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

[Mrs T 2009]

1. AM or PM? Do we get out of our room in the morning or afternoon?

2. We have an ADR... in Epcot. Third time's the charm? Where is it?
(Hint: Not Biergarten or Teppan Edo)

3. Speaking of Epcot, what's our first ride?
(Hint: Think outside the box.)

4. Of our three Epcot FPs...
a. Which Tier one FP? Soarin', Test Track or The Land?
b. Do we use 0, 1, 2 or all 3 of our FPs?

1. AM: even if the time ends up being around 11- give or take 15 minutes

2. Via Napoli

3. Ellen's Energy Adventure ( or whatever it's called)

4a. Soarin'

4b. 2- bit of a late start takes one of the fp away.

Have happy holidays!!!

We have no snow here in NE Ohio.... Not that I mind it, but it feels weird without cold/snow! Hopefully we will have even a dusting on Christmas!

 

[afwdwfan]

A few of you noticed the shiny knew ticker
I put up a few days ago.
And, why yes, as a matter of fact,
we are going to Maui in just under two months.

Congratulations! That will be a lot of fun!

Those who know me a bit,
know that there's only one way to get a trip.
At least for me.
Here's the key: Don't plan one.

Um... @pkondz , you can't say things like this on the DIS with all the OCD vacation planners on here!

His DW works for WestJet.
WestJet apparently has a promotion out.
40% off flights for friends and family.
Conditions are:
1. Must book on the website using the code provided.
2. Must book by December 8.
3. Must travel by March 4.

Well, that's a pretty good deal. Time for a trip!

Okay. For a second, I did selfishly think:
"Solo trip to the World in February again!!"
But...

"Can you take a couple of days off?" I ask.
"We could leave on Thursday and come back Monday."

"For this. I'll just tell them I'm going."
She matter-of-factly states.

Awesome!!!

"And I want to bring the kids."

Um... not so awesome.

But I'm pretty sure they'll love it!

The children were coming and would each need a bed,
While visions of dollar signs danced in my head.

Those dollar signs have a lot of numbers behind them too.

Quick? Geez, yes!
But better than not going at all I think.

Very true! The travel sounds a little bit brutal, but you'll have 3 whole days in Hawaii, so that's not bad at all.

I can only assume that Disney noticed
the most convenient Monorail was fairly full,
so they got it out of the way for us.
So we could have seats, naturally.

Oh yeah, naturally.

Since I had allowed at least an hour for transportation...

Now you know better. And you'll probably be late next time.

We exited our little oasis, climbed a flight of stairs
and checked in at Teppan Edo for our ADR.

I knew it! I knew you'd go there eventually!

"A small town in Jersey, just outside Philadelphia."

Isn't that all of New Jersey? I mean it is a small town outside of Philadelphia or suburban New York. That pretty much sums it up.

(I'm curious. Let me know if you get (or don't get) that reference.
Bonus points whether you do or don't get it. I just wanna know.)

Um... no.

So good.
Definitely recommend.
Go for the show.
Stay for the grub.

I'm glad you enjoyed your dinner!

And remained burn free.

Still, on a hot day...

Yep. Still good.
I'd buy one again, especially on a hot day.

I enjoy the kaki gori there. I can always go for one, especially when it is hot.

Most of you guessed we'd have a cronut.

I should have. I didn't.

Do you think I'm nuts?

Of course you do.

Well then, why even ask?

There was an old-school video game sitting in the corner.
Un-used and sneered at by the younger generation.
If you've been around as long (or longer) than I have
you might be familiar with a game called Galaga.
It used to be one of my favourite games.
This is back when dinosaurs roamed the arcades,
you understand.

Ok... Have you seen Wreck it Ralph? Because this just made me think of that movie.

Hope you enjoyed the tour.

Those are some great night time pictures.

1. AM or PM? Do we get out of our room in the morning or afternoon?

AM. Because I'm about to go crazy with you if it is another PM.

2. We have an ADR... in Epcot. Third time's the charm? Where is it?
(Hint: Not Biergarten or Teppan Edo)

Via Napoli

3. Speaking of Epcot, what's our first ride?
(Hint: Think outside the box.)

Imagination

4. Of our three Epcot FPs...
a. Which Tier one FP? Soarin', Test Track or The Land?
b. Do we use 0, 1, 2 or all 3 of our FPs?

Soarin
all 3

 

[pkondz]

And yet I'm still husbandless...

Find a good looking dude and tell him you'll take him to WDW.
That should do it.
It'd do it for me.

 

[pkondz]

I don't think any of us can really blame you for thinking that way.

So you're saying I should chuck the Hawaii trip and the family and head over to WDW?

I think I say that just about every day.

Whoa. That's a long flight for such a short trip!

You know. Whenever I go on a trip,
the things that stand out are usually not the flight.
So... heck with it. We're gonna go.

Because of course it did.

I mean, there's short wait times, and there's just unexplained forces of the universe. You know what I think happened? I think that lady actually DID fart pixie dust on you two.

So that's what that was!
That explains everything!

Exhibit A for pixie dust farting.

Yep. You've convinced me.

Obviously, that's Squirt. Rip it, roll it, and punch it!

I thought Squirt would be.... smaller.

Probably Eagles fans. Which means amazing people. Your good fortune continues.

Sure. Sure. Could be.
I can live with that.

Probably Flyers fans. Which means amazing people. Your good fortune continues.

Nope. Jets fans are the best.

I'm gonna have to say no, I don't get it. But I've never eaten there.

Okay. That's 2 for 7 against, now.

Not for a moment. That would be like only having one Dole Whip during your entire stay.

<cough> Sorry, I missed that. Did you say something?

Interesting. I tried it, and it was fine, but I still felt like in the end it was still a sno-cone. Just a different texture.

Did you try at Epcot or Hawaii?
Believe me. There's a huge difference.

Nice one. I don't think I can ever stand there and not take a photo.

It's a rule. Walt insisted on it.

Crappy random guesses...par for the course.

Sorry dude.

YES!!!! Just tried this for the first time last weekend.

And???? What did you think???

I'd send that angry letter straight to Bob Iger.

Already on its way.
I'm anticipating free round trip airfare and accommodations in the Castle.

Obviously this can be attributed to good parenting.

I wouldn't know. I don't know what Ruby does when I'm not around.
She certainly doesn't get that from me!

Not necessarily. Some of the agents of SHIELD have been known to play a little Galaga now and then.

You're the second person to mention that!

Excellent! Totally justifies packing the tripod.

Thanks!

(flips coin) We'll go with AM. You used up your PM day already on this trip.

Via Napoli, because it eventually has to come up one of these days.

Does that mean it's shaped like a sphere instead?

I'll say It's A Small Mexico or whatever that ride is called.

a) The Land, just because it's the last one I would have guessed and my guesses all suck.

b) 2. Late start means you miss one.

Noted.

 

[pkondz]

So I don't know if I can help much with a place to stay on Maui. I stayed at my aunt's house, so that made things awfully convenient and affordable. I could ask her if you could shack up there, but I'm not sure how well she'd take it.

"Hi! We're friends of your nephew.
He's never actually met us but he said we could stay here."

I'm not surprised at the prices of hotels, etc. Everything is expensive in Hawaii, which I'm sure you know. Especially, I'm sure, in February.

Yep. Unfortunately... yep.

Haleakala National Park is highly recommended.

And I don't know if we're going to make it there.
So much to do. So little time.

The road to Hana is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to drive, and you can stop off at both a black sand beach on the way (in a state park) and Hamoa Beach, just a couple of miles south of Hana and one of the most breathtaking beaches I've ever seen.

The road to Hana is something I'm planning on.
Knew about the black sand beach but thanks for the head's up on Hamoa!
(Kay's wish is to see that and a red sand beach, but sounds like it might be to dangerous to get to.)

The south side and west side have the most famous beaches/resorts and better weather. Lots of places to enjoy the ocean. Lahaina is a really cool old fishing town with some very good restaurants and nice views of the harbor.

So Lahaina is worth a look? I've been getting a vibe that it's just overly touristy.
Wasn't sure if we should take a peak or not.

Many of the restaurants offer early-bird or happy hour specials that are worth staying on mainland time for to take advantage of. There is a Monkeypod restaurant (like the one across from Aulani) that is really good. We also ate at a place called Joe's Simply Delicious Bar & Grill but unfortunately that's now closed. Which stinks, because they had a great early-bird buy one, get one entree deal. However, some of their menu items live on at a sister restaurant here: Gannon's Restaurant

Thanks for that! Looks like a good place.

The guide book we used was Maui Revealed, and we thought it was well worth the purchase.

Might download that one.
I recently bought Fodor's Maui.

Also, if you're a member of Costco, there is one right by the airport that has the cheapest gas (by far) on the island. You can usually get good rental car rates through them as well.

Good to know.
I am a member (in Canada) I think that would still work.
I get unlimited miles with National and a good rate through work,
so I'll have to compare.

That's all I can think of off the top of my head. If you're really, really, really bored and/or out of ideas, I wrote up a TR on our Hawaiian vacation here. There's a table of contents so you can skip to the Maui stuff if that would be helpful at all.

I will take a look! Thanks!

Have fun planning!

 

[pkondz]

This is my first ever post on the DIS!!

Wow! First off to the TR!
I'd say welcome to the DIS, too. But I see you've been on since 2014.
And only posting now... for little ol' me!

Totally flattered.

I just binge-read your entire trip review thus far

I take no responsibility for the inevitable queasy or nauseous feeling you got as a result!

LOVE it.

Thanks!

Love your sense of humour.

So ya like the twisted/sarcastic type, do ya?

My sister ( @Saturn23 ) recruited me!

I know her! I know her! (Said in my best Elf impersonation.)
She's the cute one who runs around Disney in sparkly ballet flats.

(Does she get bonus points for that??)

Absolutely!

She told me about your reviews and that it was a must read.

Don't hate her too much for steering you astray.

As a fellow Canadian I thought this was the perfect opportunity to finally post something. Can't wait to hear about your last day!

That sounds so.... final.
Do I get a last meal request with that?

 

[pkondz]

1. AM: even if the time ends up being around 11- give or take 15 minutes

2. Via Napoli

3. Ellen's Energy Adventure ( or whatever it's called)

4a. Soarin'

4b. 2- bit of a late start takes one of the fp away.

Noted.

Have happy holidays!!!

Same to you!

We have no snow here in NE Ohio.... Not that I mind it, but it feels weird without cold/snow! Hopefully we will have even a dusting on Christmas!

As much as I complain about the snow and shovelling.
I wouldn't be very happy if we didn't have a white Christmas!

But after the holiday season? Say... oh, January 4th-ish?
It can go away.

 

[pkondz]

Congratulations! That will be a lot of fun!

I hope so!
Right now it's a lot of stress trying to figure out a place to stay!

Um... @pkondz , you can't say things like this on the DIS with all the OCD vacation planners on here!

Oh. Now you tell me.
But it just keeps working that way for me, though!

If I start planning, I'll never go anywhere!

Well, that's a pretty good deal. Time for a trip!

That's what I said!

Um... not so awesome.

But I'm pretty sure they'll love it!

Yeah. My first thought was $chaching!$
But it'll be fun having them along, too.

Those dollar signs have a lot of numbers behind them too.

Too many it's starting to look like.
Yike! The prices. And multiply by four instead of two for... everything.

Very true! The travel sounds a little bit brutal, but you'll have 3 whole days in Hawaii, so that's not bad at all.

That's the way I see it.
Plus we'll recover from the travel part.
And nothing beats sun and fun in the middle of cold and dreary February.

Now you know better. And you'll probably be late next time.

"Let's see. We have to go from MK to Epcot.
That should be 20-30 minutes."

