Grandpa Mohawk Chronicles back online (Spring Edition)

[BroganMc]

What do you call a geek on vacation?

A geek.

How does a geek call home on vacation?

Skype video

What does a geek do on vacation?

Take their laptop out for a stroll to do a wifi check so they can give family a virtual "live" tour of their vacation home.

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Just had to post that. On my way to run a few errands, we all got distracted for this afternoon's EPCOT outing. I met a college CM from Equador at the Front Desk and we start chatting about Disney, American culture, and everything.

When I returned my brother was Skyping my dad and cuz on the laptop. A few sound checks and my cuz and I started taking the laptop out for a stroll to see how far we could go on this router. We got as far as the bus stop before it died. We have plans to extend the range to HRS pool for another call.

Yeah, we're geeks.

Anyway, we've decided to save cuz's last day on his pass and forgo EPCOT. We'll go to the Boardwalk instead. Maybe I'll finally get to try Jellyrolls.

vacation is so fun at Disney!

 

[BroganMc]

Good thing I didn't post that itinerary of ours because I keep changing it.

We ended up being too late for EPCOT last night so went straight to the Boardwalk. Showed cuz around, helped a lady push her 4-person bike up the bridge from Yacht Club, then watched the fireworks from the bridge to Boardwalk.

Ended up having dinner at Flying Fish Cafe. Very pricey but delicious and I found a new favorite drink: Boardwalk Bay Breeze. I twittered the recipe last night. Gotta try that at home in OC.

Our mornings are settling in a routine. GM and I up to do the pool in the AM. (By noon it gets far too hot and sunny.) Cuz sleeps in.

Afternoon I hope to go to EPCOT. Gotta show my landscaper cuz F&G fest.

Now for the tidbits I've learned:

Met my friend Scott (one of the pool coordinaters) and learned the THV pool will have a pool lift. They're keeping a lift at Grandstand for now and taking it over. The spa there will have the lift mount too but they needed to redo the hole for it. Concrete settled.

Alll four accessible treehouses will be around the pool.

Also met the new activities manager for SSR (Kelly). She came from Yacht & Beach Club so is used to a higher paced schedule. Here is so laid back and everyone seems to know each other. I wished her well adjusting.

And enjoyed another new drink from the pool bar - Lava Smoothie. Pina Colada with Raspberry.

Hope everyone's enjoying their day!

 

[Brenle]

It's rainy and raw here in New England so your day is definitely better than mine. Y&BC is hectic, eh? We're used to the relaxing SSR so I guess we'll have to pick it up a notch when we are at BCV next week.

Thanks for posting. And glad to hear you're enjoying your vacation.

 

[ChelleinNC]

All caught up Don't know why I haven't had a single dis email update in days

Sounds like you're having a great time, no matter what the itinerary says you should be doing

 

[TeresaNJ]

Oh my gosh, I'm a first time reader to your blog, and I'm loving it! You are an amazing writer and story-teller. I can't wait to hear more, and will definitely read your prior blogs and reports.

 

[BroganMc]

We made it to the pool and EPCOT yesterday. I'm so proud of us.

Bad news is I've come down with a sinus cold. Runny nose is driving me nuts! Drip, drip, drip. Got some Contac here from AP. My new best friend.

Today's plans have me feeling aa bit fenced in. We arranged to meet up with a friend at Yak & Yeti at 5pm, but the weather being so hot mid-day and me being siick, well I hate to head into AK in the afternoon. We'll bake.

GM says he LOVES AK in the hot. He keeps forgetting his body doesn't take sweltering anymore. Silly boy.

Right now (6:45am) I'm up and tempted to do two things: go out for a morning walk of the resort or go back to bed. It's one of those "Ok I'm up let's move before our brains overthink and we put it off for a day we'll never do" moments.

I'm sorry to say for you guys but I'm thinking of cancelling the trip over to AKL on Friday. Cuz just adored EPCOT and wants to do the Behind the Seeds tour. And going to AKL means losing a pool morning for me. But all the folks I've met staying at Kidani are raving about it.

Oh and did I mention Cuz is debating becoming a DVC member himself? We're talking about doing a BWV add-on. He doesn't care where he owns but wants to add to our travel pot. I think Cuz might become a permanent fixture on our DVC trips. He's already taken up the Grandpa Mohawk character handling posse role.

Hmm, I'm torn about telling you ladies too much about Cuz. I know he's quite a catch (I was amazed how good he was with the old friend's son the other night) but like having him around too much. Some young thing will snap him up and he'll be gone forever.

Hmm, 6:50am now. Maybe I'll just go back to bed.

Have a good day everyone! Especially you folks up north. Forecast says the weather will improve soon. 70's and partly sunny at home this weekend.

 

[tomandrobin]

I'm sorry to say for you guys but I'm thinking of cancelling the trip over to AKL on Friday. Cuz just adored EPCOT and wants to do the Behind the Seeds tour. And going to AKL means losing a pool morning for me. But all the folks I've met staying at Kidani are raving about it.

Oh and did I mention Cuz is debating becoming a DVC member himself? We're talking about doing a BWV add-on. He doesn't care where he owns but wants to add to our travel pot. I think Cuz might become a permanent fixture on our DVC trips. He's already taken up the Grandpa Mohawk character handling posse role.

Go to Kidani Village and enjoy the pool. We went Saturday and had a great time. The resort is beautiful and the pool is so relaxing. Plus, they have pool side service....they bring the drinks to you!!

Tell Cuz good luck and take his time....but I'm sure you already did that. There are some excellent resale deals right now, especially at SSR.

 

[flyingcat2003]

Glad you're having a great time.

 

[AnnaS]

Decisons, decisions. Feel better soon.

 

[BroganMc]

Tomandrobin, drinks don't matter as much to me as pool lifts. AFAIK Kidani doesn't have one yet. I'll have to ask Scott. Contemporary does. Mike moved over there last Spring. (i.e. pool coordinators I've met)

I do foresee a day at Kidani and Jambo next Fall though. My aunt is not much for parks but will like rummaging around resorts.

I dunno. I'm deciding things hour by hour.

In the bathroom this morning I read they had the gardens of the world tour tomorrow so booked that for us. Good thing my guys here want to do it. I kinda didn't ask first. Call me impulsive.

But my dad and Cuz love touring the gardens.

Right now we're all getting ready for AK. Cuz hasn't seen Dinoland or the forest trails. He wants to ride Dinosaur (egad!). Oh and he hasn't even seen Expedition Everest yet.

Then dinner with our friend Linda at Yak & Yeti.

The day is turning out a tiny bit cooler - 87 instead of 90. How's it back in MD?

 

[oilheadbob]

Just wanted to say how much I am enjoying your trip report. We finally saw the sun today in Northern Va. Wishing we were in the World with you. Keep up the posts.

My wife and I stayed at SSR in Feb on our developer points, we loved it there. Going back in Oct to AKV and again at Christmas.

Hope to meet one day in person

Bob and Nancy
Gainesville, Va.

 

[WalkingintheFog]

We made it to the pool and EPCOT yesterday. I'm so proud of us.

Bad news is I've come down with a sinus cold. Runny nose is driving me nuts! Drip, drip, drip. Got some Contac here from AP. My new best friend.

Hmm, I'm torn about telling you ladies too much about Cuz. I know he's quite a catch (I was amazed how good he was with the old friend's son the other night) but like having him around too much. Some young thing will snap him up and he'll be gone forever.

Have a good day everyone! Especially you folks up north. Forecast says the weather will improve soon. 70's and partly sunny at home this weekend.

Sorry to hear about your sinus cold! Here's my sure fire cure:
1 cup of hot tea (that's black tea, eg Tetley, Red Rose or King Cole. With fresh or tinned milk and sugar if you like).
1 bottle ice cold beer. (no substitutions allowed!)
1 plate of nachos (ie tortilla chips, shredded cheese: mozza, monterey jack and/or old cheddar, chopped green onions ANDDDDD block it w/ sliced jalopenos.
Clears the sinuses every time!

Re: your cuz.....perhaps you ought to be bemoaning his nose hair, ear hair, drinking problems, commitment issues, sloppy ways and whatever else you could make up! ...You could be saying how nice it is for him to see daylight once in a while!

Re: the weather "up north".... it's not too bad here in NL... I walked the dog this AM and didn't reallllly need my mitts or toque. Temp was about 8 degrees (that's about 45-50 Fahrenheit!). The daffodils started opening this week! Verrrrry slowly but surely, it is spring here!

Enjoying your reports....
the comment about geeks on vacation taking their laptops for a walk around the villa was great!
---all my family does that..We're famous!..

 

[ChelleinNC]

Hope you're feeling better!

 

[BroganMc]

Hmm, I dunno know about this Contac stuff. I had a dry nose this morning but take a dose and 20 minutes later it's running all over the place. I think I'll have to try that beer & nachos treatment. Maybe when we visit Mexico today.

Yesterday we did go to AK as planned. I was a bit worried when we were rolling through Africa at 2pm and baking in the bright Florida sun. When I say it was hot just imagine being a turkey stuffed into the oven at 425F on Christmas. Get me a spatula and flip me over, I said. Make sure it's sizzling on both sides. Thank God for sunscreen (vampire strength - spf 50)!

We chilled at the Conservation Station and cuz tormented me with the snakes. Typical 10 yr old male stuff. Pick on the girl with stories of creepy crawlies in her bed. Eeeeewwww!

Toured Pangini after that and watched the male gorillas flopping around like typical males while the females chattered about.

Met up with our hometown CM friend Linda and had a long leisurely dinner at Yak & Yeti. The group is really gelling now. Turns out Linda's bringing her family to the Treehouses a weekend when we're back here for the Fall (along with cuz's family). So we're making plans too do F&W together. We'll be celebrating 3 birthdays in the group. I expect to get a little tipsy that night. I love F&W.

This morning my guys and I are headed out to EPCOT for tthe garden tour I booked. I'm dressed and ready (been up since 5:30am). Their sucking down coffee and iced tea, grumbling and groaning. (It's a male fest here with all the grunts. Good lord, now they wanna know when they can go the bathroom during the tour and complaining. MEN!)

Later guys! Hope you have a good day. (All the bathroom talk is making me have to go again.)

 

[aprince&princess]

Hi Brogan, it sounds like you are having a great time. I love following along with your trip reports, although it makes me want to pack my bags and leave today. We will be back to Disney in July and I can't wait. Although hearing how warm it is already, we will probably spend our time complaining about the heat. The last time we were at Disney in the summer was in 2004, I think we had said never again in the summer. But we wanted to add a trip while the kids were out of school. Enjoy the rest of your vacation.

 

[tomandrobin]

Met up with our hometown CM friend Linda and had a long leisurely dinner at Yak & Yeti. The group is really gelling now. Turns out Linda's bringing her family to the Treehouses a weekend when we're back here for the Fall (along with cuz's family). So we're making plans too do F&W together. We'll be celebrating 3 birthdays in the group. I expect to get a little tipsy that night. I love F&W.

When are you going to F&W festival?

Are you booked for New Years again?

 

[tomandrobin]

Just to keep you updated.....

Back home its still cloudy off and on, and has rained everyday since Friday.

 

[BroganMc]

Whew! We survived a day of tours and general "getting some knowkedge". I feel like I just spent a day in Grad School.

Gardens of the World tour meant every garden in EPCOT. (Yes, we walked them all, and a bit backstage.) That inspired us to do the Behind the Seeds tour in the afternoon. In the middle we went to Innoventions (East & West) to escape the heat. It hit a blazing hot 95 today. Yes, it is June weather in May. I don't think the F&G plants are gonna last much longer. Way too hot and no rain in sight. It never gets thiss hot this early.

We visited Club Cool Station a lot. Then hopped to MGM where it seemed everyone else followed. Got locked out of AI (no wheelie spots left) and missed the timing for Backstage Tour. But GM and I whooped Cuz's butt in Toy Story Mania. Ended with dinner at Hollywood & Vine. Nice selection and lots of food, but too noisy for GM & I. We officially prefer 50's Primetime. Gotta try Brown Derby next. (We've already done SciFi Dine-In.)

When are you going to F&W festival?

Are you booked for New Years again?

Right now our dates for SSR are Oct 4-13 (Cuz is bringing his 1st timer parents) and VWL 13-16 (solo for GM & I). We'll add a Marriott week or two before Oct 4, so may be in town starting Sep 20 or 27. My birthday is Oct 2 so you know I want to be in Orlando to celebrate.

And yes, the Grandpa Mohawk Trio are booked for SSR Dec 30 - Jan 2. I think we'll take a break after that. Points just seem too high for NYE in 2011 and 2012. We'll switch to first weekend in December instead. (We're planning that too this year with the sibs' families.)

We hear you got a lot of rain last night and the heat came on. Surreal that it's so hot down here and cool up there. I expect I'll have one mighty cold when I return.

 

[tomandrobin]

Right now our dates for SSR are Oct 4-13 (Cuz is bringing his 1st timer parents) and VWL 13-16 (solo for GM & I). We'll add a Marriott week or two before Oct 4, so may be in town starting Sep 20 or 27. My birthday is Oct 2 so you know I want to be in Orlando to celebrate.

And yes, the Grandpa Mohawk Trio are booked for SSR Dec 30 - Jan 2. I think we'll take a break after that. Points just seem too high for NYE in 2011 and 2012. We'll switch to first weekend in December instead. (We're planning that too this year with the sibs' families.)

Looks like we'll be crossing paths again. We are staying at BCV Oct 3-6 for the F&W, and SSR Dec 27-Jan 4.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

Whew! We survived a day of tours and general "getting some knowkedge". I feel like I just spent a day in Grad School.

Gardens of the World tour meant every garden in EPCOT. (Yes, we walked them all, and a bit backstage.) That inspired us to do the Behind the Seeds tour in the afternoon. In the middle we went to Innoventions (East & West) to escape the heat. It hit a blazing hot 95 today. Yes, it is June weather in May. I don't think the F&G plants are gonna last much longer. Way too hot and no rain in sight. It never gets thiss hot this early.

We visited Club Cool Station a lot. Then hopped to MGM where it seemed everyone else followed. Got locked out of AI (no wheelie spots left) and missed the timing for Backstage Tour. But GM and I whooped Cuz's butt in Toy Story Mania. Ended with dinner at Hollywood & Vine. Nice selection and lots of food, but too noisy for GM & I. We officially prefer 50's Primetime. Gotta try Brown Derby next. (We've already done SciFi Dine-In.)



Right now our dates for SSR are Oct 4-13 (Cuz is bringing his 1st timer parents) and VWL 13-16 (solo for GM & I). We'll add a Marriott week or two before Oct 4, so may be in town starting Sep 20 or 27. My birthday is Oct 2 so you know I want to be in Orlando to celebrate.

And yes, the Grandpa Mohawk Trio are booked for SSR Dec 30 - Jan 2. I think we'll take a break after that. Points just seem too high for NYE in 2011 and 2012. We'll switch to first weekend in December instead. (We're planning that too this year with the sibs' families.)

We hear you got a lot of rain last night and the heat came on. Surreal that it's so hot down here and cool up there. I expect I'll have one mighty cold when I return.

Dry and hot...

Well...South Central Alabama got 10 inches of rain yesterday. It seems like Central Florida would have gotten some of it. I would have gladly given you some.