The Crazy Life of a New Floridian & Ongoing TRs

[podsnel]

 

[DisneyJen]

Working on next installment! Just dowloading (or am I uploading?) more pics to photobucket.

Thank goodness ... will give me yet another reason to avoid the mountain of laundry I have to tackle in order to start packing for Saturday's trip

Hoping that weather is going to hold for us!!

 

[karajeboo]

So after getting all purtied up, it was time to head to the Grand Floridian for our "special dinner." That was all Ally knew, except that a prince would be there. She was soooo excited!

But first, let's test the hair on the monorail.....

See? This pic was taken AFTER the dangling. Still not a hair out of place.

Now, we have never stayed at GF, and really have no desire. A) It's not walking distance to Epcot's World Showcase, and B) it's too dang expensive!!!

So we decided to stroll around the lobby a bit and explore the resort before our dinner. First thing I saw was this.

Then this. And I figured - Hey, I can make this at home!!!

After exploring a bit, we realized we will probably NEVER stay here (although that throws a kink into my plans for staying in every single Disney resort at least once!!!), for two reasons: A) I don't think we're GF people. I didn't see anyone else telling their daughters to "pull my finger." And B) It's too dang expensive!!!!

OK, so Jeff didn't really tell Ally to pull his finger. At that time. Cause we would NEVER do something like that!

Time to eat!

Now this was our first time at 1900 Park Fare and Cinderella's Gala Feast. It was fantastic!!!!

The room was charming, very Cinderellaish, very Grand Floridianish. Very pretty. Ish.

I'm not a big buffet person. I don't like other people touching my food. I don't like the sneeze guards. Cause I know why they're there. Mmmm, hmmmm. And the food is always cold. And it's normally just not that great.

But I was pleasantly surprised this time. The food was all very good and hot. Nice selection of entrees and desserts - I tried them all. Seriously. I was hungry. And it's Disney - why not have 37 pieces of cheesecake for dessert? They're little pieces. And it's all fat free, sugar free. I know. Crazy, huh? That's why I love Disney!

Shortly after we got our first round, His Royal Highness, Prince Charming was introduced. He swept into the room to the delight of little princesses all over the place.

A few minutes later, Her Royal Highness, Cinderella was introduced and she and Prince Charming had their dance right in the middle of the room. Then they began to circulate amongst the tables.

Ally was getting her autograph book ready. This kid is on it with the autograph book - she has 5 different markers in different colors, and she coordinates the color with the character and the colors on the page. She's on it.

Will you look at the size of that autograph book? Seriously, scroll back up and look at that picture.

I'm waiting.

It's 130 pages thick. Cardstock. With a clipboard under it so it's easier to write on. It is HEAVY!!!! But I'm so afraid to go to the parks without it for fear that will be the day that the Country Bears are out, or some other obscure character. But Ally carries it every day in her backpack. No wonder she looks like a Hunchback - but she'll have her autograph book the day Quasimodo is out!!!!!

Next was Cindy's stepsisters, Anastasia and Drizella. They swept into the room like a tornado through Kansas! These gals were awesome!!!!

They could sneer like any 13-year-old girl watching her father try to dance at Cousin Leon's wedding after several tequila shots. Not that I ever did that. Or Ally ever will. Riiiiiight! And the eye roll? They got it down. I mean down.

The only thing we missed was Lady Tremaine. According to our server, she had "other engagements" that night. That was a big disappointment, as I had heard that she made it even more fun.

Oh well, Anastasia and Drizella made it lots of fun. Anastasia wanted to get a conga line together, so all these little princesses got in line behind her and ran through the restaurnat. Then she gathered them in a circle and had them all jump up and down. Then scream. No, louder...... In the middle of 1900 Park Fare. Cinderellaish. Grand Floridianish. Loudish. Screamish. Crazy! It was so out of place in the dining room that it was fun and silly. Ish.

Every time a plate was dropped, or you could hear a crash from the kitchen, both Anastasia and Drizella would stop what they were doing and yell, "CINDERELLA!!!" and poor Cindy would duck down and hide at whatever table she was at. Personally, if I was Cindy, I would march right up to those two and say, "Hey! Who's the *&%$ princess here???? Get your big ole @#$% into the kitchen and clean it up! And get me a grande skinny cinnamon latte while you're back there. *&%@$!"

Well, maybe that's why I didn't get the part. Or it could be because of my misconception that all food at Disney is fat free, sugar free. So I couldn't fit into the dress.

Here's Ally with Cinderella and Prince Charming.

They were both very sweet, but I"m tired of the sweet princess thing. Jeff still likes it, of course. And each trip he picks his new "favorite" princess. It's usually Jasmine. Wonder why??? The little tart. But I digress....

We were in stitches when Anastasia came to our table. Here she is telling Ally, "I don't like that picture of me" while looking at her personalized autograph page. She carried it to other tables asking everyone if she really looked like that. She NEVER broke character.

I told Ally to ask her to sing. She wouldn't do it, so of course I did it. Wait! Was that the eye roll and sneer coming from my daughter???? The child I carried for 9 months and was in labor with for 2 1/2 months? OK, more like a few hours, but you get the idea! Did she really just roll her eyes at me? Am I embarassing her? Yea!!!!!! I've truly become a mother now!!!!!!

So when I asked Anastasia if she still sings, she hollered to Drizella, who was several tables away, and then turned to me and told me to give her a note.

Say what? Jeff was laughing his butt off by now. I had to start the song?

See, the thing is, I sing like a bird. A bird in the jaws of a cat. A mangy cat with three legs. That is being chased by an alligator. Yeah. That kind of bird. It ain't pretty.

So I quietly said "la." Not good enough for Anastasia. Then I realized something. I'll never see anyone in this room ever again. So I sang!!! Like a bird! THAT bird. That dead bird. And then Anastasia and Drizella took over with "sing sweet nightingale..." It was horrendous. I loved it!

It was so funny watching the two of them making their way between tables, with their big ole booties knocking things off tables. Seriously. They didn't care. We quickly moved everything to the center of our table, as did everyone else in the room. They still managed to swish their way through tables and forks went flying, napkins, a couple small children. It didn't matter. They were classless. That's why we liked them I think!

After my 37 mini cheesecakes - seriously, tiny. Like the size of a pin head tiny. So I had to eat a lot. Just to get a taste.

On the way out of 1900PF... Suzy mouse - or is this Perla??? It's a mouse. There's only one mouse whose name you need to know, right?

Anyway, after we got our fill, we were out the door and headed back to MK for Wishes and Spectro. But it was still early and we decided to hit as much as we could, then watch Wishes and catch the SECOND showing of Spectro, hoping the crowds would be thinner.

They were. Thinner. I guess they know better than to believe the whole fat free, sugar free thing. Or maybe there were just fewer people?

Up next, the Castle in Ice, Wishes and Spectro - in the sub-zero Florida temps!

 

[karajeboo]

Jen - it's supposed to only be in the 50's here on Monday!!!!! Probably low 60's in Orlando!!! But still sunny, so you will probably be in shorts in the afternoons - but note, the humidity makes it feel much cooler than the temps show in the evenings!!!!

I still think you'll have beautiful weather, could just be a little cool in the evenings.

 

[JaxJags08]

Kara - that last update was just classic! You seriously make me laugh so hard! I only wish we had video of you singing!

1900PF looks like a lot of fun. We're not GF people either, but maybe we'll make a stop in for dinner to see Anastasia and Drizella.

Ally's autograph book is amazing! I'm sure you've mentioned it before and I just forgot, but did you make it yourself? And if so, where did you find the list of all the characters? And if Ally already has a character's autograph, does she have them sign it again? I know, I know - so many questions. I need to read up on all of this before DD2 gets any older!

 

[karajeboo]

Kara - that last update was just classic! You seriously make me laugh so hard! I only wish we had video of you singing!

1900PF looks like a lot of fun. We're not GF people either, but maybe we'll make a stop in for dinner to see Anastasia and Drizella.

Ally's autograph book is amazing! I'm sure you've mentioned it before and I just forgot, but did you make it yourself? And if so, where did you find the list of all the characters? And if Ally already has a character's autograph, does she have them sign it again? I know, I know - so many questions. I need to read up on all of this before DD2 gets any older!

Seriously, you wouldn't want to see or HEAR me singing. The funny thing is that my sister is a trained performer, studied at the American Music and Drama Acadamy in NYC. She got the talent, I got the looks! that's what I always tell her and I get the eye roll and sneer, even from my little sister!

Autograph book - I got the pages from chaoscent's page here on the DIS. I downloaded them and then printed them off as 5 x 7 pages, hole punched and tied them together with pretty ribbon. She gets so many awesome comments from the characters. Once she gets a characters autograph, we take the page out and leave it at home. Seriously, this thing is HEAVY so every bit counts!

I plan on using them in a scrapbook someday. Have I ever mentioned that I got about 1/2 way done with our Disney scrapbook from our 2006 trip? Yeah. And her baby book? Hasn't been touched since she was 6 months old. Her school scrapbook? Ended about 2 weeks before the end of kindergarten. I"m terrible at that sort of thing!!!!! I need to spend a whole weekend just catching up on this. I just can't get motivated!

 

[JaxJags08]

I plan on using them in a scrapbook someday. Have I ever mentioned that I got about 1/2 way done with our Disney scrapbook from our 2006 trip? Yeah. And her baby book? Hasn't been touched since she was 6 months old. Her school scrapbook? Ended about 2 weeks before the end of kindergarten. I"m terrible at that sort of thing!!!!! I need to spend a whole weekend just catching up on this. I just can't get motivated!

Oh, I have boxes of things from various occasions for the sole purpose of putting them into a scrapbook. But I've never started one, and I'm not very crafty so I don't know what it should even look like, and I don't want to spend the money on supplies - so there they sit in the closet.

 

[DisneyJen]

Jen - it's supposed to only be in the 50's here on Monday!!!!! Probably low 60's in Orlando!!! But still sunny, so you will probably be in shorts in the afternoons - but note, the humidity makes it feel much cooler than the temps show in the evenings!!!!

I still think you'll have beautiful weather, could just be a little cool in the evenings.

Thanks Kara! We all are packed ... lights for the balcony, scissors, wrapping paper, tape ... oh yeah ... shorts, jeans, fleeces, sweatshirts, bathing suits. No mittens or gloves though

Friends who our four-legged blondes are staying with just left after receiving the football (think presidential codes and what not!).

Guess I should start my own thread so I don't hijack this one

Having a martini, listening to Michael Buble Christmas CD and counting the hours until touchdown in Orlando DH has promised me as many Grand Mariner slushies as I can drink ... he is betting the cold weather will deter me ... silly man!!!

 

[podsnel]

Thanks Kara! We all are packed ... lights for the balcony, scissors, wrapping paper, tape ... oh yeah ... shorts, jeans, fleeces, sweatshirts, bathing suits. No mittens or gloves though

Friends who our four-legged blondes are staying with just left after receiving the football (think presidential codes and what not!).

Guess I should start my own thread so I don't hijack this one

Having a martini, listening to Michael Buble Christmas CD and counting the hours until touchdown in Orlando DH has promised me as many Grand Mariner slushies as I can drink ... he is betting the cold weather will deter me ... silly man!!!

Jen- I think your DH's master plan of gran marinier slushie/too cold to have too many should be offset by you need a STRAIGHT one (gran marinier- not slushie) to warm you up here and there...

Kara- As always, you just get funnier and funnier... Did you REALLY sing? Can I PLEASE come on your next vacation???

And OMG!!! The autograph book!!! Man, I thought my kids had impressive ones when they were autographing (they're boys- it ends sooner ) But seriously!!!!! How did that book come to be???!!!!

 

[jmskinner]

Love your TR's. I've actually thought the same thing about the Grand Floridian, "would we fit or look like the Clampett's coming to town".

And that autograph bood, . Too Cool!!!! I have been buying scrapbook supplies for two years and finally got started. 3 pages done in Jacob's soccer one, and 3 half completed pages for our last week long WDW trip. I started before Thanksgiving.

Love your details of 1900 Park Faire, don't know if the boy would appreciate much, but sure looks like fun. My in-laws are coming for New Years, do you think they would like it? Trying to figure out where to take them, but first they need to figure out which park they want to go to.

Ok, no more questions or comments, so you have time to continue. Have a great weekend!

 

[karajeboo]

Jen is at Disney World now!!!!!! And I'm in the hip hop metropolis of Wytheville, VA, spending the night tonight on our way to Ohio.

We made great time today - left at 7:30 and were checked in by 4pm. Tomorrow should be about 5 hrs or so. But of course they're calling for snow in the mtns - there's about an hr that we are twisting, turning, up, down, that can be quite tricky. Even though it's all 6 lane interstate, it makes me nervous with the trucks.

But get this - we got Ally's DVD player hooked up this morning and one of the cords was bad! An 8 hr trip with a 7 year old, a 65 lb dog that just didn't have enough room in the backseat, and me up front alone = me in a hot tub tonight with a bottle of wine. And yes, I remembered the wine key.

So we ran out to Radio Shack just a little bit ago, and even though they didn't have the cord, the guy told me we should be fine through the mts - it's the WV turnpike and it's very well tended - so I'm not too worried. Worse case scenario, we get to the start of it and if it's really dangerous, we pull off at the first exit and hang out at Waffle House for a couple of hours - it's only supposed to snow in the morning, then warm up and dry out.

And besides, I'd have some GREAT travel stories for you from WAffle House!!!

Jen- I think your DH's master plan of gran marinier slushie/too cold to have too many should be offset by you need a STRAIGHT one (gran marinier- not slushie) to warm you up here and there...

Kara- As always, you just get funnier and funnier... Did you REALLY sing? Can I PLEASE come on your next vacation???

And OMG!!! The autograph book!!! Man, I thought my kids had impressive ones when they were autographing (they're boys- it ends sooner ) But seriously!!!!! How did that book come to be???!!!!

I didn't really sing - I just had to give her the key - So I started with a timid little "laaaaa" and she made me sing it louder. That's when I said, WTH, nobody knows me... "LAAAAAAA!!!!" Still, it wasn't pretty.

As for the autograph book, oh, Ellen, Ellen, Ellen. Have you not noticed my OCD tendencies??? When I started planning for our big trip with my inlaws back in May, I not only made these autograph books for Ally and my nephew, I also made all 9 of us 3 different sets of matching t-shirts, personalized invitations for every ADR, laminated 4x 6 itineraries, car magnets, luggage tags, and notebooks complete with all sorts of information. It was nuts. But ya know what? Even though everyone made fun of me, after it was all said and done, those that used the book, thanked me for it, and those that didn't wished they had. I'm very anal, but very organized. I found the autograph pages here on the DIS in the Creative DISigns thread. That's also where I got all the personalized designs for the shirts.

Love your TR's. I've actually thought the same thing about the Grand Floridian, "would we fit or look like the Clampett's coming to town".

And that autograph bood, . Too Cool!!!! I have been buying scrapbook supplies for two years and finally got started. 3 pages done in Jacob's soccer one, and 3 half completed pages for our last week long WDW trip. I started before Thanksgiving.

Love your details of 1900 Park Faire, don't know if the boy would appreciate much, but sure looks like fun. My in-laws are coming for New Years, do you think they would like it? Trying to figure out where to take them, but first they need to figure out which park they want to go to.

Ok, no more questions or comments, so you have time to continue. Have a great weekend!

I thought 1900PF would be fun for anyone. Seriously, the stepsisters like the older boys who are there. And some of the dads. They were so much fun. And like I said, the food was good for a snot loaded buffet.

We've never done LTT or CP or CM for character meals though, so I can't compare those "boy" meals. We've only done princess meals, but I think we're about princessed out. We'll think that, and then we get to the parks, and Ally is all into them again. But I don't think it will be too much longer....

OK, don't know how much battery life I have in my laptop - so I'd better hit enter or I'm gonna lose this!!!!

I'll try to update tomorrow or Monday!!!!

 

[karajeboo]

OK, quick update, still from Wytheville, VA! I feel so cosmopolitan. Except that there is nothing cosmo about Wytheville, so maybe I should have just brought the ingredients. Instead I'll settle for a glass (or two?) of Merlot that I just happened to bring along!

When we left 1900PF and headed back to MK, we were all geared up to hit lots of attractions during the first Spectro, and then find a spot for Wishes and stay for the second Spectro.

Great plan except for one thing. Cold front. Racing across Florida, right about.......... NOW!

We were all fine early, so we rode BTMR after dark - fun!

Then Pirates after dark - funny, it's the same!

Jungle Cruise after dark - more fun! Actually, I haven't been on this in a couple of years, and both times we rode this trip, I actually laughed out loud at the captain's corny jokes. They were both totally different, but I was just in the mood I guess. I think they liked me because I DID laugh!

Then over to Space Mtn after dark - WOW! The whole ride was dark! It was cool!

Finally, after hitting just about every major attraction and virtually walking on, we made our way over to Main St for Wishes.

Yup, I cried. Again. There's nothing more magical than fireworks over the castle. Of course the music just plays to the heart too!

So after Wishes, as EVERYONE was making their way down Main St, we did the unthinkable - WE SAT DOWN ON THE CURB! Just across from Casey's. Yeah. Kinda funny actually, to sit at that level and watch everyone fighting their way to the exits.

It makes you understand what it's like to be a 4 year old. The view from down there is..... oh, heck, it's pitiful! You see, big ones, litttle ones, jiggly ones, tight ones (Jeff made sure to point all THOSE out!), big jiggly ones wearing shorts that should only be worn by little tight ones. After awhile I had to look away. I did my time at 4 years old, and I now know the reason that our memories don't go back that far!

As the crowd became more manageable, I decided to take a few pics of the beautiful castle dripping icicles!

OK, now seriously, why did this dude pick THIS time to take a picture too? So I've got a pic of a dude taking a pic. Nice.

Now, I noticed another funny thing about crowds. They keep you warm. As in, I was absolutely fine all scrunched in for Wishes.

But as the crowds swarmed out to the nice warm busses and cars, we sat on the cold curb, and it got colder. And colder.

OK, so it was Florida cold. But Florida cold is different, and not in a good way. Even in the dead of winter, Florida is still very humid, so 55 degrees feels much cooler, because it is so moist. And we were cold. Ally at least had on long sleeves, but Jeff and I were shivering by the time Spectro ended and we were leaving around 10:30 that night.

However, as shown below, this pic was taken right before the second Spectro, and it was almost empty, which made the mad rush for the exit, not so mad after all. Maybe just a little "Grumpy!"

OK, if ya wanna see it, I've got tons of pics of Spectro - I'll try to post later! And then off to DHS on Sunday - lots of new things this time!

 

[podsnel]

Girlie- those pics! I am soooooooooooooo impressed! How big did you blow up the one of Ally in front of the castle- 18x20? If not, you should- or maybe wallpaper her room with it!

Ok- I get it- you're the amazing super-duper everyone matches wherever we go Disney planner- but ...you made HOW MANY of those incredible autograph books???!!! Really- you are incredible!! I guess now you can call me the president of the Kara fan club!!

Drive safely- I'm sure the roads will be well salted and plowed, and you'll be fine. But please make sure to stop at the waffle house, because I'm sure you'll need the break- and we all want to hear the story!

 

[karajeboo]

We're heeeere! Got in around 1pm today, after meeting my sis and her kids at McD's about 1/2 hr from here.

It is soooo cold here! Wind chill tonight of -25! This is stupid!

Santa is supposed to stop by tonight between 4-8 with gifts for the kids. This is the third year they have done this - the local fire dept does it the Sunday afternoon before Christmas. All you do is drop off a little gift at the fire station for your child, and donate food to their charity, and then Santa stops by with the gift for the kid. And you can also write down what they're into so Santa will be able to talk to them about it.

I'm looking forward to it.

Later everyone!

 

[jmskinner]

Sounds like you are going to have a great time with Santa!

Love the pics of the castle. The first time you see it with those lights it just takes your breath away. And I love the pics of Ally in front of the castle.

Oh, and my Mother and I like to go to parks and spend a couple of hours on benches just checking out the crowds. You never know what you are going to see. But your description is the best!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Kara, I'm glad you and Ally are safe! I like Ellen, was hoping for Waffle House stories. Maybe on the way home????

Beautiful castle pics. I love the one of Ally with the Castle - so perfect that she was dressed like a princess.

" I know the reason that our memories don't go back that far. "

Have a Merry Christmas Kara!

 

[DisneyJen]

Greetings from our home-away-from home ... BWV

Just checking in ... all is well and wonderful

Had a GM Slushie and a lime margarita yesterday while strolling through EPCOT and thought of all my DIS friends

More to come later.

Kara, glad you made it north without any real problems.

I cried during holiday Wishes on Saturday and when I saw the castle with icy lights and during Spectro

Off for some coffee ... and more holiday fun Disney style

 

[karajeboo]

Girlie- those pics! I am soooooooooooooo impressed! How big did you blow up the one of Ally in front of the castle- 18x20? If not, you should- or maybe wallpaper her room with it!

Ok- I get it- you're the amazing super-duper everyone matches wherever we go Disney planner- but ...you made HOW MANY of those incredible autograph books???!!! Really- you are incredible!! I guess now you can call me the president of the Kara fan club!!

Drive safely- I'm sure the roads will be well salted and plowed, and you'll be fine. But please make sure to stop at the waffle house, because I'm sure you'll need the break- and we all want to hear the story!

Sorry, no Waffle House, but I swear spending a week with my parents may send me there for some R&R. They are already driving me nuts and it's been less than 24 hrs!!!

Sounds like you are going to have a great time with Santa!

Love the pics of the castle. The first time you see it with those lights it just takes your breath away. And I love the pics of Ally in front of the castle.

Oh, and my Mother and I like to go to parks and spend a couple of hours on benches just checking out the crowds. You never know what you are going to see. But your description is the best!

There is nothing like seeing the castle so sparkly - I was afraid I wouldn't like it decorated because I just love the castlle. Anyone remember the birthday cake???? That was horrible and it ruined the whole look!!!!

I always tell people that I could go to Disney and not see a single attraction. Just soak up the "being there" part of Disney.

Kara, I'm glad you and Ally are safe! I like Ellen, was hoping for Waffle House stories. Maybe on the way home????

Beautiful castle pics. I love the one of Ally with the Castle - so perfect that she was dressed like a princess.

" I know the reason that our memories don't go back that far. "

Have a Merry Christmas Kara!

Thanx Tammie!!!! And Ally wasn't "dressed like a princess" - she WAS a princess! But I understand your confusion, it's a common ocurrence at Disney.

Greetings from our home-away-from home ... BWV

Just checking in ... all is well and wonderful

Had a GM Slushie and a lime margarita yesterday while strolling through EPCOT and thought of all my DIS friends

More to come later.

Kara, glad you made it north without any real problems.

I cried during holiday Wishes on Saturday and when I saw the castle with icy lights and during Spectro

Off for some coffee ... and more holiday fun Disney style

Jen - thank you sooo much for checking in with us!!!!! Oh, GM Slushie.... so glad you're having a great time!

If I don't get back before... Merry Christmas everyone! I'm just thinking that I may end up jumping out a window here. But that would only wound me and I'd be in worse shape than I am now.

Have you ever known anyone whose attempted whisper is louder than a shout? Yeah, that's my dad. Oy vey!

 

[karajeboo]

Yesterday was an adventure, to say the least. I discovered early in the morning that my email was not sending. So at about 4:30 in the pm I decided to go to Starbucks to try to send the 46 emails in my outbox. Still no luck.

So dear ole Dad decides to try to help me. He sits about as close to me as possible at the kitchen table while I pull up AT&T online looking for a tech number so I can get this resolved. I think AT&T does not recognize our email servers, so it won't let them go through.

I call and while I'm talking to a tech, my dad is "whispering" all this gibberish to me. He's about as computer savvy as the rat that is staring at me from his cage at my sister's house right now. But that's another story....

Poor guy doesn't have a clue, but he's trying to help me. My jaw hurt so bad last night from me clenching my teeth during this whole thing.

So today I came to my sister's and my BIL hit a couple buttons and VOILA! Problem solved! So I decided to stay here to work. She took the kids to meet Ally and my P's at Chuck E Cheese, and my BIL is at work. So here I am with 2 dogs, 4 cats, 4 rats, 2 mice, a rabbit and a turtle. Yeah. Seriously. It's a regular menagerie here!

Only problem is that her house is really old, and even though its remodeled, it's still drafty. So I'm working in the dining room with my coat and scarf on, and I'm still cold!

Under a winter weather advisory tonight. Great. I'm such a wimp anymore. I just can't do the cold. But it's supposed to warm into the 40's by the end of the week. I'm about frozen as it is.

 

[DisneyJen]

Merry Christmas from WDW...