Hello-It'sSmee! A July 2020 "It's Good to Be Bad AND Back" TR *Link to new TR 2/21*

[CruellaNY]

After lunch we were almost ready to go but since this was our only MK day, I couldn't leave without riding a few more things. We started with Pirates and found neat new Jungle Cruise merch in the Pirates gift shop:







I can take or leave JC but this is some cute stuff! On to BTMRR again because once is never enough; and then before our exit I HAD to:



I know it's not leaving before we go again but I want to "soak" up as much Splash as I can while I can. FYI physically distancing on the ride, skipping seats:



We didn't get soaked as they don't have the water turned up that high - safely and all, you know? But I love this ride anyway. Oh and the gift shop was closed all day, probably due to people buying 100 plush at a time. Wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't reopen at all.......

We did a bit of shopping on our way out and as we were about to check out of Uptown Jewelers I heard that TINKLE again! This time it was the tinkle I had really been hoping to see; the Princess cavalcade with Merida riding Angus!

Ahem. I took a video for facebook rather than photos; wish I had both. I will figure out how to post videos at some point but for now please enjoy this not good picture of Angus and the side of Merida:



This is so cute and a real treat! As someone who loves characters but isn't that into meets I prefer this way. I also as I said, enjoy not knowing when I'll see who. For instance, after these ladies went by, Joe and I, we'd met up again out there waiting for Steve and Jenny- turned around and saw these guys!



And then these guys!





It was a full blown character explosion all around! A great way to leave the MK after our first post-virus visit!

We hopped a bus back to our resort and had about a 15 minute wait. There were 2 groups of guests waiting for the bus when we got there and 1 group came behind us so we all fit in our numbered sections. I noticed this sign up in the BC lobby, today being July 25th and all:





There were games at the pool every day but being holiday themed today was neat! We didn't stop out there, we had some time to relax and clean up before we needed to meet the birthday girl for her dinner!

 

[erinch]

If the world doesn’t go belly-up crazy, we will be there the last half of October. That coconut bar is mine. And here is my DD Meredith at age 8 with Ariel. Which looks illegal to me. She’s now 24. Meredith, that is.

 

[pkondz]

Thank you!
And thank you.
Thanks.

welcome. (Brevity dept.)

Noooooooo! No no. Has to be sooner or we're all scr--ed!

Lord I hope this ends sometime.

It's great that you have your own thoughts and ideas! For the toilette area.
And even better that you realize the bolded

This is one thing that is weird and possibly inconsistent? We definitely saw the ride vehicles being cleaned more often at Universal in June. At Disney there were a good # of times we were on line and they announced a short delay in boarding due to cleaning. So they ARE cleaning them albeit not in between all guests but I think that would be too hard. At Uni there was more using every other vehicle when possible and cleaning ones that had just been used as opposed to Disney where they were loading the same cars. Again I think it may just be too hard? And even with low crowds the "crowds" were higher at Disney than Uni

Hmmm... Perhaps the idea is to sanitize your hands?

after my.....brief hiatus from the boards

each time an old friend joins here or a new friend says they remember my old reports, I feel like this

Like you have a long nose? Flappy ears? A funny little hat?

Wait... this describes me in winter.

we moved Ricky in to his dorm room yesterday and had parent/student orientation. I'M OK!

Good!

Oh and for those of you who attended college; remember how tiny your freshman dorm was?

Nope. I lived at home as the University was a bicycle ride away.

instead of a small, regular room with 1 roommate he's in a freaking apartment size suite with 5 other guys!

Um... why? Is that to have 5 student COVID bubbles?

(I can't think about the condition this bathroom will be in like 3 weeks after they start)

Ariel's (empty for now) Grotto:

This is a tragedy of epic proportions.

Yeah don't know here even though she appears to be looking right at me,

I was going to ask!

Same by Gaston's

But you can still tinkle FYI @pkondz :

This is crucial information.

Interestingly enough we've never seen the restaurant as crowded as it was this day!

Huh. I've been... 2? 3? times? And you're right. It's not usually very crowded. I think tweaking the menu has helped that, though.

Our Skipper made enough jokes to make it funny but not annoying in any way.

Perfect.

I could totally be a spice girl; like "magic bar Spice".

noooooooo...

an hour after we left dinner my CHIN was tingling from the heat. Not tinkling but tingling to the point I wanted to rub aloe all over it.

Whoa! Now that's spicy! Too spicy!

I watched in wonder and fascination as he burned the **** (I starred myself out, no worries) out of his mouth.

Why did you star it out? The DIS will do it for you!

