Adult Birthday Surprises=MouseHouse FUN! Update 6/23

[Disneychix]

Can't wait to read about DHS!!

Your DTD day seemed really great. We have never been there before. I love your shirt that you had on at dinner. SCORE on the Minnie toothbrush!! hehe

That was a new shirt I bought for dinner Actually I don't know where it is! I'll be posting a DHS update today!

Oh no, you must have been so upset! Lol that you bought a minnie mouse brush though. I forgot my glasses once on a weekend trip...such a pain, I am so completely blind. Even just at night, it's a total inconvenience! Now I always triple check that I have my glasses!

A good night of drinking in DTD sounds good to me! Someday, if DTD still exists, I'll have to have a night out there. Sadly, I've never been able to drink legally in the US...I got pregnant with DS right before I turned 21 and I've been nursing and/or pregnant ever since! (Not that you can't drink while you're nursing, I just haven't bothered, and I never leave the babies so I'd just be drinking at home, which isn't all that enticing...)

We're in Amherst (Snyder area), so not too far. I used to babysit for the sweetest family who lived "at the end of the world at a left turn" in Tonawanda though...seriously, you drove all the way down sheridan until you could drive no further, and then turned left. I wish I was still in contact with them so I could tell them how to tell people to get to their house, that is too funny!

I'm not a big drinker but couldn't resist the Sangria or Bailey's milkshake! I usually am too thrifty to spend money on alcohol when eating. It just fills me up and then I don't enjoy my tasty food!
I actually know exactly where you are talking about at the foot of Sheridan! You could actually get to my house if you drove to the foot of Sheridan and turned right! We are sort of off 2-mile Creek Rd.
I know lots of people in Snyder area. My mom lives in Williamsville but we didn't move there till I was in college. I worked at The Advantage for awhile so I met lots of people from that area.

 

[Disneychix]

I am going to be updating my TR soon but thought I'd fill you in on my plans for our next trip...

We booked bounce-back for October We have included my mom in our plans again and will be celebrating our 5th anny!! Originally we booked 2 studios at WL (45%off BB PIN) but I quickly decided that was too much money. My mom stays by herself and she really doesn't need a whole studio. I called last week and changed it to book us all in a 1bdrm at SSR. We liked SSR but TBH it's not my favorite. I was hoping to be able to stay at the WL but there was no availability there or at BLT. So not totally sold on the 1brm at SSR I went looking...
I was looking online and found a great deal at the Dolphin!! We got married at the Dolphin exactly 5yrs ago! I really want to stay there but there's just something holding me back from making that change! It's hard to give up DME and the dining plan (even though we prob won't use ME and so far I have not signed up for the DDP). and the other perks of an actual WDW resort. But, I love love the rooms at the Dolphin and know I would not be sorry for switching.
There's just one more hitch in our plans. DH has a conference in Orlando that is going on at the end of our stay. His company would prob pay for his plane fare and maybe 1 night of our hotel if we went during the conference. We would still be able to afford the hotel/airfare without this but it would be nice! However we don't know if he'll be going yet and it';; make a difference in our dates.
Too much to think about!
Any suggestions on where to stay? I could also try AKV but TBH we think that's a bit too far out of the way for us. It looks beautiful but I am so not into animals or nature and I'm not sure about staying that far away from MK.

In other news my DS has finished up his 2yr old pre-school and even had a girlfriend at the end of the year! Also, he is being released from his Early Intervention for Speech which is great news cause it means he has caught up!! I feel badly though cause he'll really miss his speech therapist and always looks forward to her coming to the house. But Yeah for him!!

 

[lexmas]

Yay for planning another trip! I don't know too much about the "nicer" hotels LOL so I can't give any suggestions. I'm sure you'll figure it out. I assume you'll be there for the Food and Wine festival? (I don't actually know how long it lasts. Will you be doing MNSSHP?)

I'm glad your DS's year at preschool went well! Now summer is in full swing! And that's great that he's out of EI for speech now! My DS has a bit of a speech delay, but we never bothered going the EI route because his pediatrician wasn't concerned about it (he just mutters and talks fast so it can be hard to understand him. I wonder who he got that from...), but I can imagine it feels great to know that he's caught up! I know some days I think, WOW that was incredibly clear when I hear DS talk and it makes me happy!

