May Vacay - Let's celebrate the end of the school year. But why is it surface of the sun hot? (Updated 11/4)

[honeymo78]

You and Barb sound like my mom and her friend who has joined her on two trips at Disney - we are waiting for her to ask about 2026. The whiplash from the mood changes is real. I'm so thankful that my mom and I are good travel companions at least 90% of the time and our vacation styles/temperments align since I haven't been on a trip without her since 2014

 

[Stacybaeasm]

While I was reading this update, I found myself thinking the same thing! Bless you and your patience for not doing that. LOL What a night!!!! At least you had some nice conversation over dinner anyway. I hope tomorrow was a less stressful affair!

I am not known for my patience in situations like this so it was a struggle. I do think she is having memory issues of some kind so I kept reminding myself that some of this behavior could be related to that. But goodness, I am not built for this.

You and Barb sound like my mom and her friend who has joined her on two trips at Disney - we are waiting for her to ask about 2026. The whiplash from the mood changes is real. I'm so thankful that my mom and I are good travel companions at least 90% of the time and our vacation styles/temperments align since I haven't been on a trip without her since 2014

We had so much less conflict at Thanksgiving but I think that was due to a couple of things: 1) It wasn't as hot (which helps my mood/patience considerably) and 2) I gave in on a lot of things. The 2nd one led to me feeling slightly resentful as I look back on the Thanksgiving trip. I vowed not to do that this time and I think me fighting to do what I wanted to do was a problem.

 

[LoveToDisney]

Although I love reading about your trip, I hope you don’t plan to travel with Barb again. There’s definitely a compatibility issue for you both. Sometimes it’s hard to know one’s travel style and one gets surprised. Since you have struggled with Barb at least twice, you know what you are getting. Sounds like your solo trip planned for this coming Thanksgiving is definitely the way to go. You have so many friends/relatives that you meet up with during your trips which adds joy to your solo trips without crowding you into the insanity you had with Barb.

 

[disneyAndi14]

Oh Prickly Barb makes for an interesting TR, haha
She wants what she wants
Riviera has some excellent desserts
Excited to hear more!

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Although I love reading about your trip, I hope you don’t plan to travel with Barb again. There’s definitely a compatibility issue for you both. Sometimes it’s hard to know one’s travel style and one gets surprised. Since you have struggled with Barb at least twice, you know what you are getting. Sounds like your solo trip planned for this coming Thanksgiving is definitely the way to go. You have so many friends/relatives that you meet up with during your trips which adds joy to your solo trips without crowding you into the insanity you had with Barb.

I will NOT be traveling with Barb any time soon. We just don't do things the same. I think part of the problem is she doesn't realize that I'm not 12 anymore and I don't take orders well. And I do think she has memory issues and she just forgets things. I get really frustrated with that. And I know better than to do that. I've spent some time learning about alzheimers and dementia and I know you can't react. Unfortunately, I didn't handle it well this time.

Oh Prickly Barb makes for an interesting TR, haha
She wants what she wants
Riviera has some excellent desserts
Excited to hear more!

She does want what she wants. And so do I. Maybe it's the whole "can't be 2 alphas in 1 pack" thing. The world isn't ready for that.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Day 5, Part 1
Magic Kingdom - There's a storm brewing
​

Today was another Magic Kingdom day - with Barb. Goals for today: rides in the morning, pool time, dinner at Liberty Tree, fireworks, and FUDGE!!

I started the morning worried a bit about how the day would go, based on yesterday. I honestly wasn't looking forward to much of the day but there was a slight hope that things would go better. I did my usual - get right out of bed and get ready for the day. Barb was much slower to get up. So slow, in fact, that I finally had to prod her a bit with the reminder that we were supposed to leave the room no later than 7:45. She finally got moving (with a lot of grumbling) and I think we walked out of the room at 7:50. Not a tragedy but I am one of those "early is on time" people so I was a little put out already. Then Barb mentioned we had to stop by the Everything Pop store because she forgot deodorant and a toothbrush. Ma'am, you brought 2 suitcases and a large bag for 2.5 days and you don't have either of those things??? I'm sure I rolled my eyes but what can you do?

We stopped at the store and what should have been a 3 minute grab and go situation turned into 15 minutes. We had to debate the color of the toothbrush and the type of deodorant. It was the Mary Poppins shopping all over again. I watched one bus come and go. When the next bus pulled up, I said I'm going out to get on the bus. Come when you are ready. Well, she didn't like that but it at least put a hustle in her. We made it on the bus and were soon off to MK. While on the bus, Barb decided to bring up the fact that I do not speak to her other sister. Mind you, this has been going on since 2000 so clearly, I'm not changing. However, Barb feels like the matriarch of the family and ORDERED me to start talking to my other aunt. After several minutes of this, I put my foot down and said "This isn't happening and I'm done discussing this." My warm, fuzzy "Yay, Magic Kingdom!!" feelings were definitely missing this morning. The day was also very cloudy and humid so the weather didn't feel like helping things along either.

Once in the park, we needed to decide where to start. We had completely missed early entry but it was still early enough that lines weren't long. We started with Jungle Cruise since we both like this ride. We had a really funny skipper who told the same joke over and over and over which tickled me for some reason. I also noticed he had a blue shirt on. I thought maybe we got someone in management that morning but Scotty later told me that the blue shirt is what they get from central costumes if they forgot their uniform that day. Oh well, I thought we were special for a hot second.

After Jungle cruise, we headed over to Pirates for a quick ride with Captain Jack.


After we got off, Barb started saying that she was hot and that she wanted breakfast. Ok, what do you want for breakfast? She had no idea. Now, at some point the day before, she had mentioned doughnuts. We were walking by the place with beignets so I suggested those (close to a doughnut, right??) Nope. That was the wrong move. Beignets are disgusting! Why would I even suggest that? I mentioned the doughnut thing and got a lecture about how they are not the same. Got it. No beignets. A simple no would have been fine but ...got it. I think I mentioned a couple of other options and got no's to everything. By this point, we'd gotten to Haunted Mansion so we stopped for a quick visit with the 999 happy haunts (at least someone was happy at this point.)


As we got off, Barb again said she was hot and hungry. I asked again what she was hungry for and again, no answer. I decided that I was going to Friar's Nook and getting those amazing tots again and suggested that. She made a face and asked what else we were going to do this morning because she wanted to go back to the room. I said my only goals left for the morning were to get breakfast (because by this point, I was hungry) and to get fudge. Barb asked where we had to go for fudge. I said Storybook Circus. Where is that? I pointed and said up that way. Where? I then said "Do you remember where we had the sugared nuts at Thanksgiving and sat on the wall?" Yes, that she remembered. I said "Well, the wall is right in front of Storybook Circus" "But where is the fudge?" "Barb, the fudge is in Storybook Circus." "But where is that?" "It's up past Little Mermaid." We walked a few steps. "Where is this circus thing?" "Barb - it's up that way. Past Little Mermaid. By the place we ate nuts at Thanksgiving. By Dumbo." "But where is it?" Ok, I'll admit, this next part isn't my finest moment because I fully lost my patience and completely raised my voice. "I don't know any other way to explain this to you. It's up that way - past Little Mermaid by Dumbo!!!!"

Barb did a full stop in the middle of the walkway. "Don't yell at me like I'm 5 years old. I'm just asking a question." Yes - a question you have now asked 5 times. A question I have answered 5 times. Each time you seemed like you understood until you took 2 steps and then forgot. I don't know how else to tell you where we are going. And then Barb said she didn't want to be with me right now and she was going back to the room. Excellent. I'm going to have breakfast and get fudge. And we went our separate ways.

I headed up to Friar's Nook and got my tots, a diet coke, and some water. I had just gotten settled when the skies opened up and it started POURING! I am so glad I got a table under the roof section. I took my time eating and waiting for the rain to at least slow down. Eventually, I finished and the rain had slowed to a drizzle. I put on a poncho and headed up to Storybook Circus. There, I took my time looking at all the goodies and ended up buying 2 pieces of fudge and one of the giant chocolate chip Mickey shaped cookies. Treats in hand, I decided to head back to Pop to rest a bit and get some pool time in since it seemed to be getting sunny. On the way to the buses, I also got a message that changed the plans for the evening. One of my friends (and former students) was performing in Fantasmic! that night. Well, I clearly have to go see her so once again, a Disney trip with no Happily Ever After fireworks. But hey - I would get to see Fantasmic! twice.

I got to the bus stop and there was a bus waiting. I hopped on and started to settle in when who should get on but Barb. Oh yay (can you hear the sarcasm??) However, she reacted like nothing had happened and sat down next to me and started chatting with a family across from us. She was giving them all kinds of advice and much of it was wrong. I let most of it go until she told them they could get on a boat at Disney Springs and go all the way to Beach Club and Hollywood Studios. The family got really excited about that so I felt like I had to correct the information. I said - actually, from Disney Springs you can take a boat to Saratoga, the Treehouse, Old Key West, and both Port Orleans resorts. There is also a boat that runs between Beach/Yacht club and Studios but they are different boats because it is different waterways. Yeah, I was not popular again after that.

We got back to Pop and both of us headed to the room. I immediately got ready for the pool, packed my bag with sunscreen, books, water, and snacks and headed out. I don't know what Barb was going to do. I headed back to the Bowling Pin pool (my pool of choice for this trip) and found a lounge chair under an umbrella. Excellent!! Now I can stay for a few hours. I spent time sitting in the shade and reading and also getting in the pool and floating around. At one point, I looked up (I could see the room from the pool) and saw Barb going in and out of the room. Shortly after, I got a text from her saying she couldn't deal with my disrespect any longer and she was leaving. I should just spend the rest of my time with my friends/former students since that's what I wanted anyway. Honestly, I was relieved. I called my mom to let her know that I probably got written out of the will (again) and then just relaxed for a few hours until I needed to head up to the room to get ready for the evening.

And that's where I will leave you for now. Not a fun update at all. And spoiler alert - Barb hasn't spoken to me since. I texted her for her the 4th of July and for her birthday but she didn't acknowledge either of them. And here's where I might be the jerk - I don't care. I can admit I had some moments that weren't my finest and that I am half of the problem here. But I wasn't the only one who was disrespectful (I left out some of that because it involves family drama and also her calling me some not nice names that aren't appropriate for the Dis) but she will never admit to being at fault. At least I won't have issues at Thanksgiving, right??

Up next: afternoon fun at MK, dinner at Liberty Tree, and Fantasmic!

 

[missjackiemcg]

"This isn't happening and I'm done discussing this."

Definitely a chat for another time--NOT on the way to the most magical place on earth!

Scotty later told me that the blue shirt is what they get from central costumes if they forgot their uniform that day. Oh

I think maybe I missed this--is Scotty a former student? family member? I don't remember the relationship. Either way, an interesting tidbit! I'm surprised they would let a CM do the attraction "out of costume." I definitely would've thought it was a manager of some sort, too!

it started POURING! I am so glad I got a table under the roof section.

There is still something so magical about sitting (dry!) and watching a Florida rain! Nice timing, as well, to enjoy your breakfast and wait it out.

spoiler alert - Barb hasn't spoken to me since

At least I won't have issues at Thanksgiving, right??

Well, that stinks, BUT silver linings, right?? Seems like there is clearly more going on, as I believe you mentioned maybe she's getting more forgetful, etc. My grandma died from Alzheimer's, and I remember during some of the early years how forgetful, but also how downright angry and nasty she could be at the time. #1 I hope that's not her diagnosis because it's simply awful, but more importantly, I hope there is some resolution to be had someday for you both.

 

[ThreeBoyMama]

Yikes. I mean I can understand the forgetfulness but the name calling and bringing up family drama is just nasty. It sounds like she was looking for a fight. I would have been relieved that she left too! I hope the rest of your trip was more enjoyable

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Definitely a chat for another time--NOT on the way to the most magical place on earth!


I think maybe I missed this--is Scotty a former student? family member? I don't remember the relationship. Either way, an interesting tidbit! I'm surprised they would let a CM do the attraction "out of costume." I definitely would've thought it was a manager of some sort, too!

Scotty is a former student who is now a very good friend. I was in his wedding at Disney in April 2024.

Well, that stinks, BUT silver linings, right?? Seems like there is clearly more going on, as I believe you mentioned maybe she's getting more forgetful, etc. My grandma died from Alzheimer's, and I remember during some of the early years how forgetful, but also how downright angry and nasty she could be at the time. #1 I hope that's not her diagnosis because it's simply awful, but more importantly, I hope there is some resolution to be had someday for you both.

She told me at some point that she had gotten a concussion at some point and I wonder if that is still a problem. But I do worry that something else is wrong.

Yikes. I mean I can understand the forgetfulness but the name calling and bringing up family drama is just nasty. It sounds like she was looking for a fight. I would have been relieved that she left too! I hope the rest of your trip was more enjoyable

I think by the time we got on the bus she might have been looking for a fight. But I also think that part of her reason for coming on this trip was to bring up the family drama. She has decided that the issue is all my fault so I need to fix it. I've been very clear since this happened 25 years ago on what needs to happen to fix it, but once again, I'm the "baby" and I can't make those decisions.

 

[SaraSpringsIsHome]

Shoo, the stress! I’m sorry that you had to deal with all this on your trip; I hope the remainder of your time improved once she left!

Nevertheless, I always love reading your TRs and look forward to more

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Shoo, the stress! I’m sorry that you had to deal with all this on your trip; I hope the remainder of your time improved once she left!

Nevertheless, I always love reading your TRs and look forward to more

I only had a day and a half left after her exit but I fully enjoyed it (more to come)!

And thanks for reading. I'm so excited for Thanksgiving - NO DRAMA ALLOWED!!! I just got done making my list of cookies to get and food to eat at the Christmas party. Just waiting for Festival of the Holidays menus to be released. Fingers crossed the UK has that amazing chocolate orange drink again.

 

[amazingact21]

Ma'am, you brought 2 suitcases and a large bag for 2.5 days and you don't have either of those things???

Oh my gosh, I know I shouldn't but this made me laugh. I have family members who would've done the exact same thing.

After several minutes of this, I put my foot down and said "This isn't happening and I'm done discussing this." My warm, fuzzy "Yay, Magic Kingdom!!" feelings were definitely missing this morning.

Ahh, yes. On the way to the MK is exactly when you want to rehash old family drama and boundaries set in place.

Shortly after, I got a text from her saying she couldn't deal with my disrespect any longer and she was leaving. I should just spend the rest of my time with my friends/former students since that's what I wanted anyway. Honestly, I was relieved. I called my mom to let her know that I probably got written out of the will (again) and then just relaxed for a few hours until I needed to head up to the room to get ready for the evening.

Sorry that there was so much drama this day. Traveling with family can be so, so stressful. Well, family in general can be stressful. I've long since accepted that we aren't in many wills. But at the end of the day, your peace and happiness is the only and most important thing you can control. You gotta do what you need to do to keep your mental health strong. Nobody else has to understand it.


And, at this point in the trip, you get to see your former student perform and eat a delicious dinner. Things are looking up!

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Day 5, Part 2
Magic Kingdom and Breathing easy
​

We left off with Barb having headed back home and me finishing up pool time. This evening, I had reservations at Liberty Tree Tavern for dinner and then I needed to head over to Studios to see one of my friends/former students perform in Fantasmic! (goal was the 2nd show). I quickly showered, dressed, and headed out to get a bus to MK.

As I arrived, it was getting ready to rain again. That's ok. Now that I had alone time, I planned to hit up some photos and some characters. First up, photos with the castle.




Then some shots on the way up to Fantasyland.




I did a quick trip through Sir Mickeys to shop and then headed to see some princesses.




I contemplated doing the other side of Princess Hall, but the line looked a bit long and I didn't think I had time before my dining reservation. I headed over to Liberty square and found a space to sit while I waited for Scotty and Eli to arrive. Soon enough, we were all headed into Liberty Tree Tavern for some turkey, mashed potatoes, and ooey gooey toffee cake! Dinner was great and we had some great conversations. After dinner, Eli decided to hang out in MK to see some friends while Scotty and I headed to the buses to get to Studios.

Once inside Studios, we headed up to Toy Story Mania. Scotty loves this ride and I hadn't done it yet this trip. Lines weren't long and we were quickly on the ride. I am not good at this shooting game but I do love to have fun. Each time we spin to the next scene, I yell "Wheeee!!" Scotty laughs but he is a serious competitor and he wants the points. I have no idea what my score was, but I had a good time. As we came out, it was time to go join the line for the 2nd Fantasmic! Scotty wasn't joining me so he headed out of the park and I headed over. I didn't have to wait long before they started letting us in. The 2nd show is truly the way to go - crowds were a lot less, it was cooler, and seating was plentiful. I quickly got a snack and found a spot in the center but up high.


Soon, it was showtime and time to see my friend perform.





Sorry for some of the blur but I wanted to protect my friend's identity. I don't want to get anyone in trouble for anything.

It was shortly after the photo on the steamboat when I saw my friend point into the audience and wave. It was the same section I was in, just a lot closer to the lake. But, I KNEW she thought she was waving at me. After I got back to the room, I messaged her. She said, I saw you and waved!! I laughed and said I knew you thought that but I was toward the top of the seating. She said, I heard some yell at me and I thought I saw your pink hair. It's totally the thought that counts, right??

Anyway, after the show, I headed out to the skyliner and went back to Pop. I quickly got ready for bed because tomorrow is the last day of vacation and I had plans to hit all of the Flower and Garden booths.

Up next: raining again??

 

[emisorik388]

Love the energy in this report already! Sounds like you earned that solo Disney trip after such a tough year. Excited to hear how your “relax and enjoy” plan worked out—and how you handled that Florida heat.

Hello friends! I'm back for another trip report. I was in my happy place May 25-June 1, staying at Pop Century. Overall, it was a great trip! But first, introductions.
View attachment 972769
That's me - Stacy. This trip was mostly a solo trip so it's all about me!! LOL. Just the way I like it. Some facts:
Favorite Park - Magic Kingdom
Favorite Ride - Guardians of the Galaxy
Favorite Princess - Belle (she reads!!!)
Favorite overall character - The Evil Queen! (My students are pretty sure I AM the Evil Queen and they aren't wrong, although I have no illusions I am the fairest in the land.)

I had some plans and goals for this trip. First and foremost - I was going to learn to RELAX on these Disney trips. Every trip I say I am going to take it easy and just enjoy instead of pushing. Every trip, I do the opposite. And then I read trip reports from all of my Dis friends and see them spending time at the pool, doing crafts, taking breaks and I say "I want to do that!" and then never do. This trip I was absolutely determined to do this. Especially after surviving spring semester. This was a HARD academic year altogether and spring was insane. I needed a chance to just let go and find some joy again.

Other plans along the way - do the make your own tiara thing at Arribas brothers in MK, Steakhouse 71, After Hours at Hollywood Studios, Toppolino's breakfast, Liberty Tree dinner, meet up with Caroline (DisneyAndi), see Scotty, Stephen, and Eli, watch one of my former students perform in Fantasmic!, Flower and Garden Festival, and see my aunt Barb. Lots of plans if you are also determined to relax every day. Did I accomplish it all? Did I survive the crazy storms every day? And that heat! I mean, it was August hot in May.

Anyway, I hope you will join me on my May adventure.

Up next - the drive down.

Love the energy in this report already! Sounds like you earned that solo Disney trip after such a tough year. Excited to hear how your “relax and enjoy” plan worked out—and how you handled that Florida heat.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Love the energy in this report already! Sounds like you earned that solo Disney trip after such a tough year. Excited to hear how your “relax and enjoy” plan worked out—and how you handled that Florida heat

I don't want to spoil the rest of the report for you, but I will say this - the relax part went great!!! In fact, I will be making that an essential part of the Thanksgiving trip as well. Pool time, I'm coming for you!

 

[LoveToDisney]

Loving your report. Be sure to post a link at the end of this report when you start the T-Day report so we can be sure to read that one also. I am really looking forward to hearing all about your solo trip over T-Day! I bet you will have an AWESOME time.