NoAlice?Rabbit,Hatter&Chessie Do a HolidayTrip.NEW11/27 1 More Day&I crush on Snowmen

[Mickey_Mom]

Good luck for the UWMNBN!

Ahhh movie nights. We didn't do any movie nights leading up to our latest trip..... kind of burned myself out with the weekly ones last year.... and poor Ariana still asks for them. Even WHILE in Disney she was asking because it was a Tuesday. While personally for me Cinderella ranks slightly higher than Sleeping Beauty as movies..... her Royal Heinousness Malificent rocks as the ultimate BEST!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Hello, old friend! I'm not around here much anymore, but I was doing a little Sunday evening browsing and I saw your PTR. It's so fun to "hear" from you again!! Your kids are growing up and they are both beautiful! You have every right to be one proud mama! Sounds like you have a great trip planned! Love that you are DVC members now and especially at the Beach Club I love that place! We own at BWV, but I will always hold a special place in my heart for the Beach Club! Hopefully I'll stick around for more fun.

Oh my gosh Jenny... I'm so glad you posted... It's great to "hear" from you again too...

Thanks on the kids, I am really proud of both of them... I'll have to tell Emily that you've posted... she used to lurk around your trip reports... she loved hearing about your lovely family as much as I did...

We were on the fence about where to buy points... and I knew I wanted the whole Boardwalk area... (I would have been happy at either... there are things I like best about both of them...) even the Clown Pool has its charms...

I saw in your siggie... you have...or have had some great trips this year... I'd love to hear about them... just saying...

Hahaha that hallway is a bit creepy-looking!!!

I know seriously and just imagine it at 11 pm after an exhausting 6 hour drive...

Seriously, why can't Luke's exist?????? My friends and I were just talking about GG yesterday, that's a show that NEEDS a movie!!!!

Gilmore Girls was one of the best shows ever. If they ever did a movie they'd have to have the same actors and the same writers... I saw an extra bit on one of my seasons (dvds) that the dialogue in those shows was over twice the amount in an average tv show the same length... so literally the writers wrote double the amount of writing that other writers wrote/write for their shows... that's why it was so amazing ... the smart, funny, quick writing... and of course the awesome actors... I have a Luke's mug Emily bought it for me as a surprise and she has a Firefly Inn tee- I wish there really was a Luke's too...

Good luck to Em with the UWMNBN!

Thanks...

How exciting to be picking a college. So glad that you are enjoying this time together.

It's simultaneously exciting, stressful

Boston is such a fun city.

It really is a great place...

Love your Disney nights. I always have such good intentions but we get busy or by Saturday night, I am so worn out that I am in bed by 9. I am a really party animal!!!

Hey we've all had those nights... sometimes I'm right there with you in the pjs by 9... when you're really tired that can be a pretty fun time...

Yay for 39 days!!! It is getting closer.

I know it really is...

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Sounds like a wonderful weekend! And I would love to see Luke's Diner in real life as well!

I would have like to as well ... this diner we wound up was definitely not Luke's but we did have fun...

Actually I thought of you this weekend... there was a German tour group staying at our hotel... and there was some sort of confusion... I so wished I had known some German... even a little... David plans to learn it... he found out that if you know either German or English you can speak to a large majority of scientists in the world... so being my little science guy he now wants to learn some...

It is funny that you mentioned Gilmore Girls as I just started to rematch the series on DVD (have watched it all twice already) as it is just such wonderful feel-good entertainment on boring evenings!

Yes it is feel good and it actually has quite quick intelligent dialogue... You really have to being paying attention to keep up with Lorelai... (Lauren Graham) ... btw do they dub it in Germany or sub title it or just show it in the English...?

Good luck for the UWMNBN!

Thanks... I will be happy when we can use really names...

Ahhh movie nights. We didn't do any movie nights leading up to our latest trip..... kind of burned myself out with the weekly ones last year.... and poor Ariana still asks for them. Even WHILE in Disney she was asking because it was a Tuesday. While personally for me Cinderella ranks slightly higher than Sleeping Beauty as movies..... her Royal Heinousness Malificent rocks as the ultimate BEST!

Sometimes you do need a break... but you could always do a monthly Disney Movie night...

Yes... let's arm wrestle over who the better princess is... Malificent is awesome...

 

[Angies1274]

Hi! I decided to make my way over and check out your PTR tonight and I'm so glad I did!!

I really enjoyed looking back on your past trips and seeing your kids growing up. Aww...they grow up way too fast...don't they?

Loving all your fall pics! I couldn't agree more about fall! I love it!! Oohh...cider donuts..yum! Those along with pumpkin are my absolute favorite this time of year!

Great movie nights! We decided to do movie nights before our July trip and had so much fun coming up with a menu and activities to match our Disney movie. Good choice on Sleeping Beauty! I wish I could talk my boys into watching that one with me. Although, I did get them to watch Snow White with me last year. I'll take what I can get.

Anyway, I'm so excited to follow along. Your plans look great so far and I can't wait to hear more!!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Hi! I decided to make my way over and check out your PTR tonight and I'm so glad I did!!

Hi Angie I'm glad you're here and

I really enjoyed looking back on your past trips and seeing your kids growing up. Aww...they grow up way too fast...don't they?

Yes they really do... but I have to take comfort in watching them grow up into such awesome people and hope that I had some part in that...

Loving all your fall pics! I couldn't agree more about fall! I love it!! Oohh...cider donuts..yum! Those along with pumpkin are my absolute favorite this time of year!

Cider donuts are so awesome... I don't know if they have them other times of the year but they're a special fall thing to me...It feels extra special to have certain foods at certain times of year...I love, love pumpkins...

Great movie nights! We decided to do movie nights before our July trip and had so much fun coming up with a menu and activities to match our Disney movie. Good choice on Sleeping Beauty! I wish I could talk my boys into watching that one with me. Although, I did get them to watch Snow White with me last year. I'll take what I can get.

I think the Dwarves are probably a big draw for the boys... I think that David could leave the "girly" parts of SB but he likes the fairies... especially when they fight... and Malificent.... she's just so evil...

Anyway, I'm so excited to follow along. Your plans look great so far and I can't wait to hear more!!

Thanks & since I'm home in bed today... I plan on updating...

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Little wacky today... I'm recovering from a small outpatient surgery... procedure not big deal but I am knocked out from the anesthesia...

But drinking tea and watching old episodes of Community ... so things aren't so bad...



And then I realized that today is 36 Days until Go Time...



So I wanted to look at and think about the first day in more detail: I had mentioned earlier in my PTR... that I wanted this to be a trip of threes since Emily isn't able to come and it will just be Eric, David and myself... and I want to make sure we do some new dining and Dis Experiences... so *NEW indicates something new to us


DAY 1
Thursday, November 29th - Travel Day/Epcot WorldShowcase/Candle Light Processional


- 5am wake-up for 7:30am flight from Philadelphia to Orlando
- arrive at MCO at 9:30

- ME to Beach Club...

(Welcome Home-Hurray First Time Staying as Beach Club DVC Members...

Hopefully we get there on time...so we can be in World Showcase by 11:30


- Walk over to Epcot-World Showcase...
(we can do that now...hehehe...)

- Lunch at Rose and Crown Pub 12:30 -still thinking about whether to do this or graze our way around World Showcase (fish and chips for the boys, Tangierine Cafe for me)...or go to Beaches and Cream before we go over to World Showcase...

(Agent P's World Showcase Adventure Pick -pick up time near the International Gateway...) *New

Hmmm think about the Wine Walk...France, Italy & Germany
I Think it sounds like a good idea... *New

- Explore Canada Pavilion
- Explore UK Pavilion
- Explore France Pavilion
- Explore Morocco Pavilion
- Explore Japan Pavilion

Since it's Christmas time...I'd like to maybe do a little holiday shopping...always see great things in the Japan Pavilion... & throughout World Showcase...)

- The American Adventure-haven't done the show in a bit... I want to do it ...I have to decide with limited time which movies in which countries we should do... Haven't done the Canadian film since it changes but the French film even though it is old is really a sentimental favorite... There will also be "Santas" from all the different countries telling their stories...

-Explore Italy Pavilion
-Explore Germany Pavilion
-Explore Norway Pavilion
-Explore China Pavilion
-Explore Mexico Pavilion

(Check out La Cava del Tequila *NEW -and get Margarita right before dinner...)

I can nurse my Cava Margarita...while in Mexico-I have read to much about these margaritas... can't wait

- Dinner at La Hacienda de San Angel (CLP Package)

Candle Light Processional *NEW 8:15pm show- We have never done this and I'm really looking forward to it... the only thing is that Neil Patrick Harris is the narrator and I'm hoping I can take him seriously as I've really only seen him in comedic roles before... I'm sure he can do serious...I don't think the audience would be happy with a funny Nativity...

Walk Back to the Beach Club... for the evening...






Finishing up California -Disneyland 2011​

 

[Flossbolna]

Actually I thought of you this weekend... there was a German tour group staying at our hotel... and there was some sort of confusion... I so wished I had known some German... even a little... David plans to learn it... he found out that if you know either German or English you can speak to a large majority of scientists in the world... so being my little science guy he now wants to learn some...

Yes, even a little makes you feel so different than not understanding anything at all. I know very little French, but just being able to understand tiny bits makes travelling there so much nicer.

I think learning German if he is interested in science is a good idea! Even though a lot of scientists here now work in English. But who knows, he might be able to get a research grant somewhere here in Germany at some point!

Also, German is actually an easy language to learn for an English speaker as the languages are related. Just don't let the grammar confuse you too much!

Yes it is feel good and it actually has quite quick intelligent dialogue... You really have to being paying attention to keep up with Lorelai... (Lauren Graham) ... btw do they dub it in Germany or sub title it or just show it in the English...?

On TV it is dubbed into German and sounds a bit silly because of the speed. But then the same happens when French films are being dubbed as French is spoke much faster than German (or English). I have it on DVD - also for the reason to be able to watch it in the original language. All DVDs have usually the dubbed language as well as the original one. Sometimes I put on the English subtitles if things move too fast. For West Wing I had them on all the time - I found that show even more difficult to understand!

Sorry to hear you are in bed today, hope you feel better soon!

 

[Flossbolna]

You posted your update while I was replying!

I think your plan sounds great! I am not sure whether you have already seen the refurbished version of the French film yet. It is now digital and crystal clear - but still has the old pictures. When we saw it I first thought it looks like a film made today to show what France was like 30 years ago.

Also I remember that I thought the same about Neil Patrick Harris last year and then read some reviews from people saying that he was really great. So I guess he can make it work.

 

[eandesmom]

what wonderful updates while I was gone!

The University who must not be named.

Love that!

What a loving tribute to David. I can relate to so much of what you wrote about him. Eric has never been diagnosed but we suspect as do his teachers, that he is on the Aspergers spectrum. Which I honestly believe it its own whole spectrum.

Day 1 plans look so very very lovely! The ability to just stroll to both parks is honestly....priceless.

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

So I have learned a trip report/ vacation memory lesson... you need to write things up before a year is up...... I found my rough, rough draft of my California trip from August 2011.... so as a review...

We left Philly Int'l on August, Thurday 18th, 2011

and spent 6 nights in San Francisco...

We left on August, Thursday 25th, 2011 and spent a Day stopping at Monterey and driving Big Sur

We arrived in Los Angeles on August, Friday 26th though Sunday 28th....

and then very, very early on August, Monday 29 we drove to Disneyland where we stayed through Wednesday 31st, so two nights at the Grand Californian...

I'm going to break this up into two parts...Disneyland and California Adventure...

Since I'm piecing this together by both memory and what I have on photobucket... it may have a very stream of conciousness flow to it... or maybe that's what's left of the anesthesia...

Disneyland

I absolutely LOVE Disneyland...and am very fond of California Adventure and except to become even fonder of it it when I get to see the new changes... including Carsland... which very much is using Test Track Technology...updated... & the redo of the entrance to look like California in the late teens and 1920s when Walt would have arrived including the trolley cars...

Last year was the second time I was to Disneyland and as someone who grow up on the East Coast I wasn't sure how I'd feel about it since it was so much smaller of a resort than Disneyworld...

But I really loved it... and believe it or not there are even some things I like better or at least differently about DLR from DWR...

-Disneyland has probably at least 30% more rides/attractions in its park than Disney World's Magic Kingdom, including the Indy ride, the Matterhorn Bobsleds, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Roger Rabbit's Toon Town Spin and Star Tours can be found there as well...

-Additionally they have kept some things in Disneyland... like the Nickelodeon machines on Main Street along with an ongoing Disney Art Exhibit, a story of Disney Film hosted by Steve Martin...that really allow you to feel Walt's presence in the park-that along with the fact that his apartment is there along with this being the park that he actually walked around in...

-Also sometimes less can be more... most of the times... I love how large DW is but there is something really nice about how walkable everything is between DL and Cali Adv as well as if you're staying in one of the Dis Hotels

-you can really walk to everything in Downtown Disney to the parks to the Hotels... It can be really nice not to feel you have to do four parks plus water parks,etc....

but on the downside

-there is less there... less hotels, and restaurants, and attractions... I think it makes a really great full 4day/ 3night trip ...

and then if you want a whole week in Southern California add on either Los Angeles or San Diego

and/then if you want even more ...there is Big Sur and Monterey and San Francisco and Napa and so on and on...

Also my two other issues... Sleeping Beauty's Castle at DL while really pretty is no match for Cinderella's Castle at the MK... (Since the focus at DL was meant to be the Matterhorn and not the Castle)...

Additionally the Cast Members at DL are a little more "laid back" than at DW... not that they aren't friendly... they just aren't quite as spit and polish as those at DW...

Some photos in a stream of conscious manner...

One of the things that I think is really cute is they put Disney Characters in their countries for It's a Small World...

Like Mulan

And Lilo

A couple shots of our room in the Grand Californian....I'm going to track down some shots of the Lobby...

Up next... More Planning Day 2 and California Adventure...​

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Yes, even a little makes you feel so different than not understanding anything at all. I know very little French, but just being able to understand tiny bits makes travelling there so much nicer.

Yes it really does... Being able to pull out my rusty French in France and parts of Canada really does make the travel experience much nicer...

I think learning German if he is interested in science is a good idea! Even though a lot of scientists here now work in English. But who knows, he might be able to get a research grant somewhere here in Germany at some point!

Also, German is actually an easy language to learn for an English speaker as the languages are related. Just don't let the grammar confuse you too much!

This was something that came up at one of Emily's College Information Sessions when they were talking about language requirements and travel abroad... that sometimes the science students don't realize the travel abroad opportunities in France/Germany and Switzerland because there are many scientists working in those countries and many know German instead of English or in addition to English but he also said something to the effect that if you could speak English and German you could speak to at least 75-80% of the world's scientists... a pretty convincing reason for an English speaking Science student to learn German

I also thought that when I listened to native German speakers speak English they have less of an accent than speakers of the Romantic languages speak English and I thought it must have to do with both the structure and the roots of the languages...


On TV it is dubbed into German and sounds a bit silly because of the speed. But then the same happens when French films are being dubbed as French is spoke much faster than German (or English). I have it on DVD - also for the reason to be able to watch it in the original language. All DVDs have usually the dubbed language as well as the original one. Sometimes I put on the English subtitles if things move too fast. For West Wing I had them on all the time - I found that show even more difficult to understand!

I find that it must be really difficult to dub well... characters always look funny... their mouths are out of sync... plus every language does have its own tempo... Sometimes I'll watch DVDs in French to see how much I get... My friend who is a native French speaker and has lived in the US for 20 years now still has a hard time with certain slang and humor expressions...

Sorry to hear you are in bed today, hope you feel better soon!

Thank You...

You posted your update while I was replying!

I think your plan sounds great! I am not sure whether you have already seen the refurbished version of the French film yet. It is now digital and crystal clear - but still has the old pictures. When we saw it I first thought it looks like a film made today to show what France was like 30 years ago.

Yes exactly it is dated but it was well done... What would be really awesome would be if Germany and Italy had some films... Just saying...

Also I remember that I thought the same about Neil Patrick Harris last year and then read some reviews from people saying that he was really great. So I guess he can make it work.

I'm very glad to hear that...

what wonderful updates while I was gone!

Hey you're back and Dising... I'll have to come see what you're doing..

The University who must not be named.

Love that!

It is pretty funny but she is very serious...

What a loving tribute to David. I can relate to so much of what you wrote about him. Eric has never been diagnosed but we suspect as do his teachers, that he is on the Aspergers spectrum. Which I honestly believe it its own whole spectrum.

He is such an awesome kid... I think that a lot of kids with Asperger's go undiagnosed... it is tricky... and their "symptoms" can really mirror other things... A lot of psychologists aren't even sure where it should go... not to mention individuals who wouldn't qualify for a diagnosis but have parts of it...social, executive planning deficits, etc...



Day 1 plans look so very very lovely! The ability to just stroll to both parks is honestly....priceless.

I can't wait for that...

 

[eandesmom]

He is such an awesome kid... I think that a lot of kids with Asperger's go undiagnosed... it is tricky... and their "symptoms" can really mirror other things... A lot of psychologists aren't even sure where it should go... not to mention individuals who wouldn't qualify for a diagnosis but have parts of it...social, executive planning deficits, etc...

I could have him diagnosed but have chosen not to. He's got the black/white perfectionist thing going on, as well as the gifted aspect. His social issues are in some ways minor compared to some of the other kids we know that have officially been diagnosed with it. He's a blurter, both at home and school which causes major issues and socially will cause more at school if it continues. Single minded, obsessively so, to a fault, which also causes issues. prone to extreme meltdowns at times with things dont' go his way (head hitting, hiding, growling) that are incredibly socially uncool, but he has made huge improvement. that said socially he does pretty well all things considered. A couple of close friends, girls in particular like him as well. It does help that he's in an insulated program and I worry about middles school but am comforted by the fact that all the kids in his program, will move there with him and they are likely to share many classes. Scouts helps as well..

He can be aware at times that what he is doing isn't socially appropriate but still, by in large, lacks the ability to pull himself out of it once the behavior has started.

I guess for Eric, I'm not sure what help an official diagnoses would really do. We have done therapy and may continue that but I've not seen it help much. Really was focusing on some of the perfectionist issues that can cause the meltdowns but Eric took the sessions as an hour to complain about Evan.





So...didn't really see much improvement. I am grateful to have an understanding of his issues and how to support him and for teachers, friends and family that by in large get it.

On another note. I wish Luke's existed. Sigh.

 

[inkedupmomma]

Ok... Reading from phone so trying to remember it all.

Day one sounds good! I like the idea of eating around the world!
Then again beaches and cream sounds good too! We've never been!

Refresh my memory... Why isn't em going?


As for dlr.... I can not wait to go!!! Especially since mrs.lurkyloo will make a most excellent tour guide!

Now I need to get over my fear of flying!!!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

OH dear... It's cloudy out today in the good old Philadelphia Suburbs...and its predicted that the upper east coast...from DC up through Boston could have a hurricane touch down sometime on Monday... ? Not a common happening in these parts...

Mirroring my mood... Like to usually keep things upbeat but having a little bit of a down day... David woke up sick this morning-sore throat, eyes hurt, dizzy- so a sick day for him so that means one for me too; waiting for Em's MRI results from yesterday- she's in the process of getting a diagnosis for her headaches... Doctor thinks she's got migraines but wants to rule everything out... (Feel so bad for her... she's so brave and together in most ways...but ever since she's been a teeny tiny girl she is totally medical phobic... hates needles, hates med tests so to say it was difficult test for her is an understatement...) this coming on the heels of my small outpatient surgery that became a pain -not because of any pain but because of the anesthesia - knocked me for a loop... and I'm having a small personal pity party... (not even getting into Mom issues and trying to convince her to get "involved" in things... because all she says is I'll do it after my last chemo treatment... she is doing well physically but mentally... Ehhhh....Ok pity party over---at least temporarily....

I could have him diagnosed but have chosen not to. He's got the black/white perfectionist thing going on, as well as the gifted aspect. His social issues are in some ways minor compared to some of the other kids we know that have officially been diagnosed with it. He's a blurter, both at home and school which causes major issues and socially will cause more at school if it continues. Single minded, obsessively so, to a fault, which also causes issues. prone to extreme meltdowns at times with things dont' go his way (head hitting, hiding, growling) that are incredibly socially uncool, but he has made huge improvement. that said socially he does pretty well all things considered. A couple of close friends, girls in particular like him as well. It does help that he's in an insulated program and I worry about middles school but am comforted by the fact that all the kids in his program, will move there with him and they are likely to share many classes. Scouts helps as well..

Hey Cynthia... Eric is a great kid... we both know that... You need to do what works for him and your family... the most important thing is that you "understand" him and his needs and you help him with them... if he needs social skills work (and all kids are differerent... and have varying degrees of need... than you work on that... a lot of Aspies (if he is) with a gifted diagnosis need extra help with their executive planning skills...because they aren't naturally very organized in their work execution - and like always -if you've met one Aspie, you've met one Aspie... they may be similar in some ways but everyone has their own unique personality... Organized groups-activities.... are good -they give that structured time to socialize... and the rules of social interaction are pretty clear...

He can be aware at times that what he is doing isn't socially appropriate but still, by in large, lacks the ability to pull himself out of it once the behavior has started.

But the fact that he is aware of it is itself a big deal... you can work from there... it's a lot harder if he doesn't even get that he's being socially inappropriate...

I guess for Eric, I'm not sure what help an official diagnoses would really do. We have done therapy and may continue that but I've not seen it help much. Really was focusing on some of the perfectionist issues that can cause the meltdowns but Eric took the sessions as an hour to complain about Evan.






Oh wow- that is pretty funny about him complaining about Evan... You have to learn to laugh at some of this stuff... Diagnosis is mixed bag ... it can be helpful when used in the right way...and always depending on the school district can help get services that many kids need but it can sometimes create preset expectations in some teacher's heads than can be bad or good depending on the teacher and the school...




So...didn't really see much improvement. I am grateful to have an understanding of his issues and how to support him and for teachers, friends and family that by in large get it.

Well if you ever need any suggestions for books or good websites or to talk I'm here...

On another note. I wish Luke's existed. Sigh.

So do I sister, so do I....

Ok... Reading from phone so trying to remember it all.

Day one sounds good! I like the idea of eating around the world!
Then again beaches and cream sounds good too! We've never been!

I know... such a wealth of gluttonous choices... such little time...

Refresh my memory... Why isn't em going? Because her sassy 18 year old butt has been banned... no I'm seriously just kidding... she's awesome... she is getting close to her school play ...tons of rehearsals plus college apps, a school dance, etc., etc.. but it's ok because we have some special trips planned for next year that she'll definitely be coming on...


As for dlr.... I can not wait to go!!! Especially since mrs.lurkyloo will make a most excellent tour guide!

Does that make Patrick- Mr. Lurkyloo... & yes she would be an awesome tour guide...I'd like to see her to something on LA...

Now I need to get over my fear of flying!!!

I'm not a big fan of flying either... but it's a neccesary evil to get places...You can go to the doctor... there are pharmaceuticals that can help with the fear... well at least take the edge off ...

 

[reyasmommy]

I love your DLR pictures and mini report. I agree with pretty much everything you said! I hate how small the castle is, and the cast members are friendly, but not the same at WDW. I love the Matterhorn and especially the Finding Nemo Submarine ride! I also like the POTC ride a tad more than the one at WDW.

We have never stayed on site before, I think they are way too pricey. We usually stay at the Anabella which is a 5 minute walk to the entrance of Grand Californian, which we would cut through to get to the parks. They rooms are REALLY nice and prices very reasonable.
I’m sure I mentioned it before, but your daughter is so beautiful…. I bet it’s hard keeping the boys away.

 

[inkedupmomma]

Kayla is in her first middle school play and good lawd! that stuff is serious bidness! I feel for Em, I have migraines..although refused the mri..so it could technically be something else, but seeing as I have had them since I was 5 years old, and I'm still alive, I'll just say that they are migraines

and yes, that makes Patrick Mr.Lurkyloo.... Maybe I'll just stick to their carriatrick name!

I'm sorry you're feeling down, I had a sad yesterday.. for no reason.... well, reasons, but really, I shoulda just put my big girl pants on and dealt with it lol!

Hugs to you from me though!

As for meds.. been there done that. I have flown, I have flown medicated. My fear is 100% irrational, and after 911 really really got worse. So I just don't fly. I rock the heck out of driving though!

 

[debrapagliasotti]

Stopping by from my PTR -- your plans sound great so far

I think NPH will be a great narrarator! I always hear great things about how he does with CP.

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

I love your DLR pictures and mini report. I agree with pretty much everything you said! I hate how small the castle is, and the cast members are friendly, but not the same at WDW. I love the Matterhorn and especially the Finding Nemo Submarine ride! I also like the POTC ride a tad more than the one at WDW.

Yes the castle is difficult at first... especially if you're used to the one in Florida... but the Matterhorn is awesome... I've heard they used to have "mountain climbers" going up it and still do on special occasions...POTC is def a bit longer there with an extra little drop and I do love how it goes through the Blue Bayou...

We have never stayed on site before, I think they are way too pricey. We usually stay at the Anabella which is a 5 minute walk to the entrance of Grand Californian, which we would cut through to get to the parks. They rooms are REALLY nice and prices very reasonable.
I’m sure I mentioned it before, but your daughter is so beautiful…. I bet it’s hard keeping the boys away.

The hotels are pricey... better during their off seasons... will def try to use our DVC points next time... (I will have to look up Anabella because I don't think I would use points if we ever got there later in day... thanks about ems... she does clean up well and is super smart and nice to boot... The boys def notice her but she's given the safekeeping of her heart to one specific one...

Kayla is in her first middle school play and good lawd! that stuff is serious bidness! I feel for Em, I have migraines..although refused the mri..so it could technically be something else, but seeing as I have had them since I was 5 years old, and I'm still alive, I'll just say that they are migraines

It is serious business (school activities-players, band, sports,etcP...and it just gets even more so... you aren't even going to believe it ... sigh I know tests are so difficult... they can be helpful but don't even get me started on how many false positives come back for a wide variety of tests... she was very unhappy about the whole thing and I'm sure everything is fine...it feels like being caught between a rock and a hard place... I feel bad about making her do the test and I'd feel bad if I didn't...

and yes, that makes Patrick Mr.Lurkyloo.... Maybe I'll just stick to their carriatrick name!



I'm sorry you're feeling down, I had a sad yesterday.. for no reason.... well, reasons, but really, I shoulda just put my big girl pants on and dealt with it lol!

Everyone has bad days... it's just not socially acceptable to have tantrums like toddlers do...

Hugs to you from me though!

Thanks...

As for meds.. been there done that. I have flown, I have flown medicated. My fear is 100% irrational, and after 911 really really got worse. So I just don't fly. I rock the heck out of driving though!

Yeah I hear you there... I wasn't good before 9/11 either and after... honestly I think I've just decided to suspend reality and go to my happy place and zone out...as much as possible... You could always take a cross country road trip...

Stopping by from my PTR -- your plans sound great so far

I think NPH will be a great narrarator! I always hear great things about how he does with CP.

Thanks for stopping and...

I think the NPH will be good as well... after you said that I was looking around and ever one who's had it seemed to really like him... I was just worried because some of his roles are kind of funny and pretty offbeat...

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

California Adventure August 30, 2011 Pt. 1


Personally I really like California Adventure... I've read a lot of negatives about it form California residents which I think makes sense because it was built originally as a tribute to California...

So I think that means that a CA resident would approach it very differently than a non resident... (My understanding is that many of the newest changes are attempts to please everyone...)


There have been serious efforts in the past couple of years to upgrade the park, high amongst them are the opening of Carsland which I understand employs some of the test track technology with the Carsland theme and the redo of the entrance to reflect the Hollywood that Walt would have found in the 1920s including the new trolley vehicles...While these weren't up and running yet while we were there last year... there were hints of what was coming all around...covered up by character posters...

We were lucky enough to be staying at the Grand Californian which if you are at DLR you should check it out (The GC has gotten very pricey as of late... and I'm hoping to use our DVC points the next time we go) The GC is a riff on the Wilderness Lodge... Similar Lobby Style but its more polished/elegant reflecting California Arts and Crafts style vs the National Park Style of the Wilderness Lodge...Kind of the offspring of the Grand Floridian and the Wilderness Lodge...

(I'm am still searching for lobby photos from a previous trip... you'll have to take my word for it...)


You are able to go the side of the GC right into the park... You come out between Condor Flats where Soarin over California is located and originated... and Grizzly River Rapids which represents the logging and development of California... Grizzly River Rapids is a longer, little wilder version of Kali River Rapids...

While we were there, the new Ariel ride had just opened in a renovated space replacing a film that had narrated the History of California (I think I was the only nerd who liked it...the film-the ride is cute...it's pretty much the same one coming to the New Fantasyland in MK)

There was a great Phineas and Ferb (with the campfire girls) block party sing along...

David got out there with a little nudging....


Love P & F....They really do rock...


(Continued in Next Post...)
​

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

California Adventure August 30, 2011 Pt. 2

Next to another area of California Adventure that some people like and other people don't -I happen to think it's photogenic and goes with the theme of California classic amusement piers and the additional of TSM really works well here as a "life size" carnival style game...

Talk about scary... that Mickey sun wheel is more scary to me than any coaster including California Screamin....

I actually rode ToT for the first time here... and loved it...

(Nice photo eh?

Another really cute area of Cali Ad is the Bugsland... which sadly I didn't get any photos of this time... they are in the same photofile with the CG lobby... but it is really cute there are 4 rides and a theatre that shows ITTBAB like in Animal Kingdom.

Unfortunately, later that night I had a headache and opted out of going back for World of Color which I have since learned is one of Disney's best evening shows...

Even this apple Emily brought back from Downtown Disney didn't make me feel better...

Actually we had a really great time... but greedily I want a DLR doever... now that I understand it better and now that CA has Carsland plus the whole new entrance and a replica of the Carthay Theatre that is actually a restaurant (and also a replica of the theatre that Snow White premiered...)

Also I haven't written a TR in a bit and I'm glad that I decided to do a TR because now I realize the importance of taking plenty of compelling complete photos that tell the whole trip story... so I'll be sure to do that in
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34 DAYS


Need to get a lot done this weekend... both fun & practical... The weathercast has a "Frankenstorm" -their words-not mine... heading straight towards the MidAtlantic... between Northern Virginia and New York... so considering we're in between there ... better get supplies and finish Halloween Costumes... etc... before it arrives...