time in the morning. Could it also work for two(2) days of park touring? We shall see….




Back to Day One(1). After a decent night’s sleep and minimal time spent styling my new ‘do, Leo and I managed to get ourselves out the door – ON TIME!!! It was 7:15am Saturday morning and we enjoyed a quick, nearly traffic-free drive across I-4. :woohoo:

I had also envisioned our quick, nearly traffic-free drive as being quiet.
Not so much. :headache:

We were listening to the radio. And, with every new song, Leo would ask, “Mommy? Is this a ‘cool’ song?”

My answer was always “yes” because, frankly, if it weren’t a cool song, I’d have changed the station.

Leo was down with that. For a while. Then he started having opinions.

“Mommy – is THIS a cool song?”
“Yep, sure is.”
“I’m not so sure.”

“Mommy – is THIS a cool song?”
“Yep, sure is.”
“Maybe no.”

“Mommy – is THIS a cool song?”
“Yep, sure is.”
“No, this one is NOT cool.”

This went on, and on, and on, and on, and on.

Until this one.

Crazy Train started playing. Ozzy Osbourne? You know, those first few bars?

Leo didn’t even ask…

“Mommy?! THIS is the COOLEST song EVER!!!!!”

:lmao:



Anyway, long about the Mickey-shaped electrical pole, we went off the rails and exited I-4 bound for the AK. Where I paid $11 to park, since we hadn’t yet checked in. I’d just ask for a refund when we later got to CSR. :rolleyes1

It was just about 9am, opening time. Car parked at the faaaaaar end of the row…

Wait a sec – can we talk? Am I the token DISer with end-of-row-itus? Truly, of the literally hundreds(100s) of times I’ve parked at a WDW theme park lot, only thrice do I recall parking nearer the tram lane than halfway down. Most of the time, I’m within 5 cars of the end. How can that be? What are the odds? I don’t even get upset anymore – I’ve just accepted that this is my lot in life. It's not a lot, but it's my lot... in the lot.

Car parked at the faaaaaar end of the row…… Leo and I walked up to the entrance. Yeah, end-of-row-itus aside, we were pretty close. Close enough to beat the tram full of our fellow parkers to the entrance.

But.

NOT close enough to beat the approximately 436 marching band and cheerleader teams streaming off the charter buses.

Yep. There were a whole lot of teenagers at the AK that morning. A whole lot.

Luckily, they were all heading for Expedition Everest, and not toward our mission, Kilimanjaro Safari.

Remember? Safari, tigers, bats and snake-in-the-glass-box-next-to-the-bats. That was our touring plan. (NOFTGM)

The standby time for the Safari was 20 minutes. Not bad at all, we took it. So Leo and I got in line and moved along at the slow pace dictated by that particular queue. We’re relatively small people, Leo and I. We don’t take up a lot of room in line. So, we apparently looked like a good opportunity for a family to shorten their wait in line.

First, a middle-aged man moved around and ahead of us.
A few paces later, a similarly-aged woman joined him.
After a length of queue followed by a turn, two elderly women moved ahead.
One of them turned and asked the other, “So-and-so’s falling behind.”
So-and-so moved up and around Leo on his right, asking “How many are we all together?”
The answer, provided by a younger woman coming up our left flank, was “Eight.”

So two(2) more to go, then. :rolleyes:

A young boy gave Leo a small shove and moved ahead of him.
And then it happened.
A gentle touch on my shoulder, as an elderly man asked, “Mind if I pass you miss? My family’s up there.”
“Why not,” I responded, “they all did.”

At least he looked appropriately embarrassed. THEY shot me a dirty look. Remember that.

As we all approached the first CM at the end of the queue, we stopped for a moment and the CM engaged a boy behind us in conversation about his camouflage cap. He explained that he used it to go huntin’. An entire conversation then ensued about hunting all manner of critters and which ones they eat versus which ones are just for sport.

Entirely appropriate material just prior to an anti-poaching PSA cleverly disguised as a ride.

As we got up to the loading dock, the Line Cutter family announced their party size and were told to move into the corrals for rows 1 and 2. I then gave my party size, “Two please,” and was told…

“Oh, we have room for you on this one. Head up to the front row and watch your step.”

That’s right. Ha-ha-de-ha-di-ha-ha, we passed the Line Cutters and got on FIRST, baybee!!! :banana:


Not that I’m competitive.


The Safari was… meh. There was a surprising lack of animals on the “savanna” that morning. No lions. No cheetahs. No zebras. No ostrich. No warthogs. Here’s what we did see: one(1) wildebeest, five or six(5-6) elephants, including babies, half (1/2) a giraffe, and a big ol’ pile of rhinos resting. On their rears. In a most relaxed way. Heh heh. Who doesn’t love alliteration?


Post-safari, I started to head toward the Maharaja Jungle Trek. Remember? Tigers, bats and snake-in-the-glass-box-next-to-the-bats?

But Leo resisted.

In a whiny voice, he announced that he wanted to see the “animals in boxes” and not the “tiger, bats and snake-in-the-glass-box-next-to-the-bats.”

Animals in boxes, animals in boxes… Oh! The Pangani Forest Trail? With the nekkid mole rats?? Yep, that was the one. And, with the “big, fat, flat frog in-the-glass-box-next-to-the-nekkid-mole-rats.”

Of course.

So that’s what we saw. Not the gorillas – skipped them. Not the chimps – skipped them, too. Not the many and varied species of birds in the aviary – whisked through there. We spent 2 minutes looking at the big, fat, flat frog in-the-glass-box-next-to-the-nekkid-mole-rats. And also the small mice in-the-glass-box-next-to-the-nekkid-mole-rats.

And that was it! Leo as done with the AK. Which was cool with me – I was “done” with the AK about ten(10) years ago.


That’s right – I’m not an AK fan. I’ve given it more than its fair shot, but it has yet to endear itself to me. And I’m a flipping BIG animal lover! I’ve put a lot of thought into the situation and I think it comes to this:

I like a calm, relaxed, less-peopled atmosphere for animal viewing. Large, open spaces that afford cooling breezes on a hot day. A clear delineation between rides and animal gazing. The ability to sit or stand watching tigers sleep for an hour straight, if I should so wish.

Does Disney’s Animal Kingdom offer any of those things?

Nope.


But Busch Gardens Tampa Bay does.
And.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay happens to reside within 45 minutes of my house.
And.
For the price of a one-day ticket, I can return to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay any number of times for the rest of the calendar year.

Guess who’s getting Busch Gardens Tampa Bay passes soon?

::yes::

Because this last AK trip put me over the edge. It was HOT. And it was CROWDED. And the place almost instantly puts Leo and I on our very worst behavior. Gramma, too. TFI.

True, my WDW FL seasonal pass includes entrance to the AK, but I’ve decided it’s worth another $100 a year to get the Busch Gardens passes and avoid AK at all costs.

THAT’s how lousy I felt as we left the AK in April.

And apparently Leo, too:


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3179/2448740779_d9d26427e0.jpg

The only photo of that morning. Nice, huh?

I should mention that I also had a horrendous sinus headache and some major arthritic pain to go with it. Adding to the fun. I wasn’t at all sure our next stop, Typhoon Lagoon, would improve that situation. Plus, after seeing the AK crowds, particularly the teens en masse, I wasn’t sure TL would be fun for Leo. But he was adamant. We were GOING to TL.



Next: Do we make it to TL? Is it chaos and turmoil for the rest of the day? Stay tuned.

[Disneyland_Mama]

First. :goodvibes
I was first, but since I was at school and didn't have time for a nice long reply, I had to stake my claim and move on. That's my story and I'm sticking to it! :snooty:
;)

Now my reply:

So here's the funny thing, AK is growing on me. It's quickly becoming my #2 favorite park. It's still WAAAAAY behind Epcot. Now as for the MK, too much like DLR and you know how I feel about DHS! Blech!

Don't you just love karma? So glad The Cutter Family got their come uppin's! :mad:

Can't wait to read if you made it to TL - I think I'm making a huge mistake not going in August. :rolleyes:

[Goofyluver]

Leo's "cool song" banter goes well with Jon's "Are we somewhere or are we nowhere banter!" Sing along...

"Hey mom...are we almost there?"

Me: Don't ask if we're almost there. I'll TELL you when we're almost there. I'll let ya' know. Plus...you may be tipped off by the large town we'll be driving into.

"Mom...I know I'm not supposed to ask if we're almost there. But...is it almost time for you to tell me that we're almost there?"

Me: Jonathon...I'll let ya know when we're somewhere...OKAY!

"Mom...is this a town. If there are three houses, would that be a town? Or is this nowhere? Or is it somewhere because there's more than one house?"

Same song...repeat first verse.

[PrincessV]

First. :goodvibes
Uh, not if there's no reply beyond "First!". Sorry T - you know the rules. ;)


FIRST:
Leo's "cool song" banter goes well with Jon's "Are we somewhere or are we nowhere banter!" Sing along...

"Hey mom...are we almost there?"

Me: Don't ask if we're almost there. I'll TELL you when we're almost there. I'll let ya' know. Plus...you may be tipped off by the large town we'll be driving into.

"Mom...I know I'm not supposed to ask if we're almost there. But...is it almost time for you to tell me that we're almost there?"

Me: Jonathon...I'll let ya know when we're somewhere...OKAY!

"Mom...is this a town. If there are three houses, would that be a town? Or is this nowhere? Or is it somewhere because there's more than one house?"

Same song...repeat first verse.
OMG, that's hysterical! For me. I'm guessing less so for you. ;)

[Goofyluver]

Uh, not if there's no reply beyond "First!". Sorry T - you know the rules. ;)


FIRST:

OMG, that's hysterical! For me. I'm guessing less so for you. ;)

:woohoo: I'm first!

[kykatt2]

Before I get started on the actual trip of this trip report segment, let’s take a moment to talk a bit more about our third character, my hair.

It does not matter what or who you are unless you cut it so short you can not do anything with it... HAIR is an issue espically at WDW.
I dread it this summer. Sara's hair is getting so long( and thick) I 'll be french braiding till we get the "Princess Updo" at the BBB"

Me.. I think I'll get a Buzz cut this year !!






Anyway, long about the Mickey-shaped electrical pole,

I know where that is :yay:

Wait a sec – can we talk? Am I the token DISer with end-of-row-itus? Truly, of the literally hundreds(100s) of times I’ve parked at a WDW theme park lot, only thrice do I recall parking nearer the tram lane than halfway down. Most of the time, I’m within 5 cars of the end. How can that be? What are the odds? I don’t even get upset anymore – I’ve just accepted that this is my lot in life. It's not a lot, but it's my lot... in the lot.

And at Animal Kingdom.. there is no good spaces.

Anybody know why Disney likes to put the EARLY GOERS the FARTHEST Parking spots they can ?? :confused: :confused3



The standby time for the Safari was 20 minutes. Not bad at all, we took it. So Leo and I got in line and moved along at the slow pace dictated by that particular queue. We’re relatively small people, Leo and I. We don’t take up a lot of room in line. So, we apparently looked like a good opportunity for a family to shorten their wait in line.

First, a middle-aged man moved around and ahead of us.
A few paces later, a similarly-aged woman joined him.
After a length of queue followed by a turn, two elderly women moved ahead.
One of them turned and asked the other, “So-and-so’s falling behind.”
So-and-so moved up and around Leo on his right, asking “How many are we all together?”
The answer, provided by a younger woman coming up our left flank, was “Eight.”

So two(2) more to go, then. :rolleyes:

A young boy gave Leo a small shove and moved ahead of him.
And then it happened.
A gentle touch on my shoulder, as an elderly man asked, “Mind if I pass you miss? My family’s up there.”
“Why not,” I responded, “they all did.”

At least he looked appropriately embarrassed. THEY shot me a dirty look. Remember that.

Remember ...dirty Look ...Got it... !! : popcorn::


As we got up to the loading dock, the Line Cutter family announced their party size and were told to move into the corrals for rows 1 and 2. I then gave my party size, “Two please,” and was told…

“Oh, we have room for you on this one. Head up to the front row and watch your step.”

That’s right. Ha-ha-de-ha-di-ha-ha, we passed the Line Cutters and got on FIRST, baybee!!! :banana:

Not that I’m competitive. :yay: :woohoo: :tongue: :rotfl2:





Post-safari, I started to head toward the Maharaja Jungle Trek. Remember? Tigers, bats and snake-in-the-glass-box-next-to-the-bats?

But Leo resisted.

In a whiny voice, he announced that he wanted to see the “animals in boxes” and not the “tiger, bats and snake-in-the-glass-box-next-to-the-bats.”

Animals in boxes, animals in boxes… Oh! The Pangani Forest Trail? With the nekkid mole rats?? Yep, that was the one. And, with the “big, fat, flat frog in-the-glass-box-next-to-the-nekkid-mole-rats.”

Of course.

Best description I've ever heard


And that was it! Leo as done with the AK. Which was cool with me – I was “done” with the AK about ten(10) years ago.

That’s right – I’m not an AK fan. I’ve given it more than its fair shot, but it has yet to endear itself to me. And I’m a flipping BIG animal lover! I’ve put a lot of thought into the situation and I think it comes to this

We are not the big fans of AK either. We go ONE DAY.. ride Everest, Kali River, and Dinosaur and leave.. Oh and yes the Safari.



True, my WDW FL seasonal pass includes entrance to the AK, but I’ve decided it’s worth another $100 a year to get the Busch Gardens passes and avoid AK at all costs.

We have the "Annual Passes" for Busch here in Va.. are considering getting the Premium for next year that will be TWO years of Busch Parks.. and allow us to go to Sea World and Busch Tampa INCLUDED.

THAT’s how lousy I felt as we left the AK in April.

And apparently Leo, too:


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3179/2448740779_d9d26427e0.jpg

The only photo of that morning. Nice, huh?

I should mention that I also had a horrendous sinus headache and some major arthritic pain to go with it. Adding to the fun. I wasn’t at all sure our next stop, Typhoon Lagoon, would improve that situation. Plus, after seeing the AK crowds, particularly the teens en masse, I wasn’t sure TL would be fun for Leo. But he was adamant. We were GOING to TL.

Next: Do we make it to TL? Is it chaos and turmoil for the rest of the day? Stay tuned.


Poor Leo... Poor V.. BAD DAY :hug:

I WAS FIRST !!!BUT I WAS REPLYING That takes longer

[puggymom]

I own a DVC membership, but my points are spoken for until March 2009.

The solution here is to buy more points.

Yes I too can be an enabler.


Here’s his answer, verbatim: “The animal ride, the tigers, the bats and the snake-in-the-glass-box-next-to-the-bats.”

Not sure how good it is that I knew what he was talking about without your translation

Plus, my DIS friend boysmom5150 was arriving at WDW that morning and I wanted to catch up with her. :yay:

YEAH:yay:




http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/2448740627_e5d174df01.jpg


What would you do if you had to fly!!!!:lmao:

Please tell me the dumbells don't make a repeat appearance!


For some reason this year I have been bothered my (and others) use of a preposition at the end of a sentence and have been trying hard to correct myself. The incorrect use of you and I instead of you and me is also a pet peeve of mine. I have especially noticed this is radio ads and it makes my skin crawl. I know, why do I care, but it really bothers me. Not that I am an English wiz by any stretch but for some reason I've gotten old & crotchety! :sad2:


This thread is making me feel stupid. Now if you guys want to crunch some numbers I'm your Focker!

[puggymom]

Before I get started on the actual trip of this trip report segment, let’s take a moment to talk a bit more about our third character, my hair.


AH, yes your hair, it wouldn't be V trippie without it:goodvibes
“Mommy?! THIS is the COOLEST song EVER!!!!!”

:lmao:

Love it!


Wait a sec – can we talk? Am I the token DISer with end-of-row-itus? Truly, of the literally hundreds(100s) of times I’ve parked at a WDW theme park lot, only thrice do I recall parking nearer the tram lane than halfway down. Most of the time, I’m within 5 cars of the end. How can that be? What are the odds? I don’t even get upset anymore – I’ve just accepted that this is my lot in life. It's not a lot, but it's my lot... in the lot.

I'll be parked right next to you in August;)


NOT close enough to beat the approximately 436 marching band and cheerleader teams streaming off the charter buses. :scared:


“Oh, we have room for you on this one. Head up to the front row and watch your step.”

LOL,same thing happened to me last spring, Karma baby!

Not that I’m competitive.

Only about as much as Murph:rolleyes1


Guess who’s getting Busch Gardens Tampa Bay passes soon?

I loved BG when i went last year! Awesome coasters too!

[Tinkerbellarella]

This went on, and on, and on, and on, and on.

Until this one.

Crazy Train started playing. Ozzy Osbourne? You know, those first few bars?

Leo didn’t even ask…

“Mommy?! THIS is the COOLEST song EVER!!!!!”

That little man of yours has got him some Classic Rock taste! :rockband:

Anyway, long about the Mickey-shaped electrical pole

I know not where this is! Please educate me, oh enlightened one.

Am I the token DISer with end-of-row-itus?

If you are, I'm the token DISer with children-who-don't-belong-to-me-hold-my-hand-in-line-itis.

At least he looked appropriately embarrassed. THEY shot me a dirty look. Remember that.

“Oh, we have room for you on this one. Head up to the front row and watch your step.”

That’s right. Ha-ha-de-ha-di-ha-ha, we passed the Line Cutters and got on FIRST, baybee!!! :banana:

See, there's this thing about karma and all... ;)

But Busch Gardens Tampa Bay does.

I'm hoping to hit them up while we're in Tampa. I've been to Williamsburg and that was a great park and have heard nothing but praise for its Tampa counterpart.

Now if you'll excuse me, I must make haste to a bomb shelter. There will be some DISers along shortly with flaming torches and pitchforks.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3179/2448740779_d9d26427e0.jpg

Chin-about-to-drop-on-the-chest, eyes-about-to-roll-into-the-head face or not, you got yourself one cute kiddo.

Was psyched to see a chapter up. One that starred all three travelers.

Can't wait for more!

[Briarmom]

Well, I'm a noob to your trip reports, but I'm loving this one.

