It’s Not Christmas Till We Visit The Mouse! Dec. 2006

[Lauralee131]

Wow - what a great day!!!

And YOU GO GRAMMA!!! Wanting to stay!!! Who is that wild woman?!?!?!?

We're going to have to eat at GG...you've convinced me!!

Looks like you guys had a great last day...

But...sniff, sniff...I'm sad.... What am I going to do with all my time until MAY!!

WAIT JUST A MINUTE>>>>>>>

MORE MAGIC?!?!?! Is it possible??? Can it be?????


Where is it???? Come on V - give it up!!!

 

[KangaFan]

We also LOVED the Garden Grill! So sad that your trip is over, but it sounds like you had a great last day, except for the CARP in your lap. Thanks for a very enjoyable virtual trip!!!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Another installment! Yay!!! Can't wait to hear about this other magic.

 

[Philadisney]

i'm sad your trip is over! You & your son are just adorable together, thank you so much for sharing your trip with us! He's such a cutie

 

[DisneyJo]

But I’m getting ahead of myself. The GG wasn’t very busy and the characters had plenty of time to visit. First came Chip… or Dale? I can never remember which is which. But one came after the other. Leo was a little nervous and insisted on sitting on Gramma’s lap at first. But the chipmunks worked their magic and he was soon interacting with them on his own.

I think Chip has the black nose think Chocolate chip

But Pluto had his sights set on someone else for his antics……. V. Yep, I was the “lucky” recipient of having my head engulfed in his ginormous mouth while hearing the sounds of a wet, sticky kiss. I smiled and giggled while wondering if my face could handle the power of an antibacterial wipe.

Yuck, he put your head right in his mouth

Heading back to the food – may I say this was one of the best WDW meals I’ve ever had?! Everything was terrific, but the vegetables really stood out for me; cooked just enough to be warm but still crunchy and wonderfully seasoned. The turkey and steak were good, too, and the catfish was fantastic. Leo’s selection of mac & cheese and chicken fingers was also well received. Six thumbs way, way up!

So glad you enjoyed it we've got an ADR booked for the GG

But the best was yet to come. Ladies and gentleman, I present to you… Dessert! Gramma’s and my bread pudding was decadent and ooey, gooey good. Leo’s build-your-own cupcake was ‘da bomb!

Ellie saw the photo and said that's what I'm having!

He fidgeted all through the new queue area, asking to see the fishies. He threw a bloody fit when we got to the cars and had to be forcibly removed from the loading platform and into the car.

Leo pitched another fit. Taking a lesson from UtahMama, I thought to capture it forever on film:

Surely that's not sweet little Leo

Seconds later, a woman slammed the door to the stall next to me and ‘rita tipped right over….. into my lap. “CARP!” loudly escaped my lips, as my thighs froze. Only it wasn’t Carp. If you or your child was in there that day, I do apologize. But there’s really only one thing you can say when most of a frozen margarita lands on your bare thighs, and that’s “CARP!” I got the cup back up to it’s holding spot, (AND saved at least ¼ of the ‘rita!), and used about a mile of TP to clean myself off.

It’s a good thing my pants were down or I’d have been in a pickle.

But. She was suggesting that we stay longer?? She may really be coming over to the DIS side!

Ahhh if she can't beat you she may as well join you, you're teaching her well

Coming soon: But wait – there’s more magic!

Yeah it's not yet over But what could it be?????

 

[monymony3471]

That was very lady like of you to only say CARP. Even after sipping on a rita.

People who slam doors don't make it very high on my list.

Anyways, I'm all for more magic. Bring it!

 

[sharkB8HooHaHa]

So does this mean that you are going to make us wait TWO WHOLE WEEKS before you will finish up your finishing up??? I, for one, question the two week guideline. Then again, I think I had 8 regular readers most of which are over here!

It's great that Gramma is on the verge of limehood. The more support the better. And I think it's so funny that her ribs look like coat hangers in the x-ray!

And the 'rita? A sad and sorrowful day in the ladies room. Did you say something nice before you flushed all that 'rita infused TP down the toilet?

I guess it's time for you to start thinking PRE-TRIP???

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

Day 7 continued
I know traditional TR protocol has it that one should resist updating more than every two weeks, so as to garner the most audience participation possible. But. I’ve moved on. You’ve moved on. Britney may or may not be moving on. It’s time to wrap this baby up already.

And start on the May pre-trip report, right?

It was lunch time and we were headed for a very special ADR… the Garden Grill!

Ok, I need a mini-food report here....

But Pluto had his sights set on someone else for his antics……. V. Yep, I was the “lucky” recipient of having my head engulfed in his ginormous mouth while hearing the sounds of a wet, sticky kiss. I smiled and giggled while wondering if my face could handle the power of an antibacterial wipe.

Ok... ewwww!! Can you imagine all the.... nevermind, sorry!

Heading back to the food – may I say this was one of the best WDW meals I’ve ever had?! Everything was terrific, but the vegetables really stood out for me; cooked just enough to be warm but still crunchy and wonderfully seasoned. The turkey and steak were good, too, and the catfish was fantastic. Leo’s selection of mac & cheese and chicken fingers was also well received. Six thumbs way, way up!

Ok, so in your opinion, would you recommend this over say Alfredo's for lunch?

Leo’s build-your-own cupcake was ‘da bomb! Words don’t do it justice; take a look…

Flippin' CUTE!!!

We were in there for freakin-ever before I made the call, “Leo, 2 more minutes, then we move on.” To which he replied “Okay!” Yeah right. When we actually left, Leo pitched another fit. Taking a lesson from UtahMama, I thought to capture it forever on film:

If you didn't have photographic evidence, I would never have believed it! What a pouty lip! We call that "boo-boo" lip!

Back to 2006, we tried out the X-ray machines:

Looky Gramma getting in on the fun!

While in MX, I felt the need for a margarita. Remember? I was still a POV (Person on vacation)! I got me one of those Fiesta Margaritas the size of a bus and filled with lime, mango, strawberry and some other flavor.

When in Rome!

I leaned it up between the two toilet paper holders, so that only the bottom of the cup was touching anything, pushed down my pants and took a seat. Seconds later, a woman slammed the door to the stall next to me and ‘rita tipped right over….. into my lap. “CARP!” loudly escaped my lips, as my thighs froze. Only it wasn’t Carp. If you or your child was in there that day, I do apologize. But there’s really only one thing you can say when most of a frozen margarita lands on your bare thighs, and that’s “CARP!” I got the cup back up to it’s holding spot, (AND saved at least ¼ of the ‘rita!), and used about a mile of TP to clean myself off. It’s a good thing my pants were down or I’d have been in a pickle.

Oh no!!!! Anything but poor 'Rita!!

Who was this lady? Did I accidentally swap mothers somewhere around the WS? Gramma hates crowds, dislikes most of Disney, and had spent a good part of the previous 6 days complaining about all the walking.
But. She was suggesting that we stay longer?? She may really be coming over to the DIS side!

The mouse is working his magic on Gramma!

It really was time to head out after that, so we strolled leisurely back to the Big Ball and took one last ride on Spaceship Earth. We said good-night to Epcot and promised we’d return real soon.

This is the end…. Beautiful friends, the end…
-The Doors

Sounds like the perfect ending!

Coming soon: But wait – there’s more magic!

Isn't there always??

 

[scrap4u]

Hi V! Loved the report! So sorry to see Leo's pouty face but he's still a cutie pie! Can't wait to read the next report.

 

[mlill]

First of all - I love the title of your last installment... The Remains of the Day - it's like one of my all-time favorite movies. Don't worry about the 2-week TR delays, we understand, life gets in the way! You haven't lost any of us yet! While I'm a bit sad about this TR ending, I'm even more excited about your new WDW adventures that are waiting to happen this year! It's going to be a great year!

The Garden Grill sounds great! We haven't been back there since we had our 're-hitching' ceremony in 2003! I might have to add that to our ADR list for October. Leo looks sooooo cute with Chip & Dale! Pluto is just weird! I hope your head survived! Ewwww!

I agree about the Land boat ride - I like it much better now. If I want a tour guide, I'll do the Behind the Seeds tour. I also am one of those people who don't really like Soarin'. Shhhhh.... but you can't say that too loud! It just didn't do much for me - and seeing people's feet dangling above me just grossed me out.

So, did Leo like the Nemo ride at all? Or did he just want OUT?! That's too funny! I love the Bruce pics! Somehow we didn't get any in the sharks mouth!? I don't know how that happened! The Leo 'pouty face' is adorable! I have several pictures like that of Conner, and now I use them as blackmail. I tell him unless he does 'this' or 'that', I'm going to show his girlfriend the pictures!!!

We had fun walking around Wonders of Life, too. It brought back a lot of memories of when my kids were little. I can't wait to see what Disney does with that pavilion...

The Margarita incident... well... let's just say that it gave me chills! Not the frozen stuff on bare legs, but the loss of a good margarita! Oh, the horror! I would have walked back to Mexico to get another!

Your mom sounds like a great lady, and you're lucky to have her! Never take for granted that you can share stuff like WDW with her! It appears that her DIS conversion is coming along nicely!

Ending your trip in France sounds wonderful. When did you go to Paris, and for how long? Steve & I were just talking the other day about taking a European trip someday, and I'd love any advice you might have.

