Sept. 2009 @ WDW! Be a Pop Tart 2009~come share your(Bounce Back or NOT)Dates !!!

[jmskinner]

Jennifer, that was very nice that your neighbor did that. I would have probably felt the same way, maybe you should have given her some money to take the big kid.

Diva K, so is it just Pop, or all of the value resorts that are booked. I hope you don't mean all resorts are booked. Here is some that it all works out. I am really starting to think with the free dining offer August is going to be packed. When I booked our room at POR last week for July, everything still had rooms available and that really shocked me. Think all those summer travelers postponed until August for the free dining?

Jacob is still asleep, Jonas is asleep after working all night. I'd like to get out and mow the yard, but can't do it until Jonas wakes up. Jacob has offered to try mowing the yard, so he can earn some money. I'm going to let him try, but don't know if he will be able to push the mower. We went for the cheapo that doesn't pull itself.

Hope everyone enjoys their Friday and their weekend.

 

[Kristineamb]

Diva K, so is it just Pop, or all of the value resorts that are booked. I hope you don't mean all resorts are booked. Here is some that it all works out. I am really starting to think with the free dining offer August is going to be packed. When I booked our room at POR last week for July, everything still had rooms available and that really shocked me. Think all those summer travelers postponed until August for the free dining?

Just tried calling again....Free Dining is completely sold out...they didn't even have rack rooms at any value or moderate...ONLY Floridian and Bay Tower!
I am beginning to think the crowds are going to be HUGE and I was already concerned about the heat

 

[cherylp3]

satellite is Horrible during the storms here. I have brighthouse, my bill is $121 a month. (two boxes - one dvr and I have stars )

 

[jmskinner]

Cheryl, since you have Brighthouse, are you getting the free HBO preview this weekend. I kept checking for it last night and then reread about it on the internet and realized I had to turn to one channel to subscribe to the free preview. Technology. Use to you just got the free channels for the weekend.

Diva K, any luck on finding your parents a room?

So, just saw this note about Dis-A-Palooza in December, will anyone be going?

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi there Diva K! My advice is for you to keep calling. I just got a PM from a friend who just changed her dates to August and she has to have at least two rooms, possibly three. I think many folks book trips way in advance and then when it gets close to the date cancel, especially in these times. Might you be able to get rooms without FD and then add them to your room (@$10 per) for almost FD? Don't cha loving being in charge?

Cheryl, I have phone, internet and cable with Comcast and it is a bit over $120 a month, $10 more than it was quoted and my six months runs out in July. I am scared thinking of what they will want to charge then. If not for Tom I could easily cancel cable as I am in lust with my Netflix/Roku box. For only $10 a month. I could also use a 3 cent a minute phone card if not for Tom. He barely knows how to use a remote and when the batteries wear out he freaks. He has never figured out that TV's have on/off switches on them. Effort, it would take effort and that is what he has me for. (direct quote) I do not see me crawling out on the roof to clear the snow off a dish. The roof would not like it either.

TB, is your neighbor young or newly married and thought you might want time alone together? You might suggest that next time she take YOU out for the ice cream and you leave all the 'kids' at home together. Verizon FIOS?? Never heard of that. I live in the boonies so I am lucky to have anything at all let alone choices. I like choices. You are so right in that I do not need an eye tuck. I have nary a wrinkle, some mighty deep creases but they are places that no one is ever going to see. I must be looking good, or at least rich, cause I have had two different guys try to pick me up at the dump. Probably just see that I am capable of lifting heavy bags and think I might be in the market to take care of an old man though.

JM, so in other words your kids did a mom swap?? What matters is if they swapped back before going home. I wish I could have seen you all. Sounds like a lovely day was had by all. BTW, did Miss Ang break anything? Just wondering. If not, it must be that Timmie is the bad influence.

I went to the dump today, my excuse to leave the house without question, and went a few miles further and met a friend for a drink, diet Coke. Her husband is taking early retirement and they have a second place down in FL. Recently they were down there and in the mobile park they are in there was a brand new mobile home for sale. A doctor had paid $115K for it for his future mil. He called off the engagement three days before the wedding and so he was wanting to sell the home. My friend's bought it for a mere 55K. That is how real estate is doing in Florida. If only I could buy NOW!!!!

SG/Linda

 

[janjandis]

I went to the dump today, my excuse to leave the house without question, and went a few miles further and met a friend for a drink, diet Coke. Her husband is taking early retirement and they have a second place down in FL. Recently they were down there and in the mobile park they are in there was a brand new mobile home for sale. A doctor had paid $115K for it for his future mil. He called off the engagement three days before the wedding and so he was wanting to sell the home. My friend's bought it for a mere 55K. That is how real estate is doing in Florida. If only I could buy NOW!!!!

SG/Linda

Linda, if you move down there be sure to post your address so all your Disfriends can drop in, Lol!

 

[janjandis]

That's fine, we can either get together on the 13th or the 18th then

I'll be in town on the 18th, just sayin'!!!!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Janjandis, ya mean like my very tall Canadian friends?

The only thing better than being at DW is being there with a DIS friend.

Wanna hear a bummer? My sister, FL resident, and hater of all things Mouse is going to DW on Monday for her birthday. Only a free ticket would get her in the place. She is going to MK, plans to ride two things and leave. Would she listen to my advice that she would enjoy EPCOT better? Nah, what do I know. We are two very different people.

Wish I were going to be there on the 18th.

SG

 

[Poohbear67]

I'll be in town on the 18th, just sayin'!!!!

Jan that is wonderful news I will be there too!! We MUST get together!!!

 

[Kristineamb]

Let me preface this by saying I REALLY have NOTHING to complain about...I have a GREAT life, I have my health, wonderful friends and family (who just happen to drive me nuts sometimes! )

Most of you you know that my family booked bounce back with Divas Mary and Becky's family's last fall...its been expected for awhile now that Diva Becky's family was probably going to cancel (which they finally did @two weeks ago.) They are going through a family crisis (personal not financial) and I completely understand why they aren't going. About two weeks ago Diva Mary's DH starts talking about driving to DL via Grand Canyon! Then my parents decide they want to join us! I did manage to get my parents in @Pop with free dining Sunday-Wednesday. DH booked our airfare to Orlando yesterday. Still don't know what Diva Mary's crew is going to do...and then DH & DS say they really DON'T WANT TO GO TO DISNEY! This is after we've booked our airfare and I go my parents reservations! DH did try to redeem himself by saying its wholesome family fun and a good deal (although he did add its not as good as a deal as he thought!) So I feel like I am dragging my family somewhere they don't want to go, their only going for me, spending lots of $$$ for something no one wants

We're going but it will probably be our last trip for awhile...so I am determined to make the most of it!
Thank you for listening...I know you all are the only ones who would understand how frustrated I feel, I am so glad I have all of you

 

[jmskinner]

Diva K, I am sorry you are going through that. I am sure that once they get there they will have fun. Jacob never wants to go, but I drag him anyways. Such as yesterday. Going with a DH who has worked all night and a DS that stayed up all night wasn't the best day, but in the end, we had fun and some family time.

Remember, we all need to vent at times. I know I do a lot of it.

I need to go get dressed to take Jacob to therapy. Just wanted to see how everyone was.

Have a good day!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Diva K, it is perfectly alright to have human feelings and frustrations. It is proof positive of your good intentions that you are concerned over your ds and dh saying they might not really enjoy DW. Maybe their idea of a Disney vacation is not exactly what yours is and that is the great thing about DW. Who says you have to be joined at the hip every second of every day? If dh wants to sleep in or ds wants to linger poolside just arrange for them to do what they want some of the time while you do what you want and then meet up when you want.

You suffer from the same disease as I in trying to make everyone happy and it is not your job. You are not responsible for what Diva Mary or anyone else decides to do. You are kind to have offered to try to figure it out for them and that is all you can do. I am sorry to hear that Diva Becky is going through a rough time. I hope it is temporary and things work out well, whatever that might be.

I am cheap as can be and do not think you can find a vacation nearly as inexpensive and fun filled as Disney, especially right now. No one is going to get everything they want, every second of every day. Make yourself happy and it is their job to do the same for themselves.

It took me nearly 60 years to learn these truths.

SG

 

[Kristineamb]

Just got an email from Diva Mary that they are looking at a 3 day Disney cruise in July...and they wanted to know if we wanted to join them!
I hate to say it but I don't think we'll be planning any more trips with Mary's crew in the future...

Diva K, I am sorry you are going through that. I am sure that once they get there they will have fun. Jacob never wants to go, but I drag him anyways.

They LOVE Disney....in fact DH was just telling my parents that Disney is a relaxing vacation for him because its all planned out before we get there, he doesn't have to drive while we are there...DH & DS just said they had been to Disney enough for awhile...it will probably be a few years before our next trip and then we'll let DS bring a friend to run around with...DH actually requested last night that we try Raglan Road @DTD this trip!

Dear Diva K, it is perfectly alright to have human feelings and frustrations. It is proof positive of your good intentions that you are concerned over your ds and dh saying they might not really enjoy DW. Maybe their idea of a Disney vacation is not exactly what yours is and that is the great thing about DW. Who says you have to be joined at the hip every second of every day? If dh wants to sleep in or ds wants to linger poolside just arrange for them to do what they want some of the time while you do what you want and then meet up when you want.
You suffer from the same disease as I in trying to make everyone happy and it is not your job. You are not responsible for what Diva Mary or anyone else decides to do. You are kind to have offered to try to figure it out for them and that is all you can do. I am sorry to hear that Diva Becky is going through a rough time. I hope it is temporary and things work out well, whatever that might be.
I am cheap as can be and do not think you can find a vacation nearly as inexpensive and fun filled as Disney, especially right now. No one is going to get everything they want, every second of every day. Make yourself happy and it is their job to do the same for themselves.
It took me nearly 60 years to learn these truths.
SG

Thank you for your pearls of wisdom
***P.S. Looking for Donald's Safari Breakfast @The Tusker House on Wednesday 8/19 if you hear anything on the boards TIA

 

[thunderbird1]

JM--How did Jacob's attempt at mowing go? I would LOVE to attend Dis-a-palooza, but it won't happen this year. I don't know if you're a fan of the Dis Unplugged podcast, but they throw amazing parties, so I know it would be worth attending. I'll have to live vicariously through you!

SG--Your sister sounds like my brother, who just took his kids on their first WDW trip last month. They stayed off property and the thing they were most excited about was they got to eat at Perkins (twice!) for only $20 for the 4 of them. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but like you said, we are two very different people.

I am cheap as can be and do not think you can find a vacation nearly as inexpensive and fun filled as Disney, especially right now.

That's the truth! Every time we look into doing something different, it always comes back to Disney World. It's cheaper, more relaxing, more fun for everyone--the perfect family vacation. So what's wrong with Diva K's friends and family?

Kris--JK! I'm sorry everyone's being so difficult, from your parents deciding at the last minute to go (glad that worked out), to your boys acting like spoiled brats (glad to hear they're coming around--make sure to do Raglan Road late enough for the dancer and band), to the other Diva's acting like, well, divas. So I'm assuming Mary's family wants to do the cruise instead of WDW, not in addition to it, right? Ugh. You have every right to be frustrated with all of them. They have no idea how much effort it takes to put it all together, especially ADR's during free dining, and to keep changing their minds--I say again, "ugh!"

For breakfast, have you checked out the new online ADR system? I just went up the other day, and so far I really like it. Of course, most of mine were already done (I was a good girl and got up at 4 am several times to get all my ADR's at the 90 day mark), but I did need to add one more, and it was very simple. I couldn't find anything for Donald's breakfast on 8/19, but at least it will be easier for you to check for openings. You can play around with things like the party size to try and squeeze in, too. Here's the link:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/restaurants/

Hope everyone else is well and enjoying the summer. 3 more days of school and we will be, too! Shouldn't Ang, Will and Timmy be back soon? Or did they just decide to snap up one of those half-priced mobile homes and stay for good?

 

[jmskinner]

TB, Jacob couldn't push the lawnmower. So I cut down some limbs from the palm trees and had him cut them into smaller pieces and put them in trash bags. I pulled some weeds and had him pick them up also. Love my new little trimmer. For some reason I hate using the things, but this one was ok.

Some people just don't get the magic of Disney. I still can't talk myself into a cruise. Just don't know how I feel about being out in the middle of nowhere without any control.

Where is Timmy? She's been on Facebook. Ang and Will are at WDW until the 22nd I believe. Her DH was to arrive today. Don't know if I will get to see them again before they leave, but we will be there this Saturday for the fireworks thing. Also noticed on the 28th there is a passholder preview of the Hall of Presidents. DH loves that attraction, so we may end up there.

I also hope everyone has a great day!

 

[Kristineamb]

So what's wrong with Diva K's friends and family?

Kris--JK! I'm sorry everyone's being so difficult, from your parents deciding at the last minute to go (glad that worked out), to your boys acting like spoiled brats (glad to hear they're coming around--make sure to do Raglan Road late enough for the dancer and band), to the other Diva's acting like, well, divas. So I'm assuming Mary's family wants to do the cruise instead of WDW, not in addition to it, right? Ugh. You have every right to be frustrated with all of them. They have no idea how much effort it takes to put it all together, especially ADR's during free dining, and to keep changing their minds--I say again, "ugh!"

Thanks for your support...I really do appreciate it...its official, Mary cancelled their reservation for August and they are going on a 3 day cruise (@$400/person!)next month. My DH is more upset about how they handled it, I watched Mary's girls yesterday morning and she didn't say anything when she dropped them off or picked them up...she emailed me later in the afternoon to tell me...
Actually couldn't sleep last night cause my head was spinning

For breakfast, have you checked out the new online ADR system? I just went up the other day, and so far I really like it. Of course, most of mine were already done (I was a good girl and got up at 4 am several times to get all my ADR's at the 90 day mark), but I did need to add one more, and it was very simple. I couldn't find anything for Donald's breakfast on 8/19, but at least it will be easier for you to check for openings. You can play around with things like the party size to try and squeeze in, too. Here's the link:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/restaurants/

I did try it last night! I really like it, but alas my breakfast isn't available...I have an ADR for it on Sunday but now that my parents are coming we are switching somethings up and we want it Wedesday morning...
LOVED being able to make our ADR for Raglan Road online @opentable.com

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

TB, that is the first I have heard of the online ADR line. I have long been a proponent of such. I would even take it a step further and allow folks to log on and say what park they want to go to, what rides/attractions are musts, as well as where they would like to eat. You would then get a print out with your FP's etc. Would not work for those of us who like to fly by the seat of our pants but would be a lifesaver for some as well as giving DW a heads up on how much of a crowd they might expect and where. Wonderful!

JM, my experience has shown me that when children are young they are eager, but unable, to do much work but by the time they get big enough the willingness has disappeared. My big boy just came by to show me pictures of the feeder he is building for the fair. It is impressive, he had to cut wood, metal, weld and all sorts of things. I pointed out that those skills would work for the faux deck I need built out back.

Diva K, one lesson learned from my September 2008 trip was that it was actually easier to take my husband than to go with anyone else. Tom is only interested in eating so as long as I plan that he is fine for most anything else. It is impossible to plan something that will please everyone and people are so darned unpredictable. Lucy is a dear woman and we are still good friends but quote the Raven. You know the rest. I think you will have far more fun with just your family and letting each person do some of what they want on their own. Then when you are together you will enjoy it far more. Make some of your famous t shirts advertising the fact that you are DIS board members and you will meet many delightful people. If you should meet one of the very small minority of not delightful people you can always invent an ADR or FP and run away. BTW, Diva Mary did you wrong and I strongly suspect she knows that and that is why she is avoiding direct contact.

I wish folks would remember the word RESORT in connection with DW rather than just PARKS. We have found that only going to the parks 2/3rds of the time makes for a better vacation, especially in the holiday season when we want to spend time visiting the resorts to see the decorations and such anyway. I am hearing that new codes for FD (TS,CD etc) are floating around for dates from November 29th to December 17th. I have seven days and 14 would be so much better. Spending three days driving for a seven day vacation does not feel right.

SG

 

[Kristineamb]

Not sure what everyone's plans are but thought I'd post these here before I cancel them in case anyone wants/needs them! For 11 (6 adults, 5 kids.)

8/16
8:10am Donald's Safari Breakfast @Tusker House
8/17
1:55pm Whispering Canyon Cafe @Wilderness Lodge
8/19
2:10 Teppan Edo (Japan)
8/20
6:55pm Ohana @Polynesian

If anybody has a lead on Donald's Safari Breakfast on 8/19 I would appreciate it!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

I am sorry to have been AWOL but I have been lost over at Face Book. I have a feeling that I will not be lingering there long as it is very time consuming and I have to work for fear of losing my position. The wages are poor, fringe benefits non existent but the health plan is pretty good.

As much as I am a tad bit jealous over you all being able to see each other in Aug/Sept etc. when I consider the hot weather I am content to just read the TR. I fear if I went then you all would soon be reading my obituary.

Trimmed alley bushes partly today but then the thunder, lightning and rain came along and changed my plans. Made planting the bulbs and a few flowers a bit easier though.

Baseball game rained out. Love my grandson and know that he loves his BB games but I was relieved.

DD finally came by for her BD present. Someone had dropped off some pictures she needed so she was willing to go out of her way. I had bought her a fancy 350 gig external hard drive as well as a red case, she loses things easily, as she had recently fried her computer and lost all her data. You are welcome dear, even if you did not say thank you. sigh She must not have been raised right, I prefer to think she was just spoiled rotten.

Back to check and see if I got any more nekkid pictures on FB. They ain't got nothing I do not have MORE of though.

SG

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Gee, no one sent me any nekkid pics...but then I'm as lost as you are over there, my friend, and may have missed such fun. It takes me so much time to figure out one thing...and then I find I haven't figured it out at all!!

As always you are such a wonderfully busy bee...may I come live with you so I can busy too, please?

Yes, I care for baby Sophia during the day...but as much as I love & adore her..
1. I'm exhausted
2. I'm B O R E D beyond belief!!
3. I am still blessed.

I will not go back to WDW until I lose some weight (how did this happen anyway??), but now it's too hot and humid to begin walking everyday.

Oh, Ms Linda...I could not use the pin code b/c it was sent to a passholder and I no longer have an annual pass... did not count that I had one (which makes sense, but at first thought that's why I got the pin email) or even if the plan was to buy another one, the pin code did not match my name or address....sigh...nope, not a chance this time. I read that if it comes as a postcard and the person in in the household, the CM can honor it, but not via email. Them's the breaks.

Still have my birthday coming up in the Fall, so maybe I'll get one for that!! See, I'm the perpetual optimist.

How could I forget...I'm so sorry I've not been around this week...it's been one of those weeks. hope you all are well..will go back and catch up on the posts.