Calling all Chicago DISers #2

[macraven]

it's finally november 1st.............


slo returns today



hope she used sunscreen....

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Welcome Home Slo!! Hope you had a good time.
Hi Mac. Best of luck and lots of pixie dust for your upcoming surgery.
Kids had a great T/T day. Lots of candy here!! ANYONE?! I will surely be sitting on a few Reese's in the near future.
Well off to bed with my head!!!
Night all.

 

[KimRaye]

Happy Belated Halloween everyone! A Belated BOO!!!

I have some HSM3 Premiere pics, but they're on Snapfish, and I don't think I can link from them to here. If you want to see them, send me your email and I'll 'share'.

Have a nice Sunday!

 

[Bunchkin]

Hi all!


I'm here unusually late!
Waiting for someone's sheets to finish in the washing machine!!!
Hunter is sick and has a fever. He drank a bunch of water earlier and I thought he went to the bathroom before going to bed. At least I thought he went when he was in there. Guess not!!
Poor guy was soaked. So DH cleaned the mattress while I gave Hunter a shower. Now I wait for the washer to be done. Fun, fun, fun!!



Our weekends garage sale went really well. And the weather sure was helpful too.


Trick-or-treating was good here. In fact, the whole sub division was packed with people. It was like a scene in a movie!! We went thought so much candy, Tootsie Pops, popcorn balls and granola bars (I threw those in when it looked like I was running out of everything else!!!!).


back to slo!!!
Hope you had a great trip!!! How was it staying at the timeshare?




Kim You can send me a link to those pics!




I think the washer is done. Time to put those sheets and mattress pad in the dryer. Hunter is already sound asleep in my bed. And DH just went to crash on the couch!

 

[slo]

Thanks for the welcome homes guys!!!!!

We got home yesterday at approx. 6:30pm, and as soon as I saw all the dead flowers that I have to pull out today, I immediately wanted to run back to Florida Luckily, I did most of it before I left, but the ones that are left looked to nice to pull out earlier. So, I know what I'm doing today, along with all the laundry.


Let me sum up our vacation for you -----
Record breaking (literally)
It was dry, but I was wearing gloves, because it was so
It was colder this trip, than what it was when Kevin and I went in January - CRAZY!!!!!


Here's a quick recap of our trip..........

The condo we stayed at was AWESOME!!! Wait till I show you the pictures. We had so much space, and I loved being able to have breakfast at the condo most of the time - it was nice to not have to rush to an ADR all the time. Plus, I didn't feel so stuffed all the time - it was great!!! Plus, it was great being able to keep alot of extra type of food too. Thanks for Tiiiigerrrnnnnn, she gave me a tip to take Smuckers Unsmuckable frozen PB&J's into the parks - we did, and it was great, no buying lunch (thanks for that tip!!!) We kept water at the condo, so I would carry that to the parks everyday too, along with some Crystal Light lemonade pouches, which the girls loved. After we finished the water, I just filled it at water fountains. In conclusion - we will probably never be staying on property again, that's how much we loved it there!!!!! Very very happy!!!!!


Sunday we went to Sea World - this day was not to cold (mid 80's). We spent all day there, and it was fun. I can't say we'll be running back there the next time we are in Florida. But we enjoyed it this time. The girls enjoyed the dolphin show and the Shamu show - they were really good!!!! It was weird being in a park where I needed a map to get around - I felt like such a tourist


Monday we went to the MK - this day was cooler, and it got really cool/cold and windy at night. The crowds were alot more, which was annoying - I'm so spoiled with Septembers low crowds But we played our cards right, and we didn't have to wait much. For the first time we had to get Fastpasses - we never get these in September. Katie was finally tall enough to go on rides with us, which was just great!!!!! For the first time, the girls did the Swiss Family Tree House - we always avoided this before (couldn't be bothered to waste the time on it). The girls enjoyed this!!!! Then we went on Pirates, and then Stephanie got to participate with Captain Jack at The Pirate Tutorial We then went on Splash Mountain, Big Thunder, Haunted Mansion, avoided Fantasyland (to many people). Went to Tomorrowland where we did Stitch (I really don't enjoy that ride/show) and did the new Monsters Comedy thing, and we really enjoyed that!!!! Then we did the Carousel of Progress (first time for all of us), and then did Buzz. Went back to Fantasyland and did Small World, and then lined up for Spectromagic and then Wishes - that was our day in a nut shell!!!!