Coconut Bar with Pineapple-Basil Compote and Vanilla Cream

Not sure coconut is a fruit - @pkondz? Would you know

Botanically speaking, a coconut is a fibrous one-seeded drupe, also known as a dry drupe. However, when using loose definitions, the coconut can be all three: a fruit, a nut, and a seed. ... Coconuts are classified as a fibrous one-seeded drupe.

Drupe, in botany, simple fleshy fruit that usually contains a single seed, such as the cherry, peach, and olive. As a simple fruit, a drupe is derived from a single ovary of an individual flower.

In layman's terms... coconut should not be eaten by anyone, anywhere, anytime.
I am starting a "Save the Drupes!" movement.

But those darker ones are, get this, sugared basil.

Huh! Interesting. Wouldn't mind trying that.

 

[pkondz]

found neat new Jungle Cruise merch in the Pirates gift shop

OH!
1. Those are great!
2. I had no idea. Has there been JC merch in there before?

On to BTMRR again because once is never enough

I know it's not leaving before we go again but I want to "soak" up as much Splash as I can while I can.

<sigh> I totally get that. I really hope the new one is okay.

FYI physically distancing on the ride, skipping seats:

Huh!

We didn't get soaked as they don't have the water turned up that high - safely and all, you know?

I'm sorry... what? Why? They think the virus will be transmitted in the water???

Oh and the gift shop was closed all day, probably due to people buying 100 plush at a time. Wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't reopen at all.......

the Princess cavalcade with Merida riding Angus!

Did you see the video where Angus got spooked by the balloon???

It was a full blown character explosion all around! A great way to leave the MK after our first post-virus visit!

 

[vamassey1]

On another topic, we moved Ricky in to his dorm room yesterday and had parent/student orientation. I'M OK!

Good to hear!

Oh and for those of you who attended college; remember how tiny your freshman dorm was? Well for distancing purposes they have put freshmen in upper class dorms so instead of a small, regular room with 1 roommate he's in a freaking apartment size suite with 5 other guys! Three bedrooms, 2 to a room, bathroom with 2 stalls sinks and showers (I can't think about the condition this bathroom will be in like 3 weeks after they start) a huge closet and a HUGE common room where they can fit 2 couches, TV and stand, 4 person dining table and more. It's 3 levels!! Common room down, 2 bedrooms, bath, hall closet on 2nd and the 3rd bedroom up a few steps to a 3rd level.

Sounds like Ricky got a Disney room upgrade.

But you can still tinkle FYI @pkondz :

I'm glad to hear this. This is one of my favorite tinkle stops.

I recommend Skippers and definitely this dessert!

We ate here for the first time in December and loved it.

I can take or leave JC but this is some cute stuff!

I agree!

On to BTMRR again because once is never enough; and then before our exit I HAD to:

Another good choice.

I heard that TINKLE again!

So, does this mean there is a TINKLE sound when a character is coming?

 

[suse66]

Well for distancing purposes they have put freshmen in upper class dorms so instead of a small, regular room with 1 roommate he's in a freaking apartment size suite with 5 other guys!

Wow! That is huge! I am surprised though that they are allowing double rooms. At Trent (where Jack goes) they have made all dorms into singles. I am glad you are doing ok, it is a big adjustment for us mothers for sure.

We are all entitled to our own feelings on school resuming and I don't think at this point anyone is right or wrong in their opinions, but I do really, really want Chris to go to school and so does Chris.

I completely understand....I know some kids really want to get back. My boys are doing an extra semester to upgrade a few classes but have chosen to do so online. I am going back full time in kindergarten and am a bit nervous. Cases are very low in our area but they haven't reduced our class sizes at all. All educators are wearing masks and face shields which I am not going to love. Our students don't have to wear masks although it is recommended.

o help the wine cool down my mouth I HAD to get dessert. Plus I'd skipped it here the last 2 times and there are a couple things on the menu that sounded good. Instead of trying the Kungaloosh - next time - I ordered something with 2 of my favorite fruit flavors in it:
Coconut Bar with Pineapple-Basil Compote and Vanilla Cream
Vanilla Chiffon Cake with Coconut and Lime-White Chocolate Ganache

I tried that two summers ago and loved it! Although I think mine was half the size of yours..

We didn't get soaked as they don't have the water turned up that high - safely and all, you know? But I love this ride anyway. Oh and the gift shop was closed all day, probably due to people buying 100 plush at a time. Wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't reopen at all.......

I am not a fan of those resellers.....I don't mind personal shoppers but the people turning around and selling stuff on Ebay for $$$$ make me so mad!

