1 crazy family+2 resorts+5 parks+1 snake+1 surprise=A Mickeystoontown report 4/3x2

[addictedtothemouse]

I have to admit I've never been to AA. Maybe next trip, or the one after......

 

[DisneyJo]

How cool you got to see the bridge go up, we've seen it a couple of times and it's pretty cool

We never do the AA as we don't think we'd relate too much but it's good to know it's the place to go for a nap

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

Oh my gosh! I bet that was wonderful to see in person!

yeah they both were pretty neat the tomb warriors are pretty much life size. But they only had a few displayed and scattered around the room with pictures of what the tomb itself looked like.

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

I also liked your picture of them bring the barges out for Illuminations, it reminds me of a time when I saw them putting them back during an EMH night.

The first two are the earth globe barge.

and this one is the inferno barge, apparently when they first got it it was all stainless steel, but it's now black from all the fire used during the shows over the years.

 

[jenseib]

I have never done the American thing. I think next trip maybe I should give it a try. I want this trip to be full of new things.

 

[Kathy Jetson]

I've never seen the bridge up either. I would be such a dork and be so excited if I saw it. It looks so neat to see the globe so close up.

I really like the American Adventure. I took River to it for the first time in 2012 and he fell right to sleep. (It was the end of the night and he was exhausted). I took him back in 2013 and he really liked it.

 

[mickeystoontown]

That's neat you saw the drawbridge up and got to see them transporting the floats/barges.

I love the american Adventure show but I'll admit to dozing a bit in there myself on our last trip.

I usually am pretty good about not napping but we were all pooped that day.

So is that drawbridge opening another first for you on this trip?

Pretty cool pictures of the world going by!

I envy John being able to fall asleep like that! I am not a good sleeper under the best of circumstances, I can't sleep in public places like shows, buses, airplanes, ...

The two pictures that came out in the American Adventure are excellent!

We have seen the world float by at least two, maybe three times.

I'm doing to sleep at home in my own bed much less anywhere else.

I've only gotten stopped by the bridge being up for the floats once, but it is interesting to watch. But definitely causes back-ups waiting, so it's great you got a good position near the front once it was lowered!

John is definitely not alone in his sleeping thru AA! When I went in September the theater wasn't even half full and I saw at least a dozen people sleeping around me.

There were sooooo many people waiting to cross that bridge.

There was another man a couple of rows in front of us who was napping too. It must be a popular place to catch a few zzzzs.

Hanging my head in shame as I confess... the American Adventure is our go-to place for napping. We don't really go there because we love the show. We go because we know it is dark, cool, and has extra cushioned seats.

To me, the show is just a tad too long. It simply screams "come nap here because you may possibly use interest".

We have yet to time it right to see that bridge go up for the Illimunations barge, etc.

John asleep in less than a minute! What a surprise. I usually take a short little nap in there myself as well. Mark stays wide awake for the entire show.

I knew that you wouldn't be surprised by John taking a nap. You know him well.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Lisa, it was very funny that this is your post today!! I just put up a post from our EMH evening at Epcot with the bridge up today as well. Had never been there when this happened and now it happened to both of us!!

I don't blame John for falling asleep. It is difficult to keep your eyes open in there where it is cool and dark. But I did like the history behind it.

I need to get over there and catch up. Neat that we both got to see the world float by.

John said that it's a perfect napping area.

I've been reading along with your fabulous trip report! You have a wonderful family - Hunter reminds me so much of my 16 year old son, and your mama is a doll. Wish I could get my parents to come to Disney with us! I lived in North Carolina for 6 years during my childhood, and I love reading all of your "southernisms". Thanks so much for sharing with all of us.

Welcome! It took us ten years to get Mama to go back to Disney but she was glad that she did.

Honey, there are more "southernisms" coming up!

The Warriors are so great to see. We do it every other trip and always see something new. I cannot believe you had not seen them before.
I love seeing the barges come out.
The American Adventure is nice to do.
Great updates and pics.

Nope never seen there before this past trip.

Hoping to get another update posted this afternoon. Just gotta get the boss outta here.

aaack I have been making my way through your TR since January 1. such a slacker! but I fear that my thoughts and my quotes will be soon be lost if I don't post my reply!

