The Greatest Hits: A Trip Like This Needs a Soundtrack!-A July 2012 TR Upd. 5/5!

[therussells08]

Wow - nine months! No wonder you want to spend lots of time with John before he goes!

Im so glad you have a new trip to concentrate on to help make the time go faster.

Great update as usual! That grumpy family sure sounds like fun lol

Yeah, it's a really long time. Fortunately, we had a lot of quality time before he left!

Thank you! That really does help make the time pass!

Haha yeah they were a real piece of work! I feel sorry for their kids.

Well, that's...special...wouldn't it have been just as easy to grab another park map, rather than make matters worse?? Parenting moment of the year, folks. No wonder they were arguing in the first place with angry parents like that! Yeesh!

Excited for an Epcot day!

Sorry that John has to leave for so long . I'll definitely keep y'all in my thoughts and prayers!

I know right?! It's not like there's not fifty million free park maps at every entrance!

I love Epcot so much!

Thank you so much! That means a lot to me!

So happy to hear you and your sister are doing a "girls only" trip! We decided we're going next fall and I think my mom is coming with us.

Keeping positive thoughts for you and John, and that the 9 months goes by quickly. Safe travels to him.

That family sounds truly miserable. I can be a very impatient person but when I'm on vacation, I just don't let things get to me like that, it's not worth it. I have two daughters, therefore we get two maps. We just got back from Hershey and as soon as we walked in the park, the girls each grabbed a map, that way they could decide what they wanted to ride, without the bickering.

Thank you! We're really excited! That's so cool that you're going in the fall! That's the best time of year to go, in my opinion!

Thank you so much!

I think your plan sounds great. I mean, the park maps are free, so why not let each kid have one? I love Hershey, by the way. We used to go there all the time when I was a kid! I love how the entire place always smells like chocolate!

Yay for a sister trip! That sounds like fun!

God bless you and John during those upcoming nine months. I truly thank him for his service in this country and you for your support.

I love those pictures of the sleeping bench potatoes-I laughed out loud. They look like logs.

Great updates!

Thanks! I'm really excited about it!

Thank you so much. That means a lot to both of us!

Haha I don't know what was up with those people! Apparently they had a very busy morning!

Home sick in bed...... reading some trip reports...

your title caught my attention...... love the idea of making a vaca soundtrack...

I love your Shining references...I've been in a hotel like that...

Looking forward to reading more and cupcakes...

Oh no! I hope you got to feeling better really quickly!

Haha thanks! That movie is so scary!

I'm so ready to get to the first cupcake update!

Aww nine months! Where is he going!? I will definitely be thinking about you next Sunday

I hate rude people. Why do people have to be mean to people that are trying to make a living and work!? It is my major pet peeve. Nothing is more important than treating people in a respectable manner! UGH! Well now that I got that off of my chest..hahah!

That is exciting about your new trip! I am heading to a Little Mermaid in November so you will have to follow my trip report if I do one!

He had to go to Afghanistan. Thank you for thinking of us!

I completely agree with you. I don't see why it's so difficult for some people to just be pleasant.

YAY! I hope you do a TR! I want to read all about AoA, especially the Little Mermaid rooms!

 

[therussells08]

The new trip sounds so exciting... Art of Animation looks awesome, I would love to try it out! Can't wait for the review!
I'll keep you and John in my thoughts... I really appreciate what he does for our country
I love the International Gateway, the walk is so peaceful
I don't understand why people can't just be calm in Disney! You're in the happiest place on earth people! Sheesh!

Thanks! I'm really looking forward to trying another new resort!

Thank you so much! That really means a lot!

I know, I love the International Gateway SO MUCH! I never want to go into Epcot the "normal" way again!

Haha, seriously! Apparently they didn't get that memo.

Ugh on the 9 months apart! That is going to be hard but having a trip to look forward to will help! I've been living apart from my hubby since February but the longest we go without seeing each other is 2 months. I cannot imagine 9 months!

Wonderful pics on a mostly empty World Showcase.... Um, yeah, WHY would people need to be sleeping on park benches at that time of day? Make absolutely no sense!! Go back to your room if you are that tired!!

It really is hard, but I'm hoping the time will fly by. I'm sorry that you have to be apart from your husband a lot too. That's never fun.

Thanks! haha, I guess they had a pretty busy morning!

Yay for getting to plan a new sisters trip!! The Art of Animation looks like a really neat place to stay. I can't imagine what you guys are feeling right now with him leaving for 9 months!!! I will for sure keep you guys in my thoughts and prayers.

We are so excited about our sisters' trip! It's going to be so much fun!

Thank you so much for thinking of us and praying for us. That means a lot to both of us!

First of all, please know that we appreciate yours and John's time and sacrifice for our country's freedom. MY BIL was deployed for 18 months and it was very hard on my sister and her son. I am so glad that Disney gives a really good military discount.

The Brave sculpture WAS sand. When we were there, they had the sculptors repairing sections of it that had gotten a little messed up by rain the previous evening. I love those sand sculptures.

How about that rude family, huh ?? When we went in April (Spring Break) there was a guy throwing a fit at 50's Prime Time at 12:15 PM - the height of lunch hour. He was wondering why they couldn't seat his part of TEN without a reservation. Way to plan ahead, dude ....

Thank you so much for your kind thoughts. We both really appreciate it. And thank you to your BIL for his service. We have a lot of brave men and women serving our country.

That's so cool! I love the little Disney details!

HAHA people seriously need to do their research before coming to Disney. I never understand these people who just assume the crowds are going to part for them like the Red Sea so they can go about their vacation business.

