Taking DD and a GF to Halloween Horror and WDW. Are you scary Nuts? UPDATE 12/08

[cj9200]

This is a continuation of the series of the CJ9200 family vacations at WDW. Normally I post these on the DVC Board but since it is not DVC related at all, I am posting it here. This is also a hybrid trip that includes both WDW and the park that shall not be named. So while it could fit over on that other board, most of it is Disney related so here I am. Confused? So am I.

This began a few weeks ago when DD sheepishly came to me with a proposition. “Why don’t we go to Halloween Horror Nights? Don’t say NO out of hand, Pleeessssse?” Just where does she get off thinking that I would want to do an impromptu trip to Orlando?

It took me a second or two to think about it. Thought bubble: We could do this on the cheap side and I can get discounts on HHN tickets. We have days left on our hoppers. Never been to HHN, it could be fun. Thought bubble pops and I say why not. We pick October 14 - 16. Then comes the addendum from the Princess, “Can I bring a friend, Pleeessssse?” Many of our trips includes a friend (expect for her sweet 16 where there were six of them). After I told her they would need to pay for their own ticket I agreed.

So who is going? Cast introduction:

Me (AKA Dad. AKA the guy with the wallet over there) - Single dad, Disney nut job and DVC member since 1996. Soon to be an empty nester. Whooo Hooo. Age? Not important. Looks? Some think I am quite handsome (OK that was a lie). Too many trips to count any more. If you have not read one of my previous reports, be forewarned. I have a tendency to be a bit sarcastic at times. Most of the time. All right, I admit it, all of the time.

We live in South Florida only about 4 hours away from the World. Realize I am a very lucky person to be so close to the mouse, able to afford DVC, and have time and resources to vacation a lot. Along with a daughter that has inherited my love of all things Disney. Over the holidays last year I was stuck in the hospital for 6 weeks with a bad infection that spread to both legs. It messed my system up a lot and it took a long time to recover. Didn’t stop me from going solo to Disney in March. Feeling much better now even though I still get fatigued. Decided after I got out that life is too short and if I want to do something and can afford to do it, it was going to happen.

DD AKA Princess. AKA Pooh. AKA “The Kid” - Seventeen year-old Senior in High school. She is in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at one of the country’s top high schools (according to US News). It is a rigorous academic program and she works hard at it. We are in the middle of college application time. Schools of interest include the big Florida Schools, Seton Hall and St. John’s.

Good all around kid who I like to reward her with diversions away from school. These diversions are primarily scuba diving in the Florida Keys and trips to Disney World. Disney veteran and by now can plan her own trips and serves as an expert guide in the parks. Favorite quote from DD that is Disney related was when we were pulling into the hotel on our last trip, “People just don’t get Disney. Disney to them is standing in lines. They don’t know how to do it like we do.” This after hearing the “Going to Disney World again” comments from a couple of friends. Brought a tear to my eye.

This us when we went parasailing on the last trip

A friend of ours on our last diving trip

Same trip. I actually heard him say, “Fish are our friends not food.”

GF AKA DDBFF. AKA “The other Kid.” AKA #7 - She is so named because on the mega trip with DD’s GFs I named them 1-6 on the report. She was not present on that trip so in continuation of that tradition she becomes lucky number 7. A relative neophyte WDW traveler. Also a good kid and student who is very polite. Not used to that so I don’t know how I will react. She is also seventeen, from the same school and is also going through the college application process. Found out on this trip she was born in the same hospital, three days before Princess came screaming into this world. Her previous trips were day trips or with school primarily in the MK. Looking forward to showing her the CJ9200 family way to visit WDW.

“The other Kid”

Just the facts

Where are we staying? All Star Music. Tried to see if we could use some points to get a late minute DVC reservation. After the Member Services Guy stopped laughing at my request, he looked and only Saturday was available. The Universal hotels were also fully booked. Looked on line and found rates were higher than usual at the Hilton in Lake Buena Vista where we sometimes stay on arrival day. Finally called reservations and they were able to get me the room for $88 Florida Resident rate. Cool!

The Plan

Pick the kids up early at school and head to ASMu. Check-in, rest a bit and head to Universal. Get there early, have the pants scared off the kids and then turn in. Saturday may be a park day if not, chill by the pool, eat and see the sights. Sunday have breakfast somewhere and head back. Short trip but with hopes of fun filled laughter and memories. This will be totally by the seat of our pants. No ADRs and other than HHN nothing planned. Most of my trips are planned out like an invasion but I occasionally do this. Makes life fun.

That is pre-game. What pratfalls will we have? My next post starts with us driving up and checking in.

Friday, 10/14 Day 1 Part 1: Arriving at the World

Friday, 10/14 Part 2: Halloween Horror Night

Saturday, 10/15 Part 1 Tea at the GF

Saturday, 10/15 Part 2 Killing time on the Loop

Saturday, 10/15 Part 3 Bob?

Sunday, 10/16 Final Morning

 

[alanapapa]

I welcome the ability to vicariously live through another one of your trips. You are a fantastic spinner of words and I eagerly await your next installment.

I will not let my DD's read your TR's as they might give them ideas and as we live in Washington State, trips to Disney (even in CA) take a lot of planning and thought.

 

[IamTrike]

Shameless plugs work. I'm in.

I have a tendency to be a bit sarcastic at times. Most of the time. All right, I admit it, all of the time.

Sarcasm? I can NOT believe that about a fellow disdad.

Decided after I got out that life is too short and if I want to do something and can afford to do it, it was going to happen.

+ 1000

Same trip. I actually heard him say, “Fish are our friends not food.”

Your diving pictures always rock. I am very envious of the dive trips and very happy you're diving again.

Most of my trips are planned out like an invasion but I occasionally do this. Makes life fun.

Come on "not planning" = fun? I keep trying to convince my kids "rigorous structure and an excruciatingly painstaking attention to detail is the real path to fun" but they just want to watch Phineas and Ferb. Being an expert, and your proximity to the parks probably makes it much easier to just have a seat of the pants trip. When you go frequently and know the next trip will not be that far in the future, you can know that you don't have to do everything. It probably makes it much easier for you to relish the detail throughout the parks and adds a new level of appreciation.

 

[scott2997]

I'm in....thanks to the shameless plug....

Some other DisDads (Barry) might be tempted to move on to the newer technology in the CJ9300 TR's....

Nope, not this guy....he likes the good ole' CJ9200 TR!

 

[cj9200]

I welcome the ability to vicariously live through another one of your trips. You are a fantastic spinner of words and I eagerly await your next installment.

I will not let my DD's read your TR's as they might give them ideas and as we live in Washington State, trips to Disney (even in CA) take a lot of planning and thought.

Why thank you sir, I am truly flattered. Never posted a trip report on this Board so now I am playing with the big boys. I need everyone’s support. Sorry to hear you are location challenged. How old are the girls? If they are teenagers, you have my sympathy. I can barely handle one.

Shameless plugs work. I'm in.

Sucker

Sarcasm? I can NOT believe that about a fellow disdad.

I forgot, is sarcasm a criteria for membership or is it naturally assumed if you wanted you join, you already have the smart a** gene? Any dads out there, there is a place for you. It is a sub-forum on the Disney for Families forum. Lots of manly bonding going on. Check it out.

Your diving pictures always rock. I am very envious of the dive trips and very happy you're diving again.

So am I. The first time getting back underwater felt really good.

You can always come down here. I am still working on the guest bedroom but there are a couple of couches available. If you want to get certified, I can hook you up with some great instructors. It could be done in a weekend.

Come on "not planning" = fun? I keep trying to convince my kids "rigorous structure and an excruciatingly painstaking attention to detail is the real path to fun" but they just want to watch Phineas and Ferb. Being an expert, and your proximity to the parks probably makes it much easier to just have a seat of the pants trip. When you go frequently and know the next trip will not be that far in the future, you can know that you don't have to do everything. It probably makes it much easier for you to relish the detail throughout the parks and adds a new level of appreciation.

It is easier when you live relatively close. Most of the trips that are not planned are add on spur of the moment things like this one. In other areas, people go to the mountains or beach for a weekend get away. We go to the Keys or the World. I am lucky to know we are going back soon so if we don’t hit the parks or miss something, no big deal.

I'm in....thanks to the shameless plug....

Some other DisDads (Barry) might be tempted to move on to the newer technology in the CJ9300 TR's....

Nope, not this guy....he likes the good ole' CJ9200 TR!

Pretty funny. YOU THE MAN. Barry’s TRs are really funny. Especially when it involves projectile vomiting. Glad you joined us.

Working on the next installment between flipping channels watching the different games. Should be up tomorrow.

Don’t want any of you laddies out there to think this is a man thing intensive TR. I welcome all genders, races, creeds, Red State/Blue State or any other criteria. It is much more fun when you jump in. I like participatory TRs.

 

[alanapapa]

Why thank you sir, I am truly flattered. Never posted a trip report on this Board so now I am playing with the big boys. I need everyone’s support. Sorry to hear you are location challenged. How old are the girls? If they are teenagers, you have my sympathy. I can barely handle one.

I have followed your previous TR on the DVC forum and since this is posted here, I am too. I think this is the first time I have ventured here.

My DDs are 17 (going on 5 or 6 most of the time) and 12 (going on 18 or 19). The younger one is probably going to drive me to drink or jail as she is already "boy crazy".

I too envy you your warm water location. I grew up in the greater LA area (former DL CM) and was certified back in '85 or '86 but here the water is drysuit most of the year.

Again, thanks for starting another TR.

 

[cj9200]

Friday, October 14 Part 1: Picking up the children and checking in AKA: Ready, set, go.

Spent the morning packing the snacks (most important) electronics and chargers and clothes (least important, I usually throw stuff in a bag). Packed everything in the car, dropped off the dog at the vet and went to the post office to mail a check to the IRS. That hurt. The vet was glad to see my younger child. Not only does she love to be petted, she plays well with others. A nice thing about our vet is they bring the more behaved kids out in the reception area to walk around and meet the other kids.

My younger and more behaved daughter

Such a sweetheart. Just don’t try to come into the house unless we let you in

The plan was to leave for school to pick the girls up at 11:30. Normally she does not leave school early but we had to in order to make sure we were up there in time for HHN. The other kid’s mom wanted to meet me (that may be a mistake) before I took her daughter away for the weekend. I found out during the trip, they are protective and need to talk to her a lot to make sure she is OK. I have no problem with that. My attitude has relaxed a bit knowing that next fall she will be out on her own at college anyway. The exception is when she is driving.

Worried that 7’s mom would be late and throw the schedule off because 7 told me her mom is always late. Not to worry. Picked them up without a hitch and we were soon off. Gave the mom my cell number, DD’s number and the number of the hotel. She seemed satisfied.

Self portrait. This is DD’s car. Just got her license and is exited about the sense of freedom that comes with driving.

You will notice the Princess is dressed like a pirate. She has a problem with the sixth optical nerve. They think it began with a virus that inflamed the nerve. Her right eye could not move to the right and caused blurred and double vision. The Neuro-Opthamologist predicted it would be better in 10 to 12 weeks. We saw him last week and she is now 90% and way ahead of schedule. She had to wear the patch so she didn’t run over things because of the double vision. She is now a part-time pirate and wearing the patch less and less. DD has heard every pirate joke there is and it comes into play later on the trip. Medical report over, back to the trip.

After stopping at McDonalds because they were starving, we were on the Turnpike headed north. The drive up was smooth and the roads not overwhelmed with traffic. Of course DD would rather have chatted with GF instead of taking the wheel. Four plus hours later and without incident we were on Disney property. We encountered a sky writer spreading the love of their faith. No comments from me. The girls were fascinated and tried to figure out what the message was. Think the scene in The Christmas story where Ralphie is using his Little Orphan Annie decoder ring.

The start of the message. You can try to figure it out.

Pulled into the guard shack and said one of my favorite phrases, “We are checking in.” After parking, I entered the lobby and noticed there was NO ONE in line. Sweet. Wish I remembered the name of the CM (my bad), she was very nice and efficient. She had us in the boonies and I asked if we could get closer to lobby/food court. She called and tried to get us closer but to no avail. We were in building 7, Broadway section.

Meanwhile I met up with the kids, who were exploring. GF was very excited and impressed with the theming. This happened through the trip. On her few visits to the World, she never stayed on property and it was basically an in an out experience. She really appreciated the detail they put into the resort. Like many, her parents are struggling during these tough economic times and can’t splurge like DD and I can. Her smile and excitement was infectious and made me smile.

Got back into the car and headed to our room. Finally found it after just one wrong turn. They were the pack mules this time and carried most of the stuff up to the room. They also went to fetch ice. So far so good. I immediately grabbed the remote to put Stacy on with the must sees.

