There's an App for That! iDisney, July-Aug 2009. New 12/3: DONE! [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

PrincessV

08-11-2009, 10:48 AM

App of the day: Weather Channel.
With which to assess pool visiting potential. I can get an hourly forecast as well as view a current radar map. My AccuV forecasts are hotter than ever.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2471/3813965481_ff72c37656.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3524/3813965691_179696165d.jpg

The thunder just started crashing outside my windows.

Which mentally brought me right back to Disney World. Heh heh.

So I decided to get this report started. Our journey began on July 30, on which day Leo and I pointed the car East and made our way toward Orlando. We live in the Tampa Bay area, about an hour and a half from the Magic. Our location is convenient insofar as we’re nearer the Mouse than most… but it reeks of inconvenience when timing arrivals and departures. See, our traffic issues are so bad, they usually make the Top 10 Worst lists every year. So I absolutely wasn’t leaving too early – don’t want to get caught in Tampa’s rush hour, which begins at 6am – nor was I leaving too late – don’t want to get caught in the Orlando-Tampa rush hour on I-4, which begins at 2pm. Leo and I hit the road at a nice 8:30am, stopping for gas on the way.

Which makes for a pretty funny story. I Twittered this, but didn’t provide the back story. Leo likes to know what’s happening in his world, so I make a concerted effort to explain what’s going to happen and in what order. After several repetitions of “we’ll stop for gas and then go to Disney,” Leo whips out with: “So gas and Disney, right Mommy? Gas and Disney, gas and Disney, Gas and Disney…”

And I thought, y’know, “gas and Disney” really do go together! A Tom Jones tune happened to be playing at the time and I thought “Gas and Disney… go together like… Tom Jones and panties!”

:rotfl:

Right. Well, it seemed funny at the time.

Anyway, the drive was uneventful and we arrived at the Caribbean Beach Resort (CBR) without issue. I’d done the online check-in and was curious to see if any of my requests were met and/or if a room was ready for us…

Yes, on both counts! A top floor room in Jamaica was ready and waiting for us. Score!

We headed on over and took a little time to put things away and move in.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2550/3798987353_274d7d001c.jpg
Hey, where’d that Nemo theme go?!

The sun was shining and Leo was anxious to get to the pool, but I, the Mean Momma, made him eat lunch first. I have to say, I always enjoy meals at the CBR food court. It’s not fancy, but it’s consistently offered good quality and service. No let-downs this time – I enjoyed my chicken Caesar salad and Leo liked whatever it was he had. Seriously – I’ve lost track of what he ate when. We all know the choices: hot dogs, pizza, nuggets, burger. Just assume one of those for each meal.

Post-lunch, we booked on over to the splash pool, a so-very-cool pirate-themed little slide-y area that Leo adores!

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Leo conquered his first pool slide of the trip: the tube one in the splash pool. Way to go Leo!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2618/3800971255_c3973e07e8.jpg

Me? I lounged. On a lounge chair. I snapped a few photos, Twittered a few random thoughts and tried to relax. The first day of vacation is always hard for me. After spending so much time and effort planning a trip, it’s a challenge to unwind and just let things flow, y’know? But that lounging time was just what I needed, and by the time Leo was ready to move on, I was all sorts of relaxed.

But that wouldn’t last long.

Leo was feeling brave and wanted to try… the big pool slide! Not the big slide at the pool, mind you, but the big pool’s smaller slide. Still, it was bigger than the splash pool’s slide, so it was progress.

What I didn’t realize going in was that this would turn out to be quite a workout for me. First, I had to help Leo get across the pool, form the zero-depth entry to the side where the slide is, because half of it was over his head. While he’s a decent swimmer, he’s not so good at distance, and that was a pretty far stretch. Then, I headed over to stand in front of the slide and wait for him. Turns out, that area’s over my head. With Leo already out of sight and potentially coming down the slide at any moment, I couldn’t leave, so I began treading water.

And I treaded.

And I treaded.

And I treaded.

Still no Leo and I was tiring quickly! I swam back over to where I could see the stairs… and there he was, waiting to see me before sliding. Thumbs up were given back and forth thrice and he headed toward the slide opening, while I swam back and treaded some more.

And then…

HE DID IT!!!

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My baby boy finally made it down a big, scary water slide and swam out without drowning! It was a happy day for us both. :banana:

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We continued this little dance several more times before I figured something out: the water got a lot shallower just to the right of the slide and I could stand without treading water there. PHEW! Much less exhausting, but I’m glad I got that exercise in. You’ll find out why later. ;)

Just as we’d settled into a nice routine, Leo swam over to me and announced, “I want to go to the hotel room. Now.” Apparently his little toes were hurting from the pool bottom and, since he refuses to wear water shoes – “They’ll get WET Mommy!” :rolleyes: – it was time to get out. Grrr. Mommy was enjoying the cool water, gosh-darn-it!

And let’s be honest here; CBR ain’t the Contemporary. I like CBR a lot, but it’s not a place for spending long amounts of time in the room. I especially dislike the wall unit air conditioners, which smell mildewy and make the room damp if not turned down to a crisp 60 degrees. But the boy was tired, so off we went.

Leo watched a movie on my laptop while I took a shower and straightened things up around the room.

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I had a hard time settling down. Partly because it was still Day 1, which is always a time of transition from work mode to vacation mode. But also because I was waiting. Waiting for a special moment. Waiting for that magical time when my phone would ring and I’d hear…

“V – WE’RE HERE!!!” :yay::yay::yay:

Next: “Is that thunder? Must be dinner time.”

askelton

08-11-2009, 10:58 AM

Way to go Leo! :woohoo: He'll be on ToT in no time. ;)

Disneyland_Mama

08-11-2009, 11:10 AM

App of the day: Weather Channel.
With which to assess pool visiting potential. I can get see an hourly forecast as well as view a current radar map. My AccuV forecasts are hotter than ever.
Ok, I LOVE this! :lmao:

Which makes for a pretty funny story. I Twittered this, but didn’t provide the back story. Leo likes to know what’s happening in his world, so I make a concerted effort to explain what’s going to happen and in what order. After several repetitions of “we’ll stop for gas and then go to Disney,” Leo whips out with: “So gas and Disney, right Mommy? Gas and Disney, gas and Disney, Gas and Disney…”
Gas and Disney DO go together. Throw constipation into that mix and you've nailed my vacation. :rotfl2:

The sun was shining and Leo was anxious to get to the pool, but I, the Mean Momma, made him eat lunch first. I have to say, I always enjoy meals at the CBR food court. It’s not fancy, but it’s consistently offered good quality and service. No let-downs this time – I enjoyed my chicken Caesar salad and Leo liked whatever it was he had. Seriously – I’ve lost track of what he ate when. We all know the choices: hot dogs, pizza, nuggets, burger. Just assume one of those for each meal.
Seriously! Disney reeeeeally needs to make more choices for kids. Another reason why I will never to the DDP.

[SIZE=3]
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2533/3801786808_cd73a9646f.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2555/3801789054_bd2351b783.jpg

It's official... we're staying here on our arrival day next year. ::yes::

[SIZE=3] With Leo already out of sight and potentially coming down the slide at any moment, I couldn’t leave, so I began treading water.

And I treaded.

And I treaded.

And I treaded.

Still no Leo and I was tiring quickly!
Shades of Boardwalk scary clown pool? :laughing:

[SIZE=3]

HE DID IT!!!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3546/3808995123_8b996faf1f.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2500/3808995505_f95007da64.jpg

My baby boy finally made it down a big, scary water slide and swam out without drowning! It was a happy day for us both. :banana:

:banana::yay: Awesome!

[SIZE=3]
Next: “Is that thunder? Must be dinner time.”

Sad, but true. :sad2:

Awesome start, V! :thumbsup2

jess98ac

08-11-2009, 11:26 AM

Great start so far!! I can't believe how big Leo is getting!!

aprilisis

08-11-2009, 11:37 AM

MickeyisBeast

08-11-2009, 11:45 AM

I'm in :]
I'm really enjoying it! Can't wait for more!

Lauralee131

08-11-2009, 11:54 AM

Darn it - I have to get back to work already so I'm marking my spot! I'll be back later!

LMAO at the AccuV...you know how I love my AccuV forecasts! I can't travel without 'em!!:hug:
Back later!! Off to a great start!!:thumbsup2

KatGarcia

08-11-2009, 11:57 AM

Go Leo!!! Nice work on the slide! I am very much looking fwd to putting all your tweets into context!

PrincessPeanut

08-11-2009, 01:27 PM

I'm in! :thumbsup2

What a great start! The pool at CBR looks awesome. I'm looking forward to more.

sharkB8HooHaHa

08-11-2009, 02:42 PM

So...what's with you and Tom Jones lately?

;):hug:

LouDisney

08-11-2009, 07:57 PM

Great start, V!

1Princess1Prince2006

08-11-2009, 08:07 PM

Great start V! WTG Leo for conquering the slide and that pool looks awesome!

cmp1111

08-11-2009, 08:38 PM

WOOHOO, LEO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :cool1:

I am addicted to my Weather Channel app. Most helpful when on the boat. I may or may not be totally annoying to fellow boat-goers, saying, "I can check that!" :rolleyes1
:rotfl:

Hmm... Exercise? Did you forgo the Active-on-the-go workouts? ;) Or was the food just that good?

Lauralee131

08-12-2009, 03:53 AM

I'm so proud of Leo!! Way to go little man! See much my little buddy has grown!? Makes my heart swell!

Ok, I told T - there's gotta be a rule...no new updates while I'm at work! I can't really DIS at work...:sad2:

And ahhhh...my AccuV forecasts...can't live without 'em...

I need an iPhone...

Must...

Get...

an....

iPhone....

Trying to be strong...

PrincessV

08-12-2009, 08:13 AM

Way to go Leo! :woohoo: He'll be on ToT in no time.
So you'd think... :rolleyes1

Gas and Disney DO go together. Throw constipation into that mix and you've nailed my vacation.
:lmao::lmao::lmao:
Seriously! Disney reeeeeally needs to make more choices for kids. Another reason why I will never to the DDP.
No joke - it's ridiculous! There'll be more raging on that subject in upcoming installments...
It's official... we're staying here on our arrival day next year.
The kids will LOVE the pool! :thumbsup2
Shades of Boardwalk scary clown pool?
Nope, we haven't done that one. But right on with the Dragon pool at POFQ. :rolleyes:

Great start so far!! I can't believe how big Leo is getting!!
Thanks! Funny thing is, Leo's grown all of 1" since last summer - he's a little guy. But he's definitely maturing!

I'm loving this report!!! Thanks!
Thank you! :goodvibes

I'm in :]
I'm really enjoying it! Can't wait for more!
Welcome, and thanks! :)

LMAO at the AccuV...you know how I love my AccuV forecasts!
::yes::

I am very much looking fwd to putting all your tweets into context!
Cant' make any guarantees there - who knows what I was rambling about half the time, lol!

What a great start! The pool at CBR looks awesome.
Thanks! That pool is definitely one of our faves. :thumbsup2

So...what's with you and Tom Jones lately?
Dude, I LOVE Tom Jones! And he kept popping up in my Shuffle last week. :lovestruc

Great start, V!
Thanks! :)

WTG Leo for conquering the slide and that pool looks awesome!
I was soooo proud of him! :hug:

I am addicted to my Weather Channel app. Most helpful when on the boat. I may or may not be totally annoying to fellow boat-goers, saying, "I can check that!"
BWAHAHAHA, just wait and read T's and LL's reports - I can relate! ;)
Hmm... Exercise? Did you forgo the Active-on-the-go workouts? ;) Or was the food just that good?
Wait and see! ;)

I'm so proud of Leo!! Way to go little man! See much my little buddy has grown!? Makes my heart swell!
I KNEW you'd be so very excited for him! :goodvibes
Ok, I told T - there's gotta be a rule...no new updates while I'm at work! I can't really DIS at work...:sad2:
But work's the faster connection - if I post at home, it takes eternity! :guilty:
I need an iPhone...

Must...

Get...

an....

iPhone....
Is this my window of enabling-tunity? :rolleyes1

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

FYI - I went back and added pics of the App of the day, in case anyone's interested.

praisehisname

08-12-2009, 01:26 PM

Leo has gotten so big; but he's just as cute as ever! Great start to the report. I can't wait to hear about dinner!

Denise

DisneyJo

08-12-2009, 02:15 PM

Wow V that app looks fantastic, just what any OCD planner needs :rotfl:

Leo does look older and wooohooo on conquering the pool slides and good work out for you too :rotfl2:

micandminforever

08-12-2009, 09:22 PM

Great start and hurrah for Leo and the slide.

kmartin555

08-12-2009, 09:44 PM

Great start! Can't wait to hear more! :)

verygfy

08-13-2009, 07:07 AM

I am so excited about reading this TR, I enjoyed your PTR so much, I can't wait to see how this trip turned out...

Sleeping*Beauty

08-13-2009, 01:44 PM

Yay! another PrincessV trip report. I saw the title first and I said oh that sounds interesting, then I saw who it was written by and knew it would be amazing.

PrincessV

08-14-2009, 08:17 AM

Leo has gotten so big; but he's just as cute as ever! Great start to the report. I can't wait to hear about dinner!

Thanks Denise! I still can't believe he's 7!

Wow V that app looks fantastic, just what any OCD planner needs
::yes:: Just wait - they get even better! :rotfl:

Great start and hurrah for Leo and the slide.
Thanks - he was soooo proud of himself!

Great start! Can't wait to hear more! :)
Thank you! :goodvibes

I am so excited about reading this TR, I enjoyed your PTR so much, I can't wait to see how this trip turned out...
Thanks! It'll be interesting, that's for sure! ;)

Yay! another PrincessV trip report. I saw the title first and I said oh that sounds interesting, then I saw who it was written by and knew it would be amazing.
Goodness, you're making me blush! :blush: Thanks so much!

PrincessV

08-14-2009, 10:15 AM

App of the day: Calculator
With which I could have quickly and accurately calculated how much more I needed to add to the autmotaic 18% gratuity with a Tables in Wonderland discount to leave a full 20%. Could have used. But didn't. Ask anyone with whom I shared a meal.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2505/3820028121_1bb5e16698.jpg

No sooner did I get back from our WDW trip, and I’m gearing up for Week 2 of our summer vacation, this time heading up north. Which means I’ll be absent from the DIS for another week+. So I thought and extra installment might be in order this week.

Don’t get your hopes up. This twice-weekly gig isn’t likely to continue. ;)

So it’s still Day 1 and Leo and I were hanging in our somewhat damp CBR room, waiting… At some point, I decided we really needed to go do something and we headed to the gift shop to buy some things for a certain birthday boy we’d soon be seeing.

I’d requested a room in the Jamaica section with the thought that Jamaica was close enough to Old Port Royale (OPR), which houses the themed pools and food options, to walk in nice weather, but I could always drive if it was stormy. The sun was still shining, so we walked.

To get from Jamaica to OPR, you cross over an island full of windy paths and pretty vegetation. I’ll admit though: it’s prettier in spring or fall, when things are blooming more.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2661/3798973521_8cef858539.jpg

Along the way, my phone rang and I got the message for which we’d been waiting…

LAURALEE AND MICHAEL HAD ARRIVED!!! :woohoo::banana::yay:

They, too, were spending the first three nights at CBR. Tony, LL’s husband, would arrive the next day, so it was just us glas and our little guys for an evening. We had all sorts of great plans – a little dip in the pool, a couple drinks poolside while the boys played, a lovely dinner eaten outdoors in a beautiful sunset…

And then the thunder struck.

Ah yes, in fine summer tradition, the storms moved in just in time for dinner. On a ranch, a bell rings the call to the table. In Florida, the thunder does that job. :rolleyes:

LL and Michael found us in the gift shop and many hugs were given all around. I think it’s sort of a testament to our level of friendship that when LL and I reunite, it’s like we never left off from the last visit; “Hi V!” “Hi LL!” “How’s the hotel?” “Fine. How was the drive?” “Okay.” “Ready to eat?”

:rotfl:

Nah, there was plenty of catching up on things while we all shopped the aisles, but it really is always like reconnecting with your friend next door – none of that awkward, ‘do I still know this person?’ stuff. And ditto that for Leo and Michael, who were getting into all sorts of mischief together once more. :goodvibes

All of this was well and good, except that it was monsooning outside and all of our Day 1 plans involved outdoor pursuits. Remember how I was looking for some new things to do on this trip? Well, New Thing #1 came right then and there.

The game arcade was conveniently located next to the gift shop – indoors! – so we steered the boys that way and let them try a whole mess o’ stuff.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3465/3798975209_8a867b6663.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2633/3799793926_0b1cab0e07.jpg
Look – it’s the Tomorrowland Speedway in a box! “Wheee – BANG! – Wheee – BANG! – Wheee – BANG!”

And remember how I worried that Leo might struggle with the games?

Yeah, he definitely sucks. I don’t mean that meanly – it’s the honest truth.

But…

He had so much fun anyway! And I’ll admit that I did, too. In a remote corner of the arcade, I found me a Space Invaders. That’s vintage, baby. TFI, I’m still lousy. Like mother like son. ;)

After blowing some time and money in the arcade, we decided on an early dinner. Yes, the monsoon showed no sign of abating, so all pool and playground activities were grounded until further notice.

Question – why is that every time it rains and we’re together at WDW, we feel the need for table service???

Somehow, we bypassed the counter service selections completely and found ourselves asking for a table at Shutters. Which was readily available. Yet, I was given a buzzy thingy… that promptly started buzzing after I took 3 steps away from the podium. Apparently it’s “policy” to issue a buzzy thingy.

:confused3

Anyway, it’s time to give you a little family history. My maternal family has some issues. Okay, a whole buncha issues. But I’m only talking about one for now. I come from a long line of people with low blood sugar problems. My great-grandmother, grandmother and mother all battled it, as do I. And so does Leo.

Basically, our blood sugar drops very fast when not properly fueled by food intake. This results in an overabundance of naturally-produced insulin. It’s basically insulin shock, as diabetics can suffer if they take in too much insulin. It can totally be kept in check by ensuring we eat when hungry, keep a good balance between carbs and proteins, and avoid refined sugars as much as possible.

I’ll admit right here, I frequently fail my boy in this regard when we’re at WDW. He’s too busy to want to stop and eat healthy snacks, and I stupidly fall for his “No thanks, I’m not hungry” and let him skip snack times.

Which is just what happened on Day 1. He’d had some Goldfish with his movie, but that was much earlier and utterly lacking any protein. So by the time we sat down for dinner, his blood sugar was way, way low.

Wondering what happens when Leo’s blood sugar drops? It’s ugly. U-G-L-Y, you ain’t got no alibi, UGLY. (NO Wildcats) LL and I asked both boys to put their spinny Mickey lollipops away when we sat down. Which Michael did quickly and without drama.

Leo… freaked out. He was MAD. And he let every one of us – including our very nice server – know it. I wasn’t having any of that and threatened all sorts of punishments if he didn’t knock off with the horrid behavior immediately.

I should really know better given that I suffer in the same way, but it took a while before I figured out what he needed was food. Once he’d gotten some carbs in to soak up some of that insulin, he did a complete turn-around and we enjoyed the rest of our dinner.

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Two boys, one dessert. No limbs were lost in this feat.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2622/3799797272_db173c436f.jpg
Hmmm, challenged by the presence of TWO cameras? We need to work on that.

In the middle of all this drama, the rest of us had a really, really nice meal. I wanted something light and went with a bowl of Chorizo-Black Bean soup with a salad. The soup was very good… which is saying something since I live in an area heavily populated with Cuban-Americans; I KNOW good black bean soup. :snooty: This wasn’t quite as good as what I can get locally, but very close. The salad was yummy, but needed something… cheese. A little sprinkle of gorgonzola would have made it perfect. This situation was to be repeated, FYI.

Also, I tried a new drink: an Agave nectar margarita.

O.
M.
G.

It was like a party in my glass! I like margaritas in general, but hate anything sweet. This was absolutely, perfectly sour without the overwhelming taste of sour mix. It tasted like it was made with real lime juice. DE-LISH!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2631/3798981993_3ed1a91fb7.jpg
Agave nectar makes V happy.

After dinner, we were all pretty beat. Leo and I helped our friends get some breakfast items for the next morning and we said goodnight before walking back to Jamaica. We’d all be together again bright and early the next morning.

Next: The Pilot loses control

2xcited2sleep

08-14-2009, 11:23 AM

Well first of all, so happy to see the updates begin! :goodvibes

Second of all, I MUST get myself an i-phone. Except I get a blackberry from work and I don't *need* another phone. Can you get the same apps on an ipod touch? And most importantly can I tweet from the parks on an ipod touch? Because I really enjoyed your tweets. :)

Yeah for Leo being so brave on the slide! That pool with all the pirate stuff looks great!! pirate:

OK Shutters was never ever on my radar but the soup and the margarita sound delish! :thumbsup2

I know just what you mean about DIS friends... aren't they the bestest? :upsidedow

Have fun on your trip up North! :goodvibes

micandminforever

08-14-2009, 11:30 AM

Sorry the rain changed your outside plans, but it sounds like fun was still had by all.

Disneyland_Mama

08-14-2009, 11:46 AM

[CENTER]App of the day: Calculator
With which I could have quickly and accurately calculated how much more I needed to add to the autmotaic 18% gratuity with a Tables in Wonderland discount to leave a full 20%. Could have used. But didn't. Ask anyone with whom I shared a meal.

Dude, I completely forgot to buy my TIW card! D'oh! :headache:

To get from Jamaica to OPR, you cross over an island full of windy paths and pretty vegetation. I’ll admit though: it’s prettier in spring or fall, when things are blooming more.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2661/3798973521_8cef858539.jpg

Ooh ... it's pretty! And what a handsome guy!

Along the way, my phone rang and I got the message for which we’d been waiting…

LAURALEE AND MICHAEL HAD ARRIVED!!! :woohoo::banana::yay:
:yay: Did you guys break out in song with the Muppets "Together Again!" :lmao:

Ah yes, in fine summer tradition, the storms moved in just in time for dinner. On a ranch, a bell rings the call to the table. In Florida, the thunder does that job. :rolleyes:
:laughing: So freakin' true!

Nah, there was plenty of catching up on things while we all shopped the aisles, but it really is always like reconnecting with your friend next door – none of that awkward, ‘do I still know this person?’ stuff. And ditto that for Leo and Michael, who were getting into all sorts of mischief together once more. :goodvibes
::yes:: I know exactly what you mean!

[SIZE="3"]And remember how I worried that Leo might struggle with the games?

Yeah, he definitely sucks. I don’t mean that meanly – it’s the honest truth.

But…

He had so much fun anyway! And I’ll admit that I did, too. In a remote corner of the arcade, I found me a Space Invaders. That’s vintage, baby. TFI, I’m still lousy. Like mother like son. ;)
Psst... me thinks it's time to get a classic video game for the Wii. Toy Story Mania comes out in Sept. :thumbsup2

Wondering what happens when Leo’s blood sugar drops? It’s ugly. U-G-L-Y, you ain’t got no alibi, UGLY. (NO Wildcats)
You ugly, you ugly, my momma says you ugly, HUH! :lmao: Thanks, V. Now I'll be singing that all day!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2622/3799797272_db173c436f.jpg
Hmmm, challenged by the presence of TWO cameras? We need to work on that.
Bwahahaha!!! No joke!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2631/3798981993_3ed1a91fb7.jpg
[SIZE=1]Agave nectar makes V happy.
You look very... relaxed. ;)

Next: The Pilot loses control
Were you guys on the same flight? :rolleyes:

kmartin555

08-14-2009, 01:14 PM

You just crack me up, V! :lmao: Thanks for the extra update!

Have a wonderful time on your trip North! :goodvibes

Lauralee131

08-14-2009, 04:54 PM

App of the day: Calculator
With which I could have quickly and accurately calculated how much more I needed to add to the autmotaic 18% gratuity with a Tables in Wonderland discount to leave a full 20%. Could have used. But didn't. Ask anyone with whom I shared a meal.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2505/3820028121_1bb5e16698.jpg

Yep - never used it once the entire week...heh heh...

And it's time for my daily wine with dinner...

I want an iPhone...:guilty:

Aheam...where were we??

No sooner did I get back from our WDW trip, and I’m gearing up for Week 2 of our summer vacation, this time heading up north. Which means I’ll be absent from the DIS for another week+. So I thought and extra installment might be in order this week.

Sweet!! But a little bit of pressure being felt by me to catch up. Just sayin'...

Don’t get your hopes up. This twice-weekly gig isn’t likely to continue.

Bummer...I got all excited there for like a nanosecond...

I’d requested a room in the Jamaica section with the thought that Jamaica was close enough to Old Port Royale (OPR), which houses the themed pools and food options, to walk in nice weather, but I could always drive if it was stormy. The sun was still shining, so we walked.

I'm sorry, could you please repeat the part about walking in nice weather??

To get from Jamaica to OPR, you cross over an island full of windy paths and pretty vegetation. I’ll admit though: it’s prettier in spring or fall, when things are blooming more.

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It is a cool little walk though...Jamaica was a good call!

Along the way, my phone rang and I got the message for which we’d been waiting…

LAURALEE AND MICHAEL HAD ARRIVED!!!

Finally!! Seemed to take forever to get there!!

They, too, were spending the first three nights at CBR. Tony, LL’s husband, would arrive the next day, so it was just us glas and our little guys for an evening. We had all sorts of great plans – a little dip in the pool, a couple drinks poolside while the boys played, a lovely dinner eaten outdoors in a beautiful sunset…

And then the thunder struck.

I have to say right now...again in my whiny voice, that I want a do-over. I was soooo looking forward to doing just that...pool...drinks...dinner...drinks...pool...dr inks...ahhhh...a completely arm-flailing-neck-craning-free evening...LOL!!:lmao:Just kidding...Love ya honey...

Ah yes, in fine summer tradition, the storms moved in just in time for dinner. On a ranch, a bell rings the call to the table. In Florida, the thunder does that job.

Must be 5:00...it's thundering... :rolleyes:

LL and Michael found us in the gift shop and many hugs were given all around. I think it’s sort of a testament to our level of friendship that when LL and I reunite, it’s like we never left off from the last visit; “Hi V!” “Hi LL!” “How’s the hotel?” “Fine. How was the drive?” “Okay.” “Ready to eat?”

Oh come on now...

Nah, there was plenty of catching up on things while we all shopped the aisles, but it really is always like reconnecting with your friend next door – none of that awkward, ‘do I still know this person?’ stuff. And ditto that for Leo and Michael, who were getting into all sorts of mischief together once more.

It was fun...doing just that...browsing around the store...watching the boys playing...catching up...loved it, loved it...:hug:

All of this was well and good, except that it was monsooning outside and all of our Day 1 plans involved outdoor pursuits. Remember how I was looking for some new things to do on this trip? Well, New Thing #1 came right then and there.

The game arcade was conveniently located next to the gift shop – indoors! – so we steered the boys that way and let them try a whole mess o’ stuff.

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Look – it’s the Tomorrowland Speedway in a box! “Wheee – BANG! – Wheee – BANG! – Wheee – BANG!”

True that! What was worse that one or the jet ski ride? Before it...ummm...broke....:rolleyes1

And remember how I worried that Leo might struggle with the games?

Yeah, he definitely sucks. I don’t mean that meanly – it’s the honest truth.

But…

He had so much fun anyway! And I’ll admit that I did, too. In a remote corner of the arcade, I found me a Space Invaders. That’s vintage, baby. TFI, I’m still lousy. Like mother like son.

It was fun...the boys had a ball. I was digging the POTC pinball game...:thumbsup2

After blowing some time and money in the arcade, we decided on an early dinner. Yes, the monsoon showed no sign of abating, so all pool and playground activities were grounded until further notice.

Monsoon is a good word for it! Man oh man was it POURING out there!!

Question – why is that every time it rains and we’re together at WDW, we feel the need for table service???

Somehow, we bypassed the counter service selections completely and found ourselves asking for a table at Shutters. Which was readily available. Yet, I was given a buzzy thingy… that promptly started buzzing after I took 3 steps away from the podium. Apparently it’s “policy” to issue a buzzy thingy.

I don't recall how we ended up with table service - especially since we were admiring all the yummy choices in the food court...it was like we magically appeared at the podium....

Anyway, it’s time to give you a little family history. My maternal family has some issues. Okay, a whole buncha issues. But I’m only talking about one for now. I come from a long line of people with low blood sugar problems. My great-grandmother, grandmother and mother all battled it, as do I. And so does Leo.

Basically, our blood sugar drops very fast when not properly fueled by food intake. This results in an overabundance of naturally-produced insulin. It’s basically insulin shock, as diabetics can suffer if they take in too much insulin. It can totally be kept in check by ensuring we eat when hungry, keep a good balance between carbs and proteins, and avoid refined sugars as much as possible.

