The Tagalongs join Mr. and Mrs. Reese - Now finished!!

[Mrs.Reese]

In my family, we have this wonderful tradition of just tagging along. It doesn't matter what the occasion you will invetiably have someone joining you for the ride. On my parents honeymoon, my grandmother tagged along. On my honeymoon, my parents joined us in the cabin next door. We went to DC my grandmother just showed up and came along. I am convinced that even if we have just met you if you are going somewhere you will have a member of the Griswolds with you. We're like the cousin eddie's.

Now for this particular excursion I had no idea I was even going. I was looking through the Amex bill and noticed a charge for 1200. This did not set Mrs. Reese in a good mood. until I noticed what the charge was for. Now I'm not getting my hopes up. It could be some strange fluke of AMEX and DH isn't a disney lover (yet!!). I ask DH why is there a 1200 charge on the account. DH turns red, looks at floor and begins playing with cat. "Excuse me. The cat does not pay bills. Why is there a 1200 charge on the AMEX?" DH is still playing with cat and has now resorted to feeding cat with cat nip. Cat goes insane and begins crying at ceiling but I am not deterred!!! I give DH "the look." It's the same look I give my K's when they are acting up. No one can resist "the look."

DH now admits that we are going to WDW Jan 1-6 since it's our Xmas (oh excuse me "holiday break") break. Yay!! Six days with no tagalongs. Six days in the happy place and it'll be just the two of us!!! Six days without a single kid telling me they have to go to the bathroom or that they just went in their pants. We are staying at POR and using the Dining Plan. DH insists that this Xmas, birthday and anniversary all rolled into one. I don't care I'm going to Disney World without anybody else but the two of us.

I now make the biggest mistake in 26 years of existence. I tell my mother. I in my disney-induced happy state call my mother and relay our plans. Mother sounds interested too interested in fact. I of course am not paying attention to the telltale signs. The questions of which resort, how long, what's the confirmation number. I the person with a master's degree ignore the warning bells and give her the information. It has not registred yet. Disney-induced happy high tends to knock all rhyme or reason out of my normal rational self. Phone call ends.

 

[OhMari]

Tagalongs, I am really speechless with your pre-trip. You must know in your gut your mom will be going.

 

[Mrs.Reese]

After talking with my mom, its time for me to go and brave another day of K. We've been having this bug going around resulting in children just throwing up. Now most kids can recognize when thats going to happen and attempt to leave the room. Not mine. They try to hide it. The day before one my boys was in the back of the room and tried to hide behind the housekeeping area. I go back there to find that he has just thrown up and is trying to cover it up with a blanket. I ask him what has happened and he starts to cry so that they can hear him upstairs "I don't wanna go Home!!!!!!!" I love my job. I don't care if they all regurgitate today because I'm going to WDW.

Right after I get my one-minute restroom break, my cell is going off. Now I'm not supposed to have this when I'm teaching but the kids are at music so I brave the lecture and answer. It's my mom!!!! This is not good. Mom knows not to call during the day. You have a better chance of winning the lotto than trying to reach a teacher during the school day. I'm thinking something is terribly wrong but wait she sounds excited. What's this an excited Mom and then she says it, "Your father and I are going to WDW too!" Isn't that great?

Now I love my parents. I really do and they aren't bad to travel with since they both just love to do anything but this was supposed to be just two people not four. DM and DF are also staying at POR Jan 1-6. Visions of quiet alone time with Mr.Resse disappear out the window.

"We're going to be in the same building and I requested adjoining rooms."

Where oh where did I invite my parents? Oh well parents are good. DM thinks we are poor and insists on paying for pretty much everything. Then DM drops the next bomb.

"You're grandparents are coming too." Did she just say what I think she just said. I'm now having visions of grandma getting frustrated and planning a day full of shows and arguing with mom over best parade three hours before said parade. But yet, grandparents are also pretty decent travelers. This could be good. DGM has a good sense of humor and DGF will probably spend most his time at POR watching TV.

Mom begins asking about DDP. She wants me to plan everything. Huh? You invited yourself on my surprise trip and now want me to plan everything? I don't get it.

I get off phone with DM and call Dad. You see my father will tell me how this all came about and I bet it has to do with my mom. Mom turned 50 this year and is starting to act all funny. By this time I need to get my little ones from music since they have this tendency this year to begin bursting into random song. My classroom is very much a musical.

Dad answers and explains that this was his idea. Oh Dad how can you do this? Dad explains that he is being good son and giving his parents a Disney trip. Dad is very nice and is now favorite son to grandma.

Dad says that since there is no bowl game he needed to occupy mom for a couple of days and what better way than some further bonding with her daughter. Dad is retired firefighter and I think spends about 40% of pension sending mom away. He says mom is good in small chunks like how fudge is good in small chunks. Dad hangs up. Dad is not getting new tackle for fishing this christmas. I pick up my K's only to find that today they felt like singing about their chains hanging low instead of polar puppy.

So now what was a quiet two person trip has turned into a six-person, three generations trip that I have to plan.

It's all good though because I'll be at WDW and nothing can ruin that. This is my mantra and I will keep saying until this is all over.

Up next, I tell DH about the tagalongs and his reaction.

 

[Sooze]

As an elementary teacher, I can totally relate to your pre-trip report! I'm loving it.

But if my parents ever invited themselves to one of our adult-only trips... I think my husband would leave me....

Good luck with the planning. Can't wait to hear how it goes!

 

[mouseketeer_mom]

oh, it's gettin good! sign me up, I'm already hooked!

 

[Mrs.Reese]

After getting off the phone with my Dad, I must somehow break the news to DH but how to do it? We both teach at the same school and I could send one of the little ones to his room. He surely wouldn't kill a kindergartner. Would he? Yes! That is how I will do it. I will send the most adorable two k's to his second grade room with a note. The note must be to the point and I should send it at a time when he is sure to be extremely busy. Aha! I'll send it during Math. He wouldn't stop teaching a math lesson just to call me. My plan is foolproof!

I send down the note. They come back and tell "Mrs. Reese, Mr. Reese stopped smiling" For a five-year old this is tantamount to a nuclear explosion. Class phone rings. Extension shows Mr. Reese's room. This is not good. If I answer said phone, even though little ones are busy making alphabet play-dough someone may either eat the dough, burst into song or a combination of both. Phone keeps ringing. DH asks "how did this happen?" I tell him it was my dad's idea. DH is most wonderful husband ever and says well it'll be fine. We'll still have fun. I love DH DH has one condition; he does not want to spend the whole day waiting for parades. DH is not a parade person. Random child begins singing "moulin rogue" while eating alphabet play-dough.

Up next - Food glorious food that must include a steak with every meal with the cast of characters.

 

[Cinderella2004]

After getting off the phone with my Dad, I must somehow break the news to DH but how to do it? We both teach at the same school and I could send one of the little ones to his room. He surely wouldn't kill a kindergartner. Would he? Yes! That is how I will do it. I will send the most adorable two k's to his second grade room with a note. The note must be to the point and I should send it at a time when he is sure to be extremely busy. Aha! I'll send it during Math. He wouldn't stop teaching a math lesson just to call me. My plan is foolproof!

You're a genius!!! I burst out laughing when I read that!!

I can't believe I'm hooked on this already, and it's a month until your trip!!!

 

[mouseketeer_mom]

I could send one of the little ones to his room. He surely wouldn't kill a kindergartner. Would he? Yes! That is how I will do it. I will send the most adorable two k's to his second grade room with a note. The note must be to the point and I should send it at a time when he is sure to be extremely busy. Aha! I'll send it during Math. He wouldn't stop teaching a math lesson just to call me. My plan is foolproof!

I'm loving your pretrip report!

and by the way, you are truly blessed to have such an understanding husband.

 

[Mrs.Reese]

Mouseketeer Mom- He is the most wonderful and understanding man I know. Just don't tell him that.....

Oh Mari- Yes I should have known but she does mean well.


People are actually reading this? Oh my. Ok so now you know how two became six. I gues I should introduce the griswolds. I call us the griswolds because my parents really did have a station wagon just like in Christmas Vacation and my mom did dry the turkey out so much we ended up with Chinese one year. That was also the year that my DF, a firefighter, blew up part of the shed in the backyard with a blowtorch and some firecrackers. He claimed he was doing "pest control." Sure if the pest was some form of mutant roach. Oh wait, we do have those in Fl and they fly. they're called palmetto bugs.

Who we are...

Mrs.Reese: Me, a 26 yr. old Kindergarten teacher who just loves school so much she is doing a Ph.D. I am lover of all things Disney and have been known to burst into random song and dance. Like classroom, I must have a schedule planned out and made into wall-sized poster. Children are becoming confused and wonder why he have reading instead of EPCOT.

Mr. Reese: Most wonderful, understanding and patient man. Also teaches 2nd grade. Allows me to become obsessive disney planner. Voluntarily drives mini-van. Will not watch parades. He says he would rather clean litter box, bathrooms and kitchens than watch parades.

DM: Recently turned 50 and has begun mid-life crisis. DM has begun looking into plastic surgery. Wants a schedule and says she doesn't care what we do but will immediately complain if mind is not read. Also has strange idea that running is fun. Loves good food and is nicknamed "spazz" by family. This will become important later.

DF: Retired firefighter who invited himself with two grandparents along. Acts like big-tough macho man but is really a teddy bear inside. When anyone wants my dad to change their mind, they ask me. Otherwise DF changes mind for no one. I am DF's kryptonite.

DGM: A spry 71 yr old who believes that you are as old as you act. Loves good food, good fun and adventure. Do not challenge to adult beverage contest because you will lose. DGM takes these things seriously. She'll be the red head asking you if you have had any "fun" planned for the evening.

DGF: The tall-dark man that you always wanted to meet but didn't. A good 5 years younger than DGM but kind of a grouch. DGF will require daily naps and a steak with every meal. DGF does not care when parade starts but would like everyone to quit talking about it so he can get a smoke. DGF is also stubborn but like DF I am his kryptonite. DGF is retired fire chief and may randomly ask you if you have seen the latest smoke detector, axe, fire extinguisher, etc.

So that's the six of us.
Up next, the drama really begins making ADR's. DM begins the "spazzing." Until then I leave you my intrepid readers with this thought "Are cats really tame or have they tamed us?

 

[Mrs.Reese]

You now know who we are. Scary isn't it? Remember if you see us turn around and walk away or you might have a new member of your family.

Now comes the fun part making ADR's. I'm thinking fun like a trip to the dentist. This is where the OCD in me comes out. I become addicted to allears and the DIS. DH has begun to threaten trip cancellation. DH says I am not married to computer. K's ask what I want for Xmas. I tell them allears. I am really neglecting my dissertation work but I must continue. WDW is much more important than boring dissertation on the effects of homeschooling and literacy.

I call DGM and DGF to ask for suggestions. DGM says "whatever" No really what would you like to eat. "Whatever" Would you like to eat pig's feet? "Whatever" DGM is not paying attention. DGM begins to talk about going to Rose Bowl Parade. Huh? Then why did DF buy you a Disney trip?

DGM "Well I entered a contest and I'm going to win" DGF is heard in background yelling "Irma, you will be struck by lightning before winning that. MrsReese, I want steak at every meal. No funny or weird stuff."

DGF is easy to please since every menu has meat and potatoes. DGM has still not answered question. Ok, so pig's feet it is. DGM says that will be fine since she's winning that Rose Bowl contest.

That was easy. DGM did not specify now so she will have to live with whatever I decide. You see I did give her a chance. Now comes the hard part: DM. DM can have two items on a menu and still spend 30 minutes studying the menu before deciding. She will also want, like Sally, everything on the side. Fat-free dressing on the side, sauces on the side. Do you remember that scene where Sally is describing how she wants everything and the waiter just looks at Harry? That's what every meal with my mother is like. DF will spend this time to make DM angry and begin the "spazzing." DM's voice will go up three octaves and the dogs will cry.

I continue my DIS obsession and make a list of 10 restaurants to eat at. I send DM an e-mail with the links to the restaurant menus. I tell her she must pick five. I'm of course sure to send this e-mail at 4:30 am since she will be out entertaining herself by running like a hamster on her treadmill. DM calls and is panicked. She can't make even choose one. "They just all look so good." Wait, you've been to WDW every since it's opened. Your a charter annual passmember, you've eaten at almost all these restaurants and you have no opinion. Sure, let's see how true that is. What about "Sci-fi? Do you remember that spazzing? Here is where it becomes important.

Voice rises three octaves. "I HATE THAT PLACE!!!!!" "The food was terrible" No I don't want to eat there" I hear dogs crying in the house next door but at least that's one eliminated.

DM "I want Coral Reef." "I want to watch fish as I eat fish." Did I mention that DM makes no sense sometimes? "Ok, fine we'll watch fish as we eat fish."

DM "I didn't say that!!!!!!" I know better than to contradict. Contradicting DM leads to a visit from police asking "Is everything alright ma'am?"
DM then makes decsion. "I want Coral Reef, 50's PTC- Maybe they can teach your DH some eating manners, Boatwrights - John!!!! You are eating Cajun one night- Maya Grill - I like that place, it looks you're eating in a fireplace- and Kona Cafe - it'll be so romantic." "Uh, DM did you forget that these will all be reservations for six people?"

DM "No, I didn't forget but it'll still be romantic. Don't forget that we want to eat only between 5 and 6:30 pm." What's this we stuff? Normally, I and DH eat dinner at about 7ish. I decide for the sake of my sanity to not mention this little point to her.

Ok, I now have my list of five places. See what happens when I don't read DM's mind.

Up next, calling for ADR's and DH and I debate shoes.

 

[Sooze]

You are too funny for words. Thanks for making me laugh during this Friday afternoon lunch break!

 

[Mrs.Reese]

With all the excitement, I figure that making ADR's will be a DISASTER. I mean after all its Thanksgiving week. I call for ADR's and speak with the nicest CM. She first asks me for the days I want to make ressies on, DDP, number of people. I actually get all of the places and at times that will please DM. Pour on the pixie dust

In order to inform the familia with all of the good news, I decide to brave a phone call. Rather than playing the call, hang up, call again, return call, call waiting is beeping game. I tell DM to have DGM and DGF at house at 7pm. This will be a family conference call. DM "Are going to eat fish?" "You'll just have to wait and see." I am the master and commander of this trip and she must learn that unless the spazzing begins. Then it's time to duck and pray.

DM is excited. DF is also happy. "So we can watch fish as we eat fish, right Peg." DM's voice rises three octaves. It is at this time that I am eternally grateful that I live three hundred miles away but she does have good aim. I am beginning to think that DM should be interrogator in the hunt for BinLaden. The terrorists would gladly give him if only to maker stop. DGM begins rambling about how can they be changed since I'll be at the Rose Bowl Parade?" Did she win that contest? No but she has subscribed to the wishful thinking mantra now. "If I believe it, it will happen."

DH has chosen this time to engage in the mentally stimulating activity of solitaire. DH sticks head into room. "is she done yet?" "no" "Peg, are we going to watch fish as we eat fish?' DM doesn't appreciate comment. Voice rises and dogs being crying. "MrReese that wasn't funny! I never said that." This is why DH doesn't mind trip. He and DF will engage in the joyous activity of torturing DM with her own "lackluster" comments. Conversation ends.

Here are the fabulous ADR's that everybody actually liked. DM has agreed to study menus now in the hope that she will be ready to make decision when time comes. I have instructed her that should she not be able to make decision within five minutes of seating that she will have a "time out." Remember I am the master and commander of this trip.

Jan 1 - Boatwright's 6:30
Jan 2 - 50's PTC 5pm
Jan 3 - Maya Grill 5:15 pm
Jan 4 - Coral Reef 5pm
Jan 5 - Kona Cafe - 5:30 pm
Jan 6 - Boma

With that fun out of the way, it is now onto footwear. DH searches computer history and again makes meaningless threat of trip cancellation. DH would never do it. Like mother like daughter? I can't make the dogs cry but I can put the fear of death when neccessary. DH says that I cannot buy pair of Crocs. "Those are the ugliest, old lady shoes I have ever seen and I refuse to be seen in public with you if you are wearing them."
I will just wear them to bed then and let's see what you say about that. DH takes shoes and hides them. He must have been that one kid you could never find because I just haven't found them yet. Oh well, they were just my Mary Janes. I will have to hide my Disney crocs from him. But where to hide them? I can't hide them at school. He'll suspect that but if I send them to my parents house he would have to drive 300 miles to get them. While DH is stubborn, he can't waste that much time to throw them out the window. Trust me, he would throw them out the window. Plus, I got him a pair and think it would be oh so cute if we both wore them. He probably wouldn't but who cares what a bunch of people you will most likely never see again think about your footwear? Shoes are sent to parents house and DH is none the wiser. He'll get his on Xmas. DM will think how cute and DF will say "if you wear those, I no longer like you not that I liked you to begin with." Well we'll just see. Once again I am the master and commander. Now I just need to figure out the actual touring plans. I don't need to think about that now, I'll think about it tommorrow.

 

[Mrs.Reese]

Just a little vent here. I really hate birthdays. Not mine but my students. Is it really so much to ask to send a note the day before so that I the person who will be stuck with the distribution of cake, cookies, candy be aware of the situation? Parent shows up in office today with birthday items. Parent had not informed me so office says no. Parent had purchased and I am not kidding catered lunch with ice-cream cake plus games. As we are a school and not Chuck-E-Cheese school policy is that birthday celebrations must not interfere with the learning process i.e. catered events. The parents here almost seem to be competing with each other. They have only gotten more elaborate as the year has progressed. We have emergency staff meeting over get this, birthday parties in school. Majority of staff also complains on birthdays. Principal decides new policy. All birthdays are celebrated on a monthly basis and parents may no longer bring anything in. Letters are going home tommorrow. Now I can get back to my job of actually teaching and not party director.

Back to Disney planning, we have begun to learn about maps. I figure what better way than to study Disney maps. They are actually really good. The kids really enjoy them and are finally understanding that maps are pictures of places to help them get around. One of my little ones gave me a bag that she called her "disney emergency." In it was bandaids, chapstick, hand sanitizer and gum. It was absolutely adorable. She put it into a basic lunch bag and decorated it herself. She had put little stickers on it and drew Goofy. She said that she wanted to be sure that MrReese and I had a good time. It was a good day.

 

[uhtimex]

I am sure you are going to have a wonderful time. If you do get homesick and want to watch some kiddo's I will be in the Mutherland from 12-29/01-04 and will have 5 girls in tow. let me know and I will let you watch them for free.

 

[Mrs.Reese]

uhtimex- while I love children, I really love the ones that I can give back....


I did something that I swore I would never do the other day; I bought a guide book. I have hidden this book under my pillow. Mr.Reese would certainly not appreciate book and would begin meaningless trip cancellation threat. I went to target the other day and after running into somehow five students (there's only one target in town which might explain it) I found two Disney shirts I also got a sewing kit at dollar store and cool-max socks. I'm almost all set. Christmas shopping is done. Mr Bananna is doing the happy dance too.

Only four more days of teaching and then it's winter break. I now have the whole weekend to read more of the "unofficial guide" There is some really good stuff in that book. I think we'll be using this book. Well at least MrReese and I will be using this book.

I called DM the other day and we had a heart-to-heart and what exactly will be occuring in WDW. I explained in a very mature manner that Mr.Reese and I had certain things that we wanted to see and if the other members did not want to see it than they could go off and explore on their own. DM said that she and DF would be pretty much ok with following same plan that we're following. DM is also becoming Disney-dork and is reading "unofficial guide" I am so proud of DM. The one problem may be DGM and DGF. I like some shows but I am not going to park my happy little self for three hours to wait for a parade. DGM and DGF would do this all day if left to their own devices. Plus, MrReese has threatened divorce if forced to watch one child's show at WDW. He expressly forbidden the visit of any fantasyland rides except for "Snow White."

DM comes up with an actual solution. (just a side note: DM has master's degree in public health and is occasionally called "master" as an annoyance) Me: "yes oh master, what is your grand idea?' Voice only rises two octaves. I am in the safe zone.

DM: "let's just have everyone meet up for dinner. We all have cell phones and we can check in with each other as the day goes on."

Ok Mr. Banana do your thing

So that is the plan. Its fabulous. A plan that I did not have to create and if they don't like whatever it is we are doing than they can just go off on their own. Now whether this will actually happen is anyone's guess but at least it's a plan.

 

[Mrs.Reese]

Not only have I purchased a guide book, I bought a baggalinni. I have one in red. I'm wondering if I could put some iron-patches on it. This thing is quite handy. Many, many pockets and it's not a fanny pack. I refuse to use a fanny pack until at least my 40th birthday. Mr Reese was none too happy with my purchase but has acquisced. Why? Because I am the master and commander of this trip! No actually its beacuse I reminded him of all the crud he has to haul around. That man needs more stuff than a newborn. He has more laundry than me.

Can you tell I just love the smilies on this board?

We have been walking every night this past week and are getting pretty good at it. No tired legs for us. We have even met more of our lovely neighbors. We're used to being on our feet all day. We are after all elementary teachers. So these nightly walks are just an added endurance. The crocs have performed quite well during walks and my feetsies don't hurt one little bit. I've even started wearing them to work. I don't care what the dress code says. People are not supposed to stand in dress shoes all day. It is simply not healthy. This whole week I have come home and not had single bit of foot pain. Normally my feet are quite achy.

DH is fascinated with segways and I wanted to purchase a segway tour for him as a surprise. I thought he would like it. does he? No. He says he would rather have some nick-nack from Radio Shack. Oh well, if it'll make him happy.

DGM called me this morning to say that she did not win Rose Bowl trip and will have to resign herself to Disney trip. She says this like its a bad thing. Remember how I told you that everyone had cell phones? Well I was wrong. DGM and DGF do not have a cell phone. This poses a slight problem. If we sepearte, I think we will, how will we meet up? DH has glorious solution: walkie-talkies. We had these last year on a cruise and they worked great!! We just need some cool nickname for DGM and DGF like Ice, KittyKat, MatlockLuva, or RedHot.

Well we are off to Home Depot. DH wants to decorate house (He somehow just realized that it's December.) and I will be looking for Lime Green Mickey Heads. Tootles!

 

[Mrs.Reese]

is how I feel today. I haven't used any sick time in four years until today. The plus side I got to spend more money online of course. I purchased a TGM package. It seems like some good stuff. I also used some tacky glue to glue my eeyore patch to the baggalini. It is just too cute!!

I pulled out all my stuff and took some pictures of what will go into the bag. As soon as I figure out how to insert pictures. I'm sure you'll be just thrilled to see all of the goodies. I am bringing tide-to-go stick, tums, hand sanitizer, pens, first aid with moleskin pre-cut, chap stick, tylenol, extra batteries, hand lotion and ponds on-the-go face wipes and ponchos. Am I little obsessive? Yes.

Why am I packing now is because we won't be home until the 29th. We leave to visit my very large family on the 23rd and stay for seven days even though we'll be seeing parents and grandparents for six days at Disney we must still spend seven full days. The logic of this I have yet to figure out. Back to Disney planning.

I spoke with DGM today and we discussed the whole planning thing. She is actually pretty excited that somebody planned for her. She says "Good, now we don't have to worry about your mother spazzing that we need to do something." DGM can be a little harsh at times. I told her I would put planning guide on index cards and by day so that everyone would know what was going on. DGM began laughing and said that this was not a classroom!! DGM just doesn't understand importance of planning. But she has agreed since I guaranteed her an afternoon break everyday. The plan is coming together. The family knows that it will be a well-groomed Disney machine. We will have fun or die trying! Just kidding. Ok back to bed, I have 29 sick days left and I will not use another one.

 

[Mrs.Reese]

Well this will be my last update. We have decided that rather than driving 300 miles and then driving another 300 miles to only stay home for three days. It would be easier to just stay at family's house until Jan 1 and then drive to Disney. Today is the last day of work for me until Jan 8th. I just have to finish laundry and cleaning out the fridge tonight and we will be all set for Xmas and Disney. We have our class Xmas party after lunch and then I'm free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I plan to extensively review TGM plans with family this coming week. Visit the Character Premiere in Sawgrass Mills. I finished making my LG mickey heads that DH says to not put in windows. Something about "I don't want strangers knocking on our door." He did agree to one little mickey head just to make me happy.

So that's all folks. The next time I update it'll be a trip report with pictures. Remember if you see us to turn and run away or you will have some new members of your family. Merry Christmas.

 

[Mrs.Reese]

We just got back home after another hair-raising, screamingly good time at Disney. It was filled with thrills, chills, random spazzing, stroller encounters and the odd loose end here and there. Get ready because the Reese family is back. After I get laundry done and do some serious grocery shopping, I began the saga that was our trip.

 

[Mrs.Reese]

Day 1 - The not-so magical beginning Part 1A

We woke rather early as we did have to drive around 3.5 hours. DH had already loaded the van. We were pumped and primed. A quick stop at the McDonald's drive-thru and we would be on our way. I could not stop pacing around my parent's house. DGM and DGF arrived and their bags were packed into DM and DF's car. Oh, yeah we are ready to go!! Right? Not quite. DM declared that "I am not eating McDonalds!! I want a nice breakfast!" The voice also rose about three octaves here.

DH and I do not see the point of spending an extra 3-5 per person to get the same food that I could easily get at Mickey D's. DH says "ok, well we'll see you up there." DM flips out. "Is this how it's going to be the whole trip? If you don't like something you're just going to do your own thing and abandon us?" I keep this to myself but I thought that had been the plan. We have ADR's every night so we'll always at least meet up for that. DH suggests a local diner. We have the world's slowest server and after two hours for breakfast we are finally ready to leave. It's about 10 by this time. I would say more about the food here except that it was typical breakfast food that was at the same level as any fast-food joint. DM and DGM use the restroom and DH and I get in our van and say that we'll meet them up there. We tell this to DF without DM around.

Somehow DH and I arrived at about 12:45. Maybe it had something to do with him going around 90 on the turnpike and we didn't stop. I see the first Disney bus and start doing the tooty-ta in my seat. DH just rolls his eyes. We easily find a space up front for check-in. POR-Riverside is just beautiful. Even DH complimented the lobby area but what made DH most excited was that there was a bar for the evenings. He even smiled in recognition. The Disney magic was getting to him. The lobby was however packed. The check-in line extended to said bar. DH was not happy. We called parents and they were still about 30 minutes away. DH began complaining and he complains like a 5 yr old. "Oh yeah this is great." "When do we check-in?" "Will we check in today?" DH continues this for 30 minutes until parents arrive. The line has only moved so that we are actually in the lobby. Now, I'm getting frustrated. DF joins us in line so we can take a potty break. DF says maybe we should get some field rations and a tent for our stay in the lobby. DGF sits down and says "So are we in rat land?"


After another 45 minutes we finally get to check-in. DH literally throws his credit card and ID and the very nice man. I felt bad for him but we had been waiting over an hour at this point. I'm now hungry and when I get hungry I get cranky. Our room is ready. Finally a bright spot. However dm, df, dgf and dgm rooms are not ready. We tell DF our room number and say that we are headed to the Florida Mall to get some much needed Apple parts for my laptop. DM actually starts yelling "you're being very rude and selfish!!" "what about us? what are we going to do?' DH interjects here and says well here is our room key and asks if she would like to come. DM just keeps yelling at me. DF starts in on her and says that since we are not doing it "peggy way" she just can't be happy. DH sees me getting extremely upset and we leave. I break down into tears in the car. We've been here only two hours and already my mom is throwing fits and yelling. DH drives to mall and we get parts. We had to do this here since there are no apple stores in our general vicinity and I needed the techs to install it.

We get to Riverside and finally see our room. We're in AB building 39. DH complains that it looks like a swamp. I tell him that sort of the idea. DH sees a mansion and wants to know why we couldn't stay in there. Well I did request it but with the tagalongs we had been moved. DH is now not happy. DM is in room and begins complaining that Disney did not honor her request for a king-sized bed. Well they didn't honor mine either I say back. DH sends me to get luggage and tells DM that she made me very upset eariler. DM just sits and sulks when I return. I aplogize for snapping at her and offer her a tasty beverage.

The room is nice. We have nice towel animal there to greet us and this made me laugh a trundle bed. DH tells DM that she can sleep on that if it will make her happy. I loved the pedastal sinks and bench next to the TV. DM begins now telling me how to unpack my luggage. DH asks her if her room is ready. SHe calls and finally leaves. After she leaves we head over to the food court and get some cake and coffee. When we get back DH gives me one of my wine coolers that we had brought. Remember that motto to always be prepared DH says that this is how he prepared.

Finally its time for dinner. We head over to Boatwright's. Our waiter was from Montana but sounded like Seinfeld. It was quite eerie. DM had calmed down and acted like nothing had happened. Whatever. The storm was over for now. DM then suggested heading over to MK since it was EMH. This was greeted with no complaints. We had our just ok dinner. I had shrimp cocktail, jambalya and pecan pie. The shrimp was fresh but then again it's hard to mess up shrimp cocktail. The jambalaya had a nice bite but was mainly rice with little meat. Pecan Pie was excellent though. Lots of pecans!! DM had crab cakes and said they were ok. DH had salmon and ate it all!! Our server was friendly but not obtrusive. With a full-meal in our bellies we headed off to MK or so we thought.....

Part 1B -Where do we really end up? Does DM spazz again? Tune in tommorrow same Disney time same Disney channel.