This Trip Report Is Under Refurbishment For Your Future Enjoyment (UPDATED 9/13 with final bonus chapter)

[pkondz]

You're not crazy. It was something I had wanted to include in the chapter and completely forgot at the time. So I went back and edited the chapter later.

 

[Steppesister]

We arrived somewhat early for our FP window, so we needed something to do in the meantime. We looked around and saw the Tangled Tinkle Spot and It’s a Small World.


We chose the Tinkle Spot. Hey, when you gotta go, you gotta go.

Did you find Vladamir??

I proposed that we just hang out by the entrance to Peter Pan. Maybe do some people-watching. But then someone said the magic words—“boat ride”—to Drew, and just like that he was begging to go on a boat ride. Amidst my family’s admonishments of, “It’s not that bad,” and “Drew’s never been on it before,” I reluctantly got in line.

It's your duty.

My favorite visit to this “attraction” had taken place way back in 2010:

It’s a Small War. Best. Ride. Ever.

Did you even listen to the words? When we smile everyone is going to get along, live harmoniously, and share their candy. You know... be friends.

Yeah, when it’s 95 degrees out and 95% humidity, there’s nothing I want more than a thick woolen hat.

Or get lice...

I'd not seen her! Cool!

Cutest TTA photo ever.

er... the right hand side anyway.

I also learned a while back that it was possible to max out the score on Buzz, so this immediately became a life goal for me.

#lifegoals

which is why I now avoid playing sports with them

You sure it's not your knees and other places feeling the fullness of 40+?

I had forgotten how hard it was to figure out which red dot in the dozens of red dots flashing on the walls was actually yours. Also, I had to steer and keep adjusting the vehicle’s position and it’s hard to do that an aim at the same time. Also, the sun was in my eyes.

Oh please! It was hypoglycemia from no Dole Whip in too long.

Thankfully, my score was enough to beat everyone out, and they were all thoroughly impressed with my victory, by which I mean they rolled their eyes and starting walking away without me.

So all in all, a sweet victory.

As it turned out, Drew loved the Haunted Mansion.

How could he not!?

You do realize that you probably, at that very moment in time, made his a lifelong WDW fan, right?

I really like that shot. Unique perspective!

Holy crap!

 

[Terra Nova guy]

Of course, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world to be caught in an endless loop of Dole Whips for all eternity.

I could handle that.

We told him to look for Cinderella Castle along the way.

Yep, still there.

Oh phew, they didn't take it down or replace it with a crane.
I like the urban myth that they can take down the castle for a hurricane. I also like the myths about the Shawn/Dolphin (I can't remember which one), that the black square was supposed to be a monorail station, and in Epcot the middle circle of the "Inventions" (outside The Land pavilion) marks the center of Walt Disney World. I'm sure there are others, but they make me smile. I may have perpetuated a couple of these with my girls over the years.

Several years ago, the DIS Dads had tossed around this idea, and I think it’s time to try it out. You already have a ride with laser cannons: Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. How hard is it to make more laser cannons? Attach them to the boats, put targets on the dolls, throw in a few explosive/depth charge special effects, and voila! It’s a Small War. Best. Ride. Ever.

That. Sounds. Wicked!

Those of you who love this attraction are right. It’s really not all that annoying.

Well...yeah...but it does have a drunk hippo.

I think the kids were also looking forward to the fact that we were letting them go by themselves. No adult supervision. As they left, they looked something like this:

Hmm...funny. That's kind of what I looked like when we sent the girls off on their own and DW and I proceeded into the Big Top to buy treats just for us.

Looking back, we think the problem was that the Barnstormer tracks are up in the air. Just poles supporting it, with lots of open space underneath. So where the Mine Train is all built on hills, the Barnstormer looks like it’s way up in the air to a little kid. Therefore, much less safe. That’s our theory, anyway.

A very plausible theory.
I managed to get DD on this when she was 3. It was her first roller coaster. It did not go well. No tears or tantrum in the line or getting on the ride. On the downside of the first hill...the screaming started, and not the good kind.

There was also some lady riding around in a truck, inspecting guests to make sure they weren’t wearing capes.

Those Incredibles trucks seemed to fall a bit flat. I saw them a few times. I really didn't notice many people paying much attention.

I’ve always like the Peoplemover. I know it’s not all that exciting or anything, but the nerd in me likes the fact that it’s powered by electromagnets. It also gives you a chance to rest weary legs while the scenery changes around you. And it’s pretty great scenery.

It's a great ride. I also ways liked it. Yeah, good for Disney nerds too I guess.

The big kids were incredibly nervous and fearful, however.

I can feel them shaking in terror.

Anyway, when you are physically outmatched in competition, you must resort to the one alternative that remains: cheating. I started studying months before our trip, watching YouTube videos with the intensity of Kevin Costner watching the Zapruder film in JFK. I had every high-value target memorized. And if the kids asked where the targets were, I would actually tell them, because I’m an idiot a big softy trying to make it seem like a fair fight when I claim victory later.

You and I sound much alike. I remember looking up the secret targets before my trip. Of course as I get older my memory retention gets worse. I remembered none of it.
.
.
We were talking about Winnie the Pooh, right?

And I did…okay. I hit a couple of high-value targets and got over 300,000.

Oh man...you just beat me...I had 308,600. Honestly, the only target I could really remember was the robots left hand. I still can't figure out how to aim that little red dot though.

I had forgotten how hard it was to figure out which red dot in the dozens of red dots flashing on the walls was actually yours. Also, I had to steer and keep adjusting the vehicle’s position and it’s hard to do that an aim at the same time. Also, the sun was in my eyes.

Ditto. And the wind was blowing. And it was snowing. And we were walking uphill barefoot.

We tried to point out the “silly” things happening along the way for Drew. By the time we got to the dining room and the dancing ghosts and he spotted the Hidden Mickey on the table, we knew we had it made. As it turned out, Drew loved the Haunted Mansion.

Great! I couldn't get DD on it at that age. In fact this past trip was the first time she went on it...at age 11.

A few minutes later, just as dinner was being served, she had produced this:

Amazing. I'm truly impressed. She has a gift.

Overall, the Plaza was deemed “pretty good”. I’d go back; I don’t know that I’d make it a priority.

My family has gone on almost every trip. It's not fancy, but it's reliable, decent food, and it's at a reasonable price for a sit down place.

 

[piglet1979]

You are a better parent then me. If it was a ride I would go on, they were going on it. They didn't have a choice. They were 4 and 5 at the time. In fact over the years I had to be the brave on and go on rides I thought I would never go on. DD won't ride anything without me. That meant I had to go on Splash and Space Mountain. I like Splash Mountain now. I hate the drop but deal with it for the rest of the ride. Space well that is a different story. I hate it. I faked being sick to get DD to ride with DS and DH. It worked.

Your daughter is a great artist.

 

[SoccerDogWithEars]

But did he get the toy? Priorities, people.

No. His natural reaction to pain is anger, so at that point he decided it was a stupid toy and who needed it.

Now that's a story I didn't know!

Realityland by David Koenig. By far the best book I've ever read about anything Disney. Highly, HIGHLY recommend.

Of course, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world to be caught in an endless loop of Dole Whips for all eternity.

I think that's what I picture Heaven being like.

My favorite visit to this “attraction” had taken place way back in 2010:

I mean, you saw the picture of my husband.

Attach them to the boats, put targets on the dolls, throw in a few explosive/depth charge special effects, and voila! It’s a Small War. Best. Ride. Ever.

As much I like it in its original form, I could get behind this.

I’ve always like the Peoplemover.

But really, does anyone on the boards not like the Peoplemover?

I had forgotten how hard it was to figure out which red dot in the dozens of red dots flashing on the walls was actually yours. Also, I had to steer and keep adjusting the vehicle’s position and it’s hard to do that an aim at the same time. Also, the sun was in my eyes.

I have to be the one to aim. Otherwise I'm never aimed where I want to be. I got up to about 875,000 our last trip, but could never quite reach Galactic Hero. Well, ok, I did once but the ride stopped so I don't count it.

What's funny is the Disneyland version the cannons are on a string, but I am so much worse on that version. Apparently I need my red dot with a limited range of motion

This young woman just stuns me. She's an amazing talent.

Wow.

 

[Stasieki]

Great update! We haven't tried The Plaza yet either. Love the fact the milkshakes are bottomless.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

We love that show but it does, it needs an update. I can't remember if it was a just a rumor, but I think I heard that it might be getting an update. Which would be awsome.

I mean, at least show it in focus!

Ha! I know Morgan and Gwen will love being let "free" like that in the park one day.

I remember the first time my parents let me wander off there. It was magical.

Ha, as family should.

The important thing is: I won!

It sounds like they have already gone back to normal. I think they realized early on that like you said, the food isn't good enough to get people there alone.

That's good to hear. I hadn't heard that they had gone back to the fun, but that was the main draw there.

Great photo.

Thanks!

I feel like the Plaza is just that, good food. And simple food. I really liked the fried green tomatoe sandwich but my mom never made them, so I don' thave to compare them to.

The meal was fine. It didn't blow us away, but it was decent comfort food.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Cruel. Cruel to bring that up.

That's part of the fun!

Like you could stop that.

Yeah...I have no willpower.

Even before I read that... that's exactly what I thought.

Mmm....Dole Whips...

Why?

Because I'd end up weighing 400 lbs.!

Hard to spot. You have to really look hard.

Took us a while, but we did find it.

Bathrooms over IASW?

Oh, yes.

All day, every day.

They fight dirty.

I like that.

I have no idea where they get that from.

You had a good run going.

Time to start a new one.

This is why I now always... ALWAYS take not only my phone... but my earbuds with me when I visit MK.
In case some party member insists we go on... at least I can watch the heavy metal dolls head bang to decent tunes.

I remember you mentioning that in a previous TR. It is a great idea!

It's not?

Huh.


I could've sworn it was.

It's really not all that annoying. It's really not all that annoying. It's really not all that annoying.

That's it?
I tend to move faster when getting off that ride.


Rookie.

Do you travel at ludicrous speed?

Not bad! But... you still have to wear earbuds/headphones.

In that ride, though, the song would help fuel your rage as you mowed down the targets.

Huh.
It's been a while for me too.
Shame if that's the case.

Maybe they need a digital print.

Well... it is funny. Maybe the best part of the whole show.

Can't go wrong with slapstick.

Well, yeah. It helps to keep the sweat out of your eyes.

And produces more everywhere else.

Ah yes... I remember the first time we let the kids go off on their own. The term "disbelief" rings a bell.

They knew the plan, and they were SO looking forward to that part.

I remember that look well.

It is a wonderful thing as a teenager.

There it is!


About as close as I'll ever get to it.

Oh, man.

I suspect... now hear me out... but I think... it might be possible... that he didn't want to go.


Could be wrong.

Maybe we should check again, just to be sure.

Actually... that makes sense.


I think that may be the first time I've ever said that to anything you've written.


huh.

I'm running out to buy a lottery ticket right now!

NO CAPES!

One of the best parts of the movie!

Too bad.
Would've been fun to see.

We got better as the week went along.

You can do this? Sign me up!

You can do it right up to the point where Disney Security wants to have a word with you.

Obligatory foot shot... with added child bonus.

He makes it cuter. No one wants to look at my feet.

OMG! Look at them panicking! Waving for help! The feigned look of happiness as they blithely descend into madness.

The horror.

Poor guys. Hope they made it out ok.

Um... sure. Let's go with that's what you look like.

Mild-mannered by day...downright slothful at night.

cheat

Hang on, I'm getting there.

Me too... but I keep forgetting to cheat.

How do you forget? It's like a way of life for me.

Wise decision.
"It's too easy to beat you. I've stopped embarrassing you. Rejoice."

That's it, verbatim!

Get in line.

No way. It's mine!

There it is.

It's what I do.

That's the one with all the water, right?

Don't think anyone actually saw that one.

And you prayed that they'd forget.

Yeah... I get that too.
"I think I'm aiming over there..."

I can usually figure it out, but it sometimes gets confusing.

uh huh... next you'll say the sun was in your eyes.

Quit stealing my lines!

Knew it!!!

A prize worthy of your prowess.

I won, that's the important thing.

I think it's a great idea, actually.

Wow, now I need two lottery tickets. But thanks!

Yep. If he can do that, the rest is pretty benign.

is that code for "chased after us, screaming and crying"?

Not at all. Might have been holding Mommy's hand.

I've since heard that they reinstated the shenanigans.

Thank goodness. I hadn't heard that, but it was the appeal of the place.

Me neither. Might in May, however.

Get a milkshake!

What do you do if you have to go above 22?

Ask for help.

Can you do that?
The server didn't... I dunno, say you couldn't?

I doubt the server cares. He's probably making close to minimum wage anyway. Anyway, no, he didn't stop me, and I wasn't exactly hiding it.

hmmm... there's a burger patty under the cheese, right?

Of course not.
No one makes anything like mom does.

Truth.

Sarah is smart. Dang that looks good.

She does love her french fries.

Hmmm... not exactly the highest of praise.

But not a bad review, either. It was decent.

I like the other photo better. This is not Christmas card worthy.

Oh, I wholeheartedly agree. This one is much more boring!

No sleep like a Disney sleep.

Sure! If anything, exaggerate it. Tell him occasionally people get thrown from it, just to make it sound really exciting!

Stay tuned for Drew vs. Test Track...

 

[GoofyFan1515]

Right, as you pointed out, this is definitely not the forum to all of a sudden add sanity as a requirement for decision-making! And obviously, that's one reason I'm here.

Aren't we all......?

Definitely not my target audience.

Okay. ....I can still feel welcome then.

I learned this on the first day, when I did not wear cargo shorts.

And they still let you in?

He’s a stubborn kid. Takes after his mom

Uh huh

This is always cute and entertaining, but this time around it felt like the attraction needed some TLC. I

Seems like it's been that way for a while now

Well, the food there wasn’t enough of a draw by itself. We decided it wasn’t worth going if it wasn’t going to be any fun. So we changed the reservation and mourned the loss of yet another little bit of enjoyment from Disney World.

Sad really

A few minutes later, just as dinner was being served, she had produced this:

This young woman just stuns me. She's an amazing talent.

In my best Darth Vader voice...... Impressive!

a burger piled high with pulled pork, since I’m now taking cholesterol medication that magically counteracts anything unhealthy in my food. The burger was pretty good. The milkshake was better

Hope Ken made it for you! That burger is on my again soon list.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

The photo of a happy dad! Great shot - and great idea to stop for a pic.

It's such a wonderful feeling to know I'm not going to be forced to get on that ride!

Not feeling the magic. I feel for both Drew and you guys - hope everyone bounce back quickly.

Stay tuned for the further adventures of Drew...

I really miss that and the skyway at DL.

I remember riding the skyway at WDW as a kid. It's interesting that they're sort of bringing it back after all these years.

Decent score - where is the ride photo of you in action? I'm always trying for the max score and have yet to succeed. DH doesn't really care for this ride and it's frustrating if he beats me.

Don't worry, we'll get better at the ride photos later on.

Fantastic - always a good ride. Glad he liked it and it will hopefully be in the list of approved rides for future visits.

It was a big sigh of relief when he said he liked it.

I can't help but notice that you look less than thrilled - while hogging the milkshake.

I said I shared it. I didn't say I shared it willingly.

I think that particular expression is due to having walked roughly 6 miles in 90-degree heat during the day!

Very talented - just a simple little doodle. I can't even draw a decent stick figure.

And all with a crayon, too!

You just wish that could've been you at that moment.

lol - see above comment.

Well...that seems a bit harsh. Hey, look, an exploding helicopter!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Did you find Vladamir??

Well, we found his poster. Does that count?

It's your duty.

Why did the hero flush the toilet?



Because it was his duty.

Did you even listen to the words? When we smile everyone is going to get along, live harmoniously, and share their candy. You know... be friends.

I was on board with this right up to the "sharing my candy" part.

Or get lice...

Here's one of the few upsides of going bald!

I'd not seen her! Cool!

We were kind of like, "Hey, look! It's Edna Mode." Then we went to get on another ride.

Cutest TTA photo ever.

er... the right hand side anyway.

No one wants to see my feet.

You sure it's not your knees and other places feeling the fullness of 40+?

I am an old, old man.

I was watching Sarah's field hockey game the other day, and when it was over I asked, "Are you feeling ok?" She said,"Yeah, why?" I said, "Because it looked like you were going half-speed out there."

Fast-forward a couple of weeks, and I was playing soccer with some co-workers. After 3 minutes, I was totally winded. Gasping for breath. I went home, found Sarah, and said, "I'm so, so sorry. I will never question you again."

Oh please! It was hypoglycemia from no Dole Whip in too long.

Thank goodness I got a milkshake with dinner!

So all in all, a sweet victory.

I mean, yeah. Because I won.

How could he not!?

You do realize that you probably, at that very moment in time, made his a lifelong WDW fan, right?

All in all, it was a successful day.

I really like that shot. Unique perspective!

Thank you!

Holy crap!

She is amazing.

I could handle that.

I think most of us would like to try.

Oh phew, they didn't take it down or replace it with a crane.
I like the urban myth that they can take down the castle for a hurricane. I also like the myths about the Shawn/Dolphin (I can't remember which one), that the black square was supposed to be a monorail station, and in Epcot the middle circle of the "Inventions" (outside The Land pavilion) marks the center of Walt Disney World. I'm sure there are others, but they make me smile. I may have perpetuated a couple of these with my girls over the years.

I hadn't heard the one about the monorail station in the Swan/Dolphin before. There really are some fascinating stories out there.

That. Sounds. Wicked!

Leave it to the DIS Dads to fix the ride!

Well...yeah...but it does have a drunk hippo.

That's not worth the other 10 interminable minutes.

Hmm...funny. That's kind of what I looked like when we sent the girls off on their own and DW and I proceeded into the Big Top to buy treats just for us.

I would never admit to that...

A very plausible theory.
I managed to get DD on this when she was 3. It was her first roller coaster. It did not go well. No tears or tantrum in the line or getting on the ride. On the downside of the first hill...the screaming started, and not the good kind.

You never know what's going to set them off.

Those Incredibles trucks seemed to fall a bit flat. I saw them a few times. I really didn't notice many people paying much attention.

Yeah, to be honest, I didn't pay much attention, either. We acknowledged it was there and then headed to the next ride.

It's a great ride. I also ways liked it. Yeah, good for Disney nerds too I guess.

I can feel them shaking in terror.

The horror! We barely escaped with our lives!

You and I sound much alike. I remember looking up the secret targets before my trip. Of course as I get older my memory retention gets worse. I remembered none of it.
.
.
We were talking about Winnie the Pooh, right?

Another one that would be improved with laser cannons...

Oh man...you just beat me...I had 308,600. Honestly, the only target I could really remember was the robots left hand. I still can't figure out how to aim that little red dot though.

That one is harder than it seems. For some reason, the vehicle keeps wanting to turn back to the center, so I'm constantly trying to adjust position with one hand and aim/shoot with the other. I always think I should hit that target more than I actually do.

Ditto. And the wind was blowing. And it was snowing. And we were walking uphill barefoot.

With 50-lb. bags on our backs!

Great! I couldn't get DD on it at that age. In fact this past trip was the first time she went on it...at age 11.

Better late than never!

Amazing. I'm truly impressed. She has a gift.

I mean...she just did that with a crayon.

My family has gone on almost every trip. It's not fancy, but it's reliable, decent food, and it's at a reasonable price for a sit down place.

It's burgers and shakes. You could do much worse.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

You are a better parent then me. If it was a ride I would go on, they were going on it. They didn't have a choice. They were 4 and 5 at the time. In fact over the years I had to be the brave on and go on rides I thought I would never go on. DD won't ride anything without me. That meant I had to go on Splash and Space Mountain. I like Splash Mountain now. I hate the drop but deal with it for the rest of the ride. Space well that is a different story. I hate it. I faked being sick to get DD to ride with DS and DH. It worked.

Well, stay tuned. Our strategy with Drew will change as we go.

I'm not a big fan of drops, either. Splash Mountain makes me cringe a bit. I did Tower of Terror once, and...am not in a hurry to get on it again.

Your daughter is a great artist.

Thanks! I think so, too!

No. His natural reaction to pain is anger, so at that point he decided it was a stupid toy and who needed it.

Yeah! Stupid toy.

Realityland by David Koenig. By far the best book I've ever read about anything Disney. Highly, HIGHLY recommend.

Never heard of that one. I'll have to look for it.

I think that's what I picture Heaven being like.

They also serve Philly cheesesteaks there.

I mean, you saw the picture of my husband.

I think he and I would get along.

As much I like it in its original form, I could get behind this.

I don't think it's even a contest!

But really, does anyone on the boards not like the Peoplemover?

I have to be the one to aim. Otherwise I'm never aimed where I want to be. I got up to about 875,000 our last trip, but could never quite reach Galactic Hero. Well, ok, I did once but the ride stopped so I don't count it.

What's funny is the Disneyland version the cannons are on a string, but I am so much worse on that version. Apparently I need my red dot with a limited range of motion

I was back to try again later in the trip. We shall see...

I hate the strings on TSM! It makes my wrist hurt after a while.

Great update! We haven't tried The Plaza yet either. Love the fact the milkshakes are bottomless.

I mean, you can't go wrong with unlimited ice cream.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Way to go Drew! I think that he did an excellent on his first park of his first trip to Disney World even if he did back out of a ride on Barnstormer. I can remember the first time we set our kids free in the park by themselves. They had that "see ya later suckas" look on their faces. It's been quite a few years since we have been to The Plaza but our previous meals there have always been great.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

And they still let you in?

Hey, I'm as surprised as anyone else.

Uh huh

It's all her fault!

Seems like it's been that way for a while now

That's a bummer.

Sad really

Well, there's hope. A couple of others commented that they've brought back the shenanigans. Maybe they saw the error of their ways. Or the number of people who, like us, canceled their reservations.

In my best Darth Vader voice...... Impressive!

I agree!

Hope Ken made it for you! That burger is on my again soon list.

I think it's cool that you have such a personal connection there.

 

[glennbo123]

Sarah, Dave and Scott had a separate FP for Splash Mountain.

Was this their first time venturing off on their own at Disney? It sure is a different experience when your kids are old enough to do that.

Looking back, we think the problem was that the Barnstormer tracks are up in the air. Just poles supporting it, with lots of open space underneath.

I think you're right about that.

The scream came as a surprise

Yeah, that's as far as James got, the first time we tried to take him on Haunted Mansion. Judy had to take him out the chicken exit as soon as those Stretching Room doors opened.

Then I saw that the milkshakes were bottomless.

I did not know that. Hmmm.

This young woman just stuns me. She's an amazing talent.

<in Vader voice> Impressive!

 

[pkondz]

That's part of the fun!

For who?????

Yeah...I have no willpower.

Said every man... everywhere.

Because I'd end up weighing 400 lbs.!

Nope. Calories don't count at Disney.

All day, every day.

I have no idea where they get that from.

Their mother, of course.

Time to start a new one.

#lifegoals

I remember you mentioning that in a previous TR. It is a great idea!

And a life saver.

It's really not all that annoying. It's really not all that annoying. It's really not all that annoying.

Nope. Not at all.

Do you travel at ludicrous speed?

Actually..... yes.

In that ride, though, the song would help fuel your rage as you mowed down the targets.

I thought about putting targets on the speakers. And if you hit one, the music would stop.

But then the place would be completely silent all the time.


So... do it.

Maybe they need a digital print.

And produces more everywhere else.

ew

They knew the plan, and they were SO looking forward to that part.

I bet!

Maybe we should check again, just to be sure.

yes! You should try harder.

I'm running out to buy a lottery ticket right now!

Good luck!



That'll jinx it.

One of the best parts of the movie!

You can do it right up to the point where Disney Security wants to have a word with you.

Nah. It's Disney. You can do anything you want. It's a rule.

Mild-mannered by day...downright slothful at night.

How do you forget? It's like a way of life for me.

I get caught up in trying to figure out which dot is mine.

Don't think anyone actually saw that one.

And yet Universal made an entire attraction out of it. Can't figure that one out.

I won, that's the important thing.

Not at all. Might have been holding Mommy's hand.

Awww...

Thank goodness. I hadn't heard that, but it was the appeal of the place.

Certainly wasn't the food which was only "pretty good".

Get a milkshake!

Well, Elle is lactose intolerant so won't be able to share.

So yes. Definitely will.

She does love her french fries.

Who doesn't?

Stay tuned for Drew vs. Test Track...

Looking forward to that, actually.

Well...that seems a bit harsh. Hey, look, an exploding helicopter!

What? Where????

 

[SoccerDogWithEars]

Never heard of that one. I'll have to look for it.

I only found it on Amazon in a hardback when I bought it. But it was worth every penny.

They also serve Philly cheesesteaks there.

Eh....ok?

I hate the strings on TSM! It makes my wrist hurt after a while.

This is where we're matched. I can whoop Joe on Buzz all day every day. But he beats me on TSM because I just can't keep up that motion. Meanwhile he's got forearms like Ahnold.

 

[Pluto0809]

You’re welcome for that earworm.

No problem with me! I pretty much listen to Disney music 24/7 and that includes IASW. I had a boss a few years ago who absolutely hated that song and every time she came into my office it would be playing. It became quite the running joke.

I think it’s a law (or at least Pirate Code) that your very first trip must start with the Magic Kingdom.

Absolutely. If this isn't a law it should be one.

We watched in despair as the expected arrival time for the Magic Kingdom bus kept moving backwards: 8:38….8:39…8:46(!)…brief hope as it moved up to 8:43…8:45…etc.

This drives me nuts too. The worse though is when there is no time at all on the board. This happened to us as we were rushing a bit to get to an ADR and I was in panic mode with no bus time.

Pro Tip for Dads: do the Dad thing and wear the cargo shorts. I stuffed everything I could into my pockets in order to avoid the bag check line. Totally worth it. I learned this on the first day, when I did not wear cargo shorts.

Well, that is until you get pulled for the metal detector and have to take everything out of your pockets.

We did not in any way plan our outfits for this trip, but I really thought everyone’s t-shirts looked great together in our photos. They really popped with color.

I was just thinking how much I liked everyone's t-shirts.

I present the Official 2018 Oblivious Family Christmas Card.

Awesome photo! I think you need to make a point to recreate this one every time you go now.

ever since I learned the "headlights" were drops of fluorescent paint on bicycle chains.

Huh! Very cool. I never knew that, I'll have to pay closer attention next time I ride.

Drew held on for dear life, but when we reached the end, he looked at Julie...and smiled. He loved it! On his first day, Drew conquered the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

Yay! Glad he did well on the rides (other than Barnstormer).

