A Salute to all things Disney, but mostly Magic Bars; a July 4th 2019 TR*update 11/28 new TR link!

[SimplyGoofy]

Good luck with the college applications! It's a slightly stressful but very exciting time.

I'm glad you get at least one meal at Universal that you'll like - I know you're not a fan of most of them! The VIP tour at Universal should be awesome. I will cross my fingers that it includes a ride on Hagrid's!

 

[pkondz]

Oh boy ROL......

We saw it about 3 weeks after it began with the ROL dining package at Tiffins. Fabulous, wonderful meal for a @$**& show. That was May 2017? So we just kept skipping it until this past September when I got the wonderful idea to see it again. WHY???? I mean they'd added a different ending kind of but otherwise same old ROL and not worth our time sorry to say.

Yep. Heard it hadn't improved much. Shame, really. It so needs improving...

I guess that's why I didn't have high hopes for Epcot Forever but at least it's getting decent reviews? Hopefully I'll find out in a couple weeks!

I'll reserve judgment until I see it live. I've seen some video, but...

Well, as of yesterday 3 college apps submitted, 3 more to go! It's fun, it's sad, it's exciting, it's expensive

Would you mind if I ask how expensive college apps are?
Curious to see how it compared to DD's apps.

In other news I have 10 days until I leave for Universal and then 13 until Disney

Single digits now!

The 4 of us have done August a few times and I have to say I thought July was less humid; still hot lol but less humid!

Really! Huh.
Wonder if that's the norm or you just got a lucky weather break.

I can tell by whether or not I need to put my hair up to keep from passing out

Oh dear.

and DEFINITELY nowhere near spring break crowded

No. That's horrible.

Finally, my thoughts on the Contemporary. We didn't like it

Not surprised. I don't like it either. Well... I've never stayed, but... it really doesn't appeal to me at all.

And that's it! Thank you all for following along!

Thanks for sharing! You'll post a link to the next TR, yes?

 

[ariane37]

Those shirts are so cute! Can't wait to read your next TR!

Thank you! I am hoping to at least get the next TR started before I leave Sunday, we'll see................

I love these! So cute.

Thanks! I don't usually have good luck with ordering shirts, the fits end up being not good lol but these came out great and fit well

Oo that's awesome. I hope you get to ride Hagrid's on it! It's such a good ride!

I've heard only good things so fingers crossed! I only have a couple rides at Universal that I enjoy and I'd love to be able to add this to the list.

I fully intended to order a couple shirts and then didn't so it looks like I'll be throwing even more of my money at the mouse!

Well if it wasn't shirts it would be something else for sure.

Eek...and now I'm a little nervous because we will be there 8 nights. I think it'll be okay though. They'll probably go off on their own a bit too which is fine with me.

Don't be nervous, your kids aren't mine Ours go on their own too but that last 8 night trip was just LONG, for all of us (I would have been great if I were just with Steve). You know how Chris is and while Ricky does enjoy Disney he needs smaller doses. Yours will be fine!

Ummmm....that's ME throwing that rock at your head!

I also think I'm really emotionally connected to The CR because it was where we stayed when the kids were little on my mom's very first trip

I get that, even though we haven't been back I can't say anything bad about OKW because that was where we stayed our first time on property. And I admit the location is great and the view was gorgeous so it has its pluses for sure.

was REALLY excited to read that, especially since you said all the food was horrid last year.

The food sucked last year AND in 2017! But I'm picky so that's part of it. The worst was the Mardi Gras crap they served us on arrival night both years and luckily we aren't going for Mardi Gras this time so I'm hoping our arrival night welcome dinner is better but not holding my breath.

I have the same plans! Maybe we should Lyft together!

YES!!!

That's good to hear and, yes! Go again! We'll be there July 1-8

I"m still trying to talk everyone in to DL for the summer but if that falls through, we'd probably go for the 4th so we may be there

Yes, I think I'm on the same page as you about the Contemporary. Stuart wants to stay there for a couple of nights the next time he comes down but it is really not top of the list for me at all.

