Houston, We Have A Secret: A TX Vacation With A WDW Surprise ...aaand Done! Page 43

[amandaw]

I laughed! I cried! What a great update!

I love how the grandparents got to whisk away the kids right then & there to take them to MK! How awesome is that?!?

 

[Mrs. Knowitall]

And Madison flipped out. She had been looking forward to the Butterfly exhibit for weeks, and now all of a sudden, she's deathly afraid of all insects & creatures. As parents, we faced a choice. We could 1.) Calmly pull her aside, talk to her about her fears, and reassuringly let her know that all of the creatures are either dead or behind glass. OR 2.) tell her to knock it off and go though the exhibit.

1 didn't work, so we went with 2. However, in that brief moment of time, one class did sneak in ahead of us.

Excellent parenting!

AWESOME picture!!!! Well worth the price of your new lens!

 

[Mrs. Knowitall]

Up until now, I was feeling pretty proud of Bambi and I for keeping this trip such as good secret. But slowly, those feelings of pride are slowly turning into concern that neither of our children's powers of observation is worth a hill of beans. Bambi and I did discuss it later, and came to the realization that we never call it "Orlando". Whenever we come down, we just refer to it as "Florida." That made me feel better.

HA! I was wondering about our kids....whether or not they would pick up on it....would they take after me or the Captain?

Video of the reveal is here

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the "grandma!!! grandma!!!!" from Madison!

FastPasses! Two each for Buzz Lightyear and Mickey's Philharmagic.

Could this day get any more magical? I guess you'll have to read my next entry to find out!

I guess I will!

 

[Poolrat]

(And remember, to err is human. To arr is pirate)

Instead of the voice in the not-a-monorail welcoming us to Orlando, it welcomed us to "Central Florida." That was the key word Madison picked up on. She looked a Bambi with a surprised look and asked why did that just say Florida. Bambi's parents were waiting at the other end of the not-a-monorail line, just past security. We were too close to blow it now. Not wanting to lie, Bambi told her that, yes, we are in Orlando for a layover before our next flight. She kept pressing Bambi to verify what state we were in, but Bambi steadfastly told her at we would not be at the airport very long. (Technically, she never lied once!)

Once we were off the not-a-monorail, we veered to the right around security. And what did we see?

Yes I teared up before I even played the video.

It almost looked like Evan was starting to recognize where he might be right before Madison saw the grandparents and then he just took off after Madison.

After the cheerleaders got off, we were left with us, about 9 other teenagers and their chaperon - who very loudly and crassly informed us, the bus driver and anyone else that would listen that they were here for grad night, and that they "ain't no cheer leaders!" The driver seemed to be just as glad as we were when they got off the bus at All Star Movies.

Figures. Jersey Shore grad night???

 

[E3yore]

Surprise! We're going to Walt Disney World!

The shuttle ride to the airport was uneventful and we checked the bags with Southwest. I do want to give a huge Thank You to the person working the security lines at Houston's Hobby airport this morning. All of the lines were 15 to 20 people deep. She saw us walking up, each child wheeling a backpack full of toys and immediately waved us into the 1st class line where there was only one person ahead of us. Could this be a little Disney Magic that we're feeling already?

I hate to burst your here but we got the "fastpass" lane because we had kids and everyone else were business. We got to go in the family lane.

Surprise! We're going to Walt Disney World!

We made our way over to our gate and plopped down to wait for them to begin boarding - in about an hour and a half. Yes, we always err on the side of caution and get to the airport 2 hours ahead of time. Just in case. This is a flight to Disney World, after all. No way we're missing this one. (And remember, to err is human. To arr is pirate)

Honestly?

Surprise! We're going to Walt Disney World!

The flight attendants welcomed us to Orlando several more times, but again, the kids didn't catch on.

When we landed was when Madison started to piece it together. She yelled at me on the plane "WHAT STATE ARE WE IN?" I told her it did not matter what state because we were not going to be at the airport that long.

Surprise! We're going to Walt Disney World!
(Technically, she never lied once!)

Impressive. Most impressive.

She is a master of the half-truths.

