Canadian Buffoon's Disney With a Teen Vacation - 08/13 - The Wrap

[jandlinz]

And the older you get, the tougher it gets.

That's what my dad says. He's 65 and just got 1st shift a few months ago, since all of second shift got laid off, except him. We were so thankful he got to keep his job.

 

[pkondz]

Another captive here checking in for the morning report

Hey! How'z it going over in Dubai?
Nevermind! I see you answer that below.

Yes, this is my first time in Dubai (still here, by the way, going home at the end of the week). It's a nice place, if a bit on the expensive side.

I would've thought it would be expensive.
But surely not everyone is an oil billionaire?

I've seen nearly every make of luxury car in the last 10 days (I'm not a "car guy" but I'm sure that would impress someone).

I'm not really a car guy either, but that does impress me.

I did manage to get away from my training course over the weekend and do an interesting desert safari, complete with dune bashing in a Land Cruiser and camel riding. I even sported the local head gear to mark the occasion.

Cool!
That sounds like something you pretty much have to do while you're there.

And if you'll forgive the intrusion, why don't I hijack your trip report for just a moment to post a couple pictures because, well, why not...

Thanks for the pix! That's an awfully big dog you're kneeling beside.
(Somewhere, someone is oohing over the knit muzzle.)

Yes, I did ride the camel after, which was actually not as easy as I thought it would be. You know the saying what goes up must come down. Well, to get started, you sit on the camel when he's lying down (as above). He stands up with his front legs, then his back, so you're at an angle when only one pair of legs are up. Not so bad on the way up, but going back down with the front legs first, I nearly tumbled head over heels off the beast! Oh well, an experience for sure.

I would've paid to see that.
What am I saying... I'd pay to do that!

Anyway, now back to the important stuff...

Nope. You covered the important stuff already.

I don't know what Disney does with their waffles, but they are awesome. I try making them at home, but they never turn out quite as good.

It's the shape. It's all in the shape.

I've heard they do some kind of poutine at the Outpost. It sounds like something to try, just to say I've had it.

I'd heard that too. That's why I want to make sure I go there next time.

Oh well, there goes the contest! As much as I do enjoy a Dole whip, I have to confess that I like the citrus swirl a little better. Blasphemy?

Nah. That's okay.
If I can let people like (gasp!) Orbs of Darkness (i.e. Brussels sprouts),
I pretty much have to accept people liking citrus swirl over Dole whip.

I just label you as one of those people to put in the corner and keep an eye on.

I have seen many mixed reviews on this drink. It seems to be a real love it or hate it deal. I had always planned on trying it, but it keeps getting pushed farther down my list.

I doubt I'll get it again.
But you never know.
I might, just to confirm that I'm not really a fan.

Something you probably already know, but since no one told you about Aloha Isle, I'll mention something about the hat shop. If you find the old telephone, when you pick it up you can overhear a "party line" conversation of a lady ordering a hat..or dress?..for her daughter.

Ah! So that's where it is.
Although I'd also heard that they stopped doing the conversation on it?

Now, for the bonus questions.
1. How long until the next monorail?
3 minutes
2. Where's our World Showcase ADR?
(Hint: It's been guessed at least once before.)
Via Napoli (I'll try it again)
3. We get some snacks in Epcot! Two of them, each.
What are they?
(ie: pick 2 snacks)
Strawberry shortcake from Sunshine Seasons and ice cream from Artisans de Glace
4. We do one ride in FW. Which one?
Test Track
5. We see one character by happenstance. Any idea who?
Mary Poppins

Noted.

 

[pkondz]

Hey, I've done the Dubai thing too! Want more cool pix?

Yes!

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2014/...lable-to-celebrate-disneylands-59th-birthday/

Got it! Do you use it, or is it just on display?

eh.... If they aren't prepared in that same way I initially had them, I don't try it.. fear it won't be as delicious lol

Yeah. Me too.

