More Over-the-top Drama than a John Waters Movie: A Family Trip to WDW
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LukenDC
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I intend to write an epilogue updating readers on Dad and Sue and my evolving perceptions of this trip. Stay tuned!
LukenDC
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The scooter incident could have been a real disaster if I had not recognized that there was a problem and chased Sue. I was concerned that I could be held liable if she injured someone because I had paid for her to have the scooter.
Initially I thought that the scooter incident was the craziest moment of the trip. Now, three years later, I would have to give that label to Sue crawling through the grass at CSR. It was just too much!
LukenDC
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As darkness fell over WDW, Dad and I reunited and headed to Epcot. Our plan was to spend the evening at Epcot and Hollywood Studios to enjoy the Christmas displays.
Upon arrival at Epcot, we wandered through Future World, stopping only to ride on Test Track. Dad really liked the ride and it is one of my favorites, too. We decided that for dinner we would eat around the world. Hence, World Showcase was our primary destination.
I really liked the beautiful tree and colorful archway of lights that marked the boundary between Future World and World Showcase. It was a nice holiay display and very festive. I understand that Disney has done away with the archway, which is disappointing. Hopefully there is something even better in its place, although I doubt it.
We reached World Showcase and began a clockwise stroll around the lagoon, I began my international culinary adventure with dessert (what could be better!) and bought some school bread in Norway. This is one of my favorite baked treats at WDW. It's delicious and reasonably priced. Dad, however, does not like coconut so he passed on sharing a school bread with me.
We continued our stroll to Germany, where we each got a bratwurst with sauerkraut and a Coke. As we were eating, Dad's phone rang and it was Sue. Dad told her what we were doing and then handed the phone to me. "Get me a bratwurst!" she demanded. I explained that the night was still young and that we had a lot to see and do before returning to the resort. There was no way that we were going to carry around a sausage for Sue, which would have been cold and gross by the time it got to her. Sue seemed to understand my reasons for refusing and then announced that she was ordering a bucket of fried chicken from room service.
After finishing our German treats, Dad and I continued walking and stopped to see the American Adventure. I love this show and regard it as one of the true highlights of Epcot. Afterward, we left Epcot via the International Gateway and took a friendship boat to Hollywood Studios. Dad was interested in the resorts that we passed on the way to the park and I was happy to play the role of tour guide.
Once we arrived at Hollywood Studios, we immediately headed to the back of the park to see the Osborne lights. I had heard much about the lights and, as an annual passholder, was able to get a complimentary set of 3D glasses to view some of the special lighting effects.
I was really looking forward to seeing the Osborne lights, but I left feeling underwhelmed. Perhaps I was expecting too much? The light show just seemed gaudy. Dad was not particularly wowed by the lights either. We watched the lights for five minutes and then went to enjoy other areas of the park.
When we returned to CSR for the night, I accompanied Dad back to his room so that I could visit with Sue for a few minutes. She was munching on fried chicken and complaining about the dearth of cable channels at WDW. She spent most of the night watching the in-house channel featuring the girl with the "must do" list, which Sue had by now memorized. She quizzed us on the "must do's" and the "must do's that you must do" list to see which ones we had experienced.
Dad noted approvingly that her ice bucket was full, thinking that she had ventured to the ice machine by herself to fill it. His high hopes were dashed, however, when Sue explained that she had been calling room service to fill the bucket for her. Dad tried to explain that room service should not be used for such a task, but Sue quickly replied that they would do anything for a tip. She had had it filled twice that evening alone.
After reviewing the travel arrangements for the following day, we said good night. I went back to my room to pack and get some rest.
Upon arrival at Epcot, we wandered through Future World, stopping only to ride on Test Track. Dad really liked the ride and it is one of my favorites, too. We decided that for dinner we would eat around the world. Hence, World Showcase was our primary destination.
