More Fun Than Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock-Adventures of the Sweet 16!New8-15

[FairyGodmotherJen]

Sorry I'm late, but signing-on! I skimmed through the pictures, but will have to read the details later. Caribbean Beach looks really nice. And the SWW parade looked like fun. We missed it because of our ADR time at Sci-Fi. I guess we didn't feel too bad about that because it was soooo hot!

Hot wasn't the word for it! I think that's what I liked best about Sci-Fi is the fact that it's cool and dark!! Glad you dropped by!

Ok so I didn't make it until page 6! Is the fact that I was in Disney World a good enough excuse? Anyway I'm here now and can't wait to catch up!

Can't wait to hear about how your trip went after I saw you! And I'd say being in Disney World is enough of an excuse for anything!

Okay Jen, so what did you and your DH come up with to resolve ugly Mommy episodes? I witness another mom's ugly Mommy episode and I almost had to intervene (the kid was like 3 and it could have been handled so much better). I am especially ugly when my girls fight (which is 50% of the time). I can't recall too many episodes from our last trip. However, with the crowds and heat, I can never be too prepared with advice!

Deb

Oh, I wish I knew....as we've figured it out so far, I built the trip up waaaayyy too much after planning it for so long. So don't do that (and I think it's easy to do on here)! The heat, and it's effects on all of us, threw a major wrench in our plans. I also think being well-rested before you leave can help your patience level, and I definately wasn't (remember that first life lesson? ) I don't know if anyone but my family really realized how ugly I was getting...but that means my poor family - all of them - got the brunt of it! You'll be fine though...it all comes down to remembering to just enjoy your family, no matter what! (and DH might actually have that tattooed to my arm before my next trip )

 

[belle8306]

You can read about AKV, BCV and BWV in my TR to see if any of those interest you for next trip. =)

Debby

I am interested in all of those!

We have only ever seen Daisy once too....glad you got the grab the moment!!:

Daisy is so cute!

Yay for Soarin'! I agree with you though, they really do need to clean up that screen, it's getting a bit bothersome when you ride it.

It is my favorite ride. Maybe they will refurb it soon.

A little Big Bang Theory discussion...DH and I were watching last night and they announced it's moving to Thursdays in the fall! I have choir every Thursday...it's not negotiable...it's the ONLY day of the week I really can't watch TV. I'm so bummed! I guess we're going to have to break down and find a DVR before September.... [/COLOR][/SIZE]

I really liked it on Monday nights! They must want to compete with all of the comedies on NBC. If you do get a DVR, it will change the way you watch TV. No commercials=awesome! However, if you don't get one you should look and see if they show it on hulu.

How'd I miss the fact that you had started a trip report? I'm going back to read and will come back to post.

Weclcome!

Okay so I've read the installments (skipped the chit chat so I could get caught up). Let's see if I can remember everything I wanted to comment on.

Oh, the perils of driving in the Atlanta area. My daughter lives about 90 miles from Atlanta but goes into the city a lot to work in a homeless shelter there. The locals say "pick your poison".....you either get stuck in traffic giong right through the city or you get stuck in traffic going around the city.

I don't blame you one little bit for not spending too much time at the rest area when there are signs warning of "poisonous snakes"! Yikes!

You know from my trip report that I take pictures of all the Disney signs when we arrive. There's no better site in the world than those signs.

Yay for being assigned to Martinique 26! We stayed in that same building in 2009 and I was very pleased to see just how short of a walk it was to Old Port Royale. Glad to see that you guys liked the resort.

Hummmmmm, what else did I want to comment on? Oh yeah, I hated to hear that your Mom wasn't feeling well. There's nothing worse than being sick while on vacation. And, I was glad to hear that she was feeling better quickly.

Star Wars Weekends: Oh my! I didn't know what to expect when we went this year as it was our first time. It took us forever and ever to find Boba's Bounty. We walked right past it several times.

We stood in line for a Fastpass to see Jeremy Bullock and he was a super nice guy. How lucky were your guys that they got to meet him and talk with him. Very very cool!

Epcot: I know what you mean about Living With The Land being nothing outstanding but it still being an attraction that you really enjoy. We usually ride it at least twice.

I had to laugh at your comment about your Mother not believing you about the Fastpass window time. My mother questioned me about it and I had to explain it to her several times that we could actually go past the time and the Fastpass would still be good.

Sunshine Seasons....haven't ever eaten there. The reason? I know I'd end up doing the same thing you did with your picky eater. You'll order something here or you won't eat at all!

Okay, I am sure that I missed something that I wanted to comment on but I can't, for the life of me, remember what it was. Looking forward to more!

They loved meeting "Boba Fett". It was a true magical moment. Sunshine Seasons was very good. My husband really enjoyed his porkchop and mashed potatoes. Their bakery is wonderful. I loved our location at CBR!

The CBR looks really, really lovely. 16 people holy cow that's a lot. But it looks like you guys are having fun. I'm glad your mom felt better it would be horrible for her to be sick all of vacation. I cant wait to try out sunshine seasons this trip.

16 people was an adventure. I think being able to split off into smaller groups helped us.

Sorry I'm late, but signing-on! I skimmed through the pictures, but will have to read the details later. Caribbean Beach looks really nice. And the SWW parade looked like fun. We missed it because of our ADR time at Sci-Fi. I guess we didn't feel too bad about that because it was soooo hot!

Welcome! CBR was very nice. We really enjoyed it. It was super hot that day. Sci Fi was a welcome relief from the heat.

Ok so I didn't make it until page 6! Is the fact that I was in Disney World a good enough excuse? Anyway I'm here now and can't wait to catch up!

Welcome home! Disney is the BEST excuse!

 

[belle8306]

Monday
Chef Mickey's and MK

After Epcot we rested in the room for a while then we headed out for our ADR at Chef Mickey's. We enjoyed eating here a lot on our trip in 2007 and we were excited to be going back. We waited a long time for the MK bus to arrive. Of course when you have somewhere to be, it seems like the bus you need is never the one that is there. Finally, all 16 of us made it onto the bus. It was a packed bus to begin with. I think at one point I was practically sitting in Norah's lap while she was in the her scotter.

We made it to MK and Tim, Jen and I, headed over to the Contemporary using the walking path. We made some friends on the bus with another family that also had Chef Mickey ADR's around the same time as us. They also walked over with us on the path. I thought the rest of our group was going to take the monorail but it turned out they also took the walking path. Once everyone had arrived we checked in, took the picture that no one wanted to buy. Although Will was fascinated with the Mickey Mouse sculpture you stand behind.

The buffet was very good. With such a large group, buffets seemed to work the best for everyone to find something that they liked. The characters made it to each table. They split us up between three tables but they were all close together. Everyone had fun, watching the characters interact with the kids (and the kids at heart). Will was so funny with all of the characters. He loved them! After dinner, we headed to MK. Grandma and Aunt Jane headed back to the resort.

When we arrived, we got our first look at the castle. We also took some photopass pictures. Jack was really excited to see Buzz, so we headed over to Tomorrowland.

We ended up getting fast passes. UT, Tim and I went on the TTA.
Space Mountain had the lights on, so that was pretty neat.

The rest of the group went to the Monsters Inc Laugh Floor. Once we finished TTA, we went into the Carousel of Progress. By the time we got out we realized that our fast passes were ready. It turned out that Tim and I had passes for 9:00 and UT's pass was for 9:20 (Tim and I must have gotten the last batch of 9:00 passes because everyone else also had 9:20 passes). The CM was nice about it and let him come in with us.

Once we got out we realized that the rest of our group was just going on the ride. We headed over to Cosmic Ray's to get something to drink (did I mention it was still really hot?). We saw some of the dance party. I wish I had video of Stich doing the "single ladies" dance. It was really funny.

We ended up sitting on the terrace of Cosmic Ray's for the fireworks. It was fairly cool, and even though we couldn't see the really high fireworks we had a great view of the castle. I really enjoyed the Summer Nightastic show. I think the music was great (I wish they had a CD of it). I also like how it really seems like the castle is under attack.

We waited for the crowd to thin out a little after the fireworks. We headed down Main Street and we stopped at the bakery to spend some snack credits on something for breakfast the next morning. We all got the cinnamon rolls.
Once we got out to our bus stop we were greeted with a huge line. It seemed like CBR buses were few and far between. There were so many people in front of us, that we had to wait through four buses before we finally got on. This is one of those things that you have to take in stride at Disney. We had a pretty late night. We got to bed after 12:30. We had to be up bright and early for EMH. Will we make it?

 

[dismagiclover]

Great updates!

Jen- Love all of the Chef Mickey pictures! That is such a fun place! And sounds like a fun night in Tomorrowland though getting out sounds dicey!

Shelley- Love the Fireworks pictures! I agree that Summer Nightastic is incredible! Love how they storm the castle and Tink saves the day

To both of you- Crazy about the bus waits! I hope that gets better as the trip goes along!

 

[FairyGodmotherJen]

Shelley, those fireworks pictures are awesome!! Did you hear that someone actually called 911 during a show (after we left) to say that the castle was on fire? I knew it was realistic, but goodness! I feel bad for that person - they must've been freaking out! I guess they had to stop the fireworks for about 10 minutes (to make sure people could inspect things? I don't know ) before they could finish the show.

 

[FairyGodmotherJen]

Great updates!

Jen- Love all of the Chef Mickey pictures! That is such a fun place! And sounds like a fun night in Tomorrowland though getting out sounds dicey!

Shelley- Love the Fireworks pictures! I agree that Summer Nightastic is incredible! Love how they storm the castle and Tink saves the day

To both of you- Crazy about the bus waits! I hope that gets better as the trip goes along!

They did - wait times improved a ton by the end of the trip! It's always an adjustment to wait on buses anyway when you're used to just hopping in your car. But even though we had our car this time, I didn't ever want to use it...I love being able to hop on a bus and get off a short walk from our door without worrying about gettting into a stifling hot car (or wondering where in those huge parking lots I left the car...). Yes, I guess I qualify as a Disney Geek when I say I enjoy the buses as part of my vacation!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Great updates!

The whole waiting for a bus thing when you have an ADR is so stressful! I'm always in panic mode then.

Firework pictures are gorgeous! They don't have a CD of the new music?? Hopefully they will come out with one!

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

we also ran into long lines for the buses when we stayed at CBR, only downfall for that resort it is the biggest and has so many people there that the buses do fill up quick.

 

[Happy Elf]

Found your TR this morning when I saw the title! DH and I love Big Bang Theory! Although, I'm not thrilled with it moving to Thursday either. I didn't realize you were from Indiana (we live in Anderson) until I read the words Ball State. I graduated from BSU in 2000 and I'm getting ready to start my masters in the fall mostly because I need the hours to renew my teaching license.

I read the whole TR so far and I love it. DH is a huge SW fan as well and is a big fan of Boba Fett! He is working very hard to get DS into SW.

Can't wait to hear more about your trip!

 

[goofy's_gurl]

We had that once where the busses would come for everything else then the one you need to get on. Luckily, you guys made it there for you ADR!

 

[FairyGodmotherJen]

Great updates!

The whole waiting for a bus thing when you have an ADR is so stressful! I'm always in panic mode then.

Firework pictures are gorgeous! They don't have a CD of the new music?? Hopefully they will come out with one!

I do the same thing. I think it was worse this time because I was afraid they'd just write us off as a no-show, and then I'd have 16 hungry people who now had an extra dining credit that they'd paid for! DH was trying to calm me down, though, and he was right - it wouldn't have been the end of the world. I need to make that my mantra...

we also ran into long lines for the buses when we stayed at CBR, only downfall for that resort it is the biggest and has so many people there that the buses do fill up quick.

We really like the resort, though after only staying at ASMo, we had to get used to going around the entire resort before heading to the park. Sometimes it was hard to get off if you weren't the first stop back to the hotel because so many more people were piling on so they could go to the parks before they got to our stop. But like I said, the bus service did get better as the week went on.

Found your TR this morning when I saw the title! DH and I love Big Bang Theory! Although, I'm not thrilled with it moving to Thursday either. I didn't realize you were from Indiana (we live in Anderson) until I read the words Ball State. I graduated from BSU in 2000 and I'm getting ready to start my masters in the fall mostly because I need the hours to renew my teaching license.

I read the whole TR so far and I love it. DH is a huge SW fan as well and is a big fan of Boba Fett! He is working very hard to get DS into SW.

Can't wait to hear more about your trip!

Glad you've come aboard! I'm getting my master's from BSU online - you might want to consider that with two little ones. I've got one more year...can't wait for next August!!!

You ought to think about joining us for the Indianapolis area DIS meet. It's Labor Day weekend. The link's in my sig if you want to check it out! This will be our third year going, and we've always had a blast!

We had that once where the busses would come for everything else then the one you need to get on. Luckily, you guys made it there for you ADR!

Why does it always seem to work like that??? It happened to my mom and aunt when they were headed to Cirque de Soliel the next day...they DID wait an hour for a bus!!! I'm so glad it got better!

 

[belle8306]

Great updates!

Jen- Love all of the Chef Mickey pictures! That is such a fun place! And sounds like a fun night in Tomorrowland though getting out sounds dicey!

Shelley- Love the Fireworks pictures! I agree that Summer Nightastic is incredible! Love how they storm the castle and Tink saves the day

To both of you- Crazy about the bus waits! I hope that gets better as the trip goes along!

The fireworks were awesome! The bus waits do get better as the week progresses.

Shelley, those fireworks pictures are awesome!! Did you hear that someone actually called 911 during a show (after we left) to say that the castle was on fire? I knew it was realistic, but goodness! I feel bad for that person - they must've been freaking out! I guess they had to stop the fireworks for about 10 minutes (to make sure people could inspect things? I don't know ) before they could finish the show.

I didn't hear about that. I am sure they were embarrassed to find out that it is all part of the show. It is very realistic though! I guess that is what makes it so cool to watch.

Great updates!

The whole waiting for a bus thing when you have an ADR is so stressful! I'm always in panic mode then.

Firework pictures are gorgeous! They don't have a CD of the new music?? Hopefully they will come out with one!

I didn't see a CD for the new fireworks. They had the Main Street Electrical parade CD. Hopefully, there is one in the works. I love listening to my Wishes CD.

we also ran into long lines for the buses when we stayed at CBR, only downfall for that resort it is the biggest and has so many people there that the buses do fill up quick.

That is true. I guess, that the good thing is that the bus trips are not very long. We were pretty close to most places.

Found your TR this morning when I saw the title! DH and I love Big Bang Theory! Although, I'm not thrilled with it moving to Thursday either. I didn't realize you were from Indiana (we live in Anderson) until I read the words Ball State. I graduated from BSU in 2000 and I'm getting ready to start my masters in the fall mostly because I need the hours to renew my teaching license.

I read the whole TR so far and I love it. DH is a huge SW fan as well and is a big fan of Boba Fett! He is working very hard to get DS into SW.

Can't wait to hear more about your trip!

Thanks for stopping by. I didn't even know who Boba Fett was before I got married. I have had a Star Wars education since meeting my DH! Good luck with your masters! My brother got his through BSU online and he was happy with the program.

We had that once where the busses would come for everything else then the one you need to get on. Luckily, you guys made it there for you ADR!

We were so glad! No one wants to try to find a new place to eat with 16 hungry people.

 

[IluvXU]

The heat, crowds and lack of routine are hard on all moms... we have all been there done that. I had my big moment last year, and for the most part kept calm this trip... my frustration normally comes out on DH...poor guy!

I think we have all had a late arrival at CM... we did last year and even had a rough time getting there when we stayed at the WL!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Great updates ladies! Don't ya just hate it when you know that you have to be somewhere at a certain time and then a bus doesn't come on time? We only had that happen to us once at the CBR and that's when we were going to Typhoon Lagoon. Just a tip: If you stay at the CBR again and you have waited a while for a bus, pick up the phone in the bus stop and tell them you've been waiting for a (Insert park name here) bus for (insert # of mins. here). They'll ask for a bus to be dispatched.

The pictures at Chef Mickey's were all so good. It looks like you guys are having a great time!

 

[FairyGodmotherJen]

The heat, crowds and lack of routine are hard on all moms... we have all been there done that. I had my big moment last year, and for the most part kept calm this trip... my frustration normally comes out on DH...poor guy!

I think we have all had a late arrival at CM... we did last year and even had a rough time getting there when we stayed at the WL!

Thanks! Yeah, something about that restaurant. That was the one that Shelley and I ended up taking a taxi to (from the Wilderness Lodge, in fact) in 2007 with my MIL and her sis. It's also the one that I ended up meeting DH at in 2008 after we had to take Will to the urgent care. Hmmmm...I'm seeing a trend here. Maybe Chef Mickey's isn't such a good idea for us after all!!!

Great updates ladies! Don't ya just hate it when you know that you have to be somewhere at a certain time and then a bus doesn't come on time? We only had that happen to us once at the CBR and that's when we were going to Typhoon Lagoon. Just a tip: If you stay at the CBR again and you have waited a while for a bus, pick up the phone in the bus stop and tell them you've been waiting for a (Insert park name here) bus for (insert # of mins. here). They'll ask for a bus to be dispatched.

The pictures at Chef Mickey's were all so good. It looks like you guys are having a great time!

We were - it was a good dinner. I didn't know that you could call from the stop. To tell you the truth, I never even noticed the phone!!! I'll have to remember that next time!

 

[Queenofallthings]

You all look so happy in your updates! Thoroughly enjoying this TR!

 

[GoofyWife]

joining in better late than never! your trip report title sucked me in - Sheldon rules! going back now to catch up!

How embarassing - I had already joined in to read a couple of pages ago, but forgot to subscribe to thread and never had time to go back and read - oh well - back and this time hit the subscribe button!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Jen- I think my stress is multiplied when I have others with us. The worry of my kids not acting "just so" sometimes creates more problems for me. Thankfully, it is just the four of us. I won't have to worry about everyone having a great time.

Shelley and Jen - Great updates! I love that you both told the story; it gave us more details!!!

I am worried about buses at Jambo since supposedly they load Kidani first. My friend was there for a SWW in May and said that they actually changed the order to help those at Jambo. I hope this wasn't a one time deal.

But I agree, the buses are something to just accept. I am happy to have them. Dh loves not having to worry about driving while on vacation.

 

[belle8306]

The heat, crowds and lack of routine are hard on all moms... we have all been there done that. I had my big moment last year, and for the most part kept calm this trip... my frustration normally comes out on DH...poor guy!

I think we have all had a late arrival at CM... we did last year and even had a rough time getting there when we stayed at the WL!

Heat and crowds are hard on everyone. I think our next trip needs to be when it is cooler. I am voting for a December trip. If we time it right maybe we can avoid some of the crowds.

Great updates ladies! Don't ya just hate it when you know that you have to be somewhere at a certain time and then a bus doesn't come on time? We only had that happen to us once at the CBR and that's when we were going to Typhoon Lagoon. Just a tip: If you stay at the CBR again and you have waited a while for a bus, pick up the phone in the bus stop and tell them you've been waiting for a (Insert park name here) bus for (insert # of mins. here). They'll ask for a bus to be dispatched.

The pictures at Chef Mickey's were all so good. It looks like you guys are having a great time!

The phone is a good tip. I didn't know about that. We had a blast!

You all look so happy in your updates! Thoroughly enjoying this TR!

We were happy. Thank you for joining in!

joining in better late than never! your trip report title sucked me in - Sheldon rules! going back now to catch up!

How embarassing - I had already joined in to read a couple of pages ago, but forgot to subscribe to thread and never had time to go back and read - oh well - back and this time hit the subscribe button!

Sheldon does rule! Thanks for joining us!

Jen- I think my stress is multiplied when I have others with us. The worry of my kids not acting "just so" sometimes creates more problems for me. Thankfully, it is just the four of us. I won't have to worry about everyone having a great time.

Shelley and Jen - Great updates! I love that you both told the story; it gave us more details!!!

I am worried about buses at Jambo since supposedly they load Kidani first. My friend was there for a SWW in May and said that they actually changed the order to help those at Jambo. I hope this wasn't a one time deal.

But I agree, the buses are something to just accept. I am happy to have them. Dh loves not having to worry about driving while on vacation.

I am glad you are enjoying the TR. I hope you have good bus luck on your trip.

 

[FairyGodmotherJen]

The house is quiet (Haley's birthday slumber party is going on downstairs...she turns 9 tomorrow!!! ), my class modules are done (at least, the ones due Sunday)...I can actually post! I've been busy the past few days cleaning for the party and trying to rid the house of this bug the boys and I caught last week. Jack and Will had stomach issues plus cold symptoms, and I'm just now getting my voice back. But the holiday weekend is ahead and for the first time in a few years it actually looks like we'll have nice weather!

I'll try to post our adventures from Tuesday morning tomorrow (or maybe Sunday...depends on how the girls sleep tonight!). But until then, DH found two pictures the other night that I just had to share. These were taken of the three older kids as we waited for our bus (after negotiating those scary crowds) Monday night. Summer Nightastic started as we waited, and DH was experimenting with the fireworks setting on the new camera.

I just had to share them...thought they were great. Goodnight, and have a great holiday weekend if you (ok, or I) don't make it back here for a few days!