Tuesday was cold!!!
We hung out at the condo until 3pm, and while we where there, we could here the wind howl. Stephanie worked on some schoolwork that day, and then at night was the MNSSHP. We had 4:10pm ADR at LTT, and then after that we were able to hit rides we did Monday, and also the Fantasyland rides that we weren't able to do Monday - it was great!!! It was cold that night (see your breath cold) that we ended up leaving at 10:30pm. We were all freezing, and poor Katie was just miserable. We decided that even though we paid money to be there, it wouldn't be any fun if the girls got sick, and if they are obviously miserable from the cold. The cold really ruined that night for us!!!!!

Wednesday was cold too!!! I wore my gloves all day
We were at MGM that day, and it was fun!!
The second I got there, I left the family at the front gate, and very briskly walked to Toy Story Mania to get a fastpass, and I was successful. At 10pm, the fastpass time was already at 2:30pm, and by 2:30pm when we rode it, the fastpasses were gone - very popular ride!!!!!
That day we did the new Playhouse Disney show (I wasn't thrilled with it), and the girls enjoyed it. Then we saw Muppets 3D, the cars stunt show, and then Toy Story Mania (which was a very cute and fun ride). After that we rushed to see the new parade (which I don't need to see again), and then we went on Star Tours (first time for Kevin and the girls). I had to really talk Katie through Star Tours, she was not enjoying it . After that we walked towards ToT, so I could go on that, and then we could sit down for Fantasmic. As I was about to go on ToT, Katie says that she wants to come This is the kid that was just freaking out over StarTours. So I measured her up, and she could go. She ended up LOVING the ride As soon as we were done, she wanted to go again I was SHOCKED!!!!! Then we sat down for Fantasmic, and we froze sitting there. Even Kevin was freezing, and he is rarely freezing. After that we rushed to the car, cranked up the heat, and went back to the condo, and we all went to bed.

Thursday we were at Epcot and this was a nice day. The weather started off cold, but I was able to take off my jacket in the afternoon. The first thing I did was run to The Land to get a fastpass for Sorin, and then we did Spaceship Earth, which slightly changed - it was refreshing!!!! Then we did Ellens Energy Adventure, and then got fastpasses for Test Track. We then walked around the countries and did Maelstrom for the first time, and also watched the American Adventure show for the first time. We then walked to Japan where Stephanie and I picked an oyster. Both of our oysters had the largest pearl for the day, which was awesome. Stephanie put hers in a youthful type necklace, and I put mine in a pin. We then walked back to Test Track, where Katie went on for the first time - she just sorta liked it. Then we went and ate at The Garden Grill, and then did Sorin - this was Katie's first time for this also, and she LOVED it!!!!! We then walked back to Japan to get the pearls, and then sat and waited for Illuminations. We parked at The Poly that day, so when we got back there to leave, we went to Captain Cooks to get a Dole Whip, and it tasted it yummy!!!!!

Friday was Animal Kingdom day, and it was a little warmer that day (no gloves and I could wear capris ). We went on the safari, and many animals were out - it was great, and the girls enjoyed it. Then we walked over to Expedition Everest and got a fastpass for that. Stephanie didn't want to go, but I told her to bad, she's going anyway. Then we went on Dinosaur, and we all hated that. The girls were scared, and Kevin and I didn't like how jerky it was - my neck really hurt afterwards - we'll never go on that again Then we went to see It's Tough to be a Bug, and I enjoyed that. I never saw the whole thing before, because I had to leave with Stephanie when she was 4, because she was scared. We went back to the EE, and did that, and we all loved it, even Stephanie. We then left after that, because we really don't enjoy that park (no offense to those that do like it). So we went back to Epcot, and did Sorin again, Kevin and Steph did Test Track again, and then we did Journey into Imagination, and then Spaceship Earth again - we left at 6pm.


Then Saturday we went to DTD to pick-up a couple last minute things and then went to the airport to come home.



I didn't talk about the food...........
Saturday afternoon - Sonic and it was great!!!!
Saturday night - House of Blues (we like it there both there and Chicago)

Monday morning - Chef Mickeys. We'll never be back. The price raised to $28.99 per adult, and the food was NOT WORTH that money I never loved the food there, and I liked it even less this year. This is definitly our last year there.
Monday night - Kona Cafe. This was okay, but the prices raised there too. I was looking forward to their filet, but that was no longer on the menu. This will be our last time eating here for dinner too. I would have been happier at The Olive Garden close to our condo.

Tuesday night - Liberty Tree Tavern. The price here also raised to $28.99 per adult, but I do love this meal. This is the last year for the characters, so I will be curious if this price stays the same for 2009. If it does, than we won't be back, if the price goes down, than we will.

Wednesday night - SciFi. It cost us over $100 to eat here, and we won't be back here either. The atmosphere is great, but the food is not worth the money. They didn't have any hamburgers on the dinner menu, but I knew they did for lunch, so I asked if I could have it, and they said yes. I didn't know the price, since I didn't have that menu, but Kevin and I both ordered it, and I thought the price would be lower. I was SHOCKED when we got the bill. Kevin did order 1 alcholic drink, but still - OMG!!!!!! We won't be back

Thursday morning we at Kona Cafe for breakfast so Kevin and I could get our Tonga Toast - that was awesome as normal!!! We will be back there!!!!!
Thursday night - Garden Grill. The price there also raised to $28.99 per adult, and I do love this character meal. I don't agree with the cost, but I do enjoy it, so we will probably be back there.

Friday afternoon we picked up McDonalds and ate it in the car between AK and Epcot.
Friday night we at Chevy's, which is outside Disney property, and it's a Mexican restaurant - it was very yummy!!!!!!


In conclusion, about the food, we were very disappointed in how much WDW raised the prices for food. Business wise, I can understand why they do it. This was they can raise the price for the dining plan, and people pay it, and never look back. People like Kevin and I, who don't have the dining plan suffer, but that's okay. We've come to the conclusion a long time ago that we don't love alot of the food on property anyway, so we'll just eat off property and save ALOT of money. Now that Katie is getting older, I don't feel the need to do as many character meals anyway, so it works out fine I just wish I knew the price increases before we went this year, or I wouldn't have booked as many character dinners, but you live and learn right?!


In the end, we had a really great trip!!!
Katie didn't use a stroller the whole trip, which was great!!!
Katie got to ride all the rides, which was great!!!!
We tried new things, which was great!!!!
We loved the condo, which was great!!!!
Everything was great!!!!



Now I must get some breakfast on the table.
I will catch up on what I missed tomorrow while I eat my lunch.
Have a great day everyone!!

 

[HERSEY]

Slo Glad you enjoyed your trip overall. Yes the prices are outrageous. We get the annual pass so we can get the dining experience card. They changed the name of that I can't remember the new name. That saves us a lot of money.

Yesterday was a little to chilly today should be better . I still have to rake never got that far yesterday.

Did everyone remember about the time change?

Bunchkin I hope Hunter feels better soon and none of the rest of you get sick.

Well I better get a move on before nothing gets done again.

 

[irish dancer]

Hi guys - just a quick drive by as we have to get showers done and get to church.

slo - Welcome Back!! I'm glad you liked the condo and sorry the weather was so cold, what a bummer. We did SciFi for dinner last year - yuck! Lunch was OK but wouldn't go back for dinner, even if it was free. I hear you on the food prices, we don't get the DDP either since Mairead is an "adult" it is not worth the price for us. Wish we could go during the free dining, would love that!

Bunchkin - so sorry Hunter is sick, I hope he feels better soon. I think we'll be back at the MD this week as DS is coughing up a storm and has been a real crab for a week and I'm wondering if he might have an ear infection again.
*Congrats to Lauren on earning her first belt!

Hersey - I think they changed the name of DDE to Tables in Wonderland

disneygal - I taught Irish dance, had my own dance school for 17yrs.

Tiggerrn - I've thought about taking some of the kids stuff to Once Upon a Child but I know I won't be happy with what they give me. The girls had tons of Gymboree stuff that is in like new condition. Maybe I should put some up on eBay......

mac - prayers for your surgery, I hope everything goes well.

Well, I've got to run. It's my turn for the shower and I want to get in before Mairead or there'll be no hot water left . Have a great day everyone.

 

[Crissup]

Thanks for the welcome homes guys!!!!!

Welcome Back Slo!!

I agree, the food prices at Disney really seem to be getting out of hand. We still enjoy a few of the buffets, but we're getting more selective. Of course, Trail's End Buffeteria is still one of the best kept secrets and cheapest buffets on property. We always enjoy this!

Yes, having a kitchen is great! That's one of the reasons we have such a hard time when not staying in a Vacation Club property. We're spoiled by our DVC rooms with the full kitchens, Jacuzzi tubs and washer and dryers.

I agree about the Animal Kingdom. Many people just think it's the best of the four parks. For me, it's always been a park that we'll hit if we have time to kill, and we rarely ever spend an entire day there. We're not interested in the animals because we can see those at the Brookfield or Lincoln Park zoos. Expedition Everest was a let down for me. I couldn't see the Yeti. Someone told me you had to crane your head and look carefully. Well, sorry, but if it's a trick to try and see the biggest effect on the ride, then it's not worth it for me. And Countdown to Extinction (Dinosaur) I've always felt is turn the lights out, jostle you around, turn the lights back on briefly so you get a quick glimpse of the scenery, then lights back out, jostle you around, etc...

We get the annual pass so we can get the dining experience card. They changed the name of that I can't remember the new name.

Tables in Wonderland. This last trip, Carol and I finally tried the Dining Plan. While it is a good deal, if you're interested in eating all that food, it seemed a bit too much, even for us. Fortunately, we were able to use it at the Food and Wine Festival, so we did use it all up. When we had dinner, we still used the Tables in Wonderland (DDE Card) for anything that wasn't covered by the Dining Plan.

Also, the Celebration Towne Tavern, in Celebration, will also accept the TiW card for a 10% discount. Excellent food and well worth the trip!

 

[HERSEY]

John I was going to ask what the TiW card was but I figured it out. It is going to be awhile before I can remember that name. Maybe the next trip I'll get brave and rent a car. So we can go off property.

We enjoyed Trails end also. Since I have allergies I got a whole slab of the corn bread for our table so it wasn't handled by people who touched nut products. This allergy sure pays off sometimes but mostly it is a pain in the butt.

 

[geffric]

Werlcome home SLO - sorry that you were cold..

I am so sad to hear about the prices.. they were always high but that sounds outrageuos.. I am so glad we have DVC and can do alot of meals in the condo and then pick the really nice restuarants for a special meal..

 

[macraven]

welcome back slo.

 

[macraven]

Friday November 07 at 7 pm on Food Network is another Disney Related
Food Network Challenge. "Cirque De Soleil Cakes" These cakes are
specifically themed to Downtown Disney's La Nouba. This show was on
earlier this year, but this is the first time I have listed it.

