How is a Disney Trip Like a Writing Desk: A PTR through Wonderland UPDATED: 9/18/10

[Tinkerbellarella]

"Have you any idea how a raven is like a writing desk?" - The Mad Hatter

Welcome to my second pre-trip report! And I don't mean second ever, I mean one being written concurrently with another! :scared1:

There could definitely be worse things than 'having' to plan two Disney trips in less than 10 months. If you're interested in following my other PTR as well, the link can be found here: The Rum Runners (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2440819).

While that trip is going to take a lot of physical trial and planning, this trip is kind of easy in comparison. Because, you see, this is one of my dream trips.

:love: My first trip with my Prince Charming. :love:

I'll get into the details of who we are in a bit, but for now suffice it to say that BF and I have known each other for 12 years. Though we've had some on and off again times, we've been together for 8. In the 12 years I've known him, I've been to Disney 7 times and not a single time with him.

Why not?

Ahem.

I quote.

"Eh, I'm just not into Disney."

:sad:

In truth (and over 12 years), I've learned that there is more to it than that. It's a personal issue and one I'm not willing to get into here on the boards. Really, it's enough to know that it's a matter of the heart.

Then, in the past year, I started to see chinks in his anti-Disney wall. And I won't lie, I took a hammer and chisel to them and started chipping away. Slowly. Surely. Until...

SUCCESS!

This time last year, BF and I headed down to Orlando to visit the other Orlando theme parks. GASP! SHOCK! AWE! I know. Believe me, it drove me crazy to be so close and yet so very far...or was I?

We'd decided to do something special on our vacation - a nice night out. For a while it was a toss-up between going to see Cirque in DTD (we're big fans and I've already seen the show) or have a nice dinner out. In the end we opted for dinner and I was able to score us reservations a mere month out at California Grill.

That dinner put a pretty big hole in the anti-Disney wall. ::yes::

After dinner we took the monorail over to the Poly and walked around a bit, enjoying the evening atmosphere. We finally (and perhaps begrudgingly, for yours truly, at least) hopped a bus back to DTD where we met our driver to take us back to our non-Disney resort. I didn't ask, I didn't push, I didn't mention a thing after that trip. I simply let the juices simmer on their own.

Following the old adage that a watched pot doesn't boil, I tried to forget it and move on. I did a wonderful girlie trip with my good friend/long, lost DIS sister Kat (TarzansKat) in May. I thought about doing a solo trip. I actually even stopped thinking about Disney altogether for a while there. Then one day it came up somehow in conversation and BF said:

"I guess we should just go and give it a shot."

I saw my life raft and I haven't let go since. http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Leisures_and_Sports/titanic-081.gif

Since then we've veeeerrryyyyy sllllooooooooowwlllyyyyy worked towards planning a trip. Though I feared it might never really become a reality, we actually have a trip on the Disney books. I'm so excited about it and might possibly be even more excited about planning it!

Ok, maybe not more excited, but equally so. :laughing: What DISer doesn't like a good 6 months of planning?!

So welcome to PTR Numero Dos. I promise you we'll have a good time. We already have a bunch of plans set in place, including the resort and even the dining. Keep your eyes peeled for the next update and thanks for coming along for the ride!

:flower3:

----------------------------------

Chp. 1: You just read it!
Chp. 2: It's O-fficial! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36635068&postcount=3)
Chp. 3: The Overplanner's Plan for Dishing the Plan (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36715788&postcount=21)
Chp. 4: Whooo ARRReee YOUuuu? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36838262&postcount=41)
Chp. 5: Either That Mickey Phone Is Very Large or That Wasn’t A Multivitamin I Took (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36867731&postcount=68)
Chp. 6: Mini Update #1: Questions, Questions, Who's Got A Question? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36913105&postcount=93)
Chp. 7: Bring on the TUMS! Part ONE (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36951151&postcount=126)
Chp. 8: Bring on the TUMS! PART TWO (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37102127&postcount=142)
Chp. 9: A Not-So-Brief, Not-So-Disney, Summer Interlude (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37370469&postcount=175)
Chp. 10: Why Yes, I AM Still Going To Disney. :) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37562970&postcount=184)
Chp. 11: No, Baby, Walt Disney World ISN'T Just Where the Castle Is...SIGH... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37578483&postcount=192)
Chp. 12: Doncha Wish You Rocked These Lemon Tights Like Me? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37595921&postcount=203)
Chp. 13: Man v. Food (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37610546&postcount=215)
Chp. 14: Costume or No Costume, THAT is the Question. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37656516&postcount=232)
Chp. 15: I Know Why the Caged Bird...Poops. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37707126&postcount=261)
Chp. 16: A Little Light Housekeeping... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37743641&postcount=291)
Chp. 17: We Interrupt Your Regularly Scheduled Program... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37757235&postcount=309)
Chp. 18: The Clock Keeps Ticking, Ticking, Ticking... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37925559&postcount=340)
Chp. 19: You Know You're A DISer If... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37935705&postcount=356)
Chp. 20: Bad News Bears (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38032311&postcount=368)
Chp. 21: When Life Hands You Lemons...Trade Them in for Pineapples and Make a Dole Whip (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38053593&postcount=389)
Chp. 22: A Disney Veteran with a Newbie Question (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38064927&postcount=412)
Chp. 23: I'm the Oldest Female Boy Scout You Know (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38099911&postcount=441)
Chp. 24: Do be do be doooo....DONE! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38117650&postcount=452)
Chp. 25: Seriously, 11 Pipers Piping? Are They Loud? Are They in Tune? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38136621&postcount=465)
Chp. 26: Ten Lords a'Leapin...But Are They Wearing Tights? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38151006&postcount=484)
Chp. 27: Nine Ladies Single Digit Dancing... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38163920&postcount=497)
Chp. 28: Maids Milked. Swans Swam. Tink Ran Around Like A Chicken with No Head. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38194156&postcount=516)
Chp. 29: With some geese. A'layin. Six of 'em to be exact. And are they Canadian? Eh? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38200068&postcount=521)
Chp. 30: FIIIIIIVE GOOOOOLDEN (Onion) RIIIIIINGS!!! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38214038&postcount=540)
Chp. 31: Four Calling Birds. I Hope They Have Unlimited Minutes (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38231476&postcount=564)
Chp. 32: Three French Hens. And A British Turkey Sandwich. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38248629&postcount=573)
Chps. 33 & 34: Two Turtledoves and a Partridge in A...Ok, WHAT is with ALL the BIRDS? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38267527&postcount=587)
Disney Eve Update #1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38267776&postcount=589)
Disney Eve Update #2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38270492&postcount=604)

[TarzansKat]

Seriously? How did I miss the beginning?

WOO HOO!!!

Come on BF! Let's GOOOOO!!!!! ;)

I really hope this pans out. I need to live vicariously through as many DIS trippers as possible, due to impending baby arrival, so, I say bring on the ptr!

[Tinkerbellarella]

"There is a place. Like no place on Earth. A land full of wonder, mystery, and danger! Some say to survive it: You need to be as mad as a hatter...which luckily I am." - The Mad Hatter

What makes a Disney trip officially official? Depends on who you ask.

For some people it's having that Disney confirmation number. For others it's making ADRs. For still others, it's not really real until Disney Eve, or until they're boarding that plane or, heck, until they're standing in front of the Disney CM requesting the 70's section at POP on the top floor, kind of in the back and away from the elevator and the ice machines and facing the "Were these years so un-Legendary that they'll never be finished" section.

Not for me.

There's one very specific thing that makes a Disney trip officially official.

Airfare.

As in booking it. As in having THAT confirmation number.

Why might you ask? Well, the answer is simply as simple as simple can be: I book non-refundable tickets. And we don't travel often enough to have a $600+ credit on file to be used within the year. Thus having the airfare = going to Disney.

Much like Tinkerbellarella + too many Lapu Lapus = DISers Gone Wild!

All of that was just the long way of saying...

THIS TRIP IS OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL!!!!!

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

Ok, now that the dancing fruit compulsion has been dealt with, here's the story of how it all went down...

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale...

...

Sorry. Wrong trip. No boat. Put away the coconut radios.

On Tuesday night BF and I decided (read: I helped BF decide that we really needed to decide) what to do about this trip. Was it really going to happen? Because frankly, I was getting nervous. Though I've had the Disney reservation "just in case" for some time now, it was the airfare that was making me nervous.

I'd been doing a lot of research as we have a few airport choices:

T.F. Green, a.k.a. flying out of Providence, RI (though the airport is technically in Warwick, RI and it's always bothered me that they've said Providence...welcome to the little circus inside my brain) - it's the closest to us, it's small, it's familiar and it's easy. The rates are usually pretty good to boot.

Logan, in Boston - it's larger and has a bigger selection of carriers and when they have a sale, it's usually a great sale. It's a bigger commute and means finding someone willing to drive us in and out (Boston traffic is carppy and there are tolls and parking for the week is NOT an option financially). Thus, it's really only worth it if you're getting a great deal.

Bradley in CT - this is a 2 hour hike for us, but we have good friends there who would probably let us park at their house and help us out with the to/from if we got an amazingly good deal.

Ultimately, Logan got shot down first thing - all of the major airlines were more expensive AND we'd have to pay for baggage, Jet Blue had no major savings and Southwest did not have ONE direct flight to Orlando.

Sorry, I only do non-stop to Orlando. I can't stand the thought of extending a measly 3-hour flight.

Bradley had a decent deal, but it was really only going to save about $20 each over flying out of Providence, which I remind you is:

Closer
Easier
Familiar

So...I was keeping my eye on Green. A close eye. A slightly obsessive, so what if I checked the flight prices twice a day, eye.

We wanted the first flight out and as close to the last flight back as possible.

You know, like EVERYONE ELSE FLYING TO/FROM ORLANDO.

So I knew the pricing situation would remain precarious at best.

I have to say that for watching the rates for a couple of weeks, they didn't fluctuate as much as I thought they would. In the end, although we did end up paying about $30 more a piece than we would've if we'd booked 2-3 weeks ago, we are on the EXACT flights we wanted.

But I get ahead of myself...

::backtracks back like, 50 sentences::

So there we were on Tuesday night in the kitchen making dinner and talking Disney. And let me remind you, BF is Mr. I Don't Care for Disney. Well, Mr. I Don't Care for Disney was telling me, "Let's do it!" and "What are the dates again?" and "Book the airfare in the morning" and "Now what exactly will we do?".

He had me at "Let's do it!"

And by golly, not only was the man agreeing to it but he sincerely seems EXCITED about it!

:faint:

I actually had a hard time sleeping on Tuesday night, While it's a toss up as to whether it was because dinner didn't sit right with me or the impending booking of the airfare, I'm pretty sure it's the latter. Considering that, at 2 a.m. I was wondering if I shouldn't just get up and book it. Right then.

Somehow I made it through the night, through the commute and settled in at my desk to do the officially official thing. I had this daydream/nightmare that I'd log in and that the flights we wanted would've jumped up to $325 each way or something equally ridiculous but, thankfully, there'd been no change from the day before and so we found ourselves confirmed:

PVD -> MCO 9/19/10 at 7:00 a.m.
MCO -> PVD 9/25/10 at 5:35 p.m.

(If you're reading this and will be on the same flights, please say hello! I'm not shy...though BF may pretend not to be with the "crazy, obsessive woman who is part of some sort of online Disney cult". Really, he is a nice guy. Lot's of redeeming qualities. Muscles to boot.)

We ended up paying a total of $644.80, only $44.80 over budget. Considering how long we waited, I am pleased.

And that's how this trip became officially official.

UP NEXT: Is that a 10 foot tall foosball player in the courtyard or are you just happy to see me?

[TarzansKat]

I'm not sure what made me laugh harder, DISers Gone Wild, or the 10 foot tall foosball player...

OMG, Tink. I have so missed your writing.

And I'm so excited that you booked airfare. That does make it official!

[LegoMom3]

"There is a place. Like no place on Earth. A land full of wonder, mystery, and danger! Some say to survive it: You need to be as mad as a hatter...which luckily I am." - The Mad Hatter

What makes a Disney trip officially official? Depends on who you ask.

....

There's one very specific thing that makes a Disney trip officially official.

Airfare.

As in booking it. As in having THAT confirmation number.

Ditto. The package may be booked and all the ADRs made, but if'n you cain't git there, yer stink outta luck!:eek:


Much like Tinkerbellarella + too many Lapu Lapus = DISers Gone Wild!

Hmm....I'm getting quite the visual here.;)



THIS TRIP IS OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL!!!!!

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

Ok, now that the dancing fruit compulsion has been dealt with, here's the story of how it all went down...

Yet another chance for me to have tagged you, if only.....
:lmao:


(If you're reading this and will be on the same flights, please say hello! I'm not shy...though BF may pretend not to be with the "crazy, obsessive woman who is part of some sort of online Disney cult".

This truly is an online Disney cult...:sad2:


Really, he is a nice guy. Lot's of redeeming qualities. Muscles to boot.

Y'know, I have to trust you on this one. Not only cuz I've never met him and so haven't a first-hand clue, but, hon, really?.....how could you otherwise share so much of your life with a NON-Disney person??!!!:scared1: Although, if the California Grill is any indication, something tells me that all that is about to change....:upsidedow

Can't wait to see how this all plays out!!pirate:

.

[jenjolt]

I followed your link over from Leslie's PTR and I'm so excited to read all about your trip!!

YAY for it being officially official!!! WOOOT!!!!!!:banana::cool1::banana::cool1:

[Lady Lallie]

I'm here!

Airfare does make a trip so very official.

We haven't booked ours yet and it's making me very nervous. I've been stalking Southwest. We either fly out of Manchester or will do Providence. Boston is a no go like you because they don't have ANY direct flights to Orlando. So not worth it in my opinion.

And as always, you crack me up with your writing. :laughing:

[MRYPPNS]

Tink - only you could work in a reference to a coconut radio into a PTR!

[Tinkerbellarella]

I'm not sure what made me laugh harder, DISers Gone Wild, or the 10 foot tall foosball player...

Really, because you know what makes ME laugh HARDEST? This certain pic I have of a certain person at a certain table in a certain Disney park with a certain french fry threatening a certain nostril.

Just sayin'. ;)

OMG, Tink. I have so missed your writing.

:blush:

but if'n you cain't git there, yer stink outta luck!

Reason #'s 560-563 I need to move to the South:
if'n
cain't
git

I'm also partial to just "set a spell". I love how sit and set are interchangeable.

Y'know, I have to trust you on this one. Not only cuz I've never met him and so haven't a first-hand clue, but, hon, really?.....how could you otherwise share so much of your life with a NON-Disney person??!!!:scared1:

Right?! LOL Not only that, he's a SCORPIO. Apparently God gave him to me to simply test my patience. ;)

No, really, I Luuuurve him. He's fantastic. And while I don't know if he'll ever be truly bitten by the Disney bug, I'm ok with that. I've only ever wanted for him to visit the World with me once, just so that he understands what it means to me. I'm glad he's finally going to do that.

A'course, a promised repeat visit to CG may have had something to do with it...and the pictures of the junky apples...

It's true what they say about a man's heart and his stomach. And my man's stomach is a seemingly endless pit. :thumbsup2

I followed your link over from Leslie's PTR and I'm so excited to read all about your trip!!

YAY for it being officially official!!! WOOOT!!!!!!:banana::cool1::banana::cool1:

Yay! Hi Jen! :wave2:


We haven't booked ours yet and it's making me very nervous. I've been stalking Southwest. We either fly out of Manchester or will do Providence. Boston is a no go like you because they don't have ANY direct flights to Orlando. So not worth it in my opinion.

Hi chickie! I used Kayak to keep an eye on the "major airlines" just in case a good deal broke. Manchester was a bit far for us so I'm not sure what's been going on with the rates there. Here's my experience with Southwest out of Providence - the rates remained steady except for the late-day return flights. There wasn't a TON of movement but they did jump about $15 overnight this past week. Other than that, they continue to hold steady. I haven't seen them drop at all, so, if possible, I wouldn't wait much longer.

Good luck! Have you flown out of Green before?

Tink - only you could work in a reference to a coconut radio into a PTR!

I do my best. :goodvibes

[All7OfUs]

YES!!!! A PTR by Tink!!! :woohoo::woohoo: Getting the family settled down to a movie- and myself hunkered down with your first post!! YAY!!

[Lady Lallie]

Hi chickie! I used Kayak to keep an eye on the "major airlines" just in case a good deal broke. Manchester was a bit far for us so I'm not sure what's been going on with the rates there. Here's my experience with Southwest out of Providence - the rates remained steady except for the late-day return flights. There wasn't a TON of movement but they did jump about $15 overnight this past week. Other than that, they continue to hold steady. I haven't seen them drop at all, so, if possible, I wouldn't wait much longer.

Good luck! Have you flown out of Green before?

I have not flown out of Green before but right now they are the cheapest. I'm hoping to buy within the next few weeks. Marc has dropped people off before so he knows how to get there. I'm just more comfortable from Manchester because that is where I've flown out of the most. But right now it's about a $120 savings to fly out of Green so I'll take it. :thumbsup2

[Tinkerbellarella]

I have not flown out of Green before but right now they are the cheapest. I'm hoping to buy within the next few weeks. Marc has dropped people off before so he knows how to get there. I'm just more comfortable from Manchester because that is where I've flown out of the most. But right now it's about a $120 savings to fly out of Green so I'll take it. :thumbsup2

If you ultimately choose Green let me know. I'll give you some pointers and be happy to answer any of your questions! :goodvibes

[All7OfUs]

It's been a freakishly long day packing, sorting, pricing and regular life thrown in for good measure, but I finally am finding some spare moments to sit a read.

First off, I LOVE your writing and story-telling style!! So funny.

I think for me, it really won't be real until I get ON THAT PLANE!! My life is so completely topsy-turvy right now, living from day-to-day that I just can't count on it really happening until it really happens. Although, I have to say, everything has been really flowing so nicely in my planning. I"m sorry this really isn't about me. Let's talk about YOU!!

I am thrilled you have come this far in bringing BF around to agreeing to go!! That's really an exciting step forward. I"m really looking forward to seeing how your planning goes over the next months! :goodvibes

[HeatherBelle614]

I'm in!

So glad your Prince Charming has agree to go!

Can't wait to hear more! BTW, when are you dates?? (Or, maybe I've blanked and missed them.)

[TarzansKat]

Really, because you know what makes ME laugh HARDEST? This certain pic I have of a certain person at a certain table in a certain Disney park with a certain french fry threatening a certain nostril.

Just sayin'. ;)


You know...you're all really lucky I let you take that picture, and that's all I have to say about that.

I'm sure that's going to come out as blackmail fodder some day. :lmao:

[Tinkerbellarella]

First off, I LOVE your writing and story-telling style!! So funny.

Thanks!

I am thrilled you have come this far in bringing BF around to agreeing to go!! That's really an exciting step forward. I"m really looking forward to seeing how your planning goes over the next months! :goodvibes

Would it surprise you, or any other DISer for that matter, that the plans are made. As in done. As in 4 months early? Down to the CSs we'll be visiting?

It's an illness, I tell you, a wonderful, Disney illness.

I'm in!

So glad your Prince Charming has agree to go!

Can't wait to hear more! BTW, when are you dates?? (Or, maybe I've blanked and missed them.)

Welcome! We'll be down there from 9/19-9/25. :goodvibes

You know...you're all really lucky I let you take that picture, and that's all I have to say about that.

I'm sure that's going to come out as blackmail fodder some day. :lmao:

I want to blow it up into an 8X10 and frame it. :lmao:

[Charleston Princess]

Um, how did I manage to miss not only this PTR but another one as well???

Hanging my head in shame.

Apparently, I am not the most observant creature that ever lived.

But I am here now!!! And woohoo for taking BF to the World for the first time ever!

Does he get to have a First Visit button???

[firecracker725]

:laughing::laughing::laughing:

I laughed out loud a couple of times reading this. My husband isn't all that Disney crazy either (he's been twice), but I'm dragging his surly behind anyway.

I'm subbing. Can't wait to read more!

[All7OfUs]

Would it surprise you, or any other DISer for that matter, that the plans are made. As in done. As in 4 months early? Down to the CSs we'll be visiting?

It's an illness, I tell you, a wonderful, Disney illness.



Quite frankly, NO! HA! And I should ask you if it would be surprising if I already had my first installment of my TRIP REPORT done about 4 months before EVEN GOING. :lmao::lmao:

It IS an illness!! But it hurts so good!

[Tinkerbellarella]

Um, how did I manage to miss not only this PTR but another one as well???

Hanging my head in shame.

Apparently, I am not the most observant creature that ever lived.

No, but you're super-sweet so all is forgiven. :goodvibes

But I am here now!!! And woohoo for taking BF to the World for the first time ever!

Does he get to have a First Visit button???

I want to GET him a First Visit button but whether he'll wear it remains to be seen...

My husband isn't all that Disney crazy either (he's been twice), but I'm dragging his surly behind anyway.

Now, is it just his behind that's surly? And are you only bringing his rear parts? If so, I'd like to know how you work that out. ;)

Welcome.

And I should ask you if it would be surprising if I already had my first installment of my TRIP REPORT done about 4 months before EVEN GOING. :lmao::lmao:

So THAT's what happened to Nine-Eye and the Timekeeper and his crazy Time Travel Machine. It was shipped to BlankAStan. ::yes::

But it hurts so good!

Sometimes love don't feel like it should, you make it, hurt so good.

That will be stuck in my head for the rest of the day!

Okay, all, update imminent.

[Tinkerbellarella]

"So, my old foe, we meet on the battlefield once again." ~ The Jabberwocky

This chapter could also be called:

Setting Oneself Up for Failure
Here's When I'll Update Now Don't Bother Me...Only Kidding!
What's Left To Plan When One's Planned All the Plans 4 Months Out?

Now that things are all official and all that happy horsestuff, here's how things are gonna work 'roun these here parts (channeling my inner LegoMom, y'all).

There are 121 days until this trip.
That equates to 10 nail appointments, 3 pedicures, 3 massage therapy appointments (Dear LORD I can't wait for the next one), two other vacations (one, possibly a road trip to TN with the BF, BIL and family for a visit to BF's grandparents), approximately 1.2 nervous breakdowns (I'm conservatively guestimating), one birth (NOT I, said the goose), one pregnancy confirmation, a new pair of Crocs and a partridge in a pear tree.

Or, more importantly to you, 18 weeks. Why is 18 weeks important to you? Because it means 18 updates. You will receive one major update to this PTR a week, and possibly some minor, less significant ones here and there, like when I get a really cute new pair of shoes that will totally relate to this trip in a "six degrees to Kevin Bacon" kind of way.

The updates will cover, including but not limited to and in no special order, the following:

Who are we? And why do you care about our cat throwing up in BF's Croc flops?

What will we eat? And will I regret my Dining Plan choice when BF eats up all MY snack credits?

What will we pack? And will BF lose his pants again at the Security Screening?

Where are we staying? And will it further reinforce our need for children of ONLY the animal variety?

What will we do? And will we come back on separate flights after BF "divorces" me for being a Disney Drill Sargeant?

Will costumes be in the works? And hey, who's running this trip planning thing, BF?

What are our MUST DO's? And why is it we're already having to cross one off the list?

Why do people think they can find their one true love on reality TV? Has no one learned anything from Flavor Flav?

Ok, maybe not that last one.

Since most of the plans are in place, I'm considering creating polls and letting YOU decide what each subsequent update will be about. Kind of like those nifty choose-your-own-adventure books from when we were kids.

Only there will be no turning to page 17 for, "You weren't watching where you were walking. You tripped and fell in a well. The End"

I ALWAYS picked that ending.

Regardless, there is some info. I will give to you right now. Yes, right now!

Are you ready?
Really ready?

Wait for it...

For anyone who may have missed it since it was only vaguely embedded in our flight info, the trip is from 9/19/10-9/25/10. Because we're travelling during Free Dining season (does that mean first timers who run over you with their strollers are "in season?) I expect that I'll ultimately end up in the World at the same time as some of my readers.

(INCLUDING YOU LURKERS OUT THERE. I KNOW YOU'RE THERE. I SEE YOU CLICKING ON THE LINK. MAKE YOURSELF KNOWN. I DON'T SMELL. I SHOWER. OFTEN.)

(Seriously, dudes, say hi.)

In the past I've been totally, 100% open to DIS meets. That's exactly how I met mis DISsister, TarzansKat, and like the totally sweetest woman on the planet who has the strangest luck with processed meats and their associated bread wrappers, LegoMom. However, BF, as has been well documented thus far, is not the biggest Disney fan of them all. And he thinks I'm part of some Internet Disney cult. And he isn't a fan of strangers. So I can't promise you that I'll be able to plan any meets.

BUT

That doesn't mean you shouldn't stop me and say hi should you see me and recognize me in the parks because you happen to know all our plans and I've happened to post pics of us many times and pics of all of my outfit choices for the week. And if I happen to "know" you, I'll say hi too.

Though I warn you, sometimes I'm completely clueless of my surroundings. Like when I accidentally ran over that raccoon the night I was driving home with the most ridiculous migraine ever and BF said, "Um, did you not see that raccoon?" and I was all like, "What raccoon?" and he was like, "Um, the one you just ran over," and I was all like, "What?!" and started crying and he said, "It was the BIGGEST raccoon I've ever seen and it was jumping up and down and waving those glow sticks the airport guys have to direct planes, screaming 'Please don't hit me Miss Oblivious Driver'!"

Or something like that.

(LegoMom - I apologize for the raccoon reference in your currently depressed procyonid (read: raccoon) state. :sad1: )

But we'll see. Maybe that will change. Stranger things have happened. Look what happened with Daniel Radcliffe and Robert Pattinson. They both were in Harry Potter. Now, one has done a play. Naked. And with horses. The other is on teen girls' (and moms', ahem) pillowcases worldwide. And Cedric DIED in the 4th book. Who saw THAT little twist of fate coming?

So, stay tuned, my friends, more to come next week.

(I SEE YOU LURKERS!)

:flower3:

[jenjolt]

You have the most amusing updates EVER!!

I loved those pick your adventure books and if I didn't cheat all the time I would have ended up in the well with you...A LOT LOL!!!!

I'm very excited to hear more about your trip!!! YAY!!

[Tinkerbellarella]

You have the most amusing updates EVER!!

Hey thanks. Now you know a little what it's like to be in my head. Not that it's a scary place mind you, but have you ever seen Alice in Wonderland...

;)

And down the rabbit hole we go.

I loved those pick your adventure books and if I didn't cheat all the time I would have ended up in the well with you...A LOT LOL!!!!

The only thing I ever cheated on in my life. Those books.

Ok.

Well, and I'm ashamed to admit this, ESPECIALLY to a science teacher.

I also cheated on ONE Honors Physics exam.

I'm not a Physics fan.

Gravity gets me down.

...

Wow. That was BAD.

I'm very excited to hear more about your trip!!! YAY!!

And I'm very excited to tell about it!

:flower3:

[All7OfUs]

I, for one, am very excited for ALL those lovely installments- EVERY ONE! And I promise... no lurking from this girl. ;)

Polls are good- I think for the most part we're a pretty opinionated bunch. :lmao:

[Tinkerbellarella]

Polls are good- I think for the most part we're a pretty opinionated bunch. :lmao:

Do you know, can you do mutiple polls on the same thread? I've never polled before, so I'm not sure.

[Lady Lallie]

I'm in for the long haul, I can't wait for the updates. :goodvibes

I think you can post multiple polls but I *think* you can only post one at a time and then you can change it again?? I'm not 100% sure.

[Tinkerbellarella]

I think you can post multiple polls but I *think* you can only post one at a time and then you can change it again?? I'm not 100% sure.

Thanks, my friend. :goodvibes

[All7OfUs]

Do you know, can you do mutiple polls on the same thread? I've never polled before, so I'm not sure.

I have no idea. I had a poll on my first thread (pt. 1 to my current PTR), and I really actually wanted it off after a while. But the tech guys told me that once it's on, it's on. So???

I think you can do multi on one thread though. :confused3

[HeatherBelle614]

I've been MIA, but I'm back, and not a lurker!

I'm looking forward to the 18 updates! I reference my trip to how many days I have left until I take the LSAT (two weeks before we leave for vacation.) Yuck, yuck, yuck.

[Charleston Princess]

So, did this count as this week's update? :lmao::rotfl::rotfl2: Just kidding.

I do get such a kick out of your writing -- a great way to enjoy my morning coffee on this rainy, cloudy Saturday.

Of course you are a member of a Disney Internet cult -- but we are really nice here -- and the Dole Whips beat that Kool-aid stuff any day of the week. :lmao:

[Tinkerbellarella]

I'm looking forward to the 18 updates! I reference my trip to how many days I have left until I take the LSAT (two weeks before we leave for vacation.) Yuck, yuck, yuck.

Good luck!!!

Of course you are a member of a Disney Internet cult -- but we are really nice here -- and the Dole Whips beat that Kool-aid stuff any day of the week. :lmao:

And, of course, Mouse Ears instead of those drab brown robes. ;)

[TarzansKat]

"So, my old foe, we meet on the battlefield once again." ~ The Jabberwocky

On an unrelated note, I can't wait for this to come out on DVD.



one birth

You couldn't have thrown in some adjectives there???

One pain-free birth.

One relatively easy birth.

One birth of the cutest child ever, the only exception being TK's five year old DS, who is, also, the cutest child ever.

Sheesh. ;)


Who are we? And why do you care about our cat throwing up in BF's Croc flops?

I am still finding this hilariously funny, albeit in a totally sick way.

And yes, I know my retribution is coming in the form of the small infant who will soon be dominating our lives with all of his bodily functions. ;)


What will we pack? And will BF lose his pants again at the Security Screening?


:rotfl2: To the thrill of all the female passengers around him.


Where are we staying? And will it further reinforce our need for children of ONLY the animal variety?

:rotfl2: I decline from comment at this time.


I ALWAYS picked that ending.

Me, too. And I had to furiously go back to where I was and try to get to the "right" ending. Those books were frustrating, eh?

[Tinkerbellarella]

You couldn't have thrown in some adjectives there???

One pain-free birth.

One relatively easy birth.

One birth of the cutest child ever, the only exception being TK's five year old DS, who is, also, the cutest child ever.

Sheesh. ;)

Hmmmm...how 'bout all three...and a bottle of rum, just for kicks?

[TarzansKat]

Hmmmm...how 'bout all three...and a bottle of rum, just for kicks?

Hmmm, all three.

"Take what you can!"

"Give nothing back!"

[Pollito916]

Hmm, how did I miss this PTR? :confused3 I saw the rum-runners one, but not this one, weird. But I found it now. :flower3:

Love reading your TRs and PTRs and so happy that you finally convinced BF to visit the world! Newbies always make for good TRs. :cool2:

btw - as a fellow migraine sufferer, you cannot be held responsible for any raccoons or other wildlife that crosses your path while in a migraine haze. Also, if your bf saw the raccoon, why wasn't he driving when you had a migraine? :confused:

[If U Had Wings]

Okay, how in the world did I miss the fact that you had another PTR going on? I'm obviously getting old. Obviously I'm going to need that racoon with the airport glow sticks to find these things. Geesh!

I like you never really feel like it's a real vacation until the flight is booked. Everything up until that point is easily lost. I do not toss around $200+ on anything lightly. I'm thrilled your getting to go with your sweetie, but a bit sad I'll miss getting the chance to meet you by only a few days. :sad2:


But we'll see. Maybe that will change. Stranger things have happened. Look what happened with Daniel Radcliffe and Robert Pattinson. They both were in Harry Potter. Now, one has done a play. Naked. And with horses. The other is on teen girls' (and moms', ahem) pillowcases worldwide. And Cedric DIED in the 4th book. Who saw THAT little twist of fate coming?

So, stay tuned, my friends, more to come next week.

Hopefully nothing with that much of a shocking change. I saw that play, and good as the play was, there is just something odd about watching Harry Potter now that I've "seen all." :rotfl: Just saying that any changes that mess with my head that much I'll need to be broken into gently.

[Tinkerbellarella]

Love reading your TRs and PTRs and so happy that you finally convinced BF to visit the world! Newbies always make for good TRs. :cool2:

We talked a little more about it this weekend and he seemed more comfortable with the whole idea. I think this is going to be a great trip!

btw - as a fellow migraine sufferer, you cannot be held responsible for any raccoons or other wildlife that crosses your path while in a migraine haze. Also, if your bf saw the raccoon, why wasn't he driving when you had a migraine? :confused:

LOL Because this was before I got them with any regularity. I didn't realize that's what I had. Now that I get them more frequently I thought back to all the times I had one and didn't know it...and this is the most memorable one!

Obviously I'm going to need that racoon with the airport glow sticks to find these things. Geesh!

:lmao:

I'm thrilled your getting to go with your sweetie, but a bit sad I'll miss getting the chance to meet you by only a few days. :sad2:

I know! :sad1: I'll be thinking of you running around Epicot while we're touring though.


Hey folks! I realize I never posted last week but it was kind of crazy at work. And yes, that DOES mean TWO updates this week! I'm working on the first one now. Sit tight and keep your eyes peeled!

:flower3:

[Normangirls]

keep your eyes peeled

Ow.

How am I supposed to get any work done after the promise of TWO updates on the way? I may just need to go home early.

[LegoMom3]

Ugh!!...I'm missing updates here!....sweetie you've got to put the date in your title when you post a chapter!!:upsidedow......please??...



:tiptoe:.....tiptoeing back out to catch up.....

.

[LegoMom3]

"So, my old foe, we meet on the battlefield once again." ~ The Jabberwocky

This chapter could also be called:

Setting Oneself Up for Failure
Here's When I'll Update Now Don't Bother Me...Only Kidding!
What's Left To Plan When One's Planned All the Plans 4 Months Out?

Or, it could also be called "The Best PTR Chapter Ever Written."

Srsly....I almost missed a real gem here! Note to self: get with the Tink PTR program!!


Now that things are all official and all that happy horsestuff, here's how things are gonna work 'roun these here parts (channeling my inner LegoMom, y'all).

Wow, I'm honored!....I think?....:lmao:



The updates will cover, including but not limited to and in no special order, the following:

Who are we? And why do you care about our cat throwing up in BF's Croc flops?

I don't know but this is my vote for 1st update!!:eek: It's something near and dear to my heart, don'tcha know....:rolleyes: (the cat barf, not your BF's crocs...)


What will we eat? And will I regret my Dining Plan choice when BF eats up all MY snack credits?

Quite possibly.

What will we pack? And will BF lose his pants again at the Security Screening?

Not even gonna ask....

Where are we staying? And will it further reinforce our need for children of ONLY the animal variety?

Quite probably!



In the past I've been totally, 100% open to DIS meets. That's exactly how I met mis DISsister, TarzansKat, and like the totally sweetest woman on the planet who has the strangest luck with processed meats and their associated bread wrappers, LegoMom. .....

::snortlaughingmycoffee::........:rotfl2:


(LegoMom - I apologize for the raccoon reference in your currently depressed procyonid (read: raccoon) state. :sad1: )

It's all good. I'm over it. We were protecting our chickens the eggs they give us. It's farm life. It's done.:guilty:


So, stay tuned, my friends, more to come next week.



:flower3:




Waiting.....!popcorn::

.

[Tinkerbellarella]

Blue Caterpillar: Who are you?
Alice Kingsley: Absolem?
Blue Caterpillar: You're not Absolem. I'm Absolem. Stupid girl.

(You've just GOT to love Alan Rickman...even as a caterpillar.)

So it occurs to me, now, that perhaps before I divulge all of the various details of this lil' trip to the World, it might interest you to know who "WE" are!

I know some of you know me from previous PTRs/TRs. ( :wave2: )
And some of you have the "pleasure" of knowing me in person. ( :wave2: )

But only one of you (TK) really knows BF at all and I think some perspective is necessary in order for you to truly appreciate the plans we have for this trip.

So...

Hi.

I'm Tinkerbellarella and I'm a well-documented Disaholic.

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Universal%20trip%20April%202009/DSCN2138-1.jpg

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Jan%202011%20PTR/me.jpg

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Jan%202011%20PTR/bellini.jpg

I have loved all things Disney since I was a wee child (I miss 2ScottishPrincesses). My grandparents took my on my first trip to the World when I was 7 and I haven't looked back since. I'm well-versed in answering the "You're going AGAIN?!" question without the requirement of a straight jacket and also have no qualms about also saying how much I enjoy visiting Sea World and US/IOA. BF and I did that trip last April and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We're looking forward to returning once all the Harry Potter Hoopla has quieted down.

Or when I find a fantastic deal, whichever comes first. ::yes::

In addition to Disney, I love the following things, in no particular order: books, shoes, animals, the sunrise, shoes, red hair, movies, shoes, Sephora, shoes, road trips, sunsets, shoes, COACH, my Blackberry, fresh flowers, food, food and food, sparkly jewelry...and shoes. I'm a true Princess at heart.

I'm heading to the World for my 12th trip. This will be my first trip there however with this Prince Charming of a man, my BF (boyfriend, in DISspeak, not Best Friend):

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Universal%20trip%20April%202009/DSCN2137-1.jpg

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Jan%202011%20PTR/thinker.jpg

(in't he handsome?! :love: )

US:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Jan%202011%20PTR/meandboo.jpg

BF has been to the World (MK and Epicot only, I believe) with some family in the past. At the time they lived in Melbourne, FL and it was any easy day trip. However, he's never stayed on site, never been to DHS or the AK and, like many non-DISers, calls the MK "Disney World". He's graciously (or smartly) given me the planning reigns for this trip and is slowly but surely getting excited about it.

At least he isn't cringing every time I open my mouth and say the word Disney anymore.

Believe me, big improvement.

BF wasn't exactly anti-Disney. We both love some of the same Disney movies: WALL-E, Lilo & Stitch, Ratatouille, Monsters Inc. and Meet the Robinsons. However, BF has some sad memories of the parks from some of his day trips and so has run the gamut from adamant about not going again to just plain hesitant. I think he still is a tad hesitant but he also knows how much this trip means to me and I really think he's curious about seeing the World through my eyes.

Plus, the boy likes to eat so our "gateway" dinner at Cali Grill last year REALLY piqued his interest. It's true, the quickest way to a man's heart (and vacation time) is through his stomach!

BF and I have known each other for roughly 13 years. And it's been an interesting 13 years. We met when I was 17 and he was 22. Over a year of friendship we fell in love and were together for 4 years. Life, apparently, wasn't ready for our happily ever after, however, and so we broke up. We kept in touch, mostly over the next few years and then, in 2005, decided to try the whole dating thing again.

FYI - "RE-dating" someone is a weird, weird experience.

On January 10, 2006 we decided to let Life in on a little secret...

We were ready for our happily ever after, thank you very much.

We have been together since. We aren't married, engaged and in no way shape or form are we rushing to the altar. We aren't even really slowly drifting in that direction. Who knows, maybe someday, but for now we're content to be together and wildly in love.

These are our children, Isabel (left) and Dory (right):

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Jan%202011%20PTR/girlies.jpg

They look just like us, no? ;)

While we both love children and have multiple godchildren, nieces, and small children we like to borrow, we don't have any of the furr-less kind of our own. And we intend to keep it that way.

Unfortunately, our furry kids aren't joining us on this trip. They'll be staying with their Grammy and Grampy (my parents) and their cousins (their two cats and their dog). Our girls don't know about this yet. Shh. We're going to break the news soon...like right around September 18th.

BF and I live in a quaint little town in Southeastern, MA, close to most of our family. While I wish we lived about 1,200 mi. closer to the House of Mouse, we certainly don't have it bad. At all. We live in a beautiful neighborhood, rent a small but historic (and haunted) home, and have this to look forward to every day:

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc141/nicolegaspar/home.jpg

Some of BF's family lives in rural Tennessee and we'll be road tripping there later this month for a visit - vacation numero uno of our summer. Disney is vacaton numero tres. (Numero do is going to be a staycation.) I may include a single sidebar post about our Tennessee trip since it will be me and BF driving down in one car and his brother, SIL and their two girls in another car and should add some nice flavor to what kind of people we are.

(FYI: The crazy kind. Just sayin'.)

And that's about the long and short of who we are. I'm sure other little personality quirks will rear their (sometimes ugly) heads as we move week to week towards the trip, but I think that's all you "need" to know right now. If you have any questions feel free to ask. :goodvibes

UP NEXT: Attaaaack of the giant, killer Play-Doh!

[Tinkerbellarella]

Ow.

How am I supposed to get any work done after the promise of TWO updates on the way? I may just need to go home early.

There's a WICKED cold going around. It requires rest, OJ and Tinkerbellarella's PTR.

Just sayin'.

;)

Ugh!!...I'm missing updates here!....sweetie you've got to put the date in your title when you post a chapter!!:upsidedow......please??...



:tiptoe:.....tiptoeing back out to catch up.....

.

Honestly? I never thought of doing that.
As soon as I figure it out I'll be ALL over it. I promise.

Or, it could also be called "The Best PTR Chapter Ever Written."

Really? Are you the sweetest person on the planet or what?

That's rhetorical, by the way.

Wow, I'm honored!....I think?....:lmao:

::yes::

It's something near and dear to my heart, don'tcha know....:rolleyes: (the cat barf, not your BF's crocs...)

Snortlaugh worthy. Period.

That story will likely work its way into the packing chapter. It's relevant to that one. As is the pants-losing story.

[If U Had Wings]

Love that new picture your using on your facebook page. It's a beautiful picture of you. You and your BF make such a cute couple. :goodvibes I'm so glad that he's giving a trip to Disney a chance. I think seeing it with you will make a huge difference in how he sees it.

[Tinkerbellarella]

Love that new picture your using on your facebook page. It's a beautiful picture of you.

Awww, thanks! :blush: There's actually a very sad story associated with the puppy in that picture but I happen to really like my hair in it. LOL

You and your BF make such a cute couple. :goodvibes I'm so glad that he's giving a trip to Disney a chance. I think seeing it with you will make a huge difference in how he sees it.

I'm crossing my fingers, believe me!

[Charleston Princess]

Great intro about you and BF! And very cute pictures of both of you!

I hope this trip completely opens his eyes to the magic of Disney and banishes any bad memories he may have! :goodvibes

[All7OfUs]

So glad to "get to know you" better with the last post. You guys make a lovely couple!

I think if he sees Disney through your eyes, he will be a "new man" for sure. Going with someone who knows how to tailor a trip to the go-er(s) is a definitely plus. :thumbsup2

[Lady Lallie]

You & BF are way too cute. :goodvibes

I, for one, can see the resemblence in your furry babies. :lmao:

I can't tell you how THRILLED I am for you that BF has agreed to this trip. I know you are going to have a blast and make wonderful memories together.

[Tinkerbellarella]

I hope this trip completely opens his eyes to the magic of Disney and banishes any bad memories he may have! :goodvibes

I hope so too. I don't think he'll ever be a Disaholic, like we are here, but it would be nice if his eye didn't tic every time I said the D-word. :rotfl:

And I totally get his bad memories. And they're actually good memories, of times spent with someone he loves, but it also comes with a lot of heartache, so I totally get it. I still get those feelings from time to time when I'm in the World and I think of my Gram, but mostly I've focused on the happiness of those memories so that's mostly what comes through.

So glad to "get to know you" better with the last post. You guys make a lovely couple!

Well thank you! I was telling BF about how I had a reader from Blankastan and he immediately wanted to try to deduce exactly which -stan you are in! LOL I asked him if it really matter. There was sand. And camels. But he was truly impressed you were posting from way "out there".

Going with someone who knows how to tailor a trip to the go-er(s) is a definitely plus. :thumbsup2

Also, we know where the best bathrooms are. :thumbsup2

I, for one, can see the resemblence in your furry babies. :lmao:

Ever since Dory's accident last fall, which coincided with BF's surgery, she has been all over him like white on rice. There are times where she blatantly IGNORES me for him. If we were felines or she was a human, she'd be giving me a run for my money!

Isabel is my baby Diva. My princess. She won't go downstairs in the morning until I do. And, if in the middle of the night, she has a sudden need for my love, she sits up on the pillow near my head and meows. In my ear. LOUDLY.

BF doesn't think of them as his kids. Only I do that. He just thinks of them as cats. And given the fact that he was allergic to them when we first moved in together, the fact that he adores them (he wouldn't say that) means we've come a LOOOOOONG way.

I can't tell you how THRILLED I am for you that BF has agreed to this trip. I know you are going to have a blast and make wonderful memories together.

It's such a pity we aren't there at the same time anymore. I'd make some sort of excuse to "bump" into you. I know you're local-ish to me, though. We should really get together for lunch!


I'm considering posting the next update today...

:flower3:

[All7OfUs]

Well thank you! I was telling BF about how I had a reader from Blankastan and he immediately wanted to try to deduce exactly which -stan you are in! LOL I asked him if it really matter. There was sand. And camels. But he was truly impressed you were posting from way "out there".



Also, we know where the best bathrooms are. :thumbsup2

:

It is very deducible if you read my PTR enough. Not hard at all in fact. ;) Just go back to the chatter and you'll get it.

ANd we could talk about non-bathrooms around here too. :lmao: Out here there aren't even any trees. Good thing Disney provides stalls and TP! :rotfl2:

[Tinkerbellarella]

It is very deducible if you read my PTR enough. Not hard at all in fact. ;) Just go back to the chatter and you'll get it.


You know, I'm attempting to read your whole PTR. Yes, the WHOLE thing (sans comments, though, so I'm done before you actually leave LOL!). Once I'm caught up on the actual trip, I'll have to go back and play Sherlock Holmes. ::yes::

[jenjolt]

Loved the intro of you and your BF!! What a gorgeous couple you two make!!!!!

I think this is going to be a whole new trip for him and I have no doubt after this trip, he'll change his mind about Disney!!!

[Tinkerbellarella]

Loved the intro of you and your BF!! What a gorgeous couple you two make!!!!!

Thanks! :goodvibes

I think this is going to be a whole new trip for him and I have no doubt after this trip, he'll change his mind about Disney!!!

From your lips to God's ears. ::yes::

[TarzansKat]

Blue Caterpillar: Who are you?
Alice Kingsley: Absolem?
Blue Caterpillar: You're not Absolem. I'm Absolem. Stupid girl.

How glad am I that all your quotes are from Alice right now? :goodvibes


(You've just GOT to love Alan Rickman...even as a caterpillar.)


Who doesn't love Alan Rickman?


But only one of you (TK) really knows BF at all

Don't get me started. :rotfl2:

JK.

I think. ;)


http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Jan%202011%20PTR/bellini.jpg

God, I would love a bellini right now. What does my ticker say?

Oh, yeah. 59 more days.

59 more days. How many more days until you and I go again? LOL


In addition to Disney, I love the following things, in no particular order: books, shoes, animals, the sunrise, shoes, red hair, movies, shoes, Sephora, shoes, road trips, sunsets, shoes, COACH, my Blackberry, fresh flowers, food, food and food, sparkly jewelry...and shoes. I'm a true Princess at heart.

But, hon...

do you really like shoes?


http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Universal%20trip%20April%202009/DSCN2137-1.jpg

Good gracious, does he look diesel in that photo or what? :cool2:

However, BF has some sad memories of the parks from some of his day trips and so has run the gamut from adamant about not going again to just plain hesitant. I think he still is a tad hesitant but he also knows how much this trip means to me and I really think he's curious about seeing the World through my eyes.

I really feel for Bruce on this trip. Not because I'm not excited for you, but you know why. I get the emotion behind it, and I'm sad to have that in common, but know that we'll both be able to go again and really enjoy it.

And that it means so much to you, and that he's ready to go because he knows how much you love it, well, it just speaks volumes, my dear.


These are our children, Isabel (left) and Dory (right):

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Jan%202011%20PTR/girlies.jpg

They look just like us, no? ;)

:rotfl2:


And that's about the long and short of who we are. I'm sure other little personality quirks will rear their (sometimes ugly) heads as we move week to week towards the trip, but I think that's all you "need" to know right now.

And I quote, "my meat comes from a happy place."

Nuff said.

[Tinkerbellarella]

God, I would love a bellini right now. What does my ticker say?

Oh, yeah. 59 more days.

59 more days. How many more days until you and I go again? LOL

Hmmm...how long do you need to nurse for?


But, hon...

do you really like shoes?

No.







I LOVE shoes.


Good gracious, does he look diesel in that photo or what? :cool2:

I won't tell him you said that. Wouldn't want it to go to his head or anything. ;)


And I quote, "my meat comes from a happy place."

Nuff said.

My meat DOES come from a happy place! You've never heard of the pork plant?

[Lady Lallie]

Ever since Dory's accident last fall, which coincided with BF's surgery, she has been all over him like white on rice. There are times where she blatantly IGNORES me for him. If we were felines or she was a human, she'd be giving me a run for my money!

Isabel is my baby Diva. My princess. She won't go downstairs in the morning until I do. And, if in the middle of the night, she has a sudden need for my love, she sits up on the pillow near my head and meows. In my ear. LOUDLY.

BF doesn't think of them as his kids. Only I do that. He just thinks of them as cats. And given the fact that he was allergic to them when we first moved in together, the fact that he adores them (he wouldn't say that) means we've come a LOOOOOONG way.



It's such a pity we aren't there at the same time anymore. I'd make some sort of excuse to "bump" into you. I know you're local-ish to me, though. We should really get together for lunch!



Sully prefers men. I don't know why but if there is a choice between my lap and Marc's, he goes for Marc everytime. Hmph. Both of my cats are doing this fun thing where they lay in the middle of the hall in the middle of the night and wait for me to step on them. It's very traumatic for me and them and I really wish they would stop it. I'm only so aware at 2AM.

We do need to get together! I'm bummed that we won't be there at the same time. Sigh.

[Tinkerbellarella]

Both of my cats are doing this fun thing where they lay in the middle of the hall in the middle of the night and wait for me to step on them. It's very traumatic for me and them and I really wish they would stop it. I'm only so aware at 2AM.

I hear that. Sometimes the girls will lay on the stairs in the middle of the night. After many a trip, fall and yowl, I've learned to go slow and "test" each stair with a foot first. LOL!

We do need to get together! I'm bummed that we won't be there at the same time. Sigh.

Well let's make that happen, darnit! (The lunch, not the trip. I think you've changed your dates plenty and mine can't be changed!) :goodvibes

[GaRain]

Ok, I am in for the PTR ride!
And to quote one of my favorite tv shows "Hello tall salty goodness!"
(if you can name that show, I will be so freakin' impressed!)

Oh and I LOVE your furkids!:love:

[TarzansKat]

Hmmm...how long do you need to nurse for?


Well, my dear, it matters not, because you can safely have a drink while nursing.

So there. :lmao:

Just not...several. NoJackSparrowDrunkWalk.



No.







I LOVE shoes.

Channeling your inner Anton Ego, I see.




I won't tell him you said that. Wouldn't want it to go to his head or anything. ;)

No, no, no. But is it wrong that I can't wait to see pictures from MNSSHP? ;)




My meat DOES come from a happy place! You've never heard of the pork plant?

I love you...and all your delusions.

[Tinkerbellarella]

And to quote one of my favorite tv shows "Hello tall salty goodness!"

THAT is hysterical! I love it! What show is it from???

Oh and I LOVE your furkids!:love:

Thanks. Me too. Most days. ;)

[All7OfUs]

Hey Ladies!

Just here to say hi and all that. DH just plugged in Matrix (for the 300 billionth time) and I need to hang with the girls and escape the testoterone sea swarming around in my living room.

[Tinkerbellarella]

NoJackSparrowDrunkWalk.

No DISers gone wild?

No, no, no. But is it wrong that I can't wait to see pictures from MNSSHP? ;)

:lmao: :sad2:

And you hush now until I get to that chapter. ;)

I love you...and all your delusions.

:hug:

Hey Ladies!

Just here to say hi and all that. DH just plugged in Matrix (for the 300 billionth time) and I need to hang with the girls and escape the testoterone sea swarming around in my living room.

I love the Matrix trilogy. Every once in a while. I'm kind of a sucker for action movies. Makes BF very happy.

Though, to be fair, I've subjected him to his fair share of chick flicks, some of which he enjoyed...as of late, Julie and Julia. The part where she's lying on the floor with the remnants of the cream cheese stuffing, sobbing like an imbecile...BF looked at me with this look in his eye that said, "I've never seen you stuff a duck...or a chicken...or any other poultry for that matter, but woman, I think that's where we'd end up. On the floor amidst cream cheese and snot."

[BippityBoo]

HI! You and your BF are so cute together :goodvibes Joining in the fun!! LOVE your screen name :thumbsup2

[All7OfUs]

I love the Matrix trilogy. Every once in a while. I'm kind of a sucker for action movies. Makes BF very happy.

Though, to be fair, I've subjected him to his fair share of chick flicks, some of which he enjoyed...as of late, Julie and Julia. The part where she's lying on the floor with the remnants of the cream cheese stuffing, sobbing like an imbecile...BF looked at me with this look in his eye that said, "I've never seen you stuff a duck...or a chicken...or any other poultry for that matter, but woman, I think that's where we'd end up. On the floor amidst cream cheese and snot."

I guess he only wanted to watch the part where everyone gets the crap shot out of them. OK, whatever. Which is I'm sure exactly what he says when Pride and Prejudice gets plugged in. :rotfl2:

I've not seen J and J, I'll put it on my list of to-rents after we get back. If there's cream cheese and snot, it's gotta be good. :lmao:

[Lady Lallie]

Julie & Julia is the best movie ever. I have lost count how many times I've watched it. I've read both Julia Child's and Julie Powell's books and I even own the cookbook now. :lmao:

Marc groans everytime I put it on.

[Tinkerbellarella]

HI! You and your BF are so cute together :goodvibes Joining in the fun!! LOVE your screen name :thumbsup2

Welcome! And thanks. :)

I've not seen J and J, I'll put it on my list of to-rents after we get back. If there's cream cheese and snot, it's gotta be good. :lmao:

It's excellent. The book was also good. If you care to read it, I can send you a copy. Just PM me.

Julie & Julia is the best movie ever. I have lost count how many times I've watched it. I've read both Julia Child's and Julie Powell's books and I even own the cookbook now. :lmao:

It is a very good movie. I like the movie a little bit more than the book, which rarely happens, probably because the stories are told concurrently. The cookbook is on my PaperbackSwap wishlist. :goodvibes


There will definitely be an update today folks! Sorry about the false hope yesterday.

:flower3:

[Lady Lallie]

It is a very good movie. I like the movie a little bit more than the book, which rarely happens, probably because the stories are told concurrently. The cookbook is on my PaperbackSwap wishlist. :goodvibes


I completely agree with you liking the movie more than the book. I also felt that way about Dear John and that hardly EVER happens.

[GaRain]

[QUOTE=Tinkerbellarella;36863504]THAT is hysterical! I love it! What show is it from???QUOTE]

It is from Angel....:love:

[Tinkerbellarella]

Alice Kingsley: This is impossible.
The Mad Hatter: Only if you believe it is.

When the subject of where to stay eventually came around…well, I’d like to say there was a heated discussion about it. I’d like to say that I made little presentation boards to present to BF the differences among values, moderates and deluxes, with a small PowerPoint aside also offering the benefits of Fort Wilderness, and the DVC properties. I’d like to then be able to point out that we hemmed, hawed, had many a sleepless night, made a decision, then went resort-switching-happy (NOCharlestonPrincess).

I’d like to say that.

But I can’t.

Actually, the resort choice was a fairly easy one. Based solely on one factor (actually, this trip was based solely on this same factor):

$$$

BF’s rhyme and reason was thus:

“I don’t want to spend a lot of money on a resort since I’m not 100% sure that I’m going to love this. I’d hate it if we went down there, I didn’t really care for it, and we’d spent all this money.”

Makes sense. I guess. But you do realize what this rules out, don’t you?

Tinkerbellarella’s Polynesian. (Yes, MY Polynesian. I just share it with the rest of the world when I can’t afford it, savvy?)

When I’d originally dreamed of our first trip together, I’d thought we’d pull out ALL the stops – deluxe resort, deluxe dining, 10 days. I’ve since realized that, in reality, the opposite may be the very best way to start out. Not only is BF’s point well taken but, should he really enjoy himself and concede to future trips, if we’d taken the “trip to oust all trips” already, we’d constantly be trying to meet or surpass that trip.

KWIM?

And frankly, the cash simply wasn’t in the cards (or the bank) for that kind of trip this year anyway.

I thought about moderates and the advantages they would give us over values but then I took a good hard look at our plans and nailed the resort down for what it was this trip.

A bed.
A shower.
Somewhere for me to safely leave my shoe collection.

So, we’d very quickly narrowed down to values. This was, mostly, a no-brainer. I’d stayed at ASMu with a friend a few years back and loved it, but ASMu and ASMo aren’t really BFs cup of tea.

Well, he’s not a tea fan at all, so let’s just say they aren’t his flavor of Gatorade.

That left ASSp and POP. I’ve never stayed at Sports. BF would love it, especially if we stayed in the Touchdown Hotel. We’re big football fans in the Tinkerbellarella household (Go Pats!) I have stayed at POP. And LOVED it. However, we’re traveling during Free Dining. You know, the notorious discount program that usually sells out POP in about 6.2 seconds of being released to the public?

Mhm. THAT one.

I was worried that even with our very own room we’d find ourselves somehow sharing it with another family of 6 that had squeezed into our room via that promo. And then sitting on that same family’s lap on the Epicot bus after waiting 87 minutes in the sweltering heat for said bus. And I won’t get into the horror of the buses back to the resort.

However, once I gave this a good, long think, I was ready to release myself from the padded room required for sanely and humanely choosing a Disney resort and be 100% satisfied with my decision (well, as satisfied as one can be when not staying at their #1, South Seas-themed, little piece of paradise).

We’re staying at POP.

Here’s why I’m ok with this:

Reason #1 POP still has availability for our dates. I repeat, POP has not yet sold out on the Free Dining plan, for 9/19-9/25. This gives me some hope that it may not. SOME hope.

You know, as long as you all don't go scrambling to book during that timeframe.

Reason #B If POP sells out, people are going to defer to the AS resorts and, plain and simple, they’ll likely be just as crowded so I’m no better off. Plus, I think BF would really only get a kick out of the football section.

Reason III: The POP rooms are/have been renovated. I like the new, more minimalist, décor. The size isn’t an issue for us, since it’s just us two.

Reason the Fourth: I like POP.

Now, though I’m satisfied with this as a choice of resort, I still have some requests that I’m crossing my fingers will be honored. As I mentioned above, we aren’t worried about the size of the room. Since we don’t have any nuggets running around, aren’t traveling with anyone else and since I’ve conceded that I’ll only bring 1/3 of the shoes I own, we don’t need anything huge. But the bed size could be an issue.

BF and I share a Queen-sized bed at home. And could easily do with a King-sized bed. And not because we have two kitty-shaped bed hogs. I roll a lot. And take the covers. A lot. BF is just shy of six feet and as you saw, isn’t really a little guy. The doubles offered at POP aren’t going to be quite adequate. So I’ve requested a King.

Our other request is location in the resort. When I last stayed there, I was in the 70’s building that faced the 80’s area. It was great. The best! I was a hop, skip and a jump from the busses and the food court without paying for a preferred location. I’m hoping for the 70’s building again, and have requested it, but this time would rather be over closer to Hourglass Lake and/or facing the foosball courtyard. If I got ALL of my requests, we’d be on a top floor room as well.

No matter what, even if we’re in the 90’s building, on the first floor, staring at the parking lot, with two double beds, it won’t be a huge deal. As I said, the room is really just serving as a place to sleep.

When I showed BF where we were staying he had only one question. One.

“Is there a gym?”

Ahhh, my sweet, handsome, gym rat of a boyfriend.

My response:

“No. But the deluxe resorts have gyms!” There it was! My in! We’d stay deluxe after all! My Poly, it’s in my sights! (I wasn’t going to mention that the Poly doesn’t have a gym and he’d have to stroll on over to the GF to partake, shame on me!)

But no dice. He admitted that he should probably use the time as a week off to let his muscles recover. Even though he does weight training and not cardio, I mentioned that POP did have lots of area for walking/running. He brushed that off like cat hair off a black sweater and said he could deal.

I also warned him about the possible bus situation going to/from the parks. I ride public transportation every day and am used to all manners of strange people up in my business. I am also strangely unaffected by the 60 minute wait for a bus back in the evenings. But I wasn’t sure how he’d swallow those pills. I also managed to slip in the ease of the monorail resorts and those within walking distance of Epicot and MGM (NODHS).

I was batting 0 for 2 here. Again he responded that it was no big deal and we’d manage just fine. Which I know we will. I was just REALLY still hoping against hope for a deluxe stay.

Well shucks.

So there you have it. We’ll be living it up at POP for our week of Disney magic. And you know what? I’m looking forward to it. POP is no Poly, but it’s not the Motel 6 in Kissimmee either (not that there’s anything wrong with that; I’m just an on-site kind of gal).

And really, WE’RE GOING TO DISNEY WORLD! I’d stay in a broom closet if I had to.

UP NEXT: My meat comes from a happy place.

[Tinkerbellarella]

I completely agree with you liking the movie more than the book. I also felt that way about Dear John and that hardly EVER happens.

I only read Dear John. Haven't seen the movie.

It is from Angel....:love:

We are big Buffy and Angel fans in the Tinkerbellarella household. :thumbsup2

[LegoMom3]

Ok, the quick, I-don't-have-time-to-multiquote reply:


*Yep, $$ usually drives our trips, too.

*Your Poly??.....Oh Great One, do I have your favor to lay my weary bones upon a Poly bed at some point if the $$$ allows?.....:worship:

*Go Pats!!!:banana:

*Yay for POP! I was looking forward to staying there before switching to POFQ. I'd still like to try it someday.

*Can't wait to hear about the meat!!:thumbsup2

.

[Normangirls]

Can't wait to hear about the meat!!

Where is the tag fairy?!?!?!?!

[Tinkerbellarella]

Ok*Your Poly??.....Oh Great One, do I have your favor to lay my weary bones upon a Poly bed at some point if the $$$ allows?.....:worship:

Oh, of COURSE, my friend. While it's MY Poly, far be it from me to share. (Even if I did fail sharing in kindergarten.) ;)

*Go Pats!!!:banana:

Ok, so now that Brady's a Daddy (again), hopefully he can get back into the swing of things and get us to the Bowl again!

*Can't wait to hear about the meat!!:thumbsup2

I have no words. No words.

:lmao:

Where is the tag fairy?!?!?!?!

Right?! Apparently not on my PTR.

[TarzansKat]

No DISers gone wild?

Not until you and I are there, my dear.


:lmao: :sad2:

And you hush now until I get to that chapter. ;)

Mum's the word, m'dear.

Alice Kingsley: This is impossible.
The Mad Hatter: Only if you believe it is.

I don't want to get into why this quote so applies to me today, but it does. Thanks for the force :yoda: that got you to pick that one.



Tinkerbellarella’s Polynesian. (Yes, MY Polynesian. I just share it with the rest of the world when I can’t afford it, savvy?)

How kind of you.


A bed.
A shower.
Somewhere for me to safely leave my shoe collection.

:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:


Reason the Fourth: I like POP.

That's all that really matters.

and since I’ve conceded that I’ll only bring 1/3 of the shoes I own, we don’t need anything huge.

Um, hon?

