There's an App for That! iDisney, July-Aug 2009. New 12/3: DONE!

[PrincessV]

Most awesome updates V! Glad to hear Loe conquered the BTMR! Also glad to hear the Mickey Magic Returned for the Chef Mickey's. Even if the food and character's weren't so very impressive. Sounds like you had a great day at the MK!

Thanks GB - it really was a terrific day!

Yay! An update! I love the pic on Barnstormer!! Did you actually hold out your camera and take it your self??!!

Yep! I have a very reliable wrist strap that I tighten up. Even if I lost my grip on the camera, it wouldn't go far.

 

[PrincessV]

We were down there during the end of July, beginning of August as well. I remember this monsoon that you speak of. I have been in Florida and seen a lot of rain at Disney, but I have never seen it rain that hard. Crazy.

I know - it was nuts!

 

[PrincessV]

App of the Day: iPod!

Note: Prior to my iPhone, I’d not invested in a portable listening device since my early-90s Sony Discman. So the whole concept of an electronic music player is still pretty cool to me. I like that Shuffle. A lot.

And it got used fairly often at WDW… when I worked out! I really did manage to work out most days, even if only for 15 minutes. I think the iPod function helped keep me on track.​

___________________________________________________________


Fair warning (NO Van Halen): this isn’t likely to be a very good installment. Because it was a lazy, lazy day. A flipping GREAT lazy, lazy day!

My only goals were to:

*Get through the Big Change. No, we’re not talking menopause; I mean the switch from CBR to Saratoga Springs (SSR). Though as I think of it… perhaps that is a bit like menopause? Hot flashes over the prospect of getting a “good” room. Extreme irritation when said “good” room isn’t available. A desire to lounge and sip adult beverages all day.

*Have some ice cream at Ghirardelli’s.

Hmmm. That one could probably go with the Big Change, too. Heh heh.


Anyway, Leo and I took our time getting up and out. I’d already done online check-in for SSR, so there wasn’t much point in rushing. Once we were ready, I purposely only took one or two bags to the car at a time. I know, it sounds nuts, but I used that as part of my workout. Multiple trips up and down the stairs, and I ran the upstairs legs. I include this not to boast, but to point out to anyone wondering HOW they can keep up an exercise regimen at WDW that I found plenty of ways to do it without ever hitting a fitness center. While at SSR, I found a stairwell near our room and had Leo sit at the top and count while I sprinted up and down a few times. It was great!


So we headed over to SSR to get our room assignment. I’d made my standard request: top floor. After spending a few sleepless nights below the Stomping Family on previous trips, I always, always request top floors. I also requested a room in either Grandstand or Congress Park. LL and T had also requested Grandstand, so I was hoping we’d all wind up there…






Woo hoo – a top floor in Grandstand for me! Bonus? Our room was ready!

We went in to scope it out, but didn’t stay long, and didn’t even bother having Bell Services deliver the few bags I’d left with them (food stuff I didn’t want sitting in a hot car and a suitcase that was heavier than I wanted to deal with.) We just changed into swimsuits and headed for the Grandstand pool.

That’s right – no parks. Just pool.

Oh. And LAUNDRY!!!

I love, love, love doing laundry. For real! The washing part I could take or leave, but nothing soothes me like folding fresh-from-the-dryer clean clothes. I also enjoy stacking them and putting them away. I blame my years working at Benetton.

I was really looking forward to a day of swimming, sunning and laundry. All right there by the pool. Aaaahhh!! And, amazingly, it really did work out for me. Thanks to my awesome new laundry bag on wheels, I easily rolled from car to pool with two loads. Threw one in the washer, and swam with Leo for half an hour. Got out, moved that load to a dryer, threw another load in, and swam some more.

And that laundry room? So nice! Clean, sparkly white with red trim, smelled good… bliss!

At some point, the Mominators joined us and I headed up to Artist’s Palette for some lunch to-go. The layout of that place drives me nuts. It’s really pretty, but so dysfunctional. Stand in line here, place your order. Stand in line there, pay for it. Stand around waiting. Stand in line again when your buzzy thingy goes off. Too much.

But the House Salad is to-die-for, so I forgive them every year.

Yum! Fresh greens, grilled chicken, cranberries, apple, nuts… and CHEESE! Finally.

Leo finished his lunch and went to play in the splash zone with Michael. I’ve gotta say – I thought the splash zone would be a way bigger hit with our kids, but they spent very little time there. Have they matured too much for it already???

Pool-Thirty lasted most of the day. And intersected with Beer-Thirty, which was conveniently assisted by the open pool bar. The Waldos came to join us later in the day and we all enjoyed the lovely weather, cold drinks and excellent company. And, of course, clean clothes.


