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

[pkondz]

But you know what they say about pizza...even when it's bad, it's good.

Disagree. I've had really bad pizza. And it was just... bad.

Sold! I think I need to add Winnipeg to my summer itinerary.

I know!

Seriously, I'm in! I might just have to cut the Black Hills out, is all.

I'm serious too! Read the PM I sent you!

That sounds really interesting.

It's better than interesting... it's delicious.

The only thing obvious about it was that I was going to get it wrong.

This is a lot of build up. Something is fishy here.

Figured that out, didja?

Whoa. Wonders never cease!

I know I was shocked.
Didn't happen again, though.

People with scruples. They don't take kindly to it.

Precisely.

Grrr...

Urge to kill...rising...

I so wish I could've marched to the front of the line,
grabbed them by the scruffs of their collective necks
and tossed them out.

Really.

Heh. Suckers.

My only wish is that we would've stopped to discuss it in a loud voice.
"So Kay. What do you want to do now?
I'm tired of riding TOT over and over with no wait whatsoever.
I don't want to stand in line like these people!"

Wow! Nice work! And here everybody thought Canadians were supposed to be overly nice and polite. Good work!

We are nice. We are polite.

Don't ever mistake that for weakness.

Impressing your teenage daughter?? Dude, that's the Holy Grail of fatherhood!

Thank you. Thank you very much.
Hadn't happened before.
Probably won't happen again.

That's something I always forget about Disney trips. How much your feet hurt at the end of each day.

Sounds like it. Nice to be willing and able to take the time and just rest.

It's so easy to go non-stop at Disney.
Her feet hurting were kind of a blessing in disguise.

How long do the batteries last on that horseshoe?

At least until the end of our Disney park touring days.

The illusion of democracy is important in any family. Keeps the kids from full-on revolt.

Surrrrrre it was.

Actually... it was!

I CANNOT BELIEVE IT! I mean, I actually got one right!

Oh, I mean, I can't believe you've never had one!

We're dads. Idiocy is what we do.

It's our defining feature.

And Canadians weren't eligible for the Powerball.

Actually... we are.
There is no restriction that you have to have US citizenship
to buy (and win!) the Powerball.
Indeed many Canadians went south and bought some.
It was big news up here.

Considering our exchange rate, the prize was about $2Billion CDN.

I tried the exact same thing when I ate there. Got about the same result, too. It's a nice idea, but hard to make it work just right.

Really, just got lucky.

But then again... that's the theme for this trip.

There are so few tables on the front porch, it's hard to get it timed just right.

I was thinking the same thing.

I really don't remember if they were there or not!
I don't remember!

I think Tony's gets a bad rap. It's not earth-shattering. But I still will tell anyone who will listen that I've never had a bad meal at Disney.

Two visits. Two perfectly fine meals.
I've got no complaints.

This is when I wish Disney would let me bring my taser into the park.

Ooohhh.... Good idea.
"Sir? Sir? Are you alright? Can you hear me? Did anyone see what happened?"
Me: "He was just standing right in front of me. Then he just fell down. Very odd."

Well said. I don't understand people sometimes.

Yup.

Ugh. Even when I know it's coming, that sentence always hurts.

You'd think the more you go the easier it would get.

Apparently... not so much.

Darn. I wish I'd known when I was there in December.

Nah. I'm too dumb to think of it that soon.

Double sigh.

4:30 a.m. Or at least, you do. She gets up closer to 5.

Noted.
But. Are you saying we're late and miss our bus/flight?
Or did you misread the part where we had to be in the lobby by 2:45am?
You can stick with that if you wish, of course.

If you're like me, you can't sleep on a plane. So, I say neither one of you.

No. You're done with customs issues. Also, horsehoe.

Security. I pray you didn't have the experience we did with Orlando security. Maybe they have their act together in Toronto.

Ruby was first! Because she was eager to see you. And the baggage is never fast.

Noted.

 

[pkondz]

.. I would as well, but Beggars can't be choosers!

Oh, I don't know.
If you approach a beggar and say "I can give you five bucks or I can buy you a cheeseburger."
They can choose.

The last trip, we walked all over Central Park, went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, I took a tour of the New York Public Library, saw Finding Neverland on Broadway, walked through Times Square and a few stores, Empire State Building, Took the Staten Island Ferry back and forth, walked over to the 9/11 memorial, went to Chelsea Market, and ate at a couple places: only ones worth sharing are: Morimotos in Chelsea Market was amazing, and Shake Shack lol
We have stayed at the Grand Hyatt at Grand Central both trips. It's very nice and great location being next to Grand Central, and not too far cab ride from LaGuardia.

That sounds amazing!

I'm going to have to remember this post so I can refer back to it if/when we go.

I figured you would! haha

I am excited and it will be fun! I am sure my cousin will have things planned for us to do And my husband has been there for work, so he said there are a couple places I need to go see. haha

Nice to have it arranged for you, too.

