Tim and Lesley Year of Million Compromises/TONS pics- 8/5 help me pg. 164!!!

[ChrisLei]

Another wonderful update! So glad to hear that Disney reimbursed you for the boring tour. Ugh, I would have been so frustrated too!

DH will be so happy to hear that they have great food in the food court. I was trying to convince him that we need to go to DTD for lunch our first day. But he thinks I'm nuts since we are going there for dinner.

I can't believe the report is almost over

 

[Mickey'sMainMami]

Great post but I am getting really sad that your last day in disney is coming! So that means this trip report is ending! Oh well, I will just look forward to your next trip!

 

[timandlesley]

What a great day you had! (besides the tour ---but HEY you got your money back and a little lagniappe!)

I was thinking of skipping the Jungle Cruise this year. I've gone on it every trip and I just thought it was TOO corny last trip. But after reading this I'm thinking we might go again. I guess it all depends on your guide.

You made me laugh with the tacos thing. I've done that before...not with tacos, but burgers. Oh well, maybe next time.

I LOVE Splash Mountain. If I had to pick a favorite ride, that would be it. Water, cute music, cute animatronics, and a big drop where you get nice and wet, cooling you in that summer heat! It's ALL worth it to me! I even like the queuing(sp?) area.

What Tim said to help Lauren was sweet, and a very smart way of getting her to forget her fear. I like his attitude. I knew you were going to say something about that awful stench! Did the smell "stick with you" the rest of the night?

As always, your pictures were great. I loved reading about the day. Luke and Lauren are just so cute...can I borrow them for my trip? I hope when I have kids they are as cute and sweet as yours. You are very blessed.

You inspired me to write my own pre-trip report. (I even mentioned your name already--hope you don't mind )

I agree, splash mtn. rocks! Yes, the jungle cruise jokes are corny "hey, look over there, a dock on the right, a dock on the left, out here we call it a paradox" but for some reason, probably because I just escaped from the tour from hell, it was funny to me! Yes, Stitch's burp was lingering in my nose for quite a while. Sure, Lauren and Luke would love to be "borrowed" for your trip You are right, we are very blessed. I posted on your pre trippie.
Lesley

Almost forgot....your dog is precious, too!

Thank you, he's my baby, he is 10 now, I can't believe it, I got him before we were married.

The dreded packing. I hate having to do that, just knowing that it is your last night there!!

Glad your day got better after the tour!!

I know, I hate the packing!

Hi Lesley!

I just finished getting caught up on your TR. I loved it! I am sad that it is almost over. Congratulations on all of the dreams your family was granted! Can't wait to read more TR's from your family! Oh and that video of Lauren dancing in the arcade was adorable!! Your kids are such cuties!

Thanks for the congrats. Glad you loved the video, it cracks me up every time.

What a great report. Can't believe that it is almost over...

Glad that you were able to get your $ back for the tour. So would you recommend the tour if there was a different guide? Are most of the facts things that are mostly already known?

Did Lauren enjoy Stitches Escape? Did she get scared? The chili cheese dog burp is "nasty"

I know that this off the subject but since you are planning a trip in June 2008 do you know when the new rates will be out?

Glad you enjoy the TR. I don't know if I would recommend the tour, with a different guide and with no kids, yes I guess, the info really isn't all that life shattering if you already know your Walt and Mickey history, if you don't then yes, I would go. As for the 2008 rates, rumor has it mid-august, I want them NOW!!!!
Lesley

That was a great installment! I can't believe you got your money back on the tour. It stinks that it wasn't enjoyable..but YAY!! you got a free tour.

I can't believe its almost over

BTW Your 3rd child...aka...Loomis is just as adorable as your other 2

Glad you enjoyed it, I know, we definitely didn't expect a free tour. Thanks for the Loomis comment.
Lesley

Man oh man Lesley, I love reading your trip report! Seriously, you have a writing gift! I hope that book comes out because I would certainly buy it. I love how Disney made things right on your tour. Not to get free stuff, but so that future people enjoy themselves! I can't believe the trip is almost over... I am bummed!

BTW, I noticed that you are going to Grand Haven this weekend. I love that town. The Michigan side of Lake Michigan is so nice and sandy but still gets great waves. Plus, there's the singing fountain. We had many trips there as kids. We are actually going to be in the same area this week visiting the ILs. Have a great trip!

