These Kids Make Me Wish You Could Curse on the DISBoards (May '11 Trip) - DONE 9/14

[nilla]

With that now out of the way, it was time to head to lunch. Sunshine Seasons sounds like a good way to close it out, doesn't it? Of course it is! We love Sunshine Seasons! If you don't know what I'm talking about, it's this place:

And it's right by this place:

But you already knew that. But I had pictures to somehow fit into this TR. The place is PACKED again (since we're a bit later than usual today), but Kristin spots a table and we're in. Lots of school groups again today. That seems to happen a lot in this park.

I forgot to take pictures of what we got to eat, but I know that the two "adults" got some noodle thing that was delicious, as usual:

Doesn't that look good? No, you have to IMAGINE that the plate is full. Can't do it? Maybe Figment can help you out with that later. Whoa - foreshadowing! This TR is art!

Speaking of art, look at the tiramisu:

That thing didn't survive much past the photo, I can tell you. Fueled up and ready to go, it's time to make our next move...but more on that in the next update. Good night!



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[MomOf2Gals]

cool trip report pixar weekend looks fun.

 

[MEK]

I heard about pixar weekend, but never knew anything about it. It looks like a lot of fun with some great character interaction.

to Mission Space Orange. Sorry - I am now a green team member. Orange makes me DIZZY, although a few years back I LOVED it. Getting old stinks!

 

[PirateKate]

All those Pixar characters look like a lot of fun. We love Sunshine Seasons, too, but I've never had the tiramisu there. Maybe next time.

 

[nilla]

cool trip report pixar weekend looks fun.

It was a bit less than I thought it would be, but still, when are you going to see all of those characters? In one place?

to Mission Space Orange. Sorry - I am now a green team member. Orange makes me DIZZY, although a few years back I LOVED it. Getting old stinks!

I'm amazed I can do it, because I have trouble with the teacups. I really think the fact that I can't see that I'm spinning helps tremendously.

All those Pixar characters look like a lot of fun. We love Sunshine Seasons, too, but I've never had the tiramisu there. Maybe next time.

I usually get the Butterfinger Cheesecake, since I love cheesecake. And Butterfingers. But not as much as cheesecake. The Tiramisu is really good, too, though

Updates tonight! Soon!

 

[nilla]

After several weeks of sporadic posts, this Trip Report now appears to be averaging between 2-3 comments per update

What does this mean? Isn't it obvious? It is, in fact, so obvious, that it can only be answered by a multiple choice question with no definite answer:

• This TR has a whole lotta lurkers reading it
  
• The people whose TRs I'm supposed to be following have finally gotten fed up with how far behind I am on reading theirs
  
• The people who are reading this TR have finally gotten fed up with how far behind I am on updating this one
  
• This TR has run its course, and it's high time we wrap it up and move on! The trip was in May, for gosh sakes!

So what's the answer? None of the above! Or is it all of the above? I just don't know. So rather than dwell on that, why don't we get back to our story?

Where we last left off, I had just finished eating a delicious lunch at Sunshine Seasons that I rudely scarfed down BEFORE photographing it. This TR is like the Cinemax of food porn, isn't it?

So this man walks up to us and asks if we want Fast Passes for Soarin'. We already have FPs for Soarin', but we'll always take more. But wait - that's not a man; that's a FP distribution machine. And it didn't ask us if we wanted them; we put these little cards in them and the FPs magically appeared. Ch-ching!

With two sets of FPs for this E-ticket attraction, what do you think we did next?

That's right - we rode Living with the Land! That's what you would've done, too. Admit it.

Now we love this ride, but what we don't love are the idiot "group" middle schoolers in line in behind us. I know, I shouldn't call kids "idiots". I shouldn't call anyone that, for that matter. But I challenge any of you reading to go back in time, relive that moment, and tell me that's not an accurate assessment.

But that's ok. I was an idiot once, too, and in many ways, still am. No matter what the motivation, though, these kids are certainly not exhibiting behavior that forecasts an enjoyable, relaxing ride, so we were going to let them go ahead.

