A Return to the Happiest Place on Earth

[dizneeat]

Yeah, all caught up here too!

I loved all the photos of Disneyland. It makes me so homesick to see them all. Disneyland was our first love and will always be.

Guess what, I forgot that Zach was with you for that visit. I was really wondering who that "other guy" was.

 

[annmarieda]

All I can say is about Alex's pants!!! My brother doesn't sag is at all, but when he is sitting somewhere we always have to remind this that he needs to pull them up!

BOYS!!!

Yeah, all caught up here too!

I loved all the photos of Disneyland. It makes me so homesick to see them all. Disneyland was our first love and will always be.

Guess what, I forgot that Zach was with you for that visit. I was really wondering who that "other guy" was.

That is funny... yup... Zach was with us. Now he is trying to plan a trip in the spring for Kim's break...and before he leaves for Kuwait. She wants to go to WDW... but he doesnt Once every few years is enough for my guys.

 

[annmarieda]

Oh my goodness! Can you believe it has been almost 2 months since an update? How absolutely crazy absurd is that?

Lets see if I can list some excuses that might get me forgiven

Well... Work got busy, does that count? The territory that neighbors mine lost the rep and so (and forgive me, cause I know I mentioned it somewhere) I got Zach's girlfriend hired. Spitting that territory a bit meant more for me..but also I have had to keep an eye on her.

Then there was getting ready for the fall trip. I can't believe it snuck up on me so quickly. I was barely ready when it was time to go.

Then we left and came back. I have been back for just over 2 weeks now, but... I actually got make and was working immediately (like the night I returned) No real break to get caught up on anything.

Next and finally has been the running. I have really discovered I might actually love it. I say might because well, today was a bad run that felt like it was going to kill me. (a bit under the weather along with recovering from a hard 10k last week and a very physically draining work week made it rough) I run several times a week (tuesday, thursday and sat) I am SO glad to have tomorrow and monday off from it...I may just be able to recover.

AND I am getting ready to go to Vegas in a few days for my brothers wedding.

Time seems to be in short supply. However, I do intend to finish this TR as well as start one for the recent trip AND possibly start one for a february trip. So please, stayed tune... there may be some fun to read about yet!

 

[dizneeat]

Ann, just take your time. Sometimes it is so hard to keep up with everything. We will all be here when you decided it's the right time to go on.

 

[annmarieda]

Ann, just take your time. Sometimes it is so hard to keep up with everything. We will all be here when you decided it's the right time to go on.

Thank you for understanding!

 

[amandaw]

It's completely understandable that you haven't been able to do updates! You are one busy lady! We'll be here when you're ready to udpate.

I hope you have a fun trip to Vegas for the wedding!

And I hope you do a TR for the ToT race trip!

 

[annmarieda]

It's completely understandable that you haven't been able to do updates! You are one busy lady! We'll be here when you're ready to udpate.

I hope you have a fun trip to Vegas for the wedding!

And I hope you do a TR for the ToT race trip!

Thanks! And I hope to do a TR...and get it started soon.

 

[amandaw]

Thanks! And I hope to do a TR...and get it started soon.

Yay! Can't wait to read it!

 

[KatMark]

Hope the wedding is fun and you enjoy Vegas.

 

[annmarieda]

Yay! Can't wait to read it!

Hope the wedding is fun and you enjoy Vegas.

Never having been I am a bit apprehensive. Also... not sure how the wedding will go

 

[annmarieda]

7/8 - How Much Can be done While the Boys Wait for RSR?

Since Steve was still back at the hotel it was just Zach and Alex who went to get in line for RSR. That meant Zoe and I were free to do what we liked. This meant a trip to Bugsland. This is an area unique to DLR. I really do like it. It is however geared to a much younger age group and even Zoe is a bit to the outside of that. That being said as we waited for the boys to ride RSR, Zoe and I hit all the rides in Bugland (apparently everyone was in Carsland and not Bugsland) That meantwe rode on
Fraincis Ladybug Boogie

and Fliks flyers.

