Happy Birthday, Dear Dude - A Sept 2010 PTR - 9/22 Trip Report Started p34

[dddisrunner]

Hi Susan! I am so far behind!!! I read about the IPO...he seems to be very helpful! I don't know about a LeCellier walkup but it couldn't hurt to try right? WOW, I can't believe Katie is 18...sounds like a GREAT day so far though! ALL of the options for her trip sound AMAZING!!!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Happy Birthday Katie!! I remember turning 18 (it was only 10 years ago!). My birthday was the day after my HS graduation and I had a big birthday/grad party at my house (my parents have a huge inground pool). I share a birthday with my best friend and it was a great day. I think all of the trip ideas sound wonderful!!

 

[Flossbolna]

Happy Birthday Katie!!
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[Charleston Princess]

Happy Birthday to Katie!!! I can't wait to see where she decides she wants to go on her birthday trip! They all sound like such fun options!

 

[Native NYer]

Happy Birthday Katie!

All four trip options are great. San Francisco is amazing and cruises are just so relaxing. If she happens to pick exotic NYC I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have. My hotel pick would definitely be the Four Seasons if you don't care about cost. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Four Seasons. And it's close to some of the best shopping.

 

[MHTeacher]

Happy Birthday to Katie! What an important day---your baby turning 18!

All four sound like great choices to me. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. Of course, since I've never gone to Hawaii, that would be my first vote!

 

[swwake]

Hi Susan! I am so far behind!!! I read about the IPO...he seems to be very helpful! I don't know about a LeCellier walkup but it couldn't hurt to try right? WOW, I can't believe Katie is 18...sounds like a GREAT day so far though! ALL of the options for her trip sound AMAZING!!!

Oh, Don, the IPO for AKL is one of the favorites of the people over on the IPO thread. They said he used to be at GF and was hand-picked when AKL opened. He's amazing. I will keep checking for the LC ADRs. So far, no luck I am still trying to get a definitive answer from Katie so I can get this trip planned. I'm worried that we are going to wait too long to get decent airfare.

Happy Birthday Katie!! I remember turning 18 (it was only 10 years ago!). My birthday was the day after my HS graduation and I had a big birthday/grad party at my house (my parents have a huge inground pool). I share a birthday with my best friend and it was a great day. I think all of the trip ideas sound wonderful!!

That is so cool to share a birthday with your BF! It's hard to believe Katie's an adult now.

Happy Birthday Katie!!
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I'll pass this on! Thanks so much!

Happy Birthday to Katie!!! I can't wait to see where she decides she wants to go on her birthday trip! They all sound like such fun options!

Oh, it's really the family vacation for the year (and a graduation trip, I suppose). I can't wait either. The inability to plan is killing the planner in me!

Happy Birthday Katie!

All four trip options are great. San Francisco is amazing and cruises are just so relaxing. If she happens to pick exotic NYC I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have. My hotel pick would definitely be the Four Seasons if you don't care about cost. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Four Seasons. And it's close to some of the best shopping.

She leans toward NY, but she's afraid she won't have enough money for the shopping she wants to do. Four Seasons sounds great. I love the ones in Vegas and Miami. I will have to check on that. And you know I'll be coming to you for all my NYC questions.

Happy Birthday to Katie! What an important day---your baby turning 18!

All four sound like great choices to me. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. Of course, since I've never gone to Hawaii, that would be my first vote!

It's crazy to think she's an adult. We were talking today and I mentioned voting and she said "oh yeah...I can VOTE now!" We'd love to get to Hawaii sometime too. The planning issues are the same as the Greece ones were - just takes so long to get there and back.

 

[swwake]

Part IV, Chapter 1
An Empty Park and Forced Perspective
Monday, August 11
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This morning, we had to get up and at 'em for our Keys To The Kingdom Tour. You have to be 16 for this tour, so Caitlin wasn't old enough to go, so we had not booked the tour for the girls. They ended up staying back at the hotel to sleep in a little.

Today was an "OK" day at MK per Touringplans, and a yellow day all day per Tour Guide Mike. Before we left our room, we told the girls that today was a "Best" day for Epcot per Touringplans and a green day all day per TGM.

We got up and ready and headed for the bus to the Magic Kingdom at 7:30am. (The plan was to leave the hotel at 8, but I think we were all too excited to wait!) We had to be there by 8:45, and were WAYYYY early, arriving at 8am.

Since we had our KTTK reservation, the CM checked her clipboard and let us right in. Now, here's the unfortunate part. They will not allow any cameras on the tour, so we had left our camera in the hotel room. It really stinks because the photo opportunities on Main Street before the park opens are just amazing!

We checked in at the Tour Garden, and were given our name badges and our special KTTK pins.

We were then told to just make ourselves at home in the park and return at 8:45. So we meandered around Main Street, up to the castle and back.

Since we didn't have a camera, we decided to take every opportunity to have a Photopass picture made. Here are a couple.

