DONE 7/28!! My Life on the DVC Blacklist - an August '09 Pre-Trip.

[askelton]

I have this and keep my makeup in it all the time.

 

[PrincessAlways]

That little voice!!!! It's a good thing you listened to it!

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

Let’s talk about exercise while on vacation.

Oh no! Not again!

Almost sounds dirty, doesn’t it?

It sounds dirty, 'cause it is dirty?

One trip, I brought a 5lb. hand weight. The only time I lifted it was whilst transporting it in the bottom of a suitcase from the house, to the car, to the hotel and back again.

Hands down, the best story EVER!

In other news, I’ve been stimulating the local economy with more pre-trip purchases. Some intentional, some, er… happy accidents.

Between you, me and TE, the economy should be on a happy high!

A few weeks ago, a little voice said “Go to Old Navy.”

OMG! I must have heard the same voice!

I’ve avoided Old Navy for years. Their stuff just hasn’t fit me well for a long time. Too long. Too narrow in some places, too baggy in others. Just made for a differently shaped body I guess.

I have to agree, I haven't been able to shop there in years. The clothes fit my oddly as well. I always look like I have a weenie.

So I went to Old Navy… and found shorts! Shorts that fit in all areas! Shorts that came in the colors I like! Shorts with stretch and lightweight cotton! Shorts on SALE!!!

Ooh! Ooh! Did you get the $5 shorts??? They're too short for my legs, but I saw those and thought you and my very petite SIL could totally wear those!

And… I found tops! Strappy tops that pass for “dressy’ in Florida! Tops that flatter and fit! Tops that were on SALE!!!

Me too!! I'm busting up over here! Although I did have to do some strap alterations... nothing major though.

I’ve been eyeballing a Vera Bradley Large Backpack for nearly a year. I just couldn’t get a handle on its size and thought it might be too big. But it has a bottle pocket on the outside. Do you have any idea how hard that is to find?!

I blame my VB addiction on you, V. You started it all.

And also this:

Love it! The backpack color is totally YOU!

Now it’s time to start thinking more about things we’d like to do, beyond rides…

How about drink champagne and eat cheese?

 

[englishrose47]

All this talk of excercise is wearing me out !!Now a good sale is another story!!! I did hit Aero last night for the girls had an upto 70% off . They found some tops they liked for Disney and I got them 6 tops for under $50 including tax!!Some how I can't convince them that WalMart is the same !!! Heck I could write Aero on them!!!!

 

[cmp1111]

But it occurred to me – I could write down the sequence of a few of the programs to follow and bring the resistance band. Leo can be watching a movie, or taking a shower, or playing with toys and I can fit in 15-20 minutes of workout in the room!

Will that really happen? We’ll see. But at least the resistance band’s a lot lighter in the suitcase than the dumbbell!

Good luck with it - but I do have to say, that you're making me think about the week long lake trip next week. The lunges, etc. don't require equipment, and the band would indeed be easy to pack...

A few weeks ago, a little voice said “Go to Old Navy.”

For the record, I seriously questioned that voice.

I’ve avoided Old Navy for years. Their stuff just hasn’t fit me well for a long time. Too long. Too narrow in some places, too baggy in others. Just made for a differently shaped body I guess.

See, yeah. I can occasionally find things that fit, but it's very hard to find things that seem age appropriate. A good pair of shorts and some strappy tops sound ideal. I always seem to go and they have all teeny-bopper stuff. I do like it for the kids, though. And sports bras, for some reason - they make the best.

Oh no! Not again!

How about drink champagne and eat cheese?

Makes me jealous, though.

 

[PrincessV]

I just ordered some stuff in that new VB pattern and I can't wait for it to get here!! I love it!

Oh, you'll love it even better in person! It wasn't even a pattern I'd have considered online - but when I saw it in-store, it was beautiful!

I too need to think about a good touring bag and am leaning towards a VB because of the softness of them - I hate itchy straps on vacation!

Exactly my issue. I have really sensitive skin and rubbing straps can actually leave marks for weeks after the trip!

If Faye or anyone else comes anywhere near us this year I may have to throw a hissy fit!

Forgive my ignorance, but why do you need the laundry bag-doesn't SSR have in room laundry?

Only in 1 and 2 bedrooms; we're in a studio, so I'll have to go to a laundry room.

You could swing your arms as you walk briskly down Main Street

Have I not mentioned the speed at which Leo moves?! There's nothing brisk about it, lol!

You're so much more organized than I am! I just use one of our empty suitcases LOL

That was my plan... but I'm afraid to leave it in the laundry room for fear of it being taken. And I plan on doing laundry while at the pool; I don't want to lug a suitcase to the pool and back. The laundry bag folds up!

Hi V!

Hey there Shannon!

Then for our recent trip to Ireland (see trip report below if interested), I bought the same large backpack that you bought but in the green and navy color (cambridge, maybe?). Anyway, it was perfect for carrying around in the airports and even for the touring. Good size, great fit. Loved it!

Awesome - I love reports from the trenches! And Ireland?! How very cool!

You know I would never have thought of trying that, glad the bag is perfect now

I'm the queen of "shrink to fit." Give me an item in 100% cotton that's not a petite... and I can transform it to fit me in 1-2 washes, lol!

Always listen to the voice.

You know it! It even started with "Pssst..."

Glad you found some good buys at Old Navy. It's a hit or miss store for us.

Isn't that funny? You'd think they'd figure out a shape that sells and stick with it.

I can longer go into Bed, Bath and Beyond as the Banker General has determined that it is hazardous to my checking account.

V, your so close to going!

I am!

Very creative solution for working out in Disney.

Well, let's see if I actually do it!

I have this and keep my makeup in it all the time.

It's a great bag!

That little voice!!!! It's a good thing you listened to it!

I love the little voice!

I have to agree, I haven't been able to shop there in years. The clothes fit my oddly as well. I always look like I have a weenie.

I think I figured it out, though... didn't they used to deal in Jr. sizes: 1,3,5,7,9, etc.? This last time everything was regular sizes: 2,4,6,8,etc.

Ooh! Ooh! Did you get the $5 shorts??? They're too short for my legs, but I saw those and thought you and my very petite SIL could totally wear those!

I did and they're the perfect length on my vertically-challenged legs, lol!

Me too!! I'm busting up over here! Although I did have to do some strap alterations... nothing major though.

Will we be twins?! I had to alter one's straps, too - cable-y double straps with little circles on the front?

I blame my VB addiction on you, V.

How about drink champagne and eat cheese?

Some how I can't convince them that WalMart is the same !!! Heck I could write Aero on them!!!!

I always seem to go and they have all teeny-bopper stuff.

Yep, there was a lot of that, too.

 

[englishrose47]

Morning V !!!

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

I think I figured it out, though... didn't they used to deal in Jr. sizes: 1,3,5,7,9, etc.? This last time everything was regular sizes: 2,4,6,8,etc.

Yes they did. Oh and I'm also loving that I am a whole size smaller at ON! Shoot, I'll take it!

Will we be twins?! I had to alter one's straps, too - cable-y double straps with little circles on the front?

D'Oh! What color(s) did you get? I got purple and green.

 

[PrincessV]

Morning V !!!

Morning Rosie!

D'Oh! What color(s) did you get? I got purple and green.

I KNEW it! Ask Gramma - I looked at that one and said "I can totally see this on T!" But I got it in brown.

 

[puggymom]

Just wanted to stop by and thank you for doing your part to stimulate the economy.

And I love the dumbell story, it still makes me giggle

As for ON, gave up on that place years ago, reading this maybe I should give it another try??? Nothing but a bunch of enablers

 

[lovealldisney]

Hey V,
Since you are all going to Disney soon thought you would like this Youtube video I just discovered! Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLOJ9HMkgAE

 

[PrincessV]

With a mere week and a half-ish to go, I thought an extra update was in order. Because I’m looking for help.

That’s right – it’s time to get you, dear reader, involved in this trip!

Remember? I want to do things a little differently this time around. And part of that approach includes trying new-to-us things. Believe it or not, despite having visiting The World hundreds of days in my lifetime, there are LOTS of rides, attractions, and experiences I’ve yet to encounter. That goes double for Leo.



We’re in a rut.



The advantage, of course, of going so often is knowing which things we enjoy most. The disadvantage is that it’s very, very easy to get into a groove in which we hit the same places over and over and over.

So, on this, our longest Disney stay yet, I am determined to mix some “new” in with the “old.” Now, I know darned well we can’t fit every untested experience in on one trip. That’s where YOU come in.

I have a few ideas of things I’d like to try. I also have a list of things about which I’m completely ambivalent. If you can, please take a few minutes and let me know if you’ve tried any of these, why you think them worth or not worth the time, and if I’m missing anything you think we’d really enjoy!

No pressure. But remember I’ll be reporting on this later.



First up: the resorts.

We’ll be at CBR for the first three nights, and I’ve got a fairly good idea as to how we’ll spend that resort time. The main pool is top of my list. Leo’s done the new pirate splash zone – complete with giant, dumping bucket of water – and loooves it! But I want him to try the actual pool, too, now that he’s a much stronger swimmer. It’s time for him to put on his big-boy pants and get his fanny down a pool slide, by golly. And CBR offers a less-intense, open-air, short slide that will serve nicely as an entry level sliding experience. There’s also a pool bar with at least one Gator fan bartender. I like it there.

Aside from the pool, I know we’ll spend some time in the gift shop – it’s Leo’s favorite. And we always enjoy a turn in a lakeside hammock, though less so in the sweltering heat of summer. What we haven’t done is rent a boat. Any boat. Ever. And I adore boating! So I think 30 minutes in a Sea Raycer is a must-do.

Once we move to SSR, a couple more possibilities open up. For sure we’ll put in some quality time at the main pool. Where I hope Leo will be willing to finally try the slide. And we really must pay a visit to the Grandstand pool – preferably with our buddies – for an all-out water war in the spray zone. Are any other quiet pools worth a visit?

In all of our SSR stays, we’ve yet to use its boat transportation. I plan on taking the boat to Downtown Disney at least once, and maybe even pool hop to OKW. We’ve never done any DVC-sanctioned pool-hopping either.

Leo’s been raised without video games. I’m not passing judgment; it just wasn’t something I’ve ever enjoyed and couldn’t see spending money on for a toddler/pre-schooler. But now that Leo’s 7, he’s getting a little interested in gaming, and I’m fairly okay with that. We play with our Wii a lot because it’s so bloody hot here in summer; it’s nice to do something active together minus the heat stroke. Leo also has a Vsmile game thingy on which he occasionally plays some educational games. So trust me when I say that neither of us has any decent gaming skills. I thought an hour in the SSR arcade might be fun for something new… but am I fooling myself?! Is there a remote possibility they’ll have anything two people with little to no gaming proficiency can do and enjoy? (Read: anything that won’t leave V so frustrated she kicks the game and utters words unsuitable for young ears?)




Moving on – Magic Kingdom

Okay, this is embarrassing. When I first began considering “new” experiences, each item I listed involved food. Perhaps my diet’s a bit too]/I] restricted as of late?! Anyway, you’ll notice quite a few food experiences as I continue…

I can’t wait to get my hands on another Main St. Bakery cinnamon roll. Minus the Pina Colava chaser this time. But, would you believe I’ve never spent time in the Main St. Confectionary? True, I stopped in once to find something resembling a cough drop when I had a cold, but I didn’t linger. I’d like to check it out this time and maybe bring back some interesting candy items. What’s good?

Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade. This, from possibly the biggest gun control advocate on the planet. Oh, the irony. Here’s the story: my dad brought me there when I first visited the MK at Leo’s age. One of my most vivid memories of that trip, I clearly recollect perching by my waist on the edge of the counter, precariously balancing a rifle several inches taller then me on my shoulder. My fingers weren’t strong enough to pull the trigger and my aim was the pits. But I’ll never forget the hilarity that ensued as Dad helped me shoot and made hysterical and sometimes inappropriate remarks about the shenanigans that occurred as each target was hit. Good, good times! I’d like to relive that a little and give Leo a chance to form his own memory there. I’m just hoping I’m now taller than the rifles.




Next up – Epcot

~ sigh ~

Dear old Epcot. I miss its old days, when the focus was education. EP did such a stupendous job of providing historical perspective, current innovation, and a look into the future – all in one place. I was reminded of this when Leo brought a Popular Science article to my attention the other day. Yes, the child “reads” Popular Science. Gramma’s a nurse and has a client who subscribes to it; he sends her home with issues he’s already read. Anyway, Leo wanted me to help him read an article on some up-and-coming submersible technology. It was pretty neat; manned submarines are soon to go deeper than ever and who knows what they’ll see! What made me sad was that THIS is the kind of information you’d once have learned at the Living Seas. In Epcot. Now, it’s the same tired aquariums with a fun, but utterly lacking in educational direction, Nemo ride thrown in.

I’m glad Spaceship Earth still delivers on the past/present/future theme, though I miss Jeremy Irons’ voice. Test Track fails completely on that front, as does Soarin’. I haven’t been on Mission: Space yet, but I’m guessing it doesn’t do much to explain what came first in space exploration, either.

All of this to say – Epcot’s not the draw it once was for me. And that makes me really sad. Still, there are some things we’ve yet to try and I’m game for adding them to my list.

For instance, neither Leo nor I have seen the Circle of Life movie. Anyone have some thoughts on that?

We’ve also spent precious little time in Innoventions, and there are some things there I think might be fun. The Piggy Bank Adventure sounds right up our alley, as I’m trying to prime Leo now for a lifetime of responsible budgeting. Slap Stick Studios (the Velcro thing) sounds interesting, too. One thing we absolutely will NOT check out is the StormStruck exhibit. I’d like to check it out some time, but without Leo. Hurricane season is a big, big deal for us, living less than 5 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. We prepare every year and have had to evacuate several times. We rode out a Category 2 hurricane once. It’s a very scary topic for sensitive little minds. Leo understands well that a time could possibly come when we have to go away to be safe, but our house might not make it; he doesn’t need any extra scariness thrown in on that subject.

World Showcase. Land of many delicious experiences. I must stock up on gingerbread men from Germany and I need to replenish my sake stock in Japan. But I’ve yet to set foot in the Norwegian bakery, so I’d like to check that out. And we haven’t visited the Boulangerie in quite a while. The American Adventure requires a long-overdue visit; we haven’t been in there since Leo was 4 months old!



Don’t forget – MGM

This is not Leo’s favorite place. But he does know its rightful name – MGM.

It’s not really my favorite place either, and there really isn’t anything “new” to us to try. Leo won’t go near half the rides. He’s never had any interest in the Beauty and the Beast show. But a must-stop will be the Writer’s Stop, where I’ll stockpile black & white Mickey cookies. Can you think of anything that isn’t a ride or show, besides the animation tour and One Man’s Dream (already on Leo’s list) that we should check out?


Ugh, and Animal Kingdom

I still can’t believe I agreed to put so much as a hair in this place in freaking August. So help me – we’re not doing ANYthing beyond what Leo really wants to ride this trip. However, we’ll be back there in cooler times, so hit me with your best shots!




I think that pretty much covers it. We’ll be at DTD too, but I honestly can’t think of anything we haven’t experienced there. I’d like to say we’ll try some mini-golf, but August isn’t a great time for that. I’ll save that one for December.

Okay guys… your turn! What other considerations would you recommend?

 

[lisalonglash]

Sorry, V, we've only been once before and were focussed on the rides, really. I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time

O/T - I'm now following you on Twitter I signed up because my 10yo son wanted to Twitter with the Endeavour Commander in space (and he has, TWICE! Too cool for words!) and then remembered that you Twitter too

 

[Wonders10]

I definitely no the feeling of being in a "Disney-rut". I feel like I'm in one at the moment. I don't have too much to offer you opinion wise, but I will offer these thoughts:

Arcade for non-gamers - I used video games when I was a kid. Old school Nintendo. I dabble here and there on my niece and nephew's games, but I am by far a pro. That being said, I always have a great time playing around the arcade with my niece and nephew when they are with me. They are pretty easy to maneuver games. I'm ashamed to admit that I might have told a little white lie that I only had 2 tokens left, when I actually had 4. I wouldn't make a special trip there, but there always seemed to be at least one time during our trip when it wasn't quite bed time but it was too late to do anything else. I say, go for it!

Main St. Confectionary - I don't think I have ever bought anything here either, but the fudge always looks soooo yummy. Not sure if it is or not. And I have made it a self-tradition to always get a rice crispy mickey with chocolate ears on every trip to take home. They sell them at the confectionary...

Innoventions - They used to (as in 1-2 years ago) have a section about plastic. You could build a robot on the computer, race it and then build a real plastic robot to take home. A free toy! I thought it was fun and my niece/nephew loved it! Not sure if they still do it though. I am pretty sure it was innoventions west though...

Circle of Life movie - Honestly, I didn't care for it. It wasn't bad and it did have A/C and fairly comfortable seats, but nothing spectacular stood out for me. And that darn Circle of Life song always makes me cry so I tend to avoid anything Lion King related.

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

Once we move to SSR, a couple more possibilities open up. For sure we’ll put in some quality time at the main pool. Where I hope Leo will be willing to finally try the slide. And we really must pay a visit to the Grandstand pool – preferably with our buddies – for an all-out water war in the spray zone. Are any other quiet pools worth a visit?

Now that sounds like FUN!

World Showcase. Land of many delicious experiences. I must stock up on gingerbread men from Germany and I need to replenish my sake stock in Japan. But I’ve yet to set foot in the Norwegian bakery, so I’d like to check that out.

Do NOT eat the School bread! Blech!!!

And we haven’t visited the Boulangerie in quite a while.

CHEESE!!!!

Don’t forget – MGM

This is not Leo’s favorite place. But he does know its rightful name – MGM.

It’s not really my favorite place either, and there really isn’t anything “new” to us to try. Leo won’t go near half the rides. He’s never had any interest in the Beauty and the Beast show. But a must-stop will be the Writer’s Stop, where I’ll stockpile black & white Mickey cookies. Can you think of anything that isn’t a ride or show, besides the animation tour and One Man’s Dream (already on Leo’s list) that we should check out?

No ToT? Will he ride if Maddie rides??


Your WDW experiences sound like my DLR/DCA adventures. Sometimes it's not good to live so close to the magic. I know we often forget to stop and smell some different roses.

 

[KatGarcia]

I was planning on the same sort of list of things we haven't done for this trip as well. I wanna def see about trying some new things, if only a few.

One of the only things I can comment on is the Norway bakery. I LOVE it. We love school bread (even tho it shrunk in past years) and the sweet pretzels are yummy, also the rice cream. Do I like sweets or what?

We are having a similar debate over AK. I am curious to see what other people say about that.

 

[PrincessAlways]

I know what you mean about trying new things. There ARE things you never do. Well....ok here you go.....my thoughts.

The boat from SSR to DTD...I wasn't impressed. I think the reason was that it seemed to be inconveniently located. Unlike OKW, it seems to be "out of the way". That said, it's the same little ride to DTD. Oh, don't know if you're aware, but the dock is now at the other side of DTD.
Arcade...We tried the new one in the Contemporaray. My nieces would've stayed there all day!

MK...I've never tried the Shootin' Arcade either! How about the Riverboat or Tom Sawyer's Island?

EPCOT...I enjoyed the little Circle of Life movie. It is educational. You can always find something you didn't do in Innoventions. Have you ever heard the "Beatles" group in England? They're very good.

MGM...I think you covered it!

AK...NOOOOOO not in August!!

 

[jcc0621]

Moving on – Magic Kingdom
Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade. This, from possibly the biggest gun control advocate on the planet. Oh, the irony.

I feel the same way V. Remember I am very involved in Gun COurt here. However, I have let Jimmy play the shoot em up kind of games, etc. We just talk and remind him that it is all make believe, that guns aren't toys, etc.

Next up – Epcot

What about Kim Possible?

he doesn’t need any extra scariness thrown in on that subject.

Completely understandable

Don’t forget – MGM

This is not Leo’s favorite place. But he does know its rightful name – MGM.

I'm with Leo on this one. ANd good boy on the name

Can you think of anything that isn’t a ride or show, besides the animation tour and One Man’s Dream (already on Leo’s list) that we should check out?

Lights Motor Action Stunt Show

Ugh, and Animal Kingdom

How much is T paying you to go against your no AK in August

Okay guys… your turn! What other considerations would you recommend?

Nope, can't think of anything!

You are so close

 

[debraW76]

First up: the resorts.

We’ll be at CBR for the first three nights, and I’ve got a fairly good idea as to how we’ll spend that resort time. The main pool is top of my list. Leo’s done the new pirate splash zone – complete with giant, dumping bucket of water – and loooves it! But I want him to try the actual pool, too, now that he’s a much stronger swimmer. It’s time for him to put on his big-boy pants and get his fanny down a pool slide, by golly. And CBR offers a less-intense, open-air, short slide that will serve nicely as an entry level sliding experience. There’s also a pool bar with at least one Gator fan bartender. I like it there.
haha!



I think the pool ideas and the boat sounds awesome! Do you have to have a boat liscense to rent the sea racers?

Don't you get free arcade time with the vacation package purchase? If so then I say def go to the arcade. If not then I wouldn't bother if neither of you are gamers. JMO.


Moving on – Magic Kingdom

I haven't spent a lot of time on main street either. I guess if I were trying something new at MK that is what mine would be.


Next up – Epcot

EPCOT...hmmmm. How about visiting the bathrooms in every country and taking a picture

Don’t forget – MGM

I dont know if there is much here we haven't done either. Have you tried the magic of animation? I know Leo wouldn't go for the HSM show

Ugh, and Animal Kingdom

HAHA! Not a fan of AK? Have you been to conservation station? It is a large air conditioned building !

V, all of those sound great! I like trying something new each trip. I have tried almost everything but my little ones have not.

Have you done the pressed pennies? Once I took Chi and Omicron to US and had no money for souvineers so we did all the pressed pennies we could find. It was inexpensive and a lot of fun for the kids. Plus most of the quarters and pennies were donated by gramma After every ride they immediately went on the hunt for the PP machine! Great memories!

 

[Sooze]

First up: the resorts.

So I think 30 minutes in a Sea Raycer is a must-do.

REALLY!? You've never been in one of these!? We LOVE them! It's very 'free-ing' to ride in them an go explore parts of the lakes and lagoons that the big ol' boats don't get to. I highly recommend!! Forgive me for not being sure... but if you are DVC members (I'm embarrassed that I forget!), you get a discount on renting these!

Are any other quiet pools worth a visit?

Don't bother going to the Paddock/Carousel quiet pool... lame!

Is there a remote possibility they’ll have anything two people with little to no gaming proficiency can do and enjoy? (Read: anything that won’t leave V so frustrated she kicks the game and utters words unsuitable for young ears?)

We are totally not video gamers, either, but have a great time in the arcades. We haven't been in a while, but the times we did go, we had a good time!

Next up – Epcot

We’ve also spent precious little time in Innoventions, and there are some things there I think might be fun.

Timandlesley just described the new 'waste' game. They really loved it and it was quite interactive and, yes, educational!!

How about Voices of Liberty in the American Pavillion? They are AMAZING and they only sing for about 10-15 minutes, so little ones (and big ones who don't enjoy acapella excellence) don't get bored!

Have you tried the Kim Possible thingy? I have heard GREAT things about it, though I can't vouch for any of them!

Don’t forget – MGM
Can you think of anything that isn’t a ride or show, besides the animation tour and One Man’s Dream (already on Leo’s list) that we should check out?

You guys have done LMA, right? Is he into visiting characters? Could you take him into the animation area where he could see the UP characters or Incredibles? How about the drawing class? Not interested in seeing an American Idol show?

Ugh, and Animal Kingdom

I still can’t believe I agreed to put so much as a hair in this place in freaking August. So help me – we’re not doing ANYthing beyond what Leo really wants to ride this trip.

FINDING NEMO, the MUSICAL!!!!

How about playing in the Boneyard area? Does he like that? There are some nice shady spots with fans that you could find to help cool off.

Good luck, V!!!