I’ll admit right here, I frequently fail my boy in this regard when we’re at WDW. He’s too busy to want to stop and eat healthy snacks, and I stupidly fall for his “No thanks, I’m not hungry” and let him skip snack times.

Which is just what happened on Day 1. He’d had some Goldfish with his movie, but that was much earlier and utterly lacking any protein. So by the time we sat down for dinner, his blood sugar was way, way low.

Well, I don't know about Leo, but even when I know M needs to eat, I can't force it down his throat, KWIM...:sad2:

Wondering what happens when Leo’s blood sugar drops? It’s ugly. U-G-L-Y, you ain’t got no alibi, UGLY. (NO Wildcats) LL and I asked both boys to put their spinny Mickey lollipops away when we sat down.

Ooh...I almost forgot about those things...

Which Michael did quickly and without drama.

So the beatings are working?? :lmao: I was actually surprised - he was so well behaved that night. I don't think I had to count or hissper once, did I?:confused3

Leo… freaked out. He was MAD. And he let every one of us – including our very nice server – know it. I wasn’t having any of that and threatened all sorts of punishments if he didn’t knock off with the horrid behavior immediately.

Ok, outside-the-family-tree opinion...really...he wasn't that bad...he was pouting with a puss on his face...he was not flipping tables like Teresa on Jersey HW or anything...;)

I should really know better given that I suffer in the same way, but it took a while before I figured out what he needed was food. Once he’d gotten some carbs in to soak up some of that insulin, he did a complete turn-around and we enjoyed the rest of our dinner.

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Two boys, one dessert. No limbs were lost in this feat.

They play so well together...they really do. And what a great job they did sharing that sundae...I was so proud of them both!

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Hmmm, challenged by the presence of TWO cameras? We need to work on that.

OMG - I'm like 1/4 of a neck turn away from being Reagan on the Exorcist...:eek:

In the middle of all this drama, the rest of us had a really, really nice meal. I wanted something light and went with a bowl of Chorizo-Black Bean soup with a salad. The soup was very good… which is saying something since I live in an area heavily populated with Cuban-Americans; I KNOW good black bean soup. :snooty: This wasn’t quite as good as what I can get locally, but very close. The salad was yummy, but needed something… cheese. A little sprinkle of gorgonzola would have made it perfect. This situation was to be repeated, FYI.

Yep - dinner was yummy....Made even better by the good company...and....

Also, I tried a new drink: an Agave nectar margarita.

O.

M.
G.

It was like a party in my glass! I like margaritas in general, but hate anything sweet. This was absolutely, perfectly sour without the overwhelming taste of sour mix. It tasted like it was made with real lime juice. DE-LISH!

::yes::The Nectar of the Gods...Nuff Said....

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Agave nectar makes V happy.

Hmmmm....I'm guessing this won't be the last time we see this happy-faced V...heh heh

After dinner, we were all pretty beat. Leo and I helped our friends get some breakfast items for the next morning and we said goodnight before walking back to Jamaica. We’d all be together again bright and early the next morning.

Next: The Pilot loses control

popcorn:: You will at least work on an installment while you're gone, right??popcorn::

Dude, I completely forgot to buy my TIW card! D'oh!

I did too...well, I forgot-slash-blew it off....:rolleyes:

Did you guys break out in song with the Muppets "Together Again!"

I can name that tune in 2 notes...;)

Psst... me thinks it's time to get a classic video game for the Wii. Toy Story Mania comes out in Sept. :thumbsup2

I saw that...OMG - TSM would probably be THE deciding factor in me getting a Wii...

You ugly, you ugly, my momma says you ugly, HUH! Thanks, V. Now I'll be singing that all day!

Me too...thanks V!!

puggymom

08-16-2009, 03:01 PM

Wow 3 Focker trips report started....

OK, go Leo:cool1: on the slides, you are such an adorable little man!

HMMM, V is making me want an iPhone and maybe I need to go get some extra ponchos for next month while I'm at it....

I had no idea about your blood sugar, I am the same way, I know how Leo feels:hug: when I don't eat I get down right nasty, I always tell people to shove food at me when they see going into witch mode! Of course feel free to shove food at me anytime, but especially when I'm getting mean. My poor Dad would see it coming on and would get my mother to feed me, I think I scared him:eek:

I find a big breakfast and a big lunch with some snacks are good for me, but a very small dinner and I'm fine. Also, and I know this will sound strange, but a glass of chocolate milk to start the day, I always feel it if I don't have it. I get the fat free Nestle when I can.

Looking forward to reading more...

lazydoxy66

08-16-2009, 11:03 PM

I'm lovin' this V!! Thunder, good drinks, a child's tirade - It's the makings of a great start to another great TR!

aprilisis

08-17-2009, 10:16 AM

Your report is great so far- I love it! That margarita sounds very good, too. I'm looking forward to more of your report. :)

Sooze

08-18-2009, 06:20 PM

Yay! I'm not TOO far behind on your TR. I think it's good that you went on vacation, now I can stay caught up!

Loving the first two installments. So glad your little man keeps getting braer and braver by the trip. So.. were you treading water while you took those pictures!?!

The dinner bell/thunder reference... perfect!!

Looks like you and LL got to spend a nice time together with the boys, even tho it wasn't what you had planned. It's fun to see her comments about your time together, too!

Welshcakes

08-20-2009, 10:58 AM

Stop the ride i'm jumping aboard!

Just finished your TR, caught up with your 1st day and am looking forward to the rest of your holiday.

I'm joining you from Tom Jones land - All the way from WALES He He (he's soooo great :banana:

Can't wait for more x

Sleepingbooty

08-20-2009, 12:37 PM

Well, I guess I'm too late for the tweets, but I can't wait to hear more about your trip! Guess I'll go back and read your PTR to tide me over! popcorn::

TheDISneyFamily

08-20-2009, 01:54 PM

It has begun... and I'm behind already. :flower3: Sorry I'm late again... :hug: still getting back into the swing of things and battling post-Disney depression & partial empty nest syndrome... sigh... our recent purchase has helped a bit, though! :rotfl:

Congrats to Leo for conquering the big slide! What a cutie. :goodvibes I know what you mean about the 1st day - it's so hard to switch gears and relax. That's where I was at when I got to see you guys the 1st time. CBR isn't so bad... the CR wasn't all that, either. You did the right thing by staying at CBR & saving money. :thumbsup2 Thunder... yep. We heard that a lot... :rolleyes:

So glad you had LL & M there on your 1st night! You all look so happy! :grouphug: Sorry about the rain... but, we're Fockers... we adapt, we regroup, we overcome! ::yes:: I actually managed to use my TIW card each & every time we ate! (I get a gold star!) But, alas, I did not give an extra tip on top of the 18%... I'm lazy... well, I take that back, I did at CG & Chef's 'cause our French sever was really cute. :rolleyes1

I'm trying to picture Leo in an angry snit and I just can't. He's so stinkin' cute! Boys are a joy no matter what age they are... just wait... teenage years are right around the corner! :scared1:

I've made a note - must try Agave nectar margarita! :thumbsup2

So many drinks... so little time... and money. :rolleyes:

debraW76

08-22-2009, 07:53 AM

Hi V. Just catching up. Poor Leo and the low blood sugar issues. If only I had an excuse like that for my kids when they got cranky :rolleyes: But nope, I think mine just get cranky because I have spoiled them.

The pool at CBR looks like a lot of fun. And :yay: for Leo going down the slide!!!

disneymomof2boyz

08-22-2009, 11:27 PM

Just finished your PTR, and now I'm along for this ride! Love your writing!:)

GreatBiscuit

08-24-2009, 08:32 PM

And I thought, y’know, “gas and Disney” really do go together! A Tom Jones tune happened to be playing at the time and I thought “Gas and Disney… go together like… Tom Jones and panties!”

Right. Well, it seemed funny at the time. Trust me, it still is!

Post-lunch, we booked on over to the splash pool, a so-very-cool pirate-themed little slide-y area that Leo adores! That pool area looks awesome!

Leo conquered his first pool slide of the trip: the tube one in the splash pool. Way to go Leo! WOOHOO!

HE DID IT!!!

My baby boy finally made it down a big, scary water slide and swam out without drowning! It was a happy day for us both. :banana: Time to break out the happy V dance!

Apparently his little toes were hurting from the pool bottom and, since he refuses to wear water shoes – “They’ll get WET Mommy!”

No sooner did I get back from our WDW trip, and I’m gearing up for Week 2 of our summer vacation, this time heading up north. Which means I’ll be absent from the DIS for another week. So I thought and extra installment might be in order this week. Have a good trip!

And then the thunder struck. Yikes! Sounds strangely familiar….

Ah yes, in fine summer tradition, the storms moved in just in time for dinner. On a ranch, a bell rings the call to the table. In Florida, the thunder does that job. Feel free to send it our way. My grass is 5 shades of brown.

Look – it’s the Tomorrowland Speedway in a box! “Wheee – BANG! – Wheee – BANG! – Wheee – BANG!”

In a remote corner of the arcade, I found me a Space Invaders. That’s vintage, baby. Totally Tubular! Now if they had Galaga, it’d have been all over.

Somehow, we bypassed the counter service selections completely and found ourselves asking for a table at Shutters. Which was readily available. Yet, I was given a buzzy thingy… that promptly started buzzing after I took 3 steps away from the podium. Apparently it’s “policy” to issue a buzzy thingy. In our office, one of my coworkers has a poster which reads “It’s not logical, it’s just our policy.”

Once he’d gotten some carbs in to soak up some of that insulin, he did a complete turn-around and we enjoyed the rest of our dinner. Glad to hear he was okay!

Also, I tried a new drink: an Agave nectar margarita.

O.
M.
G.

It was like a party in my glass! Party on V…party on.

Next: The Pilot loses controlIs that an obscure Star Tours reference I’m detecting? Cause you know I’m all about the Star Tours!

jordanyosh

08-25-2009, 12:27 AM

I am glad you are away so i could catch up!

I am beginning to enjoy pool time as much as I enjoy the parks. I'm happy to hear that Leo made the jump to the big pool, little slide:thumbsup2

that drinks sounds awesome! I love a good black bean soup...mmmmm........

PrincessV

08-26-2009, 08:35 AM

Can you get the same apps on an ipod touch?
I'm not positive, but I think yes.
And most importantly can I tweet from the parks on an ipod touch?
Nope. :sad2: There's no Wi-Fi in the parks, but I can connect to the Internet via the 3G phone part (whatever the heck THAT is!) The touch doesn't have the phone plan, so you'd have to have Wi-Fi.
OK Shutters was never ever on my radar but the soup and the margarita sound delish!
It almost consistently gets lousy reviews, but we really enjoyed it!
I know just what you mean about DIS friends... aren't they the bestest?
::yes::

Sorry the rain changed your outside plans, but it sounds like fun was still had by all.
We definitely did! After 3 summers at WDW, I think we've gotten pretty good at altering The Plan for rain, lol!

Dude, I completely forgot to buy my TIW card! D'oh!
NO?!?! :headache:
Psst... me thinks it's time to get a classic video game for the Wii. Toy Story Mania comes out in Sept.
What I really, really, REALLY want is Dr. Mario! :teeth:
You ugly, you ugly, my momma says you ugly, HUH!
:lmao: I loved that movie!

You just crack me up, V! Thanks for the extra update!
You're welcome - and thank you!

I'm sorry, could you please repeat the part about walking in nice weather??
:rotfl: It happened a couple times!
It was fun...doing just that...browsing around the store...watching the boys playing...catching up...
...enabling each others' purchases... heh heh. ;) :hug:
I don't recall how we ended up with table service - especially since we were admiring all the yummy choices in the food court...it was like we magically appeared at the podium....
::yes::
I was actually surprised - he was so well behaved that night. I don't think I had to count or hissper once, did I?
Nope, M was such a good boy! :angel:
Yep - dinner was yummy....Made even better by the good company
Ditto that! :hug::hug:

I had no idea about your blood sugar, I am the same way, I know how Leo feels:hug: when I don't eat I get down right nasty, I always tell people to shove food at me when they see going into witch mode! Of course feel free to shove food at me anytime, but especially when I'm getting mean. My poor Dad would see it coming on and would get my mother to feed me, I think I scared him
LOL, my dad never believed there was a problem - he expected me to go 8+ hours at the beach without freaking eating! :eek: I'm sure you can imagine what THAT looked like. :rolleyes:
I find a big breakfast and a big lunch with some snacks are good for me, but a very small dinner and I'm fine.
Yep, we HAVE to have a good breakfast, and I prefer a big lunch/small dinner too.

I'm lovin' this V!! Thunder, good drinks, a child's tirade - It's the makings of a great start to another great TR!
LOL, thanks - there'll be more of all those things! ;)

Your report is great so far- I love it! That margarita sounds very good, too. I'm looking forward to more of your report.
Thank you! :goodvibes I still can't get over how good that drink was.

So.. were you treading water while you took those pictures!?!
Hee hee, nope - by then I'd figured out where I could stand!

Stop the ride i'm jumping aboard!

Just finished your TR, caught up with your 1st day and am looking forward to the rest of your holiday.
Welcome! Gotta love a fellow Tom Jones fan! :thumbsup2

Well, I guess I'm too late for the tweets, but I can't wait to hear more about your trip! Guess I'll go back and read your PTR to tide me over!
Thanks for coming along - I'll get back to writing soon, I promise!

It has begun... and I'm behind already.
Don't worry - so am I! :rotfl:
I know what you mean about the 1st day - it's so hard to switch gears and relax. That's where I was at when I got to see you guys the 1st time.
I figured you were, so thanks again for meeting us for a drink and tour! :hug:
So many drinks... so little time... and money. :rolleyes:
Amen to that! :sad2:

Hi V. Just catching up. Poor Leo and the low blood sugar issues. If only I had an excuse like that for my kids when they got cranky :rolleyes: But nope, I think mine just get cranky because I have spoiled them.
LOL! In general Leo's pretty well-behaved, but he has his moments, too, and they're not always attributable to low blood sugar. ;)

Just finished your PTR, and now I'm along for this ride! Love your writing!
Yay, thank you! :goodvibes

PrincessV

08-26-2009, 08:37 AM

Trust me, it still is!
Thanks GB!
Feel free to send it our way. My grass is 5 shades of brown.
So's ours... only it's due to being water-logged here, lol!
Totally Tubular! Now if they had Galaga, it’d have been all over.
They DO!!! :yay:
In our office, one of my coworkers has a poster which reads “It’s not logical, it’s just our policy.”
Do you work in government too?! :rolleyes:
Is that an obscure Star Tours reference I’m detecting? Cause you know I’m all about the Star Tours!
Nope, stay tuned!

I am beginning to enjoy pool time as much as I enjoy the parks.
Me too - I could happily skip the parks most days and just lounge! :cloud9:

PrincessV

08-26-2009, 11:20 AM

App of The Day: Email

Yeah, I know – how lame is “email” as an app?! But trust V – the iPhone took email to a whole new level! See, I’d made all my Plans in Excel, with multiple pages for Ridemax plans, ADRs, daily plans, etc. I emailed The Plan to myself from work so I could print it at home. On my way home, stopped at a never-ending red light, I decided to open that email and its attachment on my iPhone and see how much could be seen.

HOLY APPS BATMAN – LOOKYTHAT!!!

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Not only was I able to open the attached spreadsheet system, I could view each tab on my iPhone screen! Not a single piece of paper was used to keep track of my Plan. No binder. No index cards. Just me and my iPhone. It’s enough to make this tree-hugger shed a tear or two.

__________________________________________________ ________

Day Two – Epcot!

Back in Jamaica, Leo and I got ourselves out of bed, fed and into the parking lot to meet LL and Michael for an Epcot morning. I begged to drive, knowing we’d be parked pretty close, and LL agreed. Sure enough, we scored a super close-to-the-entrance spot and walked on in!

Wait, no we didn’t. Walk on in.

LL and Michael needed to get their new Annual Passes first. And Leo and I didn’t mind waiting on them one bit.

Firstly, they’re our friends and we don’t mind waiting for friends. :angel:

Also, LL was using one of my Pass-Along Savings cards, which netted her a 10% discount and ME a $25 gift card per AP purchased! :woohoo:

But mostly because we just plain enjoy their company, even while buying tickets. :grouphug:

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We didn’t quite make rope drop, but we were close. Close enough for the Ridemax plan to work perfectly!

MISSION: SPACE!!!

Neither Leo nor I had ever been on that one; Leo was only just tall enough to ride recently, and was too intimated to try on previous trips.

Not so this time. He not only rode it – he LOVED it!

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True, he didn’t play his role of Pilot very well. He never touched a single control. But we didn’t hold it against him and the auto-pilot handled things fine, so we took celebratory photos and conducted many high-fives in his honor.

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Wait… is this “Yay for Leo!” or “Power to the People!”???

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Following Ridemax’s instructions, we got our Sorain’ Fast Passes, (which noted a return time completely in synch with Ridemax’s prediction – eerie…), took a spin on the Veggable Ride (that’s Living With the Land for those who don’t speak Leo), and found ourselves a couple of Clamobiles (that still sounds dirty).

The boys were itching for some unsupervised ride time, and now that they’re both over 7, they get that privilege from time to time. The Seas was one of those times, and we let them share a Clamobile (it’s not improving with additional use) all to themselves. Were they excited about that?

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Just a little. ;)

Now here’s a little complication with Ridemax Id like to share: The Seas with Nemo is listed as one attraction, while the aquariums in The Seas with Nemo is listed separately. You have no way of indicating that you’d like to do them in tandem, so every Ridemax plan I tried separated them into two different time slots.

Have you tried to drag a sea life-loving boy out of there immediately following a Clamobile ride?! (ewww… “Clamobile ride”) It ain’t easy. But there’s power in pairs, and between LL and I, we wrangled the boys out without too much trouble.

Why?

Because Ridemax said to. :rolleyes:

According to The Plan, we had a date with Spaceship Earth, a much-loved favorite of us four.

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We all soared over California, and then our morning was complete. Thanks to a couple restroom stops along the way, we were a little behind schedule, but we were very, very close to Ridemax’s prescribed end time of 11:27am. Like within minutes. :cool1:

Which meant that it was time for a temporary “goodbye” while Leo and I went to our lunch ADR and LL and Michael did their thing. That’s one wonderful thing about traveling with DISers; we all understand and respect that we’ll each have some different wants and needs for our WDW vacation and have no problems separating groups as needed. Try THAT with non-DIS family and friends. :headache:

So Leo and I headed on over to the Coral Reef for lunch. We’d never been there before, and I was hesitant about trying at all. Have you read the reviews? Not so good. But I thought my little Aquaman would really enjoy the ambiance and what better time to give it a try then summer – when a hard-to-screw-up soup and salad would feel good?!

Yep, that’s what I had – Creamy Lobster soup and a salad. For the second day in a row, the salad was lovely, but missing the crucial element of CHEESE. What’s going on there? Cost reductions by eliminating cheese??? Urrgh. Overall, though, my soup and salad was yummy, as was Leo’s pizza.

Our view…. meh. We were seated on the top tier, which would have been fine had we not also been right next to the peak of a “wave” in the balustrade. Leo had to kneel to look past it and spot fish. Still, we had a good time matching the picture list we’d been given with the actual swimmers in the tank.

Will we eat at Coral Reef again? I doubt it. While the food was fine, and the ambiance interesting, the place was LOUD. We really, really need a break from the noise when we eat at WDW, so that’s a big negative for Leo and me. Our WDW approved-dining list grows ever sparser. :snooty:

Continued below...

PrincessV

08-26-2009, 12:31 PM

With lunch complete, we headed on back to CBR. For…

POOL-THIRTY!!!

In what was to become a daily occurrence, the plan was to meet up with our friends for an afternoon swim before dinner. At some point I called LL and found out that Leo and I had somehow managed to have an entire table service meal and get back to our hotel before LL and Michael had eaten their counter service meal and gotten a bus back to CBR! Power of the car, baybee.

They weren’t too far behind, though, and we were soon all together in the great big, pirate-y CBR pool. The boys went down slides and swam and LL and I kept them from drowning. And took silly underwater pictures.

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When the boys were all swimmed-out, we stopped for a “snack.”

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Pool-Thirty frequently intersects Beer-Thirty.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3502/3800976871_b6c209f696.jpg
As well as Slushy-Thirty.

Meanwhile, LL’s husband Tony had arrived, so we went our separate ways to clean up before our Epcot evening.

Please allow me to give myself a little pat on the back here: while Leo took a shower and rested some, I… worked out! Yep, I threw in a quick upper-body workout before my shower and it felt soooo good! But – would I stick with it the rest of the trip? Stay tuned.

With everyone neat and pretty, we met the Mominators (LL and family, remember?) at the bus stop.

Yes, the bus stop.

I’m pretty sure someone used a Vulcan mind meld on me, because I’d sworn off the WDW bus system after endless waits on previous trips.

Yet, there I was, umbrella in hand as the thunder crashed (it was, after all, dinner time), waiting for a bus to Epcot.

How long did we wait LL? 30 minutes? An hour? Eternity? Every stinking other place had bus representation but Epcot. When one finally arrived, it contained a sick-looking teenager sitting across from us.

She looked dry and feverish. She laid her head down on her mother’s lap and fell asleep.

LL leaned over and whispered in my ear: “Swine Flu.”

ROTFLMAO!!!! :lmao: She knew that ALL I’d been dealing with at work before this trip was freaking Swine Flu! It was all over our news and the only topic of conversation for weeks around here. I’d pulled Leo out of a Swine Flu-infested camp several days before we went to Disney. I’d HAD it with Swine Flu.

And there it possibly was, coughing across the aisle from me.

Oh, the irony.

By the time we finally got to Epcot, the rain was down to a drizzle and we were starving. Remember my earlier comment about rain making us want table service? Well, it happened again.

That night was planned as a counter service dinner. Until, on the bus, LL expressed an interest in table service. A notion I promptly seconded. :teeth: Within a few minutes, LL put her mad skillz to work, called Dining and scored us an ADR at Nine Dragons. Woo hoo!!!

Leo, Gramma and I had our Thanksgiving dinner at Nine Dragons last year and it was wonderful! I talked it up big time with the Mominators and hoped it would live up to expectations.

It did!!!

I can’t remember what the Mominators had, but they seemed pleased, so I felt validated. As for me, following the ever-delicious Dragon Pearl cocktail, I enjoyed my Vegetarian Stir-Fry once again; the tofu was cooked perfectly! Leo really enjoys Nine Dragons, too. He’s a master of chopsticks and is very, very big on dragons.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2666/3799843852_3105cf2d26.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3476/3799840804_e2deccc9ec.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2573/3799018371_a3eaa70f07.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2499/3799839560_f6fb596895.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2454/3799016235_5c30405f3d.jpg

With full bellies and mostly dissipated rain outside, it was time for another meeting… the Waldo family was in the house! I don’t think I mentioned this is the introductions, but The Waldos were traveling with the WHOLE family this year – Tracy, her husband Andy, their kids Maddie and Evan, T’s dad Waldo, mom TE, plus T’s brother Rick, his wife Debbie and their boys Michael and Max. I was so excited to see all of those Waldos again!

Supposedly, they were in Norway, so that’s where we went. No Waldos in sight. I believe LL and I joked that maybe they were on Maelstrom – you know it’s a Fast Pass?! – but quickly laughed and said “No way!” :rotfl2:

Oops!

Sure enough, the male Waldos were on Maelstrom! But where were the girls? As I looked around, I got a text message from T:

“I’m watching you Focker.” :rotfl:

I still don’t know where she’d been, but we were quickly reunited and all was well in our World once more!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2651/3799026591_6dfe8647fd.jpg
Hey look – we’re all looking at the same camera! Imagine that.

Mostly. Mostly all was well in our World. Save for the fact that we were missing a family – the HooHaHas. Okay, we were missing a lot of DIS friends, but the absence of SharkB8HooHaHa – or Kate for short ;) – was particularly poignant. Over the preceding months, there’d been many changes in travel dates and many ins and outs of our parties. At one point, I think only T was going. We’d all four spent a LOT of time talking and planning for this trip. Ultimately the HooHaHas made the grown-up decision that it just wasn’t a good time for them to take a Disney trip. It was a hard, hard pill for me to swallow; I can only imagine what it was like for Kate and family. :grouphug: They were missed terribly throughout the trip, as you’ll see, but I have nothing but respect and extreme admiration for their decision. You guys did the right thing and we WILL all make it happen in the future! :hug:

After our partial family reunion, we all headed to Japan. Why? I have no idea. But it was a good call; the kids went shopping with the guys:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2550/3799030313_0b75d81570.jpg
L to R: Evan, Michael, Andy, Maddie, Leo, Tony

And us girls went here:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2481/3800980551_e020b477e8.jpg
SAKE!!!

Which may or may not have contributed to this:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3512/3800978645_1dec770a36.jpg

With a little help from the iPhone, we drunk-emailed this shot to Kate, to show her how sad we were without her.

I’m thinking she took one look and said to Mr. HooHaHa, “Yep, we made the right decision alright.”

:lmao:

I don’t remember if we made any other stops at Epcot. We were all tired – the Waldos especially, since they’d just arrived that morning – and ready to go back to our hotels.

No drawn-out goodbyes that night, though. That evening at Epcot was the aperitif; the full meal would come the following day, and it was gonna be GOOD! :yay:

Next: Somebody's got a BIRTHDAY!!!

sharkB8HooHaHa

08-26-2009, 12:37 PM

NO WAY!!!!!! I didn't know he made it on Mission:Space. :cool1::cool1: That is awesome!

Disneyland_Mama

08-26-2009, 02:13 PM

Not only was I able to open the attached spreadsheet system, I could view each tab on my iPhone screen! Not a single piece of paper was used to keep track of my Plan. No binder. No index cards. Just me and my iPhone. It’s enough to make this tree-hugger shed a tear or two.
That was enough to make a planning nut crazy! Must have an iPhone. Must curse Verizon for not jumping on that when they had the chance. Idiots.

Firstly, they’re our friends and we don’t mind waiting for friends. :angel:
Me neither. It's waiting for family that kills me! :teeth:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2488/3798994011_c167ccdafe.jpg
[SIZE=1]Wait… is this “Yay for Leo!” or “Power to the People!”???

Whoo Hoo!!

Which meant that it was time for a temporary “goodbye” while Leo and I went to our lunch ADR and LL and Michael did their thing. That’s one wonderful thing about traveling with DISers; we all understand and respect that we’ll each have some different wants and needs for our WDW vacation and have no problems separating groups as needed. Try THAT with non-DIS family and friends. :headache:
::yes::

With lunch complete, we headed on back to CBR. For…

POOL-THIRTY!!!
That's my favorite time of day! :cool1:

She looked dry and feverish. She laid her head down on her mother’s lap and fell asleep.

LL leaned over and whispered in my ear: “Swine Flu.”
OMG, that's funny! :lmao:

With full bellies and mostly dissipated rain outside, it was time for another meeting… the Waldo family was in the house! I don’t think I mentioned this is the introductions, but The Waldos were traveling with the WHOLE family this year – Tracy, her husband Andy, their kids Maddie and Evan, T’s dad Waldo, mom TE, plus T’s brother Rick, his wife Debbie and their boys Michael and Max. I was so excited to see all of those Waldos again!
:yay:

Sure enough, the male Waldos were on Maelstrom! But where were the girls? As I looked around, I got a text message from T:

“I’m watching you Focker.” :rotfl:
I wasn't sure that text went through! :laughing:

Mostly. Mostly all was well in our World. Save for the fact that we were missing a family – the HooHaHas. Okay, we were missing a lot of DIS friends, but the absence of SharkB8HooHaHa – or Kate for short ;) – was particularly poignant.
:guilty:

And us girls went here:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2481/3800980551_e020b477e8.jpg
SAKE!!!
Dude, that saki was FAB-U-LOUS!!!

Which may or may not have contributed to this:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3512/3800978645_1dec770a36.jpg

We all look constipated. Oh, wait...I was. :rotfl2:

But joking aside... WE MISSED YOU, MAN! :hug:

Next: Somebody's got a BIRTHDAY!!!

:banana:

sharkB8HooHaHa

08-26-2009, 02:39 PM

Mostly. Mostly all was well in our World. Save for the fact that we were missing a family – the HooHaHas. Okay, we were missing a lot of DIS friends, but the absence of SharkB8HooHaHa – or Kate for short ;) – was particularly poignant. Over the preceding months, there’d been many changes in travel dates and many ins and outs of our parties. At one point, I think only T was going. We’d all four spent a LOT of time talking and planning for this trip. Ultimately the HooHaHas made the grown-up decision that it just wasn’t a good time for them to take a Disney trip. It was a hard, hard pill for me to swallow; I can only imagine what it was like for Kate and family. :grouphug: They were missed terribly throughout the trip, as you’ll see, but I have nothing but respect and extreme admiration for their decision. You guys did the right thing and we WILL all make it happen in the future! :hug:

I can't even begin to tell you just how much I hated being a responsible grown up. My inner-child was throwing one heck of a hissy fit...

