The Bouncy Gang meet Franken-Post - **Finding Nemo AND Gospel Sunday WHAT?**

[My_Pal_Pluto]

The time has arrived ... a forlorn brain has been located ... the lightning has struck ... the monster has come to life ... say hello to the Franken-Post!!

So begins a sojourn that will carry itself on the ebb-and-flow of a trip to Disney World in May 2010 (yes, it was THAT long ago) while marching itself (sometimes clumsily) forward in anticipation of an October 2012 return (So ... if you're calculating ... we went 15 months ago ... and we'll return in 15 months ... YIKES)

So get out your pitchforks and torches ... join in with the mob of angry DIS-townsfolk ... and chase down this Monster with me!!

ITT'S ITTT'S ALLLIIVVEEE (aka: The Contents)

Beignet Binges and Pool Bar Dreams (thePOFQ Redux)
Presenting: The Frightening Cast!!
EPCOT - Rude, Crewd, & Shrewd
Cape May Buffet ... No WAY ... ok!!
FLIGHTS HAVE BEEN BOOKED - well, sorta
A New "FRONTIER" and a Question for my DIS Friends
UH OH WE HAVE A DILEMMA (help?)
DILEMMA SOLVED - Dates Secure (FINALLY)
Gospel Sunday WHAT???

 

[My_Pal_Pluto]

What would any Pre-Trip Report be without a few introductions ... and well, since I'm mingling in a "Trip Report" from last year, it's a good thing the travel companions are the same ('cept for one you'll be meeting in a few moments).

So here's the scoop on the Triplets ... my two DS's and my DD.

Gavin - the first born of my quiver ... spectacularly caring, he's also a closet comic and definitely the "GOOFY" of our bunch!!

Madeleine (Maddie) - the second born in the clan ... ALL girl ... all frill ... loves anything pink and pretty. She can get the "grumpies" in the morning (that's when we call her "Grandma Grumplestein" - though she gets even grumpier when we say it). She's the Eeyore of our group ... sincere at heart but tends to let gloom get the best of her sometime.

Ethan is the youngest of the tribe ... born last (and clinging to his mommy's ribs for dear life) ... he has maintained that "momma's boy" demeanor ... but truth be told he's a frighteningly intelligent little man with a strong sense of emotional maturity for age 9. He's always tuned in and sensitive to those around him. This little guy is definitely a Magical Little Mickey .

Now ... Introducing my girlfriend, travelling companion, and who knows - maybe more by the time this trip rolls around ... the one and only "JJ Tinker Wish" (that's Jamie ... or if you're in the Dis'know, "Just Jamie") ... She's a ball of fire, an articulate planner, a kind and sensitive hearted beauty who DEFINITELY earns the "Pixie" that is her Dis'namesake ... her last trip to Disney was way way back when ... like when she was 5 (ish) ... and so her memories are a little foggy and things might have changed (just a tiny bit) since she last visited the House of Mouse!!

Lastly and leastly there's me ... your guide on this Monstrous thread ... the freakish mad scientist behind the keyboard ... churning up the lightning and bringing the FrankenPost to life ... with an avid passion for all things Disney; my family tires of my endless banter, my tireless research, and my outright addiction ... but in the end they LOVE that I can deposit a Disney segue into ANY conversation effortlessly. I'm "My Pal Pluto" (known part time as "Rob" or simply "Daddy" ... ooh, and "Babe" but ONLY if you're JJ Tinker Wish).

I hope you'll join me on this journey that casts memories 15 months in the past to our last trip ... and planning 15 months into the future as we prepare for our next wondrous sojourn to the Happiest Place on Earth!!

 

[JJ Tinker Wish]

Now ... Introducing my girlfriend, travelling companion, and who knows - maybe more by the time this trip rolls around ... the one and only "JJ Tinker Wish" (that's Jamie ... or if you're in the Dis'know, "Just Jamie") ... She's a ball of fire, an articulate planner, a kind and sensitive hearted beauty who DEFINITELY earns the "Pixie" that is her Dis'namesake ... her last trip to Disney was way way back when ... like when she was 5 (ish) ... and so her memories are a little foggy and things might have changed (just a tiny bit) since she last visited the House of Mouse!!
aww ... he's really this sweet ...
I'm "My Pal Pluto" (known part time as "Rob" or simply "Daddy" ... ooh, and "Babe" but ONLY if you're JJ Tinker Wish).

I hope you'll join me on this journey that casts memories 15 months in the past to our last trip ... and planning 15 months into the future as we prepare for our next wondrous sojourn to the Happiest Place on Earth!!

I can't wait!!

 

[glennbo123]

Heloooo Rob and Just Jamie!

I am on board!

 

[afwdwfan]

Hi! I look forward to the next 15 months!

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

I like it so far... count me in (oh… and welcome to the DDC as well )

 

[jenb1023]

Hi Rob and Just Jamie!

Can't wait to read about the last trip and help plan the next one!

 

[My_Pal_Pluto]

WOW ... so I cannot even begin to fathom where the last 5 - nearly 6 - months went since I intended to get this report under way. Sadly, they slipped by and I lost precious time with my DIS friends.

But ... the good news is (at least I think/hope its good news), I'M BAAAAA-AACCKK. We've finalized our reservations (POFQ from Oct 20th through 27th ... MNSSHP & Epcot Food & Wine Fest ) and now it's time to let the reporting, dreaming, wishing, hoping, planning, and maniacally obsessing begin!!

For those who were on-board back in August, I hope you'll resume and join in ... for those who're getting their first glimpse at this motley clan ... I hope you'll consider becoming a part of my musings.

See you real soon!!

 

[JJ Tinker Wish]

Slacker!! I promise to give MpP a kick in the tookuss every now and again in hopes he sticks with the story ... weeeeeee're waaaaaaiiting ...

 

[glennbo123]

Slacker!! I promise to give MpP a kick in the tookuss every now and again in hopes he sticks with the story ... weeeeeee're waaaaaaiiting ...

Okay, well as long as Just Jamie is going to stay after him....I'm still here.

 

[JJ Tinker Wish]

Okay, well as long as Just Jamie is going to stay after him....I'm still here.

... hang in there Glenn ... and I look forward to hearing of your upcoming trip too -- not too long now!!

 

[My_Pal_Pluto]

Slacker!! I promise to give MpP a kick in the tookuss every now and again in hopes he sticks with the story ... weeeeeee're waaaaaaiiting ...

Hey there JJ ... let's remember this is a family-friendly board ... sheesh ... "tookus" ... great, now you got me sayin it too!!!

Okay, well as long as Just Jamie is going to stay after him....I'm still here.

Glenn ... you say that as though I've ever not finished something I've started on the boar ..... oh tookus ... oops, sorry ... yea, good thing she's "staying after me (but NEVER before me )

... hang in there Glenn ... and I look forward to hearing of your upcoming trip too -- not too long now!!

YeeeHawww ... woot-woot Glenn ... that trip is just a couple of months away

 

[My_Pal_Pluto]

"Ohhhhh Beignet ... Mon Amour ... J'Adore Tu"​

Oui ... I mean, "YES", I have fully embraced my unhealthy addiction to the fried fritter of French happiness that is, "THE BEIGNET!!" (this echoes loudly and with reverberating power about your headphones ... you know, if you have the "audio" version of my posting)

Lest I have everyone believe errantly (honestly, it's not true) that my ONLY reason for returning to the POFQ in back-to-back Dis-sojourns is for a delicious, hot, sugar-coated puff of magical dough ... oooohhhhh how wrong you are!!
You see, this will be trip numero quattro (count it, that's three languages in three paragraphs) for the triplet gang. Trip number 1 (age 4) and number 2 (age 6) saw the Hower clan landing amongst the cool, rad backdrop of the POP ... and don't get me wrong ... we loved us some POP ... as a matter of fact, here's a quick list of 5 things we still hold as "fave's"

• 
  Those amazing smelling white flowers on the trees that dot the resort

• Goofy's Pop Jets

• The Hippy-Dippy pool cast in that vibrant night-glow

• Tie-Dye ('nuf said right?)

• Standing on the kiddie pool fountain shooters with 4 other adults (each on our own shooter) so that the remaining fountain is powerful enough to create a new Disney water-ride for the young'uns (I sweeearrrr he was right here just a second ago)

Ahhhh, those were the days!! So ... why change ... and why return back to POFQ (I mean, aside from the aforementioned pastry)? It really boils (like the hot oil in a Sassagoula Floatworks fryer) down to 4 key factors for the Hower clan:

• Mobility - my dad now uses a scooter to get around and, when off his scooter, he transfers with some difficulty. This resort is situated in a way that makes it easy for him to be independent and carefree.

• Size and Scenery - ok, I know I'm actually getting away with a 2fer here, but really they go hand-in-hand. Some resorts have really beautiful scenery ... and are HUGE!! Others are reasonable in scope, but you don't have the meandering paths and hidden gems that you find in a "sprawling" resort. Somehow, the French Quarter manages to balance this perfectly. Seriously, take a stroll some morning at this resort and see if you don't happen upon some special, serene, scenic, bucolic little "spot" that makes you sigh with Disney joy!!

• The Pool Bar - yep, I know every resort's got one ... but something about seeing that wrought-iron gate go up when the bar opens, hearing the beckoning call of the clinking glasses, and feeling the jazz music get into your soul, gives this pool bar a "flavor" that just can't be captured at the other resorts.

• last but absolutely not least, is Doubloon Lagoon, the swimming complex at POFQ. I think Disney absolutely nails it's pools - they're all wonderful and hold magic in their theming and creativity. But when we look back on pictures from this resort, we always realize just how much time we spent enjoying this beautiful pool. From the bright aquas and soft pinks that meander about as the "sea serpent" plunges in and out of sight, to the "just right" slide and the sea shell fountain, this pool is perfect for our young crew and the adults that are really frolicking kids at heart.

So there you have it ... a quick glimpse into why the Howers have once again chosen a return to the Port Orleans French Quarter resort. I hope some of you might identify with the lists I've included and, maybe you have some thoughts of your own to add? All are welcome and I look forward to sharing.

 

[JJ Tinker Wish]

"Ohhhhh Beignet ... Mon Amour ... J'Adore Tu"​

[/B][/COLOR]
Oui ... I mean, "YES", I have fully embraced my unhealthy addiction to the fried fritter of French happiness that is, "THE BEIGNET!!"


I can't wait to try one of those yum-licious-lookin', powdered-sugar-havin' (you KNOW that is my Kryptonite!!) fritters myself --how did I miss this pic?!

Lest I have everyone believe errantly (honestly, it's not true) that my ONLY reason for returning to the POFQ in back-to-back Dis-sojourns is for a delicious, hot, sugar-coated puff of magical dough ... oooohhhhh how wrong you are!!
You see, this will be trip numero quattro (count it, that's three languages in three paragraphs) for the triplet gang. Trip number 1 (age 4) and number 2 (age 6) saw the Hower clan landing amongst the cool, rad backdrop of the POP ... and don't get me wrong ... we loved us some POP ... as a matter of fact, here's a quick list of 5 things we still hold as "fave's"

• 
  Those amazing smelling white flowers on the trees that dot the resort
  
  Will you pluck one for me to wear in my hair?

• Goofy's Pop Jets
  
  I know I'm gonna be a target for this one!!

• The Hippy-Dippy pool cast in that vibrant night-glow

• Tie-Dye ('nuf said right?)
  
  Cool man ... like far out ...

• Standing on the kiddie pool fountain shooters with 4 other adults (each on our own shooter) so that the remaining fountain is powerful enough to create a new Disney water-ride for the young'uns (I sweeearrrr he was right here just a second ago)

Ahhhh, those were the days!! So ... why change ... and why return back to POFQ (I mean, aside from the aforementioned pastry)? It really boils (like the hot oil in a Sassagoula Floatworks fryer) down to 4 key factors for the Hower clan:

• Mobility - my dad now uses a scooter to get around and, when off his scooter, he transfers with some difficulty. This resort is situated in a way that makes it easy for him to be independent and carefree.

• Size and Scenery - ok, I know I'm actually getting away with a 2fer here, but really they go hand-in-hand. Some resorts have really beautiful scenery ... and are HUGE!! Others are reasonable in scope, but you don't have the meandering paths and hidden gems that you find in a "sprawling" resort. Somehow, the French Quarter manages to balance this perfectly. Seriously, take a stroll some morning at this resort and see if you don't happen upon some special, serene, scenic, bucolic little "spot" that makes you sigh with Disney joy!!

• The Pool Bar - yep, I know every resort's got one ... but something about seeing that wrought-iron gate go up when the bar opens, hearing the beckoning call of the clinking glasses, and feeling the jazz music get into your soul, gives this pool bar a "flavor" that just can't be captured at the other resorts.

• last but absolutely not least, is Doubloon Lagoon, the swimming complex at POFQ. I think Disney absolutely nails it's pools - they're all wonderful and hold magic in their theming and creativity. But when we look back on pictures from this resort, we always realize just how much time we spent enjoying this beautiful pool. From the bright aquas and soft pinks that meander about as the "sea serpent" plunges in and out of sight, to the "just right" slide and the sea shell fountain, this pool is perfect for our young crew and the adults that are really frolicking kids at heart.

So there you have it ... a quick glimpse into why the Howers have once again chosen a return to the Port Orleans French Quarter resort. I hope some of you might identify with the lists I've included and, maybe you have some thoughts of your own to add? All are welcome and I look forward to sharing.[/QUOTE]

Tell me more, tell me more!!

 

[JJ Tinker Wish]

You have gotta give me a tutorial on these "reply", "quick reply", "reply with quote" thing-a mahoojies ... sometimes I get it right and sometimes (like just now) not so much!!

 

[glennbo123]

Rob, is that you on the left side of this picture, with the towel around your waist?

I've never stayed at Pop Century, but we were on a Magical Express bus once that stopped there to pick someone up, so I'm thiiis close to being an expert. Oh, and similarly, I was on a boat from POR that stopped at POFQ to pick up some passengers...and then we continued on to Downtown Disney.

Okay, okay. Those come up a little short, but I still know that you're going to have a great time!

 

[My_Pal_Pluto]

I can't wait to try one of those yum-licious-lookin', powdered-sugar-havin' (you KNOW that is my Kryptonite!!) fritters myself --how did I miss this pic?!

"YUM-licious" ... thanks JJ, I think you've just created a new word that describes Beignet's perfectly!

here's a quick list of 5 things we still hold as "fave's"

• 
  Those amazing smelling white flowers on the trees that dot the resort

Will you pluck one for me to wear in my hair?

• Goofy's Pop Jets

I know I'm gonna be a target for this one!!

• Tie-Dye ('nuf said right?)

Cool man ... like far out ...

Well JJ ... though I DO wanna put a flower in your hair ... and though I'm sure the kiddos will target you (at least once) at one of the many water surprises around Disney, and though the Tye-Dye cheesecake is, indeed, "far out", alas ... these are things from the Pop Century resort and ... well ... we were all sorta hopin you'd stay with us ... at the French Quarter

Tell me more, tell me more!!

Oh dear oh dear ... much more to come ... oh bother!!

You have gotta give me a tutorial on these "reply", "quick reply", "reply with quote" thing-a mahoojies ... sometimes I get it right and sometimes (like just now) not so much!!

But WHY?? You're so entertaining to the DISboard veterans

Rob, is that you on the left side of this picture, with the towel around your waist?

Ahhhh Glennbo ... those "Judy spottin" eyes of yours have made you a keen observationist ... I've had MANY people ask me who the cool, suave guy is leaning nonchalantly against the serpent wearing his fashionable towel!! Alas, I can't take credit for him ... though trust me, I AM taking fashion tips from him for this coming trip ... so in ALL of the pics, I'll be "the guy in the towel" (what are the rules on this at the signature restaurants?)

I've never stayed at Pop Century, but we were on a Magical Express bus once that stopped there to pick someone up, so I'm thiiis close to being an expert. Oh, and similarly, I was on a boat from POR that stopped at POFQ to pick up some passengers...and then we continued on to Downtown Disney.

Okay, okay. Those come up a little short, but I still know that you're going to have a great time!

No no Glenn ... they're spot on ... did anyone throw a beignet at you while passing on the boat by chance? That's a game I like to play ... the people on the boat don't find it so amusing though

 

[My_Pal_Pluto]

So now that you know the primary players in my own crew ... and now that you know we're hittin the POFQ (no, I didn't intend to rhyme that, I mean it ...) I'd like to take a few moments to reveal the entire CAST of this monstrosity.

This pic was taken on our last magical sojourn ... I LOOOOVVVEEE this spot in the POFQ ... it's the first thing that greets you when you come in off the Magic Bus ... there's this wonderful air conditioned portico linking the desk to the food court area ... I know the sound of the fountain and the smell of the air in my sleep!!

Mom & Dad in the center (they affectionaly go by "Grandma & Grandpa", nothing exotic, but they LOVE it)
Just a little aside, mom said years ago, "I want lots of grandkids" ... so 3 singletons, a set of twins, and a litter of triplets later we think we gave her what she wanted?
DAD ... True Disney lover, fave character is Pluto, fave movie is "Song of the South", and fave Dis Restaurant is Earl of Sandwich
MOM ... Has grown to love Disney through Dad's love of it (and that of her kids and grandkids) ... dreads the travel though, she is really paranoid/fearful of flying ... fave character is my Dad, fave ride is "It's a Small World", fave restaurant, see Dad's

OK, to the left of Mom & Dad we have my brother Shawn and his family. Shawn is the very stoic looking goon behind Mom ... his wife Rhonda is in red, Oldest daughter Abby in turquoise, oldest son Willy (only boy on that side of the clan), middle daughter Carissa with the bright blonde locks, and the twins, Maggie(red) and Chloe (on grandma's lap ... sort of)

What to say about Shawn and his family ... hmmm ... first of all, they are a blessing in all ways to my children and I. Ever caring, ever giving, ever loving. You likely look at our clan and wonder how things go with so many kiddos in the mix ... I guarantee you disbelief abounds when we're all together at just how much fun we have while the kids remain respectful, well-behaved, and really truly loving to one another.

Just realized I'll have to run another post in this PTR talking about Shawn's families loves at Disney ... YAY, that means research!!!

OK ... and me and the kiddos on the "other side". Yep, that hat suits me fine!!

So there you have it ... the "Monstrous" cast for our Franken-trip ...

 

[JJ Tinker Wish]

"Well JJ ... though I DO wanna put a flower in your hair ... and though I'm sure the kiddos will target you (at least once) at one of the many water surprises around Disney, and though the Tye-Dye cheesecake is, indeed, "far out", alas ... these are things from the Pop Century resort and ... well ... we were all sorta hopin you'd stay with us ... at the French Quarter"

Well, sheesh ... is it any wonder I get confuddled when ya tell me about all the things ya did, all the things ya wanna do and where ya wanna go and what ya wanna show me ?!!! I'll just be over here ... reading ... quietly ... proceed ...

 

[My_Pal_Pluto]

Well, sheesh ... is it any wonder I get confuddled when ya tell me about all the things ya did, all the things ya wanna do and where ya wanna go and what ya wanna show me ?!!! I'll just be over here ... reading ... quietly ... proceed ...

Oh wow JJ ... let's see here, it's FEBRUARY ... we go to Dis in OCTOBER ... you think you're overwhelmed NOW