"It's Coming and it's BLUE" - A July 2010 TR - COMPLETED!!

[jelloarms]

Ghost family!!!!!! I know when I'm dead I am for sure going to visit Disney.

 

[__disneygirl]

HEY!!! I am here to stroke your ego. Woohoooo!

Car crash? Omg, you did not tell me about that during our many rambly tumblr messages, so I guess it wasn't so serious! I hope everyone involved is fine!

I don't have a passport either. UGH. In my mind I have been to like 78 countries though. I watch the Travel Channel a lot which helps.
You know what, it's funny but I'm not surprised about the clear spot for Illuminations you found. As much as everyone always goes on and on about getting to places early at Disney, I NEVER ever wait that long for any of the shows/parades. There is ALWAYS a spot somewhere! I have gotten prime Main Street front row spots for the parades like 20 mins prior soooo many times! Disney magic I guess.

That is not a terrible picture of you, you are fabulous, please don't forget it.

CEMENT ANGELS hahahahaha. And you are not lame, I completely understand what you mean about that being a favorite from your trip. I feel that way too about the downtime. There are so many moments where things slow down and you just kind of enjoy being at Disney World, without having to DO EVERYTHING and go everywhere and get to your ADR in time or get in line before the crowds come, etc. It's really a beautiful thing.

Oh my God I love you. Ke$ha. Omg. I love her lyrics too. She KILLS me. EVERYBODY GETTIN CRUNK, BOYS TRY TO TOUCH MY JUNK, GONNA SLAP EM IF HE GETTIN TOO DRUNK! She is the John Lennon of this generation basically is my point. Obviously. My friends and I are obsessed with "we kick em to the curb unless they look like Mick Jagger" because THAT IS SO US. We are obsessed with older famous rockstars, and that is pretty much how we feel all the time. "You aren't a Stone, Beatle, or other member of the 60's and 70's rock and roll scene? Please go away." Ok, enough about her. LOL.

Glee SUCKS. This season. Big time. Hate it. ACTUALLY, ok. I haven't watched the most recent episode, but the 2 prior to that, I liked! It's getting better. I think.

Justin Timberlake...I am shaking my head at you right now. Go call Chris Kirkpatrick. NOW. You need each other. He can stop you from giving the one mediocre performance in a movie full of awesome actors, and you can stop him from being on shows like Mission: Man Band.

Omg. The day in which Elena gives into Damon will be the best day of my life, even if I like, get stabbed later on in that day. I can not wait.

BLLEEEEEEEERGGGGGGG. I hate people like that! I don't know if it's just me and I was raised right but I would feel so guilty blocking someone's spot like that! I just couldn't do it. I love Disney so much, and I would never want to make anyone else's Disney experience anything less than perfect. I'm not trying to sound like this amazingly nice perfect human being, but god, have a conscience! JIMINY CRICKET IS GOING TO GO ALL HOOD ON YOUR BUTT, STUPID PEOPLE WHO BLOCK OTHERS AT WDW!!

HE BROUGHT A TAMBOURINE??????????????????? I. Am. Cracking. Up.

International techno?????? Are you trying to kill me here? You are too funny.

I love the PA announcements so much too. I actually have a track of the Wishes announcements that I listen to sometimes LOL. It's just not the same if you're not on Main Street though. When I'm stuck in traffic on the Holland Tunnel, somehow it is not as magical.

Oh, the warm fuzzy Illuminations feeling. Isn't it just divine? It is so hard feel this feeling in my normal life. I don't think I'm a cynical person at all, but god do things suck sometimes. And I know I am more fortunate than like, 90% of the world, I just feel so at peace at Walt Disney World and that feeling SO RARELY pops up in my normal life. That feeling is SO HARD to give up and that is why when I board the Magical Express bus to the airport at the end of the trip I am basically on suicide watch.

OMG I love your ghost picture. When I was little we had a disposable camera that we used twice on accident. So every picture was actually two pictures. So part of it would be like, me at my dance recital, and then off in the distance would be like me and my dog playing in the yard like ghosts. IT WAS SO COOL.

One of my favorite things is walking through Future World after the park is closed... the colors, the music, the fountains, the sparkly sidewalk..sigh.
Ugh...we got stuck on the monorail. In a rain storm. Not really STUCK since it's not like I'm still there now (it doesn't sound half bad now of course LOL), I mean, we got out of there but it was kind of scary at the time. Story coming in my TR...God knows when!

OMG, I love seeing the, as my mom and I call them, Refillable-For-LIFE mugs. At Pop Century we saw a family that had a collection of mugs. One from this year, one from last year, one Pop mug from like 2006, one Dixie Landings mug that was all faded and barely even useable, and one Polynesian mug that was just like specs of palm trees here and there from like 1845. I was like, omg, I love you guys.

I can not wait to read about Toy Story Mania! Actually I can't wait to WRITE about my experience(s) b/c god were they amazing. I am going to start crying. I miss Disney so much. You have done your job as a TR writer!!!!!

 

[dawnbu40]

Nice update! I enjoyed your Illuminations pictures and as for OSU beating UofM

 

[MarieTheCat24]

Yay! I'm so glad that you guys haven't all lost interest in my TR! I was afraid I'd come back and it would just be like *crickets*

My last final is on Thursday and after that I'm off for 3 weeks for Christmas, so I will have plenty of time to catch up on all of your TRs. I feel so behind!

I literally have a Dixie Landings 1996 mug. No joke. But I would DARE bring it! I know the DIS rules!

So glad you are back for an update and I have to say, I feel exactly the same way about Illuminations. So beautiful and gives me chills each and every time I see/hear it even though, at this point, I have every note memorized.

Nikki! You absolutely must take that mug with you to WDW sometime. And take a picture of yourself using it. For me. Please?

yayyy Kara glad to see you back with an update!

Illuminations is so beautiful. I don't know what it is, but nothing else compares to the way Disney does firework shows.

Amazingly, I've only experienced the Brazilian tour groups once. It was on an August trip a few years ago when my sister and I left MK after they closed and were waiting on line for the bus back to Pop. There were hundreds of them. I don't know why they think it's okay to push and shove people. So I think one of the tour guides thought my sis and I were with their group so she was shoving us onto the bus and I turned around and pushed the lady back b/c I was NOT having it...the lady looked so surprised haha.

AH! I love your icon for obvious reasons. LOL.

Yeah, I don't get the whole pushing and shoving thing either. Tour groups frustrate the heck out of me. I love that you pushed the lady back though.

Great update!!!!

I love the Illuminations pre show music more than anything...the 2nd song you had a link to, with the bagpipes? I had no idea that was a real song, out in the world, I just thought it was something Disney created.

Sigh. I know how you feel. You just want to like everyone when you're at Disney, but the truth is, there are SO many annoying people there.

I know for a fact that Snooki doesn't wear mouse ears at Disney. Stop by my new TR when you get a chance (I just started it a few days ago so it won't be hard to catch up ) and you will see how I know that!

Yeah, there are SO many annoying people there. LOL. I try to ignore the annoyingness, but sometimes it's just too much.

OH SNAP. Did you see Snooki at Disney? OMG. I will definitely be checking out your TR ASAP.

We weren't too far from you that night! Fiance, Kristen, Chris, and I were at DHS!

TINK! I'm so behind on your TR. Have you gotten to the 23rd yet? Because that's when I need to start looking for myself in the background of your pictures.

Ghost family!!!!!! I know when I'm dead I am for sure going to visit Disney.

Me too.

Nice update! I enjoyed your Illuminations pictures and as for OSU beating UofM

Yeah, it's kind of gotten to the point where I just feel bad for them. Ok, I don't feel that bad, but it sucks for the Michigan fans. I would hate to watch Ohio State lose every year, so I'm sympathetic.

Just not so sympathetic that I want Michigan to beat us. Ever. Michigan can lose forever as far as I'm concerned.

 

[MarieTheCat24]

HEY!!! I am here to stroke your ego. Woohoooo!

Car crash? Omg, you did not tell me about that during our many rambly tumblr messages, so I guess it wasn't so serious! I hope everyone involved is fine!

I don't have a passport either. UGH. In my mind I have been to like 78 countries though. I watch the Travel Channel a lot which helps.
You know what, it's funny but I'm not surprised about the clear spot for Illuminations you found. As much as everyone always goes on and on about getting to places early at Disney, I NEVER ever wait that long for any of the shows/parades. There is ALWAYS a spot somewhere! I have gotten prime Main Street front row spots for the parades like 20 mins prior soooo many times! Disney magic I guess.

That is not a terrible picture of you, you are fabulous, please don't forget it.

CEMENT ANGELS hahahahaha. And you are not lame, I completely understand what you mean about that being a favorite from your trip. I feel that way too about the downtime. There are so many moments where things slow down and you just kind of enjoy being at Disney World, without having to DO EVERYTHING and go everywhere and get to your ADR in time or get in line before the crowds come, etc. It's really a beautiful thing.

Oh my God I love you. Ke$ha. Omg. I love her lyrics too. She KILLS me. EVERYBODY GETTIN CRUNK, BOYS TRY TO TOUCH MY JUNK, GONNA SLAP EM IF HE GETTIN TOO DRUNK! She is the John Lennon of this generation basically is my point. Obviously. My friends and I are obsessed with "we kick em to the curb unless they look like Mick Jagger" because THAT IS SO US. We are obsessed with older famous rockstars, and that is pretty much how we feel all the time. "You aren't a Stone, Beatle, or other member of the 60's and 70's rock and roll scene? Please go away." Ok, enough about her. LOL.

Glee SUCKS. This season. Big time. Hate it. ACTUALLY, ok. I haven't watched the most recent episode, but the 2 prior to that, I liked! It's getting better. I think.

Justin Timberlake...I am shaking my head at you right now. Go call Chris Kirkpatrick. NOW. You need each other. He can stop you from giving the one mediocre performance in a movie full of awesome actors, and you can stop him from being on shows like Mission: Man Band.

Omg. The day in which Elena gives into Damon will be the best day of my life, even if I like, get stabbed later on in that day. I can not wait.

BLLEEEEEEEERGGGGGGG. I hate people like that! I don't know if it's just me and I was raised right but I would feel so guilty blocking someone's spot like that! I just couldn't do it. I love Disney so much, and I would never want to make anyone else's Disney experience anything less than perfect. I'm not trying to sound like this amazingly nice perfect human being, but god, have a conscience! JIMINY CRICKET IS GOING TO GO ALL HOOD ON YOUR BUTT, STUPID PEOPLE WHO BLOCK OTHERS AT WDW!!

HE BROUGHT A TAMBOURINE??????????????????? I. Am. Cracking. Up.

International techno?????? Are you trying to kill me here? You are too funny.

I love the PA announcements so much too. I actually have a track of the Wishes announcements that I listen to sometimes LOL. It's just not the same if you're not on Main Street though. When I'm stuck in traffic on the Holland Tunnel, somehow it is not as magical.

Oh, the warm fuzzy Illuminations feeling. Isn't it just divine? It is so hard feel this feeling in my normal life. I don't think I'm a cynical person at all, but god do things suck sometimes. And I know I am more fortunate than like, 90% of the world, I just feel so at peace at Walt Disney World and that feeling SO RARELY pops up in my normal life. That feeling is SO HARD to give up and that is why when I board the Magical Express bus to the airport at the end of the trip I am basically on suicide watch.

OMG I love your ghost picture. When I was little we had a disposable camera that we used twice on accident. So every picture was actually two pictures. So part of it would be like, me at my dance recital, and then off in the distance would be like me and my dog playing in the yard like ghosts. IT WAS SO COOL.

One of my favorite things is walking through Future World after the park is closed... the colors, the music, the fountains, the sparkly sidewalk..sigh.
Ugh...we got stuck on the monorail. In a rain storm. Not really STUCK since it's not like I'm still there now (it doesn't sound half bad now of course LOL), I mean, we got out of there but it was kind of scary at the time. Story coming in my TR...God knows when!

OMG, I love seeing the, as my mom and I call them, Refillable-For-LIFE mugs. At Pop Century we saw a family that had a collection of mugs. One from this year, one from last year, one Pop mug from like 2006, one Dixie Landings mug that was all faded and barely even useable, and one Polynesian mug that was just like specs of palm trees here and there from like 1845. I was like, omg, I love you guys.

I can not wait to read about Toy Story Mania! Actually I can't wait to WRITE about my experience(s) b/c god were they amazing. I am going to start crying. I miss Disney so much. You have done your job as a TR writer!!!!!

I wasn't actually in the car crash, but the rest of my family was. At the very end of October, I got a phone call from my mom and she was all "Don't panic" so of course I started to panic because nothing good ever follows "Don't panic". And she went on to tell me that, both of my parents and my sister (who was home for the weekend) were driving home from my sister's boyfriend's cross country race when they got t-boned on the passneger side at an intersection. The car was completely destroyed, and my mom and sister had to go to the hospital. Nothing was seriously wrong, they were both just bruised up. But it was scary. I was freaking out because right before I left for college my freshman year, I started having these nightmares where the rest of my family dies in some horrible accident and leaves me all alone. So to have come remotely close to that happening scared the sh-- out of me.

OMG. You have awesome parade/firework spot finding luck. Maybe it's just because we always go in the summer (except for the one time I went in April) but I'm so used to complete madness that any time I have space to move around in, I am overjoyed. Who knew that a few feet of personal space could make a girl so happy?

I love Ke$ha. I love that she doesn't care that people are all "OMG. You're such a joke." She just keeps covering herself in glitter and singing about having a good time and raking in the big bucks. Dream job right there. Why am I not her?

Yeah, I feel like Glee is slowly starting to come around. Hopefully. I just wish it would recapture the magic that was the Don't Stop Believing/Somebody to Love-era. Glee was at it's best back then.

Seriously, Timberlake, GIVE UP ON THE ACTING THING FOR NOW. Go back to doing what you do best...singing pop songs and making awesome music videos. Going to one final NSYNC concert is on my bucket list, and I swear if your ego keeps me from checking that off, there will be hell to pay. I will dedicate my life to becoming a high profile director and hire you for my movie, just so that I can fire you and tell you that you suck. You're a terrible actor and you weren't even the best member of NSYNC. JC has a WAY better voice than you and he was way hotter. There is no shame in being in a boy band. People aren't afraid to admit that they love NSYNC, so you should just suck it up and do something for the fans for once. I mean, you wouldn't even be getting to do the whole "I'm a serious actor" thing if not for the fact that us twenty somethings bought a crapload of your CDs back in the day. I hate pulling the "We Made You" card, but we did! The whole NKOTBSB thing is making me so jealous and it's time for y'all to fly in No Strings Attached style and show those old men what's up.

Ok. Rant over. As you can see, I have very strong feelings about this issue.

You should have seen the look on my face when the tambourine guy whipped it out of his backpack. It was a mix of shock and ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW??? Like, who brings a tambourine to Disney? Why would you want to carry it around all day?

That's exactly it. I always feel so at peace while at Disney. Thank god for that.

Oh no. Stuck on a monorail? In a rain storm? I can't wait to hear about that. Update soon, woman!

The people with old mugs crack me up. Like, I would feel too guilty to bring my ancient Polynesian mug, but kudos to the people who do. There's nothing like watching people fill up those old dinosaurs with some free orange soda. LOL.

I miss Disney so much too! It's only been a few months, but I'm dying to get back there. I have pictures all over my room (obviously) and every day I look at them and I'm just like I WANT TO BE AT DISNEY RIGHT NOW. *sigh*

 

[jenbear123]

Sooooooo apparently I somehow unsubscribed for your TR. HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN? I have no idea. Anyways, I'm back and trying to catch up on everything. I'm interested because I'm planning to take a trip next year in mid- to late July. Just how hot was it???

 

[__disneygirl]

I wasn't actually in the car crash, but the rest of my family was. At the very end of October, I got a phone call from my mom and she was all "Don't panic" so of course I started to panic because nothing good ever follows "Don't panic". And she went on to tell me that, both of my parents and my sister (who was home for the weekend) were driving home from my sister's boyfriend's cross country race when they got t-boned on the passneger side at an intersection. The car was completely destroyed, and my mom and sister had to go to the hospital. Nothing was seriously wrong, they were both just bruised up. But it was scary. I was freaking out because right before I left for college my freshman year, I started having these nightmares where the rest of my family dies in some horrible accident and leaves me all alone. So to have come remotely close to that happening scared the sh-- out of me.

OMG. You have awesome parade/firework spot finding luck. Maybe it's just because we always go in the summer (except for the one time I went in April) but I'm so used to complete madness that any time I have space to move around in, I am overjoyed. Who knew that a few feet of personal space could make a girl so happy?

I love Ke$ha. I love that she doesn't care that people are all "OMG. You're such a joke." She just keeps covering herself in glitter and singing about having a good time and raking in the big bucks. Dream job right there. Why am I not her?

Yeah, I feel like Glee is slowly starting to come around. Hopefully. I just wish it would recapture the magic that was the Don't Stop Believing/Somebody to Love-era. Glee was at it's best back then.

Seriously, Timberlake, GIVE UP ON THE ACTING THING FOR NOW. Go back to doing what you do best...singing pop songs and making awesome music videos. Going to one final NSYNC concert is on my bucket list, and I swear if your ego keeps me from checking that off, there will be hell to pay. I will dedicate my life to becoming a high profile director and hire you for my movie, just so that I can fire you and tell you that you suck. You're a terrible actor and you weren't even the best member of NSYNC. JC has a WAY better voice than you and he was way hotter. There is no shame in being in a boy band. People aren't afraid to admit that they love NSYNC, so you should just suck it up and do something for the fans for once. I mean, you wouldn't even be getting to do the whole "I'm a serious actor" thing if not for the fact that us twenty somethings bought a crapload of your CDs back in the day. I hate pulling the "We Made You" card, but we did! The whole NKOTBSB thing is making me so jealous and it's time for y'all to fly in No Strings Attached style and show those old men what's up.

Ok. Rant over. As you can see, I have very strong feelings about this issue.

You should have seen the look on my face when the tambourine guy whipped it out of his backpack. It was a mix of shock and ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW??? Like, who brings a tambourine to Disney? Why would you want to carry it around all day?

That's exactly it. I always feel so at peace while at Disney. Thank god for that.

Oh no. Stuck on a monorail? In a rain storm? I can't wait to hear about that. Update soon, woman!

The people with old mugs crack me up. Like, I would feel too guilty to bring my ancient Polynesian mug, but kudos to the people who do. There's nothing like watching people fill up those old dinosaurs with some free orange soda. LOL.

I miss Disney so much too! It's only been a few months, but I'm dying to get back there. I have pictures all over my room (obviously) and every day I look at them and I'm just like I WANT TO BE AT DISNEY RIGHT NOW. *sigh*

Oh no, that is so horrible! I am so happy everyone was okay. That's like a miracle that the car was completely destroyed but your family had no major injuries. That is the scariest thing.

I looove Ke$ha's attitude too. Lady Gaga has this thing going where she constantly talks about how serious what she does is and how it is pure art, and my god, is that nauseating. Ke$ha is just like, "Yes, I am drunk again. Problem?"

THANK YOU FOR SAYING JC IS BETTER THAN JUSTIN OH MY GOD, I HAVE BEEN SAYING THIS SINCE I WAS LIKE 8. Better voice, better looking, BETTER DANCER. Omg seeing him dance in person was like so inspiring, as a dancer, bc he is just SOOOOO into it. Justin is no doubt a great performer but JC totally got shafted. And after reading Lance's book I dislike Justin even more than I did before, AND I think it's really sad that Justin still throws jabs here and there at Britney. GET A LIFE, MOVE ON, THAT WAS 8 YEARS AGO. Loooooooooser, go join NSYNC again. Thanks. Bye.

LOL I have strong feelings about it too. He just irks me. I could go through why, point by point, but I will refrain. I used to love him during the NSYNC days, ever since then it's been over for me.

Well get ready bc my text trip report will be called "Me and my Tambourine Journey Through Walt Disney World" and I will play it everywhere. I don't know why I didn't think of it before!

This year, I brought my 2008 mug and my mom was like "Nooo, don't use it!" so I didn't just to make her happy, and then we saw an entire family using their 2008 mugs and no one cared so I did. But it's not one of those like ooooooold ones, it looks new. My Pop Century one is kinda faded though, I could totally slum it with that one haha.

You're just like me. I actually have the guidemap from the MK open and hung on my wall. Just as a reminder, like, MAKE MORE MONEY SO YOU CAN STAY AT THE GRAND FLORIDIAN FOR 17 NIGHTS. Some say money can't buy happiness. Those people have never been to the Grand Floridian.

 

[YukiPhnx]

Man, I'm so behind. I meant to type up a long reply to your previous post, and now you have a new post~ So I'll just reply to this one.

But, I just want to say that the kid waiting for the monorail with you sounds SOOOOOOOOOOO CUUUUUUUUUUTE!!!

First off, I'm glad your family isn't too injured from the car crash. It's terrible that that happened though! A close family friend of ours actually died in a car crash last year.....it was really hard on my dad because he was his best friend. I'm SO GLAD, your mom and sister came out with just bruises.

Funny, I have a fear of ME dying in some horrible accident. It's one of the reasons why I don't jay-walk. Besides the fact that I HATE jay-walkers. Obey your signals pedestrians!

Ok, moving on. You don't have a passport? Neither does Lia? Dude seriously....get a passport and visit me up here in Toronto. It's really not that bad in the summer. But it makes a lot of sense. There are so many places to go in the States, and it's not like you guys make frequent trips up here, as opposed to the other way around for us.

I must confess, I still have yet to see Illuminations. And I spent 2 evenings in Epcot too. Very good reasons! Ok...one reason....I was really tired. It's on my list of must-do's for my next trip FOR SURES.

Left hand side entrance? I only know of the right hand one. Which resort is it connected to on that side? But wow, an hour and a half to get good seats. I've only gone during value season, so I really don't know what that's like.

Girl, I love your picture of the sky. Especially with the moon there, I didn't expect it.

I agree with Lia, I'd want to do cement angels too. But like you said, I'm not much for the bleeding part of it.

And again, with Lia, it's not lame at all! I love those moments. Being in the same boat with you right now, I've really learned to cherish those moments with my family. We haven't gone on a family vacation in.....3 years now. So we really just haven't had a chance to just.....escape the real world and enjoy each other's company, you know?

Ok, I get that Kei$ha is funny and all, and her recorded songs are not bad, but I don't see why anyone would pay to see her live. It's nothing like the recorded songs. Her own VOICE doesn't sound the same! I just don't get it.

Speaking of Gaga and Kei$ha, do you guys watch Collge Humor? They did a little sketch about Celebrity halloweens that's REALLY funny. You need to watch it.

Lance has a book! I need to read it. I used to be his biggest fan. I even went to watch "On the Line" when it came out! And yes, I actually liked it. The songs in it anyways. And I agree, JC is just so much better than Justin. Justin needs to give up trying, and they need to get together already. When the reunion concert happens, we all totally have to go together. If that is possible.....

Omg, I HATE it when people do what that woman did! Did you guys complain LOUDLY about her? Or said, excuse me, we were here first. Cause I definitely would've. Complained loudly that is. And probably swore too...but not that loudly. Cause kids are around. But loud enough for her to hear.

I can't believe that girl just PUT her hand on your leg!!! What is up with that??? That's rude on SOO many levels. Did you try to shake it off your leg? When we go on that girls trip, and someone tries to do that to you, I'm gonna be all up in their face. You shouldn't have to go through that.

A tambourine...right out of his backpack...Are you freakin kidding me???? I don't even understand why they have to chant. They're not at a freakin soccer game, they're in a theme park for gods sakes! Why do they feel the need to chant and make sure EVERYONE knows they're there?

I listened to the pre-show music. It's so techno-y! Definitely dance-worthy. So I DID dance. Good thing nobody was home...

I've never seen the Jersey shore, but I just saw Snookie in a commercial (for something) and now I'm interested. Ok, I was interested after that South Park episode and when Ellen dressed up as Snookie's poof, but now more so.

Haha, that look from Katie is funny. I get different types of looks when I go out in costume. In the summer. For no reason.

I've never heard Illuminations, but I already know what voice you're talking about. I could hear it in my head as I read your update.

I understand what you mean about being able to wait at Disney. Only at Disney would I jump up as soon as that 7am alarm goes off.

I heard that Disney is extending WS hours after Illuminations, so that people can still browse shops. I wonder if that went into effect. Or if it's only available during eve EMH. It'd be so much better than squeezing with everyone else.

Those are really nice pictures of the globe and the reflection in the water.

Ghost family! We have this photo of my sister's communion, which is even creepier cause it has a little girl in a white dress, all ghostly, standing behind my sister.

It's awesome you got to meet some alumni! I love talking to alumni that come back to visit, cause then they can let us know what has changed and how things used to look like.

That little kid sounds adorable!!!! It's so cute that he was so enthusiastic about Spaceship Earth! Yes, it's a slow moving ride, but people still love it!

I'm so glad you were able to make it back to the Poly without much trouble. My best friend is sort of claustrophobic too. When we take the bus, she has to be close to the door so she knows she has a clear way out.

When I was at Pop, not only did I notice people with old mugs, people were just filling up their bottles at the fountain! Not even a Disney mug, just a plain plastic or metal bottle. At least when I did it, I filled the mug, THEN the bottle.

I wonder what the futuristic language would sound like....

 

[MarieTheCat24]

Sooooooo apparently I somehow unsubscribed for your TR. HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN? I have no idea. Anyways, I'm back and trying to catch up on everything. I'm interested because I'm planning to take a trip next year in mid- to late July. Just how hot was it???

It depends. This past trip it wasn't OMG I'M GOING TO MELT TO DEATH hot, but it's been that hot during past trips. A few years ago, the heat index was like 120 degrees or something equally ridiculous. But usually it's pretty managable. As long as you don't mind walking around dripping with sweat, you'll be fine.

Oh no, that is so horrible! I am so happy everyone was okay. That's like a miracle that the car was completely destroyed but your family had no major injuries. That is the scariest thing.

I looove Ke$ha's attitude too. Lady Gaga has this thing going where she constantly talks about how serious what she does is and how it is pure art, and my god, is that nauseating. Ke$ha is just like, "Yes, I am drunk again. Problem?"

THANK YOU FOR SAYING JC IS BETTER THAN JUSTIN OH MY GOD, I HAVE BEEN SAYING THIS SINCE I WAS LIKE 8. Better voice, better looking, BETTER DANCER. Omg seeing him dance in person was like so inspiring, as a dancer, bc he is just SOOOOO into it. Justin is no doubt a great performer but JC totally got shafted. And after reading Lance's book I dislike Justin even more than I did before, AND I think it's really sad that Justin still throws jabs here and there at Britney. GET A LIFE, MOVE ON, THAT WAS 8 YEARS AGO. Loooooooooser, go join NSYNC again. Thanks. Bye.

LOL I have strong feelings about it too. He just irks me. I could go through why, point by point, but I will refrain. I used to love him during the NSYNC days, ever since then it's been over for me.

Well get ready bc my text trip report will be called "Me and my Tambourine Journey Through Walt Disney World" and I will play it everywhere. I don't know why I didn't think of it before!

This year, I brought my 2008 mug and my mom was like "Nooo, don't use it!" so I didn't just to make her happy, and then we saw an entire family using their 2008 mugs and no one cared so I did. But it's not one of those like ooooooold ones, it looks new. My Pop Century one is kinda faded though, I could totally slum it with that one haha.

You're just like me. I actually have the guidemap from the MK open and hung on my wall. Just as a reminder, like, MAKE MORE MONEY SO YOU CAN STAY AT THE GRAND FLORIDIAN FOR 17 NIGHTS. Some say money can't buy happiness. Those people have never been to the Grand Floridian.

Yeah, they have pictures of the car all destroyed for insurance purposes, but I'm too scared to look. I feel like I'll start crying again if I do that. But yeah, I'm just soooooo thankful that everyone is ok.

OMG. YES! It's like, I get it, Lady Gaga, you're an artist. Now kindly stop reminding me and go back to designing your next meat dress.

THANK YOU for agreeing with me that JC is better than Justin. I was all alone on that growing up. All of my friends/family liked Justin better. Like, I understand why all the girls liked him, because he totally played into the whole I'M THE CUTE ONE! thing, but JC was the real talent in that group. I singled him out as my favorite during their Disney Channel special but then I fell like HEAD OVER HEELS IN LOVE with the guy while watching their Pay Per View special in 1999. Like, I distinctly remember watching it and being like OMG I NEED TO START TAKING LESSONS SO I CAN DANCE LIKE JC. And then JC covered "That Thing You Do" during that concert, which to this day is still one of my favorite songs/movies, and that just like sealed the deal. And yes, seeing him dance live was totally inspiring. I saw them twice, and both times, I was in awe. He's just so good. Or was. IDK if he even still dances. Can we start a campaign to have the judges perform on America's Best Dance Crew? Or maybe not because I'm sure JC would just go out there and show up all the crews. But yeah, he totally got shafted. His solo stuff is actually really good. In a lot of ways, it's basically FutureSex/LoveSounds before Justin did it. But whatever. I will forever be bitter that he's not more famous than he is. Because he deserves to be.

Please do take your tambourine. Just whip it out on Splash Mountain and add your own soundtrack.

I'm guilty of using year old mugs too. I mean, the design hasn't changed so why not? I just laugh when people use the super old ones. I admire the fact that they're just like "I fully realize I'm carrying a worn out, faded, 20 year old mug, but gosh darn it I'm using it anyway!"

Did I tell you that my best friend got an internship with so prestigious accounting firm that I can't remember the name of right now and at the end of the internship, they take all of the interns to WDW. For free. And stay at the Grand Floridian. I turned as green as this guy with envy.

Man, I'm so behind. I meant to type up a long reply to your previous post, and now you have a new post~ So I'll just reply to this one.

But, I just want to say that the kid waiting for the monorail with you sounds SOOOOOOOOOOO CUUUUUUUUUUTE!!!

First off, I'm glad your family isn't too injured from the car crash. It's terrible that that happened though! A close family friend of ours actually died in a car crash last year.....it was really hard on my dad because he was his best friend. I'm SO GLAD, your mom and sister came out with just bruises.

Funny, I have a fear of ME dying in some horrible accident. It's one of the reasons why I don't jay-walk. Besides the fact that I HATE jay-walkers. Obey your signals pedestrians!

Ok, moving on. You don't have a passport? Neither does Lia? Dude seriously....get a passport and visit me up here in Toronto. It's really not that bad in the summer. But it makes a lot of sense. There are so many places to go in the States, and it's not like you guys make frequent trips up here, as opposed to the other way around for us.

I must confess, I still have yet to see Illuminations. And I spent 2 evenings in Epcot too. Very good reasons! Ok...one reason....I was really tired. It's on my list of must-do's for my next trip FOR SURES.

Left hand side entrance? I only know of the right hand one. Which resort is it connected to on that side? But wow, an hour and a half to get good seats. I've only gone during value season, so I really don't know what that's like.

Girl, I love your picture of the sky. Especially with the moon there, I didn't expect it.

I agree with Lia, I'd want to do cement angels too. But like you said, I'm not much for the bleeding part of it.

And again, with Lia, it's not lame at all! I love those moments. Being in the same boat with you right now, I've really learned to cherish those moments with my family. We haven't gone on a family vacation in.....3 years now. So we really just haven't had a chance to just.....escape the real world and enjoy each other's company, you know?

Ok, I get that Kei$ha is funny and all, and her recorded songs are not bad, but I don't see why anyone would pay to see her live. It's nothing like the recorded songs. Her own VOICE doesn't sound the same! I just don't get it.

Speaking of Gaga and Kei$ha, do you guys watch Collge Humor? They did a little sketch about Celebrity halloweens that's REALLY funny. You need to watch it.

Lance has a book! I need to read it. I used to be his biggest fan. I even went to watch "On the Line" when it came out! And yes, I actually liked it. The songs in it anyways. And I agree, JC is just so much better than Justin. Justin needs to give up trying, and they need to get together already. When the reunion concert happens, we all totally have to go together. If that is possible.....

Omg, I HATE it when people do what that woman did! Did you guys complain LOUDLY about her? Or said, excuse me, we were here first. Cause I definitely would've. Complained loudly that is. And probably swore too...but not that loudly. Cause kids are around. But loud enough for her to hear.

I can't believe that girl just PUT her hand on your leg!!! What is up with that??? That's rude on SOO many levels. Did you try to shake it off your leg? When we go on that girls trip, and someone tries to do that to you, I'm gonna be all up in their face. You shouldn't have to go through that.

A tambourine...right out of his backpack...Are you freakin kidding me???? I don't even understand why they have to chant. They're not at a freakin soccer game, they're in a theme park for gods sakes! Why do they feel the need to chant and make sure EVERYONE knows they're there?

I listened to the pre-show music. It's so techno-y! Definitely dance-worthy. So I DID dance. Good thing nobody was home...

I've never seen the Jersey shore, but I just saw Snookie in a commercial (for something) and now I'm interested. Ok, I was interested after that South Park episode and when Ellen dressed up as Snookie's poof, but now more so.

Haha, that look from Katie is funny. I get different types of looks when I go out in costume. In the summer. For no reason.

I've never heard Illuminations, but I already know what voice you're talking about. I could hear it in my head as I read your update.

I understand what you mean about being able to wait at Disney. Only at Disney would I jump up as soon as that 7am alarm goes off.

I heard that Disney is extending WS hours after Illuminations, so that people can still browse shops. I wonder if that went into effect. Or if it's only available during eve EMH. It'd be so much better than squeezing with everyone else.

Those are really nice pictures of the globe and the reflection in the water.

Ghost family! We have this photo of my sister's communion, which is even creepier cause it has a little girl in a white dress, all ghostly, standing behind my sister.

It's awesome you got to meet some alumni! I love talking to alumni that come back to visit, cause then they can let us know what has changed and how things used to look like.

That little kid sounds adorable!!!! It's so cute that he was so enthusiastic about Spaceship Earth! Yes, it's a slow moving ride, but people still love it!

I'm so glad you were able to make it back to the Poly without much trouble. My best friend is sort of claustrophobic too. When we take the bus, she has to be close to the door so she knows she has a clear way out.

When I was at Pop, not only did I notice people with old mugs, people were just filling up their bottles at the fountain! Not even a Disney mug, just a plain plastic or metal bottle. At least when I did it, I filled the mug, THEN the bottle.

I wonder what the futuristic language would sound like....

Oh, I'm a notorious jay-walker. OMG. But I'm on a college campus. Everyone jay-walks here.

YOU'VE NEVER SEEN ILLUMINATIONS??????? OMG. Get on that, girl! ASAP.

THANK YOU. I feel so at peace now that I know there are quite a few of us JC IS WAY BETTER THAN JUSTIN people out there.

Nope, I just let the girl's hand sit there. I'm stubborn like that.

YOU'VE NEVER SEEN THE JERSEY SHORE??????? Again, I say, get on that, girl! ASAP.

Both of the monorail kids were adorable. I really need to find someone who will let me borrow their kid for a trip to Disney. Is there a website for that? LOL.

Filling up their bottles? Now that's something I've never seen. But I'm not surprised...

 

[tinkgurl]

TINK! I'm so behind on your TR. Have you gotten to the 23rd yet? Because that's when I need to start looking for myself in the background of your pictures.

Kristen and I just both finished up the 22nd!

 

[YukiPhnx]

Oh, I'm a notorious jay-walker. OMG. But I'm on a college campus. Everyone jay-walks here.

YOU'VE NEVER SEEN ILLUMINATIONS??????? OMG. Get on that, girl! ASAP.

THANK YOU. I feel so at peace now that I know there are quite a few of us JC IS WAY BETTER THAN JUSTIN people out there.

Nope, I just let the girl's hand sit there. I'm stubborn like that.

YOU'VE NEVER SEEN THE JERSEY SHORE??????? Again, I say, get on that, girl! ASAP.

Both of the monorail kids were adorable. I really need to find someone who will let me borrow their kid for a trip to Disney. Is there a website for that? LOL.

Filling up their bottles? Now that's something I've never seen. But I'm not surprised...

Well, jay walking when there are barely any cars or cross walks around, sure. Jay walking on a large road when cars are whizzing by? Nuh uh!

I'll start watching Jersey shore now.

Ok, Illuminations is on my do-or-die list now

A website where I can rent cute little kids for Disney??? I'd love that too.

 

[Tracy161]

Great update Kara! So glad to hear that we have many overlapping "top 10" Disney things... and the smell of "Disney water" is definitely on mine as well... it's just so distinct and just instantly makes me happy! I wish I could smell it right now!!!

Can't wait to hear about the mad dash to TSMM!

I'll try to slow down the new futuristic DIS language for as long as I can!!!

 

[xDisneyAngelx]

Hey great trip report so far. I noticed you went to EPCOT the same day as my birthday...thats cool. I hope you had a wonderful time, who wouldn't your in Disney lol.

 

[MarieTheCat24]

HELLO FRIENDS!
Sorry for going MIA again. I'm terrible at this whole actually updating and responding in a timely manner thing. But I'm here now, with an update, so yay! It's a Christmas Eve Eve miracle!

Well, jay walking when there are barely any cars or cross walks around, sure. Jay walking on a large road when cars are whizzing by? Nuh uh!

I'll start watching Jersey shore now.

Ok, Illuminations is on my do-or-die list now

A website where I can rent cute little kids for Disney??? I'd love that too.

A new season of Jersey Shore is starting soon, so definitely watch. Although, nothing will ever top the majesty and wonderfulness of the first season. I mean, they filmed the first season before they were famous, so they weren't quite as full of themselves and it was a lot funnier.

Great update Kara! So glad to hear that we have many overlapping "top 10" Disney things... and the smell of "Disney water" is definitely on mine as well... it's just so distinct and just instantly makes me happy! I wish I could smell it right now!!!

Can't wait to hear about the mad dash to TSMM!

I'll try to slow down the new futuristic DIS language for as long as I can!!!

The smell of Disney water makes me cry. It's such an OMG I'M FINALLY HOME trigger for me. Why can't all water smell like Disney water? Actually, I wouldn't want to drink the stuff, so it's probably better that not all water smells like Disney water. I've just gotta figure out a way to put a little fountain of Disney water in my house so that I can smell it whenever I want to. Do you think they'd yell at me for trying to collect some of the Splash Mountain water in a bottle during the big splash at the end? I mean, if I just carried an open water bottle, some water would go in, right?

Hey great trip report so far. I noticed you went to EPCOT the same day as my birthday...thats cool. I hope you had a wonderful time, who wouldn't your in Disney lol.

Thanks! And Happy Almost-Five-Month-Belated Birthday!

 

[MarieTheCat24]

JULY 25TH PART ONE: STRAP ON YOUR CROCS 'CAUSE IT'S ABOUT TO GET CRAZY UP IN HERE

On this beautiful Sunday morning, I took my time getting out of bed. I took a bubble bath, ordered a delicious room service breakfast, sat on the patio wearing a fuzzy bathrobe sharing my fabulous self with the world and…

Oh, who am I kidding? None of this happened. NONE.

Today was the day we were going to MGM (yes, I still call it MGM. I’m retro…err stubborn like that. Deal with it. ) and as you all know, if you want to ride Toy Story Mania a sufficient (ie: more than once) amount of times, you have to get there early.

So I peeled myself out of bed at the crack of dawn, took a shower while simultaneously shoving a Mickey Rice Crispy Treat down my throat, and took a huge chunk out of my leg while shaving because apparently using a razor while still sort of sleeping doesn’t lead to good things. I’ve gotta remember that for next time.

But my suffering was worth it, because we were at the bus stop by 8:00. Way to go, us! We didn’t have to wait very long before the bus showed up which was good because I was about three seconds away from falling back asleep. But this was our first Disney bus ride of the trip, so I was excited. Yes, Disney buses make me ridiculously excited. And yes, I *am* actually four years old. This whole being a busy college student thing is just a charade. But seriously, riding Disney buses always makes me happy. I know a lot of people hate them and I can definitely understand why. I mean, they are often really slow. And crowded. And sometimes you wind up with a giant lump on the side of your head after riding them. Oh, have I not shared that story yet? It’s a good one.

Two summers ago, we were staying at the Wilderness Lodge, so we were taking the bus to Epcot one evening for our dinner reservations at the Biergarten. On our way to Epcot, we had to stop at Ft. Wilderness to pick more people up there. So we’re chillin’ on the bus, pulling up to the Ft. Wilderness bus stop, doing normal bus things, when all of a sudden my life flashed before my eyes. I just happened to be staring out the front window of the bus as we were about to pass through the little security gate thingamobs that all of the resorts have. The gate raised normally, but just as we started to pull through, it fell back down. Instead of just driving through and taking the gate with us, our bus driver slammed on the brakes and people went flying. Literally. Because we were seconds away from pulling into the Ft. Wilderness stop, a family was already standing up and preparing to disembark. As soon as the driver hit the brakes, they were all on the ground. Luckily, no one was hurt.

