City, Sand, and Savanna - Link to new trip report

[norybell]

So, I log on after my typical months-long hiatus (geez, and I thought having a baby would bring me so much extra free time ) expecting to be about a gazillion posts behind in your TR, and lo and behold, I'd only missed 18 posts! Very manageable. And fun to catch up on, of course!

I'm so glad you tried EE with your feet up! Makes a pretty big difference, doesn't it?

Poor Marlene, that second rejection must've really hit hard. I'm still super impressed that she's brave enough to try at all, much less a second time!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I have to tell you Glenn... I seriously admire anyone who works out while in Disney. With all the walking most do, I would think it wouldn't be needed. Granted you don't get the elevated sustained heart rate, but still...

You'll probably be shocked to hear it, but I am completely on board with the "we must ride Everest".

How awesome did it feel to look like an absolute genius in front of the kids? What a great moment... and a great shortcut!! I wasn't aware of it, so it is now officially filed away for future use... even if I don't need to use it.

Definitely not a "you have to be there" story. That was spot on thinking on Marlene's part! Too funny. As long as nobody gets hurt, what's the harm; that's what I say!

Aww too bad about the audition. Big props for doing a song by Lights though. She's Canadian, so I have to represent. Make sure to try again next trip. Never give up!!

Wow, a lot packed into that update. And that sign in the last photo is one I completely fell in love with. What a great way to start a day with "Wishing You a Magical Day!"

 

[Disneybuckeye]

Hooray for an update! Not to be mean, but I remember starting to read this TR to get me through until my October trip last year. Too funny that it is now getting me through to my October trip this year.

Loved the plan switching. Flexible is good. For our October trip we could be anywhere from 2-9 people at various times during the week. I have so many different scenarios that might happen that who knows where we will be any day. That is a plus to hoppers.

Sorry Marlene did not get picked, but I give her kudos for trying and to you for making it happen. Also glad you were able to ride EE.

Loved the friendship boat pictures. I love those boats. That is why we bought at VWL as I love taking the boat to and from Magic Kingdom. The buses are functional, but not nearly as fun.

As always, thanks for sharing!

Mary Kay

 

[hucifer]

So I'm bored and wandering aimlessly in the trip report boards, when I spot...what is this?...that Glennbo report is STILL around? It's only been -- what? -- a whole freaking year and he isn't finished yet? Who does he think he is...Hucifer?

So I spent my workday reading this whole damn thing. My boss will have my head on a plate now. Thanks.

I am impressed, however, that you and Judy are doing Insanity. That ain't for the weary. This I know personally. But at least I have the courtesy of NOT working out in my hotel room early in the morning! Those poor sleepless souls below you!

I do love your intentional dumb look. That made me giggle. Wait, so did your unintentional one.

I am spotting an occasional Seinfeld reference, and it makes me feel all warm and tingly in my special place.

Other than that, I don't have much to say.

Okay, who am I kidding? Just don't drag this damn thing out another year or I'm giving up again. Consider this is your warning. Oh, and this report could use a LOT more gratuitous sex and violence to spice things up. Just sayin'.

 

[jedijill]

So I'm bored and wandering aimlessly in the trip report boards, when I spot...what is this?...that Glennbo report is STILL around? It's only been -- what? -- a whole freaking year and he isn't finished yet? Who does he think he is...Hucifer?

So I spent my workday reading this whole damn thing. My boss will have my head on a plate now. Thanks.

I am impressed, however, that you and Judy are doing Insanity. That ain't for the weary. This I know personally. But at least I have the courtesy of NOT working out in my hotel room early in the morning! Those poor sleepless souls below you!

I do love your intentional dumb look. That made me giggle. Wait, so did your unintentional one.

I am spotting an occasional Seinfeld reference, and it makes me feel all warm and tingly in my special place.

Other than that, I don't have much to say.

Okay, who am I kidding? Just don't drag this damn thing out another year or I'm giving up again. Consider this is your warning. Oh, and this report could use a LOT more gratuitous sex and violence to spice things up. Just sayin'.

OMG a Hucifer sighting! When do we get a new Hucifer trip report?

Jill in CO

 

[hucifer]

OMG a Hucifer sighting! When do we get a new Hucifer trip report?

Jill in CO

Well hello there, Jill. I have been hanging around the Community boards a bit lately. Seems like I only have time to drop in a thread or two over there and not commit myself to a three year-long project like a Glennbo report. Guilt actually dragged me over here, as I was curious to see how my favorite Glenn (the only Glenn I know, actually) was doing. Dang if his report wasn't still alive and kicking! Who knew?

Anyway, we still haven't taken our little one to see The Mouse yet. We're considering next year, when he's seven. I can only hope I have the energy and time (sweet, precious time) to write one for his first trip. I did make a dance video for our Hawaii cruise two years ago, it's in my signature. That's as close to a trip report as I had time for.

So...I guess I'm committed to this monstrosity now. All 2000 pages of it. And counting.

[Sigh]

 

[MEK]

Poor Marlene. I have to give her major props for trying out twice in one trip. I just seriously think that the people auditioning nowadays are serious singers with a lot of experience and they all have the mainstream pop voice. I think the attraction, in some ways, is a bust because its really not designed for average vocalists to participate in. sigh

Bummer for the wait on EE. I see you got the front row. Nice! I totally forgot about Nory's ride tip. Drat! I wanted to try that.

 

[glennbo123]

Nice updates! Isn't it great for that DIS knowledge to actually pay off!!!

You betcha! We felt pretty smart bypassing everybody!

Marlene's spur of the moment interaction turning down the lady's offer for something is just too funny!

We got a good laugh out of it.

Nice "insider" CM info about EE. And I can't wait to try out some of those ride tips!

It's great how the cast members will go out of their way to make it a little special, help pass the time, entertain a little.

Sorry about the AI audition outcome. I know Marlene was really disappointed. The songs you get to sing.......do they provide you with the words or do you have to have them all memorized???

She was, and I actually played it down in the chapter. She went through disappointed, sad, and mad and then back through again!

Yes, they give you the words for those songs. This sheet just lists what they have available. Even during the performance, the singers have the words projected for them at the back of the theater.

Actually I did see that Rosie was trying to call you out for an update, and knew you hadn't posted lately, but other than that I spent almost no time on the DIS this past weekend.

Yeah, I saw that and I worked on the chapter last night. I intended to get to it all weekend.

I just happened to check the App on my phone and your update popped up on top of my list. It appears Mark is back and has been busy this morning, so I figured he would be all over it before I could log on with the computer to look at the pictures and put in my guess.

Another case of really lucky (I mean GREAT of course) timing!!!

I thought Mark might have a shot at it.

Awww, poor Marlene! That had to be really really hard the 2nd time, first one bad enough. Major props for trying again!

It was a rough one. There was no easy let-down with this one. And in the last one, it seemed like she was on the verge of being selected. I think this lady didn't want to waste her time with someone who'd already been passed-on earlier in the week, so kind of slammed her song choice and said thanks for coming.

I had no idea you could cut through Rainforest Cafe to a turnstile, need to file that tidbit away, very valuable info!

I didn't know that I'd ever need to use that trick, but it sure came in handy that day.

Glad you got at least one ride on EE in and very fun that you did the Nory version, another thing I need to remember!

I know, I can't go to Animal Kingdom and not ride EE at least once!

I wasn't sure if I'd have the nerve to pick up my feet, but if Nory could do it...!

 

[norybell]

Hucifer! Wow, I feel like I really picked the right day to pop back in over here!

 

[glennbo123]

Stop making the storms come ion over here so I can get some DIS time in - I mean get caught up at work.

Have you been getting a deluge of rain every day like we have? It's been crazy...I've been saying it's like Florida here in eastern PA, with an afternoon storm almost every day.

Great plan B. I do like hopping from park to park when I have an eclectic mix of things I want to get done.

Are you kidding? You're the master. You've hit every park in a single day, haven't you?

Good job with the Rainforest entrance, and getting off at the Swolfin to beat the boat. The path the DHS is not too bad either, you can pick it up around the other side of the boat dock and it brings you along the back of the Boardwalk.

To be honest, I wasn't sure where we got off of that boat. I'm still not very familiar with the layout of those resorts. We need to stay at the Boardwalk sometime so that I can remedy that.

and of course Dang it !!!!! Storms here and general chaos kept me from keeping an eye on you .... I mean checking in to see if another update was posted.

That general chaos'll get ya every time.

We had a great time! We're still sorting through 2,358 pictures (I am not making that number up) so I can get them uploaded to google storage. Then the TR can begin.

I'm looking forward to seeing all of them. Please pm me when you start.

My daughter would give it a go. The boys...well, they're a work in progress.

Boys always are. But look how we turned out.

Now to go and read your latest update.

Okey dokey.

1 Marlene in first post and 3 in second !~~~

I am storing that RainForesst Café tip for future needs !!Thanks Glenn!!

You'll be quite a hero Rosie, if you get a chance to lead a group through there. The VIP entrance!

That's how I've always rationalized it.

On those days when you're really hitting the parks hard, there's no way that's not a decent workout! It has to be, it's so exhausting.

I will admit, I had no idea that existed.

Maybe I shouldn't have advertised it so broadly on this TR.

Very cool stuff. Suddenly the delay doesn't seem so bad. I don't think I'll try that left foot thing, though. The backwards part messes with my head enough as it is.

I can probably get some tips on riding ToT for you too.

Aw, that stinks. Poor Marlene. I think a Dole Whip could cure this despair, though.

But we were heading to Epcot...Biergarten!

Very nice!

She's the best!

Wow! I had no idea the boats were that slow. Um, I mean, I'm sure you're a fast walker and all.

I think they have several stops to make around those resorts...just like the buses.

Way to come up with a new plan and have it work, Glenn.

You've gotta be a little flexible, right?

Glad you didn't have to wait too long for EE. Sorry that Marlene was disappointed again. But I give her all the credit for giving it another try!

She really, really, really wanted to be in one of the performances. She was pretty discouraged when leaving DHS, but cheered up pretty soon afterward. She looks happy in that picture at the Boardwalk boat dock.

Oh, and I can't let the chapter title go without saying:

Glenn, just when I think you can't possibly be any dumber, you go and do something like this...





....AND TOTALLY REDEEM YOURSELF!

Dumb and Dumber! James was on a kick of saying this quote every so often a while back.

 

[glennbo123]

So, I log on after my typical months-long hiatus (geez, and I thought having a baby would bring me so much extra free time ) expecting to be about a gazillion posts behind in your TR, and lo and behold, I'd only missed 18 posts! Very manageable. And fun to catch up on, of course!

I've been taking it slow just so you wouldn't get too far behind Nory! But you picked the perfect day to check back in!

I'm so glad you tried EE with your feet up! Makes a pretty big difference, doesn't it?

That it does! It's like you're momentarily weightless.

Poor Marlene, that second rejection must've really hit hard. I'm still super impressed that she's brave enough to try at all, much less a second time!

It was a tough one. I didn't want to discourage her from trying it, but I was afraid that it might go that way. Hey, she's still singing around the house.

I have to tell you Glenn... I seriously admire anyone who works out while in Disney. With all the walking most do, I would think it wouldn't be needed. Granted you don't get the elevated sustained heart rate, but still...

We didn't work out on the park days, since there's already so much walking and just general wearing ourselves out. But we were pretty consistent when we were at Vero and the non-park day at Kidani.

You'll probably be shocked to hear it, but I am completely on board with the "we must ride Everest".

Really? You? I forget, what's your record? Like 8 rides in a row?

