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

[askelton]

we have a pool not 15 steps from our front door! But. It doesn’t have

a bar.

How perfect would our pools be then?

 

[PrincessV]

I too like the Med salad at pinnocc,its funny cause I was telling a friend and also used the word "fresh" to describe it

It was, though, wasn't it?! I think I exclaimed over those tomatos at least 20 times.

have you seen the wait time apps for WDW.Its still new and is updated by users. I just got it to try for $0.99
Ill get the name if you want it.

Oooo, I'm intrigued!

My DH wants me to get a blackberry but I am afraid of having another addiction.

It's baaaaaad, trust V!

How perfect would our pools be then?

Beyond perfect!

 

[PrincessV]

The final day of our Memorial Day Weekend trip is light on lessons and heavy on photos. Which, I suppose, is a lesson in itself: bring the Good Camera at least a few times a year. I’m not at all sure I’ll drag it along in August, but I’ll be sure to do so more frequently than I have been.

That said, the Less-Good Camera is still pretty good and takes pictures every bit as crisp and clear as the Good Camera. Its only fault - that the shutter’s not quite as fast as the Good Camera (which isn’t nearly as fast as the all-manual Really Good Camera, but that’s another tangent altogether) – is diminished significantly by the fact that the Less-Good Camera fits handily into a pocket and is light enough to wear around my neck.

But here are some reasons I’m glad I carried the behemoth around Epcot our last day:

On a less technical note, another lesson learned was that NONE of my gazillion park bags are perfect. NONE!

Challenge: stuff 2 rain jackets, a compact umbrella, sun hat, first aid items, sunscreen, snacks, 2 water bottles, tiny wallet and a camera of any size into a small, lightweight, comfortable, waterproof bag.

Analysis: can’t be done. One thing will have to go – I can get comfortable with Vera Bradley’s all cotton straps on , but it’s anything but waterproof and only the less-comfortable backpack will hold all that crap. I can achieve water tightness in my LeSportSac bag, but have to sacrifice some comfort and eliminate a few items. It’ll all fit in a rip-stop nylon bag from Old Navy… but its straps start hurting after a while and it doesn’t zip shut.

What’s a girl to do?

I came home and shopped. I looked inside, outside and upside down. I searched and searched online. I bought a bag… and returned the bag. Nothing has met all of my expectations.

And then one day it hit me: I don’t need a perfect bag – I need an assortment of practically perfect bags! I went back to my closet and tested the many options with the various items I’d like to have with me whilst touring The World and narrowed it down to four that will accompany me to WDW. Two Vera Bradley comfy bags: one hipster for less rainy days, and one backpack for pouring rain days. One Old Navy tote for marginally rainy days when I prefer a shoulder bag. And one handbag for going to dinner. All are lightweight and take up little room. I hope I’ve struck the right balance!

I’ve also decided that Leo will be responsible for his own water bottle. I prefer to use stainless steel bottles that we can refill at fountains, so as to reduce our environmental impact, but I just can’t carry two of them all the time. I’m hoping those bottle straps sold at WDW will fit our stainless bottles. If not, I guess Leo will use a plastic bottle. In any case, I won't be carrying his.

I haven’t mentioned that to him, though.




Okay, back to Memorial Day. That final day also happened to be Gramma’s birthday and she received lots of attention with her birthday button, too. Strangely enough, she seemed to enjoy it! But she didn’t get a free cake.

We lunched at Rose & Crown – Gramma’s pick. Not that I objected at all; it’s long been a favorite spot of mine. With all the crappy dining luck we’d had thus far, you’d think I’d have been better prepared for this one.

We checked in 10 minutes early, as requested, and were told they just opened and it would be a 15 minute wait.


When our buzzer went off, we were led to the outdoor patio. Where I immediately asked for an inside table, given that it was 90 and the sweat was streaming down our faces.

Sure, but we’d have to go back on the waiting list, probably for about 20 minutes.



But they just opened! There was literally not a single table sat inside. Why on earth would we need to wait? And yes, I voiced all of this out loud to the host. I hope I was polite, but it was an insane situation and I probably had a hard time keeping that out of my tone. Sorry.

So we all walked back up to the podium, and I received another buzzer. Which immediately went off and we were then led to an inside table.



Finally seated, we immediately froze under the full blast of an air conditioning vent. Nicely played, host boy, nicely played.



I nearly skipped looking at the menu, as I already knew that I wanted my usual: a Black & Tan, the Cheese Plate, and the Apple and Stilton Salad. Yum!

For some reason, I did look, though, and… WTH?

WHERE’S MY CHEESE PLATE?!?!?!?!

Gone. Replaced with a Meat & Cheese Selection for Two.

Gramma wasn’t very hungry and we wound up splitting the Apple and Stilton Salad and the fish & chips. All was delicious, as usual, but I really, really missed that cheese plate.

Happily, this almost made up for my loss:

Mmmm, nothing like an icy-cold Black & Tan on a hot day! Careful, though, results may vary:

I’ve found my knight in dull armor!


Heh heh.

Not a lot else to tell about the day, other than it was HOT and we were TIRED. The combination led to some grumpiness and we decided to cut our losses and head home shortly after lunch. It really was a great day, but we’d had our fill.




One more learning experience from the weekend involved shoes. I’ve been a huge proponent for Crocs for a few years now, and I still am. But I learned that I need another alternative, too. My Crocs Capris are terrific for standing in line and light walking. But heavy walking, such as is found at Epcot, makes my feet ache and my soles get torn up by the nubs in the footbeds.

Meanwhile, Leo is between sizes in Crocs; the current pair won’t fit by August and the next size up will still be too big. Also, his little ankles were turning in pretty badly. He really needs something with more support.

I’d just go with running sneakers… but it will most certainly be rainy in late summer. I want something comfortable, supportive and waterproof.

TA-DA!

Welcome to the world of Keens:

Venice H2 for me

Newport H2 for Leo


We’ve both been wearing them around town and they’re AWESOME! Super comfy, cool and open feeling like Crocs, waterproof, and very supportive.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So, with all these lessons learned and items acquired, do you think I’m all set and sitting back, just waiting for the trip to start?

Not a chance.

A one word hint for you: Blacklist.

 

[askelton]

Were these in the English garden? I found them cool too.

I prefer to use stainless steel bottles that we can refill at fountains, so as to reduce our environmental impact,

And why is there not a recycle bin next to every trash can? I feel the need to write and complain about this every time I'm there, but I don't know who to write too.

Finally seated, we immediately froze under the full blast of an air conditioning vent. Nicely played, host boy, nicely played.

What else do they have to do all day?

WHERE’S MY CHEESE PLATE?!?!?!?!

Not good. Not good at all!

Gone. Replaced with a Meat & Cheese Selection for Two.

Meat?

 

[Trentmom]

Amazing pictures. they are gorgeous

Good idea with the different bags


Bummer on the no cheese plate

That last line scares me a bit

Did you call the DVC reservation line again

 

[lisalonglash]

Fabulous pictures with the Good camera, V!

And then one day it hit me: I don’t need a perfect bag – I need an assortment of practically perfect bags! I went back to my closet and tested the many options with the various items I’d like to have with me whilst touring The World and narrowed it down to four that will accompany me to WDW. Two Vera Bradley comfy bags: one hipster for less rainy days, and one backpack for pouring rain days. One Old Navy tote for marginally rainy days when I prefer a shoulder bag. And one handbag for going to dinner. All are lightweight and take up little room. I hope I’ve struck the right balance!

Sounds like a perfect plan!

I’ve also decided that Leo will be responsible for his own water bottle. I prefer to use stainless steel bottles that we can refill at fountains, so as to reduce our environmental impact, but I just can’t carry two of them all the time. I’m hoping those bottle straps sold at WDW will fit our stainless bottles. If not, I guess Leo will use a plastic bottle. In any case, I won't be carrying his.

Another great plan! My boys carry their own water too - I just got them each a cheapo fanny pack for their water.

Finally seated, we immediately froze under the full blast of an air conditioning vent. Nicely played, host boy, nicely played.

I'm so sorry, but this whole thing made me

Gramma wasn’t very hungry and we wound up splitting the Apple and Stilton Salad and the fish & chips. All was delicious, as usual, but I really, really missed that cheese plate.

I'm sorry your cheese plate disappeared, but I'm glad you all enjoyed your lunch anyway!

I’ve found my knight in dull armor!


Heh heh.

One more learning experience from the weekend involved shoes. I’ve been a huge proponent for Crocs for a few years now, and I still am. But I learned that I need another alternative, too. My Crocs Capris are terrific for standing in line and light walking. But heavy walking, such as is found at Epcot, makes my feet ache and my soles get torn up by the nubs in the footbeds.

It's HARD to find good shoes for WDW! Weird thing is that the shoes I wore last time (and will wear again this trip) were some cheap $30 sandals I found at Walmart - over 6 years ago! LOL I've worn those sandals every trip we've taken and I wear them all the time every spring/summer at home. They're well-travelled

We’ve both been wearing them around town and they’re AWESOME! Super comfy, cool and open feeling like Crocs, waterproof, and very supportive.

Those look great - may have to take a look at the website...

So, with all these lessons learned and items acquired, do you think I’m all set and sitting back, just waiting for the trip to start?

Not a chance.

A one word hint for you: Blacklist.

Um ... no I don't think you're doing that! Blacklisted? Again!?! LMAO!

 

[Hedy]

I love your bag theory. I like the way you think. I picked up some waterproof bags (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0010XW3U6/ref=ox_ya_oh_product) at Amazon before my trip to Universal last year-maybe they could extend the utilzation of your Veras?
Re the water bottle-could you pop a carabiner on the top and attach it to Leo' belt[loop]?

 

[jordanyosh]

What beautiful shots!!!!!!

Oh women and their bags...and shoes...Although guys do have their backpacks.....

 

[princessjv]

So we all walked back up to the podium, and I received another buzzer. Which immediately went off and we were then led to an inside table.

Wtheck? Doesn't make any sence people! Did they get that?

http://www.zappos.com/images/720/7209689/7769-517826-d.jpg[/IMG]
Venice H2 for me

Okay, I've been looking at those. So you loved them ,huh?

http://www.zappos.com/images/729/7293817/7769-364464-d.jpg[/IMG]
Newport H2 for Leo

Those are the exact little shoes (but in black) that my ds is sporting. When we went to the podiatrist he totally gave his seal of approval for them. Told us they are probably the best sandal on the market.



Where'd my pictures disappear too?

 

[KatGarcia]

Ok I am seriously upset about the loss of the cheese plate!!!!!!!!!!! I still dream about it...now thats all I can do! Why Disney, why?!

I have also found that a few bags are needed in WDW. I usually make KC carry one, and thats usually the string back pack type, but I need access to some stuff too, which becomes the issue. I was really thinking fo taking the hipster with me, but the inside isn't that big. I dunno. Whatever bag I use I tend to put everything into zip locks (I am the WDW queen of the zip locks) and then if the outside bag gets wet nothing else does.

 

[Sooze]

That said, the Less-Good Camera is still pretty good and takes pictures every bit as crisp and clear as the Good Camera. Its only fault - that the shutter’s not quite as fast as the Good Camera (which isn’t nearly as fast as the all-manual Really Good Camera, but that’s another tangent altogether) – is diminished significantly by the fact that the Less-Good Camera fits handily into a pocket and is light enough to wear around my neck.

I'm not gonna lie, this hurt my head a little bit.. trying to keep track of each camera!!

