The DDA Trouble Free Zone Part 29

[Tammi67]

Debbie - I'm loving the trip report!

 

[MrsHeg]

After exiting BTMRR we found a spot for the parade, Brandon would give a little wave to the Princesses as they went by,

But when these guys came up he was super excited,

When he saw Captain Jack he could hardly contain himself, and of course Mickey and Friends brought up the rear,

My picture of Captain Jack and of Tinkerbell didn't come well at all, I need some photo lessons from Bernadette.
After the parade we made it back into Adventureland, and PawPaw and Brandon had a ride on the Magic Carpets. We found the location of the Captain Jack meet and greet but the line was long so we bypassed it, hit another Treasure spot and found a great spot for the fireworks, we had one of the benches on the way into Adventureland. After seeing the pirates Brandon decided to put on his Pirate gear for a photo,

It had been a while since lunch so I decided to go to Casey's and get some food while the boys kept our spot. This seemed like a good idea, but it didn't seem so good as I was trying to juggle two full trays all the way back to our spot, thankfully I made it. So we had a little picnic and soon after the fireworks started,

The fireworks were great, after a long day us old folks were ready to call it a day, but Brandon wanted to ride some more.

 

[MrsHeg]

So we headed over to Tomorrowland and took a spin on Buzz, Brandon really loves this one, I guess it's because he gets to shoot things. I don't know the Princess in this picture but I got tired of waiting on her to move so I took the picture with her in it.

After Buzz we decided we had to call it a night, since it was the last Party of the season, there we CM's handing out full bags of loot, Brandon ended up with eight full bags,

We took this back in our carry-on, I sent it all to his house, it's too dangerous to have that just laying around,

Here's my take on the party, it was fun but I don't think I would do it again. I just don't think you get that much more for the extra money you pay. We've now gone to the Halloween, Christmas, and Pirate party. I actually prefer the Halloween party, but we won't be doing that one in November either. As for this one, Brandon's excitement over the Pirates in the parade made it worth the cost, after all, this trip was all about him. And yes I admit it, we spoil him rotten, but I take my job as MawMaw very seriously

 

[MrsHeg]

Brandon's Birthday Bash
Day 2 September 4th

Today was our breakfast with Lilo and Stitch at Ohana, it was also the one year anniversary of our friend June's passing. I had taken a purple rose and a memory box for June to place on her bench, I'm sorry to say that in the hustle to get Brandon up and dressed along with us I left it in the room. I didn't remember it later until after breakfast, so I didn't get it to the bench until the following morning.

After finally getting going I was afraid that we might not make our ADR time, we took the bus over to the Magic Kingdom and took the monorail over to the Poly, here's our little guy on the monorail,

We did make it in time and were seated shortly after our arrival, Brandon was given a card and a lei for his Bday, but said the lei itched him and didn't want to wear it. I think he didn't like it because it looked like a girl. The breads were delicious, but PawPaw was the only one who cared for the POG juice.

The characters started coming around to the table,

First came Pluto, Brandon got a kick out of the way that it looks like Pluto is drinking his milk,

Then the big cheese himself,

Lilo stopped by,

After Lilo came by they had the kid's parade, Brandon chose just to shake his Marraca's at the table. Somehow after the parade Stitch missed our table, I spoke to our server and she got it straightened out. We couldn't leave without a visit from Stitch,

Since we waited so long Lilo stopped back by and gave PawPaw a hug,

We enjoyed this meal and had a great server, while Brandon was taking his picture with Stitch PawPaw drank my and Brandon's POG juice and blamed it on Stitch, Brandon really got a kick out of that!

 

[lovesdumbo]

I've been thinking about options for our next family trip. I really didn't care for POR. I really wish they had prefered rooms there because I would pay for that. I don't like the risk of being in a remote room. Our next cheapest option would be two rooms at Pop but they won't guarantee connecting rooms so I'm thinking about a suite at ASMu but discounts on those are few. If I could get a AAA discount on a room at the Poly it would be $75 more than full rate at ASMu suite. I think it may be worth it. When we went for breakfast in August DH liked it a lot more than he remembered.

 

[MrsHeg]

After breakfast we took the monorail back over to the Magic Kingdom, getting there after rope drop does have the advantage of being able to take pictures here without waiting forever,

Don't ya just love Main Street,

Since it's new and we've never been our first stop was Monster's Inc., it was fun, especially "That guy",

Next we went across to Stitch, I know a lot of people don't care for this one but Brandon loves Stitch, so off we went,

After Stitch, it was back to Buzz, and then on to the Astro Orbiter, Brandon really loved this one, since he was WAY up high,

We by passed Indy because of the line, and we all know how slowly this line moves and the boys went for a spin on the teacups, I don't do this one because of motion sickness, but here are the boys again,

 

[MrsHeg]

When they got off the Teacups, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum were out signing autographs, those two are quite a pair, Tweedle Dee gave Brandon a Wet Willy, Brandon said he would have given him one back but he didn't have a hole in his ear,

From here we headed to Toon Town where we rode Barnstormer, since he was in the front seat Brandon said he was driving,

After Barnstormer, we let Brandon take off his shoes and shirt and play in Donald's boat for a while, he got completely soaked but with the heat it didn't take long to dry. We took the train over to Frontierland, rode Splash and BTMRR. We headed over to Adventureland and found Aladdin and Genie signing autographs, Brandon wouldn't have anything to do with them, so I filled in, the picture is on our photopass, and it is awful, especially with the Splash hairdo! We took a spin on the Magic Carpets and headed back to POP to have an afternoon swim and rest before going to Fantasmic at MGM.

I made decals for our window, so you can tell which room is ours from a distance,

Here they are closer up,

I forgot to mention on our first day we were chosen as one of the POP families of the day and received a certificate, a magnetic picture frame and turndown service, it's always nice to get a little extra Pixie Dust.

 

[MrsHeg]

Bernadette,
What was it that you didn't like about POR? We are staying at POFQ in November, DH wanted to stay at CB but I overrode that decision, I hope I won't regret the decision.

Time to take a break, I'll be back on later.

 

[mommykds]

I've been thinking about options for our next family trip. I really didn't care for POR. I really wish they had prefered rooms there because I would pay for that. I don't like the risk of being in a remote room. Our next cheapest option would be two rooms at Pop but they won't guarantee connecting rooms so I'm thinking about a suite at ASMu but discounts on those are few. If I could get a AAA discount on a room at the Poly it would be $75 more than full rate at ASMu suite. I think it may be worth it. When we went for breakfast in August DH liked it a lot more than he remembered.

I am doing the same thing Bernadette! I am working on a possible trip in August or Late Sept/Oct. I agree with you that the crowds were pretty bad this August so I thought I might take the kids out Rosh Hashana week next year. I have been during Columbus week & it was busy but I think RH week might be slower than that (who knows!) After doing the P&PP I am convinced that MNSSHP is the best party that Disney puts on so I would like to take the kids to that next year. They loved it in 2005. I didn't look to much at the ASM suites since they don't have alot of discounts too. Since we both have to get 2 rooms at value, going deluxe isn't really that bad an option. (thats my way of thinking anyway! ) We had dinner at Kona & walked the grounds of the Poly & it was prettier than we remembered. We stayed there in 2002 & we didn't have a great trip (due to a few rude cm's, kids getting sick, & raining cold weather the entire time we were there) so we have been thinking we may want to give it another try????
When are you thinking about going on your next fanily trip?

 

[PNO4TE]

Just popping into say hi. I am up on deck 9 of the Magic by the quiet Cove pool. Watching people in the terminal, patiently waiting to board the Magic.

We had an awesome week on the ship, great food and weather. I did get to go parasailing and it was fantastic.

I had to get off the ship this morning, through customs, back to the terminal and back on the ship.

Sending prayers, and hugs to all of you. Hope you have a great week.

Here's to a great second leg, Becky! Enjoy!

 

[tinker1bell]

Bernadette,
What was it that you didn't like about POR? We are staying at POFQ in November, DH wanted to stay at CB but I overrode that decision, I hope I won't regret the decision.

Time to take a break, I'll be back on later.

Debbie,

Staying at POFQ with Stephanie in 2005 was my first real trip to WDW. I had the best time. I really loved it. It is smaller, very quaint and quiet. We were in Building 4 and had the best mousekeeper, who made us towel animals every day.

 

[PNO4TE]

Debbie,

Staying at POFQ with Stephanie in 2005 was my first real trip to WDW. I had the best time. I really loved it. It is smaller, very quaint and quiet. We were in Building 4 and had the best mousekeeper, who made us towel animals every day.

We were in building 4 also, Terry! I loved POFQ and would stay there again in a heartbeat. I wouldn't worry about it at all, Debbie. I thought it was delightful.

 

[bethbuchall]

Just did---The oncologist there confirmed that there is nothing they can do that will cure this cancer. They are going to try a 'mild' round of chemo to see if that will slow the spreading of the cancer. They will try that for 3 weeks, and if it doesnt help, they are going to discuss if they should try a stronger chemo or just do nothing.

Its just starting to hit my grandmother that he will die from this--they just dont know when..The oncologist did say that it is stage 4 cancer. so now we just wait

and one for your grandmother, too. I am so sorry, Jen. I do know what you are going through. If you ever need to just vent or cry or scream, let me know.

 

[bethbuchall]

I just read the police log from when I called them about the neighbor and all it said was "outside fire". I was worried it would said "neighbor reported fire". DH talked to neighbor a few days ago and she didn't mention it. I still think (know) I did the right thing but I was worried what she would think.

I would have been worrying about the same thing. I am glad that it didn't specify "neighbor reported fire". And you definitely did the right thing!

 

[bethbuchall]

You did do the right thing.


Thanks on all accounts!
I hate those "discount cards"!!! We don't have any family to sell them too so we end of buying all the wrapping paper, cookie dough, candy bars, discount cards, etc etc etc!!!! Well this year I am not doing it. No fundraisers for me! Especially with what i am paying for Daniels school, they can't have more of my $!!!

Those things are my pet peeves. It's hard, because some children can't do certain activities without finding some financial help. At the same time, I certainly don't want my relatives/neighbors to fund my children's activities. I usually refuse to sell and give a donation equal to what the activity would receive if my children sold the minimum amount. When they sell, the group only receives 30-50% of the amount sold. I would rather just give them the money than spend even more buying things that I can't use. It's really a big money-maker for those companies that provide the product, and I don't want to contribute to their profits.

 

[bethbuchall]

I've already had my first Scholastic Book sale come home with Alyssa. While I feel guilty not buying anything, I really have a hard time justifying it when I can get the books at the library for free. And like I need more books to cram into the bookshelf that they can't seem to stay on as it is!

Tammi, this makes me think about sending those home with my preschoolers. I did write on the first note that no one should feel obligated to order. We do get "points" to use on books for the classroom, but I send them out more as a convenience to the parents that want to pick up some books. There are usually at least a couple at a very good price through the flyers.

How should I word the next note? I really don't want parents to feel guilty if they choose not to order.

Also, I just found out that there is a "service charge" if we have an order but our total order is under $20. I'm guessing that the school will make me responsible for that, so if people don't seem to be ordering much, I may just stop sending the flyers home.

 

[bethbuchall]

Well it's been a rough one this week. Brandon came down with a cold our last two days at Disney, and it is impossible to stay away from kid's germs when you have them 24/7, sanitizer can only do so much.
So of course I had to come down with it, and with my lung issues already I always end up with at least bronchitis, so I'm back on antibiotics, I did check them out before taking any. I can't believe your pharmacy Steffy, I think you should definitely report them so hopefully thet won't cause harm to anyone, if it has happened twice to you there's no telling how often they make these errors.

I went back and finished makeing trip notes, I do plan on trying my hand at a trip report. And I've almost finished adding borders to our photopass pictures, we really didn't have that many, we get so involved in doing things that we didn't stop enough for pictures. I had prepurchased the CD so I had intentions of getting lots of pictures.

Our DD made a quick trip home this weekend so it's gonna be Glynis's pot roast for dinner tonight before she heads back.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Welcome back! that everyone feels better soon! And I love your new signature picture!

 

[Blueeyes101817]

and one for your grandmother, too. I am so sorry, Jen. I do know what you are going through. If you ever need to just vent or cry or scream, let me know.

i may take you up ]on that eventually--im keeping it all inside so dont upset the rest of the family even more

 

[Blueeyes101817]

hope everyones having a good d ay

 

[lovesdumbo]

Just popping into say hi. I am up on deck 9 of the Magic by the quiet Cove pool. Watching people in the terminal, patiently waiting to board the Magic.

We had an awesome week on the ship, great food and weather. I did get to go parasailing and it was fantastic.

I had to get off the ship this morning, through customs, back to the terminal and back on the ship.

Sending prayers, and hugs to all of you. Hope you have a great week.

How nice to hear from! Glad you're having a great time and good weather! Can't wait to see pictures and more details when you get back!

I haven't ordered the cd yet as I'm still adding borders.

Good luck! I spent lots of time doing that! I added 1,000 borders to the 369 photos we had taken.

Terra planned the cutest birthday party for Phil last night. We made a Buzz Lightyear cake, decorations and some party games. Terra made them all up except for the "pin the arm on Buzz" game that I made. She also decided that we should go out for pizza so we hit Cici's. It was a fun night.

Phil!

You were right. He had pictures at 9 am this morning. And they won again.

Thanks for letting me know about the water restrictions. I hadn't heard this.

Congrats to Nick!

My picture of Captain Jack and of Tinkerbell didn't come well at all, I need some photo lessons from Bernadette.

You got some great parade photos! I had a really hard time getting good parade photos. I was standing directly across the street from a big light that kept getting in my photos. Also despite that fact that I had really good and fully charged batteries in my camera it was still taking so long to recharge the flash that I had one chance to take a photo of each float and you had to sort anticipate when the character would look at you. I did luck out with Captain Jack but Tink was looking the other way. Wasn't Tink awesome!

Here's my take on the party, it was fun but I don't think I would do it again. I just don't think you get that much more for the extra money you pay. We've now gone to the Halloween, Christmas, and Pirate party. I actually prefer the Halloween party, but we won't be doing that one in November either. As for this one, Brandon's excitement over the Pirates in the parade made it worth the cost, after all, this trip was all about him. And yes I admit it, we spoil him rotten, but I take my job as MawMaw very seriously

We seem to agree on the parties. We had a great time but I won't do one again til the kids can stay up later.

I made decals for our window, so you can tell which room is ours from a distance,

Here they are closer up,

I forgot to mention on our first day we were chosen as one of the POP families of the day and received a certificate, a magnetic picture frame and turndown service, it's always nice to get a little extra Pixie Dust.

Those are awesome! I would love to make some for Joe's birthday trip. Do you just buy decal sheets at say Staples?

Cool that you were family of the day at Pop!

Bernadette,
What was it that you didn't like about POR? We are staying at POFQ in November, DH wanted to stay at CB but I overrode that decision, I hope I won't regret the decision.

Time to take a break, I'll be back on later.

Sorry, didn't mean to scare you! I went to POFQ twice last year and LOVED it there! Nothing was wrong with POR I just didn't like it. I felt like our room was too remote and the paths to the building was so curvy that you probably had to walk twice as far to get the room than if you could walk a straight line (FQ's paths are all straight lines). And then the buildings in the Aligator Bayou section were also not straight so you had to keep going around corners to get to the room. DH said he like POR but he NEVER went to get anything at the foodcourt in the morning. The foodcourt was a zoo too. FQ is much smaller and the foodcourt never got wild.

I am doing the same thing Bernadette! I am working on a possible trip in August or Late Sept/Oct. I agree with you that the crowds were pretty bad this August so I thought I might take the kids out Rosh Hashana week next year. I have been during Columbus week & it was busy but I think RH week might be slower than that (who knows!) After doing the P&PP I am convinced that MNSSHP is the best party that Disney puts on so I would like to take the kids to that next year. They loved it in 2005. I didn't look to much at the ASM suites since they don't have alot of discounts too. Since we both have to get 2 rooms at value, going deluxe isn't really that bad an option. (thats my way of thinking anyway! ) We had dinner at Kona & walked the grounds of the Poly & it was prettier than we remembered. We stayed there in 2002 & we didn't have a great trip (due to a few rude cm's, kids getting sick, & raining cold weather the entire time we were there) so we have been thinking we may want to give it another try????
When are you thinking about going on your next fanily trip?

Well....2 AAA discounted Pop rooms would be $131 but DH doesn't want to risk not getting connecting rooms. I think are chances would be very good but he won't risk it. So a non discounted suite is $202 (with tax) and a AAA discounted room at Poly is $276. I think I'd be happier at Poly but if I could get AAA on a suite that would only be $162 and I'm not sure Poly is worth $115 more and Poly is so popular now that I'm not sure we could even get AAA there. I guess I need to call and see what's available. I was thinking of the last 2 weeks of August. I didn't think 10 nights was too much at all and I can't go that long during the school year. I don't think the crowds of August this year are any worse than October so I think I'll give August another try.

Tammi, this makes me think about sending those home with my preschoolers. I did write on the first note that no one should feel obligated to order. We do get "points" to use on books for the classroom, but I send them out more as a convenience to the parents that want to pick up some books. There are usually at least a couple at a very good price through the flyers.

How should I word the next note? I really don't want parents to feel guilty if they choose not to order.

Also, I just found out that there is a "service charge" if we have an order but our total order is under $20. I'm guessing that the school will make me responsible for that, so if people don't seem to be ordering much, I may just stop sending the flyers home.

Beth-I loved that our preschool did the Scholastic books. They do have some really great bargains and when the kids were younger we didn't have so many books. Now our shelves are overflowing. Need to do some purging.