MICKEY & US #19. The End - Controversies and other matters.

[Poohshoney]

Carol (40, British) – dangerously Disney obsessed.
Roland (35, German) – puts up with me somehow.

Mickey – our beanie, on his first trip `home´.


STROLLERS
I've read so much about whether strollers should be used and if so, what the age limit should be so here’s our two cents. The oldest child we saw in a stroller was a mum! She and the little girl were in it, dad and the little boy were pushing. And do you know what? If there’d been room I'd have gladly joined them!
Seriously though, OUR complaint is that parents don't put their children in strollers enough - tired kiddies don't make for a good time for anyone, especially those with the shortest legs. So please parents, let the poor mites rest up a bit when they need to – no age limit!

SMOKING
I blissfully saw not a single person smoking – Roland saw loads. (He says I was usually in the loo at the time – what a surprise). And he was never in a designated area. He saw a CM politely point a lady in the direction of the smoking area but the woman just turned her back and walked off in the other direction. So the CM continued telling the husband who retorted, “Don’t tell me, I'm not the one doing it.” Then he followed his wife. Roland and I are agreed on this one – warn them once then throw them out of the park. Bet that would work!

CLEANLINESS
Roland knows nothing about Disney’s reputed slip in cleanliness so we have an objective opinion here. He actually compared the other places we went to as “Nowhere near as good as Disney, especially the toilets – they’re spotless at Disney.” So there you have it – and I agree!

CMs
They’ve got some very good people at WDW! The vast majority of CMs we came across were superb. The occasional one that wasn’t stood out only because the contrast was so great.

EARLY ENTRY & E-NIGHT
We did EE at Disneyland and didn't really enjoy it – we were too tired and cranky and most of what was open didn't interest us. I don’t think we’d have done it at WDW even if we could have. I planned carefully (understatement!) and we did everything we wanted to, no problem, especially with FP. I don’t think we needed an E-night either. And the opening hours were fine for us too. But I hope Disney isn't reading this and patting itself on the back – I think they’re doing themselves a big disfavour by scrapping these two on-site perks, as people do want them and will vote with their feet if Disney isn't careful.

ON- VERSUS OFF-SITE
Now that we’ve been stayed at WDW we’ll never do it any other way. Going back for a break and the feeling of still being `there´ are what sold us – we’re hooked!

SECURITY
What security? Oh you mean those people at the gate wasting everybody's time by pretending to search bags? I had three sections in my bag but I only ever opened up two and though some guards looked harder than others, none searched properly. The third section was in the flap that went over the other two – three security guards realised there was something there when they played with Mickey but not one of them said a word. And I could clearly see that Roland had something round his waist, under his T-shirt but they all had bad eyesight apparently. We didn’t mind being searched – we’re used to it from living in London – but it was still a bit of a farce.

SUITCASES
I have brightly coloured bows on all our suitcases – so why do so many people check to see if they’re theirs? And why doesn't everybody mark their suitcases so they can recognise them? We watched a family heave a huge black suitcase onto a trolley – a whole fifteen minutes later we watched them heave it back onto the belt again. Theirs had come along and they’d realised their mistake.

A MICKEY ON YOUR BAG
Perfect for putting a smile on people’s faces! And babies were entranced – even crying ones would stop and stare at our Mickey. Think I'll only do it at Disney though – not everyone needs to know I'm mad!

TRIP REPORTS
If you've ever written a trip report, the chances are I've read it – I love them! But it’s unlikely that yours was one of the very few I've ever replied to. I save all the reports I find and then use them as motivation (`another half hour and then you can read a trip report for being good´). As new ones come along all the time it can take me months to finally read some so I seldom post about them. So please accept this as a huge THANKYOU! And I'm going to change my ways – I'm going to reply to them even if it’s months later. So if your trip report gets a reply six months after you posted – guess who!!
And lastly (yes I've finally finished!) a huge thankyou to everyone who replied to my reports – you made all the hard work so worthwhile. I hope we `see´ each other again soon – can't be soon enough for me!
:wave:

[Ramelle]

:( But what am I going to read first thing in the morning with my coffee now that your trip reports are done???? Surely not the newspaper - it won't put a big grin on my face like you do each day!!

