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

[Gracefulskinny]

Just for you guys.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Hope you had a fine Christmas Holiday!
I did…

Enjoyed it immensely.

Before we continue with our little adventure,
some light housekeeping is required.

Light enough?

And, why yes, as a matter of fact,
we are going to Maui in just under two months.

Well, I’d like to say that I’m happy for y’all.
Now while that is a true statement, the dominate emotion would more correctly be described as: envious.

But truth is not really wha”t any of us are lookin’ for in a TR (or apparently in our leaders or idols), so what say we stick with: “Happy for Y’all”.

And I really am! Honest!

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.

It turns out she's busy all of January and February.
Oh, and March, April and May, too.
She has a lull in June and July and the first half of August.
September's out.
Another lull in October and November
And then it ramps up again in December.

That sounds a lot like my schedule.
Or at least a lot like my schedule’s imposed limitations.

So we agreed to go to New York City in August!
Cool!
(Or hot... whatever.)

Likely hot, bit still cool.

"Uh, no." I brilliantly riposte.

you are quite the wordsmith.

40% off flights for friends and family.

Sounds like something that certainly needs to be exploited and abused as much as possible.

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

Show of hands…
Who here would have had the same first thought?

But...

And keep your hands up if this is the almost immediate second thought…

Uh-huh, that’s what I thought.

"You know what I'd really like." She says.
"Is to go to Hawaii."

I like that way that girl thinks.

"And I want to bring the kids."

Now, not so much…



Well of course I’m kidding!

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

Because spending money we don’t have is precisely why we have kids anymore…



ain’t it?

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

Quick?

Still beats the time I’ll be spending in Maui by a factor of, ohhhhhhhh…
About 100%

And that's all I've got about that.

Run Forrest!... Run!

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.


Seems logical.

I believe the words you’re searching for here are Space Ranger…
errr…
I mean “seems magical”.

Five minutes later, at 2:39 another one pulled up.
Five minutes! Five!!

That’s what I did wrong…
I was guessing how long you’d have to wait for that second monorail.
Silly me…

Disney will be receiving a very sternly worded letter.
Let me assure you!

Post a copy of it here...
As reads go, that one should be a real hoot.

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




Sorry. I know.
Ridiculous.

you mean normal (for those of us that aren’t you)

Anyway, we had a little bit of time to kill before our ADR.

"Can we go on that again?" She asked.
I looked and it looked like it was a walk-on, so...
Why not?

Well, if it’s a walk on in the afternoon, that it must be spaceship Earth (‘cause I’m neigh on to certain y’all wouldn’t be hitting imagination again.

We approached the Standby entrance to SE,
which was empty.
There were about 20 people in line
to get their bands scanned at the FP entrance.
We passed them all.

It's fairly rare to walk past people waiting to ride...
in the Standby line.
Don't worry, I held my nose up high.

and being as you were the one in that line the day before, you had earned the right.

Crush? Is that you?
I thought you'd be.... bigger.

Everyone looks taller in the movies.

We took out our various electronica
and I perused the DIS while Kay
looked at whatever teen girls look at.

you really don’t want to know…


Really…

and checked in at Teppan Edo for our ADR.
(Hmmm... 17 of you just went "D'oh!"
I could hear it from here.
(Sound carries over snow, apparently.))

But there’s no snow within about 800 miles of me.
Must be that eaves-dropping Trojan-horse you have buried in this TR.
(It’s a good cover story though).

"A small town in Jersey, just outside Philadelphia."
What are the odds!?!?

Good I’d say.
Imagine for a moment that you were from a small town in Jersey, just outside Philadelphia…
wouldn’t you be moving heaven and earth to be somewhere else?

I did not... repeat NOT, touch the cooking surface with my finger.
(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.)

Nope… Ya’ got me with that one…
I can’t place it to save my seared flesh
(guess I’m not one of the cool kids this time… or any time, for that matter)

Volcano!!!

I don’t know where I’m-a-gonn’a go…

Another of Kay's favourite things.
Noodles.

Well, it’s basically the same thing as spaetzle, so that stands to reason.

I swear, the kid could live off that and nothing else.

Then she’ll do well in college (and while paying of the student loans afterward)

Of course, then she'd develop scurvy.
But still...

Ehhh… Ramen and Vitamin-C.
Toss in a head of Lettice and you can eat for a week on a fiver (pre-inflation of course).
I’ve done it.

As you might imagine… I was much skinnier back then too.
May be why I’m not so skinny now.

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

Intend to…
Don’t know when, but I intend to.

Kaki-Gori!
aka: Shave Ice.

Missed that one…

On my solo trip in February,
I bought some and was a little disappointed.

Which is why I missed that one.
Figured you’d have talked her out of it.

we did see a familiar face zipping through.

Nine of you celebrating.
Eighteen... not so much.

Right pavilion… wrong character.
You got to catch a rather rare one there.
Win.

Most of you guessed we'd have a cronut.
Well, of course we did!
Do you think I'm nuts?

Yes, yes I do.
But I still also figured you’d have one of those.

Of course you do.
Yet I still wouldn't pass one of these beauties up!

Whoa!
It’s like deja vous all over again.




 

Really Disney? Five minutes?
That's twice in one day!
This just will not do at all.

Much closer to my original per/day estimate but right terrible for folks on the Transportation VIP Plan.

My refraining has become a common refrain of late.

Ah, but this was a pain refrain…
so, not quite so mundane.

If you've been around as long (or longer) than I have
you might be familiar with a game called Galaga.

Mmmmm… could be….
That one was out before I swore off on those quarter sucking bandits, so you could say we’d meet.

It used to be one of my favourite games.
This is back when dinosaurs roamed the arcades,
you understand.

Ya’ mean when Pinball and shooting galleries could still be encountered, and the hot new upstarts featured poor renditions of asteroids and centipedes, carnivorous smiley-faces and simplistic green line drawings of tanks and invaders.

Yep…
I remember it.

She's smarter than I am

Breaking news… the obvious has been stated…
Details at eleven…

Hope you enjoyed the tour.

Well of course.

Awwww... the little peanut was worried about me.
Or maybe she was worried how she'd get home without me.
Probably the latter.

I’ll be placing my bets on option-2



Oh…
And the evil stair climb stats have reached a mathematically pleasing 14 to 7

Bonus questions, round 9!

1. AM
2. Via Napoli
3. It’s a Small Mexico
4a Test Track
4b 2

 

[pkondz]

What's a letter?

Oh, you kids these days!
You don't know how good you've got it!
When I was your age, I had to walk 10 miles through 10 feet of snow to get to work.
Uphill! Both ways!

So you rode Spaceship Earth instead of Test Track. Again. That's twice now I've guessed Test Track when the answer was Spaceship Earth.

And here I thought you knew me.
I'm crushed. Crushed!

Did you pick a fun future at least?

Honestly I don't really remember.
I think we got the same one both times.
We need to be a little less honest in our answers.

Also if you have to ride this much more you could choose one of the other languages for the soundtrack and try to guess what they're saying. Makes it more interesting!

If we have to ride this much more,
we wouldn't need to guess.

It's because she wasn't wearing high heels.

Oh! Geez, that makes total sense!
Next time I'll get her some stilettos for park touring.

Teen boys

Nah. She's an angel. She's probably looking at Bible verses or something.
Yeah. That's probably it.


What?

No, D'oh doesn't even begin to describe what I said. I can't repeat it here or they'll close your thread.

Whoops! Thought I heard a glitch in the Matrix.

1 in 15000 I think.

That's it?
Huh. Not as bad as a lotto ticket.

I don't get the reference.

Gotcha. That's 3 for 13.

Who is Nebo and why is he famous?

I'll explain in the next update.

I do however understand the urge to touch the hot surface just to see if it really is hot. One time my mom plugged in the iron and said "this isn't working". My dad walked over and touched it and agreed. Then my sister and I did the same thing. My husband wondered how my whole genetic line hadn't been eliminated by natural selection.

mmmm.... scallops... drool. She's smart.

You two would get along just fine.

I threw a small party in honour of the occasion. I asked all the guests to come dressed as Alice. One girl wasn't very bright and showed up as Ariel instead.

Except maybe she thought I would be there.
Then she's pretty smart.

And... why exactly was I not invited?

You didn't take a picture with her????

Nah. I'm really not big into character shots.
Unless it's for the TR and there's zero wait.
There was already a bunch of people lining up.

Did you have any new tattoos or piercings? Maybe you woke up in women's clothing?

Just a belly button piercing.
And I think it's kinda cute, so I didn't mind.
And I don't understand your comment about waking
up in women's clothing.
That always happens, so...

Haaa!! Nothing is free at Disney

I sometimes feel bad for newbs at WDW.
They have no idea of the sticker shock they're about to have.

I remember the name but not the game. My friend's dad owned a bunch of arcade games and that was one of them.

Did he own an arcade? Or just collected them?

What's an email?

Oh, COME ON now!

Love them!!

Thanks!

Of course she missed you, you were gone for a whole hour. She's a smart girl and could have figured out how to get home on her own.

Never thought of that.
Still think she'd miss her meal ticket more than anything.

I think I have a picture I took in the haunted mansion store of a painting you can use for your haunted mansion den. I don't have access to it at the moment though... I'll have to remember to post it later.

Standing by.

OMG OMG OMG!!!!! Did I mention this is the BEST contest EVER??????

Oh, you're happy with that, are you?

It has to be AM

I'm guessing since you say third time is a charm it's Via Napoli

Imagination

Test Track. It HAS to be this time!!
2 fast passes.

Noted.

Excellent! Hopefully I won't have to resort to that but it's good to know.

If this contest gets much closer, it'll become verrrry interesting.

I see, you're like Mulder from the X-Files.... Do many of them go missing?

