I Knew There Was A Reason Why I've Always Hated My Birthday - COMPLETE

[tinkerbellandeeyor]

I thought u did an excellent job on the drawing better then any one in my family any way

 

[__disneygirl]

So, basically, this TR is our love fern and I've just pulled a Matthew McConaughey and let it die. I am so sorry.

See, I'm hesitant to just walk through the queues because I'm totally the type of person who would get peer pressured into riding. I'm weak, Lia. It's much safer out on a bench.

Thank you for the correction on the J.Lo punctuation. I would hate to offend Ms. Lopez.

Of course you would bring that up since I literally just scored the special edition DVD of that movie for $5. I don't even care I LOVE HOW TO LOSE A GUY IN TEN DAYS.

Ughhhh I hate when people do that. What is the point of forcing someone into riding something they're clearly uncomfortable riding? I hate when I see parents dragging their crying children on ToT. Way to go at scarring them for life. THIS IS WHY WE NEED TO BE AT DISNEY TOGETHER!! Because I just genuinely, as a friend, want you to experience the epic theming that I am so infatuated with and do not wish to cause a panic attack. Actually, it took me two times of waiting on line for RnR and going out the chicken exit before I actually rode it the third time. LOL. I was 10 and already loved rollercoasters, but I had never been on anything that fast before and seeing it take off is quite alarming.

 

[MarieTheCat24]

HELLOOOOO HUMANS!

Or rather Dis-ers.

I shouldn't have assumed you're all human. That was very rude of me. This trip report is accepting of all life forms.

Especially aliens.

I love aliens.

In fact, I'd really like to meet one. That's why my new life goal is to become a Men in Black agent which is totally a real thing and not just something they made up for a movie. I mean, why would Will Smith write not one, but TWO songs about a made up organization? Who does that? The proof is all in the rap, man. Speaking of which, if he doesn't release a new song to go with the third movie, I will cry. Seriously. Rivers of tears. Or, oh god, what if he has his kids release a song! That would be a nightmare. I don't wanna whip my hair back and forth, I wanna nod my head (the black suits comin' ). Don't let me down, Will! There is a market for your music. I might make up the entirety of that market but I'll buy and send the song to everyone I know as a gift. It will be the greatest gift they ever receive.

Gosh, I really need to get to Universal. I can be a witch AND an MIB agent all in one day. And they say Disney is the place where dreams come true.

Anyway, I'm sorry about my absence from the boards. I haven't really been in the trip report writing/reading mood. Plus, the rest of this trip really was not all that fun. I still intend to finish this sucker, but finding the inspiration to write has been difficult.

With that said, if you take a glance down at my signature, you'll see that we booked our next trip! Lucky for you, with knowledge that I'll be back in the World soon comes inspiration. I cried hysterically while watching a video of Festival of the Lion King earlier, so I'M BACK, NERDS! I've just gotta get writing. Which I will do soon. I promise.

As for the next trip, right now there are only three details. Our dates are July 6-13, we're staying at Port Orleans French Quarter, and we have an ADR for dinner at 'Ohana. Mom and I have talked it over and we're kind of just gonna wing this trip. We don't want to be tied down with a bunch of plans. We'll probably make a few more ADRs, but that's it. We're just going to go and see what happens. And I guarantee tomfoolery will be what happens.

I can also guarantee that we will be making several journeys into our imaginations because we missed it last year and mother and I are gluttons for complete and total randomness and neither of us can stop talking about how desperate we are for some purple dragon lovin'.

IMAAAAAAGINAAAAAATION IMAAAAAAAGINAAAAAATION

 

[__disneygirl]

It must be really hard to revisit the memories of this trip. I don't even know if I would be able to do a TR if it were me, but I know it's probably been therapeutic in some ways. I am SO excited for you to go on your July trip and I love that you guys are mostly winging it. That is the most fun way in my opinion. I expect an extra silly TR.

BTW I know 90% of Will Smith songs by heart. The greatest poet of the 90's TBH

 

[marDgreen88]

I'm not gonna lie, I was seriously about to tell you on twitter that your TR was very neglected. BUT I completely understand. I'm glad you found inspiration though... and I'm SO glad yall get to go back! Hooray for tickers. Can't wait to read about all the tomfoolery and imagination.

 

[Tracy161]

So glad you're back!!! And another trip looming in the horizon, YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[teddygurl28]

i totally understand your reason for not finishing this report...i had to put my cat to sleep 2 weeks before my trip last semptember (he was 18) and while i was at disney i found out one of my closest friends was killed in a car crash....i still barely look at photos of that trip and pretty much its just a bad memory(didnt know you could have those of disney!) but now with my trip 2 days away im glad to be able to go and get the crappy stuff out of my head...and thats what you can do on your next trip...you can go back and make happy memories and be able to let the unhappiness of this trip blend into the background

 

[lauren_elizabeth]

It's good to see you back on the boards.... WITH ANOTHER TRIP IN THE WORKS! That's so exciting!

I totally understand the need to stay away for a bit. I get like that for a few weeks after we get back from a trip and I don't know when we'll be back.

I'll be here eager to read girl!

 

[JessicaFaye508]

I'm glad your'e back because I MISSED YOU! I mean, I miss all of my Disney friends and my trip reports and DISNEY WORLD and stuff. Life is just getting too crazy and my Disney obsession is not getting all of the attention it deserves.

Although, I told myself I would at least try and start studying for my five HUGE midterms tonight... but no, I'm on disboards. Do I regret my decision? Not at all.

Take your time writing about the rest of this trip! I'm sorry it was so rough But I always love reading your updates no matter what!

I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU AND YOUR NEXT TRIP! You are going to just have a magical time!

 

[Aussiesalad]

The gift of a Will Smith song would truly be the greatest gift. Hands down.
You are not alone in the Will Smith market. United we stand.
Totally due for a comeback but if not we will always have the Willenium....

Have you been to the dark side/Universal and ridden the Men In Black ride? Could be all sorts of dreams coming true at once for you!

That's pretty damn exciting you have another trip coming up! And only a couple of months away! Jealous and happy for you all at once! yayyyyyy!

 

[sarahcor]

Love your report, you have me lololololol-ing. So sorry about the loss of your friend. My cat passed away over two years ago and I still miss him. I can talk about him without tearing up now, sometimes.
Also, yay for NSYNC! If you do go to Universal, the Hard Rock has a display with JC and Lance's satin, oriental-like outfits, you should check it out.

 

[MarieTheCat24]

It must be really hard to revisit the memories of this trip. I don't even know if I would be able to do a TR if it were me, but I know it's probably been therapeutic in some ways. I am SO excited for you to go on your July trip and I love that you guys are mostly winging it. That is the most fun way in my opinion. I expect an extra silly TR.

BTW I know 90% of Will Smith songs by heart. The greatest poet of the 90's TBH

To be honest, the hardest part of finishing this TR is making it interesting/entertaining enough for you guys. I mean, I could ramble on forever about how I had to excuse myself to the restroom every 30 minutes to cry hysterically, but I don't want to be a total downer. I'm trying to find the fun and focus on that.

And that's why we're friends, Lia. You appreciate the fine arts.

I'm not gonna lie, I was seriously about to tell you on twitter that your TR was very neglected. BUT I completely understand. I'm glad you found inspiration though... and I'm SO glad yall get to go back! Hooray for tickers. Can't wait to read about all the tomfoolery and imagination.

Trust me, I know how neglected this poor thing is.

And thanks! I can't wait to catch up on your TR and then hear all about your July trip!! As hot and crowded as it is, July is my favorite month to visit WDW.

So glad you're back!!! And another trip looming in the horizon, YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks!!

i totally understand your reason for not finishing this report...i had to put my cat to sleep 2 weeks before my trip last semptember (he was 18) and while i was at disney i found out one of my closest friends was killed in a car crash....i still barely look at photos of that trip and pretty much its just a bad memory(didnt know you could have those of disney!) but now with my trip 2 days away im glad to be able to go and get the crappy stuff out of my head...and thats what you can do on your next trip...you can go back and make happy memories and be able to let the unhappiness of this trip blend into the background

Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry! What an awful, awful memory. I'm so glad you get to go back and be reminded of just how happy WDW can be! I hope you have a fabulous trip!

It's good to see you back on the boards.... WITH ANOTHER TRIP IN THE WORKS! That's so exciting!

I totally understand the need to stay away for a bit. I get like that for a few weeks after we get back from a trip and I don't know when we'll be back.

I'll be here eager to read girl!

Thanks for sticking with me!!

I'm glad your'e back because I MISSED YOU! I mean, I miss all of my Disney friends and my trip reports and DISNEY WORLD and stuff. Life is just getting too crazy and my Disney obsession is not getting all of the attention it deserves.

Although, I told myself I would at least try and start studying for my five HUGE midterms tonight... but no, I'm on disboards. Do I regret my decision? Not at all.

Take your time writing about the rest of this trip! I'm sorry it was so rough But I always love reading your updates no matter what!

I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU AND YOUR NEXT TRIP! You are going to just have a magical time!

Everyone knows Disney is more important than college, so you're totally good.

The gift of a Will Smith song would truly be the greatest gift. Hands down.
You are not alone in the Will Smith market. United we stand.
Totally due for a comeback but if not we will always have the Willenium....

Have you been to the dark side/Universal and ridden the Men In Black ride? Could be all sorts of dreams coming true at once for you!

That's pretty damn exciting you have another trip coming up! And only a couple of months away! Jealous and happy for you all at once! yayyyyyy!

High five, fellow Will Smith fan!

I've been to Universal once, but only Islands of Adventure. I really want to go back soon and do both parks. A lot has changed since I was last there.

Love your report, you have me lololololol-ing. So sorry about the loss of your friend. My cat passed away over two years ago and I still miss him. I can talk about him without tearing up now, sometimes.
Also, yay for NSYNC! If you do go to Universal, the Hard Rock has a display with JC and Lance's satin, oriental-like outfits, you should check it out.

Thanks!!!

Ah, I totally have to check those out. I will probably just fall to the ground in a pile of fangirl tears, but it will be totally worth it.

 

[MarieTheCat24]

JULY 6TH PART THREE: The Milkman, The Paper Boy, Evening TV
When I last left off, we had just finished up at the Animation Academy. Katie really wanted to go line up for the next American Idol Experience, but I wasn’t really in the mood. It’s a prime example of how “off” I felt for the rest of the trip. I mean, after baseball, football, and MTV’s Real World/Road Rules Challenges, American Idol is my favorite sport. And, yes, the American Idol Experience is essentially just a karaoke bar with better lighting and no booze, but it’s still fun. You just have to be in a fun, ready-to-hear-someone-try-to-belt-out-The-Climb kind of mood to enjoy it, and on this particular day, I was not.

So, Mom and I decided to go off and do our own thing while Katie and Wade got their Idol on. We didn’t really have a particular destination in mind, so we just started walking.

Eventually, we found ourselves on the Streets of America.

NEW YORK! I hear that if you make it there, you can make it anywhere.

Are movie sets really so paper-y? I mean, even from a distance this looks super fake.

I’ve never been to New York, but something tells me it isn’t quite so devoid of cars. Also, if television and movies are to be believed, some jerk should have offended our delicate Midwestern sensibilities by yelling something incredibly rude and uncalled for at us. I’m kinda upset that never happened. Why is everything I love such a lie?

San Francisco was up next. Because I’m me, I immediately burst into the Full House theme song. Shoe-be-do-bop-ba-dow!