It’s a Small War. Best. Ride. Ever.

Of course this is a favorite of mine. I even ride it multiple times some trips. It was one of my very first Disney rides way back in 1975 so I think there's a strong nostalgia factor for me.

I don’t know if it’s the projection that is the problem or if they just need new glasses, but it was hard to make out what was going on.

I found this to be a problem last week. Even FOP seemed a tiny bit dull and cloudy to me. I think they need to change out the glasses more often or maybe find a better way to clean them.

Yeah, when it’s 95 degrees out and 95% humidity, there’s nothing I want more than a thick woolen hat.

Or all the accumulated sweat of the 100 or so people that tried it on before you.

I may look like a mild-mannered guy, but at heart I’m very competitive. I hate losing at anything. My family has learned that it’s just best for me to avoid playing board games altogether because I’m such a poor loser. When you introduce me to a ride like Buzz Lightyear, where you can actually score points, well…there’s only one acceptable outcome.

Total accurate description of me.

Anyway, when you are physically outmatched in competition, you must resort to the one alternative that remains: cheating. I started studying months before our trip, watching YouTube videos with the intensity of Kevin Costner watching the Zapruder film in JFK. I had every high-value target memorized. And if the kids asked where the targets were, I would actually tell them, because I’m an idiot a big softy trying to make it seem like a fair fight when I claim victory later.

Nope, not cheating. I just call it laziness on the part of those that don't take the time to look up the information. My husband did refuse to ride with me last week because he says I cheat but he's just mad because I won't share my secrets. I've actually maxed out the score three or four times but most of those have been when the ride has stopped in front of a high value target. A couple of hints I can give you (you may know these if you read online so please ignore if that's the case). One, always keep the trigger pushed on your gun. Even if you don't hit something it will give you 100 points every few shots. Two, aim close before aiming far. I find it easier to hit a close target and then slowly follow the red dot up and out to the farther away targets. The farther away a target, the more points it gives you.

Then, about a month before our trip, Disney announced that they would be “enhancing the guest experience” by toning down the antics.

I can report after eating there last Friday that the antics are alive and well. My brother was a bit annoyed with me because I told him the antics were gone when the weren't. There was the usual ketchup shenanigans (including a CM running around in a ketchup costume), large drinks and CMs running around acting crazy.

A few minutes later, just as dinner was being served, she had produced this:

Wow! That's amazing, she has real talent.

Overall, the Plaza was deemed “pretty good”. I’d go back; I don’t know that I’d make it a priority.

I love the Plaza but that's because I have simple tastes. I think it's one of the least expensive TS options too.

 

[Steppesister]

Well, we found his poster. Does that count?

Oh sure! He's a slippery guy.

Why did the hero flush the toilet?



Because it was his duty.

Oh man, that just never gets old. That whole movie cracks me up.

I was on board with this right up to the "sharing my candy" part.

That's where it all falls apart. Where are you hiding the super secret parent stash of Drew's haul this year?

We were kind of like, "Hey, look! It's Edna Mode." Then we went to get on another ride.

So, kinda like I did with the Muppet show thingy in Liberty Square.

I am an old, old man.

I was watching Sarah's field hockey game the other day, and when it was over I asked, "Are you feeling ok?" She said,"Yeah, why?" I said, "Because it looked like you were going half-speed out there."

Fast-forward a couple of weeks, and I was playing soccer with some co-workers. After 3 minutes, I was totally winded. Gasping for breath. I went home, found Sarah, and said, "I'm so, so sorry. I will never question you again."

Buahahaaha! Poned.

Thank goodness I got a milkshake with dinner!

Yes, but did you remember 2nd desserts?

 

[QueenJen]

I did Tower of Terror once, and...am not in a hurry to get on it again.

I forgot - was the Guardian of the Galaxy ride open when you visited DCA? Did you ride it? If not, you need to - you'll love it.