I believe it began to cloud up in the early afternoon and we all dispersed to our rooms. Which did wind up being placed within Grandstand! The Waldos in one building, and the Mominators and V’s in another. It made bussing and pooling an absolute snap. Mostly. But I’ll get to that later.


With rain seeming imminent, Leo and I spent some time getting settled in our home for the next five nights. We wound up with a lovely view:

That we enjoyed almost entirely from within the confines of our room. Too flipping hot for hanging on the balcony.

Leo watched a movie and I organized things. Sifting through the pile of stuff I’d been given at check-in, I discovered a cost-saving measure new to The Mouse:

On the top is last year’s SSR map, which I’m so glad I’d saved. On the bottom is this year’s SSR map. Lotsa luck finding anything on that baby.

I also found these:

Hee hee – I’d listed our “celebration” as a reunion when I made my reservation. Sadly, I forgot all about the stupid pins and never got them to LL or T. Sorry guys! I owe you.



So, I know this isn’t the stuff of which funny TRs are made, but it was just a nice, relaxed day. It was such a pleasure to take some time out for doing nothing more than hang out in the hotel for a while. I highly recommend it!

We did eventually leave, though. Ghirardelli was still waiting and we needed dinner first, so we headed over to Downtown Disney (DTD).

DTD is always problematic for me. I don’t like taking busses anywhere. But driving to DTD is a nightmare thanks to too many cars and not enough parking spaces. There’s a boat from SSR to DTD, but it actually docks at Pleasure Island (PI). To get to the Marketplace, you either have to walk or wait for yet another boat that goes between PI and the Marketplace.

Oh, and the SSR boat dock is nowhere near Grandstand.

In the end, I decided to go with a two-pronged approach: drive to the SSR boat dock and take the boat to PI. From there, we could decide whether to wait for another boat or just hoof it.

It was a gorgeous evening – perfect for a boat ride, actually!

The monstrosity in all its glory. You can’t go anywhere within WDW without seeing this stupid thing. It’s lit up at night, so it vies with the moon for your attention. Too much.


We went with Wolfgang Puck Express for dinner. There was no line and we like the food. But I swear – I don’t ever remember it being so loud in there. LL called and I had the hardest time hearing her. Add to that the line that formed after we’d been served – it snaked all the way back from the registers and around our table. No joke, people were within a foot of us, staring at our food. While the eatings were good, the ambiance was anything but. We ate fast and got OUT.



You know what is good? Ice cream.

Ghirardelli was calling, and we answered. YUM!

And folks, that was pretty much it. We boated back to SSR. I drove from the dock to our room. We got into our jammies, watched a little TV, and went to sleep.


I know.

YAWN.

But you know what? We needed a YAWN. The YAWN, I’ve found, is a critical part of the relaxed-trip experience. Give it a try. Take a day and plan nearly nothing. See how it goes. Don’t attempt to imagine the possibilities – just let it flow. Trust V, you’ll be glad you did.



Next: Leo’s packing heat.

 

[jcc0621]

That whole day just sounds like absolute BLISS

And any day that ends with Ice Cream is a great day

 

[jess98ac]

i LOVE lazy days like that...on vacation, at home, wherever. LOVE them!

I love, love, love doing laundry. For real! The washing part I could take or leave, but nothing soothes me like folding fresh-from-the-dryer clean clothes. I also enjoy stacking them and putting them away. I blame my years working at Benetton.

We'd make a perfect couple. I love the washing part, but would leave everything in the dryer and live out of that between laundry days if I could!! I HATE folding and putting away!

 

[aprilisis]

Great update! I agree that the days spent in WDW that are relaxed are an absolute necessity. Sometimes they end up being my favorite days. SSR looks REALLY nice! I can't wait to see what you guys do next.

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

But the House Salad is to-die-for, so I forgive them every year.[/SIZE]

Yum! Fresh greens, grilled chicken, cranberries, apple, nuts… and CHEESE! Finally.

Hands down, one of the best CS meals in WDW. Waldo became a fan as well!

SO that's what they look like!

In the end, I decided to go with a two-pronged approach: drive to the SSR boat dock and take the boat to PI. From there, we could decide whether to wait for another boat or just hoof it.

As in WALK???? To DTD???? O.M.G!!

But you know what? We needed a YAWN. The YAWN, I’ve found, is a critical part of the relaxed-trip experience. Give it a try. Take a day and plan nearly nothing. See how it goes. Don’t attempt to imagine the possibilities – just let it flow. Trust V, you’ll be glad you did.

I'm still skeptical... or am I?



