Our Magically Dysfunctional Gathering

[rthutchens]

What was the weather like in January? We are planning on going the first week of February and I have no idea what to pack.

 

[mmmcq]

Lauralee131 you have my sympathy. But your TR just reminds me why I don't ask DH's family to join us.

I'm going to pm you with my story because I don't want to hijack your trip report.....but I know you'll appreciate the details.

 

[Lauralee131]

I am so sorry that they ruined your family trip. A great TR. Can't wait to read the rest. We had a terrible grand gathering 2 years ago too. NEVER AGAIN.

Thanks Disneypharm...I'm glad to know that it's not just me!!

 

[Lauralee131]

wow...

Have you ever read DelsWife's original trip report, she also has the sister in law from hell but to her advantage she's not the family member her brother is.

Your writing is wonderful!

I can't wait for more...

so How *did* that DVC decision go?

No - I've never read DelsWife's report, but I'm going to search for it now!! I love that I'm not the only one here that's had their vacation ruined by family members!!

DVC decision is coming up...stay tuned!!!

 

[Lauralee131]

What was the weather like in January? We are planning on going the first week of February and I have no idea what to pack.

The weather was awesome...there were a couple of chilly days, but it warmed up nice in the afternoons...I wore shorts each day but one I think and carried a light jacket for nights...it's hit or miss down there - I'm actually usually there the first week of February and never recall it being overly cold...

Enjoy it!!!

 

[jw50]

No - I've never read DelsWife's report, but I'm going to search for it now!! I love that I'm not the only one here that's had their vacation ruined by family members!!

DVC decision is coming up...stay tuned!!!

www.delswife.net

 

[Lauralee131]

Today is MGM day! Cruella awakes as a new woman…she’s happy? Why? Doesn’t make sense. My spidey senses aren’t picking anything up…I finally come right out and ask…”Ok, What’s up? You’re up early, you’re dressed and actually looking forward to going to MGM…” Ah ha! She comes out with it…she’s on a shopping mission for something she can only get at MGM…So-And-So’s mother collects I Love Lucy stuff and has asked Cruella to get her something while she’s there. She tells me that there’s an I Love Lucy store there and that’s the one place she has to make sure she goes to. An I Love Lucy store, huh? Wow, So-And-So REALLY knows this place well! If I had any common sense to me at all, I would have consulted So-And-So before I made my travel plans! Tee hee…Anyway, off we go to MGM…DS, DH and I got a quick breakfast at Roarking Forks and surprisingly Cruella and Horace were actually ready to go when we were. I had PS’s for Sci-Fi for lunch and booked us the dining package for Fantasmic, which I was convinced everyone would love. I’m Julie-Your-Cruise-Director here, remember? No one had any input, so I went with my gut and booked the day’s meals. I thought Sci-Fi, although the food isn’t the greatest, would be enjoyable, especially for DS since he loves cars and let’s face it, the place is different. So, in a couple of hours, we’d find out if I was successful in making even the un-happy, happy.



We got to the park fairly early, compared to our last few departures from the hotel and after getting our stroller we cruised up Hollywood Blvd. We no sooner got by Echo Lake when Cruella began her first of many nicotine fits of the day. No wonder we only got to see 4 or 5 things a day…most days were tied up with cigarette and shopping breaks. And of course, she can’t complain about constant walking, while she’s walking so she’s got to come to an abrupt stop, swear up a blue streak, take the time to calm down and then, finally, game on…she can walk again. Good thing there’s no chewing gum sold in the parks…we’d never get anywhere!!

Ok, so game on…everyone’s finished with their butt breaks and Cruella sent Horace to fetch her some puppies…err, coffee and everyone’s happy. Indiana Jones will be starting soon so I suggest we go see that. Cruella decides that she’s going to go see if she can find the I Love Lucy store and will catch up with us later…Horace is right behind us going to see Indy – he loves the movies…looking forward to the show, but no…Cruella bellows and he must go and hold her purse or something important and manly like that…I wonder how his buddies at work would react when they asked him how he spent his Disney vacation…”Holding my wife’s purse and being her verbal punching bag all week”.



So DS, DH and I went and saw the Indiana Jones show and we loved it. DH and I have seen it before and DS absolutely loved it. We had great seats and there actually weren’t that many other people in there.