One third? Seriously? One third of your shoes wouldn't fit in a two bedroom villa, never mind a room at Pop. Let's be honest, shall we? :lmao:


BF and I share a Queen-sized bed at home. And could easily do with a King-sized bed. And not because we have two kitty-shaped bed hogs. I roll a lot. And take the covers. A lot. BF is just shy of six feet and as you saw, isn’t really a little guy. The doubles offered at POP aren’t going to be quite adequate. So I’ve requested a King.

No joke.

All I could think of is how sweet this is. You're requesting a king bed so you can be comfortable on vacation. And that, to you, is comfort.

Whereas I, woman who has been married for eight years, is the proud mother of a five year old, and soon to be mom to a new little baby boy, would relish the thought of sleeping in a double by myself and sticking my husband with DS. :lmao:


UP NEXT: My meat comes from a happy place.

I goaded you into it, didn't I? :lmao:

[Charleston Princess]

I’d like to then be able to point out that we hemmed, hawed, had many a sleepless night, made a decision, then went resort-switching-happy (NOCharlestonPrincess).

:lmao::rotfl::rotfl2:

Whatcha' tryin' to say, Tink?

Just because I spent the last five days making SURE we really wanted CBR for our upcoming trip by pricing out every single other hotel we could ever possibly hope to stay at, and then, even yesterday, after I had paid the trip off in full, still was looking at hotels, doesn't mean anything. :lmao:

We won't talk about the other trips...:laughing:

A stay at Pop will be lovely! I do think it is the best of the value resorts and that food court is divine!!! :lovestruc

We are big Buffy and Angel fans in the Tinkerbellarella household. :thumbsup2

We are, too!!! :yay:

[GaRain]

I love Pop! I hope you enjoy your stay there!
And so glad to see we have something else in common - huge Angel/Buffy fan!

[jenjolt]

I really have enjoyed all my stays at POP!! You guys will have a great time there, I hope you get all your requests!!!!!

I also love the Poly, that is where I would like to stay for our 10th anniversary (coming up in 2 years...holy moly time has flown)! I love the theme, the restaurants, and you can't beat staying on the Monorail!!!!!!

[Tinkerbellarella]

Um, hon?

One third? Seriously? One third of your shoes wouldn't fit in a two bedroom villa, never mind a room at Pop. Let's be honest, shall we? :lmao:

In this case, honesty is not the best policy. ;)


No joke.

All I could think of is how sweet this is. You're requesting a king bed so you can be comfortable on vacation. And that, to you, is comfort.

Whereas I, woman who has been married for eight years, is the proud mother of a five year old, and soon to be mom to a new little baby boy, would relish the thought of sleeping in a double by myself and sticking my husband with DS. :lmao:

Well, the reality is that if BF and I end up with doubles, we may in fact each take our own bed. I love BF. He loves me. But he does not love being curled up in the fetal position in the approximate 3 square inches of space I've left to him, shivering because I've wrapped myself in the cocoon of every bed linen, including the fitted sheet.

Here, honesty is the best policy. ;)

I goaded you into it, didn't I? :lmao:

I admit, I thought of you when I wrote it. ::yes::

Whatcha' tryin' to say, Tink?

I'm just sayin' that my sweet DISfriend CP has a resort-switchin' tendency. And I envy that. It's good trip drama!

Just because I spent the last five days making SURE we really wanted CBR for our upcoming trip by pricing out every single other hotel we could ever possibly hope to stay at, and then, even yesterday, after I had paid the trip off in full, still was looking at hotels, doesn't mean anything. :lmao:

Ok...wait a tic...you're going to the World? I thought you were going to the beach...I thought I was subscribed to your PTR...I thought...Well, poo, apparently I'm lost (NOSmokeDragon).

And so glad to see we have something else in common - huge Angel/Buffy fan!

Dear Joss Whedon,
Please create another vampire/demon/tall, dark and soul-less loving series (that doesn't suck). Or just bring back Buffy.
Thank you,
Tinkerbellarella

I also love the Poly, that is where I would like to stay for our 10th anniversary (coming up in 2 years...holy moly time has flown)! I love the theme, the restaurants, and you can't beat staying on the Monorail!!!!!!

This is my #1 favorite thing about the Poly:

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/tkrbllarlla/Day%207/DSCN1888.jpg

[Charleston Princess]

Ok...wait a tic...you're going to the World? I thought you were going to the beach...I thought I was subscribed to your PTR...I thought...Well, poo, apparently I'm lost (NOSmokeDragon).

Well, see, there was this little thing called the Main Street Electrical Parade that I really needed to see since just hearing the opening strains of the music makes me a five-year-old again. So, I did the ultimate switcheroo on the resorts and traded a Hilton Head resort for a Disney resort. ;)

Dear Joss Whedon,
Please create another vampire/demon/tall, dark and soul-less loving series (that doesn't suck). Or just bring back Buffy.
Thank you,
Tinkerbellarella

Add my name to the letter, please! :goodvibes

[TarzansKat]

In this case, honesty is not the best policy. ;)

Are we considering a career in politics? :lmao:


Well, the reality is that if BF and I end up with doubles, we may in fact each take our own bed. I love BF. He loves me. But he does not love being curled up in the fetal position in the approximate 3 square inches of space I've left to him, shivering because I've wrapped myself in the cocoon of every bed linen, including the fitted sheet.

Here, honesty is the best policy. ;)

Oh, I totally agree! And honestly, I'd like to pretend that if we took a trip right now that DS would end up in the same bed as my husband, but that's so not true.

Although on our vacations my husband is very hands on and DS loves spending time with him in the parks, because it's awesome Daddy time, when we get back to the room and it's time to go to bed, my child, who has been sleeping through the night by himself since he was about 15 months old, looks up at me with his big beautiful hazel (inherited from me) eyes, and says, "Mama...I sleep with you?"

I mean seriously. Who can resist that? :cloud9:



I admit, I thought of you when I wrote it. ::yes::

I knew it! :scratchin

[Tinkerbellarella]

Well, see, there was this little thing called the Main Street Electrical Parade that I really needed to see since just hearing the opening strains of the music makes me a five-year-old again. So, I did the ultimate switcheroo on the resorts and traded a Hilton Head resort for a Disney resort. ;)

Fuzzy Disney Philosophy, the cousin of Fuzzy Disney Math. :goodvibes

I knew it! :scratchin

:thumbsup2

[If U Had Wings]

I think POP is a great choice for the two of you. I really liked the grounds there when I went visiting on my December trip. It had been my first choice for that trip, but I gave up my ressie there to take advantage of the better deal at Sports. I've heard they've started renovating POP rooms with flat screen tvs recently. :thumbsup2 Just remember the past few years they've been randomly upgrading people to OKW from POP during free dining. It wouldn't be the Poly, but you never know about an upgrade.

Do you think the bus lines are going to bother him at all? I never minded the lines in the morning, but some of those night lines could be a bit crazy. I'd definitely budget in some cab money. I'd hate to see him develop a hatred for the parks because of the buses.

[Tinkerbellarella]

I've heard they've started renovating POP rooms with flat screen tvs recently. :thumbsup2

That's true. I've seen pics of the renovated room and the furniture is less bulky and there are flat screens. Smaller than what's at the deluxe properties but very nice.

Just remember the past few years they've been randomly upgrading people to OKW from POP during free dining. It wouldn't be the Poly, but you never know about an upgrade.

I'm not 100% sure I'd care for that. For some reason that resort doesn't speak to me in the least, you know? But an upgrade is an upgrade and I'm not going to turn down any room in the World.

Do you think the bus lines are going to bother him at all? I never minded the lines in the morning, but some of those night lines could be a bit crazy. I'd definitely budget in some cab money. I'd hate to see him develop a hatred for the parks because of the buses.

Likely, no. We'll have cash on us if it's that bad but, given that it's just the two of us and when it comes to stuff like that we usually have patience in spades, I'm not too worried. It might be jumping ahead a bit, but we have some time scheduled to return to the room so that we're not totally overwhelmed at the end of the evenings. I think warning him ahead of time makes the difference too.

That has always been a big sell for me in terms of staying at the monorail resorts, particularly the Poly. There are SO many ways to get "home" other than say, just the resort loop or the direct bus. You can take a bus to the TTC and walk. You could monorail it to the GF and walk.

And we simply may luck out. When Missy and I went (albeit a week later than this trip) during FD in 2008, we almost never waited more than 25 minutes for a bus/monorail at park closing. Schools are in session, so the promo attendance seems to be lower anyway, and this year seems to be particularly slow. All the values still have FD availability. I think the results of the economy and the pull of the masses over to US/IOA for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter are starting to show.

All that to say...

I'm not going to worry too much about it. We'll have a back-up plan. Let go, and let God.

:goodvibes

[GaRain]

dear joss whedon,
please create another vampire/demon/tall, dark and soul-less loving series (that doesn't suck). Or just bring back buffy.
Thank you,
tinkerbellarella


amen!!!

[All7OfUs]

My DH and your BF sound a lot alike in so many ways. Mine takes a lot of convincing too in all things Disney, and I think if he were to ever go back again, it'd only be to make me happy. Also, the whole warning thing.... Takes like mentioning something a zillion times, and warming him up to new ideas for a long time for him to "get on board" with anything. I guess it's a know before you go mentality??

[Tinkerbellarella]

My DH and your BF sound a lot alike in so many ways. Mine takes a lot of convincing too in all things Disney, and I think if he were to ever go back again, it'd only be to make me happy. Also, the whole warning thing.... Takes like mentioning something a zillion times, and warming him up to new ideas for a long time for him to "get on board" with anything. I guess it's a know before you go mentality??

I have this theory, about men? Yeah. Particularly my man, such that if my dialogue does not include one or more of the following words or phrases, I'll likely have to repeat myself, at minimum, three times:

*bacon
*football
*mold
*paintball/airsoft
*steakhouse
*Dory threw up in your flip flops again
*Powerball
*UFC
*bee
*chocolate
*blow stuff up
*OUCH (NOTE: this one may also need to be accompanied by either whimpering or tears or, if I'm in another room, followed up by: "Babe, do you think this needs stitches/a cast/surgical tape/a rabies shot?")

Craziness. And yet all this does is make me love him that much more. :love:

[If U Had Wings]

I had to laugh about the inclusion of bacon on your list. That is so true. I've yet to meet the man who doesn't have a compulsive desire to add bacon to just about anything. Are they all bred to crave that or what?

[Tinkerbellarella]

I had to laugh about the inclusion of bacon on your list. That is so true. I've yet to meet the man who doesn't have a compulsive desire to add bacon to just about anything. Are they all bred to crave that or what?

BF calls bacon "the candy of meats". He will eat it any time, any way. Including chocolate covered. Yes, he's tried it and no, I'm sadly, not kidding.

[If U Had Wings]

BF calls bacon "the candy of meats". He will eat it any time, any way. Including chocolate covered. Yes, he's tried it and no, I'm sadly, not kidding.

I don't think I can find the words to say how much this turns my stomach. I hopw you didn't have to witness the eating of chocolate covered bacon.

[Tinkerbellarella]

I don't think I can find the words to say how much this turns my stomach. I hopw you didn't have to witness the eating of chocolate covered bacon.

I didn't. He did it in the kitchen at work. They love him there. They'll make him anything.

[pooh'smate]

Well I thought I had subscribed to your ptr but I guess I hadn't. Well I am here now. You can check out POP for me. We are staying there on our trip and I am worried about the bed. We too have a queen and could use a king. I, like TK, would love to have dd sleep with dh so I could have the bed to myself and like TK again, she will end up with me and my dh will get the bed to himself. I hope you get all your room requests. Looking forward to more updates.

[Tinkerbellarella]

Well I thought I had subscribed to your ptr but I guess I hadn't.

This has happened to me now on two other TRs/PTRs so no worries. Welcome! :goodvibes

You can check out POP for me. We are staying there on our trip and I am worried about the bed. We too have a queen and could use a king. I, like TK, would love to have dd sleep with dh so I could have the bed to myself and like TK again, she will end up with me and my dh will get the bed to himself.

I've stayed there before and can outright and honestly tell you that the room would be small for a family of 4. Not tiny but you'd all be in each other's space at one time or another. For 3, more comfortable. For two adults, and adult and a child (or even two kids), or a solo traveler, they're fine.

My gripe with the room size, if one could call it a gripe, is that there is only one sink vanity, not two. However, BF and I have the tiniest of tiny bathrooms at home, so we're used to sharing and being all up in each other's personal space. ::yes::

[Pollito916]

BF calls bacon "the candy of meats". He will eat it any time, any way. Including chocolate covered. Yes, he's tried it and no, I'm sadly, not kidding.

:crazy2: There's no puking smilie - this is the closest I could find :crazy2:

That said - my DH would probably try it too. And I'm pretty sure my son would LOVE it, if I let him try it. That sounds like a good father-son activity.

[Tinkerbellarella]

"I need a pig here! I love a warm pig belly for my aching feet." ~ The Red Queen

:wave2: That would be me. In the back. With a question. Or three.

This won't be your full update for the week. That's coming sometime later. But we were musing some transportation options and I'm looking for some input from all my intelligent, witty, smart, beautiful, Disney-wise readers.

Buttering you up? NO. NEVER. :sad2:

::yes::

So, transportation question #1:

Southwest Airlines is now offering an early bird service that allows you to check in for your flight not 24 hours in advance but 36. It's $10 per ticket each way. Have any of you used this? We would likely only consider it for the flight down as it would be a hassle for the flight back and really, when you're leaving Disney, who cares where you sit on the plane. EVERYTHING is sad at that point. :sad1:

While I wouldn't pay OOP for this, we happen to have a $66 credit with SW, so I don't mind so much. Thoughts?

It may also help to know that I am normally up with the birds the day before the flight to get us all checked in and ready to go. We usually end up in the first group of 5-10 people to get on the plane. When TK and I went in May, I was the FIRST person on the plane. I can be a little anal about being in Boarding Group A on my flight down. Weird? Yes.

I'm just not certain about how many people would realistically be taking advantage of this and whether or not it's really worth the $20.

Transportation query letter B:

The plan, as it stands, is to use ME for our transportation to/from the airport.

Yes, ME, for a value, during FD.

:scared1:

Now stop that. I'm SO lured by the thought of someone else handling my luggage once I hand it over in Providence. SO LURED. If I thought I could get away with just having my luggage take ME while we took a cab, I'd do it. But I play by the rules and you aren't supposed to do that. Plus, Disney knows all and I have a feeling (NOBlackEyedPeas) that if I "cheated" our luggage would go the way of the DoDo.

Also, we have the first flight of the day, so we're scheduled to arrive in Orlando at or around 10 a.m. While I'm sure there will be a crowd, I think it will be slightly advantageous that an entire day's worth of travelers won't have come in. KWIM? We won't be in a superhuge hurry, so there's that.

Also? I'm feeling cheap about the whole transfer thing.

BUT

We want to have our own water and some cereal in the room. And I don't want to pack it. And I'm clueless about the cost of shipping it myself (though I did get a price through Amazon for a 24pk of water and 12 cereal cups for $55 with shipping). So, I was thinking of booking a car service one-way so that we could stop at a store and pick that up. In reality, though, I think that will be more expensive than the shipping option since the car will be about $80 one-way PLUS the cost of the groceries.

If anyone has any experience with the shipping option, please chime in. I'm 75% convinced that that's what we want to do. I'm kind of curious to see what it's like.

Finally, I've never used ME before. I know there are horror stories, but for every one of them, there's probably 10 or 20 or 100 people who've had no problem. We'll either be wearing our park clothes or packing them in our carry-on and, like I mentioned above, aren't afraid of a little wait.

If you do have general experience with ME and can spare me anymore horror stories, please share! :laughing:

Finally, non-transportation question I just remembered #I:

For those of you who have used the online resort check-in service, can you let me know how that works? Do they take into consideration the room requests on the reservation? How does it work when you arrive? What's your overall feel of the whole thing?

Ok, I think that covers the small trip-related crises playing ping pong in my head at the moment. ALL input is welcomed. :goodvibes

[Tinkerbellarella]

:crazy2: There's no puking smilie - this is the closest I could find :crazy2:

That's how I feel too. He assures me it's fantastic. :rolleyes:

That said - my DH would probably try it too. And I'm pretty sure my son would LOVE it, if I let him try it. That sounds like a good father-son activity.

What is it with boys and their bizarre gastrointestinal adventures??? :sad2:

[Lady Lallie]

I have used the early bird check in for both the way down and the way up and I LOVE IT.

In May 2009, my mom & I got stuck in the very back of the plane and I HATED it. It took forever and a day to get off the plane and I was so over traveling at that point.

So I used it in January so that didn't happen again. Plus the times of my flight to check in 24 hours before always seem to be when I'm commuting to work and I like to be as close to first on the plane as possible.

Now for our upcoming trip in September, for right now I'm not paying for the way to Orlando because I will be able to do the check in from home since I'm not working the day before we leave. I might change my mind when it gets closer but right now I'm saving us the $20. I'm without a doubt doing it for the way home though. I do not want to be in the back of the plan, nor do I want to sit away from Marc. I think Marc would have a panic attack if I wasn't able to sit next to him on the plane...me...I might like it. :rolleyes: But I don't want to hear about it after the flight. :laughing:

Wow. Can I rant or what? :rolleyes1

So, DO IT. That is my opinion.

I have had ZERO bad experiences on Magical Express. I've used it my last three trips. I think it's a great money saving option. Just pack some extra clothes in your carry on and you'll be fine. :thumbsup2

Plus it's Disney. If your luggage goes missing, they will make it right. :goodvibes

[jenjolt]

If I had the option of choosing my seats first I would so go for it!! Actually I might be flying Southwest for the first time in October (first time flying to Disney for me) so I will most likely take that option so I can be one of the first ones on and first ones off!! The less time on a plane for me the better!!

Another option you might consider is Garden Grocer or a grocery delivery service! I'm not sure how much they run or if they have a minimal amount, but it is something I will definitely be looking into for future trips! If not I think the shipping option sounds the best and I have had friends who have done it with absolutely no problem at all!

[Pollito916]

For SW - I heard some co-workers saying the other day that for about $20 per ticket, you can upgrade and get an automatic A without having to check-in online at exactly 24 hours ahead...I haven't done it myself yet though. I should probably check their website.

As for ME, I've never used it. We always rent a car b/c DH is too controlling and hated the buses the one time we took them.

And sadly, I haven't been back to WDW since they started the online check-in. :sad2: Though I did go to DL twice, so I'm not totally deprived. :upsidedow

[Tinkerbellarella]

I have used the early bird check in for both the way down and the way up and I LOVE IT.
...
Now for our upcoming trip in September, for right now I'm not paying for the way to Orlando because I will be able to do the check in from home since I'm not working the day before we leave.

See, this is what I'm thinking. I like the idea of it, but I'm home the day before we leave and can easily be up to check in for a 7a.m. flight, KWIM? I may wait and make it a last minute decision.

I'm without a doubt doing it for the way home though. I do not want to be in the back of the plane, nor do I want to sit away from Marc.

The more I think about it, the more I might do it for the way home. This is a little bit of a spoiler, but the 24 hour window will fall in the middle of our dinner at Epicot. If I threw the other 12 hours in, I'd be able to get up and check us in in the morning. Hmm... :scratchin:

Thanks for getting those wheels turning LL! I had it backwards!!!

I have had ZERO bad experiences on Magical Express. I've used it my last three trips. I think it's a great money saving option. Just pack some extra clothes in your carry on and you'll be fine. :thumbsup2

Plus it's Disney. If your luggage goes missing, they will make it right. :goodvibes

Thanks, that put me at ease a bit. :goodvibes

If I had the option of choosing my seats first I would so go for it!! Actually I might be flying Southwest for the first time in October (first time flying to Disney for me) so I will most likely take that option so I can be one of the first ones on and first ones off!! The less time on a plane for me the better!!

You can't actually choose your seats in advance, it just gets you a better position in line to choose a seat once you're on the plane.

Another option you might consider is Garden Grocer or a grocery delivery service! I'm not sure how much they run or if they have a minimal amount, but it is something I will definitely be looking into for future trips! If not I think the shipping option sounds the best and I have had friends who have done it with absolutely no problem at all!

I found a great thread (thanks to TK) on the Resorts board about shipping to the resort, specifically shipping water, and using things like wegoshop and Garden Grocer. I'll definitely be foregoing the car service at this point since these services trump in terms of price.

If anyone would like me to post the threads that I found, let me know!

For SW - I heard some co-workers saying the other day that for about $20 per ticket, you can upgrade and get an automatic A without having to check-in online at exactly 24 hours ahead...I haven't done it myself yet though. I should probably check their website.

They don't have it quite right. I believe they are confusing two things:

1. SW's Business Class ticket - it guarantees you an A boarding section, usually as one of the first 15 people on the plane (if there are no Business Class people travelling than the person with A16 is the first person to board - that was me in May). It also gets you a cocktail and...something else, maybe? It was MUCH more expensive ($345 each way v. $124-$157 each way for our tix).

2. Early Bird Check-in - it would be $20 RT and while it doesn't guarantee the A group (it's in the fine print) you're pretty likely to get it.

[Tinkerbellarella]

Just a wee bit more info. on the whole shipping/food order situation...

Garden Grocer will deliver the water we'd want, two boxes of cereal and bananas ( :banana: :banana: :banana: ) for $30 with the delivery charge! I think that'll be the way we'll go.

:flower3:

[ZZUB]

I don't know how I ended up over here. Except someone gave me a tip that there were a few of my friends lurking around these parts.

I couldn't find any of them.

But your PTR, struck me as amusing. And I actually have some thoughts on your ME question. It doesn't suck. It's not horrible. And it can't be beat for the price. It has two things going for it: 1. It's free. 2. It is VERY nice to drop off your bags and not have to wait for them at MCO. 3. It's also free.

I just read an excellent thread on this over on the transportation board. I think the poster's name is Goofy4Tink and she kind of hit the nail on the head: while it does take somewhere around an hour to get from your plane to your resort, it takes equally as long to take a car or rent a car when you consider the time spent waiting on your bags and walking to your preferrred mode of transportation. However, if you opt for non-ME travel, you kind of keep moving and so it probably feels faster (that part is my own analysis).

:moped:

[MRYPPNS]

On the early bird check in-

Don't bother with it on the way down but do it for the way back home if you can't be at the front desk of your resort 24 hours before or if you don't have a smart phone. BTW....when I used it last October you could NOT use your credits to pay for it.

ME- never had a problem myself. And since you are landing 1030am ish I don't see any problems for you either. Any wait that you might have for the bus is off set by the wait you'd have for getting your luggage.

Water- seems that you have solved that. :thumbsup2 Just don't pay too much for delivery and tipping....could cost you more for that small order than just buying the water in the gift shop. :rolleyes1 Plus if you pack cereal then you would have room in your bags on the way home for souvnies!

On-line check in.....I did it in October...easy peasy BUT I wasn't making any requests for a room that I had to have. If you use it and then don't like your room assignment then you'll be holding up that line as they find you a new room and re-print you KTTW cards. But you wouldn't be the first or the last to do it......

[Tinkerbellarella]

OH. MY. SWEET. SWEET. LORD.

:faint:

Z!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was just saying the other day how much I missed your filing smace around these parts! I think I was having some sort of convo about the gastrointestinal repurcussions of Japanese food. Or a random bathroom near Canada.

;)

It is SO GOOD to see your screenname. And I'll have you know that even though we aren't a college-ball-watching household, everytime I heard someone talking 'Bama I "Roll Tide"-ed in my head, just for you. :goodvibes I hope all is well with you and the lovely ladies of the ZZUB household.

I don't know how I ended up over here. Except someone gave me a tip that there were a few of my friends lurking around these parts.

I couldn't find any of them.

Thank you for reminding me why I missed you.

It has two things going for it: 1. It's free. 2. It is VERY nice to drop off your bags and not have to wait for them at MCO. 3. It's also free.

The price really does appeal to me. Also beats a :moped: with all the luggage strapped to the back.

while it does take somewhere around an hour to get from your plane to your resort, it takes equally as long to take a car or rent a car when you consider the time spent waiting on your bags and walking to your preferrred mode of transportation.

I was thinking this too. And, I'm really trying not to get too crazy focused on any ONE part of this trip. BF will sense that and likely try to auction off his ticket. Plus, again, free is such a good price.

If it sucks, at least I'll have a great story for the TR.

Thanks for stopping in, Z. It really is good to "see" you again. Shoot, I NEVER expected it.

Pfft. What's next, LaLa?

[Tinkerbellarella]

On the early bird check in-

Don't bother with it on the way down but do it for the way back home if you can't be at the front desk of your resort 24 hours before or if you don't have a smart phone. BTW....when I used it last October you could NOT use your credits to pay for it.

GOOD to know on the credit. I'll double check that but I think I am leaning towards using it for the way back. The 24 hour mark falls in the middle of a dinner ADR. :crazy2:

Water- seems that you have solved that. :thumbsup2 Just don't pay too much for delivery and tipping....could cost you more for that small order than just buying the water in the gift shop. :rolleyes1 Plus if you pack cereal then you would have room in your bags on the way home for souvnies!

The delivery fee is only $12, which to me would be worth it. The water is a 12 pack of 24oz bottles, which I can see each of us taking one a day. The cereal is worth adding in since it's about the same price as I'd pay here (and I already have a secret weapon for souvie room!).

On-line check in.....I did it in October...easy peasy BUT I wasn't making any requests for a room that I had to have. If you use it and then don't like your room assignment then you'll be holding up that line as they find you a new room and re-print you KTTW cards. But you wouldn't be the first or the last to do it......

I may call Disney Reservations and/or the resort to see if I can get the scoop on whether or not/how they address room requests with online check-in. I would hate to be the person costing others precious Disney moments. That, or I'll just go through regular check in.

And hey, I was wondering when you'd pop up here! I see a ticker in your siggie. No PTR?

[Lady Lallie]

If you do get the 36 hour window, you don't even have to get up and check yourself in...it's AUTOMATIC!! :thumbsup2

[Tinkerbellarella]

If you do get the 36 hour window, you don't even have to get up and check yourself in...it's AUTOMATIC!! :thumbsup2

Ok, I totally missed THAT part! That absolutely makes it worth it! :banana:

[MRYPPNS]

The plan is for the 4 of us to drive down the very end of Feb 2011 and stay a little over a week at CSR. I have no plans right now to do a PTR, but I might do a quick one close to our departure date.

[Pollito916]

They don't have it quite right. I believe they are confusing two things:

1. SW's Business Class ticket - it guarantees you an A boarding section, usually as one of the first 15 people on the plane (if there are no Business Class people travelling than the person with A16 is the first person to board - that was me in May). It also gets you a cocktail and...something else, maybe? It was MUCH more expensive ($345 each way v. $124-$157 each way for our tix).

2. Early Bird Check-in - it would be $20 RT and while it doesn't guarantee the A group (it's in the fine print) you're pretty likely to get it.

Doesn't surprise me that they weren't quite right. But thanks for the corrected info! :thumbsup2

If you do get the 36 hour window, you don't even have to get up and check yourself in...it's AUTOMATIC!! :thumbsup2


That is pretty great. Do you know how they assign #s to the people that do the early bird check-in? Like, first to buy the ticket gets the first available A after the business class people?

[Lady Lallie]

That is pretty great. Do you know how they assign #s to the people that do the early bird check-in? Like, first to buy the ticket gets the first available A after the business class people?

I don't know how they assign the numbers but I know that I didn't buy the early bird check in when I first bought my tickets. On the way down I was 3rd on the plane and on the way home I was about 5th. I was happy just to be in the A group. :thumbsup2

[Tinkerbellarella]

The plan is for the 4 of us to drive down the very end of Feb 2011 and stay a little over a week at CSR. I have no plans right now to do a PTR, but I might do a quick one close to our departure date.

:thumbsup2 I SO want to stay at CSR some day soon.

That is pretty great. Do you know how they assign #s to the people that do the early bird check-in? Like, first to buy the ticket gets the first available A after the business class people?

I don't know how they assign the numbers but I know that I didn't buy the early bird check in when I first bought my tickets. On the way down I was 3rd on the plane and on the way home I was about 5th. I was happy just to be in the A group. :thumbsup2

My guess would be the order in which it is purchased. It would really be the only "fair" way to do it. And I'm willing to bet people purchase it within a couple of days of their flight.


Just an FYI folks, I realized that the 100 day mark is Thursday of this week and then we'll be doing the double digit dance! So keep your eyes open for an update on Thursday.

:flower3:

[TarzansKat]

I don't know how I ended up over here. Except someone gave me a tip that there were a few of my friends lurking around these parts.



ZZUB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :hug:

You have been heartily missed, my friend. I'm happy to see you here. :goodvibes

[If U Had Wings]

I've shipped water to my resort using Staples before. I don't remember the exact fee that they charged, but I'm pretty sure it was about $10 or so if your order was under $50. We only ordered water so we just paid the fee. If the order was over $50 shipping was free. Next time I'll probably just do that, and order something like a printer cartridge that I can bring home easily and need. I know they carry stuff like cereal too.

I'm completely hooked on ME. I always come in about the same time your arriving, and haven't had a problem yet. Now that they don't make you wait at the desk anylonger if you have your paperwork it's even faster. I love not having to deal with my suitcase. For my March trip I had to wait around to claim my bag and drag it with me. I had almost forgotten how much I hate having to do that.

I've never used online check in. I tried for my December trip, but for some reason the system kept telling me that I wasn't able to check in whenever I'd try. I finally just gave up on it and checked in when we arrived. There was no line at the desk, even with all the Pop Warner groups checking in at the same time. I think the online check in line might of been longer. I don't think that it really makes a huge difference. If your asking for a specific kind of room, you might be better off with regular check in.

[LegoMom3]

Ok, I totally missed THAT part! That absolutely makes it worth it! :banana:

'K, everyone else has pretty much answered your questions but I'll just chime in with my own experience. If you don't want it, then it won't help.....pirate:

Yep, anywho...I did on-line check in with my trip last month and LOVED it. I didn't have any room requests so can't say how that works. But there's a dedicated window for it, you just walk up, hand them your photo I.D. and they pull up your info on the 'puter, confirm everything, hand you your folder and KTTW card, and off you go. In. Out. Done.


I used Early Bird on the return part of my flight and would DEFINITELY do it again. I don't like giving out money that I don't need to part with so I was skeptical at first, but I just didn't want to be bothered with worrying about where I was gonna be at the otherwise-24-hr mark. It just frees up the last day of your trip with one less thing to worry about.

Cuz you might be eating somewhere, y'know, and messin' with processed meats......:rolleyes1

.

[LegoMom3]

OH. MY. SWEET. SWEET. LORD.

:faint:

Z!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was just saying the other day how much I missed your filing smace around these parts! I think I was having some sort of convo about the gastrointestinal repurcussions of Japanese food. Or a random bathroom near Canada.

;)

It is SO GOOD to see your screenname. And I'll have you know that even though we aren't a college-ball-watching household, everytime I heard someone talking 'Bama I "Roll Tide"-ed in my head, just for you. :goodvibes I hope all is well with you and the lovely ladies of the ZZUB household.



Thank you for reminding me why I missed you.



The price really does appeal to me. Also beats a :moped: with all the luggage strapped to the back.



I was thinking this too. And, I'm really trying not to get too crazy focused on any ONE part of this trip. BF will sense that and likely try to auction off his ticket. Plus, again, free is such a good price.

If it sucks, at least I'll have a great story for the TR.

Thanks for stopping in, Z. It really is good to "see" you again. Shoot, I NEVER expected it.

Pfft. What's next, LaLa?

ZZUB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :hug:

You have been heartily missed, my friend. I'm happy to see you here. :goodvibes

They said it best. I just want to reinforce it.

SO COOL TO SEE YOU HERE!!!:thumbsup2

.

[Tinkerbellarella]

I've shipped water to my resort using Staples before. I don't remember the exact fee that they charged, but I'm pretty sure it was about $10 or so if your order was under $50.

