The Story So Far - Completed. 11/21-30/08

[DanMedix]

Before I begin, I want to thank a few people for making this trip report interesting, and making it possible at all:

- my inlaws, for being ignorant, bratty, and downright frustrating.
- my DW, for pandering to said inlaws
- Walt Disney, for being an influence in my life
- Mickey Mouse, for giving me a place to call home, when it's not really where I live
- And, of course, everyone on the DIS. Applaud yourselves, you rock!

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Let's get up to speed, shall we:

CAST OF MAIN CHARACTERS :

top left...well, that's me. Your friendly neighborhood DanMedix. In all my glory (?). Paramedic/FF. during trip, stripped of the role of "Alpha Dog".

top right....DW. Doesn't post on here. Teacher/Librarian. Grown to like WDW...although I don't think she feels like I do about it. Oh well,... Doesn't want the role of "Alpha Dog", but somehow manages to take it over at spots.

bottom left, DD9....knucklehead extraordinaire. Silly and fun. Planning her own trip report for her class at school. Well behaved, but has her moments, as all 9 yr olds do. I just wish she'd clean her room!

bottom right, DS5...the closest thing to a pet monkey that law will allow. He's tall enough to ride most rides this year. Awesomely fun and sweet young man, but Influenced by Nephew when he's around him.

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CO-STARRING.....

BIL - doesn't really want to be here, but also doesn't want his wife to disown him.

SIL - knows very little about how WDW functions. Loves to pretend she's always right. Comandeered the role of "Alpha Dog", although she knows very little, and keeps asking me about what's what. Calls herself a bible-thumper, although every other two word phrase out of her mouth is "G.D".

DNephew - just turned 5. Spoiled brat (and his parents are PROUD of this fact). Has a fixation with being ahead of YOU in line, even if he doesn't know where he's going. Starts crying LOUDLY if he's taking out of his usual "routine" (i.e. - if you take him to WDW).

....his parents are ok with this.

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and also in a "farewell role":

- my wits.

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FRIDAY, 11-21-08


Somehow, I knew this was going to be a trip to try my patience, when the in-laws started fighting with airport security. Aparrently, they didn't listen when they were told NOT to bring the 10 oz bottle of cologne IN THEIR CARRY-ON.

.....welcome to my world.......


The almost 2 hours on AirTran were a bit turbulent, but otherwise uneventful. DME presents no problems in getting to POP. Since it's so late, we decide to forego doing a park, and instead choosing to explore more of POP, and show it to the inlaws. Dinner at Everything POP was everything I expected from last year, although both myself and a CM had a very hard time explaining the DDP to SIL, who "WAS OF THE UNDERSTANDING" that the standard plan included appetizers or additional sides, although the literature says otherwise.

We're in the 80's this time......a little different walk to the main building, but still not bad. As long as the bar still has those Captain's Mai Tai's we're good...



A bit cool to swim (tried today earlier...felt great IN the pool...but turned into a Dan-sicle when I got OUT of the pool). It's kinda cool becoming slightly disoriented by walking up and down the Rubik's cube staircases.

*PaulaSB12 asked :
Now come on Dan with information like this we REALLY need pictures!!!!!!


*My response....

Wow....and me without anyplace to put my camera




*OhMari Asked......You do know there are elevator's at POP?

*I answered......Yes, indeedy. But, here's something interesting and fun for those of you that haven't ever done it before....

on the 80's side, the stairwells are Rubik's Cubes, as many of you know. Next time you're there, do this: At night, walk downstairs, and look upwards, towards the inside of the lighted "cube", and not at your feet.....since the cube is kinda off-center, it will mess with your vision if you're not careful...

....a bit of free fun, indeed...

Anyways, it was nite nite time shortly afterwards.......Was looking forward to a busy Epcot day....

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[duckybelle]

Ah, I am going to have to sub to this one!!!!

 

[DanMedix]

Saturday 11-22-08

Good morning from POP 9321!

After much coaxing, I tried to make my family, both extended and otherwise, that arriving to a park at rope drop IS A GOOD IDEA.

I haven't experienced POP as busy as this. Last year, we were here in October. This year's trip is gonna be busier......

SO, after trying to corral everyone, which was one of many exercises in futility, we make it to Epcot..

At this point, I've almost had it, while trying to convince them to hit Soarin' first, then M:S and TT.

I quickly learn one new fact....SIL has a "phobia" of "simulators"

She barely handles soarin' but runs screaming (almost crying) from THE IDEA of M:S.

..to quote London Tipton......yay me.

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now, WHY IS IT that I can convince NO ONE IN MY FAMILY except DD that WORLD SHOWCASE IS INDEED INTERESTING, FUN, AND A GREAT PLACE TO VISIT???

I believe the answer lies somewhere in the statement of "WE JUST WANNA RIDE RIDES"....


....god forbid you have a real cultural exchange, or a meaningful experience.

ANYWAYS, we head into WS, with the start of DN's first (of many) meltdowns. I convince them that "WE CAN EAT IN MEXICO". So, almost as if they were being dragged in, we go into the great pyramid at Mexico. While they're browsing, I secure TS at San Angel. The food there is as good as I remember it being....especially since this restaurant seems to be a place we always hit when we're at WDW.

After this, It's definitely downtime. SO, much to my dismay...BACK TO POP WE GO.

That evening, we hit DTD....which is WAY busy.

Well....it's a holiday week, and it's also Saturday. So, it stands to reason that it will be a bit crowded. No worries.

...except the inlaws have another "BRIGHT IDEA"......

....LET'S EAT AT THAT NEW DINOSAUR RESTAURANT!!!

Ummm, GREAT....except for a couple of things...

1 - the wait is about 2 HOURS
2 - they don't accept DDP
3 - the crowd in front of the restaurant looks like those videos of Tel Aviv from years ago.....chaos in large numbers.....

SO, I take this opportunity to introduce them to one of my favorite eateries in DTD: Earl of Sandwich....

....which is also PACKED, with a line OUTSIDE the door! But, things are moving fast, so no worries.....

I love their food. My family has loved them ever since last Halloween.
the inlaws were disappointed. Perhaps I could have persuaded them to make their sandwich in the shape of a dinosaur?.....

After a bit of shopping, it's back to POP, and off to bed.


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MORE OF MY EXTENDED REPORT TO COME! STAY TUNED!

 

[ILuvCrush]

yay Dan!! I'm here! The extended version is even more fun than the live 'abridged' version

Still no Dan-cicle pics

Oh well....

Paula

 

[Disnsyncey]

..to quote London Tipton......yay me.

HAHAHAHAHHA I love that

 

[choirfarm]

Boy, I sure hope your in-laws, nephews parents etc. don't read this. I would be so incredibly mad at you if I were them!!! Just be careful... do you want them to read this... WOW.... My in-laws would be in tears...

 

[mitros]

What scares me is that we are arriving on te 6th of December, and it sounds like EVERYTHING is mobbed!....Some recession.

 

[DanMedix]

Boy, I sure hope your in-laws, nephews parents etc. don't read this. I would be so incredibly mad at you if I were them!!! Just be careful... do you want them to read this... WOW.... My in-laws would be in tears...

Perhaps I am being a bit harsh, but I call 'em like I see 'em. Trust me, these family members would certainly do the same to me if the roles were reversed...

..and have, in their own way.

 

[DanMedix]

What scares me is that we are arriving on te 6th of December, and it sounds like EVERYTHING is mobbed!....Some recession.

Well, I'm wondering if the "recession" is going to have a greater impact on the 2009 bookings? I'm sure many of the folks that were there during the week I was there had already prepaid their trips. But, I am indeed curious as to how the 2009 trips will be affected...

 

[mitros]

Well, I'm wondering if the "recession" is going to have a greater impact on the 2009 bookings? I'm sure many of the folks that were there during the week I was there had already prepaid their trips. But, I am indeed curious as to how the 2009 trips will be affected...

I'm wondering that myself. The DVC arm of Disney is still going full tilt. Reservations are all up at each resort. I called about 2009, and was told that there is literally no slowdown in reservations whatsoever. I'm curious how things are for the rest of the non-DVC resorts next year.

Also, on a side note, your a stronger man then I am, going with all of those folks you are with. They sound like a hand full. Hope your having a good time anyway.....

 

[Sleeping Becca]

Lovin your TR!

Thanks for writing!

I love the description of the cast! Very funny! If you can't insult your family, who can you insult?

I can blast away on the DIS because I know my relatives will NEVER see it! I'm guessing your situation is the same.

 

[Luv4Disney]

Subbing!

 

[DanMedix]

DAY THREE

11-23-08
about 230pm

The fam's napping, and I have a free moment for ya...

I was asked about the DDP..well.....

- my problems with the DDP (the standard plan) include:
*CM's who don't know what's included, or what to call a "dessert" or "snack"

*inconsistency with "adult/child" portions. Some restaurants enforce portion rules, some don't. This makes ordering a bit of a challenge sometimes.


Yes, the "Food and Fun Plan" was the one they had back in 1994, that let you have just about anything, anywhere. I'm absolutely sure WDW lost money on it. But, hey, at least it was easier for us to figure out..LOL


Today. MK so far...BUSY!!!!! Got there at rope drop, and LORD, was it crowded! (and the airline wouldn't let me bring my machete...AAAAGH!)

But, lines aren't too bad, and are at the very least manageable. However, today, it seemed like I've run into a few particular park stereotypes..

- I've been hit, and almost run over, by an ECV! one lady going against the flow at the splash mountain exit who claimed she couldn't see me...

- my DD was almost knocked over by....what could possibly be..A BRAZILIAN TOUR GROUP (group of mid to late 20 yr olds..no flags or chants or anything, but thought DD(9) was a tackling dummy.

But, like I said, it's not bad so far. In Fantasyland, Dumbo could use a coat of paint, but at least it's up and running.





We had a great CM at Splash Mountain, who let us ride a 2nd time with no wait, because the photo people deleted our picture. Probably because of my inlaws....They thought it would be ok if the nephew (their son) sat on their lap during the ride. Apparently, this is a safety violation, and I can certainly understand. But oh well...



My DD and DS, not to brag, are doing quite well on this trip. DS even got picked today for Jack Sparrow's pirate tutorial!

Tonight is EMH.....I REALLY HOPE crowds aren't bad. If they are, we'll divert after dinner. (ressies at LTT)

The POP folks are still as friendly and helpful as ever. So far, this place still gets my vote....ALTHOUGH there are drawbacks - mostly with your bus pick-up location proximity. POP's is the FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRTHEST from the park. My SIL did put it best....the first two letters of Pop Century are "PO"....and they keep us "po folks" in the back. LOL

oh well....almost time to rouse the fam before dinner tonight. As usual, I'll keep ya posted.



****LATER THAT NIGHT.....*******


Mkay. It's about 9pm EST, and we're in the room, ready for nite-nite time. Last night's EMH at MK wasn't bad. This was actually my first time to see SpectroMagic....not bad at all.

Almost had a problem at LTT. Seems that my ressies somehow got screwed up, and placed for the night BEFORE we were there. but, thanks to a great CM named "Courtney D", we were able to get in, even though things were booked. (after all, we DID have ressies). But, after this experience, I had to call WDW Dining, and reconfirm my other ressies. The food at LTT was great as always. The beef was perfectly smoked....and I HAVE to find the recipe for the pineapple mustard that was used on the ham! I'm SO making that for Christmas this year!

The rest of the night wasn't bad. The crowds were still larger than I'd like, but still mostly manageable. Spent a good bit of time in Tomorrowland and Main Street. My first time doing TTA (a nice diversion). DS' first time on Space Mtn too, now that he's tall enough. He absolutely loved it!

Then it was time, once again, for my ever-so-famous TEACUPS PICTURE!
Yes, folks....when it comes to the teacups, I'm the one they warn you about! I can make the strongest of people turn green! I swear, if M:S breaks down, I'll be glad to help get the SPINNING on!! But, the best part about it is when you get great pictures of the people you're spinning....

...like this one...

DS also tried his hand at driving at INDY. Remind me to spend a little EXTRA time with him when it's his turn to get his license! LOL

Next thing you know, I'm looking at my watch...and it's about 1AM!! GOOD LORD we've got to get to bed!!


SO, back on the bus, headed to POP.


*speaking of buses, btw, the buses are running ok throughout this trip. I just wish people would use deodorant*

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NEXT PART COMING TONIGHT!

 

[Laneychris]

Great pics!

 

[3"Mouse"keteers]

subbing! Can't wait to read the rest of your report!

 

[rosiep]

More Dan! I want more!
I think too that I should introduce my Mom to your in-laws.


http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2001869

 

[mitros]

Oh no! the Brazilians are there this week? This is the absolute WORST group to be stuck with! Hope to God they are gone by next Saturday when we arrive......

 

[DanMedix]

yay Dan!! I'm here! The extended version is even more fun than the live 'abridged' version

Still no Dan-cicle pics

Oh well....

Paula

Well...It's colder HERE AT HOME than it is in FL, and it's been a while since I've done a photo shoot like that.........teehee

 

[DanMedix]

Lovin your TR!

Thanks for writing!

I love the description of the cast! Very funny! If you can't insult your family, who can you insult?

I can blast away on the DIS because I know my relatives will NEVER see it! I'm guessing your situation is the same.

I'm right there with ya

 

[kirrrby]

Love the TR.
Subbing
You're almost making me regret wanting to go with my DBF's parents next march.
Also, here is a semi-close to the LTT Ham & Mustard Recipe.


click,click