Next: Leo’s packing heat.[/SIZE][/QUOTE]

 

[DisneyJo]

Isn't that Jo's duty? LY Jo!

Hey I just read this

Hmmm. That one could probably go with the Big Change, too. Heh heh.

Ice-cream will be involved when I get there

While at SSR, I found a stairwell near our room and had Leo sit at the top and count while I sprinted up and down a few times. It was great!

I love, love, love doing laundry. For real! The washing part I could take or leave, but nothing soothes me like folding fresh-from-the-dryer clean clothes. I also enjoy stacking them and putting them away.

And another

There’s a boat from SSR to DTD, but it actually docks at Pleasure Island (PI).

When we did it 2 years ago it went to the Marketplace when did it change as that means I gave a wrong answer a few months ago

V it sounds like a perfect day, we always have some down time at WDW, although we normally end up at a water park, mini golf etc!

As in WALK???? To DTD???? O.M.G!!

What's wrong with walking from SSR to DTD T????

 

[PrincessAlways]

That lazy day sounded just perfect!!!!

I don't like the inconvenience of the boat dock at SSR either. It seems like you're looking for a needle in a haystack! The dock at OKW is right in the middle of the action. The stop at PI was a rude awakening for me last time. Not that the walk to Marketplace was that long, just inconvenient (again).

 

[anewmac]

that does sound like jsut BLISS.. and right now I could totally go for some bliss!

 

[puggymom]

I'm all caught up I have some time before leaving for the airport so I am using it to get caughtup on trip reports!

Leo will only ride BTMRR at night, atta boy, it's better at night!

Laundry - i thought about doing laundry this trip and then the thought passed. If I was in a 1 bedroom, I would have but I just didn't fell like carrying it down stairs. Maybe if I had your bag...

I have learned lazy days are the best. I'm totally on board, of course that just means longer trips

 

[Sleepingbooty]

Great day! I feel more relaxed just reading it. Nothing wrong with a little down time. Oh, and laundry? Like the folding, but please come put it away for me! My absolute LEAST favorite chore. I think because I'm forced to come face to face with the disaster zone that is my 8 year olds closet and drawers. Too depressing.

 

[PrincessV]

That whole day just sounds like absolute BLISS

It was, it was!

And any day that ends with Ice Cream is a great day

Amen to that!

We'd make a perfect couple. I love the washing part, but would leave everything in the dryer and live out of that between laundry days if I could!! I HATE folding and putting away!

Too funny! Dude, we could have a lucrative WDW laundry business!

Great update! I agree that the days spent in WDW that are relaxed are an absolute necessity. Sometimes they end up being my favorite days. SSR looks REALLY nice!

ITA, and those days are still pretty new for me, since we've only been vacationing there more than a few days at a time the last few years. I can't say enough about SSR - it really does feel like home to me.

Hands down, one of the best CS meals in WDW. Waldo became a fan as well!

I tried to recreate it at home... nope.

SO that's what they look like!

As in WALK???? To DTD???? O.M.G!!

Gads, no - I meant from the PI boat dock to the Marketplace! Who in their right mind would walk between SSR and DTD...

Oh, SNAP!

Ice-cream will be involved when I get there

When we did it 2 years ago it went to the Marketplace when did it change as that means I gave a wrong answer a few months ago

I think it changed when the Treehouses opened.

What's wrong with walking from SSR to DTD T????

I don't like the inconvenience of the boat dock at SSR either. It seems like you're looking for a needle in a haystack! The dock at OKW is right in the middle of the action. The stop at PI was a rude awakening for me last time. Not that the walk to Marketplace was that long, just inconvenient (again).

Yep, it's some seriously awkward placement. Though it was neat to see the golf club.

that does sound like jsut BLISS.. and right now I could totally go for some bliss!

~ sigh ~ Me too!

Leo will only ride BTMRR at night, atta boy, it's better at night!

I just asked this weekend when he wants to ride it in Oct., and he immediately said "At night!"

Laundry - i thought about doing laundry this trip and then the thought passed. If I was in a 1 bedroom, I would have but I just didn't fell like carrying it down stairs. Maybe if I had your bag...

The bag was great! But the pool-side laundry room was the key. I'm going with a 1 bedroom for AKV; no WAY am I hoofing it back and forth to a laundry room that's nowhere near anything!

Oh, and laundry? Like the folding, but please come put it away for me! My absolute LEAST favorite chore. I think because I'm forced to come face to face with the disaster zone that is my 8 year olds closet and drawers. Too depressing.

I'm lucky - Leo's a little OCD with neatness. His room is rarely a major mess. I'm sure I'll pay for that in some other way, though.

 

[Lauralee131]

Hmm....can't really quote as I'm a day behind you....

Ooooh...today's app...reason #187 why I should get an iPhone...heh heh...

And laundry? Folks, I've never seen anyone get so excited over doing laundry...not even the "ancient Chinese secret" people in the commercial did...

Bonus points...anyone remember the name of the detergent?

 

[PrincessV]

And laundry? Folks, I've never seen anyone get so excited over doing laundry...not even the "ancient Chinese secret" people in the commercial did...

Bonus points...anyone remember the name of the detergent?

CALGON!!!

 

[englishrose47]

Hmm....can't really quote as I'm a day behind you....

Ooooh...today's app...reason #187 why I should get an iPhone...heh heh...

And laundry? Folks, I've never seen anyone get so excited over doing laundry...not even the "ancient Chinese secret" people in the commercial did...

Bonus points...anyone remember the name of the detergent?

This is sad but I instantly thought "CALGON" am I right ??????

I am back, tired, sad but lots of great memories and of course my DRAMA!!!!!

 

[Sooze]

Note: Prior to my iPhone, I’d not invested in a portable listening device since my early-90s Sony Discman.

Hilarious! I bashed my husband because he just NEEDED an iPod a few years ago. I just didn't get it. Now that I have my iPhone... well, let's just say my foot fits nicely in my mouth!!

Woo hoo – a top floor in Grandstand for me! Bonus? Our room was ready! :woohoo

The Disney Gods were smiling on YOU that day!! Hooray!!

I love, love, love doing laundry. For real! The washing part I could take or leave, but nothing soothes me like folding fresh-from-the-dryer clean clothes. I also enjoy stacking them and putting them away. I blame my years working at Benetton.

I completely agree with you! Although mine is a result of working at the Disney Store, back when they had little square cubbies filled with perfectly-aligned T-shirts. I LOVED that job!!

On the top is last year’s SSR map, which I’m so glad I’d saved. On the bottom is this year’s SSR map. Lotsa luck finding anything on that baby.

Wow... I probably wouldn't have noticed how big of a change that is. You are brilliant for saving that map!

The monstrosity in all its glory. You can’t go anywhere within WDW without seeing this stupid thing. It’s lit up at night, so it vies with the moon for your attention. Too much.

I think I'm going to have to agree with you on this. At first, I thought it was a really neat addition.. now, and you stated exactly why, I think it needs to go!

Drooling... I am pretty much drooling right now!

But you know what? We needed a YAWN.

I absolutely agree 100%!! What a GREAT day!

 

[jordanyosh]

Thanks for taking your time with this TR...I've been busy at work and when I got to your TR realized I wasn't that far behind

Some good MOJO for the whole Chef Mickey's ADR nightmare! Disney steps up. Good to know the magic still exists...most days.

I can't believe you love doing laundry.......I LOVE doing laundry, but only on vacation at WDW. It really is a GREAT way to spend a day....Pool, laundry and one or two drinks...can't be beat!!!!!! The smell of a laundramat...the heat from the dryers...Okay..I sound crazy!

 

[praisehisname]

That doesn't sound like a YAWN to me--that sounds wonderful!!!

Denise

 

[PrincessV]

This is sad but I instantly thought "CALGON" am I right ??????

Yep!

I am back, tired, sad but lots of great memories and of course my DRAMA!!!!!

Yikes! Hope the good times outweighed the dramatic ones Rosie!

Hilarious! I bashed my husband because he just NEEDED an iPod a few years ago. I just didn't get it. Now that I have my iPhone... well, let's just say my foot fits nicely in my mouth!!

I hear ya - never in a million years would I have thought I'd be so enamored by a PHONE!

I completely agree with you! Although mine is a result of working at the Disney Store, back when they had little square cubbies filled with perfectly-aligned T-shirts. I LOVED that job!!

My boss worked at the Gap in college - she totally gets it, too!

Thanks for taking your time with this TR...I've been busy at work and when I got to your TR realized I wasn't that far behind

And here I was, feeling guilty for not updating more often!

Some good MOJO for the whole Chef Mickey's ADR nightmare! Disney steps up. Good to know the magic still exists...most days.

Dude, I'm sitll shocked! And certainly don't ever expect it to happen again.

I can't believe you love doing laundry.......I LOVE doing laundry, but only on vacation at WDW. It really is a GREAT way to spend a day....Pool, laundry and one or two drinks...can't be beat!!!!!! The smell of a laundramat...the heat from the dryers...Okay..I sound crazy!

I just looooove the smell of laundromats!

That doesn't sound like a YAWN to me--that sounds wonderful!!!

Denise

It was so very wonderful! What I wouldn't do for a YAWN day right now, lol!