An Invasion of a "STRANGER" Kind.... NEW THREAD IS UP!! Go Thee NOW!

[All7OfUs]

I'm liking the "something frosty on the beach" part.

 

[Millie12591]

I knew someone on here HAD to have done this. Thanks for giving some good feedback! The whole story line of Illuminations is just so odd to me- frankly I don't get it. The music is great, but lasers aren't my thing. And the "dead" time with the ball thingy floating out there displaying a bunch of LEDs is just b.o.r.i.n.g!

Now, the question is: Can I hope for another embarrassing Hoop de VIEW??

OMGosh! Someone else who doesn't really care for Illuminations! I thought I would get flamed for sure if I had actually said it outloud. I love fireworks, but didn't really care for the whole idea of what the story behind it was about, I never understood it myself (at least the way it's being told during the show) and I never loved the laser lights thing either. I'm really stretching myself to say.....I don't like the electrical parade either, I think people/characters walking around with lights on them look stupid. OK, let the flames commence.

 

[All7OfUs]

OMGosh! Someone else who doesn't really care for Illuminations! I thought I would get flamed for sure if I had actually said it outloud. I love fireworks, but didn't really care for the whole idea of what the story behind it was about, I never understood it myself (at least the way it's being told during the show) and I never loved the laser lights thing either. I'm really stretching myself to say.....I don't like the electrical parade either, I think people/characters walking around with lights on them look stupid. OK, let the flames commence.

Lasers, meh. I can deal with the lights on people. The thing that I love about the electrical parade is mostly the music, but I love the ways the lights dance too. Regardless, I'll almost always give up a parade of any kind to hit rides with no lines.

 

[Millie12591]

Even with the changes Leisa, I like how your days are shaping up!

What kind of account will you take for each day compared to your planned itinerary? Do you plan to be detailed or just wing it with pictures, notes?

I don't know how accurate I'll be with my accounts, I'm pretty sure I'll do a TR when I get back. I think it will be fun! I know I'll take lots of pictures! It's fun to re-live the moments when it's all said and done. Besides, I'll need something to get me through until Peepfest.

 

[Millie12591]

Lasers, meh. I can deal with the lights on people. The thing that I love about the electrical parade is mostly the music, but I love the ways the lights dance too. Regardless, I'll almost always give up a parade of any kind to hit rides with no lines.

AMEN Sista!

 

[All7OfUs]

Even with the changes Leisa, I like how your days are shaping up!

What kind of account will you take for each day compared to your planned itinerary? Do you plan to be detailed or just wing it with pictures, notes?

I don't know how accurate I'll be with my accounts, I'm pretty sure I'll do a TR when I get back. I think it will be fun! I know I'll take lots of pictures! It's fun to re-live the moments when it's all said and done. Besides, I'll need something to get me through until Peepfest.

If I can bare my soul and spout my most uber geeky-ness to all who are here:

I've actually already written my first installment of my TR! I figured it is mostly just introduction and setting the writer's tone, so to speak. So it's all ready to go.

I'm debating on when to start it, but will most likely wait until I get back. I've got a title for it, and I think it will really surprise a lot of you. Let me just say that it may not (ok, most likely will not) be completely chronoligical in nature, but rather an eclectic mix of feelings, mindsets, observations, introspections, musings, and a lot of pictures and stories.

It will be possibly overly detailed, and I have 15 pages of blank pages to take notes on. I won't bore everyone with wait times for every attraction, but might indulge you on a few too many hidden mickeys.

 

[yinyanggirls]

Okay, you are definitely a dork! (in good company!!!)

I LOVE the idea of doing it more by theme than by chrono. I feel obligated to stick with the traditional chrono for the sake of future WISH trippers though. With the packet of tickets they get and the number of days given, we are all trying to figure out the best way to take advantage of them.

 

[Millie12591]

If I can bare my soul and spout my most uber geeky-ness to all who are here:

I've actually already written my first installment of my TR! I figured it is mostly just introduction and setting the writer's tone, so to speak. So it's all ready to go.

I'm debating on when to start it, but will most likely wait until I get back. I've got a title for it, and I think it will really surprise a lot of you. Let me just say that it may not (ok, most likely will not) be completely chronoligical in nature, but rather an eclectic mix of feelings, mindsets, observations, introspections, musings, and a lot of pictures and stories.

It will be possibly overly detailed, and I have 15 pages of blank pages to take notes on. I won't bore everyone with wait times for every attraction, but might indulge you on a few too many hidden mickeys.

Wow! I'm impressed! Surprisingly not surprised!

Okay, you are definitely a dork! (in good company!!!)

Ditto on this sentiment! I think we all have a little dork in us to be on here and planning the way we all do.

I LOVE the idea of doing it more by theme than by chrono. I feel obligated to stick with the traditional chrono for the sake of future WISH trippers though. With the packet of tickets they get and the number of days given, we are all trying to figure out the best way to take advantage of them.

I love the idea to go by your personality more than anything, for Jordy it's one way and for Leisa and Melissa it's another. I personally am a fly by the seat of my emotions kinda gal, so this might be the take I go with. We'll just have to see.

I'm gonna have to take my tired butt to bed. I had PT today for the first time and I'm kinda tired. I should be drinking more water than I did. Oops. Well, if I do it now I'll be up all night peeing, so I guess I'll have to fit it in tomorrow. I just looked at the bottle of water I have been drinking out of and I did drink a whole liter of water just this evening, that's pretty good right? And I did my exercises, so I shouldn't be to hard on myself.

Night all!

 

[All7OfUs]

Ok, take your dorky butt to bed

And I'll go get mine in a tub of water. Yeah, so, it's almost 1:00 and I'm finally getting my rinse off for the day.

 

[Flossbolna]

YOu sound like me and my dole Whip Floats!! No sharing happening there!

Coupled with potato pancakes and red cabbage or whatever else they serve with it, it sounds like I could lose 5 pounds before I get there and it will all be for nothing!!

Well, Katharina may be the bigger Schnitzel-hog of the two of us. She and her husband go every year to an Austrian restaurant for Schnitzel for her birthday. And she would tell you that it has to be eaten with potato salad and cucumber salad.

But, the reality in most German restaurants is that Schnitzel is served with french fries and a "mixed salad". Think of the different offerings of salad at Biergarten combined on a small plate.

Unfortunately traditional German food is not very healthy, and especially Frankonia (the area around Nuremberg) whis is known for roast pork and sausages is traditional one of the regions with the highest rate of heart diseases. BUT when you come a s a visitor, it's the same effect as at WDW: vacation food doesn't really have any calories!

Or you just have to run up the hill to the castle a few times and you will be able to burn the schnitzel off immediately!

Well, actually, EPCOT World Showcase is probably my favorite, and so different than FW that I sorta consider them 2 parks. DHS is way down there too, but growing on me.

The fun at DHS are the skits by the Citizens of Hollywood. Katharina and I watched a bit of it (I even got involved very briefly at one moment as a model for the Shirley Temple hairstyle). I love hanging out on Sunset Boulevard.

VERY boring. Now the Koreans throw in a few more things like seaweed and garlic.

So Blankistan doesn't even know garlic!

Which according to my father is one of the major food groups btw...

It VERY popular for Swedes as well. In fact, in the tsunami, more Swedes were lost than all other Westerner groups. I guess they need the sun more than any of the rest of us.

That's right, I remember how surprised I was that they had even more casualties than Germany considering that there population is about 1/8 of that of Germany. Winter in Sweden certainly makes you long for some sunshine!! And Christmas is the darkest time of the year...

Hmmm.... places I haven't visited that I'd like to: Senegal (or the West Africa region), Australia, anywhere in the Caribbean.

Interesting mix!

A poll for ya'll.... Since we have a bit of extra cash (why is it that DISsers always turn things like this in extra cash assuming we should just spend it?? ) what would you do with it??

Our ideas:

1) Hoop. Remember that was on our list away back when, but we actually couldn't fit it in.

2) Illuminations Cruise. Intruiguing, except, Illuminations doesn't really float my boat (haha, get it??)

3) A Behind the Seeds Tour. Only $16. Hardly the $120 I WAS going to spend.

4) Another siggie dinner. Narcoosees or... GET this?? Maybe a solo at Vick and Al's Place. (circusgirl did this and LOVED it!)