We did not make it to Heimlichs chew chew train. Zoe loved that when she was an infant.

We did make it over to to Tuck and Rolls Drive Em Buggies.

When at the buggies, Zach and Alex started to text me that they were off the ride and would head over to us. Bugsland is RIGHT next to Carsland so it was a short walk. In fact, I think it is faster to walk to Bugsland and then into Carsland than it is to walk through the front of the park to Carsland. So with the boys texting me (and being pills about it - basically text bombing my phone to get back at me) it wasnt long before they were just outside the ride and we were on it.

And to prove they went on RSR

All that time and it was in the single rider line!!!


Next Chapter: The Rest of 7/8 Part One

Running Tally

 

[KatMark]

Bugsland looks really cute!

How did the wedding and Vegas trip go?

 

[annmarieda]

Mom doesn't walk much so walking up and down the strip was not really much of an option.

I dont' gamble much so that was a challenge

Smoke bothers my lungs, so that was a challenge.

However... I still managed to have an awesome time!!! My brothers new wife is amazing!!! His friends were awesome to hang around with. And the boozy cups... oh so fun

I have not spoke to my brother much in the last couple years. (not sure if you remember the drama regarding my mom's now deceased dh from a couple years ago) I have not seen him since 2008. I was not even sure where he was living (turns out not terribly far from chicago). I really really enjoyed my time with him!!! I wov my yittle brother

 

[KatMark]

Mom doesn't walk much so walking up and down the strip was not really much of an option.

I dont' gamble much so that was a challenge

Smoke bothers my lungs, so that was a challenge.

However... I still managed to have an awesome time!!! My brothers new wife is amazing!!! His friends were awesome to hang around with. And the boozy cups... oh so fun

I have not spoke to my brother much in the last couple years. (not sure if you remember the drama regarding my mom's now deceased dh from a couple years ago) I have not seen him since 2008. I was not even sure where he was living (turns out not terribly far from chicago). I really really enjoyed my time with him!!! I wov my yittle brother

I remember parts of the drama. I am so happy that you and your brother reunited.

 

[annmarieda]

7/8 - The Rest of 7/8 Part One

To walk into Bugsland the way we entered, was to go through Hollywood Pictures Backlot. This means the ride on the other side of Bugsland is ToT. I dont do ToT, but Zoe LOVES that ride. Her dear brothers decided they would take her on it while I waited.

I waited and waited and soon decided since there was no wait for Monsters, In. Mike and Sully to the Rescue, I would ride it. This ride is something that I wish WDW would have. I love Monsters Inc. but the Laugh Floor just doesn't do it for me.

Once they kids were done with ToT and I was done with Monsters Inc. I saw that my all time favorite show was about to start. The boys had no desire to see it. I knew Steve certainly did, so I texted him to find out. He did not feel up to leaving the room still though. I think the Mad Tea Party was just about to start too, so off the boys went to check that out. Zoe and I meanwhile got AMAZING seats for Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular. I cant believe how close to the stage we were. There is a part where Aladdin comes out into the theater between the rows of people. He rides a fake giant elephant. He went RIGHT by Zoe and I!!!!

Next it was time for us to check out Disneys Gallery.

This is similar to the Magic of Disney Animation in DHS. It does have some interesting things though. The Zoetrope was super fun to watch.

There is also Beasts Library.

Inside Beasts Library, Zoe and I found out what Disney character we are most like. She is like lady and I am like Ariel. .

Inside there is also a sound station where you can add your voice to clips from the movies. Zoe tried her best, but her little voice was hard for the microphone to pick up.

Next Chapter - 7/8 - The Rest of 7/8 Part Two

Running Tally

 

[annmarieda]

7/8 - The Rest of 7/8 Part Two

With the boys still off on their own, Zoe and I went to get in line for TSM. Just like in WDW, this ride has a HORRIBLE wait. We waited non the less.

