Sweating till we Drop: An August Trip Report

[amazingact21]

I understand what you mean about not having the energy to get on the DIS. Landon's on Spring Break right now, and I think that's the only reason I have the motivation to get on here and play catch-up. Virtual learning is tough on everybody!

A relaxing morning at the pool was the probably the best idea before a hot party night. Especially if you were coming down with a dreaded cold.

I've never eaten at Columbia Harbor House, but that chicken pot pie didn't look too bad. Happy to hear it was virtually empty when you decided to go there.

 

[Stasieki]

Catching up on your TR. Working from home has been quite challenging, but we are so lucky in that our girls don't have required online learning. They pretty much just cancelled the rest of school. They had done all their units and were prepping to take our state standardized testings. The state cancelled those for this year.

 

[Steppesister]

I've never eaten at Columbia Harbor House, but that chicken pot pie didn't look too bad. Happy to hear it was virtually empty when you decided to go there.

I've had the pot pie a couple of times and it's pathetically small. And that's saying somehing coming from me, as you know. Not worth it IMHO. Exorbitantly expensive for what you get.

 

[amazingact21]

I've had the pot pie a couple of times and it's pathetically small. And that's saying somehing coming from me, as you know. Not worth it IMHO. Exorbitantly expensive for what you get.

Good to know... Man, I need the MK to step up their QS game. I've gotten to the point where I leave and go to a monorail resort for a quick meal. If we can have Satuli Canteen in DAK and Docking Bay 7 and Woody's Lunchbox in DHS, we should be able to get something comparable inside the MK!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Hi Everyone!!!!

I know I said it last time, but I just haven't felt the warm and fuzzies about writing about Disney lately. But I read a few folks reports and feel inspired! So, I am going to try and get another installment in today! So, stay tuned!!!

Also, @ariane37 posted on facebook the receipe for Ohana noodles, so I think we are going to try it out and have an Ohana themed dinner tonight. I am going to break out my Trader Sam's cups and make a fun drink as well! (sadly I don't have what I need to make a lapu lapu)

In quarantine news, we are all doing ok-ish. I am thankful that we have a house just big enough for us, we have a real office, that Andy works out of every day and a finished attic that someone can go and get away from everyone else if needed. (Which is where Morgan has currently been hiding all day today). We also have a back yard to get outside in. Of course is has been SOOOO cold, that we don't even want to be outside. But we are surviving. New Jersey has officially extended home schooling till May 15th, but most of the girls teachers are preparing to finish the year from home, I think.

I am also feeling so so so thankful for all the trips we took this past year on our annual passes. I feel like we got our fill of Disney to hold us over until we feel ok to go again. I don't think we will be taking any trips this calendar year. I think it just makes sense with everything going on and for our bank account! So, kind of a win win for us, for now.

Ok, now some responses and then I will work on my next post! Promise!

I understand what you mean about not having the energy to get on the DIS. Landon's on Spring Break right now, and I think that's the only reason I have the motivation to get on here and play catch-up. Virtual learning is tough on everybody!

It is soooo mentally draining! We are starting to get into a groove, kind of. We will see.

Working from home has been quite challenging, but we are so lucky in that our girls don't have required online learning. They pretty much just cancelled the rest of school.

What?!? Where do you live that they did that. Granted Gwen has 2 hours of school work each day, so it's nothing like what she WAS doing. I am kind of glad they have it. It gives them something to do each day!!!

I've had the pot pie a couple of times and it's pathetically small. And that's saying somehing coming from me, as you know. Not worth it IMHO. Exorbitantly expensive for what you get.

I didn't notice it being so small. But I think it was enough for Morgan. We were def under-whelmed with all of it this time.

Good to know... Man, I need the MK to step up their QS game

They really do!

I've gotten to the point where I leave and go to a monorail resort for a quick meal. If we can have Satuli Canteen in DAK and Docking Bay 7 and Woody's Lunchbox in DHS, we should be able to get something comparable inside the MK!

Right? Maybe if things are slow when things re-open, they will be forced to make some things nicer....

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Day Four: the Start of Mickey's Not so Scary Halloween Party!

We headed to main street as we were finally going to meet up with Andy's sister and family!

We must have gone around and cut through Tomorrowland, as Gwen wanted to get in on the Purple Wall Photo Craze...
Gwen Purple Wall

We meet up, said our hellos and got in line for a castle picture!

First we got one by ourselves:
Castle Pic_Saucier
Which if you can't tell, we went with a loose Wreck It Ralph theme. Gwen wanted to be Venelope. So, Morgan and I picked "Comfy" Princesses (Me as Snow White and Morgan picked Moana) and Andy, got the Venelope heart necklace shirt. We knew it would be hot, so we def didn't want anything super elaborate.

Then we got one with Andy's sister and family:
Castle Pic_Everyone
Andy's sister A is in the front with her husband R kind of poking his head around one of the boys. There boys H is on the far left and there other son (also A) is standing behind Andy's sister.

The Coleman Family got a family shot after:
Flaming Head_Coleman's
When we saw this, we were all cracking up. H is well.... let's say he is a bit un-exciteable...

Which Andy promptly made into a meme...
Untitled

We got a magic shot as well... but...
501079812
Guess the guy didn't put in the code correctly?

It was good to be all together finally. And we were ready to do some stuff! As we were done with photos, they announced the start of the Party!

We headed over to Buzz Lightyear to do that together.

Buzz Que
The wait was posted at 35 minutes, but we got in line anyway, Most of the wait was outside and we were in a standstill for a bit but then it started moving pretty well. It gave us time to chat a bit, so it was fine.

Gwen Star Comand
I dont' think we waited the full 35 mintures, because once we got inside, we saw that there was almsot no que inside...

Buzz View Finder
Soon enough we were getting on the ride.

We tried to see with Andy's sister's family wanted to ride with the girls, but they weren't really feeling it..
So, Morgan and Gwen rode together.
Buzz Ride

Buzz

Buzz Lightyear

When we came out, there was a trick or treat spot there. But it was a little choatic with people trying to get in line for candy, check on photos and people just trying to get out.

We trick or treated while, R bought a Hard Forky for someone.

Tried to get the girls to get back in line, as it emptied out for a bit. But they didn’t want to “break” the rules. So, out we went!

The girls wanted to ride Space Mountain next, but decided to do People Mover before. Again, Andy tried to get his sister to ride with the girls, but she didn’t want to. okay...

So, we rode together, which was fine. And we always love our ride on the People Mover.

Untitled

Pile of Dirt
It became a joke about the wonder of the pile of dirt!

Pile of Dirt
Gwen is showing off the dirt in this pic...

After we tried to go trick or treat at the Caroseul of Progress but then we noticed that it was Applesauce. We decided to pass on those.

R, son A, myself, and Gwen went and rode Space Mountain. We wanted to try out the "overlay" for the party. The line was outside of the entrance, I want to say because they were checking bands. As we were waitin, Morgan chickened out. She was nervous about it being in the dark. And Andy didn't want to ride it and mess up his back. So, Andy and his sister hung back with Morgan and H.

The line was fairly long, as I think everyone wanted to try it out. We waited a solid half hour, I think.
Space Mountain Gwen
But we made it on and it was super fun! Def a little bit "scary" with it being darker.

501170147
I tell you, those boys are so expressive!

While we rode Space, they just chilled out. I text'd Andy to get Gwen a churro to eat after. Which they grabbed. I think Morgan had a soft pretzel while they waited.

We met back up, and Gwen ate her Churro on the go. As Morgan was ready to ride something! We actually split from Andy's sister and family. They signed up for the dessert party during the party, and we opted not to.

We headed out to do something else, and we agreed to meet back up after the fireworks.

Up next, some rides and the parade!

 

[missjackiemcg]

Sounds like a great start to the party I love the simplicity of the costumes--such good thinking!!

 

[lvcourtneyy]

Smart to go simple on the costumes! Can't wait to hear about the rest of the party

 

[ariane37]

How did the noodles turn out?? So fun to do a Disney theme dinner night Post on my page if you made them!

Ugh I wish it would get warmer, we try to walk every day but so many days are just so COLD! This week doesn't look much better so here's hoping the following week is better......

tell you, those boys are so expressive

Reminds me of Ricky's face in every single ride photo we get

 

[missangelalexis]

Glad you are all doing ok

Sounds like a fun start to the party!

 

[amazingact21]

Having room in the house to spread out has been such a lifesaver! I used to have a running joke with Alex that when we hit our golden years we'd buy an RV and live out of it. That has completely gone out the window now! Gimme our rooms! We're actually really fortunate in that I have an office and we had a spare bedroom that Alex could convert to his workspace, so everyone's out of each other's hair.
Sorry it's been so cold out, though! Hopefully it'll warm up soon so you can at least enjoy the change of scenery outdoors.


Sounds like a pretty good start to the party. Creative shirts are the way to go during August parties. Way too hot for anything else!
Had to chuckle at the teenage nephew's lack of expression. That seems pretty standard for kids that age.
The overlay on Space seemed so cool. A great addition to the party!

 

[Steppesister]

Gotta love some really awesome family-style Magic Shots!! Love it!

 

[vamassey1]

Fun start to the party. I like the comfortable costumes. Looking forward to more.

 

[ArielSRL]

Okay, so obviously I am wayyyyyy late to this report. But I did sneak a peek and saw you have not finished it yet, so I felt okay commenting!

I left us off heading to dinner. But I forgot to mention that we found our Mickey Ears on the bed like this.

When we were here in November, the Mousekeepers did the cutest things with the boys toys that they brought!

Like I don't have enough trying to remember to lay out the gifts before I pass out every night. Oye!

Right? I am the worst about this! I usually get up before everyone else though so I do have that time available to do it as well.

We walked up around 5:45 and were seated right away. We were sat at one of the couch seating areas. And it was perfect for us. The girls were able to lounge a bit. This is becoming there favorite way to dine!

I have been trying to eat here since last July. I think Chad and I will finally get to on our adult trip in July as we are at the Tower again. Oh and we love the lounge dining, too, like at Geyser Point!

We started with the Warm Manchego and Oaxaca Cheese Dip.
W

Can't wait to try this!

 

[ArielSRL]

I left us off headed to meet some folks. We weren't moving very fast. But we eventually meet up with @kastoney and family. They were coming out of the Christmas Store. We said our hellos and started walking towards Big Thunder Mountain.

Kari and I let the girls each pick one fast pass for the day, and we coordinated our fast passes. Well, Kari made hers first as this was there last day and this was our first. But it worked out well, as they basically picked the 3 big rides.

How fun!

Splash Mountain Ride Photo
We should have planned a full log photo opt but did not...

The girls dabbing....AJ would be so proud! It's his photo go to.

 

[ArielSRL]

Untitled
You can see Gwen's sadness in this picture.

Poor thing! I'm sad for her.

It was made with byejoe dragon fire spirit, fresh Lime Juice, Passion Fruit, and Pineapple Juice
And I am pretty sure the byejoe dragon fire spirit is what was so unique about it.

I have always been intrigued by this but have been afraid to try it! Maybe I will next time.

 

[disneyAndi14]

I remember that hot and crowded Halloween party! So fun and I will never complain again when we can return to Disney!!
Having trick or treat stations after rides was new this party, I liked it!

 

[kastoney]

I know I said it last time, but I just haven't felt the warm and fuzzies about writing about Disney lately. But I read a few folks reports and feel inspired! So, I am going to try and get another installment in today! So, stay tuned!!!

Glad to see you back though I have no idea why it took me a few week to realize that

Which if you can't tell, we went with a loose Wreck It Ralph theme. Gwen wanted to be Venelope. So, Morgan and I picked "Comfy" Princesses (Me as Snow White and Morgan picked Moana) and Andy, got the Venelope heart necklace shirt. We knew it would be hot, so we def didn't want anything super elaborate.

What do you know I'm dressed as comfy princess just about every day lately Really do like the laid back looks though. Definitely much better on a hot day

501079812
Guess the guy didn't put in the code correctly?

Hey look there's a crack in the road

The girls wanted to ride Space Mountain next, but decided to do People Mover before. Again, Andy tried to get his sister to ride with the girls, but she didn’t want to. okay...

I'm sensing a trend here.....

 

[ArielSRL]

And My mom is ok.

I'm so glad!

 

[NJlauren]

Playing a bit of catch up here!

Untitled
I had seen somewhere a picture of someone pretending to be rolled over by the ball. I tried to get Gwen to that as well. this was her version...

Ah i love this picture!!

Fried Green Tomatoes
My pic was the Fried Green Tomatoes.

Bee Haven Bay Fried Green Tomatoes
Shaved ham, rémoulade sauce, and dressed local greens
I love these. But I am really the only one who loves Fried Green Tomatoes. But we don't get them here in the North East, so I try to get them.

These look so good! I love Fried Greens Tomatoes!

At 6:50, we walked over to the Lyft Pick up area. Hopped in the Lyft and were back at the Coronodo at 7:09!

We were dropped off at the main lobby, so we had to walk to our room from there, which apparently took forever. But once back in the room, the girls had me film them opening there wishable items.

I think the girls were done! But I think Andy and I went and swam/sat in the hot tub for a bit.

And that concluded our day! It was an amazing but exhausting day!

They were real troopers on what seemed like a great day but long day!

Chicken Pot Pie
Morgan loved the Chicken Pot Pie! I didn't eat any of it, so I don't know what it actually tasted like but she liked it.

I love chicken pot pie, this looks good! We like this quick service, its pretty good and not just burgers which is nice!

I know I said it last time, but I just haven't felt the warm and fuzzies about writing about Disney lately. But I read a few folks reports and feel inspired! So, I am going to try and get another installment in today! So, stay tuned!!!

UGH you are speaking to me here! I was all planning on doing a report for my Feb trip and i have been so mixed on getting is started! It just hasn't been doing it for me, i will read some items on the boards but i cant seem to motivate toe read reports to do a report.... but goal was to catch up on some reports and maybe start mine today!

In quarantine news, we are all doing ok-ish. I am thankful that we have a house just big enough for us, we have a real office, that Andy works out of every day and a finished attic that someone can go and get away from everyone else if needed. (Which is where Morgan has currently been hiding all day today). We also have a back yard to get outside in. Of course is has been SOOOO cold, that we don't even want to be outside. But we are surviving. New Jersey has officially extended home schooling till May 15th, but most of the girls teachers are preparing to finish the year from home, I think.

Happy to hear you are all staying safe! My house seems to be getting smaller by the day! Also messier and dirtier... but i care less and less....

Also did i miss your in NJ, we are in Essex County