 

[Dancegrl624]

I actually know exactly where you are talking about at the foot of Sheridan! You could actually get to my house if you drove to the foot of Sheridan and turned right! We are sort of off 2-mile Creek Rd.
I know lots of people in Snyder area. My mom lives in Williamsville but we didn't move there till I was in college. I worked at The Advantage for awhile so I met lots of people from that area.

You live quite close to me. We're off of Sheridan too (by Ted's).

When did you work at Stereo Advantage? I know a couple of people who worked there.

I'm of no help on your hotel situation. AKL does look lovely, but I'm with you...I don't think I could stay that far away from everything else.

 

[Disneychix]

Yay for planning another trip! I don't know too much about the "nicer" hotels LOL so I can't give any suggestions. I'm sure you'll figure it out. I assume you'll be there for the Food and Wine festival? (I don't actually know how long it lasts. Will you be doing MNSSHP?)

I'm glad your DS's year at preschool went well! Now summer is in full swing! And that's great that he's out of EI for speech now! My DS has a bit of a speech delay, but we never bothered going the EI route because his pediatrician wasn't concerned about it (he just mutters and talks fast so it can be hard to understand him. I wonder who he got that from...), but I can imagine it feels great to know that he's caught up! I know some days I think, WOW that was incredibly clear when I hear DS talk and it makes me happy!

Yeah for your DS too! It's incredible how far my DS has come. Even last December on our WDW trip was the first time he said "Pooh". He barely had 25 words at the time and 6ish months later he's fine! It really is like a light-bulb goes off!
We will be attending the F&WF but I'm not sure about MNSSHP. We've gone once before and we have an Illuminations Dessert Party with some friends on another forum that we will be attending so I'm not sure how far our finances will stretch. We'll see.

You live quite close to me. We're off of Sheridan too (by Ted's).

When did you work at Stereo Advantage? I know a couple of people who worked there.

I'm of no help on your hotel situation. AKL does look lovely, but I'm with you...I don't think I could stay that far away from everything else.

ooo, my BF lived near Ted's growing up. She lived in the red colored house around the corner. Actually that's close to where I grew up too. I lived on Northwood.
I worked at the Advantage from 1998-2001. Met my DH there, he was there for 9 years

 

[heaven2dc]

I am having a similar dilemma about getting a room & BWV or BCV wasn't available to add a studio for our upcoming trip (only SSR or OKW & we would have to waitlist - we are renting points). I looked at Swan/Dolphin & they were sold out (we wanted to be close to our other room at BWV) so now are looking at using a PIN code for BWI, BWV or BCV.

I hesitate to stay at SSR too (it just seems SO huge) and Dolphin looks so beautiful and close to Epcot & HS. If you are using a bounce back offer, have you tried the Boardwalk, Beach Club or Yacht Club resorts? I'm not sure if they are more expensive than WL but definitely beautiful resorts (even tho they're not close to MK, they are close to HS & Epcot).

Great news on your DS! It's great he loved his Speech Therapist but better news is that he is done. How cute he had a girl friend They start so early, don't they?!!

 

[Dancegrl624]

ooo, my BF lived near Ted's growing up. She lived in the red colored house around the corner. Actually that's close to where I grew up too. I lived on Northwood.
I worked at the Advantage from 1998-2001. Met my DH there, he was there for 9 years

I think I know exactly where that house is! And, Northwood is practically around the corner from me.

Hmm....did you meet Leanne there? I know she used to work there. Also, how someone named Anne Marie. She danced at my dance studio and married a hockey player. Wow....9 years!

 

[Disneychix]

I am having a similar dilemma about getting a room & BWV or BCV wasn't available to add a studio for our upcoming trip (only SSR or OKW & we would have to waitlist - we are renting points). I looked at Swan/Dolphin & they were sold out (we wanted to be close to our other room at BWV) so now are looking at using a PIN code for BWI, BWV or BCV.

