The Berg-Berts do WDW, Part 30 – Closing Thoughts

[drebert]

Dre likes Muppets because she identifies with Ms. Piggy. She's a drama queen.

Moi????

 

[UtahMama]

BUT! Did she marry a frog??? ((Hmmm? Kermie?))

 

[latoberg]

BUT! Did she marry a frog??? ((Hmmm? Kermie?))

No, more like Animal.

Hairy, mostly incoherent, likes to make a lot of noise, hairy.

 

[Backstage_Gal]

Todd, you are doing a great job on the trip report! Love the pics too!

Don't you give up now, we want to know the whole story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[HaleyB]

No, more like Animal.

Hairy, mostly incoherent, likes to make a lot of noise, hairy.

 

[latoberg]

My Power Rangers days are over, do they still reuse the same footage for every battle scene?

Naw, now it's the same computer generated video. The battle scenes are different.

 

[latoberg]

We walked out of Indy, disillusioned on my part, but hungry. The buffet had worn off. It was time for munchies crunchies. We had an ADR at Mama Melrose’s for about 2 hours from this point. That wouldn’t work. But Sci-Fi was right around the corner (so to speak). We headed around to the Sci-Fi and walked up. I asked, “Would it be possible to get a lunch?” “Sure,” says the hostess, “It will be a few minutes.” So I’m thinking 10-15 minutes. There was line of folks there. They were seated all around the entryway. So we stood there for couple of minutes (literally 2-3 minutes) and we got called. Before all of those other folks sitting there. I think the big difference between us and them, we weren't car-booth snobs. We just wanted some lunch and any sit down space was good. So we got a chair before lots of other people. Sorry. But I have to do a victory dance now.

It was short lived, though. #2S went into fit mode. My food was mediocre (ribs again – what can I say, I’m a carnivore). Desert was delish, though. And I love the trailers. I am a scifi nut. And Lisa likes this place, too.

We got done with lunch and head back out. With a plan. But there was something we didn’t expect. Water everywhere. Seems that there was leak somewhere. It was the sky. They sky was leaking. Everywhere. The first time in two trips we had to deal with showers. But we were prepared. Lisa had bought everyone ponchos. And then left them in the room. I was completely prepared also. I wore tennis shoes to the only waterless ride park. Except there was plenty of water everywhere off the rides. But the rain wasn’t coming down when we stepped out of the Dine-In. There was just evidence everywhere of the sky leak.

Our first project on the new plan was meeting Mike and/or Sulley. We got around to the Monsters, Inc. door and found that Sulley was solo. We hopped in line just as they closed off the line. So we were the last ones to see Sulley. Sully was a little….ummmm…frisky. There were a couple of cute girls in line ahead of us and Sulley was really flirting. Then Lisa gets up there with the boys and he pays more attention to her than the boys. Methinks Sulley needs a girlfriend.

So after Lisa and Sulley get friendly, we round the corner to see the parade. And the rain, rain, rain came down, down, down. Actually it was only a little shower. I just flipped down the brim of my hat and was completely covered. And just as the parade was to start (“excuse me, but when does the 3:00 parade begin?”), the rain stopped. And here comes the parade. And there goes the battery in the camera. Shoot. No more still photos. Never know when the right photo opportunity will arise.

When the parade ended we looked at going to see Little Mermaid. #2S has the hots for Ariel. Well, whatever accounts for a 4 year old boy liking a half dressed mermaid . But the line was a little unbearable. I offered an alternative. We walked through the wardrobe and entered Narnia. Yeah, it was hokey. But we loved the movie and needed to at least see what it was about. And after our journey to Narnia, we went in search of the Incredibles. I don’t get it. The Incredibles was a great movie. The characters were outstanding. Disney finally got superheroes right. And then they shove them off in some way out of the way corner. Disney take note. Lose the alien with ADHD and bring the Incredibles out some more.

We knew that Fantasmic! was on the schedule that evening. We knew that the boys wouldn’t make it through the show without some sort of break. So we planned to head out of the park for a break. But before we left, we had one important stop to make. Shopping. Guys, if there are any guys reading this, let me share a proud moment. I have a great wife who doesn’t need to shop to be complete. She likes going out to shop. But it is not the end-all-be-all of her existence. But the #1S needs to spend money. So we wanted to give him the chance to buy stuff. We headed to the Muppet store for Lisa a t-shirt and #1S got a stuffed animal of some sort. And then off to Star Traders.

Last time, when we came for Star Wars Weekend, we got one of the pictures where they photograph the person and then insert them in a scene from the movie or other thing. We got a pic of #1S in a scene from Episode 1. #2S loves that picture so much that he wanted to do one. So we went back to Star Traders to get his picture. He chose Anakin from Episode 3. #1S got a picture in an X-wing pilot suit. And #2S got an official Jedi robe and little lightsaber to play with.

Then we headed out of the park. And the rain, rain, rain came down, down, down. Again. For real. It was a soaker. So from Star Traders in the back corner of the park all the way to the bus stops, we got rained on in a soaking rain. By the time we got there, Lisa was completely soaked with plastered hair and eyes burning because of sunblock running into her eyes. I want to say that I offered her my hat to keep the water out of her eyes. But she was tough. And looked like a drowned rat.

When we got back to the room, the rain had stopped. And Lisa was heading to the shower. The boys were put on mandatory bed rest for a while. And we got rested up for Fantasmic.

I think we did supper at Roaring Forks that evening. Then we headed out to Fantasmic. I was checking the NOAA radar site to see about rain. I was debating going. I didn’t want to get soaked again. Or for the show to get cancelled. We were leaving just in time to get to the show. If they cancelled it, I would have been steamed.

We walked up the long, long, loooooong path to the stadium, took the requisite potty break, and went to find a seat. The only thing left was along the left side of the stadium. #1S wanted front row seats. So we marched all the way down front and got the second row, because the first was partially obstructed by rails. But we watched Fantasmic from the down in front. It was even cooler that close. But there was a problem. At the end of the show, Mickey defeats Maleficent the dragon and all of the characters come out to do a little happy dance. Well, there was an obvious problem. First, the dragon carcass was still on the stage. It didn’t disappear. Second, the stage was completely engulfed in smoke. I only could make out two characters on the stage. So there was no “happy ending” to Fantasmic the night we saw it. Just a dead dragon carcass.

And with that vision of happiness, we went back to the room and got ready for bed.

 

[drebert]

We walked out of Indy, disillusioned on my part, but hungry. The buffet had worn off. It was time for munchies crunchies. We had an ADR at Mama Melrose’s for about 2 hours from this point. That wouldn’t work. But Sci-Fi was right around the corner (so to speak). We headed around to the Sci-Fi and walked up. I asked, “Would it be possible to get a lunch?” “Sure,” says the hostess, “I will be a few minutes.” So I’m thinking 10-15 minutes. There was line of folks there. They were seated all around the entryway. So we stood there for couple of minutes (literally 2-3 minutes) and we got called. Before all of those other folks sitting there. I think the big difference between us and them, we were car-booth snobs. We just wanted some lunch and any sit down space was good. So we got a chair before lots of other people. Sorry. But I have to do a victory dance now.

It was short lived, though. #2S went into fit mode. My food was mediocre (ribs again – what can I say, I’m a carnivore). Desert was delish, though. And I love the trailers. I am a scifi nut. And Lisa likes this place, too.

I do like this place but not sure if I will do it again. Although the dessert was indeed delish!

We got done with lunch and head back out. With a plan. But there was something we didn’t expect. Water everywhere. Seems that there was leak somewhere. It was the sky. They sky was leaking. Everywhere. The first time in two trips we had to deal with showers. But we were prepared. Lisa had bought everyone ponchos. And then left them in the room.

Yes, I forgot them. When I did remember them, we didn't need them!

Our first project on the new plan was meeting Mike and/or Sulley. We got around to the Monsters, Inc. door and found that Sulley was solo. We hopped in line just as they closed off the line. So we were the last ones to see Sulley. Sully was a little….ummmm…frisky. There were a couple of cute girls in line ahead of us and Sulley was really flirting. Then Lisa gets up there with the boys and he pays more attention to her than the boys. Methinks Sulley needs a girlfriend.

What a big furry teddy bear! Gotta love those big, blue muscles of his!

We headed to the Muppet store for Lisa a t-shirt and #1S got a stuffed animal of some sort.

Which I did not get by the way!

Last time, when we came for Star Wars Weekend, we got one of the pictures where they photograph the person and then insert them in a scene from the movie or other thing. We got a pic of #1S in a scene from Episode 1. #2S loves that picture so much that he wanted to do one. So we went back to Star Traders to get his picture. He chose Anakin from Episode 3. #1S got a picture in an X-wing pilot suit. And #2S got an official Jedi robe and little lightsaber to play with.

Very spooky how realistic these pictures look. My 4 yr old looks like an adult! Very cool though. The boys loved them!

Then we headed out of the park. And the rain, rain, rain came down, down, down. Again. For real. It was a soaker. So from Star Traders in the back corner of the park all the way to the bus stops, we got rained on in a soaking rain. By the time we got there, Lisa was completely soaked with plastered hair and eyes burning because of sunblock running into her eyes. I want to say that I offered her my hat to keep the water out of her eyes. But she was tough. And looked like a drowned rat.

Boy oh boy did my eyes burn. The reason I did not take the hat was because I was already soaked! The hat was not going to help at that point!
But thanks honey!

We walked up the long, long, loooooong path to the stadium, took the requisite potty break, and went to find a seat. The only thing left was along the left side of the stadium. #1S wanted front row seats. So we marched all the way down front and got the second row, because the first was partially obstructed by rails. But we watched Fantasmic from the down in front. It was even cooler that close. But there was a problem. At the end of the show, Mickey defeats Maleficent the dragon and all of the characters come out to do a little happy dance. Well, there was an obvious problem. First, the dragon carcass was still on the stage. It didn’t disappear. Second, the stage was completely engulfed in smoke. I only could make out two characters on the stage. So there was no “happy ending” to Fantasmic the night we saw it. Just a dead dragon carcass.

And with that vision of happiness, we went back to the room and got ready for bed.

Fantasmic, despite its techinical difficulties, was still very good and the boys loved having front row seats. Mickey still defeated the dragon but this time it was left for the vultures (you know, the ones from Jungle book!) to come and "dispose" of it1

 

[latoberg]

Fantasmic, despite its techinical difficulties, was still very good and the boys loved having front row seats. Mickey still defeated the dragon but this time it was left for the vultures (you know, the ones from Jungle book!) to come and "dispose" of it1

V1: What do you wanna do?
V2: I don't know. What do you wanna do?
On and on.

Just like most of mine a Dre's decision making processes

 

[UtahMama]

WHAT? It rained? So sorry... I especially dis-like parades in the rain...
If I remember the ponchos it does NOT rain, too!

I really like the trailers in Sci-Fi too. The special effects back in my mom's day were too funny. Sorry #2 had a melt down! Well, I'm relieved going to a restaurant does that to someone else's child, besides mine.

I have to do my dinner/fantasmic chapter too. Today. You've inspired my creativity. WE didn't have the sense to go to the hotel to rest,like you did. So, mine'll probably end badly.

You are the best! Thanks for sharing!!

UtahMama

 

[NAB]

I told them to fix that water leak in August. Sorry must have told the wrong people.

Dre did you have the cheese cake at Sci fi yummy....with Cracker Jacks.

My son got one of those Star War pics to. He looks all grown up and people don't believe that is his face.


--

 

[drebert]

I told them to fix that water leak in August. Sorry must have told the wrong people.

Dre did you have the cheese cake at Sci fi yummy....with Cracker Jacks.

My son got one of those Star War pics to. He looks all grown up and people don't believe that is his face.


--

Nab,

As a matter of fact I did have the cheese cake. I thought the cracker jacks was a little strange but I loved it anyway!

 

[Backstage_Gal]

Another great installment.

If I ever get to see Fantasmic, I'll let you know how my experience was, LOL.

Keep it coming, love it

 

[latoberg]

Due to the intrusion of real life, I will have to postpone the next installment of the trip report until tomorrow. But it will be a doozy. I promise.

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

Lacto.....I just caught up!

So much to read....so little time.

Excellent reporting!

So there was no “happy ending” to Fantasmic the night we saw it. Just a dead dragon carcass.

And with that vision of happiness, we went back to the room and got ready for bed.

Happy ending.....for now

 

[latoberg]

This was the day that 3 of the Bergbert family was looking forward to. This was Epcot day! Lisa was excited about the day because she was partially fulfilling a dream: getting up close with a dolphin. #1S was excited because he was getting a new toy: Pal Mickey. I was excited because I was getting to go to Epcot: my favorite of all Disney parks. #2S was just there. And would get worse as the day went on. Dumm-dumm-duh-dummmmm (in a deep, foreboding way).

Well we were all up and at ‘em relatively early. Just because we needed to get away. But only to the Mercantile. See, we are fairly clear on money issues with our boys. We work their little behinds off. But we pay them. And the months leading up to Disney, they had worked hard. Plus they got a little bonus before we left. We also set some rules.

Rule #1 – no junk (even if it Disney). This meant no plastic spinny-whrily-lighty-uppy thingy’s.

Rule #2 – no buying anything until the third day. If they saw something they really wanted, we could go back and get it.

Rule #3 – mom and dad have complete veto power. There’s no way we are buying an extra seat for a life-size Mickey plush. Other than that, they were free to buy what they wanted.

#1S had been reading about Pal Mickey. On the bus signs. And in the stores. And he decided that was what he wanted. A $60 talking stuffed animal. But he justified it very well. Pal Mickey doesn’t just rattle of nonsense. He gives information. And #1S loves information. That was his justification. Pal Mickey is an information source. Okay. We let him get it. But we have one rule for Pal Mickey - #1S has to cart the thing around. Doesn’t go on daddy-mule.

We head off down to the Mercantile for #1S to become the proud owner of Disney merchandise. And it takes forever. Because the Pal Mickey that was first selected had performance anxiety. Once he was out of the box, he just sat there and shook. And shook. And shook. No talking. Just shaking. If he had been in front of a large group of people, he might have wet his britches.
So the CM took the first Pal Mickey back to the back for his therapy group and grabbed another Pal off the shelf. This one was ready to go. So he did. With us as we headed out for Epcot.

I would like to tell you now about the lovely trip we had to Epcot. How beautiful the morning was. How peaceful the ride was. But I can’t. Because yours truly botched the transportation again. We thought it would be cute to hop on the launch over to the Contemporary. Then catch the monorail over to the TTC, switch to the monorail to Epcot, and arrive from a smooth, easy trip. Except that we missed the boat. Just missed the boat. Poor anxiety ridden Mickey had caused us to miss the stinking boat to the Contemporary. So we stood. And waited. And grumped. Now, once the boat arrived, we had a lovely trip. Made all the more lovely by the fact that when we got to the TTC, there was no one around. And we were head of the pack. So you know where we went, right? Hey monorail attendants, front car available? Yep, it was.

We arrive in style in the front. We got our co-pilot licenses. And we head down the ramps to Epcot.

Now we have one order of business. Lose the woman. We dump her very callously at the Guest Relations window and the boys had for the gate. And like so many before us, we have one destination in mind: Soarin’.

I didn’t know how #2S would do with this ride. I wasn’t sure how #1S would do. But since I wanted to ride it, they got to go also. We grabbed some FastPasses for later and hopped on line. Woooosh! Right up to the front. They boarded the last flight just as we got to the front of the line. The CM was really sweet with the boys. And she promised us front/top row seats. So we got the front. I strapped both boys in and get #2S ready for takeoff with encouraging words. But he has found a friend next to him. Oh well. I turn to #1S and tell him to take his shoes off. We are going barefoot over California. And we took off.

Both boys loved Soarin’. They wanted to do it again. But with Mom. And that is why I got the FastPasses. Now they both could ride with her later.
After we land and recover our shoes, we head over to the Nemo museum. Oh yeah, the Seas with Nemo. The Attraction Formerly Known as The Living Seas. As if the ocean needs an animated character to draw attention to it. But that is personal interjection.

We were on a mission to converse with Crush. And since none of us speaks turtle, we went ahead and got in line for the show. Although I must say that #2S speaks whale very well. He practices at the water park. In Tulsa. Cause, you know, Oklahoma has a lot of whales around. But we went in to watch Turtle Talk with Crush. And it was a riot. Very funny. And cool technology. But neither of my boys was very interested in engaging Crush. So they sat there.

Once I collected my yutes from among the herd of yutes in the floor, we wandered around the Seas. We saw the shark play area.

We toured the exhibits.

Then we went into the big tank viewing area. They were about to do a dolphin training exhibition. And then I saw her. My beautiful wife. No, she wasn’t in the tank. She just walked in and watched the show with the rest of us. But I left early, because I knew what would happen if #2S saw her. So we went to tour the rest of the exhibits. #1S found the Kidcot area and was coloring a shark or something. #2S didn’t want to participate. He was having separation issues from his momma. And who should appear right then but Lisa. She was on her way through the area to a backstage area to see the dolphin. And #2S saw her. And began to cry. And that was the end of that. We left the building. He didn’t want to do anything with me. He only wanted Momma or to go back to the hotel. I don’t play that. You will have fun whether you like it or not!

I drug….no, I calmly took him by the hand and gently led him to Innoventions. Hopefully there was something for him to engage in over there. Well, we found some games to play. But there wasn’t much to preoccupy an emotionally dreary 4 year old. So we headed over to Club Cool. When it was Ice Station Cool, #1S thought this was the coolest place at WDW. Now, they just have free Coke products. But it lost the coolness factor of the Ice Station. And if you didn’t get that the pun was intentional, you might want to go back and reread from the beginning.

 

[drebert]

Awesome pictures honey! I hadn't seen these yet!

(It's kinda my fault that #2 saw me. I tapped Todd on the shoulder but didn't say anything, then poor son saw me. ) Sorry honey!

 

[brandt79]

And it takes forever. Because the Pal Mickey that was first selected had performance anxiety. Once he was out of the box, he just sat there and shook. And shook. And shook. No talking. Just shaking. If he had been in front of a large group of people, he might have wet his britches.

 

[NAB]

I can just see you sitting with a big stuffed Mickey on your lap on the way home

We to do not let them buy stuff that will end up broken or at the bottom of the toy box when we get home. Mind you poor prince Eric has broken leg and is there. I should have taken it with me in Aug since we only purchased it in January, maybe they would have exchanged it.

So cool that Dre got to swim with the dolphins. Glad she wasn't in the tank too.

 

[drebert]

Last edited by NAB : Today at 09:00 AM. Reason: So how many times did you have to carry Pal Mickey.....

I'm proud to say that Nicholas was "mostly" responsible and carried him the entire time. (He need leave him at the Living Seas but they went back and fortunately found him)

Every time he complained about carrying Pal Mickey we gave him "the look" and he promptly shut up!