I don't try them for fear that they won't be delicious.

well.... Not EXACTLY what I had in mind! hahaha!
Maybe more like rolled in caramel, bits of bacon ( real bacon, NOT Bacon Bits [GROSS]), and THEN covered in chocolate? Now there's an idea!!

Perfect! Just take out everything except the caramel and chocolate.
I'll have the bacon on the side, later.

OH, EWWWWW.. Nope, nada, nine, no, no, no.... can't stand coleslaw or the smell...

Well, then it looks like we can't run away together after all.
I love coleslaw. I'll hunt for a good coleslaw.

YES, I think the cat finding it was the better bet and funny so they wouldn't be too terribly upset with you!

So maybe I've been looking at it wrong all these years.
Maybe the cat saved my life.


Nah.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

That could be from two movies (or so Google says), and you know...
I don't know that I've ever seen all of The Goonies.

Saw that one once, I do believe. Not a bad bit of fluff.

I was actually quoting something a bit more obscure: “My Favorite Year”.
That one is a couple years older and a guilty pleasure of mine.
It was inspired (very, very loosely) on an early 50’s appearance made by Errol Flynn on Sid Caesar’s “Your Show of Shows”, and more specifically the interactions among the writers and staff (which at the time included the likes of Woody Allen, Neil Simon, Selma Diamond and Mel Brooks-who produced the film). It’s a rather entertaining bit of a lark as films go and highly under rated.

I'm glad I could give her a jumping off point.


ahem.

Let’s hope she gets to the therapy point doesn’t before she gets to the jumping point.

So... You're stupefied?

Well, as a general rule yes…
but even that word didn’t apply fully to the previous reaction

Yes!! That's right!
Who can forget Marlin Perkins:
"Now these lions can be fierce predators. Jim will demonstrate by running around the pride."
Jim: "I'll what?????"

Exactly.

Folks in my family describe the show with pretty much the same type of imagined narration.
Except we always make sure to add something about the shows ubiquitous observation blinds…

Marlin: “so, while I stay here and observe from the blind with the camera crew, Jim will wrestle the thirty foot crocodile, while simultaneously attempting to avoid scaring off the flock of cranes or angering the herd of hippopotamus…”

Nope. Never heard of that. Could be we didn't get that.
We only had three channels.
CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corp) in English, CBC French and CTV.
And there had to be a certain amount of Canadian content.

Very old stuff, that…
I probably saw them as rerun shorts added to some other kids programing on one of the couple of channels we could pick up.

How did you know?!?
That's exactly what I was thinking of when I wrote that!

Well you teed that one up perfectly.
Once you said “This was it. I was dead. …”
My busted mind instantly locked onto Christmas Story (Oooooohhh ffffuuuuuuuddddddge).
There was really no other possible way to respond.

Thank you for restraining yourself.

Well, you did provide a ToT style chicken’s exit.
And, it really would have been too cruel.

As soon as she said it, I knew I had to put that in the TR.
Heck. It was almost the title of the TR.

But then it would've skewed the guesses.

There’d likely have been a lot fewer folks having to give up possible points on a re-guess
(something that I obviously need to go on ahead and consider in the near).

She was just very happy.
Warms my heart.

Ain’t buyin’ it… suppressed maniacal laughter.
She was thinking, “I cannot believe that I’m directly related to this buffoon”…
Admitting is the first step toward healing.

"wafflers trifecta" is that another way of saying coronary bypass?

It is now.

Well done.

Slow and over the plate…
Even I couldn’t miss it.

I was wondering what those four horsemen were doing on my lawn.

I’m sure you hollered at them to get off the lawn, so I suspect we’re all fine now.

I deduct for greed, remember?

Well, I didn’t ask for everyone else’s points…
Just Andy’s (and it’s my job to abuse him).
But point taken (but not literally, of course… right?)

Then again, he’s done gone and made his own life more difficult, so never mind…
He’ll be needing them to make up for the inevitable increased loss of already limited cranial resources.
(that is assuming he remembers to actually ask for them in the first place).

 

[pkondz]

Boo to a rough stretch. . . but I think it is the only reason I was able to make it here to participate in this update!!!