5) More souvenirs. I could do this. Really, I could!

Ok, my choices (ranked by preference) and I am throwing one or two additional ideas into the mix

1) Keys to the Kingdom Tour or Wild by Design - I did both and I think Disney is doing such a fantastic job with these tours. Both were absolute highlights of my trips!!

2) Hoop - This won't take away any additional park time, but can replace the party, so not so much rearranging of plans necessary. But it is still something additional fun to do.

3) More Souvenirs - but I would rather call it more "spending money". I think it would be great if your budget for your shop around the world project at Epcot would be a bit higher. I think you would be able to have a better selection of true keepsakes if you could spend just a few dollars more in every country.

4) Behind the Seeds Tour - I have never done it, but kind of the arguments of number 1) count for this one too.

5) Another signature dinner - however, I wouldn't pick Narcoossee's. My choice would be Flying Fish.

6) Upgrade your spa treatment.

Don't take the Illumination cruise!

Edited to add: Trying not to dwell on the party situation. It is what it is. I just think Disney should have handled the hours posting a little better. Sometimes I have to work hard at not letting anger and disappointment get the best of me.

I knew someone on here HAD to have done this. Thanks for giving some good feedback! The whole story line of Illuminations is just so odd to me- frankly I don't get it. The music is great, but lasers aren't my thing. And the "dead" time with the ball thingy floating out there displaying a bunch of LEDs is just b.o.r.i.n.g!

OMGosh! Someone else who doesn't really care for Illuminations! I thought I would get flamed for sure if I had actually said it outloud. I love fireworks, but didn't really care for the whole idea of what the story behind it was about, I never understood it myself (at least the way it's being told during the show) and I never loved the laser lights thing either.

Count me in, too!!

However, I must admit, that I have started to kind of accept Illumination for what it is: a great firework show with annoying pauses inbetween. I think it really helps to have a good viewing spot also. I figured out that the best spot is actually just at the entrance of WS, coming from FW. There is quite a big plaza there between the two small shops. Supposedly this is the main focal point for the show as well. And in January I never had a problem getting a spot there 15 minutes before show start. Since there is a slight slope down towards the water, you don't have to be in the first row to see something.

I'm really stretching myself to say.....I don't like the electrical parade either, I think people/characters walking around with lights on them look stupid. OK, let the flames commence.

No flames: I absolutely agree!

 

[Flossbolna]

Liesa, did you notice anything of that China earthquake where you live? I think it must have been to far away, but it appeared to be your corner of the world?

I hope you are all fine!!

 

[All7OfUs]

Hi Magedelena,

There's a lot to respond to, and will get to it this afternoon... But Mike just informed me that we have yet another round of, "Let's dig up the sewer".

There went my afternoon. On top of that, I decided to have our (very late) Passover meal this Saturday, and am trying to think through it.

We're fine- never felt a thing. Although Mike says he heard a couple of weird noises in the night. It was probably my guts from eating too much garlicky-carrot salad.

 

[Flossbolna]

Hi Magedelena,

There's a lot to respond to, and will get to it this afternoon... But Mike just informed me that we have yet another round of, "Let's dig up the sewer".

There went my afternoon. On top of that, I decided to have our (very late) Passover meal this Saturday, and am trying to think through it.

We're fine- never felt a thing. Although Mike says he heard a couple of weird noises in the night. It was probably my guts from eating too much garlicky-carrot salad.

I am glad that you are all ok and didn't notice it. Earth quakes must be scary to experience.

garlicky-carrot salad sounds wonderful! I am sure that this wouldn't create any noises!

I am so sorry about your sewer issues!!! How nasty! I hope you will get it sorted this (hopefully) last time before your departure.

I am intrigued about your passover meals, would you mind explaining those? I understand if it is too far OT for this thread, though! And if it is too much work while preparing for them.

 

[All7OfUs]

Well, Katharina may be the bigger Schnitzel-hog of the two of us. She and her husband go every year to an Austrian restaurant for Schnitzel for her birthday. And she would tell you that it has to be eaten with potato salad and cucumber salad.

But, the reality in most German restaurants is that Schnitzel is served with french fries and a "mixed salad". Think of the different offerings of salad at Biergarten combined on a small plate.