Seriously, I've loved your reports and you've given me many great ideas. But, who is Nancy, the Disney expert that you refer to so often? And, have you started planning your next trip?

Thanks again, Poohshoney, for all your hard work with these excellent reports.

:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[jcanary]

I have truly enjoyed your trip reports. I must say that yours is the first that I read every episode. If you have a scanner, you should post a picture of your well traveled Mickey.
I have to thank you tremedously for your specifics on the AKL. We are taking my daughter for her 16th next year and ending our 2 weeks there and I have since reading your report, requested that room, 2501. It sound perfect and I am sure 3 16 year old girls would love it, they are all animal lovers. Hope to see you back in our country soon. Thank you very much.

[Nanajo1]

Is it really over!? Oh no! :( Please tell Roland that it is important for you to return soon because so many of us will have withdrawal pains, not having your reports to read.
Thanks so much for sharing your trip in such delightful reports.
Hurry back!

[tkyes]

I too am a little disappointed your trip reports are coming to an end (I'm sure not as much as you are that your trip is over).

Thank you so much for posting your reports and putting so much detail in them.

they were so wonderful to read!!

:) Tamie

[vald1977]

:D I enjoyed your trip report very much! Hope you will get back soon! :D

[helenk]

Thank you so much for your reports, I look forward to reading about your next trip...hope it is soon.

[kathymc]

Thank you for this wonderful and entertaining report. I am also sad that it has to come to an end. Thanks for all the hard work and for sharing it with the rest of us.

Hope you get back soon!

[suevee]

I have loved your reports. You should post a link at the Adults and Solos board. My last trip to WDW was a bit of a disappointment. It was a quick 2 day trip. I was even considering changing my Feb 2003 trip, but now I am all revved up! Thank you so much!

[Sammy]

I also have to jump in to say I have never anticipated upcoming installments of a trip report more than yours! I really enjoyed reading every single day and you should be commended for your humor and wit!! Thanks so much for a great read and I hope you make it back to WDW someday.......the bagels and cream cheese will be waiting!!

Sammy

[Annie&Hallie'sMom]

You have to go back! I need more trip reports. Of course I'd rather write my own, but since that's not happening for an eon or two, I'll have to make sure that you go again and read yours! (did that make any sense?)

Your reports were wonderful. THank you so much for sharing!

[jennymouse]

I'm going to really miss reading your trip reports...like you, I love them too. Especially well written and humorus ones likes yours. I'm so glad you had a wonderful trip and hope you get back real soon....Ya'll come back now, ya here! :D

Look for my trip reports the first week of November when three generations of wild and crazy Goodman girls go to WDW! :wave:

[bobcat]

It's been a joy to read you reports. I'll think of you every time I eat my bagels in the morning. ;)

[Pumbaa_]

BUt it made me feel like i was there!!!;)

Thank you so much for taking the time to write all that you did. It is still 3 1/2 months until we go back and reading your posts helped! You did a wonderful job, and really made me feel as if I was there. Thanks so much for the posting and sharing your memories with all of us!:jester:

[Tinkbell]

Wonderful, wonderful job! I'm amazed at all the details you could recall. Did you keep a detailed journal? I too will think of you when I enjoy a good bagel.:D If you can post pictures, I will BEG you to do so.:) I feel like I know you and Roland. Thanks again.

[Poohshoney]

Wow –what can I say? Thanks and more thanks for all your wonderful comments – you’ve made me so happy!

So what did you do this morning Ramelle? I met Nancy via RADP. She was at POR the when they reopened the mansions and I wrote and asked her about it – we haven’t looked back since! She’s a very special lady – and she’s Disney mad too!
I do have a scanner jcanary and I have a lovely photo of the boys (I had to show my aunty what they looked like, didn’t I!) but posting it is way beyond my capabilities, sorry. I don’t think requesting a specific room number will work – instead I'd go for listing your requirements in order of importance. For me that would be – an Arusha Rock savannah, second floor, somewhere in the middle. If you could get all that I think you’d have a fantastic view!
Thanks for all your support Nanajo – Keep your fingers crossed for some March discounts!
One good thing about writing such long detailed reports Tamie is that reliving the memories meant the holiday didn’t really seem over. I'm going to sort the photos next – slowly!
Vald1977 & helenk – me too (and three)!
kathymc – I'd do all that hard work again at the drop of a hat – hopefully I'll be able to!
I don’t know how to do links suevee but I'll post there if you think it’s a good idea. I'm so sorry your trip was a disappointment – what happened? I'm pleased you’re looking forward to the next one though – don’t forget to write a trip report!
Hey sammy – I wish Disney’d commend me! I'm not fussy – a free trip to WDW will do me nicely. Bagels and cream cheese… happy memories!
AnnieandHalliesmom – no upcoming trip planned? That’s too sad…
Will do jennymouse! That’s a great title – The Crazy Goodman Girls Go Wild at Disney!
Thanks bobcat – I like the plain, sesame, onion and blueberry ones best. I hate cinnamon ones!
Thanks Pumba – that’s a huge compliment! I'll think of you in 3 months time – and start looking for your report!
Thanks for all your posts, Tinkerbell! I'm sure I'll get to ride in the front of the monorail one day – especially as Roland now understands! As to making notes, well… I planned to make notes as we went along. That lasted till the end of day 1. Then I thought I'd do them in the evenings. That lasted till the end of day 2! When we got back home we sat down with our park maps and talked our way through each day and it was wonderful! It made the holiday a bit longer. I couldn’t have done it as well without Roland though as we remembered different details and aspects. By the way, I bet I'm not nearly as nice as you think I am! Roland is though – he’s lovely!!!






:wave:

[suevee]

Here is a link to a post I made describing my trip. Perhaps it was a disappointment because our previous trips had been so wonderful! Also maybe I am not ready to do short trips yet. I think you need a different mindset for a short trip. More relaxed than I am capable of at this time.:rolleyes:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=209992


Again thanks for your report! I am sure my next trip will be better!!!!

[Poohshoney]

I’ve just had a read suevee – how awful! As you know, we didn’t take to the CR when we saw it but the décor isn't what makes a hotel anyway. The staff and the cleanliness are absolutely paramount! I've read so many bad posts about the CR recently, especially about the way they treat the military. If it keeps on people will vote with their feet - let’s hope Disney doesn’t let things slide that far!
We didn’t see any rude monorail staff but we only saw one nice one – the rest were totally indifferent to everyone but didn’t quite make it to rude. I remember wondering if they were external employees.
So where are you staying in February? I'm so excited for you!
:wave:

[Meriweather]

:wave:
Hi Ramelle,
I'm Nancy, glad to meet you!
I'm NOT the Disney expert that Carol made me out to be!!
I had just got back from a trip when we "met" so everything was fresh in my mind :-)

I think we should all get a petition and tell Roland they need to go back before their APs run out!!

[SamanthaL]

Tell Roland it is against the law to only use AP's once. If you own one you MUST go twice at least! Hopefully you have another trip in the works? Did you get to visit the Boardwalk area at all? this is the funniest trip report I have ever read. I tried to compare myself to some of the parents you commented on. I hope I come across as the Mom in the restroom who treated her child with respect, because that is definately how I feel! Hope all is well!
Hi Nancy- you sound like your full of helpful WDW info.;)

[suevee]

Hi

We will be staying at the CR again because price and location can't be beat! We will get 10 nights for $740. Also like I posted before a two day run might not have been a fair shot. Our Feb stay will determine whether we return in June to CR or wait till Oct when SoG will be reopened. We plan to buy AP's. So with the APs and Sog rates - two trips to WDW cost the same as one trip to the beach in Bethany, Delaware. I prefer WDW to the beach.:)

[yepod]

First let me thank you for your great reports;)
They were some of the very best I've read on this board (& like you, I've read alot);)

I'm expecting you now to go back to mine (somewhere in April) from when we went in December;) ;) ;) ;)

I totally agree with your comments about trip reports. I've read them since before I was a veteran of the boards and promised myself I'd always post a response (even if it's just a thankyou) because after posting my own & getting a precious few responses, I realized it's important to respond to peoples reports.

If you are going to take the time to share with us, then we should make the time to respond to you;)

OK, so we've met Meriweather/Nancy (Hi;)), but what is RADP?