I really never had a desire to stay there either; Steve kind of wanted to try BLT. Then for our July trip a great rate came up with my TA discount and since I do want to stay at every resort, we figured the time was right. And I'm glad we tried it! Now I can stay I've done it and I don't need to stay there again. Although I would definitely choose it over a value or a mod other than POFQ if it were the only thing available.

 

[ariane37]

I love the holiday T-shirts you picked out.

I hope you enjoy your FAM training and how nice to have the additional Disney time and meeting up with Kelly!

I'm so excited Kelly is working with us now! And very excited Steve decided to join me in Disney; I also get to meet Kelly's daughter there

We avoided MK on the 3rd and 4th and stayed away from Epcot until it was time for the fireworks on the 4th. We didn't think the parks were crowded at all

We lucked out getting to Epcot on the 4th about 8:45 and still getting a great spot for the fireworks! And yes other than MK later in the day on the 4th the crowds were nothing like we expected and we would happily return for the 4th again.

We don't like the Contemporary, either. It is too sterile and cold. I would rather stay at WL and take the boat to MK then stay at the CR.

Me too, any day

A Norweigan man massaging your hands in Epcot is a totally normal activity

If they marketed Epcot this way there wouldn't be as many negative threads on the boards about the state of the park!

Wow!!!! I can't believe he has to put in applications already. Way too fast. But tell him to be sure to check out some of our wonderful Virginia schools so his Mama can come visit me

Are you kidding? He won't consider anything more than 3 hours away and that's pushing it! Now Chris on the other hand is either never leaving our house or going far away lol so he's my chance at getting to spend time in Va Oh and that emoji is both what you and I would do in Va. and what I'm sure Chris will be doing at college - or in his room while talking with online "friends" if he stays home..............

We may have to give July a go instead of August. With the crowds getting so bad I'll take less humidity any day

I would, unless it was a fluke I'll take July weather over August any day.

Just want I like from a restaurant creepy dolls staring me down while I eat. Do they do hand massages too?

They might, but I'm positive if one of them walked up to my table and grabbed my hand I'd right then and there and ain't nobody got time for that!

don’t think they had the no standing signs when we were out there the last time! There were tons of people standing and waiting for fireworks lol someone probably ruined it for everyone!

Yeah you know what? I'm an idiot, the sign they put up says "no climbing" which makes WAY more sense! LOL you can still stand there; they had to put up a no climbing sing because people were CLIMBING that half wall to sit on top! Like on top of the freakin' BUILDING 80,0000 feet in the air!! Because like me others are idiots, too.

 

[ariane37]

I'm sorry you didn't fall in love with the CR. It was the first Disney resort I ever stayed at so I think it just holds a bit of nostalgia for me

I understand, that's how it is for Kelly too And it's not like it was horrible by any means it just isn't for us!

POFQ is another fav!!!

I agree my favorite mod unless Gran Destino changes that but I don't think it will!

Counting down the days...

hhh, yes. It's been a long time, but I vaguely remember the joys and stress of college application time! Good luck with those, I know how time consuming they are!

Ugh just so freakin' long! He dreads it when I tell him we have to sit and do application stuff lol and I don't blame him. Since he's off tomorrow I told him we're finishing them up and then he can sit back and wait!

I never doubted you!

Glad I didn't let you down

I like your new shirts!! And I can't wait to hear about your trip!

Thank you! If I ever get the October "work" TR started I'll add this one on to that!

I've heard it's good! Maybe I'll watch one tonight...

You should, we're going to start the 3rd installment tonight or tomorrow I admit when they did the parts about Tokyo I wasn't AS interested but I found the parts on DLP quite interesting

Offsite, once again. I love being on property, but it's hard to beat the price of "free."

Hey I would never knock it! Whatever gets you there and there are some great off site resorts

The VIP tour at Universal should be awesome. I will cross my fingers that it includes a ride on Hagrid's!

I was hoping that would be mentioned but so far it hasn't which leads me to believe it's unknown at this point I mean for normal paying folk you'd assume a VIP tour would include Hagrid's but for those of us who actually promote and sell their product? That's always up in the air lol

Would you mind if I ask how expensive college apps are?
Curious to see how it compared to DD's apps.

