In the Spirit of the Season

[annmarieda]

I'm sorry that you are feeling bad because of other people not seeing your true intentions. That is one of the biggest causes of angst for me. I never think the bad feeling will go away, but thankfully it always does.

My friend is beside herself because her son has pertussis. Her friend is making her feel really bad that their sons played together. It is so unkind; she did not have malice in her heart. She just did not know.

I missed your CP update and went back and read it. That was the night we arrived at Pop. Twenty four hours after you, I was enjoying that wonderful show!

I am excited for the next two days' updates. I don't think we crossed paths at all, but I will be scanning your photos closely... =)

Keep up with the walking/ jogging. It will get easier in no time!

I hope your friend's son is ok. Such scary stuff pertussis can be.

I have been watching your TR too... looking at the photos. I don't think we have crossed paths... but I am still keeping an eye out.

Something tells me that some of the people here who cry "foul" and "dishonesty" probably have some of the biggest issues and are probably incredibly dishonest people in their real personal lives. I don't know why I think that, but I do. Someday they will have a psychological diagnosis for this. I'm serious. There are people who just stalk the internet to create trouble. Have you ever seen some of the comments people post on youtube?

I am a lot like you. I am super conscientious in real life and this kind of stuff gets to me because I can't imagine cyber bullying someone even if I am anonymous. People bully to improve their own self esteem because they don't have any.

You are in the right. Everything you did was legit. Enjoy your trip and your planning.

Ya know... I was talking to Steve about it and he said basically the same thing.. that it is likely that they themselves are not the most honest of people.

As for youtube... no... oh NO!!! those can be scary scary comments. I rarely look down cause it can be HORRIBLE. Those are trolls... and I have a bil who does this. I mean.. for fun. He goes on and stirs things up, acting as though he is all angry or what not...only to upset others. It is SAD!!! I basically have stopped talking to him and he is a big reason that we don't drive the 5 or so hours to see family across the state. Steve was just laughing about it saying it is just his funny personality. I finally told Steve that he needed to think about it. A good person doesn't derive joy or pleasure in someone else's unhappiness or pain. When I put it like that he was in agreement.

Anyway, difference a day makes... I feel pretty secure again and happy to be back to my little corner of dis.

 

[annmarieda]

So I just had to share that the guys are on their trip to FL.

Yesterday morning I realized that (because of a test I was not aware was going to take place this week) I would need to get up at 2am or so.. get ready to take the guys to the airport to have them there by 4am. I would then have to drive home to get Alex and drive him to a community college for some tests. Then back to take Zoe to school and then out to work for the day only to then have to return to pick Alex up (the college is about 45 minutes away) So not wanting to get up at 2 am... I booked a hotel room that had a shuttle to the airport for the guys. At $50 a night (last minute too) I figured it was totally worth it and a heck of a deal so I didn't have to get up at 2am. The hotel had recently been remodeled so wasn't too bad either. This has me thinking that I might just use it for the fall

So the guys flew on SW and thankfully, loved it. I am not sure that I had shared...but Steve was pretty stressed about it since he had never flown before. Just night before last he had a melt down. "So they just say it is time to board and everyone pushes and shoves until they get a seat???!!!???" yes, I literally laughed at him and it didn't help. Once I convinced him that people still have to walk down the isle one person at a time and no one will try and barge past him he then had an issue with the time of the flight. Telling me that he just wished I hadn't "value shopped" it so much After I asked what the !@# he meant by that.. I found he didn't like the time of the flight. I then had to explain to him that almost all routes on any airline fly either late at night or early in the morning to get to FL. Then it was well, we have a stop. Well... again I had to let my ddh know that there were NO non stop flights from here to there. (alaska has a nonstop to MCO.. but since he didn't want to fly into mco...)

Anyway, so with all his stress I was concerned he would feel like I tricked him or something. (I loved it when Zoe and I flew sw in December) I am SO glad and relieved that he and Zach were very impressed and loved it.

Now they can enjoy their vacation... although they didn't want my help and I only insisted on picking up a couple things I knew they needed... but even as we drove away, I had to stop the car for each of them since they forgot something. They both only "finished" packing round 9pm last night (yes, then I had to drive them an hour away to the hotel) I know I over plan... but.. seriously??? I do hope they get the relaxed time they both want...and that they don't have to shop at target too much for all they forgot to bring.

 

[KatMark]

Ann, I swear I have not desserted you or your TR. Since the news of the imending and subsequent engagement, the kids have been driving me crazy.

I'm sorry you had such a disappointing meal at LeCellier; we were not pleased with our dinner last September.

You can tell the fun that you and Zoe are having together. I love the fact that you enjoyed rides you hadn't in the past -- EE, Splash Mountain.

There are some very nasty people on the DIS who should mind their own business!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Ugh, I'm sorry to hear about your Dis frustration. I know it's easier to say, but please don't let things like that get you down! You were definitely in the right!

Glad that Steve and Alex enjoyed their flight - hope they have a great time in FL!

 

[MEK]

Glad that Steve and Alex enjoyed their flight - hope they have a great time in FL!

Ditto!

 

[vikkil70]

ok, caught up.....again. Crazy life butting into my reading time again. We are closing on our new house next month so once again, I'm packing. Hopefully the last time for many many years..

Really enjoying your trip report,not boring at all. Sorry you did not enjoy your meal at LC, we got to eat there right before it went to 2 credits and really thought it was very good. Sounds like you really enjoyed the Candlelight Processional. For our trip this december I've been collecting lots of Disney dollars on my Disney Visa and we were thinking of using that for either the MVMCP or the CP dinner package. Leaning more towards CP, not sure what tier we would do though.
Reading through your trip report is making me want December to hurry up and get here.
I also loved reading about Zoe's birthday party, such a cute idea to do a mini BBB with the girls. Having two boys I don't get to do the fun princess stuff, I don't think they would appreciate getting pixie dusted.
Hope the guys have a great time on their trip.

 

[annmarieda]

Ann, I swear I have not desserted you or your TR. Since the news of the imending and subsequent engagement, the kids have been driving me crazy.

I'm sorry you had such a disappointing meal at LeCellier; we were not pleased with our dinner last September.

You can tell the fun that you and Zoe are having together. I love the fact that you enjoyed rides you hadn't in the past -- EE, Splash Mountain.

There are some very nasty people on the DIS who should mind their own business!

I know, Kathy!!! You have some excitement going on and I would be surprised to see you on dis much at all. I miss you for sure...but totally understand. I just can't wait to hear all about the wedding plans.

Ugh, I'm sorry to hear about your Dis frustration. I know it's easier to say, but please don't let things like that get you down! You were definitely in the right!

Glad that Steve and Alex enjoyed their flight - hope they have a great time in FL!

I am not letting it keep me down...I can't just chalk it up to a difference of opinion.

The guys are having a good time. Although... I had to laugh that Steve is watching the Descendants with his grandfather. Never in a million years would he have watched that at home.

Ditto!

ok, caught up.....again. Crazy life butting into my reading time again. We are closing on our new house next month so once again, I'm packing. Hopefully the last time for many many years..

Really enjoying your trip report,not boring at all. Sorry you did not enjoy your meal at LC, we got to eat there right before it went to 2 credits and really thought it was very good. Sounds like you really enjoyed the Candlelight Processional. For our trip this december I've been collecting lots of Disney dollars on my Disney Visa and we were thinking of using that for either the MVMCP or the CP dinner package. Leaning more towards CP, not sure what tier we would do though.
Reading through your trip report is making me want December to hurry up and get here.
I also loved reading about Zoe's birthday party, such a cute idea to do a mini BBB with the girls. Having two boys I don't get to do the fun princess stuff, I don't think they would appreciate getting pixie dusted.
Hope the guys have a great time on their trip.

How exciting that you are moving. yes, a pain to pack and all that...but it is nice to have a new place.

I did really enjoy CP. If you are not on the dp... and will be paying oop... I think I would choose the CP over MVMCP. Especially if your dates push into the time when the holiday parade and wishes are done without the party.

