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[Dugette]

Cross your fingers that I have some answers by the end of the week. Not knowing when I can plan a WDW trip is making me crazy!

Is the quarter comment going over my head?

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

On the quarter thing: I just have heard that destruction of coins is generally illegal, but that pennies are okay (because of their low value or something?) I just did a quick search, though, and maybe all coins are okay since they are being made into souvenirs? Something like that at least, I didn't want to read through all the legal gibberish. That's all I was referring to!

 

[jc040404]

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

On the quarter thing: I just have heard that destruction of coins is generally illegal, but that pennies are okay (because of their low value or something?) I just did a quick search, though, and maybe all coins are okay since they are being made into souvenirs? Something like that at least, I didn't want to read through all the legal gibberish. That's all I was referring to!

Oh good. I'm not completely crazy because that's what I thought you meant. I was wondering if you were asking that or if this was a joke I was too dumb to understand! They're all over WDW, so I'm guessing they'd have to be, right? I'd be fine if they weren't. It's the cheap side of me again.. 1.25 to smash a quarter? A penny I can handle!

 

[Dugette]

Oh good. I'm not completely crazy because that's what I thought you meant. I was wondering if you were asking that or if this was a joke I was too dumb to understand! They're all over WDW, so I'm guessing they'd have to be, right? I'd be fine if they weren't. It's the cheap side of me again.. 1.25 to smash a quarter? A penny I can handle!

Yeah, I haven't checked out any of those machines myself, but I've seen so many TR where they press pennies...this is the first mention I've seen of pressed quarters, though, which is why I was surprised! Didn't know they had those!

 

[onescgirl]

28 would be a great year to stay forever! But, you'll see that you love every year from here on out!

You got a LOT of great pictures of CBR. You're right on how quiet it is. We never saw any of our neighbors either.

 

[jc040404]

Yeah, I haven't checked out any of those machines myself, but I've seen so many TR where they press pennies...this is the first mention I've seen of pressed quarters, though, which is why I was surprised! Didn't know they had those!

I'm really surprised you've never noticed these while shopping before. Something to watch for next time, I suppose.. Well, if you want to spend 1.25 on a quarter.

28 would be a great year to stay forever! But, you'll see that you love every year from here on out!

You got a LOT of great pictures of CBR. You're right on how quiet it is. We never saw any of our neighbors either.

I'm sure it's only going to get better. I just can't believe I'm 28 "already" sometimes. Time really flies, especially since the boys came along!

I hope CBR stays this quiet the next time we stay there!

 

[jc040404]

When we arrived to AK, the lot had already started to really fill up. A tram had just arrived so we all hopped on. It was mostly full, too, so we were split between two benches. The boys were so excited to be riding one of these! It was so funny. I sometimes think those two would be just as happy riding Disney transportation all day. I know Blake would be wild over those buses.

Blake excited to ride the tram! Think it was hot yet?

The tram ride itself turned out to be pretty funny, too. It was called to no longer board, but guests walking up simply ignored the instructions. They just kept hopping on. You could tell the CM was getting annoyed every time he had to shout “no boarding!” over again. Eventually, some approaching guests did actually stop, so the rest followed them. It took several minutes to get anyone to pay attention. I have no idea where all these people were squeezing on anyway. It was full.

A couple of horn toots and we were off! Well, we were supposed to be off. Instead, the tram just shut off. During the incident with the guests who couldn’t stop boarding, I was listening to the couple on our bench go on about how they should’ve just walked. This didn't help how they felt.

“This is a waste of time!”

The couple bolted off the tram just seconds before it started back up again. They literally hadn’t made it five feet away before it was working again. I couldn’t help but laugh. I could understand how they felt, but the timing was too perfect. They kept walking and never looked back. When I saw her face in the air as we passed, I felt bad for them. It was going to be a rough day in this heat if they didn't get over the tram fun. I hope they had a fun day once in the park. The tram beat them to the entrance, of course.

We unloaded and headed to bag check. The lady going through my stuff this time had a name tag showing she was from Largo, FL. We’re close to there and dh pointed it out. It started a long conversation about this area. I found it quite entertaining because it started making me wonder. Why do we find it so interesting to meet someone at Disney from where we live? I read this a lot in TRs, but find it even sillier when it happens to us. We’re not exactly that far away, so we’re bound to meet a few. Anyway, it just made me wonder.. And made me suggest John start asking people at the mall where they’re from. I bet him that a few are bound to be from here, too.

I need to plan to eat here sometime. Probably T-Rex.. One of ‘em anyways.

Andrew had convinced me to wear my birthday button this time. I’m not into attention for myself and the last time I tried one of these, it put a big hole my shirt. I wasn't planning to ever wear another. Kids can talk you into anything sometimes, I guess. I really started feeling its power as we walked into the park. EVERYONE was calling “Happy Birthday, Jessica!” to me as we passed. Guests would shout it, and CMs would smile and wave. I had this odd Twilight Zone feeling everytime someone said my name, momentarily forgetting about the button. How do they know who I am?? Oh yeah, I'm wearing it. I think I’ll skip it next time.

Are you singing “The Circle of Life” yet? I can’t help but start thinking it when I see the tree..

We were all pretty hungry, but our ADR wasn’t until 2:30. It was just before one, but we headed to Asia anyway. We’d had luck in the last AP year with being able to check in to Yak & Yeti a couple hours early with no trouble. I guessed it might be the same today.

Once there, it was quite busy, but we were still able to check in early. I really don’t think this is one that fills the table with ADRs. I saw several walk ins having their information taken down to wait. It’s been the same each time, even when Disney Dining was showing it booked up. I think it’s a great idea, if they are leaving tables open. Not everyone knows how fast TS places fill and it helps guests like us. We don’t exactly plan all of our Disney days ahead!

With our 2:30 ADR, we were seated at exactly 1:01. I asked John what time it was. He told me to get a watch. I stole his.

We had a nice table upstairs and met our server. If you followed along the last TR that no longer exists ( you saw me go on about how much we love this place already. If not, we love Yak & Yeti! We were lucky enough to be seated upstairs on a slow day in May and got to watch the afternoon parade go by below. It was so perfect. The food was excellent. The service was great. I was in love. We’re big fans and this was the 4th time we’d eaten here in 2010.

Unfortunately, this meal didn’t exactly follow how the rest had gone. Service was pretty slow and the food wasn’t as exciting. It was still good, and we’d still eat here again. It just wasn’t as awesome as before.

I don’t have food pics this time. I got the crispy honey chicken and John went with the Shaoxing steak and shrimp. Andrew got a kids’ burger and Blake had a little of everything. He loves to steal shrimp off his father's plate. I did manage a pic of my drink though. It just looked too happy not to photograph.

It’s a berry cherry limeade. Oddly, it wasn't as good as what you get at Sonic. I haven't eaten at Sonic in years, but I love stopping by for cherry limeades!

John and I both went with those yummy fried wontons for dessert. It was the same story. While good, they weren’t as impressive as the last time. Maybe it was just us. I don’t see how you can really change something like this. Andrew asked for pudding with the marshmallows on the side. After a significant wait, they brought him his pudding with marshmallows in it already. Blah. He didn’t eat any.

Our neighbors this day were more than a little annoying, too. They had a little boy who looked to be between Blake and Andrew’s ages. That child was running around like a little wild animal. He kept stopping at everyone else’s table and touching things. We were lucky most of the meal, but then became his last victims. Why do I say his last? Because we were the only table to ask them to please watch their child. We were nice about it, I thought, but the mother seemed angry. I guess we were supposed to just find it cute and let him touch our lunch? I don't think so. She glared at us a lot, but did put him back in his seat after. I couldn’t imagine letting my boys run around a restaurant like this.

One of my birthday wishes was to see Finding Nemo: The Musical, so we took a walk in that direction. I hadn’t checked showtimes and we really didn’t have much of a plan. I figured we’d just see what happened as we went.

On the way, we passed by EE. Andrew is wild about that ride and cannot wait to try it. I am so scared and admit to being perfectly fine with how far he is from 44 inches.

When we made it to Nemo, we saw there was a show at 3:15. A line had already formed, but we skipped the wait and wandered over to Dinosaur. I was hoping to take Andrew on this again, and thought we might be able to squeeze it in. There’s never been a wait before, but today it didn’t work out. It was posted at 30 minutes stand by, so we grabbed FPs instead. Our return time was 3:25.

We still had a bit of time to fill before the show, so into the little shop in Dinoland we went. We figured the AC would be nice, if nothing else. Once inside, we remembered they don't exactly cool this store. I suppose dinosaurs didn't have AC either, but it would've been nice. We shopped a bit anyway.

I learned something amazing here this day. When you stuff a Mr Potato Head box, you don’t have to buy the body! You can just buy accessories!! Since we already have three or four Mister Potato Heads, I was jumping on getting them some cute Disney gear. I NEVER knew you didn’t have to buy that huge body, but it seems like everyone else already did.. Haha.. Oh well. We had fun filling up a box of eyes, ears, and hats for the boys. I think I did a pretty good job, too. I found out later that I somehow got way too many left arms and an odd number of ears, but there’s always next time to even things up. Then I headed to the register.

At the register, I waited behind a woman who had the same thing. She’d stuffed a box with just accessories. Okay, maybe OVER-stuffed is a little better. This thing had no hope being able to close. The ends wouldn’t even touch.

First, the CM told her that she needed to take some pieces out. The woman removed ONE. The CM again tells her that the box has to close completely. One more small piece was removed. This woman was really entertaining. She kept smiling and batting her eyes at the CM as she removed each piece, insisting that she could buy it now. The box still had too much in it. It took forever, but eventually she emptied it enough and the CM started to ring. The register area looked like someone stripped and butchered a Potato person. It was a mess of everything she was trying to cram into that already full box. To be honest, I think the CM was still letting her get away with a couple too many pieces.

You’d think it was over now, but this lady wasn’t done yet. She picked up a hat and started batting those eyes again. FWIW, the woman did have gorgeous eyes. She had looked over to me for support, I suppose, a couple of times. I have a feeling the CM probably doesn’t agree with that though! I really couldn’t believe she trying to push this again.

“It’ll be $2.67,” the CM said with a sigh. I started laughing. I am so sorry to both of them, but I couldn’t help it. It was funny from my view of things. The woman finally just paid and left without her potato princess hat.

Though my turn was next, someone actually tried to cut in line! After all the waiting I’d just done, I was shocked and didn’t speak right away. This CM snapped at them to please move behind me. Yay. I got to avoid conflict and the CM won even more points. I asked her if she was having a fun day and got a little laugh out of her. She said they try to cheat the Potato Head thing all day long. That must really suck. I hope her day got better.

It’s time to find Nemo!!

Nevermind the "next post" thing. I'm tired..haha.. Coming soon!! The rest of this day!

 

[CAStevens218]

Yayyy, Happy Trip Report Birthday!!!

We lovvveeddd Yak & Yeti when we ate there on this past trip! It was our first time and we will definitely be back if I have anything to say about it!!! I had the mahi mahi and it was fabulous!!!! Sorry yours wasn't up to par this time!

That woman with her Mr. Potato head sounds hilarious! I would have been laughing at her too! If you need the extra piece that badly, pay the $2.67!!

 

[jc040404]

Yayyy, Happy Trip Report Birthday!!!

We lovvveeddd Yak & Yeti when we ate there on this past trip! It was our first time and we will definitely be back if I have anything to say about it!!! I had the mahi mahi and it was fabulous!!!! Sorry yours wasn't up to par this time!

That woman with her Mr. Potato head sounds hilarious! I would have been laughing at her too! If you need the extra piece that badly, pay the $2.67!!

I do really wonder if it was just us that day when it came to Yak & Yeti. Maybe the icky sticky heat was messing with our taste buds. Everything looked about the same. John said he thought the "newness and excitement" of the place had just worn off for us. Who knows.. We'll try it again eventually. Where else can you eat at AK anyway? I don't really care for Tusker House much.

Potato Head lady was pretty funny. I wouldn't pay 2.67 a piece though! We're going to do another box eventually. Blake loves playing with this stuff. I stuffed as much as I could, but there was still a lot we didn't get. I never seem to remember it which park is supposed to have the biggest selection. Maybe DTD? I'll figure it out.

 

[jc040404]

The show was starting at 3:15, and our Potato Head fun had us arriving at 3. I wasn’t planning to be super early, but this was a little later than I expected. We were still able to find seats, just somewhat higher than usual and had a few minutes to watch for Nemo in the bubbles. Blake goes crazy over this.

The video from this day just had me teary. It’s too much to post, but the difference in how Blake talks from then to now is incredible. He kept saying “Pay ‘ttention, Mommy!” because I was missing Nemo swim by too much. I love him!

Show time!!

I love this show. No. I really, really, really LOVE this show. I am Marlin. It’s sad, but I can completely relate to how he felt and acted when it came to Nemo in the beginning. I feel the same about my babies and worry way too much about the world. I am not looking forward to Andrew starting school this year. It has me so nervous, even though I know he’ll be just fine. The music of this show never fails to have me in tears.

You mean so much to me
I don’t know what I would do
In this big blue world
If something should happen to you​

That’s it. From that part of the song, I’m a mess. Poor Marlin. After losing Coral and all of the other babies, I can only imagine how nuts this made him. You just can't keep 'em locked up safe in a sea anemone forever though.

This particular show, Marlin didn’t seem terribly into it at first. It was sad, but the show was still great. Crush was amazing as usual. I think he’s my favorite part. I was actually a little upset when the crowd didn’t go crazy over him at the end. He usually gets such a response. Oh well. I guess the heat was getting to everyone. I cheered for him anyway!

Our next stop was over to Dinosaur to use those FPs. John took Blake for a change and a walk while we headed to the ride. I fully expected the little guy would be napping when we made it out.

We only had to wait a few minutes before we were in for the little pre-show. There were a couple of groups that seemed so nervous over this ride. Before we made it down to board, one of them had even chickened out and left! I’d never seen anyone leave a ride out of fear before.

The children around us weren’t doing much better. Their mother kept using Andrew as an example. If a little guy like him could ride it, they’d be just fine. He even joined in to encourage them and say how much fun it was. We didn’t get to share a car with them, but I still wonder how they did. This Dinosaur line wasn’t doing well today..

We got the third row of our car and were off. I know a lot of people are terrified of it, but I really like this ride. If you place your balance on your feet and not your butt, you aren't going to be thrown all over the place. Just sayin.. It’s a little harder to do that when you’re little, but Andrew even loves this one.

Those riding with us weren’t fans. They screamed the entire ride.. What did I do?

I could not stop laughing! Not at them, of course. I was having so much fun! I love how everyone else is hiding. Andrew looks a little beat in the pic, but he's nuts over Dinosaur, too.

We came out of the ride at 4:30 and the park closed at 5. Andy-Roo begged to ride again, but this was all we were going to accomplish today. It wasn’t a lot, but it was a great birthday. We joined a sleeping Blakers and started out of the park.

Crocodile stop

Signs of how tired Andrew was started showing as we loaded into the car to head home. He suddenly started crying. Why? He said I didn’t get a birthday cake and now my birthday was ruined! My poor baby. I told him it was because I thought it would be more fun to make a cake with him at home and he calmed down. For now..

We started the journey home. Blake slept, but Andrew just stared out the window. He was tired but wasn’t letting himself sleep in the car. About halfway, a light rain started. John flipped on the windshield wipers. You can guess what happened next..

“Mommy’s flower!!" Andrew screamed from the backseat.

Yep, I’d completely forgotten about my special yellow birthday flower. I felt terrible. John started searching for a safe spot to pull over, but it was too late. We did keep reassuring Andrew that the flower would be okay and I hopped out of the car to save it.

The flower was long gone at this point, but I pretended to cradle it in the palm of my hand and put it in a safe place to dry. Andrew believed the flower was alright and drifted off to sleep. I was so glad it worked or this ride would’ve been rough.

I felt like such a bad mommy for leaving it on the window. Lucky for us, these flowers really do grow all over the place here so we were able to replace it without him knowing. John went for a short walk after the boys were tucked into bed that night and got another. Andrew couldn't tell the difference. I haven't decided if we'll one day let him know or not, but that flower is even more special for how it came to be. It’s pressed safely away forever with the little purple flower Blake gave me.

This was a birthday I’ll never forget.


Next Up!! The most expensive drive to Disney we’ve ever had!

 

[Sleeping*Beauty]

I know how you felt about people you didn't know knowing your name. When I started working customers would call me by name and it caught me off guard for weeks. I'm glad you had a lovely Birthday at Animal Kingdom.

 

[IheartDDuck]

Okay, so I'm with you and I'm one of those people that enjoys Dinosaur also. I don't understand why it terrifies people so much. Maybe I'm just weird.

Sounds like you guys had a good day at the Animal Kingdom.

 

[jc040404]

I know how you felt about people you didn't know knowing your name. When I started working customers would call me by name and it caught me off guard for weeks. I'm glad you had a lovely Birthday at Animal Kingdom.

I think everyone knows that weird feeling with wearing your name. John makes a point to always use someone's name if they've got a tag on. Some of the looks he's gotten have been hilarious. This was nothing compared to the "caught off guard" feeling of someone saying "I think I know you.." at WDW though! That's a Disney Day yet to come.

Okay, so I'm with you and I'm one of those people that enjoys Dinosaur also. I don't understand why it terrifies people so much. Maybe I'm just weird.

Sounds like you guys had a good day at the Animal Kingdom.

Dinosaur is so much fun! I can't find the scary part to it either. Maybe it's just the rough ride? The dinosaurs aren't really too bad, IMO. I am still terrified of Splash though, so I guess I won't judge others too much.

 

[AprilRenee]

I love Dinosaur too and I was so sure my brothers would love it on our trip, especially the oldest one cause he LOVED dinosaurs as a kid. It was the ride I was most excited to take him on.
Yeah, they were totally freaked out! The older two (20 and 17yrs) were kinda like "eh, it was ok, kinda freaky." My youngest brother (13 yrs) HATED it! It was the only ride he asked to never ride again. He said it was "too loud." The ride pic is HILARIOUS...he looks like all the people in your pic, ducking down, just like the 7 yr old girl sitting behind him!

 

[GaRain]

Ahhh, poor flower! What kind of cake did yáll eventually make for your birthday?
I am heading back down - any chance that Blakers and Andy-Roo will be in the parks March 3-6th?

 

[jen22984]

Loving your birthday updates! We love Yak & Yeti too, and all because of your recommendation! We will definitely be going back whenever we get back to WDW!

Aryanna wants you to tell Andrew & Blake that she misses them and hopes she gets to see them the next time we go to vacation! She's been looking at all of your pictures with me. She also wants to stay at CBR now!

Hoe many days until our day? 2 right?

 

[jc040404]

I love Dinosaur too and I was so sure my brothers would love it on our trip, especially the oldest one cause he LOVED dinosaurs as a kid. It was the ride I was most excited to take him on.
Yeah, they were totally freaked out! The older two (20 and 17yrs) were kinda like "eh, it was ok, kinda freaky." My youngest brother (13 yrs) HATED it! It was the only ride he asked to never ride again. He said it was "too loud." The ride pic is HILARIOUS...he looks like all the people in your pic, ducking down, just like the 7 yr old girl sitting behind him!

That is sooo funny!! How was the trip??

Ahhh, poor flower! What kind of cake did yáll eventually make for your birthday?
I am heading back down - any chance that Blakers and Andy-Roo will be in the parks March 3-6th?

We didn't end up actually making a birthday cake. At the grocery store the next day, Andrew insisted on getting my favorite. I thought my baking idea was good, but in his little mind you can bake a cake any time you want. You have to buy a birthday cake from somewhere. I LOVE the chocolate ganache supreme cake from Publix, so I didn't argue with him. So yummy!! Anyone coming to WDW, there are Publix stores all around.. Just sayin..

Surprise someone with the gift of decadence. Four layers of chocolate or vanilla cake, chocolate or vanilla whipped topping, and chocolate ganache icing wrapped with ribbons of fudge. A bow of dark chocolate pieces completes the presentation. $22.50

At the risk of jinxing myself again, all I'm saying right now is that I've made lots of ADRs from MArch 4th - March 11th.. There's a chance! We're looking mostly towards the week of the 6th, but we won't know for a couple weeks if he'll be able to get away from work.

Loving your birthday updates! We love Yak & Yeti too, and all because of your recommendation! We will definitely be going back whenever we get back to WDW!

Aryanna wants you to tell Andrew & Blake that she misses them and hopes she gets to see them the next time we go to vacation! She's been looking at all of your pictures with me. She also wants to stay at CBR now!

Hoe many days until our day? 2 right?

Aryanna is too cute! Missin both of your sweet girls. I wish we could plan a DL trip and come visit! (Maybe in September even. )You need to get that siggy updated. Somebody is growing up way too fast!

One more Disney day and then it's our day. I'm sure you remember this next one. I was having the worst time trying to get there while you guys were in Florida!

 

[AprilRenee]

That is sooo funny!! How was the trip??

It was a lot of fun!! But a totally different experience going with 5 people (siblings) than it was going with just my DH!! Gonna try a Trip Report this time (I've been inspired after reading yours and a couple others) but I gotta make our photobook first. Wanna take advantage of a coupon that expires on the 31st. Once that's done and ordered I'm on to the TR. So keep an eye on my signature, I'll put a link there once I start

 

[GaRain]

At the risk of jinxing myself again, all I'm saying right now is that I've made lots of ADRs from MArch 4th - March 11th.. There's a chance! We're looking mostly towards the week of the 6th, but we won't know for a couple weeks if he'll be able to get away from work.[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

Well, I will be there those days. Would love to say hi in person.....so I will keep my fingers crossed. (or wave a wand, whichever)

 

[jc040404]

It was a lot of fun!! But a totally different experience going with 5 people (siblings) than it was going with just my DH!! Gonna try a Trip Report this time (I've been inspired after reading yours and a couple others) but I gotta make our photobook first. Wanna take advantage of a coupon that expires on the 31st. Once that's done and ordered I'm on to the TR. So keep an eye on my signature, I'll put a link there once I start

I can't imagine trying to coordinate a trip with a lot of people. That must've been an adventure.

Are you making a Disney photobook or from somewhere else? I've seen so many free book codes from different sites but I never seem to follow through making one.

I'll be watching your siggy!!

Well, I will be there those days. Would love to say hi in person.....so I will keep my fingers crossed. (or wave a wand, whichever)

We have a late breakfast ADR at Ohana on the 6th. It's our check in day, so we'll probably just be hanging out at the resort and MK that day. Hope we can meet up! I seem to be missing everyone.

 

[AprilRenee]

Are you making a Disney photobook or from somewhere else? I've seen so many free book codes from different sites but I never seem to follow through making one.

I'm using Picaboo. I made one for our last trip and got it for free cause it was my first book with them. I LOVED the program cause it let me have full creative license instead of just dropping photos into boxes. Now they have a code out for B1G1. So I can pay for 2 and get 4. 1 for me and DH and 1 for each of my 3 brothers! Perfect! :-D

I used to do real scrapbooking but this computer stuff is WAY easier and cleaner!

I can see why it would be hard for you to do photobooks for your trips! You have so many! I would never know what trips to actually scrapbook and what not. You should just print off your TRs and bind them at the end of the year! I know last year's kinda died but just start doing it this year!