Hey, Would-ja like to go to Florida? You Becha! Done #168! 5-26-09

[mla1977]

I decided to get in line at the Bakery in France.
See what you can do, when you are solo?
No one questions why you are getting in line
for more dessert.

I so totally agree! My 2008 trip I was trying to keep up with the food porn. I could buy and eat whatever I wanted and there were no questions about it until pictures of cookies appeared in the photos.

 

[KatGarcia]

Sounds like a great time strolling and having desserts! I long to wander the showcase alone. I got rained out by hurricane faye when I went solo. So did you stay at epcot? I would have, sorry dh lol.

 

[wdwgirl03]

I walked on by Mission to Mars
I figured I don’t need to get dizzy and confused
anymore than I already am.
I rode the Orange side in Nov. and I had no need to feel
confined with stranges.

Too funny! Hey, atleast you can say you've done it before, I am way too chicken. My dad and sisters claim it's "not that bad"...considering I almost got sick on the Jimmy Neutron ride at Universal, I don't think I could handle even the wimpy side on Mission Space.

 

[OhMari]

After my dh called,
I failed to mention I just finished my ham sub.
Surprising it was really good.
I thought the bread would be hard,
but it was fresh baked bread/ham/mustard/cheese.
Maybe that is why I saw a lot of people buying a couple of rolls of bread.

I felt bad getting up during the British Invasion,
but I had to go purchase my picture from The artist Larry Dotson. In the morning when I was looking at the paintings, the sales people told me to come back later in the afternoon, because he would be there and he would personally sign the picture on the print. He signed on the frame, but then he wrote Dotson real small on the bottom of the picture. I told him how upset I was, that I didn't buy a picture 2 years ago, and that was my main goal today, to buy it.

It took forever to check out. He filled out an invoice,
I had to go to the next booth and pay,
then return with the paid invoice, and Larry had my picture
all packaged up for me, since he knew I would be traveling home
by plane and I told him, I would be carrying it with me as a carry-on.
I feel so proud walking off an airplane with a WDW merchandise bag.
"That's right people."
"I went to WDW."

It was 6:30, and I still had to run into Nemo Land
and get 2 t-shirts that I had to rebuy.
Last Nov. my dd set our bag down, under our table
in Germanfest while we went to the buffet and someone
stole the bag.
The bad had batteries,
ESPN t-shirt for my nephew,
and a really cute t-shirt with the seagulls that said,
"Mine, Mine, Mine, Mine".
I bought one for Callie and myself.
Last Nov., they were grey, and they had
a realy cool pastel green color.

I finally checked out, and found out
Crush-Turtle Talk, was down all day,
the CM failed to come into work and they
couldn't get a back-up. I usually try to watch this show
with all the little kids. And yes, I sit way in the back.
I over heard 2 CM's discussing how people were really upset
that it was down all day, and the park had EMH tonite.

My phone was ringing and my dh told me he just pulled
into Epcot's parking lot. I was only coming around
Innovations West. Luckily there wasn't a whole lot of
people, near Spaceship Earth and the front of the park.
I saw 2 families entering and no one really leaving.
I glanced at the times board and most rides were down to 10
15 minutes. You would think with a EMH evenings the times would
be a lot higher. So if you were there that evening, I'm betting you had a great evening.

I walked over to the CM entrance and we played
"Find Waldo", till we spotted each other. My dh
was directly in the middle of the entrance. He said,
they were parking everyone over by the busses and
where we parked this morning, was closed off and completely empty.

We made it back to the Ritz in 10 minutes.
My dh paid the Valet to park our rental again,
and I ran in and got completely disoriented.
And, who should I run into?
They were all walking to the reception area all dressed up,
and here I am, "Mrs. Griswold" tourist, with WDW shopping bags,
disleveled,
hot,
tired and
sweaty
and exhausted from being at Epcot all day.

