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

[cherylp3]

unfortunately the inlaws are mostly about food. My hubby wants to plan an early day - I so don't see that happening. I am so not planning this so I passed this over to him.

 

[jmskinner]

Cheryl, hope you have a great time. Even with all the dining. At least your DH will plan, I can't get an answer from DH about dining until the last minute.

SG, I know what you mean about the free dining not being worth it. I think I posted it, but I cancelled our free dining for Labor Day and went room only. Saved a lot of money and kind of looking forward to doing what we want, when we want instead of worrying about reservations. Jonas did say we should eat one nice meal, so right now I have two booked. Got to ask him which one he wants to do when he get home. Kona or the Japanese one, Teppan Edu? Which if he can ever get a flight out of Afghanistan, he could be home Saturday night. They were ready to get on one flight and a whole unit showed up and they get to go first, so hopefully soon.

Jill, sounds like you have a great trip planned. I just spent the big 40 bday at MK. The CM that made my button wouldn't do what the DH wanted her to do. He wanted her to write a big 40 on the button.

If anyone wants to meet up, just let me know your dates and I will try to head over.

Ang, I keep meaning to mention I hope Will has a great year. Now, if I can just get Jacob through the 5th grade.

Got the DMIL here now, so I won't be out here so much. Have a great weekend!

 

[thunderbird1]

I missed Timmy, too , but am sure she had a good time with Reb. Still have my fingers crossed for a meet with Kris before Saturday and Melissa over Labor Day weekend, but getting my family to decide when and where they want to go is like herding a bunch of pithed cats! I think they're having fun, though, which is what counts--I just need to relax and stop trying to plan (easier said than done).

Cape May clambake was fantastic, though the busses to get there were a nightmare. One bus for the Swan, Dolphin, Yacht & Beach Clubs . Next time, we'll head over from Epcot instead of our resort. Typhoon Lagoon this morning , and Epcot tonight--hope we make it to closing at midnight!

Weather--not so bad. There's been some rain, but it comes and goes and the break from the heat is welcome. Most of the downpours have been while we're eating dinner, so I timed my ADR's well!

Did you know you can get a milkshake as your beverage with a CS meal at Pop? And still get a dessert?? I just learned that today, so I'm on (and glad I kept my fat pants! ).

There is a free DDP bounceback offer for next year, but I haven't received a flyer yet, so don't know all the details. I think the dates were 8/15-9/30, but I'm sure there's a thread (or 20) on the boards with all the info.

Talk to you all again soon!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Cheryl, I hesitate to say this but if it is the food I do not think that DW is necessarily the best place to hunt for it nowadays, with the exception of a few places. Whatever floats their boat though. I enjoy any food I do not have to cook so what do I know? I would gladly let someone else plan my vacation (except you know who)

JM, because of the rate when we are going and the fact that I had decided to pay for the QSDP AND had to buy tickets anyway the FD was an alright deal for us. I figure that we got ONE of the QSDP for free. If it were not for Tom being such a big eater and me wanting to take things easy and not have to drive all over the place to eat I would have kept the room only deal as well. I am glad things are working out for you. Jonas is coming home earlier than expected?? Heck, I would book BOTH places if I were you.

TB, I have never found Cape May hard to get to, once I figured out where the heck it was. A couple of years ago some nice DISers invited us to share an Illuminations Cruise with them and I had to learn how to get over to that area and was shocked to find out how very easy it was to get to from either POP or AS. Basically a road goes in a semi circle between Boardwalk and the Fire Station around to those resorts. Even I cannot get lost, mostly cause I have Buena Vista down pat by now. One night when we go during the holidays I drive the circle and we go see all the decorations and end up at BW and Jellyrolls. The idea of a milkshake AND a dessert makes me ill. Hooray for you though.

I got a call from friends of ours who live in a town nearby, and are more devoted to Disney than we even, and they are going to be at DW the first week of December when we are there. This woman would wear Timmie out. Her mom was my bestest friend for many, many years and they done adopted me as a sibling long ago. How wonderful.

Sure hope I never 'pith' TB off.

SG

 

[angwill]

JM,

How is Jacob doing so far? Did he go back too? Will is really happy and enjoying school so far. I call it the calm before the storm. lol

He gets to see his good friend who is a Sophmore and he met a couple of Juniors in soccer so he is thrilled. I am too because when he is with them the freshmen bullies he had problems with in the past stay away and leave him alone.

Anyway, I am on pre-algebra watch because I can just imagine that he will have a big struggle there. Math is not his strong subject so we will see.

I too agree about the dining plan it is way too much food and structured planning to get where you need to and when. I imagine if they give us a choice to trade TS for CS I will be trading some in and then have too many CS left at the end of the trip as usual. Earl of Sandwich is the perfect place to use them up and then Will takes them to school for lunch when we get back and shares the extra snacks with his buddies.

I am so glad to hear DH is coming back soon. Was he in Afganistan for the election they had going on yesterday?

TB,
I like the bus to DHS and then a short walk to the boat that takes you to Beach club it is simple and easy. We really enjoy the boat though. With Epcot you have to walk all the way through the park to get to the back entrance so unless you are planning to enjoy the park before dinner it takes a lot longer.

I wonder if the shake for a drink works at ASsp? I will have to have Will try it since I am sure he will love it. Thanks for the idea.

Cheryl,
Oh how I wish DH would plan for us but he is so unorganized everyday I know he would say forget it and we would have no ADR's. The nice thing is that now that we have been to WDW so often we all enjoy going later in the day so no more park openings for us. I remember the trips of waking up early every single morning for 10 days to be first in line to get in the park. That was exhausting.

SG,
If I didn't have a growing teen who loves food I agree that the room discount would be a better deal. Now that he is in Soccer he is eating like a ravenous animal. On the weekend he helped me cook up extra food for the week to just heat up after practice and before bed. This week he ate 3 1/2 lbs of meatloaf, 2 boxes of mac n cheese with 3 cans of tuna and a can of peas, along with 1 1/2 lbs of sloppy joes. All his favorite foods and all are gone and that doesn't count what he ate for breakfast and lunches. He did shared the meatloaf and mac n cheese with a friend over the weekend and I don't eat those things myself so that was all on his own. I am going to have to buy and raise a cow to slaughter if this continues. lol Oh to eat so much and stay so skinny. I never knew such a life even at his age and in sports I was fat. lol Come to think of it he might just eat all the extra dining credits this trip.

I am glad to hear you dear friend will be at Disney the same time as you. I hope you get to see her often while there.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

It is nice reading how our friends are doing during their WDW visit - so happy all is going well. And a milkshake and a dessert? Wow!! Not bad at all!

Melissa, very happy to read Jonas will be home soon! Tomorrow? Fingers crossed! We will keep the good thoughts going strong for both you and Jacob this year.

Angela, I remember those days of ravenous teen eating! Well, with Toby, not Mia anyway. So glad Will is enjoying HS - sounds like soccer has been a big plus. How long before you are back in the World?

Linda, I am delighted to see a dear friend will be at Disney the same time as you will be there! I did keep checking for availability with the code, but Disney makes it difficult to build over weekend now that rates increase...and then those darned airfares! No bargains, but it is early for SW dings. Anyway, I am very happy you'll have a friend around for some of the time.

Tomorrow is the 10th Anniversary of our Toby's angel day - I cannot believe it has been ten years since I felt his hug or heard his voice. It seems like yesterday and forever. I don't cry as much... the leading up to this day or his birthday is more difficult than the day itself as I think I go into a sort of out of self mode and celebrate Toby.

We will make a special donation to a charity we think he would support and we want to do some kind of Memorial. We have a stone/brick at a Lighthouse Memorial for children of all ages who passed before their parents - it is on Martha's Vineyard - truly beautiful....Toby loved Lighthouses and the ocean...sigh... Wish I'd bought a WDW Brick when it opened up again a couple of years ago - he loved Mickey.

Mia and I (and Sophia) will go to The Cheesecake Factory for lunch - we are fortunate to have one about an hour from here - it was the last place we dined together - Toby waited to move to Austin (from Boston) until after Mia's birthday, so we all celebrated her birthday at The Cheesecake Factory (in Cambridge) - now we celebrate Toby on his special days...or any day.

I'm sorry to go on....thank you for understanding... guess I just needed to talk about my baby boy....who would be 36 this December...unbelievable. I miss him so much...a broken heart does not ever mend entirely.

Hope this post makes sense. (((hugs)))) to you all.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

My first hugs have to go out to M&N. I cannot imagine how it must feel. It has to be the worst of all losses. It is so nice to celebrate the life he had as well as the time you had together. Making something good out of a terrible situation is the very best thing a person can do, in memory of their loved one as well as for themselves. I hope this day brings you more smiles than sobs.

Ang, yep most youngsters Will's age are eating machines. I spent over $30 for Cajun turkey breast and Swiss cheese for Dalton to have this weekend. That will fill in between the huge banana split he will be having as well as other treats. It is great that you can use the extra sandwiches for meals when you get back. Are you driving or flying your next trip? I am going to bring a cooler just in case myself. Comes in handy for storage as well. Not taking nearly as much as last time, that was a nightmare. My boys are good at math but Austin is struggling to pass the ISEPS in English. One would think he might know 'someone' who could help him with that subject. Are you starting to get excited about going? I do so hope that this trip will make up for the problems you had last time.

BTW, M&N, the weeks I am going are Value season and there is upcharge for weekends then. It is $82 regular every night and of course the QSDP is included at that price as well. Since I do not presently have an AP it was an easier choice for me this time because I had to buy tickets anyway, wish I could have turned at least one of my other one day tickets in toward the ten day passes though.

SG

 

[jmskinner]

My hugs go out to M&N also. And you are always welcome to share your thoughts and feelings on this thread.

Ang, Jacob hasn't started yet. School begins next Tuesday and he is not happy about it. Found out yesterday his homeroom teacher is a previous special ed teacher and his reading and writing teacher is getting her masters in special ed, so high hopes for this year.

Oh, to have a kid that ate. Keeping my fingers crossed that Jacob does one day. So glad to hear that Will is making friends and things are going well.

And Ang, what are your dates again? I sure hope I can swing over and meet ya again. Actually, I may be there the weekend before or after the 18th. If
Mom comes and stays with Jacob while we go to Jonas' reunion, I told her we could go to WDW by ourselves.

Got the DMIL and her boyfriend here. Having a nice visit. Heard from Jonas this morning. He is out of Afghanistan and will be home tomorrow evening. Going to tell DMIL that I have a dinner reservation for her birthday and make that surprise trip to the airport. That will probably be the best birthday gift we could give her.

Going to walk Bubblegum to burn some energy out of her. She beat up Constanze last night. Hasn't happened in a long time.

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Soooo..... for 2 days have been trying to check availability (again lol) for a weekend in December for either free dining or GP code...the darn www.Disneyworld.com site brings up a blank page saying "processing quick quote" - only I never get to the page where I can add dates etc!

I really do not want to use a TA, but this is annoying. A friend recommended her TA, but I like having control and no reason not to do it myself (although it is nice to support women working at a home business).

Okay - that's all for my vent today...although might be back later and vent some more if I still don't get through to that darn web page.

Linda & Melissa ~ Thank you, sweeties.

 

[jmskinner]

M&N, something is messed up because you should be entering dates before the processing quick quote comes up. Have you tried using a different section of that main page. I know there is a choice on the top of the page and the bottom of the page. Or, PM me dates and code and I will be happy to try it, just not sure of my schedule but I will get it done.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Aw, thanks, Melissa - yes, I tried everything - finally a message came up saying the site was experiencing technical difficulties. Will try again later; not as much fun calling now that so many CM's seem incredibly uninformed and not as friendly as days gone by.

Thanks again! Tomorrow is an exciting day for you - have fun!!

 

[jmskinner]

M&N, try calling. You just might get a good one. I have never gotten a bad one and I was just speaking with someone that when she mentioned they were military, the CM was nice enough to say "Well I may be able to help you more, but you must ask the question, so if you would like to ask the question." And sure enough when she asked "Do you have a military discount?" The CM helped her get into AKV! If it hadn't been for that CM they probably would have been offsite.

I know there are some CM's that aren't that helpful, but I think it is normally after they have gotten someone that was nice. Sounds like I want you to go or something. Good luck!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

LOL Ok, you've convinced me - when Sophia naps nxt time I will give calling a try.



(p.s. Funny, just as I read your post I was trying the website again...hope for their sake that system in not down as well! Poor CM's would be getting some grumpy guests, but nothing the CM's can do. )

 

[angwill]

M&N,
Sending hugs your way. I am sure if your DS had the choice he would fill you with love instead of sadness today.

Melissa,
Maybe Jacob will feel happier about school once it is in and he makes friends and gets to know the teachers.

As for eating, when Will was younger he didn't eat much either but when he did eat he did eat anything. I always worried about him so I am thrilled to see him eating so well. I hated bringing him to the doctor because he would get on my case about his weight. You want to ask if they would prefer you torture them while holding them down and shoving food in their mouths and holding their nose. It wasn't till soccer practice started that he started eating so much. He is also in conditioning for PE so his legs and arms no longer look too thin, thank goodness. Will would also eat really well when going through his growth spurts when he was younger. I knew if he was eating good he was about to get taller but then after growing he would look too thin and stop eating again.

I think you are doing the best you can with getting Jacob to eat and maybe when he is older it will get better for him too. All you can do is encourage him like you do so you are doing the best you can. Know that if your persistance is not teaching him anything at least it is teaching you patience. lol

Enjoy your in laws. Are they staying at your house?

Our dates are 10/2 till 10/12. I think this trip we will lay low and relax with swimming at the resort in the AM and just do later in the day at the parks since our ADR's are for around 5pm most days.

Linda,

Sadly I am still wishing there were a way to cancel this trip without losing so much money on it. I still have it in the back of my mine that I might find some magic again at All Star Sports though.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

M&N,
Sending hugs your way. I am sure if your DS had the choice he would fill you with love instead of sadness today.

Sadly I am still wishing there were a way to cancel this trip without losing so much money on it. I still have it in the back of my mine that I might find some magic again at All Star Sports though.

Thank you, Ang

I am hoping you'll find some magic again too.

 

[jmskinner]

M&N, I didn't even think about the system being down for the CM's also. Duh!

Ang, did I tell you I made Jacob try some alligator tale. He took it like a pill, but at least he put it in his mouth. The doctor has started on me about Jacob's weight, but I'm trying more and more.

Yes, the in-laws are staying at the house. Which, somehow the pipe under their bathroom sink came undone and was leaking everywhere. They fixed that. So, it was good they were here or I probably would have had to call a plumber.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

JM, there is no doubt in this mother's heart and mind that having their son back and especially while they are visiting will be the best present ever. I hope that darned pipe has not been leaking for awhile as there could be more damage that you cannot see yet. Glad you did not have to get a plumber. I do those things here.

M&N, I left out the 'not' in my previous posting. There is NOT an upcharge on the weekends the weeks I am going to be there. From what I read that will not be the case next year though. $20 more a week and if there are discounts elsewhere it will be alright. I hope you can get yourself a few days. Did you find childcare?

Ang, I am so sorry that you are not getting to look forward to this trip. Suze Orman gives some good advice about the economy that might fit your problem. She says not to think about what you have lost but what you still have and if you do not compare this trip to other trips maybe you will find some magic. A bad day at Disney still beats a good day elsewhere, for me.

Two thoughts and then I am going back to harass my grandson.

Children eat when they get hungry and when they do they will eat. Doctors know little about how to feed children cause they are not the ones that live with them and do the caretaking. Mothers are NOT always to blame for everything! However they mostly know what is best for their child then anyone else.

I see so many complaints about DW, and have a few myself, and have come to wonder if some of it might not be caused by the fact that money is not as abundant as it once was and folks are getting a mite more picky about getting value for what they spend. I'm just sayin'.

SG

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Huge apologies to Ang!

My last post kept me up last night. I was too darned tired to get up and boot the system up or I would have done so to get some sleep.

I did NOT mean to infer, directly or indirectly, that YOUR experience last trip, with the housekeeper from Hades, was your being nit picky.

I had just finished reading some other posts from folks who were lamenting each and every tiny thing imaginable about DW.

Just like real life some days are filled with magic and some days are just liveable. Disney vacations have been that way for me.

May the next trip bring you a good room assignment and great Mousekeeper to make up for the last one, who hopefully has gone on to work elsewhere.

SG

 

[thunderbird1]

Only 8 minutes of internet left, so must type fast. Finally got to see Kris at the pool last night around midnight! It was only for a few minutes, but it was better than nothing. Hope you all are doing well at home!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

TB, I am sorry that you did not have a longer visit with Diva K. She is someone I would like to spend more time with as well. I could not keep up with her so it would have to be a pool meeting.

I am pleased that you thought posting to us was important enough to use your last few minutes of Internet. We appreciate it. Nothing we like more than our Tarts getting together.

SG