I was hooked at ;. I was going to ask if you've read Eats, Shoots & Leaves, but then you posted about it.;)

Also, my son is similar to your little guy. Lots of building of impressive contraptions and Kraken impersonations in this house as well.:thumbsup2

[<3WDW]

I share your hair woes. I've got curly hair (and lots of it) that tends to explode in volume and frizz anytime at WDW. By the end of the day I could do a great Roseanne Roseannadana. That's why we never do photopass!

I think KS queue is horrible! They make it too wide. We always have people trying to pass us in it, so I have to tell my kids to "stand big"! Good for you for getting to board ahead of the LC's.

[jcc0621]

Back to Day One(1). After a decent night’s sleep and minimal time spent styling my new ‘do, Leo and I managed to get ourselves out the door – ON TIME!!! It was 7:15am Saturday morning and we enjoyed a quick, nearly traffic-free drive across I-4. :woohoo:

Who'd you kill to get all the old people off I-4:confused3 ;)



“Mommy?! THIS is the COOLEST song EVER!!!!!”

You are raising that child right:thumbsup2

I’d just ask for a refund when we later got to CSR. :rolleyes1

Did you forget?

NOT close enough to beat the approximately 436 marching band and cheerleader teams streaming off the charter buses.

Yep. There were a whole lot of teenagers at the AK that morning. A whole lot.

:scared1:

Remember? Safari, tigers, bats and snake-in-the-glass-box-next-to-the-bats. That was our touring plan. (NOFTGM)

I remembered:thumbsup2

Entirely appropriate material just prior to an anti-poaching PSA cleverly disguised as a ride.

:rotfl2:

“Oh, we have room for you on this one. Head up to the front row and watch your step.”

That’s right. Ha-ha-de-ha-di-ha-ha, we passed the Line Cutters and got on FIRST, baybee!!! :banana:

:woohoo:



Because this last AK trip put me over the edge. It was HOT. And it was CROWDED. And the place almost instantly puts Leo and I on our very worst behavior. Gramma, too. TFI.

I take it I won't be seeing you at AK in August then:confused3 ;)

Next: Do we make it to TL? Is it chaos and turmoil for the rest of the day? Stay tuned.

popcorn::

[KatGarcia]

I LOVE it when the cutters get their due!!!

I have mixed feelings about AK. I like it, seemingly better each time. BUT..it takes me until MAYBE 1pm to do everything I wanna do there. Then I'm good. For the rest of the trip. :confused3

Hope you have better luck at TL!

Great update...lemme get movin on mine now...

[boysmom5150]

WTH-----page 8!!!!!!I didnt even know this was going on!!!!.OK, marking my place and Ill be back to read.I knew you couldnt stay away too long:rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[jordanyosh]

Hater!!!!;)

AK is probably my favorite park...

It doesn't feel like a typical theme park to me......For me it's less about the animals and more about how I feel when I'm there.....

Occasionally I'm happy that I have straight hair.....

[Disneyland_Mama]

Hater!!!!;)


:lmao: If only we had AK here, eh Jordan? :thumbsup2

[DisneyJo]

Before I get started on the actual trip of this trip report segment, let’s take a moment to talk a bit more about our third character, my hair. Oh V you and your hair do make me laugh :rotfl2:

“Mommy?! THIS is the COOLEST song EVER!!!!!” So cute :goodvibes

Wait a sec – can we talk? Am I the token DISer with end-of-row-itus? Truly, of the literally hundreds(100s) of times I’ve parked at a WDW theme park lot, only thrice do I recall parking nearer the tram lane than halfway down. Most of the time, I’m within 5 cars of the end. How can that be? What are the odds? I don’t even get upset anymore – I’ve just accepted that this is my lot in life. It's not a lot, but it's my lot... in the lot. Really???? Good job we take the bus :rotfl:

A gentle touch on my shoulder, as an elderly man asked, “Mind if I pass you miss? My family’s up there.”
“Why not,” I responded, “they all did.” Great reply V, I can't believe they did that :headache:

That’s right. Ha-ha-de-ha-di-ha-ha, we passed the Line Cutters and got on FIRST, baybee!!! :banana: Woohoo :yay:

Not that I’m competitive. Of course not :rolleyes1 :rotfl2:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3179/2448740779_d9d26427e0.jpg Awww bless him :goodvibes

[Wonders10]

I am soooooo glad that you have decided to keep writing trip reports. I absolutely love them!

Line cutters make me M-A-D, MAD! I'm essentially a very patient person who will spend 30 minutes with no frustration whatsoever attempting to get a child to produce a correctly articulated sound (recently graduated speech pathologist here), however I will admit that I have no patience for impatient people. Ugh. Just wait your turn in line people!!!

Going back to your pic of the luggage....I just wanted to say that I have both of those bags! I have the hipster (the small one) in a reddish pattern that I can't remember the name of and I have the larger tote in the same pattern as your hipster. Plus about a gazillion other vera bradley bags. I just love them!

And I agree 100% with hair being a huge issue when thinking about a disney trip. I have postponed haircuts/highlights/colors or moved up the time of said hair events simply because a disney trip was on the way. Hair is a big deal! Oh and I love the Real Housewives of NYC! Love it, Love it! I may have all episodes recorded on my DVR and I may admit to watching them over and over again until I pretty much have the dialogue memorized. Louann is one of my faves too - can't wait to see how your hair looks with her 'do.

Can't wait to read more! popcorn::

[Goofyluver]

Hater!!!!;)

AK is probably my favorite park...

It doesn't feel like a typical theme park to me......For me it's less about the animals and more about how I feel when I'm there.....

Occasionally I'm happy that I have straight hair.....

I'm with you. Buncha haters round these parts! :snooty:

[sorul82?]

Stop the presses! STOP THE PRESSES! Doesn't your AP entitle you to free parking? :confused3

[hematite153]

We were listening to the radio. And, with every new song, Leo would ask, “Mommy? Is this a ‘cool’ song?”
...
This went on, and on, and on, and on, and on.


Leo's "cool song" banter goes well with Jon's "Are we somewhere or are we nowhere banter!" Sing along...
...
Same song...repeat first verse.

How about math games to get back at them and teach at the same time.

"Disney's at mile XX. Look for the mile marker. Where are we? How far is it to Disney? What mile was it when we got on the road? What time was that? What time is it now? How long have we been driving? How far have we gone? How far do we still have to go? What speed are we traveling at? (speedometer vs. calculation (i.e. distance traveled divided by time traveled)--do they match? why not?) So, how long will it take to go the remaining distance? What time will that be?"

Adjust to the age of the child.
(We do these calculations during the 23+ hour drive from our home. It gets complicated at times, but, keeps our brains occupied.)




The standby time for the Safari was 20 minutes. ... We’re relatively small people, Leo and I. We don’t take up a lot of room in line. So, we apparently looked like a good opportunity for a family to shorten their wait in line....


We always seem to have this problem in the Kilimanjaro Safari line as well. I've always assumed that it was about people thinking it's okay to go around us because my DW is usually in a wheelchair. But, then we went with a group of 9 and got passed by about 15 people during the walk in.

Why can't people understand that once you enter the queue you've been queued????
(We went once with a group of 4 early in the day and got separated. Those who were ahead, WAITED for those who were behind to catch up.)

We always seem to have this problem with Soarin' too.

[sharkB8HooHaHa]

How did I miss this yesterday????

I have to say, I think we have the same hair. You just put in a whole lot more effort than I do. My hair was easier to control before I had the boys. Now it's crazy. Well, SC humidity might have something to do with that, too. I got the chin length layer cut several years back...I swear, every time I looked in the mirror all I could think was "holy *$%@, I look like John Melloncamp"...not a good look for me ;)

Glad to hear the cutters got their due. Cutting never pays :lmao:

And Leo is wearing his lanyard again! :thumbsup2 I see a recurring theme here. Will he want to trade pins in August?

[kykatt2]

Stop the presses! STOP THE PRESSES! Doesn't your AP entitle you to free parking? :confused3

For the Florida Seasonal Ap's no it does not.. which is wrong...an AP is an AP even if theirs is cheaper it should still be free to park

[askelton]

Crazy Train started playing. Ozzy Osbourne? You know, those first few bars?

Leo didn’t even ask…

“Mommy?! THIS is the COOLEST song EVER!!!!!”

:lmao:

Leo must start watching Atlanta Braves baseball. Chipper Jones walks out to this song. Love it! :thumbsup2

It was just about 9am, opening time. Car parked at the faaaaaar end of the row…

Wait a sec – can we talk? Am I the token DISer with end-of-row-itus? Truly, of the literally hundreds(100s) of times I’ve parked at a WDW theme park lot, only thrice do I recall parking nearer the tram lane than halfway down. Most of the time, I’m within 5 cars of the end. How can that be? What are the odds? I don’t even get upset anymore – I’ve just accepted that this is my lot in life. It's not a lot, but it's my lot... in the lot.This was us yesterday at AK and Epcot! :rolleyes:


A young boy gave Leo a small shove and moved ahead of him.
And then it happened.
A gentle touch on my shoulder, as an elderly man asked, “Mind if I pass you miss? My family’s up there.”
“Why not,” I responded, “they all did.”Good for you! :rolleyes1

As we all approached the first CM at the end of the queue, we stopped for a moment and the CM engaged a boy behind us in conversation about his camouflage cap. He explained that he used it to go huntin’. An entire conversation then ensued about hunting all manner of critters and which ones they eat versus which ones are just for sport.

Entirely appropriate material just prior to an anti-poaching PSA cleverly disguised as a ride. WTH? :rolleyes:

For the Florida Ap's no it does not.. which is wrong...an AP is an AP even if theirs is cheaper it should still be free to park

The FL resident AP does include free parking but I think V has a seasonal pass which does not.

[PrincessV]

So here's the funny thing, AK is growing on me.
Like a fungus?
It's quickly becoming my #2 favorite park.
Oh. :rotfl: But... you haven't tried Busch Gardens. Trust V. There's a BIG difference! :thumbsup2
Can't wait to read if you made it to TL - I think I'm making a huge mistake not going in August. :rolleyes:
::yes:: And that's all I'll say for now. :ssst:

It does not matter what or who you are unless you cut it so short you can not do anything with it...
What's worse, even when my hair was super short, it took work! :faint:
Anybody know why Disney likes to put the EARLY GOERS the FARTHEST Parking spots they can ?? :confused: :confused3
This is usually the case, no? First arrivals in the back lot at AK? For some reason, I actually managed to be in the front lot, but still at the faaaaar end of the row. :sad2:

The solution here is to buy more points.
I WISH!!! I just got a card in the mail from my Guide - $8 discount per point if I buy another 100+ points. First, I need to win the lottery. :rolleyes:
What would you do if you had to fly!!!!:lmao:
Wait till you see my upcoming trip to Buffalo... I alreayd know I'll be carrying a rolling carry-on, tote bag and booster seat. :headache:
Please tell me the dumbells don't make a repeat appearance!
:lmao: Nope, I gave up on that one!

I loved BG when i went last year! Awesome coasters too!
::yes:: We so need to arrange a BG meet!
I know not where this is! Please educate me, oh enlightened one.
Well, you'll only see it entering or exiting The World via !-4 Westbound. Coming from Tampa, it's on the left, next to the overpass for the WDW/Celebration exit. :thumbsup2
I'm hoping to hit them up while we're in Tampa. I've been to Williamsburg and that was a great park and have heard nothing but praise for its Tampa counterpart.
It's awesome! NOT Disney - you'll notice that upon entering the relatively unmarked parking lot. Note some landmarks if you ever want to see your vehicle again. But awesome in its own right. :thumbsup2

I was hooked at ;. I was going to ask if you've read Eats, Shoots & Leaves, but then you posted about it.;)
Welcome aboard!! And a fellow semicolon lover, too?!

I share your hair woes. I've got curly hair (and lots of it) that tends to explode in volume and frizz anytime at WDW. By the end of the day I could do a great Roseanne Roseannadana.
OMG, I've always related to Rosanne Roseannadanna! :rotfl2: SO I KNOW you feel my pain.

[PrincessV]

Who'd you kill to get all the old people off I-4:confused3
:lmao: Ther'e were only a few and they were clearly on their way OUT of FL! :banana:
I take it I won't be seeing you at AK in August then:confused3 ;)
Listen, you'll be lucky to see me in any park come August!

I LOVE it when the cutters get their due!!!
I know, right?! It was a most fulfilling moment. :goodvibes
WTH-----page 8!!!!!!I didnt even know this was going on!!!!.OK, marking my place and Ill be back to read.I knew you couldnt stay away too long:rotfl2: :rotfl2:
Hee hee - you know me well T2! Glad you're here. :hug:
Hater!!!!;)

AK is probably my favorite park...
See my response to T above. ;)
Occasionally I'm happy that I have straight hair.....
::yes:: Few things would make me happier in the summer!
:lmao: If only we had AK here, eh Jordan? :thumbsup2
Want me to pack it up and ship it? I'd be happy to oblige. ;)
Really???? Good job we take the bus :rotfl:
Oh, I'll have more to say about the bus v. car issue over this TR!

Going back to your pic of the luggage....I just wanted to say that I have both of those bags! I have the hipster (the small one) in a reddish pattern that I can't remember the name of and I have the larger tote in the same pattern as your hipster. Plus about a gazillion other vera bradley bags. I just love them!
Hi Shannon - it's so good to see you again! :wave: Tell me VB bags aren't addictive?! I just ordered a bucket tote and wallet. :headache:

Stop the presses! STOP THE PRESSES! Doesn't your AP entitle you to free parking? :confused3
Not the Seasonal pass, but with the savings I get, it's totally worth paying for parking a couple times a year. Seasonal runs about $215 to renew, vs. regular at $340.
How about math games to get back at them and teach at the same time.
Grea tidea, but I hvae my doubts about using it on Leo. Truly, he is the most stubborn person on earth. How do I know? Becuase I'm the 2nd most stubborn. ;)

I swear, every time I looked in the mirror all I could think was "holy *$%@, I look like John Melloncamp"...not a good look for me ;)
:lmao: OMG, I just realized that IS kind of how mine looks when it's still wet right now!
And Leo is wearing his lanyard again! :thumbsup2 I see a recurring theme here. Will he want to trade pins in August?
Maybe. The lanyard is usually only a hit our first day. :rolleyes: Watch for a trend in this TR.
For the Florida Ap's no it does not.. which is wrong...an AP is an AP even if theirs is cheaper it should still be free to park
Not exactly - the regular and Premium FL APs include parking; the Seasonal doesn't. But for the difference in cost, I'd have to pay for parking 10 times a year to make the upgrade worth it. Since we usually spend the night, and always on-site, I've never had to pay to park more than a couple times a year. There are also "ways" to avoid the park lots altogether. :rolleyes1

[PrincessV]

Leo must start watching Atlanta Braves baseball. Chipper Jones walks out to this song. Love it! :thumbsup2
Don't hate me, but I'm not a baseball fan. :guilty: That said, if I were, I'm pretty sure I'd be a Braves supporter. Let's not even talk about the stupid Rays and all their baggage. :headache:
The FL resident AP does include free parking but I think V has a seasonal pass which does not.
JINX! Buy me a Dole Whip. ;)

[micandminforever]

Just finished reading all eight pages, love your report as usual. I have enjoyed your previous reports. On this trip I decided to join in instead of just lurking.

Cannot wait to hear about the rest of Day 1.

[kykatt2]

Not exactly - the regular and Premium FL APs include parking; the Seasonal doesn't. But for the difference in cost, I'd have to pay for parking 10 times a year to make the upgrade worth it. Since we usually spend the night, and always on-site, I've never had to pay to park more than a couple times a year. There are also "ways" to avoid the park lots altogether. :rolleyes1


That's what I meant .. just my brain was thinking ahead and my fingers missed that part. I knew you had the "Seasonal" and it did not have the free parking... still stinks.

[cmp1111]

That’s right. Ha-ha-de-ha-di-ha-ha, we passed the Line Cutters and got on FIRST, baybee!!! :banana:

Love it! :thumbsup2


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3179/2448740779_d9d26427e0.jpg

The only photo of that morning. Nice, huh?

Lovely! :rotfl: My boys both have that shirt, btw. :thumbsup2

Next: Do we make it to TL? Is it chaos and turmoil for the rest of the day? Stay tuned.

Hmmm... :confused3

Just also wanted to say that I started reading this whilst in TN and then just now this morning had the time to read it all but the first page, which I'd read there.

But I'm caught up now, baybee! :goodvibes

And I am a grammar geek, also, though you can't always tell in my posts. :rolleyes1 I heard on NPR's "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me!" show the other day that there is actually a guy who's driving all over the country, trying to correct the grammatical errors in billboards, store signs, etc. :rotfl:

Can't wait to read if you made it to TL - I think I'm making a huge mistake not going in August. :rolleyes:

Me, too. :headache: ;)

:lmao: Ther'e were only a few and they were clearly on their way OUT of FL! :banana:

I actually have something interesting (well, to me, anyway ;) ) to add to this as well.

We drove out of TN back to NH last Thursday, 5/1.

It was a Thursday in the middle of the day, yet the traffic all through VA was horrendous. We couldn't figure it out. Then we started noticing the age of the drivers. All older, all with northern tags, most packed up pretty tight in their Lincoln Continentals. :rolleyes1 :rotfl:

I turned to D and said, "You know what? I bet all the snowbirds' leases were up yesterday, Apr. 30th, and they're headed home."
I am pleased to know that I was probably right, :cool1: because this was right around that same time, no? And if they were leaving FL...

