Bags, Busses, and Booze - A Where has all the Rum gone Girls 2013 F&W TR

[annmarieda]

Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to your TR.

Please! I am sure Ashley is with me on this... we understand being busy!! I for one cant stay caught up on dis. It is just so sad.

That's so nice that the manager got your out of your smelly room and let you inspect other rooms to see which was best. Yay for the upgrade.

It was nice! Honestly, I could have lived with the room though. It was a nice enough location. But yes, the upgrade was pretty cool. Not the biggest upgrade I have ever received, but a pretty big one none the less. And the time spent looking at other rooms was just too fun!

Sounds like you had some very nice meets. That's great that you found the cm you were looking for.

I did have some nice ones... maybe not as many as I would have liked, but in some ways the time spent with Katie more than made up for any others that I may have missed out on.... not to mention the spontaneous ones like with you!

And... it was nice to find Mackenzie. I think it was pure luck! After all, what are the chances that she would be even working on that day...let alone be at the front of the ride.

 

[afwdwfan]

Hi Ann and Ashley. A little late to the party, but I'm here. That is certainly a frustrating first night at CBR, but it seems like the tour with the manager and the room change made things a little better.

Ashley... about the Sams Club story. How did you stand there that long? You must be one of the most patient people ever, because there is just no frickin way.


I look forward to reading about the rest of your trip!

 

[annmarieda]

Hi Ann and Ashley. A little late to the party, but I'm here. That is certainly a frustrating first night at CBR, but it seems like the tour with the manager and the room change made things a little better.

Ashley... about the Sams Club story. How did you stand there that long? You must be one of the most patient people ever, because there is just no frickin way.


I look forward to reading about the rest of your trip!

So glad you are here!!

That first night was only frustrating because of me. I can admit my foibles. I think if I had not been short on sleep and had anxiety to not stand up Katie...I wouldn't have been "on edge" Everything came together nicely though. Even if the cm had not made my night magical, I had settled down by that point.

And yes, I can vouch for Ashley being very patient. She is much more laid back than I am. I too would have about lost it. I tend to get antsy if people are not doing their jobs..and that customer service at Sam's sounded to me like someone just decided that they didn't have to do theirs. (and hence the wait)

 

[lilpixiebabe101]

Hi Ann and Ashley. A little late to the party, but I'm here. That is certainly a frustrating first night at CBR, but it seems like the tour with the manager and the room change made things a little better.

Ashley... about the Sams Club story. How did you stand there that long? You must be one of the most patient people ever, because there is just no frickin way.

I look forward to reading about the rest of your trip!

Hey Andy! Glad your along for the ride! Well we could have also just let Ging "The Wicked Queen" deal with it the next morning when we got there... But we all decided that Ann would probably be nicer! Lmao!

And I was not a happy camper by the time I got to the front of the line. The manager was who gave me my temp card. I was basically ignored. She left me twice to go "help" the poor little associate who didn't even need her help. Had I not thought it was take another 30 minutes for her to get me her manager, I would have made some complaints. But as it was I had to get home and start cooking, and I had to time constraint to get Alexa. So I decided ultimately it wasn't worth the battle. I did think about just going shop and then go try to check out with the manager at the customer service desk! Lol

So glad you are here!!

That first night was only frustrating because of me. I can admit my foibles. I think if I had not been short on sleep and had anxiety to not stand up Katie...I wouldn't have been "on edge" Everything came together nicely though. Even if the cm had not made my night magical, I had settled down by that point.

And yes, I can vouch for Ashley being very patient. She is much more laid back than I am. I too would have about lost it. I tend to get antsy if people are not doing their jobs..and that customer service at Sam's sounded to me like someone just decided that they didn't have to do theirs. (and hence the wait)

Like I said we could have just sent Ginger after them the next morning. But we might have ended up sleeping in the lake! Lmao!

And thank you for vouching for my patience. Idk of its that I have a lot of patience or it just takes longer for my filter to come off my mouth. I'll try to be nice and polite till I'm blue in the face. More flies with honey than vinegar... I deal with it daily with people at the mall. Then there are just times its too much.

I yelled at a lady last weekend. I'm working on a client, and she let's her child start climbing on our other massage chair. I tell him to "please not climb on that". She proceeds to tell him "uh you don't have to listen to that f%^*ing b*tch". I lost it. I said "actually he does because it's our equipment. I'm sure he'll have to listen when I have security remove y'all from the mall". She goes "you didnt have to talk to him mean like you did." I said "lady, we have kids climb on these all day. Your the mom, you want it to be nice, you keep him from getting on them like your suppose to". Needless to say I was livid. My client, who thankfully is one of my regulars and knows an outburst like this is out of character, tells me bravo. Lmao!

 

[annmarieda]

I yelled at a lady last weekend. I'm working on a client, and she let's her child start climbing on our other massage chair. I tell him to "please not climb on that". She proceeds to tell him "uh you don't have to listen to that f%^*ing b*tch". I lost it. I said "actually he does because it's our equipment. I'm sure he'll have to listen when I have security remove y'all from the mall". She goes "you didnt have to talk to him mean like you did." I said "lady, we have kids climb on these all day. Your the mom, you want it to be nice, you keep him from getting on them like your suppose to". Needless to say I was livid. My client, who thankfully is one of my regulars and knows an outburst like this is out of character, tells me bravo. Lmao!

That is quite disrespectful of her! I would never have told my child that they didn't need to listen to another adult. I think we have come too far from that time when " you didn't run across mr. murphy's lawn, cause mr. murphy might come out and whoop your but". Fact is even if she disagreed and thought he had every right to climb on them (not sure why she would) then the tasteful thing and lesson to show her son would be to politely smile and walk away. Then she could explain to him in a discreet way how while they may have been right but that it is always better to treat others with respect. All of this doesn't even touch on the fact that he was doing something that he wasn't suppose to and she sat idly by. Bottom line, I bet she wouldn't know the first thing about respect or accountability.

 

[annmarieda]

Once I was off of Primeval Whirl, I started texting back and forth more with Ashley. I knew she should be getting close. She was asking me questions about where I was...what I was doing.... At the time I assumed it was because she wanted a play by play of the fun she was missing out on. After all, I am all kinds of a fun party girl when I am all by myself.

So since the above statement was obviously sarcastic, the truth was I was kinda getting bored of my own company. I was more than happy to cut my time at AK short in order to meet Ashley and Ginger back at CBR. I think it was when I started to turn the texting conversation in that direction that I suspected that Ashely was not trying to get a play by play...but rather had ulterior motives. She wanted me to stay where I was. Why?

Well, I figured it out in time to see her coming toward me. With a big smile on her face (and I assume on mine too) it was hellos and hugs. I even got a hug out of Ginger. I normally can totally respect a person's need to not hug. My dearest friend is not a hugger. I can count on one hand how many times she has hugged me and I do not believe even once she has allowed a hug from me. So I can totally be comfortable when someone doesn't care to hug. But... I am a hugger. So it was nice of Ginger to not be too opposed to my hug when I just kinda was too excited in the moment and offered it too her in a way that made it perhaps hard to resist.

It was so exciting to finally have Ashley arrive. This was not our first dismeet. We had spent some time together on a previous trip. However unlike that trip which was about families, this was to be about friends. I have read about other relationships that have been established on dis. where one person feels very connected with another... (Kathy, I am talking about you here) And like Kathy, I feel like Ashley is like a younger sister that I never had. We are so much a like... yet enough different that it makes for a quite nice friendship. What a blessing to have found her!

So once the excitement settle a tad, hunger set in. We decided to head to Flame Tree to grab some lunch.

Mine



Ashley's


Ginger's


Flame Tree is not among my absolute favorites. I think maybe why could be in what I order. I always think I need to not eat a half chicken and so opt for the sandwich. The sandwich isn't the greatest thing... but now Ashley's chicken looks pretty yummy. Maybe I will have to revisit my opinion of the restaurant and try that chicken.

What I do like about the restaurant is the atmosphere. Where else can you dine WITH animals. Yes, we had some extra guests to our table who would not take no for the answer. How many nibbles were taken from our legs? Then if they are not actual dinning partners (note we never actually gave them any food from our plates) they are the table side entertainment. A very wet, newly bathed white... (hmm. what are those large white birds? Ibis?) Well the bird decided that he/she should share in her grooming with Ashley. Right there...at the table...flipping water at us (mainly at Ashley)

What a way to spend our first meal. It was perfect! Relaxed and funny!!!

I can't remember what made us decide to head to Dinoland or if we did this next. I am sure Ashley will remember. I know I wanted to ride Dinosaur. I tried to describe it to Ashley the best way I could. She agreed to ride it with me. Ginger sat it out.





I don't think it was too bad a ride for her.

We may have actually taken a safari first. It would have made more sense given that we had just had lunch. My pictures show Dinosaur first though...

In any case our safari was much nicer than the one I took by myself. Our driver was slow and let us all actually see the animals before moving on. So much so that I even could take a picture of this tree that I find to be oddly beautiful.



Some animals were out for a stroll along the roadway.








While others where just taking it easy.







It was then time for us to head back to the room. We had plans and we needed to get ready!

Next Up: 9/29 Part 3

 

[swwake]

Ashley had never been on Dinosaur before?

Glad you got Round 2 of the Safari!

 

[dizneeat]

And here's another fun update!

What a fun DISmeet! And your rides looked like a lot of fun too.

We like FTB, but I have never tried the sandwich - we usually get "other" things. And you are perfectly right - one dines WITH animals at FTB, with a lovely view of Everest!

 

[wiigirl]

Great update!

 

[KatMark]

Fun update, Ann. I love Flame Tree...but I'm a big rib and pulled pork fan. And there is no where you can sit there that you won't have that wonderful company. I must say though that we have never had a bath like Ashley.

I love Dinosaur (it amazes me how many people are afraid of it).

You got some good pictures on the safari...including the baby giraffee.

 

[annmarieda]

Ashley had never been on Dinosaur before?

Glad you got Round 2 of the Safari!

I do not believe so. Both she and I are kinda wimpy when it comes to rides.

And here's another fun update!

What a fun DISmeet! And your rides looked like a lot of fun too.

We like FTB, but I have never tried the sandwich - we usually get "other" things. And you are perfectly right - one dines WITH animals at FTB, with a lovely view of Everest!

The morning had a fun dismeet! Su-Lynn is such a sweet person!

I think I may have to try other things at FTB. The sandwich just isn't the greatest.

Great update!

Thanks

Fun update, Ann. I love Flame Tree...but I'm a big rib and pulled pork fan. And there is no where you can sit there that you won't have that wonderful company. I must say though that we have never had a bath like Ashley.

I love Dinosaur (it amazes me how many people are afraid of it).

You got some good pictures on the safari...including the baby giraffe.

It was almost as if the bird was trying to show off or even become good friends with us. Funny little thing!

I too like Dinosaur. It is pretty loud and I can see why little ones would not like it. I really like it's counter part in DLR (Indiana Jones Adventure). Same ride... less loud.

I believe we even had to stop for the giraffes. They just were strolling across the road we were on.

 

[eandesmom]

I am kind of ambivalent about flame tree. It's good, not my favorite but I'm ok eating there too. I might like it better at dinner but I generally don't like counter service for dinner. It's a lot of food, and heavy kind of, for lunch for me.

I love Dinosaur and I love that they surprised you!

 

[MEK]

I'm in. Behind, but in!

 

[afwdwfan]

I think it was when I started to turn the texting conversation in that direction that I suspected that Ashely was not trying to get a play by play...but rather had ulterior motives. She wanted me to stay where I was. Why?

Well, I figured it out in time to see her coming toward me.

Well, that's quite a nice surprise. After all, why should you go to her at a resort when you're already standing in a park. It only makes sense that she'd want to come to you.

Maybe I will have to revisit my opinion of the restaurant and try that chicken.

I really like that place. A little bit of a variation from the typical counter service.

And they give you lots and lots of food.

Well the bird decided that he/she should share in her grooming with Ashley. Right there...at the table...flipping water at us (mainly at Ashley)

I can't remember what made us decide to head to Dinoland or if we did this next. I am sure Ashley will remember. I know I wanted to ride Dinosaur. I tried to describe it to Ashley the best way I could. She agreed to ride it with me. Ginger sat it out.

Ashley? You've never ridden it before?? I'm actually kind of glad that ride is underrated. Less of a line in front of me.

While others where just taking it easy.

The life of a big cat... must be rough.

 

[annmarieda]

I am kind of ambivalent about flame tree. It's good, not my favorite but I'm ok eating there too. I might like it better at dinner but I generally don't like counter service for dinner. It's a lot of food, and heavy kind of, for lunch for me.

I think food options in general are pretty limited in AK. Add in the fact that the park closes so early and you really are limited.

I love Dinosaur and I love that they surprised you!

It is a great ride! I don't think it killed Ashley to go on it either. Considering that was at the start of the trip... good thing it didn't kill her. The surprise was lovely! I mean, I like my own company well enough, but it was definitely nice that they arrived!!!

I'm in. Behind, but in!

I am so glad you are here, Mary Ellen!!!

Well, that's quite a nice surprise. After all, why should you go to her at a resort when you're already standing in a park. It only makes sense that she'd want to come to you.

I think the reason we didn't plan it that way to start was we really didn't know what time they would arrive. Also there is the matter of an extra park day added to her ticket. I am so glad it worked out for her to just meet me there.

I really like that place. A little bit of a variation from the typical counter service.

That is definitely a plus to Flame Tree... the variation. It isn't what you can find at a half dozen other counter service locations.

And they give you lots and lots of food.

I know my guys love it for that reason alone.

The life of a big cat... must be rough.

right?

 

[annmarieda]

We left the park to head to our room. Our bus ride was made short by our conversation and before I knew it we were at the resort.

We didn't have as much time as we had planned, so unpacking and decorating the room would have to wait. We had to hustle to get ready for dinner and MNSSHP.

We had decided to go with more of a themed outfit rather than a costume. I took it a bit farther and added a wig. After all, I have thinning rather short hair. Somehow it just didn't seem like Ariel to me. So I added the wig. Even now, I am not sure it that was a good move or a bad one. It did require some assistance and in true "girly sleepover" mode, Ashley was happy to fix the wig for me. Kimberly (my future dil) had made me a starfish clip for the wig and so it took some finagling to get in the right place.

Ginger and Ashely were a little easier to fix. Tiaras, bobbles and yes..even my silly wig and we were off to MK.

Once we were in the gates and got our party bands, we went to dinner. We had an ADR for LTT. I am very glad that Ashley talked me into this one. I had not been there since 2008. In 2008, when it was still a character dinning experience, my family had dinner there and before we even were home for the night people were feeling ill. I think the heat of that day and rich food didn't agree. However there is also the possibility that when my son, Zach gave Minnie a little kiss on the nose.... well, all those little people giving Minnie kisses and touching her nose. Have I mentioned I am a recovering germaphobe? So we have not been back since and as I mentioned, I am SO glad we went this trip. It was quite good.





After dinner we strolled by Rapunzel's restrooms.



I must say this is probably my favorite restroom in the parks.. probably on property. It truly had a feel as though Rapunzel herself had done the paintings.



We rode HM and I know we had some pictures taken by the carriage. I don't have any though?

I think we then went to where I thought the dwarves would be hanging out. Well, I guess I should have not assumed that it would be at the same place that they had been for the other two parties I attended.

It was easy enough to recover from though and soon enough we were sitting in the correct line that was not all that long. We even had a place to sit while we waited. Once the dwarves came out it wasn't long at all before it was our turn to meet them. Again, I know we had pictures taken... but alas, I don't have any. Surely there will be some on the pp cd.

Now that the party was in full swing, we made our way through the new fantasyland. We met up with Gaston. We hit some treat stops. We rode Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid. We continued on through the circus area and back to Tomorrowland. We hit more treat stops/trails. I think it was then split up a bit. I am not sure. Ginger went to shop? Ashley and I rode Peter Pan's Flight. What luck, as it was closed for refurb within the next couple of days.

We did end up back together at HM. What a hoot the lady in front was.



She was quite engaging and of course, she loved Ashley and Ginger.

I thought we rode POTC... maybe not?

We were headed back to the hub to meet up with Katie when my battery on my phone died. There was no way for me to get a hold of Katie until I got it charged.

We then split up a bit again and Ginger and I watched most of the Villians show while Ashley went to do another meet and greet.

I am not sure when I dropped off my phone, but I know that I must have picked it up just in time for the last parade. I vaguely remember meeting Ginger and Ashley at the end of main street. I assume because I had retrieved my phone.



With my phone now having a bit of a charge and the chaos of the parade crowd settled, I was able to text Katie and go for one last meet up.




This may have been the last time the wig was on. See how it is slightly falling off?

We then watched the villians show again. This gave Ginger the opportunity to meet with her idol.




Too soon the party was ending and it was time to head back to CBR.



Back at CBR we were able to check our loot. We had hit all of the trick or treat stops. Maybe even a couple twice. . It was a good thing we did not rely on the bags provided at the gate. I don't know if this does justice to just how much candy we got. I know that Ashley at some point transfered hers to a 5 gallon ziplock bag. Yup... we got a lot of candy that night.



Next Up: 9/30 - Part 1

 

[MEK]

So - I read your last two updates. When I am behind I always read backwards. Yup, I'm a little strange like that.

Anyway - woo hop for a DIS meet at lunch. I know that feeling of getting tired with your own company, so what perfect timing!

And, of course, what trip to the AK would not be complete without a ride on Safari!

I absolutely love your party costume. You look so cute as a red head. Perfect!

Can you believe I STILL haven't set foot in the Tangled Bathrooms? How is that possible?

dinner looks yummy. I haven't eaten dinner at LTT since 2006, so I definitely have you beat.

 

[afwdwfan]

We had an ADR for LTT. I am very glad that Ashley talked me into this one. I had not been there since 2008. In 2008, when it was still a character dinning experience, my family had dinner there and before we even were home for the night people were feeling ill. I think the heat of that day and rich food didn't agree. However there is also the possibility that when my son, Zach gave Minnie a little kiss on the nose.... well, all those little people giving Minnie kisses and touching her nose. Have I mentioned I am a recovering germaphobe? So we have not been back since and as I mentioned, I am SO glad we went this trip. It was quite good.

I'm glad you gave it another chance. It is really one of my favorite places to eat. It just seems underappreciated to me!

What luck, as it was closed for refurb within the next couple of days.

Good timing!

I am not sure when I dropped off my phone, but I know that I must have picked it up just in time for the last parade.

Did you take it to guest services to charge?

This may have been the last time the wig was on. See how it is slightly falling off?

Hey, it worked anyway! Good enough for MVMCP and it is clear that you were going for the Ariel look.

Back at CBR we were able to check our loot. We had hit all of the trick or treat stops. Maybe even a couple twice. . It was a good thing we did not rely on the bags provided at the gate. I don't know if this does justice to just how much candy we got. I know that Ashley at some point transfered hers to a 5 gallon ziplock bag. Yup... we got a lot of candy that night.

You did very well. I'm impressed.

 

[swwake]

I love your Ariel hair! And I agree on the Tangled restrooms. They are adorable. I'll have to remember to stop by every time I am in the area with my tiny bladder.

 

[annmarieda]

So - I read your last two updates. When I am behind I always read backwards. Yup, I'm a little strange like that.

I have wondered if that isn't an easier way. That way you don't feel as though you are doing quite so much catching up...since you have read the most current update.

Anyway - woo hop for a DIS meet at lunch. I know that feeling of getting tired with your own company, so what perfect timing!

It was a tad more than a dismeet since we were rooming together... but yes! It was PERFECT timing.

And, of course, what trip to the AK would not be complete without a ride on Safari!

I considered letting them go by themselves since I had already rode that day. I am so glad I didn't. It was a far better safari. Funny how a different driver can make such a huge difference.

I absolutely love your party costume. You look so cute as a red head. Perfect!

Thank you. I dont know about that wig though... it really was itchy...and on more than one occasion I had to have Ashley either tell me to leave it alone or fix it for me.

Can you believe I STILL haven't set foot in the Tangled Bathrooms? How is that possible?

Well, I was thinking of you when I took the pictures. I have the urge to take pictures that perhaps others wouldn't think was a good idea. Restrooms... probably a little frowned upon. Yet I thought that you might take a picture and if you would if you had the chance...then I should take a picture because I really did like the interior!

dinner looks yummy. I haven't eaten dinner at LTT since 2006, so I definitely have you beat.

You do have me beat! It was actually very good. And the dessert, was actually quite interesting. Sweet and tart... but also had interesting "fall" spices in it.

I'm glad you gave it another chance. It is really one of my favorite places to eat. It just seems under appreciated to me!

What was there to not like? I agree... it does seem under appreciated. Maybe because of what it was like around the time Mary Ellen and I both last went?

Good timing!

We seriously had good luck when it came to most things on this trip. It definitely made for one of the best trips I have been on!

Did you take it to guest services to charge?

Yes. In MK they have chargers. I think DHS has them as well. Not sure of AK. However... in Epcot when Ashley tried they acted as though she were completely crazy. I mean... in MK there is a definite system. You fill out a form... they grab a charger... voila. Phone is charged. I do not understand why in Epcot she was given such a hard time and ultimately could not do it. I thought it was a service available in all the parks. I am pretty sure I have done it in MK and DHS

Hey, it worked anyway! Good enough for MVMCP and it is clear that you were going for the Ariel look.

Thanks... although I do think I had another camera for that. Maybe? I don't know. They aren't the best of pictures.

As for going for the Ariel look... yeah... I had tight green pants on too. My soon to be dil said it was a "hipster" Ariel. Really... that isn't what I was going for.

You did very well. I'm impressed.

I know we did the trails twice... but I think we only hit a couple other stops twice (the wearthers carmel apple candy stop... oh! yes please!!!) but other than that it was just a smile. I think Gaston must have given Ginger a LOT of his barrels of rootbeer. The two of them had quite the report.

I love your Ariel hair!

I suppose the wig helped with the look. It may have helped to bond Ashley and I more because she was tending to me a lot... Either she was fixing it or telling me to not scratch at it.

I agree on the Tangled restrooms. They are adorable. I'll have to remember to stop by every time I am in the area with my tiny bladder.

The Tangled restrooms are a favorite of mine as well. In February they were not yet open. The tower was revealed during that trip though... so it added to my excitement. I may have taken more pictures later in the trip I liked it so much.