Snow to 80 in 8 days–A spoonful of Holiday Cheer (2/5 update Ch 36 - Final Thoughts)

[marvali]

Marv, very noble effort to explain the holding account issue to Liesa. I am afraid that this is one thing that only is worth investing time into if you are a owner or think about becoming one. It is just soooo complicated. I am really glad that I finally understood what it means!!

I tried to hold the explanation to just the basics and I typed really slowly, so hopefully she will understand.....

 

[Flossbolna]

and I typed really slowly, so hopefully she will understand.....

 

[Poolrat]

Okay, here is the next installment of the Contest. It will take multiple TR updates to cover our DHS day, so there will probably be two or maybe three related sets of contest questions! There are lots of pictures from this day, so it just depends on where I have to divide up the day to stay under the 25 images limit.

Don't try and read too much into the wording I used. I tried really hard to word questions so as not to insinuate the answers to some of the other ones.


How many of us made rope drop for our DHS day? (At least one did, but not all) I will say Marv you and Allison made it but the boys slept in.

How far from the rope was Marv when they took it down? (how many people back)Marv was 1 person behind the rope, he stood behind Allison.


Who showed up for the Pre-Opening show? (performers that is)
The In the can productions, with Otto von Bonn bonn and his trusty assistant.


What was the first set of Fastpasses that were collected? TSM of course!!

Did any of the Marvali clan ride Toy Story Midway Mania standby first thing that morning? YES Why not?

For the first ride on RnR, was the Standby line or Single Rider line used?
Standby since Single rider was not open yet.


What were the first four rides done that morning, in order? (checking everyone's touring guide knowledge)

TSM, RnR, ToT and then TSM FP
YIKES

Who among my DISfriends (and I use that term loosely) got the first picture tribute at DHS? I will say Rosie and you took the picture under the Rosie's All American Cafe sign


Who scored the highest points in the Marvali clan on the first TSMM ride of the day? Marv I will say you.


Who scored the lowest?
Being I only have you and Ali going in it will sadly have to be Ali.

 

[glennbo123]

How many of us made rope drop for our DHS day? (At least one did, but not all)

I'll guess 3. Why, I don't know. I guess because it's at least 1, but less than 5.

How far from the rope was Marv when they took it down? (how many people back)

Hmmm, it sounds like you were pretty close if you could count how many people. But were you "right at the rope"? I'll go with "1 back"...there was one family in front of you.

Who showed up for the Pre-Opening show? (performers that is)

Italian film director Alberto Dente and script girl, Paige Turner.

What was the first set of Fastpasses that were collected?

Toy Story Midway Mania. You did well in the dash.

Did any of the Marvali clan ride Toy Story Midway Mania standby first thing that morning?

Yes, they got in line while you got fastpasses.

For the first ride on RnR, was the Standby line or Single Rider line used?

Single Rider, since you had spent the first time at the park at TSM.

What were the first four rides done that morning, in order? (checking everyone's touring guide knowledge)

TSM, ToT, RnRC, and....what could be fourth??? Great Movie Ride? Oh wait no, the fourth ride was a re-do of TSM using your fastpass. Duh.

Who among my DISfriends (and I use that term loosely) got the first picture tribute at DHS?

I'm guessing it was Jenbear, because a "thumbs up" is so easy to do. You probably did it when you were close to the rope at the park opening.

Who scored the highest points in the Marvali clan on the first TSMM ride of the day?

My money's on Matt.

Who scored the lowest?

I'm going to say Alison, because, well, ladies aren't usually known for their prowess at computer games and such. Fortunately they have so many other fine qualities to compensate.

 

[marvali]

[URL=http://www.dazzlejunction.com/][/URL]

I hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day! Don't forget to take the time out of your busy schedule to remember those who gave us the right to enjoy it!!!

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Hey Marv! I know you are busy so just posting the link to my new TR so you can pop over when you have a free moment.



Feeling Hot Hot Hot! The Rain Curse is Broken! Two Weeks of Fun in the Sun!

 

[onescgirl]

How many of us made rope drop for our DHS day? (At least one did, but not all) Two - You & Drew


How far from the rope was Marv when they took it down? (how many people back) 3 people


Who showed up for the Pre-Opening show? (performers that is) The directing crew


What was the first set of Fastpasses that were collected? TSM of course!


Did any of the Marvali clan ride Toy Story Midway Mania standby first thing that morning? Yes


For the first ride on RnR, was the Standby line or Single Rider line used? Single Rider


What were the first four rides done that morning, in order? (checking everyone's touring guide knowledge) TSM, RnRC, ToT, RnRC


Who among my DISfriends (and I use that term loosely) got the first picture tribute at DHS? Glenn


Who scored the highest points in the Marvali clan on the first TSMM ride of the day? You did because you've done your research on how to get the most points.


Who scored the lowest? Drew

And, I need bonus pts for finally figuring out how to do the highly technical invisible ink!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[englishrose47]

I wouldn't count on it......

That is the last time I make a crack about your age Rosie. You have become VERY perceptive with the years!!!
I think something is becoming deep enough to swim in, but it sure ain't bonus points!!!
You and Molly and Kathy are ROYAL somethings alright........

VERY PERCEPTIVE Molly Kathy does that sound like a Marv suck up
We know we are Royalty Marv , but thanks for confirming it

 

[All7OfUs]

I wouldn't count on it......
Yes, it actually did make a difference. When I had to change to SSR it was higher points and to get the whole trip I was actually 5 points over what I had, so I had to borrow 5 points from 2012. Once you borrow, you can't undo it by rule. That meant that when June 2012 rolled around I would only have 195 of my 200 points to use for a trip. When I changed the DVC part of my reservation and shortened it by two days, I saved 66 points which were returned to my 2011 account, which I can now "bank" into 2012 and have 261 points available to use in 2012 instead of 195. If I had been within 30 days or less of my trip and done the same thing, the 66 points would have gone into a "holding" account, which means I would not be able to bank them into 2012 and would instead have to use them by May 31, 2012 on another trip (which probably isn't going to happen, or at least leaves very few options with only 66 points) or LOSE them altogether (unless I tried to dispose of them on the rent/sell board. Clear as mud now???

Ummm... no. I'll just leave it to the experts.

Marv, very noble effort to explain the holding account issue to Liesa. I am afraid that this is one thing that only is worth investing time into if you are a owner or think about becoming one. It is just soooo complicated. I am really glad that I finally understood what it means!!

I will stand proudly in my ignorance, and leave the math to others.

I tried to hold the explanation to just the basics and I typed really slowly, so hopefully she will understand.....

Must. Type. Slower.

[URL=http://www.dazzlejunction.com/][/URL]

I hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day! Don't forget to take the time out of your busy schedule to remember those who gave us the right to enjoy it!!!

THANK YOU!! Finally, something I can understand!!

 

[jenbear123]

Okay it's been too long since I've been over here. Sorry Marv! I think I'm pretty well caught up. That's exciting news about your summer trip! Where are you staying in DTD? I've stayed at the Regal Sun. It was okay but it's no Disney resort

See my answers below in white!

How many of us made rope drop for our DHS day? (At least one did, but not all)
4

How far from the rope was Marv when they took it down? (how many people back)

You were right at the front

Who showed up for the Pre-Opening show? (performers that is)

Those annoying dudes on the car

What was the first set of Fastpasses that were collected?

TSM

Did any of the Marvali clan ride Toy Story Midway Mania standby first thing that morning?

Yes you all did

For the first ride on RnR, was the Standby line or Single Rider line used?

Single

What were the first four rides done that morning, in order? (checking everyone's touring guide knowledge)

TSM,ToT, RnR, The Great Movie Ride

Who among my DISfriends (and I use that term loosely) got the first picture tribute at DHS?

ME!

Who scored the highest points in the Marvali clan on the first TSMM ride of the day?

Matt

Who scored the lowest?

Someone other than you because you rock at TSM. Let's say Drew did.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

VERY PERCEPTIVE Molly Kathy does that sound like a Marv suck up
We know we are Royalty Marv , but thanks for confirming it

Thanks Rosie! It's nice to know I'm among royalty as well. I didn't realize Marv had the capacity to bestow aristocratic titles. Maybe that's his other job and the reason why he's so seldom here on his own TR...

 

[KatMark]

Thanks Rosie! It's nice to know I'm among royalty as well. I didn't realize Marv had the capacity to bestow aristocratic titles. Maybe that's his other job and the reason why he's so seldom here on his own TR...

Marv, suck up? I guess he needs to do something on this TR to keep it going.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Marv, suck up? I guess he needs to do something on this TR to keep it going.

Yup! I predict that by this Christmas, he'll be about a third of the way through this sucker. Maybe.

 

[marvali]

Trying to get Matt all set up in his first apartment the past few days so he can start his Naval career tomorrow has been quite expensive and very time consuming. He has internet service installed already. Once I finish getting this stinking computer desk put together and his computer set up and running I'm taking a break for some much needed DIStime...

 

[All7OfUs]

GREAT that you are such a good dad!! See you soon, then!

 

[KatMark]

Trying to get Matt all set up in his first apartment the past few days so he can start his Naval career tomorrow has been quite expensive and very time consuming. He has internet service installed already. Once I finish getting this stinking computer desk put together and his computer set up and running I'm taking a break for some much needed DIStime...

It is expensive setting them up in their own "digs." Good luck to Matt, and it will be nice to have you back.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I feel like I'm swimming upstream trying to catch up with everyone again. Hopefully I'm not too late on this one - answers in secret agent white:


How many of us made rope drop for our DHS day? (At least one did, but not all)Two of you - Marv and Matt

How far from the rope was Marv when they took it down? (how many people back)I'm going to say 2 people back - some lucky DISers who were sporting LGMHs and you became friends in line!

Who showed up for the Pre-Opening show? (performers that is)

The trusty Public Workers

What was the first set of Fastpasses that were collected?

Why TSM, what else?

Did any of the Marvali clan ride Toy Story Midway Mania standby first thing that morning?Yes, the early bird gets the ride! The two who made rope drop rode standby after procuring FPs

For the first ride on RnR, was the Standby line or Single Rider line used?

I'm going to guess Single Rider, because the Standby said 70 min, which is really 90 as we all know

What were the first four rides done that morning, in order? (checking everyone's touring guide knowledge)

TSM, TOT, RNRRC, TGMR

Who among my DISfriends (and I use that term loosely) got the first picture tribute at DHS? Why Rosie of course!

Who scored the highest points in the Marvali clan on the first TSMM ride of the day?

Marv, or he wouldn't be bragging about it!

Who scored the lowest? Poor Drew - he was placed in charge of holding the sacred spoons, so he was playing one-handed

 

[jenb1023]

Trying to get Matt all set up in his first apartment the past few days so he can start his Naval career tomorrow has been quite expensive and very time consuming. He has internet service installed already. Once I finish getting this stinking computer desk put together and his computer set up and running I'm taking a break for some much needed DIStime...

Take your time! As much as we all like to tease you, we all know that family comes first. Congrats and good luck to Matt!

 

[marvali]

Well, no luck with getting to use that new computer desk and Matt's computer. He was getting a tour of the base while I was finishing up the furniture construction and when he returned we were both ready to go eat. When we got back to his apartment we came to the realization that there must be one box of his stuff that was left behind at home. Of course it would be the one that contained his printer and the cables to connect his computer so he is still without that luxury. I guess he will be using the one they have in the Clubhouse of the apartment complex until we can get it to him.

I did manage to get my laptop working on the hotel free High speed internet, so I got a little done last night finalizing pictures in PB. Working on trying to get that first DHS update posted before I have to check out and head back over to spend some time with Matt before heading back home. So if you haven't posted answers to the contest yet, or want to make some changes, your time is running very short.... (crossing fingers)

 

[marvali]

Tonight would be New Year’s Eve, so no way I’m going to try fighting the crowds that were sure to build to capacity in the Magic Kingdom or Epcot. This day logically held only one destination. By now our routine was getting rather predictable. Alison had gotten into the mode of enjoying her rest and relaxation, so why change now??? Rope Drop was not on her agenda. She isn’t much of a morning person and this IS vacation after all.

The guys however are all ride junkies, and we know if you are planning for certain rides at Disney, you BETTER be there at rope drop. So the four of us headed out to the bus stop to catch the bus to

We had a short wait and we were on our way. We arrived quickly at DHS, hopped off the bus and headed to the turnstiles. As we walked along I couldn’t neglect one of my ultimate goals for the trip; documenting the Christmas decorations. I had to stop long enough to get a picture of

As we walked to the entrance there were CMs standing along the walkway announcing they had Fastpasses for Lights, Motors, Action free to anyone interested. Hey, who wouldn’t be interesting in collecting their first set of FPs before they ever entered the park?? Besides, they wouldn’t count against our tickets so we could also still get those prized TSMM FPs when we got inside. With FPs securely in hand I walked along and had a chance to look them over. The 9:20 show? Are you kidding me? Who would show up for rope drop at DHS and head immediately to LMA at the risk of the other ride opportunities available? Now don’t get me wrong, I enjoy LMA on occasion, but not at 9:20 in the AM!!! There are much bigger fish to fry at that time of the morning. But at least I now understood why the CMs were being so generous. I thought they just knew that Marv would be there that day and this was the reward for all the lucky people who decided to join me at DHS.

With that first set of elusive FPs firmly secured in the bottom of my pocket, collecting lint until the moment they would surely be discarded, we arrived at the line for the turnstiles. Here was what I saw in front of me…

After about a 20 minute wait it was time to make that first dash of the morning to get the best possible location for the trip to TSMM. As we entered I handed my ticket over to Matt and off the boys went to get ahead of the crowd. That gave me the opportunity to go a little slower and get some more of the requisite DIS TR pictures.

The crowds were lower as expected, and for the first time this trip we would be able to move with relative ease (for Christmastime anyway) around the park. Here is what it looked like ahead of me heading towards the rope.

Not too bad yet, so definitely more time for pictures.

I arrived to the back of the crowd that had already gathered ahead of me. Somewhere up there the boys had already secured a spot, very close to the front I was sure. Time for a picture of the still empty park, and the park icon.

Even knowing the boys were up front and I didn’t have to get involved in the dash to the TSM FP machines, being this far back just would not do. Not for Marv. I have a TR reputation to uphold or risk the ribbing of too many of my wonderful DISfriends. Most of the people had gathered in the middle and towards the right for obvious reasons, but that left side looked rather lonely and needed some company. I casually headed that way and slowly worked my way up until I reached a spot very near the front. Hmm, just in front of me was this view and being the Engineer that I am, I quickly calculated the tiny space and my potential ability to squeeze through it when the rope finally came down. Oh yeah, I’m pretty sure it could be done so I soon found myself right here…..

With the rope right in front of me I finally had time to notice my surroundings. I’m standing right beside something that reminded me of my DISfriend Poolrat Pat, so I had to take a picture in her honor.

Ah yes, my first tribute of the day! So what else and who else am I sharing this fine morning with? Hey, this guy came out to document the arrival of Marv I see…..

I’m sure he got some great shots of me showing everyone my rope drop spot attainment talents. Oh yes, documented for the generations to come on how it is done. As I stood at the rope I wondered if this guy could really hold back this crowd should something happen to the rope, like an honored guest unclipping it from that hook right in front of me. His back is turned after all…..

This is close enough I guess, and this is all that is in front of me after all……

Okay, so the good thing is for the first time I will be right at the rope when some of the famous Hollywood talent arrives for the pre-show. Usually I am a few people back and can’t get those great pictures that so many post here on the DIS, and I certainly can’t hear or see all of the show. This is going to be great. But as we wait I realize the time is very close and the pre-opening show should be going on, but all we get this morning is…

A fine looking group of CMs for sure, but not what I had hoped to see this morning. Looks like there is no pre-opening show for us this day. The CMs announce they are going to remove the rope, and that everyone should remain in their spots until they tell us we can start towards our destinations. Finally it is time to go and the journey to TSMM begins.

Even on a morning when the park isn’t hugely busy, there is still the strong desire to get to TSMM before it gets inevitably crowded.

If you look closely at the guy in the center top of the picture, with the yellow hat on, the bill of his cap points to the back of Jonathan’s head…..

We are getting to the point where those headed for the FP machines peel off from the rest of the crowd, and the others head for the front of the standby line.

While I’m waiting for the boys to get the FPs I have a moment to document those initial posted ride times…

I keep letting the crowd pass me filling the standby line as I look for the boys to join me. Finally they arrive and we all jump in the line. Of course my DISbuddy Glenn has set the standard for taking those FP pictures, so I had to follow suit.

As we worked our way through the queue I made sure to look for this little piece of detail I had never noticed before until Poolrat Pat documented in her TR. Tribute number two for Ms. Pat!!!

I was making sure to notice more of the details this trip. Anyone up for a game of Chutes and Ladders, or one of my all time favorites - Scrabble?

We finally made our way to this guy, and I couldn’t help thinking about Liesa and her buddy Tate, and wondering if he aspired to one day take over this job……

And as Glenn pointed out in his TR, taking pictures of Mr. Potato Head reveals some really interesting effects with his eyes.

I didn’t really pay too much attention, but the line moved rather quickly and we probably made it to the ride in about 10 or 15 minutes from when we entered the standby line. We climbed in our vehicles and headed off to enjoy some Midway games, Drew and I in one car, Matt and Jon in the other. I was trying to remember some of the tips I had learned to increase your score on this ride, and share them with Drew so we could improve our scores some. I guess I should have been spending more of my time just playing the games as this okay but not great result show.

Drew edged me out in the scoring, but Matt was the overall winner of the four of us this time around. I will attribute my lowest score of the first ride to the fact the boys play lots more video games than I do! Yeah, that sounds right….

We exited TSMM and headed back towards Sorcerer Mickey’s hat and soon spotted a landmark.

It was time to conquer some of the more intense DHS rides. I already revealed I am a thrill ride junkie, and my two favorites at Disney are Expedition Everest and RnR! It was finally time to enjoy one of those…..

Coming Up…..

Chapter 20 – DHS – RnR, ToT and Beyond