That's it, moved to FL to be closer to Mickey! Update 2/4 Kidnapped at WDW 10/03/09

[jmskinner]

We love Biergarten - it's such a blast and is definitely on our list for lunch next time around!

But it was so hot last time, we opted against the alcohol - didn't want to be more dehydrated than we already were.
That wine sampler sounds good though - what kind of wine was it and what was the pricetag?

This was my first time to drink at Biergarten, but also the wine sampler was the reason for going. I had been wanting to try it since we were there at the first of the year. All 3 were white wines with a melon flavor. One had a very strong Pear taste to it. I think it was either $9 or $13. See, I need to start taking notes for my TR, or at least updating my TR sooner. I keep forgetting that I am getting old and the memory is going.

 

[tinkgurl]

Wow! Biergarten looks so neat on the inside! I've never been there.

Haha, I know what you mean about mixing a margarita with the sun/heat! Last time I had one there, it kicked my butt!

 

[carissanboys]

I'm here Melissa!!

Thanks for the picture of the Cracker Barrel sign.

How cool that you got to ride TSM so many times!! It was a quiet morning for sure.

Sounds like a wonderful Mother's Day so far. Can't wait to hear/see more.

 

[jmskinner]

Wow! Biergarten looks so neat on the inside! I've never been there.

Haha, I know what you mean about mixing a margarita with the sun/heat! Last time I had one there, it kicked my butt!

You must give Biergarten a try. I just love the interior and the entertainment is fun also. I do wish I was more outgoing and would strike up more conversation with the people we end up sitting with. I'll keep working on that.

I think if I had been wandering around the WS, that margarita would not have effected me as much, but staying in the heat and humidity it really hit me. The wine probably didn't help either.

I'm here Melissa!!

Thanks for the picture of the Cracker Barrel sign.

How cool that you got to ride TSM so many times!! It was a quiet morning for sure.

Sounds like a wonderful Mother's Day so far. Can't wait to hear/see more.

Yes, every time we drive by the 3 Cracker Barrel's we pass to WDW I think of you now. We stop and eat at them most times also. Jacob loves their chicken strips.

More coming up now in the next post!

 

[jmskinner]

Well, no one tried to guess our nice surprise.

We headed out of the park towards the monorail. Here is one of those mother moments where I feel like telling the kiddo he shouldn't do that, but then think, well if he falls in, he'll just get wet and maybe learn a lesson.

On the way up to the monorail, JS spotted the t-shirt on the guy in line at security:

Yes, JS always says instead of a wedding, he is going to a funeral.

Just in case you haven't seen what they have done to the monorails for Celebrations!

So, ever since Jacob got to be co-pilot on the monorail, that is what he wants to do every single time. I check out the first que area and there is a family there so I am sure they are going to be co-pilots, so I tell Jacob we will try next time.

Check out JS's face on this shot. Doesn't look very happy to be at WDW. But wait, it changes...

So we get to TTC and head up the ramp. Of course Jacob is asking me about being co-pilots again. I have learned that there is a special que just to be co-pilots and even though there is a very large family standing in line for the first car, they are not in the co-pilot que, so I tell Jacob to ask the CM who is busy speaking with another CM. Finally he realizes we are waiting on him and comes over. Jacob asks me to ask, but I tell him if he wants to be co-pilot he has to ask. This is how it goes:

CM: How may I help you?
Jacob: Can we ride in the front? (very softly)
CM: What?
Jacob: Huh?
Me: (To myself) This is going nowhere fast.
CM: I'm sorry I didn't hear you.
Jacob: Can we ride in the front?
CM: How many in your party?
Me: (To myself)
Jacob: Three
CM opens the gate to the special que.

Of course JS is way back so I have to go get him, but look at his new attitude:

And check it out folks, it's actually a pic of me!

Another CM asked for a ride to the Contemporary. He was nice enough to inform us that lines weren't bad that day. He said the longest he saw was 15 minutes for Buzz. Now we were super excited. Here is a picture tour of our trip:

Now, if we had not taken the boat from WL that time, we would not have realized that bridge is a waterway you drive under.

That last one is very imporatant. Jacob never waves, claps, or anything socially acceptable during parades, etc. Of course he was happy to be co-pilot and showing off.

So our ride as co-pilots was over, they gave us one certificate this time and Jacob said it could be Dad's since he didn't have one.

I'm sure that I am at the pic limit. Next up, so what do we do at the MK and what happened to the Blue balls?

 

[carissanboys]

Very cool for getting to be co-pilots again!

Hope Jonas didn't lose his blue balls!

 

[irky416]

[

I have a picture of that planet outside MS and I never noticed the little rocket ship that's shooting out of it!

That's too funny about the gift!! I can't wait to find out what happens to them!

I love the pictures from the front of the monorail. I guess I never realized how much there is to see. I wanted to ask last time we went, but I felt dumb not having any kids. Haha. Sometimes I think I want to have a child just so I can take them all the fun places I want to go but won't because it's for kids!

 

[Finkelstein's Hubby]

Very cool trip Melissa

Jacob looked very very thrilled to be co-pilot. We rode it up front once and its great fun. Biergarten looked as fun as always, oh how I miss those big glasses

Epcot is such a great park to take pics in and you got some great shots of Mission Space.

Gordon

 

[scottny]

great update and pics.

I enjoyed Biergarten when we went there last year. Tasty food and fun entertainment.

nice you got the front of the monorail.

 

[jmskinner]

Very cool for getting to be co-pilots again!

Hope Jonas didn't lose his blue balls!

It wasn't Jonas, but more on that to come. I was glad Jonas got to be a co-pilot and photos are saved to Smug Mug. I know Jacob is going to drive us nuts to be co-pilots again.

I have a picture of that planet outside MS and I never noticed the little rocket ship that's shooting out of it!

That's too funny about the gift!! I can't wait to find out what happens to them!

I love the pictures from the front of the monorail. I guess I never realized how much there is to see. I wanted to ask last time we went, but I felt dumb not having any kids. Haha. Sometimes I think I want to have a child just so I can take them all the fun places I want to go but won't because it's for kids!

Well, you will soon have a house, baby next? Go ahead and ask to be co-pilots. Doing things like that is what make us stay young at heart. But I have to admit I would feel the same way if Jacob wasn't with us.

And too funny about the rocket. I probably wouldn't have noticed, but I had seen a pic where someone is standing underneath it.

Very cool trip Melissa

Jacob looked very very thrilled to be co-pilot. We rode it up front once and its great fun. Biergarten looked as fun as always, oh how I miss those big glasses

Epcot is such a great park to take pics in and you got some great shots of Mission Space.

Gordon

I think of you and Diane every time we go by Germany.

Thanks, I am trying to take different shots of the parks. Looking for the little things that when you are there for a short time would miss.

great update and pics.

I enjoyed Biergarten when we went there last year. Tasty food and fun entertainment.

nice you got the front of the monorail.

Love Biergarten. We always go at lunch and it is never full, which really surprises me. Of course, I was scared to eat there at first, being such a picky eater, but I love the food.

Sorry I have not been taking care of you guys and posting updates. Must stay away from Facebook and Farmtown.

Last weekend I made our ADR's for September. Can you believe I got up on the first day to make my ADR's and had no idea where to eat and what to do each day. I am learning it is difficult to plan two trips at once. Trying to learn as much about Universal as I can, but it looks like with staying onsite and using the Express to bypass lines, we will actually get to do it all in 3 days and not kill ourselves.

Oh, and it didn't help that even though that was June 6th, WDW still had not posted AK hours. But in the end, I got everything I wanted.

We are going to MNSSHP on Friday Sept 4th (ordered tickets a couple weeks ago). I was actually getting worried it would sell out, seems like a lot of people are going. No ADR on this day. Remember last year, brakes on truck had to be repaired, got to WDW later than we wanted to, and then got lost in the All Star resorts. Right now I am worried Jonas will have to work. At least I know how to get to CBR, pass it all the time and say "That's where we are staying in September!" I think I say it more to remind myself where it is.

So, on Saturday Sept 5, we are eating at Kona at 5:05pm. This is due to Carissa, so I hope it is good. In Carrissa's TR, she went on her last trip and mentioned a Terriayaki (sp???) Steak and Jonas loves that stuff, so thought we would try it.

Sunday, September 6 Tusker House at 8:05am. I wanted to get into a park before opening, I know I should have chosen MK, but we are going to be there Friday night, and then on this night it is EMH so I didn't want to burn out on MK. Thought about Epcot also, but Jacob wouldn't enjoy the princess' that much, even though Jonas would.

Liberty Tree Tavern at 6:30pm. We ate there last Summer and Jonas really liked it and requested it this time.

Monday September 7 Raglan Road at 12:00pm. I am hoping that since Jacob doesn't eat and we got free dining and he now counts as a adult, we will be able to purchase kids meals for him, and save our dining credits and get a fourth meal for ourselves. If not, we don't mind canceling this one, or paying out of pocket. After that we will sadly have to head home. And don't worry, I will make sure Jacob eats something. Who knows, by then he may decide he actually likes food.

Di, I know you are thinking, what about Yak and Yeti. Well, Jonas looked at the menu and didn't see anything he wanted. He loves General Tao chicken and nothing like that on the menu. So, he decided no Chinese.

So, Jacob is still asleep, I can actually use my desktop, so coming up a TR update!

 

[jmskinner]

Ok, so we made it off the monorail. Now time for security. Ok, so how many times have I been through security now? Usually no problems. I always have every zipper open and ready to go and I did this time also. But the security guard that I get is so rough she manages to send my extra camera battery flying. She announces "Something fell out, Something fell out!" I pick it up. I just realized I don't think she apologized, just kept saying something fell out. Well, I had my camera battery so off I went. Couldn't figure out where the boys were and they told me they were already on Main Street, so I headed that way when I realized one pocket was still open. The one with the blue balls. I guess that is what the lady meant when she kept saying something fell out, but I never saw it. So, I turn around to go find it. I stop first at the turnstile and ask the very nice CM there if he saw anything, he didn't and let me out to check at the security entrance. I looked around but didn't see a bag anywhere. I was trying to get my ticket back out when that nice CM said I could go on in and he opened a gate and let me in. Oh well, at least they were just $6.

At this point, the cellphone is ringing again because I had told the boys I was on my way. I get that wonderful look from the husband about losing his blue balls. But, nothing was going to ruin our day and we headed into the park.

Of course we head to Adventureland first. Jonas always has to ride PoTC.

Look what was going on:

Sorry, that is the best pic I could get and not lose Jonas. He drives me crazy at times. He keeps saying he wants a nice relaxing trip, but he won't slow down to relax. Guess I need to drag him to WDW more and maybe he will. Sadly, we still have not seen Captain Jack's show.

So, off to PoTC. I think it showed a 15 minute wait, but it was more like 5. The flash photography on this ride has gotten out of control. I bet there were 5 different cameras just on our boat, I think the one in front us was more like everyone. You couldn't enjoy the ride at all. But I tried to get some without using the flash.

This is before my attempt at using Photoshop editing:

And after:

The rest of these are all after some editing:

If you check out the photography board here on the Dis, someone has posted pics they took on PoTC, Haunted Mansion, and I think one other with no flash. They are fantastic. Sadly, looking at his settings, I don't have a nice enough camera to do what he does, but maybe one day! But it won't stop me from trying.

So we made our way out of PoTC, without buying Jacob something. He always wants to buy guns. I don't think I have ever seen this before:

Up next:

My favorite ride. I just love it because it is so long. I know, I have said all of this before.

Something else I had never noticed before, the big tree:

Poor Jacob really does dislike this ride, look at how he holds on:

And we were nowhere near the big drop.

Ok, I probably should get off this computer now. More of Splash Mountain to come!

Have a great day!!!

 

[JPFamilyMom]

ok, so Melissa, let me start by saying what a big Loser I am, with a capital L. I've been reading your TR the hard way, clicking the link in your signature, then on the first page clicking to each individual report, which is how I kept trying to subscribe and it wouldn't let me, and today I figured to do it from the first page, and so now I can follow along with updates.

What a great trip with your boys for Mothers Day. The Monorail ride, so lucky. Now I know the secret to being co pilots for our trip

 

[jmskinner]

ok, so Melissa, let me start by saying what a big Loser I am, with a capital L. I've been reading your TR the hard way, clicking the link in your signature, then on the first page clicking to each individual report, which is how I kept trying to subscribe and it wouldn't let me, and today I figured to do it from the first page, and so now I can follow along with updates.

What a great trip with your boys for Mothers Day. The Monorail ride, so lucky. Now I know the secret to being co pilots for our trip

You are not a loser. Just a Mom with two kids and you just moved across several states. I think I have my account set up so I automatically subscribe to everything. Luckily people do stop posting on old threads because I am subscribed to about 700 different threads.

Yes, you will have to take the boys on the monorail. Only 4 can ride though. Guess the folks will have to ride in coach. You can also wait in line for the next monorail.

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi Melissa!

Long time no see!!! Haven't posted for so long as I've not been on DIS for a few days!

And I have to say I'm shocked Melissa, shocked!!!!!! No Yak&Yeti!? The honey chicken and the chicken and broccolli is lovely! I'm speechless!

As for the free dining - it's on offer over here at the mo, but it's not as generous as the US version. If you stay in a Value you don't get it free, if you stay in a Moderate you get the quick service dining free, it's only if you stay in a deluxe you get the 'traditional' dining free. Still think we'll take advantage of the offer for next October and just pay the extra to upgrade from Quick service to normal.

Great updates as usual and lots of lovely photos, I'm so jealous!

Di x

 

[irky416]

Oh no!! That's so sad that you lost the balls. Was Jonas upset?

You did a great job with the editing of the picture! I need to learn Photoshop a little better, I have a picture I want to make the subjects more silhouettey than they are and I can't seem to figure it out. You give me some hope that I can make it do what I want!

I love Splash Mountain, too!!!

 

[jmskinner]

Hi Melissa!

Long time no see!!! Haven't posted for so long as I've not been on DIS for a few days!

And I have to say I'm shocked Melissa, shocked!!!!!! No Yak&Yeti!? The honey chicken and the chicken and broccolli is lovely! I'm speechless!

As for the free dining - it's on offer over here at the mo, but it's not as generous as the US version. If you stay in a Value you don't get it free, if you stay in a Moderate you get the quick service dining free, it's only if you stay in a deluxe you get the 'traditional' dining free. Still think we'll take advantage of the offer for next October and just pay the extra to upgrade from Quick service to normal.

Great updates as usual and lots of lovely photos, I'm so jealous!

Di x

I knew you would come after me about Yak and Yeti Di! All I have heard from Jonas is that he wants Chinese and then he didn't like their menu.

I'm surprised they don't offer you better deals on the dining than that.

Oh no!! That's so sad that you lost the balls. Was Jonas upset?

You did a great job with the editing of the picture! I need to learn Photoshop a little better, I have a picture I want to make the subjects more silhouettey than they are and I can't seem to figure it out. You give me some hope that I can make it do what I want!

I love Splash Mountain, too!!!

No, luckily they were on $6 and we planned on heading back to Epcot to pick up a bottle of wine for my now DSIL.

All I did to edit those photos on PoTC was use the Quick Fix Edit and then used the quick fix and let photoshop do it itself. Trying to do it myself just frustrates me because I end up over doing it.

Spent the day yesterday at DHS for the last day of SWW. It was crowded, we were parked in the very back of the parking lot, but I'll have an update on that. Need to get moving, it will be July before we know it. This weekend is the special fireworks presentation for AP holders I signed us up for at MK. I can't wait.

Jonas is finally finished working nights so maybe things can get back to normal around here. Jacob is enjoying his summer so far. Stays mad at me because I want him to do some math and read over the summer. Oh and work on his handwriting.

Hope everyone had a great weekend.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Well, if Jacob thinks you're being too harsh, you should know what I make Jordan do! Everyday she has a schedule -- two chores, an hour of computer, hour of tv and video games, then walk the dog (or do 30 minutes of RipStick), 30 minutes of Wii Fit, read 2 chapters of a book, do a Soduku puzzle or something else! Every day is a little different, but a lot of the same restrictions. Since this is the first year she's at home a little by herself, I had to make sure she was busy in a good way!

 

[jmskinner]

Well, if Jacob thinks you're being too harsh, you should know what I make Jordan do! Everyday she has a schedule -- two chores, an hour of computer, hour of tv and video games, then walk the dog (or do 30 minutes of RipStick), 30 minutes of Wii Fit, read 2 chapters of a book, do a Soduku puzzle or something else! Every day is a little different, but a lot of the same restrictions. Since this is the first year she's at home a little by herself, I had to make sure she was busy in a good way!

You are a tough Mom. I read this to Jacob and he didn't like it. I'm planning different things to do each day. Tomorrow we are going to check out a beach not too far from us, can't really find anything on it, so not too sure.

Hey, your ticker shows one month to WDW, guess that means we are at the same point. Actually we will be in Orlando a day earlier than you now, just not at WDW.

Here is a funny note for everyone. All of a sudden Jonas wants me to look for shirts for Universal. I think maybe working all these crazy hours has really mesed with his brain since I have previously mentioned this and got the look of not only NO, but H____ NO!!!!

 

[jmskinner]

We were still on Splash Mountain. This really is a long ride.

We thought we would get splashed, but it turned out the raft behind us did. It was full of teenagers and if you look closely you will see a guy in yellow on the left standing up.

He wasn't happy about getting wet at all.

We got a little wet:

And the redneck ride photo.

Next up was BTMRR, we had grabbed FP's for it and then hopped in line for Splash Mountain. So it worked out really well.

Now, where did they come from?

Jacob survived BTMRR and now he wanted to show Jonas the fort. When we had previously come with Jonas we had been on TSI, but didn't see the fort. Jonas kept telling Jacob how there use to be a fort and when Jacob and I came alone, we found the fort. So now it was time to show him, but that will be the next update.

 

[irky416]

I love your pictures from Splash Mountain, but it makes me want to ride it!