GUESS WHO'S COMING TO FREE DINNER, or, Feeding Nebo,,,,completed

[nebo]

monymony3471 Well after that, I guess I really have to wish you a Happy New Year. Hope it's a good one. With a few less mishaps. In your case, accidents.

Really. I wish you the happy part.

Kiss, kiss, hug hug. kiss, kiss, hug hug.
Repeat.
Ok, I think I kissed enough people last night that I should be covered for the year. The scary part is when you know where some of these lips have been.
YEWW!

I spent two hours this morning sandblasting my mouth, so hopefully, I'm starting from scratch,,, so to speak.

And I think Monica's quote applied to all of us. Hope you all had a safe New Year's, and now we have a whole new year of upcoming Mouse trips.
I hope.

Well, "she who must not be disturbed" has read my " he who you can't trust to keep a secret" line, and doesn't seem to upset. Really.
And I didn't have any idea she spoke Swahili!
At least I think it was.

So, we are going to move on here. Or at least until she posts her true feelings.
We left the pool, and went back up to change to our Epcot evening clothes, which for me, was my Epcot morning clothes. Ok, ok, different shorty socks.

Again, we have an ADR for Mexico, at 9;45, and trust me, this was the hardest ADR to book. I had to try 3 times. Most people at central reservations have their computers, and their minds, set to shut off when World Showcase closes. At nine.

If you ask for quarter to ten, you get a ,,,no, nothing available.
I didn't believe it. So I called back once again.
"No, nothing available" And I told her, "It's extra magic hours that night, Mexico is open till ten. Wanna try again?"

Voila!

Boy, I'm going to miss that last dash to the bus stops, and instead go and have a nice romantic dinner.
NOT!

We get back to Epcot, and head over to Test Track where I do the single riders line, and I'm back with her in less then ten minutes.
Then we cut straight across, over to the "lack of imagination pavillion", where I am seriously hoping to catch a version of " Honey, I shrunk the pre-show."
Now, I totally understand how the loading sequences work for all the rides at Disney. I know Spaceship Earth can handle 2 thousand, 345 people per hour.
And Dumbo can handle 12 kids per hour.
But when it comes to " Honey, I shrunk the Audience" , the space/time, continuum, escapes me.
How can a preshow last twice as long as the show in the theatre?
And it does!

Any of you who know me, know that I just hate this preshow! IT's the worst for any Disney attraction.
And the name of it is "IMAGINE".
BS
All it is is a maudling, pull on your heart strings for a Kodak commercial.

And it seems that now , there is no way to time it right.
The sign said, "5 minutes to the next show", so we hung back, and just before they started pulling the rope to block any future time wasters from joining, we rushed in.
Yep, the screeen was dark, I kept looking at the doors on the left, waiting for them to open up and let us in to the main theatre.
Then the screen lit up, and the damn preshow started.
Again.
And it was already crowded, well, kinda , in there.
I am truly starting to believe, that they are holding you in the preshow area for a double segment. Just to fill up the theatre.
Please tell me this is my paranoia talking here.

But the preshow? Sorry. I have seen it so many times that even though I know the durn dog is going to be found, I keep hoping he gets hit by a Hummer. Yeah, that'l put a new aspect on the title, "Imagine".

And I can't even begin to tell you what I hope happens to the stupid frog.
Nope, not on these family pages.

So, since I have no choice to watch this all again, I do what I usually do when I am incredibly bored.
I crouch down, grab Diane's right hand, and just start "duckwalking " around her in circles, turning her around.

"Oh, I'm so bored, mommy, make it stop." "Can we go in soon"?
Then she does what she does when she's so bored, and has to deal with me who's so bored, and bonks me on the top of the head with her fist.
"Mommy, I'm so,,,"
" Shut up! I have to watch it, you have to watch it."

I finally let go, and kick my foot out at the little boy next to me that was doing the same thing to his mommy.
"You're touching me"
" This is my side."

Well, let me tell you, that kid got the message.
Finally, the doors open, and we go into the theatre.
I do see a few people still making the " exit, stage left thing", but, I'm sorry, the room should've been packed, cuz our preshow area is.
I stand by my paranoia, I think they are doubling up the preshow to fill the theatre, and these are just "plants".
We do like the movie, and afterwards, I had another thought.
Did you realize that the star of the show, Rick Moranis, had about a total of 56 seconds of screen time? Yes, I counted.

