The Crazy Life of a New Floridian & Ongoing TRs

[karajeboo]

I hope Ally's ok!!

You are just soooooo funny- I am lovin' your report!!!
Can't wait for more food porn!!!

C'mon now, looks aren't everything!!!

She'll do fine, I'm sure. I promised her a princess purse when we go to Disney in November if she's good for the doctors. But she's not allowed to eat anything after midnight last night. That so sucks for her!!! She doesn't go to the hospital until noon. It's one thing with an early morning surgery but to make her wait until lunchtime with nothing to eat!!!

So I made her some frozen applejuice (at the nurse's suggestion) and she ate it like a slushie.

Glad that Ally is okay! Sounds like some All Star Puppy Wrestling that got out of hand

I hear you on DVC. Took me two years to talk DH into our first contract (which is paid off ) ... and then he added on another 100 points as a birthday present the year he moved me to NC ... it was a peace offering

Looking forward to your Tutto review. We had lunch there in June and loved it. We have our CP dinner there in December

She's fine!!! Thank you! Funny though, after we got my car last night, it was around 7ish and we had just gotten the call from the hospital with the late time for her surgery. So Jeff suggested we stop and grab dinner somewhere of her choice. My little gal loves Golden Corral (a big ole buffet!) but we couldn't find one anywhere, so we stopped a little neighborhood place and ate. I had to find a place that was dimly lit though because she had all this matted blood in her hair! I didn't have time to wash her up before we raced out of the house to get my car!

So all night we kept whispering "Bloody Ally" to her. Poor kid, she'll be in therapy by age 12 unless she's smart enough to run away and live with baboons! See, living in Florida, we get all these Universal commercials advertising Bloody Mary for their Halloween party.

OH, DVC. We were "this" close to buying back in 1998 when we honeymooned there and were still selling BWV. We were both going through job transitions and just didn't think it was smart at that time. Looking back though..... oh, how I wish we would have done it!!!!

I've got a spread sheet comparing each DVC resort against each other, plus showing how we could stay 6 nights at t deluxe resort for the cost of 2 nights out of pocket, just by using our maintenance costs, then the other 4 nights would go against our buy in cost, and it would pay for itself in like 6 years!!! I've got all sorts of scenarios. And the funny thing is that the day after we got home, I saw Jeff online checking out Disney's Vero Beach resort, cause I know we'd try to plan time there each year, too, since we live so close. I could almost see the wheels turning in his head....

If I can just get him to a couple more deluxe resorts.... Even though we love Pop Century, and we're totally happy there for a week's vacation, it's so different every time we stay deluxe for a few nights. Just love it!

Kara - Looking forward to the Tutto food porn! Glad to see you were seated in the main dining room; the last two times we have went (when it was still Alfredo's), we were seated in smaller side rooms - not as enjoyable!

I'm gonna get me some school bread when I'm there in Nov.! Never have had it before but have seen enough pictures on this board to know I'll probably love it!

Meant to mention earlier - I always get a bottle of Laila from Norway when we're in Disney. It's my favorite perfume and when I wear it, the girls say I smell like Disney!

Wow! I've never heard of anyone else buying Laila! But it does smell like Disney! I love it!

And the school bread did live up to all the hype. Although the sweet pretzels almost won out when I got in there and saw them.....

Isn't Tutto supposed to just be a "temporary" restaurant in Italy? What's up with that???

 

[JaxJags08]

I'm glad Ally is ok! Good luck with the surgery. BTW, if you're ever looking for a Golden Corral, I think the closest one to you is probably in Mandarin. Just exit south on San Jose and it'll be about a mile on your right. There may be one in OP, but I avoid Blanding like the plague.

All the food looks SO good! I guess I never thought about eating at Tutto either, but it looks so yummy. I LOVE calamari! But I guess your waiter was nothing to write home about looks-wise because I didn't see any pics this time and I didn't get a letter from you that day. You would think differently since it was Italy...

 

[podsnel]

Fried calamari is one of my most favorite things to eat! And you're right, overcooked squid is NASTY!! Now I'm going to have to add another restaurant to my list- I've never wanted to try it there in the past- I feel like in NJ/NY area we are spoiled by great Italian restaurants, so eating at one in Disney has never been a draw- but now I'm thinkin' otherwise, thanks to you!!!

Oh, and about the DVC thing- we just bought at AKV in November after our last family vacation, and let, me just say...
I LOVE my DVC!!!! Best vacation insurance EVAAAARRRRR!!!! We're looking forward to buying more this winter/spring

Good luck with the ear tube stuff today- and the anesthesiologist....

 

[DisneyJen]

Sending to you and Ally. I am sure she will be fine ... but as a mom I totally understand

Loving your report!

 

[karajeboo]

I'm glad Ally is ok! Good luck with the surgery. BTW, if you're ever looking for a Golden Corral, I think the closest one to you is probably in Mandarin. Just exit south on San Jose and it'll be about a mile on your right. There may be one in OP, but I avoid Blanding like the plague.

All the food looks SO good! I guess I never thought about eating at Tutto either, but it looks so yummy. I LOVE calamari! But I guess your waiter was nothing to write home about looks-wise because I didn't see any pics this time and I didn't get a letter from you that day. You would think differently since it was Italy...

First of all, we found a Golden Corral today after Ally's surgery. Someone told us there was one on Normandy, and all I can say is OMG! Do NOT, I repeat do NOT ever attempt to get into a buffet at the exact time that the price changes from lunch to dinner!!!! The blue hairs were all up in arms and they actually had a security guard acting as host and seating us!!!! It was crazy!!! No food porn for this one, but I wish I had taken some pics of the other diners. Waaaaaaay too funny!!!!

As for our waiter at Tutto - no he was nothing to write home about, so you're right about not getting a letter that day! HOWEVER, there was a waiter there that I couldn't help but watch. Jeff kept laughing saying, "seriously, do you have to be so obvious?" This guy was movie star good looking, very Italian. And after our dinner at France where Jeff kept joking about Claudia wanting his hotel key, he asked me if I was gonna slip this waiter "my digits." Jeff is such a dork. He probably doesn't even know what "digits" are. So what the hell are they anyway???

Fried calamari is one of my most favorite things to eat! And you're right, overcooked squid is NASTY!! Now I'm going to have to add another restaurant to my list- I've never wanted to try it there in the past- I feel like in NJ/NY area we are spoiled by great Italian restaurants, so eating at one in Disney has never been a draw- but now I'm thinkin' otherwise, thanks to you!!!

Oh, and about the DVC thing- we just bought at AKV in November after our last family vacation, and let, me just say...
I LOVE my DVC!!!! Best vacation insurance EVAAAARRRRR!!!! We're looking forward to buying more this winter/spring

Good luck with the ear tube stuff today- and the anesthesiologist....

In all honesty, it was very good, but I'm sure you've got some hole in the wall Italian place near you that is more authentic with great food. Those hole in the wall places are the best!!!!

Oh, DVC, damn this economy with Jeff in the auto business!!! If he would just stop thinking about it so much, he'd be in. Damn him thinking! Why can't he just act irrationaly like me?

Sending to you and Ally. I am sure she will be fine ... but as a mom I totally understand

Loving your report!

Thank you all for you good wishes. Ally did great today - she was such a trooper and very brave. She handled the anesthesia much better than she did 3 years ago when the had the tubes put in, and the tonsils and adenoids out. Well, with the exeption of barfing on me in the recovery room. But hey, that's what being a mom is all about! That would be while Jeff sat in the corner quietly reading....

From the time they took her into the OR until we walked out was only about 2 hours. Aside from not eating since last night though - we all supported her so none of us ate today, until the Golden Corral fiasco at 4:00.

To recap - AVOID buffets during the lunch to dinner changeover or you'll get runover by the bluehairs with walkers. Seriously, we had people push past us as we walked in. It was like being in another world..... But being the people we are, Jeff and I had fun with it!

 

[DisneyJen]

Too funny about the blue hairs I can only imagine what a sight that must have been

The local supermarket chain recently changed they day that they have the senior citizen discount. I made the mistake of shopping on that day ... OMG!! These people have nothing on the stroller people at WDW

Glad there was no technicolor yawning for Ally in recovery.

 

[karajeboo]

Too funny about the blue hairs I can only imagine what a sight that must have been
... OMG!! These people have nothing on the stroller people at WDW

You are so right!!! I seriously had to pull Ally out of the way of an out of control walker!!!!

The neatest thing though was that we saw a man wearing a hat (actually, being a gentleman from "the greatest generation" he had taken it off) and it said "WWII, Korea, Vietnam Veteran." Jeff said if that's true and he really served in all those wars, he shouldn't have to pay for dinner anywhere! So true. Of course, being the sensitive person I am, I was convinced he was there to check out all the widows at the Blue Hair meat market.

 

[DisneyJen]

...
Of course, being the sensitive person I am, I was convinced he was there to check out all the widows at the Blue Hair meat market.

Oh how true ...

Actually all those blue hairs were probably swarming all over a LIVE one

 

[askelton]

We ate at Raglan Road not too long ago and really enjoyed it as well. I always get fish & chips and theirs did not disappoint.

Moved quickly through China, and into Norway. The last time I was here I smelled a wonderful fragrance here that I loved. So I splurged and bought it this time. It's called Laila - the Essence of Norway. So "essentially" I guess I'm Norwegian now!

I have this on now as well. Love it!

Glad to hear Ally is better.

 

[karajeboo]

Oh how true ...

Actually all those blue hairs were probably swarming all over a LIVE one

Um, don't know how long they were gonna enjoy their "live" catch, if ya know what I mean....

We ate at Raglan Road not too long ago and really enjoyed it as well. I always get fish & chips and theirs did not disappoint.

I have this on now as well. Love it!

Glad to hear Ally is better.

I already told Jeff I want to go back to RR and try the Shepherd's Pie - I love Shepherd's Pie but I have a feeling theirs might be better than mine!!!

Love me some Laila!!!! I told Jeff it was sponsored by Eric Clapton!



So Saturday we get a call from Jeff's cousin who lives in Orlando - he invited us down for dinner yesterday because his parents (Jeff's aunt and uncle) were in town from Charlotte. So we made the 2 1/2 hr drive yesterday morning. It sucked driving into Orlando and not passing under the WDW gates!!!!! In fact, we couldn't remember how to get to his cousin's house - after we got off the exit, I swore we turned left, Jeff said right, and as we got to the intersection, it showed Disney to the left!!! So technically I was correct, since that's where I wanted to go anyway!!!

 

[karajeboo]

When I last left off, we were heading back to YC, after enjoying a late night at Epcot.

Well, after drinking our way through WS all evening, I rushed down the 74 miles of corridors to our room, straight to the "little girls" room, only to find that which DisneyJen cursed me with......

I believe she said, "hope you have a snake and lizard-free vacation...."

Yeah, it's a lizard. In our tub.

So while I was relaxing, doin my thang, I was keeping my eye on this little guy. I hollered for Jeff to call the front desk and get someone down here ASAP to get this thing out of my tub!!!

He didn't hesitate. I heard his end of the conversation.

"Good evening, we have a lizard in our bathtub and I was wondering if you could send someone down to take care of it for me."

"Ha ha ha ha. I'll take your word for it, but I don't want it."

"Thank you."

I stood in the bathroom doorway watching this guy, to make sure he didn't crawl out and disappear somewhere in our room. Because I really didn't want to pack up and move the the Animal Kingdom Lodge which I'm assuming is the furthest resort away from Yacht Club.

It took about 10 minutes for someone to show up and he scooped him up and disappeared down the hall with the creature. Not sure what he did with him, but I can only assume the room down the hall made the same call the next day!!!

Apparently the gal at the front desk told Jeff that lizards are good luck, and asked if he wanted to keep it. That's when he chuckled and said "I'll take your word for it." If he had handled it my way, there would have been someone there pronto, with a big net and machete....

"HELP!!! There's a 12 foot python in my bathtub - I think it must have escaped from Animal Kingdom!!! Help!!!!"

 

[DisneyJen]

...

Well, after drinking our way through WS all evening, I rushed down the 74 miles of corridors to our room, straight to the "little girls" room, only to find that which DisneyJen cursed me with......

I believe she said, "hope you have a snake and lizard-free vacation...."

Yeah, it's a lizard. In our tub.

You have got to be kidding me

I just spewed water all over my keyboard!!

 

[podsnel]

OMG!!!! I'm laughing so hard!!! It is YOU- YOU are attracting them to you, Kara!! They're following you EVERYWHERE!!! All hail, Kara the lizard Queen!!!

 

[JaxJags08]

Eeewwwww! Of course it would happen to you!

 

[jmskinner]

Ok, some how I messed several updates. The picture of that thing in Japan was hilarious. Now I want to go see if I can find it to show DH.

I can't believe you had a lizard in your tub. How did that happen?

Glad to know Ally is ok after hitting her head and having the tube removed. My DH always says, "No blood no foul". The first time there was blood, I started yelling, "we have foul!!!"

Oh, and about the blue hairs. I finally realized the closest Wal-Mart to me is in Sun City. Sun City is the city created specifically for retirees. Not only do you have only blue hairs in Wal-Mart, but you have to watch out for golf carts crossing the 4 lane divided high way and through the shopping centers.

Loving your TR and all the food porn. I keep forgetting to take pics of our food.

I had a question for you. Didn't you purchase a one day ticket to get the free DDP? Does it have your name on it? I just booked next Labor Day and had to do the same thing since we are also AP holders and the CM said the ticket would have our names on it so someone else couldn't use it. But how would they know?

 

[karajeboo]

You have got to be kidding me

I just spewed water all over my keyboard!!

THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!!!! YOU CURSED ME BEFORE I LEFT!!!

OMG!!!! I'm laughing so hard!!! It is YOU- YOU are attracting them to you, Kara!! They're following you EVERYWHERE!!! All hail, Kara the lizard Queen!!!

Great. Thanx for the vote of confidence. As lizard queen, where is my tiara???

Eeewwwww! Of course it would happen to you!

I know!!!! What is up with that anyway? I've NEVER heard of anyone having a creature in their room in Disney of all places!!!! And I didn't see even one lizard anywhere EXCEPT in my room! I'm getting a complex.

 

[DisneyJen]

THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!!!! YOU CURSED ME BEFORE I LEFT!!!

Who me

Just think there are people who pay extra when they stay at AKL to be near the wildlife

 

[karajeboo]

Ok, some how I messed several updates. The picture of that thing in Japan was hilarious. Now I want to go see if I can find it to show DH.

Oh, you dirty girl!

I can't believe you had a lizard in your tub. How did that happen?

See, there are boy lizards and girl lizards. When the boy lizard meets the girl lizard and they fall in love, they - oh, wait! You meant how did it get IN my room???

Glad to know Ally is ok after hitting her head and having the tube removed. My DH always says, "No blood no foul". The first time there was blood, I started yelling, "we have foul!!!"

In my mind, all blood IS foul! It scares the you know what out of me!!!

Oh, and about the blue hairs. I finally realized the closest Wal-Mart to me is in Sun City. Sun City is the city created specifically for retirees. Not only do you have only blue hairs in Wal-Mart, but you have to watch out for golf carts crossing the 4 lane divided high way and through the shopping centers.

Wait a minute. We've got a golf cart. And we eat at Golden Corral. And shop at Wal-mart. And Jeff painted our living room peach. Oh my God!!! We are OLD!!!!!!

Loving your TR and all the food porn. I keep forgetting to take pics of our food.

I had a question for you. Didn't you purchase a one day ticket to get the free DDP? Does it have your name on it? I just booked next Labor Day and had to do the same thing since we are also AP holders and the CM said the ticket would have our names on it so someone else couldn't use it. But how would they know?

Yes, they have our names on them - and be careful - it's your key to the world card, so don't toss it out when you get home! The CM told me that there is no way anyone would know who is using it. She even TOLD me to use it for guests visiting us. I've never been asked for ID at the turnstile, so I can't imagine it being a problem. I guess we'll see - oh, and they are good for 1 year.

Who me

Just think there are people who pay extra when they stay at AKL to be near the wildlife

Hmm, now I have an idea. I'll open a B&B and market to those who like AKL - we've got deer, armadillos, snakes, lizards, skinks, spiders, scorpions, frogs, wild turkeys, and even wild boar in our neighborhood! I'll become rich and famous! I'll begin selling DVC, advertising "close" to Disney - I'll be on the cover of Fortune Magazine! I'll run for President and become the leader of the free world!!! Then I'll make it mandatory for every American to go to Disney for FREE!!!!! I'll be the most beloved president in history! All because we moved into a reptilian infested swamp!

 

[DisneyJen]

...
Hmm, now I have an idea. I'll open a B&B and market to those who like AKL - we've got deer, armadillos, snakes, lizards, skinks, spiders, scorpions, frogs, wild turkeys, and even wild boar in our neighborhood! I'll become rich and famous! I'll begin selling DVC, advertising "close" to Disney - I'll be on the cover of Fortune Magazine! I'll run for President and become the leader of the free world!!! Then I'll make it mandatory for every American to go to Disney for FREE!!!!! I'll be the most beloved president in history! All because we moved into a reptilian infested swamp!

And don't forget to have different season like Magical Season, which could coincide with Hurricane Season to get the full effect

And then you have to have a special suite that includes having Bucky sleep ON THE BED with the guests. That could happen in say Dream Season

I'm telling you .... you're on to something

 

[karajeboo]

And don't forget to have different season like Magical Season, which could coincide with Hurricane Season to get the full effect

And then you have to have a special suite that includes having Bucky sleep ON THE BED with the guests. That could happen in say Dream Season

I'm telling you .... you're on to something

So what weekend works best for you? I'll put you down for the Bucky room, next Labor Day weekend - I'm sure we'll have a big hurricane brewing up then. You will be my first guests!!!! And I'll make sure to leave the windows open to ensure some "guests" in your bed! Wow, you're so generous to volunteer to be our first guests!!!!!