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

[Grandma Bonnie]

Don't worry about my going Commando....my name is not Britney! But I would like to join Katie and Caitlin in the elevator game......I love group hugs!

 

[swwake]

I have been very busy at work this week. I leave at 0'dark-thirty tomorrow for New Orleans and will be there for the weekend. Mom will be here next week, so we will probably do lots of "offline" planning and talking about the trip. So I may not be posting regularly.

One thing I'd like to do when I have some time is re-evaluate the DDP. A friend asked me for my spreadsheets and we found some errors. If we weren't doing so many 2-TS meals, it would probably be an easy decision, but since we are, it's not so easy.

The spreadsheet currently shows a $50 per person savings if we do the DDP. That is $200 for us and $50 for Mom. I am thinking that level of savings would be worth it. But we have to consider how likely we are to do ALL of our TS meals that we have ADRs for. I just have a feeling we may cancel one or more.

Not sure though, I love them all.

Lots of my DIS buddies whose PTRs I have been following are leaving for their trips in the next week. I am envious!! In only 5 months it will be us!!

 

[dddisrunner]

I have issued a dare to Katie and Caitlin to do each of these at least once on our WDW vacation.

22 Annoying Things to do in an Elevator
1 Crack open your briefcase or handbag, peer Inside and ask "Got enough air in there?"
2 Stand silent and motionless in the corner facing the wall without getting off.
3 When arriving at your floor, grunt and strain to yank the doors open, then act as if you're embarrassed when they open themselves.
4 Greet everyone with a warm handshake and ask him or her to call you Admiral.
5 Meow occasionally.
6 Stare at another passenger for a while. Then announce in horror: "You're one of THEM" - and back away slowly.
7 Say - 'DING' at each floor.
8 Say "I wonder what all these do?" And push all the red buttons.
9 Make explosion noises when anyone presses a button.
10 Stare, grinning at another passenger for a while, then announce: "I have new socks on."
11 When the elevator is silent, look around and ask: "Is that your beeper?"
12 Try to make personal calls on the emergency phone.
13 Draw a little square on the floor with chalk and announce to the other passengers: "This is my personal space."
14 When there's only one other person in the elevator, tap them on the shoulder, then pretend it wasn't you.
15 Push the buttons and pretend they give you a shock. Smile, and go back for more.
16 Ask if you can push the button for other people but push the wrong ones.
17 Hold the doors open and say you're waiting for your friend. After a while, let the doors close and say "Hi Greg, How's your day been?"
18 Drop a pen and wail until someone reaches to help pick it up, then scream: "That's mine!"
19 Bring a camera and take pictures of everyone in the elevator.
20 Pretend you're a flight attendant and review emergency procedures and exits with the passengers.
21 Swat at flies that don't exist,
22 Call a "Group hug" then enforce it.

She accepted the dare.

is all I can say! I CANNOT WAIT to hear how this turns out!

Don't worry about my going Commando....my name is not Britney! But I would like to join Katie and Caitlin in the elevator game......I love group hugs!

You people are HYSTERICAL! Can I come on YOUR trip

I have been very busy at work this week. I leave at 0'dark-thirty tomorrow for New Orleans and will be there for the weekend. Mom will be here next week, so we will probably do lots of "offline" planning and talking about the trip. So I may not be posting regularly.

One thing I'd like to do when I have some time is re-evaluate the DDP. A friend asked me for my spreadsheets and we found some errors. If we weren't doing so many 2-TS meals, it would probably be an easy decision, but since we are, it's not so easy.

The spreadsheet currently shows a $50 per person savings if we do the DDP. That is $200 for us and $50 for Mom. I am thinking that level of savings would be worth it. But we have to consider how likely we are to do ALL of our TS meals that we have ADRs for. I just have a feeling we may cancel one or more.

Not sure though, I love them all.

Lots of my DIS buddies whose PTRs I have been following are leaving for their trips in the next week. I am envious!! In only 5 months it will be us!!

Have a safe trip to New Orleans! Funny you said O dark thirty that is one of my moms faves. Susan, you have time to ponder the dining plan decision, sit with it awhile and see how you feel about it in a few weeks!

 

[swwake]

: You people are HYSTERICAL! Can I come on YOUR trip

The more the merrier, we say! Come along! Bring the kids! Just no behaving like Britney around us!

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

I shared your "22 annoying things to do in the Elevator" list with my family. We laughed to hard because my DH would actually do some of those things.

I plan on sharing them with my 6th grade class this week. Big testing time coming up, and we need to laugh.

Have a safe trip.

 

[swwake]

I shared your "22 annoying things to do in the Elevator" list with my family. We laughed to hard because my DH would actually do some of those things.

I plan on sharing them with my 6th grade class this week. Big testing time coming up, and we need to laugh.

OK you sound like an awesome teacher. I'm not sure a large percentage would think of their kids going through the hard testing needing a laugh. I am curious to hear how well the elevator tips go over. Sounds like lots of fun and a great age range for those tips.

I will let you guys know in my trip report next August how the elevator hijinks go in WDW.

 

[swwake]

Alright now. I MUST post what I have been going through this weekend. This will stray a little off-topic, but it is highly relevant to the planning of our trip.

I have now been on South Beach Diet for almost 2 months. Since January 13th. I have had a few occasions where I have gone off course a little. About once a week I indulge in a girl scout cookie, or two (ok then three), or I might have bread with my Italian dinner at Rocco's. But I am still steadily losing weight and really enjoying fitting into my smaller clothes and having to pack away some of my larger ones. It is just a great feeling.

A couple of nice things happened yesterday. I flew from Austin to New Orleans yesterday morning. The first flight (AUS-HOU) was full. I was a "C". So I got a middle seat. I passed by the first one I saw and this nice lady tapped me on the shoulder. She said "excuse me - do you want this seat next to me?" I gladly accepted and when I sat down she said "Well someone was going to sit here and I'm happy for it to be a skinny person". Oh my that was a HUGE compliment. I thanked her immensely.

Then I got to our hotel and Dad met me and brought me to the room. When I saw Sierra (step-mom), she gave me a hug and said "wow! you look GREAT!" I thanked her and she asked me how much weight I have lost. It feels so good and is so reassuring.

So...enough gloating. On with the story. When planning the quick New Orleans weekend, I decided that I would "break" the diet for the weekend. You know, the jambalaya, pasta, etouffe, all the good stuff is here. Not to mention Hurricanes and other alcohol-infused delights - and complimentary drinks while at the casino...wow!

Yesterday, we had Pat O'Brien's. I had gumbo and the Cancun Shrimp. Well, the gumbo was great, but that really didn't break diet much. There was a small spoonful of white rice (off diet) in there, and I'd say the sausage was borderline (high in fat?). But seafood and broth is clearly on the diet. The Cancun shrimp, I was looking so forward to. It is coconut shrimp battered in Pat O's pina colada mix with a fruit sauce. Sounds wonderful! In fact it was wonderful. Just not as bad for you as it sounded. The batter was very thin, just enough to get a flavor. Not much coconut in there at all, so it wasn't as bad for you as any "normal" battered and fried shrimp. The fruit sauce wasn't syrupy or overly sweet, and had chunks of real fruit in it. Also, it was probably under an ounce. Again, allowed on the SBD as a carb, and not so bad for me. So that was alright. I enjoyed it and didn't even veer much off diet.

Later, we were between the French Market and the hotel and we stopped at Cafe du Monde for some hot cocoa and beignets. At the time I was still stuffed from lunch, but the hot cocoa warmed me up. We ordered one order (of 3) and we each ate 1. This was delish and hit the spot, but it filled me up for the full rest of the day. I know both of these items are off-diet. But when we have been to Cafe du Monde every time in the past, I've had at least a full order of beignets all to myself. No way I could do that now on this smaller stomach! That's good news!

Ok so here's the clincher. Last night for dinner, we had comped buffets. We went in and I took a tour to scan what's available. That dessert bar in the center had everything under the sun - including german chocolate cake, brownies, chocolate mousse, and a - what?! - chocolate fountain!! Heaven, I tell you! (Everyone knows I am a certified chocoholic) So I am truly looking forward to the dessert bar at this time.

So I have completed my scan and I start with a tiny amount of salad. I leave off the carrots because they are off-diet and not worth it to me. I put some light Italian dressing on lettuce and a cherry tomato. Then I picked me up some shrimpies. Peel-'em-and-eat-'em. A Dad and Susie special! Still on-diet. Now, I spied some brown sugar glazed baby carrots - clearly off-diet - and pulled about 7 of them for my enjoyment. Then I put a nice little sliver of garlic toast (off-diet) from the Italian bar on my plate. At the carving station, I picked up a small piece of ham (lean - on-diet). There was fried catfish and mashed potatoes with gravy. They wouldn't fit on my plate at the time, but I was so looking forward to these. I would go back for a second plate after this one.

Sat down, ate the small helping of salad, took a bite (1/2) of a baby carrot. Hmmm...interesting. This is good, I thought to myself, but not as good as I wanted it to be. Have you ever had that feeling? So at that point I'm like - it's not worth it. No more carrots. Move them to the side of the plate. Ate my ham (about half of it), and the garlic bread - now this was an indulgence. I loved that one. That's my only REAL cheat here. Time to go back for the mashed taters and gravy, catfish (yum!). But guess what? I was not interested in them. They just didn't entice me at all. so I didn't pick them up.

Now I picked up a dessert plate and circled the massive dessert bar. Hmmm...let's start with the chocolate fountain. The gentleman will skewer up some cherries and strawberries and let the fountain pour milk chocolate bliss all over them. Yummmyyyyy! But there's a line. Worth the wait? Let me look around a bit more.

German chocolate cake? Not sounding so great. I picked up a macaroon - I LOVE coconut. I saw these cute little balls of something brown, rolled in green, purple and gold Mardi-Gras sprinkles. I MUST try one of these! They look like they have chocolate in them! Got the smallest one - just in case it wasn't great. Picked up one chocolate chip cookie (I really miss these - especially when they come with oatmeal in them), which looked strangely like a Soft Batch cookie right out of the package. I picked up a brownie (certified chocoholics cannot pass up brownies, ya know), but it was iced and I really don't care for iced brownies. I prefer the flaky crustiness on top. Still, I picked it up. Inside the case? Eclairs - yum! Chocolate mousse - yum! But as I studied them waiting for the kind lady to ask me what I wanted and deliver from the case, they sort of turned into looking like .... hmmm...maybe like a piece of stale white bread or something. That's the only analogy I can think of. You know, probably tasty enough, if you need something, but I can live without it. So I passed on anything else. Back around to the chocolate fountain - nahh, the strawberries aren't looking so fresh, and if I'm going to do chocolate, I prefer DARK chocolate - they had none of that.

So now to the table with my 4-item small plate. Macaroon - one bite - check! Lovely! What's that little sprinkled ball? I took a bite of it and I guess it was a truffle. But far too much of a coffee taste. I'll leave the rest on the plate. Poor little ball of Mardi Gras fun... Too bad I didn't like you at all. Let's taste the cookie. Yep, straight out of the package. Room temperature, not fresh-from-the-oven. Not at all worth it. The brownie? I forked off a corner and let it melt in my mouth. A little dry, but just your average brownie other than that. I took one more bite thinking maybe I was mistaken. Nope, average brownie.

So I looked up at Dad and Sierra and it all dawned on me. None of this is so great. I don't think it was that the food was bad. It was a really nice buffet and the food seemed really good and well-prepared. Dad and Sie loved it and were quite satisfied. It's just that after all the build-up of thinking "I am going off-diet this weekend and I'm going to enjoy these things I have been missing so much", nothing was satisfying whatsoever. I just couldn't believe it. I was disappointed.

How does this relate to WDW and my PTR? You see, I have spent hours upon hours studying online reviews, the Zagat guide, and food porn for all these fabulous restaurants in WDW. I have painstakingly made all the ADRs so that we will get to enjoy the best in "fine" dining, having in mind all these off-diet indulgences that I'm looking so forward to. The desserts look amazing! I just can't wait!

Well, after this weekend's attempt to go off-diet, I am not sure how this will turn out. It's just really a weird thing - I'm not sure it's disappointment. I can't think of the adjective. I think there is something about this SBD that makes you really not enjoy all those things that are not-so-good for you. Dr Agatson says in the book that the first two weeks will cure your sugar addiction. I didn't really believe it, but now I think I do. Those starches and carbs just aren't as flavorful as I want them to be. I can easily pass on them now.

So I'm sure the meals at WDW will still be wonderful. But I guess I probably won't be ordering all the carbs and starches and sugars and desserts that I previously thought I would order. There's nothing wrong with that. And nothing wrong with my shrinking waistline and the fact that I am going to HAVE to go shopping next weekend to get some smaller clothes. But I just can't pinpoint the feeling. I've never had this feeling before. I think this is the best diet ever. Not "best ever" as in I'm really excited about it. But best ever as in - it's really something I can live with.

In fact, at this point, I am worried about what will happen when I reach goal weight. (Who worries about that?) I don't want to get to too low of a weight. How am I going to add back enough carbs or calories to keep from losing more weight from that point and to maintain? I have no idea. I guess I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. And I don't think it's a bad problem to have.

I kinda feel like I'm looking a gift horse in the mouth, as the saying goes. Weird melancholy. Oh well, I'll get past it. I have to apologize for the length of my rant, but I think it is important to get it journaled. Therapeutic? Yes.

Thanks for reading.

 

[Grandma Bonnie]

Oh, don't worry, My Dear Daughter. Mother will be happy to eat your carbs and sweets in WDW for you!