So sorry John will be leaving soon for 9 months. I can't imagine how hard that is on both of you. I admire you both for your sacrifice. I'm glad you have a new trip to plan though.

I must admit that patience is not one of my strong points, but I try not to be rude about it. Planning ahead is a must at WDW.

I have never seen Brave, I would like to. I just saw Tangled a couple of weeks ago, and I really liked it.

Thank you so much! Your kind words are very important to both us. It means a lot!

I'm kind of impatient too, but I try to never make a scene like that lady. UGH!

Tangled is so so so SOOOO good! Brave was pretty good too, but not as good as Tangled in my opinion.

Sorry for taking so long. We live in Greensboro. So not too far.

That's so cool! We're about twenty minutes from Greensboro!

Loving the trip report so far! And yay on the sisters trip I am dying to stay at art of animation some day, it looks so cool. Praying for you and John on his deployment. Thank God for people like him who protect our freedoms.

Thank you so much! I'm glad you're enjoying my TR. And thank you for your kind words about John. I really appreciate it!

Joni-sorry to hear about your hubby's long deployment. I can't imagine how hard it must be for you My baby Brother is a marine and currently on his 1st deployment(scheduled to return soon ) Its been alot harder to deal with than I'd anticipated but I'm sure nothing can compare to your spouse being gone. I'm praying for you both and thank you BOTH for your service to our country. Hopefully time will go by really quickly.

Yay for your March AoA stay with your sister! Can't wait to see those pics! My friend recently stayed in the cars land at AOA and she says the details are insane

Thank you so much. I'm so glad your brother will be home soon. God bless him and his service. Thank you for your prayers. That means a lot to both of us!

I am so excited to check out AoA! I will definitely do a very in depth TR for that trip!

 

[therussells08]

Joni, I'm sorry about the whole 9 months apart thing. I will definitely keep you both in my thoughts. And, hey, at least you have a Disney trip to plan/look forward to to help pass the time.

I love the International Gateway entrance. It's so pretty back there. And I can't stop laughing at the people passed out on the benches. Must've been a rough morning.

We didn't make it to Epcot until later in our trip so we missed the Highland Games. I'm kinda bummed because it looks really cute!

I totally know what you mean about the tour groups being EVERYWHERE. It was crazy. So many matching shirts. So many giant inflatable stick things.

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it. Yeah, planning for March is helping me pass the time, thank goodness!

Seriously, the International Gateway has got to be one of my favorite parts of Disney World. Yeah, I'm still not sure what was going on with those people. I guess thirty minutes in an empty park was just too exhausting.

They were really cute! I wish we could have spent more time looking around!

HAHA YES. Those freaking sticks...I wanted to grab them and start playing whack a mole with all of the obnoxious teenagers.

I'll definitely keep y'all in my prayers. His service is much appreciated.

How frustrating that must have been for him to be stuck in line by that family. But, I love that you dedicated your update song to them.

Thank you so much! That means a lot to both of us.

Haha yeah John wasn't too thrilled about having to listen to that woman complain for thirty minutes.

Ugh, 9 months, that must be really difficult. I will keep you and John in my prayers, and Thanks to you both for your sacrifice for our country.

However, I am so excited for your next trip!!! How cute, I am dying to stay in a LM room and dine in the Beasts castle! And how sweet that you get to do it with your sister! A perfect girly trip!

Thank you for thinking of us! That really means a lot to both of us.

I am so excited too! My sister's favorite Disney movie is The Little Mermaid, so we are going to have a blast!

All ready did a pray for John. I cant wait til you eat again. Best part of your TR

Were the people sleeping on the bench maybe there from the night before A little to much drinking around the world?

Thank you so much!

HAHA maybe? Sleeping off a little tour through the WS...that's a possibility!

First of all, and most importantly, many thanks to you and John for your services to our country. It is very much appreciated, and I'll definitely be thinking and praying for both of you while he's away.

Yay for a girl's trip to WDW and a Little Mermaid room! Some of my best WDW memories are of the time my niece and I had during our Divas trip last December! And I really love Ariel and would love to stay in one of her rooms!

It's always sad to me when I see angry people at Disney. I mean, there's no such thing as a perfect family or a perfect day, but come on, you're surrounded by MAGIC! Let the little stuff go! And you're right, proper planning on their part could have alleviated the whole mess! Ugh.

I love WS when it's quiet in the morning or late at night...so serene and beautiful! I laughed at the people passed out on the benches like they'd had a rough night drinking around the world, and security just couldn't bring themselves to make 'em leave!

Thank you for your kind comment. That really means a lot to both of us!

I'm so excited for our girls only trip! My mom and I had a blast when it was just the two of us, so I'm sure my sister and I will too!

Exactly! Everyone has some drama here and there, but you can't let it ruin your day! And seriously, if only these people understood what a little bit of planning can do!

I know, I think being in the WS first thing in the morning is one of my favorite parts of Disney! Haha, except for the drunkards!

Praying that the next 9 months fly by and for his safe return. God Bless you both for the sacrifices that you both make for our country.

At least you have something to look forward too while he is gone. And you will have to start planning a welcome home trip as well!

Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers! You're very kind!

Yeah, I'm already plotting what we might do when John comes home...I have some pretty exciting ideas!

Praying for you and your hubby! My heart goes out to you. Being from an active military family I understand the stress this puts on everyone around. Thank you for your sacrifice in keeping us all safe. You take whatever time you need girlie!