Unfortunately traditional German food is not very healthy, and especially Frankonia (the area around Nuremberg) whis is known for roast pork and sausages is traditional one of the regions with the highest rate of heart diseases. BUT when you come a s a visitor, it's the same effect as at WDW: vacation food doesn't really have any calories!

So, is this restaurant in Nuremberg- I guess not. I vote for the potato salad and cucumbers. I can get fries and mixed salad anywhere.

I'm not going to be counting calories so much from door-to-door; what kind of TR would that make??

Or you just have to run up the hill to the castle a few times and you will be able to burn the schnitzel off immediately!

AFter a summer of running, I think I will be able to handle a run or two up the hill to the castle. Although, practicing inclines won't be on my training regimen here- not a hill around for 100s of kilometers.

The fun at DHS are the skits by the Citizens of Hollywood. Katharina and I watched a bit of it (I even got involved very briefly at one moment as a model for the Shirley Temple hairstyle). I love hanging out on Sunset Boulevard.

I think we'll be able to eke out several good, or even great!, TR stories from getting involved into the skits. Remember, this is 3 ladies, no kids pulling us here or there, and no husbands to roll their eyes at us. I think getting in trouble is the name of our game!

So Blankistan doesn't even know garlic!

Which according to my father is one of the major food groups btw...

They do, but mostly the Koreans use it. And use it, they do!

That's right, I remember how surprised I was that they had even more casualties than Germany considering that there population is about 1/8 of that of Germany. Winter in Sweden certainly makes you long for some sunshine!! And Christmas is the darkest time of the year...

Yeah, must be kinda like Portland, Oregon- where the sun doesn't shine for months at a time.

But, seriously... it was sad seeing the memorials on the beaches with Swedish, German, American, Dutch, and of course, Thai names written on them last time we went.

Ok, my choices (ranked by preference) and I am throwing one or two additional ideas into the mix

1) Keys to the Kingdom Tour or Wild by Design - I did both and I think Disney is doing such a fantastic job with these tours. Both were absolute highlights of my trips!!

2) Hoop - This won't take away any additional park time, but can replace the party, so not so much rearranging of plans necessary. But it is still something additional fun to do.

3) More Souvenirs - but I would rather call it more "spending money". I think it would be great if your budget for your shop around the world project at Epcot would be a bit higher. I think you would be able to have a better selection of true keepsakes if you could spend just a few dollars more in every country.

4) Behind the Seeds Tour - I have never done it, but kind of the arguments of number 1) count for this one too.

5) Another signature dinner - however, I wouldn't pick Narcoossee's. My choice would be Flying Fish.

6) Upgrade your spa treatment.

Don't take the Illumination cruise!

The idea of upgrading my "Shop Around the World" to more like $10 a pop sounds fun; add in the $16 Seeds Tour, and I'd be right around the $120.

Count me in, too!!

However, I must admit, that I have started to kind of accept Illumination for what it is: a great firework show with annoying pauses inbetween. I think it really helps to have a good viewing spot also. I figured out that the best spot is actually just at the entrance of WS, coming from FW. There is quite a big plaza there between the two small shops. Supposedly this is the main focal point for the show as well. And in January I never had a problem getting a spot there 15 minutes before show start. Since there is a slight slope down towards the water, you don't have to be in the first row to see something.



No flames: I absolutely agree!

First time, I skipped it in lieu of M:S- walk on. Next time, we sat at the rail in front of Mexico. Both were good options, if that says something.

 

[All7OfUs]

I am intrigued about your passover meals, would you mind explaining those? I understand if it is too far OT for this thread, though! And if it is too much work while preparing for them.

Let's put that on the list to talk about over dinner with schnitzel. If that's allowed- being pork and all.

 

[Flossbolna]

Let's put that on the list to talk about over dinner with schnitzel. If that's allowed- being pork and all.

Sounds great, but I guess that will be a lengthy meal!!

 

[Flossbolna]

Yeah, must be kinda like Portland, Oregon- where the sun doesn't shine for months at a time.

But, seriously... it was sad seeing the memorials on the beaches with Swedish, German, American, Dutch, and of course, Thai names written on them last time we went.

