The Most Expensive Free Trip Ever - TR Link is Up! Pg. 164

[glennbo123]

Just got back from beating DH by like 50 points in bowling! Oh Yeahhhh....

But still no time to give your update it's just due. I just had to brag, cuz I don't think HE'D let me get away with rubbing it in.

He probably had a blister or something. Did they let you bowl in your slippers?

 

[All7OfUs]

He probably had a blister or something. Did they let you bowl in your slippers?

Oh. HA, ha, ha. He did NOT have a blister, but he did end up winning OVERALL in the 3 games we played. I won the first game by that much. I do well, until my arm gets tired or I strain too many butt muscles.

 

[FairyGodmotherJen]

Great updates, Glennbo (I had a few to catch up on). My older DS would've really liked the game James played in Innoventions! He's a Wii addict. His first game was boxing on the WiiSports game - he would jump up and down as he shook the remotes, and would get so winded that he would have to stop the game and get a drink. Sounds like James' game was the predescessor to that!

FOTLK is on our list this year, though we never end up spending much time in AK because it's just so dang hot! I'd like to ride Everest (DH and his brother did in 2007, but I stayed at the resort with the kids and the in-laws and swam instead), too, if possible.

Hey - how is Judy's teaching job going? I know we're counting down at our school. How did the snow day thing go? Is she going to have to miss the last days of school for the trip?

 

[glennbo123]

Great updates, Glennbo (I had a few to catch up on). My older DS would've really liked the game James played in Innoventions! He's a Wii addict. His first game was boxing on the WiiSports game - he would jump up and down as he shook the remotes, and would get so winded that he would have to stop the game and get a drink. Sounds like James' game was the predescessor to that!

Thanks! Sounds like James and your son would get along great. I've only played that boxing game once -- I got too exhausted and my arms hurt afterward.

FOTLK is on our list this year, though we never end up spending much time in AK because it's just so dang hot! I'd like to ride Everest (DH and his brother did in 2007, but I stayed at the resort with the kids and the in-laws and swam instead), too, if possible.

You really need to do both, they're both great. Completely different, obviously, but great. One thing we've never done at AK, but want to try this year is Finding Nemo.

Hey - how is Judy's teaching job going? I know we're counting down at our school. How did the snow day thing go? Is she going to have to miss the last days of school for the trip?

It's going really well. She loves it. It's a whooooole lot more work than subbing (which she knew it would be of course) with all of the lesson plan prep and grading and communicating with parents, etc. etc. She's working on schoolwork right now as a matter of fact. There's also more stress on the home-front with trying to get housework done. We have the kids on a daily chore chart routine, taking care of the laundry and dishes. We're "managing" I'd say.

 

[glennbo123]

I found the name of the counter service place in Asia where I bought food back in 2005, but noticed was not there in 2009.

It was Chakranadi Chicken Shop.

This website link says that it closed in 2006 and would "re-open as the counter service portion of the brand new Asia Restaurant in Summer 2007." Must be the counter service portion of Yak and Yeti, even though it's not in exactly the same location.

 

[FairyGodmotherJen]

Finding Nemo was actually the only thing we did at AK last trip, other than Triceratops Spin. The kids loved it - I actually got the soundtrack for my bday from my SIL. We really enjoy it! I haven't seen FOTLK since 2000, and I'm the only one, so we're really going to try to hit it.

Glad to hear Judy is enjoying school! Yep, it's tough enough going back to the classroom routine (at least, it was for me after my long-ish maternity leaves), but you don't think about the adjustment at home until it hits. Hang in there...summer's almost here! Then you'll have just enough time to get out of routine before August hits...

 

[glennbo123]

Finding Nemo was actually the only thing we did at AK last trip, other than Triceratops Spin. The kids loved it - I actually got the soundtrack for my bday from my SIL. We really enjoy it! I haven't seen FOTLK since 2000, and I'm the only one, so we're really going to try to hit it.

That's funny that the only thing you did was about the only thing we haven't done. Glad to hear good things about Nemo.

I'm sure your family will enjoy FOTLK.

Glad to hear Judy is enjoying school! Yep, it's tough enough going back to the classroom routine (at least, it was for me after my long-ish maternity leaves), but you don't think about the adjustment at home until it hits. Hang in there...summer's almost here! Then you'll have just enough time to get out of routine before August hits...

Yes, looking forward to the summer, although it's going to start out hectic. Or is it hecticly? Aw, I'll just use one of my own words -- it's goin to start out with a lot of hecticity. We end school on a Friday, 1 week before everybody else because of the snow days, (I just realized I failed to answer your question about this in your previous post -- sorry) and start our trip the next day. Unfortunately, Lauren will have to take finals when we get back -- they won't let her take them early.

 

[eandesmom]

You're observing the DISabbath....that's good.

I'll look forward to Monday then.

Popcorn in the rain. I love it. He must have eaten if quickly or not have cared if it got soggy. I'm sure it made up for being in the sleeping bag. It's the little things.

 

[englishrose47]

Bit late .. but great update !! I have eaten at Y&Y counter service and it is good !! I had the shrimp lomein and the mango pie!!

 

[All7OfUs]

Ahhh, finally a few minutes to get my thoughts down on your well-deserved update!

First off, I hope you will do a whole installment on the POR! We chose to request Magnolia Bend too, and am always eager to see more pictures! I'd love to hear feedback about the busses, bus stop proximity, etc....

I don't think James was any worse for the wear in a sleeping bag. Kids are pretty resilient. (sp?)

So, I was just thinking, if they gave out receipts for all the fun things you did- you'd have a lot more memories, eh??

I can totally relate to the "rain bouncing up" scenario! Did that on us the first 3 days last trip. It stunk.

Walkie talkies are a good deal, even without cell phones. Probably cheaper too.

FoW is on our list too, but I'm not nearly as excited for it, as I am for FoLK. I think I may hit up FoW before I join up with the others. The Portland Zoo has an amazing bird show that I've seen many times. I'm sure the risk of stray bird dookie is equal opportunity though; it's just that in Disney, it might be less traumatic.

 

[carissanboys]

WDW popcorn is probably tied for my favorite snack. Yummm!

We still have yet to see Flights of Wonder.

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

i love popcorn in any condition as well...rain or shine popcorn is good.

looking forward to the buckets o corn in the world this summer, i am hoping each park has there own design buckets i want to get one of each.


i also want to get a disney floppy hat like that guy in the bird show on stage, very cool looking, can i pull it off i dont know, but i am going to try.

not everyone is afloppy hat kinda guy.

 

[glennbo123]

Popcorn in the rain. I love it. He must have eaten if quickly or not have cared if it got soggy. I'm sure it made up for being in the sleeping bag. It's the little things.

It IS the little things! How can you say "no" to a kid who wants to snack on some popcorn at DisneyWorld? I don't think he ate it all that quickly because he ate some while we were standing under the eaves of that shack, and then as we went down the trail. I just remember he was very intent on it. It had his full attention!

Bit late .. but great update !! I have eaten at Y&Y counter service and it is good !! I had the shrimp lomein and the mango pie!!

Not late at all....I put the post up Friday evening and it seems that the DIS was a little slow over the weekend. I think this place is busier during the work-week for some reason.

We ate at the Y&Y counter service last summer, July 4th actually, too. Here's what we had:

Clockwise from the top -- Sweet and Sour Pork, Honey Chicken, and Kung Pao Beef. We liked it, but thought it was basically like most Chinese take-out places. Not a "must do". I'm curious about the seated dining though.

Ahhh, finally a few minutes to get my thoughts down on your well-deserved update!

First off, I hope you will do a whole installment on the POR! We chose to request Magnolia Bend too, and am always eager to see more pictures! I'd love to hear feedback about the busses, bus stop proximity, etc....

I may let you down a little here. I know I have some pictures (on the last day, so you'll have to wait) around the resort, but I don't think I have any of the room.

Even though the bus stop was fairly close, for some reason we usually went to the main one at the front of the resort. It was a farther walk, so I'm not sure why. Maybe it was just more familiar, or we wanted to stop in the gift shop or something. But I remember waiting there more than the "remote" bus stops.

I don't think James was any worse for the wear in a sleeping bag. Kids are pretty resilient. (sp?)

Absolutely. I don't think he even questioned it. It took him a number of years before he asked why he was always the one who had to sleep in a sleeping bag. We weren't going to bring it up if he wasn't! Now we have to take turns...the kids do, I mean.

So, I was just thinking, if they gave out receipts for all the fun things you did- you'd have a lot more memories, eh??

It's possible. The only receipt I have from this particular day was when we checked out of the Sheraton place. I'm glad I remembered the popcorn story.

I can totally relate to the "rain bouncing up" scenario! Did that on us the first 3 days last trip. It stunk.

Yeah, they haven't invented an umbrella to deal with that scenario yet.

Walkie talkies are a good deal, even without cell phones. Probably cheaper too.

Yes, but the range wasn't real good, at least with ours. We couldn't be at opposite ends of the park, had to be in the same "land". They were decent ones too -- not cheapies. We got them as presents from my parents, as did all my siblings, in advance of our big family trip in 2001. Back then not a lot of people had cell phones, so walkie-talkie's were much more prevalent. Our first night in MK on that trip Judy went to the bathroom and she came out all mad at me because she thought I kept calling her while she was in there. They have a button you can push to send a signal, a series of beeps (boo boo be boo boo) that people use before they talk, and somebody was repeatedly doing that. It wasn't me though, I was just waiting patiently.

WDW popcorn is probably tied for my favorite snack. Yummm!

I'm sure I had some of James', (how could I not?) but I don't remember. Is it better than say, Orville Redenbacher?

We still have yet to see Flights of Wonder.

You should, it's a decent show. Next time!

i love popcorn in any condition as well...rain or shine popcorn is good.

If you wear a big-brimmed hat, like you mention further down, you might be all right eating popcorn in the rain.

looking forward to the buckets o corn in the world this summer, i am hoping each park has there own design buckets i want to get one of each.

Good idea....could be good for eating some microwave popcorn at home. Parker would love that.

i also want to get a disney floppy hat like that guy in the bird show on stage, very cool looking, can i pull it off i dont know, but i am going to try.

not everyone is afloppy hat kinda guy.

You have high aspirations, I like that! With your determination, I'm sure you will be able to pull it off.

I have a hat kind of like that that I bought for a fishing trip to Canada Judy and I took with my in-laws a number of years ago. It was bought completely for function -- you had to have a hat to protect yourself from sunburn out on the lake. Plus I kept a pack of matches in a zippered pocket in it, in case we got stuck in the wilderness somewhere.

 

[marvali]

Unfortunately, the ride wouldn’t open until April of the next year. We could only look and dream of what it would be like.

So, were you even close?

This is the building with the fountain that all the kids like to play in -- the water looks like a sheet of glass until you put your hand into it and disrupt the flow.

I haven't paid this place any attention. I'm gonna have to look for it next trip.

It had started to rain and she wasn’t able to get us a table with an umbrella, so we stood there in our poncho’s, trying to eat quickly. As it started to rain harder, a nice family invited us to squeeze under their umbrella. It was pretty tight, so I mostly stayed out from under it, relying on my poncho, but I was glad that the kids had a decent place to get out from the rain.

Okay, so what is it about you being at Disney and rain? We never had to deal with as much rain as we did when we were both there last summer....

At some point we saw Flights of Wonder (before or after the popcorn expedition -- who knows?). This is a pretty good show

I can just see James with that popcorn. I imagine it was quite interesting to watch.

Another great show, although I’ll always remember the awe I had when seeing it for the first time.

Yes, we love this show too. We don't go every trip, but it is still fun and enjoyable enough to revisit on occasion.

You're observing the DISabbath....that's good.

DISabbath.....okay, where did you steal that from? Surely you didn't come up with that one on your own.......

One thing we've never done at AK, but want to try this year is Finding Nemo.

We did Nemo on a previous trip. It was a pretty good show. You have to focus on the puppets/characters and ignore the puppeteers. Make sure you sit back away from the stage some.....makes it a little easier to ignore them. I'm sure you know a good place to read up on how to best enjoy the show, and where to sit....

We still have yet to see Flights of Wonder.

We made a few visits before we worked this one in. It was a really good show the whole family seemed to enjoy. They asked for volunteers to hang around after the show was over. They were trying to train a new bird for the show, and they wanted it to have to deal with people in the audience. We all stayed around (even DS's chose to) and the bird performed flawlessly. Can't wait to go back this trip and see it in the actual show.

 

[glennbo123]

So, were you even close?

Time-wise or distance-wise? Well, it doesn't matter, 'cause we weren't close either way. It didn't open until April of '06, and this trip was in June of '05. Distance-wise, with the construction, you couldn't go anywhere near it, just see the peak in the distance.

I haven't paid this place any attention. I'm gonna have to look for it next trip.

It's just a bathroom stop now. But the fountain always has a lot of little kids around it. It's one they can't resist -- the water looks like glass until you stick your finger in the way.

Okay, so what is it about you being at Disney and rain? We never had to deal with as much rain as we did when we were both there last summer....

You think it's us? Might be.

I can just see James with that popcorn. I imagine it was quite interesting to watch.

The people walking opposite us all got a chuckle, that's for sure.

Yes, we love this show too. We don't go every trip, but it is still fun and enjoyable enough to revisit on occasion.

I agree, since we've seen it a couple of times we don't have to see it every visit now, but it's a good show.

DISabbath.....okay, where did you steal that from? Surely you didn't come up with that one on your own.......

Yes I did.

Which way to the DIS copyright office?

We did Nemo on a previous trip. It was a pretty good show. You have to focus on the puppets/characters and ignore the puppeteers. Make sure you sit back away from the stage some.....makes it a little easier to ignore them. I'm sure you know a good place to read up on how to best enjoy the show, and where to sit....

Sounds like good advice. That's Great Marv!

We made a few visits before we worked this one in. It was a really good show the whole family seemed to enjoy. They asked for volunteers to hang around after the show was over. They were trying to train a new bird for the show, and they wanted it to have to deal with people in the audience. We all stayed around (even DS's chose to) and the bird performed flawlessly. Can't wait to go back this trip and see it in the actual show.

Sounds like a cool opportunity you had.

To be honest, I think the first time we caught this show it was just because we were walking by when a showing was about to start and we didn't really have anything else planned. We were pleasantly surprised.

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

If you wear a big-brimmed hat, like you mention further down, you might be all right eating popcorn in the rain.


Good idea....could be good for eating some microwave popcorn at home. Parker would love that.


You have high aspirations, I like that! With your determination, I'm sure you will be able to pull it off.

I have a hat kind of like that that I bought for a fishing trip to Canada Judy and I took with my in-laws a number of years ago. It was bought completely for function -- you had to have a hat to protect yourself from sunburn out on the lake. Plus I kept a pack of matches in a zippered pocket in it, in case we got stuck in the wilderness somewhere.

hmmm good idea for the hat, it can also function as a eating rain hat, i like it.

the one we got on our christmas trip is used at home for popcorn now, but that little guy is going to have to his own of course so i must get another one.


so were you planning on burning the hat with the matches if you needed it, or did you have paper in the other zipper parts.


or wsa the match just in case you had to use hte restroom and you did not have any air freshner with you. so judy could say ehhh light a match wouja mister.

 

[marvali]

Time-wise or distance-wise? Well, it doesn't matter, 'cause we weren't close either way. It didn't open until April of '06, and this trip was in June of '05. Distance-wise, with the construction, you couldn't go anywhere near it, just see the peak in the distance.

No, I meant the "dream what it would be like" part. Were you close? If so, I think you have a future as a Disney ride designer......but I'm guessing not.

Which way to the DIS copyright office?

Yeah, you better jump on that one before hucifer steals it.....

Sounds like good advice. That's Great Marv!

I like it

 

[glennbo123]

hmmm good idea for the hat, it can also function as a eating rain hat, i like it.

the one we got on our christmas trip is used at home for popcorn now, but that little guy is going to have to his own of course so i must get another one.

Gotcha.

so were you planning on burning the hat with the matches if you needed it, or did you have paper in the other zipper parts.

No, I hadn't thought about burning the hat. I'd have to pull a Bear Grylls and find some kindling and leaves and stuff.

or wsa the match just in case you had to use hte restroom and you did not have any air freshner with you. so judy could say ehhh light a match wouja mister.

You're on a roll! Brutal!

No. Lighting a match in such a situation could be dangerous.

No, I meant the "dream what it would be like" part. Were you close? If so, I think you have a future as a Disney ride designer......but I'm guessing not.

Oh....no, not even close! I had no idea what the ride would actually be like.

Yeah, you better jump on that one before hucifer steals it.....

I like it

 

[glennbo123]

Today marks 40 days from our arrival in the World!

Thought you might like a mini-update of what's going on trip-wise.

Tickets from PChef -- I've resigned myself to the fact that I will not know any options we might have with these tickets until we get there. I've talked to the travel people that PChef uses at least 3 times, and Disney twice. The problem is, I'm talking to the wrong people. Neither of these folks have the info. that's needed. There's somebody in PChef and Disney who made a deal on the price of these tickets, and know exactly what kind of tickets they are, but the travel people don't know the specifics and neither do the people who answer the phones at Disney. It's a shame because at this point I can't even offer them to a family member because I don't know if they're transferable. I'd hate for somebody to book a trip they weren't planning on, on the promise of free tickets, and then find out they can't use them.

Photopass Share -- A month or more ago I wrote up a note and had Judy send it to her director and her down-line people who are going on the trip, explaining what Photopass is and asking if they wanted to go in on a Share group. I volunteered to put it together and do all of the coordination. We got no response....just crickets chirping. I was a little disappointed that I didn't just join a group on TGM. But since then she's had opportunity to talk to a couple of these people and ask them about it and so we've got at least 2 others in our group, so we're on. We may get more before we go, or even add 1 or 2 when we get there.

Coffee (yes, coffee) -- You are probably aware that the coffee at Disney World is less than stellar. Unless you get a pressed-pot at Boma or Kona Cafe or a few other places, Disney serves a Nescafe instant that is downright foul. In the past, we've brewed our own coffee in our suite, but Judy only drinks decaf, and it just doesn't make a lot of sense to brew two pots for the two of us, so I usually end up drinking decaf, which to me is kind of like "what's the point?" Anyway, I read on another thread (Jordan's, I think) about Starbucks' instant coffee, called Via. So, I stopped into a Starbucks the other day and bought a couple of 3-packs. They're pretty good, but very strong! For us, one packet can be used for a very large mug, or probably two small mugs, and still be plenty strong. So I think that's the route we're going to go for our trip, rather than taking filters and coffee.

Well, that does it for this update. No pictures of shoes or park bags.

Link to next chapter

 

[All7OfUs]

Let me just preface by thanking you and my lucky stars that there are no shoes or bags. (Although, I can't guarantee that there won't be any of that froof on my thread at somt point in the future.)

I also want to just say, that a green eyed monster has come to visit- 40 days and all.

1) Tix- I think that totally stinks that you can't find out from SOMEONE about your tickets. Geez, it's a simple string of numbers or a 3 word phrase.

2) Photopass. Glad you got some response, although, not nearly as much as you had hoped. Maybe within those 40 days you'll find some more folks who are ready to cut a deal.

3) I like to hear that the Via is strong. So you're saying for my 3 days that I'll be in the POP (with no maker), 1 box of 3 packets oughtta work fine?? How does it taste?? I assume better than instant, but not as good as say a Kenyan roast?