I hope that you are having a blast right now -- I think that you are in New Orleans surprising Mama after her cruise, right? Have fun!!

We had to cancel our trip to New Orleans...can you believe that there was snow and ice there? Go figure!

Your TR is so much fun!

Thanks!

hmm catching up her.e

T Rex -- your food does look good. I see you have a meat & potatoes kind of family --steak & potatoes for the guys, seafood & potatoes for the ladies. they all look good. but I totally cringed when you said you were in the ice room at T Rex. I so did NOT have a good experience there. will not be going back. ever. but I do like the Rainforest Café. same style but different. no crashing meteors, dinosaurs roaring, flashing red lights.

Yeah, we are a meat and potatoes kind of family, for sure. I hate to hear that you didn't care for the restaurant. We have ADRs at Rainforest next trip.

great job on the room discounts for May! We are going at the end of June, so my sister (CANT WAIT TO SEE HER!) won't be able to get the discount. bummer.

Keeping my fingers crossed that you'll get some sort of discount.

and without going back I think you are at Caribbean Beach, right? so pretty!!! Great photos on your tour. And I am laughing because you are like me in that everyone else is having nap/rest/down time and you are still "on" even though "on" means leisurely taking a photo tour of the resort -- its still walking and being on your feet! LOL we just can't stop!!!

Yep, at the CBR. Love that place! I can't seem to just sit and do nothing like everybody else does. I need to wander and look and see everything.

Cirque is on our list of things to do.I took your tip and just signed up for the free member club. It would be great to score a coupon to see a show there!

I'd go back in a heartbeat!

[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
LOVE the Loch Ness turtle!!!
are my posts random enough? LOL


HOW COOL to see one of your bags in the park! that is so awesome!






HOLY COW that is a crazy bag check line!

I do manage to get one or two days of bag less park entrances now, but only when I know we will be returning to the resort within a few short hours.

I loved natebenna's tips for getting through the nonbag line. I will have to try that one.

why did you take your ebay link off of your signature? I went to click in real quick and it was gone! now I will have to actually look for it. haha


I know what you mean about the animals in Mexico. ouch! but I think I may get a small one for Katie when we go without her ....in 6 days... they are so cute and she can watch the lady paint them for so long. she is just fascinated.

reading on....

Wow! Can't get in there to post any comments. I had to look really closely to see if Mr. Loch Ness was a snake or turtle.

I took the ebay link off quite some time ago. Apparently, I can't post an actual link. If you want any of the bags, let me know and I'll set you up.

 

[mickeystoontown]

I have to admit I've never been to AA. Maybe next trip, or the one after......

No need to be ashamed. It took us quite a few visits before we saw it.

How cool you got to see the bridge go up, we've seen it a couple of times and it's pretty cool

We never do the AA as we don't think we'd relate too much but it's good to know it's the place to go for a nap

Oh yeah, I could definitely see how AA wouldn't be relatable.

yeah they both were pretty neat the tomb warriors are pretty much life size. But they only had a few displayed and scattered around the room with pictures of what the tomb itself looked like.

I bet that it was still neat to see.

I also liked your picture of them bring the barges out for Illuminations, it reminds me of a time when I saw them putting them back during an EMH night.

The first two are the earth globe barge.

and this one is the inferno barge, apparently when they first got it it was all stainless steel, but it's now black from all the fire used during the shows over the years.

Cool!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I have never done the American thing. I think next trip maybe I should give it a try. I want this trip to be full of new things.

Jen, we try to work in at least one "new" thing in our trips and the tomb warriors were one of those new ones for us.

I've never seen the bridge up either. I would be such a dork and be so excited if I saw it. It looks so neat to see the globe so close up.

I really like the American Adventure. I took River to it for the first time in 2012 and he fell right to sleep. (It was the end of the night and he was exhausted). I took him back in 2013 and he really liked it.

I'm dorky that way too!

If I had one complaint about American Adventure it would be that it was a little too long. It's easy to lose interest .

 

[GrammyJudy]

Lisa I hope your Mama got back okay from her cruise and that she had a great time. Are you guys ready for the cold weather and snow heading your way? It has been so cold here and I am just in a funk and have not been on the dis much but wanted to check in with you.