It was so serene and peaceful, and just a very special "moment" to be in the empty park.

On to the tour. Now I don't mind sharing a lot of what we learned, because a great part of this tour is the experience of the things you get to see and do. Most of the trivia is information you can get from reading books and websites. So there are no $200 secrets here.

We started with self-introductions of our tour group. We had to say our name, where we are from and if we could work for the Disney company, what would we want to do.
• Bonnie would want to be a princess
• Susan would want to be Cinderella
• Chris would want to be an Engineer

We talked about the Year Of A Million Dreams and how it worked. They said that it was run as a sweepstakes, by law, by an outside company, and that there were 5 chances to stay in the Castle Dream Suite per day, and the selection process was completely random.

As we walked down Main Street USA, we were reminded that the names on windows above the shops are names of Disney Imagineers.

We stopped in the side street just before Main Street Bakery (there is a name for this area, but I can't remember it) to hear history of Disneyland and Walt Disney World. They pointed out that if we listen closely, we can hear dance and voice lessons being taught in a studio on the second floor.

As we continued down Main Street toward Cinderella Castle, we were told about how Walt Disney purchased property under the names of several alias companies when buying the Central Florida land to be developed as WDW. One of them was M.T. Lotts, which can be seen in one of the windows on the second or third floor of a Main Street building.

We continued walking toward the Castle, and unfortunately a lady fell right in our pathway. Our whole tour stopped and everyone went into "Samaritan mode". At that time, nobody cared about anything but the well-being of this lady. We heard all sorts of code words from cast members and they radioed for help. Ultimately, and thankfully, the lady was fine, but it was a little bit of excitement in our day.

We learned that Cast Members point with two fingers or their entire hand (karate style). It is considered offensive in some Middle Eastern countries to point with one finger.

The tour guide, Johnnie (female) told us about the forced perspective in the design of Cinderella Castle. If you look very closely, you can tell that the bricks get smaller and then disappear toward the top.

As we crossed into Adventureland, Johnnie explained that all music in the Magic Kingdom is recorded in the key of C so it fades well as you walk between Lands

We rode the jungle cruise, where we learned that the plants are not exotic, but native plants were used at Walt Disney’s request.

After Jungle Cruise, we got to walk Backstage, where we got to see the float staging area for the day and night parades.

We got to see the moat behind Splash Mountain, that contains the water that is recycled through the ride.

As we came back out from backstage, we saw the start of Woody’s parade. We were lucky to get to see all of the CMs staging for the parade backstage, then putting on their "game faces" for their on-stage appearance. Really neat to see this transformation.

We then had lunch at Columbia Harbor House. We had each selected our lunches from a limited menu at check-in that morning. I had fish and chips. I would say we all agreed that lunch was good, but not great. We did get to eat in a private area roped off with red velvet ropes for us on the second floor. We felt like VIPs!

Next, we rode the Haunted Mansion. But instead of waiting in line, we got to enter through the "servants quarters entrance". This was pretty neat too. We got a glimpse of a breakroom, and could tell where the decor transitioned from On-Stage to Backstage. Some areas of backstage have similar paint, wallpaper, floors and lighting to the on-stage areas. This is to keep from "breaking the set".

Next we toured Fantasyland, where we spent some time at Cinderella’s Fountain. You may know this, but if you take a photo of the statue from just the right angle, the crown painted on the background behind Cindy appears to actually be on her head. Symbolic of her transition from maiden to Princess.

To be continued...

Next up: How the heck do you get to the Utilidors?

• What did we learn about that started an obsession in Chris?
• Why do CM name tags list their country?
• What life-changing event affected our vacation on Monday?
• What other park did our family visit?
• What dinner quickly became a favorite event of our vacation?

Answers to previous questions
• What tour did we take? Keys to the Kingdom Tour
• What two parks did our family visit? Magic Kingdom and ???

 

[Flossbolna]

Great update! When we went on the tour I had my camera with me (I figured they would not search my bag and if they did I would just have to hand it in or so...) and then it turned out as you said that it was no problem at all, we were just told not to use cameras in the backstage areas.

I loved KTTK, but I think we never heard about the reason why countries are on name tags (the only reason I could think of would be language). So I am looking forward to your next update.

It's great that Katie and Caitlin are still friends, wasn't there something about Caitlin having moved away? If she was at the birthday dinner it seems like they managed to keep their friendship going despite the distance.

 

[Dancegrl624]

What a great start to the KTTK tour! I've always wanted to take this tour, but I have NO idea when I'll be able to. Can't wait to hear more!

 

[Native NYer]

I want to take that tour!

 

[MHTeacher]

I loved your KTTK update. I think I may really try to do this during our May trip. I can't wait to hear the rest of the story.

 

[cdotla]

Wow! Your daughter is turning 18...what a milestone! Sounds like you will have a great trip to plan no matter what destination you guys choose.