I haven’t been to San Francisco either, but I have this dream of someday frolicking around atop the hill in front of the Full House house a la Maria from The Sound of Music. It will be glorious.

We kept on wandering and found ourselves outside of It’s a Wonderful Shop, the Studios’ Christmas store. Because my mother and I have a severe Christmas ornament addiction (it’s clearly genetic) we HAD to go in.

But first, a photo!

The poor guy didn’t have any arms. I felt bad. Who makes a snowman without arms? I mean, really, how hard would it have been to add two little stick arms?

This store isn’t very big and carries the exact same merchandise as the DTD Christmas store, but we still left with four new ornaments. Well, we didn’t leave with them because we had them sent back to CSR, but you get the idea. I don’t have pictures, but we bought three Toy Story ornaments and one of Chip and Dale. The Toy Story ones are WDW-themed. For example, Rex is carrying a Mickey Premium Bar and Mr. and Mrs. Potatohead are wearing Goofy hats and carrying Mickey balloons. They’re really cute.

After shopping, we found a bench to sit and relax for a little while. It’s hard to put into words what I was feeling on this particular morning. Everything just felt wrong. My dog was really sick, my dad was on a plane back home, and, yet, there I was sitting on a bench in my favorite place in the entire world. I felt guilty about it. Like I should have been doing something more. Obviously, there was nothing I could have done, but it felt wrong to be doing fun things when someone so important to me was not well.

Sensing an imminent meltdown, Mom suggested heading back to Coronado. I love that mothers never lose the ability to tell when their kid is about to lose it. I guess that’s a superpower that comes with motherhood.

When we got back to CSR, we took the bus around to El Centro so we could grab some lunch at the Pepper Market.

I had the chicken quesadillas which were delicious. Plus, the guy making them was a hoot. There were a few of us waiting and he had us all cracking up. Mom had the Mediterranean salad. It had tuna, hard-boiled eggs, and a bunch of veggies in it. She really enjoyed it.

Here are the pictures:

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST

 

[MarieTheCat24]

After lunch, we headed back to the room. I wanted to try to take a nap. I didn’t sleep very well the night before and I was really feeling it. I think Mom might have gone and done some laundry while I was out. I know she did laundry at one point because I distinctly remember her telling me she saw a woman who looked just like Casey Anthony in the laundry room, but I don’t remember if it was this day or the one after.

Anyway, I took a bunch of photos as we walked.

These flowers reminded me of my precious Polynesian. I went through a ‘Take a picture of ALL the flowers’ phase a few years ago and I think I documented every plant at the Poly.

The Cabanas:

This bridge looks absolutely gorgeous when it’s all lit up at night.

The ruins in and around The Dig Site/main pool reminded me so much of Legends of the Hidden Temple.

Looking across the lake at the Casitas section of the resort:

Looking back at El Centro:

And, finally, the Ranchos:

Directional signage on our building:

Mom walking toward our room:

And finally, this is the view from right in front of our room. If we ever kept the drapes open, this is what we would’ve seen:

The critters that inhabit this little wooded area made a lot of noise at night. You couldn’t hear it from inside the room, so don’t freak out if you’re planning a stay at CSR, but you could definitely hear it when making the late-night trek back from the bus stop. It guess it was nature’s idea of an area music loop.

UP NEXT: I cry a lot but the show must go on!

 

[jecskc]

You are looking good in the snow am photo. He would make you a good trophy husband. Bummer about the arms, though. That means he can't take out the trash.

 

[Dreamsdocometrue9112]

I just started reading your TR, and I already began tearing up. I'm so sorry about your pup. I have been in that place twice, and the feeling is indescribable. I still hold a void for each of my furbabies. Both were also sudden losses. My most recent was only 2 years old. It was absolutely heart-breaking. I know every bit of how you feel. I assure you: it does get easier, but you don't ever forget him/her. This is especially heart-breaking being away from your baby and it being your birthday. Such a terrible combination. Keep your head up, though.

