Kathy, Do you know what I am going to say starting off?..... Almost what I always start off with; I love your trip reports.
You are too funny!
I do have to agree with you about the Mine Ride; it is perfect for where it is located in Fantasy Land. However, I will say that I did not go on the Mine Ride thinking it was going to be some thrill ride, I knew it wasn't. But for me I was a bit disappointed in it. Perhaps it was because twice we stood in line with a FP+ for over an hour each because of breakdowns only to walk away without riding it. Finally on the morning we did a CP breakfast were we able to be at the front of the line without a FP+ (we had one for later) and once again the ride was delayed in opening.... 1 1/2 hours later we finally got to ride the Mine Ride... It was cute, and I will ride it again, but it didn't blow me away... Oh well, we can still be friends with differing opinions. LOL
I don't know...give me a day or two to think about it. 
I'm sorry you had such problems with getting on the ride; I'm sure I would have had a different first reaction if we ran into those problems too.
Now with that I will agree with you on Dole Whips... They are ok, but I am just not a big fan of them and won't wait in one of those long lines or travel too and fro to have one.
Give me a Mickey bar any day.
I saw your pictures on FB with your weekend trip to the zoo with Mark & Alisha... My goodness this past year has gone by fast for them. What a cute couple... I'm sure you and Mark are very proud of them.
I had a lot of fun with them; unfortunately, Mark didn't get to see much of them because he had 15 games over three days. I can't believe they've been married a year either.
What an awesome tradition you have when you go to WDW in honor of your father. And what better recipients to receive a balloon this year than those two adorable princesses you spent a week with.
They were the perfect recipients!
I do not drink (alcohol that is), but if I did, those two drinks you and Mary had looked really good. I have to admit I love the name where you bought them, Gurgling Suitcase.