D-Day Invasion- "Strange"-ly Imminent!! TRIP REPORT IS UP!!

[All7OfUs]

So glad that it got there. I was worried about how it would do in the mail. I wrapped each different color set of Mickey heads in a Disney napkin and taped them. I tried to gather the different color ribbons and tape them slightly so they wouldn't get to bent.

I was happy to do that for you.

I honestly have no idea how it did yet. My mom is skeptical of this trip anyway, I hate to even ask her to open it. I think the whole family thinks I need to be committed, so I just try to keep my insanity here, with all of you-


who get it.

Hmmm, what to do when it rains.....

If we're at the park and it is raining slightly to moderately, we usually put on a poncho (seems that we have a zillion of them because we keep forgetting to take them with us and end up getting new ones) and keep on trekkin'. Sometimes it depends on what park we're in.

If it downpours, which it did May 2009 like nothing I have ever seen in my life, we SHOP! We'll just go into a rather large shop, i.e., the Emporium, Mouse Gear, etc. and spend the time shopping until it stops.

If it doesn't look like it will stop, we head back to the resort and watch a bit of tv. Well, Joe watches tv and I organize my purchases, figure out what to send home UPS, stuff like that.

I likey!!! Except the TV part. I'm not sure I could bring myself to do that with so many other things you can do around there that you can't do at home. Then again, I DO understand the "I'm on vacation" part too.

I think we came home with a "few" (read a TON!) of extra ponchos as well. I think we really just somehow LIKE buying ponchos. So what's the latest on the Mouse Gears smell. Who's been recently? Still smell like poop??

I am glad you are all enjoying my expert weather vocabulary.
Swirlies indeed. I have been able to spot those which require more attention.

Hopefully we will not have our trips interrupted by a wet, blowing mess.

This totally reminds me to PM YOU!! YIKES!!! In fact, if you've got your plan, could you PM it to me?? Let's work something out to meet up! No meet oppotunity shall be passed up. It's in the Constitution- or at least should be. Go back and read it.

Here is my definition of downpour:



We got in around noon...this is what we saw when we approached WDW:

Yeah, poncho, smon-cho....we were soaked!

Holy Crapamoly!!! That is some rain!! You can't even see the castle!!! I'm thinking Tinky wasn't flying that night.

 

[All7OfUs]

When we had the kids with us, we went to Disney Quest and had a blast! When it was just me and Tom, it was only moderate rain, so we donned our ponchos and stuck it out. So, not much help from me.

I had actually thought of DQ, but I'm not really into simulation games and stuff, so thinking it'd be best to not spend that $$ and opt out. Disney, Disney, Disney... WHY did you mess with a good thing and nix Adventurer's Club?? I so would have LOVED to have tried that out!!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

I haven't been in Mouse Gear since last year so I dunno if it spells like poop.

Joe is the tv guy, not me. Last year I was mad as a hornet because he INSISTED on watching the dang Steeler game on our LAST night. I wish I could have smashed the tv to smitherines to be honest. That's why I will "organize" and such...or, last year I even did laundry while it was raining.

Yep, that was some rain we had in May 09. It was my brother's first trip to Disney and it rained like that EVERY SINGLE DAY. No kidding. I bet he'll have quite the experience this year compared to then. I am crossing my fingers that it doesn't rain like that this trip.

 

[All7OfUs]

I haven't been in Mouse Gear since last year so I dunno if it spells like poop.

Joe is the tv guy, not me. Last year I was mad as a hornet because he INSISTED on watching the dang Steeler game on our LAST night. I wish I could have smashed the tv to smitherines to be honest. That's why I will "organize" and such...or, last year I even did laundry while it was raining.

Yep, that was some rain we had in May 09. It was my brother's first trip to Disney and it rained like that EVERY SINGLE DAY. No kidding. I bet he'll have quite the experience this year compared to then. I am crossing my fingers that it doesn't rain like that this trip.

I've heard on 3 separate people's reports that it just plain stinks in there?/

I can see myself using the time to organize my notes and writing for sure, but in a lobby or lounge area, people watching and stuff.

I"m SURE your trip is going to be MUCH drier! I"ve commanded it remember??

 

[Poolrat]

I have heard of the Mousegear aroma as well but did not notice it in july.