Which may or may not have contributed to this:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3512/3800978645_1dec770a36.jpg

And this picture didn't help:rotfl: I very nearly put DH and the boys into the car right then and there.

I’m thinking she took one look and said to Mr. HooHaHa, “Yep, we made the right decision alright.”

:lmao:

Actually I think it was more along the lines of "I'm glad you have good friends in those ladies." :love:

Next: Somebody's got a BIRTHDAY!!![/SIZE]

:banana::banana:

Lauralee131

08-26-2009, 08:36 PM

App of The Day: Email

Email? That's the best you got??? :confused3

I was expecting bells. I was expecting whistles.

I was expecting bells AND whistles...popcorn::

I wasn't expecting email...

Yeah, I know – how lame is “email” as an app?! But trust V – the iPhone took email to a whole new level! See, I’d made all my Plans in Excel, with multiple pages for Ridemax plans, ADRs, daily plans, etc. I emailed The Plan to myself from work so I could print it at home. On my way home, stopped at a never-ending red light, I decided to open that email and its attachment on my iPhone and see how much could be seen.

HOLY APPS BATMAN – LOOKYTHAT!!!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3575/3820026947_fb9c2f4513.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2523/3820832248_ea892f396f.jpg

Not only was I able to open the attached spreadsheet system, I could view each tab on my iPhone screen! Not a single piece of paper was used to keep track of my Plan. No binder. No index cards. Just me and my iPhone. It’s enough to make this tree-hugger shed a tear or two.

:headache:Phone envy just plain sucks.

Must...continue...to....stay....strong....

Day Two – Epcot!

Back in Jamaica, Leo and I got ourselves out of bed, fed and into the parking lot to meet LL and Michael for an Epcot morning. I begged to drive, knowing we’d be parked pretty close, and LL agreed. Sure enough, we scored a super close-to-the-entrance spot and walked on in!

Wait, no we didn’t. Walk on in.

Ok, ok...you win. YES...driving was better. Buses are habit for me...don't forget - up until a few years ago, I flew all the time...no car...

LL and Michael needed to get their new Annual Passes first. And Leo and I didn’t mind waiting on them one bit.

The boys had about as much fun waiting as they did all day. Those 2 could enjoy themselves in a burlap sack with only a twist tie to play with, I swear. THAT is a sign of good friends...:thumbsup2

Firstly, they’re our friends and we don’t mind waiting for friends.

Awwww...love you too!!

Also, LL was using one of my Pass-Along Savings cards, which netted her a 10% discount and ME a $25 gift card per AP purchased!

Those discount cards ROCKED. 10% discount PLUS DVC Member discount!! If only I'd have gotten the extra 3 months it'd have been the perfect trifecta. But still...saved a butt load of money on passes. :thumbsup2

But mostly because we just plain enjoy their company, even while buying tickets.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2536/3798990203_4197a3bcf5.jpg

There they are...the dreaded lollypop fans...:sad2: The very thing that put Leo over the sugar-edge the night before. Gotta say though...it's THE ONLY toy that M has ever gotten that has been played with every day and dragged to just about every park and STILL made it home in one piece.

Minus the sucker part anyway...

MISSION: SPACE!!!

Neither Leo nor I had ever been on that one; Leo was only just tall enough to ride recently, and was too intimated to try on previous trips.

Not so this time. He not only rode it – he LOVED it!

True, he didn’t play his role of Pilot very well. He never touched a single control. But we didn’t hold it against him and the auto-pilot handled things fine, so we took celebratory photos and conducted many high-fives in his honor.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2488/3798994011_c167ccdafe.jpg
Wait… is this “Yay for Leo!” or “Power to the People!”???

:rotfl2:Cute. Leo was THE MAN that day!! PHEW!! I was so glad he loved it...I was afraid he'd be freaked out and hate me for the rest of his life for being a part of the "let's drag Leo on this" plan... He did great. We did the same as you - waited until M was tall enough to ride before any of us tried it. Well actually, Tony still hasn't gone on it yet...:sad2:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2537/3799813230_71c03170a2.jpg

Awww...me and my boys!! I love it!

Umm...could do without the hockey player smile, though...:rolleyes1

took a spin on the Veggable Ride (that’s Living With the Land for those who don’t speak Leo), and found ourselves a couple of Clamobiles (that still sounds dirty).

I was actually thinking it sounded like one of those WWE moves...don't know why I've got wrestling on the brain...:rolleyes1 Oh yeah...Mickey Rourke...

The boys were itching for some unsupervised ride time, and now that they’re both over 7, they get that privilege from time to time. The Seas was one of those times, and we let them share a Clamobile (it’s not improving with additional use) all to themselves. Were they excited about that?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2600/3799823866_e029ed79f7.jpg

Just a little.

OMG...I swear I came home with about 250 of those psychotic looking smiles on my camera...:lmao:The face is the same..only the background changes...

Have you tried to drag a sea life-loving boy out of there immediately following a Clamobile ride?! (ewww… “Clamobile ride”) It ain’t easy. But there’s power in pairs, and between LL and I, we wrangled the boys out without too much trouble.

Just a hair easier than, say...herding cats...;)

Why?

Because Ridemax said to.

According to The Plan, we had a date with Spaceship Earth, a much-loved favorite of us four.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2602/3799008383_7b73a38396.jpg

OMG...look at Leo..where's the poor boy's chin?? But hey - this is the first year (I think - correct me if I'm wrong) that the camera actually picked them up - Remember the first time we rode this? During a soft opening...our babies' very first solo WDW ride...sniff...sniff...they were so short they didn't even make it into the pictures... Ahh...the memories...:hug:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2610/3799824884_7f7c11877c.jpg

I have quite the collection of these pictures of us too! :rotfl2:
We all soared over California, and then our morning was complete. Thanks to a couple restroom stops along the way, we were a little behind schedule, but we were very, very close to Ridemax’s prescribed end time of 11:27am. Like within minutes.

Ridemax got mad props that day, that's for sure...:thumbsup2

Which meant that it was time for a temporary “goodbye” while Leo and I went to our lunch ADR and LL and Michael did their thing. That’s one wonderful thing about traveling with DISers; we all understand and respect that we’ll each have some different wants and needs for our WDW vacation and have no problems separating groups as needed.

[/quote]

:thumbsup2
Try THAT with non-DIS family and friends. :headache:

Ummmm...been there, done that...bought the t-shirt...

DO NOT care to do it again!! I can't have a chink in my chain...

Lauralee131

08-26-2009, 09:09 PM

With lunch complete, we headed on back to CBR. For…

POOL-THIRTY!!!

Woo Hoo! I love POOL-THIRTY!!!
In what was to become a daily occurrence, the plan was to meet up with our friends for an afternoon swim before dinner. At some point I called LL and found out that Leo and I had somehow managed to have an entire table service meal and get back to our hotel before LL and Michael had eaten their counter service meal and gotten a bus back to CBR! Power of the car, baybee.

Yep - we were just leaving Epcot when you called...Hey - what can I say...I got sidetracked. There were things to shop for...Mickey Bars to eat...

They weren’t too far behind, though, and we were soon all together in the great big, pirate-y CBR pool. The boys went down slides and swam and LL and I kept them from drowning. And took silly underwater pictures.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3528/3809806240_c27e9c3e4d.jpg

Awesome! I forgot about the camera!!

When the boys were all swimmed-out, we stopped for a “snack.”

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3507/3800975149_431a7043a1.jpg
Pool-Thirty frequently intersects Beer-Thirty.

For those of you familiar with Atlanta, our Pool-Thirty/Beer-Thirty intersections are more like...Spaghetti Junction...:lmao:Not familiar with Atlanta? Look at it on a map...no further explanation needed...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3502/3800976871_b6c209f696.jpg
As well as Slushy-Thirty.

Yep - M knows it's officially vacation when he has his first Orange "milkshake" of the trip!:thumbsup2

Meanwhile, LL’s husband Tony had arrived, so we went our separate ways to clean up before our Epcot evening.

Please allow me to give myself a little pat on the back here: while Leo took a shower and rested some, I… worked out! Yep, I threw in a quick upper-body workout before my shower and it felt soooo good!

But – would I stick with it the rest of the trip? Stay tuned.

popcorn::

With everyone neat and pretty, we met the Mominators (LL and family, remember?) at the bus stop.

Yes, the bus stop.

I’m pretty sure someone used a Vulcan mind meld on me, because I’d sworn off the WDW bus system after endless waits on previous trips.

Yet, there I was, umbrella in hand as the thunder crashed (it was, after all, dinner time), waiting for a bus to Epcot.

Hey - at least you had an umbrella! I'd given in to Mother Nature. I wasn't about to sweat my tushie off in a poncho - not to mention they smell funny and it was too hot for a raincoat...The beauty of naturally curly hair...just let it go...:rolleyes: Not!

How long did we wait LL? 30 minutes? An hour? Eternity? Every stinking other place had bus representation but Epcot.

OMG - it was PAINFULLY long...that's all I know...WHY you insisted on taking the bus, I'll never know...;)

When one finally arrived, it contained a sick-looking teenager sitting across from us.

She looked dry and feverish. She laid her head down on her mother’s lap and fell asleep.

LL leaned over and whispered in my ear: “Swine Flu.”

ROTFLMAO!!!! She knew that ALL I’d been dealing with at work before this trip was freaking Swine Flu! It was all over our news and the only topic of conversation for weeks around here. I’d pulled Leo out of a Swine Flu-infested camp several days before we went to Disney. I’d HAD it with Swine Flu.

And there it possibly was, coughing across the aisle from me.

Oh, the irony.

:lmao:OMG...too funny. She did look friggin' sick too....Ewwwww...I believe that was the day I finally started wearing the hand sanitizer around my neck instead of just keeping it clipped to my bag...

By the time we finally got to Epcot, the rain was down to a drizzle and we were starving. Remember my earlier comment about rain making us want table service? Well, it happened again.

That night was planned as a counter service dinner. Until, on the bus, LL expressed an interest in table service. A notion I promptly seconded. :teeth: Within a few minutes, LL put her mad skillz to work, called Dining and scored us an ADR at Nine Dragons. Woo hoo!!!

Leo, Gramma and I had our Thanksgiving dinner at Nine Dragons last year and it was wonderful! I talked it up big time with the Mominators and hoped it would live up to expectations.

I was so ready to blame you should the evening go horribly wrong...

It did!!!

I can’t remember what the Mominators had, but they seemed pleased, so I felt validated. As for me, following the ever-delicious Dragon Pearl cocktail, I enjoyed my Vegetarian Stir-Fry once again;

the tofu was cooked perfectly!

Really? Is there a WRONG way to stir fry rubber??:confused3

Leo really enjoys Nine Dragons, too. He’s a master of chopsticks and is very, very big on dragons.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2573/3799018371_a3eaa70f07.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2499/3799839560_f6fb596895.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2454/3799016235_5c30405f3d.jpg

OMG - we all look drenched...

Ummm...except for the lady that had the UMBRELLA!!!

With full bellies and mostly dissipated rain outside, it was time for another meeting… the Waldo family was in the house! I don’t think I mentioned this is the introductions, but The Waldos were traveling with the WHOLE family this year – Tracy, her husband Andy, their kids Maddie and Evan, T’s dad Waldo, mom TE, plus T’s brother Rick, his wife Debbie and their boys Michael and Max. I was so excited to see all of those Waldos again!

Supposedly, they were in Norway, so that’s where we went. No Waldos in sight. I believe LL and I joked that maybe they were on Maelstrom – you know it’s a Fast Pass?! – but quickly laughed and said “No way!”

Guess you all had to be there. It WAS funny to us...

Sure enough, the male Waldos were on Maelstrom! But where were the girls? As I looked around, I got a text message from T:

“I’m watching you Focker.”

I still don’t know where she’d been, but we were quickly reunited and all was well in our World once more!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2651/3799026591_6dfe8647fd.jpg
Hey look – we’re all looking at the same camera! Imagine that.

Awwww...my girls....:grouphug: Well, most of them....

Mostly. Mostly all was well in our World. Save for the fact that we were missing a family – the HooHaHas. Okay, we were missing a lot of DIS friends, but the absence of SharkB8HooHaHa – or Kate for short – was particularly poignant. Over the preceding months, there’d been many changes in travel dates and many ins and outs of our parties. At one point, I think only T was going. We’d all four spent a LOT of time talking and planning for this trip.

Yep - that's right! All the bumps and gliches over the past year, I do remember a time when it was just T that was going. OMG - I nearly forgot about that!

Ultimately the HooHaHas Ok, now THAT sounds dirty...:lmao:

made the grown-up decision that it just wasn’t a good time for them to take a Disney trip. It was a hard, hard pill for me to swallow; I can only imagine what it was like for Kate and family.

They were missed terribly throughout the trip, as you’ll see, but I have nothing but respect and extreme admiration for their decision. You guys did the right thing and we WILL all make it happen in the future! :hug:

And hopefully Kate's grown-up driveway will be big enough to hold my SUV whilst my completely irresponsible decision making will probably result in our being homeless and living in said SUV...:rolleyes: Maybe I could stay on your couch? Cook for you??;)

After our partial family reunion, we all headed to Japan. Why? I have no idea. But it was a good call; the kids went shopping with the guys:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2550/3799030313_0b75d81570.jpg
L to R: Evan, Michael, Andy, Maddie, Leo, Tony

And that was funny in and of itself...sending those guys completely outnumbered into the only place the boys want to go...why? Transformers. And Power Rangers...and Bakugan...They got the raw end of the deal, for sure.

I love it!!
And us girls went here:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2481/3800980551_e020b477e8.jpg
SAKE!!!

Which may or may not have contributed to this:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3512/3800978645_1dec770a36.jpg

With a little help from the iPhone, we drunk-emailed this shot to Kate, to show her how sad we were without her.

I’m thinking she took one look and said to Mr. HooHaHa, “Yep, we made the right decision alright.”

Wooo...that picture looks scary on anything bigger than a cell phone...:lmao:

I don’t remember if we made any other stops at Epcot. We were all tired – the Waldos especially, since they’d just arrived that morning – and ready to go back to our hotels.

No drawn-out goodbyes that night, though. That evening at Epcot was the aperitif; the full meal would come the following day, and it was gonna be GOOD!

Next: Somebody's got a BIRTHDAY!!!

popcorn::

englishrose47

08-26-2009, 11:11 PM

Hi V I found you!!! Loving your unique style !!:thumbsup2 Where was Waldo though I didn't see pix of him Was he lost again!!!:rotfl2:

lazydoxy66

08-27-2009, 04:00 AM

Fabulous update, V!

I like the idea of pool-thirty and drink/beer-thirty!!!

Give Leo another high-five from me for MS!!! He looks so thrilled in all these pictures!

All of you look great!

sharkB8HooHaHa

08-28-2009, 12:32 PM

And hopefully Kate's grown-up driveway will be big enough to hold my SUV whilst my completely irresponsible decision making will probably result in our being homeless and living in said SUV...:rolleyes: Maybe I could stay on your couch? Cook for you??;)

Me casa es su casa :goodvibes Y me canape es su canape.

And if you can make a canape, all the better :goodvibes

Lauralee131

08-29-2009, 12:11 PM

Me casa es su casa :goodvibes

Gracias mi amiga!:hug:

Y me canape es su canape.

And if you can make a canape, all the better :goodvibes

Ummmm....sadly I don't know what a canape is.

I can, however, make...reservations...;) My other talent is playing...the radio...:lmao:

PrincessV

08-29-2009, 07:43 PM

NO WAY!!!!!! I didn't know he made it on Mission:Space. That is awesome!
::yes:: He's still quite proud of himself!

That's my favorite time of day!
Mine too! We enjoyed pool-thirty today in fact. It's lowercase, though, because it's really only half as fun without our friends. :sad1:
Dude, that saki was FAB-U-LOUS!!!
Stick with me, t - I won't steer you wrong!
We all look constipated. Oh, wait...I was.
:lmao: CHEESE! :lmao:

I can't even begin to tell you just how much I hated being a responsible grown up. My inner-child was throwing one heck of a hissy fit...
:hug::hug::hug:

I was expecting bells. I was expecting whistles.
Oh, I'll give you bells and whistles, just you wait!;)
Ok, ok...you win. YES...driving was better. Buses are habit for me...don't forget - up until a few years ago, I flew all the time...no car...
Fair enough. A few years ago, you'd also have had an aneurysm over the prospect of a pool day! :rotfl:
Those 2 could enjoy themselves in a burlap sack with only a twist tie to play with, I swear.
Okay, that made me laugh so hard I snorted! :rotfl2:
There they are...the dreaded lollypop fans...:sad2: The very thing that put Leo over the sugar-edge the night before. Gotta say though...it's THE ONLY toy that M has ever gotten that has been played with every day and dragged to just about every park and STILL made it home in one piece.
He did well... I have NO idea what happened to Leo's!
OMG...look at Leo..where's the poor boy's chin?? But hey - this is the first year (I think - correct me if I'm wrong) that the camera actually picked them up - Remember the first time we rode this? During a soft opening...our babies' very first solo WDW ride...sniff...sniff...they were so short they didn't even make it into the pictures... Ahh...the memories...
So true! :hug:
OMG...too funny. She did look friggin' sick too....Ewwwww...I believe that was the day I finally started wearing the hand sanitizer around my neck instead of just keeping it clipped to my bag...
It was - you fished it out right there on the Bus o' Germs!:rotfl:
Really? Is there a WRONG way to stir fry rubber??
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! :lmao:
OMG - we all look drenched...
Ummm...except for the lady that had the UMBRELLA!!!
:teeth:
And hopefully Kate's grown-up driveway will be big enough to hold my SUV whilst my completely irresponsible decision making will probably result in our being homeless and living in said SUV...:rolleyes: Maybe I could stay on your couch? Cook for you??
:lmao::rotfl2::rotfl: Dude... you know. :rotfl:

Hi V I found you!!! Loving your unique style !!:thumbsup2 Where was Waldo though I didn't see pix of him Was he lost again!!!
Hi Rosie! I hadn't seen Waldo yet either... I think they'd gone back to the hotel already, right T?

I like the idea of pool-thirty and drink/beer-thirty!!!
I highly recommend both, preferably together! :thumbsup2

Me casa es su casa :goodvibes Y me canape es su canape.

And if you can make a canape, all the better
:rotfl:
Ummmm....sadly I don't know what a canape is.
Me neither. but it makes me think of canasta. Does it taste like a deck of my grandmother's cards???

PrincessAlways

08-30-2009, 12:39 AM

Wow!!! I had a little catching up to do!! That's what happens when you're late.

Leo on Mission Space!! :thumbsup2
You had never been to the Coral Reef?? :confused3 I thought you'd been everywhere! :rotfl: I agree that it can get a little loud. However, I do enjoy it there.
Swimming in the hot afternoon....:thumbsup2:thumbsup2

kmartin555

08-30-2009, 02:15 PM

WOHOO!!! :woohoo: So glad you are back and posting updates! :cheer2:

sharkB8HooHaHa

08-31-2009, 06:30 AM

Ummmm....sadly I don't know what a canape is.

I can, however, make...reservations...;) My other talent is playing...the radio...:lmao:
According to my Spanish/English dictionary, a canape is a couch. According to Webster, a canape is an appetizer consisting of a piece of bread, toast or cracker topped with a savory spread.
:teacher::teeth:

englishrose47

08-31-2009, 07:35 AM

Hi V !! In 2weeks I will be in Disney!!:banana:Do I need to look for Waldo????:rotfl2:

rachel3

09-02-2009, 09:49 AM

all caught up. looks like a great time so far! can't wait for more.

PrincessV

09-02-2009, 02:37 PM

You had never been to the Coral Reef?? :confused3 I thought you'd been everywhere! :rotfl:
Nope, there are still lots of places for us to try! :thumbsup2

WOHOO!!! :woohoo: So glad you are back and posting updates! :cheer2:
Thanks!

Hi V !! In 2weeks I will be in Disney!!:banana:Do I need to look for Waldo????:rotfl2:
LOL, probably!

all caught up. looks like a great time so far! can't wait for more.
Hey there Rachel! Thanks! :goodvibes

PrincessV

09-02-2009, 02:44 PM

App of the Day: Notes!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3636/3820027635_1428656385.jpg

I never take notes for my TR while at WDW. Why? Because I just can’t be bothered to pull out a notepad and pen every time something strikes me as interesting. And I’m too tired to do an end-of-day recap at the hotel.

But not so anymore! With this ludicrously simple Notes app, I had no problem jotting down a few lines whilst waiting in a line or finishing a meal to bring back larger memories later.

__________________________________________________ ________

So the big day had arrived… Evan’s 5th birthday! I can’t tell you how tickled I was to celebrate the big day with the birthday boy and his family. It meant a lot to us that we got to be a part of the celebration, so thanks again T! :hug:

The Plan called for a meeting of families at the MK for rope drop. Remember, the Mominators and V’s were still at CBR, while the Waldos were at SSR. But we’ve never had a problem finding each other at rope drop, so that wasn’t an obstacle to our fun at all.

Leo and I met up with the Mominators after a healthy breakfast en suite, and I lobbied once again to take a car instead of the bus. After the endless wait the previous night, it wasn’t a tough sell, and we all loaded into the Mominator Express – aka LL’s awesome mini-van-that’s-not-a-mini-van.

SCORE again – we nabbed a spot within walking distance of the TTC gates, hopped the monorail and got through the turnstiles in plenty of time! :cool1:

The Waldos… didn’t.

Poor T – there we were, texting excitedly that rope drop was happening, and T was still trying to get to the MK. But all was not lost – The Plan called for a ride with Winnie the Pooh, so we told T we’d meet her there and headed in.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3470/3799034937_fd82b9bebf.jpg
If you tilt your head to the right, we look upright.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2536/3799856596_545441d8f1.jpg
Ah, much less tilt-y!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3572/3799856062_c340090bf9.jpg
Who doesn’t love a bubble-dispensing trash can???

So, we’d been in the park, what, 5 minutes? And POOF! The Plan was abandoned! Mere seconds after I snapped this picture…

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2481/3799858310_8b70e91998.jpg

…the Mominators ditched me and got on the flipping trolley… heading BACK UP MAIN STREET! :faint:

LOL, apparently it was something they’d always wanted to do and they decided to seize the moment. I hope they enjoyed the ride. :goodvibes

Meanwhile, Leo and I waited at Pooh.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2675/3799966294_7f9be23ec7.jpg
”Pleeeeease stop taking pictures Mom!”

The Waldos arrived, T saved me from a purse-eating bumblebee, and we headed into the 100-Acre Wood…

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2335/3799042003_f018df473c.jpg

After that, it’s all a blur. We pretty much abandoned The Plan and toured by the seats of our pants. I know we rode Buzz, and we may have ridden Peter Pan. Here’s what I know for sure: T, Maddie, Leo and I opted out of the Haunted Mansion to grab Fast Passes for all on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (BTMRR) and wound up having a completely unplanned, fantastic time… hanging out under the railroad tracks.

HUH?!

Did you know that there's a little play area under the train station, near Splash Mountain? Well, I didn’t! That’s where we wound up, while waiting for the group, and Leo and Mads had a great time playing in there. T and I enjoyed catching up in the shade. It was a perfect little break!

And when the rest of our group caught up with us, it was time for the “Wildest Ride in the WILderness!”

Have I mentioned yet that Leo is an incredible mimic? Really, he can replicate nearly any sound or voice, human or animal. I have heard “The wildest ride in the WILderness!” more times over the past month than I care to count.

Let’s review Leo’s history with BTMRR.

He first rode it in Sept. 2006, when he’d just reached the height minimum. He loved it.

He rode it again in Dec. 2006 without incident.

May, 2007 – he rode, but hid his face the whole time.

As of Dec. 2007, Leo had crossed BTMRR off his list completely – “too scary.”

A month later, Jan. 2008, he rode, but cried the whole time; the bats terrified him.

Since then, we’ve been on it a few times, and each time Leo’s vowed never to do it again.

So I was pretty darned surprised – AGAIN – when he decided to ride BTMRR on this trip. But he was feeling a lot braver with his DIS friends around and thought this might be the time to conquer those fears once and for all. We all got into line and headed out. I tried to take plenty of pictures to document the day…

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2652/3799048249_d792bbd5d4.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2535/3799867300_15d9519fdb.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3484/3799051783_41332e7c59.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2650/3799053501_f8268568ed.jpg

Note that there are no pictures of Leo on BTMRR.

~ sigh ~

It scared him badly. Again. When we got off, he was shaking like a leaf and trying desperately not to cry in front of his friends. I asked if he needed to be held, and he nodded “yes,” so I told the group we’d catch up and pulled him over to the side for some comforting.

Many hugs, lots of encouraging and calming words, and a carton of popcorn later, we were ready to reconvene with everyone. We found them in front of the Hall of Presidents.

Okay, the kids were not thrilled with this choice. At least mine wasn’t. But I think they wound up enjoying it as much as the adults did… and us adults really, really enjoyed it!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2590/3799058427_2b83204c21.jpg

I was pretty entertained by our complete refusal to follow the rules of the Hall. It clearly states “No food or beverages” in the theater. And yet, from my right came the soft crunching sounds of Leo eating popcorn. From my left? The fizz of LL opening a soda. :rotfl:

I’d like to think we were merely honoring our founding fathers through a little civil disobedience.

Still in the company of friends, we completed our MK morning with lunch at Columbia Harbor House, home of the Magical Tuna Sandwich, and a spin on Pirates of the Caribbean.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3521/3799061535_0e628f9892.jpg
Maddie’s pretending to have a hook. I haven’t the faintest idea what Leo’s doing.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2430/3799882606_5eac5af15d.jpg
Two of the least threatening pirates on the high seas.

And then we parted ways. The Vs and Mominators headed for the park exit, with a quick stop at the Main St. Bakery.

You know where this is headed, right?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3560/3799884410_ccfd6b9310.jpg

Oh yes, I just had to have a cinnamon roll before we left! That thing, I swear, was as big as my head. Mmmmmmmmmm.

After intoxicating ourselves with sugar, we piled back into the Mominator Express and made the short trip back to CBR. We had a date for Pool-Thirty that afternoon.

Next up: Party of 12. No, 15. Wait… 18?!

P.S.: Tracy made me do it.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2538/3799861458_a5c97616dc_o.jpg
Look! Barbie goes to Disney!

Disneyland_Mama

09-02-2009, 03:57 PM

Dude, you got all kinds of fun pics! :yay:

I'm just smiling here looking at the fun we had and so missing my friends today. :guilty:

:rotfl2: at Barbie. You forgot to mention she rode in on a camel. Ahem. ;):lmao:

sharkB8HooHaHa

09-02-2009, 04:14 PM

SCORE again – we nabbed a spot within walking distance of the TTC gates, hopped the monorail and got through the turnstiles in plenty of time! :cool1:

The Waldos… didn’t.

Poor T – there we were, texting excitedly that rope drop was happening, and T was still trying to get to the MK. But all was not lost – The Plan called for a ride with Winnie the Pooh, so we told T we’d meet her there and headed in.

Someone didn't follow the AIS rules. :sad2:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2536/3799856596_545441d8f1.jpg
Ah, much less tilt-y!

Very nice :thumbsup2

…the Mominators ditched me and got on the flipping trolley… heading BACK UP MAIN STREET! :faint:

LOL, apparently it was something they’d always wanted to do and they decided to seize the moment. I hope they enjoyed the ride. :goodvibes

I've never been on it either. Was it worth it?

Did you know that ther’es a little play are under the rain station, near Splash Mountain? Well, I didn’t! That’s where we wound up, while waiting for the group, and Leo and Mads had a great time playing in there. T and I enjoyed catching up in the shade. It was a perfect little beak!
::yes:: That is the very spot I received last year's "pssst" text from you.

It scared him badly. Again. When we got off, he was shaking like a leaf and trying desperately not to cry in front of his friends. I asked if he needed to be held, and he nodded “yes,” so I told the group we’d catch up and pulled him over to the side for some comforting.

Awww...:hug: Poor kiddo.

Okay, the kids were not thrilled with this choice. At least mine wasn’t. But I think they wound up enjoying it as much as the adults did… and us adults really, really enjoyed it!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2590/3799058427_2b83204c21.jpg

This one I can't wait for!

I was pretty entertained by our complete refusal to follow the rules of the Hall. It clearly states “No food or beverages” in the theater. And yet, from my right came the soft crunching sounds of Leo eating popcorn. From my left? The fizz of LL opening a soda. :rotfl:

Rule breakers.

You know where this is headed, right?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3560/3799884410_ccfd6b9310.jpg

Need I remind you of the sugar induced coma of May, 2009???
;)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2538/3799861458_a5c97616dc_o.jpg
Look! Barbie goes to Disney!
Oh boy. :eek:

momeejenjen

09-02-2009, 04:21 PM

I think I just went into sugar shock looking at that cinnamon bun!!!! Love this report!!

PrincessAlways

09-02-2009, 05:18 PM

;)Like you said V, plans are made to be broken! :rotfl:
BTMRR....poor Leo. I bet he tried to be sooo brave! :goodvibes
That cinnamon roll.......mmmm mmmmm good!! :thumbsup2

Barbie.......:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

jess98ac

09-02-2009, 07:27 PM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3521/3799061535_0e628f9892.jpg
[SIZE=1]Maddie’s pretending to have a hook. I haven’t the faintest idea what Leo’s doing.

I think he's saying ARRGGGHHHH!!!

GreatBiscuit

09-02-2009, 08:11 PM

Yeah an update! :cool1:

If you tilt your head to the right, we look upright.Got It! Thanks!

After that, it’s all a blur. We pretty much abandoned The Plan and toured by the seats of our pants.Woohoo! Nothing like going off Plan to bring on the adventure!

Did you know that ther’es a little play are under the rain station, near Splash Mountain? Well, I didn’t! That’s where we wound up, while waiting for the group, and Leo and Mads had a great time playing in there. T and I enjoyed catching up in the shade. It was a perfect little beak!How cool is that! You had your very own Hidden Kingdom moment!

It scared him badly. Again. When we got off, he was shaking like a leaf and trying desperately not to cry in front of his friends. I asked if he needed to be held, and he nodded “yes,” so I told the group we’d catch up and pulled him over to the side for some comforting.Poor guy!

I’d like to think we were merely honoring our founding fathers through a little civil disobedience.Rock on! Take it to The Man!

You know where this is headed, right?::yes::

Look! Barbie goes to Disney!Special...just so very special.

jordanyosh

09-03-2009, 12:32 AM

When the boys were all swimmed-out, we stopped for a “snack.”

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3507/3800975149_431a7043a1.jpg
Pool-Thirty frequently intersects Beer-Thirty.

All I gotta say is...mmmmmmmmm...:thumbsup2

jordanyosh

09-03-2009, 12:37 AM

[CENTER][B]

P.S.: Tracy made me do it.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2538/3799861458_a5c97616dc_o.jpg
Look! Barbie goes to Disney!

Don't people look in the mirror before walking out the door?

lovealldisney

09-03-2009, 07:01 AM

:rotfl2: at Barbie. You forgot to mention she rode in on a camel. Ahem. ;):lmao:

:lmao::rotfl2::rotfl::lmao::rotfl::rotfl2:

DisneyJo

09-03-2009, 07:25 AM

Loving all your apps V :thumbsup2

Looks like you guys are having so much fun and poor Leo on Big Thunder again, do you think he'll ever like it????

PrincessV

09-03-2009, 09:59 AM

I'm just smiling here looking at the fun we had and so missing my friends today. :guilty:
:hug: I have to admit, it's hard to write sometimes, knowing we won't all see each other again for a long time. :sad1:
:rotfl2: at Barbie. You forgot to mention she rode in on a camel. Ahem. ;):lmao:
:rotfl2: I did - I totally forgot about that!

::yes:: That is the very spot I received last year's "pssst" text from you.
:rotfl: Which one was that?
Rule breakers.
pirate:
Need I remind you of the sugar induced coma of May, 2009???

Ah, but this time I did NOT chase it with a Pina Colava! :rotfl2:

I think I just went into sugar shock looking at that cinnamon bun!!!! Love this report!!
Thank you! And seriously, those rolls are dangerous. ::yes::

BTMRR....poor Leo. I bet he tried to be sooo brave!
He really did - I felt soo badly for him! :guilty:

I think he's saying ARRGGGHHHH!!!
LOL, I think you're right!

How cool is that! You had your very own Hidden Kingdom moment!
::yes:: I love that after 20 years, I'm still finding new things at WDW!

All I gotta say is...mmmmmmmmm...:thumbsup2
OH! I forgot to comment on what was included in Beer-Thirty that day - I tried something called Hurricane Reef on tap. It's a pilsner, ironically bottled near where I live, and it was was great! :thumbsup2

Don't people look in the mirror before walking out the door?
Sadly, I'd bet she did! :eek:

Looks like you guys are having so much fun and poor Leo on Big Thunder again, do you think he'll ever like it????
You'll find out soon! :rolleyes1

Lauralee131

09-03-2009, 11:47 AM

App of the Day: Notes!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3636/3820027635_1428656385.jpg

I never take notes for my TR while at WDW. Why? Because I just can’t be bothered to pull out a notepad and pen every time something strikes me as interesting. And I’m too tired to do an end-of-day recap at the hotel.

But not so anymore! With this ludicrously simple Notes app, I had no problem jotting down a few lines whilst waiting in a line or finishing a meal to bring back larger memories later.

Ahhh....notes...reason #183 on my list.

Must....

Stay....

Strong....

So the big day had arrived… Evan’s 5th birthday! I can’t tell you how tickled I was to celebrate the big day with the birthday boy and his family. It meant a lot to us that we got to be a part of the celebration, so thanks again T!

Ditto that!! But since you're one day ahead of me in our TR's, I won't say any more...;)

Leo and I met up with the Mominators after a healthy breakfast en suite, and I lobbied once again to take a car instead of the bus. After the endless wait the previous night, it wasn’t a tough sell, and we all loaded into the Mominator Express – aka LL’s awesome mini-van-that’s-not-a-mini-van.

Ummm...ok, it's sooo not a mini-van:headache:...it's a crossover. An SUV that's not an SUV. A sports car that's not a sports car. But definitely not a mini-van. Please do not confuse the two. It makes me feel old and way too domesticated...:sad2:

But hey - we made it in time for rope drop!!

The Waldos… didn’t.

Poor T – there we were, texting excitedly that rope drop was happening, and T was still trying to get to the MK. But all was not lost – The Plan called for a ride with Winnie the Pooh, so we told T we’d meet her there and headed in.

Yep - Poor T...AIS was No Bueno for her! :sad2:

So, we’d been in the park, what, 5 minutes? And POOF! The Plan was abandoned! Mere seconds after I snapped this picture…

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2481/3799858310_8b70e91998.jpg

…the Mominators ditched me and got on the flipping trolley… heading BACK UP MAIN STREET!

LOL, apparently it was something they’d always wanted to do and they decided to seize the moment. I hope they enjoyed the ride.

Come on, everybody...you know the words...

Clang, clang, clang went the trolley...
Right down the middle of Main Street USA...

Ok, there's a bigger reason we took the trolley...we were in search of something that had been lost, but you'll have to wait until I post my next update.

And I didn't really "ditch" you...come on now...

Official travel agent for my guilt trip here...:lmao: Allow me to go back to a recent installment on this very same TR and point out the paragraph that mentions how lovely it is that we can split up and go our own ways and be fine with that...yada yada yada...;) LY/MI!!

After that, it’s all a blur. We pretty much abandoned The Plan and toured by the seats of our pants. I know we rode Buzz, and we may have ridden Peter Pan. Here’s what I know for sure: T, Maddie, Leo and I opted out of the Haunted Mansion to grab Fast Passes for all on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (BTMRR) and wound up having a completely unplanned, fantastic time… hanging out under the railroad tracks.

HUH?!

Did you know that there's a little play area under the train station, near Splash Mountain? Well, I didn’t! That’s where we wound up, while waiting for the group, and Leo and Mads had a great time playing in there. T and I enjoyed catching up in the shade. It was a perfect little break!

Wow - see...I learn something new about you everyday. M likes to play under there...we use the restrooms to mop off a bit after coming off of Splash and sometimes he needs a little kiddie time so we duck under there...ahhh...nice and cool...

And when the rest of our group caught up with us, it was time for the “Wildest Ride in the WILderness!”

Have I mentioned yet that Leo is an incredible mimic? Really, he can replicate nearly any sound or voice, human or animal. I have heard “The wildest ride in the WILderness!” more times over the past month than I care to count.

Let’s review Leo’s history with BTMRR.

He first rode it in Sept. 2006, when he’d just reached the height minimum. He loved it.

He rode it again in Dec. 2006 without incident.

May, 2007 – he rode, but hid his face the whole time.

As of Dec. 2007, Leo had crossed BTMRR off his list completely – “too scary.”

A month later, Jan. 2008, he rode, but cried the whole time; the bats terrified him.

Ok, but in the little man's defense...that time it was totally dark out...remember? The night of the P & P Party...Skeeery!

Since then, we’ve been on it a few times, and each time Leo’s vowed never to do it again.

So I was pretty darned surprised – AGAIN – when he decided to ride BTMRR on this trip. But he was feeling a lot braver with his DIS friends around and thought this might be the time to conquer those fears once and for all. We all got into line and headed out. I tried to take plenty of pictures to document the day…

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2652/3799048249_d792bbd5d4.jpg

Ok, just so everyone knows...the hairy arm in the left foreground? NOT MINE!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2535/3799867300_15d9519fdb.jpg

I love this picture!! OMG and THIS ONE's even better!!!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3484/3799051783_41332e7c59.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2650/3799053501_f8268568ed.jpg

Great pics V! Love them all!!

Note that there are no pictures of Leo on BTMRR.

~ sigh ~

It scared him badly. Again. When we got off, he was shaking like a leaf and trying desperately not to cry in front of his friends. I asked if he needed to be held, and he nodded “yes,” so I told the group we’d catch up and pulled him over to the side for some comforting.

My poor little buddy...his teeth were just chattering, his whole body was shaking...I felt so bad for him.

He wanted so badly to ride that with everyone :sad2: He was WAY more upset this time than that night ride last year...

Many hugs, lots of encouraging and calming words, and a carton of popcorn later, we were ready to reconvene with everyone. We found them in front of the Hall of Presidents.

Okay, the kids were not thrilled with this choice. At least mine wasn’t. But I think they wound up enjoying it as much as the adults did… and us adults really, really enjoyed it!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2590/3799058427_2b83204c21.jpg

Can I just say that certain adults in our large touring party weren't too pleased with this choice either! :rolleyes1 I'd been dying to go AND it was like 150 degrees out...perfect opportunity to cool off!:thumbsup2

I was pretty entertained by our complete refusal to follow the rules of the Hall. It clearly states “No food or beverages” in the theater. And yet, from my right came the soft crunching sounds of Leo eating popcorn. From my left? The fizz of LL opening a soda.

:rolleyes1

I’d like to think we were merely honoring our founding fathers through a little civil disobedience.

There IS strength in numbers...:lmao:

And then we parted ways. The Vs and Mominators headed for the park exit, with a quick stop at the Main St. Bakery.

You know where this is headed, right?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3560/3799884410_ccfd6b9310.jpg

Oh yes, I just had to have a cinnamon roll before we left! That thing, I swear, was as big as my head. Mmmmmmmmmm.

I can attest to that...it was as big as her head. Tony was DROOLING...I kept waiting to hear him say, "So...are ya gonna finish that?":rotfl2:

Next up: Party of 12. No, 15. Wait… 18?!
popcorn::

P.S.: Tracy made me do it.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2538/3799861458_a5c97616dc_o.jpg
Look! Barbie goes to Disney!

OMG - I'd almost forgotten about Barbie...in a velour sweatsuit in 110 degree weather...:sad2:

I'm just smiling here looking at the fun we had and so missing my friends today.

Meeeee tooooo!!!!:guilty:

You forgot to mention she rode in on a camel. Ahem.

OMG that's right!!! I just laughed so hard at remembering that - I almost pee'd...:lmao:

jordanyosh

09-04-2009, 02:20 AM

V,

Thanks for the info about Ohana on Glennbo's TR!:thumbsup2

askelton

09-04-2009, 03:05 PM

"He never has a second cup at home." :rotfl:

:hug: Poor Leo

praisehisname

09-04-2009, 05:03 PM

You guys are having a great vacation! That's awesome that all the kids get along so well.

Pool thirty sounds fun! :thumbsup2

Denise

englishrose47

09-04-2009, 05:31 PM

Hi V !! Just catching up!! That cinabun is DROOLABLE!!!!:lmao::lmao:

I leave next Saturday for 8nights in my magical place :banana::banana:

anewmac

09-06-2009, 01:41 AM

Found your trippy link from another post and the title caught my eye. I love it. Bring on more apps and fun!

lazydoxy66

09-06-2009, 03:17 PM

Quote of the moment:
You forgot to mention she rode in on a camel. Ahem.-T

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll186/lazydoxy66/Smileys/thlolsmiley-1.gif

I absolutely cannot believe you abandoned the "plan". V!!???? What got into you? Your our champion of planning and rules! I always envision you in bright green tights and a cape with the iPhone held high above your 'Ridemax or die' crown. :confused: ;)

You can accomplish a lot with friends in tow. It looked like so much fun. Poor Leo. I hope he is OK for the rest of the day.

The 'Barbie' moment was precious!

PrincessV

09-06-2009, 10:14 PM

Ahhh....notes...reason #183 on my list.

Must....

Stay....

Strong....
Am I wearing you down? ;)

Ummm...ok, it's sooo not a mini-van:headache:...it's a crossover. An SUV that's not an SUV.
:rotfl2: Okay. ;)
And I didn't really "ditch" you...come on now...
No, you didn't. :hug:

Ok, just so everyone knows...the hairy arm in the left foreground? NOT MINE!
:rotfl:

Great pics V! Love them all!!
Thanks! I had no idea what I'd get, shooting over my head and around my shoulder, lol!
He was WAY more upset this time than that night ride last year...
He was; it really threw me for a loop. :guilty:
I can attest to that...it was as big as her head. Tony was DROOLING...I kept waiting to hear him say, "So...are ya gonna finish that?"
:rotfl2: Hey, I offered to share - there were no takers!

V,

Thanks for the info about Ohana on Glennbo's TR!:thumbsup2
My pleasure!

"He never has a second cup at home." :rotfl:
Still, :lmao:

You guys are having a great vacation! That's awesome that all the kids get along so well.
It's funny - I think i half-expect each year for them to suddenly not get along... but they always, always click! :thumbsup2

Hi V !! Just catching up!! That cinabun is DROOLABLE!!!!
I leave next Saturday for 8nights in my magical place :banana::banana:
YAY! You MUST grab a cinnamon roll!

Found your trippy link from another post and the title caught my eye. I love it. Bring on more apps and fun!
Welcome aboard, and thank you! :goodvibes

I absolutely cannot believe you abandoned the "plan". V!!???? What got into you? Your our champion of planning and rules! I always envision you in bright green tights and a cape with the iPhone held high above your 'Ridemax or die' crown.
Shhhh, don't tell anyone... but I HATE The Plan! I always used to fly by the seat of my pants and loved it. I only plan now for entertainment value, lol! :ssst:

cmp1111

09-08-2009, 10:02 AM

All caught up!

Hmm, we found the little play place on our first stay - I can't believe I knew something you didn't! :scared1: :lmao:

Poor Leo...

Since I was so behind, Epcot day looked good, too - hooray for Leo on M:S - my boys love it.

And I feel very much the need to make sure everyone likes anything I recommend, so I'm glad Nine Dragons worked out for you. :goodvibes

And I like tofu. :thumbsup2 :rotfl:

Can't wait to hear more! :)

*********************
LL, I nearly had to trade vehicles in IL last week, and am looking to downsize from the van. What is it that you have? popcorn:: Of course, I have to deal with the reality of hauling 2 kids and a dog and ski equipment or 5 bags and a tube for the boat, or stuff to travel 18 hours in the car for 18 days... So maybe I can't downsize, but I like to dream - AND I like to know what people have that they like. ;)

askelton

09-08-2009, 10:17 AM

CE, love your edit message! :rotfl:My BIL just got one and my sis loves it. Probably I should send her V's link. :rolleyes1

cmp1111

09-08-2009, 10:28 AM

CE, love your edit message! :rotfl:My BIL just got one and my sis loves it. Probably I should send her V's link. :rolleyes1

::yes:: :rotfl2:

PrincessV

09-11-2009, 02:30 PM

I can't believe I knew something you didn't!
You'd be amazed at my lack of WDW knowledge! :rotfl:
And I like tofu.
See LL - it's not just me! ;)

PrincessV

09-11-2009, 02:44 PM

App of the Day – Messages!

http://iphone3g-india.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/taskbar-notifier-iphone1.jpg
I had to borrow an image for this – it’s not mine. Liability taken care of.

See that green and white square in the upper left corner? The one that says “SMS”? That’s my iPhone’s text messaging app. It’s not the most exciting app available, but it got quite the workout at WDW, so I’m including it here. I don’t know about anyone else, but I can’t hear a darned thing on a phone in the middle of a theme park. I relied on texts between T, LL and myself all day to keep track of who was where and what was going on. Here are some highlights from the trip…

>Just on the flipping bus.
<Next year rent a car. LY!

>Did T text U – she chgd AIS to 7:45!!!
<CRAP!! NO!

>RUN! Bus is coming!

>How goes Meatfest?!
<Delish and non-stop.

>DOH! We never drunk dialed Kate! Or did we?!
<We didn’t – crap! BTW this day sux so far.

>LL is MIA?
<She’s right behind you on Splash!
>Lol! Duh!

>will laptop die if left in trunk?!
<I don’t know.

>Aaaaarrrggg Mommy needs a drink STAT!

__________________________________________________ ______________

Back to the story. Let’s see… we’d finished our MK morning, had lunch, headed back to the hotel…

Ah, yes – it was Pool-Thirty time! :woohoo:

LL and I made the executive decision to bypass the main CBR pool and stick to the “quiet” pool near our rooms in the interest of time. We all had a big dinner to get to and didn’t want to be running late. You’ll understand why in a bit.

Naturally, there was some grumbling by a couple of 7 year-olds about skipping the pirate pool, but that quickly changed to shouts of glee. Because Tony was in the house!

I’m pretty sure Tony is a saint. If he isn’t, I’d like to nominate him. He played with those boys the way only a dad can – he threw them high into the air, he dragged them around the pool, he let them climb all over him. They had a wonderful time!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3480/3809796048_d5b342b102.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3548/3809799072_0989dae9a9.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2531/3808989297_ca6326e146.jpg

Such fun would be pretty cool under any circumstances. But it was especially noteworthy in Leo’s case. See, only a week prior to our trip, Leo’s dad moved across the country. ALL the way across. We’ve been divorced since Leo was a baby, but up until this summer, Leo’d been seeing his dad regularly. He was, and still is, having a hard time with the idea that Daddy wasn’t going to be around any more.

Tony brought to Leo a much-needed dose of male adult-child bonding. Let’s face it ladies, no matter how much effort we put in, it’s just not the same as guy-time, right? As Leo reminded me when he asked me to try throwing him like Tony… and he basically just tipped forward into the water. :rolleyes:

Later in the trip, when we all were at SSR, Andy, too, spent some quality pool time with Leo. Thank you both so very much for being the kind, caring men you are; you really, really made things better for my sad boy. :hug::hug:

The pool fun lasted just long enough, and then we all had to get cleaned up for our dinner date. I was happily showering away when Leo knocked on the door.

“What do you need Leo?”
“There’s a lady at our door. She wants to clean up our room. I told her you’re in the shower.”

And he walked out.

Wait a sec…

“LEO! Come back here!”
“What Mommy?”
“Did you open the door?”
“Yep! I can reach the locks.”

:headache:

We had a little chat right there about NOT opening the door to strangers. But I also learned something during that talk – Leo had asked who was there and then looked out the window to see who it was before opening the door. While I’d still prefer that he not open it at all, I had to admit that he did everything right and took appropriate safety measures. He later told me that the housekeeping lady came back two more times while I was in the shower, but he did NOT open the door. He sat there in the window shaking his head “no.” :rolleyes:

You’ll note that Pool-Thirty did not intersect Beer-Thirty that day; I needed to keep my wits about me. I was about to enter what could potentially become the nightmare of all Disney nightmares.

The Chef Mickey’s Saga, According to V
My first night at WDW was one day ahead of T’s. Knowing that she wanted to score an ADR at Chef Mickey’s (CM’s) for Evan’s birthday dinner, I volunteered to call when my ADR window opened, giving us an extra day to grab the perfect time.

At 6:58am on my 90+10 window, I called and made my first ADR: CM's for a party of 12. No problem, got our reservation for 12. :yay:

A week or so later, LL confirmed that she’d be at WDW, too, making our group a party of 15. So I called and had them look... nope. Nothing for a party of 15. Okay, what about making a second reservation for three around the same time? Nope, no availability for three until way late. “Okay,” I said, “I’ll keep my reservation for 12 and keep trying.”

So a few days later, I called to try again. And asked to add three to my existing CM reservation. And "Kareen" said, "So, it'll be a total of six." Um, NO, 12 plus 3 is 15. Apparently when CM #1 had been checking for availability for an extra three, she accidentally changed our party of 12 to a party of three. Think they could turn it back into 12? Not a chance; nothing left as of that morning. :mad:

I nicely freaked out, explaining that I'd called when my window opened, yada-yada-blah-blah-it's a little boy's Bday, etc. and "Kareen" said she'd go get a manager and see how they could fix it. She put me on hold... and then my phone dropped the call. D'OH!

So I called back, knowing full well that there are at least two different call centers and I'd have to start all over. Amazingly, "Angie" knew exactly who I was and with whom who'd I'd been speaking - hooray! They have no way to transfer a call, so "Angie" played go-between relaying information between me and "Kareen," who got "Steph" from Dining Help involved. After holding for about 30 minutes, "Angie" said "Steph" was going straight to the Contemporary manager to figure out a solution, but it would take some time so she'd call me back.

I carried my stupid iPhone around all day waiting, but no call. That night, I went to plug my phone in and BEHOLD! - I had voicemail from WDW. Crap, I thought, I missed the call. But I wound up being glad it went to voicemail... "Steph" reported that she cleared our party of 15 with both the Contemporary’s and CM’s management, though the Dining people would continue to see it as an ADR for three. So, I saved that voicemail and was ready to start playing it on speaker phone if we encountered any problems at the CM podium.

Meanwhile, T found out her SIL was scheduled to be at WDW that day, too. And her family wanted to join the dinner party. Apparently, T’s SIL called the Dining line and asked to be added to “the big party” at CM’s that night... and was! Neither T nor I had any idea if they’d actually been added, and secretly wondered if the reservation was actually still for three – with three more added by the SIL for a total of six!

So, when I found T and we walked up to the CM’s podium, it was game time. I was ready for all-out war.

We approached the podium, I with iPhone in hand. And asked politely to check in for the PrincessV party.

“Yes, party of three?” asked the cast member.

:eek:

Inwardly, I yelled “AAAAAAAARRRRRGGGGG!!!!!!!” Outwardly, I explained as concisely as possible what had gone on and offered to replay Steph’s voice mail to me. (Which I found to be MISSING! Apparently iPhone’s don’t hold old messages forever. Gah.)

Amazingly, there was no need; the cast member did indeed see Steph’s notes in the system and assured us that they were able to seat our party of 15.

Oh. About that… :rolleyes1

T explained about the SIL’s additional party of three and… they quickly turned our party of 15 into a party of 18.

I'm still rather stunned by how responsive Disney was and how much effort they put into fixing their mistake. If I can ever track "Steph" down, I want to send a written thanks and commendation to her superior. THIS is the Disney with which I fell in love but haven't seen in a very long time. :thumbsup2

We wound being sat at a bunch of 4-person tables in a row. We were all close enough to feel like we were dining together, but had room enough between tables to get in and out easily for food and photos.

Food and photos. Let’s talk about those.

I’m sorry to say that I wasn’t impressed with the food. It was fine, but not exceptional; nothing stood out as being particularly great. It was just “meh.”

As for photos… I’ve already expressed in my PTR just how much I loath character interaction. But I’m willing to take Leo to character meals and play photographer for his sake.

Yeah. He wanted nothing to do with characters that night! He refused to sit in an outside seat, and I got stuck in it. Don’t I look thrilled?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2612/3799085013_c176aac26c.jpg
Sure, to the untrained eye, I look happy. Anyone who knows me knows that this look says, “I’m going to stick forks in your eyes if you touch me again.”

Leo flat-out refused to play. At. All. Only Goofy was brave enough to try him. He came over and sat next to Leo, who was fully focused on his plate of mac n’ cheese and attempted to ignore Goofy entirely. But Goofy wasn’t giving up easily – he put an arm around Leo and tapped his nose…

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2542/3799888914_d574382e77.jpg

…and Leo said, with an edge to his voice, “NOT NOW Goofy – can’t you see I’m busy?!”

Nice.

No other characters tried to interact with Leo. :rotfl2:

I managed to get out of any further touching by playing Official-ish Photographer of Evan’s Birthday Dinner.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2556/3799079291_8fcaf9f0bd.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2649/3799900256_32158f1582.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3576/3799896324_2f860b8c1c.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3505/3799887406_f01ea9ed67.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3567/3799892890_97cf9b98d6.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3560/3799093611_de6c70be44.jpg

More below... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33537835&postcount=122)

PrincessV

09-11-2009, 02:44 PM

Our post-dinner Plan involved heading back to the MK for some more fun, so we all loaded into a single car on the monorail. I was strangely excited by that – we took up an entire car! Or maybe it was just one compartment of a car. Whatever. For an only child who’s the mother of an only child, it was pretty impressive.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2494/3799100513_464b4a451e.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3512/3799915830_10007bd8a0.jpg

The kids were READY to get their Magic on![/SIZE]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3487/3799926486_28eeeec821.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2634/3799928232_25859f632c.jpg
One of these children is all hopped-up on sugar. Can you guess which?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2562/3799109921_ba8f46c92e.jpg
Darn. I lopped off the tip of the highest tower. Again.

I don’t remember a lot about the series of events across the group from that night – I know the Mominators went somewhere while most (all?) of the rest of us rode Barnstormer.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3529/3799111715_68aa91cab6.jpg

This is still one of Leo’s favorites. I try to grab a picture each time we ride – I think this trip’s is the best yet, despite being out of focus!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3461/3799112377_dd29ba84f4.jpg

I believe that may have been the last we saw of our group that night! Everyone else wanted to catch Philharmagic I think, which Leo won’t do. I think he and I attempted the Jungle Cruise, but after 15 minutes in line, in sweltering heat, we broke out and headed to BTMRR.

:scared1:

Yes. BTMRR. Leo’s choice. :confused3

I have no idea what happened, but he decided, despite his earlier terror, he wanted to try riding it again. In the dark.

“Mommy? I want to be brave.”

How could anyone resist that? So off we went, in search of Leo’s Bravery. The standby wait was posted as 20 minutes. It may have been close to that, but definitely longer. We stood in line behind a mom and son who chatted with us quite a bit, which I think helped Leo ignore his nerves.

When we finally got in our seat, Leo looked up at me and said “This time I’m not gonna close my eyes!” We took off, and…

HE LOVED IT!!!

Leo did keep his eyes open the whole time and laugh-screamed his little heart out. When we got off, he was quite literally bouncing down the exit path, he was so proud of himself. What a fantastic way to end the day!

Only it didn’t end there – after several texts back and forth, I knew that both the Waldos and Mominators had called it a night and we were ready to go, too. Leo and I started to head toward Main St., only to find Spectromagic about to come through Frontierland.

I looked at Leo. Leo looked at me. We both smiled and knew we were staying for the parade. I found a spot along the elevated, wooden sidewalk, just outside the DVC outpost, where we could stand and watch comfortably over the heads of those sitting on the curb in front of us. And there we stood, sweating buckets and watching the lighted parade go by.

We did absolutely decide against Wishes, though, and made our way out of the MK to the CR, where my car was still valet parked. That’s right, I parked at a resort and entered a park. Neener-neener-neener.

Just when I thought our night was complete, Disney managed to put a cherry on top. As Leo and I stood at the valet stand, in absolute silence since we were the only people around, Wishes began.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3456/3799972612_d3e13a5bb8.jpg

True, we could only see the highest bursts from our location, but it was just me, Leo and Wishes. Awesome. Just awesome. Wishes continued to light our way as I drove past the TTC and Polynesian, and filled my rearview mirror as we sped out of the MK area and toward CBR.

THAT was the perfect ending to a perfect day. :goodvibes

Coming soon: can Pool-Thirty be an all-day affair?!

Hedy

09-11-2009, 03:14 PM

:cheer2::cheer2: for Leo going on BTMRR.

PrincessAlways

09-11-2009, 03:21 PM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2634/3799928232_25859f632c.jpg
[SIZE="1"]One of these children is all hopped-up on sugar. Can you guess which?
hmmmmm......let me think about that!!! :rolleyes: :rotfl2:
QUOTE]

[QUOTE=PrincessV;33537835]
Yes. BTMRR. Leo’s choice. :confused3

“Mommy? I want to be brave.”

How could anyone resist that?

HE LOVED IT!!!

Cool!!!!! Way to go Leo!!! :thumbsup2

Just when I thought our night was complete, Disney managed to put a cherry on top. As Leo and I stood at the valet stand, in absolute silence since we were the only people around, Wishes began.

True, we could only see the highest bursts from our location, but it was just me, Leo and Wishes. Awesome. Just awesome. Wishes continued to light our way as I drove past the TTC and Polynesian, and filled my rearview mirror as we sped out of the MK area and toward CBR.

