Dr. Jones and the Spitting Camel - Link to Alaska Cruise TR 9/18

[norybell]

Great update! I'm jealous of your ride on RNR...it was down on my one DHS day when I was there last month.

Despite the rain, it sounds like you guys were having a pretty great day so far!

 

[eandesmom]

Cynthia! I've finally gotten a break in the insanity around here and managed to carve out some Dis time. Now I'm getting caught up, one thread at a time.

oh man, my poor thread has been dying, and I'm so behind everywhere! Hopefully things have calmed down a bit, I've got a lot of reading to do too!

So, Raglan Road. Haven't been there yet, but I was thinking about it for my next trip. Not for dinner, but maybe drinks later? Do you think we could get seated there on a friday night - like 8 people? Is the bar area big enough that we could hang out there and maybe snag a few stools? I really just want to go for the entertainment, so I didn't give any thought to making an ADR, but maybe I should have. Hmmm.

I would thinks so BUT if you have kids they probably can't sit in the bar (or right at the bar) that would be my only concern. There is some bar seating but it did appear to be mostly dining. You could make a dessert ressie though!

I'm guessing you must have added the Waterparks and More to your tix, or you wouldn't have laid out cash for a one-hour visit to Disney Quest, right? Do you think it would be worth the admission?

Not just for DQ. WP&M is not much more than either a single admission to DQ or a WP so the add on makes way more sense (to me). Yes, we had hoppers with WP&M,

Bravo on making it to DHS so early. I can't believe you forgot about the ticket thing, and having to "be" in the the park to get the FPs! You got so lucky with that CM giving you magic fastpasses. How long was the standby line anyway? We made the mistake of going on a Fantasmic day, and the line was insane by 9:05!

Well the standby wasn't bad during the EMH hour but after that it quickly jumped to 60...then 90....

Great Updates Cynthia !!! Kyle LOVES LMA!!!! That and GMR are his favorites at DHS!!!!!

It would have been nice to see the whole show but oh well!

Fantastic update!
It really stinks that the rain cut LMA short. There's always next time

There is always next time, though I have a feeling I'll be doing other shows than that and LMA will have to wait till whenever our next WDW trip is...which I'm not sure of yet believe it or not. There will be one of course, it's just a matter of when and trying to fit it around other things.

Cynthia, what a great update. We've never even attempted LMA so not even sure just what we are missing.

Love stopping at the Writer's Shop for coffee and cappucinos and iced coffee.

LMA is fun, but I think would only have gotten better if we'd have seen the entire thing. Writers stop was just a lovely respite!

 

[manntra]

for getting so much done in the am at HS
Great PP pictures too....I really, really love your tank top!

I love watching the Streetsmosphere...they always crack me up

I think I would prefer to see LMA in the rain rather than the hot August sun that I have seen it 3x before. I tell anyone else who is traveling with me that they can watch it on youtube Okay I might be a little dramatic but the times I have seen it have been sooooo hot and then the flames

Ahhhh I OMD....I really missed it in October and look forward to see the small changes that they made.

Tracy

 

[eandesmom]

Yay for a fun ride on RR!!! Sorry you got to see only part of the show again.

Better than no show I guess. LOL!

Looks like a nice way to spend the morning! ( love how you just relaxed about what you were doing for the morning. ) I have to get more laid back at DHS. I'm so used to commando, that I'm frustrated by all the dead ends around there. Really, the first time we went I didn't know what to do, and we just wandered and found things to look at.

There are a lot of dead ends aren't there? I tried to be relaxed. Some days I managed it better than others. It was a really nice morning and honestly my only agenda was TSM and OMD (and coffee lol!), so everything else was gravy! I figured if I got the boys up early to do TSM, they could call the shots after that.

Oh, bummer that LMA was cut short! On a sunny day, they actually hose-down the set...I guess to help with the car stunts. But I wasn't sure if they'd still hold it in a deluge.

Your photopass pictures are great!

I was honestly surprised they held it at all, it was POURING! Thanks on the pics, it's funny, we were just looking at them last week with Jeff's folks and I am "glistening" in the pics...you can tell how hot it was out!



Still, thank heavens for the PP guys or one would never know I was actually really on the trip at all!

Once again, I am pulled in by your writing and great pictures. And, once again, I wonder what park my husband and I were actually at when we went to DHS last year! Didn't ever see that show, the backlot tour, or half of the Streets of America. Luckily, I did ride RRC and on our last day we finally rode TSM. Ridiculous! At least, I knew we'd be back!

Aw, you are SO sweet! I've been a horrible TR writer lately, I can't believe how hard it's been to carve out DIS time, it bums me out. I always thinks all parks have multiple personalities and you can see a entirely different "person" depending on what you do, where you go, your mood, the weather, all of it! I've always rushed through the streets, as a means to an end, and it was truly lovely to just enjoy it for itself for once and even better to see the E's enjoy it as they did. It made for a special mom and me kind of morning and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I've still not seen the backlot tour or the Little Mermaid! Or a full LMA for that matter

So...yes, what now, indeed? I love your cliffhangers! And I know what you mean about notes. I am planning on keeping some kind of journal when I go this time, as I had any number of excellent thoughts about things as I was touring the parks, but of course by the time you're back home, the thoughts are gone! So frustrating. Yet, it doesn't seem to stop you from writing really interesting TR updates.

I'll have decent notes on day 1 or 2 but after that, forget it and then I end up tossing the day 1/2 notes as they seem a bit silly given that I don't have them for the rest of it. That said, between picture date stamps and my original touring plan I at least have a point of reference to try and figure things out around. Which doesn't help much if you totally depart from plan AND don't take pictures.

Great start to your DHS day. Sorry the rain and lightning put a stop to doing more. I've never noticed half the things you took pictures of on the Streets of America. Note to self slow down and take more notice.

Love the Streetmosphere!

Can't wait to see what's next.

Honestly I think the only reason we "could" slow down and enjoy the streets is because it was just the 3 of us and we had zero agenda. That's rare...and lovely (for me) and it was even better because it just kind of happened organically, as often some of the best trip experiences do. I hadn't noticed them either to be honest! A few of course but the subway and library I'd breezed by many a time without even a glance.

 

[eandesmom]

It's nice that the gang is all together again! But it sounds like a nice morning with the guys, just taking it relatively laid back manner.

It was a great morning!

I don't know who laid out HS, but this is one park I can't seem to navigate well- always getting lost. Where is that subway entrance by the way- don't recall seeing that!

Way too many dead ends, it's entirely confusing, not intuitive at all. Subway is on the right, if you go around the corner from the writers stop, before you hit San Fransisco I think (which is on the left). Seems to me it was just before the library.

Does everyone in the family like RNR?

Yes although Kendall freaks out while in line but then loves it. She has to sit next to me or panics though. Which honestly is fine with me!

Were they quicker at the Writers' Stop this time around?

Nope.

Bummer about LMA, especially after traveling so far to get there, getting rained on and sitting in puddles. It really can be tough to schedule in since there are only two shows a day, and we really needed to book it there after lunch to make the 1:20 showing.

Really tough. Why they don't do a morning show is beyond me. But at least we tried which is honestly more than I'd expected.

Looks like you had a nice leisurely am at DHS with your boys! That would be fun. A good strategy with both of your parties! I know my kids love the misters, too -- and of course the streets... I love the one with Eric staring up at the San Franciso street! Too fun!

It was a lovely lovely lazy (once we got up and there of course) morning!

Nice pics of you guys too!

Thanks!

LMA is enjoyable, but you saw some at least, before the rain hit! I have never been there when it rained like that, but I can imagine even with the roof you are still exposed to the elements!

Looking forward to what is in store next!

There is NO place that is truly dry in there with weather like that. The kids (and Jeff) would have loved the full show but...they didn't know what they were missing (thank goodness!)

Bummer about LMA! But cool pictures of DHS from the stadium!

it's a neat view...and a place you can DEFINITELY see a storm roll in!

I'm glad you got to see One Man's Dream... I've never seen it either... My kids just aren't interested. I wanted to see it on my recent girls weekend trip but it was closed for rehab... Hoping to see it in January!

I love, love, love RNRC too!!

Anxious to hear what you did next.

Well, I'd see it again in May! Not sure what the rehab did. I'm honestly not sure how much the kids got out of it comaratively but Jeff and I loved it, perhaps Jeff even more than I. We're kind of the mindset that they are all old enough to be drug along to what we want, even if they don't, every now and then. The good news is that they trust us and don't balk at going in.

Sounds like you and the boys had a great time at DHS! You got a lot done!

I feel your pain on the trip notes! I'm exactly the same way! Last month I actually tried taking notes on my phone while online of taking a little rest but even that didn't workout!

Boo for no LMA! I guess with lightening they couldn't take any chances! We haven't seen that since 05, I think! Maybe next month!

At least you do your updates while it's fresh, unlike me how has lost all her readers (ok not all, but I'm bummed at how much I've slowed down, darn life lol!)

 

[All7OfUs]

Dang, I could swear I commented on your striking update, but now I don't see it! Anyway, I can't believe you "struck" out again at seeing LMA! How many attempts will it take to get through it??


I was so sad to NOT get to see One Man's Dream. Again. How many attempts will THAT one take? Glad you enjoyed it!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Love the pictures of you and the boys! Too cute!!!

Wow! Look at that rain coming down!!! What a bummer that they had to cancel the show!

 

[eandesmom]

The Indy stunt show got cut short during a similar type day where first it was pouring and the boom, lightening. While I like how a light rain clears the crowds, I hate being in the parks during those downpours.

Love the photos.

Sometimes I don't even mind the downpour, it's the lightening that's the big bummer and show stopper. That was a bigger issue for us on the trip than the heat.

Thanks on the photos!

Bummer on the lightning! At least you got to see part of the show and perhaps the rain cooled things down ever so briefly.

It did cool things down and a sneak peek was better than nothing, I'm glad we tried!

Still in all, a great morning at HS. I am so glad you and the boys got there early enough to really enjoy your day. And I love your PP pictures - really good. Cute outfit!!!!!

Thanks! It was a good morning. I'm sure you'll see the outfit again in May lol!

I hear ya on the busy, busy. That's where I am right now, too.

Gonna try to do an update myself now.

It's just nuts! And then for some insane reason I committed to baking stuff for 3 events. Talk about guilt talking! Then I get to hear at the events how "we never see you". UGH!

I got halfway caught up on yours, meant to finish and then was slammed at work. Need to get back over there this weekend and get caught up!

Great update! I'm jealous of your ride on RNR...it was down on my one DHS day when I was there last month.

Despite the rain, it sounds like you guys were having a pretty great day so far!

Oh no! I'd be VERY sad about RRC being down, what a bummer. It was a great morning and early afternoon for sure!

for getting so much done in the am at HS
Great PP pictures too....I really, really love your tank top!

It was a fun morning and thanks on the top, it's one of my fav's. I'm sure you'll see it May!

I love watching the Streetsmosphere...they always crack me up

I think I would prefer to see LMA in the rain rather than the hot August sun that I have seen it 3x before. I tell anyone else who is traveling with me that they can watch it on youtube Okay I might be a little dramatic but the times I have seen it have been sooooo hot and then the flames

LOL on the youtube! I don't need to see it in May, the kis would have loved it so that would have been nice. The rain actually cooled things down a bit. Honestly though the lightening stopped us from far more things than the heat.

Ahhhh I OMD....I really missed it in October and look forward to see the small changes that they made.

Tracy

I'm looking forward to seeing the changes as well.

 

[eandesmom]

Dang, I could swear I commented on your striking update, but now I don't see it! Anyway, I can't believe you "struck" out again at seeing LMA! How many attempts will it take to get through it??

Maybe someday we'll see it although I doubt I'll attempt in May, it would be on the next family trip whenever that is.

I was so sad to NOT get to see One Man's Dream. Again. How many attempts will THAT one take? Glad you enjoyed it! [/QUOTE]

It was a first for me! very glad we were able to do it (without resistance!)

Love the pictures of you and the boys! Too cute!!!

thanks!

Wow! Look at that rain coming down!!! What a bummer that they had to cancel the show!

It poured!!!!! It was crazy. I was really happy I had that hat on!

 

[Sleepingbooty]

oh man, my poor thread has been dying, and I'm so behind everywhere! Hopefully things have calmed down a bit, I've got a lot of reading to do too!

Me too! And I would love to start a TR, but seeing as how I can barely keep up with three or four threads as a reader, I know I don't have time to write one!

I would thinks so BUT if you have kids they probably can't sit in the bar (or right at the bar) that would be my only concern. There is some bar seating but it did appear to be mostly dining. You could make a dessert ressie though!

Nope, no kids. Girls only trip in February!

Not just for DQ. WP&M is not much more than either a single admission to DQ or a WP so the add on makes way more sense (to me). Yes, we had hoppers with WP&M,

Right - if you are doing more than one day at a WP, or a WP and DQ, then it definitely makes sense.

Well the standby wasn't bad during the EMH hour but after that it quickly jumped to 60...then 90....

Oh! I guess I didn't realize that it was EMH. That explains it.

So, since I haven't been on here much, and missed all the chit chat for the past month - anything new going on in your world? I know you've been busy!

 

[eandesmom]

Me too! And I would love to start a TR, but seeing as how I can barely keep up with three or four threads as a reader, I know I don't have time to write one!

so frustrating isn't it?

Nope, no kids. Girls only trip in February!

well then I'd pony up to the bar for sure!

So, since I haven't been on here much, and missed all the chit chat for the past month - anything new going on in your world? I know you've been busy!

I have, it's been nuts, mostly all good

Jeff and I went to Palm Springs last weekend to celebrate his dad's birthday and then had a lovely (late) night and day in downtown Seattle for an early anniversary celebration.

As a general rule PS isn't my kind of place. I don't golf and really other than lay by the pool, eat and drink, there isn't much to do. But...lay by the pool, eat and drink is exactly what the doctor ordered and it was lovely!!!!!!!!!!! I may have to revisit my opinion of PS, especially for a long weekend in the fall. Jeff's dad and step mom were so funny about it, they are used to us being GO GO GO and couldn't believe we wanted to STOP STOP STOP. LOL!

Our Downtown Date was lovely, completely with brunch, the Picasso exhibit and then an amazing dinner.

The only downside is that the trip overlapped Kendall's HS soccer teams bid for the state title which sadly they lost. We were really bummed we didn't get to see it. Other than that, just crazy busy at work, hit with SNOW and ice last night (which makes the kids uber happy as they didn't get a single snow day last year but is bad timing for me with workload). Jeff's ex is being a total pita about thanksgiving...normal life stuff lol.

How are you?

 

[Sleepingbooty]

Sounds like an amazing 'date' weekend! I love active vacations , but sometimes a little R & R is the perfect thing.

Snow already?! We had some sleet, but no snow yet. I'm hoping for fewer snow days this year - it be nice to get out for summer on time.

I've been pretty busy with the travel biz. Also been messing around a bit with some digital design stuff and I'm starting to get the hang of it. I've come up with some nifty designs for trip planners that I've been making for my clients, so that's been really time consuming but a great creative outlet. Other than that, the kids activities are pretty much filling every spare moment! Two more weeks until Christmas break, and I can't wait!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I'm a bit late in reading your latest update, because like you, real life has taken over! However, better late than never, right?

That's too bad about LMA! I guess it will just have to stay on the Next Trip list! What did the boys think of it from what they saw?

So you are up to 3 cups of coffee now? You are my kind of gal!!!

 

[eandesmom]

Sounds like an amazing 'date' weekend! I love active vacations , but sometimes a little R & R is the perfect thing.

It was good, really good!

Snow already?! We had some sleet, but no snow yet. I'm hoping for fewer snow days this year - it be nice to get out for summer on time.

Yep, we've already had 3 snow days, all before thanksgiving! Now that was a first. I can't even begin to tell you how happy I was to have the new car! In the old one I wouldn't have made it up my own street. It is the most snow, that early, that we've had since 85 or soemthing nutty like that. It wasn't really all that much snow but it was COLD so lots of nasty ice with all our hills and the side streets can be treacherous. Kids were pretty happy about it though.

I've been pretty busy with the travel biz. Also been messing around a bit with some digital design stuff and I'm starting to get the hang of it. I've come up with some nifty designs for trip planners that I've been making for my clients, so that's been really time consuming but a great creative outlet. Other than that, the kids activities are pretty much filling every spare moment! Two more weeks until Christmas break, and I can't wait!

I can wait for the break part, since I don't really get one (vacation all used up) but it sounds like you've been busy in a good way, that's wonderful! I'm glad it's going so well.

I'm a bit late in reading your latest update, because like you, real life has taken over! However, better late than never, right?

I'm a bit late in everything these days lol! I had these GREAT intentions of getting caught up on the DIS over thanksgiving and life totally got in the way. I even wrote an update last week, just need to add in the picture links and then was so crazed with work (and the kids had an in service day after 3 snow days and the holiday weekend) that I haven't posted it yet. Which is pathetic, the "work" is done! I had the same visions for tonight but decorating got in the way! The house does look festive though and I'm having an egg nog so all is well even if I feel like I fell off the face of the DIS earth.

That's too bad about LMA! I guess it will just have to stay on the Next Trip list! What did the boys think of it from what they saw?

They liked it, Herbie especially They were awfully wet though and as a result a wee bit squirrelly.

So you are up to 3 cups of coffee now? You are my kind of gal!!!

Up to? Nah, that's pretty normal. I like my coffee, no doubt. But honestly it's the flavor, the warmth, the comfort of it, more than the caffeine per se. Starting the day without it is just....wrong. And with an early start well, it just begs an iced coffee in the late morning as a treat, when I can. Like today after my workout! Iced Gingerbread latte, the perfect way to cool down, and gear up for finishing the holiday decorating! LOL!

 

[Flossbolna]

Hi Cynthia, good to know that you are still ok, just busy!

Your weekend in Palm Springs sounds lovely. How nice that you finally got to relax! I was there once and we took a cable car up to a mountain. I thought it was so amazing how there could be so totally different worlds so close together. We also made a day trip to Joshua Tree NP which was amazing! We went on a 1.5 mile hike and it took us 1 hour because we moved so slowly in the heat! But the nature was wonderful.

 

[MEK]

Hi Cynthia - Just stopping by to say"Hi!" I am glad that someone is actually updating slower than I am. I am waiting for pictures to upload now so I can finish my update. If it was up to Jen we would have our TR done already.

Anyway - less than 5 months till we do Disney again. Yeah Us!

 

[eandesmom]

Hi Cynthia, good to know that you are still ok, just busy!

Your weekend in Palm Springs sounds lovely. How nice that you finally got to relax! I was there once and we took a cable car up to a mountain. I thought it was so amazing how there could be so totally different worlds so close together. We also made a day trip to Joshua Tree NP which was amazing! We went on a 1.5 mile hike and it took us 1 hour because we moved so slowly in the heat! But the nature was wonderful.

I'm fine! Just crazed, not enough hours in the day that's for sure but it's all good, good kinds of crazy!

We thought about doing the cable car but honestly needed the rest more than a little hike. Joshua Tree is wonderful. The heat can be brutal though it wasn't bad when we were there at all.

Hi Cynthia - Just stopping by to say"Hi!" I am glad that someone is actually updating slower than I am. I am waiting for pictures to upload now so I can finish my update. If it was up to Jen we would have our TR done already.

Anyway - less than 5 months till we do Disney again. Yeah Us!

I was doing pretty well but wow am I behind! It's pathetic. Life is nuts for the next week and then I really hope it calms down. I keep saying that though.... LOL! Less than 5 months is right! I can't wait!!!!!!!!Which reminds me, we need to figure out tours and spa stuff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

 

[englishrose47]

Just checking in !!! Been lurking lately!!!

 

[eandesmom]

Hi Rosie!!!!!

 

[glennbo123]