And then we'll get there two hours late.

I knew it! I knew you'd go there eventually!

Perseverance pays.

Isn't that all of New Jersey? I mean it is a small town outside of Philadelphia or suburban New York. That pretty much sums it up.

You could be right!

Um... no.

Got it. And that makes it 2 who know to 6 who don't.

I'm glad you enjoyed your dinner!

And remained burn free.

It was good. And painless!

I enjoy the kaki gori there. I can always go for one, especially when it is hot.

It was good.
But no where near as good as Matumoto's on Oahu.

Well then, why even ask?

That thar is one of them re-tor-ickle questions.

Ok... Have you seen Wreck it Ralph? Because this just made me think of that movie.

I have seen it, but I don't remember it well enough to get the connection.
I'm trying to remember... wasn't there something about games that have faded away?

Those are some great night time pictures.

Thanks!

AM. Because I'm about to go crazy with you if it is another PM.

Via Napoli

Imagination

Soarin
all 3

Noted.

 

[orangecats2]

I think you have miscounted on the number of people who don't know about touching the cooking surface at Teppan Edo. Wish Nebo and Smidgey would stop by.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

So you're saying I should chuck the Hawaii trip and the family and head over to WDW?

Well, i could think of worse things to do.

You know. Whenever I go on a trip,
the things that stand out are usually not the flight.
So... heck with it. We're gonna go.

I like it. Adventure is out there! Plus I think it's a much easier flight for you than it would be for me, from the east coast.

Nope. Jets fans are the best.

I'd accuse you of being biased, but I guess I am too.

<cough> Sorry, I missed that. Did you say something?

Sigh.

Did you try at Epcot or Hawaii?
Believe me. There's a huge difference.

In Hawaii, on Maui. I guess I just didn't get it.

And???? What did you think???

I thought, "Where have cronuts been all my life???"

The road to Hana is something I'm planning on.
Knew about the black sand beach but thanks for the head's up on Hamoa!
(Kay's wish is to see that and a red sand beach, but sounds like it might be to dangerous to get to.)

Just to whet your appetite:

We tried to take the trail to the red sand beach but got confused and never actually made it there. I don't know that it would have been all that dangerous, just a trail where you need to watch your footing. The guide book did have directions on how to get there.

So Lahaina is worth a look? I've been getting a vibe that it's just overly touristy.
Wasn't sure if we should take a peak or not.

It is touristy. It's the only real town on the west coast so they do have plenty of shops, restaurants, etc. Parking can be an issue there. We liked the main town square where there was an old banyan tree for the kids to explore. And the views are terrific--there are several places where you can watch the sunset with the island of Lanai in view to the west. I guess it depends on if you can deal with a touristy vibe there.

I will say that if the choice was between Lahaina or Haleakala National Park, I'd choose the National Park.

I will take a look! Thanks!

I hope you don't regret it!

 

[Mrs T 2009]

As much as I complain about the snow and shovelling.
I wouldn't be very happy if we didn't have a white Christmas!

But after the holiday season? Say... oh, January 4th-ish?
It can go away.

Exactly!! I would like a white Christmas, but I am doubtful it will snow at all here. Rain is expected, but not to be cold enough to turn to snow.
Hubby has to go to Manhattan in mid January, so my gift is tagging along. I don't mind that! I LOVE manhattan- I didn't get to see everything I wanted to the last time I tagged along, in August. And a few days away from the kiddos will be nice! I had to have some emergency surgery earlier this month(I am ok! unexpected on all accounts, and good I went in when I did. ), so I am in need of some fun before I let myself fall into a funk!!!

 

[pkondz]

I think you have miscounted on the number of people who don't know about touching the cooking surface at Teppan Edo. Wish Nebo and Smidgey would stop by.

You're right! I did.
I started off writing 2 for _ and then switched it to 2 knew _ didn't.
Also forgot to carry the one.

Anyway, went back and edited my reply.
Thanks Carrie!

Well, i could think of worse things to do.

