Peekaboo, I see Pluto! A 1st Birthday TR; Wrapping up PTR and TR 10/02!

[PrincessAmongPrinces]

Great update!

Franklin is such a good sport! I don't think I'll ever be able to get my DH to wear a Disney shirt... Even though that one didn't scream Disney.

Awesome pictures. You're getting pretty good at TSM Missy! I bet on the next trip you'll finally beat Franklin! And I'm so glad that Tanner loved Sci Fi. The theming of that restaurant is just top notch!

 

[natebenma]

Great update!!!

Love the Dole Whip shirt!

Wheezy! How exciting! I also think the pictures of the TSM signs are awesome.

I would so crop that photo of Tanner with the word Terror over his head!

My family tried to check in early for our reservation the first time we ate there, and they said they could seat us immediately at one of the tables. We request a table now, we have never eaten in one of the cars.

No hot fudge sundae??? Not even 1 with 5 spoons?

You are just going to have to make up for that with a visit to Beaches and Cream when you are staying at BCV!

 

[marDgreen88]

These are some of the best Sci Fi pictures I've ever seen! That place is great. When I went there it was the same thing, too full for dessert! In fact if I remember correctly, I didn't eat but half of my burger! Hahah oh well. Hooray for DHS!

 

[Missyrose]

Ack! I can’t believe how long it’s been since my last update! My life has been rather crazy, leaving much less time for Dising than I’m used to. So let’s begin with some life updates. First, work has been, well, nuts. You see, there’s this little event called the Olympics going on right now. My newspaper has six writers in London and they are producing LOTS of stories. So I’ve been going into work earlier than usual and editing tons of copy as it comes in from London, then I spend the rest of the night producing those stories for the Web and curating all our Web components for the Olympics. One week down, one more week to go! Phew.

In other news on the job front, I’m moving into a different role in the sports section. Right now I work mainly on the copy desk and work at night usually (5 p.m. to 1 or 2 a.m.). But this week, my boss called me into his office and said he was moving me to the day side to run the sports Web site. I’ll basically be doing what I’m doing now, editing copy and producing the Web site, but I’ll also take on the responsibility of running the sports section’s social media, as well. I’m really excited about the new challenge and even more excited for the new hours (I will no longer be a vampire!).

And in the last life update, you’ll notice a new banner in my signature below. Yes, the DVC craziness continues. Franklin and I bought a Bay Lake Tower contract! We absolutely loved staying at the Contemporary and knew if there was a resort we’d like to stay at other than Boardwalk, it was going to be BLT. So by buying a small BLT contract, we’ll be able to take advantage of the standard view category there and make our points stretch a bit farther. I know there are plenty of people who don’t like the modern decor of CR/BLT, but we loooooooove it. It’s such a pretty resort! Our first trip to BLT will be next May with a couple of our friends.

And now, back to what you’re actually here for.... the next chapter of the March TR. We left off finishing a really yummy, and filling, meal at Sci-Fi Dine-In. After lunch we were planning to do something we hadn’t really done on this trip: split up the group. You see, Franklin, Lala, Keith and Tanner wanted to go see the Lights, Action, Motor stunt show and well, I wanted no part of it. Some of you will remember that in our last TR, Franklin and I went to see the show and while I thought the stunts were very entertaining, the show was entirely too long and there was far too much “movie making” filler. Oh, yeah, and I basically vowed to never see that show again.

So the plan was for me to break from the pack and tackle a first-time adventure of my own: The Animation Academy.

Here’s the thing you have to understand about me, I don’t have a single artistic bone in my body.
So needless to say, I was a bit skeptical about how attending a drawing class was going to go.

I arrived at the academy about 20 minutes before the next class and sat in the waiting area. There were only a few people waiting. I began to flip through my Twitter feed to find updates on the ACC basketball tournament and funny enough, a basketball-crazed family sat down to wait. They were from the Chapel Hill area in North Carolina and were, of course, huge Tar Heel fans. So we chatted about the tournament and the ACC season up to that point. Then we started talking about our trips. They were on their first Disney vacation and I was able to answer a bunch of questions they had about touring plans and how to fit everything in.

Soon enough, it was time to head into class. I grabbed a desk right up front.

Our instructor was really good. She asked how many people had done the class before. And then went through a list of characters to see if there was one that no one in the room had drawn before. She landed on Jiminy Cricket. How did I do?

It’s funny, when I came out of the class I thought my drawing looked terrible. But when I pulled the drawing out a few weeks later, I realized I actually did a pretty good job! As with anything you do at Disney for the first time, I wasn’t sure what to expect at Animation Academy. But it now ranks as my must-do activity at DHS, I totally loved it and can’t wait to take Franklin to try it in October!

When I came out of the class, I checked my phone to see if the stunt show crew was done. They weren’t.
I decided to meet up with some other friends. First up? One Hunny-loving bear.

Next I met a serious power couple.

And finally, the star of the show!

That is where my fun afternoon on my own ends. Next up, you’ll hear from Franklin about the stunt show crew’s afternoon. Until next time!​

 

[natebenma]

Congrats on your new position at work. I bet it is going to feel great working during daylight hours once you get used to it.

You got solo time, too!!!

Glad you didn't have to go back on your vow not to see LMA again. (so soon)

Great drawing of Jiminy Cricket. I so want to do the Animation Academy but I'm pretty sure it will have to be a solo shot for me, too because the boys want no part of it.

Love your character pictures!!!

 

[Pixel Dust]

I'm not as great of a storyteller as Missy is but I'll give it a go.

Our story splits as we leave our wonderful meal at Sci-Fi Dine-In. You saw Missy went off to The Animation Academy as the rest of us went to Lights, Action, Motors! You see, Kieth, Lala and I are really into cars. We would attend and compete in several car shows every year. So it was only natural we would go.

And as it turned out, a little food coma has set in. It was a pretty warm day but we in the disabled seating area with Kotkham's scooter and there were big fans blowing.

On with the show!

Ka-Chow!

Lightning McQueen being chased around by Grem

Looks who's awake to see Lightning!

Somebody is enjoying themselves!

Finale to a long show!

We made one quick stop for a photo on our way to meet back up with Missy. Lala and Tanner with the Muppets.

​

 

[marDgreen88]

Missy, your picture is awesome! You haven't seen a bad Animation Academy drawing until you see mine.

LMA is definitely long, but lots of fun to see at least once!

 

[natebenma]

Double updates!

I enjoyed hearing about your viewing of the LMA show.

We last saw the show in 2010 and I don't think Lightning or Grem were in the show. Just Herbie.

Love, Love, Love your fire pictures. Guy on fire is fabulous!

I'm glad Tanner woke from his power nap to enjoy part of the show.

 

[chica622]

Loving your TR! We are taking my 9-month-old son in December.. so you have a captive reader here

PS- Your pictures are beautiful!

 

[Missyrose]

Congrats on your new position at work. I bet it is going to feel great working during daylight hours once you get used to it.

Thanks! I'm really excited about the new job. Besides the amazing hours, it's a much more independent job. I love tackling my own projects, so this gig really is perfect for me.

But yes, those first few 5 a.m. wake-up calls are going to be brutal!

You got solo time, too!!!

Glad you didn't have to go back on your vow not to see LMA again. (so soon)

Great drawing of Jiminy Cricket. I so want to do the Animation Academy but I'm pretty sure it will have to be a solo shot for me, too because the boys want no part of it.

Love your character pictures!!!

The solo time was awesome, so freeing! There's nothing in this universe that could make me go back on my LMA vow. The best news I've heard in months is the rumor that Cars Land could come to DHS and it would be located where the LMA amphitheater is now.

Thanks for the compliment on my drawing. Looking back, I can't believe how terrible I thought it was. You should totally try Animation Academy, it was so incredibly fun (and a nice, relaxing break). Though at this rate, if we keep adding solo things for you to do (Wishes, Animation Academy, etc.) you may just be in for a solo Disney trip!

Missy, your picture is awesome! You haven't seen a bad Animation Academy drawing until you see mine.

LMA is definitely long, but lots of fun to see at least once!

Thanks Marissa! I got a scrapbook to keep all the Animation Academy drawings we do from here on out. And there will be MANY.

Yup, LMA is worth seeing once. I've done my time, never again.

Loving your TR! We are taking my 9-month-old son in December.. so you have a captive reader here

PS- Your pictures are beautiful!

aboard! I'm always glad to add new friends to our journey. Trust me, plenty of people said we were crazy to take a 1-year-old to Disney. But they were totally WRONG! It was an amazing trip and Tanner was engaged with everything and loved every minute of it. You are going to have so much fun with your son! Where are you staying?

​

 

[Pixel Dust]

Double updates!

I enjoyed hearing about your viewing of the LMA show.

We last saw the show in 2010 and I don't think Lightning or Grem were in the show. Just Herbie.

Love, Love, Love your fire pictures. Guy on fire is fabulous!

I'm glad Tanner woke from his power nap to enjoy part of the show.

Thanks! I think the car was a little early or the fire a little late. The timing was a bit off, but it still turned out really nice. The really long zoom lens helped to get a lot of detail with the guy on fire.

I love cars (both the movie and real ones) but this show is even a little too long for me.

 

[teekathepony]

Two great updates! Missy, I love your drawing! I can't wait to try out the animation academy this year, I can't believe I've never done it before.
Love the pics of LMA! Tanner's too cute getting all excited for Lightning MacQueen,

 

[Shazzasmd]

Just catching up on the last two updates. Congrats on the new job role, BLT, and your new-found drawing talent! You have the perfect complement of DVC resorts now.

Loved Franklin's update as well. Tanner has to be one of the cutest kids I've seen, and Uncle Franklin captures him so well.

 

[Missyrose]

Two great updates! Missy, I love your drawing! I can't wait to try out the animation academy this year, I can't believe I've never done it before.
Love the pics of LMA! Tanner's too cute getting all excited for Lightning MacQueen,

Thanks! You are going to love animation academy, it is soooooo much fun!

Tanner loves cars, especially ones with loud engines that go vroom, vroom. So that show was perfect for him.

Just catching up on the last two updates. Congrats on the new job role, BLT, and your new-found drawing talent! You have the perfect complement of DVC resorts now.

Loved Franklin's update as well. Tanner has to be one of the cutest kids I've seen, and Uncle Franklin captures him so well.

Thanks! The new job has been great! I'm loving the new hours and the new challenges.

I'm so excited about BLT. I know there are lots of people who dislike the decor at CR and BLT because it's not "Disney" enough for them, but I love it! It is simply gorgeous. And who doesn't like being able to walk to and from Magic Kingdom?!?!

​

 

[PirateKate]

I was catching up on your TR and I really loved the update with Wishes. Reading the words and seeing the pictures was almost as moving as standing there on Main Street myself.

Tanner is doing so great on his Disney trip. Sometimes I think it's really easier on little guys to stay offsite so they can sleep better and have a little space.

I totally share your opinion on Lights Motors Action, but my boys have both become Lightning McQueen fanatics. I'd rather be at Animation Academy any time. I thought your picture turned out good!

 

[Missyrose]

I was catching up on your TR and I really loved the update with Wishes. Reading the words and seeing the pictures was almost as moving as standing there on Main Street myself.

Tanner is doing so great on his Disney trip. Sometimes I think it's really easier on little guys to stay offsite so they can sleep better and have a little space.

I totally share your opinion on Lights Motors Action, but my boys have both become Lightning McQueen fanatics. I'd rather be at Animation Academy any time. I thought your picture turned out good!

Hey Kate! Thanks for checking back in! I love Wishes. I have found that if I have a bad day at work, if I turn on Wishes when I get in the car, I feel much better. It's an instant pick-me-up.

Tanner did better than any of us expected on the trip. He loved everything! The offsite house worked great. Now that we own DVC, I think our next family trip will be in a 2-bedroom villa at Boardwalk Villas. Not as much room as a townhouse, but I'm hoping we like it!

Yeah, I guess with two boys you're contractually obligated to visit Lights Motors Action on every trip! ​

 

[Missyrose]

We last left off with the great divide in our group.
I headed off to learn how to draw a character and meet a bunch more, while the rest of the crew revved up some stunt-car action.

We met back up in the hub, near the hat. It was time to stake out a seat for the Pixar parade. The difference between DHS and MK is the lack of curbs along most of the parade route. But a helpful CM pointed out the brass inlay on the ground and said that everyone would have to sit or stand behind it during the parade. We chose a spot in the corner so Franklin could take pictures of the floats and characters as they came toward us, before they turned and headed up the street.

Tanner was tucked into his stroller with his new friend, Pluto. You see, we managed to leave Backpack, Tanner’s beloved monkey back at the house that morning. So before the group had split up, Uncle Franklin and Aunt Missy took Tanner shopping so he could pick out a new buddy to nap with. He chose the softest, most cute Pluto I’d ever seen.

He loves Uncle Franklin’s camera and wanted to take out some pics of his own.

Luckily, a man with about a bazillion balloons walked by and Tanner’s attention quickly turned to all those gorgeous Mickey heads!

What time is the 3:00 parade? Ah, yes, 3:00. Let’s get this thing started!

It’s Elastagirl, FroZone and a bunch of guys on scooters with really colorful baggy pants.

And Mr. Incredible!

Look, it’s some of the cutest bugs you’ll ever see!

Hi there, Boo! You’re just too cute!

Seriously Sulley, how do you deal with this Florida heat with all that fur?!?!?

Anyone else excited that the rumors of a Monsters Inc. door coaster have picked up again?

“I just met you and I think I love you.”

Can’t Disney spring for some real balloons instead of just painting them on the float?

Time for Andy’s toys!

Seriously, this might be the coolest parade float I’ve ever seen.

‘Sup Woody

“To infinity and beyond!” Or at least to the giant hat and then down the street.

Is anyone else a little freaked out that the Lotso they have in the park is all cuddly and happy? Last I checked, he was the villain of the movie.

And lastly, Evil Emperor Zurg.

This was my first time seeing the Pixar parade at DHS and I was really impressed. The floats were awesome and so were the characters! I highly recommend it.

This is where we’ll stop this time, but there’s still plenty of fun ahead of DHS! ​

 

[natebenma]

And lastly, Evil Emperor Zurg.

​

Bad Cow!!!

Really great pictures and captions for the parade. We don't really hang out and watch parades, but when we happen to see this one going by I am always impressed at how colorful and "fun" it is.

The pixar movies are just amazing- great storylines and memorable characters who have a lot of depth despite being 2D beings.

 

[marDgreen88]

I love the Pixar Parade too! I don't love it so much the for the music, but the characters themselves are really fun to see. And NO I have NOT heard about that Monsters Inc rumor... but that would be AMAZING!!!!!! It would be a perfect fit in Pixar Place at DHS!

 

[Missyrose]

Bad Cow!!!

Really great pictures and captions for the parade. We don't really hang out and watch parades, but when we happen to see this one going by I am always impressed at how colorful and "fun" it is.

The pixar movies are just amazing- great storylines and memorable characters who have a lot of depth despite being 2D beings.

Yes! Bad cow! I am a huge Pixar fan. Even their so-called "bad" movies (Cars 2, I'm looking at you) are still amazing. I just got the D23 magazine in the mail this morning and it has a photo tour of Cars Land out at Disneyland and Franklin and I were drooling over it.
We can't wait to plan a trip out there!

I love the Pixar Parade too! I don't love it so much the for the music, but the characters themselves are really fun to see. And NO I have NOT heard about that Monsters Inc rumor... but that would be AMAZING!!!!!! It would be a perfect fit in Pixar Place at DHS!

Yeah, that countdown song got pretty tiresome after a while. But all the fun characters totally made up for it! ​