Ahem. I took a video for facebook rather than photos; wish I had both. I will figure out how to post videos at some point but for now please enjoy this not good picture of Angus and the side of Merida:

Love the random character sightings!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Loved your Magic Kingdom day and that food looks so tasty at Skippers

The dorm room looks amazing! Glad you got to go to orientation day to put your mind at rest. I’ve just found out that my 13 year old has to have a personal risk assessment done as I’m going through some health stuff, before he can return to school so he may not be back in September as planned The older boy is moving in with his sister, husband and nephew when he starts getting some teaching so I’ll be a little like you with one gone and one teen at home. I’m hoping that it’s not for too long and I’m seriously jealous that my grandson and daughter will be getting cuddles from eldest son before me!

 

[butterscotchcollins]

I love this TR

Take comfort in the fact that the start of college is weird no matter WHAT’S going on, so if anything being in the middle of a global event is a great conversation starter and should help Ricky break the ice and make friends. Also don’t take it personally if on final drop-off day he hustles you out in a desperate bid for independance like I did to my mother (I apologized years later when I was older and realized that might have hurt her feelings XD)

We might have to add Skipper’s to the ADR list for our trip in a couple of weeks - I’ve never made any ADRs before this trip but the thought of being stuck with limited gross QS options is making me

Also, the Gaston statue is my favorite photo op in MK Sharing my favorite pic of me and my sister in front of it:


However I have to disagree on the cinnamon roll - I have never had one there that wasn’t stale as the dickens. What am I missing??

 

[Jenny Sanders]

I'm so excited for our September trip in 40 days and writing this TR is making me more excited to go back!

OMG! Me too! We will be in St Pete 5 weeks from today and in Disney in 37 days. YAY!!!! I can't wait to see you and Steve again!!!!!! Did you end up buying the matching Tommy Bahama clothes (so we can match)????? LOL!

We are all entitled to our own feelings on school resuming and I don't think at this point anyone is right or wrong in their opinions, but I do really, really want Chris to go to school and so does Chris. Given this I am trying to talk him in to coming to Disney with us in September! We'll see, it IS Chris..............

I really really want Ash and Ali to be able to attend at least some of their college classes but that's not happening. I just feel like they are missing out on so much!!!!☹

Taking a cue from @Jenny Sanders I'm posting all food pics in a row here:

That a girl. LOL!!!!

 

[Jenny Sanders]

There were games at the pool every day but being holiday themed today was neat! We didn't stop out there, we had some time to relax and clean up before we needed to meet the birthday girl for her dinner!

Hee! Hee! That's me!!!!!

 

[Sydney2977]

Love your reviews and pics at Beaches & Cream and Skipper's! We're trying both of these for the first time in Sept. so it was nice to hear your take.

 

[CruellaNY]

If the world doesn’t go belly-up crazy, we will be there the last half of October. That coconut bar is mine.

Fingers crossed because
1. we are going again in early November and
2. you need that coconut bar!

Which looks illegal to me

It does! Last October I was in Disney for work; we had our picture taken with Perla outside 1900 Park Fare and in my co-workers picture it totally looks like Perla is feeling her up!

Hmmm... Perhaps the idea is to sanitize your hands?

Well now you're just being unreasonable..........

Like you have a long nose? Flappy ears? A funny little hat?

Wait... this describes me in winter.

Pictures or you really look like Goofy in the winter

Nope. I lived at home as the University was a bicycle ride away.

I went 90 minutes away like Ricky is. Far enough to live there but close enough to return home for

Um... why? Is that to have 5 student COVID bubbles?

Well they did downsize the tiny regular freshman rooms from 3/4 to 2 and Ricky's suite actually normally holds 8-10 students so they aren't filling it up. They all are testing prior to moving on campus (Ricky does his test Monday) and will be retested when they arrive. Then each week 15% of the student body and 15% of the faculty are randomly tested. If they put only 1 student in each room it wouldn't work and I'm ok with how it is. I think as long as your college is taking precautions and you're comfortable with them you gotta give your kid the option to go! And Quinnipiac is also being MORE cautious in regards to the state of CT current guidelines. For instance CT gyms have been open for awhile and the state universities are opening their gymes when kids arrive. Much to Ricky's disappointment Quinnipiac is holding off opening their gym for 4 weeks after kids arrive. Dining halls can be at 75% capacity but theirs will be at 25%.

This is a tragedy of epic proportions.

email www.clamshellsupporters.org to voice your concerns

Huh. I've been... 2? 3? times? And you're right. It's not usually very crowded. I think tweaking the menu has helped that, though.

Agree, and at least they didn't go the route of all the usual entrees while toning it down a bit to bring in business.

In layman's terms... coconut should not be eaten by anyone, anywhere, anytime.