I'm glad you continued your vacation, in somewhat good spirits. I look forward to continue reading your TR. I feel like I can relate to every single emotion you felt.

 

[JessicaFaye508]

The streets of America look SO EMPTY when the Osborne lights aren't up. I will never be able to go there again and look at it the same way.

EVERY WHERE YOU LOOK, EVERY WHERE, THERE'S A HEART, THERE'S A HEART... A HAND TO HOLD ON TOOOOO

I like your San Francisco dream. It's perfect.

Chicken Quesadillas can make anything a little bit better. Those look delicious.

Very nice Coronado pictures! Pretty!

Thanks for updating!

 

[marDgreen88]

Hahha judging by your tweets I had a SLIGHT sense that you were an Idol fan. I must admit, I'm one of those fans who has been to five of the live tours, yet I cannot get into the American Idol Experience! So I understand not being in the mood to see it. I'm always not in the mood to see it.

Ah, the Streets of America. I always said that the one thing my town was lacking was a large Kermit balloon. Also, I don't know about anyone YELLING at you in NY, but I do know they'll be more than willing to laugh at your 'southern' accent.

I LOVE your Maria/Full House dream! It's a beautiful thing.

I totally feel for you. I know I've said it before, but I can't even imagine going through that at Disney. Honestly though it seems like you handled it really well.

Also, your poor mother. I would have been terrified seeing a Casey Anthony look-alike. ESPECIALLY since she lives in Orlando! AHH.

Love the Coronado pictures! I love all the different types of buildings they have there.

 

[__disneygirl]

I wish they would do more with Streets of America. Like that section you say looks papery. No movie sets are like that anymore, though they used backdrops like that a lot in the early days of filmmaking. But hello, it's 2012. Turn it into a real clothing store. Turn everything into something real. I mean I know it's supposed to look like a set but a lot of sets I've worked on that are meant to be streets have real stores and restaurants on the inside. 90% of the businesses on the Boardwalk Empire boardwalk set are actually there on that set, like the taffy shop, flower shop, palm reader, etc. And yeah, it's one of the most expensive shows ever made but YOU'RE DISNEY!!! SO DO IT!! Make it into a second Hollywood Boulevard!!! I guess maybe they don't have room or something. I don't know. It would just be so cool. Cause certain parts of it REALLY DO look like NYC (except the street is too wide) and it would just be awesome if they made it even more realistic. And you're right, they should have someone yelling at people from the midwest. With a REALLY thick NY accent. GOD GAVE YOU LEGS SO YOU CAN USE EM, LADY! Uuuughhh I have such RAGE for people who walk slow in Manhattan. I would take that job at Disney just to vent these frustrations. Whew. I'm rambling. The whole point of this big paragraph is: You're right.

You look adorable next to the snowman. I never even knew there was a Christmas shop right there which is bizarre considering I WAS JUST THERE DURING CHRISTMASTIME. I'm dumb. The ornaments you bought sound adorable!!

Coronado is soooo pretty. Enjoying your pics as usual. That food looks really good and REALLY fresh! Yuuuum.

I hope you don't go too long in between updates, no TRs feature nearly as many 90's TV/movie/music references as yours. Some people!! UGH

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Time for that extremely anti-climactic sigh *phew* So glad I'm not the only person who disappeared... anyways... Glad to see you're back, Kara! So happy to hear you will be going back to the world this summer! So very jealous due to the fact since, right, at this moment a year ago, I was walking around the Magic Kingdom, but as of right now, I'm in the coldest place on Earth on a pullout couch, with the TV turned on to who knows what. All I know is Joan and Melissa Rivers are talking about plastic surgery *death wish* Yeah, just in the total opposite mood as I was a year ago. Alright... I'll shut up now. Happy to hear you are going to push through and finish this TR, yours is always good when I need a good dose of sarcasm and magic Well... can't wait to read more!