The ABC's of Trip Planning, Pt 1- K is for Keeping Things Kooky- Drinks V-Z; pg. 197 + New Link

[DonnaBeeGood]

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[afwdwfan]

It really isn't anything special in terms of decor or ambiance, but the pizza is quite another story!! If you like thin crust, homemade sauce, and slabs of mozz, not shredded, this is the place for you. Does this photo remind you of anything??

Kind of. But a poor man's version. Let's be real, nothing compares to VN.

wine in mini-bottles is always a dicey propostion

Is it more dicey than wine in a box?

The next day was a day to FINALLY, after 3 years of them being together, meet my son's girlfriend's family. They, we'd heard are a lot like us in many ways, which is always a good sign, but since we are expecting an engagement any time, we thought I should make the effort to meet them, and try to make a good impression.

Cool! I'm glad you had a chance to do this. And seemingly actually succeed in making a good impression.

Yeah, my almost DIL almost didn't. It was pretty funny. And, no. I'll probably never let her live it down. (I didn't try. See how smart I am?)

Well played, Liesa, well played.

OH yes! Swimming. At an obviously wealthy Kentuckian's place. How 'bout this for a private pool/yard??

Not too shabby.

I should have been an orthopedic surgeon.

Hey, you're already doing the school thing. What's a few more years?

I felt REALLY badly for the little girl. In short, we were too early for the music, the food was gross, and there could likely be a scene at any moment; we couldn't wait to get out and get over to:

Wow. Just wow. I'm sorry the food was bad, but I just can't even imagine having to sit next to this. You definitely have to feel for that little girl.

I'm not sure there's enough I can say about how amazing the show was. Even if you don't like country at all, you cannot dispute the raw talent of the musicians on stage. Period. They can pluck a mandolin or banjo faster than a teenage girl can roll her eyes and the voices are like heavenly angels. Yeah, there was twang, but it was pitch perfect harmony. You don't hear much of that anymore without autotuning. The end.

Well said. Anyone of note perform that evening?

We had a great time, and loved every toe-tapping minute. I think I gave myself a jaw cramp from all the cheesy smiling I did during the show and I'd go back for another in a heartbeat. If you ever have the chance, DO IT!

I'd love to! I've done the tour of the place. And we had a chance to see a show there, but we had the kids with us and they were just way too young to try to sit through a show and actually be able to enjoy it. So we sadly passed.

So not only is he famous for that, he is now the Golden Warriors announcer and he adores his job, his fans, and most of all his family and grandkids, whom I saw dozens of photos of on his phone. We chatted for more than an hour about all kinds of stuff including my school and 2nd career, homeschooling, his faith, politics, etc... he is truly a remarkable person, and it was fun to just sit and chat it up with someone with so many rich experiences.

Cool! Nice way to kill some time while you're sitting around waiting in the airport.

And I really wanna be on THAT plane.

Don't we all?

 

[Steppesister]

Ah. Well that would explain it. Mine's white... but I wish it was red to fit in with the new kitchen.
Ah, well. I sits tucked away most often anyways.

That's what I do love about mine; redid my kitchen not too long ago (just the decor, not a total remodel) and it looks great. When it's out. Which isn't too often anymore with full time work and now school again.

I'm familiar with that.

Toronto-esque?

I prefer a thicker crust, but the rest sounds good!

I do too, but not too thick. Somewhere in between. Crispy and not too bready.

Actually, that crust doesn't look thin at all.
Mmmm... Margharita pizza...

The edge was thick enough, but the middle was.... lacking.

And then read that.... I knew... I knew! that things would not go well.

Glad I was wrong.

Me too. That would have been awkward. Although, who knows what they said after I left.

That's actually kinda spooky...
Maybe they spied on you before hand.

Which is even spookier.

Beautiful shots, Liesa!

Thank you! I wish I had more time to pursue that particular hobby.

Will it get the little freeloaders out of my house?

I doubt it.

Two pretty ladies.

Thank you again, Sir.

Stop that.
I don't see a double chin. I see two very pretty young ladies who look very happy.

It was a great day! Lots to be happy about!

Agreed. That is sad.
Too many young people think getting hammered is "fun" or "funny" or "cool".
It's none of the above. It marks you as a loser, IMHO.

ITA!! The devasatation it leaves behind is so very tragic.... I see it a lot in my line of work.

I will agree with you 100%.
There are several things I've seen in my life that I have not necesarily been into, but can appreciate the skill involved.

Ice skating is another that I'm going to ask to be able to do when I get to Heaven.

Well, I suppose that does make sense.
Did anyone take him up on his offer?

Actually, yes. ONe guy did and joked about it to the folks standing around him.

A fitting end.

I thought so.

 

[Steppesister]

Glad you got along with the "future" in laws. Their place looks great!

Sorry you had schlechtes Essen. The Opry looked amazing! Fun celebrity meeting on the way home.

Jill in CO

That actually wasn't the inlaws place, but rather someone else's. Either way, it was sooooo beautiful!! Kentucky is really a very beautiful state.

I am too. It was far too much money for such a crappy meal! It was fun, and all I could think of was, "WOW! This will be a great story to tell on my Mini TR!" LOL!

How nice that you could meet up with your son's girlfriend's family, and found that the meeting went well. We just went through the same thing mirror-imaged - met up with our daughter's boyfriend's family for the first time. I'm in no rush for an engagement, but she is, and he is older, so I think it will be as soon as they think it is "appropriate". To their credit, they didn't rush it at last Christmas, but I don't think it will be much longer...



That's too bad. We have a local German restaurant - my favorite is Parmaschnitzel with dumplings. Mmmmmm.



Now that's a ringing endorsement!

Congrats on what seems to be an imminent engagement!! How fun!! All the very best to them, and remember to soak it all in and enjoy.

I do love me some schitzel and should have ordered that instead of the sauerbraten.

Haha, glad you liked that one.

 

[Steppesister]

Kind of. But a poor man's version. Let's be real, nothing compares to VN.

And that, is very much on the list for this next time around... but that's getting ahead of myself.

Is it more dicey than wine in a box?

Well, no. But then again, there have been times after a long day, I'd have been happy with even that.

Cool! I'm glad you had a chance to do this. And seemingly actually succeed in making a good impression.

Me too. I can be charming when necessary.

Well played, Liesa, well played.

You see, that way no one would have seen me not even be able to pull the nock back. What they don't see, they can't talk about.

Not too shabby.

Apparently, they host a ton of parties, so it really it a nice set up for being generous with.

Hey, you're already doing the school thing. What's a few more years?

....ummm... more years of not getting to travel like I want.

Wow. Just wow. I'm sorry the food was bad, but I just can't even imagine having to sit next to this. You definitely have to feel for that little girl.

I felt so sorry for her. Too much of life's burden's WAY too early.

Well said. Anyone of note perform that evening?

Well, actually yes!! Only Alison Krauss! And Connie Smith. And Mel Tillis. How 'bout them apples??

I'd love to! I've done the tour of the place. And we had a chance to see a show there, but we had the kids with us and they were just way too young to try to sit through a show and actually be able to enjoy it. So we sadly passed.

If we ever cross paths in that neck of the woods, I'll watch your kids and you and your lovely wife can catch a show.

Cool! Nice way to kill some time while you're sitting around waiting in the airport.

It was a great meeting for sure!

Don't we all?

I wonder how you can score a flight on it? It'd be fun to know the secret of how to make sure you can get that one.

 

[pkondz]

Toronto-esque?

More Disney-esque actually.
You'll see as my TR goes along that I'll take fewer and fewer pictures.
Just HOT and tired towards the end. Saps the will to do extra stuff like... take pictures.

The edge was thick enough, but the middle was.... lacking.

nope. pass.

Me too. That would have been awkward. Although, who knows what they said after I left.

Thank you! I wish I had more time to pursue that particular hobby.

<sigh> Me too.
I did manage to get a couple of photoshoots in recently... but haven't had the time to do any post processing at all.

I doubt it.

Darn.

ITA!! The devasatation it leaves behind is so very tragic.... I see it a lot in my line of work.

I can't even imagine.

Ice skating is another that I'm going to ask to be able to do when I get to Heaven.

Just regular skating? Or figure skating?

 

[englishrose47]

Just checking in as I have time , just hauled 2 totes of winter clothes up and 2 down for my individual. I am taking a well earned rest, now at least she has her winter stuff out and just enough late summer fall stuff left to last till the weather gets cold and stays cold . Plus I will then know what she needs (if anything ) for the winter .

 

[MarieLightning]

That pizza looks deliiicious! I feel in love with Via Napoli pizza in May, so I'm sure it was just as tasty as it looks.

I look at that bottle of wine and all I can think is that's so cute. I don't know. Every day object in a smaller than usual size are just cute Good thing it was good as well!

Oh my. That pool. That backyard. I second that statement, I should rethink my career path as well.

That's unfortunate for the dinner at Gerst Haus. Places like that can probably get away with claiming authenticity because I don't think there's a very big Germanic population in that area, so they can probably get away with it. That's just disappointing when you actually know what the real authentic food tastes like, though.

At least it looks like you had an awesome conclusion to your trip

Non Disney vacations definitely don't feel quite as satisfying, but at least they give you something to look forward to in between! I like having shorter countdowns to break down the bigger one. Even now with a relatively short amount of time left until November, I have a bunch of dates in these next few weeks to look forward to so that I can be a bit more patient! (Or try to be)

And that Minnie plane is adorable!

 

[Steppesister]

More Disney-esque actually.
You'll see as my TR goes along that I'll take fewer and fewer pictures.
Just HOT and tired towards the end. Saps the will to do extra stuff like... take pictures.

Well, I hope it didn't sap so much that you didn't take notes.

<sigh> Me too.
I did manage to get a couple of photoshoots in recently... but haven't had the time to do any post processing at all.

And that's actually what takes the maority of time. And I know you do WAY more than I (can) do with Picasa. Won't be doing much more after next weekend, where I actually am getting away for one last couple's weekend.

Just regular skating? Or figure skating?

Figure. Although, we have a $5 regular skate night here in town that we've gone to. I almost broke me neck, but it sure was fun.

Just checking in as I have time , just hauled 2 totes of winter clothes up and 2 down for my individual. I am taking a well earned rest, now at least she has her winter stuff out and just enough late summer fall stuff left to last till the weather gets cold and stays cold . Plus I will then know what she needs (if anything ) for the winter .

Sounds like you're set! You deserve a little rest, just be careful. I know what manner of mayhem you can certain climbing tasks can do. Ahem... bleachers.

That pizza looks deliiicious! I feel in love with Via Napoli pizza in May, so I'm sure it was just as tasty as it looks.

Without too much of a spoiler, VN is being looked at quite intensely.

I look at that bottle of wine and all I can think is that's so cute. I don't know. Every day object in a smaller than usual size are just cute Good thing it was good as well!

I dunno, I think wine should come in big bottles. Cute yes, but one glass is just... not right.

Oh my. That pool. That backyard. I second that statement, I should rethink my career path as well.

It was soooooo beautiful! Unbelievably so.

That's unfortunate for the dinner at Gerst Haus. Places like that can probably get away with claiming authenticity because I don't think there's a very big Germanic population in that area, so they can probably get away with it. That's just disappointing when you actually know what the real authentic food tastes like, though.

You are probably right. Maybe we just ordered wrong, but no one really raved about anything they got. Except the sides. I guess I'll just have to go back to Germany.

At least it looks like you had an awesome conclusion to your trip

We did! The only thing I could complain about was that we didn't have one thunderstorm. Not even one.

Non Disney vacations definitely don't feel quite as satisfying, but at least they give you something to look forward to in between! I like having shorter countdowns to break down the bigger one. Even now with a relatively short amount of time left until November, I have a bunch of dates in these next few weeks to look forward to so that I can be a bit more patient! (Or try to be)

And that Minnie plane is adorable!

Wish I knew how to make sure we got it. Hmmm..??

 

[pkondz]

Well, I hope it didn't sap so much that you didn't take notes.

I kept the notes going... but I think even they suffered towards the end.

Figure. Although, we have a $5 regular skate night here in town that we've gone to. I almost broke me neck, but it sure was fun.

I was actually at a general skate when someone fell and broke their neck.
That ice is hard.

 

[Steppesister]

K is for Keeping the Fun In DHS​

Here's a recap of the first couple of days I'd already posted plans for:

Day 1- Travel Day

Not sure if we'll be taking a "normal" flight and arriving in the last afternoon or biting the bullet and taking a red eye.

"Normal" plan- Arrive late afternoon, check-in to AoA, head straight to DTD for an ADR at Raglan Rd., back to resort, swim

"Red Eye" plan- Arrive early morning, check-in to AoA, swim, head to bed for a nap, evening at DTD for an ADR at Raglan Rd., early to bed.

Day 2- 1st Real Park Day

Breakfast at Food Court, AM at EPCOT, FW until 11:00, WS; F&W lunch, 3:00 head to MK for MNSSHP

Day 3- 2nd Park Day

Slow morning after late party, AK in the morning (not sure if I should use the FPs here since we're arriving later than RD?) or wait and use them later....

Back to MK for MSEP and Wishes; Dinner at either CHH or Plaza depending on where we have lunch (Sanaa or Market Place).


So now, we're up to Day 4:

Like most mornings we'll probably grab some bakery items at the Food Court the night (or day) before, because we just aren't big breakfast eaters and it'll save tons of time in the mornings. I'll once again have to survive the sad excuse for coffee and in the meantime research better latte options in the park. Rope drop at DHS, at least this year on this date, is 9:00, which makes for a 7:00 wake up time That will hopefully put us out the door by 8:00. Probably more than plenty of time. Pathetic I can't muster that much enthusiasm for getting my sorry butt out of bed on school or work days.

I guess it's probably time to finally head over to DHS, or whatever it'll be called by the time we go. There may by then, be a TON of changes, and I'm really not sure how that's going to affect our touring and BFP (big fat plan). I do know that lunch is up in the air, but Starring Rolls, Prime Time, and Brown Derby are all on the short list. My heart has a soft spot for Cobb Salads, and we all know how I feel about Apricot Sours- and the HBD makes a pretty dang good one. Thank you Grandma, may you rest in peace.

I could cry that One Man's Dream is toast- never got to see that; Animation Academy, a HUGE favorite of mine is gone; I dunno, just not much left there.

But really, not ALL is lost. DHS still has some fun stuff. Muppets are fun, right? I adore just taking it easy watching (or playing along with) the Streetmosphere, there are TONS of GREAT photos ops in this park (Hi, Bo!), and the BGM is nice.

One thing that does remain, and is on my E-ticket list is ToT. I'd ride that until I puked (probably about twice) simply because the theming is so over-the-top well done. TSMM is pretty darned great, and we'll try to hit that up as many times as we can. Hopefully twice today. RnRC is fine (I'll ride it once) and the GMR is still a fun trek. Yes, I'm a Star Wars fan, but not a Star Wars Geek, so yeah, I'll ride that as well. My brain is WAY too tired right now to think too hard about a DHS strategy as far as ride order and FP+s, so ANY input and suggested PoA's would be AAAAAAAWESOME. GO!

After lunch, we'll head out to.....

....somewhere I'll fill you in on in the next episode of: Sorry, School's started and She'll Update as She Can

Meantime, the VCR is loaded with Classic Disney Movies from the Goodwill and the popcorn is in the pantry. Enjoy yourselves and keep the bathroom light on.

 

[DonnaBeeGood]

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[DonnaBeeGood]

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[Steppesister]

Amen! And my wine fridge should also have a wine bottle duplicator so that it never needs refilling.

Now you're on to something!

I think I did see that, but at the time DD17 was not so enthralled. I did just watch the 4 hour Disney American Experience show on PBS, and it was quite interesting.

I wish I could have seen it! Maybe it'll come out on Netflix? or I can see it some other way...

You. Are. Amazing. Just keep telling yourself that. Every hour of learning is an hour invested in yourself and your family, and will benefit an untold number of patients and their families.

I don't know about amazing. I just keep on keepin' on. I study EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. for about 14 hours. I know it'll be worth it; always hard to see and remind myself when I'm in the midst.

I know I'm super late to this part of the PTR, but should DH ever come with me to DW, my plan is: go for only 7 days, because he would go squirrelly I fear after 10 days. Also, when I was researching, originally DH had a 3 day conference in Orlando, so those were going to be my solo days, and we'd be together for 4 days. But, in my researching, a 7 day pass is not much more than a 4 day pass. So, once the conference got quashed, I figured I'd buy us both 7 day passes, but each day I would go to the parks by myself to start, meet up with him during the day for a meal and see if he wanted to do anything, and stay longer at the park after he left. That way I wouldn't feel guilty by having him unable to meet up with me, and also wouldn't feel guilty if he decided not to meet up with me one day, because it would be virtually the same price anyways. Of course, I still hope to go alone anyways...

One is never "late"; readers arrive precisely when they mean to.

Mine is simply a PITA at Disney. Perhaps he'll surprise me and have a good time this trip, but he usually just cramps my touring style and wants to sleep in, hang out at the pool, and all that. I'm there for parks, baby! But you're right, a 7 day isn't a lot more than a 4. They nail you on resort rooms and food. I think ground rules and expectations are SUPER important to lay out.... mine are coming after I"m done with the rough draft of the BFP.

 

[afwdwfan]

I wonder how you can score a flight on it? It'd be fun to know the secret of how to make sure you can get that one.

Um... I think the secret is to become a big wig airline executive that can make it happen.

Pathetic I can't muster that much enthusiasm for getting my sorry butt out of bed on school or work days.

I feel you. So much easier to get up and moving when you're doing something fun.

I could cry that One Man's Dream is toast- never got to see that; Animation Academy, a HUGE favorite of mine is gone; I dunno, just not much left there.

I agree. I'm disappointed by the things that are going, but that park still has a few of my favorite rides in any park!

RnRC is fine (I'll ride it once)

I'm sorry. This is just wrong. You're nowhere near as excited about the best ride on Disney property as you should be.

My brain is WAY too tired right now to think too hard about a DHS strategy as far as ride order and FP+s, so ANY input and suggested PoA's would be AAAAAAAWESOME. GO!

I'd give you some input... but really, there's no point. Wait and see what happens in DHS going forward. I'm sure there will be more closures/changes/who knows what between now and then. It is probably too premature to try to actually plan a day there at this point.

Enjoy yourselves and keep the bathroom light on.

Ok. And I'll even try to remember to put the seat down.

 

[pkondz]

I guess it's probably time to finally head over to DHS, or whatever it'll be called by the time we go.

It'll still be DHS, but with all the closures, it stands for Disney's Hated Studios.

Animation Academy, a HUGE favorite of mine is gone

That's what it was!
I was trying to remember the one thing Kay really wanted to do at Disney, and that was it.
Had to tell her it was gone.

I'd ride that until I puked (probably about twice)

Remind me to not ride that with you. Or bring a bucket... no wait... that won't work. It'll come out on the drops.
Perhaps a resealable plastic bag? Yeah, that'll work.

simply because the theming is so over-the-top well done.

I see something new every time.

so ANY input and suggested PoA's would be AAAAAAAWESOME. GO!

It's gonna have to depend on your wants of course.
But we found that ST was usually a walk on in the evenings.
RNRC has a single rider line which helps a lot. So FP for TOT and/or TSMM are the biggies.

 

[MarieLightning]

Woooot day plans!

I am so worried about Hollywood Studios. I really hope it'll still be livable by next fall (for your sake and ours, since we're hopping to hit up Nov 2016 as well). But then, I assume that whatever plans they have about Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land, they'll start by working on the section that doesn't affect the park as it is first. Hopefully anyway.

Looks like you'll have a fairly full day planned either way! DHS does have some excellent rides

 

[JPFamilyMom]

So I got way behind, because I'm not liking the new DIS and I never got an alert that you had posted new updates. And my last comment was back on like page 83 I had a lot of catching up to do. All caught up again. Wow on resort issues. But glad you got something booked. I liked most the posts between my last comment and here. Your plans are looking great.... So hopefully I'll get an alert next time you post and be able to stay on top of this PTR

 

[Steppesister]

Um... I think the secret is to become a big wig airline executive that can make it happen.

Ok, right after Nursing School, I'll get right on that.

I feel you. So much easier to get up and moving when you're doing something fun.

.... Maybe I should arrange for a Mickey wake up call for every morning.

I agree. I'm disappointed by the things that are going, but that park still has a few of my favorite rides in any park!

I try to see the good in what we've been given. (However, I'll also say, I"m warming up to the blasphemous idea of trying across town things.)

I'm sorry. This is just wrong. You're nowhere near as excited about the best ride on Disney property as you should be.

Oh don't get me wrong. I like it. Just not quite as much at ToT, TSMM, or GMR.

I'd give you some input... but really, there's no point. Wait and see what happens in DHS going forward. I'm sure there will be more closures/changes/who knows what between now and then. It is probably too premature to try to actually plan a day there at this point.

And I have FAR too little time now too. Probably a good thing, so I'll have some things to look foward to this summer!

Ok. And I'll even try to remember to put the seat down.

You've been trained well. Good man.

 

[Steppesister]

It'll still be DHS, but with all the closures, it stands for Disney's Hated Studios.

Maybe someday it'll be Pixar's Starry War Toys Land.

That's

what it was!
I was trying to remember the one thing Kay really wanted to do at Disney, and that was it.
Had to tell her it was gone.

.... and that she should have chosen to go to that other local park you mentioned, but forgot the name of.

Remind me to not ride that with you. Or bring a bucket... no wait... that won't work. It'll come out on the drops.
Perhaps a resealable plastic bag? Yeah, that'll work.

Ever seen Apollo 13?

I see something new every time.

Me too. I love the little details and well-though out visual puns.

It's gonna have to depend on your wants of course.
But we found that ST was usually a walk on in the evenings.
RNRC has a single rider line which helps a lot. So FP for TOT and/or TSMM are the biggies.

And that totally makes sense. Definitely will be putting that into the knowledge banks for when the FP+ times get closer.

Woooot day plans!

I am so worried about Hollywood Studios. I really hope it'll still be livable by next fall (for your sake and ours, since we're hopping to hit up Nov 2016 as well). But then, I assume that whatever plans they have about Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land, they'll start by working on the section that doesn't affect the park as it is first. Hopefully anyway.

Looks like you'll have a fairly full day planned either way! DHS does have some excellent rides

Who knows what they'll do; seems they're hellbent on destroying the best parts rather than just adding to or relocating stuff.

So I got way behind, because I'm not liking the new DIS and I never got an alert that you had posted new updates. And my last comment was back on like page 83 I had a lot of catching up to do. All caught up again. Wow on resort issues. But glad you got something booked. I liked most the posts between my last comment and here. Your plans are looking great.... So hopefully I'll get an alert next time you post and be able to stay on top of this PTR

I had alert issues too. I have no idea what makes them seem to come and go. I miss WAY more than I should, and don't have time to chase down all the threads I know I'd love to stay caught up on. HAHA~ honestly, it'll be slowing down some (or a lot) now that school is going. Full days now for the next 11 weeks.