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

[orangecats2]

Hey! It's me!

The donkey is WAY cuter!!!

Guesses:
DHS - RnRC - Mama Melrose

I have studied that pic a LOT!!! It does look like a plastic grocery bag with some type of reflective thing. I have no idea how that relates to anything Disney. Is it a pic of your locker at Dive Quest?

I NEED these points!!!

 

[Steppesister]

Besides, there's only enough room for one person to make an a** of themselves on this TR.
And I've got that all sewn up.

I think you host a lovely thread. Not to brown nose of points or anything...

I'm 88% sure I know what the "other stuff" is.

You should have been 90% sure.

The "other stuff" was 2 watered down crap drinks that I should have went straight to Safeway and bought a Disney Gift card with.

 

[Steppesister]

Go blow more bubbles at a stingray.

Just make sure you don't do anything more than bubbles. What do they do with a Baby Ruth in the aquarium????

Best movie scene EVER!!!!

 

[Steppesister]

Well, crap. Now I'm a full 10 points behind Mark. And ain't NO ONE catching Andy. Ah well, I'm proud of my SBD points anyway. I'm the only one who snagged those, ya know.

 

[RGirl]

I really wonder if Disney maybe overestimated how popular this ride would be.
There was exactly no one in the queue with me.
Well, there were two very bored looking CMs, but that's it.

I think this every time I walk through that lonely queue. And then I'm thankful because I'm not standing in that huge queue behind the seemingly 400,000 people they could fit in it.

I rode it... and really liked it!
I leaned forward to hear what Peach had to say and...
Well, either she didn't say anything this time, or it wasn't loud enough to hear.

DOH!!! My first guess was Nemo, and I changed it!

Hilarious that you missed what she said again! Well, hilarious and a little sad.....

As it turned out, I found a spot along the fence just before Mexico.
I spent the next little while attaching my camera to the fence with my Gorillapod.
I knew the fence wasn't the best spot in the world to shoot from,
but I figured it would still be better than hand-holding.

Okay, it was only at this point, that I let out my held breath and believed you were really staying for IllumiNations - a point!!!

Love these!

I have prizes!

I'm here!!!!! CANDY.

Um, I love your TR.

Of course I let them in front of me.
They're kids for Pete's sake!
Plus I didn't really need to be that close to the camera,
I have a remote shutter release.

You are such a nice guy.

I would have blocked them at every turn.

And since I went to the trouble of taking pictures,
you're just going to have to see some.
(Not to worry. I'll only post a few.)

GORGEOUS! I have a dream of one day taking one good fireworks picture. One day.

There. That was fairly painless wasn't it?
No?
Sorry about that.
No more. I promise.

I really truly did want more. They are beautiful.

Yes, I sashay.
But when I have someplace I need to be...
Very few can keep up with me.
I walk very fast and I scan for gaps and openings as I go.
And I use them.

That's me too!!! Well, it was back when Willow was in a stroller and I could move at my pace (no, I did not ram people with a stroller ). I loved that feeling of just dodging around, through, over, whatever. I kind of do that in my real life too though. I am not the most patient person.....

I was bobbing and weaving like Muhammad Ali.

Man! He didn't even bother to put his hands up!

He really didn't!!!

And I have an Ali + Disney story for you!!!!

The first (of two) times that my parents took us to DLR, we stayed at what was then the Disneyland Hotel - the monorail came right up to it. Very fancy. Anyway, my brother was just a little kid but a huge fan of Ali. HUGE. There was a big fight - I have no idea which one, because I had no interest in it. All I can remember is that we had to stay at the hotel for a dang boxing match instead of doing something fun.

Yep, the Golden Child - he always got his way!

As I type this, I wonder why in the world my mom didn't take me out to DL to do something else.

Score! Just a three minute wait!

That is SWEET! I mean whatever I guessed would have been better, but that is honestly very amazing.

RGirl - 1 point for the being the best, 2 points for being on fire.

afwdwfan 38 points

I thought I was doing so well until I saw this.

I was down another MagicBandit.
Oogie Boogie, the bad guy from Nightmare Before Christmas...
sometime during the day, had boogied off.

My favorite Zero and then my second favorite Oogie. So sad.

Grrrrrrr. I'm going with the plastic bag that you referenced several times (which makes me think that's NOT what it is), and in it is something ridiculously blurry with Rorschach images to test our sanity. Or your phone, which you thought would be well-protected in a plastic bag while you dove under the water with nothing but some oxygen to keep you safe from sharks.

Which park am I going to tomorrow?

I immediately thought Animal Kingdom, but then you posted about an actual lunch ADR, and I don't see that happening in AK.

Wait - I'm going to go way out on a limb and make you a park-hopper today and early in the day.

So you go to AK.

But wait, you said "which park am I going to tomorrow," which would imply that it is only one park. Curse you!!!

I'm sticking with AK.

What is my first ride?
(No tricks this time. If you guess the right park, you should guess the right ride.)

Expedition Everest.

Because I stupidly went with AK.

I have a lunch ADR in that park. Where is it?
(Hint: It's not in WS and it's probably not what you'd expect.)

Oh boo. "That park" - the ADR is definitely in the same park.

Where would you have an ADR at AK? Y&Y? I don't see it. Rainforest? Why? Nope.

I'm changing everything.

You went to MK.
You rode Peter Pan.
You had lunch at BoG.

 

[pkondz]

I’m baaaack…
(From the Caribbean that is) and needless to say, I’m behind in the proceedings as well.
So I’ll just have to back up about 20,000 Leagues and just keep swimming till I catch up to the rest of ya’.

Welcome back! How was it??

Well… if they weren’t flapping in the breeze, then you’d never know when it was time to harvest them now would you?

I loved that! Actually, that was the first time I've seen it in its entirety.
Last April, a local TV station graded the media April Fools pranks,
pretty sure that was in the top two or three.

Cool! I got points for not doing things.
Wonder what all else I could also not do that might then profit?
Hummmmm…

One never knows.
The whims of the judges are fickle.

Loved that!

And somewhere in the world…
Ron Popeil has his face in his palm.

But wait! There's more!

There’s a mighty fine list of influences under any circumstances.

Looking back... yes. It really is.

My Momma (bless her) had a rule about Christmas presents in particular that went:
“Something for learning, something for reading, something to wear and something just for fun.”

As such, I had a number of very similar books show up over my youth.
And they had similar effects on my outlook and obsessions as well.

Dang my folks were pretty smart.

I agree. Books for kids who like to read. What a concept.

Nope… they’re designed to hide the effects on one’s eyes caused by pouring vast amounts of rather different liquids directly down one’s throat.

Ah. And here I thought it was to give guys like me a chance at a dance
with a girl who turns out to be just like me too.

I miss those specials… Family television events they were.
Folks rarely gather around the teley as a family in the same way anymore.

Yup. I remember watching with my folks. Colombo was always my favourite.
Now we try to all watch The Amazing Race.

But we're all so busy that even though the last season is over,
we still have five episodes to watch.

Cue Tom Jones…
(the lyric made no sense, but he surely belted it out)

One of our local radio stations had a contest to pick the best bond theme song.
They'd play two songs and people would vote.
Eventually everything was eliminated except for...

Well, Live and Let Die actually.
Of course.

Yep.
When I met my wife (in the late 90s), I didn’t own a TV.
She is still shocked by that fact.

I'm shocked to hear that!

Not something that you see done in schools any more.
You’re a lucky man there.

Yep. And I knew how lucky I was.
I didn't know anyone else who had such an opportunity.

Beat us to that punch line.
Bonus points for Ponzi!

Sweet! But as has already been pointed out.
The shirt won't fit me.

But the gutter is where some of the nicest jokes happen to dwell.

“There are a few, uh, provisos, a, a couple of quid pro quos.”

Oh brother.
I looked at that and couldn't place it.
"It's so familiar! I know that! The Godfather???"

So I Googled it.
D'oh.

Different?

Dang, wrong movie.

But good thought!

“Sometimes that shark, he looks right into you. Right into your eyes. You know the thing about a shark, he's got... lifeless eyes… black eyes… like a doll's eye.”

Oh wait… not what you had in mind?

Actually, that's pretty much exactly what I had in mind when that one shark kept coming.

Which also sounds like, but isn't, a euphemism for something naughty.


(Whoops, I just missed an opportunity to “not” say something right there didn’t I?)

No, no. That was perfect.

Oh, so many possible directions to take that one…

Oh? Like what?

It’s Disney for Peat’s sake.
“Take my money… Please!”

(actually, that’s more Henny Youngman then Walt, but it works in this instance)

True. I wonder how many wives didn't find him quite so funny?

And yes. You can easily spend money at Disney on stuff
that you'd never consider spending it on elsewhere.

Good boy… Fetch!
Oh wait, this might not be the best time for that game.

"Atta boy! Bring me the stick! Bring me the... Uh.... IS SOMEONE MISSING AN ARM????"

That would be very hard to top.
Very hard indeed.

I don't see how I possibly can!

Always remain one of the little ones.
They’re always having more fun.

Talk about pixie dust.
I do believe you owe him all those bonus points you just accrued.

Sounds good. I'll send them over right away.

You’ll pay for that one.

Only if she who must be obeyed reads this.

And she never does.
Too busy.

Very cool.
Good thing I back in the middle of the pack.
There’s no way anyone on our house could wear it either.

So.... No interest in the chocolate part of the prize????

And one heck of an experience it was.

It was so amazing.
I have no words.

Hummmm…
I suspect that you’ve already given out the actual points for this round by now, but…
I’ll play just for giggles.

Yep. Missed the boat. But....

1 - The monorail (well, I consider it an attraction).
2 - You rode the rails over to MK for Wishes.
3 - 45 min (it would take several busses to deal with all the folks leaving at the same time)

It didn't matter.
GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes - monorail - Wishes - 45 minutes - zero points.

I may need to use my “ask for points one time” card here just to catch back up with the rest of the folks in the middle of the pack.

Sure. No problem.

Great update sir.
Quite the experience.

Thanks!
It really was.

Now to go off and read the more recent update.
“I’ll be back…”

C ya.

 

[pkondz]

Sorry I've been absent from the DIS a while!

I read what you've been up to lately.
Good excuse.
You're forgiven.

I've just caught up and I LOVE the recent updates.

Thanks!

DiveQuest sounds amazing!

Oh, it was. It was!

Oh jeez, it seems like I tried to "quote" too much and it removed some of my earlier quotes? I didn't even know that was a thing?!

You must've done something naughty.

So... what did you do? Hmmmm?????

Anyway, I think most of them were just so that I could comment and congratulate you on the fact that you overcame your fear of water!

Thanks. When I wrote it all out, I was actually kind of surprised myself.

They were some pretty scary sounding experiences you had, but it's so cool that you're qualified to scuba dive!!!

I doubt if I'll ever dive in the ocean, though.
But still. I can at least say that I can.

I've not heard much about DiveQuest before, but after reading your update it sounds like something I'd LOVE to be able to do one day..

I'd actually heard about it years ago, but never had the chance to do it until now.
I think you would love it. Despite the obvious drawbacks.

Although I'm deathly afraid of sharks.

And... hello drawbacks!

Even the photos you included of the relatively friendly looking sharks made my heart jump up into my throat! So maybe Epcot's DiveQuest isn't the place for me

Actually, they always stay right at the bottom, so if you just stayed a little higher up...

These photos and videos are so amazing!! HOW CAN I BECOME A SCUBA DIVER??

Well, you mentioned school.
I have no idea if this is where you go, but...

http://www.susac.com/

Otherwise, just google your home town and Scuba and voila.

Nope nope nope nope nope nope nope.

My, what sharp little teeth you have!

It was a bit unsettling.

Cute!

Why thank you!! Are you sure Jamie won't mind you calling me.....

Oh.

You meant the pattycake game I was playing with the kids.


A guy can dream, can't he??

This is what my nightmares are made of It would be cool if had a little camera attached to your suit somewhere that recorded the whole experience from your point of view

Maybe with a heart monitor attached.
Shark is waaaaay over there. Heart rate 70BPM.
Shark is closer. Heart rate rising to 90BPM.
Shark is really close now. Heart rate pounding at 140BPM.
Shark is almost close enough to touch! Flatline.

I love this! I haven't seen this one before I have two from Animal Kingdom (one yellow, one green) pinned up on my bedroom wall, I'll have to keep an eye out for this one in September

I have bad news for you.
There's only one way to get that pin.
Well, two. Apparently some people sell theirs on Ebay.
But the only way Disney will give you one is if you Scuba dive in the tank.

That's what makes them so rare.

Loved it, thanks so much for sharing

Glad you enjoyed it!

Oh man. I love this shirt.

Ya want it. Don'tcha.
Yes you do.

Amazing photos!!!

Thanks!

I'll guess a chair wrapped in a plastic bag

Noted.

Animal Kingdom
Expedition Everest

And for the lunch ADR... not what we'd expect..? Hmmmmmmm

I'll go with Rainforest Cafe.

Check!

 

[pkondz]

The theories of relativity come into play here, either that or string theory…
but since there are no strings attached to you, I’ll stick with the first thought.

Spaghetti strings, possibly.
It's all relative.
At least that's what my cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. say.

Nope… It’s probably more like:
Dolphins clever, sharks not so much

Dang!
That’s what I get for over thinking things.
Should have just gone for the obvious.


Something I’m fairly bad at though, so there is that.

Yep. It's really an easy game.

What in my house is referred to as a “location joke”.
(Ya’ had to be there)

The China pavilion also has massive rocks in the way, so that one may not be such a good choice.

Ah. Didn't think of that. But, yes. You're right.

Nope…
Cuba first, then Panama, out into the pacific and then smack dab into Ecuador.

Nope back atcha.
If you went straight south from Epcot you'd hit the Keys first.
Specifically in the vicinity of Big Pine Key.

You’d have had to make a right turn after a while, but I’d highly recommend doing so if you get the chance; a fun Island.

I'd love to go. It's on my bucket list.

Which also offers up a good escape route.
Nice call.

Yup. I wanted to be at the fence... but not far from the egress.
(PTBarnum would approve)

All pictures are better than the picture you didn’t take.

Are you sure?
Even the really blurry picture that you look at and say,
"What the heck is that???"

You think we can be bought off so easily?

Yes.

Hummmm… Apparently, we can. Who knew?

See???

Says the guy purposely spreading pixy dust?

Yeah, that’s what I though.

I figured no one would buy that one.

For us the music is the best part. Well… not the middle section so much,
but the overture and the finale are some right inspiring compositions.

Don't tell anyone.
But I have no idea what the music is.
I was so focused on getting some shots and seeing the spectacle that I didn't even hear it.

“Stick and move, stick and move…”

“Missed it by that much…”

"Sorry about that chief."

Ponzi for the win.

Score!

Yeah, yeah, don’t remind me.
I was both late and wildly wrong.
Typical, typical, typical.

Sorry, dude.

You mean like one of these…

Pretty much.

The Nightmare folks just ain’t fairing so well here.

Nope. At least two thirds of them weren't.

That’s a tough one, there.
Sure looks like something in a plastic grocery bag, but that’s not very “Disney”.

Right now, I’ve got nothing.
If I see something in it later on I’ll holler out.

Okay. You have a few days.

Epcot, Test Track, Garden Grill

(Can’t do any worse than last time, can I?)

But if you're lucky, you could do better!

 

[pkondz]

The donkey is WAY cuter!!!

Okay. I'll give you that one.
My apologies to the donkey.

Guesses:
DHS - RnRC - Mama Melrose

Noted.

Is it a pic of your locker at Dive Quest?

Check!

I NEED these points!!!

I think you host a lovely thread. Not to brown nose of points or anything...

No, of course not!

You should have been 90% sure.

Touché.

The "other stuff" was 2 watered down crap drinks that I should have went straight to Safeway and bought a Disney Gift card with.

Oh. Oh, well. Good try, though.

Best movie scene EVER!!!!

Hmmmm.... I dunno... I think I like this one better.

And I'm thinking of another that I can't post on a family board...
So many great scenes in that movie.


Be the ball.

Well, crap. Now I'm a full 10 points behind Mark

Got some catching up to do, there.

And ain't NO ONE catching Andy.

I think Orangecats2 might have something to say about that.

Ah well, I'm proud of my SBD points anyway. I'm the only one who snagged those, ya know.

I am overjoyed that you're so happy about your SBD.

 

[pkondz]

I think this every time I walk through that lonely queue. And then I'm thankful because I'm not standing in that huge queue behind the seemingly 400,000 people they could fit in it.

The first time we rode (all four of us, back in... 05? 09?) that queue was full.

Not so much now.
Which is too bad. It's a nice little ride.

DOH!!! My first guess was Nemo, and I changed it!

Stick with your gut, girl.

Hilarious that you missed what she said again! Well, hilarious and a little sad.....

And a tad frustrating too!

Okay, it was only at this point, that I let out my held breath and believed you were really staying for IllumiNations - a point!!!

Two points, actually.

Love these!

Thanks!

I'm here!!!!! CANDY.

Um, I love your TR.

You are such a nice guy.

I would have blocked them at every turn.

I highly doubt that.

That I'm a nice guy.
I have no doubt you'd block them.

GORGEOUS! I have a dream of one day taking one good fireworks picture. One day.

Well, you've got the camera for it now.

I really truly did want more. They are beautiful.

Really? You think so?
Thanks!
And here I debated a long time on whether to even include those ones.

That's me too!!! Well, it was back when Willow was in a stroller and I could move at my pace

Never underestimate a mother with child.

(no, I did not ram people with a stroller ).

And my shins thank you.

I loved that feeling of just dodging around, through, over, whatever. I kind of do that in my real life too though. I am not the most patient person.....

I'm... weird.
Well, weirder than you know.
Some times I can be immensely patient.
Other times.... not so much.

And I have an Ali + Disney story for you!!!!

Oh, goody!

The first (of two) times that my parents took us to DLR, we stayed at what was then the Disneyland Hotel - the monorail came right up to it. Very fancy. Anyway, my brother was just a little kid but a huge fan of Ali. HUGE. There was a big fight - I have no idea which one, because I had no interest in it. All I can remember is that we had to stay at the hotel for a dang boxing match instead of doing something fun.

Yep, the Golden Child - he always got his way!

As I type this, I wonder why in the world my mom didn't take me out to DL to do something else.

I would hazard a guess and say that was in 1978 or 1980?
Although it could also have been 81, but less likely since you said it was a big fight.

That is SWEET! I mean whatever I guessed would have been better, but that is honestly very amazing.

I was so upset to see that bus pull out...
and then so happy when the next one pulled up minutes later.

I thought I was doing so well until I saw this.

Got your work cut out for you.

My favorite Zero and then my second favorite Oogie. So sad.

My fave is Jack. And he's still hanging in there.

Grrrrrrr. I'm going with the plastic bag that you referenced several times (which makes me think that's NOT what it is), and in it is something ridiculously blurry with Rorschach images to test our sanity. Or your phone, which you thought would be well-protected in a plastic bag while you dove under the water with nothing but some oxygen to keep you safe from sharks.

Noted.

You went to MK.
You rode Peter Pan.
You had lunch at BoG.

Check.

 

[Sandy Mouse]

Quite a few of you commented on the rule about staying away from the dolphins.
The comments tended to focus on a variation of the theme:
Dolphins nice, sharks... not so nice.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Dolphins and sharks have one thing in common.
They are both very, very skilled... predators.

I have no basis of fact for this statement,
but if the dolphins are indeed territorial,
than I would suspect they would be more of a danger than the sharks.

Yes. There was a dolphin living in the series of canals going through a lovely subdivision near Lake Pontchartrain here in Slidell. It was pretty territorial and angry AND dangerous. I haven't heard anything about him this year, so he might be gone, now, after living there for the past few years.

And while all animals are unpredictable to one degree or another,
I would guess that the behavioural pattern of the sharks
is more likely to be adhered to than that of the dolphins
if they were allowed to interact with the divers.

Just my opinion.

It could be that divers would bother the dolphins in such a small space, thinking it was more of a swim with the dolphins type of adventure and therefore getting and staying too close.

But there were two things left for me to do this day.
And the first one was just around the corner.

Last time we were in Disney, Ruby and I shared a clammobile (the DDs shared another)
and we rode Nemo & Friends together.

NOOOOOO. You were supposed to go ride Spaceship Earth!

I got out of the ride and decided that if I wanted to get a decent spot for Illuminations,
that I should probably think about getting myself settled.

Points for ME!

The crowds were already starting to line up around the lagoon,
so I headed off in the direction of Mexico.

Wow, that's a really ambitious trip...

The Pavilion, I mean.

Oh.

As it got darker, I snapped a couple of pics of some of the pavilions
that I could see from my vantage point.

Wow. These were simply wonderful. I'm thinking of stealing one to make it the wallpaper on my laptop.

Okay, so maybe not the best pictures in the World,
but I was bored and you're a captive audience.

You're too modest. Really.

Of course I let them in front of me.
They're kids for Pete's sake!
Plus I didn't really need to be that close to the camera,
I have a remote shutter release.

Wow. you were really prepared.

Right around 9:00pm the show started and it was...
Well, it was as good as it always is, of course.
It doesn't punch me in the gut like Wishes does,
but I really do enjoy watching it.

I love this one, but you're right - Wishes is the best!

It was about 9:15 by then and it was time to play a new game.
The Get Out Before... Everyone game.


I quickly packed up my camera and gear and started to walk towards the exit.
I began to accelerate.

Yes, I sashay.
But when I have someplace I need to be...
Very few can keep up with me.
I walk very fast and I scan for gaps and openings as I go.
And I use them.

Kicked it in gear - good for you. This is where travelling solo really helps.

but I squeezed my way through
and was now quick-walking towards the tapstiles.


Yes. Tapstiles.

Okay, OKAY. We'll go with TAPSTILES!
(Sorry to yell like that)

I arrive at my stop at precisely 9:27.
Just in time to see a full bus pull away from the curb.
Dang.

I guess I should've bobbed once when I weaved.
But if I'd gone much faster, I might've heaved....
my cookies.

I was prepared for my traditional 20 minutes wait departure time,
but at exactly 9:30, another bus pulled up!
Score! Just a three minute wait!

NOOOO! That never happens after fireworks! You should have had a 20 minute wait! No points for me.

Well, all right, then. Congrats on your good luck and short wait.

I looked at my wrist and...
Well of course.
It figured, really.

I was down another MagicBandit.

I don't even recall, but I know we lost several on our last trip. It keeps you buying more.

Anyone want to take a guess what and where this "never before seen" photo is?
I'll make it worth your while!

Inside of your camera bag.

Which park am I going to tomorrow?

What is my first ride?
(No tricks this time. If you guess the right park, you should guess the right ride.)

I have a lunch ADR in that park. Where is it?
(Hint: It's not in WS and it's probably not what you'd expect.)

Epcot
Soarin'.
Garden Grill

 

[Heluvsme]

I'm really late in reading this update, and as usual it was fun riding along!

Of course you let the kiddos get in front of you, we'd expect nothing less.

We leave for our Disney trip in 16 days, and now that my daughter's graduation is over, and the visiting family and friends are gone, I can be in vacatiôn mode! Boy do we need a vacation! And there's nothing like Disney to make you feel carefree. This trip will be different for us--- since we've done Disney 24 times now, we will be doing it relaxed, sashay-ing if you will, and take more time to lay by the pool (off site pool condo at Windsor Hills) and actually take the time to enjoy the details and atmosphere in the parks, not just run!

Thanks Ponzi.... Great update, helps me get excited for my trip!
Dawn

 

[afwdwfan]

Best movie scene EVER!!!!

I don't know about ever... but it is up there.

And ain't NO ONE catching Andy.

Um... @orangecats2 is only 1 point behind me. And I don't feel super confident about the bonus points this time around.

But no, you ain't catching me.

As I type this, I wonder why in the world my mom didn't take me out to DL to do something else.

Maybe she was an Ali fan too????

I thought I was doing so well until I saw this.

Hey, you're not doing so bad. You aren't nearly as far back as @shan23877 has fallen.

 

[pkondz]

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Okay.
And truthfully, if someone said something like:
"You can swim off this beach, there's dolphins there.
Or you can swim off that beach, there's sharks there."

I'll pick the dolphin side, thank you very much.

Yes. There was a dolphin living in the series of canals going through a lovely subdivision near Lake Pontchartrain here in Slidell.

I read about that!
I did a bit of research on dolphin attacks preparing my replies and came across that.

It could be that divers would bother the dolphins in such a small space, thinking it was more of a swim with the dolphins type of adventure and therefore getting and staying too close.

Never thought of that. But yeah, that could definitely be it.

NOOOOOO. You were supposed to go ride Spaceship Earth!

Sorry about that!

Points for ME!

Wow. These were simply wonderful. I'm thinking of stealing one to make it the wallpaper on my laptop.

Really? Thanks!

You're too modest. Really.

I'm starting to wonder.
I really considered not posting any since I wasn't happy with them.
But everyone keeps telling me they're good.

Either my expectations are too high or yours are too low!

Wow. you were really prepared.

I did come prepared... for Wishes.
And then didn't take a single picture of it!

Kicked it in gear - good for you. This is where travelling solo really helps.

Okay, OKAY. We'll go with TAPSTILES!
(Sorry to yell like that)

That's okay.

NOOOO! That never happens after fireworks! You should have had a 20 minute wait! No points for me.

Well, all right, then. Congrats on your good luck and short wait.

I was so sure it was going to be a long wait after seeing that bus pull away.

I don't even recall, but I know we lost several on our last trip. It keeps you buying more.

Yup. What a racket.

Inside of your camera bag.

Noted.
But remember it's a never before seen picture of Disney.
Not sure if my bag qualifies.

Hint. Hint.

Epcot
Soarin'.
Garden Grill

Check!

 

[pkondz]

I'm really late in reading this update, and as usual it was fun riding along!

Glad you made it! And enjoyed it!

Of course you let the kiddos get in front of you, we'd expect nothing less.

Next time, I'm going to push one out of the way.
Just to surprise you.

We leave for our Disney trip in 16 days, and now that my daughter's graduation is over, and the visiting family and friends are gone, I can be in vacatiôn mode!

I get that. Ours is graduating at the end of June.
So much mayhem involved in it!

This trip will be different for us--- since we've done Disney 24 times now

we will be doing it relaxed, sashay-ing if you will,

and take more time to lay by the pool (off site pool condo at Windsor Hills) and actually take the time to enjoy the details and atmosphere in the parks, not just run!

Love it. Wish I could do that.
I managed it a bit this trip, but it was still up for rope drop and stay til close.

Thanks Ponzi.... Great update, helps me get excited for my trip!

: Glad I could help!

But no, you ain't catching me.

Hey, you're not doing so bad. You aren't nearly as far back as @shan23877 has fallen.

 

[ursalita]

Quite a few of you commented on the rule about staying away from the dolphins.

I haven't read the comments so I'm sorry if I'm off base here but wouldn't staying away from the dolphins be more for their benefit than human's safety?

You don't want to be downwind of the fireworks.
Since a lot of the action happens at ground... well, I guess water level,
you're view can be obscured by smoke.

That's a good tip.

Although if I kept going around the lagoon and kept heading south...
I'd come nowhere near Mexico.

Okay, so maybe not the best pictures in the World,
but I was bored and you're a captive audience.

They're great photos.

So too bad! Come early next time!

That was harsh.

Of course I let them in front of me.
They're kids for Pete's sake!

Oh, good. That sounds more like the guy that was just spreading pixie dust in the fish tank.

Plus I didn't really need to be that close to the camera,
I have a remote shutter release.

That's some good thinking right there.

There. That was fairly painless wasn't it?
No?
Sorry about that.
No more. I promise.

Totally.

Dodging, ducking, slipping into small gaps,
I crossed the bridge in no time at all.

That's the advantage of being solo. I walk fast all the time - it's my default speed. I'm always walking ahead of my family by several feet and then I have to stop and wait for them. All the time.

I was prepared for my traditional 20 minutes wait departure time,
but at exactly 9:30, another bus pulled up!
Score! Just a three minute wait!

They must dispatch extra buses during those prime times. I know, novel idea right?

ursalita - SE - Illuminations - 5 minutes - 6 points

Oh. my. god. I got points!!

ursalita - 1 point for not following the rules. 1 point for being distracted.

Huh? I'm not complaining.

What is my first ride?
(No tricks this time. If you guess the right park, you should guess the right ride.)

I have a lunch ADR in that park. Where is it?
(Hint: It's not in WS and it's probably not what you'd expect.)

Oh, no. I can't remember where you've been already.

AK. Everest. Tusker House.

 

[pkondz]

I haven't read the comments so I'm sorry if I'm off base here but wouldn't staying away from the dolphins be more for their benefit than human's safety?

Well, Melissa did say the dolphins were territorial, but you could very well be right.
I wonder.
Next time I go, if I ask that question.... would I get the right answer?
Or the official Disney answer?

That's a good tip.

Courtesy of the DISboards!

They're great photos.

Thanks!

That was harsh.

What can I say? I'm a jerk.

Oh, good. That sounds more like the guy that was just spreading pixie dust in the fish tank.

Merely a momentary lapse of my ultimate jerkdom.

That's some good thinking right there.

I just mentioned this earlier.
I had actually brought it for wishes....
and then didn't take a single picture of it!

Totally.

Mentioned this too.
I really wasn't going to include any photos of Illuminations.
I didn't like any of them.
But you kind folks keep complimenting me!

That's the advantage of being solo. I walk fast all the time - it's my default speed. I'm always walking ahead of my family by several feet and then I have to stop and wait for them. All the time.

It's actually mine too, despite all my talk of sashaying.
Ruby's learned to give me little tugs to slow me down.
Or she just lets go and that brings me to a complete halt.

I'm like one of those sled dogs.

They must dispatch extra buses during those prime times. I know, novel idea right?

Oh. my. god. I got points!!

Yes. you. did!
Actually, you and Roni were tied for most points that round.

Huh? I'm not complaining.

I should hope not!
He that giveth can taketh away!

AK. Everest. Tusker House.

Noted!

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Welcome back! How was it??

Thanks and most excellent!
I’d have stayed on St John if I could’a found a way
(and that way wouldn’t end up costing the rest of my family undue hardship)

But I’ve got plenty of memories and entirely too many photos so I can relive it.
May need to start up TR on that one.

I loved that! Actually, that was the first time I've seen it in its entirety.
Last April, a local TV station graded the media April Fools pranks,
pretty sure that was in the top two or three.

Glad to be of assistance.
As April Fools jokes go, that is near the top of my list as well.
The amazing thing is the number of folks that bought into that one.
A bit like Orson Well’s little radio broadcast.

Loved that!

Those just quickly come to my mind when you start combining road trips with the idea of sponsors.

But wait! There's more!

We’ll send you, not one, but two of these fine implements of destruction.
And it all for just sixteen easy payments of $9.99.
Call Now!

Perfect!

Just wait till he gets to the package with the socks and britches in it.

Yup. I remember watching with my folks. Colombo was always my favourite.
Now we try to all watch The Amazing Race.

But we're all so busy that even though the last season is over,
we still have five episodes to watch.

Colombo was another one that the kids could watch with mom and dad.
All of the various “Mystery Movie” offerings were hits in our house.
Now-a-days there are few things that the three of us will now stop and watch together.
And inevitabley, when one does pop up, it generally gets canceled in short order
(or I get tired of it… I usually get over a series a few years before everyone else does for some reason).

One of our local radio stations had a contest to pick the best bond theme song.
They'd play two songs and people would vote.
Eventually everything was eliminated except for...

Well, Live and Let Die actually.
Of course.

As it should be.
So was Goldfinger the second place winner in that one?

I'm shocked to hear that!

True story.
I had various roomies in my younger days that owned them, but when they’d move on I never really missed the device when one wasn’t in the house.

Actually, I haven’t really sat and watched anything for the past several days either.

Oh brother.
I looked at that and couldn't place it.
"It's so familiar! I know that! The Godfather???"

So I Googled it.
D'oh.

“That’s right! He can be taught!

(I hate it when I can’t place a quote myself… dang infuriating)

Actually, that's pretty much exactly what I had in mind when that one shark kept coming.

You're gonn’a need a bigger aquarium.

Oh? Like what?

I do believe I’ll take this moment to go ahead and not say something.

Only if she who must be obeyed reads this.

And she never does.
Too busy.

Stranger things have happened.
Especially when one is certain that they won’t.

So.... No interest in the chocolate part of the prize????

Oh I like’s me some chocolate…
I just couldn't get into the shirt.

But I’m also a good bit off the pace right now for winning either of ‘em.
Although… beating my nemesis out of any potential prize is a fine goal.

It was so amazing.
I have no words.

I think those words will do nicely.

Yep. It's really an easy game.

That last “never before seen” picture leads me to think otherwise.

Ah. Didn't think of that. But, yes. You're right.

My last TR has the pictures to prove how bad an idea that one is.

Yup. I wanted to be at the fence... but not far from the egress.
(PTBarnum would approve)

But I suspect that the folks visiting his little museum at the time weren’t quite as enamored with that particular exhibit.

Are you sure?
Even the really blurry picture that you look at and say,
"What the heck is that???"

You mean like that one of a cell phone in a grocery bag?

Don't tell anyone.
But I have no idea what the music is.
I was so focused on getting some shots and seeing the spectacle that I didn't even hear it.

Not to worry…
Must folks don’t really “hear” the sound tracks.
I just happen to live in a house full of musicians; such things stand out to us.

But if you're lucky, you could do better!

We’ll see.
I already don’t like my answers


But again… I over think things on a fairly regular bases.

 

[ursalita]

Well, Melissa did say the dolphins were territorial, but you could very well be right.
I wonder.
Next time I go, if I ask that question.... would I get the right answer?
Or the official Disney answer?

Probably not. Can you imagine Disney telling an entitled guest that they can't harass the dolphins because it might upset the dolphins?

 

[pkondz]

Thanks and most excellent!
I’d have stayed on St John if I could’a found a way
(and that way wouldn’t end up costing the rest of my family undue hardship)

Ah, heck with 'em. Go solo! I did!

But I’ve got plenty of memories and entirely too many photos so I can relive it.
May need to start up TR on that one.

The amazing thing is the number of folks that bought into that one.
A bit like Orson Well’s little radio broadcast.

I was thinking the exact same thing!

We’ll send you, not one, but two of these fine implements of destruction.
And it all for just sixteen easy payments of $9.99.
Call Now!

If you're not completely satisfied, simply return the item for a full refund!
(less shipping and handling.)

I truly think the money's in the shipping and handling fees they charge.

Just wait till he gets to the package with the socks and britches in it.

All of the various “Mystery Movie” offerings were hits in our house.

Yep. Although I never liked McCloud for whatever reason.

And inevitabley, when one does pop up, it generally gets canceled in short order
(or I get tired of it… I usually get over a series a few years before everyone else does for some reason).

Luckily Ruby and I tend to get tired of them around the same time.

As it should be.
So was Goldfinger the second place winner in that one?

I don't remember. Sorry.

“That’s right! He can be taught!

But it's all for naught!

You're gonn’a need a bigger aquarium.

Or at least you'll have to clean this one, now.

I do believe I’ll take this moment to go ahead and not say something.

Stranger things have happened.
Especially when one is certain that they won’t.

I'm usually pretty careful what I write... just in case.

Who wants to sleep on the couch?

Oh I like’s me some chocolate…
I just couldn't get into the shirt.

But I’m also a good bit off the pace right now for winning either of ‘em.
Although… beating my nemesis out of any potential prize is a fine goal.

You can always pass on the shirt and just take the chocolate.
And you just never know how the points will fall...

But I suspect that the folks visiting his little museum at the time weren’t quite as enamored with that particular exhibit.

Probably not so much.

You mean like that one of a cell phone in a grocery bag?

Not to worry…
Must folks don’t really “hear” the sound tracks.
I just happen to live in a house full of musicians; such things stand out to us.

I get that.
Kay is doing guitar, clarinet and sax.
She's always listening to music and asking if I recognize a tune.

We’ll see.
I already don’t like my answers

Not too late to change 'em.