Our Seemingly Silly Semi-Illogical Four Day Whirlwind Trip

[TigerKat]

Another great installment Kay! I too will be when your TR ends.

As a child we took many vacations and I have such fond memories of them all. My DS (16) on the other hand has had many vacations, four to WDW and this year will be our second time at a deluxe. I really think he takes it for granted, hopefully when he gets older he'll appreciate all that I've done for him.

I almost fell off of my chair - POOL HOPPERS and blatant ones at that!!

 

[Kay7979]

OKAY FRIENDS AND LURKERS This report is nearly over, so if you haven't posted in a long while, please let me know you're still out there. Where, oh where has my #1 fan, Dizneydonna gone? I miss her. And all you Lurkers, please stop by and say Hello. I really enjoy seeing new readers.

Me First???


OH MY! They DO exist! Shhhesh! I thought pool hoppers were an Urban Legend like refillable for life mugs/ resort swapping mugs.

Kay? is it coming to an end? I'm so sad! I get sad at other people's endings. That lump in my throat is starting to form...

UtahMama: I kid you not, they do exist. Unlike the Loch Ness Monster and Bigfoot, we have proof of pool hoppers’ existence!

I say that to my kids all the time. Do you know how lucky you are to be here or even go away.....Don't take it for granted.

Are you sure the water was that cold.... When we go in January and we are at the pools at night we get the comment that we must be from Canada because the kids are in the water. I think you should have started with the pool and then went to the spa. Just a thought.

Pool Hoppers, and you saw them with your own eyes. Impressive.

Love the pictures. How sad it is that you are going to the end.

NAB: Good for you. More people should impress on their kids that vacations are a luxury, not a necessity. Plenty of people spend their time off from work and school just hanging around the house doing chores, so really we should all be grateful when we can take special trips.

You’re right we should have started in the pool and then moved to the spa. The pool water really wasn’t cold, but the contrast made it seem that way!

I should have taken a picture of the pool hoppers. That would have been funny. I could say, “Would you mind posing for a moment? Some people don’t believe that outsiders really come in and use another resort’s pool despite the big sign that says RESORT GUESTS ONLY, so I’d like to have some photographic evidence!

If I see this area in December I promise to sit down for a moment and think of you and Lowell!

I literally gasped out loud when I read this!!! The nerve of these people! While I was hoping you'd knock some sense into her (literally), you did the right thing. Good for you Kay!

:Liz: Yes, if you find our Redneck Concierge Lounge on the 4th floor, please sit down and have a moment of silence for Kay and Lowell!

I see you share my aggravation at freeloaders. I know some people think pool hopping is no big deal and that people shouldn’t get worked up over this issue, but really, when the pool is busy and the chairs are all taken it is very annoying if YOU are the ones crowded out by people that don’t belong there. Plus, when you’re spending more money on a hotel than you really want to, it’s irritating to find other people enjoying the perks for free!

Wow Kay, you surprised me with a Saturday night installment....don't you usually post on Sundays? (Or maybe I had a dream about that. I dunno). What a wonderful read that was. I feel the sadness of the dreaded "last day" of vacation. Oh boy, those pool hoppers don't know how close they came to being electrocuted. I let out a gasp when I read about the hoppers 'phone conversation.

I was sad to learn about your Dad and the lack of vacations during your childhood. You really do appreciate your vacations now and that comes through in your writing. As a kid (and an only child) we went everywhere. Tons of vacations. I felt bad for my friends, most of whom had never ventured out of NY. However, my DD hasn't traveled nearly as much as I did at her age. That's why every vacation is extra special to us now. They are few and far between! (that's why I really love these trip reports! )

Once again, your photo's are beautiful! And, your report was full of laughs. However, as you know, I'm multi-quote challenged, so let me just do this.....

SunKat: I’ve posted most of my more recent installments on Sunday, but I’ve done quite a few on Friday, Saturday, and even Monday.

Your life growing up sounds like Lowell’s. He was an only child, and his mother and step-father traveled a lot. They camped (and still do, even in their 70s!) so he doesn’t mind camping but prefers nice resorts. I HATE camping.

I’m glad you’re able to take some nice trips now with your daughter. Maybe they’ll be all the more memorable because you can’t go frequently so when you do, it’s really exciting for both of you.

You should know by now, men!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fabulous as always!!!!!!

You are a gifted writer,sis! (oh, maybe that's where all my talents went...)

Backstage_Gal: You have your own set of talents. Thanks, though, for the kind words.

Kay, I didn't know you grew up on a dairy farm!!! MOOOoooooo to yoooooooou!!!!!!!!!!

I think a lot of people from our generation did not have the kind of family vacations that so many people are able to take now. My family didn't have this luxury either, but my sister and I were fortunate enough to be able to travel a bit with the band and know that those trips were big sacrifices by my family. Your comments really struck a chord with me.

I'm happy to have been able to take my daughter on many family vacations and now she is much better traveled than I.

Hi, Minnie_Moo. Oh, yes indeed I was a little Tomboy! Thanks for the Mooooooving greeting! I used to rake grass after my father mowed and put it in my little red wagon, then pull the wagon of “hay” down to the barn to feed the cows. I liked the farm.

I think you have a point about people from our generation having fewer vacations. Probably less distant vacations, too. I don’t think I knew many kids that went to Disney World when I was growing up, or anywhere else really far, either. Maybe part of the reason was because we lived in a rural area and people weren’t as affluent. I don’t know.

You traveled with a band? That sounds interesting. You have to tell me more about that sometime.

I am also going to be when this fantastic TR is finished. Kay you don't have to worry about me Pool hopping since I don't care too much for the pool scene, also I swim like a boulder.

Goofyfan1: Oh oh. It sounds like you and Lowell have the same problem. I don’t know why he can’t float, but he claims that part of the reason is because he doesn’t have enough fat. Hmmmm. I wonder what he’s trying to say about me?

Lovely installment Kay - I will be sad to see this end, too.

As for those pool-hoppers...they don't know how lucky they are, do they?

oybolshoi: Right. Little did the woman know that she narrowly escaped humiliation and possibly a slow lingering death at the hands of the Pool Hopper Detective Squad.

I can identify with your growing up on a dairy farm and feeling sad that you didn't get much chance to travel as a child. I think this has always made me as an adult appreciate the experience of seeing new places (especially foreign countries) all the more.

- Iluvsushi

iluvsushi: Thanks for being such a faithful reader and contributing feedback after my episodes. It’s funny how some people grow up and don’t care anything about travel, and other people really love it. It doesn’t seem to matter whether they grew up taking vacations or whether they never traveled farther than the local K-Mart growing up. I guess it’s in your blood. For those of us who have travel in our blood, I think that getting to travel for the first time as an adult really makes a big impact. You take nothing for granted. Every moment is special. Maybe that’s how I developed the time dilation effect. I want to live every moment to the fullest and really savor it!

Just like countless others I've been following your report for weeks now and I don't want it to be over! I can't say that I grew up on a dairy farm but I know what it's like not being able to afford family vacations. Money was tight in my house growing up. However, my sister and I are fortunate enough to have a wonderful aunt and uncle (who never had children of their own) that took us on our childhood trips to Disney World. Now that I'm older I can truly appreciate how lucky we were and I understand your feeling when looking at happy families enjoying a Disney vacation. I can only hope that someday those children will grow up to realize how special those family trips really are.

C. Marie: Hello and thanks so much for coming out of lurking before my report ends. I love to “meet” my readers. It’s wonderful that you had an aunt and uncle who enjoyed taking you on trips. It’s sort of sad that you couldn’t go with your parents, but the times with your aunt and uncle had to be a real treat, and create a bond that will remain between you for the rest of your lives.

Kay,
I have really enjoyed your last couple of posts and I, too, will be sad to see it come to an end. I sucked in a whole bunch of breath when that family turned out to be pool hoppers. I have to admit that after many trips to the world including about a half dozen on site, not once did it ever occur to me to pool hop to another resort. I didn't even know it was a problem until I joined the DIS. Do they enforce the rules at any of the resorts? Is this just a problem at Deluxe Resorts or should I be on the lookout on our August trip to POR? I would appreciate your knowledgable advice so that I, too, could help put an end to this wave of crime plaguing the World.

SmallWorld71: I think the plague of pool hoppers is mostly at the deluxe resorts, but there may be some at the moderates, too. I had laughed before that I’d never know for sure if people were hoppers, unless they came right out and said so, and who would be dumb enough to do that? Well, now I know that people are that dumb. And that bold! It has been discussed that resorts might start using wristbands to identify legitimate resort guests. Some people hate wearing wristbands. I suppose it’s hard to find a way to enforce the rules without creating a scene. You’d think the great big signs that say the pool is for resort guests only would be enough, but apparently it’s not. We stayed at a Sheraton in Kauai that required guests to show a resort ID card in order to get pool towels. That’s a step in the right direction.

We'll dedicate our next vacation to you, Kay!

I am SO thankful we are blessed to be able to take our boys places like Disney and the beach!

When I was growing up we went away every year, but never on a actual vacation. We just went to my Mom's parents house and sat around in the house and back yard for 2 weeks. Never went to the beach, never went anywhere. Just sat around.

Course last year where did we take the boys? To my Grandparents house and sat around. LOL! We did go to the beach 2 times. Growing up we weren't allowed because of that whole hospital dumping it's crap into the ocean thing.(long island, ny)

MommyPoppins: Going to stay with relatives is always stressful because it’s hard to keep kids entertained unless the family has a pool or live at the beach, or are in a big tourist area etc. We have troubles enough just trying to entertain Lowell’s kids when they come for a day, so I sympathise. Two weeks just “sitting around” doesn’t sound very exciting, so I see why you like Disney vacations.

Hi, Joe! I’m glad to see you’re still reading.

I cannot BELIEVE you encountered a real, live pool hopper! And, sheesh, you know you will never have your electrocution kit handy when you really need it!

Great chapter, my friend, and it makes me wish I was lounging around the pool at the WL myself! Although, I am neither a swimmer nor a tanner, I do like to sit under an umbrella on a warm-ish day and read a good book.

I'm sorry your childhood was devoid of family vacations. Although we didn't have a lot of money, my mom has always been one to find a way to travel some how. When we were kids, we would fly to California and drive back across country with my aunt and her kids in a mini-motorhome and take a different route each year. Looking back, I think they were crazy to travel in a small space with FIVE kids but at the time, I loved it! Mom gave me a lifelong appreciation of traveling and I adore her for that.

NMAmy: I should have a “Pool Hopper Detective Squad” T-Shirt printed up for Lowell and me to wear next time we stay on site. Maybe we’d scare a few hoppers away.

Wow, five kids in a small motor-home. I’m glad you had a good time and weren’t bored by the long drives. I can just imagine the hours of, “She’s touching me . . . MOM! Make her stop!” Or weren’t you all like that? You probably played a lot of road trip games, too. I think it sounds like a fun adventure. I don’t think we ever drove farther than about two hours away when I was a kid.

As a child we took many vacations and I have such fond memories of them all. My DS (16) on the other hand has had many vacations, four to WDW and this year will be our second time at a deluxe. I really think he takes it for granted, hopefully when he gets older he'll appreciate all that I've done for him.

I almost fell off of my chair - POOL HOPPERS and blatant ones at that!!

TigerKat: I hope your son does come to appreciate your special times together, and how lucky he was. I sometimes worry that kids will expect the same kind of experiences they had with their parents once they are on their own, but young people typically can’t afford staying at deluxe resorts and having similar vacations.

Yes, pool hoppers, sitting in the row in front of the Pool Hopper detective. Isn’t that ironic? What are the chances of that? Truth really is stranger than fiction!

 

[Anjiebaby]

When I saw your reference to the Lucky Number Fourteens I thought no way there couldn't be another couple! My Birthday is Dec 14 my DH's birthday is Feb 14 yes Valentine's Day and we got married on his birthday, Valentine's day, Feb 14.
We also have had unseasonably good weather everywhere we have vacationed for as long as I can remember. (touching wooden head furiously as I type that, no point tempting fate here) Mexico in January 85 - 90 with 70's in the evenings. Arizona in March 102 with lows of 68 at night and not a cloud the whole time we were there. It actually rained behind us on the town as we drove away.
My DB on the other hand cannot find anyone to vacation with him anymore as he always has unseasonably crappy weather.
We may attempt a WDW trip with him next February we will hopefully cancel eachother out and it will just be normal.

 

[Maine-iac]

I am still reading and enjoying your report.

 

[dance2874]

I am here too-reading along and loving your TR! I tend to read more than post around these boards I think. I always think I have posted and I havent.

I will be sad to see it come to an end too

 

[kath1210]

Hi Kay - I have enjoyed your trip report. I can't believe that a report about a 4-day trip can go on so long and still be SO entertaining!

You are a really good writer, and I have enjoyed living your trip a little bit with you.

 

[Disney 4-ever]

I am also still here reading and waiting I don't want to see this report end, then what will I do I can believe that people pool hop, I am just not one of them. I would like to go see what the other pools look like, but I barely have enough time for the pool at our resort, just to busy doing everything else. I do remember someone else's TR that I read where they do the pool hopping thing at one resort, I think you read their report also. She did not know they were going to do it until it was to late, but I thought that was ok. They were cool about it.
Anyway, can't wait to read more. Kind of sad that this is what I do on my day off should be doing this
Connie

 

[Kay7979]

Hello "old" and new readers!

When I saw your reference to the Lucky Number Fourteens I thought no way there couldn't be another couple! My Birthday is Dec 14 my DH's birthday is Feb 14 yes Valentine's Day and we got married on his birthday, Valentine's day, Feb 14.
We also have had unseasonably good weather everywhere we have vacationed for as long as I can remember. (touching wooden head furiously as I type that, no point tempting fate here) Mexico in January 85 - 90 with 70's in the evenings. Arizona in March 102 with lows of 68 at night and not a cloud the whole time we were there. It actually rained behind us on the town as we drove away.
My DB on the other hand cannot find anyone to vacation with him anymore as he always has unseasonably crappy weather.
We may attempt a WDW trip with him next February we will hopefully cancel eachother out and it will just be normal.

Anjiebaby: Wow, a new reader as well as fellow Lucky Fourteens. This is really exciting! It is boggling my mind that you also have noted the Lucky Fourteen weather phenomena. We might have to submit ourselves for scientific tests! I am so glad you found my report before it’s over and took the time to share about yourselves. I hope Lucky Fourteen weather will trump your relative’s bad weather luck on your next vacation.

I am still reading and enjoying your report.

Maine-iac: Thanks. I am always delighted to hear from my charter members.

I am here too-reading along and loving your TR! I tend to read more than post around these boards I think. I always think I have posted and I havent.

I will be sad to see it come to an end too

dance2874. Welcome! Thanks so much for posting. I haven’t had a lot of new readers in the last month or two, but there’s a lot of hits on the thread, so I suspect there are many more people reading whom I haven’t met yet.

Hi Kay - I have enjoyed your trip report. I can't believe that a report about a 4-day trip can go on so long and still be SO entertaining!

You are a really good writer, and I have enjoyed living your trip a little bit with you.

kath1210. Oh boy, another new reader! I see my the comment line under your name that you have been to the Lodge. The line reads: “My DH survived the Great WL Owl Attack of 2006!” I need to hear this story. Do Tell!

I am also still here reading and waiting I don't want to see this report end, then what will I do I can believe that people pool hop, I am just not one of them. I would like to go see what the other pools look like, but I barely have enough time for the pool at our resort, just to busy doing everything else. I do remember someone else's TR that I read where they do the pool hopping thing at one resort, I think you read their report also. She did not know they were going to do it until it was to late, but I thought that was ok. They were cool about it.
Anyway, can't wait to read more. Kind of sad that this is what I do on my day off should be doing this
Connie

Disney 4-ever: I’m glad you find my report a worthy use of your time on your day off. You can do laundry over the weekend. I’m afraid I will have to break my faithful routine of posting one episode a week since we will be away over the weekend, and are leaving mid day tomorrow (Friday). Unless a miracle happens and I manage to write the entire episode tonight (not likely) then I think I’ll be posting again sometime next week.

 

[nebo]

My dear friend.
You are probably not going to like this.
But, I have hopped. With just my wife, Smidgy.
Two years ago, we were at the Dolphin, left Epcot around One, changed and went down to the pool, The Grotto Pool. And that afternoon, in early May, there were no lounge chairs available After studying the scene, we realized that this one group had 5 chairs all reserved. A woman sat in one, but the rest were all empty. Nobody in sight. After standing there a while, we realized they may not even be in the Pool! So she grabbed the end chair that had only a Pool towel hanging on it, and dragged it over, then she found a "loner" chair.

We settled in, now we have two. And the woman didn't say a thing. Another half hour went by, and two guys and an older kid came walking over, sat down, and when I went to talk to Diane, I got the "hush". She was listening. One family was from Pop, the other from a Days Inn, just waiting for it's time to be Illuminations. Yep, we were piffed also. The next day we had dinner ressies for Kona, at the Poly. We got there afternoon with a change of clothes and , I"m sorry, we're using the pool!

Couldn't at "Our expensive resort". However, we took chairs "on the beach", and even though the pool had no chairs open, we were the only ones that sat in the sand. Holy cow, when I babble, I don't mess around. So, in all honesty, we have pool hopped. But , trust me, I do understand the feeling, Big Time.
One last thing,,,,,
You quoted, World leaders ought to hold meetings in a whirlpool. We’d have far fewer wars.

I just love this line. Couldn't agree with you more. Sit in a hot tub long enough all you want to do is take a nap, not fight. Thanks Special Kay, we leave in just over24 hours to Hard Rock Hotel, then Cbr and Crs. I hope this will still be kicking when we get back. steve

 

[soldiersmom]

Mostly a lurker here, but still sad to see your trip come to an end. You are a very enjoyable writer!

Our family has stayed at Wilderness Lodge twice, and we love it too. My DH and 3 sons are big outdoorsmen, so the Lodge fits them perfectly. I hope you and Lowell take another Disney trip soon, so we can hear all about it!

 

[DISNEYDUET]

Kay! I leave in 10 days! How is that ending coming along? I know, I know. Always a slave to the unrelenting leaches on the TR board! It has taken everything in me to not read your TR. DH has read a little and said it is worth the wait.

 

[twob4him]

Hi Kay - I dont think I count as a lurker as much as a latecomer. I have bookmarked and read through your report during the past 10 days. I guess I dont need to tell you it was awesome cause everyone else already has!!! I loved your thoughts and skits and plans. I would love chatting with you beside the pool the next time you go!!! I am sad this is coming to an end. More so cause now I have to stop reading and start cleaning my house Next time you will have to stay longer! And contact a publisher upon your return. I can't believe you are writing this for free!

Kay! I leave in 10 days! How is that ending coming along? I know, I know. Always a slave to the unrelenting leaches on the TR board! It has taken everything in me to not read your TR. DH has read a little and said it is worth the wait.

HI DD! I see that you are leaving soon! Take lots of notes and pictures See you when you get back!!!!

 

[Backstage_Gal]

SIS, what is happening?? Where are you? We miss you!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here and there and everywhere! Please stop by and say hello!!!

I had a chicago roll yesterday, that I couldnt roast over gas flames cause I don't have any, but I thought of you!!

 

[Kay7979]

Hi everyone,

I'm sorry I didn't get an episode out last week. We've been working on a special project at work, so I have been much busier than usual, and we went away for a long weekend, and just got back last night. I hope to get back in the writing groove this week. Thanks for sticking with me all this time. You're a great bunch of readers and I truly appreciate the feedback and support.

My dear friend.
You are probably not going to like this.
But, I have hopped. With just my wife, Smidgy.
Two years ago, we were at the Dolphin, left Epcot around One, changed and went down to the pool, The Grotto Pool. And that afternoon, in early May, there were no lounge chairs available After studying the scene, we realized that this one group had 5 chairs all reserved. A woman sat in one, but the rest were all empty. Nobody in sight. After standing there a while, we realized they may not even be in the Pool! So she grabbed the end chair that had only a Pool towel hanging on it, and dragged it over, then she found a "loner" chair.

We settled in, now we have two. And the woman didn't say a thing. Another half hour went by, and two guys and an older kid came walking over, sat down, and when I went to talk to Diane, I got the "hush". She was listening. One family was from Pop, the other from a Days Inn, just waiting for it's time to be Illuminations. Yep, we were piffed also. The next day we had dinner ressies for Kona, at the Poly. We got there afternoon with a change of clothes and , I"m sorry, we're using the pool!

Couldn't at "Our expensive resort". However, we took chairs "on the beach", and even though the pool had no chairs open, we were the only ones that sat in the sand. Holy cow, when I babble, I don't mess around. So, in all honesty, we have pool hopped. But , trust me, I do understand the feeling, Big Time.
One last thing,,,,,
You quoted, World leaders ought to hold meetings in a whirlpool. We’d have far fewer wars.

I just love this line. Couldn't agree with you more. Sit in a hot tub long enough all you want to do is take a nap, not fight. Thanks Special Kay, we leave in just over24 hours to Hard Rock Hotel, then Cbr and Crs. I hope this will still be kicking when we get back. steve

nebo: That’s amazing that people from the Days Inn were at the pool. Bad enough guests from other Disney resorts infiltrate. When you see “everyone else is doing it” I can see why bending the rules just a bit doesn’t seem wrong.

By now you’re off enjoying yourselves, and I hope you are having a phenomenal trip that will provide lots of excellent trip report material.

Mostly a lurker here, but still sad to see your trip come to an end. You are a very enjoyable writer!

Our family has stayed at Wilderness Lodge twice, and we love it too. My DH and 3 sons are big outdoorsmen, so the Lodge fits them perfectly. I hope you and Lowell take another Disney trip soon, so we can hear all about it!

soldiersmom: I’m glad you’re still reading. Thanks for stopping in again with comments. We have no more Disney trips planned in the near future, but I’ll make sure to take lots of pictures, and maybe a few notes, next time. I’m doing this trip by memory. I’m not big on wasting much vacation time writing notes.

Kay! I leave in 10 days! How is that ending coming along? I know, I know. Always a slave to the unrelenting leaches on the TR board! It has taken everything in me to not read your TR. DH has read a little and said it is worth the wait.

DISNEYDUET: You’re on the final countdown for your trip. Don’t worry if my trip report isn’t 100% done when you leave. I’m in the final one or two episodes (I think) and there’s no huge earthshaking developments or cliff hanger endings coming, or information about Disney activities that you’ll need during your trip. The upcoming episodes really deal with our departure and trip home, so you can always finish that when you get back. Have a GREAT time.

Hi Kay - I dont think I count as a lurker as much as a latecomer. I have bookmarked and read through your report during the past 10 days. I guess I dont need to tell you it was awesome cause everyone else already has!!! I loved your thoughts and skits and plans. I would love chatting with you beside the pool the next time you go!!! I am sad this is coming to an end. More so cause now I have to stop reading and start cleaning my house Next time you will have to stay longer! And contact a publisher upon your return. I can't believe you are writing this for free!

twob4him: Thanks so much for posting comments, and what very nice compliments indeed. I appreciate the kind words. I have made so many friends through writing this report. It was worth the effort, although I am getting burned out with it by now!

SIS, what is happening?? Where are you? We miss you!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here and there and everywhere! Please stop by and say hello!!!

I had a chicago roll yesterday, that I couldnt roast over gas flames cause I don't have any, but I thought of you!!

Backstage_Gal: I feel badly that I broke my record of posting at least one episode a week, but we have gotten very busy at work, and I was away for a three day weekend. I hope I have time to write this week.

 

[SunKat]

What's this I hear? You went away for a long weekend? Hmmm. That gives me an idea. A mini-trippie.

Looking forward to the next installment, but sad that it's the end of your (and our!) trip.

Hope you had a nice weekend getaway!

 

[tiggerbell]

Great installment! I also gasped out loud over the pool hoopers!

Not to toot my own horn, Kay, but you will be making an appearance in my trip report - I even have a picture to post for you... of course, at the rate I'm going, no hurry getting over to look, it's gonna be at least 2 weeks before I get to the incident!

 

[Anjiebaby]

WOOOHOOOO!!!!
I made it to the end! Oh wait it's not really the end it's just the artificial end of a story not quite finished. Maybe there will be some new episodes this weekend.

 

[NAB]

Yes where oh where is Kay????

Ding , Ding, anyone home!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mmeb144]

Kay,

I'm a barnacle! Please post another installment, even if it's the last one.

Marie

 

[Kay7979]

Hello to my beloved barnacles; thanks for your patience!

I could have summarized the closing events and wrapped this up today, but decided to finish with another brief segment or two, instead. These remaining episodes will be short, because I've gotten busy at work lately, outdoor duties are clamoring for my attention, and I'm so distracted that I'm losing my writing mojo. I don't want to write just any old thing to "get it over with" and finish, since I've spent so much time and effort making this trip story fun to read. I hope if I don't feel too pressured to write long episodes that I can finish this up and do justice to the end of the story. Thanks so much for reading and for all the great comments and support.


PART THIRTY THREE:



The excitement is over. The pool hopper family has returned to their slideless resort, and the rest of the afternoon promises to be blissfully dull and relaxing. Lowell wakes and blinks groggily into the sun with a “where am I” sort of look, then picks up his novel and resumes his story. Rather than explain what he missed I decide to put the matter behind me and go refill his mug with Sprite, just in case he gets thirsty. We’re good investors. I think we’ve actually managed to turn a slight profit on the mug despite our short stay. I can earn another half a percent if I take a sip or four at Roaring Fork before I head back with the mug. After all, I need to make sure it tastes okay and isn’t contaminated.

It feels like we’ve been at the pool all day even though we’ve only been here a couple hours. Maybe it’s due to the sun and the heat, but I could swear the Time Dilation Effect has kicked in, and it’s set on SLOW. I scoop up Lowell’s mug and amble off to Roaring Fork, moving at the speed of dark. Silver Creek flows lazily over the rocks. I can see the motion of birds’ wings. People walk at a turtle’s pace, their voices slow and drawn out.

This vacation has proved well worth the air fare despite the fact that we only had two half days and two full days. I will never again question the value of a whirlwind trip. It’s like when you don’t feel like eating a whole meal on a hot day so you have cake and ice cream for supper. You wouldn’t want to eat like that all week but now and then it’s great. This was a dessert trip. Time was limited and we savored every moment.