It's the damage afterwards that I'm afraid of.
Namely to me.

I like it. Adventure is out there! Plus I think it's a much easier flight for you than it would be for me, from the east coast.

Yep. We're flying that way on purpose.
We could leave Winnipeg early (I think it was 6am?) on Thursday,
but we'd get there the same time as leaving the day before.
This way there's no stupid early morning and we should be a bit more rested.
Breaks up the airplane/airport time too.

Sigh.

I know.
I rave about it all the time.
And then when I get there?
"Just one, please."

In Hawaii, on Maui. I guess I just didn't get it.

Huh. It was so different.
Did you research it and go to a recommended place?
Or just the wherever you happened to be.
Not every place has the right equipment.

Then again. Maybe it's more snow cone on Maui than on Oahu.

I thought, "Where have cronuts been all my life???"

Just to whet your appetite:

Thanks. Like I needed more incentive!
I have a bad feeling that after I read your TR
I'll be depressed because we won't have enough time
to do everything that you did!
(Not to worry. When I step off the plane into warm air,
I'll get over it.)

We tried to take the trail to the red sand beach but got confused and never actually made it there. I don't know that it would have been all that dangerous, just a trail where you need to watch your footing. The guide book did have directions on how to get there.

I've read that a section of the trail has just recently collapsed
and that's why it's dangerous now.

It is touristy. It's the only real town on the west coast so they do have plenty of shops, restaurants, etc. Parking can be an issue there. We liked the main town square where there was an old banyan tree for the kids to explore. And the views are terrific--there are several places where you can watch the sunset with the island of Lanai in view to the west. I guess it depends on if you can deal with a touristy vibe there.

I don't mind touristy.
But if it's just shops of Made in Taiwan stuff, then I'll pass.

I will say that if the choice was between Lahaina or Haleakala National Park, I'd choose the National Park.

You? You'd pick a National Park?

I hope you don't regret it!

Oh, I'm sure I will.

 

[pkondz]

Exactly!! I would like a white Christmas, but I am doubtful it will snow at all here. Rain is expected, but not to be cold enough to turn to snow.

Ew. Rain? No.

Hubby has to go to Manhattan in mid January, so my gift is tagging along.

Every gift should have a tag.

I don't mind that! I LOVE manhattan- I didn't get to see everything I wanted to the last time I tagged along, in August.

I'd love to go even once!

Some day...

And a few days away from the kiddos will be nice!

I had to have some emergency surgery earlier this month(I am ok! unexpected on all accounts, and good I went in when I did. ), so I am in need of some fun before I let myself fall into a funk!!!

Glad to hear you're okay!
And glad to hear you're exiting from your funk hibernation!

 

[Mrs T 2009]

Ew. Rain? No.

yeah, rain isn't very festive...

Every gift should have a tag.

haha! I see what you did there! lol
"SANTA" is bringing the boys Inside Out and Ponyo after he eats his cookies, so I'm happy enough with those 2 movies.. Then going to NYC!
My parents gift to us is tickets to see Aladdin while we are there- we saw Finding Neverland last trip. I can't wait! I'm getting excited thinking about it!

I'd love to go even once!

Some day...

This will be my 2nd time. both times going as a tag along to my husband working lol BUT then I get to go site see while he works things he doesn't care to see... Win win! I walked all around the library and took a tour last time. So enormous and amazing! and Central Park is amazing! and the Met! and Broadway! We were in a hotel with connecting access to Grand Central! So nice!! We are staying there again.
It is definitely a place you MUST go see! I'm sure you would love it!!

Glad to hear you're okay!
And glad to hear you're exiting from your funk hibernation!

Thank you!! Loss is never good, but the situation was just all at once in your face and overwhelming and I am happy I am not letting my emotions dictate my life. Otherwise who knows how I would be right now. I may not have any decorations except a tree up, but that's good enough to me, this year. I'm alive after it all, I need to be grateful and happy for that. No funk hibernation here!

