A Return to the Happiest Place on Earth

[momabaarjo]

Quick response...then I will go back a really read all your updates...but I am thinking I will actually lose weight at DL rather than gain weight like at WDW!

 

[KatMark]

Dang it...I always seem to be one update behind on your TR.

I have to say that food doesn't look good at all and those onion rings just don't look right. I really wish people (places) would stop telling us how to eat!

Sorry Zoe got so upset on the canoe ride, but I can't say that I really blame her.

Isn't it great doing a ride all by yourself? I love that Mark won't do TOT anymore...I can take my time walking through the line and take as many pictures as I want and I can just enjoy having that little bit of "me" time.

 

[tweeter]

I am glad you are enjoying it.

yes, that was Pip from Mary Poppins.

Countdowns are so fun. Did I miss a PTR? If you are not doing a PTR, I would love to see a picture of your countdown calendar. I think I have done a different design each trip. Since this trip was a surprise though... I didn't do one. I am close to deciding on a plan for the fall trip's count down though...so that will be fun.

Nope, I haven't done a PTR. My writing comes off more like a recipe than anything fun to read. I am taking pictures of the countdown calendar as I go, so I'll be able to share once it's done. It will be a 60 day countdown, so I still have about a month to finish it. It'll be done soon though, so I guess I'll have to hide it for a little while.

Boo for the Transfat thing. I'm firmly in the corner of "I'm on vacation, so let me eat what I want to eat."

Poor Zoe, I'm sad that she didn't get the ride she thought she was getting. I'm glad she didn't stay wet too long; cranky and wet are not a good combo.

Can't wait for your next update.

Thomas

 

[lilpixiebabe101]

Quick response...then I will go back a really read all your updates...but I am thinking I will actually lose weight at DL rather than gain weight like at WDW!

at Tammie



I'm finally caught up to you Ann! I love that Zoe didn't believe yall were really going! Ugg about all the food experiences. I think I might stick with WDW. lol That's a really old phone if it does that with the text messages. I didn't even know a Pinocchio ride existed. Eeek about Zoe's melt down, but I would have been pissed about the water too!

 

[MEK]

Just checking in to make sure I didn't miss an update!

 

[annmarieda]

Those are adorable pictures of Zoe BEFORE the raft ride. Poor thing. When I was her age I would have felt the exact same way. She was so looking forward to that ride. Who wants to come off that ride covered in water?

I understand Zoe's frustration too. However, everyone was just having a good time... no one meant to be splashing..it just kinda happened. It was also a super hot day...so one would think it would be welcomed.

Ugh - to the demise of the old tiger tails. I've never had one, but I'm sure I would have liked the transfat version better. Trans fat or high fructose corn syrup. Not entirely sure I understand the rationale for the need to eliminate all transfat.

I know these things are not healthy and for some do really cause problems. Steve is very sensitive to HFCS. It sends his gut into turmoil (he has chrons disease) He and Zach both haver their skin break out horribly if they have any of the stuff. BUT even with their reactions... I don't' feel that we should tell others not to eat the stuff. I know that it can be argued that if people don't take responsibility for their health then the public ends up paying the price (down the line) I just like to think that each person has the ability to choose what is best for themselves...and even it they aren't doing so...it is still their right to try. Ok...i will step down off my soap box now.

And finally - ugh - to the crappy rolls at lunch. I love fried green tomato sandwiches, especially because I can't get them where I live.

The only fried green tomatoes I have had have been at Kona in WDW... and those seemed nicely cooked. Not greasy, not floppy. Nice and crisp. I am really not sure what was up with this sandwich. I think we should have dinned elsewhere in the park.

Quick response...then I will go back a really read all your updates...but I am thinking I will actually lose weight at DL rather than gain weight like at WDW!

Glad you are here. it should be said... there ARE some good choices. (and somehow, I gained more on this trip of 4 days than on the 2 week trip to WDW in December) Remember, DTD as well as Gardenwalk (I have never been, but from what I can tell is a little shopping district much like DTD) not to mention just all the establishments on Harbor or Katella are RIGHT outside the parks and within walking distance. It is just hard to change your mind set of going to just disney restaurants to going to only nondisney restaurants while on a disney vacation. Also, the restaurants in the disney hotels are all suppose to be good...but spendy. All are more in line price wise with Cali Grill or any of the other signature dinning places in WDW. (except for the character meals..but keep in mind even the one we did in DLH was about $40 per adult - not sure when the age is for adult)

Dang it...I always seem to be one update behind on your TR.

