I Can't Believe I Invited My MIL -I'm BAAACK! And determiend to finish this thing!

I promise cross-my-heart-and-hope-to-get-a-bad-haircut that I'll finish Day One today. Right now, in fact. I am starting to get scared...I mean, if it takes me three installments over a week long period to complete a day at DTD and checking into the hotel, how long will it take for a 12 hour day at MK? :scared1:

Ok. Moving on.

So, we had stuffed potato head pieces and spent a small fortune at Once Upon A Toy. I had been molested by Buzz Lightyear's statue, and it was time to to go World Of Disney. I was slightly nervous to enter this place because my MIL tends to get lost a lot. She just doesn't have a good internal compass (blessherheart) and she tends to wander off. Kind of like a three year old might do. Add that to her need to look at every single item in a store (except clothes), and I knew all the variables were present for a catastrophe at WOD. I highly anticpated needing a loudspeaker and a cattle prod.

Well, we had to start with the obligatory and ubiquitous hat pics...
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I tried on the Minnie veil, but as you can see, no one took my picture. And I put the rastafarian Goofy hat on MIL, but she snatched it off before I could get a decent pic. She is not a crazy hat kinda person. She doesnt like much that draws attention to herself, whereas I love to draw attention to myself. I would embarass her many times on this trip. Let's just say she didn't love our time at Primetime Cafe and leave it at that for now...

Actually, as soon as we were dropped off at DTD, we saw a 30ish chick in light-up Minnie ears. MIL was so surprised that an adult would wear that in public. I told her this was WDW - you'll see much crazier things than that on grown adults. I told her to loosen up. In a nice way of course.

So we shopped at WOD. And shopped. I had looked at everything twice and still no sign of MIL. I gathered up the rest of the troops and began hunting. And hunting. We finally located MIL in the watch/pin section. She wanted to get the kids a pin - McQueen for Buzz and Sleeping Beauty for TP (THE PRINCESS). Well, we weren't doing the pin collecting thing, but I told her she could get it for them for their backpacks or something. Well, they didn't have McQueen. I told MIL we'd be shopping a lot over the week, and surely we would find him. Well, we never did. He was always sold out, often to the kid who got there 5 seconds before we did. And can I just tell you how many places we looked?? We could ahve ridden approximately 2.6 more rides per park, according to my calculations, if we hadn't spent so much time hunting down the elusive McQueen pin. After we gave up and bought a Mater one instead, Buzz seemed confused. We late found out that he thought we were looking for a PEN. He was disappointed, because he had visions of using said PEN at school...Guess what we spent our last day at WDW searching for??

So now, on to Lego Land, or whateevr they call it. Buzz adores Legos and he already knew about the wall of legos you could stuff in a cup and purchase. Donlad was still fresh off his high from stuffing more potato body parts in the box that then the CM, so he was fired up. We had to stop for some pics...
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I'm not sure why Donald looks like he is about to spit. He does not normally look this way.

OK, so we filled the cup...You can get a surprisingly large amount of Legos in there...
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The kids played outside for awhile, and all in all we spent about an hour in this store...But nothing too remarkable happened. Moving on.

So, we wanted to have dinner with the Earl. Well, I did. No one else much cared, nor did they know anything about any Disney restaurant. They were happy to let me choose. Which was a-ok with me!:woohoo: Well, we were on the DDP. SO I cruise up to the counter and ask about Kids Meals. The man says they have mac and cheese and PBJ. I inquire about dessert and sides.

"OH, it is all a la carte. It's just the sandwich for everyone."
"OK, but on the DDP don't we get a dessert and a side of some kind? Maybe a bag of chips?"
"Nope."
"So my kids will get a PBJ, and that is it?"
"Yep."
"Heather, that FUll Montague looks good. Just get the PBJ and buy some chips" says Donald.
"No, because I know that this dude is not giving me the right info. And that isn't going to fly." I say to Donald, soto voice. "Sir," I say in a perky voice filled with sweetness, "I did a lot of research, and I pretty sure each one of us at least gets a dessert. We paid a lot of money for the DDP, so I hate to buy a bunch of food OOP."
"Then I guess you aren't eating here."