Well, not really! Portland is about as southern as Venice in Italy , while Stockholm is just 135 miles "south of" Anchorage. I am alway fascinated how much mour suothern everyplace is in the US compared to Europe!

It was a horrible disaster and it was very present here in Europe. I think in a way that really helped to collect lots of money to help those people whose livelihoods were destroyed. But it was so ironic to happen during Christmas time when all the hotels were full. If I remember correctly, even the former German chancellor watched the wave from his balcony and was lucky to survive. At that time there was a very popular song in Germany which was called "The perfect wave" - really innocent, but after that disaster most radio stations dropped that song immediately.

 

[Diamondintheruff]

I've actually already written my first installment of my TR! I figured it is mostly just introduction and setting the writer's tone, so to speak. So it's all ready to go.

I'm debating on when to start it, but will most likely wait until I get back. I've got a title for it, and I think it will really surprise a lot of you. Let me just say that it may not (ok, most likely will not) be completely chronoligical in nature, but rather an eclectic mix of feelings, mindsets, observations, introspections, musings, and a lot of pictures and stories.

It will be possibly overly detailed, and I have 15 pages of blank pages to take notes on. I won't bore everyone with wait times for every attraction, but might indulge you on a few too many hidden mickeys.

I am super impressed you have started it already.

I for one love reading about eclectic mix of feelings, mindsets, observations, introspections and musings. If I wanted to read about wait times I'd just look up an App on my iphone.

My only question is.... Will 15 pages be enough?

Sorry to hear about the no party thing.

 

[All7OfUs]

Sounds great, but I guess that will be a lengthy meal!!

We have nothing but time!!

Well, not really! Portland is about as southern as Venice in Italy , while Stockholm is just 135 miles "south of" Anchorage. I am alway fascinated how much mour suothern everyplace is in the US compared to Europe!

It was a horrible disaster and it was very present here in Europe. I think in a way that really helped to collect lots of money to help those people whose livelihoods were destroyed. But it was so ironic to happen during Christmas time when all the hotels were full. If I remember correctly, even the former German chancellor watched the wave from his balcony and was lucky to survive. At that time there was a very popular song in Germany which was called "The perfect wave" - really innocent, but after that disaster most radio stations dropped that song immediately.

So true! I was referring mostly to the rain/cloudy factor. Man! That gets old and depressing!

We saw entire beachfronts GONE. ALL the water taxis were destroyed, as were the restaurants, hotels, shops, piers, and in fact, the coral reefs were pretty banged up too. Massive pieces of coral laid on the beaches bleached out a year after!

Yes, I can see how a song like that might leave "a bad taste" after the fact. I'm glad they had the tact to drop it!

I am super impressed you have started it already.

I for one love reading about eclectic mix of feelings, mindsets, observations, introspections and musings. If I wanted to read about wait times I'd just look up an App on my iphone.

My only question is.... Will 15 pages be enough?

Sorry to hear about the no party thing.

Don't get too impressed yet. It's just one chapter. I imagine with me returning to the situation of having just moved from living overseas for 9 years to a new lifestyle, needing to get kids in school, getting a house ready to sell, etc... Installments may take some time to get up!

Well, front and back, it's 30 pages- Granted they are only 4 X 6 inches. OK, i'll add a few more. I intend to create many memories!

 

[carissanboys]

Thanks for adding that! I actually havne't seen that one, Carissa.

It's the one I link to in my PTR.

NOW:::::::::::::::::::::


A poll for ya'll.... Since we have a bit of extra cash (why is it that DISsers always turn things like this in extra cash assuming we should just spend it?? ) what would you do with it??



Our ideas:

1) Hoop. Remember that was on our list away back when, but we actually couldn't fit it in.

2) Illuminations Cruise. Intruiguing, except, Illuminations doesn't really float my boat (haha, get it??)

3) A Behind the Seeds Tour. Only $16. Hardly the $120 I WAS going to spend.

4) Another siggie dinner. Narcoosees or... GET this?? Maybe a solo at Vick and Al's Place. (circusgirl did this and LOVED it!)

5) More souvenirs. I could do this. Really, I could!

We loved the Hoop De Doo. I also think the tour would be fun.