“You’re in Disney World, what on Earth do you have to complain about?”

[JoBird]

Oh, now see, I’m getting too far ahead of myself. Let me back up a bit…

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp212/jbelle123/Floridagame1049-1.jpg

Welcome, welcome to my first ever official trip report!

I say “official” because I have been known to write long extensive Trip reports, and then never post them for fear of losing interest.

But now it’s over.

My one year of research and planning is finished, the plane has landed, we have taken the long drive back home and I can now write my long winded version of the story.

So here- have a few pair of rose colored glasses and join me in this journey called My Trip.

Let me introduce my clan to all of you:

~Me- the SAHM with fanny fatigue from a year of planning a nine day trip to chase the mouse while loading a house up for a move from Pennsylvania to Arkansas while keeping three kids, a Husband and a dog all well fed, bathed, dressed nice and smellin’ good so I didn’t seem negligent while I DIS’ed in secret- heh, heh, heh.;)

~Mighty Good Man, AKA Prince Charming, AKA Daddy Warbucks who soon became known as Daddy NoBucks by the end of the trip. Mighty Good Man works for a vendor, thus the moving around that we have done since we married. He is an Alumni of The University of Florida, and the underlying reason our family is in love with The Gators. He is the Captain of my soul- the love of my life, here to make me happy and tells me so, often. Yes, I am indeed very blessed.:lovestruc

~ MCat, AKA Alice in NoMan’s Land. I call her that b/c at thirteen, she is on the brink of discovering that Mighty Good Man, AKA Daddy NoBucks, will never let her out of the house to date, much less find a man to marry in the very, very distant future. She is the typical first child- very driven, Honors class honor roll type- must get into a great University and will argue a point to the death as long as she thinks you might concede. Last year, she and her history teacher went round and round about the Presidential candidates for this election. By the end of the semester, she had him convinced that he was indeed backing the wrong candidate and swayed him to the side of “her” candidate.
If only she could vote.
I have said since she was small that she will either be a lawyer or play one on TV when she grows up. After our trip last week to Disney and then on to Gainesville and the University of Florida to watch the Gators wallop Kentucky, she now says UF is the school for her and law school is looking pretty good. Poor Daddy NoBucks. His future isn’t looking so bright.:confused3

~ Drew Boy, my son, AKA Future Gators Quarterback Wanna Be- 9 years old and my only boy. His heart is as good as gold and he is a Momma’s Boy thru and thru. He says that one day he will play football for UF, but would prefer that I live on campus with him to keep him well fed. He also says that Daddy can visit on the weekends that we are not watching football OR driving to Disney. Sweet boy.

~ And last but certainly not least, my Belle, AKA StinkerBelle. She is 6 and is the baby of the family. Has everyone wrapped around her rotten little finger and gets her way often. Well, more like always. She has red hair and has the temper to prove it. Just let her have her way and no one gets hurt.

And now that you’ve been formally introduced, I shall begin.

[JoBird]

The trip came from me whining and complaining to my MAYer buds on the MAYer thread :snooty: that they were all planning a trip and I wasn’t. We had taken the kids in ’04, and ’05, twice in ’06, and DH and I had just been down in May of ’07 and I was pretty sure that a trip was out of the question. Daddy NoBucks was tired of WDW and anytime I tried to broach the subject, he would roll his eyes.

It was in October of last year that I had a lightbulb moment. I knew that in order to get back to the Mouse’s House, I had to use the University of Florida as my secret weapon. :rolleyes1 It was on a very cold day in Pittsburgh as we were huddled together for warmth on the side of a field watching our DrewBoy take the snap as quarterback for his football team that I said to DH- “You know, we really need to take the kids to see the Gators play. Maybe we could plan a trip for next year. If we plan it far enough in advance, we could go to the game AND go to Disney World too.”

I was IN.:banana: :banana:

His brain started spinning- I could see desire written all over his face. His eyes lit up and suddenly it wasn’t 49 degrees and miserable in Pittsburgh. It was a balmy 79 degrees, he was in Florida and we were in the Swamp watching Tebow take the snap, listening to the crowds.
popcorn::
Hello??? Mighty Good Man????

He looked at me and said the sweetest words…“Plan it.”

The Heavens opened, the choir of Angels began singing—I was happy, the world was right! I was so smart, if I must say so myself.

We decided at first to not tell the kids and the planning began. I received a pin code in the mail for 20% off and although I knew I could find better, I went ahead and booked 9 days at POFQ, our favorite resort.:lovestruc We have to get two rooms at WDW b/c the kids must have their own space while on vacation. Okay, really, Mom and Dad must have their own space. There’s nothing like having two tv’s and two bathrooms. Oh yeah, and I get my own bed. Yee- haw.

At first we planned on going November 16-22nd. But upon looking closer, I was worried about crowds with it being the week before Thanksgiving. We looked at the Gators football schedule and decided that Homecoming was the same time frame that we had visited WDW in ’06 and the crowds were virtually non-existant.
So, October 23-Novemeber 1st it was.

One morning in April, over a steaming cup of coffee, Mighty Good Man looked at me and said he wanted to take a quick vacation. I offered a weekend getaway to NYC, Boston, Vegas, many different places. He said he didn’t want to go to any of those places- the only place he wanted to go was to Florida to WDW, and for me to plan it- we’d leave in two weeks. TWO WEEKS?????????? My head was spinning. I quickly arranged a fast trip to the Sunshine State and the only resort that had any availability was ASMu. We had to break down and tell the kids about our trip in October- they weren’t too happy about being left out of the May vacation- excitement ensued and everyone was happy.:dance3:

Two weeks after getting home from WDW in May, our lives were turned upside down as we found out that we were probably going to have to move to Arkansas. This would be the third move for us in two years. I wasn’t sure that I could handle all the stress but we kept on planning our October trip.

August arrived, we moved to Arkansas, the kids started school- then the Fall codes came out. I tried in vain to apply one to my existing ressie at POFQ, no luck, but I could switch resorts to CBR.
Hum.

I knew that my MAYer bud:snooty: Shelly, raved over that resort, so I quickly asked my MAYer friends who had stayed there. The general consensus was that the resort was wonderful and so when faced with the fact that if I changed resorts I could save over $1300 off of rack rate, I had to move on it. After getting over the initial sadness of not staying at POFQ, I found myself getting more excited as the time went on.

Two days before the trip I was taking the kids to school while Mighty Good Man went for his daily run. When I returned home, he was already in the shower and I went into the bathroom and started talking to him. He was acting really strange in his answers and so I looked at him.
He was pale.
I said “What’s going on?” and he said “Please don’t be mad. I hurt my foot. I think I might have broken my ankle.” My eyes flew to his foot- he was standing on one leg- and his left ankle was the size of a cantaloupe. I almost passed out. I very calmly asked if he could put any pressure on it. He could, but with much pain. We got him out of the shower and dressed and he said he didn’t want to go to the ER- that he refused to wear a cast. I said that we were leaving in two days and he WOULD go to the ER so that we’d know what we were dealing with. After much deliberation, off he went to the ER- I showered and followed him. It wasn’t broken- but he had ripped “something”. He was determined not to let it ruin our vacation. He never complained.

Up next...
we're off!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jo

[heaven2dc]

OH MY GOSH!! What a start to your trip!!! I hope your hubby will be able to enjoy the trip as best as he can (hopefully he will be on a few meds to keep him comfy (but not delirious) and not have to hobble around too much :sick: (I fell & completely tore ligaments in my left ankle this last July & I still am limping - the doc said if I were a running back, I would have had to have surgey but now I'm finally on an ankle brace and off that big boot thing & crutches).

I wish your husband a speedy recovery and hope you all have a magical vacation!

[Belle_princess]

Can't wait!

[JoBird]

The day of departure, the girls awoke with nasty colds. They were miserable and Mighty Good Man was hobbling around, but our spirits were high. It was vacation time! I made the kids go a half day to school so I could pack up and we went and got them at 1pm. Our flight was scheduled to leave at 5pm, but we had to drive to Tulsa OK for it. On the way to the airport, I called CBR and asked which section we were in. I had requested standard, either Aruba or Jamaica. They told me I was in Barbados. Ugh. “Nothing in Jamaica?” I asked, and they said no. I decided I wouldn’t fight it and go with the flow.
Halfway to the airport, I surprised the kids by pulling out a rolled up scroll and with much ceremony, proceeded to tell them to open it, read it out loud and then sign it. It was a "Pirate Code", a contract of sorts, to help them to "remember" there would be no whining during the trip. I had seen this before on the DIS and asked if anyone had a copy of it. I'd gotten some responses from it- and so I took a few that were posted and tweaked it for my own purposes. Here's a copy of it:

pirate: pirate: pirate:
The Pirate Code
1) Pirates don’t whine. I shall not whine while at Walt Disney World. Not once. Not even a wee bit, even though I may want to.
2) I will nigh do a thing to bother me matey’s or mess with their day. This means no yelling, screaming pushing or being bossy. Savvy?
3) I will follow the course the Captain has set forth for me. This may mean a bit o’ walkin’, without a stroller to rest me weary head upon. I shall be nice and not grouchy when I am tired, asking nicely for a wee bit o’ rest when time allows.
4) I agree to not wear myself out pillaging all day. I will leave the parks, if I must, knowin’ more fun is to come- A Pirate’s Life For Me!
5) Drink up me Hearties, Yo Ho! Not rum, Matey’s! Water and plenty of it to stay hydrated!
6) Aye, and I shall not complain of the Captain’s slathering o’ the sunscreen, so as to avoid ye cursed sunburn. Aye!
7) I agree to be ready to sail when the Cap’n orders, with no complaining or fussin’, no matter how tired I be.
8) For maximum pillagin’ and plunderin’ o’ the World, I must give fair warnin’ of needin’ a bathroom break. When one goes, we all go, says I!
9) I’ll bide me time and get photos and signatures o’ the characters when the Cap’n says it be time, without screaming and shouting, me Laddies.
10) If separated from me crew, I shall go smartly to the nearest Cast Member and ask them to signal me ship.

Those Pirates not sticking to The Code shall be punished by the walking o’ The Plank- or worse- the dreaded Nap!
Signed:X

Of course DrewBoy immediately said he wasn't signing any thing of the sort. He's not dumb, that one!:rotfl: He finally said okay and they all signed it.
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame148.jpg

By the time we checked in and had some lunch, it was almost time to go. We flew SW to St Louis to change planes and when we landed- lo and behold, the plane into MCO was delayed. It was here, in the St Louis airport, that Mighty Good Man and I started sniffling, and coughing and feeling rotten. We had caught the girls’ colds. :sad2:
Groan. We didn’t leave until 10 pm central time. By the time we landed in Orlando, it was 1am—and raining. We retrieved our bags, got our rental car, and drove thru the rain to check into CBR.
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame160.jpg
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame162.jpg
Of course there were no lines---
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame161.jpg
It was nearing 3 am, and the kiddos were being such troopers! When they gave us our info at the front desk, the lady said “We have you in Jamaica.” Hallelujah! I was so glad I called. I don’t know why, but they had changed my section.

We were in Bldg 44, rooms 4411 and 4412, bottom floor, courtyard view. At three am we couldn’t see much of anything but I figured it was going to be a pretty okay location.
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame172.jpg

http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame164.jpg
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame170.jpg
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame171.jpg
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame167.jpg
Hidden Mickey!!!
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame166.jpg
Towel Turkey,lol!!!
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame165.jpg
So we got into bed and fell into a deep sleep, hoping like heck the rain would stop before we drowned.

Up next...
The resort, Rain, DTD, Rain, Great Grandparents, Rain, Wolfgang Puck's, Rain, Magic Kingdom, oh yeah and have I mentioned the rain?????????????

Jo

[JoBird]

OH MY GOSH!! What a start to your trip!!! I hope your hubby will be able to enjoy the trip as best as he can (hopefully he will be on a few meds to keep him comfy (but not delirious) and not have to hobble around too much :sick: (I fell & completely tore ligaments in my left ankle this last July & I still am limping - the doc said if I were a running back, I would have had to have surgey but now I'm finally on an ankle brace and off that big boot thing & crutches).

I wish your husband a speedy recovery and hope you all have a magical vacation!

awww- thanks- he was such a trooper- he was more worried about me being angry that he hurt himself. I admit, I was a bit angry, but only at the situation, not at him. He did so good and we had a wonderful trip. Hope you stick around to read the novel.:goodvibes

Can't wait!

Welcome to my TR! Hope you stay around too... I see you have a trip coming up! congrats!

Jo

[mari360]

YAY our Jo started her TR.... I'm in....I love the way you write your tr's i feel as if i'm right there.... It will keep me occupied until I go in january..... YAY..... Great start.

[JoBird]

YAY our Jo started her TR.... I'm in....I love the way you write your tr's i feel as if i'm right there.... It will keep me occupied until I go in january..... YAY..... Great start.

YAY!!!!!!!! The MAYers are here! The MAYers are here!

I really really need to do that laundry..........:lmao:


:snooty:

Jo

[tnmomof4]

What a great start to your TR!!!

I can't wait to keep reading!!

[JoBird]

What a great start to your TR!!!

I can't wait to keep reading!!

yay! My OctoNovembeCember'ers are here too! :grouphug: I feel like I'm amongst family!!!!:hug:

Thanks for hopping aboard this crazy trip report!

Jo

[Momof2Disneyboys]

YAY ~ JO's got a trip report!! :cool1: And I feel so special to be mentioned in it! :hug:

Can't wait to hear more!!!!!!!!! :woohoo:

[seacrestpromo]

Hi Jo - great start on your TR. Can't wait for the next episode! popcorn::

[NewCrew42]

Woo Hoo! :woohoo: Jo has started her LONG WINDED trip report.

Ya know us Southerners like everything long winded except our preachers!

[JoBird]

YAY ~ JO's got a trip report!! :cool1: And I feel so special to be mentioned in it! :hug:

Can't wait to hear more!!!!!!!!! :woohoo:

Awww- so glad you're here- and of course I mentioned you- you're the reason we finally stayed at CBR!

Hi Jo - great start on your TR. Can't wait for the next episode! popcorn:: Hi hon- how are you feeling? so glad you're here with us.:grouphug: :snooty:

Jo

[JoBird]

Woo Hoo! :woohoo: Jo has started her LONG WINDED trip report.

Ya know us Southerners like everything long winded except our preachers!

LOL- in and out in 45 minutes, girl.:lmao: Glad you're hear for the, um, sermon.

:rotfl2:

Jo

[mari360]

YAY most of the mayers are here to cheer on our Jo.... really can't wait to read more.... but get that laundry done... that is what i'm doing now.... ugh... i hate it....

[OhMari]

football team that I said to DH- “You know, we really need to take the kids to see the Gators play. Maybe we could plan a trip for next year. If we plan it far enough in advance, we could go to the game AND go to Disney World too.”

I was IN.

LOL!

[Worfiedoodles]

Really enjoying your TR! Thanks for livening up my drab afternoon!

Maria

[jenjolt]

I'm totally subbing in!!!! Shelly recommended your TR and since I love TRs I'm totally glad she did!! I can't wait to hear all about your trip!! I live in Gator Land...well about 2 hours west in Pensacola, but close enough!! Congrats on their win over Georgia!!!

[Monny2AE]

I'm totally subbing in!!!! Shelly recommended your TR and since I love TRs I'm totally glad she did!! I can't wait to hear all about your trip!! I live in Gator Land...well about 2 hours west in Pensacola, but close enough!! Congrats on their win over Georgia!!!

Me too Me too...a Shelly follower:lmao:
I love the pics of CBR! We stayed there the last two times and it brought back memories:lovestruc:lovestruc:

Oh and the pirate contract was hilarious- I've never heard of it before!!!:rotfl:

[NewCrew42]

Aye mateys. I'm lovin' the Code of the Pirates too~

[Mndisneygirl]

I had to subscribe- this is so entertaining!! Thanks to Shelly for referring us Snowbirds over here!!

[Northern Disney Girl]

Another Snowbird checking in and subbing! Looks like it's going to be a great TR! Can't wait to hear more! :thumbsup2

[JoBird]

I woke after 4 hours of sleep to stumble to the suitcase and pull out the TinkerBell presents I’d brought. The kids think if they are in WDW, TinkerBell has to visit them every night or else they have been deprived. This morning, they awoke to plush Mickey’s with new Lanyards around his neck. They each got one pin to trade. Their first ever.
It was around 9 am when they finally got moving and Mighty Good Man was feeling miserable- his ankle was hurting, his cold was raging and he was still snoozing- while I got the kiddos up and into the shower and out the door to explore the resort.
Okay- I had ulterior motives- I NEEDED my coffee. So we opened the door to this-
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame173.jpg

Rain. A misty, yucky wet morning. Not the start I had envisioned for a year. But alas, that’s what we had so we dealt with it.
We walked to Old Port Royale, skipping and having as much fun as we could with colds and rain.
Here’s what we saw on the way:

http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame176.jpg
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame177.jpg
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame180.jpg
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http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame181.jpg
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame182.jpg
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame183.jpg
The new pool-
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame193.jpg
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame194.jpg
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame196.jpg
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame199.jpg
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame203.jpg
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame202.jpg
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame198.jpg


"Aruba"-
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame195.jpg
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame184.jpg
"Jamaica- Ooh I wanna take ya' to Bermuda, BAHAMA.. c'mon pretty mama..."
we found ourselves singing this all week...:confused3 Even the kids knew it???:laughing:

Up next--
DTD and... wait- is that the sun I see peeking in on me????:woohoo:

Jo

[Momof2Disneyboys]

LOVE the CBR pics JO!! :love: AWESOME!! :goodvibes I can't wait!! :yay:

[JoBird]

LOL!
Hi OhMari- you KNOW I had to get there any way I could, LOL.
Really enjoying your TR! Thanks for livening up my drab afternoon!

Maria
Aww- thanks for coming over to visit. My afternoon should be filled with soap suds and the whirrr of the washing machine- but it ain't. The TR keeps me from doing it, hahahaha.
I'm totally subbing in!!!! Shelly recommended your TR and since I love TRs I'm totally glad she did!! I can't wait to hear all about your trip!! I live in Gator Land...well about 2 hours west in Pensacola, but close enough!! Congrats on their win over Georgia!!!
Well hellooooooo to my Gator Land new friend! We, in this house, live breathe, exhale, eat, sleep-everything UF. You shall see in my report--- we went to see UF beat Kentucky. It was so great. On the way home from the airport- we were in a race against the clock to get back home to see the UF/ GA game.
90 mph- does that constitute child endangerment?????:lmao:
Me too Me too...a Shelly follower:lmao:
I love the pics of CBR! We stayed there the last two times and it brought back memories:lovestruc:lovestruc:

Oh and the pirate contract was hilarious- I've never heard of it before!!!:rotfl: Well my goodness- any friend of Shelly's is a friend to me! CBR was fun! We will probably stay there again. Sometime...:rolleyes1

Aye mateys. I'm lovin' the Code of the Pirates too~pirate: :hug: You know the kids thought it was funny.

I had to subscribe- this is so entertaining!! Thanks to Shelly for referring us Snowbirds over here!!

Another Snowbird checking in and subbing! Looks like it's going to be a great TR! Can't wait to hear more! :thumbsup2
Hi! Welcome to you! It seems that the Snowbirds are a fun group! Glad to have you all here!:wizard:

Jo

[princess&her4princes]

Hi!!:flower3:

Can I join? Great report so far!!! Btw, LOVE the pirate code of contact....just printed it off for my upcoming trip! Great idea!!!!:goodvibes

[MAGGIED]

Another Snowbird coming to hear about your adventure..... love the photos of CBR... it will be our first stay there in January.... great report so far....

[jenjolt]

Hi
Well hellooooooo to my Gator Land new friend! We, in this house, live breathe, exhale, eat, sleep-everything UF. You shall see in my report--- we went to see UF beat Kentucky. It was so great. On the way home from the airport- we were in a race against the clock to get back home to see the UF/ GA game.
90 mph- does that constitute child endangerment?????:lmao:

Hi! Welcome to you! It seems that the Snowbirds are a fun group! Glad to have you all here!:wizard:

Jo

Not when it involves Tebow!!!! LOL!!!! Gator mania is running rampant around my High School campus, I feel bad for the Seminole Fans around here!!! Just a little bit though!!

[NewCrew42]

Key largo, montego baby why don’t we go

Ooo I wanna take you down to Walt Disney World
We’ll get there fast
And then we’ll take it slow
That’s where we wanna go
Way down to Walt Disney World


:rolleyes1

[MickeyMomTo2]

Great TR! I look forward to reading more!

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Key largo, montego baby why don’t we go

Ooo I wanna take you down to Walt Disney World
We’ll get there fast
And then we’ll take it slow
That’s where we wanna go
Way down to Walt Disney World


:rolleyes1

:lmao:

[princess&her4princes]

Key largo, montego baby why don’t we go

Ooo I wanna take you down to Walt Disney World
We’ll get there fast
And then we’ll take it slow
That’s where we wanna go
Way down to Walt Disney World


:rolleyes1

Love it!!:rotfl:

[JoBird]

Alright who said anything about taking it slow???
Not in this TR- we like it fast.

Go bananas go!!!!
:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

For all of you who have not been around me... I have an insane attraction to the banana dudes.:rotfl2:

You shall all witness it in my report. heh-heh-heh.

Glad everyone is along for the trip-
now, I must bid you all adieu, until tomorrow. I have to pick up the young'uns from school- and do the laundry that I keep putting off.:eek:

So until tomorrow- same time and place.

See you then.:cheer2:

Jo

[JoBird]

PS- Jenjolt- tomorrow I shall post a pic of the beloved Tebow that i took a few weeks ago. We went to the AR/FL game and were lucky enough to see the man up close and not personal enough--- :lovestruc and--- I talked to his Mom!!!!

more on that tomorrow.popcorn::

Jo

[kimbo0569]

Ugh, that dreaded rain! I hope your vacation got better!
I'm reading :)

[princess&her4princes]

Alright who said anything about taking it slow???
Not in this TR- we like it fast.

Go bananas go!!!!
:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

For all of you who have not been around me... I have an insane attraction to the banana dudes.:rotfl2:

You shall all witness it in my report. heh-heh-heh.

Glad everyone is along for the trip-
now, I must bid you all adieu, until tomorrow. I have to pick up the young'uns from school- and do the laundry that I keep putting off.:eek:

So until tomorrow- same time and place.

See you then.:cheer2:

Jo


I'll be here.....:surfweb: have a nice night!!!

[Belle_princess]

Welcome to my TR! Hope you stay around too... I see you have a trip coming up! congrats!

Jo

Thanks, Jo! I'm anxious to hear the rest. DH and I very excited!!

Kristin

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I'll be here tomorrow too JO! popcorn::

Can't wait! :yay:

Hey maybe you can post those beautiful CBR pics to the CBR Pics thread when you get a chance ~ http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1845975&page=8

CBR looks so great, even in the rain! :umbrella: :goodvibes Although I hope you did not have to contend with the rain all week!

[jenjolt]

PS- Jenjolt- tomorrow I shall post a pic of the beloved Tebow that i took a few weeks ago. We went to the AR/FL game and were lucky enough to see the man up close and not personal enough--- :lovestruc and--- I talked to his Mom!!!!

more on that tomorrow.popcorn::

Jo

I will definitely look forward to that!!! Have a great evening!!

I too have a weird obsession with the dancing banana!

[trixiequilts]

Hidden Mickey!!!
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame166.jpg


A furry Hidden Mickey, how sweet! Those Imagineers think of every detail, don't they? :rotfl2:

PS...Shelly sent me, too. Hi! :wave2:

[rusafee1183]

What up MAYer :snooty:

Glad I didn't get too far behind! I finally got to see pics of your little ones! :flower3: Too cute! Now I'm just waiting to see pics of you and Mighty Good Man :lovestruc Awwww :goodvibes (Yes, I randomly can see pics from my computer at work now! I'm not complaining... :rolleyes1 ;) )

I love CBR! Your pics are awesome and I can't wait to read more! Yeah, it looks a bit like there was a 'for real' hidden mickey mouse up in that ceiling. :eek: Ick. Glad you had a good mousekeeper!

See yinz guys tomorrow! :thumbsup2

[maxsmomamy]

wow! Despite the rain it's a lovely resort! Thanks for sharing!:)

[Northern Disney Girl]

I'll be checking back tomorrow as well! can't wait to read more! :banana:

[JoBird]

Gooood Morning, Trip Report Travelers!
I have started my next installment of the journey, but alas, a little thing called voting has gotten in my way.
Don't the candidates know I'm working, here?

I shall return in a bit with a trip to DTD!

Jo

[JoBird]

When we got back to our room, I was surprised to see Mighty Good Man up, showered and…
working on his blackberry. :confused:
“What are you doing?” I asked- and he said “Well, I’ve had some issues at work come up- I need to make a phone call and can’t get any reception in the room. Is that embarrassing mug of coffee for me b/c I really need it.”
(he hates the fact that I buy the mugs every trip- says they are not, um, MANLY.)

I just KNEW the work issue foreshadowed bad, bad things for the trip. Every single time we go to WDW, his work falls apart.
I’m not kidding. Trucks with product on them disappear in the night. Product in warehouses disappear. Adults that are so good at finding their way to work while he is in town somehow fall into the Twilight Zone and they can’t answer his frantic calls- from his vacation in Florida. I have come to expect it- the only way I shall ever wrench that blackberry from his hands will be to get him on a cruise where there is no reception. Slow boat to China, anyone?:sail:

It was now 10:30 and I asked him if he’d talked to his GrandMother, who was driving up with his Grandfather from Tampa to have lunch with us. He said no, so I went outside to call her and she answered saying that they were 20 minutes away. We planned on meeting them at DTD and we got in the car and drove over. We sort of had a hard time finding them…there were a bazillion people there. I’ve never seen the place that packed. I guess no one wanted to waste one of their park tix days in the rain, so they all came to DTD. It was then that I knew we were in trouble with the crowds.

Once we finally met up with the Grandparents, we walked thru the rain towards Wolfgang Puck for lunch. Along the way we saw the new T-Rex restaurant and considered dining there.

http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame209.jpg

I just love the sign under the dino...
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame210.jpg

http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame211.jpg
The line was out the door-- an hour and a half wait- so we kept on moving.

I really and truly was feeling awful and thankfully we were seated without a wait at Wolfgang Pucks. After looking at the menu the only thing that sounded good with my cold was the Butternut Squash soup. Not really my thing, but it was the only soup they had. Mighty Good Man got a sushi something- I don’t eat tentacley, squishy things so I don’t know exactly what it was- the kids got burgers, I think. The Grandparents had a salad and a hamburger. When the soup came out it was so cute! It had a Mickey on the top- floating- but the soup was not good. It was sweet! Like sugar bowl sweet! I generally love everything Wolfgang Puck, but after that soup I called that restaurant Wolfgang Yuck. Mighty Good Man enjoyed his squishy stuff- everyone else loved their food so I'd still go back to Wolfgang Puck's.

After lunch, we dodged the rain and walked the Grandparents back to their car. They are getting older and don’t like to be out too long. So after they left, we decided it was time to hit up our fave grocery store---Publix!!!!!!!

We needed some medicine- our colds were really starting to get the best of us- so we got Zicam, Vit C, Sudafed, Nyquil, Dayquil, Delsym… cough drops. You name it- we had it in the cart. Along with two jugs of Orange juice, some milk, cereal, pop tarts, Uncrustables--- you know, the staples, LOL. As we got into the car, Mighty Good Man became a thirsty lunatic and gulped down one whole entire carton of OJ. The kids eyes almost bugged out of their sockets. :eek: I said he was going to have to use the bathroom in the worst way and he made a comment I won’t say here. It had to do with the porcelain flying off the wall.

He wanted to run to WalMart to see if we could find another Gator flag for the car, since one of ours had popped off on the highway on the way to the AR/FL game. So we found the nearest one and he pulled up front in the loading zone and walked in, saying he’d be gone less than 5 minutes.

He was gone for all of 2 minutes when Officer Save the Day comes up behind the car and starts blowing the horn. WTH???? I truly was feeling like death at this point and I really didn’t have much patience for such a stunt.
Okay, it is here that I must apologize in advance to anyone who has a loved one in law enforcement. I have great admiration for any and all officers and usually I am not so contentious (okay, I am----- sometimes.) but really, I felt plain gross and this Officer really started out on the wrong foot with me and got on my nerves. So here we go… eek.:eek:

I sat there in the passenger seat, pretending to not hear him.

In a second, seeing that I’m not jumping to make things happen for Officer Save the Day, he gets out and hitches his pants up as he walks boldly to my side of the car. I have a vision of Roscoe P.Coltrain in my head. He stands there looking at me, and I sit there, looking at him. After a second, he realizes I’m still not cooperating and he gently but firmly taps on the window. I roll it down a smidge.

He says, in his best CHIPs impersonation “You’re going to have to move the car.” I sit there. “Do you hear me? I said you have to move the car.”
I calmly reply “No, I don’t think so.”

He almost lost it. “What?” he yells at me. I calmly say “This is a rental. I don’t believe I’m AUTHORIZED to be behind the wheel and I surely don’t want to break the law.” His face turned ten shades of red. “If you’re not AUTHORIZED,” he yells, “Then who is?” “My Husband,” I say. To which he replied- “Well where is he???” Hum, I don’t know, dumb behind, let’s see… well we’re in front of a Walmart, yep- oh I know! he must be …

“In there.” I said, pointing to the conspicuously hidden large brick building that proudly displayed the word "WALMART" on it and miles of people were walking into----(gosh he was dumb.) He stomped off muttering something about authorization or something another, I don’t know. About that time, Mighty Good Man comes out and sees Officer Safety behind us, waves to him and gets in and we leave.
I tell him the story and he laughs b/c DH is a vendor…

FOR Walmart.
If it weren’t for my DH and people like him, Officer Save the Day would have no buildings to patrol, no thirty something women to harass on vacation and certainly no pants to be hitchin up with no gun around his waist.
So there.:laughing:

Back to the resort we go and dump all of the groceries off. It’s then that I say to Mighty Good Man- "Get ready—we’re going to The Magic Kingdom for a couple of hours." And with that, he groans- loudly.

Up next---
Magic Kingdom, Whispering Canyon and “Mom, this is the stupidest place I ever been.”

[NewCrew42]

When we got back to our room, I was surprised to see Mighty Good Man up, showered and…
working on his blackberry.

And this was a surprise why? :confused3 I thought all good husbands vacationed with blackberries attached to their fingertips. ;)



I have come to expect it- the only way I shall ever wrench that blackberry from his hands will be to get him on a cruise where there is no reception. Slow boat to China, anyone?


There is no reception on a cruise ship. :idea: Perhaps a I see a romantic vacation in my near future. :love:

Along the way we saw the new T-Rex restaurant and considered dining there.

This place looks super cool. I may have to check it out. :thumbsup2

He wanted to run to WalMart to see if we could find another Gator flag for the car, since one of ours had popped off on the highway on the way to the AR/FL game.

I hate it when we see a dead flag on the road. :sad1:

He was gone for all of 2 minutes when Officer Save the Day comes up behind the car

Was this a real cop or a faux cop? Ya know one who looks like a cop but isn't really a cop? ::cop: ::cop: Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference. ;)

It’s then that I say to Mighty Good Man- "Get ready—we’re going to The Magic Kingdom for a couple of hours."

Yeah!!! I am so excited!! :yay:

[guitarob]

Great report so far :)

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Thanks for the pictures of T-Rex. :goodvibes It looks so cool!

Which Wolfgang did you go to? Express? Cafe? Or the Upstairs?

[jenjolt]

Great Update!!! Loved the interaction with the security guard I can just picture it in my head LOL!

Can't wait to hear about Magic Kingdom!!!

[JoBird]

Well, the groaning from Mighty Good man slowed down and I looked out the window… it seemed the rain had subsided for a bit- long enough for us to jump back into the car and we were off to the TTC to catch the monorail to the MK! The kids were all so excited- I had told them that we weren’t going to a park that day- so they couldn’t wait to be walking right down the middle of Main Street USA. The parking lot didn’t look too crowded, so we had hope springing eternal from our congested chests. Sorry to anyone we might have infected. I swear that we doused ourselves liberally with germ-x often.

We only had a couple hours to be there- it was 4:30 when we arrived and it was a MNSSHP night- so the park would be closing promptly at 7:00. We were reminded of it often by the signs and the announcements over the loudsystem.

The Monorail ride was fun--
Here's Belle catching a glimpse of the entrance to the MK-
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame215.jpg

Main Street, USA!!! I didn't evern cry! Yay me!
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame216.jpg

http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame217.jpg

http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame219.jpg

http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame220.jpg

http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame222.jpg

We took a left and went over the bridge
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame223.jpg
to- Adventureland!!!
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame225.jpg

and there we saw my favorite thing in the world-----
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame226.jpg
Didn't stop to get one, though. The lines seemed pretty short for all the rides- the rain had held people off and so we made short order of walking onto:
POTC-- Belle was determined not to let Davey Jones deter her- she just closed her eyes going thru the mist.:rotfl:

Splash:
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame234.jpg

http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame241.jpg


HM- the kids thought the new additions were oh so cool- No pics though-

then we walked thru Fantasyland, riding Small World along the way
and on to Tomorrowland to walk onto
Buzz and the TTA.

Pics from the TTA-
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame244.jpg

http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame246.jpg

Space had a 30 minute wait still so we left that for another day.

Up next--
that slow boat to China?
How about an empty boat to the Wilderness Lodge????

Jo

[JoBird]

Great report so far :)
Thank you so much! I'm glad you're here! I'm a stickler for the details... so in they go. :goodvibes
Thanks for the pictures of T-Rex. :goodvibes It looks so cool!

Which Wolfgang did you go to? Express? Cafe? Or the Upstairs? We really wanted to go to Trex. every time we were there the line was insane. Maybe next trip! Wolfgang puck cafe, I think. It was the sit down restaurant but not upstairs.
Great Update!!! Loved the interaction with the security guard I can just picture it in my head LOL!

Can't wait to hear about Magic Kingdom!!!
ahh- that security guard. When my DH got in the car, Belle started yelling to him "Mommy got copped and it's all your fault!"

NC- he was the faux kind- no gun, no backup.:rotfl2:

Jo

[princess&her4princes]

Fun update....looking forward to MK!!!!:goodvibes

[princess&her4princes]

I think we wrote at the same time!! Oh well, the kids look like they are having SO much fun at MK, especially since they didn't think they were going that day. Fun fun!!!:cool1:

[rusafee1183]

Yeeeeah! More reading for my lunch break! :snooty:

LOL that faux cop had it coming Jo. :lmao: Good girl giving him a hard time!

I am so excited for our next trip! Those pics of Main street USA and Splash (my fav! :lovestruc ) got me sooooo excited!

I think I even caught a quick glimpse of the elusive Mighty Good Man in that picture to AL! :goodvibes

PS - Did you guys catch the steeler game last night? :teeth:

[maxsmomamy]

I love how you commented that you didn't cry on Main STreet. I thought I was the only dope that gets teary walking down Main! :sad: :lmao:

[NewCrew42]

What are the new additions to Splash? School me. :teacher:

[NewCrew42]

BTW - So glad that it was a faux cop.

I could just envision that the next time I am watching TV...

:happytv:

Bad boys, Bad boys
Whacha gonna do
Whacha gonna do when they come for you

Next on COPS...

JoBird is arrested for being in violation of her parking parole.

[JoBird]

So we walked back to Main Street and said a sorrowful goodbye- just as the announcement began that MNSSHP was beginning in 15 minutes. For those of you who haven’t heard it- the announcer is the same man who does the voice over for the Haunted Mansion. He comes on- all over the park saying "Ahhh- There you are…” and proceeds to make you feel like a heel for still being in the park when the party is beginning so soon.

Everyone was making a bee line for the front. By the time we got to the Train Station, the monorail to the TTC was packed. It looked like maybe an hour wait- so we hopped onto the boat to the Wilderness Lodge. We’d never done that before, so as it was just beginning to get dark we had a boat ride all by ourselves to the beautiful resort. The walk from the landing to the pool area and beyond just blew me away. I’m a Southern Girl, born and raised in Charleston, SC- so seeing the moss dripping out of the trees and hearing the crickets and caddydids begin their singing- I felt like I was home in the Lowcountry.

We’ve never stayed at WL before, but had been there to visit friends in May and have dinner at Whispering Canyon. Our ressies were for 7:40 and we checked in right at 7- a tad early so they told us to have a seat or to look around the resort. Our lack of sleep was beginning to show and I had to sit for a spell. I went to the fireplace- and got in a rocking chair all warm and toasty. If I’d had a blanket, a cup of coffee and a good book, I would have been in Heaven.

http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame256.jpg

http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame254.jpg

DH took the kids to the pin trading station so that he could buy them each a pin. When they had been gone 10 minutes and I was good and drowsy, the pager went off. By 7:15 we were seated and our waitress showed up a second later.

Now I didn’t tell the kids about the themeing of the restaurant, I wanted it to be a surprise. So the waitress took our drink orders- the kids all had shakes (yum) and Mighty Good Man and I had water. As the waitress turned, she said “now I’ll be right back with them drinks for ya’ “ and with that- threw a handful of straws at the table and grabbed one and stuck it behind Belle’s ear. When she did that – Belle gasped and covered her mouth and said “Momma- she was naughty.” I laughed so hard. I told her that it was part of the dinner- it was like a show.

I’m not sure she understood it much because about that time, some waiter stood up on a chair and yelled for ketchup for the table next to us- and the procession of people stomping by us in the ketchup parade scared poor Belle half to death. She has Sensory Integration Disorder and so loud noises really throw her for a loop. I guess I should have taken that into consideration when I planned it. I had forgotten the earplugs.

Mighty Good Man and I both ordered the Trout with Maple Glaze and the kids ordered Mac and cheese and Cheeseburgers. The trout was wonderful. It was light yet filling. The kids liked their food except for Belle- she thought the mac was nasty.

Halfway thru the supper, the waiters brought out the barrel full of wooden horses. I told Belle and DrewBoy to go get one and be a part of the race. Drew was in his element. Belle, not so much.

http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame268.jpg

Drew came zipping in at lightening speed while Belle got somewhere in the middle of the race. When she sat down, she looked at me very perplexed and said “Momma, this is the stupidest place I ever been.” I howled. Because it was indeed stupid. Out of the mouths of babes. I suppose we won’t go back there again.

We were getting really tired- and we had an early day to get ready for – The Gator game was tomorrow! So we hopped another boat back (again, alone) to the Magic Kingdom-- all lit up for the party--
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame250.jpg

so that we could get on the monorail and head for our car. On the way- we saw the Electric water pageant in the lagoon and the monorail ride was quiet.

We were in the resort and in the bed by 9:30.
It was a great day.

Up next---
Why oh why is it raining again???, UF vs Kentucky, and Percy Harvin remembers my DrewBoy!!!!

[JoBird]

Yeeeeah! More reading for my lunch break! :snooty:

LOL that faux cop had it coming Jo. :lmao: Good girl giving him a hard time!

I am so excited for our next trip! Those pics of Main street USA and Splash (my fav! :lovestruc ) got me sooooo excited!

I think I even caught a quick glimpse of the elusive Mighty Good Man in that picture to AL! :goodvibes

PS - Did you guys catch the steeler game last night? :teeth:
Ahh, yes, the elusive Mighty good Man- I can't believe after all this time, you've never seen pics of him!:rotfl: You shall see my dear- tomorrow's edition!
I love how you commented that you didn't cry on Main STreet. I thought I was the only dope that gets teary walking down Main! :sad: :lmao: Um, nope, I'm a dope! I cry over everything. I bawl during Wishes. I mean siffling, snorting, tears rolling down my face bawling my contacts out crying. Good to see I have company.:rotfl:

What are the new additions to Splash? School me. :teacher:
Oh sorry- I meant the new additions to the Haunted Mansion. Didn't mean Splash-
BTW - So glad that it was a faux cop.

I could just envision that the next time I am watching TV...

:happytv:

Bad boys, Bad boys
Whacha gonna do
Whacha gonna do when they come for you

Next on COPS...

JoBird is arrested for being in violation of her parking parole.

Okay- true confession time-
once many many moons ago when I was in television..
Inner Circle, who sang the Bad boys song- came to Charleston to my tv station to do a promotional for a local show we aired. The lead singer, the drummer and one other guy in the band needed a ride to the hotel- so I gave them a lift. Then the lead singer and one of my co workers started this torrid love affair and so we all got to go to one of their concerts and backstage for free.

There you have it- one of JoBird's finest moments.

:laughing:

Jo

[kimbo0569]

He was gone for all of 2 minutes when Officer Save the Day comes up behind the car and starts blowing the horn. WTH???? I truly was feeling like death at this point and I really didn’t have much patience for such a stunt.
Okay, it is here that I must apologize in advance to anyone who has a loved one in law enforcement. I have great admiration for any and all officers and usually I am not so contentious (okay, I am----- sometimes.) but really, I felt plain gross and this Officer really started out on the wrong foot with me and got on my nerves. So here we go… eek.:eek:

I sat there in the passenger seat, pretending to not hear him.

In a second, seeing that I’m not jumping to make things happen for Officer Save the Day, he gets out and hitches his pants up as he walks boldly to my side of the car. I have a vision of Roscoe P.Coltrain in my head. He stands there looking at me, and I sit there, looking at him. After a second, he realizes I’m still not cooperating and he gently but firmly taps on the window. I roll it down a smidge.

He says, in his best CHIPs impersonation “You’re going to have to move the car.” I sit there. “Do you hear me? I said you have to move the car.”
I calmly reply “No, I don’t think so.”

He almost lost it. “What?” he yells at me. I calmly say “This is a rental. I don’t believe I’m AUTHORIZED to be behind the wheel and I surely don’t want to break the law.” His face turned ten shades of red. “If you’re not AUTHORIZED,” he yells, “Then who is?” “My Husband,” I say. To which he replied- “Well where is he???” Hum, I don’t know, dumb behind, let’s see… well we’re in front of a Walmart, yep- oh I know! he must be …

“In there.” I said, pointing to the conspicuously hidden large brick building that proudly displayed the word "WALMART" on it and miles of people were walking into----(gosh he was dumb.) He stomped off muttering something about authorization or something another, I don’t know. About that time, Mighty Good Man comes out and sees Officer Safety behind us, waves to him and gets in and we leave.
I tell him the story and he laughs b/c DH is a vendor…

FOR Walmart.


:lmao: Now that is funny, especially the vision of Roscoe P Coltraine! Was it a real cop or a rent-a-cop?

[mari360]

Great so far....

I tear up everytime I walk down Main... my DH makes fun of me.... but it's ok... you know what i call those cops jo i call them Rentacop ..... I coul djust see you talking to him telling him no :rotfl2: .....

[CleKait]

Great trip report so far Jo :thumbsup2

I loved your rent-a-cop story it had me laughing! :rotfl2:

[JoBird]

Well, I do declare! It's MissKait, come to join us!:goodvibes

How are you???
Hope PA is treating ya' fine.

Jo

[JoBird]

So I shall breeze through this day rather quickly, because I realize that most of you are not Gator Fans.
But it was a cool day- so I will include a bit before continuing on with the Disney portion.

As I said before, Mighty Good Man graduated from UF. And as you also know, the Homecoming football game was a huge part of our trip to Florida. He got one day of the vacation, I got 9. :lmao: No really- we all love Florida football and we had so much fun wearing our Gator gear proudly. You wouldn't believe how many people in the parks would yell out to us "Go Gators!" to which we'd yell back "Go Gators!" and then everyone would yell "Woo-Hoo!" The Gator Nation is a wonderful thing.

We had planned on waking early and being out the door of the resort by 6 am to be in Gainesville by 8. At 6:45, Mighty Good Man jumped up and woke me. We were late.

We finally got into the car and went speeding through the nasty wet stuff- ( I felt like Noah at this point), hoping we'd outrun the rain. As luck would have it- the skies cleared and we were finally dry!!

We got to Mighty Good Man's cousin's house which is one block from the stadium at 9:30, parked the car and greeted the cousins and my SIL and her boyfriend. We grabbed all of our stuff and ran for University Ave. to watch Gator Walk, where the Players arrive on buses and walk the street towards the stadium amidst the cheering fans.

The side of the street that the players walk by, slapping the hands of the fans was completely full- no squeeze in room, but there were cops blocking off the middle of the street and we were able to sqeeze in right up to them. Then the sirens began and the busses pulled up- and here came the players.

It is here that I must give a small smidge of background to all who don't know much about me. Our son, Drew is a Gator football fanatic. He knows every player by position, stats, etc. We had tix for the AR/FL football game when the Gators came to Fayetteville to play and were lucky enough to see the players after the game and get autographs and pics with some of them.

Drew's favorite player in the whole world is Percy Harvin (his # is #1) and when he saw him after the AR/FL game, Drew just about died. Percy wasn't signing autographs, but Drew was yelling his name with all his little might, just to get Percy's attention. When Percy heard Drew, he stopped, looked at him and patted Drew's leg (he was on Mighty Good Man's shoulders to get a better look)- and pointed at him yelled up to Drew "Little Man!!!" like they were long lost buddies.:lovestruc I asked him if we could get a picture and he nodded yes, so I snapped a pic of them together. It has been blown up and is in Drew's room. Sooooo Cool. My heart melted and Drew and I talk often about that day.

Now, FF to Gator Walk- here the players come, and they weren't close to us- but Drew named every single player as they walked past slapping hands with the fans on the other side. In a second I heard Drew suck in his breath and yell "There he is, Mom, there's Percy!" and he started yelling once again with all his might "Percy! Percy!!!" but the crowds were too loud and Percy couldn't hear him. So I lowered the camera from my face and then both Drew and I started yelling to him "Percy! PERCY!!!!!!" as loud as we could. Percy's head snapped around facing us, he stopped, scanned the crowds- looking-- and as his eyes landed on Drew- he glanced up at me and back down to Drew, a BIG grin all over his face- you know how someone's expression changes when they recognize you?
And he pointed to Drew and yelled out "Little Man!!!"

OMG.

I cried.

My baby's wish, once again coming true.:love:

So that was that.
We saw Tebow, the Heisman trophy winner and all the girls drooled on themselves as he passed by. Here, have a napkin.

Percy is the first guy in the lineup with the white shirt on- taken just before he saw us--, Tebow is the last in the grey suit. *sigh*
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame297.jpg

Then we went to the game and had awesome seats, only b/c we paid an arm and a leg for them (Thank you stub hub!)

http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame335.jpg

Tebow taking the snap-
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame349.jpg

http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame370.jpg

And afterwards we went to dinner with the family at a local hang out. There were 17 of us- and that's only a tiny portion of the family. All together with kids, grands and great grands there are right at 60 of us- (this is Mighty Good Man's mom's side of the family-) we tend to overtake a place when we arrive. LOL.:laughing:

We were back in the car and at the resort by 10 pm, ready for a new day at Disney!

Up next---
TinkerBell's surprise- :tinker:
costumes and tickets to MNSSHP and...
"That doesn't look like the Love Boat to me.":scared1:

[jenjolt]

Tebow:worship: That is all I have to say on that!!!

[seacrestpromo]

Awesome TR so far Jo. I especially like the story about Percy calling out to your son Drew - that was freaking awesome!

Your pics are awesomeness too!

(Do I use the word awesome too much?) Sea

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Awesome TR so far Jo. I especially like the story about Percy calling out to your son Drew - that was freaking awesome! (Do I use the word awesome too much?) Sea

Not any more than I do Sea! :goodvibes :rotfl:

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Drew came zipping in at lightening speed while Belle got somewhere in the middle of the race. When she sat down, she looked at me very perplexed and said “Momma, this is the stupidest place I ever been.” I howled. Because it was indeed stupid. Out of the mouths of babes. I suppose we won’t go back there again.



:rotfl2: Too funny! Don't you just love children's honesty??? :goodvibes

We had an ADR at WCC but I cancelled it because I didn't think there was anything that the boys would like on the menu, plus I thought I might have the same feeling as your Belle! :rotfl:

[Camno's Mama]

I have to say...I don't usually get too involved in trip reports...but you got me! I can't wait to hear about the rest of the vacation! You are making me want to stay at CBR...hubby wants to go there, but we are trying to keep the budget lower and are staying at Pop. Hmmmm...:)

Your kids are so cute, by the way.

Oh, and that thing about Drew and Percy brought tears to my eyes. He will never forget that.

[Christine9125]

Hidden Mickey!!!
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame166.jpg
[/QUOTE]

I just started reading your TR so I am not sure if anyone else brought it up, but what is with all the dust on the Hidden Mickey?:confused3

[princess&her4princes]

What a fantastic update...I know nothing about UF football but enjoyed reading about your day there and Drew seeing Percy again! What a great moment!! And this Tebow guy.......WOW!! :lovestruc Sounds like a nice family day and a great way to break up the vacation a bit, too. :thumbsup2

[princess&her4princes]

Hidden Mickey!!!
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame166.jpg


I just started reading your TR so I am not sure if anyone else brought it up, but what is with all the dust on the Hidden Mickey?:confused3 [/QUOTE]

TOO FUNNY!! I noticed that too and never said anything......don't they ever dust?!! At least every year? :rotfl:

[JoBird]

Tebow:worship: That is all I have to say on that!!!

Attention, attention, ladies and gentlemen, we have another Tebow lover in the house.

I shall reward her with more pics of the awesomeness that is "Tebow."

Enjoy!:goodvibes


(These were taken after the FL/AR game.)
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame134.jpg
he is ginormous in person. His shoulders and the size of his fingers are unbelievable.


This is Tebow looking at and waving to... you got it-----Drew! he yelled and yelled and Tebow had too much security around him but he turned and waved to him.
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame132.jpg

sigh- we love Tebow.:love:

Jo

[JoBird]

Awesome TR so far Jo. I especially like the story about Percy calling out to your son Drew - that was freaking awesome!

Your pics are awesomeness too!

(Do I use the word awesome too much?) SeaHi Sea! Thanks for reading my update! And awesome is just... awesome, 'cause it was!:lmao:

:rotfl2: Too funny! Don't you just love children's honesty??? :goodvibes

We had an ADR at WCC but I cancelled it because I didn't think there was anything that the boys would like on the menu, plus I thought I might have the same feeling as your Belle! :rotfl: Yep- chidren can be brutally honest. The food was good, but i guess we won't go back. There really wasn't anything the kids loved on the menu other than the bottomless shakes. Yum!

I have to say...I don't usually get too involved in trip reports...but you got me! I can't wait to hear about the rest of the vacation! You are making me want to stay at CBR...hubby wants to go there, but we are trying to keep the budget lower and are staying at Pop. Hmmmm...:)

Your kids are so cute, by the way.

Oh, and that thing about Drew and Percy brought tears to my eyes. He will never forget that.
Thanks so much for getting involved in my report! I hope you stick around to hear it all! We did indeed enjoy CBR. It is a beautiful place! My next installment will have more pics of the resort- in the sun, this time!:goodvibes
Hidden Mickey!!!
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame166.jpg


I just started reading your TR so I am not sure if anyone else brought it up, but what is with all the dust on the Hidden Mickey?:confused3 [/QUOTE] Um, yeah- I really didn't notice the dust til I posted it! Ewwwwwwww.

What a fantastic update...I know nothing about UF football but enjoyed reading about your day there and Drew seeing Percy again! What a great moment!! And this Tebow guy.......WOW!! :lovestruc Sounds like a nice family day and a great way to break up the vacation a bit, too. :thumbsup2
Aww- thanks! we loved the day- it had been 10 years since we had gone to a game at "home". The last time we went, I was pregnant with Drew and it was in the stadium that we first felt him move, so I have sentimental feelings towards "the Swamp" as it's called.

:cheer2:

Jo

[seacrestpromo]

Hey that is not just regular old dust folks...that is PIXIE DUST! Wow Jo your vacation was even more awesome than I thought before!!!

Seacrest :cool1:

[trixiequilts]

Hey that is not just regular old dust folks...that is PIXIE DUST! Wow Jo your vacation was even more awesome than I thought before!!!

Seacrest :cool1:

Oh! It makes so much more sense now! pixiedust: Can it be Pixie dust when it's in my house, too?

:rotfl2:

[Christine9125]

Oh! It makes so much more sense now! pixiedust: Can it be Pixie dust when it's in my house, too?

:rotfl2:

Mine too! lol My family will go nuts when I go home and tell them we don't have to dust anymore lol

[NewCrew42]

Hey that is not just regular old dust folks...that is PIXIE DUST! Wow Jo your vacation was even more awesome than I thought before!!!

Seacrest :cool1:

:lmao:

[janloz]

love the TR so far. Can't wait for more.

[jenjolt]

Attention, attention, ladies and gentlemen, we have another Tebow lover in the house.

I shall reward her with more pics of the awesomeness that is "Tebow."

Enjoy!:goodvibes


(These were taken after the FL/AR game.)
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame134.jpg
he is ginormous in person. His shoulders and the size of his fingers are unbelievable.


This is Tebow looking at and waving to... you got it-----Drew! he yelled and yelled and Tebow had too much security around him but he turned and waved to him.
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame132.jpg

sigh- we love Tebow.:love:

Jo

He is a guilty pleasure for sure!! Definitely the cutest Heisman winner ever!!! Thanks for the pics!!

[seacrestpromo]

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_XGXXmhYnoiI/R8ZJ6ULM1ZI/AAAAAAAAA1s/N7SntmyWzMY/s400/disneybib.jpg

For all your droolers out there...:lmao:

[iluvuwdw]

Just pop in on your trip report, sorry to hear everyone has a cold. Hope everyone gets though ok. Great report btw .

Ya I noticed the dust too, and I will go with the Pixie dust idea :rotfl2:

[maxsmomamy]

Ya know, your trip report is like reading a really good novel but being allowed to read only a few pages at a time!:lmao: It's killing me! More please :)
I must tell you that you have a lovely talent in the way you tell a story- very well done-er- well- its AWESOME! Thanks for sharing.
I noticed the dust too, but though "gee, maybe it'll be rude if I say something" I'm not a "Disney Pro" at least not yet!:laughing:

[JoBird]

Hey that is not just regular old dust folks...that is PIXIE DUST! Wow Jo your vacation was even more awesome than I thought before!!!

Seacrest :cool1:
Oh, so THAT"s what's blowing across my hardwoods!!!!!!!! I thought it was them dang dust bunnies again!:goodvibes :lmao:
love the TR so far. Can't wait for more.
Thank you sooo much!

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_XGXXmhYnoiI/R8ZJ6ULM1ZI/AAAAAAAAA1s/N7SntmyWzMY/s400/disneybib.jpg

For all your droolers out there...:lmao: I would happily wear one as long as it had MM on it! Thanks Sea- you're the best.

Just pop in on your trip report, sorry to hear everyone has a cold. Hope everyone gets though ok. Great report btw .

Ya I noticed the dust too, and I will go with the Pixie dust idea :rotfl2:
Aww- thanks. I think we have all gotten over it, except for Belle. She still has the sniffles every now and then.
Ya know, your trip report is like reading a really good novel but being allowed to read only a few pages at a time!:lmao: It's killing me! More please :)
I must tell you that you have a lovely talent in the way you tell a story- very well done-er- well- its AWESOME! Thanks for sharing.
I noticed the dust too, but though "gee, maybe it'll be rude if I say something" I'm not a "Disney Pro" at least not yet!:laughing:

You are so sweet, thank you so much.

I really enjoy writing- I just haven't been able to do it in such a long time with the kids and all.

and no- mentioning the Pixie Dust masquarading as plain old dust- it's not rude. Now, if I had that gem in my home- I guess mentioning it might be a bit rude, but heck- we'd all just smile and say "Tis' Pixie Dust" and move on.:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

If it's Pixie Dust, it's okay in my book!:wizard:


I am having to post the days as I write them, thus the delay.

If you could see the layer of er----- Pixie Dust on my floor, you'd all be saying Bless your Heart, honey, do take a break form all that writing and tend to your floor.

:laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:

off to get the kiddos and on to the ice cream shoppe! I can't get out of vacation mode!

I'll post again later.:yay:

Jo

[CleKait]

Well, I do declare! It's MissKait, come to join us!:goodvibes

How are you???
Hope PA is treating ya' fine.

Jo

I'm doing good :goodvibes

I don't follow college football but Tebow is very good looking!

[rusafee1183]

awesome installment! i don't really follow college football - except PITT sometimes. I'm a Steeler's fan all the way. But, Kait is right about Tebow...mmmmm..... :lovestruc :worship: I could watch him all day popcorn::

:rotfl:


waiting for another installment :rolleyes1 ....... not so patiently.......
:rolleyes1
:rolleyes1
:rolleyes1
:rolleyes1

:rotfl2:

[JoBird]

As soon as the kids had drifted off to sleep, Tinkerbelle arrived and made short order of setting things to rights- the kids were going to wake to a special surprise!

Belle had been wishing- I mean WISHING for a Tinkerbelle costume since last Halloween. She even had listened to WISHES on the computer once when it was playing and then wished for one. The morning after she wished for it, she came downstairs crying, and I asked her what was wrong. She said she had hopped up and looked into her closet for the costume but it wasn’t there and Tinkerbelle just didn’t know how to find her.

So--- needless to say, I was pretty excited. We had told the kids that they could Trick or Treat at the Boardwalk on Halloween night b/c the tix to the party were just too much after we had to buy the tickets to the game.
What they didn’t know was that Tinkerbelle was giving them tickets and a costume to wear.

They had been bugging me the whole way home from the game to tell them which park we’d be going to in the morning but I didn’t want to wear ourselves out going to a park in the morning and then following it up with the party that night. So I just kept telling them that I’d have to see.

Belle was the first one up and I was already awake, listening from the other room. I had gone in and made sure their nightlight was bright enough to be glowing on their costumes- placed on the coat hooks- right in their line of vision.

I heard Belle exclaim “Oh My Gosh, Sissy, wake up!” and I jumped up to peek in on them.

Here’s what they awoke to---http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame437.jpg
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame438.jpg

The pumpkins were filled with candy corn, topped off with a ticket.

They saw the costumes first. Mcat was Alice in Wonderland, Belle of course was Tinkerbelle and Drew was, who else- Percy Harvin. The white Percy Harvin.:lmao:
Belle was squealing and Drew was trying to wake up. MCat said “What are those pumpkins on top?” She didn’t have her contacts in yet- and I sadi “well, get one down and see.” And so she got one down and pulled the ticket out and said “Oh my gosh, it’s a ticket to the Halloween party!” Drew yells “When, When?” and she flipped it over and said “TONIGHT!” ………… SQEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

They started bouncing off the walls, yelling and screaming that they were trick or treating in the Magic Kingdom. It was so fun. So I told them that they needed to get dressed, that we were hanging at the resort for the morning and would start getting ready for the party at 2pm.

So we got Mighty Sleepy Man up and we all went over to get coffee and then we came back to the beach in Jamaica. Mighty Good Man and I shared a hammock while the kids played on the beach.

I have come to realize that when I look back on each of my trips, it’s not the minute planned nano-seconds that I remember, but moments that just sort of happen. I don’t think back and say “That was an awesome ride on BTMRR” or “Wow- I sure loved riding Pirates.” What I remember most are the moments of peaceful quietness where all is right in my world, even for just that second in time. Please let those moments happen on your trips. That’s JoBird’s advice- take it if you will. I’m known to offer it for free. (My MAYers will laugh at this.):snooty: :hug:

Some pics :
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame447-1.jpg

http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame452.jpg

http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame450.jpg

The Pirate Cruise was going on. It looked phenomenal, I want to sign the kids up next time. They were having a blast:
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame460.jpg

And with that, I must leave for now.

Up Next:
DTD- The Earl of Sandwich, and--
"Alice, can I have your autograph....wait a second, are you the real Alice?"......

[maxsmomamy]

What clever ideas you have! We are going to Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party the last night we are there. My kids already know about it- bummer- that would have been a neat surprise!

[Smoondancer]

Can't wait to hear more

[mari360]

OH JO..... That was a GREAT surprise for the kids. I loved the way you planned it out too..... too cute... I can't wait to see pics......

[princess&her4princes]

Loove the way you surprised the kiddos!!! Great update!!!! Sounds like a nice day....relax in the a.m. and then off to trick or treat!!Fun, fun!!:goodvibes

[tnmomof4]

I am really busy packing, but I have loved reading your TR. It is great!!! I am going to take your advice, and cherish those special moments that just happen.

I love how you surprised the kids. I am surprising my kids with a Wishes Cruise. I hope they are as excited as your kids were with the MNSHP tickets.

[rusafee1183]

:hug: Jo, I knew that you were surprising them with the party - but THAT was the best! :goodvibes

That was soooo cute with the little pumpkins!

It makes me really excited to have babies so I can do sweet stuff like that and what Shelly is doing for her boys :cloud9:

(In many many many years) :laughing:

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Great surprise JO! :goodvibes I'm hoping to get the same reaction from my kids on Christmas morning when they find out we are going to WDW in January!! Thanks for the picture of the Pirate Cruise!pirate: I signed the boys up for it!! :yay: :yay:

[seacrestpromo]

Hey Jo - Love the costumes and ticket surprises you did for your kiddos. Your TR is really fun to read. - Sea

[NewCrew42]

I have come to realize that when I look back on each of my trips, it’s not the minute planned nano-seconds that I remember, but moments that just sort of happen. I don’t think back and say “That was an awesome ride on BTMRR” or “Wow- I sure loved riding Pirates.” What I remember most are the moments of peaceful quietness where all is right in my world, even for just that second in time. Please let those moments happen on your trips. That’s JoBird’s advice- take it if you will. I’m known to offer it for free. (My MAYers will laugh at this.)

Don't ya just love Disney World happiness! :love:

There is nothing like it in the world. That moment when you have truly gotten "away from it all" and life is good!

:goodvibes

[rusafee1183]

Don't ya just love Disney World happiness! :love:

There is nothing like it in the world. That moment when you have truly gotten "away from it all" and life is good!

:goodvibes

EXACTLY! Those are the minutes that the people who say "Ugh, you're going to Disney again" :rolleyes: will never understand.

And they're exactly what keep us all coming back! :lovestruc

[seacrestpromo]

My wife and I always say, "Disneyland is cheaper than therapy!" :lmao: :rotfl2:

EXACTLY! Those are the minutes that the people who say "Ugh, you're going to Disney again" :rolleyes: will never understand.

And they're exactly what keep us all coming back! :lovestruc

[rusafee1183]

My wife and I always say, "Disneyland is cheaper than therapy!" :lmao: :rotfl2:

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

[JoBird]

Where were we? Oh yes, on the beach in the hammocks.

When we were really good and relaxed, We got the kids and headed back to the resort. You’d have thought the children were sand fleas- they had sand all over them. And Drew SOMEHOW had managed to “Fall” into the water, so not only was he sandy, he was wet too- NICE. So we had to rinse them. Well, I should say we had to rinse Belle. Because without my knowledge, on the way back to the resort, Drew decided to jump into the pool. :sad2: Wonderful. So much for relaxation.

Once everyone was sorta kinda decent, it was 12:30 and we jumped into the car to head for Earl of Sandwich in DTD. We had never been before but had heard that it was good. We found it and the line was out the door. I guessed it MUST be good b/c DTD wasn’t too crowded. We finally ordered and found a seat. I was still feeling crummy so I tried soup again only this time I got the Vegetable soup. It was very very good. Mighty Hungry Man got the soup and a Tuna Salad, MCat got a ham sandwich, Belle had a Grilled cheese and Drew had some sort of Pizza sandwich or something. He said it was good. I would go back to this restaurant if I was looking for something fast but good and in DTD.

After lunch, we went into the pin shop and then hit the Ghiradelli store for the second time for our free piece of chocolate on the way to the car. :banana: It was chocolate caramel and very good.

We headed back to CBR to get ready- it was 1:50 and I was feeling tired. So I instructed all the kids to shower and I was going to rest for ten minutes, while Mark walked the resort. Well that ten turned into 30- it was so much fun lying there in the dark room, listening to the sound of Stacy coming out of the tv… “Hi, I’m Stacy…”

When you’re in Disney, there are some things you just have to do, even though they annoy the heck out of you. Watching the Top 7 Must See Things is one of those for me. Stacy irritates the fool out of me, and yet I have this great compulsion to turn her on, every time I walk in the door of the resort. I hope they never get rid of her. Hahahahahaha. Okay, maybe I do.:rolleyes1

Anyway, I got up and got ready then busied myself with getting the kids finished. I had bought this gold body and hair glitter spray for Belle, so that she looked like she had Pixie Dust all over her. And it came out perfect. She glistened with every turn-- Just the way I wanted her to look.
Drew had eye patches, just like the football players wear, and MCat- well, I put some makeup on her then stepped back to look at her. Holy Moley! I thought she looked very good- and very convincing as an Alice.

Just then, Mighty Good Man came through the door with prizes for everyone. Each of the kids got a pin for their lanyard, and since he spent so much money, he was able to get a "purchase with purchase" bag. He chose for me the Halloween bag- since I had commented on how cute it was that morning. So after he was ready to go- we went into the courtyard for pics—here we are:

The kids:
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame480.jpg

And Finally- a picture of me and Mighty Good Man, dressed as ourselves- Gator Fans!
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame482.jpg

The we left and got to the Magic Kingdom parking lot to get on the tram at 4 pm.
We got to the turnstiles at precisely 4:30 after a nice monorail ride. When we got onto Main Street- it looked crowded to me and I was hoping that the crowds would begin to die down.

http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame488.jpg

http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame487.jpg

We tried to hit a few rides, but all of them were boasting 40-50 minute waits. I finally said "Let's eat supper" and we headed for a quick bite at Cosmic Rays, even thought we weren't really hungry. But seeing the crowds- wedidn't want to be stuck eating in the middle of the party, so supper it was. I had the roasted Chicken, Belle had nuggets and I can't remember what everyone else had. Awful, I know.

When we left there, we rode Buzz with a ten minute wait. It was nearing 6 pm and we headed to Fantasyland and hit Snow White with a ten minute wait also. Then we rode the Carousel with no wait and headed for Frontierland. The crowds were starting to dwindle. Got a pic with Davey Crockett Donald-
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame490.jpg

It really was a beautiful fall afternoon:
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame493.jpg

http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame492.jpg

It was starting to get near 7pm and the announcer was pestering everyone with his "Ahh, there you are spiel". And the CM's were out in full force, looking at everyone's wrists to check for bands. I was pleased with how well that went. So I told Mighty Good Man that we needed to head for Cinderella's coach if we were going to get a picture of it, so we got into line and it was 6:50. We were third in line and they had CM's checking everywhere, heading you in the direction of hte front of Main Street if you didn't belong.

http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame503.jpg

http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame512.jpg

Night was coming on fast and furious and the park was beginning to look mighty eerie:
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp123/jbelle5/Floridagame516.jpg

Up next:
Oh my gosh, the candy!!!! And------TinkerBell scares Captain Hook!

[mari360]

LOVE the kids costumes.... well you and Mighty Good Man looked great aswell. Can't wait to hear more.... just like kids to get all dirty and wet....

[heaven2dc]

Wow - your kids look great!! Great costumes - each one looks so authentic. Being a Tinkerbell fan, Belle would be perfect in the new Fairies meet-and-greet (can't think of the name of it - darn!). Perfect Alice too!

Glad to finally see some pics of your beautiful family!

[jenjolt]

Great Update!! I can't wait to hear how the Halloween Party goes for your family!!! How awesome that you were able to surprise them...that is fantastic!!!!

[seacrestpromo]

Jo, your family looks so great in their costumes! And the pic with Donald as Davy Crockett is wonderful. I have never seen him in that costume before. Fantastic installment! Sea

[Chellymouse]

What an awesome surprise for the kids! Lovin' the pics and your TR!
Can't wait for the next installment! popcorn::

[princess&her4princes]

Jo, loved the update and the kids costumes and it was nice to finally see you and Mightyman, too! What a nice looking family you have. Can't wait to hear the rest of your night!!:goodvibes

[Nancy for Disney]

Enjoying the TR. I love the pictures of CBR. When I was planning our Aug trip I didn't think a family of 5 could stay there. Do they now have the trundle bed like they have at POR? That is where we ended up staying.

[mom2npr]

Jo- I loved reading your TR so far. We are leaving on the 20th and this is just getting me more excited! I wish I had some surprises planned for the kids! I love the CBR- we've stayed there 3 times. The new pool looks neat! My kids dressed up for the Pirate and Princess party the last time we went (as pirates). I may borrrow your Pirate Code for our trip!

[Bama mom to 3]

Hey Jo! Instead of homework, I've read your trip report...LOL Now I am caught up and can start homework before DH bans be from the DIS. Great report so far. I will start mine soon (hopefully by next week).

[Chellymouse]

Hey Jo! Instead of homework, I've read your trip report...LOL Now I am caught up and can start homework before DH bans be from the DIS. Great report so far. I will start mine soon (hopefully by next week).

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:
Has your DH been talking to my DH? My DH keeps threatening to block the DIS until I have my homework done! Good luck to you on your finals! :wizard: I'm sure your semester is winding down also!

[figment fan21]

I found you JO!!!! :woohoo:

I just got all caught up! What an awesome TR so far. You had me laughing and crying already! I can't wait to read more.popcorn:: So far it sounds like you guys had an awesome trip!

[BeckWhy]

Jo... I have to say... I've been reading through your TR and admiring the beautiful kids you have... and then finally a pic of you and Daddy NoBucks... and I have so say... no wonder you guys have such great looking kids!

[JoBird]

Awwww- thanks everyone! You are all so very kind.
I am really hoping that everyone can stick around for a while to read the installments, even though it is taking a bit of time to go thru all 9 days. Because-- I think the best is the last day. We had a pretty neat thing happen to us- so I want you all to hear about it.:goodvibes

Hope everyone had an awesome weekend. I will be posting the rest of the MNSSHP night in a bit.

See you all soon-
Jo

[JoBird]

Hey Jo! Instead of homework, I've read your trip report...LOL Now I am caught up and can start homework before DH bans be from the DIS. Great report so far. I will start mine soon (hopefully by next week).
Bama!!!!!!! So glad you're here! I can't wait to read all about your trip!:goodvibes
Jo- I loved reading your TR so far. We are leaving on the 20th and this is just getting me more excited! I wish I had some surprises planned for the kids! I love the CBR- we've stayed there 3 times. The new pool looks neat! My kids dressed up for the Pirate and Princess party the last time we went (as pirates). I may borrrow your Pirate Code for our trip! Hey you! I am so excited for you with your trip still out there looming. All of the OctoNoveCember'ers are dragging in from their vacations slowly.:guilty: I'm sorry all the planning with you guys is over.:guilty:

Enjoying the TR. I love the pictures of CBR. When I was planning our Aug trip I didn't think a family of 5 could stay there. Do they now have the trundle bed like they have at POR? That is where we ended up staying.
Hi- glad you're along!:goodvibes We had to get 2 rooms- which we always do everywhere we go, even non-Disney property. I think it's a shame that families of 5 are so limited in where they can stay.
I found you JO!!!! :woohoo:

I just got all caught up! What an awesome TR so far. You had me laughing and crying already! I can't wait to read more.popcorn:: So far it sounds like you guys had an awesome trip!
Welll, Hellloooooo Miss Newly Engaged!!
Don't you have a wedding to plan or something????:hug: :hug: Can I plan it for you???? hahahahahaha-
Jo... I have to say... I've been reading through your TR and admiring the beautiful kids you have... and then finally a pic of you and Daddy NoBucks... and I have so say... no wonder you guys have such great looking kids!
Thank you so much. :goodvibes I tell ya'--- NONE of our babies were planned- they just sort of showed up :scared1: ---LOL--- but once they got here, I figured they were cute enough to keep around for about 18 years. hahahaha
Hope you'll stay with us long enough to get to know you better!

Jo

[Disneymom77]

I am lovin' your trip report so far!:thumbsup2 Can't wait to read more!!

[Need An E Ticket]

Is anyone else having difficulty seeing the pictures? I can see the ones on the first page, but every page after I get the "pictures have been moved or deleted" from photobucket in the little square.

[rusafee1183]

Yep. They're gone.... Sometimes photobucket is goofy. :confused3 Oh well, I'm still looking forward to the next installment! popcorn::

[DisneyFun08]

Awwww- thanks everyone! You are all so very kind.
I am really hoping that everyone can stick around for a while to read the installments, even though it is taking a bit of time to go thru all 9 days. Because-- I think the best is the last day. We had a pretty neat thing happen to us- so I want you all to hear about it.:goodvibes

Hope everyone had an awesome weekend. I will be posting the rest of the MNSSHP night in a bit.
See you all soon-
Jo

Hi Jo! I know life keeps us busy and the holidays are coming......but please, give us an update!:surfweb: :lmao:

[JoBird]

hey all--

I know that my TR just sort of got stuck- and there truly was a problem- I just didn't know how I wanted to proceed.

Seems that I got a very very strange post in my TR- and it really bothered me.

So- that's why all of my photos are gone- I deleted them. Sorry.

I know that everyone loves the DIS- we all sort of feel like this is one big happy family-
but i was really sort of weirded out by what happened.

So my apologies to all of you. I know I sucked ya in and then stopped all of a sudden.:goodvibes


But I think I am ready to proceed- and I am working on my MNSSHP night.

So please check back when I post again- hopefully it will be the continuation and all will be forgotten.

Hugs to everyone-:grouphug:

Jo

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Sorry that happened JO. :hug:

We look forward to more when you are ready.

[jenjolt]

hey all--

I know that my TR just sort of got stuck- and there truly was a problem- I just didn't know how I wanted to proceed.

Seems that I got a very very strange post in my TR- and it really bothered me.

So- that's why all of my photos are gone- I deleted them. Sorry.

I know that everyone loves the DIS- we all sort of feel like this is one big happy family-
but i was really sort of weirded out by what happened.

So my apologies to all of you. I know I sucked ya in and then stopped all of a sudden.:goodvibes


But I think I am ready to proceed- and I am working on my MNSSHP night.

So please check back when I post again- hopefully it will be the continuation and all will be forgotten.

Hugs to everyone-:grouphug:

Jo

You have to do whatever makes you feel comfortable Jo!! But I can't wait to hear more about your trip...

You getting ready for the big showdown that will be the SEC championship game LOL!!!

[jmamom]

I've been lurking through the trip reports and yours is one I've enjoyed. I had to post when I saw your note about being weirded out. I'm so sorry that happened to you, but I don't blame you for taking off your pics. You can't be too careful - evn though its such a shame that you have to be. I'll still enjoy your report though, pictures or not. Looking forward to the next update!:thumbsup2

[JoBird]

So- where were we before we were so rudely interrupted?
Ah yes, Cinderella’s coach at MNSSHP-

Before I begin--- I must apologize for the quality of the pictures. I had not checked my camera's manual under the heading "What settings to use in order to get the best shots in the dark."

and dark it was!

As I said- we were third in line waiting for the party to actually begin. When 7:00 on the dot occurred, they allowed the first guests to get their pic taken standing by the coach. It was really pretty. People were desperately trying to find a spot to squeeze into to hide- away from CM’s looking for the non-paying, no wrist band wearers. A few tried sneaking into the line behind us. No go. The CM’s truly were on top of their game and kicked them out of the line and ushered them toward Main Street. When we were called forward, the Photopass guy wanted to take TinkerBell’s picture alone next to the carriage. Belle was in her element, grinning and smiling the whole time. Then he took the three kids together, and then finally the whole family. They were taking their time- the line was beginning to build however.
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp212/jbelle123/Floridagame519.jpg
When we finished here, we decided to walk thru Liberty Square towards Frontierland and see what was happening there.
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp212/jbelle123/Floridagame522.jpg
By now, the crowds had thinned significantly and it looked like everything would be a walk on. All of the CM’s were dressed in their Halloween garb and telling everyone to have a fun night at the party. It was quite festive.

When we got to Frontierland the kids said they wanted to ride BTMRR- and I said yes to that but no to Splash, since I didn’t want them all soaking wet. Belle was very excited to ride BTMRR- she had remembered riding it in 2006 but she also remembered being scared of it. I had told her that if she could get thru Splash, she would be fine. We walked right thru the queue, right up to the front, and there was a train just pulling in. It was already dark and as we loaded the ride, the Villians show fireworks over the castle went off. Belle couldn’t believe that she could see the castle at night- she still talks about how pretty it was.
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp212/jbelle123/Floridagame501.jpg

As we got off- mind you- the party is soooooooooo dark- up ahead of us leaving the train was a family and their backpack was sporting a LGMH! I tried ever so hard to catch up to them to talk just a bit- but unfortunately, the crowds had gotten between us and I lost them in the dark. Shoot. Whoever you were…. Hi from the JoBird’s!

It was here that we all had a disagreement. :upsidedow Everyone wanted to do something different. Mark wanted to ride every single ride b/c they were walk on’s. The kids wanted to ride AND Trick or Treat. I wanted to see the Villians- b/c, well ya’ just don’t get to see evil up close and personal and live to tell the tale every day.:lmao:
No one wanted to concede what they wanted to do. So I gave in. The Villians that I paid a hefty amount to take a gander of? Forgotten. Gone. No pics with the Evil Queen, my twin.

I was sad, but had to take one for the team. I took one look at Mighty Good Man and realized he needed sugar and a hefty dose of it so that he wouldn’t become Mighty Grumpier Man than he was. So I said “trick or Treat trail. Now.” And the Kids were happy but Mighty Grumpy Man steamed that he didn’t pay all that money to go trick or Treating.

He thought that there was going to be lines out the wazoo- boy did he have a change of heart when he saw the handful of candy he got. There were no lines for the candy- you just found the trail, went down it and came out the other end with loot in your bag.pirate: You would have thought he was a kid again and his mission that night was to find each and every candy trail. As we loaded up on the candy, he ate. We hit the trail by the landing for Tom Sawyers Island first, and then walked by the water towards Liberty Square- and hit the trail that goes down by the Liberty Belle boat. After that one we went to the one inside Columbia Harbor House. All of this was done in under ten minutes. The bags were getting full- just my intention. By then, DH was feeling much better after his sugar rush and was on a sugar high and said “Let’s Ride”. :banana:

We headed to Toontown to ride Goofy’s Barbstormer- walk on—and then headed to Alice’s Trail in the back of the park headed towards Space Mtn.
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp212/jbelle123/Floridagame529.jpg

A lady all excited came rushing up to Mcat and asked for her autograph- and then very perplexed looked at her and said “Wait- you aren’t the REAL Alice, are you?” :confused3 We all laughed- it made MCat feel good- which is what the lady had intended- and then we saw Mr Walrus from Alice in Wonderland. Mighty Good Man was not interested in getting his picture made with him- he wanted more candy! So we stood in line for walrus while Mighty Mighty scoped out the candy.
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp212/jbelle123/Floridagame530.jpg
We got really good at approaching the CM’s handing out the candy- there would always be two lines- with two CM’s and we’d look to see whose hands were bigger, thus the bigger handfuls. LOL!!!! We’d approach and either say “Left, Left!” Or “Right, right!” Some CMs were stingy- only giving three pieces to a person- but Lordy- there were some BIG guys that were just tossing it in your bag! We happily hummed down the trail- bypassing Alice’s line for pictures as well as the Mad Hatter- we could see them any day.
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp212/jbelle123/Floridagame528.jpg
We came out behind Space and thus rode it. Wlak on. I didn’t feel like riding it- my back was hurting from carring my backpack- oh yeah- and from BTMRR! So I sat with Belle- and we looked through the bags of candy. Mighty Mighty came walzing out with the kids not 5 minutes after I left them- it was of course a walk on- and we decided to put all of the candy into one bag- remember the Halloween bag he bought me? Our little bags were filled to the brim- so we dumped them all into the big bag AND IT WAS FILLED ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP. Holy Moley!

We made Mighty Muscley Man carry it for us as we attempted to get more candy. We went thru all of the trails again and rode Pan, Pooh and then Pirates before walking to Frontierland to get a spot for the parade.

I have a spot that I love to go to for the parades in Frontierland- BUT IT WAS TAKEN-
so we went right in front of the shooting arcade and waited only a bit before the parade started. I had wanted more than anything to see the Headless Horseman on his Black stallion ride past- and so I decided I wouldn’t attempt to take any pics of the parade at all. I am so glad that I didn’t but sad at the same time. The parade was phenomenal. I can’t even tell you how awesome it was. It makes Spectro seem like a two bit parade in some one horse town. And I love Spectro!!!

The guy from the Haunted Mansion with the real bloodhound is so good- and the bloodhound was beautiful. The pirate ship was unbelievable. Barbossa was walking past, speaking to people- he reached down and took my hand and kissed it. Boy- if he didn’t look like the real deal. Captain Jack was gorgeous- the Haunted Mansion Gost dancers were eerily beautiful.
Cruella DeVille came sauntering down the street and walked up to MCat- Alice- and said in her almost drunk voice—“ Dah-Ling, You must remember to say ‘Yes Your Majesty' to the Queen"!- just as the Queen of Hearts came walking up- and MCat didn’t say anything so Cruella yells “GO ON THEN! SAY IT!” and MCat curtsied and said “Yes your Majesty.” And so the queen of Hearts shooed her with her hand and off they went. We were left with singing the “Boo to yOu” song for weeks.

After the parade- we went to the hub to sit for a minute- and wait for Hallowishes to start. There were already tons of people there- so we got a spot in the back and sat down to wait. The villains show began not long after we go there and again- the pics are not good- were so far back.
Hallowishes was good, however it doesn’t compare to my all time favorite- the plain Wishes.
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp212/jbelle123/Floridagame551.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp212/jbelle123/Floridagame549.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp212/jbelle123/Floridagame540.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp212/jbelle123/Floridagame531.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp212/jbelle123/Floridagame534.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp212/jbelle123/Floridagame569.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp212/jbelle123/Floridagame571.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp212/jbelle123/Floridagame568.jpg
Afterwards we walked onto Dumbo (It was my first time ever riding it!), walked into Adventureland to wait for my TinkerBell to see Captain Hook. Just as we got up there, Hook went for a break and we were left to talk with some Alabama fans- who commented on our Gator shirts. We waited a good 15 minutes, the longest wait of the night. As we were waiting, I was prepping Belle- saying “Hook is afraid of TinkerBell- when it’s your turn- run up there like you’re gonna get him and he’ll run.” Well, when it was her turn, Hook saw her coming and made a beeline for the side- she took off after him with her wand and they sort of played cat and mouse for a bit. It was so cute.
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp212/jbelle123/Floridagame588.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp212/jbelle123/Floridagame587.jpg

Pics- of course are blurry b/c again I never read the manual on how to do nighttime shots. I’m so dumb.


After that, it was well beyond midnight and we walked backwards, ending up leaving the park when it was rather quiet.
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp212/jbelle123/Floridagame578.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp212/jbelle123/Floridagame579.jpg

Went into the shoppes on Main Street and got Ghiradelli chocolate as we were leaving. We were back to the resort and in the bed after showers by 1 am.
And here-
is all the candy we got!!!
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp212/jbelle123/Floridagame593.jpg

Up next-
“It sounds like an infirmary in here-
who’s coughing? Who’s sneezing? And who’s throwing up?” And- no- those AREN"T the names of the dwarves!!!

[Monny2AE]

Holy Moley- that's a lot of candy! I'm adding Halloween to my list of times I would love to visit WDW!

I'm glad you are continuing your TR...I love reading it! :hug:

[mari360]

LOVE LOVE LOVE the pics Jo.... It was nice for the lady to "confuse" MCat for the real alice in wonderland. Can't wait to hear more.....

[JoBird]

You have to do whatever makes you feel comfortable Jo!! But I can't wait to hear more about your trip...

You getting ready for the big showdown that will be the SEC championship game LOL!!!Oh my gosh. We are so very ready! A reporter asked Tebow if he's given any thought that this weekend's game at the Swamp against Citadel might be his last playing at UF if he goes for the NFL draft- have you herd anything about it? He said 'no, man- I haven't even thought of it like that." so- fingers, toes, eyes, everything- crossed... that he comes back next year! It would be a travesty if he left.:rotfl2:

I've been lurking through the trip reports and yours is one I've enjoyed. I had to post when I saw your note about being weirded out. I'm so sorry that happened to you, but I don't blame you for taking off your pics. You can't be too careful - evn though its such a shame that you have to be. I'll still enjoy your report though, pictures or not. Looking forward to the next update!:thumbsup2
Hi= thanks for reading! It's really funny b/c you don't really think of the DIS on those terms- but I guess you can never be too careful.

Holy Moley- that's a lot of candy! I'm adding Halloween to my list of times I would love to visit WDW!

I'm glad you are continuing your TR...I love reading it! :hug: Thank you so much. I'm so glad you're here!:flower3: I loved going in October 2006. There were no lines for anything. This was our first MNSSHP- and thankfully I chose the right day! It was unbelievably uncrowded- so it was worth it. I would love to go back- just for the party- but never again will I go on vacation there in October again. The difference in the crowds in two years time was staggering.

LOVE LOVE LOVE the pics Jo.... It was nice for the lady to "confuse" MCat for the real alice in wonderland. Can't wait to hear more.....
Hey there Mari- how ya doin? I know- people really can make a difference in someone else's life- even for a second- and never even knew that they did. Makes me wanna be nice to everyone. Awww---:flower3:

[Tatania]

Just found this TR and was hooked with your cop story. I LOVE writers with a great sense of humour and an eye for detail. Really enjoying the report.

[princess&her4princes]

Oh no!! Everyone is getting sick?!!!!!!! :confused3 Great pics this time, even if you didn't read the manual, you got some great ones!!:goodvibes

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Afterwards we walked onto Dumbo (It was my first time ever riding it!), !!!

SERIOUSLY??? :eek:

Aren't you the one who made fun of me for never riding TOT??? :lmao: (Which BTW I did ride in May for you!!!)

Great update! :goodvibes And honestly I could care less if I ever ride Dumbo again!!! It doesn't seem to matter when I go or what time of day I go, that line is always the longest!!! :dumbo: :sad2:

[figment fan21]

hey JO! Just got all caught up! I just had my wisdom teeth removed on Friday and i'm still not feeling that great so it was nice to lay in bed and read your TR! :sick: I love the pictures... i definatly want to get to do either MNSSHP or MVMCP some day. :cloud9:
Oh and you can absolutly plan my wedding for me... i'm completely clueless on how to plan one! I need help! :laughing:
Can't wait to read more!