I really liked the beautiful tree and colorful archway of lights that marked the boundary between Future World and World Showcase. It was a nice holiay display and very festive. I understand that Disney has done away with the archway, which is disappointing. Hopefully there is something even better in its place, although I doubt it.
We reached World Showcase and began a clockwise stroll around the lagoon, I began my international culinary adventure with dessert (what could be better!) and bought some school bread in Norway. This is one of my favorite baked treats at WDW. It's delicious and reasonably priced. Dad, however, does not like coconut so he passed on sharing a school bread with me.
We continued our stroll to Germany, where we each got a bratwurst with sauerkraut and a Coke. As we were eating, Dad's phone rang and it was Sue. Dad told her what we were doing and then handed the phone to me. "Get me a bratwurst!" she demanded. I explained that the night was still young and that we had a lot to see and do before returning to the resort. There was no way that we were going to carry around a sausage for Sue, which would have been cold and gross by the time it got to her. Sue seemed to understand my reasons for refusing and then announced that she was ordering a bucket of fried chicken from room service.
After finishing our German treats, Dad and I continued walking and stopped to see the American Adventure. I love this show and regard it as one of the true highlights of Epcot. Afterward, we left Epcot via the International Gateway and took a friendship boat to Hollywood Studios. Dad was interested in the resorts that we passed on the way to the park and I was happy to play the role of tour guide.
Once we arrived at Hollywood Studios, we immediately headed to the back of the park to see the Osborne lights. I had heard much about the lights and, as an annual passholder, was able to get a complimentary set of 3D glasses to view some of the special lighting effects.
I was really looking forward to seeing the Osborne lights, but I left feeling underwhelmed. Perhaps I was expecting too much? The light show just seemed gaudy. Dad was not particularly wowed by the lights either. We watched the lights for five minutes and then went to enjoy other areas of the park.
When we returned to CSR for the night, I accompanied Dad back to his room so that I could visit with Sue for a few minutes. She was munching on fried chicken and complaining about the dearth of cable channels at WDW. She spent most of the night watching the in-house channel featuring the girl with the "must do" list, which Sue had by now memorized. She quizzed us on the "must do's" and the "must do's that you must do" list to see which ones we had experienced.
Dad noted approvingly that her ice bucket was full, thinking that she had ventured to the ice machine by herself to fill it. His high hopes were dashed, however, when Sue explained that she had been calling room service to fill the bucket for her. Dad tried to explain that room service should not be used for such a task, but Sue quickly replied that they would do anything for a tip. She had had it filled twice that evening alone.
After reviewing the travel arrangements for the following day, we said good night. I went back to my room to pack and get some rest.
LukenDC
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By coincidence, a friend of mine and his partner were also staying at CSR and had checked in the night before. Since visiting with Dad and Sue was my priority, I could not hang out with them in the parks. We did, however, arrange to have breakfast before I departed WDW.
We met at the Maya Grill at CSR and had a nice visit. I had read many negative reviews of Maya Grill and was a bit worried about the quality of the food, but it was convenient for an early morning breakfast. While I don't remember what I ordered, it was OK. Not awful, but nothing great either. Dad happened to be in the restaurant at the same time, but he sat at another table and gave us our space.
After breakfast, I went to Dad and Sue's room. Since I had to leave in the early afternoon and they were scheduled to depart an hour after me, we decided not to visit a park that day. Dad and Sue had made good progress on their packing and were alert and ready to go. We chatted for a while and watched TV to pass the time before vacating the room.
When Dad and Sue had checked in, there was a nice balloon left in their room from the prior guest. It remained fully inflated for the duration of their stay and was in perfect condition. Sue was afraid that the balloon would go to waste and she wanted to find a child to give it to. Using her wheelchair as a walker, she slowly walked up the hallway pausing outside of each door to call out, "Is there a small child in this room?" Dad was mortified and told Sue that people would think that she was a pedophile. Still, she was undeterred. After passing about five rooms, a door opened and a little girl peeked out. Sue handed her the balloon and wished her a happy day at WDW.
Sue's mobility had improved. She was able to make steady progress by leaning on the back of the wheelchair and slowly walking. Seeing her walk, even aided, gave me a feeling of hope that perhaps she could return to her prior level of mobility if she applied the effort.
We called the bell desk to have someone pick up the luggage. I ran downstairs to get my own bag to hand to the bell clerk. After the luggage was gone, we closed up the room, Sue sat in her wheelchair, and off we went for a leisurely stroll around the resort.
CSR is a beautiful place. The grounds, varied architecture, lake, and pools are warm, inviting, and fun. The resort is highly photogenic and I regret that I did not get many photos of CSR while I was there. The resort was also nicely decorated for the holidays.
We spent some time browsing through the gift shop. I was pleased with the size of the shop and variety of the items sold. I bought a pashmina for $10 for my mother to wear three months later during our trip to India. Mom called it her "mosque wear" since she used it to cover her hair when we toured mosques. Sue paused before a display case of ceramic Mexican dolls and proclaimed that she could make something every bit as good. A new hobby perhaps?
After growing bored with the gift shop, we still had 90 minutes before my Magical Express bus came. What better way to pass the time than to eat! We found our way to the Pepper Market, another CSR dining establishment with a mixed reputation. This time I had a very positive dining experience. The food looked and smelled fresh. I ordered a quesedilla and it was very tasty. The restaurant was not crowded and the service was attentive.
After our meal, we went to the Magical Express stop to await my bus. Sue struck up a conversation with a woman next to her and they spent several minutes chatting. Sue expressed a love for travel and casually remarked that she and a girlfriend were "planning a trip to the Australian Outback." I fixed an incredulous stare on Sue and Dad laughed out loud in disbelief. Sue had never mentioned the Outback before and, sadly, I'm afraid that this was a fabrication emanating from a need to feel important.
Sue's companion was kind enough to take some photos of us using my camera. One of them was a fantastic shot of the three of us standing in front of the Magical Express bus sign. I liked the photo so much that I ordered two 5x10s and framed them in Disney-themed frames. One I gave to Dad for his birthday and the other I kept and display on my nightstand. It is the best photo of Dad, Sue, and me together.
The Magical Express bus arrived on time and it was time to say good-bye. Sue cried as she gave me a hug. Both she and Dad thanked me repeatedly for the trip. I boarded the bus and was soon off. Dad and Sue waved until the bus was no longer in sight.
I will write an epilogue in a day or two....
We met at the Maya Grill at CSR and had a nice visit. I had read many negative reviews of Maya Grill and was a bit worried about the quality of the food, but it was convenient for an early morning breakfast. While I don't remember what I ordered, it was OK. Not awful, but nothing great either. Dad happened to be in the restaurant at the same time, but he sat at another table and gave us our space.
After breakfast, I went to Dad and Sue's room. Since I had to leave in the early afternoon and they were scheduled to depart an hour after me, we decided not to visit a park that day. Dad and Sue had made good progress on their packing and were alert and ready to go. We chatted for a while and watched TV to pass the time before vacating the room.
When Dad and Sue had checked in, there was a nice balloon left in their room from the prior guest. It remained fully inflated for the duration of their stay and was in perfect condition. Sue was afraid that the balloon would go to waste and she wanted to find a child to give it to. Using her wheelchair as a walker, she slowly walked up the hallway pausing outside of each door to call out, "Is there a small child in this room?" Dad was mortified and told Sue that people would think that she was a pedophile. Still, she was undeterred. After passing about five rooms, a door opened and a little girl peeked out. Sue handed her the balloon and wished her a happy day at WDW.
Sue's mobility had improved. She was able to make steady progress by leaning on the back of the wheelchair and slowly walking. Seeing her walk, even aided, gave me a feeling of hope that perhaps she could return to her prior level of mobility if she applied the effort.
We called the bell desk to have someone pick up the luggage. I ran downstairs to get my own bag to hand to the bell clerk. After the luggage was gone, we closed up the room, Sue sat in her wheelchair, and off we went for a leisurely stroll around the resort.
CSR is a beautiful place. The grounds, varied architecture, lake, and pools are warm, inviting, and fun. The resort is highly photogenic and I regret that I did not get many photos of CSR while I was there. The resort was also nicely decorated for the holidays.
We spent some time browsing through the gift shop. I was pleased with the size of the shop and variety of the items sold. I bought a pashmina for $10 for my mother to wear three months later during our trip to India. Mom called it her "mosque wear" since she used it to cover her hair when we toured mosques. Sue paused before a display case of ceramic Mexican dolls and proclaimed that she could make something every bit as good. A new hobby perhaps?
After growing bored with the gift shop, we still had 90 minutes before my Magical Express bus came. What better way to pass the time than to eat! We found our way to the Pepper Market, another CSR dining establishment with a mixed reputation. This time I had a very positive dining experience. The food looked and smelled fresh. I ordered a quesedilla and it was very tasty. The restaurant was not crowded and the service was attentive.
After our meal, we went to the Magical Express stop to await my bus. Sue struck up a conversation with a woman next to her and they spent several minutes chatting. Sue expressed a love for travel and casually remarked that she and a girlfriend were "planning a trip to the Australian Outback." I fixed an incredulous stare on Sue and Dad laughed out loud in disbelief. Sue had never mentioned the Outback before and, sadly, I'm afraid that this was a fabrication emanating from a need to feel important.
Sue's companion was kind enough to take some photos of us using my camera. One of them was a fantastic shot of the three of us standing in front of the Magical Express bus sign. I liked the photo so much that I ordered two 5x10s and framed them in Disney-themed frames. One I gave to Dad for his birthday and the other I kept and display on my nightstand. It is the best photo of Dad, Sue, and me together.
The Magical Express bus arrived on time and it was time to say good-bye. Sue cried as she gave me a hug. Both she and Dad thanked me repeatedly for the trip. I boarded the bus and was soon off. Dad and Sue waved until the bus was no longer in sight.
I will write an epilogue in a day or two....
LukenDC
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Sue mellowed out after the fiasco at Hollywood Studios because she was back in her comfort zone: sitting in bed in front of the TV with her shades closed. That was how she spent her days at home. Sue could mellow out because she did not need to worry about going out in public and facing her decline in health and mobility.
I'll provide a "three years later" update in a day or two. Thanks for reading!
LukenDC
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So, where are Dad and Sue now?
When we took the trip in December 2008, Dad and Sue had just moved into a new house overlooking San Diego Bay. Prior to that they lived in a house in La Jolla that Sue had inherited from her parents. Poor money management resulted in having to sell the La Jolla house and unfortunately poor money management caused the loss of the house overlooking San Diego Bay. In February of this year, Dad and Sue moved into a trailer park community in east San Diego County. They seem pleased with the new trailer, but Sue did remark wistfully that in four years she has gone from a home in La Jolla to a trailer park in east county. She has no one to blame but herself. I was very worried that they were going to be homeless, so I am pleased that they are living someplace safe and more within their means.
Sue had her gallbladder removed earlier in the year and she is much more active and in better spirits. She has reconnected with some old friends of hers and they have made an effort to get her out more. She is leaving the house more frequently and socializing with people.
Dad has stayed out of trouble. For the first time, his name is on the deed and Sue is actually permitting him to live in the house (at the La Jolla and San Diego Bay houses she used to make him sleep in the garage and at one time his bed was a mere mattress on the roof of a 1970s Cadillac). He remains in touch with some of his prostitute lady friends and recently told me that he is applying for a passport. I don't know where he intends to go since he has no money and a criminal record will keep him out of many countries.
When the WDW trip ended, I proclaimed, "Never again!" On my most recent trip to WDW, however, I was reminiscing about my time in the parks with Dad and thinking that it would be fun to hang out with him again. He has started asking me if he will "see WDW again" before he dies and I told him that I would take him again sometime. I will not take Sue unless I have witnessed her being active and walking several blocks without difficulty. Frankly, I doubt that Sue will ever return to WDW.
Sue has offered various excuses for her difficult and bizarre behavior at WDW. First she claimed that Dad's snoring kept her awake and that she was exhausted. Then she claimed that her gallbladder was making her sick and that is what ruined her trip. The real reason---and I am sure that Sue knows it---is that she was depressed and not physically capable of a trip after years of sitting in bed with the drapes closed.
Dad and Sue created my most colorful WDW memories. Now when I go through Hollywood Studios, I have to point out to my partner the area where Sue fell asleep in her scooter and nearly plowed into a group of people, the ATM where Sue broke into tears because she could not access her money, the spot where we unexpectedly met her on the platform of Rockin' Rollercoaster, and other landmarks of memory lane. I have not returned to CSR, but for me it will always be the place that Sue crawled through the grass on her hands and knees.
So that's it! My next WDW trip is scheduled for October 2012. My partner and I will be taking his two nephews, ages 6 and 8, on their first trip to WDW. I'm sure that they will not be nearly as difficult as Dad and Sue.
When we took the trip in December 2008, Dad and Sue had just moved into a new house overlooking San Diego Bay. Prior to that they lived in a house in La Jolla that Sue had inherited from her parents. Poor money management resulted in having to sell the La Jolla house and unfortunately poor money management caused the loss of the house overlooking San Diego Bay. In February of this year, Dad and Sue moved into a trailer park community in east San Diego County. They seem pleased with the new trailer, but Sue did remark wistfully that in four years she has gone from a home in La Jolla to a trailer park in east county. She has no one to blame but herself. I was very worried that they were going to be homeless, so I am pleased that they are living someplace safe and more within their means.
Sue had her gallbladder removed earlier in the year and she is much more active and in better spirits. She has reconnected with some old friends of hers and they have made an effort to get her out more. She is leaving the house more frequently and socializing with people.
Dad has stayed out of trouble. For the first time, his name is on the deed and Sue is actually permitting him to live in the house (at the La Jolla and San Diego Bay houses she used to make him sleep in the garage and at one time his bed was a mere mattress on the roof of a 1970s Cadillac). He remains in touch with some of his prostitute lady friends and recently told me that he is applying for a passport. I don't know where he intends to go since he has no money and a criminal record will keep him out of many countries.
When the WDW trip ended, I proclaimed, "Never again!" On my most recent trip to WDW, however, I was reminiscing about my time in the parks with Dad and thinking that it would be fun to hang out with him again. He has started asking me if he will "see WDW again" before he dies and I told him that I would take him again sometime. I will not take Sue unless I have witnessed her being active and walking several blocks without difficulty. Frankly, I doubt that Sue will ever return to WDW.
Sue has offered various excuses for her difficult and bizarre behavior at WDW. First she claimed that Dad's snoring kept her awake and that she was exhausted. Then she claimed that her gallbladder was making her sick and that is what ruined her trip. The real reason---and I am sure that Sue knows it---is that she was depressed and not physically capable of a trip after years of sitting in bed with the drapes closed.
Dad and Sue created my most colorful WDW memories. Now when I go through Hollywood Studios, I have to point out to my partner the area where Sue fell asleep in her scooter and nearly plowed into a group of people, the ATM where Sue broke into tears because she could not access her money, the spot where we unexpectedly met her on the platform of Rockin' Rollercoaster, and other landmarks of memory lane. I have not returned to CSR, but for me it will always be the place that Sue crawled through the grass on her hands and knees.
So that's it! My next WDW trip is scheduled for October 2012. My partner and I will be taking his two nephews, ages 6 and 8, on their first trip to WDW. I'm sure that they will not be nearly as difficult as Dad and Sue.
danimaroo
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Thanks for the epilogue! Great TR and I hope to read more from you in the future, especially with your 2012 trip. Glad to hear Sue and your Dad are doing.. well.. okay. Better than expected. It sounds like Sue somewhat has gotten her act together, so that's a good thing... though it's too bad we won't hear any more stories of Sue crawling on her knees at a resort or falling asleep on a scooter. 
That was one of the few moments I literally laughed out loud at someone's TR, so thanks for the good laugh. 
That was one of the few moments I literally laughed out loud at someone's TR, so thanks for the good laugh. 
rockydek
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I loved your report ...as I take my 76 year old Mom, now and than, and every time I have to ask myself...What was I thinking....My husband is a peach ,and always reminds me that she is not going to be around forever. She , also loves to talk to others and tell little white lies. God bless her!
I laughed so hard when you were in Epcot , when Sue called and inquired about what you were doing...She asked you to bring a bratwurst back to her room. I laughed out loud...that is so funny!
You must be
I laughed so hard when you were in Epcot , when Sue called and inquired about what you were doing...She asked you to bring a bratwurst back to her room. I laughed out loud...that is so funny!
You must be
LukenDC
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I laughed so hard when you were in Epcot , when Sue called and inquired about what you were doing...She asked you to bring a bratwurst back to her room. I laughed out loud...that is so funny!
You must be
Glad that you liked the report. Sue is a character and despite the drama of the trip, I still love her and care about her. I'm relieved that she seems to be in better spirits these days.
I'm not going to lie, I pictured Sue to look like Divine from Female Trouble but in a wheel chair. Very interesting trip report. I hope you have a super fantastic trip with your partner
Sue actually resembles Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa from the Food Channel. Ina is a bit taller and much better put together, but there is a resemblance. By the way, I love Divine.
winkers
<font color=blue>I was stuck in that position and
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Is it horrible of me to wish that this had been a 2 week trip?
I also have to admit to laughing till I had tears running down my face over Sue driving while sleeping, crawling through the resort, and falling on the bed kicking her legs and crying. I'm a bad bad person.
As someone who has vacationed a lot with extended family that are a little different, I know how you must have felt.
I take my mother in-law with us on a lot of family vacations and EVERY time I think I will never do it again.....and then a year or so later I'm doing it again. The trip to WDW was by far the worst experience with her......worse than a trip to disneyland that involved 20 hours in a mini van with her. That's bad...but it's funny too.
Thanks, for sharing your Dad and Sue with us!
I also have to admit to laughing till I had tears running down my face over Sue driving while sleeping, crawling through the resort, and falling on the bed kicking her legs and crying. I'm a bad bad person.
As someone who has vacationed a lot with extended family that are a little different, I know how you must have felt.
I take my mother in-law with us on a lot of family vacations and EVERY time I think I will never do it again.....and then a year or so later I'm doing it again. The trip to WDW was by far the worst experience with her......worse than a trip to disneyland that involved 20 hours in a mini van with her. That's bad...but it's funny too.
Thanks, for sharing your Dad and Sue with us!
LukenDC
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Winkers, I was pretty exasperated at the time, but now I see the humor in much of what happened. It really was over-the-top.
Traveling with family can be a challenge, but it's worth it for the memories. A few months after the WDW trip, I took my mother to India for a two week vacation. We even shared a room together for the entire two weeks. We had a wonderful time and there was no drama whatsoever. That trip with Mom is one of my favorite memories.
Traveling with family can be a challenge, but it's worth it for the memories. A few months after the WDW trip, I took my mother to India for a two week vacation. We even shared a room together for the entire two weeks. We had a wonderful time and there was no drama whatsoever. That trip with Mom is one of my favorite memories.
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