The Return of the Wizard and the Cheerful Dwarf (Jan 2010--NEW photos!)

[Elevationist]

Oh, you're going to kill me, Wrexie! Now I want a Chilly Jilly! I'd much rather bring something like that with me to the parks, instead of my denim jacket I planned on toting with me!

I love your story about how you and your DH got together! It gives me hope for Ron and me. Out of curiosity, what game was it? Ron and I met in a similar fashion, though a virtual world environment. In our case it was Second Life.

I've given up on my skinny jeans. I love food more than those jeans, I guess.

 

[Wrexie]

I love your story of romance! I think the internet can be a great place to meet people and in the right circumstances meet! How wonderful that you found love that way!

Yeah, as long as you realize the potential dangers, like how much is "in your head" and how much could become real, I don't think the internet is any worse a place to meet people than other ways. In some ways it has advantages, because you're more likely to meet people not like you or people you wouldn't typically run into in a dating scene, and thus broaden your horizons!

Congrats on the skinny jeans! I need to get on your bandwagon! I think I'm spending too much time on the DIS and perhaps need to spend more on the treadmill......

Hehe--actually I've still got a few pounds to go to my goal but these jeans have some stretch and are pretty forgiving. I used to be more active, but haven't been able to since a knee injury in March, after which I started putting on the pounds. I realized since I can't exercise like I want to, I had to just cut back on food! The funny thing is, it's not as bad as I thought it would be. I'm still enjoying food, just a little less of it and more healthy stuff like veggies.

 

[Wrexie]

Oh, you're going to kill me, Wrexie! Now I want a Chilly Jilly! I'd much rather bring something like that with me to the parks, instead of my denim jacket I planned on toting with me!

I bet you'll still want the denim jacket--it will be cooling off in the evening for sure. Since I'm coming from Indiana, anything above freezing will feel fabulous to me, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for some nice warm and sunny days!

I love your story about how you and your DH got together! It gives me hope for Ron and me. Out of curiosity, what game was it? Ron and I met in a similar fashion, though a virtual world environment. In our case it was Second Life.

This was back in the dark ages where the internet was powered by mice running in treadmills...ok maybe not. But the web had just been invented, and most of the social stuff online came from usenet newsgroups and MUDs (multi-user dungeons). It was all text based, like you'd see a room description and a list of exits, for example:

N-the door to a cotttage, S-a thicket, E-a forest path, W-a forest path

And then you would type "N" to go north, etc. and see a description of the next room and the names of any people in it.

Pretty primitive compared to all the graphics nowadays!

Here's the wikipedia page that explains it better than I just did: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MUD

I've given up on my skinny jeans. I love food more than those jeans, I guess.

I know what you mean! I told myself it was ok not to lose the weight, that I liked food too much to try to be thin again. But then my doctor mentioned the words "knee surgery" and I decided I better do everything I could for my health before considering that. Now, my knee problems are caused by bone structure and not weight, but I never had problems when I weighed less, so I thought losing weight would be a good step. We'll see!

 

[Elevationist]

This was back in the dark ages where the internet was powered by mice running in treadmills...ok maybe not. But the web had just been invented, and most of the social stuff online came from usenet newsgroups and MUDs (multi-user dungeons). It was all text based, like you'd see a room description and a list of exits, for example:

N-the door to a cotttage, S-a thicket, E-a forest path, W-a forest path

And then you would type "N" to go north, etc. and see a description of the next room and the names of any people in it.

Pretty primitive compared to all the graphics nowadays!

Here's the wikipedia page that explains it better than I just did: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MUD

In 1998, I started doing online text-based fantasy RPGs that were similar to that. So not that ancient. ;P

I had to laugh at this quote from the Wiki page...

It has been argued that modern games like World of Warcraft, and social virtual worlds such as Second Life can have their origins traced back to the early MUDs. Originally graphical virtual worlds were called graphical MUDs, but by 2000 the term MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game) had become the standard.

I have played World of Warcraft for years, and I used to be in Second Life for a long time. Like I said, that's where Ron and I met.

 

[Wrexie]

In 1998, I started doing online text-based fantasy RPGs that were similar to that. So not that ancient. ;P

I had to laugh at this quote from the Wiki page...

I have played World of Warcraft for years, and I used to be in Second Life for a long time. Like I said, that's where Ron and I met.

I used to play WoW--my stepson got me addicted. I used to do the big 40-person raids, but then it got to the point I just couldn't keep up with the grinding for better equipment, etc. and most of the people in my guild were more into serious raiding than I was, so I lost interest. It's a great game though! I might pick it up again at some point but would have to take a more casual approach.

 

[Elevationist]

I used to play WoW--my stepson got me addicted. I used to do the big 40-person raids, but then it got to the point I just couldn't keep up with the grinding for better equipment, etc. and most of the people in my guild were more into serious raiding than I was, so I lost interest. It's a great game though! I might pick it up again at some point but would have to take a more casual approach.

Yeah, I've traveled the spectrum from casual player to raid guild leader, and back again. Several times. LOL. Right now I'm in extreme casual mode. I think alot of it is the people you play with can really sort of make or break the game for you... and I pretty much hate everybody in my guild, so I've been avoiding having to do things with them. My WoW BFF is there, though, so I stick around. And I really haven't had enough interest/energy to try and find a new guild anyhow. So when I log in, I just sorta keep to myself for the most part these days.

 

[Wrexie]

Ok, I just got a Shutterfly account so I can easily upload photos without having to do them one-by-one on my web hosting site!

Here's a couple from my recent trip to Squire Boone Caverns, and a couple from my last Disney trip--in 2004!

Er, I've got them on Shutterfly but haven't figured out how where to get the image URL to post here. I'll work on that tomorrow--watch this space!

 

[aprilisis]

I love your TR! Your story about meeting your husband was so nice. Congrats on losing weight & inches- and thanks for the link to the healthy eating thread. I have just started down a LONG road of weight loss. I need to lose about 60-70 pounds.
Anyways...I just wanted to say hello & I am subscribing.

 

[Wrexie]

I love your TR! Your story about meeting your husband was so nice. Congrats on losing weight & inches- and thanks for the link to the healthy eating thread. I have just started down a LONG road of weight loss. I need to lose about 60-70 pounds.
Anyways...I just wanted to say hello & I am subscribing.

Hi - thanks for reading! Congrats on starting the weight loss--sometimes just getting started can be hard to do. I hope you have lots of success and find some tasty, low-calorie foods that you love!

 

[Wrexie]

Ok, I think I've got the Shutterfly thing figured out. Life keeps me pretty busy these days, so I feel like I'm behind on reading all the great trip and pre-trip reports I'm subscribed to, but I hope to catch up over the weekend!

Here are a couple pictures from Squire Boone Caverns:

In the second one, the metal walkway goes right over a rushing underground river, though it's sort of hard to see in the photo.

Now, here are a couple of pictures from my last trip to Disney World, in January 2004!

Here I am by the castle, wearing a pair of jeans I have not been able to get into for maybe 3 years, until now!

The obligatory bird picture: an Anhinga! This was from the dock by Tom Sawyer Island, I think, looking toward Splash Mountain.

EDIT: The pictures weren't working from my shared album but I was able to use links directly from Shutterfly. It looks like they're working now!

 

[Wrexie]

My "Chilly Jilly" shawl came yesterday and I've got it on right now! It's been warm today, in the high 60s, but rainy. It's a decent mid-weight wrinkle-proof polyester that should be nice for Disney and for the summer months when I'm in a tank top but freeze in the AC.

Looks like I finally got the photos to work, so I'll have to upload some more. Yay!

 

[Lizziejane]

Hey! your report has really caught my attention...for a couple of reasons. We're going in January, too and it is our 4th visit also! I'm also trying to loose weight before I go!!! Sooo...I'm on board and hoping we can share tips and advice before the vacation rolls around!

Loving your report so far. I've never done a PTR, but yours is making me want to!

 

[figment41]

Hi just joining you on your PTR from Mickeystoontown report. It sounds like you have a great start already. I would definitely plan for at least an hour between parks. The ride times you have are pretty good but you have to remember you may get lucky and get a bus right away or you may have to wait for one. they say they are scheduled to run every 20 minuts but that is not always the case. Especially if my family is trying to get somewhere fast. THey also keep changing the rules and there are not many buses between the parks. Sometimes you have to go on a bus to another resort and then catch the bus to the park from there.

You can also plan on magical express picking you up 3 hours before your flight. This is very early but sometimes they stop at multiple resorts on the way to the airport. It is nice not to have to worry about your luggage though.

 

[floridascgirl]

Hey there! I just joined in on your PTR and I'm really loving it. Thanks for posting all of the photos and links. I love the sandals and your new wrap. Our last two trips were in January. It's a great month for Disney as far as lines and crowds are concerned. Somehow, however, we managed to time it when it was freakishly cold (scarf and glove cold). Make sure that you cover all of your bases weather wise...cold, rain and warmish temps. Florida weather can be really tricky in January.

 

[Wrexie]

Hey! your report has really caught my attention...for a couple of reasons. We're going in January, too and it is our 4th visit also! I'm also trying to loose weight before I go!!! Sooo...I'm on board and hoping we can share tips and advice before the vacation rolls around!

Loving your report so far. I've never done a PTR, but yours is making me want to!

Cool! You should start a PTR! When in January are you going and where are you staying?

 

[Wrexie]

You can also plan on magical express picking you up 3 hours before your flight. This is very early but sometimes they stop at multiple resorts on the way to the airport. It is nice not to have to worry about your luggage though.

Thanks for the tips! Yeah, I figured we had to catch that bus pretty early. That's one reason I scheduled our flight for later in the afternoon. If we get going at a decent hour, we may be able to drop off our luggage, check out, and do a bit of shopping at Downtown Disney before we catch our bus to the airport. I do really like the idea of not worrying with luggage! On the flight there, I'm planning to put my swimsuit, sunscreen, etc. in a carry-on in case we can't get our luggage right away. I want to be prepared to take advantage of the pool!

 

[Wrexie]

Hey there! I just joined in on your PTR and I'm really loving it. Thanks for posting all of the photos and links. I love the sandals and your new wrap. Our last two trips were in January. It's a great month for Disney as far as lines and crowds are concerned. Somehow, however, we managed to time it when it was freakishly cold (scarf and glove cold). Make sure that you cover all of your bases weather wise...cold, rain and warmish temps. Florida weather can be really tricky in January.

Hi - thanks for reading!

Yeah, I've got a packing list partially started, but I'll have to wait till closer to time to decide for sure how many sweaters and jackets to bring, long pants vs. skirts, etc. We went to L.A. last January and I nearly froze to death because I hadn't counted on how much time we'd be spending outside. So many of the restaurants have outdoor seating and in January they just turn on a couple of heaters and people wear a coat and scarf to dinner. I was plenty warm walking around but sitting outside after dark was a different matter!

 

[Lizziejane]

Cool! You should start a PTR! When in January are you going and where are you staying?

I started one!! LOL My problem is, with 3 guys, they basically get excited on the way to the airport. They don't understand the planning and anticipation, and therefore, will tolerate my ramblings for about 30 seconds. So a PTR is a great way for me to vent it all, even if no one ever reads it!

We are staying at BWV in a 2-bedroom Boardwalk view (woohoo) from Jan. 24-Feb. 1.

By the way, aren't you worried your toes will get cold in your new sandals in January?! as I recall, it can be pretty chilly in the mornings!

 

[Wrexie]

I started one!! LOL My problem is, with 3 guys, they basically get excited on the way to the airport. They don't understand the planning and anticipation, and therefore, will tolerate my ramblings for about 30 seconds. So a PTR is a great way for me to vent it all, even if no one ever reads it!

We are staying at BWV in a 2-bedroom Boardwalk view (woohoo) from Jan. 24-Feb. 1.

By the way, aren't you worried your toes will get cold in your new sandals in January?! as I recall, it can be pretty chilly in the mornings!

Boardwalk looks fantastic! I like how close it is to Epcot.

I actually wore my sandals today -- we had a high around 68 and lows somewhere in the 50's. But I'll make sure to bring closed shoes I can wear with socks too. I love wearing sandals when I can but don't want blue toes!

I'm going to see if I can find your pre-trip report!

 

[Lizziejane]

by the way, we stayed at the CBR on our first visit. We loved it! We booked a regular room, but at check-in I asked, very politely, if there was any chance of a room with a bit of a view. We were lucky enough to get a corner room, where one window looked out over the lake, and the other over the quiet pool! Our routine was me going to pick up breakfast while the guys got showered. I have to say, that early morning walk was heavenly. There was usually a mist/ fog over the water and it was so quiet and peaceful.

You asked too about old movies on Main Street at MK. I believe they are still there, but I'm unsure which building it is. I know I just read something about it a couple of days ago, but for the life of me, I can't remember where exactly. Now you have me curious to go off and find it again!