 

[melnbil]

Hey Lisa! Haven't heard from you in a few days. I just thought I would make sure you didn't get frozen in from Snowmageddon 2014 like we did in Alabama!

 

[teekathepony]

Ohhh so cool! I got to see the bridge up last trip too. It was fun to see the barges floating out into place!
That's quite the crowd behind you!
I wish I could sleep at will like that. I need a certain set of circumstances to fall asleep, and even then it's tentative.
I've only done AA once. I have to admit that I'd go more often if I could nap at the drop of a hat.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Lisa I hope your Mama got back okay from her cruise and that she had a great time. Are you guys ready for the cold weather and snow heading your way? It has been so cold here and I am just in a funk and have not been on the dis much but wanted to check in with you.

Mama got back on the soil around 9:00 or so on Saturday. It took them about 9 hours to get back home and the drive is usually about 5. Lots of snow and ice!

It was very sweet of you to check in on us. How's things there?

Hey Lisa! Haven't heard from you in a few days. I just thought I would make sure you didn't get frozen in from Snowmageddon 2014 like we did in Alabama!

Thanks for wondering how we are doing! No Snowmageddon for us. Not one flake, not one little ping of sleet....nothing!

Ohhh so cool! I got to see the bridge up last trip too. It was fun to see the barges floating out into place!
That's quite the crowd behind you!
I wish I could sleep at will like that. I need a certain set of circumstances to fall asleep, and even then it's tentative.
I've only done AA once. I have to admit that I'd go more often if I could nap at the drop of a hat.

It sounds like quite a few of us have seen the world float by.

I can't usually sleep in public places but that day, I have to admit that my eyes did shut a time or two.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Ya'll are so sweet to pop in and see why I haven't been posting. You know me well.....always chatting and plotting and sharing stories on the Dis.

Lots of news from our homefront.

First off, my dang oven went out a few weeks ago. We went to a local place called “Skent and Dent” that everybody raves about and say that they’ve bought all sorts of appliances there and never saw a dent or scrape on them. Their commercial has a little old lady who says “Where’s the dent?” We walked into their warehouse and both of us looked at each other and shook our heads. I don’t remember who said what but both of us uttered “That little old lady lied or she's completely blind.” and “Where the heck is there NOT a dent.” It looked like a football team had tackle practice with the appliances there. Needless to say, we weren’t in there long and were off to Home Depot.

We lucked up at Home Depot. All appliances $399 and above were 10% off with free delivery and haul off. To sweeten the pot even more, if we used our Home Depot card (we hardly ever charge anything and I had to activate the card before we could even use it), we would receive an extra 10% off and 0% financing for the first six months. Mama and Daddy went on a spending spree baby! New stove/oven, microwave with vent-a-hood and dishwasher will be delivered tomorrow! And, I saved a lot of money. Oh and we could have had it delivered last weekend but we thought that we would be in New Orleans so I’ve been cooking without an oven for about three weeks now. You don’t realize how much you use an oven until you are without one.

Speaking of New Orleans, Mama's cruise ship was set to dock last Saturday morning in New Orleans and we were all ready to surprise her by being there when she got off. Friday, when I got off work at Noon, I swung by Hunter's school and checked him out with the instructions that he was to leave only after finishing up his last test of the day. When I got home, John asked if I had checked the New Orleans weather. I had and it was showing really cold temps for that day and night but it would warm up over the weekend. He said "Um, Sweetie Britches, they are showing snow and ice on the local station." No sooner had he gotten that out of his mouth than my sister called telling me the same thing. She was looking at the State Trooper's site and there were roads closed...major roads. CRAP!

I called the hotel where we were booked and they told me that the city was pretty much closed down. Both of the main thoroughfares to New Orleans were iced over and it was impossible for us to even get to the hotel. They couldn't cancel our reservation since I had booked through hotels.com and recommended that I call them.

