Canadian Buffoon's Solo Disney Vacation - Update 07/08! pp99 - Here today gone tomorrow

[pkondz]

Just to let you all know that I AM still reading along! It is taking a very long time to catch up on my DIS reading after our two weeks in the Happiest Place on Earth.

Hey! Welcome back!
So.... How was it???

But I also thought it fair to point out just how devious our host is, especially to you unsuspecting Americans. See we got rid of the penny up here in Canada a little while ago. Everything is rounded to the nearest nickle. So if you throw in your two cents, well that rounds DOWN to zero, so it's effectively free. However, once you hit three cents, it rounds UP to a full nickel. So when you throw in your opinion, pkondzi has effectively inflated it by 150%, and is making money hand over fist. Hats off to you pkondzi - that is brilliant!

Shhhh! Mum's the word!

Oh, man. Now how am I going to fund my next Disney trip???

However, with the state of the Canadian dollar right now, that nickel in Canadian is probably worth about two cents US. And with all the hassle of exchange, perhaps it would be more brilliant to just let it deflate down to zero anyway. After all, I am WELL known for offering free advice anyway.

Oh, great. That's just great!
And here I was hoping for some American coins... I could trade those puppies in and rake in a fortune in Canadian funds!

And now? Poof! All my plans, shot down in flames.

The prosecution (persecution?) rests.

Persecution.

Definitely persecution.

(ETA - how did I manage to post that just one minute after a new chapter?!? - now I have even MORE catching up to do!)

I have to admit, I was fixing up chapter links etc. and saw that someone (you as it turned out) had already posted.
And I thought "How in the world did anyone read all that already????"

 

[bankr63]

You were singing the Hallelujah Chorus? So it's a religious experience you get from these.

Nah, he's Canadian. We all sign the kd lang version of the Leonard Cohen classic. It comes with the territory.

And anything by Cohen is a religious experience of a TOTALLY different nature.

 

[bankr63]

Hey! Welcome back!
So.... How was it???

So now I'm reading page 12 and 27 simultaneously. A guy could get a headache!

It was a wonderful trip, and the first time driving. The boys had a great time for a few days before A+ joined us. And yes, an even better time once she got there!

Weather was outstanding - 80's every day, even into the 90's a couple of times, almost no rain. Came home to a bitter windchill of -17F our first day back. Hit all our favorite parks, and even managed a bit of down time to relax. May tell a couple of stories as I read along...

 

[dawnbu40]

Wow massive update! Winnie the Pooh? This game is getting trickier all the time

You got some great pics on the rides even if you did cheat

As for my guess...if Dale were traveling alone he would eat all the stuff that Caitlin and I nag him about at home. So I'm guessing you went to Pecos Bill's and got a juicy bacon cheeseburger and chili cheese fries?

 

[pkondz]

Nah, he's Canadian. We all sign the kd lang version of the Leonard Cohen classic. It comes with the territory.

He's right.
It's a rule.

So now I'm reading page 12 and 27 simultaneously. A guy could get a headache!

I'm doing this for you.
Everyone should have some multi-tasking skilz.

It was a wonderful trip, and the first time driving. The boys had a great time for a few days before A+ joined us.

Oh, I get it. When the cat's away, the mice will play, huh?
Gotcha.

And yes, an even better time once she got there!

Right. Right. She might be reading this.
"Better once she got there."

Mum's the word.

Litterally.

Weather was outstanding - 80's every day, even into the 90's a couple of times, almost no rain. Came home to a bitter windchill of -17F our first day back. Hit all our favorite parks, and even managed a bit of down time to relax. May tell a couple of stories as I read along...

Ah, yes. Nothing like coming back to winter. I do believe I feel your pain.
And please do tell some stories!

Wow massive update!

I'm hoping this'll keep the masses at bay for a while.


But probably not.

Winnie the Pooh? This game is getting trickier all the time

I've been laughing for the last few days.
I knew no one would be crazy enough to think I went to Pooh first... or possibly even at all.

I thought people would be very surprised at that one.

You got some great pics on the rides even if you did cheat

I'm a bad boy.

As for my guess...if Dale were traveling alone he would eat all the stuff that Caitlin and I nag him about at home. So I'm guessing you went to Pecos Bill's and got a juicy bacon cheeseburger and chili cheese fries?

Maybe that's why I was travelling alone?
That's a very good guess, but were you right?

 

[Backstage_Gal]

Continued from previous post!​

...HM!!

Some of you may be wondering why I didn't FP+ this,
considering how much I love it.

Well, I guess the straight answer is
because it doesn't really need it this time of day.
Plus, I'd heard so much about the queue that it was
actually more important for me to see it than get a FP+
and save a few minutes.


I got in line and as we moved along,
I noticed that you could catch a glimpse of both
Tom Sawyer Island and BTMRR.

I don't think I've ever seen anyone take that shot before.
Of course I wouldn't be surprised if there's tons of similar shots.
It's not hidden from view or anything.


I was getting closer and closer to the new queue area.
Oh boy oh boy oh boy!!!
And then, just before you pass the gate and enter the new area...
A CM opened a hitherto closed gate
and motioned our group towards the second stretching room.

Thus bypassing the new queue area.

I guess I should've been upset, but I really wasn't
How could I?
Hello! I'm going into HM now!

Seconds later I'm here.

I chose not to "do it his way" and sashayed out through the door
which I may have strategically placed myself by.

There was no line up outside the stretching room
and I was in my Doombuggy lickety split.

Pretty sure I've never used the term "lickety split" before.
Guess I'm more excited about this than I thought.


Mostly I just sat back and enjoyed the ride.
But I did snap a few pics, just for you.

Whoops! Looks like Madame Leota is dead on her... uh... head.
Obviously dead tired, anyway.

What? Cut me some slack!
It's my favourite ride!

Sheesh.

At the hitchhiking ghosts, my head got popped off
and borrowed by one of them.
I was laughing too hard to even attempt a picture.
Don't know if one would turn out anyway.

In short order, I managed to escape...
Nah. That's not true.
I'd never leave, given a choice.

In short order, I was kicked out of the mansion.

I decided that if Ruby ever came to her senses and left me,
I'd not make the same mistake and quit at six.
And never, ever marry anyone named Lucretia.

That's just asking for it, don't you think???


Okay! HM done!
What to do now???

Well go back on HM of course.
D'uh!

This time, I didn't bypass the new queue.
If offered, I might have taken the second room again...
And then ridden again!
Until such time as I finally got to see the new queue!

But that didn't happen, so here ya go.

I did notice that while many of the guests either knew about the instruments
or took their cues from others,
there were still plenty of people who didn't realize that these were interactive.

Again, I put the camera away and just enjoyed myself.
They really did a good job of making the queue interesting
and setting up some of the backstory.

One of the things I get a kick out of here is,
I pointed out to a Mom how Leota's eyes open and her face moves a bit.
She immediately tells her kids, another young couple start to watch,
a few more people start to look, little kids go running back to their parents
to tell them what "they've" discovered.
All part of that Disney magic, right?

It's those little touches. Man I love 'em.

Soon, though, the doors opened and I was back inside.
I'll give the ghosts another chance to make room one more.
I didn't time it, but I think it was less than the posted fifteen minutes.
But then again, I was enjoying looking around, so it could have been.

She looks a little more animated this time, doesn't she?

Aww.. doesn't she look friendly? Just look at that smile!
(Please disregard the axe...)


Just as I was descending into the graveyard,
the ride came to a halt.
When this happens, I'm never alarmed.
On the contrary!
I love when that happens!
Gives me more time to take it all in and pick out details.

One time, there was a fairly lengthy delay while I was stopped
in front of the ballroom.
Knocked that one off my bucket list!

But this time I was stuck with not too much to look at.
I noticed the stars for the first time I think,
so that was all right.

And then I decided, since we weren't moving anyway,
to break the rules a bit and take a flash photo.
Yeah, yeah. I'm a bad boy.
Sue me.
The picture turned out though, don't you think?

And no. I would never ever take a flash photo while it was moving.
Or even in a better area.
Still.... yeah, I feel a bit guilty about it still....

After only a few seconds, we were moving again.

Just one last shot before they kick me out again.

Trust me, I'd love to hurry back.
But I've got a FP+ coming up, so....
See ya later, widder.

I had plenty of time so I sashayed over to PP.
No queue this time, which was a good thing
since the posted wait time was now about an hour.

I don't wait in lines.
Rides wait for me (see POC earlier.... )


The same gentleman who was there earlier was still
guiding guests.

"Watch your step please. Enjoy the ride." <wave>

I refrained from chiming in,
but did glance at him to see if he'd remember me.
He showed no flash of recognition.

Darn.
But then again, I generally have that effect on people.

"pkondz who?"

Nevermind.


After my inner child went out on a flight over London and Neverland,
I glanced at my watch and....
Ya know... I still haven't eaten anything today.
Well except for that Dole whip float.

Hmmm... time for something a little more substantial!
I looked around.
(But not up! And not straight ahead!
I wasn't making that horrible mistake again!!! )

So....
For bonus points...

Where did I go for lunch?
Extra bonus points if you can also guess what it was that I ate.

And just a hint, it wasn't at a cart.
But I'm not saying if it was quick service or table service.
That's up to you to decide.

Wow! Three posts for one update!


I wonder if anyone actually read all that???
Fools! Mwahahahaha!

Whoops!
I mean... Thanks for reading!!

 

[Backstage_Gal]

WOW, what an awesome day so far. Love it. I couldnt tell you when I last spent a day at MK, many years ago. But maybe in the not to distanct future. I decided on a tentative retirement date (even told my boss) Nov. 1, 2015. Then maybe I will go again.

My guess is Be Our Guest!

 

[orangecats2]

Big update! I moved up a spot in the contest. But I'm still only in 5th! Need more points!
I guess you go to Columbia Harbour House, get the fish and chicken combo with fries and the cobbler for dessert. And you of course you sit upstairs. Because that's where it's at!
Pooh!!!!! That's almost like cheating! And no Space Mountain? Also cheating. How you waited for HM I'll never know. Of course I think those touring plans are ridiculous with walking all over the park sometimes.
Why didn't you ride Small World? It's a classic.
I said something about George once on POTC and nothing happened with my boat.
Yes, I did notice that your first pic was of MK and not Epcot. But then I had my suspicions that you were trying to trick us with talking about Epcot. I know you too well.

This is my 1000th post!!! And on Ponzi's TR, just how I wanted it to be.

 

[pkondz]

WOW, what an awesome day so far. Love it.

Thanks! And it really was an awesome day... and it's not even lunch time yet!

I couldnt tell you when I last spent a day at MK, many years ago. But maybe in the not to distanct future. I decided on a tentative retirement date (even told my boss) Nov. 1, 2015. Then maybe I will go again.

That whole statement blows me away.
You work there... but haven't been to MK in years!

And... retiring... How many years is it now that you've worked there?
Something's telling me it's up there.
I know we've had this discussion before!

Big update!

I know....
Believe me, I know...

I'm all tuckered out now.

I moved up a spot in the contest. But I'm still only in 5th! Need more points!

Uh, uh, uuuhhh.
No asking for points more than once!

Well.... you could keep asking.
I can't control what you type......


But I deduct, too. <evil grin>

I guess you go to Columbia Harbour House, get the fish and chicken combo with fries and the cobbler for dessert.

All right. Another good guess.
And...

And you of course you sit upstairs. Because that's where it's at!

... I like that you even added in the location!
If you're right, that's gotta be worth something, don't you think?

Of course... if you're wrong.

Nada!

Pooh!!!!! That's almost like cheating! And no Space Mountain? Also cheating.

Yes! It is almost like cheating!

And trust me, I didn't want to skip Space Mountain... but I had a really big surprise coming up.
And I wouldn't be able to do anything if I was laid up in bed for the rest of the vacation.


Been there, done that.
Didn't want a repeat, thankyouverymuch.

How you waited for HM I'll never know.

I refer you to the title of this last update.


Actually, truth is, I would rather put off HM for a bit and not wait in line for POC,
than ride it now and then wait in line for half an hour at POC.

And... well... yeah. Dessert.

Of course I think those touring plans are ridiculous with walking all over the park sometimes.

Actually, they've improved them quite a bit since I last used them.
They now take the walking into account a bit better.
I found it to be a lot less walking then what it was before.

Why didn't you ride Small World? It's a classic.

You said the words! You said the words!!!

Lalalalalalalalalalalala.....
I can't hearrrrrr youuuuuuu!!!!


thinkofsomethingelse.thinkofsomethingelse.thinkofsomethingelse.thinkofsomethingelse...

Did you know it snowed again up here?
Our winter hasn't been that bad, but it sure doesn't want to let go.
Still, I can't wait for it to finally warm up for good!

I said something about George once on POTC and nothing happened with my boat.

This is what I think happened.
I mentioned it (him?) to a CM and he made something happen to the boat.
Although, based on the violence of the lurch, it may have been more than he bargained for!

Yes, I did notice that your first pic was of MK and not Epcot. But then I had my suspicions that you were trying to trick us with talking about Epcot. I know you too well.

Ah... So then you're probably right with your lunch guess.
I guess I'll have to be more devious in the future...

This is my 1000th post!!! And on Ponzi's TR, just how I wanted it to be.

Congrats! The 1K milestone!
They should give out prizes or something for that.
Mousketeer, veteran, pro maybe? And 10K would be expert? 100K would be "You have no life".

 

[pkondz]

Happy Easter everyone!
Here's hoping your Easter Bunny visit went better than this:

 

[laura74]

I see you posted a new chapter while I was away. I'm sure I'm too late for the contest but I will have many compliments for you, so why don't you just add 4 points in advance.

 

[Sandy Mouse]

For lunch, I don't believe you had an ADR or a fastpass for BOG, and keeping in mind your love of seafood my guess is Columbia Harbor House. There are several dishes I think you might like, but I'm going to guess that you will have the salmon.

 

[pkondz]

I see you posted a new chapter while I was away. I'm sure I'm too late for the contest but I will have many compliments for you, so why don't you just add 4 points in advance.

I couldn't wait any longer!
The natives were getting a little too restless for my safety!

Hmmm... asking for points again, are we?
You know what happened last time, right?

I have a very strict ask once/receive, ask twice/no way, ask thrice/deduct policy.

Or something like that.

But then again... you just never know...

For lunch, I don't believe you had an ADR or a fastpass for BOG, and keeping in mind your love of seafood my guess is Columbia Harbor House. There are several dishes I think you might like, but I'm going to guess that you will have the salmon.

Okay, got it.
And this is weird, but it feels almost like you took longer to think up some food.

 

[mmeb144]

Cosmic Rays. Chicken tenders. In the room with Sunny Eclipse. (Sounds like Clue, the game).

 

[Sandy Mouse]

Yes, I had to do Easter breakfast prep, but came back and edited my comment.

 

[orangecats2]

So now we know.....bunnies can't jump!

Hoppy Easter!

 

[Sandy Mouse]

This post happened when I spilled some of my coffee on the keyboard of my laptop, and I flipped it over really quick to keep the liquid out. No quoting today for me.
Edit to add that the liquid doesn't seem to have gotten in. I will give it a few hours sitting upside down, just to make sure it's all dry.

 

[bankr63]

We all sign the kd lang version of the Leonard Cohen classic.

Doh! All Canadians SING Hallelujah. I am sure a certain number of us can also SIGN Hallelujah, but somehow the effect would not be as powerful.

 

[laura74]

I guess you will go to Be Our Guest since it wasn't there the last time you visited and you want to see it in person. I will also guess that you had the Croque Monsieur and perhaps the Grey Stuff for dessert.

 

[laura74]

Lengthier reply coming when I get a chance. Sheesh, you sure write a lot.