But here are some reasons I’m glad I carried the behemoth around Epcot our last day:

You are truly talented and have an amazing eye. Just LOVED these pictures! Do you have more? Do you have an album on Flickr you could share?!



A

nd then one day it hit me: I don’t need a perfect bag – I need an assortment of practically perfect bags!

You just enlightened me! This all makes sense! But... I would worry about losing things in transition. You'll have to let us know how this goes!

In any case, I won't be carrying his.

And you'll have to let us know how THIS goes, too!

Sure, but we’d have to go back on the waiting list, probably for about 20 minutes.

What the?!! This sounds very anti-Disney, no?

I’ve found my knight in dull armor!

Oooo... what was his name?

Welcome to the world of Keens:

Those look wonderful!!

A one word hint for you: Blacklist.

uh oh..

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Beautiful pictures as usual!

UGH...you have really had no luck with restaurants, have you?

Good for you making Leo carry his own water bottle! I hate being the "family pack mule"!

Ahh..the bag and shoe debate....

Blacklisted again!?!? Can't wait to hear THAT story!

 

[englishrose47]

Loved the pix of your "Knight In Dull Armor V!!! Really good photograpy all the way around !! I haven't tried te R&C to eat yet but I think it is a definate on my TO DO list!! As for shoes and bags !!I love my crocs BUT in the rain they were hazordess as I wet slipping 'n sliding a lot !! I have 2 pairs of sandals that are comfy One is well worn in now so I better start on pair 2 !I'm afeared Sept is gonna be VERY hot for this Northern Gal

 

[cmp1111]

Beautiful, beautiful pics.

I'm so sorry about the loss of the cheese plate. I'd never had it, but was very interested. I do love cheese.

I am lucky in that D practically insists on carrying a backpack, so with that and my Bagallini, we've been pretty good. The Bagallini holds a lot, but also isn't really waterproof, and I can't make the strap stay put - it slides loose all the time, which is annoying.

Heather's idea of a carabiner clip for the water is good, but wouldn't work if Leo is like my kids. They will nearly only wear elastic waist "basketball" type shorts, so no belt loops.

The Keene's look nice. I love my Teva flops, but they failed me horribly in the rain in August - where they've never rubbed me before, being wet ALL the time did it. (I count on Tevas being able to get wet, but that was just too much.) Truly, if you hadn't more or less talked me into packing a second pair of shoes, I would have been in major trouble!

Anyway, this is all leading up to the fact that, as usual, you are a font of information and good ideas for me! Thanks!

 

[micandminforever]

Wonderful pictures, thanks for posting. Let us know how the Keens work, I thinking about get a pair for my Sept. trip. My niece loves her Keens Venice H2's.

 

[debraW76]

But here are some reasons I’m glad I carried the behemoth around Epcot our last day:

beautiful pics V. I am going to show them to zeta when he gets home

And then one day it hit me: I don’t need a perfect bag – I need an assortment of practically perfect bags!

So what bag are you going to use to pack all of your park bags into?

Finally seated, we immediately froze under the full blast of an air conditioning vent. Nicely played, host boy, nicely played.

Welcome to the world of Keens:

Ooooo. I like those!

A one word hint for you: Blacklist.

 

[lazydoxy66]

The pictures are stunning, V! You have a great eye.

That's too bad about the cheese plate. Why would cheese be on the chopping block? (I know that was bad.) It does make you wonder about who makes these decisions though. Did the job just recently go to some one that hates cheese?

That was a great little TR.

Now back to the blacklist.

 

[puggymom]

HI V I am spending a lazy Sunday catching up on trip reports.

Sounds like Memorial Day trip was a success, even with the traveling companions

Everytime I think I have found THE BAG, well, it turns out to be just another bag.

You have intriqued me with the Keens, I am anxiously awaiting your report after your August trip. With my lousy feet, I'm always interested in a good touring shoe.