Then we ran into rather a lot of students leaving James Madison U. with their little mini-SUV's packed to the gills, but that's another story. :rolleyes1

[askelton]

And I am a grammar geek, also, though you can't always tell in my posts. :rolleyes1 I heard on NPR's "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me!" show the other day that there is actually a guy who's driving all over the country, trying to correct the grammatical errors in billboards, store signs, etc. :rotfl:



I love that! :thumbsup2 Where do I send a list of places he needs to go? :rolleyes1

[cmp1111]

I love that! :thumbsup2 Where do I send a list of places he needs to go? :rolleyes1

I don't know! It would be fun to suggest some. :thumbsup2 We saw a lot on our car trip last week. :rolleyes:

ETA:

Here's the link to the segment. http://www.npr.org/templates/player/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=88823849

The show is a call-in game show, so I've given away the answer. Oops. You have to listen to three scenarios - the caller has to pick the right one. But then at the end they tell more about the real answer, which in this case is the grammar crusader. ;)

[Lauralee131]

Well, I was gonna multi-quote, but all of a sudden I realized I'm outta time...I'll be back to catch up, but I do without 80% of the AK...The AKL, however, is calling me to come back...hear it???:listen:

Love the car conversation with Leo...my buddy. He's so cute.:cloud9:

Glad to see that the Cutters got cut. That was awesome. See...just like the Patriots...cheaters never win!!:laughing:

Love the picture of Leo - so hysterical - looking like he does. I wanna hug my little buddy. You tell him I'm gonna squeeze the stuffing outta him...again :goodvibes in August.

Now I'm dying to hear about TL...did you or didn't you??:confused3

Ooooh...nice try slipping that "I'm first" in there T...:rotfl:

[sorul82?]

The AKL, however, is calling me to come back...hear it???:listen:



Yup! I hear it! It's calling me as well, but telling me I need to be on the pool slide with a drink in my hand.


My life would be easier if AKL had a swim up pool bar.

[Lauralee131]

Yup! I hear it! It's calling me as well, but telling me I need to be on the pool slide with a drink in my hand.


My life would be easier if AKL had a swim up pool bar.

Truer statements were never uttered my friend!!!:thumbsup2

[PrincessV]

Just finished reading all eight pages, love your report as usual. I have enjoyed your previous reports. On this trip I decided to join in instead of just lurking.
Yay - thanks for coming out of lurkdom! I like to "see" my readers. :goodvibes
That's what I meant .. just my brain was thinking ahead and my fingers missed that part. I knew you had the "Seasonal" and it did not have the free parking... still stinks.
:thumbsup2
And I am a grammar geek, also, though you can't always tell in my posts. :rolleyes1 I heard on NPR's "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me!" show the other day that there is actually a guy who's driving all over the country, trying to correct the grammatical errors in billboards, store signs, etc. :rotfl:
Brilliant! And can I say how much I LOVE "Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me!"? Almost as much as "Car Talk" :banana:

It was a Thursday in the middle of the day, yet the traffic all through VA was horrendous. We couldn't figure it out. Then we started noticing the age of the drivers. All older, all with northern tags, most packed up pretty tight in their Lincoln Continentals. :rolleyes1 :rotfl:

I turned to D and said, "You know what? I bet all the snowbirds' leases were up yesterday, Apr. 30th, and they're headed home."
YE-EP!! :cool1:

Well, I was gonna multi-quote, but all of a sudden I realized I'm outta time...
There you are!
The AKL, however, is calling me to come back...hear it???:listen:
I hear it, but I'm thinking it might be AKV. ;)
Now I'm dying to hear about TL...did you or didn't you??:confused3
I never got to writing today. :guilty: Looks like a Tuesday update after all.
Ooooh...nice try slipping that "I'm first" in there T...:rotfl:
Thought she was real slick, didn't she? :rotfl:
My life would be easier if AKL had a swim up pool bar.
Yeah, like on Love Boat or the old Mexico ride! :yay:

[cmp1111]

My life would be easier if AKL had a swim up pool bar.

I'd agree except that D has this rather gross theory about swim-up bars that have put me off them a bit. :scared:

[askelton]

Glad to see that the Cutters got cut. That was awesome. See...just like the Patriots...cheaters never win!!:laughing:

I love it! :rotfl2:

[Bloodhound]

Hey , has anyone flew to Disneyland?

[PrincessAlways]

Wait a minute....are my eyes playing tricks on me?? :confused3 There I was just casually looking down the list of trip reports & I thought I saw something. My eyes widened, my heart skipped a beat, I reread the line....no, this must be an old one. No, it's not!! OMG!!! V's back!!:banana: :cool1: :woohoo: I'd love to go back to catch up now, but with all this excitement, I'll have to rest! :lmao: Catch up tomorrow! :rotfl:

[jcc0621]

I'd agree except that D has this rather gross theory about swim-up bars that have put me off them a bit. :scared:

NOw you can't make that statement and think we are not going to ask what his theory ispopcorn::

Hey , has anyone flew to Disneyland?

I have.

[cmp1111]

NOw you can't make that statement and think we are not going to ask what his theory ispopcorn::

Well. Hmmm.

To be delicate, his point just involves people sitting at a bar drinking, in water, for hours at a time. How many do you see actually get out of the pool? :scared: :rolleyes1 I don't think I have to say much more. And now I can't enjoy a swim up bar. :headache: :rotfl:

[jcc0621]

Well. Hmmm.

To be delicate, his point just involves people sitting at a bar drinking, in water, for hours at a time. How many do you see actually get out of the pool? :scared: :rolleyes1 I don't think I have to say much more. And now I can't enjoy a swim up bar. :headache: :rotfl:

:sick:

[PrincessAlways]

NOT close enough to beat the approximately 436 marching band and cheerleader teams streaming off the charter buses.

Yep. There were a whole lot of teenagers at the AK that morning. A whole lot.

Oh yes! :scared1: What weekend was this? I was there 4/23-27 & encounterd lots of teenagers for the cheerleader & band competitions & for grad nights!!!:scared1: I had no idea about the grad nights. We stayed at CSR & saw sooooooo many school groups! I really felt sorry for the chaperons!! That is a responsibility!! Side story....on a FULL bus ride back from Epcot, my brother asked one of the boys sitting to give up his seat for our 83 yr old mother & another woman standing. He looked up a little bewildered, but after discussing it with his friend, they got up so 2 "mature" women could sit. It was actually nice. (except that he had to think about it) We started talking with them & they were from a charter school in NYC in Disney for school trip & "GRAD NIGHT".

Line cutters...:mad: :sad2: :headache:


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3179/2448740779_d9d26427e0.jpg

How cute is that!!:goodvibes
I feel the same way about AK. However, I do like the shows, but the park itself, not so much! It is always soooooooo hot! Yes, I know it's Florida, but it just seems hotter there! Can it all be in my mind??:confused3

Next: Do we make it to TL? Is it chaos and turmoil for the rest of the day? Stay tuned.
I bet you make it to TL & it's wonderful & relaxing! All the teenagers are at AK, right??? :rolleyes1

[Bloodhound]

Happy Mother's Day

[1Princess1Prince2006]

Your trip with Leo in the car reminds me of my trips anywhere with my Lindsey. LOL Glad you got your justice against the line cutters! AK isn't a favorite park of mine either and I'd definitely prefer a zoo over it. Can't wait to read about the rest of your day!

[PrincessV]

Wait a minute....are my eyes playing tricks on me?? :confused3 There I was just casually looking down the list of trip reports & I thought I saw something. My eyes widened, my heart skipped a beat, I reread the line....no, this must be an old one. No, it's not!! OMG!!! V's back!!:banana: :cool1: :woohoo: I'd love to go back to catch up now, but with all this excitement, I'll have to rest! :lmao: Catch up tomorrow! :rotfl:
:rotfl2: Hiya Princess! Thanks for makign me feel special :goodvibes
Well. Hmmm.

To be delicate, his point just involves people sitting at a bar drinking, in water, for hours at a time. How many do you see actually get out of the pool? :scared: :rolleyes1 I don't think I have to say much more. And now I can't enjoy a swim up bar. :headache: :rotfl:
Yeah, but consider the volume of chlorine WDW uses (the pools smell like bleach tanks!) and your potential level of "liquid self-medication"... would it matter anymore?! :rotfl:
Oh yes! :scared1: What weekend was this? I was there 4/23-27 & encounterd lots of teenagers for the cheerleader & band competitions & for grad nights!!!:scared1:
Yep, THAT was the weekend! It was CRAZY, wasn't it?
I bet you make it to TL & it's wonderful & relaxing! All the teenagers are at AK, right??? :rolleyes1
:rolleyes1
Happy Mother's Day
Thanks!
Your trip with Leo in the car reminds me of my trips anywhere with my Lindsey.
Oh no! They are funny, though. :lovestruc

[PrincessV]

Well, shoot.


I was really hoping to post an update today. I've got a whole bunch written in my head, but that probably doesn't help you a lot.

Before anyone (T)(LL) points out that tomorrow is Tuesday, let me say this:

Leo's new bed arrives tomorrow. So does the AC repair person to hopefully make my AC cool the place lower than 79. So i'll be home ALL DAY.

But.

I also have a school project in desperate need of my attention. So here's my proposal....

For each page of school paper I write, I'll try for a page of TR. :thumbsup2

Because Trip #2 is coming up this weekend. And. I haven't even gotten past the first 2 hours of Trip #1. :headache:

[Sleeping*Beauty]

Ok it's a deal.

[Tinkerbellarella]

I also have a school project in desperate need of my attention. So here's my proposal....

For each page of school paper I write, I'll try for a page of TR. :thumbsup2

Ugh. I can so relate to this. I just finished my last paper for the semester, in fact. Good luck with your project and whenever you get around to the trippie is ok by me.

popcorn::

But.

No pressure.

De ja vu much? ;)

[pjwelch]

Looking forward to the run down on tl. Going in July w/ dd, dsil, & their 4db,:dance3: 1ddprincess: ,& Dwife. 2 dGS are <6 yo. That semicolon period thing just never made sense to me. That's why I stick to the numbers:yay:

[Wonders10]

Well, shoot.


I was really hoping to post an update today. I've got a whole bunch written in my head, but that probably doesn't help you a lot.

Before anyone (T)(LL) points out that tomorrow is Tuesday, let me say this:

Leo's new bed arrives tomorrow. So does the AC repair person to hopefully make my AC cool the place lower than 79. So i'll be home ALL DAY.

But.

I also have a school project in desperate need of my attention. So here's my proposal....

For each page of school paper I write, I'll try for a page of TR. :thumbsup2

Because Trip #2 is coming up this weekend. And. I haven't even gotten past the first 2 hours of Trip #1. :headache:

Deal!

I'm heading to WDW this weekend too. Actually leaving on Wednesday and coming home on Sunday, so sort of weekend, right? I'll keep my eye out for you! Where are you guys staying - I'm gonna be at Pop. Solo, baby!!

[PrincessAlways]

Because Trip #2 is coming up this weekend. And. I haven't even gotten past the first 2 hours of Trip #1. :headache:

Trip 2??? Already??? :banana: :woohoo: :cool1: We'll be waiting!!!:rotfl:

[Goofyluver]

Well, shoot.


I was really hoping to post an update today. I've got a whole bunch written in my head, but that probably doesn't help you a lot.

Before anyone (T)(LL) points out that tomorrow is Tuesday, let me say this:

Leo's new bed arrives tomorrow. So does the AC repair person to hopefully make my AC cool the place lower than 79. So i'll be home ALL DAY.

But.

I also have a school project in desperate need of my attention. So here's my proposal....

For each page of school paper I write, I'll try for a page of TR. :thumbsup2

Because Trip #2 is coming up this weekend. And. I haven't even gotten past the first 2 hours of Trip #1. :headache:

Alllll riiiiight...*sigh*...we'll wait...:rolleyes1

[jcc0621]

It is Tuesday, no?popcorn::

[hematite153]

Hey, what happened to the deal?

Get writing that paper so that we can hear about your trip!

[jcc0621]

Well, shoot.


I was really hoping to post an update today. I've got a whole bunch written in my head, but that probably doesn't help you a lot.

Before anyone (T)(LL) points out that tomorrow is Tuesday, let me say this:

Leo's new bed arrives tomorrow. So does the AC repair person to hopefully make my AC cool the place lower than 79. So i'll be home ALL DAY.

But.

I also have a school project in desperate need of my attention. So here's my proposal....

For each page of school paper I write, I'll try for a page of TR. :thumbsup2

Because Trip #2 is coming up this weekend. And. I haven't even gotten past the first 2 hours of Trip #1. :headache:

I didn't see this when I wrote the Tuesday comment:confused3

Anyway, that sounds like a good deal to me. Get writing on that paper and we want pics of Leo's bed:thumbsup2

[PrincessV]

You may have noticed by now the extreme lack of pictures in this TR. I guarantee plenty of images to come, but not yet. In fact, if I don’t manage to get beyond the TL portion of the day in this update, there will be NO pics in this chapter.


Why?


Because I was sporting my new, super-sleek, teeny-tiny Canon SD1000 camera for the trip. I looove this camera and there was no way I’d chance bringing it to TL to meet its untimely demise in the wave pool or through some stranger’s five-finger discount. Nuh-uh. So I’ll just have to illustrate this story using colorful verbiage. Which is completely different from colorful language. TFI.


Aside… In my college freshman Creative Writing class, I had this ancient professor who insisted that we use color in our writing. He didn’t mean colorful, he meant COLOR. As in “it was a golden moment, suspended between the darkest charcoal of her past and the twinkling azure heralding her return to verdant fields of verdigris, a life worth living.” I was no good at color. I consider myself a pretty decent writer, but I like to keep it real; creative fiction (trip reports not withstanding) ain’t my gig. So whenever someone uses the term “colorful” to describe writing, I remember that old coot who made me pepper my otherwise smooth, rational writing with a bunch of unnecessary, rainbow-colored verbal trash. Not that I’m bitter.


Ahem.


So, I drove away from the hoards of teenagers sweeping through the far-too-narrow pathways of AK and pointed the car toward Typhoon Lagoon (TL). As we entered the parking lot, I felt awash in chartreuse. I mean, I got worried. Because TL had only been open about an hour, and the lot was PACKED. I toured row after row after row and couldn’t find an open space closer than 16 rows back.

I tried Plan B:

“Leo, it looks really, really busy here today. How about we head over to our hotel and swim in the pool there? It’s the one with the cool pyramid and jaguar slide!”

“Nope. Wanna go to TL.”

We went back and forth on the issue a few more times, and I finally agreed to at least try TL. I figured we were early enough to beat the lunch rush, so we’d get something to eat, assess the crowd level and then decide whether to not to stay.


Leo was right. TL wound up being a great choice!


Sure enough, there wasn’t much activity at Leaning Palms and we got some lunch pretty quickly. It would’ve been quicker if the large family using the DDP ahead of us had even a slight clue as to how the DDP worked. And it would’ve been even quicker had the CM ringing up the clueless family not been clueless herself about the DDP.

And that’s all I’ll say about that.


With plenty of open tables from which to choose, Leo and I selected one next to Castaway Creek and enjoyed our lunch whilst watching the floaters. Float by. On floats.

Afterward, we hit the changing room to switch from AK gear to swimming gear and set off in search of a chair or two. Again, no problem – there were plenty available! We wound up in an old favorite spot, to the far left of the wave pool, just behind and sort of above the Bay Slides for kids under 60” tall. It’s relatively quiet back there, but is conveniently located between Ketchakiddie Creek and the wave pool.

With towels laid out and sunscreen applied we headed for Leo’s first choice of activity – the Bay Slides.


Look. I may very well be cold-blooded. Even spending half my life in Buffalo, NY, I’ve never enjoyed swimming in cold, cool, or even tepid water. My preferred pool temp hovers between 85 and 90. 90 to 95 is good, too. Anything below 85 gives me the chills. There’s a reason I live in Florida.

But, even in FL, water temps drop in the winter and, without aid of a heat pump, pools stay cool until June-ish. So I had some doubts about TL. I knew WDW heats their water to 82 (and I’m convinced they chill it in summer – there is NO way those pools can maintain temps below 85 in August on their own), so I was pretty sure we wouldn’t freeze. But who wants to spend the day chilled, either? Not V.


So we walked down to the edge of the wave pool and stuck a few toes in…..

Not bad. Up to our ankles….

Moving along nicely. Knee-level?...

Hmmm. A tad prickly. But tolerable. Definitely tolerable. But. I would NOT be getting wet higher than mid-thigh. V had spoken.



Leo, on the other hand, had no water temp issues at all and began his routine in earnest. Up the steps, wait in line, down the slide, wade back to the steps. Up the steps, wait in line, down the slide, wade back to the steps. Up the steps, wait in line, down the slide, wade back to the steps. Up the steps, wait in line, down the slide, wade back to the steps. Up the steps, wait in line, down the slide, wade back to the steps. Up the steps, wait in line, down the slide, wade back to the steps. Up the steps, wait in line, down the slide, wade back to the steps. Up the steps, wait in line, down the slide, wade back to the steps. Up the steps, wait in line, down the slide, wade back to the steps. Up the steps, wait in line, down the slide, wade back to the steps. Up the steps, wait in line, down the slide, wade back to the steps. Up the steps, wait in line, down the slide, wade back to the steps. Up the steps, wait in line, down the slide, wade back to the steps. Up the steps, wait in line, down the slide, wade back to the steps.

I’m not sure just how long this went on, but believe me – on it indeed went. At some point we headed over to Ketchakiddie Creek to do the tube slide and the belly slides a few times. But we were quickly back to the wave pool and Bay Slides.



I didn’t have a lot to do whilst Leo slid, so I had some time to ruminate.



About tan colors.




I know. But it gets worse later, so enjoy this.



Here’s the thing: I have me some strange skin coloring. My dad was 100% Italian. Mom brings French, Irish and a little German into the mix. I wound up with very fair skin with a slight olive undertone.

Note the use of colorful verbiage. :thumbsup2

“Fair with olive undertones” sounds a lot better in words than it looks in life. With no tan, I’m just plain fair, which works fine with my dark hair and eyes. Add a little sun and I start looking jaundiced. Full-on, melanoma-inducing tan and I’m, as my dad used to say, “Brown as a berry.”

I spent most of my life in Buffalo, where I saw sunlight for about 4.73 hours a year. Dad lived in south FL. I spent Spring breaks and summers with him. Dad never burned in his life; he just got darker and darker as those Sicilian roots embraced the sun’s rays and defied any attempt at damage. Consequently, Dad never owned sunscreen.

Take a moment and imagine what my fair, sunless skin did with no sunscreen after eight hours on the beach in Miami. In August.



:scared:





Did you see blistering burn? If so, give yourself 50 points. But, once my poor epidermis accepted the fact that it wasn’t going to receive any form of protection for another 3 weeks, it gave up and did eventually become brown-ish.


