A fearless trip report- May 12-18th 2011
- Thread starter CandleontheWater
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CandleontheWater
Forever in love with Hathaway Browne
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Episode 13: the update with dangerous scooter antics
On the way back from MK, I called DH to see how he was feeling, I couldnt text him because he is the lone texting holdout known to the western world. Anyway, he was up, feeling much better and was thinking about dinner. I also texted Bryan to see how Amy was feeling and if we would be able to meet up for some fun that evening.
Our plans were to have a monorail pubcrawl, in which we drink at all the bars in the hotels along the monorail line. For extra credit you can also take the boat to the Wilderness lodge. Weve done it before, but Im sorry to say that we arent very good at it, we usually get cozy in one place, and then forget to keep moving. Instead of a pub crawl, it becomes more of a pub park. It doesnt help that the hotel bars all close around midnight, so it doesnt give you a lot of time to make the circuit if you start at 9 or 10 pm.
Bryan wrote me back to say that Amy still wasnt feeling well and would not be up for going out, but that he still planned to join us for dinner and any other trouble we might get into. I promised to let him know when I got back to the resort so we could make some final plans.
When I got back to POR, I left DS in the loving care of my mom, and I went back to my room to start the night. Well, when I got back Bryan wasnt ready to join us yet, because he had to go to Walgreens and pick up some medication for Amy. By this point I was getting tired and hungry, so we decided to scrap the pub crawl plans and just hang at the resort for the evening. Mark and I headed over to the food court for dinner, and when Bryan got back from running his errand he planned to join us in the River Roost lounge to catch Yeeha Bob and have a few drinks there.
Mark and I headed over to the Riverside Mill for another food court meal (this is number 2 for those of you playing along at home). I was fine with it, there was plenty of diversity at the food court, and any meal I dont have to cook tastes good to me, also we were getting more use out of our mugs, so that made DH happy.
I have no memory of what DH or I ate, but I do remember that Mark regaled me with such uplifting dinner conversation about the state of the US economy. Fun, right?
I couldnt wait to get to the River Roost, where the dulcet tones of Yeeha Bob would drowned out my husbands pronouncement of a US lost decade and other dire financial consequences. Someone really needs to learn what it means to be on vacation.
When we got to the bar, Yeeha Bob was well into his first set and it was already packed. We found seats near the back and ordered our drinks and really started to relax and enjoy ourselves. Bryan arrived a little later and we were having a great time, singing along and enjoying the raucous company.
sorry for the poor quality I took this photo with my phone
It was after Bryan arrived that we witnessed one of the strangest/most potentially hazardous sights I have ever witnessed in a Disney park. Now, I know weve all seem some weird stuff at Disney, lets face it, people do weird things on vacation, but I do believe that this takes the cake. What we witnessed was a woman in a scooter (nothing abnormal there), but directly behind her and holding onto the back of her seat was a woman in a wheelchair, and right behind the wheelchair woman was a man walking with a cane holding on to the back of the wheelchair with his other hand.
The scooter woman was pulling the wheelchair which was in turn guiding the man with the cane- and they were entering the very crowded bar area. Im pretty sure there is a universal bar law prohibiting starting a conga line with a mechanized vehicle. Especially a crowded bar with small children running around willy-nilly.
I dont know if any of you have had this experience, but when I was a kid my brothers and I used to play a game called tow truck- in which we would tie a rope around the handle of a tricycle (the broken down vehicle) and then tie the other end off the rope to the back of a bicycle (the tow truck). This was a super fun game, until the tow truck would stop short and I would inevitably fly over the handles of the tricycle and injure myself.
That is exactly what I was envisioning while I was watching the scooter train enter the bar, except instead of just one person flying over the handlebars, both the woman in the wheelchair and the man with the cane would be launched forward.
Luckily for everyone involved they decided at the last minute not to enter the bar, but to continue on towards the Food court, with the scooter leading, the wheelchair being dragged behind and the man with the cane hanging on for dear life.
I, unfortunately, did not get a picture of this insanity, but I really wish now that I had snapped a surreptitious photo, because that kind of craziness needs to be seen to be believed.
Since we figured we couldnt top that, we decided to call it a night. We had our few drinks and our fun, and were ready to hit the hay for another fun day ahead- a whole day at Epcot was waiting for us!
On the way back from MK, I called DH to see how he was feeling, I couldnt text him because he is the lone texting holdout known to the western world. Anyway, he was up, feeling much better and was thinking about dinner. I also texted Bryan to see how Amy was feeling and if we would be able to meet up for some fun that evening.
Our plans were to have a monorail pubcrawl, in which we drink at all the bars in the hotels along the monorail line. For extra credit you can also take the boat to the Wilderness lodge. Weve done it before, but Im sorry to say that we arent very good at it, we usually get cozy in one place, and then forget to keep moving. Instead of a pub crawl, it becomes more of a pub park. It doesnt help that the hotel bars all close around midnight, so it doesnt give you a lot of time to make the circuit if you start at 9 or 10 pm.
Bryan wrote me back to say that Amy still wasnt feeling well and would not be up for going out, but that he still planned to join us for dinner and any other trouble we might get into. I promised to let him know when I got back to the resort so we could make some final plans.
When I got back to POR, I left DS in the loving care of my mom, and I went back to my room to start the night. Well, when I got back Bryan wasnt ready to join us yet, because he had to go to Walgreens and pick up some medication for Amy. By this point I was getting tired and hungry, so we decided to scrap the pub crawl plans and just hang at the resort for the evening. Mark and I headed over to the food court for dinner, and when Bryan got back from running his errand he planned to join us in the River Roost lounge to catch Yeeha Bob and have a few drinks there.
