September '09, 22nd anniversary at Pop. FINAL THOUGHTS DECEMBER 3RD

[racefanof88]

love the new siggie...can't wait to see the pics of the party...you and the guys look so cute in the costumes (even Dale) and I can't wait for Gwendolyn to graduate (smomeday!!!)

Thank you Connie. I had to get rid of the other one since it was past the time. I really didn't take a lot of pictures the nite of the party. It was sooooooooooo HOT by the time we left I had shed the hat and Dallas had shed everything but his shirt and pants............LOL.

You know, I work in a molecular lab and our pathologist said the same thing...he wasn't getting the vaccine, and for the same reason that you stated... it has been rushed into release too soon. Of course, he thinks that he already had the H1N1 2009 anway...just like me! I figured if thats what he's gonna do, then its probably a good idea. Besides, I don't work directly with patients anyway.

I am not a paranoid person, usually...lol, but I just think they are pushing this WAY to much. It is on the news every night. They don't push the seasonal flu shot like that and just as many people die from seasonal flu as they say will die from H1N1. I would just like to know how they came up with a vaccine so fast for H1N1, but it takes them YEARS to discover other vaccines, meds etc?

 

[longing2Batdisney]

so I can't see the line under Tyler what does it say 5 months and 30 days?!?
I didn't see it earlier at all...

 

[mickeystoontown]

Just a quick note to say I am glad that you guys are getting better. You are still in my prayers!

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Just checking in. Love the new siggie and costumes. You look great. Now tell us all about the new trips coming up. You lucky people. I really am going with you on one of those.

Have a grand day.

Ginny

 

[racefanof88]

so I can't see the line under Tyler what does it say 5 months and 30 days?!?
I didn't see it earlier at all...

I tried everything I could to get Tyler next to Amanda and nothing worked. If you know how PLEASE let me know. Anyway it is 5 months and 30 days until his 21st birthday . He isn't sure if he wants to go with us when we go back. He likes going, but he wants to spend his money on a PS3.

Just a quick note to say I am glad that you guys are getting better. You are still in my prayers!

Thank you Lisa. I am so thankful to all of my friends for keeping us in your prayers. I was so worried about Dallas having it since he has asthma and the secondary infections are what is dangerous. I go back to work Thursday and it is going to seem weird since I have been off for 3 weeks now. I will be glad to get back though. I still have a few lingering annoying symptoms, cough, chest hurting and, the worst, breaking out in a cold sweat when I get up and do anything. Then again it could be because we are still have 90+ degree days here . I sure wish winter would hurry up and get here.

Just checking in. Love the new siggie and costumes. You look great. Now tell us all about the new trips coming up. You lucky people. I really am going with you on one of those.

Have a grand day.

Ginny

Thank you Ginny. I borrowed the costume from a friend that is in a Mardi Gras Society. It was the HOTTEST piece of clothing I have ever worn in my life. I thought I was going to have a heat stroke. It is made of silk and, if I didn't know better, I would say it was lined with wool and down feathers........ If I am ever in a blizzard I know what I need to be wearing.

The only trip, so far is going to be the one in Feb or March. The date under Amanda's picture is her college graduation date and under Tyler's is his 21st birthday. I am really starting to get the post Disney depression now that I am feeling better . I wish I could talk my guys into going at Christmas, but I can see their point.

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Well then I guess I'm in on the Feb. trip. Unless of course Tyler wants me to come celebrate his birthday for him. Yay for me. Don might not be too happy. Oh well, his loss. Hope work is good and you are feeling waaaay better.

 

[racefanof88]

Well then I guess I'm in on the Feb. trip. Unless of course Tyler wants me to come celebrate his birthday for him. Yay for me. Don might not be too happy. Oh well, his loss. Hope work is good and you are feeling waaaay better.

You sure can joint us. Amanda won't be going either because she will be in her last semester. I hope work is good too! It is nice to be feeling better .

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Hi! Dana
Feb will be a nice time of year; I really want to go the first week of Feb but the money! with all that has happened and all that will take place.... so Nov it is for us!!! I really want to add a lot to our next trip, too! So, Nov gives me more time to plan and save!! maybe if ya'll do AP's again next year you can meet us than and see it for Christmas with us!!

I can see Tyler's caption now, I don't know how to get it to line up...I usually play with it for a while before I get how I want it!

 

[racefanof88]

Hi! Dana
Feb will be a nice time of year; I really want to go the first week of Feb but the money! with all that has happened and all that will take place.... so Nov it is for us!!! I really want to add a lot to our next trip, too! So, Nov gives me more time to plan and save!! maybe if ya'll do AP's again next year you can meet us than and see it for Christmas with us!!

I can see Tyler's caption now, I don't know how to get it to line up...I usually play with it for a while before I get how I want it!

I have been playing around with prices too to see when it would be a good time for us to go. I know we won't be adding the DDP. Have ya'll see the prices for next year .

Regular Dining plan

1/01-2/11, 4/11-6/3, 8/15-12/16
41.99 for adults, 11.99 for kids 9 and under

2/12-4/10, 6/4-8/14, 12/17-12/31
46.99 adults, 12.99 for kids


Quick Service

31.99 adults, 9.99 kids- no change for dates

Deluxe

71.99 for adults, 20.99 for kids, no price change for dates

And there is nothing special added to the DDP during the price hike times. I just can't justify spending that much knowing we would not eat $141 a day in food. If they offer free dining again next year we may do it then, but not pay for it especially knowing Dallas eats off the kids menu. If we eat at a TS I will use my TiW card and get a 20% discount anyway.

I am planning on doing the APs again. They are great . Dallas mentioned going next year in November so I could see the Christmas lights . He is such a sweetie.

I kept playing with the siggie line and I just finally made Tyler's picture smaller so the dates would show.

 

[longing2Batdisney]

I had figured last year the DDP was not worth is for us! We are probably going to add it to our next trip just because I want to do a sit down a day! three breakfast and two dinners! when I did the numbers it worked out to be the same price just about so I will add it. But, we enjoyed eating when and where we wanted last time (it was alot easier with a tot and teen that way!) and I have said many of times being from louisiana we normally not impressed with food in other states; that is why I am choosing character type sit downs not for the food but for the experience.

Now, I can't see any of your pictures

 

[racefanof88]

I had figured last year the DDP was not worth is for us! We are probably going to add it to our next trip just because I want to do a sit down a day! three breakfast and two dinners! when I did the numbers it worked out to be the same price just about so I will add it. But, we enjoyed eating when and where we wanted last time (it was alot easier with a tot and teen that way!) and I have said many of times being from louisiana we normally not impressed with food in other states; that is why I am choosing character type sit downs not for the food but for the experience.

Now, I can't see any of your pictures

When you are going it only goes up by $2 per person so that isn't bad, but for it to go up $7 per person when we go, and knowing Dallas orders off the kids menu, I just can't see adding it. There were some days we didn't go much over $100, especially the days we had character meals. The buffets are not too expensive anyway so with the TiW card we would come out much better that the price of the DDP. I will just put the dining money on a prepaid card and use it so I won't have to keep up with the cash. I will make us an ADR for Grand Floridian Cafe again for sure . I'm not even too sure we will stay on Disney's property. I am waiting to see what they offer AP holders .

 

[racefanof88]

Now that we are pretty much mended here I will continue with my TR I started while at Disney.

When I left off we were on our way to AK to meet up with Christie and her DS Tyler. We decided to meet at Discovery Island. As we crossed the bridge I could see Christie and Tyler. We decided to ride KS and headed to Africa. Now with it being late September you would have thought it would be much cooler, but NOOOOOOOOOO it was hot...... AFRICA HOT. We made a pit stop on the way and took a couple of pictures.

Two very handsome young men!!!(That did not want their picture taken)

Me and Christie. She is the sweetest person and very easy to be around.

We got on line and Christie and I talked while Tyler and Dallas did their boy thing, Dale just followed..........LOL. Honestly I don't remember how long we waited because Christie and I were talking. I don't think it was too long though.

I got some pretty good pictures, well I think I did .

I think the Hippos are great animals.

Birds

If you look at the back of the pic you can see the Croc.

This guy was right next to our vehicle. This is a White Rhino covered in red mud.

After the Safari we walked toward Asia so Dale, Tyler and Christie could ride EE.

Along the way

You can see the dark clouds gathering in the back ground.

Dallas and I waited in the gift shop as it was so hot outside we wanted to be in the AC. I tried to take a "redneck" picture of their ride pic, but it didn't turn out . After they got off EE we started walking toward Dinoland and it started raining. Dale, Dallas and I put on ponchos while Christie and Tyler were much smarter and walked in the cool rain. By the time we got to DL it had stopped raining and now Dale, Dallas and I were steaming hot. We decided to ride Dinosaur. Tyler and Dallas didn't' really want to ride, but they were out voted. It was very cool on the ride because of the AC. After we got off it was still raining a little and it wasn't long before the park closed. We looked around in a shop and then said our goodbyes. We had a wonderful time with Christie and Tyler and I sure hope we get to see them again when we go back.

We headed back to the room and decided to call it a day. We all got showers and then decided we were hungry. I called and ordered a pizza to be delivered to the room. We paid for it OOP. It was a decent pizza, not as good as Flippers, but it was good. It is funny because if my crew had their way we would eat pizza 7 days a week.

I don't think I posted many pictures from 'Ohana so here are some pix from there.

They brought us this bread before we got our skillet of food.

and this

Then the food

Now our waitress wasn't the greatest in the world, but the food was good.

This is our view

They brought this to Dallas for his birthday

This is the video of the konga line. You can hear my wonderful southern accent in the background.......lol. I tired to talk Dallas into joining in, but he didn't want to. I love how "into it" Pluto gets......



OK so the end of day two. I had a great time with Christie and Tyler. It is always nice to meet new friends and make lifetime memories.

 

[bouncycat]

Awesome update!!! We look good together!! LOL So do the boys! sure was fun!! Sorry I haven't been on, I ended up with a sinus infection! UG! So, I'm still a little "snotty" but, getting over it. Plus, Chris came home ON TIME!! YAAAAY!!! so I was spending time with him. I'll let you know all about our disney day....soon I hope! It was okay, for the most part...anyways, I'm back, I'll start catching up soon!! I think we're gonna head over to universal this weekend to try out that new Rip Ride Rocket coaster, I've been eager to try it since it opened!! LOL Anyways, glad ya'll are better...I'll update soon, I promise!!

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Love your update Dana. to the boys and EE. I loved that ride. We enjoyed Ohana breakfast. There was something we all liked. Those sausages were really good. I loved the fruit. It was so tasty.

Have a great day.

Ginny

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Ashton loved your video clip; giggled non stop w/Pluto!!! kept asking where's Minnie than when he saw Lilo wanted to know where Stitch was so I had to replay it for him! Breakfast looked awesome...I'm hungry at the moment so it really looked divine! I will be def. keeping that one when we go next year!!!

Great update!!!!
Connie

 

[racefanof88]

Awesome update!!! We look good together!! LOL So do the boys! sure was fun!! Sorry I haven't been on, I ended up with a sinus infection! UG! So, I'm still a little "snotty" but, getting over it. Plus, Chris came home ON TIME!! YAAAAY!!! so I was spending time with him. I'll let you know all about our disney day....soon I hope! It was okay, for the most part...anyways, I'm back, I'll start catching up soon!! I think we're gonna head over to universal this weekend to try out that new Rip Ride Rocket coaster, I've been eager to try it since it opened!! LOL Anyways, glad ya'll are better...I'll update soon, I promise!!

We do look good together!!! I thought it was funny that I couldn't get a picture of them. I have about 6 and one or both of them are looking away, or rubbing their eyes or something...... I'm glad to hear that you are on the mend too. I hate getting a sinus infection. I usually get them a couple of times a year and I can tell when one is coming on. I hope to hear about your Disney day soon too. Can't wait for the update .

Love your update Dana. to the boys and EE. I loved that ride. We enjoyed Ohana breakfast. There was something we all liked. Those sausages were really good. I loved the fruit. It was so tasty.

Have a great day.

Ginny

I was brave enough to ride Soarin', but I don't think I will ever get up the nerve to ride EE. The food at 'Ohana was really good. The whole thing just started off wrong and keep getting worse. They overbooked it so bad.

If you look you will see some of the people standing around waiting and that was because all the chairs in the lobby area and at the bar were full.

It was really bad, people were leaving because they had been waiting so long.

The fruit was good .

I hope you had a good day too.

Ashton loved your video clip; giggled non stop w/Pluto!!! kept asking where's Minnie than when he saw Lilo wanted to know where Stitch was so I had to replay it for him! Breakfast looked awesome...I'm hungry at the moment so it really looked divine! I will be def. keeping that one when we go next year!!!

Great update!!!!
Connie

I thought Pluto was funny too. He was really getting into it. I don't know that we will eat there again because of the service. We have kinda grown tired of the character meals anyway since Dallas is getting older. We had Tusker House booked too, but I canceled it because Dallas and Dale said they didn't want to do another character breakfast. It wouldn't have mattered anyway, it was scheduled for the morning we ended up having to leave .

 

[racefanof88]

I need to post a poll like Connie to see when we should go next year. I want to go in February because of course it will be here sooner. The first week in March would include my birthday and the last week of April would mean the prices have come back down. Our APs are good until May 16th so we are covered with tickets during that whole time. The 4/3 or 5/2 doesn't help as we don't need the tickets and the room rates are crazy high without the tickets because you can't even change it to a one day ticket and get the deal. I am hoping for a really good AP deal, but so far I haven't seen anything for next year. Amanda will be graduating on May 8th and if she doesn't have a full time job she may want to go with us and that would throw us in right at about the same time we went this past May. I am leaning toward going in February and staying off property. The only Disney transportation we use is the monorail or ferry and with the AP we don't have to pay to park, and I won't pay the price of the DDP in February. I just can't justify $47 each when Dallas eats off the kids menu. There are so many variables involved in this trip like...........will Tyler go or not? Will Amanda go or not? Will we take Niko or not? Do we go in February, March, April or May? Where do we stay? On property or off?


Well, Amanda just said she wouldn't go so that variable is out........

I am going to try and figure out how to post a poll.

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Hey! Dana
I voted for the week in March; the other week I would consider is May. The reason I did not choose Feb. was because that is Mardi Gras/President's week...it is predicted to be a very busy week! We had thought about going for MG until we found out it was also PW! bad combo!
I voted for CBR! I don't remember you ever saying ya'll stayed there; so I thought somewhere new and I thought maybe Dallas would like a pirate room and the pirate theme of the resort...before he gets too old!

Hope my opinion helps!

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Hi Dana, I voted CBR and first week of March. Then I would choose May if not. Off site would probably proove cheaper for sure.

 

[racefanof88]

Hey! Dana
I voted for the week in March; the other week I would consider is May. The reason I did not choose Feb. was because that is Mardi Gras/President's week...it is predicted to be a very busy week! We had thought about going for MG until we found out it was also PW! bad combo!
I voted for CBR! I don't remember you ever saying ya'll stayed there; so I thought somewhere new and I thought maybe Dallas would like a pirate room and the pirate theme of the resort...before he gets too old!

Hope my opinion helps!

It does help Connie. We have never stayed a CBR and I really want to try it.
I am at work so I haven't been about to really crunch the numbers like I want, but from what I have done CBR would only be about $150 more than Pop for the week. I think the pirate room was $129 more? We LOVED Pop, but I want to try each resort at least one time. I'm not too sure when a deluxe will fit into the picture .

We have actually gone several times during PW and Mardi Gras and didn't find it to be too crowded, not anymore so than May. We like it at that time because it is much cooler .

Hi Dana, I voted CBR and first week of March. Then I would choose May if not. Off site would probably proove cheaper for sure.

I am wanting to go when the weather is just warm enough to get in the pool and not so hot that you can't stand out in it for long. I swear it seemed hotter 2 weeks ago than it did when we were there in July . I am having the Disney withdrawals bad now that I am feeling better. I really don't want to stay off site, but if it is the difference in going or not, off site it will be.

Thank you Connie, Ginny and Christie for the votes so far. I have even been pricing going room only with AAA. I wish Disney would hurry up and come out with the AP prices .