Frolicking Pants & Chicken Necks!_How this Dorky Mom & Daughter Do DisneyWorld! *7/24

[Sue88]

I'm am loving the report and am glad you are showing the Polynesian. I have not read many reports of that resort.
Could you please explain further about the "phone" on the wall in the shop and what you hear on it. I don't think I have heard about that and I love trivia stuff like that.
Looking forward to reading more!!!

 

[scooby9932]

I'm really enjoying your trip report

Thank you! And

What better way to start off a WDW vacation that at the Magic Kingdom. I'm placing bets that SP gets that hoodie

By the way, I've started a trip report from our August, 2008 CBR stay. The stress of waiting on our August, 2009 trip was getting to me so I decided I needed a project. The link is in my signature.

Lisa

I would be willing to wager that you're right about the hoodie!

Oh, goody, a trip report! I'm going to start reading today.

I'm am loving the report and am glad you are showing the Polynesian. I have not read many reports of that resort.
Could you please explain further about the "phone" on the wall in the shop and what you hear on it. I don't think I have heard about that and I love trivia stuff like that.
Looking forward to reading more!!!

Thank you! And !

The Polynesian is really nice. I didn't get as many pictures as I'd hoped as we just don't spend too much time at the resort, but there are a few more coming up in the next few installments.

The phone is on the wall in Le Chapeau on the right hand side. If you pick it up & listen hard (the volume is pretty low), you'll hear snippets of a conversation between 2 women. It's really cute and just another little detail that makes Disney so special.

If I'm not mistaken, there used to be another phone in Tomorrowland somewhere you could listen to as well but we never found it. It might still be there. Someone on these boards is bound to know about it, though.

 

[mickeystoontown]

I knew I was probably right about the hoodie. You know why I knew? Because I would have broken down and bought it too.

 

[scooby9932]

Just popping in to say I haven't forgotten my trip report. I've just been really bogged down with work, chemo, radiation, etc., and haven't gotten the next installment finished yet. Bad DIS'er!

I did enjoy a wonderful 40th birthday party on Saturday. Many friends & family joined us for a celebration of life & to give my doctors a big "raspberry" for their predictions. It was a really nice day. I have to get the pictures up on Flickr so I can post here. SP did a wonderful job with designing a cupcake cake in the shape of the number 40 with my favorite flower, daisies, decorating the top.

Hopefully I'll be able to get some more writing done before the week's end.

Happy Wednesday!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Just popping in to say I haven't forgotten my trip report. I've just been really bogged down with work, chemo, radiation, etc., and haven't gotten the next installment finished yet. Bad DIS'er!

I did enjoy a wonderful 40th birthday party on Saturday. Many friends & family joined us for a celebration of life & to give my doctors a big "raspberry" for their predictions. It was a really nice day. I have to get the pictures up on Flickr so I can post here. SP did a wonderful job with designing a cupcake cake in the shape of the number 40 with my favorite flower, daisies, decorating the top.

Hopefully I'll be able to get some more writing done before the week's end.

Happy Wednesday!

You know, I was going to post today and ask if you were feeling okay. You and longing2batdisney were on my mind last night and I said a little prayer for you both. Glad to know you had a fantastic celebration.

 

[princess.chell]

Jumping in late, just read all of your posts.
Your trip sounds so fun already! I always love reading mom and daughter trip reports because I still remember the weekend trip my mom and I took like 7 years ago.
Can't read to read more! Hope your chemo and radiation is going as well as it can. My mom had cancer too four years ago so I know how trying it can be on your body. Hope your feeling well.

oh. btw. I'm mighty jealous of your daughters job(s)! I absolutely love photography and am trying to find a way to make a career out of it (I'm only 17). She's got the coolest job(s) in the world, IMO.

 

[scooby9932]

You know, I was going to post today and ask if you were feeling okay. You and longing2batdisney were on my mind last night and I said a little prayer for you both. Glad to know you had a fantastic celebration.

Thanks for thinking of me! I'm doing ok, just some minor nausea & fatigue. The worst is the radiation burns that are starting to make my skin super tender. I look like an overcooked lobster from my right shoulder over to the middle of my chest & the whole right side of my neck. The other sites aren't as tender or red, I guess because the skin is thicker/tougher on my legs/hips.

Thanks for the prayers. I really appreciate them.

Jumping in late, just read all of your posts.
Your trip sounds so fun already! I always love reading mom and daughter trip reports because I still remember the weekend trip my mom and I took like 7 years ago.
Can't read to read more! Hope your chemo and radiation is going as well as it can. My mom had cancer too four years ago so I know how trying it can be on your body. Hope your feeling well.

oh. btw. I'm mighty jealous of your daughters job(s)! I absolutely love photography and am trying to find a way to make a career out of it (I'm only 17). She's got the coolest job(s) in the world, IMO.

!! Thanks for joining in.

Thanks for the well wishes. I hope your mom is doing well?

You're absolutely right - SP has some truly great jobs! She's wanted to be a photographer since she could first hold a camera. Keep reaching for your dreams - they do come true.

And it's never too early to start. SP started a portfolio at 13 & had paying jobs by 15. At first, though, she just took pictures for "word of mouth" pay, if you know what I mean. She generated a good bit of business that way. She also had her first published photo in a magazine at 14. If you love what you do, you're never too young to go for it.

Good Luck!

From my experience in helping SP along the road to a photography career, I have some advice, if you'd like:

• Take as many pictures as you can. Practice, practice, practice.
• Search internet group sites where members can critique photos you post & you can learn from some great mentors.
• Build a portfolio.
• Ask friends/family to model for you so you can get the hang of portrait photography.
• Play with lighting. A LOT.
• Take some courses in photography. There are some great online/distance schools.
• Subscribe to a couple of photography magazines to keep up to date on equipment & trends.
• Ask a photographer if you can "intern" with them so you can learn to use the equipment without having to invest in it yourself. SP did this a few times & learned so much! She got "paid" with experience.
• Have fun with it! You learn a lot when just goofing around. Sometimes SP got her best shots when trying new things.
• If you can, find a niche. Something you provide that other local photographers don't. SP travels to people's homes & other locations that have meaning to them so they feel more comfortable. This is especially helpful since she sort of specializes in children's portraits. People really like having professional photos of their families in meaningful locations.

I wish you the best of luck in making a career out of it! SP is super lucky, especially in this economy to have a job(s) she loves & get paid well for. You can do it, too.

 

[autumnpalm]

Love your MK pictures! And thanks for the review of the Plaza... I've heard a lot of mixed reviews about it so it's nice to hear good, detailed one.

SP's ring is so pretty! I really like it... hmm... now I am wanting to buy some Disney jewelry on our next trip.

The IASW nursery idea sounds too darn cute. What a lucky grandchild you're going to have!

And the Exposition Hall cutout area was closed for AAA when we were there too.

 

[princess.chell]

My mom is doing well. 2.5 years remission and counting!
I hope you are doing well! Hasn't been an update in a while...hope everything is going okay and you are feeling well!!

Thanks so much for the advice!!! It's great to see another success in photography in this economy. I intern with a photographer who started her own portrait business and is thriving. You daughter is just another example for me that photography can work and I can do what I love.

 

[scooby9932]

Love your MK pictures! And thanks for the review of the Plaza... I've heard a lot of mixed reviews about it so it's nice to hear good, detailed one.

SP's ring is so pretty! I really like it... hmm... now I am wanting to buy some Disney jewelry on our next trip.

The IASW nursery idea sounds too darn cute. What a lucky grandchild you're going to have!

And the Exposition Hall cutout area was closed for AAA when we were there too.

SP really loves her ring. You should definitely get you a sparkly piece of Disney jewelry!

Oh, my grandchildren are going to be so spoiled! I can't wait! It's going to be so much fun introducing them to Disney magic. I've already bought a set of Princess books that I've inscribed to my future granddaughter(s) & a set of classic Disney stories for my future grandson(s), also inscribed. I'm nothing if not prepared!

My mom is doing well. 2.5 years remission and counting!
I hope you are doing well! Hasn't been an update in a while...hope everything is going okay and you are feeling well!!

Thanks so much for the advice!!! It's great to see another success in photography in this economy. I intern with a photographer who started her own portrait business and is thriving. You daughter is just another example for me that photography can work and I can do what I love.

CONGRATULATIONS to your mom! That's wonderful news.

I'm doing okay - just lacking in energy & fighting off a cold I caught. The chemo & radiation take their toll. I'm 5 chemos & 22 radiation treatments down. Only 1 more chemo & 8 more radiation treatments to go.

I'm glad to hear that you're doing well with your photography! Never give up the dream.

 

[MrsSpratt]

First off, I adore your Mother's Day tradition. Supercool.

Secondly, you are in my prayers! I hope your poor skin is holding up!

 

[Joyciemc]

Just wanted to say I'm loving your report!

Also, has anyone ever mentioned that SP resembles Natalie Portman?

Looking forward to more!

 

[scooby9932]

First off, I adore your Mother's Day tradition. Supercool.

Secondly, you are in my prayers! I hope your poor skin is holding up!

Thank you and to my TR!

I love our Mom Day tradition, too.

Thank you for the prayers! My skin is raw & red & hurts like the devil. But the payoff will be worth it, I hope!

Just wanted to say I'm loving your report!

Also, has anyone ever mentioned that SP resembles Natalie Portman?

Looking forward to more!

Thanks! And to my TR!

Yeah, SP gets the Natalie comment quite often as well as Anne Hathaway & Zoey Deschanel. I think it's her smile. Out of all of them, I see Zoey Deschanel as the closest in looks overall. Plus when SP sings she sounds a bit like Zoey does in ELF.

I'll be adding another chapter shortly.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Glad to hear that you're soldiering through the treatments. My prayers are still with you and your family.

I look forward to reading your next installment. I hope that you'll come over and read my trip report too. I have a lot of mishaps in there that'll give you a chuckle or two. Sounds like you need some chuckling right now.

 

[scooby9932]

Thursday dawned bright & clear. SP & I were up & dressed in record time. I packed up our bags & loaded the scooter with the essentials. After grabbing a quick breakfast of donuts & orange juice, we headed out. First we took a side trip to the GCH to mail SP’s letter & fill up my mug with some lemonade. Then we headed out toward the TTC to catch our first monorail of the trip.

We made our way up the ramp & got into the handicapped queue for the monorail. There wasn’t anyone else in line for the monorail at this time. We talked to a really sweet CM who was there on the College Program from Las Vegas. I can’t remember his name for the life of me, but he was a real cutie. He was asking how we liked the hot & humid Florida weather. He was surprised to find that we didn’t think it was hot or humid at all yet since it was way hotter/muggier back in Louisiana. We talked about swamp coolers & desert heat for awhile. I grew up traveling back & forth through the southwest & had relatives in Phoenix & west Texas, so I knew what he was talking about. SP was confused about swamp coolers & now says she has to see one.

In just a few minutes the monorail came into the station. By this time about 20 people were in line. The low crowds boded well for the day! Our new friend put the ramp down for us & I boarded the monorail. This was the 1st time I’d ridden the monorail with a scooter. It was great! Easy peasy.

SP on the monorail:

Within 10 minutes we were at Epcot & disembarking. Wow! This is by far the best part of staying at the Poly. We never waited more than 5 minutes to board the ferry or monorail & the trip never lasted more than 15 minutes.

Once off the monorail we made our way to the security check in & saw a bit more crowds, but still light.

Once inside, SP & I had a few PP photos taken in front of the Princess topiaries. The F&G Festival was amazing as usual. The topiaries were great – I think they had many more this year than last throughout the park.

We also got a few shots of our own:

SP's favorite Disney couple:

My favorite Disney couple:

Next up was Spaceship Earth. SP & I must go on this first thing each trip. We entered through the back entrance & only had to wait about 5 minutes before we were taken up the ramp to board. We enjoyed it just as much as usual!

After SE, we decided to head towards Test Track to get a fast pass. On the way, we took a detour through the butterfly garden. I managed to get a few good butterfly pictures.

Butterfly Warning for AutumnPalm – scroll down quickly – the little beasties are too cute for me to leave out of my TR.

In the butterfly garden:

Minnie's Butterfly Garden Topiary:

Out along the path leading toward Odyssey Buidling:

Tink in the garden path - Don't you just love the little air plants as her slippers?

Once we got to TT, we noticed that the stand-by line was only 10 minutes, so we hopped right on.

I have to say I’ve never fully appreciated this ride before. I’ve always worn glasses that had to be taken off so I’ve never been able to really “see” as we go around the track. It was exhilarating.

After our ride, I convinced SP to go on the Energy ride with me. After a bad experience (Rain on my scooter, nasty CMs, etc.) on her Senior Trip, we’d not been back on this ride. To avoid any problems this time, I nice-as-you-please just drove right by where they told me to park my scooter & parked it underneath the awning outside the exit doors. This way we’d avoid having it get wet in any sudden downpour!

SP was nervous we’d get in trouble, but I told her to just be quiet & act like we knew what we were doing. I had to get into a regular wheelchair & have her push me through to the entrance. Once inside after the pre-show a CM took over & handled loading me onto the ride vehicle. We both really enjoyed the attraction this time. When the show was over, we wheeled right out the exit doors & found my scooter still there – dry & cool.

We decided to head toward the Land pavilion by way of Mouse Gears. We spent quite a bit of time looking around & deciding on future purchases. The one purchase SP had to make right then? You guessed it – the must have hoodie! Once we were finished in the shop, we headed back out toward the Land. On the way we got some more PP pictures done. I should have the CD in a few days & can add the pics when I do.

We also stopped to enjoy a show by the Jamminators. These guys are super enthusiastic & so talented. I love percussion!

Once in the land we went right for the Living With the Land ride. Both SP & I really love this ride. I was so looking forward to the Mickey head pumpkins…but they weren’t there! Still, it was a great ride. SP taped it all so we could share with my dad when we got back home. He loves leaning new ways to grow vegetables.

When we disembarked a CM quizzed us about the ride. We passed with flying colors. I asked why no Mickey pumpkins & he said it must be because it’s a fall crop. I don’t know – all I know is that they had them the same week last year. Oh, well.

After our ride, we decided to get some lunch at Sunshine Seasons. SP grabbed her regular – grilled salmon with smashed potatoes & carrots. I ordered the ¼ rotisserie chicken, with the potatoes & carrots. We both shared a piece of chocolate cake. It was really good. I’m always really happy with whatever I get at Sunshine Seasons.

Next, we headed back out & turned toward the JIYIWF ride. Figment is SP’s favorite stuffy character so she was super happy to go on this ride. She’s like a little kid. Afterwards, we spent some time playing in the Kodak Image works lab area. SP sent a postcard to Steven.

Then it was back out into the sunshine. We made our way toward the sand sculptures & looked at the booth about Disney’s Earth. Then SP decided she wanted to spend some time in Innoventions.

After Innoventions, we grabbed our first Mickey ice creams of the trip & enjoyed them while people watching by the fountains.

While sitting there, I finally notice a lever on the tiller portion of the scooter that will move the arms closer to my body. Aha! I finally was able to drive the thing without killing my shoulders! I’m just sorry to say it took me that long to find it!

It was early afternoon at this time. SP & I decided to head back to the resort for some swim time.

Spaceship Earth from the monorail platform:

SP acting goofy on the monorail:

Oh, so tired & hot!

I'm gonna getcha!

I took a pic of my Mickey tattoo that I'd bought at the Dollar Tree before the trip. The sheet had 15 or so tattoos, but this one lasted the whole trip!

We hopped back on the monorail & were back in our room in about 20 minutes. SP & I took quick showers & changed into our swimsuits. Then we headed toward the main pool. Once we got to the pool, we found a couple of recliners & just sit back & relaxed.

I got us a Pina Colava from the beach hut bar. It was tasty, but nothing too special.

SP took a dip in the water, while I just people watched some more when I wasn’t reading my book. Pretty soon SP got hungry, so I sent her to get some flat bread pizzas from Captain Cook’s. She got a plain cheese one for her & a pineapple/Canadian bacon one for me. They were SO good!

Once it started to grow dark, SP & I decided to go back to the room to get cleaned up again. Once we’d rested a bit & taken showers again, we got dressed & headed out.

As I was backing out of the elevator, SP gasps & jumps back into the elevator. I ask what’s wrong. She screams, “Snake!” I ask where & she points to the ground right beside my scooter. The little guy squiggled quickly against the wall in the lobby & hid behind the little table there. I had SP call the front desk to report the sighting.

For the whole story, click here: Snake in Poly Lobby

Once we got to the GCH we decided to window shop at the stores.

Next, we decided to go ahead & get a Lapu Lapu to split as we’d seen so much about them on these boards. Wowza! That is just one super strong drink. Lots of rum! Neither one of us actually drank our ½ of the drink. Still, SP says I was being unusually silly on the drive back to the room.

The Lapu Lapu:

My reaction to the 1st sip:

Somer's reaction - Note - you can see the new hoodie she got that day!:

Here's a pic of the beautiful palm trees on the way back to our room:

Once back in the room I got our stuff organized for the next day, plugged in my scooter to charge, & crawled into bed. I was exhausted & feeling a bit worn out. SP stayed up so she could get the most out of the $10.99 we spent for high speed internet.

Up next – What was supposed to be our Disney’s Hollywood Studios Day, but Wasn’t.

 

[scooby9932]

Glad to hear that you're soldiering through the treatments. My prayers are still with you and your family.

I look forward to reading your next installment. I hope that you'll come over and read my trip report too. I have a lot of mishaps in there that'll give you a chuckle or two. Sounds like you need some chuckling right now.

Thanks for the prayers!

I'm on my way over right now to read your report. I've been off the boards lately & haven't been a good poster or reader. I hope I can improve on that starting now!

 

[mickeystoontown]

See! I told you my bet was on SP getting her hoodie and I was right! I would have done the same thing if my daughter, Lacey, had been with us. For some reason, she can never have too many hoodies. Tell SP, it's one of the cutest hoodies I have ever laid my eyes on.

What is it with you and snakes? Do you have some kind of snake magnet around your ankle? Do you wear snake charmer perfume? First you get bitten by a snake on your birthday, albiet not at Disney but still, and then you spot one at the Polynesian resort. Remind me not to follow you around 'cause I am terrified of snakes!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Thanks for the prayers!

I'm on my way over right now to read your report. I've been off the boards lately & haven't been a good poster or reader. I hope I can improve on that starting now!

Well, I don't know why in the world you haven't been on the Disboards lately. It's not like you have other things on your mind right now! You know I am just kidding. I certainly understand why you haven't been posting or reading lately. Just take care of yourself.

 

[princess.chell]

Glad to read another update from you! As always enjoying the report. Your trip sounds fantastic! I can't wait to read more!

And glad to hear that you are doing well! Your almost to the end too! Yay!!

 

[scooby9932]

I haven't fallen off the face of the earth or anything! I swear!

Just been really REALLY busy with work, doctors, and stuff.

While I'm finally finished with 30 radiation treatments & 6 weeks of chemo , I am really struggling with fatigue. I also caught a nasty cold from SP's friend who came to visit. She was sick when she came but didn't tell us until I got sick just a few hours after hugging her hello. I'm still trying to kick the cough from that nasty virus. I also developed a horrible toothache last Friday & was down all weekend taking pain pills & putting ice on my face. With my reduced immunity, I'm not allowed to have dental work performed just now. So, it's just grin & bear it. The toothache is better now, but still painful.

And...I can't miss any work. The controls audit is coming up & I'm a big player (lucky me). And they moved our offices last week. So, with all the extra hours at work plus packing boxes, moving stuff, and unpacking, it's been hectic to say the least.

And, if that is not enough ...

SP is going through a bad bout with her back. She's had back pain for years (since she was 8 & got hurt at her father's house), but lately it's been getting worse & last week she started having pain go down her leg with her foot going numb.

Since the old pain was limited to the upper back with muscle spasms, etc., this new pain is disturbing. The orthopaedic doctor was no help back when we first started trying to get help. Luckily, her chiropractor has been a blessing and was able to help alot with her discomfort. But he couldn't help with the new pain.

So, it's off to find some help. She saw a neurosurgeon last week who ordered new MRI's. She got those done & we went back to him yesterday.

The good news is that it's nothing with her spine - only the same 10 degree compression curve (from the injury when she was 8) and 1 slightly bulging disk, but nothing surgical.

So, we have to try some more tests.

Next Tuesday she's going for a Nerve Conduction test series - they basically treat her like a voodoo doll - stick her with pins & run jolts of electric shocks up & down the nerves in her legs. Pleasant, yes?

Then on Wednesday she has a myelogram. They'll inject a dye into her spinal cord (like a tap) & do some CT scans. Then she has to lie flat for 24 straight hours to give her spinal column a chance to heal fully. She's not a happy camper about this test. She's scared to death, actually. Poor baby.

So, that's why I've been neglecting my TR. I hope to add the next day soon. It's a work in progress.

Prayers & pixie dust are appreciated!