March 2012: The Year I Almost Survived Spring Break

[DMGeurts]

Liddy, can't you just do your classes over Skype while you are in WDW in Oct with me? I'll hold the lap top while we are in line for ToT - I think it's a brilliant plan, and one worth exploring. Mkay?

D~

 

[solana131]

It was just a few minutes after 11 when we got off the ride. Our ADR was for 11:15. We would make it. OR NOT....

Oh my goodness! What were the crowd levels on this day? Do you remember? Is this what I have to look forward to in July? Yikes! Maybe I have to rethink my plans! The levels are forecasted to be between 8 and 9s the whole time we are there.

 

[vyse22]

With the bats it actually is wide open windows but the bats wing span is bigger than the window so they can't actually fly into where we all are watching them. I only know this because there was a CM in there and was explaining it to someone when we were taking pics.

Sorry you were so sick but glad you enjoyed some of your day.

 

[lbuzz52]

Nly about halfway caught up but I'm going to comment now. I'll have to finish later. I must sleep!

I can't believe that you guys drove through that weather. There is one thing that would make me delay the start of my trip and that is tornado watches. The way that you feel about flying- well, that is how I feel about driving or riding in anything above the second notch on my wiper blades. Our local weather guy is a bit easy to read, and I can always tell when he is thinking he may have to warn severe later on the forecast. So then I'm checking it out and forming a battle plan days ahead of the warning. Anyway. You are much braver than I!

I think the tooth story is super cute! Did he lose it yet? Maya likes to entertain herself at stores by standing at the end of an aisle and trying to sell products to those that pass by. She was doing just that one day and a lady said, oh, I see you lost a tooth. Maya looked at her like she was crazy! She had no idea she had lost a tooth earlier that day! We still have no idea where that one ended up!

I also understand the bacon smell thing. When I go get the mail at work, there is always the smell of mcdonalds frenchfries. It's never there in the mornings or evenings, but I smell it every afternoon. We are miles away from a mcdonalds, so I just don't get it!

I loved the billboards, especially the wishes one. And I think your wdw sign picture is worthy of a postcard!

I think your location was great for OPR! I'm not sure where you were in relation to the busstop, but I wonder if Jamiaica's atop may have been closer for you. Sounds like OPR would have been a good option. All your pictures make me want me to be there so badly. Maya wants to live there again too but I think we may try a new place this time.

I absolutely adore your napkin twirling story. If my "only tolerating wdw because the rest of us love it" did that- I can ttally understand how dh letting his guard down and allowing himself to get into the moment can make you fall in love all over again.

Someone mentioned the room over the Pirates of the Caribbean- well that is at DIsneyland! Walt originally had it built so he would have a larger place to entertain, but he died before it was completed. They redid it and used it for tge year of a million dreams promotion a couple years ago. They would pick a random guest to stay in it overnight. Each room is themed after a different land at DL. I saw it on a Samantha brown special I think. I would love to stay there!!!

Well, now I'm at tge cliffhangar for tour first day and can't wait to read it!

 

[Lidian]

Rarely cope with full trip reports (always switch to see what everyone else is doing LOL) but I've really enjoyed yours and read everything to date.

Sorry you were so ill. Did you ever find out the true cause? DS was ill the last couple of days in 2007 and last year DD had an allergic reaction to some bites - not fun shame you can't bank the illness and have it after you get home

Thank you for reading! I'm just the opposite, once I find a good TR (or PTR), I can't put it down. But then again ... I think I was subbed to about every PTR in the board.

I never found a "real" cause ... the doctor in the ER thinks I ate something that didn't agree with me, but when I was writing it .. I realized that I got sick after riding the coasters in the AM and it never really went away. So it could have been a product of old age and vertigo?

I agree. I think you should be able to bank illness! I got sick the night before a big test (I'm thinking it was a final, it could have just been a heavily weighted test -- I can't recall) last semester. It was no fun sitting in class praying I survive long enough to finish the exam. I would have banked that one for the weekend.

Liddy, can't you just do your classes over Skype while you are in WDW in Oct with me? I'll hold the lap top while we are in line for ToT - I think it's a brilliant plan, and one worth exploring. Mkay?

D~

It does sound fair. But I'm not so sure I could coax the professors into skyping with me.

Wait a minute ... You said TOT. No, that's NOT fair. It's the only ride I don't like at WDW. (I think everyone should do it once, but it's one that I really prefer to skip. )

Liddy, can't you just do your classes over Skype while you are in WDW in Oct with me? I'll hold the lap top while we are in line for ToT - I think it's a brilliant plan, and one worth exploring. Mkay?

D~

Working hard to up your high post count? Are you going for Robo's numbers? You'll have to do better than this....

Oh my goodness! What were the crowd levels on this day? Do you remember? Is this what I have to look forward to in July? Yikes! Maybe I have to rethink my plans! The levels are forecasted to be between 8 and 9s the whole time we are there.

According to TP, it was a 7.2 that day. I checked my notes. But I think they were way off. To give credit though, it was AM EMH at AK that day -- which I had planned us taking advantage of.

With the bats it actually is wide open windows but the bats wing span is bigger than the window so they can't actually fly into where we all are watching them. I only know this because there was a CM in there and was explaining it to someone when we were taking pics.

Sorry you were so sick but glad you enjoyed some of your day.

Makes sense. There was a CM in there talking while we were there, but I couldn't hear them (and honestly didn't care). I just saw the bats, snapped a few pictures, looked at their "home" and then walked out.

I did note in my mind (which you have confirmed) that the windows were open, and felt the potential that a bat could join us -- but they were all sleeping, none were active. So it's good to note that the windows were too small for the bats. Granted, I knew something was up, because it didn't seem very Disney-like for guests to be running around while bats were flying over head. But I'd pay to see that ...

Thank you! Even though I was miserable, I was there and my kids were having a blast! So it was all great in the end!

Nly about halfway caught up but I'm going to comment now. I'll have to finish later. I must sleep!

You don't need any sleep.

I can't believe that you guys drove through that weather. There is one thing that would make me delay the start of my trip and that is tornado watches. The way that you feel about flying- well, that is how I feel about driving or riding in anything above the second notch on my wiper blades. Our local weather guy is a bit easy to read, and I can always tell when he is thinking he may have to warn severe later on the forecast. So then I'm checking it out and forming a battle plan days ahead of the warning. Anyway. You are much braver than I!

No, not braver. I just trusted my DH when he said we'd miss the storms. I was TERRIFIED playing Storm Chaser.

I think the tooth story is super cute! Did he lose it yet? Maya likes to entertain herself at stores by standing at the end of an aisle and trying to sell products to those that pass by. She was doing just that one day and a lady said, oh, I see you lost a tooth. Maya looked at her like she was crazy! She had no idea she had lost a tooth earlier that day! We still have no idea where that one ended up!

Oh how adorable!! I hope you have videos of Maya selling random products! That will be so adorable when she gets older!!

Actually, DS did lose his tooth! But not all of it came out. It's weird. And the part that didn't come out, not budging. He has two other loose teeth right now. He lost his first while at school, and the teacher put it in a ziploc with a note (dated). So I just put the whole ziploc under the pillow and the toothfairy took the whole bag and left cash -- that he put into his piggy bank before telling anyone the tooth fairy came!

I'm sure Maya's tooth probably got swallowed. I hear many kids swallow their first tooth or two. What did you do for the tooth fairy?

I also understand the bacon smell thing. When I go get the mail at work, there is always the smell of mcdonalds frenchfries. It's never there in the mornings or evenings, but I smell it every afternoon. We are miles away from a mcdonalds, so I just don't get it!

We just hallucinate smells, right?

I loved the billboards, especially the wishes one. And I think your wdw sign picture is worthy of a postcard!

Thank you!

I think your location was great for OPR! I'm not sure where you were in relation to the busstop, but I wonder if Jamiaica's atop may have been closer for you. Sounds like OPR would have been a good option. All your pictures make me want me to be there so badly. Maya wants to live there again too but I think we may try a new place this time.

Our location was perfect for OPR ... but in relation to a bus stop ... we were as far as we could get. Honestly, I do think the OPR bus stop was our closest one. I tried to see if Jamaica's was, but it was just as far (if not further) than Aruba's. I was very upset over the bus stop distance.

I vote for some place new! If we do a mod next year, it will be PO (R or FQ). But we're really leaning towards renting points. So not sure exactly what we'll end up with. I'm still waiting for prices to be released and some final responses from others before I can even really decide.

I absolutely adore your napkin twirling story. If my "only tolerating wdw because the rest of us love it" did that- I can ttally understand how dh letting his guard down and allowing himself to get into the moment can make you fall in love all over again.

Absolutely! Trust me, this was a TOTAL shock. And I'm sure if anyone asked him, he'd deny the whole thing. But I have pictures as proof!

Someone mentioned the room over the Pirates of the Caribbean- well that is at DIsneyland! Walt originally had it built so he would have a larger place to entertain, but he died before it was completed. They redid it and used it for tge year of a million dreams promotion a couple years ago. They would pick a random guest to stay in it overnight. Each room is themed after a different land at DL. I saw it on a Samantha brown special I think. I would love to stay there!!!

Well, now I'm at tge cliffhangar for tour first day and can't wait to read it!

Interesting! I don't know much about DL ... one day perhaps. One day.

 

[DMGeurts]

Wait a minute ... You said TOT. No, that's NOT fair. It's the only ride I don't like at WDW. (I think everyone should do it once, but it's one that I really prefer to skip. )

I thought that was the ride you said we were going to ride together?? Or would you rather do the Craousel? I have a feeling that a photo of us hugging on the Carousel wouldn't have nearly the same effect as a photo of us hugging on ToT...

Working hard to up your high post count? Are you going for Robo's numbers? You'll have to do better than this....

You know me... Always trying to better myself.

Someone mentioned the room over the Pirates of the Caribbean- well that is at DIsneyland! Walt originally had it built so he would have a larger place to entertain, but he died before it was completed. They redid it and used it for tge year of a million dreams promotion a couple years ago. They would pick a random guest to stay in it overnight. Each room is themed after a different land at DL. I saw it on a Samantha brown special I think. I would love to stay there!!!

That was me! I knew I was talking about it somewhere, but I couldn't remember where I'd posted about that room above POTC (figures that it was in Liddy's TR)... I finally stayed awake through the entire showing of Undiscovered Disney and found out if was in DL not WDW. DH was crushed when I finally told him. LOL Poor guy! He was so proud that he knew something I didn't know, but then he found out that he knew it wrong.

D~

 

[kittylady1972]

OMG I just finished reading and can't believe you braved through a park AND lunch after the evening you had before that. Good for you!

Wow I could not have even thought about a water ride for our trip. We rode Splash one evening which was a HUGE mistake. I can't believe they did the rapids!

Can't wait to hear where you are having dinner now!

 

[sjs314]

I doubt we would do May we did the last week of May into June one year and it was busy and hot. Going when it is hot now that we are older is not in the plan.

 

[Lidian]

I thought that was the ride you said we were going to ride together?? Or would you rather do the Craousel? I have a feeling that a photo of us hugging on the Carousel wouldn't have nearly the same effect as a photo of us hugging on ToT...

You know ... I had forgotten about the picture! We definitely have to do ToT just for the picture. We should probably do the Carousel as well. Just in case. (Those might actually be better pictures come to think of it!)

You know me... Always trying to better myself.

Of course, what was I thinking?

That was me! I knew I was talking about it somewhere, but I couldn't remember where I'd posted about that room above POTC (figures that it was in Liddy's TR)... I finally stayed awake through the entire showing of Undiscovered Disney and found out if was in DL not WDW. DH was crushed when I finally told him. LOL Poor guy! He was so proud that he knew something I didn't know, but then he found out that he knew it wrong.

D~

Poor DH. Why wouldn't it have been my TR? Don't tell me you thought it was your TR. If you want to write about things in YOUR TR, you need to start your own. Yours was hijacked before it even got started.

OMG I just finished reading and can't believe you braved through a park AND lunch after the evening you had before that. Good for you!

Wow I could not have even thought about a water ride for our trip. We rode Splash one evening which was a HUGE mistake. I can't believe they did the rapids!

Can't wait to hear where you are having dinner now!

It was very rough, but I did it for the kids. They were heartbroken thinking I wasn't going to go with them. I did have a nice day, but I was weak and kept having to lean against DH when there wasn't a wall to lean/sit on.

I wasn't about to consider ANY outdoor water (pool, rides, etc). But DH wanted to ride it, and the kids wanted to ride it. It had warmed up decently that day -- so it wasn't like it was 50 outside, it was in the low 70s by then. I was still in my sweater, but that was to keep the wind off my arms -- and I chill so easily. Plus, we were on our way back to the resort, so it wasn't like they had to walk around soaked for hours, too.

I doubt we would do May we did the last week of May into June one year and it was busy and hot. Going when it is hot now that we are older is not in the plan.

It is hot. And it is busy. But it's really our best option. I'd love October ... and the kids do get a Fall Break, but I'm not so sure I can handle missing class. Plus, if I planned to go a specific week and it turns out some/all of my classes were having midterms or exams that week ... that would just be BAD. They've not even released the Fall calendar yet to see if we get a break (it's usually a Monday and Tuesday). From what I understand, they won't release the Fall calendar until Spring of next year.

I think DH would prefer to go June or July ... but he can handle the heat. I can't. Not as well as him. Plus the crowds are WORSE.

 

[oopsiDAISY]

Just stopping by to say HI friend! Hope your week is going okay...

 

[Lidian]

Just stopping by to say HI friend! Hope your week is going okay...

My week is going by ..... I had been stressing over a big test in Accounting. I felt like I scored a B on the exam, as I noted on FB.

I didn't.

The professor was going over the overall class scores, what the average was and that he was pleased. He said some people scored well, and others ... he wasn't sure WTH they were doing. He said the highest grade was a ("a" as in one) 100 and the lowest was a 47. He said there were (x amount) of As, Bs, and Cs. He considered anything lower than a C to be failure.

I knew who got the 100. It was the whiz-kid. So I sat and hoped for one of the As (they were all low As, he said), but felt confident it was at least a B.

Then I saw the whiz-kid's score (since she flashed it, proudly). She scored a 93. So immediately, my heart sank. If she only scored a 93, then I must have had one of the "WTH were you thinking" tests. I figured the guy next to her scored the 100 since she didn't (he was out) and he's almost as smart as her -- and they study together.

Then the professor called my name, looked at me, folded the test so no one could see the score (as he does for all the students) and said solemnly, "I'm not so sure you want to see this." My heart sank, and I fought back tears.

I opened it up and as the guys around me (not sure why all the guys sit around me) ... anyway, the guys were all mumbling and trying to offer their condolences. Then the guy next to me shouted, she got the 100! I had to do a double-take, but sure enough, I scored a 100 on the exam (he was trying to pry the test out of my hands to see my grade ).

I had NOT wanted anyone to know I had been doing well in this class because there's some real immature people. Lots of jealousy for those who do well. And those who are jealous, act like 5th graders. I mean, they torment the whiz-kid! (I'll call her R.) R doesn't care, because she's doing well and just waves off those girls. But I'm not as easy-going as she is. I take things personally, and it really destroys me if someone doesn't like me. These 5th grade girls are ruthless, and most class days, I am in shock of what they do to poor R. All because she's SMART. So I've kept to myself, not offering up many answers and never tell ANYONE (but the guy next to me) how well I'm doing in class. If those girls ask how I did on the last quiz, I usually say I failed it (when in reality, I got a B). So now they know I scored perfect on the exam, and will probably start making my life as miserable as they do R's. I'm thankful for the grade, but really wished the guy next to me kept his mouth shut. I didn't care for him to tell the other boys we sit with (they're his friends and we all usually work together on assignments during class), but now those girls know.

So I dread class tomorrow.

Now I'm anxiously waiting to hear how I did on my Stats test. It was rough, and there were multiple questions I struggled with. If I got them right, it's because I'm lucky -- not because I did well, and certainly not because I knew the material.

These are the days of my life ... Updates coming soon. Kids just walked in, going to see how their days are, get them started on homework, then start uploading more pics!

Thanks for checking in Oopsi!

 

[solana131]

100 is awesome! I hope they don't give you too hard of a time. I know how it feels...I was a "smartie" in school too. Not sure what happened from there, but....

Good luck!

 

[Lidian]

100 is awesome! I hope they don't give you too hard of a time. I know how it feels...I was a "smartie" in school too. Not sure what happened from there, but....

Good luck!

Thank you!

 

[lbuzz52]

all caught up now!!

i never did figure out what happened to that tooth. (and to tell you a bad momma truth- i don't know what i did with the first tooth she lost either. i can't remember where i hid it. i do know where her third and fourth are though. whoops)

back to the topic though. i am very interested in Universal. I'm going to wait another trip or two though. its hard, with james in such a superhero phase though. but there are only like 6 things he's big enough to ride. and a few maya is still not tall enough for. seems like it would make more financial sense to wait. i hate waiting

i think it is weird that you can't take pictures in so many rides.

i had to giggle at your DH's pics. at least he tried. i gave Chris a second camera to carry last trip and he never once took a picture. said he forgot it was there.

i can't believe all the gawkers you had with the paramedics. what jerks! i'm glad you seem to be slowly coming around at this point in the TR. YOu were quite a trooper!

i wrote another note about your DH but apparently i need to work on my pendmanship. who kows

were they being sticklers about staying in your FP time during your trip?

 

[loveysbydesign]

Awe that was so sweet of your dh to go get you some fresh Sprite to drink, my dh sucks at taking care of me when I'm sick!

 

[KatMark]

First, I'm so sorry I'm so far behind. Life has been hectic -- boss and his wife in the hospital, the engagement couple --going to see them and them coming here, just overall madness and we leave for Florida in three days and I'm not ready!

I am so, so sorry that you got sick on vacation. I can understand the kids being scared. But a big to your hubby for taking care of you and the kids. I can't imagine having to go to the hospital on vacation.

Despite your not feeling well, it sounds like a great day at the AK. Those crowds were unreal...we've never been to AK when it is crowded. I love the trek...so glad you did it.

And for your daughter doing EE all by herself!

 

[oopsiDAISY]

You got the A you worked so hard for!!!! I hope the 5th graders stay out of your business tomorrow! You should definitely take your mind off of them and take the time to be proud and happy for yourself, though!

 

[Lidian]

We piled into the car dressed in our nice clothes. DH handed me the phone, but I told him to just follow the road signs. Ugh, he insisted. So I read him road signs. Hey, what he doesn't know won't hurt him? Plus the road signs were more reliable than the stupid app he was using.

We finally arrive at the Grand Floridian. We stop at the gate where a CM directs us to valet or regular parking. We are frugal people, so we opted to park ourselves. We drove forever until we arrived at a traffic light. I'm thinking we missed the self-parking area, as I was sure we were leaving the property. I then notice a sign pointing straight ahead for self-parking. So we wait for the light to turn green and cross the street. Once crossed, we are encountered with a FULL parking lot. We drove around until we found someone leaving and took their spot.

Now we have to make the LONG walk (in the cold) to the actual hotel. It was a VERY long walk, and after waiting patiently for the cross-walk sign to change, we gave up and crossed anyway. (The way I was feeling, I was certain there was a traffic officer hiding in the bushes waiting for someone to cross on a no-crossing sign.)

We walked towards the hotel ... but we weren't sure which entrance to take. So DH made an executive decision (I don't recall what he decided, but he was correct). We walked inside and immediately was greeted by some of the SNOOTIEST CMs ever. They asked if we were checking in for our stay, and were literally looking down their noses at us. I smiled (yes, kill them with kindness!) and told them we were here for dining reservations at 1900 PF. The guy scoffed and walked away, semi-pointing us in the direction, but I had already spotted the sign. Yep. A jerk.

So we arrive and DH takes the kids to the restroom since DS was doing a potty dance. I told DH I'd get in line to check us in. The line wasn't horribly long, but it wasn't moving. I think there was about a handful of families in front of us. Finally, I arrived at the counter. Where I stood there. And stood there. And stood there.

There were three hostesses at the counter. One glanced my way, then picked up a phone. The other two never even looked up. One was busy with whatever was on the hostess stand (rearranging tickets or something) and the other was standing behind phone-girl blatantly ignoring us.

I cleared my throat, to be sure they KNEW someone was waiting. After a couple of minutes, this very rude lady pushes herself next to me and proclaims, "I'd like to check-in. I don't have a reservation, but I was assured that it wouldn't be a problem."

Seriously? This lady thought THAT highly of herself. I start rapping my fingers across the hostess stand, as I'm VERY annoyed at this RUDE lady, and the fact that no one has bothered to acknowledge my presence. A "I'll be with you in a moment" would have sufficed. Heck, a smile would have worked. But these girls were too snooty to even accept the fact that I was standing there.

Phone-girl held up her finger to indicate "one moment" and re-arrange girl looked up and smiled and took the woman's information. Seriously? I had been waiting and the least they could do was check me in first. I HAD an ADR. They tell her that her wait would be about 20 minutes and hand her a pager. Re-arrange girl walks away. Behind-girl takes a ticket from the counter and walks away. I'm left with phone-girl. I'm certain her call was business-related (it didn't sound personal), but still, no one has attempted to recognize my presence at the counter.

At this point, I'm GLARING at phone-girl. I look over and see another hostess visiting with the PP photographer. She finally comes over and proclaims that she'd help the next guest.

Seriously? No "I'm sorry for your wait"? Not once did a CM smile at me, apologize for my wait, apologize for their sheer rudeness, NOTHING. I swear, if the sprinklers came on, the whole staff would drown. Honestly, if it wasn't for the fact that I would have been charged $40, I would have WALKED out.

My wait at the counter was nearly 10 minutes. They tell me it will be about 45 minutes and direct me to the PP person and I am puzzled. Why is "Mrs. Rude No ADR" getting seated in 20 and me in 45? And, I know I'm not on top of all things WDW ... but I could have swore that I read somewhere that Cindy greets guests in the lobby (sometimes FGM will greet instead). So when there's no one there and the PP person is all "stand here in front of this wall", I was confused. I asked if Cindy was here, and the jerk basically told me I had asked the dumbest question she ever heard. Really? Because I read something and then asked ... I'm not considered dumb? For that, I handed her my camera and insisted on a picture.

A CM tells us to take a seat in the main lobby until our pager goes off. SO I snapped some pictures.

Okay, I seriously don't get the large bird cage.

It was nearly 40 minutes when our pager goes off. We are taken to our table and the server drops by, takes our drink order and says she'll send a chef out.

The chef comes and goes (no drinks). I confess, he was a brilliant chef. He wouldn't allow DD to go to the buffet, as he was the only chef that recognized that cross-contamination COULD happen. He insisted on bringing DD a salad, entree, and dessert, made specially for HER!

After the chef left, PC arrives. Out of all the characters we saw, PC was probably the best. He asked us what we had done so far, what we were doing tomorrow, complimented both kids ...

When he asked what we were doing tomorrow, DD wasn't sure, so I said we'd be visiting MK and excited to see Cindy's castle. He said he'd watch for us and wave from their bedroom window. He asked if we were going to see the parade, and he said he'd wave at us then, too -- and would be watching specifically for DD (he really made her feel special).

When I asked if we could take a picture of him and the kids, he insisted that I join and offered his arm. Okay, so we had a ton of fun with PC and I really enjoyed meeting a Prince! (I have only met Princesses before, never a Prince.) He addressed us all as royalty, and repeatedly talked about his beloved Cindy. He was piling it on so thick, that if it were not WDW and I wasn't caught up in the moment of this being a magical place, I would have been sick. lol He made a comment to DH as he was leaving about him being a wonderful guy (Lord, I think is what he called him?) for bringing us all to WDW. PC really made us all feel welcome and special -- for that, I appreciate a HORRID experience getting better.

Shortly after PC left, DD's salad arrived. We were still waiting on beverages and I sent DH to get a quick plate for DS since the next character was close.

DD's salad was setup like a merry-go-round (her words). It had edamame beans (she didn't like, but I enjoyed them), olives, and lettuce. She didn't like the dressing (a balsamic of some type), but I thought it was great!

DH comes back with a plate of food for him and DS (no pics) and Cindy makes an appearance.

She was okay ... nothing special. She spoke highly of her step-sisters, they were so pretty and talented. But honestly, her encounter was pretty "forgetable". I only remember her speaking nicely of her steps ... oh, and she said that her step-mother would be interested to know if DS was single and such. But really, that's all I recall.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Anastasia sneaking up on us. She was visiting the table to my left (behind DD). She quietly snuck up behing DD and shouted (literally at the top of her lungs), "WATCH OUT!" DD jumped 20 miles out of her seat. I complimented Anastasia (saying she looked so beautiful tonight, her dress was perfect, etc) and she kept asking for more compliments, replying to each one with "Yes, yes, I know. What else?" She said that everyone loves her and the words she hears the most is that she's "breath-taking". lol She posed for a picture with us ... and this is when I realized that DS was done with normal pictures. Forever.

Then the moment I had been waiting for. The sole reason I wanted to dine at 1900PF. Lady Tremaine. It was the ONE picture I wanted, and the ONE character I wanted to meet. I'm a bit miffed at DH for this ... but oh well.

Anyway, LT talked so low, I couldn't hear a word she said. She only spoke to DS at the table. I did compliment her but I couldn't hear what she said back to me. She did ask us for a picture, and stood DS up. She straightened out his shirt, messed with his hair a bit, adjusted his collar, and then posed him (his face was his own doing).

You can almost see me. I look like I'm trying to Photobomb the picture. Ugh!

As I was standing there, I thought I'd take this moment to talk to LT and perhaps HEAR her ... when Drizella SHRIEKS and then says "MOTHER! I want this bow! It's an adorable bow!" (etc) LT turns and says she's tired of buying her nice things and then she ruins them, etc and walks away. So I got NO LT time. I was quite sad.

Drizella approaches our table and asks each of us what we hated the most about Cindy. I tried to compliment her, but she insisted on talking about how much she hates Cindy and insisted we tell her reasons we hate her, too. I asked her how her evening was, "Horrible. That Cinderella girl is here ruining our lives!" Outside of that, I don't recall anything else about the encounter.

Then the chef brought DD her entree. Here's two pictures from two different sides:

Under all the rice noodles, there was green beans, salmon, broccoli, potatoes, corn, and then drizzled with that balsamic dressing she didn't like. She ate everything but the rice noodles, which DS enjoyed nibbling on.

I finally got to get MY first plate of the evening ...

We had been there for nearly 30 minutes and I still hadn't gotten to eat because of the characters.

Let's see ... I enjoyed (bottom right to left then upwards):
mashed potatoes, carved beef, salad, peel and eat shrimp, green beans, something with veggies, roll, sushi, and another kind of salad

At this point, you're lucky to see a picture of food. I was starved. While I was at the buffet I was just putting food on the plate. I remember enjoying the food here, and really, the only complaint I have is the staff. We struggled with refills on beverages. We sat around with empty glasses most of the night. I got the shrimp for the kids, as I'm not keen on peeling shrimp. But outside of that, I don't recall any food complaints or issues.

I did go back for seconds, I got more shrimp for the kids (DD's request), a few more pieces of sushi, and I think another slice of beef.

Then I was ready for dessert. I pretty much got one of everything that sounded or looked good.

Cheesecake, Key Lime Tart, a mixed berry tart, something chocolatey, and bread pudding. I loved everything but the bread pudding. I didn't like it at all.

I also got a bowl of ...

Strawberry soup! DH asked to try it, and I allowed him to dip his spoon in. He went back for seconds and I had to block him. It was MY Strawberry Soup and he could get his own! Yep, I refused him. He had to go get his own bowl. lol

Then the chef brought out DD's dessert.

He sat it down in front of her and her eyes got HUGE. He then proceeded to pour half a bottle of Hershey's chocolate sauce over it as she watched. We had several other tables staring at us, as she got such amazing treatment from the chef. After he poured half the bottle on her dessert, I asked if I could get a picture.

Chef Tjetjep was AMAZING! He took amazing care of DD and kept checking on her to see if there was anything else he could do. He also told me that if we needed him to alert our server or one of the chefs on the buffet. I really need to turn in a compliment card for him! He was wonderful! And the ONLY chef who recognized that they can't control cross contamination on a buffet.

DD tried to figure out how to eat this monstrous dessert, and DS was very much jealous. lol

It has strawberries, dairy-free chocolate ice cream, DF ice cream sandwich, gummy worms, bananas, and a pineapple stand (plus sprinkles and the tons of Hershey's sauce).

We waited forever for our check. I got up and took some pictures while waiting.

A CM made a comment about me taking pictures, it really made me feel even more unwelcome than I already was. So I snapped back at him and told him that the sooner my check came the sooner we could be out of his hair.

Our check arrived immediately. Honestly, I really hate to say this, but we didn't tip as well as we usually do. We're typically 18% on the low-end tippers (but average 20% or higher). I struggled to leave 15% with the terrible service. We did get refills, but they were SLOW. We did get plates taken away, SLOWLY. We did get our check, SLOWLY. All in all, I think I left about 16%.

As far as 1900 PF goes, we will NOT be back. The food was good, the characters were good, the service was so terrible that you can't pay me to revisit this establishment. I would never consider staying here. I would never consider dining here again -- at any of their restaurants. I will never recommend either of their restaurants either.

It was a 2 hour experience I really regretted having. For it to be a WDW property and restaurant, the staff was the most un-Disney-like people I have ever encountered. So it was a good thing the sprinklers did not go off.

Except for that last CM, I did smother everyone with kindness. That last CM ... well, at that point I was angry again and I was starting to feel bad. I do feel bad for snapping at him, and I don't even really remember what he said ... but he shouldn't have said it, and I shouldn't have snapped.

After we finally paid the bill, we left and made the long walk back to the car. It was such a shame that the staff was so horrid ... as the food was good. But not great enough to make me consider putting up with CMs like that and slow service.

We made our way back home and cleaned up for bed.

 

[Lidian]

all caught up now!!

i never did figure out what happened to that tooth. (and to tell you a bad momma truth- i don't know what i did with the first tooth she lost either. i can't remember where i hid it. i do know where her third and fourth are though. whoops)

back to the topic though. i am very interested in Universal. I'm going to wait another trip or two though. its hard, with james in such a superhero phase though. but there are only like 6 things he's big enough to ride. and a few maya is still not tall enough for. seems like it would make more financial sense to wait. i hate waiting

i think it is weird that you can't take pictures in so many rides.

i had to giggle at your DH's pics. at least he tried. i gave Chris a second camera to carry last trip and he never once took a picture. said he forgot it was there.

i can't believe all the gawkers you had with the paramedics. what jerks! i'm glad you seem to be slowly coming around at this point in the TR. YOu were quite a trooper!

i wrote another note about your DH but apparently i need to work on my pendmanship. who kows

were they being sticklers about staying in your FP time during your trip?

I have all the kids lost teeth in my money jar on my dresser. THey're at the bottom and under a piece of cloth.

We compared USO to IoA and there was more at IoA that DS could do. Plus, I wanted to see WWoHP, so that probably would have won over anyway.

DH intentially cut out the kids. He was only taking pics of the characters. I thought it was hilarious. He was all "But you took pics of the kids with YOUR camera". Sorry that your DH forgot about the camera. Mine does that, too. Unless it's something he wants to show his BFF.

I was shocked at all the gawkers, too. I probably would have watched... but from inside my room at the window (and I would have been peeking through the blinds, trying to make it less obvious). They didn't have to come down and crowd around the ambulance.

Towards the end of our trip, the CMs were required to enforce all FPs. There wasn't a requirement during our AK day ... but we had usually kept our FP times anyway ...

Awe that was so sweet of your dh to go get you some fresh Sprite to drink, my dh sucks at taking care of me when I'm sick!

I was quite shocked, and proud of him. I think he felt bad -- and honestly, I can't say it was his idea. Odds are, DD mentioned I might want something ... I should ask.

DD says it was DH's idea to fill my mug.

As far as when I'm sick at home, DH only gets me something if I ask him to. So I can relate. I usually have to ask for a cup of water or something. He never checks or offers. However, when he's sick, I constantly check and ask if he needs anything. Oh well.

First, I'm so sorry I'm so far behind. Life has been hectic -- boss and his wife in the hospital, the engagement couple --going to see them and them coming here, just overall madness and we leave for Florida in three days and I'm not ready!

I am so, so sorry that you got sick on vacation. I can understand the kids being scared. But a big to your hubby for taking care of you and the kids. I can't imagine having to go to the hospital on vacation.

Despite your not feeling well, it sounds like a great day at the AK. Those crowds were unreal...we've never been to AK when it is crowded. I love the trek...so glad you did it.

And for your daughter doing EE all by herself!

I can semi-relate. I am so far behind on your TR. I don't recall hearing about your boss and his wife. Are the newly engaged couple still teeming with excitement?

I can't believe you only have three days!!

Going to the ER while on vacation was NOT fun. I did get a bill from them yesterday. It wasn't bad at all! Thankfully my insurance covered most of it. I expected my insurance to cover hardly nothing. So that was one relief, too!

I've never seen AK not crowded ... but this was by-far the most crowded we had seen it.

My DD loves EE, and I was so heartbroken to not be able to ride, too. But she did amazing riding alone! I'm so proud of her!

You got the A you worked so hard for!!!! I hope the 5th graders stay out of your business tomorrow! You should definitely take your mind off of them and take the time to be proud and happy for yourself, though!

Thank you!

 

[MHTeacher]

WOW! I was a whole day behind in your updates.

First off, I can't believe you got so sick, and had to go to the hospital! That must have been so scary. I'm a baby like that, and I would have been scared to go all alone-but what choice did you have? Your DH had to stay with your kids since they're too young to be left alone.

I don't know how you made it through your AK day after the evening you'd had!

Sorry you didn't enjoy your dinner at 1900 Park Faire. The last time we ate there was for my DD's 16th birthday dinner, and we had a wonderful server.