Operation Big Thunder: the Dole Whip Conspiracy COMPLETE

[bluechic03]

Oh my goodness I just joined in and got caught up, what a great read! I have to say that when i read that your son calls regular chip and dale "naked" chip and dale, my mind went to one place and it wasn't Philly LOL

 

[glaserjm]

Great update! I certainly am too late in the game to win, but I though I'd try my hand at the quote thing:

I Pity the Fool- The A Team
I Just let the Boat do the Work- What About Bob
No Pizza Left Behind- a take on Toy Story 3 "No Toy left Behind"
Can't Believe We ate the Whole Thing- Alka-Seltzer commercials (do you do TV as well?)
Crane Technique- Karate Kid
Shaken Not Stirred- James Bond
D'Oh!- The Simpsons
Scotland full of Scotts- Braveheart

I am highly anticipating the next installment, hopefully you got some good Christmas presents!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Pity the fool = The A Team

D'oh = The Simpsons Movie

So how's the Italian food in this restaurant = The Godfather

+3

Post Super Bowl Disney commercial

+1

"I can't believe I ate the whole thing" references old Alka-Seltzer commercials

The crane = Karate Kid

+2

James Bond reference

+1

"Shaken not stirred" References multiple James bond movies...such as Casino Royale.

The trouble with Scotland is that it's full of Scott's is from Braveheart.

Let the boat do the work = What About Bob?

"No pizza gets left behind!" could be a reference to either Lilo & Stitch or Black Hawk Down. Take your pick, they're so similar.

We actually did say that at the restaurant, by the way.

"We chose poorly" is a reference to Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

+5

Wow, Glenn came on strong in this chapter. This could be turning into a contest again.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Oh my gosh. The picture of that pizza is amazing. I'm seriously craving it right now but unfortunately I have to wait 62 days 2 hours and 35 minutes give or take to savor some.

I'm eating a ham sandwich as I work on these responses, and it's a really huge come-down from that pizza.

There's nothing worse than watching Illuminations and having a huge pole (or are those trees?) blocking your view. Nothing besides rude bi-lingual people. Cheers.

Those are trees. I preferred their company to the people that butted in front of us.

Excited to hear about your experience at the water park.

Me too! I hope it was awesome.

Excuse me whilst I go shove my face with some pizza

Did you bring enough for the rest of the class?

Wonderful update! I loved the looks on the kids faces when they first saw the huge pizza!!

I think we all looked the same way! We'd never seen a pizza that big.

Sorry that you ended up with palm trees in your line of vision, but still, you managed to get a first row spot during high season without sacrificing half a day of touring for it! Well done!

You certainly know how to look on the bright side of things!

If you have photoshop, there's a tool for that.

Interesting...but I don't have Photoshop.

Oh, and Ian!

 

[that's nice]

Hey there Mark. Just got caught up again.

If I ever need someone to plan out my Disney days with minimal walking I won't ask you!

Your pizza at Via Napoli looks really good. I might have to try that in Nov.

I can't believe the nerve of some people- pushing in front of you during Illuminations? Ridiculous.

Why is it that every Brazilian tour group does the same things?

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Did you bring enough for the rest of the class?

Now Ive heard that line from every elementary school teacher I ever had, but...
(and I'm sue you didnt intend this to be a quote), but...
It reminds me of this exchange from Blazing Saddles:


Hedley Lamarr: Qualifications?

Outlaw: [chewing gum] Murder... armed robbery... mayhem...

Hedley Lamarr: Wait a moment. What have you got in your mouth?

Outlaw: [stops chewing] Nuff'm.

Hedley Lamarr: "Nuff'm", eh? Lyle!

Lyle: [searches the man's mouth] Gum!

Hedley Lamarr: Chewing gum on line, eh? I hope you brought enough for everybody.

Outlaw: [panicked] I didn't know there was going to be so many!

[Hedley shoots the gum chewing Outlaw]

Jim: [hidden behind a rock] Boy, is he strict!




It just made me chuckle...
I'll have to go watch that one tonight.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I just found another quote. In your thread title it says "(UPDATE 10/4)"
Smokey and the Bandit

+1 for making me laugh.

You chose wisely.

Nicely mirroring the quote I used in the chapter.

I'd blame Darth Vader. He's taken the blame for all the other navigational inconsistencies.

I should have thought of that!

Too bad... it's close enough so I'm going for the point. Caddyshack.

Sorry, the bartender cut off service for that one.

Hmmm... take a boat to Morocco so you could walk to Italy. No wonder the Roman Empire didn't survive. Maybe they needed a Vader.

Not to mention walking through Japan and back through the U.S.!

They really could have saved some money by just not even printing them.

I'm sure the other menu items are good, but...yeah. I'm with you.

As long as you just stick with the pizza and skip the $6 or $7 salad that you really won't need anyway.

There was a salad?

Still Caddyshack

Still no.

I'd say she probably deserved it. Judging by the picture at the end of this update, it looks like Scotty must have finished it off for her.

Now that would explain quite a bit!

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

If not, that bill at the end wouldn't have looked so good to me.

Dude, she reads this stuff sometimes. You just blew it.

That's ok. Remember that Mission: Space FastPass run I made? I also may or may not have done some Christmas shopping that she wasn't supposed to know about then (but she, as always, figured it out anyway).

They have an affinity for finding golf balls in phone booths???

They love that UK mission. Dave got the biggest kick out of retrieving the golf ball in there last time. So much that they wanted to do it again.

Just another day in Paris.

Pretty much, yeah.

Oh well... Good effort. And you still got to see stuff blow up.

Yeah, it could have been worse. Pyrotechnics make everything better.

And the free pass to act like a complete and total *******.

I guess a sense of entitlement isn't just an American problem.

That's probably the best way to handle it. I wouldn't have blamed you if you'd have pulled the "oops, didn't see you there" shoulder check over the rail and into the lagoon.

We can dream, can't we? I wish I could have thought of a more fun way to solve the problem that wouldn't result in me being ejected from the park.

Um... I'm guessing it was because the flag stopped there. 2 or 3 tour guides stop to say hi to each other and all hell breaks loose!

It seemed like they staked that area out as their "spot". Would have been nice if they'd given some consideration to the traffic flow.

True, but it could make you feel a little better.

In more ways than one.

Amen.

Great! We usually have good luck finding photographers that want to work to get good pictures. I guess we've been lucky.

We're hit or miss in that regard. Some of them seem like they don't even bother to frame us in the picture with our camera. And then others really do a good job.

Uh oh.

Yeah.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

This will sound like a lie…
But I also considered that at first. But just as I was about to start rummaging through youtube for performances by the Voices… I stoped to think that just maybe I was over thinking it again. Not wanting to live down to my nemesis’s expectations, I let that one go.

The lies are awful hard to spot. I mean, anything could technically be a lie, including this statement.

I don't think Randall meant anything more than a good-natured ribbing. I'm sorry work has been such a cast-iron you-know-what.

Now then…
Time to read.

Let me know if there's anything interesting.

I don't think anyone picked this one up...

Beauty and the Beast

+1 Found that one tucked away in the corner, did you?

You’re already at Disney world. You just need to head to the nearest purveyor of spirits and then we’re both on the same page.

But what if I can get a Dole Whip? Decisions...

Yeah, yeah.

Agreed… it’s not faster, but it is more fun that hiking
(when your dog are baking that is)

The boats are an underrated part of Disney transportation. It's not like we all ride on boats everyday.

Via Palestine and Asia Minor or were you using a more Biblically Devine method?

I'm glad you remembered that based on the pictures from Pawleys Island, walking on water was an option for our crew.

Excellent for high summer.
Even being on time generally results in a wait for us most of the time.

No complaints here.

You should be a travel writer.

Now that would be a job I'd enjoy immensely. Certainly more than my current profession.

Sounds like a good idea to me.
I think I’ll go mix one up right now.

I'll have a half double decaffeinated half-caf, with a twist of lemon.

That looks like a rather good pie.

You’ll have to let us know what it turned out to be.

I do recall pointing out some nice etched-glass pilsners near the Germany pavilion that day.

No, no… We’re asking.
You can’t toss out a hand grenade like that one and not pull the pin.

Ha! I like that turn of phrase. They just like getting the golf ball during the UK mission, that's all. They get excited about silly things like that. I'm sure when they mature like me, it'll be different.

And even he can’t reach ‘em any more.

Sadly, it's true.

Thus ensuring that there will be stunningly bad television programs, films and comics unleashed upon an unsuspecting populous for decades to come. That was the one time when defeating Doofenshmirtz, was actually part of the diabolical plan.!

Bwahahahahahaha!!!

D'oh! Maybe we shouldn't have saved Japan, then?

Sharon Osbourne?

I assume you would have thought trees might obstruct our vision, then. Wait...

Ummm… just wow…
That was a direct violation of rules 1 and 3.

All that work just to look at at tree.

Just about the best option at that point (or at least the most civil one)

Of course the lesson the teens learned was: those that take, win.
There are already too many folks out there that live by that credo…



Disappointing.

Yeah, I know. I still can't think of anything I could have done differently, though.

I’d have done it any way…
A last great act of defiance so to speak.

I'll have to eat more beans next time. Maybe I'll have dinner in Mexico.

That is a particularly fine shot.

Thank you sir!

I do believe I’ll reserve judgment on that one until I hear the whole story.

I think I'm guilty as charged in this case.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I guess I should come back and actually comment on the chapter, rather than just look for quotes.

Well, that certainly is appreciated. That reminds me, I need to go back and comment on your last chapter too!

Oh let it be Brazillions.

One day I'll try it, I just can never pull my kids away from Biergarten. They love their root bier. And gartening. (Ooo, maybe I'll use those when I get to that chapter from this year's trip to Biergarten!)

Did Barry hijack your account?

I don't know. He or she obviously knows next to nothing about travel and transportation.

Obviously.

You always hear the funniest stories about those whimsical Tuscans.

I only heard the ones about the Tuscan raiders.

LOVE this picture!

Did you check for a handgun taped to the back of the toilet in the restroom?

Nah. Why would I need it? It's not like you ever run into rude people at Disney World.

My favorite cover band name is Scrantonicity.

At least you know the way.

So...tired...

I'm sure they thanked you for taking care of that annoyance.

No, we found out that being a secret agent is just like working for the highway department. Nobody notices you unless you screw up.

Oh bummer. I've never gotten fireworks pictures that I'm crazy about either.

The pictures look just good enough that I think the tripod was a good call. I'll have to try Mary Ellen's spot next time.

That just stinks. Sorry to read that.

We did the best we could.

Oh sure, that's what we need. Nice.

But at least the chanting was annoying.

Very nice!

Thanks!

You can't ask for more than that!

Any day at Disney is a great day.

I just let the boat do the work, that was my secret - What about Bob

the Crane Technique - Karate Kid

The trouble with Scotland is that its full of Scotts - Braveheart

Good job spotting those.

Another great update. that pizza looks great, but I am especially intrigued by Julie's drink. Remember -I am working on becoming an alcoholic in Epcot. So, it really had an amble serving of vodka? You know I hate foo-foo drinks.

I only had a sip or two, but it seemed pretty strong to me as well. We're both fairly illiterate as far as alcoholic drinks go, so don't count on us for expert opinions. I mostly like Mike's Hard Lemonade.

I can't believe you guys made it from park opening to park close. Way to go!

We don't mess around in this family!

How annoying that those teenagers butted their way in front of David. I hate that stuff. It never happens in Norway.

I will definitely have to look for your spot next time.

Great pictures in this update.

Thanks! Besides the fireworks pictures, right?

Hmmm...I may have to try one of those yummy drinks when we eat at Via Napoli in, oh, less than a month! Woo hoo!

If you do, let me know what it was called. That was bothering me.

I always live when people try to squeeze into every little space...even when there is only about 6 inches of open space.

Well, it was my fault. If we've been there for an hour and they've only been there for 3 minutes, of course they're entitled to the spot. My bad.

I'm going with you guys finishing the pizza as the lie. We ordered two of them last September for our group of eight (5 adults, 2 preschoolers, and a tween) and had so much left over!

You haven't seen us eat, have you?

I'll say this about the lie: you can't trust all of the pictures in this chapter.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

WHEW! Do I look frazzled here or WHAT? Good thing that drink's coming...

Even after the drink, you were still stuck with us.

I can neither confirm or deny this.

I'm really a wuss when it comes to alcohol. To me, it was an AMPLE serving of vodka....usually I can drink a mixed drink with dinner and be totally fine. Here I sipped this, had water and all that pizza and I still felt a little fuzzy. (It was delicious though! My next drink to order is the one that comes in a pineapple at the Polynesian.)

She did keep going up to the ducks in the lagoon and calling them "Donald" for some reason.

that a boat showed up. Every time we've thought about it, we've given up after getting tired of waiting for the boat.

It is one of the slower ones. We saw one at the dock already, so that helped.

Definitely getting that if we go with the nephews. My family is a giant group of vultures so not convinced it would be enough but it looks fabulous!!! I had an individual one, the one time I've been and it was absolutely wonderful.

Definitely great pizza. Andy says you can fill up on salad there, too.

Great shots but supremely annoying about the kids muscling in front of Scotty.

It was Dave, but yeah--annoying no matter what.

No chanting, that's the lie.

We'll see...

And I'm far too late on all the Bond references.

It's hard to say this update is sent from Russia, with love when there's no Russia Pavilion.

I found a lie!!!! It is Neapolitan, not Tuscan.

Maybe it can be both, I guess I don't really know any more about whimsical Tuscan style than you do. I was just looking for the lie and I know I've seen it is supposed to be an authentic Neapolitan pizza place.

Good try. But I called that one out myself already.

Great update, Mark. I have to say it looks like the kids are about to let loose of their lunch right then and there. I really want to try Via Napoli one of these times...if pizza ever agrees with me again.

Sooo good. Maybe you can let Andy and me know what the other stuff on the menu tastes like.

The kids are good at posing for these shots, aren't they?

You guys accomplished so much in your rope drop to the end of the day.

Rest? Who wants rest on vacation?

I don't understand these tour groups; when I was with the girls in January, the tour group just decided to plop down in the middle of the road--all 200+ of them and sit there for eternity.

That's annoying. I don't get it, either. Wouldn't you realize there are other people in the park?

Occupy Disney World

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I just found your trip report and was able to read it all today (while at work ) The portion of the trip through Orlando to Disney gave me goose bumps.

Julie! Thanks for reading! I'm glad you enjoyed the story.

First, I immediately recognized the hotel in the background of the Harry Potter billboard picture as I've stayed there on previous trips to Florida.

Secondly, as soon as you wrote that you were on I-4, I screamed (in my head of course, since I was at work) "don't get on I-4, there's always a wreck on I-4". I lived in Orlando for 18 months and successfully navigated around the area without ever getting on I-4! It can be done.

Well, NOW you tell me.

Thirdly, in the process of reading this report, I've come across at least 2 other reports I want to read. I plan to read about your Chicago trip & your Indianapolis trip.

Wow, that's high praise--being willing to subject yourself to more of this punishment! Chicago and Indy were part of the same trip--see the report called "Rust Belt Road Trip" in my signature line. And thanks again for being willing to read this dreck.

I am really enjoying your report and your sense of humor. Thanks for taking the time to write it.

By the way, my name is Julie!

Well, then you must be awesome!

Another great update but I have to say I'm frustrated for you. Poor Dave having someone get in front of him and blocking his view. I'm really frustrated about the tour groups stopping and blocking everyone's path out of the park.

I appreciate it. That was very frustrating. Still, on balance we pretty much did as we pleased that day, so it was a good day.

Loved the picture of the kids when the pizza arrived and again after it was gone.

We did have fun with that.

My guess on the lie is your boat trip. I think you took the boat that drops off in Germany and not Morocco. It makes more sense, Germany is right next to Italy where as Morocco is few countries away. Not saying that you always makes sense.

Just to plant some seeds of doubt in your mind, we were coming from the Imagination Pavilion on the other side of the park. So to catch the Germany boat would involve a longer walk on that side of the pond.

Oh my goodness I just joined in and got caught up, what a great read! I have to say that when i read that your son calls regular chip and dale "naked" chip and dale, my mind went to one place and it wasn't Philly LOL

aboard!

So...what else can I say in response that won't get me banned from the DISboards?

Great update! I certainly am too late in the game to win, but I though I'd try my hand at the quote thing:

I Pity the Fool- The A Team
I Just let the Boat do the Work- What About Bob
No Pizza Left Behind- a take on Toy Story 3 "No Toy left Behind"
Can't Believe We ate the Whole Thing- Alka-Seltzer commercials (do you do TV as well?)
Crane Technique- Karate Kid
Shaken Not Stirred- James Bond
D'Oh!- The Simpsons
Scotland full of Scotts- Braveheart

Nice work! I'm awarding you a bonus point just for all of that effort.

+1

I am highly anticipating the next installment, hopefully you got some good Christmas presents!

I'll find out in a couple of months!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Hey there Mark. Just got caught up again.

Hi Tim!

If I ever need someone to plan out my Disney days with minimal walking I won't ask you!

It might have worked better if we'd actually planned the day. Our plan was more "whatever the kids feel like doing at the time".

Your pizza at Via Napoli looks really good. I might have to try that in Nov.

It comes highly recommended!

I can't believe the nerve of some people- pushing in front of you during Illuminations? Ridiculous.

I should have said, "Hey, the Jerk Store called, and they're running out of you."

Why is it that every Brazilian tour group does the same things?

Now Ive heard that line from every elementary school teacher I ever had, but...
(and I'm sue you didnt intend this to be a quote), but...
It reminds me of this exchange from Blazing Saddles:


Hedley Lamarr: Qualifications?

Outlaw: [chewing gum] Murder... armed robbery... mayhem...

Hedley Lamarr: Wait a moment. What have you got in your mouth?

Outlaw: [stops chewing] Nuff'm.

Hedley Lamarr: "Nuff'm", eh? Lyle!

Lyle: [searches the man's mouth] Gum!

Hedley Lamarr: Chewing gum on line, eh? I hope you brought enough for everybody.

Outlaw: [panicked] I didn't know there was going to be so many!

[Hedley shoots the gum chewing Outlaw]

Jim: [hidden behind a rock] Boy, is he strict!

It just made me chuckle...
I'll have to go watch that one tonight.

 

[glennbo123]

I should have said, "Hey, the Jerk Store called, and they're running out of you."

Seinfeld

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Seinfeld

+1

 

[PrincePluto]

On the way, a U2 cover band with the highly original name “2U” was performing. The band sounded good, but this guy was no Bono. If you know U2’s music, you know there are some notes that only Bono can reach.

I've actually heard of 2U... they bill themselves as "America's best U2 cover band." They have a habit of going through lead singers, though... The guy who plays lead guitar is the brother of Anthony of the radio duo "Opie and Anthony" on Sirius/XM satellite radio. He also does some pretty good parody songs on the side, if a bit off-color...

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I've actually heard of 2U... they bill themselves as "America's best U2 cover band." They have a habit of going through lead singers, though... The guy who plays lead guitar is the brother of Anthony of the radio duo "Opie and Anthony" on Sirius/XM satellite radio. He also does some pretty good parody songs on the side, if a bit off-color...

They may actually be America's best U2 cover band. I mean, how would you know?

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

i totaly forgot about the pizza there, will have to put it on the list for next time, it looks really good...but have you had the pizza at wolf gang puck express? we did last week and it was really good...just plain cheese for the kids but it was very well seasoned.

 

[glennbo123]

Hey Mark....can we get a list of your favorite hamburgers from around The World? This is a serious request. I'm helping a friend, who's a big fan of food joints that are dives, plan his first trip to DisneyWorld. From some of his questions and comments, I think he's afraid he's not going to be happy with his options on-property. He says things like, "do you think I'm going to want to go off-property for a couple of hours to get a burger or something?" Anyway, what're your favorites? You've had plenty to sample so far. The only one I remember specifically was in a recent chapter, at the American Pavilion....it had pulled pork on top or something?

 

[Cinderella's Fella]

Hey Mark....can we get a list of your favorite hamburgers from around The World? This is a serious request. I'm helping a friend, who's a big fan of food joints that are dives, plan his first trip to DisneyWorld. From some of his questions and comments, I think he's afraid he's not going to be happy with his options on-property. He says things like, "do you think I'm going to want to go off-property for a couple of hours to get a burger or something?" Anyway, what're your favorites? You've had plenty to sample so far. The only one I remember specifically was in a recent chapter, at the American Pavilion....it had pulled pork on top or something?

Glenn, I think that would make a Great thread over in the DISDad Forum!

 

[FreezinRafiki]

I feel like I've fallen so far behind, so let explain. No, there is too much, let me sum up:

Via Napoli: excellent choice. Great pizza. Glad you liked it.

Illuminations: Still a great show, despide crappy picture angle. Bambi would have stopped me from throwing that guy in the lake. But she would struggle with the decision.

Family Picture: