Like a Bad Meal (V Keeps Coming Back) - THE END! 1/12/09

[PrincessAlways]

There's a GOOD Capt. Jack?!

Well, ok.....I did not explain that properly! His "performance" is "good", excellent, right on! You'd think he was Johnny Depp! Is that better?

 

[mymainmouse]

You had me there - I'm always afraid I'll post something snarky and wind up finding the person on the DIS!

Sorry, I just couldn't resist.

 

[jordanyosh]

…and on into Adventureland for one of Leo’s most favorite attractions, the Jungle Cruise. I really wanted to grab some pics of him, happy to be cruising, but he wasn’t willing. I wound up with this,

And this,

Niiice.

I love these pix. It just reminds all of us that kids have minds of their own....We love them anyway.

 

[sharkB8HooHaHa]

Think Leo will let me borrow that key for RnR? And TofT? And Space Mountain? And Mission:Space (orange)? And Astro Orbiter? And the Teacups? And Cinderella's Carousel?......

Maybe I should get my own key.

 

[Goofyluver]

Oyyyyyy...me eyes is hurtin' after that pic of that fashion faux pas!

Maybe she was tryin to be cool while trying not to offend others with her booty shorts.

One thing I learned from these past few trips...people don't look in the mirror before embarking for the parks!

 

[PrincessV]

Well, ok.....I did not explain that properly! His "performance" is "good", excellent, right on! You'd think he was Johnny Depp! Is that better?

That's exactly how I took it - but now I'm thinking other things!

I love these pix. It just reminds all of us that kids have minds of their own....We love them anyway.

Yeah, I guess. No, in truth, I'm so glad Leo thinks for himself and flat-out refuses to go along with anything he feels is dangerous, unethical or in any way seems "wrong."

Think Leo will let me borrow that key for RnR? And TofT? And Space Mountain? And Mission:Space (orange)? And Astro Orbiter? And the Teacups? And Cinderella's Carousel?......

Maybe I should get my own key.

LOL, first he'd have to FIND the key - it's buried in some bin in his room now. I think. But I know where to get another!

One thing I learned from these past few trips...people don't look in the mirror before embarking for the parks!

So true! The fashion-watching gets better and better as it gets hotter down here. Winter's not as much fun.

 

[PrincessAlways]

That's exactly how I took it - but now I'm thinking other things!

Oh V.....if you're thinking what I'm thinking.... we ARE bad!!!

 

[thewesterberg]

I'm a little behind on commenting...

I’ve had an entire queen-sized bed to myself for the past five years and I’ve gotten used to it. So, suddenly sharing a full-size bed with a squirmy-sleeper wasn’t working so well. For V. Leo was just fine, thank you.

Isn't it amazing how much room those little bodies can take up?!

So we drove to the TTC and got in the short line of cars being directed into rows. As usual, I was but a few cars in from the far end of a row. But this time, it mattered not at all… because said row was the SECOND row from the street. The street by which the trams deliver guests to the TTC. That’s right, SECOND row. Baybee.

SCORE!!

Once the sappy-happy sing-a-long show finished, we made our way down Main Street, where I saw this fashion disaster:

Yea! I finally made it into V's TR!!





Just kidding!
That's scary though

So the power was in The Key and The Key helped Leo conquer his POTC fears.

What a good idea!! We'll have to try something like that with our guy so we can branch out into something a little crazier than Peter Pan!

 

[PrincessV]

Thought I’d take a moment for some previews of upcoming trips to be included in this report…

There is, of course, FockerFest 2008 coming up in August. Yes, I’m a proud, lime-green-Mickey-head-carrying member of Team Focker Watch. MANY TFW members will be hitting WDW in late August for a big meet. Over Wiener Salad. And Margaritas.



I know.

But it’ll be enormously fun, and you can read all about the pre-trip antics by clicking on the link in my signature.



October 2008

This is a new mini-trip on my calendar, brought about by my desire to finally meet a fellow DISer, Michelle. When I looked at Michelle’s dates, trying to find a weekend day on which I could drive over to see her, I noticed some interesting things…

Halloween is on a Friday this year.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is being presented ON Halloween.

I have Leo that weekend.

Michelle and family will be in The World.


I’m sure you can imagine where this information led…. straight to the Visa which purchased three tickets to MNSSHP. Yes, you heard me – THREE tickets. Gramma decided she wants in on this one. More to come on the October trip.


November 2008

The 3rd annual Eat Through The World, also known as Epcot’s Food & Wine Fest. Sorta like the Run for the Roses. Only slower. And a lot more caloric. He/she who gains the most pounds over a 24 hour period wins.

I took the roses last year at a whopping 4+.



This is a child-free trip and will involve much drink-induced revelry. We’re not sloppy-drunk, mind you, but we are a large group and we tend to be pretty high on life. So add a few little samples of wine and a whole lotta food and you get some serious fun with us.


December 2008

The annual holiday trip. A little shorter this year – Leo will be in first grade and I don’t want to pull him out for too many days. Plus, I need my vacation hours to cover his school breaks. Some serious planning is going down for this one. But I don’t want to give too much away.

I’ll give you this, though: Gramma’s coming. Which came as a surprise to me last night. Back on Mother’s Day, I was telling Gramma about some plans I had in store for August. She asked, “What are the dates again? I’ll need to let work know.”

Me: “Uh, you decided not to come.”
Gramma: “I thought you needed me for babysitting?”
Me: “No, I told you months ago that I didn’t. And I explained that you were welcome to come along, but we’d be meeting lots of people, which isn’t your cup of tea. You decided to skip it.”
Gramma: “I did?”
Me: “Yes, but if you’ve changed your mind, you’re still welcome to come.”



Gramma: “Well, I’ll come if you want me to.”
Me: “Do YOU want to?”
Gramma: “Not really.”
Me: “Then don’t! Really, there’s no obligation.”
Gramma: “When else are we going to WDW?”
Me: “Well, Leo and I are planning on Dec. Do you want to go then?”
Gramma: “Only if you want me to.”



Me: “Of course, we’d love to have you along, but again, if you’d rather not, that’s perfectly okay.”
Gramma: “Not really.”
Me: "Okay then."

Gramma: “So I’m not bound to any WDW trips for the rest of the year?!”
Me: “Nope.”
Gramma:


And that’s where it was left. Until last night. When something told me to ask again. And, lo and behold, she decided that she does want to join us in December. But only because it’s a short trip. She doesn’t like those “long” trips of 4-5 days.



So that’s what’s stirring on the horizon. In addition to a trip taken in May I still need to cover. Stay tuned.

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

AUGUST, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER! I'm officially jealous!

 

[Goofyluver]

Thought I’d take a moment for some previews of upcoming trips to be included in this report…

There is, of course, FockerFest 2008 coming up in August. Yes, I’m a proud, lime-green-Mickey-head-carrying member of Team Focker Watch. MANY TFW members will be hitting WDW in late August for a big meet. Over Wiener Salad. And Margaritas.



I know.

But it’ll be enormously fun, and you can read all about the pre-trip antics by clicking on the link in my signature.

I"m so jealous of you guys!

October 2008

This is a new mini-trip on my calendar, brought about by my desire to finally meet a fellow DISer, Michelle. When I looked at Michelle’s dates, trying to find a weekend day on which I could drive over to see her, I noticed some interesting things…

Halloween is on a Friday this year.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is being presented ON Halloween.

I have Leo that weekend.

Michelle and family will be in The World.


I’m sure you can imagine where this information led…. straight to the Visa which purchased three tickets to MNSSHP. Yes, you heard me – THREE tickets. Gramma decided she wants in on this one. More to come on the October trip.

Oooooohhhh...Halloween! I really want to get there during halloween within the next few years.

November 2008

The 3rd annual Eat Through The World, also known as Epcot’s Food & Wine Fest. Sorta like the Run for the Roses. Only slower. And a lot more caloric. He/she who gains the most pounds over a 24 hour period wins.

I took the roses last year at a whopping 4+.



This is a child-free trip and will involve much drink-induced revelry. We’re not sloppy-drunk, mind you, but we are a large group and we tend to be pretty high on life. So add a few little samples of wine and a whole lotta food and you get some serious fun with us.

Not much better than wine and lots o' grub!

December 2008

Me: “Uh, you decided not to come.”
Gramma: “I thought you needed me for babysitting?”
Me: “No, I told you months ago that I didn’t. And I explained that you were welcome to come along, but we’d be meeting lots of people, which isn’t your cup of tea. You decided to skip it.”
Gramma: “I did?”
Me: “Yes, but if you’ve changed your mind, you’re still welcome to come.”



Gramma: “Well, I’ll come if you want me to.”
Me: “Do YOU want to?”
Gramma: “Not really.”
Me: “Then don’t! Really, there’s no obligation.”
Gramma: “When else are we going to WDW?”
Me: “Well, Leo and I are planning on Dec. Do you want to go then?”
Gramma: “Only if you want me to.”



Me: “Of course, we’d love to have you along, but again, if you’d rather not, that’s perfectly okay.”
Gramma: “Not really.”
Me: "Okay then."

Gramma: “So I’m not bound to any WDW trips for the rest of the year?!”
Me: “Nope.”
Gramma:


And that’s where it was left. Until last night. When something told me to ask again. And, lo and behold, she decided that she does want to join us in December. But only because it’s a short trip. She doesn’t like those “long” trips of 4-5 days.



So that’s what’s stirring on the horizon. In addition to a trip taken in May I still need to cover. Stay tuned.

OMGosh. It's like reading a conversation with my mother.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Halloween at WDW sounds like a blast!!! That one should be really neat.

 

[puggymom]

So true! The fashion-watching gets better and better as it gets hotter down here. Winter's not as much fun.

I just said to my VP yesterday how entertaining things get when the weather gets warmer. JEEZ, what some people think is appropriate office wear

This is a new mini-trip on my calendar, brought about by my desire to finally meet a fellow DISer, Michelle.

Hey where is Michelle these days!

I"m so jealous of you guys!

Always rrom for more Jen!

AUGUST, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER! I'm officially jealous!

ME TOO!

 

[jcc0621]

There is, of course, FockerFest 2008 coming up in August. Yes, I’m a proud, lime-green-Mickey-head-carrying member of Team Focker Watch. MANY TFW members will be hitting WDW in late August for a big meet. Over Wiener Salad. And Margaritas.



I know.

But it’ll be enormously fun, and you can read all about the pre-trip antics by clicking on the link in my signature.

Come on V...the heat won't be THAT bad

October 2008

This is a new mini-trip on my calendar, brought about by my desire to finally meet a fellow DISer, Michelle. When I looked at Michelle’s dates, trying to find a weekend day on which I could drive over to see her, I noticed some interesting things…

Halloween is on a Friday this year.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is being presented ON Halloween.

I have Leo that weekend.

Michelle and family will be in The World.


I’m sure you can imagine where this information led…. straight to the Visa which purchased three tickets to MNSSHP. Yes, you heard me – THREE tickets. Gramma decided she wants in on this one. More to come on the October trip.

I was trying to convince Jim that mishchief night and Halloween would be a GOOD time to take a couple of personal days and go to MNSHP..so far no go

December 2008
Gramma: “So I’m not bound to any WDW trips for the rest of the year?!”
Me: “Nope.”
Gramma:

This made me

And that’s where it was left. Until last night. When something told me to ask again. And, lo and behold, she decided that she does want to join us in December. But only because it’s a short trip. She doesn’t like those “long” trips of 4-5 days.

What must she think of us that go for 2 weeks

So that’s what’s stirring on the horizon. In addition to a trip taken in May I still need to cover. Stay tuned.

 

[PrincessV]

Oh V.....if you're thinking what I'm thinking.... we ARE bad!!!

Isn't it amazing how much room those little bodies can take up?!

Seriously! How does he do that?!

What a good idea!! We'll have to try something like that with our guy so we can branch out into something a little crazier than Peter Pan!

Not much better than wine and lots o' grub!

OMGosh. It's like reading a conversation with my mother.

I had a feeling it might!

AUGUST, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER! I'm officially jealous!

THIS from the woman who can watch DLR fireworks from her backyard.

Halloween at WDW sounds like a blast!!! That one should be really neat.

I think so too! I hope...

Hey where is Michelle these days!

She's around - super busy!

I was trying to convince Jim that mishchief night and Halloween would be a GOOD time to take a couple of personal days and go to MNSHP..so far no go

Darn. Keep working on him!

Don't worry - I'm on a roll....

 

[DisneyJo]

OMG V laughing at Gramma Great news for you though hey



Um T how can you be jealous of V when you go to DL ALL the time?????

 

[PrincessV]

Back to the trip at-hand.

Before I return to my conundrum midway through Day #2 of Trip #1, let’s check in with our third character, My Hair.

My Hair was in rare form, behaving as it only does at WDW. And this is good! I think the water’s a bit softer there than at home and it really encourages the curl. Styling that morning was a snap – a little Redken Outshine 01 Polishing Milk, a quick zap of the blow-dryer on my roots, and I was good-to-go.

But by the time this story picks back up – 10:30ish am in the MK – I was questioning the new cut. My Hair had many new layers, and could not be pulled back into a pony-tail. I did have a hat, and if I really couldn’t take it, I could stuff it in there. But I was trying to avoid that and let me say, having my hair down was making the heat hotter, if such a thing is possible.

Funny thing is, writing about this now, in June… summer… with temps soaring… I have to laugh. I had no IDEA what hot was. In April. And yes, I go through this every single year. I think it’s our way of coping with summer down here in FL; we have to forget just how brutal it is each winter.


Anyway, as I stood there, wondering what Leo and I should do with the rest of our day, My Hair looked good.

At least I had that going for me.


After some thought and discussion, Leo and I decided we really needed to get OUT of the MK. If we stayed, I think we both knew we’d regret it. We’d skipped a morning snack and were getting pretty hungry, so lunch was a priority… where to go?


T had it right, we chose the Poly! On our way over via monorail, I called boysmom5150, also known as T2, to let her know where we’d be. I got her voicemail and left a message, hoping we’d find each other at the Poly.


I love the Poly. Love it, love it, love it. I can’t even put my finger on why, so just know that I do. I instantly relax upon entering those sliding doors, even when the lobby is full and buzzing with activity. That particular morning, though, there was little activity and the Poly was even more stress-reducing than ever. Perfect!

Leo and I made our way down to Capt. Cooks and found that, while the touch-screen ordering system was out of service, there was no wait and we placed our order for one Grown-Up Grilled Cheese and one kid’s “cheese hamburger.” Leo’s name, not the Poly’s. It was a beautiful day, so we chose the outdoor seating area for our repast. As usual, the food was delicious.

And the ambience? I couldn’t have asked for more. It was cool in the shade, quiet, and soooo relaxing. We wound up hanging around there for quite a while, just talking and enjoying our surroundings. I even got Leo to take a picture with me:

Of course, I first had to bribe him with one of these:

And we saw these guys…

There were about five or six ducklings scampering around under the tables, picking up crumbs. They had no fear at all, and came right up to our toes! I kept waiting for an angry momma-duck to show up, but I didn’t see her for a while. Actually, I heard her before I saw her, giving a small “quack” that immediately brought all her little guys in line and toddling back to her by the bushes. It was all so cute!



Before lunch, Leo had expressed a great desire to go home. But with some burger and Mickey treat in him, he thought Epcot sounded like a good idea. I agreed. Still, I could see that he was getting tired and wouldn’t last too long. I hadn’t seen T2 yet, and I was questioning whether we would at all, at the rate Leo and I were going.


The trip to EP was uneventful – we were just enjoying the monorail rides. When we entered EP, I asked Leo to take a picture of me in front of the Big Ball and the Flower & Garden Fest topiaries…

Not quite what I had in mind.





Our first stop was Spaceship Earth, Leo’s favorite. Last time we’d been on it, he rode with his DIS buddy Michael. This time, I got to see his face when we went through the final portion of the ride…

I know – I did a lousy job of capturing it, but it was really funny!


