Nothing to See Here...

[deejdigsdis]

I am sooooooooooo behind! I wanted you to know that I hadn't forgotten about you. I just read about the Twilight Zone lady. That is crazy. It reminded me of my Halloween lady that I saw 2 different days, wearing the same Halloween-themed get-up, and walking in the same spot. But in the same week, not different years. Whenever I think of the Twilight Zone I think of that mannequin episode. And just like TK...I also thought of Touched By an Angel.

It's so hard to pop in here these days. I'm glad I got to catch up even just a little bit... (as I listen to Trans-Siberian Orchestra's "Carol of the Bells.")

Oh yeah, I thought of you last week. We went to Golden Corral and I decided to try pineappple dipped in the chocolate fountain. It was actually better than I was expecting it to be. Not sure I would pay Disneyland prices for it, but it was better than I thought it would be.

 

[deejdigsdis]

OK...read a bit more. Me vanish? Never! Life is just busy right now. I just can't pop in as much as I used to. Again, like TK, I could tell where you were going with the cone - and the trash can - and the curb. Count me as one who prefers the candycane encrusted cone over the sprinkles. Peppermint ice cream sounds so good right now.

 

[tksbaskets]

Hi Deej We all missed you

 

[Sherry E]

Hi Deej We all missed you

TK -

I was beginning to think that you had vanished from this thread too!

I had just gotten through typing/saying in this TR that you were one of the ones who had stuck with me all this time, and then I posted a big, whopping TR installment 2 days ago...where everything was slowly beginning to go downhill and red flags were waving all around, and there was a love seat/black hole/vortex, as well as a financial fiasco upon arriving at Goofy's Kitchen - all of which would surely elicit reactions - and not a peep from my reliable TR commentator/follower TK!


(I will come back to reply to Deej in a short bit - I must run and quickly take care of something! Hi, Deej!)

 

[tksbaskets]

We just started a new computer system for charting at work today. I've been working like a dog getting our staff prepared. I've enjoyed all of your reports but haven't had the energy to respond as much as I'd like. I do admit I make sure I open my DISboard emails if it's your thread before a LOT of other emails

 

[deejdigsdis]

Hi to you too TK! Feels good to be able to pop in 3 times in less than 24 hours!

All caught up! Now to remember what I was going to comment on...

You can bet that I will be crossing to the other side of the walkway if those scary puppets-on-a-stick are in DTD when I go this fall.

That was so thoughtful of you to take pictures for "S" at Build-A-Bear so he could be a part of the experience. He looks like a very nice man.

I loved the flashback picture of the 4 of you girls. So fun!

I got a good laugh about that loveseat. I wonder why it's still there? I wonder if there is some sort of hidden camera, capturing the various reactions from different guests. That would be fun to see.

Financial Fiasco is right! That's a big chunk to try to make up for in an already tight budget. What an awkward moment.

As for "M" -- I have found my jaw dropping a few times as I've read about the choices she has made that affect someone else (you). I don't get it. It makes me a little nervous for my upcoming trip with a group of 14. It is not my plan to move around the parks as a group of 14 at all times, but I hope we can keep this a happy and fun trip with low stress/drama when we ARE all together. We've got to communicate well and be flexible, that's for sure.

 

[Sherry E]

I am working on the final installment of Day 2 right now, and then Day 3 will begin soon. One thing you guys can look forward to from Day 3 - although not in the first few posts - will be the revelation of "Aunt Betty's" origin, anti-climactic though it may be. Actually, everything got worse after Aunt Betty so maybe she was a harbinger of doom for my DLR trip!

It is and was just a fly by hi. Just making sure you knew that although I may not comment I am still here. I just have a lot going on right now.

Michele -

Okay. Cool. I wasn't sure what the car smiley meant. I thought we were just posting transportation-related emoticons!

I am sooooooooooo behind! I wanted you to know that I hadn't forgotten about you. I just read about the Twilight Zone lady. That is crazy. It reminded me of my Halloween lady that I saw 2 different days, wearing the same Halloween-themed get-up, and walking in the same spot. But in the same week, not different years. Whenever I think of the Twilight Zone I think of that mannequin episode. And just like TK...I also thought of Touched By an Angel.

It's so hard to pop in here these days. I'm glad I got to catch up even just a little bit... (as I listen to Trans-Siberian Orchestra's "Carol of the Bells.")

Oh yeah, I thought of you last week. We went to Golden Corral and I decided to try pineappple dipped in the chocolate fountain. It was actually better than I was expecting it to be. Not sure I would pay Disneyland prices for it, but it was better than I thought it would be.

Deej -

Ah yes, the Jaunty Halloween Lady! I remember her well from your trip! Who could forget her?

Yes, "Twilight Zone's" mannequin episode was good. Not that I am implying Twilight Zone Lady is a mannequin, of course, but she is up to something!

Would you say that chocolate-dipped pineapple is as good as a chocolate-dipped strawberry? For some reason it just doesn't sound like a combo that would work, but who knows? Maybe I am missing out on my new favorite treat. Those spears at DLR are so good on their own, though - even without being dunked in something.

Even with chocolate-covered berries I find that some are better than others. For instance, I have tried some (not in DLR) that were dipped in white chocolate and those were scrumptious. At another location (not in DLR) I got some white chocolate-covered strawberries and the chocolate tasted weird so it ruined the whole thing for me. I think it's the same thing with milk chocolate - if you get a funky batch of chocolate that tastes 'off' or has a weird aftertaste, it can ruin the whole treat!

OK...read a bit more. Me vanish? Never! Life is just busy right now. I just can't pop in as much as I used to. Again, like TK, I could tell where you were going with the cone - and the trash can - and the curb. Count me as one who prefers the candycane encrusted cone over the sprinkles. Peppermint ice cream sounds so good right now.

Deej -

The cone with the red and green sprinkles actually looks much better and more holiday-esque in person than it does in that photo I found on Goole Images. While I like the peppermint candy-encrusted cone, it may be too much peppermint for someone who is tentative about getting the ice cream, so the other cone (or just a plain ol' cup!) is a good option!

Is your local supermarket like mine in that it gets the Dreyer's Peppermint Stick ice cream in September, or is it at a normal time like at least post-Halloween?

We just started a new computer system for charting at work today. I've been working like a dog getting our staff prepared. I've enjoyed all of your reports but haven't had the energy to respond as much as I'd like. I do admit I make sure I open my DISboard emails if it's your thread before a LOT of other emails

TK -

Okay. Yay!

I always hear horror stories about new computer systems at work, and having to get trained on them.

I need to always check in and make sure my peeps are still here with me because, in case you can't tell, I spend soooooo much time on most of the installments, at the risk of my own sanity! - and if I ever thought people had zoned out or disappeared I would just stop writing and throw in the towel!

I find that I get more DISboard alerts/e-mails for other threads than for my own. And if I stop replying just for like a day, they stop sending me e-mails until I post again. I hate that - I really wish the e-mail alerts would continue to come for at least a good couple of weeks, and then if I haven't responded after 2 weeks, they can stop sending them. I guess the DIS assumes that if someone has not commented or posted in a thread for a day or so, they are no longer following the thread.

Hi to you too TK! Feels good to be able to pop in 3 times in less than 24 hours!

All caught up! Now to remember what I was going to comment on...

You can bet that I will be crossing to the other side of the walkway if those scary puppets-on-a-stick are in DTD when I go this fall.

That was so thoughtful of you to take pictures for "S" at Build-A-Bear so he could be a part of the experience. He looks like a very nice man.

I loved the flashback picture of the 4 of you girls. So fun!

I got a good laugh about that loveseat. I wonder why it's still there? I wonder if there is some sort of hidden camera, capturing the various reactions from different guests. That would be fun to see.

Financial Fiasco is right! That's a big chunk to try to make up for in an already tight budget. What an awkward moment.

As for "M" -- I have found my jaw dropping a few times as I've read about the choices she has made that affect someone else (you). I don't get it. It makes me a little nervous for my upcoming trip with a group of 14. It is not my plan to move around the parks as a group of 14 at all times, but I hope we can keep this a happy and fun trip with low stress/drama when we ARE all together. We've got to communicate well and be flexible, that's for sure.

Deej -


Well, "M's" father, "S," is very nice to me now, but when we were kids he was not as nice and thought I was somehow a bad influence on "M," when in actuality it was probably far from the truth! He wanted to go to DLR with them so he could watch "R" experiencing DLR for the first time, but often times it might have meant that he was left sitting off by himself somewhere, with people in his way. "M" just kind of wandered off to take care of her bear business and left him there, and I felt like I should try to go over and show him photos when I took them.

That love seat at Hearthstone was hilarious. It would probably be okay if they just replaced the cushion with something a little 'springier.'

The Goofy's fiasco with the money was not just awkward; it was annoying. It could have so easily been avoided or remedied in advance with just some simple communication from "M."

While it can be a bit chaotic and frenzied trying to move around the parks in a big group - I was once there with 11 people and I saw how that worked - I think you should be okay if everyone does communicate and arranges to split up at certain times, etc. PHXscuba has been to DLR with a big group too (in fact, they all ate at Goofy's, coincidentally).

In my case, the confusion/stress/drama was largely due to "M" and not so much being with a larger group of people than what I am used to. It's an "M" thing, not a group thing. And, as you will see, it only got worse from that point on. She doesn't appear to be all that concerned about affecting other people (me) or inconveniencing others, and that is something that has been the case for decades, sadly. I just thought/hoped it had changed. She didn't seem to care if I was schlepping back and forth between DL and DTD when she couldn't get her plans straight. She secretly treated Shawn to coffee at Hearthstone and didn't even offer to treat me. She conveniently neglected to tell me that she wasn't paying for my Goofy's meal. She shoved a bear at me in Build-A-Bear like I was supposed to know what to do after that and get it done!

Oh, there is more to come, my friend. More to come, and your jaw will continue to drop! Wait until we get to Day 4 - that one will have you guys all scratching your heads in befuddlement and frustration.

 

[tksbaskets]

OK Sherry now I'm really wondering what the infamous "M" did as I'm already mystified that she made your her Sherpa at the bear place and stiffed you for the aforementioned dinner at Goofy's kitchen after enjoying the benefit of your AP I might add....

 

[PHXscuba]

I arranged a trip for 15 to DLR -- my 6 and 9 from DH's staff and their families. We paid for the hotel/tickets and gave them money for food and gas from AZ. I gave them info, offered to loan my UOG, wrote down a few websites like WDW Info, and left them to their own devices. I would have gone nuts trying to tour with that many, most of whom had never been. I get impatient with just us 6!!

The only thing we did as a group was our Goofy's Kitchen dinner the first night. BTW, 15 was the magic number that put us into the "large group" category. Once we got that arranged, it was fairly simple -- one credit card with a AAA discount, two tables next to each other that we decided to put together by ourselves.

I can't imagine having multiple people handing over cash and trying to do the math and make change. And then the tip --

I honestly think the only people I would agree to do a joint DLR trip with would be my parents (obligation), my best friend and her family (DLR vets), or my sister, BIL and their kids (so they'd get more out of it than their previous one-day trip). And only because my sister gets my OCD and would mock me but follow along.

Sherry, I'm waiting and watching this thread like a car wreck -- I know it's gonna be painful but I can't look away!

PHXscuba

 

[mvf-m11c]

I finally got to read your latest update when I was at the parks on Monday. I'm sorry to hear that "M" didn't treat you so well at GK. She could have treated you at GK for all the planning you have done.

Those are really nice photos at GK and the tilted Christmas tree which is fun to see every year. I haven't eaten at GK and I should considered it one day.

 

[Sherry E]

OK Sherry now I'm really wondering what the infamous "M" did as I'm already mystified that she made your her Sherpa at the bear place and stiffed you for the aforementioned dinner at Goofy's kitchen after enjoying the benefit of your AP I might add....

TK -

Sherpa!! I truly laughed out loud when I read that! So funny...and so fitting! Yes, my AP discount went towards the bear, dinner itself and the photo package at Goofy's Kitchen, not to mention the next day (which I haven't gotten to yet).

By the time I get to Day 4 and explain the 'moment' - the culminating moment that brings all of this home for you guys and clues you in on how I ended up sobbing on a bench - I would be shocked if you all weren't scratching your heads and saying, "Huh?"

Good news, though - I am just about to post the last of Day 2. Sometime during Day 3 you will finally learn what Aunt Betty means!

I arranged a trip for 15 to DLR -- my 6 and 9 from DH's staff and their families. We paid for the hotel/tickets and gave them money for food and gas from AZ. I gave them info, offered to loan my UOG, wrote down a few websites like WDW Info, and left them to their own devices. I would have gone nuts trying to tour with that many, most of whom had never been. I get impatient with just us 6!!

The only thing we did as a group was our Goofy's Kitchen dinner the first night. BTW, 15 was the magic number that put us into the "large group" category. Once we got that arranged, it was fairly simple -- one credit card with a AAA discount, two tables next to each other that we decided to put together by ourselves.

I can't imagine having multiple people handing over cash and trying to do the math and make change. And then the tip --

I honestly think the only people I would agree to do a joint DLR trip with would be my parents (obligation), my best friend and her family (DLR vets), or my sister, BIL and their kids (so they'd get more out of it than their previous one-day trip). And only because my sister gets my OCD and would mock me but follow along.

Sherry, I'm waiting and watching this thread like a car wreck -- I know it's gonna be painful but I can't look away!

PHXscuba

PHX -

I know! I think everyone is hanging on for the train wreck! I am just about to post the last of Day 2 now, and once we get to Day 3, you will see that it starts out kinda bad and doesn't improve much through the day. Then, Day 4 will be the really 'fun' day! Stay tuned!

I finally got to read your latest update when I was at the parks on Monday. I'm sorry to hear that "M" didn't treat you so well at GK. She could have treated you at GK for all the planning you have done.

Those are really nice photos at GK and the tilted Christmas tree which is fun to see every year. I haven't eaten at GK and I should considered it one day.

Bret -

Thank you! The character photos that I got at GK were not good this time around. Normally, the lighting is much better. This time all the photos came out dark because the lighting was dim and I was thinking a flash would wash everyone out in the pictures. You'll see this in the upcoming installment of the TR. Oh well. What can I do about it now?

You've never eaten at GK at all before? Wow! I know you tried Minnie & Friends. I remember that from a while ago. I think that if you like big buffets with lots of choices you would like GK. But it's so expensive.

Yes, "M" was a bit inconsiderate overall. Her not treating me would have been fine if she had just communicated that to me beforehand so I could prepare. Instead she kind of left me to find out when we were there. Not cool.



Okay - another TR installment coming up in next post!!!

 

[Sherry E]

Here’s the final installment of Day 2 (Monday) for you! Woo hoo! It may seem like I am lolling around and taking my sweet time to get through this TR, but I’m actually bouncing back and forth between about 4 different threads, adding photos and info and what not. I’ve been a busy little bee on the DIS lately!

Aunt Betty's Weepy, Wacky, Wonderful Christmas Trip to Disneyland

(12/4/11 - 12/8/11)



Day 2 - Monday, December 5, 2011 - Part 8 ​

What child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?








In my last Trip Report installment, I regaled you all with tales of crazy, people-eating love seats, experiments in bear-building, a whirlwind of monetary ‘confusion’ upon arrival at Goofy’s Kitchen for dinner…and the early signs that my reunion with “M” might not go as hoped or planned.





After the madness at the Goofy’s Kitchen register, with money flying every which way but loose and no one having any clue what was being paid or what was supposed to be paid, my group of 8 was seated at a table in a corner. I guess it was one of the tables reserved for big groups. I was actually kind of surprised that the table was available right away since we showed up so early, but we were in luck.

While I am no stranger to the Goofy’s Kitchen breakfast, it had been quite a long while since I’d tried the dinner buffet and, quite frankly, I don’t recall being too thrilled with the dinner choices the last time I’d done the dinner. I don’t think I disliked what I ate. I just didn’t find enough things to eat that I specifically liked to make the cost worthwhile. Maybe I was pickier in those days.

Nonetheless, I was going along with a dinner at Goofy’s because that’s what “M” and her family wanted. Again, I was “going with the flow” and against what I preferred doing. They don’t appear to be able to get up and out early enough in the day to even make it to breakfast.

I made my way to the buffet and was pleased to discover that there were many more choices of things I would eat than I expected. I didn’t get any pictures of the food, but it was bountiful.

I ended up with one plate only – I never went back for a second plate, which is unfortunate given the cost. Usually, at breakfast, I will go back for a second plate of…something…anything…whether it’s an all-fruit plate, an all-pastry/bread plate, a Mickey waffle or two, an all-meat plate, a combo of any of the aforementioned options, or just eggs. I wish I had been hungrier for dinner, but, as I previously explained in this TR, I am accustomed to eating most of what I am going to eat for the day in the morning or early afternoon. I may munch on an apple or some other piece of fruit later on, but most of my protein and heartier food is eaten in the early part of the day. What ends up happening is that – even if I have eaten nothing more than a peppermint ice cream cone all day – my stomach is more or less trained to not be all that hungry at night, or after 6 p.m. I rarely ever eat a big dinner at night.

I assessed my options and took a piece of some kind of roast chicken – which was flavorful and delicious – a small sliver of pork roast and a little slice of pot roast from the buffet. It was like a sampler platter of protein! I also hovered around the mashed potatoes for a bit, trying to decide if they looked appetizing. They really didn’t look all that good, but I finally grabbed a scoop of the potatoes and plopped them on my plate. Thankfully I discovered later that the mashed potatoes tasted much better than they looked. I think I may have plunked a bit of salad on the plate somewhere too. Or maybe it was a muffin. Or maybe it was a piece of fruit. I can’t recall. If I had really been famished enough to go back and get a second plate of food, I would have headed for that yummy roast chicken! Jackie got the chicken as well and she agreed that it was really tasty.

So, overall, I was happy with the dinner food. I just think that for me and my personal eating schedule, a big dinner at an expensive place doesn’t make much sense. I’d rather stick with the Goofy’s Kitchen breakfast! I am more inclined to eat more at breakfast and it’s cheaper!

Everyone else seemed to enjoy their food, too – including first-time character meal diners, Jackie and Bob. I didn’t hear any complaints.

One thing I did notice was that “R” was not eating very much. He had some food on his plate, but he only ate a bit and then didn’t want the rest. (Hmm…that’s probably because he had just eaten a big lunch at Rainforest Café a few hours earlier.)

The area where were sitting was not well-lit, which translated in photos. It didn’t seem quite as dark when we were sitting at the table, but judging by the photos I see that I should have used a flash. In person it seemed too light for a flash, like it was going to wash out everyone’s faces – and yet it was dim at the same time.

I am going to use the Autofix feature on Photobucket just to lighten these specific character meal photos up a notch – it won’t help much at all, but it will help a little. I really should lighten them all up too, but I’m not going to take the time to do it. I normally do not use Autofix or any other kind of edits for just the plain ol’ Trip Reports – and if I do, I will generally show you the ‘before and after’ versions. This time is an exception.

This was “R’s” first time meeting Disney characters…

I had the feeling that the folks at my table were thinking that character time meant they were just there for “R.” Heck no! I mean, yes, obviously his parents were excited for him to meet characters, but I was not going to miss out on my own character photos too! If I am paying whatever I paid (and I’m still not sure if paid a few dollars too much or didn’t pay enough) to go to Goofy’s Kitchen for dinner, I am getting in character photos too.

Shawn is not a big fan of the face characters. Betcha couldn’t tell that, eh? She is especially not a fan of the Princesses… Hee hee.

Bob (or whoever was holding my camera) didn’t bother to tell me that Pluto’s whiskers were in my face! If it weren’t for that, it would have been a better picture!

It’s funny – Cinderella is usually not at Goofy’s when I eat there for breakfast so this is the first time I’ve seen her there in a long, long time. Still, I didn’t end up getting a photo with her. I think she just left after meeting “R,” who didn’t seem to like her very much.

After all of that character activity and food, “R” attacked “M” at the table, then romped around on the floor, played with his dinosaur from Build-A-Bear, etc. The things that kids do.

​

“M” bought the photo package, as I told you in the last installment, and I contributed my AP discount to that purchase to help her out (the photo packages are expensive – over $30). She gave one of the 5”x7” photos to me and one to Shawn. It was nice of her to do that, but I wonder if she considered that as “treating” me to Goofy’s! Lol.

After dinner, we said our goodbyes to Jackie and Bob. Shawn needed to get home too, as she had to work the next morning (and she has a job that starts very early in the morning, so she is up at like 4:00 a.m. on most days). But she couldn’t leave yet.

Remember that I mentioned (a while back) that the Paradise Pier Hotel reservation I made through the Special Activities office included free parking? Well, there had been some confusion in the Special Activities office about the free parking, with one Cast Member telling me that the free parking was only for one night and another CM telling me that the free parking was to last for my entire stay (one car only, though).

Since I don’t have a car, and no one staying with me in the PPH room would have a car, I told the Special Activities office that they could leave the free parking off of the reservation, but they said the parking came with the room (for the entire stay) and I’d have it whether I used it or not.

So I let Shawn use my free PPH parking for that night. What I would have to do was, when she was ready to leave, jump in her truck with my room key in hand and show it to the person at the parking lot gate if they needed to see proof of me being an onsite guest…and then hop out of her truck in front of the PPH and go back to my room!!

“M” was gong to be staying in my PPH room that night – she paid me for half of it – and she would need to go back to her room at the Disneyland Hotel to collect a few things to bring over to the PPH. And I didn’t want to schlep over to the PPH to get Shawn safely out of the parking lot and then have to schlep all the way back to the DLH to wait on “M.” “M” didn’t know how to get from DLH to PPH on foot (the Resort had changed a lot since she was last there, remember), and she didn’t want to walk by herself. She wanted me to walk with her or help her carry things if need be, which was totally fine and understandable.

Basically, the way it was going to work out was that Shawn and I would have to wait on “M” to get her stuff together at the Disneyland Hotel, and then all 3 of us would walk over to the PPH and I would go with Shawn to get her out of the parking lot with my room key. So “M” knew that both Shawn and I were waiting on her.

But…of course, “M” – who, for some odd reason is obsessed with shopping in Downtown Disney, to the point where I almost think she could spend a whole day in DTD and never want to go in the parks at all – decided she had to stop in World of Disney. Mind you, she and her family were due to be at DLR until Friday – even longer than I would be there. This was Monday night. It’s not like she couldn’t have found another time to stop in World of Disney. But it had to be then.

Not only was “M” gung ho on shopping, but I’m sure her 4-year-old was in heaven as soon as he set foot in the store too.

Shawn and I went into World of Disney, briefly. We looked around for only a minute or two. Somehow we lost “M” and her family (it’s a big store). We were not even sure if they were still in the store. We decided to sit outside so that we could catch them when they exited. It was cold. Now, as you know, I can take a bit of cold – I like the crisp December air - but Shawn was really uncomfortable. She was tired and freezing and she wanted to get home.

We waited. And waited. And waited. “M” was taking forever. Shawn was getting annoyed. I was getting annoyed. We finally decided to get up and do a walk-through in the store, just to see if we could find them. “M” and family were nowhere to be found.

Shawn and I exited through a different door in WoD – not the one we entered through – and walked back around to the spot where we had been sitting outside for what seemed like ages. “M” and her family were standing there in the location we had just vacated a few minutes prior, to go look for them, and wondering where we were!!!

Sigh.

Even though it was a comical situation, at that point Shawn and I both were in no mood to laugh. If “M” hadn’t taken so long in World of Disney to begin with, we wouldn’t have gotten up to find them and then missed them when they came looking for us.

Finally, we began to make our way to the Disneyland Hotel. On the way there “M’s” husband, “B,” pulled me aside and asked me if I would help get “M” in front of the Castle in Disneyland, at night, at some point during their trip. He had some kind of a surprise gift for her and wanted to be in that particular spot when he gave it to her. He needed me to help wrangle her, I suppose.

I said, “Sure. I’ll do whatever I can to get her there. I’ll think of something. We will get her there at night.”

Of course, getting “M” in front of the Castle at night meant that it would be the next night – which would be Tuesday - or Wednesday. Tuesday and Wednesday were the days that “M” had set aside for me, whereas on Thursday and Friday she would be with other friends at DLR. We went over it and over it and over it, back and forth in e-mails, and “M” had clearly told me that they (her entire family) would be with me on Tuesday, December 6, and on Wednesday, December 7. In fact, she assured me that she would break away from the men folk at some point so that we could hang out together for a few hours, maybe take some wacky PhotoPass pictures; I could show her around California Adventure, whatever. She told me that only if her cousin, I think, wanted to show up too, would things change and she’d have to let the cousin join us.

Remember I said a while back – in a previous installment – that apparently everyone under the sun wanted to see “M,” and they all just had to see her at Disneyland? She seemed incapable of telling anyone, “I’ll be there with my friend Sherry on X & Y day. It’s really important to Sherry to spend time with me at DLR, because that’s our old stomping ground,” or whatever. It was as if it was too hard for her to say “no” to anyone, but apparently all paths had been cleared for 12/6 & 12/7 and those were to be ‘my days.’ I was fine with that. I didn’t need to see her on 12/8 too.

I wouldn’t have a problem telling people, “Look, I am booked up on these two days. I am saving those days for my childhood friend.” In fact, I DID say that – to Laurie (DizNee Luver) and Molly (bumbershoot). I made it very clear that I was going to be busy with “M” on Tuesday and Wednesday, and that I might not be able to hang out with them until Wednesday night or Thursday. I said that I hadn’t seen her in 10 years and that I didn’t know when I’d see her again, and that I was going to see her as much as I could at DLR during that trip.

(Remember, too, that I explained in my Pre-TR/Background to this TR that I don’t have any family. So my longtime friends are my family. That’s why it was important to me to set aside a lot of time for “M” after not seeing her for 10 years.)

At one point “M” even asked if I would let one of her other friends stay in my PPH room if I decided to stay an extra night and check out on Friday instead of Thursday. She wanted to split the cost with me 50/50, but the math on that didn’t work out because they would be 2 adults and it should be split 3 ways, or “M” should be paying me 2/3 of the bill and not 1/2 of the bill. In other words, her friend was a grown woman and not a child, so someone would have to cough up some money for her if they were staying in my room. “M” told me that if I decided to stay an extra night and let her (them) stay with me on Thursday night, “It will give me more time with you, too.” Yeah…right. ??? More time with me when she is busy with her other friend? I didn’t think I would be staying an extra night for various reasons (lack of money being the main one), but even if I had been able to I think I would have stayed solo and not had anyone in my room.


So, assuming this all panned out the way it was supposed to, the plan would be that I would be there and ready to assist “B” in getting “M” in front of the Winter Castle on Tuesday or Wednesday night. And I intended to get lots of sappy, embarrassing photos of the moment too – whatever the ‘moment’ was going to be.

Well, you know what they say about the best laid plans…

Shawn, “M” and I arrived at the DLH. “B,” “R” and “S” all wandered off somewhere else in DTD.

It’s been years and years since I last stayed at the DLH, but before there was a PPH or a GCH I stayed there every year, usually more than once a year. I hadn’t remembered the crazy room number situation. It was very odd.

For instance, if I stay at the Paradise Pier and my room # is 1234, it is clearly on the 12th floor. If the room # is 1137, it’s on the 11th floor. Easy! At the Disneyland Hotel, they have a set-up where, if your room number is, for example, 2400, that means your room is on the 7th floor or some weird thing! If your room key says 1234, it must mean you’re on the 5th floor! Lol. Whatever the room number is, it doesn’t match the floor that it’s on…and I think that’s very bizarre! I’m not used to that at all! I am strange, I know, but I actually like room numbers that tell me which floor I am going to, and not these wacky room numbers that lead me to a floor I’ve never even heard of before.


“M” gathered up her things. I observed how much floor space there was. A LOT of floor space. I’m not sure if all of the DLH rooms have that much space, or if it’s because her dad was in a wheelchair and it was pre-arranged. But it was nice to be able to walk around. I noticed that the DLH has the same bedding (white with embroidered white Mickey icons) as the PPH.


“B,” “R” and “S” showed up in the room before we left, and little “R” didn’t want “M” to leave. He didn’t want her to go with me to the PPH. He started to cry a little bit. “M” tried to assure him that she would see him in the morning, and that she wasn’t going far.

I said, “Mommy will bring you back some chocolates!” (I was going to give “M” the chocolate coins left by Mousekeeping in my PPH room to give to “R,” as she said he loves chocolate.) When I said that, “R” stopped his crying and lost the worried look on his face for a minute. He got quiet, as though he was thinking, “Hmm…is chocolate worth my mommy going away with this strange lady?” Maybe he thought we were going to have all kinds of fun in Disneyland without him. Maybe he hated me. Maybe he just hates to have his mommy leave. But I could see the wheels spinning in his mind, debating the importance of chocolate! He was thinking it over. Lol. After he pondered the thought for a moment, he started crying or getting upset again.

“M” finally had to leave because she said if she didn’t leave then, he would just keep getting upset and asking her to stay and she wouldn’t be able to get out of there.

Shawn, “M” and I walked over to the PPH from the DLH. When we got there, I gave “M” the room key with her name on it so she could go up to the room, while Shawn and I made our way to Shawn’s truck so she could leave. When we got past the gate and she was out of the PPH parking lot, I hopped out, said goodbye and went back up to the PPH room. “M” was putting her stuff in a drawer.

I got in the door and realized that I had forgotten to leave the room keys for Laurie and Molly at the front desk, so they could pick them up when they arrived the next morning.

I went back down to the PPH lobby and to the front desk, asking a CM if it would be all right for me to leave their keys there for pick-up the following morning. I had to give him my room number, name, show ID and all of that. I told him that Laurie and Molly were listed on my reservation so their names were in the system. This CM – an older gentleman – looked at me as if I’d just made the strangest request in the world, like I asked him to send a dancing wombat to my room with a pizza or something.

I didn’t think it was that peculiar of a request, quite frankly. I explained to him that my two roommates were arriving in the morning, but that I’d be with other people and wouldn’t be able to give Laurie and Molly their keys in person. They wanted to be able to drop their bags in the room, rather than dealing with the Bell desk.

Finally, with a surly, skeptical scowl, the front desk CM took the 2 keys and put each one in a separate envelope with either of the ladies' names on the front. I text messaged both Laurie and Molly to let them know they needed to show ID and pick up the keys at the front desk.

Okay, that was all squared away. Now back up to the PPH room to finally relax!

In addition to the chocolate coins I was giving “M” to give to “R,” and a couple of “We’re Celebrating” buttons I got at check-in, I had other presents for her as well:

Mickey ears bath products (because the PPH no longer has these in the rooms, and “M” wanted a set of them):

A cookie ornament that I bought in 2007:

A gingerbread cookie magnet, also from 2007:

I showed “M” that I had put those things in one of the drawers for her, and she admired the Mickey ears bottles and the pins for a moment, but she never even looked in the padded envelopes where I had placed the ornament and magnet. She had seen them in pictures before – I showed her – but she never saw them in person. I would have thought that she’d want to look in the envelopes and inspect them.

But, in this case, not only did “M” not look in the envelopes to see the gifts, she didn’t say “thank you” for them either.

I showed her the wonderful view from the room. While the DLH had great floor space, my room had a better view! She attempted to take a nighttime picture. She took a shower. I got ready for a night of sleep. When “M” came out of the shower she was telling me a little more about some drama at home – she said that this was why she wanted to stay in my PPH room, so she could talk about it without the men being around.

It was after 10 p.m. Probably closer to 10:30-ish. “M” was tired and started to conk out. As she drifted off to sleep, she did say “thank you” - but not for the gifts. She thanked me for “arranging the dinner,” as in making the Goofy’s Kitchen reservations, rounding up the gang to be there, etc.

Well, at least there is that…at least I got a thank you for that.


So, Monday night (Day 2) was wrapping up as my head hit the pillow and my earplugs went in. At that point I was not sure how Tuesday would go, but I was trying to keep a good attitude about it.





Coming up next, in Part 1 of Day 3…It’s all downhill from here, kids! Good times ahead! Lol. I slowly begin to lose my patience – and my cool - with “M,” which sends me off on a solo photo spree on Main Street to get my mind in a happy place…

​

 

[tksbaskets]

Yeah! An installment - I know how much time it takes to do a quality job and you don't disappoint

I love the picture with Minnie and the one with Chip. The picture with Belle, you and Shawn was too funny!

O.M.Goodness - "M" is definitely not for "M"ath skills! I'm hoping the third friend didn't end up sleeping on your floor...YIKES I can't believe she didn't even look at the gifts.

I like your attitude - at least she thanked you for arranging dinner at GK.

Looking forward to day 3

 

[kaoden39]

Hmmm, well I believe that you and I have discussed just exactly how I feel about M in the past but, well.......I don't need the points so it reminds with.....well you know!


I think the Pluto mustache is kind of a cute look.:rolleyes


Frankly I think R seems like a brat. My kids were not allowed to act like that in a public place like Goofy's. It is annoying to the other guest who have spent a lot of money to be there.


I understand that M might be excited to see the big WoD store but seriously? You know people are waiting for you, you know that one of them has to work in the morning. Be a grown up.


I know I would have opened the envelopes. That was a very sweet gesture. You gave her things that you treasure.

The more I think about it the more that word suits.

 

[deejdigsdis]

Oh don't stop now!!

"...send a dancing wombat to my room with a pizza or something..."

That picture of you and Shawn with Belle made me laugh too. I would love to see a bubble above Shawn's head with what she was thinking. Her facial expression is so funny.

Did "M" see the envelopes? Did she know the envelopes contained gifts from you? I can't imagine why she wouldn't open them. So odd. And to not say thank you...

I'm enjoying your report. Thanks for taking the time to put it together. I know it's a lot of work. You're a great writer.

P.S. -- I always put on my "Instrumental Holidays" station on Pandora when I read this TR. "What Child Is This" (this installment's featured song) came on while I was reading.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Bret -

Thank you! The character photos that I got at GK were not good this time around. Normally, the lighting is much better. This time all the photos came out dark because the lighting was dim and I was thinking a flash would wash everyone out in the pictures. You'll see this in the upcoming installment of the TR. Oh well. What can I do about it now?

You've never eaten at GK at all before? Wow! I know you tried Minnie & Friends. I remember that from a while ago. I think that if you like big buffets with lots of choices you would like GK. But it's so expensive.

Yes, "M" was a bit inconsiderate overall. Her not treating me would have been fine if she had just communicated that to me beforehand so I could prepare. Instead she kind of left me to find out when we were there. Not cool.

The flash would have made it too bright for the picture, but for that lighting is really good with your camera.

I'm sorry for misunderstanding my last post. I meant to say that I haven't ate at GK in years. The last time I ate at GK was before the DTD expansion where it was the old DLH. That was when I was a kid or teenager back than. It has been a long time since I ate at GK. Maybe when I go with young kids and want to meet the characters, I will plan on getting a reservation at GK. My DA and the rest of my parties that I went with don't enjoy Disney characters a lot. I did eat at Minnie & friends the last two years and it was great. The only problem is that I am not a buffet type eater where I have to eat a lot. When I eat at buffet, I only eat less than two plates and I don't get my money's worth out of it.

I'm sorry that M was inconsiderate that day. For all the planning you did, I would imagine that she would at least take care of the bill even with your AP discount. It was not nice for doing something like that and I would feel the same way if someone in my party would do something like that.


I like your pics with Chip and Dale.

That is very nice of you to give her those gifts and doesn't look inside the envelope which kind of surprise. But I am shocked of she not saying thank you for the gifts. At least "M" said thank you for the arranging dinner at GK.

I always enjoy your TR's and can't wait to read your next update to your TR.


Hi Deej. I haven't heard from you in quite some time. I know that you are trying to avoid CL and BVS pics until you see it in person. I will remind you when I past the CL & BVS part and you can see other parts of my TR.

 

[Sherry E]

Yeah! An installment - I know how much time it takes to do a quality job and you don't disappoint

I love the picture with Minnie and the one with Chip. The picture with Belle, you and Shawn was too funny!

O.M.Goodness - "M" is definitely not for "M"ath skills! I'm hoping the third friend didn't end up sleeping on your floor...YIKES I can't believe she didn't even look at the gifts.

I like your attitude - at least she thanked you for arranging dinner at GK.

Looking forward to day 3

Thank you, TK!

There are some posts (or some TR's) when a lot of 'story' is required, and then others where I can just post a bunch of photos and most of it is self-explanatory. For the latter reason I am just about done with my Catalina report. It's only about 3 or 4 pages long, and I only have one more post to add to it - which will only have a few photos in it. I was able to whip through that one (sort of) because there wasn't any story involved. A few descriptions here and there, a few quick rundowns of what I did and it will be over in one more post!

I agree - I think the Minnie & Chip pictures are good too. The Belle picture is hilarious, but the funny thing is that I think I can go back to Goofy's Kitchen pictures from the '90s and find Shawn making that same expression - or a similar one - in pictures with Aladdin or other face characters.

I can tell you that, no,"M's" friend did not end up in my room at all. No worries there. However, what I will say is that, if I had extended my trip by an extra night and let them stay there...I wonder if the trip would have ended in the way it did. She might have been on her best behavior. What I didn't like is that she was trying to get me to agree to let them stay there if I got an extra night, under the guise that it would give US more time together. In reality, as I came to find out later, "M" was allllll about her other friends - not me.

Day 3 will start off with a bang - meaning that I was getting snippy, impatient and storming off to take photos! Stay tuned for that fun!

Hmmm, well I believe that you and I have discussed just exactly how I feel about M in the past but, well.......I don't need the points so it reminds with.....well you know!


I think the Pluto mustache is kind of a cute look.:rolleyes


Frankly I think R seems like a brat. My kids were not allowed to act like that in a public place like Goofy's. It is annoying to the other guest who have spent a lot of money to be there.


I understand that M might be excited to see the big WoD store but seriously? You know people are waiting for you, you know that one of them has to work in the morning. Be a grown up.


I know I would have opened the envelopes. That was a very sweet gesture. You gave her things that you treasure.

The more I think about it the more that word suits.

Michele -



We were tucked so far back at Goofy's that I don't think any other guests saw us, so I don't think any of them noticed "R" climbing on "M." I'm shocked that the characters even found us back there!

"M" was definitely excited to see WoD again, after not having shopped there in 10 years or whatever it was, but she was going to be at DLR for 4 more days. She could have chosen any time to go in - it didn't have to be then, when Shawn and I were waiting. The thing was, as I came to discover the next day, she passes the buck onto "R" a lot and says that HE is the one who wants to go in the stores and look. She is just following him.

Well, correct me if I'm wrong because I have no kids, but don't all little kids want to look in all stores in DLR? That's what kids do. And isn't it up to the parents to tell them yes or no, they can or cannot look in the store at that moment? Molly has often talked about hating to walk through DTD because of E possibly having "the wants" or the "I wants." Kids see stores with fun window displays and signs. They want to go in. But they don't rule the roost - the parents have to control it somewhat and not just follow the child into every store!

I gave "M" those little gifts - when I could have given one each to Molly and Laurie! Not that Molly would have really cared about them one way or the other, but Laurie certainly would have wanted them!

Oh don't stop now!!

"...send a dancing wombat to my room with a pizza or something..."

That picture of you and Shawn with Belle made me laugh too. I would love to see a bubble above Shawn's head with what she was thinking. Her facial expression is so funny.

Did "M" see the envelopes? Did she know the envelopes contained gifts from you? I can't imagine why she wouldn't open them. So odd. And to not say thank you...

I'm enjoying your report. Thanks for taking the time to put it together. I know it's a lot of work. You're a great writer.

P.S. -- I always put on my "Instrumental Holidays" station on Pandora when I read this TR. "What Child Is This" (this installment's featured song) came on while I was reading.

Deej -

Thank you for the kind words/compliments, and for continuing to follow along. I have lots of holiday-esque photos coming up in the next installment or two or three (many of which will not be new to you, as you have already gotten pictures of them), so get that Pandora holidays station ready for background music!!

I'm glad you caught the dancing wombat line. It's not often that I throw a dancing wombat into my stories, so it's good to know that someone saw it!

Oh yes, indeed - "M" saw the envelopes. I had all of the gifts together - the chocolates, the Mickey ears products, the "We're Celebrating" buttons and the two envelopes. I even said, "Here are the little gifts I brought for you" at one point, and held up the envelopes to show her. She looked at the buttons and the Mickey ears products and not the other stuff. She knew that I had been holding those things for her for several years. Maybe she somehow convinced herself that she had paid me for them or something (which she did not).

I think a thought bubble above Shawn's head in the Belle picture would probably contain some words that are not suitable for the DIS, so maybe it's better that there's not one!

Did you see PHXscuba's explanation of her trip to DLR with a big group of people (somewhere above)? Sounds like she and her group had the right idea! I've been with a group where 2 people would stop and look at something and then get mad because the other 9 people walked off without them, or where 3 people got separated from the pack. It was chaotic.

The flash would have made it too bright for the picture, but for that lighting is really good with your camera.

I'm sorry for misunderstanding my last post. I meant to say that I haven't ate at GK in years. The last time I ate at GK was before the DTD expansion where it was the old DLH. That was when I was a kid or teenager back than. It has been a long time since I ate at GK. Maybe when I go with young kids and want to meet the characters, I will plan on getting a reservation at GK. My DA and the rest of my parties that I went with don't enjoy Disney characters a lot. I did eat at Minnie & friends the last two years and it was great. The only problem is that I am not a buffet type eater where I have to eat a lot. When I eat at buffet, I only eat less than two plates and I don't get my money's worth out of it.

I'm sorry that M was inconsiderate that day. For all the planning you did, I would imagine that she would at least take care of the bill even with your AP discount. It was not nice for doing something like that and I would feel the same way if someone in my party would do something like that.


I like your pics with Chip and Dale.

That is very nice of you to give her those gifts and doesn't look inside the envelope which kind of surprise. But I am shocked of she not saying thank you for the gifts. At least "M" said thank you for the arranging dinner at GK.

I always enjoy your TR's and can't wait to read your next update to your TR.


Hi Deej. I haven't heard from you in quite some time. I know that you are trying to avoid CL and BVS pics until you see it in person. I will remind you when I past the CL & BVS part and you can see other parts of my TR.

Thank you, Bret. I appreciate it!

Oh, that's right - I do remember you telling me at one point that you'd been to Goofy's when it was still in its old location at DLH, pre-makeover, pre-Downtown Disney, pre-DCA, pre-GCH and all of that. Goofy's is great, but it's really the sort of place where you have to feel like you'll eat enough to make it worthwhile, just in case the characters are not abundant at that moment. It's nice to have a lot of choices at the buffet, though.

"M" was, indeed, inconsiderate that day, and when you consider the fact that this was only my first day/night seeing her - and we hadn't even made it into the parks yet - you can only imagine how things went from that point forward! Let's just say...they didn't get any better!

 

[rentayenta]

I prefer Goofy's for breakfast too even though we haven't been in years.

I don't like the way M treats you and seriously cannot imagine that it gets worse. I'm so sorry. Disney can be crazy enough with all of the planning and money being spent. Having a friend with a personality disorder (that's my unprofessional diagnosis given I've never met her ) just adds to the stress.

I hope you find some peace during this trip after you punch her in the nose.

 

[Virgoinab]

Ya I gotta go with Kaoden on the whole "R" sounds like a bit of brat. I have two boys, teenager's now, but when younger would not, I repeat would not have for one minute been allowed to crawl all over me in a resturant, no matter what their age (unless they were babies). Now, sometimes kids get over stimulated and yes, do not always remember their table manner's or they get cranky. Okay, fair enough, most mother's have been there. But the picture shows me that, that child is being overindulged, not that he is tired, or over stimulated.

Then again maybe I am being harsh since "M" reminds me very much of my own frienmey (sp) from my childhood. I think that is why I can relate to what you went through, I have been there, and I know the hurt that you must have experianced.

It is not cool to have someone whom you have known for ages, treat you that way.

 

[Sherry E]

I prefer Goofy's for breakfast too even though we haven't been in years.

I don't like the way M treats you and seriously cannot imagine that it gets worse. I'm so sorry. Disney can be crazy enough with all of the planning and money being spent. Having a friend with a personality disorder (that's my unprofessional diagnosis given I've never met her ) just adds to the stress.

I hope you find some peace during this trip after you punch her in the nose.

Jenny -



I think I liked the food at this particular Goofy's dinner buffet better than the last dinner buffet I'd had there 100 years ago (the roast chicken was just delicious!), but I'm used to the breakfast there and I'm used to eating protein and bigger meals in the earlier part of the day rather than at night, so it just doesn't really seem like the dinner is the most cost-effective choice for me (especially when I have to pay for it!).

You're absolutely right. Going to DLR can be crazy and stressful enough as it is, for many reasons - crowds, money, possible heat and/or other weather conditions, things not going according to plan, unexpected illness or injury, etc. It doesn't help to have a friend who not only seems to bring a tornado of chaos with her, but is inconsiderate to boot. And yes, it gets worse in this TR! It's hard to believe, I know! At least there will be quite a few photos coming up in the next couple of installments - I had to take some pictures to find peace!

I wouldn't be surprised if there is a personality disorder there somewhere! What's so interesting is that, for some reason, "M" will act a certain way with me (and some others too, here and there), but then will act like the most generous, delightful, wonderful person to other people. This has happened for decades. It's like she wants to really lay it on thick and impress them, but doesn't care how she acts to me (or, from what it sounds like, her cousin).

Ya I gotta go with Kaoden on the whole "R" sounds like a bit of brat. I have two boys, teenager's now, but when younger would not, I repeat would not have for one minute been allowed to crawl all over me in a resturant, no matter what their age (unless they were babies). Now, sometimes kids get over stimulated and yes, do not always remember their table manner's or they get cranky. Okay, fair enough, most mother's have been there. But the picture shows me that, that child is being overindulged, not that he is tired, or over stimulated.

Then again maybe I am being harsh since "M" reminds me very much of my own frienmey (sp) from my childhood. I think that is why I can relate to what you went through, I have been there, and I know the hurt that you must have experianced.

It is not cool to have someone whom you have known for ages, treat you that way.

Virgoinab -

Hello again!

Because I'm not a parent, I probably don't pick up on certain things in a child's behavior that other parents would recognize. I think that, with the exception of Bret, most of my Trip Report followers (or the ones who comment, anyway) are parents. So you all can probably detect certain things that I am not picking up on.

But you know, you make an interesting point about the overindulging. Just at a glance, I would not have said that the pictures indicated that "R" was overindulged. However, I think that - based on what I learned over the next day or two - "overindulged" is a very fitting word. I think that overindulged (on many levels) is exactly what's going on. And frankly, I don't think "M" is that much different. She is kind of overindulged too!

You're right - it's bad enough to be hurt or disappointed by people you have known for a short time or whatever, but being hurt by someone who is a longtime, childhood friend is extra painful, especially when you're grown women and should be more mature.


Let's just say - and I don't want to give too much away and spoil the 'surprise' - that the last time I saw "M" on this particular Disneyland trip did not exactly go well, to say the least. So if you think she has been 'odd' so far, just wait! We'll leave it at that for right now because we are quite a bit away from that point in the story and I don't want to get ahead of myself.