I got on the phone with hotels.com and I got an operator who could barely speak English much less understand my Southern drawl. (which, by the way, I was doing my very best to cover and act all prissy "normal" talking) I explained the weather situation to him and that I knew that I was well beyond the cancellation date but was there something that he could do to get our money back if we cancelled. Well, Purtle (I crap you not, that was his name. I even had him spell it for my notes.), says "Ms. Lisa, your safety is our biggest concern. You do not need to travel in those blizzard conditions. Let me get the hotel on the phone and see what I can do." Ya'll, it was all that I could do to hold in my giggles and not laugh in Purtle's face. It was totally obvious that Purtle had absolutely no idea where New Orleans, Louisiana was. Had he known, he would know that there are no blizzards in Louisiana.

While on hold, John gets out a Louisiana map to see if there’s another to get into the city. I look at the official State site at road closures. Hunter comes in and says that he was done for the day. We told Hunter about the ice and snow and that we were trying to figure out what to do.

Purtle comes back on the phone and said that he reached the hotel, they put him on hold and never came back. He was “90 to 95 percent sure you will get your money back.” I asked him if he could get with a supervisor and let me know for sure.

He put me back on hold and John and I discussed other options. Options that included: 1) If we can’t get our money back, maybe we can ask them to transfer us to a hotel in Hot Springs, Arkansas; 2) If we can’t get our money back, maybe they can transfer us to a hotel in Branson, Missouri; 3) If we can’t get our money back, let’s go to Tennessee and see Lacey and Jesse; or 4) Screw the money, let’s go to Disney. Yes, that was something that we were seriously considering.

Once again, Purtle comes back and says that he’s almost positive that we’ll get our money back but he couldn’t talk with a supervisor. He took my cell phone number and said that he would get back with us. When I asked him how long we would have to wait, he said 24 hours. That wouldn’t work. He said that he would escalate the case. I said thanks and hung up.

John and I talked for a minute and I said that I was calling back because you know good and well that hotels.com has 154 gazillion people who work for them. I’ll see if somebody else can help me. This time a semi-English speaking gentlemen helped me. His name was Martini (again, not crapping you) and, just as I had feared, Purtle hadn’t even made any notations on the reservation. Martini and I went through the whole story. Martini mentioned blizzard conditions too (obviously, they think that snow + ice + Louisiana = blizzard) and put me on hold.

Again, John, Hunter and I discussed our options. Do we want to take those already packed suitcases and run for the mountains? Mountains as in literal Arkansas, Missouri or Tennessee mountains ? Or Disney mountains? Do we dare not be home when Mama gets back?

Martini came back on the line and he had gotten permission from the hotel to cancel our reservation with no fees. Hotels.com had agreed to refund us all of our money. Whew! Martini said that he would send me a cancellation confirmation email and warned us to “stay safe in the blizzard”. Just a few minutes later, I get an email that said our reservation was cancelled but it still stated that we had until January 19th to cancel and get any refund. Great! Not! All that we could do was hope that Martini knew what he was talking about and we got our $365 back.

We were all left sittin’ in our bedroom bummed out because now we were all dressed up and had nowhere to go. What to do? What to do? I priced out Branson and they had a super cheap rate at the Grand Country Inn where we always stay. I’m talking cheap...$178 for two nights and lots of attraction tickets cheap. To stay at All Stars Sports and one day tickets would be about $450. Again...what to do?

In the end, we blew the whole doggone weekend off because we knew that we needed to be home when Mama got back. I’m so glad that we were there for Mama when we arrived back home. Because of the bad weather, a 5 hour drive turned into almost 9 hours. She was so tired when they got back to the church. John and I met her there, unloaded her things and I drove her home. She was so happy to see us and hugged and kissed us like crazy. Made me glad that I didn’t run off for the weekend.

I spent the weekend cleaning house and sorting through my fabrics so I can get on a sewing kick again. Anybody else wanting a backsack, ya’ll let me know. I’ve got some cute ones that I’m sewing on now.

The last days have been a little chaotic too. Lacey called and warned us that they may not get to go to Disney with us. Her Jeep Cherokee that she’s had since her first year of high school was starting to give them a few minor problems. They were going to sit down with their budget and see what they could do to pay off their car early and start socking away money for a down payment on another vehicle. They also wanted to sell the Jeep as soon as they could. We told them to do what they had to do.

