jennymouse
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2001
- Messages
- 4,175
Last February, Dad got Disneyfied.
For those unDisneyfied folk and unbelievers Im here to tell you that the feeling is akin to a religious experience. Disneyfied folk can tell you the exact moment they became Disneyfied. I became Disneyfied long ago when Dad took us kids when it was just Magic Kingdom and we stayed at the Contemporary Resort. Dad didnt get Disenyfied then though, he was too busy keeping an eye on us kids and paying for everything. It was nearly forty years later when he and I took our trip last February before he got Disneyfied.
And as it is with many of us when it comes to religious experiences, Dad went kicking and screaming to the alter.err, I mean to Cinderellas throne. He went from refusing to go to WDW with me, to Ill go but I wont have a good time, to Im here but I hate it. All he really wanted to see in the Magic Kingdom last February was Country Bear Jamboree. I stomped my feet and held my breath until hed go see Mickeys Philharmagic with me. Because of ol Grumpy Butt, we didnt darken the doors of Magic Kingdom any more that trip.
I had thought that the princesses might sweeten him up during our breakfast at the Castle but no, he was still Grumpy. Of course the rain didnt help none either. We left Magic Kingdom around 11:30am and went back to the Wilderness Lodge where we stayed until we ventured out again for dinner at California Grill. But, there would be no staying for Wishes for us. I bet that was the first time a waiter at the California Grill ever turned a table over in less than forty five minutes. No, it wasnt a very good start to our vacation at all.
Dad finally saw the light on the second day of our seven day trip. It wasnt voices from on high that turned him around it was the voices and lively music of Off Kilter, those boys as Dad would call them. Instead of seeing the pearly gates, it was the bright and airy Beach Club Villas under the light of Illuminations that turned him from Grumpy to the Disney nut he is today. I thought sure he wouldve preferred the Wilderness Lodge, but he loved my DVC home resort the best.
When we got back home, Dad did such a good job of testifying to my aunt & uncle, (from here on out known as Gladys & Clyde), about the joys of Disney that they now wanted to go too. Well, Gladys did, Clyde took a little more persuasion. He had a good excuse for being reluctant. He was scheduled for a hip replacement in October and was in so much pain pre surgery, Im sure it was painful to even think about such an adventure.
Gladys and Clyde are in their late 70s and a lot of fun to be around. To look at them youd think they might be prudish but even though theyre good church going farmers, theyre quick to tell an R-rated dirty joke or have a couple drinks with dinner. Clyde is a big kidder and loves humor. As kids, my brother and I loved visiting them on their farm where Clyde would delight in telling ghost stories and pulling pranks on us. For years I was convinced that there was a dead body in the old well and that the hogs would eat me alive. Of course now I know that he told those stories to keep us away from danger. It worked too. I always left plenty of room between myself and that old well and more than once couldve swore I heard moaning coming from it. Im very anxious to get even for those years of torment on this trip. WDW provides so many opportunities. Can you say, Beverly, Haunted Mansion, the raining umbrella at MGM. I get all excited just thinking about it.
So far, weve all had fun planning the trip. Weve had several planning meetings, always over dinner. Were a family thats always looking for a good excuse for a get together or more importantly, meals. Some issues have taken several meetings to resolve. Like whether or not they should take bathing suits and get in the pool or hot tub. Dad hasnt worn a bathing suit since the 70s and Clyde has never owned one let alone put one on. Gladys has a bathing suit but no cover up. As of today, I still dont know if well be spending any time at the pool or hot tub.
Dad, the man who wouldnt even discuss our trip plans last year has taken over my Unofficial Guide (the WDW Bible) and if it werent for the edge I have on him from my DISboards, hed know almost as much about the World as I do.
Ive warned Clyde not to let any of those princesses sit on his lap while were there because I wouldnt want this hip repair job to come undone. I didnt know that a man could blush all the way up to the top of his head, but Clydes bald head proved its so. Gladys calls every day to ask Are we there yet! Its already been a fun trip and we havent even left. I printed out the packing list for her to go by and shes called with questions about Brita water bottles, fat pens and moleskin.
Weve had meetings to hash out our meal plans too. I printed out the menus of several places to help them decide. Ive got PSs at Le Cellier, Cinderellas Breakfast in the Castle, Hollywood Brown Derby, Hoop Dee Doo Revue, California Grill and Jiko after our night at Cirque de Soliel. Ive mentioned that we kind of like to eat didnt I? This trip will be more about the food and shows than the rides, although Im going to try my best to get them on all but the scariest attractions.
My seniors are all in pretty good health but I suggested scooters (ECVs) for all three. Dad used one last year and liked it after he realized he wasnt going to be the only one using one. Clyde kind of balked at having one since immediately after his hip replacement surgery he was in less pain than he was in before the surgery. But once we told him that the average guest walks 6 10 miles a day at WDW he quickly changed his tune. Hes a tough ol bird and was up on his tractor farming long before the doctor gave his okay, but even he had to admit that 6 10 miles of walking a day would be too much. Ive got three scooters rented for the whole week from Care Medical. Now all I have to worry about is if Ill be able to keep up with them.
Due to the fact that Clyde & Dad has already mentioned racing the scooters, on the trip down, I plan on talking to them about ECV etiquette. But for those of you who will be in the World at the same time as us and hate folks on ECVs in the parks and using the buses, feel free email and Ill gladly forward you our itinerary so that you can avoid us. Otherwise, well be watching out for you and respecting your space and hope youll do the same for us. And if you give us any lip service Clyde will probably cut your ears off.
Ive never actually seen Clyde cut anyones ears of, but he sure is good at threatening it. My brother wore one of those caps with the flaps that come down over your ears any time he was around Uncle Clyde until he was six years old. Youd think we wouldve hated going to the farm to see them when we were kids but, no, we loved it.
It was the leaving that we hated.
It was always dark when we left and my cousin Barry, Gladys & Clydes son, used to hide outside and hold a flashlight under his chin that lit up his face in the scariest of ways. He did this every single time. Hed look through the windows with that light shinning as we were getting our coats on. Mom and Gladys would half heartedly tell him to stop, but they were laughing the whole time which is just the same as telling him it was alright. Outside hed jump out at us from behind a bush, a barn or even our own car. One time he even came running at us on the old horse, Laddy. My little brother and I would squall like the owls had us.
Sorry about that lapse in time there.
Ive booked two studios at The Boardwalk Villas so wed have some privacy and some time away from each other. Not that we need time away from each other, its just that I know how Clyde can snore. If they behave, I might take them to Jellyrolls one night. Two if we like it. Since well be at BWV, transportation to the parks wont be a problem except for to/from Animal Kingdom and Ive gotten a tip from Tyler, aka: Chip & Dale Express so hopefully that will go smoothly as well.
Unfortunately, were driving down from Kentucky. Well, Im driving down from Kentucky. But Im not allowed to go more than 5 miles an hour over the speed limit. Normally I fly when I go down but Clyde refuses to fly. I dont know why. It has something to do with an incident that happened during a flight when he was in the Army, but Ive never gotten the details. Im not looking forward to the road trip, but hopefully it wont be too bad. Dads bladder is the size of a peanut so I know there will be numerous stops. They want to stop and spend the night just south of Atlanta.
Up until last night, our plans were to leave on Saturday the 29th of January, but due to a possible ice storm heading our way, were leaving in the morning. I had to hustle us up a couple rooms at Pop Century for that first night. If it werent for AAA, wed be paying rack rate, but you gotta do what cha gotta do. I didnt renew my AP when it expired in June because I wasnt expecting this trip. Not to offend any Pop lovers out there, but I have a feeling were going to be more than ready to vacate Pop Century come Sunday morning. I just pray for crust free sheets and a quiet nights sleep.
Weve got a lot of plans for our short six night stay. Ive also booked us a night at Disneys Hilton Head Island Resort for on the way home so well still have something to look forward to even after we leave Florida. Hopefully, well arrive early enough to do some poking around. Im taking my daughter and granddaughters there for a week in July for the first time and Im anxious to get a feel for the place.
Well, thats the pre-trip report. Ive got to take a good soak in the tub and mow, err, I mean shave these legs, and give myself the first manicure Ive had since I got ready for the last WDW way back in June.
I report on the outcome of our trip when we get back!
Love ya! Mean it!
For those unDisneyfied folk and unbelievers Im here to tell you that the feeling is akin to a religious experience. Disneyfied folk can tell you the exact moment they became Disneyfied. I became Disneyfied long ago when Dad took us kids when it was just Magic Kingdom and we stayed at the Contemporary Resort. Dad didnt get Disenyfied then though, he was too busy keeping an eye on us kids and paying for everything. It was nearly forty years later when he and I took our trip last February before he got Disneyfied.
And as it is with many of us when it comes to religious experiences, Dad went kicking and screaming to the alter.err, I mean to Cinderellas throne. He went from refusing to go to WDW with me, to Ill go but I wont have a good time, to Im here but I hate it. All he really wanted to see in the Magic Kingdom last February was Country Bear Jamboree. I stomped my feet and held my breath until hed go see Mickeys Philharmagic with me. Because of ol Grumpy Butt, we didnt darken the doors of Magic Kingdom any more that trip.
I had thought that the princesses might sweeten him up during our breakfast at the Castle but no, he was still Grumpy. Of course the rain didnt help none either. We left Magic Kingdom around 11:30am and went back to the Wilderness Lodge where we stayed until we ventured out again for dinner at California Grill. But, there would be no staying for Wishes for us. I bet that was the first time a waiter at the California Grill ever turned a table over in less than forty five minutes. No, it wasnt a very good start to our vacation at all.
Dad finally saw the light on the second day of our seven day trip. It wasnt voices from on high that turned him around it was the voices and lively music of Off Kilter, those boys as Dad would call them. Instead of seeing the pearly gates, it was the bright and airy Beach Club Villas under the light of Illuminations that turned him from Grumpy to the Disney nut he is today. I thought sure he wouldve preferred the Wilderness Lodge, but he loved my DVC home resort the best.
When we got back home, Dad did such a good job of testifying to my aunt & uncle, (from here on out known as Gladys & Clyde), about the joys of Disney that they now wanted to go too. Well, Gladys did, Clyde took a little more persuasion. He had a good excuse for being reluctant. He was scheduled for a hip replacement in October and was in so much pain pre surgery, Im sure it was painful to even think about such an adventure.
Gladys and Clyde are in their late 70s and a lot of fun to be around. To look at them youd think they might be prudish but even though theyre good church going farmers, theyre quick to tell an R-rated dirty joke or have a couple drinks with dinner. Clyde is a big kidder and loves humor. As kids, my brother and I loved visiting them on their farm where Clyde would delight in telling ghost stories and pulling pranks on us. For years I was convinced that there was a dead body in the old well and that the hogs would eat me alive. Of course now I know that he told those stories to keep us away from danger. It worked too. I always left plenty of room between myself and that old well and more than once couldve swore I heard moaning coming from it. Im very anxious to get even for those years of torment on this trip. WDW provides so many opportunities. Can you say, Beverly, Haunted Mansion, the raining umbrella at MGM. I get all excited just thinking about it.
So far, weve all had fun planning the trip. Weve had several planning meetings, always over dinner. Were a family thats always looking for a good excuse for a get together or more importantly, meals. Some issues have taken several meetings to resolve. Like whether or not they should take bathing suits and get in the pool or hot tub. Dad hasnt worn a bathing suit since the 70s and Clyde has never owned one let alone put one on. Gladys has a bathing suit but no cover up. As of today, I still dont know if well be spending any time at the pool or hot tub.
Dad, the man who wouldnt even discuss our trip plans last year has taken over my Unofficial Guide (the WDW Bible) and if it werent for the edge I have on him from my DISboards, hed know almost as much about the World as I do.
Ive warned Clyde not to let any of those princesses sit on his lap while were there because I wouldnt want this hip repair job to come undone. I didnt know that a man could blush all the way up to the top of his head, but Clydes bald head proved its so. Gladys calls every day to ask Are we there yet! Its already been a fun trip and we havent even left. I printed out the packing list for her to go by and shes called with questions about Brita water bottles, fat pens and moleskin.
Weve had meetings to hash out our meal plans too. I printed out the menus of several places to help them decide. Ive got PSs at Le Cellier, Cinderellas Breakfast in the Castle, Hollywood Brown Derby, Hoop Dee Doo Revue, California Grill and Jiko after our night at Cirque de Soliel. Ive mentioned that we kind of like to eat didnt I? This trip will be more about the food and shows than the rides, although Im going to try my best to get them on all but the scariest attractions.
My seniors are all in pretty good health but I suggested scooters (ECVs) for all three. Dad used one last year and liked it after he realized he wasnt going to be the only one using one. Clyde kind of balked at having one since immediately after his hip replacement surgery he was in less pain than he was in before the surgery. But once we told him that the average guest walks 6 10 miles a day at WDW he quickly changed his tune. Hes a tough ol bird and was up on his tractor farming long before the doctor gave his okay, but even he had to admit that 6 10 miles of walking a day would be too much. Ive got three scooters rented for the whole week from Care Medical. Now all I have to worry about is if Ill be able to keep up with them.
Due to the fact that Clyde & Dad has already mentioned racing the scooters, on the trip down, I plan on talking to them about ECV etiquette. But for those of you who will be in the World at the same time as us and hate folks on ECVs in the parks and using the buses, feel free email and Ill gladly forward you our itinerary so that you can avoid us. Otherwise, well be watching out for you and respecting your space and hope youll do the same for us. And if you give us any lip service Clyde will probably cut your ears off.
Ive never actually seen Clyde cut anyones ears of, but he sure is good at threatening it. My brother wore one of those caps with the flaps that come down over your ears any time he was around Uncle Clyde until he was six years old. Youd think we wouldve hated going to the farm to see them when we were kids but, no, we loved it.
It was the leaving that we hated.
It was always dark when we left and my cousin Barry, Gladys & Clydes son, used to hide outside and hold a flashlight under his chin that lit up his face in the scariest of ways. He did this every single time. Hed look through the windows with that light shinning as we were getting our coats on. Mom and Gladys would half heartedly tell him to stop, but they were laughing the whole time which is just the same as telling him it was alright. Outside hed jump out at us from behind a bush, a barn or even our own car. One time he even came running at us on the old horse, Laddy. My little brother and I would squall like the owls had us.
Sorry about that lapse in time there.
Ive booked two studios at The Boardwalk Villas so wed have some privacy and some time away from each other. Not that we need time away from each other, its just that I know how Clyde can snore. If they behave, I might take them to Jellyrolls one night. Two if we like it. Since well be at BWV, transportation to the parks wont be a problem except for to/from Animal Kingdom and Ive gotten a tip from Tyler, aka: Chip & Dale Express so hopefully that will go smoothly as well.
Unfortunately, were driving down from Kentucky. Well, Im driving down from Kentucky. But Im not allowed to go more than 5 miles an hour over the speed limit. Normally I fly when I go down but Clyde refuses to fly. I dont know why. It has something to do with an incident that happened during a flight when he was in the Army, but Ive never gotten the details. Im not looking forward to the road trip, but hopefully it wont be too bad. Dads bladder is the size of a peanut so I know there will be numerous stops. They want to stop and spend the night just south of Atlanta.
Up until last night, our plans were to leave on Saturday the 29th of January, but due to a possible ice storm heading our way, were leaving in the morning. I had to hustle us up a couple rooms at Pop Century for that first night. If it werent for AAA, wed be paying rack rate, but you gotta do what cha gotta do. I didnt renew my AP when it expired in June because I wasnt expecting this trip. Not to offend any Pop lovers out there, but I have a feeling were going to be more than ready to vacate Pop Century come Sunday morning. I just pray for crust free sheets and a quiet nights sleep.
Weve got a lot of plans for our short six night stay. Ive also booked us a night at Disneys Hilton Head Island Resort for on the way home so well still have something to look forward to even after we leave Florida. Hopefully, well arrive early enough to do some poking around. Im taking my daughter and granddaughters there for a week in July for the first time and Im anxious to get a feel for the place.
Well, thats the pre-trip report. Ive got to take a good soak in the tub and mow, err, I mean shave these legs, and give myself the first manicure Ive had since I got ready for the last WDW way back in June.
I report on the outcome of our trip when we get back!
Love ya! Mean it!