I know the feeling. I get caught up on one thread and then fall behind on another. CONSTANTLY!

I have to say that food doesn't look good at all and those onion rings just don't look right. I really wish people (places) would stop telling us how to eat!

yeah, that was the worst meal we had. (breakfast was second worst)

I agree with you about people not telling others how to eat.

Sorry Zoe got so upset on the canoe ride, but I can't say that I really blame her.

I know... I can't either. I just didn't want to to cause a scene over it.

Isn't it great doing a ride all by yourself? I love that Mark won't do TOT anymore...I can take my time walking through the line and take as many pictures as I want and I can just enjoy having that little bit of "me" time.

It really was nice. I mean... would I have liked them to be there? yes. However, it was actually very nice to have the alone time.

Nope, I haven't done a PTR. My writing comes off more like a recipe than anything fun to read. I am taking pictures of the countdown calendar as I go, so I'll be able to share once it's done. It will be a 60 day countdown, so I still have about a month to finish it. It'll be done soon though, so I guess I'll have to hide it for a little while.

recipes can be fun to read at least... easy. Sometimes my rambling kinda gets in the way of what I am trying to say... but I write anyway and some people have just grown use to my ramblings. .

Please share a picture of the calendar when you are done! I would love to see it! I need to do one for our fall trip.. I just haven't had the time to even decide on a design.

Boo for the Transfat thing. I'm firmly in the corner of "I'm on vacation, so let me eat what I want to eat."

I agree with you!!!!

Poor Zoe, I'm sad that she didn't get the ride she thought she was getting. I'm glad she didn't stay wet too long; cranky and wet are not a good combo.

you are correct... cranky and wet are not a good combo. Fact is, I don't think she got all that wet. Even if she did... it was hot and she dried quickly. I think her frustration was more in that she wanted to paddle correctly and the passengers in front and behind her were inhibiting her ability to do so.

I'm finally caught up to you Ann! I love that Zoe didn't believe yall were really going! Ugg about all the food experiences. I think I might stick with WDW. lol That's a really old phone if it does that with the text messages. I didn't even know a Pinocchio ride existed. Eeek about Zoe's melt down, but I would have been pissed about the water too!

Glad you are here and caught up! We did have some good food experiences. Just not at Hungry Bear. However, I do really like the restaurant itself. It is all open air but under cover. It reminds me of a rustic lake side place. I would go there just to hang out. (just skip the food)

Yes, Zachs phone is old... It is actually the same one I lost in WDW in December.

The Pinocchio ride is one of my favorite dark rides. It took me forever to get over the fact it wasn't in WDW (the first couple trips I kept trying to fit it in)

Zoe was just a bit tired. We had had a long day the previous day and got up super early on this day. She just needed a nap.

Just checking in to make sure I didn't miss an update!

No, no.. no update. I will try and get one done soon though.

 

[annmarieda]

7/7 - Afternoon with My Boys

With Zoe and Steve heading back to the hotel, the boys and I had some time alone together.

Just look at that crowd behind us!

We actually started our adventure back in Adventureland. I believe this was not the last of these that Zach bought, but this was the first. He decided to buy snacks at Bengal BBQ for us.

What did we eat?

These were my also a favorite - must have each trip - snack for me. The bacon wrapped asparagus is so yummy!

Next we went through the castle. I believe this is something new since the last time I was in DL. Well, let me rephrase that. I think the walkthrough was there, but that they didn't allow people to go through. Or maybe we just didn't know it was there. Either way, this was new for us. The boys humored me. I think they were not exactly in awe like I was, but I WAS in awe. I remember seeing Karin's TR from DLRP and thinking the walkthrough must be magical. Well, I have a feeling it is similar here and it did not disappoint. I am not sure how to describe how the sleeping beauty story comes to life as you walk through the castle. First, it isn't "through" like in WDW. You actually climb stairs and walk through little passages. There are alcoves that house parts of the story and each one "comes to life" . This was truly magical. Unfortunately, my pics were not the best.