Zoe's bday party was a lot of fun. Girls can be fun with all the princess stuff... but boys are fun in a different way.

 

[annmarieda]

Seriously, How Did We Survive?

Without cell phones that is.

I mentioned that after lunch we took a swim before getting ready to go back to MK. I am sorry I don't have any pics. Anyone looking at WL pics will be able to figure out that WL has an amazing pool. We had a good time but did not swim for long because I was itching to get back to MK to check again with City Hall. I could not imagine that after several hours my phone would not be sitting waiting for me.

So after the swim we did indeed get ready. The problem was that I was maybe a bit too eager to get to MK.

Actually, the guys left the room first. Zoe and I were just a bit behind, but we had to run back to the room quick and I told them we would catch up to them. I suggested that we meet them at the boat dock. I also told them that I would want to check on my phone first thing once we were back to MK.

When Zoe and I arrived at the boat dock, a boat had just left and there was no sign of the guys. I assumed that they had gone ahead of us. Since a new boat had just arrived I figured we would just catch that one and then we would all reconnect at MK.

When we arrived at MK, the guys were not at the dock. Since I mentioned going to City Hall first, I went there. Sadly, no guys. Seriously????!!! How on earth did we all get along precell phones????

Anyway, After checking to see if my phone had been turned in (it had not) I called the guys using the in house phone. Remember I mentioned how Steve has a tendency not to answer his phone? And since Alex is a lot like Steve, he too is prone to not answering his phone. Well, of course this was the case now. Neither answered their phones.

Since Santa was right there I figured it was as good a time as any to wait in this line since it was after all, right near where I had told them I would first go.

In the meantime, I had a chance to talk to some other moms in line and to take some pictures. So.. not at all a waste of time.

Soon enough, the guys showed up. Apparently they went to the bus stop and then to the boat dock and some how... they JUST got to the park.

Having just arrived at the park, it was now time for our ADR at the Wave over at the CR. Steve said he was not feeling up to it though so decided he was done for the day. I hate to think that he truly wasn't sick... but

Anway, with Steve now going back to WL the kids and I walked the path to CR. Once we arrived, we decided that maybe the Wave was not truly something we wanted. I walked up and explained how one of our party was back at the hotel sick and they happily cancelled our reservation.

The kids and I would still need to eat, so we took a peak at Contempo.. but decided against it. Instead we hopped on the monorail and decided to go back to MK. Sadly though our luck with transportation would continue with this part of our journey. We were on the route that led to the TTC then Poly..then GF. Well, it got stuck. It was stuck for a while before finally moving. We were very very hungry by the time we arrived MK.

As a funny side note, this was yet another time our path crossed that of another dismember. It was the same gal that I introduced myself to at MVMCP and then stood next to at a parade and NOW, rode the same monorail only to arrive MK at the same time and stand directly across from eachother at the bag check. Not wanting to look like a stalker... I didn't say hello again.

once we were through bag check, we had to grab a bite to eat. Pecos Bills was where we ended up. Good grief I wish we had not. YUK. I have been there several times before, but this night it really was a tad bit on the yucky side. I have no pictures.. but Alex had the BBQ pork sandwich, Zoe ahd the veggie burger and I had a cheeseburger.

With food now in our bellies, we ventured to Frontierland. There, Zoe and Alex rode SM while I searched the area again for my phone. No luck in finding it

The park was near closing so we decided to head out. Since we all could use a little cheer, we stopped at the candy store to get a treat or two.

This was a very yummy treat. Cake pop with marshmallow over it and a white chocolate shell and then sprinkles!!!

One more stop on our way out was City Hall.. still no phone. I was told that after the park closed, anything found would be send to the lost and found near the TTC. If I were to find my phone that would be the next place to start looking. Sadly though, who want to travel back and forth the the TTC ..especially when they are not in MK. Knowing that the next day we would be in DHS, we made sure to shut service off to my phone.

Next Chapter: A trip to the TTC, would I be lucky??

 

[annmarieda]

With day 9 now done, it is time for another tally.

Rides
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (3)
Haunted mansion
Cinderella's Carrousel
Pirates of the Caribbean
Finding Nemo
Journey Into Imagination
Living with the Land Boat ride
Sum of All Thrills
Toy Story Mania
Kilimanjaro Safari
Expedition Everest
Universe of Energy
Spaceship Earth
Test Track
Tomorrowland Speedway
Astro Orbiter (2)
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Splash Mountain



Shows/Attractions
Enchanted Tikki Room
Living Seas Aquarium
One Man’s Dream (2)
Beauty and the Beast Musical
Osbourne Family Lights
Flights of Wonder
Pangani Trail
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Candle Light Processional
Country Bear jamboree

Parades/Firework Displays
Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas Parade(2)
Holiday Wishes
Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party (2)
Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade

Characters Met
Seven Dwarfs
Terrance
Tinker Bell
Lady Trumaine
Cinderella (2)
Prince Charming
Druzella
Anastasia
Mickey (3)
Minnie (3)
Belle
Aurora
Ariel
Snow White
Marie
Duffy
Pluto
Goofy(2)
Donald
Daisy
Stitch

Dinned At
Garden View Tea Room
Earl of Sandwich
Everything Pop (3)
Casey's Corner
CRT
CHH
Aloha Isle
Ohana
Sunshine Seasons
Coral Reef
Karamell-Kuche
Kringla Bakeri og Cafe
Roaring Fork (3)
Starring Rolls
Wolfgang Puck Express
Tusker House
Yak and Yeti Quality Beverage Window
Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery
Safari Pretzel Kiosk
Safari Egg Rolls Kiosk
Sanaa
Le Cellier
Main Street Bakery
Pecos Bills

 

[dizneeat]

Loved the latest installment, Ann!

How did we all survive without cell phones, even though - when we vacation I am not even bringing mine! But then there is only the two of us!

I am so sorry you didn't feel the Wave, as it's a really nice restaurant and sorry about Pecos Bill.
Even though I knew that you had lost your phone, I didn't know what you had to go through to try to find it!

Zoe looks so excited with her cake pop! Love the photo!

 

[MEK]

That's an impressive list of attractions and eats and characters! Still catching up on the beginning of your TR!

 

[vikkil70]

wow, what a string of bad luck with transportation.

I ask myself all the time how did we survive without cell phones. It's crazy. Somehow we managed and did just fine, but now I can't see getting by without it and I don't even have a smartphone yet with apps and such. I am constantly leaving my cell at home and then when I'm in the store and want to ask DH if we need something, I realize that it's sitting at home. DH is always saying why do I even have one when I always forget it when I go out.

Love the pic of Zoe with the pop (she has the prettiest eyes by the way), that looks quite yummy and will definetley have to investigate that on our trip, on top of the amazing cupcakes. It's all about the snacks and desserts. We will have to find Santa too, my boys would flip seeing him in WDW.

Thanks for the advice on the CP vs MVMCP. We will be paying oop and as I said were thinking we would be getting more value with the CP. We are going to be doing the QS plan this time around so one sit down lunch or dinner would be nice. We will not be there when MK switches to the Christmas parade but we are hoping one to night to visit the Poly and maybe catch the holiday Wishes from the beach.

 

[annmarieda]

Loved the latest installment, Ann!

How did we all survive without cell phones, even though - when we vacation I am not even bringing mine! But then there is only the two of us!

I am so sorry you didn't feel the Wave, as it's a really nice restaurant and sorry about Pecos Bill.
Even though I knew that you had lost your phone, I didn't know what you had to go through to try to find it!

Zoe looks so excited with her cake pop! Love the photo!

I rely on my phone just to send messages to my sons from part of the house. I am totally lazy.

I won't be returning to Pecos Bill. The Wave still has me intrigued though and I really want to have more "new" places on the list than return places for the next trip.

Zoe... she did like the cake pop...but sadly, she didn't finish it and it very quickly became too hard to eat.

That's an impressive list of attractions and eats and characters! Still catching up on the beginning of your TR!

Well, I still feel like we missed stuff by this point...but yes the list is good.

wow, what a string of bad luck with transportation.

I ask myself all the time how did we survive without cell phones. It's crazy. Somehow we managed and did just fine, but now I can't see getting by without it and I don't even have a smartphone yet with apps and such. I am constantly leaving my cell at home and then when I'm in the store and want to ask DH if we need something, I realize that it's sitting at home. DH is always saying why do I even have one when I always forget it when I go out.

Love the pic of Zoe with the pop (she has the prettiest eyes by the way), that looks quite yummy and will definetley have to investigate that on our trip, on top of the amazing cupcakes. It's all about the snacks and desserts. We will have to find Santa too, my boys would flip seeing him in WDW.

Thanks for the advice on the CP vs MVMCP. We will be paying oop and as I said were thinking we would be getting more value with the CP. We are going to be doing the QS plan this time around so one sit down lunch or dinner would be nice. We will not be there when MK switches to the Christmas parade but we are hoping one to night to visit the Poly and maybe catch the holiday Wishes from the beach.

Thank you for the comment regarding Zoe's eyes. I am biased.. but I think they are pretty.

And..yes... yes it is all about the snacks and desserts!!!

Santa is in Epcot too... and I think he and Mrs. Clause may be just a bit better than the one in MK. Also...don't forget father Christmas and all the other story tellers in Epcot.

 

[annmarieda]

A trip to the TTC, would I be lucky??


Morning came quickly and given Steve's evening, it was only the kids and I that made our way out of bed and up and out the door.

Given that I was still looking for my phone even though we had shut service to it off I was on a mission. I had been told to go to the lost and found at TTC in the morning. This was a quick bus ride to MK and then onto the monorail both of which seemed to be empty.

It was not a hard building to find. Rather small in the grand scheme of Disney, but easy enough to find. I walked in and only one other group was waiting. I went up and mentioned that I was looking for a phone. The cm asked my phone number. I tried to explain that we had shut of service so the number would no longer work to call even if it were on. He just kind of looked at me like he had heard it a million times before somewhat nodding as I rambled on. Then once I reluctantly gave up my number, he quietly went behind the desk and VOILA there it was. I used Alex's phone to text Steve to let him know I had the phone once again and could he reinstate it.

We walked out into the parking lot and the bus to DHS was just about to leave. We got right on it and were on our way to DHS in no time. My luck seemed to really be good. Before we were even at DHS, my phone became active. It really was looking to be a good day.

We got toe DHS not long after opening. We almost walked right onto Star Tours. This was the first time we had been on it since the refurbishment and I really do like it better now that they have updated it.

Since we skipped breakfast to run straight to TTC it was time to grab a bite to eat. However, in DHS where does one eat breakfast?? The options do seem a bit limited. After wandering around long enough for both kids to become a bit cranky we settled on Writers stop. Now, I believe settled isn't the correct way to put it. I had in fact (I believe) planned to go here for breakfast. However once we first arrived the line was nearly out the door and neither Alex nor Zoe wanted to wait. I thought there surely had to be a different option somewhere not far but sadly there wasn't so we ended up returning.

And since this will be a picture free update, there are no pictures of our breakfast. What we had was danishes and muffins. Honestly I think I have had way better pastries EVERYWHERE else. Maybe it was the fact that I saw them bringing them in in large..what looked to be.. frozen trays. Or maybe it was our choices (cheese danish and banana nut muffin) either way we were not overly impressed. We sat on a bench near by (which was in a smoking section so we didn't stay long). Up until now, our luck had seemed to be amazing. Everything was going very well.

Next Chapter: Little by Little, the day wore on

 

[dizneeat]

Yeah for getting your phone back! And a huge for Steve for having it reinstalled right away!

Now Writers Stop for breakfast ... I don't know? Maybe because I am not a huge fan of American Danish in the first place.
Was Starring Rolls not open?

Okay, enough questions for the moment. Thanks for another update, Ann!

 

[MEK]

So I'm up early on a Sunday morning and tried to catch up a little more on your TR. I am up to "Poor Alex" Ugh - nothing worse than to be sick on vacation. I really hope he bounced back quickly.

I have to say that Zoe has some of the cutest clothes - dresses and cute little T shirts and she really does take a great picture.

So nice to have a mother/daughter breakfast at CRT. That food looked super yummy. The lobster roll at CHH also looked great.

What a nice day at Epcot and its great that your toured all three resorts. I only made it to the Beach Club. We actually parked there to enter Epcot and when we told the CM we were going to Beaches & Cream she replied, "yeah - you and everyone else".

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I'm glad that your phone was eventually found!! What a process though!

I'm surprised to hear that the Writer's Stop wasn't that great. I've really never had a disappointing pastry there. But I also haven't ever had a danish there, so maybe those are just not good. DHS really does not have a ton of breakfast options, unfortunately!

 

[annmarieda]

Yeah for getting your phone back! And a huge for Steve for having it reinstalled right away!

Now Writers Stop for breakfast ... I don't know? Maybe because I am not a huge fan of American Danish in the first place.
Was Starring Rolls not open?

Okay, enough questions for the moment. Thanks for another update, Ann!

I am not sure on Starring Rolls. We didn't head that way. We stayed on the other side of the park. We should have ventured to the other side. The danishes were ok. They just reminded me of prepackaged items.

So I'm up early on a Sunday morning and tried to catch up a little more on your TR. I am up to "Poor Alex" Ugh - nothing worse than to be sick on vacation. I really hope he bounced back quickly.

It is the worst for sure.. but he did bounce back fairly quickly.

I have to say that Zoe has some of the cutest clothes - dresses and cute little T shirts and she really does take a great picture.

Thank you. She is my princess for sure.

So nice to have a mother/daughter breakfast at CRT. That food looked super yummy. The lobster roll at CHH also looked great.

It was a nice breakfast. It was even nicer because we got to spend it with a wonderful dismember and her friend. (I am unsure if her travel companion is on dis too)

I did not try the lobster roll, but Steve did and he really liked it.

What a nice day at Epcot and its great that your toured all three resorts. I only made it to the Beach Club. We actually parked there to enter Epcot and when we told the CM we were going to Beaches & Cream she replied, "yeah - you and everyone else".

I am glad we were able to get to all three since it was high on my to do list.

I had never thought about parking and how parking at BC would be an easy jump to Epcot.

I'm glad that your phone was eventually found!! What a process though!

I'm surprised to hear that the Writer's Stop wasn't that great. I've really never had a disappointing pastry there. But I also haven't ever had a danish there, so maybe those are just not good. DHS really does not have a ton of breakfast options, unfortunately!

It was a process only because I was so neurotic about it. If I had just decided that I would check lost and found the next day... I would not have had the back and forth and getting separated issues that I did the day before. oh well. Even knowing this, I am sure I would do the same thing. I guess it is just my personality.

And as for Writers Stop. I wouldn't say it was horrible. Shortly after eating I felt a bit off... well more than a bit. So that may have influenced how well I liked the muffin.

 

[shocky5]

I thought you might find your phone!

I'm sorry that Pecos Bill was not good for you! We've only been there once, and it was the past trip, and we liked it. But we were starving, too!

I'm curious if you got all of your TS credits spent on your trip...

You are at DHS on the same day the kids and I were in MK... and I remember MK being way more crowded than what was predicted. I'm glad your DHS seems to be moving along well!!

 

[annmarieda]

I thought you might find your phone!

I'm sorry that Pecos Bill was not good for you! We've only been there once, and it was the past trip, and we liked it. But we were starving, too!

I'm curious if you got all of your TS credits spent on your trip...

You are at DHS on the same day the kids and I were in MK... and I remember MK being way more crowded than what was predicted. I'm glad your DHS seems to be moving along well!!

We have always liked Pecos Bills too. I am not sure.. maybe how our tummies all seemed to be doing the entire trip had something to do with our "not liking" places. But... then again, I wonder too if the quality of food just wasn't as high during this peak time.

TS credit go to waste? Not if I can help it. Even though at this point in the trip we had essentially banked one meal as we skipped our meal at the Wave... remember, I had some oop meals planned too.