Those were his REAL WORDS, people. Now, I was planning in my head at this point to just buy this meal OOP and use the CS credits at AK on Friday (though there are so few places there to eat right now I wasn't sure just where I would use them!), but after this snarky comment, we turned around and left.

We had dinner at the ASMu food court.

And can I just say, my kids and MIL loved it? MY kids had grilled cheese and fruit and carrots and ate every bite. MIL had the turkey dinner and proclaimed it delicious. And she never proclaims anything delicious. She is just not very outpsoken that way. I don't even remember what I had - I was still dreaming of the Earl. But Donlad was thrilled by his refillable mug purchase. He was already calculating how much he could drink. He wanted to be sure to take Disney for as much as he could.

OK, so we took the long walk back to Building 4, Rock Inn, and got ready for bed, dreams of MK dancing in our heads. Actually, the kids played with their new toys for about an hour. Then they laid in bed and talked for about an hour. I knew for sure we were never going to make the opening show at this rate. Will we get up when Stitch calls at 6:30am??? Tune in next time to find out...

Day One Wrap Up: We made it to WDW in good time, and the kids were super excited to be there. They loved getting their gift bags from Mickey and Minnie, and they couldn't wait to thank them in person the next day. Kiddos and Donald liked the resort. MIl did not seem Wowed by anything, but was going with our flow. She is very accomodating and wants others to have fun, but neevr seems to have much herself, but I think she is just introverted. She did not even comment on the resort, it was as if she saw three story bongo drums everday. I at least thought she might say they were tacky, because they really are (though in a wonderful way!).

All in all, I would say the vacay was off to an awesome start!!!! I couldn't wait to walk down Main St. the very next day with my family!!!:love:
 
I'll stick around....one year--no sweat.:thumbsup2

If it does take that long...we'll have already met and had a drink together.:banana: :woohoo: I don't hold hair back though...just warning you now.;)

I'll wear a ponytail that day... At least I can count on you to show me to the best bathroom....

Glad to see you arrived back safely! Sounds like you had a good trip so far. We had a great trip. Sorry I'm a little late on posting a reply but I just now had time to read your first two installments of the trip. I swear we really do need a vacation from our vacation. I was thinking of starting a TR but I really don't think I would be good at getting it done especially with all the holiday hoopla. I will enjoy reading yours though and I love the pics! I took 900+ and felt I could've taken so much more...my husband can not understand this for the life of him ( that's ok, he doesn't have to...lol) Anyway, glad to see we are alike in the picture aspect as well. Anxiously awaiting your next installment.

Glad you had a good trip!!! Even if you don't want to committ to a TR, give us a few detials here!! What did you think of the crowds? Wasn't the weather to die for???? What was the kids favorite-ist ride????

popcorn::
 
Heather, you sound like you have a great deal of patience. Having a MIL missing in action in WOD would have driven me crazy :rotfl:.

What was up with that guy from Earl? YES you get a dessert with your meal, we did you will see soon. He is an idiot, sorry not very Disney like of me but geez.

Loving your trip report and can't wait to read more popcorn::.
 
Heather, you sound like you have a great deal of patience. Having a MIL missing in action in WOD would have driven me crazy :rotfl:.

What was up with that guy from Earl? YES you get a dessert with your meal, we did you will see soon. He is an idiot, sorry not very Disney like of me but geez.

Loving your trip report and can't wait to read more popcorn::.

Yeah, I knoew I was supposed to get dessert...that is why I was not putting up with his crapola!! To be hnest, the best CS customer service we got the whole trip was at the McDonalds near the All Star resorts! Sad, huh? I hope we just got unlucky, because nearly eevryone was pretty rude and/or non-helpful. Well, there was one very sweet girl at a popcorn cart in Liberty Square...She needs to be promoted!! Otherwise, it was kind of disappointing. I had been telling DH how great the sutomer service at WDW is, and he was like, seriously? This is great to you?? :confused3
 

I can't believe that worker at EoS. I would have been so mad, the family would have had to drag me out of there to avoid a scene.

The anticipation of seeing the castle for the first time on a trip is always so wonderful! :goodvibes
 
Sorry about the indifferent or rude CMs. Just to give Disney a bit of a break (just for Earls), Earls is not owned by Disney. I don't think any of the restaurants are owned by Disney at DTD except maybe Captain Jacks.