So we reach the front of the line (after about a 2 minute wait from the start of the queue to here), and Kristin informs the CM that we don't want to ride with that group. She then starts to walk toward the boat, and I call her back. What is she doing? We're going to end up riding with those kids!

She motions for me to follow her. But the idi- I mean, middle schoolers! What about them?

The CM tells us that we have to board immediately, because there are two empty boats now lined up and ready to go. So I reluctantly get onboard...but the kids don't. Apparently, Kristin had convinced the CM to let us ride without them, but still ride first. Go, Kristin! Bad me

So we get onboard, with only the two of us and our two idiot kids (sorry, guys!), and it's GREAT! Private ride! We truly enjoy this one as much as most of the other attractions in this park, and it was nice to have it to ourselves. No pics, though - for that, please turn back to page (whatever page the Living with the Land pictures are on).

 

[nilla]

After our ride, we forego Soarin' once again, and head on over to Journey into Imagination. As we approach the front of the line, Dylan lets loose with the runner up in the "what should I name the trip report?" contest when he proclaims, "wheelchair people are lucky, because they don't have to wait in line."

...

Now I'm not sorry for calling him an idiot! When it comes to book and logical smarts, he's pretty smart, but no so much on the common sense side. Fortunately, he didn't really say it loud enough for anyone else to hear. I explain to him what a ridiculous comment this is, and he replies with his usual, "oh." He's actually got a really good heart, but he just doesn't think sometimes!

No pictures of this ride, either, and I'm guessing I'm either passing because we already have shots of this one, or extremely lazy.

After JiI, we look at the watch bead and cell phone and decide we have time for Captain EO again. Dylan's got a much better attitude this time, and we have a blast. I again make it a point to say loudly how this is George Lucas's finest work, simply because it amuses me to do so.

It's outside next, for something we actually took pictures of!

These guys are great, and we get to explain the "nose indicator" that's used to distinguish between Chip and Dale to another guest. Dylan points out that Dale's got the gapped teeth, too, though the nose is easier to remember. Oh, and did I mention that Emily loves to hug the characters?

After C&D, it was over to Club Cool, and I am REALLY starting to groove on Beverly now. It's really growing on me. And that's scary.

It was then over to MouseGear, my favorite store in WDW, possibly even more than World of (enormous) Disney. It was here that I got my favorite Epcot shirt last year, and it was here that we bought Emily a dress one year when she crapped her pants on the bus ride over, so I've got a soft spot for this one. Emily just likes to turn stuff:

Apparently, we didn't buy anything here, though I did get this interesting shot:

Vinylmation with the flags of the World Showcase countries! From left to right, there's Morocco, Brazil, Norway, Germany, and China. Cool!

Whoa, wait! Brazil? What??

Is this supposed to be hinting at something? Because if it is, I'm all in, cuz I sure do love me some new World Showcase pavilion!

 

[nilla]

Since we apparently don't think having 8 FPs for Soarin' and 4 FPs for Test Track is enough, we grab four more for TT on our way over the Universe of Energy. This ride is not only a great way to beat the heat, but it also brings back memories from my very first trip to Epcot decades ago. Not the Ellen part, but I can deal with that. I did get some pictures of that, post-ride:

Epcot's got so many solid if not spectacular attractions. No one is going to put this one in their top 5, but we always enjoy it, year after year. So where to next? Well, we've NEVER been inside the old Wonders of Life pavilion since it became the Not Wonders of Life pavilion, so why not head there? There's apparently flower and garden business going on in there, so let's go!

It's pretty much like a ag convention in here, and I don't see my ultimate garden goal - lawn gnomes of the Seven Dwarfs heigh-ho'ing it to work. I can just see them arcing down our rock garden. LOOK - HIDDEN VERN YIP!

I spotted it first! You won't read about that in the books! We also got a picture of Vern with another guest (since we didn't want to wait in line to meet him proper), but I didn't post that because I just know it'll end up being a reader's husband

So now that we did that, who's up for a ride?

No, not that one. This one:

If you take notice, the kids are "all bidness". Arms crossed. Expressionless. This is also how Dylan rides Dominator, the 170-foot free fall ride at Dorney Park, near us. He's amazing.