YEAH.... sounds like me on my last few trips! and didn't take tons of photos either! Some trips it's nice to just relax and take minimal photos. Though I still tend to take photos of things I usually ALWAYS do haha

I have done (mini) trips where I've not taken a single photo.
But lately, I seem to write about them.. and people demand photos!

 

[Gracefulskinny]

But lately, I seem to write about them.. and people demand photos!

 

[pkondz]

What? Wrong film?

Nope!

how about we watch this one then...

I think I'd pay to see either one of those.

Unsolicited?

Solicitation is illegal in some parts.

No trouble…
We were fairly well compensated.

Thanks!

And I for one didn’t really bat an eye…

Noticed that.

Now, I was among the curious though…

And didn't I do a good job of 'splainin' it?

Well I'll tell you.

And there's a video I can't see because I'm at work.
And I won't be home until Thursday (maybe Friday) to see it.

But I'm going to go out on a limb and guess

Interesting take on the concept…
It seems to be more a sub on flatbread then Za.
But if it’s a “meatzzia” ya’s want’s, then I can see this place fitting the bill nicely.

Hmmm... Kinda I guess.
But what's a pizza?
Dough, sauce, toppings, cheese (those last can be reversed)

No where does it say how much those last two items have to be.

Now those look a bit more enticing.
I’ve seen beer used in batters and doughs and I generally like the effect on texture and flavor.
I’d be trying one if I were to get up that way.

And I'd highly recommend it.

Well, it was one of the reasons I chose what I chose, but not the only one…
So, one quarter misdirection on your part, and three quarters: I was just plain wrong.

I'll accept up to 18% responsibility. Not 25%.

I’m blaming Google Translate here…
That there newfangled Canadian to American option they added don’t work worth a dang!

Shoot. And here I thought I was doing so well!

In about the same way that the answer would be obvious if you asked:
“How many of each animal did Moses gather into the Ark?”



Those that ain’t payin’ attention won’t be getting that bonus point either.

The answer is "One more than the total number of unicorns."

http://www.geekscape.net/the-top-10-best-comedy-straight-men

Why I outta...

My name isn't Shirley either, but that’s not important right now…

Perfect.

Oh, I know.... I know!

Yep. Pretty much.

Now that is just pure evil…
I generally think badly of “people” (an untrustworthy lot, the bunch of them), but that’s not even something that ever occurred to me. Now I’m going to have to lower my expectations of “people” even farther. Guess I better go get a shovel…

Never stop digging.

It did rain…
Just not on y’all.
Was that part of that VIP Transportation package as well?

Well of course!
I mean it's bad enough that we had to wait for <gasp> five entire minutes
a couple of times.
You don't really think they'd let it rain on us too!

How un-Canadian of you.
Absolutely brilliant!
But decidedly not terribly Canadian.
If word of that got back to the authorities, you might encounter trouble getting back into the country.

Oh, we're a polite bunch.... unless you tick us off.

Yes!!!!


[Bart returns unexpectedly after being sentenced to death]
Charlie: "They said you was hung. "
Bart: "And they was right. "

‘Cause, as a daddy, that’s what you do.

Yep. Pretty much.

Yep…
There must be a clause buried somewhere in that VIP Package that is sparing y’all a great deal of sogginess.

Already answered this.
Weren't you paying attention?!?!?!?

“you can't believe it either!”

(I tried so hard to not let you do that... so hard.)

Well, that’s what you said I should tell you (and it’s merely for the points, ‘cause I’ll likely need ‘em).
I, on the other hand, am not all that surprised - and truth be told – I find that they’re really not all that amazing.

See this just amazes me.
So many people were all "You've never?!?!?!? "

I just assumed it was a National pastime or something.
Sort of like us and hockey.

There you go playing the straight man again…

Of course not. Everything is better (and rather more fun) when it just a bit more slippery.



(well… almost everything)

Uh, huh.
If you haven't already,
go and look at what @BibbitybobityLu answered.

Falling head long into an inescapable den of innuendo and double entendre, do believe.

She did.

I don’t know…
The Tramp may have picked them out for his gal.
He’s been known to do such.

It's entirely possible.
I just don't remember if they were in there or not!

Mmmmmmm… Rasberry.

Gaaaaa!
I hate it when folks do that.
Drives me absolutely batty!

And it does that to everyone.

And people keep doing it!!!

Well then most of humanity must be quite well rested indeed.

Unfortunately.

She looks too happy.

“Except, I didn’t say ‘shoot’…”

Schwartz.

I’ll check with you before we next head down that way to see if you still need one.

Appreciate that.
@MHSweb79 is heading down in two weeks.
If she can't get 'em, I'll let you know.

Well that will be 8 for her, then.
We’ll just see about your final tally.


17

Ouch.
No wonder I slept so well.

1. 2:00am
2. Kay sleeps… You, not so much
3. Y’all Breeze through customs
4. Therefore: Security is worse this time
5. Ruby gets there first (to see her young’en of course, your’ just lucky she even lets you in the car)

Noted.

 

[pkondz]

Wow! The only way that I have been able to keep up with the chatter on everyone's threads is to read on my phone when I have a spare moment. And you don't really want to know where that is most of the time!

TMI! TMI!!!!!

But on the tiny screen, I could not see just how much meat was actually on that pizza! I would only need one slice, if I could even eat that.

Why? You mean you can't eat two pounds of meat (per slice)?

I need to remember that you are always trying to trick us.

Actually wasn't that time.
It was just a lucky (for me, not so much for you) accident.

Very much so!

Hey!

figures.

Unfortunately.... yeah.

Those are good reasons.

I thought so too.
They'd be my reasons as well!

I try to believe that and not other.

Me too, actually.

That never occurred to me, but you're right.

Yer darned tootin', toots!

(Thought I forgot, hunh?)

That's happened to us before.

Clears out the lines quite well, I thought.

How do you have so much luck?

It's an addendum to the VIP bus package.

You're having all the luck.

Even I was a little taken aback at how lucky we were with this trip.

I rarely get in lines longer than 20 minutes, but then again I can always do the single rider line. I also ride Disney rides a lot more often than you.

I usually won't either.
But with Kay along, I had to make... adjustments.

I've really got to figure out how to add this to my trip in April.

It's hard to find. But when you do...

Wow! Never in a million years would my Dad consider doing this. Not even for my mom.

It was a first for me, actually.
But, well... her feet hurt.

That's so sweet.

Now you tell us about this!

Did I not mention that?
Huh.
Must've slipped my mind.

Again. Tricky.

But of course.

I can't believe you've never one!

They sell them on street corners out of little carts where I live. Well not in my neighborhood, but around the area. There's also a fast food chain El Pollo Loco where they are one of the desserts that they sell. Fran gets 'em all the time.

Finally! I thought everyone would answer like that!

You really hold that thing like you're going to play it.

It was a B flat churro. Except the more you "play" it, the less flat you'll be.

Well if Kay requested it, that's as good a reason as any.

It's an excellent reason.

They must be pretty small, or something.

The more I think about it, the more I think they forgot them.
But I usually get Bolognese (no meatballs) so I might not have noticed.

That's so sweet.

Wow. You're really bold.

Nope. Just ticked.

Nothing like watching fireworks burst in the air around the outline of a kid on a Dad's shoulders.

They say, ignorance is bliss.

There are a lot of blissful people.


A lot.

I can't believe how ignorant and oblivious people are.

Oh, believe it.

Yep. That just about says it all.

Even worse it means the story is almost over.

Aww... Thanks!

Oh no!

Oh yes.

Until yesterday, I had the soonest trip coming up, but I see you have a promise of someone going in two weeks. If that doesn't pan out, I can always try in May.

Thanks Alison. If it doesn't work out for whatever reason,
you'll be my back up plan.

I try to do that, but I'm usually too tired to d it. However, with your wake up time, I would have packed the day before!

Nah. Remember I pack waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay lighter than you do.


Hmmm.... not enough 'a's up there.

Boy have I dropped in the contest!

Sorry about 'dat.

2:15

I'm going to say that you don't, but Kay does.

No

Security.

Ruby.

Noted.

 

[pkondz]

 

[jandlinz]

Hello! I'm so sad you will only have one more update. I have really enjoyed your trip report and am so sad to see it end. I'm so glad you'll be writing about Maui and possibly Banff (hint, hint). I wanted to write earlier, but the kids have cycled through another cold with a fever so it's been another long week. At least the kids were able to do their activities during the weekend, as some were over it and some had yet to get it. The last one just came down with it today, so I think we are four days away from healthy (unless it cycles through again). I sure do hate winter. I tell my dh all the time he moved me here (not like Ohio is any warmer, shhh) so I get to choose where we live during retirement. Anyways..

I went skydiving once.
My lines tangled and I had to fight to get them untangled.
Pretty sucky for a first jump.
So... pretty freaking scary.
Not just the lines... the whole thing.
Even climbing out of the plane and letting go.
"But why? The plane's not broken! I wanna stay!"

Well, up until the chute finally opened.
Then it was awesome.

So I thought. "I'm not going to let this beat me!"

I jumped again.

Line tangled again.

Okay. Been there. Done that.

Wow! I can't believe you experienced that and then decided to do it again. You are a brave buffoon! Before we had kids we had the opportunity to go through some work thing for dh. We contemplated doing it, but then I saw my life flash before my eyes and chickened out. I somewhat regret not doing it because there's no way I'd do it now.

Here's a pic I found on Google.
(And no. It's not for the meek. Or if you have a heart condition.)

And yes. I've seen it piled higher...

I honestly have never seen pizza like that before. I think one piece would do me in!