I tend not to notice rude CMs as I used to be one myself, not a rude CM, just an average CM. I give them alot of slack knowing what they go through in a typical day. That doesn't excuse poor behavior though and generally, if overall your experience w/ the staff was below average, I would shoot a letter off to Guest Communications. They really do read letters and they appreciate the ones that aren't asking for something in return.
As a member of management, we would receive feedback from GC when we received positive or negative feedback.

I have some good stories about my time at Disneyland. Many that include going to work slightly.............
 
when we went to Earl of Sandwich...we also thought it was a side and a dessert. Once we went to pay...it was either or...not both....we ended up just paying for the chips...which the chips and my dessert were both better than my sandwich...I did not like the one I got...but I got somethign that I would have normally never tried...the bread was good.
I'd try it again...but this time with something I know I will like.
 
I am glad your trip started off so well (minus Mr. Snarky at Earl of Sandwich and Helen Hatesherjob at ASMu). I am really anxious to read about the rest of your experience having a MIL along. Your MIL sounds like the exact opposite of mine. Mine has to be the center of attention in all situations. If she isn't she will pout . Pretty sad for a grown woman in her sixties. This is just ONE of the reasons she hasn't been invited to WDW with us yet. I don't think there is enough room on the world wide web to list all the rest.:laughing:
This was a great update. Can't wait for the kids reactions to Magic Kingdom.
 
"OH, it is all a la carte. It's just the sandwich for everyone."
"OK, but on the DDP don't we get a dessert and a side of some kind? Maybe a bag of chips?"
"Nope."
"So my kids will get a PBJ, and that is it?"
"Yep."
"Heather, that FUll Montague looks good. Just get the PBJ and buy some chips" says Donald.
"No, because I know that this dude is not giving me the right info. And that isn't going to fly." I say to Donald, soto voice. "Sir," I say in a perky voice filled with sweetness, "I did a lot of research, and I pretty sure each one of us at least gets a dessert. We paid a lot of money for the DDP, so I hate to buy a bunch of food OOP."
"Then I guess you aren't eating here."

Those were his REAL WORDS, people. Now, I was planning in my head at this point to just buy this meal OOP and use the CS credits at AK on Friday (though there are so few places there to eat right now I wasn't sure just where I would use them!), but after this snarky comment, we turned around and left.

I feel obligated to say: "Ohhhh no he didn't!" Yes I did just roll my neck.
 
I can't believe that worker at EoS. I would have been so mad, the family would have had to drag me out of there to avoid a scene.

The anticipation of seeing the castle for the first time on a trip is always so wonderful! :goodvibes

Yeah - I coldn't wait to see what the kids would think of it...And by my next installment, you'll know!!! :goodvibes

Sorry about the indifferent or rude CMs. Just to give Disney a bit of a break (just for Earls), Earls is not owned by Disney. I don't think any of the restaurants are owned by Disney at DTD except maybe Captain Jacks.

I tend not to notice rude CMs as I used to be one myself, not a rude CM, just an average CM. I give them alot of slack knowing what they go through in a typical day. That doesn't excuse poor behavior though and generally, if overall your experience w/ the staff was below average, I would shoot a letter off to Guest Communications. They really do read letters and they appreciate the ones that aren't asking for something in return.
As a member of management, we would receive feedback from GC when we received positive or negative feedback.

I have some good stories about my time at Disneyland. Many that include going to work slightly.............

What kind of CM job did you have? Seems you may have mentioned it somewhere, but my brain is old and leaky. I am not a mean-letter-writer. I just let it all roll off my back. PLus, for every average/rude/indifferent CM we encoutnered at CS restaurants and hotels, we encountered a great CM working at a ride, in a show, etc. Not to mention those awesome characters!

when we went to Earl of Sandwich...we also thought it was a side and a dessert. Once we went to pay...it was either or...not both....we ended up just paying for the chips...which the chips and my dessert were both better than my sandwich...I did not like the one I got...but I got somethign that I would have normally never tried...the bread was good.
I'd try it again...but this time with something I know I will like.

This is knida what I remembered from my reserach. I knoew we were not supposed to get just a sandwich.

