Cruisin' a DREAM and WDW July 2-July 15th TR updated 1/25:Final Entry! page 15

[DisneyZell]

Just finished reading your Mexican Rivera report and low and behold you’re at it again….luckily (I think), I stumbled upon this TR. Since I’m going on the Dream in October and the World afterwards I’m finding this captivating. I haven’t even cruised yet and I’m ready to take the West coast one now too thanks to that report. I also just finished reading Cruise Confidential thanks to your recommendation in the TR, good read, very enlightening.

So a cross country move and a cruise, wow! 2 questions for you though and I’m sorry if I missed it in the TR earlier:

1. Did you get house #1 or #2?
2. How far are you from the nearest In-N-Out and was this taken into consideration when picking the house?

I forgot to answer the in-n-out portion of the comment. We are 2.4 miles from In-N-Out and it absolutly played into the location we chose to live.

DZ

 

[Grooovertoo]

I forgot to answer the in-n-out portion of the comment. We are 2.4 miles from In-N-Out and it absolutly played into the location we chose to live.

DZ

Well yea! Of course it did....have a double-double animal style for me!

 

[dededisney]

Well yea! Of course it did....have a double-double animal style for me!

You don't have to tell him twice to do that! It seems like everytime I go to say something to him, his response (before I even say anything) is, sure we can go to In-N-Out for lunch! Our boys thought we could get In-N-Out every night for dinner once we moved out here...I think their profits just went up since we moved!

 

[DisneyZell]

Ahhh, but there are some you will never get rid of, no matter how long you wait to post!!!!

Well, you *did* tow me onto a ship in a trunk. So in some ways I do owe you for that. HA! I'm imagining what those who have not read my previous report are thinking now....uh, isn't he married? wait, isn't SHE married???

THIS

Tink, quit encouraging QuiltTeddy, you will only make it worse!

Well yea! Of course it did....have a double-double animal style for me!

Just did...there was a BBQ for my son's football program. We got there and there weren't any of his team there...so I gave them the choice...we could stay...or go to in-n-out. Now, this was an easy choice for me...and for Nick, but we had one of Nick's friends with us too who is trying to lose weight to make the football team....so we figured out he could get a double double protein style and apparently that worked...so off we went. Nice!

You don't have to tell him twice to do that! It seems like everytime I go to say something to him, his response (before I even say anything) is, sure we can go to In-N-Out for lunch! Our boys thought we could get In-N-Out every night for dinner once we moved out here...I think their profits just went up since we moved!

*sigh* again, see what I have to deal with? I'm just a dad going through life trying to raise my boys correctly...and there you go.

Thanks for the posts...keep 'em comin'!'

DZ

 

[TinkLoverSam]

Tink, quit encouraging QuiltTeddy, you will only make it worse!

DZ

I will continue to encourage her and you until there is a completed trip report... or I go to DisneyLand and my MR cruise, whichever comes first

 

[mickey2minnie1]

Oh my gosh! I loooove the DHS matching shirts. Sloop awesome. I would love one in pink. The funds you could make for your next trip.

Awesome report!

 

[dededisney]

Oh my gosh! I loooove the DHS matching shirts. Sloop awesome. I would love one in pink. The funds you could make for your next trip.

Awesome report!

Thanks for the compliment on the shirts...I am always so nervous doing them (I have only done them 3 times). I am afraid after all that work, the mickey head's won't come out correctly! So far so good, though and I haven't had to throw any away! Drew keeps telling me I need to find a new job since we moved....

 

[DisneyZell]

Oh my gosh! I loooove the DHS matching shirts. Sloop awesome. I would love one in pink. The funds you could make for your next trip.

Awesome report!

I wonder how much Disney would charge to let us make t-shirts like that.

Thanks for the compliment on the shirts...I am always so nervous doing them (I have only done them 3 times). I am afraid after all that work, the mickey head's won't come out correctly! So far so good, though and I haven't had to throw any away! Drew keeps telling me I need to find a new job since we moved....

Well, yeah, someone has to keep me in the manner in which I have become accustomed!

 

[LuvEeyore]

signing on for and a daily diversion from work. Loved hearing about your pixie dust. I know about house nightmares...after living in my house for 18months I found out my water was coming from the neighbors house. Talk about a mess!!!would describe me best at that time

 

[QuiltTeddy]

Well, you *did* tow me onto a ship in a trunk. So in some ways I do owe you for that. HA! I'm imagining what those who have not read my previous report are thinking now....uh, isn't he married? wait, isn't SHE married???

Now wait one second my friend, if you read back on your prior TR (that's trip report if you have momentary lapse) you will see, it was your suggestion to come along on our trip. I merely met all your demands....large trunk, silk lined, private verandah where you could hang out in your skivvies. I even sprung for your internet connection for the entire 7 days (don't feel bad, we only had to take out a second on the house for that).

Anyhoo....if you keep them wondering just how "we fit", you will have a captive audience until the end of your report....which, by the way, is appearing at an alarmingly slower rate from your MR TR.

Tink, quit encouraging QuiltTeddy, you will only make it worse!

Pffttttttt I hardly need encouraging!!! However, I would like to know how you were able to get around my notification of updates in your thread????

I will continue to encourage her and you until there is a completed trip report... or I go to DisneyLand and my MR cruise, whichever comes first

You best plan on that Tink...he tends to get side tracked easily. I'd highly suggest some

 

[TinkLoverSam]

you will have a captive audience until the end of your report....which, by the way, is appearing at an alarmingly slower rate from your MR TR.

Yeah DZ where is my TR?

 

[DisneyZell]

signing on for and a daily diversion from work. Loved hearing about your pixie dust. I know about house nightmares...after living in my house for 18months I found out my water was coming from the neighbors house. Talk about a mess!!!would describe me best at that time

Holy cow! Am I reading that right...ie...the water you use for showers, etc...was actually coming from your neighbors house, not from the town or whatever? now *that* is scary!

Now wait one second my friend, if you read back on your prior TR (that's trip report if you have momentary lapse) you will see, it was your suggestion to come along on our trip. I merely met all your demands....large trunk, silk lined, private verandah where you could hang out in your skivvies. I even sprung for your internet connection for the entire 7 days (don't feel bad, we only had to take out a second on the house for that).

Anyhoo....if you keep them wondering just how "we fit", you will have a captive audience until the end of your report....which, by the way, is appearing at an alarmingly slower rate from your MR TR.

Pffttttttt I hardly need encouraging!!! However, I would like to know how you were able to get around my notification of updates in your thread????

You best plan on that Tink...he tends to get side tracked easily. I'd highly suggest some

Yes, you did meet my demands, and I thoroughly enjoyed the wind of the pacific blowing over me in my skivvies on the secret deck. However, the internet was really slow and painful.

Not sure why no notifications...I don't think I can control that, even with my

Um...me? What? Sidetracked? What was I talking about?

Yeah DZ where is my TR?

*sigh* you guys are like slave drivers....here it comes....

DZ

 

[QuiltTeddy]

.Yes, you did meet my demands, and I thoroughly enjoyed the wind of the pacific blowing over me in my skivvies on the secret deck. However, the internet was really slow and painful.

Humph.....first I'm hearing that....previously, you were 100 percent satisfied!

*sigh* you guys are like slave drivers....here it comes....

DZ

 

[DisneyZell]

I'd apologize for taking so long to post...but if I start doing that, I'll be apologizing every time I post. Wait. I think I already do that. AHHHHH, but life does get in the way. OK, I've been playing *some* Call of Duty...but not too much. Really.

Anyhooooo, today was a busy day. Not only were we going to Epcot, not only was it the 4th of July, we were also going to the Disney YES program (I think that stands for Youth Educational Series....I'm sure DW will confirm or deny). This is a program that was originally started for kids that were home schooled, but it was changed at some point to allow anyone. If the kids are under 12 they have to be accompanied by an adult...and as we were there on family vacation we were going as a family. I think I already talked about this a little bit, and again DW can give the details, however if you do this program you get severely discounted tickets...I want to say about 1/2 price. You can buy tickets for as many days as you want at this discounted price. The only caveat is that you only have a certain number of days before and after the YES program to use the tickets...unlike regular ones you purchase. So because of this we had 5 days of park hopper passes, and I believe 4 "fun" passes (waterparks and DisneyQuest). So this morning was our day for our class.

On our way to Epcot!!!

OK, so right up front I'm going to share something which many of you will agree with, and others may want to flame me for. Of the 4 parks Epcot is not my favorite. I just think that the fact that you have to pay the same as the other parks is a crime as there isn't as much there to offer. Sure there are some neat things...and of course we can have fun there...but I think if you compare it to AK, MK and Hollywood Studios it just pales in comparison. there, I said it. Moving on...

Our class was Ocean Discoveries which would be held in the Living Seas. We had to be there at 8:30am, and our leader, Ralph showed up shortly thereafter to take us in. The class was all about conservation, we walked through the building learning about the various kinds of fish, and particularly the sea turtles...more importantly how to keep the sea turtles alive. For instance, fish nets can be set up with "escape hatches" so that the turtles can get out of them. We played alot of games, most were for the kids only, but the adults got to participate as well. One game we played we had a plate of buckeye peas. They had red and green dots on them, the green representing good food (ie. vegetables), and the red representing essentially "junk" food for the fish and turtles. He gave us chopsticks and we had to pick out certain colors. This was a race. I rocked. Yup, I can pick things up with chopsticks. DW was jealous and kept trying to bump me to make me miss. Yup, she is just jealous!

During the class I was a rebel and snuck out to go get fast passes for Test track. That was probably the only annoying thing about the class...you couldn't go get fast passes. I think they should walk you over to one of the cool rides and let you get a FP, and then do the class. It's like they don't care what I think!

When our FP time was up it was DW's turn to sneak out and go get them for Soarin. We know that if we had no done this we wouldn't have gotten Soarin' fast passes.

**************tip*****************
We couldn't do this, obviously, but like Hollywood Studios, if you want to ride Soarin' you should go there first, get fast passes, and then jump in line. The line gets really long later. It's interesting because I think Test Track is a better ride overall (again just my opinion), but people love Soarin'. Maybe because it's air conditioned? But anyhooooo, make sure you get over there

Connor learns about fish

There is Ralph to the left. No, your other left.

Nick with the rest of the class. Nick and a girl his age had a good time hanging out.

We ended the class with a ride on Nemo. This is an incredibly boring ride. Kids love it...because of the fish. The only redeeming quality (again IMO, oh, that's In My Opinion ), is when they superimpose the Nemo characters onto real water...so there are real fish, and the Nemo guys are cruising through. That's great. And the starfish at the end is funny. But I do wish Disney would stop building rides like this. I haven't been there, but understand they did the same thing at California Adventure. Boring!

Once we were done with class it was time to go to our first ride of the day (yup, I don't consider Nemo a ride. I clearly need to drink more kool-aid. Get it?). Test Track! I love test track. It's fun. One of my favorite rides in all the parks.

Nick and Connor waiting to ride Test Track

Our first ride. Now, this is *not* a stolen photograph taken from the monitors. Who would do that? It's just wrong to take a picture of a picture and then post it on the Disboa...oh never mind. Actually Test Track is set up so you can use photopass.

**************Tip*******************
if you buy the photopass CD, don't forget to put your card in at the end of Test Track! Sadly it's the only one that allows you to do this...which is annoying. I wish they would do it for others...then people wouldn't have to *ahem*, take pictures of the screen. I know, I know, who would do that?

After riding we had some time until our Soarin' fast passes were ready...so we decided to go hit Captain EO which I think they brought back not long ago. I confess I had never seen it before. It's mildly entertaining, but you know what is really interesting? The 3d. It is bad...really bad. I had a headache after we were done because I had to focus my eyes so hard to watch the movie. Amazing how far 3d effects have come since then! But the movie was pretty good, if you haven't seen it and are a Michael Jackson fan at all it's worth the time...plus it's air conditioned which is always a plus! OH, and I loved this part...while we were waiting in the entrance hall they kept doing the Disney "please move all the way to the front and all the way to the left to accommodate as many guests as possible". Yeah, all 30 of us. OK, there were more than that...but it just wasn't that crowded. Sometimes I think the CM's need to think for themselves!

Time for lunch...we wanted to eat inside with our lunch that we brought...found the Electric Umbrella and headed inside. DW and Connor headed upstairs to find a seat while Nick and I grabbed our water. In this restaurant they had their own soda fountain...so this time it was cups.

I clearly have rubbed off on Nick...he apparently doesn't feel like the rules apply to him. And he also thinks I'm stupid. But then again what 12 year old kid doesn't think his dad is stupid! So we go over to fill up our water...I look over and Nick's "water" is yellow. I point this out to him saying he must have hit the lemonade (which was the fountain that gave water). No it isn't, he says. Um...yeah it is. Look, it's yellow. No it isn't, he says.

Seriously. Am I that dumb??? Whatever...he already had it filled and we head upstairs. He eventually admits he did the lemonade...and of course we then have to discuss how this is stealing etc., etc. Of course a little itty bitty part of me is thinking...how smart is that? once we have our cups...they wouldn't know. I know, I know, it's stealing. and I didn't do it...but the temptation was there.

 

[DisneyZell]

So we are eating away when all of a sudden a CM catches my eye and heads my way. OH NO! our jig is up. "I'm sorry sir, you cannot eat your own food in here, only Disney-bought food can be eaten in the restaurants". I'm going to be thrown in Disney Jail...I'll have to wear a Mickey Suit the rest of my...wait...he isn't saying any of that. He asks how our day is going and proceeds to talk to us about the fireworks, etc, and giving us suggestions on where to go. How cool is that? He asks us to take out a map and points out some good locations to watch the fireworks. He also suggests that we get there way in advance to get a good seat. Wow. Crazy. The only bad thing to the experience (and it was bad) as his breath. Boy did that kid need a breath mint in a bad way. He was earning his ears...and was actually quite nice so I shouldn't harrass him.

After lunch we went to Innnoventions where DW and I got to ride the Segway. Cool stuff, right? It was...but you only got to ride it about 10 feet. Pretty neat thing, though. A little hard to control at first, but I can see how it would be a great tool to get around places.

Who's that good lookin' guy on the Segway?

and the equally good lookin' woman. They must be together, they are wearing matching shirts!

The kids did various things throughout the building. It's definately a neat thing to stop by and see, lots of things to do.

We saved the house from burning down.

Nick and Connor by the giant multi-million dollar firetruck that Disney bought to sit in a building and not fight fires. Hmmm....

We also got the chance to get in some of the iconic pictures....

I think this was coming back in from Dinner. Or going out to dinner...not sure which.

Same time, much cooler pose. Obviously we were in green today.

Yup, still us.

The boys

The lovebirds, apparently no more smooching after the Minnie incident.

A close up

After Interventions, and a slight meltdown by Nick who apparently has decided that he is really a teenager even though he is only 12, we headed to Soarin' to use our fast passes. As I said, I like Soarin', it's a fun ride...We've been riding it for years from when it originated in California...and I'm still amazed at the camera work that went into this. On this trip, however, we had the worst possible seats. We were in the third row and the last seats all the way over to the right side. It was still fun, but try to be in the middle...and you want to be in the front if possible as you get the best view.

At some point we had gotten another set of fast passes. This time we were going to split up. Nick wanted to go on Mission Space. DW has zero interest in riding Mission Space. Wait, that's not descriptive enough. She has less than zero interest in it. It's a spinning ride...she doesn't do well on those. So we got two fast passes for that, and two for Test Track. After Soarin' it was time to go on those. Nick and I enjoyed Mission Space, it's a very cool ride. It does, however, do a number on your stomach. I think this was the second time I had been on it, and I definitely felt it. I don't normally have issues, but it was touch and go there for a bit. DW doesn't know that so shhhhhhhhhhhhhh don't tell her.

Apparently DW and Connor were bored on their ride...

Yup, that's them, asleep in the front seat.

It was time for Dinner, and originally we were planning on eating in the park...but I think we all needed a break, I know that I did. To be honest I was pooped. We decided to head to Steak and Shake, a new favorite of ours and we would spend much time there. We love that place. Good burgers and even better shakes! And the fries! holy crap, how could I forget about the fries. They are skinny little things and so crispy. Yum. Now I'm hungry.

I was basically falling asleep at the table...and the idea of *not* going back to the park for fireworks was appealing. Connor was almost on-board with that, except he did want to see the fireworks. So a shot of sugar through my shake and I was good to go back into the park. We got back to the park around 6:30. One of the things that CM with the bad breath (sorry, how else can I refer to him???) recommended was the circle vision in Canada. So we headed over to the World Showcase and tried to figure out how the heck to get into Canada. The entrance looks like it's just an entrance to a Steak restaurant. Pretty funny, it's like Canada doesn't want you to visit.

We made it in and after a short wait got in to see the Circle Vision presentation for Canada. It was hosted by Martin Short...and he was hilarious, taking us on a tour of Canada. I would definitely recommend this one, if only for the bits of comedy. Nick's favorite part was when they showed Martin Short playing hockey as a kid and Martin's comment "it was a lucky thing my parents had a circle vision camera with them!".

After that we headed toward the UK to find a spot to watch the fireworks. We actually didn't make it far, it was right next to Canada that we found what we thought was a good spot. It was a little after 7pm, way earlier than I would normally have done it, but we decided to camp because there was no one there and we would get a front row seat. That turned out to be a good idea, even though we had to wait over 2.5 hours! A woman ended up next to us who was a CM at Casey's in the Magic Kingdom, so we talked to her for a good chunk of the time. The boys had their Ipods, DW had her Kindle and I had my Transformer...so we had all the electronics to entertain us. For a bit DW and Connor wandered off and I thought people were going to try to steal our seats...but I fended them off. Yes I got dirty looks.

My favorite part, though (and I'm being sarcastic here. I think they need to add a font type for sarcastic typing. Maybe Italics. I'll try that. My favorite part was when the fireworks started and someone behind me started to complain that they couldn't see that well because I was in the way. I'm thinking...get here 2.5 hours ago and you wouldn't have an issue...not 5 minutes before the fireworks start and expecting to have a perfect seat!

Of course I can't see the italics until I post...so we will see how that works out.

Was the 2.5 hours wait worth it? At first I would have said no. The illuminations show is neat...but it drags on and on and on...we had heard that the fireworks were going to be spectacular...something about using all the rest of the fireworks and one of the biggest Disney had ever done. So I was a bit disappointed. However shortly we found out it was all worth it. Nick and Connor both caught the action on their IPOD's...the link below will take you to the finale...

http://youtu.be/PWrAn1zuP1U

Hope that works. So the answer is yes...definitely worth the wait. And if you wait you will have a great seat...so you should. The fireworks were coming so fast and so furious (like the movie!) that you could feel them in your bones...the base of the explosions was incredible!

The fireworks ended and it was cattle time. Now I'm regretting being a Epcot for the fireworks as we all have to funnel over one bridge to get out...and the place was PACKED! Luckly DW was a running back in another life and can squeeze through the best holes...and so it wasn't too bad getting out. Definately alot of traffic though! We made it back about 11pm, off to bed because tomorrow is The Magic Kingdom!

One more pic before I go...not sure when we actually took this, but we had a little screened porch at our timeshare. There were no apparent holes in the screen, but these little tiny frogs kept showing up inside the screen.

Pretty funny

Thanks for sticking with me...until tomorrow...or 10 days from now.

DZ

 

[DisneyZell]

Humph.....first I'm hearing that....previously, you were 100 percent satisfied!

I might have exagerated in hopes that I'd get brought along on your next one!

And dang...your fast. Next episode is up!

 

[QuiltTeddy]

I might have exagerated in hopes that I'd get brought along on your next one!

And dang...your fast. Next episode is up!

Well, that will depend on how good your TR is and whether or not it's completed in a timely fashion, together with what your intentions are insofar as my entertainment and decorations while onboard.

So, will you be wearing different matching shirts for the entire vacation? I give kudos to DW for each and every shirt made. They do look real cool! I was trying to figure out something for DH and I to wear when we board, but it's looking like that won't happen.

 

[Figment_Fan]

Maybe I do take a little bit from my avatar. Anyway, I too would like to know how you overcame my lurking subscription??????
What insane powers do you have over the boards to delete lurkers?

Now, my compliments to the maker of the shirts! Is there an instruction sheet on how to tye dye a Mickey?

And now, how did we avoid each other on the cruise? Wait a minute, yeah, I think I was still in lurking mode while on the ship. I did my best to hide behind my drink of the day.

Now that I have found your report again, keep it coming. As always, a great job so far.

 

[dededisney]

Here is the link for the tye dye shirts...it is very well written, so hopefully you will have good luck with it...

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2028914

(hopefully I did the link right and you can click on it, if not it is under the community forum and then arts & crafts)

 

[DisneyZell]

Well, that will depend on how good your TR is and whether or not it's completed in a timely fashion, together with what your intentions are insofar as my entertainment and decorations while onboard.

So, will you be wearing different matching shirts for the entire vacation? I give kudos to DW for each and every shirt made. They do look real cool! I was trying to figure out something for DH and I to wear when we board, but it's looking like that won't happen.

You know I can't let you in on your question about shirts. come on! DW posted the link to make these shirts....you should do that.

Maybe I do take a little bit from my avatar. Anyway, I too would like to know how you overcame my lurking subscription??????
What insane powers do you have over the boards to delete lurkers?

Now, my compliments to the maker of the shirts! Is there an instruction sheet on how to tye dye a Mickey?

And now, how did we avoid each other on the cruise? Wait a minute, yeah, I think I was still in lurking mode while on the ship. I did my best to hide behind my drink of the day.

Now that I have found your report again, keep it coming. As always, a great job so far.

Ah, the prodigal son returns! No more being funny. I wonder if something happened to my TR so people aren't receiving notifications. There actually is a way to turn it off...but it was on. So being the techie that I am, I turned it off, saved it, and then turned it on again. Maybe that will shake it loose?

Don't know how we didn't see you...but maybe it's because we never made plans. that was definately our downfall as I would have enjoyed meeting you. But who knows...sometime in the future???

Anyway, welcome back aboard, I'll try to get a new episode up this weekend!

DZ