Travels With Teens: Take Two “I Can Organize This Trip in My Sleep!”BC Dee in DC Roti & Fini p. 40

[natebenma]

haha so glad he finally put down the splint.

I had to go back and reread the post you quoted from me and laugh.

My nephews at now 16 1/2 show signs of being the boys I helped raise and love and not the hormonal aliens that body snatched them a few years ago.

The past few years have been hard. They turned into obnoxious, surly, snotty teens and I don't know that I got a decent picture of them even once in 2013 and 2014.

Cut to this last Christmas and they were a dream. Grateful for everything they got and in fact had changed into the clothes I bought them within the hour, appreciative and complimentary of food that my mom had made for dinner, they took photos, TWICE, and were cooperative to retakes, and if not big smiles every time, at least their were no scowls, and they did not fight, argue or make anyone cry. LOL Come to think of it their 16th birthday provided some decent pictures as well. I might keep them in my will at this point. (oh yeah and they have begun to initiate hugs again, at least on a limited basis)

Now that I know this is here, I'm going to go subscribe and read.

So good to see you again!!!

Yes, funny thing about teens. For Nate, there were about 6 months at age 12 when he was just so angry. He had no reason to be, but he just was. Then it stopped and he was just very aloof for a few years. In the past year or so, he has come around and become very appreciative of what he has, helpful and is a lot of fun to be around. Right before he goes away for college!



It looks like you are experiencing a similar transformation.

My boys still don't like me to take their pictures, but will grudgingly consent as long as I don't overdo it.

Ben, so far, has been a decent teen. He seems to be a little less mature than his peers, so I don't know if the shoe is going to drop, soon, but so far, so good.

The thumb splint... Let's do another flashback for those who were not around at the time.

When Nate was in 6th grade, he was playing football at recess at school and he sprained his thumb. We saw an orthopedist (I think) who put a splint on it and said he should leave it on until his thumb no longer hurt.

He refused to take it off. He said his thumb still hurt, so he was keeping it on. It was like a security blanket for him.

It took it off for a short period of time, I can't remember how long, and then it was back again. In total, about 2 1/2 years.

He finally took it a day or so before he started high school and it has been gone since then.

 

[natebenma]

You look really scared in that picture.

I do, don't I! It's not like I didn't know what was coming.

It's funny how different our kids can be. I'm glad Ben was understanding.

He is so different from his brother. As I am different from my brother. As Mark is different from his brothers. And so it has been since the dawn of time.

There were a lot of tears on Nate's trip. My roommate cried every night. But that is a whole 'nother story.

That sounds like you had a rough bunch of kids. Was Nate's class in general a tough group?

I should probably clear up my previous statement. It was actually the other chaperones in my roommates group, not the kids, who made her cry. They were excluding her from decisions about what they were doing on the trip. I had not met her prior to rooming with her on the trip. I was SO happy to be able to choose one of my best friends to stay with on this year's trip.

Nate's class was/is ok.

Ben's class on the other hand has been described as the best class that has gone through the schools in a long time. All last year, the teachers and administrators at the middle school could not say enough about how exceptional his class is- smart, helpful, polite, caring, well-behaved.

The class before Ben's was rough, they had the most kids who lost their eligibility to go on the Disney trip. A bunch of them were just caught in a cheating scandal at the high school. The class behind Ben's has a reputation as well.

 

[rteetz]

That is a pretty cool Moderator badge! I just noticed it, and just like your DIS articles, I was unsure if it was new or if it was always there and I just missed it. Are you responsible for a particular forum? I always wondered how that works. Do I need to be careful about what I post around you???

I just got invited to be a moderator this past week. I am a moderator on the news and rumors board. You don't need to be careful around me as I am not supposed to do anything unless things really get out of hand. My job is to keep things tidy and make sure the dis is a welcome and positive place for everyone.

 

[afwdwfan]

I'm glad you all got your ride on Dinosaur... complete with a photo to remember less fun times.

I'm glad the boy who didn't want to ride wasn't too freaked out that he got stuck on the ride. I actually find that funny. I might be a little bit cruel.

 

[mickeystoontown]

A snake? In the bathroom? Crap! I mean, shoot, I'll have to start peeking being the toilets now to make sure that nothing is hiding before I do my business.

You poor thing you, teenagers can be so mean/insensitive sometimes. Good for you talking to the boys who photobombed. They needed to know that they hurt your feelings when they jumped in the pictures. You asked one thing of your boys and they agreed to the pictures and then BAM. Little snots! (Oops, I said that outloud didn't I?)

 

[natebenma]

I just got invited to be a moderator this past week. I am a moderator on the news and rumors board. You don't need to be careful around me as I am not supposed to do anything unless things really get out of hand. My job is to keep things tidy and make sure the dis is a welcome and positive place for everyone.

Very cool! Congratulations, and thank you for helping to keep the DIS running politely and peacefully. Not always an easy task!!!

I'm glad you all got your ride on Dinosaur... complete with a photo to remember less fun times.

I'm glad the boy who didn't want to ride wasn't too freaked out that he got stuck on the ride. I actually find that funny. I might be a little bit cruel.

I'm glad we all rode Dinosaur too. I probably would have been the one that would sit it out with him. I'm not sure if I am allowed to say I am glad he got stuck too, but then again, I don't think I will be chaperoning again, so, yes, it worked out fine!

A snake? In the bathroom? Crap! I mean, shoot, I'll have to start peeking being the toilets now to make sure that nothing is hiding before I do my business.

You poor thing you, teenagers can be so mean/insensitive sometimes. Good for you talking to the boys who photobombed. They needed to know that they hurt your feelings when they jumped in the pictures. You asked one thing of your boys and they agreed to the pictures and then BAM. Little snots! (Oops, I said that outloud didn't I?)

I thought of you when I was posting this.



The photobombing incident was certainly the low point of the class trip with Nate.

The low point on this trip is coming up later, but it wasn't nearly as upsetting as the photobomb was. Not even close!

 

[natebenma]

Hollywood Studios- Thursday June 11, afternoon

Tower of Terror with Teens


When we had finished riding Dinosaur, we were done with Animal Kingdom and it was time to head to Hollywood Studios.

We headed out to the bus stop. We waited a little bit for a bus, although I didn’t make a note of how long.

I took this picture of Timon and Puumba in honor of my friend’s husband J. Last year, he and I surprised my friend L. and his son M. with a performance of Hakuna Matata at the middle school staff variety show. The audience was over 600 people and it was recorded for broadcast on local cable access. I am still trying to get video of this to post- I was finally brave enough to watch it, and it wasn’t bad!

I mention this because the two of us may be doing a repeat performance for our theatre company’s coffee house show next Friday.

I always take a picture of these lockers near the bus stop outside of the Hollywood Studio gates. They are luggage lockers, hold a LOT of stuff and are only $1 for a single use.

We had the following Fast Passes scheduled for the afternoon:

Tower of Terror 1:20-2:20 pm

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster 2:20-3:20 pm

Star Tours 3:25-4:25 pm


We arrived at Hollywood Studios and met up with L and her son, who had left AK early. She took the boys who did not want to ride Tower of Terror and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and I believe they rushed away to try to catch the Indiana Jones Show, and then to get lunch.


On our way, we met up with Evie Starlight, who posed for pictures with one of the dads who was chaperoning, with one of our students and with me:

We went past “Dee’s Corner” (Flashback to 2012 Class trip, coming right up) and I asked someone to take my picture.

Solo After Solo- Flashback! Flashback! Flashback!

After riding Star Tours:

On our way to the park that morning, I discussed possible lunch options with one of the other chaperones. As you all know, the counter service options at HS are, well, lacking. Although I had never eaten there, I just recently learned from the DIS that Starring Rolls offered premade sushi as an option for a meal, and that intrigued me. Plus I figured that the huge sandwiches and ginormous, decadent cupcakes would be really tempting to the teens.

But the woman I was talking to pointed out that the place was very small and the selections there were limited, so this would not be a great place for our group.

So now that it was time for lunch, we were still stuck for a place to eat. We were very close to the Backlot Express, so that was the choice.


Then, , an idea popped into my head.


Why don’t I run over to Tower of Terror to get FP for later, and I’ll meet everyone at Pixar Place at 1:00 to ride Toy Story?

I handed everyone their lunch vouchers and I flew out of there at warp speed!

My lunch was going to be solo after Solo! Ok, Han Solo is not really in the Star Tours show, but he SHOULD be!

I would be making it to Starring Rolls after all!


When I arrived at the restaurant, I realized my friend was right.

The place was small! There were about 15 people in line ahead of me. This totally wouldn’t have worked for our group.

Then one of the counter CMs announced. “We ran out of sandwiches- it is going to be about 15 minutes”

A groan went through the crowd, but I piped up

“Do you still have sushi?”

“Yes!” she replied.

Guess who moved up to the front of the line!

Then I had to choose a dessert. They had what looked like a limited selection of cupcakes. There was a yummy looking chocolate Dark Side cupcake to celebrate Star Wars Weekend, but to be honest, I am not really a huge fan of cupcakes, so I selected a fruit tart.

I didn’t want to take up one of the tables all by myself, so I found a little corner to sit in and enjoy my alone-ness! I was so happy that I asked someone to snap a picture of my solo lunch.


“Im-in-a-group-with-14-teenage-boys-and-I-escaped-and-I’m-eating-all-alone. Will-you-please-take-my-picture?”


The guy and his family were amused by my story.

After my lunch nirvana, I got the FPs for Tower of Terror, with a return time of 3:30 to 4:30.


*******************************************

I'm not saying I'm a celebrity or anything, but this spot is now known as "Dee's Corner" and people actually take pictures as they go by! True Story!

*******************************************

Back to the current report and on to Tower of Terror!

Although we were moving quickly through the queue line, I still snapped a couple of pictures:

And of course, pictures while on the ride:

Is that Blizzard Beach in the background?

Although our stomachs had just dropped, it was time to fill them up.


Next: Lunch and Aerosmith

 

[afwdwfan]

But the next bus might not be here for 20 minutes.

You show me consistency and then I'll show you patience!

I mention this because the two of us may be doing a repeat performance for our theatre company’s coffee house show next Friday.

Oh, this has gotta be good!

“Im-in-a-group-with-14-teenage-boys-and-I-escaped-and-I’m-eating-all-alone. Will-you-please-take-my-picture?”

I'm only disappointed that you didn't get a cupcake. I mean, seriously, those cupcakes at Starring Rolls are pretty much the best thing ever.

Lunch and Aerosmith

Ok... lunch an Aerosmith seems pretty good too. Maybe those cupcakes are the second best thing ever.

 

[Wood Nymph]

I mention this because the two of us may be doing a repeat performance for our theatre company’s coffee house show next Friday.

That sounds like fun. Is Ben involved in the theater, too?

I didn’t want to take up one of the tables all by myself, so I found a little corner to sit in and enjoy my alone-ness! I was so happy that I asked someone to snap a picture of my solo lunch.

Because of your 2012 TR I searched out this corner. I never paid attention to this restaurant before.

 

[annie170]

That's so funny that you found a way to get a peaceful lunch and little escape from the group. That fruit tart looks pretty tasty, but you passed on a Starring Rolls cupcake!? Give me a red velvet or butterfinger cupcake from there anytime of day. Or the carrot cake cookie. Great. Now I'm craving all that.

Did everyone ride Tower of Terror?

 

[natebenma]

But the next bus might not be here for 20 minutes.

You show me consistency and then I'll show you patience!

Boom! Good point!

Oh, this has gotta be good!

We did the last performance with less than a week's notice and a 20 minute practice together. But I have already started singing along with my CD in my car. When I am alone, of course!



I'm only disappointed that you didn't get a cupcake. I mean, seriously, those cupcakes at Starring Rolls are pretty much the best thing ever.

It was SOOOO great escaping from the group.

I was seriously tempted by the Dark Side (literally), but it was so hot that a light fruity tart sounded better than a big chocolate cupcake.

Maybe if I had someone to share it with.

But I didn't!




Ok... lunch an Aerosmith seems pretty good too. Maybe those cupcakes are the second best thing ever.

I got to ride RnR! On the previous class trip, RnR was part of our class and I did ride, but when we came back to HS and the boys rode later, I sat out with the one boy who didn't want to ride.

 

[natebenma]

That sounds like fun. Is Ben involved in the theater, too?

Ben has never been interested in singing, so the coffee house performance platform does not appeal to him at all. He has been involved in musicals and his acting is really good, so he has been given a lot of leeway about singing only when necessary in the shows. Sadly, his last performance was Spamalot last winter. I would have loved to see him in the high school musical, Shrek, but he is not interested.

Because of your 2012 TR I searched out this corner. I never paid attention to this restaurant before.

Have you signed the petition to get the "Dee's Corner" sign posted?

 

[natebenma]

That's so funny that you found a way to get a peaceful lunch and little escape from the group. That fruit tart looks pretty tasty, but you passed on a Starring Rolls cupcake!? Give me a red velvet or butterfinger cupcake from there anytime of day. Or the carrot cake cookie. Great. Now I'm craving all that.

Did everyone ride Tower of Terror?

I think I was inspired by Star Tours. I saw that little glimmer of light pointing to the escape route and I took off at warp speed!!!

I know, passing on those other treats was not the popular decision. I enjoyed my tart, though.

:

 

[DnA2010]

Wow this is a really fun sounding trip, I wish we were able to do school trips to Disney! Looking forward to reading more, going to go read you previous school trip report

 

[chunkymonkey]

Snakes in the bathroom at AKL!!??! GASP! Well I guess anything can happen in Florida.

Love your updates...especially the one at DHS where you got solo after Solo! I have not noticed Dee's Corner before but I guess now I'm gonna have to troll for it. Where is it exactly? I'll take a picture and put it in my next TR !!

 

[SarahDisney]

I love the Dee's corner story!! I have to look for it next time I'm there and take a picture of that special spot!

 

[tarak]

This kid was kind of a pain, didn't want to ride anything marginally fast. Test track is not scary in any way and he refused to ride that. I think I sat out Test Track with him and probably would have sat out Dino if he didn't get trapped.

That day in the past at AK was long and hot and tiring and I absolutely couldn't believe when the boy did not apologize. Punk! I volunteer at the high school library every week now and I see that boy come in. I give him dirty looks, in my mind.



My relationship with Ben at that age is a lot different- he is not afraid to acknowledge that I am his mother. Nate didn't like how involved I was in his school, but Ben accepts that. I also know a lot Ben's friends better than I knew Nate's.







Ok, mum's the word on the ake-snay!

I was pretty excited to have such a great view of the lion. I have been on decent safaris before, so I didn't mind not seeing much, but I felt really badly for the boys who had not done it before.

Yes, kids at different ages present different experiences and interactions with their parents.






I can't believe how utterly terrified I looked. I don't remember if that was an act or if I was truly scared. But in any event, you will notice the camera still poised and at the ready!

Ben was really good about taking pictures with me when I asked, and I tried to be good about not asking too often.

There were a lot of tears on Nate's trip. My roommate cried every night. But that is a whole 'nother story.






Ben knew about what happened with Nate, so he was very good about not repeating history.

I took Liam on TT for the first time on Friday night. He was adamant it was scary. I asked if I ever made him go on a ride he thought was scary. "Yes, Country Bear Jamboree." He ended up loving TT and wanted to ride the next day. Alas, I didn't have another 60 days, so he had to settle for Star Tours.

I have vowed to not vacation with a tween ever again. We'll see in three months if I extend that ban to teens. Amara was just ridiculous whenever I mentioned doing something she didn't want to do. The level of self-absorption is just crazy. I started a TR based on something I snapped at her at AK. Well, that and the fact that we're driving home instead of taking a non-stop flight to BWI, so I have time on my hands.

 

[Wood Nymph]

I know, passing on those other treats was not the popular decision. I enjoyed my tart, though.

The tart is my favorite. I love those things. And it has fruit, so there is less guilt when you eat them.

 

[natebenma]

MORE FLASHBACK!!!

As I was delving into the 2013 report to get a wide view of "Dee's Corner", I came across this shot on ToT from 2009:

Wow this is a really fun sounding trip, I wish we were able to do school trips to Disney! Looking forward to reading more, going to go read you previous school trip report

and thank you so much!!!

The school does an excellent job with this trip. Last year was the 13th year, I believe. There are still some parents who object to the destination in favor of NYC or Washington DC. But honestly, those trips are not much different in price (if at all), would involve long bus rides and would be far more difficult to navigate around the cities.

This year, a parent is planning a competing trip to Washington DC, but I haven't heard how that is going.

Again, thanks for reading along. There was a lot of drama in the 2012 trip! But I came back for more anyway.

Snakes in the bathroom at AKL!!??! GASP! Well I guess anything can happen in Florida.

Love your updates...especially the one at DHS where you got solo after Solo! I have not noticed Dee's Corner before but I guess now I'm gonna have to troll for it. Where is it exactly? I'll take a picture and put it in my next TR !!

A cautionary tale- it is always good to look before you go!

I suppose it is better than an alligator in the pool.




Dee's Corner- to the right of the bench, next to the glass bakery window. That's Starring Roles seating area behind the benches.

Here's the 2016 selfie from a couple of weeks ago.

I love the Dee's corner story!! I have to look for it next time I'm there and take a picture of that special spot!

And so a legendary tourist spot is born!

Things to do at Hollywood Studios:

Toys Story Mania
Rock N Rollercoaster
Dee's Corner

I took Liam on TT for the first time on Friday night. He was adamant it was scary. I asked if I ever made him go on a ride he thought was scary. "Yes, Country Bear Jamboree." He ended up loving TT and wanted to ride the next day. Alas, I didn't have another 60 days, so he had to settle for Star Tours.

I have vowed to not vacation with a tween ever again. We'll see in three months if I extend that ban to teens. Amara was just ridiculous whenever I mentioned doing something she didn't want to do. The level of self-absorption is just crazy. I started a TR based on something I snapped at her at AK. Well, that and the fact that we're driving home instead of taking a non-stop flight to BWI, so I have time on my hands.

"Try it! You'll like it! Hey, Mikey!"

Why don't they just listen to us in the first place???

Sorry that you got so much 'tude on this trip. Can't wait to read the report though!

Safe travels on the rest of your journey.

The tart is my favorite. I love those things. And it has fruit, so there is less guilt when you eat them.

It really was light and delicious. And yes, healthier with the (sugared) fruit!

 

[superchime]

Dee's Corner- to the right of the bench, next to the glass bakery window. That's Starring Roles seating area behind the benches.

Hey, I know that spot! We sat on that bench last trip! I had no idea it was famous or I would have taken a picture... actually I'm surprised I didn't take a picture since I kind of do that nonstop on our trips anyway.