Cruella and Horace were waiting for us when we got out and she didn’t look happy…Yeah, I know – big surprise there…She said “the XXXXXXX I Love Lucy store must’ve XXXXXXX closed because I can’t find the XXXXXXX place anywhere…” You’re right, I said, it must’ve closed, but hey – think of it this way, you actually now know something that So-And-So doesn’t!” You could see it on her face…the look that she was pretty sure that what I had just said was sarcastic, but yet she wasn’t 100% sure…with that I wink at her and simply take off walking…For some reason, we didn’t do Star Tours…I can’t remember why…I took a picture right outside, but for the life of me, I can’t recall why we didn’t go in…We went up through Streets of America and decided to go on the Backlot Tour. That was fun…and I made sure to have Cruella sit on the outside of the tram…I told her that it was so they’d be able to see better…Go ahead, I said, you sit on the outside…we’ve already seen all this stuff so you sit on the outside since it’s your first time…the Karma Gods must’ve been feeling frisky that day because Cruella and Horace got SOAKED when we went through Catastrophe Canyon…I thought it was funny…the people with the small children behind us who had to hear Cruella’s 7 dirty words you can’t say on television were not impressed….


We headed down Mickey Avenue to do the Great Movie Ride…and after much grumblings of nicotine needs and potty breaks it seemed like it took almost an hour to get from the Backlot Tour to the Great Movie Ride. Cruella and Horace were still in a snit so at least it was a fairly quiet (if you don’t count F-Bombs) walk. DS really enjoyed the Great Movie Ride. I always do…I know, I know, it’s kind of – what’s the word I’m looking for – kitchy? But I do like it all the same…And I managed to take a picture of my man Neil Diamond’s prints outside! My hands fit perfectly in his, by the way...Neil, if you're reading this...LOVE YOU - CALL ME!!!

Say what you want about him…I love him. I don’t know that if I had to pick JUST ONE man for a freebie, that Neil would be on the top of my list, and it's a pretty good sized list, but that man can sing and if you’ve seen him live, you know he’s still got it…I grew up listening to his music and love it to this day. My DS was singing all the words to Sweet Caroline at the age of 3...the boy knows good music and we sing it together often!! Ok, enough of my swooning…

I wanted to hit One Man’s Dream, but no one else did, so there I was…the silent minority. Gosh, can you believe that no one else wanted to see it?? No respect for the man, none at all …I'm embarrassed to know them! And now I’m aggravated that I’ve been in the park for half a day and we’ve gone on 2 rides and saw one show and already we had to head for our PS at the Sci-Fi. I made a good choice though as the whole gang enjoyed it. Lunch was delicious. This place is hit-or-miss, but everyone said their food was good (lucky for me) and we had a long, leisurely meal. Our server gave DS a driver’s license and he was over the moon for that. Held on to it all day…too cute! And thanks in part to Mr. Soutwest McDreamy, Michael announced that he could now drive the monorail because he had his special license!



After lunch we doubled back and wandered around for a bit and checked out the Making Of and then did a bit of shopping. We spied Goofy over by the Sorcerer’s hat and DS and I got our photo taken. He went crazy over Goffy all week...can't even tell you how many pictures he and I have taken with the big guy. Notice the look on DS's face...pure adoration! Priceless!

and then we ended up in a little meet-n-greet with Mickey…Cruella insisted on her own private photo, as did I and then group shots with the boys. Mickey kissed me and I swooned like a teenager and DH actually got mad…how funny was that?!?!

We spied Sully from Monsters Inc. but for some reason DS didn’t want to go see him and not far from there was Jo Jo and Goliath and even Donald Duck! He had quite the line though and we overheard that he was leaving soon…I was bummed…he’s so hard to find and then just when I get my big shot, I run out of bullets – he was leaving. So we headed toward TOT. Cruella offered to take DS while Horace, DH and I went on TOT…there was a bit of a wait, but all in all it went pretty quickly. I absolutely LOVE this ride...the special effects are awesome...and the details just amaze me - I see something new each time I'm there. And hey - nice to see someplace that desperately needs dusting MORE than my house!!! Horace screamed like a little girl and held on to my arm the whole time…too funny. I wanted to go on again, but Horace had had enough and knew that Cruella would be waiting…OMG – can’t keep her waiting…well, we couldn’t find her for a bit. Turns out the parade had started while we were on the ride so she took DS and managed to get right up front (can you imagine the pushing, shoving and swearing that ensued? I didn’t even want to ask). She said that DS had a blast and a lot of characters paid him a lot of attention and she took a ton of pictures. On a side note, here it is mid-October and she’s never even shown me her pictures. Nice, huh? We haven’t seen them since, but in the past she’s always gotten doubles when she’s gotten her pictures developed and gave me a set. Not this time, nada. Heck, I never even got a thank you, but you all know that already…


Anyway, let’s fast-forward to early evening since I can’t recall where the rest of the day went. It was filled with butt breaks, searches for Lucy and complaints and general unhappiness. We had the Fantasmic dinner package at Hollywood & Vine and it was actually pretty good. I’d been a bit unsure about this place as I’d never eaten there before and I’d read mixed reviews, but it was pretty decent. The service was awesome and the food at the buffet was plentiful.



After dinner we headed to turn in our stroller and then go into the entrance for Fantasmic. Now for those of you who’ve done it, you know it’s a decent walk to get to the amphitheater. Well, Cruella had an absolute FIT walking to the show…she went on a complete rampage about how she’d had enough of walking and waiting in lines and that’s all she’s done since she got here…and then, believe it or not, DH started agreeing with her and that was about all I could take. I snapped…Yes, I know you were all waiting for this. I had my very own flippy fit, right there walking to the show. And it was the kind of flippy fit where you don’t even remember half of it…like you blacked out for portions of your fit. I do remember telling her that she’s ruined my vacation and hurt my feelings constantly in this place that is so special to me and she knew how much walking would be involved before she came and I was sick and tired of hearing her complain and that if she had any thing else to complain about it that she’d better do it somewhere else. I grabbed DS’s hand and said that my son and I were going to go and enjoy the show and that everyone else should go find something else to do because I didn’t want to be around them anymore. TA DA!! I did it – look mom – no hands!! I swear, I cannot remember half of what I said, but it was lengthy and somewhat hysterical. DS and I finished our walk and never looked back. We went and got popcorn and drinks and sat down and shortly thereafter, the rest of the gang showed up and sat with us. And they didn’t say a single word.



The Fantasmic show was fabulous…

I took a lot of video and pictures throughout the show, so I feel like I didn't get to see it really, but it's a Must-Do for our December trip. But everyone enjoyed it…they were like new people...smiling and happy. I found it unnerving, but went with it. It was a long day and we headed out after the show and I didn’t say a word to anyone except my son the rest of the evening. I slept like a log that night…


G’Night, Mousketeers…thanks again for reading and hanging in there with me!! More soon...

Next time...a "Day of Me" at DTD!!

 

[Lauralee131]

www.delswife.net

Thank you!!! I'm going to go check it out right now!!!

 

[Lauralee131]

Lauralee131 you have my sympathy. But your TR just reminds me why I don't ask DH's family to join us.

I'm going to pm you with my story because I don't want to hijack your trip report.....but I know you'll appreciate the details.

Thanks so much mmmcq!! I just read your PM and am sending you

I'm going to try and PM you tomorrow as I'm going to get ready for bed shortly, but wanted you to know that I received your message and appreciate your taking the time to share your story with me!!

I couldn't imagine taking that group to WDW...Don't do it...EVER...save yourself!!

I'll be in touch soon!

 

[MomPlanner22]

$200 for a rental car? For one day? What kind of moron spends $200 for a car for a day unless it's a Rolls Royce taking you to church to get married. You could buy a month of car insurance for that kind of money.

Oh, and she sounds like a bad word that Oh Mari says I can't bleep out but you know what I mean (sorry Oh Mari)!

I am having heart palpitations reading your report. My whole fam damily is going 1 day to MGM in December. It may be more than I can take. They do serve liquor there, right?

I love it though. Your DS is adorable and you are NOT old. You have fabulous hair and look great!

 

[tiggerwannabe]

Make sure you read the oldest one first!

It is a true classic!

Going back to read your update now :

 

[mmmcq]

Lauralee131 - thanks for the hugs. As much as I would like to disengage from MIL/FIL completely, they are DH's parents and our children's grandparents. I really, really don't want to go on this trip to a foreign country with 20 other relatives who at this point can't even agree on a date to go. But my absence would classify me as a traitor.

We'll see what happens. In the meantime I'm waiting on those last details of your trip to see where things end. And I'm thrilled to be counting down to a Thanksgiving trip for our family unit only to WDW. The kids don't know we're going yet and we have lots of fun things scheduled - like birthday for my 7 yr old DD. Starts with Chef Mickey, then Bibbidi Boutique, then CRT for lunch with costume and button, then more MK, then dinner at OHana's and then MK wishes cruise. I think that's a pretty packed and happening birthday!!!

Maybe I'll think about a trip report. But I can't compare with Utahmama and Twinkiemama and now you!

 

[tiggerwannabe]

Excellent addition to your story!

btw...if and when you see your SIL again, so-and-so failed to tell her that the Lucy Store is in fact at Universal Studios

 

[KarlaG4Kids]

Lauralee131, WOW, I just read your entire TR. It is fantastic. I can sure empathize with you. One trip that our family took 5 years ago, we had a DIL that was pg and WICKED during the entire trip. Last month we took 2 grandsons and unfortunately it wasn't the trip of a lifetime that we imagined for them. The younger GS is the child that was carried by DIL on that other trip...I think some of her rubbed off on him while he was en-utero....he wasn't the most pleasant 4 year old to have at WDW! We can hardly wait to return in December (just the 2 of us) and enjoy the things we love. We have had some good experiences with friends and SIL's traveling with us, but it is sure easier on our own. I am anxious to read the final installments of your trip and also looking forward to the report from your December trip.

