Beast. The awesome PTR of awesomeness June 2012 last update: Universal Resort

[BrerMama]

I totally just got an idea for another crafty project.... I ordered the supplies I need from Etsy and hopefully they'll be my project for next weekend.

I need a project every weekend. Most weekends it's digital scrapbooking. I do layouts for a website called The Daily Digi and also for Nettio Designs. I also do a little designing when I'm inspired. I'm doing digital Project Life journaling cards and giving them away every few weeks on my blog. You can see them here.

Anyway, this weekend's project was the windows in our kitchen. We have always had mini blinds, and we've gone so many sets that I was tired of buying them. Our cats -- who I dislike greatly -- tear them up constantly. They looked really tacky from the outside of our house (and remember, we live in a double wide, so we do not need to do anything to enhance the tackiness). I finally just took the plunge and bought nice curtains. They're supposed to be energy efficient as well as looking so much better than torn mini blinds.


IMG_2424 by miss kim 09, on Flickr

In addition to the curtains, we covered the window in our back door. It's hard to tell in the photo, but we were able to create a window covering from some shelf liner stuff. We couldn't find a curtain rod small enough (or curtains, but I probably could have made that work) and I looked at all sorts of different things -- tint for car windows, a baby window shade, contact paper. We ended up with some textured shelf liner. A little double stick tape and we're good.

This may not seem huge, but Ches has a little friend who doesn't really understand boundaries. She's been known to walk into unlocked houses without an invitation. If no one is home, she helps herself to the fridge. She's really harmless (I believe she gets special education services), but she's a little unsettling. She's several times scared the life out of me by standing on our back porch, just looking in the window. So figured out some way to shade that little window was important to my privacy.

After we got it all done, Kiah said, "Hey mom, you can take your bra off in the kitchen now."

Yes, because that's the first thing my children think when they see we've got privacy again.

Anyway, big Day 2 plans tomorrow... after we go to the zoo. I let myself get talked into it. Once around to see animals. Once to get exercise. Gah.

 

[DMGeurts]

ROFL about taking your bra off in the kitchen... I am sure that was the first thought in your head as you were purchasing the curtains? LOL

They look wonderful, btw... And it sounds like you could use the extra privacy.

Oh - and I wish my house was that clean right now... I have muddy puppy paw prints everywhere, due to the rain yesterday... ACK!

D~

 

[JayhawkFans]

Did you notice the DIS ad for the Branson
airport here in your thread. LOL

I would love to order a bag but she's too
popular ... Yeah for her ... Boo for me ...
Couldn't get it in time for our early Sept
trip.

 

[BrerMama]

ROFL about taking your bra off in the kitchen... I am sure that was the first thought in your head as you were purchasing the curtains? LOL

They look wonderful, btw... And it sounds like you could use the extra privacy.

Oh - and I wish my house was that clean right now... I have muddy puppy paw prints everywhere, due to the rain yesterday... ACK!

D~

My house... clean? Pardon me while I choke on my laughter. That's just the part I allowed in the photo.

Did you notice the DIS ad for the Branson
airport here in your thread. LOL

I would love to order a bag but she's too
popular ... Yeah for her ... Boo for me ...
Couldn't get it in time for our early Sept
trip.

Sorry about the bag. Ah well. There's always another trip.

I think the ads must be related to other websites you've visited. My ads are for Sheraton and shoes. I'm still trying to find the perfect park shoes. The DISboards are all over it.

 

[BrerMama]

Day 2: Magic Kingdom

We need to be up and at 'em early this morning. This should not be a problem as... hey, we get up early anyway.

Except Ches. She might be the thorn in our sides this morning.

We need to leave our resort no later than 7 am, in order to get to the TTC, park, and make our way to the Magic Kingdom for our 8:10 am ADR at Crystal Palace.

Dan says our kids are too old for characters. I say that we loved getting into the park early (twice!) during our 2007 trip. Who cares about the characters? I want the food and the pictures of an empty park.

Yes, I do.

Since Dan just went over our budget and did not tell me to cancel it, and didn't even mention it, we're going.

Breakfast with Pooh and friends. Photos taken while I'm chewing. Should be fun.

I loved Crystal Palace last trip. The characters would not let Tater sit and eat in peace. It made us all laugh and Tater quickly learned it was easier to get up and pose rather than get harrassed by Eeyore...

Then it's off into the park. I'm thinking we'll knock out Fantasyland this morning because we don't have many must do things in this area any longer. Then over to Tomorrowland to ride Space Mountain and Buzz. After those things are done, we can slow down a bit. Head over to the other side of the park. Kiah is insisting she needs a ride through Splash Mountain on that first day.

I'll have a touring plan, but it's still fairly loose at this point. We don't go to Disney several times a year, or even yearly, but we also don't feel the need to do every single ride in the park. We're pretty happy just hitting our favorites.

No idea why I'm sticking out my tongue in this photo. We're on the Peoplemover. I love that ride for a nice little break to regroup and plan.

I'm still flexible on how long we'll stay in the park. I'm going to let the family decide while we're in the park. Back to the resort in the early afternoon, and then back to the park in the evening? Or stay until late afternoon and then back to the resort for an early evening? I really don't know what we'll end up doing. If we were on property, it would be the break and then back but most of that was due to not wanting to be shoved five in a single room. Now we'll have more space, so we may just get a lot done and knock off early.

I use the word flexible a lot in my professional life. When you're teaching three year olds, you really need to have a plan, but be flexible within that plan. We'll follow the same philosophy while we're on vacation. I think being flexible is my best bet for having realistic expectations. I want a magical trip, so flexibility is going to be key.

 

[MHTeacher]

I think you can never be too old for the characters! Breakfast at CP is a great one!

So funny---your daughter's comment about being able to take off your bra in the kitchen!

 

[cogero]

You are never too old for characters. Congrats on your weekend project.

 

[Angies1274]

Joining in!! Sounds like you have a great trip planned!

Your ADR's look good! We are thinking of doing the Dessert party as well.

Love your park bag!! So cute!

 

[BrerMama]

I think you can never be too old for the characters! Breakfast at CP is a great one!

So funny---your daughter's comment about being able to take off your bra in the kitchen!

I know! Brady loved Tigger when he was a baby. So what if he's 18 now and growing a beard? He can still love!

You are never too old for characters. Congrats on your weekend project.

It's not like I'm dragging my family to see the princesses, right? It's Pooh. Piglet. Harmless.

Joining in!! Sounds like you have a great trip planned!

Your ADR's look good! We are thinking of doing the Dessert party as well.

Love your park bag!! So cute!

Thanks for reading! Can't wait for the dessert party... and using the bag. It's seriously taunting me. I look at it every day and it's all, "I'm too cute to sit on a shelf."

 

[BrerMama]

Chapter 15: Let's talk about Happy Feet

Not the movie. My feet.

I pretty much live in flip flops from March to October. You may be thinking... pre-K teacher and flip flops. Not sure that's a great combination. And you'd be correct. I have lost a big toe nail in the last few years after I dropped a chair on my toe... and then a child ripped it off completely.

Yes. Ouch.

However, I simply cannot put my feet into shoes. They get hot and itchy and they need to breathe. Plus, I rock the flip flop tan.

Most of the time I live in Teva Mush.

I've been wearing these for at least five years. I used to be a Crocs flip flops girl but then I needed some cool flip flops for a photo shoot we were doing. I bought some clearance Teva Mush and fell. in. love. I probably own a good half dozen pair, including the pair pictured above.

However, I've been noticing this spring that my knees and heels are bothering me in the evenings. Some of you would say "stop wearing flip flops!". I can't. My solution is to buy better flip flops.

I started my search for the best flip flop for my everyday purposes and for walking at Disney by purchasing some Keens.

I really like how they cover that big toe. They're not really that comfortable, though. I wore them to work yesterday -- and probably will again today -- and they're getting better. In addition, I had no knee/heel pain last night. I'm thinking maybe they needed broke in, and that trying to break them in by doing serious exercise walking in them wasn't the best idea. Better to wear them daily, and then try the serious mileage. (Kiah and I walk at least a mile every night... usually more. Weekends we rack up the miles.)

So last week when I was frustrated with the Keens, I did a little shoe research here on the DISboards and found the Ohana flip flop. That's the style. The brand is some Hawaiian name that escapes me at the moment. Anyway, I ordered this:

I have yet to read a bad review on these shoes. I'm hoping they're the ones.

If not, I also ordered some Sanuk Yoga Mat flips:

The two new pair should be here in less than a week. Gives me time to break them in. And figure out which pair are going to be my "wear every day" pair and which ones are going to be my "give the feet a break" pairs. I've seriously packed a suitcase full of flip flops in the past. This time, I'd like to stick to no more than 5 pair.

I have a sickness. I know it.

I'm hoping Dan the Budget Man doesn't find out.

 

[Avery&Todd]

OMG!! I think that I might have found my "siter from another mother"!!!

Finally, someone who might actually understand my need to coordinate shirts for a trip....

just yesterday I decided we're doing matching "Thing 1, Thing 2, Mom of Things & Dad of Things" tshirts!! and we'll be trying to do the Mickey Head tie-dyed ones too!!

and what trip is successful without a spreadsheet? I mean, come on!!

and....

this is what sealed the deal...when I knew that you were like me..

who else could appreciate a "flip flop tan"?????

My friends and family think I'm a nutso.....but when my little piggies get so nice and nutty brown....*sigh*..its just heaven...

I can admit that my flip flop of choice right now is a Teeva Mush - and I actually bought those Keen's with the toe covers, but my foot is not long enough and it rubbed in between my toes, so they had to go..

I actually LOVE a nike flip flop...with a pink swoosh...because PINK rocks....

but Im intrigued by the yoga mat flip flops....hhmm...might need to check those out..where might a sister find a pair???

I did buy a nice pair of sneakers last year...after we vactioned in Washington, DC and I thought my feet were actually going to fall off my legs after wearing my nike flips for a week...

but, it does slow down the flip flop tan...Im just saying..

so you've hooked me on your PTR and since Im assuming you'll be doing a TR, I'll be there too!!

We'll be in WDW from June 8-14...so we'll just miss you! But..that does mean I'll get back, and once I'm over the sadness from leaving the best place on the planet, I'll be able to relive the magic through your TR!!

oh..and last but certainly NOT least...

I LOVE your park bag!! I've been lurking on D's PTR/TR and she is FABULOUS!! and I just found her Etsy store too...

hmmmmm.....might need to go shopping!!!

 

[Jfstorm]

Chapter 3: Where shall we stay (the short-ish version)

I guess we started where everyone else starts in planning our trip... where are we going to stay?

We stayed at Riverside in 2004 and 2007. It was "our place." I have so many memories of the food court, the pools, our room. We stood out by the river in 2007 and watched a space shuttle launch. I *loved* that place.

However -- and you might have noticed this in our intro photos -- we are no longer a young family. We are a family with 2 teens and a preteen. And unfortunately for us, the younger two are both girls. With the configuration of beds at Riverside (and the new refurb) this would mean my 6 foot tall son would need to sleep on a trundle/murphy bed.

That's not happening, peoples.



And then there's the bathroom issue. We need 2. Not just "it would be great to have 2 bathrooms" but we need 2. I could maybe compromise on this issue if it was a really great room, but when we're talking 2 weeks, I'm thinking we need two.



So... trying to keep this really long story short... we ended up booking Sheraton Vistana for 11 nights. Two bedrooms, two bathrooms. Nice little resort. Got it for $123/night plus taxes. Super duper cheap. Yes, we'll have to rent a car. And yes, we'll have to pay for parking. But hey, we're renting a car! We can go shopping! We can try some new-to-us restaurants! We can shop at Wal-mart!

After our time at Vistana, we'll move to Royal Pacific Resort. I got the cheapest room they offer. I plan to spend little to no time in the room. We'll sleep. We'll survive the bathroom situation. It's four nights, and that unlimited Express Pass thing just can't be beat.

To conclude this not-so-brief chapter, I'm pretty sad that we're not staying onsite. I want that magic bubble. I want what is familiar.

But there's this other side of me that's thankful for the space we'll have. Excited about the opportunity to explore a little outside of that bubble. Excited about trying something new. And determined to write a trip report that will show that you can stay offsite and still have an amazing, magical trip.

Feeling your pain on this! I have the same issue with the genders reversed and add in a new baby boy on top! As of now we are leaving the day you arrive SVR; but that may change so might see ya! I visited SVR on a side trip last week; looks great, I think all in all its a great choice for larger younger families. I'd much rather do onsite too; but 2 rooms and/or Deluxe villa prices are a killer with all the tickets and food. I can tell you the decision to go with RP is a good one. the bathrooms are large and laid out well. Not ideal; but the bennys you get outweigh the slight claustophobia for a few days. Its like a magic fastpass! If you guys have not been to HP yet I have some tips, I'll read on to see if they are appropriate. Looking forward to enjoying the TR!

 

[Jfstorm]

One of the nice things about planning this off site trip has been that there has been no discussion re: dining plan vs. not doing the dining plan. We can't do the dining plan. And I am OK with that.

The dining plan as it exists now is not a good deal for us. We don't eat dessert. All of our kids are Disney adults, and the price is outrageous for 5 adults for 11 days. We like to eat table service... but not every single day.


Tusker House lunch. My teens really pushed for Boma for this one, but I really feel that is too far outside Dan's comfort zone. So Tusker House it is. Not sure how I feel about it being a character meal, but the teens are so excited about it that I now we won't cut this one.

Plaza at MK for dinner. If I can get us the Wishes dessert party, this one will get cut. I really want the dessert party. Kiah really doesn't. I'm going to win this one because I'm the mom. I have yet to actually be able to sit and see fireworks at Disney. We've watched them from behind the castle, from the bridge to Splash Mountain, from everywhere but the hub. And I like dessert. I have my heart set on the desssert party. And Dan the budget man said I could book it. Kiah really likes the menu at the Plaza, but I think we could probably get the same sandwiches, etc. at Panera. So it goes.

Sci Fi Dine In. This is Tater's favorite place and frankly, the CS options at Hollywood Studios are just not good. I went ahead and made this ADR, knowing we might need to drop some and thinking that this would be one that I wouldn't miss too much. So basically I knew Dan would want to cut 2 or 3, and I needed to give him 2 or 3 that wouldn't break my heart.

Ohana breakfast. Ches loves Lilo & Stitch and this was the last TS meal we did on our last trip. We went to MK, did rope drop and a few things we loved, went to Ohana for the last possible seating, had an excellent, relaxed brunch, then back over to MK to see Philharmagic... and then we said goodbye to Disney. We want that to become a tradition, so I've booked us the last seating for breakfast. We won't drop this one.



Mythos at Islands of Adventure. Mythos gets such rave reviews that I thought we should give it a try. I know Dan will be all over the fried chicken wrap with mashed potatoes inside. That is the stuff his dreams are made of.

some unasked for opinions based on my experience: epcot counter service at Tangierine Cafe. Falafel sandwich for Tater. Reeks of awesomeness and a great place to grab to go for Illuminations if you are on that side.

Mythos is very good; beware the "dizzy bathrooms". seriously DO NOT drink and then go into the RRs here. it will mess with your mind. go into them to see what I mean. Mythos is kinda pricey for that many people though. #1 on my list at IOA is the "insert name here, I'm forgetting the name" used to be Tree tavern now Hogsmeade counter service @ WWofHP. Fish and chips, Butter Beer, Pumpkin Juice Oh My! Trust me you will be buying many BBeers and PJuices once they try them. I have allocated $100 just for butter Beers on our HP day. well worth it too. If you do Mythos do the "sushi" desert. very cool.
Try Pollo Campero in DTD. Great FRESH ingredients, very health conscious and Vegie/vegan friendly. Also has a fantastic Gluten free bakery. Weirdly nutritious but fantastic. Closest thing to real Mexican ever.
I have also gone the way of doing Tusker House for Lunch instead of Boma. Much less expensive but the same flavors and experience. If you book the right time you get KS fastpasses; eat lunch then go straight on Safari while digesting as well as Priority seating for Nemo.
CP is a fave but is for the younger kids. Plaza feels like a rip off to me for sandwiches you can have elsewhere for less. During June you can still get a decent spot for Wishes if you head over that direction about 20 minutes before. do not miss the Castle show anyway. It was a huge surprise on our last trip and a great addition. Tear jerker too.

 

[Jfstorm]

End of March Update


Now here's the deal... I had talked to Dan about how I really wanted to do the dessert party. I have never ever actually watched the fireworks at Disney as they were intended. In 2004, we watched while we were on Splash Mountain. In 2007, we didn't watch them (I have no idea why... we did Illuminations instead, I think). In 2009, we had a great spot at Disneyland and then they kicked us out for VIPs. I was irritated, but hey, it's still Disney, so we went to watch by It's a Small World... which was also reserved for VIPs (it was the first night of Summer Nightastic and there were all kinds of celebrities around. My kids saw Mitchell Musso and Selena Gomez and I saw Slash from Guns N Roses, so I could not be too annoyed). We ended up watching from Fantasyland, in front of Dumbo. Got some great photos, but we weren't seeing them as they were intended with the perimeter fireworks surrounding the castle.

So I told Dan the Budget Man how I really wanted to see the fireworks. And that Disney has this great little dessert party that is about $30/person. Buffet of desserts and reserved seating for Wishes. I want. Dan said, "Book it." I said, "I can't yet."


special Note: once again, make sure you catch the Castle projection show before Wishes when you are in the Park. Now, IF you miss it or have a bad seat at dessert (it happens) or just want to see it again (it WILL happen) here's a HUGE tip: on a WAter Park day of other, make a ADR at Poly, Contemp, or GF. Doesnt matter which really. Make it for about an hour or so before Wishes. Drive to that resort and you park free. then take monorail to the Poly. Grab a dole whip or whatever treat at Cpt. cook's then go onto the beach and scope out a seat on the beach about half way to the right. pull chairs back close to the sidewalk. When wishes starts you will have a panoramic AWESOME view of the fireworks as intended to be seen; WITH the Music and sound piped in from Speakers hiden by the sidewalk!!! A super option for non-park days or for people who like the lights and music but not the super load upclose boom (think babies). You can do the same from GF or contempo but the Poly has best view. Afterward tour around buying souveneers etc. from the resorts on the monorail line. then head back to the Hotel satisfied!

 

[Jfstorm]

OK, sorry I hijacked your Tr with all the posts at once. last one! That bag and the Caps are pure awesomeness! Seasons 52 is a great recommendation!
I'll be subscribing to your TR and you have inspired me to (maybee) do one of my own. I'd love to pass on all the "useless" knowledge I've culled from 13 years of being a WDW Dad tripping solo and on a shoestring budget most of the time with my little (now Huge tall) guy. It will be a totally diffeent feel this time with 6 instead of 2 and a 6 mo. old on his first WDW trip. I tear up just thinging of holding that little guy on my shoulders when wishes start....
If we move over as planned to onsite on the 15th perhaps we can see about a pay it forward package you guys can use??? I'm thinking of doing as recommended on the SVR board and picking up some inexpensive putters and balls for putt putt etc. and any food we have left will need to go. no room if we do a Value or Moderate for Father's Day. Of course; I'm still hoping my dream will come true and I'll be surprised by a 3 night at the BLT, WL, or Poly combined with a FD dinner ADR at California Grill!!!

 

[BrerMama]

OMG!! I think that I might have found my "siter from another mother"!!!

Finally, someone who might actually understand my need to coordinate shirts for a trip....

just yesterday I decided we're doing matching "Thing 1, Thing 2, Mom of Things & Dad of Things" tshirts!! and we'll be trying to do the Mickey Head tie-dyed ones too!!

and what trip is successful without a spreadsheet? I mean, come on!!

and....

this is what sealed the deal...when I knew that you were like me..

who else could appreciate a "flip flop tan"?????

My friends and family think I'm a nutso.....but when my little piggies get so nice and nutty brown....*sigh*..its just heaven...

I can admit that my flip flop of choice right now is a Teeva Mush - and I actually bought those Keen's with the toe covers, but my foot is not long enough and it rubbed in between my toes, so they had to go..

I actually LOVE a nike flip flop...with a pink swoosh...because PINK rocks....

but Im intrigued by the yoga mat flip flops....hhmm...might need to check those out..where might a sister find a pair???

I did buy a nice pair of sneakers last year...after we vactioned in Washington, DC and I thought my feet were actually going to fall off my legs after wearing my nike flips for a week...

but, it does slow down the flip flop tan...Im just saying..

so you've hooked me on your PTR and since Im assuming you'll be doing a TR, I'll be there too!!

We'll be in WDW from June 8-14...so we'll just miss you! But..that does mean I'll get back, and once I'm over the sadness from leaving the best place on the planet, I'll be able to relive the magic through your TR!!

oh..and last but certainly NOT least...

I LOVE your park bag!! I've been lurking on D's PTR/TR and she is FABULOUS!! and I just found her Etsy store too...

hmmmmm.....might need to go shopping!!!

Oh welcome, welcome! Yes. I am all about the flip flops. I'm presenting today at an inservice and I'm worrying about my shoes. I'm thinking the Keens again. They make me feel taller.

Feeling your pain on this! I have the same issue with the genders reversed and add in a new baby boy on top! As of now we are leaving the day you arrive SVR; but that may change so might see ya! I visited SVR on a side trip last week; looks great, I think all in all its a great choice for larger younger families. I'd much rather do onsite too; but 2 rooms and/or Deluxe villa prices are a killer with all the tickets and food. I can tell you the decision to go with RP is a good one. the bathrooms are large and laid out well. Not ideal; but the bennys you get outweigh the slight claustophobia for a few days. Its like a magic fastpass! If you guys have not been to HP yet I have some tips, I'll read on to see if they are appropriate. Looking forward to enjoying the TR!

I'm very excited about Vistana. Sent in my Diamond Lane form over the weekend! Thanks for all your helpful comments, and thanks for reading along!

 

[Jaaaacki]

I'm getting caught up!!! Love your park bag especially the yellow ruffle. I can't believe you've only got 7 ADR's, sneak a few more in!

 

[momabaarjo]

Only $100 for butter beer...?! Me thinks you need double that!!!

I so love the park bag!

I love the early ADR aty Crystal Palace...and the buffet is not bad either although Tigger made me mad...

 

[BrerMama]

I'm getting caught up!!! Love your park bag especially the yellow ruffle. I can't believe you've only got 7 ADR's, sneak a few more in!

I think about the ADRs a lot, but I can't figure out which ones I'd add. I'd love to add one at Epcot, but my family very strongly wants to snack around the world. Since I can't even decide which one to add, they win.

Only $100 for butter beer...?! Me thinks you need double that!!!

I so love the park bag!

I love the early ADR aty Crystal Palace...and the buffet is not bad either although Tigger made me mad...