Email www.youarewrong.always to voice your concerns

. I had no idea. Has there been JC merch in there before?

The only JC thing I'd ever seen was a few years ago during the holidays when they had a JINGLE Cruise shirt I wish I'd bought!

I totally get that. I really hope the new one is okay.

Yeah.........yeah

I'm sorry... what? Why? They think the virus will be transmitted in the water???

I guess I don't know enough about the virus? But yeah all water rides at Disney and at the 2 Uni parks have toned down their water elements due to the virus which is strange since Uni's water park is open? Don't know if it's because a drop can hit you and then the person near you that isn't traveling with you? That seems a bit much.

Did you see the video where Angus got spooked by the balloon???

Yes and I was afraid they'd stop her from riding him. Glad they didn't!

Sounds like Ricky got a Disney room upgrade.

LOL next time Steve and I get an upgrade and he pouts he isn't with us I'm telling him this!

So, does this mean there is a TINKLE sound when a character is coming?

So in seriousness there IS a sound that alerts you! First of all it's a bit quieter around you with the low crowds so you easily hear music starting; usually something you'd hear in the parade? Like when you're on the parade route and it's getting nearer and then all of a sudden the parade music booms over the speakers near you. This isn't AS loud but it's a change in the low music that's always played and then you get this feeling something fun is happening!

 

[KathyM2]

Well for distancing purposes they have put freshmen in upper class dorms so instead of a small, regular room with 1 roommate he's in a freaking apartment size suite with 5 other guys! Three bedrooms, 2 to a room, bathroom with 2 stalls sinks and showers (I can't think about the condition this bathroom will be in like 3 weeks after they start) a huge closet and a HUGE common room where they can fit 2 couches, TV and stand, 4 person dining table and more. It's 3 levels!! Common room down, 2 bedrooms, bath, hall closet on 2nd and the 3rd bedroom up a few steps to a 3rd level.

This is really interesting. I am wondering how my son's school is handling the dorms. That's nice that he will have so much space.

neat new Jungle Cruise merch

Love this!!! JC is one of my faves...can't wait to ride again and hopefully get the merch. I know I could probably order online but it's just not the same as having been there to get it!!!

The food at SC looks amazing!!! I have always wanted to try that place but it's a bit to "exotic" for my kids...since I will probably have to do a solo trip to use my AP before it expires maybe that will be the time lol!! I don't think I will get the "chin tinkling" dish though lol

 

[CruellaNY]

Wow! That is huge! I am surprised though that they are allowing double rooms. At Trent (where Jack goes) they have made all dorms into singles. I am glad you are doing ok, it is a big adjustment for us mothers for sure.

It is for sure! A week from today he's there for good and I really still can't let myself think about it although it's a GOOD thing and it's what should be happening ❤
As for not doing single rooms I don't think they could do it there and open; they are also a private college so can do things a bit different than state schools while still following CDC recommendations and state guidelines and they are actually in many ways erring on the side of caution as far as what the state itself is allowing state colleges to do. I'm ok with it; while they do need to wear masks all around campus except while in their own room and eating there is of course still a risk just being there so no roommate or 5 I feel it's the same. But others don't feel that way and that's ok!

I am going back full time in kindergarten and am a bit nervous. Cases are very low in our area but they haven't reduced our class sizes at all. All educators are wearing masks and face shields which I am not going to love. Our students don't have to wear masks although it is recommended.

It's a hard situation regardless with no easy or right answer that fits everyone Before our district decided to start remotely the kids only had to wear masks in class if the teacher came to their desk and same for teacher although it was recommended they be worn as often as possible. No hot lunches, lunch in the classroom.

I am not a fan of those resellers.....I don't mind personal shoppers but the people turning around and selling stuff on Ebay for $$$$ make me so mad!

It is frustrating and aggravating!

’ve just found out that my 13 year old has to have a personal risk assessment done as I’m going through some health stuff, before he can return to school so he may not be back in September as planned

I hope you are ok

I’m hoping that it’s not for too long and I’m seriously jealous that my grandson and daughter will be getting cuddles from eldest son before me!

Aw! I understand! Steve has stores in CT not far from Ricky so he'll be in the area on occasion and can grab Ricky for lunch! But at least your son is with family!

I love this TR

LOL so happy you do! My goal is to keep it fun!

Take comfort in the fact that the start of college is weird no matter WHAT’S going on, so if anything being in the middle of a global event is a great conversation starter and should help Ricky break the ice and make friends.

