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

[SlightlyGoofy]

My dear M&N, trust me, you would not like to come live with me. Lots of unremitting work, little laughter and no love. Luckily I can escape into my own mind and madness. I can honestly say that I have never been bored a day in my life. I find most everything fascinating and interesting and always want to know more. I have always been thus. I grew up very poor in a large household and books fed my soul.

I hear you on how exhausting it can be to take care of a little one. Not only that but walking the tight rope of doing what the parents want you to do. I miss those days though as they gave me purpose.

I have a group of children from the CC coming to visit me tomorrow. I am delighted at the thought of small children playing pool and am planning on getting out the beautiful doll house that I had bought for my granddaughters to play with. It will be a bit bittersweet to have others play but it will be nice to dust it off and have someone to play with it all.

I had read that you could book at AP rates as long as you bought an AP when you arrived. Have even read of folks who checked in and then got the AP when they went to the park and going back to show it to the desk clerk. I think the fall a better time to go any old way. Maybe you will get one of those wonderful December codes complete with FD? I would love that. The Internet is good but not quite the same as face to face.

I attract odd people. I no longer deal with them though, just nice folks like you all. I also do not marry them either.

SG

 

[Kristineamb]

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. 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, I can't tell you how exciting it is to FINALLY have you over on FB!!!

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!!

Minnie&Nana you are such a trooper! I nominate you for Most Improved Facebook Member!

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.

The thing of it is, we were originally all going to go at the end of September-beginning of October until Disney extended the free dining and Mary said she'd rather not take the kids out of school...so we moved it to August...I know September wouldn't be much cooler than August but it might have been less crowded than its going to be in August...

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Diva K, one thing I have learned, very late in life, is that the only one you can truly count on is yourself. When you put your faith in others you are sure to be disappointed and then sometimes bitter. It is better to please yourself and if that makes someone else happy fine, if not at least you are happy. Ohhh, do I sound nasty or what? I am not quite that cynical but there is much truth in that. Life is sort of like a Disney vacation, you cannot please everyone so it is much better to NOT hang in groups ALL the time and then you enjoy the times you are together much more. I see very nice folks who hang together and no one is happy because each person is doing what they THINK the other wants to do and neither of them want to do it. Frustrating. The truth shall set you free!

I will never make most improved because I not only lack your talent in all things gif etc. but the inclination.

SG

 

[Minnie&Nana]

MS SG, I used to be like you - never bored, finding most everything fascinating and interesting...and a voracious reader... and once I had children, although alone, we had much laughter, joy & love. Then my son died unexpectedly and I was forever changed. I am not and will never be the same. Oh, I am happy, have joy and inner peace and all that good stuff...but changed.

I love having Sophia, but for me, one can be boring...more is energizing! Of course, if we could go out for walks I'd be fine....by Fall it will be great!

Kris, you've been so sweet to me on FB! You get the award for patience and never giving up on someone.

I feel so bad for all the planning and rearranging you've done for your summer trip. I've been there and you think we'd learn the first time...but I bet you're like me and want to do what you can so it will work for all involved.....then friends' plans change and we are left with the plans we made to work for them. But you know, it's really not a bad thing...b/c you're a good person and will still have a fabulous trip!!! Loads of dust for the most magical trip ever!!

Are you back at POP? Pref or std? Do you have a favorite area of the resort you like to request?

SG...let's keep our fingers crossed for December. p.s. I could book an AP rate without the ap but this was a passholder pin code. All will be well!

Still thinking about the Oct Dis trip, but today it was sooo hot and I'm having second thoughts...one day to remind me of that heat and humidity and I know it would not be fun. I'd rather stroll through the park, people watch from a bench...rather than trying to walk through every shop to keep cool.

When the kids were young we went every August and it never fazed us...those were the days!

 

[jmskinner]

Diva K, one thing I have learned, very late in life, is that the only one you can truly count on is yourself. When you put your faith in others you are sure to be disappointed and then sometimes bitter. It is better to please yourself and if that makes someone else happy fine, if not at least you are happy. Ohhh, do I sound nasty or what? I am not quite that cynical but there is much truth in that. Life is sort of like a Disney vacation, you cannot please everyone so it is much better to NOT hang in groups ALL the time and then you enjoy the times you are together much more. I see very nice folks who hang together and no one is happy because each person is doing what they THINK the other wants to do and neither of them want to do it. Frustrating. The truth shall set you free!

