Cut the Drama Stay with Mama...A Mother/Daughter Trip Report (Updated 2/15)

[QuirkyBelle]

It's in demand out here! Everyone's fussing about the Rocky Mountain Pine beetle infestation (.. in the Rocky Mountains ) and how this will affect everything. I think the closest I got to ecology classes was taking Flower Arranging (Earth and Mineral Sciences kids tend to stay in their own college; we get too scared when in the big departments! ). Flower Arranging was a surprisingly popular elective for ecology/biology majors! And after being at UPark, which is so walkable, for four years, switching to a different University system was hard. I have to drive places!

I wish I could take a flower arranging class, that sounds awesome! Man, this school has some pretty cool course options. I was surprised by how walkable campus is. Growing up in NJ, I always assumed Penn State was a PA version of Rutgers, but this campus is soooo much more compact.

YAY! you started! I cannot wait to hear about the rest of your trip!

Christie and I were a little hesitant about POP! too, but we ended up loving it! We are resort snobs, and I do love me my Wilderness Lodge, but I would definitely stay there again!

I have friends that go to Penn State! They love happy valley! I may trek up there sometime soon! DIS meet?!

definitely subbing!

Yep, my trip report is finally here! Glad you found your way over. If you're ever headed this way, let me know. A DIS meet could be fun!

 

[Merida]

I wish I could take a flower arranging class, that sounds awesome! Man, this school has some pretty cool course options. I was surprised by how walkable campus is. Growing up in NJ, I always assumed Penn State was a PA version of Rutgers, but this campus is soooo much more compact.

I want to say it's a Hort 300 level, but I'm not sure. It's in the greenhouses (in between the Creamery and Eisenhower) and it's like half lecture, half fooling around with flowers and chatting.

And just about everything you would EVER need is right downtown. Some of the bars down there are on my top 5 things I miss about State College (Cafe 210, aka best Long Islands in the world, and the one bar that a friend worked at - clearly we had good times there, because I can't remember the name! I'm sure the bar scene is totally different from a grad student viewpoint compared to undergrad, though. I wouldn't want to fight through all of the PSU undergrads now!). And McLanahan's. I miss picking up late night snacks there (also their sandwiches. so delish)!

Haha, it's compact if you don't need to go from the EMS part of campus to the Law School building! I remember that hike being, like, 2 miles one way. But if you don't have to go to classes outside your department, it's super easy to get around. How big is Rutgers' campus?

 

[QuirkyBelle]

I want to say it's a Hort 300 level, but I'm not sure. It's in the greenhouses (in between the Creamery and Eisenhower) and it's like half lecture, half fooling around with flowers and chatting.

And just about everything you would EVER need is right downtown. Some of the bars down there are on my top 5 things I miss about State College (Cafe 210, aka best Long Islands in the world, and the one bar that a friend worked at - clearly we had good times there, because I can't remember the name! I'm sure the bar scene is totally different from a grad student viewpoint compared to undergrad, though. I wouldn't want to fight through all of the PSU undergrads now!). And McLanahan's. I miss picking up late night snacks there (also their sandwiches. so delish)!

Haha, it's compact if you don't need to go from the EMS part of campus to the Law School building! I remember that hike being, like, 2 miles one way. But if you don't have to go to classes outside your department, it's super easy to get around. How big is Rutgers' campus?

The bar scene is totally different from a grad student perspective, in fact I pretty much avoid downtown during the semester. The summer on the other hand...

It is a hike from the EMS buildings to the BJC parking lot, I remember that taking me about 40 minutes. From what I've heard about Rutgers, you can't walk between certain campuses so you have to take a bus, which can take awhile. Luckily the buses hear are just to make transit quicker, not a necessity.

 

[pinkxray]

I'm in, sounds like you had a great trip

 

[QuirkyBelle]

Friday December 16th finally rolled around and boy what a busy day that was! I had a million errands to run, a bunch of cleaning to do, and a four hour drive from my place in PA to my parent’s house in NJ. It wasn’t too bad though, because through all the craziness I just kept telling myself “tomorrow you’re going to Disney World!” Luckily things went pretty smoothly, and by 5 o’clock I’d made it home. After a quick dinner and some catching up with my sisters, who weren’t chuffed with the idea of being left behind, my mom and I proceeded to pack our suitcases. Somehow, we both managed to get to sleep by 11:00, but never the less, the alarm going off at 4:00 AM was greeted with less than enthusiasm. However, after a brief shower it finally sunk in, WE WERE GOING TO DISNEY!!!!

Things went smoothly up to this point, and after a quick stop for gas we were on the road by 5:15. There was absolutely no traffic, and we were checking in at the airport just after 6:00. Here’s where things didn’t work out so nicely. As soon as we walk up to the check in line we hear, “please be aware that your flight has been delayed 2:30 hours because your pilot has the flu.” Instead of taking off at 7:30, we were now scheduled to depart at 10:00. I was a little frustrated at this point. Firstly because I wish I could have slept those extra 2 hours and secondly because we were going to miss 2 hours of hanging out in Epcot. To pass the time we ended up getting breakfast and just talking, until finally the flight from Ft. Lauderdale showed up and we were able to get a new pilot.

Once we took off and were allowed to use approved electronic devices, I whipped out my laptop and new Tangled DVD. See back in July, right around when this trip was born, my family had watched Tangled for the first time. We loved it, particularly Mother Goethals’s song “Mother Knows Best”. From then on, my sister’s and I would sing that to our mom all the time. Now, it’s kind of our thing – hence the name of this trip report. We let me tell you, we entertained nearly every child on that flight. We were seated in one of the last rows near the bathroom, and every time a child came by, the stared mesmerized at the movie. The two boys in the row behind us kept popping up like meerkats to look over the seats. It was so funny.

Even though we’d had a time delay, from here on out things just clicked for us. We were the last two people on the bus for magical expresses, our room was ready when we checked in, and the Epcot bus pulled up as soon as we got to the bus stop. After the small hiccup with the plane, everything was going great. Plus, we were on our way to Epcot.

Sorry for the extreme lack of pictures, but I promise from now on there will be plenty. To make up for it, please enjoy this picture of a cat teapot from England.

 

[bjakmom]

Great start! I can't wait to read any Pop details. I am a definite resort snob - also stay deluxe and DVC - although we often stayed CBR when my kids were young - there were no values back then. With 2 trips already booked this year (BWV/AKV and BLT) I found out that DGrD(8) had off 4 days in Feb that she would be spending with me - hello. . . Florida!! To appease DH I decided to try POP - I really CAN stay almost anywhere - I just don't always wants to. So I am soooo happy to hear that you loved POP - I know DGrD will be thrilled with it no matter what - as long as she can swim she's happy.

Also have to smile at you taking your mom on a trip to WDW. Last March my late-life DS(23) called me out of the blue (well, from college in Calif, far far from me) and said, "Hey mom, want to meet me in WDW for my spring break?" It was a twilight zone moment - lol - he hadn't wanted to go on vaca to WDW with me since his 16th b'day trip - let alone his college spring break!! We had the MOST WONDERFUL trip!!
Anyway, I had also been thru two very tough health ordeals in the previous 3 years - I think those times help us all realize how precious our fun times together are. I can't wait to read all about yours!

 

[QuirkyBelle]

Great start! I can't wait to read any Pop details. I am a definite resort snob - also stay deluxe and DVC - although we often stayed CBR when my kids were young - there were no values back then. With 2 trips already booked this year (BWV/AKV and BLT) I found out that DGrD(8) had off 4 days in Feb that she would be spending with me - hello. . . Florida!! To appease DH I decided to try POP - I really CAN stay almost anywhere - I just don't always wants to. So I am soooo happy to hear that you loved POP - I know DGrD will be thrilled with it no matter what - as long as she can swim she's happy.

Also have to smile at you taking your mom on a trip to WDW. Last March my late-life DS(23) called me out of the blue (well, from college in Calif, far far from me) and said, "Hey mom, want to meet me in WDW for my spring break?" It was a twilight zone moment - lol - he hadn't wanted to go on vaca to WDW with me since his 16th b'day trip - let alone his college spring break!! We had the MOST WONDERFUL trip!!
Anyway, I had also been thru two very tough health ordeals in the previous 3 years - I think those times help us all realize how precious our fun times together are. I can't wait to read all about yours!

Welcome! POP really was awesome. I hope you like it as much as we did. How lucky to take 3 trips in one years, especially one at BLT! I hope I get the chance to stay there some day. How great that your son wanted to spend his spring break with you in Disney. Sometimes us kids forget to just let go of the cool factor and have fun with our parents. Glad you guys had a great time.

 

[aspiringprincess1]

You got delayed too! I know how much that stinks, as you may remember from my trip report that i stilllllll havent finished! I'm glad that yours was only 2 hours (even though it still stinks!)

I can't wait to read about EPCOT! It's my favorite! I hope you got a Margarita!

 

[sherylcin]

Just found your trip report and can't wait for more! We're taking a 3 generation girls only trip in just 1 week. My daughter and I are surprising her daughter with a 13th birthday trip. We are also staying at POP and it must be the "other" resort of DVC'rs because we are usually in a villa somewhere too although we have stayed at POP pre-DVC. Since we usually take BIG family trips with my son's and daughter's entire families, this will be just a trip for Ashton. Can't wait to hear more about your adventures with your Mom! (BTW, pretty cool present!)

 

[IheartDDuck]

What a start. "Your flight will be delayed because your pilot has the flu". Ummm, okay.

Gotta love that you entertained all the kids with your movie. That's just too funny.

 

[QuirkyBelle]

I'm in, sounds like you had a great trip

Thanks for joining, we really did!

You got delayed too! I know how much that stinks, as you may remember from my trip report that i stilllllll havent finished! I'm glad that yours was only 2 hours (even though it still stinks!)

I can't wait to read about EPCOT! It's my favorite! I hope you got a Margarita!

I do remember. Actually, I thought about you guys when we got delayed and thought that at least our delay wasn't 7 hours.

Just found your trip report and can't wait for more! We're taking a 3 generation girls only trip in just 1 week. My daughter and I are surprising her daughter with a 13th birthday trip. We are also staying at POP and it must be the "other" resort of DVC'rs because we are usually in a villa somewhere too although we have stayed at POP pre-DVC. Since we usually take BIG family trips with my son's and daughter's entire families, this will be just a trip for Ashton. Can't wait to hear more about your adventures with your Mom! (BTW, pretty cool present!)

That's part of what made this trip so special, that it was just me and my mom instead of the usual 6 - 8 people (my family plus grandparents or boyfriends). Have fun with your daughter and granddaughter! How are you surprising her?

 

[PrincessCaitlin]

I have never heard of a flight being delayed because the pilot was sick At least the time seemed to fly by!

Tangled is a great flight movie! I have watched it on my dad's ipad before and it really killed the time!

Love the picture of the cat teapot!

 

[QuirkyBelle]

I have never heard of a flight being delayed because the pilot was sick At least the time seemed to fly by!

Tangled is a great flight movie! I have watched it on my dad's ipad before and it really killed the time!

Love the picture of the cat teapot!

I know! The flight being delayed due to illness was really bizarre.

Funny story about the cat teapot - my friend has two cats and hates that people always buy her cat stuff as gifts. It really, really annoys her. For Christmas I had gotten her an orange teapot, but I showed her a picture of this one first as a joke.

 

[sherylcin]

That's part of what made this trip so special, that it was just me and my mom instead of the usual 6 - 8 people (my family plus grandparents or boyfriends). Have fun with your daughter and granddaughter! How are you surprising her?

Well, the PLAN is that I will arrive at their house Sunday morning with "Valentine" gift bags for Ashton and her sisters (8-year-old already knows about the surprise and 2-year-old doesn't care! ) Ashton's gift bag will contain a Disney balloon that will (hopefully!) float up with a note on the end of the ribbon saying get up, get packed, we're leaving for Disney now!! We're very excited and I can't believe no one has blown it yet! I absolutely LOVE our big family trips but this will be a great experience too and one I hope to have with each of my grandchildren in the year they turn 13.

 

[Merida]

The bar scene is totally different from a grad student perspective, in fact I pretty much avoid downtown during the semester. The summer on the other hand...

It is a hike from the EMS buildings to the BJC parking lot, I remember that taking me about 40 minutes. From what I've heard about Rutgers, you can't walk between certain campuses so you have to take a bus, which can take awhile. Luckily the buses hear are just to make transit quicker, not a necessity.

Summer (and THON events; I loved how everything emptied out during canning weekends!) is really the best time to be in State College (minus Arts Fest, which is fun.. just, well, Arts Fest). All the available meteo students would always go down for late lunch/early start-of-weekend dinners at Cafe during the summer.

Oh wow! I know there are a couple places you need to bus out to (NWS buildings) but I'm really glad PSU is so walkable. I was so in shape during those four years (minus an accident at the skating rink! )

Oh, I don't envy your drive home! I hate that drive, there's nothing in middle Pennsylvania to look at!

I'm sorry about your pilot; I wish there was more organization at airports. I understand there's lots of people coming and going, but I think pilots should be able to call ahead? Or a flight attendant if a pilot got sick on a plane? I'm glad everything else worked out well time-wise as a result! I loved having our room ready right away - I didn't think it would matter but it was so nice being able to dump everything in a secure location instead of bell services. Where were you in Pop?

 

[CW4DW]

I hate to hear about the flight delay but glad that was the only setback. Glad to hear things got back on track and can't wait for more!

 

[QuirkyBelle]

Well, the PLAN is that I will arrive at their house Sunday morning with "Valentine" gift bags for Ashton and her sisters (8-year-old already knows about the surprise and 2-year-old doesn't care! ) Ashton's gift bag will contain a Disney balloon that will (hopefully!) float up with a note on the end of the ribbon saying get up, get packed, we're leaving for Disney now!! We're very excited and I can't believe no one has blown it yet! I absolutely LOVE our big family trips but this will be a great experience too and one I hope to have with each of my grandchildren in the year they turn 13.

Sounds awesome! Hope you guys have a great time!

Summer (and THON events; I loved how everything emptied out during canning weekends!) is really the best time to be in State College (minus Arts Fest, which is fun.. just, well, Arts Fest). All the available meteo students would always go down for late lunch/early start-of-weekend dinners at Cafe during the summer.

Oh wow! I know there are a couple places you need to bus out to (NWS buildings) but I'm really glad PSU is so walkable. I was so in shape during those four years (minus an accident at the skating rink! )

Oh, I don't envy your drive home! I hate that drive, there's nothing in middle Pennsylvania to look at!

I'm sorry about your pilot; I wish there was more organization at airports. I understand there's lots of people coming and going, but I think pilots should be able to call ahead? Or a flight attendant if a pilot got sick on a plane? I'm glad everything else worked out well time-wise as a result! I loved having our room ready right away - I didn't think it would matter but it was so nice being able to dump everything in a secure location instead of bell services. Where were you in Pop?

Yeah, things could have been a lot worse. A two hour delay wasn't too bad. But we had a delay on our flight home too, so I'm not in a hurry to fly Spirit again.

I hate to hear about the flight delay but glad that was the only setback. Glad to hear things got back on track and can't wait for more!

Other than a delay flying in and a delay flying out, things went great, so we were really lucky.

 

[QuirkyBelle]

After arriving at Pop Century, we headed straight for the online check-in line. I was a little nervous about using online check-in, as I’d heard the line can sometimes be longer and can make it more difficult to switch rooms, but let me tell you it worked out great. We had a brief 5 minute wait, and in the meantime, they were passing out free brownies. They were DELICIOUS! It was at this point we knew we were going to love Pop Century. Any place that gives out free brownies while you wait is A-Okay in my book. Before we could even finish our brownies, we were called up and immediately handed our check-in packet, no time wasted. Like I said before, our room was ready, so we went to check it out and drop our stuff off. What section were we in you might ask? Why the 50’s section, and let me tell you our room location was perfect.

Our awesome room. I just loved how it was made up of consecutive numbers.

Great view from the other side of building 3.

I had asked for a lake view, and while we didn’t have the best lake view, it wasn’t too shabby. Also, we were on the fourth floor and about as close to the main building as we could be without paying for a preferred room. I would definitely recommend this location. It was quiet, convenient, and had a decent view.

We didn’t linger for too long before catching a bus to Epcot. We were on a mission to get lunch since it was almost 2:00 and we were both starving. First though, we decided to start making good use of photopass since I had pre-order the CD. Here are the first pictures of our vacation.

After our brief photo shoot we made our way toward the world showcase, with a pit stop at club cool. After whetting our appetites with some soda we caught part of the gospel Christmas music show by the fountain of nations.

Enjoying the show.

These guys were awesome and sooooo upbeat. But boy did they look hot up on the stage; they were all sweating like crazy. On the way to our lunch destination we had to stop for more pictures.

Ah the Epcot Christmas tree. So pretty!

And one of mom.

Finally we made it to lunch at La Cantina de San Angel! This is one of my favorites CS restaurants in all of Epcot. I just love Mexican food.

Mmmmmm…tacos!

Our bellies full, we headed into Mexico for some shopping and obligatory hat pictures to kill time before Los Tres Reyes Magos were set to appear.

We managed to snag front row seats and learned about some of the holiday traditions in Mexico. They put on a pretty good show, though they did sound a little cheesy, particularly the guy in the middle. Oh and the costumes were really beautiful.

Us and Mexican royalty.

So, where were we headed next on our around the world adventure? Stay tuned to find out.

 

[IheartDDuck]

Awww, I've never gotten brownies when I've checked in at POP. That's okay though, I still like the resort.

Great start to the day so far. I love the Cantina!

 

[PrincessCaitlin]

I have heard about free food at check in at Pop but have never experienced. I hope they have brownies when I check in next week

Love your view!

Cute photopass pics at the front of the park!

Mexico is such a fun pavilion!

Can't wait to see where you're headed next!