I hesitate to stay at SSR too (it just seems SO huge) and Dolphin looks so beautiful and close to Epcot & HS. If you are using a bounce back offer, have you tried the Boardwalk, Beach Club or Yacht Club resorts? I'm not sure if they are more expensive than WL but definitely beautiful resorts (even tho they're not close to MK, they are close to HS & Epcot).

Great news on your DS! It's great he loved his Speech Therapist but better news is that he is done. How cute he had a girl friend They start so early, don't they?!!

There's no way DH will stay in just a studio with his MIL so our only option is 2 reg rooms or a 1bdrm. There's no availibility in a 1bdrm in the EPCOT area I'm now leaning towards the Dolphin. It's the same price as SSR but one more night! Can't beat that!

I think I know exactly where that house is! And, Northwood is practically around the corner from me.

Hmm....did you meet Leanne there? I know she used to work there. Also, how someone named Anne Marie. She danced at my dance studio and married a hockey player. Wow....9 years!

Yes, that is where I met Leanne. Small world! She actually tried to get me to try out for the Bombshells, and I almost did, but I chickened out!

 

[Disneychix]

We had a funfilled day planned for today! It was our park day! We were using our GAD passes that we got for participating in Project Linus. I had been debating on whether or not to pay the $50 upgrade for hoppers and decided I'd see how the day went and if we wanted to go to MK and EPCOT later then we'd upgrade. We decided to go to DHS becuase TOT and RnRC are our favorite rides

I wanted to get there right at rope drop which was 9am. We woke up at about 7:30am without the help of a wakeup call. That's what happens when your brain is trained to wake up early from having a kid!
We made coffee in the room and watched tv for a bit. We decided to drive to DHS (no busses for DH!) and packed up and headed out the door

Me on the drive to DHS!! TOT here I come!!!

The time as we pulled into the parking lot!
Too bad we didn't get there a tad bit earlier. But still it was before 9!! And yes, we listen to Howard Stern! DH and I carpool to work and just about the only thing we can both listen to together is Howard Stern. Dh is a music snob and he's hard to listen to the radio with. Whenever Howard gets too much for me I tell DH to turn the channel and he usually complies.

By the time we got to the bag check the park was already open. I sent DH over to exchange out GAD vouchers as he didn't have a bag to check. He was already done and waiting for me by the time I got up there. The CM exchanging our tickets was sooo nice! He told me we shared a birthday (and actually that's today! Happy Birthday!!) and he thought that was the best birthday out of all of them!!
We quickly went through the turnstiles and joined the rush to TSM.

Our GAD buttons!!

By the time we got to TSM it was 9:15 and the standby line was 40mins. The line just to get FP was about 10mins! We got out FP with a return time of 11:40-12:40 and then I took DH to the Animation area. We've never ever done this before! DH wasn't so sold and wanted breakfast and TOT!
When we got inside they had a whole area about Toy Story 3. That was cool to look at all the planning and characters. DH went and did the Voiceover kiosk and I thought it looked like fun so I tried it but with singing! I should never ever try this again! I was soooo bad! I tried Hakuna Matata and really was not good! Oh well, singing is not one of my talents. DH also did the 'color' station and then we got in line to draw a character. Dh again wanted to bail but I told him it would be fun and we'd never tried it before so we should stay.
We finally got inside and our group chose to draw Pooh! Awe, a favorite!

The ever so attendent student

The finished products:

Mine!

DH's!

We both really enjoyed this and will do it again! Dh had more fun than he thought he would.
Finally it was time for food and more FUN!!!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Yes, that is where I met Leanne. Small world! She actually tried to get me to try out for the Bombshells, and I almost did, but I chickened out!

How neat! That's so funny she tried to get you to tryout. The Bombshells is how my older sister met Leanne!

Love your DHS update! I can't wait to use our GAD vouchers for FP's in Sept. It's going to be great! I've always wanted to try the animation class, but I don't know if my DH will want to. I know that Madison would love it because she loves art. Your Pooh pictures both turned out so great!

 

[onelilspark]

How crowded was the Animation class first thing in the morning?

