Here's the promised update. There might be a bonus update later as I almost have another one finished. If I get it done I'll post it too.
Breaking News:
There may also be pictures later. The love of my life, Belle, is loosening up on the subject.
Lastly, we are going to Disney again very soon. The exact date, who's going, where we'll stay, and how long we'll stay are still up in the air. If you are all good there might be another trip report about the Galloping Delaney Girls very soon.
OK back to our story.
Bibbiddi Bobbiddi Boutique, Luggage, and Shopping:
Tuesday:
I woke early as usual. The room, even in the dull light of 5:30, was a disaster from Cruellas stumbling return last night. I cleared out of the room and pounded some weights in the fitness center. When done I had a craving for coffee so I went to the Boardwalk Bakery and got a big cup of caffeine. I decided to walk a bit and enjoy the cool morning air. On my third or fourth trip around the lake I stopped back at the bakery bought more coffee for Belle and Cruella, some pastries, and milk for the Princess. About 90 minutes after I left I reappeared in the room to find Belle scowling at me.
Her: You didnt take your phone, she said accusingly.
Me: Oh yeah, I forgot, I said lamely. I had too. No really. Really, really.
Her: Harumpt she snorted. Where were you? I held up the supplies in answer
Her: In the future please let me know when you are leaving, she said in a calmer voice.
Me: Yes Dear.
Things were going swimmingly until Cruella tried to change the days itinerary. It seems she wanted to go over to Universal. Belle though, had special plans for her and the Princess today. They were going to get prettied up at the Bibbiddi Bobbiddi Boutique then do the Perfect Princess Tea over at the Grand Floridan. Belle and the Princess had been planning this for months and there was no way that they were going to miss this to head for Universal or anywhere else.
Cruella however is not easily deterred and pressed Stinky about all the rides and characters at Universal. I saw Belles eyes and realized that she was about to explode and I had no desire to get caught in the blast radius so I cleverly managed to close the conversation.
Cruella, I said in my best General Patton voice, Im $350 or more into this reservation already. Unless youre volunteering to cover that reservation therell be no Universal today. That took care of that. Its easier to perform root canal surgery on an alligator than separate Cruella from her money. Zzub could take lessons from her.
When I turned Belle was in the bathroom yet again on the phone talking low but urgently. When I asked her what was up I got the answer every man dreads: Nothing".
I began a quick review to try and figure out what I had done. Nope, nothing that I could think of. Of course that meant nothing. Like most guys I get in my worst trouble over things that I dont even think about.
I took Belle and the Princess over to DTD and left them at the World of Disney were the Boutique is and went back to the Boardwalk. They had a town car arranged to pick them up there and take them to the Grand Floridian. Theyd call me this afternoon when they were through.
Back at the Boardwalk I set out to answer waiting calls and e-mail. I worked for several hours while Cruella went to the pool. About noon I got hungry and went in search of chow. I ended up at the ESPN Zone again and wolfed down a burger and fries that were really pretty good. On the way back I walked through the arch that leads to the elevator next to the pool.
Cruella was sitting at the pool bar holding court. She may be a massive pain in the derrière but she is Belles sister and shes a super hot redhead. She had several guys falling all over her. I wondered if thats what she and Belle were arguing about? I knew better than to ask. Let sleeping wolves bury their own carrion I always say.
I went back to the room picked up where I had left off. About 2pm I got a call from the bellman. It seems Delta had finally delivered our bags. Well some of them anyway. We had two out of three. Guess whose was still MIA.
Nope, try again.
This was an issue. While Belle had bought enough clothing for her and Stinky to last til Christmas of 2009 Id bought only two pairs of shorts, a pair of slacks, and a couple of shirts. The slacks had some of that inedible chicken on them and I had another presentation to make the next day.
So I knew wed be foraging for clothing again some time today.
Shortly Belle called and I left for the Floridian to pick her and the Princess up. In the lobby of the Floridian I found Stinky dressed in a flowing blue gown and carrying a beautiful doll. She announced that she was Ariel and shed had tea with Cinderella today. Belle was carrying a mountain of stuff and looked exhausted but theyd apparently had a great time and thats what mattered.
Seeing her reminded me once again how truly sweet my little girl is and how fast shes growing. I had worried when I found that Stinky was going to be a girl. My genetics include a generous helping of hideous monster and I was afraid that might show up in my baby. I had no need to ever worry. Belles gorgeous genes had overwhelmed my tendency to look like the hulk and I had a beautiful little girl.
