Our Rockin' Trip to the World~February TR! UPDATE 5/15 ~ LINK TO PTR!!!!!!

[that's nice]

We're looking at a place in Cheshire this weekend. Sounds promising. We'll see...

No kidding! We would be neighbors!!

 

[tinacaplan]

While I am bummed that you cannot go in July I am so happy for you that you get to move! I know you have been wanting that for awhile and while moving stinks this will be a good thing

Told ya so! That caramel place is good and evil rolled into one! I could live off of that caramel corn.

And dont laugh, I have this cool metal popcorn tin and I fill it up on our last day so it stays nice and fresh when I get home...problem is we eat it all on the car ride home so it never makes it to my house

Finding Nemo is my favorite Disney movie and I like the ride but the last time we took the nieces we got stuck on it for 15 minutes in the Crush section and I thought I was gonna lose my mind LOL WHOA DUDE!

Yeah, if we get to move..it will be almost as magical as a trip to Disneyworld. No lie. Our house is under 800 sq. feet for the three of us and a dog. We're in the burbs, not NYC... Its quite small.

You were one hundred and ten percent right about the caramel place. One of the best things (IMO) to come to Disney in a long time. Its nice to see a food place open that's an improvement and not a let down.

So, your getting stuck is like the last scene with Peach, where she peels herself off the tank to beg us to take her with us. I love that part!

We tried to get some on Saturday but they were all out and making more.... they said it was going to take 20 minutes to make it and we couldn't wait that long.


LOL That is the worst part to get stuck on!

I can't believe that you didn't get in on the caramel action. If you really like caramel (and I really, really do), that place was heaven on earth. Everything we tried there, and I have to admit that we tried quite a few things ... hey, we were on the DxDP, lots of credits to burn...that everything was fantastic.

I sound like a commercial.

Really, really, really love the update! You got a lot done on your first day. Can't wait for the DISmeet! Not that would not have been there ! So fun to read everyone's impression of it!

Bummer if you don't get to go in July! But if you can move than that is the perfect excuse.
Can you believe we have been back from WDW for 2 1/2 weeks now? I really miss ya all! Pooltime with Max and chatting in the pool with you are just the best memories. Oh, and CARS will never be the same again "Look, Mater is trying to escape!" "Poor" little Max, he had a hard time catching his cars again!

I miss you, too, friend. How's Tom? How are you readjusting to the real world? It feels like we've been back much longer than that. So much is going on...after all, I went from thinking of a July 2011 trip was imminent, to moving! I'm thinking February 2012 would be fantastic, but Max will turn five scared1 that July, so that could be a really fun time to go. Obviously, Disneyworld would be a great place to celebrate such a milestone birthday.


And, oh...to be back in that pool again. I feel like that's something I should have appreciated more while we were there. Oh well...next time I'm that blessed with great weather.

Oh I so love EPCOT too!! But I totally get you when you say pre-schoolers like what is familiar. I venture to guess that after a couple more times, disney will become familiar and he will enjoy it much more!

Your strawberry looked fabulous!! I'm so glad you really enjoyed it- nothing like not liking something after you spent a lot of money!

I'm one of those who can take or leave Illuminations. But I think you made the right call even though you were looking forward to it. Max seemed ready to get back to his happy place after a long day.

congrats on your BIG move!! I know it means sacrificing a few other things you want to do; it'll sure be worth it in the end.

I would tend to agree. And he did have a good time. But, as I've said, I think we could have spent the week at the resort and he'd have been perfectly content. Maybe throw in a trip or two to DTD and a couple resort character meals... All I really know for sure in this area is that our trips are going to change and evolve as Max gets older and what a fun journey to be on.

We shall see what happens. I mean, we are definitely out of here by July 1, its just a matter of figuring out where and there are many factors invovled in the decision, some of which are simply beyond my control. I'm trying to get better at letting go. And, in the end, things will be MUCH better.

I love the Finding Nemo ride at Epcot! I think I wish it were longer, maybe. And maybe featuring a few more real fish. But it is pretty cool as is.

Caramel corn and the Caramel strawberry look good. I think adding that Caramel store right there was sheer brilliance.

I think most moms are able to tell when their kid has had enough at Disney. Although I do find a cookie does wonders for the general enjoyment of fireworks. I hope you were able to catch Illuminations later on.

I agree...I LOVE that place and I truly hope they don't change it anytime soon!

 

[tinacaplan]

No kidding! We would be neighbors!!

That's just too much! What small world, after all. I can't believe I just went there...oh, I went there.

It would be great to get an NYC-area meet together for this summer. I would love to meet you and your family and Brook and her's, just for starters.

 

[annmarieda]

Sorry it took me a while to respond to your update.

I can't wait to try the caramel store! Looks like you got something pretty yummy!