Hmmm... technically, dozens a day.
But 95% of the time it's just that the pilot
or dispatcher forgot to notify us
and it's resolved with a quick phone call.
Air travel is very safe.
It's pretty rare that we have to send out
Search and Rescue.

I'll keep your secret!

Phew! Thanks!

I'll keep this in mind in case I ever need to make a man cry.

Why do I think you probably know many, many ways to make a man cry?

You mean you aren't drawn to the dark side, even a little???

Wellll..... rolleyes1

We just saw Star Wars again in UltraAVX D-Box (the seats move, it was like riding Star Tours for 2 hours but in a good way!).

I don't think I want to see it with D-Box.
We do have it here, but when I tried it with a trailer,
I found myself concentrating on the chair instead of the movie.

Oh yeah, Merry (belated) Christmas!! Hope you had fun!!!

We did! Hope you did too!

 

[pkondz]

OK I'm going to change my mind. No noodles at Rose and Crown so I'm going to go with the crowd and say Via Napoli.

Noted.

it was you who said that you make a plate of cookies and go to work and somehow they magically disappear. I doubt little elves are eating them!

What?!?!? And here I thought it was the dog!!

I don't think it's available to DVC members because if there is something we could buy to "plus" our experience, we would pay for it!

I believe you!

See original comment about how I would like to hear my spouse say, "I'd like to go to Hawaii"

Keep poking her.

Good point. I'm thinking that's what's going on with my photos as well and trying to stay away from 12800.

Ooh. 12800.
Unless you've got a really good camera (some are better than others)
you'll find too much noise up there.

 

[pkondz]

Back later with the rest of the shout-outs!

 

[Mac Brew]

Hi Pokndz
Great night shots of the hotel it’s good that your memory is so good it was amazing that you remembered all the times that it took for your exposures on the shoots. Unlike myself who has read a few of Nebo’s reports but I can’t for the like of me remember reading about his burnt finger {Whether you do or don’t a bonus point is yours for the asking] but at least I can collect a few points.to make up for the ones I have missed. I am glad all your readers and yourself have had a good time in the holidays It has been my turn to work this year have been on nights for the last seven days change over to dayshift tomorrow someone has to keep the lights on The advantage is we get to have two chrimbo meals one just passed on Christmas day the next on Friday [New Year’s day] and its free the company provides it they put on a great spread for us.
Here goes for what may be the last guesses at the park
1. You had no choice as it was your last day an AM Check out to make the most of your last day
2. ADR Coral Reef restaurant
3. Ferry boat across the lake as your next ride
Park was busy so nil fast passes where left you used none.

 

[Steppesister]

Thanks Liesa! I did!
And from what I've read... you did too!

Awesome!! and yes, we did. Thanks!

Oh, you think so, huh?
Excuse me while I trudge back upstairs to get the laptop...
Hope it'll turn on, since it hasn't been on for over a week.
Ever since it crashed hard, I've been nervous every time I use it.
Trudge back downstairs with it...
Okay... looks like it's turning on all right.

Ashamed and abashed I am. So sorry for all the trouble I"ve caused you! Of course, now your jeans probably fit a little better. So you can at least thank me for that.

It would've been worth 6, but I'll have to deduct for saying it's worth 6.

Apologetic I am at... you know, suggesting a nice round number for your consideration.

Favour granted.

Appreciated!

Is that like Netflix?

Very much- Astute you are!

I'll pass on the bathroom screaming meets, thanks.

Does that make you A party pooper?

And I assume your answer makes it 3 for 11

Absolutely dismal. Borders on Abominable!

Kay does those every time she goes in for a braces adjustment.
Her teeth hurt enough that she can't chew.
That and her teeth don't actually meet to even let her chew.
Plenty of Booster Juice visits ensue.
(That's a smoothie place similar to Jamba Juice)

Yikes!! Anara doesn't struggle quite that much. Agonizing and hungry are not a good combination!

And yes, I had a lot of fun with that!!

 

[OregonGirl]

Most of you guessed we'd have a cronut.

What. IS. THAT!!

OMG.

I must have it. What is it and where did you get it!

In March, it shall be mine. MINE!

 

[pkondz]

Hope you had a fine Christmas Holiday!
I did…

Enjoyed it immensely.

We had a very good Christmas.
Oh, a little bit of drama, but it wouldn't be Christmas without it.

Gotta get me that book.

Light enough?

That's pretty much what I was thinking.

Well, I’d like to say that I’m happy for y’all.
Now while that is a true statement, the dominate emotion would more correctly be described as: envious.

Good. That's what I was going for.
Otherwise I'd've kept it to myself.

But truth is not really wha”t any of us are lookin’ for in a TR (or apparently in our leaders or idols), so what say we stick with: “Happy for Y’all”.

And I really am! Honest!

Sure. Sure. Let's go with that. Yup.

That sounds a lot like my schedule.
Or at least a lot like my schedule’s imposed limitations.

Does it drive you nuts?
"I want to get away! Hmmm... maybe next year... or the year after..."

you are quite the wordsmith.

ok.

Sounds like something that certainly needs to be exploited and abused as much as possible.