Mark and I headed over to the Riverside Mill for another food court meal (this is number 2 for those of you playing along at home). I was fine with it, there was plenty of diversity at the food court, and any meal I dont have to cook tastes good to me, also we were getting more use out of our mugs, so that made DH happy.
I have no memory of what DH or I ate, but I do remember that Mark regaled me with such uplifting dinner conversation about the state of the US economy. Fun, right?
I couldnt wait to get to the River Roost, where the dulcet tones of Yeeha Bob would drowned out my husbands pronouncement of a US lost decade and other dire financial consequences. Someone really needs to learn what it means to be on vacation.
When we got to the bar, Yeeha Bob was well into his first set and it was already packed. We found seats near the back and ordered our drinks and really started to relax and enjoy ourselves. Bryan arrived a little later and we were having a great time, singing along and enjoying the raucous company.
sorry for the poor quality I took this photo with my phone
It was after Bryan arrived that we witnessed one of the strangest/most potentially hazardous sights I have ever witnessed in a Disney park. Now, I know weve all seem some weird stuff at Disney, lets face it, people do weird things on vacation, but I do believe that this takes the cake. What we witnessed was a woman in a scooter (nothing abnormal there), but directly behind her and holding onto the back of her seat was a woman in a wheelchair, and right behind the wheelchair woman was a man walking with a cane holding on to the back of the wheelchair with his other hand.
The scooter woman was pulling the wheelchair which was in turn guiding the man with the cane- and they were entering the very crowded bar area. Im pretty sure there is a universal bar law prohibiting starting a conga line with a mechanized vehicle. Especially a crowded bar with small children running around willy-nilly.
I dont know if any of you have had this experience, but when I was a kid my brothers and I used to play a game called tow truck- in which we would tie a rope around the handle of a tricycle (the broken down vehicle) and then tie the other end off the rope to the back of a bicycle (the tow truck). This was a super fun game, until the tow truck would stop short and I would inevitably fly over the handles of the tricycle and injure myself.
That is exactly what I was envisioning while I was watching the scooter train enter the bar, except instead of just one person flying over the handlebars, both the woman in the wheelchair and the man with the cane would be launched forward.
Luckily for everyone involved they decided at the last minute not to enter the bar, but to continue on towards the Food court, with the scooter leading, the wheelchair being dragged behind and the man with the cane hanging on for dear life.
I, unfortunately, did not get a picture of this insanity, but I really wish now that I had snapped a surreptitious photo, because that kind of craziness needs to be seen to be believed.
Since we figured we couldnt top that, we decided to call it a night. We had our few drinks and our fun, and were ready to hit the hay for another fun day ahead- a whole day at Epcot was waiting for us!
DisneyMomma09
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Wow! You have had a very productive day! Everett seems to be tolerating it very well!
The photopass pictures turned out great! Even the photopass pictures got bad are cute. It is fun to see what happens in between those posed pictures! It is great they take so many, especially when you are trying to pose the little kids! We have lots where we were trying get Colby to look at the camera or take his fingers out of his mouth!
The photopass pictures turned out great! Even the photopass pictures got bad are cute. It is fun to see what happens in between those posed pictures! It is great they take so many, especially when you are trying to pose the little kids! We have lots where we were trying get Colby to look at the camera or take his fingers out of his mouth!
Lifelong_Dreamer
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afwdwfan
DIS Dad #460
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I can just picture them getting out into an open area where she can get that scooter up to speed and forgetting about the train while the guy with the cane is hanging on for dear life being dragged behind. Probably a little mean, but that was my first thought when I read that. I'm thinking if he's walking with a cane, he's probably not the fastest walker to begin with.
CandleontheWater
Forever in love with Hathaway Browne
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Awww...Everett is so cute. Thanks for another great update!
Thank you so much, we think he is a keeper!
Yes, we are always making fun of my mom about her gigantic purse and her aversion to any ride with water. She doesn't even like Voyage of the Little Mermaid, because of the water mist. You should see her trying to cover her hair with a park map!
I think I got the placemats at Babies R Us. Its been a while, so I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that is where I bought them.
I love how Everett is really giving Goofy the once over in this one
"who's that dude next to my mommy??"
love the picture!
Thank you, yes, Everett doesn't look too sure about that Goofy fellow!
I just saw the link to your new TR this morning. It looks like your trip was off to a great start, despite the little argument in the hotel room. Kind of funny how a vacation can make some of the greatest happy memories, but at the same time, the stresses can make for some ugly meltdowns from time to time too.
Everett really does look grown up with his new haircut. It looks like he's having a great time with the characters and really enjoying taking it all in. That is very nice of your mother to want to keep him in the evenings for you. I'm sure she is just happy to be spending some quality time with him, even if it is at the risk of losing out on some sleep.
By the way... your update from the Crystal Palace breakfast is making me really look forward to the 8:10 am ADR we have for our trip this fall. I love French Toast, and this is the first that I've seen anything about that specialty at Crystal Palace. I will most definitely be giving it a try.
This is not the first ugly meltdown DH and I have had on vacation (and I'm sure it won't be the last)
We can both be really hot headed, but luckily we're quick to forgive and forget! Everett did great on this vacation, I'd give him a 9 out of 10!
It was awesome for my mom to take him. He is always so good for her, I don't think she missed one wink of sleep! The french toast was delish! Its over in the kids section, so be sure not to miss it!
Another great update. Everett is doing well and you all seem to be having a great time!
