Overdue and Overpacked III: A Tale of Two Cities ~Last Chapter~ 8/22 Page 33

[jcc0621]

Still, when we left, the boy was on Cloud Nine. And all smiles. He jumped around and walked backwards, talking to us excitedly the whole time as he moved. Recounting the conversation.

And this is what a trip to Disney is all about

I was eventually connected to someone with Ticket Services and upon explaining that I was just checking to see if, by some odd chance, any passes were given out the night before to the guests at the P&PP due to some of the events being cancelled, I was told that our tickets had already been credited with another day in the parks.

That sound you hear? It’s the sound of NM screaming all the way from Georgia.

Universal Express.

Baby.

It’s free when you stay in a Universal resort and that sucker is a one way ticket to the front of the line any time you want it. As many times as you want it. With no windows or return times. It completely blew our socks off. And blew Fastpass out of the water. No comparison whatsoever.

Disney needs to do this!

After picking up a few maps (because we would actually need them here), and scoping out our options, we decided to walk straight ahead and take in Shrek 4D first.

Maps

It wasn’t so much that the show had scared her (which it did a little) but it was moreso the fact that she lost her cooler than cool pink Rock Star sunglasses during the show.

Poor thing

Not the crack between the seats! Anywhere but the crack between the seats!

But as much as I hate theme park grodiness, I love my daughter even more. And she was some kind of upset about those sunglasses. So I did what any mother would do in that situation. I bit the bullet and dove into the bowels of theme park nastiness. Where no human hand should ever dare go. The crack between the seat and the seat back.

And instead of pulling out the object of our daughter’s affection, I pulled out something entirely different.

You’ll never guess what.

Uh oh!

Up Next: Ten Reasons Why You Should Throw Some Rubber Gloves in That Backpack and Other Tomfoolery

Another great, funny update LaLa! Although the whole seat thing has me

 

[Chapter 11]

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

Mission Accomplished.

Mama didn’t raise no fool.

All evidence to the contrary, apparently.

There wasn’t even an ounce of sadness. Who knew?!

And you call yourself a Disney Freak (NOFrick)?

GET OUT!

I told her.

Did you shove her in the chest too (metaphorically speaking)?

I would've been here sooner but we were busy cleaning up vomit.

You're slipping -- I would've expected upchuck to make an appearance in this TR before now.

Lovely installment.

 

[desamnik]

I can't belive you stayed OFFSITE! I just can't even imagine it...

We have a son who is soon to be 10 and has read EVERY Harry Potter book 3 times. Needless to say we are waiting semi patiently for the opening of Harry Potter world.

SO, I am looking forward to reading about your adventures in Universal! Since I know we too will have to venture there someday.

My "girl" is home sick too. She came to me at 4am with a tummy ache, and 6 1/2 hours later, the vomiting has begun! And we are way up North from you, thats some strong bug

And speaking of up north, I'm not speaking for all the ladies up here, but myself, not into reading about farts, so try and keep them out of your report if you dont mind Maybe us northeasterners (is that a word) are a bit uptight!

Keep on writing, La, I love reading your stories...

 

[TyRy]

We stood in the middle of Main Street sucking back nasty strawberry and cream crap, hoping in vain the taste would change with the next slurp and were in awe of this part. It was, hands down, one of the most perfectly timed portions of any fireworks show we’d ever seen. The explosions were choreographed perfectly to the music.

The music wasn’t hard on the ears either.

We were blown away by Music, Magic and Mayhem. We felt they really outdid themselves with that one.

Wow LaLa - that mini film was great..thank you for sharing!

For all the boy’s talk beforehand though, he clammed up when it was finally our turn for some serious one on one time with Jack Sparrow. Which is the way it usually goes, isn’t it?

Jack Sparrow: Hello there, mates.
The boy: silence accompanied by a slight step back
The girl: silence
Jack Sparrow: Yes, was your trip here a long one?
The boy: silence accompanied by a shoulder shrug
The girl: silence accompanied by a shoulder shrug
Jack Sparrow: Yes, how did you arrive here in the Caribbean? By ship?
The boy: silence followed by a smiling head shake
Jack Sparrow: Coach?
The girl: silence, silence and more silence
Me: Coach.
Jack Sparrow: Ah, coach. Yes. Well let’s have a photograph then.

Your poor son - do I feel for him. I did this once as a 27 year old when I met a couple members of Def Leppard...all I could get out was "I've liked you since I was this high" and then proceeded to do the arm hand movment to show a much smaller Ty. My dad offered to write a note next time for me.

And there ain’t enough pixie dust in the World to make you okay with having soaking wet underwear. When that happens, it’s just time to call it a night.

I held my breath, counted to three and then shoved my hand blindly down between the cushions of the seat. And instead of pulling out the object of our daughter’s affection, I pulled out something entirely different.

 

[LISAMWDW]

I'm afraid of what you pulled out!!!!!

 

[miabellarose]

Thanks for that short clip of the fireworks. I love fireworks, especially when they're synchronized with music...makes it more fun to watch. I can't believe you left us with that cliffhanger...what was it? I could guess, but I'm only coming up with nasty and gross stuff. Hope it wasn't anything I'm thinking of.

 

[ZZUB]

I made the biggest mistake of the year

You ran for president on your husband's last name and so-called list of accomplishments and you assumed you were the inevitable choice? You thought you could get elected president even though your last name was Huckabee? Having not learned from history, you decided it was time to change the recipe for Diet Coke? Or, more likely, began posting a Trip Report on a Disney-related message board.

Shortly before our trip last October, a friend gave us a CD with some Disney music on it. One of the songs was the theme from Pirates of the Caribbean. As we made our way around property on that trip, we played that CD nonstop and more often than not, we wound up listening to Pirates.

October?! I thought y'all took this trip in April? Or was it May? March? Either way, what's this about October?!

Mama didn’t raise no fool.

I believe those votes have not all been counted yet.

And there ain’t enough pixie dust in the World to make you okay with having soaking wet underwear. When that happens, it’s just time to call it a night.

Perhaps when that happens it's time to start wearing Depends. I didn't realize you were incontinent. I kind of feel bad about making fun of you now.

And I’d wait. And think “Okay, here it comes . . .And then I’d wait some more.

I understand a little Dulcolax, or more fiber in general would help with this problem. But given your other problem for which you require an adult diaper, maybe a laxative isn't the right choice for you.

Waking up with a thumb in your eye is not a fastpass.

No, but it does explain in part your inability to snap a decent picture.

Thanks for mutton.

 

[CampbellScot]

awww poor little Lala...not fun to be projectile vomiting!

Okay so now I MUST plan a trip to Universal...if only to visit the Jimmy Buffett store. Sally and Teddy are flat out OBSESSED with Jimmy Buffett. They would be in hog heaven to be his STORE!!! did you go in?! Lots of parrots? Margarita glasses? flip flops? Shark fins? Cheeseburgers...in Paradise?

all about the Jimmy Buffett!

I physically CRINGED when you mentioned the seat cracks...I SHOUTED "NO!!! DON'T DO IT!!! NOT WITHOUT A HAZMAT SUIT!!!"

you are a brave and loving mama...

to your little girl! Hope her tummy is better soon!!

OH and on the extra Disney tickets!!! Pixie Dust just follows y'all wherever you go!!! I'm glad y'all had such a wonderful time at the P&PP!!

can't wait for more!!!!

 

[dizprincess717]

It was, hands down, one of the most perfectly timed portions of any fireworks show we’d ever seen. The explosions were choreographed perfectly to the music.

I agree 110%, if it were possible! Seriously. Great clip - thank you for sharing that!!

And there ain’t enough pixie dust in the World to make you okay with having soaking wet underwear. When that happens, it’s just time to call it a night.

We had our bases covered as far as the rides were concerned. The fact of the matter is that although this type of blasé attitude could cause some problems elsewhere, it was perfectly acceptable here. Because of two little words.

Universal Express.

Baby.

By golly it's seriously called Universal Express!! Fun story: I worked at Splash Mountain from January-May 2006. One day while at the FastPass distribution machines, a lady was trying to get a FP. I walked over to help her and she became irate, claiming that her ticket was "Universal" and she could "use it anywhere, at any theme park in the world, because it's a universal FastPass giving ticket." Lady made my week. Maybe even month.

And instead of pulling out the object of our daughter’s affection, I pulled out something entirely different.

You’ll never guess what.

Here are my guesses:

A. Slash's top hat.
B. Somebody's "Universal FastPass" ticket (you'd be set for LIFE if such a thing existed).
C. Waldo.
D. Jar of almonds.

 

[tina_la]

k seriously wasn't sure about all this Universal stuff but you are slowly pulling me over to the dark side and wondering if we should add a day at Universal.

I will now call you the evil sith lord Lala

 

[LaLa]

Or was it?

I can't believe you left us with that cliffhanger...what was it? I could guess, but I'm only coming up with nasty and gross stuff. Hope it wasn't anything I'm thinking of

I'm afraid of what you pulled out!!!!!

I am scared to know wth you pulled out of that seat!

Here are my guesses:

A. Slash's top hat.
B. Somebody's "Universal FastPass" ticket (you'd be set for LIFE if such a thing existed).
C. Waldo.
D. Jar of almonds.

Great guesses, but nope. In all honesty, it wasn't anything all that earthshattering. Nasty, yes. But nothing ZZUB's secretary doesn't come across on an everyday basis. While trying to find her happy place.

By golly it's seriously called Universal Express!! Fun story: I worked at Splash Mountain from January-May 2006. One day while at the FastPass distribution machines, a lady was trying to get a FP. I walked over to help her and she became irate, claiming that her ticket was "Universal" and she could "use it anywhere, at any theme park in the world, because it's a universal FastPass giving ticket." Lady made my week. Maybe even month.

That is HILARIOUS! Priceless even. How fast did you tell your coworkers about it? I can't even begin to imagine all the funny stories CMs must have tucked under their belts. Thanks for sharing that one. You made my day.

Okay so now I MUST plan a trip to Universal...if only to visit the Jimmy Buffett store. Sally and Teddy are flat out OBSESSED with Jimmy Buffett. They would be in hog heaven to be his STORE!!! did you go in?! Lots of parrots? Margarita glasses? flip flops? Shark fins? Cheeseburgers...in Paradise?

CS, I know that picture just shows the part with the retail store sign but that's actually Margaritaville. The restaurant/bar/retail store Margaritaville. Which smelled wonderful because they serve...what else?...actual Cheeseburgers in Paradise. We tried to eat there on our last day but they hadn't opened for lunch yet when we arrived so we went somewhere else. It was only after we'd gotten back home that I came across some photos of the Cheeseburger in Paradise. And then I kicked myself for not waiting for it to open. I'm currently trying to figure out how I can get my butt back there in order to try one of those babies. They looked that good.

You ran for president on your husband's last name and so-called list of accomplishments and you assumed you were the inevitable choice? You thought you could get elected president even though your last name was Huckabee? Having not learned from history, you decided it was time to change the recipe for Diet Coke? Or, more likely, began posting a Trip Report on a Disney-related message board.

As bad as I hate to, I have to hand it to you. That was freakin' hilarious.

October?! I thought y'all took this trip in April? Or was it May? March? Either way, what's this about October?!

Your sample of Namenda is on its way. Please do us all a favor and don't miss a dose.

Thanks for that short clip of the fireworks. I love fireworks, especially when they're synchronized with music...makes it more fun to watch.

Yes, they were pretty awesome, miabellarose. So awesome that I wanted to share it. Glad you enjoyed it.

Your poor son - do I feel for him. I did this once as a 27 year old when I met a couple members of Def Leppard...all I could get out was "I've liked you since I was this high" and then proceeded to do the arm hand movment to show a much smaller Ty. My dad offered to write a note next time for me.

This made me laugh out loud. Def Leppard! That's funny. Although, I probably would've done the same thing. Heck, I met Richard Simmons once and all I could get out was "I love Disco Sweat!"

My "girl" is home sick too. She came to me at 4am with a tummy ache, and 6 1/2 hours later, the vomiting has begun! And we are way up North from you, thats some strong bug

Sorry to hear yall are dealing with the pukes as well. Hope she's feeling better soon.

And speaking of up north, I'm not speaking for all the ladies up here, but myself, not into reading about farts, so try and keep them out of your report if you dont mind Maybe us northeasterners (is that a word) are a bit uptight!

You might want to steer clear of ZZUB's trip reports then. It's almost too much even for me! Or is it?

Keep on writing, La, I love reading your stories...

Thanks. I'll keep writing as long as yall keep reading.

Mission Accomplished.

All evidence to the contrary, apparently.

And you call yourself a Disney Freak (NOFrick)?

Did you shove her in the chest too (metaphorically speaking)?

You're slipping -- I would've expected upchuck to make an appearance in this TR before now.

And that's why you're the King of the One Liners, Chappie. Glad you caught the Elaine thing. And yes, I did shove her in the chest. But only in my mind.

Another great, funny update LaLa! Although the whole seat thing has me

You and me both.

Next time try the wake up call at Universal, they use the different Universal characters. You might get Woody Woodpecker one morning. The three mornings we were their we received three different characters.

Thanks for the heads up on the character wake up calls, micandminforever. You learn something new everyday. Glad you're enjoying the report!

I have heard about Universal's Front of the Line deal. How long would you say you waited? It is a cool concept. With the number of Disney hotels I can't imagine it would work well there, everyone would have it negating the point but I am curious about Universal. I even said to the kids the other day that maybe in 2010 we would, shhhhhh, try the dark side for a day. EEEEEEEEK! Don't tell the Mouse I said that!

Your secret is safe with me.

We waited for two rides with Universal Express. Two. And those waits were no longer than about fifteen minutes each. In the middle of Spring Break. Everything else, we walked right on. It was really amazing. I think I'm in love with Universal Express.

I think I'd be even MORE in love with one of those universal Fastpass giving tickets though.

La, I feel for you. During the course of my pre-trip report, my whole family came down with said stomach bug on varying days. We fondly termed it Pukefest 2008 NOFannyPack. I hope she feels better soon!

That's rough, TarzansKat. Nothing can wear out a Mama worse than having to take care of an entire family with the stomach bug. DED over the name though. Thanks for the well wishes for the girl. She's feeling better tonight, still running a fever but no more pukes. We're just waiting to see who it hits next.

And no, we ain't eating Italian anytime soon. Just in case.

 

[DVCTiff]

Oh Lala...can you believe that reading your trippie is way more fun than my last WDW trip? I've been so disappointed I can't even write a report (do you really want to hear about how many 6 month old reservations we cancelled or how hot and crowded it was and how our VWL room smelled like celery? I think not).

Can't wait to hear the rest!

 

[PISCESANGEL]

Another great installment! I cannot believe you actually got FREE passes for another day! That one needs to go down in history somewhere...

oh, right, it is! In LaLa's Trip Report!!!!


Thanks again for bringin' it LaLa - Hang Tough!

 

[ILMICKEY]

Flash photography Lala???

Great update. I haven't broken away from Disney as of yet, but I've been giving the whole US a lot of thought. Teenage boys really don't "get" the Disney thing anymore.

Yay for your extra Disney day!! That must be why you didn't feel so bad leaving property. Your subconcious knew you'd be back!!

Can't wait for more.

 

[AussieAngel]

LaLa, your trip report is seriously funny.

I'm sitting up in bed with my laptop wearing my Eeyore shirt, and I keep snorting with laughter. Oh so elegant. DH keeps looking at me, and saying, "What's so funny!?" So I make him read a bit. Then he snorts too.

We're going to Ersal Studios in January, and I'm excited!! Your report is making me even more excited!

 

[PrincessV]

Although the name of the party we were attending did contain the word “Pirate”, I have to admit I was really surprised to hear Pirates begin to play roughly halfway through the show.

I had to laugh on this one - I had the saem reaction! I eman, I knew it would involve pirates - Pirates were the only reason we were at the party in teh first place! But, somehow that amazing movie score wasn't on my radar at all. It was amazing, no?

If you were seven and ten, would you really want to be chatting up a guy who a) wore more jewelry than your mom b) was all up in your grill with his drunken jazz hands c) couldn’t stand up straight longer than two seconds and 3) looked like this?

"Drunken jazz hands"!

I was eventually connected to someone with Ticket Services and upon explaining that I was just checking to see if, by some odd chance, any passes were given out the night before to the guests at the P&PP due to some of the events being cancelled, I was told that our tickets had already been credited with another day in the parks.

SUHWEET!

I love me some Jimmy Buffett. Mainly because you just cannot hear his songs without associating them with laid back times. And vacation. It’s like watching fish in a fish tank. It just relaxes you and brings your blood pressure down.

Well, that and the tequila.

I held my breath, counted to three and then shoved my hand blindly down between the cushions of the seat. And instead of pulling out the object of our daughter’s affection, I pulled out something entirely different.

You’ll never guess what.

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

Although we joke around about a lot of things, dinner is not one of them.

Dinner is no laughing matter.

Why do the baby Ariels and the baby Tinkerbells look so angry???
Or maybe it's just me.
Wouldn't be the first time. Or the last.

She finally touched Baby Minnie gently and said “I’m sorry Minnie. But I still love you.” And with that, she gave Minnie a kiss and reached for Mickey. Then hugged him tight and broke out into a huge grin. Because as much as she loves Minnie, Mickey’s her boy.

Sweet. As. Pie. (NOBGPC)

Indy Nothing Speedy About It Way

Mad Sure to Make You Splatter tea cups

Oh YES! I know those. They're just before It's Small World Where We Drive You Eight Ways To Crazy With This Song But Gosh Aren't We Such Cute Dolls?

Don't get me wrong, I appreciate ONE ride on IASW every trip but soemtimes, when you get stuck, at the end, don't you wish it was interactive, kind of like Buzz, but with a 'Whack-A'Mole' type feature?

But they mostly laughed at the sight of Brer Bear’s big ole, big ole butt.

Oh yeah! Theresa's got a big ole butt. Oh yeah!

Sorry. Had a middle school dance flashback right there.

Jack Sparrow: Hello there, mates.
The boy: silence accompanied by a slight step back
The girl: silence
Jack Sparrow: Yes, was your trip here a long one?
The boy: silence accompanied by a shoulder shrug
The girl: silence accompanied by a shoulder shrug
Jack Sparrow: Yes, how did you arrive here in the Caribbean? By ship?
The boy: silence followed by a smiling head shake
Jack Sparrow: Coach?
The girl: silence, silence and more silence
Me: Coach.
Jack Sparrow: Ah, coach. Yes. Well let’s have a photograph then.

Riveting.

b) was all up in your grill with his drunken jazz hands

Drunken jazz hands. AWESOME.

DH picked it up to hear the voice on the other end of the line say “You def’nly need a Tic Tac or sump’m cause yo breaf STANK!”

Aw. It was real sweet of ZZUB to call you on your vaca!

And then I broke down and tried to call Guest Services at the Magic Kingdom. Just for the heck of it. And because if I know one thing and one thing only, it’s that it never hurts to ask.

And because if you didn't, poor Mr. La2 would likely be on the receiving end of 2 a.m. leg kicks for the rest of the vacation, no?

Ersal Studios. It’s the new Universal Studios.

Once we made it through the mostly boring and unfunny preshow

You know, I've never really thought about it until now, but the pre-show IS boring and unfunny. Disappointing really.

It wasn’t so much that the show had scared her (which it did a little) but it was moreso the fact that she lost her cooler than cool pink Rock Star sunglasses during the show.

Her “stylin” new sunglasses.

Priorities, mom.

I held my breath, counted to three and then shoved my hand blindly down between the cushions of the seat. And instead of pulling out the object of our daughter’s affection, I pulled out something entirely different.

You’ll never guess what.

Mel.

 

[askelton]

Well, now that I'm finally caught up... You said you went to State and now that I know you're talking about Mississippi State, everything makes sense. DH went to Ole Miss. Although you did sing Rocky Top and that makes this Tennessee girl happy!

You have an amazing writing style and a wonderful family with a great sense of adventure! I'm looking forward to your next installment.

My sister worked at RPR and it is a beautiful hotel. Definitely a vacation atmosphere.

 

[CJsMom]

Oh, not the seat crack. Please, not the seat crack. I can't look!

Hope your daughter is feeling better!

 

[LaLa]

Well, now that I'm finally caught up... You said you went to State and now that I know you're talking about Mississippi State, everything makes sense. DH went to Ole Miss. Although you did sing Rocky Top and that makes this Tennessee girl happy!

Glad to do it, askelton. And thanks for posting. That's pretty cool that your husband went to Ole Miss. Or on second thought, maybe not so cool. Tell him I've got a cow bell with his name on it.

Mel

Who's Mel?!

Actually, Tinkerbellarella guessed it! I actually DID pull MelHappyhaunt out of the seat crack. That's where she's been all this time. Stuck in the seat crack of Universal Studios. Taking notes and scarfing down guacamole.

OR IS IT?!

I had to laugh on this one - I had the saem reaction! I eman, I knew it would involve pirates - Pirates were the only reason we were at the party in teh first place! But, somehow that amazing movie score wasn't on my radar at all. It was amazing, no?

YES, it was awesome. Or...no it was awesome. Whichever. But one thing I do know is that it was one of the highlights of our night. Thanks for posting, PrincessV.

LaLa, your trip report is seriously funny.

I'm sitting up in bed with my laptop wearing my Eeyore shirt, and I keep snorting with laughter. Oh so elegant. DH keeps looking at me, and saying, "What's so funny!?" So I make him read a bit. Then he snorts too.

We're going to Ersal Studios in January, and I'm excited!! Your report is making me even more excited!

Glad to hear you're enjoying the report, AA. You SHOULD be excited about Ersal Studios. I know yall are gonna have a great time.

Great update. I haven't broken away from Disney as of yet, but I've been giving the whole US a lot of thought. Teenage boys really don't "get" the Disney thing anymore.

Yay for your extra Disney day!! That must be why you didn't feel so bad leaving property. Your subconcious knew you'd be back!!

Must be. And yes, that extra Disney day was some kind of sweet. Thanks for posting, ILMICKEY.

Oh, not the seat crack. Please, not the seat crack. I can't look!

Hope your daughter is feeling better!

Thanks CJsMom. She is on the mend.

I'm off to work. Yall have a great day.