Getting back to the present, I no longer abuse my skin that way and avoid long-term exposure to that great ball of fire in the sky. I use sunscreen any time I’ll be outside for an extended period, but I’m not religious about it; I go bare just running errands and the like. So by April, I had a touch of sun. Meaning I was a tad yellow-green.

And as I stood there watching Leo go up and down the water slides, I started noticing the variety of tan colors surrounding me.

Brazilian bronze.

Germanic gold.

Mediterranean olive.

British…. pink. ;) LY Jo!


No one, but NO ONE was yellow-green. I resolved there at TL to find a self-tanner with a scent that didn’t make me vomit and that would result in something more normal-looking. (P.S. haven’t found one yet)

Of course, the olive-green swimsuit into which I’d stuffed myself wasn’t exactly helping the situation. Which brings me to the next rumination of the day…


Swimsuits.



I’d just bought a couple before this trip. Found them at Target. Both were tankinis with skirted bottoms to hide my “problem area.”


Hi. I’m V and I have chubby thighs.


Chubby thighs are something of a blessing in daily apparel. I mean, if I have to have fat body parts (and I’m slowly coming to accept that inevitability as I approach 40), how great is it to have it in an easily-disguised area? A-line skirts, bootleg pants, Empire waists… I freely admit that I like how I look in clothes.

Swimsuits are another story.

I thought the skirted bottoms were a great solution. Until I looked around at TL. Here’s what I found – skirted bottoms look old. Granny-old. No matter how old one’s chubby thighs may be, the skirted bottom adds the appropriate number of years necessary to reach 75.


Look away, I’m hideous.


I saw all manner of suits that day, on all manner of shapes. And one thing rang true in every case: a regular, full-piece or even tankini, suit that covers the rear and comes up a touch above the thighs is the hands-down, no other offers accepted, best possible look around.

And preferably not olive colored. ;)




About the time I’d determined my need for a new skin tone and new swimsuit collection, Leo came up to hug me and I noticed he was covered in goose bumps and shivering. Time to take this party to the lounge chairs to thaw.

We sat a spell in the sun and then decided on a walk and a treat. But not in that order.

Leo wanted a Mickey ice cream treat, so we first stopped at Lowtide Lou’s (conveniently located just behind our resting spot), where I shelled out half a mortgage payment for a Mickey head that took a nose-dive straight to the concrete halfway through.

Then we moseyed around the path toward Shark Reef, where Leo enjoys going down into the sub to make faces in the windows at the snorkelers.

When we once again reached our chairs, Leo said, “I’m done. Let’s go Mommy.” And that was that! We headed back up to the changing rooms and grabbed a stall in which to shed the damp swimsuits and switch to dry street clothes.


And that’s when IT happened.

IT being one of the truly grossest, undeniably most atrocious teenage acts of which I’ve been the victim…

As I stepped a foot into my shorts, something flew over the top of our stall, bounced off Leo’s head and landed on top of our towels in my beach bag as a group of teenage girls walked by, giggling. I looked at it and realized…






IT was a ROLLED UP PANTY-LINER!!!!!!!!!!! :scared1: :scared1: :scared1:


I was about a thousand different shades of “EEEEWWWWWW!!!” as Leo repeatedly asked, “What’s that Mommy?” I didn’t even answer. And I have an answer for everything. Or so my mother says. I just tilted my bag so it rolled off to the floor and tried not to look that direction as I hurriedly finished up and got the heck out of there.


But that stupid panty-liner was still in my thoughts as I scrubbed Leo’s head by the sink. Who would do something like that, and WHY??? Is this what our society has come to – we allow so much freedom that the only way to rebel is the great panty-liner toss? Is this the new TP? The new wedgy? The new swirly?


No wait. Nothing is worse than the swirly. Except clowns. :rotfl:


If I’d needed any further sign that it was time to GO, that was it. We were out of there.

About two(2) hours at TL and we were back on the road. But where oh where was that road headed?

[micandminforever]

If your school project/paper is as wonderful as your report on TL expect an A on the project.

I agree with you about the best swimsuit to wear.

[hematite153]

Yay! Great update!

Keep writing that paper!

[Disneyland_Mama]

You may have noticed by now the extreme lack of pictures in this TR. I guarantee plenty of images to come, but not yet. In fact, if I don’t manage to get beyond the TL portion of the day in this update, there will be NO pics in this chapter.
We don't need no stinkin' peekchures!:lmao:


Because I was sporting my new, super-sleek, teeny-tiny Canon SD1000 camera for the trip. I looove this camera and there was no way I’d chance bringing it to TL to meet its untimely demise in the wave pool or through some stranger’s five-finger discount.
'Nuff said. :snooty:

We went back and forth on the issue a few more times, and I finally agreed to at least try TL. I figured we were early enough to beat the lunch rush, so we’d get something to eat, assess the crowd level and then decide whether to not to stay.
Ahhh... the life of an AP holder. Grand, isn't it? :cloud9:


Sure enough, there wasn’t much activity at Leaning Palms and we got some lunch pretty quickly. It would’ve been quicker if the large family using the DDP ahead of us had even a slight clue as to how the DDP worked. And it would’ve been even quicker had the CM ringing up the clueless family not been clueless herself about the DDP.
No comment. Seriously though, why don't they have some kind of picture menu for the clueless DDP users? Just sayin'. :rolleyes1

Leo, on the other hand, had no water temp issues at all and began his routine in earnest. Up the steps, wait in line, down the slide, wade back to the steps. Up the steps, wait in line, down the slide, wade back to the steps. Up the steps, wait in line, down the slide, wade back to the steps. Up the steps, wait in line, down the slide, wade back to the steps. Up the steps, wait in line, down the slide, wade back to the steps. Up the steps, wait in line, down the slide, wade back to the steps. Up the steps, wait in line, down the slide, wade back to the steps. Up the steps, wait in line, down the slide, wade back to the steps. Up the steps, wait in line, down the slide, wade back to the steps. Up the steps, wait in line, down the slide, wade back to the steps. Up the steps, wait in line, down the slide, wade back to the steps. Up the steps, wait in line, down the slide, wade back to the steps. Up the steps, wait in line, down the slide, wade back to the steps. Up the steps, wait in line, down the slide, wade back to the steps.
:rotfl2: Great mental picture!

Getting back to the present, I no longer abuse my skin that way and avoid long-term exposure to that great ball of fire in the sky. I use sunscreen any time I’ll be outside for an extended period, but I’m not religious about it; I go bare just running errands and the like. So by April, I had a touch of sun. Meaning I was a tad yellow-green.
:eek:


British…. pink. ;) LY Jo!
:lmao:
LY too Jo!;)


No one, but NO ONE was yellow-green.
That's because no one should be yellow-green. ;)


Hi. I’m V and I have chubby thighs.
Welcome V! :lmao:

I thought the skirted bottoms were a great solution. Until I looked around at TL. Here’s what I found – skirted bottoms look old. Granny-old. No matter how old one’s chubby thighs may be, the skirted bottom adds the appropriate number of years necessary to reach 75.
Really?? Well that's craptastic! I'm just gonna suck it up and accept my Granny skirted bottoms. I refuse to subject the public to my hideous case of chub rub. :sad2:

And that’s when IT happened.
Oh NO!! Not IT!!! :scared1:


IT was a ROLLED UP PANTY-LINER!!!!!!!!!!! :scared1: :scared1: :scared1:
Oh H to the Hell no!! That did not happen to your precious boy! I am so pissed! :mad: I am so sorry that happened to Leo and you. That's completely the most vile thing I have ever heard. Her parents must be proud. :sad2:

The new swirly?
Uhhh... what's a swirly? Wait... do I even want to know? Uhhhh.. yeah, go ahead, tell me. :confused3


But where oh where was that road headed?

I vote for Epcot! :teeth:

[mymainmouse]

And that’s when IT happened.

IT being one of the truly grossest, undeniably most atrocious teenage acts of which I’ve been the victim…

As I stepped a foot into my shorts, something flew over the top of our stall, bounced off Leo’s head and landed on top of our towels in my beach bag as a group of teenage girls walked by, giggling. I looked at it and realized…






IT was a ROLLED UP PANTY-LINER!!!!!!!!!!! :scared1: :scared1: :scared1:


I was about a thousand different shades of “EEEEWWWWWW!!!” as Leo repeatedly asked, “What’s that Mommy?” I didn’t even answer. And I have an answer for everything. Or so my mother says. I just tilted my bag so it rolled off to the floor and tried not to look that direction as I hurriedly finished up and got the heck out of there.


But that stupid panty-liner was still in my thoughts as I scrubbed Leo’s head by the sink. Who would do something like that, and WHY??? Is this what our society has come to – we allow so much freedom that the only way to rebel is the great panty-liner toss? Is this the new TP? The new wedgy? The new swirly?


No wait. Nothing is worse than the swirly. Except clowns. :rotfl:


If I’d needed any further sign that it was time to GO, that was it. We were out of there.

About two(2) hours at TL and we were back on the road. But where oh where was that road headed?

Hi V! I just wanted to come out of lurkdom to voice my disgust. :eek: I am so sorry that happened to you and Leo. That is one of those scenarios in which I would have been dumbfounded at the moment but then replayed the whole scene over and over with "this is what I should have done" or "if I had it to do over I would have told those teenagers...." But, I am not that bold and would have done exactly as you did. :rolleyes:

Anywho, I really enjoy your writing style and am looking forward to more.

[thewesterberg]

All I can say is "Wow"

Good-Happy-EnjoyingYourDayWithYour Kid-Wow for the fun you and Leo had TL.


And Icky-Gross-Bad Wow. For you know what.

[Briarmom]

V, fantastic update!

Swimsuits.:sad2:

I really have no comment on the panty liner. It's so beyond gross that that person should be kicked out of Disney forever.

I thought of you yesterday when, in French class, we learned this: le point virgule. Semi-colon.;)

[askelton]

Really?? Well that's craptastic! I'm just gonna suck it up and accept my Granny skirted bottoms. I refuse to subject the public to my hideous case of chub rub. :sad2:

T, there's no way you have chub rub. I on the other hand...:scared:

Uhhh... what's a swirly? Wait... do I even want to know? Uhhhh.. yeah, go ahead, tell me. :confused3
I'm with T on this one. Do we want to know? :rolleyes:

[Miz Diz]

V, you know your AP gets you free parking?

Just read your AK day. Reminds me of a time I was in line with my inlaws. DH left the line to take ds to the bathroom. We were almost about at the CMs and this family cut in front of us. I was so sick and tired of everyone cutting in front of us the entire trip, I snapped at them and said something about them cutting. Turns out my mil told them to go ahead, but didn't tell me that. I was so embarrassed. And one family in front of you doesn't really matter because you end up on the same jeep or a minute behind them on the next one. Ever since then, I just let everyone pass.

This last trip, people cut us at HM. Well, dh says there really isn't a line, but I figure if I get out of that room/elevator to get in the buggy and an entirely different group gets out after us and get in front of us - that is cutting. So ds said, "hey, those people are cutting." I said, "Yes, honey. This is Disney World and when in Disney, people cut in line."

[Tinkerbellarella]

Here’s the thing: I have me some strange skin coloring. My dad was 100% Italian. Mom brings French, Irish and a little German into the mix. I wound up with very fair skin with a slight olive undertone.

My dad brings the Portuguese (akin to Italian) and my mom brings the French-Canadian. My younger brother ended up with skin that browns to a gorgeous golden immediately when within 4.2 feet of any manner of sun. Moi? Hmph.

Let me explain by way of a recent experience. This past weekend I was Maid of Honor in a wedding. The dresses were knee-length and strapless. It's May and here in New England that equates to approximately 1.36 days at a temp higher than 72 degress. And that was somewhere back in January.

The bride tanned and, like my brother, bronzed rather nicely, rather quickly. The two bridesmaids are Dominican so they have gorgeous mocha skin naturally. Yours truly? Well, the word pasty was used. I countered back with porcelain.

So, long story short, I feel your pain. At best I turn a healthy shade of rosy. Never, my friend, anything in the brown family.

I resolved there at TL to find a self-tanner with a scent that didn’t make me vomit and that would result in something more normal-looking. (P.S. haven’t found one yet)

http://www.neutrogena.com/images/Pd/Pd_00417_00_lg.jpg

This is what I used, for only three days before the wedding and I have to admit it worked fairly well! I got a number of comments on how people no longer needed to shield their eyes when I stepped into the sun. I'd say it darkened my extraordinarily fair skin to a warm and fleshy color in 4-5 applications over 3 days. The bottle is small and was $9.99, but a good buy. And the smell? DE-LISH. Seriously. I have a Jergens one too that smells like crap. This one is grapefruit-nectarine and has a scent that is soft but lasts throughout the day. I'd wear it as an everyday scent.

IT was a ROLLED UP PANTY-LINER!!!!!!!!!!! :scared1: :scared1: :scared1:

This is positively disgusting and had this been a Leo-less me, would've turned my tongue sharper than a steak knife. I mean seriously, I try to keep myself 'Disnified' and patient whenever in the World (and the world) but this is disgusting and unsanitary and rude. Bleh.

Yay for the update. Hope the project is going well. I turned in my final paper and final exam last night. I feel so liberated this morning. I was actually able to read something other than my Research Methods book.

:flower3:

[kykatt2]

Thanks for the "illuminated illustration" THere were parts that I :lmao:
Parts that I :confused3 Some places I :hug: then there was the :scared1: .

Much better than pictures. Had you photographed every Colorful sentence it would have been just an TR. However you painted a picture in my head much like "radio" did for my parents and reading does for me. So I popcorn:: till I reached the "pantyliner" thingie... Then I :crazy2:

A+ :goodvibes

[jcc0621]

Because I was sporting my new, super-sleek, teeny-tiny Canon SD1000 camera for the trip. I looove this camera and there was no way I’d chance bringing it to TL to meet its untimely demise in the wave pool or through some stranger’s five-finger discount. Nuh-uh. So I’ll just have to illustrate this story using colorful verbiage. Which is completely different from colorful language. TFI.

Understandable:thumbsup2


“Nope. Wanna go to TL.”

Of course he does:rolleyes:

Leo was right. TL wound up being a great choice!

Well, I guess the kiddos have to be right once in a while;)


Take a moment and imagine what my fair, sunless skin did with no sunscreen after eight hours on the beach in Miami. In August.

:scared1:


British…. pink. ;) LY Jo!

:laughing: LY too Jo:hug:


I thought the skirted bottoms were a great solution. Until I looked around at TL. Here’s what I found – skirted bottoms look old. Granny-old. No matter how old one’s chubby thighs may be, the skirted bottom adds the appropriate number of years necessary to reach 75.

Don't ANYONE look at me in my bathing suit in August:eek:


Leo wanted a Mickey ice cream treat, so we first stopped at Lowtide Lou’s (conveniently located just behind our resting spot), where I shelled out half a mortgage payment for a Mickey head that took a nose-dive straight to the concrete halfway through.

DOh:headache:

Then we moseyed around the path toward Shark Reef, where Leo enjoys going down into the sub to make faces in the windows at the snorkelers.

When we once again reached our chairs, Leo said, “I’m done. Let’s go Mommy.” And that was that! We headed back up to the changing rooms and grabbed a stall in which to shed the damp swimsuits and switch to dry street clothes.


And that’s when IT happened.

:sick:


About two(2) hours at TL and we were back on the road. But where oh where was that road headed?

Have you checked in yet:confused3 popcorn::

Really?? Well that's craptastic! I'm just gonna suck it up and accept my Granny skirted bottoms. I refuse to subject the public to my hideous case of chub rub. :sad2:

See my comment above;)


Uhhh... what's a swirly? Wait... do I even want to know? Uhhhh.. yeah, go ahead, tell me. :confused3

popcorn::

[Goofyluver]

Mmmmkay...another vote for Neutrogena sunless tanner here. Works great. You'd think with my mexican blood running through my veins that I could tan darker than the color on a pair of khaki pants...doesn't happen.

And...the pantyliner...EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW! :sad2: DISGUSTING! Those girls would have gotten a teacher ear-full from me! It pays to work with children...you know how to beat them back with words! ;)

Waiting patiently for more...

[PrincessV]

popcorn::

But.

No pressure.

De ja vu much? ;)
:rotfl2: Good one!

Looking forward to the run down on tl. Going in July w/ dd, dsil, & their 4db,:dance3: 1ddprincess: ,& Dwife. 2 dGS are <6 yo.
They'll have a GREAT time! There really is something for every age at TL. That may be the case at BB, too, but Leo has so far refused to look. :rolleyes:

I'm heading to WDW this weekend too. Actually leaving on Wednesday and coming home on Sunday, so sort of weekend, right? I'll keep my eye out for you! Where are you guys staying - I'm gonna be at Pop. Solo, baby!!
Get outta town! We'll be at BCV Sat. night. NO KIDS!!! Whoopes, I'm giving stuff away. We have no plans at the moment, but I'll be on the lookout for ya! Wait - I'm horrible at finding DISers; best you keep an eye out for me, as well. ;)

Trip 2??? Already??? :banana: :woohoo: :cool1:
::yes::

If your school project/paper is as wonderful as your report on TL expect an A on the project.
You are so sweet - thank you! :goodvibes But I have a confession... it took so long to get things done, I never wrote the school paper. :guilty:

Yay! Great update!

Keep writing that paper!
Thanks! I'm onto the paper today... or maybe tomorrow. ;)

Ahhh... the life of an AP holder. Grand, isn't it? :cloud9:
LOL, I'm pushing hard for multiple water park trips just to get my money's worth out of the WP passes!
That's because no one should be yellow-green. ;)
Tell me about it. :rolleyes:
Oh H to the Hell no!!
:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: This is funny - shortly after IT happened, I found myself wondering, "What will T's reply be when she hears this??"

Hi V! I just wanted to come out of lurkdom to voice my disgust. :eek:
Hi! Thanks for coming out of lurkdom; sorry I grossed you out in the process! ;)

Good-Happy-EnjoyingYourDayWithYour Kid-Wow for the fun you and Leo had TL.