I have a feeling someone might be buying a Dooney & Bourke for you later in this TR.
Perhaps! I will not give away any of the secrets of my TR- you'll just have to keep reading to find out!
CandleontheWater
Forever in love with Hathaway Browne
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I hope he will continue to love Pirates and Disney! In this house, I don't think he'll have much of a choice!
Everett really is an amazing park tourer. He is a great little commando in training. He is really used to being out and about all day, so I think that helps. We live right outside of Washington DC, so from the time he was 10 days old we were out having adventures during the day. I'm not one to sit at home, I would be just bored stiff, so we'd go for a walk on the national mall or take in a museum or the zoo. He had to learn how to nap in the stroller, I really gave him no choice!
The photopass pictures did turn out really well, I am so happy I joined the share!
The monorail pub crawl sounds like so much fun! Too bad you didn't get to it that day but if you had then you would have missed out on that bizarre episode with the scooter!
We always have fun when we all get together! I am glad that we didn't miss the scooter train craziness, it was just unbelievable!
How nice that you got to spend some one on one time with your mom!
Lucky deal with the diapers! My ds saves all his for me
that scooter train doesn't sound the least bit safe
It was nice just having some time with my Mom. If we do get to move back to Florida, I have a feeling she'll be coming down to visit a lot when DH gets deployed, and then we'll have lots of time to spend at Disney just the three of us!
The scooter fiasco was certainly not safe! The funny thing was that we saw the Disney paramedics wheeling out some woman on a stretcher right before the scooter train. At least we knew that help was close by if anything went wrong!
It pretty much went down just like that! It was one of those instances where you see something, and then do a double take because you just can't believe your eyes!
Another great day!
It was so weird. I'm hoping that they might have had other family traveling with them, that maybe could have stepped in and be the voice of reason. I certainly hope that they we not using the conga line mode of transportation in the parks!
PirateKate
DIS Veteran
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I was wondering about the Mickey placemats, too. I'll have to see if Babies R Us still has them.
The look on Everett's face when he meets Goofy is great. What a cute picture. It's nice that you got some Everett time, but still got to ride some good rides.
I may have mentioned this already, but I love Everett's t-shirt.
The look on Everett's face when he meets Goofy is great. What a cute picture. It's nice that you got some Everett time, but still got to ride some good rides.
I may have mentioned this already, but I love Everett's t-shirt.
DisneyFanDC
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- Aug 2, 2009
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You've been on a roll with the updates, and I have been devouring each one. Everett was such a champ on this trip, and you got some really super photos. How special, too, that your mother joined you and is able to share those wonderful memories with her.
I also love seeing DCA in a trip report!
I also love seeing DCA in a trip report!
CandleontheWater
Forever in love with Hathaway Browne
- Joined
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- 3,399
Episode 14: The update with multiple thwarted photo-ops
I started our day with another text to my mom to check up on the status of my little rip van winkle, who, of course, slept through the night with no trouble once again. My mom also had no trouble getting him to sleep, apparently they just sat on the bed together watching baseball, and eventually he just drifted off and she transferred him easily into the crib.
I was seriously considering hiding her return plane ticket so that she couldnt leave!
We got ready without incident, left the resort right on time, and made it to Epcot right before rope drop. The morning started out with just me, DH, DMom and DS. Shane had plans at DTD, and Amy and Bryan were actually acting like they were on vacation and were enjoying sleeping in.
We missed the park opening ceremony, because we were (you guessed it) shopping, but I was able to grab everyones ticket and join the mad dash for Soarin fastpasses. I wasnt one of the first people at the FP machines (like I generally like to be), but I didnt do too badly considering where I started out. Those speed walking skills I learned in my stroller fitness class really come in handy!
I just love this mural, don't you!
I actually had a near disaster on the way to get the fastpasses. I ended up dropping one of the tickets on my way into the pavilion, but a little boy saw what I did, picked up the ticket, and ran it up to me. I thanked him profusely, because I dont know what I would have done if I had lost it! I know that I can replace my AP with no trouble, but I had dropped DHs military ticket, that Im pretty sure is not in the system! It was certainly a magical moment and some good Disney karma!
cute duck family!
Fastpasses in hand, I joined the crowds filing back up the escalator, and made my way over to Mission Space, where the family was waiting for me.
see, I wasn't the very last person to get my fastpasses!
I know that Mission Space is not universally beloved around here, but DH and I are big fans! I love all the g-forces and Im always impressed when they simulate zero gravity. I know its just a trick they are playing on your body by stopping the spinning, but it really does almost feel like you are floating. I think that is such a cool trick!
One of the things DH likes about the ride is being the pilot! He is a pilot in real life and when he gets inside the X-2 deep space shuttle he always pretends he is actually pre-flighting an aircraft. Apparently the control panels are pretty realistic. I like to mess with him by just punching all the buttons randomly and shouting out fake aviation sounding commands.
DH has been known to shove small children out of the way so that he can claim the pilot spot, but this time we were in luck because it was only the two of us in our capsule. I got to be the commander and the engineer, so I lorded my superior position of authority over him. He was the pilot and the navigator so any disruptions in flight or landing would all be his fault.
Well, as usual, everything on our Mars mission started out great, and Im pleased to say that everything I was in charge of went off flawlessly. DH, not so much, first he flew us into some asteroids instead of approaching our landing strip from a different angle, then he blew out the autopilot, and then he crashed the ship. I think he needs to spend some more time at the ISTC training facilities learning how to do his job properly.
