Where are you?
Hope all is well.
She told me on FB the other day the all the Travel Agent stuff is keeping her busy and hopefully her TR will "get a little love" soon![]()
I'm just going to sit in the corner of shame until I catch up on your report.....
I LOVE that you took a picture of Paul. My sister is pretty scared of him too. Up until about a year ago he had a twin brother...named Craig! I like to tell people that Craig ran away...creepy!
Oh Brook, why did you have to post that pic of that chair again!And it has a name?!?!
Ok, I'm sure I'll have nightmares now tonight with Paul the clown chair chasing me around the Boardwalk. Oh man, you're killing with that and those pics of George the clown slide with that spaghettio hair.
Bummer that the Hess station was a bust. Oh well, it's good to know though since I haven't been inside.
Can't wait to read about SAB!
Well, the Hess station sure is underwhelming. From some of the things I'd read, I had envisioned it as the greatest gas/convenience store EVER. Oh well.
Who knew that that chair had a name. I've seen Paul in many a TR and he gets creepier each time!
We promised Madeline one of those balloons this time. She's asked for one on our last 2 trips and we said no but are caving this time.
Creepy clown chair has a name?!OMG, Boardwalk could well be the setting for a clown slasher film!
Sorry the Hess station was a let down but I'm sure lots of DIS'ers will be grateful for the info.
I don't know why but for some reason I just assumed that cast members didn't/couldn't wear their uniforms off site. That would definitely be an unwelcome dose of reality to see them in real world settings... especially if any of them were being less than nice.
Congrats on firming up details for the solo trip. It all sounds like fun!
Don't fret to badly... the "i" is only there to be a vowel holder to make the word into a well... word. A Fip.
That chair, I think, is really kinda cool. Very artsy, to be sure. Maybe the name is a child's name whose nursery it was in?
WEIRD!!!!!
Maybe George and Paul are friends?
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Why take pictures of all this water?
Love the store update... by any chance... did they sell birthday cards there?![]()
Is it strange to say that this chair...I mean, Paul...is one of the big reasons I have been hesitant to consider a stay at the Boardwalk? I mean, I'm not afraid of that chair, per se, but it does lead me to wonder what other types of decor would be there, with a chair and a waterslide like those?
Wow....Paul is very creepySHUDDER.....I agree
Thanks for all the info on the Hess products. We usually get Garden Grocer, but since we have free dining this trip I am going to go without an order. I think with the QSDP we will have lots of snacks left over. Good to know what Hess has. We have passed it before, but never stopped.
Im so glad that you friend gets to join you! What a fun time you two will have Here's hoping that you can get in on the free dining...that would be such a bonus!
I will only repost the back of the chair so I won't creep anyone out again.
PAUL- <shudder> That is added to list to see. Also the "other" chair - CRAIG ????
Great report on the Hess station. Now I know. Not sure if I will go but now I know.
Love the smilies! It is funny seeing the different choices of smilies between the boys & girls.
I have not gotten a PM from you yet. So glad to hear your friend can make it!! That will so much fun for you both. Hopefully you can rush on over to MK.
Wow that Paul is creepy isn't he????
That chair is so freaky!! I thought it was a girl because it looks like a dress where the seat is!! Can't wait to see what you think of SAB!!
Melissa
Paul =![]()
Paul is VERY creepy. I wonder why his name is Paul...
Your Hess update is SO helpful. I'm glad we're placing a Garden Grocer order and will have a car. They love their chocolate Horizon milk boxes.
i think it would be a fun trip.
Okay, that Paul chair is WAAAAAY creepier than the clown pool! Am I right?
Thanks for all that recon at the Hess station. That's the kind of information this Canadian can definitely put to good use. I'm not used to American pricing as it is...so budgeting for me when we fly is a bit of a nightmare because we never know if the trip to the Hess station is going to be worth our while or not.
You've successfully taken the guesswork out of our next trip on that point, thank you very much!!
Keep us the good work. Can't wait to hear about your SAB experiences.
Waiting with bated breath!
First of all...Paul is really really creepy!!! Yikes!
Second, thanks for the information on Hess! Where exactly is it located? I've heard about it before but never paid much attention because I never thought we'd stay at one of the Epcot resorts!
If I'm not mistaken, we passed it at some point during our "transportation disaster" heading from CBR to the TTC to DHS to Swan/Dolphin to BC/YC! We passed so many places, I can't remember for sure. Is it behind the Boardwalk?
I agree with you that it doesn't have as big of a selection as I thought it would! I've heard people talk about it before & from the sound of it, I really would've thought they had pretty much everything (like what a normal grocery store would have). I'm glad that you cleared that up because I will definitely be using your info on our Sept. trip!
The pictures were soooo helpful. Thanks for taking notes to share with us! I noticed most of what we ordered from Garden Grocer in your pics from Hess. I wish I would've known last year because after our photo session at the BC, we could've stopped at Hess before returning to CBR. We would've saved a bunch of money & it would've been more convenient to just pick it out ourselves.
A lot of things we ordered last year & some we need this trip -- I noticed small boxes of cereal, fruit cups, diapers, bottled water, chocolate syrup, bread, baby juice, instant soup & mac/cheese, goldfish crackers, "real" detergent (I hate the stuff in the little packets at the resorts!), and garbage bags (I needed them for some reason last trip, but I don't remember (I think for dirty laundry!)), bananas & apples are Luke's favorite 2 fruits so thats good!
But I wish they had baby carrots, he loves to snack on those! He will choose them over chocolate!
I wish they had juice in larger containers (other than single serving) and I find it hilarious that they sell hot dog buns & relish but NO hot dogs!
Anyway, I'm just really glad that you were so thorough with your notes & pictures!!! That is sooo very helpful to me! We will definitely be going to Hess and the little store at BC on our trip in September! Thanks for the useful info!!!![]()
The plans for your solo/friend trip sound amazing!!!!
I can't wait to hear about & see pictures from your Ultimate Touring at MK and the 4 Parks, 1 Day!!! I read about those all the time on TouringPlans.com and they sound so exciting!!!
A girl I know actually attempted the 4 Parks, 1 Day but she didn't do enough planning & never finished it. She actually decided the DAY BEFORE going to Disney that she wanted to do 4 Parks, 1 Day -- I definitely think it involves more planning than that!![]()
I also think your Spa day sounds amazing!!!
Are you planning any ADR's for your trip?
Can't wait to hear more about the details!!!!![]()
The bananas wedged in there next to the Twinkies cracked me up! Lame attempt?! After thought?! Guilt Trip?!
Whattaya mean spaghetti with no meat? You've never heard of "spaghetti and spamballs" before?
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Brook I am all caught up--I was SOO far behind that I had to skip the chat. bummer I love the chatter!!
Henry is so cute opening his monorail. I love that! I skipped the tea cup video.lol
How awesome that you posted pics of the Hess grocery shelves!! for sure now I will call for a grocery order. we need more fruits and veggies than convenience store bananas, which are usually pretty green. but thanks because your photos helped me firm that on up in my head.
Your Plaza pics are causing me to go to bed with a rumbly in my tumbly.....DH and I are trying not to splurge on any dinners out till WDW in 22 days....sort of building that anticipation.
so jealous of your solo/girlfriend trip. that is awesome! and you can celebrate your Mickey graduation, too!!!![]()
That's just bizarre!
Now I want to know the story, too!
Kathy
That does sound like a good mix of friend time and alone time. I probably wouldn't mind being by myself for a day or two to just take pictures, but after that, I'd want some of my 'peoples' around.You guys will have a good time.
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Congrats on renting your DVC points and on having a mini trip in what, 6 weeks? Awesome.
Thanks for the Paul update and the Hess station information. Yes - it would be wierd to see CMs pumping gas in uniform. I thought they put on and took off their uniforms on property. Guess I was wrong.
The plans for your solo/girls trip sound fabulous! It will be a great mix of girly time and alone time. I like the AS resorts, we stayed in one in October and it was a great change because before that I had only stayed in PO. Can't wait for that TR to see what you think of it.
Also Paul.. wicked creepy. It makes me want to go see him to check it out, but I feel nightmares would come from that.. so maybe I better not LOL.![]()
Ewww...Paul is creepy. I, too, would love to know the story behind those chairs. Ewwwwww.![]()
If all of us "adults" think Paul is creepy...imagine how the kids must feel! I would be terrified!!
It seems that all of the Hess's around WDW are the same. My mom and I went to the one by DTD (not sure if this is the same one you went to) in December looking for similar items...yogurt for breakfast mainly...and couldn't believe the nonexistent selection of cold items. In NJ you can practically go food shopping at WaWa or Hess gas stations if you needed to!
Just FYI for people wondering about CM uniforms off property... when I worked at WDW in 2001, DTD employees (where I worked) were allowed to take their uniforms off-site, but MK employees (where I temped a few times just for the experience) absolutely could not. I had a roommate that worked in Epcot and another that worked at ToT in DHS (sooo jealous - she had such a fun job!) and I can't remember whether either or them were allowed to wear their uniforms home. I'm also not sure about resort-type employees. Things might've changed since then though...
This reminds me of when I was living near Williamsburg, VA, and I was driving down the highway and saw a guy dressed sorta like Ben Franklin (white wig and all - he must've been on his way to work at Colonial Williamsburg). His car was having trouble so he'd pulled over and was getting out to look under the hood. I felt terrible for him, but it was hilarious at the same time!
That chair is uber creepy but the name Paul just makes me laugh.Wow, what a scary name! Or not. I seriously thought it was a female!
I'm not sure I would like the "real world" slap in the face. It would seem a little odd to me. I like to think of Disney World as an all magical place and that doesn't mean seeing CMs pumping gas or purchasing a gas station hotdog.lol!!!
Wow - Paul is creepy!! I think he's much creepier than George! Is Paul wearing a dress?
Sorry the Hess station didn't live up to your expectations!
Can't wait to read your SAB update!!![]()
Yay on the solo trip working out! Good luck with the Ultimate Touring Plan and 4 parks 1 day
That clown chair does look creepy and I also want to know about the history behind Paul.
I, personally, think that Paul the Chair is a cross dresser.Did you see that dress he is wearing?
Seriously, he's creepy!
Thanks for pictures of the Hess Station. I've only been to the Hess Station near DTD once and it was only to get gas before leaving for home.
I don't like the Paul chair it's creepy looking! Luvin your trip report though
ok, first of all, that chair should not be named. Second...it should not exist! lol
I see I am not the only one wondering why the chair has a name AND why Paul is choosing to wear a dress!!! Not to mention that somewhere Paul has a twin named Craig!!! My sides hurt from laughing over this!!! I really need the story behind the chair!!!
Yeay for your friend coming along! That will be a lot of fun to have some girl time!
I am so laughing at al lthe pictures you took at the GAS station! That is hilarious in itself, but I can see why you did.
I have to agree with Lisa. Paul is a cross dresser or has Gender issues. But I would love to know the story of how he got his name.
Subbing! Loving your report so far! We are going to NYC in a little over a month and am looking soo forward to that, but I gotta say, you are scaring me!
I come from Detroit and my DH comes from Western KS, and I would get sooo nervous at the idea of the grocery store being closed on Sunday (What do you mean I have to go 32 miles for a gallon of milk????) whenever we would go to his hometown. So I have been getting so excited to go someplace that if it can't be Orlando, is a big city I have never been to! Now you have me thinking about cars and baths being a novelty and I am nervous again!
Oh, and seeing as how we are friends of the disboard variety.. would you mind PM'ing me some "real" good places to eat in NYC? Staying in Midtown and we want distinctly NY places! I found out at Trip Advisor that they all tell the tourists places to go but won't give up the real good places cause they don't want 'em overrun. I can understand, but I promise not to tell!
Thankfully I hope to go back to WDW in September where I know I can vacation without much worry!
Spamwiches. Tee hee! And ew at the same time.
Paul? Creepy, but I still say the clown slide sets the standard for creepy. Another reason I can't wait for SAB pix.
Ultimate Touring! So jealous. You're making me reallllllly want to do it. But DH is practically allergic to rushing unnecessarily, esp. on vacation, so ... maybe what I reallllly want is a solo trip. Or at least a solo day.
Ok, Brook.... all of this chatter about Paul the Chair is really cracking me up!! I love it!! I propose that you make a side trip when you are over in Epcot one of these times and you ask for a CM manager or a really creative CM to explain Paul's presence there in the lobby.
The first time we saw him he was with his twin on the other side of the fireplace (I think it was a fireplace!) and our DS, who was 10 at the time didn't see the twins of evil and sat down and then looked up... his eyes grew to twice their size and he bolted straight up and yelled and backed very quickly away from them... This was me.... I do find them him unnerving in a very creepy sort of way. Who in the world would want to sit in that chair?? I think they should put Paul in ToT... seems like a better place for him. Maybe he could be rigged up to have arms that grab the person crazy enough to sit on him!
So excited for you solo/friend trip! What a wonderful time of year to go.
I cannot believe it has a NAME!!! So much scarier to give it a name.....moving on.
I've always wondered about the Hess Station and am glad you were able to document it. You would think Disney would find it beneficial to have something more substantial on property.
Hooray for your friend being able to go! I think you hit it right on the head, it will be a perfect blend of girls/solo trip. You will have a blast! For research purposes only, of course.......
That Paul Chair is quite freaky looking. I would like to know its story, too. Maybe the Paul isn't it's name and refers to it's creator. Sort like how the monster Dr. Frankenstein created is called simply Frankenstein, rather than Frankenstein's monster.
Glad to hear your trip plans worked out, so far. Hopefully, a value room will come up with your FD code. It's kind of nice to have some time with a friend and some alone time.![]()
I am finally all caught up again!!
I have to say I LOVE the Paul Chair, I owuld love to have it in my house! SERIOUSLY!!!!
Keep those fabulous pictures coming!!!
that chair is a trip and a half!
I'm all caught up and I have to admit, your sandwich at the Plaza looks so good, I might get one! Very very soon!
The Semi-Solo trip plans sound perfect and I just adore all the winnie the pooh pictures, just adorable. I want to go play with plastic fruit now.
A couple things...
1. Why is Paul wearing a dress? This is a family establishment!!
2. Where did his partner Craig go? Seriously!!
I just posted the question about the chairs on Pete Werner's facebook page! Since just about EVERYTHING at WDW is deliberate and has a backstory, I'm sure he can chase it down. Go Pete!
The Hess station has really good gas prices, so we always buy gas there, but never bought food. Since we usually have our van, we drive up to the Winn Dixie. Its just up Apopka-Vineland Blvd. Not too far a drive from Vacation Club Way, where SSR and OKW are. Before we stayed at SSR in a full kitchen villa for the first time, I went to Winn Dixie's website and signed up for their Shoppers card. That way I wouldn't miss out on the specials. I keep the card in my "Disney" wallet with my DVC membership card etc.
So glad to hear your friend is able to join you!! Just like you said, you get a girlie trip and a solo trip combined!
I hope you're able to use the free dining PIN and get the resorts worked out. I hope something opens up for you! I'm really hoping we get a PIN or general free dining for our November trip - that *would* indeed help the girlie budget!
Paul, is um, strange Very odd indeed
Heather
I think I've clicked on your TR a few times before but have never had the chance to subscribe and read it. Well... I finally did today and I just wanted to let you know that I am so happy that I did! So far it's going GREAT and I think Henry is crazy adorable. So cutee I can't wait for more updates!!
How did I miss an update???? That is creepy that the creepy clown chair has a name. I wonder if the creepy clown slide has a name?
Hess is good for us because we usually just pick up water, chips and cereal. But if you really want anything like what you are looking for, you have to go out to Crossroads and get it.
Joining in - your trip reports are always so enjoyable!
Love Henry opening the monorail toy - too cute!
And your plans for your solo trip - enjoy! I have done a trip w/ friends and one w/ my mom. Super fun.
Hey Brook, just popping in to wish you, Henry and Joe a wonderful Happy Easter!
happy easter brook, joe & henry!
Happy Easter!
Whew all caught up. I was so far behind. I am so jealous of you and your trip. I would so love to do the Ultimate Touring Plan. I am like you and Jon is like Joe in regards to our attitude of touring at Disney. Hope you all had a great Easter.
I think we lost Brook!!!!
She's on FB, I just think we lost her TR.![]()
I want to be one of Tim's Peeps!I don't know if I have room in my signature...but I might be able to sacrifice a picture!
Subbing in. Beautiful, beautiful photos!
Oh no! I hope it wasn't revenge of Paul!![]()
My next trip is set!! i updated my ticker!!
Hi Brook!! I'm all caught up
The Winnie queue looks so fun! We've never done that before.
I've not tried the Plaza either, it looks great!!! That's for sure on the list.
Your solo trip looks great too! You will have a blast with your friend, and it's nice to have some alone time too.![]()
I'm just going to sit in the corner of shame until I catch up on your report.....
I'm finally going to catch up today. Life has gotten in the way, but I think I am back
Hope you all are doing good!
Just joining in! I have a lot to read!!! I love your intro photo in the mirror like tiles above... so very cool! Can't wait to catch up!!!![]()
Where are you?
Hope all is well.
She told me on FB the other day the all the Travel Agent stuff is keeping her busy and hopefully her TR will "get a little love" soon
Thanks for the update!
You've got company. Hey, life gets busy (moving, for me), but at least we're back. And I can't wait for this concentrated Henry fix. See you at the finish line!
A couple things...
1. Why is Paul wearing a dress? This is a family establishment!!![]()