Overdue and Overpacked II: The LaLas Take on the World: EPILOGUE ON PAGE 58

[nicolemarie]

By the way, from the picture it looks like Mr. LaLa might be sportin a 6-pack under the grumpy shirt.

Melinda!! I am DED that you said that. Because it's EXACTLY what I was gonna say when I saw that Mr. LaLa pic!! How funny. You go, Mr. LaLa!!

Oh, La. You've got so many quoteworthy things in this installment that I don't even know where to start. And being that my brain is a little fried today, I might NOT start.

But girl, you brought it. You brought the funny. You brought the yellow. You brought the wolley. And you definitely brought the love for your family. The caliber of writing in this installment is why you are one of the best writers on this board.

After loading the booty into the toiletry bag, we locate the AKL stationary and provided pen. I take a moment to scrawl “LALA WUZ HERE!” on a sheet of paper.

Surprisingly, this was still there when we checked in at Thanksgiving. No wonder Mousekeeping is being dogged out on the Resorts Board.

Once again, we found ourselves blessedly overpacked.

This might be my favorite line in the whole installment. It's so true.

I like the way you made sure the poor sap had rounded the corner before you mocked him with your camera flash. Poor guy. And all he got was a Tic Tac for his troubles.

As much as we love dinner at Boma, dare I say it: breakfast was even better.

Boma has become our last morning tradition. Because we've now done it twice. But my daughter - just yesterday - asked if we could do "that breakfast at AKL" on our next trip. We all love it, too.

“Yeah. We've got everything we need.

And you always will. It's a promise He made.

This was wonderful. I won't babble on and on. Because I'm headed to bed for a post-VBS nap. But this is one of your best, my friend. And I, too, look forward to the epilogue.

Much love to ya, La.

NM

 

[ZZUB]

And we occasionally like to amuse ourselves. And no one else.

Judging from the large number of views this TR has enjoyed, I would say you've actually amused quite a few of us.

In much the same way that State beating Bama will become a tradition

IF by 'tradition' you mean once every 50 years. Get a grip, LaLa, unless Nick Saban goes the way of Mike Price, there isn't much chance those cow bells will be so loud this year.

We were going out with a bang.

Ironically, that was how I left Teppanyaki.

I suppose I am to shoes what Mel is to bathing suits.

Please. Imelda Marcos isn't to shoes what Mel is to bathing suits.

Enjoyed this chapter as always. But I'm very sad your TR is about to end.

 

[tinkgurl]

But unlike on all the previous mornings, it meant something completely different on that day. Because for the first time all week, having Mickey stir us from our slumber did not mean we would soon be heading out the door for some serious yellow.

It meant we would soon be heading out the door.

I am dreading that day and I still haven't started the vacation!

So the outfit had to be comfortable. Breathable. And slightly puke resistant. Just in case. Cause you just never know with us. Especially if there’s a Ruby Tuesday’s involved.

Better to be safe than sorry!

I don’t remember what time our ADR was at this point (again I say: it’s been eight months, cut me some slack)

Okay.....I guess I can forgive you!

The girl climbs up into my lap and the boy sits across from us as we take in the AKL savannah for the last time.

This would be the time for me to start the water works!

I bet she was just checking in. Daydreaming about what a great time she was gonna have in my room. Figures.

And this would be the time for me to give everyone checking in the evil glare. It's like "No fair, their vacation is just starting!" But then I gotta remember "Okay, we just spent 2 weeks here before they even got here!

NOOverdueandOverpacked.

I now understand the title of your report! Silly me!

 

[CampbellScot]

wow...I was feeling your pain...carrying your burden...trudging in your footsteps...thirsting for your Frunch Juice...I was THERE baby!

I so snort laughed at the picture of the overloaded cart full of "lala" stuff as it rounded the corner...cuz that is SO my family too!!

I further snort laughed at the Grumpy shirt tradition as I have a grumpy shirt myself that I save for days when I'm too grumped to speak and need only to point to the shirt to strike fear into the hearts of my little step children...and my husband...I love that shirt...I have also recently acquired a "Crabby yet adorable" Donald duck baseball cap that serves the same purpose!

OH, my other not attractive snort laugh came when Zzub responded to your State beating Bama becoming a tradition comment...goodness that man has a BUTTON on that one there! Nicely pushed!

I have love love loved reading this trip report. I'm bummed it's over. But I'll tell you what...I can't WAIT for the next one!!!

and there is ALWAYS "The LaLa's take on the Grocery Store" in the works!

thanks for the laughs! It's been a blast!! I hope that I can do as well when I write MY very first time Trip Report...don't know if I can...y'all are just too good!

 

[HaleyB]

La loved it.
I laughed
I cried
I made an ADR for Boma.

Really.

and a pickle/cart for you.

 

[praisehisname]

LaLa, I loved your report! I especially liked how in this installment you kinda recapped a lot of the funny moments from throughout the whole trip. I found myself saying, "Oh, yeah! I remember that part!"

Thanks so much for all the effort you put into this; it was truly enjoyed.

Please tell us you have another trip planned soon!

Denise

 

[bdlily]

WOW. I tell you what. WOW!

That's all I have.

 

[Tanya90210]

If it weren't for the sight of the luggage cart heading down that full I just may have been in tears now...

That picture was awesome!!! talk about alot of stuff!!!

I hadn't considered boma... We may just have to do a couple shared meals between DS and I so we can go there too lol...

Tanya

 

[MouseDogMom]

You couldn't have posted the part about breakfast at Boma BEFORE we went? We've been back a week, and NOW I find out. Guess we'll just have to go back... Boma is one of our favorites too, but we've only been for dinner so far.

Don't know if DH can handle much more - this past trip DD (SoccerDog) and I kept making references to LaLa's trip report, and he kept asking "what?" - never did quite catch on to exactly what that meant. Some people just don't get it!

GREAT installment. Were right there with you on departure day - so very fresh in my memory!

 

[SoccerDogWithEars]

I totally agree with the above post. Not that I know the person or anything. I mean, please, obviously someone else took the photo of her running in her sig. But that someone also got the only picture where she isn't looking like she just ate at Teppenyaki. Ahem. Back on topic.

LOVED the Pirates reference. And the recapping. And the whole thing.

You truly are an amazing writer. I really did keep quoting you our whole trip. And Dad never did catch on. I don't want this TR to end, because it has been major yellow in my life. I actually almost made us late leaving for Disney because I was trying to squeeze in the chapter you had posted. Then Mom found out and threatened to leave me behind. Go back soon so you can start another one. I've got 8 months to kill.

 

[Frickles]

I need to potty right now. Pull over.

What city are we in?

Are we there yet?

Willyoustoptouchingme?!

What city are we in now?

I see an Arby’s sign. Pull over.

I can't reach my pillow.

Movie's done.

I’m hot.

What city are we in now?

My tummy doesn’t feel so good. Pull over.

I’m cold.

I’m hot.

I’m cold.

And that’s just what I would be saying on the ride home.

So borg on everything but the Arby's. Beef and cheddars nerd me out.

It’s a tradition that on the day we leave Disney, my husband dons the Grumpy shirt, signifying how he feels about the day.

This was stinking hilarious to me! And I'll agree with Lex and NM, you go Mr LaLa!

Of course, our last day in the World is not the only time he wears the Grumpy shirt. He also wears it around the house on occasion. To Wal-Mart on December 23rd. To the circus (especially if there are knife wielding clowns who “speak” via whistles present: leave it alone).

I can't leave it alone because I am DED over the fact that I too have seen those clowns that only speak with whistles! I know exactly what you speak of. And it isn't pretty.

he probably would’ve worn it on the day he taught me how to drive a 5 speed in a (somewhat) empty parking lot.

I was wondering why he needed to teach you to ride a bicycle. Around these parts we call it a stick shift.

the first meal back in the real world after an entire week of Free Dining stunk worse than a certain Canadian bathroom after a visit from the Funk Fairy.

He'll never live that one down. Funk Fairy. ded!

We were bringing back more than just bags of shoes and souvenirs from our time in the World that week. We were bringing back happy memories and future shared laughter. We were bringing back movies that existed not only on tape, but also in our minds. Movies of the four of us riding Soarin’ together and the kids laughing hysterically at the antics of The Mouse and crew at Chef Mickey’s. Memories of a quiet moment shared amongst the madness of Biergarten. The ill timed Typhoon Lagoon nap. The Honorary Musicians moment. Our son’s long anticipated meeting with Red. My long anticipated meeting with a Dole Whip.

It was all there. It was all ours. And it was all coming home with us.

Once again, we found ourselves blessedly overpacked.

Awesome. Purely awesome.

LaLa!!! What a great chapter! Thank you muchly for the leaving Disney depression that I started to feel, and the sit on your balcony, and the great breakfast and the last look around the AKL. I was right there with y'all. You have a gift. And I hope you are using it again soon. Much love to ya LaLa. Trip Reporting aint easy. Thank you for the time you have taken out of your crazy busy life to share your sweet family's memories with us.

I also need to clear something up and tell everyone that I had that picture of LaLa eating the pastry wrong. That is really her twin, GaGa.

 

[samc]

And we occasionally like to amuse ourselves. And no one else.

Waaaay BORG

In much the same way that State beating Bama will become a tradition if they pull it off again next year

sorry Lala that was a freakish anomoly.....so not a tradition

we grabbed the shower cap too. Because you never know when you might need to wet the entire bottom half of your head. Along with your hairline.

DED

It was all there. It was all ours. And it was all coming home with us.

thank you so much for sharing it all with us.....it's been blessedly overly-funny, overly-sweet and overly enjoyable!!!

There was so much yellow.

girl....it was all yellow

 

[team weasel]

Fo shizzle - La Lizzle!

I can't believe it's over!

Load up the van, pump up the jam, and head back real soon!

 

[Tinkershell]

Lala that was an awesome trip report! I wish it would never end and I could just keep looking forward to that next chapter! Thanks for sharing with all of us.

 

[DisneyWorld Delight]

La La! That was so fun. You are a great story teller! Thanks so much!

 

[LaLa]

That's right. I saw it, Mr. Quick Draw McEdit.

I may not be able to focus my camera but dadgummit, I can catch a spelling error before it gets edited. Unless, of course, I'm the one typing it. In all seriousness, thanks so much for what you said, Chappie. Not the stuff about the spelling errors and the colons. NOColinPowell. But the other stuff. The nice stuff. I've looked forward to your goofy posts since the beginning of this trip report and have laughed my butt off at more than a few of your one liners. You're a nice guy, Chappie. You could stand a little improvement in the spelling department, a haircut and a pair of elevator shoes. I think. But still. A nice guy all the same.

After reading about Boma for breakfast i'm starting to think about adding it for our departure day. Thanks for breaking the budget.

No thanks necessary. Just make sure you lick every last bit of the Frunch out of your little glass when you go. Cause that's what DH would do.

You are one of a kind!

Right back atcha, Lexmelinda. Thanks for all the sweet comments, my girl. You know you, NM and Frickles made DH's day, don't you? He wanted to know who all said he had a six pack. Twice. And then once again for good measure. We've gotten a kick out of some pretty funny eight pack and twelve pack jokes since the other day. But you're right. The man's in pretty good shape. He has to be. Did you see the cart?

Surprisingly, this was still there when we checked in at Thanksgiving. No wonder Mousekeeping is being dogged out on the Resorts Board.

I hope you left a NM note to carry on the tradition. If not, I'm highly disappointed in you.

But this....

And you always will. It's a promise He made.

...I really appreciated. Thanks for all the sweet comments, NM. You know I got much love for ya, chick.

Judging from the large number of views this TR has enjoyed, I would say you've actually amused quite a few of us.

Thanks for this, ZZUB. It made me smile. Hugely. And you're not the only one who's a little said to see this thing end. But it's all good, my friend. DED over the Imelda Marcos comment.

I am dreading that day and I still haven't started the vacation!

Sorry to bring the Disneyfruede, Tinkgurl. But thanks for posting and congrats on your trip!

OH, my other not attractive snort laugh came when Zzub responded to your State beating Bama becoming a tradition comment...goodness that man has a BUTTON on that one there! Nicely pushed!

You know I'm all about pushing the Roll Tide buttons. NOSamC.

La loved it.
I laughed
I cried
I made an ADR for Boma.

Really.

HI HALEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And thanks, Haley. Glad you made the ADR for Boma, woman. You won't regret it. Seriously. Try the Frunch and some fruit. That's good stuff.

WOW. I tell you what. WOW!

Just so you know, DH is under the impression that you're referring to the six pack here. Or is he?

I can't leave it alone because I am DED over the fact that I too have seen those clowns that only speak with whistles! I know exactly what you speak of. And it isn't pretty.

They're the WORST, aren't they? Humans were not meant to communicate solely with whistles. It just ain't right. Thanks so much for what you said, chick. You know I love ya. You might be surprised to know that we actually call it a stick shift too, Frick. When we're not calling it a five speed. DED that your first thought was that I was talking about a bike. Because around here, we call that a ten speed.

Cue Chappie or ZZUB with the oh so obvious joke. LY/MI Fricky!

Don't know if DH can handle much more - this past trip DD (SoccerDog) and I kept making references to LaLa's trip report, and he kept asking "what?" - never did quite catch on to exactly what that meant. Some people just don't get it!

I really did keep quoting you our whole trip. And Dad never did catch on.

That's hilarious. I do the same thing. It's funny how we bring little catch phrases and incidents from other people's trip reports along with us when we go to the World. I, for one, don't think I'll ever be able to pass Canada or Teppanyaki without thinking of ZZUB. In not a good way. The lady who was tidying up her kid's Dole Whips in line in front of me made me think of Mel's mom. I could go on and on but who has the time? Yall will definitely have to try Boma for breakfast next time. And don't forget to try the Frunch.

SamC, DisneyworldDelight, teamweasel, tinkershell, tanya90210, praisehisname, JKMJ441724: Thanks SO MUCH for all of your funny and sweet comments! I really appreciate them. All of them. I've got one more chapter left so I hope yall will hang in there with me for that.



And just for SamC: (and maybe someone else too. Like Mel)

 

[lexmelinda]

 

[DisneySweetie]

I can't believe it's practically over. I have spent the last week reading through your TRs and I have completely enjoyed every last detail. You have definitely got me craving those Disney magical moments (no documentation/certificate needed).

Fantasmic has always been my night show of choice, but I'm thinking we'll have to give Illuminations a fair chance. Epcot is also our favorite park (besides MK of course). It just seems that my previous Illuminations viewings have been much like your tree branch night. Looks like I will be doing some research here on the DIS for good Illuminations viewing spots for our upcoming Disneymoon.

Although Animal Kingdom is not my favorite park, I love the photo of the tiger in the fountain. I don't know what it is about that photo, but I just keep going back to look at it.

Thanks so much for sharing your adventures. I hope you get to return soon.

 

[LaLa]

You've been sippin' it for a week straight. But thanks for the bump. LY/MI chick.

I can't believe it's practically over. I have spent the last week reading through your TRs and I have completely enjoyed every last detail. You have definitely got me craving those Disney magical moments (no documentation/certificate needed).

Fantasmic has always been my night show of choice, but I'm thinking we'll have to give Illuminations a fair chance. Epcot is also our favorite park (besides MK of course). It just seems that my previous Illuminations viewings have been much like your tree branch night. Looks like I will be doing some research here on the DIS for good Illuminations viewing spots for our upcoming Disneymoon.

Although Animal Kingdom is not my favorite park, I love the photo of the tiger in the fountain. I don't know what it is about that photo, but I just keep going back to look at it.

Thanks so much for sharing your adventures. I hope you get to return soon.

Thanks, DisneySweetie. Thanks for posting and CONGRATS on your upcoming Disneymoon! Yall will have a blast. Thanks for the props on the photo, I love that one too. I think the reason I like it was because it was such an unexpected shot. We were surprised to see him pop his head out of that fountain and give us the stare down. And believe me, he stared at us for a long time. Like we were dinner or something.

I know everybody has different opinions about the fireworks, but give Illuminations another shot when you go. Cause having a tree branch stuck in your way and listening to people yell "Down in front!" throughout the show is no fastpass. And it definitely takes away from it. I'm sure you'll find lots of info here on the DIS about good viewing spots. Also, if you have a PassPorter, they have a fold out map of Epicot with all the best viewing spots for Illuminations highlighted. I try to go by that when we're looking for a spot. The video that I posted was taken from Canada. We loved that spot. Even though it reeked of ginger sauce. For some reason. Have fun on your trip. I love your siggie picture, by the way.

I've almost got the last one finished but we're heading out for the weekend so it'll be a few more days before I can post anything. But I just wanted to tell yall THANK YOU SO MUCH for hangin' with me. Your posts have been a huge encouragement to me for some time now. So thanks for that.

Yall rock.

Truly.

Well, everybody but Chappie and ZZUB rock. Cause they're still on Ignore. At least I think they are. Who can keep track?!

 

[sleepingbean]

Well, I knew you had posted on page 56. I opened it several times, looked at the man in the grumpy shirt (do we know if that is REALLY your husband? Was the 6 pack dispute ever confirmed?)

So I'd open, scroll to see pictures, and close it. I couldn't bring myself to read it too soon because I don't want it to END!!!!

Okay, so for the sake of all mankind (or mousekind, if you prefer) go on another vacation soon! And make sure it involves small sinks, mice, and occassional vomit scares in the family vehicle.

I would love to have a printed copy of this whole issue. If you ever consider putting your story up on a blog, in one long post, that would be great for those of us who want to relive our trip through you

You know, we stayed at AKL on our first trip to Disney last January, and your descriptions are incredibly accurate and they truly match those little things that you notice, miss, and often forget as time slips on.

Did I mention I have been loving your trip report? And do you know why I clicked on it in the first place? The name LaLa. It was my childhood nickname, so I was drawn in to see who this other LaLa may be. Lucky for me my childhood nickname wasn't ZZUB
(kidding, of course, that is the next trip report I am scheduled to read, by the way).

So, make that epilogue long as possible. I don't want it to END!