Tears, Treats, Tumblr and Tropical Storm Isaac

[Victoriasmom98]

Originally Posted by Angies1274

I'm here! Great start so far!!

Glad you enjoyed your breakfast at the Tusker House! It's one of our favorite places to eat as well. The food and juice are always so yummy!

Sorry that lady was so rude!! I thought your poncho was so cute and very creative.

Great picture in front of the Tree of Life!!

Thanks, Angie.....I'm going to make some adjustments to the poncho and attempt to wear it again. I just can't imagine being that rude and saying something like that out loud! Yeah, Tusker House is one we can't miss!

Originally Posted by JDailey

I am shocked that someone had the nerve to make a mean comment about your poncho!!!! I thought it was so cute and very creative. She was probably just mad because you looked better than her! I really like the picture of you and Victora. Karen did a great job taking off the fog and I really like it in black and white.

Oh, Karen did an AMAZING JOB!!! I can't wait to get that one developed in an 8x10 size! Gee, I'm still waiting to hear about your trip!!

Originally Posted by mickeystoontown

What a mean woman to make such a comment on the poncho that you worked so hard on! I've come to the realization that people just don't care what they say anymore...it can be hurtful, mean, mean spirited, etc....they just don't give a flying fig.

I'm glad to hear that you were enjoying the resort. I can't wait until I am back there again.

I hear you on the fact that teenagers are on the internet way too much. I don't even bring our laptop on vacation with us. Well, I take that back. I took it to Tennessee last Thanksgiving but only so I could make our Disney ADRs the day after Thanksgiving.

OH Lisa, I just thought that comment was so awful! First of all, people are people and should never be judged by "class". You don't know by looking at someone how much money they have or if they hold up their pinkie finger when they sip tea. I mean, is that stuff really important in life? I don't think so.

I was wondering how you guys made out with Isaac? I hope you didn't have any damage. Oh, her and her internet usage.....it only gets worse!!!

Originally Posted by ginny_lynn

We drove over this bridge on our way home yesterday!!!!

I am excited to read the rest of your report CBR is in the running for a trip next year, as my boy LOVES pirates!

I love that bridge!!! That's how we know we are home!

Originally Posted by Judgey Judgerson

Joining in a little late but excited to hear about how the parks were during the Isaac fiasco!

Hi Judgey! Cute name! Welcome to the party and it's never too late!

[Tink-erin-belle]

How did I miss a whole day of updates from you, Ann? Now I feel bad about giving you a hard time on my PTR for not updating enough! I like the “humid” picture of you and Victoria. (OMG, as I continued reading, I saw that Karen fixed the picture and made it in B&W! It is gorgeous! I hope you frame that!) I’m glad to hear that you felt that the heat and humidity were tolerable. Hopefully, it will be the same way next year when I go. I would have been mortified if my mom offered to take pictures of me with cute guys! This is definitely something I’ll have to do to True! I can’t believe that it rained that much that you had to stay indoors for an hour! My goodness! And where is this witch who made a nasty comment about your cool poncho??? I want to give her a piece of my mind! Some people have no class at all. If she didn’t like it, she should have kept her stupid mouth shut! I’m sure that she was just jealous that you could create something that interesting and unique! I’m sorry that you didn’t feel comfortable enough to wear it after that. The poncho was cool and I would make one if I knew how to sew!

You mentioned that it was still kind of raining after that. Was it a hot, gross rain or a rain that was like sweet relief from the heat? I’m really trying to prepare myself for this August trip! I totally understand how you must have been feeling about Victoria spending so much time online! Coy does the same thing. I think we should be having family time, but he is watching videos on youtube (That's what I want to do to the computer sometimes, so he can't use it! ) It gets really annoying and it hurts my feelings a little too. So I am copying your note to self: online usage will be limited! You’re scaring me a little with the lines. You’re right, 20 minutes isn’t that bad, but I am also used to walk-on attractions. So Photopass+ was worth it? I can’t wait to see your ride pictures Oh no! Victoria lost her croc? Sounds like something True would do. Another note to self: make sure my kids are wearing shoes that tie! That was definitely pixie dust that they gave you a credit for the shoe!

[Victoriasmom98]

Originally Posted by Tink-erin-belle

Was it a hot, gross rain or a rain that was like sweet relief from the heat?

No, it was a relief for the rain! I don't mind a little sprinkle, but it did POUR occasionally.

[mickeystoontown]

Ann, honey, please, you do not look fat in your pictures! You look as if you are having a great time and that's all that matters.

I'm sorry but I did laugh a wee little bit when you were describing Victoria walking around with just one Croc on while searching for another pair of shoes. I wasn't laughing AT her. I was just laughing at the situation because that's so something that would happen to us. At least the canvas shoes were cute!

[Twoboysnmygirl]

OHMYGOSH! I cannot believe she lost her shoe! I'm sure it was stressful, but so cool that they gave you a voucher for new shoes!

I think you look fabulous, I thought when I saw your pics that it looked like you had lost weight...but didn't want to say that b/c I dunno, sometimes people get offended when you tell them they look like they lost weight? AND...you don't look like the crowds or rain are bothering you, so I'm glad that there were lots of happy moments in between the not-so-happy ones! I was surprised by our crowds in Jan, but I think those were locals b/c the weather was so gorgeous. I don't think there's really superslow times anymore at WDW, even September is getting busier!

[beachmama3]

LOVING your TR so far!!! First: I also love Stitch and think it's funny, POTC is my FAVE ride EVER, and the story of your daughter losing her shoes is priceless! Sounds like something my kids would do- and it's awesome Disney gave you a credit for new ones!!

Your pics are great! You all look wonderful.

Lastly, I thought your poncho was awesome. I am sorry that woman said anything, she def must have been jealous. I was just telling my husband the story-- he not only agrees that the woman was completely rude, but he's wondering how you put it together! I think he wants me to make myself one! You may have explained in you PTR and I missed it? If you did, will you let me know where to look!

[Victoriasmom98]

Just wanted to pop in quickly before I get ready for work and give Donia (and whoever else might want it) the link to How to Make a Bag Poncho:

http://www.instructables.com/id/The-...lastic-bags-a/

Of course I tweeked it here and there for example mine doesn't have sleeves. Have fun with it if you try it!!!

[Disneylvr]

Enjoying your report and have subscribed!

[Tink-erin-belle]

Originally Posted by Victoriasmom98

Just wanted to pop in quickly before I get ready for work and give Donia (and whoever else might want it) the link to How to Make a Bag Poncho:

http://www.instructables.com/id/The-...lastic-bags-a/

Of course I tweeked it here and there for example mine doesn't have sleeves. Have fun with it if you try it!!!

Thanks for the link! Now I just have to learn how to sew! I like your short sleeves better than the long, skinny sleeves on the instructions. It seems like the long sleeves would make your arms feel all hot, sweaty and restricted. Well, if you do tweek your poncho a little bit more, please post it again!

[Dave Dizney]

Any chance your Kilimanjaro Safari driver was Rebekah? Our daughter drove that day and reported that day she got soaking wet from the rain.

[SenecaWolf]

Joining in the fun! So far sounds like you have had an interesing trip.
My DD is the same way with her phone, I actually had to threaten to call T-Mobile and disable her data plan when we were there in April!!! I may just do that next year....

I'm so sorry that you had to encounter such an awful person, I thought your poncho was just cute!

[Victoriasmom98]

Monday, August 20th EPCOT DAY

This morning we had an early ADR for Akershus Royal Banquet Hall for breakfast with the Princesses. I had no idea what to expect at this one. It was nice to walk into EPCOT with hardly any people in it except for those going to the same breakfast we were. Ah, quietness! We checked in and had our picture taken with Belle. Again, this photo was part of the Photopass Plus program, so yet another “free” photo. Geez, I forgot to scan it into my computer. Sorry guys I don’t have it to show you. It’s nice and you’ll just have to take my word for it. We were seated pretty quickly and our server came to get our drink order. There is a buffet of cold items such as cheese and salami slices and we went up to get that. Then the server brings out a pan of hot items such as scrambled eggs, sausage, potatoes, etc. It’s along the same idea as the O’hana breakfast. I found it to be very yummy and I loved the princesses! They have a “parade” of princesses go around the restaurant with the little kids. You should have seen all the little ones in their best dresses. It was so cute. Nope, I didn’t get a picture of it but I really should have. I thought the architecture of the building was amazing as well. So far, so good today.
















Me and my favorite princess!!!






Yes honey, you are a Norwegian God!

Ok, now I don’t know why I had the urge to take a picture of the bathroom, but this is the second bathroom picture I took. Am I trying to tell myself something? Weird.



We wandered over to the Land for our Soaring FP. While we were there, we decided to do Living with the Land. There was a line! Now admit it folks, when have you ever seen a line for the boat ride, huh? I’ve maybe seen a wait time for 10 minutes, but this one was 25 MINUTES!! REALLY? We waited, though, because I really do enjoy this ride. And, I knew it had something special for Peter ------ CHICKENS!!!! I told you guys I made it a point to seek out any chicken I could find! A nice pixie dust happening is that we got the front seat! Great photo opportunity right there!











Then it was over to the Seas with Nemo and Friends! We rode in clamshells and spent time talking with Crush! We also spent time around the tanks. I love it in here!

[Victoriasmom98]

Now you all remember those lovely canvas shoes we got for Victoria, right? Well, those were hurting her feet and she was refusing to walk in them anymore. We walked by the Electric Umbrella and low and behold there were Disney crocs in her size!!! Yay!! Didn’t like the price so much ---- $35.99, but hey, if it will get her to stop complaining, I’ll pay it!





At that time I was still pretty annoyed at her losing the croc. Oh, and I called Lost and Found and still no croc had turned up. I’m thinking it’s probably a part of the track now or melted. Oh well……Live and Learn, right? We did have to stop for these line jumpers!!!


So cute!

We got to do the usual Spaceship Earth, Universe of Energy, and Mission Space all without much wait at all. (FINALLY!!)





We then headed to World Showcase and was greeted by this little Cutie along the grass…



We were able to catch street performers in England and made more use of our photopass opportunity.





We went back to use our Fast Pass for Soaring (I believe it was for 6:35pm). Yay! I love that ride! It is so relaxing!



After Soaring I stopped at that little gift shop right by the bathrooms (sorry, no bathroom pic this time!) and bought 2 Mickey's Mini Garden plants. They are on my windowsill now. I love those little things. The one I bought last year is still going strong. We were exhausted by now (I know ---- it’s only 7:30pm for crying out loud!) so we claimed our space along the lagoon for Illuminations. Peter and Victoria went off to get some food to bring it back to our spot. I made some friends while waiting and of course the railing made an awesome tripod so my pictures came out pretty good!











After the show we headed out to the busses and went to the resort for some shut eye. Thank goodness. I’m getting older now and just can’t keep up my usual commando-style!

[Tink-erin-belle]

I’m so happy that you liked Akershus! I didn’t realize they had the meats and cheeses available for breakfast as well. The restaurant looks so pretty!

Originally Posted by Victoriasmom98

Yes honey, you are a Norwegian God!

Love the Norwegian god picture! I just noticed the LGMH on Peter’s shirt. Cool!


Hey, lots of people take bathroom pictures! It helps people like me who have to take a lot of tinkle breaks! We know what to expect in a particular bathroom! Is it weird that one of the reasons I like vacationing in WDW is because I know all of the restrooms will be clean? I’m not even kidding about that! I am very particular about bathrooms! That is sweet that you kept searching out the chickens for Peter!

Originally Posted by Victoriasmom98

You look like you belong on The Price is Right! This is a cute pic!

Originally Posted by Victoriasmom98

This too!

Originally Posted by Victoriasmom98

This is a wonderful family photo!

