"Do You Mind?" - Disney Adventures with Teens August Trip Report

[Grandma Bonnie]

The circa 2000 Disneyland trip... corrections to Susan's entry.
I think she's a little off on the ages. The girls were younger than 12 and 10. But as the teens say...."Whateeevvvveeeerrrr!!!"

I was along for this trip, too. I just love being included in all these family events! Of course, it gives me more opportunities to spend their inheritance, but they don't seem to mind.

San Diego offered some new experiences for me, the old lady. I went to the restroom at the public beach and for the first time in my life saw posters in a restroom describing the proper way to dispose of drug paraphernalia.

We also went to the famous SD Zoo and got stuck in the little cars on the overhead tram system. We were there for over 30 minutes swinging above the primates. What a picture that must have been... humans looking down on chimps and chimps looking up at the humans. Almost mirror images????

Joann and I drove Katie and Haley to Anaheim to experience Disneyland. I had not been there since 1966. What a difference!!! I seemed to remember Disneyland being in the middle of nowhere. Now it is surrounded by city. After having been to DisneyWorld, Disneyland seems so small and more like a city amusement park instead of a vacation destination like WDW.

But the magic was still in the Magic Kingdom and we still had a great time. Disney has found the fountain of youth, it never gets old.

 

[swwake]

Let's see: First I had an 8:30 tour. So I got to MK early and was able to spend 10-15 minutes enjoying Main Street without lots of people. I walked all the way up to the castle to get pictures without millions of other park guests.

Yes there is a lot of walking in the tour, but my guide stopped at areas where we could sit 2-3 times during the tour. So we were able to sit down at times during the tour. I thought that the head phones that they give you were excellent. I was able to hear the guide perfectly even though he was walking away leading the group. It was great to hear about the meaning of the names in the window above Main St. We went on the Jungle cruise and the Haunted Mansion. I have seen some reports of tours also doing Pirates of the Carribean but my tour only did 2 rides. We were taken behind the scenes near Splash Mountain and saw the area where the parade floats are kept. We also went into the Utilidoors. But to be honest, they are basically hallways.

The meal at Columbia Harbor House is very good. When you check in for your tour, you give them your lunch selection. Then when group arrives, you head upstairs to a roped off area and your lunch is waiting for you. The guide had all kinds of information about the MK. It was definitely an awesome time.

I haven't done the three park one yet but it is on my wish list. In May, I will be doing the sunrise safari and then in December, I am hoping to do the Yuletime Fantasy Tour.

So now I am wondering if we should change to the earlier tour. I think they are offered at 8:30, 9 and 9:30. I picked the 9 thinking it would give us an extra 30 minutes to sleep in - but what's 30 minutes? Might be nice to do what you did and walk up and down Main St. Maybe I'll ask my travel partners.

Sounds like the tour will be fun. And apparently plenty of rest time for Mom (if she needs it). I did not know about the headphones, but what a great idea! I'm looking forward to Columbia Harbor House because it is one of the few MK restaurants getting decent reviews. I think we were/are going to try to go there anyway one day to view the afternoon parade from above (apparently there's a part of the restaurant that spans overhead the parade route?). Sounds like you get the VIP treatment at lunch.

I think we might try the 3-park tour on a future visit - whenever that may be. I read it's $199, so seems like alot more money for only 1 hour more time that the KTTK tour. Haven't heard of the sunrise safari, but I'll check that one out for a future tour too! Thanks for sharing the info!

My girls loved WCC as did DH and me. I won't give anything away either. The girls were 14 and 11 at the time. The food was good and our server was the perfect combination of attentive and fun.

We also liked PTC. They are quite different experiences. DH loves to annoy the servers as much as they annoy the customers. I would only go there if DH were along.

Love the flowers!!!

I have to figure out what Raglan Road is. Yeah! Research!!!

Yep, we're looking forward to WCC. Well, I am. I am looking forward to the experience and to the reactoins of my party. Not sure if we will visit PTC again this time. It just depends on our schedule, whether we're nearby at lunchtime and it seems appealing, and whether something else is more attractive. Since we weren't blown away last time (just disappointed that our server didn't really participate), not sure if we care to go back. I'll ask the troops. Thanks for the compliments on the flowers. Aren't they pretty?

Raglan Road Irish Pub is at Pleasure Island. I think it's close enough to walk from La Nouba. Supposedly there is live Celtic music and a fun environment with good food. It seats 900, so not difficult to get in. Plus, since it's at Pleasure Island, I hope to take the whole group to Adventurer's Club and the Comedy club right after dinner, then send the girls home and Chris and I will stay and party on the island.

Now a bit about a trip I took to DisneyWorld in the Eighties without my family.

You have so many stories like that. It's a teacher thing. And, I think they should have taken the kids to Juvi. Teach 'em a lesson.

