The Year of Disney Trips: ***Update!!!! 8/20/08****

[jcc0621]

Great pool day. I hope the rains let up so you can get back to EPCOT

 

[Miz Diz]

I have to say - your mom does not look 50ish to me.

I know it probably wasn't funny at the time, but your check in story at SSR cracked me up. Especially them printing *%&%$#@ on the card. Maybe they thought that key was supposed to be Joey's.

 

[PrincessAlways]

No Diving Daniel!

You do know you can use this picture as "blackmail" in the future!!

 

[LurrrvtheDuck]

Ok I just want to apologize for not updating lately. Life has gotten in the way and I haven't been to inspired to write. Plus I've been reading so many TRs and trying to keep up with them -- Plus the whole Lapupalooza going on lately. I will try to get an update soonish.

They look like fun guys to swim with.

They are, I really wanted to swim too, but I knew we were heading back to the park and I don't have the luxury that guys have of not worrying about hair.

It is always good to take a swim break.

I was thinking the exact same thing!!!

I didn't even notice until Glenda pointed it out!

OMG - It looks like he's peeing! Want me to PhotoShop that so it look even more like he is???? Do ya??? HUH???

That's alright DM, I'll take a raincheck though.

No look at the photo of the 3 of them it looks as though the one in the middle has no body, or is that just me?

Ohhhhh!!! I think he was standing on a fence/bench thingy.

I love the quiet pools for that reason Well technically that's a jump so you're OK there

Well he had been diving and pretended to dive then did that.

That is great that the boys were able to get their swim on. They sure look like they were having a blast.

Great pool day. I hope the rains let up so you can get back to EPCOT

I have to say - your mom does not look 50ish to me.

I know it probably wasn't funny at the time, but your check in story at SSR cracked me up. Especially them printing *%&%$#@ on the card. Maybe they thought that key was supposed to be Joey's.

Yeah she has that younger than her age gene going on for her. Actually the whole family does. I don't really look my age and neither does my older brother or my dad. She loves those compliments though.

Ya know, at the end I was just laughing inside of all the things that could happen were happening. Wait 'til you here what happened in August.

You do know you can use this picture as "blackmail" in the future!!

Nah I have even better pics that I can use of blackmail on him. But that's later in the TR.

 

[HomeschoolMama]

Hey- who am I to judge? I haven't written either in a while. Of course, I haven't been yet, so it's not as fun... I do plan on doing more PTR days on Monday. I'll be down to 3 months until the big day!
I can't wait to read when you do post! ​

 

[luvfigment]

Well I am finally up to date...yet again I am late with the reading! I can't wait to read more...hopefully before I leave for my own trip if not I will catch up with you when I get back!!!

 

[Miz Diz]

 

[Lauralee131]

What? I'm all caught up and done with my TR, I hustle my tushie over here and I'm caught up after only a few pages???

What am I gonna do with all this that I made???

I'll go stalk DM now...I have to catch up on hers...

Are ya gonna let her photoshop the minion's pool picture?? I thought he was peeing too!!

And DM, if you're reading this...got a big kick out of your siggie pic!!!

 

[LurrrvtheDuck]

So when I last left off…
The Minions had finished their pool time so we headed back to the room and got ready to get back to Epcot.

We headed off to the nearby bus stop across the street from The Paddock and looked at the name to remember to get off at that one and not the designated one for our area. Luckily the Epcot bus came by quickly and we were off.

The plan was for Mom and Bre to go off to the WS and hit up Mèjico

because Mom wanted a Margarita and use a CS at Cantina San Angel. Meanwhile the Minions and I were gonna see if we could ride TT and MS before they closed. Well the bus took FOREVER to get to Epcot and it was nearing 7pm already, which sucked 'cause then we may not be able to get our ride on; we got there cutting it way close and as soon as we passed the turnstiles the Minions and I said goodbye to Mom and Bre and were off!

Here's my action shot of us returning to Epcot:

I checked the Soarin' wait time to see if MAYBE Mom could ride it again, but it was a no go 'cause it was already closed. Oh well, sorry Mom! We ran all the way to MS and they were still open and had no wait so we ran up to the CM and they asked us Orange or Green? Huh? Uh, what's the difference? (None of us have been on MS and I was a bad DISer and didn't know about the 2 sides).

The CM says the Orange is the Intense side and the Green side is less intense. So we all say Orange! I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I'm a thrill ride lover baybee so it can't be that bad right? Right?

We head over to our respective waiting queue. Lt. Daaan (said in my best Forrest Gump voice) -- err, I mean Gary Sinise, or Capcom according to IMDB, gave us a rundown of our Mission and sent us on our merry way. We each went to assigned jobs; I can't remember who I was, I think it was the Navigator though. Anyhoo and loaded our pod -- uh ship. So being a newbie (and not having DIS knowledge) I didn't know what to expect. We strapped in and then the ride started and our console/control panel thingy moved toward us (which was a good thing because I was wondering how we would reach while strapped in).

All I have to say is OH MY GOD!!! They were not kidding when they said this was the intense side. I literally could not move my head and got a lovely face lift. It was such a weird feeling and I was SO glad they had that A/C blasting right in my face or else I think I would've thrown up 'cause I felt like I was having hot flashes. It was so fun though and we all laughed the entire ride through. Of course after we got out Minion #3 said "Let's go again." Unfortunately we couldn't 'cause I wanted to try and get TT in since they were apparently still open too. So we ran to TT and got in line.

Then it started.


The rain had returned.

Noooooooo!!!!!!


After about 5 min. the dreaded announcement comes on that due to the weather TT was temporarily closed. D'oh!

We decide to wait it out in hopes that the rain would let up. I don't remember what time it was but I know it was nearing Illuminations time. We wait some more and the rain is not letting up, but getting worse. Ugh! Finally they announced that TT was closed, but they were giving away FPs or Swap Pass thingies that could be used at any time, they expired at the end of June. So we got ourselves some of those just in case we made it back to Epcot.

We left the TT queue and it was pouring outside and everyone was standing under the teeny tiny awning of TT. The boys and I decide to make a run for it, because of course I had left my ponchos that I had bought in April back home. We get to another covered area and proceed to do so until we get to the Innoventions breezeway area. All of a sudden I hear the BOOM of Illuminations so we continue towards WS, but are immediately blocked by the sea of people. We were stuck under the monorail and decided to just stay there and watch Illuminations from there. I put Minion #3 on my shoulders so he could get a good view and we all stood there watching Illuminations under cover of the Monorail and a tree. Of course as Illuminations ended so did the rain.

So if anyone has been keeping track this is my 2nd set of Fireworks whilst in Disney that I've stood in the rain for to watch (the first being Wishes in April).

As soon as Illuminations ended the horde of people started flocking our way and we head to Mouse Gears to wait for Mom and Bre who I hope got to watch Illuminations fine. I call Mom and ask her where she is and she tells me they're leaving Mexico (good, at least they made it) and are on the way out. I tell her I'd wait for her by the exit at a store in front of the water fountain called Mouse Gears and describe it for her. The Minions go inside to buy candy with their snack credits. We finally meet up with Mom and Bre, I ask them if they saw the fireworks and they said they did and they got to Mexico right when it started raining. Mom didn't have her Margarita , I don't know why and they didn't eat either, I guess the place was packed.

So I said maybe if we got to the resort on time we could eat at the food court. We bid goodnight to Epcot, but not before I made the Minions stand in front of SE and water fountain.

Unfortunately it didn't come out great and I have no idea where Ivan was looking.

It took forever for the bus to arrive and we ended up catching one that was going to OKW and SSR so they dropped off the OKW people first then us and that was the worst bus driver. The guy seriously had problems with the brake 'cause every time he would brake he'd slam on them and everyone would lurch forward. Luckily it wasn't a full bus and most of the people were seated, but sheesh this guy seriously needed to get bus driving lessons again.

When we got to our stop I used the phone by the elevator to see what time the food court closed and they told me it had already closed. Ugh! They sure closed early because the ASMu one was usually open late. Whatever, I'll check to see if I could find some place to eat when we get in the room.

I checked everywhere and everything had closed by 10pm. Minion #3 had fallen asleep on the bus, but the rest of us were starving. Mom and I got in the car to see if we could find some place to eat or we'd drive out to the city and find a fast food place. First though, I decided to check the humungo McD's over by ASMu that I remember passing back in April. Luckily it was open and we bought our $30 worth of food to feed the clan. I don't know if it was because I was hungry or what, but that McDonald's burger tasted sooo good. After the rumbly in our tummies were no more we were off to Never Never Land.

Up Next….Happy Birthday to Mom!

Next Installment: Click Here

 

[scottny]

an update.

sorry you had more rain. great update though. nice pics.

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Wow, I am impressed that you rode the intense version of MS.

Too bad it was raining and you guys didn't get a good view of Illuminations.

That is very strange how early the CS closed st SSR. Maybe it's b/c it's DVC and they assume people are making food in their villas?

Fast Food always tastes really divine when you are starving.

 

[Glendamax]

So glad you all had a car to get food! If it were me, I'd be stuck! This is yet another reason why I should rent a car on my next big trip!

Sorry about the rain! This is why I TRY to schedule multiple days at the parks - so I can have a do-over! I always feel so sad when it rains, then guilty beacuse I know that it has to rain at some point! If not, Florida would be a desert!

Your report had been alot of fun!

 

[LurrrvtheDuck]

Are ya gonna let her photoshop the minion's pool picture?? I thought he was peeing too!!

And DM, if you're reading this...got a big kick out of your siggie pic!!!

Nah, she's got enough photoshop requests. Plus I have other blackmail pics of him. Heh heh heh

Did you see TE's version of the pic?

an update.

sorry you had more rain. great update though. nice pics.

Ya the rain really messed up my plan, but you can't plan that. Sorry for the lack of pics. We were too busy getting our ride on and the night went way to fast that I forgot about taking pics.

Wow, I am impressed that you rode the intense version of MS.

That is very strange how early the CS closed st SSR. Maybe it's b/c it's DVC and they assume people are making food in their villas?

Fast Food always tastes really divine when you are starving.

I loved the intense version, but I definately don't recommend doing that on a full stomach.

Yeah, I was kinda mad that I had to shell out the extra money when we already had the food paid for with the DDP. Disney seriously needs to consider food places open at least 'til midnight. I mean can you imagine all the PI people that would like to eat in their drunken state? They're losin' out on money I tell ya.

So glad you all had a car to get food! If it were me, I'd be stuck! This is yet another reason why I should rent a car on my next big trip!

Oh yeah it was definately a good thing we had a car. If push came to shove I knew enough of Orlando outside of Disney to get some food because the city has TONS of buffet places and fast food places open very late.

 

[DisneyJo]

I'm glad I did the green side of MS How cool you got given TT anytime FP's, can't beleive you got stuck in the rain again and WTH no food after 10pm? Is that even the same in peak season?

 

[Disneyolic]

Was it still a good evening for you? It seems like you missed out on a lot, except M:S ...

Did you see TE's version of the pic?

And guess who did that version?

 

[blue_river]

The CM says the Orange is the Intense side and the Green side is less intense. So we all say Orange! I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I'm a thrill ride lover baybee so it can't be that bad right? Right?

OMGosh...I can't believe you went on without knowing how intense it might be

I love thrill rides but after reading all the reviews on here about the two sides - I'm afraid to try either one

All I have to say is OH MY GOD!!! They were not kidding when they said this was the intense side. I literally could not move my head and got a lovely face lift. It was such a weird feeling and I was SO glad they had that A/C blasting right in my face or else I think I would've thrown up 'cause I felt like I was having hot flashes.

Exactly what I'm talking about

Too bad about the rain, it always puts a damper on things

Glad you were able to find some food to feed everyone

Nothing wrong with McD's!

Looking forward to your mothers b-day

 

[LurrrvtheDuck]

I'm glad I did the green side of MS How cool you got given TT anytime FP's, can't beleive you got stuck in the rain again and WTH no food after 10pm? Is that even the same in peak season?

I'm not sure, but I do remember back in April they restaurants were closed by 10pm too. I liked the Orange side, I'm just glad I did it on an empty stomach. Of course after I did it I read the reports about people that died on that ride.

Was it still a good evening for you? It seems like you missed out on a lot, except M:S ...

And guess who did that version?

It was still a good evening, even though we didn't get much done and I never stepped in WS.

Great job on TE's pic DM!

OMGosh...I can't believe you went on without knowing how intense it might be

I love thrill rides but after reading all the reviews on here about the two sides - I'm afraid to try either one

Too bad about the rain, it always puts a damper on things

The Green side is not bad at all, much much much tamer than the Orange side. Definately make sure you do the Orange on an empty stomach and possibly as last ride of the evening as it might give you a headache.

Yeah, sucky rain.

 

[LurrrvtheDuck]

Tuesday June 12, 2007

Originally this day was supposed to be Epcot day, but everyone’s lover advised me that it would not be a good day. So I decided it would be our day off day.

When I went back in April and did the 1900 Park Fare breakfast for my birthday, I decided that I wanted Mom to have the same wonderful experience I did, plus to show her how pretty the GF hotel is.

I had set my alarm for 7:30 am to give enough time to get ready and get everyone awake since we had gone to bed kinda late the night before. Also, mom wasn’t sure if we’d be getting up and told me to keep that in mind. So I woke Mom up and gave her a Happy Birthday hug and kiss and asked her if she still wanted to go to breakfast. She said yes and asked if everyone else was awake yet, which they weren’t. She got up and went to wake up Bre and the Minions. Slowly everyone got up, but was moving at a snails pace. There was a slight problem though; we were missing one Minion who was still asleep. Bre said that she tried to wake up Ivan, but he wouldn’t get up. Ugh! In my head I’m wondering if she really tried, because Bre is the type of person that’ll quietly say “Get up, we’re going to breakfast.” And rub your arm or something and that’s it. That’s her way of trying to wake someone up.

So I took matters into my own hands because we were all going to breakfast gosh darnit! I marched into the room and shook Ivan and spoke loudly enough to wake him and he stirred.

Good he’s conscious.

So I shook him again harder and told him to get up that we were going to eat and everyone was waiting for him.

He stirred again and gave a groan of protest.

I opened the windows and took off the covers, which he immediately pulled back up.

Ooooh he’s in for it now.

I told him that if he didn’t get up I’d pour water on him.

Meanwhile Daniel is telling him to get up too. When he heard this he proceeded to get a towel and soaked it and came over and threw it on Ivan’s head.

Awwww brotherly love.

Finally and eye opens and he’s still protesting and not getting up, so I do the only thing one does to get a stubborn teenage boy out of bed to make it to our ADR.

I grabbed him by his legs and pulled him off the bed.

Yes!! Success!!!

He tried to stay on the bed, but was no match for my strength a.k.a. I outweigh him.

So again the great thing about boys is they get ready in 5 seconds flat and we were soon out the door on our way to breakfast.

Continued in Next Post

 

[LurrrvtheDuck]

We drove to GF and barely made it on time (story of my life I tell you).

This time I knew the drill and we were soon checking in. The place was packed, what a difference from April. I told the check-in lady that it was my mom’s birthday and she gave me a birthday pin for her and I asked her for the cupcake/cake thing. Well apparently she thought I was asking for a cake and gave me a slip to fill out; I had no idea why she gave it to me, but I filled it out anyway; I just wanted the cupcake thingy with the candle, but I later found out that I ended up ordering a cake for her and had to pay for it. D’oh! Oh well, Mom liked it and that’s what was important.

Anyhoo, we didn’t have to wait long for our table and were soon seated. Everyone went and got their food while I held down the fort/table. When everyone got back, we had our first character visit of the day

The Minions spotted Tigger out in the restaurant making the rounds and kept saying that if Tigger hits them that they’re hitting him back. I told them that they are not to hit Tigger. Oh Lord, please don’t let them hit Tigger.

Guess who was the first to make an appearance at our table?

Yup, Hello Buddy Boy:

I went to go get some food and look who stopped by.

Hi Pooh!

We continued having a lovely breakfast. Bre was like a little kid and the Minions were smiling and acting their ages.

Minion #2 and Bre had an argument because he was mad that he wasn’t hungry ‘cause his mom made him take his ADHD meds last night and it kills his appetite. I felt bad for him because I told Bre she shouldn’t give them to him while we were here that he’ll be using up his energy and wouldn’t need them, but she loses her patience with him and gives him the meds.

Ok feel free to skip this part and I'm sorry if I offend anyone, it's just my personal opinion and opinions are like a**holes, everyone has one...
Off Topic/Soapbox

: I understand that ADHD is out there and I’m sure many kids and adults suffer from it and the meds really help them deal with it, but after all my psychology classes and studying of it I believe a lot of the time that kids (primarily) get misdiagnosed as having ADHD. Not too long ago (when I was in elementary/middle/high school) this was not as rampant as it is nowadays. When I see people like my cousin Bre believing that her kid has a severe case of ADHD to the point of him needing meds it irritates me. He vocalizes that he hates how it makes him feel and she just ignores it and that bothers me, because to me she’s using it as a quick fix for him being slightly hyper. Kids are supposed to be hyper, they have more energy than we do and in this day and age where kids spend so much time inside and don’t expel that energy is when I think this “epidemic” has started. My brother and I were hyper as kids but my mom would send us outside in the backyard to play and we’d soon get rid of all that energy and settled down without the need of pills. I just hope parents think really hard when doctors or whoever decide to diagnose their child as ADHD.

*End Rant*

Anyway, so Bre was arguing with him about not eating because he was wasting the food and money. I told him not to worry, that it was ok if he didn’t want to eat and gave him a hug. Then I told Bre not to give him the pills anymore for the rest of the trip because if he can’t eat that won’t be good since we have more meals planned the rest of the week.

The Mad Hatter came around then, but he wasn’t as good as the Mad Hatter I got in April:

Then Alice came around and was quite lovely and wished my Mom a Happy Birthday and told her it was her Un-Birthday. I said it was our Un-Birthday too and she was delighted to hear this and wished us all a happy Un-birthday.

They started announcing some kids' birthdays and I was wondering if they would do that to Mom. When she saw them doing this she looked at me and said I hope they don’t do that to me. I just smiled at her and I know she knew.

Next Installment: Click Here

 

[DisneyJo]

Where was TE's picture?????

Love the way you woke him up But you had to get there right?!

BTW I totally agree with you about the ADHD, over here they are too quick to give out pills too!!!!