 

[Lauralee131]

$200 for a rental car? For one day? What kind of moron spends $200 for a car for a day unless it's a Rolls Royce taking you to church to get married. You could buy a month of car insurance for that kind of money.

Oh, and she sounds like a b***h too!

I am having heart palpitations reading your report. My whole fam damily is going 1 day to MGM in December. It may be more than I can take. They do serve liquor there, right?

I love it though. Your DS is adorable and you are NOT old. You have fabulous hair and look great!

Yep - $200 - how awesome was that?!?! And to top it off, to come back from Wal-Mart with coffee and a purse, etc....ahhhh...I enjoyed that one!!

Hmmmm...you know, I've never found liquor at MGM...you may want to change your plans and go to Epcot instead...

Thanks for compliments!! And thanks for reading...I look forward to reading about your trip when you get back...

 

[Lauralee131]

Make sure you read the oldest one first!

It is a true classic!

Going back to read your update now :

OMG - thanks so much for the link....HOW could I have missed this?!!?! My DH and I got thru the first few installments and were in stitches...I can't wait to read more later today!!! Thanks again so much for sharing!! I am just loving it and so far I've only gotten to their arrival at the hotel!! I'm going to read some more in a few minutes...LOVING IT so far!!!

 

[Lauralee131]

Excellent addition to your story!

btw...if and when you see your SIL again, so-and-so failed to tell her that the Lucy Store is in fact at Universal Studios

I know!! I absolutely LOVED that...I thought of mentioning it while we were wandering thru MGM...I could have had another free day! I'd have GLADLY paid for the rental car for a second free day from them...of course, I wouldn't have bought the insurance!!

Oh and I forgot to mention this little tidbit early in my report, but So-And-So actually told them that there was a shuttle bus that ran from the WL to Universal and Sea World....I had her thisclose to sitting outside the hotel waiting for it!!!!

 

[Lauralee131]

Lauralee131, WOW, I just read your entire TR. It is fantastic. I can sure empathize with you. One trip that our family took 5 years ago, we had a DIL that was pg and WICKED during the entire trip. Last month we took 2 grandsons and unfortunately it wasn't the trip of a lifetime that we imagined for them. The younger GS is the child that was carried by DIL on that other trip...I think some of her rubbed off on him while he was en-utero....he wasn't the most pleasant 4 year old to have at WDW! We can hardly wait to return in December (just the 2 of us) and enjoy the things we love. We have had some good experiences with friends and SIL's traveling with us, but it is sure easier on our own. I am anxious to read the final installments of your trip and also looking forward to the report from your December trip.

Thank you, thank you!! I appreciate your reading and sticking with me thru the end, which is coming soon!! When in December are you going? We'll be there the 2nd thru the 9th...I love your comments about your DIL rubbing off en-utero...TOO FUNNY!!!

Thanks again for reading!!! More coming soon!!

 

[Lauralee131]

Lauralee131 - thanks for the hugs. As much as I would like to disengage from MIL/FIL completely, they are DH's parents and our children's grandparents. I really, really don't want to go on this trip to a foreign country with 20 other relatives who at this point can't even agree on a date to go. But my absence would classify me as a traitor.

We'll see what happens. In the meantime I'm waiting on those last details of your trip to see where things end. And I'm thrilled to be counting down to a Thanksgiving trip for our family unit only to WDW. The kids don't know we're going yet and we have lots of fun things scheduled - like birthday for my 7 yr old DD. Starts with Chef Mickey, then Bibbidi Boutique, then CRT for lunch with costume and button, then more MK, then dinner at OHana's and then MK wishes cruise. I think that's a pretty packed and happening birthday!!!

Maybe I'll think about a trip report. But I can't compare with Utahmama and Twinkiemama and now you!

Well I totally feel for you and wouldn't wish your situation on anyone...been there, done that, bought the t-shirt as you'll see when I email you. I used to think that at the larger sized family gatherings, there was more of a chance of being un-noticed and I would try and blend into the woodwork...no such luck though...the lions always go for smaller, weaker, quieter ones!!

Well your Thanksgiving trip sounds awesome!!! What a magical birthday!! Secretly I want to go to the Boutique and be made a princess for a day!! What a great mom!! I will be expecting to hear ALLLLLLL the details so I can live vicariously through you!!!

And wow - to put me in a league with Utahmama and Twinkiemama...Wow - totally don't deserve that! They are TR goddesses! But thank you so much...

Where were you when I was still living in NH??? We could have gotten together to commiserate over our families!! Misery loves company and all that!!

Chat at you soon!!! Gotta get ready for work! Have a great day!

 

[Nurse_Mommy4]

Too funny! Your SIL must really like so-and-so alot (hey wonder why she didn't go to disney with them; oh yeah they probably wouldn't have bought her food)!

Glad to hear your going back in December with just the fam!