So my pain was your gain!

Hope things are smoothing out a bit.

Well, technically they really won't until I retire.

I know that I am supposed to say 'I'm astonished' to earn some points for something . . . but I can't for the life of me remember why at this point. So there you go. WAIT! It had something do do with brussel sprouts!

Close enough. Bonus points for you!

Looks like a great day! I'm glad Kay's finger issues seems to have cleared up. (that sounds so weird to read!?!?)

That does sound weird.
"We saw the doctor who prescribed an ointment and her finger issue cleared up."

I actually only kind of like the Dole Whip Floats. They are good, but pineapple isn't' really my thing. On the other hand, I love LeFou's Brew! (Though I have found that I can't drink it quickly- better or a slightly longer time) Something for everyone I guess.

Yep. Hence my wine rant.
Different strokes for different folks.
I'll never (I hope) dis someone for having different likes.

Alright, my round 8 guesses.
1. 7 minutes until the next monorail.
2. Chefs de France
3. School Bread and some caramel treat from that shop in Germany.
4. Test Track
5. Peter Pan

Noted.

 

[pkondz]

That really is a mystery.

More like a tragedy.
Especially in winter.

Won't that be fun, when you've been waiting 20 minutes at the bus stop (well, not you, that never happens to you, but for us normal people) and then a bus pulls up and they say, "Sorry, FP+ only."

Nope. 'Cause if you're a DISer, you'll have a FP.
Then you can hold your nose, er... head up high as you board.

Great. There go my chances.

That's the way the cookie crumbles.

Those genes must come from the lady who enjoyed laundry day.

 

[pkondz]

Never! I was truly being genuine. You put a smile on my face with your charisma and charm.

You really want to win this thing, don't you?

Aw! You make me blush.

:

We're fraternal twins. Growing up she had brown hair and blue eyes. I had blonde hair and green/brown eyes. We won a contest in Twinsburgh one year for the most opposite twins.

Do you have any pictures from that??

My mom always says how special it was for her to have twins on Christmas. In fact, her and I are lucky to be alive. She was due on Christmas Eve with a single baby. My mom told the doctor she didn't feel like there was just one, as she had two previous single births. The doctor assured her it was just a big baby and would do my mom's first ever ultrasound on Dec. 26. Needless to say she delivered my sister first and the doctor thought she was done. Well he figured something was up and thought my legs were tumors. He wanted to cut them off and then realized before cutting that they were legs. My mom claims the doctor was elbow deep yanking me out feet first. She lost a lot of blood and had to have a couple transfusions. She reacted to the blood. I think they used whole blood (?) back then. Anyways, my mom was in bad shape and I aspirated meconium that went unnoticed until my beloved uncle rushed in to the nursery saving me. It's all quite dramatic. We hear this story each Christmas from the entire family. I guess it's nice to celebrate your birthday always with your family. My one aunt always, always gets me a card that is special for Christmas birthdays. I love it even now as I'm fully grown. It is hard though. A lot of people forget because they are consumed with their own families, and rightfully so. I've even made my own birthday cake in the last couple of years, since everyone is so busy. I wouldn't change it for the world though. One person who says Happy Birthday on my actual birthday really is a true kind heart and makes my Christmas feel even more special. Oh, and thank you Jesus for my father, my mom wanted to name us Valentina and Vanada, my grandma wanted Holly and Noel. My dad vetoed. I was named after Lindsay Wagner by my dad (I spell it Lindsey though) and they chose Lauren as my sister's name. So sorry for the long story. Hope it didn't bore you to pieces.

You didn't bore me at all!
Thanks so much for sharing. I really enjoyed reading that.

Amazing on so many levels.
That the doc didn't know there were two. That he thought your legs were tumors!!!!
Your mom having a rough time (resonates with me. Ruby did too.)
Your uncle racing in to save the day.
Quite a story!

Huh. I have noticed that, but I guess it never clicked. Thanks.

You're welcome. Please tip the doorman on you way out.

 

[pkondz]

Ponzi, I noticed you had been absent, thought about sending out the bat signal.

I was so beat. I just needed some down time.
And believe it or not, this thing takes time!

How do I get this VIP bus package?

Tour with me.

I can't tell you how many times we've waited forever for a bus!

What is this "waited" you speak of?

I did know my DH was weird before I married him. Not exactly HOW weird but then it was too late!

Yeah, I just keep getting sick. I'm feeling better. Now DH is sick.
Off today to visit DM and friends for three days.

It's been a carousel of flu and pestilence over at your place.
Sure hope everyone starts getting better!

 

[pkondz]

I’m astonished, surprised, and amazed. Disney and Brussel sprouts, say it ain’t so!

It is so!

Um isn’t salad full of vegetables?

Not according to my parents.
Veg are cooked. Salad ain't.
Oddly enough, I really liked salad (still do.)

This story kind of reminds me of my oldest daughter and sandwiches… that one didn’t end as well.

Oh? Do tell!!

Hey now, I was one of those suckers!!!
I could tell you what the holdup was but … you’ll just have to wait and read about it on my TR

Awww... Okay. I'll wait.

I never noticed that.

I haven't either.
Then again, I don't think I've ever sat in the front.

1. My instinct is to say FOREVER because we had so many monorail troubles when we were there, but given the luck you’ve had I’ll say 5 minutes.

2. Via Napoli

3. Cronut and Churro

4. Soarin

5. Mary Poppins

Noted.

 

[pkondz]

That's what my dad says. He's 65 and just got 1st shift a few months ago, since all of second shift got laid off, except him. We were so thankful he got to keep his job.

Wow. It would majorly suck to get laid off at 65!

 

[jandlinz]

Do you have any pictures from that??

I know I've seen them. I'll ask my mom. I'm sure they're in her basement.

You really want to win this thing, don't you?

Aw! It would make my day, but honestly I didn't say that for points. I can't be fake. I don't know how. People can always read me.

Your mom having a rough time (resonates with me. Ruby did too.)

So sorry Ruby had a rough time too. It really puts things in perspective doesn't it?

You're welcome. Please tip the doorman on you way out.

Will that do?

 

[pkondz]

I was actually quoting something a bit more obscure: “My Favorite Year”.

That was the 2nd movie. I figured with those two, the likelihood of you're seeing Goonies was higher.
Apparently, not so much.

It was inspired (very, very loosely) on an early 50’s appearance made by Errol Flynn on Sid Caesar’s “Your Show of Shows”, and more specifically the interactions among the writers and staff (which at the time included the likes of Woody Allen, Neil Simon, Selma Diamond and Mel Brooks-who produced the film). It’s a rather entertaining bit of a lark as films go and highly under rated.

I was reading some of the quotes and was thinking
"You know, this sounds pretty good."

Must keep an eye out for it.

Marlin: “so, while I stay here and observe from the blind with the camera crew, Jim will wrestle the thirty foot crocodile, while simultaneously attempting to avoid scaring off the flock of cranes or angering the herd of hippopotamus…”

Well you teed that one up perfectly.
Once you said “This was it. I was dead. …”
My busted mind instantly locked onto Christmas Story (Oooooohhh ffffuuuuuuuddddddge).
There was really no other possible way to respond.

Still, you ran with it at length there.
And without tripping and falling down!

Well, you did provide a ToT style chicken’s exit.
And, it really would have been too cruel.

Very cruel.
Thank you for your restraint.

There’d likely have been a lot fewer folks having to give up possible points on a re-guess
(something that I obviously need to go on ahead and consider in the near).

You're running out of time, but don't worry, I'll give fair warning.

Ain’t buyin’ it… suppressed maniacal laughter.
She was thinking, “I cannot believe that I’m directly related to this buffoon”…
Admitting is the first step toward healing.

No words. I just enjoyed that.

Slow and over the plate…
Even I couldn’t miss it.

Yes. You could.

I’m sure you hollered at them to get off the lawn, so I suspect we’re all fine now.

Of course. It's bad enough the neigbour's dog occasionally goes in our yard.

Well, I didn’t ask for everyone else’s points…
Just Andy’s (and it’s my job to abuse him).
But point taken (but not literally, of course… right?)

I'll let it slide... this time.

Then again, he’s done gone and made his own life more difficult, so never mind…
He’ll be needing them to make up for the inevitable increased loss of already limited cranial resources.
(that is assuming he remembers to actually ask for them in the first place).

Most people don't.
And yeah. He's gonna be toast in a while for... the rest of his life.

 

[jandlinz]

Wow. It would majorly suck to get laid off at 65!

Yeah. He was laid off by the same company just three years prior, but the owner had pity for him this time. He's a real trooper. He had a hard childhood and has been laid off more than anyone should. It's amazing what a great man he is.

 

[pkondz]

I know I've seen them. I'll ask my mom. I'm sure they're in her basement.

Cool! Hope to see them!

Aw! It would make my day, but honestly I didn't say that for points. I can't be fake. I don't know how. People can always read me.

Do you have copious amounts of text tattooed on you?
Because that could be the problem.

So sorry Ruby had a rough time too. It really puts things in perspective doesn't it?

Yup. I didn't even know it at the time.
I was in the delivery room for the emergency C-section.
When the baby was born, she told me to stay with the baby.
I didn't see her again until she was out of surgery.
And it was only years later that she told me that she'd almost cashed in her chips.

Will that do?

Yep!

Yeah. He was laid off by the same company just three years prior, but the owner had pity for him this time. He's a real trooper. He had a hard childhood and has been laid off more than anyone should. It's amazing what a great man he is.

Sounds like a wonderful guy. Your love for him is showing.

 

[jandlinz]

Do you have copious amounts of text tattooed on you?
Because that could be the problem.

Nope. I don't like needles and they really don't like me. I can only hear the explanation to my kids, "One day Mommy let someone drawn on her with permanent ink. I did not make a good choice." Not that I have anything against tattoos.

Yup. I didn't even know it at the time.
I was in the delivery room for the emergency C-section.
When the baby was born, she told me to stay with the baby.
I didn't see her again until she was out of surgery.
And it was only years later that she told me that she'd almost cashed in her chips.

Wow! That is really scary. So glad she was ok.

Sounds like a wonderful guy. Your love for him is showing.

He's amazing.

 

[pkondz]

Nope. I don't like needles and they really don't like me. I can only hear the explanation to my kids, "One day Mommy let someone drawn on her with permanent ink. I did not make a good choice." Not that I have anything against tattoos.

I personally don't think any Mother should be tattooed.
"But Mommy. Why are you mad at me for drawing on the wall?
You drew stuff on your body and it can never come off."

Wow! That is really scary. So glad she was ok.

Me too!

He's amazing.

 

[Saturn23]

I have. At least I assume I have.
When they close the park because it's at capacity, I assume that's a 10.

But it wasn't that bad (except for once... I'll get to that.)
Since we'd done rope drop and used Fastpasses (the old ones)
we didn't have any problems at all.

The one time when I was really uncomfortable was the first time we were there.
In MK. For the fireworks. On New Years Eve.

Won't make that mistake again!

OMG you were at MK on new years???? Are you crazy??? That's just asking for torture. Did you know how bad it would be going into it or was it a surprise?

And now you'll tell me that you were fine then, too!

I really was! I bought a pair of running shoes just to wear to DL and I only wore them once. The backs of my legs ached for three days because I used muscles that hadn't been used in years.

Yeah, but then I'd have a record and I could never go to Disney again.
(Since they wouldn't let me cross the border.)

Well maybe setting a fire in MK is a bad idea but I don't think you would get a record for making suggestive comments to a mermaid or taking pictures of butts farting talcum powder. I still think you could get away with those things.

Whoa. Fast.
I know. You're more into older, paunchier, balder TR writers, right?

Yes definitely! Amazing sense of humor beats shirtless any day. Holding a guitar in the picture never hurts either.

 

[Saturn23]

Anyone who'll wear sparkly ballet flats deserves her own report.
Did I mention that I own a pair, too?
Well, they're black and definitely not sparkly.
But they are ballet flats.

Surprised the crap out of you, didn't I!

YAY all for me!!! That's proof that it's MINE. I vaguely skimmed over a few other posts and everyone is fighting over this trip report.

Yes, I'm completely shocked! Did you just buy them just to wear or are you a dancer?

Well, she spent most of the day lounging by the pool,
so when we got back, she was much happier.
(i.e. Not quite so ready to end me.)

So she wanted to murder you because you were forcing her to have too much fun??? And she was much happier when you told her she didn't have to have fun anymore?

Your neighbour sounds like a wonderful (cough, cough) person.

She thought I was too skinny and thought that force feeding me would solve that.

Yes.

But back then things were different.
"So, Mabel. How's that boy of yours?"
"Much better now."
"Oh? How did you manage that?"
"We hung him up from the rafters by his thumbs and beat him and poked him with sticks."
"That's wonderful."

Haa haa!!! How things have changed...

Little furry balls of evilness.

I heard they would eat you if they had the chance.

Gawd no!!

I was joking. I was at the grocery store yesterday and actually saw a couple buying a bag of brussels sprouts. I thought of your story and I just started laughing loudly. I had to walk away before they noticed. Thanks, now I'm that crazy person who laughs by herself in public...

Yes. Walt specified that you should never point with one finger
as some cultures consider that rude.

I never knew that. See, your TR is educational.

I wish! I don't nap.
Ever.

You've never fallen asleep on the couch while watching tv?

Which really sucks if there's a fire.

I vaguely remember something about a fire in the tiki room recently.

I figured might as well take advantage of that blazing hot sun.
So yes. I did take the picture.

It's awesome!!!

Ooohhh... I like that idea.
Our basement is unfinished
(It was either that or the pool. DW wanted a pool, so there ya go.)
but I've always dreamed of a little spot of my own.
Love that idea.
My very own HM room.

Do it! Just buy a bunch of stuff from that same gift shop. You can have it all shipped to your house so you don't have to pack it.

I've heard nothing but good things about him.
Which is why there's always a line up.

We waited quite a while but it was worth the laugh. Try it if you have some time.

So... You wanted me to eat something disgusting?!?!?

Well not exactly. I thought you would eat it just for TR purposes. Something to shock, disgust or entertain the readers. Like the show Man vs Food. Wait, I have another idea for your next trip....

 

[Saturn23]

1. How long until the next monorail?

8 minutes

2. Where's our World Showcase ADR?
(Hint: It's been guessed at least once before.)

Via Napoli (I've guessed this twice now, if it's wrong I'm NEVER eating there again, just to punish that place for making me lose points)

3. We get some snacks in Epcot! Two of them, each.
What are they?
(ie: pick 2 snacks)

Gelato from France because I had that for lunch on my last day, and a Napoleon also from France for no apparent reason.

4. We do one ride in FW. Which one?

Test Track. I'll cry if this is wrong because no trip to Disney is complete without a ride on Test Track.

5. We see one character by happenstance. Any idea who?
(Major hint. Not a princess. But a face character.)

Alice because I was her for Halloween.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

I was reading some of the quotes and was thinking
"You know, this sounds pretty good."

Must keep an eye out for it.

I notice that I seem to have a bit of a tendency to send you off on a Google search tangent from time to time.
Being an odd duck... I'll consider that a win.

As for the film, you could probably find that one in the Dollar-DVD bin in the average grocery store or Wally-World.
But I highly recommend the film as an escape. It's on my list of odd ball pictures that I pull out when I'm really feeling down or "un-well".

Still, you ran with it at length there.
And without tripping and falling down!

And that not falling down bit of it was quite the challenge, by the way.

You're running out of time, but don't worry, I'll give fair warning.

You've been good about warnings thus far.
I'm mulling it over for now. It may not work but there is a madness to my method.