Basking in the Glow of the (not so) Creepy Clown -2/11-Pictures, Final Thoughts, PTR!

[chloe770]

Thinking of you with the pending snow storm coming your way. Has the snow even melted from the last one? NYC is definetely not the best place to have feet of snow dumped on you(as you pics show). Anyway, be safe and try to enjoy it, atleast a little.

 

[jenseib]

Brook, we may now be going in May too. My DH is not high on my good list right now. I don't mind going in May, but he refuses to set actual dates yet.

 

[CJsMom]

Love the Mike and Sully meet! Good luck on the job - I hope it all works out!

 

[dekkerdisneydreamer]

Hi Brook,
Wonderful updates! I love that Henry "graduated" to the bigger slide. It's just a little bittersweet, knowing that he's growing up.

I love love love that your server at Mama Melrose was so thoughtful! It is the little things that really make a difference. I seriously think that only Disney knows how.

Good with the job, even if you would have to postpone your trip. It just means you'll have more money for future ones!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I hope to get back on here tonight for replies - I want to do an update too, but we'll see how time goes!

I just noticed my ticker, I think someone mentioned it before and I forgot to look into it. 2 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS?! I think not!! If we do go in Feb/March it's just ONE month, two weeks. I gotta look into that and adjust.

As of now I can (and have been ) shouting, "I'M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD NEXT MONTH!" Ahhh, I do like the sound of that despite still having mixed emotions about it all. I have to commit one way or the other by this Friday so we can buy plane tickets....

 

[3prettyprincesses]

I hope to get back on here tonight for replies - I want to do an update too, but we'll see how time goes!

I just noticed my ticker, I think someone mentioned it before and I forgot to look into it. 2 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS?! I think not!! If we do go in Feb/March it's just ONE month, two weeks. I gotta look into that and adjust.

As of now I can (and have been ) shouting, "I'M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD NEXT MONTH!" Ahhh, I do like the sound of that despite still having mixed emotions about it all. I have to commit one way or the other by this Friday so we can buy plane tickets....

Does that mean that you haven't heard back from that job? Holy cow, 1 month away!! That does have a nice ring to it. Although, I like mine better...see my ticker below? Only 17 days baby!

I hope you're able to keep this trip too!

 

[jenseib]

I hope to get back on here tonight for replies - I want to do an update too, but we'll see how time goes!

I just noticed my ticker, I think someone mentioned it before and I forgot to look into it. 2 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS?! I think not!! If we do go in Feb/March it's just ONE month, two weeks. I gotta look into that and adjust.

As of now I can (and have been ) shouting, "I'M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD NEXT MONTH!" Ahhh, I do like the sound of that despite still having mixed emotions about it all. I have to commit one way or the other by this Friday so we can buy plane tickets....

Are you having the same commitment problems that Skip is having? LOL!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Don't worry! I will be more than happy to fill you in -- and I was mistaken about the scene.

Apparently since all the stormtroopers are just clones, they don't get real names, just letters and numbers. In The New Hope (which in my mind will always be the very first Star Wars movie regardless of the fact that they call it Episode IV now), the Millenium Falcon gets pulled into the Death Star. Luke and Han are able to secure stormtrooper outfits and pretend to be troopers. I will see if I can find a clip of it. LOL!

Yep, I am all about Star Wars geekiness.

I love it!! I have seen all the Star Wars movies, but I don't remember ANY of it! I have a feeling a certain little mister in my home will be into them before I know it. I'll be contacting you for assistance when he has various questions about it!

Wow - so much to comment on!

New job - I like your attitude - just roll with it. You contacted them. You wrote a follow up letter, I'm sure, so the ball is in their court now. You got positive feedback. That's awesome! Even if you don't get the job, it sounds like it was a good interview experience and just prepares you that much more for the next job. You may just be dealing with the post holiday, snow delays that I am sure are affecting everyone.

Good plan to keep moving ahead with your trip as planned, but if you have to change it would be great to see you. Some of us are arriving 4/29 and leaving 5/5. The others are arriving 4/30 and departing 5/6. So there's plenty of room for overlap!

Your last update made me really want to visit MM again. I have always liked that place despite the iffy reviews. I think I am especially fond of it because it was my first ever Disney TS ADR for the fantasmic package. We had such a fun time writing on the wall.

