Life is too short for self-hatred and celery sticks: final update 12/29, p.98

[rentayenta]

I hear ya, I'd love to only do 2 bedrooms but it's just not practical at the times of year we are going right now. I'll be borrowed out again, after this big trip. If it were just us, we wouldn't need the living room beds but it won't be, there will be others in our rooms so... That said, we folded it up every day and it really was fine. Having the verandah and our own room made it fine though. As tempting as a grand villa might be for the big trip, even if I could cobble together enough points, we will all have better space if we do a 1 bed and a 1 bed, and then 2 treehouses for that part.

Thankfully we found in all 3 1 bedroom villas so far, places to stash the kids stuff so we didn't feel like it was all over the place. That drives me nuts! It wasn't ideal but at least it wasn't in the living space.

I figured it was staged but it was still a fun pic.

It drives me nuts to to have their crap strewn all over the place. I had to close the door on Chloe and Mikayla's bedroom because I swear, it looked like a tornado hit about 5 minutes after we got our bags. They are both so sloppy. Sweet but painfully sloppy. I kept finding bobby pins all over so I finally got a plastic bowl and set it in the bathroom and told them if I found one more bobbie pin on the floor I was going to throttle them. Its the laziness that accompanies an unlegitimate mess more than the mess if that makes any sense? How hard is it to put the bobbie pins on the mirror ledge? Apparently its very difficult.

Having the verandah is awesome! It gives you another place to relax. With a big group, you're going to need that quiet space for sure. Why do the GV points jump so high? The OKW ones are the best deal in town though. Jenna and I looked at them for our possible Disneyland trip. There's no way! I truly couldn't even borrow the points for it. I'd have to rent points for the low low price of $600 a night.

I'll be with you in terms of the time of year we go. Having said that, its Chloe who pulled her act together and ended up with 5 As and 2 Bs and it was Gabby, who wasn't stressed at all, who didn't do so well. When I checked Chloe's grades, I almost cried. Even she was shocked. It did give her some confidence though with regard to her abilities and completing her school work.​

 

[rentayenta]

I totally get stupid busy! For us it never seems to end!



I still have to buy my FEs for the adults, and assemble all the packages, so not even close! Palo is the special restaurant on the Wonder. We have Brunch and dinner.



Let's plan for March, no organ donation required!



Most of our concerts are formal black attire, we think it makes the band play better. Someday we may have more casual gigs, but not right now. It's a fun gig and Disney handles all the logistics, we just walk onstage and play.

Hopefully our friend will fit in the rides and have a good time.

Fun update! We loved coming home to the THV too. With only four we used the bunkbed room for storage, it made the other rooms less cramped. It's great you didn't need to use the living room for sleeping, so you had an area for early risers and late sleepers.

I'll PM you about March.

Thank you. I love having all of that room and I'm the early riser in our group. The girls could sleep until noon, even at Disney, if I'd let them. They don't fight to get up and moving but if they weren't disturbed, they'd sleep all day.

I think it's great you get to dress formal. It looks so classy and fun at the same time. Where in Disney do you play?

Palo, that's the name. I've seen many photos and it looks wonderful. I like how on the cruises you have the same server the entire trip, that way they get to know you and vice versa. You best get moving sister, you've got a lot to do. Do you choose before who you FE with or is it random?

Do you think your friend might not fit in the rides? ​

 

[rentayenta]

Our plans for Day 2 included meeting up with Jenna et al at Epcot and possibly Jennifer too. With Test Track 101, I knew Future World would run a little flat for my crew. We’d enjoy it but I thought we’d miss test Track and we did. I could feel it crowd wise too. Without one of the heavy hitters, there's just less places to disperse people.

After sleeping in a little later than I would have preferred, we finally got moving. To the couch. For coffee.

Michael had been traveling so much so he really embraced the down time.

The THV were so relaxing. I know I keep saying it but they were everything I thought they’d be plus a bag of chips. My kool-aid has been spiked. And with all of that food, you bet I was making breakfast.

Bacon frying:

Chloe with French Toast, fresh fruit, and her beloved bacon. I truly enjoyed making breakfasts and big snacks and little appetizers before the parks. I hate cooking at home but I was nesting at the THV. Full fledged nesting.

I don’t recall what time we finally got out of there but here we are. The Yeti backpack on Chloe's back was from our trip in May 2009. 3 years later and it was in great shape. They take very good care of their Disney things for sure.

A couple of signs while waiting at the THV stop because I’m a freak like that:

Michael told me that Disney needed to add my name to #11. Nope, jokes about me never get old.

They love having their pic taken while waiting.

Now from the Springs stop waiting for the bus to Epcot:

Because we had such a big breakfast, we thought we’d hit Future World before going to enjoy F&W but not before one of the most famous Epcot pics ever and almost as exciting as the backside of water:

We grabbed Soarin’ FP first. The time was for hours later. I knew we got a late start but didn’t think we got that late of a start. Lesson learned. Once Jenna and her crew arrived we got in line for Spaceship Earth. The line was decent and although we had a huge breakfast not an hour prior, the little cash vacuums were starving. I was glad I had copious amounts of trail mix, beef jerky, and cheeze n crackers packed. The kids all gobbled through them in line.

I really like Spaceship Earth. Aside from the fact that its Epcot’s icon, its just brilliant. I kept forgetting that Kayla had never been and that all of this was new to her. I think she was overwhelmed that first two days.

continued in next post....​

 

[rentayenta]

Some ride pics:

Someone isn’t living in my future world unless they shave first:

And that’s about 1/2 of the Spaceship Earth photos that I took.

Next up, a little Nemo and The Seas:

After Nemo the kids poked around in the aquarium. We stopped by Club Cool too. I don't get the cool in Club Cool but I don't drink a ton of soda either. Its fun once but not something I must do every trip by any means. Some of the Coke merchandise is cute though.

Innoventions doesn’t interest my kids either and we had to wait for Soarin’ so off to F&W we went. I had been talking about the cool foods and treats for so long that we were so excited. On the way over we stopped at the kiosk/store between FW and WS and bought ourselves, kids included, wristlets loaded with $50 each. Getting nickled and dimed by the kids feels less like being nickled and dimed when its on a gift card and they don’t have to actually ask me for it.

You can certainly tell iPhone pics from camera pics in this update. Sorry for the quality of some them but I adhere to the no flash rule.

Up next: a little (or a lot) of fun at F&W!

​

 

[franandaj]

I forgot to comment on villa size. We only do 1br minimum. After we got stuck with a studio and having Fran's side of the bed the uber skinny side, she said "never again!" I said,

I love my tub! Besides we bought a ridiculous amount of points back when we took out a mortgage on the 1st St property. With only two of us and traveling at off peak times, in a couple years we may be scrambling to use banked points.

 

[rentayenta]

I forgot to comment on villa size. We only do 1br minimum. After we got stuck with a studio and having Fran's side of the bed the uber skinny side, she said "never again!" I said,

I love my tub! Besides we bought a ridiculous amount of points back when we took out a mortgage on the 1st St property. With only two of us and traveling at off peak times, in a couple years we may be scrambling to use banked points.

Do you ever rent them out? I think the GCV at the 7 month mark, if we go late summer, is going to be tough. I'm also tossing around next Christmas. Let me know.....

Joshua loves the tub too. He took nice long baths in both the THV and Kidani. I'm so used to the room. Our home is by no means huge but we have plenty of space. I'm just used to it. Michael calls it spoiled. I call it his fault. ​

 

[franandaj]

Do you ever rent them out? I think the GCV at the 7 month mark, if we go late summer, is going to be tough. I'm also tossing around next Christmas. Let me know.....

Joshua loves the tub too. He took nice long baths in both the THV and Kidani. I'm so used to the room. Our home is by no means huge but we have plenty of space. I'm just used to it. Michael calls it spoiled. I call it his fault. ​

I have rented points. I'm very possesive about my GCV points only because I hope F&W will come bac, but it looks like that is a bygone animal, so I may be willing to wheel and deal as long as it doesn't affect my 50th. I think I want a grand villa for that, but maybe not. We'll see what Fran sez.

 

[Goofyluver]

Dude...after a hellish work week, I needed this update something FIERCE, sistah!

I cannot BELIEVE you cooked bacon at Disney! We'd be good together on vacation. You could make UncleR bacon, I would wipe out your drawers.

I haven't been on Spaceship Earth as an adult. UncleR and I just made a pact to go during the next trip.

OMG. Did you see over on the restaurant board? They're turning the Main Street Bakery into a Starbucks! What in the sam hill? It'll be gone by the time we get there.

 

[rentayenta]

I have rented points. I'm very possesive about my GCV points only because I hope F&W will come bac, but it looks like that is a bygone animal, so I may be willing to wheel and deal as long as it doesn't affect my 50th. I think I want a grand villa for that, but maybe not. We'll see what Fran sez.

