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

[Kristineamb]

This is quick drive by hello as we are trying to get out the door for our Mother's Day Charleston trip!!
As life goes, Jackie had to go back to the Vet yesterday - she's been chewing on some of the suture sites..anyway, she's now on a sedative (maybe I should take it too? ) It makes her more groggy than we like , but it's supposedly very safe for seniors (see, I told you i should take some too!).
Anyway, soon as the car is packed, I have showered and the pups have been fed, we're off!!

How was Charleston?
How is Jackie recovering?

 

[ANTSS2001]

hello... its that weekend again... have a good one peeps.. I will be working this weekend... dont do anything I WoNT Do

 

[cherylp3]

its my anniversary this weekend so I'm going to disney. Actually staying overnight. Hoping for an upgrade!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Never been to The Plaza....whats good there?!?!?

Oh my, it's a popular favorite...but it is sandwiches (huge and delicious), homemade sweet potato chips, the best shakes (The Plaza is known for the ice cream shakes and desserts).

It's like sitting in an old fashioned turn of the century restaurant - very much Magic Kingdom decor, if that makes sense.

I'm not sure we would use a dining credit for it though - money wise it's probably better out of pocket. We did not eat there last summer (only at Disney for 4 ngts and decided not to use it on the DDP).

How was Charleston?
How is Jackie recovering?

Charleston was a almost the trip from hell. The hotel was awful..and I carefully checked reviews. It was sooo dirty, pubic hair all over the bathroom, filthy carpets. Ugh.. We had the sofa bed open the entire time, one of us always sitting with Sophia on the bed (incredibly uncomfortable bed and I don't mind sofa beds). We changed rooms to one a bit better, but still dirty. The manager did comp us a ngt.

We enjoyed the city, but were not able to do any of the historic walking tours we'd hoped to do...actually, all we did was shop and drive around. We would get out each morning much later than expected due to the care of Jackie's wounds, bandage changes, getting the meds into the pups, feeding them (for some reason they would not eat). Jackie managed to get out some sutures, even tho we had her sedated.

Jackie usually LOVES hotels and is all excited when we arrive - not this time. Something about this hotel was just not right...bad vibes.

The last night Sophia fell off the bed and split open the inside of her upper lip at 3 a.m. Mia felt horrible, of course. Sophia sleeps with them, but it was in the hotel that she awoke for the very first time (when Mia went to the bathroom at 3 a.m.), got up and must have crawled off the edge of the bed. I'd suggested bed rails, but DD did not think it would be needed....live and learn when it comes to babies. Sophia is fine, had a teeny bit of a black eye yesterday, but already nearly gone today.

We will definitely return to Charleston (this was Mia's 3rd visit), but stay far from that darned hotel. It was a Residence Inn and we've had many great stays at Residence Inns. Interestingly enough, this one had a brand new manager, who told me her boss told her - "Don't worry, Rome wasn't built in a day".

Loved Charleston, the history, the old homes. We drove through The Citadel, through the Isle of Palms (gorgeous!), had a couple of fabulous meals - one over looking Shem Creek through open windows and the other an old fashioned low country Southern Chicken Fried Chicken dinner...mouth watering delicious!

What we learned: do not travel with a pet with multiple sutures!! Her sutures were removed yesterday (day after we returned) and she is good as new now. LOL

Sorry to go on ...the hotel stay was so bad it was comical.

How is Mary doing?

 

[Minnie&Nana]

its my anniversary this weekend so I'm going to disney. Actually staying overnight. Hoping for an upgrade!

Cheryl, what fun! Happy Anniversary!!

Have a great weekend and lots of dust for an upgrade!

 

[ANTSS2001]

its my anniversary this weekend so I'm going to disney. Actually staying overnight. Hoping for an upgrade!

happy Anniversary Cheryl and Todd!!!

 

[angwill]

Hello everyone. Been busy here with the end of the school year stuff.

I am absolutly and totally relieved to finally, in one week, be free of the crappy middle school DS attends . DH and I went to DS IEP meeting yesterday and the worst teacher in the school (she enjoys swearing at kids and parents alike) attended for no reason other than to make sure they outnumber and intimidate the parent in the meetings since Will never had her as a teacher, lucky for her. Her and the principal sat at the end of the table making horrible faces when they didn't like what was being said and complaining about how boring these meetings are and saying loudly how many more they had to endure. DS had to sit next to them and I kept wanting to ask them what was wrong with their faces and comment on what wonderful examples they must be for the students. I really think they went into the wrong line of work because they are truely miserable. Whew, it feels good to get that off my mind. lol

Congrats on your anniversary, Cheryl. You go enjoy yourselves and I will hope for that upgrade for you too.

M&N sorry to hear about the hotel you were in. I think they save the worst rooms with the worst carpets for people with pets. I am glad you enjoyed the visit though. I am sad to hear that Sophia fell off the bed and hurt herself. Glad your back now.

I need to go back and read if anything else is going on with anyone.

Oh yeah, Timmy enjoy your working weekend. What is it 60 more days for you till you see WDW again. lol

Ang

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Oh, shoot! I just typed this long response about those darned teachers and so on and it disappeared...in a nutshell:

I want to shake teachers like that and tell them to change careers asap. Loads of wonderful teachers, but ones like those you mentioned are unfortunately not few and far between.

Does William begin HS next yr? Now the fun begins!

We never tell the hotel until after we are settled in the room that we have doglets b/c of my severe allergies to cats and most dogs. Ours do not have accidents (we keep giants pads down), no shedding, no dander. Boy, it was not easy to pay the $100 pet fee that is supposedly used to do extra cleaning, including the carpets. At Residence Inns, pets can be in any room.

Ang & Timmy, just a few more days and you'll be back at Disney!!! I know y'all are staying together this trip, but I've forgotten where. It's going to be wonderful!!! (even with earplugs )

I'm so excited for you!!

 

[jmskinner]

I am so sorry to hear of Diva Mary's brother. My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family. I remember someone else on this thread lost a friend to a heart attack not much older. Its sad for someone so young.

Cheryl, I hope you have a great Anniversary and enjoy your stay.

M&N, sorry about Sophia accident and that hotel room.We really lucked out the weekend we went several years ago. Beautiful place right on the battery, of course we paid an arm and a leg for it. It was a splurge for DH coming home from a year in Saudi Arabia. I do hope your next trip is better. We took one ghost tour, but honestly I could have spent a whole day just walking around looking at all of the beautiful houses on my own.

Timmy, don't work too hard.

Diva K, hope you get all of your ADR's. I see you plan on visiting one of my favorites, WCC. We will be eating there in July.

Ang, that IEP sounds just like the meetings we had when Jacob was in Kindergarten and 1st grade. Luckily I pulled in the big guns (my stepdads SIL was over the special education department for the district) and got him moved to a better school. I hope Will has a great year next year. I'm really leaning towards home schooling for middle school, it just really scares me.

We are in NC for the DBIL wedding. We drove to Columbia, SC last night and stayed with the DFIL and his wife. Today didn't start out well. DH got sick, made it to the bathroom, but only to the sink and my toiletry bag. I could have killed him. Drove on up to NC this afternoon. I am not in charge of directing the wedding. Luckily it is very unformal, so I shouldn't be able to mess it up too much.

Tomorrow we plan on checking out the DH's favortie burger joint, South 21. If we can reach it, it is race weekend and the restaurant is near the track.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

 

[angwill]

Kristin,
Sorry to hear about Mary's brother. My brother passed away last year at age 38. It is hard to lose a sibling especially when they are that young. I see it as if it is time to go good health or bad it is time. My brother was hit by a car and was in excellent health. We always look for answers becaust it makes us angry when someone we love passes on.

It is always nice to have a good friend like you to help you through those tough times.

Isn't it fun making ADR's? It looks like you have some really good restaurants. I have to wait till the 4th of July to make my ADR's.

M&N,
Is it that expensive for a pet deposit? For that they should send someone to walk the dog too. lol I figured they save the bad rooms for the people who let their dogs have accidents on the floor but it sounds like they just need to clean and update the rooms.

Yes, William goes to high school next year and if we can make it through Freshman year it I feel it will be a breeze from there on in. I am glad he has a good friend who will be a sophmore next year and he is always looking out for DS. If he makes it through Freshman year but has lots of problems he will have the option of cyber school Sophmore year. I am hoping things go well for him because he will have the option of going to the community college Junior year to get a year of college under his belt when he graduates. Wish we had that option when I went to high school so I had more of a challenge.

We were blessed this year to have the two best 8th grade teachers as William's teachers once I had him pulled from the one bad teachers class. He learned and got help when he needed it from them and that is all I expect.

Melissa,
Is DH feeling better now? In your makeup bag Ewwww!!! Time to buy new makeup.

DS came home from school sick today himself. Cough and sinus congestion. I am hoping neither of us is sick for our drive down to Florida.

You enjoy the wedding and your time away and we will see you in a couple weeks.

Ang

 

[Kristineamb]

its my anniversary this weekend so I'm going to disney. Actually staying overnight. Hoping for an upgrade!

Happy Anniversary!
Expect a full report when you get back...well maybe not a full report

Charleston was a almost the trip from hell.
Jackie usually LOVES hotels and is all excited when we arrive - not this time. Something about this hotel was just not right...bad vibes.

Sorry to hear about your trip...but at least you made a memory!
I was in Charleston once...we lived in Savannah, GA when I was in high school and we took a day trip there....I have always loved history (even as a teenager! ) but would like to go again someday with DH & DS

Hello everyone. Been busy here with the end of the school year stuff.
Ang

Sorry teachers are giving you so much grief....its a tough job and some people just aren't cut out for it

We are in NC for the DBIL wedding. We drove to Columbia, SC last night and stayed with the DFIL and his wife. Today didn't start out well. DH got sick, made it to the bathroom, but only to the sink and my toiletry bag. I could have killed him. Drove on up to NC this afternoon. I am not in charge of directing the wedding. Luckily it is very unformal, so I shouldn't be able to mess it up too much.

I forgot you were going away...and was really missing you on FB....no one to kidnap!
Have a good time!

Thank you for all of your condolences for Mary and her family...I will convey them to her when she returns...she is originally from New Orleans and thats where she is for the funeral...she is one of six kids, her brother that died was the youngest.
DS is supposed to have a baseball game this afternoon but the sky is dark and we just heard thunder

Today is Diva Sheryll's DS birthday party so my DS is sleeping over there tonight...DH and I were going to take advantage of the situation and go see Angels & Demons tonight

***See still no color!!!!

 

[Kristineamb]

I know I am overreacting but I am very anxious about making our ADRs tomorrow am

Here's the problem: My family (DH+DS+myself=3) and Diva Mary's family (DH+DD1+DD2+Mary=4) are definately going
Unfortunately Diva Becky's family (DH+ DS1+DS2+Becky=4) is still on the fence (they have until July 7 to cancel and get deposit back.) Becky told Mary on Friday that she is thinking that she and the boys might just come (Becky+DS1+DS2=3)
So how many should I make the ADRs for?!?!?
Do I just make them for mine and Mary's families?
I know I should make them for everyone (11) we will have a harder time getting what/when we want
Does anybody have any tips for making ADRs for large groups? We are technically a Grand Gathering (should I call that #?) Another website suggested I ask for Group Sales when I call
I guess I am just asking for some advice/reassurance

 

[Minnie&Nana]

You could make them for the two families and an extra table for Diva Becky's family - have the adr's linked and if she comes, ask when you check in at the restaurant if you can all be together.

If you make them for everyone and she cancels, some restaurants will make you wait longer - others will not have an issue with it.

I'd be torn about making it a GG in case she doesn't come...

What if everyone made their own ADR's, then called back and had the reservations linked? Then ask to be seated together, if possible, when you check-in for the meal?

I'd be crazy too, Diva Kris!!! Good luck!! be sure to let us know what you decide to do and how it comes together.

Sorry, this was not any help at all!!! (Oh! When we've gone to MF we've had no trouble making ADR's for large groups (6 to 15) - sometimes must be flexible with times and that might be difficult with little ones.)

p.s. color was working yesterday, but not today!

 

[Kristineamb]

You could make them for the two families and an extra table for Diva Becky's family - have the adr's linked and if she comes, ask when you check in at the restaurant if you can all be together.

Will they let me make multiple ADRs (ie table for 8 and another table for 4???)

If you make them for everyone and she cancels, some restaurants will make you wait longer - others will not have an issue with it.

I probably wouldn't call to reduce the number of guests on an ADR b/c I would be afraid of the whole ADR getting cancelled...just tell the host/hostess that there will only be 7 instead of 11...sorry if this is a faux pas

I'd be torn about making it a GG in case she doesn't come...

Why???

What if everyone made their own ADR's, then called back and had the reservations linked? Then ask to be seated together, if possible, when you check-in for the meal?

I am AKA The Dining Diva...I always make the ADRs...besides Mary is in New Orleans so I'd be making hers anyway....also, how could we assure we'd get the same times???

I'd be crazy too, Diva Kris!!! Good luck!! be sure to let us know what you decide to do and how it comes together.
Sorry, this was not any help at all!!! (Oh! When we've gone to MF we've had no trouble making ADR's for large groups (6 to 15) - sometimes must be flexible with times and that might be difficult with little ones.)

I appreciate your response!
Angels & Demons was GREAT! Hubby and I give it two thumbs up

 

[Kristineamb]

On hold with WDW dining...expected wait time, 30 minutes
UGH

 

[Kristineamb]

On hold with WDW dining...expected wait time, 30 minutes
UGH

Basically got everything I wanted
CM's computer froze twice
Got them for 11 (6 adults, 5 kids)
took lunches instead of dinners in some cases (thought the dinner times were too late)
How did you do thunderbird?!?!?

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Diva K, don't cha just love planning where, what time and such you want to eat months in advance? Heck, I do not know those facts for my upcoming day. I am glad that you got such great advice and were able to get pretty much what you wanted. Since this is Free Dining you would not be interested but please pencil in a Grand Floridian Tea for some trip when you would not mind paying OP. It is reasonably priced and a fabulous experience, even for folks like me who are not very fancy. How did you like the movie? I went to see Star Trek with my dd and dgs yesterday. I loved it, so many references to the original TV series and such. My dgs loved it as well and my dd just enjoyed being with her boy. He came home with me and we watched "Slumdog" again. A great day was had by all. Hope you have a great birthday party.

M&N, you must be like me in that you let your mind wander to DW to relieve the tedium of regular life. When I have trouble sleeping I pick a park and start sauntering, in my dreams. I am sorry to hear that your trip was not all that it might have been. Maybe poor Jackie was still feeling poorly and just wanted to be home? Ouch, poor Sophia, and her poor parents. I still get the guilts if one of my gs's gets hurt and I am not even there most of the time. I am glad it was not worse.

cherylp3, happy anniversary! How many years is this? What did you do at the parks? Anything super special or is just being there enough?

Ang, sounds as if Will is going to have a nice welcome into the higher grades. I am delighted. Dalton goes to 7th grade next year too but then he is the "Golden Boy" and all always goes well for him. He has taken up the yoyo and true to form is quite good, but then he should be as he has been doing it for a full day now. Has Will figured out anything he wants to do the next trip? I was telling my dgs about him this morning before he left for church.

Talking about teachers. I think that real teachers are born, not trained. I also believe that most go into for the love but some get it paperworked etc. out of them. Some teachers are good for some pupils and some are not. I wish more attention could be paid to making a good fit, it would be good for everyone concerned. Of course I am sort of odd in that I actually like the more difficult students. The others do not need me. It is sometimes fun to have them though, a change in pace. I am lucky in that I get to choose as I do not HAVE to do it, I do it because I WANT to. Makes a big difference.

Yardwork today. Got nothing done yesterday except for dropping two pounds, got worn out. Ate at Olive Gardens and paid big bucks for a chunk of chicken with some cheese. The company was nice though. Hope I was not a bigger pain than necessary.

SG

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Fabulous news, Diva K!!! And for all 11 - perfect. I meant the same as you ~ that you could just show up and say you are less than the reservation. Just did not say it as clearly!

Yep, Ms Linda, we are alike ~ it's nice to let my mind wander to a park now and then.

Yes, the hotel was a disappointment, but like Diva K, I've always loved history, so Charleston was still fabulous. Hope to return someday, but first must check Savannah off my list of places to visit.

I've been so blessed in that I've visited many places ~ most of the US states, several places in Europe...never seemed to make it to Charleston or Savannah.

St. Augustine is another lovely city ~ have been there several times, but not in many years. Wouldn't mind another visit someday.

I agree with about you teaching, SG. I've always believed it is not a job, but rather a vocation, and felt that way myself with my little ones and even as After School Director for the entire school.

Enjoy your Sunday, my friends.

Oh, a question - has a girls only trip ever been considered? I signed up on a DL thread for a girls only trip, but keep wishing it was our Pop Tarts doing one...just wonderin' if would even be possible??

p.s. Diva K, I can get color when I click on the quick reply.

 

[Kristineamb]

I've already discovered two ADRs I want to switch days
How come we can get color with Quick Reply but not Post Reply

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Oh, switching adr days, yup, I know how that goes. I find it nearly impossible to know where I'll want to eat in which park on which day and at what time even in the morning of each day...which means we must make triplicate reservations to be covered. We always cancel the unused ones ~ then anyone calling that day or a walk will have a nice surprise ~ but I know some guests would think me absolutely awful. I can't help it....I think the QSDDP might work for people like me.

I don't understand the whole color issue and why some of us can use color and some can't - 3 of us posted with the same problem on the tech help thread I started, but no DIS tech moderator responded.

Now I write the post in quick reply with color, then switch to advanced to add or make changes. UGH!!!