That's what I thought.
"Me? Going somewhere? Nope. Sale? Let's go!"

Show of hands…
Who here would have had the same first thought?

We're all evil!

And keep your hands up if this is the almost immediate second thought…

Uh-huh, that’s what I thought.

Guilt. It's a terrible thing.

I like that way that girl thinks.

I must admit. I was shocked.
I so expected a "I don't want to go anywhere" comment.

In which case that solo trip would've been happening!

Now, not so much…



Well of course I’m kidding!

Must be honest.
Heart sank when she said that.
Cheap little get-away just turned into major expense.

But glad the rugrats are coming along.
We'll pay for it somehow.

Because spending money we don’t have is precisely why we have kids anymore…



ain’t it?

Yep!

Quick?

Still beats the time I’ll be spending in Maui by a factor of, ohhhhhhhh…
About 100%

That's pretty much the way I saw it.
Going for even a day, is still going.

Run Forrest!... Run!

I believe the words you’re searching for here are Space Ranger…
errr…
I mean “seems magical”.

Sure. Sure. Magical. I can accept that.


But it's magic that I feel I'm entitled to.

That’s what I did wrong…
I was guessing how long you’d have to wait for that second monorail.
Silly me…

Silly you. Do you really think I'd wait more than a couple of minutes?

Post a copy of it here...
As reads go, that one should be a real hoot.

Too late. Sent it off and didn't keep a copy.
I'm expecting an apology any day now.

you mean normal (for those of us that aren’t you)

Correct.

Well, if it’s a walk on in the afternoon, that it must be spaceship Earth (‘cause I’m neigh on to certain y’all wouldn’t be hitting imagination again.

Yep. That ride's gotta have the weirdest lines.
It goes from forever to zero to forever wait times.

Exactly. I love doing that.
Who doesn't???

and being as you were the one in that line the day before, you had earned the right.

Oh, I always feel like I have the right.
"Muahaha! Peons!"

Everyone looks taller in the movies.

They say the camera puts on 5 pounds.
Mine took it off.

you really don’t want to know…


Really…

Probably can't be as bad as the stuff I was into when I was a teen.
Can it?



Oh, God.

But there’s no snow within about 800 miles of me.
Must be that eaves-dropping Trojan-horse you have buried in this TR.
(It’s a good cover story though).

Dang! I was hoping no one would notice....
Uh....


crap.

Good I’d say.
Imagine for a moment that you were from a small town in Jersey, just outside Philadelphia…
wouldn’t you be moving heaven and earth to be somewhere else?

Nope… Ya’ got me with that one…
I can’t place it to save my seared flesh
(guess I’m not one of the cool kids this time… or any time, for that matter)

And that makes it 3 out of 14 people know.

I don’t know where I’m-a-gonn’a go…

Had to google that one.
Never heard that one before.
Come to think of it, other than Margaritaville, I don't know any of 'em!

Well, it’s basically the same thing as spaetzle, so that stands to reason.

Then she’ll do well in college (and while paying of the student loans afterward)

I foresee vast mounds of noodles in her future.

Ehhh… Ramen and Vitamin-C.
Toss in a head of Lettice and you can eat for a week on a fiver (pre-inflation of course).
I’ve done it.

Except she'll skip the Vitamin-C and ignore the lettuce.

As you might imagine… I was much skinnier back then too.
May be why I’m not so skinny now.

You and me both, brother. You and me both.

Intend to…
Don’t know when, but I intend to.

I'd say if you haven't been to a similar one, then go for sure.
If you have... go anyway. You just won't be quite as impressed.

Missed that one…

Almost everyone did.

Which is why I missed that one.
Figured you’d have talked her out of it.

It was so hot. Figured it would hit the spot.

Right pavilion… wrong character.
You got to catch a rather rare one there.
Win.

Really? I was under the impression that she's not that rare?
I really don't know.

Yes, yes I do.
But I still also figured you’d have one of those.

Most did. How could you not?!?!?

Much closer to my original per/day estimate but right terrible for folks on the Transportation VIP Plan.

Exactly. Hence the sternly worded letter.
I'm expecting a full refund.

Ah, but this was a pain refrain…
so, not quite so mundane.

'tis plain.

Mmmmm… could be….
That one was out before I swore off on those quarter sucking bandits, so you could say we’d meet.

Remember trying to find the guy who gave out change?
Man, what a racket.

Ya’ mean when Pinball and shooting galleries could still be encountered, and the hot new upstarts featured poor renditions of asteroids and centipedes, carnivorous smiley-faces and simplistic green line drawings of tanks and invaders.

Yep…
I remember it.

Breaking news… the obvious has been stated…
Details at eleven…

Well of course.

Thanks!

I’ll be placing my bets on option-2



Oh…
And the evil stair climb stats have reached a mathematically pleasing 14 to 7

14 to 7???? Seriously???

1. AM
2. Via Napoli
3. It’s a Small Mexico
4a Test Track
4b 2

Noted.