A Mickey towel greeted us

The room with some models posing

The obligatory shot of the bathroom

You may notice that my Nome de plume is on my pictures. It is not that I am worried about people craving a picture I took of the bathroom but I did have a problem once. One of the pictures I liked mysteriously got transported to another site and the author of the article claimed it was his. After a heated exchange, he finally took the picture down. Not that I care what anyone does with anything I take (if you like it, copy it), but don’t misrepresent it as your own. Especially on a site that makes money. It did not come from here but I wanted you to know why I now sign my pictures. It is a pain and I wish I didn’t have to do it.

Here was the picture in question

OK off soap box, back to our story. I told her not to use the flash.

Wasn’t worried they would break the vanity they are both pretty skinny

They went out to explore more and get something to eat. Did they take pictures of the pool and the hotel? No, they picked this.

Princess is fascinated by animals. She loves any creature. So much so that her convictions led her to become a vegetarian. Although she loved meat, she decided that she would not eat animal flesh. That was over 5 years ago. Makes dinner time at home challenging but easily taken care of at WDW.

While they were trying to coax the rabbit into following them home, I did what I do best. Rest. The drive up wore me out so I grabbed a few pillows and stretched out on the bed. A short nap was involved.

They came back with yogurt granola things for them and a side salad for me. I just don’t get yogurt. You take perfectly good milk and introduce bacteria to spoil it. Then you have to add fruit just to make it palatable. So after a little more relaxing while contemplating the meaning of yogurt, it was time to get ready to head out. They began the hour plus long ritual to get ready and make themselves presentable. I went for a short walk. A couple of rooms down I saw this. Hope the “Go Blue” was not for Michigan because they lost that weekend.

A few of the rooms were decorated and many had some cool towel animals left by housekeeping on the windowsill. I like how people decorate their rooms during holidays. One year we were there at Christmas and The Princess made me bring a 5 foot tree and decorations for our room. If you get the chance, check out the campers at Ft. Wilderness during a holiday. They go all out and it is fun to see.

The aforementioned tree

After an inordinate amount of time the Princesses were ready to get the stuffing scared out of them. So next up is our visit to the park that shall not be named and Halloween Horror Nights.

Recap: A great start to the vacation. Only one wrong turn into the resort but everything else went smoothly. I was happy the girls were excited (especially 7). No problems so far. Will it continue, stay tuned to find out.

Up next: Friday, October 14 Part 2 Halloween Horror Night. AKA Chainsaw magnets.

 

[mckryan]

Yay! I was just thinking about you the other day and that I hadn't seen much from you on the DVC board. Another adventure to read about brightens my day! Can't wait to read more.

How is life with the Mac going?

 

[DMKEDM]

So glad to see you again! (grin)...I just LOVE your TRs ... I notice no leash of shame this trip...

I've always loved ASMu...maybe because it was the place we could afford pre-DVC? One of these days I'm gonna book a couple of days there just for memory's sake...

Also loved seeing the pic of your younger fur-daughter (her name, please?)...I have a fur-son (who took quite a bit of the sting out of DS going off to college)...like you, I'm a single parent w/just one two-legged kid...also like you, we go to Disney a LOT (probably even easier for us--a two-hour flight instead of a four-hour drive)--DS, like your princess, is as much a Disney nut as I am--and frequently bring DS' friends...

Have a GREAT time (how can you avoid it?)...can't wait to hear about the park that shall not be named (and truly admire your ability to go there...as for me, even after too many trips to count (especially in the last 6 years of DVC and 4-5 trips/year), I can't get myself out of WDW once I get there!)...

 

[bzzelady]

Hello! Defected from the DVC board to read the beginnings of your trip report! Missing HHN at "the other theme park" this year by three weeks (not arriving at WDW until November 17th) so looking forward to your report on the scaring

Funny...my DD12 and I were talking today and she says to me, "I'm tired of staying at OKW. Maybe we should stay at ASMu-they have a nice pool."
I like ASMu and I even like Broadway #8, but had to explain the 31 day window and the holding account to her for DVC points. That didn't stop her on her quest and you guessed it...she had the perfect solution to this problem. "You know...that just means we have to come back down during the summer and use those points so we don't lose them!" Long story short-we will be at OKW enjoying a studio, hopefully in South Point #56 by the pool and hot tub.

I'm just glad after reading your other thread on the DVC board that our reservation is not at the BWV...I kind of like having my car somewhat closer than the Norway pavillion when I am staying the Epcot resort area

 

[afwdwfan]

I have a tendency to be a bit sarcastic at times. Most of the time. All right, I admit it, all of the time.

What? Sarcasm from a DISdad? Never!

Decided after I got out that life is too short and if I want to do something and can afford to do it, it was going to happen.

That is the right kind of attitude.

Brought a tear to my eye.

She seems like a good kid. Between that an her inheriting your Disney addiction, you've got a lot to be proud of!

Not used to that so I don’t know how I will react.

Pick the kids up early at school and head to ASMu. Check-in, rest a bit and head to Universal. Get there early, have the pants scared off the kids and then turn in. Saturday may be a park day if not, chill by the pool, eat and see the sights. Sunday have breakfast somewhere and head back. Short trip but with hopes of fun filled laughter and memories. This will be totally by the seat of our pants. No ADRs and other than HHN nothing planned. Most of my trips are planned out like an invasion but I occasionally do this. Makes life fun.

I'm jealous. I wish I was close enough to do a last second weekend trip like that.

went to the post office to mail a check to the IRS.

The other kid’s mom wanted to meet me (that may be a mistake) before I took her daughter away for the weekend.


Gave the mom my cell number, DD’s number and the number of the hotel. She seemed satisfied.

Well, I'm glad you didn't scare her too much and the trip was able to continue as planned.

Meanwhile I met up with the kids, who were exploring. GF was very excited and impressed with the theming. This happened through the trip. On her few visits to the World, she never stayed on property and it was basically an in an out experience. She really appreciated the detail they put into the resort. Like many, her parents are struggling during these tough economic times and can’t splurge like DD and I can. Her smile and excitement was infectious and made me smile.

I'm glad you were able to give her an opportunity to experience it!

Looks like it worked out well that the Hilton was expensive that weekend. Probably a bit of a blessing that you were able to find a room at a value resort for the weekend so she could experience a stay on property.

They were the pack mules this time and carried most of the stuff up to the room. They also went to fetch ice. So far so good. I immediately grabbed the remote to put Stacy on with the must sees.

Wow, you've got them trained well.

Here was the picture in question

That is an awesome shot... Sorry you had to deal with picture piracy... and I'm not talking about the pictures of your DD.

You take perfectly good milk and introduce bacteria to spoil it. Then you have to add fruit just to make it palatable.

I've never really cared for yougurt, but I've also never thought about it this way! Great observations!

Up next: Friday, October 14 Part 2 Halloween Horror Night. AKA Chainsaw magnets.

This should be an entertaining update. I look forward to it.

 

[cj9200]

I have followed your previous TR on the DVC forum and since this is posted here, I am too. I think this is the first time I have ventured here.

My DDs are 17 (going on 5 or 6 most of the time) and 12 (going on 18 or 19). The younger one is probably going to drive me to drink or jail as she is already "boy crazy".

I too envy you your warm water location. I grew up in the greater LA area (former DL CM) and was certified back in '85 or '86 but here the water is drysuit most of the year.

Again, thanks for starting another TR.

You have my sympathy. Just when one is leaving the teenage years, here comes the second. You sound like Dis Dad material.

When I moved back here from New York, I hated living in Miami. The only thing to do that I really liked was diving. Got DD certified at 12 and we have gone ever since. Made life good and Miami tolerable. That and the ability to get to Orlando. When it gets too cold down here to the point I have to wear more than a 3mm shortie, I put the gear away for a couple of months. Diving in a Dry Suit? No thanks.

Yay! I was just thinking about you the other day and that I hadn't seen much from you on the DVC board. Another adventure to read about brightens my day! Can't wait to read more.

How is life with the Mac going?

Hey! Glad you found me over here. Posted a little bit on the DVC board. Not much lately. Love my Mac. Still trying to talk DD into replacing her PC with one.

So glad to see you again! (grin)...I just LOVE your TRs ... I notice no leash of shame this trip...

I've always loved ASMu...maybe because it was the place we could afford pre-DVC? One of these days I'm gonna book a couple of days there just for memory's sake...

Also loved seeing the pic of your younger fur-daughter (her name, please?)...I have a fur-son (who took quite a bit of the sting out of DS going off to college)...like you, I'm a single parent w/just one two-legged kid...also like you, we go to Disney a LOT (probably even easier for us--a two-hour flight instead of a four-hour drive)--DS, like your princess, is as much a Disney nut as I am--and frequently bring DS' friends...

Have a GREAT time (how can you avoid it?)...can't wait to hear about the park that shall not be named (and truly admire your ability to go there...as for me, even after too many trips to count (especially in the last 6 years of DVC and 4-5 trips/year), I can't get myself out of WDW once I get there!)...

How is DS enjoying college life? Mixed emotions on DD leaving next year. Glad she will be on her own and I will also be free. Will be weird with her not being here every day. Already have trips planned for NY, Chicago and DC. Plus I have no problem going to WDW by myself. I imagine on some of her breaks we will be going to Disney. One of the colleges she is thinking about is Central Florida. If she decides to go there, I imagine I will be spending more time in Orlando.

The leash of shame was available but not needed on this trip. DDGF was very nice and a pleasure to take. Haven’t stayed at an All-Star in a couple of years. Enjoyed it and could not beat the rate. The pups name is Kiki. I didn’t pick it, DD did.

Hello! Defected from the DVC board to read the beginnings of your trip report! Missing HHN at "the other theme park" this year by three weeks (not arriving at WDW until November 17th) so looking forward to your report on the scaring

Funny...my DD12 and I were talking today and she says to me, "I'm tired of staying at OKW. Maybe we should stay at ASMu-they have a nice pool."
I like ASMu and I even like Broadway #8, but had to explain the 31 day window and the holding account to her for DVC points. That didn't stop her on her quest and you guessed it...she had the perfect solution to this problem. "You know...that just means we have to come back down during the summer and use those points so we don't lose them!" Long story short-we will be at OKW enjoying a studio, hopefully in South Point #56 by the pool and hot tub.

I'm just glad after reading your other thread on the DVC board that our reservation is not at the BWV...I kind of like having my car somewhat closer than the Norway pavillion when I am staying the Epcot resort area

You have one smart child. I like Movies the best of the All-Stars but the differences are minor. I remember the first time I stayed at one years ago. Impressed with the theming and energy of the place. Plus you can’t beat the price and then include the resort perks.

Things are a mess right now at my beloved Boardwalk. There was another thread on the Board that gave an update. A guest was reportedly told they closed off the main lot to all resort guests because it was used for a convention. They were mad and I would have blown my top if they did that to me. They need to address the problem. Parking was always a challenge but now it is crazy.

HHN nights may be up tomorrow but more probably Wednesday. Thanks for tuning in.

 

[DMKEDM]

Hi, there...

Not to be obnoxious (who me?) or anything...but we DO want to read more about the rest of the weekend...please? Pretty please?

DS is done w/college (which he loved--he went to Cornell), and now is almost done w/law school (U VA)...he starts at a NYC law firm in September, 2012...we'll have our traditional T-giving trip next month (at BCV), and possibly a few days between law school graduation and putting his head down to study for the bar--maybe late May/early June, 2012...I'd like to get us a villa at BLT; he LOVED the model but hasn't yet stayed there (I have and I like it a lot)...

Once he's at the law firm, tho, I will be rethinking DVC...I also like solo trips, altho not all that many and for not all that long...I also have 3-4 families w/kids I take regularly...so I'm not sure I'll give it up...but it's different when DS isn't part of the equation...we shall see...he was a regular during his college and law school years, as I suspect your Princess will be...

OK...you asked (altho you probably didn't want to know all this much!)...but we really, really REALLY want to hear more about your trip...pet Kiki for us!

 

[FreezinRafiki]

I'm late, but I'm here! (I just set up a hot key combination for that. CTRL+H = "I'm late, but I'm here!")

Anyway, I'm very excited to read about your adventure. My kids are far too young to go to HHN, so I won't be experiencing it for quite a while.

 

[Sandy321]

lopping over from the dvc board too -

I mostly lurk

hope you can include some of the HHN and universal experience - did they do any HP rides? DD is hoping to convince us to head out there one day!!

sorry you had to fight for what is obvious yours - and I do love that firework picture- amazing!!

 

[disnewbie108]

Following along. Followed you over from DVC board. Love your TRs. Glad you are doing another one. Thanks for letting us know on the DVC threads where to find you.

 

[kid-at-heart]

I welcome the ability to vicariously live through another one of your trips. You are a fantastic spinner of words and I eagerly await your next installment.

I will not let my DD's read your TR's as they might give them ideas and as we live in Washington State, trips to Disney (even in CA) take a lot of planning and thought.

I agree with everything alanapapa says except I no longer live in Washington State. Used to though. Wish I still did... Oh and instead of DDs, I have only one DD.

 

[cj9200]

What? Sarcasm from a DISdad? Never!

Shocking I tell you. Shocking

She seems like a good kid. Between that an her inheriting your Disney addiction, you've got a lot to be proud of!

She is and I am.

I'm jealous. I wish I was close enough to do a last second weekend trip like that.

Doesn't stink. Even when I am just hanging out by the pool, it is good to get away.

Well, I'm glad you didn't scare her too much and the trip was able to continue as planned.

Funny.

Looks like it worked out well that the Hilton was expensive that weekend. Probably a bit of a blessing that you were able to find a room at a value resort for the weekend so she could experience a stay on property.

It really did. Couldn't beat the price and you still are on property.

I've never really cared for yougurt, but I've also never thought about it this way! Great observations!

Never got the idea behind that concoction.

Hi, there...

Not to be obnoxious (who me?) or anything...but we DO want to read more about the rest of the weekend...please? Pretty please?

DS is done w/college (which he loved--he went to Cornell), and now is almost done w/law school (U VA)...he starts at a NYC law firm in September, 2012...we'll have our traditional T-giving trip next month (at BCV), and possibly a few days between law school graduation and putting his head down to study for the bar--maybe late May/early June, 2012...I'd like to get us a villa at BLT; he LOVED the model but hasn't yet stayed there (I have and I like it a lot)...

Once he's at the law firm, tho, I will be rethinking DVC...I also like solo trips, altho not all that many and for not all that long...I also have 3-4 families w/kids I take regularly...so I'm not sure I'll give it up...but it's different when DS isn't part of the equation...we shall see...he was a regular during his college and law school years, as I suspect your Princess will be...

OK...you asked (altho you probably didn't want to know all this much!)...but we really, really REALLY want to hear more about your trip...pet Kiki for us!

Kiki petted. Good for your son. A good friend of mine is a Cornell grad. Just think, though there may come a time he wants to bring friends or loved ones and help you use your points. Working on the next installment now.

I'm late, but I'm here! (I just set up a hot key combination for that. CTRL+H = "I'm late, but I'm here!")

There's an app for that.

Anyway, I'm very excited to read about your adventure. My kids are far too young to go to HHN, so I won't be experiencing it for quite a while.

They will get there soon enough. Have fun on the upcoming trip. How is the mother to be doing?

lopping over from the dvc board too -

I mostly lurk

hope you can include some of the HHN and universal experience - did they do any HP rides? DD is hoping to convince us to head out there one day!!

sorry you had to fight for what is obvious yours - and I do love that firework picture- amazing!!

HHN is next. Glad you got out of lurk mode. Feel free to keep posting.

Following along. Followed you over from DVC board. Love your TRs. Glad you are doing another one. Thanks for letting us know on the DVC threads where to find you.

Thanks to the mods for letting me let you know I was over here. Thanks on the comments. I enjoy writing them and once in a while pulling them out to relive a trip.

I agree with everything alanapapa says except I no longer live in Washington State. Used to though. Wish I still did... Oh and instead of DDs, I have only one DD.

Thank you. Fist time playing with the big boys over here. Bit intimidating to see thousands of views and hundred posts on other TRs.

Next update tomorrow. Promise.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

They will get there soon enough. Have fun on the upcoming trip. How is the mother to be doing?

Pretty bummed out. Can't go on any of the fun rides during our pre and post cruise time at WDW. Can't ride the AquaDuck on the ship. Not sure how much walking she'll be able to withstand in Nassau.
But the baby is healthy and growing, so she's looking on the bright side...

 

[cj9200]

Well, you know your job on the trip. Cater to her every need. A spa treatment maybe? I don't remember if you did a cruise before but the kids are going to love it.

Good luck, we are all counting on you.