Yeah, after doing some research I'm either going to go with Staples or Garden Grocer. It really all depends on whether or not we want fruit as well. We'll probably revisit this a couple of weeks out.

I'm completely hooked on ME. I always come in about the same time your arriving, and haven't had a problem yet.

:thumbsup2

If your asking for a specific kind of room, you might be better off with regular check in.

This is what I'm thinking.

I used Early Bird on the return part of my flight and would DEFINITELY do it again. I don't like giving out money that I don't need to part with so I was skeptical at first, but I just didn't want to be bothered with worrying about where I was gonna be at the otherwise-24-hr mark. It just frees up the last day of your trip with one less thing to worry about.

Now that I know it will automatically check me in, I'm pretty sure we'll definitely be doing this.

Cuz you might be eating somewhere, y'know, and messin' with processed meats......:rolleyes1

Or getting french fries stuck GOD knows where. :rolleyes:

[TarzansKat]

Or getting french fries stuck GOD knows where. :rolleyes:

He-ey! That was for reenactment purposes only!

Sheesh. :lmao:

[Tinkerbellarella]

He-ey! That was for reenactment purposes only!

Sheesh. :lmao:

And it was truly entertaining. I only rue the fact that we weren't there for the accompanying visual of LegoMom's hot dog "slip-up". :rotfl:

Reenactment or not, that image is burned into my brain cells for ever! ;)

[LegoMom3]

And it was truly entertaining. I only rue the fact that we weren't there for the accompanying visual of LegoMom's hot dog "slip-up". :rotfl:

Reenactment or not, that image is burned into my brain cells for ever! ;)


There really was no visual per se, save for the instant of shock that I'm sure flashed across my face.... You really had to be my hand to get the full effect.:rolleyes1

.

[Tinkerbellarella]

You really had to be my hand to get the full effect.

I am going to quietly let that be.





::snort::









:lmao:

[GreatBiscuit]

What up Tink!

I think you're going to be okay when it comes to Magical Express. We did ME during the 4/3 deal last summer, and I learned from others who tried to book during the same week that the Pop was at full capacity. Our flight arrived at 9:30 ish and we waited about 20 min for a bus. (It left 1/2 full...or 1/2 empty if you are so inclined.) I actually did not receive the luggage tags before we left, but ME was still able to pull our suitcases and deliver them using our Southwest Baggage Claim stubs. I spent some time on the transportation board so ME was easy to find. If Southwest still uses the same gates as last summer, you will arrive in the main terminal on the Hotel end. If so, go down the left hand corridor all the way to the far left corner, you can take the elevators to level 1 and ME is just to your left when you step off.

Although the resort was at capacity while we were there, we did not have too many issues with busses. There were a couple of one offs where we had to wait, but it really wasn't all that bad. Everything Pop tended to be insane in the mornings, but was manageble other times. The pools stayed crowded most of the week, but weren't horrific.

We did not do the online check in, but the line at that counter was fairly lenghthy and only had one CM, so it didn't seem to be helping those folks out that much. Since we arrived at 11:00 AM, there was a long line ahead of us, but there were so many CM's helping out that it only took about 10 min.

[TarzansKat]

And it was truly entertaining. I only rue the fact that we weren't there for the accompanying visual of LegoMom's hot dog "slip-up". :rotfl:

Reenactment or not, that image is burned into my brain cells for ever! ;)

Both instances, although I was not present for one, will be forever etched in my memory.

And the cosmos.

Scary, huh?

[ZZUB]

I would definitely NOT use ME! Even for free, it's too expensive.

I'm kidding of course. We haven't decided what we're doing for our trip. I can make a compelling argument for about three different options. I've toyed with a limo b/c my attitude is I better spend it before the gov't spends it for me and I think my girls will get a huge kick out of riding in one. But then Mrs. Z pointed out how much the girls love riding the bus and they might actually be disappointed if they didn't get to ride it. The other downside to a limo is I'd have to install Li'l Z's car seat. That's not an issue with the ME bus.

None of which has anything to do with you. But I thought it would be interesting to discuss our ME dilemma.

Also, I wanted to say "Hi" back to LegoMom and TK. Y'all stop by ZZUBWorld sometime.

:moped:

[LaLa]

Pfft. What's next, LaLa?

Maybe....;)

Tinkerbellarella, long time, no see! Glad to see you're heading back (hitting double digits soon, no less) and that you were able to talk your man into coming along with you for the ride. I'm going out on a limb here and making a bold prediction that by the end of this thang, Walt will have won him over completely.

Might help if you threw some bacon around at various times though, just in case.

Because apparently he likes that. As do all men. Well, most.

Say, for instance, on Splash Mountain. Right before the drop. Throw him some bacon. During American Adventure. Bust out a pound of Fully Cooked. Drape a piece over Walt's hand right before he walks up to the hub. Tuck a football under Mickey's arm for good measure. He'll leave thinking he was BORN to vacation in Disneyworld.

In all seriousness, I hope yall have an awesome time and I'm looking forward to reading all about it.

[Tinkerbellarella]

I think you're going to be okay when it comes to Magical Express. We did ME during the 4/3 deal last summer, and I learned from others who tried to book during the same week that the Pop was at full capacity. Our flight arrived at 9:30 ish and we waited about 20 min for a bus. (It left 1/2 full...or 1/2 empty if you are so inclined.)

The more I'm hearing stuff like this the better I'm feeling. :goodvibes

If Southwest still uses the same gates as last summer, you will arrive in the main terminal on the Hotel end. If so, go down the left hand corridor all the way to the far left corner, you can take the elevators to level 1 and ME is just to your left when you step off.

That's it, I'm pulling out my colored pencils and drawing a map. You rock.

It's good to have you here, GB!

Both instances, although I was not present for one, will be forever etched in my memory.

And the cosmos.

Scary, huh?

::yes::

I can make a compelling argument for about three different options.

Something tells me that you can make a compelling argument for just about anything. Including squeeze condiments.

I've toyed with a limo b/c my attitude is I better spend it before the gov't spends it for me and I think my girls will get a huge kick out of riding in one. But then Mrs. Z pointed out how much the girls love riding the bus and they might actually be disappointed if they didn't get to ride it. The other downside to a limo is I'd have to install Li'l Z's car seat. That's not an issue with the ME bus.

None of which has anything to do with you. But I thought it would be interesting to discuss our ME dilemma.

I've never traveled with little ones, so I'm not sure I can offer much in the way of advice, but here's my opinion (and you know how much it's worth):

I booked a limo for my Sept. 08 trip. Just your regular, run-o-the-mill stretch jobber. What I got was a stretch Lincoln Nav that could've fit all the BP executives AND the entire US Senate. Wouldn't THAT be an interesting ride...

Moving on.

In other words, the upgrade was nice. And it made the ride exciting, even for a 28 year old. You could always ask the girls and let them make decision. Show 'em pictures and stuff. Or you could do both - a limo to the resort and ME back to the airport. Just another option for your compelling arguments.

FREE is the biggest draw for me, though. I like FREE. In fact, I love me some FREE. My wallet loves FREE, too. Or so it would tell me if accessories could talk.

Tinkerbellarella, long time, no see!

LAAAAAA!!!! Hi. :wave2:

I'm going out on a limb here and making a bold prediction that by the end of this thang, Walt will have won him over completely.

Well, in 100 scant days or so we'll know if you should look into a career with the Psychic Network.

Because apparently he likes that. As do all men. Well, most.

And some men prefer liquid margarine. But I'm not judging.

Say, for instance, on Splash Mountain. Right before the drop. Throw him some bacon. During American Adventure. Bust out a pound of Fully Cooked. Drape a piece over Walt's hand right before he walks up to the hub. Tuck a football under Mickey's arm for good measure. He'll leave thinking he was BORN to vacation in Disneyworld.

La, I am being 100% honest here, I have not laughed this hard in weeks. WEEKS I tell you. Including watching Sandra Bullock's appearance on the MTV Movie Awards (and I love me some Sandy B).

THANK YOU for allowing me to spend my Thursday morning wiping up my desk after it's thorough spraydown with Aquafina while I did the unthinkable and allowed myself to drink whilst reading your post.



Update today folks!

:flower3:

[Normangirls]

Our last trip flying down, it was just me and DD14 (then DD5). Mom and Dad were staying at Fort Wilderness, and DH had found some really great airfare, so he flew us down for a weekend. This was pre-ME, so we used Mears. Since there weren't many people taking a shuttle to the campground, the Mears guy told us to hold on, he'd rustle up something for us.

He ended up putting us in a white stretch limo (say HELLO to the 70's). The only thing missing was a guy in a powder blue tux. DD thought it was the coolest thing ever. I almost didn't let her ride, because she made fun of the guacamole.

But the looks we got, pulling through the campground in that thing, were priceless.

[Tinkerbellarella]

He ended up putting us in a white stretch limo (say HELLO to the 70's). The only thing missing was a guy in a powder blue tux. DD thought it was the coolest thing ever. I almost didn't let her ride, because she made fun of the guacamole.

:lmao:

[Tinkerbellarella]

"Someone has stolen three of my tarts!" ~ The Red Queen

Let me begin this chapter by saying a little something…

TODAY IS THE 100 DAY MARK!!! ::yes::

In a scant 100 days, in a measley 2,400 hours, in a wee 144,000 minutes…

Too much? Too much.

Suffice it to say that double digit dancing may commence on the morrow.

(In only 17 short days, however, we’ll begin the 20 hour drive to visit BF’s family in TN, but that’s another adventure altogether…)

In honor of today’s 100 day celebration (which, unlike Disney’s Year of a Million Dreams lasting for 18 months, will only last through today), I’ve decided this week’s post should be about one of all of our favorite things in Disney:

FOOD

NOM.

I love a lot of things about Disney. I love walking into the parks and being flooded with memories of trips gone by. I love the first glimpse of the castle and “going left”. I love getting “lost” in the World Showcase. I love the feeling of Sunset Blvd. at MGM (NODHS) at sunset. I love finding myself completely alone on the Maharajah Jungle Trek.

(I DO NOT LOVE the lack of Jeremy Irons on SE nor this new, Mr. Tom Morrow-less spiel of the PeopleMover (NOTTA). But those are gripes for another time…)

But one of my biggest all-around loves is Disney food. So much so I’m devoting TWO, count ‘em, TWO chapters to it. Today’s post will deal with our table service choices. Next week’s post will deal with our likely counter service and snack choices. I also considered doing a whole separate post about adult beverages in the World but I’ll roll that into next week’s post too, lest you think me a lush.

BF and I discussed (read: I basically told BF about and he nodded with that glassy-eyed stare) the Free Dining promo ages ago and about how much it would save us and how much we could eat. His only question was whether it was anything like the horrid meal plan we had at US/IOA last April (…amateurs) and I responded with an emphatic, “Uh-uh!” I even tried to ply him, lure him even (not with bacon – I hadn’t thought of that) with the Deluxe Dining Plan. Alas, since we are already paying for the upgrade from QS to the DDP as we’re staying at a Value, the additional $360 to move up to the DxDP was a no-go. Especially since we knew we’d be using some of those credits on CS and our current OOP budget is less than $300.

I even tried breaking out the Fuzzy Disney Math. :teacher: No luck.

So, with DDP, as all you good DISers know, we’ll have 6 TS credits for our 6 night stay. We’ll be visiting one Signature restaurant, 4 others, and paying for one meal OOP. I’ve also taken a gander at the menus and, since BF has the gastrointestinal fortitude of a Belgian (the horse, not the people), have wagered a guess at any appetizers he might want and any drinkypoos that might tickle my fancy.

Without further ado…I present you with our Table Service Meals.

California Grill
I’m not sure we/I will ever again be able to visit the House of Mouse without stopping in for a bite at Cali Grill. I first tried it with BF when we defected from US/IOA on our April trip and have been hooked since. TK and I celebrated our first Disney meal there on our trip last May. And when I asked BF if he had any dining requests, he asked that we return here. He had a duck appetizer last year that he fell in love with.

And yes, I think he would’ve married it.

I’ve explained that the menu is seasonal and that duck may not be on it at that time, but he’d also take any rabbit or venison dish as well. And, given that we’ll be slipping into Fall, I think there’s a decent chance of him seeing one of those three things.

Me? I’m looking forward to the Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli. AGAIN. While my entrée may finally change (though I do still love you Pork and Polenta), I simply cannot bring myself to order any other appetizer. I’m also looking forward to another glass of their Selbach-Oster Rieseling and am actually considering buying a bottle as well and somehow getting it home.

The desserts seem to change all the time so neither of us is committed to anything in particular.

We’ve budgeted for the apps, wine and tip OOP.

Whispering Canyon Cafe
This will be a new venture for me. We (read: I) chose this because apparently to get an ADR at ‘Ohana you have to be willing to sell both of your kidneys on the black market.

But I’m not bitter.

I liked the look of the regular menu and an all-you-can-eat skillet? With ribs? And corn bread? And corn on the cob? Right up BF’s alley. Granted, just about anything that is all-you-can-eat and not seafood is right up BF’s alley, but I digress. At first I thought we might both get the skillet, but I realized I could order one of the other entrees we might both enjoy and we could pick off each other’s plates.

I’m also curious about the interaction here. One of the other options that was ousted was the 50’s Prime Time Café. On our 2008 trip, Missy and I had a fantastic server – Cousin Byron. But it was very obviously hit or miss. Since I only feel “meh” about the food there, I didn’t want to risk an ADR on the service. With WCC, I’m at least anticipating enjoying the food. Fun interaction would be a bonus.

Again, budgeting for an app and tip OOP here.

Yak & Yeti
Another new one for me. I’ve wanted to try this place since it first opened but we couldn’t fit it in in 08 and TK and I didn’t visit the Animal Kindom last year. The menu is pretty expansive and I think this is the one place where BF may actually have a tough time choosing. There’s a lot on there he’d like. We’re pretty big into Chinese/Japanese/Thai food.

I’ve heard some negative reviews of the place, particularly about any of the poultry dishes, but I’d also heard negative reviews galore about San Angel Inn in 08 and it ended up being one of our favorite meals! I’m willing to give it a shot.

And hopefully not yak on the yeti…

Moving on.

A couple of the specialty drinks sound tasty here, so we’ve budgeted for apps, drinks and a tip OOP.

Sci Fi Dine In
I haven’t eaten here in a blue moon but I LOVE the atmosphere. A lot of people have gripes about the service, but I’ve never had a problem. Perhaps because I like my meal to be more slowly paced out.

The lunch menu was more appetizing than the dinner menu, and, because of our evening plans for the day we’ll be at MGM, we have an oddly-timed ADR – 3:00p.m.

I've got a feeling (wooohooooooo…) that BF will opt either for the ribs or the turkey club. I may get myself a superfantastic, juicy cheeseburger. And a beverage with a glow cube. Because the restaurant is dim and it seems appropriate. Also, because sometimes I’m a 7 year old.

BF is a big B-movie fan, so I really think he’ll get a kick out of the “entertainment”. We also happen to have a drive-in about a 35 minute drive from us, so this will be just as fun, sans mosquitos. (Our drive-in is $20/carload – do you know how many people you can fit into the trunk of a Civic? I do. ;) )

Budgeting drink and tip OOP here.

Tutto Italia
Whenever the subject of Disney meals comes up BF’s first reference is usually to CG. His second question is always, “And we’re eating at the Italian place, right?”

I’d never eaten at Alfredo’s and tried Tutto on the 08 trip. And loved it. My grandmother is Italian. Like ITALIAN-Italian. As in, when we visit for dinner we lapse back to the 1950’s. I must fill BF’s plate and make sure he has everything he needs. I must then remove his plates when he's done. Everything, including the pasta, is made by hand. Sometimes, when we’re in the kitchen and my grandmother is talking to me, she slips into Italian and I have to guess at what we’re talking about.

All this to say that I’m really picky about so-called “authentic” Italian food and "authentic" Italian experiences. It doesn't get much more authentic than having your 70 year old grandmother swear at you in Italian for getting your own Coke from the fridge and not offering it to your boyfriend first.

But Tutto did not disappoint. Food-wise, anyway. I didn't see any little old woman chasing anyone down with a rolling pin. Maybe I missed that part...

Unfortunately the sacchetti dish that I fell in love with no longer seems to be on the menu, so I’m not sure what I’ll order. My guess is BF will order chicken parm. I do know for sure that we’ll have the prosciutto and melon appetizer because there is only one thing BF loves more than bacon. And chocolate. And me.

Prosciutto.

We’re budgeting for the app and tip OOP here.

Kona Café
We’ll be visiting Kona for breakfast as our one OOP TS meal expense. Originally this wasn’t part of our plans. I figured if I couldn’t get ‘Ohana’s and if I couldn’t actually stay at my beloved Poly, then I needed to steer clear. This also meant giving up imbibing a Lapu Lapu, but I was (grudgingly) willing to make that sacrifice.

When talk turned to breakfasts BF shot down the buffets because he’s not “into” character meals (I was totally down but as BF isn’t even big on “normal” strangers, I’m not sure how he’d react if a 6’ rodent showed up to hug him while he was eating). Then he asked me about that place, “You know, the one with the French toast you’re always crying over?”

I replied, “It’s Tonga Toast and I DO NOT cry over it!”

I then turned away and surreptitiously wiped away a tear. It was my allergies.

I love me Tonga Toast…with a caveat. It MUST be eaten with the strawberry compote it is served with at Kona. It is the dish’s very balance. At Capt. Cook’s it’s served with syrup. Here, have some sweet to pour over your already extra sweet sweetness. The compote, instead, is a little tangy and is practically perfect in every way.

So, the man wants to get his Tonga on. I may do so as well, though I’ll admit, the macadamia nut pancakes are whispering in my ear. There may be a Tonga mutiny on Tinkerbellarella’s breakfast plate.

I also love the Lilikoi juice and it’s the only place on property where I’ve had proper coffee.

So, there you have it. And now I’m starving and it’s only 10:30a.m. I hope you’re proud of yourself!

UP NEXT: Bring on the TUMS! Part Two or How Many Dole Whip Floats Can One Eat in 7 Days?

[Lady Lallie]

Oh my.

I know have to suffer another hour before lunch. :rotfl2:

All of your ADRs sound delicious. Mmmmm.

Did I mention I'm hungry? :rolleyes:

[MRYPPNS]

I think I need to get my eyes checked.....

FOOD

NOM.

I love a lot of things about Disney. I love walking into the parks and being flooded with memories of trips gone by.

I thought you wrote "I love walking into the parks and feeling bloated......

At least it fit with the food theme.

[Pollito916]

Mmmm, so hungry. Is it bad that I am now wanting to plan a trip to WDW just to eat? I saw the free dining commercial, and if it wasn't centered around my due date, I would be all over it! :banana:

[Tinkerbellarella]

Oh my.

I know have to suffer another hour before lunch. :rotfl2:

All of your ADRs sound delicious. Mmmmm.

Did I mention I'm hungry? :rolleyes:

I finished the post and ate something myself, so I totally get it.

Matter of fact, I've been eating all darn day!

I thought you wrote "I love walking into the parks and feeling bloated......

:lmao:

I'm definitely NOT a fan of air or water retention.

Mmmm, so hungry. Is it bad that I am now wanting to plan a trip to WDW just to eat?

NO. I've planned hypothetical trips around that very thing. ::yes::

I saw the free dining commercial, and if it wasn't centered around my due date, I would be all over it! :banana:

How's the princess doing?

[If U Had Wings]

All of your choices look really good. I've never tried Whispering Canyon or Yak so I'll be curious to hear what you think about them.

I love me some Cali Grill though. I made sure to fit it in to my schedule for October. So good! I've never tried any of the appetizers as I can't get myself to pass on the flatbreads. Yumm!

And :thumbsup2 for not missing out on the Tonga Toast. Your right the strawberry compote makes all the difference. I can't imagine eating it with syrup. I think it would be sweetness overload.

[GaRain]

UP NEXT: Bring on the TUMS! Part Two or How Many Dole Whip Floats Can One Eat in 7 Days?[/COLOR]


Minimum 7, but at least up to 14 each!!!:love:

[Pollito916]

How's the princess doing?

Doing great - practicing her tae kwon do and causing lot of heartburn for her mom! :rotfl:

[ZZUB]

But my blog is strangely silent.

And I saw this was about food. Which might as well be my middle name.

I've already given you sage advice how to get into 'Ohana (which means family), so I won't belabor the point. But I am here to strongly caution you NOT to eat at Whispering Canyon. You WILL be disappointed. In the worst way imaginable. The atmosphere is fine if you like being embarassed. The food is decidely marginal. I would recommend Trails End at Ft. Wilderness instead. It's much better grub. I can't remember if you're on the dining plan, and I'm not going back to look. But if you're not, then Trails End is cheaper. And the corn bread is good. The corn bread at Whispering Canyon tastes like C R A P.

:moped:

[Tinkerbellarella]

I love me some Cali Grill though. I made sure to fit it in to my schedule for October. So good! I've never tried any of the appetizers as I can't get myself to pass on the flatbreads. Yumm!

The flatbreads were off the menu for my first trip, so they weren't even an option. And then by the second trip I was already engaged to be married to the raviolis.

And :thumbsup2 for not missing out on the Tonga Toast. Your right the strawberry compote makes all the difference. I can't imagine eating it with syrup. I think it would be sweetness overload.

Poor KittyKat has only had it with the syrup when we tried it at Cap'n Cook's in May. I thought her face would implode from the level of sweetness.

Minimum 7, but at least up to 14 each!!!:love:

LOL! :thumbsup2

Doing great - practicing her tae kwon do and causing lot of heartburn for her mom! :rotfl:

Reasons 145 and 98 why being pregnant is NOT for Tink.

But my blog is strangely silent.

::crickets chirping::

Which might as well be my middle name.

Funny, I thought your middle name was CAKE.

As I'm part of the party that pronounces it "ZeeZub" and not "ZuBB", I was under the impression I was speaking with:

Z. Cake Zubb, Esq., BGPC, R.I.P.

But I am here to strongly caution you NOT to eat at Whispering Canyon. You WILL be disappointed. In the worst way imaginable.

Kind of like when our last president "pronounced" anything with more than two syllables?

I can't remember if you're on the dining plan

::yes::

and I'm not going back to look.

You need one of these: :moped:

The corn bread at Whispering Canyon tastes like C R A P.

Well, S H O O T. And I know how knowledgeable you are about the world of baked goods. I am now frightened.

However, Z, you'll be pleased to know that if I can score the 'Ohana (which means family) ressie, WCC will go the way of the dodo...and BP's 2010 net profit.

[GreatBiscuit]

I've already given you sage advice how to get into 'Ohana (which means family), so I won't belabor the point. But I am here to strongly caution you NOT to eat at Whispering Canyon. You WILL be disappointed. In the worst way imaginable. The atmosphere is fine if you like being embarassed. The food is decidely marginal. I would recommend Trails End at Ft. Wilderness instead. It's much better grub. I can't remember if you're on the dining plan, and I'm not going back to look. But if you're not, then Trails End is cheaper. And the corn bread is good. The corn bread at Whispering Canyon tastes like C R A P.

:moped:I agree with Zzub, except for when I don't. WCC seems to suffer from inconsistency. Sometimes reports are that they have done really poorly, sometimes they manage to pull one out. When we went last summer, we were the first family to check in for dinner. Food was hot, came out in about 10 min, our server was corny but not obnoxious and it all tasted fairly good. Not as good as what we can get here, but not too bad. In May, my mom was there about an hour before they closed and the food was cold, seasoning was bland, the food took over an hour to arrive and when it was finally served, it was with an "I don't care" attitude.

It seems like the dining reviews are back and forth like that. I don't know if they just have so high of a turnover rate there by the time they get a crew properly trained, its time for the next batch of seasonal staff OR if they have some chefs who just don't care and on their night to run the kitchen, you get what you get.

I say all that to say this. I don’t know that you for sure WILL be disappointed, but you definitely COULD be disappointed. Which actually may not be much more uplifting. I will say that on the night we went, the Apple Pie was fantastic. So if your entrée sucks and the cornbread is cold, then at least there’s that to look forward to…unless they screw that up too. But we’re thinking positive here! You’ll get in at ‘Ohana and none of this mindless drivel will matter.

Hopefully that wasn't too depressing. If so, let me try to make it up to you. If Southwest still uses gates 120-129 at MCO like they did last summer (according to the MCO website shows they still do), then you will enter the terminal the same way we did. Map to ME for your notebook is attached.


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/greatbiscuit/LEVEL3.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/greatbiscuit/Level3b.jpg

Adios Tink!

[AshClan]

Long story, but since there was a mention of GB's blog mention in his signature on the blog (how's that for a sentence?!), I meandered over to the PTR board for the FIRST TIME EVAH and to what do my wondering eyes appear but a Tinkerbellarella Pre-Trip Report! I am majorly impressed that you are managing to convert the previously Disney-hating (or at least Disney-indifferent) BF into a fellow Disney lover! Can't wait to hear all about it.

I haven't, per se, read any of this report yet, mind you, but I'm here to mark my spot and add you to my favorites and I'm looking forward to some lunchtime reading in an hour or so ;)

See you soon, Tink....either here or there!

[Tinkerbellarella]

But we’re thinking positive here! You’ll get in at ‘Ohana and none of this mindless drivel will matter.

Yes, still thinking positively on the 'Ohana thing. I'm also pricing out my kidneys on the black market in case it comes to that.

But even if we end up at WCC AND it's less than stellar, I'm not worried. BF and I can make a good time out of just about anything.

Hey, GB...

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/greatbiscuit/LEVEL3.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/greatbiscuit/Level3b.jpg

Can we be BFFs now?

Let me say, you rock!

Long story, but since there was a mention of GB's blog mention in his signature on the blog (how's that for a sentence?!)

I'm not sure. I'm still rereading it to figure it out...

I meandered over to the PTR board for the FIRST TIME EVAH and to what do my wondering eyes appear but a Tinkerbellarella Pre-Trip Report!

Seriously woman?! First EVAH? And on MY PTR too! Wicked awesome.



I owe y'all an update. TWO, actually. Sorry for the delay. Work was crazy last week. But good crazy. As in promotion, salary increase and trying to adjust crazy. Catching up this week. Hoping to have something up tomorrow and the day after.

:flower3:

[skier_pete]

Hey there...stumbled over here via another thread (my good DISr friend "If U Had Wings"...and enjoying your PTR. Hope you can get BF to like it, there's plenty of us guys that love Disney too.

A couple of answers/opinions to early questions:

We did on-line check-in at POP twice in December 2009 and April 2010. Both times it was great. The first time there was a HUGE line at the regular desk. We walked up to the on-line check-in desk and waited less than 2 minutes, were handed a packet, our room was ready. (This was at about 11:30 AM in one case, about 1 PM in the other.) Fantastic. However...we did NOT get the Building that I requested in EITHER case. The first trip we stayed preferred, and I asked for '70s, and got '50s. I turned out to be a great room - very close to classics hall but away from the buses. The second time was NOT preferred and we asked for BUilding 10 (80s I think?), again trying to get closer to the bus stop. We ended up in Building 6 in the '70s. Again, it ended up being a great room right at the center of the building by the stairs and ice machine (and the *** of a giant Mickey phone), a short walk to classic hall and to the buses as well...but NOT what I had requested. I don't know if this had anything to do with the on-line check in. We had requested rooms our two previous trips to POFQ before on-line check-in, and got the requests both times - in fact the second time had probably the single greatest non-preffered room location in history. I don't know for sure if on-line related to "not my request" but there you have it.

What i was told later is if you have a room request in the system, do NOT check ANY of the room preferences for on-line check-in, as they will override your room request...perhaps that is where I went wrong. That said, I would STILL do the on-line check-in in the future, and if I really hated the room location - I would ask to be switched at the time.

OK, on to my second comment - regarding flying SWA. This is something most people don't realize. You do NOT need to be at your resort (or any resort) to check in to your return flight. Simply bring your ID and your SWA Confirm # to your park of choice that day, and at 24 hours and 2 minutes before your flight head for the guest services office at the front of the park. They will check you in and print your boarding passes right there and then! We have done this at both AK and MK. And usually you get fantastic boaring positions, because all the other passengers are in the parks, and don't know to do this. :thumbsup2 Just don't tell anyone the secret! Now that SWA also lets you ship your bags back through ME, the whole thing is just easy as pie.

OK - I'll shut up now.
SkierPete

[GreatBiscuit]

Hey, GB...



Can we be BFFs now?:thumbsup2




I owe y'all an update. TWO, actually. Sorry for the delay. Work was crazy last week. But good crazy. As in promotion, salary increase and trying to adjust crazy. Catching up this week. Hoping to have something up tomorrow and the day after.

popcorn:: Looking forward to more musings!

OK, on to my second comment - regarding flying SWA. This is something most people don't realize. You do NOT need to be at your resort (or any resort) to check in to your return flight. Simply bring your ID and your SWA Confirm # to your park of choice that day, and at 24 hours and 2 minutes before your flight head for the guest services office at the front of the park. They will check you in and print your boarding passes right there and then! We have done this at both AK and MK. And usually you get fantastic boaring positions, because all the other passengers are in the parks, and don't know to do this. :thumbsup2 Just don't tell anyone the secret! Now that SWA also lets you ship your bags back through ME, the whole thing is just easy as pie.

OK - I'll shut up now.
SkierPeteThat's an AWESOME tip! Were they able to print your ME boarding pass as well or did you have to do that part back at the resort?

[skier_pete]

That's an AWESOME tip! Were they able to print your ME boarding pass as well or did you have to do that part back at the resort?

Glad to help! But no, you still get your ME boarding pass hanging on your door back at the resort. In fact, they also seem to print out ANOTHER copy of our SWA boarding passes and stick 'em in the ME envelope, so you end up with two copies. (Perhaps this is in case they couldn't print them out at Guest Services.) They have the same boarding # on the other printouts though, so its not like you get two seating assignments.

[Tinkerbellarella]

So, I readily admit it. I mostly lured BF on this trip with the promise of food, food and more food. He’s really looking forward to our TS meals. Since he’s clueless in the realm of Disney, he’s trusting my choices.

He’s a very smart man. ::yes::

Some people might say he’s a very foolish man…but those people might also find themselves on the back of a milk carton.

Just kidding. I’m really NOT a Disney Dictator and have, in some way, shape or form, passed all of our plans by BF and gotten his grunt of approval.

Seriously, guys, why is it your capacity for answering questions can’t proceed past the language of your Neanderthal ancestors when the television is on???

Moving on…

As we all know, TS meals aren’t the be all, end all of Disney food.

Oh no, my friends, though the TS credits have already been “spent” there are still CS and snacks to be gobbled up. For a non-DISer, these types of meals might be a little bit harder to plan for, but for the seasoned overplanner extraordinaire, it’s just another thing to put on your spreadsheet.

Though I’m absolutely flexible for any (ok…most) of these things to change based on how we’re “feeling” about eating at the given place or time, here are the current plans for mass consumption of counter service and snacks.

Counter Service Meals

Sunshine Seasons - Hands down my most favoritest of all CS eateries in the World. If they had a Dole Whip machine like Capt. Cook's I could live here gastronomically happy for the rest of my days. I love options. BF does too. This was a very easy pick for our Epicot day.

Let me stop here for a brief aside, especially now that LaLa has shown her fmiling smace on this here PTR. I got 'Epicot' from the La clan. Though I believe it was often Ep(i)cot. Since the first time I read her TR, I couldn't stop saying it/spelling it that way. Only, I did away with the parens. I'm not a parens kinda gal. I'm more into the comma. Anywho, much like referencing ZZUB's "coffee walks", I had to give La her due for the use of "Epicot". Who knew when I found these here boards that I'd "meet" so many people that would influence Disney for me in so many ways. I think of you when I'm there - ZZUB on my early a.m. walks, La when I see "the ball", LegoMom when I see hot dogs, LL whenever my eyes happen on a light fixture, TK, gosh, TK, I think of you at SO MANY times…but especially when I see someone properly preserved in their poncho. Even when they're well past their freshness date. And there are so many more!