 

[pkondz]

Couple more shout-outs to go,
but I'm taking Ruby out to a new burger place for lunch.
Finish up tonight.

 

[SimplyGoofy]

Sorry about my absence - I'm all caught up!

My very first Grey Goose Slush!

Aren't they DELICIOUS?! I finally tried a Grey Goose Slush on our last vacation - I don't know why it took me so many trips to finally get one.

On my next vacation, I'm not settling for a measly one GGS... I'm getting at least five.

"You know." She said. "The VIP bus package really is a must."

Your transportation luck is INCREDIBLE. Surely one of your vacation days involved longer wait times?!

Indeed, we didn't have any other problems from that point on.

YAY! It's about time!

So without any further blather from yours truly,
here are some of the shots I took around Pop.

I love nighttime wandering around a Disney resort. I'm really excited to spend a longer time at Pop so I can do more nighttime exploring (and likely venture across the bridge for nighttime exploring at AoA, too!).


As I missed several rounds I think my chance at a high score is pretty slim, but we'll try anyway!

1) After some later days, I will say AM.

2) This HAS to be your Via Napoli ADR. How can someone NOT have an ADR at Via?!

3) As you've ridden nearly everything else, perhaps Living with the Land?

4) Test Track. I'd say all three, as it's your last day.

Coming up!... Our last day at Disney! Boo!

The last Disney day is terrible.

On another note, have fun in Hawaii! What a great last-minute trip!

 

[pkondz]

Hi Pokndz

Hey Mac!

Great night shots of the hotel it’s good that your memory is so good it was amazing that you remembered all the times that it took for your exposures on the shoots.

Thanks.
There's no way I could possibly remember those settings!
The data is automatically collected every time you take a picture.
If you have any photos downloaded to a computer,
just right-click and select "properties".

Unlike myself who has read a few of Nebo’s reports but I can’t for the like of me remember reading about his burnt finger {Whether you do or don’t a bonus point is yours for the asking] but at least I can collect a few points.to make up for the ones I have missed.

Ah! That makes it 3 out of 15 who don't know about it,
although you do know Nebo...

I am glad all your readers and yourself have had a good time in the holidays

We did!

It has been my turn to work this year have been on nights for the last seven days change over to dayshift tomorrow someone has to keep the lights on The advantage is we get to have two chrimbo meals one just passed on Christmas day the next on Friday [New Year’s day] and its free the company provides it they put on a great spread for us.

That's pretty nice of your company.
Not sure if my company does anything for staff on Christmas,
since I haven't worked it for several years now.

Here goes for what may be the last guesses at the park
1. You had no choice as it was your last day an AM Check out to make the most of your last day
2. ADR Coral Reef restaurant
3. Ferry boat across the lake as your next ride
Park was busy so nil fast passes where left you used none.

Noted.

 

[pkondz]

Ashamed and abashed I am. So sorry for all the trouble I"ve caused you!

No trouble... well... not a lot.
But for you? One of my mermaids?
Anything.

Of course, now your jeans probably fit a little better. So you can at least thank me for that.

It'll take more than two flights of stairs to cure the result of Christmas gluttony!

Apologetic I am at... you know, suggesting a nice round number for your consideration.

Uh, huh. Sure.

Appreciated!

Very much- Astute you are!

Ay yi yi.

Does that make you A party pooper?

No. Jennifer is a party pooper.
(And if you have no idea what I'm talking about, lemme know.

Absolutely dismal. Borders on Abominable!

Awful, isn't it?
And... you don't really care, either, right?

Yikes!! Anara doesn't struggle quite that much. Agonizing and hungry are not a good combination!

Nope. But she's a trooper.

And yes, I had a lot of fun with that!!

And another alliteration attempt appears alongside an astute apprentice.

 

[pkondz]

What. IS. THAT!!

OMG.

I must have it. What is it and where did you get it!

In March, it shall be mine. MINE!

After you cross the bridge in Epcot from Futureworld to World Showcase,
turn right, towards Canada.
Before Canada, on the right hand side is a small building.
(It's labeled "Refreshment Port" on maps.)
It is there that the elusive cronut can be found.
A cross between a donut and a croissant.
Or as some call it "Heaven with a hole".

Do not order it with ice cream! It'll get soggy.

 

[pkondz]

Sorry about my absence - I'm all caught up!

Jenny! I missed you!

Aren't they DELICIOUS?!

Oh, man! I'd heard they were good, but....
that was ridiculously good!

I finally tried a Grey Goose Slush on our last vacation - I don't know why it took me so many trips to finally get one.

I felt the same way!
I looked at that marvelous concoction in a glass and thought.
"Where have you been all my life?"

On my next vacation, I'm not settling for a measly one GGS... I'm getting at least five.

I wanna be there to watch if you're going to drink them all on the same evening.

Your transportation luck is INCREDIBLE. Surely one of your vacation days involved longer wait times?!

Well, there's only one more full day and ME to go.

YAY! It's about time!

No kidding!
Only took three days!