And Icky-Gross-Bad Wow. For you know what.
That totally sums it up! :goodvibes :crazy2:

[PrincessV]

I thought of you yesterday when, in French class, we learned this: le point virgule. Semi-colon.;)
Oooooo!! Je l'aime, le point virgule! C'est fromidable :thumbsup2

V, you know your AP gets you free parking?
Sadly, mine doesn't; I've got the FL Seasonal Pass. It has blackout dates and doesn't include parking. BUT it's $100 less than the regular FL AP! :yay:
I was so sick and tired of everyone cutting in front of us the entire trip, I snapped at them and said something about them cutting. Turns out my mil told them to go ahead, but didn't tell me that.
Oh no - that's classic! :rotfl:

Well, the word pasty was used. I countered back with porcelain.
YEAH! :mad:
http://www.neutrogena.com/images/Pd/Pd_00417_00_lg.jpg

This is what I used, for only three days before the wedding and I have to admit it worked fairly well!
I haven't seen this one in our stores - I'll try drugstore.com if I can't find it. Thanks a bunch! :cheer2:
I have a Jergens one too that smells like crap.
OMG, Jergens is the WORST!!! And it figures - it atually makes me a decent color. But I'm so allergic to the scent I wind up needing my emergency asthma inhaler.:headache:

Much better than pictures. Had you photographed every Colorful sentence it would have been just an TR. However you painted a picture in my head much like "radio" did for my parents and reading does for me. So I popcorn::
Thanks! I do think sometimes I substitute pics for wrods, when the wrods would have told the story so much better.
till I reached the "pantyliner" thingie... Then I :crazy2:
:rotfl:

Well, I guess the kiddos have to be right once in a while;)
Think there's some kind of ammendment we could pass outlawing that? ;)
Have you checked in yet:confused3 popcorn::
Nope, not yet! :rolleyes1

Uhhh... what's a swirly? Wait... do I even want to know? Uhhhh.. yeah, go ahead, tell me. :confused3
I'm with T on this one. Do we want to know? :rolleyes:
Really?! No one else knows of this? it was very big where I grew up, particualrly as a torture device for high school freshmen. A "swirly" is when a couple of kids (usually jocks) grab another kid (usually the non-jock), tips him upside down, put his head in the toilet and flushes.

:scared:

I KNOW. :crazy2:


Mmmmkay...another vote for Neutrogena sunless tanner here. Works great. You'd think with my mexican blood running through my veins that I could tan darker than the color on a pair of khaki pants...doesn't happen.
OMG, KHAKI - that's exactly my color! :rotfl2:

[KatGarcia]

I lost all sense of the amusing colorful update when I read the words "panty liner". WHAT THE F!!!!!!! I would have stormed out of there and had a few not so Disney words for those girls. Jeez. I'm mortified for you.

[Disneyland_Mama]

T, there's no way you have chub rub. I on the other hand...:scared:
:rotfl2: You didn't see them in the pool photos from last year? :confused3

Of course you didn't, because I was hiding them behind Jo's DD! ;)

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: This is funny - shortly after IT happened, I found myself wondering, "What will T's reply be when she hears this??"
It was actually worse than that - but I'm trying to avoid points these days. :teeth:

[Miz Diz]

Yuck!!!!


Okay, V - a dining question.

I made ressies at Garden Grill. Where do I want to request to sit? I remember something in a previous TR of yours, but can't remember where.

[PrincessV]

Okay, V - a dining question.

I made ressies at Garden Grill. Where do I want to request to sit? I remember something in a previous TR of yours, but can't remember where.

Lower tier! :thumbsup2 These are half-curcle booths looking out on the scenery. The upper tier is tables with chairs and the view is somewhat blocked by the tables below.

[PrincessV]

I would have stormed out of there and had a few not so Disney words for those girls.
Believe me, I had some choice words, too. But they were walking out as IT happened - some innocent bystander would've thought I was tlaking to them! :eek:

:rotfl2: You didn't see them in the pool photos from last year? :confused3

Of course you didn't, because I was hiding them behind Jo's DD! ;)

:lmao:

[DisneyJo]

And that’s all I’ll say about that. OK :rotfl2:

enjoyed our lunch whilst watching the floaters. Float by. On floats. Very descriptive V :rotfl:

British…. pink. ;) LY Jo! Hey :headache: :rotfl2:

I thought the skirted bottoms were a great solution. Until I looked around at TL. Here’s what I found – skirted bottoms look old. Granny-old. No matter how old one’s chubby thighs may be, the skirted bottom adds the appropriate number of years necessary to reach 75. I think the skirted bottoms look cute but they don't sell them here :sad2:

Look away, I’m hideous. V you most definitely are not hideous, you're beautiful and you have a great figure :goodvibes

IT was a ROLLED UP PANTY-LINER!!!!!!!!!!! :scared1: :scared1: :scared1: OMG that is the most revolting thing I've ever heard :scared:

About two(2) hours at TL and we were back on the road. But where oh where was that road headed? Ummmmm DHS?

Of course you didn't, because I was hiding them behind Jo's DD! ;) OMG T I read that as Jo's DD's rather than Jo's DDaughter :rotfl2:

[Disneyland_Mama]

OMG T I read that as Jo's DD's rather than Jo's DDaughter :rotfl2:
:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

Thanks for the new hiding place! :lmao:

[disneyhockeymad]

eww that's possibly the worst thing I've heard ever happen at WDW. I feel so sorry for you, it's horrible that those girls were just laughing as well.
Apart from that 'incident' your trip to TL sounds really fun! Can't wait to see where you go next!

[Sleeping*Beauty]

Hi. I’m V and I have chubby thighs.

:wave2: Me too!!

[cmp1111]

Oooh, V. Yuck.

I think I stole one of your Target suits - you posted a picture, then I saw it, and... But it does indeed have the skirted bottom. And my problem with it in TN was that I couldn't throw my jeans over it to get to the gym. :headache: D'oh.

I'm still looking for a better new one for August.

I used to turn brown in seconds, but these days I'm burning a bit that turns brown within 12 hours or so - but still. I forget sunscreen all the time. Doesn't matter SO much for me, though I need to be more careful - but it's bad for my one fair son. :headache: The other is tan, like I used to be.

And I'm babbling. But except for the end, it seemed like a great afternoon!

(Your prof would have ticked me off, too! I am generally one for "get it said concisely" - babbling aside, of course.:rolleyes1 :rotfl: )

[jcc0621]

OMG T I read that as Jo's DD's rather than Jo's DDaughter :rotfl2:

:lmao: :lmao:

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

Thanks for the new hiding place! :lmao:

:rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[aldisneygrl]

Glad you don't have any pictures, 'cause I sure wouldn't have wanted to see IT. :scared1: :scared:


Glad you scored a good uncrowded spot at TL. :thumbsup2

I need a new suit, so thanks for the V Bathing suit buying tips! :thumbsup2

[askelton]

Sadly, mine doesn't; I've got the FL Seasonal Pass. It has blackout dates and doesn't include parking. BUT it's $100 less than the regular FL AP! :yay:

Are you sure you don't pay more than $100 for parking as much as you go? :rolleyes1

Really?! No one else knows of this? it was very big where I grew up, particualrly as a torture device for high school freshmen. A "swirly" is when a couple of kids (usually jocks) grab another kid (usually the non-jock), tips him upside down, put his head in the toilet and flushes.

:scared:

I KNOW. :crazy2:oy vey! :sad2:

[PrincessV]

I think the skirted bottoms look cute but they don't sell them here :sad2:
I will say that the straight skirts aren't bad at all... but mine kind of poofs out, almost like it's a bit gathered. NOT good. :sad2:
V you most definitely are not hideous, you're beautiful and you have a great figure :goodvibes
You are the BEST! :hug:
OMG T I read that as Jo's DD's rather than Jo's DDaughter :rotfl2:
BWAHAHAHA!!!!! You guys are bad!

Apart from that 'incident' your trip to TL sounds really fun!
It really was! I can't say enough how much fun we have at TL. I'm really relishing these years before Leo wants to do all the big slides. Right now, it's such a relaxing day. :cloud9:

:wave2: Me too!!
Welcome to the club! Near as I can tell, I was born with 'em and they've never gone away. :rolleyes:

I think I stole one of your Target suits - you posted a picture, then I saw it, and... But it does indeed have the skirted bottom. And my problem with it in TN was that I couldn't throw my jeans over it to get to the gym. :headache: D'oh.
Oh shoot - I never thought of that! :rotfl:
I'm still looking for a better new one for August.
I jsut bit the bullet and ordered a couple from Lands End. I'll let you know how they look/fit when they arrive. :thumbsup2

Glad you don't have any pictures, 'cause I sure wouldn't have wanted to see IT. :scared1: :scared:
:lmao: I never thought of that!
I need a new suit, so thanks for the V Bathing suit buying tips! :thumbsup2
I'll post a Lands End suit review next week-ish!
Are you sure you don't pay more than $100 for parking as much as you go? :rolleyes1
Nope - not even close. Last year, we only paid for parking once, thanks to spending the night on-site and "alternative" parking lots. :pssst:

[askelton]

I'll post a Lands End suit review next week-ish!

Their suits are good for swimming but not so much for sunning. I can't have tan lines you know. :rolleyes1

:pssst:I like this! :thumbsup2

[PrincessV]

I like this! :thumbsup2

LOL, that wasn't the smiley I meant to use at all! Was s'posed to be this one: :ssst:

[PrincessAlways]

My dad was 100% Italian. Dad never burned in his life; he just got darker and darker as those Sicilian roots embraced the sun’s rays and defied any attempt at damage. Consequently, Dad never owned sunscreen.

:lmao: V, I'm laughing with you!! My Dad was 100% Italian with family roots from Sicily. Never burned a day in his life! Walked into the sunlight & magically had this beautiful bronze color! Now, Mom's 100% Italian with family roots from Naples. Totally different section...light skin tone & NEVER, NEVER tans & doesn't like the sun!! Never burned a day in her life, but never tanned either. Now to the children...My brother is like my Dad. Yep, you guessed it...I'm fair like my Mom. I burn to a crisp!! However, I have learned to use sunscreen. I can actually get a tan! :woohoo: Not like the other 2 though!! :rotfl:


As I stepped a foot into my shorts, something flew over the top of our stall, bounced off Leo’s head and landed on top of our towels in my beach bag as a group of teenage girls walked by, giggling. I looked at it and realized…

IT was a ROLLED UP PANTY-LINER!!!!!!!!!!! :scared1: :scared1: :scared1:


:headache: How gross!!

About two(2) hours at TL and we were back on the road. But where oh where was that road headed?
:confused3 :confused3

[Tinkerbellarella]

Hey V!

I got this month's edition of SELF magazine in the mail and they have a great review of sunless tanners...well of all sorts of different lotions, hair stuff, etc. really.

Anyway, just thought you should check it out. The Neutrogena one is in there but there were a few others too.

I didn't realize until after I finished reading the issue that I don't subscribe to SELF. I subscribe to SHAPE.

I'm now convinced that it was FATE that I got this issue. Just so I could tell you about it. ;)

[PrincessV]

:lmao: V, I'm laughing with you!! My Dad was 100% Italian with family roots from Sicily. Never burned a day in his life! Walked into the sunlight & magically had this beautiful bronze color!
It's crazy, right?! What's worse, he remarried and the child they had, my step-brother, is even fairer than I and freckled. You'd think those Sicilian genes would be tougher.

Hey V!

I got this month's edition of SELF magazine in the mail and they have a great review of sunless tanners...well of all sorts of different lotions, hair stuff, etc. really.

Anyway, just thought you should check it out. The Neutrogena one is in there but there were a few others too.

I didn't realize until after I finished reading the issue that I don't subscribe to SELF. I subscribe to SHAPE.

I'm now convinced that it was FATE that I got this issue. Just so I could tell you about it. ;)
:rotfl2: I'm on it - it'll make great pool reading this weekend! Thaks for the tip Tink!

[sharkB8HooHaHa]

V,
I'm still too grossed out about the panty liner to respond :scared1:

I'll be back when I recover.

[Bloodhound]

Hi V, woooow have I gotten behind here...I'll catch up and be back in a little while

[Bloodhound]

NOw you can't make that statement and think we are not going to ask what his theory ispopcorn::



I have.

Hi, I am trying to find out which airport iand car rental is cheapest to fly into DL area?

[jcc0621]

Hi, I am trying to find out which airport iand car rental is cheapest to fly into DL area?


I live in Philly so I wouldn't know:confused3 :confused: :goodvibes

[PrincessV]

As I prepare to take off for Trip #2 of this recurring trip report, I thought it might be nice to leave with the rest of Day One(1) of Trip #1 completed.

That, and I just realized I have another course starting next week for which I have not books nor mental preparation. D’OH! Guess who’ll be speed-reading and writing come Monday?


For those unfamiliar, I am, have been for several years, and likely will be for all eternity, in school pursuing an Art History degree. I’m actually pretty darned close to the BA, but you can’t do squat with a BA in Art History. So I’ll need to continue on for an MFA. Which nets just slightly more than squat in the museum and gallery world. Really, I’ll need a PhD in Art History. In order to make about half of what I make now in marketing.

I know. :headache:

But, if you follow your passion, the jobs will come.

Right?


RIGHT???


Sorry. Back to happier themes.


Like the wild and crazy antics of feminine hygiene product-wielding teenagers at Typhoon Lagoon.


Heh heh.


Actually, Leo and I had just departed TL and were on our way to….. CSR! It was just before 3pm, so I thought checking in might be a good idea. I’ve learned to allow plenty of time for a room inspection and possible room change/s. And how have I come to that conclusion?

May 2007: the smelliest room on earth at CSR
August 2007: a pretty funky room smell at POR
December 2006: the moldiest room on earth at BWI

Once bitten, twice shy. (NOGreat White)


Check-in was a breeze – no line! And I love when the CMs work with me…

“Hi, I’m V and I’m a frequent WDW guest. Yes, I know the park hours, transportation options and daily events. All I need is a resort map, parking pass and room key.”

“Fantastic V – here’s your key, this is your room number and I’ve circled the building. Have a great weekend!”

Actually, she told me a bit more, and I learned something new: Building 2 in the Casitas section of CSR has a fourth floor. But the elevator in Building 2 only goes to the third floor. Apparently, the architects screwed up along the way and no one noticed until all was installed.



Stop for a moment. Think hard about all you know about WDW. DDP. Park hours. “Free” dining. The fantastic improvements brought to Journey Into Imagination during its first rehab. (NOAmy Winehouse) Does it really surprise you that they’d forget to make the elevator reach the top floor?



Me neither.

But neither does it surprise me that they’ve found a solution and thoroughly briefed the CMs on its application. Turns out, if you park close to the main path leading to Building 3, you can take its elevator to the fourth floor. And a short walkway connects Buildings 2 and 3. Easy-peasy.


We made quick work of finding our room. Guess our view? I’ll give you two hints:

1. It was booked with an AP discount.
2. The booking category was some mysterious option that showed less than the standard view rate.


Here it is…











http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2011/2449566084_0133f39089.jpg

What – you were expecting maybe a lagoon view? Puh-leeaase. If so, this is obviously your first time traveling with V and family.

Sure enough, we had a lovely view of the Casitas parking lot. But Leo pointed out something else, something more exciting within our view. You’ll have to zoom…

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2047/2449566186_c5e4208424.jpg

Look Ma – I can see Mt. Everest! I was pretty jazzed, actually; I’m a huge Everest history buff. The mountain. Not the ride. (NOImagineers) The ride’s good and all, but I’m somewhat obsessed with making it to the real Everest’s Base Camp someday.


But the view was NOT what worried me. I inserted the key, took a couple steps inside and smelled…


… a very faint scent of bleach. Hooray! No noxious chemical odors, no flatulent human odors. We were golden! (Or yellow-green, as the case may be. NODad)

Not only did it smell okay, it may have been the cleanest hotel room in which I’ve stayed. Ever. I’d be very surprised if one could find a single fuzz on the carpet kind of clean. When I picked up the remote, it was a tad damp. So I smelled it. (T, stop laughing – you know you would too!) Bleach water. Yahooy, they even cleaned the remote!

Here’s a look around:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3007/2449564380_3ef9ee77d0.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2159/2449564590_0822d98a8a.jpg

Leo liked it too:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2081/2448741781_0906620b36.jpg

And what do we have here?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2050/2449565068_d9d8a5015c.jpg

A-ha! My brand new Lands End toiletry bag which holds ALL of my travel-size necessities, AND Leo’s, too! And look what’s inside it…

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2146/2448742359_a8741ba2a1_m.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2289/2449565250_210f0b36d8_m.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2133/2449565606_9b2d410064_m.jpg

Haven’t seen those in a while, eh? I don’t even know how long I’ve been dragging that thing around. But I know for certain that the one trip I leave it home will be the one trip I’ll need it. Inside, are several lengths of colored threads, a needle, a safety pin, 2 buttons and a band aid. For when you stick your finger whilst sewing your popped button. After one too many Dole Whips. Not that I’d know. :rolleyes1


Now, it’s time to check on our third character, my hair. I’d worn a hat at TL, so it was in need of a touch-up. I wet my fingers, ran them through, but not so hard as to lose the curl, and – voila! Back in business! The new ‘do was working out just fine, thank you.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070/2449565924_c2ec8f0059.jpg


With our room approved, Leo and I talked about our next step. We seriously considered Epcot, but decided instead to stay closer to home. Leo was ready to play freely. And. V was ready for a drink.

Conveniently, CSR offers both in close proximity: the Explorer’s playground and its companion, the pool bar.

I just love the grounds at CSR – it’s so relaxing and pretty! We(I) took some pictures along the way…

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2306/2449567102_e5f64108a4.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2122/2448744207_eeb8d21be9.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/2448744515_cac2ca861b.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2239/2449568022_b868d122a3.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2181/2449568224_a88d0e09e5.jpg


I didn’t get a picture of this, but check this out: there’s a roped-off LINE for the pool bar to order drinks. No more standing with your $20 in your outstretched hand, flagging down a bartender. Nope. We now queue for a to-go drink. Weird.

I must’ve looked like I could use a drink, because the Mojito I ordered was way strong. So strong, I did something I’ve never done before – threw it out before I’d finished.

Could someone pick LL up off the floor please? ;)

It was de-lish, though! Mojito for me and juice for Leo in hand, we headed over to the playground, where Leo had a wonderful time playing archeological explorer.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2183/2449568670_c7cfb5b00f.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2318/2448746567_3946fa0993.jpg

Leo played. I sipped. Leo played. I sipped. Leo played. I sipped.

What a perfect afternoon! :goodvibes


By the time I was done sipping and Leo was done playing, it was time to eat. Unfortunately for us, CSR’s food choices leave something to be desired. I’m just not a fan of the whole sorta-table-service-sorta-not deal at the Pepper Market. And the Maya Grill sucks. SUCKS. But I wasn’t willing to travel anywhere else, so Pepper Market it was.

Leo had the kids’ pizza meal…

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3207/2449569798_952943dc9b.jpg

Yes.

That’s all of it. :sad2:

And I had the Bourbon Chicken…

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2312/2448746919_50f616dff9.jpg

It was okay. Not great, but not awful.


After dinner, we made a stop at the gift shop for a special Leo gift. The little man was hurting for something piratey, and he’d seen piratey-looking goods in the window. He got something, but I can’t tell you about it till later. :ssst:

I grabbed a couple containers of milk for our breakfast the next morning, and we headed back to the CLEAN room.


I let Leo watch some TV and we both got showered before bed. It had been a good day – not the best ever, but good nonetheless. We’d managed two parks, a drive to Orlando and some free time at the resort. Not too shabby. And the next day held the promise of MK all day long. I fell asleep thinking of the fun we’d have hitting all of our favorites, and some we hadn’t seen in a long time.

Next: Even the best laid plans…

[Bloodhound]

OK ... where is everyone ... they must all have better Fridy Night plans than me...lol

[Bloodhound]

Wow Ive never been first to any of your TR...oh yea its not even close to Tuesday :) The CSR room grounds and Aztec playground are extreamly awesome...Ive never been in that area. The great pics were flowin again...we'd expect nothing less..lol

We neeed a camera critique everyone update ...Im looking for a new digital parks all in one camera for day and night pictures for fireworks etc etc everything...thanks keep in mine it needs to be easy to use for a novice adult

[princessjv]

V- Love, love following your time with just the two of you. What luck to be able to weekend in WDW from time to time. LOVE IT!

Seriously...what unbelievable nerve of those teenage-looser-girls! I would have ran them down and given them a little taking too. Surely you handled it much better than I ever could have.

Really you are on the midst of another visit? :sick: I'm literally GREEN with envy! You lucky girl!

[2xcited2sleep]

I'm green with envy too. Thank goodness you let us live vicariously through your reports! Hope you have/had a great time!!! popcorn::

[jcc0621]

Oh sure, put up an installment and then slink out of town..like we don't know that you are already at your happy place.;)

:woohoo: on the non-smelly room.

:banana: to relaxing and playground time.

LL - Here are the smelling salts:rolleyes1

[Goofyluver]

Oy V...get it? I'm not saying all of my bits are good...but I try!!!

I kinda like CSR...it looks like home! :teeth:

And I'm keeping the pool bars in mind for my trip...with my motha! :scared:

[Sleeping*Beauty]

Yay!! a clean room!!

[KatGarcia]

Hooray for no strange smells! It's about time!

I love CSR, I loved the whole thing, the rooms, the pool, the pool bar. A+ in my book!

Sounds like a perfect day!

[puggymom]

Well, first an apology, as I seemed to have missed yout TL update. WHich after finally reading, not such a bd thing, considering the flying feminen products you encountered:sick:


And now you are off to the happy place.


Anywho, loved both updates, CSR does look nice, but you know me (and you too T), I will just have to experience it through your eyes.


And congrats on the non-smelly, clean room!


BTW, that Leo just gets cuter each time I see him:goodvibes

[cmp1111]

Once bitten, twice shy. (NOGreat White)
My, my, my... :lmao:

Does it really surprise you that they’d forget to make the elevator reach the top floor?

I'm still a bit of a noob, I guess, because this does surprise me some. :rotfl2:

… a very faint scent of bleach. Hooray! No noxious chemical odors, no flatulent human odors. We were golden! (Or yellow-green, as the case may be. NODad)

Pshew, you had me fooled with your installment title.

So I smelled it. (T, stop laughing – you know you would too!)

:rotfl:

I didn’t get a picture of this, but check this out: there’s a roped-off LINE for the pool bar to order drinks. No more standing with your $20 in your outstretched hand, flagging down a bartender. Nope. We now queue for a to-go drink. Weird.

I suppose it's more fair, but that IS indeed odd. :confused:

Could someone pick LL up off the floor please? ;)

:rotfl2:

[PrincessAlways]

:banana: That's for the easy check in!

:woohoo: That's for the clean, non-smelly room!

:cool1: That's for the relaxing for you & Leo & your Mojito!

::yes:: That's because I agree with the food choices at CSR!! It does suck!

[PrincessV]

Wow Ive never been first to any of your TR...oh yea its not even close to Tuesday :)
AND, you made it to first with a legitimate post! :cool1: (Unlike some others around here who may or may not post and run. ;) )
We neeed a camera critique everyone update ...Im looking for a new digital parks all in one camera for day and night pictures for fireworks etc etc everything...thanks keep in mine it needs to be easy to use for a novice adult
Know what? I really do recommend my little one, the Canon SD1000, or its cousin the SD750. Both take great night pics, a tough feat for a point-n-shoot. :thumbsup2
Seriously...what unbelievable nerve of those teenage-looser-girls! I would have ran them down and given them a little taking too. Surely you handled it much better than I ever could have.
Truly, I just didn't have time to do anything; they dropped and ran - I was naked and in charge of a 5yo!
Really you are on the midst of another visit? :sick: I'm literally GREEN with envy! You lucky girl!
I'm green with envy too. Thank goodness you let us live vicariously through your reports! Hope you have/had a great time!!! popcorn::
Thanks guys - you're right, it is nice to live so close. But keep in mind what I suffer for that proximity: endless hot, humid summers full of hurricane threats followed by hoards of slow-driving, restaurant and store-clogging tourists. Every area has its drawbacks.
Oh sure, put up an installment and then slink out of town..like we don't know that you are already at your happy place.;)
Heh heh. ;)

Oy V...get it?
:lmao: OMG, it may well be the heat and bewildering array of adult beverages this weekend getting to me, but I thought that was hysterical!
And I'm keeping the pool bars in mind for my trip...with my motha! :scared:
::yes:: The pool bar is your friend.
Yay!! a clean room!!
:banana:
I love CSR, I loved the whole thing, the rooms, the pool, the pool bar. A+ in my book! !
I have to admit, I like the place a lot.
BTW, that Leo just gets cuter each time I see him:goodvibes
Aww, thank you! :hug:
Pshew, you had me fooled with your installment title.
Did ya like that?! I figured it might throw some long-time readers. ;)

::yes:: That's because I agree with the food choices at CSR!! It does suck!
It always makes me feel better to hear this from other people. I sometimes wonder if it's just me. :confused:

[1Princess1Prince2006]

Sounds like you both had a great time at TL! Minus the whole pantyliner thing...that is just gross!!

Wow! What a pretty resort! And the room isn't that bad at CSR. That was my second choice of resort for when we go in December. And I like the hair!!!

[micandminforever]

;

I let Leo watch some TV and we both got showered before bed. It had been a good day – not the best ever, but good nonetheless. We’d managed two parks, a drive to Orlando and some free time at the resort. Not too shabby. And the next day held the promise of MK all day long. I fell asleep thinking of the fun we’d have hitting all of our favorites, and some we hadn’t seen in a long time.

Next: Even the best laid plans…


I love a good cliff-hanger.:eek:

Best of luck with your next class.

[Disneyland_Mama]

But, if you follow your passion, the jobs will come.
If you say so.... :confused:

Right?


RIGHT???
ALRIGHT...okay! Sheesh! :rolleyes1


Like the wild and crazy antics of feminine hygiene product-wielding teenagers at Typhoon Lagoon.
Thanks, V. Do you know how long it took me to get that thought out of my head? :scared:


May 2007: the smelliest room on earth at CSR
August 2007: a pretty funky room smell at POR
December 2006: the moldiest room on earth at BWI
I remember like it was yesterday. (NOBeatles)


We made quick work of finding our room. Guess our view? I’ll give you two hints:
Parking lot and parking lot! :lmao:


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2011/2449566084_0133f39089.jpg

I knew it! :banana: Sorry, V. But what's that in the distance?? Could it be.......

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2047/2449566186_c5e4208424.jpg
Yay!! Everest, baby! :yay:

The ride’s good and all, but I’m somewhat obsessed with making it to the real Everest’s Base Camp someday.
Meet ya there! :cloud9:


But the view was NOT what worried me. I inserted the key, took a couple steps inside and smelled…
Uh-oh... here it comes......:scared:

When I picked up the remote, it was a tad damp. So I smelled it. (T, stop laughing – you know you would too!)
Yes, I'm laughing... only because you're absolutely right! :rotfl2:


I just love the grounds at CSR – it’s so relaxing and pretty! We(I) took some pictures along the way
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2181/2449568224_a88d0e09e5.jpg
Very pretty! I'm with Mo, though. ;)

I must’ve looked like I could use a drink, because the Mojito I ordered was way strong. So strong, I did something I’ve never done before – threw it out before I’d finished.
Look away, LL!!! Look away!!!!:eek:

Could someone pick LL up off the floor please? ;)
:rotfl2: :rotfl2:


Next: Even the best laid plans…

Hmmm... this doesn't sound so good. popcorn::

[sorul82?]

Hooray for a clean room! :yay:

Is it me, or does Leo just keep getting cuter and cuter?

[askelton]

Look Ma – I can see Mt. Everest! I was pretty jazzed, actually; I’m a huge Everest history buff. The mountain. Not the ride. (NOImagineers) The ride’s good and all, but I’m somewhat obsessed with making it to the real Everest’s Base Camp someday.

:scared1: What?! You have seen the show haven't you?

When I picked up the remote, it was a tad damp. So I smelled it. (T, stop laughing – you know you would too!) Bleach water. Yahooy, they even cleaned the remote!:rotfl2:


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2081/2448741781_0906620b36.jpgSo cute!



http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2050/2449565068_d9d8a5015c.jpgOk, how do you pack this? I feel like it takes up so much room in my suitcase but I love that I can put everything in there.

Conveniently, CSR offers both in close proximity: the Explorer’s playground and its companion, the pool bar.I hung out at the other pool farther away from the pool bar but it was just the ducks and me in that pool! :thumbsup2

I didn’t get a picture of this, but check this out: there’s a roped-off LINE for the pool bar to order drinks. No more standing with your $20 in your outstretched hand, flagging down a bartender. Nope. We now queue for a to-go drink. Weird.Maybe they need pool boys to bring the drinks? :rolleyes1

Leo played. I sipped. Leo played. I sipped. Leo played. I sipped.

What a perfect afternoon! :goodvibes It sure sounds like it.

[Goofyluver]

:lmao: OMG, it may well be the heat and bewildering array of adult beverages this weekend getting to me, but I thought that was hysterical!



Hey...I'll take it however I can get it...heat stroke or not! :teeth: :lmao:

[Tinkerbellarella]

No more standing with your $20 in your outstretched hand, flagging down a bartender. Nope. We now queue for a to-go drink. Weird.

Not so much. Disney, IMHO, is the ultimate corporate control freak. I'm convinced that somewhere, in a windowless, flourescent lit room, there is a Disney employee trying to figure out how to control the spontaneous puking that sometimes results from a spin on the Tea Cups a la the two Mission Space options. Seriously. Think about it.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2183/2449568670_c7cfb5b00f.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2318/2448746567_3946fa0993.jpg

This looks so cool I want to go play there. Right now.

And I had the Bourbon Chicken…

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2312/2448746919_50f616dff9.jpg

There's chicken somewhere in those much-cheaper-to-grill-and-serve-as-a-meal-veggies?

I hope you had a great time on trip numero dos!

:flower3:

[mymainmouse]

What a great first day! Leo is a cutie and your camera takes awesome pictures!

[DisneyJo]

But, if you follow your passion, the jobs will come.

Right?


RIGHT??? If you say so :rotfl2:

We made quick work of finding our room. Guess our view? I’ll give you two hints: Both of our trips so far have been parking lot views and we pay the earth for our rooms :sad2: That's why I've booked direct this time and paid for water view :rotfl2:

When I picked up the remote, it was a tad damp. So I smelled it. (T, stop laughing – you know you would too!) Bleach water. Yahooy, they even cleaned the remote! :rotfl2: and :yay:

The new ‘do was working out just fine, thank you. Looking good V :thumbsup2

So strong, I did something I’ve never done before – threw it out before I’d finished. OMG it's Lapu night all over again :rotfl2:

[sorul82?]

If you say so :rotfl2:

Both of our trips so far have been parking lot views and we pay the earth for our rooms :sad2: That's why I've booked direct this time and paid for water view :rotfl2:

:rotfl2: and :yay:

Looking good V :thumbsup2

OMG it's Lapu night all over again :rotfl2:

That's what I was thinking. :rolleyes1

[Lauralee131]

Ok, I only have a few minutes as I'm heading out to a cub scout cookout...

Actually, Leo and I had just departed TL and were on our way to….. CSR! It was just before 3pm, so I thought checking in might be a good idea. I’ve learned to allow plenty of time for a room inspection and possible room change/s. And how have I come to that conclusion?

May 2007: the smelliest room on earth at CSR
August 2007: a pretty funky room smell at POR
December 2006: the moldiest room on earth at BWI

Once bitten, twice shy. (NOGreat White)


Stop for a moment. Think hard about all you know about WDW. DDP. Park hours. “Free” dining. The fantastic improvements brought to Journey Into Imagination during its first rehab. (NOAmy Winehouse) Does it really surprise you that they’d forget to make the elevator reach the top floor?

Sadly, working in construction, it does NOT surprise me than an architect would leave the vertical transportation off the Level 4 detail sheet. And the electrical drawings. And the structural steel drawings. And the mechanical drawings...

But...I hear Disney's the toughest Owner in the world to work for so THAT surprises me...

But neither does it surprise me that they’ve found a solution and thoroughly briefed the CMs on its application. Turns out, if you park close to the main path leading to Building 3, you can take its elevator to the fourth floor. And a short walkway connects Buildings 2 and 3. Easy-peasy.

Oh good. I was getting concerned...


We made quick work of finding our room. Guess our view? I’ll give you two hints:

1. It was booked with an AP discount.
2. The booking category was some mysterious option that showed less than the standard view rate.


Here it is…

Hmmmm...this one was a tuffy...




What – you were expecting maybe a lagoon view? Puh-leeaase. If so, this is obviously your first time traveling with V and family.

Some day you're going to surprise me with an upgrade. I just know it.


Sure enough, we had a lovely view of the Casitas parking lot. But Leo pointed out something else, something more exciting within our view. You’ll have to zoom…

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2047/2449566186_c5e4208424.jpg

Look Ma – I can see Mt. Everest! I was pretty jazzed, actually; I’m a huge Everest history buff. The mountain. Not the ride. (NOImagineers) The ride’s good and all, but I’m somewhat obsessed with making it to the real Everest’s Base Camp someday.

Awesome. Nice camera, BTW...:thumbsup2


But the view was NOT what worried me. I inserted the key, took a couple steps inside and smelled…

Oh crap...here it comes....Oh wait...or was that Kat's TR?? :lmao:


… a very faint scent of bleach. Hooray! No noxious chemical odors, no flatulent human odors. We were golden! (Or yellow-green, as the case may be. NODad)

Not only did it smell okay, it may have been the cleanest hotel room in which I’ve stayed. Ever. I’d be very surprised if one could find a single fuzz on the carpet kind of clean.

Cool!

When I picked up the remote, it was a tad damp. So I smelled it. (T, stop laughing – you know you would too!) Bleach water. Yahooy, they even cleaned the remote!

OMG - You did NOT smell it....:lmao:

Here’s a look around:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3007/2449564380_3ef9ee77d0.jpg


I have that mirror in my bedroom:thumbsup2



Leo liked it too:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2081/2448741781_0906620b36.jpg


There's my handsome buddy! Hi Leo!!!:yay:

And what do we have here?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2050/2449565068_d9d8a5015c.jpg

Nice. My LL Bean one is like that. But sadly...terrorists have destroyed air travel convenience and I refuse to check my "shower bag"....I put it inside a suitcase.:thumbsup2

Now, it’s time to check on our third character, my hair. I’d worn a hat at TL, so it was in need of a touch-up. I wet my fingers, ran them through, but not so hard as to lose the curl, and – voila! Back in business! The new ‘do was working out just fine, thank you.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070/2449565924_c2ec8f0059.jpg



Everybody neat and pretty?? On with the show!!





I didn’t get a picture of this, but check this out: there’s a roped-off LINE for the pool bar to order drinks. No more standing with your $20 in your outstretched hand, flagging down a bartender. Nope. We now queue for a to-go drink. Weird.


OMG - they must laugh at us all...treating us like cattle and yet we still mooooove right along through the queue...;)

I must’ve looked like I could use a drink, because the Mojito I ordered was way strong. So strong, I did something I’ve never done before – threw it out before I’d finished.


YOU DID WHAT?!?!?!?!:scared1: OMG - MY EYES!! MY EYES!!!

Find a happy place...find a happy place....:rolleyes:

Could someone pick LL up off the floor please? ;)

Thanks for that!! Hmmm...note to self...try the Mojito...:teacher:



Leo played. I sipped. Leo played. I sipped. Leo played. I sipped.

What a perfect afternoon! :goodvibes

How sweet!! All that was missing....was me!!!:hug:

Sounds like you two had a great time...dontcha love that? I only wish they'd last longer...:cloud9:







Next: Even the best laid plans…

Oooh....can't wait for this one!!

Oh sure, put up an installment and then slink out of town..like we don't know that you are already at your happy place.;)

:woohoo: on the non-smelly room.

:banana: to relaxing and playground time.

LL - Here are the smelling salts:rolleyes1

Phew!! Thanks Janet...all I remember was someone saying "Stay away from the light"...



