Introducing Amy to "Walt's World" *Updated twice 1/21 Last installments*

[mrsksomeday]

AKA "We wanted to be an Ip-Dip too"

PTR LINKS:

Introductions - This post scroll down!
# 2 The real planning begins (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27316165&postcount=13)
# 3 Pictures and crafts etc (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27330660&postcount=22)
# 4 Wouldn’t you wanna be an Ip-Dip too? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27360485&postcount=27)
# 5 Tracy got crafty? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27360992&postcount=29)
# 6 Off the Disney Track then back on (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27389282&postcount=42)
Time out for some travel news (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27447907&postcount=68)
# 7 Back to the Kingdom, Animal Kingdom (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27448347&postcount=70)
# 8 Toy Story Mania here we come (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27643719&postcount=92)
# 9 The last of the itinerary (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27681168&postcount=108)
*# 1 Smokey Mountain Memories Part 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27713951&postcount=119)
*# 2A Mountain views and a scenic hike Part 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=27717949#post27717949)
*# 2B Mountain views and a scenic hike Part 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=27717973#post27717973)
*# 3 Note to self NEVER go shopping with Marianne (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27761565&postcount=141)
*# 4 Chik-fil-a, scrapbooking, and more scenery (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27843294&postcount=149)
*# 4 Continued (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27843310&postcount=150)
#* 5 It’s not a cabin it’s a “log home” (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27843399&postcount=151)
#10 Getting back to talkin Disney (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27903283&postcount=167)
#11 No more ADR changes and October itinerary (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27976283&postcount=199)
#12 Super Soap Weekend say it isn’t so (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27976339&postcount=200)
#13 I can’t say how upset Bill and I are (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28041825&postcount=223)
#14 Why are we getting up early again? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28193613&postcount=258)

TR LINKS

# 1 TR STARTS HERE!! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28834472&postcount=292)
# 2 Oh we’re half way there, living on a prayer (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28834486&postcount=293)
# 3 Pop, Pop, Pop Century!! Talk about, Pop Century (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28855769&postcount=306)
# 4 Oh oh it’s magic when I’m with you (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28903927&postcount=320)
# 5 Walking on sunshine (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28942112&postcount=327)
# 6 Don’t need nothing but a good time (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29010869&postcount=339)
# 7 In the jungle, the mighty jungle (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29123507&postcount=352)
# 7 continued - In the jungle, the mighty jungle (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29123514&postcount=353)
# 8 Sweet dreams (are made of this) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29185047&postcount=365)
# 9 Everybody have fun tonight, Everybody have fun (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29205085&postcount=371)
#10 Everybody wants to rule the World (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29516807&postcount=391)
#11 I can’t drive 55 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29553994&postcount=408)
#12 I want my MGM!! (DHS) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29612784&postcount=436)
#13 Give me all your (Character) Lovin (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29666518&postcount=448)
#13 Give me all your (Character) Lovin (Continued) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29666587&postcount=449)
#14 Let it Be, Let it Be (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29666744&postcount=450)
#15 Karma Chameleon (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29739634&postcount=462)
#16 I drink alone (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29739655&postcount=463)
#17 Acey, Acey we’re coming home (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29804458&postcount=471)
#18 My obsession- Actually Bill’s (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29804469&postcount=472)



================================================== =========

Since it is only 46 days until we leave on our trip I better get my booty into gear here. I will introduce the cast then explain why the heck I named the pre trip what I did.

Here is a glimpse into our madness.

Me – Tracy – 38 - OTP: I’m pooh-sized, but really working on changing my life. I am a computer obsessed, soap watching, country & pop listening, Disney World A D D I C T. I totally admit it. I need a 12 step program for it, I really do. I can work the words Disney World into any conversation. I talk way too much about past trips, upcoming trips, and trips we haven’t even scheduled yet.


Here is me split screened from the last two trips:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/Tracyweightlossprogresspic1.jpg

Him – Bill – 38 - knight in shining wheelchair: My darling boyfriend, spousal equivalent, or what ever else you could call us. Gene Simmons (Bill’s idol) would say we have been “happily unmarried” for 4 years now. Bill has Cerebral Palsy, a speech impediment, can’t use his right hand, and uses a power wheelchair. He has the most beautiful blue eyes I have ever seen, a fantastic sense of humor, and a smile that can melt your heart in a second. He has 3 college degrees and is currently working on his Masters in Rehabilitation Administration with a 3.8 GPA. He just got done building his second website for the company he works for.

Here is Bill on the train at MK:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20June%202008/3rd%20Day%20MK%20and%20departure/f6c80e6a.jpg

Dog – Ace – 3 - neurotic: Sweet, loving, loyal, skittish, obsessive, and cuddly. He is half Jack Russell, half Rat Terrier and all lazy. We swear he knows the word “Disney” and can’t stand it. I get this look when we talk about Disney or when the suitcases come out:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/acestaring.jpg

Yes I know, the same old boring cast, but wait don’t leave us, there are NEW things this time, I promise. We have added two more people to the cast!!

Her – Amy – 22 – fantastic person/friend: We met her in 2005 when Bill went to work for a summer camp for people with disabilities. They were camp counselors that summer and she is very familiar with Bill and his disability. She was in the same cabin with Bill for the first two weeks of camp. She has been a real friend to him, a true gem. Not many people give Bill a chance, they don’t get to know him, or they say they are his “friend” but usually don’t come around unless they need something. Not our Amy, she has been a fantastic friend since that summer and I don’t think she has any idea how much we adore her. She is wonderful with people with all types of disabilities, autistic children love her. I don’t know why she wants to hang out with people 16 years older than her, but thank goodness she does. I lifted this picture off her myspace, I am sure you will see many pictures of her on the trip report. Here is Amy:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/l_45e9977c2ec177738df102b1f2b908e2.jpg

Another dog – Charley – 6 months? – hyperactive: Amy's baby, she is insane, has no fear whatsoever, and is cute as a button. She is a King Charles Spaniel and is totally adorable. She is a “love me, love me, you know you wanna love me” kind of dog and it freaks Ace out. It is totally hilarious to watch her with him. She does everything she can to get him to play and he jumps on the couch and looks at her like she is an alien, only now she can jump up right behind him and still get in his face http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/smiley_1139.gif.

This is the only decent picture I could get of her, she is too wiggly:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/Charlie.jpg

Now that you know the cast I can answer the question “why did she name her PTR that??” Well, I will tell you why. First off I have to let you know the official definition as told by Buzz in the absolutely fabulous TR “The Man Report”:

Ip-Dip – Whenever someone does something dumb, they’re an “Ip-Dip”. When I lost the car last year at Downtown Disney, Loud Girl called me an “Ip-Dip”.

Why would we want to be an Ip-Dip?? I had followed Buzz’s “Man Reports” for awhile. He has a great knack for writing and cracks me up. Linnie (Buzz’s better half) is a very wonderful woman. They have a child with a disability that is very close to Bill and my heart. Bill and I loved reading about their family and how wonderful they were with their little boy and sweet little girl.

Last year we had a fantastic meet with another family and I thought it would be fun to do it again. Buzz kept saying they wanted people to join in and come at the same time they were in Disney so I started thinking. Then other great people decided to crash Buzz and Linnie’s vacation and I kept reading about it. I really wanted to go, but I knew Bill wanted to go to Super Soap Weekend again. I mean I understand it, when he gets beautiful women like this to take pictures with, why wouldn’t he want to go:

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee224/sirkaiserwilliam/Kassie%20Nashville/039.jpg

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z67/mrsksomeday/kellymonacoandbf.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee224/sirkaiserwilliam/Pics%20for%20trip%20report/mgm%20day%202%202007/WDW2007Parkday6007BillandSusanLucci.jpg

I kept talking about Ip-Dip a lot. Bill then brought up Star Wars Weekend. There was a discussion and we decided to go to SWW and Ip-Dip, it made us both happy http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g134/scottny/smileys/micball.gif!! While we were there we had a bounce back offer from Disney and went insane by not only booking our October trip, but a weekend in November as well.

Then some divine intervention happened. Bill and I had wanted a friend of ours (Amy) to go on the last two trips with us. She has never been to Disney, never been on a plane (sounds just like me before my first Disney trip in Feb. 2006), and wanted to go, but it just didn’t happen.

She came over, we were discussing our June WDW trip. We also told her about our upcoming October trip. I casually mentioned that it would cost next to nothing for someone (wink wink) to room with us. Her eyes lit up, those sweet beautiful eyes had that “I want to go” look. Bill and I both saw it.

I threw out the bait and hooked her with one sentence http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/fishing_1_smiley.gif. She asked how much it would cost; I told her I would call the next day. I did, and got a price. Bill and I decided, she was going this time, no matter what. I called her with the price, she said it sounded “doable” and would let me know in a couple of days.

Then the other day, Southwest had a “Ding” for us, I purchased our tickets and Bill and I had a little chat. I called Southwest and asked them some questions about buying a ticket for someone else and if they didn’t go could we apply the funds for us, they said no problem at all, so I went back to the Southwest website and bought Amy’s plane ticket. Bill and I had already decided to exchange the November trip for ESPN Weekend in March so this was no problem.

We did this for several of reasons:

We would be helping our friend http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/hug-1.gif
She would get to go to the Happiest Place on Earth http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/cloud9.gif
Bill and I would get to play tour guide http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/map.gif
We would get to talk about Disney incessantly to someone that actually wanted to hear it besides the people that are reading this report right now http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/thtalk.gif
She would be helping me transfer Bill into rides I could not transfer him by myself. Pirates of the Caribbean and Spaceship Earth come to mind http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/yes.gifIt would be wonderful for us to see Disney through her eyes. I called her, told her what I did, I think she was a little shocked and she said it was “totally doable now” giggling and saying “YES I am going” http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/12.gif!! I said are you sure, I have ADR’s to change and I have to know, she told me it was a definite.

Well just like any other OTP would do, I immediately printed out my spreadsheet trying to decide what restaurants I knew we wanted to keep and what we might change to show her the most of the World http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee224/sirkaiserwilliam/character0047.gif. I got out my steno pad, wrote down what I wanted on what days with substitutions if what we wanted was not available, I also wrote down time frames. I am happy to say I actually got all the restaurants I wanted, there is only one I will keep calling about to try to get an earlier time, 8:55pm is a little late when the restaurant supposedly closes at 9:30pm http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee224/sirkaiserwilliam/smh.gif.

Next installment…I try to rein in my OTPness so I won’t totally exhaust her on this trip, do you think I can do it?

[Hedy]

Looking forward to more.
That's great that you guys will be able to show Amy around, and I'm happy for Bill that he'll get to do more.

[SwansLoveDisney]

I'm in!

[TinkAsh2001]

YAY! I am here! I always love your trip reports!! Also, you look fab!!! Great job on the weight loss! You are doing awesome girl!!!:thumbsup2

[mkluvsmickey]

Glad I found you once again my friend! You look FANTASTIC! You should be very proud of yourself! Awesome job!

I totally understand the "working Disney in to every conversation" thing. I really have to stop myself sometimes. :laughing:

How fun that you get to take Amy to WDW and show her all around - so exciting!

Looking forward to hearing more of your plans! :yay:

[MRYPPNS]

This all seems vaguely familiar :rolleyes1

popcorn::

[luvfigment]

YAY yoou started your PTR!!! BTW you look AMAZING!!! I am very excited to read about your plans and I love the picture with Kelly Monaco and Bill. I am a GH fan and one day I will get downn there for Soap Weekend.

[team weasel]

popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn::

[BETTYDISNEY]

I am so excited for you guys! Your friend is going to have a BLAST with you!

[mrsksomeday]

Looking forward to more.
That's great that you guys will be able to show Amy around, and I'm happy for Bill that he'll get to do more.

Hello and welcome!! We are so excited about Amy coming with us. Thanks for joining the PTR.

I'm in!

Welcome!! Thanks for joining!

YAY! I am here! I always love your trip reports!! Also, you look fab!!! Great job on the weight loss! You are doing awesome girl!!!:thumbsup2

YAY! So glad you joined us. Thanks for the sweet words, I am really trying.

Glad I found you once again my friend! You look FANTASTIC! You should be very proud of yourself! Awesome job!

I totally understand the "working Disney in to every conversation" thing. I really have to stop myself sometimes. :laughing:

How fun that you get to take Amy to WDW and show her all around - so exciting!

Looking forward to hearing more of your plans! :yay:

Hi Michelle!!! I am so happy you found me!! Thanks for the kind words. I am so glad there are others that understand the way Disney pops up when talking. Amy is so excited, I can't wait until she sees the castle.

What are your October dates again?

This all seems vaguely familiar :rolleyes1

popcorn::

:rolleyes1 I wonder why :confused3?:rotfl2:

YAY yoou started your PTR!!! BTW you look AMAZING!!! I am very excited to read about your plans and I love the picture with Kelly Monaco and Bill. I am a GH fan and one day I will get downn there for Soap Weekend.

Thanks for posting!! Bill loves the pic with Kelly Monaco too :lmao:. He is hoping for another one.


popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn::


Hi :yay: thanks for joining us!

I am so excited for you guys! Your friend is going to have a BLAST with you!

Hi Betty. Thanks for posting. I hope Amy has a good time.

[mkluvsmickey]

What are your October dates again?


We weill be there October 15 - 19. Do you have your days planned out yet? I'd love to figure out a time to meet you two! We will be at POP so maybe we can meet up at the resort at some point. :)

[mrsksomeday]

We weill be there October 15 - 19. Do you have your days planned out yet? I'd love to figure out a time to meet you two! We will be at POP so maybe we can meet up at the resort at some point. :)

We are staying at Pop Oct. 18th - 27th!! First day we are there we will be going to Magic Kingdom for Spectro and Wishes. I really do hope we can meet.

[mrsksomeday]

**I have had this report on another message board and am copying it over here, so when I say she was over the other night, this actually happened toward the end of July**

Amy came over the night I told her we had purchased the ticket. She was so excited http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee224/sirkaiserwilliam/woohoo1.gif. I had an extra PassPorter and gave it to her, I also gave her the DISboards, AllEars, and ENCHANTED (http://www.websitetoolbox.com/mb/wdwenchanted) web addresses to check out. I even went over menus with her that night. She said she didn’t want us changing anything she was just happy to come along. PLEASE, like we weren’t going to change some things around to maximize and enhance her time in WDW http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee224/sirkaiserwilliam/not-tagged-smiley-13230.gif.

She only had one request, one for a 10 day/9 night trip. She wanted to eat in Tony’s Restaurant at Magic Kingdom. She loves Lady and the Tramp http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/LADYandTRAMP.gif.

I kept asking what else she might like, but she said that is all she wanted, the rest of the time she was happy to just follow us around.

Seriously, how fantastic is that for an obsessive planner? I don’t have to worry about the planning the trip (but you know I will don’t you?) Can you believe she said she would even wear matching t-shirts with us one day? She had no problems with it whatsoever!! We are going to MNSSHP (Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party) http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/Halloween-Baby-Mickey-Pluto.jpg on October 21st. She seemed eager to go to that too. She was asking if people dressed up for it. My only worry here is I will want to make it so magical for her, that if something goes wrong I will be upset. If everything doesn’t go perfect I will be distressed, I am one of those “it is my fault/I am sorry” kind of people when it isn’t even my fault. I need to try to take ownership of things going wrong for some reason (thanks dad). I have to remind myself that anything can happen and to just go with the flow, after all we will still be in Disney if things don’t work the way I want them right?

So I have decided to have “goals” for the trip and try to not have everything be a “must do” in my brain. I thought I would start sharing a little of the itinerary with you.

Fri. Oct. 17th: This is travel to St. Louis day. We will check into a hotel - for those of you that have followed the first TR you probably know it is the Marriott. Why the Marriot you ask, because I love these beds:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/Picture021-1.jpg

Ah, the heavenly Marriott bed http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee224/sirkaiserwilliam/smiley_cloudnine.gif. I thought about not going there, not spending the money for one night and spending that extra money in Disney, but then I decided I wanted us to have a great nights sleep before our trip http://www.websitetoolbox.com/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif. (we have since decided to go a little cheaper, since we have so much planned for this fall)

I am not even looking for restaurants around the hotel. I am going to let Amy decide where we are eating this night http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee224/sirkaiserwilliam/smiley_eat.gif, because I have decided where we are eating for the next 10 days, except for Tony’s and one CS at Epcot that she gets to choose. See how nice I am by letting her pick :rotfl: .

Sat. Oct. 18th: We will be getting up at around 4:45am http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/yawn.gif to get ready. The flight will leave St. Louis at 7:35am and we are scheduled to land in Orlando at 10:55am. Amy will then have her first ride in Florida when we get off the airplane (shhh I haven’t told her about what it is and she has joined Enchanted (Disney Virgin) so we won’t spoil it now will we http://www.websitetoolbox.com/images/boards/smilies/nono.gif? Then we will grab an elevator and make the long walk to the Magical Express counter. I told her we will get many looks as a cast member walks us past the lines and tells us to sit on the bench while they tell the other CM’s to call for an accessible bus. People always look at us funny when Bill and I go wait there. Maybe they look at us funny because they think we are funny looking http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee224/sirkaiserwilliam/gaga.gif? Who knows?

She will get to see the video on the Magical Express (ME) bus http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/magicalexpress.jpg they play to pump us up before we get there. Yes, we better get a ME bus so she can see it, not a non ME bus or I will be an unhappy person http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee224/sirkaiserwilliam/tantrumfurious.gif. Think magical thoughts, I want things to go just right for us. I want that for all of you too when you travel, but I guess I am selfish - I especially want this trip to be a fantastic experience for her.

We will check in to Pop, get something to eat, hopefully the room will be ready, go freshen up and explore the resort a little. I figured we would do that then because we are gong to be a little busy for the next 9 days. Then Amy will get her first ride on one of these babies:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/063.jpg

Where would we take a newbie on her first night in WDW?? http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/magic_kingdom.gif, of course. There were a couple of worries – she will see Spectro, Wishes, and eat at Tony’s the first night. What if everything else is a bit of a let down after that firework http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee224/sirkaiserwilliam/8ed3ecc6.gif and parade fun filled fantastic evening?? I have decided to set those fears aside and focus on the reasons why MK would be a good choice for the first night. She will get to see Spectro and Wishes; I suspect we will both be weepy. When people who have never been to Disney World think of it, Magic Kingdom is usually the first thing that comes to mind. We just wanted to take her to the most magical park on her first magical http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee224/sirkaiserwilliam/pixiedust.gifday.

Next up…things I have either purchased or made for the trip so far

[Hedy]

popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn::

[DisneyJo]

You are such a wonderful couple, what a fantastic thing to do for your friend and how great you can plan it all :rotfl:

Congratulations on your weight loss, you look gorgeous :goodvibes

[mrsksomeday]

You are such a wonderful couple, what a fantastic thing to do for your friend and how great you can plan it all :rotfl:

Congratulations on your weight loss, you look gorgeous :goodvibes

Hi Jo!! Thank you so much for the kind words. I am loving planning for a newbie!! I have a long way to go until gorgeous :lmao:, but thanks :rotfl:.

[mkluvsmickey]

We are staying at Pop Oct. 18th - 27th!! First day we are there we will be going to Magic Kingdom for Spectro and Wishes. I really do hope we can meet.

We will be in DHS on 10/18 - supposed to see the 7 pm Fantasmic show. I'm thinking of heading to MK afterwards to see Wishes (I've never seen it!). Just not sure how the timing will work out. Not that I'd be able to find you in that crowd anyway! Maybe we can meet up when we get back to POP that evening. We'll have to exchange cell numbers when it gets closer!

Your first day plans sound great by the way! So exciting to be bringing a Disney virgin! I'm sure she will be blown away by everything!

[mrsksomeday]

We will be in DHS on 10/18 - supposed to see the 7 pm Fantasmic show. I'm thinking of heading to MK afterwards to see Wishes (I've never seen it!). Just not sure how the timing will work out. Not that I'd be able to find you in that crowd anyway! Maybe we can meet up when we get back to POP that evening. We'll have to exchange cell numbers when it gets closer!

Your first day plans sound great by the way! So exciting to be bringing a Disney virgin! I'm sure she will be blown away by everything!

I still can't believe you haven't seen Wishes. It gives me the chills every time I see it. I love it!! I am sure we can work something out. From what I know we are leaving to go back to Pop right after Wishes.

I was thinking about seeing what the Petals Bar had to offer :rolleyes1. Disney virgin is Amy's name over on Enchanted :rotfl:. I said "hello, what do we call you when we get home?" She is so excited. We text each other with how many days left their are.

[AZMickeyfans]

Hi Tracy, I'm in!

popcorn:: I think you look great! :thumbsup2


I LOVE the beds at the Marriot as well. :love: :cloud9:

Shoot, I didnt know there were non-ME busses. Now I hope we get one too! :lmao: I've never done it before.

Can't wait to see your purchases! :cool1:

[TinkAsh2001]

I cant wait to see what all you have bought & made!!! Your stuff is always so cute! I have already started shopping and we have until June :scared1: !!! We got new luggage YAY!:cool1:

[mrsksomeday]

Hi Tracy, I'm in!

popcorn:: I think you look great! :thumbsup2


I LOVE the beds at the Marriot as well. :love: :cloud9:

Shoot, I didnt know there were non-ME busses. Now I hope we get one too! :lmao: I've never done it before.

Can't wait to see your purchases! :cool1:

Aren't those beds just heaven :cloud9: ? We love going to the resort on ME. When they play the video it gets me all hyped up!! I will be posting the next installment tomorrow some time. We go on a mini trip to Pigeon Forge next Wednesday, so I am trying to move this report along.

I cant wait to see what all you have bought & made!!! Your stuff is always so cute! I have already started shopping and we have until June :scared1: !!! We got new luggage YAY!:cool1:

Hi!! Thanks for saying that. I am not in as much of a crafty mood this time. I think I will make some stuff tomorrow night though. It is great that you are getting stuff for the trip!! Yay on the new luggage.

[mrsksomeday]

Well we are 45 days away from our trip. I have already been buying and making a couple things so I thought I would show you what I have done so far. I can finally post this update because there were some things Amy didn't know about and I didn't want to ruin anything.

She came over the other day. Here is how Ace looks every time he hears her ringtone:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/AcewaitingforAmy.jpg

Now he not only goes to the door and waits, he takes his paw and flicks the door handle. He can open the bedroom doors because they open inward, thank goodness you have to pull the door open or Ace would be running down the hall to meet Amy at the elevators.

I got these shirts for Bill and me about a month ago:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/TBshirt.jpg

I bought these shirts after Amy said she was coming, she said she didn’t mind matching shirts http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/12.gif:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/TABshirt.jpg

I went down the travel aisle at Wal-Mart and went a little nuts:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/Stufffortrip1.jpg

Then for some reason I thought Amy and I needed Disneyfied notebooks to keep notes in etc. I bought stickers and did the front and back of each notebook, then laminated the top of it so it would hold up longer.

Amy’s book front and back:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/Amybookfront.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/Amybookback.jpg

Tracy’s book front and back:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/Tracybookfront.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/Tracybookback.jpg

I also bought myself some "walking weights" 3lbs each. Ace sees the weights and has to check them out. He sees the camera and waits for me to take a picture:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/Acewithweights.jpg

I am going to be doing something with the Mickey Heads I liberated from the Home Depot. Not sure exactly what though. I know I will have some hanging from my camera cord, the back of Bill’s backpack, and Amy has said she wanted to be representing too http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/clap2.gif. How cool is that?? She is getting into the “show off that you are in a group of Disney freaks” I say that with love. It makes me love her even more. I will update you on all the crazy stuff I either buy or come up with.

Lastly are pictures of Bill’s pin collection. Before our November 2007 trip a wonderful DISer named Donna wanted to help Bill start on his pin trading journey. Little did I know she would send us 26 pins and two lanyardshttp://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/scared07.gif . It has gotten a little bit out of control if you ask me. He now have 101 pins (including about 4 that are mine) and there is no stopping him now. I know he has two coming in the mail this week. He is on a Star Wars pin kick now. Here is the proof of his madness http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/eyetwitch.gif:

Star Wars:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/Pins1starwars.jpg

Ride pins:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/Pins2ridepins.jpg

Muppet madness:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/Pins3muppets.jpg

Pirates:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/Pins4pirates.jpg

Misc. pins:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/Pins5misc.jpg

Limited edition pins:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/Pins6LimitedEditions.jpg

I have no idea what his plans are for pin trading/collecting this trip. I just know that he is at the perfect height in his wheelchair to be checking out cast member lanyards, so who knows what we will come back with :rotfl: .

Next up… more itinerary stuff, Ip-Dip day baby!!

[mkluvsmickey]

Love all your "stuff" Tracy! So fun to collect in anticpation of the trip.

Ace is adorable - love how he waits at the door for Amy - too cute!

Great job on the notebooks too - I like the idea of dressing them up with stickers.

Do you plan to use the walking weights in the parks?

Wow! Bill's pin collection has come a long way! Do you have your own collection or do you "share"?

[SwansLoveDisney]

I love all those pins! I can't believe how much the collection has grown!

I also love all the travel stuff. I have a whole drawer overflowing with that stuff but I can't help but buy more!

[luvfigment]

Looks like an amazing first trip for your friend. She is going to have a blast as will you and Bill! I like all the pins...I just kinda got into the pin collecting last year and will probably pick up a few more the next trip.

BTW I love buying travel size things also...I also bought the wet ones but the sanitizing ones and then the travel clorox (is that spelled right it looks funny)bleach sheet things too. I am a bit of a germ-a-fobe.

Looking forward to reading more plans!

[mrsksomeday]

Love all your "stuff" Tracy! So fun to collect in anticpation of the trip.

Ace is adorable - love how he waits at the door for Amy - too cute!

Great job on the notebooks too - I like the idea of dressing them up with stickers.

Do you plan to use the walking weights in the parks?

Wow! Bill's pin collection has come a long way! Do you have your own collection or do you "share"?

Ace will sit in front of that door for 30 minutes or more waiting for Amy to come, it is so cute and sad at the same time when she just calls and isn't coming over.

Thank for the comment about the stickers, I want to Disneyfy everything :rotfl:.

The walking weights are for home use only :thumbsup2.

I have about 8 pins, the others we "share" as in, I organize, put them in the pin bag, put them on the lanyard, but they aren't mine :lmao:.

I love all those pins! I can't believe how much the collection has grown!

I also love all the travel stuff. I have a whole drawer overflowing with that stuff but I can't help but buy more!

I can't believe how much the collection has grown either. He loves the Star Wars pins lately.

Looks like an amazing first trip for your friend. She is going to have a blast as will you and Bill! I like all the pins...I just kinda got into the pin collecting last year and will probably pick up a few more the next trip.

BTW I love buying travel size things also...I also bought the wet ones but the sanitizing ones and then the travel clorox (is that spelled right it looks funny)bleach sheet things too. I am a bit of a germ-a-fobe.

Looking forward to reading more plans!

I hope Amy will love Disney as much as we do. Bill is a pin freak. I have to stay away from the travel aisle or I will buy something every time.

[mrsksomeday]

Bill’s boss has talked to him over and over again encouraging him to start a website design business. She wants to work with him to see if other offices around the state would like to use him to either update their websites or create one for them. They need to make sure their sites are completely accessible to people with disabilities and who better to help them??

We went to a seminar about starting a small business, got a packet with tons of information. It is through the small business center here in town so all their advice is free. Bill scheduled an appointment so he can ask all sorts of questions. They want at least an outline of a business plan before you talk to one of their advisors so that is what Bill has been up to in his free time. He already has a name for the business and slogan if we were ever to do it and I made a little logo for him. We have both decided more training would be a good idea for both of us before we start this :rotfl: .

We have also talked to his parents and picked Sept. 10th – 14th to go to Pigeon Forge, TN. Now I have to research what we can do there. I know they have many outlet stores, but I have to be a good girl. I might get some new shoes that would give me a little over a month to break them in before Disney. Here are more pictures of the house.

Here is “Bill’s room”:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/img_2220.jpg

Here is the kitchen:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/img_2270.jpg

I was told there is a walking trail behind the house to me this is code for "we will make you hike all over http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/HIKING.gif because you are trying to get healthy". They even had the contractor come out and smooth out some of the ground so that Bill could go on that trail. I can’t wait to see it and take about a 1,000 pictures.

When we get back from TN we will have 34 days until WDW. I am already questioning my ADR choices, etc. I am worried that I am going to try to pack too many things in. I am split between going with the flow and having a plan in place. I do so much better with plans, going with the flow makes me a nervous wreck, but I am not the only one going on this trip, am I?

I am sure things will work themselves out one way or another.

Amy has read “The Man Report”, I think she decided she better know what she is getting herself into before we go. She thinks Buzz and Linnie are just as hilarious as Bill and I do. Why wouldn’t you love a squirrel chasing, wine drinking, GAT master and his lovely wife that tells the truth after each installment is posted?

Sun. Oct. 19 : Since we will have been up before 5am the previous morning and staying at MK through Spectro and Wishes we are going to sleep in a little bit. I really don’t know if I will be able to sleep, I was up and running each day in June when we were there and I would think I will be even more excited because Amy will be with us.

I have to remember to not go all drill sergeant/commando http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/GI-DrillSgt.gif on her.

This is Epcot – Ip-Dip day. :banana:

Goals - not must do’s for this day :thumbsup2 :

Soarin (hopefully)
Living with the Land
Circle of Life
Lunch at Sunshine Seasons
Spaceship Earth
Imagination with Figment
Honey I Shrunk the Audience
Mexico Pavillion – Margarita’s baybeee!! (I am so glad Amy is of age!!)

We have to be at Biergarten by 4:50pm to check in. We will be looking for other Ip-Dippers. Now I may be wrong, but I think many of them might recognize us before we see them. Bill in the wheelchair, me pooh-sized, Amy with some color in her hair, not all of it, usually toward the front. Right now it is red, she might have blue, purple, green, who knows by October. I love that you never know what she will pick!!!

We hope to have a good dinner with some extraordinary people. Bill and I have never been to this restaurant so we can’t wait to try it. From what I read a long time ago we might be going to see Off-Kilter in the Canadian Pavilion. Bill and I have never seen them so I am looking forward to this. There might be a stop at the France kiosk that sells the slushies http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g134/scottny/smileys/whistling.gif, on our way there, we will see. We will wing it from there and see how things go.

I was worried about throwing Amy into this. I mean it is one thing to go down to Disneyworld with people you have known for a couple of years, but quite another taking her to meet people I have just known through an internet board. Now I see her posting on Enchanted and she seems to like it. Thank goodness.

I asked Jordan for advice on taking a noob to WDW, this is what he said:

“I guess my advice would be to try and ask as many questions as possible before the trip. Try and find out what type of traveler they are. My roommates are definitely late risers and non schedule oriented. I am the exact opposite. You can imagine how that played out on our WDW trip in 2005. The sooner you know about your friend and travelling, the better you can adjust your schedule.

You may need to adjust your expectations. Will this person ever go to WDW again? Many of the people I've taken in the last few years say they this is their one and only time at WDW so I have to plan accordingly which means alot more commando. that's why i schedule time alone to recoup and see things at my pace.”

I am going to take this advice and try my best to just relax.

Next up…more crafty stuff

[mkluvsmickey]

Congrats on the business opportunity for Bill (and you)! It is exciting to plan everything out at the beginning - that is how every business starts!

Bill's parents house is goergeous! Love that kitchen. We were in Pigeon Forge for a family reunion in June and had lots of fun. The outlets are great. We also did Dollywood which we surprisingly enjoyed.

Your Epcot day sounds great! How fun to meet a large group of online friends!

Great advice from Jordan too!

[mrsksomeday]

I have started making dining tip envelopes and some t-shirt designs. The problem with them is I don’t know if I like them or not. When I first make them I do, then I go back and look at them later and just don’t think they are “good enough”. Please, I need to get a grip. It isn’t like the mousekeepers and/or wait staff are going to critique my designs. I don’t think I will be hearing: “Oh no, look at that crappy design job, I am going to throw this tip right back in her face”. Hmmm, I wish that were true, look at the money I would save :rotfl: . Not really, I do enjoy making them; I don’t know why I am having difficulty with them this time. Here are some of my newest dining tip “designs”, some are for restaurants we are going to other just for the heck of it. I won't tell you which are for us because then I would be giving away future installment info:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/WCCenvelope.gif

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/Tonysrestaurant.gif

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/ohanas.gif

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/LeCellierSteakhouse.gif

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/chefmickeys.gif

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/captnjacks.gif

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/bomaenvelope.gif

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/Biergartenenvelope.gif

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/50sprimetime.gif





http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/CRT.gif

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/Askerhus.gif

I also developed “can’t leave the ADRs alone-isitis”. I really thought I had what we wanted, but then the doubts started creeping in. Boma is a tight fit for Bill’s wheelchair, we waited for our table FOREVER last November and we just don’t care for it. We were going there to show Amy around AKL, but couldn’t we do that anyway but not eat there? A bright idea popped into our heads : THE LUAU!!! Great idea, or it would have been if we called at 180 days out, it is booked solid for the category we would need for Bill’s wheelchair on all the days we could do it. This means Amy has to come back to WDW with us at some point to experience this and the other 1000 things we won’t get to this trip .

I purchased transfer paper and a couple of plain white t shirts and then I got to thinking “how rainy is it in October?” NO ONE wants to see me in a wet white t shirt http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/embarrassed.gif so I will probably be buying heavier weight t shirts soon. Here are some designs I came up with ( I shrunk them so they aren't as sharp as they are on my computer.

This one for Amy since she loves Lady and the Tramp:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/ladyandthetramppurpleblank2.gif

Tink for me:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/tinkerbellfaithtrustpixiedus.gif

Bill’s Captain Jack, he wanted that saying on it, it is from the 2nd movie:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/jackovalmindthedirt.jpg

I am probably going to put this on the back of many of my t shirts, how many backs to you see waiting in lines at WDW?

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/proudmemberenchantedwithboarder.gif

I might wear this Captain Jack one:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/apirateslife.jpg

I love Wall*E so I might use one or both of these:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/wallebluehangingout.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/Ilovewallehart.jpg

I am going to do a t shirt with Cherie’s Enchanted Mickey head.

I purchased a little index card binder. I typed up our itinerary, printed it out and pasted it on index cards:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/004-1.jpg

Here is a closer picture of the front:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/notebookcover2.jpg

Bill came up with the title, hence the PTR title.

Here is the inside of it:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/010.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/008.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/012.jpg

I just noticed it says "To St. Louis", huh??? it should say from St. Louis, DUH!!

You might be wondering why I made this?? I already have my Cinderella notebook I made. That will be for detailed trip report notes that I will write at night. It helps me unwind from the day to write down my thoughts. The index book is for us to take in the parks to have for reference and I might jot down a thing or two each day so I won’t forget it before I get back to the room.


Next up…More itinerary ( aren’t you excited?)

[AZMickeyfans]

Oh WOW you are so talented. I'm in AWE! Great ideas. I am totally stealing some of the planning ideas. I LOVE the thank you cards. So cute.

:worship: :worship: :worship: :worship:

[mrsksomeday]

Congrats on the business opportunity for Bill (and you)! It is exciting to plan everything out at the beginning - that is how every business starts!

Bill's parents house is goergeous! Love that kitchen. We were in Pigeon Forge for a family reunion in June and had lots of fun. The outlets are great. We also did Dollywood which we surprisingly enjoyed.

Your Epcot day sounds great! How fun to meet a large group of online friends!

Great advice from Jordan too!

Thank you so much!!

I can't wait to see Bill's house in person. I have more pics of it coming up soon. I think we might get to Dollywood too. We will try to see some of the shows. There really aren't any rides Bill could stay in his chair for :sad2:, that is why we love Disney!

I can't wait to meet all the Ip-Dippers!! I am so excited :yay: !!

Jordan is a wonderful guy!

[mrsksomeday]

Oh WOW you are so talented. I'm in AWE! Great ideas. I am totally stealing some of the planning ideas. I LOVE the thank you cards. So cute.

:worship: :worship: :worship: :worship:

Awww thank you so much. I try. You can steal anything you want, I don't mind at all.

[mkluvsmickey]

Great designs Tracy! I am super impressed as I am not a bit crafty. :worship:

Love the index binder idea! I always write our plans on index cards so they are easier to carry around during the day - what a great idea to put them all together in a mini-binder. I may have to steal that idea!

[mrsksomeday]

Great designs Tracy! I am super impressed as I am not a bit crafty. :worship:

Love the index binder idea! I always write our plans on index cards so they are easier to carry around during the day - what a great idea to put them all together in a mini-binder. I may have to steal that idea!

Steal whatever you want to. Thanks for the comments. Sometimes the mood just strikes me. I got my zazzle shirt with my Tink design in the mail today. I will post pictures of it later.

[BETTYDISNEY]

Tracy all I can say is :worship: :worship: :worship: You have a creative gift. I love your "futureinlawshouse" ! It is gorgeous. Your trip is so close OMG. Have you bought new clothes for this trip?

[mrsksomeday]

Tracy all I can say is :worship: :worship: :worship: You have a creative gift. I love your "futureinlawshouse" ! It is gorgeous. Your trip is so close OMG. Have you bought new clothes for this trip?


Hi Betty!! Thank you so much. I have more pictures of the house coming up. They rent it out when they are not there and the rental company took a bunch of pictures so I "borrowed" some of them :rotfl:. I bought those shirts in the 2nd installment and I got a shirt from Zazzle today with my Tink design on it. I will probably post pictures of it tomorrow.

[BETTYDISNEY]

Did you get a chance to see my thread about my son starting school? I managed to dig up his first meeting with "the Mouse" ! It is in the disabilities community board, thanks to you showing me how to post!

[mrsksomeday]

Did you get a chance to see my thread about my son starting school? I managed to dig up his first meeting with "the Mouse" ! It is in the disabilities community board, thanks to you showing me how to post!

No, I hadn't seen it. I will go over there now. Thanks for telling me about it!

[maroo]

WOW...

This is awesome. And I have "lurked" on your other trip reports as well. I really appreciate the pictures you take of the important stuff! Stuff we need to see as folks who are traveling with someone with a disability.

You and I have a lot in common...I also worked at a camp for people with disabilities (but as a teenager) and my mother also had breast cancer, although she did catch it fairly early and is doing fine and we both get to go to DW with someone that has CP. :)

anyway...I have lots of questions for you. and I think some of these will be answered as I read more of your trip reports...

What is a Pal Mickey? Where can I get those lanyards? Where can I buy pins? Are we just given some pins? How do I make T Shirts for Lauren and her family? :)

Also...what rides can you NOT get on? Due to logistical stuff?

Thanks for your help!! :) Maroo

[TinkAsh2001]

I like the envelopes! I always make them for Mousekeeping!!!

[mrsksomeday]

WOW...

What is a Pal Mickey? Where can I get those lanyards? Where can I buy pins? Are we just given some pins? How do I make T Shirts for Lauren and her family? :)

Also...what rides can you NOT get on? Due to logistical stuff?

Thanks for your help!! :) Maroo

What is Pal Mickey?

This is the description from the WDW website:

This huggable, interactive Mickey Mouse plush will let you in on insider park tips, give you parade and showtime reminders, tell you when your favorite characters are nearby, and let you know about short waits at your favorite attractions

If you read the other TR's you will see him on Bill's tray. He let us know about the Dolphin exhibition in the Land. When something is happening his sensors let him know and he shakes and starts talking. He is fun.

Where can I get those lanyards?

It depends on what type you want. If you want plain ones you can go online, if you want ones with Disney characters you can go online, Ebay, resort stores, the Parks, and DTD.

Where can I buy pins?

You can buy them at disneyshopping.com, online places (google - disney pins), ebay etc. Some people sell "junk pins" that are not offical pins so you have to watch out for that. There is a pin forum here on the Dis and they have many tips. You can buy the pins on property at the resort shops, DTD, and the parks.


Are we just given some pins?

I don't know if GKTW gives pins or not? You could by a lanyard starter set. They usually come with 4 pins, 2 sets of the same pin, then you have 2 to keep and 2 to trade.

How do I make T Shirts for Lauren and her family?

There are many fantastic designers on on the Creative DISigns here on the DIS. There are t shirt transfer papers you can buy and do it yourself. Also there are places like zazzle.com that you can upload the images you want on the shirts and they will print it for you. I will have a picture of a shirt I just got from there posted tomorrow some time.

Also...what rides can you NOT get on? Due to logistical stuff?

Can Lauren transfer at all? Does she walk? Bill can't walk and prefers to stay in his chair.

Off the top of my head The Ticket and Transportation Authority aka The People Mover at Magic Kingdom has a continuously moving walkway that they will not stop. If Lauren can't walk well she shouldn't do this. I couldn't see trying to carry her on the moving walk way. The same thing with Peter Pan at Magic Kingdom, they do not stop the walk way.

The Haunted Mansion will stop the walk way if you ask them too.

I know there are many links in the Disabilites section in the sticky thread. There should be a link to the rides. Also, have you heard of the book "Passorter's Open Mouse"? It is a fantastic book about going to Disney World with disabilities.

I hope I answered your questions. Feel free to ask me anything, I don't mind at all. I want to help everyone to be able to enjoy Bill and I's happy place.


I like the envelopes! I always make them for Mousekeeping!!!


Thanks! We like them too.

[mrsksomeday]

I am going to side step our Disney plans for a moment and talk a little bit about our upcoming Smokey Mountains trip.

Bill’s mom was down there 3 weeks ago getting the cabin ready, putting the final touches on it before they started renting it out. The photographer came from the rental company and spent 10 hours taking pictures, moving things, waiting for the right light. She said she was ready for him to be gone :rotfl: . She had told me to wait about a week to see if they had been posted on the rental site.

Well you might know this about me by now, I have NO patience so I looked on the site about 3 days later, they were already there!! I called her immediately, they were driving back to Indiana so I knew I would be able to reach them. She was ecstatic http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/yay-1.gif. She couldn’t wait to see the pictures. They had posted 24 pictures on the rental site, here are 4 of them:

The front of the house:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/cabinexterior1.jpg

The back of the house:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/cabinfromtheback.jpg

Two great room pictures:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/cabingreatroom2.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/cabingreatroom.jpg

I think they turned out very well. I know I will be taking pictures when we are there, but I don’t think any of mine would look this good. She called us a day later very happy http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/happy611.gif. Someone rented it already. She didn’t think it would happen this quickly. We are supposed to be there Sept. 10 -14th and again December 23-27th. I know I will be taking Disney the entire time we are there and seeing if there is any Disney stuff at the outlet places there. <<<< that should take care of the rule to keep the PTR's about Disney ;).

I don’t know if we will make the December trip or not. Bill’s dad had a realtor come in just to see what he would list the house for, just for the heck of it. The realtor said he had two clients that would buy it now. Bill’s mom was like “HUH, we just got it done, let’s enjoy it for a little bit”. They had another cabin in that area it was listed for only 5 days before it was sold.

Bill says they need to design and build homes, they are wonderful at it, at least we think they are. If you would like to check out any more pictures or are thinking about taking a vacation to the Smokey Mountains :rolleyes1 and want a brand new place to stay with some wonderful mountain views here is the link: Radiant Glory (http://www.majesticmountainvacations.com/cabin.asp?property_id=1799).

Now back to obsessive, overthinking Disney World planning

Before the cabin, I was talking crafty things and before that it was about the itinerary:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/ipdip.gif

eatin some german food http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/free_ger21.gif,


drinkin some grey goose slushies http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/drink.gif,

and watchin some men in kilts sing http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/Kilt.gif.

The rest of the itinerary is not so colorful, http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee224/sirkaiserwilliam/Sorysm.gif. You might be doing this http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/Bored.gif while reading it.

Monday Oct. 20th, Animal Kingdom Day 1!!!


I want to reiterate these are goals, not “must do’s”, typing this out it seems like a lot to do. I know Amy might not want to do it all, might not want to get up for rope drop, and might want to hang out at the resort. We will show her the ropes of the bus system and if she wants to stay at the resort or go off somewhere else she can do it. She says she wants to do anything we want, but Bill and I are used to the “GO GO GO” of Disney.

I don’t want to overwhelm her and cause her to have a meltdown trantrum like thishttp://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee224/sirkaiserwilliam/tantrum4.gif. My fear is she could start a mutiny http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee224/sirkaiserwilliam/pirate.gif and Bill and her will roll along without me http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee224/sirkaiserwilliam/wheelchair.gif, so I promise to be good, well try at least, give me a break those are hard habits to break.

What are the goals for this day, you might ask??


Exhibition Everest for Amy (we will go through the regular line if not too long so Bill and I can see the queue, if it is too long Amy will go through the single rider line, does EE have a single rider line? If she likes it get a FP for later in the day)
Kilimanjaro Safari
Festival of the Lion King
Character meet and greets if we have time
Nemo the Musical (We have never seen it, so we get to experience it the first time with our wonderful buddy!!)
Bill wants to go to Rafiki’s Planet Watch even after I told him Buzz’s review of it
Flights of Wonder
See if we can locate Devine
Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
We plan on having lunch at some point at Flame Tree BBQThis night we are going to Animal Kingdom Lodge to give Boma one last try. Those of you that didn't read my last TR don't know that we had some issues there. We were there before our reservation time and still waited an hour. They knew at the podium that Bill was in a wheelchair but still tried to squeeze us into a small area. How was Bill supposed to get back and forth if he wanted more food?? But we wanted to show Amy AKL and with it being a party of 3 we need a bigger table.

Then to Downtown Disney for dinner and shopping. I am also making it a priority to go to the Capt’n Jack’s Margarita stand http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/happy611.gif. I know I want to go to the Christmas shop, World of Disney, Art of Disney, and Pin Traders. What else do you suggest?? Help me out people, I want us to experience as much magic as we can get our hands on.

Next is another Magic Kingdom day, but this time it is MNSSHP!!!

We’re going to a party, a Halloween Party http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/278.gif!!

We will probably sleep in this morning because we have a party to go to that night, a Halloween Party, but not a scary one. We have never been to this and are really looking forward to it.

When we had the trip scheduled for November, Bill and I had purchased MVMCP http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/santabounce-1.giftickets, one of the reasons holding me back to not change the trip to October was that the tickets were “nonrefundable”. Well they say that, but it isn’t true, well it least in our case it wasn’t. A DISer had told me to call and see if anything could be done. I called WDW Ticketing, got a fantastic CM and he said he could refund the money on the CC we had used. Then I asked him if there was any way possible to just return them in exchange for MNSSHP tickets, he said I could so that is what we did.

Now that we have Amy coming with us, she needed a ticket. She said she would purchase it, but we knew her birthday was coming up (she had her 22nd birthday on August 7th, Happy Birthday again Amy http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee224/sirkaiserwilliam/birthday.gif!!) so we used our AP discount and purchased her ticket. The only catch, we have to pick up her ticket at “will call” and show the AP to get it. No problem, I just like having the tickets before we get there. Well, there is a little problem. Where the heck is “will call” at Magic Kingdom? I know it is a stupid question, but Bill and I have always gotten a package deal before and always had our tickets on our room keys. So if you know the direction to point me in please do so.

Oct. 21st: Magic Kingdom Day 2!!

Goals for this day:

Pirates of the Caribbean
Jungle Cruise
Tiki Birds (oh yes we are taking Amy here, don’t even try to discourage us, I can’t wait to see the look on her face during the show)
Big Thunder Mountain
Hall of Presidents
Riverboat (if we have 20 minutes to blow and want to be bored out of our minds)
3pm Parade (we have never sat down and enjoyed this HUH? WHY? I don’t know either, might have something to do with my GO GO GO attitude, don't judge me http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/bat-1.gif )
Pick up party braceletsI want us to take the boat to Wilderness Lodge, we are having dinner at Whispering Canyon Café. We are going a little early, I am hoping we can see the geyser, and get back before the Halloween party starts, we will see if that happens. I am going to ask if we can have a server that plays. Last time we were in the back of the restaurant and didn’t see any of the fun, this time we have to be at a bigger table so hopefully we will see what is going on around us. I think Amy might require some ketchup, need more soda, or something don’t you? Maybe I will tell the server Amy wants to go to Universal Studios and ask what they think of that http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/clap.gif.

Amy asked if adults wore costumes to the party I think they can, can’t they? I don’t think it is supposed to look like a Disney Character. I am going to make some type of shirt, I don’t know if Amy and Bill will want to wear it, but I am.

We will head back to the party, I know Bill wants to see the show at the Castle, see the parade, and Hallowishes. We will see what Amy wants to do as well. I can’t wait to see the fireworks, the Christmas ones last year were amazingly wonderful. I don’t know if we will stay until the end of the party or not, we will see.

After the party we will get to hear whispers and not so quiet whispers when we take our place in the wheelchair area. I try very hard to ignore the stupid remarks, but with Amy there I see us saying some things to each other loudly so the not so magical guests hear. Things like “oh yeah, he loves being in the wheelchair, great perks, so much better than WALKING, he got Cerebral Palsy just to get on the bus first!!” Sorry, it just truly upsets and annoys me how people can be so inconsiderate.

He would trade anything to be able to walk; they have no idea how much pain he is in every single day and how differently people treat him. I adore this man and it breaks my heart when people are horrible http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/crywithtissues.gif. The ones that act like that with children are the ones that upset me the most, because they are teaching their children to act that way.

I always used to tell my son “we teach people how to treat us” sometimes I need to teach a lesson, even in the middle of Disney World.

Next up…. OMG could it be more itinerary??

[Hedy]

Plans look good. Would Amy like Once Upon a Toy?

[DisneyJo]

Wow Tracy you have been busy, all your crafty stuff is great, the tip envelopes are fantastic and I'm sure any CM that got one would be incredibly pleased :goodvibes

Your IL's house looks beautiful, have a lovely time and yes EE does have a single rider line, no need for her to get any FP's there :thumbsup2

[mkluvsmickey]

Your plans sound great!

To answer a couple of your questions:
Last time I was at AK there was a single rider line for EE.

I'm pretty sure the "will call" at MK is at guest relations (to the right of the turnstiles). My mom had to use it last year to exchange her tickets.

You are going to LOVE MNSSHP - it is so much fun!! I am determined to stay until the end this time - even if it is by myself! :)

[marivaid]

Tracy, the cabin looks amazing ! What have you got planned for the 25th and 26th ?? Wanna join us on TOT ?

[*KeepMovingForward*]

Subscribing! Wow...you are so organized! I love all your shirt designs and plans. Your weight loss is amazing-you go girl!!!! :dance3: The cabin is gorgeous! :thumbsup2

[mrsksomeday]

Plans look good. Would Amy like Once Upon a Toy?

Hedy, thanks for thinking of that. Amy has a niece and would probably love to pick up some things for her there!

Wow Tracy you have been busy, all your crafty stuff is great, the tip envelopes are fantastic and I'm sure any CM that got one would be incredibly pleased :goodvibes

Your IL's house looks beautiful, have a lovely time and yes EE does have a single rider line, no need for her to get any FP's there :thumbsup2

Hi Jo, thank you so much for saying those things. I can't believe we will be at the IL's cabin Wednesday. Thanks for the EE information.

Your plans sound great!

To answer a couple of your questions:
Last time I was at AK there was a single rider line for EE.

I'm pretty sure the "will call" at MK is at guest relations (to the right of the turnstiles). My mom had to use it last year to exchange her tickets.

You are going to LOVE MNSSHP - it is so much fun!! I am determined to stay until the end this time - even if it is by myself! :)

Thanks for the "will call" info. I can't wait for MNSSHP. I am trying to avoid all pictures, threads, and videos about it. I want to experience all the magic when we get there. I hope we stay the entire time.

Tracy, the cabin looks amazing ! What have you got planned for the 25th and 26th ?? Wanna join us on TOT ?

Marina, I will find a way to meet up with you some where. Amy can join you on TOT, Bill and I will walk through the queue with you :lmao:.

Subscribing! Wow...you are so organized! I love all your shirt designs and plans. Your weight loss is amazing-you go girl!!!! :dance3: The cabin is gorgeous! :thumbsup2

WELCOME!!! As I tell my friends I am Disney organized only, nothing else in my life is organized like my Disney planning :rotfl:. I enjoy making the designs. Thanks for the kind comments on the weight loss, I am really trying, Disney is a challenge all that great smelling/tasting food. I have really checked out the menus and am deciding exactly what I am eating before I even get there. Makes things easier for me. I will definately post picture of the cabin when we get back!!

[Poohtigeey]

TRACY!!! You look fabulous!!! I was excited to see you had a new report! I haven't read it yet though!:lmao: I saw your picture and I had to post! I'm so excited for your upcoming trip. I don't remember that pic of Bill w/ Kelly Monoco! Can't wait to hear all about your trip, and how exciting to be bringing a good friend to share it with! Sorry I haven't stayed up on your travels. I disappeared from here for a bit. I need to pay attention to your future Disney plans because I am determined to meet you and Bill sometime!:hug:

[mrsksomeday]

TRACY!!! You look fabulous!!! I was excited to see you had a new report! I haven't read it yet though!:lmao: I saw your picture and I had to post! I'm so excited for your upcoming trip. I don't remember that pic of Bill w/ Kelly Monoco! Can't wait to hear all about your trip, and how exciting to be bringing a good friend to share it with! Sorry I haven't stayed up on your travels. I disappeared from here for a bit. I need to pay attention to your future Disney plans because I am determined to meet you and Bill sometime!:hug:

MONICA!!! I am so happy to see you here. I would love to meet you some day too. I understand how real life intrudes on DIS life sometimes. The Kelly Monaco/Bill pic was from Nov. 2006, he hopes to meet her again in November, I wonder why :confused3 ? :lmao:

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Hi Tracy, I am here!

Your plans look great so far and how fun to be taking a Disney newbie along. I'm sure you guys will do a great job of showing her the magic. :goodvibes

[mrsksomeday]

Hi Tracy, I am here!

Your plans look great so far and how fun to be taking a Disney newbie along. I'm sure you guys will do a great job of showing her the magic. :goodvibes

Hi Lessa!! Amy loved the pictures of you and your family at WDW. They cracked her up as much as they did me. I was showing her when you were the family banner of the week on Enchanted. I can't wait to show her why we love Disney so much. Thanks for reading.

[Goofyluver]

:wave: Hi darlin! I CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR MORE ABOUT YOU AND MY FAVORITE GUY...(that cute Bill of yours)!!!!

Sorry I'm late. At least I'm only 4 pages late!!

[MagiKitty]

Hi again! I'm not stalking you, I swear! Just finished catching up here, I get so confused about what I'm reading where....your trip is amazingly planned and will be so much fun! I'm looking forward to getting to "know" Amy more...

I have some serious craft-envy. You're so talented!

I know those stinky-head people at the parks. Ignore them. They choose to open their mouths and show the rest of us just how stupid they are. My BF had many surgeries and years of PT to get to where he can walk now. I'm very proud of him, but we have to get a wheelchair at WDW, its just a lot of walking for all of us! And I don't know what it is about those CP boys, but they do have the most beautiful eyes!

[luvfigment]

When you go to MNSSHP make sure you see Hallowishes!!!! It is AMAZING!!! I think it is some of the best fireworks I have seen! I keep going back and forth on doing the party or not when we go in Oct...DH doesn't feel like we need to go so I am going to think about it a little more.

Looking forward to seeing more of your plans when I get back!

[mrsksomeday]

:wave: Hi darlin! I CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR MORE ABOUT YOU AND MY FAVORITE GUY...(that cute Bill of yours)!!!!

Sorry I'm late. At least I'm only 4 pages late!!

:wave: Hi Jen and welcome!! Bill blushed when I read that to him, he said thank you :rotfl:. He loves hearing about how cute he it.

Hi again! I'm not stalking you, I swear! Just finished catching up here, I get so confused about what I'm reading where....your trip is amazingly planned and will be so much fun! I'm looking forward to getting to "know" Amy more...

I have some serious craft-envy. You're so talented!

I know those stinky-head people at the parks. Ignore them. They choose to open their mouths and show the rest of us just how stupid they are. My BF had many surgeries and years of PT to get to where he can walk now. I'm very proud of him, but we have to get a wheelchair at WDW, its just a lot of walking for all of us! And I don't know what it is about those CP boys, but they do have the most beautiful eyes!

Stalk away, I don't mind! Amy is a sweetie, I am so glad she said yes about coming on the trip. Those stinky-head people will get my angry eyes :mad: if I hear bad things this trip. I know what you mean about the CP and gorgeous eyes. He gets away with murder by batting those blue eyes at me and he knows it :lmao:.

When you go to MNSSHP make sure you see Hallowishes!!!! It is AMAZING!!! I think it is some of the best fireworks I have seen! I keep going back and forth on doing the party or not when we go in Oct...DH doesn't feel like we need to go so I am going to think about it a little more.

Looking forward to seeing more of your plans when I get back!

Hi, we will definately watch Hallowishes. We usually do just the party things on party night, we figure we can ride rides on the other days we will be there. I mean if there is time to hop on a ride great, but we are there for the party stuff.

I will probably post at least one more installment before we leave Wednesday morning. I am taking my laptop so I might drop by to say hi while we are there.

[Goofyluver]

:wave: Hi Jen and welcome!! Bill blushed when I read that to him, he said thank you :rotfl:. He loves hearing about how cute he it.



Well, don't we all!!! :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

And I forgot to add...I looked at that cabin you guys are heading to...and OMG!!! Gorgeous!!!

Jen doesn't do "camping" and stuff. But, I"d make an exception for that!!! :thumbsup2

[mrsksomeday]

Well, don't we all!!! :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

And I forgot to add...I looked at that cabin you guys are heading to...and OMG!!! Gorgeous!!!

Jen doesn't do "camping" and stuff. But, I"d make an exception for that!!! :thumbsup2

Oh Tracy doesn't do "camping" either, that is why there is extreme high speed internet, 4 flat screen tvs, a game system, a wet bar, and a pool table. That is my idea of roughing it :lmao:.

[SunnieRN]

Wow, just found your pre trip report and you look FANTASTIC! I am pooh sized also and just wanted to tell you that I know what hard work it is to lose weight!!
Your plans sound awesome and I am sure that Amy will have the time of her life! Both of your puppies are so cute. I love the looking at the camera poses you puppy does! How funny that he reacts to the word disney...too cute!!
Can't wait to read more plans for our upcoming trips to TN and disney world!!

[buglet55]

Hello!
Last night I found your first PTR/TR and read the whole thing practically! (finished it up today too!) I am about halfway through this PTR and am loving it.

can't wait to read more!

[mrsksomeday]

Wow, just found your pre trip report and you look FANTASTIC! I am pooh sized also and just wanted to tell you that I know what hard work it is to lose weight!!
Your plans sound awesome and I am sure that Amy will have the time of her life! Both of your puppies are so cute. I love the looking at the camera poses you puppy does! How funny that he reacts to the word disney...too cute!!
Can't wait to read more plans for our upcoming trips to TN and disney world!!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Enchanted%20welcomes%20happy%20bdays%20etc/037c5f59.gif

Thank you so much for the wonderful words.

I think Amy will really enjoy it, she texts us every day with how many days are left. Ace is a camera hog, :rotfl:. I think he enjoys the light on it. I said "Disney" today after reading this, he was looking at something on tv but his left ear turned in my direction and Bill was cracking up.

Hello!
Last night I found your first PTR/TR and read the whole thing practically! (finished it up today too!) I am about halfway through this PTR and am loving it.

can't wait to read more!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Enchanted%20welcomes%20happy%20bdays%20etc/ef4ce62c.gif

My goodness you read the madness and the rambling in the other report and are still reading, bless you. Thanks for reading. I really enjoy writing them.

[buglet55]

My goodness you read the madness and the rambling in the other report and are still reading, bless you. Thanks for reading. I really enjoy writing them.

you must enjoy! they are the most layout detailed posts i have ever seen! lol! keep it up its great!

Oh and I am much awaiting your Cruise one! I LOVE CRUISES! i think my family and i have been on two disney and 1 carnival and 1 celebrity......let me just tell you DISNEY stands out among the rest as AMAZING! the shows (but i hear they have changed these since ive been on it. My absolute fave show was Hercules! be sure to catch that one if they still have it!), the food, the dinner rotations, even the architecture and interior design! everything! see how excited i am and youve only mentioned going a few times? lol.

[hoosiergirl7]

I want to know how you've lost the weight??? I'm only about 40 lbs over what I should be but I can't seem to get my metabolism going no matter what I try.

BTW, I really love the BF's red Indiana U. pullover. That's where I started college and currently finishing my BA via distance learning.

Can't wait to read your TR. We were supposed to have gone to WDW at that same time but DH's employer decided he was going to move him to a new location in Dec and therefore has to do job training out in California in October. Oh well, it's a good excuse for us to get back to Disneyland!

[mrsksomeday]

I want to know how you've lost the weight??? I'm only about 40 lbs over what I should be but I can't seem to get my metabolism going no matter what I try.

BTW, I really love the BF's red Indiana U. pullover. That's where I started college and currently finishing my BA via distance learning.

Can't wait to read your TR. We were supposed to have gone to WDW at that same time but DH's employer decided he was going to move him to a new location in Dec and therefore has to do job training out in California in October. Oh well, it's a good excuse for us to get back to Disneyland!

Hi and WELCOME :flower3: !!

It is true that the more you have to lose the easier it is in the beginning. I went to fitday.com and opened a free account. I input everything I eat before it goes in my mouth. You can add the calorie and nutritional information on items they don't have listed there.

I walk, walk, walk. I have "walking away the pounds" and I take the dog out walking around the university campus that is right next to us. I have good days, I have bad days, but I am very much aware of what is going on with me now. I look at the calorie counts of everything in the grocery store, many more fruits and vegetables. I hardly ever eat bread, I love chicken so that helps a lot.

If I want something like fried like shrimp etc, I won't deny myself, I just don't eat a ton of it like I used to. I want to have a lot more weight gone before Dec. 2009, my 40th b-day. Sorry I didn't mean to write a book.

I can't talk Bill into Disneyland (yet), but I will one day. Bill is from Indiana, he loves that shirt. Thank you so much for joining in.

[AZMickeyfans]

:wave: Just coming over to say hi and check in with the plans. :thumbsup2

[mom2mek]

I'm so glad I clicked on your link in your siggie to come over here Tracy! I am super-duper impressed with your weightloss - you look fantastic! :thumbsup2
This trip is shaping up very nicely. I, too, enjoyed the "man reports" so I think that it is great you are going to meet Buzz and his very nice family! I will be at Disney in October too, but earlier than the Ip-Dip meet! :sad1: We are going the 8th through the 14th!

Looking forward to hearing about more plans! popcorn::

Sara

[mrsksomeday]

:wave: Just coming over to say hi and check in with the plans. :thumbsup2

Well Hello back!! I will do an update in a couple of minutes. Hope you are having a great day!!

I'm so glad I clicked on your link in your siggie to come over here Tracy! I am super-duper impressed with your weightloss - you look fantastic! :thumbsup2
This trip is shaping up very nicely. I, too, enjoyed the "man reports" so I think that it is great you are going to meet Buzz and his very nice family! I will be at Disney in October too, but earlier than the Ip-Dip meet! :sad1: We are going the 8th through the 14th!

Looking forward to hearing about more plans! popcorn::

Sara

Sara, WELCOME!! Thank you so much for joining us. I can't wait to meet Buzz and especially Linnie, she is such a wonderful person. Aww you are going to leave 4 days before we get there :sad1:. As much as Bill and I have been going lately maybe out dates will match up some day :rotfl:.

[mrsksomeday]

Time outhttp://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/timeout-1.gif for some travel news….. (although most of you know it)
Everyone knows I have about 500 more installments http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee224/sirkaiserwilliam/Smiley_write-a-letter.gif to fit in 39 more days before we leave for St. Louis, but I have to break off from the excitement of our itinerary for a moment. Something happened recently that I want to tell you about.

I pre-purchased the Disney Photopass CD http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/cd.gif
The trip is paid for and all the misc. money is saved up!http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/Money.gifOh no wait, I don't think that is travel news is it http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/shocked-smiley-9449.gif? Hmmm, what other news could I tell you about?

That Bill and I have lost our flipping minds http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee224/sirkaiserwilliam/gaga.gif?

That we couldn’t get our annual November trip out of our heads?

That Bill doesn’t feel complete unless he is stalking Kassie DePaiva every 6 months http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee224/sirkaiserwilliam/stalker.gif?

That those Annual Passes keep burning a hole in our pockets and we want to get “our money’s worth out of them” http://www.websitetoolbox.com/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif?

That we enjoy owing Disney money all year long http://www.websitetoolbox.com/images/boards/smilies/confused.gif?

That the evil “dings” Southwest had round trip from Nashville to Orlando in November was $339 round trip for both of us http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/surprise-1.gif?

That Disney had a great room only code for Annual Passholders http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/notlistening.gif?

That our insane, crazy, no self control, impulsive selves booked ANOTHER Disney trip 16 days after we get back from our October trip? http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/sos.gif

Yep, that’s it - that is the news.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/ssw08_header_image.jpg


HERE WE COME!!

We are certifiable. We need an intervention. Our reasoning: this is our Christmas present to one another. We seriously don’t know how to break this news to his parents? Do we even tell them at all? They will think we have gone over the edge. We have, haven’t we? They will ask Bill what about school, he is taking 2 online classes this semester and can do the assignments before we leave, heck we are taking the laptop so he can even check in while he is in WDW, but his parents just don’t understand http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee8/scottnyc_01/smiley/no.gif (wow flashback to Wil Smith in the 80’s).

There were actually some questions we asked one another before we decided to do this.

What about Ace http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/puppydogeyes.gif? Will the poor dog even know who the heck we are when we pick him up?

I know some have joked that we should just stay and not come back until after Super Soap, but there are some reasons not to do this:

1) Money - I can’t imagine how much a stay that long would be, I think we might even get sick of Disney if we were there that long :rotfl2: (Yeah right).
2) Ace’s birthday http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/thSmileybirthday.gif is October 28th, we have to be home for that.
3) They placed Super Soap Weekend in the wrong weekend!! The last two years it has been the weekend right before Veteran’s Day, but NO, not this year http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/shameonyou.gif.

Therefore, we come home, take care of our birthday furbaby and get ready to go again. I have told Bill no more Disney trips until at least June, he just looks at me and smiles. Then I state, “ok, I am not helping pay for anymore Disney trips until at least June” http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/notalking.gif. He says fine and continues to smile, so who knows what he is thinking? Oh yeah, ESPN Weekend in either late February or early March.

We can get photopass pictures from our November trip and put them on the CD with the October pictures as far as I know!! We might even throw a MVMCP in on Nov. 14th http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/santa.gif, we will see.

I am on a planning high again http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/1e76d761.gif. I have all the ADR’s booked, I have mapped out what park on what day, etc. I swear I should become a Disney travel agent and get paid to do this. I just have to find a way to stop the panic from setting in http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/nailbiting.gif. Right now we are going somewhere every month until the end of the year and poor Ace is going to the boarders. Acey isn’t allowed to put his dog hair all over the cabin http://www.websitetoolbox.com/images/boards/smilies/nono.gif. They love him at the boarders, he gets tons of affection, I wish he could be with us though.

So that is what we’ve have been up to, http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/help.gif I really need someone to confiscate my computer, take the Southwest “Ding” off, block all websites about Disney except Enchanted :hug: and the DIS, and have Bill and I learn to do different things.

Anyone care to bet that that is ever going to happen?

Next up… Back to regularly scheduled programming

[*KeepMovingForward*]

Your post makes me feel normal! :rotfl: We are hopeless Disney addicts too and life just isn't complete unless your planning yet another getaway to the mouse. I get excited about the little things too-and you reminded me to pre-purchase our own photopass CD (before I forget again). ;)

[mrsksomeday]

# 9 Back to the Kingdom, Animal Kingdom

Yes Bill and I are insane http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/crazy.gifand would probably own a DVC out right if we would just sit our butts home and save money, but heck not gonna happen. Back to the October plan…

Oct. 22nd: http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/ak.jpgDay 2

We are headed back to Africa and Asia this day. For those of you counting this is day 5 and we have been to every park but Disney Hollywood Studios. I think I am avoiding DHS because Bill and I spend a ton of time here, we have been to Super Soap Weekend twice and this past June we were at Star Wars Weekend. We will get there, in a couple more days.

Goals for this day:

Safari, EE (or both if we/Amy want to do it again)
Character Trails (if they weren’t done the last time)
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Devine (if we didn’t find her the last time)
Dinoland
Acrobats
4pm Parade (if we are still in the park)

I didn’t realize I had that many “if’s” in my head until I typed it out. I don’t have any clue how long we will be at Animal Kingdom this day. If we get done early, I want to head back to the room to relax for a bit. We have to be at DTD by 7pm to check in for dinner at Capt’n Jacks, Bill is really looking forward to this. He wants his twin lobster tails and white chocolate raspberry cheesecake again http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/7.gif. We will hit any stores we missed the first time here and head back to Pop.

We have tried to get Chef Mickey’s every trip we have made, it never seemed to work out, until we scheduled the October trip, BA (before Amy). We had a great ADR time, we were happy with it. Then we invited Amy. I got on the phone with WDW Dining after Amy said a definite yes. We tried every day for Chef Mickey’s, the earliest we could get was 8:55pm. HUH, WHAT http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/notalking.gif?? Are the characters still even out that late? I was informed that the latest seating is 9:20pm and that the characters will be around. Now I have read some TR’s where the guests felt rushed at that time, so we will see. I still wish it was earlier in the evening, but Bill wants this ADR and will not budge about it, so I will go.

Oct. 23rd: http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/se.jpg Day 2

Goals for this day:

Soarin for FP
Nemo Clam mobiles
Talk Turtle with Crush
Aquariums
Test Track (we are going to the practice vehicle and see if we can get Bill into it)
Ellen’s Energy (ohhh a 45 minute nap http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/Smiley_sleeping.gif, I am excited!! j/k, I actually think it is kinda cute)
Spaceship Earth (if we didn’t do it on the 19th)
Exploring the World Showcase (we will do this more in depth later in the week)

Then we get to go on a monorail ride. It will be the first of the trip so I hope to get out of Epcot early enough to ride around for a bit. We might even try to get in the front of the monorail at some point, if we can leave the wheelchair with a CM. We will see, I have read that others have done it.

Amy gets to see the Contemporary Resort. We will explore at bit, go into the gift shops, and then check in for dinner. We will take a monorail back to Magic Kingdom and a bus back to Pop.

Since I haven’t obsessively mentioned Ace lately, I thought I would share a little video I shot and a picture. He does this every time we bring him in from his last walk at night. I hope you enjoy:


Ace Video (http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct 2008 pre trip stuff/?action=view&current=Acerunning_0002.flv)

I swear I have not doctored this pic in any way, Ace was laying on the other end of the couch sleeping when I saw this:

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee224/sirkaiserwilliam/OCT%202008%20pretrippie/Acemickeyhead.jpg

Now I have either gone officially Disney crazy OR our furbaby has a hidden Mickey!!!

Next installment… you finally find out what I have planned for DHS

[mrsksomeday]

Your post makes me feel normal! :rotfl: We are hopeless Disney addicts too and life just isn't complete unless your planning yet another getaway to the mouse. I get excited about the little things too-and you reminded me to pre-purchase our own photopass CD (before I forget again). ;)

We actually planned one Disney trip while we were sitting in the wheelchair section at MGM, I mean DHS during Super Soap Weekend last year. I am very sad unless I know when the next trip is coming. Thanks for letting me feel a little normal.

[Goofyluver]

I don't think you're crazy. I'm just jealous!!! ;)

And OMG! I laughed soooooo hard at your "indecent" video of Ace!!! :rotfl:

And you know now...I'm going to be searching my dogs for Mickey spots. Thanks a lot!

[mrsksomeday]

I don't think you're crazy. I'm just jealous!!! ;)

And OMG! I laughed soooooo hard at your "indecent" video of Ace!!! :rotfl:

And you know now...I'm going to be searching my dogs for Mickey spots. Thanks a lot!

We are seriously NUTS. He had me pricing ESPN Weekend last night. His parents ask me every year what I want for Christmas and I always tell them gift cards. This year I will request a SouthWest gift card.

Ace is just as silly as we are, he has to do that running every night. I still can't believe we had him for over 3 years and I just noticed that mark on him. In my defense it is under his left front leg. I should push him over and search him, he might have more :lmao:.

[inkedupmomma]

holy crap.. i'm pretty much in love with yall and this fantastic ptr!! totally subbing!!

[SwansLoveDisney]

Okay, how do I get adopted into your family?!?

[Hedy]

Well, now you see what happens when you send Ace to the kennel...he gets tattoos. :sad2: ;)

[mrsksomeday]

holy crap.. i'm pretty much in love with yall and this fantastic ptr!! totally subbing!!

WELCOME!! You are too sweet, thanks for joining in!!

Okay, how do I get adopted into your family?!?

:rotfl: More like Bill and I want to be adopted by you!! You went to Greece and the San Diego Zoo. BTW, those ankle rolls are really helping. The 2nd PT appt is tomorros.

Well, now you see what happens when you send Ace to the kennel...he gets tattoos. :sad2: ;)

Hedy, I seriously almost spit water all over my monitor, that was hilarious :lmao:.

[SwansLoveDisney]

:rotfl: More like Bill and I want to be adopted by you!! You went to Greece and the San Diego Zoo. BTW, those ankle rolls are really helping. The 2nd PT appt is tomorros.



Oh, how is PT going?!?

[AZMickeyfans]

Ok in my book you are TOTALLY normal. This is how we do DL. We book another trip before our current trip is even taken. We usually have 3 trips in the works. With the WDW trip this year we have had to go to DL only 3 times and we've been in serious withdrawl. I am currently the only AP holder for that park in the house (thanks to a girls only trip) and I whip it out whenever I want to feel powerful. :lmao:

So I do not think you all are crazy. :woohoo: Thats why we are on the DIS. Sanity Justification. :thumbsup2

Secondly, I love the hidden Mickey So cute!!! :cutie:

Your plans sound GREAT. I'm about to rework EVERYTHING 24 days before we leave. AHHHH! Oh well, keeps me on my toes. :lmao:

[mrsksomeday]

Oh, how is PT going?!?

We only had one session last week and will have one tomorrow, but he showed me how to stretch the muscles and work them so I do it 3 times a day. I also do the scar massage. His ankle is already more flexible. Ace doesn't understand why I am massaging Bill's foot and not petting him :rotfl:, he always jumps on the bed and nudges my hand wanting attention, silly dog.

[maroo]

Thank you so much for your answers! More to read! Yeah! :)

Lauren can not walk or transfer. We can pick her up, though, as she is only 65 lbs. I don't think we care much about the people mover, but I am going to get her on Peter Pan if it kills me! :) I think we might have to practice...but we can do it. :) I have watched a video on you tube that shows these older people getting on the ride :confused3 (I have NO idea what the purpose of that video is...but it has helped me!) so I have an idea of what it will take to get her on. I think we can put her between her parents as they are smaller than me. Or if only one of us can ride with her, then I can do that and put her beside me and just hold her up. Like we do on the big slides at a water park (but not anymore since she got rods in her back).

I have not heard of Passporters Open Mouse...I wonder if I have time to get it before we leave? Do you think it is worth getting it quick? :confused:

Thank you for your help!!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Congrats on booking yet another trip! Lucky girl!

[mom2mek]

Tracy, that's great that you guys have that next trip planned! You are going to have a fabulous time! Too bad none of these trips overlap with our girls trip in December! :sad1:

Love the video of Ace - thanks for the edit! :eek: And that dog was destined to become your baby if he had a HIdden Mickey on him, for crying out loud! That is hilarious and so very, very fitting! :lmao: Love it!

Sara

[mkluvsmickey]

Hey Tracy - how did I miss two updates? and fabulous ones at that! :goodvibes

You totally had be cracking up at your "booking another trip" post - love the use of your smilies! Congrats for booking another trip! Like others have said, I'm glad I'm not the only completely obsessed one out there! We have three trips planned for the rest of the year - one in October and two in December (of course I am less than three hours away :rolleyes1 ).

I love how you are sure to be home for Ace's birthday! :dogdance:

And the video was hilarious! I loved that I could hear your voice too - you have a very nice voice! And a bit of an accent?! :goodvibes

[DisneyJo]

OMG Tracy you'r hilarious, how fantastic you're going again, you're so lucky :yay:

On one of our TT rides we saw someone being transferred into the car, he was adult size and the CM's looked really helpful. I hope you can do it :thumbsup2

[ddm118]

Hi Tracy - I totally lurked through your previous trip reports, I am hooked and now subbing to this one! You are a remarkable woman and congrats on the weight loss!:cheer2:

[Stretchy Shorts]

:tiptoe:



:banana:




:tiptoe:

[TheDISneyFamily]

Hi Tracy! I'm stopping by to get caught up on your TR. :goodvibes

Hey... what's that smell? :scared: It must be those Stretchy Shorts! :eek:

[Baloo]

Tracy saidThat Bill and I have lost our flipping minds http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee224/sirkaiserwilliam/gaga.gif?

That we couldn’t get our annual November trip out of our heads?

That Bill doesn’t feel complete unless he is stalking Kassie DePaiva every 6 months http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee224/sirkaiserwilliam/stalker.gif?

That those Annual Passes keep burning a hole in our pockets and we want to get “our money’s worth out of them” http://www.websitetoolbox.com/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif?

That we enjoy owing Disney money all year long http://www.websitetoolbox.com/images/boards/smilies/confused.gif?

That the evil “dings” Southwest had round trip from Nashville to Orlando in November was $339 round trip for both of us http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/surprise-1.gif?

That Disney had a great room only code for Annual Passholders http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/notlistening.gif?

That our insane, crazy, no self control, impulsive selves booked ANOTHER Disney trip 16 days after we get back from our October trip? http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/sos.gif

Yep, that’s it - that is the news.
:lmao:I love it...you 2 ROCK!...that SOS smilie is hilarious! I know APs can be addicting.When I had mine I thought I got my money's worth but I think you and Bill shall be crowned the Queen and King of APs!! :worship: princess::wizard:






I'm happy for y'all and for all of us because we're going to have LOTS of Tracy PreTR and TR to read!! :cool1:



All your crafty stuff is so cute! You're really talented! :thumbsup2

Originally Posted by Hedy http://www.disboards.com/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=27454241#post27454241)
Well, now you see what happens when you send Ace to the kennel...he gets tattoos. :sad2: ;)
:lmao::lmao::lmao::lmao::lmao:


I hope you're enjoying your time in Pigeon Forge! :goodvibes I love the Christmas Village shop there.For some reason it reminds me of Disney.

[DisMomAmy]

Thank you so much for your answers! More to read! Yeah! :)

Lauren can not walk or transfer. We can pick her up, though, as she is only 65 lbs. I don't think we care much about the people mover, but I am going to get her on Peter Pan if it kills me! :) I think we might have to practice...but we can do it. :) I have watched a video on you tube that shows these older people getting on the ride :confused3 (I have NO idea what the purpose of that video is...but it has helped me!) so I have an idea of what it will take to get her on. I think we can put her between her parents as they are smaller than me. Or if only one of us can ride with her, then I can do that and put her beside me and just hold her up. Like we do on the big slides at a water park (but not anymore since she got rods in her back).

I have not heard of Passporters Open Mouse...I wonder if I have time to get it before we leave? Do you think it is worth getting it quick? :confused:

Thank you for your help!!

Definitely worth getting "Open Mouse" before your trip - it has tons of good information. I read it for different information - autism & food allergies - but I imagine that it has information that would help you. It talks about each ride in detail and could help you with loading/transfer information. It's a must read for anyone with special issues in my opinion! :thumbsup2

Hi Tracy! :wave2:

[mrsksomeday]

So sorry I am slow in replying we just got back from the mountains on Sunday and I am just getting back on track.

Ok in my book you are TOTALLY normal. This is how we do DL. We book another trip before our current trip is even taken. We usually have 3 trips in the works. With the WDW trip this year we have had to go to DL only 3 times and we've been in serious withdrawl. I am currently the only AP holder for that park in the house (thanks to a girls only trip) and I whip it out whenever I want to feel powerful.

So I do not think you all are crazy. Thats why we are on the DIS. Sanity Justification.

Secondly, I love the hidden Mickey So cute!!!

Your plans sound GREAT. I'm about to rework EVERYTHING 24 days before we leave. AHHHH! Oh well, keeps me on my toes.

Hi, Thanks for helping remind myself I am not nuts, just dedicated to Disney. I am amazed at that hidden Mickey on Ace, he was meant to be with us. Why do we feel the need to constantly tinker with our plans, I am the same way.

Thank you so much for your answers! More to read! Yeah!

Lauren can not walk or transfer. We can pick her up, though, as she is only 65 lbs. I don't think we care much about the people mover, but I am going to get her on Peter Pan if it kills me! I think we might have to practice...but we can do it. I have watched a video on you tube that shows these older people getting on the ride (I have NO idea what the purpose of that video is...but it has helped me!) so I have an idea of what it will take to get her on. I think we can put her between her parents as they are smaller than me. Or if only one of us can ride with her, then I can do that and put her beside me and just hold her up. Like we do on the big slides at a water park (but not anymore since she got rods in her back).

I have not heard of Passporters Open Mouse...I wonder if I have time to get it before we leave? Do you think it is worth getting it quick?

Thank you for your help!!

Hi, you are very welcome, feel free to ask questions. Open Mouse is a wonderful book, maybe your local library has a copy or can get you one?

Congrats on booking yet another trip! Lucky girl!

Hi Lessa, thanks. I know I am very lucky, I am blessed to have Bill in my life.

Tracy, that's great that you guys have that next trip planned! You are going to have a fabulous time! Too bad none of these trips overlap with our girls trip in December! :sad1:

Love the video of Ace - thanks for the edit! :eek: And that dog was destined to become your baby if he had a HIdden Mickey on him, for crying out loud! That is hilarious and so very, very fitting! :lmao: Love it!

Sara

Hi Sara, I can't wait to read about the girl's trip. You will have so much fun!! I am jealous that you get to meet each other.

Oh I had to edit, that was just rude of him :rotfl2:.

Hey Tracy - how did I miss two updates? and fabulous ones at that! :goodvibes

You totally had be cracking up at your "booking another trip" post - love the use of your smilies! Congrats for booking another trip! Like others have said, I'm glad I'm not the only completely obsessed one out there! We have three trips planned for the rest of the year - one in October and two in December (of course I am less than three hours away :rolleyes1 ).

I love how you are sure to be home for Ace's birthday! :dogdance:

And the video was hilarious! I loved that I could hear your voice too - you have a very nice voice! And a bit of an accent?! :goodvibes

Hi Michelle!! You are too sweet. I am a smilie freak, I know. We have to be home for Acey, I am already feeling really guilty about how much we are leaving him this fall. I can't believe I posted a video where you could hear me :rotfl:. People say I have an accent, I don't see how, but I guess I do.

OMG Tracy you'r hilarious, how fantastic you're going again, you're so lucky :yay:

On one of our TT rides we saw someone being transferred into the car, he was adult size and the CM's looked really helpful. I hope you can do it :thumbsup2

Hi Jo!! Thank you so much for telling me that about TT. We are definately going to find the "practice car" and see. Bill's legs are not very flexible so we will see.

Hi Tracy - I totally lurked through your previous trip reports, I am hooked and now subbing to this one! You are a remarkable woman and congrats on the weight loss!:cheer2:
Hi and welcome!! I am so glad you decided to say hi. You are too kind. The weight issue is a struggle, but I am still trying to keep focused.

:tiptoe:



:banana:




:tiptoe:

Hiya Stretchy, thanks for the sneaking and dancing drive by.

Hi Tracy! I'm stopping by to get caught up on your TR. :goodvibes

Hey... what's that smell? :scared: It must be those Stretchy Shorts! :eek:

Thanks for dropping by, I have to get caught up on your PTR now :rotfl:. I get to see the stretchy shorts in person :scared1:.

Tracy said:lmao:I love it...you 2 ROCK!...that SOS smilie is hilarious! I know APs can be addicting.When I had mine I thought I got my money's worth but I think you and Bill shall be crowned the Queen and King of APs!!

I'm happy for y'all and for all of us because we're going to have LOTS of Tracy PreTR and TR to read!!

All your crafty stuff is so cute! You're really talented!

I hope you're enjoying your time in Pigeon Forge! I love the Christmas Village shop there.For some reason it reminds me of Disney.

Hi Baloo!! I am a smilie mess I know, I just love them. AP's are very addicting. We had a great time in Pigeon Forge, the Christmas Place? was amazing. It had some Disney stuff, I took pics!!

Definitely worth getting "Open Mouse" before your trip - it has tons of good information. I read it for different information - autism & food allergies - but I imagine that it has information that would help you. It talks about each ride in detail and could help you with loading/transfer information. It's a must read for anyone with special issues in my opinion! :thumbsup2

Hi Tracy! :wave2:

Hi Amy. You are so right about Open Mouse being great for many different things, I can't say enough good things about that book.

[mrsksomeday]

Bill and I had a fantastic time on Toy Story Mania in June. We can’t wait to ride it again. I have heard about the horrible lines and how you have to get a FP first thing in the morning so we are going to be there for rope drop, hopefully. Get in line and ride it then get a FP since we are going to be there all day.

Oct. 24th: Disney’s Hollywood Studios Day 1

Goals for this day:

Toy Story
Tower of Terror (we will go through the queue with Amy, but not ride)
RnRC (we will go through the queue with Amy, but not ride)
One Man’s Dream
Little Mermaid
Disney Animation
Indiana Jones
Star Tours
Muppets 3D
Lights, Motors, Action
Beauty and the Beast (with no Four for a Dollar http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/tearyeyedcrying.gif, I am still miffed at this, heck I even emailed Disney about how bummed I was about it)

Wow that looks like a lot of stuff to do in one day, but we will be coming back one more time so it is ok if we don’t do it all. We get to have lunch at 50’s Prime Time Café, it is one of our “must do” restaurants. I am going to ask for Byron, he was our server last June and we loved him. He talked directly to Bill not at him. He asked Bill for his order and didn’t automatically ask me “what does he want”. He played along with us and everyone else he was serving. We love him!!

Amy gets to see Fantasmic this night. I hope she loves it as much as we do. We really enjoy this show. If we feel like it, we might hop a friendship boat and go over to the Boardwalk area, we will see.

Why are we going to Epcot for 3 days??

The reason why we scheduled 3 full days in Epcot is that we have never truly explored the World Showcase. There are some pavilions we have never even stepped foot in. This will all change on this day. We will sleep in a little bit and head over there around 10am.

Oct. 25th: Epcot Day 3

Goals for this day:


Character Spot
Club Cool
World Showcase (seeing Miyuki the candy lady and going to the “pick a pearl” location in Japan are the two things I want to do)

Please share with me the things you really enjoy doing, looking at etc. at the World Showcase. It is an interactive PTR people, help me out here!!

We have lunch scheduled at LeCellier, that is all I could get, but at least we are going there, it’s about time. We have cancelled reservations for this restaurant on two previous trips, I know S T U P I D http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/sad20.gif!! After a good lunch we will make our way around the World Showcase, it is Food and Wine Festival time, so I expect it to be really crowded. Bill wants the Apple Strudel from the Germany kiosk, I might have to partake in some of the drinks around the World too. We will have to show Amy the list of foods/wines to see if there are things she wants to try.

I want to find Belle’s library in France, does anyone know where it is? I know Bill will want some pictures with the characters and I know Amy likes Marie from the Aristocats, so we hope to get a picture with her. I think it would be fun to get as many character pics as we can this trip, I have prepaid for the photopass cd, we are going to have a card and so is Amy, so she can stop any time she wants to get pictures without us in it http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/rofl.gif.

I actually have no clue where dinner is, a counter service somewhere. Ok, pick up your jaw off the floor, I know it is crazy that I haven’t planned that out, heck I am so proud I didn’t plan bathroom breaks either, I thought we would just wing that and go when we needed to, what a concept!! If we saw Illuminations on Ip-Dip day we might go across the International Gateway and stroll around those resorts, if we haven’t seen Illuminations we will definitely be staying at Epcot. I can’t get enough of Disney’s fireworks, they amaze me every time http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/8ed3ecc6.gif.

I made a silly purchase last week. Here I am 38 years old and bought Mickey fingernail stickers http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/crazy.gif. Here they are:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/001.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/005-2.jpg

So honestly, am I too old to be using these? I am feeling a little silly about it now, it seemed like a great idea at the time, but I don’t know now?

A break in the action:

I have some pictures I wanted to share!!

We talked to Amy on the phone a week ago Sunday, since Ace knows her ringtone, he thought she was coming and assumed the position:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/001-1.jpg

Then I decided to watch "The Sound of Music". This movie holds a very special place in my heart because my Mom and I used to watch it every year together when I was little. Ace took some interest in it, especially when there was singing and dancing:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/002-1.jpg

I decided to do a trial run on the nail stickers. Please excuse the crappy nail painting job. Boy my hands are ugly http://www.websitetoolbox.com/images/boards/smilies/rofl.gif

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/006-3.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/007-2.jpg

Then I got my Zazzle package. I am so happy with this shirt, I think I will use them from now one instead of doing the transfers:

Here is the front of the shirt:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/012-1.jpg

Here is the back, I have to represent :lmao:. I am also going to have many LGMH's on my camera strap, Bill's backpack, etc. I love Enchanted and the DIS.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/017.jpg

Hope everyone is having a great day.

[*KeepMovingForward*]

[SIZE=3]I made a silly purchase last week. Here I am 38 years old and bought Mickey fingernail stickers http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/crazy.gif. Here they are:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/001.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/005-2.jpg

So honestly, am I too old to be using these? I am feeling a little silly about it now, it seemed like a great idea at the time, but I don’t know now?

If your too old, than so am I! (I'm 40 and holding...for several years now). I have these same ones for my nails and I also have a Christmas Mickey set as well! Personally, if you can't revert to cutsie childlike things at Disney, where can you???

I also love your shirt from Zazzle. It looks beautiful! Your ready to rock Disney's world! :dance3:

[Goofyluver]

Your plans looks great. The only thing that is a must-do for us in World Showcase is trying on an opera hat in Norway whilst standing next to the big ugly troll! :rotfl:

And...ummm...I may...or may not...have those nail stickers.

I may...or may not...use them on my toes.

[mrsksomeday]

If your too old, than so am I! (I'm 40 and holding...for several years now). I have these same ones for my nails and I also have a Christmas Mickey set as well! Personally, if you can't revert to cutsie childlike things at Disney, where can you???

I also love your shirt from Zazzle. It looks beautiful! Your ready to rock Disney's world! :dance3:

Ohhhh a Christmas set?? You are so right, I love reverting to my childlike personality in WDW, it is our happy place.

Your plans looks great. The only thing that is a must-do for us in World Showcase is trying on an opera hat in Norway whilst standing next to the big ugly troll! :rotfl:

And...ummm...I may...or may not...have those nail stickers.

I may...or may not...use them on my toes.

Hi!! Thanks for reminding me about that, I have never been in the store with the ugly troll. I have to get a pic of Bill with that hat on :lmao:. No one on the internet will EVER see my toes :rotfl:.

[Hedy]

Great shirts. Enjoy WS-the pavilions are great. How is LeCellier on accessibility-it seemed pretty small?

[mrsksomeday]

Great shirts. Enjoy WS-the pavilions are great. How is LeCellier on accessibility-it seemed pretty small?

Hi Hedy! That is actually one shirt. The back is the Enchanted part, I figured we were in lines a lot and you see peoples backs so why not put something on the back of a shirt?

I have no idea how LeCellier is on accessibility, we have had it booked before but always cancelled it. This will be our first time there. We had it noted on the reservation that Bill is in a wheelchair. Bill can park in some pretty tight places.

[mkluvsmickey]

Welcome Back Tracy! I hope you had a great time in Tennessee. Did you make it to Dollywood?

Your DHS day sounds great - I think you could get everything on your list done in one day. I'm glad you and Bill are going through the queue's for RnR and ToT - they are great!

We spent a day just doing WS last year also - so much to see there that we usually bypass. We loved the pick a pearl in Japan - are you actually planning to pick a pearl? Samantha and I each did one and had them made into pendants.

I LOVE the nail stickers! Where did you get them? I don't see any problem with you wearing them at all! I'd love to get some for my toes!

Cute picture of Ace watching Sound of Music! I love that movie too.

And love the shirt from zazzle - I ordered from them last year and was very happy - much easier than doing it myself since I stink at ironing!

[mrsksomeday]

Welcome Back Tracy! I hope you had a great time in Tennessee. Did you make it to Dollywood?

Your DHS day sounds great - I think you could get everything on your list done in one day. I'm glad you and Bill are going through the queue's for RnR and ToT - they are great!

We spent a day just doing WS last year also - so much to see there that we usually bypass. We loved the pick a pearl in Japan - are you actually planning to pick a pearl? Samantha and I each did one and had them made into pendants.

I LOVE the nail stickers! Where did you get them? I don't see any problem with you wearing them at all! I'd love to get some for my toes!

Cute picture of Ace watching Sound of Music! I love that movie too.

And love the shirt from zazzle - I ordered from them last year and was very happy - much easier than doing it myself since I stink at ironing!

Hi, we had a great time in Tennessee, we didn't make it to Dollywood, but we will go there at Christmas. Bill's mom wants to see at least one of the Christmas shows there.

I am excited to see the queues this trip on the rides we won't do. I just love how wonderful Disney is with theming. I am thinking about possibly getting a pearl, we will see.

I got the nail stickers on Ebay. Amy loved the idea, the pack I got came with 6 little packages of them. I think Amy might do it too. Ace watches a lot of tv, I am a bad mommy :rotfl:. I am so happy with the Zazzle shirt, I am thinking about ordering some more today.

[TinkAsh2001]

Glad Tennennesse was great! I love the nail stickers & think they look cute! I defintely think you should use them!!! Also, I like the new shirt that is cute! I am gonna have to check them out!

[mrsksomeday]

Glad Tennennesse was great! I love the nail stickers & think they look cute! I defintely think you should use them!!! Also, I like the new shirt that is cute! I am gonna have to check them out!

Hi Tink! Tenneessee is so beautiful. My tip for zazzle, if you upload your own designs, make sure you create them large. That way you don't lose any detail. After you upload it will tell you whether the image will have a good resolution.

[mom2mek]

Ok, add me to the list of people who want those stickers! (must go on ebay now and find them). I bet my girls would love them! (ok, who am I kidding....I will be wearing them - fingers and toes!) :rolleyes1

The shirt is adorable - great tip too about uploading the image large. I am making Halloween ones, but I might try zazzle or cafepress for one or two for me by myself to wear on some of our other days! IDK. More things to think about! :thumbsup2

Sara

[mrsksomeday]

Ok, add me to the list of people who want those stickers! (must go on ebay now and find them). I bet my girls would love them! (ok, who am I kidding....I will be wearing them - fingers and toes!) :rolleyes1

The shirt is adorable - great tip too about uploading the image large. I am making Halloween ones, but I might try zazzle or cafepress for one or two for me by myself to wear on some of our other days! IDK. More things to think about! :thumbsup2

Sara

Hi Sara!! The stickers are fun to try. I really did like the zazzle shirt, then I didn't have to worry about whether I was messing up the transfers.

[maroo]

I just want to add that we got our shirts that I ordered from Zazzle last week!!!! :) This is sort of a teaser...because I don't have pictures yet (I took some, but had technical difficulties and need to take them again!)... But I was very pleased with the shirts that we were able to design! And the price was reasonable... The printing is very nice...not sticky, like an iron on transfer would be...so we are happy with them...Lauren princess: LOVED hers...and William pirate: begged to wear his to school tomorrow... :)

I will post pics of the shirts we made on Lauren's Pretrippie this weekend...if you guys are interested. :)

:) 13 days left!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :banana: :banana: :banana:

[mrsksomeday]

I want to see them. Everyone must be so excited!! I can't wait to read all about it!!

[AZMickeyfans]

OMIGOSH I LOVE those mickey nail stickers. And yes I just yelled that! :lmao: Those are adorable.

No way are you too old. Besides arent we all kids in WDW anyway? :thumbsup2

[mrsksomeday]

OMIGOSH I LOVE those mickey nail stickers. And yes I just yelled that! :lmao: Those are adorable.

No way are you too old. Besides arent we all kids in WDW anyway? :thumbsup2

Hi, I loved the stickers too. I am really warming up to the idea of wearing them. I think I just got more childlike, I ordered 2 minnie ear headbands, one for Amy and one for me!!

[mrsksomeday]

Oct. 26th: Magic Kingdom Day 3

This will be the last look at the castle for Amy, we will see it 17 days after this day. I still can’t believe it even though I am typing it :sad2: . We seriously have no impulse control. This is why I fought getting AP’s in the first place, but I digress. We are talking about the October trip, not the November one.

Goals for this day:

Haunted Mansion
It’s A Small World
Philharmagic
Snow White
Winnie the Pooh
Mickey and Minnie’s houses
Toontown Hall of Fame
Walt Disney Railroad (complete loop)

We will be leaving MK by monorail by 6pm for 2 reasons.

1) It is another MNSSHP and we don’t have tickets
2) We are having dinner with Family that night – ‘Ohana!!

Bill is excited for this one, he always wants to go to ‘Ohana. This is where the little CP man eats his own weight in meat. I am not kidding here. I have never seen him eat so much food in my life. We will take a monorail ride then back to MK to catch a bus to Pop. I hope to get an adult beverage at Petal’s :thumbsup2 and get all the packing done that night.

Oct. 27th: Disney’s Hollywood Studios Day 2

Sadly this is departure day, I hate departure day, it puts a damper on anything you do that day :sad1: . We are headed back to DHS to finish up anything we didn’t do the other day. We have a late flight and will probably be getting on the Magical Express around 5pm.

I want to explore the shops because we never do this. I really want to take things in this trip. We will eat a counter service here or at Pop before getting on the plane. Once we get back to St. Louis it is about a 2 hour drive home. We get to pick up Ace the next morning so that will be something to look forward to.

So here is my itinerary all together. If anyone is at WDW at the same time and our plans are compatible, post here or PM me. I would love a quick DISer meet and Bill is up for it.

Our Itinerary



Fri. Oct. 17th - St. Louis Day

Amy, Bill, and I drive up to St. Louis to spend the night before our trip.

Sat. Oct. 18th – Arrival Day

Fly from St. Louis to Orlando, landing at 10:55am
Check in at Pop, eat lunch
Explore resort, then head to Magic Kingdom
Dinner at Tony’s Restaurant, then Spectro and Wishes

Sun. Oct. 19th – Ip Dip Day

Maybe try to meet people at rope drop or not, depends on how tired we are
Go to Epcot, Land Pavillion, things on that side of Future World
Lunch Sunshine Seasons
Dinner at Biergarten
Follow Ip-Dippers around World Showcase

Mon. Oct. 20th – Animal Kingdom Day 1


Try to make rope drop
Safari, planet watch, Pangani Forest Trail
Flights of Wonder
Lunch Flame Tree BBQ
Festival of the Lion King, Nemo Show
Bus to DTD
Dinner at Capt’n Jacks

Tue. Oct. 21st – Magic Kingdom Day 2


Sleep in
Bus to MK
Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, Tiki Birds
Big Thunder Mountain, Hall of Presidents
Riverboat
Lunch at Crystal Palace
Whatever Amy wants to do
MNSSHP
Counter Service dinner

Wed. Oct. 22nd – Animal Kingdom Day 2


Character Trails
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Devine
Dinoland, Everest, Acrobats
4pm Parade
Bus to Poly
Spirit of Aloha Show 8pm

Thu. Oct. 23rd – Epcot Day 2

Soarin for FP
Nemo, Talk Turtle with Crush, Aquarium
Test Track, Ellen’s Energy
World Showcase
Miyuki, Pick a Pearl
Chinese Acrobats, Other WS stuff
Monorail to Contemporary
Chef Mickey’s

Fri. Oct. 24th – Disney Hollywood Studios

Rope Drop
Toy Story ride and get FP’s
Tower of Terror, RnRC
One Man’s Dream, Little Mermaid
Disney Animation, Indiana Jones
Star Tours, Muppets 3D
Lights, Motors, Action, Beauty and the Beast
Lunch at 50’s Prime Time Café
Fantasmic 7pm
Counter service somewhere

Sat. Oct. 25th – Epcot Day 3

Character Spot, Club Cool
Epcot 25th anniversary Gallery in Future World
Wander the World Showcase
Maybe Illuminations, maybe something else?

Sun. Oct. 26th – Magic Kingdom Day 3

Haunted Mansion, It’s A Small World
Philharmagic, Snow White
Winnie the Pooh, Mickey and Minnies Houses
Toontown Hall of Fame, Walt Disney Railroad
Leave by 5:45pm
Monorail to the Poly
‘Ohana
Rest of the night up to Amy

Mon. Oct. 27th – Disney Hollywood Studios Day 2 – Departure Day

Get up, check out, go to DHS
Great Movie Ride
Backlot Tour
Whatever we want to do again
Back to Pop by 5pm
ME to Airport
Fly to St. Louis
Drive back home

Next installment…Smokey Mountain Memories

[Goofyluver]

I wannnaaaa goooooooo! :sad:

[Hedy]

Less than 1 month! :yay: :yay:

[DisneyJo]

Bill and I had a fantastic time on Toy Story Mania in June. We can’t wait to ride it again. I have heard about the horrible lines and how you have to get a FP first thing in the morning so we are going to be there for rope drop, hopefully. Get in line and ride it then get a FP since we are going to be there all day. Wheelchairs go in the FP queue and have to wait for the special cars so no need to get FP's or wait standby :thumbsup2

Very cute nail stickers too :goodvibes

[mrsksomeday]

I wannnaaaa goooooooo! :sad:

I wish you could go, that was be so much fun!!

Less than 1 month! :yay: :yay:

I know, I saw the ticker and had a little panic attack :lmao:.

Wheelchairs go in the FP queue and have to wait for the special cars so no need to get FP's or wait standby :thumbsup2

Very cute nail stickers too :goodvibes

In June they had us go in the standby line, there were two ECVs in front of us. We had about a 70 minute wait, when we got closer the line broke off left to go to the stairs, right to go in the wheelchair accessible area, but I do know they keep changing how they want to do this because they didn't really leave a lot of room outside for the lines to the fast pass machines etc.

[Goofyluver]

Have you thought of getting a GAC in order to help with some of the issues with lines, etc??

[mrsksomeday]

Have you thought of getting a GAC in order to help with some of the issues with lines, etc??

A GAC isn't really needed for Bill since the CM's at the front of the queues see the chair and direct us in the right area. If he needed to be out of the heat, away from crowds etc, we would definately get one.

We have been extremely lucky with the amount of time we have had in lines.
The only reason we were at Toy Story Mania for 70 minutes was it was late in the evening of one of the Star Wars Weekend nights. I had just followed him around to anything he wanted to do that day and Toy Story Mania was my only request.

[mkluvsmickey]

Sat. Oct. 18th – Arrival Day

Fly from St. Louis to Orlando, landing at 10:55am
Check in at Pop, eat lunch
Explore resort, then head to Magic Kingdom
Dinner at Tony’s Restaurant, then Spectro and Wishes


Add: Meet Michelle and Samantha to say hi either at MK or back at POP! :)

[DisneyJo]

Tracy last month they kept all the wheelchairs seperate, I think there are only 1 or 2 adapted cars so they had to wait for them to do the ride. The wheelchair that went in at the same time as us with our FP was still waiting when we had finished the ride. Just check what they're doing before hand :thumbsup2

[MRYPPNS]

Sun. Oct. 26th – Magic Kingdom Day 3

Haunted Mansion, It’s A Small World
Philharmagic, Snow White
Winnie the Pooh, Mickey and Minnies Houses
Toontown Hall of Fame, Walt Disney Railroad
Leave by 5:45pm
Monorail to the Poly
‘Ohana
Rest of the night up to Amy

Mon. Oct. 27th – Disney Hollywood Studios Day 2 – Departure Day

Get up, check out, go to DHS
Great Movie Ride
Backlot Tour
Whatever we want to do again
Back to Pop by 5pm
ME to Airport
Fly to St. Louis
Drive back home

Next installment…Smokey Mountain Memories

Tracy I'm trying to figure out how we could meet up for a mini-meet.

We fly in on Sunday....run errands and hangout at CBR until dinner time. If it's nice out we'll go to the Boardwalk/Beach Club area for the night/dinner. But if it's raining we're going to the GF for the 1900 Park Fair buffet for 5:45pm.....so we could meet up somewhere on the monorail line before/after our dinners.
Monday I have no idea what we are doing in the earlier part of the day. But POP and CBR and separated by a parking lot I think....and I have a rental car so I might be able to pop over to POP to say hi either Sunday night on Monday morning. We should at least trade cel phone numbers in case either of us thinks a meet is possible once the time comes. :wizard:

[mrsksomeday]

Add: Meet Michelle and Samantha to say hi either at MK or back at POP! :)

It has been added to the itinerary!! We would love to meet you.


Tracy last month they kept all the wheelchairs seperate, I think there are only 1 or 2 adapted cars so they had to wait for them to do the ride. The wheelchair that went in at the same time as us with our FP was still waiting when we had finished the ride. Just check what they're doing before hand :thumbsup2

Thanks for the info Jo :thumbsup2, I will track down a CM when we get to TSM and see where they want us to go.

Tracy I'm trying to figure out how we could meet up for a mini-meet.

We fly in on Sunday....run errands and hangout at CBR until dinner time. If it's nice out we'll go to the Boardwalk/Beach Club area for the night/dinner. But if it's raining we're going to the GF for the 1900 Park Fair buffet for 5:45pm.....so we could meet up somewhere on the monorail line before/after our dinners.
Monday I have no idea what we are doing in the earlier part of the day. But POP and CBR and separated by a parking lot I think....and I have a rental car so I might be able to pop over to POP to say hi either Sunday night on Monday morning. We should at least trade cel phone numbers in case either of us thinks a meet is possible once the time comes. :wizard:

Hi Heidi, I know after our 'Ohana dinner on 10/26 (the ressie is around 6:30pm) we don't have concrete plans. I am sure we can figure something out. We would love to meet you.

[mrsksomeday]

Hello, we are back from our trip and I thought I would do a TR about it, because that is what I do. I write meaningless things about the great places we go. (There are Disney references throughout in keeping with policy :thumbsup2) I will start off with the who, when, and where first.

WHO:

Tracy: 38 yrs old, Disney crazy, “pooh sized”, Bill and Ace loving fool.

Bill: 38 yrs old, Disney crazy, computer geek, has Cerebral Palsy, and is a Tracy and Ace loving fool.

Matt: Bill’s Dad, is extremely hard working, great sense of humor. Loves to laugh at how Tracy takes everything literally and has fun with it.

Marianne: Bill’s Mom, is extremely hard working and has a great sense of humor when she isn’t worrying about everything. When the Chap Stick comes out, you know she is stressed out.

Henry: Miniature Schnauzer, 5 yrs old, has no idea he is a dog at all. Snubs all dogs he meets and ignores their existence.

Ace: Jack Russell/Rat Terrier. Neurotic, furbaby that adores Bill and Tracy.

WHEN?


September 10th – September 14th 2008

HOW AND WHERE?


The Van: 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan that had less than 38,000 miles on it before the trip.

The Cabin: “Radiant Glory”, the cabin that Bill’s parents have been working on for over a year. His mom has been trying to get us down there for about 3 months. The cabin is about 425 miles from our home.

Ok, now that we have that out of the way you might be wondering why I named the TR what I did. That will come in due time.

We got up the morning of the 10th, loaded up the van, and drove to the boarders. Ace knew where he was, he knew puppies were there, he started wagging his tail. I turned the van off and he was pawing my leg wanting to get out of the van. Wow he was really going to miss us wasn’t he? LOL He went right with the vet tech, no pulling to get back to us, but we did hear one little whine as we were leaving. That made me feel so guilty leaving him, then that made me feel more guilty for the up coming trips we were making as well.

We got on the road and called his mom to tell her we were on our way. She seemed to want us to call every 2 hours, but that didn’t happen. I love the drive from Southern Illinois to Tennessee. It is a very relaxing and peaceful drive. Before I knew it we were in Kentucky:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/004.jpg

Bill and I were listening to many “be our guest” podcasts about Disney World on the way. Bill’s SIRIUS radio receiver had recently gone out and we had the replacement with us for his dad to install, so I got to listen to what I wanted to. Bill napped on and off and we went past this sign:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/005.jpg

There was great weather until we got past Nashville, then it started raining really, really hard:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/006.jpg

It just so happened the rain coincided with the climbing of the mountains. We were going about 35mph and could hardly see a thing. I am so glad this van is a V6, if it had been a 4 cylinder we would probably be stuck up there somewhere. The van was climbing and climbing and I started hearing a noise, a VERY loud noise. I can see Bill through the rear view mirror, we kept staring at one another. Then the smell started a burning rubber smell. I was starting to freak out. Bill and I discussed it, we pulled off at the next exit. The temperature gauge was fine, but I was worried. Bill’s dad had asked me several times if I was ok driving through the mountains. Bill’s parents own the van and all that ran through my mind was “I have torn up the van, I have screwed it up”. I pulled into a gas station and took this so Bill could see what I saw:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/008.jpg

It was definitely not attached correctly anymore. All we could figure is that it was rubbing up against something rubber. I called Matt, he said “How is the temperature gauge?” I told him fine, he said “well then drive it” and giggled. So I did.

There was a lot of traffic going through Seiverville and at one of the many stop lights we saw this:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/009.jpg

He was conducting a phone call, leaning against his pillow. I found it quite funny and had to share. Then we saw the “Fun Time Trolley”:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/010.jpg

These were all over, they have routes from Seiverville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg. I thought it was cute.

This trip brought back many childhood memories. My grandparents lived in Branson, MO when I was little. We went there every summer, the mountains, the neon billboards, the shops just took me back in time.

We met Matt and Marianne in Pigeon Forge next to “Mel’s Diner”. Bill’s mom got in the van with us and directed me where to go. When she said “turn here”, I didn’t want to. The road was so steep, I didn’t want to go up it http://www.websitetoolbox.com/images/boards/smilies/rofl.gif. It takes about 5 minutes to get up the mountain “always staying to the right”, then I turned and saw this:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/130.jpg

Breathtaking is the only word I could come up with. I actually gasp when I saw it for the first time.

Here is Bill and his mom, she is showing him the front of the house.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/012.jpg

This is the view off the far end of the front deck:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/015.jpg

I took a bunch of pictures of the house. Here is the Great Room:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/018.jpg

The master bedroom:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/019.jpg

Master bath:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/022.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/023.jpg

I thought this sink was beautiful in the ½ bath down the hall from the laundry room, she had searched for months to find one she really liked:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/025.jpg

View off the kitchen deck:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/026.jpg

This is the outside fireplace on that deck (that is Bill’s Dad and Henry):

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/027.jpg

This was the view out of the huge windows in the Great Room:


http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/041.jpg

Looking back to the entrance:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/035.jpg

Beams in the Great Room (yes I know, I am odd):

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/037.jpg

Introducing Henry J:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/032.jpg

Bill’s mom had stated very clearly on several occasions not to bring certain things for Bill, she would bring stuff from their house. Well guess what? She forgot it and I didn’t have it, they went to town to pick up some new things. That was it, I had been stressed about the van, then that happened and I cried a little. We hadn’t been there 15 minutes and there was a miscommunication, I was thinking it was going to be a long 5 days.

They asked us where we wanted to eat and it was time to head down the mountain. I handed Bill’s dad the keys. I didn’t have to drive again until we left for home. Red Lobster was the restaurant of choice. Henry went with us because we were told “he isn’t used to the house yet”. We parked fairly far from the entrance and went in. We had a great dinner, I was good and got a salad. We talked about our drives and then dinner was over. Bill and Marianne decided to go out to walk Henry and I waited with Matt, we came outside talking and saw Bill and Marianne hysterically laughing, we looked at each other wondering what we were missing. Well we weren’t missing anything, but the van was about to. The pitiful muffler was barely hanging on. Bill’s dad just pulled it off and put it in the back. We were all cracking up at that point. It was so loud, but we didn’t have to worry about the noise. There was a huge car show in town and muscle cars were every where. Matt said people will just think we tricked the van out, that had us all cracking up about it.

Next installment…Can KFC ever get an order right and are we supposed to be seeing anything?

[Poohtigeey]

Hey Tracy! Your plans sound great! Where did you get the nail stickers? (I missed that part) So cute! And I LOVE Ace's hidden Mickey. A true Disney dog! I also love all of your craft projects. You're good! You guys are going to have such a wonderful time! And I'm so glad that you are going to get to meet up with Michelle and Sam! (A bit jealous, but glad..:rolleyes1)

[mrsksomeday]

Hey Tracy! Your plans sound great! Where did you get the nail stickers? (I missed that part) So cute! And I LOVE Ace's hidden Mickey. A true Disney dog! I also love all of your craft projects. You're good! You guys are going to have such a wonderful time! And I'm so glad that you are going to get to meet up with Michelle and Sam! (A bit jealous, but glad..:rolleyes1)

Hi Monica!! I got the nail stickers on Ebay. You are wonderful at the stuff you make for Disney!! I am really looking forward to meeting all the DISer and Enchanted peeps :yay: .

[Poohtigeey]

That house is GORGEOUS!!! I love Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg. We haven't been since the kids were born though. You didn't eat at Mel's your first night? We always eat there! Can't wait to here more. That 2 story KFC always cracks me up.

[MRYPPNS]

[
Hi Heidi, I know after our 'Ohana dinner on 10/26 (the ressie is around 6:30pm) we don't have concrete plans. I am sure we can figure something out. We would love to meet you.

I'll PM you in a couple weeks with my cel phone # :banana:

[mkluvsmickey]

That house is GORGEOUS!!! I love Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg. We haven't been since the kids were born though. You didn't eat at Mel's your first night? We always eat there! Can't wait to here more. That 2 story KFC always cracks me up.

LOL - our hotel in June was right next door to the two-story KFC and it cracked me up too! :rotfl:


Tracy - love the update and the pictures of the view from the house are gorgeous! I don't blame you about the mountain roads. We lived in the GA mountains for a few years and it took me a while to get used to them - after all, there aren't many mountains in Florida!

[Goofyluver]

That cabin is sooooo gorgeous!!! ::yes::

Okay...get on with it. I'm waiting. I need to know more about the beautifulness of the cabin and running around town in the loud-mobile! :teeth:

[mrsksomeday]

That house is GORGEOUS!!! I love Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg. We haven't been since the kids were born though. You didn't eat at Mel's your first night? We always eat there! Can't wait to here more. That 2 story KFC always cracks me up.

I'll PM you in a couple weeks with my cel phone # :banana:

We really enjoyed our time there, it was a beautiful home. We ate at Red Lobster. We went to a plain KFC, I didn't see a 2 story one :confused3.

LOL - our hotel in June was right next door to the two-story KFC and it cracked me up too! :rotfl:


Tracy - love the update and the pictures of the view from the house are gorgeous! I don't blame you about the mountain roads. We lived in the GA mountains for a few years and it took me a while to get used to them - after all, there aren't many mountains in Florida!

Hi Michelle, thanks. I guess I would get used to the roads up to the house if I had to do it all the time.

That cabin is sooooo gorgeous!!! ::yes::

Okay...get on with it. I'm waiting. I need to know more about the beautifulness of the cabin and running around town in the loud-mobile! :teeth:

Hi, you cracked me up with the "loud-mobile" comment, Bill thought it was hilarious :lmao:. Since you are waiting I will post another installment now.

[mrsksomeday]

It was decided the next day that we would grab something quick and head up into the mountains. A side note here, we NEVER had one meal in the cabin this trip, not one. The kitchen was pretty but never used :sad2:.

We went to KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) in Gatlinburg. I asked for a roasted twister wrap with NO dressing, NO DRESSING. We went through Gatlinburg, and headed up to the mountains. We ended up at the “Chimney’s picnic area”. I have a confession, there are NO food porn pics in this report, not one. Bill’s parents tolerate our Disney addiction, but would think I was crazy insane to be taking pictures of food. For the sake of my relationship with them, I had to act “normal” ok? They handed out the food, not only was my wrap not roasted, it was smothered with dressing. I used napkins and wiped it off the best I could. The weather was supposed to be low 80’s or so several weather sites said before we left. Well it was in the high 80’s/ low 90’s the entire time we were there.

After we ate, nobody enjoyed it, we got back in the van. There are several pull offs on the winding roads for taking pictures, enjoying the view etc. That is what I thought we were doing, but I was wrong. Bill’s mom wanted to take me to the trail that led to the start of the climb to the top of the “Chimney’s”. She kept telling me it was steep and rocky and to tell her if I needed to take a breather. We walked for a bit and saw this bridge:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/045.jpg

I kept taking pictures of Bill’s parents backsides throughout this trip (sorry about that). Here is what we saw on our walk:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/046.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/049.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/054.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/055.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/056.jpg

On the way back she wanted to take pictures of me. Being an overweight woman I avoid a camera like a person with a peanut allergy avoids a Payday candy bar plant, but she insisted. I knew this shirt was too big on me now, but I could really see how it hung on me and made me look bigger in the picture. I will not wear it in “public” again:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/060.jpg

Notice the incline? I didn’t think it was too bad, she kept asking me if I was ok. I almost ran her over a couple of times she stopped to ask me, I was fine. Here is the last upward part of the trail back to the van:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/062.jpg

I wore a pedometer with me on our outings. It was motivation to see how well I was doing. I am definitely wearing it at Disney this trip.

They wanted to take us to Clingman’s Dome ( I think that is it), the highest point in the Smokey Mountains National Park. Here are some pics along the way:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/063.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/064.jpg

I was very annoyed with the graffiti on the rocks at the look out areas. Look at the view people, I don’t care who “was here” or who “loves” who. Don’t deface a National Park.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/066.jpg

In this picture, you should see a lot of grayish trees? They are dead or dying Hemlock trees. There is a huge problem with bugs killing them, it was so sad to see this everywhere.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/069.jpg

It was kind of foggy at one of the observation points so they said we would just go all the way up. Bill suggested we watch the outside temperature gauge to see how much it would change the higher we got up. It started at 86 degrees, we saw fog on the way up:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/072-1.jpg

We got up to the top and it was 60 degrees. We pulled in up there and saw this view:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/073-1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/074-1.jpg

View, um, hello, where is the view?

Then it started pouring rain again. As we made our way down it started clearing and I got to take these pictures:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/079-1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/080-1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/085-1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/087-1.jpg


Continued in next post...........

[mrsksomeday]

We then stopped at a handicap accessible trail:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/094-1.jpg

Bill’s mom, Bill, and Henry on the trail:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/095-1.jpg

Aww, here is my sweetie, he didn't like me taking pictures of him this trip. Well he better get past not wanting pictures taken of him, I prepaid a photopass CD :lmao: .

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/096-1.jpg

Now here is where Bill’s mom started talking about her scrapbooking and how it is good to get tight shots of nature. She had forgotten her camera, I offered her mine. She went nature/mushroom picture taking crazy:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/101-1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/103-1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/105-1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/108-1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/113-1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/121-1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/122-1.jpg

Here is Bill and his dad walking on the trail:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/123-1.jpg

We then went to a part of the park where people used to own homes and the park took it over and let it get into disrepair. Matt joked saying he was taking Bill house shopping and to pick one out. How about this beauty:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/125-1.jpg

We saw some other old houses close to one another, Matt said: “here is one for Tracy and Bill”, I said thanks for including me. He said “someone has got to take care of us”, we all laughed. That almost made me cry, my parents are both gone, sometimes it is so odd to be part of a family again.

They decided to go back to the house so we could actually drop Henry off and let him stay alone http://www.websitetoolbox.com/images/boards/smilies/eek.gif. I can’t get enough of this view:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/132-1.jpg

They wanted to take us to the Old Mill Restaurant, I got this bad picture:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/143-1.jpg

Here it is from the other side:


http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/144-1.jpg

Birds:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/145-1.jpg

Again it KILLED me not to take food pictures. I know Bill’s mom would love it if I lost a bunch of weight. I am doing it for me, not anyone else. I have a strategy when it comes to eating out. Usually grilled chicken, salad no dressing, things like that. They had a fruit plate that I wanted to try. The Old Mill is known for their homestyle meals, corn chowder, fritters, ribs, dessert included etc. The fruit plate was WONDERFUL!! It had apples, oranges, grapes, bananas, strawberries, and jello. I loved it. I told them to give my dessert to Bill, I wouldn’t need it. They all had ribs.

After dinner we decided to walk the trail at Patriot Park:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/152-1.jpg

There was a very pretty Magnolia tree:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/149-1.jpg


http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/150-1.jpg

I loved the gazebo lit up at night:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/151-1.jpg

I think Marianne and I could have walked the path twice to Bill and Matt’s walk, they were doing more talking than walking, :rotfl:. It amazed me how much energy I had this trip, it made me very happy!! We got back in the van and went back to the cabin.

Next installment… A buffet, shopping, and a miracle

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I've already told you this but I'll say it again, beautiful photos!

[Goofyluver]

First of all...where is the love without conditions??? No food porn pics??? Pfffft. Don't they KNOW??? Clearly...they don't KNOW. But I KNOW that they don't KNOW...what you KNOW...about how important it is to include every last detail in a trip! Pfffft! ;)

And your pictures are soooooo beautiful. Well, except for the "view" from the top...that turned out to be no view from the top.

And...:hug: to you and Bill...who thought I was funny. So, now I like him even more. Which doesn't make me crazy...because I don't KNOW him know him...I just know him.

;)

Thanks Tracy. For the awesome update.

[mkluvsmickey]

Another wonderful update Tracy! Bill's parents sound like lovely people and you are lucky to have eachother. :hug: (Except for the not understanding food porn pictures thing...:rolleyes: )

[DisMomAmy]

Great updates from the Smokey Mountains trip!! Beautiful pictures - the cabin & the nature shots. Can't wait to read more.

[Hedy]

beautiful photos.

[Dreamer & Wisher]

I am loving this Pre Trip report. The Cabin is gorgeous! DH and I got married in Gatlinburg!:lovestruc So we are very fond of that area.

The trail photos are so neat. I'm lovin' those mushrooms. We have eaten at the Mill House before it is yummy. You did really well if you had fruit! Great job sticking to the diet. Keep up the good work.

[TinkAsh2001]

How pretty! I want to go there someday soon! that cabin is just beautiful!!! Cant wait for more!!!

[*KeepMovingForward*]

Wow! Your photos make the area look so peaceful and relaxing. We have never been down that way, but it looks so nice. The views were absolutely breathtaking. ;)

[mrsksomeday]

I've already told you this but I'll say it again, beautiful photos!

Thank you Lessa, I really appreciate you following along. Your TR is fantastic!

First of all...where is the love without conditions??? No food porn pics??? Pfffft. Don't they KNOW??? Clearly...they don't KNOW. But I KNOW that they don't KNOW...what you KNOW...about how important it is to include every last detail in a trip! Pfffft! ;)

And your pictures are soooooo beautiful. Well, except for the "view" from the top...that turned out to be no view from the top.

And...:hug: to you and Bill...who thought I was funny. So, now I like him even more. Which doesn't make me crazy...because I don't KNOW him know him...I just know him.

;)

Thanks Tracy. For the awesome update.

I know I should hang my head in shame, I should have said my Enchanted and DISer friends came first and took the food porn pics anyway!!! That view from the top was just a little disappointing. :hug: right back atcha!! You aren't crazy, Bill gets a lot of love on the boards, it's those blue eyes and sweet heard.

Another wonderful update Tracy! Bill's parents sound like lovely people and you are lucky to have eachother. :hug: (Except for the not understanding food porn pictures thing...:rolleyes: )

Hi Michelle!! Bill's parents are wonderful and they adore him, you can just see the love they have for him every time we see them.

Great updates from the Smokey Mountains trip!! Beautiful pictures - the cabin & the nature shots. Can't wait to read more.

Hi Amy! I went picture crazy, but I always do. I just bought a 4gb card for my camera to go along with the 2gb we already have :rotfl:.

beautiful photos.

Hi, thanks so much for posting.

I am loving this Pre Trip report. The Cabin is gorgeous! DH and I got married in Gatlinburg!:lovestruc So we are very fond of that area.

The trail photos are so neat. I'm lovin' those mushrooms. We have eaten at the Mill House before it is yummy. You did really well if you had fruit! Great job sticking to the diet. Keep up the good work.

Hello and WELCOME!! You were so lucky to get married there, it is beautiful country. OMG, wasn't the Mill Restaurant yummy?? The fruit plate was fantastic, I didn't feel like I was missing out on the other food at all.

How pretty! I want to go there someday soon! that cabin is just beautiful!!! Cant wait for more!!!

Hi, oh you should go, it is lovely there.


Wow! Your photos make the area look so peaceful and relaxing. We have never been down that way, but it looks so nice. The views were absolutely breathtaking. ;)

It was very relaxing there. I am actually looking forward to going back in December after all the run, run, run of our upcoming Disney trips. I will be taking pictures again :lmao: as if anyone didn't think I would. I want to compare them to the September pics.

[DisneyJo]

What fantastic photos, the scenery looked gorgeous. How great that they had a wheelchair accessible trail too :thumbsup2

[SwansLoveDisney]

I love all your pictures! They are so beautiful!

I love hiking and looking at your pics makes me want to go on a big ol' hike right now! Too bad it's still so hot in AZ!

I can't believe you guys didn't have one meal at that gorgeous house! Bill's parents were truly on vacation, huh?

[mrsksomeday]

What fantastic photos, the scenery looked gorgeous. How great that they had a wheelchair accessible trail too :thumbsup2

Hi Jo, thanks for reading along. It was nice that there was a place Bill could get out and about.

I love all your pictures! They are so beautiful!

I love hiking and looking at your pics makes me want to go on a big ol' hike right now! Too bad it's still so hot in AZ!

I can't believe you guys didn't have one meal at that gorgeous house! Bill's parents were truly on vacation, huh?

Hi, thanks. I can't imagine how hot it is there. Bill's mom wanted to make sure the entire house was perfect when the renters came in. The only thing that upset me is that they wouldn't let Bill and I pay for any meal.

[mrsksomeday]

Bill’s dad got the muffler fixed that morning and breakfast was at the Golden Corral buffet. Fruit again for me, Bill got sausage, biscuits, gravy, an omelet, and hash browns. I can’t get over how much food this man can put away.

It was shopping day, I had learned that there was a Disney store within my reach and that is the only request I made the entire trip. I had to be with my people somehow.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/019-1.jpg

Isn't that sign pretty, ahhh happy place!!

Matt dropped Marianne and I off to find a parking spot. Ok, I would have loved to go in this store with Bill only. Marianne looked like a nervous wreck with all the people, the Chap Stick came out and was applied liberally. She does that when she is upset. When she first met me and realized Bill and I were a couple, she never put the Chap Stick away :lmao:. Now I hardly ever see it, but it was whipped out about 2 seconds after we walked through the door because just like anything else associated with the word "Disney" the place was packed.

I couldn’t really enjoy even looking, then Bill showed up. Matt was hanging out at the door looking miserable. I took Bill to the pins, he picked these out for pin trading:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/023-1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/024-1.jpg

They are ok to trade in the parks aren’t they? I think so. I almost got a Minnie ears headband, but thought they would think I was nuts so I didn’t get it. I regret that now.

Matt declared that he and Bill were off in search of shoes for Bill and would meet us later. Marianne knows Tanger Outlet like the back of her hand. She said she and one of her girlfriends had even taken one day and went into every store, over 100 stores. I was thinking “well I don’t want to do every store, this is going to be a great day”. We looked at Old Navy, Tommy Hilfiger, home stores, etc. I was thinking about a new pair of shoes for Disney.

Then I saw the Lane Bryant outlet. Being overweight all my life, clothes shopping is very close to last on my shopping meter. I am a “go into the store, look at it, take it to the checkout and try it at home” kinda gal. I don’t spend hours looking, trying on, debating. I either like it or don’t and that is it. Who wants to tell their sort of MIL what size you wear, NOT ME, but hello she was right there. Then she started pulling out shirts for me to try on, discussing colors, even doing the “putting it up to your face to see how it goes with your eyes and coloring” thing. Too much, it was too much, I wanted to find the nearest exit. She even talked me into trying on some shirts I knew I wouldn’t like, but I tried them on for her. I nixed those quickly, but did find some I liked. I did admit that most of my shirts were way too big now, and ended up walking out of there with 5 new shirts :eek:. I was on a roll we got to the shoe store and walked out with new shoes, and OMG they are just like hers. What happened to me, what did she do to me?

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/011-1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/014-2.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/007-2.jpg

We called Bill and Matt, they were in the Nike store. Marianne told them we would be over in a couple of minutes, then she saw the Jockey store. Let’s just say I know way more about the type of underwear Matt wears then I ever wanted to know. TMI, TMI, TMI :scared:. I told her I was scarred for life now :rotfl:.

We found the men in the Nike store and when I saw the Jordans on Bill a few tears leaked out. I couldn’t help it. He had dreamed of wearing shoes with no braces for as long as I have known him. He had the biggest smile on his face, he was so happy. He ended up with two pairs of shoes that day, Nikes and a pair of Skechers. Bill is from Indiana, so he got Larry Bird ones. I would bet when he was little he probably wanted a pair and couldn’t because of the braces, well he has them now.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/008-2.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/009-2.jpg

Back up the mountain we went, Bill’s dad decided to look at the muffler again. The van is equipped with a slide out ramp. The van can kneel like some of the busses at Disney. Well when the van kneeled it made the hot muffler touch the bumper and it started melting the paint of the bottom of the bumper. So while we took our purchases inside the house, Matt went back down the mountain to the muffler shop.

Tonight was dinner at The Chop House. We thought it would be more crowded on a Friday night, but it wasn’t. Bill’s dad forgot his wallet and I was told that Bill’s and my money was no good, so Marianne paid. This started to annoy me and I told them we were capable of paying for things and would like to. I got the “don’t even think of arguing with me” look. Bill got Prime Rib which he loved, his mom got a huge Pork Chop it looked so funny on the plate in front of her, and Bill’s dad and I got the chicken breast. It was blah, dry and not flavorful at all. The salad was great though.

This night Marianne had plans for us. She had wanted to see “The Miracle” for a long time. What is The Miracle you say?

The Miracle is a stunning musical recreation of the life of Christ told in epic proportion. Featuring an enormous cast of actors, singers, dancers, technicians and live animals you will be awed by the magnificence of this performance.

We arrived at the theater and Marianne saw a sweatshirt she liked:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/37186579.jpg

Matt saw a front license plate he liked ( in Indiana, you just have to have a plate on the back, I see a Disney one in our future since the van is licensed in Indiana ), this is not the exact one, I couldn’t find a picture of it, so this is close:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/43794436.jpg

Marianne didn’t bring her wallet in and Matt had no money so I jumped at the chance to buy those two things for them. It made me happy to finally buy something for them for a change. We went into the theater and got to our seats, most of them were regular theater seats, but in the wheelchair aisle there were some bigger more comfy seats, I got one of those, yay!! They asked Bill to move up because the actors would be walking behind us? Behind us?

I didn’t have a chance to look this show up before we got there to see what to expect, Marianne thought it would be a play about Jesus. Well, it was a MUSICAL about Jesus, I kid you not. Bill and I just looked at each other in awe when a donkey, a camel, some sheep, and horses went behind us. HUH? Angels suspended from the ceiling on cables, water to wine, etc. All I can say is it was different. I will not say anything bad about this, I will say it was not the best two hours I have had in my life, would I do it again? NO, but we were all together so I am glad we went.

I will say Bill and I are not church goers, we are not heathens, we just don’t go to church that often. It doesn’t mean we don’t pray or believe. Bill’s mom is aggravated by this fact. She tends to go on and on about how we should be in church. So Bill shocked her by stating the inaccuracies of the play. He knew much more than she thought he did about the stories that were retold that night.

It was madness on the strip that night with the car show. People were going at a snails pace in the outer lanes to look at all the cars. Matt knows the back roads so we got to avoid much of that mess.

Sometimes I have to interpret what Bill says because of his speech patterns with the Cerebral Palsy. Some people don’t even try to understand him, they try to rely on me. His speech isn’t bad at all after you have been around him for a bit. His parents are pretty good at understanding him, but sometimes I still have to help out.

On the way back up the mountain, Matt was driving, I was in the passenger seat and Marianne was in back with Bill. She let out this huge sneeze and I heard Bill say “Mom that is gross”. I had to bite my lip to not bust out laughing. Why is this funny? Well a couple of Christmases ago we were at their house in Indiana, Bill started coughing like he sometimes does because of the CP and Bill’s mom had said it was “gross”. Sometimes she speaks before thinking. It had hurt Bill’s feelings that day, I saw it in his eyes. I was very close to saying something to her, but Bill asked me not to. Well over the last year Bill and I have made a joke out of it, we call each other “gross” when we do something, well gross. So when he said that to his mom, I knew he had to be grinning from ear to ear to finally say it back to her. What was even more funny was that she had no clue what he said and asked him to repeat it. Matt then said “Bill thinks you are gross”, well I lose it. I had a giggle fit. Then she asked why, I had to explain what had happened at Christmas and how now it was a joke. Matt was cracking up at this point.

I found out a wonderful thing that night. I knew that the bed had been very comfy, I had told Bill it was as “good” as my Marriott heaven bed, well it should be it is a Marriott mattress set. OMG YAY WONDERFUL. I have so much energy after I sleep on those beds, they are one of my happy places.

Next installment…Is it a vacation if you are riding in a van all day?

[Goofyluver]

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Way to go Bill! (we sometimes have to dish it back to our parents to survive them ;))

And I laughed soooooo hard at the musical. I'm with you...I'm a Faithful person. But, I probably would have laughed too. Okay...a lot.

and I soooooo think the chapstick is a funny thing. :rotfl: I won't tell you what my own mother does...but let's just say...chapstick is waaaaay better!

Great update hon!

[Hedy]

:lmao: "Bill thinks you are gross."
Cute shirts-and I bet you need them.
Yepp, those pins are tradeable.
And :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: for Bill's new sneakers!

[mkluvsmickey]

I was at the same Disney outlet store in June - I felt so at home there! :love:

Love your purchases - the shrits and shoes (both yours and Bills) are great! Gotta love the outlet mall!

Too funny about The Miracle show - my FIL wanted to see that when we were in Pigeon Forge but the brochure didn't impress me. We have a wonderful Christmas pageant show at a church near us that we see every year and it is fabulous! The show in TN just looked like it would be cheesy.

We did go to Dixie Stampede though - and it was really good! I didn't think I'd like it but it was a lot of fun!

I think you need to get yourself a Marriott mattress at home Tracy!

[AZMickeyfans]

Gorgeous hike! WOW I love those pictures! :worship: Reminds me of Colorado.

Great to find a Disney Store! Nice buys!!!

[luvfigment]

I am finally all caught up from being MIA! The rest of the plans for Disney look great! And the pictures from TN are amazing...it looks like you had a great time.

[TinkAsh2001]

Looks like you guys had fun shopping! Tell bill I LOVE the shoes. I also LOVE yours because they are PINK!!!! Your shirts are adorable & I am glad you got them for yourself you deserve it!!!:cool1:

[mrsksomeday]

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Way to go Bill! (we sometimes have to dish it back to our parents to survive them ;))

And I laughed soooooo hard at the musical. I'm with you...I'm a Faithful person. But, I probably would have laughed too. Okay...a lot.

and I soooooo think the chapstick is a funny thing. :rotfl: I won't tell you what my own mother does...but let's just say...chapstick is waaaaay better!

Great update hon!

It still cracks me up that Bill said that to her. I didn't laugh (on the outside) during the musical, but Bill and I kept looking at each other with the "do you see what I see" face.

:lmao: "Bill thinks you are gross."
Cute shirts-and I bet you need them.
Yepp, those pins are tradeable.
And :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: for Bill's new sneakers!

I did need the shirts, thanks for telling me about the pins, Bill really does love his shoes.

I was at the same Disney outlet store in June - I felt so at home there! :love:

Love your purchases - the shrits and shoes (both yours and Bills) are great! Gotta love the outlet mall!

Too funny about The Miracle show - my FIL wanted to see that when we were in Pigeon Forge but the brochure didn't impress me. We have a wonderful Christmas pageant show at a church near us that we see every year and it is fabulous! The show in TN just looked like it would be cheesy.

We did go to Dixie Stampede though - and it was really good! I didn't think I'd like it but it was a lot of fun!

I think you need to get yourself a Marriott mattress at home Tracy!

I can't believe we were at the same outlet store, that is great! You didn't miss anything not going to that show. I want to try the Stampede, I might just do it since you recommended it.

Gorgeous hike! WOW I love those pictures! :worship: Reminds me of Colorado.

Great to find a Disney Store! Nice buys!!!

I really enjoyed our walk, it was beautiful there. I always try to find a Disney store :rotfl:.

I am finally all caught up from being MIA! The rest of the plans for Disney look great! And the pictures from TN are amazing...it looks like you had a great time.

Thank you, we had a wonderful time.

Looks like you guys had fun shopping! Tell bill I LOVE the shoes. I also LOVE yours because they are PINK!!!! Your shirts are adorable & I am glad you got them for yourself you deserve it!!!:cool1:

Bill said thank you and I say thank you too.

[mrsksomeday]

We were up early, got showers using Bill’s big walk in shower. It is 5 feet by 8 feet:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/006-1.jpg

This is the closet for the rental guests:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/007-1.jpg

I forgot to take a picture of the walk in closet that is locked and not used for renters.

Here is Bill’s room:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/001.jpg

Family room pictures:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/008-1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/009-1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/010-1.jpg

The 3rd bedroom and bath:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/011.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/012-1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/013-1.jpg

The wet bar and looking back towards “Bill’s room”:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/014-1.jpg

This is a close up of the painting on the wall of the wet bar. Why take a close up shot of it? Because Bill painted it in high school. I didn’t know I was sleeping with an artist!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/015-1.jpg

We all loaded into the van and headed for Chik-fil-a. We don’t have one of these around us, Bill’s parents said they liked the chicken there. The restaurant was spotless, the employees were friendly and efficient, and they even came around offering to get drink refills and throw things away. I am not used to that at a fast food restaurant. Even the manager was walking around talking to the customers. It was a nice experience.

Marianne wanted to take me to a scrapbooking store and Matt wanted nothing to do with that so he and Bill dropped us off and went to the Home Depot. Before you ask, he did NOT liberate any Mickey head paint chips for me and I am still hurt by it. Oh my goodness, let’s just say they had a lot of Disney stuff at the scrapbook store and I held back as much as I could but I did buy some things:

Scrapbook pages and stickers:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/026-1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/027-1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/028-1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/030.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/033-2.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/037-3.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/038-1.jpg

From the clearance store:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/031-2.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/032-2.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/034-1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/036-3.jpg

Matt and Bill picked us up and we went back to the cabin. Matt mowed, worked in the yard, put some grass seed down etc. Bill and I just talked, Marianne was cleaning something. They have a hardcover book on the countertop in the kitchen that has most of the restaurants in the area. Marianne gave Bill the book and told him to pick a restaurant for dinner. He chose Carino’s Italian Restaurant.

We drove back into Pigeon Forge, on the way down we saw this:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/020-1.jpg

We went to the “Christmas Place”. Marianne had wanted to take me here the entire trip. We went ahead of Bill and Matt and I didn’t like that. I wanted to be with Bill.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/022-1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/025-1.jpg


~continued in next post~

[mrsksomeday]

I dutifully followed her around looking over my shoulder trying to spot Bill and Matt. We found some nativity scenes that Marianne really liked. The Christmas Place has a website and she is getting one of those for Christmas, plus some black miniature schnauzer things from there she went nuts over. She collects schnauzer things and it is so hard to buy thing for her and Matt so when an opportunity comes up like that where I actually see her looking at things she wants I make a note of it.

It is a big store and we kept walking, then all the sudden I heard myself say “ohhh” when I saw this:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/031-1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/032-1.jpg

Bill was mean this trip, every time I tried to take a picture of him I got this look:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/033.jpg

He thought I wouldn't post the picture if he did that, boy was he wrong http://www.websitetoolbox.com/images/boards/smilies/rofl.gif.

Seeing the Disney stuff made me happy!! I didn’t care if people thought I was nuts, I took pictures. Then Bill and Matt showed up, I had to take him to the Disney things, we both smiled at each other. Matt and Marianne are looking for a 12 ft Christmas tree to replace the one they had to throw away last year, she had had it for a long time. We then saw a Halloween Village:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/035-1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/037-1.jpg

It was really cool.

Then there was a Snow Village:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/039-1.jpg

Bill and I both really liked these. Marianne has many of the pieces from this collection. We went toward the next room and saw this:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/041-1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/043-1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/044-1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/046-1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/047-1.jpg

Then this:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/048-1.jpg

On the way out we saw Santa:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/049-1.jpg

We then headed to Carino’s. They seated us right away at a table for 8, I thought that was funny. Marianne ordered this appetizer and wouldn’t stop bothering me until I tried it, some nachos thing with chicken and tons of cheese. I succumbed to the peer pressure and tried it. O M G it was great, but I don’t need that stuff. I got some chicken dish and a salad, Bill got spaghetti and meatballs, and his parents shared some pasta skillet thing. None of us wanted dessert, except for Bill that is. The smallest person at the table putting away the food, cracks me up every time http://www.websitetoolbox.com/images/boards/smilies/rofl.gif.

When we left we had no plans, look, I got to see a castle:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/018-1.jpg

Gas prices went crazy while we were there. When we arrived they were $3.69 by the last night we were there it was $4.49. It went up 80 cents a gallon in one day. Matt pulled off at a gas station and would not let me pay for the gas.

He decided to take us up to the top of the mountain they live on, Bluff Mountain, to the observation point. We got out of the van and had a steep hill to go up, I was worried about Bill’s wheelchair, Matt told me not to worry about it. After we got up there we saw this view:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/064-1.jpg

Some pictures from the observation point:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/061.jpg

The “K’s” taking in the view:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/060-1.jpg

It was such a beautiful view. We watched the clouds come in and as the sun was setting we could see the moon too:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/080-2.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/085-2.jpg

Marianne wanted to take a picture of Bill and I (sorry it is blurry, but it is the only one of us together on the trip):

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/083.jpg

Down the hill we went:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/082.jpg

Next installment…the end of the last night and the trip home

[mrsksomeday]

Matt took us past several houses on the mountain, ones that were occupied and ones being built. I don’t like the houses that are just built against the mountain with no yard. Those scare me :eek:. We could see their cabin from the road above. Then we went back to the house to turn the lights on so Marianne could see it lit up in the dark. We were laughing about seeing the cabin from all views. The conversation went like this:

Marianne: “Oh my you are going to tell people that all we did the last night was look at the house. Please God forgive me.” We started giggling.
Bill: “What about me? I have spent more time in the van then I have the cabin”. We giggled even more.
Matt: “You, what about me? I have spent the whole time going up and down the mountain to the muffler shop”. We all lost it and were laughing so hard.

It was great to have us all laughing together. We got back to the cabin, which Marianne informed us was “not a cabin, it is a log home”, and I couldn’t believe the view out of the Great Room windows:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/091-2.jpg

See that circle on the upper right? That is the moon, horrible picture, but I tried. It was gorgeous to see that through the windows. We went out on the kitchen deck to start the fireplace and I tried to take another picture of the moon:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/096-2.jpg

Here is the fireplace (lit up with my flash):

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/095-2.jpg

It was time for bed, they wanted to be gone by noon, but I had other plans. I was up at 6:30am, had Bill ready by 7:30am and we were out of there by 9:15am. Marianne didn’t want me helping her clean anything, they took pictures of Bill in front of the “log home” and I took a picture of Marianne’s Charlie Brown tree:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/021.jpg

See why she calls it that? The people that put the irrigation in screwed something up and poor Charlie didn’t get enough water, I sure hope he makes it. I am going to take a picture of him at Christmas for an update. We told them goodbye and I got to drive down the mountain. I didn’t like it one bit :rotfl:. Give me the flat ground in Southern Illinois any day.

Gas in some places was up to $4.99 a gallon, it was crazy. After we got through Knoxville we stopped at Cracker Barrel to eat. It was getting really windy. We got back on the road and on our way. I didn’t know that we were driving through some of the after effects of Ike, but we were. On our drive I saw this picture, it reminded me of our great TR writer Buzz:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/106-1.jpg

Brown Squirrel Furniture, Buzz loves squirrels :thumbsup2.

The Sirius radio was changed out by Matt before we left, so it was NFL games the entire way home. We listened to the Patriots play then and the Colts. When we pulled into our apartment parking lot we saw many people standing outside which was odd. Come to find out about 8:30am there had been a pretty bad storm and the power was off in the building. The building has a generator which usually turns everything back on, for some reason the only thing the generator was running was the elevators. At least we could get back to our apartment. I text Scott and told him I wouldn’t be back Enchanted that night CRY. We went out, had dinner and came back and went to sleep.

The next day the power still wasn’t on, we went to get Ace and he was so happy to see us. We scheduled the rest of his “visits” for the year and went to a park with him. He had fun sniffing around. We decided to go to Best Buy and ended up buying Bill a laptop (darn power outage, we wouldn’t have went there if the power was on in our part of town). We took Ace to PetCo, it is his zoo, he loves watching the ferrets, birds, fish, and mice. We gave a friend of ours that lives in the building our number to call us if the power came back on, and she did!! YAY!! I was so happy.

Ace was worn out. We got him in the door and he immediately went to his spot on the couch and crashed.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/001-1.jpg

This concludes my mini trip report about the mountains, I hope you enjoyed it. Now I can get back to my PTR and Disney planning.

[mom2mek]

Great report Tracy! That place looks so stunningly beautiful! I love the mountains!

Oh, and BTW...guess what I got in the mail yesterday? (My Mickey nail stickers :rotfl: - love them! Thanks!)

Sara

[mrsksomeday]

Great report Tracy! That place looks so stunningly beautiful! I love the mountains!

Oh, and BTW...guess what I got in the mail yesterday? (My Mickey nail stickers :rotfl: - love them! Thanks!)

Sara

Hi Sara, thank you so much for reading. I am glad you got some nail stickers too!!

[MRYPPNS]

Your picture of the turkey cracked me up because we had 10 of them in our backyard today. They're actually around a lot but this is the first time I "caught" them. They are one ugly bird!

[mkluvsmickey]

More gorgeous pictures Tracy! What a nice little trip for you two. The Christmas shop looks great! My MIL went there while we were in Pigeon Forge and got tons of stuff!

And you should definately try Dixie Stampede when you go back - fun time!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Thanks for sharing your mini-TR with us. The pictures of the Smokey Mountains were beautiful!

[Goofyluver]

Is it REALLY a coincidence that Bill's room is NEXT to the wet bar??? I think not!

And :woohoo:!!!! Bill's an Arteest!

Great rest of your trip.

Bill...honey...you need to smile. Tracy is going to post pics of you here whether you want her to or not. ;) Besides...it makes your eyes sparkle!

I WANT THE CABIN!

And let's all have a moment of silence for the dear tree. :sad2: Hope that thing's still standing during Christmas!

Now hurry up! Get going to Disney. Get to the "good" stuff! ::yes::

[mrsksomeday]

Your picture of the turkey cracked me up because we had 10 of them in our backyard today. They're actually around a lot but this is the first time I "caught" them. They are one ugly bird!

They are unique looking. It just shocked me that we saw one. He better stay off the road all the construction trucks will smash him flat.

More gorgeous pictures Tracy! What a nice little trip for you two. The Christmas shop looks great! My MIL went there while we were in Pigeon Forge and got tons of stuff!

And you should definately try Dixie Stampede when you go back - fun time!

Thanks Michelle. I liked the Christmas store, I think I just was wanting to go home, I really missed Ace.

Thanks for sharing your mini-TR with us. The pictures of the Smokey Mountains were beautiful!

Thanks Lessa.

Is it REALLY a coincidence that Bill's room is NEXT to the wet bar??? I think not!

And :woohoo:!!!! Bill's an Arteest!

Great rest of your trip.

Bill...honey...you need to smile. Tracy is going to post pics of you here whether you want her to or not. ;) Besides...it makes your eyes sparkle!

I WANT THE CABIN!

And let's all have a moment of silence for the dear tree. :sad2: Hope that thing's still standing during Christmas!

Now hurry up! Get going to Disney. Get to the "good" stuff! ::yes::

I have never seen Bill drink anything but soda around his parents, I have had wine with them but Bill doesn't like wine, he is hardcore:lmao:.

That poor tree did look pathetic, I hope it makes it. I am trying to hurry up and get to Disney, I wish I was there now. We will be at the 20 day mark tomorrow :yay: :yay: :banana: :banana: !!

[Goofyluver]

I have never seen Bill drink anything but soda around his parents, I have had wine with them but Bill doesn't like wine, he is hardcore:lmao:.


:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Bill???? I am SHOCKED!!!!

[SwansLoveDisney]

Such gorgeous views!

Thank you for sharing your trip with us. I loved seeing all the pictures.

The scrapbooking stuff that you bought is so cute! How did you resist the Disney Christmas stuff? :confused3

[mrsksomeday]

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Bill???? I am SHOCKED!!!!

I couldn't believe it either when I first started going out with him. He drinks Southern Comfort and Coke or Captain Morgan and Coke. At Disney he likes Bahama Mamas :rotfl2:.

Such gorgeous views!

Thank you for sharing your trip with us. I loved seeing all the pictures.

The scrapbooking stuff that you bought is so cute! How did you resist the Disney Christmas stuff? :confused3

Thank you so much for reading along. I could have bought so much more scrapbooking stuff but I told myself no. As for resisting the Disney Christmas stuff, it was hard but I told myself I would actually be in Disney twice very soon and I wanted to spend the money there :rotfl:.

[*KeepMovingForward*]

The inside of the cabin is gorgeous! I also am in love with the view you had from both the cabin and the observation area. Now I would have lost total control at the scrapbooking store-your a good woman for having only bought a few items! Thats a bummer about coming back to no power, but hey...now Bill has a brandy dandy new laptop! :rotfl: I'm so glad you shared your trip to the mountains with us and now I'm looking forward to hearing about Disney! :woohoo:

[ddm118]

Tracy - awesome pictures! Thanks for sharing your mini trip with us!:)

[luvfigment]

Great Mini-TR Tracy! Thanks for sharing with us. I really like some of the scrapbooking stuff you bought. I used to scrapbook a lot but then got too busy and need to do some BADLY! I also sometimes find shopping for scrapbooking is more fun than actually doing the scrapbooking. :goodvibes

Looking forward to seeing if there are any changes in plans for your trip!

[DisMomAmy]

Your "in-laws" have such a beautiful place. The turkey picture cracked me up too - there were a pair of them down at the end of my street last week. My friend, who lives about a mile away, has a semi-wild turkey in her neighborhood that her neighbor has taken to feeding! Now it's trying to take over the neighborhood and assert itself over all of the kids. :scared1: It tried to pick a fight with my car last spring - it kept running in front of me every time I tried to drive away. I just sat there and honked my horn until the "owner" came out and picked him up and carried him home! :scared1: :scared1: Crazy people!

[mrsksomeday]

The inside of the cabin is gorgeous! I also am in love with the view you had from both the cabin and the observation area. Now I would have lost total control at the scrapbooking store-your a good woman for having only bought a few items! Thats a bummer about coming back to no power, but hey...now Bill has a brandy dandy new laptop! :rotfl: I'm so glad you shared your trip to the mountains with us and now I'm looking forward to hearing about Disney! :woohoo:

It took all I had to not go crazy in that scrapbooking store and we will be back there in December, I might just lose it. Thank you so much for reading.

Tracy - awesome pictures! Thanks for sharing your mini trip with us!:)

Thank you for taking the time to read our little report!!

Great Mini-TR Tracy! Thanks for sharing with us. I really like some of the scrapbooking stuff you bought. I used to scrapbook a lot but then got too busy and need to do some BADLY! I also sometimes find shopping for scrapbooking is more fun than actually doing the scrapbooking. :goodvibes

Looking forward to seeing if there are any changes in plans for your trip!

I have a scrapbook of our last trip 3/4ths of the way done, I need to get on that, but heck I am not going to be home.

Your "in-laws" have such a beautiful place. The turkey picture cracked me up too - there were a pair of them down at the end of my street last week. My friend, who lives about a mile away, has a semi-wild turkey in her neighborhood that her neighbor has taken to feeding! Now it's trying to take over the neighborhood and assert itself over all of the kids. :scared1: It tried to pick a fight with my car last spring - it kept running in front of me every time I tried to drive away. I just sat there and honked my horn until the "owner" came out and picked him up and carried him home! :scared1: :scared1: Crazy people!


OMG Amy, I would have been freaking out if that turkey was messing with kids and would be upset with the neighbor if I couldn't drive where I wanted to.

[mrsksomeday]

I am back on track off the detour that was the Smokey Mountains. You might ask “Tracy what have you done in the Disney trip planning department?” Hmmm, let’s see…

I finished up my Mickey Heads, they are not good in my opinion, but I am using them. I have blue and yellow for Enchanted and lime green for the DIS, I am representing every group I care about. When I got to the end (the blue ones) I just used fancy scissors to cut around them, boring I know, but I have the Enchanted web address on them and that is all that matters. I am hoping people will ask me about Enchanted when I wear my Tink shirt and I can just give them a Mickey Head so they can check us out.

I bought some window clings, Amy and I will be decorating the room, we might use a couple or all of them :rotfl: :

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/9df87bcc.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/8fb24faf.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/cf9f2627.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/0db8eb68.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/acc8f47d.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/1e8bf112.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/4dc7bd55.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/8e8f1ae0.jpg

I purchased some Minnie Ears for Amy and I:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/f199cfa2.jpg

Oh and we have two hitchhikers on the trip, introducing Flat Acey:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/1ec79962.jpg

He comes in 2 sizes, not sure which one I am using. We also have Flat Charley:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/a1a5a053.jpg

If I can get a better picture of her I will redo it. Amy hasn’t seen her yet, but we are 18 sleeps from the trip so I am posting our stuff.

Last but not least, I purchased 3 shirts from Zazzle.com:

Amy’s:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/3c8e912d.jpg

Bill’s:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/e893beb8.jpg

And Tracy’s:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/623c5e63.jpg

The shirts for Bill and I were on the zazzle site all I did was add the lettering. I wish I would have thought of that design!!

I think that is all in the shirt and decorating department. I spoke to Bill’s mom last night and it seems we are going to be going to Indiana Dec. 20th for Christmas there, then on the 22nd we are all going in the van to the “log home” staying until the 28th going back to Indiana. Bill and I will then stay one more night in Indiana and go home the next day.

I am feeling extremely guilty about Ace. As most of you know, Bill and I will be going to Disney World in October, back to Disney in November, then to Indiana/Tennessee in December. I have decided I will not do this to him again, he isn’t just a dog, he is our baby. I know he will be ok, my head knows that, my heart is hurting leaving him so much.

Next installment…did I make any more dining changes?

[mkluvsmickey]

Hey Tracy - where did you get the Disney window clings? I got some halloween themed ones (non-Disney) at Target but would love to add some Disney touches. :goodvibes

Love Flat Ace and Flat Charley - fabulous idea!

The WallE shirts for you and Bill are awesome! :love:

I totally understand about the pet guilt thing - I have it bad. :sad2:

[Goofyluver]

I :love: those shirts Tracy!!! ::yes::

And :hug: for you and Acey. I know how hard it is to leave your babies.

Just thought I'd mention...and I can't find the thread...it was stated that some resorts are cracking down on window decorations...they charge you for having window decorations and make you take them down. It has happened to some...and not to others. So, be careful! :hug:

[mrsksomeday]

Hey Tracy - where did you get the Disney window clings? I got some halloween themed ones (non-Disney) at Target but would love to add some Disney touches. :goodvibes

Love Flat Ace and Flat Charley - fabulous idea!

The WallE shirts for you and Bill are awesome! :love:

I totally understand about the pet guilt thing - I have it bad. :sad2:

I did an Ebay seach for the window clings. At least I will have Ace with is even if it is in flat form. I saw the heart and it just popped into my head. We joked after we saw the movie about how Wall*E and Eve were like us. He is so sweet, doesn't talk much, and is so loving. I am quick tempered and have to be calmed down at times :rotfl2:. I just keep looking at Ace's sweet little face and how happy he gets when we come home after being gone for 30 minutes :sad1:.

I :love: those shirts Tracy!!! ::yes::

And :hug: for you and Acey. I know how hard it is to leave your babies.

Just thought I'd mention...and I can't find the thread...it was stated that some resorts are cracking down on window decorations...they charge you for having window decorations and make you take them down. It has happened to some...and not to others. So, be careful! :hug:

Thanks for the hug,

I read the threads, the original poster of one thread had written on the windows with some type of washable marker. I think that was the main problem. I will be asking at check in to make sure it is ok before I do it.

[jkCT]

The Wall-E shirts are so awesome!!! :lovestruc

[SwansLoveDisney]

I love those Wall E shirts! So cute!!!

And the flat pooches are great.

I get dog guilt all the time too. Right now, with our house up for sale, the dogs have to be crated while we're at work in case there's a showing. I feel SO guilty putting them in their crates. Of course they're fine at the end of the day, but I can't help but feel guilty. So I totally understand!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Those Wall-E shirts are adorable. :lovestruc

[Hedy]

Aww, the Wall*E shirts are cute.

[*KeepMovingForward*]

I love your Flat Ace...very cute idea! Brings back memories of when my kids had to do their Flat Stanley for school (I tell you it was one of the most well traveled Stanley's at their school!) That should be a lot of fun.

We also get dog guilt too. We are going to be at Disney for Christmas this year with friends and our babies are being left behind-thankfully with family, so that takes the sting away a little bit. Just give Ace the royal treatment when you return and I bet he'll forgive you. :upsidedow

[mom2mek]

Tracy, love the clings, the headbands, the shirts, and the flat dogs! Too cute! You are so ready! :woohoo: :woohoo:

Sara

[mrsksomeday]

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee224/sirkaiserwilliam/9f8b9aba.gif

My Mom, Ann, died March 18th, 1992 at the age of 56 from complications
of Breast Cancer. Sadly, she ignored the signs her body had given her and would
have lived IF she had gone to the doctor in time.

I urge every woman in this group to do self exams, get mammograms,
and ask family members to do the same.

I urge every man in this group to talk to the women in their lives about this disease.

Men are not immune from Breast Cancer either,
if you think something is wrong go to the doctor please.

I miss my mom every single day of my life, don't make your loved
ones have to miss you too.

http://www.komen.org/ (http://www.komen.org/)
http://www.cancer.org/ (http://www.cancer.org/)

http://www.breastcancer.org/ (http://www.breastcancer.org/)

http://www.y-me.org/ (http://www.y-me.org/)

http://www.oncolink.org/ (http://www.oncolink.org/)

http://www.breastcancer.net/ (http://www.breastcancer.net/)

http://www.natlbcc.org/ (http://www.natlbcc.org/)

http://www.bco.org/ (http://www.bco.org/)

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee224/sirkaiserwilliam/d5272b15.gif

[DisneyJo]

Your trip sounded and looked great, love how you all had so many laughs together :goodvibes


Love all your trip stuff especially flat Ace :rotfl:

Finally for you re your Mum :hug: I lost my Step Mum 2.5 years ago aged 59 to cancer too, her's was kidney though and by the time symptoms showed it was too late :sad2:

[Poohtigeey]

First of all Tracy, I want to give you a hug :hug:. Thanks for sharing about your mom and the post about breast cancer. It is so important. My mom's friend is having a double mastectomy today.:sad2:

Now, I LOVE the window clings!!!! I don't do e-bay, but those are great!! You and Amy will look cute in your Minnie ears, and the Wall-E shirts are great too. Good job!:thumbsup2 Take lots of pics of Flat Ace and Flat Charley enjoying the trip. You're going to have such a great time.

[MRYPPNS]

I think you need to just show up in Indiana with Ace....sometimes it's easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission :rolleyes1

I wouldn't worry about the window clings at all.....(me thinks that was a lot of DIS hype)

[luvfigment]

I first want to give you a big :hug: about your Mom. Breast Cancer is a very important topic for all woman to pay attention to.

I love the Wall*E T-shirts...they are great! I also like the flat Ace to take with you. I can't beleive your trip is 17 sleeps away!!! I leave 1 week from today!!! YIPPIE!!!!

Looking forward to seeing if you made any changes.

[mkluvsmickey]

Sorry about your mom Tracy. :hug: :hug: Thanks for the important reminder for us all.

[Goofyluver]

:hug:

[inkedupmomma]

thanks for sharing your story! im sorry tha happened to you! a dear friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer atthe very young age of 36. she had to have a double masectomy!! so i agree that all women, of all ages should make sure they check their bodies!

[team weasel]

Hey Tracy - so sorry to hear about your mom. I take BCA very seriously.

I've been gone for a while, so I missed your trip to TN....It looks like you guys had an absolute blast!!! What a marvelous home!

I know you are super psyched about your upcoming Disney trip!

[mrsksomeday]

The Wall-E shirts are so awesome!!! :lovestruc

Thanks!

I love those Wall E shirts! So cute!!!

And the flat pooches are great.

I get dog guilt all the time too. Right now, with our house up for sale, the dogs have to be crated while we're at work in case there's a showing. I feel SO guilty putting them in their crates. Of course they're fine at the end of the day, but I can't help but feel guilty. So I totally understand!

Hi, when I saw that Wall*E design on Zazzle I knew I had to get it. Ace can't be crated, he can get out of them, don't ask me how but he can. Maybe your house will sell very soon then you don't have to worry about it.

Those Wall-E shirts are adorable. :lovestruc

Aww, the Wall*E shirts are cute.

Thanks Lessa and Hedy!!

I love your Flat Ace...very cute idea! Brings back memories of when my kids had to do their Flat Stanley for school (I tell you it was one of the most well traveled Stanley's at their school!) That should be a lot of fun.

We also get dog guilt too. We are going to be at Disney for Christmas this year with friends and our babies are being left behind-thankfully with family, so that takes the sting away a little bit. Just give Ace the royal treatment when you return and I bet he'll forgive you. :upsidedow

Thank you. I think the "Flat" dogs will be a lot of fun. I can see Amy helping me out with them. You are so lucky to have family to leave your babies with family. The only one we would trust with Ace would be Amy, but she has her hands full with Charley and her snake :scared: :eek: so Ace goes to the boarder.

Tracy, love the clings, the headbands, the shirts, and the flat dogs! Too cute! You are so ready! :woohoo: :woohoo:

Sara

Thank you, part of me feels ready, part of me doesn't :rotfl:.

[mrsksomeday]

Your trip sounded and looked great, love how you all had so many laughs together :goodvibes


Love all your trip stuff especially flat Ace :rotfl:

Finally for you re your Mum :hug: I lost my Step Mum 2.5 years ago aged 59 to cancer too, her's was kidney though and by the time symptoms showed it was too late :sad2:

Hi Jo!! We did have a good time, heck if everything would have been perfect what would I have written about?? I love flat Ace too. That picture was taken the day we got home from our Nov. 2007 Disney trip. Here is the whole picture:

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee224/sirkaiserwilliam/Pics%20for%20trip%20report/Last%20day%20MK%20and%20home%20pics/WDW2007dd012AceymeetsMickey.jpg

That is the first time he met Pal Mickey, he looks so happy in the picture it is my favorite picture of him. Thanks for the hug, I am so sorry to hear about your Step Mum :hug:.

First of all Tracy, I want to give you a hug :hug:. Thanks for sharing about your mom and the post about breast cancer. It is so important. My mom's friend is having a double mastectomy today.:sad2:

Now, I LOVE the window clings!!!! I don't do e-bay, but those are great!! You and Amy will look cute in your Minnie ears, and the Wall-E shirts are great too. Good job!:thumbsup2 Take lots of pics of Flat Ace and Flat Charley enjoying the trip. You're going to have such a great time.

Hi Monica!! Thanks for the hug :hug:. Your mom's friend is in my prayers. You don't do ebay? HUH, :rotfl:. Someone said they found them at either a dollar store or dollar tree, those are hit and miss some times.

I can't take any credit for the Wall-E shirts, all I did was add the text it was on the zazzle site. I did do Amy's t shirt and my Tink shirt.

You know I will take way too many pictures, I just bought a 4gb memory card to go along with the 2gb I already have.

I think you need to just show up in Indiana with Ace....sometimes it's easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission :rolleyes1

I wouldn't worry about the window clings at all.....(me thinks that was a lot of DIS hype)

Hi Heidi!! :lmao: OMG I would try that, but Bill won't let me.

I think the main issue with the person that was asked to take the decorations down was they used markers on the windows. How was management supposed to know they were washable?

[mrsksomeday]

I first want to give you a big :hug: about your Mom. Breast Cancer is a very important topic for all woman to pay attention to.

I love the Wall*E T-shirts...they are great! I also like the flat Ace to take with you. I can't beleive your trip is 17 sleeps away!!! I leave 1 week from today!!! YIPPIE!!!!

Looking forward to seeing if you made any changes.

Thank you for the :hug:. I can't believe our trip is so close and that you will go and be back before we leave.

Sorry about your mom Tracy. :hug: :hug: Thanks for the important reminder for us all.

Thank you Michelle :hug:.

:hug:

:hug: Thank you, it has just been a rough day, but Bill has given me countless hugs and let me cry so I feel better.

thanks for sharing your story! im sorry tha happened to you! a dear friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer atthe very young age of 36. she had to have a double masectomy!! so i agree that all women, of all ages should make sure they check their bodies!

Hi, I am so sorry to hear that about your friend. Thank you for reading.

Hey Tracy - so sorry to hear about your mom. I take BCA very seriously.

I've been gone for a while, so I missed your trip to TN....It looks like you guys had an absolute blast!!! What a marvelous home!

I know you are super psyched about your upcoming Disney trip!

Hi, thank you. We did have a wonderful time on the trip. That view is breathtaking, I know I am repeating myself, but that is the word that describes it. I go from super psyched to panicked :rotfl2:, you know my natural state :thumbsup2.

[TinkAsh2001]

I went to that zazzle site and I couldnt figure out how to do all the cool stuff like yours! They are cute & I love the clings!:thumbsup2

[SeptemberGirl]

Great PTR, and post about your mom. My mom is currently in remission. She has been diagnosed with BC four times, had two mastectomies, and now battles it in other parts of her body. 12 years this has been going on, she went back into remission in April. It's still there, the cancer, but so is my mom. I am thankful for that every single day of my life. My aunt battled it for 10 years until her death in Jan 2004. My heart goes out to you in every way. :hug:

It was BC walks that got me to think about my own body. We have done the American Cancer one for years, my daughter even did it as an infant. Now she is four and doing her first BC walk on her own two feet with my mom in two weeks! I am so proud of both of them. And this year I worked to be able to run a 5k for BC research. I didn't run the entire 5k, but I walked and ran and raised money and wore my mom's name on my back. It felt really good to be doing that to help other women.

Anyway, thank you for sharing that along with the rest of your PTR.

[mrsksomeday]

I went to that zazzle site and I couldnt figure out how to do all the cool stuff like yours! They are cute & I love the clings!:thumbsup2

When you go to zazzle if you want disney stuff they have a disney section, then you click on shirts, then you can add text.

Great PTR, and post about your mom. My mom is currently in remission. She has been diagnosed with BC four times, had two mastectomies, and now battles it in other parts of her body. 12 years this has been going on, she went back into remission in April. It's still there, the cancer, but so is my mom. I am thankful for that every single day of my life. My aunt battled it for 10 years until her death in Jan 2004. My heart goes out to you in every way. :hug:

It was BC walks that got me to think about my own body. We have done the American Cancer one for years, my daughter even did it as an infant. Now she is four and doing her first BC walk on her own two feet with my mom in two weeks! I am so proud of both of them. And this year I worked to be able to run a 5k for BC research. I didn't run the entire 5k, but I walked and ran and raised money and wore my mom's name on my back. It felt really good to be doing that to help other women.

Anyway, thank you for sharing that along with the rest of your PTR.

Your mom is in my prayers :hug:, I am so sorry to hear about your aunt. Congrats on the 5k run. Also congrats about the weight loss!! Thank you for reading our PTR.

[mrsksomeday]

Bill and I are going to Narcrooses for dinner one night, it's an anniversary dinner of sorts, since we aren't married we go by the time in our relationship when we knew we wanted to be together all the time.

The question is this. Has anyone ordered the mini castle cake from the Grand Floridian bakery? What did you think of it? Here is a pic I found on the web:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Oct%202008%20pre%20trip%20stuff/9b69c964.jpg

I am thinking of surprising Bill with this.

[SeptemberGirl]

I love the cake - and the idea. Go for it!

And thank you for your reply to me. :goodvibes

[mkluvsmickey]

Love the castle cake Tracy! I've never ordered it either but it looks delicious! Congratulations on your "anniversary"! How many years? :love:

[DisneyJo]

I haven't ever ordered a cake Tracy but they look delicious, try posting on the food threads :)

[Dreamer & Wisher]

I haven't ordered the castle cake before either but it is beautiful. We ordered DD a birthday cake at Crystal Palace though and it was yummy!

[luvfigment]

I haven't ordered them but have been contemplating the same thing for the Narccoosse's also!! That is too funny. The only thing is that DH is not a big cake fan but I think I read that they can do cheesecake also so that is always an idea. HMMMMM now you have me thinking about it again.

if you want to know more about it they have the cake thread on the restaurant board which has tons of reviews and picture! Let us know what you decide to do.

[mrsksomeday]

I love the cake - and the idea. Go for it!

And thank you for your reply to me. :goodvibes

Your welcome.

Love the castle cake Tracy! I've never ordered it either but it looks delicious! Congratulations on your "anniversary"! How many years? :love:

Thanks, it will be 4 years in December that he gave me a beautiful ring and I moved in with him, but I figured this would surprise him, I never get to surprise him, he is very nosy.

I haven't ever ordered a cake Tracy but they look delicious, try posting on the food threads :)

I think I am going for it, why not.

I haven't ordered the castle cake before either but it is beautiful. We ordered DD a birthday cake at Crystal Palace though and it was yummy!

I am starting to get excited about ordering it.

I haven't ordered them but have been contemplating the same thing for the Narccoosse's also!! That is too funny. The only thing is that DH is not a big cake fan but I think I read that they can do cheesecake also so that is always an idea. HMMMMM now you have me thinking about it again.

if you want to know more about it they have the cake thread on the restaurant board which has tons of reviews and picture! Let us know what you decide to do.

Great minds think a like!! I didn't know about the cheesecake idea, I am going to ask them about that. Bill would love that. I found the mini castle on the cake thread :rotfl:.

[mrsksomeday]

Here are the places we are eating on the October trip, NO MORE CHANGES. Seriously, I am not Scottny, I am not changing them anymore http://www.websitetoolbox.com/images/boards/smilies/nono.gif, I will refrain. :rotfl: . I will not get on the phone to Disney and hear that ANNOYING animated voice they have now.

I hate that animated voice, ok hate is a strong word, I dislike it, I abhor it, I detest it, do you get the fact that I can’t stand it? I like talking to PEOPLE, live people with heartbeats. The fact that computers are making jobs for real people go away in our world saddens me. Well I got off on a tirade didn’t I? Back to the dining reservations and itinerary!!

Our Dining plans



Fri. Oct. 17th - St. Louis Day

Some place close to the hotel, it doesn’t matter what, we are going to Disney the next day!!

Sat. Oct. 18th – Arrival Day

Lunch Pop counter service
Dinner Tony’s Restaurant

Sun. Oct. 19th – Epcot - Ip Dip Day

Lunch Sunshine Seasons
Dinner at Biergarten

Mon. Oct. 20th – Animal Kingdom Day 1


Lunch Flame Tree BBQ
Dinner at Capt’n Jacks

Tue. Oct. 21st – Magic Kingdom Day 2


Lunch at Crystal Palace
Dinner counter service, either Columbia Harbour House, Peco’s Bill’s or Pinocchio Village Haus? Any opinions here please? This is our MNSSHP night.

Wed. Oct. 22nd – Animal Kingdom Day 2


Lunch Pizzafari
Dinner Spirit of Aloha Show

Thu. Oct. 23rd – Epcot Day 2

Amy’s choice counter service lunch
Dinner Whispering Canyon Café (we got rid of Chef Mickey’s)

Fri. Oct. 24th – Disney Hollywood Studios

Lunch at 50’s Prime Time Café
Fantasmic 7pm
Dinner Earl of Sandwich DTD
Dessert Ghiradelli’s

Sat. Oct. 25th – Epcot Day 3

Lunch counter service
Dinner LeCellier (yes dinner, a very early dinner, but it isn’t lunch anymore woo hoo)


Sun. Oct. 26th – Magic Kingdom Day 3

Lunch Cosmic Ray’s
Dinner ‘Ohana

Mon. Oct. 27th – Disney Hollywood Studios Day 2 – Departure Day

Lunch counter service (either at Pop or DHS)

So that doesn’t look that bad now does it? I have been looking at the menus for the restaurants to see what I am going to get. I want to watch what I eat, but I know for sure I am going to get the cheesecake at Captn Jacks, yummmmmyyyyyy!!

I also made our Garden Grocer order already and it will be delivered the afternoon we arrive :banana: . I got bottled water, orange juice for Amy, Mt. Dew, apples, bananas, and rice cakes. I feel better having something for breakfast in the room before we head out in the mornings.

Next intstallment…plans for November aka Tracy’s head might explode

[mrsksomeday]

Way back in January, Bill and I had decided to go to Disney for our annual November/Super Soap Weekend trip. Then all sorts of things happened (I won’t bore you again with the details) and we changed our trip to October to meet the lovely people at Ip Dip, with a side trip in June for Bill’s birthday.

Then in September Bill started thinking (he does this way too much for my liking) and started talking Super Soap again. I really think he wants to be “discovered” and end up in either Pine Valley or Llanview (he will not go to Port Charles, he doesn’t like mobsters). For those of you that don’t get that last sentence those are the fictional towns for the ABC soap operas. Anyway, those beautiful blue eyes did it to me again, hypnotized me into looking online for pricing. Yes, I will blame it all on him, not on me at all, nope, no way. It isn’t because I get a high off checking out Disney prices and thinking about plans, nooooo ALL BILL’S FAULT.

We priced room only and got insanely cheap airline prices out of Nashville and decided to go for it. We will be going back to Disney 16 days after we get back home in October. I know, I know it is crazy, it is so crazy that we have not breathed a word of it to his parents. We didn’t want to see rolling eyes or that “why” look, although I do have a response. Disney World is our mountains. Yep, I figured if we discuss this I will use that to get them to understand. They love the mountains, they go as often as they can. Well that is how we feel about Disney, enough said.

Then not one but two Disney codes came along, one to Bill and one to me. I have no idea why we keep getting these, but we are thankful. We got the free dining and took advantage of it. We talked about where we would like to eat this time and what parks when. This is what we came up with:

Nov. 11th – Nashville Day

Goofing off but no Disney Store run, they don’t need any more of our money

Nov. 12th – Arrival and Magic Kingdom Day

Check into Pop grab a meal or snack
Dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern (we wanted to have a character meal there before they stopped them)

Nov. 13th – Epcot Day

Stroll around, take it all in
Lunch counter service Bill’s choice
Dinner Teppen Edo

The never ending DHS experience

Nov. 14th – DHS Day 1

Here is where things changed a bit. We have found out that this is the last year for Super Soap Weekend at Disney :sad: . The president of ABC daytime thinks it would be better to have the actors come around the country and call it “Soap Nation” instead of having them all in Disney World (boo, hiss, I need some rotten tomatoes to throw). Bill must have some psychic sense or something. So if Susan Lucci has her chat club breakfast we will be going to it this morning. Right now she isn’t even on the list of attendees but I really don’t see her not coming at all, she loves her fans, we will see.

I could be really selfish here and say vote for anyone but Susan on Dancing with the Stars so she will have time to come to SSW, but I am not like that. I can’t ask that, so Bill wanted me to tell you he is asking you – DON’T VOTE FOR HER!! Just kidding, I really am just joking.

Or am I? Susan ly/mi

They usually have some actor/actress signing something today too, so we will be nosy and find out who it is and if we want to mess with it. I am sure we will pick up some snacks because Bill doesn’t like the stuff at Susan’s breakfast.

We will be doing counter services on this day because we are park hopping in the afternoon to Magic Kingdom and going to MVMCP!!! I am really looking forward to this. I love seeing the castle all lit up. We are going to have many photopass pictures taken because I have already prepaid the Photopass CD and will be able to get pictures from both trips put on it. I want to try to snag a good picture of Bill and I with the castle all lit up in the background.

Next installment…Who we are going to see and what the plan is

[Hedy]

I'm glad you're getting to SSW.

[MRYPPNS]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]

Lunch at Crystal Palace
Dinner counter service, either Columbia Harbour House, Peco’s Bill’s or Pinocchio Village Haus? Any opinions here please? This is our MNSSHP night.


I would suggest Pecos Bills because it's my favorite and if you bring a packet of salad dressing with you, you can make a salad from the fixin' bar.

I noticed that you don't have any noshing around that World Showcase at Food & Wine Fest for any of your days at Epcot. We're going to have a lunch just with the F&W samples.

[Goofyluver]

Not only is Bill cute as can be...he's apparently also psychic.

We :love: Bill! ;)

[SwansLoveDisney]

For your MNSSHP night, I recommend checking the times that the restaurants are open. Last year, we waited too long to eat and we couldn't eat at Columbia Harbour House, where we had planned to eat. So that's two cents.

Your dining plans look great, by the way. Can't wait for the food porn!

[mkluvsmickey]

Your plans look great Tracy! You must be getting so excited!

I can't believe they won't be doing SSW anymore after this year - thank goodness you are going!

[SeptemberGirl]

CS dinner at MK - I have been there twice since starting my weight loss program, and I adore the sandwiches at Columbia Harbor House. I get the hummus and broccoli slaw on wheat bread. The bread is fantastic and the sandwich is just delicious. My non-weight watching BFF loved it there, as did my entire non-weight watching family. It is my favorite CS place at MK now. I feel good about that choice and it fills me up, too!

If you want any other healthy choice opinions, please PM me. I spent HOURS reading menus and TRs and dining reviews prepping for those two trips ! (Jan and March this year).

[luvfigment]

Your plans look great for both trips. I am so jealous that you are going to SSW again especially since it is the last one. It is somthing I always wanted to do but it just never worked out....so sad. Well I will try to check in again before I leave for my trip but I have a busy couple of days coming up. Tomorrow DH and I fly back to the states and then on Tues we have to run a whole bunch of errands and go to dinner for our 1 yr! Then we leave on Wed....so if I dont' make it back I will be back for all the updates the following week. Take care!!!

[mrsksomeday]

I'm glad you're getting to SSW.

We are too, I still can't believe this is the last one.

I would suggest Pecos Bills because it's my favorite and if you bring a packet of salad dressing with you, you can make a salad from the fixin' bar.

I noticed that you don't have any noshing around that World Showcase at Food & Wine Fest for any of your days at Epcot. We're going to have a lunch just with the F&W samples.

Thanks for the tip on Pecos Bill's, I don't use salad dressing so it is good to now about the fixin's bar. We are going to nosh a little bit around the WS when we are there in October. Bill has some desserts picked out he wants to try.

Not only is Bill cute as can be...he's apparently also psychic.

We :love: Bill! ;)

Those blue eyes of his get me every time. I think everyone loves Bill.

For your MNSSHP night, I recommend checking the times that the restaurants are open. Last year, we waited too long to eat and we couldn't eat at Columbia Harbour House, where we had planned to eat. So that's two cents.

Your dining plans look great, by the way. Can't wait for the food porn!

Thanks for the tips about when the restaurants are open. I think we are going to try to grab something right before the party starts then we don't have to worry about it. You will get food porn, I promise!!

Your plans look great Tracy! You must be getting so excited!

I can't believe they won't be doing SSW anymore after this year - thank goodness you are going!

I am extremely excited, today for example when we woke up I said "two weeks from today would be "Ip Dip" day. I am looking so forward to meeting everyone that day. I really hope we get to meet to. I hope I get to meet Heidi too.

CS dinner at MK - I have been there twice since starting my weight loss program, and I adore the sandwiches at Columbia Harbor House. I get the hummus and broccoli slaw on wheat bread. The bread is fantastic and the sandwich is just delicious. My non-weight watching BFF loved it there, as did my entire non-weight watching family. It is my favorite CS place at MK now. I feel good about that choice and it fills me up, too!

If you want any other healthy choice opinions, please PM me. I spent HOURS reading menus and TRs and dining reviews prepping for those two trips ! (Jan and March this year).

I have poured over the menus and have a plan on what I am going to be eating, I actually have it all typed out and printed, a little OCD'ish isn't it :rolleyes1 ? I would be curious to see your choices though, I will pm you some time today.

Your plans look great for both trips. I am so jealous that you are going to SSW again especially since it is the last one. It is somthing I always wanted to do but it just never worked out....so sad. Well I will try to check in again before I leave for my trip but I have a busy couple of days coming up. Tomorrow DH and I fly back to the states and then on Tues we have to run a whole bunch of errands and go to dinner for our 1 yr! Then we leave on Wed....so if I dont' make it back I will be back for all the updates the following week. Take care!!!

Have safe flights and have a wonderful time. Happy Anniversary!!!

[MRYPPNS]

Tracy I was confuzzled when I made the comment about F&W.....I forgot that you were addressing the November trip.

[mrsksomeday]

Tracy I was confuzzled when I made the comment about F&W.....I forgot that you were addressing the November trip.

Thats ok, heck I get confuzzled about the two trips myself :rotfl:.

[mrsksomeday]

We have a mail carrier that doesn't work on Mondays, seriously we have a fill in every Monday. We got the mail (10 trading pins from Ebay Bill didn't know I bought for him ;)) and headed to the doctor, yes I said doctor.

Bill didn't feel well Saturday evening, not better on Sunday so we went to the doctor today for some antibotics :sad2:. When we got back home, we opened the door and there was a letter on the floor from Bill's dad. Apparently the substitute mail carrier put this in someone else's mailbox and that person put it under our door, this isn't the first time this has happened.

I opened it, there was one sheet of paper folded and on the outside of it was written "10 days to go" (apparently he thought we would get it tomorrow). I unfolded it and there was a check for $400 :eek: nothing else written on the paper.

We keep telling them not to do this, they keep not listening to us. I handed it to Bill and he smiled and said "bounceback offer"? So it looks like we got some pixie dust from Indiana today pixiedust: .

[Goofyluver]

Oh my gosh!!!!

Can you guys just adopt me as your extended family???

No wonder Bill is so kind. :hug:

[mrsksomeday]

Oh my gosh!!!!

Can you guys just adopt me as your extended family???

No wonder Bill is so kind. :hug:

Bill's parents are really the most loving, kind people I have ever met. Matt is Bill's adopted dad, his biological dad couldn't handle having a child with Cerebral Palsy and left. Matt has adored Bill from day one. When he was going out with Marianne he would take Bill (around age 7) and the manual wheelchair and they would go to ballgames, concerts, etc without Marianne, just man time.

Matt always thanks me for taking care of and loving Bill, he makes me cry. I tell him there is no reason to thank me, I am the lucky one to have Bill in my life :love:.

[inkedupmomma]

i'm so stoked for your upcoming trips!! great updates!

[TinkAsh2001]

You bring tears to my eyes with that story. You are a wonderful lady & I am so glad you & Bill found each other!!!! I know you are excited about your up coming trips!!!:wizard:

[SwansLoveDisney]

That is so sweet of Bill's parents to send you that money! Yay for a bounceback!

You brought tears to my eyes talking about Bill's relationship with his dad and about your relationship with Bill.

You guys are awesome!

[Baloo]

Here is where things changed a bit. We have found out that this is the last year for Super Soap Weekend at Disney :sad: . The president of ABC daytime thinks it would be better to have the actors come around the country and call it “Soap Nation” instead of having them all in Disney World (boo, hiss, I need some rotten tomatoes to throw). Bill must have some psychic sense or something. So if Susan Lucci has her chat club breakfast we will be going to it this morning. Right now she isn’t even on the list of attendees but I really don’t see her not coming at all, she loves her fans, we will see.

I could be really selfish here and say vote for anyone but Susan on Dancing with the Stars so she will have time to come to SSW, but I am not like that. I can’t ask that, so Bill wanted me to tell you he is asking you – DON’T VOTE FOR HER!! Just kidding, I really am just joking.

Or am I? Susan ly/miI'm so happy y'all decided to go for SSW...that stinks that they are not going to have it anymore...good thing for Bill and his psychic abilities!!;)

I bet Susan hasn't committed to the Disney thing yet to see where she ends up on DWTS.I absolutely love her but I'm so disappointed in her dancing...there's no fiery Erica Kane when she's dancing...she seems reserved and scared to let go.Oh but she looks gorgeous!!

Anyway I hope you get to see her again.Is Micheal Knight going to be there? Loved Bill's picture with him both years.


Bill's parents sound great.I'm happy all of you found each other! :grouphug: Y'all seem like such nice people and I so enjoy reading your TR.Thanks for taking us along on your journeys.

[LeeLee2U]

Hey Girl!!! WHERE have I been???? How did I miss this?????:eek:

Oh well I'm here. i'm having to just read the updates and skip the chit chat for now. I've only read the first couple of updates but i will catch up prob tomorrow. i have to be at work early and it's almost midnight here so i need to scoot my boots toward the bedroom!;)
Girl You look FABULOUS!!!:goodvibes
And how sweet is Amy?!! I just felt all warm toward her as you were describing her. If she is that good for our wonderull blessings that God has given us in our loved ones with special challenges she's going to be great to be with at WDW. i don't think you'll have to worry about everything going "just right" If she is Great with an autistic child she prob won't even notice if something doesn't go exactly right. In fact she'll prob notice it more if it does!!!;) I know i do. And i know that the way our life is (my families) we tend to go more "with the flow" I have a certain order we "try" to keep but if not then we tend to forget about it for the most part. Unless it's something real serious of course!!
And WOW to have some help AND Bill getting to go on rides he hasn't been able to. As many times as he's gotten to go i know this will mean a lot to him!!!:goodvibes

Poor Ace getting left again. Hmmm i'd like to know what he would do with those Disney shirts if he could only reach them!!!:rotfl2:

Looking forward to reading the rest AND reading all about your trip.
Hugs to you and Bill!!!!:hug:

[mkluvsmickey]

What a nice surprise in your (non)mailbox today! :cool1:

Thanks for sharing the story about Bill's dad also - his parents are great!

[DisMomAmy]

Hi Tracy! I love those little castle cakes - they are adorable & I'm sure Bill would love one. I'm so glad that you guys decided to go to SSW since it turns out to be the last year. Now you won't regret missing it. I hope Susan Lucci makes it. :goodvibes

You'll just have to go to SWW next year instead. :rolleyes1

[mrsksomeday]

i'm so stoked for your upcoming trips!! great updates!

Thanks, I am stoked too!!

You bring tears to my eyes with that story. You are a wonderful lady & I am so glad you & Bill found each other!!!! I know you are excited about your up coming trips!!!:wizard:

Thank you so much, I am so lucky to have Bill, he is my heart. I can't believe how close we are to our trips.

That is so sweet of Bill's parents to send you that money! Yay for a bounceback!

You brought tears to my eyes talking about Bill's relationship with his dad and about your relationship with Bill.

You guys are awesome!

Bill's parents are wonderful people. Now watch since Bill and I have discussed bounceback they won't have it at Pop :rotfl:. Aww, I didn't mean to make everyone teary eyed.

[mrsksomeday]

I'm so happy y'all decided to go for SSW...that stinks that they are not going to have it anymore...good thing for Bill and his psychic abilities!!;)

I bet Susan hasn't committed to the Disney thing yet to see where she ends up on DWTS.I absolutely love her but I'm so disappointed in her dancing...there's no fiery Erica Kane when she's dancing...she seems reserved and scared to let go.Oh but she looks gorgeous!!

Anyway I hope you get to see her again.Is Micheal Knight going to be there? Loved Bill's picture with him both years.


Bill's parents sound great.I'm happy all of you found each other! :grouphug: Y'all seem like such nice people and I so enjoy reading your TR.Thanks for taking us along on your journeys.

You are so right about Susan and the dancing. She needs to channel Erica and attack it. She looks stiff and scared. Micheal Knight is NOT on the schedule :sad1:, I am hoping they add him. Thank you so much for taking the time to follow along with us.

Hey Girl!!! WHERE have I been???? How did I miss this?????:eek:

Oh well I'm here. i'm having to just read the updates and skip the chit chat for now. I've only read the first couple of updates but i will catch up prob tomorrow. i have to be at work early and it's almost midnight here so i need to scoot my boots toward the bedroom!;)
Girl You look FABULOUS!!!:goodvibes
And how sweet is Amy?!! I just felt all warm toward her as you were describing her. If she is that good for our wonderull blessings that God has given us in our loved ones with special challenges she's going to be great to be with at WDW. i don't think you'll have to worry about everything going "just right" If she is Great with an autistic child she prob won't even notice if something doesn't go exactly right. In fact she'll prob notice it more if it does!!!;) I know i do. And i know that the way our life is (my families) we tend to go more "with the flow" I have a certain order we "try" to keep but if not then we tend to forget about it for the most part. Unless it's something real serious of course!!
And WOW to have some help AND Bill getting to go on rides he hasn't been able to. As many times as he's gotten to go i know this will mean a lot to him!!!:goodvibes

Poor Ace getting left again. Hmmm i'd like to know what he would do with those Disney shirts if he could only reach them!!!:rotfl2:

Looking forward to reading the rest AND reading all about your trip.
Hugs to you and Bill!!!!:hug:

LeeLee!!! I have missed you. We adore Amy. I am just going with the flow this trip, well I am going to try really hard. Ace is going to be mad at us isn't he? Hugs to you and your family, you are always in my thoughts and prayers :hug: :hug:.

What a nice surprise in your (non)mailbox today! :cool1:

Thanks for sharing the story about Bill's dad also - his parents are great!

It was a very nice surprise. I could tell you many stories about how blessed Bill is to have the parents he does, the are fantastic people.

Hi Tracy! I love those little castle cakes - they are adorable & I'm sure Bill would love one. I'm so glad that you guys decided to go to SSW since it turns out to be the last year. Now you won't regret missing it. I hope Susan Lucci makes it. :goodvibes

You'll just have to go to SWW next year instead. :rolleyes1

Hi Amy. I am so glad we are going too. We already have SWW on our schedule for June. We are just waiting for the list of actors to come out to see which 2 weekends we will go to. We are going to make the trip incorporate 2 weekends this time and possibly Bill's birthday!

[mrsksomeday]

Well the list came out for Super Soap and I am NOT pleased, some of the people we really wanted to see are not one it :mad:. Susan Lucci hasn't confirmed because she is working at All My Children and doing Dancing with the Stars. I was also sad to see that Kathy Brier (Marcie McBain) was not on the list. I love to hear her sing. Michael E. Knight (Tad, All My Children) is not on the list. He is a doll to Bill and I and we were really looking forward to seeing him one last time. He has only missed one previous Super Soap Weekend and that is because he had pneumonia. Supposedly there will be many “surprises” at this Super Soap Weekend, I am hoping he and Susan Lucci are two of them.

Here is the list, the stars that are in red are ones we are going to try to see:

All My Children

Rebecca Budig (Greenlee Smythe)

Bobbie Eakes (Krystal Martin)

Melissa Claire Egan (Annie Lavery)

Ricky Paull Goldin (Jake Martin)

Thorsten Kaye (Zach Slater)

Cameron Mathison (Ryan Lavery)

Alicia Minshew (Kendall Hart Slater)

Eden Riegel (Bianca Montgomery) - yes, she's coming back to the show!

Aiden Turner (Aidan Devane)

Darnell Williams (Jesse Hubbard)

One Life To Live

Kristen Alderson (Starr Manning)

Brandon Buddy (Cole Thornhart)

Kassie DePaiva (Blair Cramer) – Must see, she is Bill’s favorite

Michael Easton (John McBain)

Farah Fath (Gigi Morasco)

Susan Haskell (Marty Saybrooke)

John-Paul Lavoisier (Rex Balsom)

Erika Slezak (Viki Davidson)

Jason Tam (Markko Rivera)

Brittany Underwood (Langston Wilde)

Bree Williamson (Jessica/Tess Buchanan)

General Hospital

Bradford Anderson (Damian Spinelli)

Brandon Barash (Johnny Zacchara)

Julie Marie Berman (Lulu Spencer)

Tyler Christopher (Nikolas Cassadine)

Jason Cook (Matt Hunter)

Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth Webber)

Kelly Monaco (Samantha McCall) – Must see for Bill, she won the first Dancing with the Stars and was in Playboy, do I need to say anything else?

Kirsten Storms (Maxie Jones)

Jason Thompson (Patrick Drake)

Laura Wright (Carly Jax)


So now that we know the stars, here is the plan, or what I can plan because the times guides aren’t out yet.


Nov. 15th – DHS Day 2 SSW Day 1


We will be up very early this day to get to DHS before rope drop. We don’t care about fastpasses, we are making a beeline for the corral otherwise known as the wheelchair seating area. I call it the corral because they fence us in like wild animals. The first year we were there it was insane, the second year they didn’t mark it off safely in my opinion. They should have a row of chairs/ECV’s/wheelchairs then an empty row so people can get in and out. Well it was like that except for the first two rows, they had them bunched together. I am not even going to get into the controversy about people renting ECV’s just to get into this section, all I care about is Bill and myself and not getting run over by an ECV like Bill almost did last year. Thank goodness for Hector, a fantastic CM that I hope will be trying to organize this like he did last year.

We are in this section for the long haul. All the stars come up on the stage under the Sorcerer’s Hat and are interviewed. I will do food and drink runs, we use Bill’s tray for our table and have ourselves a little picnic. We make friends with the people around us and when it comes time for Bill to have to use the facilities they hold our place for us so that other people don’t encroach on our spot. Other people can just leave things sitting in their chair so that people don’t sit there, Bill has to take his chair with him. People have always seemed very understanding in the past, I hope that holds true this year.

Toward the end of the day they have a Grand Motorcade where all the stars come on stage then they have the “Street Jam” where many of the stars sing. We have a great time. After this we will let people clear out and then we will leave the park.

Nov. 16th – DHS Day 3 SSW Day 2

Up early again so we will be there at rope drop. On this day we will have a “plan”. This plan will have a set time for places to be. After the schedule comes out and we know who to stalk, umm I mean go see we will go in a timely manner having Bill ram people out of the way to get to where we are going. Kind of like Buzz with his GAT skills and a stroller, just Bill will be his own battering ram. No, that is not true, I just lied, Bill doesn’t have a mean bone in his body, he wouldn’t ram people out of the way, he wouldn’t do any of that, it was just a dream of mine that will sadly never happen :sad2:.

I will do counter services on the run today, no stopping for a table service meal, this is the last SSW (Brian Frons from ABC Daytime has taken some of my Disney fun away http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/tantrum1.gif).

We might try to get a place in the wheelchair section to watch the last Street Jam, I am dreaming here, this will never happen. Usually by 2pm they aren’t even letting more people into the corral, but we will try.

Next installment…the last of the plans and last minute thoughts for the first trip!

[Goofyluver]

:woohoo: The plans look great.

Who is the woman who Bill loves...that always takes special attention for him and sang to him?

[DisneyJo]

How fantastic about the money :yay:

Sorry about the people not coming, it looks like there are still lots who you want to see though :goodvibes

[mrsksomeday]

:woohoo: The plans look great.

Who is the woman who Bill loves...that always takes special attention for him and sang to him?

That would be Kassie DePaiva:

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee224/sirkaiserwilliam/Kassie%20Nashville/039.jpg

This is her with Bill right after she sang Happy Birthday to him and ran over to hug him. She is the sweetest person! She pays special attention to all her fans, she is great. I hope you are feeling better soon.
How fantastic about the money :yay:

Sorry about the people not coming, it looks like there are still lots who you want to see though :goodvibes

We will have fun no matter what, I just hope Michael E. Knight is added to the list.

[mkluvsmickey]

Your SSW plans sound great so far! I'm so glad you are able to attend this year since it will be the last. :sad2:

[team weasel]

Your plans look great.

You wouldn't happen to have any extra room in your suitcase so that I could come too, huh? Oh well...just checking.

You guys are going to have a blast.:thumbsup2

[mrsksomeday]

Your SSW plans sound great so far! I'm so glad you are able to attend this year since it will be the last. :sad2:

Thanks we are happy that we get to go, I can't believe they aren't doing it anymore.

Your plans look great.

You wouldn't happen to have any extra room in your suitcase so that I could come too, huh? Oh well...just checking.

You guys are going to have a blast.:thumbsup2

:rotfl: If I had room for you I would definately take you. Everyone wants to go. I am starting to get excited!!

[MagiKitty]

I finally did it! I'm all caught up on the pre-trippie and it looks like just in time! I'm finally over my own post-trip depression and reading your pre-TR just made me so happy. Thanks again for sharing.

You know we have a very special understanding of each other and about the wonderful men in our lives. You both are an inspiration in my life. The story about Bill's sneakers still makes me tear up. I know how it feels. :hug:

Give both Ace and Bill big hugs from us! We hope to meet you some day....(we booked bounceback in October next year, hint hint). Now stop fretting and go and have some fun for all of us! Can't wait to hear about this trip when you get back...but will you have time to write it since you have to get home and turn around to prepare for next month's trip? :lmao:

[mrsksomeday]

I finally did it! I'm all caught up on the pre-trippie and it looks like just in time! I'm finally over my own post-trip depression and reading your pre-TR just made me so happy. Thanks again for sharing.

You know we have a very special understanding of each other and about the wonderful men in our lives. You both are an inspiration in my life. The story about Bill's sneakers still makes me tear up. I know how it feels. :hug:

Give both Ace and Bill big hugs from us! We hope to meet you some day....(we booked bounceback in October next year, hint hint). Now stop fretting and go and have some fun for all of us! Can't wait to hear about this trip when you get back...but will you have time to write it since you have to get home and turn around to prepare for next month's trip? :lmao:

Hi :hug:!! You are right about the "special understanding", those CP men are amazing aren't they? When are your October dates? I know we are going in June for his birthday, then December for mine, not for the free birthday ticket, we had this planned before the Celebration announcement. He also said he would like to just go down for a weekend every now and then, I am not sure where he thinks the money tree is but ok. So I might be able to work out an October mini trip!!

As for writing between trips, I am not sure how that is going to go, it might be teasers and a couple of pics to satisfy the TR writer in me until I get back after the November trip.

[mrsksomeday]

It is time for me to partake in the

SINGLE DIGIT DANCE!!!!

:banana: :banana: :dance3: :dance3: :cheer2: :cheer2: :yay: :yay: :banana: :banana: :cool1: :cool1:

[MagiKitty]

Woo-hoo! Single digits! I'm dancing with you!

Right now, we have plans to be at WDW from September 30 through October 7. It was the latest dates for the bounceback. But with the new promotion, we'd like to go again during one of our birthdays, probably mine, coz its later.

I'm a December baby too! December 9 nine here...when's yours? What are your December dates? We love the holiday feeling at WDW. We kinda missed it this trip in September.

[mrsksomeday]

Woo-hoo! Single digits! I'm dancing with you!

Right now, we have plans to be at WDW from September 30 through October 7. It was the latest dates for the bounceback. But with the new promotion, we'd like to go again during one of our birthdays, probably mine, coz its later.

I'm a December baby too! December 9 nine here...when's yours? What are your December dates? We love the holiday feeling at WDW. We kinda missed it this trip in September.


OMG, my birthday is December 9th too. That is hilarious. December dates we are looking at are Dec. 8 -17th. Bill wouldn't want to go that early in October, I barely talked him into October at all.

[MagiKitty]

Stop it! Until a few weeks ago, I only met one person with the same birthday as me, and then one of the gals on my message group, and now you!

Oh, that practically seals the deal. We need to celebrate our birthdays together! Just a warning: I'll be celebrating my 26th birthday (again). Its my favorite year.

I'll have to start saving AND convincing BF right now....

[MRYPPNS]

It is time for me to partake in the

SINGLE DIGIT DANCE!!!!

:banana: :banana: :dance3: :dance3: :cheer2: :cheer2: :yay: :yay: :banana: :banana: :cool1: :cool1:




Let me dance with you!

:dance3: :dance3: :banana: :banana: :banana: :cheer2: :banana: :banana: :banana: :dance3: :dance3:

I'm sending you a PM now so I don't forget to do it before you leave!

[mrsksomeday]

Stop it! Until a few weeks ago, I only met one person with the same birthday as me, and then one of the gals on my message group, and now you!

Oh, that practically seals the deal. We need to celebrate our birthdays together! Just a warning: I'll be celebrating my 26th birthday (again). Its my favorite year.

I'll have to start saving AND convincing BF right now....

Well I will be celebrating my 40th birthday in Dec. 2009!! That would be fuen to meet you and be there for our birthdays.


Let me dance with you!

:dance3: :dance3: :banana: :banana: :banana: :cheer2: :banana: :banana: :banana: :dance3: :dance3:

I'm sending you a PM now so I don't forget to do it before you leave!

Thanks for dancing with me, I PM'd you back!

[buglet55]

My mom's birthday is December 9th too!

[SeptemberGirl]

Wow, Tracy, it is almost here! How fun! I guess I better get my food info to you asap!!! :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

[mrsksomeday]

My mom's birthday is December 9th too!

Happy Birthday early to your Mom!! My Mom's birthday was Dec. 8th.

Wow, Tracy, it is almost here! How fun! I guess I better get my food info to you asap!!! :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

That is so sweet of you to do that for me. Thank you very much.

[mrsksomeday]

OMG, I can't stand it, I have to tell someone and I can't post it on Enchanted because Amy is over there reading and posting right now.

We booked the Keys to the Kingdom tour on our MNSSHP day :banana: :dance3: :yay: :cheer2: .

We are getting up, doing the first tour that day, then going back to the room to rest and back to MK for the party. I am so excited, this is our first tour. We were going to do it in November, but Bill and I talked it over and wanted to include Amy. It is going to be a surprise if I can keep my mouth shut.

[MRYPPNS]

How fun! Make sure you get a nap in between the tour and the party!

[SeptemberGirl]

OMG! I LOVE that tour!!! How awesome!!!! I am so excited for you and Bill and Amy!!!! :cool1:

[SwansLoveDisney]

That's so exciting! I can't wait to hear all about the tour!!!

You and Bill are so sweet to surprise Amy with that!

When do my adoption proceedings begin? :lmao:

[MagiKitty]

Wow~ Congrats on the tour! You'll have to tell us all about it...We did the Mickey's Magical Milestones Tour last month for our first tour. It was so much fun! Its so sweet how you're going out of your way to make this trip extra super special!

[mkluvsmickey]

Congrats on the tour! You will love it and so will Amy! :goodvibes

[Baloo]

I'm so excited for you doing Keys to the Kingdom!!! Cant wait to hear all about it!!:cool1:



Oh and my childhood heart throb was born on Dec. 9th too...Donny Osmond!:love:

[DisMomAmy]

What a great surprise! I can't wait to hear all about it!!

[marivaid]

OMG, I can't stand it, I have to tell someone and I can't post it on Enchanted because Amy is over there reading and posting right now.

We booked the Keys to the Kingdom tour on our MNSSHP day :banana: :dance3: :yay: :cheer2: .

We are getting up, doing the first tour that day, then going back to the room to rest and back to MK for the party. I am so excited, this is our first tour. We were going to do it in November, but Bill and I talked it over and wanted to include Amy. It is going to be a surprise if I can keep my mouth shut.

That's awesome!!!!! I think Amy is going to love that.

Just saw your ticker... only FIVE days until your trip, wow.. are you jumping up and down yet?

[*KeepMovingForward*]

OMG, I can't stand it, I have to tell someone and I can't post it on Enchanted because Amy is over there reading and posting right now.

We booked the Keys to the Kingdom tour on our MNSSHP day :banana: :dance3: :yay: :cheer2: .

We are getting up, doing the first tour that day, then going back to the room to rest and back to MK for the party. I am so excited, this is our first tour. We were going to do it in November, but Bill and I talked it over and wanted to include Amy. It is going to be a surprise if I can keep my mouth shut.

The Keys to the Kingdom tour sounds way cool! We always mean to do it, but haven't gotten to it so far. I can't wait to hear all about it. We just got back from WDW early this morning and I'm already missing it. Just a few more days for you! :woohoo: