Canadian Buffoon's Disney With a Teen Vacation - 08/13 - The Wrap

[pkondz]

Thank you...frankly, I was just replying for the fancy "Welcome"

Well, it worked.

You're not dull...you just take for-ev-ah! to update your TR's (but then again that gives me time to get out my charts to submit my contest answers so take your time!)

OMG! Make up your mind! Do you want it fast or slow????

Check...well, I prefer to be referred to as "trip over your shoes lovely" but when I have a good hair day I can drop them dead

Of that, I have no doubt.

Well, remember, I've almost drowned a few times so I may be a mermaid...just not one that swims...I'll lounge around on a rock lookin' all lovely though!

That qualifies.

You do remember we live in Canada right??? In the summer, sure...but in the winter I would freeze my shells right off! Unless I'm allowed to wear my Stanfields that is (does a westerner even get that reference?)

We'll move down south for the winter.
Wait, can a mermaid be a snowbird too?
Sure. Why not?

And of course I know what Stanfields are.

My Stanifelds are a one piece...I even have a swell little flap in the back!

You are so in!

Welcome to the Harem. Play nice with Liesa and Carrie.
Be welcoming if Betsey decides to join.

Well done sir! Well done!!

Merely the truth.

 

[pookersmom]

Wait. There is a harem? What does that entail?

 

[pkondz]

Wait. There is a harem? What does that entail?

Must be beautiful. (You got that one covered. So you're good there.)
Must be a mermaid.
Must wear sea shells. (Although I allow one piece bathing suits upon request.)

And... Where've you been???
to the TR!

 

[pkondz]

It's been a rough day.
As some of you know, I've been nursing a bad back of late.
What most of you don't know is that I've been trying to build a deck.
Kinda hard, though, with my bad back.
So it's been languishing.

But today I had to put the pool to bed for the winter,
and the back was feeling okay.

Might as well work on the deck a bit.

Step one, move my very heavy saw into place.
Without hurting my back.
Took my time and... success!

Need some screws from the basement.
Zip downstairs, grab em, head back up and...

It happened so fast.
Still not sure what happened.

I don't have stairs yet, just the stringers that hold up the stairs.
One second I was approaching them,
the next I was plunging down them, head first.

The back of my right leg from knee to derriere is one big mass
of scrapes, bruises and cuts.

Also hurt a finger a bit.
At least my back seems okay.
We'll see how I feel tomorrow.

Right now, I can't bend or twist because that re-opens the cuts.
Plus I can't sit. Or at least not comfortably.


So while I've kept you waiting on the edge of your seats...
I'm sitting on the edge of mine!


Must be karma.


Man, this hurts!


Show must go on.
Update soon.

 

[irene_dsc]

Wait a second - I thought this was a trip report, not an accident report! Or a trip and fall report!

But while you recover, I can guess you were on the second floor of the hotel. I have no idea how many flora it has, but it must have at least two!

And stop hurting yourself!

 

[irene_dsc]

Floors, not flora...dyac!

 

[pkondz]

Wait a second - I thought this was a trip report, not an accident report! Or a trip and fall report!

Oh, how I wish it were so...

But while you recover, I can guess you were on the second floor of the hotel. I have no idea how many flora it has, but it must have at least two!

Noted.

And stop hurting yourself!

I'd love to! I really, really, REALLY would!

Floors, not flora...dyac!

But it's Florida. There'll be flora, too. So that works.

You got your answer in just in time, because.... here comes the update!

 

[pkondz]

Those Aren't Real Palm Trees.


I shrank beneath his glowering gaze.
At any moment, I expected to be cuffed
and hustled off to a locked windowless room
where a person with over-sized hands would
snap on a pair of rubber gloves and perform
a "search" of what I hold dearest to me.

I hoped it wouldn't come to that.
For obvious reasons.
Plus, we had a connection to catch.
While the flight wasn't for a few minutes still,
boarding would probably be starting any second.


And even if by some miracle, the stone faced customs guard
allowed us to enter the country,
we still had to navigate to wherever the appropriate gate was.
And I had no idea if that would take a short or long time.
Toronto Pearson airport is the biggest and busiest in the country.
That gate could be miles away!

And it would all be a moot point
if we couldn't get past U.S. customs in the next couple of minutes.


"She's 15." I stammered. "I didn't think we'd need a letter still."
The guard re-iterated. "She's a minor. Until she's 18 you need a letter."


Kay, being smarter than I, proposed a possible solution.
"Would a text work?"
Not bad kid, not bad.
I knew that wouldn't work,
but I secretly applauded her for thinking up solutions
instead of panicking.


I left the panicking to me.


My mind was spinning and moving at a hundred miles an hour.
"Let's see. I can call Ruby... she's at work...
except she doesn't always answer her phone.
I could call her cell, but she doesn't always answer that either.
Assuming I do manage to get a hold of her,
not only do I have to get her to write and sign the letter,
but it has to be notarized too.
Cross that bridge, if and when.
Does she have a fax machine?
Maybe someone at the airport will have one.
She could walk over. Maybe a car rental company?
It didn't work in Toronto, but maybe it will work in Winnipeg.
Okay, now where is she going to fax it to?
I have to find a fax machine somewhere here.
Where am I going to find a fax machine here?
I'm not overly familiar with the Toronto airport.
Plus, it's huge. I might have to walk miles before I find a fax machine.
(Probably in the opposite direction of the wayward gate.)
I could ask the customs agent,
but something tells me he's going to be less than helpful.
Plus, if I get a hold of Ruby and if she can fax it to me
if I can find someplace here with a fax...
And I somehow have to get all this done in just a few minutes."


That's a lot of thinking... but it all popped into my head in a split second.
I hadn't even started to think about the logistics yet,
since I didn't even know if I could complete step one:
Get hold of Ruby.


The customs guard diverted his attention from me to Kay.
"Are you running away?" He asked her.
"No." She said.
Thank you Lord for impressing her with the gravity of the situation.
I'm pretty sure a smart alec retort like "Yeah, sure."
would've really been great.

He asked her again. "Are you sure you're not running away?"
"No. I'm sure." She replied.


The guard stared at us for, oh... about a year... and then
<Kachunk!><Kachunk!>
he stamped both passports and handed them back to us.
I held the passports in my hand and just looked at them in wonder.
We were in!



I didn't look at them too long.
We had a plane to catch!
I dragged Kay, kicking and screaming for help, into the United States.


What?



Kay doesn't run. At least not on purpose... and maybe not even then.
But we moved.
We set out at a brisk pace.
And when I say "brisk pace",
I mean we were bowling over elderly people and children.
Survival of the fittest people! Out of the way!


Thankfully, the Terminal is well signed.
We had no problem following the posted directions.
"This way!" I'd call out. "Turn here!"
There were moving sidewalks interspersed on our route
and we took full advantage of them.
So while we weren't running, we were progressing at an impressive clip.

We got to our gate a little after 8pm.
There were a lot of people in the area,
but I had no idea if our flight had commenced boarding or not.
The area where our gate was located serves six different gates.
I walk up to the check in desk and ask. "Have you started boarding yet?"
"We're just about to start." She says.

Score.
I mentally thumb my nose at a certain Customs agent who shall remain friendless.


Within moments they announce the pre-boarding
for those traveling with small infants,
those seated in the exit row and people needing extra time.

Take your time, folks.
I need to catch my breath...


They then announce boarding for the high and mighty "Plus" seating guests.
Kay doesn't hear. She's not really listening.
Why should she? She's got her dad looking out for her, right?

I tell her it's time to board and we get in line.
As we walk down the ramp leading to the aircraft,
Kaitlyn asks what seats we are in.
I tell her she has the window seat again, and we are in row one.


Yes, I splurged and upgraded us to Plus seats.
(Hey, Andy... pppbbbbtttt...)
I hadn't bothered on the first leg for a couple of reasons.
I knew that since it was a short hop, the food options were pretty much zip.
And since we had bags to pick up in Toronto, there was no rush.
Actually, three reasons... Money.


Yeah, it would've been nice to board first, but not that big a deal.
And for the first short leg, I wasn't bothered by the leg-room either.

But for the second leg... well...
I knew we probably wouldn't get a chance to eat in Toronto
(and I was right,)
so eating on the plane would probably happen.
I also wanted to get off the plane as quickly as possible in MCO.
Yeah, we'd still have to wait for our bags, but if they were efficient
(Come on... it's MCO. They pretty much have to be.)
and considering the hour, we might luck out and get our bags almost right away.
And what the heck. The extra leg-room would be nice, too.


We board the aircraft, I show her to her seat and...
There are no TV monitors.

This is one of the new policies that are put in place to benefit us!
The customer!
Now we don't have to suffer with a convenient TV mounted on a seat back
(or in this case on the bulkhead in front of us.)
No! Now we can use our own electronics to watch programming!
Isn't that great?
Provided, of course that you have your own electronics.
And if you don't, why don't you?
What? Are you living in the stone age or something?
Get some electronics! Any electronics! As long as it's new and cutting edge!
And don't be a jerk and have yesterday's model.
Only today's model will do! Tomorrow's would be better.
And if you are a loser without electronics,
they'll gladly rent some to you. Isn't that nice?


I love how airlines cut services and then trumpet these cutbacks
as if they're doing something wonderful for you.


"Our new generation aircraft are specifically designed for your comfort.
Now every seat on the aircraft will have an unobstructed view.
We've removed those unsightly wings and engines
so your field of view is completely unencumbered.
Plus, as an added benefit, each seat will be equipped with pedals
to provide power to the propeller,
empowering you with a sense of accomplishment and pride.
This will provide you with exercise
while having a friendly competition with your fellow passengers.
Entertainment will be provided by the master of tempo
who will beat his Japanese drum to a catchy rhythm.
And that's not all!
Further entertainment will be provided by characters straight out of Indiana Jones.
Crack that whip! Ha! Ha!
You'll swear that he's cracking that whip at you!
Enjoy your flight, and don't forget to keep your arm rigidly extended
out on your side of the aircraft.
We want to fly high and straight and we're counting on you!"


Okay, now that I've completely moved off topic...

We settle into our seats and Kay takes another picture out the window.

Wait a second! This is exactly like the last two pictures!
Except... Notice how the wing's been removed?

That's right.... start pedaling.




The flight was uneventful.
Kay watched some anime on my laptop.
I watched three quarters of the movie Birdman on my iPod.
They really should limit your viewing choices to movies that you can actually
finish before the flight ends.
Weird little movie, not sure if I agree with Oscar in giving it Best Picture.
Maybe the ending was really good.
Who knows, I'll probably never see it.

At some point, we were offered something to eat.
Kay wasn't sure what she wanted to eat.
Either the turkey & provolone bun or the ham & swiss wrap.
She neatly solved that problem by telling me:
"I'll order the ham, you order the turkey, and if I don't like the ham, we'll switch."


That right there, ladies and gents, is the definition of being a parent.
She took a bite of her wrap,
then a bite of my turkey bun
and decided to go with the wrap.
She did offer me a bite of her wrap, to even the playing field.
I didn't bother to tell her that her team had already won the toss.

I suspect that the flight attendant had already decided that Kay was in charge.
But really, handing me this to drink was uncalled for...

We landed at MCO and arrived at the gate slightly ahead of schedule at 11:24pm.
Moments later we were here.

I don't want to mislead you, that's a cleaning crew
that had closed off that part of the fake-o-rail.
Mind you, there weren't that many people in our car either.
Maybe a dozen? Including us?

One amusing tidbit.
Kay didn't think the palm trees were real.
"No honey. We really are in Florida."


When you exit the fake-o-rail, Disney's Magical Express is to the right,
on the "B" side of the terminal.
But our bags would be spit out on the "A" side, so we headed there.
Since we arrived after 10pm, we would have to claim our bags before
getting on DME.
Hence the airport terminal shuffle.

We settled in and waited for the baggage carousel to start up.
I'm constantly disappointed with airport baggage carousels.
1. No horses going up and down. So, fail, right there.
2. Even without horses, it still might be fun...
but they put signs up telling you to stay off.

What kind of crummy carousel is that???


The carousel started up and bags began to appear from behind a curtain.

I dunno. It'd been a long day already. I was punchy. That's my excuse.
Either way, I don't know where it came from... it just happened.
As the bags exited from behind the curtain
and began to make their way along the carousel,
I started to make a running commentary as if they were models on a runway.
<Said in a soft, yet faux-sincere voice:>
"Our first model is dressed in a lovely shade of stark white offset by four stunning black wheels."
Kay picked up the spiel. "The next suitcase is sporting a lovely red colour. Perfect for this fall's fashions."
I took a picture of the models as they paraded by.

Notice the guy on the right, looking at me like I'm some kind of weirdo?
I wonder why? Pretty rude, don't you think?
Maybe because that's his red bag (notice he already has a red one beside him.)



We continued our running commentary for a bit, but not for long.
Both our suitcases were out quite quickly.
I suspect it was because they might've been among the last ones on the flight.

We grabbed the bags and high-tailed it over to the "B" side and found the DME desk.
Now I don't remember for sure,
but it seems to me that the CM there asked me if I had a voucher.
I know I had one when I came down in February,
but amongst all the stuff I got in the mail, DME vouchers weren't included.
It didn't seem to matter anyway, since we were on her list.
Seconds later we were navigating the rope maze to our awaiting bus.

And it was... awaiting.
We walked right up, dropped off our bags and hopped on board.


So for those keeping track, here's our first Disney transportation wait time.
0 minutes.
Now before you all go running off to change your guesses
(but feel free if you wish to do so,)
I'm pretty sure that there are always busses parked there, waiting.
So a 0 minute wait here isn't something overly surprising.
I certainly didn't feel like we'd lucked out or anything.
We were at (and on) the bus at midnight on the dot.
And we didn't wait very long (12:10am) before we were heading out.
Disney here we come!


The ride to our resort was disappointing on two levels...
although possibly fortuitous on another.


First off, Kay loves... loves to sit as far back on busses as she can.
She picked our seats which meant... no chance for the classic
"First sign of Disney" photo.
Oh, well. I didn't get one last time either and I survived.

Secondly, and I was a bit let down by this,
the spiel for the TVs was inaudible.
Either the driver had turned it down due to the late hour
or it was just not working properly.

I was really hoping that Kay would watch (and listen!)
and give me some clues as to what she'd like to see/do.
"Oh! I want to do that! Can we see that?"
But without sound, she didn't even look.

On the other hand, she missed the Beverly spoiler.
I'd already "gotten" her and her sister with it,
but with any luck, she had forgotten which one it was.


At 12:40, the bus pulled up in front of POP and we got off.
We quickly retrieved our bags and headed in to the lobby.
Even at this time of night, there was a line up at check-in.

I had already done on-line check-in, but there wasn't a line for it.
There were two CMs serving guests and only one line to get into.
We waited about ten minutes for our turn.
I suppose having done on-line check-in may have saved us some time
once we got to the desk, but I'm not really sure.
We got our room number and it was in the 60s
overlooking the kiddie pool on the top floor
as we... well, Kay, had requested.
And we got our Magic Bands!
(Oh my God... is there anything better than when you get those puppies????)


We were all set and we headed out in search of our room.


Have I mentioned yet that it was hot out?
And humid?
And hot and humid?
And humid and hot?

No?

We noticed it right away before we boarded DME,
but we were outside so briefly that it didn't have a huge impact.
Same goes for when we got off of DME.
But now...

We walked out through the automatic sliding doors and...
Well... we were kind of like:
"Disney! Disney! Disney! Yay! Yay!.... Dear Lord who turned on the blast furnace?!?!?"
It was like walking into a brick wall.
Or like this:

And it was one o'clock in the morning!!!
What the heck was it going to be like during the heat of the day?????

I didn't mention that to Kay.
I thought "Why crush all her hopes and dreams right off the bat."
Let her crush her own hopes and dreams.


We swam upstream to our resort wing.


And then it started.
Remember. The top floor was Kay's idea.
I won't mention this often... or maybe never again...
But, she wanted top floor. And we got it.
And guess who would always be the one going to the food court for mug refills.
Anyone? Anyone at all?
Let's make it a bonus question, shall we?
Guess who had to make several... lousy... stinking trips...
up and down and up and down and up and down those flippin' stairs?
I'll even give you a hint.
It wasn't Kay.
I believe she made a grand total of one round trip per day.
Down at the beginning of the day and up at the end.
That's it.

So go ahead... get your guesses in.


Moving on...


Ever had the experience where something amazing happens and you're absolutely overjoyed...
and then almost immediately your joy is completely crushed out of you?
Like this lady?

Yeah, that was us.
First off, it was hot.
Did I mention that yet?
Oh, I did... Well, you're gonna hear it again.
It was hot... hot hot.
Although what really put the sizzle in it was the humidity.
You know, the kind where you're a perfectly normal human being,
and then you walk outside...
and you're instantly transformed into a sweat soaked mess.

Somehow, we missed the elevator, so we lugged the suitcases up four flights of stairs.
(I grew to love those stairs... really.... no, really.... kill me now.)
We finally got to the *#&^$ top floor and got to our door.
It's now 1:05am.
Will the Magic Bands work?
Please, pleasepleaseplease PLEASE! work.
I do not want to have to go all the way back to the lobby.
And they did!!
I think Kay tried hers first and it worked
and even before we walked in, I tried mine too. Success!
We walked in and yessssssssssss.... Air conditioning!
Nirvana! Heaven! Cool!
I flicked on the light switch and...


uh...




um...






crap...








There's only one bed.
(Refer to above picture for our reaction.)


Nope. This will not do. Not even close.
Yes, it's not a big deal for a parent to sleep in the same bed as their child...
But I also know that my teen daughter will absolutely not do it...
No way, Jose.
And I didn't want to either.
I'd paid for a room with two beds. I wanted my own bed.
I didn't want some rotten little kid kicking me in the middle of the night.


Funny thing is, the very first time I came to Florida,
I came with my Mom, Dad and Sister.
We stayed in one hotel room.
I shared a bed with my Dad and my sis shared Mom's bed.
It wasn't ideal, but it was okay.
Except for that one night, of course.
What night? You ask?
Well, since you asked...
Our hotel was located right next to a road.
Of course it was. It was just a Best Western or something similar.
Not a deluxe resort or anything.
There was also a set of train tracks that ran through our room.
Well, okay, it wasn't in our room... but we were on the outside wall
of the hotel on the same side as the tracks.
I'm pretty sure that if there had been a window on that wall,
you could've stuck your hand out and touched the train as it went by.

Did you know that trains are required to blow their horns when crossing roads?
Even if that road has a hotel beside it?
Even at two o'clock in the morning?

I distinctly recall being blasted out of a very sound sleep
by a horrible screaming train horn.
I sat bolt upright in bed... possibly above the bed...
When the screeching ended, my head slowly... slowly.... oh, so slowly...
descended back to my pillow and sweet dreams.

Except my aim was off.
I somehow went off target and landed on my Dad's chest.
A very different kind of screeching woke me up this time.


Upshot is... I wanted two beds.


I told Kay to stay in the air conditioned, blessedly cool room with the bags
while I would trudge all the way down the stairs and return to the lobby.


When I got back to the lobby
(hot, hot, hot, hot... ahhhh.... indoor air conditioning.)
there was still a line up for the check-in desk.
I got back in line.
Not long afterwards, I approached the desk.
The CM who served me earlier was helping another guest,
but she spotted me and asked what was wrong.
I told her about the bed situation and she apologized and said that was her fault.
I dunno if it was or wasn't.
I had done online check-in... was the room not assigned then?
I really don't know.
All I knew at the time was that I was tired, sweaty and just wanted a better room.

The CM who was now helping me went into the back to check on something.
When she returned she had bad news.
"I have two options for you.
Option 1 is you stay in your room tonight
and we can move you to another room tomorrow.
Option 2 is there is one room left with two beds...
but it's on the ground floor
(yay!)
over in the 90s section."
"The 90s? Where's that?" I asked.
She showed me on the map and said
"It's farther away, but it's closer to the busses."

No. It's not.
The farthest section where we were was about the same distance
as the closest section in the 90s.
I did not want a repeat of our ASMu family vacation.
Oh, man.... that was far.
And the 90s section looked to be about as far.
"I don't like either of those options. But I like moving to the 90s the least."
Come on! Come on! Upgrade us to the Grand Floridian! Do it!
"Well." She said. "That's probably a good call.
The 90s are full right now with South American basketball teams."


OH MY GOD!!! And she wanted to put us there?!?!?


"So there are no other options?" I tried one last time.
"No, I'm sorry. That's all we have." She replied.
"Well, I guess we'll go with moving us tomorrow."
Then I continued. "It won't be the first time I've slept on the floor."
Sympathy card played... pick it up! Just say "Grand Floridian". You can do it!
"Okay." She said. "Just have your bags packed and call housekeeping before 10am."

Dang. No upgrade.
Maybe if I'd been more belligerent.
Stupid Canadian politeness.
I trudged back out into the heat and humidity
and scaled the stairs back up to the fourth floor.


I got back to the room at 1:30am.
I was tired. I didn't think I'd have much trouble falling asleep.
Even on the floor.

Kay, on the other hand,
was looking forward to sleeping in a King size bed all to herself.


We obviously didn't unpack much,
but we did get out essentials for the next day, etc.
I was just finishing up and getting ready to look for extra pillows,
hoping to make a makeshift mattress,
when there was a knock at the door.

I glanced at the time.
It's almost two o'clock in the morning?
Who's knocking on our door at this time of night?
The first thing that popped into my head
was some drunk guest who was lost.
I peeked through the window and then opened the door.
"Hi." Said a man I didn't recognize...
but I recognized what he had with him.
"Did you order a cot?"
"No." I said. "But I could sure use one."
"Well, don't tell anyone you got it then,
because they charge extra for it. Good night."

Sweet! Obviously, the CM I had spoken to
had heard my lame attempt for sympathy and sent over a cot.
It wasn't quite the Grand Floridian,
but it was better than sleeping on the floor!
Seconds later, we were fast asleep.
The end of a very long day.


Contest!

Disney Transportation Wait Time to date: 0 minutes.

ForeverDance - 105
SnowWhiteOz - 123
Thumper_Man - 170
chookie94 - 172
irene_dsc - 175
Saturn23 - 205
ougrad86 - 210
GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes - 221
jandlinz - 222
Tracy161 - 224
Gracefulskinny - 225
orangecats2 - 230
DisneyAndrew - 232
Steppesister - 238
Captain_Oblivious - 240
DISNEYMOON10121991 - 247
Kiren - 256
Mr. lncredible - 270
afwdwfan - 271
Kiotzu - 273
DonnaBeeGood - 282
Backstage_Gal - 310
queenbetsey - 315
TruLovesKiss - 323
MAGICFOR2 - 332
cinderkelly - 345
BibbitybobityLu - 358
Mrs T 2009 - 360
Curiouser&curiouser! - 363
Mac Brew - 489
Susan R - 600

Feel free to change your guesses if you wish.
You may do so up to and including the August 25th update.


Bonus questions, point values and answers from last round.

1. Do we make our connection? (2 points)
Answer: Yes.
2. What floor did we get? (2 points)
Answer: Top Floor (Fourth floor also accepted)
3. And was the room ready when we got there? (1 point)
Answer: Yes.
1 bonus point for getting all three correct

You're guesses and points won:

Steppesister - missed flight, 3rd floor, ready - 1 point.
queenbetsey - caught flight, room perfect, ready - 6 points
cinderkelly - caught flight, 2nd floor, ready - 3 points
DonnaBeeGood - caught flight, top floor, ready - 6 points
jandlinz - missed flight, 2nd floor, ready - 1 point
Backstage_Gal - caught flight, top floor, ready - 6 points
SnowWhiteOz - caught flight, 3rd floor, ready - 3 points
chookie94 - caught flight, top floor, not ready - 4 points
Gracefulskinny - caught flight, high floor, not ready - 4 points
ForeverDance - caught flight, 4th floor, ready - 6 points
Kiren - missed flight, top floor, ready - 3 points
Curiouser&curiouser! - missed flight, top floor, ready - 3 points
DISNEYMOON10121991 - caught flight, 2nd floor, ready - 3 points
MAGICFOR2 - caught flight, 3rd floor, not ready - 2 points
orangecats2 - 3rd floor, ready - 1 point
Mrs T 2009 - missed flight, 2nd floor, ready - 1 point
BibbitybobityLu - missed flight, 1st floor, ready - 1 point
TruLovesKiss - caught flight, 1st floor, ready - 3 points
GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes - missed flight, top floor, ready - 3 points
Mac Brew - caught flight, 1st floor, ready - 3 points
Captain_Oblivious - missed flight, top floor, ready - 3 points
afwdwfan - caught flight, top floor, ready - 6 points
DisneyAndrew - caught flight, top floor, ready - 6 points
ougrad86 - caught flight, top floor, ready - 6 points
Mr. lncredible - caught flight, top floor, ready - 6 points
Susan R - missed flight, top floor, ready - 3 points
Saturn23 - caught flight, 3rd floor, ready - 3 points
irene_dsc - missed flight, 2nd floor, ready - 1 point

Bonus creativity points:
jandlinz - Pixie dust version. I like it so much I'm including it in the next update. 2 points.
DISNEYMOON10121991 - Crazy man version. Fairly accurate, actually. 2 points.
Mrs T 2009 - verbal version. I actually considered this IRL. 2 points.
Mac Brew - The gotcha guard version. I really thought he was kidding, at first. 2 points.
DisneyAndrew - The Force version. I'm not saying I didn't do that. 2 points.
Susan R - The fax version. This is what I actually thought would happen! 2 points.

Flattery points (aka suck-up points)
DizzneyDi - And it sounded sincere, too! 4 points.
Gracefulskinny - Loves my style. 3 points.
queenbetsey - Thinks I'm wonderful. 3 points.
TruLovesKiss - LOVE in all caps no less. 2 points.
GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes - Thinks I'm a wise and all seeing Grand Illustrious Poobah.
He's right. 3 points.
GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes - Also thinks I'm a Benevolent Megalomaniacal Overlord.
Also correct. 2 points.
Steppesister - Cause it's one of her fave threads. 1 point.
If it'd been her fave (and not one of) there'd be more points.
Tracy161 - Cause she loves it. - 3 points.

Miscellaneous bonus points
Kiren - 2 points because she asked for points.
Captain_Oblivious - 2 points for making me lol because he's two farty.
Susan R - 2 points for being a clever girl with her Ponzi scheme.

Points standings:
DisneyAndrew – 8 points
GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes – 8 points
Gracefulskinny – 7 points
Susan R – 7 points
Afwdwfan – 6 points
Backstage_Gal – 6 points
DonnaBeeGood – 6 points
ForeverDance – 6 points
Mr. lncredible – 6 points
ougrad86 – 6 points
queenbetsey – 6 points
Captain_Oblivious – 5 points
DISNEYMOON10121991 – 5 points
Kiren – 5 points
Mac Brew – 5 points
TruLovesKiss – 5 points
chookie94 – 4 points
DizzneyDi – 4 points
cinderkelly – 3 points
Curiouser&curiouser! - 3 points
jandlinz – 3 points
Mrs T 2009 – 3 points
Saturn23 – 3 points
SnowWhiteOz – 3 points
Tracy161 - 2 points
MAGICFOR2 – 2 points
Steppesister – 2 points
BibbitybobityLu – 1 point
irene_dsc - 1 point
orangecats2 – 1 point


Still lots of points available in future updates!





Bonus points round two.
Tomorrow, (actually... considering the time, it was today.)
we're off to AK.
1. I have to be up before 10:00 to call housekeeping,
but what time does Kay get up?

2. The first ride we do becomes one of Kay's favourite rides (top 4).
What ride is it?

3. What common snack do we both try for the first time?
(The hint there is it's not specific to AK, but widely available.)

Good luck!

Coming up: We visit Animal Kingdom,
I discover what I forgot to bring and our first DISmeet!
I can also promise you pictures! Yes we took some! Honest!

It's a bird, it's a plane... it's Supermoon!​

 

[pookersmom]

Must be beautiful. (You got that one covered. So you're good there.)
Must be a mermaid.
Must wear sea shells. (Although I allow one piece bathing suits upon request.)

And... Where've you been???
to the TR!

I'm a Pisces so I think that qualifies me! HUZZAH!

It is migraine season at my house so I was avoiding bright screens in excess for a couple of weeks. Every single September, when the light starts to brighten the blue Colorado sky and hit the earth so that everything looks beautiful but BLINDING, I spend about two weeks duking it out with migraines. They seem to have passed, although my eyes are super itchy. That's probably unrelated. But who knows.

But now I'm all caught up! Yayyyyy!

I'm so sorry about your fall -- it sounds quite painful.

 

[Backstage_Gal]

Darn. had to keep me up late to read this, did you?
Guesses: Kay gets up at 10am, favorite ride is EE and snack is Mickey Bar

 

[Steppesister]

Awww, your points were very generous. Thank you! You see, I have to keep multiple peoples happy in case someone else requires suck up points. You never know when certain statements can come back and bite your hindend. Will have to read in detail soon... still have more homework.

 

[DonnaBeeGood]

.

 

[Dentam]

"Our new generation aircraft are specifically designed for your comfort.
Now every seat on the aircraft will have an unobstructed view.
We've removed those unsightly wings and engines
so your field of view is completely unencumbered.
Plus, as an added benefit, each seat will be equipped with pedals
to provide power to the propeller,
empowering you with a sense of accomplishment and pride.
This will provide you with exercise
while having a friendly competition with your fellow passengers.
Entertainment will be provided by the master of tempo
who will beat his Japanese drum to a catchy rhythm.
And that's not all!
Further entertainment will be provided by characters straight out of Indiana Jones.
Crack that whip! Ha! Ha!
You'll swear that he's cracking that whip at you!
Enjoy your flight, and don't forget to keep your arm rigidly extended
out on your side of the aircraft.
We want to fly high and straight and we're counting on you!"

Dying laughing over here! I just found your TR and love your writing style and humor (or is that humour?) - look forward to following along!

 

[Mac Brew]

Hi pkondz
Not having much luck with the old body at the moment at least with the weather cooling you’ll be able to wear the old jeans and cover up the evidence that having an argument with stairs can do
. Nothing like the good old Florida heat to surprise you, hits every time you step of the plane. You tend to forget until your next visit but we put up with it even though you know it is hotter than a sauna. The usual rant is why did we not come in the winter. The answer to that is no direct flights from Jock land in the winter have to go via London or change in New York which is a bit of a pain. It must have been a big cot if you managed to sleep in it I can just see your feet sticking out the end cots over here are for kids under the age of two. Well like any father of daughters which are usually the apple of their eyes you will run up and down Everest numerous times if they so desired. I’ve got one myself but I bet you got no thanks for delivering the drinks [mug to the correct level with the correct amount of ice] and snacks.
Like any other growing teenager they need their sleep as you arrived very late at night the wake up time is as close to ten as is possible to get I would say 09:47 as the get up time after a few shakes from dad which started at 09:30 hrs. It has to be a Mickey Ice cream bar your new favourite snack as it was so hot. As Expedition Everest is in the top four I will go with that as Kay’s favourite ride

 

[SnowWhiteOz]

Bonus points round two.
Tomorrow, (actually... considering the time, it was today.)
we're off to AK.
1. I have to be up before 10:00 to call housekeeping,
but what time does Kay get up?

2. The first ride we do becomes one of Kay's favourite rides (top 4).
What ride is it?

3. What common snack do we both try for the first time?
(The hint there is it's not specific to AK, but widely available.)

Good luck!

Only 3 points? And to think I'm writing a TR solely for your benefit (at least it seems that way - you're the only one kind enough to respond!)

Sounds like you had an interesting start to the trip so I'm assuming everything gets better from this point on?

If I was there with my dad, not only would you see pigs flying but we probably wouldn't be speaking to each other by this stage - so kudos to you and Kay

And now for the answers (not guesses - I'm going to be optimistic and just assume I'm right from the beginning)
1. Despite her usual teenage sleep ins I'm guessing Kay was actually up at 8:15
2. I'm guessing she's like her dad and is now hooked on Dinosaur (but there's a slight chance it's primeval whirl which she picked just because she knows you don't enjoy it )
3. I was going to say Dole Whip but that's not super widely available so I'll go for the popcorn

 

[Saturn23]

Thanks for waiting for me! That was really nice of you. My trip was fun for the most part. The halloween party Friday was great! Unfortunately it was exponentially busier than the corresponding week last year so I went in with false hopes and that's never a good thing. Last year I could walk with my arms straight out and turn circles because the pathways were so empty. I think you lucked out on your week with the hurricane.

BTW you left me off the wait times list, I guessed 205 minutes a few pages ago

I'm happy you made it through customs and caught your flight! Sorry you had so much to deal with when you got there with the bed situation. That was nice of them to bring you a cot. OMG about being stuck in the 90's with teams. That would not have been fun.

My guesses:
Kay woke up at 9, she was too excited to sleep in longer
Everest was the best ride, although I would think you would schedule that as a last fast pass so as to not miss it
Favourite snack was the mickey bar

 

[ForeverDance]

Sorry to hear about the fall. I guess the upside is that your back didn't get hurt... how does it feel today?

"Our new generation aircraft are specifically designed for your comfort.
Now every seat on the aircraft will have an unobstructed view.
We've removed those unsightly wings and engines
so your field of view is completely unencumbered.
Plus, as an added benefit, each seat will be equipped with pedals
to provide power to the propeller,
empowering you with a sense of accomplishment and pride.
This will provide you with exercise
while having a friendly competition with your fellow passengers.
Entertainment will be provided by the master of tempo
who will beat his Japanese drum to a catchy rhythm.
And that's not all!
Further entertainment will be provided by characters straight out of Indiana Jones.
Crack that whip! Ha! Ha!
You'll swear that he's cracking that whip at you!
Enjoy your flight, and don't forget to keep your arm rigidly extended
out on your side of the aircraft.
We want to fly high and straight and we're counting on you!"

"Our first model is dressed in a lovely shade of stark white offset by four stunning black wheels."
Kay picked up the spiel. "The next suitcase is sporting a lovely red colour. Perfect for this fall's fashions."

This is too funny. I love that Kay picked it up. This is absolutely something I could picture my husband and oldest daughter doing.

Notice the guy on the right, looking at me like I'm some kind of weirdo?
I wonder why? Pretty rude, don't you think?
Maybe because that's his red bag (notice he already has a red one beside him.)

Perhaps he didn't like the use of the word "lovely" maybe he felt his bag was "stunning".

"Disney! Disney! Disney! Yay! Yay!.... Dear Lord who turned on the blast furnace?!?!?"
It was like walking into a brick wall.
Or like this:

Yes. This exactly. We've been at the end of August a few times before but this year was bar far the worst.

So go ahead... get your guesses in.

Hmm super tough question. I think I'll go with K...
no I'm going to go out on a limb and pick you!

Disney Transportation Wait Time to date: 0 minutes.
ForeverDance - 105

Yes I'm winning!
Hey I'm the closest right now so that makes me winning okay?!
Let me have it, it won't last long.

Bonus points round two.
Tomorrow, (actually... considering the time, it was today.)
we're off to AK.
1. I have to be up before 10:00 to call housekeeping,
but what time does Kay get up?

2. The first ride we do becomes one of Kay's favourite rides (top 4).
What ride is it?

3. What common snack do we both try for the first time?
(The hint there is it's not specific to AK, but widely available.)

1. Despite the ridiculously late hour I am going to say that Kay is super excited and actually gets up around 8:30am.
2. There are two obvious choices here (Everest and Kilimanjaro). But, since you didn't know what time Kay would be up I am going to guess that you had FP+ for those later than the time you got there (since I'm predicting she got up at a reasonable hour). So I'm going to go with something that rarely has a line (and therefore you likely didn't have a FP+ for) and say Dinosaur.
3. Frozen lemonade. Because although you can find them all over, this is the treat that my family always gets in this park... because it's so hot.

 

[afwdwfan]

It's been a rough day.
As some of you know, I've been nursing a bad back of late.
What most of you don't know is that I've been trying to build a deck.

You're a glutton for punishment.

Zip downstairs, grab em, head back up and...

It happened so fast.
Still not sure what happened.

That's how it always happens.

The back of my right leg from knee to derriere is one big mass
of scrapes, bruises and cuts.

Ouch...

At least my back seems okay.

Well, there's the positive. I thought the whole thing was going to have happened because you had a back spasm or something and that's what threw you off balance.

The customs guard diverted his attention from me to Kay.
"Are you running away?" He asked her.
"No." She said.
Thank you Lord for impressing her with the gravity of the situation.

Maybe you'll avoid causing an international incident after all.

The guard stared at us for, oh... about a year... and then
<Kachunk!><Kachunk!>
he stamped both passports and handed them back to us.
I held the passports in my hand and just looked at them in wonder.
We were in!

Great! I had a feeling this is how it would play out. I'm glad that Kay answered appropriately and you were allowed to go on your way.

Score.
I mentally thumb my nose at a certain Customs agent who shall remain friendless.

Hey, he could have made things a lot more difficult on you!!! He did bend the rules for you.

Yes, I splurged and upgraded us to Plus seats.
(Hey, Andy... pppbbbbtttt...)

I'm proud of you. It's Kay's once in lifetime trip with Dad. Gotta live it up a little bit!

I love how airlines cut services and then trumpet these cutbacks
as if they're doing something wonderful for you.

And not just airlines. Pretty much every business out there. Even one that everyone here really really likes a lot.

Okay, now that I've completely moved off topic...

It was definitely off topic. But a fun ride. As long as I'm not on that plane.

Weird little movie, not sure if I agree with Oscar in giving it Best Picture.

I find that to be the case quite often. I don't know if it says more about my taste in movies, or in the Oscars, but it seems like when I watch movies that were nominated for best picture, I'm usually disappointed. And there are always some good ones, but it seems like if there are 6 nominees each year, I like 1 or 2 and struggle to even watch the rest.

That right there, ladies and gents, is the definition of being a parent.
She took a bite of her wrap,
then a bite of my turkey bun
and decided to go with the wrap.
She did offer me a bite of her wrap, to even the playing field.
I didn't bother to tell her that her team had already won the toss.

She's got you wrapped around her finger...

I suspect that the flight attendant had already decided that Kay was in charge.
But really, handing me this to drink was uncalled for...

Notice the guy on the right, looking at me like I'm some kind of weirdo?

But you should be used to that by now.

So for those keeping track, here's our first Disney transportation wait time.
0 minutes.
Now before you all go running off to change your guesses
(but feel free if you wish to do so,)
I'm pretty sure that there are always busses parked there, waiting.
So a 0 minute wait here isn't something overly surprising.

I was counting on about 15 minutes here. Well, I'll hold out for now. But I think I'll end up changing my guess. Especially being sandwiched between 273 and 270. Unless it is exactly 271, I've got no margin for error!

At 12:40, the bus pulled up in front of POP and we got off.
We quickly retrieved our bags and headed in to the lobby.
Even at this time of night, there was a line up at check-in.

We got our room number and it was in the 60s
overlooking the kiddie pool on the top floor
as we... well, Kay, had requested.

Awesome!!!

And we got our Magic Bands!
(Oh my God... is there anything better than when you get those puppies????)

Have I mentioned yet that it was hot out?
And humid?
And hot and humid?
And humid and hot?

No. You haven't. But you're in Orlando in August. So you really didn't need to mention it.

I thought "Why crush all her hopes and dreams right off the bat."
Let her crush her own hopes and dreams.

That's good parenting, right there.

Guess who had to make several... lousy... stinking trips...
up and down and up and down and up and down those flippin' stairs?
I'll even give you a hint.
It wasn't Kay.

Oh! Oh! I know!!! It was @pkondz !!!

Although what really put the sizzle in it was the humidity.
You know, the kind where you're a perfectly normal human being,
and then you walk outside...
and you're instantly transformed into a sweat soaked mess.

There's only one bed.
(Refer to above picture for our reaction.)

Umm...

I'd paid for a room with two beds. I wanted my own bed.
I didn't want some rotten little kid kicking me in the middle of the night.

Exactly! I didn't even realize they had one bed rooms in the Value Resorts. Learn something new everyday, I guess.

Did you know that trains are required to blow their horns when crossing roads?

Even if that road has a hotel beside it?

Even at two o'clock in the morning?

I distinctly recall being blasted out of a very sound sleep
by a horrible screaming train horn.

Except my aim was off.
I somehow went off target and landed on my Dad's chest.
A very different kind of screeching woke me up this time.

"I don't like either of those options. But I like moving to the 90s the least."
Come on! Come on! Upgrade us to the Grand Floridian! Do it!
"Well." She said. "That's probably a good call.
The 90s are full right now with South American basketball teams."

And she wasn't going to warn you about this??? That's enough to make my decision right there. Heck, I'm not even sure I want to stay anywhere in that resort anymore!!!!

I was tired. I didn't think I'd have much trouble falling asleep.
Even on the floor.

So the guy with the bad back gets the floor? She really does have you right where she wants you.

Sweet! Obviously, the CM I had spoken to
had heard my lame attempt for sympathy and sent over a cot.
It wasn't quite the Grand Floridian,
but it was better than sleeping on the floor!
Seconds later, we were fast asleep.
The end of a very long day.

Well, that was nice! Not an ideal situation at all, but I'm glad the CM took the extra initiative to try to help you out a little bit. I guess she did what she could.

Tomorrow, (actually... considering the time, it was today.)
we're off to AK.
1. I have to be up before 10:00 to call housekeeping,
but what time does Kay get up?

7:45

2. The first ride we do becomes one of Kay's favourite rides (top 4).
What ride is it?

Expedition Everest

3. What common snack do we both try for the first time?
(The hint there is it's not specific to AK, but widely available.)

Churro

 

[cinderkelly]

It's been a rough day

Sorry you had a rough day !

The back of my right leg from knee to derriere is one big mass
of scrapes, bruises and cuts.

Quick call @Steppesister! She knows what she's doing! Seriously....sorry you are bruised and battered!

Also hurt a finger a bit

I'm very happy to see that your other 9 fingers are operational! Gotta go back and read the new chapter now! Take care and stop drinking and doing construction!

 

[Steppesister]

Haha! Thanks @cinderkelly but I swear the more I learn, the more I realize I don't know!

I do know though, that deep tissue injuries and soft tissue injuries (like pulled ligaments or tendons) can take longer to heal oftentimes than bone fractures. Ice only first 3 days, then alternating heat and ice, lots if ibuprofen if YOU can take that, rest, meals served in bed, no housework, and ice cream nightly.