 

[PrincessV]

Were these in the English garden? I found them cool too.

Yep! I have no idea what they are, but they sure were fun to shoot!

And why is there not a recycle bin next to every trash can? I feel the need to write and complain about this every time I'm there, but I don't know who to write too.

I know, right?! I read somewhere that they go through every trash bag and separate things for recycling, but I'm not sure I buy that. Really, every?

That last line scares me a bit

Did you call the DVC reservation line again

I'll give you this: it wasn't DVC.

It's HARD to find good shoes for WDW! Weird thing is that the shoes I wore last time (and will wear again this trip) were some cheap $30 sandals I found at Walmart - over 6 years ago! LOL I've worn those sandals every trip we've taken and I wear them all the time every spring/summer at home. They're well-travelled

I know what you mean - I once had a pair like that! I believe the Keens might be the next.

I love your bag theory. I like the way you think. I picked up some waterproof bags (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0010XW3U6/ref=ox_ya_oh_product) at Amazon before my trip to Universal last year-maybe they could extend the utilzation of your Veras?

Yep, I can waterproof the contents, but still wind up with a soggy bag that takes 2 days to dry. So I figure having a couple will allow me to rotate!

Re the water bottle-could you pop a carabiner on the top and attach it to Leo' belt[loop]?

Tried that - he's very, very lean and the weight of the bottle kept pulling his pants down!

What beautiful shots!!!!!!

Thank you!

Oh women and their bags...and shoes...Although guys do have their backpacks.....

And their restrooms...

Those are the exact little shoes (but in black) that my ds is sporting. When we went to the podiatrist he totally gave his seal of approval for them. Told us they are probably the best sandal on the market.

YAY, that's so good to hear! Leo seems to inherited his dad's pronation, so I suspect Crocs will be out other than for quick jaunts.

Ok I am seriously upset about the loss of the cheese plate!!!!!!!!!!! I still dream about it...now thats all I can do! Why Disney, why?!

I suppose I could have asked for the Cheese & Meat minus the meat... but you KNOW I'd have been charged full price. I might write a letter.

You are truly talented and have an amazing eye. Just LOVED these pictures! Do you have more? Do you have an album on Flickr you could share?!

Thank you so much! Quite a bit of my Flickr page is indeed public, so here's a link, if anyone's interested: V's Flickr Page.

UGH...you have really had no luck with restaurants, have you?

I think I've learned, though. Only time will tell...

Loved the pix of your "Knight In Dull Armor V!!!

Hee hee, thanks!

I haven't tried te R&C to eat yet but I think it is a definate on my TO DO list!!

I highly recommend it, despite the missing cheese plate. They're consistently yummy!

I am lucky in that D practically insists on carrying a backpack

And that's the crux of the problem: before Leo, my ex always carried a backpack and I carried... lipgloss. When Leo came along, I had the stroller. Now, it's all on ME!

Anyway, this is all leading up to the fact that, as usual, you are a font of information and good ideas for me! Thanks!

Always my pleasure!

Let us know how the Keens work, I thinking about get a pair for my Sept. trip. My niece loves her Keens Venice H2's.

I absolutely will. So far, so good!

So what bag are you going to use to pack all of your park bags into?

They actually all fit into each other and then into the front pocket of my suitcase!

The pictures are stunning, V! You have a great eye.

Thank you!

Why would cheese be on the chopping block? (I know that was bad.) It does make you wonder about who makes these decisions though. Did the job just recently go to some one that hates cheese?

Seriously!

Sounds like Memorial Day trip was a success, even with the traveling companions

It absolutely was!

You have intriqued me with the Keens, I am anxiously awaiting your report after your August trip. With my lousy feet, I'm always interested in a good touring shoe.

Do a little search here on the DIS, too - I've seen a lot of people raving about them.

 

[jordanyosh]

And their restrooms...

What man doesn't like a good restroom and a good "throne" to sit upon..