DIS Meet Dec 8 07

[BethC1952]

I'm here too, and, like Wendy am frantically busy here at work. We're planning an Arts Tour weekend the first weekend in June and it's making me crazy!

I'm also leaving for WDW two weeks from today, and I haven't even started to think about packing. I remembered in the middle of the night that I had forgotten to reserve the limo to pick us up at the train station, so I was up at 3 AM taking care of that.

I really need a vacation!

Beth

 

[brack]

I'm here too!

This is the busy time for me.

Next week we have an audit at work. There's nothing to sweat but it is always stressful to go through.

We have a lot of travel in May but we do get back to WDW in June for 5 days (AKV with a Savannah view )

 

[pfishgirl]

Today my son Graduated from EMT School His First Aid Squad ALL showed up to surprise him and Cheered for him. The graduation was nice, lasted an hour and had 45 Graduates, the largest group in some time.. We went to Charlie Brown's for dinner afterwards..

I also found out today some sad news.. For about 10 years now I have had an online Email Pen Pal.. He helped me with my Algebra and we learned alot about each other.. His wife has Lupus and then he had a liver transplant.. They have 3 kids and 3 grandkids.. We met once for lunch and always said we would do lunch again.. but, we just never seemed to get a day when we were all free.. well, His wife called me today and said he passed away I knew he was sick and in and out of the hospital and I hadn't heard from him in the past few weeks.. and Today, I bought him a card saying Thinking of You...

 

[BethC1952]

Stacy:

Congrats on your son's graduation from EMT school! My DS and DDIL graduated from EMT school at Monmouth Medical Center in Dec., 2005. They're getting ready to take the required refresher courses. It's wonderful to know that there are young people who are willing to be EMT's.

I'm sorry to hear about your email pen pal. I'll keep him in my prayers!

Beth

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

We got home this morning at 2 am from a very exhausting but MAGICAL trip. We did a lot of rides for the first time this trip. We loved Fort Wilderness and DID end up renting a golf cart. The kids loved zooming around in the golf cart. That was a ride in itself to the kids.

We went to the PPP on Friday. It was great! The kids loved spotting the X's and getting their necklaces and at one spot they handed out ring pops. The parade and fireworks were amazing, but not as great as MVMCP. We keep hearing the MNSSHP is the best of the three. So, we can't wait to experience that in September. There were NO LINES for most of the rides. Emily and I got to stay on BTMRR and the Barnstormer. Also, the whole family rode Buzz Lightyear twice in a row. We have been spoiled going to EMH (PM) and the parties ride-wise. I know the lines are not always that empty.

We got up one morning for EMH (AM) Hollywood Studios. Will and Bill were in the first car of the day for RNR. That was the first rope drop we had ever attended. Loved it! We did RNR, TOT, ST and the Muppet 3D Movie before most people arrived. We saw the stunt show for the first time. It was amazing. That stadium holds a lot of people. We also, saw Fantasmic for the first time this trip. We arrive 15 minutes before the show was to start and still got great seats. This was a GREAT week to be at WDW. It only rained on Monday (for about 15 minutes) and Saturday night (about 10 minutes). The crowds were VERY manageable.

We did go to the Disney Channel Games on Monday and the concert on Saturday night. Our sources were correct and Miley Cyrus opened the concert. She did one old song and two new songs from her album coming out in July. We had field tickets, but were almost trampled by all the teenagers there for the Jonas Brothers (Beth - Your Grandaughter would've had a blast!). So, we left the field and stood up behind the seats. We had a great view of the stage and the kids were not being squished. We were at DHS on Wednesday to see the "secret" DCG parade. It had the Jonas Brother, Selena Gomez and the blonde and brunette from Camp Rock. I am almost deaf from all the screaming teeny boppers. There were a lot of Disney stars around the parks while we were there. The Jonas Brothers and the Sprout brothers rode RNR before Bill and Will one night. I saw the blonde haired Cheetah girl walk by while I waited for them to come off RNR. That seems to be a VERY popular ride with the Disney Channel kids. Also, Bill and I had a night WITHOUT the kids. I hired Kids Night Out (childcare). They watch the kids in your room. Bill and I went to DHS and then to Spoodles for dinner. It was a wonderful evening. The brother (Jackson) on Hannah Montana was in front of us in line. Also, they closed RNR earlier for Miley to ride.

