The financially irresponsible WDW trip! [June 25th: p.45, posts 668 & 669]

[MagicForMe]

So glad you're back with fresh installments. Thanks for all the pictures too.

 

[jonslola]

Deb, you wouldn't happen to have a bebo page would ya? I know it's very popular there, I'm on there with my totally Disney page! Just wondering. Can't wait for the next installment!

 

[HappyCamperToo]

 

[DebIreland]

Thanks MagicForMe. It was magical for me too. Sorry.

jonslola - No, I'm not a Bebo user, sorry. But yes, I've heard a lot about it here. How do I see your page?

Sue - Me ol' chum! So glad you're still here. How ya doing?

 

[DisneyJo]

Phew nearly 3 hours later and I've finally finished your wonderful TR, and there was me saying half an hour Tracy was right Alice is just adorable with those massive eyes what a beauty! Oh and I so want one of those park pass pouchie things too

Can't wait for more!

 

[DebIreland]

Hey! Jo's here!! My new friend from the Great British Isles Hiya neighbour! You read the whole thing? That's 3 hours you're never gettin' back again. Thanks so much for the great comments. Mmmmmm, park pass pouchie thingie I wish I could use it here in real life but so much of what is blissfully fabulous in WDW is just dorky in everyday life.

 

[nts4wdw]

Since you were kind enough to read my trip report, I thought I'd come read yours. I'm so glad I did!! It's wonderful. I wish I could write with such detail! The pics are great and your boys say and do the same sort of things my two do. I used your experience on EE to show my DH exactly what would happen if I rode it. Can't wait for another installment.

 

[duncanssweetie]

Deb, love the newest installments !!

And I must add that looking at the pics from Alice in October and the ones from her birthday...... she grew up right before our eyes What a doll.

My husband is really enjoying your TR, too. He said to tell you that if we ever get stationed in Europe to get ready because we are looking you up, I could see it now, Ireland would never be the same. I spent two weeks in Scottland when I was 16 and I have been dying to go back ever since.

Oh and how are Waynes toes doing? Healing well, and no more fever, I hope. Poor boy, tell him that a crazy lady named Brandi from the States is sending him a big hug and well wishes

Can't wait for more !!

 

[DebIreland]

Part 20: Back at the Boardwalk and the run up to MNSSHP (still!)...

Tuesday, October 31st, 2006 contd...

So it was around 2.45 now I guess. The plan had been to leave for MNSSHP at 5ish. I knew (what with swimming and sleeping and washing) that wasn't going to happen so I aimed for us to get out as close to 6 as possible. We were well aware that the CMs leave people in as early as 4 but that didn't affect us one way or the other cause we had those tickets that let you come and go as you please so nothing to be gained by going a few hours early. I should say up front, our aim for MNSSHP was purely to enjoy the Halloween atmosphere and the extras they put on (parade and fireworks) and we weren't planning many rides. Anyway, 6 would be fine - I knew for sure I didn't want to get there when the crowds were lining up at 7. That would be such an amateur mistake, one only a fool would make. And it turns out the fool here was in line at 7 on the dot along with the thousands of 'amateurs' in front of her. But that's all for later.

When we entered the room, I was surprised to see the message light flashing on the phone. The words "mother-in-law" immediately sprang to mind and I groaned inwardly. But the message wasn't from her. A few nights before we left for WDW I was on the Tour Guide Mike forums and someone there posted that they were cancelling their ressies for Alfredos and Restaurant Akershus. I just replied saying it was funny cause we had the exact same ressies for the same restaurants on the same days and wasn't that a co-incidence. So the poster, Mike (not of the Tour Guide variety!) posted back a very nice reply saying that he and his wife would be staying at CSR if we wanted to hook up some day. I told him where we'd be staying and as it turned out, they were also due to go to MNSSHP on 31st so he suggested we could meet at that. It was just those simple few messages as we were close to our departure day by then. So it turns out the message on the phone was from Mike saying that they'd be situated across from the Hall of Presidents for the Halloween Parade so he suggested we meet there. I called him back, we chatted a little bit, asked how his holiday was going, he asked about ours, and I confirmed our arrangement.

The boys were keen to have a swim and use the pool and who could blame them? We were now 48 hours into our Boardwalk stay and had barely glimpsed at the pool so far. They didn't feel like sleeping so they'd have time for swimming, a short break and then would need to get ready to leave for the party.

So after a quick sit-down and a snack for Alice on the balcony.....

...DH took the boys down to the pool but I stayed with Alice as I wanted to give her a bath and make sure she got some sleep. I decided I liked the look of the jacuzzi...

and, of course, my 'famine mentality' went into overdrive too - you know "the jacuzzi/pool/chocolate cake/free refill etc is right there and it would be a waste not to use it". Now, here in Ireland I know people who still remember having no electricity and, shocking though it may be to many readers, we didn't even have a shower growing up. My first time having a shower was in my early 20s. (Although I had been known to wash so it wasn't a hygiene thing, lol!). So naturally it's far from a jacuzzi I was reared! I simply had to try it.

Alice stood alongside me as we filled it up and I fiddled with the jets and she thought they were fabulous. So we hopped in to the jacuzzi together, occasionally using the jets as I didn't want to overdo it with her in the tub but we had a great time and she really enjoyed the whirring and buzzing. It was quite a struggle to get out of the tub though with a 2 year old in arms. But I managed to lift her over and then hauled myself out!

All dried off and cozy, we went for a lie down and she managed to sleep and so did I!! Bliss! The thing is, I might often find it hard to sleep but when I do finally succumb to it, I find it torturous trying to get up again. So, during my nap, I'd wake every now and then and become aware of the time and mutter "I'm on holidays" and "just one more minute" and go back to sleep again. At some point, the boys came back from the pool and I knew it was getting late so eventually, I shook off that horrid concrete-block-in-head exhaustion and light-headedness and got up. I think it was around 6ish at this time. It was now too late to get a counter service meal at the Boardwalk Bakery, as planned. But we weren't very hungry anyway and, also, nice and all as the cakes are at the Bakery, in terms of real food, there's actually crap-all choice there for non-meat eaters. So it wasn't much of a loss. [The Boardwalk desperately needs a good CS restaurant].

It was time to get the kids into their costumes and we would grab something quick to eat in Magic Kingdom.

So the costumes.... my plan for DH and I *had* originally been to wear t-shirts, homemade, with transfers ironed on of photos of the kids in their halloween costumes! I thought it was a great idea but, sadly, never got around to actually dressing the kids up in advance, taking their photos, buying the t-shirts or printing them. So that's what we didn't wear! As it turned out we just decided to throw on any ol' crap that had made its way through the dryer in the villa.

But as for the boys and Alice - I was so excited about their costumes!! Let me backtrack here to the pre-trip planning stages (hey, stop that whining down the back)... the kids spent a lot of time thinking about their costumes and came up with the following:

Garth decided to dress up as a hippie. He developed an interest in hippies a few months ago and, having asked a lot of questions about them, he was intrigued. So a hippie was his definite choice for the party. We bought a wig along with a medallion and hippie-style costume on Ebay and decided to just combine those with his oldest pair of jeans. That's him sorted!

Now onto Wayne..... well Wayne is a big music fan and can play guitar like a mad thing! He plays classical and will be sitting grade 3 soon but rock music is his first love. And, as I'm always telling him, I'm a super cool Mom so one day we'll be in a rock band together. JOKE FOLKS, JOKE! I'm not *that* cruel. Nothing less cool than a mom who says she's a cool mom. Anyway, I know I'm biased (what mammy isn't?!!) but honestly, this child has tremendous talent. I mean, he can play anything. He listens to a song once - be it Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Chili Peppers -and he just plays it, getting the vast majority of it down PERFECTLY first time. He can also read music so I am constantly in awe of the fact that he can look at a sheet of music and, even if he's not familiar with the song, he can play it right off the bat, by reading off the sheet. That kinda blows my mind cause I can't read music and to me, it's a language all onto itself. Anyway I'm getting carried away showing off about him.

Back to his costume... well as he loves the old classic rock legends and is a big fan of the Alice Cooper Show which airs here on Saturday nights, he felt he (Alice Cooper) was the obvious choice. Not that Alice Cooper is his favourite performer, but it's the way he presents his radio show (he's a very witty guy) and the songs he picks and then, of course, obviously, the whole Alice Cooper look makes for a pretty interesting costume. So that was settled. We got the wig on Ebay and scoured town looking for black and white face paint which wasn't to be had so I eventually had to buy packets of face paint with the green, pink and blue never-to-be-used colours included. His Dad's old biker jacket from his non-bike-owning biker/rocker days was dragged out of the cupboard so then there was just the leather trousers left to get.....

Hmmm, let's see, how much would leather trousers set us back on Ebay? THAT much?? Oh my God, son, how about Alice Cooper in his pyjamas? Please? No? Okay, leather pants must be acquired. Eventually, I got lucky. I saw a pair of women's ssst: don't tell him that) leather trousers up on Ebay going for a very affordable 8 euro or so - I bid on them and got them. I think I lucked out because it was from a German Ebayer and she was only selling within Europe and her ad was written in poor English so perhaps much of the potential leather-trouser-bidders didn't read through it enough to bother.

But on that subject of leather-trouser-bidders... when I started my quest for leather pants I never really thought about the whole world of leather pants wearers and bidders, other than people into rock music. But, of course, had I thought it through, I would have realised that there's a whole other world out there. Let's just say, the wording on some of the Ebay ads was very interesting indeed. Turns out people buy leather trousers (including ones with essential, er, middle bits missing) for all sorts of fun bedroom encounters. Who knew? Well, yes, I guess I did know, but when you're sitting at the computer with your impressionable 12 year old child, the fresh realisation kinda throws you a little bit! Anyway, um, not the ideal mom/son quality time necessary for his future mental health. It was rather tricky - "what do they mean by 'subservient' Mom?", "why are they saying "be his slave"? Why would anyone want to be a slave and why would you wear leather pants for it? Mom? Mo-om?" So he was quickly banned from helping me look at the ads ("go check again and make sure we have your autograph book with the Disney pile") so I could stock the bedroom in peace.... er, buy his pants in peace.

Amazing though how I actually managed to turn what should have been some wonderful, cozy Disney planning (what could be sweeter and more innocent than planning costumes for Disney World?) into a seedy, semi-perverse quest for trousers with middle bits missing. But alas, as I said, I did finally get them and from a lovely woman who never once mentioned the words "slave" or "torture" or "easy access" in her Ebay ad.

Oh I should mention that I warned Wayne many times just how hot it was going to be in leather head to toe but, like a true warrior, he was sticking to his guns and refused to let bucketfuls of sweat rolling down his back stand in the way of looking like a Rock star.

So, onto our youngest... well who do you think Alice dressed up as? No prizes for guessing that! Mrs in Wonderland of course! So, yes, by pure co-incidence we now had two Alices for Halloween! I did search the web to see if there were any famous hippies around by the name of Alice but alas, Garth was still Garth (except that's not his real name so that last bit is a lie anyway!)

So, we tore things out of sections (j)iv and (m)iii of our suitcases and hurried to get ready. Alice's dress had a major drawback - it tied at the back with velcro and the velcro kept coming undone. This turned into a major issue in MK later as it really started to annoy her and we were literally tying it up every few minutes. But anyway, at the start of the night she was thrilled and loved the dress. Wayne just needed some help with his make up and Garth did himself up grand!

That's me all done in for tonight and we're still back in the room at the Boardwalk. But I'll have another chapter very soon and before I go, here are some photos of the MNSSHP preparations!

Look, she even squeezed a toy into the little pocket in the front! How cute is that?!

In the midst of the preparations

Doesn't he look the part?!!

I swear we didn't resort to 'funny' smokes!

maybe she should have gone as The Godfather?

Alice: This is gonna be fun!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for reading folks (Apologies for typos and general errors, my brain is fuzzy - AGAIN!).....

 

[DebIreland]

Lynn - So glad you came along to read the TR and very happy that you're enjoying it! Looking forward to new chapters on your one too!

Brandi - Thanks so much!! I'm so glad you're still here. You know, until you said it, I didn't notice but you're right she really is growing up! I'd so love to keep her little but time flies by.....
Hi to your hubbie! So glad he's reading along too. And I would love to meet up if you're ever over my way! I think we'd have a lot of fun!!
Thanks so much for asking about Wayne. His toes are much, much better thankfully! We got a cream that seems to have done the trick. It turned out to be dermatitis, separate issue from the ingrown toenails but, no doubt, aggravated by all the bathing and tampering with the toes in general. I'll be sure to pass along your warm wishes.
Oh, I just saw that you have a trip report!!! Woohoo!!! I am so THERE!

 

[disneyaddicted]

I love the photos of the kids in costume. I can't wait to read more. Alice made the perfect Alice (Mrs Wonderland) That hippy costume can't be beat. And Alice Cooper, wow!

My DS is a big time rocker, plays in a garage band, I can read music, but I can't read tabs, sometimes he gets to writing music in "Tabs" and I am lost. but to hear it translated into music, I just think my boy is a genius.

I love classical guitar, I think it sounds so beautiful, you are lucky to have a son who will play classical for you.

I will watch for your next installment. no pressure though, hurry up and take your time.

 

[duncanssweetie]

Brandi - Thanks so much!! I'm so glad you're still here. You know, until you said it, I didn't notice but you're right she really is growing up! I'd so love to keep her little but time flies by.....
Hi to your hubbie! So glad he's reading along too. And I would love to meet up if you're ever over my way! I think we'd have a lot of fun!!
Thanks so much for asking about Wayne. His toes are much, much better thankfully! We got a cream that seems to have done the trick. It turned out to be dermatitis, separate issue from the ingrown toenails but, no doubt, aggravated by all the bathing and tampering with the toes in general. I'll be sure to pass along your warm wishes.
Oh, I just saw that you have a trip report!!! Woohoo!!! I am so THERE!

OUCH, I'm glad to hear it's being taken care of, the ingrown toenails alone were bad enough.

LOVE LOVE the costumes !!! I can't think of a better place for kids to be able spend Halloween then at Disney..... hey hunny, since you're reading now, too..... that's sounds like a good idea, doesnt it? And isnt Ebay evil? I swear, I have found more cra... I mean stuff on there, and they make it too easy. We have used it more than a few times for Halloween stuff we couldn't find anywhere else. Like the rosary beads that Brandon wore this past Halloween while dressed as a Nun HUSH Hunny, or I'll post pics on our TR !!!!

p.s. my TR got off to a slow start as a pretrip, but hopefully I am out of my slump !!

 

[Heluvsme]

DebIreland, I just want to say that this is such an amazing account! I am new here and have just recently started to browse this section, yours was the first I came to, but WOW! I enjoyed your vacation like I was a guest! You have a real gift for writing, thanks so much for sharing this!!

 

[DisneyJo]

Deb you are just so funny and Alice looks adorable as always.

BTW are you on US time because you posted at about 4am or is there that much time difference between us

 

[Halloweenqueen]

Alice is adorable!

The boys look fantastic in their costumes! The hippy costume is brilliant! Did anyone say he looked a little like Ozzy Osbourne?

 

[jonslola]

I saw you had written a new installment and almost peed my pants with excitment! I immediately turned on some Disney music, and poured what would be the first of SEVERAL daily cups of coffee and snuggled in my chair Those costumes are fabulous! Alice (Mrs. Wonderland) is prettier than the real Alice herself! And those boys of yours, how clever. Those pics will be great to show their future girlfriends he he I'm already getting the feel for how this evening is going to go, can't wait to read more! There are many questions rolling around in my head, will the leather pants cause unbearable chaffing? will they meet their party for the parade? will the rockin' wig cause a rash? will little Alice rip off her dress in frustration with the velcro? Or will the evening turn into the grandest time they had on the trip? The anticipation is killing me!

 

[luvhockey]

Deb you are a HOOT!!! You are so descriptive, I can just see every little ebay/leather pants episode going on. Don't you just love when they hang over your shoulder and the hundred questions start pouring out that you've never thought would have to be answered.
The kids costumes were great. Keep up the good work.
Angela

 

[HappyCamperToo]

Sue - Me ol' chum! So glad you're still here. How ya doing?

I would never leave you! I'm doing fine and am off to the therapy pool to work out, if I can tear myself away from your TR!!!!

I know what you were getting at about how things changed when DH arrived at the park. After going to WDW now in several different family combinations, my favorite has to be going with just one other loved one. It's so much less stress, as long as I can get over the guilt of leaving others behind....

Those costumes were awesome! You all really pulled it together! I'm so glad you enjoyed your jacuzzi time, and that wonderful nap.

Can't wait to read more.

Sue.

 

[DebIreland]

disneyaddicted - Thanks a million! Your DS sounds terrific. I think music is such a great outlet for kids and teenagers. I really hope my boys keep it up (Garth plays piano and keyboards).

no pressure though, hurry up and take your time.

I'm already working on the next chapter!

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Brandi -

I can't think of a better place for kids to be able spend Halloween then at Disney.....

Absolutely unbeatable!

Like the rosary beads that Brandon wore this past Halloween while dressed as a Nun

May God strike ya down.

p.s. my TR got off to a slow start as a pretrip, but hopefully I am out of my slump !!

I've started reading it and I love it. You and your girls are so gorgeous! I can't wait to read the rest and will post soon!

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Heluvsme - Welcome! Thank you so much for the very flattering words. Hope you stick around!

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DisneyJo -

BTW are you on US time because you posted at about 4am or is there that much time difference between us

Hadn't you heard? They moved Ireland just a few thousand miles to the left cause I wanted to be nearer the Mouse. Nah, it really was 4am. Trust you to notice!! Hee hee. Anyway, you can blame insomnia for that and the fact that I work from home and always put things off.

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Halloweenqueen - Thanks so much for reading. No-one commented on Wayne looking like Ozzy but lots of people thought he was the guy from Kiss which really irritated him. lol! Now that you say it, he does look like Ozzy in the costume and imagne if Alice had gone as "SHAAAAAAAAAARON"!!!

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jonslola -

I saw you had written a new installment and almost peed my pants with excitment!

Glad to have contributed to your incontinence!
So glad you enjoyed the latest chapter.

Alice (Mrs. Wonderland) is prettier than the real Alice herself!

Awww, thanks!

will the leather pants cause unbearable chaffing? will they meet their party for the parade? will the rockin' wig cause a rash? will little Alice rip off her dress in frustration with the velcro? Or will the evening turn into the grandest time they had on the trip?

All shall be revealed very soon!

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luvhockey - Thanks a million Angela! I'm so glad you're still reading.

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Sue - Glad to hear you're doing fine. I hope the therapy pool brings sweet blissful relief.

 

[First timer]

Part 20: Back at the Boardwalk and the run up to MNSSHP (still!)...

Alice: This is gonna be fun!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for reading folks (Apologies for typos and general errors, my brain is fuzzy - AGAIN!).....

Oh my goodness! They look so cute!!! Great costumes - so authentic!