Mickey and The Promise of Cheesy Dorito Fingers- Oct 2012 PTR Update 10/06

[lbuzz52]

Ya know Ms. Lauren....y'all have really messed me up...
So...Now when I eat Doritos...(and the new Taco Bell Doritos Taco), I get the urge to fire up the IPad or smartphone to check your Pre-Trip Rpt. ....

I think y'all will absolutely LOVE Riverside! We have usually gone to WDW as a family of five, so POR-AB really made great $ sense for us, but the beautiful grounds keep us coming back. We've done a few others, but we consider it our "home" resort... the staff is incredible...Maria in customer service went the extra mile for us when we had some extra Autistic son "challenges" during our Dec. visit.

Lots of neat new stuff coming to Orlando this year...and next...Currently working on a trip or two now...need business to pick back up!

you relly got me giggling... maybe i'll have to name this trip report hamburger, or chocolate or something. that way i'll stay on people minds
(ps- i thought i'd love that taco, but it didn't do anything for me)

I'm so glad that you love POR! I keep forgetting that they do have the option for 5 in AB! I hope your business picks up so you can plan a couple extra trips!!!

What a great trip report, your children are lovely. I love the rooms you picked - and Beignets - sigh! Makes me want to change resorts. And why have I never heard of this Characterpalooza before?!

thanks for the compliments, and thanks for joining in!

characterpalooza is really fun! I'll detail it another day when i have my notes with me, but its a DHS. Basically, at a certain time of day depending on the fantasmic schedule, you can find a whole group of characters signing autographs at Animation. I have the times listed at home; i'm also about to discuss it on my TR 1 or 2 updates from now.

I know!

I thought about doing it that way, but I think I'd want more than just 2 nights there Maybe I'm a little selfish when it comes to that

i get it, it would definitely have to be the last hotel, for sure!

 

[lbuzz52]

I'm going to be pretty sparse this week...

We unfortunately got to the position where we both realized we would need new cars soon. However, we aren't in the position to finance 2 cars. We've been working on saving up to keep from financing one of them. We are close, but not quite there what we would like to pay for the second one. In the meantime, our cars have been aging to the point that they aren't worth much, and we pretty much decided we would decide which to replace first based on which needed a large repair next.... Chris drives 100 miles/ day, i figured it would be his. But i have the kids most of the time...

Anyway, his transmission gave out this weekend. And neither of us really know what we want. All these ratings confuse me... how can a car be a top safety pick on one site, and an unsafe purchase on another

so, if anyone wants to "sell" me their car (type)...

this week is pretty much devoted to searching adn researching over and over

i'd rather talk Disney!

 

[PirateKate]

Too bad about the needing new cars. I'd rather think about Disney than cars, too.

 

[silverhaze269]

Yeah, that sucks about the cars

I've always wanted one of the "new" Mini Coopers...but I don't drive, so I don't really know how good or bad they actually are . I just like the look of them ...and the people I know that own them seem to like them. Granted, these people have no children...I feel like there wouldn't be an abundance of space in one of those.

 

[Lidian]

Well, I can't really "sell" you on a brand ... but I will state that my family is 100% Toyota lovers. Currently in the family: I have a '01 Camry (mine) and '97 Corolla (DH's). My sister has a '07 Corolla. My dad has a 4'Runner (not sure what year, perhaps '06 or more recent). His wife has a Camry ('05 or better). I gave a '99 Corolla to my mom when I got my Camry. We're looking at trading in the '97 Corolla for a newer Toyota (I'm hoping for a minivan or decent-gas-mileage SUV). Let me just say, I've driven Corollas, Camries, and 4'Runners ... I LOVE THEM ALL! My favorite is the Corolla, but they are a bit smaller. The Camry is a bit bigger and a bit "safer". That said, our Toyota Dealership is just great and helpful and bend over backwards. But I know not all dealerships are like that (for any brand).

G'luck with your search and anxious to hear what you decide!

 

[Chelley00]

I can't sell you on a brand because we have to drive Chevy's because FIL works there Plus, with 4 kids we have to drive big boats and I'm sure you don't want one of those.

 

[amandaw]

I'm so excited that they finally released the dates for MNSSHP! I'm like you - haven't bought my tickets yet but was glad to see the date I wanted on the list.

Good luck with the car search! I hate car shopping. I will say that last year I got a 2011 Chevy Traverse & I absolutely LOVE it.

 

[Chelley00]

I will say that last year I got a 2011 Chevy Traverse & I absolutely LOVE it.

That's what I have and I LOVE mine too. Other than it's black. I hate having to wash my car all the time!

 

[Moira222]

subbing now, reading later (after I finish reading your TR! )

 

[lbuzz52]

Too bad about the needing new cars. I'd rather think about Disney than cars, too.

not fun at all!

Yeah, that sucks about the cars

I've always wanted one of the "new" Mini Coopers...but I don't drive, so I don't really know how good or bad they actually are . I just like the look of them ...and the people I know that own them seem to like them. Granted, these people have no children...I feel like there wouldn't be an abundance of space in one of those.

i think they are cute, but i like more space in a car. you dont drive?

Well, I can't really "sell" you on a brand ... but I will state that my family is 100% Toyota lovers. Currently in the family: I have a '01 Camry (mine) and '97 Corolla (DH's). My sister has a '07 Corolla. My dad has a 4'Runner (not sure what year, perhaps '06 or more recent). His wife has a Camry ('05 or better). I gave a '99 Corolla to my mom when I got my Camry. We're looking at trading in the '97 Corolla for a newer Toyota (I'm hoping for a minivan or decent-gas-mileage SUV). Let me just say, I've driven Corollas, Camries, and 4'Runners ... I LOVE THEM ALL! My favorite is the Corolla, but they are a bit smaller. The Camry is a bit bigger and a bit "safer". That said, our Toyota Dealership is just great and helpful and bend over backwards. But I know not all dealerships are like that (for any brand).

G'luck with your search and anxious to hear what you decide!

My family has seemed to always pick out Domestic cars. They dont' keep cars very long, it works for them. My dad used to work in Automotive Classifieds here in town (well, still does in a way, just travels and doesn't deal with the locals now). Anyway, he had picked out every other car i've owned. And he's always picked imports. Chris tends to waffle. He's the type that looks more at the current price rather than the total price in the long run.

Unfortunately, the dealership with the bes reputation around here is Acura. because while i LOVE the cars, they are out of the price range.

 

[lbuzz52]

I can't sell you on a brand because we have to drive Chevy's because FIL works there Plus, with 4 kids we have to drive big boats and I'm sure you don't want one of those.

My husband wouldn't mind drivign a boat, but i don't care too! My family members like Chevy/ GMC, and i would have no problem picking something out if Chevy was in the family!

I'm so excited that they finally released the dates for MNSSHP! I'm like you - haven't bought my tickets yet but was glad to see the date I wanted on the list.

Good luck with the car search! I hate car shopping. I will say that last year I got a 2011 Chevy Traverse & I absolutely LOVE it.

My mom has an Arcadia, basically the same thing, right? i really like her's but don't want a twin car

That's what I have and I LOVE mine too. Other than it's black. I hate having to wash my car all the time!

my current car is black. hate it... it gets soooo hot inside. i've basically given up on washing it. also, a few years ago, we had what they called hurricane elvis. Basically, 100 + mile an hour straight line winds. My car had hood/windshield damage, and tons of deep scratches all over from the roof shingles. I got it all repaired, at a place recommended by my boss, and now all the scratches are back. i feel like all those swirlies really stand out on the black.

subbing now, reading later (after I finish reading your TR! )

glad to have you

 

[lbuzz52]

Last year, May 10th was on a Tuesday. I know because at this time of day, i had just checked into my room at Caribbean Beach and was about to enjoy some pool time. How quickly a year passes. I am so glad that i have a ticker because otherwise i might have to hide from everything Disney. I am really missing the parks!


I watched Modern Family yesterday, where they were in Disneyland. It was so exciting! i loved all the quirkly little lines like "you wanna know how many bars (cell) i have? Zip A Dee Do Da". And i thought it was so creative to get Lilly the princess heels to slow her down!


We had family in town this weekend from Michigan. I felt for them, because they left temps in the 50's to come here to the mid 90's and super humidity. We spent one afternoon at the zoo. I was glad we rushed through the Panda area- it always makes me want to be at Animal Kingdom

On the car news... we really should have been looking before hand. Because of the timely need, our search is not being handled in the most efficient manner.

Chris searches available used cars in our price range. He sends me the car info. Then i proceed to spend a day or two or three researching only to eliminate either the car itself or the car type. I'm sure he wants to strangle me by now. I'm not trying to be anal- its just that we likely will have the car a good number of years and its used. Used means there is access to so much information. i can't tell you how many forums i've been through getting real life data for the reliability of these cars. Plus the actual car sites like carfax, kelley, edmonds, my carstats, car-seat.org, informedforlife.org, etc etc, etc. Do you know that in all my research, EVERY single car i've looked at has had at least a couple instances where the car accelerated when pressure was applied ot the brakes- or where the brakes didn't respond when standing on them in an effort to stop. i seriously hope all those instances were user error and not random production flukes.


Anyway, i think we've finally agreed on a car. Now to just find the right one. There are only 5 i think for sale in our whole 30 mile radius, and 2 are out of our budget. One of the remaining is sort of beat up on the outside, and another is at a less then reputable dealer.

We have driven the remaining one, but i'm not sold on it 100% yet. It may seem silly, but when we went to test drive it, it had been there for one week. Yet it had not been detailed and they had not taken pictures of it. that stuff is usually done in about 24-48 hours. plus, they moved it to the front for us to look at it. when they turned it back on, it wouldn't start. Could just be that it needs a new battery or has a loose cable, could be related to something bigger. anyway, i just got a vibe that the car either had not been put through their inspection yet or they had something they wanted to work on first. but before i woudl buy it, i'd take it to my mechanic and maybe even try to call the last owner. it would come with an engine warranty.

if that one ends up not working out, we will have to be a little more patient or expand the search. it's not as big of deal to drive a couple hours if you know what car you want.


then it will be time to start over for my car. yeah.... so excited

 

[silverhaze269]

i think they are cute, but i like more space in a car. you dont drive?

I just use the bus system here, but I do have my learners...well, the one that you do the written test for. I've never actually been out driving yet. I mostly want my licence so I can rent a car if I need to, and so I could be a second driver on road trips

I can totally sympathize with your family members going from 50 degrees to 90...that was us last year when we went to Disney. Talk about a shock to the system Sometimes I wish I lived in a warm climate like that, but I love the seasons we get here, and I would miss skiing.

 

[lbuzz52]

I just use the bus system here, but I do have my learners...well, the one that you do the written test for. I've never actually been out driving yet. I mostly want my licence so I can rent a car if I need to, and so I could be a second driver on road trips

I can totally sympathize with your family members going from 50 degrees to 90...that was us last year when we went to Disney. Talk about a shock to the system Sometimes I wish I lived in a warm climate like that, but I love the seasons we get here, and I would miss skiing.

It amazes me still how different various cities are. Around here, you don't use public transportation. the only option is the bus, and trust me when i say that is less than desireable.

I've never skied! i've actually never seen more than like maybe 6 inches or snow, and that is pretty much a fluke around here. this year we had one flurry. last year was the most snowy winter of my life- i think we got about 8 or 10 different snowfalls, although only one was more than 3 inches. i've only had enough to make a snowman a couple times. At this point in my life, i think skiing scares me.

I'm perfectly happy not being in a cold climate LOL- although i could use a little less humidity. i'm typically dripping in sweat by the time i get the kids in the car. i always tell Chris we may as well move to Florida, becuase we have their weather anyway.

 

[PixieMama]

We love Modern Family. This week's episode was so funny... "Zip a dee do da" indeed!

Sending some pixie dust your way to help with the car hunt!

 

[lbuzz52]

We love Modern Family. This week's episode was so funny... "Zip a dee do da" indeed!

Sending some pixie dust your way to help with the car hunt!

that show is so clever. i hope they run repeats. i mised the first few minutes cleaning up dinner.

so sweet to send me pixie dust!! i think its funny, no matter what price range we look in, we always tend to want something just above it.

 

[lbuzz52]

Happy Mother's Day Everyone!

What do you all have planned this weekend?

Tomorrow we have teeball, a birthday party, and then a meal with my parents/ brother/sister/SIL/ neice/ nephew.

And sunday, I have nothing planned!!!! I may order food to be delivered, and i may just stay in my pajamas all day!!!

 

[silverhaze269]

Sounds like a great way to spend Mother's Day

I'm hopefully getting together with my parents for dinner tomorrow, but plans are kind of up in the air as of now. I spent a good chunk of today with my future mother-in-laws (biological and step mother) so that was nice...we went wedding dress shopping

 

[PixieMama]

We're spending this rainy Mother's Day at home. Laundry waits for no one, LOL, Mother's Day or not!

 

[silverhaze269]

It amazes me still how different various cities are. Around here, you don't use public transportation. the only option is the bus, and trust me when i say that is less than desireable.

I've never skied! i've actually never seen more than like maybe 6 inches or snow, and that is pretty much a fluke around here. this year we had one flurry. last year was the most snowy winter of my life- i think we got about 8 or 10 different snowfalls, although only one was more than 3 inches. i've only had enough to make a snowman a couple times. At this point in my life, i think skiing scares me.

I'm perfectly happy not being in a cold climate LOL- although i could use a little less humidity. i'm typically dripping in sweat by the time i get the kids in the car. i always tell Chris we may as well move to Florida, becuase we have their weather anyway.

I don't know how I missed this but I did...

We have a ferry system and buses, but that's it for public transportation here. It's not ideal, but it works well most of the time. Unfortunately the weekend service is less than desirable, but I can still get where I need to go, which is great, it just takes longer.

about skiing...I've seen people well into their 60's at the ski hill, so I don't think you're ever really too old to learn. Snowboarding though, that's a whole different ball game

As much as I'd love to move to a warm climate, I really don't think my body would deal very well with it