BAND GEEKS Takin' Over the World! LINK TO NEW TR!! Go to last page 10/17

[IluvXU]

Glad you started this report... I just realized your ticker...SSR later this summer- do tell the plans!

 

[lovethecastle]

Yea, I'm ready.

I'm glad you made it through the storms. They looked truly frightining- the kind where you want to hide in the basement.
Maybe we would have tried to drive 10 years ago when we were your age. We did it when I was a kid & it took 24 hours. Try to stick me in a car for 24 hrs now & you'd have someone in need of mental services on the other side.
Take Care

 

[shannon47142]

glad you started the report--but what yucky weather--at least Disney was there at the end

 

[jwwi]

Happy to hear you like your new computer. Love the first report, although I do not envy you or your DH having to drive in such awful weather. Congratulations on finishing your school year, schools in our area have another week of classes.

 

[Sooze]

Great Update Sooze! The kids look adorable all snuggled in for the long car ride and that rain looked scary and HORRIBLE!! Saw that you are hoping to see Mary Poppins next summer in Indy, I hope you get to. We just saw it on Braodway this past Sunday and it was INCREDIBLE...I actually thought of you when we were there because I know how much you love the theater I posted about it on my PTR if you want to take a peek, pgs. 61 and 62!!

Diane

I think I'll always treasure that picture of them all cuddly in the back seat... That's one good thing about driving... lots of memories!! Even if they are nasty weather memories. We're actually going to Chicago to see Mary Poppins at the end of this month!! Got our tickets in the mail this week. So cool that you saw it on Broadway.. I'll have to go visit your PTR!

YEAH!!!!! You've started! I'm so excited, I didn't think I'd get to ready any of it before we left.. Sorry about the stinky weather, that is so horrible to drive through, but I'd drive through it to get to Disney any day! Love the looks on the kids faces as you arrived.
Can't wait for more!!! GREAT start!
Lesley

I feel so relieved that it's actually going! Hope to get a few more updates done before you guys leave!

Glad you started this report... I just realized your ticker...SSR later this summer- do tell the plans!

We are doing a big road trip to the East Coast to visit family and friends in PA. We decided to drive down 95, let the kids see the Atlantic, and end up in Orlando. We are meeting Matt and his drum corps again (we did the same thing last summer.. .see 2008 OKW link below!) and spending 4 days with Mickey! Using developer points to stay at SSR in a studio. It'll be cramped, but a nice mid-summer getaway!

I'll probably do a quick picture-based TR when we get back (No PTR) Thanks for noticing!

Yea, I'm ready.

I'm glad you made it through the storms. They looked truly frightining- the kind where you want to hide in the basement.
Maybe we would have tried to drive 10 years ago when we were your age. We did it when I was a kid & it took 24 hours. Try to stick me in a car for 24 hrs now & you'd have someone in need of mental services on the other side.
Take Care

Definitely basement storms!! I kept staring at the sky, positive that I'd see a funnel cloud somewhere! 24 hours!?

glad you started the report--but what yucky weather--at least Disney was there at the end

Disney definitely kept us going. That weather was NOT FUN!!

Happy to hear you like your new computer. Love the first report, although I do not envy you or your DH having to drive in such awful weather. Congratulations on finishing your school year, schools in our area have another week of classes.

I feel like I've been out of school for such a long time! I can't imagine having a whole other week to go! Of course, I report back on AUGUST 7th!!
Thanks for checking in!

 

[Sooze]

Well, dangit!! I've been working on an update throughout the day... and now it's GONE!! I'll try again tomorrow... sigh...

Good night everyone!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Yeesh that weather looks nasty! But you're there! Hurrah!

The kids look so excited. Too cute!

Can't wait for more.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Awesome start!!!! Glad I found your report. Looks great so far! BTW, I'm an orchestra geek....always have been, always will be. We even have our 4yo daughter on a waitlist for violin lessons -- at her request! I'm so proud.

Can't wait for more!

 

[Sooze]

Yeesh that weather looks nasty! But you're there! Hurrah!

The kids look so excited. Too cute!

Can't wait for more.

It was funny how wide awake and excited they were so early in the morning!

Awesome start!!!! Glad I found your report. Looks great so far! BTW, I'm an orchestra geek....always have been, always will be. We even have our 4yo daughter on a waitlist for violin lessons -- at her request! I'm so proud.

Can't wait for more!

Thanks! Glad you found me too. I'll take orchestra geek!!! If I had a choice to join an orchestra, I totally would've (always wished I had played cello!)

 

[Sooze]

We found our resort with the help of our GPS, and the magical purple signs:

Of course, the room wasn't ready. We weren't expecting it to be, but a teensy part of me was hoping....

I have to say that when I walked into the massive, bustling, lobby, I really got excited. It had quite a different 'vybe' than the DVC resorts. Lots of big families, excitement mounting from several 'rookies', confusion of the big crowds... I don't know, it just felt different, yet more exciting. At our DVC resorts, we usually experience the calmer, 'I've been here three times already this year' kind of people. As they say, we feel more like we're coming "home" at our DVC resorts. Again, different, but in a good way.

After checking in, the CM gave us the card with the phone number on it for us to call to see if our room was ready. HUH? WE have to call THEM?! Geez... at our DVC resorts, THEY call US when it's ready... Disney snob emerging.. be careful!!

We headed back to the car and drove over to the Beach Club to park. We were feeling very skanky in our travel clothes, so we used the fabulous facilities in the BC Villas to change and freshen up. Then we were off to Epcot! (Duh... where ELSE would we go?!)

Let's GO MOM!!

As you can see, we DID end up bringing the umbrella stroller. It even had a little sun visor, so it worked out just fine!

This was our 'sign' that day. We were just so excited that we had 6 full days there, that randomly, throughout the day, we would just yell, "SIX!!!!" at the top of our lungs!!

We made it safely to International Gateway. Matt walked up to the CM in one of the ticket windows and said, "I'm going to spend a lot of money right now!" He had to buy 2 annual passes for the kids! I meandered to the other CM in the other window to pick up my AP.

So, with fresh APs in hand, we were ready to go!! But... wouldn't you know it... the RAIN RETURNED... and MAN, did it ever return!

So, we took the opportunity to relax at the Gateway and people watch... families running through the monsoons. Some with ponchos, many with umbrellas, few just braving it commando!

Just enjoying being here:

Rain, rain, go away!

But, LOOK, Mom... it's DISNEY RAIN!

The kids had a ball playing in the drips and puddles:

So, I know many of you are wondering, "Why didn't you follow the DISboards advice and stock up on Dollar store ponchos? You could be well on your way to Mission:Space by now!" Well, let it be known... SOOZE DOES NOT DO PONCHOS!! I hate them! I hate the way they smell, I hate the way they feel on my already wet skin, I hate the way they trap the humidity and heat around my body, I hate the way you have to deal with them when the rain is over (and, no, I'm not throwing them away until Disney recycles plastic rain ponchos!!)... so there.. I got that off my chest. I would rather sit, soak in the rainy Disney atmosphere, or just get rained on than wear a poncho. Whew... thanks for listening!


Finally, the rain let up. We headed first to Spaceship Earth. There was no line and we walked right up to the ball... then it happened... Shaelyn started to freak a bit!What?! She's ridden this already?! Oh no.. I think we've hit the age of fear of the unknown... the age of wanting to be in control instead of just riding whatever the family wants. Dang..

Thankfully, since there was no line, there was no time to let her freak-out escalate. We got on, she was nervous, and then everything was fine.

We spent a lot of time in the Siemens exhibit:

Tyson and Matt were making sure the community of tomorrow had enough power, especially GREEN power!

At this point, our band geek friends, Dean, Adrianna, and Abby, had found us!!

What do we do know that our group is finally together?!?! Split up of course!!

 

[dddisrunner]

Love how you were yelling out "6" too funny!! A great feeling I bet though! I don't love the dollar store ponchos, but I like the heavier ones! It should be interesting to see what happens when we are there during the summer rainy season though! Poor Shaelyn, I am glad her nervousness didn't last long! Looking forward to more!

 

[Sooze]

Love how you were yelling out "6" too funny!! A great feeling I bet though! I don't love the dollar store ponchos, but I like the heavier ones! It should be interesting to see what happens when we are there during the summer rainy season though! Poor Shaelyn, I am glad her nervousness didn't last long! Looking forward to more!

Yeah... yelling "SIX" was fun! Then, as we got closer to the end of the trip, it got sad.. because it would be no fun to yell "TWO and a HALF!!!"

Shae was pretty trusting after that first episode! Thankfully!

 

[timandlesley]

GREAT update Sooze! Tim and I were laughing out loud about your poncho comments, Tim is the EXACT same way, he NEVER will wear them, too funny! Loved the pics of your kids playing in the rain, Luke and Lauren are the same way. Sorry about Shae's freak out but glad all was well in the end, can't wait for more.
Lesley

 

[Sooze]

GREAT update Sooze! Tim and I were laughing out loud about your poncho comments, Tim is the EXACT same way, he NEVER will wear them, too funny! Loved the pics of your kids playing in the rain, Luke and Lauren are the same way. Sorry about Shae's freak out but glad all was well in the end, can't wait for more.
Lesley

Thanks, Lesley! Hoping to squeeze in a few more before you go! I think Tim and I should develop a picture that we can put in our signature. Something anti-poncho!

 

[Sooze]

As Matt and Tyson were busy making sure the imaginary city had plenty of power, Dean, Adrianna, and Abby found their way to us. After several celebratory minutes of "oh my gosh we're really here" cheers, we decided to head out to the rest of the park. Tyson was just dying to get on Mission:Space. Abby and Shae were begging for Nemo. So.. what to do? Well, what any good band geek group would do... DIVIDE AND CONQUER!!

Tyson and I headed to MS, Matt, Shae and the rest of the crew went to Nemo. Thanks Matt!! He spared me from yet another ride in the clammobile.. well, until later, of course!

Tyson threw a curve ball at me when he told me he wanted this:

Yeah, seriously... that's a GREEN side ticket. BORING!! See the look of disappointment on his face? I think he really felt bad that he was just a bit nervous to jump on the orange side right away. That's okay.. I only harassed him for about 20 minutes

View as we headed away from MS:

Ty playing with the Stitch topiary:

On our way across Future World, we made a stop in one of Ty's other favs at Epcot, Innoventions:

We just love the hands-on stuff:

One of the things I really wanted to see was the House of Innoventions. In January Matt and I took the "Undiscovered Future World" tour and learned about this 'attraction'. I had walked by it a million times and never knew (or cared, honestly) what it was. As luck would have it, when Ty and I walked by it on our way out, they were just letting in the next show, and there was no line!

The technology on display in this 'home' was quite unbelievable!! My favorite was the entertainment system... the TV/computer basically controlled the home electronically. Ty and I enjoyed seeing the gadgets of the future, but I was a bit turned-off by the incredible amount of product placement. Understandably... the exhibit is completely run with the help of sponsors.. but the whole thing felt like an infomercial. I was waiting for Billy Hayes(is that the Oxy Clean guy?) to jump out at any moment!!

We met back up with our clan and started to walk towards the American Pavillion in World Showcase. All of us (ok.. maybe not the kids).. but the rest of us were really getting the VOL itch. Having all of these band geeks together makes you eager to hear some FINE music. On our way over, however, the rain made one more appearance.

Our friends whipped out their ponchos... but us... remember us? We don't DO ponchos!! So we played "DART FROM OVERHANG TO OVERHANG" until we made it... to France! We took shelter and decided to see the movie. This is another true Band Geek moment. Matt and I (and, obviously, our kids) have NEVER sat through the France movie. Dean, on the other hand, considers it one of the greatest spectacles in Disney. The soundtrack alone moves him to tears. Well, hey, we're in here escaping the downpour, why not check it out?!

The kids had fun messing around with the gargoyle:

Shaelyn decided to use the moment for some blankie cuddles!

I just love how her hair curls up when it's wet!

Finally, she was ready to play around too:

Having Abby with our group was just AWESOME for Ty. He had someone his age who laughed at the same things he did. Sometimes it's hard for adults to remember, get, or laugh with some of that 8/9-year-old humor, you know? The two of them were like peas in a pod. It was great!

So into the theatre we go. The movie was, I must admit, stunning. The music is fabulous and the screen was huge!! Unfortunately, I had to leave 2/3 of the way through. My little potty-trained princess announced that she had to 'tinkle'!! Luckily, we were in the back, so I made an easy escape. We waited for the rest of the group outside, since the rain had let up.

Come on guys! Let's go see Voice of Liberty!! YIPPEEEEE!!!

We sat through yet another chill-producing set of VOL. It was fun watching Dean's face throughout. He's such a true musician, down to the core... and when he hears such moving music... he can't hide his emotion. It was wonderful to experience this with friends! If the four of us ever go on an adults-only trip, I have a feeling we'd be spending LOTS of time here!!

Finally, we called POP and found out our room was ready. We were DYING for our post-drive naps, so we parted ways again with our Band Geek friends.

So... In which decade did we land? How much sleep did we really get? What do we think of our lovely value resort after being spoiled with DVC?

Stay tuned!!

 

[dddisrunner]

GREAT update Sooze! I was cracking up reading about you harassing Ty...that is SO something I would do! LOVE the darting from overhang to overhang and then seeing the rain drop spots on Shae's shirt How fun for Ty that he had someone to pal around with! Too funny how you keep refering to yourselves as band geeks We are hoping to see the VOL this trip too, I actually forgot to put it on my wishlist so now I must go add it on! LOVE the pic. of Shae on the fountain, she is a DOLL!

 

[jordanyosh]

six!!!!!!

 

[timandlesley]

Great update. Tyson's face with his green side card was too much : ) You are Tim would do so well together in Disney avoiding poncho's at all costs. That's funny about the infomercial, I feel Innoventions has been taken over that way, most of the fun stuff is gone and it's like a huge advertisement now (sigh).
You have me inspired to check out the other shows at World Showcase now, you've ALREADY inspired me for VOL, we'll definitely check it out this year and report back ; )
Can't wait to read more and see what you think of Pop!
Lesley

 

[Sooze]

GREAT update Sooze! I was cracking up reading about you harassing Ty...that is SO something I would do! LOVE the darting from overhang to overhang and then seeing the rain drop spots on Shae's shirt How fun for Ty that he had someone to pal around with! Too funny how you keep refering to yourselves as band geeks We are hoping to see the VOL this trip too, I actually forgot to put it on my wishlist so now I must go add it on! LOVE the pic. of Shae on the fountain, she is a DOLL!

My poor son... he actually has TWO parents that LOVE harassing him! I'm glad you're adding VOL to your list... they are a true gem at Epcot!!

six!!!!!!

Great update. Tyson's face with his green side card was too much : ) You are Tim would do so well together in Disney avoiding poncho's at all costs. That's funny about the infomercial, I feel Innoventions has been taken over that way, most of the fun stuff is gone and it's like a huge advertisement now (sigh).
You have me inspired to check out the other shows at World Showcase now, you've ALREADY inspired me for VOL, we'll definitely check it out this year and report back ; )
Can't wait to read more and see what you think of Pop!
Lesley

Unfortunately, Innoventions is not my favorite place.. but Tyson just loves it. So I suffer through it! Are you guys going to check out the new money exhibit they have there? It sounds good... we shall see!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Hurray for six! And I am totally with you on ponchos!