My fondest downpour memory was at WL. We were waiting for the boat after dinner at WCC and it started. The dock is covered but there was about 2 square inches dry since it was raining sideways.
Along comes one of the small boats, people huddled trying to stay somewhat dry and the captain in his Disney issue Yellow Gordan's Fisherman raincoat. All I could do was hum the theme song for Gilligan's Island.
Thunder and Lightning, very, very, frightening standing out in the open on the water! Can't run back to the building... too far. 2 teens and myself huddled and making friends with the other 15 people also waiting for a boat. Oh so I look for my DH who was with us. Where could he have gone? Did he fall off the dock? Did he run back to the building?
I see a larger enclosed boat has also arrived and the captain, I figure is delaying loading due to the inherent danger of being on the water in an electrical storm.
Finally after it lets up a little, my DH pops his head out. WHAT! Why did you not let someone know you got on the Boat? He had been safe and dry ( relatively) all along. Thanks for helping the rest of us out.
Finally safe to head out on the water and we end up at MK. The skies open up again and we make it as far the covered ferry queue.
After waiting again, we decide to bail and make it over to the busses to go back to BC. I think I made a trip to the laundry room to dry everything and we just stayed put for the night.

I cannot blelieve I have no pictures of this event. I think this was the relatively no picture trip.

 

[maroo]

That storm sounds scary!

FL is the lightning capitol of the world!


I am very cautious about lightning. I was a camp counselor at a camp for disabled kids in Little Rock and watched lightning strike a pool with about 50 campers right there on the deck of the pool - we had gotten them all out of the pool in time and there was minimal damage to anyone - but it was a sound and sight that I will never forget.

Any child around me when I can see lightning anywhere near a pool will hear me scream for them to get out of the pool - even though I am no one's Mom and not the current lifeguard. It really freaks me out.

So...

For rainy day activities - I will NOT be anywhere near a pool.

I have really enjoyed Epcot in the rain. We went on Rachel's trip and did Soarin', ate at the Land, explored the Seas, did Turtle Talk with Crush and the Character Spot at Epcot without really walking much in the rain at all. It was a great way to kill a rainy afternoon and by the time we were done it was sunny and pretty warm outside (this was in December). Worked out great!

I love the idea of doing the monorail tour of the resorts, too.

Although...I may take the opportunity for a nap or a long relaxing shower. It would be fun to hang out in the room a bit and get all fixed up to go out to eat or something. That would be fun.

 

[Poolrat]

That storm sounds scary!

FL is the lightning capitol of the world!


I am very cautious about lightning. I was a camp counselor at a camp for disabled kids in Little Rock and watched lightning strike a pool with about 50 campers right there on the deck of the pool - we had gotten them all out of the pool in time and there was minimal damage to anyone - but it was a sound and sight that I will never forget.

Any child around me when I can see lightning anywhere near a pool will hear me scream for them to get out of the pool - even though I am no one's Mom and not the current lifeguard. It really freaks me out.

So...

For rainy day activities - I will NOT be anywhere near a pool.

Fl is #1 in cloud to ground strikes and NC is #2.

Being around pools I repect the lightning. I am the one getting everyone out, outdoors or Indoors. People don't realize the pipes will conduct into an indoor pool not to mention all the wired and plumbing equipment.

I have been at the pool ( indoor as well at an outdoor ) when a storm rolls through. I have an indoor pool have equipment hit by lightning more times than the outdoor. I try to explain it to those swimmers who want to stay in during a storm.
That is what makes that experience a bit funny now. I would be the one NEVER to be out in something like that so I guess I was a bit freaked as I did not see the BIG boat pull up.
If there would have been a safer place to run to I know I would have.

 

[eandesmom]

I need a rainy day plan myself! Love the monorail shopping idea. We will probably hit DQ in the event of rain. I'm hopping it's all of the little to middlin variety versus torrential.

Though I dunno, I could drink my way around the world in a downpour.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Wellllllll....I was going to suggest hitting the water rides since you'll already be wearing a poncho/already wet! But...are you cool with those Maroo if its not lightening?

It could be REALLY fun to tour in the parks in a down pour. I also am quite keen to sitting in the room and DISing.

OK, just for you, I"ll degrade myself to my massive dorkish proportions. Trust me, I did NOT pull off nearly as sweetly as our German friends. They exude style wherever they go.

It is not bad!!! But I do think it's kinda funny that your head is turned away, like you are saying "No pictures!"