We soon arrived at our destination, disembarked,
scanned fingers (Yep! Still no problems!)
and were headed in this direction:

"Wait! Wait! You said the park you were going to was obvious!
You took the bus and not the boat or monorail!
So AK was the obvious choice."

Yes, it was the obvious choice. I would have never thought you would trek all the way to the bus stop to go to HS. I bet those who didn't pay attention to your detail of "obvious choice" guessed HS. I guess paying attention hurt me this time.

Ready?



I forgot.

See? Obvious.

I took one last stab at getting her to try the single rider line...

And she said yes!
I almost stopped walking I was so surprised.

So here we were, standing just inside the loading area,
when I felt a light tap on my shoulder
accompanied by an "Excuse me."

My natural reaction... heck, my instincts took over
and without even looking, I immediately stepped to the side.
Not one, not two, but three young teens zipped by us.

You are instinctively a polite, kind, gentleman. I would have done the same thing. I don't think I would have even thought twice.

I must admit. I was a little ticked.

I would have been too.

There was no one there.

Yippee! Pixie Dusted!

We had so much fun that we decided to do it again.
There still was next to no line.
We had about a five minute wait this time,
since there were a few people ahead of us.
But still... five minutes!

That makes up for the line cutting.

30 minutes? No sweat!

Perfect!

More excellent timing by us, if I do say so myself.

The rain really did help you out.

I didn't even think about it.
I didn't even hesitate.

The words were no sooner out of his mouth
when I replied: "Don't worry. They'll wait for you."
And with that, I turned my back on him,
effectively blocking his way.

Nice! You are so brave! I'll have to use that line next time. I wonder what a line jumper would think of a 5'1" feisty woman saying that to them. My dh would, of course, not want me to cause drama. I'm really going to pay attention to that next time we go.

Stood my ground and didn't get beat up!
Win win!

Plus, I impressed Kay.
So, win win win!

I'm impressed too. You really are brave. I think Kay learned a valuable lesson when you did that. Papa Ponzi Prize!

"Can I take my shoes off?" Kay asked.
"Sure. We have plenty of time." I said. "Do you want me to rub your feet?"
She nodded. So I did.
We sat there for an hour.
Just relaxing and looking out over the lake
and watching the ferry come and go with its load of passengers.
Happy passengers arriving.
Exhausted passengers departing.

Aw! I love this. You really are a giant teddy bear to your little ladies. This really is sweet. You are a great role model for your daughters. It's great that you show your daughters so much respect.

(Actually, HM really was her first choice for a ride.)

The apple doesn't fall far from the haunted mansion.

Go ahead! Tell me you can't believe it either!
I'll even give you bonus points for it.

I can't believe it either. Although, I've never had one either.

We rode HM.
And it was merely awesometastic.
As always.

Awesometastic is such a great word. It needs to be added to the dictionary. Love it!

We could see the top half of the floats as they went by,
but Kay was disappointed that she couldn't see more.
I wish I'd known, I would've changed our ADR for a bit earlier.
I didn't really think she'd be that into the parade,
but she was.

That's always been my favorite parade too. I guess you'll have to schedule another trip to take her back to see it!

She loved it.
She was standing there, rapt the whole time.

Aw! So special. Isn't it nice to see Disney through your child's eyes?

I tapped him on the shoulder.

You are a brave buffoon.

Wishes is the best thing in all of Disney.
My God. What a way to end a vacation!
It's sooooo good!
They really know how to pull at those heart strings!

I love Wishes. One of my favorite times at Disney was when I rode Dumbo, before they moved it, with my oldest son (he was five at the time). Wishes went off while we rode and he remembers it and brings it up the most when we talk about our trips to Disney. It only made Wishes more magical.

I loved every second of it.

If anyone's going to the World in the next little bit,
would it be too much to ask one of you to pick
up a napkin from Tony's with Lady & The Tramp's
paw prints on it?
I'd be more than happy to pay for the postage.

Did you end up calling? My parents are heading to Disney at the end of February and I know they could pick up the paw prints for you. I just passed by a Detroit Harley Davidson and thought, "Hmm, I could pick up a shirt for My Dear Ponzi and send it with the paw prints." My oldest brother is a Harley guy and loves to collect Harley shirts from all over. We actually watched the 4th of July fireworks this past year from the parking lot of a Harley dealership. It's so amazing how family oriented bikers are. I was always afraid of them as a child and they really are the nicest people.

After a quiet bus ride back to the resort,
we climbed the stairs one last time...
Ha. No.
She climbed the stairs one last time.
We got to our room and I returned to the food court
to refill our mugs.
Then I climbed the stairs one last time.

Last time climbing those stairs! I'm so curious what the number is. Will you let me know when it gets calculated?

Disney Transportation Wait Time to date
(14 busses, 5 boats, 2 monorails): 38 minutes
Average wait time just over 1 3/4 minutes.
Only one more bus to go.
Last time I waited 22 minutes.
How long will it be this time?
Longer? Shorter?

Hopefully it's shorter. I really can't believe your luck with the buses.

Bonus questions, round 11!
(Final round! Make 'em count!)

1. What time do we get up?

2. Do we sleep on the plane?
Me? Kay? Both? Neither?

3. Do we have issues at customs?

4. Which takes longer in Toronto (our connection.)
Security? Or customs?

5. Which came first. Our bags or Ruby to pick us up?

1. 1:50
2. Kay sleeps on the plane. You don't, since you're a night owl and Kay uses you as a pillow.
3. Nope
4. Security
5. Ruby!!!! Oh, I hope you include a picture of your beautiful wife. I feel like we know her already.

Coming up!
Leaving home for... home.

 

[pkondz]

Hello!

Hi there!

I'm so sad you will only have one more update. I have really enjoyed your trip report and am so sad to see it end.

Sorry. All good things must come to an end.
Which in no way explains why this must end... but it does.

I'm so glad you'll be writing about Maui and possibly Banff (hint, hint).

Maui for sure and that's coming up soon
so I think I'll just keep this going and tack it on.

Banff is quite a ways away, though.

I wanted to write earlier, but the kids have cycled through another cold with a fever so it's been another long week. At least the kids were able to do their activities during the weekend, as some were over it and some had yet to get it. The last one just came down with it today, so I think we are four days away from healthy (unless it cycles through again). I sure do hate winter.

Oh, man. You are just not having any luck with those colds/flus.
Hopefully it'll all be done soon!

I tell my dh all the time he moved me here (not like Ohio is any warmer, shhh) so I get to choose where we live during retirement.

Don't you just love having something like that in your pocket?

Wow! I can't believe you experienced that and then decided to do it again. You are a brave buffoon!

Brave? Or stupid?

Before we had kids we had the opportunity to go through some work thing for dh. We contemplated doing it, but then I saw my life flash before my eyes and chickened out. I somewhat regret not doing it because there's no way I'd do it now.

I hear you.
I've never bungee jumped. Never really wanted to.
But I sure can't do it now.

I honestly have never seen pizza like that before. I think one piece would do me in!

Me too, probably.
When Kay and I ate there, we didn't have it piled nearly that high.

Yes, it was the obvious choice. I would have never thought you would trek all the way to the bus stop to go to HS. I bet those who didn't pay attention to your detail of "obvious choice" guessed HS. I guess paying attention hurt me this time.

Obviously.

You are instinctively a polite, kind, gentleman. I would have done the same thing. I don't think I would have even thought twice.

So you're saying you're instinctively polite and kind too!

Yippee! Pixie Dusted!

Yes!

That makes up for the line cutting.

That's true! I never thought of it that way!

The rain really did help you out.

The rain was nothing but beneficial to us this trip.

Nice! You are so brave! I'll have to use that line next time. I wonder what a line jumper would think of a 5'1" feisty woman saying that to them. My dh would, of course, not want me to cause drama. I'm really going to pay attention to that next time we go.

Most people figure they'll just cut through no questions asked
and have no response to someone who stops them.

I'm impressed too. You really are brave. I think Kay learned a valuable lesson when you did that. Papa Ponzi Prize!

Thanks for the prize!

Aw! I love this. You really are a giant teddy bear to your little ladies. This really is sweet.

You are a great role model for your daughters. It's great that you show your daughters so much respect.

I hope so. I truly do.
I want my girls to have better expectations of a husband
than someone who treats them like crap.

The apple doesn't fall far from the haunted mansion.

I like that!

I can't believe it either. Although, I've never had one either.

You neither?!?
Sheesh! Almost no one has!

Awesometastic is such a great word. It needs to be added to the dictionary. Love it!

That's always been my favorite parade too. I guess you'll have to schedule another trip to take her back to see it!

I'd love to!
Except... considering that trip has roughly doubled in cost...

It's gonna be a while before that happens.

Aw! So special. Isn't it nice to see Disney through your child's eyes?

Best part about the whole trip.

You are a brave buffoon.

Oh, no. I think 99.9% of the people there are just enjoying themselves.
They're so into the moment that they don't even realize what they're doing.
So a quick tap brings them back down to Earth long enough
for them to remember what they're doing.

I love Wishes. One of my favorite times at Disney was when I rode Dumbo, before they moved it, with my oldest son (he was five at the time). Wishes went off while we rode and he remembers it and brings it up the most when we talk about our trips to Disney. It only made Wishes more magical.

Aw. That's such a great memory! Love it!

Did you end up calling? My parents are heading to Disney at the end of February and I know they could pick up the paw prints for you.

MHSweb79 is going in two weeks and said they'd do it.
If not, I've got another offer too.
DIS people are awesome!
But thank you and thank you to your parents for the offer!

I just passed by a Detroit Harley Davidson and thought, "Hmm, I could pick up a shirt for My Dear Ponzi and send it with the paw prints."