They pointed me in the right direction towards the elevators.
Dinner was not till 7:45 and it was only 7:00.
Thanks goodness my dh insisted we unpack everything, so all my
good clothes was hung up, and not wrinkled in my suitcases.

After I got dressed, my dh had a smile on his face and said I looked good.
He waited for me, which was nice and we went downstairs to the reception
together.

I'm sort of glad I had the sub.
It was free alcohol drinks,
The food was the kind were you
stood with your plate in your
hands and try to eat.

We took our plates out into the hallway
and found a large table with 3 benches.
2 other couples joined us and we all got a good
laugh, because the setting was for looks and not
for sitting down and eating.

I had more couples come up to me, and
ask me if I am Terry's wife.
(No, I am his secret mistress he brought along).
They all wanted to know, how I could go to
WDW all by myself.

You know,
I really didn't have to explain myself.
Once people ask you a question,
they go into what they know about WDW.
I just sit back and smile, listen, and nod.

My dh will give me a nudge when "He" hears
something that isn't correct anymore.
But neither one of us, will say anything.
We just let them talk.

Once in awhile we will give a zinger out there like,
how we like to get on the mono-rail, and visit the resorts
and go to the pool bars, or the lounge bars,
and drink and get plastered,
or how we will "drink around the world"
at Epcot.
Most look at us surprised, and then they laugh and say,
Oh, really?
So I don't know if they believe us or not.

Seriously?
Most times, we share a drink,
and usually after 1 drink
we are sloushed and need a siesta.
But, who wants to share that info.

 

[MICKEY4EVER!]

I don't know if he sells his work, but I'm sure he does. I just thought the only time I could buy his work, was during the Garden and Flower Festival. Let me know if you can, when you go.

I will do that. It won't be until next June, so it will be a little while (unless some miracle occurs and I get to go sooner!!!!)

 

[MICKEY4EVER!]

I LOL'd at you talking about the "homing pigeon" behind you in line. You really have such a great sense of humor!

And I know about those "mine, mine, mine" shirts that you are talking about too. My mother, sister and niece all have them: my mother and sister's are in those minty green colors and my nieces is grey. Apparently they don't sell youth in any other color. Anyways, I want one, too! But I just couldn't spend twenty dollars on a T-shirt that I will probably only wear at Disney. And I only get to go once a year. I'm so frugal, I make myself mad!

Anyways, I'm still here and loving the report. Keep the funnies coming!!!!!!

 

[CajunDixie]

Great read!

Just an FYI your artist Larry Dotson has a website: just add a .com to his name. There is a page that gives his schedule for anyone else was interested in meeting him. I must say after the quick look at his work I'd love to have one of his paintings!!!!!

 

[OhMari]

I LOL'd at you talking about the "homing pigeon" behind you in line. : You really have such a great sense of humor!

And I know about those "mine, mine, mine" shirts that you are talking about too. My mother, sister and niece all have them: my mother and sister's are in those minty green colors and my nieces is grey. Apparently they don't sell youth in any other color. Anyways, I want one, too! But I just couldn't spend twenty dollars on a T-shirt that I will probably only wear at Disney. And I only get to go once a year. I'm so frugal, I make myself mad!

Anyways, I'm still here and loving the report. Keep the funnies coming!!!!!!

Join Sunshine Rewards, earn some Disney Gift cards and award yourself a shirt. I wear mine when I go to our pool and swim laps. I don't know if you read my last Trip Report, but I do that last minute, no one is looking, take off t-shirt and get into the pool and do laps. I also wear it to the YMCA to work out in. In puts a smile on my face, when I'm struggling through weight class.

Great read!

Just an FYI your artist Larry Dotson has a website: just add a .com to his name. There is a page that gives his schedule for anyone else was interested in meeting him. I must say after the quick look at his work I'd love to have one of his paintings!!!!!

Thank you, I hope there is a e-mail address, so I can tell him, how much I enjoy his work. It puts a smile on my face, when I walk by.

 

[OhMari]

Sounds like a great time strolling and having desserts! I long to wander the showcase alone. I got rained out by hurricane faye when I went solo. So did you stay at epcot? I would have, sorry dh lol.

I stayed till 6:30 p.m. It was so wierd to let my dh plan this day. I really wanted to stay for Illuminations, but he wanted me to come back to the reception. I think he seriously wanted to introduce me to everyone, since it seemed a lot of people really had a hard time believing I was by myself at Epcot. Some thought I was nuts, and I was going to mugged or something. Other's were in awe and said, they would love to explore Epcot solo. Most go with their kids and most said their kids were bored and crying in Epcot. It was one of those moments, where I just smiled and shook my head. I did bring up, the nice jungle gyms they had at the Flower Show this year. I got the "really?"

 

[MeMom]

Walking around World Showcase eating good food and listening to music - very nice day!

Do you have a picture of your Dotson picture? That's great that you were able to get it signed!

 

[OhMari]

Walking around World Showcase eating good food and listening to music - very nice day!

Do you have a picture of your Dotson picture? That's great that you were able to get it signed!

The picture is on post 122 back a page.
But here is the picture again.

 

[KathyRN137]

My dh looks up every few minutes and
Just mumbles, “whatever, where ever”.
I just had to turn him a few times
in the correct position and he followed me,
like a homing pigeon.

Very funny! I can just picture it!


Kathy

 

[GBShorts]

Hi neighbor! I'm in Racine.

I can't wait to read the rest of your report. It's great so far!

It's supposed to be 80 on Wednesday here...can you believe it? Of course it'll be in the 50's on Thursday.

Welcome to spring in Wisconsin.

 

[OhMari]

Very funny! I can just picture it!


Kathy

Hi neighbor! I'm in Racine.

I can't wait to read the rest of your report. It's great so far!

It's supposed to be 80 on Wednesday here...can you believe it? Of course it'll be in the 50's on Thursday.

Welcome to spring in Wisconsin.

Hey. Gotta love WI.
My dd worked for one week at RCI and then she was told, she was suppose to be working at the women's prison in Union Grove. Thank God. Thanks for reading.

 

[OhMari]

The reception was over, but the free alcohol was still flowing.

It was around 8:30 and I knew a shuttle bus would be arriving,
to go to the City Walk over by Universal.
I thought it would be fun to go and activate our Free Tickets
to Universal Studios.

We won tickets while we were watching the SuperBowl.
How,
we entered on-line.
The prize was suppose to be a Free Trip to Universal.
We won consolation prizes of 2 Free Tickets.


In March, I received 2 vouchers that looked like post cards
I almost threw them away, since it looked like junk mail.
But since it was from Universal, it held
my attention a tad longer than usual.

The next day was Friday,
and I planned on going to Universal Studios
and maybe Adventure Land.
The tickets were good for 7 days
at both parks once activated.
But we needed to turn in the vouchers
first.
I thought if my dh turned his in and got his ticket,
the other wife could use the ticket.



Nope, turned down once again.
Sitting by the pool was on her agenda tomorrow,


Fine,
I can't make someone do something
they don't want to do.

But don't start questioning me,
how I can do a park by
MYSELF!!!!


We decided free booze at the Ritz
over trumphed the City Walk this evening.
I'll just get up in the morning and do
Universal by myself.

As the evening wore on,
the other couple wanted to know
where they should stay when they
bring their girls to WDW.
Arrgg, seriously!!
I broke it down for them,
and said,

Value!
Moderate!
Deluxe!

Do you want to fall out of the bed, -go for the Value
Moderate-you can still fall out of bed
at a Moderate Resort,
than didn't upgrade to Queen size bed yet.
Deluxe-Queen size beds.
What is important for ya!

Lots more information,
but it was a starting point,
and I think I ended up telling
them to call~~~~~


AAA.

 

[OhMari]

Friday, April 17, 2009
High of 83
Universal Studios!

I’m still not a big breakfast person,
my dh said the convention has an
“open breakfast” for everyone.
I put on a t-shirt with capri’s before I
went down to breakfast with my dh.
I didn’t want to look like the
“park tourist” at breakfast.
It was continental breakfast,
Yet the waiters all had white gloves on.
(later that afternoon, the other wife told me
she saw us at breakfast, but we looked like
we were already done, so they went to a different table).
I’m betting she was worried, and thought I would bug her again,
to go with me!)
Hmpf!

Anyway
I kissed my dh and he
convinced me to take the rental car,
to Universal.
The Shuttle left at 8:30 a.m.
I would of made the shuttle,
if I didn’t need to go back upstairs
and change and brush my teeth, again.

By the time I got back downstairs,
asked Valet for our car,
Time was 8:45 a.m.
Waited 15 minutes.
I guess I was on the bottom of the Valet Service today.

I did see a VIP CM from WDW
pick a family up at the Ritz.
Love people watching!!
The dad-I betting,
was back at the Ritz
within 2 hours.
Bad Shoes!
Loafers!
Italian Orange Loafers!
What the heck was he thinking.


Valet
is pretty good with directions.
I was told to stay on the Florida Way Drive.
Was told to turn right on Universal Drive.
Takes me right into Universal Studios.
Total distance--2 miles.

Me-
Ended up on Service road,
getting out of the resort area.
Wondered where in the heck I was in the first minute.

Luckily I came to the corner and saw Florida Way Drive.
Turned into Walgreens and scooted out to the correct road.

Thank goodness the Service road entrance didn’t have
as much traffic as the Florida Way road did.
But once I got on Universal, the traffic was almost
non-existance.

Parking $12
Took a picture of my area,

Incase I get lost
Again.

Love all the escalators sidewalks.

Turned my voucher in at Customer Service
And I figured since it was the week after Easter
And I read about the crazy crowds,
I bought the Front of the Line Pass for $35.
I had a free ticket, so I felt it was worth it.
Just wish I knew before hand, that the park
Would have a very attendance!!

Ya me.

Back to the Future Ride
Was rehabbed into
The Simpsons!!

Bart-I rode the rollercoaster with ya,
and yes,
I got a pounding headache,
should of took your warning!

My family completely missed ET
when we were there in 2000.
It got really strange seeing ET
Everywhere.
Ride was just like “Peter Pan”

But I didn't follow the Blue's Brothers:

I did just about everything at Universal.

Longest wait,
Shrek!
Biggest surprise?
The Mummy-inside rollercoaster-never saw that one coming.
Failed to read the description on the map.
Spent some time in the museum for
I Love Lucy!

Back Tracked to Woody Wood Peckers Kids Zone
for lunch.
Thing One-caught my eye
Sent out text message to 4 Kids.
They were all cool with it.

Thing One
Thing Two
Thing Three
Thing Four

I told them to wear the t-shirts
To their grandparents 50th Wedding Anniv.

I should have gone over to Islands of Adventure
At Universal.
Since my pass was good for both parks,
But we were going to come later that evening,
Or so I thought.

I headed out of the park at 1:30

Found me some Nascar guys.

Stopped in the Fossil store,
But decided $110 was way more than
I wanted to pay for a watch.

Made a ressie for 5:45 at Margaritville.
Our friend Mike plays in one of the bands
And we told him, we would try to make it.
He also subs in for “Off Kilter” in Epcot.


Found my King Kong Section without any problems.
But got lost when I drove out of the parking structure.
I found I4,
But not Universal Drive.
So, I drove the whole perimeter of Universal.
Did you know, there is a high school across the
Street from Universal?
Never did find Universal Drive,
But took I4 back to the SeaWorld exit.

I'm pretty sure this was the right place.

 

[KatGarcia]

How can you do a park by yourself???


Just Kidding. I totally get it.

US looked like fun, how do you compare it (generally speaking) to Disney? We have never been and am trying to plan out a trip there too.

 

[OhMari]

How can you do a park by yourself???