As for me, Katie and I had been sitting in the sideways seats. Y’know which ones I’m talking about, right? The ones that face towards the aisle? I don’t know what they’re actually called. As we came to a screeching halt, we both went flying towards the front of the bus. Katie landed on top of me, and the whole left side of my body made contact with one of the metal poles. The brunt of the contact was of the “head to metal pole” variety. It was not fun.

So basically everyone on the bus has either fallen onto the floor or smashed their head on something and what does the bus driver do? Stops the bus and physically checks to see that we’re all ok? Gets on her radio and informs her boss that she’s a terrible driver? Nope. Over the speaker, without even turning around to look at us, she goes, “Everything ok?” Um, no, bus driver, everything is not ok. The fact that there are PEOPLE ON THE FLOOR seems to indicate that. But everyone on the bus kind of mumbled a “We’re not dying, so I guess we’re ok” response and she took off to pick up some more people. Frankly, if I was staying at Ft. Wilderness and was heading for Epcot, I would have waited for the next bus. I mean, we were close enough to the stop that the people waiting saw the whole thing. But some crazy people boarded the bus of terror and then we continued on to Epcot. For the rest of the ride, we paid really close attention to this woman’s driving skills. Let me just say that they were not good. I remember looking at my parents and giving them an OH MY GOD WE’RE ALL GONNA DIE look because I was pretty sure this woman was going to drive us off the side of the road and we were going to go bus off-roading through the swampy undeveloped areas of Disney property or something. It was nuts. But we arrived at Epcot safe and sound.

Except for the rapidly growing lump on the side of my head.

It lasted the rest of the week. I usually sleep on my left side, but I couldn’t because putting pressure on it was super uncomfortable. Looking back, we probably should have filed a report or something because A)this bus driver was scary and B)I might have had a minor concussion. I mean, I don’t really know what the concussion symptoms are, but I was conscious the entire time and my vision was fine, my head was just sore. So I didn’t automatically jump to OMG CONCUSSION. Plus, who were we even supposed to contact? I feel like if we had shown up at Guest Services at Epcot and been like WE WERE JUST IN A BUS ACCIDENT, they would have looked at us like crazy people who were trying to scam Disney. I always read those reports of people who blame Disney for everything and then demand some sort of ridiculous compensation. Like, if a mosquito bites them, they’re at the front desk demanding a free vacation. It’s insane. And I definitely didn’t want to be one of those people. I wasn’t in need of medical attention, so whatever. It was just a fluke accident. Plus, I was really hungry and I didn’t want to miss our ADR. Except once we got to the Biergarten, I quickly learned that eating was gonna be quite the challenge. I couldn’t chew anything because it hurt too much. All I wound up eating was the potato and leek soup and tons of pudding. But yeah, it just makes me laugh when people are all “OMG. THERE IS A PIECE OF LINT ON THE BED. I DEMAND A REFUND” when I was actually injured at the hands of Disney, and didn’t do anything about it. Being at Disney World was enough compensation for me, thank you very much.

Anyway, back to my love for Disney buses…They’re so wonderful, and air conditioned, and relaxing, and air conditioned, and some of the bus drivers are really entertaining, and did I mention they’re air conditioned? Getting into a car that’s been sitting in the hot sun for hours is not fun. I will gladly wait a few extra minutes if it means I don’t have to worry about burning myself on my seatbelt. Plus, riding the buses is a really weird bonding experience. It’s neat to share that it’s-insanely-early-and-I’m-on-summer-vacation-but-it’s-still-time-to-get-our-butts-to-the-park feeling with everyone else. Everyone’s putting on their sunscreen and discussing what rides they want to hit first…It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside. On Jimmy Fallon’s show, he does this bit called “Shared Experiences” where he makes the audience members bond by experiencing something together. One time, they tried out all sorts of infomercial products. Or during the World Cup, they all blew vuvuzelas. It’s always funny watching a bunch of people do something so random in unison. Gosh, this is such a tangent, but I’m pretty much the queen of tangents (technically, I’m the princess, but when the queen dies, I’m next in line) so whatever. Riding the bus is my Disney version of a Shared Experience.

We got to MGM by 8:30. The bag check wasn’t as thorough as it was at Epcot the day before, THANK GOD, so it didn’t take very long. I was also able to smuggle in a bunch of illegal drugs, 3 rifles, and a live chicken, which are all totally necessary for an enjoyable day at MGM. They hadn’t opened the turnstiles yet, so we picked the one with the fewest people and got in line. I think there were like 10 people in front of us.

I took this picture as further proof of my theory that the sky is always more blue over MGM.

Seriously, look at the blue-ness. It’s crazy. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think that Disney constantly pumps magic blue pellets into the air to dye the sky that shade of blue. …OMG. Maybe they do that! Next time I’m there I’m gonna have to keep an eye out for blue dye pellet launchers.

While we were waiting, people from the American Idol Experience were out begging for auditioners…errr “pumping up the crowd”. Somehow they convinced a family a couple rows over from us to sing a song for everyone. I don’t remember what they sang, but it was pretty funny. It definitely made the time pass more quickly.

Eventually we were let into the park and the Pre-Toy Story Mania Madness began. Everyone made a mad dash to be the first people behind the rope. It was crazy. Our plan was to get Toy Story FPs for everyone before riding ourselves, while Mom and Katie rode the Tower of Terror. So after we got into the park, Dad and I took everyone’s tickets and headed into the ALL HELL’S ABOUT TO BREAK LOOSE crowd. We were probably 5 people back from the rope and we were packed in tightly. I could already tell that this was going to be quite the mad rush. There was just this feeling of STRAP ON YOUR CROCS ‘CAUSE IT’S ABOUT TO GET CRAZY UP IN HERE in the air. It was weird. And unsettling. And really funny.

I guess this is the part where I should mention that I find it absolutely hilarious whenever large groups of people do something stupid in unison. The running of the bulls? Hilarious. Those flash mob dance videos that were all over youtube a while back? Hilarious. People doing the wave at sporting events? Hilarious. In fact, I’m notorious for laughing so hard I cry whenever it breaks out. So it’s obvious that I find the Toy Story Mania hysteria absolutely hysterical. I mean, the ride is amazing, but is it that amazing that we all need to collectively lose our minds in our haste to get there? I think that’s still up for debate.

While the MGM Welcome Show was going on and everyone else was tossing their “bambinos” in the air while yelling “Hollywood, here we come!” I was stretching and getting my head in the game because, as we all know, theme parks are serious business and I needed to be in the right frame of mind. I psyched myself up. But still, as a precaution, I told Dad that he needed to find my trip report notes in my suitcase and write up this report for me once he got home in case I didn’t make it in the madness. I mean, I was feeling pretty confident in my abilities, but I’ve seen those darn strollers take down some of the best.

Seconds before the rope was dropped, I said a quick prayer to the frozen head of Walt Disney and before I knew it, the hypothetical shot gun (or maybe it was literal…I mean, I did sneak in a few rifles ) had been fired and we were off to the races.

(Quick note: These pictures don’t really capture the speed at which we were moving. It was crazy)

Everything went pretty smoothly for the first leg of the race. There was no blood. There were no bodies strewn about the pavement. But when we hit the Animation Arch thingy, all hell broke loose.

Instead of using the bigger arch, everyone was trying to cram through the smaller one and it was a disaster. It was a giant bottleneck of people and there was pushing and shoving. Kids were crying. Parents were crying. You could hear cries of “OH DEAR GOD NO” and “WHYYYYYY???” Literally. I actually heard people screaming these things. Like I said before, apparently theme parks are serious business.

Being the Disney savvy people we are, Dad and I passed by the stupid people who were inexplicably still trying to shove themselves through the smaller arch and joined the smart people in going under the larger arch. I will never understand why more people didn’t do that. I mean, it’s two steps to your right! Why bother with all of the pushing and shoving?

So, we rounded the bend and headed down the home stretch.
Instead of using the bigger arch, everyone was trying to cram through the smaller one and it was a disaster. It was a giant bottleneck of people and there was pushing and shoving. Kids were crying. Parents were crying. You could hear cries of “OH DEAR GOD NO” and “WHYYYYYY???” Literally. I actually heard people screaming these things. Like I said before, apparently theme parks are serious business.

Being the Disney savvy people we are, Dad and I passed by the stupid people who were inexplicably still trying to shove themselves through the smaller arch and joined the smart people in going under the larger arch. I will never understand why more people didn’t do that. I mean, it’s two steps to your right! Why bother with all of the pushing and shoving?

So, we rounded the bend and headed down the home stretch.

At one point I said to Dad something along the lines about how this was the best workout I had gotten in a long time and the lady on the other side of me made a funny remark about how she trained all year for this. It made me laugh. And wonder if she was a DISer. I bet she was.

As per the plan, Dad and I headed right for the FastPass machines. Here’s where things quickly headed south. There were maybe 3 people in line ahead of us, but because it wasn’t exactly 9:00 yet, the machines weren’t turned on. So we had to stand there and wait as hundreds of people passed by us and headed into the ride. It was annoying. We were all prepared to take a quick detour, grab the FPs, and jump into the line before things got too out of hand, but that didn’t work out as quickly as we planned. And then, of course, things got worse. Once the FP machines were turned on, we learned that the very first person in our line (and the one next to us) was a tour guide with 50 tickets to put into the machine.

GRRRRREEEEEEEAAAAAAATTTTTT.

People were pissed. There was a CM standing near the entrance to the FP machines clearly stating that all of the tour guides were supposed to use a specified machine so that things like this wouldn’t happen, but did these two ladies listen? Nope. So we stood there for what seemed like FOREVER waiting for this woman to put 50 freaking tickets through the machine. For a second, I thought there was going to be a mutiny. It felt like at any moment, the woman in front of us and a guy in the line next to us, who had bonded in their anger, were about to run up there, tackle the tour guides, and stick their tickets in the machine. People were yelling at the tour guides to hurry up and muttering all sorts of “WHY DIDN’T THESE PEOPLE LISTEN?” remarks. It was crazy.

Dad and I didn’t let the whole situation bother us too much. We kinda just laughed it off. Of course, I was also rolling my eyes and quietly making sarcastic remarks, but rolling my eyes and making sarcastic remarks is normal behavior for me. But we weren’t about to get all worked up about it. Sure, we were going to be waiting a little longer for the ride, but it’s not the end of the world. I save all of my ANGERED and OUTRAGED behavior for moments when it’s really necessary. Like when the CW canceled Everwood for another season of 7th Heaven. I sent many a strongly worded e-mail/letter during that fiasco. Really, CW, the SERIES FINALE of 7th Heaven got surprisingly high ratings, so all of a sudden it’s time to dump Everwood and bring back 7th Heaven? Really? You don’t think that ONLY REASON that episode of 7th Heaven got high ratings was because it was the SERIES FINALE? That most people ONLY tuned in to see the LAST EPISODE? But whatever, let’s just cancel a show that still has a story left to tell so that we can bring back this DINOSAUR of a show that has already been on for about SIX SEASONS too many.

Deep breaths, Kara. Deep breaths.

As you can see, I still have very strong feelings about this issue. I see the letters C and W and I fill up with rage. Until I started watching the Vampire Diaries a few months ago, I hadn’t watched the CW in years out of spite. Darn you, Paul Wesley, for being all hot and attractive and sucking (no pun intended) me into that show. Your flawlessness has made me abandon all of my principles. But it’s totally worth it because the Vampire Diaries is amazing. But I will refrain from any further gushing because y’all probably don’t watch and/or care about it. Except for Lia.

AAAAAAND back to Disney…

After we FINALLY got our FPs (for 10:20), we decided to head over and find out exactly how long the wait for TSM was. As you can see, it wasn’t as bad as we feared, so we got in line.

Here begins the onslaught of pictures I took in the queue. I love it in there. The older I get (not that twenty is all that old) the more I realize that nostalgia is my absolute favorite thing ever. I will sit in front of the TV for hours whenever VH1 re-runs I Love the ____ marathons. My itunes account is 50% cheesy 90s music. In fact, as I type this, S Club 7’s “Bring It All Back” is playing. A couple weeks ago, I bought an NSYNC concert t-shirt on Ebay because I don’t know what happened to mine and I just needed to have one. The Big Ten just announced the new divisions for the expanded conference, and upon hearing that one of the divisions is going to be called the “Legends Division” I immediately considered writing a letter to the Big Ten asking them to consider a few mascot changes to better fit the “Legends” theme. I mean, the University of Michigan Blue Barracudas? The Northwestern Purple Parrots? The Michigan State Green Monkeys? And then, at the end of the season, whichever team wins the division not only gets a trophy, they also get a new pair of Sketchers and a trip to Space Camp. It’d be perfect.

So yeah, I love nostalgia. I love reminiscing. The second I step into the Toy Story queue, I feel like I’m in nostalgia heaven.

A “K” for Kara. I can’t help but feel that they put that in there *just* for me. I mean, I am a pretty important person so…

I don’t have (I say “have” because I still have mine stored in the closet with the rest of my childhood) bendy pieces for my Tinker Toys, but I wish I did because that guitar looks awesome.

My foot pointing at Ohio/Lake Erie/The general vicinity of Cleveland. A girl’s gotta represent. The people around me probably thought I was nuts because I was seriously jumping up and down going “DAD! DAD! It’s Cleveland! Ah, I have to take a picture!” I thought about lying down on the floor so that I could get my head in the picture, but that would have been way too complicated, so I settled for my foot.

I love these kid-like paintings of the characters. Bullseye is too adorable. OMG.

I never noticed it before this trip, but the safety sign is “stapled” onto the wall. So cute.

This combination of Christmas lights and Tinker Toys makes me so happy. Someday, when I’m rich, there is going to be a room in my mansion constructed entirely of giant Tinker Toys and Christmas lights. It will be fabulous. You are all invited to come and visit, of course!
We finally boarded the ride after an exactly 30 minute wait (I timed it) and I was really excited. I really do love Toy Story Mania. I mean, I mock all of the hysteria, but I can totally understand why people are so crazy about it. It’s just so much fun. The second the car zips off from the loading area and into the actual ride, I start giggling and I don’t stop until the ride is over. When Woody, Jessie, Buzz, and the gang first pop up in the practice round, I always get the biggest smile on my face. Y’all know my feelings about the Toy Story franchise (If not, see my PTR…Or just ask and I’ll ramble on about it). In my opinion, Toy Story 3 was the movie of the year. I’m reaaaalllly hoping it gets an Oscar nomination for Best Picture. I have no doubt that it’ll be nominated for (and win) Best Animated Film, but it was just brilliant and absolutely deserves a Best Picture nomination. Heck, I think it deserves a Best Picture win, but I doubt that’ll happen. Anyway, I have such an attachment to these guys, so getting to “play” with them for a few minutes is a dream come true.
Plus, I come from quite the competitive family, so it’s definitely fun in that regard. We always try to beat each other. Or at least Dad and I try to beat each other. Mom and Katie are really easy to beat. LOL. But yeah, Dad and I get really into it. By the end of the ride, our arms are about to fall off, but it’s totally worth it.

On this particular occasion, I beat Dad! It wasn’t by much, but a win is a win. He was all “My accuracy is way better” but I still had the higher score, I win - you lose, so suck it!

And with that, I think I'll stop here. The next update is already almost finished, so I'll have it posted sometime next week. I'm really going to try to update this thing on a weekly basis from now on. I've gotta make more room for the DIS in my life. I miss it!

Finally, in the words of NSYNC, MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

I hope Santa brings you everything you asked for. I also hope that you eat dozens of cookies so that I can feel better about myself for not being the only person to do just that. I think I've already eaten about a dozen today. This does not bode well for the next couple days.

 

[__disneygirl]

HEY!!!!!!!!!!!

Um.. Dissers? KARA has updated her rockin TR. So get your butts OVER HERE!!!!!!!!!!!

Where IS everybody? Sheesh.

Ah well. Let's get on with it. I'm here now!

Ok, first of all, anyone who doesn't call it MGM clearly is either 2 years old or has serious issues.

The first time I did Toy Story Mania, I was back each morning at opening. Of course I never made it by rope drop. But still in time to get on without a 90438098 wait. God, I just FELL IN LOVE with this AMAZING attraction. In. Love. But I'll save that story for my own TR!