Really?!? Wow! That's really nice of you to think of me!

My oldest brother is a Harley guy and loves to collect Harley shirts from all over.

I've collected some from different spots too.
But if I don't get a shirt I like, I don't force it.

But I do collect a poker chip from everyone I go to.
But I only want them from places I visit.
That way I can point to the chip bowl and say, "I've been to all those."

We actually watched the 4th of July fireworks this past year from the parking lot of a Harley dealership. It's so amazing how family oriented bikers are. I was always afraid of them as a child and they really are the nicest people.

Nice!
There's a reason outlaw gangs are called one percenters.
It's because 99% of them are nice folk!

Last time climbing those stairs! I'm so curious what the number is. Will you let me know when it gets calculated?

Actually it's been tabulated!
I'll post the result in the next update with a shout out to the calculator.

Hopefully it's shorter. I really can't believe your luck with the buses.

We've had amazing luck!

1. 1:50
2. Kay sleeps on the plane. You don't, since you're a night owl and Kay uses you as a pillow.
3. Nope
4. Security
5. Ruby!!!! Oh, I hope you include a picture of your beautiful wife. I feel like we know her already.

Noted.
But no pics of Ruby.
I can't go into details, but there never will be.

Sorry!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Noted.
But. Are you saying we're late and miss our bus/flight?
Or did you misread the part where we had to be in the lobby by 2:45am?
You can stick with that if you wish, of course.

Dang, I did totally miss that. I must have been in a rush to see if I got any points in the last round. Ok, I'm going to guess that you did not miss your flight. So the alarm got you up at 1:30 a.m.

 

[afwdwfan]

Gloating? Is that what this has come to?

Um... yeah??? Was it ever about anything else?

Nope.
I did the math.

Walking to the bus from Germany 0.8 miles
Walking to DHS 1.7 miles

But walking to the ferry... 0.5 miles.

True... but the boat can take 20 minutes + just to ride to DHS with all the stops involved. In theory, you could have potentially walked a comparable distance by taking your ferry across the lagoon and walking to the bus and potentially still getting there faster with one of your <1 minute bus waits. That's the reasoning I tried to use.

Definitely should've done the ferry.
I mean there's never a wait for it or anything.

Of course there's never a wait for the ferry.

For you.

But you know what they say about pizza...even when it's bad, it's good.

That's been my theory about Pizza Planet for years.

Disagree. I've had really bad pizza. And it was just... bad.

I still can't say that I've experienced this.

I did used to say something similar to Mark's comment about burgers. Especially Disney burgers.

I don't say that anymore.

 

[jandlinz]

Oh, man. You are just not having any luck with those colds/flus.
Hopefully it'll all be done soon!

Yep! It's followed by a cough, so it may be longer than I thought. The good news is that the baby slept through the night for the first time last night. The bad news is that he fell asleep at 12:30 a.m. after a battle of the wills. I'd love to say I won, but I didn't. I had to walk and rock that goober for hours, but the sweet thing is sick and only wanted Mama. Bless his heart.

Don't you just love having something like that in your pocket?

Yes. I told him we're getting a condo near Disney and I'm going to work in the Bippity Boppity Boutique part time. I can go to the parks whenever I want. He claims I won't want to leave my kids and grandkids behind. So I guess we'll have to be snow birds!

So you're saying you're instinctively polite and kind too!

Hmmm... Well... Yes. Unfortunately I always let people take advantage of me. My twin sister is the exact opposite. She speaks her mind and will really let people have it. I wish I could be more like that.

I hope so. I truly do.
I want my girls to have better expectations of a husband
than someone who treats them like crap.

I think that is a great mindset. I got this idea from a friend who has four daughters, each year on the daughters birthday the father takes the girl on a "date". He picks her up at the door with flowers, opens the door for her, pushes in and out her chair, etc. Basically the point is to show the daughter what a young man should do for a young lady so that she doesn't end up with a toad! They also discuss the dreaded conversation at this time, giving just enough for the age. We are going to start doing this with our kids this year. My DH will take our DD and I get to take the boys. I think it will be fun to get flowers from my boys.

I like that!

I was trying to come up with something more witty, like the ghost doesn't fly far from the haunted mansion, but I wasn't sure you would get what I was trying to do there.

I'd love to!
Except... considering that trip has roughly doubled in cost...

It's gonna be a while before that happens.

I know it's crazy. It's been three years, since we last went. We're probably going to have to drive this time coming up. Seven plane tickets is just astronomical!

Best part about the whole trip.

My favorite part too.

Oh, no. I think 99.9% of the people there are just enjoying themselves.
They're so into the moment that they don't even realize what they're doing.
So a quick tap brings them back down to Earth long enough
for them to remember what they're doing.

So true.

But no pics of Ruby.
I can't go into details, but there never will be.

Totally curious, but I won't ask any questions.

 

[Mrs T 2009]

Oh, I don't know.
If you approach a beggar and say "I can give you five bucks or I can buy you a cheeseburger."
They can choose.

I suppose you have a point there....
I should have said " Beggars shouldn't be choosers" haha

That sounds amazing!

I'm going to have to remember this post so I can refer back to it if/when we go.

Glad I could help! I love New York!

Nice to have it arranged for you, too.

I don't mind it. Easier on me, even though I am sure I will look into a few places to want to go to myself.

I have done (mini) trips where I've not taken a single photo.
But lately, I seem to write about them.. and people demand photos!

Yeah, it helps to have photos when writing TRs haha!

 

[pkondz]

Dang, I did totally miss that. I must have been in a rush to see if I got any points in the last round. Ok, I'm going to guess that you did not miss your flight. So the alarm got you up at 1:30 a.m.

Noted.

 

[pkondz]

Um... yeah??? Was it ever about anything else?

Well, actually...
I'm more used to me gloating and my readers loathing.

True... but the boat can take 20 minutes + just to ride to DHS with all the stops involved. In theory, you could have potentially walked a comparable distance by taking your ferry across the lagoon and walking to the bus and potentially still getting there faster with one of your <1 minute bus waits. That's the reasoning I tried to use.

Okay, I gotcha now.
Google directions say 11 minutes by car from Epcot to DHS.
Add in the walk and the boat we did take (from Germany)
and it would be pretty close.

I'm going to say it's about a minute or two quicker.
And that's why we did it.

Yeah.

Of course there's never a wait for the ferry.

For you.

Well of course not! Don't be silly.

I still can't say that I've experienced this.

I did used to say something similar to Mark's comment about burgers. Especially Disney burgers.

I don't say that anymore.

Uh, oh.
Is this recently? Something you'll be mentioning on your TR?

We used to love A&W burgers (not the same in the US).
But a year or less ago, they changed something.
Less seasoning salt I think.
Anyway... they're horrible now.
Honestly, I'd rather eat McDonalds now.
And that's disgusting!

 

[pkondz]

Yep! It's followed by a cough, so it may be longer than I thought.

Rats.
Well, hopefully that cough will be gone sooner rather than later.

The good news is that the baby slept through the night for the first time last night.

Yes!!!! That is good news!

The bad news is that he fell asleep at 12:30 a.m. after a battle of the wills. I'd love to say I won, but I didn't. I had to walk and rock that goober for hours, but the sweet thing is sick and only wanted Mama. Bless his heart.

Awww... poor li'l tyke.

Yes. I told him we're getting a condo near Disney and I'm going to work in the Bippity Boppity Boutique part time. I can go to the parks whenever I want. He claims I won't want to leave my kids and grandkids behind. So I guess we'll have to be snow birds!

That wouldn't be so bad!

Hmmm... Well... Yes. Unfortunately I always let people take advantage of me. My twin sister is the exact opposite. She speaks her mind and will really let people have it. I wish I could be more like that.

You can do that too.
Just tell yourself "Today. I'm going to yell at someone."
Start small. Either with the very young or the very old.
Work your way up (or down) from there.

You're welcome.

I think that is a great mindset. I got this idea from a friend who has four daughters, each year on the daughters birthday the father takes the girl on a "date". He picks her up at the door with flowers, opens the door for her, pushes in and out her chair, etc. Basically the point is to show the daughter what a young man should do for a young lady so that she doesn't end up with a toad! They also discuss the dreaded conversation at this time, giving just enough for the age. We are going to start doing this with our kids this year. My DH will take our DD and I get to take the boys. I think it will be fun to get flowers from my boys.

I love that!
Maybe it's not too late to start that with my DDs.
And I'd look forward to the "dreaded conversation".
I like learning knew things.

I was trying to come up with something more witty, like the ghost doesn't fly far from the haunted mansion, but I wasn't sure you would get what I was trying to do there.

No, no. That was perfect.

I know it's crazy. It's been three years, since we last went. We're probably going to have to drive this time coming up. Seven plane tickets is just astronomical!

No kidding!
I'm finding one plane ticket is astronomical.

Totally curious, but I won't ask any questions.

Sorry.

 

[pkondz]

I suppose you have a point there....
I should have said " Beggars shouldn't be choosers" haha

So you won't even let the poor beggar choose
between the money or the burger?
What, there should be someone standing there
telling him what he can or can't have?
That's mean!





You know I'm just teasing you, right?

Glad I could help!

I love New York!

Catchy. They should make a T-shirt out of that.

I don't mind it. Easier on me, even though I am sure I will look into a few places to want to go to myself.

 

[jandlinz]

Yes!!!! That is good news!

Thank you for sharing in my excitement!

You can do that too.
Just tell yourself "Today. I'm going to yell at someone."
Start small. Either with the very young or the very old.
Work your way up (or down) from there.

You're welcome.

Thanks! I can try, but knowing me I'll be apologizing right after I snipe at someone.

I love that!
Maybe it's not too late to start that with my DDs.
And I'd look forward to the "dreaded conversation".
I like learning knew things.

It's never too late. It really is a great idea.

 

[Thumper_Man]

But if you're feeling hungry, you might want to try Vern's.
(7 locations in Central Canada. One in Winnipeg.)
They take a pizza and pile it higher than any other that I've seen.
Here's a pic I found on Google.
(And no. It's not for the meek. Or if you have a heart condition.)

I showed this pick to Lady H and told her we'll have to go to Winnipeg now. She agreed it looks good. Told her we'll just stay at your house for the night.

Hungry? C'mon up!

You got it. Be there in a year or 2 at the latest. You know, once I can find a J.O.B....

RNRC and TOT, of course.

I kinda figured you would head back to this park. Who wouldn't want to go back for one more round of these 2 rides.

Which one first?

RNRC of course. DUH!!!!!

We went into the single rider entrance
and were being invited on a limo ride by Steven Tyler in no time.

Steven Tyler was there in a limo. Wow how lucky was that. Does the Dude Look Like A Lady? Or was it just some of the Same Ol Song and Dance?

So what did he tell you? Walk This Way if you want to be Livin' On The Edge; cuz at the end you may be Jaded. Heck you may even want to get Back In The Saddle again. You need to tell me cuz I Don't Want To Miss A Thing.

And then it happened.
I'm still a little annoyed by it.

Oh no. You weren't Cryin' were you? Dude, Janie's Got a Gun if you need assistance. You just need to find her. I hear she's a little Crazy even though she looks like an Angel. She's got What It Takes to get the job done.

The words were no sooner out of his mouth
when I replied: "Don't worry. They'll wait for you."
And with that, I turned my back on him,
effectively blocking his way.

Kay didn't say anything.
I didn't say anything.

After a bit, I risked a quick peak over my shoulder.

He was gone.

"Where did he go?" I asked Kay.
"He turned around and went back the other way."

Phew!

Stood my ground and didn't get beat up!
Win win!

Way to stand your ground.

By the time we were about two thirds of the way there,
I could tell that Kay's feet were really starting to bother her.
She started to ask me in a more and more anxious tone
how much longer until we got there.

Eventually, we did arrive.
"Dad? Can we sit down somewhere?"
"Sure." I replied. "Did you want to go through security first?"
"No." She said. "I really need to sit down now."
"How about right there?" I asked.

And I pointed over to the covered boat dock
where several benches sat empty.

Advil. Life saver. This is one trick Lady H and I learned on our last trip to WDW. Take some in the morning before you leave to the parks. Take some while touring the parks and take some after touring the parks. It really does help cut down on the aches and pains. Plus any swelling from all the walking. Plus the occasional sit and rest for a bit. Usually when we stop for our ADR's is when we'll take another dose to help keep us going.

Really, the VIP weather package is a must.

I need to look into this. Our last trip to Orlando, we sure could've used this package.

The last few fireworks crackled overhead
and we knew our vacation was over.


<pause. let that sink in. sob quietly. continue.>

With heavy hearts (and aching feet) we left the park
for the last time.
It was 10:20pm.

Now even though when Wishes ends it leaves you with a heavy heart. You know what leaves you with an even heavier heart. THIS. The music and the words really hit you in the gut and that's when you know your vacation has really come to an end. Is someone cutting onions near by? Take it they still do this. Been over 3 years since we've last been there.

Bonus questions, round 11!
(Final round! Make 'em count!)

Even though I know I'm already out of it, I'll play along.

1. What time do we get up?

T_Man: I say 1:00 AM
Lady H: You're already up, you never go to sleep.

2. Do we sleep on the plane?
Me? Kay? Both? Neither?

T_Man: Yes, Kay.
Lady H: Yes, both.

3. Do we have issues at customs?

T_Man: Yes
Lady H: Yes

What kind of Pkondz TR would this be without some last minute issues.

4. Which takes longer in Toronto (our connection.)
Security? Or customs?

T_Man: Customs
Lady H: Customs

5. Which came first. Our bags or Ruby to pick us up?

T_Man: Ruby (since she works close by).
Lady H: Bags

 

[afwdwfan]

Steven Tyler was there in a limo. Wow how lucky was that. Does the Dude Look Like A Lady? Or was it just some of the Same Ol Song and Dance?

So what did he tell you? Walk This Way if you want to be Livin' On The Edge; cuz at the end you may be Jaded. Heck you may even want to get Back In The Saddle again. You need to tell me cuz I Don't Want To Miss A Thing.

Oh no. You weren't Cryin' were you? Dude, Janie's Got a Gun if you need assistance. You just need to find her. I hear she's a little Crazy even though she looks like an Angel. She's got What It Takes to get the job done.

I see what you did there. Nicely done!

 

[DonnaBeeGood]

.