THAT was the perfect ending to a perfect day. :goodvibes

Very nice ending to a great day!!! :goodvibes

praisehisname

09-11-2009, 07:28 PM

OK, maybe I'm hormonal, but this chapter brought tears to my eyes. The daddy pool time, the CM dinner working out, Leo riding BTMRR, the parade, Wishes, etc. What a great day!

Denise

cmp1111

09-11-2009, 08:26 PM

Such fun would be pretty cool under any circumstances. But it was especially noteworthy in Leo’s case. See, only a week prior to our trip, Leo’s dad moved across the country. ALL the way across. We’ve been divorced since Leo was a baby, but up until this summer, Leo’d been seeing his dad regularly. He was, and still is, having a hard time with the idea that Daddy wasn’t going to be around any more.

Later in the trip, when we all were at SSR, Andy, too, spent some quality pool time with Leo. Thank you both so very much for being the kind, caring men you are; you really, really made things better for my sad boy. :hug::hug:

Sniff, sniff... Those are good guys. :goodvibes

While I’d still prefer that he not open it at all, I had to admit that he did everything right and took appropriate safety measures.

Good for him!

I'm still rather stunned by how responsive Disney was and how much effort they put into fixing their mistake. If I can ever track "Steph" down, I want to send a written thanks and commendation to her superior. THIS is the Disney with which I fell in love but haven't seen in a very long time. :thumbsup2

Aww, excellent! :cool1:

Sure, to the untrained eye, I look happy. Anyone who knows me knows that this look says, “I’m going to stick forks in your eyes if you touch me again.”

::yes::

…and Leo said, with an edge to his voice, “NOT NOW Goofy – can’t you see I’m busy?!”

:rotfl2:

No other characters tried to interact with Leo. :rotfl2:

No, really? :lmao:

I have no idea what happened, but he decided, despite his earlier terror, he wanted to try riding it again. In the dark.

“Mommy? I want to be brave.”

How could anyone resist that? So off we went, in search of Leo’s Bravery. The standby wait was posted as 20 minutes. It may have been close to that, but definitely longer. We stood in line behind a mom and son who chatted with us quite a bit, which I think helped Leo ignore his nerves.

When we finally got in our seat, Leo looked up at me and said “This time I’m not gonna close my eyes!” We took off, and…

HE LOVED IT!!!

WOOOHOOOOOTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THAT was the perfect ending to a perfect day. :goodvibes

Wow, you've got me sniffling all over the place tonight.

Lauralee131

09-11-2009, 08:41 PM

princessjv

09-12-2009, 11:42 AM

Another fabulous TR, V. Of course you 3 had a blast together and I'm enjoying reading all about it. Leo is getting so adventurous! I'm proud of him!

PrincessV

09-12-2009, 12:29 PM

:cheer2::cheer2: for Leo going on BTMRR.
:thumbsup2 He was sooo excited!

Very nice ending to a great day!!!
It really was! :goodvibes

OK, maybe I'm hormonal, but this chapter brought tears to my eyes. The daddy pool time, the CM dinner working out, Leo riding BTMRR, the parade, Wishes, etc. What a great day!
It so was - and I absolutely had tears of joy in my eyes as we drove to CBR that night! :goodvibes

Sniff, sniff... Those are good guys.
That they are. :thumbsup2
Wow, you've got me sniffling all over the place tonight.
SWINE FLU! ;):rotfl:

Did I tell you that I had over 300 sent and received texts from 7/30 thru 8/7??? The Focker Hotline served me well and was WELL WORTH the $50!
:rotfl2: I literally just opened my bill... $44 worth of freaking texts! Clearly, I should have just gotten teh $5/month text plan. :rolleyes:
It was almost painful to watch...and folks, that's exactly what it looked like...tipping forward into the water!
:rotfl: It's not like I've got height on my side, either!
They are good guys, aren't they? Best of all...they took the attention off us moms so we could enjoy ourselves!:thumbsup2 Free babysitting...BONUS!!
Amen to that! :thumbsup2
Look at the look on Evan's face!!!
:rotfl2: I love that shot!

Another fabulous TR, V. Of course you 3 had a blast together and I'm enjoying reading all about it. Leo is getting so adventurous! I'm proud of him!
Thanks Jen! :hug: Leo's actually considering Dinosaur on our next AK trip - can you believe it?! :eek:

Disneyland_Mama

09-12-2009, 01:47 PM

>Just on the flipping bus.
<Next year rent a car. LY!

>Did T text U – she chgd AIS to 7:45!!!
<CRAP!! NO!

>RUN! Bus is coming!

>How goes Meatfest?!
<Delish and non-stop.

>DOH! We never drunk dialed Kate! Or did we?!
<We didn’t – crap! BTW this day sux so far.

>LL is MIA?
<She’s right behind you on Splash!
>Lol! Duh!

>will laptop die if left in trunk?!
<I don’t know.

>Aaaaarrrggg Mommy needs a drink STAT!
:rotfl2:

I’m pretty sure Tony is a saint. If he isn’t, I’d like to nominate him. He played with those boys the way only a dad can – he threw them high into the air, he dragged them around the pool, he let them climb all over him. They had a wonderful time!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2531/3808989297_ca6326e146.jpg
Great pic!

Later in the trip, when we all were at SSR, Andy, too, spent some quality pool time with Leo. Thank you both so very much for being the kind, caring men you are; you really, really made things better for my sad boy. :hug::hug:

:hug: right back atcha! It's kinda the "Mi casa, es su casa" theory. :goodvibes

“What do you need Leo?”
“There’s a lady at our door. She wants to clean up our room. I told her you’re in the shower.”

And he walked out.

Wait a sec…

“LEO! Come back here!”
“What Mommy?”
“Did you open the door?”
“Yep! I can reach the locks.”

:headache:
I remember hearing about that. :eek:

The Chef Mickey’s Saga, According to V
Oh my! I rememeber the emails flying back and forth. I felt so bad that you felt so bad. I'm so glad it worked out though. 'Member the CP ressie I made just in case? Yeah, well I forgot to cancel that. :headache:

Meanwhile, T found out her SIL was scheduled to be at WDW that day, too. And her family wanted to join the dinner party. Apparently, T’s SIL called the Dining line and asked to be added to “the big party” at CM’s that night... and was! Neither T nor I had any idea if they’d actually been added, and secretly wondered if the reservation was actually still for three – with three more added by the SIL for a total of six!
I say we blame the SIL for everything. :teeth:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2612/3799085013_c176aac26c.jpg
Sure, to the untrained eye, I look happy. Anyone who knows me knows that this look says, “I’m going to stick forks in your eyes if you touch me again.”
I love it! It's almost the crazed iPhone look. :lmao:

I managed to get out of any further touching by playing Official-ish Photographer of Evan’s Birthday Dinner.
Thanks for that, V! You took some really great pics!

Our post-dinner Plan involved heading back to the MK for some more fun, so we all loaded into a single car on the monorail. I was strangely excited by that – we took up an entire car! Or maybe it was just one compartment of a car. Whatever. For an only child who’s the mother of an only child, it was pretty impressive.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2494/3799100513_464b4a451e.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3512/3799915830_10007bd8a0.jpg
Notice the freakin' crutches right up in my grill? Yeah, she went backward before going forward.

The kids were READY to get their Magic on![/SIZE]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3487/3799926486_28eeeec821.jpg
I love this one!

This is still one of Leo’s favorites. I try to grab a picture each time we ride – I think this trip’s is the best yet, despite being out of focus!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3461/3799112377_dd29ba84f4.jpg
What a fun picture! :thumbsup2:

When we finally got in our seat, Leo looked up at me and said “This time I’m not gonna close my eyes!” We took off, and…

HE LOVED IT!!!

Leo did keep his eyes open the whole time and laugh-screamed his little heart out. When we got off, he was quite literally bouncing down the exit path, he was so proud of himself. What a fantastic way to end the day!
AWESOME!!!!!

Coming soon: can Pool-Thirty be an all-day affair?![/SIZE]

I should be! I declare at least 1 all-day all pool-thirty day per trip! :teeth:

anewmac

09-12-2009, 03:22 PM

YEAH!! so glad Leo got over his fear!

Loving Pool:30, but I agree beer:30 would have coinsided nicely together.

DisneyJo

09-12-2009, 03:23 PM

I love the pool photos, all 3 look like they're having so much fun :goodvibes

OMG I love what Leo said to Goofy, hilarous :rotfl:

WTG Leo on riding BTMRR and in the dark too :yay:

cmp1111

09-12-2009, 09:24 PM

SWINE FLU! ;):rotfl:

OMG, V, I choked on my wine. :rotfl: :rotfl2:

jcc0621

09-12-2009, 10:39 PM

I'm here and I am caught up. It took me almost two hours of taking a break every 10 minutes but I am caught up.

U am still so sad that I amissedyou all. It looks like you all are having a ball...although after my trip, any trip looks like fun:rotfl:

WTG to Leo for conquering MS and BTMRR:goodvibes

All the kids got so big since last year!

Still not 100% but will keep up as much as possible!:goodvibes

lazydoxy66

09-14-2009, 01:23 AM

V, I love the texts back and forth. :rotfl2:

Pool thirty with the guys was a great story!

The party looked awesome. I'm sorry that Leo didn't get into it! He did so well at MK. Woo Hoo! on BTMRR!

Wishes all by yourself is a wonderful ending to the day! I'm glad you had that special 'mom'ent. :goodvibes

PrincessV

09-14-2009, 08:55 AM

'Member the CP ressie I made just in case? Yeah, well I forgot to cancel that. :headache:
:rotfl: Just think of all the walk-ups you made happy! :thumbsup2
I say we blame the SIL for everything.
Isn't that Jo's duty? LY Jo!
Thanks for that, V! You took some really great pics!
You're welcome! I sooo wish I'd had the Good Camera, though. :guilty:
I declare at least 1 all-day all pool-thirty day per trip! :teeth:
:thumbsup2:cool1::woohoo:

Loving Pool:30, but I agree beer:30 would have coinsided nicely together.
Yep, Pool-Thirty is almost always enhanced by the addition of Beer-Thirty! :)

WTG Leo on riding BTMRR and in the dark too :yay:
It's the only way he wants to ride it next time - in the dark! :cool1:

OMG, V, I choked on my wine. :rotfl: :rotfl2:
:teeth:

I'm here and I am caught up. It took me almost two hours of taking a break every 10 minutes but I am caught up.
Oh Janet - it's so good to see you back! :hug: But pleeeease don't over do it.
All the kids got so big since last year!
They did, didn't they?!

The party looked awesome. I'm sorry that Leo didn't get into it!
It was weird - he really enjoyed dinner, but just wanted nothing to do with the characters. :confused3

jcc0621

09-14-2009, 12:02 PM

Oh Janet - it's so good to see you back! :hug: But pleeeease don't over do it.

I promise:flower3:

GreatBiscuit

09-14-2009, 06:56 PM

Sleepingbooty

09-15-2009, 04:23 PM

Yay! An update! I love the pic on Barnstormer!! Did you actually hold out your camera and take it your self??!!:eek:

BigOnDis

09-18-2009, 02:35 PM

All of this was well and good, except that it was monsooning outside and all of our Day 1 plans involved outdoor pursuits.

We were down there during the end of July, beginning of August as well. I remember this monsoon that you speak of. I have been in Florida and seen a lot of rain at Disney, but I have never seen it rain that hard. Crazy.

PrincessV

09-18-2009, 02:50 PM

Most awesome updates V! Glad to hear Loe conquered the BTMR! Also glad to hear the Mickey Magic Returned for the Chef Mickey's. :thumbsup2 Even if the food and character's weren't so very impressive. Sounds like you had a great day at the MK!
Thanks GB - it really was a terrific day! :goodvibes

Yay! An update! I love the pic on Barnstormer!! Did you actually hold out your camera and take it your self??!!:eek:
Yep! I have a very reliable wrist strap that I tighten up. Even if I lost my grip on the camera, it wouldn't go far. :thumbsup2

PrincessV

09-18-2009, 02:56 PM

We were down there during the end of July, beginning of August as well. I remember this monsoon that you speak of. I have been in Florida and seen a lot of rain at Disney, but I have never seen it rain that hard. Crazy.

I know - it was nuts! :eek:

PrincessV

09-18-2009, 03:08 PM

App of the Day: iPod!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2567/3820832632_ef086c105e.jpg

Note: Prior to my iPhone, I’d not invested in a portable listening device since my early-90s Sony Discman. So the whole concept of an electronic music player is still pretty cool to me. I like that Shuffle. A lot.

And it got used fairly often at WDW… when I worked out! I really did manage to work out most days, even if only for 15 minutes. I think the iPod function helped keep me on track.

__________________________________________________ _________

Fair warning (NO Van Halen): this isn’t likely to be a very good installment. Because it was a lazy, lazy day. A flipping GREAT lazy, lazy day! :cool1:

My only goals were to:

*Get through the Big Change. No, we’re not talking menopause; I mean the switch from CBR to Saratoga Springs (SSR). Though as I think of it… perhaps that is a bit like menopause? Hot flashes over the prospect of getting a “good” room. Extreme irritation when said “good” room isn’t available. A desire to lounge and sip adult beverages all day.

*Have some ice cream at Ghirardelli’s.

Hmmm. That one could probably go with the Big Change, too. Heh heh.

Anyway, Leo and I took our time getting up and out. I’d already done online check-in for SSR, so there wasn’t much point in rushing. Once we were ready, I purposely only took one or two bags to the car at a time. I know, it sounds nuts, but I used that as part of my workout. Multiple trips up and down the stairs, and I ran the upstairs legs. I include this not to boast, but to point out to anyone wondering HOW they can keep up an exercise regimen at WDW that I found plenty of ways to do it without ever hitting a fitness center. While at SSR, I found a stairwell near our room and had Leo sit at the top and count while I sprinted up and down a few times. It was great! :thumbsup2

So we headed over to SSR to get our room assignment. I’d made my standard request: top floor. After spending a few sleepless nights below the Stomping Family on previous trips, I always, always request top floors. I also requested a room in either Grandstand or Congress Park. LL and T had also requested Grandstand, so I was hoping we’d all wind up there…

Woo hoo – a top floor in Grandstand for me! Bonus? Our room was ready! :woohoo:

We went in to scope it out, but didn’t stay long, and didn’t even bother having Bell Services deliver the few bags I’d left with them (food stuff I didn’t want sitting in a hot car and a suitcase that was heavier than I wanted to deal with.) We just changed into swimsuits and headed for the Grandstand pool.

That’s right – no parks. Just pool.

Oh. And LAUNDRY!!! :teeth:

I love, love, love doing laundry. For real! The washing part I could take or leave, but nothing soothes me like folding fresh-from-the-dryer clean clothes. I also enjoy stacking them and putting them away. I blame my years working at Benetton.

I was really looking forward to a day of swimming, sunning and laundry. All right there by the pool. Aaaahhh!! :cloud9: And, amazingly, it really did work out for me. Thanks to my awesome new laundry bag on wheels, I easily rolled from car to pool with two loads. Threw one in the washer, and swam with Leo for half an hour. Got out, moved that load to a dryer, threw another load in, and swam some more.

And that laundry room? So nice! Clean, sparkly white with red trim, smelled good… bliss!

At some point, the Mominators joined us and I headed up to Artist’s Palette for some lunch to-go. The layout of that place drives me nuts. It’s really pretty, but so dysfunctional. Stand in line here, place your order. Stand in line there, pay for it. Stand around waiting. Stand in line again when your buzzy thingy goes off. Too much.

But the House Salad is to-die-for, so I forgive them every year.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3567/3799173503_c9112620ee.jpg
Yum! Fresh greens, grilled chicken, cranberries, apple, nuts… and CHEESE! Finally.

Leo finished his lunch and went to play in the splash zone with Michael. I’ve gotta say – I thought the splash zone would be a way bigger hit with our kids, but they spent very little time there. Have they matured too much for it already??? :sad1:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3559/3799996466_3cfa3c41df.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3568/3799180547_74d5b6442c.jpg

Pool-Thirty lasted most of the day. And intersected with Beer-Thirty, which was conveniently assisted by the open pool bar. The Waldos came to join us later in the day and we all enjoyed the lovely weather, cold drinks and excellent company. And, of course, clean clothes. ;)

I believe it began to cloud up in the early afternoon and we all dispersed to our rooms. Which did wind up being placed within Grandstand! The Waldos in one building, and the Mominators and V’s in another. It made bussing and pooling an absolute snap. Mostly. But I’ll get to that later. ;)

With rain seeming imminent, Leo and I spent some time getting settled in our home for the next five nights. We wound up with a lovely view:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3503/3799116463_df6219e44e.jpg

That we enjoyed almost entirely from within the confines of our room. Too flipping hot for hanging on the balcony.

Leo watched a movie and I organized things. Sifting through the pile of stuff I’d been given at check-in, I discovered a cost-saving measure new to The Mouse:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3516/3799965104_cbc4c146b4.jpg

On the top is last year’s SSR map, which I’m so glad I’d saved. On the bottom is this year’s SSR map. Lotsa luck finding anything on that baby.

I also found these:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2529/3799961266_5ac726df18.jpg

Hee hee – I’d listed our “celebration” as a reunion when I made my reservation. Sadly, I forgot all about the stupid pins and never got them to LL or T. Sorry guys! I owe you.

So, I know this isn’t the stuff of which funny TRs are made, but it was just a nice, relaxed day. It was such a pleasure to take some time out for doing nothing more than hang out in the hotel for a while. I highly recommend it!

We did eventually leave, though. Ghirardelli was still waiting and we needed dinner first, so we headed over to Downtown Disney (DTD).

DTD is always problematic for me. I don’t like taking busses anywhere. But driving to DTD is a nightmare thanks to too many cars and not enough parking spaces. There’s a boat from SSR to DTD, but it actually docks at Pleasure Island (PI). To get to the Marketplace, you either have to walk or wait for yet another boat that goes between PI and the Marketplace.

Oh, and the SSR boat dock is nowhere near Grandstand.

In the end, I decided to go with a two-pronged approach: drive to the SSR boat dock and take the boat to PI. From there, we could decide whether to wait for another boat or just hoof it.

It was a gorgeous evening – perfect for a boat ride, actually!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2667/3799940050_5e5a714574.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2618/3799938408_f2d9c169e6.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2555/3799940748_d39fee62ea.jpg
The monstrosity in all its glory. You can’t go anywhere within WDW without seeing this stupid thing. It’s lit up at night, so it vies with the moon for your attention. Too much.

We went with Wolfgang Puck Express for dinner. There was no line and we like the food. But I swear – I don’t ever remember it being so loud in there. LL called and I had the hardest time hearing her. Add to that the line that formed after we’d been served – it snaked all the way back from the registers and around our table. No joke, people were within a foot of us, staring at our food. While the eatings were good, the ambiance was anything but. We ate fast and got OUT.

You know what is good? Ice cream. :banana:

Ghirardelli was calling, and we answered. YUM!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2620/3799942568_ffce0c36e0.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3454/3799944276_33514a0f86.jpg

And folks, that was pretty much it. We boated back to SSR. I drove from the dock to our room. We got into our jammies, watched a little TV, and went to sleep.

I know.

YAWN.

But you know what? We needed a YAWN. The YAWN, I’ve found, is a critical part of the relaxed-trip experience. Give it a try. Take a day and plan nearly nothing. See how it goes. Don’t attempt to imagine the possibilities – just let it flow. Trust V, you’ll be glad you did. :goodvibes

Next: Leo’s packing heat.

jcc0621

09-18-2009, 03:15 PM

That whole day just sounds like absolute BLISS:cloud9:

And any day that ends with Ice Cream is a great day ::yes::

jess98ac

09-18-2009, 03:24 PM

i LOVE lazy days like that...on vacation, at home, wherever. LOVE them!

[SIZE="3"]

I love, love, love doing laundry. For real! The washing part I could take or leave, but nothing soothes me like folding fresh-from-the-dryer clean clothes. I also enjoy stacking them and putting them away. I blame my years working at Benetton.

We'd make a perfect couple. I love the washing part, but would leave everything in the dryer and live out of that between laundry days if I could!! I HATE folding and putting away!

aprilisis

09-18-2009, 03:24 PM

Great update! I agree that the days spent in WDW that are relaxed are an absolute necessity. Sometimes they end up being my favorite days. SSR looks REALLY nice! I can't wait to see what you guys do next. :goodvibes

Disneyland_Mama

09-18-2009, 03:36 PM

But the House Salad is to-die-for, so I forgive them every year.[/SIZE]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3567/3799173503_c9112620ee.jpg
Yum! Fresh greens, grilled chicken, cranberries, apple, nuts… and CHEESE! Finally.

Hands down, one of the best CS meals in WDW. Waldo became a fan as well!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2529/3799961266_5ac726df18.jpg

:lmao: SO that's what they look like!

In the end, I decided to go with a two-pronged approach: drive to the SSR boat dock and take the boat to PI. From there, we could decide whether to wait for another boat or just hoof it.
As in WALK???? To DTD???? O.M.G!! :faint:

But you know what? We needed a YAWN. The YAWN, I’ve found, is a critical part of the relaxed-trip experience. Give it a try. Take a day and plan nearly nothing. See how it goes. Don’t attempt to imagine the possibilities – just let it flow. Trust V, you’ll be glad you did. :goodvibes
I'm still skeptical... or am I? :cool2:

Next: Leo’s packing heat.[/SIZE][/QUOTE]

DisneyJo

09-18-2009, 03:47 PM

Isn't that Jo's duty? LY Jo! Hey I just read this :headache: :rotfl2:

Hmmm. That one could probably go with the Big Change, too. Heh heh. Ice-cream will be involved when I get there :rotfl2:

While at SSR, I found a stairwell near our room and had Leo sit at the top and count while I sprinted up and down a few times. It was great! :thumbsup2 :faint:

I love, love, love doing laundry. For real! The washing part I could take or leave, but nothing soothes me like folding fresh-from-the-dryer clean clothes. I also enjoy stacking them and putting them away. And another :faint:

There’s a boat from SSR to DTD, but it actually docks at Pleasure Island (PI). When we did it 2 years ago it went to the Marketplace when did it change as that means I gave a wrong answer a few months ago :blush:

V it sounds like a perfect day, we always have some down time at WDW, although we normally end up at a water park, mini golf etc!

As in WALK???? To DTD???? O.M.G!! :faint: What's wrong with walking from SSR to DTD T???? :rolleyes1:rotfl2:

PrincessAlways

09-18-2009, 04:30 PM

That lazy day sounded just perfect!!!! :goodvibes

I don't like the inconvenience of the boat dock at SSR either. It seems like you're looking for a needle in a haystack! The dock at OKW is right in the middle of the action. The stop at PI was a rude awakening for me last time. Not that the walk to Marketplace was that long, just inconvenient (again).

anewmac

09-18-2009, 11:24 PM

that does sound like jsut BLISS.. and right now I could totally go for some bliss!

puggymom

09-19-2009, 06:09 AM

I'm all caught up I have some time before leaving for the airport so I am using it to get caughtup on trip reports!

Leo will only ride BTMRR at night, atta boy, it's better at night!

Laundry - i thought about doing laundry this trip and then the thought passed. If I was in a 1 bedroom, I would have but I just didn't fell like carrying it down stairs. Maybe if I had your bag...

I have learned lazy days are the best. I'm totally on board, of course that just means longer trips;)

Sleepingbooty

09-19-2009, 05:36 PM

Great day! I feel more relaxed just reading it. Nothing wrong with a little down time. Oh, and laundry? Like the folding, but please come put it away for me! My absolute LEAST favorite chore. I think because I'm forced to come face to face with the disaster zone that is my 8 year olds closet and drawers. Too depressing.

PrincessV

09-21-2009, 09:23 AM

That whole day just sounds like absolute BLISS:cloud9:
It was, it was! :goodvibes
And any day that ends with Ice Cream is a great day ::yes::
Amen to that!

We'd make a perfect couple. I love the washing part, but would leave everything in the dryer and live out of that between laundry days if I could!! I HATE folding and putting away!
:rotfl: Too funny! Dude, we could have a lucrative WDW laundry business!

Great update! I agree that the days spent in WDW that are relaxed are an absolute necessity. Sometimes they end up being my favorite days. SSR looks REALLY nice!
ITA, and those days are still pretty new for me, since we've only been vacationing there more than a few days at a time the last few years. I can't say enough about SSR - it really does feel like home to me. :cloud9:

Hands down, one of the best CS meals in WDW. Waldo became a fan as well!
I tried to recreate it at home... nope. :sad2:
:lmao: SO that's what they look like!
:blush:
As in WALK???? To DTD???? O.M.G!! :faint:
Gads, no - I meant from the PI boat dock to the Marketplace! Who in their right mind would walk between SSR and DTD...

Oh, SNAP! :lmao:

Ice-cream will be involved when I get there :rotfl2:
:thumbsup2
When we did it 2 years ago it went to the Marketplace when did it change as that means I gave a wrong answer a few months ago :blush:
I think it changed when the Treehouses opened.
What's wrong with walking from SSR to DTD T????
:rolleyes:

I don't like the inconvenience of the boat dock at SSR either. It seems like you're looking for a needle in a haystack! The dock at OKW is right in the middle of the action. The stop at PI was a rude awakening for me last time. Not that the walk to Marketplace was that long, just inconvenient (again).
Yep, it's some seriously awkward placement. Though it was neat to see the golf club.

that does sound like jsut BLISS.. and right now I could totally go for some bliss!
~ sigh ~ Me too!

Leo will only ride BTMRR at night, atta boy, it's better at night!
::yes:: I just asked this weekend when he wants to ride it in Oct., and he immediately said "At night!"
Laundry - i thought about doing laundry this trip and then the thought passed. If I was in a 1 bedroom, I would have but I just didn't fell like carrying it down stairs. Maybe if I had your bag...
The bag was great! But the pool-side laundry room was the key. I'm going with a 1 bedroom for AKV; no WAY am I hoofing it back and forth to a laundry room that's nowhere near anything!

Oh, and laundry? Like the folding, but please come put it away for me! My absolute LEAST favorite chore. I think because I'm forced to come face to face with the disaster zone that is my 8 year olds closet and drawers. Too depressing.
:rotfl: I'm lucky - Leo's a little OCD with neatness. His room is rarely a major mess. I'm sure I'll pay for that in some other way, though. :rolleyes:

Lauralee131

09-21-2009, 11:07 AM

PrincessV

09-21-2009, 11:13 AM

And laundry? Folks, I've never seen anyone get so excited over doing laundry...not even the "ancient Chinese secret" people in the commercial did...

Bonus points...anyone remember the name of the detergent?;)

CALGON!!! :teeth:

englishrose47

09-21-2009, 12:20 PM

Hmm....can't really quote as I'm a day behind you....

Ooooh...today's app...reason #187 why I should get an iPhone...heh heh...

And laundry? Folks, I've never seen anyone get so excited over doing laundry...not even the "ancient Chinese secret" people in the commercial did...

Bonus points...anyone remember the name of the detergent?;)

This is sad but I instantly thought "CALGON" am I right ??????:confused3

I am back, tired, sad but lots of great memories and of course my DRAMA!!!!!:lmao:

Sooze

09-21-2009, 05:32 PM

Note: Prior to my iPhone, I’d not invested in a portable listening device since my early-90s Sony Discman.

Hilarious! I bashed my husband because he just NEEDED an iPod a few years ago. I just didn't get it. Now that I have my iPhone... well, let's just say my foot fits nicely in my mouth!!

Woo hoo – a top floor in Grandstand for me! Bonus? Our room was ready! :woohoo

The Disney Gods were smiling on YOU that day!! Hooray!!

I love, love, love doing laundry. For real! The washing part I could take or leave, but nothing soothes me like folding fresh-from-the-dryer clean clothes. I also enjoy stacking them and putting them away. I blame my years working at Benetton.
::yes:: I completely agree with you! Although mine is a result of working at the Disney Store, back when they had little square cubbies filled with perfectly-aligned T-shirts. I LOVED that job!!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3516/3799965104_cbc4c146b4.jpg

On the top is last year’s SSR map, which I’m so glad I’d saved. On the bottom is this year’s SSR map. Lotsa luck finding anything on that baby.

:eek: Wow... I probably wouldn't have noticed how big of a change that is. You are brilliant for saving that map!

The monstrosity in all its glory. You can’t go anywhere within WDW without seeing this stupid thing. It’s lit up at night, so it vies with the moon for your attention. Too much.
I think I'm going to have to agree with you on this. At first, I thought it was a really neat addition.. now, and you stated exactly why, I think it needs to go!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3454/3799944276_33514a0f86.jpg

Drooling... I am pretty much drooling right now!

But you know what? We needed a YAWN.

I absolutely agree 100%!! What a GREAT day!

jordanyosh

09-22-2009, 12:26 AM

Thanks for taking your time with this TR...I've been busy at work and when I got to your TR realized I wasn't that far behind:thumbsup2

Some good MOJO for the whole Chef Mickey's ADR nightmare! Disney steps up. Good to know the magic still exists...most days.

I can't believe you love doing laundry.......I LOVE doing laundry, but only on vacation at WDW. It really is a GREAT way to spend a day....Pool, laundry and one or two drinks...can't be beat!!!!!! The smell of a laundramat...the heat from the dryers...Okay..I sound crazy!

praisehisname

09-22-2009, 04:34 PM

That doesn't sound like a YAWN to me--that sounds wonderful!!!

Denise

PrincessV

09-23-2009, 07:43 AM

This is sad but I instantly thought "CALGON" am I right ??????:confused3
Yep! :thumbsup2
I am back, tired, sad but lots of great memories and of course my DRAMA!!!!!:lmao:
Yikes! Hope the good times outweighed the dramatic ones Rosie! :hug:

Hilarious! I bashed my husband because he just NEEDED an iPod a few years ago. I just didn't get it. Now that I have my iPhone... well, let's just say my foot fits nicely in my mouth!!
:rotfl: I hear ya - never in a million years would I have thought I'd be so enamored by a PHONE!
::yes:: I completely agree with you! Although mine is a result of working at the Disney Store, back when they had little square cubbies filled with perfectly-aligned T-shirts. I LOVED that job!!
My boss worked at the Gap in college - she totally gets it, too!

Thanks for taking your time with this TR...I've been busy at work and when I got to your TR realized I wasn't that far behind:thumbsup2
:rotfl2: And here I was, feeling guilty for not updating more often! ;)
Some good MOJO for the whole Chef Mickey's ADR nightmare! Disney steps up. Good to know the magic still exists...most days.
Dude, I'm sitll shocked! And certainly don't ever expect it to happen again.
I can't believe you love doing laundry.......I LOVE doing laundry, but only on vacation at WDW. It really is a GREAT way to spend a day....Pool, laundry and one or two drinks...can't be beat!!!!!! The smell of a laundramat...the heat from the dryers...Okay..I sound crazy!
:worship: I just looooove the smell of laundromats! :love:

That doesn't sound like a YAWN to me--that sounds wonderful!!!

Denise
:goodvibes It was so very wonderful! What I wouldn't do for a YAWN day right now, lol!

PrincessV

09-25-2009, 11:56 AM

App of the Day – Checkers!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3433/3952938463_df4b8b2065.jpg

This turned out to be a great waiting device. I taught Leo how to play while we waited for our meals at lunch, and we played a few more times during other meals. For the record, I won more times than Leo.

Barely.

__________________________________________________ _______

August 3rd. I’d left that particular morning open in The Plan, allowing for extra sleep or changes of mind about park preferences. Since Leo and I had hit the deck early the previous night, we were ready for some rides and decided on the MK for our morning.

The Waldos were at EP. Where the heck were the Mominators that day?! I cannot seem to remember, but I know they weren’t with us. It was just me and my boy that morning.

And this was to be Leo Day. I pretty much let him call the shots since we’d already hit all of our must-do’s on our earlier MK day. This made for some interesting results…

First, it meant taking the bus to the MK. That’s right – given a choice, Leo will nearly always pick the bus. ~ sigh ~ Where did I go wrong?! ;)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2498/3799193177_038b76b44a.jpg
BUSSING it to the Magic. Ugh.

Next, Leo was clear that he wanted to watch the opening show. We wound up being so early, we were right in front of the train station for it.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2457/3799156025_99b92d333b.jpg
No zoom here – just looking up from where we stood.

He was offered a handful of pixie dust… which he wisely declined. I took it and realized 10 minutes later, when I went to throw it in the air, that the humid air stuck the stupid bits to my palm. I threw my hand up to toss the confetti – and none of it moved. I spent the walk down Main St. picking each little bit off with a finger nail. :headache:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3468/3800014950_92be918911.jpg
Sure, they look innocent now…

For his first ride, Leo chose Astro Orbiter. On which he spent the entire ride like this:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2653/3799994724_09b0bc69fd.jpg
Space may be a vacuum, but Tomorrowland is not. Too loud.

Some other rides he chose: Peter Pan, POTC, and BUZZ LIGHTYEAR!

Oh, and this…

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2485/3800002248_824a75de26.jpg

Yep, we braved BTMRR again! No shaking or teeth chattering this time; Leo was loving him some rollercoaster.

Following our mandatory trip down Denial River…

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3510/3799186893_a87336c585.jpg
“Stay in school, or you too will grow up to be a Jungle Cruise Skipper.”

…we made it to the place Leo most wanted to visit. In fact, he’d been asking about it since the very first day of our trip. It was pretty much in the top spot for Things Leo Wanted to Do at WDW.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2508/3800010554_3ac5461bf6.jpg

Mmm-hmm, the boy wanted to shoot stuff. Now, I talked about this in my PTR, but for the late-comers, I’ll admit two things here:

1. I’m about as anti-gun as it’s possible to get.
2. The Frotierland Shootin’ Arcade holds one of my favorite memories from my childhood visits to WDW.

Go figure. Anyway, despite my leanings, I was happy to let Leo give the Shootin’ Arcade a shot. So to speak.

The process seems simple enough – deposit money in the machine, take aim and fire.

The first two steps worked like a charm; the machine took my money and Leo took aim. Sadly, the last step did not unfold properly at all. No shots. Much like the cursed soda vending machine across the hall from my office, the Shootin’ Arcade took my money and failed to deliver.

Fortunately, I was prepared with more quarters and we selected a new rifle, one that had just successfully been used by another patron. All systems were go this time. I helped Leo balance his ginormous Winchester and he fired away at the red dots.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3448/3800012676_b25556bd18.jpg
This gun weighs more than my 7 year old!

He only managed to hit one target, but he had a great time anyway. He was so excited by this little experience, we went right into the adjoining shop and bought a Frontierland tree ornament to commemorate the occasion.

To follow that heart-warming tale, please allow me to share our next, and rather opposing, experience.

We’d done all we cared to at the MK and were ready for some lunch. But I needed to stop at the restroom first. Now, Leo’s old enough that he’s not keen on going in the Ladies’ room to do his thing anymore, and I’ve been supportive of that development. I love WDW’s restrooms because the vast majority of them feature open entrances, i.e. no actual door. I’m able to wait outside while Leo uses the men’s room, knowing that if he yells for help I’ll be able to hear him.

But when I need to use the facilities, I’m not yet okay with leaving Leo out in the middle of the park. Again, WDW’s restrooms are ideal, as he can almost always stand just inside an entrance, where he’s far enough away from the “action” for everyone to feel modest, but isn’t mingling in the crowd either.

He’s good with the situation; I’m good with the situation.

But, apparently, the lady who walked into the Ladies’ Room behind me that day was not good with our situation. Because, after I left Leo at the entrance, saying “I’ll be right back; wait here,” this woman followed me INTO my stall of choice, pushing the door open, and said “Are you sure you want to leave him there like that?!”

We all wonder “what if” right? “What if someone tries to harm my child – how will my child react?”

Well, I happen to know what Leo would do if grabbed by a stranger, because I saw it. The “stranger” in question was actually a counselor at his summer camp, but one with whom Leo was not yet acquainted. This counselor, in jest, came up behind Leo and grabbed him around the waist (anyone with boys between 5 and 18 knows this is almost always a precursor to a raging game of chase or wrestling, right?). Leo, having NO idea who this person grabbing him might be, reacted quickly and on instinct – he screamed bloody murder and tore at the poor counselor’s arms with his finger nails. The guy had red welts all up and down his arms. But an important lesson was learned by three people:

Leo learned that he has power and control over his own destiny and can use it whenever he feels he needs to.

I learned that my seven-year-old is a lot tougher and smarter than I thought.

The counselor learned that, even amongst the testosterone-laden set, introductions first can prevent injury later.

So when I tell Leo “I’m leaving you here; please wait for me,” I do so with confidence in his ability to protect himself and my ability to trust in his instincts. Whether you, kindly-intentioned stranger, think me right or wrong, stay out of my parenting. Please.

I took a step closer to the woman – who was in MY space! – and explained that yes, I was sure and that no, I did not need to be questioned about it.

With that little bit of excitement out of the way, we went to lunch. At a new place for us, The Plaza.

People, can I just say it? Get yourselves some reservations at The Plaza! That lunch ranked one of our best WDW meals ever. EVER!!!

We were seated quickly and had this gorgeous view while we ate:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3484/3800017512_2a01aca468.jpg

It was relatively quiet in there, which we always like, and our server was wonderfully efficient, yet never made us feel rushed. I had their Club sandwich and it was delish. Leo proclaimed his cheeseburger the “best in Disney!” Being The Plaza, we had to follow up with some ice cream…

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2625/3800020492_0208795eb2.jpg
“Can I pleeeease stop smiling and EAT this thing already!”

Dudes. That’s the KIDS’ sundae. It was huge! Leo was so nice – he offered to share and we both enjoyed that yummy treat. What a great way to end a MK day; I’m pretty much booking The Plaza for lunch every time we go to the MK now!

I have to admit here that I have NO idea what happened after we went back to SSR! Pool-Thirty seems like a safe bet, but I’m not sure on that. And where were the Mominators?! We’ll all need to go read T’s and LL’s updates (ahem) to figure out this mystery.

I do know where we spent our evening, though… Epcot!

This was a completely Plan-less evening, too. Leo wanted to ride M:S again, and there was a very short wait, so we did that first. And it rained a little – naturally, since it was dinner time. ;)

We were mostly there to eat and then stalk the Waldos, so we headed over to Tangierine Café and scored some yummy vittles. Good golly, but I love that place! Where else can you find the second-best cheeseburger in all of Disney, a falafel wrap the size of Detroit, and a staff composed almost entirely of cute Moroccans?!

During dinner, I’d sent a text to T letting her know our plan: to eat dinner and then lie in wait outside Tutto Italia (where the Waldos were dining). So Leo and I wandered over to Italy, enjoying the stroll and people watching. The Waldos weren't out yet, so I popped into the wine shop in the Italy pavilion for a little after-dinner drink. I’d never been in there – it’s so cute! And, despite being half Italian, I’ve never been a big fan of Italian wines. But the one I tried that night was very tasty. Sipping it on the steps, in the company of my favorite guy, made it that much better.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2606/3799195015_7bec49c891.jpg
Geez, I could use a little eye makeup!

When the Waldos came out, we all headed over to Norway… because we had a mission! A Kim Possible mission, that is. Apparently, they’d grabbed a mission FP earlier and it was time to dive in.

I’d read briefly about the missions, and had asked Leo if he wanted to try it out, but he’d declined. Neither of us had any idea how involved and FUN they’d be! We never would have tried it if it weren’t for T, so thanks so much for including us that night!

Our mission took place in China. And I’m not going to give anything away, because it’s really that fun. There are so many clues and they really require the power of a few minds to figure out, so we all got to be involved. The clues are interactive, too, adding to the fun.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2593/3799199401_11c6c03f69.jpg
“Gong? Are you sure? I’ve never seen a gong in here…”

It happened to be sunset while we were working our mission, and it was gorgeous, so I took some pics along the way…

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3550/3800035630_69cd692f14.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2618/3799212167_b0a8518394.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3500/3799219459_24890fb759.jpg

We completed our mission, saving all humanity, natch, and may or may not have done the Mexico ride. I really don’t remember. I think the last thing I remember doing was waiting for the bus! I don’t even remember getting ready for bed that night – we must have been tired.

But it was another lovely day, of that I’m certain. I’ve already said it, and I’m sure I’ll continue to do so… what a joy it was to not feel like every minute of the day was to be accounted for. The liberating feeling of being able to say “Hey, let’s go stalk our friends outside their dinner location!” cannot be over overstated. ;) According to Commando Touring rules, we did practically nothing at EP that night. But trust me – being in the company of friends is anything but “nothing.” :grouphug:

Next: Flat Kate Goes to Hollywood

jcc0621

09-25-2009, 12:21 PM

Barely.

I found out yesterday that Jimmy can play chess. He has challenged Jim to a game...should be interesting:lmao:

For his first ride, Leo chose Astro Orbiter. On which he spent the entire ride like this:

ANother of Jimmy's favs!

]

Yep, we braved BTMRR again! No shaking or teeth chattering this time; Leo was loving him some rollercoaster.

Go Leo:cool1:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3448/3800012676_b25556bd18.jpg
This gun weighs more than my 7 year old!

Who was pointing pne of those weapons at the back of Leo's head:scared1:

“Are you sure you want to leave him there like that?!”

Um. mind your own business:headache:

Leo learned that he has power and control over his own destiny and can use it whenever he feels he needs to.

I learned that my seven-year-old is a lot tougher and smarter than I thought.

The counselor learned that, even amongst the testosterone-laden set, introductions first can prevent injury later.

Good job Leo:thumbsup2

People, can I just say it? Get yourselves some reservations at The Plaza! That lunch ranked one of our best WDW meals ever. EVER!!!

We love the PLaza:cloud9: According to JImmy the place that has the BEST PB & J sandwich EVER! They put it on real bread..not those uncrustable carp things they usually have!

I’d read briefly about the missions, and had asked Leo if he wanted to try it out, but he’d declined. Neither of us had any idea how involved and FUN they’d be! We never would have tried it if it weren’t for T, so thanks so much for including us that night!

Another thing we didn't get to do!:mad:

Next: Flat Kate Goes to Hollywood

popcorn::

ANother great update V!

sharkB8HooHaHa

09-25-2009, 12:50 PM

AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME sunset pictures,V.

And all I can think of when I see Leo holding that gun on his shoulder is "you'll shoot your eye out, kid."

Oh, and I see you were sporting your Gator gear. Ten bonus points for you. I'm still working off the demerits you tossed my way last summer. ;)

cmp1111

09-25-2009, 01:11 PM

This turned out to be a great waiting device. I taught Leo how to play while we waited for our meals at lunch, and we played a few more times during other meals. For the record, I won more times than Leo.

Barely.

I don't have checkers, but the iPhone has been a lifesaver for me in restaurants - particularly for our ridiculously long wedding trip to IL, where we ate out EVERY night for the first week.

Well, I happen to know what Leo would do if grabbed by a stranger, because I saw it. The “stranger” in question was actually a counselor at his summer camp, but one with whom Leo was not yet acquainted.

Good for Leo! :lmao:

I popped into the wine shop in the Italy pavilion for a little after-dinner drink. I’d never been in there – it’s so cute!

::yes:: It really is - I stopped in for a pre-dinner beverage prior to Wienerfest. :rolleyes1 I could have wandered around for ages.

askelton

09-25-2009, 03:14 PM

Yep, we braved BTMRR again! No shaking or teeth chattering this time; Leo was loving him some rollercoaster.
:cool1: This ride is always more enjoyable than I think it's going to be.

1. I’m about as anti-gun as it’s possible to get.
2. The Frotierland Shootin’ Arcade holds one of my favorite memories from my childhood visits to WDW.An education in irony. :rotfl:Maybe I should take Mitch there or actually I want to go.

But when I need to use the facilities, I’m not yet okay with leaving Leo out in the middle of the park. Something else to think about when Reid gets older. :rolleyes: And the companion restrooms are just one big room.

People, can I just say it? Get yourselves some reservations at The Plaza! That lunch ranked one of our best WDW meals ever. EVER!!!OK! :rotfl:

The Waldos weren't out yet, so I popped into the wine shop in the Italy pavilion for a little after-dinner drink. I’d never been in there – it’s so cute! I've also gotten some cute gifts in there. :thumbsup2

I’d read briefly about the missions, and had asked Leo if he wanted to try it out, but he’d declined. Neither of us had any idea how involved and FUN they’d be! We never would have tried it if it weren’t for T, so thanks so much for including us that night!Glad you both liked it. We did too.

The liberating feeling of being able to say “Hey, let’s go stalk our friends outside their dinner location!” cannot be over overstated. ;) :goodvibes

Sleepingbooty

09-25-2009, 04:43 PM

Aaaahhhh, a "plan-less" evening. Sounds so enjoyable. So relaxing. So vacation-like. So never-gonna-happen on one of our trips. I don't know why, but I can't get out of commando mode! Maybe we need to start going more than once a year, and then I'll be able to relax knowing we'll be back soon. Yeah, that's the problem. Will talk to hubby about this right away;)

PrincessAlways

09-25-2009, 06:24 PM

Can't believe the confetti stuck to your hand! :lmao:

Yes, the Plaza IS the best little "secret" at MK!! I love it there! No fuss, just good food, great price & like you said.....quiet! :goodvibes

BTMMR again????? wow! good going Leo! :thumbsup2

Ok.....which wine did you try? I'm also an Italian who doesn't really like wine. However, I've discovered Rosa Regale while visiting Epcot. Love it!!! :lovestruc It's a sparkling red wine & really tastes great.

Love the sunset pics! You take some of the greatest pictures!

anewmac

09-25-2009, 09:05 PM

Your time together sounds great, both with Leo and with your friends, to me thats the best planned or non planned vacation you can have!

Al and Kate's Mom

09-26-2009, 06:56 AM

V!!!! It's been a while since I've been on the DIS - I always enjoyed your TRs, and this one is awesome!!! Thanks for sharing it - can't wait for more! :yay:

praisehisname

09-28-2009, 02:50 PM

Being able to have a "planless" day and evening is definitely a perk to living so close to The World. You *know* you'll be back. :thumbsup2

I can't wait to try a KP Mission in December! :thumbsup2

Denise

dlwharp

09-28-2009, 04:06 PM

Leo learned that he has power and control over his own destiny and can use it whenever he feels he needs to.

Go Leo:cool1::cool1:

People, can I just say it? Get yourselves some reservations at The Plaza! That lunch ranked one of our best WDW meals ever. EVER!!!

You're kidding me??? Never been, never would have thought to go in. Putting it on the list! :thanks: See, this is absolutely why I love my DIS-friends. I wouldn't know half of what I know about WDW without you :love:

Good golly, but I love that place! Where else can you find the second-best cheeseburger in all of Disney, a falafel wrap the size of Detroit, and a staff composed almost entirely of cute Moroccans?!

Hubba Hubba!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2606/3799195015_7bec49c891.jpg
Geez, I could use a little eye makeup!

You're gorgeous! princess:

I’d read briefly about the missions, and had asked Leo if he wanted to try it out, but he’d declined. Neither of us had any idea how involved and FUN they’d be! We never would have tried it if it weren’t for T, so thanks so much for including us that night!

Sounds like lots of fun - can adults do them?? Hey, wait, I'll have an 11 yo with me next time, I can pretend HE's doing the missions :rolleyes:

But it was another lovely day, of that I’m certain. I’ve already said it, and I’m sure I’ll continue to do so… what a joy it was to not feel like every minute of the day was to be accounted for. The liberating feeling of being able to say “Hey, let’s go stalk our friends outside their dinner location!” cannot be over overstated. ;) According to Commando Touring rules, we did practically nothing at EP that night. But trust me – being in the company of friends is anything but “nothing.” :grouphug:

Aaahhhh :lovestruc

manntra

09-28-2009, 05:27 PM

Your title sucked me right in! About a month ago I switched from Verizon to AT&T specifically for the iPhone and I really can't remember ever using a different phone!
Going back to read and make sure I have all the right apps for my trip on Sunday! :rotfl::rotfl:

Tracy

PrincessV

09-29-2009, 07:46 AM

I found out yesterday that Jimmy can play chess. He has challenged Jim to a game...should be interesting:lmao:
:eek: I'm waiting for that one next - Gramma plays. :rolleyes:
Who was pointing pne of those weapons at the back of Leo's head
:rotfl:

AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME sunset pictures,V.
Thank you! :goodvibes I regretted not bringing the Good Camera more than once, so I'm glad a few came out nicely at least.
And all I can think of when I see Leo holding that gun on his shoulder is "you'll shoot your eye out, kid."
:rotfl2: I may or may not have actually said it!
Oh, and I see you were sporting your Gator gear. Ten bonus points for you. I'm still working off the demerits you tossed my way last summer. ;)
:thumbsup2 You're getting there. ;)

I don't have checkers, but the iPhone has been a lifesaver for me in restaurants - particularly for our ridiculously long wedding trip to IL, where we ate out EVERY night for the first week.
::yes:: It's a great, isn't it?!

An education in irony. :rotfl:Maybe I should take Mitch there or actually I want to go.
LOL, I have to admit, I kind of want to take a turn, too!
Something else to think about when Reid gets older. :rolleyes: And the companion restrooms are just one big room.
It really hasn't been as nerve-wracking as I'd thought it would be. :thumbsup2

Aaaahhhh, a "plan-less" evening. Sounds so enjoyable. So relaxing. So vacation-like. So never-gonna-happen on one of our trips. I don't know why, but I can't get out of commando mode! Maybe we need to start going more than once a year, and then I'll be able to relax knowing we'll be back soon. Yeah, that's the problem. Will talk to hubby about this right away;)
:lmao: I like the way you roll! :thumbsup2

Can't believe the confetti stuck to your hand!
I know! It was STUCK.
Ok.....which wine did you try? I'm also an Italian who doesn't really like wine.
I had to go back and find the FB post in which I'd named it! Sartori Ferdi. It was crisp and a little fruity, but not quite sweet. I can't do sweet, so it was perfect. :love:

Your time together sounds great, both with Leo and with your friends, to me thats the best planned or non planned vacation you can have!
ITA! :goodvibes

V!!!! It's been a while since I've been on the DIS - I always enjoyed your TRs, and this one is awesome!!! Thanks for sharing it - can't wait for more! :yay:
Hi again Karen - good to see you! :wave: Thanks for joining in.

Being able to have a "planless" day and evening is definitely a perk to living so close to The World. You *know* you'll be back.
So true; it definitely lessens the pain of "missing" things. :thumbsup2

You're kidding me??? Never been, never would have thought to go in. Putting it on the list! :thanks: See, this is absolutely why I love my DIS-friends. I wouldn't know half of what I know about WDW without you
In all my WDW-going years, I never considered it either! I'm soooo glad I tried it. :cloud9:
You're gorgeous!
You're so sweet - thank you! :goodvibes
Sounds like lots of fun - can adults do them??
Absolutely!

Your title sucked me right in! About a month ago I switched from Verizon to AT&T specifically for the iPhone and I really can't remember ever using a different phone!
LOL, isn't that the truth! How did I exist pre-iPhone?!
Welcome aboard! And hey, I know of Endicott - I grew up in Western NY! :thumbsup2

englishrose47

09-29-2009, 09:04 AM

Morning V!!! The KP was one thing we didn't have time to do !! I want that to be a priority the next family trip!!! Also Club Cool!! I soooo wish I lived closer and had more money so I too could go several times a year!! Next time the family wants to do the waterparks and Universal !! I am not interested in either !!!

manntra

09-29-2009, 12:05 PM

LOL, isn't that the truth! How did I exist pre-iPhone?!
Welcome aboard! And hey, I know of Endicott - I grew up in Western NY! :thumbsup2

I guess it really is a small world if you have heard of Endicott! I have been here on and off most of my life :rolleyes:

And I see you are a fan of Vera too! :laughing:

Thanks so much for such an entertaining report! Love your style of writing and your sense of humor! :goodvibes

Tracy

GreatBiscuit

09-29-2009, 07:47 PM

Hey V! I was a couple of installments behind, but AWESOME updates! I love the relaxed pace and letting the day plan itself. What a great time! We had a day like that as well and LOVED it. Great photos - the shot of Leo and the gun was too cute. The China at sunset shots were amazing! Can't wait to hear more!

GB

lisalonglash

09-29-2009, 08:30 PM

App of the Day – Checkers!

Oooh, checkers! Cool! Must. Not. Succumb. To. iPhone. Envy.

And this was to be Leo Day. I pretty much let him call the shots since we’d already hit all of our must-do’s on our earlier MK day. This made for some interesting results…

Such a fun way to approach the day! :goodvibes

First, it meant taking the bus to the MK. That’s right – given a choice, Leo will nearly always pick the bus. ~ sigh ~ Where did I go wrong?! ;)

:laughing:

Next, Leo was clear that he wanted to watch the opening show. We wound up being so early, we were right in front of the train station for it.

Awesome! :thumbsup2

He was offered a handful of pixie dust… which he wisely declined. I took it and realized 10 minutes later, when I went to throw it in the air, that the humid air stuck the stupid bits to my palm. I threw my hand up to toss the confetti – and none of it moved. I spent the walk down Main St. picking each little bit off with a finger nail. :headache:

:headache:

Yep, we braved BTMRR again! No shaking or teeth chattering this time; Leo was loving him some rollercoaster.

Woohooo! Goooo, Leo!!! :banana:

Go figure. Anyway, despite my leanings, I was happy to let Leo give the Shootin’ Arcade a shot. So to speak.

A lesson in irony LOL

He’s good with the situation; I’m good with the situation.

That's all that matters IMO!

People, can I just say it? Get yourselves some reservations at The Plaza! That lunch ranked one of our best WDW meals ever. EVER!!!

We only had one ADR on our first trip (at Chef Mickey's) and happened to come upon the Plaza one day when we were ready for lunch. Luckily for us, they were accepting walk-ins that day and we enjoyed a lovely lunch there. Sooo pretty inside too!

I do know where we spent our evening, though… Epcot!

Our absolute favourite park!

This was a completely Plan-less evening, too. Leo wanted to ride M:S again, and there was a very short wait, so we did that first. And it rained a little – naturally, since it was dinner time. ;)

Wonderful plan not to have a plan :banana:

Sipping it on the steps, in the company of my favorite guy, made it that much better.

Very sweet. :cloud9:

I’d read briefly about the missions, and had asked Leo if he wanted to try it out, but he’d declined. Neither of us had any idea how involved and FUN they’d be! We never would have tried it if it weren’t for T, so thanks so much for including us that night!

Aren't the KP missions great fun?! We did three of 'em because they were so fun! LOL

Our mission took place in China. And I’m not going to give anything away, because it’s really that fun. There are so many clues and they really require the power of a few minds to figure out, so we all got to be involved. The clues are interactive, too, adding to the fun.

Way to go, Secret Agents! :worship:

But it was another lovely day, of that I’m certain. I’ve already said it, and I’m sure I’ll continue to do so… what a joy it was to not feel like every minute of the day was to be accounted for. The liberating feeling of being able to say “Hey, let’s go stalk our friends outside their dinner location!” cannot be over overstated. ;) According to Commando Touring rules, we did practically nothing at EP that night. But trust me – being in the company of friends is anything but “nothing.” :grouphug:

Well said!

jordanyosh

09-30-2009, 12:52 AM

a non-planned day at WDW is the best.:thumbsup2

Really? Someone had the nerve to say that to you? Good for you for clearing your personal space.

Tangierine Cafe is heaven to me.

You are the 2nd person recently that has said good things about the Plaza....word might get out...

PrincessV

10-02-2009, 09:47 AM

I soooo wish I lived closer and had more money so I too could go several times a year!!
Living nearby is totally why we go so often; it costs $20 to get 1-4 people form home to WDW. Add in "free" accommodations thanks to DVC and it's by far the cheapest place for us to vacation. :thumbsup2

I guess it really is a small world if you have heard of Endicott!
:rotfl: Yep! I did a lot of driving around Western NY to visit friends in college and to get to my grandmother's in Bradford, PA.
Thanks so much for such an entertaining report! Love your style of writing and your sense of humor! :goodvibes
Thank you so much - I really enjoy writing and love to see how people respond to it! :goodvibes

I love the relaxed pace and letting the day plan itself. What a great time! We had a day like that as well and LOVED it.
Isn't it the best? I'm almost ready to stop planning at all. Almost ;)

Oooh, checkers! Cool! Must. Not. Succumb. To. iPhone. Envy.
Hee hee, good luck! That's how I wound up with mine... a friend had one and enchanted me with it. :rolleyes:
Aren't the KP missions great fun?! We did three of 'em because they were so fun! LOL
::yes:: I had to rein ourselves in to save some for this fall!

Really? Someone had the nerve to say that to you? Good for you for clearing your personal space.
Yep. I was flabbergasted - who does that?! :sad2:
Tangierine Cafe is heaven to me.
:thumbsup2

PrincessV

10-02-2009, 12:32 PM

App of the Day… Camera!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2629/3820832796_84e046e077.jpg

I know, right? Another “dud” app. But the Camera function earned its keep that day, when my Canon wouldn’t expose properly in the so, so dark Sci Fi Dine-In. The iPhone camera? Perfection! You’ll see…

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

Hooray! The BIG day… back with all of our friends and leading up to a fabulous DIS reunion in the evening! :banana:

The park of choice was MGM. Hollywood Studios. Plethora of Pixar. Whatever it’s called these days.

The forecast? Scorching. Blazing, blindingly, insanely HOT. I don’t remember it being too bad when we first got there, but several hours later I was a sweaty mess, ready to keel over on the pavement.

But wait – let me go back to the beginning.

Somehow, The V’s, Waldos and Mominators all managed to get to the same place at the same time. And then got separated. How did that happen?! I have no idea, but, somehow, we got through the turnstiles and lost The Waldos. Lucky for us, Flat Tour Guide Kate was along to guide the way to rope drop!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2543/3799225753_4c0fb2711e.jpg
”Where’s Waldo?” goes Brazilian.

Flat Tour Guide Kate worked her magic and gathered us all together in the middle of Hollywood Blvd. Or Sunset Blvd. I get them confused.

We were early and had some time to wait, much to the chagrin of certain neck-craning, arm-flailing Mominator men folk. ;) With time to kill, I took a bunch of pictures, naturally.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3448/3800052320_0dc6da48a4.jpg
Love my sistah-friends! :grouphug:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3435/3799235547_4505f1754d.jpg
“Ridemax says to hit Tower of Terror first, but I say we FP it and go to Toy Story Mania first.”

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3535/3800042472_8fc7435c12.jpg
If this doesn’t scream “up to no good,” I don’t know what.

We jostled and banged our way down to Pixar Place with the rest of the free world and whipped through the long-but-fast line to get our Toy Story on. Along the way, Maddie grabbed my hand and announced she was riding with ME! Yay! :goodvibes I was totally down with that, so I informed Leo that he’d need to find someone else with whom to shoot.

Who the heck did he ride with?! Did anyone get a picture? I have no idea, lol!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3497/3800065838_93f059524c.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3443/3800064276_80b2a4bc05.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2491/3800067296_abc9ddbba4.jpg

Is anything funnier than people in 3-D glasses?

Let me say – Mads was a GREAT TSM partner! We laughed, we screamed, we challenged each other… we had a great ride! :hug: And racked up some nice scores, too:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2645/3799249467_c5bd542a42.jpg
I got the beaver. Heh heh. But note Maddie’s accuracy – she’s sharp!

Leaving TSM, we pretty much blew the kids’ collective minds (or at least Leo’s) and informed them that the ADULTS were going to do some rides.

GASP! :eek:

Yep, we took ourselves a well-deserved hour or so to get our own laugh-screams on while the kiddos chilled with a very kind Andy, who didn’t want to ride. Thank you again Andy!

First up (I think) was Tower of Terror (TOT). It had a 20ish minute wait, which turned out to be nice; I haven’t enjoyed the queue in a long time and, frankly, it was nice to chat with adults (and T’s nephews, but they’re a lot closer to adult than Leo!) for a bit while we waited.

Only, it wasn’t only adults… Mr. Evan was the lone daredevil amongst the little kids! Yep, Leo, Maddie and Michael opted out, but little Evan was all about TOT. Woo hoo! :woohoo: There’s a fun story among the Waldos from TOT, but I’ll let T tell that one. I’m sure she’ll post an update real soon. :rolleyes1

Next up:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3564/3799204831_8456eb1e34.jpg

Interesting tale here – the last time the Mominators had been to WDW, Michael was measured to ride Rock n’ Roller Coaster (RNRC)… and was denied. :sad1:

BUT, they gave him a FP to ride as soon as he was big enough. And that FP allowed others to ride with him. We were IN, baybee!

With adult time over, we collected our children and headed off in different directions. Whatever it was everyone else wanted to do, Leo wasn’t interested. Leo’s not interested in much at MGM. It’s pretty much just TSM and the Indiana Jones show, so that’s where he and I headed.

May I whine a bit? Don’t get me wrong – we’re big-time Indy lovers. Leo was Indy last year for Halloween, and up until last night (when he decided he’ll “make” a cowboy costume instead – we’ll see), planned to be the same this Halloween. We can watch the movies over and over.

But I’m kind of sick of seeing the same Indy stunt show at MGM over and over. Would it kill them to make a couple changes, make it relevant to some of the more recent Indy movies? I mean, there’s no way the entire stunt crew is the same as when the show first opened, which means they’re having to train people all the time. Why not re-choreograph some scenes while they’re at it?

Vent over.

continued in next post (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33803554&postcount=181)...

PrincessV

10-02-2009, 12:33 PM

We saw the Indy stunt show. Again.

And it was hot as all get-out, I might add. Even in the shade. Even with fans turning at full-throttle. HOT.

By the time we exited and made our way over to the Sci Fi for lunch, I was in bad shape. I was very close to feeling like I had years ago when I’d gone to AK in early Sept. and gotten heat stroke. Trust me, I’d done everything right: drank plenty of water, dressed in lightweight clothing, wore a sun hat… I was still way overheated.

So I ordered a beer.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3423/3800074204_34b9d42717.jpg

Heh, heh. I really did, but only after downing a glass of water. What I really needed was AC, and I started feeling better within minutes of getting into it.

Parking our group of 15 was interesting; we wound up in a variety of cars…

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3519/3799257743_7da9fb6705.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2475/3800076614_1e15eb71be.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3443/3800073022_b2487f3420.jpg

Like the look on Leo’s face? Check this out…

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LL will vouch for me – he looked like that the ENTIRE meal! We had Zombie Boy in the front seat of our Buick. And he was the driver, no less!

Once I figured out that the iPhone camera was better than the Canon in Sci Fi, I went to town. Sorry.

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I just love that place! And having LL and Tony seated behind me was the icing on the cake – we laughed a LOT. :thumbsup2

Sadly, Leo was not so impressed and declared Sci Fi off the list for future WDW dining. Rats.

About the food… the cardinal rule at Sci Fi is KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid. This is not the place to get creative with your menu choices. I had a Reuben with onion rings and it was delish. I heard others’ burgers were good, too.

I believe that was pretty much the end of our MGM adventure. I’m not sure what happened to The Waldos after lunch, but The Mominators and V’s headed out and back to SSR. I’m not even sure we made it to Pool-Thirty that day. Why? It was HOT, remember?!

Plus.

We had a VERY exciting evening ahead for which to prepare! Stay tuned…

Next: I'm Watching You Focker! And you... and you... and YOU, too!

cmp1111

10-02-2009, 01:41 PM

Plethora of Pixar. Whatever it’s called these days.

:rotfl2:

Along the way, Maddie grabbed my hand and announced she was riding with ME! Yay!

Aww... :)

Who the heck did he ride with?! Did anyone get a picture? I have no idea, lol!

Random stranger? :rolleyes1 :lmao:

BUT, they gave him a FP to ride as soon as he was big enough. And that FP allowed others to ride with him. We were IN, baybee!

Nice!

Why not re-choreograph some scenes while they’re at it?

Makes perfect sense to me!

I was still way overheated.

So I ordered a beer.

:rotfl:

LL will vouch for me – he looked like that the ENTIRE meal! We had Zombie Boy in the front seat of our Buick. And he was the driver, no less!

Was he scared or just zoning out?

jcc0621

10-02-2009, 02:06 PM

[B][CENTER][SIZE=3]
Plethora of Pixar. Whatever it’s called these days.

:lmao:

Who the heck did he ride with?! Did anyone get a picture? I have no idea, lol!

Did you rent him gypsies?:confused3

, but I’ll let T tell that one. I’m sure she’ll post an update real soon. :rolleyes1

I think the odds on that are 50-1 at this point:rolleyes1

And it was hot as all get-out, I might add. Even in the shade. Even with fans turning at full-throttle. HOT.

ALways :sad2:

[QUOTE=PrincessV;33803538] Sadly, Leo was not so impressed and declared Sci Fi off the list for future WDW dining. Rats.

Leo, buddy....we need to talk!

About the food… the cardinal rule at Sci Fi is KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid. This is not the place to get creative with your menu choices. I had a Reuben with onion rings and it was delish. I heard others’ burgers were good, too.

They have best Onion Rings!:thumbsup2

Next: I'm Watching You Focker! And you... and you... and YOU, too!

popcorn::

Disneyland_Mama

10-02-2009, 05:32 PM

I think the odds on that are 50-1 at this point:rolleyes1
HEY! :mad: I'll get to it.... eventually. I've lost my mojo... I'll find it. Eventually.

Secretly I was hoping V would write about it. It's hilarious and we have photograph evidence to boot!

Ah, I love reading your TR, V. The memories are freakin' awesome! Hey, some how I missed an installment... bbl to quote!
:hug:

jcc0621

10-02-2009, 06:12 PM

HEY! :mad: I'll get to it.... eventually. I've lost my mojo... I'll find it. Eventually.

Aww, LY T:hug: BUt the odds just went up to 100 -1

Sleepingbooty

10-02-2009, 06:23 PM

Sci Fi is the PERFECT antidote to heatstroke - cool, dark, and they serve beer. Wait, beer? Um... heatstroke + alcohol? Is that the recommended treatment? Yeah, okay, I'll buy that.:rotfl:

Sooze

10-02-2009, 08:50 PM

:cool1:Hooray for the iPhone camera! I love how you start each update with an iPhone shout-out, by the way! Probably because I own one, and I can completely relate to your excitement!!

My favorite thing about the iPhone camera is the ability to post to Facebook immediately. So you can just rub into the faces of your Facebook friends that you are in Disney World, and they are not! Neener Neener Neener!!:tongue:

I completely agree with you about Indiana Jones. I had to FORCE myself to go see that with Tyson, and once we got past the opening sequence, I literally took a nap with my eyes open. Blah. I wish they could tie in something more relevant, too... maybe National Treasure.. or Pirates of the Caribbean? Move over Harrison.. it's Johnny's turn!:flower3:

Great update, per usual! Thanks, V!

jordanyosh

10-02-2009, 09:02 PM

Isnt anything that beats an Ice Cold Beer on a hot day...well maybe an Ice Cold glass of milk.....

Sci fi Reuben...mmmmm...

I agree with the Stunt Show which is why I don't think I've seen it in over 10 years.

sorul82?

10-02-2009, 11:47 PM

Exciting evening? :hyper:

anewmac

10-03-2009, 01:32 PM

OMG every time I read your trip report I get excited, my contract is up in 10days with Sprint and on I move to ATT to get my iphone! I cant wait LOL I know Im a nerd LOL

Love that it takes great pics also... my camera phone is horrible right now. and MMM beer.. yummy I could use one now.

DisneyJo

10-03-2009, 03:57 PM

All caught up and your lazy day sounds fantastic, just doing what you want where you want :cloud9

The girls love Sci-Fi what a pity Leo didn't, maybe he'll come round :rotfl:

praisehisname

10-04-2009, 09:21 AM

I'm glad the AC (and the beer!) helped you cool down! Your Sci-Fi meal sounds yummy! I've never been there, but would like to try it someday.

Can't wait to hear about your exciting evening!

P. S. It *must* have been hot if you skipped Pool Thirty!!!

Denise

GreatBiscuit

10-06-2009, 08:23 PM

Isn't it the best? I'm almost ready to stop planning at all. Almost ;)Perish the thought!

Excellent update! Loved the SciFi photos. The iPhone did an awesome job!

PrincessV

10-07-2009, 08:04 AM

Random stranger? :rolleyes1 :lmao:
LOL, who knows?! ;)
Was he scared or just zoning out?
I think maybe a little of both. He wasn't terrified, but perhaps a bit freaked out. :guilty:

I think the odds on that are 50-1 at this point:rolleyes1
:rotfl: I agree!
They have best Onion Rings!:thumbsup2
Yes, they're awesome!

HEY! :mad: I'll get to it.... eventually. I've lost my mojo... I'll find it. Eventually.
:sad1: Need help finding it? I hear the trolley's good for that... ;)
Secretly I was hoping V would write about it. It's hilarious and we have photograph evidence to boot!
I would have, but I'm not real clear on all the details. Plus, when I scanned the pic it was tiny. Hoping you have a bigger or electronic version!

Sci Fi is the PERFECT antidote to heatstroke - cool, dark, and they serve beer.
::yes::
Wait, beer? Um... heatstroke + alcohol? Is that the recommended treatment?
Now that you mention it... :rotfl2:

My favorite thing about the iPhone camera is the ability to post to Facebook immediately. So you can just rub into the faces of your Facebook friends that you are in Disney World, and they are not! Neener Neener Neener!!
Excellent point - that was fun! :rotfl:
I wish they could tie in something more relevant, too... maybe National Treasure.. or Pirates of the Caribbean? Move over Harrison.. it's Johnny's turn!
Ooo, great ideas!

Sci fi Reuben...mmmmm...
::yes:: :love:

Exciting evening? :hyper:
Yep - just wait! :yay:

OMG every time I read your trip report I get excited, my contract is up in 10days with Sprint and on I move to ATT to get my iphone!
Ooo, you're almost there! :woohoo:

The girls love Sci-Fi what a pity Leo didn't, maybe he'll come round :rotfl:
Isn't that weird? It's the kind of place I'd expect him to LOVE! :confused3

P. S. It *must* have been hot if you skipped Pool Thirty!!!
I know, right?! It was brutal that day, at least to me. :faint:

Excellent update! Loved the SciFi photos. The iPhone did an awesome job!
It surprised the heck out of me - who'd have thought?!

PrincessAlways

10-07-2009, 07:58 PM

[B][CENTER]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3535/3800042472_8fc7435c12.jpg
If this doesn’t scream “up to no good,” I don’t know what.

uh.........yep!!!! LOL!!! :rotfl:

[B][CENTER]

But I’m kind of sick of seeing the same Indy stunt show at MGM over and over. Would it kill them to make a couple changes, make it relevant to some of the more recent Indy movies? I mean, there’s no way the entire stunt crew is the same as when the show first opened, which means they’re having to train people all the time. Why not re-choreograph some scenes while they’re at it?

Vent over.
I agree with you. It's just getting.....no it is OLD!!!

[SIZE=3]

And it was hot as all get-out, I might add. Even in the shade. Even with fans turning at full-throttle. HOT.

By the time we exited and made our way over to the Sci Fi for lunch, I was in bad shape. I was very close to feeling like I had years ago when I’d gone to AK in early Sept. and gotten heat stroke. Trust me, I’d done everything right: drank plenty of water, dressed in lightweight clothing, wore a sun hat… I was still way overheated.

So I ordered a beer.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3423/3800074204_34b9d42717.jpg

Heh, heh. I really did, but only after downing a glass of water. What I really needed was AC, and I started feeling better within minutes of gettin g into it.

Glad to hear it didn't take too long for you to feel better! :goodvibes That is an awful feeling. It happened to me once in AK. Not fun! :sad2:

PrincessV

10-09-2009, 10:10 AM

Glad to hear it didn't take too long for you to feel better! :goodvibes That is an awful feeling. It happened to me once in AK. Not fun! :sad2:

AK is the worst, no? :faint:

PrincessV

10-09-2009, 10:19 AM

App of the Day: Zyrtec Allergy Forecast!

http://z.hubpages.com/u/1645402_f520.jpg

Okay, I actually found this one after the trip, but it’s so good I had to share! Leo and I are major, major allergy sufferers; knowing what to expect before we head out is a big help. I’ve used this app for a day at AK and knew to take the inhaler along.

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

Woo hoo – I’m excited to write about this next part! It was a fun, fun, FUN night. ::yes::

It was not, however, without drama.

It began with a meeting in the parking lot, where The Mominators and V’s piled into the Mominator-mobile, which is NOT a minivan.

From there, Tony drove us all to the Grand Floridian (GF).

And LL remembered out loud, as we approached the gate, that she’d left her room key… in the room. As had Tony. And also Michael.

I felt so badly for The Mominators! What a way to start the evening, wondering how in heck they’d get back IN their room later on. I’ll be honest – I’d have FREAKED. OUT. In a big, loud, probably-ugly way. Causing discomfort and distress to both my child and fellow travelers.

The Mominators - did not. They cursed their bad luck and moved on. You guys rock! :cool1:

We were at the GF for a nice little dinner before our big, big night out. I’d booked the GF Café for us to try something new. And I’m sure glad I did!

First, while Victorian excess isn’t my cup of decorating tea, it’s hard not to be impressed by the GF. And the GF Café is an extension of that lobby look – very pretty, with lovely views of the immaculate grounds.

Second, the service and food were excellent. Really, really fantastic. Our server was attentive to our every need and personable to boot. Well done!

The food… was wonderful! Okay, I didn’t go with anything that complicated, but it was delicious nonetheless. I had the Caramelized Onion Soup au Gratin, which was their fancy way of saying “French Onion Soup.” Good! Simple, but good. With it, I tried the Golden Beet and Field Greens salad. I’ve never before heard of nor seen a “golden beet”, but it was the perfect salad addition! Really, I couldn’t get enough of that yummy, yummy salad.

Leo received the kids’ grilled chicken breast with broccoli and fries. Not without a great deal of, er… pressure from me. I was so thrilled to see REAL food on the kids’ menu, he never got a choice, lol! He tried to suffer in silence, but ultimately agreed that it was tasty. Though he proclaimed MY broccoli at home to be better. Good lad.

We attempted to get some nice pictures at dinner, but how did we miss LL?! I sure hope we got one with her camera. :guilty:

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Now, I’m not normally big on dessert; sweets aren’t generally my thing. But the fondue was calling me that night for some reason, and it really hit the spot! Lovely melted chocolate for dunking and perfectly-portioned little piles of strawberries, bananas, pineapple, and marshmallows. Mmmm.

I highly recommend the GF Café; it was quiet, pretty and yummy. We’ll return!

Much as I enjoyed dinner, I was equally ready for it to end. Why? Because soon after, it was time for a big ol’ meeting of the Fockers… AND a ditching of the kids! :woohoo:

Hee hee, the kids were all headed to the Mousketeers Club for the night. Especially on these long trips, it’s just heaven for the kids to get away from us parents for a while and hang with their own crowd. They, of course, receive excellent supervision courtesy of the amazing WDW Recreation staff, but they seem to feel like they’re on their own for a while. This makes for some very happy campers.

It makes for some very happy parents, too! Listen, I adore my child. But Mommy needs some Mommy time, right? And Mommy-time at WDW is the absolute best.

Especially when Mommy gets to hang with some super-special DISers.

For those who don’t know, the Fockers are a group of DISers who randomly found one another (mostly through TRs) on the DIS over the years and started chatting. A LOT. We’ve chatted our way through 12 threads so far.

Over the years, we’ve attempted to catch up in person when our trips have overlapped, and last year we even managed to bring together 40-ish of us, including our family members!

So, it’s a long-standing Focker tradition to meet up for some fun, and this summer was no exception.

We found Angela and her DH Mitch in the GF lobby, as well as T and Andy, T’s brother Rick and his wife Debbie, and Margarita and Jason (friends of LL.) And we all headed off on the monorail to the Outer Rim lounge at the CR.

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Angela and T wait for the monorail. Are they READY for fun, or what?!

That’s where we either made or blew the Outer Rim bartender’s night. I’m still not sure which. We ordered a LOT of drinks, so that’s a lot of revenue and tips. But we had like a bazillion discounts and tabs among us, so that seemed to be pretty aggravating to the guy. I don’t get the impression Disney lounges are accustomed to a whole lotta business at once. :rolleyes1

While we were ordering, Michelle, matriarch of TheDISneyFamily, and her DH Steve arrived… and our meet was complete! The poor DISneyFamily had only just arrived at WDW and had had a tough journey getting there. I’d like to offer a public THANK YOU for joining us, knowing you must have been exhausted and just wanting to settle in! :grouphug:

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Michelle and Steve – “settling in.” ;)

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V and Angela – “WHERE are those drinks already?!”

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Proving once again that we’re incapable of looking at the same camera at the same time…

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3535/3820026795_6f9c26852e.jpg
MUCH better! Thanks to whomever I snagged it from.

And if that wasn’t enough, Michelle and Steve graciously invited us all up to their villa! They were among the very first guests at Bay Lake Towers (BLT) and they were VERY impressed with it. Not all of us, but quite a few, took up that offer. So picture a trail of Fockers, drinks still in-hand, waltzing down the uber-private, exclusive-to-DVC-members-staying-there, Skywalk to BLT. Niiice. :teeth:

Me – I was excited to see a BLT villa in-person, but I was more excited to see TheDISneyFamily kids. We’d had sooo much fun hanging with them last Halloween at WDW. Leo wasn’t there, of course, but he’d get to see them later in the trip.

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Look at that view!

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Told you I was excited to see the kids again. I swear, I’d not even finished one drink!

It was so nice to catch up with TheDISneyFamily. And thank you again for letting us invade your home-away-from home… OMG, it was amazing! I can’t wait to save enough points to stay there in a one-bedroom.

:lmao:

Who am I kidding?! I’ll never save enough points. But I can borrow ‘em. :cool2:

We did eventually leave TheDISneyFamily to get some much-needed rest. But I have to be honest… MAN, did you miss out!

Continued in next post... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33887613&postcount=198)

PrincessV

10-09-2009, 10:20 AM

Our next stop was the Tambu Lounge, site of more than one Focker meet…

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3130/2793767847_fe015bc2bf.jpg
Summer 2008

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3440/3401594865_4c7e37266f.jpg
Summer 2007

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/142/317284598_ad0fa334e4.jpg
December 2006

The drink of choice is, of course, the Lapu Lapu. Conveniently served in an unbreakable pineapple. The Tambu bartender seemed a lot more enthusiastic about our presence than his counterpart at the Outer Rim… no doubt encouraged by the steep price of the Lapu Lapu - $16 each, if memory serves.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2575/3801502734_35c8ed3d3a.jpg
What $50ish worth of orange juice and rum looks like at Disney.

So, yeah, we settled into the Tambu and made ourselves comfortable. We ordered many drinks amongst us. We laughed, we talked. But here’s where you really missed out Michelle – while we ladies were chit-chatting nicely…

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Debbie, V, T, LL, Angela, Margarita

…THIS was going on amongst the men-folk…

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Tony, Rick, Jason, Mitch, Andy

OH. MY. HECK. They were freaking hysterical! Really, it was like having a lounge act there. In the lounge. I don’t know what got into those boys, but they’d let loose and tapped into their inner frat-boys. :rotfl2:

It was a really, really, really fun night. Thank you all again for being there. :goodvibes

Sadly, our time was up after a round or two and kids were waiting to be sprung from the Club. So, amongst many hugs and goodbyes, we headed back to the GF and grabbed the kids. Who were in no way ready to leave. They sure do like the kids’ clubs!

The not-at-all-like-a-minivan Mominator-mobile brought us safely back to SSR, where the V’s and Mominators went into their rooms and fell fast asleep.

Oh, SNAP.

That was only the V’s.

The Mominators, if you’ll recall with me, had no room keys. No room for you. Come back one year.

I wasn’t there; I only heard about it the next day. And, if she’ll forgive me saying so, LL’s tale of that night was equal parts HIGH-larious and heart-breaking. All I’m saying is this: Michael really should have just bunked with Leo in our room when we got dropped off. The full story involves lost shoes, neck-craning, and, correct me if I’m wrong… singing? Push LL for the story; it’ll knock your socks off. ;)

Next: So long, farewell… and “I’m never speaking to you again!”

askelton

10-09-2009, 11:14 AM

It was so good to see all of you again! :goodvibes And meet some new people, but the time does go way too quickly. :sad2: Great pictures, V. I might need to borrow them. ;)

Lauralee131

10-09-2009, 11:29 AM

OMG - I don't have time to quote, but GREAT job V!! :thumbsup2

I don't want to even say much since I'm not caught up yet but what a great look back on such a fun night...:lmao:Love the pics of the boys...I'll have to see what I've got!!

jcc0621

10-09-2009, 12:34 PM

OK, I am really mad at myself for not moving our trip up!:mad:

Can we plan 2013 now:flower3:

cmp1111

10-09-2009, 04:04 PM

Oh, it sounds awesome! You got some great pictures, and you all look so happy. :)

DisneyJo

10-09-2009, 04:32 PM

Your meet looks so good :sad1: That's all I've got :sad:

PrincessAlways

10-09-2009, 05:01 PM

Looks like a good time was had by all!!! :thumbsup2

A few DISer friends & myself will be heading to BLT villas in November!!! Can't wait to see it! :banana:

GF Cafe is one of my favorite places too! :goodvibes

tiggerwannabe

10-09-2009, 05:18 PM

Gorgeous photos V!

It'll be nice when LL is notsobusy so she and we can catch up on her trippie :)

PS: I sent you a friend request on FB, ColleenMarie is Me! Please take me in~

micandminforever

10-09-2009, 08:02 PM

Great pictures and fun viewing. Grand Floridian Cafe is one of my favorites, good food and I have always had great service. The wait staff really have the Disney spirit of hospitality.

Hedy

10-09-2009, 08:22 PM

All the Fockers are having so much fun. It's funny how through TR's you see kids get bigger year after year.
Nice bag, btw.

Disneyland_Mama

10-09-2009, 08:46 PM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2473/3801507206_d5548aafca.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3471/3800688473_f96066027e.jpg
[SIZE=1]Tony, Rick, Jason, Mitch, Andy

OH. MY. HECK. They were freaking hysterical! Really, it was like having a lounge act there. In the lounge. I don’t know what got into those boys, but they’d let loose and tapped into their inner frat-boys. :rotfl2:
Oh. My. Gawd. :rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

I cannot believe my brother's gut is posted on the internet! :laughing: You remember the story of why he decided to hike up shirt, right? All the guys were teasing him for ordering a "chick" drink. :lmao: So he decided to hit on Tony. Hee hee hee.

It was a really, really, really fun night. Thank you all again for being there. :goodvibes
Oh man, that was probably the most fun I've had in WDW EVER! :thumbsup2

I wasn’t there; I only heard about it the next day. And, if she’ll forgive me saying so, LL’s tale of that night was equal parts HIGH-larious and heart-breaking. All I’m saying is this: Michael really should have just bunked with Leo in our room when we got dropped off. The full story involves lost shoes, neck-craning, and, correct me if I’m wrong… singing? Push LL for the story; it’ll knock your socks off. ;)
Oh gosh, I forgot all about this part! :rotfl2:

Next: So long, farewell… and “I’m never speaking to you again!”
:sad1:

dlwharp

10-10-2009, 06:00 PM

And LL remembered out loud, as we approached the gate, that she’d left her room key… in the room. As had Tony. And also Michael.

Uh-oh

First, while Victorian excess isn’t my cup of decorating tea, it’s hard not to be impressed by the GF. And the GF Café is an extension of that lobby look – very pretty, with lovely views of the immaculate grounds.

V, if you walk all the way through the GF lobby to the end, is that the cafe? You have to go up a couple of steps? If so, we had the Tea there last August and it was wonderful. I didn't realize they did other meals there - sounds great!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2548/3801407360_4b851f0cf3.jpg

You are so cute in all your photos, but that's an absolutely beautiful picture of you!

While we were ordering, Michelle, matriarch of TheDISneyFamily, and her DH Steve arrived

I remeber flat Michelle from 2008, it is so good to see her in 3D:rotfl2:

[SIZE=3]And if that wasn’t enough, Michelle and Steve graciously invited us all up to their villa!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2549/3800676335_31c9690993.jpg
[SIZE=1]Look at that view!

That is TOO cool!:thumbsup2

dlwharp

10-10-2009, 06:05 PM

The drink of choice is, of course, the Lapu Lapu.

Aahhh, the nectar of the Poly :love:

…THIS was going on amongst the men-folk…

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2473/3801507206_d5548aafca.jpg

What is UP with the belly shot ? :rotfl2::rotfl2:

Sadly, our time was up after a round or two and kids were waiting to be sprung from the Club. So, amongst many hugs and goodbyes, we headed back to the GF and grabbed the kids. Who were in no way ready to leave. They sure do like the kids’ clubs!

It looked like a really, really good time:woohoo:

I wasn’t there; I only heard about it the next day. And, if she’ll forgive me saying so, LL’s tale of that night was equal parts HIGH-larious and heart-breaking.

I cannot wait to hear that story!

Next: So long, farewell… and “I’m never speaking to you again!”

Another uh-oh?!

TheDISneyFamily

10-10-2009, 06:49 PM

Ahhh.... can't we do it again? :cloud9:

Wait a minute! SURE we can! :thumbsup2

I had a really great time seeing everyone! :dance3: Sorry we pooped out on you and missed the fun at the Tambu lounge. It was just a heck of a travel day after being delayed and then stuck on a plane for over an hour in the terminal while a monsoon raged outside. :headache: BUT, I had to at least share one drink with my favorite virtual friends. :grouphug: You guys are the best!

Looking forward to many more DISmeets in the future. ::yes:: (maybe sooner rather than later ;))

Thanks for such a great write-up. :blush: We all were excited to see you guys!

Cheers!
-Michelle

englishrose47

10-10-2009, 10:06 PM

Hi V !!!

praisehisname

10-11-2009, 07:54 PM

Your DIS-meet lounge-hopping sounded like so much fun! :banana:

Denise

Sleepingbooty

10-11-2009, 09:49 PM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2548/3801407360_4b851f0cf3.jpg

You should SO frame this - gorgeous!

Hee hee, the kids were all headed to the Mousketeers Club for the night. Especially on these long trips, it’s just heaven for the kids to get away from us parents for a while and hang with their own crowd. They, of course, receive excellent supervision courtesy of the amazing WDW Recreation staff, but they seem to feel like they’re on their own for a while. This makes for some very happy campers.

We've still yet to try one of these out, but I'm tempted. Our girls are 6 & 9 now, I wonder if that's too old?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2549/3800676335_31c9690993.jpg
Look at that view!

Wow, that is unbelievably cool!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2473/3801507206_d5548aafca.jpg

:scared1:

cmp1111

10-12-2009, 11:20 AM

You remember the story of why he decided to hike up shirt, right? All the guys were teasing him for ordering a "chick" drink. :lmao: So he decided to hit on Tony. Hee hee hee.

Oh, my. I can imagine Tony's reaction to that, too. :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

jordanyosh

10-12-2009, 09:13 PM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2548/3801407360_4b851f0cf3.jpg

I agree.
This is a GREAT pic!

jordanyosh

10-12-2009, 09:16 PM

…THIS was going on amongst the men-folk…

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2473/3801507206_d5548aafca.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3471/3800688473_f96066027e.jpg
Tony, Rick, Jason, Mitch, Andy

:rotfl2::rotfl2:

southern cali representing well....:thumbsup2

Lauralee131

10-13-2009, 03:46 AM

Ummm...I'm going to need an email to errrrr...refresh my memory on the singing...heh heh....;) I remember the lost shoes and what-not, but the singing is escaping me...

Not surprising though...:rolleyes1

I'm working on my next update - honestly. I'm up to Monday now which shouldn't take long to do...I'm catching up!:thumbsup2

Hmmm....now to go and check on T....

PrincessV

10-13-2009, 09:02 AM

It was so good to see all of you again! And meet some new people, but the time does go way too quickly. Great pictures, V. I might need to borrow them.
It definitely went too quickly. :sad1: And please feel free to borrow! :hug:

OMG - I don't have time to quote, but GREAT job V!!
Thanks! :teeth:

OK, I am really mad at myself for not moving our trip up!
Can we plan 2013 now
Why not?! :thumbsup2 :hug:

Oh, it sounds awesome! You got some great pictures, and you all look so happy.
It was such a fun night, and sooo relaxed, too! :thumbsup2

Your meet looks so good That's all I've got :sad:
:hug::sad1: We missed you Jo!

A few DISer friends & myself will be heading to BLT villas in November!!! Can't wait to see it!
Yay, you'll love it! Or you'll hate it. That seems to be the case; I've yet to hear anyone feel just "okay" about it, lol!

Gorgeous photos V!
Thank you!
It'll be nice when LL is notsobusy so she and we can catch up on her trippie
LOL, won't it?! ;)

Great pictures and fun viewing. Grand Floridian Cafe is one of my favorites, good food and I have always had great service. The wait staff really have the Disney spirit of hospitality.[/QUOTE]
::yes:: And, sadly, it's lacking a lot in other locations.

[QUOTE=Hedy;33894913] It's funny how through TR's you see kids get bigger year after year.
I've been peeking at TRs from years past lately and it IS neat to watch the kids grow! :goodvibes

I cannot believe my brother's gut is posted on the internet! You remember the story of why he decided to hike up shirt, right? All the guys were teasing him for ordering a "chick" drink. :lmao: So he decided to hit on Tony. Hee hee hee.
:lmao::rotfl2::rotfl:

V, if you walk all the way through the GF lobby to the end, is that the cafe? You have to go up a couple of steps? If so, we had the Tea there last August and it was wonderful. I didn't realize they did other meals there - sounds great!
Nope, that's the Garden View Lounge; they just do tea and I think drinks in the evening.
The GF Cafe is all the way back, and then left. It sort of shares an entrance with V&A.
You are so cute in all your photos, but that's an absolutely beautiful picture of you!
So kind - thank you! :blush:

Ahhh.... can't we do it again? :cloud9:

Wait a minute! SURE we can! :thumbsup2
Sure can! :banana:
I had a really great time seeing everyone! :dance3: Sorry we pooped out on you and missed the fun at the Tambu lounge. It was just a heck of a travel day after being delayed and then stuck on a plane for over an hour in the terminal while a monsoon raged outside. :headache: BUT, I had to at least share one drink with my favorite virtual friends. :grouphug: You guys are the best!
OMGosh, I can't believe you guys were even still upright after your trip! :hug: Thank YOU for sharing a drink and your villa with us! Can't wait to see you again... SOON! :yay:

PrincessV

10-13-2009, 09:02 AM

Hi V !!!
Hi Rosie!

Your DIS-meet lounge-hopping sounded like so much fun! :banana:
It really was! I highly recommend the monorail loop for such occasions. :thumbsup2

We've still yet to try one of these out, but I'm tempted. Our girls are 6 & 9 now, I wonder if that's too old?
6 definitely isn't. 9's probably fine, too - it's not all baby stuff, though the Mousketeers at the GF seems "younger" than the others. They all have movies and video games, art supplies, a comfy spot to read, etc. :thumbsup2

southern cali representing well....:thumbsup2
:rotfl2:

Ummm...I'm going to need an email to errrrr...refresh my memory on the singing...heh heh....;) I remember the lost shoes and what-not, but the singing is escaping me...
Maybe I'm just remembering something else - it's a little Fuzzy. ;)

KatGarcia

10-13-2009, 03:20 PM

The only good thing about staying home sick is actually catching up on great TR's like this!!! I am loving it so far , V!

lovealldisney

10-21-2009, 05:27 AM

Umm... you were on page 4! We can't have that. :goodvibes

PrincessV

10-22-2009, 08:19 AM

The only good thing about staying home sick is actually catching up on great TR's like this!!! I am loving it so far , V!
Thanks Kat - hope you're feeling better, though! :hug:

Umm... you were on page 4! We can't have that. :goodvibes
EEK, thanks for the save! It's been insane at home lately - I'm trying to get another installment going, but keep getting hit with new, less-fun projects! :sad2:

lazydoxy66

10-25-2009, 02:01 AM

V!!!!!

This is a great TR! I'm glad I finally got a chance to catch up.

As for the bathroom incident, I think that woman was in a lot more danger than Leo. :laughing:

The picture of you and Leo at GF is terrific. I love the shots from Sci-Fi too!

Sniff-Sniff, I wish I could have joined all of you with the Lapus. It sounded like a very fun night!

PrincessV

10-26-2009, 03:08 PM

PrincessV

10-26-2009, 03:16 PM

App of the Day: ExpenseIt Lite!

http://www.mobilezealot.com/wp-content/themes/arctic/css/img/ixpenseit1.jpg

This is another app I found after the trip, but know will come in handy for future WDW excursions. With ExpenseIt Lite (“Lite” means it’s free but you’ll see ads. I work in marketing – I can ignore ads. ;) ), I can set up a monthly budget and track expenses. OR, I can set it up for a one-time budget, such as with a Disney trip, and track expenses on it! Note that it does not have a Fuzzy setting. Yet.

__________________________________________________ ___

First, I apologize for this installment coming out much later than previous ones. In the past two weeks…

I went to the Dr. with a massive sinus infection.
I had a massive adverse reaction to the antibiotics prescribed for said infection.
My Dr. pronounced my blood pressure to be massively high following said reaction.
I developed a massive aversion to modern medicine.

Also…

My HVAC system died. Massively.
On a day of massive, record-setting heat.
I swallowed a massive amount of debt to replace the dead AC.

And…

I breathed a massive sigh of relief upon signing the refinance docs to get me out of my current balloon mortgage.

A little TR writing would have relieved a LOT of stress, but there just wasn’t a lick of time. But things have settled down now and I’m ready to jump back in. If you’re still here for the ride, thanks for sticking around! :goodvibes

When I last left off, we’d enjoyed a fabulous night with fabulous friends. It wasn’t a terribly late night, but it wasn’t early, either, so I’d been sure to plan options for the following morning. This is the actual entry from The Plan:

MK? EP? Pool?

With nothing pressing at hand, I allowed us to sleep until we woke, minus any interrupting alarm. And now… I can’t remember when we woke up! I think we did sleep in a little, and I remember planning on a leisurely morning spent poolside.

But Leo had other ideas. And his ideas were firm. And resolute. And did not include any form of pool. Darn.

Leo was in dire need of this:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2488/3800692107_124fb804c5.jpg

That’s right: shopping. He was quite clear on the subject; he wanted to “shop for a Transformer. Like Michael has. They’re in Japan. That’s in Epcot. Let’s go!”

I was in no mood to argue and had no real Plan anyway, so I humored him. But insisted on driving, heh heh. So we drove over to the Beach Club to valet my car FREE OF CHARGE TO DVC MEMBERS (not that I’m bitter about that little perk going away, ahem), and walked through EP’s back entrance. It was about 10 minutes before the World Showcase (WS) opened, so we were just going to sit down and wait. But then Leo spied the Kim Possible cart and asked if we could get a mission. What the heck – we had no Plan, right? We grabbed a ticket with a return time in about an hour or so and then headed over to Japan.

This was a very, very fun morning! I don’t think I’ve ever hit the WS at opening except during the Food & Wine Fest… it was EMPTY! What a different vibe there was; no bustling activity, just a mellow feeling that begged us to linger and take in the atmosphere before moving onto another area. I think we both embraced it; Leo took his time picking just the right Transformer and we explored every inch of the Japan pavilion…

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2624/3800694771_7e23509aa6.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3653/3801524558_f7a4ec7b04.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3443/3801522004_f56c0aa2e6.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3514/3801518244_2ce337d539.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3540/3801528808_8e307a3f31.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3525/3800706409_6903617335.jpg

I also had the brilliant idea of a Leo pic in every WS country, starting with Japan!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3555/3801320679_898866b4bb.jpg
Konnichiwa!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2428/3801316583_93933ec91b.jpg
Bonjour!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3445/3802135794_ab2e8aa073.jpg
Salam alekoum!

Sadly, that’s as far as it lasted. But only because we got sucked into Morocco, where we spent a long time thoroughly exploring its pavilion, too…

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3642/3801534304_1b857ca40c.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2519/3801535724_a0e81b3fa7.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2469/3801538858_f8c8ce5b40.jpg

Since we were already there, we decided to have lunch at Tangierine Café again. I really can’t get enough of that place! That cold couscous salad is da BOMB on a hot summer day, and the chicken wrap was a delicious as always. Leo enjoyed his usual burger. :rolleyes:

I knew that some of The Waldos were at EP that day, so I dropped T a text while we were eating… and it turned out they were headed our way. So Leo and I stayed put and chilled with The Waldos while they had their lunch.

Chilled.

Did you know there’s air conditioning in the far back seating area of Tangierine?! I sure didn’t. Thanks for that tip T!

After lunch, we split up; T and Maddie joined Leo and I for our Kim Possible mission, while the rest of The Waldos… went somewhere else. Future World, maybe? We couldn’t leave Morocco without one item, though. Leo had seen the Moroccan CM’s rocking out earlier to some mean drum and stringed instruments they sell in the pavilion. And he “needed” one of those stringed instruments in the worst way. I was weak that day, and let him talk me into buying him a $14 Moroccan guitar.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3538/3801544628_29fe944238.jpg

Know what?

He loves that thing. Plays with it often, and frequently serenades me with it. And remembers aloud where and when we bought it. It was a good choice. :goodvibes

Back to the WS, our KP Mission took place in the UK. Again, I won’t spoil the fun with details, but this was even more fun than the mission in China!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2506/3801541224_227f32c36a.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2515/3800723293_e09e1181bb.jpg

It was a terrific morning at EP, but it was getting hot and was starting to sprinkle, and we were ready to head back to the hotel. The Waldos had separate plans that night, but we knew we’d all see each other bright and early the next morning. Ahem. :rolleyes1

Leo and I got as far as the International Gateway turnstiles when the monsoon broke. I didn’t even take a picture – it was insane! We crouched back into the recess of the locker wall and waited it out. We waited and waited and waited. It was coming down so hard, it soaked through the giant awning that covers the ticket window queues and poured down into the benches. All boats were halted due to near-zero visibility and frequent lightning.

I watched what was happening in real time on my iPhone’s Weather Channel app. When it looked like the worst was past us, we made a run for the boat dock, and then to the nearest Beach Club entrance. I love my apps! :love:

If the rain stopped, we probably all met for Pool-Thirty. If it didn’t, Leo and I probably watched a movie. Another one I just don’t remember. Which is actually kind of neat… by that point, it had really become one of those big family-style vacations in which the days begin running together and the focus is on relaxation and fun. I think the length of that stay contributed to the feeling, but I also think it had a lot to do with the company; we all just plain enjoy being together, whether it be in the pool, doing a KP mission, or savoring a meal.

Which made that night’s meal a little hard to swallow. So to speak.

Continued in next post. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34087620&postcount=227)

PrincessV

10-26-2009, 03:16 PM

The V’s were meeting The Mominators for dinner at T-Rex Café, and it was to be our final meeting before parting ways. It was our very own Last Supper. And it would ironically end in a most fateful way.

First off, we looove T-Rex. And both Leo and I were super excited for Michael to finally get there, too! So the walk from the bus stop to the restaurant had to have been a long one for them. Especially given that we made a couple pit stops along the way for, er… shopping. :angel:

But we did get there and settled in for our Jurassic adventure.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3546/3801668196_bcdfffc853.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3547/3800849853_9e9425dd32.jpg

Poor Michael. Maybe he was hungry; maybe he wasn’t feeling well. But he wasn’t real into T-Rex.

Leo, on the other hand, was being overly dramatic and, well, annoying.

So we adults did the only thing we could… we ordered up some ginormous margaritas. Heh heh. FYI, “ginormous” seems to be the only size available at T-Rex. Check this out – this is the nachos appetizer I ordered as my meal:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2432/3800853045_9083ab8aab.jpg

I put the crayon in there to give you a feel for proportion.

Here’s my plate after stuffing myself silly:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3526/3801676356_6ca011715a.jpg

Insane!

Anyway, we finished up and let the boys play in the dig pit for a while, which perked them up considerably.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2422/3800869011_8a14da2168.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2466/3801686984_1580527b33.jpg

We strolled around DTD some after that, hitting up the Lego Store’s outside play area and people watching. Ooo, and it was a GOOD night for that last one! Look…

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3530/3801322365_5500da1db5.jpg

Really? Really?! I learned by age five not to wear patterned underwear under white bottoms. Please.

Everything seemed to be going smoothly, and I think we were all enjoying our final night together. And then disaster struck.

Leo wanted to buy “something.” But he couldn’t find “something” he wanted. He started getting rather nasty about it in World of Disney, so I took him outside, where Tony was waiting for us. Tony and I were having a discussion about cell phone plans when, out of nowhere, Leo turned around and hit me.

HIT. ME.

:mad:

Let me assure you, that has never happened before or since. So retribution was swift and just; I walked him over to a quiet spot out of the way and told him he was in Time Out - there would be no purchase and he was being punished. Leo proceeded to kick the wall, sob and generally act horrifically. I knew we had no choice but to leave and go back to the hotel. I didn’t understand what his problem was, but it wasn’t showing any sign of stopping and couldn’t be allowed to continue.

And so, when LL and Michael came out of the store, we said the worst goodbyes ever in our WDW history. Leo refused to speak to anyone and I nearly broke down in sobs on poor LL’s shoulder. I hate, hate, hate that our joint trip ended in such a terrible way, but I’m so very grateful for friends like The Mominators, who hugged me and reassured me that I was doing the right thing, and that Leo and I would be just fine. You guys are the best – thank you! :grouphug:

Still, I was mad. And sad. And feeling very, very bad. Leo was giving me the silent treatment all the way to the bus stop, where, mercifully, an SSR bus was waiting for us.

We got on, found two seats… and next thing I knew, Leo’s head was on my lap, sobbing his little heart out until he fell asleep.

My poor little boy. He was tired. And worn out physically. And, though I’d done all I could to assuage it – still reeling from the news of his dad moving far away. He’d had a tough few weeks and it was catching up to him. :sad1:

By the time we returned to our room, all was forgiven and it was my angel-boy who said “I’m sorry Mommy,” and “I miss Michael,” before falling fast asleep in my arms.

Next: “They’re SLEEPING IN?!?!”

DisneyJo

10-26-2009, 03:37 PM

Awwwww poor Leo, we all know how much he loves Michael so he must have been so exhausted!

I can't wait to try Kim Possible, it looks so much fun and your whole morning looks great too :goodvibes

GreatBiscuit

10-26-2009, 03:52 PM

First, I apologize for this installment coming out much later than previous ones. In the past two weeks…

I went to the Dr. with a massive sinus infection.
I had a massive adverse reaction to the antibiotics prescribed for said infection.
My Dr. pronounced my blood pressure to be massively high following said reaction.
I developed a massive aversion to modern medicine.

Also…

My HVAC system died. Massively.
On a day of massive, record-setting heat.
I swallowed a massive amount of debt to replace the dead AC.

And…

I breathed a massive sigh of relief upon signing the refinance docs to get me out of my current balloon mortgage.

A little TR writing would have relieved a LOT of stress, but there just wasn’t a lick of time. But things have settled down now and I’m ready to jump back in. If you’re still here for the ride, thanks for sticking around! :goodvibes

Whoa! Sounds like it’s been a massive bummer of a 2 weeks. Hope things get better soon!

This was a very, very fun morning! I don’t think I’ve ever hit the WS at opening except during the Food & Wine Fest… it was EMPTY! What a different vibe there was; no bustling activity, just a mellow feeling that begged us to linger and take in the atmosphere before moving onto another area. I got to spend some time here last summer just after WS opened. It is DEFINITELY the perfect time to tour.

I also had the brilliant idea of a Leo pic in every WS country, starting with Japan! Good call. Even if you didn’t get all of them in, you can continue the montage the next time around.

Leo and I got as far as the International Gateway turnstiles when the monsoon broke. I didn’t even take a picture – it was insane! We crouched back into the recess of the locker wall and waited it out. We waited and waited and waited. It was coming down so hard, it soaked through the giant awning that covers the ticket window queues and poured down into the benches. All boats were halted due to near-zero visibility and frequent lightning. Been there, done that, got the poncho.

It was our very own Last Supper. And it would ironically end in a most fateful way. Uh-oh….

So we adults did the only thing we could… we ordered up some ginormous margaritas. Heh heh. FYI, “ginormous” seems to be the only size available at T-Rex. Check this out – this is the nachos appetizer I ordered as my meal:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2432/3800853045_9083ab8aab.jpg HOLY FRIZBANG! That looks good!

Really? Really?! I learned by age five not to wear patterned underwear under white bottoms. Please. :lmao: and then I :rotfl: and then I :rotfl2: and then I :confused3 and then I :lmao:

Leo wanted to buy “something.” But he couldn’t find “something” he wanted. He started getting rather nasty about it in World of Disney, so I took him outside, where Tony was waiting for us. Tony and I were having a discussion about cell phone plans when, out of nowhere, Leo turned around and hit me.

HIT. ME.

:mad:

Let me assure you, that has never happened before or since. So retribution was swift and just; I walked him over to a quiet spot out of the way and told him he was in Time Out - there would be no purchase and he was being punished. Leo proceeded to kick the wall, sob and generally act horrifically. I knew we had no choice but to leave and go back to the hotel. I didn’t understand what his problem was, but it wasn’t showing any sign of stopping and couldn’t be allowed to continue.

And so, when LL and Michael came out of the store, we said the worst goodbyes ever in our WDW history. Leo refused to speak to anyone and I nearly broke down in sobs on poor LL’s shoulder. I hate, hate, hate that our joint trip ended in such a terrible way, but I’m so very grateful for friends like The Mominators, who hugged me and reassured me that I was doing the right thing, and that Leo and I would be just fine. You guys are the best – thank you! :grouphug:

Still, I was mad. And sad. And feeling very, very bad. Leo was giving me the silent treatment all the way to the bus stop, where, mercifully, an SSR bus was waiting for us.

We got on, found two seats… and next thing I knew, Leo’s head was on my lap, sobbing his little heart out until he fell asleep.

My poor little boy. He was tired. And worn out physically. And, though I’d done all I could to assuage it – still reeling from the news of his dad moving far away. He’d had a tough few weeks and it was catching up to him. :sad1:

By the time we returned to our room, all was forgiven and it was my angel-boy who said “I’m sorry Mommy,” and “I miss Michael,” before falling fast asleep in my arms.
Poor little guy! We’ve noticed with our oldest that when she gets overly exhausted, she first gets hyper, then has a meltdown. Feeling your pain!

cmp1111

10-26-2009, 06:00 PM

Note that it does not have a Fuzzy setting. Yet.

:rotfl:
(not that I’m bitter about that little perk going away, ahem),

No, not at all, I can tell.

He loves that thing. Plays with it often, and frequently serenades me with it. And remembers aloud where and when we bought it. It was a good choice. :goodvibes

Awesome! :goodvibes

So we adults did the only thing we could… we ordered up some ginormous margaritas.

Sounds perfectly reasonable to me!

Leo turned around and hit me.

HIT. ME.

:scared1: I'm so sorry. :hug:

My poor little boy. He was tired. And worn out physically. And, though I’d done all I could to assuage it – still reeling from the news of his dad moving far away. He’d had a tough few weeks and it was catching up to him. :sad1:

Poor kiddo. :(

jcc0621

10-26-2009, 06:16 PM

Great morning! Japan at the Transformers area is exactly where Jimmy would want to go too ::yes::

Poor Leo:hug: and poor mommy:hug::hug:

jordanyosh

10-26-2009, 06:28 PM

Those pictures from the Japan pavilion are awesome and I'm not just saying that because of my heritage.;)

I think hitting the World Showcase at least once during the trip right at 11am si the way to go. People are still getting their groove on in Future World and you basically have the whole park to yourself for a few hours especially if you start at the International Gateway. You're a couple pavilions ahead of everyone.

Sorry about the meltdown, poor timing, but you are very good at reading why it happened. That's a good mom.

Disneyland_Mama

10-26-2009, 06:37 PM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2432/3800853045_9083ab8aab.jpg

I put the crayon in there to give you a feel for proportion.

Here’s my plate after stuffing myself silly:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3526/3801676356_6ca011715a.jpg

Insane!
Dude, you weren't kidding! :eek:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3530/3801322365_5500da1db5.jpg

Really? Really?! I learned by age five not to wear patterned underwear under white bottoms. Please.
OMG, I think I saw that girl. Or someone just as stupid. :lmao:

We got on, found two seats… and next thing I knew, Leo’s head was on my lap, sobbing his little heart out until he fell asleep.

My poor little boy. He was tired. And worn out physically. And, though I’d done all I could to assuage it – still reeling from the news of his dad moving far away. He’d had a tough few weeks and it was catching up to him. :sad1:

By the time we returned to our room, all was forgiven and it was my angel-boy who said “I’m sorry Mommy,” and “I miss Michael,” before falling fast asleep in my arms.
:hug:

Ok, somehow I missed my quotes on the first installment, but let me just say Tangeriene Cafe is the BEST! Meet me there in say 70ish days? ;)

Next: “They’re SLEEPING IN?!?!”

Who's sleeping in???!!! popcorn::

englishrose47

10-27-2009, 12:39 AM

Poor Leo with the meltdown:sad2:Kyle just had to have asword and shield from UK and I ended up having to go back to get it as he wouldn't shut up about it !!:scared1:

The World Showcase is my favorite place I could spend DAYS there!

sharkB8HooHaHa

10-27-2009, 07:11 AM

Is there an app to help you keep track of your apps?
;):hug:

Kim Possible is a must do for us in January. In fact, right now that's the only thing that is part of the plan.

Poor Leo. :hug: And poor V. That must have been heart breaking. I hope he got a good night sleep and was up and ready to go the next day. What day are you on anyway? Thursday?

jcc0621

10-27-2009, 07:34 AM

Is there an app to help you keep track of your apps?
;):hug:

:rotfl2:

PrincessAlways

10-27-2009, 05:07 PM

What do you mean that there's no "Disney Fuzzy Math" app???? :confused3 How can that be???????? :lmao:

I've got to remember to try KP with my nieces! Sounds like it was fun!! They'd probably love doing it.

We never eaten at T-Rex. Looks good! Is is a LOUD place????

Sorry that poor Leo had a bad time near the end. Poor kid! Hope things are better for him by now. :goodvibes

Sooze

10-27-2009, 06:47 PM

Ok, V... You are going to listen to me and do exactly what I say.

Click on this link:

PICTURE OF THE DAY THREAD (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2202006)

Now post some of your pictures.

Got it? Do it... NOW!! That thread would LOVE your stuff... and I mean LOVE it!

Ok.. now... onto the response to your update...

Isn't it great when, every once in a while, you can find a souvenir that actually gets USED?! Great purchase!

Wow.. to the white shorts and patterned panties!
Wow.. to the humungous nacho plate
Wow.. to Leo's meltdown!

You had quite a day for having nothing planned!
:surfweb:Ready for more!

praisehisname

10-28-2009, 07:31 AM

Oh, poor Leo (and Mommy)! I got a little misty-eyed. :hug:

Those nachos at TRex were huge!

If you like (virtual) people watching, check out www.peopleofwalmart.com :rotfl2:

Denise

shebaxric

10-28-2009, 04:06 PM

Hi PrincessV,:wave2:
I found your TR from the recommendation of Great Biscuit. I have to say he gave a great tip when he gave this recommendation! I have enjoy the writing and format of your updates very much (thank you for putting links into the front of your report, BTW). A couple of my favorite moments:

"I want to be brave, Mommy".:cutie: That is one of the cutest, most precious things I've heard in a long time!

Rude woman barging into your literal personal space!:scared1: Some people have no boundaries!

Your Adult night out!:cool1: That's always a great idea!

I look forward to your next update and thanks for writing!

lovealldisney

10-29-2009, 06:05 AM

Oh, poor Leo (and Mommy)! I got a little misty-eyed. :hug:

Those nachos at TRex were huge!

If you like (virtual) people watching, check out www.peopleofwalmart.com :rotfl2:

Denise

I checked out that website! :rotfl::lmao::laughing::rotfl2: everyone in my office was just rolling with laughter!

PrincessV

10-29-2009, 09:00 AM

Awwwww poor Leo, we all know how much he loves Michael so he must have been so exhausted!
I know! I felt so badly for both boys. :sad1:
I can't wait to try Kim Possible, it looks so much fun
You guys will love it! :thumbsup2

Whoa! Sounds like it’s been a massive bummer of a 2 weeks. Hope things get better soon!
Thanks GB... I've continued to have home issues, but it seems to be getting better!
Good call. Even if you didn’t get all of them in, you can continue the montage the next time around.
Here's hoping - stay tuned... :rolleyes1
We’ve noticed with our oldest that when she gets overly exhausted, she first gets hyper, then has a meltdown. Feeling your pain!
Yes! That's exactly what Leo goes through, too. I'm trying to be more observant.

No, not at all, I can tell.
;) I'm so annoyed I booked Thanksgiving OFF-SITE! :mad:

Great morning! Japan at the Transformers area is exactly where Jimmy would want to go too
It's like little boy Nirvana in there! :cloud9:

Those pictures from the Japan pavilion are awesome and I'm not just saying that because of my heritage.;)
Aw, thanks Jordan!

OMG, I think I saw that girl. Or someone just as stupid.
:rotfl2: You should have heard LL and I - "Oh, T will be soo proud of us!"
Ok, somehow I missed my quotes on the first installment, but let me just say Tangeriene Cafe is the BEST! Meet me there in say 70ish days? ;)
::yes:: You're on! Is that before or after the Tequila bar? And sake? :teeth:
Who's sleeping in???!!! popcorn::
:rolleyes:

The World Showcase is my favorite place I could spend DAYS there!
Me too, which is why I'm soooo glad Leo now likes to be there!

Is there an app to help you keep track of your apps?
LOL!
Kim Possible is a must do for us in January. In fact, right now that's the only thing that is part of the plan.
Is it on the spread sheet?!
What day are you on anyway? Thursday?
I think that was Wednesday.

What do you mean that there's no "Disney Fuzzy Math" app???? :confused3 How can that be????????
I know, right?! :rotfl:
We never eaten at T-Rex. Looks good! Is is a LOUD place????
VERY. I think maybe even louder than Rainforest. That's the one negative.

Ok, V... You are going to listen to me and do exactly what I say.

Click on this link:

PICTURE OF THE DAY THREAD (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2202006)

Now post some of your pictures.

Got it? Do it... NOW!! That thread would LOVE your stuff... and I mean LOVE it!
Thanks Sooze! :thumbsup2
Isn't it great when, every once in a while, you can find a souvenir that actually gets USED?! Great purchase!
::yes:: And I have to give him credit - Leo plays with every item he's ever bought on our vacations. He's a good shopper!

Those nachos at TRex were huge!
Aren't they ridiculous?!

I found your TR from the recommendation of Great Biscuit. I have to say he gave a great tip when he gave this recommendation! I have enjoy the writing and format of your updates very much
That GB, he's a good guy! Thanks so much - I really love writing, so I'm always happy to hear when it's well-received! :goodvibes Welcome aboard!