Leo felt the need – the need for speed, and HAD to stop at the car game in the Siemens exhibition space outside the ride. Whilst Leo was driving, my phone rang and it was T2! They’d just gotten to the MK. We talked for a bit and I expressed how sorry I was to miss her – I knew we’d maybe hit one more attraction and need to call it a day. Taking Leo back to the MK would have been a big mistake. T2, I’m still sorry and hope I get the chance to meet up with you again down the road!


Leo only wanted to do one more thing before hitting the road – Nemo.

Now, don’t get me wrong – I like the clamobile ride well-enough. But. I LOVED the original Living Seas. I used to look forward to “BWWWWWOMMMMBBB! The Deluge.” I thought the Hydrolaters were da bomb. And I liked the open ride across the sea-floor.

So, it pains me to call this attraction “Nemo.” To me, it will always be “The Living Seas.”


Post-Nemo Leo wanted to hit the “shark playground”, of which I swear he can never get enough. But. This time was different.

I was standing by the entrance to the “shark playground”, making sure he didn’t leave there without my noticing, when I hear his little voice saying “Mommy! I’m here, in Bruce!”

Sure enough, the top of his head was just visible above Bruce’s teeth. He’s NEVER been willing to get in there for that classic Bruce photo-op, so I had my camera out in a flash. But he was too low! A wonderful dad in line with his child behind Leo gave my boy a boost and we got this:

That just about made my day! (NOClint Eastwood)


Only one thing left to do once Leo was done with the “shark playground”… we needed a snack before heading home. We chose ice cream and wound up at the new Edy’s place that faces the Fountain of Nations.

What a lovely end to a great day! And the day was a lovely end to our short trip. Leo and me – we need those weekends with each other, away from home. We love and adore Gramma, but sometimes, we need to reconnect, the two of us, and I’m so glad WDW is there for us to do so. I’ve joked in the past that WDW has become like a “lake home” for me – a home-away-from-home at which to spend the occasional weekend. But that analogy would become more and more accurate as 2008 continued.

Next trip: A Weekend WITHOUT Leo!

 

[kykatt2]

YES... I BEAT JANET... Feels good !!!

Leo's picture of you reminds me of the FIRST picture I ever took.. it was of MY MOM and hea I CUT OFF HER HEAD TOO !!

I like Disney at that time of year with the ducklings.. maybe next year we can manage it again.

 

[KatGarcia]

First of all Gramma is too funny!

You make me really wanna push for that October trip again...I have to work on KC a bit tho...

The pic of you ands Leo is too cute!!!

 

[jcc0621]

I love the Poly. Love it, love it, love it. I can’t even put my finger on why, so just know that I do. I instantly relax upon entering those sliding doors, even when the lobby is full and buzzing with activity. That particular morning, though, there was little activity and the Poly was even more stress-reducing than ever. Perfect!

I think I am the only person in the world who isn't enamoured with the Poly

Love this pic

Of course, I first had to bribe him with one of these:

Hey everyone has to have thier priorities

The trip to EP was uneventful – we were just enjoying the monorail rides. When we entered EP, I asked Leo to take a picture of me in front of the Big Ball and the Flower & Garden Fest topiaries…

Not quite what I had in mind.

I love the monorail ride from TTC to Epcot!

Nice try Leo

Sure enough, the top of his head was just visible above Bruce’s teeth. He’s NEVER been willing to get in there for that classic Bruce photo-op, so I had my camera out in a flash. But he was too low! A wonderful dad in line with his child behind Leo gave my boy a boost and we got this:

Awesome

What a lovely end to a great day! And the day was a lovely end to our short trip. Leo and me – we need those weekends with each other, away from home. We love and adore Gramma, but sometimes, we need to reconnect, the two of us, and I’m so glad WDW is there for us to do so. I’ve joked in the past that WDW has become like a “lake home” for me – a home-away-from-home at which to spend the occasional weekend. But that analogy would become more and more accurate as 2008 continued.

IT is so great that you and Leo are able to have your mommy and me time

Next trip: A Weekend WITHOUT Leo!

YES... I BEAT JANET... Feels good !!!