A Croc For All Seasons - It's done! Epilogue, p. 52

[Lauralee131]

I have to get ready for work, but I wasn't on yesterday/last night - I've got company in from NY till Sunday, BUT I'll be back at lunch time!! LOVE what I've read so far - can't wait for more!!

And dahhhhhling....youuuu loooook maaaaahvelous!!!

 

[sharkB8HooHaHa]

V, so good to have you back and writing.

LOOOOOVVVVVEEEEE the pouty face on Leo. He's too cute. Can't wait to see more pictures. And how did the birthday celebrations go??

 

[Lauralee131]

Ok, I'm here a bit early, but may have to duck out quickly. If so, I'll be back and edit this later!

Before I get started on this report, I should warn you: it’s not all pixie dust and magic. There’s some not-so-nice stuff, too.

What?? Not all pixie dust and magic??

Some call me a pessimist – I prefer realist. I don’t see the glass as half-empty or half-full. I wonder who the heck left the glass out to spoil in the first place. And, in my reality, some bad always tempers the good. It’s like yin and yang. Good and evil. The Captain and Tenille. You really can’t have one without the other.

Ahhhh...gotta love a realist!

So it is with life, and so it is also with a trip to Disney. Much as we’d all love to escape our problems and enter the fantasy Walt designed for us, reality has a way of sneaking in the back gates and weaseling its way into our carefully-laid vacation plans. Most trips, I’m prepared for it. But sometimes it catches me by surprise. This trip was of the latter variety.

DOH! ANYTHING but REALITY?!?!?!!? I hate when that happens!!

Ready to turn back and find someone else’s TR to read? Something that starts out a bit more upbeat and perky? Yeah, well, me too.
But I’m here.
And.
You’re here.
Doesn’t that make it our trip report Mr. Hand?

Did somebody order a pizza? I love that movie!

Yes it does, so stick with me folks – I promise you plenty of smiles to temper the frowns. And. If that doesn’t work, there’s always chocolate. TFI.

I wouldn't dream of being anywhere else!

Day One
The V’s journey begins on the West coast of the great state of Florida, where V, Leo and Gramma were set to depart at 6am. By the time the car was loaded and all were buckled up, it was 6:30. It’s okay – I always pad our time deadlines, knowing that Gramma’s chronically late, so we were actually leaving right on time. Heh, heh.

Ahem...is Gramma the ONLY one who's chronically late? I seem to recall someone else admitting that a while back... But love the way you pad the deadlines!! Way to go!

After successfully navigating our way to The World, we headed into our stop for the night, the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

YAY!!! I loooove the AKL!!

Oh no! Did you???

Who’s that Croc on the dashboard, you ask? Thanks for asking! That’s Felicia von Crocker Focker, proud twin of Fritzie and pinch-hitter for the Team Focker Watch Croc mascots. See, Freddie, the first and original Croc, went missing a mere week before our trip. We had an APB out, but there was no trace of the poor guy by the time I left. Felicia agreed to step in and take Freddie’s place and I had the honor of transporting her to her first foster parent. But first, Felicia would spend the day with V and family and whet her appetite for WDW!

Poor Freddie...I hope he's ok...wherever he may be!!

Back at AKL, the check-in process was easy and we had a room right away. It was a parking lot view, but I wasn’t too disappointed; I always get the worst rooms when using my Annual Pass discount. And, really, the view wasn’t so much of a parking lot as of tree-tops. And we weren’t planning to be in the room much, anyway. See, no pessimism there at all!

A room right away? WOW! See...this place IS magical!

Parking lot view? Yep - you could have called that 5 months ago...

But. We (I) did have a quandary. Should we go up to the room right away and put our overnight bags away, or leave everything in the car and get ourselves to the Magic Kingdom post-haste?

OMG - THIS is a question??? Are you feeling ok???

I KNOW!!! I can’t believe it was even a question. The MK was set to open in 20 minutes and there I was wondering if I should spend half an hour moving bags??

WOW - I can't believe it was a question either!!! You scared me for a minute there!!

And this, my friends, is why I make spread sheets and touring plans. Seriously – when I pass under those mythical Disney gates, I lose all ability to think clearly. And. I forget all the preparing and training I’ve done in advance of the trip. If it weren’t for the written plans, I’d be certain of doing something foolish.
Like moving bags into AKL.

Which we did NOT do. A look at my notes told me to get my hiney in gear and shake a leg over to the MK before all of “Them”, in Tour Guide Mike speak, showed up.

PHEW!! You had me worried there for a minute!!!

Knowing that we had two more days of MK fun ahead of us meant that we took some time to really look around Main St.

Normally, we book right in and get back to Dumbo without so much as a sideways glance, so this was a nice change of pace. And just one of the changes I intended to implement this trip. More stopping to look at things, more new experiences, more pictures. That was the plan. Stan.

Hmmmm....what's this??? V's KGM touring plan??? Seriously folks, what have we become??

Back to the MK, we walked through Main St. and headed on over to Tomorrowland for V’s first taste of Leo Andretti.

Leo talked Gramma into the Tomorrowland Speedway last Dec., but this was my first run as the lucky passenger.

Uh oh...I think I know what's coming next...

Gramma reported that Leo did a fine job steering in Dec. – nary a bump nor budge. So I was looking forward to a leisurely turn about the Speedway, wind blowing in my hair and soft sunlight on my face.

Were those PRE-whiplash photos? Oh - love the shorts by the way - brand name please!

What I got was this:
“Look Mommy!” BAM “I driving!” BAM “I do it…” BAM “…all by myself!” BAM BAM BAM

Clearly Gramma was either insane or had a warped sense of humor. As I described our little car-wreck-waiting-to-happen, Gramma looked confused. “Didn’t you hold onto the wheel and help him steer?”, she asked me.

Right.

Ah yes, it appears that sarcasm is just one more service Gramma offers!!

Our next stop was the obligatory round of Buzz Guns,

How was your score???

...where I had us slated, (not s’earlied),

Leo hadn’t been to TSI since Dec. 2004 and he’d had a lot of fun then, so I just knew this would be a welcome diversion.

Or not.

Know what? Michael has YET to visit TSI...don't know why...

This kind of started when I took Leo to WDW solo in January, but was much worse this May. All of a sudden, anything new was absolutely terrifying to him. In January, it was the Carousel of Progress. No joke – when the theater doors opened, Leo began shrieking and trying to run away. I dragged him in anyway. It’s the freaking Carousel of Progress, people! I knew I just had to get him in there so he could conquer this irrational fear. Which he did.

Awwww...he's a cutie...poor little guy. Funny how the oddest things freak them out, huh?

But there we were, facing a similar meltdown over the raft to TSI. No tears or yelling this time, but lots of pouting and telling us he was scared.

Look at the face...I could just bite him he's so darn cute! And he's getting big!

We dragged him on the raft anyway. Go ahead, give Lauralee the Parent of the Year Award – I’m definitely not getting it this trip.

WOOO HOOOO!!! FINALLY I win!! I know, I know, it's by default. But come on people...I'm never going to win it on my own!!

On our way over, something exciting happened….

Dream Squad???

Once on the island, Leo was still cranky and worried that the wolf sound coming from the Haunted Mansion was waiting for him on the island. No amount of explaining and comforting was helping, (remember? This was the child who thought we were feeding him to the Country bears in Dec.),

Ah yes...the bear buffet...Leo cracks me up!!

Until he jumped up and down and excitedly exclaimed “Mommy, mommy! Look – I shooting the people on the boat!!”

That was the end of that.

It was time to ride BTMRR, anyway. Every trip since he hit that 40” mark, Leo insists on riding, covers his face the entire time, and won’t ride again that same trip. I don’t get it, but whatever.
Felicia liked it, though…

Did you squish him again?

Dining Report 1
After that, it was on to lunch at my favorite MK eatery, Columbia Harbor House – home to the World’s Best Tuna Sandwich. And I mean “World” in the all-encompassing sense, not just the World that Walt built. TFI. I don’t know what the heck they put in that tuna, but YUUU UUUM!! That’s good stuff, there Gramma and I each had one. Leo had his first of MANY mac & cheese meals. The meal received a unanimous three thumbs’ up.

Yummmm....love CHH!! Looking forward to eating there again!

Coming next… a trip to the watering hole.

Mmmmm....watering hole.... I'm thinking THIS...but are you talking about the pool? Or maybe a little of both???

 

[DISNEYDUET]

At least I get to read a little of the fun! My friends little boy said the same thing about the Howls from the Mansion. But after he ran across the barrel bridge about 10 times he was fine. T-Minus 3 days and counting!! I can't wait!!

 

[bawsmom]

It's all so great!!

I love your hair cut!! i would love to get mine to grow like that- i keep cutting it!! it is the same color as yours so now i know what it would look like

and i love your pictures- what kind of camera did you say you had now?

wonderful start- can't wait to read more...

 

[PrincessV]

Great idea to put it all together, V!! Thank you! I was worried any new readers might get lost in the Pre-Trippy

Good call on the check in and straight to MK before "them". Just wait.... we become "them"...

I need Leo's review of TSI....was it a definite thumbs up? James is likin' the look of it. Umm, not exactly. Leo was pretty focused on getting to BTMRR so he wasn't real excited about walking the barrel bridge, etc. BUT, if James isn't afraid of dark places, there are some pretty neat caves to check out, too!

Oh...pictures are spectacular like always. Tell me again...do you have a DSLR?Thank you! Yep, a Canon Digital Rebel XT.

AM I the first one to find your actual TR YIPEE! Sorry, but you were vey, very close. And. melinda may have cheated. A little. Not that I'll hold it against her

Why, yes it does Mr. Spiccolli! Somehow I knew you'd pick up on that one!

Hold the phone!! When did this become the Kinder, gentler report???? I've always been kinder and gentler - I've got it all written into the spread sheets!

Magic tuna, you say. Hmmmmm... I'll have to add that to CS list! Yessirree!!

Arrrrh no I thought I was going to be first! Darn you Melinda So glad you've started at long last V

Thanks Jo, and ditto for you!

It sounds like you had a pretty good first day so far. Leo is cute as ever and I love your hair. I can't wait to hear all about the rest of your trip.

Thank you! you will notice, however, that my hair gets worse and worse as the days go by...

 

[PrincessV]

Yay! Your back and posting! Yee Ha! I was trying to make some ADR's(or PS's as they are known still in DL)and got distracted by your TR...a fun distraction tho! Looking fwd to more of the craziness!

PS I LOVE the tuna sandwiches too!!!

Whoops - sorry to interrupt your ADR-ing! but happy to have you hear

I'm having a blond moment. Do you have 2 TR's going on. Your pre-planning had my head spinning.

Sorry 'bout that - I PM'd you!

If you are having a "cold one" at the Biergarten they are $9.00

OMG, is that what we paid??? Glad I didn't look.

Is there just one main pool at the Animal Kingdom Lodge? or are there quiet pools. (me and dh bar-pooled hopped).

That's a good question.... I *think* there's jsut the one themed pool. Anyone?

Can't wait to hear! Your hair is adorable, and so is Leo/Stan.

Aww, thank you!

I'm so that you came back from the twilight zone and remembered all your planning......THOSE colorful cards are there for a REASON

Yep, yep yep, the Rolodex saves me from certain doom once more

Sounds like you all had a great start at the MK!

I look forward to more!

Thanks daisy!!

Woohoo! I am excited for this TR! Good start, so far! Your son is too cute. And your photos are great! What sort of camera do you use?

Thanks so much - glad to have you on board! The pics so far are from my Canon Digital Rebel XT, with a Sigma 17-70mm lens. LOVE my camera!

I'm here! Can't wait to hear who you meet on day two

I just love CHH Tuna (I also like the side of slaw), I had 2 of those sandwiches, including lunch on the same day you just wrote about (and then dinner on Thursday). What time were you there? I try to take a table upstairs and get one near the window over looking HM.

HEY, I jsut realized they skipped my slaw. That's so funny - I think we were there about 11:45/12pm, AND we were sitting upstairs, looking out at the HM! Were you there??

Hey, I'm late, but I'm here! I just started reading....love the reference to Fast Times.. Is the Dante comment from Clerks?

Nope, never seen Clerks. ( I know!) I've used Dante for reference since college. the first round of college that is.

Ok, I'm all caught up now!

But where are your witty comments?

 

[PrincessV]

Great pictures V! You look fabulous and Stan is the cutest lil' man I've seen in a long time.
So glad this will not be a "perky" TR. Perky is annoying. Edgy is what I would call this! Your TR is edgy V!

EDGY? Did you just say I'm EDGY??? That's what I've been striving for - thank you!

I think Tracy started it! (the other Tracy!)
I would never be a party to any "horrid shenanigans"

Uh-huh....

I cant believe you are already posting!! YAY! And, Leo Stan V. is adorable as usual.

Thank you! yeah, gotta get this started before my summer term starts.

You're probably talking about taking Leo swimming...but my mind first wandered over to Lapu Lapus...I wonder why...

Heh, heh, you're not far off

Shenanigans! Shenanigans!! It wasn't me, it was the OTHER Tracy!

Sometimes I read trip reports and end up going away depressed, because my family doesn't have those "let's hold hands and skip down Main Street" moments every second of every day!

Me too! Sometimes, if I actually see that family in The World, I start wondering what kinds of "real" things are going on in their lives outside of WDW, y'know? Okay, maybe I am a pessimist.

But I'm a little confuzled. You're friend and her son were coming with, no? I didn't read any mention of that in the 1st installment and when I skimmed your Pre-TR, I didn't notice when they were showing up.

No worries - they're coming up soon!

Oh and Re: the tuna sandwiches at CHH...I love that place, but always get the chicken and fish combo. But I love tuna sandwiches. How did I miss this? Is it like a deli tuna, a subway tuna? Give me the scoop on the tuna!

Hmmm... it looks like a standard tuna mixed w/ mayo, but tastes SOOO much better! And it's served on multi-grain bread with lettuce and tomato. You'll love it!

Ah, yes! The magic begins as you pass through those wonderful gates!! All of a sudden, logic does not exist & there's no way to get it back until that dreaded last day! Can't wait for more of your trip!

Exactly! Thanks for reading and understanding!

Awwwww what a great start and I am sooo glad you stuck to your plan and enjoyed the magic of Main Street. Leo is sooo cute and so are you!!! (Ahh, don't take that the wrong way )
I love the pics and the details...can't wait for more!

Thank you, thank you! I'm glad we slowed down to enjoy Main St., too

 

[PrincessV]

I'm dying to know how you like the Nile Crocs! I've been eyeing them for months trying to decide whether I "need" a pair for my October trip and for my daily trips to the pool this summer. No one where I live has them in the stores so I'll have to order online.

How do I answer this one without giving too much away of the coming story... do you have wide or narrow feet? Wide = great for the pool and generally bopping around only. Narrow = good all-around!

Your pre-trip report is
Can't wait to hear all about the trip!

Thank you! More to come, I promise

V---first...Stan is adorable!!! The pout makes him even cuter!Thank you!

2nd...I'm thinkin maybe my DS doesn't get to drive this trip...Bam, Bam, Bam has no appeal to me! I'd avoid it as long as possible.

DLM talked me into TGM and I, my friends am his LOVER! Shhh...don't tell my dh! Well come to think about it...amybe he is cheating on me/you/everyone with others? Oh well...the mans got a good thing going on.

Oh no - will there be TGM wars soon? "The Mike is mine, I'm tellin you the Mike is mine"

Wow, thanks!

And how did the birthday celebrations go??

Patience, my dear, patience... all will unfold in due time!

 

[Goofyluver]

Oh no - will there be TGM wars soon? "The Mike is mine, I'm tellin you the Mike is mine"

Back up V...I may be little...but I'm scrappy...(okay not really)

I him already! I fell head over heels!

 

[PrincessV]

What?? Not all pixie dust and magic??

I know, right?!

Ahhhh...gotta love a realist!

I knew you'd understand!

Ahem...is Gramma the ONLY one who's chronically late? I seem to recall someone else admitting that a while back... But love the way you pad the deadlines!! Way to go!

I have no idea who you're talking about.

We're meeting at 6ish in August, right?

YAY!!! I loooove the AKL!!

Oh no! Did you???

YEP! That's coming up next...

Were those PRE-whiplash photos? Oh - love the shorts by the way - brand name please!

you got it - all was happy before Leo Andretti took the wheel. Thanks - they're Eddie Bauer Outlet specials!

How was your score???

You just had to bring it up..... not good. Leo wouldn't let me steer.

WOOO HOOOO!!! FINALLY I win!! I know, I know, it's by default. But come on people...I'm never going to win it on my own!!

Congrats!

Dream Squad???

Yeah, right!!

Did you squish him again?

Yep, right in the middle!

Mmmmm....watering hole.... I'm thinking THIS...but are you talking about the pool? Or maybe a little of both???

At least I get to read a little of the fun! My friends little boy said the same thing about the Howls from the Mansion. But after he ran across the barrel bridge about 10 times he was fine. T-Minus 3 days and counting!! I can't wait!!

According to V's Fuzzy Disney Calendar, you're already there!

It's all so great!!

I love your hair cut!! i would love to get mine to grow like that- i keep cutting it!! it is the same color as yours so now i know what it would look like

and i love your pictures- what kind of camera did you say you had now?

wonderful start- can't wait to read more...

Thank you! I have to say, my hair didn't come out right at WDW, but I'm loving it at home now It's shorter and more layered than the first cut.

My camera's a Canon Digital Rebel XT - love it!

 

[DisneyJo]

OK I've just realised that Leo isn't called Leo so is Michael Michael? What about Maddie and Evan? Are they their real names August is going to be so confusing

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

OK I've just realised that Leo isn't called Leo so is Michael Michael? What about Maddie and Evan? Are they their real names August is going to be so confusing

Michael is Michael and Maddie is Madison, but she refuses to answer to Madison, so Maddie it is. And yup, Evan is Evan.

BTW, my real name isn't Tracy.

 

[DisneyJo]

Phew thank goodness for your edit, I was getting all confuzzled So is V really V?

 

[sorul82?]

But where are your witty comments?

I'll do better today! Pinky swear.

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

Phew thank goodness for your edit, I was getting all confuzzled So is V really V?

You'll have to ask V!

 

[PrincessV]

Phew thank goodness for your edit, I was getting all confuzzled So is V really V?

 

[lillygator]

ok, I had to read...you have my name....V.....and why yes, I am a princess too!


Great start!!

 

[princessjv]

Michael is Michael and Maddie is Madison, but she refuses to answer to Madison, so Maddie it is. And yup, Evan is Evan.

BTW, my real name isn't Tracy.

As always...I'm LOST! Who is who?

The kids are all who they are, but Leo... V is V? How about Grammy? Are we sure about her?

You really are Tracy right?

Jo...are you really Jo?

Lauralee... Laura?

I know who I am... I think

 

[sharkB8HooHaHa]

I often try to figure out what the "V" stands for. My littlest son is often referred to as "B" instead of his whole name. Then for some reason he gets a big long nickname thrown onto the end. I think it would be easier just to call him by his name. But what's the fun in that???