The "I've Waited Forever to Go Solo" Mom's Leaving Everyone Behind Trip! Updt 3/11

[PISCESANGEL]

That is so sweet. What a kindhearted child!

Allyson, animals stories always make me cry because they are part of the family. Hugs to you and your family. You did the right thing but it's always a difficult decision.

Thank you askelton, and he's just as sweet in person. He had a sunburn over the weekend and said, 'mom, as soon as this sunburn is gone I am giving you a GIGANTIC hug!' Oh my gosh you have to love it when your 9-yr-old boy can't wait to hug you!

 

[PISCESANGEL]

Thank you to all of you that posted. It means so much to me, your thoughts and good wishes for Sterling and our family. Thank you for sharing stories of your pets and for coming out of lurkdom and for just letting me know you were thinking of us. It means a lot. And JB, I will be printing that to share with Bashful, you are a sweet boy. I'll let your Mom know when we get her set up on there.

We are doing okay. The girls took it really hard. They were closer with Sterling, he slept in Belle's bed every night and Bashful is just a huge animal lover. It is weird just being in the house because when you enter a room you half expect to see him in his favorite "spots" you know? And he's not there.

I'm coming back with another installment as I sit here watching the Celtics/Lakers game. Only 2 wins away from our free tv......


Allyson

Allyson,
My son and I really have been thinking about you and your family and wish you well. I will be sure to show JB your note back. I think he will like that.



.

 

[PISCESANGEL]

I think I left off gathering Epcot ideas and I thank you for them! I think that is a pretty easy park to be a solo traveller at. So many things to see, so many nooks and crannies that little people, my little people at least, never have any interest in examining. I want to watch a few Circle Vision movies, is that nuts? Are they any good? I think I might have seen some back when I was a teen but we all know *that* was a while ago. And lots of shopping and snacking and tasting and sipping and listening and sitting and well, you get the picture.

Let's move on shall we? Disney Hollywood Studios! First off, slowly I am getting accustomed to that name. It was hard to shake MGM, just rolls off the tongue better I think.

What do I want to do there? Well the Animator's Studio for sure. The only time I've done it was the last trip and I dragged Goofy in there. He got frustrated as a 5 year old often does when they are trying to keep up with instructions on drawing Dopey and their Dopey just isn't looking as Dopey-ish as they want it to. He was so done with that place by like the ears and I made him stick it out. I love to draw and paint, always have. I used to sell a lot of my paintings online, I would paint canvas wall art for kid's rooms, things like mermaids, princesses, fairies, pirates, etc. I stopped for about 18 months and just just just this week decided to pick up a brush again. A former customer emailed me looking for a few pieces and I kind of felt interested so I am going to do them for her. I need me some spending money for my trip you know. So back to the Animator's Studio, that is why I love it so much and can't wait to go back. I want to sit through a few turns if I can. Does anyone know if they change the character they do each time?

And I have never seen the Beauty and the Beast show! My kids are thrill ride lovers. They aren't big "let's go get a seat and sit and wait for a musical show" kind of lovers. At least not when Tower of Terror is the other option. So I think I'd like to see this show, it is one of my favorite Disney films. Though I have to say, Beast as a man, not so handsome. Anyone with me? I remember when I saw it in the theater for the first time. I was at a sneak preview in college and when he became a man I thought "Huh? That's him? Go back, switch back, you are cuter as a beast". But maybe its just me.

I definately want to do RnR single rider line and ToT. I just was reading a solo trip report and she rode ToT completely alone. As in, she was the only one in the elevator! It looks really cool, she had the photo, but I think it might just creep me out being alone!

And Toy Story Mania for sure too. I have read some good stuff and can't wait to see something new.

What would you do at DHS? Any fave shops? Fave things you would like to see? What about CS? I have yet to have good CS there, where do you like to go? Don't leave me hangin' do tell!

On a previous topic note, I will be testing out Magical Express this trip. I made the decision and I'm going to go for it. I can't remember if I told you that or not? If I did, well I'm tellin' you again!

It is hot here in New England. Day 4 of 90s and today was 98. All I thought of today was "Hmmm, could I walk around a Disney park in weather like this?" because going in August that is a real possibility. And it was really sticky and sweaty and hot. I figure though that being alone will be easy to duck in to AC or take a break when I want to without inconveniencing anyone else. I went to college in Tampa and I do remember August being brutally hot with a thunderstorm every day around 2pm or so. I am thinking it might be the same this trip? Any former August travellers care to share a war story or two?

Okay aim your pixie dust at my Celtics tonight. BEAT LA!

Allyson

Sorry for being such a 'Chatty Cathy' on your thread tonight, here I am on post number 3 already!

Anyway, I think I can answer your question's about the Animator's Studio...my DD has done that 3 times now, and it is always a different character, she just loves that place! I am hoping to get to try it this next go round, but I can never get my DS to agree to it...

As for B&B, I'm with you on that one! I always get out voted and have never seen it...please do tell me what you think when you return!

But the CS, I'm afraid I'm not going to be much help. I have had the pizza at PP and it was ok, and I had the fish at ABC Commissary, again just ok.

I'm so jealous of your alone time in Epcot - what a dream! I have seen the movie in China and it is very beautiful, but I think that is the only CircleVision we have managed to see. This next time, I'm hoping to see the Canada movie as I have heard good things about that one...


It's nice to hear you are picking up the paintbrush again. Sometimes having a creative outlet is good for the soul, not to mention your wallet!
Sending pixie dust too - GO Celtics!


Whew! Can you tell I don't get out much??

 

[corinnak]

I've been to the commissary, but the veg choices there are decidedly limited. Not that I mind, but my kids, you know. The only CS we ever get in MGM - uh - DHS (Which looks too much like an abbreviation for DISHES ) The only CS we ever get there is Pizza Planet. Which isn't bad if you like theme park pizza. Which we kind of do. But it's Pizzafari all over again and noisy and not really where I'd want to go if I didn't have kids wanting pizza, I guess. However, if you do go there and get a table outside, it's not nearly so much like eating in an electronic-riot-machine.

Definitely, DEFINITELY see the Beauty and the Beast show. I totally agree with you on the beast in the, you know, movie. But in the play, he's not nearly so "pretty" - looks more like a handsome guy, at least the times I've seen it. The actors in that show really put on a good performance - the costumes are really interesting, and the production quality is, as usual, surprisingly good for a theme park.

Plan to arrive early for good seats, and also, depending on the day of the week, to see Four for a Dollar, the a cappella group that opens for B&tB. They are really entertaining and very good. They appear Tuesday - Friday and do their show about 20 minutes before Beauty and the Beast show time.
Seriously - if you will be there on one of those days, plan them into your schedule. Unless you hate a cappella music. Some people do, but not me!

Favorite shops - I haven't been able to do a lot of shopping, well, anywhere ever, really - except my stolen 20 minutes in Japan. But we have been through the Villain/candy store more than once and it is a favorite. Have you been in that one? It's pretty fun. I got my sister some Jack Skellington pajamas for her birthday there, which she loves. It's stuff you don't really see in lots of other places in WDW.

Catch some Streetmosphere for me, would you? We always seem to go right past those movie stars and whatnot, and just for once it would be nice to actually have some interaction with those people.

Have you toured the Muppets shop? Me either. But I saw some photos on BroganMc's live trip report and there is soooo much cleverness and theming in that store, it's unreal. When I've been in there, I was distracted by the merchandise and looking for a replacemet purse for my mom, etc. etc. etc. It would be great to go back and just look for the "Chickens only beyond this point" sign, and stuff like that.

It sounds like you've got DHS all under control, though. Enjoy the animation studio (as much as you want!) and the thrill rides and the NEW ride. And beyond that.....enjoy NOT going to Lights, Motors, Action in the August heat.

I have a friend who went in August (hearsay!) and she said it wasn't that bad. They all got those misty-fans and just walked around with those. But she's from Memphis and I'm from Minnesota, so I maintain that she and I have markedly different ideas of what "not that bad" in August means.

 

[corinnak]

Hooo-boy, talk about abrupt! I didn't even ease into that last post. So are you going to show us some of your handiwork? It sounds like the time is right to get back to it, as much as is comfortable anyway.

I haven't seen any of the modern circlevision movies. I saw China in 1987, and I saw Canada in 2006, before the retooling with Martin Short, whom I actually really like, so you'd think I would have gotten myself over there. But no, we have to ride Maelstrom (is a fastpass) three to four times in a row. When we saw Canada's old movie, it was with a squirrelly 2 year old. In a stand-up theater, it's not an experience I'd suggest trying. Thankfully, Canada's old movie with a 2 year old isn't even an option for you this trip!

 

[askelton]

I'm coming back with another installment as I sit here watching the Celtics/Lakers game. Only 2 wins away from our free tv......


Allyson

What an awesome promotion! I'm excited for you just thinking about it. Now I have a reason to care who wins, sort of!

I love to draw and paint, always have. I used to sell a lot of my paintings online, I would paint canvas wall art for kid's rooms, things like mermaids, princesses, fairies, pirates, etc.

Do tell. My godchildren are 3 and love Buzz and princesses. Sounds like a gift for them.

And I have never seen the Beauty and the Beast show!

Definitely see it! DH sat with me and I think that's the last time that will happen!

I definitely want to do RnR single rider line and ToT. I just was reading a solo trip report and she rode ToT completely alone. As in, she was the only one in the elevator! It looks really cool, she had the photo, but I think it might just creep me out being alone!

All alone! Cool in a creepy kind of way.

What would you do at DHS? Any fave shops? Fave things you would like to see? What about CS? I have yet to have good CS there, where do you like to go? Don't leave me hangin' do tell!

We always eat at BD so I have no CS opinions but there is a bar behind the Backlot Express.

It is hot here in New England. Day 4 of 90s and today was 98. All I thought of today was "Hmmm, could I walk around a Disney park in weather like this?" because going in August that is a real possibility. And it was really sticky and sweaty and hot. I figure though that being alone will be easy to duck in to AC or take a break when I want to without inconveniencing anyone else. I went to college in Tampa and I do remember August being brutally hot with a thunderstorm every day around 2pm or so. I am thinking it might be the same this trip? Any former August travellers care to share a war story or two?

Yep, you've got it right. Just stay hydrated and take AC breaks frequently.

Have you toured the Muppets shop? Me either. But I saw some photos on BroganMc's live trip report and there is soooo much cleverness and theming in that store, it's unreal. When I've been in there, I was distracted by the merchandise and looking for a replacemet purse for my mom, etc. etc. etc. It would be great to go back and just look for the "Chickens only beyond this point" sign, and stuff like that.

The Muppets rock! Be sure to go in the shop.

 

[Becky521]

Hi Allyson
I have some EPCOT comments but last time I posted wasn't the right time to bring them up. First of all I have to say Goofy's response to you going alone cracked me up. I love your Goofy stories. EPCOT - we enjoy the street performers in WS. There are the world showcase players in England (and we saw them in Italy) and there is a juggler in Italy who was pretty amazing. I know there are others because I have seen pictures but I haven't actually seen them. And I can't remember where they are from.

DHS - I agree with Corinna - watch the streetmosphere people. We missed them last trip (probably running after Where's K) but in 2004 we saw some doing improv poems about objects audience people mentioned. Very funny. Where else can you hear 5 poems about pencils?

Beauty and the Beast is a good show. but we are musical theater people so we all enjoy it. Animation is one of my favorite attractions and we have never even stayed to draw. I liked it better when you could actually watch the animators drawing - we saw them working on Pocahontas. But I still love it.

What about Starring Rolls Bakery for lunch? We have only been there for bakery breakfasts (YUM) but I think they have sandwiches too and there are tables outside for people watching.

I've never joined a pre-trip report before. This is fun.

 

[DisneyJo]

We always go in August and bearing in mind we're from chilly England we cope fine, just drink loads and take breaks in the middle of he day, we normally go back to the resort for a swim but as you're solo you could do a long A/C ride etc. We also have mistymate fans which we use if we're standing outside waiting for a parade or something!

We saw the Chinese circlevision last year and it was good, I really want to see the new Canadian one this year and hopefully also the French one

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Sorry 'bout the Celtics last night ... but as they say, it ain't over 'til it's over. A free TV would be great!

DHS.. what to do, what to do... it is a bit of a dilemma! Any interest in the Walt Disney One Man's Dream mini museum? I've been through quickly but my travel companions are generally rushing me toward a thrill ride.

And when does the American Idol attraction open? Are you a karaoke kind of gal??

 

[CJsMom]

Ugh - the Celtics. Hopefully we win the next one!

So, DHS. Definitely I'd want to see more of the Streetmosphere people. In the past I've been in too much of a hurry getting to the ToT and RnRC, then getting out of there before the crowds come in. I'd like to actually meander down Sunset Boulevard or sit on a bench and people-watch for a while. After riding the big thrill rides a couple of times, of course! Definitely want to see Beauty and the Beast and Walt Disney: One Man's Dream. I might hit Voyage of the Little Mermaid too. We've never eaten CS at DHS before. I like to do lunch at the SciFi, so that's what we've done on all three trips, then had CS back at the resort for dinner. Would it be worth it to take the boat over to one of the resorts in the area for lunch? Might be a good way to take an afternoon break and get out of the heat.

We went to WDW right after Labor Day and ohmygosh it was hot! I was six months pregnant at the time, so maybe it bothered me more than usual, but I remember riding around the Magic Kingdom on the train three times in a row because it was just SO hot and we were exhausted. It will be much easier to be there in the heat by yourself though - you won't have to deal with the kids' complaints and if you get hot it's a great excuse to duck into an air-conditioned gift shop and look around for a while!

 

[corinnak]

Oh yeah - One Man's Dream! I forgot about that! That's a great attraction if you have some time. Actually, my kids really enjoyed it too - well, except for the movie. A 2 year old's tolerance for a movie is not very impressive. Definitely walk through the exhibit - as an artist, you are likely to be very impressed with the theme park scale models - the one for the Tree of Life is great, and there are a few others that are quite
impressive also.

 

[tiggerbell]

Hi, I've read both your other reports, so I suppose I should get in on the ground floor this time!

CS in DHS - Backlot Express was decent food last time I ate there... hot dogs, hamburgers, etc...

I'm kinda bummed that I'm going to miss you by just a few days, we're arriving September 1st.

 

[Ellester]

CONGRATULATIONS on the FREE TV!!! Man, I wish we could have gotten a deal like that. I'm worried we're going to have to curtail our October trip due to lack of finances, the $1000 we paid for our TV would sure come in handy.....

 

[MomofCKJ]

I pretty much agree that the CS is pretty lame. We had decent sandwiches at the place by the backlot tour, bbq pork i think it was. Not bad. And we ate at the Commissary once, just average. If you go with low expectations you should be fine. LOL.

Will make a mental note about that, the place by the Backlot Tour. Speaking of that, does anyone take that tour anymore? I rarely seem to see it mentioned in any trippies. I haven't been on it since a very long time ago.

Anyway, I think I can answer your question's about the Animator's Studio...my DD has done that 3 times now, and it is always a different character, she just loves that place! I am hoping to get to try it this next go round, but I can never get my DS to agree to it...

As for B&B, I'm with you on that one! I always get out voted and have never seen it...please do tell me what you think when you return!

But the CS, I'm afraid I'm not going to be much help. I have had the pizza at PP and it was ok, and I had the fish at ABC Commissary, again just ok.

I'm so jealous of your alone time in Epcot - what a dream! I have seen the movie in China and it is very beautiful, but I think that is the only CircleVision we have managed to see. This next time, I'm hoping to see the Canada movie as I have heard good things about that one...


It's nice to hear you are picking up the paintbrush again. Sometimes having a creative outlet is good for the soul, not to mention your wallet!
Sending pixie dust too - GO Celtics!


Whew! Can you tell I don't get out much??

Thank you for the info on the Animator's Studio! That is great, I was hoping they changed it each time!

I'll be sure to report back on B&B!

CS at MGM, oops DHS, does seem to elicit a lot of just "Ehs". They should do something about that!

Good to hear an endorsement for the China movie. I will need to check it out. I haven't seen any of them since I was a teen. I'm sure I'd appreciate them a bit more now than I did then.

One more win, that is all we need, one more win! Go Celtics!

I've been to the commissary, but the veg choices there are decidedly limited. Not that I mind, but my kids, you know. The only CS we ever get in MGM - uh - DHS (Which looks too much like an abbreviation for DISHES ) The only CS we ever get there is Pizza Planet. Which isn't bad if you like theme park pizza. Which we kind of do. But it's Pizzafari all over again and noisy and not really where I'd want to go if I didn't have kids wanting pizza, I guess. However, if you do go there and get a table outside, it's not nearly so much like eating in an electronic-riot-machine.

Definitely, DEFINITELY see the Beauty and the Beast show. I totally agree with you on the beast in the, you know, movie. But in the play, he's not nearly so "pretty" - looks more like a handsome guy, at least the times I've seen it. The actors in that show really put on a good performance - the costumes are really interesting, and the production quality is, as usual, surprisingly good for a theme park.

Plan to arrive early for good seats, and also, depending on the day of the week, to see Four for a Dollar, the a cappella group that opens for B&tB. They are really entertaining and very good. They appear Tuesday - Friday and do their show about 20 minutes before Beauty and the Beast show time.
Seriously - if you will be there on one of those days, plan them into your schedule. Unless you hate a cappella music. Some people do, but not me!

Favorite shops - I haven't been able to do a lot of shopping, well, anywhere ever, really - except my stolen 20 minutes in Japan. But we have been through the Villain/candy store more than once and it is a favorite. Have you been in that one? It's pretty fun. I got my sister some Jack Skellington pajamas for her birthday there, which she loves. It's stuff you don't really see in lots of other places in WDW.

Catch some Streetmosphere for me, would you? We always seem to go right past those movie stars and whatnot, and just for once it would be nice to actually have some interaction with those people.

Have you toured the Muppets shop? Me either. But I saw some photos on BroganMc's live trip report and there is soooo much cleverness and theming in that store, it's unreal. When I've been in there, I was distracted by the merchandise and looking for a replacemet purse for my mom, etc. etc. etc. It would be great to go back and just look for the "Chickens only beyond this point" sign, and stuff like that.

It sounds like you've got DHS all under control, though. Enjoy the animation studio (as much as you want!) and the thrill rides and the NEW ride. And beyond that.....enjoy NOT going to Lights, Motors, Action in the August heat.

I have a friend who went in August (hearsay!) and she said it wasn't that bad. They all got those misty-fans and just walked around with those. But she's from Memphis and I'm from Minnesota, so I maintain that she and I have markedly different ideas of what "not that bad" in August means.

Once again Corinna with the boatloads of info! I love it! Never gone in the Muppets shop, not sure I knew there was one! Oh this is going to be fun! I can't wait to really explore these places!

Hooo-boy, talk about abrupt! I didn't even ease into that last post. So are you going to show us some of your handiwork? It sounds like the time is right to get back to it, as much as is comfortable anyway.

I haven't seen any of the modern circlevision movies. I saw China in 1987, and I saw Canada in 2006, before the retooling with Martin Short, whom I actually really like, so you'd think I would have gotten myself over there. But no, we have to ride Maelstrom (is a fastpass) three to four times in a row. When we saw Canada's old movie, it was with a squirrelly 2 year old. In a stand-up theater, it's not an experience I'd suggest trying. Thankfully, Canada's old movie with a 2 year old isn't even an option for you this trip!

I like Martin Short too, so I guess I should make the Canada movie a must do. And they are our neighbor to the North so goodness I should check it out right?

What an awesome promotion! I'm excited for you just thinking about it. Now I have a reason to care who wins, sort of!



Do tell. My godchildren are 3 and love Buzz and princesses. Sounds like a gift for them.


Definitely see it! DH sat with me and I think that's the last time that will happen!


All alone! Cool in a creepy kind of way.

We always eat at BD so I have no CS opinions but there is a bar behind the Backlot Express.


Yep, you've got it right. Just stay hydrated and take AC breaks frequently.




The Muppets rock! Be sure to go in the shop.

Thank you for your comments! And for rooting for my Celtics! If they can win tonight we win too! DH checked the paperwork and we'd have $1100 coming back to us! Woo Hoo! Perhaps I'll share a few pics of past pieces I have done later.

Hi Allyson
I have some EPCOT comments but last time I posted wasn't the right time to bring them up. First of all I have to say Goofy's response to you going alone cracked me up. I love your Goofy stories. EPCOT - we enjoy the street performers in WS. There are the world showcase players in England (and we saw them in Italy) and there is a juggler in Italy who was pretty amazing. I know there are others because I have seen pictures but I haven't actually seen them. And I can't remember where they are from.

DHS - I agree with Corinna - watch the streetmosphere people. We missed them last trip (probably running after Where's K) but in 2004 we saw some doing improv poems about objects audience people mentioned. Very funny. Where else can you hear 5 poems about pencils?

Beauty and the Beast is a good show. but we are musical theater people so we all enjoy it. Animation is one of my favorite attractions and we have never even stayed to draw. I liked it better when you could actually watch the animators drawing - we saw them working on Pocahontas. But I still love it.

What about Starring Rolls Bakery for lunch? We have only been there for bakery breakfasts (YUM) but I think they have sandwiches too and there are tables outside for people watching.

I've never joined a pre-trip report before. This is fun.

Thank you! I am glad Goofy makes you laugh, he has a gift for that! Starring Rolls, nice idea! I had not thought of that. We've gotton coffee there but never anything else. That is a nice suggestion! And the street performers and shows sound like a lot of fun. I think I need to make sure to catch some. Those are the things I never seem to do when I am with the family.

We always go in August and bearing in mind we're from chilly England we cope fine, just drink loads and take breaks in the middle of he day, we normally go back to the resort for a swim but as you're solo you could do a long A/C ride etc. We also have mistymate fans which we use if we're standing outside waiting for a parade or something!

We saw the Chinese circlevision last year and it was good, I really want to see the new Canadian one this year and hopefully also the French one

Thanks for the tips on beating the heat in August! I don't love hot, steamy weather but I can tolerate it better alone than if I had hot, steamy and therefore whiny children with me!

Sorry 'bout the Celtics last night ... but as they say, it ain't over 'til it's over. A free TV would be great!

DHS.. what to do, what to do... it is a bit of a dilemma! Any interest in the Walt Disney One Man's Dream mini museum? I've been through quickly but my travel companions are generally rushing me toward a thrill ride.

And when does the American Idol attraction open? Are you a karaoke kind of gal??

Yes! One Man's Dream! How could I forget? I absolutely want to see that! Thank you for reminding me! The AI opens I believe in January. Hoping maybe we'll get to see it when we are there for the Marathon!

Ugh - the Celtics. Hopefully we win the next one!

So, DHS. Definitely I'd want to see more of the Streetmosphere people. In the past I've been in too much of a hurry getting to the ToT and RnRC, then getting out of there before the crowds come in. I'd like to actually meander down Sunset Boulevard or sit on a bench and people-watch for a while. After riding the big thrill rides a couple of times, of course! Definitely want to see Beauty and the Beast and Walt Disney: One Man's Dream. I might hit Voyage of the Little Mermaid too. We've never eaten CS at DHS before. I like to do lunch at the SciFi, so that's what we've done on all three trips, then had CS back at the resort for dinner. Would it be worth it to take the boat over to one of the resorts in the area for lunch? Might be a good way to take an afternoon break and get out of the heat.

We went to WDW right after Labor Day and ohmygosh it was hot! I was six months pregnant at the time, so maybe it bothered me more than usual, but I remember riding around the Magic Kingdom on the train three times in a row because it was just SO hot and we were exhausted. It will be much easier to be there in the heat by yourself though - you won't have to deal with the kids' complaints and if you get hot it's a great excuse to duck into an air-conditioned gift shop and look around for a while!

Oh gosh, hot and pregnant, that is an uncomfy situation! The boat is an idea, had not thought of it. I've never seen the Swan/Dolphin and someone else mentioned a restaurant there. So many options to consider!

Oh yeah - One Man's Dream! I forgot about that! That's a great attraction if you have some time. Actually, my kids really enjoyed it too - well, except for the movie. A 2 year old's tolerance for a movie is not very impressive. Definitely walk through the exhibit - as an artist, you are likely to be very impressed with the theme park scale models - the one for the Tree of Life is great, and there are a few others that are quite
impressive also.

Yes I had forgotton too and I have never been in! This is a MUST MUST DO for me! Absolutely!

Hi, I've read both your other reports, so I suppose I should get in on the ground floor this time!

CS in DHS - Backlot Express was decent food last time I ate there... hot dogs, hamburgers, etc...

I'm kinda bummed that I'm going to miss you by just a few days, we're arriving September 1st.