Loved the recap of the Keys to the Kingdom Tour, and looking forward to more!

 

[swwake]

Great update! When we went on the tour I had my camera with me (I figured they would not search my bag and if they did I would just have to hand it in or so...) and then it turned out as you said that it was no problem at all, we were just told not to use cameras in the backstage areas.

I loved KTTK, but I think we never heard about the reason why countries are on name tags (the only reason I could think of would be language). So I am looking forward to your next update.

It's great that Katie and Caitlin are still friends, wasn't there something about Caitlin having moved away? If she was at the birthday dinner it seems like they managed to keep their friendship going despite the distance.

Oh I wish we had taken our camera on the tour. We lived near Caitlin (around the corner in a neighborhood) for 6 years before we built our house and moved out by the lake, about 30 minutes away. They have stayed in touch all these years and are still pretty close, although they don't get to see each other very often (about once a month). Caitlin is a sweet, sweet girl, a pleasure to have around, and a great travel companion (some foreshadowing there ).

What a great start to the KTTK tour! I've always wanted to take this tour, but I have NO idea when I'll be able to. Can't wait to hear more!

I really think the tour is worth it, but you do give up almost a full day in the parks.

I want to take that tour!

Jen - I think you NEED to take this tour.

I loved your KTTK update. I think I may really try to do this during our May trip. I can't wait to hear the rest of the story.

I highly recommend the tour.

Wow! Your daughter is turning 18...what a milestone! Sounds like you will have a great trip to plan no matter what destination you guys choose.

Loved the recap of the Keys to the Kingdom Tour, and looking forward to more!

Yes, we can't believe she grew up so quickly! Thanks - more is coming soon (I hope - depends on when I can find time).

 

[swwake]

Whew! I have had a busy weekend! Friday night was Katie's birthday dinner. Yesterday I had "dialysis duty" - driving my Mom to and from her dialysis (which we hope is temporary), then taking her shopping at Wal Mart. Last night was our April 15th Party (yes, we boring accountants have April 15th parties!) at the AAA team baseball game. Today, we had a wine-tasting charity event. We won a couple of items at the silent auction too! Chris won some autographed military thriller books, and I won a package for our dogs: boarding GC, grooming GC, a photo shoot, and 1 moth of Dog Doody service!

I was also busy with something else today that took a couple of hours. Look at me - do I look any different?

Anyway, many of you are posting your purchases for the Disney trips. I made some purchases about a week ago and didn't remember to post them.

I found this great mail order (not sure if they have retail stores) company that's a division of Gap. It's called Athleta, and I like it because the styles are a little more mature and cover in all the right places. I first fell in love with the swimwear, which I think is conservative, yet trendy, and will stay put when I move around, swimming, diving, maybe riding a Flowrider or two...

So here's what I bought. I won't dare model the swimsuit but this shows the style.

(That model's looking a little "twisted", huh?)

And I bought the Santorini dress:

I wore this dress to the wine tasting event today and I really love it.

Finally I bought the "Printed Pack Everywhere" dress:

I tried everything on and loved how it fit. I really look forward to having these dresses and this suit as options for the Disney trip. They would probably also come in handy if we were to take a cruise this summer. hmmmmmm.....

 

[Dancegrl624]

LOVE your purchases!!!! I'm fairly sure that Athleta is only available online. Even though it's a division of Gap now, I don't get a discount there. As I was looking through the Sunday ads yesterday, I decided I needed to get myself a new bathing suit this year. I didn't see anything I like last year, so it's definately time for a new one! Those dresses are so cute and look so comfy!

 

[Native NYer]

Great purchases Susan!

 

[MHTeacher]

Great purchases, Susan! I especially like that little purple print sundress.

Hey.............What's that cruise ticker doing at the bottom in your signature line??????????????

 

[Charleston Princess]

Oh, I love all your new stuff, Susan. I wandered over to the Athleta site after reading your update -- I could do some serious damage there -- love all their stuff!

 

[swwake]

LOVE your purchases!!!! I'm fairly sure that Athleta is only available online. Even though it's a division of Gap now, I don't get a discount there. As I was looking through the Sunday ads yesterday, I decided I needed to get myself a new bathing suit this year. I didn't see anything I like last year, so it's definately time for a new one! Those dresses are so cute and look so comfy!

I am loving the Athleta stuff! I know your Friends & Family discount was good for it. I just wasn't quick enough that week!

Great purchases Susan!

Thanks!

Great purchases, Susan! I especially like that little purple print sundress.

Hey.............What's that cruise ticker doing at the bottom in your signature line??????????????

Thank you! Yep, we booked the cruise. We're taking Caitlin!

Oh, I love all your new stuff, Susan. I wandered over to the Athleta site after reading your update -- I could do some serious damage there -- love all their stuff!

I predict you'll have at least one piece from Athleta by the summer.