Everything Old Is New Again! - A Dec 2010 Trip Report : THE FINAL ENTRY page 45

[GoHerd1028]

Great job! Those milkshakes looked great!!! I am glad she made a big deal of Kayden's first shake. You could see his excitement in the picture!!! Love it! A Magical Moment!

 

[dvczerfs]

You're not helping, Dave.

sorry barry, she may be the first female member of the dis dads!! shes good!! ok, maybe if she wouldnt have you doing the laundry, empting the dishwaher and running the vac., maybe you would have more time!! great update barry, love the christmas tree!!! one day when im living in florida, we are going to have a palm tree christmas ourselfs. your kids are always smiling, they realy have a great time.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

After everyone woke up, we made our way over to see what was tucked up under the traditional Christmas tree.

Cool! Nice job multi-tasking on vacation. And this is much more impressive than Charlie Brown's tree.

There was one box for her that wasn't wrapped. It was just a plain brown cardboard box, handwritten in marker was "The Best Christmas Present Ever". Madison opened it up and pulled out...packaging material?

No, it's Spanish Moss. Madison became enthralled with this stuff that hangs from all of the trees around Grandma & Grandpa's house over our last few visits. So, grandpa packed some up and gave it to her. I'm not sure how the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources would feel about us bringing that up north, so we decided to leave that in Florida. You know, so she could play with it every time we visited.

I doubt it's on the level of travelers importing mongooses to Hawaii, but I can see the point. Anyway, if your kids are anything like my kids, the box actually could have been full of packing material and they would have spent hours playing with it.

Quick Quiz: What's wrong with this picture?

Hmmm...I'm not sure if it's Phineas speaking in French or Ferb's quote, when it should read, "Oh there you are, Perry." Either that, or that floor is WAY too clean for a Christmas-present-opening party. Someone's been too efficient cleaning up there.

The 45 minute drive was uneventful and we pulled into Saratoga Springs at about 12:15 to the worst possible sight - a Magical Express bus pulling away from the curb. Bambi dropped me off and my fears were confirmed as I took one peak into the lobby - the bus had just dropped off, and people were packed into the lobby like a mosh pit at a Phish concert*.

*I have never been to a Phish concert. For that matter, I don't think I've ever even listened to a Phish song. They just sound like a band that would have a mosh pit at one of their concerts.

Sounds good to me. I've never heard Phish either, but it sounds more plausible than if you'd said Yo-Yo Ma.

So, change of plans. There was no way I would be able to wait it out and get checked in and still make it to lunch. I jumped into the running get-away car and we pealed out of the parking lot, leaving scorched rubber marks 50 feet down the pristine Saratoga Springs driveway.

I was just kidding about that last part. The driveway is several years old now, it's not in pristine condition anymore.

Nice!

Hopefully you did a couple of donuts in the shape of Mickey ears as well.

So, where was lunch you ask? (I can only assume you asked. I can't really hear any of you.)

I did ask. It was telepathic, so you probably felt a mental 'nudge' to answer.

OK, it was actually, behind me as I took a picture of the tree. I forgot to get a picture of the sign.

I have one you could borrow, but it's not uploaded.

While we waited for our table at Whispering Canyon Cafe, the kids started showing off their engineering skills:

This gets a double thumbs-up, of course.

We were soon seated when our waitress came over and saw my camera sitting on the table. I have a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi with a Speedlite 430EX II. In plain English, it's one of those new-fangled fancy-schmancy big ol' digital jobbies. Well, Roxy took a liking too it, grabbed it, marveled at it, yelled across the entire dining room to show another waiter how fancy of a camera we had, and started taking pictures of random people around the dining room. She then turned it on herself.

Love it! This is why I love eating there.

We then discovered that this was his very first milkshake. Ever. As you would expect, he like it. A lot. A LOT. Evan let him try his orange.

Wow! Not letting him have one would have been un-American.

Roxy was a little surprised by this. So what does Roxy do? Same thing any self-respecting Disney World Cast Member would do. She made him a special shake - layered with every flavor of milkshake they have.

I can't decide if that is awesome or disgusting. Or Awesomely Disgusting. Or Disgustingly Awesome.

And wouldn't luck have it - Madison had been looking forward to the stick pony races for weeks. Just after she left to go to the bathroom, they pull the barrel of ponies out and start the race.

Awww...

The bill came and I took off. I couldn't get away from that table fast enough.

And you wonder why they make people walk around with a jail cell in front of them.

Where? Well, I left a clue just a little bit ago. If you can't figure it out, I'll tell you ... in my next update.

I think I know...is there a prize for guessing correctly?

 

[stopher1]

Ok, after being gone for 2 weeks - and having a stressful 2 days back to work after being gone on vacation for 2 weeks, and trying to get caught up on my own TR that currently exists here on the boards from my September, plus starting 2 more for my Nov/December trip and my December trip that we just took... I decided I needed to at least get somewhat caught up on your report before you end up getting to page 52 like happened with Mark's report, and then it's just way too hard to keep up and comment... so I'm here again. A bit late once again, but I'm back. And I enjoyed what I read so far! Let's see....

I realized in my opening that I never laid out any of the details of the trip that seems to be customary. Better late than never, right?

This about sums up what I was just trying to say in my oh so discombobulated way!

Of course we would get the first snowfall of the year on the day we're supposed to fly!

Oh yeah... on our recent trip west... of course we got all kinds of snow right before Christmas and leaving for CA, only to come home on New Year's Eve to find it all melted. Go figure! The first White Christmas in like 4 years and WE GO AND MISS IT! Ugh.

Again, I dropped Bambi and the kids off at the terminal and headed out to remote parking. I'm a cheapskate, remember?

I didn't think so when we met up in your neck of the woods last month. You did buy my dinner... oops, sorry, had you not told Bambi that yet?!? I'm sure you did. And even if you didn't - I just did. Thanks for that by the way. It was yummy.

The airport was a breeze thanks to online check in, no checked bags and absolutely no security line. Within minutes, we were getting recombobulated. No, really, General Mitchell Airport even has an area of benches and tables just past security where you can do just that: (Please ignore the fact that's it dark outside for our 2:30pm flight. My picture turned out bad so I had to borrow a friend's)

I actually, literally, laughed out loud when I saw that for myself when I was in Milwaukee. I loved it. Thought it was strange, but loved it.



We still had about 2 hours until flight time so we let the kids play in the kid's area down concourse D for a while. Soon enough, we headed down toward our gate when who do we see at the airport? Yup, the right jolly old elf himself.

The kids had a nice chat with him, gave him their wish lists and posed for some pictures. I wonder how he got clearance to land a miniature sleigh and 8 tiny reindeer? Does he have to go through the TSA screening before he leaves? And what was he doing in Concourse D anyway? The International flights are in Concourse A at Mitchell. [/quote]

We met them there, then headed over to Ghirardelli's for an ice cream meet with fellow members of the DIS Dad's Club. Left to Right, we have chilicoupons, dvczefs, GoHeard1028, myself, and DisneyDadC.

What a great group of guys. The waited around more than an hour after I was supposed to be there. Thanks fellas!

That is so awesome. Wish I could have been there one night sooner myself to make that meet too. Still haven't met Steve in person yet... but it will happen someday Steve! I promise. And yes - they ARE a great bunch of guys...even you Barry!

(We were all full from our ice cream dinner. I love vacation!)

LOVE IT!! A definite must on our next trip in April.


Wow - what a nice beginning. Now I need to catch up on more, but first, I need to work on my own for a while. Hopefully I can get an update to my own TR posted by tomorrow. Was supposed to write an installment or two on the plane rides, but yeah, that didn't happen....

 

[E3yore]

Quick Quiz: What's wrong with this picture?

It's not your size.

 

[Dugette]

Love the traditional Florida Christmas tree!

Looks like a fun time at Whispering Canyon! Nice family picture! Can't believe it was Kayden's first milkshake--how cool that they made him a special one!

Looking forward to seeing the Treehouse Villas!

 

[that's nice]

After everyone woke up, we made our way over to see what was tucked up under the traditional Christmas tree.

Love the tree!!!!!

Which makes more sense when you realize it was for her doll, Princess. And, of course, she got a matching one.

Love the matching outfits!

Quick Quiz: What's wrong with this picture?

We aren't on it?

The 45 minute drive was uneventful and we pulled into Saratoga Springs at about 12:15 to the worst possible sight - a Magical Express bus pulling away from the curb.

Bambi dropped me off and my fears were confirmed as I took one peak into the lobby - the bus had just dropped off, and people were packed into the lobby like a mosh pit at a Phish concert*.

*I have never been to a Phish concert. For that matter, I don't think I've ever even listened to a Phish song. They just sound like a band that would have a mosh pit at one of their concerts.

I don' think there is too much moshing at a Phish concert.... now a Rage Against The Machine concert is another story...

So, change of plans. There was no way I would be able to wait it out and get checked in and still make it to lunch. I jumped into the running get-away car and we pealed out of the parking lot, leaving scorched rubber marks 50 feet down the pristine Saratoga Springs driveway.

Good idea... get out of there as fast as possible!

We were soon seated when our waitress came over and saw my camera sitting on the table. I have a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi with a Speedlite 430EX II. In plain English, it's one of those new-fangled fancy-schmancy big ol' digital jobbies. Well, Roxy took a liking too it, grabbed it, marveled at it, yelled across the entire dining room to show another waiter how fancy of a camera we had, and started taking pictures of random people around the dining room. She then turned it on herself.

So did you get a little nervous when she picked it up?

Roxy was a little surprised by this. So what does Roxy do? Same thing any self-respecting Disney World Cast Member would do. She made him a special shake - layered with every flavor of milkshake they have.

AWESOME!!!! That shake looks awesome!!!!!!!!!!!

And wouldn't luck have it - Madison had been looking forward to the stick pony races for weeks. Just after she left to go to the bathroom, they pull the barrel of ponies out and start the race.

AwWwWwWwW Figures... I hope she didn't get too sad.



Love the update!

 

[mermaid764]

Love the update

Dinner looks awesome, especially the amazing looking milkshakes

Can't wait to hear more

 

[Rental01]

1) HOLY COW! AN UPDATE!

2) Phish Phans tend to be the kind who would stumble out of a Volkswagen van in a cloud of smoke. No moshing there. Sorry

3) Rebel XSi... 430EX II: SWEET! Same camera, but I don't have the sweet flash.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Great job! Those milkshakes looked great!!! I am glad she made a big deal of Kayden's first shake. You could see his excitement in the picture!!! Love it! A Magical Moment!

It really was magical! And in case anyone is wondering, the flavors, from top to bottom are:
Strawberry
Bubblegum
Vanilla
Orange
Chocolate
Caramel

(And did I mention there are free refills one these? I had a caramel one after I finished my bubblegum. My expert food critic review on both of them:
Mmmmmmmm....)

sorry barry, she may be the first female member of the dis dads!! shes good!! ok, maybe if she wouldnt have you doing the laundry, empting the dishwaher and running the vac., maybe you would have more time!! great update barry, love the christmas tree!!! one day when im living in florida, we are going to have a palm tree christmas ourselfs. your kids are always smiling, they realy have a great time.

I wish it was laundry, dishes and vacuuming! I had to rip out half of our closet wall to find and fix a leaky pipe. Now I have to redrywall the closet, put new flooring the the bathroom, paint the bedroom...

I doubt it's on the level of travelers importing mongooses to Hawaii, but I can see the point.

Well, that's at least what we told Madison was the reason we weren't bringing it home.

Hmmm...I'm not sure if it's Phineas speaking in French or Ferb's quote, when it should read, "Oh there you are, Perry."

Yup, Ferb's quote. Do T-shirt designers even watch the shows that they're t-shirting? That line is in every. single. episode. And you still manager to mess it up on the shirt? And when did Ferb ever say it? I certainly don't recall him ever having that line.
I'm upset over a t-shirt made for a cartoon. I'm not sure that's healthy.

Hopefully you did a couple of donuts in the shape of Mickey ears as well.

No, but I once did a power slide that kind of looked like Goofy's hat.

I did ask. It was telepathic, so you probably felt a mental 'nudge' to answer.

That was you? I thought it was the beans I had for lunch.

This gets a double thumbs-up, of course.

I thought it might. I was going to have them build some roads and bridges, but our table was ready. And just like at the real DOT, lunch break is more important than design work.

I can't decide if that is awesome or disgusting. Or Awesomely Disgusting. Or Disgustingly Awesome.

It looked pretty cool to start with, but as he drank it and it melted, it got significantly more disgusting looking. I can't vouch for the taste, but it was certainly disgusting looking.

I think I know...is there a prize for guessing correctly?

I don't have anything, but if you have any left over Captain_Oblivious points or Mrs. Knowitall points laying around, go ahead and award yourself a handful.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Ok, after being gone for 2 weeks - and having a stressful 2 days back to work after being gone on vacation for 2 weeks, and trying to get caught up on my own TR that currently exists here on the boards from my September, plus starting 2 more for my Nov/December trip and my December trip that we just took... I decided I needed to at least get somewhat caught up on your report before you end up getting to page 52 like happened with Mark's report, and then it's just way too hard to keep up and comment... so I'm here again. A bit late once again, but I'm back. And I enjoyed what I read so far! Let's see....

This about sums up what I was just trying to say in my oh so discombobulated way!

Well, if you need an area to recombobulate, you know where to go! (On a side note: I can't believe my spell checker doesn't know "recombobulate"!)

I didn't think so when we met up in your neck of the woods last month. You did buy my dinner... oops, sorry, had you not told Bambi that yet?!? I'm sure you did. And even if you didn't - I just did. Thanks for that by the way. It was yummy.

There are certain things I'll spend money on. Parking is very low on that list. Dinner with friends is pretty high.

I actually, literally, laughed out loud when I saw that for myself when I was in Milwaukee. I loved it. Thought it was strange, but loved it.

You think that's cool - you should check out our Arthur Fonzarelli statue next time you're in town. You heard right, folks. Milwaukee has a "Bronze Fonz" in downtown.

That is so awesome. Wish I could have been there one night sooner myself to make that meet too. Still haven't met Steve in person yet... but it will happen someday Steve! I promise. And yes - they ARE a great bunch of guys...even you Barry!

I was a little bummed that we got there so late, it was basically time for a picture then Steve and his family had to go. Luckily, we ran into them a few minutes later over by Once Upon A Toy and we got to chat for a while. Such a nice guy and a really nice family.

Wow - what a nice beginning. Now I need to catch up on more, but first, I need to work on my own for a while. Hopefully I can get an update to my own TR posted by tomorrow. Was supposed to write an installment or two on the plane rides, but yeah, that didn't happen....

I'm glad you stopped by - you're a pretty busy guy. Try to take a few minutes every now and then to remember to breath!

It's not your size.

That's an even better answer than Marks. :yes:

Love the traditional Florida Christmas tree!

Looks like a fun time at Whispering Canyon! Nice family picture! Can't believe it was Kayden's first milkshake--how cool that they made him a special one!

Looking forward to seeing the Treehouse Villas!

The villas were awesome! Way too much space (and DVC Points) for a family of 4, with with Grandma & Grandpa and Kaylene & Kayden along, it was the perfect excuse to book one and try it out!

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Love the matching outfits!

Thanks. She has several now for her and Princess. Belle's dress, Cinderella's dress...

I don' think there is too much moshing at a Phish concert.... now a Rage Against The Machine concert is another story...

I've got time for a story.

So did you get a little nervous when she picked it up?

Kind of, but I figured Disney would have deep enough pockets to get it replaced pretty quick if she dropped it.

AWESOME!!!! That shake looks awesome!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, yet it did.

AwWwWwWwW Figures... I hope she didn't get too sad.

I'm not sure she even noticed. They were all packed away by the time she got back, so she didn't even know it happened. And none of us were going to tell her.

Love the update

Dinner looks awesome, especially the amazing looking milkshakes

Can't wait to hear more

It was great. I don't even think I mentioned the food. Bambi, Kaylene and I all had their Turkey Sandwich - Dried cranberries-arugula, mayonnaise on Blue cheese griddled multigrain, lettuce and tomato with grilled vegetable pasta salad or potoato chips. It sounds pretty fancy, but it was really, really good.

2) Phish Phans tend to be the kind who would stumble out of a Volkswagen van in a cloud of smoke. No moshing there. Sorry

As soon as Tim is finished with his story, you can tell yours. If you can remember it, that is.

3) Rebel XSi... 430EX II: SWEET! Same camera, but I don't have the sweet flash.

I really like the flash. We basically got it because we could never take pictures in Pixie Hollow. The built in one would fire 2 or 3 times, then it would take 10 or 15 seconds to recharge the flash. With the Speedlite, I can flash all day long without having to wait. (Hmmm...maybe that didn't come out quite right.) And as a bonus - it runs off it's own 4 AA batteries, so it doesn't drain the camera battery to fire the flash.

 

[GoHerd1028]

It really was magical! And in case anyone is wondering, the flavors, from top to bottom are:
Strawberry
Bubblegum
Vanilla
Orange
Chocolate
Caramel

(And did I mention there are free refills one these? I had a caramel one after I finished my bubblegum. My expert food critic review on both of them:
Mmmmmmmm....)

.

I am glad you clarified that. I was wondering what sort of conglomeration of flavors it was! I would like to have a caramel one about right now!

 

[FreezinRafiki]

I am glad you clarified that. I was wondering what sort of conglomeration of flavors it was! I would like to have a caramel one about right now!

I was a little leery about the caramel one. When I think caramel, I think hot caramel drizzled over ice cream. I wasn't sure how it would taste cold. I'm glad I did it, though. It was fantastic!

 

[stopher1]

There are certain things I'll spend money on. Parking is very low on that list. Dinner with friends is pretty high.

You think that's cool - you should check out our Arthur Fonzarelli statue next time you're in town. You heard right, folks. Milwaukee has a "Bronze Fonz" in downtown.

Wait... you know who the Fonz is? Wow. That show was on in the '70's you know, right? You didn't know other '70's tv shows we talked about before on another thread (perhaps one of your other TR's?) - so I'm kinda surprised you know this one.

I recall reading about that statue, and several others that were installed in cities around America from famous '70's tv characters... the others that I specifically remember right now are Mary Richards (Mary Tyler Moore) in Minneapolis commerating her '70's tv classic, "The Mary Tyler Moore" show, and Bob Newhart in Chicago from his '70's classic "The Bob Newhart Show", along with Andy Griffith in Raleigh, NC for his '60's classic, "The Andy Griffith Show". There are others too.

I was a little bummed that we got there so late, it was basically time for a picture then Steve and his family had to go. Luckily, we ran into them a few minutes later over by Once Upon A Toy and we got to chat for a while. Such a nice guy and a really nice family.

Yeah, that's kind of how I felt that Monday night meeting you all in the hub myself... but I won't ruin your report with lots of spoilers. I had spent so much time with others, and then had to get over to see the Osborne lights due to a "schedule change" the night before when I was first planning to see the lights, that I missed out on my time with you all. Bummer! But at least I was able to follow it up with you two other times in the days to follow. The rest will have to be followed up with at another time in the future.

I'm glad you stopped by - you're a pretty busy guy. Try to take a few minutes every now and then to remember to breath!

Thanks. Yeah - the travel requirements have picked up a bit, and the time available on here has diminished a bit. But I'm still trying. I DID actually get an installment written today to add to my own report (which was a big goal of mine), so I just need to post it later tonight after I get home from the meeting I'm currently attending. And then get caught up on more of yours and Tim's.... let alone anything else I want to read through. WHEW... I'm getting tired just thinking of it all.

 

[dvczerfs]

hey barry, i just noticed your vacation ticker, looks like another dis dad meet in june.

 

[Rental01]

I really like the flash. We basically got it because we could never take pictures in Pixie Hollow. The built in one would fire 2 or 3 times, then it would take 10 or 15 seconds to recharge the flash. With the Speedlite, I can flash all day long without having to wait. (Hmmm...maybe that didn't come out quite right.) And as a bonus - it runs off it's own 4 AA batteries, so it doesn't drain the camera battery to fire the flash.

Eventually... *sigh*

 

[glennbo123]

I was just kidding about that last part. The driveway is several years old now, it's not in pristine condition anymore.

You think that's bad? You should see the roads in Delaware!

So, we got down to looking at the menu and Roxy asked us for our drink order. I commented that the menu only shows Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry milkshakes, and that they used to have fun flavors like bubblegum and orange. Well guess what! They still have them, they're just not on the menu! Score!

Oh man! I wish I'd known that back in June. I would've definitely gone for bubblegum.

Roxy was a little surprised by this. So what does Roxy do? Same thing any self-respecting Disney World Cast Member would do. She made him a special shake - layered with every flavor of milkshake they have.

That's an awesome picture. You really captured the moment! (Or did Roxy take this one too?)

 

[stopher1]

Wow! Another great update. And BONUS - it's great to see DisneyDaddy-O resurfacing! Hi Nick (for when you next read through this).

Grandchildren living 1200 miles away from their Grandparents can make the traditional holiday celebrations pretty challenging.

Man oh man do I ever get that!!! 1200... 2200 - it really doesn't matter - it's FAR away, and NOT easy.

After everyone woke up, we made our way over to see what was tucked up under the traditional Christmas tree.

LOVE the Florida tree! That's awesome.

I'm not sure how the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources would feel about us bringing that up north, so we decided to leave that in Florida. You know, so she could play with it every time we visited. [/quote]

We were soon seated when our waitress came over and saw my camera sitting on the table. I have a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi with a Speedlite 430EX II. In plain English, it's one of those new-fangled fancy-schmancy big ol' digital jobbies. Well, Roxy took a liking too it, grabbed it, marveled at it, yelled across the entire dining room to show another waiter how fancy of a camera we had, and started taking pictures of random people around the dining room. She then turned it on herself.

Love it at Whispering Canyon! And this is just one reason why - the staff!! We had breakfast there last January, and Harrison got up to use the restroom when he was finished with his meal. Raphael, our waiter, called to him across the room when he was done making sure he'd washed his hands. Later Annie was finished and asked to be excused to go play with the Lincoln Logs. I was just waiting for the bill at that point - and again, he calls to her across the room to find out what she was doing. Too funny!

So, we got down to looking at the menu and Roxy asked us for our drink order. I commented that the menu only shows Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry milkshakes, and that they used to have fun flavors like bubblegum and orange. Well guess what! They still have them, they're just not on the menu! Score!

OK - I really need to know here... did you really only have 1 bottle of ketchup on your table, or did you just give them all away?!? How is that possible? And which one in your group asked for ketchup?

 

[afwdwfan]

I love the Florida Christmas tree, that thing is awesome! I'd definitely have one of those if I lived there.

Gotta say, I feel sorry for the kid missing out on milkshakes for all these years. He's too old to be having his first milkshake. Hopefully he's making up for lost time now. I love me some milkshakes.

I thought it might. I was going to have them build some roads and bridges, but our table was ready. And just like at the real DOT, lunch break is more important than design work.

You think that's bad? You should see the roads in Delaware!

Wow, everybody's just piling on the captain. His trip report ends but the harrassment continues.