I am glad your trip started off so well (minus Mr. Snarky at Earl of Sandwich and Helen Hatesherjob at ASMu). I am really anxious to read about the rest of your experience having a MIL along. Your MIL sounds like the exact opposite of mine. Mine has to be the center of attention in all situations. If she isn't she will pout . Pretty sad for a grown woman in her sixties. This is just ONE of the reasons she hasn't been invited to WDW with us yet. I don't think there is enough room on the world wide web to list all the rest.:laughing:
This was a great update. Can't wait for the kids reactions to Magic Kingdom.

Yes, my MIL is a meek little mouse. She is very quiet and not pushy at all. Which are good traits in a MIL, when you think about it... :rolleyes1

I feel obligated to say: "Ohhhh no he didn't!" Yes I did just roll my neck.

Of course, I have to reply, "Oh yes he did!" And I am rolling my neck, too. Though I probably look ridiculous doing it. :rotfl2:
 
Okay, I really want to hear about MK now! Come on, Heather, we need distraction from all this pre-holiday cooking and cleaning! :)
 
Okay, I really want to hear about MK now! Come on, Heather, we need distraction from all this pre-holiday cooking and cleaning! :)

OK, ok.... MK was great. We went on lots of rides and waits were short.

The end.

:rotfl: :lmao: :rotfl2:

Let the anticipation build... It'll make it better!! No, just kidding. Actually, I have tons of pics to weed through and upload before I can begin...Tomorrow morning - I promise!!
 
My m-in law has the same problem with getting lost in stores, or anywhere for that matter. I worry more about losing her than one of my kids!

Luckily we bipased the lego store! I don't think I'd ever get my boys out of there!
 
:rotfl2:

Heather and everyone else here, this is without a doubt the funniest TR I have ever read, and the others I've read have been great! I have spent the last several hours laughing until my sides ache! (This is NOT a good thing, as I just had abdominal surgery a week ago!)

I've been reading bits and pieces to my DSis, and she is laughing as hard as I am!

Thank you all for the best read I've had. I especially enjoyed the part when you all went to Heather's house while she was away! :rotfl: Tooooo, too funny!

I will be waiting with baited breath for the next installment. I can't wait to hear about MIL in the MK!

BTW, Heather, your children are absolutely beautful! I remember when my little cherubs were that age ( a good while ago) and they were sooo cute!

Keep 'em comin' Heather, I'm here for the trip! :thumbsup2

Wendy in NJ

I was there November 5 - 10 too!!!
Check out my trip report at www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1638072
 
:rotfl2:

Heather and everyone else here, this is without a doubt the funniest TR I have ever read, and the others I've read have been great! I have spent the last several hours laughing until my sides ache! (This is NOT a good thing, as I just had abdominal surgery a week ago!)

I've been reading bits and pieces to my DSis, and she is laughing as hard as I am!

Thank you all for the best read I've had. I especially enjoyed the part when you all went to Heather's house while she was away! :rotfl: Tooooo, too funny!

I will be waiting with baited breath for the next installment. I can't wait to hear about MIL in the MK!

BTW, Heather, your children are absolutely beautful! I remember when my little cherubs were that age ( a good while ago) and they were sooo cute!

Keep 'em comin' Heather, I'm here for the trip! :thumbsup2

Wendy in NJ

I was there November 5 - 10 too!!!
Check out my trip report at www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1638072


Aren't my readers just the funniest? I mean, they had so much fun while I was gone, I almost wished I had stayed home! Well, not quite! But seriously, that cracked me up too!!! I'll tell everyone to behave so your abdominal wounds don't reopen!! :lmao:
 
Aren't my readers just the funniest? I mean, they had so much fun while I was gone, I almost wished I had stayed home! Well, not quite! But seriously, that cracked me up too!!! I'll tell everyone to behave so your abdominal wounds don't reopen!! :lmao:

Don't worry, Wendy. We can probably do virtual stitches! ;)
 
Heather,

I worked in Adventureland/Frontierland Merchandise as a CM and the Plaza Complex (7 restaurants) as a manager.

I once worked a grad night and didn't start work until 1am....I was in college;it was a Friday night...you can figure out the rest. My co-workers were very cool and kept me from running into a manager. My breath reaked of beer. I wasn't drunk, just nicely buzzed. It definitely made time go quicker...;)
 












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