That whole hijack just to say, thanks, guys, for enriching my Disney trips with more smiles than I can count.

Back to the food.

So yes, Sunshine Seasons it is…and I'll likely accidentally trip the man into Club Cool, or whatever the Coca-Cola Marketing Machine is calling it now, either on the way in or out of lunch so that he can partake of all of the fantasticly worldly sodas. Especially the Beverly. Because I'm a good GF like that.

Everything POP! - We'll mainly be partaking of breakfast fare here. And for two reasons only.
Reason the First: I couldn't convince BF to upgrade to the DxDP so we could have a TS breakfast everyday.
Reason the Second: I simply CANNOT bring myself to waste time IN the parks eating breakfast. I want this carp done and out of the way before we've even hit the bus stop.
And so we'll be eating a few mornings at EP! And as BF doesn't care for eggs or pancakes, he'll be consuming lots of Mickey waffles. And bacon. How could I leave out the bacon? The chocolate of meats, as BF so delicately puts it.
We may possibly grab one lunch or dinner there, but it's still kind of up in the air.

Pecos Bill's - Home of the best fixin's bar in the west…side of the MK. Honestly, we could just as easily end up at Cosmic Ray's but for some reason I always default here. BF may like the wider selection at CR's and so we'll go there if he does, but if it's a burger he has a hankerin' for, we'll be here. And hopefully early. Before the cheese stampede at the fixin's bar.

Casey's Corner - I don't think I'll ever again be able to visit the MK without a stop here. Not because their hot dogs are phenomenal. They're hot dogs, to me. They all taste the same. And not just for the free cheese sauce, though that's always a sure lure. But because of the hours of laughing we've done at the cost of this place, TK, LegoMom and I. From naked dogs to french fries lodged who know's where, Casey's always makes me smile.
Oh. And the man likes him a hot dog, so he'll be happy.

Flame Tree BBQ - Probably my second favorite CS in the World. The foods good but the atmosphere is better. BF is a lover of ribs and all things BBQ (though he prefers Memphis-style dry rub; I'm a Texas style BBQ gal, myself) so this should be a winner. The only thing that irritates me is to see people feeding the birds here. Especially when they're sitting underneath the sign that says, "Please do not feed the birds." Kind of irksome. Like BP's gas station signs that read, "If you spill gasoline you must clean it up." Apparently both of those signs are on Ignore.

Somewhere in MGM - I have never been enamored of any of the MGM (NODHS) CS places. I'd much rather sit down and eat about 17 pretzels from, what is it, Min and Bill's? So, we'll see about this one. This is one where we might trade off and have a lunch/dinner at EP!

Earl of Sandwich - I recently learned there is one of these in Logan Airport which, depending on the time of day and construction, is like a 15 min.-7.5 hr. commute from my office. Alas, I believe it is in one of the gate areas. I'm not going to lie, I almost think it's worth buying airfare to have lunch. Their sammies are THAT GOOD. We'll likely be doing this one OOP but it's sooooo worth it. Cannonballs, here I come!

Snacks
What follows are the snacks I know I want to have and some best guesses for BF. For ease, I've broken them down by park/location:

Magic Kingdom

Three words: Dole. Whip. Floats. (Yes, notice the pluralization there.)
And that's all I have to say about that. Dude.

Epicot

School Bread - tried it for the first time last May with KittyKat. Liked it. Wash, rinse, repeat!
Crepes - my best guess at BF's choice. The man would be a crepe-a-holic if he could be.

Aminal Kingdom

Likely? Nothing. I don't usually snack here, for some reason. And we don’t have a ton of time between meals on this day. But, if I had to wager a guess if we were to snack, something ice-cream-y for BF and an Itzakadoozie for me. Because it's tasty. And I like to say it.

Itzakadoozie.

Itzakadoozie.

MGM

Ohhhh…MGM. Home of the Junky Apple. And if you don't know what that is, for shame. You might know it by it's more common name: Granny Smith Apple smothered in caramel and every chocolatey, peanut buttery, nutty topping possible. But I prefer Junky Apple. I know they sell these all over the World. I know you can even 'do it up' however you want at Goofy's. But MGM is home of the Junky Apple for Tink. And now for BF. By association. We know we can't use snack credits for these, and that's ok. BF's actually informed me that he's started a Junky Apple Fund.

I'm also a big fan of the filled pretzels as mentioned earlier and may partake of one here as opposed to the MK. Which will be dominated by the DWF.

Everything's POP!

I'm sure we'll pick a lil' sumfin up here at some point. I've always wanted to try the tie-dyed cheesecake. And they used to have something else I'd wanted to try…maybe some sort of Twinkie something-or-other??? But I think they got rid of it. Can anyone refresh my memory of what I could be thinking of?

So, that's the general, if mutable, plan. If I had to guess, though, I'd say we'll end up sticking pretty close to this plan.

The only thing I've left out is mass consumption of adult beverages. Which likely will not be mass, but, perhaps, minor. There are two things I KNOW I will have, as long as they are still available:

*a glass of the 2007 Selbach-Oster Rieseling at Cali Grill - it's crisp and sweet and refreshing.
*an Italian Margarita from the kiosk to the left of Doge's Palace in Italy. It's like fun lemonade.

Should we get ourselves the ever-coveted 'Ohana (which means family, apparently) reservation, you can bet your butt I'll be having a Lapu Lapu. And I might share it. Or make BF get his own. It all depends on how willing he is to carry me to and from the bus.

I perused the beverage menus at all of the TS eateries we'll be visiting and there were a couple (with glow cubes!) that sound good, but that'll be a decision-of-the-moment. I don't usually like to drink in the middle of a hot summer day. It induces only one thing (NO#4). Intense napping. Like, Olympic-level napping. So, we'll see.

Now that the food chapters are over (and I'm starving), a little public service announcement - there will be one more chapter posted this week. MAYBE two. For those of you not reading my other PTR or who aren't on the Babnana thread, or who simply don't remember from the beginning of this report, BF and I are heading down to TN on Sunday for a week to visit with his fam. And it's rural TN. Like rural-y rural. So I don't know that I'll have access to the DIS. I may only have access to Wal-Mart.

:crazy2:

And thanks for being so patient waiting for this chapter. I know it was supposed to be up last week but there was some (good) craziness at work and I just couldn't get around to it. Anyhow, I promise not to leave you in the lurch this week.

:flower3:

[Tinkerbellarella]

there's plenty of us guys that love Disney too.

I won't lie. I feel like you're all an endangered species. Perhaps I should start a breeding program. :scratchin'

I don't know for sure if on-line related to "not my request" but there you have it.

What i was told later is if you have a room request in the system, do NOT check ANY of the room preferences for on-line check-in, as they will override your room request...perhaps that is where I went wrong. That said, I would STILL do the on-line check-in in the future, and if I really hated the room location - I would ask to be switched at the time.

I'm going to let this roll around in my brain a little more. I obviously have PLENTY of time, but I really appreciate your insights. Definite food for thought.

OK, on to my second comment - regarding flying SWA. This is something most people don't realize. You do NOT need to be at your resort (or any resort) to check in to your return flight. Simply bring your ID and your SWA Confirm # to your park of choice that day, and at 24 hours and 2 minutes before your flight head for the guest services office at the front of the park. They will check you in and print your boarding passes right there and then! We have done this at both AK and MK.

GREAT TIP! We may still purchase the Early Bird Check-in since 24 hours and 2 min. in advance still puts us in the middle of our dinner ADR but, if anything changes, I'm keeping this in mind!

OK - I'll shut up now.

Please! No shutting up necessary! Those are excellent tips. Thanks so much! And welcome to my PTR. :goodvibes

[Lady Lallie]

MMM.....good thing I am eating my dinner as I read this update. :rotfl2:

All of your food choices sound delish except the tie dye cheesecake, it's a weird little thing. :lmao:

BF is going to start a junky apple fund....I'm going to start adult beverage fund. ;)

[If U Had Wings]

Sigh.

You bring up costumes on LL's thread and now your talking food over here.

That's just mean.


Oh no, my friends, though the TS credits have already been “spent” there are still CS and snacks to be gobbled up. For a non-DISer, these types of meals might be a little bit harder to plan for, but for the seasoned overplanner extraordinaire, it’s just another thing to put on your spreadsheet.

Though I’m absolutely flexible for any (ok…most) of these things to change based on how we’re “feeling” about eating at the given place or time, here are the current plans for mass consumption of counter service and snacks.

I feel the same way about my counter service meals. I have a few favorites, but everything is flexible.


Sunshine Seasons - Hands down my most favoritest of all CS eateries in the World. If they had a Dole Whip machine like Capt. Cook's I could live here gastronomically happy for the rest of my days. I love options. BF does too. This was a very easy pick for our Epicot day.

Best deserts on property!


So yes, Sunshine Seasons it is…and I'll likely accidentally trip the man into Club Cool, or whatever the Coca-Cola Marketing Machine is calling it now, either on the way in or out of lunch so that he can partake of all of the fantasticly worldly sodas. Especially the Beverly. Because I'm a good GF like that.

You are such a thoughtful girlfriend, making sure that your BF tastes all Epcot has to offer.


Pecos Bill's - Home of the best fixin's bar in the west…side of the MK. Honestly, we could just as easily end up at Cosmic Ray's but for some reason I always default here. BF may like the wider selection at CR's and so we'll go there if he does, but if it's a burger he has a hankerin' for, we'll be here. And hopefully early. Before the cheese stampede at the fixin's bar.

Love the fixins bar. I always take way too many of the mushrooms. They are practically a side dish when I'm done.


Flame Tree BBQ - Probably my second favorite CS in the World. The foods good but the atmosphere is better. BF is a lover of ribs and all things BBQ (though he prefers Memphis-style dry rub; I'm a Texas style BBQ gal, myself) so this should be a winner. The only thing that irritates me is to see people feeding the birds here. Especially when they're sitting underneath the sign that says, "Please do not feed the birds." Kind of irksome. Like BP's gas station signs that read, "If you spill gasoline you must clean it up." Apparently both of those signs are on Ignore.

When I went in April, my mom didn't want to eat here. It killed me to have to eat elsewhere in the AK.

Somewhere in MGM - I have never been enamored of any of the MGM (NODHS) CS places. I'd much rather sit down and eat about 17 pretzels from, what is it, Min and Bill's? So, we'll see about this one. This is one where we might trade off and have a lunch/dinner at EP!

I'm utterly convinced there is really nowhere good to eat in MGM cs. The commisary has to be the worst place I've ever eaten at Disney ever. I did have a really good grilled veggie sandwich at the backlot place though.

Earl of Sandwich - I recently learned there is one of these in Logan Airport which, depending on the time of day and construction, is like a 15 min.-7.5 hr. commute from my office. Alas, I believe it is in one of the gate areas. I'm not going to lie, I almost think it's worth buying airfare to have lunch. Their sammies are THAT GOOD. We'll likely be doing this one OOP but it's sooooo worth it. Cannonballs, here I come!

My first time there was in Dec. I'm now tempted to drive to Logan for one. My sandwich was that good.

I perused the beverage menus at all of the TS eateries we'll be visiting and there were a couple (with glow cubes!) that sound good, but that'll be a decision-of-the-moment. I don't usually like to drink in the middle of a hot summer day. It induces only one thing (NO#4). Intense napping. Like, Olympic-level napping. So, we'll see.

This is Disney. Just get them to add a glowy cube to your water. No one needs to know. ;)

[Pollito916]

Why didn't I know last month that there is an Earl of Sandwich at Logan?!? It was the first time I was there, and probably the last time for quite some time. While my Au Bon Pain was good, Earl would have been better. :sad2:

Oh well.

Also, last time I was at AK, they also had the jalapeno stuffed cheese pretzels (and regular boring ones), just in case you get a hankering on your AK day. Yum.

[All7OfUs]

Hey Tink. I'm back in the saddle again; which is a fair amount better than being back in the car again. Our trip sucked. Big time. It's good to be home.

Your dining choices are so in-sync with mine, it's almost scary. Really.

Except, I'd substitue Minnie Strawberry bars for the Itzakadoozies. But, I'll give it to ya, yours is far more fun whilst rolling off the tongue. Ah well, taste over phonics... and all that.

Carry on.

[jenjolt]

Updates like this should come with a warning that you should read only after have eaten LOL!!

Disney food makes me hungry even if I haven't eaten anything!!

I have to agree I love the choices at Sunshine Seasons and look forward to eating there again!!!

[TarzansKat]

"Allow me to shed a little light on the subject..."

Meet the Robinsons, anyone? ;)


Seriously, guys, why is it your capacity for answering questions can’t proceed past the language of your Neanderthal ancestors when the television is on???

Moving on…

A typical scene in the TK household...

TK - "DS.......DS.............DS????????"

DS - ......

TK - "DS, Mama is talking to you. Please look at me."

DS - ......

TK - "DS!!!! Please, pause the TV, okay?"

Thank God for DVR. Blessing and curse. :lmao:

As we all know, TS meals aren’t the be all, end all of Disney food.


Counter Service Meals

Sunshine Seasons - Hands down my most favoritest of all CS eateries in the World. If they had a Dole Whip machine like Capt. Cook's I could live here gastronomically happy for the rest of my days. I love options. BF does too. This was a very easy pick for our Epicot day.

I love the variety here, too. :thumbsup2

TK, gosh, TK, I think of you at SO MANY times…but especially when I see someone properly preserved in their poncho. Even when they're well past their freshness date. And there are so many more!

Dude. You couldn't have said, I think of you in front of the POTC sign where we took our picture and waited for LegoMom, or, I think of you sipping a Pina CoLava at CBR...no.

The lasting impression I've left on you is my love of poncho in rain. :lmao:


Especially the Beverly. Because I'm a good GF like that.

You never know! He may be weird like me and actually like it. ;)


Everything POP! - We'll mainly be partaking of breakfast fare here.

I love me a good counter service Disney breakfast. I think you have to do it once a trip, it's just so gud. ::yes::


Pecos Bill's - Home of the best fixin's bar in the west…side of the MK. Honestly, we could just as easily end up at Cosmic Ray's but for some reason I always default here. BF may like the wider selection at CR's and so we'll go there if he does, but if it's a burger he has a hankerin' for, we'll be here. And hopefully early. Before the cheese stampede at the fixin's bar.

Haven't been able to make it here recently, so I'm definitely interested to see how you guys like it.


Casey's Corner - I don't think I'll ever again be able to visit the MK without a stop here. Not because their hot dogs are phenomenal. They're hot dogs, to me. They all taste the same. And not just for the free cheese sauce, though that's always a sure lure. But because of the hours of laughing we've done at the cost of this place, TK, LegoMom and I. From naked dogs to french fries lodged who know's where, Casey's always makes me smile.
Oh. And the man likes him a hot dog, so he'll be happy.

:scared1::scared1::scared1::scared1:

Do I need to point out how blatantly wrong you are?

They taste better than any other hot dog on the planet because they are consumed at Casey's on Main Street USA.

Sheesh. :rolleyes1



Alright, commentary to be continued. The boy needs breakfast. ;)

[skier_pete]

I won't lie. I feel like you're all an endangered species. Perhaps I should start a breeding program. :scratchin'

Please! No shutting up necessary! Those are excellent tips. Thanks so much! And welcome to my PTR. :goodvibes

All right - since you invited me to keep rattling on, I'll make a few more comments:

I think guys are less likely to get into Disney because of the general outward appearance of Disney being "kiddie rides and characters" but that is so not the case when you get into it.

I think you've already discovered one of the great ways to get a guy into WDW - the food (and drinks)! Many a man can be won over by a full and happy tummy!

But, one of the things that I really enjoy about Disney World is the design / imagineering aspects of it. Looking at all the little (and big) design details of the parks. (One of my favorite points - next time you ride Kilamanjaro Safaris - notice that this part of Florida is 100 % FLAT - the amount of earth moved to build that Savannah is absolutely incredible!) I don't know if your guy is into that kind of mechanical stuff, but one thing that might get him more interested...there was an episode of "Modern Marvels" that was about the Walt Disney World resort, and talked about building the different parks / rides (The Tree of Life is built from an OIL RIG!). It really amazing what goes into these rides. There's some books out there too - the imagineer's guides to the different parks are fascinating, and one that DW got me on the "Disney Mountains" (can't remember the name) goes from the original construction of the Matterhorn all the way through EE that is only flawed by not having enough details on some of the rides for my view.

If your guy likes thrills - consider a day at Blizzard Beach - for my money the biggest thrills to be had at WDW. Also DHS may be the best "guy" park at WDW...the stunt shows, ToT, RnRC even TSM gives out a guys inner video game geek. (Though to me it is still my least favorite park overall, but I am not "typical".)

Finally, we know you ladies love to shop - but watch that you don't drive your man crazy with it...if you really feel the need to spend a few hours browsing through merchandise, offer to let him chill by the pool bar while you go to DTD. 99.5 % of guys will not be upset by this, and we just cramp your style anyways.

TTFN
SkierPete

[TarzansKat]

But, one of the things that I really enjoy about Disney World is the design / imagineering aspects of it. Looking at all the little (and big) design details of the parks. (One of my favorite points - next time you ride Kilamanjaro Safaris - notice that this part of Florida is 100 % FLAT - the amount of earth moved to build that Savannah is absolutely incredible!) I don't know if your guy is into that kind of mechanical stuff, but one thing that might get him more interested...there was an episode of "Modern Marvels" that was about the Walt Disney World resort, and talked about building the different parks / rides (The Tree of Life is built from an OIL RIG!). It really amazing what goes into these rides. There's some books out there too - the imagineer's guides to the different parks are fascinating, and one that DW got me on the "Disney Mountains" (can't remember the name) goes from the original construction of the Matterhorn all the way through EE that is only flawed by not having enough details on some of the rides for my view.


I loved that show! I'm one of the rare female breed who gets all jazzed about that kind of stuff. I also have a great love for the Three Stooges, thanks to my dad, but I digress. ;)

That Modern Marvels show was awesome, and I've never heard of the Disney Mountains book, so thanks for mentioning it. I'm with Tink, the more information, the merrier. :thumbsup2

[skier_pete]

I loved that show! I'm one of the rare female breed who gets all jazzed about that kind of stuff. I also have a great love for the Three Stooges, thanks to my dad, but I digress. ;)

That Modern Marvels show was awesome, and I've never heard of the Disney Mountains book, so thanks for mentioning it. I'm with Tink, the more information, the merrier. :thumbsup2

I looked it up on Amazon:

The Disney Mountains: Imagineering At Its Peak (http://www.amazon.com/Disney-Mountains-Imagineering-Its-Peak/dp/B00196PD5G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277301867&sr=1-1) by Jason Surrell

Looks like it's not actually available. DW got it in the parks.

[TarzansKat]

Magic Kingdom

Three words: Dole. Whip. Floats. (Yes, notice the pluralization there.)
And that's all I have to say about that. Dude.

Dude. ::yes::


Aminal Kingdom

Likely? Nothing. I don't usually snack here, for some reason. And we don’t have a ton of time between meals on this day. But, if I had to wager a guess if we were to snack, something ice-cream-y for BF and an Itzakadoozie for me. Because it's tasty. And I like to say it.

Itzakadoozie.

Itzakadoozie.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but last time I was there, no Itzakadoozie at the Animal Kingdom. I believe this is due to the fact that the interior "stick" is actually cylindrical, and therefore a straw, which there are none of in that park.

However, if I may make a recommendation? There's an awesome stand somewhere with slushy tea. I had a slushy chai that was divine. I highly recommend! :thumbsup2


MGM

Ohhhh…MGM. Home of the Junky Apple. And if you don't know what that is, for shame. You might know it by it's more common name: Granny Smith Apple smothered in caramel and every chocolatey, peanut buttery, nutty topping possible. But I prefer Junky Apple. I know they sell these all over the World. I know you can even 'do it up' however you want at Goofy's. But MGM is home of the Junky Apple for Tink. And now for BF. By association. We know we can't use snack credits for these, and that's ok. BF's actually informed me that he's started a Junky Apple Fund.

Mmmm....Junky Apple....

nuff said.


Everything's POP!

I'm sure we'll pick a lil' sumfin up here at some point. I've always wanted to try the tie-dyed cheesecake. And they used to have something else I'd wanted to try…maybe some sort of Twinkie something-or-other??? But I think they got rid of it. Can anyone refresh my memory of what I could be thinking of?

It was Twinkie Tiramisu. I'm not sure if they have it anymore, I'd heard it was gone. If you really want to know, I'm sure they'll know on the POP FAQ thread on the resort boards.


*a glass of the 2007 Selbach-Oster Rieseling at Cali Grill - it's crisp and sweet and refreshing.

Sooooo good. Have a second glass for me, wouldya? ;)


*an Italian Margarita from the kiosk to the left of Doge's Palace in Italy. It's like fun lemonade.

Will you be toasting something new, something different with BF as well? :goodvibes

[TarzansKat]

I looked it up on Amazon:

The Disney Mountains: Imagineering At Its Peak (http://www.amazon.com/Disney-Mountains-Imagineering-Its-Peak/dp/B00196PD5G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277301867&sr=1-1) by Jason Surrell

Looks like it's not actually available. DW got it in the parks.

Ooo, thank you! I will try one of my favorite happy haunts (the library) and see if it's in circulation. :thumbsup2

[LegoMom3]

...

Moving on…

As we all know, TS meals aren’t the be all, end all of Disney food.

They're not??.....:confused3 Wow, I've been putting entirely too much time into the food aspect of my trips then.....I guess.....Or putting too much stock in Free Dining.....or, er...sumpthin'.....Can you go to Disney just to eat? I think I may need help here.....


Pecos Bill's - Home of the best fixin's bar in the west…side of the MK. Honestly, we could just as easily end up at Cosmic Ray's but for some reason I always default here. BF may like the wider selection at CR's and so we'll go there if he does, but if it's a burger he has a hankerin' for, we'll be here. And hopefully early. Before the cheese stampede at the fixin's bar.

You know, I went here on my solo based solely on the Tink's advice......LOVED it. The self-ordering kiosk was very satisfying to use, in a "look at the poor saps over in that looooong cash-only line" sort of way.


Casey's Corner - I don't think I'll ever again be able to visit the MK without a stop here. Not because their hot dogs are phenomenal. They're hot dogs, to me. They all taste the same. And not just for the free cheese sauce, though that's always a sure lure. But because of the hours of laughing we've done at the cost of this place, TK, LegoMom and I. From naked dogs to french fries lodged who know's where, Casey's always makes me smile.

::snort::....No. Comment.:rolleyes1


Flame Tree BBQ - Probably my second favorite CS in the World. The foods good but the atmosphere is better. BF is a lover of ribs and all things BBQ (though he prefers Memphis-style dry rub; I'm a Texas style BBQ gal, myself) so this should be a winner. ....

*sigh*.......:cloud9::cloud9::cloud9:.......*sigh*



Earl of Sandwich - I recently learned there is one of these in Logan Airport which, depending on the time of day and construction, is like a 15 min.-7.5 hr. commute from my office. Alas, I believe it is in one of the gate areas. I'm not going to lie, I almost think it's worth buying airfare to have lunch. Their sammies are THAT GOOD. We'll likely be doing this one OOP but it's sooooo worth it. Cannonballs, here I come!

SHUT UP!!!!!!!!......are you kidding me?!!? Well, not that I live anywhere near there anymore, but it might convince me to fly into Boston on a future trip back home!!


MGM

Ohhhh…MGM. Home of the Junky Apple. And if you don't know what that is, for shame. You might know it by it's more common name: Granny Smith Apple smothered in caramel and every chocolatey, peanut buttery, nutty topping possible. But I prefer Junky Apple. I know they sell these all over the World. I know you can even 'do it up' however you want at Goofy's. But MGM is home of the Junky Apple for Tink. And now for BF. By association. We know we can't use snack credits for these, and that's ok. BF's actually informed me that he's started a Junky Apple Fund.

Like these?!.....

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j311/LegoMom3/100_1221.jpg





A food chapter is a happy chapter, I always say. Well, no, that's the first time I've ever said that, but nonetheless.... I'm all about the Disney food. Have a great trip to TN and watch out for large stores with blue-clad happy people.

.

[TarzansKat]

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j311/LegoMom3/100_1221.jpg
.

LegoMom, have I told you lately how very very much I love you? :hug:

[Tinkerbellarella]

I promised you an update...or two...before I left on vacation tomorrow.

I know.

I KNOW.

I'm sorry.

But it's simply not going to happen. We get on the road in about 9 hours and I'm JUST finishing packing. Nothing in the last few days really went according to my timeline and, at this point, my pillow is calling my name before tomorrow's 11 hour leg of the trip.

I was able to get an update up on the Rum Runners PTR (and only because it had already been written) so feel free to check that one out. The link is in my siggie.

Other than that, I'll see you all again on the 6th! I wish you all a happy and safe 4th filled with fun, friends, family and fireworks!

Tennessee, you'd better watch out, Tinkerbellarella is ON HER WAY!

:flower3:

[trixiequilts]

Safe travels, Tink! :car:

[TarzansKat]

And TN shall never be the same. :lmao:

Have a safe trip, my dear. :hug:

[Lady Lallie]

Have a great trip!!

[All7OfUs]

I have a new must-eat snack target! THANK YOU!

Hope you're having a wonderful time in TN, Tink! Should be lovely this time of year!

[If U Had Wings]

Have a wonderful vacation!

[Pollito916]

I hope you're having a great trip!

[pooh'smate]

I hope you are having a good vacation Tink.

[AshClan]

Hmmm, it's a bite quiet over here, no? How was Tennessee?

Anyhoo....I JUST got caught up. Mainly because I'm leaving on vacation today and just don't feel like being productive. Ironic, really, because this is one of those times that I really SHOULD be productive :rolleyes:

Loved the foodie updates. Because, like ZZUB, my middle name is food. (Maybe we're related...in an opposite side of the country and opposite sides of the political spectrum kind of way...) All your choices sound great. I am not a huge fan of Whispering Canyon, either, but I still have high hopes for you and Ohana.

As far as the Earl of Sandwich in Logan. O.M.G. how did I not know this?!?!:scared1: I did some research, and it appears that it's in Terminal E. Aside from Southwest (which I've only flown on twice, both times from Manchester), all the other flights in Terminal E are international. So I think that's why I wasn't aware of the heavenly slice of sandwich happiness that is available over there. I will not make any promises, though, that I won't take a trip over there one of these days. Geesh, I drive right past the airport many an evening on my way home from work (when the Tip O'Neill tunnel is excessively trafficky). This is a good idea. Tink, if you want to give it a try, let me know! I'd be happy to meet you there some evening for a pretend Disney dinner!!;) Even though the parking would cost more than the meal.....

[TarzansKat]

Hey, folks!

Tink had planned to update today, but unfortunately, is having to limit her typing. She took a bit of a spill and may have a sprained thumb in addition to a swollen right knee.

She's doing okay, but just not up to par, and wanted me to let you know. Let's send her some pixiedust: so she feels better soon!

[pooh'smate]

pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust: Hope your thumb and knee feel better soon, Tink.

[Lady Lallie]

Feel better, Tink!!

[If U Had Wings]

Hope your doing okay Tink! Take it easy and get some rest. :goodvibes

[Tinkerbellarella]

Safe travels, Tink! :car:

And TN shall never be the same. :lmao:

Have a safe trip, my dear. :hug:

Have a great trip!!

Hope you're having a wonderful time in TN, Tink! Should be lovely this time of year!

Have a wonderful vacation!

I hope you're having a great trip!

I hope you are having a good vacation Tink.

TN was lovely and I promise a little mini-update on that trip today. ::yes::

Anyhoo....I JUST got caught up. Mainly because I'm leaving on vacation today and just don't feel like being productive. Ironic, really, because this is one of those times that I really SHOULD be productive :rolleyes:

Ah, see, I've solved this lil' conundrum. I'm uber productive the day before my last day so that I can deal with any "emergencies" and just idle about to the point of distraction as I know I'm wont to do on the last day.

Because, like ZZUB, my middle name is food. (Maybe we're related...in an opposite side of the country and opposite sides of the political spectrum kind of way...)

I think what would really seal the deal is whether or not you have an all-consuming love for cake.

I did some research, and it appears that it's in Terminal E. Aside from Southwest (which I've only flown on twice, both times from Manchester), all the other flights in Terminal E are international. So I think that's why I wasn't aware of the heavenly slice of sandwich happiness that is available over there. I will not make any promises, though, that I won't take a trip over there one of these days. Geesh, I drive right past the airport many an evening on my way home from work (when the Tip O'Neill tunnel is excessively trafficky). This is a good idea. Tink, if you want to give it a try, let me know! I'd be happy to meet you there some evening for a pretend Disney dinner!!;) Even though the parking would cost more than the meal.....

This is the best idea I've heard all week. :thumbsup2

pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust: Hope your thumb and knee feel better soon, Tink.

Feel better, Tink!!

Hope your doing okay Tink! Take it easy and get some rest. :goodvibes

Yesterday was...um...QUITE the day. More on that shortly...



Disney in 67 days!!!

:flower3:

[Lady Lallie]

Woo Hoo!! 67 days!!! :banana::banana::banana:

[Tinkerbellarella]

Woo Hoo!! 67 days!!! :banana::banana::banana:

I'm obviously not caught up on your report because...HOW IS YOUR TRIP SO SOON?!?! Did you change you dates again? LOL

[Lady Lallie]

I'm obviously not caught up on your report because...HOW IS YOUR TRIP SO SOON?!?! Did you change you dates again? LOL

Guilty as charged. Big long story but in short, was getting overwhelmed with the 5K, didn't want to do the split stay, so we changed our dates again and have a wonderful 9 nights at Riverside now. :thumbsup2

[Tinkerbellarella]

Guilty as charged. Big long story but in short, was getting overwhelmed with the 5K, didn't want to do the split stay, so we changed our dates again and have a wonderful 9 nights at Riverside now. :thumbsup2


Nice!

[Tinkerbellarella]

NOTE: The same update is being posted on both of my PTRs.

I've never been of the mind that the ONLY vacation is a Disney vacation. I enjoy every waking (and sleeping) second in the World, but I can also see the benefits of NOT spending time with the Mouse.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder and all that.

Besides, as a child I didn't have the opportunity to fall in love with the 'Disney trip ever year' mentality. Because, frankly, I went twice in the first 13 years of life. We didn't grow up with a lot of money in our house and so the two trips with my grandparents were truly treats. Instead, vacations were spent skiing in the winter (I could write a book solely about the now-hysterical family trips North) and either doing day trips or a week in the Lakes Region of NH in the summer. With a trip to Six Flags in NJ, Cedar Point in Sandusky or to Riverside in Agawam (NOSixFlags) thrown into the mix for variety.

So, whenever talk turns to vacation in the Tinkerbellarella household, I rarely think Disney when it comes to vacations that BF and I take together. And not just because he's been a proud, card-carrying member of the Anti-Disney Man Society. We simply usually end up doing lots of day trips. We've gone to see Cirque du Soleil shows. We've gone to NH. We've done Busch Gardens, Williamsburg. Last year was the Land in FL NOT belonging to the Mick. We've tried twice to go to Six Flags NJ but the first time got nixed because my car needed 4 new tires. The second time BF's car died. We're beginning to think we aren't supposed to ever go there together. Like, ever.

This year obviously became the Year of the Mouse in regards to one of our vacations, but what to do with the other 3? (BF and I have AWESOME time-off benefits. I get six weeks a year. He gets MORE THAN THAT. Jerk. Sometimes.) Our April vacation was spent dilly dallying around the house and doing day trips. It was wonderfully relaxing. And decided upon only because, well, we couldn't decide what to do. Not to mention the June/July and August vacations that were still up in the air.

We'd been tossing around, for some time, visiting BF's family in TN. If by some time you mean for two years. This year was the year it needed to happen. Yes, needed. BF's family history is fairly complex so here's the watered down, 18-minute sitcom without commercials version:

BF's father is one of 10 kiddos, some biological, some not. BF's grandfather is a self-made very wealthy person. But you'd never know it. They aren't overboard extravagant. He and his wife also have the biggest hearts I've ever seen. They'd had 6 kids of their own. When those kids were old enough, they decided they wanted to give some little boy a chance he'd never otherwise have. When they turned up at the orphanage, the nun in charge said she had the perfect little man for them, only there was a problem...he had two brothers. BF's grandmother (we call her Memere - pronounced "mem-ay" for the non-French) took one look and said, "Well then we'll just take all three of them." They then were surprised with one more daughter later in life. I could write reams of stories I've heard from BF's childhood and from his uncles' childhoods - hysterical, exciting, heartwarming, etc. For most of BF's life they lived here in SE MA. When he was in HS they bought and worked a 600 acre cattle/horse ranch in KY. Then they moved to FL and lived near Cocoa. Now they're on a 120 acre ranch in TN. And though it's been a charmed life it hasn't been without difficulty and heartache. Namely, in 2002 they lost their youngest daughter after a 4 year battle with lymphoma. She was my age. And now, BF's grandfather (Pepere - "pep-ay") is ill. This is a man who has lived more life in 82 years than some people could fit in THREE lifetimes. Knowing that his time might actually be winding down, it was simply TIME. BF hadn't seen them in 5 years.

So, we worked out the time (our June vacation: 6/27-7/5), who we'd travel with (BF's brother, SIL and their two girls) and how we'd get there (21 hours in two cars over 2 days). I won't lie. I was nervous. It would be the first time in our entire 12 years of knowing each other that I'd be spending significant time with this part of his family. And by family, I mean his grandparents and 3 of his aunts and uncles, all of the cousins (there are a lot), all of whom live in TN, and one of his uncles that was coming up to visit from FL. It was a little overwhelming.

Would they like me? Really like me? Even if I'm a self-proclaimed city princess and not the least bit a farm girl? Even if I'm a Yankee who likes Obama? Even if my idea of the perfect afternoon is being comfortably curled up with a good book and some sunshine and not racing around in the dirt on a four-wheeler?

Needless. Worrying.

This was one of the most wonderful vacations we've ever spent together. I could right a 28 chapter trip report to cover everything, but I'm not going to, so here are the highlights:

*21 hours in the car, even over 2 days, could be considered torture in some countries. BF and I considered it 21 hours of quality time with each other. And it was. Even the small hissy fit that was had by someone (if by someone you mean ME) somewhere on the NJ Turnpike because really, could they make that road any more difficult for my GPS to figure out??? We dubbed that our 10 minutes of "team building" exercises. Apparently I win the jobs of "team crier" and "team F-bomb dropper". The most beautiful part of the ride was driving through the Blue Ridge Mountains just South of Roanoke, VA, just after dawn as the mist was slowly creeping out of the valleys. Getting to eat at a Golden Corral also rocked. We heart Golden Corral. The worst part of the ride, other than the fact that I got the muscle cramp of the century on the way back, was the number of dead deer on the side of the highway. 16 on the way down. 3 on the way back. And yes, we counted, mostly because it brings me to tears.

*Bucksnort, TN. We're going to retire there. Because when I saw the exit sign, I just KNEW I was always meant to live in a town called Bucksnort.

*BF's grandparents were simply the best part of the trip for me. I can't say enough about them. They are just wonderful. I heard so many stories, learned so much about them (and myself!) and BF and not once did I feel uncomfortable. His Memere, in particular, touched my heart. We shared so many heart-to-hearts and private thoughts and laughs and tears. Ugh, I'm getting all choked up. I'm not ashamed to say that I shed tears the morning we left. I miss them like they are my own flesh and blood. And apparently they would miss us too. Memere called us 4 hours after we got in the car. And then at the end of our first driving day. And again the next day.

*BF's uncles and aunts. Any questions as to why BF is the way he is or where he gets certain tendencies from were answered in 5 short days. These are people who work hard and play hard. They love fiercely and fight loudly. Oh, and they love to tease. Believe me, I never heard the end of it when they discovered I was afraid of riding the four-wheeler. I DID do it. Once. And screamed the whole way. When BF finally pulled it to a stop in front of the house and I removed my claws from his abdomen he turned his head and said, "You do realize we never even did 30mph right?"

*The July 3rd 4th of July Celebration. Because we would be leaving at 6 a.m. on the 4th to begin our trip home, we had the 4th of July on the 3rd. Complete with lots of food (ribs, steaks, burgers, hot dogs, salad with ingredients fresh from the garden), a bonfire, karaoke, s'mores, sparklers and...FIREWORKS. They aren't legal here in MA but down there they sell them out of tents every few hundred feet on the side of the road. Almost $2K was spent on fireworks. And I'm talking the professional grade stuff. Our display (which was done safely and only by sober adults) rivaled that of anything I've ever seen outside of the World. BF and I were actually standing a good ways apart from the family, tending the bonfire, watching them go off together. Very romantical. I can honestly say at that moment in time I was completely enamored with where I was and who I am and who I was with.

*Watermelon. Sold off the back of people's pick-up trucks. For $3 for a WHOLE watermelon. I'm surprised my mouth isn't permanently stained pink. NOM!

*BF's uncle's dog Sprocket. I won't lie. I tried to smuggle him into the packed car. Part pitbull and part rat terrier, this was the most loveable, brave and intelligent dog I've ever met.

*Watching "The Hangover" with BF's uncle and cousins. As NOTHING in that move is DIS-appropriate, I won't say much. For those of you who have seen it, I can say that it was made even more hilarious when Pepere walked in at the exact moment Ken Jeong launched himself out of the trunk. Awkward!

*Sonic. Why doesn't New England have more Sonics??? I think the closest one to me is in Pembroke. Too far. :(

*Sitting on the front porch and watching the bats dive-bombing the mosquitos and beetles as twilight settled. Then watching the day really give way into the night with the arrival of the fireflies.

*Driving 45 minutes to have dinner and see a movie. Because really, that's the closest "city". And it certainly wasn't a "city" by my standards (think Providence and Boston). They considered it a city because it had more than 1 set of stoplights. It just really opened my eyes to another way of life. Time passes differently, different things are important, and movies are CHEAP! It cost us $16.50 to see a 7:00 p.m. showing of The Last Airbender. That would've cost us $22 at home! But seriously, the simplicity of life there was refreshing.

*The free puppies outside Wal-Mart. We almost brought one home. If I'd brought out the big guns (read: my big, round, pleading baby-blue "PLEASE" stare), our household would be +1 at the moment. But frankly I was scared to think of 21 hours in the car with an 8 week old pup. ::shiver:: The whole experience almost endeared me to Wal-Mart.........'s parking lot. Other than that, the two visits we had to make there were like Chinese water torture. I was more interested in trying to procure everything we needed from the local Piggly Wiggly. Seriously? They carry your groceries to your car for you. I thought BF's head was going to pop with embarrasment.

*Every single time Memere slapped BF upside the head. She does it to everyone (gently) and I began to recognize it as LOVE. LOL

*"Visiting" 11 states (though we were in the car for almost all of them). Some I'd been through many times (MA, RI, CT, NY, NJ). Some were completely new (PA, MD, WV, VA, TN, MS). And for those of you wondering, we were in MS to see the movie and have dinner. The town where BF's family live is at the very bottom of the state, 2 hours from Nashville and 2 hours from Memphis and only 45 min. from MS and AL. (ZZUB, we "Roll Tide'd" in the car just for you when we saw the sign for Alabama!)

Oh my gosh, I just realized there is SO MUCH MORE I could write, but this has already become a much bigger animal than I'd anticipated. And I still want to share with you my H-E-DoubleHockeySticks day yesterday. So, to sum up, there is NOTHING about this trip I would've changed except to have made it longer. I'm SO GLAD we went, on a million levels. And personally so grateful that BF got to have that time with his Pepere.

Now, this post was supposed to have gone up yesterday. But yesterday had other plans. And I, in retrospect, was not a fan.

I'd had a really busy week. We returned to work the day after coming home and catch-up has been crazy-busy. We had a fairly full weekend as well. As a matter of fact, today is my first day even opening the DISBoards page. I was looking forward to some semblance of normal yesterday.

Ha.

I started the day with a walk, part of my training for the 1/2 Marathon next February. And took a spill. A painful, bloody spill. There is a house on our street that is, well, not well kept. The people that own it have an asphalt driveway but, for some reason unbeknownst to me, they always have gravel spilling out of the bottom of their driveway onto the sidewalk and into the street. Big gravel, not the tiny, sandy stuff. Actual rocks. I'm always careful when I walk by there. Yesterday, though, the gravel had my number. A stone turned just so under my foot and had my flying forward and down. My phone and keys went skidding out (cracking my phone's face...grrrr), and I land first on my right hand and knee (I'm right handed) and then skidding on my left hand and knee. I've got road rash to the nth degree on my left palm, though my left knee is only lightly bruised. My right palm, the meaty part near my thumb, landed hard right onto the sharp edge of a rock. While it didn't break the skin, I also couldn't move my thumb all that much. And today my palm is a lovely shade of lavender. My right knee got pretty scraped up and a little bruised.

Not a nice way to start the day.

After BF helped me clean up, ice my hand, convince me NOT to just go back to bed, and get ready for work (he's such a lovey...mostly) I continued my day. Where I promptly missed my train by 30 seconds and had to sit in my car for a half hour waiting for the next one.

I wish that was the end of the story.

When I finally got into the city and was walking through the outside part of the train station, I was doing so very carefully as the platforms were still wet and very slippery from the weekend's rain.

Mhmm.

I know you see where this is going.

Despite all of my care, I soon found myself hurtling toward the pavement for the second time in almost as many hours. And guess where I landed?

Yes, on my right hand and knee.

I would describe the pain as....EXPLOSIVE.

Thankfully some kind people stopped and helped me limp into the station. One woman stayed with me to make sure I was ok and she even stayed and listened as I practically incoherently babbled about how I'd already fallen once that day. She offered me cab fare to get to work when she found out I was going to walk. I thanked her but declined.

I should've taken her up on that.

While limping pathetically to work, I stopped into CVS for bandages and bacitracin. At that point I was feeling so pitiful, had just fought with BF on the phone and figured what could possibly happen next?

Figures.

NEVER THINK THAT.

And no, I didn't fall.

The CVS I was at is a very small, compact store. It's in the Financial District and really just sells the essentials. All the aisles are short and cramped. It just so happens the aisle that houses the band-aids also houses the home pregnancy tests. I reached the aisle to discover a young girl, seated on the floor in front of the tests, crying hysterically and babbling away in Spanish to someone on her cell phone, boxes all over the floor in front of her.

And guess who needs to ask her to move?

Suddenly my bloody knee and swelling hand didn't seem so important.

I felt so bad as I very quietly said "Excuse me" so I could snatch up my box of "Active Wear", legal-paper-sized bandages and my bulk tube of anti-bacterial medicine.

I'm happy to report that the day went more smoothly after that and today I'm feeling much better, if still stiff and sore. And I'm ready to move forward with everything in my week. Including my PTRs. Now that I've updated you on all things non-Disney from the past two weeks or so, you should have a trip-related update in the next couple of days. I hope everyone had a fantastic 4th and is looking forward to the second half of summer. I know many of you have your own trips just passed or quickly approaching - have fun! And keep stopping in to see what's new and say hi. Lots of fun things in store....

:flower3:

[TarzansKat]

I'm so glad you had a good time meeting BF's family and...dare I say...experiencing a different culture? It's like a different way of life down there, so to me that's like a whole new culture.

Makes you realize that we really are Yankees. :lmao:

It sounds like the family were the sort of people that made you feel right at home, and I'm so glad you were able to bond with them and see BF's roots, so to speak.

And as far as what happened to you yesterday, all I have to say is, thank God it's a new day, because you needed one. :hug:

[MRYPPNS]

You've written all these wonderful things about your family and vacation but of course I have to comment on this:

I reached the aisle to discover a young girl, seated on the floor in front of the tests, crying hysterically and babbling away in Spanish to someone on her cell phone, boxes all over the floor in front of her.

Did she pee on the stick right there in that small cramped aisle??? Until you actually pee on the stick and get a result what is there to cry about???? Was she confused by the many brands? Did she not know if see would need a multi-test kit pack? Was she wondering if the CVS brand would work as well as EPT???? Did she lose her coupon?

Let's all hope she only got one pink line.

[Tinkerbellarella]

It sounds like the family were the sort of people that made you feel right at home, and I'm so glad you were able to bond with them and see BF's roots, so to speak.

From Day 1 to Day 5, I was made to feel 100% part of the family. It was an amazing experience we hope to repeat soon. Sans the 42 hours in the car.

And as far as what happened to you yesterday, all I have to say is, thank God it's a new day, because you needed one. :hug:

DUDE, right?!

You've written all these wonderful things about your family and vacation but of course I have to comment on this:



Did she pee on the stick right there in that small cramped aisle??? Until you actually pee on the stick and get a result what is there to cry about???? Was she confused by the many brands? Did she not know if see would need a multi-test kit pack? Was she wondering if the CVS brand would work as well as EPT???? Did she lose her coupon?

Let's all hope she only got one pink line.

From what I could understand (my knowledge of Spanish slang, particularly when hysterically babbled is limited) she already kind of knew but needed to KNOW.

I'm hoping for the one pink line for her too.

[jenjolt]

First of all I'm so glad you had a great vacation meeting up with BF's family!!! Sounds like a lot of fun was had by all!!!!!

OOOH and I love Sonic!! So YUMMY!!!!!!

WOW, I'm so sorry about the day you had...when it rains it pours doesn't it! I hope your hand and knee are healing up okay!!

[Pollito916]

Sounds like you had a great vacation with BF's family! The south really is a different world, so much more relaxed than we yanks are used to!

Sorry about the accidents when you got back - I can't believe you fell on the exact same spot again! I hope you are feeling better soon!

[If U Had Wings]

Rumor has it we are getting a Sonic here in my hometown, they are converting a Krispy Kreme. I can't tell you how excited I am. I'm sick of seeing the commercials on tv for them, where there are absolutely none around. Always seems like such a waste of money that they advertise where no one can possibly eat your food.

[Pollito916]

Rumor has it we are getting a Sonic here in my hometown, they are converting a Krispy Kreme. I can't tell you how excited I am. I'm sick of seeing the commercials on tv for them, where there are absolutely none around. Always seems like such a waste of money that they advertise where no one can possibly eat your food.

That used to make me so mad when I lived in Chicago too - they advertised there, but the nearest Sonic was about 3 hours away! :mad: Now there's one about 5 minutes from my house but I almost never go there. :confused3 I think we went too often when we first moved here and are tired of it.

[AshClan]

Your trip to TN sounds heavenly! It can't be underestimated how great it is to bond with your BFs family. Even better, to find out that you really love them as much as he does!!

So sorry about the falls. What a nightmare! You deserve many kudos for NOT going back to bed. I would've totally ditched work, especially after the second fall. Although I no longer work in the Financial District, I used to, and can picture the CVS of which you speak!;)

Hope you're healing up nicely.

[Tinkerbellarella]

The Red Queen: "What happened to your clothes?"
Alice Kingsley: "I outgrew them. I've been growing an awful lot lately. I tower over everyone in Umbridge. They laugh at me. So, I've come to you hoping you might understand what it's like."
The Red Queen: "My dear girl, anyone with a head that large is welcome in my court. Someone find her some clothes, use the curtains if you must, but clothe this enormous girl."

Hi.

Ok. Before you say anything.

I KNOW.

I KNOW!

No, really, I know.

I've been slacking. But for mostly good reasons. Business has been, frankly, crazy at work (which is always better than the alternative) and, in the last week, some things have come up that would've resulted in a REALLY BIG CHANGE for this trip.

Namely, I'd have needed to find another travelling partner.

NO, I didn't give BF the boot for his anti-Disney stance, the fact that he seems to forget where the trash can is and leaves his wrappers everywhere (including the counter directly across from said trash can), or that he pre-washed the strawberries I bought, which shortens their lifespan in our fridge. I love him despite all of those things. Without getting into too much detail, and because I'm ridiculously superstitious, the long and short of it is that he may have an opportunity to take a job that is his childhood dream and the mandatory training was possibly going to fall during our trip. Thankfully, we found out yesterday that the training would start the Monday after our Saturday return, so it no longer would be an issue.

What would be an issue is that we may have to move. Again. And with VERY short notice. SIGH.

We're still in the interviewing stage, though, so all of this is still up in the air. Please keep your fingers crossed. This would be HUGE for BF.

So, I didn't really want to write anything if there were going to be drastic changes. Now that disaster's been avoided, I owe you an update...or seventeen.

Because...

THERE ARE ONLY 56 DAYS UNTIL DISNEY!!!

:banana:

:moped:
(That's for you, Z. I wish there was a nanner riding a moped, rather than a floating head, but it is what it is, as BF says.)

So, here are some details on what's going on with regards to the planning/prep for the trip:

-Today I called Disney Travel and paid off the rest of the trip (my bank account is still gagging). Yay! I also slightly changed our notes and requests on the reservation. I removed that it's BF's first trip. The original CM put it on there when I made the reservation and it's not exactly true. Plus, I don't think he's going to be willing to wear the button. So, if anything, I think we'll pick up 'We're Celebrating' buttons instead when we get to the resort, if he's amenable. I also asked them to put the request for a King bed first, then the room in the 70's building. Frankly, we recently had to share a double. We still love each other, but it wasn't pretty. I suggested counseling.

-Also, today, I purchased our MNSSHP tickets. We'll be attending the party on Thursday, September 23rd. I think we're still doing costumes. That's something we need to discuss as the planning and construction of said costumes have fallen by the wayside as of late and I'm not sure we've got enough time for his mom to make the part we'd need her to make and TK and her hubby were going to help us with another piece and, as they're now a clan of four (YAY!!!!), I don't want to trouble them. If we ARE still going to do costumes, I'll update on that in the near future.

-This weekend I'll be cashing in our very large bucket o' change at the bank. We'll be using this money for tips, drinks and any other OOP dining. Likely including BF's 72.6 junky apples. We're hoping for about $200.

-I've discussed it with BF and, while I'll still try everyday to score an 'Ohana ressie, we'll be showing up at the podium just before 4 p.m. on the desired day to see if they'll squeeze us in. And, if not, we'll be hopping on a couple of boats back over to the MK and onto WL to keep our WCC ressies. And we'll be happy with whatever happens. Both will be new dining experiences and, frankly, each has an equal chance to, well, suck or be fantastic. ;)

-We've also made peace with using Magical Express. :)

-The mental packing list has begun. With any luck I'll be able to start a physical packing list too so I don't start forgetting things. How we're having water delivered, etc. is still a little up in the air but, eh. We aren't worried.

-We are keeping our Tutto Italia ressie and not switching over to Via Napoli, as it seems some people are doing. While the menu looks yummy, we're more pasta people and less pizza people and for the prices and the experience, we'd rather be at Tutto. I've seen some pictures of the construction of the new restaurant space. Did they really remove the fountain in the back of the plaza?! I'd be so sad. And what's the deal with TWO TS's in Italy? I haven't been up on the gossip. Is demand really that high?

Finally, I want to start giving you details regarding what we're actually going to DO each day. The plans we've set up are loose, but not too mutable. Based on the dining ressies we've made and the fact that we haven't ordered Hoppers, we're going to try to stick to the plan. If necessity dictates it, we'll updgrade to Hoppers while we're there but we don't want to spend unnecessary $$. Not having them saves us about $100.

Day One

Day One is the last day's polar opposite. It's the one day that you don't mind getting up before the crack of dawn. There's no envelope of doom. You have your first Disney sleep and a whole vacation ahead of you. Day One is, arguably, the BEST day.

Day One for us is Sunday, September 19th. Our flight out of PVD is non-stop and scheduled to take off at 7:00 a.m. I hope I'm not jinxing myself but this flight typically has a 100% on-time rate. In fact, it's usually early. We're flying Southwest, so I'm hoping for the singing flight attendants. I've had them, hmm, twice now, I think.

We're due into MCO at 9:55 a.m. So, after a quick jaunt on the non-monorail monorail and navigating the wonders of ME, I'm hoping we're at the resort by 11:30 a.m. Here's where things get a little hazy - if the room's ready, we'll check in, unpack and likely grab something at POP before heading out for the day. If the room's not ready, we'll check the baggage and head out immediately.

Day One Destination?

MGM (NODHS)

This is the one park that was really throwing a wrench into our plans. If possible I'd really like BF to see Fantasmic! But it was only being offered one other night during our stay - the night we're attending MNSSHP. Blech. So, a visit had to be scheduled, at least in part, for our arrival day. We don't have any TS ADRs, so I'm thinking we'll pick something up in the park if we haven't eaten at POP and then, later, enjoy a junky apple while hopefully watching Fantasmic! After counting down the minutes. On those hard bleacher sets. And doing the wave. Upteen times. Oy.

Since we won't be there for rope drop, I know we won't be able to score FPs for TSM. At some point we'll check out the stand-by line for sure, but I'm not making this one a priority for the day. I think I'd like to try to work in Lights, Motor, Action! (never seen it), the Great(ly needs to be updated) Movie Ride, and the Muppets. We'll probably stroll by Star Tours too and laugh and wave at it (while our bellies say a silent prayer of thanks to not be experiencing it). Perhaps we'll try to hit up TOT and RnR Coaster too, if time permits. But we're really not married to anything except Fantasmic! And given Florida weather, we could very well be divorced from that idea. (Anyone know a good lawyer?)

We'll be heading back (with the masses) to POP after that as the park closes with Fantasmic! If we've got it in us, we'll unpack when we get back to the room, otherwise we'll save it for the morning.

Stay tuned for Day Two!

I'm just curious if anyone else is down there while we are. Chime in if you are!

:flower3:

[jenjolt]

Great update!!!

I will be saying a prayer that it will all work out concerning BF and the new job and the move!!!!!

Enjoyed reading about your day 1 plans! I haven't seen Fantasmic in so long, next trip it is definitely a must do for me!!! Can't wait to hear about Day 2.

[AshClan]

Wow, good luck on the job for the BF! When you say move, does that mean, like out of MA, or just to a different place closer to work? Just curious. Because if you're moving to a different state, we might have to move up the timetable on that Earl of Sandwich meal at Logan ;)

So far your plan sounds good! I am with ya on the King bed. It's a must for us too. Well, a queen would be manageable but a double? No way!

I am thinking you might want to try to eat lunch at Pop, as the CS options in MGM (NODHS) are pretty awful. But of course, you know that. Am I correct in assuming that you are planning to have only the junky apples for dinner?! :eek: If so, you are a better park touring commando than I. This mama don't skip meals!

DH and I will be down there a little less than a month after you. Please don't trash the place. (We are staying at BWV, though, so you are welcome to trash Pop. If you are so inclined.;))

Prayers and pixie dust on the career developments. Look forward to hearing the rest of your plan!

[LegoMom3]

I am officially living vicariously through you. I want to go back to Disney....NOW!

Or, 56 days is good, too.;)

I hope you get the singing flight attendants too.....Awesome. LOVE Southwest.

Double beds were NOT made for two people. I don't care who you are, it does. not. work.

I think it's very sucky that they've cut way back on the Fantasmic! showings. We didn't see it on our last family trip due to it being rained out on the one night it was being shown, and I didn't see it on my solo because it wasn't being offered during my solo!......Nuts. Watch it for me, will ya?:upsidedow


Awaiting "Day 2!"popcorn::

.

[Lady Lallie]

I love your updates. They make me smile.

Good luck to BF on the job. I'll have my fingers crossed for him. So where would you be moving? I'm very curious.

Double beds just don't work. That being said, I'm looking forward to my own bed during Disney. :rotfl2: We have one of those gigantic California King size beds and with Marc working nights...well I'm used to being alone. :lmao:

I really really dislike how few Fantasmics they offer now, it's so hard to fit into your plans!

[Tinkerbellarella]

I will be saying a prayer that it will all work out concerning BF and the new job and the move!!!!!

Thanks much! :goodvibes

Wow, good luck on the job for the BF! When you say move, does that mean, like out of MA, or just to a different place closer to work?

Actually, it's only a few miles from where we are now. Not a big move, just obnoxious. We moved OUT of that city because, it, well...it's seen better days. But the job he's hoping for has a residency requirement for the first year and then we can move out of the city as long as we're within 15 mi.

Because if you're moving to a different state, we might have to move up the timetable on that Earl of Sandwich meal at Logan ;)

We MUST do this. MUST. Maybe before my trip??

I am with ya on the King bed. It's a must for us too. Well, a queen would be manageable but a double? No way!

We have a Queen at home and manage well (unless we're also playing host to BOTH kittehs) but the double...::SHIVER:: Sure, maybe if we were both 4'7" and 90 lbs.

Am I correct in assuming that you are planning to have only the junky apples for dinner?!

::yes::

DH and I will be down there a little less than a month after you. Please don't trash the place.

Scout's honor.

Not that I've ever been a scout. ;)

I think it's very sucky that they've cut way back on the Fantasmic! showings. We didn't see it on our last family trip due to it being rained out on the one night it was being shown, and I didn't see it on my solo because it wasn't being offered during my solo!......Nuts. Watch it for me, will ya?:upsidedow

I'll do my best. I'm really trying to work on the "it's ok if he doesn't get to see everything" mentality. Because I don't want to burn him out (...or see the "commando" side of me. AHEM!) or focus on the negatives but darn it! What's with the 2 shows a week?!

Good luck to BF on the job. I'll have my fingers crossed for him. So where would you be moving? I'm very curious.

About 5 miles from where we are now. Just so that we're following the letter of the law. And it would only be for about a year/18 mos. Just far enough and just short enough of a time to be utterly obnoxious. But I'd do anything necessary for him to get this job!

We have one of those gigantic California King size beds and with Marc working nights...well I'm used to being alone. :lmao:

A California King! Whooowee! Color me envious! Though...I'm sure I could still find a way to hog it. LOL

Hoping to post Day 2 at some point today!

[If U Had Wings]

Without getting into too much detail, and because I'm ridiculously superstitious, the long and short of it is that he may have an opportunity to take a job that is his childhood dream and the mandatory training was possibly going to fall during our trip. Thankfully, we found out yesterday that the training would start the Monday after our Saturday return, so it no longer would be an issue.

What would be an issue is that we may have to move. Again. And with VERY short notice. SIGH.

We're still in the interviewing stage, though, so all of this is still up in the air. Please keep your fingers crossed. This would be HUGE for BF.

I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for him, even though I feel for you with the moving. I despise moving, and whenever I have to do it (or help someone else move) it rains. Always. Without fail. Needless to say people don't ask for my help all that often any more.

THERE ARE ONLY 56 DAYS UNTIL DISNEY!!!

party:

Today I called Disney Travel and paid off the rest of the trip (my bank account is still gagging).

Woo Hoo! :woohoo:


-Also, today, I purchased our MNSSHP tickets. We'll be attending the party on Thursday, September 23rd. I think we're still doing costumes. That's something we need to discuss as the planning and construction of said costumes have fallen by the wayside as of late and I'm not sure we've got enough time for his mom to make the part we'd need her to make and TK and her hubby were going to help us with another piece and, as they're now a clan of four (YAY!!!!), I don't want to trouble them. If we ARE still going to do costumes, I'll update on that in the near future.

I finally got around to buying mine too last night. I can't wait to hear what your thinking of going as.

We've also made peace with using Magical Express. :)

Tink, which car service did you use on your last trip? After much debate I've decieded to go with car service instead of a cab or shuttle to get from the Beach Club to the Hard Rock on my trip. I remember that you had liked yours, I just couldn't remember who you used.

We are keeping our Tutto Italia ressie and not switching over to Via Napoli, as it seems some people are doing. While the menu looks yummy, we're more pasta people and less pizza people and for the prices and the experience, we'd rather be at Tutto. I've seen some pictures of the construction of the new restaurant space. Did they really remove the fountain in the back of the plaza?! I'd be so sad. And what's the deal with TWO TS's in Italy? I haven't been up on the gossip. Is demand really that high?

I don't blame you on this one. Definitely pasta over pizza. Is Tutto really 2 TS now? I haven't been there since it was Alfredos, but that seems kind of crazy.

This is the one park that was really throwing a wrench into our plans. If possible I'd really like BF to see Fantasmic! But it was only being offered one other night during our stay - the night we're attending MNSSHP. Blech. So, a visit had to be scheduled, at least in part, for our arrival day. We don't have any TS ADRs, so I'm thinking we'll pick something up in the park if we haven't eaten at POP and then, later, enjoy a junky apple while hopefully watching Fantasmic! After counting down the minutes. On those hard bleacher sets. And doing the wave. Upteen times. Oy.

I'm having the same problem on my trip. The only day for Fantasmic is the day of our MNSSHP tickets. :headache: I hate that we are going to have to miss it again this trip. Last December we skipped it to see the Osborne lights instead. I understand why they've cut back, but think they could offer it a bit more often.

You can pick yourself up a light up Tink on your way in to Fantasmic too. :tinker: That's where I found mine. A little booth right on the right hand side as you enter.

We'll probably stroll by Star Tours too and laugh and wave at it (while our bellies say a silent prayer of thanks to not be experiencing it).

I think it may be closed for refurbishment anyways then.

It sounds like a great easy day to ease your way into Disney.

[Tinkerbellarella]

I despise moving, and whenever I have to do it (or help someone else move) it rains. Always. Without fail. Needless to say people don't ask for my help all that often any more.

The last move we made (ahem, I should say BF and family and friends made) was while I was on my Sept. 2008 trip DURING. A. HURRICANE.

Tink, which car service did you use on your last trip? After much debate I've decieded to go with car service instead of a cab or shuttle to get from the Beach Club to the Hard Rock on my trip. I remember that you had liked yours, I just couldn't remember who you used.

When I went in 08 I used Tiffany Towncar and was very happy with it. They are priced in the same range as most other services in the area. TK and I used a different service for May and she could give you details on that. That was more personal service and was also excellent and reasonably priced.

Is Tutto really 2 TS now? I haven't been there since it was Alfredos, but that seems kind of crazy.

Sorry, I meant that Italy has TWO table service restaurants, not that Tutto is 2 credits.

You can pick yourself up a light up Tink on your way in to Fantasmic too. :tinker: That's where I found mine. A little booth right on the right hand side as you enter.

:thumbsup2

[Tinkerbellarella]

"I've been considering words that start with the letter M." ~ The Mad Hatter

Do you ever get that? You start talking about the World and people think that the Magic Kingdom IS Walt Disney World. Like, in its entirety?

I don't know why but it bugs the carp out of me when I hear that.

I want to take them by the shoulders and shake them violently while yelling, "NO! It's so much MORE than that! Don't you understand?!?!"

Thankfully, I've not yet been brought up on any charges of assault.

BF is guilty of being one of those people. I'm slowly training him in the way of the Mouse. In all things Disney. He knows there are separate parks that make up the whole of the World and yet, sometimes, when he's talking about WDW I can tell he only means MK.

Sigh.

Baby steps.

So, ready for Day Two?

I am. ::yes::

Day Two

BF and I are early risers by nature. Our alarm goes off at 5 a.m. seven days a week (I work M-F and he works T-Sa, and we're just afraid if we turn it off on Sundays one of us will forget to turn it back on for Monday!). While I don't foresee any alarm clocks or wake-up calls on this trip, I don't imagine there will be too much sleeping in. I want to get a couple of morning coffee walks in. BF will likely want to see the news...and Sportscenter. :rolleyes:

Ok. Maybe me too. PATS pre-season will have started by then. ;)

We'll unpack if we were too tired to do so the night before and then...oh then...sigh... then we're going to breakfast.

And just where else would Tink go for her first Disney breakfast after the heavenly discovery of the Sept. 2008 trip?

I mean, BF simply MUST be assimilated.

To. Tonga. Toast.

We actually will be paying OOP for this meal and it wasn't even part of the original plan. It was added late and at BFs suggestion. He was asking me if we were going to the place with that "banana thing you won't shut up about". (I love him. I really do. And he loves me. But apparently he thinks I love TT more.) I said no and after some debate, it was added.

BUT.

I'm thinking of straying. From the toast. Those macadamia nut pancakes are just begging me to cheat. On the toast. And besides, I could always steal bites of BF's right?

Right?

Wrong.

You should see this man eat. I'll be lucky if I'm able to poke a finger in his plate to get a swipe at the crumbs.

We have an 8:45 a.m. ADR. I think between the lightning fast speed of the kitchen and servers here and our own leisurely dining pace, we'll be heading into the MK about an hour or so later.

The MK is my "big" park. When I travel solo, or with friends, I try to devote a day here in the beginning and at the end of a trip. However, this is the park with the hardest memories for BF so we'll see how we do. While it is on tap for the first day, there is a secondary visit later in the week during MNSSHP.

I won't lie. I want him to see EVERYTHING here. I know that's not possible. At least not in one day. I know that with only two people, namely two adults, you get A LOT more in but alas, I know we won't hit it all.

In a perfect world, at some point, we'll do the following:

POTC (KittyKat, you know you'll be in my heart here...I'm hoping BF can find a way to smuggle an audioanimatronic Johnny into the boat.)
Jungle Cruise
Splash Mtn.
Big Thunder
Haunted Mansion
Hall of Presidents (this wouldn't normally make the Must Do list but I haven't seen it since Obama was added.)
IASW (This, unfortunately, could get cut. But I'm hoping to be able to torture, er, enamor BF with this.)
Philharmagic
Space Mtn.
Buzz
Stitch (I KNOW. Most people think this attraction blows. It's NOT great. But we love us some Stitch.)
The Laugh Floor

There are two things that get special mention that WILL be done.
No. Matter. What.

1. A ride on the WDWRR.
2. Multiple rides on the PeopleMover (NOTTA)

In honor of Grams. :goodvibes

I'm also hoping to squeeze in a Dole Whip Float and a cream cheese pretzel.

Or six.

::yes::

If we're hankering for lunch and the snacks don't have us covered, I imagine we'll dip into either Pecos Bill's or Cosmic Ray's. Our current dinner ADRs are for WCC.

Because apparently, in order to get into 'Ohana, you have to be willing to sell your first born. And since we're not planning on having kids and they won't let me barter the kittehs, leaves me carp out of luck.

However, we're planning on leaving the park a bit before 4 and showing up at the podium to see if they can squeeze us in. If you have any interest in watching Tink beg, do the "plink-plink" thing with her eyelashes (for male hosts only) or try to use a Missing Impossible/James Bond-type maneuver to secure a table, you now know when and where to be.

If we're unsuccessful, we'll boat it on over to the WL for our 5 p.m. WCC ressie.

After dinner we'll head back to the MK to finish up anything we can on our list and so that BF can see Spectro and watch me turn into a sobbing mess during Wishes.

I'm a little faklempt just thinking about it.

Oh! A question.

BF's favorite food group is DESSERT. I've tossed around the idea of doing the Wishes Dessert Party. Has anyone done that? What are your thoughts? Do they do it rain or shine? Is it on the Tomorrowland Noodle Patio (for some reason I keep calling it that)? I've seen Wishes from there a few times and like the location, so that's not much of a concern. Would you say it's worth it?

Any info. is greatly appreciated.

We'll head back to the room after that, along with all 39,548.6 people that stayed for Wishes. We may bring mountaineering equipment to scale the bus and secure ourselves to the top. Depends on if there's room in our bags. With all my shoes.

UP NEXT: Day Three. I packed my lemon tights. :)

:flower3:

[pooh'smate]

I have heard the dessert party is good. I think Heidi went to one. I want to book one for our last night when we go on our trip. I think it would be the perfect end to our vacation. One of the ptr's I am following her family is there now and they are doing one. She said she would take lots of pictures for me.

[Lady Lallie]

I fear that you will not be able to torture BF with IASW. I think they are closed for refurbishment for the entire month of September. But maybe I'm mistaken and it's open for your trip.

I get a big kick out of the PLINK PLINK. :lmao: I have no shame, I plan on doing that with any male or female Le Cellier CM to get a table. :rotfl2:

[jenjolt]

I have been to the Wishes Dessert party and I really really enjoyed it!! Most parties of two get seats right in front with a great castle view!! Oh and the food, the desserts were so good!! I would very happily do it again!!!!!

You PLINK PLINK away girl!! Sending lots of pixie dust that you'll be able to get into Ohana's

[WDWRocksMySocks]

I'm doing some catch-up. Love your PTR...despite the fact that you guys are big Pats fans (GO COLTS!!!). ;)

First off, I admire your patience. Waiting 12 years to take him to WDW...it must be true love. :laughing: I can't even imagine how hard your jaw must've dropped and the happy dance that must've followed him suggesting a trip. So cool!

I'm with you...it's official when you book the airfare! I love that feeling after you click the submit payment button. :lovestruc I'm jealous you were able to find the first flight there/evening flight back. I never have that luck. Boo!

Your cats are so cute! I'm definitely a cat person, even though I completely neglected them on my PTR. Whoops.

Mmm...love all the food options. Although, I had to wipe the drool off my keyboard thanks to you. I see you didn't list an CS option for DHS. I like Toy Story Pizza Planet, but your idea of eating 17 pretzels sounds pretty good, too.

Glad to hear you recovered from your spill. Your CVS experience sounds...wow! Poor girl.

You HAVE to dress up for MNSSHP. It's such a blast! Plus, you get to trick or treat in the MK. Love! My sister and I did it in 2008 and it was so fun.

[Tinkerbellarella]

I have heard the dessert party is good. I think Heidi went to one. I want to book one for our last night when we go on our trip. I think it would be the perfect end to our vacation. One of the ptr's I am following her family is there now and they are doing one. She said she would take lots of pictures for me.

I'm leaning more and more towards it. I have to take a look at my finances and see if it's in the cards...or dollars, as it were. Maybe I can make it an early birthday present for the man.

BF: "Honey, what did you get me for my birthday?"
ME: "Carbs."

I fear that you will not be able to torture BF with IASW. I think they are closed for refurbishment for the entire month of September. But maybe I'm mistaken and it's open for your trip.

You're right. I just saw an updated rehab schedule.

Curses!

Oh well, there's always El Rio de Tiempo (NOGranFiestaTour)

I get a big kick out of the PLINK PLINK. :lmao: I have no shame, I plan on doing that with any male or female Le Cellier CM to get a table. :rotfl2:

What are you planning on having there?

I have been to the Wishes Dessert party and I really really enjoyed it!! Most parties of two get seats right in front with a great castle view!! Oh and the food, the desserts were so good!! I would very happily do it again!!!!!

Good to know! This is sounding more and more like a reality. I may need to discuss with BF. It'll be nice to not have to jostle for a spot too.

I'm doing some catch-up. Love your PTR...despite the fact that you guys are big Pats fans (GO COLTS!!!). ;)

Oh NO! A MANNING FAN!

Sorry.

We can't be friends.


KIDDING.

But honestly, Peyton Manning is my least favorite thing about football. I call him Peyton the Pouter. Eli is my second least favorite thing. I often say he needs a Prozac patch. Whenever the Pats are playing a Manning its an....experience in the Tinkerbellarella household. Usually rated R for Language. LOL!

But really. Welcome. :goodvibes

I'm jealous you were able to find the first flight there/evening flight back. I never have that luck. Boo!

I'm willing to pay more for those flights. I like to maximize my Disney time.

Your cats are so cute!

Thanks. I'd pass that on but their heads are already to big to pass through the doorway. ;)

You HAVE to dress up for MNSSHP. It's such a blast! Plus, you get to trick or treat in the MK. Love! My sister and I did it in 2008 and it was so fun.

I'm hoping this is still in the cards. We'll see...

[If U Had Wings]

BF and I are early risers by nature. Our alarm goes off at 5 a.m. seven days a week (I work M-F and he works T-Sa, and we're just afraid if we turn it off on Sundays one of us will forget to turn it back on for Monday!). While I don't foresee any alarm clocks or wake-up calls on this trip, I don't imagine there will be too much sleeping in. I want to get a couple of morning coffee walks in. BF will likely want to see the news...and Sportscenter. :rolleyes:

Can I just say how jealous I am that you don't need to set an alarm to get up that early? I need to set at least 3, and even that is not guaranteed to get me up. I'm the queen of turning off the alarm in my sleep.


I mean, BF simply MUST be assimilated.

To. Tonga. Toast.

We actually will be paying OOP for this meal and it wasn't even part of the original plan. It was added late and at BFs suggestion. He was asking me if we were going to the place with that "banana thing you won't shut up about". (I love him. I really do. And he loves me. But apparently he thinks I love TT more.) I said no and after some debate, it was added.

BUT.

I'm thinking of straying. From the toast. Those macadamia nut pancakes are just begging me to cheat. On the toast. And besides, I could always steal bites of BF's right?

Right?

Wrong.

You should see this man eat. I'll be lucky if I'm able to poke a finger in his plate to get a swipe at the crumbs.

You are doing such a great job of training him. Without even having to ask, he's looking for Tonga Toast on his Disney trip. Good job! ;)

I'm jealous your getting to go for some. The only day a breakfast at Kona would have worked for me was the morning of the half. Much as I love Tonga Toast I didn't think deep friend, stuffed french toast was the best race day breakfast choice. :rotfl:

I won't lie. I want him to see EVERYTHING here. I know that's not possible. At least not in one day. I know that with only two people, namely two adults, you get A LOT more in but alas, I know we won't hit it all.

I'd recomend hitting whatever you want to see in Fantasyland first. It's never my first choice for sections at the MK, but I always find it most beneficial to go to before the park gets too crazy. When I've gone with my BFF we've been able to see nearly everything in Fantasyland in about an hour. I think the two of you will be able to see all the best stuff in one day.

Stitch (I KNOW. Most people think this attraction blows. It's NOT great. But we love us some Stitch.)

You are a much stronger person than me. I rode that ride once since it was Alien Encounter, and that was once too many. I've never actually seen Lilo and Stitch, but that attraction makes me avoid it at all costs.


There are two things that get special mention that WILL be done.
No. Matter. What.

1. A ride on the WDWRR.
2. Multiple rides on the PeopleMover (NOTTA)

Both musts for me as well!


I'm also hoping to squeeze in a Dole Whip Float and a cream cheese pretzel.

Or six.

::yes::

But of course!

If we're hankering for lunch and the snacks don't have us covered, I imagine we'll dip into either Pecos Bill's or Cosmic Ray's. Our current dinner ADRs are for WCC.

Mmmmm the fixin bar at Pecos Bills. I just love the mushrooms!

[WDWRocksMySocks]

Ha! Your household sounds just like ours (and every other Colts fan) when the Colts play the Pats. Ah, such a sweet rivalry. Nothing beats that 2006 AFC championship game! That's okay, we can still be friends in spite of our football differences (ala Romeo and Juliet or West Side Story). :rotfl:

Do you guys have costume ideas? Did you post about that and I missed it?

[Tinkerbellarella]

Can I just say how jealous I am that you don't need to set an alarm to get up that early?

And can I just say how jealous I am that you "know how to" sleep late? Ahh, to sleep past 7 a.m. on occasion.

You are doing such a great job of training him. Without even having to ask, he's looking for Tonga Toast on his Disney trip. Good job! ;)

I'll pat him on the head when I get home. LOL!

Much as I love Tonga Toast I didn't think deep friend, stuffed french toast was the best race day breakfast choice. :rotfl:

So I should CANCEL that plan for Feb? LOL
You don't have to go to Kona for it. You could drop by Capt. Cook's too. It'll be sans berry compote which, for moi, MAKES this dish, but it would still be an experience.

I've never actually seen Lilo and Stitch, but that attraction makes me avoid it at all costs.

The attraction has little, if anything, to do with the movie. The moving is frickin' adorable and is one of the few Disney movies BF adores. Please, please watch it! For TINK!

Do you guys have costume ideas? Did you post about that and I missed it?

We know what we want to do, we just don't know how feasible it will be. And no, I haven't shared those plans yet. Hopefully soon.

[Tinkerbellarella]

NOT an update but...

DISNEY is...

52 sleeps,
31 working days (we have a week's vacation and a holiday in there),
7 Mondays,
3 nail appointments,
1 pair of Crocs,
and
a partridge in a pear tree

away!

This makes me want to write another update.
The THIRD of the week!
Hmmm, says I.

What sayeth you?

[pooh'smate]

I sayeth a big yes. :thumbsup2

I have 123 days.
I have 16 Mondays I believe.
Today is the first day my ticker says 3 months.

[Tinkerbellarella]

Lady Ascot: "Do you know what I fear most?"
Alice Kingsley: "The decline of the aristocracy?"
Lady Ascot: "Ugly grandchildren."

As I mentioned yesteday (YESTERDAY! THREE UPDATES! ONE WEEK! It's Christmas in July on my PTR!...Or maybe more like Hannukah since you've been getting a present a day...)...

Wow.

Sidetrack #1 one sentence in.

And blatent overuse of elipses.

SORRY. Back to the program...

As I mentioned yesterday, I normally like to schedule TWO full MK days on my trips if humanly possible. Similarly, as Epicot is just barely my second favorite park (there are days it really pushes the envelope to be in the Number One spot), I like to have at least a day and a half scheduled there. It's pretty much a score on both fronts on this trip. We've got a full day, plus MNSSHP for the MK and a day and 3/4 at Epicot.

Tuesday, September 21st is our 3/4 day.

Since the night before will hopefully not be a terribly late one, the goal will be to be up relatively early and hit Everything POP for breakfast before the rush. I've had breakfast here before but I think the last time was in...2004? I'm not expecting anything phenomenal (i.e. Tonga Toast) just something to get us by. BF isn't a fan of cooked eggs, so I imagine it will be a Mickey waffle for him, or French Toast if it's on the menu.

And bacon. Definitely the bacon. The man cannot have enough bacon. Bacon on his bacon.

My goal is to arrive at the park at or just after Rope Drop. From there, along with the masses, we'll probably head over to Soarin'. I'm not obsessed with this attraction the way some people are (more on my personal Epicot obsession later), but I do believe it's earned its 'Not To Be Missed' status. Depending on the craziness over there, we'll likely get FPs, ride stand-by, or both. If the park doesn't "feel" too busy, we'll be doing Living with the Land while we're in the neighborhood. Because Tink loves her some LwtL.

A nine pound lemon. That's a lot of lemonade.

We'll likely head right across Innoventions Plaza towards the other two Future World magnets just after that. BF informed me the other day that he wants to try a lot of things. Including Mission:Space. Here's a little tidbit of info about BF and I. It's pretty important. When simulator rides are involved.

BF & TINK + Simulator Rides = Pale faces, a lot of mouth-breathing and a scramble for the bathrooms

Case in point, on our US/IOA/SW trip last April we got brave (if by brave you mean stupid) and decided we were all about the Simpson's ride. I kid you not when I say less than 10 seconds in I heard BF's sharp intake of breath followed by, "Oh NO. OH NONONO! (insertveryquietlywhisperedexpletiveHERE)."

(There were no small kids in our car. We're careful with our sailor/trucker language.)

I knew what he meant. And closed my eyes. We both did. To ride it out. I prayed the entire duration of that ride. I peeked once. Redoubled my prayer efforts. It was THAT. BAD.

When we got off the ride, BF looked at me. I looked back. We stumbled about 6 feet. Looked at each other again. Debated laying down on the asphalt. I searched the horizon for a Canadian bathroom even. I'm happy to report no restrooms were defiled that day. But, it did just about destroy our afternoon.

Now, I know MS isn't a simulator a la the Simpsons or Star Tours or the oft-missed Body Wars. In fact, I've successfully ridden it. Twice. Once before there was the "REAL" side vs. the "SISSY" side. And a second time. On the SISSY side. Because, frankly, Tinkerbellarella is a closet sissy. Sometimes. The second time was a tad iffy. I felt ok after, but not quite right.

Despite all of this info., though, BF remains adamant. I think it's the fact that actual astronauts have given this ride a thumb's up that's gotten his fire going. It must be an ego thing. Or a man thing. Or both. All wrapped up in the Y chromosome. But I'm no fool. I may ride but WILL be dosing the man (and maybe myself) Bonine or Dramamine just in case.

Let's just hope and pray and make non-animal sacrifices that neither BF or I end up shouting at any FW bathrooms.

Test Track is a definite and yes, I'm actually admitting this out loud, so is The Universe of Energy. For the following reasons:

1. I heart Ellen. I know if she met me she'd be my best friend. And she would so invite me on her show to dance with her.
2. The dinos. Seriously, they're cool. Even if in the last refurb the paint they used makes it look more like they have neon tattoos rather than "real" dino markings.
3. I love musing on how particularly HORRIBLE the audioanimatronic figure of Ellen is.
4. The dark part with the radio tower where it's airing the different radio programs...I have always and will always get about 45 seconds of shut-eye in that dark, cool, cavernous space.
5. It's a traveling theatre. That's just cool, dude.

In some particular order we'll fill in the gaps with The Living Seas (I love you Nemo but NONemoAndFriends...give me the original ride, the original movie spiel ('...BOOM! the deluge...") and the hydrolators any day) and my two other MUST DO's.

#1 - Captain EO (if it hasn't gone the way of the dodo...again).

This is like a gift. The last time I saw EO I was with my grandmother. I love Michael and it's Disney and all that but it's really more like a treat of refreshed memories for me.

#2 - My Future World Obsession

SPACESHIP EARTH

I could go on and on and on and on and on about all of the things that were so inherently "Disney" for me at Epicot that I miss terribly.
So I will, but just a little.
Horizons
World of Motion
Communicore
The ORIGINAL Journey Into Imagination ride before we started journeying into the imagination of some Imagineers who apparently sniffed a few too many Sharpies or ate too much paste as children. Oh, and the really cool things afterwards. You know, BEFORE you had to be a pro linebacker to secure one of the Kodak picture machines.
(For the record and while we're on the subject, I do NOT miss the live narrators on LwtL. There was an incident. Of being on a boat. Where I'm pretty sure the whole spiel was said in a lanuage. Other than English. All riders were left wondering what a calabaza was. (FYI-it's a pumpkin. In Spanish.)

But, what I miss the most? Jeremy Irons. I know, I know, even he was the product of a refurb but he was IT for me. The other changes? I can live with those.
Especially the afro. And the mini skirt. And the go go boots. AND THE LEMON TIGHTS.
Because you know all that is so true to the moment of how we're dressing in professional America today.
If you work in Vegas.
In a building.
With no windows.
And big bodyguards.

ANYWHO.

So we will absolutely be riding SE. Smelling the fall of Rome. Admiring the disco lab. Making ridiculous faces for our "journey".

Somewhere in the midst of the FW touring madness we may also stop in for a bite at Sunshine Seasons. And for a sip of the Beverly.

MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

Ahem.

We'll be leaving the park by 3 p.m. the latest, so if we still have time we'll likely do a peek over in the World Showcase. I'm guessing, though, that we'll really only have time to get most/all of our FW endeavors in.

Why are we leaving so early?

To be prettied up for our 5:45 p.m. ADRs at California Grill.
The restaurant which, I'm positive, sparked the reality of this trip. In BF's anti-Disney-befuddled-brain.
I'm a clever girl. ;)

We're both very much looking forward to this meal. We had a great table last time and are hoping for the same this time. Also, BF is hoping there will be duck on the menu. The man is a carnivore, what can I say? And me? While I say I'll try something new, I'll also be perfectly happy with my go-to choices there.

We don't have any plans for after dinner, so I may try to work in a monorail trip over to the Poly to soak up some atmosphere. And some Lapu Lapus. I'm really hoping to sell him on a stay there for our...ahem...next trip. (A girl can dream.) There's also the possibility we could head to DTD. Or just back to POP to swim. Or rest. Who knows?

UP NEXT: What are the chances the eagle poops...again?

[MRYPPNS]

Mission Space huh? Let's just say that the orange side is OFF MY LIST for good ever since my Oct 2009 trip.

I'm sure Captain EO will be there for a good long time.

[jenjolt]

I'm hoping Heidi is right and Captain EO will be there for awhile, like you I so WANT to see that attraction!!!

I have to agree with you Spaceship Earth is one of my all time faves at EPCOT, I love that ride!! I always take a huge breath in when I go by Rome and I to miss Jeremy Irons terribly!! It is still wonderful, but he did "it" for me too.

OOOH...I had probably the best meal ever at California Grille last year! I wish you and BF another great meal there!! The Flatbreads are AMAZING!!

[Lady Lallie]

I seriously love your updates. Seriously.

I love everything on your list, even Ellen. I'm thinking of brining Marc on Universe of Energy...it's a nice place to recharge. It didn't feel like a 45 minute adventure either.

Who doesn't love Spaceship Earth? It's awesome. It's really hard for me not to ride a bazillion times on each trip.

[Pollito916]

3 updates in one week?!? It is x-mas or Hanukkah!! I'm going to have to live through you for this trip, because it sounds absolutely perfect to me so far. I have the same "requirements" for amount of time spent in MK & Epicot.

I will be slightly busy at the time you are in the world, so I will just have to pretend to be there. Maybe I can play some parks music on my ipod while I'm in the hospital. :goodvibes

[trixiequilts]

Wow, that was a most excellent update! :thumbsup2 Your plans look great. I, too, am a lover of Spaceship Earth. I went in not expecting much and came out a believer.

Need some gift ideas for BF?

Bacon Air Freshener (I've actually gifted this):
http://www.mcphee.com/shop/product_images/c/11076__96764_thumb.jpg

Bacon Wallet (more than slightly disturbing):
http://www.mcphee.com/shop/product_images/y/11653__47165_thumb.jpg

Bacon Mints:
http://www.mcphee.com/shop/product_images/z/11706__74433_thumb.jpg

[Tinkerbellarella]

I'm channeling my inner LL today.

We've made some changes/additions, though none of the date variety. ;)

I'll have an update with the new info. and will get back to all of your comments a bit later today.

Stay tuned!

:happytv:

[AshClan]

Changes? Well now I don't know if I should comment on what you've written so far! But I guess I will.....

You are right on with the two(ish) days for MK and Epicot. I like your goals for the MK and think it's a good thing that IASW will be closed. You do want the BF to want to go BACK, dontcha?!

On the Epicot front, I'm hoping you are just postponing the WS until day two, right? It can be a hot traipse of H*LL through there in mid-September (BTDT), but it's still a must do. I share the love for LwtL but I don't go quite as gaga over Spaceship Earth. As a symbol, I love it. As a ride, eh. Please don't hate me.

Cali Grill is awesome! I hope you have another magical dinner there!

Now.....about these changes and additions?????.....

[Lady Lallie]

I'm channeling my inner LL today.

We've made some changes/additions, though none of the date variety. ;)

I'll have an update with the new info. and will get back to all of your comments a bit later today.

Stay tuned!

:happytv:

:lmao::rotfl::rotfl2: Can't wait to hear about them!

[All7OfUs]

i just love the way your updates just flow from your thoughts. Very highly entertaining. I'm a LwtL freak too- but more partial to the bazillion-tomatoed tree. Doesn't get much cooler than that!

[If U Had Wings]

My goal is to arrive at the park at or just after Rope Drop. From there, along with the masses, we'll probably head over to Soarin'. I'm not obsessed with this attraction the way some people are (more on my personal Epicot obsession later), but I do believe it's earned its 'Not To Be Missed' status. Depending on the craziness over there, we'll likely get FPs, ride stand-by, or both. If the park doesn't "feel" too busy, we'll be doing Living with the Land while we're in the neighborhood. Because Tink loves her some LwtL.

I love Living with the Land too. One of these days I want to take the behind the scenes tour of it. Soarin's my favorite ride at Epcot. I just love the smell of oranges.


We'll likely head right across Innoventions Plaza towards the other two Future World magnets just after that. BF informed me the other day that he wants to try a lot of things. Including Mission:Space.

Stick with the sissy side then! I've ridden Mission Space twice and honestly it rates up there as one of my least favorite rides in any of the parks. (I'd probably rank it just under Alien Encounter). It doesn't even make me sick, it just bores me to no end. First time I rode it gave me a bit of a headache, but after that I was fine. I've never ridden the sissy side though.


Case in point, on our US/IOA/SW trip last April we got brave (if by brave you mean stupid) and decided we were all about the Simpson's ride. I kid you not when I say less than 10 seconds in I heard BF's sharp intake of breath followed by, "Oh NO. OH NONONO! (insertveryquietlywhisperedexpletiveHERE)."

If they haven't changed the mechanics in that ride since it was Back to the Future I don't blame you at all. I have pretty much an iron stomach when it comes to rides, and usually the only thing that makes me sick are those octopus rides at traveling carnivals. (I can't go up and down and around in circles at the same time).

I rode Back to the Future once and was a mess for the rest of the day at Universal. The ride was so jerky that my head kept slamming into the back of the car. I'd try to keep my head against the back, but the force of the ride would pull it away and it would just slam back again. I was feeling horrible afterwards. I think I'm going to have to pass on the Simpsons if it's still like that. Nothing is worth feeling that horrible over.



Test Track is a definite and yes, I'm actually admitting this out loud, so is The Universe of Energy. For the following reasons:

1. I heart Ellen. I know if she met me she'd be my best friend. And she would so invite me on her show to dance with her.
2. The dinos. Seriously, they're cool. Even if in the last refurb the paint they used makes it look more like they have neon tattoos rather than "real" dino markings.
3. I love musing on how particularly HORRIBLE the audioanimatronic figure of Ellen is.
4. The dark part with the radio tower where it's airing the different radio programs...I have always and will always get about 45 seconds of shut-eye in that dark, cool, cavernous space.
5. It's a traveling theatre. That's just cool, dude.

I hate missing the Universe of Energy too. I love it for Ellen and I love Jamie Lee Curtis too. That fact that it's a great place to cool off for awhile is an added bonus.


#1 - Captain EO (if it hasn't gone the way of the dodo...again).

This is like a gift. The last time I saw EO I was with my grandmother. I love Michael and it's Disney and all that but it's really more like a treat of refreshed memories for me.

I can't wait to see this again either. From what an Epcot cast member had posted on another thread I was visiting awhile back it should still be there. I think he had said it would be playing for awhile, and then the entire pavillion was going to be undergoing a renovation. I don't know if that's really true, but you should be fine for EO.


I could go on and on and on and on and on about all of the things that were so inherently "Disney" for me at Epicot that I miss terribly.
So I will, but just a little.
Horizons
World of Motion
Communicore
The ORIGINAL Journey Into Imagination ride before we started journeying into the imagination of some Imagineers who apparently sniffed a few too many Sharpies or ate too much paste as children. Oh, and the really cool things afterwards. You know, BEFORE you had to be a pro linebacker to secure one of the Kodak picture machines.

I used to really heart Horizons. The fact that it's been replaced with one of my most disliked rides is a source of great annoyance for me. Motion I miss, but I love Test Track (just for that outdoor spin around the track) so I don't complain too much. Horizons though, I miss! I use to love getting to pick my own adventure at the end. My brother and I would try to press each others buttons to get to see our choice.

I loved the play area of Imagination too. I could spend hours playing with those pin tables.

My favorite missed attraction though? Cranium Command at the Wonders of Life Pavillion. It's such a shame that they had to lose that when they shut that pavillion down.



But, what I miss the most? Jeremy Irons. I know, I know, even he was the product of a refurb but he was IT for me. The other changes? I can live with those.

I miss Walter Conkrite, and Jeremy Irons. Dame Dench just isn't the same.


Especially the afro. And the mini skirt. And the go go boots. AND THE LEMON TIGHTS.
Because you know all that is so true to the moment of how we're dressing in professional America today.
If you work in Vegas.
In a building.
With no windows.
And big bodyguards.

LOL! I always think of her as Uhura.

Hmmm I work in a building (well my floor at least) with no windows. Think I can get away with wearing lemon tights?

:rotfl:


Somewhere in the midst of the FW touring madness we may also stop in for a bite at Sunshine Seasons. And for a sip of the Beverly.

MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

Ahem.

What a sweet GF you are!


To be prettied up for our 5:45 p.m. ADRs at California Grill.
The restaurant which, I'm positive, sparked the reality of this trip. In BF's anti-Disney-befuddled-brain.
I'm a clever girl. ;)

We're both very much looking forward to this meal. We had a great table last time and are hoping for the same this time. Also, BF is hoping there will be duck on the menu. The man is a carnivore, what can I say? And me? While I say I'll try something new, I'll also be perfectly happy with my go-to choices there.

I just love the Cali Grill! My last trip they sat us in the Wine Room. I was a bit disappointed at first, as I had really been hoping to be able to see the fireworks from our seat, but I wouldn't have changed those seats for anything. It was so much quieter and peaceful in the wine room. This time I plan on asking for a table there.

[Tinkerbellarella]

Mission Space huh? Let's just say that the orange side is OFF MY LIST for good ever since my Oct 2009 trip.

While I'm happy to have experienced it (and twice), I certainly don't feel a NEED to do so again. I guess I'd like BF to know how cool it really is (and it IS), I just don't want to revisit breakfast.

I have to agree with you Spaceship Earth is one of my all time faves at EPCOT, I love that ride!! I always take a huge breath in when I go by Rome and I to miss Jeremy Irons terribly!! It is still wonderful, but he did "it" for me too.


And don't get me wrong, I really enjoy both Cronkite and the Dame Dench, there was just something about Irons. His narration has 'Scar'red me.

LOLOLOLOLOL

::sigh::

Moving on...

I seriously love your updates. Seriously.

Seriously? You're starting to talk/type like me. Seriously. LOL! Really, I'm glad you're enjoying them.

Who doesn't love Spaceship Earth? It's awesome. It's really hard for me not to ride a bazillion times on each trip.

Seriously (see?!), sometimes I feel like the lamest Disney love ever. Two of my all-time favoritest things are SE and the PeopleMover (NOTTA).

Woohoo, those two certainly blow your hair back, no?

:rotfl:

I will be slightly busy at the time you are in the world, so I will just have to pretend to be there. Maybe I can play some parks music on my ipod while I'm in the hospital. :goodvibes

What's your due date? I just accurately guessed TK's. Maybe I can guess yours too!

And hon? That's SO more than slightly busy! :laughing:

Need some gift ideas for BF?

Bacon Air Freshener (I've actually gifted this):
http://www.mcphee.com/shop/product_images/c/11076__96764_thumb.jpg

Bacon Wallet (more than slightly disturbing):
http://www.mcphee.com/shop/product_images/y/11653__47165_thumb.jpg

Bacon Mints:
http://www.mcphee.com/shop/product_images/z/11706__74433_thumb.jpg

I may need to tell BF I found these all on my own.
Otherwise he may break up for me.
And demand YOUR contact info.

:lmao:

Those ROCK, my friend.

Though...the air freshener kind of freaks me right out...

On the Epicot front, I'm hoping you are just postponing the WS until day two, right?

::yes::

I share the love for LwtL but I don't go quite as gaga over Spaceship Earth. As a symbol, I love it. As a ride, eh. Please don't hate me.

I could never!

And I'll even out the score. I'm unAmerican - I don't like pizza.

Now.....about these changes and additions?????.....
:lmao::rotfl::rotfl2: Can't wait to hear about them!

Sorry for the wait. Disney reservations was down this morning and I'm giving them a good bit of time to get themselves together and get rid of the backlog of calls before I call back.

Well.

That and because I should actually get some work-related work done at some point today.

I guess.

i just love the way your updates just flow from your thoughts. Very highly entertaining.

I'm a breath of fresh air.

Mostly.

One of these days I want to take the behind the scenes tour of it.

That's been on my 'Need To Try' list for, oh I don't know, EVER. Hoping maybe, FINALLY on the 1/2 Marathon trip to FINALLY squeeze it in.

If they haven't changed the mechanics in that ride since it was Back to the Future I don't blame you at all.

It was actually smooth. Just torturous for us 'non-simulator' types.

We searched YouTube when we got home and actually found a video of the whole attraction so that we can see what we missed while we were chewing it back, as it were.

I used to really heart Horizons.

I hear the full Horizons ride track once a day on the station I listen to on Live365. Takes me WAY back.

My favorite missed attraction though? Cranium Command at the Wonders of Life Pavillion. It's such a shame that they had to lose that when they shut that pavillion down.

SUCH a loss. Even when one of Buzzy's eyes stopped working and it looked like he was hungover. I wish they'd get a new sponsor for this pavilion, refurbish it and reopen it, with CC still plugging away.

LOL! I always think of her as Uhura.

Well now you'll think of her as TINK. At work. Or as a 'lady of the night'. LOL

Hmmm I work in a building (well my floor at least) with no windows. Think I can get away with wearing lemon tights?

Only with the go go boots, my friend. Only with the go go boots.

[Tinkerbellarella]

"Someone has stolen three of my tarts!" ~ The Red Queen

Yesterday I was beat, tired, and all around Spongebob Crankypants'd out.
What I needed was a pick-me-up.
Talking Disney was just what the doctor ordered.

And, to be truthful, there was this niggling little thing that was causing me some trip angst.

So, when I got home I said to my BF, "BF I'd like to go over all the trip plans with you that way if there's anything that needs the changed or added or removed I can do it now and not be surprised with it later."
To which BF replied, "Bring it, Boo." (He calls me Boo. I don't know where it came from. Certainly not Monsters, Inc. I'm not that cute. With or without the pigtails.)

So, I opened my mouth to bring it.
BF cut me off and said, "I hate it. All of it. I won't do it."
Normally I can take that kind of humor, roll my eyes, and continue on with what I want to say. Not last night. I remind you - Spongebob Crankypants.
Instead, he got The Look.
And promptly took me out for soft serve. Good boy.

As I savored my twisty cone (and had the bottom fall out and drip about a half cup of ice cream all over my pants), we discussed THE PLANS.

Remember, just about everything you've read in this PTR was born of my brain, sick and twisted and Disneyfied as it is. BF had completely handed over the planning reigns to moi. He had very few requests:

Cali Grill
Junky Apples
Jellyrolls (I know we haven't gotten to tha part in the plans yet. It'll be in the next chappie.)

Do you see the theme with the first two? Mhm. Food. The food was beginning to give me angst. Specifically, the amount. We booked with the regular dining plan. Which would be enough. For me. And other normal people.

But I'm getting ahead of myself.

So I go through the plans and, as I thought he would, BF starts asking about meals NOT either scheduled with an ADR or planned with a CS credit. What will we do for this breakfast? How about that lunch? What are we going to do for that dinner? And those snacks?

I popped an Ativan.

And made a breakfast ADR at Boma.

And showed him the out-of-pocket budget (which he was fine with).

And went to bed.

I woke up this morning and, though technically the issues were no more, it was all still bothering me. Specifically the $$. See, we HAVE the $$, that's not the problem. It was HOW we went about spending it that was kind of giving me an itch. Because you see with BF no matter what kind of food budget you have set up, it's still kind of a wild card.

So I got out my calculator. Pencil. Eraser. Fuzzy Dizzy Math 201 Textbook. (I passed the two Intro courses with flying colors.)

I did Fuzzy Disney Math. Then I did Real Math. Then I did BF Meal Math. It all worked out to the same thing...

We were upgrading to the Deluxe Plan.

Now, this is often a subject of debate on the boards in terms of affordability, value, etc. so let me just squash the debates now. I KNOW this will work for us and, in a nutshell, here's why:

1. When BF and I go out to eat at Outback, for example, BF eats: bread, more than 1/2 the appetizer, a salad, a 24oz. prime rib (it's a feat to be seen, believe me), a side, and more than 1/2 the dessert. And sometimes picks off my plate too. We have Man v. Food on the Travel Channel DVR'd and BF said that he's adding Adam Richmond to our list of 'Celebrities We'd Most Like to Hang Out With' list.

And lest you think he's walking around about to collapse of a heart attack or tipping the scales at hundreds and hundreds of pounds, he just had his physical. Textbook BP. Perfect cholesterol. Normal EKG. And he weighs 210lbs at 5'11" with a weightlifter's build.

Jerk. I look at a plate of chili cheese fries and gain 10lbs and have my cholesterol skyrocket.

So, needless to say, this won't be too much food for him. He'll finish anything I have left over and have room enough for all of his own food/credits. Plus, we're appetizer people. BF looked at the menus and there were apps he wanted to try at 4 out of the 5 sitdown meals we had scheduled at the time. It got pricey fast.

2. We aren't going crazy with adding all sorts of ADRs. We added two. I'll tell you about them later. Just under half of the credits will be used for CS options. While it might [i]seem[/] like a waste, it isn't. That's where the real math came in. Figuring everything we'd have to add in on top of the 12 CS credits we had with the regular plan, it added up fast.

3. People often tell me that it's simply more expensive. Or that they don't get their value's worth. And, for some people, I think it works out that way. I don't think that will be the case here. Actually, I'm pretty sure we'll break even. When I did the math, the total we'd be paying OOP for three extra TSs we'd added on, apps, refillable mugs, and a few extra CSs and snacks was roughly $320 (plus tips, which I didn't count because we have to pay them with either plan). And that was with a low guestimate on the extra snacks and not counting our having water and a few extra breakfast items shipped to the resort. Upgrading to the DxDP gave us ALL of the additional credits we needed and then some, got rid of the need to pay for apps and the refillable mugs and have the water/extras shipped, and cost us $360. And we found water bottles we'll be bringing along.

I'll be holding onto our receipts to do a real comparison when we come home. There's the chance we'll have "overpaid" with the plan but I think the margin is going to be very small. And if it's bigger than small? Well, you live and you learn. I'd never do the DxDP on my own so at least I get to try something new.

Really, the best of what this brings me is peace of mind, and you can't put a price on that. It's tough traveling with a big eater. I feel so much better knowing that if he gets hungry randomly (happens ALL the time) we have the credits for it. And some of the snack credits we'll be using for nommy souvenirs. And all we have to bring in cash for food is tip money.

Because, as I mentioned on the Babnana thread today, I'll be BF's Junky Apple Sugar Mama this trip. Using my Disney Visa Rewards Dollars I'll be buying him all the Junky Apples his heart desires. He doesn't know this yet. I'm thinking of making him a card and leaving it under his pillow from the Junky Apple Fairy.

SO. That's the big change.

The aftershocks of which include two new ADRs.

Numero Uno: Breakfast at Boma on Friday (I've been DYING to try this for a while. I was very surprised how amenable BF was to this.)
Numero Dos: Dinner at Yachtsman Steakhouse on Wednesday (I think there's a level of peace in BF's world now that our dining list includes one restaurant with the word 'steakhouse' in its name.

The trip is now paid in full. Again. The MNSSHP tix are in the mail. Disney has updated the MK schedule with the Main Street Electrical Parade in place of Spectro for our trip and...

OH!

One interesting item of note on the food front is that BF turned down the opportunity to do the Wishes Dessert Party. He said that we'd be having plenty of dessert on this trip - why pay extra for more? And that it was more important to hime to have a good spot for the parade and the fireworks.

I tell you, I will make this man a Disney convert yet.

Now, quite literally, the planning is done. All that's left is getting the trip confirmations and planning paperwork in the binder, getting the ME paperwork and the party tix in, and packing.

God bless me. The packing.

UP NEXT FOR REAL THIS TIME: What are the chances the eagle poops...again?

[jenjolt]

WOOT!! I'm a huge fan of the DxDP I have done it twice and I have loved it twice!! Although its a lot of food I really enjoyed dining at 2TS (I also enjoy appetizers) and I loved having the snack credits so I SAY YAY!!!!! Hey if it works for you it works for you!!!:cool2: :woohoo:

I have a deep suspicsion you are going to convert BF on this trip...he's going to be in Junky Apple and Food heaven and we all know a way to a man's heart is through his stomach!!

Yatchsman Steakhouse....SO GOOD!! Loved it!! I have never been to Boma's so I will look forward to your review of it!!

[Lady Lallie]

Seriously? You're starting to talk/type like me. Seriously. LOL! Really, I'm glad you're enjoying them.



Seriously (see?!), sometimes I feel like the lamest Disney love ever. Two of my all-time favoritest things are SE and the PeopleMover (NOTTA).

Woohoo, those two certainly blow your hair back, no?

:rotfl:Seriously!? :lmao: Oh, I crack myself up.

I'm with you on the blow your hair back rides. I like those sedate Disney rides that leave me all calm on the inside. :thumbsup2

I think upgrading to DxDP makes sense for you and the BF. I'm super jealous that you are going to Yachtsman that is high on my "IwanttotryitNOW" list.

[pooh'smate]

:thumbsup2 Loved the update.

I am going to take notes from you because I am trying to convert my dh too. He doesn't get it. He doesn't understand why I can love something so much if I haven't been since I was 6. He thinks that this trip will be a once in a lifetime thing.

[Tinkerbellarella]

I have a deep suspicsion you are going to convert BF on this trip...he's going to be in Junky Apple and Food heaven and we all know a way to a man's heart is through his stomach!!

I hope so. I truly doubt he'll be an "every year" kind of guy but I think I may be able to get him to go again in the future. In the meantime I'll go with my friends and do solo trips.

:goodvibes

Yatchsman Steakhouse....SO GOOD!! Loved it!!

Yay! Good to know! I think I heard the same from...TK, maybe?

I think upgrading to DxDP makes sense for you and the BF. I'm super jealous that you are going to Yachtsman that is high on my "IwanttotryitNOW" list.

We shall see. When I told him last night that everything was all set and we discussed maybe another sit-down breakfast he said, "Will we have credits for that?" I told him yes. He said, "Awesome."

I am going to take notes from you because I am trying to convert my dh too. He doesn't get it. He doesn't understand why I can love something so much if I haven't been since I was 6. He thinks that this trip will be a once in a lifetime thing.

I've been appealing to the "guy" side of him, which for BF is 3/4 of the whole. LOL! We've watched a couple of special on the Travel Channel about "Extreme..." this or that where Disney is featured. A couple of engineering-type shows on Disney. And I ply him with food. That works best.

Keep an eye on what he really likes while you're down there and keep that in mind for talking about future trips.

And who knows? Maybe he'll just become a "Disney convert" all on his own. :goodvibes

[LegoMom3]

Your BF sounds a lot like my DH.....I'm amazed at what this man can eat (and not. gain. a. pound....). You cracked me up with the comment about Adam Richman!!!......we watch him too but usually we're groaning and going "Oh, duuuude!"

I'm having a big debate (in my head) over whether to do the DDP or the QSDP on our next trip.....Deluxe is out because my kids would just never eat that much food, nor would they want to be running from one ADR to the next all the time.

Fuzzy Disney Math = :thumbsup2........::yes::

.

[Tinkerbellarella]

Not an update, per se, just a little quote BF made last night while we were in the car on our way to dinner:

"Well, I would like to be there cheering you on as you cross the finish line of the 1/2 Marathon if I can get the time off."

Yes.

The 1/2 Marathon.

The Princess 1/2 Marathon.

IN DISNEY.

To recap, that was BF volunteering to possibly go to Disney again. Before we've even gone on this trip.

:faint:

[MRYPPNS]

Wow. What will be his next surprise??

[Tinkerbellarella]

Wow. What will be his next surprise??

Well...

We were looking online at costumes and found an AMAZING Davy Jones costume and he said,

"When we go with Kat and her DH he'll have to be Jack and I'll be Davy Jones.

I'm not sure who stole my boyfriend and replaced him with this man...

[Lady Lallie]

Not an update, per se, just a little quote BF made last night while we were in the car on our way to dinner:

"Well, I would like to be there cheering you on as you cross the finish line of the 1/2 Marathon if I can get the time off."

Yes.

The 1/2 Marathon.

The Princess 1/2 Marathon.

IN DISNEY.

To recap, that was BF volunteering to possibly go to Disney again. Before we've even gone on this trip.

:faint:

Well...

We were looking online at costumes and found an AMAZING Davy Jones costume and he said,

"When we go with Kat and her DH he'll have to be Jack and I'll be Davy Jones.

I'm not sure who stole my boyfriend and replaced him with this man...

:faint::faint::faint:

Oh my goodness!!

I have very few words to convey my shock. :scared1:

[Tinkerbellarella]

:faint::faint::faint:

Oh my goodness!!

I have very few words to convey my shock. :scared1:

Mhmm. Imagine how I felt!

[Lady Lallie]

Mhmm. Imagine how I felt!

I'm surprised you don't have a big ol' bruise on your noggin from passing out. ;)

[If U Had Wings]

Wow! I'm just amazed at your BF's transformation! I think you've been spiking the Kool-Aid with Disney pixie dust. :rotfl:

[pooh'smate]

Woohoo for BF's transformation.
:cheer2::cheer2::cheer2::cheer2::cheer2::cheer2:

[AshClan]

Tink, you have done your job well! :worship:

Sounds like the DxDP will be great for you two. I wish wish wish I could do it, but my DH is one of those annoying people who just eat to live, not live to eat. He very rarely "loves" a restaurant, or a meal. And never ever wants dessert or appetizers. :scared1: For me, a foodie extraordinaire, this is a major bummer. But because he's practically perfect in every other way, I try not to focus on it too much. One of these days, I'm hoping to do the DxDP with friends, or maybe my sisters. It's my only hope!

I LOVE Boma breakfast and Yachtsmen (we are doing the latter in October). I know you will be so happy you added those ADRs! Where were you thinking of doing another breakfast? We are trying GF Cafe for the first time this fall (but bumping Kona to do it, so I hope I have no regrets!), and Cape May is fab, too, if the BF could stomach some character interaction....:rolleyes:

You are definitely converting him and I'll bet he'll be even more enthusiastic after this trip! Congrats on your mad skillz!;)

[PrincessV]

Wow, I'm all SORTS of late. But I'm in! Oh, and I haven't read past the first post yet, either. I know; I'm a slacker of many colors. Forgive me?! :flower3:

I'm sooo excited for you guys! Gotta run for the day, but I'll be back to catch up soon, promise! :thumbsup2

[Tinkerbellarella]

I'm surprised you don't have a big ol' bruise on your noggin from passing out. ;)

Right?!

I think you've been spiking the Kool-Aid with Disney pixie dust. :rotfl:

I don't know. Maybe there's something in the water up here. Perhaps I should bottle it and start selling it on eBay.

Woohoo for BF's transformation.
:cheer2::cheer2::cheer2::cheer2::cheer2::cheer2:

And how about some dancing nanners for just to really get the party going: :banana::banana::banana:

One of these days, I'm hoping to do the DxDP with friends, or maybe my sisters. It's my only hope!

Crossing my fingers for you!

Where were you thinking of doing another breakfast? We are trying GF Cafe for the first time this fall (but bumping Kona to do it, so I hope I have no regrets!), and Cape May is fab, too, if the BF could stomach some character interaction....:rolleyes:

We have NO IDEA where else to add on. We've searched it just by date and time and there's really nothing that tickles our fancy. And he's put the squash on character meals.

Ah, well. I can't have it all.

Wow, I'm all SORTS of late. But I'm in! Oh, and I haven't read past the first post yet, either. I know; I'm a slacker of many colors. Forgive me?! :flower3:

Welcome and no forgiveness needed. Glad to have you here V! :hug:

[Tinkerbellarella]

The Mad Hatter: "What a regrettably large head you have. I would very much like to hat it. I used to hat The White Queen, you know. Her head was so small."
The Red Queen: "It's tiny. It's a pimple of a head."

When BF and I decided that we would make MNSSHP part of this trip, BF was the first one to bring up the idea of costumes. To say I was floored is an understatement. And, I have to say he has continued to surprise me since - offering dining suggestions, mentioning future trips. As I mentioned on my Rum Runners PTR in yesterday's post, I'm pretty sure he's been abducted and replaced with a model that's not...quite...him.

http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/TV_and_Movies/xfile.gif

I explained to BF that while it IS a Halloween party and you CAN dress up, it was by no means mandatory and that if he wasn't comfortable with it, we could forego costumes. To which he replied, "Can I be Tarzan?"

The man knows he's got a bod. And apparently, he is not shy.

Now, while I would love to see him in a loincloth and sandals and a wig with dreds, I'm not sure Disney would condone all that flesh. When I explained this to him as gently as I could he asked me what, exactly, did Disney's Tarzan wear? I told him when he was on Disney's payroll he could take that up with them and, in the meantime, could we come up with a costume that would cover more than, like, a couple square feet of his body?

Our next thought was my favorite. And BF was sold on it too.

BF would be Gaston (again, with the muscles...) and I would be one of his hangers-on.

It. Was. Perfect.

Only not perfectly researched or executed. Our summer has gotten away from us and, as we won't pay $215 for the lone Gaston costume we can find on the net, we simply don't have the time left to construct a good costume. I was disappointed at first. I've moved on.

On Sunday night we settled in front of the computer to check out other costume possibilities. We're sold on the idea of doing a "couple" costume and at first BF was trying to find Disney couples. We found a decently priced Prince Charming costume but nothing I cared for in the Cindy category. Just the opposite for Snow White and her Prince. There was a single costume out there for him, but he didn't care for it. We did find an absolutely AMAZING Davy Jones costume, complete with tentacle-y mask, but we both agreed he'd DIE under that thing. I proposed Hercules and Megara when I found two great costumes for that but he wasn't feeling it. He asked if he could be Kronk instead. I said no. I'm no Yzma.

We moved on to non-Disney costumes and finally found it. For BF anyway. Which led me to ponder and hit on what I could be too.

Now, before I tell you what the costumes are, let me give you the criteria we were using for costume "do-ability":

1. It couldn't be unwieldy. We want to be able to move around the park and ride rides with minimal issues and maneuvering of parts.
2. It had to be removable without needing storage. If, an hour into the party, we're done feeling the costume vibe, we want to be able to easily change into regular clothes and not have to either carry or store loads of costume items.
3. It had to be relatively comfortable and cool. Wool? Out. Lightweight cotton, polyester, or even jeans/pants? We'd consider it.
4. It had to be recognizable. While I think BFs costume will be easily so and, I'm hoping, so much so that people come up to him and comment on it, mine might be a bit more of a stretch. Unless you watched PBS as a kid and, apparently, cartoons later on.
5. If it wasn't Disney I wanted it to at least be kind of unique.

And so I give you Tinkerbellarella and BF's costume choices for the 2010 MNSSHP:

BF
http://images.halloweencostumes.org/wheres-waldo-costume.jpg

Tink
http://www.popular-nostalgia.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/carmen-sandiego.jpg

Yes, BF will be Where's Waldo and I will be Carmen Sandiego (of Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? fame...and you can thank me later for getting Roccapella stuck in your head).

Which begs the question - If Carmen Sandiego and Waldo had children, would they be invisible?

Anywho.

The costumes meet all of our criteria. They're normal clothes and mostly breathable fabrics. BF will wear a shirt under the striped shirt should he want to change out of his costume and I'll have shorts and a tank under my trench if I decide the same. I think they're fun and fairly unique and BF is excited about the possibility of people saying to him, "I found him! I found Waldo!"

UP NEXT: Ok. No. Seriously this time. The next update WILL be 'What are the chances the eagle poops...again?'

[Lady Lallie]

Those are seriously AWESOME costumes!!! :banana::banana::banana:

I still get a thrill out of seeing Where's Waldo books in the stores. And Carmen Sandiego...?? She is awesome! What a great idea! I wonder if they have any of those episodes on YouTube??

Do it Rockapella! :rotfl2:

[If U Had Wings]

I have to say I got a good laugh at how much your BF is embracing this trip. You have to love a boyfriend that is offering to dress up as Tarzan for Halloween. :)

I love the Waldo idea. I think he's going to be a huge hit on this trip. I must confess though I don't think I've ever seen Carmen Sandiego. A sign of my age I guess. ;) I think it's a great plan though.

[pooh'smate]

I love your costumes. I loved watching and playing the computer game of Carmen's. I love Waldo too. I have a Waldo game on my Ipod that I play pretty often.

[WDWRocksMySocks]

WOW!! I, too, am amazed at your BF's Disney transformation. Seriously, I need some of those happy pills you're slipping in his drink. I'm jealous!!

Aw, bummer about the Gaston costume. That would've been great! I really like the new ideas, though. Other than trick-or-treating at MK, my next favorite thing to do at MNSSHP was people watching. I saw some of the best costumes there.

[MRYPPNS]

As soon as I saw the picture of Carmen I started singing!!! lol

See if you can find a cheap/small globe of the world.....that would help with your costume id for people. Or even a small world atlas peaking out of your trench coat pocket.

BF knows that Waldo was very slim with no muscles right??? lol Just be happy he didn't want to be Mr. Goodbody!

[Tinkerbellarella]

I still get a thrill out of seeing Where's Waldo books in the stores. And Carmen Sandiego...?? She is awesome! What a great idea! I wonder if they have any of those episodes on YouTube??

Do it Rockapella! :rotfl2:

:lmao:

I miss that show. It was one of my favorites. I saw Rockapella on...maybe it was one of VH1's "I Love the..." series. Made me laugh. I think they have some Carmen Sandiego-independent albums.

I have to say I got a good laugh at how much your BF is embracing this trip. You have to love a boyfriend that is offering to dress up as Tarzan for Halloween. :)

And you have no idea how I wanted to let him. He SO could've played the part to a T. And would have. However I don't think we would've gotten much further than the turnstyles. LOL

I love your costumes. I loved watching and playing the computer game of Carmen's. I love Waldo too. I have a Waldo game on my Ipod that I play pretty often.

Carmen and Reading Rainbow were two of my PBS favorites. Apparently there was a cartoon series too? I guess I was too old for that. A Waldo game for the iPod? Hmm...might have to look into that. ::yes::

WOW!! I, too, am amazed at your BF's Disney transformation. Seriously, I need some of those happy pills you're slipping in his drink. I'm jealous!!

Cross my heart I'm not "poisoning" the man. I don't know if he's just getting into it because he knows how happy he makes me, or he's really into it, or a little bit of both. Either way, I'll take it!

Other than trick-or-treating at MK, my next favorite thing to do at MNSSHP was people watching. I saw some of the best costumes there.

When I was there in 08 we saw some amazing costumes. There was a whole family dressed up as Peter Pan characters. Wendy was played by the very pregnant mother. It was really cute. She looked so comfy in her blue nightgown. There was also a couple dressed up as Sally and Jack Skellington. Their costumes were out of this world!

See if you can find a cheap/small globe of the world.....that would help with your costume id for people. Or even a small world atlas peaking out of your trench coat pocket.

I LOVE the atlas idea!!!

BF knows that Waldo was very slim with no muscles right???

Yeah, I just think he's most happy it's a.) simple and b.) not something everyone else will have.

[All7OfUs]

Thanks for the shock tonight- I really needed one like that! One that is oh so nice, in a Disney sort of way! :woohoo:

[If U Had Wings]

See if you can find a cheap/small globe of the world.....that would help with your costume id for people. Or even a small world atlas peaking out of your trench coat pocket.

Tink, as soon as I saw this, I took a look in the draw of my desk and I actually have a tiny globe, it's yours if you want to use it for your costume. It's one of those little stress balls that you squeeze so it's light as a feather and fits right in the palm of your hand. It actually is attached to a cord, with a velcro band on one end so you could hang it on yourself if you wanted. Whoever had my desk before must have left it there. It has my firm's logo on it, but it's not really noticeable. Just send me a pm if you'd like it and it's yours.

And you have no idea how I wanted to let him. He SO could've played the part to a T. And would have. However I don't think we would've gotten much further than the turnstyles. LOL


TK has her Jack and you have Tarzan. Seems fitting somehow. You two really are long lost sisters.

[jenjolt]

WOOT!! What great costumes!!!!!!!! I adore Carmen Sandiego! I had all the games, watched the show, and watched the game show on PBS! What a fabulous idea!!

And Where's Waldo...that is too cool!!!!

Amazing ideas, going to be so much fun!!!!

And yes I know have that song stuck in my head LOL!

[GreatBiscuit]

Great costume choices Tink! Can't wait to see the pics.

[LegoMom3]

LOVE Rockapella!!! And yes, the song is now duly stuck in my head. Thank you so much. [there needs to be a smiley that's flitting its eyebrows....]

Those are costumes are so KEWL! How fun will that be?! I've seen a pic of your BF....he'll be a GREAT Waldo! (dunno, must be the striped shirt, er....sumpthin'....!). So, are you going to spend the night trying to find each other??.....:rotfl2:

.

[Pollito916]

Those are great costumes - my sister and I watched Carmen Sandiego everyday after school! :thumbsup2

My DH would so enjoy the Deluxe Dining Plan - unfortunately it won't be in the cards for us unless we make a trip without the kids - sit-down meals with toddlers = no fun for parents. :sad2:

btw - DH also DVR's Man vs Food and contemplates whether he could complete each competition or not. There are a few places he wants to go to just to try it. We went to the Big Texan restaurant a few years ago - home of the 72 oz steak - and he seriously considered trying it! :crazy2:

My due date is 9/28, but I will likely be having a repeat c-section the week of 9/21. :goodvibes

[WDWRocksMySocks]

I'm thinking your BF is a closeted Disney fan. :thumbsup2

We were there in 2008, too! I saw this one guy dressed up as the Joker (during the scene when he's dressed as a nurse). It was spot on and super creepy! There was also a whole family dressed as Haunted Mansion characters. Loved it!!

[Tinkerbellarella]

Thanks for the shock tonight- I really needed one like that! One that is oh so nice, in a Disney sort of way! :woohoo:

Disney shocks (except rate hikes) are always the best kind. :thumbsup2

Tink, as soon as I saw this, I took a look in the draw of my desk and I actually have a tiny globe, it's yours if you want to use it for your costume. It's one of those little stress balls that you squeeze so it's light as a feather and fits right in the palm of your hand. It actually is attached to a cord, with a velcro band on one end so you could hang it on yourself if you wanted. Whoever had my desk before must have left it there. It has my firm's logo on it, but it's not really noticeable. Just send me a pm if you'd like it and it's yours.

I'm undecided on an atlas or a globe right now but I'll take it! I'll PM you my address. Thanks much!

TK has her Jack and you have Tarzan. Seems fitting somehow. You two really are long lost sisters.

Well, as TK is TarzansKat, it's kind of like I'm her long, lost sister, dating her ex-boyfriend. LOL!

But really, if I had to pick a character BF is most like, it would be Tarzan - adventurous, handsome, a bit stubborn, warm-hearted...oh, and sometimes he just grunts his answers at me. :rotfl:

WOOT!! What great costumes!!!!!!!! I adore Carmen Sandiego! I had all the games, watched the show, and watched the game show on PBS! What a fabulous idea!!

And Where's Waldo...that is too cool!!!!

Amazing ideas, going to be so much fun!!!!

I think so too. We may ditch the costumes after an hour or so, depending on the weather, but I want to be able to get a couple of pics in at least.

Great costume choices Tink! Can't wait to see the pics.

Well, if it isn't the big time, flaky goodness. :goodvibes How are ya? I've been horribly negligent of the ZZUB/GB/LaLa, etc. blogs. I need to get over there. And soon.

I'd like to do costume pics in front of the castle and in front of the coach. We'll see. BF can be tough with pictures. He's not a fan. Which is crazy because the man is super-photgenic. :confused3

[there needs to be a smiley that's flitting its eyebrows....]

Try here (http://smileys.on-my-web.com/).

I've seen a pic of your BF....he'll be a GREAT Waldo! (dunno, must be the striped shirt, er....sumpthin'....!).

I think he'll be the first buff Waldo, that's for sure. :laughing:

So, are you going to spend the night trying to find each other??.....:rotfl2:

:lmao:

Depends...if he's ticking me off I might spend the night letting OTHER people find him. ;)

Those are great costumes - my sister and I watched Carmen Sandiego everyday after school! :thumbsup2

I have faith that at least most women between the ages of about 28-33 will know exactly who I am. I think BF is going to have a greater 'audience'.

btw - DH also DVR's Man vs Food and contemplates whether he could complete each competition or not. There are a few places he wants to go to just to try it. We went to the Big Texan restaurant a few years ago - home of the 72 oz steak - and he seriously considered trying it! :crazy2:

Ok, I think your DH and my BF would be very good friends. When we watched this season's opener at the Shula's in Miami, he was ALL about it. And when he found out there was a Shula's at the Dolphin - guess where he was trying to get me to make an ADR for. I told him it wasn't on the DP. He pouted. LOL!

There are SO MANY he wants to try. Pretty much anything that doesn't involve eggs or seafood. And I think he could get through most of them. Sometimes I look at him like he's crazy and he responds with, "You DOUBT my gastrointestinal fortitude??". Then I sigh and say, "No, my human garbage disposal, I do not."

My due date is 9/28, but I will likely be having a repeat c-section the week of 9/21. :goodvibes

I'll be thinking of you while we're at...where are we on the 21st?...Oh! While we're at Epcot! It's our Future World day. Too bad the Wonders of Life pavilion isn't open anymore. I could've gone to see 'The Making of Me' in your honor. ;)

Do you have a name picked out?

[Tinkerbellarella]

I'm thinking your BF is a closeted Disney fan. :thumbsup2

Or has been feverish and hallucinating the past week or so! LOL

We were there in 2008, too! I saw this one guy dressed up as the Joker (during the scene when he's dressed as a nurse). It was spot on and super creepy! There was also a whole family dressed as Haunted Mansion characters. Loved it!!

I can't remember who's TR I read it on but someone said they saw a mother dressed up as Cruella de Ville and all her kids were dalmatians. Too cute!

[Lady Lallie]

Not to enable you but....you can get a gift card on resturant.com for Shula's that is good at the Disney one. Let me know if you are interested because I have some credits there that I'm not going to use from a Christmas gift I bought for someone. If you want to use them to get a Shula's certificate, let me know. I think you get $25 off of 2 entrees. :confused3

[Tinkerbellarella]

Not to enable you but....you can get a gift card on resturant.com for Shula's that is good at the Disney one. Let me know if you are interested because I have some credits there that I'm not going to use from a Christmas gift I bought for someone. If you want to use them to get a Shula's certificate, let me know. I think you get $25 off of 2 entrees. :confused3

Aw, sweets, thanks. I don't think we'll be hitting up Shula's though. BF wants to try the 48oz prime rib challenge. I don't want to spend any of our vacation with him in a 'protein coma' so I told him maybe next time. LOL!

[If U Had Wings]

I'm undecided on an atlas or a globe right now but I'll take it! I'll PM you my address. Thanks much!

:thumbsup2



Well, as TK is TarzansKat, it's kind of like I'm her long, lost sister, dating her ex-boyfriend. LOL!

But really, if I had to pick a character BF is most like, it would be Tarzan - adventurous, handsome, a bit stubborn, warm-hearted...oh, and sometimes he just grunts his answers at me. :rotfl:

I got a real mental image of this and got a chuckle out of this today.


I'd like to do costume pics in front of the castle and in front of the coach. We'll see. BF can be tough with pictures. He's not a fan. Which is crazy because the man is super-photgenic. :confused3

I'm not sure where I saw it, but I had read that they weren't putting out the coach this year. :sad2: I don't know if it's true or not.