As for young ones in disney. I can see how it would be hard to have just the one 3 year old. We did not take our 3 older ones until they were older... dd#1 was 9 or 10, ds#1 was 7 or 8, ds#2 was 4 or 5. Ds#2 had his older sibs to keep help him with the enthusiasm. Even so, he was totally against the idea of meeting characters. Once our youngest came to us ds#2 was 10. We did go when dd#2 was 1, but... as with when ds#2 was only 4 or 5... there were the older siblings....and even though they again helped to stir up magic...dd#2 was VERY scared of the characters. Girls are indeed a bit different than boys, but dd#2 has been on a disney trip 6 times in her 6 young years... I think she looks at it like going home to visit dear relatives.

I guess the point to my ramblings.... as Max gets older, goes back or has a sibling or two... he is likely to be more "into" it. Also, if there is another sibling...even if they are only 3 when they go...the dynamic will be different since Max will be the older one "cheering them on".

 

[dizneeat]

I miss you, too, friend. How's Tom? How are you readjusting to the real world? It feels like we've been back much longer than that. So much is going on...after all, I went from thinking of a July 2011 trip was imminent, to moving! I'm thinking February 2012 would be fantastic, but Max will turn five scared1 that July, so that could be a really fun time to go. Obviously, Disneyworld would be a great place to celebrate such a milestone birthday.

Hi Tina!
Thanks for asking about Tom, he's doing fine! What about my buddy Max? Hope his ears are way better - just wish he would not need an operation!
And I definitely keep my fingers crossed for you, so if you DON'T get to go to WDW in July and you will move, that you WILL win the lottery and be able to go in February AND July 2012!!!!!!!!!

As for real world ....... hm, not much fun here, we got SNOW again today - lots of rain in the city but the village where I teach got about 3 inches - now that is ONE reality I REALLY don't need!
Hope you'll have a super nice weekend!

 

[tinacaplan]

Sorry it took me a while to respond to your update.

I can't wait to try the caramel store! Looks like you got something pretty yummy!

As for young ones in disney. I can see how it would be hard to have just the one 3 year old. We did not take our 3 older ones until they were older... dd#1 was 9 or 10, ds#1 was 7 or 8, ds#2 was 4 or 5. Ds#2 had his older sibs to keep help him with the enthusiasm. Even so, he was totally against the idea of meeting characters. Once our youngest came to us ds#2 was 10. We did go when dd#2 was 1, but... as with when ds#2 was only 4 or 5... there were the older siblings....and even though they again helped to stir up magic...dd#2 was VERY scared of the characters. Girls are indeed a bit different than boys, but dd#2 has been on a disney trip 6 times in her 6 young years... I think she looks at it like going home to visit dear relatives.

I guess the point to my ramblings.... as Max gets older, goes back or has a sibling or two... he is likely to be more "into" it. Also, if there is another sibling...even if they are only 3 when they go...the dynamic will be different since Max will be the older one "cheering them on".

Hmm...so have you have been talking to my husband? He would love to have another baby. Me...not so much! I spend too much time at school as it is, I can't imagine splitting that time among several kids. I truly admire anyone that can do it. I think I'm a bit too selfish...I'll admit it!

I think that everytime we go back iwth Max (and I plan on working in more or less annual trips, even if it means not buying any new clothes or anything...EVER! ) our trips will change and evolve along with his age.

Hi Tina!
Thanks for asking about Tom, he's doing fine! What about my buddy Max? Hope his ears are way better - just wish he would not need an operation!
And I definitely keep my fingers crossed for you, so if you DON'T get to go to WDW in July and you will move, that you WILL win the lottery and be able to go in February AND July 2012!!!!!!!!!

As for real world ....... hm, not much fun here, we got SNOW again today - lots of rain in the city but the village where I teach got about 3 inches - now that is ONE reality I REALLY don't need!
Hope you'll have a super nice weekend!

Ahh...Max is doing well! The countdown to his procedure is on. He's having his adenoids out on March 31st. It should be a pretty simple procedure and I hope that it will make him feel a lot better.

I would say that at this point there is zero possibility of a trip in July...unless we win the lottery! But that's fine, because it means we will be moving (or have just moved).

We're going to look at a couple places on Sunday. I'm hoping something works out fairly quickly... anticipation like this drives me crazy!

AND SNOW???? NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I'm sorry... it was in the 70s and sunny here today!

 

[that's nice]

It would be great to get an NYC-area meet together for this summer. I would love to meet you and your family and Brook and her's, just for starters.

Well, since there is 2 of us here, we should make Brook come visit us!

 

[tinacaplan]

Well, since there is 2 of us here, we should make Brook come visit us!

That is an excellent point, Tim!

 

[dizneeat]

Happy Birthday, Tina! Many happy returns!
Mögen alle deine Wünsche in Erfüllung gehen!

 

[alpinemouse]

​

Happy Birthday
Thomas​

 

[annmarieda]

Hmm...so have you have been talking to my husband? He would love to have another baby. Me...not so much! I spend too much time at school as it is, I can't imagine splitting that time among several kids. I truly admire anyone that can do it. I think I'm a bit too selfish...I'll admit it!

I think that everytime we go back iwth Max (and I plan on working in more or less annual trips, even if it means not buying any new clothes or anything...EVER! ) our trips will change and evolve along with his age.

Nope, not been talking with your husband. I truly understand where you are coming from...and please know that when I said "as Max gets older, goes back or has a sibling or two" I really did mean the OR part. I would never presume to guess how many children someone wants or does want. Everyone has their "limit".

I do agree with you though, as you go back annually, your trips will evolve. I mean... first trip with my youngest ds was filled with moments of panic when we thought we lost him (he tends to wander off) Our last trip with him he was happier to go off on his own. He even had his cs meals almost entirely by himself. I would never have thought way back at that first visit to DL that we would be letting him ever ride buses to and from parks and get his meals by himself. Crazy!

 

[tinacaplan]

Happy Birthday, Tina! Many happy returns!
Mögen alle deine Wünsche in Erfüllung gehen!

Thanks, Karin!

​

Happy Birthday
Thomas​

Tom, this is SO COOL! You can do some really amazing things with photography! Thank you so much. It was such a sweet surprise.

Nope, not been talking with your husband. I truly understand where you are coming from...and please know that when I said "as Max gets older, goes back or has a sibling or two" I really did mean the OR part. I would never presume to guess how many children someone wants or does want. Everyone has their "limit".

I do agree with you though, as you go back annually, your trips will evolve. I mean... first trip with my youngest ds was filled with moments of panic when we thought we lost him (he tends to wander off) Our last trip with him he was happier to go off on his own. He even had his cs meals almost entirely by himself. I would never have thought way back at that first visit to DL that we would be letting him ever ride buses to and from parks and get his meals by himself. Crazy!

Believe me, I was not offended in anyway. Where things different... who knows, right?

Ah...yes, I have to admit that I'm looking forward to Max becoming more and more independent. He's been VERY clingy lately, which is nice in a way, but... again, there is a limit to that, too!

 

[tinacaplan]

Yes, I did celebrate a birthday this past weekend. My thirty-fifth. My dad had more surgery the day before...luckily, he's OK. Some recovery time involved, but, all in all, it went pretty smoothly.

I went out with my wonderful co-workers Saturday and we had a very nice time.

Sunday we went to see a house, which, in the end, we didn't end up being able to get. Frustrating. I kind of feel like everytime I think I have my next move figured out, life seems to have different plans. While I'm looking for my own path, I'm not there yet, and I can be super impatient and get anxious very easily.

I also get waaaaay ahead of myself very easily.

And then I found out that my uncle suffered a major stroke Saturday night and has a small, but malignant, brain tumor.

The last couple of weeks have been a real roller coaster and I have to say, it all makes me even more glad that we took our trip when we did!

I am almost done with my mega, epic Dismeet update...maybe tonight?

 

[KatMark]

Oh, Tina, I am so sorry for all the trauma you've had going on lately. I'm glad Dad is going to be okay with a little recoup time; sorry about your uncle and hope he is well soon. Here's a

 

[All7OfUs]

The last couple of weeks have been a real roller coaster and I have to say, it all makes me even more glad that we took our trip when we did!

I am almost done with my mega, epic Dismeet update...maybe tonight?

Ugh! Sounds like you've had a lot of not such fun stuff going on. Hope you are able to find some time to center yourself and find rest.

Looking forward to your next update- maybe it will be a nice diversion from all the harder stuff you're dealing with right now.

 

[annmarieda]

He's been VERY clingy lately, which is nice in a way, but... again, there is a limit to that, too!

OMG! I understand. I love my kids... but as I sit in my house alone for the first time in weeks... ahhhhhh bliss

Yes, I did celebrate a birthday this past weekend. My thirty-fifth. My dad had more surgery the day before...luckily, he's OK. Some recovery time involved, but, all in all, it went pretty smoothly.

I went out with my wonderful co-workers Saturday and we had a very nice time.

Sunday we went to see a house, which, in the end, we didn't end up being able to get. Frustrating. I kind of feel like everytime I think I have my next move figured out, life seems to have different plans. While I'm looking for my own path, I'm not there yet, and I can be super impatient and get anxious very easily.

I also get waaaaay ahead of myself very easily.

And then I found out that my uncle suffered a major stroke Saturday night and has a small, but malignant, brain tumor.

The last couple of weeks have been a real roller coaster and I have to say, it all makes me even more glad that we took our trip when we did!

I am almost done with my mega, epic Dismeet update...maybe tonight?

I am so sorry... That is a lot to have to deal with. Again...

 

[tinacaplan]

Before I start to narrate the morning for you, I think its important to take a moment and explain how this Dismeet came about. I’m still a relative newcomer around here and have made some close connections, one being to Dizneeat (Karin). Despite being from different continents, we’ve had a lot to share over our teaching the same aged kids. I started following Nicki’s threads through Katmark, I think, and I instantly recognized her as a long lost cousin. Nicki had mentioned, however, briefly, that a trip up for the weekend while we were all there in February was a possibility. I knew already that Tom and Karin were going to be there, as we had been making plans together for some time. Point being I was, for me, pretty outgoing and we were able to set it up! With a 7:45 ADR at Cape May.

I am not the most outgoing person in the world. Here or there! I know that I walked right by Jordan last February and froze, not knowing what to say. I can be a bit socially awkward at times, so I was definitely nervous as our taxi approached the beautiful Beach Club.

I was pleasantly surprised when we drove up to the Beach Club that I was so taken in by it. I had long since written off both the YC and the BC as being too New England-y and conservative for my taste. Wrong. I should remember this is Disney, after all, and while I might prefer the look of some resorts to others, there was no denying that the Beach Club is beautiful and that I would hardly complain about staying there. I particularly loved the older gentlemen dressed up as a Disney-fied ship’s captain, who greeted guests as they came in the front door.

I’ll indulge you with some not particularly wonderful photographs of the Beach Club lobby, just so you can get a feel for the place....

Hmmm...makes me think there are a whole slew of resorts I’d like to try out someday.

We wandered around for a bit and Mark took Max off to check out the gift store...and then I spotted Nicki! I had no problem recognizing her at all, which surprised me a little bit. If I’m being honest, I kind of felt like I was meeting a celebrity. A few seconds later, Tom and Karin walked in and they were easy to spot, as well.

Only problem....where were my husband and darling son? Right...the gift shop! Like the spinning top I sometimes feel like, I went rushing into the gift shop to quickly collect my most precious gifts... (I apologize in advance for the overly sentimental corniess.)

We were brought into the restaurant quickly and it was also lovely. We had a fabulous, round table in a back corner that wasn’t too terribly far from the buffet, either. Perfect for talking! Max sat on the outside so he’d be ready for his next round of characters. You can decide for yourselves who the first round of characters was.

I felt very comfortable right away. Nicki and Todd brought us a beautiful Mickey goodie bag full of snacks. Being the horribly negligent mother that I am, I had neglected to bring little snacks for Max for the parks, so these came in so handy! And Mark loved the candy! Tom and Karin brought Maxd his own “Cars” baq, which came with more candy and his very own, authentic Austrian police car! Max loved it. They also brought us beautiful books and photo CDs about Austria. So super cool.

This was my first Dismeet and I knew folks brought gifts, but I had no idea what to do... until I “stole” an idea from my school art teacher. She had designed scarves for memebers of our school operations team and I thought...hey, scarves with Karin and Nicki’s screen names! This is somewhat funny for several reasons: First of all, I am absolutely not the least bit crafty. Seriously. Not at all. Christmas gift-wrapping is a major challenge for me. Second, what does every girl in South Florida need, if not a winter pashmina type-wrap?

Oh well...Nicki seemed to like it!

Eventually, we made our way to get some food, although I really, truly don’t remember much about it, other than that my biscuits and gravy were yummy! One of those dishes we just don’t get a lot notrh of the Mason-Dixon.

Max’s plate:

The the real characters showed up...

Max, acting completely disinterested in Minnie:

I don’t think he knew what to think when she kissed him on the cheek:

My one and only plate:

Max also met Goofy and Donald, but I really didn’t get great pictures of that, nor did I snap anything of all us in the restaraunt.

But, then we went outside for our photo session:

Max and Nicki:

Hopping around with Tom and Karin:

The girls with Max:

The boys...with Charlie Sheen!

And, before we knew it, it was time to part. So sad. I really felt like I made some wonderful new friends in that short period of time. I would have gladly spent so much more time with them, but Nicki and Todd were headed home later that day, and Tom and Karin hadn’t even arrived at CSR yet!

But... I would most assuredly see Tom and Karin again...wouldn’t I?

 

[glennbo123]

Billy Joel! These Are The Times To Remember.

 

[glennbo123]

Nice DISmeet!

I like the first picture of Max apparently ignoring Minnie. Also, the bouncing one.

That's all you ate? You didn't get your money's worth -- good thing the company made up for it.

And another Sheen sighting! "Winner, winner, chicken dinner. No...winner, winner, Sheen dinner!"

 

[KatMark]

Tina, great update. I love the DIS pictures and Max getting kissed by Minnie. I wish I could have been there with all of you in person.