I love nighttime wandering around a Disney resort. I'm really excited to spend a longer time at Pop so I can do more nighttime exploring (and likely venture across the bridge for nighttime exploring at AoA, too!).

I would've liked to have had a bit more time to go over there and explore.
Maybe next time.

As I missed several rounds I think my chance at a high score is pretty slim, but we'll try anyway!

Give it a shot.
Stranger things have happened.

1) After some later days, I will say AM.

2) This HAS to be your Via Napoli ADR. How can someone NOT have an ADR at Via?!

3) As you've ridden nearly everything else, perhaps Living with the Land?

4) Test Track. I'd say all three, as it's your last day.

Noted.

The last Disney day is terrible.

I know! The only thing keeping you from being depressed about it is...
You're in Disney!

On another note, have fun in Hawaii! What a great last-minute trip!

Thanks! I'm getting stressed about it!
Still haven't picked a place to stay!

First world problems!

 

[pkondz]

Holy Crap!
All caught up!
Now I just have to go catch up on all the other TRs that I'm behind on!

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

That's pretty much what I was thinking.

Nothing like that kind of housekeeping to clear the cobwebs.

Good. That's what I was going for.
Otherwise I'd've kept it to myself.

What’s the sense of having an audience it you can’t torment them.

Does it drive you nuts?
"I want to get away! Hmmm... maybe next year... or the year after..."

Yep… my schedule immediately rules out over half of the weeks in each year and makes a third of the months right impractical for travel. Nuts would be a good description of my general reaction.

We're all evil!

Yes we are.

Guilt. It's a terrible thing.

And something needs to be done about that.
Is there some kind of surgical procedure to have that removed?

Silly you. Do you really think I'd wait more than a couple of minutes?

A momentary lapse of reason.

I’d say it won’t happen again, but that be a bit of a lie.

Too late. Sent it off and didn't keep a copy.
I'm expecting an apology any day now.

Delivered by Tinkerbelle herself, I’m fairly certain of it.

Oh, I always feel like I have the right.
"Muahaha! Peons!"

You’d make an excellent CEO.
(or maniacal authoritarian dictator and overlord… your choice)

Probably can't be as bad as the stuff I was into when I was a teen.
Can it?



Oh, God.

Sorry to be the one to force that realization on you.



At least I didn’t point out that its worse for those that have daughters.
So you have that going for you… which is nice.

Dang! I was hoping no one would notice....
Uh....


crap.

Not to worry, I’m completely insane…
Who’d believe me if I told them?

It’d be like Casandra warning the Trojans that they might be betting on the wrong horse.

And that makes it 3 out of 14 people know.

Now that I’ve gotten my first response in, I went back and caught up on the rest of the conversations
(cause they’re right entertaining, ya’ know).

Anyway… I didn’t know the inference, but I do know of Nebo. Just not early enough to have the chance to really peruse his work back when he was a more prodigious contributor. I should likely remedy that rather glaring oversight, but then again, I should likely do a lot of things that may or may not get accomplished (like attending to my own wayward missives, for instance).

Had to google that one.
Never heard that one before.
Come to think of it, other than Margaritaville, I don't know any of 'em!

Sent you on a wild goose chase again I see…

Might I say that his most known tune is easily his least satisfying (which is rather common for musicians unfortunately). If you’ve nothing better to do, give one of his live albums a listen (live is always better than studio for him), there is some very entertaining stuff back there.

“Feeding Frenzy” is a pretty good example.
I’d list my favorite tunes, but it’s better that everyone decides for themselves what if anything is good by them.

It was so hot. Figured it would hit the spot.

So would those slushy things over in France, but I do see your point.

Really? I was under the impression that she's not that rare?
I really don't know.

Hummm…
Well I could be completely wrong here.
It’s been known to occur, ya’ know.

'tis plain.

The thought may be arcane, but the application still quite germane.
On this count we should not constrain ourselves or relent and complain.
One would prove themselves but a bird brain. The very idea; not to remain dignified
and retain that tenuous shred of urbane dignity...
why the very notion gives me a migraine.

Remember trying to find the guy who gave out change?
Man, what a racket.

Then it only got worse when that change turned into tokens.
After that you couldn’t even think better of it and keep the change in your pocket.

14 to 7???? Seriously???

Seriously.



.

 

[pkondz]

Nothing like that kind of housekeeping to clear the cobwebs.

Easier than dusting.

What’s the sense of having an audience it you can’t torment them.

Well... that's what you're for, really.

Yep… my schedule immediately rules out over half of the weeks in each year and makes a third of the months right impractical for travel. Nuts would be a good description of my general reaction.

My schedule is pretty wide open.
Might be tough to get leave in summer, since that's when most people tend to want to go.
Christmas is tough, too.
(Although I've managed it for the last 7(?) years or so.)

And something needs to be done about that.
Is there some kind of surgical procedure to have that removed?

It's called a frontal lobotomy.
Might have some minor side effects, though.

A momentary lapse of reason.

I’d say it won’t happen again, but that be a bit of a lie.

No kidding.

