The ABC's of Trip Reporting- PLEASE JOIN US ON THE NEW THREAD!

[All7OfUs]

“NEVER let the REAL world intrude on a Disney vacation.”

Or on any vacation for that matter, but ESPECIALLY A DISNEY VACATION!!!!




Please tell me you were not dissing Mr. Manilow. I would be very upset if you were.

I think the drawing probably had a lot to do with that wonderful cocktail you had.

With your storytelling, pictures are not always necessary.

No definitely not, Kathy!! I was talking about 'Lola'. I actually looked up the words to that song, and it's really kinda a sad song. I think Barry didn't have the most wonderful voice ever, but was very talented at songwriting and lyrics.

I think you may be right about the drawing, but I discovered that with Carl, you start with a square instead of circle, and apparently THAT may even be harder than a circle.

Well, it's a good thing, because another pictureless update is coming soon!

 

[MKBekka]

I think you may be right about the drawing, but I discovered that with Carl, you start with a square instead of circle, and apparently THAT may even be harder than a circle.

You should see what she does in a 3rd grade math lesson. You can't add apples and oranges because there ARE no apples and oranges. Just blobs.

 

[KatMark]

No definitely not, Kathy!! I was talking about 'Lola'. I actually looked up the words to that song, and it's really kinda a sad song. I think Barry didn't have the most wonderful voice ever, but was very talented at songwriting and lyrics.

Agreed; not the greatest voice in the world, but actually a very good entertainer (I won't tell you how many times we have seen him in person).

 

[All7OfUs]

You should see what she does in a 3rd grade math lesson. You can't add apples and oranges because there ARE no apples and oranges. Just blobs.

Need I remind you who cooks your meals and does (most) of your laundry??

 

[MKBekka]

Need I remind you who cooks your meals and does (most) of your laundry??

May I politely remind you WHO taught me how to cook?

 

[All7OfUs]

Agreed; not the greatest voice in the world, but actually a very good entertainer (I won't tell you how many times we have seen him in person).

I had no idea he was still on stage! That's great he can be counted amongst those who's spanned more than 2 years in that industry! He's kept up a good thing for like 3!! Amazing!

 

[KatMark]

I had no idea he was still on stage! That's great he can be counted amongst those who's spanned more than 2 years in that industry! He's kept up a good thing for like 3!! Amazing!

We have seen him three times in Vegas and more times than I can count in the Chicago area. Our last time to see him was my 50th birthday and we had third row seats thanks to our local public television station who knew I was a huge fan and they treated us (my boss is the original chairman of the station).

 

[All7OfUs]

We have seen him three times in Vegas and more times than I can count in the Chicago area. Our last time to see him was my 50th birthday and we had third row seats thanks to our local public television station who knew I was a huge fan and they treated us (my boss is the original chairman of the station).

That'd be great to have a connection like that! You are a true groupie!

 

[brookelizabeth]

You also get an A+!! Very good! Never let it happen. No phones, no texts off property, no CNN on the tube. Wrecks the magic!

I was thinking light-hearted topics like how many RPMs the belly dancer at Morocco clocks, or how many cuckoo clocks are actually on the wall in the Germany Pavilion.

I didn't mention that I really thought the content was quite dark. I think it would scare the pants off Henry. I dunno, some kids are less sensitive, but my kids until they are 10 or 12 are pretty touchy with the not-so-whimsicial apperitions. A float like that in one of the parades would be cool!

No phones? But then how do I update FB live from the World? Can I keep it if I promise I won't look up the news?

(it's not a temptation anyway, I don't even watch it in 'real life' )

I very much like your suggestions on the light-hearted topics. We could also talk about how many women swoon during an Off Kilter performance, how much the chick drummer over in Japan rocks, or how about how many dishes have sausage in them at Biergarten?

I agree with you on it being dark. Henry was only 16 months old (or was it when he was 14 months old???) when we saw it, so he didn't really get bothered by it - but I did in letting him watch it. I covered his eyes a few times! It's much too dark for my taste. I think it would scare him now and I would feel horribly guilty for scaring my baby... but, like you said, many kids are completely unphased by that kind of stuff. Being that we are on the same page about F! and it scaring littles - do you think Henry could handle Snow White's Scary Adventures or the Haunted Mansion? We have avoided both on purpose, mostly due to him and the (possibly) perceived darkness of both of those rides. I also just plain don't like anything to do with ghosts, but force myself on ToT for the thrilling drop! I want to try both HM and certainly Snow White before it closes, but not sure if I should take H with me or not....I think I'll go without him first, then maybe bring him if he's interested/I think it's okay --- but what are your thoughts?

 

[All7OfUs]

No phones? But then how do I update FB live from the World? Can I keep it if I promise I won't look up the news?

(it's not a temptation anyway, I don't even watch it in 'real life' )

I very much like your suggestions on the light-hearted topics. We could also talk about how many women swoon during an Off Kilter performance, how much the chick drummer over in Japan rocks, or how about how many dishes have sausage in them at Biergarten?

I agree with you on it being dark. Henry was only 16 months old (or was it when he was 14 months old???) when we saw it, so he didn't really get bothered by it - but I did in letting him watch it. I covered his eyes a few times! It's much too dark for my taste. I think it would scare him now and I would feel horribly guilty for scaring my baby... but, like you said, many kids are completely unphased by that kind of stuff. Being that we are on the same page about F! and it scaring littles - do you think Henry could handle Snow White's Scary Adventures or the Haunted Mansion? We have avoided both on purpose, mostly due to him and the (possibly) perceived darkness of both of those rides. I also just plain don't like anything to do with ghosts, but force myself on ToT for the thrilling drop! I want to try both HM and certainly Snow White before it closes, but not sure if I should take H with me or not....I think I'll go without him first, then maybe bring him if he's interested/I think it's okay --- but what are your thoughts?

Or how yummy Dole Whip are, or how lovely the pool at the Poly is, or...


Ok, here's my take on those. My kids, now 15, and 17 (the two who still talk about it to this day), say they were scared on SW. The witch turning around right in your face is kinda freaky. OF course they go on it now, and have no problem and can laugh- we go on it now to get the blacklight effect, cuz that's just plain cool. But really, I think it would make a big impact on a little guy Henry's age. ON THE OTHER HAND, I enjoyed it as a kid for as long as I remember, and although it was a little scary I enjoyed the adrenaline rush of the ride. So.... you just have to know your own child and how he reacts to say movies or other things like that.

HM is a whole nuther ball of wax. It is very dark, the music is intentionally spooky and there are LOTS of surprise pop-ups wtih REALLY loud noises that accompany the skeleton popping out. Again, you'd have to know Henry and his spook-tolerance. It is so delightfully full of fun sight gags and AMAZING, WAY ahead of their time special effects that I truly love the ride and have as long as I remember. I'd say a savvy 8 year old could really love it, especially if you talk about what to expect before riding it. It is one of those rides that is one of my earliest memories from DLR. I have never NOT liked it. But I have seen dozens of kids crying to not go on it, and I think it is mean to force them on if they are THAT afraid. There's always another time when they are older and more able to handle it. Pushing is good to a point to help them face their fears, but is a fine line to dance. Each parent should know when they've crossed it. That's just my 2 cents, and I know there's as many opinions on this as there are parents.

 

[All7OfUs]

Time to wrap up Day 1 with a look back at how Soldier Number 1 went from Woman Warrior to Sassy Starlet! I thought it would be an interesting exercise to take a stroll down Memory Lane when we were planning our trip- a LOOOOOOOOOOOONG time ago.

In the beginning, we began with a Constitution. It laid out the groundwork and rules for our trip, and to my knowledge, although some pretty funny things happened, I don’t think I broke any bylaws, except possibly #10, but that was due to the camera battery issue. Here they are in case you missed them first time around (and in case you may want to check us as we go along in the following days):


I. NO farting in the bedroom!! but the bathroom and balcony areas leave every freedom for flagrant flatulance-let 'er rip ladies!

II. The TC3 remain the right to laugh at each other's' character interactions. And NO laughing at each other’s arm flab during hugs or poses- especially Soldier #1's.

III. Each Member must act and feel childlike during the trip. If skipping down Main Street, or buying a 3rd Mickey bar facilitates that, then it can and will happen!

VI. maroo agrees to eat her zucchini and cucumbers at each meal, or she must ride the tea cups twice in a row!

V. Sneak photos of immature behavior is absolutely allowed, but the others must ask permission to post them first- especially if there is arm flab in plain sight!

VI. The Ladies of the TC3 agree NOT to laugh at the others' most likely ridiculous purchases. One woman's treasure is another's rejectamenta.

VII. NO throwing hissy fits for getting trounced on Buzz or TSM. Let the high score speak for itself.

VIII. Soldiers #'s 1 and 3 will agree to accommodate maroo's obsession with the hot tub at least once or twice. But, I say a margarita by the pool afterwards baby!

IX. Belly laughs, tears of joy, random glasses of wine, and impulse purchases are all allowed, and in fact, encouraged.

X. No Soldier will withhold their meal from a food art picture. All must be properly recorded and goggled over.

Perhaps next time, we should put NO FLASHING one another in it??


Now, onto those confessions… I sadly confess that I biffed it on two of these points, but not starting until Day 2’s morning. Because #s 2 and #6 are very closely related, I screwed up the timing of the whole toothbrush incident, and will correctly give the whole account in the next update. Let’s suffice to say for now, I’m glad I confessed these ahead of time.

2) I confess that I gag when I brush my teeth. Yup! There you have it, with nearly 100% regularity, I gag- out loud. If you really want to know, I come close to throwing up too. No, I'm not bulemic- AT ALL, but if the sink is not perfectly clean it tends to be worse. Neurotic I know. For all you psych majors out there, knock yourself out!

6) Each of my children was born with half of MY brain. Therefore, I have very little left. You do your own math. Because of this unfortunate phenomenon, I tend to forget things. Important things like keys and tickets, and confirmation numbers. I hope this won't happen on OUR trip, but it has happened before. Just for forewarning.

Along with The Constitution and a few Confessions, we also listed out some Personal Tenets of Touring. I listed the ones that seemed pertinent for this day. You can go back and look at them all in our PTR (link with the steamship pic in siggie in TOC) if you want to. These were promises to ourselves for our trip. How’d I do??

#1 She will NOT call home unless there is a DIRE emergency.

So far, so good!!

#3 I will take many more photos, and with God's grace, they will be of much of better quality than last trip's, which were pathetic and too few.

Not too shabby, but not as good as it could have been- given the circumstances.

#4 Solder #1 promises herself that she will eat in 5 new table service places on our trip that she's never eaten at before!

One down- four to go!!!

#5 Spend at least a little time in 4 new resorts that she's never seen.

POP was Number 1!!!

#6 Soldier #1 will spend a good bit more time taking in the weenie rides and attractions that no one else seems to appreciate very often.

Animation Academy was one. I ‘d have LOVED to have done One Man’s Dream and the Narnia exhibit, but sadly BOTH were closed!! As was Star Tours, but that wasn’t exactly a little done attraction.

#7 Soldier #1 gives the freedom, and takes it as well, for each one of us to be able to strike out on her own for WHATEVER reason she deems necessary!

The whole day was all my own!! I loved it!!

#9 To force myself to slow down and take in the details, I'm compiling a LONG list of little hidden gems….

I’d say I did VERY well with this one!! I’m so glad I took the time to make those little pages for my Minnie book- of the 15 I had listed for DHS, I found 5 or so! YAY!!

And now, for those of you who got your answers in for Master Predictor, I have some counts from my Day 1 that you’ll want to note:

Drinks: 1

Hidden Mickeys: 3

Hat Pictures: 1

(But I’m too embarrassed to show it, so I’m not going to. It’s the WORST picture of me from the entire trip!! I won’t count it. And besides that, I’m not even sure if hat pictures were even a question, and I don’t have the questions and answers with me. So there. )

I had really hoped I’d have a picture of all those wishes I wrote out- there were 20- that we each put on Mickey head paint chips that we put up on our “WISHING WREATH”. But I can’t find a picture of MINE!! I found a picture of maroo’s; and I am hoping mine are just on a day’s photos that I haven’t looked super carefully at. For this I am super bummed- I thought I had very carefully taken a photo each night of those that had been fulfilled. I know I found one of the few that were fulfilled in Day 3. If I run across that, I’ll put it up! Just know, that the “WISHING WREATH” wasn’t actually hung up until we got to the POR, and comes with yet ANOTHER hilarious MORONIC MOMENT. Aren’t you glad you’ll be treated to many more?? Yes, I was a complete idiot several times this trip!

The ride home was uneventful, and I didn’t have to wait long for a bus- POP has a good thing going with their bus system!! Once there, I stopped in the Food Court for a re-fill on my Coke and headed directly to the room. Mary was there, of course, and we spent the next hour or so talking about our days. It was LOVELY!! I can’t wait for her to tell you about more of the stories they had! Eventually, at around 12:00, we turned off the lights and said goodnight. The day had been so full of good things, how could tomorrow be any better?

So, my favorite highlights:

• The Drawing Academy was one of the funnest things I did on DAY 1!
  
• My special meal at the Brown Derby was cathartic, and I really am so glad I chose this to be my opening TS meal!
  
• ToT NEVER lets me down. (Pun intended)
  
• Just strolling around finding those little hidden gems that the Imagineers put around to make the Park Package what it is.
  
• Tooling around POP to the retro song hits with a skip in my step.
• My Kookie pen purchase!
  
• Hanging out with Mary at the end of the day, looking at her pictures of her day with Baker and hearing the incredible stories of what Disney did for him and his family.

And that, My Friends, wraps up DAY 1 of Liesa's time.

 

[eandesmom]

You also get an A+!! Very good! Never let it happen. No phones, no texts off property, no CNN on the tube. Wrecks the magic!

I was thinking light-hearted topics like how many RPMs the belly dancer at Morocco clocks, or how many cuckoo clocks are actually on the wall in the Germany Pavilion.

I didn't mention that I really thought the content was quite dark. I think it would scare the pants off Henry. I dunno, some kids are less sensitive, but my kids until they are 10 or 12 are pretty touchy with the not-so-whimsicial apperitions. A float like that in one of the parades would be cool!

I think it depends on the kids. then again, maybe it just went over the E's heads at 4&5 and then at 10&11 they were fine, we missed the "scary" window of 6-8 where I was armed, nightly, with monster spray.

OK. No CNN or TV, I'll give you that. No phones or texts off of property?

I'm pretty sure you texted me more than once...does that not count? Or does it only count if it's ABOUT the vacation?

How can you text on property, or find your travel mates if you don't have a phone?

Besides....it is rather fun (in a sick way) to torture the rest of the world with FB updates and pictures while you are gone. I don't count any of that as the real world intruding.


Carl?

Jeesh.

I am impressed that you figured out a way to forgetting the timing of the toothbrush incident to only having what appears to add up to be 1/32 of your original brain. Amazing that it still knows how to gag.

A GREAT day all around I say!

 

[that's nice]

I agree with you on it being dark. Henry was only 16 months old (or was it when he was 14 months old???) when we saw it, so he didn't really get bothered by it - but I did in letting him watch it. I covered his eyes a few times! It's much too dark for my taste. I think it would scare him now and I would feel horribly guilty for scaring my baby... but, like you said, many kids are completely unphased by that kind of stuff. Being that we are on the same page about F! and it scaring littles - do you think Henry could handle Snow White's Scary Adventures or the Haunted Mansion? We have avoided both on purpose, mostly due to him and the (possibly) perceived darkness of both of those rides. I also just plain don't like anything to do with ghosts, but force myself on ToT for the thrilling drop! I want to try both HM and certainly Snow White before it closes, but not sure if I should take H with me or not....I think I'll go without him first, then maybe bring him if he's interested/I think it's okay --- but what are your thoughts?

Ok, here's my take on those. My kids, now 15, and 17 (the two who still talk about it to this day), say they were scared on SW. The witch turning around right in your face is kinda freaky. OF course they go on it now, and have no problem and can laugh- we go on it now to get the blacklight effect, cuz that's just plain cool. But really, I think it would make a big impact on a little guy Henry's age. ON THE OTHER HAND, I enjoyed it as a kid for as long as I remember, and although it was a little scary I enjoyed the adrenaline rush of the ride. So.... you just have to know your own child and how he reacts to say movies or other things like that.

HM is a whole nuther ball of wax. It is very dark, the music is intentionally spooky and there are LOTS of surprise pop-ups wtih REALLY loud noises that accompany the skeleton popping out. Again, you'd have to know Henry and his spook-tolerance. It is so delightfully full of fun sight gags and AMAZING, WAY ahead of their time special effects that I truly love the ride and have as long as I remember. I'd say a savvy 8 year old could really love it, especially if you talk about what to expect before riding it. It is one of those rides that is one of my earliest memories from DLR. I have never NOT liked it. But I have seen dozens of kids crying to not go on it, and I think it is mean to force them on if they are THAT afraid. There's always another time when they are older and more able to handle it. Pushing is good to a point to help them face their fears, but is a fine line to dance. Each parent should know when they've crossed it. That's just my 2 cents, and I know there's as many opinions on this as there are parents.

OK.... I have a take on this too. You will see the same thoughts posted on my TR at some point. We took Juliana on Snow White for the FIRST time this trip and she was scared... almost to the point that she was crying. We felt really bad but we both felt she was being a little dramatic. We always thought that it would scare her but after watching Snow White a few times we thought she could handle it.

HM was another story. Juliana has been on the HM NUMEROUS times and has been fine each time. In December she was scared. We didn't get it. Maybe it was was because she was a little tired or maybe she is just becoming more aware of her fears.?.? I always point out when the heads are going to pop up and I make a joke of it but she wasn't feeling it. Same kid, different result.

I guess there are many factors in determining whether these rides are age appropriate for your child. You don't want to ruin your day or your vacation by scaring them half to death though.

 

[onelilspark]

In the spirit of confessions...that might have been the first all text TR update I've ever actually read all the way through on the DIS

 

[that's nice]

In the spirit of confessions...that might have been the first all text TR update I've ever actually read all the way through on the DIS

HAHA!!!!!! Love it!!!

*On a side note* I have no confessions to reveal at this time.

 

[KatMark]

HAHA!!!!!! Love it!!!

*On a side note* I have no confessions to reveal at this time.

Since your confessions would probably include a "whip" in some fashion, it best we don't know your confessions.

 

[that's nice]

Since your confessions would probably include a "whip" in some fashion, it best we don't know your confessions.

LOL TRUE!

 

[All7OfUs]

OK. No CNN or TV, I'll give you that. No phones or texts off of property?

I'm pretty sure you texted me more than once...does that not count? Or does it only count if it's ABOUT the vacation?

How can you text on property, or find your travel mates if you don't have a phone?

Besides....it is rather fun (in a sick way) to torture the rest of the world with FB updates and pictures while you are gone. I don't count any of that as the real world intruding.

I really didn't mean NO phones literally. Of course you have to text to find your folk and make plans as you go. But to answer a business call is just WOW! I couldn't do that! I paid WAY too much for a Disney vacay to be wrecked by the tyranny of reality.

I agree, torturing others with an FB post now and again is kind of fun...

Carl?

Jeesh.

I am impressed that you figured out a way to forgetting the timing of the toothbrush incident to only having what appears to add up to be 1/32 of your original brain. Amazing that it still knows how to gag.

A GREAT day all around I say!

It is still there. I could probably be brainLESS and still gag. And I can say without those trip notes, which I failed to read carefully before yesterday, I kind of am. At least about important things like WHEN I actually replaced said toothbrush.

OK.... I have a take on this too. You will see the same thoughts posted on my TR at some point. We took Juliana on Snow White for the FIRST time this trip and she was scared... almost to the point that she was crying. We felt really bad but we both felt she was being a little dramatic. We always thought that it would scare her but after watching Snow White a few times we thought she could handle it.

HM was another story. Juliana has been on the HM NUMEROUS times and has been fine each time. In December she was scared. We didn't get it. Maybe it was was because she was a little tired or maybe she is just becoming more aware of her fears.?.? I always point out when the heads are going to pop up and I make a joke of it but she wasn't feeling it. Same kid, different result.

I guess there are many factors in determining whether these rides are age appropriate for your child. You don't want to ruin your day or your vacation by scaring them half to death though.

It will be VERY interesting to see how others weigh in on this!!

 

[that's nice]

But to answer a business call is just WOW! I couldn't do that! I paid WAY too much for a Disney vacay to be wrecked by the tyranny of reality.

I've had to answer & conduct business while in Disney... I HAVE to. How else would I be able to get to Disney if I didn't book some jobs?

How's that for a confession?

 

[All7OfUs]

In the spirit of confessions...that might have been the first all text TR update I've ever actually read all the way through on the DIS

I swear it will get better!! And really, I WILL get a picture of the Carl!! Which will be something.

HAHA!!!!!! Love it!!!

*On a side note* I have no confessions to reveal at this time.

Really??!!

Since your confessions would probably include a "whip" in some fashion, it best we don't know your confessions.

LOL TRUE!

Haha- touche!!