I have a habit of saying to Lowell during our vacations, “Guess what? This is real; it’s not a memory yet.” When we’re on vacation it seems the good times will go on and on. Home and work are far away abstract concepts. But before long vacation is over and all we have are the memories. So it’s important to remind ourselves while we’re in the midst of our trips to enjoy each moment to the fullest.

We spend another couple hours at the pool, enjoying the sun and the breeze. I have given up looking for pool hoppers since I am thoroughly disillusioned about my ability to size up violators. I’m sure the majority of people don’t pool hop. In fact, probably no more than a few percent. Disney may have researched this subject but, if so, I’m not sure I’d trust their statistics. I’ve read that 42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.

I still don’t feel like eating, so we make a late lunch of Oatmeal to Go bars and Sprite before heading to the lobby restrooms to change into street clothes. Magical Express will pick us up in about 40 minutes, and we need to get our luggage from bell services 20 – 30 minutes in advance.

Only at Disney do I find myself taking pictures of restrooms. I look around to make sure no one is watching since they’re sure to think I’m some kind of weirdo for taking bathroom photos. Well, I am a little weird, but it’s not like I’ve ever gone into a changing room at Wal-Mart and called out five minutes later, “Hey, there’s no toilet paper in here.” Nor do I know anyone who would do anything like that. Or even think it’s funny. Ahem. Like other parts of the Lodge, the bathrooms have a western theme.

When we go to reclaim our luggage, I envision a huge room with teetering stacks of luggage and the bell boy wandering up and down the aisles, searching in vain for our two carry-on bags. To my amazement the fellow returns within a couple minutes and cheerfully hands us our luggage. We return to the lobby, plop down in a couple big comfortable chairs, and watch vacationers checking in.

A few people like us, surrounded by luggage, wait for transportation to the airport. I suppose I should be sad that we’re leaving, but I’m not. I bear no resentment toward the happy vacationers just arriving. No, I am ready to go home. It was a great trip, and I’m satisfied. We did Epcot, the Food and Wine Festival, the Electric Water Parade, Poop-Do-Dee, Afternoon Tea, and so much more. I’m content to go home to Tornado and our familiar daily routines. I take a last fond look up at the Redneck Concierge.

About ten minutes before our bus is due we move outside and wait on benches to make sure we’re ready when the Magical Express pulls us. Our pastime of people-watching is equally good from here. Cars pull up under the Porte-cochere and families unload vast piles of luggage. I think some families may be taking up full-time residence judging by the number of suitcases, and the supply of bottled water and snack foods. Apparently no one but us owns a TARDIS suitcase.

Among the group of new arrivals are two women who are as conspicuous to me as if they wore rotating flashing lights. Each holds a contraband Wilderness Lodge Mug. How do I know they’re contraband? The mugs are the wrong style. They are wide and have flat bottoms like the ones at the Value Resorts. I bet they’re 5 -10 years old. Do these women know they are violating Mug Law Article 1A Section 277-b which is punishable by public humiliation and even torture? They don’t seem the least self-conscious and make no effort to conceal their antique mugs.

Unfortunately the Lodge has not finished installing the detection and alarm system to screen out pre-enjoyed mugs, otherwise as the women pass through the doors lights would flash and alarms would be blare wwwhoooop, wwwhoooop, wwwhooop! Lodge security in their park ranger uniforms would descend on the violators and wrest the ancient mugs from the women’s hands. I can see it clearly. Security checks their data base and discovers the perps are repeat offenders. There can be no mercy. Article 1A Section 277-b must be enforced. It is only fitting that a public example be made of the offenders. Security paints a scarlet M on the women’s foreheads before roping the women to one of the many log support pillars. The violators will spend the day bound to the pillar while children entertain themselves by playing Indian and dancing around the captives, shooting them with suction-cup tipped arrows.

I am deep in this highly-satisfying flight of fancy when the Magical Express bus pulls up, jerking me back to reality. It’s time to go. We must board the bus, return to the Orlando airport, and once again pass over the Chasm of Fire to catch our return flight home.