MR BACK's Back!

[cadburysmom]

Hi guys,
I know I haven't been around here for well, ages, at least probably before my last visit to WDW over Christmas and new year. But I thought I'd drop by and say "Hi" mainly because I thought of Cadburysmom today as next week I am going to this http://www.alton-towers.co.uk/themepark/seasonal_events.asp Alton Towers, my favourite coaster park where Pete and I are AP holders are hosting a chocoholic event to comemorate the opening of the new Charlie and the chocolate factory ride (which we rode on the opening day, we were in the first 50 people to ever go on it!!) Anyway the park have constructed the worlds only chocolate volcano!! So Cadburysmom I'll grab some for you!!

So everyone else, how are you? I hope you are all well. Pete and I had an amazing time at WDW over Christmas and New Year. I hope you guys are all doing really well too.

Hi there stranger....what a nice surprise...wonderful to hear from you and I'm so glad you had such an awesome WDW trip! Alton Towers sounds great as I know you're quite the roller coaster expert ...I remember seeing pics of some of your favorites and was scared silly ...btw, ever met Geffric's younger son?...I'm guessing you two coaster lovers would get along famously!

...and OMG! Thanks for the update...chocoholics rejoice...a CHOCOLATE VOLCANO at Alton Towers?

....pack your bags Geffric, we're catching the next plane out....you KNOW the CHOCOLATESISTAS can't miss this!

 

[ohanafamily]

I just thought I would drop by and post a picture...

 

[slo]

I had such a good day yesterday. Why do you ask.........


I GOT FREE DINING AND I GOT INTO CINDY'S CASTLE FOR BREAKFAST!!!!!!



First I called the dining number to ask about us getting the free dining w/ our reservations already made and the recording said you can make most dinner reservations 180 days in advance. I started to panic because I thought it was 120 days and June 1st was the day to call for the CRT (Kevin and I always double team it by calling on 2 phones starting at 5:58am). So I started counting back in the calendar and I'm getting closer and closer to April 4th and then I surpassed it to April 1st - April Fools Day was the day I was suppossed to call So I called and the CM asked me, "what time do you want?" I said, "what time is available?" He said, "what time do you want." I said, what's ever's left." So he started reading every single time left, which was basically all of them - poor guy!!! I told him that I've been getting into the castle since it was 60 days out and I took whatever was given to me, I didn't have a choice, then he understood why I was slow in giving him a time. So, I told him 8:30am and he said, "no problem" - I love how you can now make ADR's 180 days out, makes things so much less stressful for me. You do have to still prepay and the CRT is costing us $108.00 this year But that's okay, I'm paying for the memories, not the food

Then I called back and asked about the free dining (last year I called to late and didn't get it). The CM told me no problem and she changed everything - she told me to look for the confirmation in the mail. This free dining is going to easily save us $500 - $700 I called Kevin and left a message on his voice mail that said, "WE GOT FREE DINING!!!!" and then I hung up. He called me back and was very excited too. This year was definitly going to be more for food since we have to pay for Katie.

So......yesterday was one of the best days that I have had in quite awhile!!!!

Then last night Stephanie had her first soccer practice and she loved it I don't know how good she's going to be, but who cares, she's having fun!!!! Poor Katie didn't understand that she couldn't go with and to watch from afar. She would sometimes run toward the team practicing and then when I would grab her and take her back to where we were sitting she would start to cry, "SISSY!!!!!" The girls are very close and Katie feels that she is joined to Stephanie's hip. Oh well, she'll learn eventually that she can't always be with her.


ohanafamily - what an adorable picture of Ian, he's so handsome !!! From the pictures I've seen of you, he really looks like you. Thanks for showing us this picture!!!!


Well, I gotta run - have a good day everyone!!!

 

[castlegazer]

Castlegazer OMG! I'm so jealous! Look at your countdown timer! ...started packing yet?
Before I forget, one thing I bring that always helps is an extension cord...I know that sounds weird but there's only one set of outlets in your cabin and if your hairdryer, or whatever, has one of those boxy plugs like mine, it won't fit because it's too close to the countertop. Also, I only bring a short one, but I know others bring a superlong one as it helps if you want to dry your hair in the bathroom and not use the DCL hairdryer provided as they just aren't that powerful, at least not enough to tame my big ol' head of hair that frizzes automatically at the first sign of humidity

Thanks for the oh so useful advice. Yup, the power strip is on the list - and no, not started to pack yet. But gotta get onto it. My son now wants a birthdya party too - the cruise just didn't cut it when his friends were all having parties this year. So we will be hvaing a birthday party the weekend before we leave. This leaves me with one weekend - this coming one - for packing as Easter weekend is a no go for packing. So I am having a bit of a panic attack.

geffric, I am patiently waiting............

 

[geffric]

geffric, I am patiently waiting............

wait no more... I posted a trip report on the DCL thread. …http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1077862
a must do is the Chocolate Buffet on Thursday , and the fireworks at Pirate night..

 

[castlegazer]

That report rocked!!!!!!!

Than you so much for taking the time to write it.

Thanks for brigning us all along on your trip virtually.

Ian is soooo handsome!!!!

 

[geffric]

Pirate night in our matching POC shirts

 

[cadburysmom]

Pirate night in our matching POC shirts

Love this pic! PLEASE post some more!
What an attractive family and can't tell you how much I enjoyed your trip report...can't stand the boring ones and yours was LOL funny.... gotta love "Team Ice Cream" and "Eating like Hobbits" ...sounds like yoiu guys had a blast...sure wish I coulda been with you and thanks again for the great trip report...definitely did NOT disappoint!

 

[cadburysmom]

Thanks for the oh so useful advice. Yup, the power strip is on the list - and no, not started to pack yet. But gotta get onto it. My son now wants a birthdya party too - the cruise just didn't cut it when his friends were all having parties this year. So we will be hvaing a birthday party the weekend before we leave. This leaves me with one weekend - this coming one - for packing as Easter weekend is a no go for packing. So I am having a bit of a panic attack.

Calm down...take slow deep breaths...just pace yourself...you'll be on the cruise before you know it and everything will be fine

Well Geffric's back safe and sound, well, we know she's safe but is she sound? Just kidding..anyone who could figure the biggest cup to fill with ice cream is DEFINITELY sound in my book and ChocolateSista NEVER fails to dissappoint when it comes to desserts and chocolate ...so you got that Castlegazer? Make sure you got the ice cream tip on your list...gotta set your cruise priorities, ya know....definitely MUCH more important than a power strip IMHO

Ohanafamily VERY cute pic of Ian...is he in costume?

Ibouncetoo That restaurant sounded SUPER yummy and can't wait to hear all about it. Hope you're having a great time with your sisters!

 

[cadburysmom]

I had such a good day yesterday. Why do you ask.........


I GOT FREE DINING AND I GOT INTO CINDY'S CASTLE FOR BREAKFAST!!!!!!



First I called the dining number to ask about us getting the free dining w/ our reservations already made and the recording said you can make most dinner reservations 180 days in advance. I started to panic because I thought it was 120 days and June 1st was the day to call for the CRT (Kevin and I always double team it by calling on 2 phones starting at 5:58am). So I started counting back in the calendar and I'm getting closer and closer to April 4th and then I surpassed it to April 1st - April Fools Day was the day I was suppossed to call So I called and the CM asked me, "what time do you want?" I said, "what time is available?" He said, "what time do you want." I said, what's ever's left." So he started reading every single time left, which was basically all of them - poor guy!!! I told him that I've been getting into the castle since it was 60 days out and I took whatever was given to me, I didn't have a choice, then he understood why I was slow in giving him a time. So, I told him 8:30am and he said, "no problem" - I love how you can now make ADR's 180 days out, makes things so much less stressful for me. You do have to still prepay and the CRT is costing us $108.00 this year But that's okay, I'm paying for the memories, not the food

Then I called back and asked about the free dining (last year I called to late and didn't get it). The CM told me no problem and she changed everything - she told me to look for the confirmation in the mail. This free dining is going to easily save us $500 - $700 I called Kevin and left a message on his voice mail that said, "WE GOT FREE DINING!!!!" and then I hung up. He called me back and was very excited too. This year was definitly going to be more for food since we have to pay for Katie.

So......yesterday was one of the best days that I have had in quite awhile!!!!

Then last night Stephanie had her first soccer practice and she loved it I don't know how good she's going to be, but who cares, she's having fun!!!! Poor Katie didn't understand that she couldn't go with and to watch from afar. She would sometimes run toward the team practicing and then when I would grab her and take her back to where we were sitting she would start to cry, "SISSY!!!!!" The girls are very close and Katie feels that she is joined to Stephanie's hip. Oh well, she'll learn eventually that she can't always be with her.


Well, I gotta run - have a good day everyone!!!

Woo Hoo!

Sounds like you're in for a WONDERFUL trip...so happy it's all working out for you!

 

[NC Belle]

Slo--- So which resort are you doing the free meal plan? We thought about doing the end of Sept., but we want deluxe resorts because every time that we go during hurricane....

Don't worry---I think we are aiming for late Nov. or early December.

Geffric-- Great picture... I better check out your trip report.

 

[ohanafamily]

Hi all,

Ummm... What is FREE DINING???

Thanks for the comments on Ian's Picture. Yes, He was in Custume... He was dressed as a Hamantashen for Purim. A couple of Dad's thought it was a great Idea for a pillow on the front in case of a fall.....



PS, I did a little research on Oreos... I thought I would post it here for you...

Want a FRIED Oreo, Check this out
http://fairy.mahdzan.com/story/189.asp


How about using Oreos to demonstrate the phases of the moon...
http://analyzer.depaul.edu/paperplate/Oreo%20Moon%20Phases.htm

How about the History of the Oreo:

History of the Oreo Cookie

From Jennifer Rosenberg,
Your Guide to 20th Century History.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!


When discussing the twentieth century, we often compare and contrast life from the year 1900 to the year 2000. We all realize that in the year 1900, people didn't have cars, couldn't fly in airplanes, and didn't have microwaves. Yet, there is another item that those in the year 1900 did not have and those in the year 2000 took for granted - Oreo cookies.

Most of us have grown up with Oreo cookies. There are photos of us with chocolaty remnants smeared across our faces. They've caused great disputes as to the best way to eat them - dunking them in milk or twisting off one side and eating the middle first. Besides eating them plain, there are recipes galore on how to use Oreos in cakes, milkshakes, and additional desserts. Oreos had become part of twentieth century culture.

Though most of us have spent a lifetime cherishing Oreo cookies, did you know that since their introduction in 1912, the Oreo cookie has become the best selling cookie in the U.S.?

Oreos Are Introduced

In 1898, several baking companies merged to form the National Biscuit Company (NaBisCo), the maker of Oreo cookies. By 1902, Nabisco created Barnum's Animal cookies and made them famous by selling them in a little box designed like a cage with a string attached (to hang on Christmas trees).

In 1912, Nabisco had a new idea for a cookie - two chocolate disks with a creme filling in between. The first Oreo cookie looked very similar to the Oreo cookie of today, with only a slight difference in the design on the chocolate disks.

The shape and design of the Oreo cookie didn't change much until Nabisco began selling various versions of the cookie. In 1975, Nabisco released their DOUBLE STUF Oreos. Nabisco continued to create variations:

1987 -- Fudge covered Oreos introduced

1991 -- Halloween Oreos introduced
1995 -- Christmas Oreos introduced

​

The Mysterious Name

So how did the Oreo get its name? The people at Nabisco aren't quite sure. Some believe that the cookie's name was taken from the French word for gold, "or" (the main color on early Oreo packages). Others claim the name stemmed from the shape of a hill-shaped test version; thus naming the cookie in Greek for mountain, "oreo." Still others believe the name is a combination of taking the "re" from "cream" and placing it between the two "o"s in "chocolate" - making "o-re-o." And still others believe that the cookie was named Oreo because it was short and easy to pronounce. No matter how it got named, over 362 billion Oreo cookies have been sold since it was first introduced in 1912, making it the best selling cookie of the 20th century.

http://history1900s.about.com/od/1910s/a/oreohistory.htm

 

[NC Belle]

Free dining--paying rack rate/ package from Aug. 13-- Sept. 30

 

[Mad4Mickey]

I came to see the pics of Ian I heard were here .

HE IS SO HANDSOME !!!!!

 

[slo]

Good morning and TGIF!!!!

Mad4Mickey - Hi there, I have to PM you!!!

ohanafamily - Go to The DIS home page and they will have something there about the free dining. I also gave the link to RRBB on the TAGLIARCHY
thread. Also, thanks for the Oreo info - now I want one!!!!

NC Belle - We are staying at The Poly (concierge). From what I understood last year from a CM, the higher you go up with the hotel, the less and less the free dining is offered. I called last year for it, but I was to late and didn't get it.

cadburysmom - Thanks, I'm getting really excited now for vacation. Now, I just need the schedule for MNSSHP so I can start making my other ADR's



Well, I gotta run - have a good Friday everyone!!!!

 

[castlegazer]

Calm down...take slow deep breaths...just pace yourself...you'll be on the cruise before you know it and everything will be fine

said like someone who already has been and has the relaxation pouring through them - me, I am tense. I am a pre-planner, but when it comes down to the wire, I begin to lose interest and fail to get everything done. Happens every time so I am panicked about forgetting something that needs to be done.

Slo, congrats, girl!!!!

 

[cadburysmom]

said like someone who already has been and has the relaxation pouring through them - me, I am tense. I am a pre-planner, but when it comes down to the wire, I begin to lose interest and fail to get everything done. Happens every time so I am panicked about forgetting something that needs to be done.

True...totally busted me there.

Easier said than done for sure....I'm always completely the day we leave for any trip. I can't pack ahead because I'll forget what I packed, then go into complete panic mode the day we leave...so the week of, I make Jordan try on summer clothes, which all boys naturally HATE then make a Target run for last minute supplies and pack the night before...nothing like a good procrastination to get the blood pumping!

 

[slo]

Good Saturday morning everyone!!!

Yesterday Katie had a tea party at her daycare and it was so much fun . The teachers made muffins and served iced tea (which most of the kids didn't like and ended up drinking water). Stephanie used to have tea parties when she went to the daycare too, and it's such a nice way to meet some other parents. The parents that I did meet were very very nice people !!!


castlegazer-

Slo, congrats, girl!!!!

Thanks!!!!

 

[slo]

Good Sunday morning everyone!!!

I'm going to do a little shopping at the mall by myself today I'm really looking forward to having some time to myself. Kevin is at a firedept class today and the girls are going to my MIL's. I'm going to the mall to buy some things for their Easter baskets, but I'm also going to do a little shopping for myself

Have a good Sunday everyone!!!

 

[ibouncetoo]

Morning!

Have fun shopping slo! My sisters got me to break down and actually buy some new clothes (I haven't been, as I'm SUPPOSED to be loosing some weight).

Today is the last day of big sis's visit. We're off to Scottsdale this afternoon for a 'ladies who lunch' experience. Afternoon tea on the patio of this charming restaurant that's right near......gee, some shopping and art galleries!

Have a great day everybody!