Still rolling with the job situation...no news even from another job that I should have gotten due to my experience. Sigh.

I had no idea you could write on the wall at MM! I did see things, but I didn't realize they allowed guests to do it-how fun! We will return there sometime for sure.

Found it!

It's a long clip, but if you start it around 3:30, it happens soon after that!

The Origin of TK 421

Even after just seeing that bit I really want to see the whole movie. I think I would enjoy it much more now as an adult than I did as a child who's brother really wanted to watch the movie and I had no other option. Joe is gonna love it when I suggest we get Star Wars on Netflix next!

Hmm, I wonder what PAR street could be?

Mama Melrose's was where we had our big family meal when my parents took us all (them, us, and my sisters' families...18 of us) to Disney in 2001. It was pretty good!

MM would be a great place for a big family meal-it has that sort of comfortable atmosphere. Next time we take the family I think it will make our list - we like to take them to a solid few that we know will be good!

Actually my ticker is a day late now because it was cheaper to catch a late flight the night before in stead of the day we were originally going to leave. Yes it is a secret from Alexia. We keep debating if we are going to tell her now or wait until we get to the airport. She knows we are going on vacation and she knows that we are flying to where ever we are going, but that is it. I asked my dh if he wanted to stay in mod or deluxe or stay for longer in a value. He chose to stay longer because he thinks this is the only time we are going to go to WDW (silly man).

Ah! Love that Fuzzy Disney Math to leave a day early.

I'll just wait to hear the reviews of your DH being HOOKED and your next trip booked after this one. Disney tends to have addictive tendencies.

Whenever you tell Alexa, be sure you have the video camera rolling! It will be so much fun to surprise her!!!! One of these days we'll keep it a secret from Henry too-I have NO idea how I will do that, but I'll try!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Great update!!! Sorry to hear that you may have to move the trip back but if this job is the one that makes you happy I am sure the wait won't seem long.

Jon is a HUGE Star Wars fan and of course the ride was closed when we went. There must have been some private event there while we were at DHS on one of our days because they had a bunch of storm troopers (guys in white??? I know nothing) standing around visiting with some guests in a roped off area at the ride. Jon stood there taking it all in and suddenly one of the storm troopers motioned him over and Jon was able to get his picture with the guy. Made Jon's night! I am so glad the guy thought of my poor hubby... stuck outside the fun! LOL And yes, the store is still open during the redo! That is where Jon spent some of his fun money on himself... He even did the light saber at DTD.

Had the same Dinner as you at MM and it was yummy. Nothing over the top like Le Celier but you can't compare the 2. Still a very yummy dinner!

That is so magical about Jon and the Storm Trooper! I LOVE stories like these! Glad to hear the shop is still open too. I really look forward to the new ride!

That is what we thought too of MM - it's not over the top, or exotic, but solid, filling, good food. Comfortable. I like that!

Brook, I am finally caught up. It sounds as if you had a great day at the Studios thus far. I love the "slide" picture every year; it's sad when they "move on to the next step".

The pictures with Mike and Scully are terrific and I love Henry's man "capris"--he looks adorable.

We love Mama Melrose...it is our favorite at the Studios and I definitely think we need to go back this year (we missed it the last two).

It is a bit sad to see him move on! I hope I can force him to slide down that slide until he has kids of his own.

We will be going back to MM in the future too - it's a keeper. Sounds like quite a few people here on my TR have enjoyed it in the past. I wonder what all the naysayers ordered that made it so poor?

I know I think having an older brother is making him grow up faster than I would like. He's always been a thrill seeker, so was bored by playgrounds relatively early on.


I hope your job situation works out, that has to be frustrating waiting on the call!

I love the Star Wars Mr. Potato Heads! I love that whole shop actually, my very first Disney park purchase was made in there, so it holds a bit of nostalgia for me

MM looks pretty good, the decor in there is great! I'll have to put it on my list

I have heard that about the second (and third, and fourth...) children. They grow up much faster than the first! The baby disappears way too quickly!

The job ordeal is very frustrating. I'm trying to set up a nanny share, the vacation and find a job. NOTHING is working out. But, decisions are being made because they have to be--I'll have an update soon!