Originally Posted by Victoriasmom98

This is fantastic! Your other pictures of Illuminations and of the ducks are great too! It looks like you had a really full day at EPCOT. No food porn, but I’ll forgive you this time This TR is making me feel a lot better about our trip next year. I think August will be good for me and the kids. You and your family looked like you had a terrific time

BTW, I PMed you

[Victoriasmom98]

Tuesday, August 21 Hollywood Studios Day

Ahhhhhh….my favorite park. Oh, I’m going to love today…..I just know it! This was another one of those eat a snack for breakfast type of day and we were ready by about 8:30am to go down to the bus stop. Another relatively empty bus. Nice.







We started our day over on Sunset Blvd to go grab a fast pass for ToT and get onto RnR. Remember how I said the bus was empty? Well, the park certainly wasn’t. I took this picture of the crowd by RnR just for you all to get an idea. I think the crowd calendar told me this was a GOOD day to be at HS!



Can you believe this??? I certainly couldn’t! It ended up being a 45 minute wait for RnR in the standby line. Really? Peter said it turned from 20 to 45 minutes after we were already in the line. Great! But, Victoria and I both love this ride so to us it was worth the wait. There aren’t many attractions I would wait that long for.



By the time we got off of RnR, our time was up to go on ToT! Yay! This is another one of my favorites. It was kind of disappointing this year as our favorite bellhop Keven no longer works at the Tower! So sad! He was awesome! I love the ride though. I could stay on and on and on this one! My favorite times are when you get a big first drop and then a bunch of little ones. I don’t like little ones all the way through. These were more photos I was able to get downloaded on the photopass plus. I don’t have the cd yet, or else I would post them. Maybe by the time I am done the report I will have it and can load them.



After Tot, it was time for Beauty and the Beast. I ALWAYS CRY during this show. I just love it so much. I heard a rumor that they may be replacing it. Ugh! That would make me sad. We had really good seats and as always, I enjoyed the show. Even Peter seemed to be enjoying it, although this seems to be more of a chick show.





We then went to The American Idol experience. This is a must do for Victoria and this time she is old enough to audition! After we sat through the show, both of us went to audition. I sang Pat Benetar’s Hit Me with Your Best Shot and Victoria sang something from One Direction. Neither of us made it to round 2, but we had fun, anyways.





Now it was starting to get rainy a bit so we went to the Muppets and then Great Movie Ride. Ok, folks…..when is the line out the door for GMR??? Never that I remember, but yep, the line snaked around the side of the building into the side entrance. Hey, at least I got to see the queue which I’ve never seen before. I think the wait time was 25 minutes on this one. No pixie dust this time around as we had the usual gangster scene live action. Ok, well, I’m still good with that.











Ok, this is a very silly picture of Victoria’s eye….


Voyage of the Little Mermaid was next (yeah with a family sitting behind us that talked LOUDLY through the entire show and in another language). Please, people, don’t talk through the show. I would like to be able to hear it! After the show we still had about an hour until our Sci-Fi Diner ressies, but we wanted to get out of the rain and walk over anyways to see if they could take us early. Fortunately, they were able to and we walked right in. We got a car right smack in the middle which was perfect! My only request for this one next time is for a car where you face each other and not 2 people in front and 1 in the back. Peter loves those old film clips. That’s one of his favorite places that we eat at.







Okay, Lisa, aka Mickeystoontown…….this next part is for you! Guess who I just had to absolutely see when we were there just because of your rockin’ video of your performance……

MULCH, SWEAT, and SHEARS!!! They were as awesome in person as they were in your video! I got to sing with them (take THAT American Idol!!!!) and Peter wasn’t willing to, so the lead singer came over and sat on his lap. Too funny!!! We loved them. They did a set of entirely Beatles songs. Now, I’m not a big Beatles fan, but I know the songs, so it was cool! They are a definite “not to be missed” performance…..oh, and so is Lisa’s video!







Victoria wanted to see the finale show of AME, so off we went. Then it was time for another good night’s sleep. This was, by far, my favorite day so far!!!