And my only objection to your reports at all was your comment about us changing to Celcius:p :p What you expect us lazy Americans to adjust to a system that makes sense:confused: ;)
Powers of ten? What's that? Not like our money system is based on that;) Next thing you know PH, you'll want us to change to metric..................again a simpler powers of ten system, how absurd;) ;)

I too hope you will be coming back & reporting soon:D

Can't you just start posting stories about home on the Community board:confused: :)

Thanks:D :D :D

[MadamG2U]

I truely enjoy your report. Spent my days reading each one. And I to was sadden to see it end. I felt like I was experiencing each moment with both of you. Cant wait for July to come to begin my adventure.

[Meriweather]

:wave:
Hi yepod
RADP is a newsgroup....rec.arts.disney.parks

:-D

[DisneyVirginia]

Poohshoney,

Wonderful travelogue!! I think I speak for most all your readers when I say I feel as if I had been there with you. I feel as if we know you and Roland, the patient and dear man.

I agree with the previous post that it's a waste not to get at least two trips from an AP. You are about $800 to the good already on your next trip, if you resolve that it's just too tempting an opportunity to pass up. You have a lot of friends on the boards here who would remain keenly interested in giving you all the latest tips and hints to make best use of your euros and pounds and dollars to have another fabulous vacation.

Thank you for the most interesting trip report I've ever read!!

DisneyVirginia

[Poohshoney]

Roland says how about a whip-round instead of a petition?!
Samantha we did do the Boardwalk but only briefly and I was SO tired at the time. That was where the bagel and cream cheese obsession started! I'm sure you’re more like the AKL mum – you wouldn’t be wondering about it if you were the other kind of mum!
I'll be thinking about you in Feb suevee, with all fingers crossed that everything’s perfect this time.
Thanks a lot yepod and will do! As Nancy said (told you all she knows everything!) RADP is a newsgroup. Don’t tell them but I like the Dis better. Stories from home on the CB – that put a huge grin on my face!
Thankyou madam (that was fun to type!) and don’t forget your trip report – us addicts need our fix!
Virginia – thanks so much! The bit about the euros, pounds and dollars made me laugh (and don’t forget the marks – just because the government’s scrapped them doesn’t stop us thinking in them). I used all of those when planning the trip and if you translate things into enough currencies often enough you’d be amazed how much cheaper you can eventually make them sound! Hope your boys had a great holiday. I think their train journey might be the one along the Rhine. I hope so as it’s so pretty! Can they write a trip report – that’s one I'd LOVE to read?!




:wave:

[suevee]

Thank you for your good wishes. If you and Roland ever decide to check out the DC-Baltimore area give me a shout!

[SamanthaL]

Hey Poohshoney. I just found out who the Mum was that was riding in the stroller while the kids walked. I read a trip report by DixieAmos, and she describes MANY occassions where she rides and the kids walked. Just between you and me TONS of other things happen as well. Maybe this was HER!!;)

[Deb8821]

I loved to read your reports. I know it takes an enormous amount of effort and thought to write great detailed reports. Yours were just terrific to read. Thanks so much for posting. I cant wait for your to return on your next trip!!! Thanks again

[Poohshoney]

Thankyou suevee, that is so sweet of you. I dream of touring America so you never know!
That’s funny Samantha – I wonder if it was her!
Thanks Deb8821 – I can’t wait to return – I just don't know when that will be… sigh. You’re right, it was a lot of work but the rewards made it so worthwhile. Our holiday seemed longer, we’ve got a record that will help keep the memories alive and the kind comments have made my day/week/month/year!

:wave:

[dznyfan40]

Thank you so much for your terrific trip reports...just the ticket to get my family excited for our upcoming trip. I especially loved your people watching stories.

I'm looking forward to your next trip, so we can all share in it!

Bravo,

Beth

[cshaffer21]

Thank you so much for your wonderful report. It took me 3 days to read them all [I don't get much time on the computer]. We're going through withdrawl, we've been to WDW 2 years in a row and don't plan on making the trip this year, so it was great to relive your trip with you. Thanks again.

[Poohshoney]

Thanks Beth – I LOVE people watching! Best entertainment there is and it’s free!
Thanks cshaffer21 – I hope we both get back soon!

:wave:

[WDW Poly Princess]

I just finished reading your report, it was great! I'm sad its over!

[luvmy2sams]

I've just finished reading your entire trip report in one sitting. Never mind that I should have been asleep hours ago! Wonderfully well-written and entertaining. Thanks for sharing your trip with us! :D

[Poohshoney]

Thanks to you both for your kind comments - they're much appreciated.
Me too Crystal! It was a truly wonderful time.
Wow Angela - that's a lot of reading! Hope you're not too tired today!:wave:

[idors8]

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed reading your trip reports! So much detail! I felt like I was there. I am going to put the word "strop" into my vocabulary! I laughed so much at that one. Have you ever thought of becoming a travel writer! Thanks so much for a great read!

[Poohshoney]

You're welcome Idors8! I'm a struggling writer - I hope to be a published one one day! But the big question is - are you just going to add strop to your vocabulary or are you going to indulge in one as well?! :wave:

[the Legend]

Better late than never!

Just read the whole series .... well I didnt 'read' it .... I loaded it into my Speech program and had it read it back to me ....

I remember your previous TR because it was around the time I last visited. Its amazing how you take all the lessons from the first and apply it to the second. My second trip to WDW was the best ever and my third in September will set out to do what you did ... park and resort hopping ....

It was great to read your series. I hope you can make it again in the future if only for your adoring fans on the DIS .... ;-)

[Poohshoney]

Ok Legend - you've got me cofused! I know, I know, such an easy thing to do! I haven't written a trip report before. This was my first trip to WDW and I didn't know about the Dis with either Disneyland. I wonder who you've got me confused with - let me know if you ever find out! But the big question has to be - what accent did I have with your Speech program? Did it capture my whole Mary syndrome? Thanks for making me smíle!
On a sidenote - have you joined the postcard exchange on the Community Board? Nutsy's desperately looking for non-Americans and the more the merrier anyway!:wave:

[Alice Sr.]

We just finished your TR (my DD & myself) and we too have some new favorite vocab "nip to the loo" :) we loved your report. I'm just so sorry I didn't see it before, as we had an exchange student all year from Nuremberg, Germany. We took him to WDW with us in October 2001. I'm sure he would of enjoyed your reports. He's just gone home (July 5th). I'm thinking he's from your area as he also flew into Frankfurt. It's a "small world" after all. (Sorry I couldn't resist) His sister was Christkind (sp?) for the Christmas market in Nuremburg, we have a German Christmas market in Chicago every year so she flew here to officially open it at the tree lighting in Daily Center. She came to stay with us for a couple of days before she went back and it is such a great memory. They would like for us to come see them some time so who knows maybe we'll be in your area someday!

Thanks again for the wonderful report and say Hi to Roland, Mickey and Moose.

Alice

PS. I got the world famous "Nancy" for my postcard exchange:Pinkbounc

[the Legend]

Originally posted by Poohshoney
Ok Legend - you've got me cofused! I know, I know, such an easy thing to do! I haven't written a trip report before. This was my first trip to WDW and I didn't know about the Dis with either Disneyland. I wonder who you've got me confused with - let me know if you ever find out! But the big question has to be - what accent did I have with your Speech program? Did it capture my whole Mary syndrome? Thanks for making me smíle!
On a sidenote - have you joined the postcard exchange on the Community Board? Nutsy's desperately looking for non-Americans and the more the merrier anyway!:wave:
You're right! I got you confused with Buzz and Woodys TR which I was also reading. Apologies.

As for my speech program, funnily enough, it read your story using the best voice available ... Microsoft Mary lol :D

Anyway, thanks for sharing your trip with us ... suppose I better go a see what I wrote at the conclusion of Buzz and Woodys TR (oops)

Postcard exchange? No first Ive heard of it. May have to check that out. Thanks for the pointer.

[Meriweather]

Originally posted by Alice Sr.

Alice

PS. I got the world famous "Nancy" for my postcard exchange:Pinkbounc

Cool!!

[Poohshoney]

I second that Alice - you couldn't have got a nicer person! Shame I missed the student - hope he liked WDW. Nuremberg's lovely - I went to the Christmas market one. It was like MK on New Year's Eve but very pretty and I hope you get to see it sometime - do let me know!
Aaah Legend - that explains it. A lovely TR to be confused with though!
:wave:

[dandave]

Still reading... :D

[Poohshoney]

Thanks for all the nice things you said, dandave! They were such fun to write - and live!
Have a Disney day!! :wave: