One happyhaunt, Two happyhaunt, Red happyhaunt, Blue happyhaunt!(newer, pg 31.)

[PrincessV]

Tommy and I rode BTMRR.

You don't say?

And... I may have even hugged the mom as we split up and went our separate ways.

Or did I?


You decide.


And remember... I'm a freakin' PIRATE!!!!


Afterall.


Yep.


It was all an act so that I could steal her wallet. And rub her the wrong way.

PIRATE!!

I asked Tommy what his favourite part of the day had been.


He said, "I like the Monorail rides, Mommy!".

Now, that sounds familiar

And I thought I could hear his heartbeat for a thousand miles...


He gives me love, love, love
Crazy love

You're killin me here Mel

 

[1000thhappyhaunt]

The gay cowboys were my favorite part of the parade too!
What the heck were they even doing there?
The haunted mansion people were really my favorite. I want one of those shovels and a ghostly ballroom dancer.
And it's a little insulting to Ursula to compare her to your mother.
Ha.
I feel so weird writing that - I get so uncomfortable watching you make fun of your mother - I'm DEFINITELY uncomfortable making fun of your mother.
But I couldn't resist.

Celery: blood of Cadmilus. Treat of the treecat.

Here's the thing(ish): Don't feel too bad for The 'Ol General!

She gives as much, and as hard, as she gets. Trust Me(l).

Usually she gets me but GOOD. She's old... but quick and she has the wiles of Wile E. Coyote.

I'm just the poor little Road Runner.


Heh heh.


That being said: My mother is a true gem. She's a tough, stubborn, gutsy "Doesn't give a half of a crap" old broad.


And... if my singing her praises aren't enough.


I love her madly. Look up to her always.


I hope THAT is conveyed through my trip reports... inbetween the humour.
All joking aside.

Capish?


And... it's absolutely fine to tease your own!!!! BTW/TFI.


Now then: Miss'd YOU! Haven't spoken in a while.


Oh.


I think the cowboys were the Ode to Brokeback. Part of the Hallowe'en parade.

So not anything wrong with that, Dude.


Cheers, Melly.

 

[ncseric]

I think the cowboys were the Ode to Brokeback. Part of the Hallowe'en parade.

That thought IS scary.

TFI.

 

[__disneygirl]

Just here to say still LOVIN' the report!!

Thanks for the tip about the parade spot in Liberty Square. Keep on rockin' Mel!

 

[Kala]

Ok, so I was just a little confuzzled... didn't really know where I was or what I was doing. That happens when I am reading your trip report sometimes. Just get lost in the moment. I'm back now and wishing I had me another little episode to read....

 

[LaLa]

It's starting to drag on like the newest Pirates of The Caribbean movie. NOJDepp.

I'm washing my hands of this weirdness!

A place where people from all over the world are happy and willing to share their vacation stories. And themselves. Talking to people they may never meet again. Finding ease and warmth in the comfort of strangers.

It was a little magical.

Okay, so maybe I'm NOT washing my hands of this weirdness just yet. You definitely have a way with words, Melly. And I echo what NM said earlier. It's easy to connect to strangers in Disney, people who you'd probably never meet otherwise, when you have some of the important stuff in common. Although, unlike ZZUB, I don't think you had to glue the family to a bench for 45 minutes to make them talk with you. Cause who in their right mind would do that? No, I'm thinking it was the pickle that did it. You pulled out the pickle finger puppets, didn't you? Cause that looks like HOURS of entertainment fun right there.

But... he also said... as our tram pulled to a stop, "Mommy. This is the BEST day of MY LIFE!!!".

I smiled.

B/c I totally believed him.

And I believe him too. I have to agree with what others have already said here, Mel. You're a good Mama.

He was already slumped over. Sound asleep.

And I thought I could hear his heartbeat for a thousand miles...

He gives me love, love, love
Crazy love

Like I said, you've got a way with words.


I loved this installment, Mel. It was really sweet and it left me with a huge smile on my face and a small tear in my eye. You know, one day when he's all grown up, Tommy will look back on the sweet memories the two of you made on this trip and he'll be able to read the words that detail his special time with you. And I have no doubt that he'll be reminded of the unfathomable depth of his Mama's love.

Keep bringin' it Melly. You're on a roll.

 

[1000thhappyhaunt]

'Cause I'm NOT finished with our FIRST DAY... quite yet.

Dude.

Help him, Rhoda!