I love the Star Wars shop too. There is so much unique stuff in there. I'm not a huge Star Wars person, but they have some really great stuff - plus, both my boys enjoy it, so that's fun for me too.

I'll cross my fingers on the job situation Brook! I hope it all works out. The wait on stuff like this though can be tough. You just want to hear something, either way.

Mama Melrose is one I haven't heard too much about. Your food pictures look yummy!

Exactly - I wish they would just tell me they changed their mind and don't want to hire me. Even a simple email! All well.

MM gets kinda mixed reviews - but so far everyone here on my TR that has eaten there has enjoyed it, so maybe the reviews I am recalling are old or something?! Who knows!

Did you ever go to Toni's Townsquare? They have the best fluffy tiramisu. I wanted to try Mama MElrose but it reminds me of Toni's a lot. And we are in love with Toni's. So why change what isn'T broken?

Nope, we haven't been to Tony's yet, but we want to! It's another one of those that have made the list more than once, but for one reason or another hasn't made the final cut. We will get there eventually. The only sit-down we have done at MK is Crystal Palace for breakfast! I agree with you, why change what isn't broken! Eat where you like! Sometimes the risk isn't worth it.

I hope the job works out, but I have to admit, since we may be going in early March, I was really hoping to meet you all.
The food looks wonderful. I am dieting now, and every time I read peoples updates with food I just sit and drool.

I am dieting too - back on Weight Watchers. Down almost 10 pounds already. But sometimes looking at those food pics make my stomach growl even when I'm not hungry! LOL

I hope that you hear something about the job soon. I will miss you during each time you plan to go I think you have made me add Mama M to our list. that pic of the chick parm looked really good. Better than the one I had at Via Napoli.

One of these days our paths will cross! Especially with how many trips you have in the works! Are you considering NYE this year? We are...if timing and $$ works out. I'd love to do the October run too.

I would recommend MM. The food is nothing special or outstanding, but it's good fare. It's "normal" stuff, if that makes sense. I really liked how comfortable it was with a child too - if it were a local joint we would go there often.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Did you go back and ride ST???? I so would have ridden with you or even watched Henry if he would have let me ( or you for that matter).


Still have to try MM, but there is always next time.

Did we go back???? You'll have to wait to find out!

I totally would trust you with H, but Henry might have been a little freaked by it all. He's a pretty timid, Mommy-attached, kid. Which is good in some ways, and not in others!

Going back on a previous update I adored the picture of Henry and the Sully hug!!! So cute....cute video too!
I really like that Mike mug too and just might pick that up for my boss
I like the backlot tour for the walk through of the props and going through the costume area where everyone is working....just think that is really neat!
I love all of the skinny palm trees in HS....and love all of your pictures too...I really enjoy spending time there and just taking it all in.
Hope that everything will work out for the job situation It would be fun for all of us to meet up in May....MEK posted the dates we are there and we will be staying at BC.

Tracy

I liked that Mike mug too! I could easily have a bazillion Disney mugs if funds and cabinet space allowed for it.

I really enjoyed seeing all the live workers during the Backlot Tour as well. I can imagine when people used to see actual filmings going on how exciting that must have been!

I will have an update about the trip - March or May - coming up soon. We have made a couple decisions. Neither one is bad, because both ways I will get to meet some awesome DISers-our May dates are the first week!

I think I might know. I am having BIG issues withthe Dis not loading on my computer properly. Sometimes I get a blank screen and sometimes my computer will deny even having a connection. ( It lies I tell ya)

Anyhow, I replied and waited. I had something else open so I clicked over there and when I came back I guess I went back to see if it went through but this time I got a fatal error. So I reopen the thread and there are 2 but I guess enough time went by between the 2 that manntra snuck in there in between.
I can usually avoid the double post but I guess not this time.

I have been having a few problems lately too - but the past 2 days have been smooth. Makes sense about the double post, but it's HILARIOUS!

Great update, Brook! Mama Melrose looks like a fun spot...I'll have to try it one of these days.

Good luck with the job situation; it sounds pretty frustrating right now, but hopefully it'll work out!

Wasn't the snow gorgeous yesterday?

It really is a pretty good spot in DHS, which is lacking in decent food generally. Nothing outstanding, but just normal good stuff.

The job ordeal is very frustrating. I know here it can take a long time before an employer will respond to anything - I had a friend wait FOUR MONTHS for a reply. FOUR! Joe had to wait a month, so I'm not counting either one that I think I could get as completely out, but it's tiring just waiting and not knowing.

The snow was beautiful! Those HUGE flakes! Soooo pretty. But I'm very glad it didn't stick around.

Just got all caught up on your last two days. I keep shaking my head some of these TRs...I think my husband and I missed half of DHS when we were there last time! The manpris are perfection! Max ends up with those at various points, as well. For one thing, they make some shorts so long and for another, they're always a bit big when we first buy them.

HISTK playground looks amazing. Looks like Henry had such a good time and I know Max will love it, too. Its nice that they have the playgrounds around at Disney for small kids to get to move around in the way they like to move.

I also love the architecture at DHS. I think I took more pictures there than anywhere else when we there. Every little detail is just so thought out, I love it. I would love for Disney to design an art deco resort to go along with DHS. I can dream, right?

Sending you good thoughts about the job. I am amazed at your calm and grace. I would be flipping out! In fact, I'm sure I've flipped out about far less in the last five or six hours!

It's amazing what little details you find in other people's TRs, isn't it? I've gotten so many hints and tips and ideas from just reading other people's reports. Disney is so unique in that way-you can be in the exact same spot as someone else and have a completely different experience.

We love the Disney playgrounds! I wish they would add one at Epcot, it's the only park lacking one. During the F&GF they have one, but they don't keep it year round. HISTK is fantastic. It's so stinkin' hot in there and it's easy to loose your kid, but the theming is incredible!

Oh man! I LOVE your art deco resort idea!!!!!!! That would be fantastic!! Great, great idea. Maybe someday!

There are so many moments that I flip out about the job ordeal. It usually gets pent up and then I babble for a good hour to Joe and feel better. But there have been nights it's kept me awake - not knowing what to do, etc. It's exhausting in more ways than one! BUT, in general, I try not to dwell on it, I pray about it and trust that God will work it out just fine. So much easier said than done.

 

[DisMomAmy]

The new ticker looks great!

 

[that's nice]

Yea I always have an excuse why I am late... so I'll just keep it to myself this time.

Wow.. the streets of NY seem pretty quiet for middle of the day.

Great pictures of Mama Melrose. We had a pretty good meal there in Dec. I have pics- as soon as I can get to that day in my TR!

I love Henry's face concentrating on making his sundae.

ITA that sometimes it is the small things that make a Disney trip (or any trip) special like the candle and paper hat.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Getting caught up... We're eating at Mama Melrose's for the first time in March. You're update is the second one I've read recently & now I'm even more excited to eat there! I had never seen pictures of the inside!

The Backlot Tour is good just not the same as it used to be. I hadn't been on it in a long time & enjoyed it this past fall.

Good Luck with the job situation... it's hard waiting it out not knowing how it's going to turn out!

Yay! I'm glad my MM review helped! We really enjoyed it. I had never seen pictures of the inside either, so it was a pleasant surprise on how pretty and comfortable it all was. I hope you guys have an equally great experience!!

I would have like to seen the Backlot Tour "back in the day" (along with dozens of other things that are gone!). I bet it was pretty exciting to see the real sets and even possible movie stars.

Fab update Brook! Loved Henry's concentration while making his first sundae at Mama Melrose's. And how adorable is he in his little chef's hat? We've never eaten there but after seeing your pics, I might have to reconsider. Our usual place is Brown Derby (which I love and will never change!) but we spend 2 days at HS so that might be a good option for dinner!

Oh man, DH is a huge Star Wars fan! One year for Christmas I bought him and his brother a trivia game and then I kicked both their butts at it! It was pretty funny because they consider themselves aficionados of Star Wars! (And I'm not as in to Star Wars as they are, they still have all their old toys and everything!) Although I must give credit to Charleston Princess for knowing what TK 421 was! I had no idea.

Good luck on the job front too. I recall (several years ago now) having an interview for a job that I *thought* was perfect for me, I *thought* I nailed the interview and I *thought* (see a trend) they'd offer it to me. Well, they didn't and I was was like . Then I interviewed for another job right after that and was like meh, if I get it I get it and it would be a great place to work at. So I got that one! You just never know! One job appears perfect for you and then something better comes along and you wonder why you thought that first one looked so good! Ugh, that last sentence didn't really make sense, I hope you know what I'm talking about! I hope it works out for you although it would be a bummer to push back your trip. However, May should be gorgeous at Disney! And it's something to look forward to, especially when you're working. It sure sounds like they're still interested so hopefully you'll hear something this week!

Brown Derby has been on my list the past 3 trips. I want that Cobb Salad!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Someday. We will eat there before repeating MM because I like to try new things - esp when the Brown Derby gets so many wonderful reviews!

That is hilarious about you winning the Star Wars trivia! I would completely fail that that, I can't remember anything from the movies. I am thinking we will have to get them on Netflix though, even Henry will enjoy them I'm sure. (and I'll probably be inviting the Star Wars obsession into the house. )

That is VERY true about the job hunt (and life in general!). And a perfect attitude to have about it. Something that is just right will come along at just the right time. Thanks for the words of encouragement!

Me too! I'm getting the black screeen thing and all sorts of weird stuff. And hten today I keep getting empty emails from boards@disboards. Are they doing an upgrade?

They must have been doing something, I was getting all weird errors too. I think they have a really small infrastructure for this massive board to be running on (it's expensive to run servers), so that I'm sure plays a role in it too. Joe is always asking about how the DIS runs because he knows how big it is, he wants to call them/email them and help them set up a better infrastructure. I think he just doesn't want to hear me go, "Carp! I hate this error!"

Love your pics of Mama Melroses. That is our fav at DHS. We are going back on our May trip. Too bad you are not going the last week of May. We will be there from 5-23 to 5-29.

Good luck on the job applications. It sounds like you have some good prospects.

Love the pics of Henry making his sundae. He was taking it seriously!!

Oh! We selected dates in May, should the trip go that route, and the end of May was one option-but it worked better with the beginning of May. It seems like no matter what time we go we'll have some great DIS meets! I love that!

Henry was taking that sundae mixing very seriously. He was mixing, mixing, sprinkling, mixing....he loved it! Though, after it was done being mixed and all it looked pretty awful!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Very fun TR! You have totally convinced me that I need to stay at the Boardwalk Villas sometime in the near future! All your pictures help me feel like I am close to DW and your little Henry is ADORABLE! My DS has the Donald Duck-butt hat he is wearing at Philharmagic. Excited to read more!

How long is the walk from Boardwalk Villas to Epcot?

Good luck on your job situation! I got permanently laid-off from the job I have had since I was 16 (24 years) early last year and I know how frustrating it can be to wait for "news". Good things will happen soon, I'm sure.

I love the same front area of FW in Epcot that you do. So peaceful.

Okay, first your screen name made me LOL! I love it!

Thank you for reading!!!

We LOVED the BWV. We are staying there again this coming trip! I have really enjoyed several Disney resorts, but this is the first one I have wanted to repeat so quickly. Something about it....

Thank you for the sweet words about Henry!

The walk from the BW to Epcot is maybe 10 minutes. It's very, very close. There is also a boat if you'd rather.

Oh my goodness - laid off from the job you've had for 24 years?! That is awful.

I loved all of the pictures of DHS. Henry is so cute with the characters. Next time I visit the back lot I will be looking for the W D sub station.

I wish you the best of luck on a job. If the job does not work out see you at the small world meet.

It was very fun to do some of the character meets with Henry. I'm sure he'll soon want to do even more of them and do pin trading too. Right now I don't think he realizes there is more to the park than what we steer him to, or what he sees on his own...and I'm okay with that!

That Small World meet is gonna be HUGE. Has there been any sort of headcount on it? We are gonna take up a couple boats I think! I will post the details here too in case there are a few DISers here who aren't on other threads with the info.

Good luck with your job searching. I hope you will get it or at least another great option soon!

Thank you!!!

Aw, when I was little I had an Ewok I slept with each night.

Good luck with the job!

Me too! His name was Mookie! My brother carried around after he lost his, which oddly, I was okay with because it was still "mine".

Thinking of you with the pending snow storm coming your way. Has the snow even melted from the last one? NYC is definetely not the best place to have feet of snow dumped on you(as you pics show). Anyway, be safe and try to enjoy it, atleast a little.