Our 1997 trip was fun, especially since the Tower of Terror had just opened. It was also my first time to see WDW through the eyes of a grandchild. Words cannot express the enjoyment of "doin' disney" with a grandchild.

Our first trip with 5-year-old Katie. She really enjoyed it all. She now doesn't remember too much of it. It will be fun to see what she remembers when we're back. I am betting that we'll get to see a little glimmer of the 5-year-old version of Katie in her eyes.

Animal Kingdom had just opened and not everything was ready and it rained most of the day. But we still enjoyed it. I loved the tree. Katie had a great time digging dinosaur bones. We all enjoyed the safari although not many of the animals were there yet.

...So we got to go to some other Central Florida attractions. Katie got to play with a monkey at a museum, go to an upside down house, and eat at Bahama Breeze. I had to drink one of the BB ultimate pina' coladas. Darn, darn, darn!!!

I had forgotten about the free tickets. I don't know how you remember so much. Don't remember the rain. And don't remember Katie digging. I do remember that there just wasn't much at AK at the time, and there weren't many animals. It didn't take a full day to tour. It was still a great mini-vacation. Oh, and the place we went with the upside down house and the monkey was called WonderWorld. I am not sure if it is still there, on International Drive. I guess we had a car that time? We also went to FAO Schwartz and spent what felt like HOURS in the Barbie section.

Maybe I can find and scan some pictures from that year. I have some in a CM scrapbook that would be hard to scan, but maybe.

The circa 2000 Disneyland trip... corrections to Susan's entry.
I think she's a little off on the ages. The girls were younger than 12 and 10. But as the teens say...."Whateeevvvveeeerrrr!!!"
...
Joann and I drove Katie and Haley to Anaheim to experience Disneyland. I had not been there since 1966. What a difference!!! I seemed to remember Disneyland being in the middle of nowhere. Now it is surrounded by city. After having been to DisneyWorld, Disneyland seems so small and more like a city amusement park instead of a vacation destination like WDW.

Ok, I will change the ages. I am an accountant, but I always tell people I can't do math without a calculator (or a computer).

I think I didn't go because I had to teach that day (I was a trainer), and Chris didn't go because he hung out at OB with our friend surfing. At least that is what I remember.

 

[swwake]

So today I "finished" (temporarily) my "Not To Be Missed" list. I'll post my lists here.

Not to be Missed (NTBM)
When I thought about my NTBM list, I was thinking, "what things are there that if we don't see or do, we will feel like our WDW trip is not complete?" Or "what would make me really really sad if I didn't get to do it?" These are items that are:
(1) WDW favorites of our family,
(2) Things we have always wanted to do but have never done, and/or
(3) New or updated since the last time we visited.
So here goes...

Magic Kingdom:
* Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (1)
* Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin (3) - cool concept - not real sure I get it.
* Carousel of Progress (1) (3) - has to be my favorite. I don't know what I love so much about this, but I just do. I think they changed the song, but I will sing "Now is the time...now is the best time...now is the best time of our lives..." to myself the whole time. And probably all the rest of the day at MK. To the detriment of all around me.
* Mickey's PhilharMagic (3) - People don't remember this, but I SWEAR there was a really cool Lion King show in this theater in 1997. I can't convince anyone! Update: There was! There was! I just found it in my 1995 UG. It was called "Legend of the Lion King" and it was a live mixed-media and puppet show. It was a 4 star (****).
* Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor (3)
* Pirates of the Caribbean (1) (3) - updated to add that hottie Jack!!
* Space Mountain (1) - didn't they make this lighter at one time to not be so scary? I hope it's back to pitch black again. That's the most fun.
* Splash Mountain (1) - Zippity Do Dah!
* The Haunted Mansion (1) (3) - we all LOVE this. I hope they didn't take out the part where the ghost rides with you at the end.
* The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (3)
* Get a Dole Whip (2) - well, not that I have always wanted to do this, but just learned about it on the DIS boards

Epcot: (I will always call this "EPCOT Center". That's just what it is to me.)
* Soarin' (3) - BETTER live up to its reputation!
* Test Track (3)
* Mission: SPACE (3)
* Beatles store at UK (3) - maybe not new, but I have just learned about this through my research. Katie LOVES the Beatles
* The American Adventure (1) (3)
* The Seas Main Tank and Exhibits (3)
* The Seas with Nemo and Friends (3)
* Turtle Talk with Crush (3) - really looking forward to this. Sounds like lots of fun to watch.
* Spaceship Earth (1) (3)
* Club Cool (3) - thirsty, anyone?
* Mom I Can't Believe It's Disney Fountain (3?) - maybe not new, but I don't remember this, from UG '08