And for the rest of my Disfriends who are digesting this with nice manners and properly... albiet very slowly... thanks for reading and responding. I love your funny comments and posts.

They make my day. TFI.

And... I'm trying to motor through this unsufferable trippie...b/c we're heading BACK to Disney very soon. All the happyhaunts. And I'd like to at least attempt to finish one of these before we go.


Capish?


Yeah... probably futile. I know.


O. K.

Sooooo... on the way to Old Key West that night. I got lost.

Massively lost.


As I drove aimlessly through miles of Disney property, with Tommy alseep in the back, I wondered: WHY???!!!!


Why can't Disney signage be easier to comprehend?


Is it just US happyhaunts? That can't follow the signs properly? Or commit the entire map of Disney World to memory?

It CAN'T just be US?!!!!


Can it?


I thought about calling Mellyman. But just for a second. Because I KNOW darn well... he'd grind me completely and totally for this directional lapse.


Just as I usually grind him unmercifully... when he gets confused driving around here. Too.


That wasn't gonna happen. The call for help.


So, like the man I am, I continued driving around for a while. Not stopping and asking for directions. And, finally, FINALLY... finding my way to the gates of Old Key West.


Finally.


"WELCOME HOME!"!!!!!


Yeah.


Great.


Bite me.


Of course... I just THOUGHT this rather uncharitable response. I didn't utter it.


I was far too tired to talk.


I nodded and drove to the main check-in building. Where I parked and was unsuccessful in rousing Tommy from his deep slumber.


I unbuckled him. Pulled him out of the car and hoisted him over my shoulder. In the fireman's carry.


And in this manner I strode into the registration area. A full-on, garbed up Pirate. In hat and boots. Plus a... PURSE. Carrying a cowboy. Vest and chaps. Minus his hat.


Yep.


No POSSIBLE chance for an UPGRADE. Dude.


Anywho... check-in was relatively painless. Except for the dead weight on my right shoulder.

And I got our card keys and headed back out to the car.


Loaded him back in and drove to our Studio.


First floor.


Whew.


Took Tommy in and plopped him into bed. With NO bath.


Brought some gear in and got ready for bed myself.


It had been awhile since we stayed at Old Key West. And I'd forgotten how convenient it was to park right beside our door.

I'd also forgotten how BIG the Studios are. Here.

They're HUGE!

Compared to the other DVC properties we've stayed in. In the past.


In fact as I stood there in the vastness that is 376 square feet of pastelly goodness, with arms raised and a smile on my face, I felt not unlike Bill Gates. Must. Feel. In HIS home.


Or not.


Anyhow... they are pretty big. I nearly got lost on my way from the T.V. stand/dresser to the bathroom.


Unlike at the BCV or BWV. Where you can literally be sitting on your balcony and lean back and turn on your bathroom shower faucet.


I don't know WHY we don't stay here more often?


Oh yeah.


It's in the middle of... NOWHERE.


I went to sleep.


DAY 2 ~ Baybeee!!!!


I woke to the smell of stinkyboy morning breath.


Right in my face.


And realized this: We had better step up our vacation hygiene. Routine.


We aren't in Canada. Anymore. Toto.


We got showered and dressed. Packed UP. Again.

'Cause it was off to ANOTHER DVC property AGAIN. Today.


So didn't plan this trip out far enough ahead. Dude.


And headed to Olivia's for breakfast.

Yes... that IS my breakfast.


I realize I like butter. A lot.


But... I also had the fruit cup. For good measure.


Tommy had the same. And, yes, we pulled out the Pickle Beaver and Pickle Turtle. To pass the time.

This time they got into a fight. And called each other "Gherkin"! Which is a total SLAM in the Pickle World. Not unlike calling each other "Garnish" or "Relish"... TFI.


We, also, threaten the other person's Pickle Dude with the Deep Fry Treatment. And Ranch Dipping Dunk.


We finished up and headed out to our ride.

I think the colour was Thunder Grey, btw. Not Light Platinum. Thunder Grey is a premium paint.


But what do I know?


And we headed for our new destination: The Boardwalk Villas.


Yes... again.


We checked in. Stowed our crap in their luggage holding area and headed for Epcot.


I let Tommy lead the way.

Too bad it was a Magic Kingdom Map.

He was as LOST as I was... the night before.


Heh heh.


He was SO BUMMED that we weren't heading back to Frontierland!!!!


But he perked up when I promised him a ride on one of his favourites: Soarin'.


As you can see the Boardwalk was pretty empty. It was still fairly early.

We went through the gates into Epcot and rented ourselves a single stroller for the day.


Tommy was given a paper crown.

Which he LOVED.

And we headed through World Showcase stopping at a certain country.


Which stirs my heart.


I think.


Can you guess?????

Here's a hint: It's a FASTPASS?!


Cheers, Mel.

 

[celerystalker]

I kinda like being first!

As I drove aimlessly through miles of Disney property, with Tommy alseep in the back, I wondered: WHY???!!!!


Why can't Disney signage be easier to comprehend?


Is it just US happyhaunts? That can't follow the signs properly? Or commit the entire map of Disney World to memory?

It CAN'T just be US?!!!!


Can it?


I thought about calling Mellyman. But just for a second. Because I KNOW darn well... he'd grind me completely and totally for this directional lapse.


Just as I usually grind him unmercifully... when he gets confused driving around here. Too.


That wasn't gonna happen. The call for help.


So, like the man I am, I continued driving around for a while. Not stopping and asking for directions. And, finally, FINALLY... finding my way to the gates of Old Key West.


Finally.

I am so scared of this happening in September. We're staying at Bonnet Creek, which is right beside Pop, which I've been to 3 times. So it should be easy to get around, right?
No. I've always had a man (the WDW driver [I've only had like two female bus drivers. How weird is that?], my dad, Ben, the ex husband) to drive me around WDW.
But this time, it'll just be me and Tammy (and the 2 year old we're "borrowing"). And since I'm the man (don't tell Tammy!), it will be up to me to drive.
I've been studing the maps.
And trying to memorize where everything is.
And trying to pay attention on the past two trips.
To no avail.
The dadblasted place is cornfuzzling!
I think I'll just make Tammy drive then yell at her repeatedly when she goes the wrong way.
Ha!

This time they got into a fight. And called each other "Gherkin"! Which is a total SLAM in the Pickle World. Not unlike calling each other "Garnish" or "Relish"... TFI.


We, also, threaten the other person's Pickle Dude with the Deep Fry Treatment. And Ranch Dipping Dunk.

Since I am a garnish, I must protest! Many vegetables relish the thought of one day becoming a garnish.
But no one likes being fried. Except George Hamilton and Woody Harrleson.

 

[luv2crash]

Hi Mel!

Cute pictures of Tommy.

We just got back from a 16 day trip and we got lost driving too! We just went round and round and round-for 16 days!

Last Monday, Maelstrom needed to be a fast pass. There was a 40 MINUTE WAIT!!!! 40 minutes!! I was shocked.

 

[Frickles]

Why can't Disney signage be easier to comprehend?

Is it just US happyhaunts? That can't follow the signs properly? Or commit the entire map of Disney World to memory?

It CAN'T just be US?!!!!

Can it?

Nope, the Fricks got lost heading there as well. OKW was our 'a-ha' place when we stayed at POR. If we could find OKW, we could find POR. And finding OKW was pretty tricky for the Fricks.

Bless you for posting this. YUM!!!

MAELSTROM!!!!

Your trippie is a fastpass girl! You bring the funny!

 

[ZZUB]

Why can't Disney signage be easier to comprehend?

It's not difficult when you're sober, FYI. DUI.

I think the colour (US, sic) was Thunder Grey, btw. Not Light Platinum. Thunder Grey is a premium paint.

Clearly, that is NOT Thunder Grey. Thunder Grey is, as the name connotes, dark. No wonder you can't find your way to OKW. You're a maroon. And not the color.

But what do I know?

Obviously, not much. You've been in Disney World for about 36 hours and slept in three differnt rooms. There's a word for people like you.

I didn't so much as choke on this latest "episode" as I simply had it get stuck between my teeth and my cheek. Like a sesame seed. Or cashew bit. It was annoying without being life-threatening.

 

[HaleyB]

Capish?

You missed a chance to say 'savvy'

Yeah... probably futile. I know.

You could at least catch up with us. Maybe. If you hurry.

Sooooo... on the way to Old Key West that night. I got lost.

Is it just US happyhaunts? That can't follow the signs properly? Or commit the entire map of Disney World to memory?

It CAN'T just be US?!!!!


Can it?

Maybe it is just you, and me. Because we always get lost too.

In fact as I stood there in the vastness that is 376 square feet of pastelly goodness, with arms raised and a smile on my face, I felt not unlike Bill Gates. Must. Feel. In HIS home.


Or not.

not.

DAY 2 ~ Baybeee!!!!

And we headed through World Showcase stopping at a certain country.


Which stirs my heart.


I think.


Can you guess?????

Here's a hint: It's a FASTPASS?!


Cheers, Mel.

Maelstrom!!?

But, TFI, FBI, YIS, you are doing that backwards.

 

[PrincessV]

Why can't Disney signage be easier to comprehend?


Is it just US happyhaunts? That can't follow the signs properly? Or commit the entire map of Disney World to memory?

It CAN'T just be US?!!!!


Can it?

Nope. I've been driving the WDW property the past 15 years and STILL get lost at least once per visit. It's all designed to keep you a little "off", which makes you more likely to fork over obscene amounts of cash without hesitation. That's my story and I'm sticking ot it.

I realize I like butter. A lot.


But... I also had the fruit cup. For good measure.

The fruit cancels out the butter, y'know. Just like diet Pepsi cancels out any calories ingested alongside it. Doesn't it?

Too bad it was a Magic Kingdom Map.

Poor Tommy!

 

[__disneygirl]

Loved this installment! I cracked up when you said Tommy was leading the way, too bad he had a Magic Kingdom map. Tommy is adorable!!

BTW, I hope you got to Maelstrom in time. You know, before the massive amounts of crowds RAN from the front gate... past Soarin, Test Track, and Mission Space to get to Maelstrom ASAP and also get their fastpasses so they could ride later on in the day. Maelstrom is so hard to get on. Thank God for those fastpass machines.

 

[mlill]

...ahhhh... nothin' quite like coming home to the Boardwalk, eh? I agree with you about OKW. I love the size of the villas, but I hate being so far away from everything. DH & I plan to winter there when we retire. LOL! Until then, it's BWV for us! (...and maybe CRV if/when it ever gets announced by DVC. ) How long have you been a DVC member?

Keep the TR coming!
-Michelle

 

[tink38]

Mel - LOVE the Tommy Viking pic!

Ummm. More, please? I found this on page TWO.

 

[LaLa]

Is it just US happyhaunts? That can't follow the signs properly?

Yes, I think it is.

Or do I?

Okay so I don't. But at least you didn't drive anybody out of Disneyworld. NODH.

Took Tommy in and plopped him into bed. With NO bath.

Somewhere in the South, an internet phenom known only as "NM" is going numb right now.

Here's a hint: It's a FASTPASS?!

Winnie The Pooh????

I would quote the cute as all get out picture of Tommy with the Magic Kindgom map again but it's been done. SO I'll just say he's adorable with that map. Standing in the grass. Looking for Frontierland.

Love it, Melly. Keep bringin' it, woman!

 

[1000thhappyhaunt]

Obviously Tommy and I are in NORWAY.


Doing some serious Maelstroming.


Whatever that is.


Actually...Maelstrom (from Malen "to grind" and stroom "to stream") is defined as:

1. A violent or turbulent situation: Caught up in the maelstrom of war.
2. A whirlpool of extraodinary size and violence.
3. The wonder that is ZZUB's lower GI tract.

Anywho... after we were fitted with horns and braids. Tommy and I decided to grab us some FASTPASSES?! For Maelstrom.

PSYCHE!!!!!



No we DINT!!!!!


We headed for a GOOD RIDE. Instead.


Called Test Track.


We rode Test Track. Holding onto our crown and cowboy hat. Screaming like little girls! And looking like The Village People.

Because we ALSO had a policeman, a construction worker, an American Indian and a sailor. In the car with us.


Or did we?


No. But with the outfit I had on I was definitely channelling the Cowboy and the Biker. TFI.


Plus...if the song "Macho Man" was not meant for Me(l)...then I don't know WHO?!!!


Alrighty. We love Test Track. Especially Tommy. And if you want a good and proper description of the ride, itself, please refer to La La's Overdue, Overpacked, Overbuget and Overdescriptive Trippie. Report.


And... I mean that all in a good way.


Ok.


Anyone still here????


Then I realized I had a hankerin' for a big load o' refried beans.


We headed for some lunch. At the CS in Mexico.


I also ordered a big honkin' Frozen Margarita. And extra guacamole. To go with the beans.


Tommy and I picked at our Combo. And then he left me to go harass some kids at another table and share their nachos.


He was actually welcomed and started playing around with the kids. While I struck up a conversation with their parents.


We chatted about Canada. And the value of our dollar. Compared with the American dollar. And so on. And so forth. Yada. And blah.


While our kids fed the birds. Left-over chicken. From lunch.


I made a little joke about the birds being cannibals.


Twice.


'Cause the Mom didn't get it. The first go round.


Sigh.


It was actually a pretty fun lunch. And, again, I was struck by the ease with which strangers can interact. At Disney.


Then Tommy and I headed out to actually DO Maelstrom. For real.


Then something MAGICAL and FUNNY happened.


No.


Not the part where I popped by the TS Restaurant Akershus...fought my way through the massive crowd of princesses... and asked the CMs at the podium if they were taking walk-ins.


That was just for my OWN amusement. TFI.


But this: As we reached the entrance to Maelstrom... a CM approached us and asked us to be HONORARY VIKINGS!!!!! And ride Maelstrom with two CM escorts. Front of the line. Which was pretty long. bTw.

Oh YEAH!!!!


I was somewhat freaked out.


But... in a good way.


I felt my heart stir. And a tear come to my eye.


It WAS magical. In a good way.


One of our escorts took Tommy's hand and led us through a secret passage.

Right to the front of the line. To immediately board a boat.


We did.

And our special CM escorts sat behind us.


And they appeared to LOVELOVELOVE this FASTPASS ride just as much as we!

See?

Yeah.


We were ALL screaming and terrified.


But...lamely. So.


After we disembarked and thanked them. We were given our certificate. Along with the "SPECIAL" ears.


Tommy wore them. Just like a happyhaunt.

I put them on right over my cowboy hat.


And, you can bet your bottom dollar, we got a couple of strange(ish) looks.

As usual.


Especially from this one guy. Who had just gotten of his boat too.


He looked not unlike Ted McGinley.


I think.


And he looked at us like we were NUTS. And like he couldn't WAIT to get out of our immediate presence.


Heh heh.


Yeah.


The dude was not only handsome. But... canny beyond belief.


And I'd say "COOL" too.


But, sadly, he was wearing the Ears too. Proudly. And letting his family and friends take pictures.


Of it all.


DUDE! So gonna regret that!!!!!


TFI.


'Cause you wouldn't catch Mellyman wearin' that hat. Tigger ears, yes. Full-on camo with a matching face-veil thingie. Yes.


Even, like in our wedding pictures, carrying my bouquet.


B/c I couldn't be bothered. And he didn't want me to lose it.


But, also, because he IS my beautiful bride.


Anywho... obviously we skipped the movie.


Duh.


We had things to do. Places to go. Things to see.


AND... a wrong to right.


A CRIME to UNCOMMIT!!!!!



Stay tuned.


Cheers, Mel.

 

[celerystalker]

That's pretty funny that you, of all people, got a magical Maelstrom ride.
I really thought you were lying until you posted the pic of the Norway cast members and the dream ears.
Wait.
Knowing you, the reason they were so scared is you forced them at sword point (you're a pirate, not a cowboy. duh) into the boat and then stole some poor family's ears.
You evil viking/pirate you!

 

[LaLa]

Get out!

How cool is that? Why couldn't I be an Honorary Viking? That's so much cooler than a Honorary Musician.

DED. At this picture. Nothing more, nothing less. Well, except for this: you seem like you'd be a blast to hang out with, Mel. Nonstop fun and all. Those girls had no idea who they were dealing with, did they? So FOFF.

We chatted about Canada. And the value of our dollar. Compared with the American dollar. And so on. And so forth. Yada. And blah.

Sounds scintillating. And at the same time, extremely boring. Nevermind. I take back what I said a minute ago.

Alrighty. We love Test Track. Especially Tommy. And if you want a good and proper description of the ride, itself, please refer to La La's Overdue, Overpacked, Overbuget and Overdescriptive Trippie. Report.

Thanks for the plug, chick. But you misspelled a word. Oh wait. This isn't Are We Turkeys? If not, you obviously won't give half a crap. About the spelling error. Carry on.

The wonder that is ZZUB's lower GI tract.

That's just gross and uncalled for. NOZZUB.

Anyone still here????

Not after that.

We had things to do. Places to go. Things to see.


AND... a wrong to right.


A CRIME to UNCOMMIT!!!!!


Stay tuned.

Okay, I'll stay tuned. In fact, count on it. Cause I can't wait to hear about this.



This one killed me, Melly. Sounds like your trip is shaping up to be pretty fun. You're really on a roll here lately, chick! No jumping the shark for you. NOFonzie.

ROCK ON MELLY!

I loved it so much I'm giving you five bananamen. AND two mopeds. For good measure.