Thank you! This snow storm wasn't as bad as the last one, only a couple inches. They projected much worse. We still have a lot of snow, but the sidewalks and such are pretty much back to normal. There are a few areas that are still rough, and sometimes the corners on each block are full of hard packed snow which is very difficult with a stroller -it's like a work out getting it around sometimes!

Henry and I did get out the other day to play. It was fun, he loves to throw snowballs. We built a tiny little snowman too - then Henry purposely knocked him over and enjoyed that part better!

Brook, we may now be going in May too. My DH is not high on my good list right now. I don't mind going in May, but he refuses to set actual dates yet.

I read that on your PTR! UGH! I hope he decides soon. Is March totally out?!

Love the Mike and Sully meet! Good luck on the job - I hope it all works out!

Thank you Leanne! It's been a frustrating and exhausting time, but I know something will work out eventually.

Hi Brook,
Wonderful updates! I love that Henry "graduated" to the bigger slide. It's just a little bittersweet, knowing that he's growing up.

I love love love that your server at Mama Melrose was so thoughtful! It is the little things that really make a difference. I seriously think that only Disney knows how.

Good with the job, even if you would have to postpone your trip. It just means you'll have more money for future ones!

It is bittersweet! He's so fun to watch growing up, but I do miss the little age sometimes too. I should be able to milk the slide for at least a few more years, hopefully a few more beyond that too....

It really is those little things at Disney. We had some great waitstaff this trip! I love the extra little touches they do for the kids.

The money factor is a BIG deal with moving it to May. Planning for March, fund wise, has been...interesting.

Does that mean that you haven't heard back from that job? Holy cow, 1 month away!! That does have a nice ring to it. Although, I like mine better...see my ticker below? Only 17 days baby!

I hope you're able to keep this trip too!

Nope, I still haven't heard from the job! I also applied for another one that I was a perfect fit for - and NOTHING.

I LOVE your ticker -soooooooooooooooo close! Are you going to write a TR?

Are you having the same commitment problems that Skip is having? LOL!

No! I would take both those trips if I could!!! Stinkin' job!

The new ticker looks great!

Thank you! Henry designed it!

Yea I always have an excuse why I am late... so I'll just keep it to myself this time.

Wow.. the streets of NY seem pretty quiet for middle of the day.

Great pictures of Mama Melrose. We had a pretty good meal there in Dec. I have pics- as soon as I can get to that day in my TR!

I love Henry's face concentrating on making his sundae.

ITA that sometimes it is the small things that make a Disney trip (or any trip) special like the candle and paper hat.

A hippy icon, eh? You know what hippies are usually associated with???? Is THAT why you are late Tim?!?! Just kidding!

September RULES for low crowds. Empty streets, short lines. Ahhhh, so so nice.

I look forward to your MM review! We really enjoyed our meal there, nothing extra special, but good.

 

[brookelizabeth]

We left off leaving Mama Melrose after a nice, relaxing and satisfying meal. As we left the building we could hear a certain, familiar tune..."Life is a highway, I wanna drive it all night long...."

Henry recognized it immediately.

Cars!

We rounded the corner and there they were. Our excited little boy almost ran straight up to McQueen and Mater, but we were able to convince him to stand in the short line.

This line always moves pretty quickly since the Cars cannot truly interact, and soon Henry was meeting his buddies again.

Last time he was completely star-struck and was silent; however, this time he tried to talk to them and was confused on why they weren't talking back to him. So cute and innocent!

He had to touch Mater's engine before we left!

Just after we left this area my phone buzzed with a message from Poolrat! She was in DHS and I told her we were on our way to TSM, thinking we could meet over there.

But this gal is smart.

She knew where we were and where we would be going. She also knew there was an excellent photo opportunity in between that we would be likely to spot and take.

And she was right!

I spied the photo opportunity, handed off the camera to Joe and took my pose...

Just for you Jordan (even though you won't be seeing this)!

Pat spied me in my crazy pink shirt doing the Jordan pose from the other end of the street and KNEW it had to be me.

Smart I tell ya, smart! She knew we would see the China Bowl and figured we would stop!

So there, we had a DIS meet, right in front of the China Bowl!

We shoulda posed or done the Jordan tongue, but I didn't think about it all at the time - it was a great meet! When she walked up we hugged like old friends.

And this picture also proves, that yes, I'm a giant.

Or I just met all the short people on this trip!?!?!

While Pat and I chatted, Joe took some pictures of Henry that he knew I wanted.

Henry attempting his karate moves.

Pat and I said our good-byes and we parted ways, we were off to TSM. We rounded the corner with the spitting Coke, that felt wonderfulllllllll that day.

And arrived.

80 minute wait, even in September. So lovin' FP!

But wait. 80 minutes? Where are all the people?!?!

They have to do this on purpose, right? I have seen it on so many reports that the wait time outside is over an hour, yet NO ONE is inside....

As we went through the line I was playing with the Toy Story Mania app on my phone. Supposedly when you are at the attraction in either WDW or DL you can unlock something extra for the game. But no matter how many times I tried I got

All well! I'll try again next trip.

We figured he would be tall enough for his own shooter, like on Buzz, so he and Joe went on one side of the car and I went solo on the other.

Geek shot.

And no matter how hard I try on this game, I never do very well! But, I do have fun!!

I am pretty certain this is my best score to date.

I managed to hand off the camera to Joe to snag their scores. Not too shabby for a 3 year old!

When we all got off the ride I asked Henry how he liked it. He ran up to one of the Tinkertoy poles and hugged it. I think I'll take that as a "Yep, Mom, I liked it!"

Outside we grabbed our stroller and made the plan for our next move.

Where to???

 

[Poolrat]

Awsome !!!!!
I knew at the end of the last update our meet was coming up but while catching up today I was not thinking about it until I saw the title.


It was so much fun meeting you and doing it there at the China bowl was great.



TSM 80 minute wait listed and no line!!!!!

I may have to check it out the next time just to see.

 

[KatMark]

Great update, Brook. Funny how different Henry was this trip compared to last (shy with the Cars and then wondering why they didn't talk) and being able to shoot his own machine on Toy Story Mania.

Very nice picture of you and Pat and the "Karate Kid".

 

[brookelizabeth]

As you know I am in the middle of attempting to return to work. Sending in resumes, interviewing - that whole ball of fun. I've had three that I really thought I was IN on, but so far, nothing. In the midst of all that is attempting to set up childcare for Henry for the hours for that job that I don't even have yet.

Can someone say "ugh"?!?!

I have a friend in the neighborhood and we are attempting to do a nanny share. We interviewed a great nanny last week. Sounds all good. Except the fact that I don't have a job!

I can't commit to anything because of that fact.

Her husband (who just moved to the United States - she lived overseas for a couple years), found a job and will be starting in early February. So they are under the gun a bit to find care NOW.

I sent her a long, rambling email tonight about the situation and her wise, wise words whittled down to this:

"Girl, take your vacation. Enjoy it!"

She didn't have to say that twice!

THE FEBRUARY/MARCH TWO WEEK ADVENTURE IS ON!



The job search is going to be halted for a while, I hate to get hired somewhere, work for a week and then leave for two-know what I mean??? I'll pick it back up in early February with the goal of starting mid-March. If the nanny share works out, it works out. If it doesn't, it doesn't. Something will pan out for both us and my friend, we are all calm about it. It is what it is.

So with that said...

I'M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD NEXT MONTH!

43 days baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaby!

Who all is going to be there between February 28 and March 12? I know there are a ton of people - in case you don't know already, March 1, shortly after park opening, BIG DIS MEET at Small World! I'd love to meet each and everyone of you that happen to be there during those dates, so let me know-even if you already have in the past-I now have real trip plans and a schedule, so I want YOU on it! (and yes, if/when I ever finish this TR, there will be a PTR...otherwise I'll just wrap it into the end of this one!)

 

[Poolrat]

Oh and by the way -

You are not a giant-- I am short! Really short!


Great attitude about the looking for a job and putting it off. It will come sometimes you just have to wait for it.

I wish i could squeeze a quick trip down but I will have to wait until Oct and I am still looking at NYE.

 

[MEK]

You got some great pictures of Henry in that last update. Ah - so cute that he wanted the cars to talk.

Love your DIS meet pics and your Jordan pose.

80 minute wait time and there appeared to be no one in the queue. Great score Henry - way to go!

Glad the trip is still on, even though we would have loved to see you in May!