From Oil Wells to Jingle Bells-Bells,pg.66, See you in September!

[lovebuzzandwoody]

Add me to the list of those who picked up on the Clarence reference. I think you are right too, I doubt I would have had you said Burt.

I love that movie.

 

[orangecats2]

Will I get kicked off your TR if I say that I've never seen It's A Wonderful Life...or Miracle On 34th St...or Casablanca?
Honestly I don't get lots of your refrences, but I still think you're funny.
BTW, I'm 37.

 

[nebo]

Oh, Nebo & Smidgy...how I've missed you!!

Now I'm going back to read.....back later

Well well, look what the cat dragged in. We missed you to, Cherie, say hi to DJ for me.

WOW, great perspective Nebo. Never thought of it like that.

BTW, I got the Clarence reference too, in spirit

You are still the best trip writer around in my book, I love all your reports.

Well thank you Marita, but there's a lot of good writers on the Dis.
(don't worry, the check will arrive in two days. Just don't cash it for a couple of weeks, ok?)

Add me to the list of those who picked up on the Clarence reference. I think you are right too, I doubt I would have had you said Burt.

I love that movie.

How can you not love that movie? Hot Dog!

Will I get kicked off your TR if I say that I've never seen It's A Wonderful Life...or Miracle On 34th St...or Casablanca?
Honestly I don't get lots of your refrences, but I still think you're funny.
BTW, I'm 37.

Well Okittysquared, you are absolutely right.
You have now been put on the ignore list.
I've probably only seen Miracle on 34th street once, and wasn't a big fan of it. Casablanca was just ok to me too, I just liked watching it to hear all the famous quotes that came from that movie. Like, "We'll always have Pop."

 

[Self_resqing_princz]

We all appreciate the call outs Nebs... but I think we'd appreciate another chapter a little more! DON'T LEAVE ME HANGIN!

 

[nebo]

For us, Thursday is our garbage pick-up day, so Wednsday night, like always, I dragged the garbage and recyle cans down to the curb.

As I stood there lining them up perfectly, it occurred to me that Monday was Labor Day, which means the schedule will be pushed back until Friday this week for us. So I dutifully hauled them back up the driveway into the garage again.

Now they want me to take them for a walk every night.



Just as we walked in the gate by the villa's quiet pool, Diane's cell phone went off.

My eyes bugged out wide, and I couldn't help myself, I started laughing.
No, not a good, healthy laugh, more of a "he's lost his mind, maniacal laugh.

"Mbwaahahahahahahahhahahahahah"
"They got us."
'They got us again. We took the bait, hook line and sinker and they got us again."

At this point in time, I was so overtired, both feet hurt from the really ugly blisters, my right foot was all swollen again like it always gets at Disney from all the walking around, same for my right knee.
No, not done yet.

My back was also hurting, I think from mostly trying to get comfortable on the ground watching the parade and partly from tensing up from the recent stress, and I had a headache.

But my left hand felt fine, in which it is still clutching the 3 pills that are gonna make it "all better." For me it's the pharmaceutical version of "let me kiss it, make it better."

And I was ready for some country kissin', big time!

But the blasted phone had to ring.

Diane answers it, "Good news, room 370 is already and waiting for you".

I know what you're thinking;

You don't have to go up right away, just relax by the pool until you're ready.

No, no and no. Good in theory, doesn't work in reality.

If you're human, like we ,,, Diane is, You want to check it out, make sure it is ok and at least get the stuff up and out of the car and get it over with.

It's one thing lying by a pool because you have no choice, it's quite another to try lying there when you know you still have work to do that you're putting off.

Ok, so first we take the stuff to the room, everything looks just great and the room is just a short walk down a very long corridor from the elevator. We could leave the room and be in the pool in less than 3 minutes, 2 if the elevator is waiting for us.

Then we went back to the car, drove back around to the front and a bellhop unloaded it, under Smidgy's scrutiny of course.
He told her he'd get someone to bring it up right away so she stayed with him while I drove the car around.

Again.

I had told her I'd meet her at the pool, she said she just wanted to get the food put away and we can finish unpacking later, but now I wanted to go and drop off my car keys before they ended up permanently getting dropped off, maybe in the pool.

In the time it took me to park and run up to the room again, they had not only gotten there ahead of me, but the bellhop guy was long gone already, and I didn't even pass him on the way in the elevator which to this day does not seem possible.

Either they stepped into a time warp on the way, or pulled a narcolepsy and dozed off in the car without knowing it.
After this weekend, anything was possible.

A quick change into my suit and I was Gone, Baby Gone again.
With my little friends once again clutched in my hand.

Why didn't I take them up in the room? '

Not really sure why, it's a ritual I guess, part of the presentation, like you don't want them to bring the baked potato before the steak.

The pool was mostly empty. I grabbed a table with an umbrella and it seemed to come with a lounger on each side, it was just perfect.

Now that I"m settled in I can take my meds,,,,,,,,but no, now I have forgotten the can of pop back in the room.

Oh no, oh no, not goiing back up to the room, no way, I'll drink pool water first!

Remember the episode with Rober Petrie, where he's in a park waiting for a bum and pops a couple of aspirin in his mouth? The drinking fountain is just a couple of feet away, but a little kid beats him to it and takes his sweet time.
All while the pills are dissolving into mush in his mouth.

This kinda happened to me at Epcot one time.
It was morning and we were in a hurry to get to Test Track, I wanted to take a couple of vikes first but didn't see a drinking fountain. Finally, yes, there up on the right. "Be right back dear" and limped over to it, popping the pills in my mouth as I went.

The drinking fountain didn't work, bone dry.
I spent five minutes trying to dry swallow them. If your throat doesn't want to open up, almost nothing in the world is going to make it.

Standing there at the pool, I looked around and there on the side of the little washroom/changing building is a fountain. A push of the button and I was in heaven.

And right next to the fountain is a lattice covered SMOKING SECTION!
With one side overlooking the canal directly beneath it.
Wth chairs and benches!

It was without a doubt, the prettiest, most convenient, shaded, WONDERFUL DSA in all of DisneyWorld.

That crappy, Florida well water tasted like champagne to me and the pills disappeared like an Itsakadoozie in the TTC parking lot.

When Diane came down I had to show her my smoking area right away, wouldn't even let her sit.

"Wow, this is incredible. You're going to sleep here tonight, aren't you?"

The only thing spoiling the view were these two, red, expanding crane heavy equipment machines sitting off to the side, each one had a bucket on the end for lifting workers up to high places.
But I didn't care, they weren't being used, just sit ting there. Probably always sit there until they are needed.

Ok, some pool pics:

I think the hot tub was just a formality though:

Then I took a short walk to the other end of the pool from our room. Our room is on the 3rd floor on the right side of the channel ffacing the building. A great spot with the pool just a bit to the left when you look out from the balcony and the channel right in front of you. I don't know if I could hand pick a better room.

That gazebo looking like thingy on the right is the smoking area. I still get misty eyed thinking of it.

It was just wonderful there. So peaceful and quiet, you didn't want to leave.
I spent a good chunk of time just leaning over the railing in the DSA looking for gators. I knew they had to be here somewhere, it was perfect for them.

Let me put it this way;
If I was a gator, that's where I'd play.

After about 3 hours there, we went back up and finished putting our stuff away, lay down for awhile and rested, then prepared to go out and tour the resort.

Even though we have visited this resort before, ever since a stay at Coronado Springs I make sure to tour as much of the resort as we can.

CS? On our first time flying down in '05, which was also our first free dining trip, we were put in the Casitas, building 5, quite a ways from the food court with a lake front view.
Well we found the path of least resistance, or at least the least footsteps was taking the lake front path all the time. It wasn't until the 4th day there that I said "Let's go try this way" and we walked through the casitas instead of over them. I mean around them.

(by the time I'm done with this chapter, everbody is going to wonder why they feel the need to stick in Finding Nemo tonight)
heh

In between the buildings away from the lake, are beautiful rotundas, fountains, reflecting pools, gardens, all great stuff you would completely miss by sticking to the path of least footsteps.

But the BCV aren't that vast.

I suppose it can be confusing at first because you have to walk outside, then inside, then outside and back inside to get to the Marketplace, which is where you refill the mugs, but after a few trips you get it down pat.

At dusk with fresh drinks in our fuzzy cups we headed out to discover these things. Then we found out there are only a couple of ways into the hallowed Stormalong Bay pool, with Luca Brasi checking room ID's for admittance.

Going through the pool you come out by Hurricane Hannas, the food, drink and snack stand next to the promenade by Crescent Lake. Then we walked up the hill toward Epcot and just stopped at the top of the bridge; we had ten minutes to kill until Illuminations started cuz it was closer than we thought.

That's ok, it was a great ten minutes, standing next to my wife with a dear fuzzy cup in hand. All Star Sports seemed like it happened years ago, this place had made things so right!

Illuminations started, this was the second time we had watched from this bridge, but what was way cool, was that I had my new hearing aids in.
For the first time I was actually able to hear the music too along with seeing the fireworks without actually being in the park.

It was a great way to end the day, and even the beef stew out of a can we had for dinner that night in the room tasted just fine to me.

Funny how a day can start out to crappy, (dead car and all), and end up so nice.

Tomorrow morning is early entry at the studios, and that's where we'll be.

(huh? what do you mean I'm not finished yet, it was the perfect stopping point. oh, alright)

You know what would be great?
If every morning you were given an outline when you woke up, an outline that would tell you all the things you are going to encounter, or do, or say throughout the day and you could look it over a little and maybe prepare yourself ahead of time.

It sure would have helped me out this fine, Monday morning.

I will throw a couple of real subtle hints your way about my upcoming stupidity, see if you can catch on first.

While we were getting ready that morning to go to DHS, there wasn't time for coffee, which I am now saying led to a day of bad decision making.

But except for massive amouts of pain running through my back and feet and right knee, I felt pretty good.

Good to the point of annoying, I like being silly sometimes.
This can also happen when I am under duress, like driving through the mountains or strange, busy cities with a person beside me that has a look like this on their face.

Yep, that's when the dumb jokes and one liners can come out, but also when I feel good, at least mentally.

I debated trying on socks and the shoes I drove down in, and had the hardest time making a decision on what to wear.
Diane watched me pick up a shoe, then put it down.

Then I did the same with a sock.

Finally, she cracked, "Ok, what's the news?"

"News?"

"Yes, news. On your blisters."

"Not good news."

"So what shoes you going to wear?"

"You're saying you want shoes news?"

(sick look on Smidgy's face) "Yes, I want shoes news."

And I threw aside the gym shoes and picked up the "clip clops' and put them on.

"No shoes is good shoes."

That's right, you heard me correctly. I am wearing CLIP CLOPS today, at DHS because of blisters.

On the way to the mile long pier that leads to the boat dock we need, a rabbit jumped out of a bush, landed right in our path and stared at us for a second before bounding off.

I pointed and yelled, "Look, he's come to take us to Dorothy", but I guess Diane, not being a morning person wasn't really in the mood and responded by using a verb followed by Dorothy and walked on ahead.

We weren't sure when the first boat would arrive, but I got the feeling that they would time it so that it's gonna be close to opening time for early entry.
So we were early, and I had some time to think.

We haven't done Indiana Jones much lately, I don't think we've tried it since the last time when I tried to VOLUNTEER to be one of the selected from the audience and be on stage.

Believe it or not, Smidgy has done it twice now, I always wanted to but I was too terrified to try waving my arms and acting like an idiot hoping to get picked. If I was picked I'd probably just stand there petrified and perspire around the waste. Well, at least until the last time.

The woman doing the picking looked right at me, thought she was going to actually pick me, but instead picked the woman standing and jumping next to me.

Smidgy.
That was her second time being picked.

Oh, I did the good husbandly thing and took pictures, in a previous trip report dubbing her, "Indiana Diana".

But today, neither one of us brought the camera, and besides, I'd just like to see the show once without worrying about getting pictures of her.

c ya

 

[fsmith2845]

Glad to see you finally able to enjoy yourselves and relax.. love the pictures of BCV... i'm so jealous.. When i planned our next trip down, we originally tried to get BCV or BWV.. we traded through RCI our points into DVC, and had everything lined up during the time we wanted and waited one day too long to make the decision on where we were going to stay..

Soo.. now we're at SSR for a week instead.. going a week or so earlier than we orginialy planned (however that will work out better as the next week is PW week (i think). They get in the day we leave WE're all soo looking forward to seeing DW all decorated up for Christmas!!

 

[Piglets Mommy]

BCV looks beautiful! I'm glad you were able to escape "Motel Hell"

 

[Backstage_Gal]

Glad you found a great DSA at my former work home. I never noticed it, but that is probably cause that was the long way to work only travelled when shut out from regular parking by big drive in convention groups. GRRRRRRRRRRR!!

BTW, I quit smoking after 45 years, can you believe it? July 23 at 10:30 am. My daughter moved back home and persuaded me and she was so excited about my quitting, that is really how I am managing to stick to it so far. Still a struggle every day, but i manage.

So glad your trip is turning around! Dang blisters though, ouch!

And I would NEVER EVER be jumping up and down to be picked for a show Smidgy, You can have all my turns!!!!!!!

 

[McDisney]

Now they want me to take them for a walk every night.

If you give a mouse a cookie...


And I was ready for some country kissin', big time!

As long as it doesn't involve cousin's



Oh, I did the good husbandly thing and took pictures, in a previous trip report dubbing her, "Indiana Diana".

InDiana

BCV looks really pretty... calm and serene - ah someday

 

[tiggerwannabe]

I pointed and yelled, "Look, he's come to take us to Dorothy", but I guess Diane, not being a morning person wasn't really in the mood and responded by using a verb followed by Dorothy and walked on ahead.

I love you guys

 

[monatexasgal]

sounds like an adventure!

 

[winkers]

Ok...I'm all caught up

There was too much to comment on but I made a little list of highlights....let's see if I can make any sense out of them.

Illuminations, reflections of a moron.....

I feel Smidgy's pain about the bathroom stops....had my gallbladder out many moons ago and now...well, I have to be carefull what I eat when traveling.

And we're off.....growing up we made a monthly 3 hour trip to my grandparents and every time my mom would say...and we're off like a herd of turles....which over the years has turned into "a turd of hurtles"....I'm now my mom saying that as I pull out of the drive way with my kids...godd times.

leaving the bathroom bag.... isn't that a little mis-leading? I think "bag o'little friends" or "magical bag of phramacuticals" are a little more fitting.

lizzard between your legs.....

Dolly Parton trying to fasten Paris Hilton's bra in front... I'm not sure if I will ever get that picture out of my mind


Singing Stayin alive while naked....

As for all the crap you went through with the soccer group...

 

[smidgy]

standing next to my wife with a dear fuzzy cup in hand



um, shouldn't that be the other way around?

 

[lovebuzzandwoody]

standing next to my wife with a dear fuzzy cup in hand



um, shouldn't that be the other way around?

I agree! That "dear" was totally misplaced! I am sure it was a typo!

 

[McDisney]

 

[nrod]

Back on "Wonderful Life", I'm pretty sure I said this before, but isn't it funny how the main beloved charachter had all his transgressions forgotten and forgiven?

Yeah, he was great when thing went ok, but as soon as some challenge comes into his life?

He viciously berates an old man for losing the money;
He verbally abuses his children to the point of child abuse;
He totally ignores his wife and leaves her dazed and confused:
He goes out and gets drunk:
He gets in a fight:
He then drives while drunk and wrecks the car into a tree.
And he then plans on taking his own life leaving his wife to take care of everything.

Yes, 'Ol George was a heck of a guy.
Budt I still love him, how can you not like Jimmy?

You know, I never thought about it that way. I will probably never watch the movie the same way again. I used to hate the part where he yelled at the kids, but now that I'm a parent I can totally see where he was coming from. (Just kidding...well, sort of.)

Glad to read that the upgrades came in more forms than just the hotel. And you know if you had REALLY needed to get in your room, it would have taken longer! If only you had been a bit slower getting to the pool...

 

[1971DBday]

I just found your TR! We are 75 days out until our return trip and your TR is reminding me of the dreaded Brazilian tour group experiences we have had - none to your extent. I may need to learn a few Portuguese phrases to put them in their place. Luckily, not that many during the time we are there, but Pop Warner starts to arrive.

Last year we switched from the moderates to staying at the Poly and haven't had to deal with any of the "groups". However, you still have to deal with the chair hogs who claim their chairs before they leave for the parks in the morning and the pool hoppers. I wish they would give guests wristbands or something to control this. But this year I will not be tolerating any of this....

Can't wait to hear more and it's nice to meet you and Smidgy!

 

[Self_resqing_princz]

standing next to my wife with a dear fuzzy cup in hand



um, shouldn't that be the other way around?

What? Standing next to my dear fuzzy cup with my wife in hand? That just doesn't make any sense Smidgy!

 

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

You crack me up saying the looks of a crowded parking lot made you happy but after the AS sports ordeal I can understand why.

WHen I get my WDW blisters, I use that white first aid tape & it keeps the blister from getting further rubbed & irritated. Then I put on a good pair of socks & tennis shoes. I think it's easier to walk the parks with tennies

Looking forward to reading some happy touring over at DHS

 

[mmeb144]

I pointed and yelled, "Look, he's come to take us to Dorothy", but I guess Diane, not being a morning person wasn't really in the mood and responded by using a verb followed by Dorothy and walked on ahead.

I enjoyed the look on my DD's face when I read this. Priceless!

We were both glad you found the pretty DSA. I don't smoke, but it sounds like a tourist location to visit.