After our ignoble entrance onto the red planet- although if you ask DH, hell tell you Any landing you can walk away from is a good landing we headed into the official gift shop of Mars, where we met up with my Mom and Everett. My mom had been (surprise, surprise!) shopping, and now Everett was the proud owner of a Mickey spinny light-up toy. Apparently he needed it!. I couldnt argue with the fact that he was completely enthralled with it, and it did come in handy for entertainment in a pinch at many other points of the trip.
From the stars to the sea- we then decided to ride something a little more family friendly and headed over to Nemo. I am a big fan of this ride, and Everett was too on our last trip. I really love the Big Blue World song, it reminds me of some of the great attraction songs from Old EPCOT. I was so happy that they incorporated a new song into the ride, there is just something so special about attraction music.
Before we entered the ride, I wanted to get a picture with Everett outside with the Nemo characters. This was where we hit the first photo snafu of the day. There was a family taking photos when we walked up, so I stood back at a respectful distance and let them take their photos. Once they were done I was walking up with Everett, when another family ran right up and started messing around. I was a little put out that they didnt wait their turn, but I stood back again, trying to be courteous. Unfortunately this family didnt seem to understand what courtesy was. They took their photos, and then instead of moving on, they just let their children run wild over the Nemo characters.
Now, I know Im a little touchy about Disney property. I dont like to see it compromised and I like to see people following the rules. Im pretty sure that you are not supposed to be running around with the Nemo characters, and I know that you are not supposed to be climbing all over them. I think youre just supposed to stand in front and get your picture taken.
While I was waiting, a line was started to form behind me of other families, but the first family was not budging. They did not seem to care at all. After standing there for a while with DH starting to get really antsy, I decided that Id just have to go up and get my photo with those other kids running around in the background.
So, here is my photo- note the little girl sitting on one of the characters, and her sister pulling on Nemos fin. The brother is just helpfully running back and forth.
After that somewhat unsatisfactory photo experience, we parked the stroller and headed inside. Since there was no wait, I decided to not bring the becco carrier, and instead just bring the pluto backpack.
We entered the queue and pretty much walked right on. This was great, except for the fact that it was dark as night once you got to the undersea part of the queue. I have terrible night vision to start with, and add that to having no time for my eyes to adjust, and I could not see a hand in front of my face. I kept walking into the sides of the corrals, and bumping into DH who was walking in front of me, I must have been quite a sight.
I know it wasnt just me, because even my mom was commenting on how dark it was, way darker than usual. Maybe they forget to turn on some of the lights, it was first thing in the morning.
Anyway, I was pretty happy to be in my clammobile, where I couldnt walk into or trip over anything!
Everett really enjoyed this ride, its fun and brightly colored and perfect for toddlers. His favorite part was when you enter the EAC, he kept saying ba-boo (bubbles) over and over again. I was happy to see that the angler fish animatronic was working, I feel like that one is always hit or miss.
After the ride, I was really excited to take Everett to see the fish tanks. Since one of the highlights of Everetts life is visiting the fish tanks at Petsmart, I thought that giant fish in a huge fish tank would just blow his mind. Well, I apparently underestimated the appeal of- Running Around A Giant Circle! Everett looked around at the fish for approximately 38 seconds, then he laid eyes on something apparently even more appealing- the raised circular dais inside the main fish tank.
I dont know if I ever noticed it before, but there is the main level that you can walk around, the level that is right up against the fish tank, but there are also two raised levels, I guess for when it is really crowded, you can go up there and get an elevated view of the tanks. Well no one was up there (that is until Everett climbed up) and then proceeded to run around like a crazy person for 15 solid minutes.
No one was interested in climbing up to the top viewing level, he wasnt getting in anyones way or bothering anyone, so I just him go. He ran in circles and squealed with glee that I had apparently taken him to the best place EVER! Who needs the world largest indoor fish tank when you can run in circles.
The only downside to this arrangement was that I also had to run in circles following him, but I guess I got my perfect excuse for an extra mickey bar that day.
Once he began to slow down, I grabbed him and we made our way down to some of the fish tanks downstairs. These were a big hit, since there were no indoor lap courses downstairs to distract from the fish.
We headed over to the area with Bruce, since I wanted to take the photo in Bruces mouth that has become a DIS classic.
The area was pretty crowded, but I let Everett explore a little before we took our photo. He really liked the little tunnel that you could crawl through, and all the buttons to push, but his hands down favorite part was where you put your hand in the sharks mouth and he makes a snapping sound. DS thought this was just hilarious, and kept putting his hand in and laughing and laughing.
At this point I noticed that there was only one other family in line for the Bruce photo, so I corralled Everett and got DH and we went over and stood in line. There was one family in the shark, and the family I was waiting behind, so I figured it would all be moving along pretty quick. Well, before the family in front of me was able to take their place in Bruces mouth, some other kids pushed their way in. They were horsing around and the kicker was that their parents were not just taking a picture, but were filming the whole thing. Seriously, this is not a film moment, take your photo and move on to something else, people are waiting in line- people you just barged in front of.
While rude family #2 was taking their sweet time in Bruces mouth, another little girl (probably about 10 years old) came up and started trying to climb into the mouth, oh no, no, no! At this point Everett was getting really squirmy, I wanted my photo and I was about tired of people who thought that lines did not apply to them. I said very nicely excuse me sweetheart, but there is a line here waiting for photos, if you would like a photo youll have to get in line and wait your turn. I was in no way rude, I was the very picture of sweetness itself. Of course this made no difference to the girls mother, who apparently was waiting two families behind me. She let me know in a very snippy tone of voice that we are waiting, thank you very much. Thats great, maybe she should wait with you, as opposed to getting in other peoples vacation photos.
