Happier'n a Tornado in a Trailer Park: A Pre-Trip Journal Updated w/link to TR p 11

[belle8306]

I haven't been to either one but I would want to try Park Faire. That could be because I like Mary Poppins but it just seems like a lot of fun.

 

[jenr812]

Well, we had ADRs for Tony's at one point, but after reading so many recent poor reviews, I cancelled and switched to LTT. We tried the PF dinner in 2005 and it was nice. It isn't on our list of "gotta do it again" places, but we enjoyed it. The strawberry soup was divine. I'd go for the breakfast - I'd love to see Mary Poppins and company, and breakfast buffets at WDW are pretty standard IMHO. You can't really mess that up LOL And if they also offer the strawberry soup - BONUS!! It's so yummy (it's cold and like a smoothie).

 

[mlill]

See, this is what I want to hear. Although hot dogs?

Yep, I know. Our dining tastes span the WIDE range that Disney has to offer! We have to have at least one Casey's meal/snack for my daughter Brenna. It usually works out that we're sitting on Main Street, waiting for a parade. If you want to leave the park, Kona is a great place. We have had breakfast, lunch, and dinner there, and have never been disappointed. The desserts are YUMMY!

 

[BrerMama]

OK... what about having an early dinner at the Kona Cafe at the Polynesian? I've heard the food there is really good (I've only eaten breakfast at the Kona, so I can't comment on the menu) and you'd still just be a monorail ride away from the MK.

Of course now that I think about your response I am no help at all because this is not a breakfast buffet and I'm pretty sure there's no spaghetti on the Kona dinner menu.

I'm going to stop trying to be helpful now.

Ah, you're just fun to read. Even if it confuses me even more. I did look at the Kona menu, just don't think it's for us. If they'd just set up an Applebee's in the middle of main street, we'd be fine.

I haven't been to either places, but I want to try park faire! Sorry, not much help.

Hey, any vote for Park Faire is a vote for me!

I haven't been to either one but I would want to try Park Faire. That could be because I like Mary Poppins but it just seems like a lot of fun.

On our 04 trip, we saw Miss Poppins at the Princess Storybook Breakfast (apparently she was promoted to princess that day). She was the only character who went and stood behind Tater so that he was forced to be in the photo. The rest of the time, the girls would go to the princess and Tater would sit and stuff his face. Mary walked over, put her hand on the boy and said, "Now I'm not a Princess, I'm a nanny, so you can have your photo taken with me." His mouth is stuffed full in the photo.

Well, we had ADRs for Tony's at one point, but after reading so many recent poor reviews, I cancelled and switched to LTT. We tried the PF dinner in 2005 and it was nice. It isn't on our list of "gotta do it again" places, but we enjoyed it. The strawberry soup was divine. I'd go for the breakfast - I'd love to see Mary Poppins and company, and breakfast buffets at WDW are pretty standard IMHO. You can't really mess that up LOL And if they also offer the strawberry soup - BONUS!! It's so yummy (it's cold and like a smoothie).

I am so not a strawberry person, but we'll do the dinner buffet about 5 days before our scheduled breakfast buffet. So if the family falls in love the strawberry stuff, I can use that as leverage to get them back there.

Of course, if they hate it, I'll be eating spaghetti.

Yep, I know. Our dining tastes span the WIDE range that Disney has to offer! We have to have at least one Casey's meal/snack for my daughter Brenna. It usually works out that we're sitting on Main Street, waiting for a parade. If you want to leave the park, Kona is a great place. We have had breakfast, lunch, and dinner there, and have never been disappointed. The desserts are YUMMY!

Actually, my girls will probably eat hot dogs whenever they can. I just can't stomach them. Of course, I believe there is a bakery on Main Street. I can always get a cookie.

No update today... just nothing to update. Although I do have to share this funny. It's 6:30 am, and I'm sitting here reading the boards, after having eaten breakfast with my girls. Kiah walks out to show me the project she just finished -- she flagged and color coded the different sections of her Passporter. That's my girl!

 

[duncanssweetie]

HI Kim, just letting you know that I am loving it and can't wait for the TR.

We are in Oklahoma (Stillwater, home to OSU ) so I knew I had to read this when I read your title. Just love this time of year,

Your family is adorable.

My vote would be Park Fare, been there for dinner, it was great. And I love Mary Poppins, so I am pondering breakfast for my September trip, only it will under refurb at the time, so it won't be buffet. So, go for me and let me know how ya like it

 

[winkers]

No update today... just nothing to update. Although I do have to share this funny. It's 6:30 am, and I'm sitting here reading the boards, after having eaten breakfast with my girls. Kiah walks out to show me the project she just finished -- she flagged and color coded the different sections of her Passporter. That's my girl!

Did you have yourself cloned?

 

[BrerMama]

Did you have yourself cloned?

Not on purpose. And for the record, really not fond of the 11 year old me a lot of the time. She's really bossy. And likes to point out my failings. Which I already know, thankyouverymuch.

HI Kim, just letting you know that I am loving it and can't wait for the TR.

My vote would be Park Fare, been there for dinner, it was great. And I love Mary Poppins, so I am pondering breakfast for my September trip, only it will under refurb at the time, so it won't be buffet. So, go for me and let me know how ya like it

Welcome to the pre-trip! I can't believe how close we are getting. I'll tell Dan we have to check out the PF breakfast for you. Surprisingly, he often does things for me if he thinks I'll be reviewing it on the internet. He's also fairly gullible when it comes to the internet. "Honey, I had to order a 5th pair of Crocs. I need to review them for the readers of the DIS."

 

[belle8306]

On our 04 trip, we saw Miss Poppins at the Princess Storybook Breakfast (apparently she was promoted to princess that day). She was the only character who went and stood behind Tater so that he was forced to be in the photo. The rest of the time, the girls would go to the princess and Tater would sit and stuff his face. Mary walked over, put her hand on the boy and said, "Now I'm not a Princess, I'm a nanny, so you can have your photo taken with me." His mouth is stuffed full in the photo.

That is cute! I'm sure he was surprised!

 

[BrerMama]

My sister, the traitor....

My mom forwarded me an email in which my sister had sent her a portion of the Unofficial Guide. It was from the senior section, and basically said if you're a senior, be wary of those you love, who may try to trick you onto rides. You sit down for a little tour of the Laughing Place, and the next thing you know you're going down the side of a mountain. The point of the whole anecdote was that your children will trick you into getting on rides.

Now did my sister really have to go and clue my mom into that fact?

My husband has spent hours working out how to get my mom onto rides. Test Track is just like the Indy Speedway over in MK. The kids will just drive you around a track, Grammy. Dinsoaur? Just a little jeep drive where you look at some tame dinosaurs. Splash? Just like It's a Small World, but with Brer Rabbit.

The boy had great plans.

And now Grammy's onto us.

You know our only line of attack now, don't you?

"Grammy, I'll only ride it if you sit by me."

Yeah, cute kids work every time. But they've got to be young enough so that she doesn't suspect they are manipulating. The older ones could never pull it off. Probably because they'd be laughing their butts off.

I'm actually not all that concerned with getting Grammy on the thrill rides. I think she'd like Test Track, and I wish she'd try Splash Mountain, but I don't really care to think of my mom doing loops on Rock'n'roller Coaster. I barely care to think of myself doing it.

The one I really want her to do is "It's Tough To Be a Bug" at AK. To me, that is a true thrill. I still remember seeing it with my dad in 2000. He loved it. Laughed out loud. And got a scare or two in there. That's the one I want Grammy to do, and I totally want her to go in not knowing what to expect. We'll have seen Philharmagic by then. Muppetvision. But to me, those don't even compare to Tough to Be a Bug. That is a full multi-media experience.

So I'm OK with Grammy being onto me about the rides. Cuz I have an ace up my sleeve... "Grammy, the kids love this movie! Hurry, there's no line. No, don't stop to read that sign... right on in the theater..."

 

[winkers]

That picture is so sweet! I'm sure she could sell ice to an eskimo! I convinced my mother in law to ride her first coaster at california adventure, complete with 2 loops. The picture from that ride was worth the $15.99! I'm still not sure if she's forgiven me for that. Sweet, sweet revenge!

 

[oybolshoi]

I know your Grammy is no Grimmie, but I couldn't believe it when we took my mom to "It's Tough to Be a Bug" and she didn't like it.

Who doesn't like that show? I mean other than small children who scare easily, people who are afraid of the dark, and closet-ter-phobics.

That picture of your daughter is precious - if she can't twist Grammy around her little finger then you have no hope. I'm sorry to put it so bluntly, but there it is.

 

[jenr812]

That is great about Kiah and the Passporter. A girl after my own heart! Your plan with grannie sounds almost foolproof

 

[rentayenta]

That picture is adorable. What a cutie-pie. Like others have said if that little face can't do it, it cannot be done!

 

[PittypatBR]

Okay, you had me with the title. I haven't made it all the way through yet, but I will tomorrow! I'm a teacher too, but not nearly as organized as you are!! I'll be back with comments as soon as I can. Looks like I will have quite a few.

 

[greenmickeyfanatic]

ooooooooo i have hopped on board! everything sounds like fun! to save some time at disney pack outfits in indiviual big ziplocs for everyone that way if you wake up early you can pull out one of the bags for each person and set it out for them! im not sure if your too late for reservations but have you tried the bippity boppity botique? your 2 daughters will LOVE it! i hope you have time and can make a reservation for it in your schedule!
------------------------------------------------------------------Rachel

 

[BrerMama]

That picture is so sweet! I'm sure she could sell ice to an eskimo! I convinced my mother in law to ride her first coaster at california adventure, complete with 2 loops. The picture from that ride was worth the $15.99! I'm still not sure if she's forgiven me for that. Sweet, sweet revenge!

Since I'm pretty sure my MIL has never left the state, don't think I'll be doing that one any time soon. My BIL did try to tell my mom that the alternate name for TOT is Tower of Tickle today, though. That was

I know your Grammy is no Grimmie, but I couldn't believe it when we took my mom to "It's Tough to Be a Bug" and she didn't like it.

Who doesn't like that show? I mean other than small children who scare easily, people who are afraid of the dark, and closet-ter-phobics.

That picture of your daughter is precious - if she can't twist Grammy around her little finger then you have no hope. I'm sorry to put it so bluntly, but there it is.

Yeah, my mom is probably going to hate it. But she'll enjoy hating it... if ya know what I mean. I love that she can laugh at herself.

That is great about Kiah and the Passporter. A girl after my own heart! Your plan with grannie sounds almost foolproof

Oh, if Kiah and I make it safely to WDW without hurting each other, it'll be a true Disney miracle. The girl is so much like me, and so tries to do my job, that we've been clashing a bit more than usual lately. Perhaps it's her insane fear of being left out of any bit of planning.... she follows me everywhere and it's driving me crazy! Love her, though. Really.

That picture is adorable. What a cutie-pie. Like others have said if that little face can't do it, it cannot be done!

The girl knows how to work it. I raised her well.

Okay, you had me with the title. I haven't made it all the way through yet, but I will tomorrow! I'm a teacher too, but not nearly as organized as you are!! I'll be back with comments as soon as I can. Looks like I will have quite a few.

Oh so glad to have you! Can't wait to hear what you have to say!

ooooooooo i have hopped on board! everything sounds like fun! to save some time at disney pack outfits in indiviual big ziplocs for everyone that way if you wake up early you can pull out one of the bags for each person and set it out for them! im not sure if your too late for reservations but have you tried the bippity boppity botique? your 2 daughters will LOVE it! i hope you have time and can make a reservation for it in your schedule!
------------------------------------------------------------------Rachel

We did the ziploc thing last trip, but this trip we're just going for too long to make it worthwhile. OK, that and the fact that the 2 oldest are wearing almost adult size clothing... no way I could get a complete outfit in a bag. It's a great idea when you've got little ones, but when you've got Kiah, the fashion diva, and her diva-in-training, Ches, I'd never presume to arrange their outfits. And we do have Bibbity Bobbity Boutique ADRs... one of our off days for the parks, the boys will do Disney Quest and the girls will go get makeovers. I'll man the camera. Great suggestions, though!

 

[BrerMama]

Dateline: May 19... or whatever day it is

I'm about to cave on this whole packing issue. Dan keeps wanting to start tomorrow, a week before we leave. I have never been that enthusiastic. But it's getting to the point where the piles of stuff we're setting aside for the trip are overtaking our hall.

Here's my ultimatums, though (cuz whenever I do something I don't want, it comes with a price):
1. The living room must be completely clean.
2. Enough table and floor space must be cleared that I can close the suitcases without sitting them on top of each other. Even if it means rearranging furniture.
3. I reserve the right to only pack our snacks and bathroom stuff. If that's all I get done, that's all I get done.

I plan to do nothing to help with #1 and #2. If they don't get done, I'll pack next Saturday. I don't have anything else on the schedule for that day.

Spent today up with my sister's family and my parents. Dan helped the men put in a fence. I played with the baby and talked Disney, two of my favorite things to do.

And how great is it to be climbing in the van today and say to everyone, "See you at Disney!"

 

[belle8306]

I think I am going to break down and start packing this week too! I figure I will throw in everything that I don't need right away and then worry about making it all nice and neat later on.

 

[BrerMama]

I think I am going to break down and start packing this week too! I figure I will throw in everything that I don't need right away and then worry about making it all nice and neat later on.

Unfortunately, I'm an all or nothing packer. As you'll see...

 

[BrerMama]

Totally reposting today's blog post here:

I told the man I didn't want to pack until next Saturday.

But he kept talking about it.

Saturday, on the way home from my sister's house, we stopped at Wal-mart and bought some snacks for the trip.

It was when we were putting things away that I realized that maybe it was time to start packing. Our pile of things we had set aside for our trip was getting too large.

So I told him maybe I'd just pack our bathroom and snack stuff.

Yeah, I ended up packing it all.

There's still a few odds and ends left to be shoved into bags, but we're basically ready to go.

Final count -- 8 checked bags. We'll each have a carry-on. So 13 nights, and 13 bags.

One bag contains only Crocs. Yes, it's a sickness.

And it's actually 14 bags because we're going to spend a night near the airport before we leave, and I have that bag packed separately.

Hey, we could have 10 checked bags. I consider it a great accomplishment that I'm still 2 under that limit.

I don't promise anything on the way home, though.

Since my camera is now packed and in my carry-on, I can't add a picture here of our luggage. So I thought I'd draw you this picture using MS Paint:

Wondering about the red blob? We hung a king size comforter over the packed luggage so the cats wouldn't get into it. So that's pretty much what it looks like, sitting on a table in my living room. Less than a week to go now!