You see, I'm on the same diet and have hit a plateau this week. Sneaking a carb here and a sugar there will do it when you're my age.

But not to fear...Mama Dear will be arriving in Austin tomorrow for you to monitor my SBD for a week. (Wonder if I'll lose any pounds while I'm there.)

We'll keep all you disfriends and readers informed at a later date.

 

[AnnieDan_Artlover]

Hi Swwake (and Grandma Bonnie!),
love your PTR!

I must say, your elevator dare list made me laugh so hard!
But you're so mean! I can't believe you can dare your own daughter to do such things!... What's worst, I can't believe your daughter accepted!!!
Oh, some of the dares are OK and would (sorry, will) fit well in WDW, like the group hug thing... But some others... As a shy person, I just can't imagine!

I guess that's why the Adventurer's Club, 50's Prime Time Café and Whispering Canyon Café aren't places we want to try...

I also wanted to tell you : your dogs are sooo cute!
I, too always loved animals. I'm right now writing with my cat in my arms (yep, and it's not easy, but I don't have the heart to make her leave!). I alway lived in what used to be a farm, and had cats, dogs, fishes, bunnies and a hamster... Usually more than one animal at a time. Sadly right now it's only my dear cat... I'd love to have a beagle, but my parents (with whom I need to live because I can't live alone anymore because of illness) don't want a dog... I'm still hoping (and trying hard to convince them!).

I'll stay tuned!

 

[carissanboys]

Following you over from my TR

It may take me a bit to get caught up since I have that stinkin' final paper to finish up today (and groceries), but I will get there eventually!

 

[dddisrunner]

Susan, I wish I would have read your post about a 1/2 hour earlier than I did last night First of all let me say Congrats on your epiphany! I really think mindset is the KEY to maintaining weight loss and a healthy lifestyle.....Now if I could only get there I am desperately trying to lose just 5-10 pounds before our trip and I have been doing really well....until last night I went to the grocery store to buy garlic and onions for my dinner tonight and they had a display of freshly baked Irish Soda Bread, which is my FAVE I bought it and said 1 small sliver each day will be fine.............Well needless to say one small sliver led to one small HALF OF THE DANG LOAF and then about 15 minutes later I read your post and wanted to PUKE So good for you on making such good choices Rest assured your post will be in my head now whenever I think of going off track!
Diane

 

[irene_dsc]

That's so wonderful about your SBD epiphany! Dh did it for a while, but it got hard because the kids are all about carbs, so it was too hard to just keep them all out of the house. (Ok, I love me some carbs, too.) But, he did start making some delicious sourdough bread (which counts for the diet) - definitely a useful skill!

 

[carissanboys]

I'm caught up!

How awesome that we get two for the price of one in this PTR! Love Grandma's comments and experience

Do you think you'll really go to Australia at some point? Let me know if you have any questions since we lived there for three years and did quite a bit of traveling. I am 100% in love with the country/continent and would move back there in a second.

I'm so excited for you that you're eating at Raglan Road!!! That was by far my favorite meal of our last trip. Have you eaten there before?

Can't wait for more...

 

[Bonelady]

I'm enjoying your TR..l Her are the recipes for Tonga Toast and DOLE Whip

INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 loaf sourdough bread (8 inches long)
• 2 bananas, peeled
• 1 quart canola oil, for frying
PREPARATION:
1. Mix the sugar and cinnamon with a fork until thoroughly blended; set aside.
2. Slice the bread into four 2-inch-thick slices.
3. Cut each banana in half crosswise, then each piece lengthwise.
4. Place a bread slice flat on the counter and tear out just enough from the middle (do not tear all the way through) to stuff half a banana into it; repeat with each slice of bread.
5. In a large pot or deep fryer, heat the oil to 350 degrees F; use a candy thermometer to make certain the oil doesn't get any hotter, or it will burn.
6. Gently place one bread slice into the oil for 1 minute, or until light brown.
7. Turn and fry for another minute on the other side.
8. Remove bread from the pot and toss it in the sugar and cinnamon mixture.
9. Repeat for each piece.


Disney Dole Whip

Pineapple 'dole" whips

Prep: 10 min.

Freeze: 3 hrs.

Makes: 8 servings

2 cans (20 oz. each) DOLE Crushed Pineapple

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons lime juice

1/3 cup sugar

1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries, mini marshmallow or mini chocolate chips, (optional)

1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, whipped

Drain pineapple; reserve 2 tablespoons juice. Set aside.

Place pineapple, lemon juice, lime juice, sugar and reserved pineapple juice in blender or food processor container. Cover; blend until smooth. Stir in cherries or marshmallow or chips, if desired.

Pour into two 1-quart freezer zipped bags. Store bags flat in freezer. Freeze about 1-1/2 hours or until slushy.

Stir gently pineapple slush into whipped cream until just blended, in large bowl. Return to freezer until completely frozen, about 1 hour. Serve.

 

[Grandma Bonnie]

Hey Everyone, I made it to Austin via the big silver bird yesterday. So I am now at Susan's home and guess what we did last night........yep, we watched several "saved" episodes from the Travel Channel about WDW!!! What else would you expect with Susan at the controls....remote, that is.

I am so happy to hear from you fellow "dissers" that you enjoy my writings. I have to admit that I am a frustrated writer at heart.

I have to share with you that my personal goal is to lose weight and exercise more so I will be "in shape" (Lord, knows I have a shape, it's just not the one I ordered!) for our WDW trip. So I've been on the SBDiet, too, and have been losing pounds, but haven't been checking the inches.

Great news! Today Katie and I went shopping at a beautiful mall in Austin as well as a couple of other shopping areas and when I was trying on jeans and sweaters, I had to keep going down in sizes. I no longer wear XL sweaters. Yea! And my jeans size is down two sizes. Whoopty do!! And Katie, being new at the driving experience, would park far away from the entrances, (because it's easier if you can park in TWO spaces.) She asked me if I minded walking so far. I told her that three months ago I would have been winded, but today ...... not even a huff nor a puff!!! ZIPPIDEE DO DAH!!!!!!!!

And one last thing.....thanks for the recipes. I am going to keep them in my cookbook, but I have promised myself that I am not going to make Tonga Toast nor Dole Pineapple Whips until after I have tasted "the REAL ones" at WDW. (I can't believe that I am so committed to this diet. I think having a goal like "feeling good and keeping up with the kiddos at WDW is what is doing it for me.)

Well, that's about all I report at this time. Tomorrow Katie and I are going to hit the Outlet Stores. Bring on the smaller sizes!!!!

 

[carissanboys]

I'm starting SBD today We can have our own mini support group here

 

[Grandma Bonnie]

I'm starting SBD today We can have our own mini support group here

Good 4 U, Carissa!
Remember that the first two weeks (Phase 1) are the hardest. And I would surmise that with three growing boys in your house, it will be difficult. Do whatever you can to avoid the temptation....set a goal for yourself and remember Susan and I are here for moral support.

Chris and I cooked together for last night's dinner. We had salmon, broiled tomatoes and salad. Delicious, filling, and healthy. (and all on the SBD)

Good luck and You Go, Girl !

 

[carissanboys]

Good 4 U, Carissa!
Remember that the first two weeks (Phase 1) are the hardest. And I would surmise that with three growing boys in your house, it will be difficult. Do whatever you can to avoid the temptation....set a goal for yourself and remember Susan and I are here for moral support.

Chris and I cooked together for last night's dinner. We had salmon, broiled tomatoes and salad. Delicious, filling, and healthy. (and all on the SBD)

Good luck and You Go, Girl !

Thanks Bonnie It's always a huge help to have others for support. I've done SB before and it's not that hard in our house actually. I don't buy much junk food (if any) because I've learned over the years that I have zero willpower so there's no sense tempting myself. I lost 20 lbs right before we moved back to the states from Australia, but between the traveling and living with family for 6 weeks, I lost my motivation and gained back all of the weight. But, I've lost 5 somehow so only 15 to get back to where I was

Your dinner last night sounds delish!

 

[Grandma Bonnie]

Katie and I went shopping at an Outlet Mall today and I felt even better than yesterday when I got measured and learned that I've lost 2 inches in the "chest" (I'm afraid the 4 letter b word may be censored here.) But I was surprised to learn that although I lost inches, I gained a cup size! Go figure!

There was a Disney Store in the Outlet Mall. So we bought some Disney shirts to wear when we go to WDW. I bought one for Susan, too. I wanted to buy one for Chris (Dude), but they didn't have any POC ones in adult sizes. I also bought Susan a Minnie Mouse Placemat, plate and bowl.

Katie said, "Grandma, save your money. She won't use them." I said, "She will, if I tell her to!" I'm hoping she'll take them to work and use them in the Break Room.

I'll let her add to this to let us know if she is truly a Disney Freak and uses the "dinnerwear."

 

[dddisrunner]

Bonnie, it sounds like you and Katie are having a wonderful time. You must love spending special time with her! By the way if Susan doesn't want the placemat and such I would be happy to take them off her hands!
Diane

Susan, I hope all is well and that you had a safe trip home!
Diane