I did hold my tongue and didnt say anything else, because at that point the filming family had moved on and the man and his daughter that had been waiting all this time were taking their picture. Mark says that I should really mind my own business, that one of these days Im going to get punched by an irate Disney guest, but I figure that would just make an even more interesting trip report, right?
By this point Everett was in full on melt down mode. Even though it was only around 10:30, I think he completely exhausted himself running the baby version of a half marathon around the tank viewing area. We did get up there, we got one photo, but the flash didnt go off, Everett is screaming, and it is just a winner of a vacation photo.
At this point I just carried poor screaming Everett out of the Seas Pavilion, yes, I was that parent, hauling a hysterical toddler out of the building.
I got him settled in the stroller, where he promptly feel asleep.
So, whats next?
I started our day with another text to my mom to check up on the status of my little rip van winkle, who, of course, slept through the night with no trouble once again. My mom also had no trouble getting him to sleep, apparently they just sat on the bed together watching baseball, and eventually he just drifted off and she transferred him easily into the crib.
I was seriously considering hiding her return plane ticket so that she couldnt leave!
We got ready without incident, left the resort right on time, and made it to Epcot right before rope drop. The morning started out with just me, DH, DMom and DS. Shane had plans at DTD, and Amy and Bryan were actually acting like they were on vacation and were enjoying sleeping in.
We missed the park opening ceremony, because we were (you guessed it) shopping, but I was able to grab everyones ticket and join the mad dash for Soarin fastpasses. I wasnt one of the first people at the FP machines (like I generally like to be), but I didnt do too badly considering where I started out. Those speed walking skills I learned in my stroller fitness class really come in handy!
I just love this mural, don't you!
I actually had a near disaster on the way to get the fastpasses. I ended up dropping one of the tickets on my way into the pavilion, but a little boy saw what I did, picked up the ticket, and ran it up to me. I thanked him profusely, because I dont know what I would have done if I had lost it! I know that I can replace my AP with no trouble, but I had dropped DHs military ticket, that Im pretty sure is not in the system! It was certainly a magical moment and some good Disney karma!
cute duck family!
Fastpasses in hand, I joined the crowds filing back up the escalator, and made my way over to Mission Space, where the family was waiting for me.
see, I wasn't the very last person to get my fastpasses!
I know that Mission Space is not universally beloved around here, but DH and I are big fans! I love all the g-forces and Im always impressed when they simulate zero gravity. I know its just a trick they are playing on your body by stopping the spinning, but it really does almost feel like you are floating. I think that is such a cool trick!
One of the things DH likes about the ride is being the pilot! He is a pilot in real life and when he gets inside the X-2 deep space shuttle he always pretends he is actually pre-flighting an aircraft. Apparently the control panels are pretty realistic. I like to mess with him by just punching all the buttons randomly and shouting out fake aviation sounding commands.
DH has been known to shove small children out of the way so that he can claim the pilot spot, but this time we were in luck because it was only the two of us in our capsule. I got to be the commander and the engineer, so I lorded my superior position of authority over him. He was the pilot and the navigator so any disruptions in flight or landing would all be his fault.
Well, as usual, everything on our Mars mission started out great, and Im pleased to say that everything I was in charge of went off flawlessly. DH, not so much, first he flew us into some asteroids instead of approaching our landing strip from a different angle, then he blew out the autopilot, and then he crashed the ship. I think he needs to spend some more time at the ISTC training facilities learning how to do his job properly.
After our ignoble entrance onto the red planet- although if you ask DH, hell tell you Any landing you can walk away from is a good landing we headed into the official gift shop of Mars, where we met up with my Mom and Everett. My mom had been (surprise, surprise!) shopping, and now Everett was the proud owner of a Mickey spinny light-up toy. Apparently he needed it!. I couldnt argue with the fact that he was completely enthralled with it, and it did come in handy for entertainment in a pinch at many other points of the trip.
From the stars to the sea- we then decided to ride something a little more family friendly and headed over to Nemo. I am a big fan of this ride, and Everett was too on our last trip. I really love the Big Blue World song, it reminds me of some of the great attraction songs from Old EPCOT. I was so happy that they incorporated a new song into the ride, there is just something so special about attraction music.
Before we entered the ride, I wanted to get a picture with Everett outside with the Nemo characters. This was where we hit the first photo snafu of the day. There was a family taking photos when we walked up, so I stood back at a respectful distance and let them take their photos. Once they were done I was walking up with Everett, when another family ran right up and started messing around. I was a little put out that they didnt wait their turn, but I stood back again, trying to be courteous. Unfortunately this family didnt seem to understand what courtesy was. They took their photos, and then instead of moving on, they just let their children run wild over the Nemo characters.
Now, I know Im a little touchy about Disney property. I dont like to see it compromised and I like to see people following the rules. Im pretty sure that you are not supposed to be running around with the Nemo characters, and I know that you are not supposed to be climbing all over them. I think youre just supposed to stand in front and get your picture taken.
While I was waiting, a line was started to form behind me of other families, but the first family was not budging. They did not seem to care at all. After standing there for a while with DH starting to get really antsy, I decided that Id just have to go up and get my photo with those other kids running around in the background.
So, here is my photo- note the little girl sitting on one of the characters, and her sister pulling on Nemos fin. The brother is just helpfully running back and forth.
After that somewhat unsatisfactory photo experience, we parked the stroller and headed inside. Since there was no wait, I decided to not bring the becco carrier, and instead just bring the pluto backpack.
We entered the queue and pretty much walked right on. This was great, except for the fact that it was dark as night once you got to the undersea part of the queue. I have terrible night vision to start with, and add that to having no time for my eyes to adjust, and I could not see a hand in front of my face. I kept walking into the sides of the corrals, and bumping into DH who was walking in front of me, I must have been quite a sight.
I know it wasnt just me, because even my mom was commenting on how dark it was, way darker than usual. Maybe they forget to turn on some of the lights, it was first thing in the morning.
Anyway, I was pretty happy to be in my clammobile, where I couldnt walk into or trip over anything!
Everett really enjoyed this ride, its fun and brightly colored and perfect for toddlers. His favorite part was when you enter the EAC, he kept saying ba-boo (bubbles) over and over again. I was happy to see that the angler fish animatronic was working, I feel like that one is always hit or miss.
After the ride, I was really excited to take Everett to see the fish tanks. Since one of the highlights of Everetts life is visiting the fish tanks at Petsmart, I thought that giant fish in a huge fish tank would just blow his mind. Well, I apparently underestimated the appeal of- Running Around A Giant Circle! Everett looked around at the fish for approximately 38 seconds, then he laid eyes on something apparently even more appealing- the raised circular dais inside the main fish tank.
I dont know if I ever noticed it before, but there is the main level that you can walk around, the level that is right up against the fish tank, but there are also two raised levels, I guess for when it is really crowded, you can go up there and get an elevated view of the tanks. Well no one was up there (that is until Everett climbed up) and then proceeded to run around like a crazy person for 15 solid minutes.
No one was interested in climbing up to the top viewing level, he wasnt getting in anyones way or bothering anyone, so I just him go. He ran in circles and squealed with glee that I had apparently taken him to the best place EVER! Who needs the world largest indoor fish tank when you can run in circles.
The only downside to this arrangement was that I also had to run in circles following him, but I guess I got my perfect excuse for an extra mickey bar that day.
Once he began to slow down, I grabbed him and we made our way down to some of the fish tanks downstairs. These were a big hit, since there were no indoor lap courses downstairs to distract from the fish.
We headed over to the area with Bruce, since I wanted to take the photo in Bruces mouth that has become a DIS classic.
The area was pretty crowded, but I let Everett explore a little before we took our photo. He really liked the little tunnel that you could crawl through, and all the buttons to push, but his hands down favorite part was where you put your hand in the sharks mouth and he makes a snapping sound. DS thought this was just hilarious, and kept putting his hand in and laughing and laughing.
At this point I noticed that there was only one other family in line for the Bruce photo, so I corralled Everett and got DH and we went over and stood in line. There was one family in the shark, and the family I was waiting behind, so I figured it would all be moving along pretty quick. Well, before the family in front of me was able to take their place in Bruces mouth, some other kids pushed their way in. They were horsing around and the kicker was that their parents were not just taking a picture, but were filming the whole thing. Seriously, this is not a film moment, take your photo and move on to something else, people are waiting in line- people you just barged in front of.
While rude family #2 was taking their sweet time in Bruces mouth, another little girl (probably about 10 years old) came up and started trying to climb into the mouth, oh no, no, no! At this point Everett was getting really squirmy, I wanted my photo and I was about tired of people who thought that lines did not apply to them. I said very nicely excuse me sweetheart, but there is a line here waiting for photos, if you would like a photo youll have to get in line and wait your turn. I was in no way rude, I was the very picture of sweetness itself. Of course this made no difference to the girls mother, who apparently was waiting two families behind me. She let me know in a very snippy tone of voice that we are waiting, thank you very much. Thats great, maybe she should wait with you, as opposed to getting in other peoples vacation photos.
I did hold my tongue and didnt say anything else, because at that point the filming family had moved on and the man and his daughter that had been waiting all this time were taking their picture. Mark says that I should really mind my own business, that one of these days Im going to get punched by an irate Disney guest, but I figure that would just make an even more interesting trip report, right?
By this point Everett was in full on melt down mode. Even though it was only around 10:30, I think he completely exhausted himself running the baby version of a half marathon around the tank viewing area. We did get up there, we got one photo, but the flash didnt go off, Everett is screaming, and it is just a winner of a vacation photo.
At this point I just carried poor screaming Everett out of the Seas Pavilion, yes, I was that parent, hauling a hysterical toddler out of the building.
I got him settled in the stroller, where he promptly feel asleep.
So, whats next?
disneydreamingdebby
DVC Member
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2009
- Messages
- 2,410
I am thinking you are sporting a D&B at home thanks to your mom...
I guess the people on Splash would really enjoy me. I once wore my poncho upside down---legs through the holes. (It was on Kali, though.) I hate wet shorts! Now, I just carry an extra set in order to change...
I guess the people on Splash would really enjoy me. I once wore my poncho upside down---legs through the holes. (It was on Kali, though.) I hate wet shorts!
Now, I just carry an extra set in order to change... 
amandaw
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 2, 2011
- Messages
- 4,426
I just got caught up on all of your updates! I've been MIA the last few days due to us moving & man have I missed A LOT! Your updates were great. I can't stand rude families at Disney when it comes to taking turns for photo ops! I love the picture of your DH holding Everett while they were looking at fish tanks - so sweet!
I'm with Everett- baseball is a great choice for insomnia
I had no idea there was an upstairs in the tanks either. Sounds like a great place to run off steam
bet it was fun to pick ok your DH for mistakes in his (sort of) own line of expertice!
I had no idea there was an upstairs in the tanks either. Sounds like a great place to run off steam
bet it was fun to pick ok your DH for mistakes in his (sort of) own line of expertice!
CandleontheWater
Forever in love with Hathaway Browne
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2007
- Messages
- 3,399
Yup, go check out Babies R Us. I'm running low, so I'm hoping they still have them as well. I wouldn't want to be forced to buy Winnie the Pooh placemats!
Having my mom there really helped with being able to ride all the rides. We do OK when it is just me and Mark, but its nice to not always have to ride alone.
Thanks, I'm glad you appreciated it!
I'm with Everett- baseball is a great choice for insomnia
I had no idea there was an upstairs in the tanks either. Sounds like a great place to run off steam
bet it was fun to pick ok your DH for mistakes in his (sort of) own line of expertice!
Yeah, I'm not a fan of baseball, but that makes me the odd man out in my family! The upstairs dias of the tank was awesome, a work out for both of us!
I am thinking you are sporting a D&B at home thanks to your mom...
I guess the people on Splash would really enjoy me. I once wore my poncho upside down---legs through the holes. (It was on Kali, though.) I hate wet shorts!
That is so funny about the poncho! Don't worry, you wouldn't look at all out of place if you rode with my mom. The few times we've gotten her on it, we're pretty much wrapped her head to toe in plastic wrap!
I understand how tough moving is! I hope it all goes OK! I haven't moved with a kid yet, and I can only imagine how much more difficult it is to pack and unpack with a toddler running around!
Thank you for your kind words about the picture, DS does just love his Daddy!
CandleontheWater
Forever in love with Hathaway Browne
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2007
- Messages
- 3,399
Episode 15: The update with a dream come true!
Now that Everett was peacefully sleeping away in the stroller, no doubt dreaming fishy dreams, we had to decide what to do now. We had those Soarin fastpasses from the morning, and they were good now, so that is where we decided to head.
Mom took snoozing Everett for a shopping spree at Mousegears, and we planned to meet up with her when we were finished.
On the way into Soarin I got a text from Bryan and Amy letting me know that they were headed to the park, and planning on having lunch at the Biergarten. I asked Mark if he wanted to join them, but I knew what his answer would be before I even asked the question- No. Mark does not like the Beirgarten for some reason, and I know that he didnt want to do a TS for lunch, since we were likely going to do a sit down for dinner.
Bryan replied back asking if there was somewhere else we would like to go instead, but I told them to just go ahead, and wed meet up with them once they were finished.
By the time this exchange was finished, we were just about to get our boarding assignments. I was pretty happy when we ended up on the top row, even though we were in the C section.
I paid close attention to Patrick when he went over our flight information, but DH was starting off into space. I elbowed him and gave him a nice work, pal before we entered the ride.
Soarin was awesome as always, I think my favorite part is when we are flying over the ocean at dusk. The sky is such a pretty shade of purpley-pink. Of course, Im always concerned that a shark is going to come by and eat one of the surfers, but so far so good, I havent seen one casualty yet.
DHs favorite part is the helicopter scene, because the helicopter in the film is the exact same helicopter that he flies in the Navy. I always wonder if we know the pilot that is flying the helicopter in the Soarin flim. The helicopter aviation community is a pretty small one, so Im sure if we dont know the pilot personally, that we have friends that do. I always tell DH when we are leaving the ride, that if Disney filmmakers ever come by his military base and want to film a Soarin sequel, that he has to volunteer. How cool would it be if DH was in a Disney attraction! DH assures me hed be on it, if only because hed never hear the end of it otherwise!
Here is DH with his helicopter- doesn't this remind you of Soarin'?
After Soarin we headed over to meet up with my Mom at Mousegears.
a fountain shot from the way over
She was shopping away but had yet to make any purchases, I was a little shocked. We wandered around a little bit, when she brought me over to the counter that had the Dooney and Bourke purses.
Dmom: Are these the ones you were looking at
Me: Yes, that one right there, the 40th anniversary print letter carrier
(DMom takes one off the rack, and looks at it)
Dmom: How would you know which one to pick?
Me: Well, the pattern on each purse is positioned a little differently, you want to pick one that has your favorite parts of the pattern on the front.
Then I saw it, my perfect purse! It was the one right behind the one that my mom had picked up off the rack. I knew I wanted one with a good clear 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Image, and I knew that I would love to have Pluto (my favorite character) and the Animal Kingdom (my favorite park) also featured on the front of the purse. I had given it a lot of thought back when I was planning on purchasing the purse, and here it was. Part of me was really sad that I wouldnt be able to have it, but part of me was also really excited that it was possible to get my favorite images all on the front, I didnt know if it could even happen with the way that the pattern was laid out.
I picked up the perfect purse and showed it to my mom
Me: Look, this one has 20,000 Leagues under the Sea, the Animal Kingdom logo and Pluto, this is exactly what I would be looking for.
Dmom: Ok, that sounds good and she takes the purse from my hands and starts to walk over to the cash register.
I stared at my mom, dumbfounded.
Me: Oh no, I cant let you buy that, its too expensive, I dont need it, its just wishful thinking!
Dmom: Nonsense, I have to get you something for your five year wedding anniversary, and five years has got to be leather, or something like that. Im sure a purse would fit just perfectly with tradition. (with a wink) now you cant say I never got you anything.