We're also riding with New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs, if you haven't noticed. My first WDW celebrity sighting! I can't believe it!

Wait, that's not Brandon Jacobs. He just has his jersey. Or a replica of it. Ok, we're back to zero.

Regardless, this ride's always a favorite, and since we did one of their favorites, Kristin and I want to head over to our favorite...World Showcase!

 

[nilla]

Hey, look - I lie! We DID get two Vinylmation at Mouse Gear - one Holiday series, one Park series. Though I don't recall exactly what. So what was the point in me even telling you? Dylan DID get a cool 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea squid VM at one point, so why don't we just say he got it here? Emily, now I that I think back harder, got a St. Patrick's day one. Trade bait!

But not yet. It's off to World Showcase...



...in the next update! See you then!


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[mimiecp]

Hey, Nilla, I'm back with comment. Didn't mean to lurk on the previous few, but I think this summer heat has finally turned my brain to mush and I have nothing witty or interesting to say other than "great post," so I just decided to say nothing all. My kids are also back in school so we have to leave the house by 7 and I am tired. I agree that most middle schoolers, especially in a large group, are idiots. My daughter just started 6th grade and while as an individual she is usually ok, get her in a group of other 6th graders and I wonder who she is. There is no way I would get on a boat with them.

I also agree that Mousegear is fabulous. DS is already planning a good part of his Epcot experience around getting Lego candy from the store. Same goes for Club Cool. I think the only thing he remembers about Epcot is riding Spaceship Earth, drinking lots of free soda and getting probably $20 worth of lego candy.

Love the picture of your kids are TT. They are so serious.

Great Update! Still following. We are down to 30-something days until our trip at the end of September and your trip report has helped a lot with our planning.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Hi!

So sorry. I am guilty of reading lately without comment. But I can assure you that I have been enjoying and laughing along with your adventures.

Very cool that you got to experience Pixar weekend! I agree that the rumors and hype you heard (esp the Up! House floating over the World Showplace!) would have heightened my expectations as well. But nevertheless great opportunity to "meet" those guys!!

You guys are the fast pass masters!!!

Totally agree that Mouse Gear rocks. One of my faves too and not quite as overwhelming as WoD.

Vern Yip - now there's a bonafide celeb sighting!!!!

 

[MEK]

You may have avoided the middle schoolers on Living with the Land, but guess WHO got to ride with them on soarin'. Oh yeah - Mwah! Unsuspecting me answered the call for a single rider and I ended up in an entire row of middle schoolers. I can honestly say that was the first CM in all of disney that I felt disdain for. Better yet - the 'schoolers tried rocking the glider in unison. World's worst Soarin ride EV ER!!!!!!!!

Glad you are back with updates!

 

[mmeb144]

Vern Yip! The Vern Yip?! Who'd a thunk? You are so lucky to have seen him! (Who is Vern Yip?) Anyway, I've been enjoying the report, just not encouraging you. Sorry! I was worried about what you might do if you actually got some encouragement. (The mom in me wants you to behave. )

 

[Pimama]

Okay, you've guilted me out of lurkerdom. Wouldn't want you to feel unappreciated! I actually just read the last two or more weeks all at once- summer (or the season typically refered to as summer- in the Pacific NW we didn't really get one) has come and gone and kept us all busy I think.

I'm not sure if I've ever commented here before but I've been enjoying your TR for a while now- thanks for all the chuckles.

 

[phineasfan100]

I have been reading your TR since last week and I finally got up to date and it is an excelent, well written TR! Cant wait to read about your final day at MK!

 

[jdd]

Okay, I'll admit I've been reading without commenting as well....really enjoying the report. I keep hoping that we can go for a 10-day trip sometime

 

[Wicket's Mom]

Another lurker checking in! I'm a little scared to hang around on your TR. It seems that you only post late at night ergo you must be a VAMPIRE!

I will be skulking around the World in 2 weeks. Woot woot!

 

[nilla]

While my intention was never to pressure readers to start commenting, I certainly seem to have accomplished that I know how it is - I'm horribly behind on the TRs I'm following, so I've been silent on those as well. But I do appreciate the feedback!