And now, having seen the above fashion malfunction, I can safely tell you, it's maroo that has EVERYTHING to worry about.

You will both be FINE. As long as you aren't dressed like the "Pumpkin Man" I've seen on a few TRs... Have you seen those pics? It's quite a get-up he has!

HOWEVER!!!! I have sold all my scrapbooking stuff, ALL my kids craft stuffs (tissue paper, glue, etc...) 4 seasons of Little House on the Prairie, our vast collection of video cassette movies, and some other stuff for about $200. Can you guess where that is going??

YEP!! Straight to my super secret Disney account! Why?? Because DH was willing to just walk away from it all, throw it away, pitch it. You get the idea. I made the effort- I get the cash!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!

Here is my definition of downpour:



We got in around noon...this is what we saw when we approached WDW:

When was that??? Wow!

 

[Pollito916]

The kiddos looks so cute as clowns - my sisters and I did that once when we were young and bored.

Is it possible I made it in time for the question #9? I didn't see an answer yet, so here's mine: mine rice picker bamboo hat thingy

As for weather, I'm with you and That's Nice - September weather will be hot, humid, and possibly wet, so there's not much difference in preparation for a couple of degrees. There will probably be a chance of rain every day of your trip, but it doesn't always happen. And sometimes it's only for a few minutes.

That said, like Maroo I am OBSESSED with watching hurricane coverage. It probably won't change my plans in any way, but I just can't stop watching it ever since our 2004 VR trip in the middle of Hurricane Ivan - see wedding pic in my siggie.

We don't leave the parks unless it is downpouring non-stop for over 1-2 hours. Otherwise we like to enjoy the non-existent crowds as long as we can stay comfortable. In September, I don't think we have ever left b/c of rain, even during the hurricane. In December we did one day, b/c it was also cold and we were getting soaked even through the ponchos. Side note: the Disney ponchos hold up MUCH better than the $1 ponchos in a downpour!

btw - I totally get you on the hot weather. DS3 and I were very excited today when we realized it was only about 90 degrees and partly cloudy this morning at 10, so we went to the park for the first time in weeks. We have had highs way over 100 for the last few months, but it is really only unbearable when it doesn't get below 100 even at night.

 

[jenbear123]

What to do on a rainy day? Well, first it depends on where you are and if you planned for the rain. Example: You're at Epcot just getting out of seeing "Impressions de France" and it's a torrential downpour outside. You have your ponchos with you but it's a looooooong walk to any store, except the WS stores. But it doesn't take long to peruse through them. If you find yourself in that situation, I'd just wait it out. Storms in Florida around this time of year don't last longer than 20 minutes..... unless it's a hurricane... then you'll have a whole new matter of limitations on your hands One being that Disney will not let you leave your hotel room.

Otherwise, if it's lightly or moderately raining, I say put on a brave face (and that poncho!) and get out there to enjoy the slightly emptier parks

They used acrylics, not face paint. You're right, after about an hour it starts to crack and itch, but an hour was long enough to run around with it and have fun. It took them another hour to "research the internet" for various designs, and then another hour to diddle around painting it on. I'd say 3 hours is a pretty good deal for them, and it was free.

I could eat curry everyday. Green, red, or yellow!

Memo: We still have a very nice coffee table for sale. You can have it for a mere $60.

I'll have to remember to use acrylic paint next time I need to dress up! It looks so much better. I've never tried red curry. Yellow is just perfect while green leaves a little to be desired. Coffee table, huh? $60? Shipping would be killer.

Anyone (teens) who wears their pants down around their ankles deserves not one thought of fashion authority. NONE! What is WITH THAT??!!

I have no idea. Honestly, I'd love to see those kids run with their pants around their ankles

When I meet you, PLEASE shake my hand VERY gently!!!

Duly noted.

 

[TarzansKat]

I missed something, I think.

What was the reason not to do DTD in the rain, the fact that you have to walk from building to building?

I like the idea of monorail resort hopping. There's a lot of fun things to do in the monorail resorts in the way of shopping and exploring. And if you were so inclined, the Wilderness Lodge has a gorgeous fireplace with beautiful wooden rocking chairs in front of it, and also, if you ask at the front desk, they'll give you a sheet of clues to find the Hidden Mickeys hidden throughout the lobby / hotel. That could be a fun thing to do on a rainy day.