We then spent some time shopping. Now, you would think that this was another "boys humoring mom" thing. However, it was Zach who really wanted to shop. At this point in the trip he was hoping to get a stuffed elephant (think 100 acre wood hefalump not dumbo)

Coming up empty handed for the stuffed hefalump, we went on Buzzlight Year.

Zach of course did well... but did not come anywhere near the top score of the day. He was amazed at the score the person had got and commented that the person had to spend a lot of time there to be able to score like that. The person who had the top score just happened to walk up behind him at that point and started a conversation with him.

Alex and I rode together and I had this photo emailed to me..but I forgot about Zach's. I know he had his mailed to him.

Next we shopped more. (I am sure that Alex was thrilled by the shopping that Zach was wanting to do. )

Then we got a single fast pass for Star Tours. Since Zach had not done this since they changed it, we decided he should go while Alex and I went to innoventions. I wish I had been on the ride with Zach. He was the spy!!!

Look what they have as a kiosk that you can play with in Innoventions

Innoventions also has a "smart home" that was really nice to go into and relax in.

I think we all must have separated at this point because I remember sitting in that chair in front of the tv for a while waiting for the boys. Once we reunited, we went to captain Eo.

Since it reopened back in WDW, I have wanted to go. Someone always thought it was a bad idea so I had never gone. Also, there was also the fact I worried that it may be a tad to scary for Zoe. I am glad I did it once. I think the boys actually enjoyed it much more than I did. I either was sniffling laughter or cringing with shock. (its funny, no its scary..wait..funny..no..scary) In the end, I think it is just weird. Zach thought it tried to hard. I think we all agreed it was a bit outdated.

Zoe and Steve had spent their afternoon swimming and napping. It was now time for them to come back so that we could have dinner. As they made their way back to DL, the boys and I filtered through some more shops. (Zach was on a mission that day)

Updated Running Tally HERE

Next Chapter: 7/7 - A Birthday Song

 

[amandaw]

That's really nice that you got to spend some time with your boys.

I love the fact that the castle there has a real walk through. Must be soooo cool!

That bacon asparagus looks really yummy!

Sounds like y'all were having a lot of fun!

 

[dizneeat]

What a fun time to have with your boys, Ann! Well, even though they gave you time ot relax in that living room.

I am sure that walk through exhibit in DL was open when we last visited. I cannot find my photos from that visit, but I am sure we saw that too. How cool would it be if they had something similar in WDW. Well, I guess you will have to come to DLRP with me instead.

Now that asparagus looks sooooooooo disneylicious! I really hope they keep it on the menu until our 2014 visit.

Oh, and I wanted to say that it is pretty unbelievable these are your boys. You look far too young to have grown children like these.

 

[oboedm]

How sweet! An afternoon with your boys! It is sad that you missed out on him being the spy... however, I am sure the boys enjoyed some alone time (even though they had time that morning, LOL)!

Can't wait for the next update!

 

[annmarieda]

That's really nice that you got to spend some time with your boys.

I love the fact that the castle there has a real walk through. Must be soooo cool!

That bacon asparagus looks really yummy!

Sounds like y'all were having a lot of fun!

The bacon wrapped asparagus is very yummy. I love asparagus. They are a super cheap snack too... one time when the kids were younger, we ate so many that we made ourselves sick.

What a fun time to have with your boys, Ann! Well, even though they gave you time ot relax in that living room.

I am sure that walk through exhibit in DL was open when we last visited. I cannot find my photos from that visit, but I am sure we saw that too. How cool would it be if they had something similar in WDW. Well, I guess you will have to come to DLRP with me instead.

Now that asparagus looks sooooooooo disneylicious! I really hope they keep it on the menu until our 2014 visit.

Oh, and I wanted to say that it is pretty unbelievable these are your boys. You look far too young to have grown children like these.

It was pretty warm when we were there so that time out was perfect since it was almost too cold in that building.