Geesh! My new year is starting out terrific, dissing the Mouse. Oh well.
No, after we left we didn't waste our time on the most dissapointing ride in all of Disney, even though it is a "walk on". Everytime they fix it, it get's worse. Sorry Figment.

We did leave and just went over by the lagoon for a smoke, and I pretended that it was may.

We are now at the spot where I took my favorite Epcot picture, that I posted and raved about.

And it's barren now. No, well, ok, still pretty, just not like it was in may.
I said, "Don't you think they should put salvia right next to the petunia's there?"
"Yes, I agree, and I think celosia would work better than the marigolds right in front. Especially the yellow marigolds, they look too much like dandlelions."
I wasn't so sure. " Where are you talking about?"
" Right here, in front of the rail, can't you see where the marigolds where?"
" Oh, yeah! You're right, that would work better." "Care for some more windowpane?"

Headed on into Canada, still looking for a new place to watch Illuminations.
Everytime I'd think I have found somewhere new, with a great view, when we got up there it would be roped off for either the handicapped, or for a private party. Our leisurely stroll through the countries turned into a brisk walk as it started to get darker and darker.

After a while, it just about turned into a , " Race you to the Mexico bridge".
This is our usual spot. For many reasons.

Not far from the Cantina, if you need food.
Not far from the Margarita stand if she needs booze.
Not far from the Beer stand if she needs beer.
Not far from the smoking area if I need smoke.

And here is a main reason for this area's appeal, though it really only applies to empty nesters, and you don't have any youngun's with you.

The bridge has very high cement walls, unless kids are on someone's shoulders, they can't see over it. So most families have to pass it by.

shh, our little secret.
Although in the past, I have held up some strangers little boy so he could see. And I loved it. I finally got to descibe what was happening to someone, who was a captive audience. Well, I loved it. Maybe not so much him.

" Excuse me sir, While I appreciate your elevating me to a vangage point that let's me absorb the entire show, your constant narrative is becoming a total distraction, and I'm even considering riding Maelstrom 3 times in a row instead."
"Including the movie at the end".

Geesh.


Ok, he didn't say that, but I could tell by his look to just shut up.

The show being over, we headed back into Mexico, had a few minutes to kill before dinner, and rode " It's a Small Mexican World".
The whole pavillion was empty, we were the only ones on the boat. Then, it was time for dinner.
And I am done, the dinner thing sounded like a good idea. Diane had to work all last night, New Years Eve, and then today, and I"m proud of her. It was packed last night, and she was the only bartender. A lesser person would have just started screaming and bolted down the hill with one more Jeagermeister shot order. So, with that, take care, I would like to hear where your next trips are planned for though.
I know Jaime is going in april, but where are you staying? And I saw someone's ticker said they were leaving in 20 days, might have been Swankybeth?
The reason I'm asking is cuz I like to hear peoples reviews about the resorts that I know, really know what they're talking about. And you guys fill that bill.
To be honest, I can't see us staying at a Value resort again unless it's an absolute emergency. You know, free dining,,,, and the only place we can afford if we go. Otherwise, I've had about enough of the Value's. See you soon, sharkbait

 

[monymony3471]

I hope after Diane's done working she gets a nice foot massage.

I was hoping to read how dinner went. I've never eaten there, but it could be a possibility in the future.

Values are out of our near future since Mal is growing up. We need to look for resorts that accomodate 5 and not break our budget. Like Lexy, I guess it will be POR next time.

Cyber kisses are the safest out there.

 

[tiggerbell]

So, with that, take care, I would like to hear where your next trips are planned for though.
I know Jaime is going in april, but where are you staying? And I saw someone's ticker said they were leaving in 20 days, might have been Swankybeth?
The reason I'm asking is cuz I like to hear peoples reviews about the resorts that I know, really know what they're talking about. And you guys fill that bill.
To be honest, I can't see us staying at a Value resort again unless it's an absolute emergency. You know, free dining,,,, and the only place we can afford if we go. Otherwise, I've had about enough of the Value's. See you soon, sharkbait

Well, SINCE YOU ASKED!!!!!!!!!!!! I mean, normally, I would never impose my own personal thoughts or plans on someone else's trip report... but since you asked!!!

April 28 - May 5, 2007 (this year, I'm going to Disney this year!!!!!!!!), my first time at Port Orleans French Quarter. It's Rhonda's favorite resort. And the only moderate I've never done. I like Riverside, CSR was ok but I hated the food court, and I haven't been to CBR since it was a value!

 

[smidgy]

SINCE nebo chose to break our confidence, I will tell you: living with nebo is like living with an encyclopedia of trivia, that he thinks everyone should know (how COULD you be so stupid to NOT know that?), yes , OBVIOUSLY cuba gooding Jrs, father is named CUBA GOODING!; guess my eyes were just rolled in the back of my head, entering REM mode , and he caught me on that one!score another one for the nebo! (and he thought he got away with that )
mony mony.. what is a foot massage? anyhow, much as I hated working new year's eve, i made enough in tips alone for 2 nights at a moderate resort,and isn't that what it's all about?... (however, my "deluxe bloody mary new years day special" was a bust. ...in our youth, all the regulars that were there last night would have been there today, getting a "hair of the dog" . now that we are all william H. macys, I guess they were all home licking their wounds. (but my cutie bruce willis showed up for a couple manhattans
tigger- LOVE french quarter, except the pool. very romantic resort, but hate the pool, is only good if you have chilluns,not much for us old folks
"lack of imagination"pavillion? nebo is just TOO funny. I took a course in college in "creativity in education" . one semester, and I could come up with 100 better ideas. with a subject called IMAGINATION can we think a mite more DIVERGENTLY? um, was that a word? if not, Neob will tell me, he keeps me on my toes
ok, still haven't learned how to quote, but did he just say (referring to stakeout spots for illuminations) "if SHE needs BOOZE"? this is Mr. Manhattan talking? (okay, they don't make manhattans at epcot) sorry I love a rainbow margarita with my illuminations show. I know there isn't much booze in it; it's a rip off; I go for quality, not quantity. there's a great spot in norway, if you're a smoker., and have kids yeh, the railing is low, so you can't lean on it, like the bridge just before mexico(that we like) BUT it is just a few feet away from a smoking section and just a few feet more for a bathroom) last year when I was talking to a family in the smoking section she was telling me she was trying to convince the kids they would be ok there... "it's all in the air, you'll see it from here!" I told her how UNTRUE that was, it's NOT all in the air, and she SHUSHED me. she said,"they'll never know
samantha, rhonda, and tigger, I can't FATHOM the thought of disney without nebo!! hopefully, we're going in may!!!!

 

[lexmelinda]

I have seen it so many times that even though I know the durn dog is going to be found, I keep hoping he gets hit by a Hummer. Yeah, that'l put a new aspect on the title, "Imagine".

" Excuse me sir, While I appreciate your elevating me to a vangage point that let's me absorb the entire show, your constant narrative is becoming a total distraction, and I'm even considering riding Maelstrom 3 times in a row instead."
"Including the movie at the end".

I have nothing but respect for anyone who can make me laugh out loud this early in the morning. Love ya!

And I have nothing but respect for Diane....I waited tables and cocktailed for 6 years and worked in another restaurant for 11. It's a tough job and you must but a great bartender to handle a packed bar by yourself on NYE. Bravo!

I just posted the epilogue on my trip report which gives my estimation of POR. I'm the kind of person that likes to stay with what I know if it works. We'd stay at POR again, no question. I, however, am not lucky enough to be married to a Disney-luvin man so don't know when we'll go back. Hopefully I'll be able to talk him into another trip for free dining.

Is there more trip report here? You made it sounds like this is the end? I hope not....Thanks for another great installment!

 

[mikamah]

Nebo, I have just finished reading your may trip report, and absolutely loved it. This is the first time I have been addicted to the Dis since my trip last month. I am neglecting my son again, so I can't start reading this one yet, but plan to as soon as bedtime hits tonight. You are hilarious, and I love reading how much you love your wife and appreciate every minute you have together. I can't wait to hear all about free dining. Thanks

 

[SamanthaL]

I feel funny posting about my trip in someone else's trip report but you asked for the gory details.

We are going Nov 10-17. We are staying 2 nights at the Contemporary. We have never stayed there and it is a little splurge. I wanted to stay in the tower but really couldn't afford to go that far so it's standard (or garden wing as they tell me) view for us. After that we move to the BWV for 5 nights. We rented points for a studio.
We do love the BWV but I seem to prefer the Beach Club for the pool and Art the Greeter. Love that guy. No better location IMO. We walk in to the WS almost nightly for dinner in a different country. It's awesome.

Back to the regularly scheduled trip report.

 

[missmun52]

great report, cant wait to read more.

 

[BriarRosie]

Ooh, I stumbled upon this, better late than never. Hi from Andersonville!

I thought it took courage to post your dorky Segway picture, so I figured I'd post mine here:

The silly tuft of hair poking out looks so fabulous, no? Blecch.

Ok, now that I got that out of the way, I'm enjoying your report. And I thought I'd share with you how three girls, one from Chicago, one from Virginia and one from Rhode Island were able to get a week at the Polynesian, Garden View Concierge in 2002. Make sure when you call CRO wwith your AP rate code, you tell them "CSR" and say, "Charlie...Sam...Robert" to make sure they understand it, but later see the mailed confirmation as "CFR". Then discover the nice supervisor will honor the goof the CM made instead of you having to scramble to find a room at Port Orleans. All for $240 a night. Split three ways...we each could have gotten a Value room on our own for that price. Score!

I enjoyed your Rex Grossman references over the course of the weeks you've posted this. By this time, I expect Rex to just reach his hand out to the other team's defensive line and just say, "Here. Take it."

And I do like Pop Century. It's my favorite of the Values. If I have to stay at a Value, that's the Value I choose. I have DVC at Beach Club Villas, and I tend to bookend my cheaper point days (check in Sunday, check out Friday) with OOP weekends at Pop. But for my next trip, I'm not doing that. I am staying the full time at BCV.

And if your cab driver from part 1 really poured out his life story with WAY too much personal info, then you must be related to me. My mom, sister and I have a knack for having total strangers do that to us.

And Diane, when I hear "ciao", I keep thinking of that James Ward guy on TV who does those "bread and circuses" food reviews on the Friday night news. You know, the guy with the white hair and Sally Jessy Raphael glasses? "Ciao ciao for now!"

 

[catherines_mama]

Nebo.... how did I NOT find you before. OMG you are hysterical! I'm loving your report and looking forward to the rest (I'm only on pg. 3, I told you I JUST found you)!

 

[swankybeth]

I know Jaime is going in april, but where are you staying? And I saw someone's ticker said they were leaving in 20 days, might have been Swankybeth?
The reason I'm asking is cuz I like to hear peoples reviews about the resorts that I know, really know what they're talking about. And you guys fill that bill.
To be honest, I can't see us staying at a Value resort again unless it's an absolute emergency. You know, free dining,,,, and the only place we can afford if we go. Otherwise, I've had about enough of the Value's. See you soon, sharkbait

That would be 17 days now! I'm afraid to tell you we're staying at Pop Century (hangs head in shame). Sorry to disappoint. Next trip we're planning POFQ, though.

 

[jluvsdis]

Nebo, you just keep crackin' me up you old geezer you

I agree, anywhere you can actually see ALL of illuminations, are steps away from alcohol and smokes, you've found the perfect spot. Me, I'm short, probably wouldn't see over that darn wall in Mexico. Maybe one day you'll hoist me up the way you did that kid

On the resort subject, our most recent stay was at the Boarwalk Inn. The rooms were pretty nice, we were close to the lobby so we didn't have the real long walk I've read alot about, but they are definately due for a rehab, just seemed a little out dated to me. My DH who never says a bad word about anything, actually commented within seconds that the room needed updating.

Location, location, location. By far the best perk of this hotel. Literally five minutes from Epcot and fifteen from MGM. It was just awesome and I'm not sure it can get any better than that. We've stayed at many of the deluxes and while the Poly is my number one fave, this is a real close second based soley on location.

Oh, I seem to be rambling, sorry didn't mean to take over your tripee

You may now continue.

Jill

 

[nebo]

OMG. What happened here? I remember times in the first report when it seemed like I was just serenading Jaime. She was the only one reading for awhile. Now?
Warning! Warning! Danger Will Robinson!
"Captain, I don't know how much longer the engines can take this!"
yeah, thanks Scotty.

I'll put a next installment up tomorrow night, but I would like to respond to some of you folks that posted first.

"Hi"
Ok, that's done, see you tomorrow.

Melinda, thanks for your endorsement, I appreciated that. Uh, now, can you turn it off?
I'm just kidding.

And Jaime, miss Tiggerbell, we are now at a total loss trying to decide which is our favorite moderite resort since we stayed at French Quarter. Like my ghost writer Diane said, we love the place, just not the pool. It is outstanding to make a drink, and just take a stroll all around the place.

Moderite? Sounds like a new Disney disaster movie.
" Honey, we have 19 minutes until the moderite comes crashing down."
sorry

Jluvsdis,,,,, you are the true test of a true Disneyworld fan, one who takes a trip, at the Boardwalk no less, and still gets back on the disboards trip reports. You passed.

That would be 17 days now! I'm afraid to tell you we're staying at Pop Century (hangs head in shame). Sorry to disappoint. Next trip we're planning POFQ, though

Hey swankybeth, we love the Pop, it's just that we've stayed there twice in a row now. It is by far, the best value resort there, you will love it. And the bus service, I believe, runs the best at all the value resorts. Unlike Wilderness Lodge, where you could grow a beard waiting for the bus, there.
Well, ok, not all of you.


catherinesmama,,,,,, with a dash in between there somewhere, welcome aboard

Briar rosie, thanks for joining us, and you're right, you do look just as dorky on the segway as I did with that damn helmet on. by the way, thanks for the tips, But we're not ap holders, and shortly after that, my brain just ovlded /abbr. from cro to cms and knda jst sht dwn.

great report, cant wait to read more.

HI!

The thing that's killing me, is I just now Melinda and Tiggerbell are laughing there collective behinds off, seeing how I get through this.

feel funny posting about my trip in someone else's trip report but you asked for the gory details.

We are going Nov 10-17. We are staying 2 nights at the Contemporary. We have never stayed there and it is a little splurge. I wanted to stay in the tower but really couldn't afford to go that far so it's standard (or garden wing as they tell me) view for us. After that we move to the BWV for 5 nights. We rented points for a studio.
We do love the BWV but I seem to prefer the Beach Club for the pool and Art the Greeter. Love that guy. No better location IMO. We walk in to the WS almost nightly for dinner in a different country. It's awesome.

Back to the regularly scheduled trip report.
Yesterday 08:12 AM

Ah, another one. Just like jluvsdis, and loves to flaunt the Boardwalk at us. I'm teasin.
We have swam in your pool though, and though I made sure I went potty first, I can't speak for Diane. tee hee
Crap, I did it again. Said I'd never say that.
tee hee
And the way things are going at work, it might not be Art, but Nebo saying, "Good afternoon, welcome home."

Nebo, I have just finished reading your may trip report, and absolutely loved it. This is the first time I have been addicted to the Dis since my trip last month. I am neglecting my son again, so I can't start reading this one yet, but plan to as soon as bedtime hits tonight. You are hilarious, and I love reading how much you love your wife and appreciate every minute you have together. I can't wait to hear all about free dining. Thanks
Yesterday 06:48 AM

Ok, Mikmah? I'm sorry your not reading this report that you didn't really post to, and that I am making up this whole response thing.?????????
No, I'm not confused, the sixties were just great time to me, that's all.

Nebo, I have just finished reading your may trip report, and absolutely loved it. This is the first time I have been addicted to the Dis since my trip last month. I am neglecting my son again, so I can't start reading this one yet, but plan to as soon as bedtime hits tonight. You are hilarious, and I love reading how much you love your wife and appreciate every minute you have together. I can't wait to hear all about free dining. Thanks

Foot massage? Excuse me! I'm the one that had 5 operations, she just uses hers to walk on. Ok, altogether now. GEESH!
and yes tomorrow you will get a real "layman's" opinion of San de Angel. Or, Cantina san de angle. Or, San de Angel Cantina del a rosa mama mia . I don't know, something like that.
The restaurant in Mexico, OK?

And monymony543565437375,
You have heard correct. POR is the only place you can sleep five, but only in the bayou section, forget the mansions. But, that's not a bad thing.
By the way, just between you and me, there is a cool aspect to the bayou section that most people don't notice.
It was based on the real life settlements, that is, the closer the buildings are to the "center of town" meaning the food court and such, the nicer they are in appearance. And the further you go back, the more rustic they get, because supplies were harder to get to them. Honest. The buildings way in back, you have to use an outhouse. Ok, just kidding on that one.
You'll have a great time there.
That's it!! ni ni

 

[BriarRosie]

I realize now that my post wasn't entirely clear. I was just relating how a mistake made by Disney reservation agents became their loss, my gain. Instead of giving me the passholder discount rate that I thought I confirmed, they gave me an airline employee 50% off rate. Frankly, I'm surprised they honored the rate after I brought it to their attention.

In case anyone wondered, those codes were from a few years ago and not currently valid for any discounts that I know if currently.

 

[mikamah]

Wonderful report Nebo and Diane. It's been so much fun reading, but I am having a craving for a manhattan, and I can't figure out why. I remember my mom and dad drinking them when we were kids, and us dipping our fingers in to taste them and they were not very good. But about 15 years ago I was in Ireland at our little hotel bar, and my friend wanted a manhattan. Of course the bartender didn't have a clue, so she explained she wanted southern comfort and sweet vermouth. I got my Harp shanty, and we watched the bartender make the drink, and then cut up pineapple, oranges, cherries, and make this elaborate tropical drink. I was half way done with my beer before she got her "Manhattan fruit salad", but it was delicious. I didn't dip my finger in this time, I took a real taste. Maybe I'll try one the next time I go out. I'll toast you if I do.

Do you have any other trip reports written or or just this and may? I don't know what to do now. I guess I'll just go to bed.

 

[Kay7979]

I just started your trip report and am enjoying your warped sense of humor. Loved the "killdozer" segment. There's plenty of other funny and entertaining material here, but that part was so visual it sticks in my mind.

It's fun to read a report now and then about an adults-only trip. DH and I are 46 and 51 respectively. We're Big Kids that completely enjoy the World. BTW, judging from your photos, I think we had the same table as you at Hoop-de-do-Review. Table 21?

Looking forward to future segments. Thanks for the laughs.

 

[smidgy]

"great trip report, nebo and diane"?? yikes! not MY report at all! nope nope, all his, his charm, his wit, not mine. all I did was post once in a while. I'm usually at work when he is writing installments. we may share a lot (more than most couples), but NOT the trip report - all his

 

[tiggerbell]

OMG. What happened here? I remember times in the first report when it seemed like I was just serenading Jaime. She was the only one reading for awhile. Now?
Warning! Warning! Danger Will Robinson!
"Captain, I don't know how much longer the engines can take this!"
yeah, thanks Scotty.

You have no idea, do you? They're all ME! I have 17 different log-in names, so you think you have an audience.

I'll put a next installment up tomorrow night, but I would like to respond to some of you folks that posted first.

"Hi"
Ok, that's done, see you tomorrow.

And Jaime, miss Tiggerbell, we are now at a total loss trying to decide which is our favorite moderite resort since we stayed at French Quarter. Like my ghost writer Diane said, we love the place, just not the pool. It is outstanding to make a drink, and just take a stroll all around the place.

If I didn't eat at the Pepper Market at CSR, I'd stay there again. And, frankly, with the dining plan, who needs to eat at the hotel food court???

Ok, altogether now. GEESH!

OK all together now- JEEZ!!!!!!!!

 

[tiggerbell]

And - this deserved it's own post - LOOK AT YOU MULTI-QUOTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[nebo]

fOR tHE RECoRD, HMM, OK, WHO STOLE THE CAPS LOCK BUTTON? Ah. For the record, albeit a little warped, and it may skip, a Nebo Manhattan, and yes, it should be capitalized, consists of two parts bourbon, one part sweet vermouth, and just a tiny dash of cherry juice.
Wait, hang on, I'm counting.
YES! A new all time comma record in one sentence. 8. And it didn't really seem that much like a run on sentence, did it? ?

And FTR again, Killdozer was an actual movie out in the seventies, not kidding, it's a riot to watch, especially after Manhattan thirty o'clock.