I'm so excited to read about Be Our Guest and Art of Animation!!!!

P.S. I laughed my pants off at the dad tearing the map. Poor guy was probably on overload!

Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. I really appreciate it!

I got our Be Our Guest ADR! I was so excited! This is going to be a TR full of new experiences!

Haha, yeah he sounds like he had had just about enough!

I'm jealous of your sisters trip. Can you believe my sister hates Disney World? I know...I don't know where she came from.

And napping at 10:00...what were those people doing the night before?

WHAAAT? She hates Disney World?! I can't even comprehend that statement.

Haha seriously. Too much drinking in the WS seems to be a popular theory!

When you were talking about the people sleeping on the benches... All I could think was "Please tell me she took a picture of that!!" and as I scrolled down, bam! You had! Thanks for that, loved it! Also, will be sending prayers and good vibes your way when deployment time comes.... I know its hard, (DH is a former Marine) so good luck to you!! Can't wait to read more!

HAHA girl you know I did!

Thank you so much, and thank you to your DH for his service!

great update and pics. I love an empty WS.

I am staying at the Little mermaid in October for 2 nights and I cannot wait. New resorts are exciting.

Thank you! I love WS when it's empty too. It's so peaceful!

Awesome! I can't wait to hear what you think of your room!

 

[therussells08]

WARNING! WARNING! MINI NOVEL BELOW!

First of all, please don't feel like you have to apologize for not updating. You definitely need to be spending time with John! Your time together is so valuable and none of us could ever understand unless we were in your shoes. John is your priority! So basically... it's okay!!! And girl, you know I'll be praying for yall every single day.

I'm so glad you finally put up a ticker! I've been excited for you to talk about that trip for a while... it'll be great!

I won't lie to ya Joni... my dad was one of those people that abandoned all pretense and passed out on a park bench in Epcot. Not even kidding. We're basically a no shame family. (Does it make it better that it wasn't 10 am when he did it? Please?)

Did you leave out the part where you wept in the UK? (Betcha didn't count on the fact that I specifically remembered you tweeting about that. HAHAHAHA.)

That family needs a serious dose of magic, like... stat. Don't let the princesses see you behaving this way, yall!

Yall could have totally played the Highland games! I've seen adults playing in TRs. I was so bummed they took it down so soon before my trip! It looked awesome. And yeah, that is a sand sculpture!!

Even though you clearly said "HELLOOOO Spaceship Earth" and NOT "HELLOOOO HUMANS" I still had to wave my arms and yell "AHHH"! Hellooooo is the trigger word, clearly.

Thank you so much, my wonderful twin! It was really hard seeing him go, and like I told you on Twitter, it's taken me a little while to recover. I kind of spent the last week walking around in a haze, but I'm finally starting to join the real world again.

HAHA I love that your Dad did that! Honestly, I see people sleeping on benches in Disney all the time and I usually don't think twice about it, so it really was the time of day that blew my mind with these people. The WS wasn't even open yet, so the only way they could've gotten in there was through the International Gateway, so I have NO idea what was going on with them.

I forgot all about my emotional breakdown in the UK! I am so glad that you are so attentive with Tweets because you remember more about my trip than I do!

I know, I can only imagine how that breakfast at Akershus must've gone. Poor Belle!

John would have LOVED to played the Highland Games! Darn it, I wish we would've stuck around.

Yay for your March trip!! How exciting that you managed to get a little mermaid room! And I will definitely keep you and John in my prayers. You both are such strong people and I have faith that you guys will make it - even though it'll be extremely difficult. I'm always here for you if you need to talk... we can always talk Disney, that makes anyone happy.

LOL maybe those sleeping people ate too much at their breakfast ADR and needed a little nap to recoup for the rest of the day.

Joni you're so pretty, just so you know. Your little self portrait pictures are always beautiful!

That sculpture is made out of sand! OMG when Kristen and I were there in May it was advertising the chimpanzee movie! I can't believe they made another one!!

It's always weird entering from an Epcot resort the first time, but then it's hard to picture going to Epcot any other way!

Thank you so much Jess! That really means a lot to me!

Haha that's a good theory! I have felt that way after a big meal in Disney before!

AWW thank you so much, girl! I could say the same about you. Your Twitter pic is GORGEOUS!

That is so cool that they change the sculpture up for new movies!

I know, I totally agree with you! I love the International Gateway now!

such a fun Tr so far

Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying it!

Thank you and your husband for all you both do for the country! We do need strong men out there, but we also need strong women like you supporting them!! You guys have such a beautiful love story and I hope the time flies by while he is gone!! You will be in Disney with him again before you know it! And yay for the girls only Disney trip too! Can't wait to read that tr and see the Little Mermaid rooms!

Loved seeing the empty WS. Except those sleepy people!! How silly! Goodness, I don't know how anyone could do that.

Can't believe that family either. RELAX people. Give the kids another map. Breathe. Get to Akershus when you get there. Apologize for being late. They are princesses, they will be nice still. Be thankful that you are in freaking WDW because I am not and would gladly trade to have that family at home and my family there!

That makes me so happy that you were still able to secure a Soarin' FP! Woo. What a great morning you guys had! Can't wait for more.

Thank you so much for your comment. It was so kind! It means so much to us to know that you all are thinking about us!

I love an empty WS! It's one of my favorite places in Disney!

Haha I know right?! They really seemed to be overreacting about a pretty simple problem.

We were so excited for our successful first morning!

I'll be praying for you both while he is gone for 9 months. And when will you be at the art of animation in march because I'll be there with my family and we are staying in the Nemo suites!

Thank you so much! That means a lot to me! We will be there March 2-7, what about you?

Keeping you two in my thoughts! I'm praying that these next 9 months will go by swiftly, smoothly, and with lots of girlfriends seeing you through.

Lol, at the people sleeping on the benches... Don't they know there is no sleeping in Disney?!

Enjoy these days with the hubby and use the Dis to keep you occupied when he leaves!

Thank you so much! I've already made it through a week..about 39 more to go!

Haha I know, they need to talk to Jess and Kristen!

Thank you!

Hi Joni Great updates. I will be sending you both lots of pixie dust during John's deployment. Hopefully 9 months goes by quickly. Ahh, I love World Showcase in the AM. SO nice to have it all to yourself, isn't it? Your SSE pictures are great. SSE is so photogenic. I've never seen a bad picture of her. (Yes I'm assigning SSE a gender ) Looking forward to next update. -Amanda

Thank you so much! I am hoping it flies by too!

Yes, WS in the morning is the BEST! I love it so much!

Haha I think it's okay to call SSE a she...I always call my car "she" so it works!

Thanks to Jess, I'm joining in! This trip sounds so fun so far!
Must have been a really wonderful time! I had my first mother/Daughter Disney trip this spring. It was something so special. Everyone deserves to experience that

You are incredibly strong to be away from your husband for that long. You will both be in my thoughts and prayers.

Yay! Thanks for joining in!

That's so great that you got to have a mother/daughter trip too! They really are amazing!

Thank you so much! That means a lot to both of us!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

So happy to have found your TR while I am anxiously awaiting my next trip. I've had such fun catching up!

First and foremost, thank you so much to both you and John for your service to our country. I can't imagine how difficult it must be and will be thinking of you both. And hoping you will be enjoying another WDW vacation together as soon as possible.

Now, on to some Beach Club love. Isn't it just the best place EVER???

So, I was thoroughly enjoying your TR but think I truly fell in love with it when you said (I'm paraphrasing): "... they abandoned any notion of self respect.... so of course I took a picture." Not sure what causes one to be that tired at 10am but god bless them, they must be having one heck of a vacation!

Hurrah for having a March trip to plan!

 

[dtr_angel]

Just wanted to let you know I'm praying for you and John. *big hugs*

My DH and I are living reading your TR together!
and don't apologize for not updating!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Glittercat]

We will keep you and your husband in our thoughts. Love your trip report your fun loving personality really shines through! We're staying at BC for the 1st time ever and your review of it so far has made me super excited! Super eager to read the rest of your report!

 

[therussells08]

You guys are in my thoughts; I can't imagine that is something fun to deal with at all. Stay strong!

That's super exciting you are doing a trip in March though!

Okay, I am often shocked at the way some parents act with their children... or just in general. I get mega bummed out when people treat CMs like garbage.

I LOVED going through the International Gateway, too! It was just so convenient... and I love strolling through England and Canada before everyone else got there. So quiet and calm in that area before World Showcase opens!

That Brave stuff looks awesome! I would've been bummed out if I couldn't do it, too, haha. I LOVED Brave!

Thank you so much! That means a lot to both of us!

I am so excited about my March trip! It's going to be great!

I know, that family was pretty surprising/disappointing all around.

It really is so much more convenient! It's so much more peaceful too!

We loved Brave too! Later in the trip we met Merida, which was awesome!

Definitely keeping you guys in my thoughts and prayers
That long apart in never easy!

So excited for your sister trip though!! Sister trips are so much fun!!

Ughhh don't you just love families like that?? Clearly it is the CMs fault that you have terrible planning skills, bratty kids and a psycho husband
I feel bad when I think about all the crazy people the CMs have to deal with everyday!

Haha I love that those people are just napping on the bench...
And just for the record I think it's fair game to take pictures in those circumstances.

Thank you for thinking of us! It's not easy, but all of the amazing support I'm getting really helps!

I am super excited for our first ever sister trip! It's going to be a blast!

Haha yeah, seriously. I felt bad for that poor CM! This is why I'm not so sure I would really want to work for Disney.

I'm glad you guys are so cool with me stalking those sleeping people. I had to be very thorough, for my TR's sake!

All caught back up!!! Great up dates... Love Soarin, so glad you got a FP for it... I love to enter Epcot through the International Gateway Entrance... Love it.. No crowds...
Boy do I feel sorry for the new CM... People... They just need to chill.

You and John will be in my Prayers... Praying for his safety... Also tell him again, how much we appriciate everything he's does for Our Country!!!

My trip to Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and Wilmington were fabulous!!!!!! I loved every minutes of it. I saw the UNC campus and Dean Smith Basketball Arena... Plus I saw Duke University... And CAMERON CENTER!!!!! Love me some Coach K!!! Then we went over to Wilmington on Sunday and spent the next 2 days on the Beach!!!! I loved it!!!! Lots of Great Places to eat... Lots of fun things to do and see. My Uncle (deceased) lived on Front Street right up from Water Street and I got to see where He lived... Lots of fun.

Looking forward to a new update...
Carolyn

Thank you so much for thinking of me and John! It means a lot to both of!

I'm so glad you had fun in NC! It's really a great place to visit, and an even better place to live!

I will definitely be keeping John and you in my thoughts; it's truly amazing what he does for this country and please know how thankful I am for people like him!

Hooray for a sisters trip! That sounds like it will be a blast, especially the Little Mermaid room at AoA, so fun!

You finally are in the park! Such a shame it took forever for John to get in but hoooray for EPCOT!

Looking forward to your "weird" Spaceship Earth face, I always seem to look like a fool in those pictures so maybe I'm not alone?

Thank you so much! That means a lot to both of us!

I am so excited about our sisters' trip! It's going to be great!

We were so thrilled to finally be in a park!

Haha my face is PRICELESS. Prepare yourself.

WOW, a nine month deployment. I honestly don't know how you do it. If you ever need to talk, please know that you can talk to me at any time. I really don't think I'd be able to handle that. You guys are so strong!

Whoa, what is with the creepy staring CMs? If I worked there I would talk to everyone!

OH MY GOD THE SLEEPING PEOPLE ON THE BENCHES. That is so hilarious, I am literally laughing out loud. These are the kinds of people I want to interview. Like, what has happened in your life that has caused you to be sleeping on a bench in the World Showcase at 10am? I need to know.

Wow, I feel so bad for families like that who just ruin their time at Disney by being stressed about stupid things and being so rude with each other.

That Brave stuff is so awesome! I love the triplets! They were seriously one of my favorite parts of the movie. Ahhhh I wanna watch it again.

Thank you so so much Lia! That really means a lot to me! I have such wonderful DIS friends!

Haha I'm not sure...I think there's a reason why they were placed in a completed deserted store. Their people skills were seriously lacking.

Seriously, in the words of your TR, those people must have been livin' it up BIG TIME!

I love the triplets too! They're so much fun! I'm so ready for that movie to be on DVD!

Hi! I'm a late joiner, but I caught up on your TR earlier and I just wanted to let you know that your trip has sounded amazing so far! I'm been dreaming of staying at an Epcot resort for the longest time, and the Beach Club has definitely caught my eye!

I can't even imagine a 9 month deployment. I will keep you both in my prayers!

Good luck on getting a Be Our Guest ADR! I tried for a possible trip in December, but no luck. Womp womp.

I can't wait to read more!

You're not late, you're right on time! Thanks for reading along!

I'm sorry you didn't get a Be Our Guest ADR! Keep checking, maybe someone will cancel!

YAY for a new trip...BOO about John leaving. 9 months is a long time, but hopefully it will go by quickly and you can enjoy each other's company once again!

When are you going in March? We will be there on 3/8-3/16!! I cannot wait!!

Really enjoying your TR so far! Hope school is going well for you!

Thank you so much!

That's awesome you're going in March too! We're just barely going to miss each other...I'll be there March 2-7!

Thank you! School is going great, it's just keeping me super busy!

I just read your intro and I'm TOTALLY excited about this TR! I'd write more, but I'm in too much of a hurry to submit this so I can go back and start reading!

Haha and thanks for reading! I appreciate your enthusiasm! I hope you enjoy!

 

[therussells08]

Okay, I finally have time to get caught up. Oh, come by my TR. I finally started!

I have absolutely embraced you and your craziness, as you have embraced mine.

I love your food rating system! That's such a great idea. And P.I.E.C.E? Brilliant.

Disney is also the only thing that will encourage me to get out of bed obnoxiously early.

Flip flops are the only shoe to wear during the summer! Who cares about what Dr. Oz would say. Obviously, he's just crazy. Hahaha.

The Help really is one of the best books. I loved all of the different points of view that were used.

What an adorable little pupperdoo!

Wow, your car was really brand new! You were breaking Civic Sally in Disney style.

Again, Dr. Oz....who cares! LOL. Drink your diet Dr. Pepper!

My Dad always liked to drive the whole way too. The conversation between him and my mom always went:

Mom: I can drive.

Dad: No.

Mom: But you look tired.

Dad: No. *yawn*

Mom: Bu....

Dad: No.

Good thing John saw the signs though and knew he was tired.

*shudder* The sound of styrofoam rubbing together. Almost as bad as metal utensils being used in a pan. *gaaaahhhhh*

Every time I've driven, I get stuck in traffic. It's inevitable.

Oh man. Did you get an energy drink high? That's no good.

*sigh* The sketchy waffle house/cheap gift shop combo. You know you're in Orlando!

Ooooohhh, that hallway is Shiningesque. I expect to see the twins at the end....

SSSSTTAAAACCCCYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!

Totally remember Are You Afraid of the Dark!

Good thing that the giant demon grasshopper from Hades did not get you....

That was a really good price on passes! How does it feel to be an Annual Passholder?

WPE. Great choice! I ate there four times in one trip once. It certainly deserves the Remy rating that you gave it.

The Beach Club is a great resort. The smell is just amazing. You're right, you just can't describe it.

RFID technology on the door? Fancy!

Great room. I love the mirror picture, you look so happy!

I love the location of the Boardwalk and Beach Club resorts. They're honestly perfect in relation to getting to Epcot and to DHS.

Oh no, nine month deployment?! I'll keep you in my thoughts while you navigate his absence.

I will cross my fingers for a Be Our Guest ADR. I tried to get one for November, but I'm failing miserably.

Ahhh, the sleeping on benches in Disney World issue. I just don't get it. I mean, I've slept on a bench in a train station, but never in Disney World.

Who would freak out like that in line? I just don't understand people like that. Just calm the heck down.

Tour grips. The side effect of a Disney trip in July. I love their enthusiasm, I just don't like getting in between a group of 2000 of them.

HI! Thank you so much for your wonderful comment! I enjoyed reading the whole thing, but to save you a lot of time by just summing up my response and saying I love your comments. They always make me crack up! I am going to catch up on your TR ASAP, I promise! I'm so excited!

Joining in!

I feel like I'm reliving my trip through your trip report! We stayed at the Beach Club too, and had a king room right near yours! I think one door away maybe? I definitely recognized the view from your balcony!!

Sigh...I wish I was there right now!! We completely fell in love with it! I think I have the same pictures of the light fixtures! Loved the seahorses!

Best wishes to you and John during his deployment...that must be so difficult!

I will definitely be reading along from now on!

That's so cool that our rooms were close to each other!

That place is just so gorgeous!

Thank you so much! That really means a lot to both of us!

Catching up from early August!

Mmm, Wolfgang Puck Express is a great place to eat! I haven't tried any of their pizzas yet, but I hope to do so one day. Haha, I'm so curious about that pesto pizza because of Jess's and Kristen's TRs too! That's something I'd like someone else to order so I could try it. It's difficult committing to just ONE dish!

Wow, Beach Club looks amazing! It looks so relaxing. I'd definitely want to stay there if I had a LONG vacation ahead of me so I could enjoy the atmosphere instead of feeling like I had to rush off to the parks all the time.

I will definitely be praying for you and John throughout his deployment! I'm glad you have a trip with your sister to have something to look forward to.

Ooo, the Brave sculpture IS made out of sand! Howard and I saw it being made! It was pretty funny because we had just decided to walk in that direction, and we saw that they were working on something. There were 3 guys under a tent carving! I'll post pictures when I eventually get up to it.

You would LOVE WPE pizza! I want to try them all!

Yeah, I definitely recommend staying at BC when you have time to really enjoy it. We tried to relax at the resort a lot, but I still felt like I could've spent way more time there when we left!

Thank you so much Rachel!

That's so cool that it's actually made out of sand! I can't wait to see your pictures!

Hey Joni! I'm back and all caught up! I'm gonna comment on the most recent update so I don't confuse you, but I loved them all!

I'll definitely be keeping both you and John in my prayers! You are so brave girl. SO excited to hear about your trip in March! AND Art of Animation!! YAYY!!

That sculpture IS sand! Isn't it incredible!? They had something similar out during F&G for the Disney Nature films.

AHHHH tour groups!!! That was all we saw in July, huh? They seemed more prevelant this year than most others. Ugh.

Can't wait to read more! Your song lyrics are sheer genius, by the way. It's like trup report BGM!

Hi! Welcome back! Ughhh I'm so behind on everyone's TRs! I've got to get caught up!

Thank you so much! That means a lot to both of us!

That is so cool that it's actually sand. Those Disney details always blow me away!

Ugh, I know. They were EVERYWHERE!

Thank you! I'm so glad you guys like the lyrics!

Just catching up! You are soooo strong! I will be praying for your family throughout this journey.

Good news is- I think today is the day you get to make your ADRs- can't wait to hear about them!

We are staying at Art of Animation next Oct in the Cars section- we let our son pick- but I'm sure in the future his new sister is going to have something to say about that!

Thank you so much! That is very kind of you, and it means a lot to both of us!

YES! My ADRs are made, although we only did a couple. I will be sharing very soon!

That's so exciting! I'm sure you all will love AoA! Haha it sounds like someday you'll probably be checking out the Little Mermaid section too!

We could easily pretend that I didn't read all of your TRs in the span of 2 days, but I'm not big on lying.

I have laughed out loud an amount of times that is probably unacceptable, and I am very excited to follow along as you post this time (instead of creepily reading years worth of trips).

Praying for you and for John during his deployment. My sister is marrying her sweetheart (who happens to be a Marine) next month. I'm so impressed with the strength it takes for those who wait as patiently as they can at home. Hopefully these 9 months fly by for you!!

HAHA thank you so much for reading all of my reports! I'm so glad I made you laugh!

Thank you so much for your kind thoughts. That means so much to me!

Definately praying for you guys during these 9 months I hope it flys by fast!

Thank you so much!

So I am really late to the party... But I am all caught up! This report is a hoot and I can't wait to read more! You have me hooked! hehehe Cheesy I know!

Subscribed!!!

You're not late, you're right on time! I'm so glad you're enjoying it. Be careful, some parts are rated "ARRRRRR" Haha whoa...talk about cheesy!

 

[therussells08]

I will praying for Jon and you during his deployment. I have such respect for all the military and what they do for us AND for the families and what you go through while they are gone.

Glad you can look forward to planning another trip

Thank you so much! It means so much to us that so many of you are praying for John during his deployment. Thank you!

I'm not caught up yet but I just read your first Beach Club post and I wanted to share this:

http://disneyhotelsfan.com/bring-home-the-smell-of-disneys-yacht-and-beach-clubs/

THANK YOU. You have just made my life.

Hi Joni!

Sorry I have been MIA for a while, but I am in Bangalore, India for a month for work and have been really busy. I finally had some downtime today to get my Dis on.

Loved all your updates and hooray for the Beach Club. I love staying in the Epcot resort area. It is so convenient. We own our DVC at VWL, which I truly love, but there is something to be said for being able to walk to two parks.

I will keep you and your husband in my prayers for the nine month deployment. I will have a month away from my family for this trip, and my husband often goes away for three -four weeks at a time, and it is really hard. I kind of know how you feel on a smaller basis. We do appreciate all he does for our country and can't thank him enough.

Looking forward to more and I hope the tour groups don't cause too many problems.

Hi! Welcome back! That's so cool that you're in India! I hope you're having fun!

You're right, the Epcot resort area is the best!

Thank you so much for your prayers! I will be praying for your safe return home as well!