I thanked my mom over and over again, I couldnt believe that I was actually coming home with the purse I had been dreaming of. I know that I am incredibly lucky to have such generous parents. They have worked very hard at their jobs, and have been very lucky to have had much success in their careers and they have always believed that their luck should be shared with the people they care about most. They have always been very generous to me and my two brothers, not spoiling us, but loving to surprise us if there was something special that caught our eye. I was always very thankful for everything that they did for us as children, and Im still thankful for the gifts they surprise us with today.
I had the CM wrap up my new purse and I had it sent back to the resort, because I didnt want anything to happen to it in the parks. I was on cloud nine when we left Mousegears, ready to head into the World Showcase to have some yummy lunch.
Now that Everett was peacefully sleeping away in the stroller, no doubt dreaming fishy dreams, we had to decide what to do now. We had those Soarin fastpasses from the morning, and they were good now, so that is where we decided to head.
Mom took snoozing Everett for a shopping spree at Mousegears, and we planned to meet up with her when we were finished.
On the way into Soarin I got a text from Bryan and Amy letting me know that they were headed to the park, and planning on having lunch at the Biergarten. I asked Mark if he wanted to join them, but I knew what his answer would be before I even asked the question- No. Mark does not like the Beirgarten for some reason, and I know that he didnt want to do a TS for lunch, since we were likely going to do a sit down for dinner.
Bryan replied back asking if there was somewhere else we would like to go instead, but I told them to just go ahead, and wed meet up with them once they were finished.
By the time this exchange was finished, we were just about to get our boarding assignments. I was pretty happy when we ended up on the top row, even though we were in the C section.
I paid close attention to Patrick when he went over our flight information, but DH was starting off into space. I elbowed him and gave him a nice work, pal before we entered the ride.
Soarin was awesome as always, I think my favorite part is when we are flying over the ocean at dusk. The sky is such a pretty shade of purpley-pink. Of course, Im always concerned that a shark is going to come by and eat one of the surfers, but so far so good, I havent seen one casualty yet.
DHs favorite part is the helicopter scene, because the helicopter in the film is the exact same helicopter that he flies in the Navy. I always wonder if we know the pilot that is flying the helicopter in the Soarin flim. The helicopter aviation community is a pretty small one, so Im sure if we dont know the pilot personally, that we have friends that do. I always tell DH when we are leaving the ride, that if Disney filmmakers ever come by his military base and want to film a Soarin sequel, that he has to volunteer. How cool would it be if DH was in a Disney attraction! DH assures me hed be on it, if only because hed never hear the end of it otherwise!
Here is DH with his helicopter- doesn't this remind you of Soarin'?
After Soarin we headed over to meet up with my Mom at Mousegears.
a fountain shot from the way over
She was shopping away but had yet to make any purchases, I was a little shocked. We wandered around a little bit, when she brought me over to the counter that had the Dooney and Bourke purses.
Dmom: Are these the ones you were looking at
Me: Yes, that one right there, the 40th anniversary print letter carrier
(DMom takes one off the rack, and looks at it)
Dmom: How would you know which one to pick?
Me: Well, the pattern on each purse is positioned a little differently, you want to pick one that has your favorite parts of the pattern on the front.
Then I saw it, my perfect purse! It was the one right behind the one that my mom had picked up off the rack. I knew I wanted one with a good clear 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Image, and I knew that I would love to have Pluto (my favorite character) and the Animal Kingdom (my favorite park) also featured on the front of the purse. I had given it a lot of thought back when I was planning on purchasing the purse, and here it was. Part of me was really sad that I wouldnt be able to have it, but part of me was also really excited that it was possible to get my favorite images all on the front, I didnt know if it could even happen with the way that the pattern was laid out.
I picked up the perfect purse and showed it to my mom
Me: Look, this one has 20,000 Leagues under the Sea, the Animal Kingdom logo and Pluto, this is exactly what I would be looking for.
Dmom: Ok, that sounds good and she takes the purse from my hands and starts to walk over to the cash register.
I stared at my mom, dumbfounded.
Me: Oh no, I cant let you buy that, its too expensive, I dont need it, its just wishful thinking!
Dmom: Nonsense, I have to get you something for your five year wedding anniversary, and five years has got to be leather, or something like that. Im sure a purse would fit just perfectly with tradition. (with a wink) now you cant say I never got you anything.
I thanked my mom over and over again, I couldnt believe that I was actually coming home with the purse I had been dreaming of. I know that I am incredibly lucky to have such generous parents. They have worked very hard at their jobs, and have been very lucky to have had much success in their careers and they have always believed that their luck should be shared with the people they care about most. They have always been very generous to me and my two brothers, not spoiling us, but loving to surprise us if there was something special that caught our eye. I was always very thankful for everything that they did for us as children, and Im still thankful for the gifts they surprise us with today.
I had the CM wrap up my new purse and I had it sent back to the resort, because I didnt want anything to happen to it in the parks. I was on cloud nine when we left Mousegears, ready to head into the World Showcase to have some yummy lunch.
kaileighbug
Disney Dreaming! How soon can I get us back?
- Joined
- Apr 15, 2009
- Messages
- 529
What a wonderful present from your mom. Looks like you had a great day so far.
PirateKate
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 16, 2010
- Messages
- 2,326
What a cool new purse! I love how all the best parts are right on the front. It was so nice of your mom to get it for you. 
Villainess
Fantasy and reality often overlap - Walt Disney
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2004
- Messages
- 1,580
Joining in! Love your TR so far, and I'm glad your little fight was taken care of early in the trip and hopefully there will be no others.
Awesome present from mom!
Everett is just a cutie and I love his 1st haircut pictures!
Awesome present from mom!
Everett is just a cutie and I love his 1st haircut pictures!
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