Next I discovered that somewhere in the time between our last DLR trip and this one, open containers could be sold and then drank while walking around the park. What did I get? Oh, just a very yummy margarita!

I have noted that Steve left shortly after making an attempt to get back into the park. I suspect that we took that brief time to show him the Zoetrope.
Once he went back to the hotel again, Zoe and I went to eat at Lucky Fortune Cookery. I was not impressed. It was WAY too saucy for me. I would have liked some rice that wasnt in a sticky syrup.

We got some night time photos of Carsland before Zach came and took the camera to take pictures of the Tea Party.

Zach loved this and spent the remaining nights here. While even Zoe could get in, it was like a giant disneyfied rave. There is also alcohol here and many people spend the night drinking and dancing. The sound and lights can be heard and seen all the way to our hotel. Lots of fun though, if you are a 20 year old. Zoe just thought it made her chest hurt. (the brief time we checked it out)

Once Zoe and I were done eating, there was just enough time to go to Grizzly River Run. This is a lot like Kali River Rapids, but I think the drops are a bit more intense.
Once we were done the boys showed up and also wanted to ride. Zoe and I were quite wet. I did not want to ride again. I did however want to try and get to Soarin so that we could try and ride it before the park closed. We were not so lucky and settled on getting some ice cream from Claras Ice cream Parlor.

We then went back to the hotel.

Next Chapter: 7/9 - Our Last Park Day Part One

Running Tally

 

[dizneeat]

Love the update, Ann!
Count me in on the ones who are not overly impressed with the Laugh Floor and would love to see the Monsters ride at WDW.

Your food from the chinese restaurant definitely looks "interesting". We don't have anything like it here, so first I was thinking how nice, but I would not have been a fan of "drowned rice" either.

Can't wait to read about your run!

 

[swwake]

those cars look a lot like the structure of the Test Track Cars.

I had not heard about that Tea Party thing. Is it inside the park?

Glad you ended up enjoying Vegas after all.

 

[annmarieda]

Love the update, Ann!
Count me in on the ones who are not overly impressed with the Laugh Floor and would love to see the Monsters ride at WDW.

Your food from the chinese restaurant definitely looks "interesting". We don't have anything like it here, so first I was thinking how nice, but I would not have been a fan of "drowned rice" either.

Can't wait to read about your run!

I have a special place in my heart for the Monsters ride. It was Zoe's first favorite disney ride. We rode it over and over again when she was just a tot.

I have to admit that more of the food was enjoyable than not on our trip to DLR, but this was definitely in the not category. The rita was pretty good though... but just your average slushy boozy drink.

The run was in WDW....

those cars look a lot like the structure of the Test Track Cars.

I had not heard about that Tea Party thing. Is it inside the park?

Glad you ended up enjoying Vegas after all.

Mad T Party is in DCA. It is like a giant rave. It really is geared towards Zach's age group. Pre party, they have cms in "wonderland" outfits handing out invitations. I wish I had taken a picture of one of them. They are pretty wild looking. I know that Zach took more pics on the night of the 9th, so maybe there will be one in that bunch. Anyway, it is pretty loud and active. They have some pretty cool "performers" I know in the photos from the 9th there is a picture of this slinky guy. Weirdest thing ever! here is a video of it that I snagged off of youtube They also have some of the coolest merchandise for it. Very bold colors and crazy designs. Ok...so really kinda looks 80's neon to me...but I hate to say that.


Thanks, once I got out a bit past Excalibur and everyone else started showing up, it was good. I LOVE my mom. But she is older and not really up to a lot of walking around. It kept us limited in where we could go. It was fun though... just wish that I could have got to see/do a bit more and breathed a bit less smoke.

 

[lovethattink]

Ann, I have so much catching up to do, basically from the start! So sorry!