We had an experience at RNR on our date night. We rode it and then went to view our picture. But, Bill's head was cut off. So, we asked the CMs if they could fix it so we could see his head. Nope, they wouldn't do it. The only way we could get it with Bill's head was to buy this $20 frame or ride it again (the stand by line was 60 minutes). We didn't think that was right. So, we asked for the Manager. He came over and saw the picture couldn't be fixed and said it happens often. So, to make things right . . . he walked us through the "secret" entrance to the ride and put us in the front row (switching sides) and even gave us a complimentary photo at the end. We were very impressed and plan to send Disney a kudos on this CM.

Some great moment from this trip . . .
Cole got to ride Dumbo WITH Donald Duck.
Cole had a personal encounter with Captain Hook and Mr. Smee.
Will caught two fish.
Will had a magical moment at Sci-Fi Dine In with a special birthday sundae. (They even relit the candle 8 times.)
Will had a magical moment at Whispering Canyon. They had him stand on a chair while everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to him and he received a birthday sundae (FOR BREAKFAST!).
Emily was walked over to Cinderella's horse by the CM at the carousel.
Emily got to ride Barnstormer, BTMRR, Kali River Rapids and SM without getting off the ride.
Bill was "That Guy" at the Monsters Inc. Comedy Show. They gave him a sticker at the end.
I got to speak with Crush at Turtle Talk with Crush.
I finally bought Bill the monorail set (for his birthday in June). He has been wanting it for years.

We rode the following for the first time this trip (Rating 1/Best - 5/Worst) . . .

MK
2 Jungle Cruise (We had a great skipper. It was at night during EMH. Very cool. Another new family favorite. We plan to see it in the daylight next time.)
4 It's A Small World
3 Peter Pan's Flight
2 Barnstormer (Too short. Another new favorite for our daredevil Emily.)
2 Train (Don't know why we didn't ride it before. Great way to get to Frontierland to beat the foot traffic on Main Street.)
4 Winnie the Pooh (Way too short and little too dark for Cole. It's a shame because he really loves Pooh.)
3 TTA (We finally found the walkway! Will and Bill had to ride it twice they liked it so much. I took Emily and Cole to ride Dumbo over and over again.)

DHS
3 Lights, Motors, Action (We liked it. All the special effects are cool.)
3 Playhouse Disney (Cole loved all the characters. It was right up his ally. We were in the front row. Next time, I would recommend sitting farther back. We had a hard time seeing over the stage.)
3 Great Movie Ride (We rode it twice because Will liked it so much. We got to see the gangster(one night) and the cowboy character/actors (another night.)
3 Fantasmic (We enjoyed it. But, would not wait in a line for an hour to see it.)

DAK
2 Kali River Rapids (Too short! Rode it twice. Emily rode it three times! She loves the "wet" rides.)
3 Train to Rafiki's Planet Watch (A new family favorite. The kids had fun at the petting zoo. Will had an enounter with the talking trash can. He put a bottle in it to recycle and it kept screaming "Yea! You recycled! Yea! You recycled!". Will got special attention from the animal handler inside the building. We saw a presentation on a screech owl. Will got a special pin from the CM and Emily and Cole got tatoos. Will was asking all kinds of questions during the presentation. I think she appreciated his enthusiasm.

Epcot
3 Spaceship Earth (Will liked it a lot. The boys rode it again while I took Emily and Cole on The Seas with Nemo and Friends. We went to Turtle Talk with Crush afterward. Where the boys met back up with us. Will was able to ask Crush a question. Pretty cool. Then, Crush pointed out Emily and started asking her questions. At some point he wanted to talk with her parents. Bill was holding Cole, so I was the designated talker. It was fun.)
2 Maelstrom (A new family favorite.)

As you can see. We had a GREAT time. I'll he honest, it took a lot of planning. But, the planning paid off more than I could ever have imagined. It was truly a magical trip. Cole fell asleep after the PPP. So, we grabbed an ice cream at the shop on Main Street and sat on a bench with Will and Emily just watching the people rush by. It was a nice end to the evening. It is beneficial to sit back and relax when on vacation too. We've learned that the hard way from past vacations. We made sure the kids got to swim in the pool a couple of times at the resort. We even slept in late twice and Oops! missed our ADR for Crystal Palace on Saturday morning. We hope to eventually eat there.

We have only been home a few hours and already want to go back "home". September can't come soon enough!

- Jennifer

 

[BethC1952]

(Beth - Your Grandaughter would've had a blast!). So, we left the field and stood up behind the seats. We had a great view of the stage and the kids were not being squished. We were at DHS on Wednesday to see the "secret" DCG parade. It had the Jonas Brother, Selena Gomez and the blonde and brunette from Camp Rock. I am almost deaf from all the screaming teeny boppers. - Jennifer

She's very upset that I'm going next week instead of last week! She thinks that Disney should have rescheduled the Doll and Teddy Bear Weekend so I could have seen all of her favorites--and maybe taken her along too!

Bill was "That Guy" at the Monsters Inc. Comedy Show. They gave him a sticker at the end.

- Jennifer

My DS had the same honor back in December. I think it made his whole vacation for him!

It sounds like you had a magical trip. I hope you left some magic for me!

Beth

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

We got a vacation planning packet in the mail today from DCL for our September cruise. Keep an eye out in the mail for yours Wendy. I love Disney mail.

- Jennifer

 

[brack]

We got a vacation planning packet in the mail today from DCL for our September cruise. Keep an eye out in the mail for yours Wendy. I love Disney mail.

- Jennifer

We got some Mickey Mail today ..... wanting us to buy another 100 DVC points at SSR.

 

[pfishgirl]

Hi All.. Checking In..

Today was Damien's 18th Birthday. We went to dinner with my parents to celebrate..

Tomorrow he takes the NJ State EMT Test.. As long as he passes the test, he will be a Certified State EMT *first aid - ambulance* and he is soooo excited..

His friend baked him cupcakes and he started with 11.. by the time he got home from school he had 5 left, lol.. He told me I "HAD" to have one.. so I did and yummy.. I'm jealous mine don't taste that well.. and I have 50 of them to make for his party

He is having his Party at a local Dance Club.. Joey Harrison's Surf Club in Ortley Beach, NJ They get the party room upstairs and having Pizza delivered in from Dominoes There is some well known singer, well that all his friends know anyway, who will be performing that night so everyone is excited

Hope all is well

No Mickey Mail for us It will be nice to see something for our cruise in September..

 

[BethC1952]

Hi All.. Checking In..

Today was Damien's 18th Birthday. We went to dinner with my parents to celebrate..

Tomorrow he takes the NJ State EMT Test.. As long as he passes the test, he will be a Certified State EMT *first aid - ambulance* and he is soooo excited..

His friend baked him cupcakes and he started with 11.. by the time he got home from school he had 5 left, lol.. He told me I "HAD" to have one.. so I did and yummy.. I'm jealous mine don't taste that well.. and I have 50 of them to make for his party

He is having his Party at a local Dance Club.. Joey Harrison's Surf Club in Ortley Beach, NJ They get the party room upstairs and having Pizza delivered in from Dominoes There is some well known singer, well that all his friends know anyway, who will be performing that night so everyone is excited

Hope all is well

No Mickey Mail for us It will be nice to see something for our cruise in September..

Happy slightly belated birthday to Damien! I wish him the best of luck with his test. My DDIL and DS are thinking about taking the EMT instructor training classes so that they can teach the recertification classes. It's a wonderful thing that young people are so willing to give their time and energy to help others in their time of need.

Beth (and Jim!)

 

[pfishgirl]

Happy slightly belated birthday to Damien! I wish him the best of luck with his test. My DDIL and DS are thinking about taking the EMT instructor training classes so that they can teach the recertification classes. It's a wonderful thing that young people are so willing to give their time and energy to help others in their time of need.

Beth (and Jim!)

Hi There!!
Damien Loves it.. He was excited last night when the siren/alarm went off because he was able to be on the rig and counted for the adults needed for the mandatory count of adults on each rig.. did that make sense Normally the needed another person cause he was under 18.. Of course, they had an Extra amount of people that day, so he came home.. It wasn't an extensive call..
He is nervous but Very excited about tonight's test.. and I was impressed that there was such a big age difference in his Graduation class last week.. Some were doing refreshers where the young uns' were doing it for the first time..
If your DS & DDIL are "thinking" about it.. definately tell them to go for it.. We need qualified, Trained people everywhere.. I'd do it myself but I Pass out at the sight of blood..


Oh by the way DH bought DS $40 in instant Scratch Off Lottery Tickets for his Birthday and DS won $82.. Now he can cash them in himself

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

We got some Mickey Mail today ..... wanting us to buy another 100 DVC points at SSR.

We got that mail yesterday too and a pamphlet for adding more points to AKV the day before. I assume DVC wants to sell SSR and AKV before offering the Contemporary. We are waiting until the members cruise in hopes there are some great incentives to add on points. We took the boat from FW to MK and saw the progress they are making on the DVC Contemporary property. They are almost ready to start working on the inside. They are moving pretty quickly. It looks huge.

We got the AP holders little booklet yesterday too. For a limited time, AP holders get a 15% discount at The Disney Store. Also, 10% discount at disneyshopping.com. I plan to take advantage of the Disney Store discount. However, I haven't been to my local Disney store in months. I hope it is still there with some of the store closings when Disney reacquired the stores. It will be nice to have Disney own the stores again.

- Jennifer

Correction: We got an email regarding adding on at AKV.

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Happy 18th Birthday Damien and Good Luck on your Test!

We have a nephew in-law that is an EMT. He loves it! He was in his mid-twenties when he decided to change jobs and become an EMT. We wish your son all the best.

Emily was choking on a lollipop at home last fall. I had to call 911 because the heimlich was not working (the lollipop was in backwards with the stick facing out). She almost choked to death because the lollipop was lodged in her airway. I did end up shoving my hand in her mouth to pull out the lollipop with the stick I could barely feel (I know I wasn't suppose to do that. But, I could feel it and she was gasping.). The ambulance was at our house within three minutes of my call. The EMTs were so great to her. I am very appreciative of their expertise because she was bleeding and coughing because the stick had cut her throat. They gave her air and comforted her while I got Cole bundled up to ride in the ambulance with her. When I heard the ambulance pull up a big weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I knew Emily was going to be okay.

- The Taylor Family

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Where is everyone?!?!?!?!?!?!

Happy Thursday Everyone!

- Jennifer

 

[BethC1952]

If your DS & DDIL are "thinking" about it.. definately tell them to go for it.. We need qualified, Trained people everywhere..

They've been certified EMT's for a couple of years, but they're going to take the course to be trainers. I agree--there just aren't enough people willing to drop whatever they're doing and go out and help those in need. It's an entire family operation here--as soon as the pager tones go off, my DGD knows that mommy and/or daddy will be on their way out the door, and if she needs something she needs to come to Jim or me. Not long ago we were all in the car when the tones went off, and yes, the five of us arrived on the scene of the accident. Those of us who aren't EMT's tended to the victim's dogs! Everyone was fine, though, no serious injuries!

As to where is everyone? I'm here in my office trying to round up all of my various projects because one week from tonight I will be having dinner at Boma! I can't wait. I need a vacation so bad right now, before the busy summer concert season starts and I can't take more than a day or two off in a row. I'll work most weekends from the time I get back (Memorial Day) until two weeks after Labor Day, as well as all of those weekdays. I will be off one long weekend in August to go to another Teddy Bear show. The rest of the time I will be doing my regular job PLUS my summer concerts job, which is also connected to my office. If any of you are going to be in the area and want to hear some good music, let me know--I can send you our whole summer schedule. The high point of my summer will be hosting Felix Cavalieri's Rascals. We've had them before, and I'm going to see them at WDW while I'm there. I'm also going to see Gary Puckett. We had him here a couple of years ago and he was great, too.

Beth

 

[plutojudy]

Beth, have fun. We like Boma too!

 

[Pooh_Girl]

Hello Everyone!!! Hope everyone is doing good. Everything is great here just a little hectic.
Jennifer-I'm so glad you guys had a good trip. It sounds like it was full of magic.
Stacy-Congrats to Damien!! I know you are very proud!!
Beth-If I don't get to get on here before you leave for WDW, Have a great time!!!!

 

[BethC1952]

Beth-If I don't get to get on here before you leave for WDW, Have a great time!!!!

Thank you! It's so strange to plan a trip without Jim! I've never been to WDW without him. This should be quite an adventure.

Beth

 

[Pooh_Girl]

Just jumping on here a quick sec before going to work...I hope every mother on here has a HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!!!

 

[brack]

We took the boat from FW to MK and saw the progress they are making on the DVC Contemporary property. They are almost ready to start working on the inside. They are moving pretty quickly. It looks huge.

- Jennifer

We saw it in early April ....