So glad you enjoy it, thanks for the compliment. I can't believe it is over either, it is a bummer. Oh yes, Grand Haven is one of our other favorite destinations, we go there every summer too, Disney is June, Grand Haven is July. The singing fountain is great, we went there when I was a child too. I'll have to post pics for everyone and post a mini TR when we get back, would everyone like that??
Lesley

Lesley and Tim,
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!
Very exciting to spend it in your favorite place in the world!!!!!
I just wanted to say the picture of you two in front of the castle is AWESOME!! Whoever took it did a great job - it's frameable!
Thank you so much for your TR - it's really getting me soooo excited for our trip in November - especially since we're staying at POFQ~
Have a good weekend - can't wait for the last day!!!

Thank you. Yes, the castle pic is going in a frame and may be our Christmas Card this year. How about "Hoping you have a Magical Christmas with your Family"

So sad that your trip ended and your TR is ending as well!!! Feel like we've vacationed together over the last several weeks, and really hate to see it end!!
Glad you got your $$ back for the tour!!

Thanks for coming along with us, it has been a great ride!
Lesley

 

[Bibbidi]

Sorry about your tour--glad you got your money back. Did you know that if you book with your Disney Visa you can save 20% off the tour costs? We had originally planned to do the Family Magic Tour in May. We didn't end up going, but it was around $87 with the discount taken off (and tax added in).

 

[timandlesley]

Leslie I wanted to tell you I remember reading somewhere that you could take a taxi back to your hotel for about $7/8, I would definetly consider that before waiting in that long line. I also did'nt know that you could take a bus from one park to another, I don't know how I missed that, do they have the other park signs at the bus stop. It's always nice to know there are other options. I love your trip report your kids are very cute. Linda

I know, I think we'll look into the taxi next year, we mentioned it this year when we were panicing. Yes, the buses from parks to park are listed on the bus signs at the park, it was the first year I noticed it too, wonder if it is a new thing!

What a fantastic day.. minus the tour of course.. and the phone.... I totally agree w/ the burp!!! YUCK!

Oh yes, we managed to turn the day around, thank goodness.

Oh..What a great update I'm sad and can't believe your TR is ALMOST over....

That pic of your kids on the EMPTY main street is soooooo good Very VERY cute. It's too bad that the tour ended up being lame....but good thing Disney likes making people happy ...(gotta love Disney) and that Tim decided to let someone know how bad the tour was

Well...I can't wait to read more...Even if it's the end That'll just mean we get to look forward to the next PRE-Trip report

Thanks for reading, one more installment to go, and I'll do a little mini report with pics of our trip to Grand Haven this week,that'll extend it a bit, what do you think?
Lesley

Another great TR installment! I can't believe it's almost over! Bummer! Sorry to hear the tour wasn't so great...but at least you got your money back and some extras! Disney rocks!

yes, Disney does indeed R-O-C-K!

That really stinks about the tour! I hate when I'm really looking forward to something and it bombs. Glad you got your money back though. I'm not sure if you answered before but what form do you write your trip report in?

I know, that was the bummer, I had such high expectations, oh well.
I write my report in word and copy and paste it, it is easier that way and if I have posting problems I don't loose everything!

Another wonderful update! So glad to hear that Disney reimbursed you for the boring tour. Ugh, I would have been so frustrated too!

DH will be so happy to hear that they have great food in the food court. I was trying to convince him that we need to go to DTD for lunch our first day. But he thinks I'm nuts since we are going there for dinner.

I can't believe the report is almost over

Glad you enjoyed it. yes, the POFQ food court really does have good food, we were pleasantly surprised!
Lesley

Great post but I am getting really sad that your last day in disney is coming! So that means this trip report is ending! Oh well, I will just look forward to your next trip!

I know, I'm sad too, oh well, we'll look forward to the next one together
Lesley

 

[timandlesley]

Sorry about your tour--glad you got your money back. Did you know that if you book with your Disney Visa you can save 20% off the tour costs? We had originally planned to do the Family Magic Tour in May. We didn't end up going, but it was around $87 with the discount taken off (and tax added in).

Yes, we did get a discount, AAA gives one too, but I just posted the total price, thanks for the other tip though, hopefully others can learn from it. I wanted to do the FMTour.
Lesley

 

[cherbear]

I'll have to post pics for everyone and post a mini TR when we get back, would everyone like that??
Lesley

ABSOLUTELY!

 

[DreaGirl]

Thanks for showing some pictures of the FQ food court. We are going in October, so those are good for reference.

So sad...your last full day and you have to spend it on a boring tour. At least you got your money back.

Thanks again for a great installment!

 

[pooksma]

Happy to see things got better as the day went on.

Sad to know how much closer we are to the end of another fab trippie

 

[fterie4u]

Lesley, I just have to say that your puppy dog is SOOOO cute! How old is he? We have a 3 year old Golden! He was our first baby! That is great that you have someone to watch him! My in-laws watch our dog when we go away too. It is gret knowing he is with them and not in a kennel!
I am way too sad about your TR coming to an end, as is everyone!
Let us know when you decide where you are going to stay next year!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

lovin' it!!!

wish it wasn't almost over!!!

 

[Sooze]

I'm making a judgement call here, but I'm assuming Tim was polite and professional in his handling of the "bad CM". I'm sure this is why Disney was so eagerly willing to refund the cost of the tour AND throw in the ride passes. I bet if he was a bully and rude about it, you MIGHT have gotten your money back and that's it. Do you think?

And a thought about the DVC thing... with the real estate purchase (I consider one shingle on the roof of a SSR building to be ours ) and the annual dues, we pay about $200/mo for DVC. That sounds like a lot, but in 10 years (we're down to 8 now!) it will be paid off... and we get our 165 DVC points for the next 40 years!! AND we can pass them off to our children if we want.. not like we will! But it's a great investment... Of course, once we can afford more points, we will totally be buying more, which will be another 10 year pay off.. oh well! If we can afford it.. we're doing it!! We are SOOOOO spoiled now with the DVC resorts!!

And, of course, like everyone else, I am LOVING the TR. Sad to see it end

 

[timandlesley]

ABSOLUTELY!

O.K. will do, look for a mini trip report on Grand Haven posted here when we return then, we'll be back on the 31st, but first I need to finish this one today or tomorrow so stay tuned!

Thanks for showing some pictures of the FQ food court. We are going in October, so those are good for reference.

So sad...your last full day and you have to spend it on a boring tour. At least you got your money back.

Thanks again for a great installment!

Glad the pics of the food court helped you, I think that's what stunk most about the tour, knowing it was our last day in MK, that was a bummer.

Happy to see things got better as the day went on.

Sad to know how much closer we are to the end of another fab trippie

Glad you are enjoying it!

Lesley, I just have to say that your puppy dog is SOOOO cute! How old is he? We have a 3 year old Golden! He was our first baby! That is great that you have someone to watch him! My in-laws watch our dog when we go away too. It is gret knowing he is with them and not in a kennel!
I am way too sad about your TR coming to an end, as is everyone!
Let us know when you decide where you are going to stay next year!

Thanks. Loomis is 10 now, I can't believe it, Golden's are the best dogs! Oh, I'll let you know where we are going to stay, should have it booked soon after rates are released, Can't wait!!!

lovin' it!!!

wish it wasn't almost over!!!

Glad you are enjoying it!

I'm making a judgement call here, but I'm assuming Tim was polite and professional in his handling of the "bad CM". I'm sure this is why Disney was so eagerly willing to refund the cost of the tour AND throw in the ride passes. I bet if he was a bully and rude about it, you MIGHT have gotten your money back and that's it. Do you think?

And a thought about the DVC thing... with the real estate purchase (I consider one shingle on the roof of a SSR building to be ours ) and the annual dues, we pay about $200/mo for DVC. That sounds like a lot, but in 10 years (we're down to 8 now!) it will be paid off... and we get our 165 DVC points for the next 40 years!! AND we can pass them off to our children if we want.. not like we will! But it's a great investment... Of course, once we can afford more points, we will totally be buying more, which will be another 10 year pay off.. oh well! If we can afford it.. we're doing it!! We are SOOOOO spoiled now with the DVC resorts!!

And, of course, like everyone else, I am LOVING the TR. Sad to see it end

Oh yes, so true, Tim has a way with people and having customer service experience himself he was extremely nice about it. DVC does sound VERY tempting, I just don't know if we have that extra 200 a month right now, when Lauren is out of preschool and we aren't paying her monthly tuition anymore then it could be in the cards for us.
Lesley

 

[nextidiot]

Enjoying your report!

 

[Gina35]

I also did'nt know that you could take a bus from one park to another, I don't know how I missed that, do they have the other park signs at the bus stop. It's always nice to know there are other options. Linda

I would also like to know if the park signs are posted. Thanks! It really does help to know about alternate routes!

 

[rentayenta]

I am so glad that Disney was reasonable and refunded your money. Even though the tour sucked, it seemed like you all had another terrific day!

Your dog is just too adorable! I just love their black liver lips!

 

[timandlesley]

Enjoying your report!

Thank you!

I would also like to know if the park signs are posted. Thanks! It really does help to know about alternate routes!

Yes, they are on the park signs, found them the first time this year, it was new to us too but VERy cool!!!
Lesley

I am so glad that Disney was reasonable and refunded your money. Even though the tour sucked, it seemed like you all had another terrific day!

Yes, they were great, we did have a good day - we were in Disney, who could ask for anything more!!!

Lesley

 

[purplepeg]

Great Mk day except for the tour. I think veryone here will agree to any kind of TR from you. I somehow feel like you get to know someone when you read their Tr and almost feel like you are saying good-bye when it's over. I was wondering when you had been talking about your book and it sounded like a dream of yours and then the next thing I read you've got an outline, chapter done, etc. What changed your mind from a "dream" to reality? I'd like to know if you ever sleep because you seem like you are so busy all the time! Way to go How do you keep your energy up Any secrets?

 

[scrapperjill]

Yes...I think the mini report will help extend your whole WdW trip report. Can't wait to hear (read) it.

 

[timandlesley]

Our Final Day in the World
So we have arrived at day 10- our final day – SOOOO depressing. We woke up and called Bell services, they were there quickly and we followed her down with our bags. She took them to the check in desk for us, there was a small line. We got all checked in for Airtran and had them take our large bags and store our carryon so we could change later when we got back from Epcot. Glad we got there early because as we were done the line was about 12 people deep, GET THERE EARLY!!!
We headed to the foodcourt, we wanted to have one last taste of Mickey Waffles before departing:

We were on our way to Epcot around 9:00 and made it there by 9:30.
When we got there, Tim went to rent the stroller. He came back with a smirk on his face and I knew he was up to something. I said “what?” and he said “we have a new name for the day” . . . . . . .

I was laughing so hard, it was hilarious all day seeing people walk by, read the sign and go “No pants!?!” priceless!
So after we had our stroller Tim headed immediately to get us Soarin’ Fast passes, had to ride one last time. The kids and I headed to Innoventions, in all our trips we had NEVER been inside Innoventions East or West. We started at West because I heard about the robot racing and knew Luke would love that.
All I can say is WOW, how did I miss this, another reason Epcot is becoming my favorite park (well heck, they ALL are my favorite parks, WHO AM I TRYING TO KID!?!) Lauren immediately did a bee line for the computer station:

Luke was all excited about the robots, made it kind of hard without Tim because they both wanted to be in different places.
Luke headed to the robot station (this is sooooooooo cool, I highly recommend you doing this)
Here is the lady showing them how it works:

The kids waiting their turn to get into the racing station:

As we are standing there waiting our turn I notice the dream team, I was so excited, but then realized they were handing out the dream fast passes to the people who were finishing racing their robots, WE JUST MISSED THEM!!! Bummer, how cool would it have been, our last day at Epcot to get those babies, I called Tim to tell him.
It was then time for Luke to go in and race his robot, this is all done on a computer which I didn’t understand in reading about it on the boards, I thought you made a real plastic robot and raced the actual plastic robot against others, you design it on the computer and race your virtual robot on the screens, THEN get to build the read thing. Here is Luke WAY into it:
GO LUKE GO!!!

Then it was time for him to build the real thing, Luke had a blast, here is his pride and joy:

Tim arrived when Luke was racing and was able to help him while Lauren and I wondered around to the various computer stations:

We then explored together as a family, there is so much to do here, VERY cool, can’t believe we’ve missed it all these years.
Here is Lauren trying to trip the circuits:

Tim and Luke working the levers:

We then headed over to the “Where’s the Fire” exhibit.

HOW COOL IS THIS. You are split into teams and you go into this house and use your flashlights to shine it on the fire hazards. Lauren and I were together:

We had so much fun, it was a little hard with Lauren because in order to get the hazard you both have to shine your light on it at the same time, I ended up holding both flashlights for most of the game. Our team won and we had a great time.
Tim, a little scared of the fire truck : )

After that Tim and Luke explored a bit more in the video game section while Lauren and I found a kid cot spot for her to do: