Stuck on Splash, Swimming in Sewage, & Still Laughing! A "Classy" 6/11 TR- 5/6 DONE!

[therussells08]

I'm getting all caught up!!! I enjoyed seeing the Titanic pics..it's on We right now haha. BTW, I'm going to get some butterbeer tomorrow just bc I have my AP and can My brother and I went in yesterday after he got my pass and we walked up to Journey and of course it was a 90 min wait and we walked right on thanks to him When we walked out it was a 120 min wait..crazy!!!!

Sorry the Titanic museum was horrible..what did you do next??

Haha I think that movie has been on WE for that past month straight! That is so cool that you got Butterbeer and walked onto Journey! I'm so jealous!

It was fun traveling along with you on your drive! It did make me feel better about flying for my Disneymoon though, haha. I'm so afraid of getting on the plane. I've flown many times before, and I've always been afraid of it. It just doesn't make sense to me! Anyway, we're flying so we don't waste time traveling (we're taking off work, and I won't be paid while I'm away). I do love seeing random signs and such ... even gas stations!

HAHA, this sentence cracked me up! I mean, I've been laughing all along the way, but this one just pushed me over: " I think I was grumbling something about how I should have brought trail mix for this walk when I decided to get a straw, suck it up, and start doing what I'm good at, which is taking a million pictures of random stuff." BTW, Howard and I would totally park farther away too and do anything to save money. Haha, why allow someone to do something for us that requires tipping if we can just do it ourselves? That money can be spent on more important things ... like at Disney!

Were those food and other items in the drawer like, stuck down or something? Because if not, if you really liked the necklace, couldn't you just wear it around th hotel room to get your fill? HAHA.

HAHAHHAHA, oh Joni! You were trying to sneak into CityWalk with all your contraband! You gotta play it cool if you wanna do that!

When the lady said there was no Diet Coke in WWOHP, I also immediately thought, "I bet you it goes by another name!" Alas, it is an unfortunately that we were both wrong!

I totally would've thought it was so cool to see the stuff from the movie Titanic! Haha, I was wondering what the plates title was all about!

I think it's so cool how we were in the same outlet. I don't know why. Haha, it's just cool to me that I was there months earlier in the same Disney outlet store and in the same food court just LOOKING at Five Guys (the line was too long, so we all got stuff elsewhere).

Yay! I love your comments! I'm glad you enjoyed our trip down. I know what you mean about flying. I definitely don't prefer it, but it's so convenient, especially when you're a little crunched for time!

I'm glad we're not the only penny pinchers when it comes to being on vacation! I want to save every penny for fun stuff, even if it means being a pack mule!

Hahaha, my lead teacher at my school always tells the students to get a straw and suck it up, so I picked up that saying!

It really was cool seeing the movie stuff from Titanic, until later in the week when I realized that the Planet Hollywood in DTD had more memorbilia than that stinking museum had! URGH!

That is so cool that were in the same outlet. I remember when you posted about Howard getting his first Vinylmation there. By the way, is he still collecting those? John has become literally obsessed and we have a ton of them now. He is looking for more trading friends, and I told him about Howard getting his first one at the outlets!

Stumbled upon your TR by accident and I'm loving it! All caught up now and can't wait to read the next chapter!

Congratulations on your new house also, it's beautiful!

I'm so glad you're enjoying it!

I'm all caught up! I love your house- it's beautiful! Congrats!

Aww I'm sorry the Titanic exhibit was a disappointment. It sounded promising though!

Thank you! Unfortunately I have bad news about the house in my next post.


That's okay with the museum, lesson learned!

Joining in! I love this TR, you remind me of myself!! One time i went to universal, and went to Downtown Disney that night and almost cried because even though I was gonna be at Disney the next day, I couldn't bear it any longer! lol

I'm so glad you're enjoying it! The story you just told is pretty much EXACTLY what happened to me this night!

 

[therussells08]

Hi everyone! Sorry again about the gap between updates. We've had some big changes since my last update, both good and bad. The bad news is that the sellers from whom we were purchasing our house backed out of the deal. Apparently they got another offer that was so good they didn't mind paying us and our realtor a whole bunch of money in damages. We were happy to get the cash, but bummed that we missed out on a house we really loved. On the other hand, the good news is that John is not deploying now until late October, and he might be home for Christmas! I am so thrilled about this news and the opportunity to spend more time with him!

Okay, onto the update! When we left off John and I were deciding what to do with ourselves for the remainder of our evening. As I mentioned before, I realized in the Disney Outlet that the reason I was feeling depressed was because I was wasting all this time in Orlando when all I wanted was to be in Disney World! So, any guesses where we went? Come on, you know!

It didn't take much begging and whining on my part to convince John to take me to...

Sweet, glorious, wonderful, amazing, perfect DISNEY WORLD! I was literally jumping up and down in my seat I was so excited. I told ya Disney came into play a little earlier in this trip than expected. I just couldn't resist!

The first thing we decided to do was go to Shades of Green to go ahead and pick up our park tickets for the trip. We had been planning on getting the Disney Salute tickets that were four days at the parks with Park Hopper for $138 each. I was really excited for this awesome deal, but a little bummed that we were going to be in Disney for a week and only able to go to the parks for four days. Well, while I shopped around in the AAFES and tried to find excuses to buy things for the sole fact that I didn't have to pay sales tax, John worked his amazing husband magic and surprised me with TWO sets of tickets each. Which meant we had EIGHT DAYS worth of park tickets each! Upon learning this news I proceeded to do my version of the happy dance, which is a weird combination between the Roseanne dance and the dance the kids do on the Charlie Brown Christmas special.

So, with our eight days worth of park tickets in hand we left Shades of Green and contemplated our next move. Since I was already so close to the Magic Kingdom and I had extra park tickets to use up I started begging John to take me there. He considered it, but then pointed out that if we went that night we would have to pay to park and we wouldn't be able to stay long because we had to get up early the next morning to go to Sea World. Grr, I hate it when he makes so much sense! I agreed (with my arms crossed and pouting) that he was right, so we decided to go to Downtown Disney instead!

Like Jen (Nermel9) mentioned before, I LOVE LOVE LOVE Downtown Disney, but I absolutely loathe trying to park there. On this evening we were fortunate enough to find a great spot almost immediately, so I sent a silent thank you up for the pixie dust and practically raced to the shops, dragging John behind me all the way!

I saw those banners blowing in the wind and had to take a picture. I remember being like, "Look Honey! Our memories are beginning! YAAAAAY!" (Much to John's embarrassment and several onlookers' amusement.)

Topiary Mickey and his beautiful flowers!

We walked around Downtown Disney for awhile, not buying anything but just soaking up that glorious Disney feeling. I was tempted to buy so much, but I didn't want to waste all of my souvenir money before our trip really even began. Before we left, however, we went into the World of Disney and I couldn't resist picking up a few things.

Please excuse my red face in that picture. John told me I look constipated, which I would have been angry about if it wasn't so funny. I had to share it with you though, because I thought those Minnie ears were the cutest things ever. I stood there obsessing over them for awhile, but I finally decided they weren't very practical, so I settled for a pair of the regular sequin Minnie ears with the bow instead of the hat. Ahhh, Disney World. The only place on Earth where you have to decide which pair of fake mouse ears are more practical. You gotta love it!

The other thing I bought at World of Disney was a new beach towel for my mom. She had specifically requested a beach towel as her souvenir so I was really excited when I found a cute one. Unfortunately I would end up regretting this, but more on that later. They had a deal going where if you spent $30 or more you could get a Mickey Mouse beach towel for $12.95, so John decided to do that when we paid.

After our little bit of shopping it was getting late so we decided it was time to head back to Loews Royal Pacific. Well, John decided. I moaned and groaned and dragged my heels and basically showed my butt about having to leave Disney World. I think my fingernail marks are probably still scratched into the side of World of Disney from John having to drag me out. Leaving the World was misery, and the only way I could stand to drive back under that big beautiful sign was with my eyes clenched shut and John repeating "We'll be back tomorrow...we'll be back tomorrow..."

When we made it back to our hotel I was feeling extremely bitter toward Lowes Royal Pacific and Universal in general. In hindsight I realize this was completely unfair to poor Universal, because it really didn't do anything wrong except not being Disney. However, this didn't stop me from making angry slurs for the rest of the evening, like "Ugh, the elevators at Disney NEVER take this long." and "Sheesh, ice cream at Disney is so much cheaper."

Despite my surly attitude that would put Grumpy to shame we tried to make the most of the rest of the evening. We went to the pool and got ice cream, then watched the poolside movie they were showing, which was Harry Potter. After a little while we decided to head back to the room. When we got back John took the ice bucket to get ice for our sodas we had brought, but came back to tell me there was no ice. Um, what's the point in having an ice bucket if you're not going to have ice? I believe that's strike three, Universal.

We drank our warm sodas and watched Billy Madison in bed. I updated my trip journal and fell asleep quickly, dreaming of finally being in my beloved Disney World to stay.

Up Next: I get overly emotional at Sea World and John finally finds out we're staying at AKL!

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

Yay! And update!

I'm so sorry to hear about the house. My dad is a realtor, and from what he says, those kind of things happen pretty frequently. That just means a better house for you guys is out there waiting, though! And yay for some extra time with John!

I knew you'd be going over to Disney! How sweet of John to get two sets of tickets. I agree - parking at DTD is such a pain!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Oh my goodness, how sweet of him to surprise you with eight days worth of tickets! I would have been so happy too, to go from four days of Disney to eight!

I think I saw your nail marks at World of Disney when I was last there....

 

[RachelNinja]

I don't know how many Vinylmation Howard has at this point, but it's only a few. Plus, at the end of my more recent TR (that I really should work on right now, but I'm catching up on crafting blogs!), I'll show one of the Vinylmation nerds that the 3 of them got for him (they got him a gift for driving all week and handling car rental stuff, and they got me a gift too for planning the trip). I don't know that he has any left to trade though because he might've gotten what he liked. If anything, he has ONE to trade! He's definitely going to be trying to get a Cars one next year!

Aww, it's sad that you didn't get the house, but at least you got some cash out of it. And it only means that that wasn't the right house for you guys! The right one will come along! And yay for the news about John! Woohoo!

Um, how do you come here and describe your happy dance without posting a video of it? Such a tease! Haha.

"The only place on Earth where you have to decide which pair of fake mouse ears are more practical. You gotta love it!" HAHA. I'm wondering whether or not to get the bride ears next May. I've ALWAYS wanted them, and it'll be my ONLY time to get them and wear 'em. But I wear sunglasses in the parks now, and I put them on my head when not in use! Decisions decisions ...

You write so well that I'M feeling so anxious that you're not at Disney at this point in your TR!

 

[jacksmom]

Enjoying your reviews! We are from NC also! Will be leaving in 2 days and will be going through Charlotte also (live on Lake Norman)! Leaving at 4:30 am to avoid trafic!

 

[Disneyfreak616]

Awww, sorry about the house, but John's delayed deployment sure makes up for it!

Hahaha I am SO glad you went to Disney. That's just what you needed! How adorable. I would've been doing the same thing! My trip is tomorrow and I can hardly sit still!!!!!

OMG, YAYYY for double the park days!!!! We're doing the 4 days as well, but seeing as I'm going back 2 weeks later, I don't really mind.

Haha well as much as Magic Kingdom would have been just lovely, Downtown Disney is always a great start to the trip.

Those ears are so cute!

Haha it's funny that you were comparing Universal to Disney because Jess and I went to Darien Lake recently (which is sort of like Six Flags or Knott's Berry Farm) with a few of our friends, and we were comparing it to Disney ALL day. From the food to the queues to the prices. Needless to say, Disney won.

 

[shelbys mommy]

I have been waiting for an update! I do believe I would have cried my eyes out having to leave Disney to go back to Universal & I would have had the same attitude also! The fun is fixing to begin !!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[DisneyFirefly]

I love the pic of you with the Minnie ears on!

I'm sorry the house didn't come through, but I agree, that just means there's a better one out there for you. I'm sure things will work out, especially since John's home longer You guys can find a more perfect house together!

That's awesome that he took you to Disney I know how antsy I get about wanting to be in Disney, like, the second I land in Orlando

 

[JessicaFaye508]

HAHAHA your update just made me chuckle. SO funny! I would have done the same thing if I was you! People always ask me if I have ever been to Universal since I'm down in Florida all of the time. And I NEVER have been. (except for when I was like 2 or 4 or something) I think it's because I know that if I'm all the way there, spending time somewhere besides Disney World would just make me feel like I was wasting my precious Disney opportunity. I mean.. if I was into Harry Potter I would make a special trip for that.. but I'm not. So it's DISNEY ALL THE WAY

And I also chucked at your happy dance description. I pictured you doing the charlie brown happy dance since I'm not sure of the rosanne one.

And i am SO excited you got 8 days worth of passes. AWESOME!!! can't wait for the next update!!

And p.s. sorry about the house deal not going through that's such a bummer! I hate hearing things like that. But you know what? Everything happens for a reason... so something better must be coming out of it!
And YAY for john being home for christmas! That's a great present! You should go to Disney World to celebrate

 

[TanzUnited99]

Yay you finally made it to Disney World!!

on getting 8 day tickets. I love the Minnie ears photo.

Oh no on having to go back to Leows Royal Pacific. Am also sad to hear about the house falling through but agree that everything happens for a reason

 

[mickeyfan71]

So sorry to hear about the house-everything happens for a reason so some good will come out of this!

Yay for 8 day tickets!

I may take your advice and read the HP books.

 

[pooksma]

Sorry about the house. Must be a better one coming up for you!

Yay for John not having to go yet

I am thinking the same "WDW" withdrawl may happen to us when we start our trip at SeaWorld. There's something about passing through those WDW gates that makes you feel lighter.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Oh I hate to hear the bad news about the house. At least you got a little money in your pocket for the troubles.

What a great surprise....extra days of tickets!

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Awww... sorry about the house. But that's great you get to spend more time with John.

YAY! To Disney you go, finally! I love seeing those gates, one of the best things about Disney That was so nice of John to get you double the tickets for your Disney vacation time. I haven't even stayed in WDW for 8 days. I can't wait to read all about how those tickets are used

Sounded like you had a nice time in DTD! I'm going to be searching for those scratch marks now Hahahahaha Love the Mickey fountain thing they have. I've seen it on so many TRs and I just think it's the coolest thing ever. I hope they keep it there for awhile

I love World of Disney! I'm a big Disney souvenir junkie, especially when it comes to pins so I love that place. It also is fun to just goof off in there hahaha, which you seem to do (I don't think you looked weird in that picture, btw) Haha @ the whole "more practical mickey ears" comment, though it's totally true. I think it can go for most Disney souvenirs, as well Hahahaha

OMG, I think that is the worst I've seen someone react to leaving Disney. The elevators, seriously? Hahahahaha just kidding But it seemed you enjoyed it in the end. If only Disney would play Harry Potter poolside *daydreams* But at least they play some epic Disney movies to make up hahahaha

Can't wait to read about your Sea World day!

 

[Vwdiva93]

So sorry about your house, that really stinks. But definitely good news that your DH could be home for Christmas!

Yay for finally getting on Disney property though! And that was so sweet of your DH to get you more tickets. Four days at Disney is never enough, there's just too much to do!

And I love those ears, too cute! But yeah I could see how a more practical pair would be used much more

 

[Tracy161]

Sorry to hear about the house! But maybe this just means that something even better for the two of you will work out instead! (I always believe things happen for a reason). Great news about John though!

Oh my gosh! I absolutely LOVED your update, you literally had me laughing OUT LOUD!!! Ahh... the comment about the elevators not being as slow at Disney had me especially cracking up! Can't wait for your next update!

 

[stephielela]

Finally caught up!!! I knew it!! I knew why you were sad! I am a bit hesitant about taking a trip to Universal for that very same reason... but I HAVE to see WWoHP so I will have to tough it out... for one night at least

Sorry about the house, but YAY! about John maybe being home for Christmas!!

 

[Maleficent's Dad]

On board - great reading and you're making me laugh!
We brought the kids to WWOHP at Universal last year - and although it was a "good" family trip, it was the trip to Disney afterwards that made the vacation! So I know what you mean!

 

[Shell & Ted]

Sorry to hear about the house but great news on the extra cash & having John home.

I feel the exact same way about Orlando. Vacation doesn't really start until I get to Disney. I feel almost disloyal and out of sorts when I'm off property and near by.