True; it totally makes me think back to my freshman year. Oh and my roommate was on a liquid diet as she'd just lost over 150 lbs so I couldn't even snack or go to the dining hall with her! So yeah always some weirdness lol

We might have to add Skipper’s to the ADR list for our trip in a couple of weeks - I’ve never made any ADRs before this trip but the thought of being stuck with limited gross QS options is making me

You should try it! I agree as not big QS fans in general it's worse right now with fewer open. When we go without the kids we make maybe 1 or 2 ADR's and do the rest day of or night before which is what I prefer but we had a few more this trip and I have LOTS booked for next month. Right now with the park hours and restaurants closed you really have to.

However I have to disagree on the cinnamon roll - I have never had one there that wasn’t stale as the dickens. What am I missing??

WOW ok! That stinks! We've had them numerous times and they're always fresh! I hope one day you get a good one lol!

I can't wait to see you and Steve again!!!!!! Did you end up buying the matching Tommy Bahama clothes (so we can match)????? LOL!

Ugh I can't find the dress anywhere online! We have a tommy Bahamas in the outlets about 30 mins from here and Chris wants to go soon so I'll look there but may have to wait till we get down there again.

Love your reviews and pics at Beaches & Cream and Skipper's! We're trying both of these for the first time in Sept. so it was nice to hear your take.

Yay I'm glad you're enjoying the food parts! Usually I do a dining report as well as a TR but this time decided to combine I do plan on doing both for our Sept trip! I may know this already (I'm old so forgive me) but what are your Sept dates?

 

[CruellaNY]

@butterscotchcollins and I love the picture of you and your sis by Gaston's, thanks for sharing!

 

[tundra1]

In layman's terms... coconut should not be eaten by anyone, anywhere, anytime.
I am starting a "Save the Drupes!" movement.

I will be your first badge wearing member! Sign me up!

 

[pkondz]

Well now you're just being unreasonable..........

It’s your right to not wash your hands.

Pictures or you really look like Goofy in the winter

This is a truism.

Well they did downsize the tiny regular freshman rooms from 3/4 to 2 and Ricky's suite actually normally holds 8-10 students so they aren't filling it up. They all are testing prior to moving on campus (Ricky does his test Monday) and will be retested when they arrive. Then each week 15% of the student body and 15% of the faculty are randomly tested. If they put only 1 student in each room it wouldn't work and I'm ok with how it is. I think as long as your college is taking precautions and you're comfortable with them you gotta give your kid the option to go! And Quinnipiac is also being MORE cautious in regards to the state of CT current guidelines. For instance CT gyms have been open for awhile and the state universities are opening their gymes when kids arrive. Much to Ricky's disappointment Quinnipiac is holding off opening their gym for 4 weeks after kids arrive. Dining halls can be at 75% capacity but theirs will be at 25%.

Lots of preparation! And... good!

email www.clamshellsupporters.org to voice your concerns

Email www.youarewrong.always to voice your concerns

I did but they said my position was over-represented and inherently correct.

The only JC thing I'd ever seen was a few years ago during the holidays when they had a JINGLE Cruise shirt I wish I'd bought!

And then the nickel dropped. The movie is coming out soon so of course there’ll be merch.

I guess I don't know enough about the virus? But yeah all water rides at Disney and at the 2 Uni parks have toned down their water elements due to the virus which is strange since Uni's water park is open? Don't know if it's because a drop can hit you and then the person near you that isn't traveling with you? That seems a bit much.

Seems... not right?

Yes and I was afraid they'd stop her from riding him. Glad they didn't!

Me too! And thought the same thing.

I will be your first badge wearing member! Sign me up!

The first of billions!!

 

[vamassey1]

LOL next time Steve and I get an upgrade and he pouts he isn't with us I'm telling him this!

So in seriousness there IS a sound that alerts you! First of all it's a bit quieter around you with the low crowds so you easily hear music starting; usually something you'd hear in the parade? Like when you're on the parade route and it's getting nearer and then all of a sudden the parade music booms over the speakers near you. This isn't AS loud but it's a change in the low music that's always played and then you get this feeling something fun is happen

It sounds so EXCITING!

 

[lvcourtneyy]

Right? Don't think it would happen in a lounge like Nomad but I guess since the seating area is technically always ope? I mean if we wanted to we could have gotten to the beverages too lol

That would've made for an excellent headline!

Moral of the story: sometimes hot, is TOO hot. But not usually

Wow! I like spicy things too but that sounds like a lot lol

 

[Wood Nymph]

Ricky is going to be spoiled by having such a nice place to stay his freshman year. He is lucky to get such a nice dorm room.

It will be interesting to see how things go with schools. Most of the school districts here are starting out with remote learning and then see how it goes.