 

[Poolrat]

I missed something, I think.

What was the reason not to do DTD in the rain, the fact that you have to walk from building to building?

I can only guess that EVERYONE has the same idea. I guess it would be super crowded. Add in the rain and I guess it could be pretty unpleasant. I went in the evening once and it was very crowded and it does take away from the experience.

 

[glennbo123]

Disney, Disney, Disney... WHY did you mess with a good thing and nix Adventurer's Club?? I so would have LOVED to have tried that out!!

I agree with this lament. I never got to try it either.

 

[KatMark]

Good morning, Liesa. We had not done Pleasure Island in years, but I was very upset when they closed it. The good news is the resort we stay at now has a night club with a DJ on the weekends so we can go there and walk (or crawl) to our room.

 

[TarzansKat]

I can only guess that EVERYONE has the same idea. I guess it would be super crowded. Add in the rain and I guess it could be pretty unpleasant. I went in the evening once and it was very crowded and it does take away from the experience.

I've been on a crowded evening as well, and you're right, it's not as much fun.

 

[englishrose47]

I thought I posted last night but I guess I crashed before I did !!!I see the 2011 packaages are out !!So I have been checking for next August!!I figured in FREE Qsp and upgraded and did the water parks added in airfare or what I hope I can get it for !!! and it comes out to about $5700 for the 5 of us for 9 nights !!!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Leisa, sorry I haven't posted much. As for your "ultra-geek getup" on the carousel, I think I looked like that on our trip 12 years ago - we are all so cool now! (well maybe except Maroo with her black socks ) I think some of it is just chalked up to survival of the most comfortable in the parks. 15 yrs from now everyone will say, "can you believe I carried that Vera Bradley?"

What to do in the rain - if it's a lt. rain, we don't even do ponchos, we're just thankful that the rain is warm and that the lines are shorter.

In a heavy rain, we don the ponchos or take shelter and know that it should let up in a short while - then it will be even hotter.

In a torrent that is up to your knees in minutes at Epcot, we run for the monorail as best we can on our way to MK for our ADRs at Crystal Palace, then decide we are too wet to endure the A/C, so we take shelter at the bus stop, wait for 45 minutes for a bus, then get to our resort and dry off and order Pizza for room service and watch Star Wars on DVD!

In light of recent news from your part of the world, I will be so glad when Sunday comes and you are safely on your plane. and prayers if I don't get back over here by then!

 

[maroo]

Am I the only one that would think it would be fun to do a daily weather report for our days and then update it....so we can see how much it changes before we actually get there? is that a crazy idea?

I am such a geek!


Anyway...right now there are three tropical systems in the Atlantic we are watching and only one is possibly going to hit FL - and would be long gone by the time we get there.

That one actually looks like it is going to go straight over central FL........ So...I guess if you are going in the next few days...you may want to keep an eye on that one. Not even named yet - may never be named - maybe it will just rain a bit?

 

[MeMom]

I am very cautious about lightning. I was a camp counselor at a camp for disabled kids in Little Rock and watched lightning strike a pool with about 50 campers right there on the deck of the pool - we had gotten them all out of the pool in time and there was minimal damage to anyone - but it was a sound and sight that I will never forget.

Any child around me when I can see lightning anywhere near a pool will hear me scream for them to get out of the pool - even though I am no one's Mom and not the current lifeguard. It really freaks me out.

Wow! That had to be an experience that will stick with you forever.

I have really enjoyed Epcot in the rain. We went on Rachel's trip and did Soarin', ate at the Land, explored the Seas, did Turtle Talk with Crush and the Character Spot at Epcot without really walking much in the rain at all. It was a great way to kill a rainy afternoon and by the time we were done it was sunny and pretty warm outside (this was in December). Worked out great!

I love the idea of doing the monorail tour of the resorts, too.

Although...I may take the opportunity for a nap or a long relaxing shower. It would be fun to hang out in the room a bit and get all fixed up to go out to eat or something. That would be fun.

All of these options sound good. How far into the trip you are may dictate what you do. If it's early in the trip, you may still be trying to do it all. A few days in, a hot shower, good nap, and just some down time in the room may sound glorious.

I'm all about exploring resorts, too.

I wouldn't worry about what you look like in Disney World. Go for comfort.

Well, modesty and comfort.