Not at all! So the NY State colleges (SUNY) have a $50 application fee. Private colleges are usually higher and the 2 private schools he's applying to have application fees of $65. Then it does sometimes cost to send the SAT/ACT scores depending how you do it. You can send both to a certain # of schools for free; I think both allow 4 or one allows 4 and one 3? But then if you want the scores sent to more schools than that it's like $15 each additional school. Ricky is applying to 6 so while that's not a lot it's still additional funds going out lol

Single digits now!

6 days!!

Thanks for sharing! You'll post a link to the next TR, yes?

Absolutely. I really, really wanted to at least get it started before I go but work has gotten a bit out of hand the last few days and we're doing Thanksgiving here so I'm a little right now. It's still my goal though!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Hey there!

Did you see how cold it is going to be?!? I just went out and bought a slim fit jacket to bring with me.

 

[buzzrelly]

I"m still trying to talk everyone in to DL for the summer but if that falls through, we'd probably go for the 4th so we may be there

Awesome! But what is wrong with our families...mine don't want to go to DL either

And in other news....since I'm not doing my own PTR...I just added on Tony's Town Square Party to our MVMCP on 12/5.

I really went back and forth on this but what tipped me over the edge was looking at the Orlando forecast that week. It looks like it might get pretty chilly that night and I thought it would be nice to have somewhere to go and get warm if needed. The drinks, snacks and parade viewing are just a bonus I also went back and re-read @Cloe Colton 's review on it from last year (Thanks, Cloe!) and from her review, it looks decent.

I'm just saying...you and Steve would get way more value from it than Allie and I, especially since she gets charged the same and won't be drinking alcohol. Think about it!

 

[pkondz]

Not at all! So the NY State colleges (SUNY) have a $50 application fee. Private colleges are usually higher and the 2 private schools he's applying to have application fees of $65. Then it does sometimes cost to send the SAT/ACT scores depending how you do it. You can send both to a certain # of schools for free; I think both allow 4 or one allows 4 and one 3? But then if you want the scores sent to more schools than that it's like $15 each additional school. Ricky is applying to 6 so while that's not a lot it's still additional funds going out lol

That's really interesting. I thought it would be a lot more. My DD applied at 3 schools and each was $100, if memory serves. Or... possibly one was free (she was already a student there and had finished her BA and was applying for her B.Ed.) and the other two were $100.

Absolutely. I really, really wanted to at least get it started before I go but work has gotten a bit out of hand the last few days and we're doing Thanksgiving here so I'm a little right now. It's still my goal though!

Busy... Life... Totally get it.

 

[ariane37]

Hey there!

Did you see how cold it is going to be?!? I just went out and bought a slim fit jacket to bring with me.

I did! Not as bad as our January trip (yet lol) but definitely have to rethink what I was going to pack!

And in other news....since I'm not doing my own PTR...I just added on Tony's Town Square Party to our MVMCP on 12/5.

Nice! You know I thought about it......................the only thing that's keeping me from it is that there are quite a few party treats we want to try so if we did Tony's I don't think we'd try those, or we wouldn't eat at Tony's. IDK maybe I'll talk to Steve....................

That's really interesting. I thought it would be a lot more. My DD applied at 3 schools and each was $100, i

I assumed yours would be more We did the rest today and for one of the state schools they actually waved the fee because his SAT scores were at a certain point and they're not even incredibly high! But hey we won't knock free. There's a HUGE difference in tuition between the state schools and private ones too, like the private ones are about 3x as much per year.

 

[pkondz]

I assumed yours would be more

Oh really? Why is that?

We did the rest today and for one of the state schools they actually waved the fee because his SAT scores were at a certain point and they're not even incredibly high! But hey we won't knock free.

Nice!

There's a HUGE difference in tuition between the state schools and private ones too, like the private ones are about 3x as much per year.

So what's a year's tuition at a state vs private college?

 

[ariane37]

Oh really? Why is that?

Because it seems like everything is more $$$ in

So what's a year's tuition at a state vs private college?

Well the SUNY schools are anywhere from say $24,000 to $30,000 for a year; private schools are anywhere from $45,000 to $75,000 (and I would bet even higher?) depending on the school. For example my friend right now has a daughter at Adelphi U. on Long Island at around $62,000 a year. Her son graduated from SUNY Cortland this past May and his tuition was $24,000.

 

[pkondz]

Because it seems like everything is more $$$ in

see below...

Well the SUNY schools are anywhere from say $24,000 to $30,000 for a year; private schools are anywhere from $45,000 to $75,000 (and I would bet even higher?) depending on the school. For example my friend right now has a daughter at Adelphi U. on Long Island at around $62,000 a year. Her son graduated from SUNY Cortland this past May and his tuition was $24,000.

Yeah, that's kinda what I thought it might be. I figured around $25,000/year. $62,000 though... ouch!!

My DDs are both going to college (albeit different ones). Tuition is about $5,000/year.

 

[MeghanEmily]

Well the SUNY schools are anywhere from say $24,000 to $30,000 for a year; private schools are anywhere from $45,000 to $75,000 (and I would bet even higher?) depending on the school. For example my friend right now has a daughter at Adelphi U. on Long Island at around $62,000 a year. Her son graduated from SUNY Cortland this past May and his tuition was $24,000.

Yeah, that's kinda what I thought it might be. I figured around $25,000/year. $62,000 though... ouch!!

My DDs are both going to college (albeit different ones). Tuition is about $5,000/year.

Oof!! Yeah, a lot of things are more expensive up here—though our dollar is also worth less, which also stings!—but you definitely have us beat on the cost of tuition! Nathan and I both went to University for undergrad degrees, and tuition was around $6000-7000 a year for us. (Prior to that, Nathan had also done a community college certificate program which cost around $3000 for the year.) I'm in my masters now, and we pay somewhere around $12K a year, but it's also a graduate program including two internships.

 

[ariane37]

Happy Thanksgiving all! After everyone left and I did my share of the cleaning up I was able to start my new TR for the work trip I took to WDW last month! And as always I forgot exactly how to post the link here but the link IS below in my signature, in a very ugly way because again, #techchallenged. So when you get a minute go ahead over and check it out!

 

[pkondz]

Happy Thanksgiving all! After everyone left and I did my share of the cleaning up I was able to start my new TR for the work trip I took to WDW last month! And as always I forgot exactly how to post the link here but the link IS below in my signature, in a very ugly way because again, #techchallenged. So when you get a minute go ahead over and check it out!

On my way!

But first.... For the tech challenged...

To make your link look more pretty, you just have to do a bit more typing.
The tech part is that you have to tell the DIS that it's a link, and include the title. Type it exactly as I've put it below and it will look like this:
All Work and No Play makes Smee Grumpy: an Oct.'19 "work" TR

To make it look like that, copy and paste this:

[URL='https://www.disboards.com/threads/all-work-and-no-play-makes-smee-grumpy-an-oct-19-work-tr.3780712/']All Work and No Play makes Smee Grumpy: an Oct.'19 "work" TR[/URL]


(in the future, just change the URL, being careful not to erase the quote marks, and change the title... or just ask me for help. )

 

[DLo]

I don’t know how I got so far behind. Anyways couple of brief comments

Glad Ricky’s foot ended up being ok .

College app time - exciting but stressful all at the same time

I have the same peppermint swirl Minnie pattern in the shirt I wore to MVMCP a few weeks ago. That was my only Disney part of my trip and I stayed one night at Gran Destino . It is a beautiful resort . I just wish I had gotten to stay longer .

Agree about CR . They only thing I liked about it was the walkway to MK. Now that is awesome

Looking forward to reading the next TR . Hope your work/holiday trip next week goes well.

 

[Steppesister]

Now that the requisite safari pics are posted I'll move on to the sad Burudika picture we snapped after our safari as we ate breakfast:

Except that's Tam Tam Congo, no?
Burudika was a co-ed band...

This gorgeous Bloody Mary is from Dawa Bar in Africa and I think is or used to be called the Dawa Mary but it isn't on the online menu nor is it on the menu hanging up at the bar. But it's nice and spicy with candied bacon in it so what more do you need?

Adore the Bloody Mary's at Dawa. So nom-noms!

That's not creepy at all.

I'm looking forward to seeing all the holiday decor as last year it was my favorite decorated park:

MINE TOO!! I LOVE the retro look and feel to it!

Maybe even next year.....................

Is this a little teaser?

 

[ariane37]

My DDs are both going to college (albeit different ones). Tuition is about $5,000/year.

Wha??????????????????? I guess we live in the wrong country!
Um for a couple reasons but holy moly that is beans compared to here! You know I do have a friend whose son goes to college in Canada; now I can't remember the name but it starts with an "M" if that helps and I know the tuition is low; low for us that is.

*Edit to add I remember! It's McGill

Nathan and I both went to University for undergrad degrees, and tuition was around $6000-7000 a year for us. (Prior to that, Nathan had also done a community college certificate program which cost around $3000 for the year.) I'm in my masters now, and we pay somewhere around $12K a year, but it's also a graduate program including two internships.

That is all fabulous and super interesting! Our community colleges are also less $$ but still not that inexpensive. And grad school is crazy higher than undergrad here.

On my way!

But first.... For the tech challenged...

To make your link look more pretty, you just have to do a bit more typing.
The tech part is that you have to tell the DIS that it's a link, and include the title. Type it exactly as I've put it below and it will look like this:
All Work and No Play makes Smee Grumpy: an Oct.'19 "work" TR

To make it look like that, copy and paste this:

[URL='https://www.disboards.com/threads/all-work-and-no-play-makes-smee-grumpy-an-oct-19-work-tr.3780712/']All Work and No Play makes Smee Grumpy: an Oct.'19 "work" TR[/URL]


(in the future, just change the URL, being careful not to erase the quote marks, and change the title... or just ask me for help. )

I am going to use this info to try and make it prettier for sure

I don’t know how I got so far behind. Anyways couple of brief comments

Same way we all do lol unfortunately "life" gets in the way! Glad to see you though

College app time - exciting but stressful all at the same time

Exactly!! Lots of emotions all over the place!

I have the same peppermint swirl Minnie pattern in the shirt I wore to MVMCP a few weeks ago. That was my only Disney part of my trip and I stayed one night at Gran Destino . It is a beautiful resort . I just wish I had gotten to stay longer .

Just back from our 2 nights there There are definitely lots of pros to the resort and the lobby is gorgeous; I still think POFQ is our fave moderate though!

Except that's Tam Tam Congo, no?
Burudika was a co-ed band...

you are correct and I stand correctED! I posted the wrong pic and am now too tired to post the right one lol! I am also happy to report (but some may know) that the wonderful Harambe acrobats are still there!!

Adore the Bloody Mary's at Dawa. So nom-noms!

Had mine a few days ago!!!!!

 

[pkondz]

Wha??????????????????? I guess we live in the wrong country!
Um for a couple reasons but holy moly that is beans compared to here! You know I do have a friend whose son goes to college in Canada; now I can't remember the name but it starts with an "M" if that helps and I know the tuition is low; low for us that is.

*Edit to add I remember! It's McGill

I did a quick Google search and found this for McGill:

Local tuition $2,391 CAD, Domestic tuition $7,402 CAD, International tuition $29,200 CAD

I am going to use this info to try and make it prettier for sure

You're welcome.

 

[ArielSRL]

I'm way behind (what's new?) but this time it is because I stopped receiving notifications for this report! Anyway, I'm trying to catch up now...

Not sure that will be our view but we do have a tower water view room booked at Gran Destino!

We loved our water view room at Gran Destino! We were up on the 14th floor which is one floor below club level and two floors below the restaurant and bar on top floor. We loved it and thought the service was impeccable! Not sure if you made it down to Barcelona Lounge at night but the bartenders and server down there are amazing!