Kristin's still lurking, though. I don't think insinuations of guilt are enough to get THAT lurker to post!

Great Update! Still following. We are down to 30-something days until our trip at the end of September and your trip report has helped a lot with our planning.

Glad we could help Hope you have a great time! I've never been down there in September, so I'll be interested to hear how the crowds are. I would imagine fairly light, since most of the kids SHOULD be back in school by that time.

So sorry. I am guilty of reading lately without comment. But I can assure you that I have been enjoying and laughing along with your adventures.

I figured people were reading since the view count keeps going up, but it was unnervingly quiet around here the past several weeks. Maybe if I actually posted something more than once a week...

You guys are the fast pass masters!!!

I think we hoard more FPs than we actually use! It's definitely my #1 advice for anyone going to WDW, though. Get them as often as possible!

Vern Yip - now there's a bonafide celeb sighting!!!!

Yes, but since he was there for a sanctioned event, it still doesn't count. I've still never seen a celebrity there simply on vacation, and we have had trips intersect with at least one (Paris Hilton a few years back) in the past.

You may have avoided the middle schoolers on Living with the Land, but guess WHO got to ride with them on soarin'. Oh yeah - Mwah! Unsuspecting me answered the call for a single rider and I ended up in an entire row of middle schoolers. I can honestly say that was the first CM in all of disney that I felt disdain for. Better yet - the 'schoolers tried rocking the glider in unison. World's worst Soarin ride EV ER!!!!!!!!

Oh no! I know I was pretty bad when I was that age, so I understand where they're coming from, but I really hope our kids can avoid this sort of thing. I'm not too optimistic, though, especially with "that boy".

Vern Yip! The Vern Yip?! Who'd a thunk? You are so lucky to have seen him! (Who is Vern Yip?)

Last I knew, he was on Trading Spaces a few years ago. I'm sure he's doing something else on HGTV now, or else he wouldn't be here

Anyway, I've been enjoying the report, just not encouraging you. Sorry! I was worried about what you might do if you actually got some encouragement. (The mom in me wants you to behave. )

Yeah, it's usually best to not encourage me too much.

Okay, you've guilted me out of lurkerdom. Wouldn't want you to feel unappreciated! I actually just read the last two or more weeks all at once- summer (or the season typically refered to as summer- in the Pacific NW we didn't really get one) has come and gone and kept us all busy I think.

Thanks for reading! Summer's nuts for us, too, though the other three seasons aren't much better!

I have been reading your TR since last week and I finally got up to date and it is an excelent, well written TR! Cant wait to read about your final day at MK!

Thanks! We're getting close to the home stretch, so hold on tight!

Okay, I'll admit I've been reading without commenting as well....really enjoying the report. I keep hoping that we can go for a 10-day trip sometime

I love the 10-day trip...I'm certainly not ready to go home by the time that last day rolls around, but don't feel like I missed out on anything, either.

Another lurker checking in! I'm a little scared to hang around on your TR. It seems that you only post late at night ergo you must be a VAMPIRE!

I will be skulking around the World in 2 weeks. Woot woot!

Not a vampire...just a procrastinator

2 weeks? Awesome! We're within 250 days now!

More updates tonight, hopefully. Stay tuned!

 

[KatMark]

Jon, I am hopelessly behind that I won't sit and try to quote and comment like I ususally do. But I do love the pictures with the Pixar characters and Chip and Dale (two of my favorites!). The Test Track picture cracked me up -- Dylan looks totally bored.

No, I'm not packed yet...but we do leave four weeks from tomorrow.

 

[rn448698]

After several weeks of sporadic posts, this Trip Report now appears to be averaging between 2-3 comments per update

What does this mean? Isn't it obvious? It is, in fact, so obvious, that it can only be answered by a multiple choice question with no definite answer:

• This TR has a whole lotta lurkers reading it
  
• The people whose TRs I'm supposed to be following have finally gotten fed up with how far behind I am on reading theirs
  
• The people who are reading this TR have finally gotten fed up with how far behind I am on updating this one
  
• This TR has run its course, and it's high time we wrap it up and move on! The trip was in May, for gosh sakes!

Lurking... which sounds really creepy... Sorry.