Look away, LL!!! Look away!!!!:eek:


Too late...severely burned corneas here!!!:3dglasses

[Bloodhound]

Hi is it Tuesday yet?

[boysmom5150]

Ok so I think Im caught up.

I have NO WORDS for the pantyliner incident other than Im sorry you had to encounter such grossness:sick: :sick:

WOW a room with no smell. Thats great V. I actually think the room view isnt so bad as it could have been. Happy would love to look at Everest. He is obesessed with the real one.
We booked WL for July and got AP rate for woodsview rooms, wonder what we will wind up with??:confused:
That playground looks nice, glad you and Leo had a great 1st day. Cant wait to hear more.

[Sleeping*Beauty]

It is Tuesday, Right?

[Bloodhound]

Is anyone watching American Idole tonight? The 2 Davids are really going all out doning their best performances to date. Who do you think will win?

[PrincessV]

Wow! What a pretty resort! And the room isn't that bad at CSR. That was my second choice of resort for when we go in December.
I really like CSR. The smelly room last year was a total fluke, and they worked hard to right the situation. I figure 3 great CSR stays out of 4 ain't bad! :thumbsup2
I love a good cliff-hanger.:eek:
Hee hee! :ssst:
I remember like it was yesterday. (NOBeatles)
:rotfl2: Good one!
Parking lot and parking lot! :lmao:
DING DING DING! But. No prize. That one was too easy.
Meet ya there! :cloud9:
You know it! :thumbsup2 I say we make that our post-retirment plan... selling burritos at Base Camp!

Is it me, or does Leo just keep getting cuter and cuter?
Depends on the day, but overall, I'd agree. ;)

:scared1: What?! You have seen the show haven't you?
::yes:: And read Into Thin Air, Left For Dead, and a combination history/photo book. I loooooves me some Everest!
Ok, how do you pack this? I feel like it takes up so much room in my suitcase but I love that I can put everything in there.
I don't exactly; it goes in a seperate, small bag that holds it, my make-up case, hair instruments, battery chargers and a few DVDs. :thumbsup2

I'm convinced that somewhere, in a windowless, flourescent lit room, there is a Disney employee trying to figure out how to control the spontaneous puking that sometimes results from a spin on the Tea Cups a la the two Mission Space options. Seriously. Think about it.
:lmao: True that!
There's chicken somewhere in those much-cheaper-to-grill-and-serve-as-a-meal-veggies?
OH! I should have told about that part, becuase it was pretty funny... I'm not a big meat eater. I'd avoid the stuff completely if my body would accept alternative forms of iron and protein. So I specifically asked for LOTS of veggies and just a little chicken. The poor chef looked at me like I was nuts. :rolleyes:

What a great first day! Leo is a cutie and your camera takes awesome pictures!
Thank you! I really can't say enough about this camera. Excepting some technical work (macro, studio, etc.), it does just as good a job as the Good Camera.
OMG it's Lapu night all over again :rotfl2:
:lmao:

Sadly, working in construction, it does NOT surprise me than an architect would leave the vertical transportation off the Level 4 detail sheet. And the electrical drawings. And the structural steel drawings. And the mechanical drawings...
Somehow, I didn't think it would!
Awesome. Nice camera, BTW...:thumbsup2
Thanks - I learned from the best! :hug:
OMG - You did NOT smell it....:lmao:
I did! :rotfl:
How sweet!! All that was missing....was me!!!:hug:
Know what? I was all set to call you whilst I was sipping! But I didn't have my phone. :guilty:

I actually think the room view isnt so bad as it could have been. Happy would love to look at Everest. He is obesessed with the real one.
I had the same thought, and Leo was the one who pointed Everest out! :yay:
We booked WL for July and got AP rate for woodsview rooms, wonder what we will wind up with??:confused:
There's not a non-DVC version of the Dreaded Dumpster View, is there?! :scared:

Here is a Dole Whip to hold everyone over to Tuesday....lol oh it is early a.m.Tues....
It is Tuesday, Right?
I wouldn't put too much weight on the Tues. theory for this TR.... EVERYTHING in my life has gotten about 200% busier as of late. I'm hoping to update every other week at this point. :sad2:

[sharkB8HooHaHa]

I still can't even comment on the nastygram at TL...:scared1:


And how did I know you'd be looking at a parking lot?;) But, I suppose, if you have to look at a parking lot, at least Everest was in the background:thumbsup2

I love how you and Leo just chill. The playground looks awesome and he certainly looked like he had a great time.

[Bloodhound]

Hi, I hope everyone is having a great Memorial Day Weekend.

[sharkB8HooHaHa]

:( Page three, V. Not good.

[PrincessV]

ACK! I planned to get another installment done ALL week, but it hadn't happened... yet. Here's hoping for tomorrow!

[Disneyland_Mama]

ACK! I planned to get another installment done ALL week, but it hadn't happened... yet. Here's hoping for tomorrow!

Ahem! <insert whiny voice> Tomorrow?? Why do we have to wait until tomorrow??:(

[jcc0621]

Ahem! <insert whiny voice> Tomorrow?? Why do we have to wait until tomorrow??:(

Yeah, what she said;)

[Bloodhound]

ACK! I planned to get another installment done ALL week, but it hadn't happened... yet. Here's hoping for tomorrow!

:woohoo: ... popcorn::

[OhMari]

But Busch Gardens Tampa Bay does.
And.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay happens to reside within 45 minutes of my house.
And.
For the price of a one-day ticket, I can return to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay any number of times for the rest of the calendar year.

Guess who’s getting Busch Gardens Tampa Bay passes soon?


I just got tickets for Nov. I got a special price from their website. "Everyone for the price of a child."

I was clicking on your links and your last link doesn't work.

[PrincessV]

I just got tickets for Nov. I got a special price from their website. "Everyone for the price of a child."
NICE! :thumbsup2

I was clicking on your links and your last link doesn't work.

Thanks - I got it fixed up!

[PrincessV]

Moving along to Day #2 of Trip #1, I awoke at CSR around 6am, thinking “This is a really comfy bed!”

Just as I’d done at 3am.

And 1am.

And 12am.

:headache:

As well as 10:30pm, when Leo woke me up, announcing that he needed “a snuggle.” Yeah, that signaled the beginning of a less-than-restive night, despite the comfy bed.


I’ve had an entire queen-sized bed to myself for the past five years and I’ve gotten used to it. So, suddenly sharing a full-size bed with a squirmy-sleeper wasn’t working so well. For V. Leo was just fine, thank you.

Once he was soundly asleep, I carefully moved him back to his own bed and fell quickly back to sleep myself. Only to wake up periodically thanks to Leo breathing, snuffling, snoring and generally behaving like a man-in-training (NOmen).


So, come morning, you know I had NO choice.
I HAD to do it.
WHAT else could I do?

(Beyond using ALL caps in every sentence.)


I drank the Nescacrap. Bleeehh. Nasty, but effective. :crazy2:



Leo and I got ourselves together pretty efficiently, eating breakfast in the room and packing our one night’s-worth of personal items up and into the car. As well as ourselves – into the car.

That’s right – no busses! Prior to the DIS…

Y’know, we should start dating our WDW histories a la art history – B.D. (Before DIS) and A.D. (After Dis)

B.D., I never, ever used WDW transportation, excepting the ferry/monorail from the TTC to the MK. Ever. For 15ish years, I relied solely on my car. And it was good.

A.D., I thought I’d give the busses, boats, etc. a try. I’ve done so for the better part of a year. And it was NOT good.

It wasn’t bad, either, well mostly – but I’ve come to realize I prefer my own vehicle in most instances. Why?

1. Convenience. We mostly stay at resorts with ample parking right outside our building. It’s so convenient to leave some things in the car and get them as needed, like the stroller.
2. Climate control. I make it whatever temperature I want. Not too hot, not too cold. Nice, especially when wearing a wet swimsuit après water park.
3. Weather. Or more accurately, rain. After getting caught in Typhoon Mickey this past Jan. with no way of getting from the main building of SSR to our room in the remote Carousel section, I prefer having my car nearby. Call it controlling my own destiny. But perhaps not Master of My Own Domain. (NOSeinfeld)




So we drove to the TTC and got in the short line of cars being directed into rows. As usual, I was but a few cars in from the far end of a row. But this time, it mattered not at all… because said row was the SECOND row from the street. The street by which the trams deliver guests to the TTC. That’s right, SECOND row. Baybee. :banana:

I even took a pic to mark the occasion:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2292/2449570292_080b283438.jpg



Yes, I’ve heard that it takes longer to get to the MK by car, than by WDW bus. I’m here to provide living proof that that’s a lie. We left CSR ten minutes late, at 8:10am. We arrived at the MK turnstiles at 8:30. For a 9am opening.

So. There.


And, by the way, arriving for rope drop was not the plan. Neither Leo nor myself is a fan of the opening party. Our preference is to arrive just after rope drop. But that’s a lot harder to time than rope drop, I’m afraid.

We wound up standing around, people watching. Leo and I tour well together; we’re both fairly quiet and just take in our surroundings, pointing items of particular interest out to one another as we see fit. We’re not at all chatty. I find this so interesting because… touring WDW with Leo is a lot like touring WDW with my ex, Leo’s dad. WDW was the only place we got along really well. Honestly, having a similar experience with Leo there (though Leo and I get along fine outside of WDW, too) helps bring back the good memories of my married years, and casts the bad times back into the shadows. :goodvibes



Once the sappy-happy sing-a-long show finished, we made our way down Main Street, where I saw this fashion disaster:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2058/2448747411_d6c85fe84f.jpg

Sure, it’s not as impressive as some her finds, but I think T will be impressed, nonetheless. I just don’t get the ensemble… it was HOT, like “Africa-hot” – who would want to be swathed in nylon in that kind of heat? Later that day, I also saw an entire family of women/young girls tottering around in 5” heeled strappy sandals. Not wedges. Not platforms. And, no, they did not look happy. No pics because it was in the ladies’ room, but again I ask, “Why?!?!”



Okay. We had a mission. Leo knows the MK like the back of his hand by now and he knows exactly what he wants to ride on any given day. The upside of this is that he’s decisive. The downside is that he leaves no room for what others (me) might want to do. Remember that.

First on our list was BUZZ LIGHTYEAR!

Only it was closed. Due to “technical difficulties.” So we snagged some FPs and move on to Fantasyland, where we did the Fantasyland Trifecta: Pooh-Pan-Small World. Only not the Small World part. For the first time I can remember, Leo chose to skip the Land of All That Is Happy and Annoyingly Cute. Which was fine with me.

At that point, we’d walked through half the park and seen virtually no crowds. Woo hoo!

Next up was a quick jaunt through Frontierland, again with no crowds…

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2208/2448747587_fbe6909562.jpg

…and on into Adventureland for one of Leo’s most favorite attractions, the Jungle Cruise. I really wanted to grab some pics of him, happy to be cruising, but he wasn’t willing. I wound up with this,

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2378/2449570890_68009869c8.jpg

And this,

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3211/2449571056_34c3a9213a.jpg

Niiice.



After the cruise, Leo said something that surprised the heck out of me:

“Mommy? I wanna ride Pirates in the Caribbean. I’m not too scared. Just a little bit scared.”

My sweet, sweet boy! :hug: Leo’s been anti-POTC for most of the past year. He loves the movies, and has more pirate toys than I can count. He’s all about pirates, my Leo. But he somehow decided that POTC the ride was too scary and nothing would convince him otherwise. This, despite the fact that he’s been on it plenty of times from age 9 months to age 5.

But this day in April of 2008, he was ready to take the plunge. Figuratively speaking. I clarify because I found out what was scaring him so: he thought he remembered a big plunge down a waterfall. Mmm-hmm, like in At World’s End.

~sigh~

All I asked for was “average.” What I got was “super-creative.” In my child. Okay, truth is I wouldn’t have any other way. But it is challenging.



Fortunately, Leo had a tool with which to bolster his confidence. Remember our previous evening’s shopping at the CSR gift shop? That held all that is piratey? Here’s what he got:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2388/2449571262_a25ea62126.jpg

Need a close-up? Leo thought you might:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2016/2448748277_0d9a14926b.jpg

Shiver me timbers mateys, that there is a bona-fyed Key to Davy Jones’ Locker!


Leo carried that thing around ALL day. Only pocketed it twice whilst using the restroom. (Truly, he only went twice. His powers amaze me. I stop at pretty much every other restroom, while Leo can wait all day long. It drives him batty. Heh heh.)


So the power was in The Key and The Key helped Leo conquer his POTC fears.







Or did it?

As we walked out, I spotted the Jack Sparrow Pirate Tutorial getting set up and I was STOKED! I’ve been trying to catch this for many trips, to no avail. I explained it to Leo…

“This is so cool! Jack Sparrow comes out and teaches kids how to be pirates! Do you want to try getting picked?”

“It’s scary?”

“No, no, it’s for kids – little kids. Nothing scary at all!”

“Jack Sparrow’s there?”

“Yep! Well, a pretend Jack Sparrow. Because there isn’t a real Jack Sparrow. Just in the movies.”

“Like in Pirates in the Caribbean 1 and 2 and 3?”

“Yes, just like that! He’ll teach kids how to sword fight like pirates!”

“With REAL swords??? They’re very dangerous.”

“Well no, not real swords - pretend ones. Like yours at home.”


At this point, Leo thought for a moment, then said, “No, I’d rather have popcorn.”


:confused3



The popcorn cart was just down from the Tutorial, so I suggested we grab some corn and watch the show. Leo wasn’t having it. And I quote, “I don’t want to learn how to be a pirate. They’re mean.”

Dontcha just hate when your parenting comes back to bite you?


And I have to admit, I really, really wanted to watch the show myself. So I insisted we park on a bench and wait for the show to start. Leo said, “Fine, but I not gonna watch!” and turned his back to the show.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3057/2448748461_6044c598b4.jpg

I love my opinionated, individualistic, creative, OBSTINATE boy.



As you may have guessed, this didn’t last long. It was hot. Leo was cranky. And I wasn’t having much fun with us pretending to be mad at each other. I hung it up and we headed back to BUZZ LIGHTYEAR! To use our FPs.

After defeating Zurg once again, we took a spin on the Moving People Ride (or TTA for those unfamiliar with Leo-speak) and assessed the situation.

In just over an hour and a half, we’d done all we (well, Leo) wanted to do with the MK. It had become hotter and a lot more crowded. Leo was ready to leave, and the idea had some merit for me, as well.

Only one problem – we were to meet up with boysmom5150 that day at the MK. Boysmom was due to arrive at the Poly that morning to check in. She figured she’d be at the MK by 12pm and we could meet up then.

What to do????

[jcc0621]

Am I first:cool1: :cool1:

Don't you just love when a five year old uses logic on you:rotfl2:

YAY for Leo riding Pirates. :yay: :yay:

[DisneyJo]

Only to wake up periodically thanks to Leo breathing, snuffling, snoring and generally behaving like a man-in-training (NOmen).
Girls do that too I'm afraid, oh and talk and walk :sad2:

Y’know, we should start dating our WDW histories a la art history – B.D. (Before DIS) and A.D. (After Dis) Definitely :rotfl2:

because said row was the SECOND row from the street. The street by which the trams deliver guests to the TTC. That’s right, SECOND row. Baybee. :banana: Wooohoooo :yay:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2058/2448747411_d6c85fe84f.jpg OMG what was she thinking????

Shiver me timbers mateys, that there is a bona-fyed Key to Davy Jones’ Locker! :rotfl2:

So the power was in The Key and The Key helped Leo conquer his POTC fears. That is so sweet :goodvibes

At this point, Leo thought for a moment, then said, “No, I’d rather have popcorn.” Bless :rotfl2:

What to do???? Oh you've got to meet T2!!!!

[Tinkerbellarella]

Once the sappy-happy sing-a-long show finished, we made our way down Main Street, where I saw this fashion disaster:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2058/2448747411_d6c85fe84f.jpg

DEAR GOD! What...I mean seriously...did she...are those...but who wears...scared by lycra...matching tooooo what exactly...how could...wha???

What I'm trying to say is that my soul aches for those suffering the "mirrorless" disease.

the Land of All That Is Happy and Annoyingly Cute.

Also known as Chuck E' Cheese on a Saturday afternoon during birthday party season.

So the power was in The Key and The Key helped Leo conquer his POTC fears.







Or did it?

So wait, no POTC for Leo (or V) then?

I'm crying (on the inside) for your lack of pirate-y goodness.

we took a spin on the Moving People Ride (or TTA for those unfamiliar with Leo-speak)

It will ALWAYS be the PeopleMover for me. Always.

Yay for the update! Hope all is well in V Land.

:flower3:

[Disneyland_Mama]

Once he was soundly asleep, I carefully moved him back to his own bed and fell quickly back to sleep myself. Only to wake up periodically thanks to Leo breathing, snuffling, snoring and generally behaving like a man-in-training (NOmen).
You lifted him? Dude, you're teeny tiny - not that Leo is a huge child, but I can't even lift Maddie with out plopping her down ungently! :lmao:

I drank the Nescacrap. Bleeehh. Nasty, but effective. :crazy2:
It pains the eyes to even read that! :eek:



2. Climate control. I make it whatever temperature I want. Not too hot, not too cold. Nice, especially when wearing a wet swimsuit après water park.
Really that's my only complaint about Disney transportation. Why do they keep those buses at artic temps?? :headache:


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2292/2449570292_080b283438.jpg
Way to score great parking!! It's the little things isn't it? :goodvibes Cute car, and of course cute kid. ;)


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2058/2448747411_d6c85fe84f.jpg

Dude, this is not a fashion disaster, it's a crime! ::cop:

Perhaps she was channeling Jennifer Beals?? :confused3


Next up was a quick jaunt through Frontierland, again with no crowds…

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2208/2448747587_fbe6909562.jpg

Ok this is how it was in August, believe it or not, in the early am. ::yes:: Before those free diners. (NOFDpeeps)

At this point, Leo thought for a moment, then said, “No, I’d rather have popcorn.”
:lmao: Sorry, I agree with Leo on that one. Popcorn v. Capt Jack.... I pick popcorn::



Only one problem – we were to meet up with boysmom5150 that day at the MK. Boysmom was due to arrive at the Poly that morning to check in. She figured she’d be at the MK by 12pm and we could meet up then.

What to do????
Jump on the monorail to the Poly and grab an adult Grilled Cheese sammy and a Lapu?? :hyper:

[Lovemy3babes]

I cannot believe that this has been around since April. WTH? I've been bummed that you weren't going to write again and here this beauty is! ;) All caught up and impressed. You and Leo sound like a great pair. Can't wait to read more.

[mymainmouse]

[QUOTE=PrincessV;25403311]

Once the sappy-happy sing-a-long show finished, we made our way down Main Street, where I saw this fashion disaster:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2058/2448747411_d6c85fe84f.jpg



QUOTE]

Hey! That's me!



























Just kidding.:laughing: That seems like the worst choice for hot weather. Not to mention it just looks odd. Last Sept. it was close to 90 degrees and humid and I saw an Asian tourist wearing jeans, a long-sleeved shirt, and a sweater over it. This was in Animal Kingdom.:confused3
I am glad Leo rode POTC. Last year my 5 year old freaked out and cried through most of it . I apologize to anyone who may have been on that ride with us. I don't think she stopped crying until the part where the pirates are looting the town.
Once again great update and great pictures.:goodvibes

[Bloodhound]

I dont think Leo went back and rode POTC while wating till noonish on your dis friend.....Leo's narrated shenanigans crack me up....too funny


Hey we finally got the flights and rental car booked for Oct....now we need rooms for DLR and then later for Sea World/S.D. ZOO and the park tickets that were lookin for a deal with costco discount I have AAA so they may have a discount as well...anyone know?

[1Princess1Prince2006]

Great update! Great parking spot! Great fashion no-no caught on film! And great job to Leo for riding POTC! (Not so great for mommy to not get to see Jack Sparrow, but hey there's always next time...right???)

[KatGarcia]

At this point, Leo thought for a moment, then said, “No, I’d rather have popcorn.”

I love kids. Too funny!

[Lauralee131]

YAY!! I'm here AND I'm not 2 weeks late!!:cool1:

First off, I can't believe you were able to pick up Leo and put him back in his bed! I tried that with Michael in January and couldn't even budge him...I got up and slept in his bed!

And ok, you make a very sound argument for driving, I must admit. Think we'll need to try that.::yes::

OMG - the FASHION DISASTER! Holy cow!! But thank you for the picture...I needed that laugh!:lmao:

I can't believe that it was the key to the locker that got Leo on POTC! :banana: But too bad he didn't want to watch the tutorial. It's pretty cute. Michael and I got a big kick out of it. Perhaps in August?? Hmmm.....

Ok, I'm off to catch up on catching up!! LY/MI!!:hug:

[PrincessAlways]

Well, I can understand the "controlling" aspect of having your own car. However, I just do not want to be "bothered" with driving, parking, riding that tram & then trying to remember where the car was parked! That last reason is the kicker!! Always had to write it down! :rotfl2:

Disney fashion -- What was she thinking?????? Oh, she WASN'T thinking!! :rotfl2:

Hey Leo, where can I get a key like that???? VERY cool!! :cool1:

No Small World???? :thumbsup2

One day, you must see that POTC Tutorial! It is very good!! Hopefully you would see the "good" Capt Jack...
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x166/levans1115/DisneyPop2007-28.jpg
This sidekick is really good too!
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x166/levans1115/DisneyPop2007-33.jpg
Just love it!

And the back of Leo's head???? Good pics! Kids....you gotta love 'em! :rotfl:

[kykatt2]

So we drove to the TTC and got in the short line of cars being directed into rows. As usual, I was but a few cars in from the far end of a row. But this time, it mattered not at all… because said row was the SECOND row from the street. The street by which the trams deliver guests to the TTC. That’s right, SECOND row. Baybee. :banana:

I even took a pic to mark the occasion:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2292/2449570292_080b283438.jpg

Insert the Hallelujah Chorus Here:cool1:





At that point, we’d walked through half the park and seen virtually no crowds. :woohoo:

Next up was a quick jaunt through Frontierland, again with no crowds…

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2208/2448747587_fbe6909562.jpg

Again ...Insert Hallelujah Chorus" You were On some kind of a roll sister.. uh except Buzz being down:worried:




At this point, Leo thought for a moment, then said, “No, I’d rather have popcorn.”
:confused3 THAT.... IS THE BEST LINE OF ANY TR I HAVE EVER READ. You have a "straight-man" comedian on your hands V:rotfl2:


Dontcha just hate when your parenting comes back to bite you?::yes::



Only one problem – we were to meet up with boysmom5150 that day at the MK. Boysmom was due to arrive at the Poly that morning to check in. She figured she’d be at the MK by 12pm and we could meet up then.



I have been wondering where she is .. has ANYONE SEEN HER.. "ANYWHERE"

[PrincessV]

Don't you just love when a five year old uses logic on you.
Oh yeah, it just makes my day! ;)
Oh you've got to meet T2!!!!
I KNOW! That's what I was saying, too....
DEAR GOD! What...I mean seriously...did she...are those...but who wears...scared by lycra...matching tooooo what exactly...how could...wha???
:rotfl2: Those were pretty much my words when I saw the pic back home. I wasn't awake enough to register more than "Take pic for DIS" that morning.
Also known as Chuck E' Cheese on a Saturday afternoon during birthday party season.
:scared:

You lifted him? Dude, you're teeny tiny - not that Leo is a huge child, but I can't even lift Maddie with out plopping her down ungently!
::yes:: I've been doing curls and squats with Leo lately! He's only 38 lbs, though, so don't think too highly of me.
Ok this is how it was in August, believe it or not, in the early am. Before those free diners. (NOFDpeeps)
Yep, ITA. But add in some ehat and a whole buncha humidity. :crazy2:
Jump on the monorail to the Poly and grab an adult Grilled Cheese sammy and a Lapu?? :hyper:
:rolleyes1

I cannot believe that this has been around since April. WTH? I've been bummed that you weren't going to write again and here this beauty is! ;) All caught up and impressed. You and Leo sound like a great pair. Can't wait to read more.
Yay - I'm glad you found me! Still lots more to write :thumbsup2
Hey! That's me!
:lmao: You had me there - I'm always afraid I'll post something snarky and wind up finding the person on the DIS! :eek:

I dont think Leo went back and rode POTC while wating till noonish on your dis friend.....
Really?! :rotfl: You know Leo well. ;)

Great update! Great parking spot! Great fashion no-no caught on film! And great job to Leo for riding POTC! (Not so great for mommy to not get to see Jack Sparrow, but hey there's always next time...right???)
Oh yes, I'll definitely be trying again! :thumbsup2
I love kids.
Want one? He goes real cheap on whiny days! :rotfl2:
YAY!! I'm here AND I'm not 2 weeks late!!:cool1:
Wooo hoo! :hug:
First off, I can't believe you were able to pick up Leo and put him back in his bed! I tried that with Michael in January and couldn't even budge him...I got up and slept in his bed!
I would have done just that, but my bed was squishier and I had my down comforter. Yes, I make my child take the lumpy bed and nasty hotel blanket. Remember me? Parent of The Year?
But too bad he didn't want to watch the tutorial. It's pretty cute. Michael and I got a big kick out of it. Perhaps in August?? Hmmm.....
I was thinking the same thing! :thumbsup2

Well, I can understand the "controlling" aspect of having your own car. However, I just do not want to be "bothered" with driving, parking, riding that tram & then trying to remember where the car was parked! That last reason is the kicker!! Always had to write it down! :rotfl2:
See, the driving doesn't bother me at all. And I have photographic memory, so I've never had a prblem remembering where I parked - jsut have to make sure I look around well before leaving the vehicle.
One day, you must see that POTC Tutorial! It is very good!! Hopefully you would see the "good" Capt Jack...
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x166/levans1115/DisneyPop2007-28.jpg
There's a GOOD Capt. Jack?!
Insert the Hallelujah Chorus Here:cool1:
Exactly! :rotfl:
THAT.... IS THE BEST LINE OF ANY TR I HAVE EVER READ. You have a "straight-man" comedian on your hands V:rotfl2:
Thanks - I can't take any credit... Leo really DID say just that! Oh yeah, he's a hoot. :rolleyes:
I have been wondering where she is .. has ANYONE SEEN HER.. "ANYWHERE"
No, and I was going to ask if anyone'd seen her elsewhere. :worried:

[PrincessAlways]

There's a GOOD Capt. Jack?!


:rotfl2: Well, ok.....I did not explain that properly! His "performance" is "good", excellent, right on! You'd think he was Johnny Depp! Is that better? :rotfl:

[mymainmouse]

:lmao: You had me there - I'm always afraid I'll post something snarky and wind up finding the person on the DIS! :eek:


Sorry, I just couldn't resist.:laughing:

[jordanyosh]

…and on into Adventureland for one of Leo’s most favorite attractions, the Jungle Cruise. I really wanted to grab some pics of him, happy to be cruising, but he wasn’t willing. I wound up with this,

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2378/2449570890_68009869c8.jpg

And this,

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3211/2449571056_34c3a9213a.jpg

Niiice.


I love these pix. It just reminds all of us that kids have minds of their own....We love them anyway.

[sharkB8HooHaHa]

Think Leo will let me borrow that key for RnR? And TofT? And Space Mountain? And Mission:Space (orange)? And Astro Orbiter? And the Teacups? And Cinderella's Carousel?......

Maybe I should get my own key.


:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[Goofyluver]

Oyyyyyy...me eyes is hurtin' after that pic of that fashion faux pas!

Maybe she was tryin to be cool while trying not to offend others with her booty shorts.

One thing I learned from these past few trips...people don't look in the mirror before embarking for the parks! :sad2:

[PrincessV]

:rotfl2: Well, ok.....I did not explain that properly! His "performance" is "good", excellent, right on! You'd think he was Johnny Depp! Is that better? :rotfl:
:lmao: That's exactly how I took it - but now I'm thinking other things!
I love these pix. It just reminds all of us that kids have minds of their own....We love them anyway.
Yeah, I guess. ;) No, in truth, I'm so glad Leo thinks for himself and flat-out refuses to go along with anything he feels is dangerous, unethical or in any way seems "wrong."
Think Leo will let me borrow that key for RnR? And TofT? And Space Mountain? And Mission:Space (orange)? And Astro Orbiter? And the Teacups? And Cinderella's Carousel?......

Maybe I should get my own key.
LOL, first he'd have to FIND the key - it's buried in some bin in his room now. I think. But I know where to get another! ;)

One thing I learned from these past few trips...people don't look in the mirror before embarking for the parks! :sad2:
So true! The fashion-watching gets better and better as it gets hotter down here. Winter's not as much fun. :rotfl2:

[PrincessAlways]

:lmao: That's exactly how I took it - but now I'm thinking other things!

Oh V.....if you're thinking what I'm thinking.... we ARE bad!!!:rotfl2: :lmao: :rotfl:

[thewesterberg]

I'm a little behind on commenting...


I’ve had an entire queen-sized bed to myself for the past five years and I’ve gotten used to it. So, suddenly sharing a full-size bed with a squirmy-sleeper wasn’t working so well. For V. Leo was just fine, thank you. Isn't it amazing how much room those little bodies can take up?!



So we drove to the TTC and got in the short line of cars being directed into rows. As usual, I was but a few cars in from the far end of a row. But this time, it mattered not at all… because said row was the SECOND row from the street. The street by which the trams deliver guests to the TTC. That’s right, SECOND row. Baybee. :banana: SCORE!! :thumbsup2



Once the sappy-happy sing-a-long show finished, we made our way down Main Street, where I saw this fashion disaster:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2058/2448747411_d6c85fe84f.jpg

Yea! I finally made it into V's TR!!





:teeth: Just kidding!
That's scary though :eek:


So the power was in The Key and The Key helped Leo conquer his POTC fears. What a good idea!! We'll have to try something like that with our guy so we can branch out into something a little crazier than Peter Pan!

[PrincessV]

Thought I’d take a moment for some previews of upcoming trips to be included in this report…

There is, of course, FockerFest 2008 coming up in August. Yes, I’m a proud, lime-green-Mickey-head-carrying member of Team Focker Watch. MANY TFW members will be hitting WDW in late August for a big meet. Over Wiener Salad. And Margaritas.

:crazy2:

I know.

But it’ll be enormously fun, and you can read all about the pre-trip antics by clicking on the link in my signature.



October 2008

This is a new mini-trip on my calendar, brought about by my desire to finally meet a fellow DISer, Michelle. When I looked at Michelle’s dates, trying to find a weekend day on which I could drive over to see her, I noticed some interesting things…

Halloween is on a Friday this year.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is being presented ON Halloween.

I have Leo that weekend.

Michelle and family will be in The World.


I’m sure you can imagine where this information led…. straight to the Visa which purchased three tickets to MNSSHP. Yes, you heard me – THREE tickets. Gramma decided she wants in on this one. More to come on the October trip.


November 2008

The 3rd annual Eat Through The World, also known as Epcot’s Food & Wine Fest. Sorta like the Run for the Roses. Only slower. And a lot more caloric. He/she who gains the most pounds over a 24 hour period wins.

I took the roses last year at a whopping 4+.

:scared:

This is a child-free trip and will involve much drink-induced revelry. We’re not sloppy-drunk, mind you, but we are a large group and we tend to be pretty high on life. So add a few little samples of wine and a whole lotta food and you get some serious fun with us. ;)


December 2008

The annual holiday trip. A little shorter this year – Leo will be in first grade and I don’t want to pull him out for too many days. Plus, I need my vacation hours to cover his school breaks. Some serious planning is going down for this one. But I don’t want to give too much away.

I’ll give you this, though: Gramma’s coming. Which came as a surprise to me last night. Back on Mother’s Day, I was telling Gramma about some plans I had in store for August. She asked, “What are the dates again? I’ll need to let work know.”

Me: “Uh, you decided not to come.”
Gramma: “I thought you needed me for babysitting?”
Me: “No, I told you months ago that I didn’t. And I explained that you were welcome to come along, but we’d be meeting lots of people, which isn’t your cup of tea. You decided to skip it.”
Gramma: “I did?”
Me: “Yes, but if you’ve changed your mind, you’re still welcome to come.”

:headache:

Gramma: “Well, I’ll come if you want me to.”
Me: “Do YOU want to?”
Gramma: “Not really.”
Me: “Then don’t! Really, there’s no obligation.”
Gramma: “When else are we going to WDW?”
Me: “Well, Leo and I are planning on Dec. Do you want to go then?”
Gramma: “Only if you want me to.”

:headache:

Me: “Of course, we’d love to have you along, but again, if you’d rather not, that’s perfectly okay.”
Gramma: “Not really.”
Me: "Okay then."

Gramma: “So I’m not bound to any WDW trips for the rest of the year?!”
Me: “Nope.”
Gramma: :banana:


And that’s where it was left. Until last night. When something told me to ask again. And, lo and behold, she decided that she does want to join us in December. But only because it’s a short trip. She doesn’t like those “long” trips of 4-5 days. :rolleyes:



So that’s what’s stirring on the horizon. In addition to a trip taken in May I still need to cover. Stay tuned.

[Goofyluver]

Thought I’d take a moment for some previews of upcoming trips to be included in this report…

There is, of course, FockerFest 2008 coming up in August. Yes, I’m a proud, lime-green-Mickey-head-carrying member of Team Focker Watch. MANY TFW members will be hitting WDW in late August for a big meet. Over Wiener Salad. And Margaritas.

:crazy2:

I know.

But it’ll be enormously fun, and you can read all about the pre-trip antics by clicking on the link in my signature.

I"m so jealous of you guys!


October 2008

This is a new mini-trip on my calendar, brought about by my desire to finally meet a fellow DISer, Michelle. When I looked at Michelle’s dates, trying to find a weekend day on which I could drive over to see her, I noticed some interesting things…

Halloween is on a Friday this year.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is being presented ON Halloween.

I have Leo that weekend.

Michelle and family will be in The World.


I’m sure you can imagine where this information led…. straight to the Visa which purchased three tickets to MNSSHP. Yes, you heard me – THREE tickets. Gramma decided she wants in on this one. More to come on the October trip.

Oooooohhhh...Halloween! I really want to get there during halloween within the next few years.


November 2008

The 3rd annual Eat Through The World, also known as Epcot’s Food & Wine Fest. Sorta like the Run for the Roses. Only slower. And a lot more caloric. He/she who gains the most pounds over a 24 hour period wins.

I took the roses last year at a whopping 4+.

:scared:

This is a child-free trip and will involve much drink-induced revelry. We’re not sloppy-drunk, mind you, but we are a large group and we tend to be pretty high on life. So add a few little samples of wine and a whole lotta food and you get some serious fun with us. ;)

Not much better than wine and lots o' grub!


December 2008

Me: “Uh, you decided not to come.”
Gramma: “I thought you needed me for babysitting?”
Me: “No, I told you months ago that I didn’t. And I explained that you were welcome to come along, but we’d be meeting lots of people, which isn’t your cup of tea. You decided to skip it.”
Gramma: “I did?”
Me: “Yes, but if you’ve changed your mind, you’re still welcome to come.”

:headache:

Gramma: “Well, I’ll come if you want me to.”
Me: “Do YOU want to?”
Gramma: “Not really.”
Me: “Then don’t! Really, there’s no obligation.”
Gramma: “When else are we going to WDW?”
Me: “Well, Leo and I are planning on Dec. Do you want to go then?”
Gramma: “Only if you want me to.”

:headache:

Me: “Of course, we’d love to have you along, but again, if you’d rather not, that’s perfectly okay.”
Gramma: “Not really.”
Me: "Okay then."

Gramma: “So I’m not bound to any WDW trips for the rest of the year?!”
Me: “Nope.”
Gramma: :banana:


And that’s where it was left. Until last night. When something told me to ask again. And, lo and behold, she decided that she does want to join us in December. But only because it’s a short trip. She doesn’t like those “long” trips of 4-5 days. :rolleyes:



So that’s what’s stirring on the horizon. In addition to a trip taken in May I still need to cover. Stay tuned.

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

OMGosh. It's like reading a conversation with my mother. :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: