The Moist Exhausting Free Trip Ever - Link to Part II Thread pg. 244

[carissanboys]

Humphrey I'm familiar with, but not with Ranger Joe. Seems like a great guy!

That WAS a long bus ride back! Eek!

 

[rentayenta]

Love this update. Ranger Joe and folks like him are what make Disney so magical. Love CMs who have and take the time to engage.

 

[glennbo123]

HA HA HA HA HA, Marv. I'm not as slow witted as you think.

Sorry...I just had to get that off my chest. Thanks, Glen.

Don't apologize -- I'm glad you did. And I'm glad you were so quick this round, you're usually saying that you're not good at this kind of thing.

Humphrey bear! I made sure to take a picture with him after learning about him on the DIS. I also read somewhere that rubbing his nose gives you good luck?

Now you tell me! I could have used some bus luck.

This is the first I've heard of Ranger Joe. I would've loved to meet him! He sounded like a lot of fun!

I've seen him in other TRs...MEKs recently, but that was after we returned, so I must have seen him in other peoples'.

Believe it or not....I didn't go over the bridge. I just marvelled at it.

But did you name it?

The Disney transport system is alright, as long as I have a seat to sit. The long trips aren't so bad when you're not the one standing, trying to hold onto the few handrails on the bus so you don't topple over a stranger.

I'd prefer to sit, but don't mind standing usually. I try to do the gentlemanly thing and offer my seat when the circumstances warrant.

DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDE!! I want to see the HMs!!!!

Serves you right for making me ponder a "K" all morning long! (For anyone who reads this and doesn't understand that reference, you must join Liesa's thread and participate in the alphabet game.)

That was one sucky bus ride! BusSuckyTran, I say!

Well put!

Now that is a stroke of luck! Or is he there all the time?

I think he's there pretty much all of the time, but we didn't see him before we went into WCC, and as I mentioned, didn't see him afterwards until he snuck up on me.

That Florida humidity can take some bounce out of anybody's hair. My droopy hat lost the battle as well. If you meant that your hair is looking great then nevermind!

No, it was looking great! (Great for me anyway, which isn't saying much.)

You did far better than I would have. If I was staying there then I might have researched something like that but more than likely I would have just stood there looking pretty clueless.

I hadn't seen that cartoon in decades, but it was memorable...it's a good one!

What's Droopy doing to those bears! Lol!

Yeah, he didn't change his voice much, did he?

Again, I think this would be our second choice after the Poly. Those pics really make me want to check it out!

The DVC 1-bedrooms can only sleep 4 (not 5 like Animal Kingdom Lodge or Bay Lake Tower), so it will probably be many years before we get to some of these others.

We all are if you go by our trip reports.

Yeah, I thought I was probably in pretty good company.

That happened from time to time to us as well. It's a long trip and sometimes you just can't avoid delays like this.

Yes although as Magdalene points out below, I probably could have made a better choice to go via a park rather than DTD.

Dianna would have jabbed me for that quip.

Hang onto that woman. No seriously, if you hang onto her she can't get a good wind-up.

Leave my kids and the buffet incident out of this!

I hadn't thought of it that way.

Great update! What a nice expereince to meet Ranger Joe. I love it that there are people like him to tell people about the resorts and such. The same with the safari guides (or whatever they are called) at AKL who tell you about their home country in Africa and about the animals.

You're right. We find again and again, that the people are what make the difference.

Sorry for your commute through DTD! You summed up my feelings about Disney transportion very well. One thing I learned early on: never commute through DTD if it can be avoided at any cost. First of all: it is pretty out of the way from everywhere (besides PO and SSR), Second: it has at least two stops at DTD and the possible TL stop as well, Third: the traffic in that area can be really bad and your bus can be in a real traffic jam. So my advice is to always use a park unless all parks are already closed for the night. And if it is that late, I personally would consider getting taxi... You could have even taken a bus from WL to the MK... But bus from WL to AK and then bus to AKL would have worked better as well. I know that doesn't help after the fact, but just as friendly hint for your next trip and for your readers! I spent a few years as a regular reader/poster on the transportation board...

You are so right. And my original plan was to boat to MK, then on to AKL. I should have just taken a bus to MK or AK. I think what I did, was consult the Mobile Magic phone app I have. And I've been meaning to talk about that app at some point, but haven't noticed a good spot to work it in. Anyway, most of the time when you consult it regarding transportation, it routes you through DTD, which I learned is a bad idea.

Yeah, as much as I was on here last night, getting up to date on everyone's TRs, I'm thinking Glenn waited until my light went out to post the update!

No, didn't wait for your light to go out. Actually, I was just planning to "get started" on the installment, and although short, it seemed like a good point to break before moving on to Kidani, so I just went ahead and posted it.

Rumor has it that you get good luck by rubbing Humphrey's nose.

So, it's a waste of time trying to climb up to Mickey's?

Someday I want to take the tour that the Rangers give of the Lodge. They also have a Hidden Mickey scavenger hunt at the front desk that's a lot of fun.

There are a LOT of hidden Mickey's in the lobby.

Another WL convert!

Yes, but with so many choices of resorts, so who knows?

Well...yeah. The bridge is way cooler than a boring ol' floor.

WAY cooler.

Yup. Being in the transportation engineering business, it's a tough, thankless racket. The only time people notice you is when you screw up. For example, nobody drives around and says, "Hey...what a great road!" But Lord help you if there's a pothole or a traffic jam. Same with the Disney buses--when you get where you're going in a reasonable time, nobody says anything.

Hmmmm, you wouldn't have anything to do with the construction out here on Rt. 141 that's been going on for literally years and years, would you?

You're right, it is high-time I appreciated a good road, so "Thanks"!

Still, I agree. It seems like the system is more strained as time goes on. I'm sure there are improvements that can be made...

I'm sure there are, but I do marvel at the whole thing, and the large-scale of it.

Did he ever say something like, "Hey, what does this button do?"

No, he was too busy saying "Wheeeee!"

With the consistency of the conditioner, I expected it to be a whole lot thicker.....

Hey now, watchit.

Oh, THERE'S a revelation!!!

What, you expected to learn something on here?

Had a similar experience staying at OKW and heading for a Dinner ADR at Boma. Our lengthy stay in the DTD area consisted of a driver switch, and loading a couple of people on the motorized vehicles! Thankfully I alloted enough time and we still made our ADR!

Oh my gosh, I think I'd have jumped out the window if they'd loaded a scooter on during this particular trip.

Dude, when you're in the shower, you are only supposed to CONDITION the hair!

Ohhhh, keep the follicles attached, huh?

Yeah, what's up with the "laser pointer skills" infatuation???

I don't know, it kind of stood out when I looked at the pictures.

Well, not ALL of us......

Says Public Enemy #1.

Hmmm, that sounds exactly like an open invite for a full blown TR installment.......

Yes it does. Dining with animals.

i like how james is looking at him in that picture by the fire very interetested in what he is saying...i have to say glenn,i was hoping that you would have a picture of the hidden mickeys he was showing you with his pointer.

All right, all right, all right.....I have a confession to make.

I did not take one picture of a Hidden Mickey.

At least I can't be called a "spoiler" (hidden Mickey-wise, anyway).

i took one on the fireplace but it was so high up it came out kinda grainy.

Mine didn't turn out grainy....or anything.

They do have both but one of them was the same recipe from WCC I guess is what I meant to type LOL

Oh, okay. They might both be the same. I know the chicken is different -- although good at Hoop, it's not as good as what I had at WCC.

I love "In the Bag" thanks for sharing

Me too!

 

[glennbo123]

Humphrey I'm familiar with, but not with Ranger Joe. Seems like a great guy!

He is a great guy...a Wilderness Lodge icon. I guess what was impressive was that I didn't have to seek him out, he found us and just engaged us in conversation. Previous DIS-knowledge wasn't necessary.

That WAS a long bus ride back! Eek!

I could have made better choices, but yeah, it wasn't a good one.

Love this update. Ranger Joe and folks like him are what make Disney so magical. Love CMs who have and take the time to engage.

Yep, gotta love those cast members who go the extra mile and seem to really love their jobs and are the perfect fit for what they do.

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

All right, all right, all right.....I have a confession to make.

I did not take one picture of a Hidden Mickey.

At least I can't be called a "spoiler" (hidden Mickey-wise, anyway).

it looks like he is pointing one out on the totem pole. can you point it out on the picture with you guys? i cant find one.

i really wanted to do it this last trip, but we decided to wait till the next one when parker is older to have something for me and him to do together since he will prob have his brother or sister with him and it will be there first trip so, have something special for parker planned to do with just me.

Mine didn't turn out grainy....or anything.

that happens when you dont take any pictures of them.

 

[marvali]

Hey now, watchit.

You know, in sort of a Troy Polamalu/Head and Shoulders commercial sort of way.......BIIIGGGGG Hair!!!

Says Public Enemy #1.

Hey now, watchit.

 

[GreatBiscuit]

But one thing that surprised me is that you said you and Tracy split a skillet -- you can do that? I didn't know that! I guess I should have asked, we would have been fine with one for the two of us. Do they just disallow refills if split it?

Hey Glenn - sorry for the confusion. We were on the dining plan and each decided to get the skillet. Our server brought us one skillet to split between us and refilled whatever we ran out of. So even though we "split a skillet" it cost us 2 dining credits.

 

[glennbo123]

it looks like he is pointing one out on the totem pole. can you point it out on the picture with you guys? i cant find one.

I think we were a little further down from the Mercantile, towards the front desk. I looked at some other pictures and don't see anything.

i really wanted to do it this last trip, but we decided to wait till the next one when parker is older to have something for me and him to do together since he will prob have his brother or sister with him and it will be there first trip so, have something special for parker planned to do with just me.

Do what exactly? Look for hidden Mickey's at WL?

Oooo, do you have an announcement?

that happens when you dont take any pictures of them.

Yeah, funny how that works.

You know, in sort of a Troy Polamalu/Head and Shoulders commercial sort of way.......BIIIGGGGG Hair!!!

Oh, I thought you were going for a thinning-hair/old-man sort of slam.

Hey now, watchit.

 

[glennbo123]

Hey Glenn - sorry for the confusion. We were on the dining plan and each decided to get the skillet. Our server brought us one skillet to split between us and refilled whatever we ran out of. So even though we "split a skillet" it cost us 2 dining credits.

Oh okay, that's basically what we did, only paying cash. They initially just brought out one skillet, and when we killed that he said, "I'll bring you out your other skillet".

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Great update Glenn!


Love the interaction with Ranger Joe. And I especially enjoyed the 2nd Totem photo which seems to feature James picking Humphrey's nose.

Sorry to hear about the bus ride. That had to be a major bummer.

 

[All7OfUs]

I had read about Ranger Joe on Cynthia's report- I think MEK had had a roof tour, and really wanted to do that during my trip- alas, there is NEVER enough time to do everything you want to, is there?

This is a classic case of Disney serving WAY too much food- so much that you feel perhaps wasteful?? Did look great though; just too much. I think if Id' eaten like that , I'd want to go straight back to my room and sleep off my meat coma.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Hmmmm, you wouldn't have anything to do with the construction out here on Rt. 141 that's been going on for literally years and years, would you?

Actually, no. My projects are all in Sussex County. Whew!

You're right, it is high-time I appreciated a good road, so "Thanks"!

Thanks, man.

No, he was too busy saying "Wheeeee!"

And holding pinwheels out the window?

 

[mom3sonstt]

And holding pinwheels out the window?

Is it sad that I laugh everytime that I see that commercial?? Or is it worse that when we are forwarding through the commercials I have to stop and back up if I see that one???

 

[tinkgurl]

I loved the totem pole pic. I think it's so neat to see all the different people that get their picture taken in the same exact spot that I've been in!

Well, you learn something new every day! I did not know about Ranger Joe. That was so neat he showed you some hidden Mickey's and stuff. I love the one in the rock of the lobby fireplace. And I love that he's dressed up like a Ranger. It's those little details that WDW puts into everything that makes the place all that more magical.

Ugh, so sorry about that long bus ride back! Trust me, we've had that happen to us before too. At least you guys weren't in a hurry for an ADR or something! Just to let you know, there is a bus that goes from WL to the MK. Oh well, now you know for next time.

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

Do what exactly? Look for hidden Mickey's at WL?

Oooo, do you have an announcement?

yep look for hidden mickeys with him, i think it would be alot of fun.


nope no announcement, just figure that we will hae another one when we go back next time. after i typed that i thought it sounded that way and was wondering if you were going to say anything.

 

[All7OfUs]

Yup. Being in the transportation engineering business, it's a tough, thankless racket. The only time people notice you is when you screw up. For example, nobody drives around and says, "Hey...what a great road!" But Lord help you if there's a pothole or a traffic jam. Same with the Disney buses--when you get where you're going in a reasonable time, nobody says anything.

Hmmmm, you wouldn't have anything to do with the construction out here on Rt. 141 that's been going on for literally years and years, would you?

You're right, it is high-time I appreciated a good road, so "Thanks"!
I did not take one picture of a Hidden Mickey.

Holy COW!! My DH worked with ODOT (Oregon DOT) for 12 years as an engineeing geologist before we left!! Whenever the mountains began to melt, he would do the TV gig that always went something like this:

interviewer: "So Mike, can you tell us what caused today's landslide?"

Mike: "Sure. It rained."

Anyway, we understand your pain!

Serves you right for making me ponder a "K" all morning long! (For anyone who reads this and doesn't understand that reference, you must join Liesa's thread and participate in the alphabet game.)

Yeah, sorry 'bout that; got you totally sucked in there!!

 

[nessz79]

Hilarious installment- especially regarding the post-storm bus jam! I so hated the crowded buses on our last trip, that I'm trying to encourage DH to consider driving to some of the parks.

 

[glennbo123]

Great update Glenn!

Thanks dude!

Love the interaction with Ranger Joe. And I especially enjoyed the 2nd Totem photo which seems to feature James picking Humphrey's nose.

James appears to be using the "thumb technique", which is worth extra style points.

Sorry to hear about the bus ride. That had to be a major bummer.

Yeah, well, what're you gonna do. I guess it got me some TR material.

I had read about Ranger Joe on Cynthia's report- I think MEK had had a roof tour, and really wanted to do that during my trip- alas, there is NEVER enough time to do everything you want to, is there?

Yep, MEK got the royal treatment!

Yes, never enough time...how're we going to rectify that?

This is a classic case of Disney serving WAY too much food- so much that you feel perhaps wasteful?? Did look great though; just too much. I think if Id' eaten like that , I'd want to go straight back to my room and sleep off my meat coma.

Another good reason to stay at WL, so you don't have so far to go when you're meat coma is coming on.

Actually, no. My projects are all in Sussex County. Whew!

Fortunately, I don't really have to drive on 141, just cross it. But it's amazing how long it has taken (and is still taking). I've been wanting to ask you that. Are you familiar with that project though?

Thanks, man.

Aw, I'm sure the chicken farmers down there appreciate the roads too.

And holding pinwheels out the window?

It's like you were there!

Is it sad that I laugh everytime that I see that commercial?? Or is it worse that when we are forwarding through the commercials I have to stop and back up if I see that one???

Uh oh, I must be spending too much time on the DIS.....what commercial?

I loved the totem pole pic. I think it's so neat to see all the different people that get their picture taken in the same exact spot that I've been in!

I've probably seen more troll pictures than totem pictures, but yes there are a lot...and it is neat!

Well, you learn something new every day! I did not know about Ranger Joe. That was so neat he showed you some hidden Mickey's and stuff. I love the one in the rock of the lobby fireplace. And I love that he's dressed up like a Ranger. It's those little details that WDW puts into everything that makes the place all that more magical.

I'm surprised by that Tinkgurl, but glad I could introduce you to someone new. He was very ranger-like. You can see in the pictures how he stood so straight with his feet together and one arm behind his back. He IS Ranger Joe.

Ugh, so sorry about that long bus ride back! Trust me, we've had that happen to us before too. At least you guys weren't in a hurry for an ADR or something! Just to let you know, there is a bus that goes from WL to the MK. Oh well, now you know for next time.

Yes, fortunately we didn't have a schedule to keep on that particular afternoon. Thanks for the advice....I will be working to avoid transfering buses at DTD from now on!

yep look for hidden mickeys with him, i think it would be alot of fun.

Yes it would. And there's plenty of them around WL.

nope no announcement, just figure that we will hae another one when we go back next time. after i typed that i thought it sounded that way and was wondering if you were going to say anything.

We were about to start the baby pool...date/time/weight and all that.

 

[marvali]

Oh, I thought you were going for a thinning-hair/old-man sort of slam.

No need when I can manipulate you into doing it to yourself!!! (yeah, yeah, that's it!)

 

[All7OfUs]

Yes, never enough time...how're we going to rectify that?

OK, you heard it here first. ....... I ALMOST!! (a very large emphasis on THAT word) have mty DH talked into letting me register for the Princess Half. That's all I'm saying now.