Marriage: The Trip Report - Update 2/28 - Final Thoughts & Link to Disneyland TR!

[jenb1023]

LOL on the Brazilian Tour Group! I would have been tempted to run the other way like I do at WDW!!!

 

[basketkat]

LOL on the Brazilian Tour Group! I would have been tempted to run the other way like I do at WDW!!!

Hahahahaha! I totally agree!

 

[pooh'smate]

Add me to list of people who love the Roy and Minnie statue pictures.

 

[eandesmom]

I can't imagine being one of those tour leaders, talk about the patience of a saint!

how cute that she jumped in the picture

 

[CreightonsMomma]

Wow lots of updates!

What a great Dismeet! It's so cute to see all the kids together.

Too funny about the tour guide being there. We were just at Disney this past weekend and it was horrible. I don't know why they even bother going. They just seem to stand in the middle of the street in a big circle. Don't they ride the rides? lol. I saw them get in line for rides and then after 5 minutes of waiting they would turn around and leave.

 

[glennbo123]

How funny that Nikki got caught taking a picture. That'd be my luck too.

Did you tell the guide that you have a Disney trip report? ie. give a little background as to why her photo was desired?

 

[brookelizabeth]

The bathroom behind PP is going away ??? Good thing I took lots of pictures of the bathroom then.

I did like "Princess" at the entrance.

I swear I already replied to your comment - but I don't see it. So, if I already did, please disregard.

Otherwise...

I have heard that bathroom is very cute! It has little tiles on the wall too, right? I need to check it out, I've never been in there! How cute that is stays "Princess" - I hope they keep that with the new bathrooms!

Just stumbled on your report...and I LOVE it! I feel like I was right there with you!!!! Can't wait to read more!!!!

:: Thank you for reading!!!

Great update Brook! So many fantastic pictures, I absolutely love the ones with the Roy & Minnie statues!

I couldn't help but notice the prices on the menu at Casey's in the picture you took - there is just something terribly wrong with charging $8 for a hot dog..... Especially when it isn't even big enough to fill the bun!

I really like those those Roy & Minnie ones turned out too! We might have to make that a regular stop for a picture through the years.

The $8 is HIGH, isn't it? However, that is for the meal, with the side of fries or apples (and maybe a drink? I cannot recall). But even still, a plain hot dog is only in the $6 range for the meal. Disney prices keep going up and up as they refurb restaurants/update menus!

Ohhh, those videos make me want to be there so badly! I love the bus spiels so much. As soon as you hear that drum roll you know it's going to be a good day. I know I've mentioned it before, but that song is actually on itunes-there is an album by the WDW band on there. Every time I listen to it I imagine I'm riding on the MK bus. And the one of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" was fun too. I was hoping to hear a Brewers cheer though instead of singing root, root, root for the home team. haha

I tried those corn dog nuggets on our trip! I actually just did that update and gave you a shoutout because I first read about them on one of your TRs.

Exactly! The bus spiels make me VERY wistful for Disney World! I can't watch some of the videos without the ache.

Next time you should try to be there for the opening at Casey's with your family and do the Brewers cheer!!

I must get over to your TR SOON! I'm so far behind on everyone's reports, it's pathetic. I feel like I will NEVER catch up again.

That picture of you next to Roy and Minnie is really cute! I love the hands one too! Looks like you guys had a fun and relaxing morning.

Thank you! It was a great morning! Lots of wandering and doing whatever. Sometimes those are good - but when you get too many, you suddenly realize your 2 week trip has only days left and you haven't yet done half the things you want to!

Mmmm ... I really need to have a Chicago dog now! Happily, it's not usually hard to talk my little gang into a trip to the Weiner's Circle. With luck, I'll have me a char dog with all the Chicago fixin's for lunch!

Love that Casey's opens with "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." Perfect. Never thought about it, but of course they should. So fun to find new details like this each trip. Thanks for all the great architectural detail pics, too. You and Joe have great styles.

Oh, yeah -- Welcome home! Glad your visit was so much fun. Camping, dad's commitment to better choices, thunderstorms sound great. All renewing & uplifting, I hope.

A Chicago hot dog sounds delicious right now...and I'm not even hungry. I haven't been to Chicago in years. Maybe in 2012.

I love finding those new details too! Disney always seems to have a surprise, and that is what makes it magical to me.

It feels great to be home again. I'm playing catch-up still with everything - grocery shopping, laundry, work, etc. but the trip is always worth it! I think I'll be going for 2 weeks in December so I have more time with my family.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Sad that the skyway ride is a thing of the past. While it was not really a thrill ride it was something I remember from trips when I was younger... the walls were up during our trip so it will be no more. As for the flow of traffic, I can see a need to fix it, and when it rains over in that area it can flood fast, so that will be fixed too.

Great updates as always!

I experienced the flood by Haunted Mansion in May! Wow! It just pools right up in that area. Hopefully the new traffic flow will fix that like you said.

I would have loved to ride the skyway - just to gaze down at people would be so enjoyable. That is one of the reasons I love the Peoplemover too.

what a passel of updates! So fun to see the meet and recognize some of the kids, how cool is that!

GREAT reno info. I had no clue about the skyway building, good thing I took a bunch of photo's in may! I love the hoedown, take me out to the ballgame festive morning you had...and that the sun came out. I love a good Chicago dog...but too much bun is just wierd.

The picture of Henry's hand is priceless.

GREAT updates!

The bit of extra bun was weird...it's kinda like that dilemma when you buy 10 hot dogs in a package, but only 8 buns. It's annoying!

Amazing TR, I have never sat here and actually read one of these yet.

However, several cups of coffee later, I seem to have read everyone of your posts. Looking forward too more.

Thanks for your time and effort.

Thank you and :: I'm glad you are enjoying it! I really do love to write out the TRs, I enjoy sharing the pictures and looking back on past trips. I find myself from time to time reading bits of my old TRs going "Oh ya! I remember that!" More coming soon!

Sweet babies!

Henry was certainly thrilled with his stickers. When our trip paths cross again, we will be sure to have some for him to gain his favor, too. I thought of him when I bought some Disney vehicles this week. I got the three pack of Disney buses and the 40th anniversary truck for the girls to play with at my house.

Bella and I were Princesses in the Pinocchio bathroom this past week. Maybe for the last time? I don't know when they are supposed to be gone for good. There were walls up right beside them. The path behind Yankee Trader and over to Haunted Mansion does seem like it will help alleviate congestion right there in that turn between PP and Yankee Trader.

A 40th Anniversary truck? I don't think I've seen that! The buses are WELL loved at our house-and played with almost daily. He has a couple others too, but those buses are still favorites.

I haven't heard a timeline for the Pan queue - but I'm wondering if the "NextGen" part of it will be announced at D23. Perhaps a small updating/clean up of the ride too. I will have to go be a Princess for a few minutes in those bathrooms and snag some pics next month!

 

[brookelizabeth]

During planning of this 2 week trip Joe made it fairly clear to me that he'd like a more relaxed approach to Disney World; after all, we were there for two weeks, right? Okay, I could do this. No prob! And I did! We had very, very few plans - and I was excited about it. I figured with two weeks we'd still get everything covered that we all wanted, but be able to do it in a completely relaxed fashion. Best of both worlds!

That's from my first post right?

The DIS meet was so much fun!! It was actually oOJulieOo (along with her mom & daughter Claire) who showed up after the first boat ride. I felt bad that we'd taken off without her... but I'm glad some people stuck around for another ride.

The rain definitely put a damper on things that morning, but luckily it cleared out pretty quickly.

I'm anxious to see how the whole Peter Pan queue rehab & new bathroom building turn out. I hadn't heard about the rerouting of traffic. Along with all the other new Fantasyland changes, it should be interesting.

I love the pictures of all of you with Walt at the end of Main Street.

Ahhhhhh! Yes! Julie! I put Stacy in the TR, didn't I? I was all game for going again, but Henry had a very different agenda in mind. I'm glad others rode with her as well! It was a very fun meet, and thank you again for the stickers!

Wow! What a fun morning!! So cool that you had such a big DISmeet. I love when you just run into fun things happening, like Brer Bear in the store and the little hoedown. Love all the pics of the skyway building. It really is such a beautiful building and it always makes me sad when they change anything! But Walt didnt' want a museum and we have to make way for new and improved (we hope) things!


Oh and GREAT pictures on Main Street! And good for Joe taking that little artistic picture! I don't think I've ever seen that little fountain/birdbath! I'll have to look for it next time....

I love running into those little extras Disney does too - like the Hoedown. It's such a fun and simple show, and had Henry been up to it, we would have been in the thick of those dancers!

I'm really looking forward to seeing what the New Fantasyland will be...just from what I read and see art work of, all together it's going to be beautiful! That skyway building was so pretty though, hopefully what they build will be equally so.

That fountain is right by the Baby Care/First Aid Center, basically out the back door of Caseys. It's a pretty, and fairly quiet, area of the park!

This was one fascinating update! First off, I had no idea that skyway was even there. I don't think I have ever seen that before. And I have never seen the hoe down either! Very cool! It's so amazing to me that after all these years of dising, I still learn something new!

Your pictures were absolutely beautiful too! I have never seen that prospective from the fountain looking at the castle! Just beautiful! I loved the one looking towards CP too, and all the store windows! I'm sooooo ready to get back!

The skyway ride shut down years ago - long before I visited Disney World! It connected in Tomorrowland, the old tower there is already gone, but I believe was in the area where the stage is, next to Space Mountain.

It's amazing to me too that there is always something new at Disney - always something to learn! And they are always changing a little here and there. That's truly what makes it so special!

Yay on a big DIS meet!

Wow you guys sure had a great day at MK - all the photos look great and yay on seeing the character dance!

It was a fun morning at MK! Just a slow meander, do what whatever, sort of morning...sometimes those are the best! (sometimes )

 

[brookelizabeth]

wow thunder while camping.... i have never had that happen to me

It was kinda cool! I like storms though...

I was disappointed to not be able to go to that DISmeet....we were at AK that day. What weird weather that morning! We had down pours at AK twice by 10am but then it was fine.

It's nice that your at Disney so long/often that you'll just leave the park on a whim for Mickey bars!

I was bummed you couldn't make it either! Another time hopefully all our paths will cross again!!

It was weird weather that day - I was thankful when the rain had stopped. On one had it usually means short lines, but ugh-I hate dealing with a poncho and all that.

It really was nice to have enough time at Disney to just go with the flow...we said, more than once, that we knew we'd have a hard time to go back to shorter trips! We were spoiled!

I love all the updates Brook. Those pictures are amazing. I love all the different angles. I gotta try to do more of those types. Remind in August!~

I went for a walk just a bit ago. BOY it's hot out and I came back all sweaty after a mile. I apologize in advance for how sweaty I will be in augst.

Did the photopass guy take the one of Henry's hand. I love that picture.

I will try to remind you in August! I always try to get shots that I don't have already - or improve on ones that I already have. There are so many details, it's fun to try a new angle.

about the sweat! I will be the same way, so don't worry!

Nope, the Henry's hand pic was done by me! I don't remember if we told him to do that, or if he just did and I happened to catch it...regardless, I like how it came out! (despite the chocolate on the side of his hand...! )

What a fun Dismeet! I'm hoping to make it to a Dismeet one of these trips, you guys always look like you are having so much fun!

I'm glad that the rain stopped for you, and you were able to get such nice pictures!

I hope you have a DIS meet! They are so much fun - to meet fellow Disney fanatics and just have that bond between you..it's great! I've met quite a few people now and always enjoy it.

 

[tinacaplan]

Hillarious photo, Brook! And when EOS opens...I think a Dismeet might in order!

 

[ptcrn]

I have never had a Chicago style hot dog, but looking at yours is making my mouth water for one! I think it's the banana peppers- love them!!

Great pictures of the Dis meet and the Roy statue pics- so cute!

Too funny about the Brazilian tour group in NY! I can't believe you took a picture with her! I wonder if she knew why she was so famous?

Glad you guys had such a great trip to Minnesota and I'm happy your dad is doing better.

 

[cdotla]

That is hysterical that you ran into the Brazilian tour group. But very appropriate for a DisMeet, I would say!

How fun that you guys were able to meet up!

 

[Mindy5767]

I'm here... I was more than 10 pages behind so I just skimmed!! I totally need 30 hours in a day. Last night, DD23 suggested that since Heidi and I had not ever watched a Harry Potter movie or read a book that we should watch it with her. She has all the DVD's and books except the last one. We watched it, and then she pulled out a Star Trek TNG season 5 DVD and insisted that we watch that... that was at midnight!! I said Ok... but was falling asleep. Since I have watched ever episode of Star Trek ever made many many times, it was not important to watch this episode. It wasn't one of my favorites. So I went up and went to bed. I felt like lead in the morning. I spent all day doing laundry and getting my clothes picked out and my packing list printed, and catching up on my emails and facebook posts and subs. I am leaving for Dallas on Wed. morning.

Heidi and I have a flight at 12:40 with no stops. Henry books only less than a week ago because he wasn't sure he'd be able to get away from work. He had to pay out the wazoo for his flight, which leaves an hour before mine, but arrives 2 hours later because he has to change planes in Miami. My MIL called and said that Dad (Henry's dad) had fallen (he's 76) and had a twisted ankle and was bruised. They didn't want to make the 2 hour drive each way to pick us up at the Dallas airport. Could we change our flight to follow through to the tiny waco airport. All those flights stop in Dallas anyway. I called, and the lady was really nice. She said that if she changed my flight it would cost WAY too much because I'd lose my early booking discount. I could buy a separate ticket from Dallas to Waco but that would be $220 for each of us. When I told her about Henry's flight situation, she told us that if we called 12 hours before MY flight time, we could pay $50 and he could be changed to MY flight. Originally when Henry booked, the only seats on my flight were going to cost close to $900. She said that if you 12 hours before, any unsold seats, they'll do that with. So hopefully he can change and we can fly together. If not, I'll have to wait at the airport for several hours after I pick up my luggage for Henry's flight to get in. Then we'll rent a car and drive to Waco. That'll be easier on my in-laws. I can just see this. Me, holding Heidi's hand, with her carry-on, my laptop bag, my purse (Disney Dooney) and pulling my suitcase trying to make my way back to the terminal where the restaurants are from the baggage claim area. I can't leave my luggage going round and round for 2 hours!

Tomorrow I have to actually FIT my clothes into my suitcase and Heidi's clothes and Henry's clothes. We're taking 1 suitcase and putting it on my plane. If Henry has to take the original flight he has a layover and switch of planes and I'd rather my luggage not accidentally end up somewhere in Miami enjoying the topics without me. American charges $25 for the first suitcase for fewer is better. When we take our cruise in December we're going to have ALOT of luggage. Six people for 10 days in the winter going to the Caribbean. Lots of extra stuff for sure. Also tomorrow I have to meet the Mary Kay lady in Fairfax county because I ran out of my day serum suddenly (you can't see its running low til the bottle won't squirt anymore). I also want to get the travel set. Then I have a chiropractor appointment, then back home to finish packing.

In the meantime, I tried on some clothes that I'd bought last month and I did NOT like the way I looked in them. It looked tight and I looked lumpy! My weight is about the same, but I haven't been working out so I am probably flabby and out of shape. I have been working on my clients vacations and learning as much as possible and not making room for the gym. I gotta get crackin' or I'll be really unhappy at the beach and then at Disney! You know all those photopass pics. I'm going to pre-buy the CD since we can have pics taken during the AEP and then I can keep using it during our week later. I am so pleased with my shutterfly album that I did with my Nov. trip that I probably will make one. I had a coupon code that came with my online payment of Heidi's school pictures through Lifetouch. A free 8x8 hardcover 20 page album! A $30 value! Its really nice.

Wow... sorry so long and to hijack your PTR!

 

[Mommy2BnB]

Just found your trip report. You take really great pictures and I am enjoying reading about your laid back-go with the flow trip. My DH complains about me dragging the family through the parks at top speed, so it is good for me to see another perspective. I loved your pics of the flowers in NY. Beautiful!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Sounds like another go-with-the-flow morning, and great to have the time and freedom to keep honouring Henry's requests
And isn't it great how much we can learn from others trip reports - lots of changes can be tracked through everyone's photos, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who added the hoedown into their planning notes for the next trip!

Yep-that's just what it was! A very easy going morning, letting Henry lead! Which was perfect for that particular morning, it really set a nice pace for the whole day.

Isn't the hoedown great? I just had NO idea it even happened! I hope you are able to see it!

Great update, Brook. Love the DIS meet...and too funny about Henry and his stickers. Your pictures are terrific!

Thank you Kathy! Henry was so distracted with those stickers I had to shout his name about 28 times to get him to even look at the camera. They must have been REALLY cool stickers!

Brook, I'd missed about 200 updates!

I love your pics of Main Street. I'm totally craving a hot dog now, even if itwasnt the greatest. And I had no idea they're getting rid of the Skyway...makes sense, and not like it's serving any purpose, but I'll miss it anyway.

I can't believe you get to go back again so soon! I am tickerless for the first time in ages...it's totally depressing.

Oh, that's alright! I am sure I have missed at least that many over on your TR! I'm drastically behind, which has become the norm for 2011.

I feel the same about the skyway. It was a pretty building behind the stroller parking and provided some nice pictures, so I'll miss it! I hope the new building they create is equally as beautiful. I have a feeling it will be, they are doing a great job so far on the new Fantasyland!

Ooooh, being tickerless is the WORST. I think that is my key, I must have a trip to look forward to so I don't go bezerk pricing trips and bugging Joe. After August I'll just focus on February and June. But, we better have something after that at least on deck! I hope you are able to swing something SOON! Perhaps another research trip?

You've been a busy bee with updates!

You got some great photos and some that I have not seen before! I especially love the ones with three hands!!!

We stumbled into the Frontierland Howdown in January at about 9:50am. What great fun and characters that are a little more unusual!

Isn't it a great surprise? We stumbled across it probably around 10:15 or so. Was yours just after a rain? A previous poster mentioned the DIS Podcast Team said it's one of those things they dispatch after a rain to bring people's spirits back up....and that's just what ours was. So clever!

It was very fun to see the unusual characters!

Oh my goodness, Brook, I love that picture of Henry's hand in Roy's!!! So cute!

Thank you! He is already quite the Disney geek knowing that both Roy and Walt had a hand in creating Disney World! He likes them both, and tells me that every time he sees the statues.

Luvin the update and the fact that you got click happy. I'm always click happy.

Me too it seems! I often take several pictures of the same EXACT thing.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Great updates, Brook! And you have reminded me of two very important things when travelling with a four year-old: lollipops and stickers! Again, why I didn't do more of this the last time is BEYOND me! Live and learn!

And you can use those exact tools to assist in dictating your day!

Love that photo with Henry's hand with Roy & Minnie's!!!

Sounds like a great day in the MK despite the rain. Can't believe how long you were able to stay out with Henry...what a trooper!

Henry is an AWESOME traveler, and quite the night owl if we let him be! BUT, as we learned in Minnesota, too much of no naps + late nights = one craaaaaaaaaaaaabby child. Whoa. At Disney we generally have a pretty good balance. Plenty of late nights, but we try to get nap time in as well.

Good updates. Glad your Dad is doing a little better.

34 days left for me...............

Is it too early to start packing?

Do you have any idea when 2013 dates will be released on the Disney cruise out of Galveston? PM me if you want to about it, if you don't want to take up space here. I'm thinking of going on a cruise summer 2013 if we can swing it. I'd like to book it far in advance so I can pay it out. I'll look into booking thru you if we do it. TIA.

Now back to reality

34 days? Nope, not too early! Many people start packing at a month! I usually start throwing stuff I know we'll need into a central location to make for easy packing later. Your days are gonna FLY right by!

As for the 2013 cruises - no info has been released yet. I'm hoping they repeat what they are doing in 2012 of bringing the ships to NYC, Galveston and Seattle! I am thinking they will release the schedules either more toward the end of this year, or summer of 2012 for summer of 2013 - just over a year out seems to be the trend. I would LOVE to book your cruise and work with you if you go for one! I cannot wait for June 2012 for ours...it's so hard to read cruise TRs because I just want this year to disappear.

Whew! Caught up!
I'm jumping in, newbie to your tr here. Great so far, and yeah I totally got "homesick" for Epcot.

Thank you for reading!!! That is the best/worst thing about TRs - they bring you back, but they make you homesick!

NYC mini-meet? Let me know next time! I'm a Jersey girl!

Ahhhh! I had completely forgotten! I know there are quite a few of us out here too. We DEFINITELY will be having another meet when Earl opens, I'll organize it! This was more that Christy was coming into town and messaged Nikki and I directly to meet up with us - not really a general meet. BUT! there will be one!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

There's no escaping them!!

It's true! They wear their head-to-toe colors here too! Though, I haven't heard them chant ever...maybe they save those for Disney?

Hi ya Brook!

Glad to see you posting again! I've seen the DISmeet on a few different threads, and it really is fun to see everyone together! I have my first "official" DISmeet in October with "mousescrapper" aka Julie. I cannot wait!! I did have an "unofficial" DISmeet with jenseib aka Jen, but I just happened to notice her and Claire (Claire was wearing her awesome Marry Poppins outfit ) on the bridge from France to the UK and asked her if she was "Jen" from the DIS Boards. I almost didn't do it.... She was very nice though, and we forgot to take a picture....oops.

I really would like to catch the Frontierland Hoedown, it looks like some spontaneous fun! Normally we don't see the Country Bear Jamboree every trip (we didn't in April) but I have a feeling we'll try it in October. I've been racking my brain for all of the fun toddler type activities we can do. We usually just go and ride whatever we want. Ch ch ch changes!

Hilarious about the Brazilian Tour Guide! So cool that she was fun!

I get to meet Jen in August for the TA training! I'm excited to meet her!! Claire won't be with though...someday I hope to meet her too, I think her and Henry could have some fun together! DIS meets are fantastic - it's like you already know each other when you meet and conversation is never a problem. I love it!

Oh yes - you will see Disney in a whole new way! And it's fantastic. The Country Bears is a perfect toddler show, it's so cute and fun. Henry is always all grins and clapping along. We always have used naptime to hit the big rides, Baby Swapping them, with a FastPass. Makes it easy and quick!

It was very cool that the Tour Guide was fun with it - she was super nice! I wonder if she gets a free/discounted trip to chaperon? I'd TOTALLY carry a flag around for free travel!

Lol at seeing a Brazillian Tour Group in NYC!

That was nice of the guide to pose for a pic!

Isn't it funny? I saw them last year by the South Street Seaport, wearing Mickey shirts. This year I saw them in Central Park and Times Square. No chanting so far, and they aren't just congregating in a large spot either - they are on the move!

It was very nice of the guide to pose for us! She was a lot of fun!

LOL on the Brazilian Tour Group! I would have been tempted to run the other way like I do at WDW!!!

Hahahahaha! I totally agree!

They were less frustrating in NYC than in WDW for some reason! If they were dining at the same time as we were, I had no idea - they weren't extra loud or anything! Anytime I've seen them here too, they have been quiet and on the move. I think they just frustrate people at WDW due to the guide getting 50 FPs at a time, and the cutting in line and the chanting! I heard about them chanting once in the Pirates caves and it was so loud it was hurting peoples ears!

Add me to list of people who love the Roy and Minnie statue pictures.

Isn't that sweet?

 

[brookelizabeth]

I can't imagine being one of those tour leaders, talk about the patience of a saint!

how cute that she jumped in the picture

No joke! I am wondering if they get a free/discounted trip? I would hope so! I'd do it for free travel.

Wow lots of updates!

What a great Dismeet! It's so cute to see all the kids together.

Too funny about the tour guide being there. We were just at Disney this past weekend and it was horrible. I don't know why they even bother going. They just seem to stand in the middle of the street in a big circle. Don't they ride the rides? lol. I saw them get in line for rides and then after 5 minutes of waiting they would turn around and leave.

Wow! That's crazy about them leaving the line! I have heard of them leaving a few people in line to wait, and the rest re-joining later. I hope they aren't doing that anymore, they aren't supposed to! Nikki found a website that shows their exact schedule, so I'm going to be using that for myself and my clients traveling in July and January!

How funny that Nikki got caught taking a picture. That'd be my luck too.

Did you tell the guide that you have a Disney trip report? ie. give a little background as to why her photo was desired?

LOL yes! We did! We weren't just crazy New Yorkers. We explained we are Disney fans and see them all the time in WDW. She laughed along with us - she totally "got it"! She was a great sport!

Hillarious photo, Brook! And when EOS opens...I think a Dismeet might in order!

YES! Earl + Disney Store!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I have never had a Chicago style hot dog, but looking at yours is making my mouth water for one! I think it's the banana peppers- love them!!

Great pictures of the Dis meet and the Roy statue pics- so cute!

Too funny about the Brazilian tour group in NY! I can't believe you took a picture with her! I wonder if she knew why she was so famous?

Glad you guys had such a great trip to Minnesota and I'm happy your dad is doing better.

They are YUMMY! They basically are loaded with everything you can imagine on a hot dog. I too am a big fan of peppers! YUM!

No, she had no idea why we wanted the picture at first! I'm sure she just thought it was because she looked silly - but we explained we are Disney fans and see them down in WDW! Then she laughed along with us and understood. She was such a good sport! I hope Christy sees her next week in WDW while she is there!

Thank you for the kind words about Dad. I haven't heard from him since we got back, so I'm going to give him a call this week and see how he is. I'm guessing the no news is good news though.

I love your baby ticker - the baby is the size of an eggplant. That's so cute!

That is hysterical that you ran into the Brazilian tour group. But very appropriate for a DisMeet, I would say!

How fun that you guys were able to meet up!

I know! It was so funny! I mean, what are the odds that they would happen to be eating the same time as us!

I'm here... I was more than 10 pages behind so I just skimmed!! I totally need 30 hours in a day. Last night, DD23 suggested that since Heidi and I had not ever watched a Harry Potter movie or read a book that we should watch it with her. She has all the DVD's and books except the last one. We watched it, and then she pulled out a Star Trek TNG season 5 DVD and insisted that we watch that... that was at midnight!! I said Ok... but was falling asleep. Since I have watched ever episode of Star Trek ever made many many times, it was not important to watch this episode. It wasn't one of my favorites. So I went up and went to bed. I felt like lead in the morning. I spent all day doing laundry and getting my clothes picked out and my packing list printed, and catching up on my emails and facebook posts and subs. I am leaving for Dallas on Wed. morning.

Heidi and I have a flight at 12:40 with no stops. Henry books only less than a week ago because he wasn't sure he'd be able to get away from work. He had to pay out the wazoo for his flight, which leaves an hour before mine, but arrives 2 hours later because he has to change planes in Miami. My MIL called and said that Dad (Henry's dad) had fallen (he's 76) and had a twisted ankle and was bruised. They didn't want to make the 2 hour drive each way to pick us up at the Dallas airport. Could we change our flight to follow through to the tiny waco airport. All those flights stop in Dallas anyway. I called, and the lady was really nice. She said that if she changed my flight it would cost WAY too much because I'd lose my early booking discount. I could buy a separate ticket from Dallas to Waco but that would be $220 for each of us. When I told her about Henry's flight situation, she told us that if we called 12 hours before MY flight time, we could pay $50 and he could be changed to MY flight. Originally when Henry booked, the only seats on my flight were going to cost close to $900. She said that if you 12 hours before, any unsold seats, they'll do that with. So hopefully he can change and we can fly together. If not, I'll have to wait at the airport for several hours after I pick up my luggage for Henry's flight to get in. Then we'll rent a car and drive to Waco. That'll be easier on my in-laws. I can just see this. Me, holding Heidi's hand, with her carry-on, my laptop bag, my purse (Disney Dooney) and pulling my suitcase trying to make my way back to the terminal where the restaurants are from the baggage claim area. I can't leave my luggage going round and round for 2 hours!

Tomorrow I have to actually FIT my clothes into my suitcase and Heidi's clothes and Henry's clothes. We're taking 1 suitcase and putting it on my plane. If Henry has to take the original flight he has a layover and switch of planes and I'd rather my luggage not accidentally end up somewhere in Miami enjoying the topics without me. American charges $25 for the first suitcase for fewer is better. When we take our cruise in December we're going to have ALOT of luggage. Six people for 10 days in the winter going to the Caribbean. Lots of extra stuff for sure. Also tomorrow I have to meet the Mary Kay lady in Fairfax county because I ran out of my day serum suddenly (you can't see its running low til the bottle won't squirt anymore). I also want to get the travel set. Then I have a chiropractor appointment, then back home to finish packing.

In the meantime, I tried on some clothes that I'd bought last month and I did NOT like the way I looked in them. It looked tight and I looked lumpy! My weight is about the same, but I haven't been working out so I am probably flabby and out of shape. I have been working on my clients vacations and learning as much as possible and not making room for the gym. I gotta get crackin' or I'll be really unhappy at the beach and then at Disney! You know all those photopass pics. I'm going to pre-buy the CD since we can have pics taken during the AEP and then I can keep using it during our week later. I am so pleased with my shutterfly album that I did with my Nov. trip that I probably will make one. I had a coupon code that came with my online payment of Heidi's school pictures through Lifetouch. A free 8x8 hardcover 20 page album! A $30 value! Its really nice.

Wow... sorry so long and to hijack your PTR!

it's okay! I don't mind hijacks!

I hope Henry can change his ticket - that would alleviate a ton of stress! It would drive me bonkers to have to wait in the airport like that. Ugh!

The baggage fees for airlines drive me bonkers. Delta charges $25 too. If they stopped doing that, people would bring less on the plane. We ALWAYS bring a carry-on now and stuff that thing FULL! Often we have carry-ons for all three of us. If bags were free (like on a few airlines) we check a couple bags and carry on a small bag of toddler distractions. But, we'll see if they ever go back to not charging. I doubt it!

I hear ya on the exercise thing. Me too! But, I've been eating better, so that is helping. When I exercise my thought process is, "I can have fries, I went running!"

Just found your trip report. You take really great pictures and I am enjoying reading about your laid back-go with the flow trip. My DH complains about me dragging the family through the parks at top speed, so it is good for me to see another perspective. I loved your pics of the flowers in NY. Beautiful!!!

Thank you for reading! That is Joe's biggest complaint too - he does NOT like having an agenda. But, that doesn't work for me, as we well found out this trip. So, I'm trying to find a better balance...each trip we get closer it seems!