------------ --

This week's listings have been posted to
http://www.bartlett -sloan.net/ tv

---
Please Note - All times listed are for the Eastern Time Zone. Adjust
accordingly.
---

On Wednesday November 05, 2008 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM on the Travel Channel is

Walt Disney World Resorts: Behind the Scenes
Explore Disney's Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot Center, and
Disney-MGM Studios in this in-depth behind-the-scenes tour. Orlando,
Florida, once a sleepy town, has become the nation's #1 vacation spot
and a rite of passage for children the world over.

This show will repeat
Friday November 07, 2008 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

---

On Thursday November 06, 2008 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on DHD -
Discovery High Def is

Undiscovered Walt Disney World
Little-known attractions and exclusive side trips at the
family-themed amusement park include a personal yacht trip and deluxe
meals at the chef's table

---

On Friday November 07, 2008 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on DHD -
Discovery High Def. is

Walt Disney World Ultimate 10
Walt Disney World is known for its tradition, deep rooted in family
entertainment while keeping thrill seekers coming back for more
adrenaline charged adventures. Hear from the creators, innovators, and
critics who make the ultimate in Disney thrillers

---

On Friday November 07, 2008 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM on the Travel Channel is

Disney Cruise Line
An examination of the cruise line includes the ship's galley,
engine control room and provisioning areas, its Broadway-style theatre
and the palatial Walt Disney Suite.

---

On Friday November 07, 2008 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Food Network is

Food Network Challenge - Cirque De Soleil Cakes
Competing for a $10,000 grand prize and a gold medal, four expert
pastry chefs design cakes using Cirque de Soleil's "La Nouba" as
inspiration.

---

On Saturday November 08, 2008 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM on TLC is

Jon & Kate Plus 8 Hit the Road
8 kids, 7 states, and 15 hours in one car...it's a road trip like
no other road trip! This summer, all 10 Gosselins will pile into their
gigantic blue bus and head south, to where else...Disneyworld!

---

 

[macraven]

Friday November 07 at 7 pm on Food Network is another Disney Related
Food Network Challenge. "Cirque De Soleil Cakes" These cakes are
specifically themed to Downtown Disney's La Nouba. This show was on
earlier this year, but this is the first time I have listed it.

------------ --

This week's listings have been posted to
http://www.bartlett -sloan.net/ tv

---
Please Note - All times listed are for the Eastern Time Zone. Adjust
accordingly.
---

On Wednesday November 05, 2008 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM on the Travel Channel is

Walt Disney World Resorts: Behind the Scenes
Explore Disney's Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot Center, and
Disney-MGM Studios in this in-depth behind-the-scenes tour. Orlando,
Florida, once a sleepy town, has become the nation's #1 vacation spot
and a rite of passage for children the world over.

This show will repeat
Friday November 07, 2008 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

---

On Thursday November 06, 2008 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on DHD -
Discovery High Def is

Undiscovered Walt Disney World
Little-known attractions and exclusive side trips at the
family-themed amusement park include a personal yacht trip and deluxe
meals at the chef's table

---

On Friday November 07, 2008 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on DHD -
Discovery High Def. is

Walt Disney World Ultimate 10
Walt Disney World is known for its tradition, deep rooted in family
entertainment while keeping thrill seekers coming back for more
adrenaline charged adventures. Hear from the creators, innovators, and
critics who make the ultimate in Disney thrillers

---

On Friday November 07, 2008 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM on the Travel Channel is

Disney Cruise Line
An examination of the cruise line includes the ship's galley,
engine control room and provisioning areas, its Broadway-style theatre
and the palatial Walt Disney Suite.

---

On Friday November 07, 2008 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Food Network is

Food Network Challenge - Cirque De Soleil Cakes
Competing for a $10,000 grand prize and a gold medal, four expert
pastry chefs design cakes using Cirque de Soleil's "La Nouba" as
inspiration.

---

On Saturday November 08, 2008 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM on TLC is

Jon & Kate Plus 8 Hit the Road
8 kids, 7 states, and 15 hours in one car...it's a road trip like
no other road trip! This summer, all 10 Gosselins will pile into their
gigantic blue bus and head south, to where else...Disneyworld!

---

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

Hi everyone!!! Hope you all are doing well! This weekend was AMAZING weather huh?? here are the kiddies for halloween! haha! autumns ghost costume was her own creation and seemed to be the biggest hit at all the houses, who would have figured!?

 

[slo]

Thanks for all the welcome homes!!!!!


I am so sore from being so busy yesterday.
The weather was awesome (warmer than some days at WDW), and I really took advantage of it. All flowers are now pulled out, all hostas & daylilies are now cut down, all pots and lawn ornaments are now put away, and all pool furniture and deck items are all put under a large tarp. The yard is officially ready for winter. Than I came in the house and started unpacking and doing laundry - it was a very productive day!!!


HERSEY - That's great about that dining card. If we start spending more time down there with this time share, than I"ll have to look into getting an annual pass

ID - I wasn't that thrilled with SciFi's food either . The girls got tomato soup with their dinner and it was nasty!!!! This was STephanie's pick on where to eat this year, and I don't think she will pick it again. Oh....I got your shirt. I will get it in the mail ASAP

Bunchkin - How is Hunter feeling today? I hope he is doing better

Crissup - Kevin and I were really let down with EE too (I'm so glad we weren't the only ones ) The only thing I saw of the Yeti was it's eyes, and I thought we were going to see this big white scary Yeti It was fun for us in regards to going as a family, and watching the kids have fun, but outside of that Kevin and I were really let down.

geffric - I got your CD, and I will get that in the mail ASAP

Mac - I haven't read past posts yet, but from ID's post, I"m gathering you have a surgery coming up I will have to catch up on all that later. More hugs to you and lots of PD for a successful surgery

DMM - The kids look great!!!! I bet they got a lot of candy!!!!



Well, I gotta go workout, because it's been almost 2 weeks since I worked out last I thought I was sore now - I'll be even more sore later. Oh well, I guess that's what Advil is for Have a good day!!!

 

[macraven]

is it morning time already....


i need more coffee

 

[geffric]

Morning..

beautiful weather.. i am so glad that the weather is holding and we get one more day... it will be great..Life will settle down here after the election.Geoff is working a lot for the election but then he will have nothing for a week until we get back from Ronoke VA and then he starts at the library. Fremd plays Barlett in the playoffs friday and the band is going so eric has marching band practice plus he has a concert on Wednesday.. he gets to wear tux .. I'll post a picture. he should look very nice..

. i got the train schedule this am coming downtown.. all my nornal trains are canceled.. wonder if I can work from home tomorrow..


MAC - how are you feeling??

SLO thanks for the CD, let me know what I owe you for it..

 

[disneygal922]

Good Morning Everyone! Beautiful weather today! Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Slo ~ Welcome home! Sorry it was so chilly for your trip! Glad you had a great time!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Morning all!! Looks like it is going to be a great day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I will be walking the dog and enjoying some outside time today. A last mowing of the empty lot next door and a grilling out of some burgers for dinner tonight!
Slo, sorry to hear it was so chilly for your vacation. Hard to believe that it will be warmer here this week than it was for you there last week. At least you can enjoy some Florida-like weather here now.
Bunchkin, hope Hunter feels better soon. Congrats to Lauren on her belt. Glad to hear you had a good day for your sale and that it went well.
Need to run to walk the dog. I'll be back later.

 

[Sk8Leigh]

. i got the train schedule this am coming downtown.. all my nornal trains are canceled.. wonder if I can work from home tomorrow..

Weird. I think they just added trains on the BNSF. I wish I could leave early, but no, it's month-end, so I'll be here late. I refuse to stay too late, though. It's going to be a zoo! I'm going to try to be on the 7:40pm train.