The Pursuit of Disney Magic (June 7-14, 2008) ~ UPDATED 9/30 pg. 191

[Charleston Princess]

Do you have these?

or these?

I love the Athens flip flops and have had no problem wearing them at Disney. Sometimes I do use Body Glide on the bottom of my feet though.

Are the Athens the second pic? I'm still learning all the names.

Yeah I'm still thinking about it..

Hey guess what- today my amazingly amazingtastic Croc Capri shoes came. They are so cute and- SO COMFORTABLE. Like more than normal Croc comfort. the backs are kinda raised but cushioned with great support!

Cool! I guess I definitely need to see if the celery Capris are in stock yet .

Ok, so if I were to hypothetically break down and buy some crocs, would I get strange looks if I wore them to the gym????

Nah, go for it!

 

[carissanboys]

Have you seen or tried the Cleos? I don't like anything between my toes (no flip flops for me). I really like my Cleos although I don't think I could handle a whole day in the parks with them.

 

[jordanyosh]

CP,

As far as TL, timing is everything. Try and get there right before opening. If you can avoid renting towels or getting lockers, it will save you valuable time.

My favorite location is above the Wave Pool on the right hand side(when you face the Wave Pool):

It overlooks the Wave Pool.
It's close to an Entrance to Castaway Creek.
There's Counter Service and restrooms just a short walk away.
Wave pool not too far either.

If kids like Slides, try Crush N Gusher first. There are some more mellow waterslides fairly close to that prime seating location.

The farthest slides would be the innertube slides located on the other side of the park.

Hope this helps...

 

[Charleston Princess]

CP,

As far as TL, timing is everything. Try and get there right before opening. If you can avoid renting towels or getting lockers, it will save you valuable time.

My favorite location is above the Wave Pool on the right hand side(when you face the Wave Pool):

It overlooks the Wave Pool.
It's close to an Entrance to Castaway Creek.
There's Counter Service and restrooms just a short walk away.
Wave pool not too far either.

If kids like Slides, try Crush N Gusher first. There are some more mellow waterslides fairly close to that prime seating location.

The farthest slides would be the innertube slides located on the other side of the park.

Hope this helps...

It does -- tremendously! Thanks!

I was planning on bringing our own towels and wasn't going to bother renting a locker.

Definitely making notes of all your tips! I am excited about TL because it will be a brand-new Disney experience -- just keep your fingers crossed that we don't see any Brazillians in thongs like you did !

 

[Charleston Princess]

Have you seen or tried the Cleos? I don't like anything between my toes (no flip flops for me). I really like my Cleos although I don't think I could handle a whole day in the parks with them.

Nope, I haven't tried them -- sadly, my Minnie Janes are my first crocs . Although, I am hoping to add the Capris to my repertoire soon!

 

[Charleston Princess]

As a language arts teacher, one of the activities I do with my students when we learn a new vocabulary word is to have the students list the things the new word is not (supposedly this helps students learn the meaning of the word). So, I have made a variation of that "game." I'll call it: How Today was NOT a Disney Day in Northwest Georgia!

Definition of Disney Day: Day filled with magic and pixie dust; generally having to do with Walt Disney World in some way.

Note: This guy and this guy will appear frequently.

Background: DD is on her school's Science Olympiad team. Basically, Science Olympiad is a set of events where children use their knowledge of science to compete in pairs in application-type scenerios -- for example, DD competes in Crime Busters where she has to solve a crime using such things as fingerprinting and analysis of chemicals (think CSI for elementary students) and Write-It, Do-It where she writes a set of directions for assembling a structure and then her partner (who has not seen the structure) must assemble it from the directions. Today was the big district competition.

Back to How Today was NOT a Disney Day!

1. Wake up to find that downtown Atlanta had been hit by a tornado last night. It's been declared a State of Emergency. I live about 35 minutes away from downtown Atlanta and know every single landmark that was hit. Seeing the pictures on the news breaks my heart.

2. DD comes out wearing ripped jeans for her SO competition. Argument commences when I insist that as a representative of her school, she has to wear jeans without holes. Mean Mommy: Strike One.

3. At 11:15, DD has meltdown at SO because I will not let her roam the halls of the high school where the competition is being held. Mean Mommy: Strike 2.

4. Murmuring and whispering among parents and coaches is that a rather nasty storm is headed directly at us. I am rather worried because I hate storms (see previous posts), and DS and DH are not with us.

5. 12:00: Tornado sirens start going off. Principal moves all parents and students into inner hallways. Children are crying and parents are trying to be brave. Intermittent cell phone service in hallway -- I can't seem to get a signal to call DH and DS. Inwardly, I am screaming like Chicken Little, outwardly trying to stay calm.

6. 12:30: My cell phone rings (it's my dad) but when I pick up -- no signal. My MIL is with us, so I leave her with DD and move into central hallway (with windows ) to call Dad. He tells me that what the National Weather Service is pretty sure is a tornado is headed right for us and should be there about 12:36. Good news is that it is passing to the south of where he and my mom are, so that means it is also passing to the south of where DH and DS are.

7. 12:45: I think worst is over, start breathing normally when principal comes over intercom to announce that the what they are pretty sure is a tornado is about to be passing over us. He adds that everyone needs to stay in the central hallway and parents need to stay with their children.

8. 12:55: DD probably has shirt burn from me rubbing her back while I pray that everyone is safe.

9. 12:57: I can't take the suspense any longer and seeing the principal at the end of the hallway, go to find out the situation. He assures me the worst has past us, and they will be handing out the awards in the hallway since we are still under a warning until 1:15.

10. Awards are passed out and after checking weather situation with Dad, hightail it home.

11. Drive home: I feel like an extra from the movie Twister. It has stopped raining, but roads are filled with debris and there are no traffic lights working. Some roads are flooded and driving is a bit hair-raising .

So, as not to end my update on a sour note, here are a couple of ways today could be classified as a Disney Day:
1. Everyone I know is safe and damage is minimal.
2. DD got first place in Crime Busters and second place in Write-It, Do-It.
3. DD's school won first place so they will go to state.
4. Dinner tonight was Disney Happy Meals. Always fun to find WDW PotC tattoos with your chicken nuggets .

Now, dear readers, what makes a Disney Day in your eyes?

 

[jordanyosh]

A Disney Day for me now is looking back at my trip in February and being thankful for the opportunity to spend time with my family and friends.

 

[jordanyosh]

I'm glad everyone is safe.....

 

[MRYPPNS]

What a scary day! Congrats to your DD for doing such an excellent job

 

[MouseEarsForLife]

Thank goodness you're all safe! Tornadoes and big storms terrify me!

A Disney day to me is one where I'm surrounded by family and/or friends and we're all having fun! Leave the drama at home!

 

[carissanboys]

Tornadoes scare the poop out of me! Which is why I was so nervous on our first night in Disney and that crazy storm came through. I'm glad y'all are safe and congrats to your DD!!

A Disney day to me is when our family does something special, like go for a hike and we all have a great time and the boys say how it was the best time ever I love to make memories that they will remember when they're older, which is a big part of why I love going to Disney World

 

[BrittBritt]

Oh my goodness, CharlestonPrincess, I was crying as I read your post. Thank the Lord you all were safe and damage was minimal.
I had NO IDEA this went on yesterday---we weren't near a tv all day. Now I'll have to call DBIL to make sure everything is ok with them. (They are in Canton; he teaches at Woodstock MS.)
Your daughter is AWESOME for doing so well in her competition. That sounds like so much fun. I wish there was a competition for adults!
You are not a mean mommy (as you already know). You are one with rules, and I applaud you for sticking to them when so many parents these days cave immediately.
I, shamefully, also bought Happy Meals for DH and I for dinner on Fri. Hey, I wanted to see the toys, and I had to have a chance at winning the grand prze. Needless to say, I didn't win.
Once again, so glad you're all ok.

 

[IluvXU]

Yikes... the weather you all had is scary.... glad that somethings turned out good though!

 

[nts4wdw]

Bless your heart!! It's so hard to be the mom someitmes, being brave on the outside when inwardly you want to panic. You did a good job!!! So glad you are all OK!!
And thanks for the reminder about the happy meals.

 

[scottny]

Congrats on DD's wins.

Glad everyone was ok with the storms.

 

[j_lehr]

As a language arts teacher, one of the activities I do with my students when we learn a new vocabulary word is to have the students list the things the new word is not (supposedly this helps students learn the meaning of the word). So, I have made a variation of that "game." I'll call it: How Today was NOT a Disney Day in Northwest Georgia!

Definition of Disney Day: Day filled with magic and pixie dust; generally having to do with Walt Disney World in some way.

Note: This guy and this guy will appear frequently.

Background: DD is on her school's Science Olympiad team. Basically, Science Olympiad is a set of events where children use their knowledge of science to compete in pairs in application-type scenerios -- for example, DD competes in Crime Busters where she has to solve a crime using such things as fingerprinting and analysis of chemicals (think CSI for elementary students) and Write-It, Do-It where she writes a set of directions for assembling a structure and then her partner (who has not seen the structure) must assemble it from the directions. Today was the big district competition.

Back to How Today was NOT a Disney Day!

1. Wake up to find that downtown Atlanta had been hit by a tornado last night. It's been declared a State of Emergency. I live about 35 minutes away from downtown Atlanta and know every single landmark that was hit. Seeing the pictures on the news breaks my heart.

2. DD comes out wearing ripped jeans for her SO competition. Argument commences when I insist that as a representative of her school, she has to wear jeans without holes. Mean Mommy: Strike One.

3. At 11:15, DD has meltdown at SO because I will not let her roam the halls of the high school where the competition is being held. Mean Mommy: Strike 2.

4. Murmuring and whispering among parents and coaches is that a rather nasty storm is headed directly at us. I am rather worried because I hate storms (see previous posts), and DS and DH are not with us.

5. 12:00: Tornado sirens start going off. Principal moves all parents and students into inner hallways. Children are crying and parents are trying to be brave. Intermittent cell phone service in hallway -- I can't seem to get a signal to call DH and DS. Inwardly, I am screaming like Chicken Little, outwardly trying to stay calm.

6. 12:30: My cell phone rings (it's my dad) but when I pick up -- no signal. My MIL is with us, so I leave her with DD and move into central hallway (with windows ) to call Dad. He tells me that what the National Weather Service is pretty sure is a tornado is headed right for us and should be there about 12:36. Good news is that it is passing to the south of where he and my mom are, so that means it is also passing to the south of where DH and DS are.

7. 12:45: I think worst is over, start breathing normally when principal comes over intercom to announce that the what they are pretty sure is a tornado is about to be passing over us. He adds that everyone needs to stay in the central hallway and parents need to stay with their children.

8. 12:55: DD probably has shirt burn from me rubbing her back while I pray that everyone is safe.

9. 12:57: I can't take the suspense any longer and seeing the principal at the end of the hallway, go to find out the situation. He assures me the worst has past us, and they will be handing out the awards in the hallway since we are still under a warning until 1:15.

10. Awards are passed out and after checking weather situation with Dad, hightail it home.

11. Drive home: I feel like an extra from the movie Twister. It has stopped raining, but roads are filled with debris and there are no traffic lights working. Some roads are flooded and driving is a bit hair-raising .

So, as not to end my update on a sour note, here are a couple of ways today could be classified as a Disney Day:
1. Everyone I know is safe and damage is minimal.
2. DD got first place in Crime Busters and second place in Write-It, Do-It.
3. DD's school won first place so they will go to state.
4. Dinner tonight was Disney Happy Meals. Always fun to find WDW PotC tattoos with your chicken nuggets .

Now, dear readers, what makes a Disney Day in your eyes?

Ooh, sorry you had such a bad day!! I hate storms too! I think you handled it well considering! I am sure you're a great mom! It's tough to say no and set rules but I think in the end they need and appreciate the guidance. Congrats to your daughter for doing so well!!

A Disney day to me?? I never really thought about this...I guess it would be a day with all of my favorite things. (For some reason now, I can't get that song from the Sound of Music outta my head...My favorite Things!) Some of my favorite things (when I am not at Disney) are warm days, taking walks with my husband, watching movies with my daughter, eating dinner all together (a must in our house when we are all home, which surprisingly is most nights), trips to Coldstone (now we know where those 15 pounds came from!) and a peaceful night where all chores are done and I can cuddle up with a book.

Hope you are doing ok...
Jes

 

[Charleston Princess]

I'm glad everyone is safe.....

Thank you! Me too!

What a scary day! Congrats to your DD for doing such an excellent job

It was for sure! We are so proud of DD -- she is really excited, too! Tomorrow she gets to wear her medals to school.

Thank goodness you're all safe! Tornadoes and big storms terrify me!

I am a real chicken where bad weather is concerned. The Weather Channel and I are very good friends.

Tornadoes scare the poop out of me! Which is why I was so nervous on our first night in Disney and that crazy storm came through. I'm glad y'all are safe and congrats to your DD!!

Tornadoes scare the poop out of me, too! This was the closest one has come in several years. The last time they spotted rotation in the clouds was back in 2003 while I was at work. We had the kids in the hall for about an hour then, too.

I am just sad that DD's school's achievement was a bit overshadowed by the weather. Although, this morning in the paper there was a whole page devoted to the competition. That was cool.

Oh my goodness, CharlestonPrincess, I was crying as I read your post. Thank the Lord you all were safe and damage was minimal.
I had NO IDEA this went on yesterday---we weren't near a tv all day. Now I'll have to call DBIL to make sure everything is ok with them. (They are in Canton; he teaches at Woodstock MS.)
Your daughter is AWESOME for doing so well in her competition. That sounds like so much fun. I wish there was a competition for adults!
You are not a mean mommy (as you already know). You are one with rules, and I applaud you for sticking to them when so many parents these days cave immediately.
I, shamefully, also bought Happy Meals for DH and I for dinner on Fri. Hey, I wanted to see the toys, and I had to have a chance at winning the grand prze. Needless to say, I didn't win.
Once again, so glad you're all ok.

Oh, Brittbritt, I didn't mean to make you cry . Did you get ahold of your DBIL? Canton was actually hit worse than us yesterday. After the first round, another thunderstorm came through, it wasn't bad here, but became pretty powerful about the time it reached Canton. I hope he and his family are okay .

I was doing a lot of thanking the Lord yesterday and today! Trust me!

Science Olympiad is a lot of fun for the kids -- all the events sound cool to me -- I would like to compete in Wildlife Safari or (until yesterday) Weather or Not (since I am such a weather freak).

Thanks for the kind words about my parenting . I think DD is going to end up realizing that having a mom as a teacher definitely has a downside. I am always seeing these kids with no limits and the trouble they get into .

Really, how could any of us resist the YOMD Happy Meals? Sadly, we didn't win the trip either. Does that mean we have a reason to get more next week?

Thanks again! I am awfully glad we are ok too .

Yikes... the weather you all had is scary.... glad that somethings turned out good though!

Thank you. The pictures in the paper of the storm damage are quite sobering though. Luckily though, no one here in our county was injured (unfortunately there were two deaths in neighboring counties to the west of us). Things can always be replaced and rebuilt so we are very fortunate.

Bless your heart!! It's so hard to be the mom someitmes, being brave on the outside when inwardly you want to panic. You did a good job!!! So glad you are all OK!!
And thanks for the reminder about the happy meals.

Thank you! It is one of the toughest things: being a brave mom. After I got off the phone with my dad, DD wanted to know what he said. I felt like a political spin doctor trying to decide what to say without freaking her out.

Yes, definitely go get Happy Meals -- 15 families will win trips to WDW.

Congrats on DD's wins.

Glad everyone was ok with the storms.

Thank you. I noticed that Atlanta even garnered an article in the New York Times this morning. Of course, one of the people interviewed had to have bad grammar with his quote, "This don't happen too often." I promise there are people south of the Mason-Dixon line who know correct subject-verb agreement.

Ooh, sorry you had such a bad day!! I hate storms too! I think you handled it well considering! I am sure you're a great mom! It's tough to say no and set rules but I think in the end they need and appreciate the guidance. Congrats to your daughter for doing so well!!

Hope you are doing ok...
Jes

Today has been a MUCH better day and I am doing much better, thank you!

I know one day DD will understand why I set the limits that I do -- about the time she has her own children, probably.

 

[Charleston Princess]

A Disney Day for me now is looking back at my trip in February and being thankful for the opportunity to spend time with my family and friends.

A Disney day to me is one where I'm surrounded by family and/or friends and we're all having fun! Leave the drama at home!

A Disney day to me is when our family does something special, like go for a hike and we all have a great time and the boys say how it was the best time ever I love to make memories that they will remember when they're older, which is a big part of why I love going to Disney World

A Disney day to me?? I never really thought about this...I guess it would be a day with all of my favorite things. (For some reason now, I can't get that song from the Sound of Music outta my head...My favorite Things!) Some of my favorite things (when I am not at Disney) are warm days, taking walks with my husband, watching movies with my daughter, eating dinner all together (a must in our house when we are all home, which surprisingly is most nights), trips to Coldstone (now we know where those 15 pounds came from!) and a peaceful night where all chores are done and I can cuddle up with a book.

Hope you are doing ok...
Jes

I love reading about everyone's ideal Disney Days! It was very cheering.

I like how everyone seemed to mention spending time with their families and friends -- I totally agree that is the ideal Disney Day!

Carissanboys: That is definitely why my family always seems to go to WDW -- we have so much fun and make so many memories...I hope Chelsea and Connor never outgrow the place! As my mom always points out, I haven't outgrown it yet .

Jes: You hit the nail on the head with your list of favorite things. They're some of mine, too. I would have to substitute Brewster's for Coldstone though -- that is our local ice cream place. Their strawberry cheesecake ice cream is one of the highlights of our summers!

As for me, today definitely ranked higher on the Disney Day meter. It was sunny, warm, and we had my parents over for our annual St. Patrick's Day dinner of corned beef and cabbage (it was a day early, but there was no way I could make it tomorrow since I'll be at work). Lots of laughter and good food with my family -- quite lovely!

 

[jordanyosh]

MMMMMM....corned beef and cabbage...........

 

[Charleston Princess]

MMMMMM....corned beef and cabbage...........

It was tasty -- or maybe that was Irish Coffee afterwards .