Good Morning Joni!!!!
Just wanted you to know that you guys have been in my prayers...
We've been missing you but totally understand that you've been swamped with life...
Sending lots of
To you and especially for John...
We miss you
Carolyn
Texasbelle

Thank you so much for your comment, Carolyn. You are so sweet! It really made my day!

I'm still making my way through your TR and loving every minute!! What part of NC do you live in? I'm right outside of Charlotte..not too far from Lake Norman. We reach the SC border in about 20 minutes on our way to WDW. I used to live in Winston Salem so I used to get so excited when we hit SC cause I felt I was making progress.

We are heading to Disney in November but we are taking 2 days to drive down (staying in Savannah) because we will have my DSD6 and my DS who will be almost 10 months old, and thought it best to split up the drive.

Thanks for writing this TR I really am enjoying it and love the soundtrack.

That's so cool that you live in NC too! We live in Clemmons, which is near Winston Salem!

That's so exciting that you're going to Disney so soon! I hope you have a blast!

Thank you for reading! I'm glad you're enjoying it!

 

[therussells08]

Oh, Joni! You are in my prayers! I am so thankful for your husband's service, and I pray that he returns safely to you!

Thank you so much girl! I really appreciate it!

You and John are in my prayers!!

Thank you! That means a lot to us!

Thinking and prayer for you and your husband, Joni!! We so greatly appreciate his service!

Thank you so so much!

So happy to have found your TR while I am anxiously awaiting my next trip. I've had such fun catching up!

First and foremost, thank you so much to both you and John for your service to our country. I can't imagine how difficult it must be and will be thinking of you both. And hoping you will be enjoying another WDW vacation together as soon as possible.

Now, on to some Beach Club love. Isn't it just the best place EVER???

So, I was thoroughly enjoying your TR but think I truly fell in love with it when you said (I'm paraphrasing): "... they abandoned any notion of self respect.... so of course I took a picture." Not sure what causes one to be that tired at 10am but god bless them, they must be having one heck of a vacation!

Hurrah for having a March trip to plan!

And thank you so much for your kind comment! It means so much to us that you guys are so kind during his deployment!

YES the BC is so amazing!

Haha I have no shame when it comes to what I photograph at Disney!

Just wanted to let you know I'm praying for you and John. *big hugs*

My DH and I are living reading your TR together!
and don't apologize for not updating!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

Thank you so much! That means a lot! I'm getting ready to update, I promise!

We will keep you and your husband in our thoughts. Love your trip report your fun loving personality really shines through! We're staying at BC for the 1st time ever and your review of it so far has made me super excited! Super eager to read the rest of your report!

Thank you so much! Your comment is so sweet, and it means a lot to me! I'm really glad you're enjoying my report. You are going to LOVE the BC! I'm so excited you get to stay there!

 

[therussells08]

Hi everyone! I know it’s been awhile since my last update, and I’m so sorry for leaving you all hanging! After several postponements, John left for his deployment on September 10th, so I have spent the last nine days trying to adjust to life without him. It’s been really hard, and I’ve been completely burying myself in work to keep busy. I’d be lying if I said that I haven’t had time for the DIS, but honestly I’ve just gotten over that little depression hump that always sets in after he leaves. I’m feeling a lot better now, and all of your amazing comments helped SO MUCH. Seriously, I cannot tell you all how much it means to me that I have so many caring, wonderful, thoughtful friends. You guys are seriously awesome, and you all mean so much to me. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for being there for me. Really, thank you.

Also, to all of my DIS friends whose TRs I follow, I am deeply sorry that I've fallen so far behind, and I promise I will be gradually catching up for the rest of the week! I've got a lot of reading to do, but I can't wait to hear all about your trips!

In other news, I made my ADRs for our March sisters only trip! We only made two, because my sister really wants to eat at a lot of the CS places, but they are... *drumroll*...

‘Ohana, and....

BE OUR GUEST! We got an ADR! I’m so excited, and I promise when I eat there I will take a billion pictures for my next TR!

Okay that’s about it for life updates for now, so let’s get to that TR update (FINALLY!)

"Erik the Awful"- Ray Stevens

July 8, 2012

Way back in history along the Nordic coast
that was the sound all the people feared the most
It would echo thru the night up and down the foggy fj-ord
It was Erik and the bloodthirsty Horde! ​

When I left off, John and I were getting ready to go on our first ride of the trip: Spaceship Earth! John really really likes this ride. I like it a lot too, but it kind of creeps me out. However, I love it because it gives me the perfect opportunity to ruin a picture. I don’t know if you all know this about me, but I am an avid photobomber. Making obnoxious faces in pictures is a hobby of mine that I take pretty seriously. If you don’t believe me, I’d be happy to supply a copy of the yearbook from the school where I work. I’m not even kidding, I’m in like half of those pictures.

So, here is the product of me knowing I had a camera trained on my face:

I have absolutely no recognition of what our little futuristic life was like, and I took zero notes on it in my TR journal, so I thought I’d improvise.

Sooo...John and I will go for a ride in our cool space car. And we’ll both have really skinny legs.

And apparently that car will steer itself, hence the reason that neither of us are looking at the road.

Then we will visit some dome like structure in outer space that we’ll be attached to through really long tubes. I’m assuming when we’re done floating around the black abyss they just pull us back in like a fishing line.

So, that’s pretty much it for our future selves. Not too exciting. At the end of the ride we went through that part with all the lights that always reminds John of the Matrix, and then we exited our ride vehicle.

I was pretty pleased with myself and my crazy face picture, until I realized that they project those pictures for EVERYONE to see at the end of the ride. Then I was super embarrassed.

JUST KIDDING. I thought it was hilarious! I noticed several people pointing to my picture and laughing. Mission accomplished!

After our first ride of the trip we were both feeling pretty hot and thirsty. Rather than be decent citizens and purchase a beverage, we decided to take the redneck route and go get some free refreshment!

Yum! My favorite is the watermelon soda from China, so I had about three cups of that. John went with the Ginger Ale from Mozambique, and then a Beverly because he’s weird.

(Sidenote: Later on in this TR during the mother/daughter portion of my trip I trick my mom into drinking the Beverly. Unfortunately she was washing down medicine at the time. Stay tuned for THAT!)

After we finished our free drinks it was almost eleven o clock, so we decided to head back to the WS and beat some of the crowds!

It was such a beautiful day!

John really really wanted to ride the Maelstrom as soon as it opened. I don’t know why he was so eager, but he was adamant about it, so we headed straight to Norway!

There were people lining up waiting for it to open (???) but as soon as we walked up they opened the doors and we walked right on!

John loves Norway, so after we got off the ride (and ran through the room with the video, while shamefully avoiding the bitter CM’s accusing gaze) we spent a little time in the gift shop. I liked the viking Donald!

John loved the kids’ viking hat. He’s so freaking cute!

So if you remember my ranting from my last TR, I can’t stand the Stave Church in Norway. It is SO BORING, plus it smells funny and the wax vikings freak me out. John, however, loves that place, so he dragged me in there again. Breaking news: it was just as boring and smelly as it was six months before. Just in case you were wondering. Here’s me, not very happy, hanging out with Erik the Awful. (By the way...sorry for the silly song choice this time around, but I love me some Ray Stevens. Plus, how many songs are there about vikings? Not many.)

I kept my whining to a minimum, so John rewarded me when we left with a stop at Kringla Bakeri og Kafe for a late morning snack! SCORE!

John went with a troll horn, while I chose my new obsession (thanks to Kristen)- SCHOOLBREAD! We each also got a water!

You know what this means...it’s time for one of my infamous dining reviews!

Service: The only service we had was inside when we ordered and paid for our food, but all the CMs were nice and adorably Norwegian, so it was pleasant.

Atmosphere: The atmosphere was great! We ate at the outdoor dining area for the bakery, and since it was still early it was nice and cool, and not crowded at all! As a matter of fact, our only company was this hungry duck!

Food Quality: John loved his troll horn, and my schoolbread...well, it’s schoolbread. So it was fantastic, of course!

(That’s a deerface! I dedicate that to all you frumps out there!)

Overall Dining Experience: It was wonderful! I was so happy to be eating Disney food, especially since I knew it was just the beginning of my vacation and I had SO much more delicious food ahead of me!

So, this snack stop receives the following rating:

Category 1- Remy​

It just doesn’t get any better than an early morning snack in the World Showcase!

Up Next: More adventures around the world, and John runs into a fellow warrior! Stay tuned!

 

[beachmama3]

Cracking up at your Spaceship Earth pics!!! Too funny! My middle son made us pose on Splash Mountain every time we rode it, I love crazy pics!

My husband and I picked the same exact snacks at Norway as you guys did! Delish. I also heart Maelstrom. We walked through the church for the first time this year...I don't think I would have even known it was there if not for a few TRs I read here!

I will be praying for you and your husband these next months! Hoping the time goes quickly...

 

[LongLiveDisney]

I'm glad you're getting over the sadness of John leaving. I'm praying that you two stay strong and I'm sure you will.

Oh those Spaceship Earth pictures..... I got a good laugh out of those. My mom looked at me like...huh?

The Stave Church is horrible. I agree with you. It's boredom personified.

Ahh, schoolbread. That is all.

Can't wait to hear about you tricking your mom into drinking the Beverly..boy, is that gonna be a story.

Great update!

 

[deedee2177]

Loved the latest update!! So cool you live in Clemmons...I know exactly where that is.

 

[flyergrad09]

Every time I go on Spaceship Earth, I always seem to get the exact same adventure, even if I intentionally try to pick different choices, and yes, it's always the same one that you guys got!

Wait, does John like the Beverly?!? I've never heard of anyone liking it, even Italians! I tricked my DBF into trying it on our last trip, and it was a priceless moment, so I can't wait to hear how things go with your mom!

Mmmm... school bread! If you were a duck, wouldn't you want to hang out where you might be able to snag a few school bread crumbs?

 

[kateface517]

Note to self... Do not read your updates after going for a run. I was already hungry, but that school bread is about to motivate me to run all the way to Epcot.

 

[sunnysideup3]

YAY! Glad you're back. Good to see you updating again. Thinking about you while John is away.. a from Wisconsin!

I think I'll break down and try school bread this time....

 

[amandaw]

So glad to have you back updating! I hope the deployment goes by quickly so y'all can be reunited!

Sounds like y'all were off to a good start in EPCOT. Love the Spaceship Earth picture!

I don't know why but I love Maelstrom. That schoolbread looks very yummy. Might have to try that soon!

 

[Disneyfreak616]

Welcome back Joni! Distract yourself with the DIS and planning your March trip and John will be home before you know it.

I love that John wanted to ride the Maelstrom as soon as it opened. It's because it's the best ride ever. He knows what's up.

YAY a snack at Kringla! The best kind of snack, really. Your deer face is priceless, and now I really want school bread. YUMMMM!