Thanks for writing another wonderful TR, V! Reading each installment never failed to bring a smile to my face and brighten up my day.

Take care,
-Michelle

 

[PrincessV]

We're going to have to eat at GG...you've convinced me!!

Looks like you guys had a great last day...

But...sniff, sniff...I'm sad.... What am I going to do with all my time until MAY!!

You seem to be of the impression that there will, in fact BE a TR for May...
And YES, go to the GG - you'll love it!

WAIT JUST A MINUTE>>>>>>>

MORE MAGIC?!?!?! Is it possible??? Can it be?????


Where is it???? Come on V - give it up!!!

I know, it's crazy, but there IS more magic to come!

 

[PrincessV]

We also LOVED the Garden Grill! So sad that your trip is over, but it sounds like you had a great last day, except for the CARP in your lap. Thanks for a very enjoyable virtual trip!!!

It really was a great last day, despite frozen thighs and alcohol abuse! Thanks so much for joining in - glad you enjoyed it!

Another installment! Yay!!! Can't wait to hear about this other magic.

Oh, it'll be good, I promise!

i'm sad your trip is over! You & your son are just adorable together, thank you so much for sharing your trip with us! He's such a cutie

Thank you so much! We do have an awful lot of fun together

I think Chip has the black nose think Chocolate chip

THANK YOU!! I've tried for years to come up with a way to remember this to no avail. I can definitely remember Chocolate CHIP!

So glad you enjoyed it we've got an ADR booked for the GG

Yay - you'll love it!

Surely that's not sweet little Leo

Trust me, he has many not-so-cute moments these days.

 

[PrincessV]

That was very lady like of you to only say CARP. Even after sipping on a rita.

LOL, thanks mony! But I assure you, many un-ladylike words were running through my head...

So does this mean that you are going to make us wait TWO WHOLE WEEKS before you will finish up your finishing up???

Nope! Hoping to finish up finishing up today, possibly tomorrow!
A

Did you say something nice before you flushed all that 'rita infused TP down the toilet?

OMG, I never even thought about what that might do to the plumbing!

I guess it's time for you to start thinking PRE-TRIP???

Another one who thinks there'll be a May TR....

And start on the May pre-trip report, right?

What is this, some kind of conspiracy?!

Ok, so in your opinion, would you recommend this over say Alfredo's for lunch?

That's a tough one - rather like comparing apples and beef jerky. I haven't been to Alfredo's in years, but I remember it being very good. VERY different atmospheres. I'd say go with GG if you're looking for a quiet place, good home-cookin' type food, and characters. Head to Alfredo's for something that feels a bit more upscale and a massive carb fest!

Hi V! Loved the report! So sorry to see Leo's pouty face but he's still a cutie pie! Can't wait to read the next report.

Thanks scrap4u! NEXT report?? Really, you guys are persistent!

While I'm a bit sad about this TR ending, I'm even more excited about your new WDW adventures that are waiting to happen this year! It's going to be a great year!

YES, it sure is!!

So, did Leo like the Nemo ride at all? Or did he just want OUT?!

Nope, he pouted and whined through the whole thing. And he's sorely mistaken if he thinks we wo't be doing it again...

The Leo 'pouty face' is adorable! I have several pictures like that of Conner, and now I use them as blackmail. I tell him unless he does 'this' or 'that', I'm going to show his girlfriend the pictures!!!

OOOOO, good idea!

It appears that her DIS conversion is coming along nicely!

Oh, I hope it lasts! She can be a tough sell, but I think she secretly enjoys some of her WDW time.

When did you go to Paris, and for how long? Steve & I were just talking the other day about taking a European trip someday, and I'd love any advice you might have.

Gramma and I went over Thanksgiving week in 2005. Coincidentally, it was the coldest Nov. on record for Paris. We even had snow!

It was flippin' COLD! But it was an amazing trip. I'll PM you with lots more info!

Thanks for writing another wonderful TR, V! Reading each installment never failed to bring a smile to my face and brighten up my day.

Michelle, you are so sweet - thank you!

 

[PrincessV]

LOTS of things have happened since our fantastic December getaway, some good and some not-so-good. I’ll only bore you with a couple highlights.

One major outcome of our trip was a re-hauling of the yearly vacation schedule. We’ve been doing the Big Trip in Dec. / Long weekend trip in May(ish) / overnight here and there for a few years, mainly because I love Holidays Disney-style and there was no incentive to use the pools as Leo couldn’t do much swimming. But things have changed. Gramma and I agreed that, while we’ll always enjoy Disney’s holiday festivities, we’re kind of over spending a week on them. And Leo’s getting to be a big guy – he’s ready for a lot more pool usage, which requires temperatures MUCH warmer than those in Dec. What I’m getting at is, we agreed to start a new schedule: 4-5 nights in May / 2-3 nights in Dec. / a couple overnights a year for Food & Wine Fests and other special occasions.

And. We’ll start with 2007. That’s right – WE’RE GOING BACK TO DISNEY WORLD! May 1-6, to be exact.

And. Due to popular demand, I believe I will do a trip report of some sort for it. Honestly, I was feeling out of interesting material after this one, and wasn’t planning on another for a while. But some interesting things have occurred that should make our May trip more reader-friendly than I once thought. That’s all I’ll say about it for now. Keep a lookout for a Pre-Trippie soon(ish)!!

The other major dose of magic began with me being bored one day and deciding to really take a good look at what Disney’s Vacation Club is all about. Believe it or not, I’ve never bothered before because: A. I thought the initial buy-in was like $30K or so and 2. I never thought there’d be a time when I’d rather stay at a “condo” than a hotel.

So I perused Disney’s rather uninformative DVC website. And I caroused the DISboards DVC threads. And I sent Lauralee far too many PM’s asking questions. I did enough Fuzzy Disney Math to permanently kill some brain cells. I consulted point charts, resale websites and event calendars. In the end, I found that, even with financing, I would break even on Disney accommodation expenditures for the first few years, and come out ahead after that, by buying into DVC rather than shelling out more and more money on ever-increasing hotel rates.

So….













I did it! I figured out how many points we’d really use in a year, found the right number available at Saratoga Springs and sent a down-payment this past Monday!!! It may not pan out, as Disney has the right to swoop in and buy a resale for its own sales or pass and let the potential buyer have it, but I plan to find another contract if that happens.

Anyway you look at it, PrincessV and Family are Coming Home!

And that, dear readers, really is the end. For this trip, anyway.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for joining me! I can’t tell you how much fun I’ve had writing this, and much of that is due to your inspiring commentary. I’ve made some real friends amidst all this cyber chat, and for that, I am most grateful. LY/MI!

 

[CourtneyandRyan]

Congrats on your "DVC Coming Home" plan!

I hope it works out for you!

Can't wait to read about your May trip!

Loved this one- thanks again for sharing!

 

[DisneyJo]

Yay I'm first on your final segment, not that I've been waiting all evening or anything

Wow V you're now a DVC member that's great, I know Lauralee loves Saratoga, not that she tells us or anything so it must be great.

You have so got to do another TR, where else are we going to chat and think you met me whilst writing this one

 

[CourtneyandRyan]

Yay I'm first on your final segment, not that I've been waiting all evening or anything

Wow V you're now a DVC member that's great, I know Lauralee loves Saratoga, not that she tells us or anything so it must be great.

You have so got to another TR, where else are we going to chat and think you met me whilst writing this one

Sorry DisneyJo- Looks like I beat you on that one

Didn't mean too- Guess you had a little more to say than me, so mine went through quicker

 

[DisneyJo]

Sorry DisneyJo- Looks like I beat you on that one

Didn't mean too- Guess you had a little more to say than me, so mine went through quicker

I know they went through at exactly the same time, never mind I'll beat you next time

 

[sharkB8HooHaHa]

Well, now this one seems so final. I don't like it. You must join the ranks of Tracy and Lauralee and get your pre-trip started! MAY! I'll be missing you by just a few weeks I would have loved to meet you in person.

And a great big congratulations on your DVC ownership! We have talked and talked about it, and DH, who won't do fuzzy math, only REALmath, has determined that no matter how we work the numbers, we can't beat our stays at SOG. I am sincerely happy for you. And secretly, for those of us who so enjoy reading along

Thank you, V!

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

I did it! I figured out how many points we’d really use in a year, found the right number available at Saratoga Springs and sent a down-payment this past Monday!!! It may not pan out, as Disney has the right to swoop in and buy a resale for its own sales or pass and let the potential buyer have it, but I plan to find another contract if that happens.

Anyway you look at it, PrincessV and Family are Coming Home!

And that, dear readers, really is the end. For this trip, anyway.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for joining me! I can’t tell you how much fun I’ve had writing this, and much of that is due to your inspiring commentary. I’ve made some real friends amidst all this cyber chat, and for that, I am most grateful. LY/MI!

Yay!! Congrats!!! I'm so jealous!! But, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, my friend. The Grand Californian is going to build a DVC and maybe, just maybe, I can talk DH into buying. I should be back to work by then!
I love reading the adventures of V and Leo and of course, Gramma! I'm sorry to see this one come to end, but I'm glad to hear a new pre-TR is on the horizon!

LY, MI!

Well, now this one seems so final. I don't like it. You must join the ranks of Tracy and Lauralee and get your pre-trip started! MAY! I'll be missing you by just a few weeks I would have loved to meet you in person.

You know, there's always August.....

I'm just sayin'