Oh no. I hope it's just Tigger and not the restaurant. Your bad restaurant karma cannot follow you to Disney!

 

[BrerMama]

Chapter 16
Day Three: Hollywood Studios

I have mixed feelings about Hollywood Studios.

It's really not much.

2 thrill rides, one family ride. And then... stuff. It doesn't have animals like Animal Kingdom (we love animals so we can spend hours there just walking around). It doesn't have the World Showcase like Epcot. It's just got stuff about movies, and that's just not that exciting.

However, the two thrill rides are huge draws for my adrenaline junkies.

I'm really not sure how this day is going to go. I expect we'll do what everyone else does and go to Toy Story right away. I don't expect that we'll fastpass it as well as ride it. We've done TSMM at California Adventure and while it was fun... it wasn't fun enough that I want to tie up my time with a Fastpass that has to be used within the window. If I could grab an early Fastpass and then use it anytime... maybe.

So my plan in my head is over to Toy Story, ride. Then cross the park to Rock N Roller Coaster, get Fastpasses. Walk over to Tower of Terror and let those who want to ride, ride. Tater and I will definitely not ride. I am terrified of heights and nothing scares me more in this life than the idea of Tower of Terror. Brady is just not a rider and thrill rides are definitely not his thing. Ches is giving the idea a big thumbs down, but I think her sister begging plus a promise of something in the gift shop from dad just may get her on the ride.

We'll then head back over to the coaster and use our Fastpasses. I expect that everyone but Tater will ride this one.

Funny story... when planning our last trip, I had decided that RNRC was going to be my first upside down roller coaster. I'm not a huge coaster fan, but I was so intrigued by the idea of having music playing during the trip and then it being in the dark. I could do it.

I talked Kiah into riding with me. She *is* an adrenaline junkie, but at the time she hadn't done inversions either. My sister, who was also there, totally chickened out. So we had lots of Fastpasses, and used them to head right into the preshow. Me, Dan, Kiah, and my BIL.

I had even read up and knew where to put ourselves in the preshow so that we could get out and onto the ride fastest. You see... I was trying to get myself through it as fast as possible. I knew if I stopped to think, I'd likely chicken out.

So we're in the ride vehicle and they're moving us onto the track.

And Kiah has a meltdown. "I don't want to ride. I don't want to do this."

Um, too late.

We loved it. When it was over, we got stuck waiting to unload. I dissolved into hysterical giggles. When I say hysterical, I mean hysterical. Like "Holy Cow, I'm still alive!" giggles. I'm sure those trapped on the ride with me thought I'd done lost my ever lovin mind.

Anyway... I'm riding RNRC. Yes, I am. Many times. I only rode once last trip because after that day with my extended family, it was only the 5 of us and with Ches & Tater not riding, I wasn't willing to let them stay without an adult. Tater will be 18 when we go. Plenty old enough to be by himself in the parks now.

So we'll knock out those three rides, reriding if we want.

At 11 am, we have an ADR at Prime Time Cafe. This is Dan's favorite place to eat in the entire world. It's Father's Day. It's a no brainer. I'm considering getting the meatloaf. I've always had the chicken, but I really don't eat much fried chicken any longer. Dan always gets something with mashed potatoes. Mashed potates are his favorite food and I refuse to make them. I once told him I'd make them if he got me a KitchenAid. I've had the KitchenAid for three years. He has had only instant from my kitchen. Seriously... could a side dish *be* any more work? First you peel. Then you boil. Then you mash. That's way too much work for me.

Dessert will hopefully be cupcakes at Starring Rolls.

Have you seen those cupcakes?

On the way out, maybe we'll stand in a really hot line to get my photo taken with my favorite character:

I expect today to be one of those 3/4 days. Stay until 3 or 4 pm, then back to the resort to relax. We've seen Fantasmic twice and been unimpressed both times. Early night. Or not. I have no idea. Flexible, remember?

Won't it be interesting to see how our plans mesh with reality?