March 2012: Spring Break, Here we come! Threadjackers take over the world!

[Lidian]

He did alright, but refused to go to sleep unless I was right next to him. But he is such a bed hog that I ended up sneaking over to the other bed a coupld hours later when I knew he was asleep.

I don't know if there's anything I'd be able to do if Buddy got left behind (or lost ). He has multiple Buddy's, so it's not a big deal to snag one and pack it ahead of time. I think even if we took him to buy a new lovey, it would only help for a little while. The child cries at the drop of a hat, and it's not tantrums like DD has. It's different. It's hard to explain. Sure, he has tantrums, what child doesn't? But I think he would be absolutely devastated if Buddy didn't come with us.

Glad he did okay though. I don't blame you for sneaking off to another bed after he's sleeping well. I'd do the same thing.

That's exactly what happened to us until we got smart phones. When we stayed at CSR and POFQ this fall, we didn't have email access at WDW. I was shocked the first time I heard the recording on the in-room answering machine. It said that our statement would be emailed to us. I couldn't check it til we got home. This last time at POP in Feb, I got the email on my phone, but it wasn't until after we had checked out.

I wonder if you can request a printout to be slid under your door at check-in? I guess if we don't have a print-out when we pack up on arrival day, I'll go to the desk and ask for one. I don't want to get home and see charges that don't belong to us.

 

[Lidian]

Mickey Mail and Valentine's Day

Huzzah! I finally have proof that we did, indeed, get Mickey Mail!

This was everything my TA gave me when I picked up my MM package.

It included a pouch to hold all the documents, the vouchers, a brochure, our luggage tags (which are slightly different from last year, thank goodness!), and some print outs of park hours and a refurb schedule.

Now ... I'm just trying to contain myself because I am so ready to start using those vouchers! WOOT!

Okay, on to the next order of business ... testing out some settings on the camera. The more I look at all the pictures I took over the past few days (167 to be exact), I'm not too thrilled. I mean, they're mostly not horrible ... but still not what I wanted.

Okay, here's pictures of our place settings for Valentine's Day:

See the difference?

Anyway, dinner wasn't completely ruined ... We had T-bone steaks -- which I cooked almost perfect (not sure how) -- with asparagus. I overcooked the asparagus ... and I totally ruined the sauce for it and almost caught the stove on fire. Ugh.

We also had salad. The adults had a glass of blush wine, the kids had sparkling grape juice. It was a nice meal and we all enjoyed it. Afterwards, we watched The Smurfs. It was a cute movie. For dessert (which we had during the movie), we had a French Silk Pie.

After the movie, we put the kids to bed and snuggled on the couch watching FoodNetwork. It was a great family night!

 

[lovethattink]

Sounds like a great Valentine's Day evening. Too bad about the sauce, but it didn't seem to ruin anything.

I only see one thing missing from your documents. The AAA diamond parking tag, that puts you parked near the handicap parking.

 

[Lidian]

Sounds like a great Valentine's Day evening. Too bad about the sauce, but it didn't seem to ruin anything.

I only see one thing missing from your documents. The AAA diamond parking tag, that puts you parked near the handicap parking.

It's the final page of the brochures! They changed the cards and they're adorable now! They used to just have a big diamond and say AAA ... now they're sweet!

We've never driven to a park, so we've never used it before. However, we'll use the shopping card!

 

[kittylady1972]

Yippee for having all of your stuff together! Yes I know I have a lot of packing to do...I'll get to that...tomorrow (you can call me QUEEN of procrastination thankyouverymuch!)

DH called me this afternoon and his first question...how many changes did you make to the trip today? NONE! Well...not really. I changed the wording on my spreadsheet because my description of one of the days was incorrect and did not correspond to the new times...but that doesn't count right?

Oh and I did insert some words like alternative park just in case. I have a few alternative plans that I am considering but no real changes!

Sorry the camera isn't performing like you would like but I find with my Canon that they do SO well with low-light situations that I tend not to use the flash as much with them...especially for still shots like your table. I'm not fond of the harsh flash. I also FORCE flash when doing outside shots where the faces of people are in the shadows as well. I'm all FANCY like that!

Are you doing online checkin or is that even an option for you? I did ours this morning. Since we are getting to the resort SO late, I didn't see the point in waiting when we do get there. If we really HATE our room assignment, we can argue about it the next morning (Sunday), when we might have a better chance at getting relocated when people are checking out from their weekend trips!

 

[Lidian]

So over the past few weeks, I've made little purchases for our trip. I've picked up coloring books, a new box of crayons, markers (the Color Wonder ones), a deck of cards, some travel games, toiletries, etc.

We also went shoe shopping. We all needed a new pair (well, I really didn't, but hey, if they're getting new shoes, so am I ). We all got Sketchers except for DS. He found something random he really liked, then got sad that he didn't get Sketchers. I'm a shoe snob ... no sneaker graces these feet unless it's Sketchers. I had a hard time finding a style that I liked in my size. I finally found the perfect style, and on sale!

This is where I learned that DD and I have the same size feet.

I also, finally, got my new glasses this week. I picked them up Monday, and then took them back Tuesday because I found out the lenses were scratched. The girl said the scratches were inside the lens, and she ordered a new set. The current glasses are still wearable, but obviously, the lens won't last with scratches inside them. It would take just one good drop and they shatter. The scratches were all the way from top to bottom (vertical) of the lens. So far, I'm happy with my new frames. The girl who sits next to me in Stats noticed them and complimented them. I'll have to do an Old vs New picture, and you guys can tell me if it's an improvement.

So DD had her 10th birthday on the 16th. She wanted to go out to eat (her party was on Saturday). She got to pick the place ... what did she pick?

Wasabi's is a Hibachi grill. (Like Teppan Edo, but only not as awesome.)

Here's some pics of us waiting for our table:

~ DD in the parking lot ~

~ In the lobby ~

~ DS in the lobby ~

~ Finally seated (Mom joined us, seated next to DD) ~

~ DS learning to use chopsticks ~

~ VOLCANO! ~

~ Every meal starts off with soup and salad ~

~ First comes the veggies ~

~ Then the rice ~

~ Then the steak ~

~ Then the yummy carrots that I swear have something illegal in them ~

~ DD wearing the hat while they sang Happy Birthday to her ~

~ The Birthday cake ~

~ DD and myself ~

~ The whole family + mom ~

It was a great meal! The only problem was, we had to go to Knoxville to enjoy it. But it was worth it for DD!

 

[Lidian]

Yippee for having all of your stuff together! Yes I know I have a lot of packing to do...I'll get to that...tomorrow (you can call me QUEEN of procrastination thankyouverymuch!)

DH called me this afternoon and his first question...how many changes did you make to the trip today? NONE! Well...not really. I changed the wording on my spreadsheet because my description of one of the days was incorrect and did not correspond to the new times...but that doesn't count right?

Oh and I did insert some words like alternative park just in case. I have a few alternative plans that I am considering but no real changes!

Sorry the camera isn't performing like you would like but I find with my Canon that they do SO well with low-light situations that I tend not to use the flash as much with them...especially for still shots like your table. I'm not fond of the harsh flash. I also FORCE flash when doing outside shots where the faces of people are in the shadows as well. I'm all FANCY like that!

Are you doing online checkin or is that even an option for you? I did ours this morning. Since we are getting to the resort SO late, I didn't see the point in waiting when we do get there. If we really HATE our room assignment, we can argue about it the next morning (Sunday), when we might have a better chance at getting relocated when people are checking out from their weekend trips!

I thought I was the Queen of Procrastination?

Wording changes definitely do NOT count. And having backup plans is a must!

I just posted more pictures. The Valentine pics were WITH flash. The Wasabi pictures were WITHOUT flash. The camera did okay for Wasabi's. The FOOD pictures were from my iPhone 4S (sans flash). They weren't too bad either.

I have more pictures, and you can see where I'm frustrated with it. I think I set the flash to Auto on her party pictures ... some of the pictures make her look like she has horrible rashes all over her face.

I've been toying with doing online ... I just can't decide. I can do it today as well ... but I'm torn. I think its partly because I'm depressed. I know, I know. How can I be depressed when I'm going to WDW in 10 days? Well ... I'm a spoiled little brat, and I am really struggling with the fact that I didn't get the resort I wanted. Yeah, it's dumb ... but I'm kind of heartbroken that I'm not at POFQ. Sure, I'll get over it, but doing online check-in forces me to accept CBR. Will I love CBR? I already do. We loved it in 2010! I just need to get myself pumped up for CBR.

 

[kittylady1972]

Hey I just happened upon one of my older trip reports and couldn't help but go back and read it. Here is my May 2009 Report of 1900 Park Fare (with photos) just for fun! It appears I did enjoy the food back then...but I don't know if it has changed in almost three years!

1900 Park Fare May 2009

 

[Lidian]

Hey I just happened upon one of my older trip reports and couldn't help but go back and read it. Here is my May 2009 Report of 1900 Park Fare (with photos) just for fun! It appears I did enjoy the food back then...but I don't know if it has changed in almost three years!

1900 Park Fare May 2009

I love it! Your pictures are adorable!!!! I so can't wait for 1900 PF!!

 

[kittylady1972]

I thought I was the Queen of Procrastination?

Wording changes definitely do NOT count. And having backup plans is a must!

Ok, ok..we can share the title...CO-Queens it is!

Yes ITA on the backup plan!

I just posted more pictures. The Valentine pics were WITH flash. The Wasabi pictures were WITHOUT flash. The camera did okay for Wasabi's. The FOOD pictures were from my iPhone 4S (sans flash). They weren't too bad either.

I have more pictures, and you can see where I'm frustrated with it. I think I set the flash to Auto on her party pictures ... some of the pictures make her look like she has horrible rashes all over her face.

LOVED all the photos, looked like a great place! We love hibatchi places...we have Sakura near us (another chain) and it's FABULOUS! In fact I totally had to MISS out on it for Sunday when my DH and his sister took the in-laws there for their wedding anniversary. I stayed home with DS7 since he has his mystery illness going on. However I made sure DH at least brought me back the fried rice...I LOVE that rice. Now our place does NOT do the carrots...but since I'm not fond of cooked carrots I'll take your word on those! I'll have to go back and look for the rash on your DD face photos...weird!

I've been toying with doing online ... I just can't decide. I can do it today as well ... but I'm torn. I think its partly because I'm depressed. I know, I know. How can I be depressed when I'm going to WDW in 10 days? Well ... I'm a spoiled little brat, and I am really struggling with the fact that I didn't get the resort I wanted. Yeah, it's dumb ... but I'm kind of heartbroken that I'm not at POFQ. Sure, I'll get over it, but doing online check-in forces me to accept CBR. Will I love CBR? I already do. We loved it in 2010! I just need to get myself pumped up for CBR.

Ah...I completely understand. I'm actually okay with Boardwalk but I would feel the same if I was still at CBR...but only because we have never stayed there and I would have worried about not liking it. I'm looking forward to being so close to EPCOT and HS since I think we'll spend most of our time there. Good luck!

 

[Lidian]

Ok, ok..we can share the title...CO-Queens it is!

Yes ITA on the backup plan!

I'm okay with sharing the title.

LOVED all the photos, looked like a great place! We love hibatchi places...we have Sakura near us (another chain) and it's FABULOUS! In fact I totally had to MISS out on it for Sunday when my DH and his sister took the in-laws there for their wedding anniversary. I stayed home with DS7 since he has his mystery illness going on. However I made sure DH at least brought me back the fried rice...I LOVE that rice. Now our place does NOT do the carrots...but since I'm not fond of cooked carrots I'll take your word on those! I'll have to go back and look for the rash on your DD face photos...weird!

I'm glad you enjoyed them. We love hibachi, too, but the closest we have is Knoxville. I think there's a Sakura in Knoxville, too. But I thought it was in the mall ... and fast food-like (counter service).

Sorry that you had to miss out. That's never fun, but at least you got rice!

I don't like cooked carrots AT ALL. But these are so sweet and yummy! Trust me, you can't try it and not love it.

No, the rash is on her party photos ... not the dinner ones. I haven't posted the party photos yet. Here's one, for instance:

Ah...I completely understand. I'm actually okay with Boardwalk but I would feel the same if I was still at CBR...but only because we have never stayed there and I would have worried about not liking it. I'm looking forward to being so close to EPCOT and HS since I think we'll spend most of our time there. Good luck!

I love being so close to DHS and Epcot, however, since we aren't hopping, it really doesn't matter.

 

[DMGeurts]

Mickey Mail and Valentine's Day

Huzzah! I finally have proof that we did, indeed, get Mickey Mail!

This was everything my TA gave me when I picked up my MM package.

It included a pouch to hold all the documents, the vouchers, a brochure, our luggage tags (which are slightly different from last year, thank goodness!), and some print outs of park hours and a refurb schedule.

Now ... I'm just trying to contain myself because I am so ready to start using those vouchers! WOOT!

Okay, on to the next order of business ... testing out some settings on the camera. The more I look at all the pictures I took over the past few days (167 to be exact), I'm not too thrilled. I mean, they're mostly not horrible ... but still not what I wanted.

Okay, here's pictures of our place settings for Valentine's Day:

See the difference?

Anyway, dinner wasn't completely ruined ... We had T-bone steaks -- which I cooked almost perfect (not sure how) -- with asparagus. I overcooked the asparagus ... and I totally ruined the sauce for it and almost caught the stove on fire. Ugh.

We also had salad. The adults had a glass of blush wine, the kids had sparkling grape juice. It was a nice meal and we all enjoyed it. Afterwards, we watched The Smurfs. It was a cute movie. For dessert (which we had during the movie), we had a French Silk Pie.

After the movie, we put the kids to bed and snuggled on the couch watching FoodNetwork. It was a great family night!

So over the past few weeks, I've made little purchases for our trip. I've picked up coloring books, a new box of crayons, markers (the Color Wonder ones), a deck of cards, some travel games, toiletries, etc.

We also went shoe shopping. We all needed a new pair (well, I really didn't, but hey, if they're getting new shoes, so am I ). We all got Sketchers except for DS. He found something random he really liked, then got sad that he didn't get Sketchers. I'm a shoe snob ... no sneaker graces these feet unless it's Sketchers. I had a hard time finding a style that I liked in my size. I finally found the perfect style, and on sale!

This is where I learned that DD and I have the same size feet.

I also, finally, got my new glasses this week. I picked them up Monday, and then took them back Tuesday because I found out the lenses were scratched. The girl said the scratches were inside the lens, and she ordered a new set. The current glasses are still wearable, but obviously, the lens won't last with scratches inside them. It would take just one good drop and they shatter. The scratches were all the way from top to bottom (vertical) of the lens. So far, I'm happy with my new frames. The girl who sits next to me in Stats noticed them and complimented them. I'll have to do an Old vs New picture, and you guys can tell me if it's an improvement.

So DD had her 10th birthday on the 16th. She wanted to go out to eat (her party was on Saturday). She got to pick the place ... what did she pick?



Wasabi's is a Hibachi grill. (Like Teppan Edo, but only not as awesome.)

Here's some pics of us waiting for our table:

~ DD in the parking lot ~

~ In the lobby ~

~ Finally seated (Mom joined us, seated next to DD) ~

~ Every meal starts off with soup and salad ~
~ DD and myself ~

~ The whole family + mom ~

It was a great meal! The only problem was, we had to go to Knoxville to enjoy it. But it was worth it for DD!

I thought I was the Queen of Procrastination?

Wording changes definitely do NOT count. And having backup plans is a must!

I just posted more pictures. The Valentine pics were WITH flash. The Wasabi pictures were WITHOUT flash. The camera did okay for Wasabi's. The FOOD pictures were from my iPhone 4S (sans flash). They weren't too bad either.

I have more pictures, and you can see where I'm frustrated with it. I think I set the flash to Auto on her party pictures ... some of the pictures make her look like she has horrible rashes all over her face.

I've been toying with doing online ... I just can't decide. I can do it today as well ... but I'm torn. I think its partly because I'm depressed. I know, I know. How can I be depressed when I'm going to WDW in 10 days? Well ... I'm a spoiled little brat, and I am really struggling with the fact that I didn't get the resort I wanted. Yeah, it's dumb ... but I'm kind of heartbroken that I'm not at POFQ. Sure, I'll get over it, but doing online check-in forces me to accept CBR. Will I love CBR? I already do. We loved it in 2010! I just need to get myself pumped up for CBR.

I'm okay with sharing the title.



I'm glad you enjoyed them. We love hibachi, too, but the closest we have is Knoxville. I think there's a Sakura in Knoxville, too. But I thought it was in the mall ... and fast food-like (counter service).

Sorry that you had to miss out. That's never fun, but at least you got rice!

I don't like cooked carrots AT ALL. But these are so sweet and yummy! Trust me, you can't try it and not love it.

No, the rash is on her party photos ... not the dinner ones. I haven't posted the party photos yet. Here's one, for instance:

I love being so close to DHS and Epcot, however, since we aren't hopping, it really doesn't matter.

Awesome about the Mickey Mail!

Even more awesome about dd's birthday - it looks like everyone had a wonderful time!

I feel super sad about the camera - since I recommended it to you so highly. I've never had issues with the flash doing that to us (I don't think).. I have a horrible complexion anyways - so maybe I just don't notice it.

I see a lot of photos every day - and I can't help but think that camera is pulling in too much red... every picture you are taking looks like there is an excessive ammout of red... I personally think, a: there's something messed up in the setttings (I can't look through mine until Friday, to tell you where to adjust)... Or there is something defective in your particular camera...

Have you tried using several different settings taking the same exact picture? And also, I shut off the auto flash almost all the time... rarely do I take flash photos with this camera... When it's dark and I feel I need the flash - I set my shutter speed slower and use the hand held low light setting. Try that once.

D~

 

[Lidian]

Awesome about the Mickey Mail!

Even more awesome about dd's birthday - it looks like everyone had a wonderful time!

I feel super sad about the camera - since I recommended it to you so highly. I've never had issues with the flash doing that to us (I don't think).. I have a horrible complexion anyways - so maybe I just don't notice it.

I see a lot of photos every day - and I can't help but think that camera is pulling in too much red... every picture you are taking looks like there is an excessive ammout of red... I personally think, a: there's something messed up in the setttings (I can't look through mine until Friday, to tell you where to adjust)... Or there is something defective in your particular camera...

Have you tried using several different settings taking the same exact picture? And also, I shut off the auto flash almost all the time... rarely do I take flash photos with this camera... When it's dark and I feel I need the flash - I set my shutter speed slower and use the hand held low light setting. Try that once.

D~

I won't say it isn't user error with the camera. Odds are high, I just need to get to know it better. I rarely had issues with my Sony, but I still don't regret the Canon. I just need to learn how to adjust settings and be a better photographer.

Do you know how to adjust shutter speed? I'm sure I can look it up, but it wasn't anything I recall reading when I read the user manual. I'd be okay with trying that and see how it works.

Most of the pictures of the party came out decent. But some ... ugh. Not sure what was going on. I did play around with some of the settings, and mostly let it use portrait. But the camera would get confused at what faces were and would focus on something random. I did miss some great shots because I was waiting on the camera.

HOWEVER, it starts up so super fast! I am incredibly impressed with how quickly it is ready to go when I turn it on. My Sony takes forever to start up.

I won't really judge the camera until I have more experience with it. So I'm neutral with how I feel. However, I know I got a great deal, and the camera had great reviews. Maybe I should take a photgraphy class.

No, seriously. Maybe I should.

 

[oopsiDAISY]

Wow, it feels like I have been MIA this week. Can I just say your children are so beautiful?

AND...it looks like your DD's hair has grown back quite nicely. She has really pretty hair with a natural wave. DH, myself and all three of our kids have stick straight hair.

AND...I had to take myself to the Japanese hibachi for lunch today because of those Wasabi pics you posted!

 

[Lidian]

Wow, it feels like I have been MIA this week. Can I just say your children are so beautiful?

AND...it looks like your DD's hair has grown back quite nicely. She has really pretty hair with a natural wave. DH, myself and all three of our kids have stick straight hair.

AND...I had to take myself to the Japanese hibachi for lunch today because of those Wasabi pics you posted!

Thank you Oopsi! I'm a bit fond of them myself.

DD's hair has SO not grown back nicely. She's sporting a comb-over. She has great natural wave ... which she hates. She'd rather it be straight or curly. She hates this wavy thing it does. I have natural super curls.

Glad I made you enjoy some hibachi!


I know I've been busy lately ... fingers are crossed I'll get some good updates in this weekend. I had a horrible Stats test yesterday (and yes, I say horrible because I answered some of the questions with a nice fat "question mark"). Monday, I have an Income Tax test, followed by an Accounting II test on Thursday. We won't mention all the homework that's still piled high.

My "to pack" basket is full. I still need to do shopping. DH said that today, he'll take me to one of the malls in Knoxville. They have a Disney store! I'm so excited. I desperately need shorts this week, as I found only two pair that fit me. Thankfully most of the stores have them out, but I'm frugal and hoping that a store runs them on sale this upcoming week. That will give me time to shop and launder them before packing them up. DD still needs socks and a sun-dress.

Also on my To Do List:

• change oil in car
• last minute shopping
• buy litter and cat food
• make sure mom still has key
• give mom some cash in case kitty needs something
• purchase breakfast and snack foods
• buy case of water
• visit bank for cash (mousekeeping, tolls, etc.)
• pack
• print out family travel games
• switch out cars with dad
• other random stuff to do

Not to mention, study - study - study!

OH! Those who have iPhones and not on Verizon .... Disney has published their Mobile Magic app to the iPhone store. You can use it on any provider. However, Verizon customers get additional perks. Wanted to let everyone know! I downloaded it this AM. I'll still keep Lines updated for all of you non-iPhone users / Verizon customers.

Coming soon: updates, trivia, and recaps of final plans!

 

[DMGeurts]

Sounds like you have everything covered... I sure hope you are able to find some shorts in time.

I sure hope you'll keep Lines updated for me - while we are in Epcot together anyways. LOL

Can't wait to hear about the rest.

D~

 

[Lidian]

Sounds like you have everything covered... I sure hope you are able to find some shorts in time.

I sure hope you'll keep Lines updated for me - while we are in Epcot together anyways. LOL

Can't wait to hear about the rest.

D~

I'm going to see if there are any sales for next week, and if not, go pay full price on shorts.

Why should I keep Lines updated at Epcot? I thought we were hanging.

 

[DMGeurts]

I'm going to see if there are any sales for next week, and if not, go pay full price on shorts.

Why should I keep Lines updated at Epcot? I thought we were hanging.

We are hanging... but I was under the impression that we were gonna do our own thing in the morn (even though we are both headed to Soarin' LOL), havin lunch together then off on our own until later when we meet up for the Dismeet??? D~s confuzeled.

D~

 

[Lidian]

We are hanging... but I was under the impression that we were gonna do our own thing in the morn (even though we are both headed to Soarin' LOL), havin lunch together then off on our own until later when we meet up for the Dismeet??? D~s confuzeled.

D~

Good point. Since you want to be all cool and stuff.

 

[DMGeurts]

Oh shush now... We'll play it by ear and do what we feel like doing. If you want to ride Soarin' and we want to ride TT... It's all good with me.

D~