Delivered by Tinkerbelle herself, I’m fairly certain of it.

That's the least they could do.
Although I'd prefer Ariel.

You’d make an excellent CEO.
(or maniacal authoritarian dictator and overlord… your choice)

I'll take door number 2!

Sorry to be the one to force that realization on you.



At least I didn’t point out that its worse for those that have daughters.
So you have that going for you… which is nice.

Oh, Gawd!

Not to worry, I’m completely insane…
Who’d believe me if I told them?

It’d be like Casandra warning the Trojans that they might be betting on the wrong horse.

Now that I’ve gotten my first response in, I went back and caught up on the rest of the conversations
(cause they’re right entertaining, ya’ know).

Yep!

Anyway… I didn’t know the inference, but I do know of Nebo. Just not early enough to have the chance to really peruse his work back when he was a more prodigious contributor.

Ah. Know of him, know not of his works.

I should likely remedy that rather glaring oversight, but then again, I should likely do a lot of things that may or may not get accomplished (like attending to my own wayward missives, for instance).

:

What? I didn't say a thing!

Sent you on a wild goose chase again I see…

Again.

But that's okay. They're almost always entertaining.

Might I say that his most known tune is easily his least satisfying (which is rather common for musicians unfortunately). If you’ve nothing better to do, give one of his live albums a listen (live is always better than studio for him), there is some very entertaining stuff back there.

Interesting.
Don't know if I'll get around to the listen, but you never know.

So would those slushy things over in France, but I do see your point.

Well, sure. But...
Can't give one of those to the 14 year old.

Hummm…
Well I could be completely wrong here.
It’s been known to occur, ya’ know.

Really! I had no idea!

The thought may be arcane, but the application still quite germane.
On this count we should not constrain ourselves or relent and complain.
One would prove themselves but a bird brain. The very idea; not to remain dignified
and retain that tenuous shred of urbane dignity...
why the very notion gives me a migraine.

Okay.
That's reallllly familiar, but I can't place it.
Unless you just made it up.

Then it only got worse when that change turned into tokens.

Ugh. I stopped going around then.
Tokens didn't evoke the same tactile/emotional response.

After that you couldn’t even think better of it and keep the change in your pocket.

You left with change in your pocket???

What is wrong with you?

Seriously.

 

[jandlinz]

Hello darling Ponzi! I'm on the couch with a blanket ready to give you 100%. So glad you had a great Christmas! Drama comes with holidays (at least in my crazy family it does). I hope it didn't damper your time celebrating.

A few of you noticed the shiny knew ticker
I put up a few days ago.

I did!

Here's the key: Don't plan one.

I love this! I wish it worked for me.

So we agreed to go to New York City in August!

This sounds like a blast!

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

So I go home and ask Ruby if there's any way at all
she could take a weekend off.

You have to be the most selfless hubby! I love that you are so attentive to Ruby and your girls! I can see how they light up your world!

"You know what I'd really like." She says.
"Is to go to Hawaii."

She's got great taste. If I said that to my DH he'd laugh.

"Well, I can certainly look at that." I replied.

Meaning the greatest DH in the world will make it happen!

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

Absolutely!!

The next monorail arrived promptly at 2:25pm.

Of course it did!

Five minutes later, at 2:39 another one pulled up.
Five minutes! Five!!

Ouch! That's going to hurt my guess! What happened to the VIP treatment?

We passed them all.

We popped in here and sat down.

Very nice!

This was Kay's first time at this type of restaurant
and she enjoyed the show.

I've never been either. It looks really cool.

I did not... repeat NOT, touch the cooking surface with my finger.
(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.)

I don't get the reference, but can understand the surface would be hot! My sweet girl once put her nose up to a hot cookie tray that had a chicken on it and burned her sweet little chin. No, I was not home. My DH was home while I was teaching Sunday school and had it on the counter. I have no idea what came over her to smell the chicken and burn her chin. She wanted an easy bake oven for Christmas, but Santa decided she needed to be a little older.

Kaki-Gori!
aka: Shave Ice.

Nice on a hot day!

we had to... had to stop for a couple of these babies.

That's twice in one day!
This just will not do at all.

No, no, no it will not!!!!

Anything that you might want to play takes three or four.

Of course it does.

I loped back up to the room to get some cash to buy some more.
(So in that respect, Disney's plan to get us spending more money
worked like a charm.)

More Papa Ponzi Prizes!

"Dad, is there anything you want to play?"
Well, I'll be darned.

Sweet girl you have! She must learn from her Papa!

So... a win/win evening excursion.

Perfect!

Hope you enjoyed the tour.

Loved it! The picture of the bridge is exquisite.

Awwww... the little peanut was worried about me.

She is just so sweet!

jandlinz - 1, Via Napoli, cronut, school bread, TT, Mary Poppins - 9 points

Terrible. I need to step up my game!

Flattery points (aka suck-up points)

Really, no flattery points last round for me? I do apologize for my lack of love. I hope I can make it up to you Mr. King of Trip Reports.

jandlinz – 131 points

Oh, no. I have plummeted.

Bonus questions, round 9!

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?

Oh the pressure!!! I need to take a deep breath. Here goes...
1. A.M.
2. Via Napoli (third times a charm)
3. I looked up Circle of Life and it's not a ride so, thinking "outside the box" The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros is housed inside the pyramid shaped Mexico pavilion (yes I did my homework, bonus points?) so I'm going to go with that.
4.a. Test Track
b. 3 (I think you said you booked a throw away FP just in case you missed that first one, but hopefully you make it today) I really do hope her feet feel better this last day!

Coming up!... Our last day at Disney! Boo!

It can't almost be over!!!

Today is our 14 year anniversary and I celebrated my birthday on Christmas! I would love so bonus points as a gift from my most generous Ponzi to make up for my pathetic last round. I hope you and your family have a Happy New Year!

 

[pkondz]

Hello darling Ponzi!

You have no idea how big a grin I have on my face when I read that.

I'm on the couch with a blanket ready to give you 100%.

No way!
Wow. If I take more than 50% of the blanket at home,
DW gets mad at me.
And you're giving me all of it!

So glad you had a great Christmas! Drama comes with holidays (at least in my crazy family it does). I hope it didn't damper your time celebrating.

Merely a blip in the bacchanalia of the holidaze.

I love this! I wish it worked for me.

I'm shocked it's working for me!
But I don't want to jinx it!

This sounds like a blast!

Well, plans have changed, but it's still all good.

You have to be the most selfless hubby! I love that you are so attentive to Ruby and your girls! I can see how they light up your world!

Oh, boy.
I will agree with you that my girls light up my world.
But selfless? Attentive?
Nah. In real life I'm a big jerk.
Just ask Ruby! She'll tell you!

She's got great taste.

If I said that to my DH he'd laugh.

In delight?

Meaning the greatest DH in the world will make it happen!

No. Just me.
The greatest DH probably has his own family to take care of.

Absolutely!!

That's the way I see it!

Of course it did!

Anything more would be unacceptable.

Ouch! That's going to hurt my guess! What happened to the VIP treatment?

I know! Disney is definitely going down hill.
Five minutes! Can you imagine?!??!?

I've never been either. It looks really cool.

If you've never been, then put it high up on your list.
I mean, it's dinner... and a show.

I don't get the reference, but can understand the surface would be hot!

Okay, that's 3 out of 16 now.

My sweet girl once put her nose up to a hot cookie tray that had a chicken on it and burned her sweet little chin. No, I was not home. My DH was home while I was teaching Sunday school and had it on the counter. I have no idea what came over her to smell the chicken and burn her chin. She wanted an easy bake oven for Christmas, but Santa decided she needed to be a little older.

Aw, poor lil' tyke.
I burned Elle when she was one.
She came toddling into the kitchen and I had the hot oven open.
I held out my hand to tell her not to get close.
Stupid me. My hand was in an oven mitt.
That had just held a hot dish.
Of course the mitt was hot.
She had a little blister on her forehead from me
for a day or so.

I still feel like a total and complete failure
as a father and a human being because of that.
I get upset even thinking about it.

Boy, that was tough to write.

Nice on a hot day!

Yup. Not as good as it could be, but nice.

Indeed. Cronuts should be listed as an addictive substance.

No, no, no it will not!!!!

Twice in one day!
Incredible!!

More Papa Ponzi Prizes!

Or more sucker prizes?
I suspect the latter.

Sweet girl you have! She must learn from her Papa!

Nope. Get's that from her Mom. I'm a jerk.

Loved it! The picture of the bridge is exquisite.

Thanks!

She is just so sweet!

She really is.
Sometimes I wonder. But other times she blows me away with her thoughtfulness.

Terrible. I need to step up my game!

Got a few more chances.

Really, no flattery points last round for me? I do apologize for my lack of love. I hope I can make it up to you Mr. King of Trip Reports.

I think you already did!

Oh, no. I have plummeted.

Not by too much. Points still available.

Oh the pressure!!! I need to take a deep breath. Here goes...
1. A.M.
2. Via Napoli (third times a charm)
3. I looked up Circle of Life and it's not a ride so, thinking "outside the box" The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros is housed inside the pyramid shaped Mexico pavilion (yes I did my homework, bonus points?) so I'm going to go with that.
4.a. Test Track
b. 3 (I think you said you booked a throw away FP just in case you missed that first one, but hopefully you make it today) I really do hope her feet feel better this last day!

Noted.

It can't almost be over!!!

Yep. Don't know how many more updates.
At least two. Maybe four depending on how it goes.

Won't know until I start writing.

Today is our 14 year anniversary and I celebrated my birthday on Christmas!

Oh, geez. I knew about your birthday and totally blew it!
Well Happy Belated Birthday!
And Happy Anniversary!

I would love so bonus points as a gift from my most generous Ponzi to make up for my pathetic last round.

I think that might be arranged...

I hope you and your family have a Happy New Year!

And same to you!