I never lie.

Surprise! We're going to Walt Disney World!

After the cheerleaders got off, we were left with us, about 9 other teenagers and their chaperon - who very loudly and crassly informed us, the bus driver and anyone else that would listen that they were here for grad night, and that they "ain't no cheer leaders!" The driver seemed to be just as glad as we were when they got off the bus at All Star Movies.

I know I cheered when she got off the bus.

Surprise! We're going to Walt Disney World!
I was also given a rose by the desk clerk when Bambi wasn't looking. I brought it up the room and surprised her with it.

You actually gave me the rose still in the lobby. I think it was to distract me from shopping.

Well, Barry I will even overlook the world's greatest breakfast place remark for that great REVEAL. That was very special...thank you for sharing. The kids were so excited to see grandma and grandpa...Madison is glowing.

How sweet of you to get Bambi a rose upon arrival at AKL...you're not such a bad guy after all.

And you gotta love all that Disney "pixie dust" you were getting before arriving at the parks.

He really does seem like he is full of himself with the world's greatest food place. He has always been that way. He wanted to name a country and religion after himself. The problem was no one wanted to join or move to his country.

He is a pretty good guy tho.

Man, that never gets old. Unless you ask Bambi. Then it most definitely gets old. But this is my TR, so it never gets old!

It's old. It was old before you said it the first time.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

I hope your foot tastes good. It seems to end up in your mouth quite frequently.

Eh, you get used to it.

Good idea, but for some reason they don't allow alcohol at high school sporting events in Indiana.

Just sneak it in and drink it under the bleachers. You know, just like every other high schooler out there...

Well, more like I see opportunities to score some points and I take full advantage. I need all the help I can get, and let's face it, you could use a few bonus points.

Ah, points. You can spend months banking them up only see them all wiped away by one errant "You know, your sister is really good looking."*

*Bambi does not have a sister, so my points are safe using that as an example.

Oh, I just love your reveal! I always cry. At least I can be a sap in the privacy of my own office

And the kids reactions - fabulous! Much better than my daughter. Who cried and accused me of lying to her. She eventually had a change of heart - but she was so not happy with the original change of plans. Ugh!

Oh No! What did she think you were doing? How long before you went did you surprise her?

I laughed! I cried! What a great update!

Thanks!

I love how the grandparents got to whisk away the kids right then & there to take them to MK! How awesome is that?!?

Pretty awesome for the kids. I'm not saying Magical Express is bad - but Grandma & Grandpa Express is clearly better.
(They don't have enough people or cargo room in their car, otherwise we all would have gone with them.)

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Excellent parenting!

Nothing but the best for our kids.

AWESOME picture!!!! Well worth the price of your new lens!

Thank you. But I think I'll need to take a few more to cover the cost...

HA! I was wondering about our kids....whether or not they would pick up on it....would they take after me or the Captain?

I'm sure we all agree: let's hope it's you.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the "grandma!!! grandma!!!!" from Madison!

That's my favorite part too!

Yes I teared up before I even played the video.

Oh my.

It almost looked like Evan was starting to recognize where he might be right before Madison saw the grandparents and then he just took off after Madison.

It's hard to tell. I would think that of anything, the not-a-monorail ride and the palm trees would have done it.

Figures. Jersey Shore grad night???

 

[Disneymoon09]

As always, great update! I too teared up a little at the reveal. I'm a sap for those sort of things! How long will your summer vacation thats coming up be? And if I am counting correctly, your cruise might be the one my DH and I were looking at booking awhile ago. We opted for more park days insted of a cruise, but I am hoping that 2012 will be a cruise year!

 

[FreezinRafiki]

I hate to burst your here but we got the "fastpass" lane because we had kids and everyone else were business. We got to go in the family lane.

Either way, we'd still be in line if they didn't have that.

Honestly?

Yup. They just come to me!

I know I cheered when she got off the bus.

You actually gave me the rose still in the lobby. I think it was to distract me from shopping.

That sounds like something I would do.

He really does seem like he is full of himself with the world's greatest food place. He has always been that way. He wanted to name a country and religion after himself. The problem was no one wanted to join or move to his country.

I'm still working out a few logistics. But just watch - they'll both take off.

He is a pretty good guy tho.

I never lie.

It's old. It was old before you said it the first time.

Surely you can't be serious!

 

[FreezinRafiki]

As always, great update! I too teared up a little at the reveal. I'm a sap for those sort of things! How long will your summer vacation thats coming up be? And if I am counting correctly, your cruise might be the one my DH and I were looking at booking awhile ago. We opted for more park days insted of a cruise, but I am hoping that 2012 will be a cruise year!

Thanks!
Our trip in June/July will be two weeks (but that includes drive time between Wisconsin and Florida).
As for our fall cruise, we're book on the October 30 Dream Sailing. Based on your ticker, we'll be getting there just about a day or so after you!

 

[dvc4life]

That was a great update! Loved the way the kids had no idea what was going on. How special that was. And when they saw Grandma & Grandpa, priceless!

Oh, and I just saw that you are going on a cruise in October. You will have a blast. We have cruised at Halloween time with our girls and it was such fun. Sure beats Halloween here at home because you never know what the weather will be doing, sometimes nice, sometimes cold and rainy, and even sometimes snow! And we absolutely love going to MNSSHP at MK. Which, we will be doing again this fall. Don't want to wish summer away, but come on October!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I like the way you think! (In both cases!)
And stop calling me Shirley.

Man, that never gets old. Unless you ask Bambi. Then it most definitely gets old. But this is my TR, so it never gets old!

Agreed! Funny every time!

Are you saying my kids could end up like you?!?

It could be that the purpose of my life is to serve as a warning to others.

Yeah, those Philharmagic FPs are like cigarettes in prison. Very rare, very valuable, and able to be used like currency.

So you can obtain a rock hammer and eventually tunnel your way out of IASW.

I hadn't really thought up my final chapter yet. But yeah, I think I use this. Thanks!

Awesome. But I want a cut of your royalties.

HA! I was wondering about our kids....whether or not they would pick up on it....would they take after me or the Captain?

Well, DD was making fun of me last night, so I guess you win.

You actually gave me the rose still in the lobby. I think it was to distract me from shopping.

Then this was even more brilliant than I originally gave you credit for!

He really does seem like he is full of himself with the world's greatest food place. He has always been that way. He wanted to name a country and religion after himself. The problem was no one wanted to join or move to his country.

The Republic of Barrystan? Does it have an unlimited supply of bacon? And a ban on NFL labor issues?

It's old. It was old before you said it the first time.

No way! It's not old, it's a classic.

Ah, points. You can spend months banking them up only see them all wiped away by one errant "You know, your sister is really good looking."*

*Bambi does not have a sister, so my points are safe using that as an example.

You've got most of it right, except DW arbitrarily makes the rules concerning points, and doesn't really ever let you know what they are. So you may have in fact lost points for that statement above.

I'm sure we all agree: let's hope it's you.

Although DD is showing a propensity to quote movies...

Surely you can't be serious!

See? Never gets old!

 

[FreezinRafiki]

That was a great update! Loved the way the kids had no idea what was going on. How special that was. And when they saw Grandma & Grandpa, priceless!

Thanks!

Oh, and I just saw that you are going on a cruise in October. You will have a blast. We have cruised at Halloween time with our girls and it was such fun. Sure beats Halloween here at home because you never know what the weather will be doing, sometimes nice, sometimes cold and rainy, and even sometimes snow! And we absolutely love going to MNSSHP at MK. Which, we will be doing again this fall. Don't want to wish summer away, but come on October!

Yup, our first cruise. I'm so excited for it! Did they do anything extra on teh ship for Halloween? Decorations, costume parties, etc?

It could be that the purpose of my life is to serve as a warning to others.

Yes, that could be your lot in life. It's not a lot, but it's a life!

So you can obtain a rock hammer and eventually tunnel your way out of IASW.

You realize there's water under that boat ride, right? And tunneling through water usually just brings the water with you.
Clearly, if we were ever stuck in prison together and planning an escape, you'd be the muscle of the operation.

Awesome. But I want a cut of your royalties.

I'll cut you in for 49%, but not a penny more. (Let's see. 49% of $0 is...)

Then this was even more brilliant than I originally gave you credit for!

That has a nice ring to it.

The Republic of Barrystan? Does it have an unlimited supply of bacon? And a ban on NFL labor issues?

Yes and Yes. Plus every road is in perfect condition and everyone is appreciative of the hard work put in by the DOT.

You've got most of it right, except DW arbitrarily makes the rules concerning points, and doesn't really ever let you know what they are. So you may have in fact lost points for that statement above.

So you're saying I'm playing a game in which I don't know the rules, the rules can change at any moment, I have no idea how many points I have and no idea how many I need to "win" - assuming "winning" is even possible?
You know, though? Bambi's worth it.

Although DD is showing a propensity to quote movies...

I guess that apple didn't fall too far from the tree.

 

[dvczerfs]

great story barry!!! how many times can they pos. say orlando!!!!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

You realize there's water under that boat ride, right? And tunneling through water usually just brings the water with you.
Clearly, if we were ever stuck in prison together and planning an escape, you'd be the muscle of the operation.

And here I thought there were utilidors under there.

Yes and Yes. Plus every road is in perfect condition and everyone is appreciative of the hard work put in by the DOT.

Is this heaven? No, it's Barrystan.

So you're saying I'm playing a game in which I don't know the rules, the rules can change at any moment, I have no idea how many points I have and no idea how many I need to "win" - assuming "winning" is even possible?
You know, though? Bambi's worth it.

Awww...

Although a cynic could look at this as a shameless attempt to earn points.

 

[dvc4life]

Yes, they did have Halloween decorations up around the ship. We were on the Magic when we went, haven't been on the Dream yet and can't wait till March to try it out. There was a special Trick-or-Treat done by our Dis group, so if you haven't joined in over on the cruise thread you should as it can be lots of fun, and then the ship also had a Trick-or-Treat outing for the kids.

There was a costume party out in the atrium as well. And some of the dining rooms had decorations set up when you first walked in.

So, hopefully on the Dream they will do these things as well. You guys will have a blast. And hopefully you will do a TR on that trip as well!

 

[FreezinRafiki]

great story barry!!! how many times can they pos. say orlando!!!!

Turns out they could have said it the entire way there - my kids still wouldn't have picked up on it.

Is this heaven? No, it's Barrystan.

Although a cynic could look at this as a shameless attempt to earn points.

Yes, they did have Halloween decorations up around the ship. We were on the Magic when we went, haven't been on the Dream yet and can't wait till March to try it out. There was a special Trick-or-Treat done by our Dis group, so if you haven't joined in over on the cruise thread you should as it can be lots of fun, and then the ship also had a Trick-or-Treat outing for the kids.

There was a costume party out in the atrium as well. And some of the dining rooms had decorations set up when you first walked in.

So, hopefully on the Dream they will do these things as well. You guys will have a blast. And hopefully you will do a TR on that trip as well!

Unlimited free food, and now you're telling me there will be candy!?!

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Unlimited free food, and now you're telling me there will be candy!?!

You betch’em.

I figured it was about time I stopped just reading and actually spoke up (or piled on as the case may be ). Y’all put together an amazing surprise reveal for the young’ens. I would however recommend not teaching the kids anything about geography, or you’ll never pull that off again (that would also fit in with that “good parenting” thing you were on about ).

As for the benefits of being on the ships… Yep, they’re everything that there billed as. I’ll start writing up a TR on our trip as soon s we get back home so you’ll have to drop in and check it out.

By the way, we’re still planning to be at the WL on July 1 & 2 after the cruise, so we should try to put together a DDC meet during that timeframe if possible.

 

[cj9200]

Well played sir. Well played.

 

[Turkey Lurkey]

Finally, we came across the Red Snapper Inn. With a name like that, yeah, I ordered the Red Snapper. And it was fantastic!

"Red Snappah! Very tasty!"


TL