I can't even imagine how amazing the GV at the GCV are. We stayed at the OKW in a GV and loved it and its a much older resort. The GV and the GCV must be delusionally gorgeous.

No worries, just let me know if you get into a have-to-rent-points bind. I bet Disneyland's F&W is cool because its more intimate. I felt overwhelmed at first in WDW but I'll get to that later in the report. I should have researched more for sure. When is your 50th? ​

Dude...after a hellish work week, I needed this update something FIERCE, sistah!

I cannot BELIEVE you cooked bacon at Disney! We'd be good together on vacation. You could make UncleR bacon, I would wipe out your drawers.

I haven't been on Spaceship Earth as an adult. UncleR and I just made a pact to go during the next trip.

OMG. Did you see over on the restaurant board? They're turning the Main Street Bakery into a Starbucks! What in the sam hill? It'll be gone by the time we get there.

Sorry you had a crappy week friend. Thankfully it's Sat-uh-day although with 6 inches of powder outside and flurries still coming, I have yet to get out of my fluffy robe. My to do list is a mile long and it looks like it'll remain that long.

The kids want to put the tree up today. Does that make me officially insane that I'm contemplating it? We can only put it up. Its one of the old fake trees so its a huge pita but so pretty once its done. Michael can sting the lights tomorrow. Its the damn snow.

I'd so make UncleR bacon! We would actually probably be very good on vacation together- we'd all have a blast and eat until we were sick. The kids ate 2 pounds of bacon during that trip. I now know what to order more of and what to skip completely. Oatmeal: #fail. Eggs and bacon: #winning. Bagel bites and Pizza Rolls were fabulous to have. Lots of strawberry yogurt? Not so much. I'm sure whoever cleaned our AKV villa didn't have to shop for a week.

You must get on Spaceship Earth. It's really cool. The info and animatronics are stellar. Its a slow mover, dark, and you'll for sure be tempted to partake in a good make out session.

I haven't checked it out yet. One of my FB friends posted something about it. So what's the story, they're taking out the Main St bakery in MK and making it a full fledged Fourbucks? And in Epcot too? What are they replacing in Epcot? They should replace Club not-Cool if you ask me. I don't care so much about messing with Epcot or the other parks but MK and Disneyland are holy ground. Someone will end up in hell for this if you believe in that sort of thing. ​

 

[kaoden39]

They did put a Starbucks in DCA on Buena Vista Street. I have only heard good things about it. I am not a coffee drinker so this won't affect me.

 

[rentayenta]

They did put a Starbucks in DCA on Buena Vista Street. I have only heard good things about it. I am not a coffee drinker so this won't affect me.

I've got no issue with a Starbucks in DCA or the three parks at WDW aside from MK. Heck, IASW is sponsored by Sylvania.

Michael will be happy. He hates weak Disney coffee.​

 

[eandesmom]

Lazy breakfast in the villa, I love taht! That's what it should be about and if it means a missed FP return time, in the big picture of life, that's ok. Plus it means edible bacon...you won't find that at a Disney restaurant!

It drives me nuts to to have their crap strewn all over the place. I had to close the door on Chloe and Mikayla's bedroom because I swear, it looked like a tornado hit about 5 minutes after we got our bags. They are both so sloppy. Sweet but painfully sloppy. I kept finding bobby pins all over so I finally got a plastic bowl and set it in the bathroom and told them if I found one more bobbie pin on the floor I was going to throttle them. Its the laziness that accompanies an unlegitimate mess more than the mess if that makes any sense? How hard is it to put the bobbie pins on the mirror ledge? Apparently its very difficult.

Oh the kids are AWFUl with their stuff and I swear, Kendall was the worst. The stateroom was a challenge in that regard, everyone (under 17) seemed to think the top of the dresser was their personal dumping ground and then our stateroom host, in an effort to clean, would mix all of it up. FE stuff, pins, hats...K's underwear (don't get me started lol). Drove me NUTS!

Having the verandah is awesome! It gives you another place to relax. With a big group, you're going to need that quiet space for sure. Why do the GV points jump so high? The OKW ones are the best deal in town though. Jenna and I looked at them for our possible Disneyland trip. There's no way! I truly couldn't even borrow the points for it. I'd have to rent points for the low low price of $600 a night.

I'll be with you in terms of the time of year we go. Having said that, its Chloe who pulled her act together and ended up with 5 As and 2 Bs and it was Gabby, who wasn't stressed at all, who didn't do so well. When I checked Chloe's grades, I almost cried. Even she was shocked. It did give her some confidence though with regard to her abilities and completing her school work.

WTG Chloe!!!! that is so great. I'd love to swing an OKW Gvilla but for NYE without owning there, not going to happen. Plus I'd have to give my parents the master (mom snores, no one would share with her nor would she want that) and that would annoy me to no end). They are by far the best deal. Someday though!

 

[franandaj]

I can't even imagine how amazing the GV at the GCV are. We stayed at the OKW in a GV and loved it and its a much older resort. The GV and the GCV must be delusionally gorgeous.

No worries, just let me know if you get into a have-to-rent-points bind. I bet Disneyland's F&W is cool because its more intimate. I felt overwhelmed at first in WDW but I'll get to that later in the report. I should have researched more for sure. When is your 50th? ​

[/CENTER]

I bet they are nice! Fran just told me I could book one for the band weekend next year! I mean its only one night, but we could invite a few people to stay with us and have fun!

DCAs festival was totally different that Epcot. No kiosks (not allowed in CA), a lot centered around the demos and the paid events. We liked to stay over because the events we liked ran late and had lots of wine. I'll keep you in mind if we start overflowing on points!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Catching up!


50's PT looks awesome.

And all this talk of fudge is not doing me any good. I'm now too many miles away from getting some!

 

[scottny]

I read your report tonight and it is great. The pics you got are really good.

Looks like fun times so far.

I would love to try THV one day.

We were there to then till the 20th so enjoying your view of the week there.

Your picture taking sounds like me. I took 2600 this trip.

 

[rentayenta]

Lazy breakfast in the villa, I love taht! That's what it should be about and if it means a missed FP return time, in the big picture of life, that's ok. Plus it means edible bacon...you won't find that at a Disney restaurant!

True. Why is Disney bacon so lousy? Its cheap and easy to cook. It was so worth a late FP return time. We just soaked in the fact that we were finally on the trip and enjoying the hell out of our villa.​

Oh the kids are AWFUl with their stuff and I swear, Kendall was the worst. The stateroom was a challenge in that regard, everyone (under 17) seemed to think the top of the dresser was their personal dumping ground and then our stateroom host, in an effort to clean, would mix all of it up. FE stuff, pins, hats...K's underwear (don't get me started lol). Drove me NUTS!

Its maddening at best. And when we were at Kidani, all 4 shared a room, it had 2 queens. It was such an eye sore. I did a dedicated 2 bedroom so I didn't even have to see their area. And I got to keep the living area a living area. Bonus!

I cannot imagine how messy a stateroom would get. Aren't they on the small side? ​

WTG Chloe!!!! that is so great. I'd love to swing an OKW Gvilla but for NYE without owning there, not going to happen. Plus I'd have to give my parents the master (mom snores, no one would share with her nor would she want that) and that would annoy me to no end). They are by far the best deal. Someday though!

I made this declaration that I was checking grades and to get ready. I looked at Chloe's thinking I'd look at the worst first. Once they loaded I could hardly speak. I was like: CHLOE GOT 5 A's AND 2 B's!!! Michael said: well dip me in hsit, she pulled it off. It was a joyous occasion.

Then we checked gabby's who played it calm and cool as if she had it under control. I won't say them but I don't think she'll be off toilet duty for a while.

A GV would be nice but I think your plan now is great! ​

I bet they are nice! Fran just told me I could book one for the band weekend next year! I mean its only one night, but we could invite a few people to stay with us and have fun!

DCAs festival was totally different that Epcot. No kiosks (not allowed in CA), a lot centered around the demos and the paid events. We liked to stay over because the events we liked ran late and had lots of wine. I'll keep you in mind if we start overflowing on points!

How wonderful for you and your band. I bet they'll be so excited.Why no kiosks at the festival? I'm guessing it some law?​

Catching up!


50's PT looks awesome.

And all this talk of fudge is not doing me any good. I'm now too many miles away from getting some!

back! I need to check out your report for an update.

50's was fabulous. Best Disney meal we've had by far in terms of overall fun, food, and especially service. I put that in the email I sent.​

I read your report tonight and it is great. The pics you got are really good.

Looks like fun times so far.

I would love to try THV one day.

We were there to then till the 20th so enjoying your view of the week there.

Your picture taking sounds like me. I took 2600 this trip.

;welcome: Scott. Are you the same Scott that's on FB in the Disney Talk group? Thanks for joining in.

You took 2600 pics? How long was your trip? I see your link, I'll go check out your report.

The THV were amazing. I really loved SSR too. Its such a pretty resort and well maintained.



Working on an update right now. ​

 

[DrMomof3]

I'm incredibly far behind! No power for 10 days will do that to you.
Love your pics and your updates!

Amanda

 

[rentayenta]

Before I proceed with our day I have to add that that morning we got a call from Kaylas mom; their doggie had passed away. Poor thing, she was just heart broken. I wasnt sure if she should fly home or stay or what so let her sort of navigate how she was feeling. I didnt want her to feel like she had to stay but also knew there was nothing she could do if she went home. I gave her the option and she decided to stay. Epcot was very hot that day and she and Gab bugged out a little early to rest. Im so glad they did.

After we purchased our wristlets, we walked over to WS and F&W. I had done a fair amount of research, or so I thought. Holy wow! On our last two trips we really got just a small taste of WS. It was hot, kids were much younger, and we didnt get to spend a lot of time there. This trip would be much different.

Chris and Joshua. The kids are really such fun friends. I swear, youd never know we met only 5 years ago, it seems like weve known each other forever:

I didnt take pics of everything we tried but we sampled a lot. We were greedy on this first go but quickly learned that we were going to need to share to be able to sample more. I found some booths to have great deals and others to be big old rip offs. For example this $6 thimble of ice wine from Canada. Redick! The mushroom filet was delicious though.

And Alison, you were 100% correct, Ireland rocked! We ate this twice during the trip:

And how could we not eat snails:

I had been texting with Jennifer and trying to find a meeting time and place. Jenna and I really wanted to meet her and we knew today would be the only day..........

The rest of these photos may be out of order but the important part is we had a great day at our first F&W fesitval.

Jenna and her crew minus Chris:

Jenna and I really wanted to try the Cosmo slushies so we sent the boys to fetch them:

Me and my guy:

Once in Japan the kids went into the BIG store to shop but not before I got a pic. About that time I got a text from Jennifer and she was on her way.

I went in to the store to check on Chloe, knowing it was a very real possibility that she'd blow the bank. When I came back Jen was there! Yay! We'd all been chatting on FB for a while and were so eager to meet her.

We must have been looking at Nates camera in this one:

And then Michaels:

And then a candid which are Michaels favorite to take:

She was as cool as I thought shed be. Some people you meet and click with and she is one of them. Jen for dragging your buzzed *** over to meet us.


continued in next post:​

 

[rentayenta]

Some odd random not-really-sure-why-he-took-these shots. I think Michael was stalking me. Or messing with the camera settings:

Feels like I am at a Dead show by the drum circle:

Pork slider. Fabulous:

Candid payback:

And because I’m an anxious freak, I had to see what attractions were open for tonight’s plan to attend MK’s EMH:

We were in need of a break if we were going to stay the whole night at MK so off we went. Our FP return time for Soarin’ wasn’t for another hour but we were ready to go. The *new* FP enforcement took a few days to get use to for sure. We knew we’d be back to ride our beloved Soarin’. A break would be more valuable due to the heat, cocktails, and full bellies. Jenna and her crew were going back to swim.

The bus arrived quickly and we were on our way. Once we got back to the Springs, the kids ran in to trade with that sweet CM with the pin board while I snapped a few pics:

A THV bus came while they were trading but I decided to be a nice mom and not ditch them. Once they got back I made Joshua pose with me. I think SSR is so beautiful:

Thanks again Michael:

And we were back *home*:

Gab and Kayla were sacked out when we got back. Chloe and Joshua soon followed. We decided to let the kids really sleep so we could get the most out of MK’s 1 am EHM. Instead of eating at MK, we grilled. Have I mentioned how fan-freaking-tastic the THV are?

Brats and dogs were on the menu. Sure they made fun of the groceries I bought but they were so happy to be able to enjoy a meal without effort......


Up next MK andf EMH

​

 

[rentayenta]

I'm incredibly far behind! No power for 10 days will do that to you.
Love your pics and your updates!

Amanda

Oh my gosh Amanda, I'm so sorry. How are you and the kids and Tom doing? Did your home suffer damage? I was glued to CNN and the devistation is just tragic.


There is a TOC in post 4 for easier catching up.​