Just Kidding. I totally get it.

US looked like fun, how do you compare it (generally speaking) to Disney? We have never been and am trying to plan out a trip there too.

I liked Universal.
It is very shaded.
I was actually walking in area's where there was sun.
Universal Studios is probably just a bit larger than the Studios.
I can't tell you how large Island of Adventure's is,
but like I said, I drove around the perimeter when I got lost,
and it was probably 3 square miles if that.

I didn't stick around for the shows;
They were doing auditions for Fear Factor, which is Seasonally.
I also didn't do the Nickelodeon Studios.
Jimmy Neutron has an attraction in there, besides the tour of the studios.

Plus I didn't do Twister.
I've done Twister before, and
I still have nitemares of tornado's and I don't need to relive it again.

If you like rollercoasters, then get the 2 park ticket to go over to
Island of Adventures.
I should have at least checked out the Reality Rollercoaster,
but I was actually tired out, from being able to ride everything
with no waits.
I sort of got a little dizzy.
It's worth the time and money
especially since Universal is always running some kind of promotion with their tickets.
If you don't have a rental car,
a taxi ride will probably be about $25,
which isn't too bad.

 

[OhMari]

I'll try to hurry up and finish, since I'm not on Disney grounds or in any park.

I know I returned from Universal Studios around 2:00 p.m.

I finally decided to use the pool.

Thank goodness, there was a back way
down to the pool.

I hate walking in front of anyone in pool attire.

Even though I have a t-shirt and capri sweats on.

The pool guy was entertaining all the kids with pool games,

and the adults were all sipping pool side drinks.

The other wife saw me, and waved me over.

At least she is in her "Happy Place".


I decided to order a "pool side drink"

and so did my "friend".

Since it came on the same tab,

I just put it on my room charge, but

she convinced me the tip wasn't included

and I ended up double tipping in the end.

The rest of the day was pretty "uneventful".

I got the usuall questions about WDW

and she told me
"she just couldn't go to WDW without her girls."
She promised them she wouldn't.
"Sure, I can respect what she promised."

I just tried not to say to much about WDW,
because it can be "information overload" and
after awhile, you can see people's eye's glazing
over and they stop listening.

I just gave her some pointers about characters.
Told her to do Chef Mickey's-guaranteed to at least see Mickey
yada, yada, yada.


Around 6:00-I know 4 hours by the pool,
2 more drinks,
at least an 1/2 hour nap,
we had to go get ready for another
booze reception,
but we were taking a tourist bus
to a Cuban resturant,
where
drinks,
food,
and,
I swear the water
was even spiced,
"hot"!!!


We had specialized menu's,
which was interesting.
No one, knew what they were eating a
all evening.
Luckily I choose the fish, the people with the
steak or chicken weren't too impressed.

After the meal, the wives all wanted to go
shopping.
Shopping--they had all day to go somewhere to shop.
But, after a nudge from my dh,
I slipped back on my shoes that were
not made for shopping, and wondered what was
going to be open at 10:00 p.m.

Can you guess what was open?

Nada, nope, not a darn thing.

They were all disappointed, because some
wanted shoes,
and guess who wanted something from Disney?

Thank goodness the bus left at 11:00
back to the resort.

Anyhow, I tried to find the resturant on-line
and I even saved the menu, but do you
think I can find it?
It was in a little shopping complex
over by the Orlando Convention Center.

We made it back to the Ritz in 15 minutes
and called it a night,
again.

 

[heaven2dc]

You were definitely brave to sit out by the pool for 4 hours with the "other wife" and not go into Disney overload discussions! I would have to have tape put on my mouth to keep quiet Whenever anyone gets me on the topic of Disney, I don't know when to keep my trap shut!

Shopping at 10 p.m.!!?? What were they thinking could possibly be open besides Wallyworld? Don't get me wrong - I love Walmart prices but not their clothes - they never fit (well could be my big behindy thing but still....). You were a great sport to hang out with them anyway