I hate the Disney buses as I have lamented in my TR. But I also love them....as I have lamented in my TR!! I hate the slowness, the stops, the waiting, the crowds... but even on our next trip when we rent a car, I'm still going to use the bus service one or two times. I have to. For the voice over alone. "It's all waiting for you today at the Magic Kingdom." Oh, and also for the purple seats. Anything with purple seats can't be all bad.

I'm totally with you, I am not one of those people who looks for any reason to get a refund or bonus fastpasses or whatever from Disney, but you one hundred percent, ABSOLUTELY deserved some kind of compensation because of what happened to you on that bus. It completely was not your fault. You were sitting in a seat that Disney chose not to put a seatbelt on, something THEY did caused you to fall and really hurt yourself. Not only that, but an entire bus full of people were there to witness it! It would have been one thing if you were just fine afterward, but not being able to chew and also not being able to sleep on one side is a major, major discomfort. I'm not saying you should have sued them (although you probably could have done it if you didn't mind the legal fees and all the time it takes), but if anything like that ever happens again I definitely would bring it to someone's attention immediately.

Back to TSM. The mad dash is insane. I like being solo in the mornings because I can easily weave in and out of the crowds and surpass hundreds of people who have to stick with their families. I may be Forever Alone, but I get to ride TSM multiple times so I really could not care less.

I can't believe that happened at the Fastpass machines, but you and your dad handled it perfectly. There is simply no reason to be rude or get mad at Disney unless something really serious happens and I hate when people let a bit of a longer wait for something ruin their day.

Yayyy thanks for my SHOUT OUT!!!!! Less than one month until TVD is back! I never watched Everwood, but a bunch of my friends loved it and were just as pissed. Don't get me started on the canceling of my beloved The OC. I will probably start crying.

Ahhh nostalgia. I live for it but it also kills me. I long to be one of those people who lives in the moment but I am so stuck in the past. I'm always figuring out how long ago something was and then cringing when I realize it was way longer ago than I thought. AND OF COURSE I LOVE YOUR LEGENDS IDEA.

You're right about TSM... I thought it was overhyped until I experienced it for myself and realized the hype was right on target. PUN INTENDED!!!

 

[MarieTheCat24]

HEY!!!!!!!!!!!

Um.. Dissers? KARA has updated her rockin TR. So get your butts OVER HERE!!!!!!!!!!!

Where IS everybody? Sheesh.

Ah well. Let's get on with it. I'm here now!

Ok, first of all, anyone who doesn't call it MGM clearly is either 2 years old or has serious issues.

The first time I did Toy Story Mania, I was back each morning at opening. Of course I never made it by rope drop. But still in time to get on without a 90438098 wait. God, I just FELL IN LOVE with this AMAZING attraction. In. Love. But I'll save that story for my own TR!

I hate the Disney buses as I have lamented in my TR. But I also love them....as I have lamented in my TR!! I hate the slowness, the stops, the waiting, the crowds... but even on our next trip when we rent a car, I'm still going to use the bus service one or two times. I have to. For the voice over alone. "It's all waiting for you today at the Magic Kingdom." Oh, and also for the purple seats. Anything with purple seats can't be all bad.

I'm totally with you, I am not one of those people who looks for any reason to get a refund or bonus fastpasses or whatever from Disney, but you one hundred percent, ABSOLUTELY deserved some kind of compensation because of what happened to you on that bus. It completely was not your fault. You were sitting in a seat that Disney chose not to put a seatbelt on, something THEY did caused you to fall and really hurt yourself. Not only that, but an entire bus full of people were there to witness it! It would have been one thing if you were just fine afterward, but not being able to chew and also not being able to sleep on one side is a major, major discomfort. I'm not saying you should have sued them (although you probably could have done it if you didn't mind the legal fees and all the time it takes), but if anything like that ever happens again I definitely would bring it to someone's attention immediately.

Back to TSM. The mad dash is insane. I like being solo in the mornings because I can easily weave in and out of the crowds and surpass hundreds of people who have to stick with their families. I may be Forever Alone, but I get to ride TSM multiple times so I really could not care less.

I can't believe that happened at the Fastpass machines, but you and your dad handled it perfectly. There is simply no reason to be rude or get mad at Disney unless something really serious happens and I hate when people let a bit of a longer wait for something ruin their day.

Yayyy thanks for my SHOUT OUT!!!!! Less than one month until TVD is back! I never watched Everwood, but a bunch of my friends loved it and were just as pissed. Don't get me started on the canceling of my beloved The OC. I will probably start crying.

Ahhh nostalgia. I live for it but it also kills me. I long to be one of those people who lives in the moment but I am so stuck in the past. I'm always figuring out how long ago something was and then cringing when I realize it was way longer ago than I thought. AND OF COURSE I LOVE YOUR LEGENDS IDEA.

You're right about TSM... I thought it was overhyped until I experienced it for myself and realized the hype was right on target. PUN INTENDED!!!

OH MY GOSH. YES. WHERE IS EVERYONE? I mean, I guess I shouldn't be surprised considering *I* haven't been on in a week, but wow, it's quiet in here. Do I smell weird or something and you're all not telling me? Do I have something in my teeth? Now I'm going to be all self-conscious...

AH! The "It's all waiting for you today at [Insert Park Here]" voice over makes my life. It's just so exciting! I need to become more technologically proficient so that I can figure out how to set that as my alarm. It would make waking up in the morning so much happier.

Yeah, we definitely should have said something about the whole bus incident. It's really weird that we didn't. I mean, my mom is lawyer! You'd think she would have been all over it. But, like, we didn't really realize the extent of my injury until later and by then, we were all just kind of over it. I wasn't in mortal peril, so it was easier to just forget about it and try to enjoy the rest of the vacation. But if something like that ever happens again (which I'm praying it won't) we'll definitely say something.

I may be Forever Alone, but I get to ride TSM multiple times so I really could not care less.
So true. Being Forever Alone has it's advantages. I don't understand how/why people drag their kids into that mess. Do they get some sort of pleasure out of watching their child get trampled? Seriously. Send someone to get FPs and keep your kid out of the mayhem.

I hate when people let a little unexpected wait ruin their day too. Last summer, Pirates of the Caribbean broke down while we were waiting in the loading area. The people around me were mad. Like, you'd think that someone just simultaneously stole all of their money, burnt their house down, and kicked their puppy with the way people were reacting. I just laughed because, OF COURSE we would be the next people to board and then it would break down. That's the kind of luck my family has. I have this theory that everyone from Cleveland is cursed. I would elaborate, but it would take a while.

Everwood was sooooooo good. Oh my gosh. I really don't ever think I will be able to get over it's cancellation. I have never been that upset about anything in my entire life. Thinking about it still makes me rage. And I feel your OC pain. I was upset when that got canceled too. I have so many fun "Watching The OC" memories. My family would always try to talk to me during the show and I would freak out at them and be like "SHUT UP. SHUT UP. SHUT UP. SHUT UP. CAN YOU NOT SEE THAT SETH COHEN IS ON MY TV SCREEN RIGHT NOW?" And then once the episode was over, I'd run to the computer so that my BFF and I could discuss what happened over AIM. Why we didn't just call each other, I will never know. And I remember just crying for like an hour after the Seth/Summer Spiderman kiss in The Rainy Day Women. It was so beautiful and happy and wonderful and OMG. I miss that show! Why did Fox have to take it away? Why? Why did all of the good shows from that era get canceled, but the sucky ones are still on? One Tree Hill, I'm looking at you.

 

[jenbear123]

Hey Kara! I'm still here and just as busy as you are I'm sure at this time of year. Your updates are always amazing and hilarious. "A live chicken" Love it! Anyways, keep up the wonderful updates

 

[sk8jdgca]

I'm still here-been sitting here a long time-my kids may need to dust me soon as the cobwebs are starting to form.....

 

[Cat0727]

Hey girl, I'm still here! Just been really busy! I am sorta behind on everyone's TR but I'm going to get caught up now!

The TSM stampede is probably the craziest out of all the parks. People are running toward that ride like there is thousands of dollars waiting for them at the entrance. I loved your queue pics. I still haven't gone on the stand-by line yet, it's always been the FP line. Last month I wasn't able to ride TSM because we went to MGM on our arrival day so by the time we got there all the FPs were gone and the line was over an hour long It was weird not riding TSM, I was so sad!