I will never make most improved because I not only lack your talent in all things gif etc. but the inclination.

SG

Have you ever heard of the Abilene Paradox? That is exactly what you explained here.

Diva K, that does bite that you had changed your dates like that. I would be mad also. We are going with my BFF and her family in July and I am little worried. She is staying at AKL and us at POR. Basically she booked her dates and then called us to see if we could join them at all. She chose most of the restaurants, but based off of my descriptions and how much I love them, so I'm happy with that. It will nice to see her though. I had tried to talk her into going by ourselves one time, but her family didn't like the idea.

M&N, I can understand you not able to be out. The heat is horrible. We noticed a couple of weeks ago how hot it was by 9:00am and stopped our walks. It is actually cooler in the evening which seems weird to me. Of course, my mother is back in TX digging water lines in 115 degrees. She is one of those that won't stop. My stepdad is on his way back to Irag or Afghanistan. He emailed from Kuwait. You would think with all of todays technology someone would have called me.

Well, I got our office cleaned up. Filed all the papers away, cleaned the desk off and organized. Now, must tackle Jacob's room again. Don't think it will take too long this time.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Friday!

 

[Kristineamb]

Have you ever heard of the Abilene Paradox? That is exactly what you explained here.

From Wikipedia:

The Abilene paradox is a paradox in which a group of people collectively decide on a course of action that is counter to the preferences of any of the individuals in the group. It involves a common breakdown of group communication in which each member mistakenly believes that their own preferences are counter to the group's and, therefore, does not raise objections.

JM = smarty pants!

 

[jmskinner]

From Wikipedia:
The Abilene paradox is a paradox in which a group of people collectively decide on a course of action that is counter to the preferences of any of the individuals in the group. It involves a common breakdown of group communication in which each member mistakenly believes that their own preferences are counter to the group's and, therefore, does not raise objections.

I studied this back in college and got a kick out of it, because the group started in Coleman, TX (where a lot of my family lives) and drove to Abilene, TX (where more of my family is). I have made that drive and I know how miserable everyone must have been. Thanks for the definition. Has anyone been guilty of doing this at Disney?

 

[jmskinner]

Diva K, I read your response on my email and responded, I didn't even see the little bookworm and smarty pants. That little worm is too cute.

 

[ANTSS2001]

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.



SG

I guess I will just keep your email addy along with the FB text fowards.. till further notice

 

[MrsKreamer]

Hey yall! I too have been AWOL! I was trying not to obsess over our trip and let some time pass before getting really excited!

So I call in my ADRs on Sat and here is what I am shooting for. *I know this is a lot of food, and a lot of breaking from the parks, however we need to do this because my youngest needs lots of breaks and some quiet time.

Friday Sept 18th-
Driving in
arriving around 3pm
Dinner at T-rex

Sat 9/19 Epcot
Bk- Chef Mickey's(let the kids see the mouse right away) 7:15a
Lunch- Coral Reef 12:45/1:15
break to room
Dinner- 9 Dragons 6:45p/7:15p

Sun-Animal Kingdom
B-Tusker House 7:45/8a
L-Yak n Yeti 12:45/1:15
leave park at 3p/4p
break
D-Hoop 7:15 seating*****Has anyone sat in Tier 2 or 3 seating, How is it?????


Mon-Epcot
B-Wave 7:30/7:45
L-Tokyo Dining 1:45
break
D-Biergarten

Tues(Kurt Jr's Birthday!!!) MK
B-Crystal Palace 7:30/7:45
L-Whispering Canyon Cafe 1:15
Break
D-Liberty Tree Tavern 6p/6:15
Possible MNSSHP

Wed-MK
B-Ohana 7:30a
L-Plaza 1:15p
Leave park around 4:30
D-California Grill 7:15/7:30p*****Is this a good time to be seated if we want to see fireworks???????


Thurs-Studios
B-Hollywood N Vine
L-50s Primetime
Leave park around 5/6p
D-Luau 8p


Fri-Studios/Epcot
B-Cape May 7:30
L-Sci-fi or Garden Grill ******can't decide?????
D-Le Cellier 7:15

Sat-Leaving day
B-Pop
check out
DTD to shop
L-Planet Hollywood or T-Rex again
Start driving around 2p or 3p


OK so any advice???

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Wow, I knew I loved hanging out with you fun loving and interesting people but you are also so darned smart. Abilene Paradox! JM, I had never heard of that and believe you me there is little I have not heard of. Thank you for increasing my knowledge base. I have seen this principal in action many times and especially on these boards.

Timmie, it is YOU who finally got me onto FB. I was not able to view your TR's etc without joining. I just get swamped with work now and then and am not able to keep up with the fun things in life all the time. There is only one of me and I move terribly slow at times, okay ALL the time.

M&N, I think you are absolutely right in avoiding DW in the heat. Some folks thrive in it and others wilt and what fun is a vacation if you are physically miserable? I love the one on one with children. I have a group coming this afternoon and have requested no more than six at a time. Any more and all is chaos. It bothers me when a child needs my attention and I have others clambering also and I do not have the time or hearing to deal with them all. Sugar cookies are in the process, their parents (most of whom I have known all their lives) will thank me. I have a sneaking suspicion that we will both be offered the December FD offer and will be glad that we did not swelter and suffer.

Mrs K, you are a wise woman to get the Mickey meet out of the way early in the trip. You chose many of my favorite places. The only thing I would add is a meal at Wolfgang Puck's but I am guessing you want the theming of PH etc. You can eat at the outside dining at Puck's so little ones can run around a bit instead of having to sit so still. May all your plans work out for you and have a wonderful trip!

Diva K, I have been waiting for some time to more closely inspect something you sent me via FB. Some things require a bit more attention. I have a huge reading list that changes daily. Never gets smaller though. I used to read an average of a book a day and now am lucky to read one a week. Getting a bit better now that I am trying to limit my working hours to just ten a day though.

SG

 

[MrsKreamer]

To be honest the ONLY reason PH is on my list is because I am getting a $15 gift check to eat there from AAA. But if the kids enjoy T-Rex as much as I think they will, we will probably just eat there again.

I would love to eat a WP cafe....hmmm something to think about!

 

[jmskinner]

SG, I can tell my Dad I learned something at college.

MrsK, we ate at PH last September and the food was fantastic. Don't plan on having a lot of conversation because the restaurant is very loud.

Well, Timmy sent me some links so I need to go check them out.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

My stepdad is on his way back to Irag or Afghanistan. He emailed from Kuwait. You would think with all of todays technology someone would have called me.

Okay, that is strange! Sometimes email is just a little too easy....a phone call would have been nice.

DivaK ~ wow...after taking care of the girls, seeing you twice, then an email so let you know they've cancelled and going on a CRUISE instead???? Okay, no judgements here...but once again...email can give some folks the easy way out. Would have been more honest to either tell you in person or at least call - certainly a better friend. Okay...I'd better be quiet now.

D-Hoop 7:15 seating*****Has anyone sat in Tier 2 or 3 seating, How is it?????

MrsKreamer, we've had all seating at the Hoop-Dee-Doo and enjoyed being upstairs better than in the back of the first floor. It is an adjustment at first b/c you feel far away, but everyone comes upstairs and usually have an unobstructed view - which is great!! Have fun!!

We've eaten Sci Fi and Garden Grille several times, last time was last August. Is the Garden Grille still the Farmer Characters? It was okay, but we prefer the old time Drive-In theater in the Hollywood Hills theme of Sci Fi....food is okay at both.

Have a great TGIF everyone!!!!

(Now the Hoop-Dee-Doo song is going through my head ..over...and...over...and...over....)

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Timmie, when I checked my computer a few minutes ago I found a FB chat from you. I answered it but you were long gone so it did not get sent. My response was "Honey, you never bug me, I just am not always able to reply right away". There was some sort of message above yours, something about dad or something but I could not get it to scroll down so I could read it. Think I will ever figure this stuff out? It is not lack of brains but lack of time to sit down and do such things.

M&N, I am with you on how Diva K is being treated. I saw her doing everything for all the Diva last September. She is a very giving person and sometimes such folks are taken advantage of. I have a feeling that Diva M knows this and was ashamed to do it directly. Might be a choice between her hubby and Kris. That stuff happens. Women should still be nicer to each other.

JM, yep them college courses come in handy. So far, for me, it has just given me more topics of conversation and little practical knowledge. My youngest grandson, who is super smart, when he gets the big head, gets told that grandma has a high IQ too and cleans toilets for a living.

Mrs K, I absolutely love the Butternut Squash Soup and the Macadamia Chicken. The Carrot Cake is pretty good too but I am not a big fan of sweets. Wish they had the flourless chocolate cake at the CS place. Puck's, near the theater, is fantastic! I have found that, no matter where we are seated, any place at DW it is always a good view and sometimes a different perspective brings new insight. Up front is seldom the best. Hurts your neck and you do not get a full view.

More cookies to do. I have red, white and blue stars to sprinkle them with. I used to bake cookies every single day when my kids were in school. My secret was that when I made cookie dough I made multiples and froze the dough so on some days I was 'cheating". Did the same with the homemade bread, my husband refuses to eat store bought bread. Sneaky.

SG

 

[jmskinner]

M&N, I knew my stepdad was heading overseas, but last I had heard he had to take some course in GA. Turns out they sent him an email saying as soon as he could get a ticket he needed to have his rear on a plane. So I sort of understand, but you would think my Mother would have called me. Well, now that I lthink about, I'm not that surprised. My Mom hardly ever calls. She always assumes everything is ok. Several years ago when she was still working I couldn't reach her and my stepdad was working out of state. Finally called her work number and left message that she needed to call her daughter. She calls me later that night after she tried to use her phone and couldn't get a dial tone, went to a pay phone (before cell phones were so popular) and the operator said she should check to see if a phone is off the hook. Yup, that is what it was. No telling how long she had been without a phone. Funny thing is, the woman worked for the phone company for 30 years. Maybe that is why she doesn't use the phone.I never thought about it before.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

M&N, I knew my stepdad was heading overseas, but last I had heard he had to take some course in GA. Turns out they sent him an email saying as soon as he could get a ticket he needed to have his rear on a plane. So I sort of understand, but you would think my Mother would have called me. Well, now that I lthink about, I'm not that surprised. My Mom hardly ever calls. She always assumes everything is ok. Several years ago when she was still working I couldn't reach her and my stepdad was working out of state. Finally called her work number and left message that she needed to call her daughter. She calls me later that night after she tried to use her phone and couldn't get a dial tone, went to a pay phone (before cell phones were so popular) and the operator said she should check to see if a phone is off the hook. Yup, that is what it was. No telling how long she had been without a phone. Funny thing is, the woman worked for the phone company for 30 years. Maybe that is why she doesn't use the phone.I never thought about it before.

OMG, I love that story!! ...still laughing....

 

[Kristineamb]

M&N, I am with you on how Diva K is being treated. I saw her doing everything for all the Diva last September. She is a very giving person and sometimes such folks are taken advantage of. I have a feeling that Diva M knows this and was ashamed to do it directly. Might be a choice between her hubby and Kris. That stuff happens. Women should still be nicer to each other.
SG

How did you know?!?!? You are so wise
That is exactly the case...Mary and her girls were psyched to go...it was ALL her husband..and remember he and Mary went to Disney last November BY THEMSELVES...I watched their daughters!
I had bought Mary's girls some iron-on Disney Diva bling for our trip...she actually had the nerve to email me today asking me to iron them on for her so they could wear them on the cruise!
Really trying not to be bitter

 

[jmskinner]

How did you know?!?!? You are so wise
That is exactly the case...Mary and her girls were psyched to go...it was ALL her husband..and remember he and Mary went to Disney last November BY THEMSELVES...I watched their daughters!
I had bought Mary's girls some iron-on Disney Diva bling for our trip...she actually had the nerve to email me today asking me to iron them on for her so they could wear them on the cruise!
Really trying not to be bitter

Wow. I could never do that to someone.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

How did you know?!?!? You are so wise
That is exactly the case...Mary and her girls were psyched to go...it was ALL her husband..and remember he and Mary went to Disney last November BY THEMSELVES...I watched their daughters!
I had bought Mary's girls some iron-on Disney Diva bling for our trip...she actually had the nerve to email me today asking me to iron them on for her so they could wear them on the cruise!
Really trying not to be bitter

I had a feeling it was hubby as well....and it did put Mary in difficult spot....but...me still thinks, even though she was embarrassed, at least phone call was deserved to her friend.

Now asking for you to do the iron-ons...well...

You are a very kind friend, Kris.