Delicious Indeed! (Completed)

[RachelNinja]

What a trip! WDW 2011 will definitely be one of the most memorable trips for me because it was my first vacation on my own without my parents! It was also the first (and probably only) vacation I'll take as an engaged girl! I'll let you know what the title means after I introduce the cast. If you read my PTR, most of it will be the same although I edited and added a bit.

Rachel (26) - That's me!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v429/raecholor/PTR%202011/foodraesushi.jpg

I'm a teacher by day and ninja by night. I'm in my 4th year of teaching middle school ELA and math. As crazy and wacky as some of those kids can get, they sometimes have a crazier and wackier teacher! That's what I love about my job. I can dance and make contorted faces and talk about Disney World all I want (as related to the lesson, of course!). I've been to Disney countless times with my family while growing up, so like I said, this was the first trip that I actually went without them! I had to grow up a lot because I was the one handling much of the planning and all the official business. However, even though it required some "work" on my part, it was much needed. I love my kids, but boy, did I need a break!

Howard (25) - My fiance!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v429/raecholor/PTR%202011/foodhow.jpg

This is the first time I'm writing that as part of the cast introduction (he came along to Florida with my family this past April as my DBF; the trip report link can be found in my signature)! His DIS name is HowWeird although he isn't on very often. Howard is a multimedia/audiovisual technician at his former college. He's a nerd and loves things like Star Wars and Discovery Channel. I love that about him though; he has his interests and loves learning new things! I think that together we make one really smart person. Haha. This was a different kind of trip for him too because he too had to handle the planning. He was the one who booked our Amtrak tickets and then dealt with the car rental. He turned 25 just a month before we left, so it was great timing!

Danielle (24): My cousin / Nicolette's sister!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v429/raecholor/PTR%202011/fooddani.jpg

Along with my mom and Howard, I consider Dani one of my closest friends. Since we've both started working, we don't seem to get to talk as often as we used to. We see each other on Sundays at church and during any family gatherings, but that's about it. We really enjoyed this trip because we had a ton of time to joke around and laugh! Dani got her degree in screenplay writing. Although she's working at a job unrelated to that, she still uses her God-given talent to write things like the musicals for our coffeehouses at church! She actually spent time on the train working on the musical for this year's coffeehouse.

Raymond (22): Friend / Dani's boyfriend!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v429/raecholor/PTR%202011/foodray.jpg

Ray started coming to our church a few years ago, I believe. Since then, he has become our friend and, of course, Dani's boyfriend! I'm very happy about that because I think they work so well together. Plus, Ray can get extremely wacky and start dancing randomly. Haha, I like that because then I won't be the only odd one on this trip! He's in school to get his degree in nursing. Actually this trip showed us that the 2 "Raes/Rays" are very much alike in terms of eating habits. We both have stomach issues, and we've learned not to eat as much at one point. We have a very similar eating pace, so it was good to have company since the other 3 eat a lot faster than we do!

Nicolette (21) - My cousin / Danielle's sister!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v429/raecholor/PTR%202011/nikcookie.jpg

Nik is the baby cousin out of the "1st generation" (I know all the cousins are in the same generation, but there's a gap between Nik and the other younger cousins). She is one of my bridesmaids! Dani is my other one. Small wedding party, but I can't imagine it any other way because these two are my absolute favorite. Although there's a bigger age gap between us, we're very alike because we're both second children who then became middle children later in life. That means she can be silly and wacky too! Nik was able to join our trip a little later on because she had to make sure she could afford it and skip school. She's in her final year of college for hospitality management. She plays her bass guitar for church; its name is Eggplant because it's a dark purple. And one more thing you should know is that we're both afraid of many of the same things! Remember the bunny story from my April TR that's still not finished? She was the cousin who was with me!!!

Here's a recent picture of the 5 of us since the above pics were from a while ago. This was taken this past Friday at Wolfgang Puck Express, but I'm jumping ahead of myself ...

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/wolfgang.jpg

Before I finish this update, I just wanted to fill you in on why this trip report title is "Delicious Indeed." While waiting on line for Soarin', I was talking about some of the silly things that my students say. Nikki also works with kids in an after school program, so she was telling us some stories as well. She said that she had one student who was eating his snack by himself. When he put a bite in his mouth, he proclaimed, "Delicious indeed!" We were cracking up about that story, and we started saying it every time we ate! And trust me, we had some really good meals! Stay tuned to learn more about our adventures, food and all!

[RachelNinja]

Table of Contents

Introduction of Cast (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40118761&postcount=1)
Saturday, February 19: Honk, Honk, I’m A Train Horn (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40130073&postcount=16)
Saturday, February 19: More Amtrak Fun! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40136096&postcount=23)
Saturday, February 19: Howard's Amtrak Pictures (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40151833&postcount=33)

Sunday, February 20: That’s Where They Grow The ... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40166181&postcount=40)
Sunday, February 20: Our White Car (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40180125&postcount=52)
Sunday, February 20: Amtrak Videos (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40196989&postcount=60)
Sunday, February 20: First Souvenir for Me! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40218176&postcount=69)
Sunday, February 20: Forget Chicken Later, I Want Chicken Now! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40233677&postcount=85)
Sunday, February 20: First Souvenir for Howard! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40248480&postcount=93)
Sunday, February 20: Sun, Dragons, and Fart Machines (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40263253&postcount=105)
Sunday, February 20: Opening the Vinylmation! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40277301&postcount=118)
Sunday, February 20: Third Time's the Charm! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40311992&postcount=132)
Sunday, February 20: Right on Target! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40325754&postcount=144)
Sunday, February 20: Timeshare Sweet Timeshare! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40339378&postcount=155)
Sunday, February 20: Food for Thought? Nope, Food for Our Stomachs! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40353688&postcount=164)
Sunday, February 20: A Barrel Full of Cracker! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40513180&postcount=209)
Sunday, February 20: Mixed Up and Missing Dinner (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40525904&postcount=218)

Monday, February 21: How Far Is It To Disney World? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40539776&postcount=232)
Monday, February 21: Movin' with the Masses (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40587331&postcount=253)
Monday, February 21: We're soarin', flyin' ... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40601389&postcount=264)
Monday, February 21: Living with the Land Queue (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40916117&postcount=286)
Monday, February 21: Living with the ... CMs? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40943409&postcount=294) (continued) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40943413&postcount=295)
Monday, February 21: Back to Soarin' (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41791707&postcount=310)
Monday, February 21: Try Some Beverly! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41799439&postcount=314)
Monday, February 21: "Increasing Speed!" (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41814695&postcount=317) (continued) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41814707&postcount=318)
Monday, February 21: It Wouldn't Be Disney Without a Stop in the Dump Shop! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41827680&postcount=323)
Monday, February 21: I <3 Disney Mugs! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41896832&postcount=328)
Monday, February 21: We <3 Le Cellier and Jeremy! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41914973&postcount=337) (continued) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41914995&postcount=338) (continued) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41915008&postcount=339)
Monday, February 21: HWB > Duffy (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41983322&postcount=353)
Monday, February 21: There's a LINE for Gran Fiesta Tour? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41989470&postcount=359) (continued) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41989482&postcount=360)
Monday, February 21: Hot Sauce and More (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41990075&postcount=361)
Monday, February 21: Kim Possible Mexico Mission (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41990095&postcount=362) (continued) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41990107&postcount=363)
Monday, February 21: Kim Possible Norway Mission (and Maelstrom!) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42001225&postcount=368) (continued) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42001242&postcount=369)
Monday, February 21: Back on Test Track (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42001283&postcount=370)
Monday, February 21: Tackling Mission Space (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42019137&postcount=378)
Monday, February 21: Enjoying Epcot with My DFi (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42019156&postcount=379)

Tuesday, February 22: Yay for Rest Days! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42036264&postcount=387)
Tuesday, February 22: Pins Pins Pins! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42081202&postcount=395)
Tuesday, February 22: Wandering Around DTD (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42095941&postcount=400) (continued) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42095987&postcount=401)
Tuesday, February 22: That First Bite (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42113887&postcount=408)
Tuesday, February 22: Making Our Treats! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42168314&postcount=416)
Tuesday, February 22: The Rest of DTD (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42350168&postcount=425) (continued) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42350189&postcount=426)
Tuesday, February 22: Fun Adventures at the Condo (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42367837&postcount=433) (continued) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42367846&postcount=434)
Tuesday, February 22: Just as Good as Le Cellier (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42374984&postcount=437)

Wednesday, February 23: Good Morning, Good Morning! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42383113&postcount=440)
Wednesday, February 23: MK Opening Show and Main Street! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42397553&postcount=444)
Wednesday, February 23: My Personal Highest Buzz Score (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42413996&postcount=450)
Wednesday, February 23: The Non-Space Mountain (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42440400&postcount=456)
Wednesday, February 23: Tomorrowland Touring (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42483713&postcount=461)
Wednesday, February 23: Vinylmation Fun with Robert the CM! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42493113&postcount=464)
Wednesday, February 23: Pausing on Pooh (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42519287&postcount=468) (continued) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42519304&postcount=469)
Wednesday, February 23: A Scary Adventure! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42896923&postcount=485)
Wednesday, February 23: Lunch in Silence (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42903602&postcount=486)
Wednesday, February 23: We're Off to Neverland! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42916398&postcount=491)
Wednesday, February 23: A SMILE Means Friendship to Everyone! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42929246&postcount=496) (continued) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42929271&postcount=497)
Wednesday, February 23: Sitting on the Left on HM (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42965444&postcount=506)
Wednesday, February 23: Thunder Mountain Trio (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42976279&postcount=511)
Wednesday, February 23: Brer-ing It (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42976411&postcount=512)
Wednesday, February 23: Shiver Me Timbers! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42976598&postcount=513)
Wednesday, February 23: A Dole Whip Kind of Birthday (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42976930&postcount=514)
Wednesday, February 23: Skipper Matthew (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43047836&postcount=523)
Wednesday, February 23: The Love of Nik's Life (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43069508&postcount=524)
Wednesday, February 23: Monsters, Napping, and Trading (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43239829&postcount=533)
Wednesday, February 23: Cheese Sauce Love (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43248671&postcount=539)
Wednesday, February 23: Nighttime Festivities (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43265845&postcount=545) (continued) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43265863&postcount=546)

Thursday, February 24: A Lazy River Rest Day (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43298704&postcount=555)
Thursday, February 24: Nom-ing, Family Style (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43393484&postcount=564) (continued) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43393498&postcount=565) (continued) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43393510&postcount=566)

Friday, February 25: Have Fun, Kids! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43415953&postcount=574)
Friday, February 25: Cracker Barrel Breakfast (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44119728&postcount=582) (continued) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44119745&postcount=583)
Friday, February 25: Shopping with the Kiddies (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44125464&postcount=584)
Friday, February 25: The Last Beet (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44146830&postcount=590)
Friday, February 25: One Last Sugar Fix (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44160343&postcount=591)
Friday, February 25: Our Last Taste of Disney (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44168012&postcount=594)
Friday, February 25: Before Our Last Disney Sleep (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44370887&postcount=597)
Saturday, February 26: Goodbye Florida! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44377985&postcount=600)

[RachelNinja]

--

[HowWeird]

I can't wait to read the recap about this trip! Though I was able to read a bit of it on the train already, it's different with all the pictures :D Can we go back already??

(I didn't realize that Ninja was still logged into my netbook so I accidentally commented under her name!)

[lovegrumpy]

Can't wait to hear more.

[Nermel9]

I'm here, can't wait to read about your trip!!!

[wdwgirl03]

I'm here!!!

[LilAnn]

I'm in! I'm in! I'm in! Can't wait to hear all about it. Now I just have to keep all of your reports straight.....

[Heffielump]

Can't wait to hear more!

[Revulkcor]

Can't wait to read more! :D

[klacey1]

Yay, I'm here! Can't wait to hear more.

[PirateKate]

Hi! I can't wait to hear about your trip. I play bass at church, too. I don't think I've ever met another girl bassist. Tell Nicolette I said hi. :)

[RachelNinja]

--

Haha, Howard, this makes it look like I comment on my own trip reports because I don't "has" friends ;)

I can't wait to read the recap about this trip! Though I was able to read a bit of it on the train already, it's different with all the pictures :D Can we go back already??

(I didn't realize that Ninja was still logged into my netbook so I accidentally commented under her name!)

Hopefully, doing this TR will be so much easier in terms of adding pics because you learned not to take 3 of the same stationary thing :thumbsup2

Can't wait to hear more.

Glad to have you here!!!

I'm here, can't wait to read about your trip!!!

Thanks! I gotta go back and catch up on yours now that I'm home and missing it terribly!

I'm here!!!

Woohoo!!!

I'm in! I'm in! I'm in! Can't wait to hear all about it. Now I just have to keep all of your reports straight.....

Haha, I'll only be updating 2 of them. I still have the one from April 2010 and now this one for February 2011!!! I have a feeling I might finish this one before the other one!

Can't wait to hear more!

Glad you're here!

Can't wait to read more! :D

Thanks for joining in for our adventures!

Yay, I'm here! Can't wait to hear more.

Yay!

Hi! I can't wait to hear about your trip. I play bass at church, too. I don't think I've ever met another girl bassist. Tell Nicolette I said hi. :)

That's so cool! I think girl bassists just make the instrument look so much cooler, haha. Does yours have a name?

[PirateKate]

That's so cool! I think girl bassists just make the instrument look so much cooler, haha. Does yours have a name?

Mine's named Warrior. It's bright red. It may be a girl's bass, but it's not a wimpy one. :rotfl:

[RachelNinja]

Mine's named Warrior. It's bright red. It may be a girl's bass, but it's not a wimpy one. :rotfl:

Haha, I love it. Girls have better guitar names!

[RachelNinja]

Saturday, February 19: Honk, Honk, I’m A Train Horn

(This update is being written while we’re all on Amtrak! What better opportunity to write part of the trip report when we still have 21 hours to go!)

The morning of our trip was a bit more stressful than the mornings of previous trips. The reason for that is because of my being in pain the day before and also because this is the first trip I’ve ever taken on my own without my parents. Sure, I’ve gone to church retreats in the past, but going 2-3 hours away really doesn’t count, especially when we’re with a huge group going to a place we know.

Flat Weird and Ninja were excited to get going though, so they calmed me down a bit. Look, they changed into new clothes for the trip! They were excited to have a prince and princess costume on!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8506.jpg

I finished packing up all the last minute things and was actually able to eat breakfast. Though I wanted that last half of a sesame bagel with half of the avocado, I knew my stomach probably wouldn’t be able to handle something so heavy, so I took it easy. My entire family was dropping Howard and me off at Penn Station after a stop at McDonald’s for breakfast sandwiches, so the plan of being on our way at 8:30 didn’t really happen. We were only off by 10 minutes, so I wasn’t worried. Plus, our train was scheduled to leave at 11:02am, and we planned on getting to the station at 9:30am instead of 10am (thanks to Kylie/klacey for all the Amtrak information!).

Once in the car, I started getting a little nervous. I knew that we wouldn’t be late, but I was just worried about everything! Yes, I’m 26 and still don’t like being away from my mom! We picked Howard up around 9:10am, and we were on our way to Penn Station. We texted the other 3 in our group to find out where they were, and they said they’d be a little late.

Howard and I got there and said bye to my parents. I asked my mom last minute if she wanted to come with us, but she said no, haha. She did tell us to take care of each other though. I don’t ever have to worry about that because Howard always takes care of me. Oh, and we saw sushi on the ground when we got on the sidewalk and grabbed our bags from the trunk.

When we went down the escalator, we were right where we had to be. The first thing we did was go to a ticket kiosk to scan the printed out email. That was pretty cool because there were no lines to wait on or any confusion in doing so. Then we went to the big board for departures to check out whether or not they had our track number up even though we knew that wouldn’t happen. They announce that 10-15 minutes before the train is set to depart.

After a short time waiting, we got a text from Danielle saying that they were just around the corner! I had my camera ready to snap their arrival at the station! Look at Nikki; she looks so excited even in blurry form!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8507.jpg

We watched their baggage as they went to get their tickets from the kiosk. After that, the 3 of them had to buy food. We all could’ve done that, haha. We had so much time! Howard and I took pics instead. Haha, the second pic is because Howard said his head looked super big, so I took a new one!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8508.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8509.jpg

Howard had actually bought sandwiches from the deli the day before because I didn’t want to deal with the hassle of having to get food that day just in case we were late or we couldn’t find anything we liked. I know I worry too much about those little things! They picked up sandwiches and then we went to stake out a spot by the board after looking to see where all the different tracks were. We wanted to be prepared to quickly go when we finally got our track number!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8510.jpg

Well, I should correct that and say that we found a good spot by a column and then we ended up moving a little while later because there was a homeless man spitting or puking in a bag in the garbage. Um, no thanks. We girls also made a stop at the bathroom too.

Our train was bumped up to the 2nd position on the board, so we were just waiting patiently. I thought they were going to announce it in order, but suddenly, we saw and heard that our track was 12E! Of course, despite the fact that we checked everything out earlier, we were so confused at that point. It took a few seconds for us to realize which direction we had to move! We quickly grabbed all of our things and headed to that escalator. Thankfully, we were fairly close to it, so we got there somewhat early before the huge rush.

We had to show our tickets before heading down the escalator. It looked so futuristic!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8511.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8512.jpg

At the platform, we walked straight in an attempt to get to the back of it. When we reached an Amtrak attendant, he said that coach classes were on the other end (the front of the train - there are coach cars then dining/lounge cars then sleeper cars)! So we quickly walked the other way. When we reached the attendant all the way near the front of the train, the guy said, “Orlando? Orlando is back there.” AGH! Seriously? Haha. We were already exhausted because we had all of our bags and luggage. When we got to the middle of the train (as in, where we got down from the escalator), the attendant from the front said, “You’re all going to Florida, right? Anyone going to Orlando?” We said that we were, and the guy said we should go back to the front! Haha, we said that he had told us to go to the middle, and he apologized because he must’ve gotten confused or was thinking about directing someone else or something.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8513.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8514.jpg

When we finally made our way to our spot, the attendant asked us how many we had, and we told him 5. He told us to sit in seats 17-21. I kind of liked that he was pretty much assigning seats so that people who were together could sit together. When we got on the actual train though, someone was sitting in seat 21, which was the single seat, so we just told Nik to sit in the seats across the aisle. They weren’t assigned in the sense that our names were attached to it, so it wasn’t that big of a deal. It ended up that we had a few doubled seats. People would come up and say that they were told to sit in those seats, but there were people in them already (both groups were told the same number), so everyone kind of just sat in that general area.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8515.jpg

I was really amazed by the fact that it was really rather roomy! I knew that it was much more space than a bus or airplane, but I just hadn’t expected to have that much. Yay! It makes sense though since we’d be on it for so long! Seeing the plugs by all the seats was also a great thing since I had read on message boards that there were plugs at every seat on most trains, but when I emailed Amtrak, they told me that it wasn’t guaranteed. Phew. It would be bad if all of our DVD players and laptops/netbooks ran out of power!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8527.jpg

Our luggage was put on the racks above us. It was so great that we were able to put them there and have access to them the entire trip. At one point, Danielle needed contact solution because Ray forgot to bring it, but it wasn’t a problem for us to take my bag down to get it out. If it were checked, that would’ve been problematic!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8519.jpg

There are the pull-down tables just like the airplane, but much more space from the table and the seat. Of course, the seats also recline back and there’s a leg rest that can come straight out and a footrest that comes down from the seat in front of you. Although it obviously won’t be like sleeping in a bed, it’s definitely doable! For what we’re paying, it’s worth it. Plus, we don’t have the fear of flying and we also get to see fun things along the way!

There were attendants that made announcements and told us how things worked on the trian.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8520.jpg

When we finally started moving, I was still so excited. Even at this point of my writing this (I took breaks in between, so it’s now been a little over 4 hours on the train), the novelty of it still has not worn off. I’m happy about that because it still feels like a fun adventure for me! Here's a video of when we first started moving!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/th_MVI_8517.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/?action=view&current=MVI_8517.mp4)

Danielle and Ray took out their laptops and went online (Dani has that card thingie that allows her to go online) and started watching movies. Nik snuggled with her cow (she’s had it for YEARS, way before Pillow Pet came out) and fell asleep since no one was sitting next to her. The first thing I did was eat my sausage, egg, and cheese McMuffin from McDonald’s. Since we were settled in, I was finally relaxed enough to feel my hunger!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8528.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8521.jpg

Howard and I just sat and talked. We hadn’t seen each other in 5 days, so it was like our regular Saturday except we didn’t have sushi! Haha. Our first few hours were spent in amazement of the sights (haha, nothing fun, just making comments about the abandoned buildings in New Jersey) and reading the graffiti out loud! Well, most of it because some of it was just inappropriate! We also were cracking up each time the train horn honked because it reminded us of an SNL sketch about this girl selling car horns that had her voice recorded on them saying things because regular car horns were too boring (there was a sketch about doorbells too). If you’ve seen it, you’d understand why we were saying, “Honk, honk, I’m a train horn.” Haha, we did it almost every single time, and it took a while for Howard to stop saying car horn! Yes, we laugh about the silliest things.

Here we are in Philly, I think.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8523.jpg

After some movie watching, Dani and Ray fell asleep.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8524.jpg

Hehe, so cute.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8525.jpg

I also made a bathroom stop since Howard did, and he said it was clean. Figured I’d go since his sneakers were on and he could move easily so I could get out. It was a very small bathroom, just like an airplane bathroom. Thankfully, at that point, it was still clean. Howard and Ray said that it did have a smell, but it didn’t bother me much because (1) I can’t smell that well and (2) I’ve gone into some pretty stinky bathrooms before and was so grossed out and nauseated that I had to leave! It didn’t compare to that thankfully! It was, of course, an experience trying to pee while moving because in my mind, I’m supposed to be completely still! Haha.

Pretty soon, Howard and I were feeling a little hungry. Either that or we were in the mood to just eat! We split one of the heroes that he picked up from the deli. It had honey ham, pepperjack cheese, tomatoes, and avocado!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8540.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8541.jpg

It was really good, and while we watched it, we started watching Blades of Glory. I think it’s a hilarious movie. The first time I watched it was when I was sick, and I had borrowed it from the library. I bought it when I saw it at Five Below, so I brought it on the trip so that Howard could watch it! Hilarious movie! Of course, we were cracking up inaudibly because we had earbuds in and couldn’t really hear each other anyway. Best part was when Katie Van Waldenberg (Jenna Fischer’s character) and Jimmy McElroy were making out. Hilarious to see Pam Beasley doing that with Napoleon Dynamite!

I liked being able to pull up the recliner part of the seat to relax more.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8526.jpg

We had to pause the movie since they were making the first full station stop in Washington DC since they were switching the engine from electric to diesel so the power would be cut off. It wouldn’t have been a problem for us anyway since the computer was charged, but I thought we were going to take a break and head on outside. However, when the train stopped and we looked outside, there were a ton of people going out to smoke. I didn’t want to breathe all of that in, so we ended up staying inside. There were a few bumps when they disconnected and connected, so that was interesting. It definitely would’ve been a fun thing to watch!

Well, we started moving once again and we gained a new passenger. This man is sitting directly behind us and is on his 2nd phone call of the trip, and he’s only been on for a short time! I thought it was funny that he’d be talking so loudly on the train, so I recorded a bit of it, haha. He was saying that the crowd was extremely crowded since it’s a holiday and there are kids on vacation and the Daytona 500 is starting (or whatever it’s called). HAHA, as I type that he’s saying the same exact thing to this new person! Haha, anyway, he said there were only a few kids on it and they weren’t bothering him. Um, I think you might be bothering them because some might be trying to sleep! Haha, and then when he said the Daytona thing and giving the explanation that the train is filled with racing fans, Howard and I looked at each other and made a pretend cheer to indicate we were those racing fans! Haha, we did it the 2nd time he said it too, so now I’m partially looking forward to him getting or making a new call!

Here's a video of part of one of his calls! HAHA. I mouthed, "He's so loud!"

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/th_MVI_8546.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/?action=view&current=MVI_8546.mp4)

Oh, instead of making another call, he has decided to start humming …

Haha, so now I’m up to date with the trip report. I did just take Tylenol for a headache, so I’m not sure what to do at this point. Too bad I don’t have the pictures from the 2010 trip so I could just type up all those updates and post them all in one shot. Oh well! I’ll type up another update a little while later when there’s more to type!

[therussells08]

I'm here, I'm here! To say I have been anxiously awaiting this TR would be the understatement of the century! :woohoo:

Don't feel bad, I have a really hard time leaving my mom too. I have been married for almost three years, and everytime I go on vacation without her I still cry like a baby! :sad1:

I am loving reading about your adventures on Amtrak! I have only even traveled to Disney via car or plane, so this is such an amazing and exciting report! I can't wait to read more!

Your video cracked me up! :rotfl: I am from the deep south, so I know alllll about the Daytona 500! I must say, I'm glad it's over so I don't have to hear about it anymore!

[RachelNinja]

I'm here, I'm here! To say I have been anxiously awaiting this TR would be the understatement of the century! :woohoo:

Don't feel bad, I have a really hard time leaving my mom too. I have been married for almost three years, and everytime I go on vacation without her I still cry like a baby! :sad1:

I am loving reading about your adventures on Amtrak! I have only even traveled to Disney via car or plane, so this is such an amazing and exciting report! I can't wait to read more!

Your video cracked me up! :rotfl: I am from the deep south, so I know alllll about the Daytona 500! I must say, I'm glad it's over so I don't have to hear about it anymore!

Yay, you're here! Hopefully, I'll be much better about updating it regularly! I've got a pretty good head start since I typed a bit on the train going and coming back.

Phew, I'm not the only one who misses my mom! I mean, I know you have John, and I have Howard, but it's still not entirely the same! I'm much comforted when she's around.

Amtrak is definitely an interesting experience. Since we normally drive back, I don't look forward to having to leave because it means sitting in a car for so long. Leaving this time wasn't as bad because I knew we still had the "adventure" of returning on Amtrak!

HAHA, the Daytona stuff was hilarious. Later on when we heard it mentioned and we saw the sign for the exit, Howard and I still went, "YEAH!!!"

[lovegrumpy]

Sounds like you are having fun on the train. My youngest ds would love to go on a train ride.

[Cat0727]

I'm here! I dont know how I missed the link in your PTR. Gonna get caught up now. :)

[HowWeird]

I'm so so glad that Amtrak wasn't as bad as I had imagined! I mean, it would've been okay since we would end up in Florida, but still, we would've been recovering from being miserable.

I definitely liked sitting there and enjoying each other's company! It felt like a typical Saturday but at the end of it, we'd be in Florida! We seriously need to move south. Let's go!

DAYTONA!! :thumbsup2

[RachelNinja]

Sounds like you are having fun on the train. My youngest ds would love to go on a train ride.

The kids on the train seemed to be having a lot of fun! They walked up and down the aisles probably to and from the lounge car over and over again. I think they enjoyed having that kind of limited freedom.

I'm here! I dont know how I missed the link in your PTR. Gonna get caught up now. :)

YAY! Glad you're here! Haha, hopefully I'll keep up to date with this instead of letting it sit for a while like I did with my PTR.

I'm so so glad that Amtrak wasn't as bad as I had imagined! I mean, it would've been okay since we would end up in Florida, but still, we would've been recovering from being miserable.

I definitely liked sitting there and enjoying each other's company! It felt like a typical Saturday but at the end of it, we'd be in Florida! We seriously need to move south. Let's go!

DAYTONA!! :thumbsup2

I'm still nervous because you wanna fly in a little over a year! Haha. I'd do Amtrak again in the future. Maybe during a non-peak time booked really early ... that way, we'd save a lot of money. Plus, it wouldn't be as crowded.

YEAH!!!

[RachelNinja]

Saturday, February 19: More Amtrak Fun!

Before I move on, I wanted to post more pictures from the first leg of the trip. Like I said in the previous post, I typed up the update on the train, so I didn't have the pics next to me. I don't know where to stick these in terms of order, so I'll just add them here.

I lost track of where we were at this point.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8530.jpg

We were confused!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8531.jpg

That little knob is to make the bottom recline. I hung the grocery bag there for our garbage so we wouldn't have to keep getting up.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8532.jpg

Of course, I got hurt when I was trying to do it! Haha, I think this was only a few hours in!!!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8533.jpg

I thought it would be okay, but it kept bleeding, so I had to put a Band-Aid on it.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8535.jpg

Mickey was happy to get out of my backpack too.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8536.jpg

He enjoyed looking out the window!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8537.jpg

He had fun watching Blades of Glory as well!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8538.jpg

At some points, we were driving on these bridges that had us right above the water! It was insane, and I was really fascinated yet scared at the same time!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8542.jpg

There can be some really pretty views as you get farther down south.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8543.jpg

I think we were in Washington DC here. This is when they switched the engines. We didn't go outside because of the smokers, but we did stand up and "visit" with Nik!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8544.jpg

That's when I got a Hi-Chew from her. I had never tried it before, and I really liked it! It did take about 4 bites from me though. I'm always paranoid I'll choke on chewy candy like Starburst! Or I could also get a locked jaw due to TMJ.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20021911/IMG_8552.jpg

Okie dokie, that should be enough to entertain you for now, right? Haha, at least I'm moving at a better speed than my April 2010 TR that's still not complete. Of course, I started that one at a good pace too ... hehe.

[Heffielump]

YAY! You started! It's okay to miss your mom! When I went to Paris for the first time and saw the Eiffel Tower I called my mom crying!!!

You guys were so well prepared for the train ride! Can't wait to hear more about your trip! I'm doing a super commando trip at the end of March so I can't wait to hear your favourite parts!

[LilAnn]

Oh my gosh, I started laughing when I read your post and saw the pic where you said Howard thought his head was too big. That happens with me and DH all the time! I may have removed it from FB, but I'm not sure. Sometimes his head looks twice the size of mine!

Love your TR so far. It's making me rethink a train ride. I've done an Amtrak trip to NYC before and it was fun. Not sure if I could make it all the way down to FL though, especially with a little one.

[Bridora]

Woo Hoo! On your way to Disney! I'm so glad you are reporting on your Amtrak journey as well; I've always wanted to travel somewhere on a train!

[klacey1]

I love reading your Amtrak updates!! I'm sorry my "go to the back of the train" advice didn't pan out! I guess it's different on overnight trains. (Although it seems many people gave you wrong advice about where you needed to be, lol).
There is something so novel about traveling by train-- feels very vintage! (That is, vintage with laptops and other electronic modes of entertainment!)

[PirateKate]

Taking a train to Disney would be quite the experience. I could see how it could be really fun, since no one would be driving and everyone could watch movies and talk. And it would be cool to get to see all the sights you'd miss if flying. :goodvibes

[mickeystoontown]

Joining in too! I've never taken Amtrack anywhere and am enjoying all of your pictures and descriptions.

[GaRain]

I am in for the ride.....:surfweb:

[Nermel9]

I love reading about your train trip, it sounds like it was fun! And you're right, those seats do look roomy, much more than seats on a airplane! :banana: Can't wait til you arrive at Disney!

[RachelNinja]

YAY! You started! It's okay to miss your mom! When I went to Paris for the first time and saw the Eiffel Tower I called my mom crying!!!

You guys were so well prepared for the train ride! Can't wait to hear more about your trip! I'm doing a super commando trip at the end of March so I can't wait to hear your favourite parts!

I'm glad that it's normal to miss my mom! Haha, my mom thinks I need to be more independent! She was happy that I went away on my own because I learned how to handle everything by myself (well, with Howard really!).

Ooo, your trip is coming up soon then! We're in your vacation month!

Oh my gosh, I started laughing when I read your post and saw the pic where you said Howard thought his head was too big. That happens with me and DH all the time! I may have removed it from FB, but I'm not sure. Sometimes his head looks twice the size of mine!

Love your TR so far. It's making me rethink a train ride. I've done an Amtrak trip to NYC before and it was fun. Not sure if I could make it all the way down to FL though, especially with a little one.

Hehe, I'm a great fiance because I make fun of his big head size too. I feel that's okay because I too have a fairly large head! I told him that I wouldn't be able to date him if his head wasn't bigger than mine!

With your DD, it might be easier to get a sleeper car. You can get a roomette and have all 3 of you stay in one, I think. It might not be that expensive if it's during a slower time and not during the holiday time like when we went!

Woo Hoo! On your way to Disney! I'm so glad you are reporting on your Amtrak journey as well; I've always wanted to travel somewhere on a train!

It was definitely an experience. It made even the traveling part fun! We considered it an adventure!

I love reading your Amtrak updates!! I'm sorry my "go to the back of the train" advice didn't pan out! I guess it's different on overnight trains. (Although it seems many people gave you wrong advice about where you needed to be, lol).
There is something so novel about traveling by train-- feels very vintage! (That is, vintage with laptops and other electronic modes of entertainment!)

Don't worry about the "back of the train" advice. We didn't know which way we were going anyway, haha. No one was down there to direct us! We would've walked in that direction anyway! I wonder if they put coach in the front so we can listen to that train horn honking all the time! Haha.

YES, vintage is definitely the word! Yesterday one of my students was like, "How did you get there?" (despite the fact that I had mentioned Amtrak MANY times before the trip and all the other kids knew). One kid told him that I took a train, and he was like, "Yeah right. Miss Ninja didn't take a train all the way to Florida." I said, "Yes, I did. Why don't you believe me?" And he said, "Oh okay, was it a train with wings?" HAHAHA. It took a while for him to believe me because I was egging him on and saying, "Would I ever lie to you?" with a big smile on my face.

Taking a train to Disney would be quite the experience. I could see how it could be really fun, since no one would be driving and everyone could watch movies and talk. And it would be cool to get to see all the sights you'd miss if flying. :goodvibes

Since Howard and I did the car thing last year with him splitting the drive with my dad, the train was a much better experience. When Howard drove, I sat in the front with him, and because I HAD to stay awake, I immediately felt tired! Haha. This time, we could just nap whenever we wanted to. It was definitely fun seeing the difference between all the stops closer to home and all the stops closer to our destination!

Joining in too! I've never taken Amtrack anywhere and am enjoying all of your pictures and descriptions.

Yay! Thanks for joining me on this adventure! I've loved reading your trip reports!

I am in for the ride.....:surfweb:

Woohoo! More passengers for the ride!

I love reading about your train trip, it sounds like it was fun! And you're right, those seats do look roomy, much more than seats on a airplane! :banana: Can't wait til you arrive at Disney!

I was worried that I wouldn't be comfortable if it wasn't clean, so I brought Clorox wipes and all those things with me. I didn't even use it on the way down! I guess I got comfortable really quickly! I guess you're on a train, and everyone else isn't going to look absolutely fresh either, so it doesn't matter so much!

[RachelNinja]

Saturday, February 19: Howard's Amtrak Pictures

Here's Nik with her cow! I think she just calls it cow, but for a while, I think its name used to be "Steak"!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20021911/IMG_6224.jpg

Thrilled that we had the outlets! PHEW!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20021911/IMG_6225.jpg

Howard is learning to take one-handed pics! Of course, doing it with his camera is much more difficult because it's heavier!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20021911/IMG_6227.jpg

You can get a feel of where we were located in our car. We were a little bit behind the middle, and we really liked it because we weren't too close to either door. Plus, we weren't too close to the bathroom to have to smell it but also not too far away that we'd have to trek there to catch it before someone else went in (there were yellow indicator lights that turned on the outside when someone locked it from the inside).

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20021911/IMG_6228.jpg

I look like a boy because my hair is pulled back, but this is when I was finally calm enough to realize I was hungry and I could eat my sausage egg McMuffin!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20021911/IMG_6229.jpg

This is at the first stop in NJ. I think it was Newark?

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20021911/IMG_6232.jpg

Haha, you can see that I'm typing up part of the trip report here!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20021911/IMG_6237.jpg

This was Ray and Dani's set-up.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20021911/IMG_6239.jpg

Okie dokie, next update will be waking up on Amtrak after the overnight portion!

[LilAnn]

It's fun to get home from a night shift and have an update to read! :cool1: Looks like you guys had a nice little setup!

[HowWeird]

Yay for new readers! Haha see, you do have friends ;)

I know I said I wanna fly for our Disneymoon but if you're really adamant against flying, then I'd hate to force you! I need to plant the idea of flying as being a good thing now ... :D

Another good thing about Amtrak is that it makes my commutes seem VERY short!

[Jennifer48]

I'm here!

Riding on Amtrak doesn't seem so bad. We looked into it after you mentioned you were doing it. It would have added another few hrs for us because it takes a strange loop around MA before heading to NY. We could have been on the same one!

I really need to get mine started but I'm trying to catch up on the DIS first! :rotfl: Plus, DH needs to finish uploading all the photos so I can add them to photobucket.

I'm still so sad we didn't get our DISmeet! :sad1:

[therussells08]

I love reading about your time on the train! It seems so exciting! This is going to sound really weird but I went to bed last night and dreamed that I was going somewhere (Disney I guess) on a train and you and I met each other. :rotfl: I told my mom about it this morning and she advised I do not post that on here lest you think I am a weirdo, but I just had to tell you!

[chunkymonkey]

Subbing to the TR now! I like how you started writing on your way down...it's a good way to kill time, plus everything will be so fresh in your head...it's kinda like...real time! LOL

You seats on Amtrak look really comfy. I used to ride Acela all the time for work to Baltimore and they are quite comfortable. It's not a bad way to travel at all. I'm curious to see how your overnight stay went.

I love hi chew! The grape ones are really good. I also like the green apple ones.

Did you go to the snack cars at all? I am curious to see what you guys ate on the way down...aside from your egg mcmuffin and the huge sandwich.

[RachelNinja]

It's fun to get home from a night shift and have an update to read! :cool1: Looks like you guys had a nice little setup!

Hopefully, those updates will keep coming for you! It was definitely a fun thing to do with a larger group of people. Howard said if it were only the two of us, he might not have wanted to do it.

Yay for new readers! Haha see, you do have friends ;)

I know I said I wanna fly for our Disneymoon but if you're really adamant against flying, then I'd hate to force you! I need to plant the idea of flying as being a good thing now ... :D

Another good thing about Amtrak is that it makes my commutes seem VERY short!

I know the benefits of flying. I'd love to just get there right away and relax! I just hate doing it! I know it's only a little bit of time, so that's comforting. We'll see. We'll see we'll see we'll see. I guess for our Disneymoon, it would only make sense to fly what with Magical Express and all that too!

But your commutes don't have ME ;)

I'm here!

Riding on Amtrak doesn't seem so bad. We looked into it after you mentioned you were doing it. It would have added another few hrs for us because it takes a strange loop around MA before heading to NY. We could have been on the same one!

I really need to get mine started but I'm trying to catch up on the DIS first! :rotfl: Plus, DH needs to finish uploading all the photos so I can add them to photobucket.

I'm still so sad we didn't get our DISmeet! :sad1:

That would've been so cool if we were on the same train! It seemed like you go there really quickly though as I watched you reach all your markers on Facebook!

The only reason I can start this one is because I started writing on the train. Nothing is really being written now. I just had to add pictures in, but I did that on Sunday for the few updates I have. I'm pretty sure we'll hit a dry patch once I'm done!

I KNOW. We were so close to meeting! I guess that's what happens quite often though. It's so difficult to meet up with someone in WDW because of how quickly plans can change!

I love reading about your time on the train! It seems so exciting! This is going to sound really weird but I went to bed last night and dreamed that I was going somewhere (Disney I guess) on a train and you and I met each other. :rotfl: I told my mom about it this morning and she advised I do not post that on here lest you think I am a weirdo, but I just had to tell you!

Haha, that was an awesome dream! I've had a dream before of meeting a bunch of DISers on a boat from World Showcase to DTD (haha, I don't even know if there is a boat for that). I don't think you're a weirdo. Plus, I got a kick out of the fact that you used the word "lest"!

Subbing to the TR now! I like how you started writing on your way down...it's a good way to kill time, plus everything will be so fresh in your head...it's kinda like...real time! LOL

You seats on Amtrak look really comfy. I used to ride Acela all the time for work to Baltimore and they are quite comfortable. It's not a bad way to travel at all. I'm curious to see how your overnight stay went.

I love hi chew! The grape ones are really good. I also like the green apple ones.

Did you go to the snack cars at all? I am curious to see what you guys ate on the way down...aside from your egg mcmuffin and the huge sandwich.

I definitely think riding the train is much better than riding a bus. I could definitely get motion sick on a bus, but the train was just a constant movement that I could handle. Even typing and watching DVDs was fine! There was one leg of the trip where things were just shaking a lot for a good 10-15 mins. I felt like my insides were shaking too!

My cousin said she tried looking for the grape one! The one I had was really good! Much softer than a Starburst!

Yup, we did get to the snack car, but only Howard got something.

[RachelNinja]

Sunday, February 20: That’s Where They Grow The ...

It’s Sunday morning, and Howard and I have been awake since 6:30am. I guess we’re very used to getting up at this time for work. Our other 3 buddies are still sleeping, so it’s kind of entertaining to look over and watch them creepily at times. For example, look at Ray all bundled up!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8569.jpg

Haha, we just stopped in Palatka, Florida, and when we started moving again, I waved to a man in a truck, and he waved back! Wow, I’m easily entertained. Howard and I were also extremely entertained by all the sights! We kept saying, "That's where they grow the trucks" and "That's where they grow the mountains." Anything we saw was being "grown" in a farm or something, haha. We were just cracking up about everything!!!

Anyway, I’m just going to quickly recap the rest of the night. Hmm, where did I leave off? Well, everyone else took naps and slept, but I was wide awake. As it got later, I didn’t want to nap at all because I was afraid it would interfere with sleeping at night. We then had “Shark” come to our car to announce what was happening with dinner. His real name was Jacques, but we didn’t hear it clearly the first time, so Howard thought it was “Shark.” This had already happened at lunch, but he told us again that because we had the full train, we wouldn’t be able to eat in the dining car because all the reservation slots were filled up. There was more than enough food for everyone to eat, so we had the option of getting dinner and bringing it back to our seats (or eating in the lounge car, but even that was going to be crowded according to Jacques).

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That didn’t really bother Howard and me. We figured it was actually easier this way since there are 5 of us and the tables seat 4. Plus, we would also have to bring our bags of valuable stuff, like our electronics, and that would’ve been a tight squeeze. Instead, the 3 of them headed to the back to get food first. The lounge car/café car was a long walk! It’s about 5 cars back. That’s why there’s no chance for us to get seated because they go through each coach car to ask.

They came back with some food like sandwiches and snacks, and then Howard and I made our way back there. I wasn’t hungry in the slightest since I had eaten the second half of the second hero fairly recently. It was such an adventure going through all of those coach cars while the train was moving at that speed. It was also very clear to us that we had the best car. Haha. The other cars were loud and dirty and packed with people with strange odors. Our car just seemed a lot calmer than the others. Plus, we caught a glimpse at both bathrooms in one car, and there were bits of toilet paper or paper towel all over the floor! Yuck. Have some respect, people!

Anyway, we got to the back and had to wait in a line. That was fine since Howard had to decide what he wanted. I was really not in a mood for anything. I took a picture of a lounge car table while we waited.

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It's nice to have the option to sit in a different position and across from people to play a game or something in the lounge car. Of course, you never know if it'll be completely filled! I think there was another lounge car on the other side of the cafe car too.

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Here are the condiments and such that they have available.

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He chose a BBQ chicken sandwich with provolone cheese, and I got a cup because I brought a can of ginger ale with me. I took this while we waited for his food to be "cooked" in the microwave (pretty quickly, I must say!). The area isn't the absolute cleanest, but it's kind of expected considering all the movement. To walk back to your seat, your food or drinks are put in one of those boxes you can see on top of the counter.

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Walking back was also interesting, but at least we didn’t have to look at many people since we were walking in the direction they were facing. I’m also glad we had our coach car because we didn’t have as many people walking by. I can’t imagine being in the coach car right next to the lounge car and café car! EVERYONE would have to pass by! And each time someone passes by, there’s a little breeze or gust of wind.

We settled back into our seats. I had my ginger ale and Pop Chips. Yes, that was technically my dinner, haha. But I just wasn’t feeling the greatest, and that was what I knew I could and would eat. Thankfully, I did bring the ginger ale because after about half a cup, I immediately felt so much better! I probably didn’t have enough sugar in my system, which can be problematic since I’m hypoglycemic.

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Our onboard entertainment, haha, was season 4 of 24! We ended up watching the first 3 episodes of the season. So much fun! Although it was a little nerve-wracking to watch the first scene of the first episode because the people are on a train that is derailed because someone purposely put a truck on the track filled with C-4!

As it got closer to 10pm, we decided to take a pause and go to the bathroom one last time. Howard also went to get Gatorade because all we had was water and ginger ale. They told us many times that they dim the lights at 10, so I just wanted to do all that before it got a little bit too difficult to move around. When the lights were dimmed, it wasn’t that dark. The lights in the middle above the aisle were still on, but everything else along the sides and above the baggage racks were turned off.

We were going to watch that 3rd episode of 24 with our neck pillows and blanket so that we could just go to sleep afterwards. I was actually falling asleep during that episode! When it ended, I was almost completely out of it, so Howard put everything away so we could put the trays back up and have room to sleep.

I don’t remember much of what happened, but I did sleep for 4 hours. I woke up a few times during the night since I was trying to move around and find a comfortable position. I’m so glad we each had our neck pillows though (Christmas gift from my mom) because it would’ve been very uncomfortable on our necks if they kept bending to the side.

I ended up getting up around 2am, and I just wasn’t tired at all. I sat up and looked out the window, but there was nothing to see since we were stopped at a bigger stop for a while. Howard did eventually get up and noticed that I was up. I also noticed that Danielle was up. In actuality, I was confused because I didn’t recognize it as her. I thought a new girl had come on board to sit next to Nikki and was awake doing work. Little did I know what had really happened …

After a bit more time, I was able to fall back asleep. I curled up more in a ball instead of stretching out on the seat. I guess I just couldn’t get fully comfortable. Plus, every time there was a noise, I felt like I had to wake up. The doors opening and closing or an announcement coming on the speaker usually stirred me awake.

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Are we there yet? I'd like to go in a clean bathroom that doesn't move!

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We both woke up again around 6am. We looked out the window since it was bright enough to enjoy it. Plus, we were in Florida, so everything just LOOKED so much warmer! After a while, we had our breakfast of peanut butter granola bars. Looking back, I realize that may not have been the best choice because I got those stomach aches from too much fiber. I think I should’ve skipped it since I actually started getting a lot pain once again! I forced myself to go back to sleep, and that helped a bit.

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When we finally got closer to our destination, we met a really fun car attendant! He was getting our car ready to get off the train and reminding us to clean up our areas since people would be getting on board as we were getting off. He actually came to Howard and me and asked us if we were Chinese. The reason for that was because he knew Mandarin! Howard and I know Cantonese, but still, he was very friendly, and we were able to understand some of the things that he was saying. We then talked about being from New York and how the Chinatown in San Francisco is so much cleaner than the one in NY. Haha, we totally agree!

I wish that that car attendant, Alan, could have been with us the entire trip. It would’ve been a very relaxing and fun ride! We had other good people too, so I’m not complaining at all.

When we finally arrived at the Orlando Amtrak station, it took a while to get off since the entire car and others were getting off. It was funny listening to the conversations of people way in front of us because people were chatting and saying stuff like, “It was nice to meet you” and “Make sure you try those pineapple Frostys!”

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Before we got off the train though, I had to say goodbye to Leo. Leo kept Howard and me company during our ride down. Haha, he's a Cheeto! Leo the Cheeto! His full name is Leonardo. He was there when we got on at Penn Station. Haha. I wonder if he's still there! Maybe he was heading all the way down to Miami!

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Okie dokie, I do believe this MIGHT be the last Amtrak update! Moving on to using our own two feet as transportation! Next update will be getting the rental car and finding out why Danielle moved next to Nikki in the middle of the night!

[klacey1]

Great update! Yeah, traveling by train is fun, but sleeping in a chair isn't exactly the most comfortable.

[Jennifer48]

Sleeping in that is probably a whole lot more comfortable than I was in the car! It took us 25 hrs and that's because we hit lots of holiday weekend traffic. It was not funny!

Leo the Cheeto :lmao:

[PirateKate]

Being on the train overnight sounds like quite the adventure. I think it would have made me nervous to watch the 24 episode with the train blowing up while on a train, too. :rotfl:

[Nermel9]

Love the update, I liked seeing other parts of the train! Why were the other cars so gross? :eek: Ugh that would bother me, luckily you guys got a nice, clean car!

I probably wouldn't have slept much either, I really can't sleep well sitting up, and I get woken up by every little noise.

Yay, you're finally in Orlando! :woohoo:

[YukiPhnx]

RACHEL!!!!

I'm here and signed up! Brb to catch up!

[RachelNinja]

Great update! Yeah, traveling by train is fun, but sleeping in a chair isn't exactly the most comfortable.

It took me a while to learn that if I curled up in a ball and put my head on my pillow on the armrest, I was more comfortable. It probably wasn't the most attractive sleeping position, but I'm sure everyone else on the train felt the same way!

Sleeping in that is probably a whole lot more comfortable than I was in the car! It took us 25 hrs and that's because we hit lots of holiday weekend traffic. It was not funny!

Leo the Cheeto :lmao:

YES! That's what I kept telling myself. I liked being able to sleep on the train more than the car because I could sleep longer. There definitely was more room. Plus, the motion was pretty constant. It's easier to wake up in a car. How great would it be if all DISers could have just one Amtrak car?!? Haha, that'd be comfortable! And I would think everyone would be more careful about keeping the bathrooms clean!

I think it's hilarious that we had a Cheeto there. Normally, I'd be grossed out by food on the floor where I would have to put my stuff, but it was one piece that wasn't bitten. Plus, it was so innocent and unassuming!

Being on the train overnight sounds like quite the adventure. I think it would have made me nervous to watch the 24 episode with the train blowing up while on a train, too. :rotfl:

I couldn't help but laugh when it handed because I couldn't believe that that was the first episode!!! When Howard asked about flying for our Disneymoon, I said that I was scared and he'd have to find a way to get me on the plane. He said, "We'll watch 24." I said, "Make sure the episode doesn't have something happening on a plane!!!"

[RachelNinja]

Love the update, I liked seeing other parts of the train! Why were the other cars so gross? :eek: Ugh that would bother me, luckily you guys got a nice, clean car!

I probably wouldn't have slept much either, I really can't sleep well sitting up, and I get woken up by every little noise.

Yay, you're finally in Orlando! :woohoo:

I really loved the fact that we got a good train car. I don't know why people can't just clean up after themselves. I see it in my students too, and it really disturbs me! Even if you only clean up after yourself, the world would be better! Haha, I need a soapbox.

I think I learned how to get up to every single noise once my younger brother was born. I would hear him cry or something and get up. Beforehand, I could sleep through everything ... even a smoke alarm!

RACHEL!!!!

I'm here and signed up! Brb to catch up!

Yay! Funny thing is I actually just clicked on your TR to catch up!

[YukiPhnx]

Yay! Funny thing is I actually just clicked on your TR to catch up!

Haha, what wonderful timing!

[not_Joanna_eggs]

Yay, you started!

Glad you had a good train ride. The scenery to Orlando looks much more exciting than the scenery to Grand Forks North Dakota! Which is the last train ride I was on and I hated it!

Can't wait to hear about your trip!

[YukiPhnx]

I'm all caught up!

Woooow, what a ride! I recently took a really long ride from Toronto to Montreal on a cramped little bus, but it costs twice as much to take the train! But also 4 times as fast!

You updates really make me want to go on a train ride. I've never taken a ride on a real one, and yours just seem so nice. So those power outlets weren't with every seat right? I didn't see the ones on Dani's side.

Mmm, nature valley granola bars. My favourite is the fruit and nut.

You guys are SO FREAKIN AWESOME, naming a cheeto. When we're on long rides like this, Andrew almost always falls asleep the first 10 minutes and I'm just left awake, listening to my ipod. I wish we could have crazy naming advantures like you and Weird too.

[RachelNinja]

Haha, what wonderful timing!

It was such a treat being able to read update after update!!!

Yay, you started!

Glad you had a good train ride. The scenery to Orlando looks much more exciting than the scenery to Grand Forks North Dakota! Which is the last train ride I was on and I hated it!

Can't wait to hear about your trip!

Ooo, you just reminded me of the videos I have to post! We passed through some towns. It was so funny because only like a stone's throw away (if that's the correct phrase~) there were houses! I can't imagine living right next to the train tracks.

I'm all caught up!

Woooow, what a ride! I recently took a really long ride from Toronto to Montreal on a cramped little bus, but it costs twice as much to take the train! But also 4 times as fast!

You updates really make me want to go on a train ride. I've never taken a ride on a real one, and yours just seem so nice. So those power outlets weren't with every seat right? I didn't see the ones on Dani's side.

Mmm, nature valley granola bars. My favourite is the fruit and nut.

You guys are SO FREAKIN AWESOME, naming a cheeto. When we're on long rides like this, Andrew almost always falls asleep the first 10 minutes and I'm just left awake, listening to my ipod. I wish we could have crazy naming advantures like you and Weird too.

The train is better than the bus because there's technically no traffic! Well, we do have to stop for freight trains to pass, but I'd rather have that than the stop and go of possible traffic on a bus. I really would not want to get motion sick!

Nope, there were power outlets at every seat! I think Dani's are just blocked because they pulled their trays closer to them. We were so excited about that!

On the way back, Howard was sleeping for most of it! I was typing up stuff for the TR and looking at him and wondering, "How long is this guy gonna sleep?!?" He'd wake up, look at me and smile, and then fall back asleep! Haha.

[RachelNinja]

Sunday, February 20: Our White Car

Getting off the train was a bit different than getting on. At Penn Station, you walk directly on because the door is level with the platform. At most other stations, you had to use the stairs and the little stepstool that they provided.

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Thankfully, the Amtrak attendants are very nice in helping and assisting you! I had to take a picture of our buddy Alan!

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We walked towards the station even though we weren't quite sure where to go. It was a bit strange seeing all this in person because I had seen the Orlando Amtrak station in pictures.

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We had to go in there to find what we needed.

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Once in the Amtrak station, we put our stuff on the benches, and we took turns going to the bathroom. Wow, you really do take stationary bathrooms for granted! Haha, I forgot how much I should appreciate them! I talked to Nikki and found out why Dani moved in the middle of the night. Apparently, there was some creeper on the train! This man went to Nik in the middle of the night and tried to take her bag or something, but she felt it because she had wrapped the strap around her arm or something. She woke up and the man said, "Can I sit here?" So Nik moved her stuff because she thought he joined the train or something and that was his seat. He tried making conversation with her, but she said, "I'm trying to sleep" because she didn't want to deal with him. However, she didn't sleep. She stayed awake and pretended to sleep. When she saw him reaching or taking her earbuds, she said, "Excuse me! Those are mine!" He was "slick" and picked up the wrapper from a package of Pocky sticks she had eaten as a snack and asked what the snack was. I don't remember all the details, but the guy left at one point and returned. When he left again, she woke up Danielle and that's why she moved up. I told Nik that she should've woken us ALL up! Then we could've gotten an Amtrak attendant to kick the guy off! I said that even all the people on our car wouldn't have minded if she had yelled and woken everyone else up because they too wouldn't have wanted anyone trying to steal their stuff! Plus, we had such a nice car filled with families. I think they would've been very protective as well.

After hearing the story, I went to tell Howard and join him in line for Hertz at a teeny-tiny counter. After waiting and deciding all the last minute things (ex. we’d refill the tank ourselves, we wouldn’t be purchasing their accident plans), a man led us outside to the small parking lot and showed us the car. It was a … white car. Haha. I’m going to say it was a Mitsubishi, but I’ll have Howard correct me if it’s not the case!

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I had read an article a few months earlier about being careful with rental cars. The writer suggested that we take pictures of the car, especially of the dents and scratches that were already there. I took pics going around the car since there were scratches on the back. Oh wait, you can see that it's a Gallant in this pic! Haha, I didn't know even when dad asked me yesterday. I was like, "Um, we had a white car."

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Funny thing is that throughout the week, I would often walk towards the wrong white car! What did I know?!? That's why I also took a pic of the license plate just in case!

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Then we had the fun-fun time of trying to load all the bags into the car!!! I had told everyone to bring duffel bags so that we could squish everything in, but Dani had brought a hard carryon luggage (although it was very compact) and Nik had brought a large duffel that had the rolling function, which meant the hard handles and frame. We had to keep a good amount of it in the car with us. Thankfully, the timeshare wasn’t that far away!

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We couldn’t head straight there yet though since check-in was at 4pm, and it was before 12pm. I forgot the exact time we arrived. The plan was to head to an outlet first to check for Disney pins since the last time Howard and I went, we bought about 20 of them for only 50 cents! Stupid us didn’t think to buy ALL of them!!!

Of course, I had a list of 3 outlets in my trip report notebook from last year, so I wasn’t sure which one it was. We picked the one that was closest to us as we typed in the addresses on the GPS. Woohoo, it ended up being the correct one with the Character Warehouse!

On the way, Howard and I were amazed at all these traffic lights hanging there! It seems so unstable. I can't imagine what happens to them during high winds.

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Well, we finally arrived at the outlet after searching for a spot for a while. That'll be in the next update!

[wdwgirl03]

Woo hoo, you made it to Orlando!!! Can't wait for more!

[LilAnn]

Oooh, so I now had two updates to read after my night shift! And my first sleep deprived comment has to do with a pic youtook on the train where you can see all the pine trees through the window. It totally made me think of all the Hogwarts train rides in the movies. You always see forests and trees in the movie. I would have pretended I was on my way to Hogwarts for some part of the train ride! :laughing:

Next - ew, creeper story. I would have been totally freaked out. I would have made one of the guys move over next to me and woken up everyone as a heads up to the creepiness.

Can't wait to see how you make out with pins. I may have to keep that in mind for our next trip, whenever that is as DD totally got into pin trading this time around. It was so cute to watch!

[Philadisney]

Hi! I just found your report yesterday and I love it. I have never read a TR where people took Amtrak to WDW, it's really interesting! You guys seem like you are having a blast and you haven't even gotten there yet.

I am also preparing for my first-and-only trip to WDW as an engaged lady :cloud9: congrats on your engagement!!

[Here we are in Philly, I think.

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Yes, that's Philly - in fact that's my office building, where I'm sitting right now! All DISers should wave to me when they come through on Amtrak on the way to Florida (while I'm stuck at work!)

Also I totally know what SNL sketch you were talking about (sadly it's no more, since Jenny Slate was let go last season). It was so hilarious!

[mickeystoontown]

I can't believe that the guy was trying to steal Nikki's stuff! Like you said, I bet nobody in the car would have cared if she had screamed and yelled at the guy. You could have all taken him down.:thumbsup2

Good idea about taking pictures of the rental car, especially since it had a few scratches on the back.

Looking forward to seeing what you bought at the outlet.

[Cat0727]

Hooray for making it to Orlando!

Wow all those traffic lights are so confusing lol. I've never seen that many before!


Looking forward to your time at the outlet (and possibly shopping pics? hehe ;))

[PirateKate]

I bet it was really nice to get off the train and back on solid ground. That's so creepy, having someone trying to take things. Too bad they didn't catch the guy.

I think rental cars are hard to spot, too. It's nice to bring a Mickey antenna topper, so it stands out, but a lot of the new cars don't have antennas anymore.

[RachelNinja]

Woo hoo, you made it to Orlando!!! Can't wait for more!

I actually have to write this weekend then since everything I've posted up until this point was written on the train! Haha, of course, I also have a ton of vacation assignments to grade and parent teacher conferences this Thursday and Friday. Blah. I wish I were back in Florida!

Oooh, so I now had two updates to read after my night shift! And my first sleep deprived comment has to do with a pic youtook on the train where you can see all the pine trees through the window. It totally made me think of all the Hogwarts train rides in the movies. You always see forests and trees in the movie. I would have pretended I was on my way to Hogwarts for some part of the train ride! :laughing:

Next - ew, creeper story. I would have been totally freaked out. I would have made one of the guys move over next to me and woken up everyone as a heads up to the creepiness.

Can't wait to see how you make out with pins. I may have to keep that in mind for our next trip, whenever that is as DD totally got into pin trading this time around. It was so cute to watch!

Haha, they joked about the train and Hogwarts too!!! There was a time when we went directly through the thickest fog we've ever seen. We had no clue where we were because it was just FOG! Howard started humming the HP theme!

Yeah, I think she didn't say anything because she wasn't entirely sure that he was doing something wrong that first time when he asked to sit. We do pick up new passengers at new stops, so maybe that's what she thought. I hate that it happened to her though.

I'll talk about the pins in the next update! Unfortunately, it wasn't as fun as the last time. However, if your DD likes pins, it will be cheaper to pick some up there instead of in the parks.

Hi! I just found your report yesterday and I love it. I have never read a TR where people took Amtrak to WDW, it's really interesting! You guys seem like you are having a blast and you haven't even gotten there yet.

I am also preparing for my first-and-only trip to WDW as an engaged lady :cloud9: congrats on your engagement!!

Yes, that's Philly - in fact that's my office building, where I'm sitting right now! All DISers should wave to me when they come through on Amtrak on the way to Florida (while I'm stuck at work!)

Also I totally know what SNL sketch you were talking about (sadly it's no more, since Jenny Slate was let go last season). It was so hilarious!

YAY, I love having new readers and new friends :hug:

I was really excited to go on Amtrak so I could also report on it! I know there was a thread on Amtrak on the transportation board, but I haven't seen TRs with it. I did read one where the family took AutoTrain, but that's a different experience because they had a room, guaranteed dining, and their car came along with them!

Congratulations to you too! Will you be doing a TR too, Miss Engaged Lady? ;)

How funny is it that you were in one of those buildings! We just happened to comment on it and take pics of it! I have to tell Howard right away, haha.

HONK HONK, I'm a train horn! Howard and I always did the car horn thing in the car. It wasn't one of the funniest skits ever written, but I saw it and made him watch it. Because we joke about it all the time, it's BECOME one of the funniest sketches for us!

I can't believe that the guy was trying to steal Nikki's stuff! Like you said, I bet nobody in the car would have cared if she had screamed and yelled at the guy. You could have all taken him down.:thumbsup2

Good idea about taking pictures of the rental car, especially since it had a few scratches on the back.

Looking forward to seeing what you bought at the outlet.

I think EVERYONE would've jumped up and done something about it! We had a very family-oriented car, and I KNOW they would've been angry too! I started imagining what would've happened ... all the dads would get up to block the car doors while someone else ran to get a car attendant who would then make him get off the train at the next station into the hands of the police! Haha, overactive imagination maybe, but I wish that would happen to that guy! Hate it when people are dishonest like that!

Outlet update will be next, but I realized I do have some Amtrak videos to post first!

Hooray for making it to Orlando!

Wow all those traffic lights are so confusing lol. I've never seen that many before!

Looking forward to your time at the outlet (and possibly shopping pics? hehe ;))

I'm so used to seeing traffic lights on the poles; that was totally new for me!

Yup! There will be a few shopping pics, but I didn't take as many this year as I did last year because I kept remembering those Tren-D updates FILLED with pics! Haha. We took pics of cute things and things we wanted! Haha, but that's normal.

I bet it was really nice to get off the train and back on solid ground. That's so creepy, having someone trying to take things. Too bad they didn't catch the guy.

I think rental cars are hard to spot, too. It's nice to bring a Mickey antenna topper, so it stands out, but a lot of the new cars don't have antennas anymore.

It was definitely nice to walk again! I know we can technically walk around the train, but none of us did. I guess we didn't feel comfortable enough since we didn't want to leave our stuff alone and because we'd have to walk through many coach cars. Howard was pretty worried about someone taking our stuff that he also brought a laptop lock. We didn't use it on the train, but coming home, we just made sure the important stuff was in front or under my reclined seat since I was on the inside.

Ooo, the Mickey antenna thing is such a good idea! But you're right about the new cars not having antennas. Nikki did say that her friend has this app on his phone that you press when you park your car. When you need to find your car, it tells you exactly where to go, like GPS!

[RachelNinja]

Sunday, February 20: Amtrak Videos

Here are just a few more videos from Amtrak! This vacation, I decided to take more videos because I think they capture more of the fun! I can describe to you how fast the train really goes, but I don't think it's the same unless you actually see it! I don't know if this is the fastest it goes, but it was a difference from the starting speed, of course. Going at that speed constantly made me happy because I knew we were getting closer and closer to Orlando!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/th_MVI_8518.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/?action=view&current=MVI_8518.mp4)

In this video, you can see just how close we are to residential areas. I can't imagine living in a house that has the train literally right outside your door! Normally, the train makes horn sounds as it passes any place where people are, but it didn't really do that here. I also can't help but think about the people inside those houses! What were they doing as I was going off on vacation?

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/th_MVI_8557.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/?action=view&current=MVI_8557.mp4)

I wanted to take a picture of this, but it was on video, so it's rather short. As I said in one of the previous updates, Howard and I got a kick out of reading the graffiti as if we were tough (haha, and as if we knew what it meant). We cracked up when we both said, "SNAKES!" at the same time!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/th_MVI_8558.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/?action=view&current=MVI_8558.mp4)

In this video, you see that we're staying completely still and not moving because a freight train is passing us. I know that's why a lot of people complain about Amtrak. Freight trains have right of way, so we have to stop and let them pass. Despite the fact that we did that, I don't think it affected our time at all. I guess that time is built into the time that it takes to get from NY to Orlando. The same goes for coming back. We stopped for freight trains AND at a station where they had to fix something, but our time wasn't affected. In fact, coming back home, we were a good 15-20 mins early despite the station stop!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/th_MVI_8559.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/?action=view&current=MVI_8559.mp4)

This is when Howard and I were walking back to our seats from the cafe car. There are big black rectangular buttons on the doors that you push so that the door will open. That gets you to the space between the cars. Then you press another one to get to the car you're going into. Howard's in front of me so you can't see it that clearly, but you can get an idea how you move from car to car. We were stopped at that point, so it wasn't shaking around. Either way, whether the train is moving or not, it's a lot easier to move from car to car as compared to NYC subways! Haha, it had better be since people are carrying trays of food or kids!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/th_MVI_8565.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/?action=view&current=MVI_8565.mp4)

Okie dokie, that's about it for Amtrak! For real, this time. Haha, I just forgot I had videos! Be prepared for more videos throughout this trip report!

[YukiPhnx]

I love your videos! Makes me feel like I'm right there with you! I've been videotaping my vacations since I was a kid, but I'm hoping to get a digital one so I can share it with everybody more!

Haha, the white car. It's a shame a lot of new cars don't have antenna's. Do you think you could get it as as add-on? I know some people just don't like it, but I LOVE those antenna toppers!

How bad was the pressure at the rental car place? I heard they try really hard to get you to get their add-ons.

Wow....what a creeper! Poor Nik!

[heathsf]

Joining in! I'm also a teacher and I was at WDW the same week as you! :thumbsup2

[RachelNinja]

I love your videos! Makes me feel like I'm right there with you! I've been videotaping my vacations since I was a kid, but I'm hoping to get a digital one so I can share it with everybody more!

Haha, the white car. It's a shame a lot of new cars don't have antenna's. Do you think you could get it as as add-on? I know some people just don't like it, but I LOVE those antenna toppers!

How bad was the pressure at the rental car place? I heard they try really hard to get you to get their add-ons.

Wow....what a creeper! Poor Nik!

It really is so much fun to record moments! For example, I recorded the moment that my cousins and Ray tried Beverly for the first time. I think that's a way more interesting memory than just having pictures!

There was no pressure whatsoever at the rental car place! I was amazed at that. The guy told us what they offered, and Howard said no. Then he said that if we didn't want the whole deal, there was one thing that we could pay for to cover accidents or something. We said no again, and he said, "You're okay with your own insurance?" and we said yes and that was it! No pressure at all!

Joining in! I'm also a teacher and I was at WDW the same week as you! :thumbsup2

Love finding other teachers on DIS! How did you enjoy your week? Did you think it was crowded? I've saved your TR to read!

[heathsf]

Love finding other teachers on DIS! How did you enjoy your week? Did you think it was crowded? I've saved your TR to read!

I thought it was very very very crowded but still manageable. We still had a great time. I'm really looking forward to your TR so we can compare notes! Maybe we crossed paths...

[PirateKate]

The video of the train doors kind of reminds me of my old N64 Mission Impossible game. :laughing:

It is interesting to see the train go right past houses like that. It would be odd to have a train going right past your front yard.

[ckret01]

Great trip report so far :thumbsup2

[YukiPhnx]

It really is so much fun to record moments! For example, I recorded the moment that my cousins and Ray tried Beverly for the first time. I think that's a way more interesting memory than just having pictures!

There was no pressure whatsoever at the rental car place! I was amazed at that. The guy told us what they offered, and Howard said no. Then he said that if we didn't want the whole deal, there was one thing that we could pay for to cover accidents or something. We said no again, and he said, "You're okay with your own insurance?" and we said yes and that was it! No pressure at all!


Oh, it's great that you didn't get pressured! Nobody needs that on vacation.

Oooh, I can't wait to see them try the Bev!!!

[RachelNinja]

I thought it was very very very crowded but still manageable. We still had a great time. I'm really looking forward to your TR so we can compare notes! Maybe we crossed paths...

I think because it wasn't sweltering hot, the crowds were a lot easier to manage. I hate dealing with groups of sweaty people when I'm sweaty myself! I also get a GAC for a medical condition, so that helped a good deal.

The video of the train doors kind of reminds me of my old N64 Mission Impossible game. :laughing:

It is interesting to see the train go right past houses like that. It would be odd to have a train going right past your front yard.

Wow, I haven't heard the mention of N64 in so long! Haha.

I tried imagining what it would like if I were in my bedroom looking out the window and watching a long train pass by. I'd probably be outside during some of those times and waving at the people! I had a lot of fun waving from the train!

Great trip report so far :thumbsup2

Thank you! I'm so glad you're joining me!

Oh, it's great that you didn't get pressured! Nobody needs that on vacation.

Oooh, I can't wait to see them try the Bev!!!

It's probably one of my favorite videos of the trip because I just didn't expect the reaction they had!

[RachelNinja]

Sunday, February 20: First Souvenir for Me!

We arrived at the outlet, but it took a while for us to find a parking spot. It was crowded! It was the weekend though, so it makes sense. We split up for a bit while we were there since Dani and Nik were loving the Forever 21, and Howard and I had one thing on our minds: PINS! Oh, and food for lunch, haha. Unfortunately, there were no 50 cent or even $1 pins. The cheapest would’ve been $2.50 for the pins that had 2 on a card for $5. That wasn’t low enough for us. I also texted another cousin back in NY if she wanted them because she had said to get some if they were inexpensive. She didn’t want them either.

Here are some shopping pictures that I took though! For example, I love this sweatshirt! I love it when there are letters that have the designs in them. If it weren't blue, I might've considered it since we were at WDW in 2010.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8593.jpg

Though there weren't pins to purchase for insanely low prices, I still had fun looking to see if there was anything that I'd want to buy to keep. These pins reminded me of Japanese Disney stuff.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8595.jpg

If this were cute, I would totally buy it just because I LOVE PhilharMagic! It wasn't cutesy enough for me. Haha, not that I only like cutesy pins, but yeah, I like the cutesy pins more!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8596.jpg

I did very much like THIS pin though because I love High School Musical! Howard and I sing the songs all the time! In actuality, we probably sing HSM3 the most just because I think it's the best! The first movie was fun but too much like Grease. Plus, it wasn't Zac Efron singing! The second movie just seemed too fake to happen because of the location. Plus, the songs weren't as good. Now HSM3 totally made it all right! Anyway, I didn't get it THIS trip ...

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8597.jpg

I liked these too! A former student who graduated last year told me about DeeBees. They're little creatures that went to WDW and LOVED it so much there that they stayed there! They come out at night! Some of them love a particular land or ride and dress accordingly while others are called roamers. I thought about buying a box of mystery pins (2 in a box), but I decided against it ... at least that day!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8598.jpg

Despite not finding the cheap pins and all that, I did find something better though! There was a bag there that I remember seeing last year in the parks that I really liked. I didn’t want to get it since it was $30. Well, there were 6 at the outlet for $15! Three of them were pink, and three of them were white. I wanted the white one, but I had to think about it for a LONG time. Did I really want it? Did I really need another bag? Would it be replacing a bag I already had? Howard kept encouraging me to get it since it was 50% off, and I had wanted it during the last trip and took many pics of it. Plus, I have a thing for bags that look like bowling bags.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8599.jpg

I did eventually buy it though because it was big enough to hold the bag organizer I now use in my big winter bag (black hobo from Gap). I also needed a big summery/springy bag since I don’t like using my black bag when it’s hot out. The bag I typically use in the summer is my LeSportsac, and it won’t carry a lot of things if I need it. So I made the purchase! Yay! First purchase of the trip!

Before I close this update, I'll post some of the pics that Howard took at the Disney outlet. He liked these pins because they were the Mechanical edition, but he didn't buy any.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20022011/IMG_6251.jpg

I wonder if people to the outlet and get excited because they find the pin they wanted to buy last year!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20022011/IMG_6252.jpg

These remind me of my childhood! Remember having lunchboxes like that with a matching thermos that fit inside? I have one student who recently bought a metal lunchbox with a Tootsie Roll design on it. I love the classic look!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20022011/IMG_6255.jpg

Happy Halloween!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20022011/IMG_6256.jpg

There were lots of Pook-a-Looz around. I really liked the Sorcerer Mickey one. You can probably tell by now that we both really like Sorcerer Mickey!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20022011/IMG_6257.jpg

Well, between the two of us, we made one purchase. We couldn't think of buying any more though until we got something to eat! Hungry!

[wdwgirl03]

Yay for your HSM pin! :) I have to agree, I think the 3rd one is the best, followed by the 1st and then the 2nd for me.

I have never heard of the deebees. They sound interesting.

And yes, I remember having lunchboxes with the matching thermos. I had a Beauty and the Beast one. hehe

[schriverl]

Was this the Orlando Prime Outlets Disney Outlet?

[Philadisney]

I would've been right with your cousins at the Forever 21 outlet, I love that store! I love the bag you bought too, so cute.
I have never heard of Dee Bees and now I'm super curious - the story behind them is adorable! Off to google I go....http://findthedeebees.com So sweet! :cutie:

[Bridora]

I am looking forward to more videos!

What a great deal on that bag! I'm sure you are so glad you got it now that you are back home. :goodvibes

[LilAnn]

Looks like you saw some better things at the Disney outlet than when we went last year. I was searching for something to get and was sorely disappointed at the pickings. I did walk out that trip with a starter pin kit for DD which she used this trip. I had higher hopes though.

I have to say that I totally remember those thermos and lunchbox combos! Have you noticed that they only make the metal lunchbox replicas now without the thermos? I loved my thermos and lunchbox. I had one of the Peanuts gang.

[Nermel9]

Aww, some of those pins were so cute! I liked the lunchbox and thermos ones!

Your bag is adorable! :cool1: I wish there was a Disney outlet around here!

[PirateKate]

I had never heard of DeeBees either. I love the HSM pin and the lunch box pins. I had a 101 Dalmations lunchbox and matching thermos.

Cute bag! That's a great first purchase! :thumbsup2

[Jennifer48]

That 2nd video looks like you are driving through a normal neighborhood down the road! :eek: Wonder what the property value is there! Do you remember where that was? Just curious.

Cute bag! I remember you eyeing it on your previous trip. I don't know why I didn't think of going to the outlet while there! :headache:

I actually like HSM2 the best, then 1 and then 3. I guess I just haven't watched 3 enough times yet. Have you seen the new Sharpay movie coming out? Looks cute.

[BookTrout]

Rachel, this is a really great trip report so far! I felt like I was taking the train trip with you and the crew. I'm anxious to read more, please.
Sharon

[HuskerFaninIL]

Subbing in and your bag is adorable. Still a little disney, but not too over the top!

[RachelNinja]

Yay for your HSM pin! :) I have to agree, I think the 3rd one is the best, followed by the 1st and then the 2nd for me.

I have never heard of the deebees. They sound interesting.

And yes, I remember having lunchboxes with the matching thermos. I had a Beauty and the Beast one. hehe

I love being able to watch a Disney movie and talk about here knowing that there are other fans as well!

I want to BE a DeeBee! Haha. I'd love to live in the parks! Although it's strange because there's a mixture of DeeBees stuff + Kingdom Keepers stuff in my head, so I'm not quite sure what to think about Disney after dark!

I was thinking yesterday about how my mom would have to wash the thermos out each day! That's pretty annoying!

Was this the Orlando Prime Outlets Disney Outlet?

Yes, I do believe it was the Orlando Prime Outlets. In my trip report notebook, it also says "formerly known as Belz" because that's what I remember from growing up and constantly having to go to the outlets with my parents!

I would've been right with your cousins at the Forever 21 outlet, I love that store! I love the bag you bought too, so cute.
I have never heard of Dee Bees and now I'm super curious - the story behind them is adorable! Off to google I go....http://findthedeebees.com So sweet! :cutie:

Forever 21 was so large, it was rather overwhelming. I knew in advance that it's fun to shop but difficult to bring everything back! I'm sure that if I really had the intention to shop, I could've! But I just had my mind set on Disney stuff! I already knew that I'd be bringing back stuff for my future apartment, so that's why I didn't look much. I DID search for layering tanks because I need new ones, but I couldn't find them.

I would never have known about DeeBees if the student didn't introduce them to me!

I am looking forward to more videos!

What a great deal on that bag! I'm sure you are so glad you got it now that you are back home. :goodvibes

More videos are definitely in the future! YES, I cannot wait for the weather to warm up a bit so that I can break out my new Disney bag!!! I love it much more than I would love any Dooney & Burke. Is that weird? Haha.

Looks like you saw some better things at the Disney outlet than when we went last year. I was searching for something to get and was sorely disappointed at the pickings. I did walk out that trip with a starter pin kit for DD which she used this trip. I had higher hopes though.

I have to say that I totally remember those thermos and lunchbox combos! Have you noticed that they only make the metal lunchbox replicas now without the thermos? I loved my thermos and lunchbox. I had one of the Peanuts gang.

Which outlet did you go to? I wish I could have a view of all the outlets before driving all the way there! I know there's definitely another one (we went there last time) that has some stuff too. But it requires searching and not having high expectations. I remember that that outlet had the Mickey bar tote bag that a lot of DISers had wanted. That would've been cool if someone who wanted it saw it at the outlet and was able to purchase it there!

Yeah, I don't see the thermos anymore. Haha, maybe because everything has to be BPA free!

Aww, some of those pins were so cute! I liked the lunchbox and thermos ones!

Your bag is adorable! :cool1: I wish there was a Disney outlet around here!

Too bad those pins weren't 50 cents. We would've picked up ALL of them, and then I could've sent them to you DISers who like 'em!

I could so do a Disney outlet somewhere here. I'd check it every few weeks when they get new shipments!

I had never heard of DeeBees either. I love the HSM pin and the lunch box pins. I had a 101 Dalmations lunchbox and matching thermos.

Cute bag! That's a great first purchase! :thumbsup2

Nice! I had a Popples lunchbox and matching thermos!

I'm especially happy because it wasn't a spontaneous purchase. Wanting something for a year totally makes it even more worth it.

That 2nd video looks like you are driving through a normal neighborhood down the road! :eek: Wonder what the property value is there! Do you remember where that was? Just curious.

Cute bag! I remember you eyeing it on your previous trip. I don't know why I didn't think of going to the outlet while there! :headache:

I actually like HSM2 the best, then 1 and then 3. I guess I just haven't watched 3 enough times yet. Have you seen the new Sharpay movie coming out? Looks cute.

I'm curious to know the property value of those places too! I don't know where we were at that point, but we were farther down south.

Having the rental car or your own car makes it so much easier to check out the outlets. When Howard and I go for our Disneymoon, we most likely won't have a car since we'll be staying on property for the first (and probably only!) time. I wonder if we'll bother doing the outlets thing. Of course, we'll want to check out the pins!

Nope, I haven't seen the new Sharpay movie that's coming out. I'll look it up later!

Rachel, this is a really great trip report so far! I felt like I was taking the train trip with you and the crew. I'm anxious to read more, please.
Sharon

Thank you so much! Glad you're here! I really try to remember to take pics of everything for readers and for myself. It's so fun being able to go back and read about past trips!

Subbing in and your bag is adorable. Still a little disney, but not too over the top!

Yay! So glad to have you here! Yup, I really like that it just looks like a polka dot bag until you look closely to notice the Mickey heads! I can't quite do a big bag with a huge Mickey on it. This is a bit above subtle, but I really love it.

[YukiPhnx]

I love all those pins you saw! Man....if I had more disposable income, I'd go crazy with those pins. I would've bought them for 2/$5!

Ooooh, that's a really nice bag! I'm very much a bag-person and have SO MANY. I never put that much thought into getting a bag. Well, other than the travel mate I got for WDW.

Pook-a-looz! The Disney Stores up here have stopped selling them. I still see them for sale online, but I think they're being removed from the stores. I should've got some when I had the chance!

[not_Joanna_eggs]

Hehe. I totally take a picture of the rental car license plate too :rotfl:

Oh goodness. Those thermos/lunch box pins are awesome. Almost makes me want to buy a pin. Almost :rotfl:

Yay for the bag! I was eying those bags last year too -but I wanted the pink one :cutie: It's really cute. How awesome that you got it for 50% off! Good thing you waited. I hate buying something and then finding it on clearance later.

[schriverl]

Nice! I had a Popples lunchbox and matching thermos!

I still have my metal Popples lunch box with the thermos inside!! My daughter wants to use it for school.:upsidedow No go on that one!

[RachelNinja]

I love all those pins you saw! Man....if I had more disposable income, I'd go crazy with those pins. I would've bought them for 2/$5!

Ooooh, that's a really nice bag! I'm very much a bag-person and have SO MANY. I never put that much thought into getting a bag. Well, other than the travel mate I got for WDW.

Pook-a-looz! The Disney Stores up here have stopped selling them. I still see them for sale online, but I think they're being removed from the stores. I should've got some when I had the chance!

I was thinking before that if they were 50 cents again, I could've bought them all and somehow incorporated them in my wedding! I think that would've been cute. Oh well!

I think about bags a lot before I buy them. I think about the ease of using them and how much fits in them. I think about outfits and whatnot. Haha. I'm very particular about bags. I need zippers otherwise I'm not completely comfortable, and I worry about stuff falling out or stuff being taken. I guess that's what comes along with the territory of living in NY.

Yeah, I don't see Pook-a-Looz as much anymore. I loved them when they came out, but I Just never saw the need to have another plush. Otherwise it would've been bad because pretty much all of them were so cute!

Hehe. I totally take a picture of the rental car license plate too :rotfl:

Oh goodness. Those thermos/lunch box pins are awesome. Almost makes me want to buy a pin. Almost :rotfl:

Yay for the bag! I was eying those bags last year too -but I wanted the pink one :cutie: It's really cute. How awesome that you got it for 50% off! Good thing you waited. I hate buying something and then finding it on clearance later.

I think I should take a photo of my own car license plate since I don't know the whole thing ...

It's crazy thinking about how much money one simple pin costs. I have to find a way to put my pins on display around my desktop or something so I can have fun looking at them all the time. Right now they're store in a baggie!

Ahh, I wish I knew you liked the pink one! I could've bought one for you and sent it as a "thank you for being Joanna" gift. Oh boo. If only I had known earlier!

I still have my metal Popples lunch box with the thermos inside!! My daughter wants to use it for school.:upsidedow No go on that one!

I loved Popples! I think I might still have my teeny-tiny Popples doll somewhere. Preserve those memories!

[RachelNinja]

Sunday, February 20: Forget Chicken Later, I Want Chicken Now!

Our hunger started getting the better of us, and we decided to meet at the food court for lunch. Although we probably would’ve liked to have Five Guys, we didn’t because it was extremely crowded! We split up to get lunch from different places instead.

Howard and I got lunch from this place called Chicken Now. We were very intrigued by that name! We each got the small box, which was 3 chicken strips, French fries, Texas toast, and Granny’s Special Sauce. I love dips, and when you call something a special sauce, I want it even more! Haha.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8600.jpg

The food was pretty good. I didn’t expect the chicken strips to be so chicken-y. Haha, is that weird? It was really like pieces of white meat chicken! I mean, I know all chicken strips are supposed to be like that, but this was REALLY like it. I can’t really explain it with words. Maybe you can see what I mean through this picture.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8603.jpg

The sauce was pretty good. It wasn’t like a “Mmm, that’s an amazingly good sauce!” but I could probably go for some right now because it was fairly unique.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8604.jpg

The Texas toast was NOT worth the calories, however. Nope nope nope. It was just a piece of bread that was greasy with no taste.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20022011/IMG_6259.jpg

Ray ended up getting Subway. He ate half of it and brought the rest back with him. I don’t know what sandwich he had in particular. I didn't get a pic of it because he came back much later with his food.

Nik went to the Japanese place to get teriyaki chicken.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8601.jpg

Dani went to the Chinese place for something noodle-y? I don’t remember at this point, and we were sitting pretty far away from each other (we pushed 2 tables together since we had our backpacks too).

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8602.jpg

During that lunch, we discussed how we had such a great car on Amtrak. The people were very quiet and subdued. I mean, we had that cell phone guy, but it wasn’t like we had people being obnoxious. Plus, our bathroom stayed pretty clean for a good amount of time. There were no weird smells or anything like that either. Thankfully, it was a great experience going down to Orlando because if it weren’t, we wouldn’t want to get back on to go home!

We really just sat and relaxed for a bit. Despite the fact that we had been sitting for quite a while, we were still exhausted and needed a break. When the guy sitting behind Nik came in, Howard said, "Look, it's a referee having lunch." I nodded because I saw him too. Howard then said, "You know he's not really a referee, right? He works at Foot Locker." Haha, I knew that already, but I thought it was so funny that he thought I believed him that I had to take a pic of the guy!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8605.jpg

Once we felt more energized with food in our systems, we decided to do a bit more shopping. The 3 of them hadn't been to the DIsney outlet yet, and of course, Howard and I wouldn't disagree with going back there because that's the ONLY reason why we go to the outlet in the first place! So back to the Disney outlet we go!

[klacey1]

Mmmm, that chicken does look really good! Like you said, like actual pieces of chicken (LOL).

[Bridora]

I loved Popples! I'm pretty sure I have one or two still living in my parents' attic. I may have even had a Popples lunch box at one time, but the one I really remember carrying was My Little Pony.

Those chicken strips look good! Too bad the Texas toast was not.

[Philadisney]

Agreed that the name "Chicken Now" is awesome. I live near a restaurant called "Chicken Time" and it cracks me up every time I drive by :laughing:

[Nermel9]

Mmmm that chicken looks good...extra chicken-y! :rotfl:

I see a Five Guys in the background in one of your pictures...I can't believe someone didn't go there! :eek: I could live on those burgers! :banana:

[Cat0727]

Yum that chicken looks really good! I love white meat chicken! Wish they had better sides for you though.

[therussells08]

Okay I'm all caught up! I love your new bag! I'm glad you caved and bought it! I think you would have been upset with yourself later if you hadn't, because you wanted it so badly! I do that sometimes, and I end up worrying about whatever I didn't buy for a really long time. :)

Your videos were great! I definitely hope you have more to share, because they make me feel like I am right there on your trip with you! I have some videos from our trip I need to upload, but I haven't exactly figured out how to do it yet!

OH MY GOODNESS. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Five Guys! I could seriously eat there everyday of my life, but I know if I did I would not live a very long life. It is so good though! I usually don't eat a lot of burgers, but their burgers are amazing!

Your chicken looks really good. I think I know what you mean about it being "chickeny." That's a lot of white meat! I have gotten sick of Chick Fil A lately, because I feel like when I eat there I get nothing but greasy fried fat. It's nice to see a place with a good amount of actual chicken! :thumbsup2

[RachelNinja]

Mmmm, that chicken does look really good! Like you said, like actual pieces of chicken (LOL).

We were very surprised that it was a "healthy" version of chicken tenders! It was really about the chicken and not about the fried! Haha, I might actually be disappointed about that sometimes because there are days when I just want the fried ...

I loved Popples! I'm pretty sure I have one or two still living in my parents' attic. I may have even had a Popples lunch box at one time, but the one I really remember carrying was My Little Pony.

Those chicken strips look good! Too bad the Texas toast was not.

Haha, it sounds so funny for you to say you have Popples living in your parents' attic. I liked My Little Pony too! I only had 1 big one, but I had 2 of the smaller twins. Then I also had a few of the really small ones that I liked taking on vacation with me! In fact, they actually went to Florida with me!

I really wanted that Texas Toast to be good! I mean, it LOOKS good!

Agreed that the name "Chicken Now" is awesome. I live near a restaurant called "Chicken Time" and it cracks me up every time I drive by :laughing:

I think these places have to get customers because of their name and people wanting to say they've eaten there! My dad used to tell me about how one of his coworkers liked going to "Cluck U" because then he could say it!

Mmmm that chicken looks good...extra chicken-y! :rotfl:

I see a Five Guys in the background in one of your pictures...I can't believe someone didn't go there! :eek: I could live on those burgers! :banana:

Exactly! There's no other way to explain it except chicken-y!

We REALLY wanted to go to Five Guys. I've never had it before, and the 3 of them love it and wanted it. The line was just way too long. We had no patience to wait on those lines. We just needed to sit and eat! I know I'll try it eventually!

Yum that chicken looks really good! I love white meat chicken! Wish they had better sides for you though.

It was worth the money. I was happy about that. Normally when you get chicken tenders, it's not that much chicken!

Okay I'm all caught up! I love your new bag! I'm glad you caved and bought it! I think you would have been upset with yourself later if you hadn't, because you wanted it so badly! I do that sometimes, and I end up worrying about whatever I didn't buy for a really long time. :)

Your videos were great! I definitely hope you have more to share, because they make me feel like I am right there on your trip with you! I have some videos from our trip I need to upload, but I haven't exactly figured out how to do it yet!

OH MY GOODNESS. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Five Guys! I could seriously eat there everyday of my life, but I know if I did I would not live a very long life. It is so good though! I usually don't eat a lot of burgers, but their burgers are amazing!

Your chicken looks really good. I think I know what you mean about it being "chickeny." That's a lot of white meat! I have gotten sick of Chick Fil A lately, because I feel like when I eat there I get nothing but greasy fried fat. It's nice to see a place with a good amount of actual chicken! :thumbsup2

That's exactly what I would have felt had I not gotten the bag. I haven't used it yet. It's actually still packed away! However, I can relax knowing that I have it, haha!

YES, more videos on their way! Lots of trading videos and a Beverly video and ride videos! I've uploaded them to Photobucket with my other pics.

I know most people like the chicken, but I want some Chick Fil A for those waffle fries! Mmmm ... craving for some really good fries and Heinz ketchup!!! Too bad I'm at home and don't have access to any right now. I mean, it is 10:05pm!

[RachelNinja]

Sunday, February 20: First Souvenir for Howard!

We went back to the Disney outlet store again because the 3 of them wanted to take a look. That’s when Howard decided to buy a Vinylmation figurine for $5.99 on sale. He liked them ever since they came out, and this was a great opportunity to get one at a much cheaper price. I picked out the box for him.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8607.jpg

Howard and I thought about buying this set for our house because we do want to make our own sushi (well, our own cali rolls at least and cooked rolls!). How cute would it be to have Mickey sushi plates??? Of course, it would've been a hassle to carry it home. Plus, it was $17 and we really only needed the plates. The soy sauce/wasabi dish thing wasn't really for dipping, I don't think. And we don't need the chopsticks since I'm sure we'll have plenty! We decided to save the money to get a bigger set even if it doesn't have Mickey on it.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8608.jpg

When we went to the counter to pay, I saw this cute Cogsworth time piece! Reminded me of a little itty-bitty teeny-tiny gold Mickey clock I have. I should find that and change the battery!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8609.jpg

HF pointed this out, of course. And of course, I took a horrible picture of it because you can't even see what's on it! It's Jedi Mickey fighting Darth Goofy. That's a mighty expensive watch! But of course, it is Disney and it is a limited edition. Haha, I say that because my trust Relic watch was $40, and I bought it when I first started working.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8610.jpg

These were at the Disney outlet store too. I have no clue what they are!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8611.jpg

And here's a last look at pins that were NOT 50 cents! AGH! Oh well. Funny thing is that we completely forgot to bring the pins that we had from last trip! We didn't have ANYTHING to trade, so I kept telling Howard, "Don't look at his/her pins!" We were drawn to looking at the lanyards or hip thingies that the CMs had, but that would've been dangerous!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8612.jpg

Well that was the second time in the Disney outlet store and now Howard made HIS first souvenir purchase! Stay tuned to find out what Vinylmation design he got! I took a video of his opening it!

[LilAnn]

That chicken pic looks good (and it's only 8am!) but I do have to say that sometimes I just want the fried part too. And now that you mentioned the Chick-Fil-A waffle fries....sigh. I wish there was one closer to me.

Love that someone was drinking some Fanta in your lunch pics! I love me some Fanta!

Can't wait to see which Vinylmation was in the box.

[PirateKate]

Vinylmations for 5.99! That's a great deal. I hope you get a good one. Or at least a good trade.

Chicken Now looked like a fun place for lunch. I love Five Guys. Around here, even when there's a long line, it tends to move pretty fast, so that's a good thing.

[Jennifer48]

I hope his Vinylmation addiction didn't get out of control! :laughing:

[SoonerGirl]

Hey there Rae! I know I read your first couple of updates and could have sworn that I commented and subscribed, but obviously I didn't :sad2:

Oh, well, I know I'm subscribed now and I'm all caught up!

I'm not sure I could ever take a train that far, I would HATE not being able to shower in the morning and I'm not sure I'd last that long without feeling sick. I'm glad you guys enjoyed it though, well aside from that creepy guy trying to steal from your cousin that is! :eek:

Good for you for breaking down and buying the bag :woohoo: you know a girl can never have too many bags or too many shoes...... :rolleyes1

Can't wait to see what Howard got!

By the way, I started a new PTR, I'd love it if you came over :thumbsup2

[YukiPhnx]

Aww, it's so cute that you videotaped the opening of the box. What a great idea!!!

Wow, I've always wanted a vinylmation figure, but I have no place to put it. I can't wait for Andrew and I to get our own place so we can put up a glass case to showcase all our figurines. I still have stuff in boxes because I have no place for them.

All those pins look so good!

[YukiPhnx]

darn, double posting

[klacey1]

Those sushi plates are terrific! So is that little Cogsworth clock-- if we ever rent a car, I definitely want to check out the outlet. It seems there's a lot of cute stuff there!

[not_Joanna_eggs]

Those sushi plates are so cute! But I totally understand, not buying the set. We have a sushi set for two, but we only ever make our own sushi when we have guests, so we end up using different plates anyway.

Those key chain people kind of freak me out! Creepy!

[IheartDDuck]

I'm a little late, but I'm joining!

Okay, I have never gone to the Disney Outlet, but that is going to have to be a stop on my upcoming trips!

Can't wait to hear more. :thumbsup2

[RachelNinja]

That chicken pic looks good (and it's only 8am!) but I do have to say that sometimes I just want the fried part too. And now that you mentioned the Chick-Fil-A waffle fries....sigh. I wish there was one closer to me.

Love that someone was drinking some Fanta in your lunch pics! I love me some Fanta!

Can't wait to see which Vinylmation was in the box.

I feel as if I haven't had unhealthy junk food in a while! Now I want some fries! Yum!

Vinylmations for 5.99! That's a great deal. I hope you get a good one. Or at least a good trade.

Chicken Now looked like a fun place for lunch. I love Five Guys. Around here, even when there's a long line, it tends to move pretty fast, so that's a good thing.

I think he did get a good one! Whether or not he kept it will have to wait!

I think it moved fairly quickly considering the amount of people that it had, but I still wasn't willing to wait on it. I just wanted food faster than that. I'm sure if we weren't as tired, we would've waited. When we finished our lunch, there were only a few people there. It was just that we had hit the lunch rush.

I hope his Vinylmation addiction didn't get out of control! :laughing:

Hehe, what's out of control :rolleyes1

Hey there Rae! I know I read your first couple of updates and could have sworn that I commented and subscribed, but obviously I didn't :sad2:

Oh, well, I know I'm subscribed now and I'm all caught up!

I'm not sure I could ever take a train that far, I would HATE not being able to shower in the morning and I'm not sure I'd last that long without feeling sick. I'm glad you guys enjoyed it though, well aside from that creepy guy trying to steal from your cousin that is! :eek:

Good for you for breaking down and buying the bag :woohoo: you know a girl can never have too many bags or too many shoes...... :rolleyes1

Can't wait to see what Howard got!

By the way, I started a new PTR, I'd love it if you came over :thumbsup2

YAY!!! I'm so glad you're here!!!

It was easy to deal with the no shower thing since it was February so we weren't sweaty or anything like that. The teeth brushing thing was what bugged me. I know some people had toiletry bags and went to the bathroom, but I didn't want to spend any extra time in there if I didn't have to. The smell in the morning especially would've been worse, so I wouldn't go in there "just" to brush.

Aww, it's so cute that you videotaped the opening of the box. What a great idea!!!

Wow, I've always wanted a vinylmation figure, but I have no place to put it. I can't wait for Andrew and I to get our own place so we can put up a glass case to showcase all our figurines. I still have stuff in boxes because I have no place for them.

All those pins look so good!

I ended up taking a ton of Vinylmation videos throughout the week. After a while, I actually stopped because it was taking up so much memory!!!

Yeah, before we buy things that aren't useful, we ask ourselves where we would put it. We want our future apartment to not be cluttered, so we think about purchases. Bags, on the other hand, are extremely useful, so I really shouldn't think so much about them and just buy! Haha, just kidding.

Those sushi plates are terrific! So is that little Cogsworth clock-- if we ever rent a car, I definitely want to check out the outlet. It seems there's a lot of cute stuff there!

It's definitely worth a visit! There are others too. Might try going there first before stepping foot in a Disney park or DTD! You may be able to satisfy your desire to purchase Disney stuff for much cheaper! Plus, since we went 2 years in a row, I recognized stuff in the outlet that used to be at the stores in the parks. It's fun being able to get park stuff that way.

Those sushi plates are so cute! But I totally understand, not buying the set. We have a sushi set for two, but we only ever make our own sushi when we have guests, so we end up using different plates anyway.

Those key chain people kind of freak me out! Creepy!

Ooo, I like how you just confirmed why getting that sushi set wouldn't have been that great of a decision! I know it'll probably just be the two of us at the beginning, but just in case we have people over, we would have to use "normal" plates anyway. I'd rather get at least a set of 4. Plus, most sushi plates are very pretty anyway because of the shape and all that. It's okay if that doesn't have Mickey on it!

[RachelNinja]

I'm a little late, but I'm joining!

Okay, I have never gone to the Disney Outlet, but that is going to have to be a stop on my upcoming trips!

Can't wait to hear more. :thumbsup2

Yay! So excited to have you here! I love having more DIS friends joining in on these adventures!

Going to the outlets is a definite must even if it is only for the Disney one! I mean, as long as you go in there without such high expectations, it can be really fun! There were more things that I'm sure I could've bought if I had more money, but alas, a private teacher's salary is rather minimal!

[RachelNinja]

Sunday, February 20: Sun, Dragons, and Fart Machines

We left the Disney outlet and headed back into the sun. The SUN! The blinding, hot sun! Seriously, I didn't know what to do with it at that point because it was so unlike the weather in NY. It took a while to get used to it. Of course, it didn't help that I was feeling all gross from the train, AND I was wearing really warm sweatpants.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20022011/IMG_6260.jpg

And although I may have been exaggerating a bit for the pic (just a bit, haha), I wasn't the only one getting used to the sun! Don't worry. We got used to it rather quickly, and we are STILL missing it now that we've been home for a while!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8613.jpg

Florida birds are very much used to this sun!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20022011/IMG_6263.jpg

The 3 of them wanted to explore more of the outlet mall, but I was done.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20022011/IMG_6262.jpg

Here they are examining the outlet map and figuring out where else to spend some hard earned cash!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20022011/IMG_6265.jpg

I started having knee pain a few weeks before, and it was bothering me. I don’t know how I got out, but my left knee would sometimes feel like it was disconnected from the rest of me. My eyes were also stinging, and I just wanted a break. Howard and I decided to head back to the car as they headed onward. That’s one thing I don’t like about outlets – you can walk more and more to all these different sections of the outlet mall, but you have to walk all the way back to get to where you parked!

We did stop in ONE store though before we went to the car. There was a "As Seen on TV" place that enticed me because I absolutely LOVE infomercials! Seriously! I watch them on YouTube just for fun! I could totally be an actress on an infomercial that makes those melodramatic faces! I could really make a face that looks like my whole life is over just because I made a mess trying to chop some veggies!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8615.jpg

The store also had the little wooden creatures that you put together. We see them at Michaels and whatnot around here, and Howard has always been interested in them.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8616.jpg

This poor panda was knocked over!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8617.jpg

This one was pretty cool too! I imagine it'd be fun + frustrating at the same time. I always think about what you'd do with it afterwards though.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20022011/IMG_6266.jpg

But then again, having a dragon like that might be as useful as this fart machine! Yes, I did push the button. Haha.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20022011/IMG_6270.jpg

Rawr. Wait, what sound do dragons make ...

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20022011/IMG_6271.jpg

This CREEPED me out!!! Don't you expect this to be a real person's head?

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8618.jpg

This woman was extremely thrilled to have this hair remover.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8619.jpg

After that one store, we went back to the car because we just needed a break. We were exhausted! On the way, we saw the toy machines. Even in Florida, the $1 toy machines look more fun!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20022011/IMG_6272.jpg

I have a lot of these from different series.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8620.jpg

Well, we made it back to the car! Guess you'll have to stay tuned until the next update to see the video of Howard opening his first Vinylmation! Hehe, did you pick up on the hint of my saying his "first"?

[IheartDDuck]

Uh oh, I get the feeling that Howard is going to like his Vinylmation! I have to admit, they are addicting. Once you buy your first, you just want more....

Love the fart machine. A friend of mine, sadly, has one. :lmao:

[SoonerGirl]

You do make the best faces, you could totally pull off the overly dramatic! You may just have a future in infomercials, think of all the extra Disney money you could earn! :laughing:

I'm going to really show my age here, but I remember when those $1 toy machines were 25 cents.......

[Jennifer48]

I think I posted this on your fb page but, I love infomercials too! I used to work shift work and when I had to stay up all night, all I did was watch infomercials! I could totally be a melodramatic actress in one too! :rotfl:

By 'out of control' vinylmation collection I mean, did he have to stop at every location to trade? When we were there, there were so many people that went to every store to see what they had available to trade. Obsessed!

[bluejasmine]

Hurry up I dont have anymore to read and I was really into it..LOL I have vacationitis..Dr even said so..Well maybe he isnt my dr but..

[Philadisney]

Aw I love the Peek-a-Pooh's too! They're ridiculously cute.
That sunshine looks lovely right now - I'm looking at my office window at grey skies and pouring rain :crazy2:

[Nermel9]

Haha, I love the picture, reacting to the sunlight! I'm the same way in Florida at first! :rotfl:

We have one of those As seen on TV stores at our mall here in CT...I've been tempted to buy the Shake weight there! Although, now you can pretty much buy that anywhere...oh! And Heel Tastic! I really want to buy that, see if it works! :banana:

That head with the hair on it is creepy...:eek:

[PirateKate]

I did think it was a really person's head at first. That's pretty creepy. :scared1: Why was it set up next to the hair removal display?

I think I would have had a hard time stopping to shop that long. I would have wanted to hurry up and get to Disney. :rotfl:

[RunningGirl]

Can't wait to see the Vinylmation! We got addicted to them but limit ourselves to one per person per trip.

We've never gone to the Disney outlet but it looks like it would be worth the trip!

I'm glad your trip is off to a good start - it looks like a great group of people to travel with!

[RachelNinja]

Uh oh, I get the feeling that Howard is going to like his Vinylmation! I have to admit, they are addicting. Once you buy your first, you just want more....

Love the fart machine. A friend of mine, sadly, has one. :lmao:

It can get really addicting! And the silly thing is, they're not very useful! Haha, Disney is so smart that way ...

HAHA, how close is this friend of yours with the fart machine?!? In actuality, it's probably something another cousin has who is my age!

You do make the best faces, you could totally pull off the overly dramatic! You may just have a future in infomercials, think of all the extra Disney money you could earn! :laughing:

I'm going to really show my age here, but I remember when those $1 toy machines were 25 cents.......

I think I should quit my job as a teacher and go into infomercial acting! HAHA. That'd be a lot easier. I do make a lot of wacky faces at school; that's probably why I have so much practice!

It's not really showing your age at all! I remember the 25 cents days. I also remember when it went to 50 cents. Now it's just insane! Of course, the quality of those toys are way better than those big gaudy plastic rings I used to look at or the rubber bouncing balls!

I think I posted this on your fb page but, I love infomercials too! I used to work shift work and when I had to stay up all night, all I did was watch infomercials! I could totally be a melodramatic actress in one too! :rotfl:

By 'out of control' vinylmation collection I mean, did he have to stop at every location to trade? When we were there, there were so many people that went to every store to see what they had available to trade. Obsessed!

We can be famous together!!!

Haha, well, let's just say it wasn't just Howard that got into it ... (haha, no, it wasn't me!).

Hurry up I dont have anymore to read and I was really into it..LOL I have vacationitis..Dr even said so..Well maybe he isnt my dr but..

Haha, I love your comment! I'll post another update tomorrow morning! So far I've been consistent with it. I wonder how long that'll last! I totally have vacationitis too. I'm hating this NY weather!

Aw I love the Peek-a-Pooh's too! They're ridiculously cute.
That sunshine looks lovely right now - I'm looking at my office window at grey skies and pouring rain :crazy2:

Yes, this rain is driving me nutso! And we had parent teacher conferences tonight, so I had to come home to drop off my brother and then go back out again! Blech. They should close school tomorrow, haha. I could REALLY use some Florida sun!

Haha, I love the picture, reacting to the sunlight! I'm the same way in Florida at first! :rotfl:

We have one of those As seen on TV stores at our mall here in CT...I've been tempted to buy the Shake weight there! Although, now you can pretty much buy that anywhere...oh! And Heel Tastic! I really want to buy that, see if it works! :banana:

That head with the hair on it is creepy...:eek:

It really was so so so bright! I never liked it as a kid. I'm making up for it now!

I love food infomercials the most! Some of them are hilarious because when they taste the food that was made in the microwave or whatever, they make it seem like it's the best tasting food ever!

I did think it was a really person's head at first. That's pretty creepy. :scared1: Why was it set up next to the hair removal display?

I think I would have had a hard time stopping to shop that long. I would have wanted to hurry up and get to Disney. :rotfl:

I have no clue why it was set up next to the hair removal display! That creepy head was showing how that hair thingie worked!

Haha, we knew we weren't going to WDW that day, so we were fine taking our time since we couldn't check in yet anyway! They bought 2-day tickets, and Howard and I had our no expiration tickets. We use our day wisely!

Can't wait to see the Vinylmation! We got addicted to them but limit ourselves to one per person per trip.

We've never gone to the Disney outlet but it looks like it would be worth the trip!

I'm glad your trip is off to a good start - it looks like a great group of people to travel with!

Ooo, that's smart. I think Howard would've limited himself except for the fact that it was at the outlet and trading is really fun!

It definitely was a great group! I can't wait to share more of our adventures with you!

[chunkymonkey]

Great first day (so far!) - I love the bag you got - what color did you end up getting? Can't wait to see what vinylmation Howard got.

That's too bad the texas toast wasn't tasty! I loooove texas toast and I really wish more places in NY serve it. I had the best sandwich one year when I had a layover in Utah. It was a BLT in texas toast and even though it was in the airport in a non-descript food court, it was just soooo good!!

I know what you mean about outlet malls and the pain about having to park really far away. I rarely go to woodbury but when I do go, I find it very troublesome. That's why I only go infrequently :)

Can't wait for more!!

[wdwgirl03]

haha, did Howard get sucked into the vinylmation craze too? So addicting! I wonder how many he got. You are so right though, they're completely pointless but Disney got me hooked. :rolleyes::headache:

[RachelNinja]

Great first day (so far!) - I love the bag you got - what color did you end up getting? Can't wait to see what vinylmation Howard got.

That's too bad the texas toast wasn't tasty! I loooove texas toast and I really wish more places in NY serve it. I had the best sandwich one year when I had a layover in Utah. It was a BLT in texas toast and even though it was in the airport in a non-descript food court, it was just soooo good!!

I know what you mean about outlet malls and the pain about having to park really far away. I rarely go to woodbury but when I do go, I find it very troublesome. That's why I only go infrequently :)

Can't wait for more!!

I ended up getting the black and white one. It's just easier to match because I use the same bags all the time!

I hate that the Texas toast LOOKED good! It was so deceiving! Taking a bite out of it was exciting, but then it just fell flat. Mmm, I could imagine how yummy a BLT is on good Texas toast!!!

My parents loved outlets! That's what we'd go to all the way down to Florida. We would stop at about 4 of them. I hated it because my dad would park near Nike, and the stores my mom or I were interested in were very far away!

haha, did Howard get sucked into the vinylmation craze too? So addicting! I wonder how many he got. You are so right though, they're completely pointless but Disney got me hooked. :rolleyes::headache:

Haha, it wasn't just Howard who got sucked in either! This trip focused a LOT on Vinylmation! He didn't get that many; my cousin, however ... haha. They're completely pointless but the mystery aspect is so so so enticing!!! As is the trading! It was funny because we saw the keychain ones that also cost a good chunk of change, and I was like, "Sarah and her sisters each got one on their last trip!"

[RachelNinja]

Sunday, February 20: Opening the Vinylmation!

We got back to the car and noticed just how crowed the outlet was! All these cars parked on the grass despite the sign!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8621.jpg

Howard and I enjoyed just sitting down. That is, until all these bugs were trying to fly into the car! We eventually had to close the doors and then we had to close most of the windows. But then we started getting really hot and stuffy!

We had fun watching what people were doing around us. There was a big van that tried to park on the grassy part (it was such a packed lot that people were doing that). It was one of those like, 15 seat vans. The driver went into the “spot” and was so crooked. When she tried to back out, it wasn’t really possible because the vehicle was so long, so she just left it crooked! We wondered how the person next to her would get out.

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Then a slightly scary part was when the car to my right was getting ready to leave. There was a family in the car waiting for a while to park in that spot. Once the original car pulled out, a different car just zipped right in! It belonged to a younger guy maybe in his 20s. The mom of the waiting car got out and said, “That’s not right! We’ve been waiting here for 10 minutes! You better move your car out! I have kids in the car, and we’ve been waiting her for that spot!” The stupid young guy just looked at her, locked his car, and walked away. I was even angry about that. I wish there could’ve been something I could’ve done. You know, like poke a hole in a tire or something … grrr. No, I’d never do it, but I just couldn’t believe his nerve!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8626.jpg

The best part of sitting in the car other than observing people's behavior and jotting down some notes in my trip report notebook was watching Howard open up his first Vinylmation! I recorded it on video so that I could capture his reaction!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/th_MVI_8622.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/?action=view&current=MVI_8622.mp4)

He got Cinderella Castle! That Vinylmation stayed on that part of the car for a few days. It was just sturdy and firmly in place! Just like the real castle!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20022011/IMG_6274.jpg

Well, the two of us got really tired of the heat, so we decided to head back out. I mean, the stuffy car must've really been bugging me because I kinda went crazy and gave myself a pen tattoo!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20022011/IMG_6276.jpg

Haha, I don't know what I was thinking, but I just started drawing on myself as a joke and then I kept going and made it into a heart!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20022011/IMG_6277.jpg

But then I took out antibacterial spray to wash it off.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20022011/IMG_6278.jpg

I guess we had better get out and get some air! The other reason why was because after some debate, Howard decided to get another one, so we headed back there. Yup, we were going back to the Disney outlet store for the THIRD TIME!

[wdwgirl03]

You guys are too funny. I like how Howard looks so intrigued before he opened the box. :laughing: "Do I just tear the box?" Atleast you didn't get the ugly one! haha

[RunningGirl]

Haha - didn't take long for Howard to get sucked in! Those Disney marketing people are GENIUS!

[schriverl]

You do make the best faces, you could totally pull off the overly dramatic! You may just have a future in infomercials, think of all the extra Disney money you could earn! :laughing:

I'm going to really show my age here, but I remember when those $1 toy machines were 25 cents.......

How about when the gumball machines used to be nickles and dimes. I remember some stores even having penny ones!

[SoonerGirl]

How about when the gumball machines used to be nickles and dimes. I remember some stores even having penny ones!

Oh yes, I remember the penny gumball machines! I also remember my mom giving me a dollar or two and my brother and I would walk to the convience store and come home with a whole bag full of candy!


Rachel, I loved the video of Howard opening his Vinylmation, how fun! And I love that he had to go back to the store and buy another one :laughing:

[Nermel9]

That's it, I'm getting a Vinylmation on my next trip. You guys had way too much fun opening that little box, I have to get in on that! :woohoo: I don't think I'll be able to be that patient, not knowing which one I got, I'd rip it open as soon as I paid for it!

That video was hysterical, btw! I loved your commentary! :cool1:

[RachelNinja]

You guys are too funny. I like how Howard looks so intrigued before he opened the box. :laughing: "Do I just tear the box?" Atleast you didn't get the ugly one! haha

Haha, I'm pretty sure he was probably thinking, "How do I open this nicely so I can save the box too?" Later in the trip, it became all about tearing that box open to find out what was inside! Is the ugly one from Country Bear Jamboree? I think that's why I REALLY don't like it!

Haha - didn't take long for Howard to get sucked in! Those Disney marketing people are GENIUS!

Seriously!!! It helped that we came across MANY extremely nice CMs when we were trading!

How about when the gumball machines used to be nickles and dimes. I remember some stores even having penny ones!

Nowadays, my kids just drop dimes or give them away after they use the vending machine. They don't care about it because it's "only" 10 cents!

Oh yes, I remember the penny gumball machines! I also remember my mom giving me a dollar or two and my brother and I would walk to the convience store and come home with a whole bag full of candy!

Rachel, I loved the video of Howard opening his Vinylmation, how fun! And I love that he had to go back to the store and buy another one :laughing:

I so could've lived before my time! Maybe that's why I love the dollar store! I have to somehow grab an opportunity at those inexpensive prices!

I'm so glad I got that on video!

That's it, I'm getting a Vinylmation on my next trip. You guys had way too much fun opening that little box, I have to get in on that! :woohoo: I don't think I'll be able to be that patient, not knowing which one I got, I'd rip it open as soon as I paid for it!

That video was hysterical, btw! I loved your commentary! :cool1:

HAHA, I love that you're gonna get one on your next trip! I feel as if the money didn't just go towards the figure; it went towards the whole experience of trading and the mystery too!

Glad you liked the commentary! I hate the way my voice sounds when recorded. Blech. I'm sure most people feel that way, haha, but it makes me think about what my students listen to all the time!

[IheartDDuck]

You guys are too funny with the opening of the Vinylmation. You got a good one though.

Although, I DO have the ugly one. :lmao:

[RachelNinja]

You guys are too funny with the opening of the Vinylmation. You got a good one though.

Although, I DO have the ugly one. :lmao:

Yup! He was very happy with it, but it still wasn't one of the ones he really wanted.

HAHA, is it Country Bear Jamboree? I can't look at it for too long before I have to turn away because it's scary!

[therussells08]

Great updates! :thumbsup2 I'm glad Howard got a Vinylmation! I am so addicted to pins, and I have been debating about starting to collect those. The only thing is, I am kind of obsessive compulsive when it comes to collecting anything, so I think it would be dangerous for me to start collecting something new! Well, dangerous for my bank account at least!

I know what you mean about outlets. John took me to some new outlets that just opened up about an hour from our home yesterday, and while I really enjoyed them, I got really tired walking around so much. They didn't have an As Seen on TV store, but they did have a QVC Outlet that I freaked out over. Here's my analogy: I : QVC :: You : Infomercials. Seriously, I LOVE QVC! :lovestruc My family thinks I am crazy because I talk about the hosts as if I know them personally and we are very good friends. I just love the way they market whatever it is they're selling. They make me feel like I MUST have it, and they are only selling it because they are looking out for my best interests. :rotfl:

Aaanyway...YAY! You didn't pick "the ugly one"! :rotfl: I was cracking up at that. I am excited to see what he gets next! See, I'm so addicted to collecting that I am living vicariously through Howard's collection!

Oh by the way, I can't believe that jerk who stole that family's parking spot! :eek: Some people just blow my mind! I would never do that for two reasons. First, because I'm not mean. Second, because the entire time I was shopping I would be super paranoid that the family was out there slashing my tires or keying the side of my car or something.

[LilAnn]

Aw, what a fun video! Now I am intrigued to hear about the whole vinylmation trading experience. We just experienced pin trading for the first time this year, so I don't know if we'll try Vinylmation. Do all the CMs have them to trade? Or do you carry them around to certain places?

[RachelNinja]

Great updates! :thumbsup2 I'm glad Howard got a Vinylmation! I am so addicted to pins, and I have been debating about starting to collect those. The only thing is, I am kind of obsessive compulsive when it comes to collecting anything, so I think it would be dangerous for me to start collecting something new! Well, dangerous for my bank account at least!

I know what you mean about outlets. John took me to some new outlets that just opened up about an hour from our home yesterday, and while I really enjoyed them, I got really tired walking around so much. They didn't have an As Seen on TV store, but they did have a QVC Outlet that I freaked out over. Here's my analogy: I : QVC :: You : Infomercials. Seriously, I LOVE QVC! :lovestruc My family thinks I am crazy because I talk about the hosts as if I know them personally and we are very good friends. I just love the way they market whatever it is they're selling. They make me feel like I MUST have it, and they are only selling it because they are looking out for my best interests. :rotfl:

Aaanyway...YAY! You didn't pick "the ugly one"! :rotfl: I was cracking up at that. I am excited to see what he gets next! See, I'm so addicted to collecting that I am living vicariously through Howard's collection!

Oh by the way, I can't believe that jerk who stole that family's parking spot! :eek: Some people just blow my mind! I would never do that for two reasons. First, because I'm not mean. Second, because the entire time I was shopping I would be super paranoid that the family was out there slashing my tires or keying the side of my car or something.

Haha, it might be a bad thing to buy a Vinylmation! When Nikki was thinking about the Vinylmations and the Vinylmation Jr., I asked her, "Do you have a place where you know you can put it or hang it so you can see it often and be happy with it?" She said no, so she ended up not buying one! I think that's why I didn't get sucked into it. Plus, throughout the entire trip, I kept saying, "This would be a Cricut cartridge ..." HAHA.

I love the analogy you made! I haven't really looked at QVC, but I do like HSN once in a while because they sell a lot of crafting supplies. ProvoCraft (they make Cricut) shows their items there, so I totally understand what you said about how they make it seem as if they're looking out for my best interests! Have you bought stuff from QVC?

Ooo, you'll have someone else to live vicariously through when it comes to Vinylmation!!! Foreshadowing ...

EXACTLY! The person could have easily keyed their car and left. It's not like the guy knew them. They were probably on vacation too! It wouldn't have been possible to find them afterwards!

Aw, what a fun video! Now I am intrigued to hear about the whole vinylmation trading experience. We just experienced pin trading for the first time this year, so I don't know if we'll try Vinylmation. Do all the CMs have them to trade? Or do you carry them around to certain places?

Only some stores have the Vinylmation to trade. There are clear boxes with 3 in there or blind mystery boxes! I'll post about those in the report!

[not_Joanna_eggs]

Okay, first I just went back and saw your comment on my comment from a while ago. You are so sweet - I totally think that DH should get me a "thank you for being Joanna present" :rotfl:

The video of Howard opening the Vinylmation is adorable! you could tell right away that he was hooked. At least he got hooked on the reduced price ones! :rotfl:

[RachelNinja]

Okay, first I just went back and saw your comment on my comment from a while ago. You are so sweet - I totally think that DH should get me a "thank you for being Joanna present" :rotfl:

The video of Howard opening the Vinylmation is adorable! you could tell right away that he was hooked. At least he got hooked on the reduced price ones! :rotfl:

I totally agree! "Thank you for being you" presents can be way more fun than birthday or Christmas gifts!

HAHA, amen to that, sister! I'm glad he got the sale ones! I mean, they can be traded anyway, so bother on expensive ones?!?

[RachelNinja]

Sunday, February 20: Third Time's the Charm!

Okay, so this is the THIRD time that we were at the Disney outlet store! We headed straight for the Vinylmation section, and I picked it out again for him! The boxes were reorganized and made neat once again, so I chose it from the same exact spot that I took the last one. You'll have to wait to see what he gets in the next one!

I was very surprised to see that the spot where all the bags were was much emptier!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8627.jpg

I wonder who else bought the bag! I'm so glad I got the black and white one when I did because if I had returned at that point to get it, I might've lost out on the opportunity!!! You can also see that this bag is rather large because you can compare it to my head size, which is rather large on its own!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20022011/IMG_6283.jpg

I LOVED this binder and would've bought it except I bought a binder set LAST year and haven't used it yet! I was going to use it for my lesson plans at school, but when I had it set up, I didn't want to mess it up! I should've used it because then I would've bought this one too!!! Things like this remind me why I'm a teacher though because school supplies really get me excited!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8628.jpg

Donald Duck?

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8629.jpg

I kept seeing this guy everywhere. The colors enticed me for some reason. Just looking at this picture, however, reminded me that I had a DREAM about it! In my dream from the other day, I saw why Mickey was in these colors! Wait, maybe it wasn't a dream. Maybe I saw it in someone's trip report. Okay, now I'm confused ... does anyone know why Mickey has this particular outfit?

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8630.jpg

The 3 others were done shopping at that point and met up with us to walk back to the car. We were very much ready to head to the timeshare even though we still had time until check-in. The 3 of them needed a few things from Target, so we drove closer to the timeshare place and went to the Target kind of across the way. Much closer to our destination!

Now that we had even more bags though, it would just continue to be a tighter and tighter squeeze in the car! Haha. This was the stuff on my lap.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8631.jpg

When we stopped at a light, we cracked up about Del Taco for the LONGEST time. I don't even know why! It was just the way Ray said it! Then he couldn't remember the name for Taco Bell. And then we were laughing about the whole del = de + el = of the ... "Of the Taco" thing! Watch this place be amazing. Maybe we should've eaten there~ haha

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8633.jpg

Then Howard and I liked this place! But of course, why actually go get a tattoo when I'm a very good tattoo artist myself! What else do you need? Just give me a pen, and I'm set!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8634.jpg

Sweet Tomatoes!!! I really want to try this one of these days because it's a soup and salad buffet. Um, that's like the greatest thing ever. I don't know how good it is, but I've read Yelp reviews, and I've seen pictures. If I were to go to a buffet, I'd be all about that stuff anyway!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8635.jpg

One of my 6th graders suggested all these restaurants that I should try while in Florida. Fish Bones was one of them! When he initially told me, I thought he was mixing up the name for Bonefish Grill, so when I saw this restaurant, I got really excited!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8636.jpg

Lastly, this is one of the things Ray bought at the Disney outlet store. I wish I didn't take a blurry pic, but you can see that Iron Man can be cute!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8637.jpg

The Target excursion will be in the next update! Yes, we can have fun even in Target!

[Jennifer48]

3 trips to the outlet! Did the employees recognize you guys each time? :laughing:

That video was so cute! I love Howard's reaction. Glad it wasn't the ugly one! :thumbsup2

I don't know what Mickey is dressed in. It almost looks like some type of band uniform? :confused3

[Bridora]

Ha ha! Aren't Vinylmations just fun? Our kids got hooked on them when we were there last year. I know DS already has plans to use some of his birthday money on more when we go back! DD has the castle one and I think it's so pretty, but I can see where it wouldn't be for everyone.

I love Target, ha ha! It's so much better than Wal-Mart...

[bluejasmine]

More, More! LOL

[jane2073]

Love your trip report(s)!

The Band Leader Mickey is from the 1935 classic cartoon "The Band Concert".
Very cute cartoon! You can find it on You Tube. :)

[PirateKate]

I got Cinderella Castle, too! I think I would have preferred the Country Bears one. Big Al is so cool, ugly or not! :rotfl:

Oh and your tattoo from the car- I thought for sure it was a hidden Mickey. Once you said it was a heart, I could kind of see it, but it looked Micky-ish to me.

Love the Donald Duck shirt! :lmao:

[Nermel9]

I can't wait to see what Vinylmation Howard got next! :cool1: I hope you took another video of the box opening! :rotfl:

I've been looking at Vinylmations on ebay, and I found an adorable Marie one that I want! I wouldn't trade it though, I'd probably put it in my car or something!

Brandon has that Donald Duck shirt! He wanted to take a picture while he was wearing it with Donald, but by the time he thought of it, it was too late! :confused3

I can't wait to hear about Target! I LOVE that store! :woohoo:

[IheartDDuck]

Yup! He was very happy with it, but it still wasn't one of the ones he really wanted.

HAHA, is it Country Bear Jamboree? I can't look at it for too long before I have to turn away because it's scary!

Yup, it's one of the Bear's from the Jamboree. He's not so scary once you hang around with him for a while. :rotfl:

[IheartDDuck]

Sweet Tomatoes! If you like salad, you like soup, and you like buffet's, you can't go wrong! I have one right by my work. Love eating there.

[RachelNinja]

3 trips to the outlet! Did the employees recognize you guys each time? :laughing:

That video was so cute! I love Howard's reaction. Glad it wasn't the ugly one! :thumbsup2

I don't know what Mickey is dressed in. It almost looks like some type of band uniform? :confused3

Haha, I'm not sure if they did, but that did cross my mind! I was thinking that they'd start wondering why we kept returning! I didn't want them to get suspicious; we were really there to enjoy it! Haha, and we did buy something each time.

Ha ha! Aren't Vinylmations just fun? Our kids got hooked on them when we were there last year. I know DS already has plans to use some of his birthday money on more when we go back! DD has the castle one and I think it's so pretty, but I can see where it wouldn't be for everyone.

I love Target, ha ha! It's so much better than Wal-Mart...

I think I'd stop our kiddies from getting into Vinylmation. I'd be like, "Um, Daddy has enough. You can share those!"

More, More! LOL

I love your enthusiasm!

Love your trip report(s)!

The Band Leader Mickey is from the 1935 classic cartoon "The Band Concert".
Very cute cartoon! You can find it on You Tube. :)

Ooo, thanks for the info!!! Because of that, I love it even more! I love really classic Mickey stuff! And I'm also so glad you like my TRs! I really should finish the previous one ... haha.

I got Cinderella Castle, too! I think I would have preferred the Country Bears one. Big Al is so cool, ugly or not! :rotfl:

Oh and your tattoo from the car- I thought for sure it was a hidden Mickey. Once you said it was a heart, I could kind of see it, but it looked Micky-ish to me.

Love the Donald Duck shirt! :lmao:

Haha, I am TERRIFIED of Country Bear Jamboree ...

Maybe that's what I should've done instead! I went with the heart because of the first mark that I accidentally made when I was writing. I'd never get a real tattoo, but the next time I go crazy and use a pen, I'll make it a Mickey head!

I can't wait to see what Vinylmation Howard got next! :cool1: I hope you took another video of the box opening! :rotfl:

I've been looking at Vinylmations on ebay, and I found an adorable Marie one that I want! I wouldn't trade it though, I'd probably put it in my car or something!

Brandon has that Donald Duck shirt! He wanted to take a picture while he was wearing it with Donald, but by the time he thought of it, it was too late! :confused3

I can't wait to hear about Target! I LOVE that store! :woohoo:

Haha, just to let you know, we don't actually open it until ... a day or two later? We completely forgot about it! Don't worry though ... there'll be other Vinylmation videos!

I think Vinylmation is fun when there's something you know you want. I think it's so easy to get addicted to wanting ALL the cute ones, but getting one and trying to trade until you get it would be a fun challenge!

I'd be afraid that the Disney ducks would come up to me and surround me if I wore a shirt like that Donald shirt! Irrational? Yes. But who knows ... it's still a possibility!

Target ROCKS.

Yup, it's one of the Bear's from the Jamboree. He's not so scary once you hang around with him for a while. :rotfl:

Haha, I have a big fear of Country Bear Jamboree! That's why I think it's the ugly one. I HATE HATE HATE the buffalo head on the wall! I think that's part of why I'm so afraid of buffalo/bison. I will never step foot into CBJ for the rest of my life! I'm sorry to Big Al and the rest of 'em, but they hang with those heads!

Sweet Tomatoes! If you like salad, you like soup, and you like buffet's, you can't go wrong! I have one right by my work. Love eating there.

Oh man, now I REALLY want to try it! I don't like buffets where I feel like I have to eat meat and whatnot because of the cost. I want to just go and not have to make an excuse that all I want is soup and salad! Do you get to try ALL the soups?!?

[YukiPhnx]

When I was at Disney, I really considered getting some of those Vinylmation keychains!

I was going to buy that Ironman plush for my little brother! He loves things that have huge heads and small bodies. Andrew also made the spiderman plush and the ironman plush do high-5's because their arms are sticking out, haha.

[RachelNinja]

When I was at Disney, I really considered getting some of those Vinylmation keychains!

I was going to buy that Ironman plush for my little brother! He loves things that have huge heads and small bodies. Andrew also made the spiderman plush and the ironman plush do high-5's because their arms are sticking out, haha.

I wanted one of those keychains too! I just couldn't believe that they were $8.95. For something so small, you'd think it'd be half the price of a full-sized Vinylmation! I would've done $5 even!

Haha, I agree that huge headed and small bodied things are cute!

[RachelNinja]

Sunday, February 20: Right on Target!

We made it to Target, which is only 2-3 minutes away from the timeshare. It felt good to be that much closer to our home away from home for the week! We were at Target mainly to get some necessities that Ray forgot or that Nik needed.

There was this big circle at the front of the store (I took this pic on the way out). Just to be silly, Howard and I walked through it because we couldn't figure out why it was there!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8662.jpg

I turned around and saw Ray coming along and knew he was going to jump, so I snapped a picture and caught this exact moment!!! Haha, I think it's one of the best pics of the trip not just because of catching it at that right moment but because it showed that even at Target, we were still having so much fun!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8638.jpg

This Target was AMAZING because it had a huge section for Disney things! Wouldn't it make more sense for this Target to go easy on the Disney stuff since we're so close to the real thing and instead make the Target near my school have this huge DIsney section instead?!? Haha, just sayin! Of course, I'd be broke if that were the case! They had so many plushies!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8639.jpg

Howard and I really liked the Sorcerer Mickey ones! I have a Build-A-Bear bear (Howie Wary Bear! Guess where I got the "Wary Bear" part of his name!) who is itching to get a sorcerer Mickey outfit when they release it for Duffy!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8640.jpg

Look at all those mugs! Howard and I LOVE LOVE LOVE Disney mugs! We like a lot of the things for the house since it's fun yet also very useful!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8641.jpg

I like the designs where the figures look like they are sketched. Haha, random, but it took me a while to write the previous sentence. I was saying "sketchy" at first, but it sounded like the characters were sketchy!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20022011/IMG_6284.jpg

They also had a very nice assortment of caps! I always think I'm going to get a cap each year. I was going to get one at the Disney outlet, but I knew I wouldn't wear it. A few years ago, Howard and I went on a bike trip with our church, and I had to wear a cap (keep as many bugs out of your hair and shield from the sun!). I was thinking about how it'd be fun to have a Disney one. I guess that thought has stuck in my head despite the fact that I always have my sunglasses on my head when at WDW!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8643.jpg

A hat for Howard wouldn't make sense because he has a rather large head. Hehe.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8642.jpg

At one point, we were just walking around, and we lost track of Nik! Haha, she has a tendency to just wander off because something captures her attention. We "found" her (and I ended up keeping a close eye on her for the rest of the Target trip and throughout the vacation!), and she spotted socks! Haha, it's not what she needed, but she bought a couple. They were actually very cute! Too bad I don't like wearing socks! Oh, that Minnie she has was for a friend back home. One of the girls at our church wanted her to get a Minnie that looked exactly like the Minnie she has a child. That was pretty much it!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8645.jpg

We headed to the shoe section because Nik was looking for sandals or flip flops of some sort.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8649.jpg

Teeny-tiny imitation crocs!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8646.jpg

We thought some of the shoe choices were rather ... uh ... interesting. Like this one! That's a lot of toe cleavage!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8648.jpg

This is what Howard and Ray did while we were in the shoe section. They lined up all the shoes to look all pretty for the display!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20022011/IMG_6285.jpg

Hmm, there's something about this shirt that bothers me. Why does Minnie seem so much larger? Why is she holding Mickey that way?

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8647.jpg

After the shoe section (Nikki didn't find anything), we headed to the bathing suit section because Nik forgot to bring that too! We had plans to head to the lazy river on Thursday, so she needed one. I guess if we ended up not going, she just would've returned it. Ray ended up finding something that he liked too, haha.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20022011/IMG_6286.jpg

I saw this, and it reminded me of one of 6th grade students who wears headbands with big flowers and bows on them. It's very cute on her, but I could never wear something like this!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8651.jpg

I couldn't get the headband to stop moving when I was trying to take the pic, so I was standing there for a while. Ray saw me ...

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8652.jpg

... and this is what he did as a result!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8653.jpg

The next few pics are from the little itty-bitty cuties section! I just thought they were cute, so I just had to snap a picture of some of the outfits! How cute is this for a nurse who has a baby?

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8654.jpg

Of course, dinosaurs are so cute for little boys. I love the preppy look of this outfit.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8657.jpg

Monkeyin' around!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8656.jpg

It's not often that I see clothes with rhinos on them!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8658.jpg

This would definitely be for Guy Fieri's son! He often says "That's how I roll" or some variation of it on his show!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8659.jpg

Here's the other thing that we needed from Target. Ray forgot to bring contact solution for Dani and himself. I brought for myself in a small bottle, but it wouldn't have been enough for the 3 of us for one whole week. At least we had a Target nearby though! One time I forgot to bring contact solution when I on a family vacation in the Bahamas! The sundries store at the hotel didn't have any, so it was a big search for some! I don't even remember where we ended up getting it. I vaguely remember the hotel calling a pharmacy and sending it to us or something.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8660.jpg

Howard and I laughed when we saw beef jerky because in the Florida 2011 email that we were all writing in, I made a joke about eating beef jerky in the shower.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8661.jpg

After we spent a good amount of time in Target, the 3 of them made their way to the front to pay for their purchases. I was so excited that we were now officially headed toward our way to the timeshare!!! YAY!

[klacey1]

Gotta love Target! I love that picture of Ray jumping through that circle at Target! Intense!

[jane2073]

I love Target!! I think our record is an hour and half of aimless wondering!

I love the "jumping through the circle" picture! It could not be more perfect!

I like the Mickey/Minnie shirt. :) It is like she is lovingly giving him the heimlich maneuver. :rotfl:

[SoonerGirl]

Wow, if I had tried to jump through that circle I either would have tripped or hit my head on the top! :laughing:

That Target looks like it has almost as much Disney stuff as our Disney store at the mall!

[YukiPhnx]

I love that you took so many pictures of what you saw!

The night before I left for my trip, I ALMOST forgot to pack shampoo! It was around midnight so nothing was open, so I ended up grabbing a bottle from my family's apartment. It was one of the things I kept telling myself not to forget too!

So did Nik ever get those shoes??? She reminds me a lot of my little sister. She also tends to wander off on her own a lot.

[Jennifer48]

Love that jumping photo! :thumbsup2

I love Target! I could spend all day in there! :rotfl:

[PirateKate]

I've never noticed that section of Disney stuff at that Target before. We went to Target several times on our May trip, since we kept thinking of more forgotten items, but I guess we were too focused to browse much.

I love Target baby clothes. Looks like you all were having a lot of Target fun!

[Cat0727]

That shot of Ray is awesome!

Ohh I love Target. I wish they put a store in NYC (I don't count the one on 117th street lol :laughing:). It looks like they had a lot of Disney items in the one you went to!

[Nermel9]

Love the Target update!

I wish the Targets in CT had a huge Disney section...although like you said, I'd be broke if they did! :confused3

I LOVE Disney mugs! Disney mugs and Disney ornaments are my weakness, I could spend so much money on them!

What better place to eat beef jerky than the shower? :rotfl:

[RunningGirl]

Great picture! I really can't believe you've had so much fun and not even gotten to your timeshare yet! :rotfl:

[RachelNinja]

Gotta love Target! I love that picture of Ray jumping through that circle at Target! Intense!

We were all cracking up afterwards when I saw what I caught!

I love Target!! I think our record is an hour and half of aimless wondering!

I love the "jumping through the circle" picture! It could not be more perfect!

I like the Mickey/Minnie shirt. :) It is like she is lovingly giving him the heimlich maneuver. :rotfl:

Ooo, I love aimless wandering! But it can be rather dangerous because I can always find something I could use, especially before a vacation or on vacation!

HAHA, that's a great way to put it - "lovingly giving him the Heimlich maneuver"!

Wow, if I had tried to jump through that circle I either would have tripped or hit my head on the top! :laughing:

That Target looks like it has almost as much Disney stuff as our Disney store at the mall!

Oh, I hear ya! That's why Howard and I just stepped over it! I KNOW I would've fallen if I tried anything else! I'm not a risk taker at all!

I love that you took so many pictures of what you saw!

The night before I left for my trip, I ALMOST forgot to pack shampoo! It was around midnight so nothing was open, so I ended up grabbing a bottle from my family's apartment. It was one of the things I kept telling myself not to forget too!

So did Nik ever get those shoes??? She reminds me a lot of my little sister. She also tends to wander off on her own a lot.

I've forgotten contact solution one year, and then another year, I forgot to bring regular bras! Haha, sorry if that's TMI, but I only had sports bras. Whoops! That wasn't that big of a deal, but I just couldn't believe I forgot to pack that! We drove so I wanted to be comfy during the trip.

Nope, Nik didn't buy any shoes. She found something she liked, but it wasn't in her size. She was fine for the trip though. It wasn't a HUGE necessity.

Love that jumping photo! :thumbsup2

I love Target! I could spend all day in there! :rotfl:

I was so excited when they finally built a Target only a minute away from my school! If there's anything I want, I can just drop by. Of course, that can be dangerous! I don't look at the circular anymore because I know I'll probably want something. It was so easy to just drop by the day before we left because I picked up a few last minute things. I was in that travel section for so long! Haha, and then I also spent a lot of time in the snacks section!

I've never noticed that section of Disney stuff at that Target before. We went to Target several times on our May trip, since we kept thinking of more forgotten items, but I guess we were too focused to browse much.

I love Target baby clothes. Looks like you all were having a lot of Target fun!

Ooo, you go the Target on Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy? It's so reassuring to know that you can get anything at Target. There's never any fear that you'll have to do without something for a week.

It's going to be bad when my friends start having babies. I'm going to want to buy it all!

That shot of Ray is awesome!

Ohh I love Target. I wish they put a store in NYC (I don't count the one on 117th street lol :laughing:). It looks like they had a lot of Disney items in the one you went to!

I'm so glad there's a Target where I work! We used to have to go to Jersey. It was such a special treat to get to go there! I love all the sales at the ends of the aisles. Too bad we don't have Disney stuff here because I'd be scoping out those sales aisles like mad!

Love the Target update!

I wish the Targets in CT had a huge Disney section...although like you said, I'd be broke if they did! :confused3

I LOVE Disney mugs! Disney mugs and Disney ornaments are my weakness, I could spend so much money on them!

What better place to eat beef jerky than the shower? :rotfl:

YES, Disney mugs would fill our entire house if I had the money! I'd get rid of every other mug we have! Haha, cup too! All we need are Disney mugs!

Haha, I would imagine it'd just taste better!

Great picture! I really can't believe you've had so much fun and not even gotten to your timeshare yet! :rotfl:

Haha, if you saw my other TR from April 2010 (that I have yet to finish :rolleyes1), I had a ton of entries before we even arrived to Florida!

[RachelNinja]

Sunday, February 20: Timeshare Sweet Timeshare!

It was finally time to head to the timeshare! I was a little nervous because I was the one responsible for checking us in. Since the timeshare belongs to my parents, we had to chip in to pay for a guest certificate so it was under my name for the week. This was the first time that I was handling it by myself. I told you this was my first vacation without my parents! Come to think of it, I did go to Boston with my cousins when I was still in college because we were visiting another cousin. My older cousin dealt with it all (hotel reservations, driving/directions, planning), so I guess I don't consider that a real vacation. That was classified as a road trip.

Anyway, we pulled up to the front gate, and I was all ready to have Howard tell them that we were checking in ... but no one was there! Haha, okay. Off we go! We drove a little bit in to get to the Clubhouse. It was at this point that Howard and I started calling Dani, Ray, and Nik our kids. We were like, "Are you kids staying in the car?" It did really feel as if we were somehow the parents just because we were the oldest (although not by much! Dani and Howard were born in the same year, but January and December). They did go in though.

Howard and I waited on line, and still, I was a bit nervous. However, I was nervous for absolutely no reason! The girl who checked us in was very nice. She said it was a good thing I had the guest certificate. I was worried since we only got the certificate a few days earlier (my dad had to have them send it to us in a PDF file since we never got it in the mail). She also said that we had a great spot! Even though we were all the way in the farthest point of the entire propery (as in, we had to drive a good 5-10 mins and figure out each time where we were going!) because there was a pool next to our building (we didn't use that pool though) AND we could see Disney fireworks from our back windows!!! WOW! That was exciting.

We left the Clubhouse, and we found out that Nik bought her Disney tickets there. We loaded back in the car and found our building after a bit of searching. I think we carried everything in in one shot. Haha, I guess we all don't believe in making two trips! Especially since we were on the 2nd floor! Our door was very close to the elevator, which came in handy every time we had to leave or return. Of course, despite the fact that it was easy to remember where we were, I one time made the mistake of trying to get into another room! HAHA, whoops. I was sliding the keycard in and everything!

Here are pictures of the timeshare. If you read my previous (still unfinished) TR, it'll look a little similar in terms of the furniture, but the layout was different since we were in one of the buildings and not the single condos. At first I was disappointed, but this actually worked better.

One reason why it worked better was because the kitchen was right next to the living room. It was easy to all hang out together and be close by when one or two people were cooking or washing the dishes. In the other single condo layout, the dining room separated the kitchen from the living room.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8664.jpg

I also really like the "bench" area or nook area as the dining room. We actually didn't really eat there that much. We mainly ate in the living room while watching a movie! We did have Goofy's Candy Co treats at this table though. Whoops, I'm giving away too much! Hehe. Sometimes we used our laptops here (Howard and I were always here), and other times it was at the high counter by the kitchen (you can see Danielle there in the previous pic).

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8665.jpg

Here's the living room. When we watched movies here, Nik would usually be on the separate chair, Howard and I would be on the couch, and Dani and Ray would pull up chairs to the side of the table opposite that single chair.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8666.jpg

This is the little hallway leading to the front door. I was standing in the "dining room." To the right, you can see the door leading to the boys' room. To the left was the door leading to the girls' room, another door leading to the girls' bathroom, and a closet with the washer and dryer.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8667.jpg

The boys shared the master bedroom. It was a king size bed, so they had plenty of room! I can't believe I didn't take a pic of their huge bathroom! There was a standup shower and a tub plus two sinks. The toilet was also in this little separate room that had a sliding door to separate it from the rest of the bathroom. I think Ray might have pics. If he ever posts them, I'll share them here.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8668.jpg

We girls were in this room. Dani and Nik shared the bed closer to the camera. I was in the bed closer to the window where you could see outside on the 2nd floor. Haha, we weren't there long, but we already had our stuff all over the place!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8669.jpg

Howard called to ask about the welcome package. I knew that we were supposed to get a package of starter things including paper towels, tissues, dish detergent, dishwasher detergent, and laundry detergent. The person Howard talked to apologized and brought it fairly quickly. We were excited to get it because one of the first things we do there is stick everything in the dishwasher! Is that a little wacky? I mean, the dishes are supposed to be clean, right? Haha, my mom always does it, so I automatically did it too!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8663.jpg

After we settled in a bit, we knew we had to head out to get dinner and groceries. It was decided that we should do grocery shopping first. If we went and brought back food, there'd be no way that people would be willing to go back out at night after stuffing our faces to go shopping at the supermarket! We also knew we didn't want to eat at the restaurant. That's why we had a bunch of meals in the living room. It was a LOT more relaxed.

Where did we go for dinner? Cracker Barrel! To make it easier, we all looked at the menu and picked out our meals. I wrote it down in my trip notebook and made sure I had the number so that we could call when we were almost done shopping. We had to try to time it correctly so that our food would still be cold (like the meat and the ice cream!) and our dinner wouldn't be cold! Stay tuned for our trip to Publix and Cracker Barrel!

[wdwgirl03]

The timeshare looks really nice! I was kind of the same way when my sisters and I went since that was the first time going without our parents. Having to do the check-in was kind of weird! LOL.

[mickeystoontown]

Oooh, the timeshare looks nice....plenty of room and pretty too.:thumbsup2

[jane2073]

I love how front and center of the picture of the kitchen is a tub of Clorox wipes! I do the same thing!

I also comes from a family that washes dishes before using them (when we stay at a place with a kitchen).

:)

[bluejasmine]

What time share is that, it looks familar?

Oh girl I love outlets and Target as well! Im a shopaholic so outlets are perfect for me. Did you go to the Prime Outlets? Stuart Weitzman shoes, Juicy, Victoria Secret (1 of only 2 V.S outlets in the world) Columbia, Oakley, North Face, Dooney and Bourke and a Disney outlet ( I got a beautiful throw for like $12 here). My bday was about a week and a half before we went last Sept, I told DH not to get me anything I just wanted to shop, it was fantastic!

Where is that Target I have to go there and how was the prices on the to go coffee mugs and stuffed animals? I need a new coffee cup for the car and I want a minnie, she is my girl!

[PirateKate]

I consulted Google maps, and the Target we go to is indeed off Irlo Bronson Hwy, but there is also another Target off Irlo Bronson Hwy on the other side of WDW, so I still don't know if it was the same one or not. :laughing: I do know, that our Target was sort of by a Krispy Kreme.

Your timeshare looks really nice. I would never have thought to wash all the dishes first, but it does make sense, once you think about it. Which Disney fireworks could you see from there? Illuminations, probably?

[Nermel9]

Wow, your timeshare is so nice! :) I would definitely do the same thing with the dishes, wash them all first. Yeah, they're supposed to be clean, but I'd feel better knowing I cleaned them! Then again, I'm weird about hotels (can't say timeshares, since I've never stayed in one!)...I won't sit on the comforter of the bed, it always has to be pulled back first, I won't walk around on the carpet in my bare feet, or socks even, I need slippers or flip flops on...I have problems! :laughing:

Oooh, can't wait to hear about Publix! I love Publix! :cool1:

[wingedjojo]

Hi! Just joining in~

Your trip sounds super fun so far. I love train rides and if I could catch one from the west coast all the way to Florida, I so would (I wonder how long that'll take?).

I love the vinylmation that Howard got. I'm too scared to randomly pick a box and then not get what I want. Then I'll have to keep buying them until I get what I want. Then they'll come out with a new series and the same thing happens all over again. That's a lot of money to invest. :rotfl:

Anyway, can't wait to read more!!

[RachelNinja]

The timeshare looks really nice! I was kind of the same way when my sisters and I went since that was the first time going without our parents. Having to do the check-in was kind of weird! LOL.

I don't know why checking in always seemed so complicated when my parents did it! It's not like you need to know anything in advance. The person asks for the credit card and this and that. HAHA, I can't believe I was worried about it. Next vacation I'll be doing check-in will be for the Disneymoon! It'll be another first too - staying on Disney property!

Oooh, the timeshare looks nice....plenty of room and pretty too.:thumbsup2

Definitely! It says that it can fit 8 max (2 in each of the beds + 2 on the pullout sofa in the living room), but it was just perfect for the 5 of us. When we initially started off as a group of 6, the 3rd guy would've been on the pullout sofa.

I love how front and center of the picture of the kitchen is a tub of Clorox wipes! I do the same thing!

I also comes from a family that washes dishes before using them (when we stay at a place with a kitchen).

:)

Haha, I love how you knew it was Clorox wipes and not Lysol wipes! You know your sanitizers! I just feel a lot more at home when everything's wiped down. I later went to wipe down the bathroom stuff even though Dani and Nik had already taken showers. I don't want to touch the sink handles when I'm brushing my teeth or taking out my contacts if it's not cleaned!

Phew, it's not a weird thing then! And in reality, there was one dish that had crud on it, so who knows how clean they really are!

What time share is that, it looks familar?

Oh girl I love outlets and Target as well! Im a shopaholic so outlets are perfect for me. Did you go to the Prime Outlets? Stuart Weitzman shoes, Juicy, Victoria Secret (1 of only 2 V.S outlets in the world) Columbia, Oakley, North Face, Dooney and Bourke and a Disney outlet ( I got a beautiful throw for like $12 here). My bday was about a week and a half before we went last Sept, I told DH not to get me anything I just wanted to shop, it was fantastic!

Where is that Target I have to go there and how was the prices on the to go coffee mugs and stuffed animals? I need a new coffee cup for the car and I want a minnie, she is my girl!

The timeshare used to be called Orange Lake Country Club. Orange Lake Resort (I think that's the new name) is part of Holiday Inn Vacations now.

Yup, we were at Prime Outlets! I actually don't like the outlets much just because I don't shop at those stores. I'm a Kohl's kind of girl mainly because I just need business casual sweaters for work! My students notice everything I wear though, so maybe I should mix it up a bit!

The regular mugs were decent priced. I think they might've been $4-$5? I don't remember for sure, but I know the prices were better than the $12+ mugs that are in the parks. I have an awesome insulated cup for the car and traveling. It has all the different characters from the movies on it. Of course, I haven't used it yet ... haha. I don't want to ruin it! It was from the Disney Store, so it was a little pricey for me, but I didn't want to go back and not be able to get it all, so I bought it without a sale!

I consulted Google maps, and the Target we go to is indeed off Irlo Bronson Hwy, but there is also another Target off Irlo Bronson Hwy on the other side of WDW, so I still don't know if it was the same one or not. :laughing: I do know, that our Target was sort of by a Krispy Kreme.

Your timeshare looks really nice. I would never have thought to wash all the dishes first, but it does make sense, once you think about it. Which Disney fireworks could you see from there? Illuminations, probably?

It might be a different Target then because I don't recall seeing a Krispy Kreme. Of course, I'm not a KK girl, so I might not have noticed! I think my other vacationers would've said something though if they saw it! I'm a Dunkin' Donuts girl, but that could be because we only have DD in my area. PLUS, I get a lot of DD gift cards from students!

Before we leave the timeshare when we check out, we have to put all the dirty dishes in the dishwasher and turn it on to wash. If that's the case, someone has to empty it out and put them in the cabinets. I don't know if that person has clean hands! Or what if the previous people ran it in the dishwasher without soap?! Haha, I got the whole being-a-stickler thing from my mom.

This is a spoiler, but I actually don't know what fireworks we would be able to see because we never were there to check! We were home one day at that time, but we were in the middle of a movie. I don't think it would've been the same though because we would've been missing the music!

Wow, your timeshare is so nice! :) I would definitely do the same thing with the dishes, wash them all first. Yeah, they're supposed to be clean, but I'd feel better knowing I cleaned them! Then again, I'm weird about hotels (can't say timeshares, since I've never stayed in one!)...I won't sit on the comforter of the bed, it always has to be pulled back first, I won't walk around on the carpet in my bare feet, or socks even, I need slippers or flip flops on...I have problems! :laughing:

Oooh, can't wait to hear about Publix! I love Publix! :cool1:

I don't think you're weird about it at all! I don't do bare feet or socks either! My whole family has flip-flops! We all had slippers there, even to use in the shower! I know it can be kind of silly considering we have to walk barefoot and step everywhere when at the pool, but still! Why risk germs or infections and just general yuckiness if you don't have to?! I do, however, sit on the comforter of the bed if I'm wearing "outside" clothes because I figure I'm sitting everywhere else with those pants. I won't do it with pajamas though once I'm showered. I don't understand how people lie down on the comforter! Haha, I should've taken a picture of where Dani and Nik's ended up! Since they pulled it back to the foot of the bed, it fell down after one night, and it was just there on the floor by the door for the entire trip.

Hi! Just joining in~

Your trip sounds super fun so far. I love train rides and if I could catch one from the west coast all the way to Florida, I so would (I wonder how long that'll take?).

I love the vinylmation that Howard got. I'm too scared to randomly pick a box and then not get what I want. Then I'll have to keep buying them until I get what I want. Then they'll come out with a new series and the same thing happens all over again. That's a lot of money to invest. :rotfl:

Anyway, can't wait to read more!!

YAY! I love having new friends join in on the adventures!

Ooo, I can't imagine how long a train ride from the west coast would take! That would definitely call for a ticket in the sleeper car because I'd definitely need the privacy! I can't even imagine just how gross the public restroom would be for such a long stretch of time! Ugh, just thinking about that stench grosses me out! Haha.

The wonderful thing about Vinylmation though is the fact that you can trade them! That's a big part of the fun! Disney is just fantastic at finding ways to get you to buy their merchandise!

Don't worry. I'll have the next update tomorrow morning!

[RachelNinja]

Sunday, February 20: Food for Thought? Nope, Food for Our Stomachs!

In the last update, I mentioned how we decided what to order from Cracker Barrel so that we could call it in while we were at Publix. I forgot to mention that we also discussed some of the things that we needed to buy at Publix. I wrote that down in my trip notebook too! Here is most of that list:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8672.jpg

We based that list on how many meals we needed to make and what I had brought from home. Our pre-trip Florida email had a "schedule" of all our meals. I had written down our scheduled ADRs and other planned meals. For example, we knew that we were having Hamburger Helper on Tuesday night (I brought it from home since it was on sale; that's why we need HH side dishes), so that's why we needed the chopped meat. I had also brought potato pancake mix from home as well. We knew we wanted to have breakfast burritos, so that's why we had the breakfast stuff. The Lactaid was for both Howard and me because we're lactose intolerant (haha, it'll be easy when shopping when we're married!).

The word "choy" means vegetable in Chinese, and that was needed and much requested by Ray! We were cracking up when I wrote that list because I had asked, "What do you mean by 'choy'? Did you want like, cauliflower/broccoli kind of stuff?" Ray replied that he wanted greens, so I had to add "green" to my list! For the rest of the night, we would call it "choy ... green."

Oh, and the last thing I'll write about is Fuzzy Navel! It's a tradition with my family to get the 4-bottle case of Seagram's Fuzzy Navel (peach flavored wine cooler, minimum alcohol) when we're in Florida. It's the ONLY place we get it! I wanted to share that tradition with Dani and Nik, and they were very excited to try it! And we were being healthy too by having Florida OJ! Yum! I love getting a gallon of that stuff.

It was a good thing we had the list because it helped us keep track of what we needed! We did split up a few times to look for separate things, but for the most part, we were together or at least in the same section. It was actually rather fun! Since we knew what we needed, we didn't have to worry about forgetting anything. That meant that we could also look at random things! Quite a few random things were added to the cart!

This wasn't one of them, but I just had to take a picture of it because I had never seen this before! I love Honey Bunches of Oats, but I don't think I could eat JUST the clusters. I like being surprised with a cluster in a bite of flakes!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8670.jpg

This, however, was the stuff we had in our cart! You can see 3 tubs of spinach, Ore Ida home fries to cook on the stove (we thought we'd get something to stick in the oven, but I didn't bring foil and it made no sense to buy it), ice cream and sorbet (the latter for Howard and me), and not only Seagram's Fuzzy Navel but Wild Berries too!!! I was so excited about that since my dad always has us get Fuzzy Navel despite the fact that I'm usually the one that drinks most of it and I always wanted to try something new! What you can't see in this pic is something we ended up LOVING ... Paul Newman mango salsa! We devoured that in one night with Tostitos Scoops!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8673.jpg

At this point, we were pretty much done shopping. It had taken a good amount of time going all over the place to find what we needed and looking at all the other stuff that we'd have fun eating. Dani called Cracker Barrel at that time to place our order. I was glad she did it because boy, I hate making phone calls!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8674.jpg

You can see in this picture that she looks all fresh and clean! That's because Dani, Nik, and Ray took showers once we got to the timeshare. Howard and I were still grimy from Amtrak, haha. I wanted to load the dishwasher first to get that done. I also Clorox wiped all the surfaces in the kitchen and cleaned the stove. I didn't want to shower and then do all that stuff. I was fine though since I knew a shower would be on its way in just a few hours!

We went to a checkout lane to pay for the stuff. Oh, I forgot to explain how we split up the costs of everything! I suggested to everyone in the pre-trip email that we all chip in money to put in a "pot." I said that one person should carry an envelope of the money to pay for shared expenses like groceries, gas, and Disney parking! I was designated the money holder because I'm "good at math" (what, just cuz I teach it doesn't mean I can do it in real life!) and because I'm the oldest, haha. I didn't mind though because I was able to keep track of all the receipts for meals that were charged on credit cards (Dani, Howard, and I all charged different meals) so it wasn't an issue trying to figure it out later on. Our first pot was $20 from each of us, so we had $100 at first for groceries.

Well, as we waited for our turn (and waved at the cute baby in front of us in line!), we made "bets" (haha, not real bets) about how much our groceries would be. I was pushing the price higher up than the others just because I knew how much each thing cost and because I knew how quickly things add up when shopping at Publix when things aren't necessarily on sale! I think Ray was the closest with his guess though because our cost came out to be a little over $120! I put in an extra $20 from my money, and then a few days later, counted that for the next "pot" collection.

Oh, another random thing ... I had fun because the lady asked to see ID since we were getting the Seagram's! In my entire life, I have only ordered one alcoholic drink. I was with 3 other girls at Chili's celebrating Cinco de Mayo (haha, we really weren't; we just wanted some nachos and junk food), and I had a strawberry margarita. Our server just asked us if we were old enough, and we said yes. That was it! I wanted to be carded! Haha. Well, since I never had the experience, I was really excited to show my ID that day! I wanted to say, "Yes, I know I look 15 with this outfit and the glasses, but I really am 26!"

As we loaded the car with all the groceries, we were starving and ready for some food! Cracker Barrel was next! YES!!!

[bluejasmine]

LOL I get carded every time buy or order a cocktail and Im 36! I chalk it up to being "asian" my father was Indonesian and I was born in Okinawa..Plus Im pretty short..
My teens are all taller than me even my baby who is 14..

Loving the TR and I have to say it sounds like so much fun, every one staying in one condo, cooking and eatting together..

[SoonerGirl]

Ooooo, I tried Just Bunches one time because I love Honey Bunches of Oats, and yeah, I was not a fan, good thing it didn't end up in your basket. :thumbsup2

[Jennifer48]

Your condo looks nice and homey...I like it! :thumbsup2

I didn't realize how many meals you would be eating there.

Which fireworks were you able to see from your condo?

mmmm Cracker Barrel!

[YukiPhnx]

Your condo looks very nice! Do you have people come in every day to clean your beds and common areas? I know some timeshares do that. It looks very comfy.

Haha, I chuckled when I read "choy-green" on your list. I'm glad you explained it!

Wow, that cart turned out to be $120??? Woah. Great idea with the pot thing.

Mmm, mango salsa. I gotta try that this weekend.

[RachelNinja]

LOL I get carded every time buy or order a cocktail and Im 36! I chalk it up to being "asian" my father was Indonesian and I was born in Okinawa..Plus Im pretty short..
My teens are all taller than me even my baby who is 14..

Loving the TR and I have to say it sounds like so much fun, every one staying in one condo, cooking and eatting together..

Today at school, there were kindergarten kids who wanted to know how old I was. They were guessing that I was 16! I said, "Nope, I'm older," and then they said, "17!" Silly kiddies! I know I'll appreciate it when I'm older; that's what everyone says!

Yup, it definitely is a lot of fun! It's much different than having to get 2 separate hotel rooms. This way, we were all together yet we still had privacy. And of course, we had 2 bathrooms!

Ooooo, I tried Just Bunches one time because I love Honey Bunches of Oats, and yeah, I was not a fan, good thing it didn't end up in your basket. :thumbsup2

Interesting! It would seem like it's a good thing, but it's like, too much of a good thing maybe!

Your condo looks nice and homey...I like it! :thumbsup2

I didn't realize how many meals you would be eating there.

Which fireworks were you able to see from your condo?

mmmm Cracker Barrel!

It was definitely the kind of place to let us relax! Plenty of space as opposed to the squishiness of hotel rooms.

Yeah, we wanted to save as much money as possible. All breakfasts were eaten at the condo, and we had dinner there a few times. It was more relaxing than sitting at a restaurant or waiting for a table.

I don't know what fireworks were visible because we actually didn't check ... whoops!

Your condo looks very nice! Do you have people come in every day to clean your beds and common areas? I know some timeshares do that. It looks very comfy.

Haha, I chuckled when I read "choy-green" on your list. I'm glad you explained it!

Wow, that cart turned out to be $120??? Woah. Great idea with the pot thing.

Mmm, mango salsa. I gotta try that this weekend.

Nope, no one comes to clean up. I think there's the option to pay for someone to come in the middle of the week to clean and change towels, but we never do it. We have the sink, dishwasher, and laundry machines, so there isn't any need for it. Plus, our stuff was spread out all over the place! I think we'd have to tidy up to have someone come in to tidy up!

We didn't really spend much else in terms of groceries for the rest of the week. I mean, later on we went to get more gallons of water and a bottle of ketchup (haha, seems random), but other than that, that first cart was our only cart. Spending $25 per person on groceries on vacation for a bunch of meals, desserts, and snacks was definitely more worth it than eating out each time!

YES, mango salsa is definitely worth the try!

[jane2073]

I am totally the same way about wiping bathroom handles (toilets, counters, remotes, phones, door handles...) when I go to a hotel.

I am really enjoying your report and you aren't even in the parks yet!

[IheartDDuck]

Oh man, now I REALLY want to try it! I don't like buffets where I feel like I have to eat meat and whatnot because of the cost. I want to just go and not have to make an excuse that all I want is soup and salad! Do you get to try ALL the soups?!?

You can eat as much of everything as you want. You go through a big line for the salad first, and grab that. Then you pay. Then, once you're on the other side, there's all of the soups, all of the breads, all of the sides, the drinks, and the desserts. It is a little on the expensive side, but I think it's worth it.

[IheartDDuck]

Love Cracker Barrel!

You are so organized with the shopping list and your "pot" for money. So much better than I would be.

I totally know what you mean about Newman's mango salsa. It's pretty awesome!

[RachelNinja]

I am totally the same way about wiping bathroom handles (toilets, counters, remotes, phones, door handles...) when I go to a hotel.

I am really enjoying your report and you aren't even in the parks yet!

When I'm with my family at a regular hotel, we put the remote control in one of those baggies from the plastic cups! Haha, you just don't know what people have done with them! And don't forget light switches!

Thanks! Especially with this vacation, every moment (even the mundane) was really fun!

You can eat as much of everything as you want. You go through a big line for the salad first, and grab that. Then you pay. Then, once you're on the other side, there's all of the soups, all of the breads, all of the sides, the drinks, and the desserts. It is a little on the expensive side, but I think it's worth it.

So after you pay and eat what you want, you can go back and get more? Yeah, I see that it can be a bit expensive considering it's "just" soup and salad, but I really want to try it at least once! I guess if you eat a good amount, it's worth it. I mean, salads at the chain restaurants aren't that inexpensive anymore.

Love Cracker Barrel!

You are so organized with the shopping list and your "pot" for money. So much better than I would be.

I totally know what you mean about Newman's mango salsa. It's pretty awesome!

Mmm, I could go for some chicken and dumplins right now! And it's breakfast time!

I think I'm a rather organized person because my job as a teacher requires it, but on vacation, I still had to have that "cap" on since I was the oldest! I don't think I could turn off that organizing and worrying anyway, haha. It's just part of who I am!

Haha, I could go for some salsa now too! We got medium, and it wasn't the least bit spicy! It was just refreshing!

Sorry, guys! I know I usually have an update to post in the morning, but I don't have one today. This past week was pretty busy with tutoring every day after school for 4 days in a row. I usually only have Monday and Tuesday. After I got home yesterday, I barely did any work at all! I couldn't even concentrate on a trip update. Sorry! I'll try to write one later tonight so that I can stay consistent with posting every day of the work week!

[dancin_princess]

It's been awhile since I've had time to DIS on a regular basis. I'm joining in here (and will go back to your PTR to catch up if I get bored). So exciting to be taking a trip as an engaged couple with your friends!

I like Flat Weird and Ninja's costumes. I think it would be fun to take a train ride. But I would be extremely frustrated with walking back and forth between the front and the back.

Ahh, the train station brings back many memories (funny because I've never been on the train) but have dropped and picked up several family friends from there.

I can't believe that creepy man tried to take something from Nikki.

That is a cute bag and a good deal. I would have got the pink because I wear A LOT of pink.

That Target is the Target I went to when I lived with my dad. I'm most certain because I passed your timeshare often. I love Target already but like this one because of all the Disney stuff and Starbucks.

Can't wait to hear what happens on your Cracker Barrel/Publix adventure.

[kathleen27]

I'm really enjoying your trip report!

It sounds like the train went mostly well. You seemed to have a lot of fun! You all seem to have a great time together!

The vinylmation video is great, I like that you start out saying you spent enough money, then end saying lets go buy another! :rotfl: It was a good price though! I'm glad you found the bag you liked and bought it, can't believe there weren't any when you went back!

That jumping through the target photo is great! Impressive timing with the photo, and impressive jump.

We said the same thing about the sun on our first day! It was so bright we couldn't even see.

The timeshare looks really nice! I missed our time share a little bit this trip! As much as I loved staying on site, I really missed the 2 bedrooms, living room & kitchen!!! I really want to stay on site more, but also want that space!!! I also feel nostalgic about our timeshare since we've had it for over 25 years now!

[YukiPhnx]

Don't worry about not having an update up!!! I'll still be here waiting patiently!

Btw, I found only one jar of mango salsa over the weekend, but it had cilantro in it, which I'm allergic too =( I SO wanted to try it, but I was so disappointed. I need to look for it in other stores

[chunkymonkey]

I'm all caught up now. Your target trip sounds like fun, I love target! Your condo is super cute too! Definitely a home away from home. Hehe your mom sounds like my mom. She runs the dishwasher too at these condos. LOL Guess it's an Asian mom thing?

Yuummy, can't wait to see what you guys cook during the week! And I do love hamburger helper. It's my guilty indulgence one in a while, Haha.

Oh and Cracker Barrel! I LOOOOVe it. I am so sad there is not one closer to the city. Otherwise Id be there all the time! Its so cheap too!

[RachelNinja]

Real Life Update: Wedding Planning Stress

Just wanted to apologize for the lack of updates lately! I don't know when I'll post the next one. Wedding planning and wedding stress has really made my weekends terrible! Howard and I will plan one thing. Then we'll get the okay from our parents. Once it's done, then they decide to change their mind! There have been arguments and fights, which then makes me a very angry girl! I don't know how many times I've cried about this wedding so far.

Only yesterday I changed it from a daytime reception to a nighttime reception despite the fact that it's $50 more (and I had already secured daytime with the venue!!!). Howard and I WANT a daytime one (12-4pm) because it's brighter. I was told not to worry about the cost of changing it to night, so I didn't really seem to have a choice. I know everyone tells us that it's our wedding, but it's especially important in the Chinese culture to do what the parents/in-laws say.

Before I switched it, I had Howard confirm that it was indeed okay since it was a ton more money. We have about 150 guests invited to the reception only so far. Well, that caused a major flip out because they were unaware that there were that many people. They thought we wouldn't even have 100 people. And of course, it makes it worse that both sides of my family are much larger than his so it isn't "fair."

After all the arguments and yelling, it was settled that his parents would cover 100 guests (it's Chinese tradition for the groom's parents to pay for the wedding as opposed to the American tradition of the bride's parents), and I'll just cover the rest myself.

It's completely ridiculous that this is what's happening considering we chose a daytime one to begin with to save money! We could pay for all of it ourselves and make all the decisions by ourselves, but again, it's a Chinese thing that we have to follow.

I am so sick and tired of this stress. I'm the one planning this wedding and having to deal with everyone changing their minds. If you've been following my TRs or if you're one of my Facebook friends, you might be able to tell that I'm fairly low maintenance when it comes to fancy-shmancy things. Give me my jeans and a t-shirt! I'm way more easygoing than this wedding planning is making me out to be. I am NOT a bridezilla type of person. I mean, I'm going with the nighttime reception just because our parents want it. I'm sacrificing what I have ALWAYS dreamed about (natural lighting!) just to please them. What gets me really upset about it is that they put me through so much stress and tension as they approve one thing one day and then change their mind the next.

If you say it from the start and tell me, "Howard and Rachel, I know you want a daytime reception, but we would really prefer the nighttime one. We can't help you out financially with all of it, but we'll help you a bit more than if it were daytime. I know it costs more, but it would mean a lot to us if you would do that." But do we get it that way? Nope. We get a "Do whatever you want" and a "Yeah, daytime is fine with us," but only until I book the place do they decide to change it on me.

The worst part of all of this is that because of all the drama, Howard and I are arguing and fighting. I think I'm getting angry at the messenger because he has to tell me what his parents say. I'm also probably partially angry at the fact that he's not doing anything to make it better, but in reality I know there is nothing that he can possibly do. Welcome to a Chinese family!

On a lighter note, I'll leave you with 2 pictures from the day we went to check out the venue:

I can't wait to get wedding pictures here! I already got a hold of the photographers we want, and they're available on that day!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/2011/Snug%20Harbor/IMG_9444.jpg

Here's the GORGEOUS reception site with BEAUTIFUL natural lighting. Of course, with a nighttime reception, it'll be dark, and there will be no reason for those windows!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/2011/Snug%20Harbor/IMG_9378.jpg

[GaRain]

I would say do what you want, its your wedding - but I understand tradition.
That is a beautiful location and the windows are awesome - but I bet they can make it look great at night with the right lighting!
And by the way, just bunches are awesome with some yogurt and fruit - its like granola....;)

[mickeystoontown]

I am so sorry to hear about the changes to your wedding plans. My daughter is getting married in Georgia (where she attended Master's Commission but is a 10 hour drive from Louisiana) in August. She is living with us in Louisiana while she finishes school. Her fiance is living in Tennessee with his parents while he finishes school. We are having three receptions just so everybody can celebrate. So, my daughter and I can certainly sympathize with you about the stress of planning a wedding. We have had only one little argument and that was at the very beginning of the planning stage.

I hope that the stress factor goes down now that you've given in a bit.

[NancyLuvsMickey]

Sorry about the stress of the wedding... :hug: I wish I could give you some advise but nothing I say will make things easier... So I'm sending you some Pixie Dust to make things better... :wizard:

So, think positive and focus on the Disney honeymoon!!!! :cool1:

[SoonerGirl]

I'm sorry Rachel :hug: I can relate, I had to make some major concessions when planning my wedding/reception because of my in-laws, and the fact that DH wouldn't stand up to them further irritated me. I hope things get better for you!

On a good note, your venue is beautiful!

[jane2073]

I was teaching while planning my wedding. Not easy!!
I let my mom do a lot of it and was ok with most everything.
But there were a couple of decisions I really wish I had been more assertive about.

Almost forteen years later I can look back and appreciate the day but really love all of the years of happy marriage that followed. That is the important thing!

The windows are beautiful. It will be really nice if you can see the moon and stars.
Maybe they can use white Christmas lights for lighting. See if there could be a "twinkle" setting.

[Heffielump]

Sending you lots of magic pixie dust!

I totally get it, being from a Chinese family myself it's all about the traditions! My best friend is planning her wedding now and what was supposed to be a 200 person wedding has now grown to 350 people! And she doesn't even know most of them!!!

Your venue looks beautiful though! Maybe you can use lots of candles and tea lights to make the whole place feel magical and romantic?

Just remember - it's about you and Howard, not them (even though it might seem that way). Don't forget about each other and plan little date nights where you're not allowed to talk about wedding stuff at all! :)

[Jennifer48]

Aww Rachel I'm so sorry to hear about the stress this is causing you! :hug:

Is there a way that your parents and Howard's parents can all get together and speak about the wedding? That way Howard isn't the "messenger" and things can all be discussed at one time?

Don't worry about your TR...we'll always be here!

[klacey1]

Aww, Rachel :hug:. I saw your status on FB about this-- it's not fair that people are making what is supposed to be a fun time for you and your fiancee super stressful!
Your reception venue is GORGEOUS! Is it in the city? Those windows really are beautiful...

[wingedjojo]

Sorry about all the stress but regardless of what ends up as the final decision, I'm sure you'll still have an awesome time. Not to mention you'll be married to Howard. :thumbsup2

[Nermel9]

I'm so sorry you're stressing out about your wedding. :( It's too bad there isn't a way you could find some common ground. Like, it really seems like you want an afternoon reception (which would be amazing in that room, with those windows!!! :eek:)...there's nothing that can be done, no compromising at all? I understand you have tradition to think of, but it's your day, and you only get to do it once...so please do what makes you happy! :goodvibes

[Cat0727]

Aww Rachel I'm sorry you're stressing out and the parents & in-laws are driving you nuts :hug: What's most frustrating is there probably isn't anything you can do :headache: Your wedding location looks beautiful, though.

[YukiPhnx]

OH Rachel.....I know exactly what you mean! My parents have already told me what they want me to do for my wedding.... And even though it's tradition for the groom's family to pay, seeing as how his dad hates me, I don't see that happening. Which means it'll be up to my parents to help out.

It's really too bad you're losing the natural lighting....those windows are gorgeous!

[kathleen27]

I'm so sorry to hear about your stress, and having to compromise.

I completely understand wanting natural light, the reception hall is beautiful, love the windows. Have you seen the reception hall at night?

[chunkymonkey]

Hope your wedding planning is going better. I totally understand your strife! Just hang in there, and know that your day will be perfect to you no matter what happens! I was lucky that my in-laws were not demanding. My mom was a little more insistent on certain things. But the only thing my mother in law asked about was why we were having white paper lanterns as part of the reception? As you know white isn't exactly a good color in Chinese culture. But I was like, really? Of all the things you would ask about, you'ed ask about the lanterns? I mean, I'm wearing a white dress for goodness sake, I think we've kind of established we arent having a chinese wedding... but everything worked out in the end, white lanterns and all...

BTW, that place looks familiar, is it the chinese scholars garden in SI? I have seen pictures of that venue before! It's beautiful and so is your reception location. Is that on SI as well?

[LilAnn]

Oh girl, so sorry to hear about your stress and wedding planning drama. I can TOTALLY sympathize on that front. You want to try to accommodate everyone and please everyone, but at the same time, not lose totaly control of what will be a very special day. I was lucky that my parents were pretty lowkey about it all and just went with it, but my in-laws kept springing things at the last minute. They are very traditional and there were simply some things we could NOT forego.

Too bad we didn't know each other back in the day, because I'm pretty sure you would have enjoyed my sushi buffet at our "american wedding ceremony" before the big banquet. I am still beyond bummed that I didn't get to enjoy it myself. Feel free to FB me if you just need to vent or have any other questions. I know I sent you a pic of my chinese dress a ways back.

On the other hand, hearing about the mango salsa is making me hungry right now.

[Philadisney]

I can relate! We've been engaged since December and have done basically nothing to plan our wedding because it's so stressful and well, no fun. Both of us work full time and I own a crumbling house that we are trying to rennovate, plus with both of our families and our wedding venue (that we haven't picked yet) 6+ hours away, and serving as mediator between my opinionated mother & non-traditional fiancee...ugh I'm getting a knot in my stomach just thinking about it. :scared1: We're having the same problem where my family is waaay larger than my fiancee's so that's causing tension too. I feel your pain!!

[Bridora]

What a great shot of Ray at Target!

I load up the dishwasher, too before we use any of the dishes. I know that they "should be" clean, but after I wash them I know that they are! You just never know...

I am so sorry to hear about your wedding planning stress. That venue is gorgeous, though! Will you be able to take wedding photos there during the day? I hope the rest of your planning will go smoothly. :goodvibes

[RachelNinja]

It's been awhile since I've had time to DIS on a regular basis. I'm joining in here (and will go back to your PTR to catch up if I get bored). So exciting to be taking a trip as an engaged couple with your friends!

I like Flat Weird and Ninja's costumes. I think it would be fun to take a train ride. But I would be extremely frustrated with walking back and forth between the front and the back.

Ahh, the train station brings back many memories (funny because I've never been on the train) but have dropped and picked up several family friends from there.

I can't believe that creepy man tried to take something from Nikki.

That is a cute bag and a good deal. I would have got the pink because I wear A LOT of pink.

That Target is the Target I went to when I lived with my dad. I'm most certain because I passed your timeshare often. I love Target already but like this one because of all the Disney stuff and Starbucks.

Can't wait to hear what happens on your Cracker Barrel/Publix adventure.

YAY, I'm so glad you're here! It really was fun, and I think we'll have another trip next year as an engaged couple, but it'll be with my family. Our Easter break lines up with our timeshare break!

Oh, I'm sure it's very possible for people to have very bad Amtrak experiences. Thankfully, we had a good one! Minus that creepy guy, of course.

I'm really enjoying your trip report!

It sounds like the train went mostly well. You seemed to have a lot of fun! You all seem to have a great time together!

The vinylmation video is great, I like that you start out saying you spent enough money, then end saying lets go buy another! :rotfl: It was a good price though! I'm glad you found the bag you liked and bought it, can't believe there weren't any when you went back!

That jumping through the target photo is great! Impressive timing with the photo, and impressive jump.

We said the same thing about the sun on our first day! It was so bright we couldn't even see.

The timeshare looks really nice! I missed our time share a little bit this trip! As much as I loved staying on site, I really missed the 2 bedrooms, living room & kitchen!!! I really want to stay on site more, but also want that space!!! I also feel nostalgic about our timeshare since we've had it for over 25 years now!

Thanks, Kathleen! Haha, the funny thing about our spending money is that we really didn't spend much at all at the outlets! I said that because I was thinking about how we had to pay for our Amtrak tickets! Still thrilled that I have the bag; I can't wait to use it when it gets a bit warmer!

Oh what I would do for some of that sun right now! I don't know how or why, but we got snow today! SNOW?! It wasn't that much where I am, but still ... it's spring!!! What's going on?!?

I think a timeshare definitely has advantages that a hotel on Disney property doesn't have. Of course, the same can be said about the reverse. I'm very excited to at least stay on property ONCE for our Disneymoon!

Don't worry about not having an update up!!! I'll still be here waiting patiently!

Btw, I found only one jar of mango salsa over the weekend, but it had cilantro in it, which I'm allergic too =( I SO wanted to try it, but I was so disappointed. I need to look for it in other stores

Thanks, Yuki! I'm glad you'll always be here!

I don't think I'd like the mango salsa with cilantro in it if it were a lot. That's a really overpowering flavor! What happens if you eat it?

I'm all caught up now. Your target trip sounds like fun, I love target! Your condo is super cute too! Definitely a home away from home. Hehe your mom sounds like my mom. She runs the dishwasher too at these condos. LOL Guess it's an Asian mom thing?

Yuummy, can't wait to see what you guys cook during the week! And I do love hamburger helper. It's my guilty indulgence one in a while, Haha.

Oh and Cracker Barrel! I LOOOOVe it. I am so sad there is not one closer to the city. Otherwise Id be there all the time! Its so cheap too!

Haha, normally my mom runs the washing machine with travel clothes only (no underwear or anything like that). It's mainly the jeans or pants that she does so as to "clean" the washing machine! We didn't have to do that because Dani and Ray were the first ones to do a load!

I definitely missed Hamburger Helper! We used to get when I was a kid. My mom would add more noodles to it though because it would really salty. It was fun to just have a ton of it too! We actually had too much!

YES, they need to have a Cracker Barrel closer to where we are!!! I can't believe it. I'd have to sit in the car for almost an hour, and that's a good chunk of time. We keep trying to see if there's anything nearby that we can do too to make a day trip out of it, but so far, we haven't made it out there.

[YukiPhnx]

Oh what I would do for some of that sun right now! I don't know how or why, but we got snow today! SNOW?! It wasn't that much where I am, but still ... it's spring!!! What's going on?!?

We're getting snow up here too!! :scared1: A LOT of it! It hasn't stopped snowing since this morning! I was all ready to put away my snow boots too


Thanks, Yuki! I'm glad you'll always be here!

I don't think I'd like the mango salsa with cilantro in it if it were a lot. That's a really overpowering flavor! What happens if you eat it?


Yeah...the smell is so.....heavy...

I'm ok with just a tiny bit or having food touch it, but if I swallow about....1 tsp or more of it, my throat gets swollen, my face gets all red, I start throwing up and it's just all very unpleasant.

When I was a baby back in China, cilantro is a very popular spice where I come from, and my parents would feed it to me, but I would always throw it back up. They finally take me to the doctors, find out that I'm allergic and that they could've killed me if they kept feeding it to me! :scared1: Thank goodness they found out in time.

[RachelNinja]

Thank you everyone for all of your thoughts and for the pixie dust! I really did feel much better hearing what each and every one of you had to say. I'm so glad that I have friends who are supportive and encouraging!

I would say do what you want, its your wedding - but I understand tradition.
That is a beautiful location and the windows are awesome - but I bet they can make it look great at night with the right lighting!
And by the way, just bunches are awesome with some yogurt and fruit - its like granola....;)

I really wish I could've just done everything the way I wanted it to be done. I told myself that's what I'd do all along, but now that I'm actually in the situation, it's a completely different story! Haha, so much easier said than done. If only I had known earlier, I wouldn't have gotten myself so psyched about how MY wedding turned out. It really is OUR wedding (as in, our families).

Ooo, that combo sounds good! Too bad I'm lactose intolerant! Blah. I used to love granola in yogurt. I don't like yogurt on its own, so it's definitely yummy when there's something to crunch!

I am so sorry to hear about the changes to your wedding plans. My daughter is getting married in Georgia (where she attended Master's Commission but is a 10 hour drive from Louisiana) in August. She is living with us in Louisiana while she finishes school. Her fiance is living in Tennessee with his parents while he finishes school. We are having three receptions just so everybody can celebrate. So, my daughter and I can certainly sympathize with you about the stress of planning a wedding. We have had only one little argument and that was at the very beginning of the planning stage.

I hope that the stress factor goes down now that you've given in a bit.

I'm glad the wedding planning is going well! I remember when you initially posted that Lacey was geting married! I'm sure you guys have a ton of people to invite and who want to be there to share in this very special day! My main issues are with my dad. My mom's pretty much game to whatever I choose, but my dad is much more traditional and believes I should be doing what my in-laws want.

Sorry about the stress of the wedding... :hug: I wish I could give you some advise but nothing I say will make things easier... So I'm sending you some Pixie Dust to make things better... :wizard:

So, think positive and focus on the Disney honeymoon!!!! :cool1:

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I definitely felt that pixie dust! And you're so right ... we have our Disneymoon!!!

I'm sorry Rachel :hug: I can relate, I had to make some major concessions when planning my wedding/reception because of my in-laws, and the fact that DH wouldn't stand up to them further irritated me. I hope things get better for you!

On a good note, your venue is beautiful!

I think that's what got me kind of angrier. I wanted Howard to be able to do something about even though I knew logically that there wasn't anything he could say or do.

Thank you! I love the venue too. I'm not a fan of the fancy-shmancy places with marble and chandeliers. It's just not my style for my own wedding.

I was teaching while planning my wedding. Not easy!!
I let my mom do a lot of it and was ok with most everything.
But there were a couple of decisions I really wish I had been more assertive about.

Almost forteen years later I can look back and appreciate the day but really love all of the years of happy marriage that followed. That is the important thing!

The windows are beautiful. It will be really nice if you can see the moon and stars.
Maybe they can use white Christmas lights for lighting. See if there could be a "twinkle" setting.

I AGREE! It's VERY difficult trying to do planning for the wedding while also planning lessons! I'm going insane! In a way, sometimes I actually like going to work because it's LESS stress! I never thought I'd see the day ...

I told my dad that we're preparing for a marriage and not just a wedding. But he said the wedding is important to him too because I'm his only daughter. I guess I won't fully understand that until I'm a parent myself.

That's a cute idea to have the Christmas lights! It would definitely make it more magical and even more Disney-like!

[PirateKate]

I had twinkle lights at my wedding and I loved them. I thought it made the whole place look sort of magical. It was a good wedding. I don't know if everyone would have liked it, but it suited us.

I was really lucky, though. We didn't have any wedding strife. My mom and I shared a similar vision and my in-laws were very undemanding.

It's funny, you spend so much time working on a wedding and then once it happens, none of those details even matter any more. You just look back on and think what a happy day it was.

[RachelNinja]

Sending you lots of magic pixie dust!

I totally get it, being from a Chinese family myself it's all about the traditions! My best friend is planning her wedding now and what was supposed to be a 200 person wedding has now grown to 350 people! And she doesn't even know most of them!!!

Your venue looks beautiful though! Maybe you can use lots of candles and tea lights to make the whole place feel magical and romantic?

Just remember - it's about you and Howard, not them (even though it might seem that way). Don't forget about each other and plan little date nights where you're not allowed to talk about wedding stuff at all! :)

Oy, I'm glad that the HUGE extended wedding of people I don't know if most likely NOT going to happen because of finances. I used to say in the past that I'd want to pay for it all so as to avoid all those obligation people!

I immediately told Howard about your "date nights" suggestion. After this Saturday (we have a potluck with our church group), we're going to set aside time to do just that! Thanks!!!

Aww Rachel I'm so sorry to hear about the stress this is causing you! :hug:

Is there a way that your parents and Howard's parents can all get together and speak about the wedding? That way Howard isn't the "messenger" and things can all be discussed at one time?

Don't worry about your TR...we'll always be here!

We did have that lunch even though it wasn't entirely focused on the wedding planning stuff. It was more of a family + family thing instead. Well, I should say parents + parents since our siblings weren't there. I'm sure it'd be completely different if we were together though. Haha, everyone would be polite at that point!

I can't wait to have the time and energy to get back to updating the TR! I did just get sick with either a cold or sinus/throat infection ...

Aww, Rachel :hug:. I saw your status on FB about this-- it's not fair that people are making what is supposed to be a fun time for you and your fiancee super stressful!
Your reception venue is GORGEOUS! Is it in the city? Those windows really are beautiful...

I agree! It bothers me so much that this is supposed to be a joyous occasion, and they have made it into the complete opposite. I do believe that things are going to be a bit better at this point. I'll type that update soon!

I love love love the windows! When I saw the pictures of someone I know get married there, I was immediately drawn to the windows! She got married there at night, so it looked completely different, but I knew in the daytime, it'd be so bright and cheerful! That first are personality more. Haha, not that we're bright and cheerful people, but we do like the brightness as opposed to the night club-y feel of the nighttime.

Sorry about all the stress but regardless of what ends up as the final decision, I'm sure you'll still have an awesome time. Not to mention you'll be married to Howard. :thumbsup2

I didn't realize it was so difficult to remember the simple fact that we'll be married! I mean, I know that sounds bad, but it really is so easy to get caught up in everything else. It makes us want to elope though to remember that it is about us become hubby and wife!

[YukiPhnx]

Speaking of eloping, Andrew and I have this running joke that when we get to Vegas next year, we're going to get drunk and get hitched in one of the casino chapels :rotfl:

[therussells08]

I'm sorry to hear about all of your wedding planning stress. :hug: I remember how tough it was, trying to make everyone happy but still trying to stay true to what I wanted. Wedding planning is tough!

I love your venue pictures, though! Anytime you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, just take a look at that picture of you and Howard and that will remind you why it's all more than worth it. You two are made for each other, and your wedding is going to be a beautiful union. Trust me, when you're standing at that altar, all of the stress from planning just melts away. Hang in there! :)

[JenAusty]

Hello. I'm subbing! I seen noticed your ptr on one of my disfriends boards.. but I can't recall which one right now.. I've been trying to catch up on everyones and I'm lost now. hehe Congrats on the engagement and hopefully I can catch up! hehe

[JenAusty]

Hello again.. I'm happy to say that I am caught up! I really enjoyed your posts. It was fun to see pictures from Amtrak because DH and I just took a trip to Chicago, IL in November for my birthday and we took Amtrak (first train ride) and it was such a great experience.

I also love your mickey pictures on the train they were cute. I think I might take a mickey friend or some disney friend along on my plane ride in May. Speaking of plane trip in May- I am planning to FINALLY start my ptr for that trip today. I'll post if I do so.

We love Nature Valley bars- I think that peanut butter is my favorite. The only thing that annoys me if how hard they are. I enjoy crunchy but sometimes they hurt my teeth.

I look forward to future posts.

[JenAusty]

Hello! I've finally started my PTR for May. Here is the link you would like to follow along. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=40489079#post40489079

[RachelNinja]

I'm so sorry you're stressing out about your wedding. :( It's too bad there isn't a way you could find some common ground. Like, it really seems like you want an afternoon reception (which would be amazing in that room, with those windows!!! :eek:)...there's nothing that can be done, no compromising at all? I understand you have tradition to think of, but it's your day, and you only get to do it once...so please do what makes you happy! :goodvibes

We have compromised! I'll write that update when I have the chance. The "compromise" is really because of a money issue, but it is in my favor! Woohoo!

Aww Rachel I'm sorry you're stressing out and the parents & in-laws are driving you nuts :hug: What's most frustrating is there probably isn't anything you can do :headache: Your wedding location looks beautiful, though.

The stress is probably what made my immune system so weak because I now have a sinus infection and inflammation in my ear! Ugh, this gets to be rather annoying! Of course, the wacky NY weather isn't helping either.

OH Rachel.....I know exactly what you mean! My parents have already told me what they want me to do for my wedding.... And even though it's tradition for the groom's family to pay, seeing as how his dad hates me, I don't see that happening. Which means it'll be up to my parents to help out.

It's really too bad you're losing the natural lighting....those windows are gorgeous!

We've got the natural lighting back! I get tradition and all, but if you're not following with one tradition (ex. groom's parents paying), don't expect other traditions to be followed (ex. tea ceremony). That's what bugs me. You can't pick and choose which ones you want! It's either all or none!

I'm so sorry to hear about your stress, and having to compromise.

I completely understand wanting natural light, the reception hall is beautiful, love the windows. Have you seen the reception hall at night?

Yes, I have seen the reception hall at night, and I do not like it at ALL. It's so dark! It looks like a club, and the pictures are just not flattering. My friend got married and had her reception there at night, so I've seen her pictures. It's darker than the other places I've seen, and I already didn't like the low lighting situations of THOSE places!

Hope your wedding planning is going better. I totally understand your strife! Just hang in there, and know that your day will be perfect to you no matter what happens! I was lucky that my in-laws were not demanding. My mom was a little more insistent on certain things. But the only thing my mother in law asked about was why we were having white paper lanterns as part of the reception? As you know white isn't exactly a good color in Chinese culture. But I was like, really? Of all the things you would ask about, you'ed ask about the lanterns? I mean, I'm wearing a white dress for goodness sake, I think we've kind of established we arent having a chinese wedding... but everything worked out in the end, white lanterns and all...

BTW, that place looks familiar, is it the chinese scholars garden in SI? I have seen pictures of that venue before! It's beautiful and so is your reception location. Is that on SI as well?

Yeah, I was worried about the white thing. I wonder if I should have my cousins have white flowers. Because their dresses are 2 different colors, I don't know what color flowers to choose for them, so I thought maybe they could have white, and I could have pink. I don't know if his parents are going to have an issue with that. But like you said, I'm in a white dress ... haha.

Yup, that's the Chinese Scholars Garden! The venue is there as well. I love the natural look of the place. It's more museum-y instead of a grand venue with marble and columns. That just doesn't fit with Howard and me.

Oh girl, so sorry to hear about your stress and wedding planning drama. I can TOTALLY sympathize on that front. You want to try to accommodate everyone and please everyone, but at the same time, not lose totaly control of what will be a very special day. I was lucky that my parents were pretty lowkey about it all and just went with it, but my in-laws kept springing things at the last minute. They are very traditional and there were simply some things we could NOT forego.

Too bad we didn't know each other back in the day, because I'm pretty sure you would have enjoyed my sushi buffet at our "american wedding ceremony" before the big banquet. I am still beyond bummed that I didn't get to enjoy it myself. Feel free to FB me if you just need to vent or have any other questions. I know I sent you a pic of my chinese dress a ways back.

On the other hand, hearing about the mango salsa is making me hungry right now.

I guess it'd be easier if I knew upfront what they expected. That's why we kept asking. Don't let me get my hopes up that I can choose what I want, and then you come along and change it after I already have it set in my mind. That's what really bugged me! I mean, sure, I probably would've been upset regardless, but at least it wouldn't have been as bad. Once I have my mind set on something, my mind starts mentally preparing for it. That's the way it is with everything I do!

Ooo, a sushi buffet? That sounds amazing! Do you have a wedding album online? I just checked your FB and don't see one (hehe, but I got to see your DD again, and she always makes me smile!).

I could totally go for mango salsa right now! It'd help my stomach so much!

I can relate! We've been engaged since December and have done basically nothing to plan our wedding because it's so stressful and well, no fun. Both of us work full time and I own a crumbling house that we are trying to rennovate, plus with both of our families and our wedding venue (that we haven't picked yet) 6+ hours away, and serving as mediator between my opinionated mother & non-traditional fiancee...ugh I'm getting a knot in my stomach just thinking about it. :scared1: We're having the same problem where my family is waaay larger than my fiancee's so that's causing tension too. I feel your pain!!

Wasn't it way more fun BEFORE you got engaged??? That's how I feel. That's why people around me who are excited about the wedding planning don't quite understand because they're not planning their OWN wedding. Even things that I used to look at a long time ago don't matter now. For example, I don't really care what flowers they are as long as they're in season and not too expensive!

I hate that you're going through the same thing. I would never want anyone else to deal with this too! Hopefully, your situation works out. Hopefully we BOTH remember that it's about us getting married to our guys and nothing more!

What a great shot of Ray at Target!

I load up the dishwasher, too before we use any of the dishes. I know that they "should be" clean, but after I wash them I know that they are! You just never know...

I am so sorry to hear about your wedding planning stress. That venue is gorgeous, though! Will you be able to take wedding photos there during the day? I hope the rest of your planning will go smoothly. :goodvibes

That's exactly right! They "should be" clean! I always think about like, what if people took them out and put their grubby hands on them, but then they ended up not using it and put it back ... yuck. Haha. I don't want your grubby, germy hands on the stuff I'm going to put my food on!

I'm very excited to get wedding photos there!

We're getting snow up here too!! :scared1: A LOT of it! It hasn't stopped snowing since this morning! I was all ready to put away my snow boots too

Yeah...the smell is so.....heavy...

I'm ok with just a tiny bit or having food touch it, but if I swallow about....1 tsp or more of it, my throat gets swollen, my face gets all red, I start throwing up and it's just all very unpleasant.

When I was a baby back in China, cilantro is a very popular spice where I come from, and my parents would feed it to me, but I would always throw it back up. They finally take me to the doctors, find out that I'm allergic and that they could've killed me if they kept feeding it to me! :scared1: Thank goodness they found out in time.

This wacky weather is keeping me sick. I miss the warmth of Florida. When I was younger, I didn't like the warmth at all because I always got hot and never got cold. Now it's the other way around. I'm always cold! I'd like to be in Florida right now. It'd help with my allergies too!

Wow, that's a strong reaction to cilantro! When you go to a restaurant, do you have to tell them not to add any to the top of the fish?

I had twinkle lights at my wedding and I loved them. I thought it made the whole place look sort of magical. It was a good wedding. I don't know if everyone would have liked it, but it suited us.

I was really lucky, though. We didn't have any wedding strife. My mom and I shared a similar vision and my in-laws were very undemanding.

It's funny, you spend so much time working on a wedding and then once it happens, none of those details even matter any more. You just look back on and think what a happy day it was.

The twinkle lights would make it all better if I had to get married at night. Then it'd have a Disney at night kind of feel to it. Thankfully, I'm getting my afternoon reception now!

EXACTLY! I feel like none of the stuff I'm stressing about now is going to even be remembered unless someone asks about wedding stress. I just wish everyone else would remember that the point is the marriage part, not the frills and fanciness!

Speaking of eloping, Andrew and I have this running joke that when we get to Vegas next year, we're going to get drunk and get hitched in one of the casino chapels :rotfl:

Oh, we so would've eloped this past February in Florida!!!

I'm sorry to hear about all of your wedding planning stress. :hug: I remember how tough it was, trying to make everyone happy but still trying to stay true to what I wanted. Wedding planning is tough!

I love your venue pictures, though! Anytime you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, just take a look at that picture of you and Howard and that will remind you why it's all more than worth it. You two are made for each other, and your wedding is going to be a beautiful union. Trust me, when you're standing at that altar, all of the stress from planning just melts away. Hang in there! :)

Thanks for the reminder! I'm really losing sight of the "standing at that altar" thing because everything else just overwhelmed my mind. I try to remind myself that I'll be in my dress and everything will be the way as it should be!

Hello. I'm subbing! I seen noticed your ptr on one of my disfriends boards.. but I can't recall which one right now.. I've been trying to catch up on everyones and I'm lost now. hehe Congrats on the engagement and hopefully I can catch up! hehe

Thanks! So glad to have you here!

Hello again.. I'm happy to say that I am caught up! I really enjoyed your posts. It was fun to see pictures from Amtrak because DH and I just took a trip to Chicago, IL in November for my birthday and we took Amtrak (first train ride) and it was such a great experience.

I also love your mickey pictures on the train they were cute. I think I might take a mickey friend or some disney friend along on my plane ride in May. Speaking of plane trip in May- I am planning to FINALLY start my ptr for that trip today. I'll post if I do so.

We love Nature Valley bars- I think that peanut butter is my favorite. The only thing that annoys me if how hard they are. I enjoy crunchy but sometimes they hurt my teeth.

I look forward to future posts.

Did you guys do coach seats on Amtrak? I think it really is nice to have that as an option. It just really worked out for us this trip!

I ended up not bringing Mickey into the parks with me like I did last year. I didn't want to take up the space in my bag. I had so much fun this trip getting pics of the other 3 experiencing things for the first time, so it worked out for the better.

YES, peanut butter is so good!!! Sometimes I have to break them before popping it in my mouth because it's too hard. I still love them though!

Hello! I've finally started my PTR for May. Here is the link you would like to follow along. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=40489079#post40489079

I'm there!

[LilAnn]

I guess it'd be easier if I knew upfront what they expected. That's why we kept asking. Don't let me get my hopes up that I can choose what I want, and then you come along and change it after I already have it set in my mind. That's what really bugged me! I mean, sure, I probably would've been upset regardless, but at least it wouldn't have been as bad. Once I have my mind set on something, my mind starts mentally preparing for it. That's the way it is with everything I do!

Ooo, a sushi buffet? That sounds amazing! Do you have a wedding album online? I just checked your FB and don't see one (hehe, but I got to see your DD again, and she always makes me smile!).


Yeah, things were definitely tricky. Like I said, DH's family - very traditional. Like for example, we didn't evenr eally get to pick the date, they found some "lucky dates" for us and we could pick from those. Plus on the WEDDING DAY, his mom shows up while I am getting my hair done and springs it on me that I need to wear this red ribbon and plant/twig thing in my hair. I was like......um, what? I need to wear a plant in my hair that is all done up? Luckily my hair person was fantastic and weaved a little piece in seamlessly. By the way, if you need a hair and makeup person, my person was awesome. It's been about 5 years now, but she was in Queens at the time. I was so nervous about having someone do my makeup and having me look like a geisha. I always felt like make up people want to give me (aka an asian) bright red lips. I just wanted to look natural (but prettier).

I don't have any wedding pics on FB becaus that was a while ago, but I have an insane amount of Shutterfly. I can try to send you a link to some pics from the album if you want. You'd just have to let me know what things you wanted to see.

I'm glad my DD makes you smile! I have been trying over and over again to post the video of her meeting Jessie on the blog, but keep failing. sigh.

[RachelNinja]

Yeah, things were definitely tricky. Like I said, DH's family - very traditional. Like for example, we didn't evenr eally get to pick the date, they found some "lucky dates" for us and we could pick from those. Plus on the WEDDING DAY, his mom shows up while I am getting my hair done and springs it on me that I need to wear this red ribbon and plant/twig thing in my hair. I was like......um, what? I need to wear a plant in my hair that is all done up? Luckily my hair person was fantastic and weaved a little piece in seamlessly. By the way, if you need a hair and makeup person, my person was awesome. It's been about 5 years now, but she was in Queens at the time. I was so nervous about having someone do my makeup and having me look like a geisha. I always felt like make up people want to give me (aka an asian) bright red lips. I just wanted to look natural (but prettier).

I don't have any wedding pics on FB becaus that was a while ago, but I have an insane amount of Shutterfly. I can try to send you a link to some pics from the album if you want. You'd just have to let me know what things you wanted to see.

I'm glad my DD makes you smile! I have been trying over and over again to post the video of her meeting Jessie on the blog, but keep failing. sigh.

Yeah, his parents had an issue with getting married in a birthday month. I hope I don't have some of those random, spur of the moment things too! I'm guessing we'll have to do the tea ceremony. At this point, it's possible we might have a Chinese banquet that same night or the next night on Sunday depending. I don't know. I hope not.

Um, I don't even know specifically what I'd want to see. Hehe, food pictures maybe? I'm curious to see your sushi buffet! How many attendants did you have?

[RachelNinja]

Sunday, February 20: A Barrel Full of Cracker!

As I stated in the last update from a while ago, Danielle ordered the Cracker Barrel stuff as we were getting closer to leaving Publix. However, when we got to the restaurant, they didn’t know where our order was! They got me so nervous when they said, “Are you sure you called this Cracker Barrel?” I knew I had looked at the right address and number and so had Howard. I said, “It was 5 dinners,” and there were 5 dinners already on the counter. So the girl pulled out the receipt, and I checked it and saw that it was ours because of all the orders of catfish! Haha. The person on the phone had misheard Danielle and thought her name was Tonya. Dani charged it on her credit card, and we were off to the condo to finally relax after traveling!

Of course, we had time to look around as well since there was that whole ordeal of trying to locate our dinners. We didn't mind though because there is so many things to enjoy at CB!

This was HILARIOUS because I thought it said Dieter's skillet, as in the name Dieter. I can't help it. I have a student by that name!!! I was like, take a picture, take a picture! Then Howard said, "You do realize it says dieter (as in diet-er), right?" Duh!!! I'm so stupid sometimes.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8675.jpg

Cracker Barrel goodies! It's so fun to look and see all the snacks they have from past and present.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8676.jpg

They had a lot of marshmallow things.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8677.jpg

MOON PIES! I think most of us got the peanut butter moon pies. Later in the week, Howard and I also got a mr. Goodbar. We didn't eat it on vacation, so we enjoyed the mint moon pie 2 weeks later or so at my house as well as the mr. Goodbar. It was a way to bring the vacation back home with us! Too bad we don't have a Cracker Barrel in NY.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8678.jpg

Variety of drinks in bottles. Howard bought a NuGrape to try since he doesn't drink Seagrams. Hehe, his ears turn red even with the teeny-tiny bit of alcohol in it ;) It's so cute because I can't tolerate alcohol, but this I can, but my DFi can't!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8679.jpg

So much to buy at the CB General Store since the meals don't cost much and you've got money to spend!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8680.jpg

GINORMOUS Smarties! Howard thought about getting this, but it wasn't anything special except for the fact that they were huge.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8681.jpg

More old fashioned candies. I think my mom has mentioned Necco Wafers before.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8682.jpg

This display reminded me of my Cricut because they've started making decade cartridges! I actually JUST received my "Nifty Fifties" cartridge in the mail yesterday (score at $20!). That's the one and only decade that I wanted. I think I should've lived in the 50s.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8683.jpg

Here was the food that was sitting on the counter the entire time. I can't believe that there was that whole issue!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8684.jpg

In the following few pictures, you can see the atmosphere of Cracker Barrel if you've never been to one before.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8685.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8686.jpg

Cast iron stuff. Pretty cool! I so need to live in the country.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8687.jpg

Who wouldn't want potato chips from a can?

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8688.jpg

Who remembers Fruit Stripe gum?!? I remember my brother and I used to love it. I had to come home and look for the commercial on YouTube because I still remembered the theme song to some degree!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8689.jpg

Rather large candy bars in old-fashioned candy wrappers! The Hershey's look so cute with those wrappers.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8690.jpg

Don't mind us. We've been on a train for pretty much 24 hours! I desperately needed a shower.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8691.jpg

Wooden toothpick dispenser.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8692.jpg

I guess some people really like roosters? Nik and I talked about how it was weird that there were so many rooster things. I mean, I like penguins, but I like CUTE penguin things. There were some roosters that were so realistic looking.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8693.jpg

Haha, what a title.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8694.jpg

CREEPY! We don't like bunnies like that!!! If you read my April 2010 TR, you will remember the bunny story! Nik and I hate 'em!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8695.jpg

What an intricate carving!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/R%20-%20022011/IMG_8696.jpg

Okay, we all paid for our snacks and got our food. Dani charged our dinners on her card. We were so ready to stuff our faces!!!

[SoonerGirl]

We have Cracker Barrels all over the place here but I've never stepped foot in one, I should go just to check out the store!

Glad they actually had your order and you guys figured it out, what a pain!

[mickeystoontown]

Nice update! We have Cracker Barrell restaurants/stores in our area but we don't go to them a whole lot because I cook the "home cooked" style meals at home. When we go out to eat, I want something different. It was fun seeing the store from your perspective.

[klacey1]

LOL-- I totally remember Fruit Stripe! Didn't they come with "tattoos" that you could put on your tongue?? Oh, the 90's!
YUM-- I just love Cracker Barrell! The food is so hearty (3 sides with an entree!) and the prices are great.

[JenAusty]

YUMMY Cracker Barrell! They have delicious food! Thanks for all the cool gifts and yummy things there. You're shopping list is about as random as mine is. hehe I want to shop at Publix... because its Floridas grocery store and I have yet to go!

[Nermel9]

I love Cracker Barrel! I have one about 5 minutes away from my house, and NEVER go there! I think I've been there once or twice since it opened! :eek: Although, seeing they have grape soda in GLASS BOTTLES :eek: :worship: I might have to go check that out for myself...(I love grape soda, and I'm convinced all soda tastes better in glass bottles!) :laughing:

[YukiPhnx]

Wow, I've never been in a CB, but now I really want to go to one!! I love all that old fashioned stuff they have! I would probably go and just buy stuff in the store.

[IheartDDuck]

I totally started singing the fruit stripe gum song when I saw your picture of it!

I love going to Cracker Barrel. If not for the food, then at least to putz around in the store!

[RachelNinja]

We have Cracker Barrels all over the place here but I've never stepped foot in one, I should go just to check out the store!

Glad they actually had your order and you guys figured it out, what a pain!

Definitely! It's fun to try things that my mom has tried from her childhood days. They're really good too! Those moon pies are rather yummy!

Nice update! We have Cracker Barrell restaurants/stores in our area but we don't go to them a whole lot because I cook the "home cooked" style meals at home. When we go out to eat, I want something different. It was fun seeing the store from your perspective.

I can see how CB wouldn't be for everyone especially if you can cook it all on your own! I'm just a typical NYC-er then, haha. I love all that country goodness! I don't know why they don't start one here since it'd be different than all the other chains that we have.

LOL-- I totally remember Fruit Stripe! Didn't they come with "tattoos" that you could put on your tongue?? Oh, the 90's!
YUM-- I just love Cracker Barrell! The food is so hearty (3 sides with an entree!) and the prices are great.

I don't remember the tattoos! Haha, yeah, it's funny that we remember the 90s like our parents remember their decades!

I could totally have 3 sides right now. Dumplins, steak fries, and hashbrown casserole! YUM. I know they have the vegetable platter where you get just 3 sides, but why do that when it comes on the side of a very yummy entree too!

YUMMY Cracker Barrell! They have delicious food! Thanks for all the cool gifts and yummy things there. You're shopping list is about as random as mine is. hehe I want to shop at Publix... because its Floridas grocery store and I have yet to go!

It definitely is a Florida thing! If we had a Publix here, it really wouldn't be as fun. I wish I were in Florida right now ... Publix, Cracker Barrel, and Sweet Tomatoes! Didn't get to try that last one this past trip.

I love Cracker Barrel! I have one about 5 minutes away from my house, and NEVER go there! I think I've been there once or twice since it opened! :eek: Although, seeing they have grape soda in GLASS BOTTLES :eek: :worship: I might have to go check that out for myself...(I love grape soda, and I'm convinced all soda tastes better in glass bottles!) :laughing:

WHAT?!? 5 minutes away??? Haha, so lucky! Are you going to head there soon just for that grape soda in a glass bottle? If so, send some dumplins my way!!!

Wow, I've never been in a CB, but now I really want to go to one!! I love all that old fashioned stuff they have! I would probably go and just buy stuff in the store.

There's so much to look at in the store. If it were closer, I'd like to get the jams and spreads and such too. It's just too heavy to carry all the way home.

I totally started singing the fruit stripe gum song when I saw your picture of it!

I love going to Cracker Barrel. If not for the food, then at least to putz around in the store!

Haha, and as you were singing, were you imagining that zebra too? I was!

That's the perfect term for it ... "putz" around in the store!

[RachelNinja]

Sunday, February 20: Mixed Up and Missing Dinner

With our Publix groceries in the trunk as well as our Cracker Barrel dinner, we were ready to head back to the timeshare for a night of relaxation and preparation for our first park day! We took the back entrance since we had our parking pass, and on the way, we passed by Miller's Ale House. Dani, Nik, and Ray were pretty excited about it, but we never made it there that week. Just gotta go back!

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We quickly unpacked all the groceries and then set up the living room with our food and drinks. On top of Fuzzy Navel, we also got Wild Berries, which excited me since all I had ever had beforehand was Fuzzy Navel. I always wanted to try a new one, but my dad kept going back to Fuzzy Navel, which didn’t make sense because he wasn’t even the one drinking it! I was a very happy girl to have the chance to try something new.

Despite our excitement for dinner, we were rather disappointed. We were each missing a side dish (the Fancy Fixin’s menu was 3 sides per person). The ones we got were also not entirely correct! For example, Dani had ordered coleslaw, but there was no coleslaw to be found! Nik’s roast beef was also a measly 2 tiny slices! Hey, that’s not fair!

This is Nik's dish. Doesn't that look like a kiddie portion? She also didn't order green beans. None of us did.

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This was mine, but I didn't order fries. Ray did. But he ordered turnip greens, so the other fried catfish had that.

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This was Howard's dinner of grilled catfish with dumplins, but he didn't order corn. I did. So I ate corn from his dish. However, it wasn't that big of a deal because the corn was NOT good. Nik didn't like it either.

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This was Ray's fried catfish with 2 orders of turnip greens but missing fries.

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Dani called them up and told them what was up. The manager or someone came on the phone and said that we could get one entrée and 5 sides on him when we returned since we told him we weren’t going back out tonight to get them. We put that into our dinner plans for a future night.

The movie for the night was Despicable Me. I had watched the second half of the movie already, so when I got to that point, I headed to take a shower since I was about to fall asleep. We cleaned up after that, and we decided to head to bed. I don’t remember exactly what happened, but I think that was the night I was the second to last to go to bed. Oh right, Nikki was doing homework for her accounting class, and I stayed up a bit and kept her company until I knew I had to head to bed. I mean, we did have Epcot ahead of us the next day! Yay!

[JenAusty]

I hate when you order food and its all messed up. I almost always check it before I leave the parking lot because I've had so many of those experiences. The catfish looked yummy though and I'm sorry it didn't turn out as great as you expected. Lastly, I really like Despicable Me.. its very cute and the voices in the film crack me up. :goodvibes

[LilAnn]

I love walking around the Craacker barrel store. There is so much to play with and it's so much fun to see all the stuff. :thumbsup2 for the grape soda!



Yeah, his parents had an issue with getting married in a birthday month. I hope I don't have some of those random, spur of the moment things too! I'm guessing we'll have to do the tea ceremony. At this point, it's possible we might have a Chinese banquet that same night or the next night on Sunday depending. I don't know. I hope not.

Um, I don't even know specifically what I'd want to see. Hehe, food pictures maybe? I'm curious to see your sushi buffet! How many attendants did you have?

Yeah, there was no getting out of the chinese banquet or the tea ceremony. or the outfit changes - I managed to limit that a bit though. I'll look around for food pics for you. As for attendants, I had 4 - my sister, my cousin, and 2 best friends. Plus DH's neice was a flower girl since his nephew was the ring bearer. I'll see what I can send over to you to view!

[Jennifer48]

I love Fruit Stripe gum! I remember it lasting much longer than other gums. :thumbsup2

Sorry to hear about your dinner mix-up especially since you were all looking forward to it! I hope you did go back to redeem the entree that CB was going to give you.

Epcot, I see you! :goodvibes

[klacey1]

Your dinner was VERY messed up! How did that happen?? I'm glad the manager made it right, though!

[RunningGirl]

Sorry your dinner was such a mess! When I read your title I thought you were messed up and missed your dinner. :rotfl:

Can't wait to see what the next day brings!

[Cat0727]

I love Cracker Barrel's country store! It's so cute. I always end up buying something there.

Wow they really messed up your dinners. Good thing you didn't have to leave a tip. Hope the food still tasted good :)

[Nermel9]

Wow, I can't believe all of your dinners were messed up! :eek: Can't wait to read about your first park day!!! :banana:

[therussells08]

I loved looking at your Cracker Barrel pics! We have a CB about a mile from our apartment, so John and I eat there all the time. However, I'm so used to it I never stop and look at all of the cool little things they have, so your pictures made me want to do that the next time I go there! :thumbsup2

WOW, did they get any of your orders right?! :eek: Everything was so mixed up! I hate it when places mess up orders and you aren't really in a position to go back. Last weekend John went to Bojangles to get breakfast for us and they gave me a chicken biscuit instead of a sausage biscuit. We didn't realize this until he got home, so it really wasn't worth the gas for him to go back out, and I was really disappointed in my chicken biscuit. :headache:

YAY! Epcot is next! I can't wait! :woohoo:

[RachelNinja]

I hate when you order food and its all messed up. I almost always check it before I leave the parking lot because I've had so many of those experiences. The catfish looked yummy though and I'm sorry it didn't turn out as great as you expected. Lastly, I really like Despicable Me.. its very cute and the voices in the film crack me up. :goodvibes

Yeah, I usually always check orders, but because I wasn't the one who charged it, I didn't have the bag. If only we knew! The catfish was still good although I would've liked tartar sauce. I can't watch Despicable Me without seeing Michael Scott from The Office!

I love walking around the Craacker barrel store. There is so much to play with and it's so much fun to see all the stuff. :thumbsup2 for the grape soda!

Yeah, there was no getting out of the chinese banquet or the tea ceremony. or the outfit changes - I managed to limit that a bit though. I'll look around for food pics for you. As for attendants, I had 4 - my sister, my cousin, and 2 best friends. Plus DH's neice was a flower girl since his nephew was the ring bearer. I'll see what I can send over to you to view!

There are a lot of weird things in Cracker Barrel stores too!

Thanks for sending those pics! If I have to wear a different dress (which I don't believe I'll have to because it is a very short reception), I'm not paying for it! No way! I already paid for my own dress, and I want to wear that for as long as possible.

I love Fruit Stripe gum! I remember it lasting much longer than other gums. :thumbsup2

Sorry to hear about your dinner mix-up especially since you were all looking forward to it! I hope you did go back to redeem the entree that CB was going to give you.

Epcot, I see you! :goodvibes

I liked Fruit Stripe gum and Bubbllicious for the flavors. Once the flavor was gone, I'd spit it out though. Haha. I never really got into gum chewing.

Yup, we definitely made sure we fit it into our schedule to get that missing meal and sides!

Your dinner was VERY messed up! How did that happen?? I'm glad the manager made it right, though!

If it were one mistake, we would've understood and not cared. However, it was a great big mistake! I know CB is inexpensive, but even so, we paid for an entree and 3 sides. Don't take that away from us!

Sorry your dinner was such a mess! When I read your title I thought you were messed up and missed your dinner. :rotfl:

Can't wait to see what the next day brings!

Missing the 2 ADRs we made was something I was worried about the whole time! I wrote it down and kept checking it. I got a little OCD about that!

I love Cracker Barrel's country store! It's so cute. I always end up buying something there.

Wow they really messed up your dinners. Good thing you didn't have to leave a tip. Hope the food still tasted good :)

I don't think I can ever go into a CB and NOT buy something!

Other than the corn, everything tasted good! It wasn't as hot as it could've been, of course, since it was sitting on the counter. I mean, we knew it wouldn't be hot-hot because we'd have to bring it back to the place and unload groceries and all that. But that extra time sitting there couldn't have helped.

Wow, I can't believe all of your dinners were messed up! :eek: Can't wait to read about your first park day!!! :banana:

It's about time I got to my first park day, haha!!!

I loved looking at your Cracker Barrel pics! We have a CB about a mile from our apartment, so John and I eat there all the time. However, I'm so used to it I never stop and look at all of the cool little things they have, so your pictures made me want to do that the next time I go there! :thumbsup2

WOW, did they get any of your orders right?! :eek: Everything was so mixed up! I hate it when places mess up orders and you aren't really in a position to go back. Last weekend John went to Bojangles to get breakfast for us and they gave me a chicken biscuit instead of a sausage biscuit. We didn't realize this until he got home, so it really wasn't worth the gas for him to go back out, and I was really disappointed in my chicken biscuit. :headache:

YAY! Epcot is next! I can't wait! :woohoo:

Ahhh, lucky you! That would be great if Howard and I could go all the time. We go to Chili's rather often because we're kinda addicted, haha. CB would be there for some variety. And boo to the chicken biscuit! It's totally different! I would've been so disappointed as well. Oh, and one day, I will try Bojangles ... haha. We see it on the way down to Florida, and my cousins and other friends who went on a short term missions trip in North Carolina tried Bojangles and LOVED it, so I've always wanted to go!

[YukiPhnx]

Aww, it's too bad they mixed up your dinners like that! It was proabably hard for them to remember which dinner had what sides and she just listed them instead of split them up.

Good thing you called them! It's a pretty big thing to just let go.

[RachelNinja]

Aww, it's too bad they mixed up your dinners like that! It was proabably hard for them to remember which dinner had what sides and she just listed them instead of split them up.

Good thing you called them! It's a pretty big thing to just let go.

Yeah, if they just mixed up who had what side, it would've been better because we would've just swapped everything. I was able to get my corn from Howard, and I gave half of the fries to Ray. The bad thing was that it wasn't all correct and a lot of it was just missing!

I'm happy Dani called and that we were able to get stuff later that week!

[YukiPhnx]

Yeah, if they just mixed up who had what side, it would've been better because we would've just swapped everything. I was able to get my corn from Howard, and I gave half of the fries to Ray. The bad thing was that it wasn't all correct and a lot of it was just missing!

I'm happy Dani called and that we were able to get stuff later that week!

I hate getting take-out and then finding out they got it wrong. I once got a mango sticky rice dessert with no mango in it! It didn't take me until I was half done with it that I figured out why it tasted so funny...

[RachelNinja]

I hate getting take-out and then finding out they got it wrong. I once got a mango sticky rice dessert with no mango in it! It didn't take me until I was half done with it that I figured out why it tasted so funny...

I know mistakes can happen, which is why it's very important for the managers or whoever it is to do their best to rectify the situation. It's so important to do that because otherwise that bad experience would keep us from going back again in the future!

[RachelNinja]

Monday, February 21: How Far Is It To Disney World?

I was the first one awake that next morning because I was eager to get to Epcot! Plus, I like being able to use the bathroom in the morning before everyone else without feeling rushed. I wasn’t feeling that tired, and I think I actually woke up a bit before my alarm since I was used to getting up at that time for work. After I brushed my teeth and put my contacts in and all that, I went to wake up Howard. It’s fun being able to wake him up because I like seeing him all content as he’s sleeping. Plus, I poke his face until he wakes up, hehe.

I went on Nik’s netbook since hers was the only one that was on (Howard had put his into the drawer next to his bed, and I didn’t know where it was), and I checked my email and Facebook and all that as I waited for everyone else to get ready. Howard and I then had our breakfast of Honey Bunches of Oats and made sure we knew how to get to the park! This was the first time we’d be driving by ourselves, and we actually decided to take the 429 highway, which is a toll road for only $1. If it was going to save us the stop-and-go of the traffic lights on the regular route, we were all for it! The year I fainted while waiting for the monorail, I felt really sick in the car. Every time we stopped at a light, it made me feel even worse. Part of me always remembers that and gets slightly nervous when taking that route anyway, so I was glad to go a new way!

When everyone finished getting ready, it was finally time to go, and boy, was I excited! I was headed back to my favorite place on this entire planet! I was also excited to get there early! It took some nudging since the 3 of them were dragging a little, but we didn't leave that much later than our intended time. I think it was only like 15 minutes off? They didn't get to eat breakfast though and had granola bars in the car.

Anyway, we turned on to the road that led us to the highway. When we got to this old man at the toll booth, Howard asked, “How far is it to Disney World?” The man said, “Disney World?” in such a way that it made us think that we were headed in the wrong direction, as if he’d never heard of it before! Haha. He told it was the first exit. It was actually visible from where we were at the toll booth! We joked about it for the rest of the trip, saying that that guy was probably wondering what was wrong with us and wanting to say, “Sonny, can you not read? The sign is right there?” Haha.

We got on Disney property and drove under a welcome sign just like the main one on the "other side." Of course, I wasn't prepared with the camera, so this is what I got.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20022111/IMG_6288.jpg

I turned around to at least get the back of it, and I was able to get these silly folk in the picture too!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20022111/IMG_6289.jpg

Nik was very excited! Here you can see she's finishing up her "breakfast" drink.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/howrae/WDW%202011/H%20-%20022111/IMG_6290.jpg

YAY! Epcot!!! I was happy that we chose Epcot as our first park. I personally think there's less stress going to this park. MK requires a lot of planning and criss crossing and crowds!

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We finally arrived at the parking lot where we had an encounter with a grouchy cast member. We were being directed down a particular aisle in the parking lot so that when we got to the place to actually park, we were actually farther away from the intended spot. That meant that other cars were pulling in and there was no room for us. The CM on the segway down there put his hands up like, “What are you doing?!?” and he only slightly directed us where to go. Then he gave us even more attitude again when he told us to start parking in a new aisle even though there was a Disney vehicle there. Pshhh. First of all, we were told to go down that particular aisle, so it’s not like we did this on purpose. It was clearly an accident as evidenced by the fact that there were a few other cars also in our same position. We were just the first car to do it. The person at the beginning of the parking aisle was telling something different than what the person at the end wanted. Secondly, even if we did make the mistake of going down the wrong aisle, did you really have to give us attitude? It wasn’t the end of the world for you to just point to a different spot for us to park. In reality, it was bad for us since we were farther away. It didn’t affect him! Hello? You work at Disney World. Put a smile on your face. Even Nik was pointing that out because she had done a project on Disney World as a corporation and her professor used to be a CM, so she let Nik read the CM book! I wish I could read that!

Well, we got parked and situated, and that’s when I lost Howard’s lens cap. When I took a picture of the Epcot sign, I had the lens cap on my lap. Then I had to get more money out for parking, so I put the camera down on my lap. It must’ve fallen off when I was doing everything else. It wasn’t that big of a deal because Howard said he had more caps at home and that he had a filter on his lens to protect the actual lens. He also spends the day with it off anyway because it’s annoying to keep taking it off and putting it back on. Even so, I felt bad that I had lost it! It wasn't until the last day that I found it when I moved the passenger seat back!

I took a picture of our parking aisle so that we'd know where to go at the end of the day.

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I can't believe we were there a half hour before park opening! Yay!

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Here are the kiddies and Spaceship Earth!

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I jumped into the pic because like I've said in the past, I'm not used to actually being in vacation photos! It was only when Howard joined us on our last trip were there pics of me!

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First stop was bag check. Of course, Howard and I went on the line that took longer than the other 3. But that was fine since they had to stop by Will Call to pick up their tickets anyway. It was definitely “rewarding” though because another CM came by to say hi to the one checking my bag. She said that she was still trying to get over a cold, so she had a mixture of orange juice and whiskey and other things this morning! Haha, I just thought it was entertaining because it was so early in the morning and she was an older lady!

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Howard and I lined up right away and got our tickets ready. Here's Howard's non-expiration ticket. I think at that point he still had 7 days left whereas I only had 3 or 4.

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He got all excited about the Tronorail too!

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I was so excited to be in WDW for the second time with my love! Last time it was as boyfriend and girlfriend. This time it was as fiance and fiancee! At that time, we thought that the next time it'd be as husband and wife, but I believe we'll have another fiance/fiancee trip in April 2012 with my parents since our wedding date is now in May instead of March!

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This is how far back we were.

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In reality, it wasn't that bad. We weren't THAT far from the turnstile.

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However, I remembered reading that people don’t go all the way to the end and just start lining up at the one they see in front of them. So I sent Howard to go farther down just to check, and when he confirmed it was a line, I met up with him. Then the other 3 met up with us. When we saw some people going to another turnstile, we joined them in line as maybe the 4th group or so. Of course, that ended up being a stupid move because there was no cast member there, so one came over and said it wouldn’t be opened. We had to hop back onto the second line we were on.

Finally people were being let in! YAY! Here's Ray swiping his ticket.

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We saw Daisy on the way in as well. I know that she's not as common of a character, so I asked them if they wanted to take a pic (the line wasn't long at all, just a few people), and Dani and Nik both quickly shook their heads no! Haha, that was fine by me. I'm not that big of a fan of character interactions either, especially the ones with masks!

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As we were waiting and walking, I decided against getting the Guest Assistance Card at that point. I wanted to get the Fast Passes for Soarin’ and do the rides first. There aren’t many rides in Epcot that the GAC could be used for, or at least that’s what it seemed like last year with the CMs we encountered. I figured I could go the day without it or just get it later in the day when we got the big rides done. Would that be a good decision or a bad one?

Well, we were finally inside the park, but it still wasn't quite open. We still had more waitin' to do!

[LilAnn]

First, have to say, I love Nik's "breakfast" drink. Was it the lemon drink or the chrysanthemum tea? Yum.

Ugh, the parking at the parks can be so annoying. It's DH's biggest pet peeve, mostly because he hates it when you end up parking at the farthest spot in the aisle, even though you get to the parks so early. But I get the method, too, just a pain.

I think I've always been all about the characters, even before DD. :rotfl: Just a kid at heart, I guess.

[Bridora]

Yay! You made it to Epcot!

I'm glad your "new route" worked out just fine. :goodvibes

Can't wait to hear about the rest of your day. :yay:

[Jennifer48]

Plus, I poke his face until he wakes up, hehe. This made me laugh so hard! I'm sure he'll love that when you are married! :lmao:

I hope you don't regret not getting the GAC card! :eek:

[Heffielump]

YAY! You made it to Epcot! Love the breakfast drink by the way! It's one of my favorites too!

I'm trying to make it to Epcot right now but it is pouring rain outside - my only free day in Orlando. Must ride Soarin'!

Can't wait to see what you do first.

[SoonerGirl]

Ugggg, nothing is more annoying than getting home with a restaurant order and finding out that it is wrong :headache: Glad the manager offered to make it up to you!

Yay, Epcot! Love that park :love:

[YukiPhnx]

I love Epcot! It's defintely mine and Andrew's favourite park.

Wow, what a nice morning to start off with! Well, minus the parking guy with attitude. It's too early for him to be that grumpy.

I love the drink that that Nik's drinking. But my fave is the lemon tea. They make it in a larger size now!

I love your pictures of the little things like them walking or swiping a ticket. Makes me feel like I'm there with you!

Can't wait to hear about the rest of your day.

[PirateKate]

I hate parking in the theme parks. I guess it's necessary to direct traffic like that, but it always seems like it'd be better to just find your own spot.

We've actually never made it to rope drop before, but that is one of my goals for October. I've always wondered what you'd do if you got there thirty minutes early. Just stand around?

[RachelNinja]

First, have to say, I love Nik's "breakfast" drink. Was it the lemon drink or the chrysanthemum tea? Yum.

Ugh, the parking at the parks can be so annoying. It's DH's biggest pet peeve, mostly because he hates it when you end up parking at the farthest spot in the aisle, even though you get to the parks so early. But I get the method, too, just a pain.

I think I've always been all about the characters, even before DD. :rotfl: Just a kid at heart, I guess.

I'm not sure which one she had. I like that a bunch of people on DIS recognized it!

Yeah, I wish there were some way to avoid having to park all the way at the end. It's always luck! One time we parked all the way at the front when my dad asked since my mom was pregnant with Matt. Walking TO the park is always okay. It's walking back to the car that can get painful!

I really enjoy the characters from afar. I do get very excited seeing them around or reading stories about their interactions with others.

Yay! You made it to Epcot!

I'm glad your "new route" worked out just fine. :goodvibes

Can't wait to hear about the rest of your day. :yay:

I'm very excited about the new route! I'll have to convince my parents to take it too. Haha, I'll give them the dollar!

This made me laugh so hard! I'm sure he'll love that when you are married! :lmao:

I hope you don't regret not getting the GAC card! :eek:

Hehe, I mean, I poke softly and very lovingly!

You'll have to wait to see if I regret not getting the GAC! Whether I regretted it or not, I really could've gotten it at the beginning of the day because I didn't realize we were going to still have to wait inside the park.

YAY! You made it to Epcot! Love the breakfast drink by the way! It's one of my favorites too!

I'm trying to make it to Epcot right now but it is pouring rain outside - my only free day in Orlando. Must ride Soarin'!

Can't wait to see what you do first.

Oh boo! I can deal with some sprinkles, but pouring rain gets to be really difficult to manage especially since there are such big gaps in Epcot. Can't duck from covering to covering like you can with MK. Hope you got to ride Soarin'!

Ugggg, nothing is more annoying than getting home with a restaurant order and finding out that it is wrong :headache: Glad the manager offered to make it up to you!

Yay, Epcot! Love that park :love:

Yeah, that's why Howard and I usually check, but sometimes it's too difficult when there are too many things to go through. One time I checked my salad from Outback, and there were no bleu cheese crumbles (the reason why I love it, haha, and the reason why Howard hates it). We went back since we were just in the parking lot, and the guy was like, "It doesn't come with crumbles; it's in the dressing." I was like, "Um, are you sure? Because I always get this salad, and it always has crumbles ..." Good thing we checked that because that's a huge part of the bleu cheese chopped salad!

I love Epcot! It's defintely mine and Andrew's favourite park.

Wow, what a nice morning to start off with! Well, minus the parking guy with attitude. It's too early for him to be that grumpy.

I love the drink that that Nik's drinking. But my fave is the lemon tea. They make it in a larger size now!

I love your pictures of the little things like them walking or swiping a ticket. Makes me feel like I'm there with you!

Can't wait to hear about the rest of your day.

It's only in the past few years that I've really started LOVING Epcot! I had to get rid of the memories from my childhood when it was way too boring and hot going around World Showcase.

I agree. How can you have such an attitude that early in the morning when you work at Disney? We didn't give him any attitude at all, so I don't know where it came from! Maybe someone finished his cereal at home.

You can probably tell which pictures are Howard's and which are mine. Howard takes pics of a lot of things. I take pics to capture moments!

[RachelNinja]

I hate parking in the theme parks. I guess it's necessary to direct traffic like that, but it always seems like it'd be better to just find your own spot.

We've actually never made it to rope drop before, but that is one of my goals for October. I've always wondered what you'd do if you got there thirty minutes early. Just stand around?

I wonder if there ever was a time when people just found their own spots. Maybe they realized it was too chaotic? I'm curious to know how that'd work because obviously people would park closer to the walkway if they got there earlier.

Haha yes, we did stand around. For Epcot, we really didn't have to get there that early considering we didn't need the tram or anything like that. MK is a bit harder to plan because I feel you either have to get there really early OR get there when it gets more crowded and you have to wait longer. For MK, I think it's worth it because I really loved watching the opening show!!! It was worth it, in my opinion. This is the first time we were there for rope drop that I remember. My mom said we apparently did it when I was really young.

I don't remember everything from my childhood WDW days. I mean, my mom told me that once we went to MK on July 4th because the family we were with wanted to go! It was crazy!

[JenAusty]

Yeah, I usually always check orders, but because I wasn't the one who charged it, I didn't have the bag. If only we knew! The catfish was still good although I would've liked tartar sauce. I can't watch Despicable Me without seeing Michael Scott from The Office!


I LOVE MICHAEL SCOTT! and I love the Office. It's one of my favorite shows.. DH and I have mugs from the show! He has #1 boss Mug and I have one that just says Dunder Miflin. hehehe But yes, I do see your point.

[JenAusty]

I also LOVE Epcot. It's my 2nd favorite park but also one of the most relaxing for me. I feel this way about Animal Kingdom to a point. With MK, there is always sooo much to do and its always crowded. When I go there I feel like I'm on a marathon all day.. with Epcot.. it's soo much slower. On our last trip, we visited Epcot several times and by like the 3rd visit during a EMH day, we just casually walked around- in and out of stores, watching a belly dancer act of some sort, listen to a band play, tried a few drinks from different countries.. and it was soo nice. I felt so happy and content. But I felt that way because 1. Epcot always feels somewhat laid back but also because we had visited soo much, so most of our "list to do" was finished.

I don't know how sleep the night before your first day. I can NEVER sleep when I am going to disney world on day 1. Actually, I take that back- last time we went to Disney- we flew in at night- so we arrived at 12am and by the time we got to the hotel-I passed out in about 10 minutes and was tired when I woke up. It didn't help the beds were soo comfy. But usually when I fly in the morning and then go to disney- I can't sleep at all.

[RachelNinja]

I LOVE MICHAEL SCOTT! and I love the Office. It's one of my favorite shows.. DH and I have mugs from the show! He has #1 boss Mug and I have one that just says Dunder Miflin. hehehe But yes, I do see your point.

I can't believe that Michael Scott won't be on the show anymore!!! Howard has a mug from The Office. I forgot what it says. He also has a Dwight bobblehead, I think! Haha, I don't exactly know where that's going to go when we move in together ...

I also LOVE Epcot. It's my 2nd favorite park but also one of the most relaxing for me. I feel this way about Animal Kingdom to a point. With MK, there is always sooo much to do and its always crowded. When I go there I feel like I'm on a marathon all day.. with Epcot.. it's soo much slower. On our last trip, we visited Epcot several times and by like the 3rd visit during a EMH day, we just casually walked around- in and out of stores, watching a belly dancer act of some sort, listen to a band play, tried a few drinks from different countries.. and it was soo nice. I felt so happy and content. But I felt that way because 1. Epcot always feels somewhat laid back but also because we had visited soo much, so most of our "list to do" was finished.

I don't know how sleep the night before your first day. I can NEVER sleep when I am going to disney world on day 1. Actually, I take that back- last time we went to Disney- we flew in at night- so we arrived at 12am and by the time we got to the hotel-I passed out in about 10 minutes and was tired when I woke up. It didn't help the beds were soo comfy. But usually when I fly in the morning and then go to disney- I can't sleep at all.

It's funny that as a kid, I absolutely loved the hustle and bustle of MK! I mean, I still do. But it might be too stressful for the first park because you're kind of thrown into it. Just from these past 2 trips, I'm very used to Epcot being our first park now! I would love to be able to visit more than once because there really is no way to do everything in one day.

I think we were all able to fall asleep because we all missed lying flat in a bed!

[Nermel9]

Yay, you're finally at Epcot! :banana: Sometimes parking is so annoying, it's a lot easier when you go to the parks late and they let you park where you want! I don't think we have ever made it to rope drop at Epcot...actually, no, we haven't...only MK, and the first time that ever happened was last November! :confused3 I'd like to try Epcot rope drop and see everyone rush to Soarin!

[RachelNinja]

Yay, you're finally at Epcot! :banana: Sometimes parking is so annoying, it's a lot easier when you go to the parks late and they let you park where you want! I don't think we have ever made it to rope drop at Epcot...actually, no, we haven't...only MK, and the first time that ever happened was last November! :confused3 I'd like to try Epcot rope drop and see everyone rush to Soarin!

Yeah, we'll never get there later because we don't hop. We'll always do the "get there as early as possible and stay as late as possible." I guess it's "easier" that way in that we don't have to make decisions! Once we're at a park, we are AT a park!

I really did enjoy the rush to Soarin'. I know people don't like the crowds, but since it was the first park day, I still felt all the excitement pumping through me! Plus, it helped that they played really fun music!

[RachelNinja]

Just posting an update to let you know that I've gone back to updating my April 2010 trip report as well! I'll hopefully keep both up and running at the same time. I do have to finish it since the plan right now is to go back in April 2012 (with my family) and in May 2012 (Disneymoon!).

Click here (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36214716#post36214716). (You know you want to!)

[YukiPhnx]

Hooray! I'll be right over.

[kathleen27]

I can't believe how wrong they got your Cracker Barrell order. Glad they offered to make up for it later in the week. Its fun to see all the different candy & stuff in the store. I love Necco wafers! They are one of my favorites. I did buy the fruit stripe gum there last time for my kids to try, since It was from my childhood.

Yay for an Epcot day!

[RachelNinja]

Hooray! I'll be right over.

:thumbsup2

I can't believe how wrong they got your Cracker Barrell order. Glad they offered to make up for it later in the week. Its fun to see all the different candy & stuff in the store. I love Necco wafers! They are one of my favorites. I did buy the fruit stripe gum there last time for my kids to try, since It was from my childhood.

Yay for an Epcot day!

I think it's such a great way to share candy from your youth with your kids! I saw something else when we went back that I remember from my childhood. I think it's hilarious that I can actually say "childhood" and have it actually be a good amount of time in the past! It cracks me up when little kids say stuff like, "When I was little ..."