Now, I am going to create a Category (4) for the pavilions. I know we have explored these before. But I feel like in the past, either I have been too rushed to make sure we get to the next attraction, or just didn't take the time to really soak it in and enjoy the cultures, colors, and allure of each country. So this time, I am determined to give these pavilions proper attention.
* Mexico Pavilion (4)
* Norway Pavilion (4)
* China Pavilion (4)
* Germany Pavilion (4)
* Italy Pavilion (4) - Italy will be part of one of our upcoming vacations, so we'll be very interested in exploring this one.
* United States Pavilion (4)
* Japan Pavilion (4)
* Morocco Pavilion (4)
* France Pavilion (4)
* United Kingdom Pavilion (4)
* Canada Pavilion (4)

Animal Kingdom:
* Expedition Everest (3)
* Look for DeVine (3)
* Kilimanjaro Safaris (1)
* Festival of the Lion King (1)
* Dinosaur (1)
* Kali River Rapids (3)
* Primeval Whirl (3) - looks alot like Tony Hawk's Big Spin at Fiesta Texas. This is a fun ride.
* Finding Nemo - The Musical (3)

Disney Hollywood Studios:
* Toy Story Mania (3) - hoping this will be open by the time we get there.
* Tower of Terror (1)
* Rock N Roller Coaster (3)
* Fantasmic! (3)
* Backlot Tour (1)
* Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular (1)
* Lights! Motors! Action! Extreme Stunt Show (3)
* Voyage of the Little Mermaid (3)
* Brown Derby (2) - Mom's always wanted to go here, so we will do her birthday dinner there with the Fantasmic Package.

Downtown Disney:
* Pleasure Island (1) - Chris and I really enjoy PI, although I hear that Disney is thinking of renovating it to lose most of its original appeal (not so much club-hopping). They have already closed the Rock & Roll Beach Club.
* La Nouba (3) - 8th row seats!!
* Disney Quest (3) - might take a full afternoon...

Water Parks:
* Typhoon Lagoon (2) - one or the other of these parks should probably be on the ITT list below. Because I won't be heartbroken if I can just experience one of the two.
* Blizzard Beach (2) - ditto

Resorts:
* Hang out at the Stormalong Bay pool (3) - not necessarily new either, but this is part of why we picked the Beach Club, and part of why we are staying for a full 7 nights - hoping to have some "down time". Who am I kidding? Is there such a thing as "down time" at Disney World?
* California Grill/Wishes viewing (and try the French martini) (3) - that French martini isn't necessarily new, but it is new to me!

If There's Time
This is a list of experiences that I would like to have if there's time. I won't feel like my Disney vacation is not complete if I don't get to do these things, but they are things that are high on the priority list. I will give these items (1), (2), (3) ratings (same as above) too. You will also notice some of my ADR restaurants on this list. Why aren't they on the NTBM list above? Because, if our schedule doesn't allow them, I am willing to drop them. Maybe we are really, really into riding Soarin' 6 times as our WCC reservation approaches. Well, I'll cancel WCC. There's an example.

Magic Kingdom:
* Watch Pirate Training (3) - yoo hooo.....Jack.....
* Peter Pan's Flight (1)
* Spectromagic (3) - can this ever be as good as the old Main Street Electrical Parade? I can still hear the MSEP musing piping in my ears. Joann and I SO loved that as kids. I think Mom bought the album. Yes, the album. Remember, CDs were very new in the early 80's.
* Jungle Cruise (1)
* It's a Small World (1) (3)
* Mad Tea Party (1) - this will be really fun with the girls
* Wishes (from inside the park) (3) - I don't think we have ever seen Tinkerbell's flight
* The Enchanted Tiki Room (3) - one of Mom's old faves. They have updated it "under new management" now.

EPCOT Center:
* JAMMitors (3) - on the Disney list of teen interests
* Illumniations - not sure if maybe it's been updated? We have seen this before.
* Honey, I Shrunk the Audience (1)
* Living with the Land (1) - I have always hated that stupid song while you're riding the boats.
* Innoventions (1) (3) - Last I remember, this was like alot of the trade shows that Chris exhibits at, so he will probably enjoy this.
* Ellen's Energy Adventure (1) - Wasn't she like 20 when she filmed this? It will be interesting to see her that young again. That was back in the day when she used to do her "phone call from God" routine.

Not sure which of these country experiences we have done or have been updated, so I am not going to rate them:
* Reflections of China
* Impressions de France
* O Canada!
* Off Kilter (3) - another recommendation for teens by Disney
* Grey Goose slushie (France) - what can I say?

Animal Kingdom:
* Find DeVine (3) - notice "look for DeVine" is on the NTBM. I can't guarantee we will find her, and my heart won't be completely broken if we don't - or will it? So finding her is on this list.
* It's Tough to Be a Bug! (1) - last time we didn't want to scare Katie, so we told her to sit forward in her seat and keep her feet up in the chair. This time it will be fun to watch her reaction as a "big girl."
* Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends (3)
* Pangani Forest Exploration Trail (3) - I think this is new?
* Conservation Station (3) - we want to go on a weekday between 9:30 and 12:30 when they are performing veterinary procedures (I almost was a vet, and our family LOVES animals of all kinds)
* Flights of Wonder (3) - on the recommendations for teens from Disney. It gets lots of stars (****), but our family just isn't much of a group of aviarists (is that a word?) Aviopiles? Anyway, birds poop. We don't like that.
* Maharaja Jungle Trek (3) - maybe new?
* Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade (3) - Mom saw this with Jo and said it's "just ok". A word about parades. Patience is simply not a virtue that runs in our family. So parades just generally don't work for us. Oh well.

Disney Hollywood Studios:
* Block Party Bash (3) - isn't even there yet, but it will be and it sounds like fun
* High School Musical Pep Rally (3)
* The Great Movie Ride (1) - never really met my expectations
* Muppet-Vision 3-D (1) - trivia time: This used to be 4-D. What D did they take out?
* Magic of Disney Animation (1) (3) - I am really sad that the animators moved to Cali. but it would be neat if we could to the quick animation school
* Sounds Dangerous (1)
* Star Tours (1)
* Streets of America (3?)
* Beauty and the Beast (3)
* Walt Disney: One Man's Dream (3) - All three of us grown ups are very interested in Disney history and trivia. The girls might find something else to do while we do this.

Downtown Disney:
* Goofy's Candy Company (3) - I think the girls will love this!
* Shopping (1) (3) - Mom will insist this is a NTBM. It probably should be.
* Bongos - Salsa dancing? (3) - Not sure if they have salsa there, but I have heard that there might be. This might be the only place for Chris and me to practice our Salsa so we don't lose our groove during our vacation.
* Lego Imagination Center (3)
* Raglan Road (3) (ADR) - flight of beer, anyone?

Typhoon Lagoon:
* Surf lessons (3) - still a maybe, but very close to a NTBM. We have 85 days to decide. Waiting for the verdict from Caitlin.

Resorts:
* Beaches N Cream (Beach Club) (3) - the girls will LOVE this. Katie loves her some milk shakes. On the cruise last year, whenever we couldn't find her, we knew to look at Ben & Jerrys. Maybe they'll try the kitchen sink??
* Bike Rentals (Beach Club) (3) - another item that we planned the long trip around. Katie (and Jo and Haley) and I rented bikes in San Francisco a few years ago and rode across the Golden Gate Bridge into Sausalito. We'd like to take a couple of hours to ride around WDW on bikes this vacation.
* Belle Vue Lounge (Boardwalk) (3) - Supposedly a nice place for a relaxing cocktail. And I hear the bartender is very good.
* Atlantic Dance Hall (Boardwalk) (3) - Do they play music we can practice our Swing to? If not, I'm sure we can do WC Swing and it will be a nice place for us to chill, walking distance to our hotel.
tour the Animal Kingdom Lodge (3) - just sounds so very cool, so we'll try to build in time before or after dinner to stroll around
* Jiko (Animal Kingdom Lodge) (3)
* Rix Lounge (Coronado Springs Resort) (3) - this has just opened in the past month or so. Sounds like a Vegas-style lounge. (Chris and I LOVE Vegas.) So we might try it out one night (or more). Actually, I will be surprised if it is still open (in this lounge incarnation) when we get there. Bottle Service just doesn't seem much like a Disney concept.
* bluezoo (Dolphin) (3) - excited about this menu and the awesome reviews
* Kona for breakfast (Polynesian) - tonga toast! (3?)
* 'Ohana (Polynesian) (3?) - Mom has always wanted to go to the luau. This is the next best thing.
explore the Polynesian (2) - Mom has always wanted to stay at the Poly. This is our chance to pretend.
* Whispering Canyon Café (Wilderness Lodge) (3?) - see previous posts
tour the Wilderness Lodge (2) - Chris and I have considered staying there before, so this is OUR chance to pretend.


Maybe:
So these are some things that are interesting, but there will be no love lost if we miss them. At least they made the list, so they should feel good about themselves. I don't want to hurt anyone's self esteem.

Magic Kingdom:
* Magic Carpets of Aladdin (3) - a little like Dumbo?
* Hall of Presidents (I can't think of a rating for this) - This has always been too long and too boring, but it is air-conditioned and we will be there in August, and you can sit down for 20 minutes, even take a quick snoozer if you'd like. And I'd like to see George W's animatronic. Wonder what he'll do. Oh, I was reading that the CMs sometimes play jokes and Nixon has been known to have his hands tied behind his back from time to time (a la Watergate) and Clinton has been found to have condoms "in his pockets" (uh huh...yeah right). So I wonder if the CMs have any tricks up their sleeve for George W?
* WDW Railroad (it's just transportation)
* Afternoon parade (3) - remember, patience just isn't our thing.
* Snow White's Scary Adventures (1)
* Barnstormer (3)
* Astro Orbitor (no category rating) - Just a fun view
* Tomorrowland Transit Authority (1) - I have always liked the WEDWay People Mover.
* Dream Along with Mickey (3)

EPCOT Center:
* The Circle of Life (no rating, been there, done that, not a fave - whatever happened to Food Rocks? I will miss the dancing, singing asparagus.)
* Journey into Imagination with Figment (3?) - they say it's been updated but not a huge crowd draw.
* Gran Fiesta Tour (3) - updated - I like the starry skies
* Maelstrom (no rating - always been there. Used to be a huge attraction, but nobody seems to care anymore. Isn't there a small water drop? Maybe when they opened Splash Mountain it stole Maelstrom's thunder...
* National Treasures - Disney recommended for Teens. Never seen or heard of this elsewhere.
* Imageworks - Disney recommended for teens, but the reviews say this is being rehabbed and has been getting stale.

Animal Kingdom:
* Discovery Island Trails (not new) but recommended for Teens by Disney

Disney's Hollywood Studios:
* Jedi Training Academy (3) - Would be fun to watch the kiddos.
* Playhouse Disney Live on Stage (3) - probably a little young for our group, but gets good reviews.
* Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set (3) - see above.

Poly or Grand Floridian:
* Electrical Water Pageant

Contemporary:
* Wakeboarding - Ok so this I must comment on. Wakeboarding is a huge part of our family's history. While we don't currently have a boat and don't make time for wakeboarding, we fully expect that it will regain its place in our lives in the near future. We really think it would be cool to have a chance to wakeboard at Disney World and snap a photo of a cool jump and grab (or invert, or whatever) with Spaceship Earth in the background. Now, how many people can say they've done that? It would really be a wonderful keepsake for us. However....duh duh duuuhhhhhh...I read that the reason they don't allow swimming in the lakes is because of (1) bacteria (ewwww gross!!) and (2) gators! Now, I have to decide, is it really worth it to take time out of my vacation, money out of our budget, to go out and fend off alligators while trying to get that one magical shot-of-a-lifetime, only to hope that I don't come down with e-coli for the next week? Thus, it is on the Maybe list. Comprende??

So there ya have it. If you have made it this far reading, I salute you!. Hours...I mean HOURS...it has taken me to compile just the right list and categorize everything. Now, the list is a work in progress, so I am sure it will be updated.

Again, can't wait to see what Mom has to add.

See y'all next installment...


NEXT UP: TAX SEASON MOMENT!

 

[fireman1]

Here is a summary of my/our Disney experiences.

77'. Me, my sister, grandparents and mother. My sister had leukemia on this trip. she was 13 at the time, but had the mind of a 6 yr old thanx to all the treatments she had endured the prior 8 yrs. she passed away 2 years later.
I was 7 at the time of this trip.

83'. epcot with my dad, stepmom, step bro and step sister. not a whole lot of fun. (my dad was a real tight wad, complained about everything costing so much)

92'. A whole week at WDW on my honeymoon with my now ex-wife. lots of fun. hit every park, plus universal.

2000. Best trip so far. My then 6 yr old daughter and I went for 4 days. stayed at the all star movies. went to M.K., MGM, A.K., and universal.

2005. My daughter and I again. great trip. went to M.K., epcot, and MGM. also went to universal.

2008. My daughter and I leave in 6 days, i'll let ya know.

EDIT: I must say, I am feeling somewhat nostalgic about this trip with her. she is 13 after all, and I cant help but wonder if this will be the last time she'll want to do something like this with her "old man". You know how the kool factor will kick in before long, and stuff like this will become "lame" to her lol.
Still, i'm going to soak it all in when we get there, and just watch her as she says goodbye to her youth.

 

[swwake]

77'. Me, my sister, grandparents and mother. My sister had leukemia on this trip. she was 13 at the time, but had the mind of a 6 yr old thanx to all the treatments she had endured the prior 8 yrs. she passed away 2 years later.
I was 7 at the time of this trip.

83'. epcot with my dad, stepmom, step bro and step sister. not a whole lot of fun. (my dad was a real tight wad, complained about everything costing so much)

92'. A whole week at WDW on my honeymoon with my now ex-wife. lots of fun. hit every park, plus universal.

2000. Best trip so far. My then 6 yr old daughter and I went for 4 days. stayed at the all star movies. went to M.K., MGM, A.K., and universal.

2005. My daughter and I again. great trip. went to M.K., epcot, and MGM. also went to universal.

2008. My daughter and I leave in 6 days, i'll let ya know.

EDIT: I must say, I am feeling somewhat nostalgic about this trip with her. she is 13 after all, and I cant help but wonder if this will be the last time she'll want to do something like this with her "old man". You know how the kool factor will kick in before long, and stuff like this will become "lame" to her lol.
Still, i'm going to soak it all in when we get there, and just watch her as she says goodbye to her youth.

It sounds like you have had very similar Disney experiences to mine. I think it is great that your older sister got to go on a WDW trip when you were younger. I used to be a wishgranter for Make-A-Wish and I can tell you, leukemia is tough on kids. It's alot to ask for a kid to deal with. So the diversion of WDW is very special to them.

Done the honeymoon. Done the divorce. Done the single parent thing.

I am sure your daughter will really appreciate this trip with you. They do get "too cool" at some point, but when it comes to time with family and away from all their schoolmates, they aren't afraid to express their affection. And at 13, you still have several "kid" years left! Don't be surprised if you two find yourselves back at WDW together before she's out of the house!!

 

[Grandma Bonnie]

Just a little more on our family history with Disney.

Jo and Wes went to WDW before children. As I recall it was his first time to fly. So it was quite an adventure for him.

Much more recently (after children arrived) we all (Jo, Wes, Haley, Hayden, Tyler and I) went to WDW in December and had a wonderful magical holiday experience. Refer to early posting about this trip.

So I think I may hold the record for most Disney trips in our family. Disneyland in 1966, DisneyWorld in 1974, DisneyWorld in mid-80's (twice),
DisneyWorld twice with Susan, Chris, and Katie, Disneyland in early 2000's and DisneyWorld a few years ago with Jo and Wes and their kids.

So that's twice to Disneyland and WDW six times. And I'm ready to go again in 5 months 3 weeks and 2 days.

 

[swwake]

August is just TOO FAR AWAY!! I am having one of my "tax season moments". I have even had the fleeting thought that I'll watch the SWA fares and sneak away with Katie for a quick weekend before August and just visit one park or something. If I did that, I'd have to get us annual passes though - I just think it would make more sense. Then I'd have to change our room reservations to drop the tix and purchase them separately, since everyone in the package has to be on the same MYW plan.

You can tell that this is more than fleeting, can't you?

NEXT UP: OUR TRAVEL COMPANION

 

[Grandma Bonnie]

Some comments re: your daily thoughts.

Remember I'm a little old lady who isn't totally "with it" when it comes to internet "speak". So I'm sometimes at a loss when you abbreviate. I'll send you a list of the ones I don't know and you can compile a glossary for me.

I, too, welcome visitors to this site and apologize for my "ramblings". You are welcome to skip over my entries. Brevity has never been one of my attributes. But I tell my family that I'm just trying to "make memories" for them.

They have encouraged me to start a blog on another site where I can ramble on to my heart's content and tell all the stories in my head and not just the ones relating to Disney. Maybe I'll meet some of you visitors there.

In the meantime, I'm here for another 5 months 3 weeks and 1 day... at least!

 

[Grandma Bonnie]

After re-reading some of your earlier comments, I have to remind you that "Mother Knows Best". I think my suggestion of driving to Memphis is going to save you Big Time Bucks. It will also give you a chance to see your grandmother again. After all, she is frail and in her ninth decade. And it will give Katie an opportunity to visit with her other grandmother and aunt who are also frail. Never pass up a chance to "touch the past."

 

[Grandma Bonnie]

Question... What's the story behind Lime Green Mickey Heads? I've tried to figure it out... unsuccessfully.

Now about "Who's Going?" .... So sorry the whole family is not going, but as I think about it, as much fun as it may seem, it would also be very stressful trying to keep up with everyone for that many days and nights. It was hard enough in the confines of the cruise ship. I can't imagine what it would be like at WDW.

I'm in favor of a stay at the beach if we can pull that off this summer. I don't see many stresses connected to that. Personally, I'll be happy to just sit and watch the waves come and go and smell the salty air as I ponder the wine, fruit, and cheese in front of me.

I'm thrilled that Caitlin is joining us for the same reasons that Susan stated. She is a sweet and gracious girl and a pleasure to have around.

In the meantime, I just have to be careful not to talk about Disney in front of Joann's kids.

 

[Grandma Bonnie]

Some random thoughts ...

Caitlin probably will get over the fear of flying if she's seated next to Katie. They'll probably sleep on the plane both ways. Teens never seem to get enough sleep.

You surely do spend a lot of time thinking about eating for someone who always seems to be on a diet! I can't wait to go b/c I'm not going to worry about a diet that week.

I was doing so well on SBD until I got to Phase 2 and until Haley spent the weekend with me. We ate lunch at Chili's and I couldn't resist the chips. And we had the molten brownie for dessert. She said, "Don't worry, Grandma. This is your one free day."

But when I got on the scales today they said, "Uh, uh, uh. too much salt, carbs and sugar this weekend. Better slow down again." Now I'm going back to Phase 1 until I lose the the couple of pounds I gained back.

 

[swwake]

Remember I'm a little old lady who isn't totally "with it" when it comes to internet "speak". So I'm sometimes at a loss when you abbreviate. I'll send you a list of the ones I don't know and you can compile a glossary for me.

I will try to post a link here, but it might be illegal. If so, I will email you a link to a good site with all the Disney acronyms.

...Brevity has never been one of my attributes.

You can say that again!

After re-reading some of your earlier comments, I have to remind you that "Mother Knows Best". I think my suggestion of driving to Memphis is going to save you Big Time Bucks. It will also give you a chance to see your grandmother again. After all, she is frail and in her ninth decade. And it will give Katie an opportunity to visit with her other grandmother and aunt who are also frail. Never pass up a chance to "touch the past."

We are looking forward to visiting Grandma and celebrating Sierra's birthday on the 8th when we get there. Maybe you should meet us there or ride along, since you share birthdays.

Question... What's the story behind Lime Green Mickey Heads? I've tried to figure it out... unsuccessfully.

My guess is that you just haven't spent enough time browsing the DIS boards. You can do a search for LGMH or fully-spelled out. Or I can just tell you. The DISers at some point decided that they wanted a way to identify themselves to each other when at the parks. So someone picked up the Mickey head paint chips (Disney brand paint) from

(the only place I know of that carries Disney paint). They decided that "Alien green" (the official color) would be the designated color because it is bright enough and unique enough to be seen and stand out. But it is really a lime green color, thus "Lime Green Mickey Heads" or LGMH. People attach them to fanny packs, luggage, backpacks and other items, clothing etc that are carried or worn to the parks. Some will put their screen name on them and others laminate them. I guess some do both.

I haven't decided yet if I have gone far enough off the deep end to wear my LGMH at the parks, but Katie and I did go to Home Depot a couple of weeks ago and "borrow" a few MH paint chips in various colors, with a stash of lime green included. (I meant to mention this in a previous post, but had forgotten to.) I hope I don't offend any die-hard DISers by indicating that me wearing LGMHs would be considered "off the deep end". I certainly don't intend to offend. I can just (quite obviously) be obsessive, and I think that will be the final indicator for me.

Now about "Who's Going?" .... So sorry the whole family is not going, but as I think about it, as much fun as it may seem, it would also be very stressful trying to keep up with everyone for that many days and nights. It was hard enough in the confines of the cruise ship. I can't imagine what it would be like at WDW.

I certainly had my share of stressing out over the schedule and where everyone was on the cruise, so I feel ya, Mama!

Caitlin probably will get over the fear of flying if she's seated next to Katie. They'll probably sleep on the plane both ways. Teens never seem to get enough sleep.

I have bought them an "activity" for on the plane. I think I told Mom, but I don't want to share here on the PTR in case they read it. It is a goofy surprise for the girls.

You surely do spend a lot of time thinking about eating for someone who always seems to be on a diet! I can't wait to go b/c I'm not going to worry about a diet that week.

Correct. This is why we diet!

 

[swwake]

Here's a picture of Caitlin that I lifted from her MySpace.

NEXT UP: CHECKING IN (ON THE PTR)

 

[irene_dsc]

My guess is that you just haven't spent enough time browsing the DIS boards. You can do a search for LGMH or fully-spelled out. Or I can just tell you. The DISers at some point decided that they wanted a way to identify themselves to each other when at the parks. So someone picked up the Mickey head paint chips (Disney brand paint) from

(the only place I know of that carries Disney paint). They decided that "Alien green" (the official color) would be the designated color because it is bright enough and unique enough to be seen and stand out. But it is really a lime green color, thus "Lime Green Mickey Heads" or LGMH. People attach them to fanny packs, luggage, backpacks and other items, clothing etc that are carried or worn to the parks. Some will put their screen name on them and others laminate them. I guess some do both.

I haven't decided yet if I have gone far enough off the deep end to wear my LGMH at the parks, but Katie and I did go to Home Depot a couple of weeks ago and "borrow" a few MH paint chips in various colors, with a stash of lime green included. (I meant to mention this in a previous post, but had forgotten to.) I hope I don't offend any die-hard DISers by indicating that me wearing LGMHs would be considered "off the deep end". I certainly don't intend to offend. I can just (quite obviously) be obsessive, and I think that will be the final indicator for me.

I think the question isn't so much as to whether you are off the deep end or not - more, whether or not you WANT to meet other DIS'ers on your trip. I didn't think my dh would be too thrilled with random people coming up to us from the DIS, so I chose to avoid lime green entirely. (One of my favorite casual sweaters is lime green and aqua stripes, believe it or not - but I didn't pack it, even tho it was really cold that first day or 2!)

 

[stagemomx3]

DH will tell you from his experience in building our house two years ago that I am not one to be comfortable with many options. For example, when it comes to what color to paint the walls in our house, he had to go to the paint store, get the color wheel, and narrow it down to three or fewer options for me to give input on. Any more than three, and I am completely overwhelmed and I think it's a waste of my time.

That is so me. We are building a house right now, and I just get overwhelmed and cranky when confronted with to many choices!

 

[Grandma Bonnie]

Oops! I goofed. Being the accountant I'm surprised that you didn't catch it. Your grandmother is in her 10th. decade.

Now some comments about your research.

I think some of the "options" are no brainers for us because we have been before.

1. ON Property.... no brainer... too convenient not to take advantage of this and it keeps the magic going 24/7.

2. FLY (even thought you have to drive to and from Memphis). Another no brainer... the hours you save in the air equal more time for magic.

3. Dining Plan.... well, I think you have toiled over this enough. And I agree with where we are on this point.

4. PARK HOPPER.... we need the flexibility with a group as diverse as ours.

5. WATER FUN .... what's the point of going to Florida, if you don't spend some time in a swimsuit?

6. DME or rental.... let's cross that bridge if we come to it.

7. WHO.... decided, done, fini!

8. WHEN.... ditto

As far as all the books you've bought... slow down, save a tree! There's just so much you can read and the more you read, the more options..... get my gist???

 

[Grandma Bonnie]

Well, it's been a good night's sleep and a few hours since I've written anything here. Still trying to catch up with your postings.

The picture of Katie and Caitlin is cute, but makes me dizzier than Alice's teacup ride. I hope they have that much energy in WDW. In the meantime, limit their caffeine.

You and Chris may prefer appetizers, but I prefer desserts. Especially if ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet, or sorbet is involved. But I seldom have enough room or appetite for dessert if the entree is good.

I wouldn't call your Disney dreams "dreams". They were more like nightmares. I haven't had any Disney dreams yet. Guess I'm not as into it as you yet. LOL LOL (Little Old Lady Laughing Out Loud)

I'm still looking forward to the KTK tour. (Did I get the acronym correct?) I am a little concerned about the girls being on their own, but they are good girls and Katie is wise beyond her years, so I think they will make good choices. And, after all, we WILL be in the same park, won't we?

As for surfing lessons at Typhoon Lagoon, count me out. I have enough trouble surfing the internet. Sounds like a good day for me to shop.

Same goes for renting me a bicycle. I'll pass on that unless they have one with three wheels and a big basket to put all the items I buy while shopping.

I'll leave the speed boating to those of you who live in the "fast lane." As for me, I'm not that much into Xtreme Sports. Wakeboarding = ditto. Remember, I'm the one who water skies on three points! Water sports are not my forte. But I love the ocean waves caressing my toes as they wiggle in the sand.

That's all for my comments on page two. Five more (at this point) to go.

 

[Grandma Bonnie]

Here I am at page three and I think of something you wrote on page two that I meant to respond to. The part re: Katie's size.

For those who don't know, but may possibly care.... Katie's height gene pot is VERY limited. I am 5'3". Her paternal grandmother is under 5 ft. Her biological father is approximately 5'6". Her maternal great grandmothers were 4'10" and 5'1". What's a girl to do?

True, her mother always looked thinner than others her age, but she never looked unhealthy. The same is true about me. I hate to admit it, but I had a nickname in junior high and high school which stays with me today when I hear from HS friends. If they could only see me now, they would never call me Beany Boney Bonnie again! Now they might call me Big Bountiful Busty Bonnie!!!

I am so happy to know that you (Susan) are going to all the trouble of planning everything for us. That used to be my job and I am glad to hand it over to you. I've officially retired from making major decisions for groups of people. You go, girl!

You know that I'll be happy with whatever you decide and that I will let you know if I don't wish to partake in any particular activities. I'm a big girl and can find something else to do to stay out of trouble.

In re: Austinites
I LOVE Austin. I want to move to Austin at some point in the future.

Now on to page 4.

 

[Grandma Bonnie]

Surprise, surprise, surprise! I don't have any new comments to any of your blogs on this page. On to page 5.

 

[Grandma Bonnie]

Page 5 responses.

My, there's a lot to respond to here!

Let's start with that picture of me and your Aunt Debbie. She would be as gray as I if she didn't color her hair once a week. I truly don't think she has ever been a "real" redhead. But I don't remember her with any other color. Obviously, I don't stretch out as well as she does. If I was as tall as she is, I'd look thinner, too. And I'm not even going to mention the plastic surgery that she's had above her neck. Oops! I just did! LOL LOL

You are correct. We never did any character meals. I couldn't afford them.

I thought we went to a restaurant at Wilderness Village when we were there for a weekend. Is this the same as WCC?

Bar-b-cue? What about Memphis bar-b-cue? We are famous all over the world for our bar-b-cue. Some say that's the whole reason FedEx was formed..... to ship out Memphis bar-b-cue!!!

If we don't eat Tonga Toast...I want the recipe. It looks absolutely sinful.

What do you mean some "very formal meals?" Am I going to have to pack heels and a dress?

Yes, yes the flowers are beautiful. They would be nice for Mother's Day. Hint. Hint.