Welcome! And another one for Backlot Express! You must be getting Free Dining! Enjoy that! You are there the same time as PiscesAngel. PiscesAngel, meet tiggerbell, tiggerbell, PiscesAngel!

CONGRATULATIONS on the FREE TV!!! Man, I wish we could have gotten a deal like that. I'm worried we're going to have to curtail our October trip due to lack of finances, the $1000 we paid for our TV would sure come in handy.....

We aren't there yet but oh so close! One more win and the free tv is ours! It could be tonight, let's hope so! BEAT LA!


Allyson

 

[MomofCKJ]

60 Days! That is it, just 60 Days! Usually we plan our trips a year, or more, in advance so the countdown takes for-ever but with this one being booked so short term I'm already at the low, low (to me at least!) number of 60! Wow!

So let me fill you in on a few things. I need you all to chant BEAT LA tonight around 9pm EST okay? As you know, our free tv is riding on this. Humor me, pretend you care okay? We'll get the $1100 back and although I'd say "Grumpy, you and me, a weekend in Disney!" he's saying "A new lawnmower". Hmmm, not as exciting but you know what I've learned in almost 14 years of marriage. Here is my secret. Are you listening? A happy DH makes for a happy DW. If getting his lawnmower makes him happy, he is more apt to be agreeable to when I ask for things, like, oh, leaving him with 3 kids for 5 days so I can vacation alone. You need to know how to work it!

We are about to take our annual summer vacation in a week. No, not Disney. We go every year the end of June for a week in Maine. We stay in Ocean Park. Our best friends in the world go, they also have 3 kids. They both went to college with my Grumpy. Last year they moved to NC so we don't see them much anymore. They should be back here in MA next year so we are excited about that. Anyway, they rent a house and we rent a house. This year we got the one next door to them (theirs is on the beach, ours one house away) so we have sort of a compound thing going on. It is a wonderful week full of traditions. We love it! The 6 kids play, the adults hang out, there is a lot of beach time by day and card playing well into the night. Spades is our game of choice, always boys vs girls. So we leave June 21st so this week will be spent getting ready for that. We'll be there till the 28th.

And here are some past paintings I've done, I tend to do lots of mermaids, princesses, fairies and for the boys pirates and surfer boys.

So I have the ideas for DHS, how about Animal Kingdom?

I love Everest, love it! So I want to try and ride a few times on the single rider line. I love the FOTLK. I haven't seen the bird show or Nemo. What do you think of those? I have done the Pangani (sp?) Trail a few times and love it. I love Gorillas. I have never done the Maharajah (sp?) Trail at all so that is also a must do. I think I'd like to do both and take my time. I'm an animal lover. I also thought about checking out the Conservation Station to see what animal procedures might be going on that day.

I want to try the Yak and Yeti CS place, Anandahpur, gosh I'm butchering it but you know what I mean!

I think this is the park I am most looking forward to taking pictures. I love the architecture and small details that are so easy to overlook when you are corralling 3 children. I really want to just enjoy walking around this park and taking in the little things.

Okay folks, I saw this on Disneyshopping.com and I think it is calling my name. Really. I think it wants to come with me in August.

Allyson

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I think you're right. That top just told me it wants to come with you on your trip.

Your paintings are adorable!

Fingers crossed for the Celtics tonight.

 

[dddisrunner]

Beat LA ,Beat LA!!!! LOVE the mickey ear nightgown! How fun your vacation sounds! In AK if I were alone, I would look for Devine, I would see FOTLK , my kids don't like it and I would eat at Flame Tree BBQ, I would watch the chair acrobats in Africa AND see the parade, it is suppossed to be the best of all the afternoon parades!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hoping for a Celtic win for you!!!

I am so so sorry about Sterling!

Love your artwork!!! You are fantastic at it! I love the whimsical nature of it!

Your ideas for AK sound good -- I love taking pictures there, too -- in fact, I took four rolls of film there -- there is no telling what it all is of until I get them developed tomorrow.

 

[KatGarcia]

I could not resist the disneyshopping $4.99 tees sale myself...I am so weak!

 

[Becky521]

Beat LA

Animal Kingdom - the bird show is neat - I actually let a bird (hawk?)land on my arm and take a dollar from my hand. I was so nervous but it was something new. We love FOTLK but due to technical difficulties never got to see Finding Nemo. So I would be interested to see if you like it.