On the way back to the Boardwalk Princess Ariel/Stinky fell asleep. She didnt even wake as I carried her through the busy mid-afternoon lobby of the Inn. We got to the room and into her fold out bed. Cruella was lying across our bed watching TV. She greeted me but ignored Belle and that was OK because Belle ignored her. Everything balanced.
Belle slipped off to the fitness center for her own work out while I read.
When the Princess woke we headed over to International Dr. ostensibly for me to get some slacks. I did too along with two shirts. That came to about $85 but somehow more than $500 managed to escape my wallet and stay in the stores along that cursed street.
OK. Now I see some of you guys out there shaking your heads probably wondering where my family jewels are. Let me just ask you where you keep your All-American trophies? How about your US Marine citations? I will also point out that I know I look like a Neanderthal and an ugly one at that. Meanwhile Im married to a woman that has the best physical attributes of Claudia Shiffer, Dolly Parton, and Nicole Kidman. And she has an engineering degree to keep her MBA company. Best of all she loves me. Thirteen years and Im still amazed.
So if she wants a couple new changes of clothing she sure has it coming. That however isnt going to keep me from complaining. Everyone needs a hobby, complaining is mine, and I do it well.
Once back to the Boardwalk we had some serious appetites. I was craving steak and the rest of the band was in a mellow mood after I had just re-re-equipped them, including Cruella, all for the third time. So they indulged me and agreed that I could pick where to go. Without a moment of hesitation I found the number for Shulas Steak House at the Dolphin and called. Yes they had a table, how soon could we be there?
In close to 22 seconds I showed up dragging the entire party. The waiter took one look at me and assumed that I was a candidate for the 48 oz. porterhouse steak they have there. Uh no
I may look like King Kong but Im a relatively normal eater. I had the filet mignon, Belle had the lamb chops, and Cruella picked the lobster tail. Once again the Disney folks came through and found peanut butter, crackers, and chocolate milk for my little Princess.
Belle wanted to try the Chocolate Souffle for two but she wasnt about to share anything with Cruella so she told me that thats what I wanted for desert too. Cruella had the crème brulee while the Princess had vanilla ice cream.
I thought the meal was great. Cruella complained about the prices, that they were out of truffles, and that the waiter was slow to refill her wine glass.
I ignored her.
Then it came time for the bill. Including the appetizers I didnt mention, drinks, wine, entrees, deserts, after dinner port, taxes, and tips we broke the $400 mark easily.
Oh well I have been thinking about giving up the membership to the country club.
By now it was 9pm and we were headed back to the Boardwalk. As we turned the corner towards the Inn Belle suggested that we take a Surrey ride. Now me when Ive just eaten 3 or 4,000 calories I like to let them get used to their new home in my stomach before extensive exercise. Further I knew how this was going to play out too.
Calm down Im going to tell you.
So we got a four-seat surrey. In case you havent tried one of these instruments of torture yet they are disguised to look like innocent four seat bikes sitting 2 by 2. There is a steering wheel and a basket on the front that are actually seats for small children. So picture the Princess in the front handling the bell to warn pedestrians that you are coming, my stunning Belle in the right front seat, beautiful Cruella in the left rear seat and yours truly in the left front seat with the steering wheel.
Now there is a wide path around the lake where everyone pedals their surrey. There are two small but steep hills on either side over bridges that let boats in and out of the lake.
In theory everyone pedals the surrey. In practice I pedaled while the female members of our party laughed, rang bells, talked to passersby, and gloried in the attentions of the pedestrians while the familys pet ogre (me) peddled along with his tongue lolling around his mouth like an exhausted and overheated collie. Thats the trouble with being my size. Everyone looks at you and busily gets to figuring how much work they can get out of you.
You know what I mean guys. Women look at Fabio and see him as decorative. Women look at me and see a self-propelled car jack.
Anyway three times around the lake (and OH those hills!!!) and I was done. My legs were like rubber and I was drenched in sweat.
After that we went back to the room and called it a day. Stinky and I, voluntarily, went to bed on the couch while the Delaney sisters watched some nonsense on TV.
Next: An Offer I Can't Refuse
And be careful what you write about the night my goddaughter wet the bed. I don't want anyone getting the wrong idea!!!!
Beastie Darling's even nicer than he sounds in this TR.
