Disney with DD and DDBF are you Crazy Nuts: Leaving and Final Thoughts

[cj9200]

A question from one of your groupies, what is that strange box? A trap of sorts? Or is it just a common container for something and I am seeing it at the wrong angle?

We stayed in the "resort" in the Badlands in May and there were rabbits EVERYWHERE.

It was a humane trap out by the loading dock. It did not look like it was used for a while but made me think of the rabbit issue. I was semi-serious about how they control (or if they do) the population. Will WDW be eventually overrun? Instead of having a hitchhiking ghost on the HM will you be given a hitchhiking rabbit? Could be a Monty Python skit.

More nice photos and Paradiso looks interesting - must try it next time we go to DTD

We saw the balloon when we went and I was tempted to try it out - but later when we saw how high it went I was so glad I didn't!

I enjoyed Paradiso and will go back again. You should try it. The portion sizes are not that big but they were tasty. The kids gnawed on the corn with glee. Butter dripping off their face was not very ladylike though. Too bad I did not get a picture because it would have been worth mega bribe money.

More and more I hate heights but we would have tried the balloon it if it was flying. DD would have shamed me into doing it.

 

[JasonDVC]

OK, you are pulling my leg right? Any photographic evidence?

Photographic evidence? no. Stand on the Tommorland Bridge where Tink flies over you. You can get a pretty good look from there

My wife's cousin works at WDW and knows the guy. He gets about $300/night for it

Sorry to shock you. I just assumed more people knew this

 

[florep1]

Photographic evidence? no. Stand on the Tommorland Bridge where Tink flies over you. You can get a pretty good look from there

My wife's cousin works at WDW and knows the guy. He gets about $300/night for it

Sorry to shock you. I just assumed more people knew this

Hate to hijack but.....Check this thread out
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2031501&highlight=tink

 

[cj9200]

Photographic evidence? no. Stand on the Tommorland Bridge where Tink flies over you. You can get a pretty good look from there

My wife's cousin works at WDW and knows the guy. He gets about $300/night for it

Sorry to shock you. I just assumed more people knew this

Although I am still skeptical this is too funny. There is no way my daughter can view the thread now. The next time I am watching the fireworks my focus will be getting a good view of Tinkerbell(bill). And for $300 a night for 30 seconds of work, sign me up in case she/he quits.

 

[cj9200]

They were both pretty quick with the shopping so we had some time for a visit to T-Rex. Not one of my favorite places but they wanted to go and since they got it over with quickly, I agreed. They had smoothies while I had a cocktail. ($23.89 plus tip, no discount).

Isn’t vacation cool?

Mr. T

The aquarium was cool. The sharks were missing because they were doing something to the water and while that was happening, they were placed in a holding tank.

If you like loud touristy places this is not so bad

I thought the Amethyst Crystal built into the wall was interesting

From there it was back home. They decided to take a last dip in the pool while I went to take some last pictures.

Cape May

We actually visited Cape May (the town not the restaurant) once but it was by mistake. Took a wrong turn off a detour from NY to Williamsburg and ended up there. Looked at the ocean for about 2 minutes then back in the car. Think of the Griswalds at the Grand Canyon.

Martha’s Vineyard. I looked at the wines they had by the glass and was not overly impressed.

The still closed Ariel’s restaurant

The pool

The Crew’s Cup Lounge

I thought this was interesting. The boundary between Yacht and Beach. “I’m in Yacht, now I am in Beach, back to Yacht…” Yes I am a little odd.

By now it was about time for the movie. Tonight was Bolt and we decided the kids would meet me and we would watch it. At the campfire I talked to the CM there and noticed that the inflatable screen was not up. I asked her about the movie and she said the weather was iffy so they were showing it in the Solarium.

The dying campfire

Going back to tell the kids, I ran into them as they were making their way toward the beach. They still wanted to see it so when we got to the Solarium we moved a couch and took our places. I headed back to the room for snacks and my mug. It was fun just sitting there munching away and watching Bolt.

Munching out

Love this movie. DD and I rescued a cat that was just like Mittens, coloring, declawed and abandoned. After seeing the movie that was her new name. Unfortunately she was old and recently passed away.

This was fun. We all had a good time just sitting there watching the movie. Another example on how Disney has that extra touch.

I was hungry so we decided to see if we could get into Beaches and Cream one more time. It was getting late so the crowds were mostly gone. After a short wait we were given a table. I ordered, you guessed it, a cheeseburger. They had already eaten so we got a banana split and a sundae to share.

Ok, you expect us to take pictures before everyone dug in?

All was good with the world until the accident. I spilled my water glass. Justin, our server who was already a smart a** rushed over with napkins to help clean it up. He replaced my drink.

Yes, I got a to go cup instead of a regular glass. Surprised I did not get a kid’s sippy cup. The kids thought it was funny. A scary picture but DD is making me include it.

Total with tip less discount was $26.00 (Justin did get more that the 18%).

It was getting late and time to close our last Disney night of our trip. It was a good day. The kids got to sleep in and do a little shopping. I enjoyed trying out Pardiso 37. The movie night and B&C were nice toppings to our day and trip.

Up next: While we are leaving Disney the trip is not over. One more thing up my sleeve. Plus final thoughts.

 

[cj9200]

The trip that started at 3 days and morphed into 6 then 7 days was finally over. I did check the last night at the front desk about availability to extend it further but with no luck. So we packed our bags and headed out.

Bye Bye BCV

I told the kids that the trip was not yet over yet and the next one was a surprise. We headed East until I got to Cocoa and made our way to the Kennedy Space Center. The shuttle was scheduled to be launched the next morning around 4:50. They said they guessed it pretty quickly on the way over but I am not so sure.

At the ticket counter I asked about getting tickets to see the launch and the nice person there explained it was sold out but there would probably be a good chance to get in if I come back about 11:00 that night.

We got a hotel that was not as good or as cheap as the Comfort Inn I stayed at after dropping DD at soccer camp. I was never a believer in those tourist magazines that are all over the rest stops but I was able to get a great deal using one. Will keep that in mind when I need a spontaneous room sometime.

The room and hotel were OK. Sorry I can’t find any pictures but you are not missing much. The kids headed to the pool and I went to get some info on watching the launch. The desk clerk is helpful and I formed a game plan. The launch is scheduled just before 5:00 am so I set a wake up call at 3:00. We had dinner at the Olive Garden across the street and it was pretty good. DDBF had never tried an Olive Garden before. I love the bread and salad. We then watched some TV and slept.

To make a long story less long, I get up at 3:00 to go scope out places to park. There is a causeway where prime viewing is available for free. I can’t find the turnoff so I pull into a Circle K to ask for directions. The clerk tells me the turn I need to make is the next light. There is a Sherriff’s Deputy there and she asks me why I am going there. Me: “To see the launch.” Her: “I just got word over the radio that it was cancelled.” Me: “Telling me that at 3 am you are lucky you have a gun.”

So, we missed it. This was really disappointing because I am a big space nut and have always wanted to see a launch. Back to the hotel and crawled into bed around 3:30. At least the kids were left alone to sleep. We eventually get up. The hotel has a breakfast plan so we eat then leave. The drive home was uneventful and soon we were back to the real world. Sigh.

My thoughts on the trip:

This was a better than good but not a fantastic trip. DD has a tendency to “show off” with friends by developing and attitude at times and I fed off of that. It was better after the first couple of days when we decided if necessary we would go our separate ways. It also didn’t help that I just got off a 4 night dive trip right before we left. It took a lot out of me and one of the reasons I did not go with them to the MK on our first park night. It was fun revisiting the elephant at the bus drop off and Neverland club. It seems like yesterday she was a little one looking at THE ELEPHANT and staying at the kids clubs.

Not going to the parks for us was no big deal. I did mostly what I wanted to do and hey, they will be there next time. We did the little things that people usually do not experience on a Disney trip. Everyone loved the time at the pool to escape from the heat. The boats and pool hopping to the Poly was a good idea and a fun time was had by all. Before I die I must take a nap on one of the hammocks. Watching Bolt and munching during our last night was a highlight. Nice touch by Y&B Club.

The Wave and Beaches and Cream were big hits with me. Loved the food at both places. Paradiso 37 was also a really good experience. We were not tied to a lot dinning which was good for this trip. We did not starve (maybe not overly healthy eating) but we had the flexibility to eat what we wanted when we wanted. You want a banana split before going to bed, why not?

The room was not in the best location but overall it did not matter. Out on our less than landscaped patio I was able to hear the British Invasion and see some of the fireworks from Illuminations. The staff was great and adding the extra day was a bonus. Thank you Sunny. Next time though it will be a 1 BR. The Studio was a little cramped.

Our next trip is in January where DD and I are signed up for the half marathon. We are in training. Right now, it is unlikely I will finish but I have a few months to get ready for it. Wish me luck. DD will finish as she is an avid runner. The week after that, I am taking her and 5 friends for a weekend to celebrate her 16th birthday. We have a Grand Villa reserved at the BW and I intend to barricade myself in the room. I plan on letting them loose in the park one day. The next day will be spent on a girly thing (suggestions welcome) and then dinner at the California Grill. God help me. No other trips for next year are planned yet.

That is it for this trip. If you have stayed with our little odyssey this long thank you. Now seek professional help. To all of you, may your next visit to the mouse be a magical one.

 

[Chellymouse]

Awesome TR!! We've tried to catch the shuttle a few times also without any luck! The girls may enjoy BBB. My BFF (I'm 30ish and she's 40ish) did it last summer and it was a blast! The other thing is (if all of the kids will be 16) the KTTK tour is awesome and your DD may love it! We have 16 1/2 more days til we head home and I can't wait! (that means only 15 1/2 days until school is out and this time for good!) Good thing you have a GV for DD's b'day trip! You're a brave soul! May the mouse be with you!

 

[DenLo]

The week after that, I am taking her and 5 friends for a weekend to celebrate her 16th birthday. We have a Grand Villa reserved at the BW and I intend to barricade myself in the room. I plan on letting them loose in the park one day. The next day will be spent on a girly thing (suggestions welcome) and then dinner at the California Grill.

I want to thank you for your review. At times I felt like was reading an old Dashiel Hammet novel, something to do with your narrative style, not the subject matter.

How about Bibbiti Bobbiti (spelling?) Boutique? You can even set up a Disney photographer to be there. The girls won't be interested in any costumes, but maybe matching T-shirts. I know some adult woman who would love the BBB treatment.

Or if that sounds too kiddish--they could each design their own Tees at the Hanes Design your own Tee in Downtown Disney. And since it's a standard for your DD to have a "tea" at the Grand Floridian. A tea party birthday party. Surely the concierge at the GF could arrange something. And once again a Disney photographer can be arranged. Turning 16 is pretty special. And you're a great Dad just getting the grand villa and taking her five BF's.

Be interested to hear what happens next time. Thanks again for the review.

 

[Ham Ham]

As a member of your fan club - thanks for a great read!
Only 6 months to go until hopefully your next report - hmmmm I gotta get a hobby.
I just asked my 15 year old daughter for girlie suggestions for your free day. She suggested mani/pedis at one of the spas. Oh and btw I now will have to listen to my daughter for the next 6 months tell me how she too wants a weekend trip to Disney with her friends for her 16th birthday...thanks.
Until 2010 - Kim

 

[Jillpie]

Oh its over?? Well for pete's sake. Its like a really great book done, and it was a page turner. Especially for us teen parents, we were right there with you (even though I have all boys, totally get the attitude thing). So I love that you put this in this forum, I never would have found it buried in the trip report forum, excellent idea!! Please do that again in January, because you will be doing another one in January, right?

Loved, loved, loved it. So well done.

 

[Sandy321]

I agree with PP - cant believe you werent able to extend our... *ahem... your trip!!

btw maybe we'll run into you at the half! (I'll be in the back of the pack -dh probably not!) Hope you introduce yourselves on the WISH event/comp forum - there is a Pop meet on Friday night and usually a breakfast meet at Boardwalk Bakery on Monday! (you probably are already part of the group!!)

Good Luck with the birthday GV trip - for girly - um- - the GV is it!! Maybe order a cake? (I would say the Grand Tea, but she has done that!!) I think its special because of your relationship!!

Thanks for sharing it with the virtual strangers!!

 

[Disney Princess]

I read the entire thing tonight! I started a while ago, but work, moving, and life got in the way. I started over today and finished just now. Your daughter is precious. I'm so happy you had a great trip with her. I can't wait to hear about the marathon - good luck! My husband and I are training now, but the 1/2 is "sold out" for January. Maybe next year.

 

[BigEeyore]

Sorry to see it come to an end - it's been fun reading along!
God bless you for taking 6 teenage girls to Disney. What a dad! The spa thing is a great idea. I was going to suggest the fireworks cruise. I think just the trip alone, and a visit to the Cali Grill, is plenty special!
Good luck with the half marathon training!

 

[Tinks "SS"]

thank you for sharing your trip with us! i have so enjoyed your TR. I must say though as a former teenagaer that i loved experiencing Disney with a BF. That is really one reason i wanted DVC so my boys could have moments like this! My DH thinks that i'm nuts! He never got to take a friend on vacation so he has no clue how cool it is.

again, thanks for sharing, can't wait for your next TR!

 

[kid-at-heart]

Many thanks! Love vacationing vicariously. You could start a pre-trip-report.

 

[GGOOFY1]

I vote for a spa day!! DD and I go and have a mani and pedi at the start of all our tips. We either go to GF or SSR. Just what 16 year old girls would love

 

[irenep]

What a great TR. It was really entertaining and informative throughout and I loved all your pictures!

What a shame the shuttle launch was cancelled - that would have made for an amazing finale!

Thanks for sharing and I hope you do another TR with the girls. That should be fun - oh and another vote for the spa!

 

[TIGGERmetoo]

Wonderful trip report. Thank you so much for sharing. I can't believe you're taking DD and 5 of her friends (in a GRAND VILLA) for her birthday. You sure are brave. Good Luck, can't wait to hear that trip report!

 

[cj9200]

Wow. Thanks for all the kind comments and suggestions. Oh, and I forgot to post a picture with Art the Y&B Ambassador. How could that have happened?

Have a great time on your upcoming trips and let us know how it goes.

 

[manntra]

Thanks for a great trip report! Looks like you all had a really great time (and lots of cheeseburgers!! )
One of these days I would like to see a launch also...

Tracy