 

[DISNEYMOON10121991]

Just wanted to stop by to wish you and your family a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Didn't want to wait too late and you not see this till Dec 26th (after the fact)
Hope you enjoy your time off. I got surprising news today. Short story is my day off is Friday(Xmas), makes Thur. my "designated" holiday. I was schedule to work since they can force me to work Thur (no big deal I usually work Xmas eve). Well just before I left work today I was told "Have a good Christmas, you have tomorrow off" What? So no extra $(which would be nice) but now have 4 days off! In my 24 years working here that NEVER happens. OOPS I guess maybe once. When you give birth on Dec. 22 having time off usually follows. Speaking of....I can't believe my son turn 21 yesterday. How did that happen?
Doesn't seem like Christmas here, today's temp was 56 and rain!

 

[DISNEYMOON10121991]

TO ALL OF MY CANADAIN BUFFOON FAMILY:
Wishing you all a wonderful Holiday Season!!

I enjoy all the chatter and laughter everyone brings to this report.
Thanks for making my day many times.
Thanks to our Pkondz for starting this adventure.
-Shelly-

 

[pkondz]

"SANTA" is bringing the boys Inside Out and Ponyo after he eats his cookies, so I'm happy enough with those 2 movies..

Had to Google Ponyo. Then I remembered it when I saw the picture.
Not that I've seen it. Just heard of it.

Then going to NYC!
My parents gift to us is tickets to see Aladdin while we are there- we saw Finding Neverland last trip. I can't wait! I'm getting excited thinking about it!

Nice gift! And I totally get why you're getting excited.

This will be my 2nd time. both times going as a tag along to my husband working lol BUT then I get to go site see while he works things he doesn't care to see... Win win!

That's what I've been doing for the past couple of years with Ruby.

I walked all around the library and took a tour last time. So enormous and amazing! and Central Park is amazing! and the Met! and Broadway! We were in a hotel with connecting access to Grand Central! So nice!! We are staying there again.
It is definitely a place you MUST go see! I'm sure you would love it!!

I think there's a definite possibility that I might be seeing it in the next year or two.

Thank you!! Loss is never good, but the situation was just all at once in your face and overwhelming and I am happy I am not letting my emotions dictate my life. Otherwise who knows how I would be right now. I may not have any decorations except a tree up, but that's good enough to me, this year. I'm alive after it all, I need to be grateful and happy for that. No funk hibernation here!

Glad to hear it.

 

[pkondz]

Just wanted to stop by to wish you and your family a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Thanks! Same to you!

Didn't want to wait too late and you not see this till Dec 26th (after the fact)

Got it!

Hope you enjoy your time off.

I am! Busy, busy, busy... but good!

I got surprising news today. Short story is my day off is Friday(Xmas), makes Thur. my "designated" holiday. I was schedule to work since they can force me to work Thur (no big deal I usually work Xmas eve). Well just before I left work today I was told "Have a good Christmas, you have tomorrow off" What? So no extra $(which would be nice) but now have 4 days off! In my 24 years working here that NEVER happens. OOPS I guess maybe once. When you give birth on Dec. 22 having time off usually follows. Speaking of....I can't believe my son turn 21 yesterday. How did that happen?

Nice to have Christmas Eve off, isn't it?
Yeah the money's nice... but in the grand scheme of things
it probably isn't going to make or break you.
So enjoy the day!

Doesn't seem like Christmas here, today's temp was 56 and rain!

You can have some of our snow.
We've got plenty.
But even here, it's been unseasonably warm.
Temps just a bit below freezing instead of way below.

Thanks to our Pkondz for starting this adventure.

Aw... shucks.

 

[jandlinz]

Dear Sweet Ponzi, Just wanted to wish you a ver wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year! We are in Cleveland for Christmas, but will be back in the middle of next week. I want to give you 100% because anything less would not be worth it so I will be commenting next week! All of us that contribute to your witty trip report enjoy your spunk and Disney love. We wish you the best this new year!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Merry Christmas to all of you! Hope you are blessed with family and love. Pray for those who are not.