Last night, Lacey called and told us that they had sold her Jeep and bought another Jeep. She was so excited and couldn’t wait to make me guess how much she got for her Cherokee. I guessed it within $100. And, I didn’t blame her for being so excited. The guy gave them just $600 less than what we paid for it all those years ago. We definitely got our money out of that Jeep. It made numerous trips back and forth to high school, prayer meetings, youth trips, missionary college and Tennessee.

Buying the new vehicle means that there’s no Disney trip for them this year. They really wanted to go with us but such is the grown up/married life. They plan on coming to visit us this Summer, spend a few days here and then drive down to New Orleans since Jesse’s never been. Of course, we are bummed that they aren’t going but it is what it is.

Now, speaking of Disney trips and cancellations. I’ve been reworking our Disney schedules and dining reservations. A week’s worth included Lacey and Jesse and some of the restaurants that they wanted. John, Hunter and I talked last night and we are switching things up a little, changing park days, adding some different restaurants, etc. I still have some tweaking to do but I think that I’ve got it pretty much figured out.

Okay, I’ll shut up now and get to work on a trip report update. Wait! I forgot, I spent several hours over on the Disney food picture thread while looking for new ADRs and got frustrated that there were no links to the various restaurant food pictures. So, I took it upon myself to compile one. It’s over on the Disney Restaurant board as we speak. Looks like a lot of folks are as glad to see the links as I was. Over 1,000 hits since I posted it. Glad to see that it’s helping other Disers out.

Shutting up and getting to work on an update, I promise.

 

[KatMark]

Wow...you did awesome at Home Depot! Good for you.

Sorry about your New Orleans trip, but sounds like you made the right decision in staying at home so you could be there when momma came home.

I hear you on the newly married, young people. You know Mark and Alisha were going to go with us this year, but then the cost scared them (although we were going to pay for part of it) and then Alisha decided to go back to school and now Mark is having surgery and won't get a full pay check for six weeks. I'm sure they will be other trips they can join you on.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Yeah, the savings at Home Depot were enough to entice us to buy two appliances that we didn't need. (Yet but possibly soon)

We thought about offering to pay for a portion of their trip this year but didn't want to put pressure on them to save their portion. It pleases me to know that our kids are being financially responsible. I know that it makes you proud of your's too.

 

[GrammyJudy]

Good deal on he appliances. Glad Momma made it home. I'm sure she is still recovering from the trip and also that drive. I know how stressful it is to drive in snow.

Sorry Lacey and Jesse can't go with you but maybe next year. It is hard to see them struggle but we all had to do it. I help out by buy things for my grandson's like basketball sneakers or paying for camp.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Good deal on he appliances. Glad Momma made it home. I'm sure she is still recovering from the trip and also that drive. I know how stressful it is to drive in snow.

Sorry Lacey and Jesse can't go with you but maybe next year. It is hard to see them struggle but we all had to do it. I help out by buy things for my grandson's like basketball sneakers or paying for camp.

I am anxious to see my appliance tomorrow!

Mama was super tired and was so happy to see us standing in the parking lot waiting on her. We stopped and picked up a burger on our way home and then helped her unload everything.

I am ever so thankful that Lacey and Jesse too "financial responsibility/peace" classes while in the mission. They definitely have their head on straight when it comes to spending.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Pop that baby open and let’s see what treasure it holds!

Our walk around World Showcase took us to Japan. For years now, I’ve done Pick-A-Pearl using the $50 that my Mama gives me as part of my Christmas present. This trip would be no different. I paid for my pearl at the register and was given a number. While waiting for my number to be called, I peeked into each of the tanks trying to choose an oyster. In the past, I’ve chosen really big oysters, little tiny oysters, hairy oysters and ugly oysters. Each time, I’ve come away with nice size pearls and, once, even had twins.

What would I choose this year? How ‘bout a red oyster?



Pop that baby open and let’s see what treasure it holds!





They make quite the production and stop every now and then to do a countdown, get the audience involved and even beat on a drum.

















Mr. Red Oyster produced a 7 1/4 mm pearl!







The settings that I already have are sterling silver so I chose a simple gold setting. I paid for the setting and was given a ticket to come back and pick up my pearl after an hour. No problem! There’s plenty to see and do in an hour.

**Up next: Would you take a look at that! It's a-maz-ing cool!