 

[lexmas]

Great start to DHS! You guys did the great jobs at drawing Pooh! And I think it's brave to do the voiceover with singing...never ever would I do that! Oh, and the buttons are cute!

 

[Disneychix]

Love your DHS update! I can't wait to use our GAD vouchers for FP's in Sept. It's going to be great! I've always wanted to try the animation class, but I don't know if my DH will want to. I know that Madison would love it because she loves art. Your Pooh pictures both turned out so great!

definately do the animation Class. It's only like 20mins max and it's very fun! Pat actually really enjoyed it I think. He would just never let on! Men. Plus, it's a nice escape into air-conditioning when it's hot out! And you get a 'free' souveneir!

How crowded was the Animation class first thing in the morning?

Honestly there was only about 8 people in the class. I think we were in the 2nd or 3rd class of the day. Us and 2 other families.

Great start to DHS! You guys did the great jobs at drawing Pooh! And I think it's brave to do the voiceover with singing...never ever would I do that! Oh, and the buttons are cute!

Thanks! I would never try the singing again. Now I know why DS always tells me to stop singing! There was practicaly no one in there, that's why I was feeling brave!

 

[Disneychix]

After a morning of waiting in lines and drawing Pooh Dh was getting hungry. We were on our way to Hollywood Blvd so what better place to stop than Starring Rolls! We grabbed a cherry danish, a chocolate croissant and a Nestle Choc milk ($12). It was about 10:30 and already too hot to drink coffee! We found a table in the crowd and listened to HSM as we ate.

DH with some of the grub, soooo good! Both things were HUGE and I can't pick which was better. Both 2 thumbs up!

We quickly ate and headed in line for TOT. We couldn't get FP cause of our TSM ones. The line said 20 mins standby but already looked much longer. There was a very loud school group with maybe 25 people that were in line just ahead of us and I think they bumped up the wait time. The line moved quickly enough but ended up being more like 35 mins.
We got on and the couple who were suppoed to sit in the front middle asked if we would switch with them. It was their first time and they were too scared to sit in the front. No prob! We LOVE TOT!!!

After the great ride we headed to the single rider queue at RnRC. I think the actual wait time was about 45 mins for the regular standby line. This was about 11:40ish. When we got to the front of the single rider line (waiting about 20mins) I was next and kissed DH and told him to have fun. For those who do not know, they assign you to random 'limos' from the single rider line so even though I waited in line with DH we got split up right at the end. Well, I went off and next thing I know DH is coming in line next to me!! Some confusion happened and the CM just told my DH to ride with me!! I love it so much better when we can ride together. I can let loose and not worry about my screaming!
Another great ride!!! We were towards the back of the limo and I love it better back there. You really feel the G-forces from the back I think.

It was now time to conquer TSM!! My DH is soooo competitive with video games. It's ridiculous! One time he was beating me on Men in Black at Universal Studios. At the end of the ride I hit some 100,000 point target and beat him. He was mad for the rest of the day! Seriously! Anyway, we've rented the TSM video game for Wii and I've gotten better at it. I've learned the strategy to not just keep shooting but to actually aim and shoot less. My DH has not learned this. (BTW, standby line at 12:15 was 70mins.)

Here's the results!

I won!!! Yup, a nice 800 point lead and much better accuracy!!

DH smiling through his pain!!
I could tell DH was a little miffed but trying to play it cool. I felt a little badly considering it was his birthday and all! I asked him if he wanted to play again. With the line being 70 mins he did not want to wait but there were still FP available (it was EMH night) for 9:00pm tonight. I told him if we got FP we probably wouldn't go to any other parks (we didn't upgrade to PH yet) and it was fine with me but his decision. We decided to save the $100 and just come back to DHS and ride TSM tonight!

We were both hungry now and I decided to check out SciFi cause we've never been. I really really wanted Columbia Harbour house but since we weren't hopping I'll have to settle for next trip!

We walked to SciFI, OMG, it had to be 90 degrees out today! Dh asked about a table for 2 and we were told 15mins and we'd be in the back of a car table! Not too bad for 12:30 with no ADR!
We only waited like 10 mins and I heard our name being called. DH had never even heard about this place before so he was surprised to see we were lead into darkness. He did think it was really cool and now this is one of our new favorites!
We ordered artichoke dip and chili-dip and split a burger and fries. DH got a beer and I had a yummy cherry coke!