The castle walkthough... I think Kira told me that it was there, but was closed during the times we went. I don't' know.. all I do know is that this was our first time doing it.

Somedays I too think "how can these be my kids? I am not old enough to have grown kids like these." Then... I look in the mirror. When Kira was born I was young. I was only 21. However, there was no one who would have thought that I was even that old. I looked 13 to 15.. I had people come to the door insisting to speak to my parents.

How sweet! An afternoon with your boys! It is sad that you missed out on him being the spy... however, I am sure the boys enjoyed some alone time (even though they had time that morning, LOL)!

Can't wait for the next update!

I think Zach would have liked to ride ST together, but we only had the one fast pass.... but Alex... now he I am sure enjoyed the break from me.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Ann, you are updating so quickly!!!

I am enjoying your TR of DL. We went once when the girls were 3. We flew to CA for Emma's hemangioma to be removed by John Reinisch (one of my heros ) and the day after surgery, we took them to DL. It before we visited WDW and fell in love!

I'm glad your surprise worked! I know you were super excited!

Great family shot at Goofy's kitchen!! You really had to work hard with the voucher for those pictures!

I'm happy for you that you had some time on your own on some rides and also some time with the boys!

Debby

 

[annmarieda]

Ann, you are updating so quickly!!!

I am enjoying your TR of DL. We went once when the girls were 3. We flew to CA for Emma's hemangioma to be removed by John Reinisch (one of my heros ) and the day after surgery, we took them to DL. It before we visited WDW and fell in love!

I'm glad your surprise worked! I know you were super excited!

Great family shot at Goofy's kitchen!! You really had to work hard with the voucher for those pictures!

I'm happy for you that you had some time on your own on some rides and also some time with the boys!

Debby

DL is what made us fall in love with Disney. The food at WDW is what has kept us going back to WDW.

Thank you, I like the family shot. Some day I hope..hope hope HOPE to get a grand family shot...one with all my kids and their spouses. I am dreaming though, right? LOL...each trip I figure I am pushing my luck with the disney thing. We will see though... who knows

 

[momabaarjo]

Love the time you spent with your boys...and that bacon wrapped aspargas, hmmm maybe I wont lose weight at DL!

 

[annmarieda]

So wish me luck. Today out of the blue, a rep who works for the company I do quit. It just happens to be for the territory that Zach's girl friend lives in. She has been having a rough time at work lately... and when my manager asked me today if I knew anyone in that area.. I didn't hesitate to say I did. Within an hour.. she was hired and I get to train her over the next couple weeks.


So if you could all wish me luck that a. I train her well and b. that her and Zach's relationship doesn't end badly (or at all... I REALLY like this girl)

The two of them did a 5k dirty dash over the weekend. This is a picture of the two of them (and her friend) I had to ask my son. "son, why did you tackle her if you were on the same team?"

She loved the tackle... I am not sure if you can tell by her face. She is such a good match for him. It makes me happy to see them both so happy.

Here is another shot of their "team" Yes, she got my son to wear a shirt that reads "victorious secret" on it.

 

[momabaarjo]

Crossing my fingers both for a great successful training for her and a great futre with Zach! If she puts up with being tackled in the mud, she is a keeper...let him know that! I would say that is love!

 

[annmarieda]

Love the time you spent with your boys...and that bacon wrapped aspargas, hmmm maybe I wont lose weight at DL!

Yeah, I did actually gain back weight I had lost while in DL. But... those bacon wrapped asparagus, they go along way..easy to be sick if you eat to much.

Crossing my fingers both for a great successful training for her and a great futre with Zach! If she puts up with being tackled in the mud, she is a keeper...let him know that! I would say that is love!

I think she is a keeper too!!!

 

[KatMark]

I love that you had an afternoon alone with the boys. Mark would LOVE that bacon-wrapped asparagus.

Best of luck with your training of Zack's girlfriend; and I hope the relationship holds.

 

[DMMarla07860]

Great trip report so far and hope Zach'a relationship holds up and training goes well

 

[MEK]

Asparagus and bacon = yum! That looks really good.

What a nice afternoon. Cool pictures and Innoventions looks fun. I just learning a little bit more about DL with each post.