MagicBands + Margaritas + Muggles + Minions = TRP. New TR link is up! 10/31

[Poolrat]

It is better, I mean I can lift my arm up enough to put on deoderant and wash my hair so that's a rather huge improvement.

But yes, that is what it appears, something I have to work with and around. 5x a day!! BLEH. Which is what I'd suspected. In some ways a relief to know it's not connected to the neck, but in some ways I wish it was as maybe then that would get truly fixed. Was VERY impressed with the doc I ended up with though, feel excellent about my choice there. I am not surprised it's not a quick fix, didn't expect it to be but I am also glad to not have any official restrictions, truly the more I move it the better...within reason. I'll be icing and using heat more than before I think but tonight's run is definitely on and heavens knows I need it. I may well end up with a break from PT while I stretch it out, I'm keeping my appointment for next week and will review the new info with them then. He wants the stiffness dealt with before strengthening starts.

I will, given what we saw with the calcium deposit I want to try his stretching program first, it is a bit different than what they had me doing. 5x a day though...bleh. I could have pushed for an MRI, it really was my call, but all that is likely to do is possibly show more calcium or the depth of it and I'm not sure for today that it was needed. If he thought there was any indication neck and shoulder were linked, I would have pushed for it and said as much.

I have no idea what MOBS stands for lol. But if it is what I think it is, yes they have been doing that.

You can google MOBS and get lots of stuff. I assume it is an acronym but don't know what it stands for. Looking again I think it is just for MOBilization. Passive stretches for the shoulder joint.

 

[eandesmom]

Ouch! I hope the stretching works!

It is definitely helping. Pretty fascinating really, just a bit different from what PT had me doing but is helping SO much more.

Small help on the massage, but you can get a note from your doctor and you can use your FSA to pay for it if you have money in a FSA.

Jill in CO

Yeah...we don't have an FSA. Used to and we meant to start it back up this year...forgot...so need to remember next year. LOL!

I'm catching up after a lovely 4-day WDW weekend! It was so nice to be there with low crowds! Anyway, back to your report!

Oh I bet! What a contrast to NYE huh.

OMG, so true! The NYE trip was our first time ever on TSMM!! How ridiculous is that?! FP+ worked great for us.

Oh that's so funny! Didn't you decide to do the whole FP+ kind of at the last minute? Very glad it was helpful for you.

I also like the Costco pesto, but I'm trying to make more food from scratch now - care to share your recipe??

I just do a variation on this one. I go heavier on the pine nuts, lighter on the oil, heavier on the garlic lol. I also, this last round, did 1/2 parm and 1/2 asiago.

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 garlic clove, peeled
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves. packed
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup - 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Into the bowl of a food processor, add the garlic, basil leaves, pine nuts, salt, and pepper. Pulse until finely chopped. With the blender still running, slowly pour 1/2 cup of olive oil. Check for a thick, yet smooth consistency, adding more oil if necessary. Transfer to a bowl and stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan.

Sorry about your shoulder, it's always something isn't it?? I hope you get relief soon!

It is always something. It is much better. It won't be better overnight but at least right now seems to be moving in the right direction.

You can google MOBS and get lots of stuff. I assume it is an acronym but don't know what it stands for. Looking again I think it is just for MOBilization. Passive stretches for the shoulder joint.

lol. We will see what they say when I review the info he gave me. It may make sense to stop PT for a bit and just stretch, before going back.

 

[eandesmom]

It was 3pm. It had been a great day so far but it had moved quickly and time was getting away from us. At least from Jeff and I. We had a 6:20 reservation at Ohana. With that in mind the group huddled and talked about what to do. The boys wanted to see LMA which was at 4:20 or 4:30 ish, something like that. In the meantime they planned to do single rider RRC until they hurled or it closed or whatever came first. We figured we would have just enough time for them to do that, and then needed to be on a bus headed to the Poly. If memory serves, Mom and Dad had a FP+ for something, either the Comedy Warehouse or BAB. They'd sat out RRC and this was their alternative. Jeff and I? Well, we needed clothes to get us through the rest of the evening. We split up. Plan was to either meet at LMA or at the Poly bus stop at 5:15.

Jeff and I hightailed it back to BWV, I LOVE being able to just walk back! It is such a lovely lovely walk. Such a great HOME! And, given our villa location, very easy to pop up the stairs from the DHS pathway and be home in minutes.

Once home, do you think we grabbed our clothes and ran back to the park?

Not exactly.

Jeff, suffering a serious carbo withdrawal...and the temptation of "free" drinks...with a hint from me it was determined that it was snack time, villa style.

On the balcony, of course.

Villa = balcony, patio or deck
Stateroom = Verandah
Aulani/Hawaii = Lanai regardless of the elevation.

For those of you wondering why and when I change what I call it.

Nachos with a rum and coke for Jeff and a mango/orange coconut rum concoction for me. And yes, my drink is bigger. The amount of booze in them though...is equal. LOL!



Mnnn....nothing spells vacation more than those items. Especially the mango juice coconut rum combo for me! Even if it isn't tropical out, it is in my mind once I smell the coconut. Jeff is the same with rum and coke. Not drinks we have at home (or rarely rarely lol). I used to join him in his beverage of choice but soda no longer agrees with me.

Besides, we needed to maximize view enjoyment! As some of you may recall, a lot of early mornings went in to securing it.

Want to see?











Yeah, doesn't suck, does it?

Happy Guy!



Apparently either my mom called me, or I pocket dialed her as she over heard me gushing while we sat there soaking it in, saying THIS, this is why we bought here.



She thought it was cute.

While we easily could have sat there another hour, we didn't have much time, our hope was that possibly Mel and the boys would simply be able to save seats at LMA and we'd be able to make it in before the cut off. With that in mind, we snacked quickly, grabbed clothes and headed back out.

We did decide to take a "to go" cup for the oh so long walk back to DHS.

"Where's a mug?" Jeff asked.

"What do you mean a mug?" I replied

"You know, a to-go mug, like the kind we use for coffee"

I had packed shatterproof wine glasses

and

Tervis style wine tumblers

I had NOT packed anything remotely resembling a to go cup. It hadn't even occurred to me to do so.

It wasn't on the list.

Planner, packer, FAIL!


"This is too small!"

Jeff said as he tried to put a drink into the travel wine tumbler

I had to agree as I tried to do the same.

see, they aren't all that big inside...



Perfect for wine but for a cocktail? With ice? Didn't leave much room for the drink. Oh well, half (or really, 1/3) of a "free" drink is better than nothing, right?

Still, we managed

And attempted a selfie as we power walked



As you can see it was lovely out. Just lovely! And it was only 4pm, we'd had a productive hour. Well productive in our minds anyway. LOL! Soothing the savage beast with chips, salsa and a rum and coke was a very good thing if you ask me. Not to mention the time on the balcony and the canalside walk as well. Mnnn vacation! We really don't need much more than that to get our vacation mojo ON!

In short order drinks were done, cups into my bag and we were through bag check and in the park. We booked it to the back of the park.

Just in time to be turned away. It was full.

Which, while we'd have liked to have seen it (neither of us ever having seen the whole thing in its entirety) it wasn't that big of a deal either way. Guess what Jeff’s idea was?

Can you say single minded?



Jeff made me take another picture. I was covering up the logo.



Sure enough they had them at whatever that place is next to Star Tours. LOL! You can tell we've never been in there before, I don't even remember what it is called. It was however the consistent suggestion we'd gotten earlier from other CM's on a likely place to be able to get them even if they weren't on the menu. Big place, had to actually go in to see if we could get them. I believe we'd checked earlier as well but the line was so nuts that we didn't even try as they were not on the menu. And, I think that first time right after may have been when we ran into Pat which I forgot to mention in the previous update. It was a short hello but did offer the opportunity to introduce her to the gang in full.

This time, no line.

Since we were right around the corner, we snuck in the side and caught the end of the Indy show while we enjoyed our fries






As we had snuck in at the tail end, we still had some time.

Fries make you thirsty



Jeff wanted to see what they had inside, and preferably, sit there.



He settled on a margarita, a regular one. Me, I wanted the Berry Merry again. Yes it was THAT good. But they couldn't make that one inside, only outside at the cart!

So Jeff held our bar stools and ordered his drink while I went to get mine



He may have gotten a "real" glass but mine looks bigger. Even though I well know that's only an illusion, actual liquid volume is equal. Or is supposed to be.

I checked out the lounge tree but clearly didn't attempt another in-focus shot.



We sat, enjoyed our drink and just having a little bit of unexpected solo quiet time in the midst of a large family trip and holiday crowds. We knew we’d have a long evening ahead of us and while this may not win us parents of the year, we didn't have an iota of guilt about ditching everyone (planned or not) and having a moment in the sun (literally), a lovely brisk walk, a few savory treats, a stolen glimpse of a show and a retro stop to tune in. In fact I think it all put both of us in a pretty fantabulous mood. Ok yeah, the cocktails didn't hurt either. We just sat, and soaked it in. VACATION! As we finished up we got the text that the show was out and made our way out of the park to find the rest of the crew and catch our bus. Though we'd had some snacks, the chips, salsa and fries really weren't cutting it after the light breakfast of yogurt, a pear and 2 turkey sausages for me. I was ready to dig in and what a perfect place we were headed to just for that!

Never a shortage of food at Ohana.

The real question was…how long would we have to wait for our table? And who exactly would be at that table anyway? I did have a reservation for 13....

The Best Disney Day Ever

 

[CarolynK]

Oh that's so funny! Didn't you decide to do the whole FP+ kind of at the last minute? Very glad it was helpful for you.

Well, we had AP vouchers, not tickets, at the time we made our FP+ choices so I learned about inputting the voucher number thanks to you .

Thanks for the recipe!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Fantastic update. Glad to see that you and Jeff are in the vacay mood. Sometimes it is good to ditch the mob and spend some "us" time.

That view from your balcony is to die for. It's so lovely. I think I would have just stayed there all afternoon and not bothered to head back to the park at all. Still, if you'd done that; you wouldn't have gotten Toon Patrol, a sneak peak at Indy nor adult drinks.

Looking forward to the 'Ohana for 13 episode.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Ouch. So sorry you are having shoulder issues. I will pray the non-surgical options work out quickly and for a quick healing for you. They may try manipulation under anesthesia before actually cutting, which would be better. to you.

 

[CarolynK]

Jeff and I hightailed it back to BWV, I LOVE being able to just walk back! It is such a lovely lovely walk. Such a great HOME! And, given our villa location, very easy to pop up the stairs from the DHS pathway and be home in minutes.

I love the walk to DHS!

Besides, we needed to maximize view enjoyment! As some of you may recall, a lot of early mornings went in to securing it.

Want to see?

Gorgeous! We never get BW view, we always go for the quieter (and points-cheaper) standard view, plus we like to be on the ground floor. But who can argue with that view?

Jeff wanted to see what they had inside, and preferably, sit there.

I've always wanted to do that, but it seems that every time we try to, it's full. I'm impressed that you were able to sit at the bar during that busy time!

 

[Linda67]

Great update.
You just can't beat that view! What a fab way to spend some time together.
Not sure I would have been able to drag myself away but the to go cups would have helped to get me out of my chair!

 

[teekathepony]

In the meantime they planned to do single rider RRC until they hurled or it closed or whatever came first.

A worthy goal indeed.
Wow, what a nice break on the balcony. A beautiful day and a really, seriously gorgeous view.

Soothing the savage beast with chips, salsa and a rum and coke was a very good thing if you ask me.

Agreed! It's a vacation, after all!
Oh no!! I can't believe you didn't make it into LMA! Glad it didn't get you down though, and of course, if it meant that Jeff got his fries then maybe it was meant to be.

 

[franandaj]

Great view! Free cocktails are definitely good!
I think that was the Backlot express where you got the fries. That's usually where we end up at DHS for QS lunch.
Great little slice of quality time with the hubby!

 

[annmarieda]

Jeff and I hightailed it back to BWV, I LOVE being able to just walk back! It is such a lovely lovely walk. Such a great HOME! And, given our villa location, very easy to pop up the stairs from the DHS pathway and be home in minutes.

That is so cool!

Once home, do you think we grabbed our clothes and ran back to the park?

Not exactly.

Jeff, suffering a serious carbo withdrawal...and the temptation of "free" drinks...with a hint from me it was determined that it was snack time, villa style.

It is so neat that BWV is close enough to take that snack in the villa!

On the balcony, of course. [/quote]

Villa = balcony, patio or deck
Stateroom = Verandah
Aulani/Hawaii = Lanai regardless of the elevation.

For those of you wondering why and when I change what I call it.

Makes sense to me

Nachos with a rum and coke for Jeff and a mango/orange coconut rum concoction for me. And yes, my drink is bigger. The amount of booze in them though...is equal. LOL!

Looks like a great snack!

Besides, we needed to maximize view enjoyment! As some of you may recall, a lot of early mornings went in to securing it.

Want to see?











Yeah, doesn't suck, does it?

I think with that view and that location, I would have a hard time getting my dh to ever leave the balcony!

Apparently either my mom called me, or I pocket dialed her as she over heard me gushing while we sat there soaking it in, saying THIS, this is why we bought here.

I would probably say the same thing! Next contract we buy I think will have to be BWV!

We did decide to take a "to go" cup for the oh so long walk back to DHS.

That side of BWV makes for a rather short walk to DHS, yes?

I had packed shatterproof wine glasses

and

Tervis style wine tumblers

I had NOT packed anything remotely resembling a to go cup. It hadn't even occurred to me to do so.

It wasn't on the list.

Planner, packer, FAIL!

I would not think to pack to go cups either.

And attempted a selfie as we power walked

Great selfie!

In short order drinks were done, cups into my bag and we were through bag check and in the park. We booked it to the back of the park.

Just in time to be turned away. It was full.

Which, while we'd have liked to have seen it (neither of us ever having seen the whole thing in its entirety) it wasn't that big of a deal either way. Guess what Jeff’s idea was?

Can you say single minded?

Yay for getting the sought after fries.

He settled on a margarita, a regular one. Me, I wanted the Berry Merry again. Yes it was THAT good. But they couldn't make that one inside, only outside at the cart!

I wonder if it is offered as a normal drink at other times of the year... just without the green rim?

Never a shortage of food at Ohana.

The real question was…how long would we have to wait for our table? And who exactly would be at that table anyway? I did have a reservation for 13....

Nope, never a shortage. Can't wait to hear how it went.

 

[Moira222]

Hey Cynthia! Finally I have had a little time to catch up on your fantastic New Year's trip! My internal & laptop batteries are both about dead for the night but I just can't read and not chime in!

First, I just loved the endo fyour first night - hearing the Illuminations from your room, just that not-so-quiet moment shared.
Looks like you managed a few nice moments, with your mom at CP, with Pat (even grocery shopping!) and with Jeff for breakfast and you stolen chips with a view (WHAT A VIEW!) definitely a great way to start a vacation that no doubt had a few hectic moments!

Mugs --when we went in February I swear the best and most unique mugs were at Animal Kingdom. There were two that I really wanted....I'll come home with one in June but not sure which!

I agree - your parents win the prize for photos with their Spash photo. that was awesome!

Your shoulder sounds painful. I've had calcium deposits build up on my heel & have had to have them scraped away. ouch. Can't imagine that on my shoulder, and I hope they are able to do something non-surgical to resolve it for you. I know what my shoulders feel like when my arthritis is acting up so can just imagine what yours feels like ....no thanks

your drink looks so yummy...mango juice, coconut rum? or coconut something else? I too had to give up my much loved rum & coke's (no more soda or bubbly anything) so love learning new non-soda drinks. the one I learned how to make at F&W last year is awesome but is a serious drink and after 2 I am pretty silly. after 3 I lose count and that's not a good thing (I had a fun birthday at least what I remember!!!) . so need something with less booze, more juice LOL.

are you going to add a mini-TR inside this TR for the band trip to Disneyland? I've never been and would love to read more !

time to recharge!

 

[rentayenta]

Perfect snack in a perfect location. Great selfie.

Can you explain this Tervis stuff.....it's mentioned a lot on the cruise forum. Are they just plastic mugs?

 

[Chilly]

Nice afternoon. That's why I want to stay in the Boardwalk area one day. Can't decide where to stay next year, price will probably be a big factor sadly this time.

They have the Comedy Warehouse at DHS now?

 

[eandesmom]

Well, we had AP vouchers, not tickets, at the time we made our FP+ choices so I learned about inputting the voucher number thanks to you .

Thanks for the recipe!

Ah, that's right, I remember now! Looks like AP magic bands are now happening, it will be interesting to see how that works with room reservations and other bands. As it stands I'll have 5 bands coming for 2 trips.

On the pesto, it really depends on how you want to use it as to how much oil, or how thick you want it. I tend to make it quite thick as almost a tapenade so that it can then be mixed with the other sauce. If you want it more as a stand alone sauce either add more oil, or, water from your pasta.

Fantastic update. Glad to see that you and Jeff are in the vacay mood. Sometimes it is good to ditch the mob and spend some "us" time.

It wasn't a planned ditch but it sure was fun!

That view from your balcony is to die for. It's so lovely. I think I would have just stayed there all afternoon and not bothered to head back to the park at all. Still, if you'd done that; you wouldn't have gotten Toon Patrol, a sneak peak at Indy nor adult drinks.

Looking forward to the 'Ohana for 13 episode.

We easily could have just sat there for another hour. The only drawback, and it is a trade-off, is that the balconies are very small. Just enough room for 2 but barely and a little hard to get in and out of the door if you are both out there with stuff on the table.

Ouch. So sorry you are having shoulder issues. I will pray the non-surgical options work out quickly and for a quick healing for you. They may try manipulation under anesthesia before actually cutting, which would be better. to you.

I don't think manipulation would be an option, if they did need to do surgery, it would be to break up the calcium deposit. But right now it's a ton better, it's pretty fascinating how what the ortho is having me do, compared to PT, while it is similar it is just enough different that the results are very encouraging.

I love the walk to DHS!

Me too! I always want to walk. Unless maybe it is absolutely pouring.

Gorgeous! We never get BW view, we always go for the quieter (and points-cheaper) standard view, plus we like to be on the ground floor. But who can argue with that view?

I am not a ground floor fan, high up as possible! It will be interesting to be in standard view come September and to see how much balcony, or not, time we spend as a result.

I've always wanted to do that, but it seems that every time we try to, it's full. I'm impressed that you were able to sit at the bar during that busy time!

We were a bit surprised to but it was turning over pretty quickly and worked out perfectly! It is cute in there. First time we'd ever sat there, once back in 2009 I'd bought a couple of beers to go from there but that was the extent of it.

Great update.
You just can't beat that view! What a fab way to spend some time together.
Not sure I would have been able to drag myself away but the to go cups would have helped to get me out of my chair!

It was a lovely little interlude! We could have easily sat out there another hour.

 

[afwdwfan]

I'm sure that this was just the perfect afternoon for you and Jeff. Getting some drinks, quiet time away from everyone else and just sitting on the balcony enjoying life.

It is too bad that you were too late for LMA, but I think it worked out well. It is a good show, but it isn't something that I feel compelled to see multiple times. In fact I think I've only seen it once...

I figured you could get fries at Backlot Express. I love that place and we tend to try to stop by for snacks/drinks etc to go when we're in the area... and it isn't crowded. But you made a valid point about lines there. It seems like there are times when everyone in the park converges on those lines at the same time!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

First things first: really sorry to hear about your shoulder/neck issues. I hope you're able to heal and they get back to normal soon.

Jeff, suffering a serious carbo withdrawal...and the temptation of "free" drinks...with a hint from me it was determined that it was snack time, villa style.

On the balcony, of course.

We know those balconies/verandahs/lanais are important to you!

And it is a great view!

"This is too small!"

Jeff said as he tried to put a drink into the travel wine tumbler

I had to agree as I tried to do the same.

Planner fail?? Next thing you know, you'll be eating dinner at KFC.

Guess what Jeff’s idea was?

Can you say single minded?

All's well that ends well.

We sat, enjoyed our drink and just having a little bit of unexpected solo quiet time in the midst of a large family trip and holiday crowds. We knew we’d have a long evening ahead of us and while this may not win us parents of the year, we didn't have an iota of guilt about ditching everyone (planned or not) and having a moment in the sun (literally), a lovely brisk walk, a few savory treats, a stolen glimpse of a show and a retro stop to tune in. In fact I think it all put both of us in a pretty fantabulous mood. Ok yeah, the cocktails didn't hurt either. We just sat, and soaked it in. VACATION!

Unexpected relaxing alone time is GOLD!

 

[elphie101]

Oh the food in this installment looks excellent! I could've reached through the screen and had those chips and salsa right now! Yum. (And that makes me even MORE excited for Ohana!)

Love the little quiet time - it's so great that Disney is a place where you can find these moments in the middle of such a large family trip.

A frozen shoulder doesn't sound good at all Hope the stretching does good things for you and you feel better soon!!

 

[eandesmom]

A worthy goal indeed.
Wow, what a nice break on the balcony. A beautiful day and a really, seriously gorgeous view.

It was a seriously gorgeous view.

Agreed! It's a vacation, after all!
Oh no!! I can't believe you didn't make it into LMA! Glad it didn't get you down though, and of course, if it meant that Jeff got his fries then maybe it was meant to be.

We really were ok with missing LMA. It was kind of like...oh...wah...oh...ok, over it.

Great view! Free cocktails are definitely good!
I think that was the Backlot express where you got the fries. That's usually where we end up at DHS for QS lunch.
Great little slice of quality time with the hubby!

Free is relative as of course we had either packed the ingredients or I'd bought them that morning at Target but for the price we'd have paid in the park or elsewhere versus the villa...they were "free" in comparison. It was quality time.

That is so cool!


It is so neat that BWV is close enough to take that snack in the villa!

On the balcony, of course.

Of course! It must be on the balcony and it is such a lovely little walk.

Looks like a great snack!

It was. We are big on chips and salsa and Jeff will use any excuse to turn them into nachos so was happy I had cheese to allow him to do so.

I think with that view and that location, I would have a hard time getting my dh to ever leave the balcony!

I would have liked another hour for sure.

I would probably say the same thing! Next contract we buy I think will have to be BWV!

It still kills me that I had to let go of those waitlist points but...10 months was longer than we could wait. If we ever do buy another contract it will be resale and it would be BWV. Or Vero but Vero is a good 10 years away before it would make sense for us to even think about those dues in the interim. I am glad I have the Aulani points even if I am sad about the BWV ones that weren't meant to be.

That side of BWV makes for a rather short walk to DHS, yes?

Yes, at least we think so. About as close as you can get really.

I would not think to pack to go cups either.

I will now!

Great selfie!

Ugh, I always think they are horrible but it's fun to try

Yay for getting the sought after fries.

A man on a mission

I wonder if it is offered as a normal drink at other times of the year... just without the green rim?

I don't think so, it wasn't on the regular drink menu in a similar fashion.

Nope, never a shortage. Can't wait to hear how it went.

Coming up soon!

Hey Cynthia! Finally I have had a little time to catch up on your fantastic New Year's trip! My internal & laptop batteries are both about dead for the night but I just can't read and not chime in!

I hear you on the battery!

First, I just loved the endo fyour first night - hearing the Illuminations from your room, just that not-so-quiet moment shared.
Looks like you managed a few nice moments, with your mom at CP, with Pat (even grocery shopping!) and with Jeff for breakfast and you stolen chips with a view (WHAT A VIEW!) definitely a great way to start a vacation that no doubt had a few hectic moments!

Lots of little magical moments, which all added up to make something pretty special.

Mugs --when we went in February I swear the best and most unique mugs were at Animal Kingdom. There were two that I really wanted....I'll come home with one in June but not sure which!

I didn't see any at AK itself but...didn't look that hard either. Will be paying closer attention in May for sure.

I agree - your parents win the prize for photos with their Spash photo. that was awesome!

It cracks me up to no end

Your shoulder sounds painful. I've had calcium deposits build up on my heel & have had to have them scraped away. ouch. Can't imagine that on my shoulder, and I hope they are able to do something non-surgical to resolve it for you. I know what my shoulders feel like when my arthritis is acting up so can just imagine what yours feels like ....no thanks

So far the stretches are helping quite a bit. Scraping it out does not sound like fun to me at all.

your drink looks so yummy...mango juice, coconut rum? or coconut something else? I too had to give up my much loved rum & coke's (no more soda or bubbly anything) so love learning new non-soda drinks.

Yes, I get a mango/orange juice or a similar blend that has mango in it (balances out the more acidic orange or pineapple) and then mix it with either coconut rum or half coconut rum, half dark rum.

the one I learned how to make at F&W last year is awesome but is a serious drink and after 2 I am pretty silly. after 3 I lose count and that's not a good thing (I had a fun birthday at least what I remember!!!) . so need something with less booze, more juice LOL.

It's a tough balance. The juice can be a LOT of empty calories and a lot of sugar so I am pretty careful about limiting how much juice. It's so tasty though it's easy to have a couple.

are you going to add a mini-TR inside this TR for the band trip to Disneyland? I've never been and would love to read more !

time to recharge!

I don't know yet. Mini PTR for sure but not sure if I'll do an actual TR or not. I am sure I will talk about it somewhere.

Perfect snack in a perfect location. Great selfie.

Can't go wrong with nachos on the balcony!

It is next to impossible to get the angle right on a selfie. Bleh.

Can you explain this Tervis stuff.....it's mentioned a lot on the cruise forum. Are they just plastic mugs?

LOL! Yes, it's an insulated (double walled) plastic tumbler. For hot or cold and dishwasher safe. The official ones ROCK. My drink stayed cold while we were out at the beach in 80+ degree weather over a decent span of time. Very impressive. The wine tumblers I have are imitation ones, no idea how well they actually work in terms of temperature control. This is the "normal" size one, which is a little small to me. Jeff has a ginormous one that's too big, I'd love something in between.

 

[eandesmom]

Nice afternoon. That's why I want to stay in the Boardwalk area one day. Can't decide where to stay next year, price will probably be a big factor sadly this time.

Price is such a drag sometimes! We truly could not have done this trip were it not for DVC.

They have the Comedy Warehouse at DHS now?

Just for the holidays, it was a special one. Not sure if it will be offered again.

I'm sure that this was just the perfect afternoon for you and Jeff. Getting some drinks, quiet time away from everyone else and just sitting on the balcony enjoying life.

Yep, that's pretty much our MO

It is too bad that you were too late for LMA, but I think it worked out well. It is a good show, but it isn't something that I feel compelled to see multiple times. In fact I think I've only seen it once...

We thought it worked out for the best too!

I figured you could get fries at Backlot Express. I love that place and we tend to try to stop by for snacks/drinks etc to go when we're in the area... and it isn't crowded. But you made a valid point about lines there. It seems like there are times when everyone in the park converges on those lines at the same time!

Oh my goodness the lines earlier were insane. And then nothing!

First things first: really sorry to hear about your shoulder/neck issues. I hope you're able to heal and they get back to normal soon.

Thanks. The neck is a long term chronic thing but hopefully the shoulder will not be. The idea of working around both was a bit freaky. Not to mention making me feel very old and fragile.

We know those balconies/verandahs/lanais are important to you!

And it is a great view!

Yes they are! And worth every early morning to get it too.

Planner fail?? Next thing you know, you'll be eating dinner at KFC.

That's going a little far now...

or not

All's well that ends well.

True dat

Unexpected relaxing alone time is GOLD!

Priceless!

Oh the food in this installment looks excellent! I could've reached through the screen and had those chips and salsa right now! Yum. (And that makes me even MORE excited for Ohana!)

for Chips and Salsa!

Love the little quiet time - it's so great that Disney is a place where you can find these moments in the middle of such a large family trip.

It's the quiet moments that keep you sane!

A frozen shoulder doesn't sound good at all Hope the stretching does good things for you and you feel better soon!!

Thanks, it is better. Significantly. Hopefully it will continue to improve but I am mostly functional again. Now I just have to get caught up all over the DIS!