They brought out the bruger already split on 2 plates. It was huge!!! We had a great meal ($41 w/ tip)!

After lunch we decided to head back for a swim in the quiet pool at SSR. First we stopped to look at the DVC kiosk that is right next to SciFi. We got talked into taking the tour the next morning. Hey, it was a nice $100 incentive! And no way would be be talked into buying! Right. Right??

 

[lexmas]

Ooh, cliffhanger!

Starring Rolls always seems amazing. I have to get food there!

Very cool that you got to ride with DH even though you were in the single rider line. It is smart to use the line though...the waiting is really what you need someone with you for.

I've never been to sci-fi, but I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Can't wait to hear more!

 

[Dancegrl624]

We LOVED Sci-Fi last year, except Madison didn't like the old movies very much. They creeped her out. Glad to hear you beat your DH on TSMM. I can never beat Tony at that game or at Buzz. Next time, I will try your approach....aim better and shoot less!

 

[heaven2dc]

Loved your Pooh drawings! You both did a great job Sure am glad hubby had a good time too.

I absolutely LOVE ToT!! I rode it 3x's in one afternoon and that wasn't even enough. Those big groups sure can be scary but sometimes the wait time isn't so bad. I'll have to get TSM game for my DD's Wii (I bought it for her for Christmas mostly because she wanted the exercise games and have never played it with her). Thanks for the tip!

 

[Disneychix]

Ooh, cliffhanger!

Starring Rolls always seems amazing. I have to get food there!

Very cool that you got to ride with DH even though you were in the single rider line. It is smart to use the line though...the waiting is really what you need someone with you for.

I've never been to sci-fi, but I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Can't wait to hear more!

Yes, go to Starring Rolls! It's really good there!

We LOVED Sci-Fi last year, except Madison didn't like the old movies very much. They creeped her out. Glad to hear you beat your DH on TSMM. I can never beat Tony at that game or at Buzz. Next time, I will try your approach....aim better and shoot less!

We did really enjoy SciFi. We said if we ever bring my dad we could just park him in there and he'd get Coke refills and watch movie clips all day!
He loves cars, tv, and pop!

Loved your Pooh drawings! You both did a great job Sure am glad hubby had a good time too.

I absolutely LOVE ToT!! I rode it 3x's in one afternoon and that wasn't even enough. Those big groups sure can be scary but sometimes the wait time isn't so bad. I'll have to get TSM game for my DD's Wii (I bought it for her for Christmas mostly because she wanted the exercise games and have never played it with her). Thanks for the tip!

Aaaa, I love TOT! It never gets old for me! Yes, try out the TSM game. Most of it is the same concept as the ride.

Thanks for reading along everyone!

 

[skier_pete]

Hey there...fellow WNY joining in after you found my PTR - enjoying your surprise trip report! (Meaning "surprise trip" report - not surprise "trip report".) I never worked for the Advantage, but have spent my share of money there - until a recent bad experience that has soured me on them - they lost some money when they drove me away but apparently they didn't care! We live up off the Boulevard (don't need to say which Boulevard for a fellow Buffalonian).

We did the animation academy on our recent trip, and DW loved it. She now wants to spend more time at DHS so she can do that a few times - then I can ride ToT to my hearts content. I was more impressed with the characters outside that area. We saw over 20 characters in about 25 minutes there, including ones I've never seen greeting before, like the Evil Queen from Snow White. It was character mecca!

I am a huge fan of the Sci-Fi, love those old trailers...but our DD was a bit freaked out this past trip by some of the "monsters" in the trailers...so we might not go back for a little while. Though I gotta tell ya - you have to try the Oreo Milk Shake - YUM!

 

[BippityBoo]

So awesome you got a table so fast!! And right in the middle of lunch Seems like you guys are having so much fun---I can not wait to take a couple's trip with my DH and do all of the fun adult rides. Can't wait to read your next update!