How awesome did it feel to look like an absolute genius in front of the kids? What a great moment... and a great shortcut!! I wasn't aware of it, so it is now officially filed away for future use... even if I don't need to use it.

It felt great! That does not get to happen very often, as you can imagine. But they loved getting one over on that crowd of people. That was awesome!

Definitely not a "you have to be there" story. That was spot on thinking on Marlene's part! Too funny. As long as nobody gets hurt, what's the harm; that's what I say!

Okay, good...I wasn't sure if that story would be worth writing down, but it was sure funny for us at the time.

Aww too bad about the audition. Big props for doing a song by Lights though. She's Canadian, so I have to represent. Make sure to try again next trip. Never give up!!

Never surrender! ("Galaxy Quest" reference). Yes, I think I did hear from Marlene that this Lights person is Canadian. She really likes her music.

Wow, a lot packed into that update. And that sign in the last photo is one I completely fell in love with. What a great way to start a day with "Wishing You a Magical Day!"

That is a great way to start the day!

 

[glennbo123]

Hooray for an update! Not to be mean, but I remember starting to read this TR to get me through until my October trip last year. Too funny that it is now getting me through to my October trip this year.

It wasn't too long ago that I thought "wow, nobody's giving me grief for taking so long to finish this report" and today, well I'm hearing from you, Nory, Hucifer...

Loved the plan switching. Flexible is good. For our October trip we could be anywhere from 2-9 people at various times during the week. I have so many different scenarios that might happen that who knows where we will be any day. That is a plus to hoppers.

It can be tough with a party that size, and you may hear some spur-of-the-moment ideas that don't quite fit with what you've been planning for months. But yeah, be flexible, have park hoppers, and don't be afraid to split-up and come back together at a later time. It's important for everyone to hit their "must do's". The trick might be finding out what those are!

Sorry Marlene did not get picked, but I give her kudos for trying and to you for making it happen. Also glad you were able to ride EE.

She reeeeaaaally wanted to perform in the competition. Oh well.

Loved the friendship boat pictures. I love those boats. That is why we bought at VWL as I love taking the boat to and from Magic Kingdom. The buses are functional, but not nearly as fun.

It is much more relaxing being on the water, and way better views too!

As always, thanks for sharing!

Mary Kay

You got it! We've got to get you through to your October trip.

 

[Poolrat]

Have you been getting a deluge of rain every day like we have? It's been crazy...I've been saying it's like Florida here in eastern PA, with an afternoon storm almost every day.

I was in Nashville over the 4th and it was that steady stream of rain, nothing severe but all that rain. When I got back it has been the pop up thunderstorm with the building shaking variety. Someone said we have had some rain every day for the last 15 days. Kind of hard to get the lawn mowed.

Are you kidding? You're the master. You've hit every park in a single day, haven't you?

Why thank You. I have hit all 4 parks a few times.

I also have been known to do the dip in - hit one thing or get one item ( read F & W) and keep going. I have done the EPCOT walk through a few times.

This is one place that the journey is as fun as the destination.

To be honest, I wasn't sure where we got off of that boat. I'm still not very familiar with the layout of those resorts. We need to stay at the Boardwalk sometime so that I can remedy that.

Must have been the swolfin. The boat dock serves both resorts. It then goes across to the Beach / Yacht club and back across to the Boardwalk so your little jaunt down the Boardwalk was plenty of time to wait for the boat the dock at the BW. A nice early dinner and walk along the Boardwalk is a great time for exploring. So is an early morning jaunt so a stay in the area is in order.

That general chaos'll get ya every time.

It always does. 3 Special needs camps- 1 with Teens housed at our center, 1 with tweens getting out of pool when thunder happened and 1 with preschoolers arriving soon after. Add I the phone ringing, Seniors with lots of questions and a small mess caused by a preschooler and yup general chaos. Perfect storm.

I think they have several stops to make around those resorts...just like the buses.

DHS -Swolfin- BC/YC- BW- EPCOT It is a slow boat and a hot baot in the heat but a nice ride.

She really, really, really wanted to be in one of the performances. She was pretty discouraged when leaving DHS, but cheered up pretty soon afterward. She looks happy in that picture at the Boardwalk boat dock.

That is so tough for her. I am glad she mustered up the courage to audition again.

 

[glennbo123]

So I'm bored and wandering aimlessly in the trip report boards, when I spot...what is this?...that Glennbo report is STILL around? It's only been -- what? -- a whole freaking year and he isn't finished yet? Who does he think he is...Hucifer?

Well helloooo there and Ms. Hucifer!

Yeah, yeah, yeah, of course I'm still writing this when I don't have someone like you harrassing me to finish it!

So I spent my workday reading this whole damn thing. My boss will have my head on a plate now. Thanks.

Does that mean he'll send you on a trip to some god-forsaken place in south-central PA where you have to eat dinner in a cellar? If so, let me know.

I am impressed, however, that you and Judy are doing Insanity. That ain't for the weary. This I know personally. But at least I have the courtesy of NOT working out in my hotel room early in the morning! Those poor sleepless souls below you!

Oh, the sun was shining in the window, they should've been up by then. Judy's been more dedicated to working out than me, but that's nothing new. She's been at it consistently, and has some clothes now that are looking a little baggy. I took some time off after we got back from this trip, then got back into it in the fall for a little while, then took a loooong vacation from it until about a month ago and now I'm back at it.

I do love your intentional dumb look. That made me giggle. Wait, so did your unintentional one.

And here I thought you liked the more cerebral jokes.

I am spotting an occasional Seinfeld reference, and it makes me feel all warm and tingly in my special place.

Well, now that I know you're reading I can try to work more in.

"Vandelay Industries! Vandelay Industries!"

Other than that, I don't have much to say.

Okay, who am I kidding?

You got that right. I've never seen you without much to say!

Just don't drag this damn thing out another year or I'm giving up again. Consider this is your warning. Oh, and this report could use a LOT more gratuitous sex and violence to spice things up. Just sayin'.

Wow, tough crowd. Okay, I'll work on that.

OMG a Hucifer sighting! When do we get a new Hucifer trip report?

Jill in CO

Hard to believe, huh? I feel honored!

Well hello there, Jill. I have been hanging around the Community boards a bit lately. Seems like I only have time to drop in a thread or two over there and not commit myself to a three year-long project like a Glennbo report. Guilt actually dragged me over here, as I was curious to see how my favorite Glenn (the only Glenn I know, actually) was doing. Dang if his report wasn't still alive and kicking! Who knew?

Anyway, we still haven't taken our little one to see The Mouse yet. We're considering next year, when he's seven. I can only hope I have the energy and time (sweet, precious time) to write one for his first trip. I did make a dance video for our Hawaii cruise two years ago, it's in my signature. That's as close to a trip report as I had time for.

Patrick needs his first trip to Disney documented in writing. Just sayin'.

And we need to read it too.

So...I guess I'm committed to this monstrosity now. All 2000 pages of it. And counting.

[Sigh]

Hey, at least we're still only on 1 thread!

 

[glennbo123]

Poor Marlene. I have to give her major props for trying out twice in one trip. I just seriously think that the people auditioning nowadays are serious singers with a lot of experience and they all have the mainstream pop voice. I think the attraction, in some ways, is a bust because its really not designed for average vocalists to participate in. sigh

My only experience with the actual competition was the night that it was all PChef people, so I'm not sure. Marlene does have a pop voice, but she needs to work on her range. That's what got her in the first audition, when it seemed like she was going to be picked.

Bummer for the wait on EE. I see you got the front row. Nice! I totally forgot about Nory's ride tip. Drat! I wanted to try that.

The wait didn't exactly fit in with my quickly put-together plans, but we made the most of it with the cast members we were talking to. I don't think I was in the exact front row, I don't think I've ever done that yet, but I was obviously pretty close. Oh, you go to WDW so often, I'm sure you'll get another chance...but yes, you need to try it!

Hucifer! Wow, I feel like I really picked the right day to pop back in over here!

Group hug!

I was in Nashville over the 4th and it was that steady stream of rain, nothing severe but all that rain. When I got back it has been the pop up thunderstorm with the building shaking variety. Someone said we have had some rain every day for the last 15 days. Kind of hard to get the lawn mowed.

Judy said that we set a record for the amount of rain in June...so I high-five'd the kids. I know I did my part for that record!

Why thank You. I have hit all 4 parks a few times.

I also have been known to do the dip in - hit one thing or get one item ( read F & W) and keep going. I have done the EPCOT walk through a few times.

This is one place that the journey is as fun as the destination.

You are the master.

That's one benefit of solo traveling, or with a minimal number of people. You can't drag a bunch of people all over like that.

Must have been the swolfin. The boat dock serves both resorts. It then goes across to the Beach / Yacht club and back across to the Boardwalk so your little jaunt down the Boardwalk was plenty of time to wait for the boat the dock at the BW. A nice early dinner and walk along the Boardwalk is a great time for exploring. So is an early morning jaunt so a stay in the area is in order.

I think we will try to stay at the Boardwalk next time, which will probably be 2015.

It always does. 3 Special needs camps- 1 with Teens housed at our center, 1 with tweens getting out of pool when thunder happened and 1 with preschoolers arriving soon after. Add I the phone ringing, Seniors with lots of questions and a small mess caused by a preschooler and yup general chaos. Perfect storm.

Yikes. I didn't have to deal with any teens or tweens or preschoolers or seniors at work today.

DHS -Swolfin- BC/YC- BW- EPCOT It is a slow boat and a hot baot in the heat but a nice ride.

Since we got off and walked part of it, I still haven't made the whole loop.

That is so tough for her. I am glad she mustered up the courage to audition again.

She gave it a good try. I wasn't sure that it was a good idea to try again during the week, but I didn't want to discourage her.

 

[englishrose47]

Hey Glenn don't I get a point for Eagle Eye spotting Marlene !!!!?????

 

[englishrose47]

Ooops I did it again I posted at the top of the page sooooo everyone you have 13 more posts before any hope of an Update !!!!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Hi Glen! I'm proud of Marlene for being determined and trying out again How cool to get to EE before it opens! I have to remember that Rainforest trick this time.

Well, I'm off - going to WDW TODAY!!!

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi Glen! Congrats on being the official winner of MEK's "guess where we stayed" contest! Very good detective work might I add! Seeing as how you hold that prestigious honor I had to drop by and partake in the fun of your TR. My gosh, you are going to be in danger of needing a second thread! (Didn't you have that "problem" before? )

That Dorma is awesome! We saw her greeting guests last summer on Hollywood Blvd. and when she asked where a family was from they answered Brazil. Without missing a beat she launched into speaking Portuguese. So perfect!

Great trivia to know about EE should I need to increase the thrill factor. And it's always good to know alternate entrances to AK via RFC! Well done redeeming yourself!

 

[jedijill]

Well hello there, Jill. I have been hanging around the Community boards a bit lately. Seems like I only have time to drop in a thread or two over there and not commit myself to a three year-long project like a Glennbo report. Guilt actually dragged me over here, as I was curious to see how my favorite Glenn (the only Glenn I know, actually) was doing. Dang if his report wasn't still alive and kicking! Who knew?

Anyway, we still haven't taken our little one to see The Mouse yet. We're considering next year, when he's seven. I can only hope I have the energy and time (sweet, precious time) to write one for his first trip. I did make a dance video for our Hawaii cruise two years ago, it's in my signature. That's as close to a trip report as I had time for.

So...I guess I'm committed to this monstrosity now. All 2000 pages of it. And counting.

[Sigh]

Well, I hope you take your son next year. Give us a shout if you decide to do a report. I'll go check out the Hawaii video soon.

Jill in CO