TRIP INTERRUPTED - or V's Summer Vacation(s)

[jcc0621]

Between your TR and Tracy's I am really glad we decides NOT to stay at POR or POFQ next year

SSR looks beautiful, but I reall need to get Jim on board with the whole DVC thing.

Sounds like the pool meet went great (according to you and Tracy, anyway - no pressure LL or Jo )

Can't wait to hear about Lapufest

 

[Lauralee131]

We hustled ourselves into swimsuits and ran for High Rock Springs pool.

Hustled?? Hmmm.... I don't know if hustled is the right word though, V...Just sayin'

Well, not so much ran as walked fast.
No, not really that either. More like walked-at-a-pace-just-slower-than-a-sloth. This is what happens whenever Gramma and Leo are paired up. Each walks slowish to start and the pace seems to slow down in reverse exponential form when together. Oy. And, by the way? It was pretty darned HOT. Walking to the pool.

Yep - that's a better explanation. And yep - she ain't kidding...it was sooo hot...perfect for a pool day though! I'm glad we scapped the original plan of hitting a park...

I’m sure glad we didn’t have to walk as far as, say, DTD.

Good one!!!

Leo hung back a bit. He was BEYOND excited to meet some new kids (trust me – I’d heard about his excitement for the past 24 hours) but froze a little when the actual moment came. That’s just his style, I guess.

Ok, but let's be fair to Leo....he "froze" for a total of like 60 seconds...and then...

He warmed up eventually and he and Michael wound up having a rip-roaring good time pushing each other off the edge of the pool, dunking one another and generally acting like young boys.

They sure did! You all should have seen them!! It was so cute...they were like frick and frack...

Maddie and Evan were just as adorable in real life as in Tracy’s photos, as were Jo’s girls, Jess and Ellie. And I have to say, I was SO impressed with Jess and Ellie’s social skills! Jess walked right up to me, shook my hand and said, “Hello, I’m Jessica!”, followed by a bit more reserved version from Ellie. It’s so rare to find kids their age so self-confident and socially adept – awesome work Jo!

So true, so true...I couldn't have said it any better myself...Hmmmm...which leaves me stymied at what I'm going to say...

This will be said a whole bunch of times before all of our TR’s are done, but I’m not sure it can be said enough: these aren’t just acquaintances – these friends are the real deal. These are people I hope to have in my life for a long, long time. I hope that our kids get the chance to vacation together again and that WDW will long be a meeting ground for us all. And I knew all this within minutes of our meeting. LY/MI!!

LY too...all of you...my new bestest friends

Around lunch time, we all trooped into Artist’s Palette for something to eat. This was almost as fun as swimming! We took up a bunch of room, and we were loud, and I’m sure we annoyed a few patrons, but holy cow, was it a good time!

Which won't be the first time THIS is said either this weekend...more to come on THAT though later....

Poor LL really took one for the team, as she hung back to save tables while the rest of us ordered, then endured an endless wait for her own food.

I had a great time with the boys though...when I get my update done you'll see...heh heh...

Michael stayed with me, Leo and Gramma, while T and Jo and kids were at another table right next to us. Leo and Michael continued their antics…

… before getting silly with the other kids after eating…

Can I just say that fish faces and squishy eyeballs aside...we have some damn good looking kids???

Can you tell they were all having a good time?!

Just like their mama's...

Have you seen my mother? Blonde. Fair. Freckled. And she refuses to wear sunscreen most of the time. I asked her,

“Do you want me to put some sunscreen on your back?”
“No, I won’t be here long.”
“Okay, well I’ll be in the pool without a watch, so you’re on your own.”
“mmmppff.”

And this, my friends, ate away at our Princess the whole time we were in the water with the boys. V, you're such a mom...

LL and I chatted some more while the boys played, until we recognized the signs of imminent exhaustion: both Michael and Leo were taking a lot longer to surface after jumping in.

Yep - our little swimmers were soon turning into little sinkers...they completely wore themselves out...

Right. Time to head back to our rooms for some pre-dinner rest. Consummate planner she is, LL devised a plan to meet up on the bus, since I was at one end of SSR and she was at the other: we’d both station ourselves at our respective bus stops at 5:30. I’d get on the very next MK bus, which would make two stops before getting to her stop in Congress Park. 5:30, first MK bus. Got it.

Next: While Visions of Pineapples Danced in Their Heads

Our little bus plan worked great. And so did this installment V...great job!

 

[boysmom5150]

We were all pretty jazzed about getting to WDW. Even Gramma had a twinkle in her eye.

WOW!!!even gramma

Then we hit the Interstate. And came to a grinding halt. Along with several thousand of my car’s closest friends.

Oh No!!!!!

Did you know that Florida drivers forget how to drive when it rains? Mmmm-hmmm. It’s the most amazing thing to see. Traffic’s speeding right along, everyone’s happy to be getting wherever it is they’re going and BAM! The rain starts, everyone slams on the brakes and forgets how to signal. Drives me stark-raving mad.

in NJ its just GO GO GO!!!!Get out of the way and GO. It doesnt matter if you cant see the front of the car!!!

FINALLY, 3.5 hours after we left McD’s, we made it to our WDW exit.

HOLY COW 3.5 hrs. Did Leo do ok for that long??

I took about 10 steps inside the lobby and turned right back around. OMG, where did all these people come from?! It was a mad-house, I tell you. People were standing nearly shoulder to shoulder in the rotunda. The check-in line was 30 deep.

OH NO!! This was your 1st clue of whats yet to come

I rounded up Gramma and Leo and gave them the good news: “We’re staying in the Mansion section this time – think it’s ritzier than the Bayou?”

Uuuggghhhh!!!Im having flashbacks of our July trip!!!!I KNOW whats next!!

It wasn’t.

Not by a long-shot.

Thats just what I thought

We were on the first floor, the second-to-last room on the faaaar left if you’re looking out to the river. The aesthetics of the room were okay. Nothing exciting about floral bedcovers and dark wood, but nothing awful, either. It was clean, from the standpoint of having been vacuumed, sheets changed and tubs/sinks washed. But it was definitely showing its age.

Im with ya and then some-our room was BARELY clean, thank God for clorox wipes and lysol!!

What really got me, though, was the dampness and moldy smell.

What is it with you and smelly rooms. Are you sure Disney doesnt have a "smelly room request" in your profile

Boatwright’s had no problem seating us without an ADR and we had a delicious pre-DIS-meet meal!

Other than the grounds(we found them pretty) this was the ONLY other thing we liked about this "resort"

Not only was I welcomed home… not only did they have a room ready for me… not only was it in the brand-spanking new Grandstand section… I also received my one and only “Have a Magical Day!”

And this:

Very Nice

To say I was satisfied with my purchase would be an understatement of epic proportions. I was in LOOOOOVE!!! Everything was clean, and fresh, and pretty. But I had little time to soak it all in – we were late for a very important date.

I am sooooooo happy for ya!!

It seems Tracy and Jo had arrived and I was late. Again.

You werent the last to arrive at our meet in May...it was ME!!

It’s so rare to find kids their age so self-confident and socially adept – awesome work Jo!

I couldnt AGREE more.

So what did we all do for a couple hours?! There was splashing, and sliding and much catching up on my peeps' trips thus far. And ever so many laughs. This will be said a whole bunch of times before all of our TR’s are done, but I’m not sure it can be said enough: these aren’t just acquaintances – these friends are the real deal. These are people I hope to have in my life for a long, long time. I hope that our kids get the chance to vacation together again and that WDW will long be a meeting ground for us all. And I knew all this within minutes of our meeting. LY/MI!!

I am so glad a fun time was had by all(or at least in THIS version ). Its so great that you all got to meet with the kids

what cutie patooties!!!

what a mighty fine looking bunch of kiddies!!

Be warned: they weren’t using good, lean roast beef.

I guess its a good thing I dont eat meat !

Have you seen my mother? Blonde. Fair. Freckled. And she refuses to wear sunscreen most of the time. I asked her,

“Do you want me to put some sunscreen on your back?”
“No, I won’t be here long.”
“Okay, well I’ll be in the pool without a watch, so you’re on your own.”
“mmmppff.”

Im sure this isnt the last we hear of this.....is it ??

 

[LurrrvtheDuck]

Did you know that Florida drivers forget how to drive when it rains? Mmmm-hmmm. It’s the most amazing thing to see. Traffic’s speeding right along, everyone’s happy to be getting wherever it is they’re going and BAM! The rain starts, everyone slams on the brakes and forgets how to signal. Drives me stark-raving mad.

This is SO true and very annoying.

I took about 10 steps inside the lobby and turned right back around. OMG, where did all these people come from?! It was a mad-house, I tell you. People were standing nearly shoulder to shoulder in the rotunda. The check-in line was 30 deep.

That's what SSR looked like when I checked in in June.

What really got me, though, was the dampness and moldy smell.

Oh no, not again V!

Breakfast completed, we packed back up and drove down the road to our new Home, Saratoga Springs.

Don't you love when they say "Welcome Home."

To say I was satisfied with my purchase would be an understatement of epic proportions. I was in LOOOOOVE!!! Everything was clean, and fresh, and pretty. But I had little time to soak it all in – we were late for a very important date.

I think SSR is absolutely beautiful. I knew you wouldn't be disappointed. Was the couch a pull out?

And I have to say, I was SO impressed with Jess and Ellie’s social skills! Jess walked right up to me, shook my hand and said, “Hello, I’m Jessica!”, followed by a bit more reserved version from Ellie. It’s so rare to find kids their age so self-confident and socially adept – awesome work Jo!

I have to agree Jo, I was also very impressed with Jess and Ellie, you can see thier confidence already and that's great, because I know at that age I was soo shy, actually still am, but you did an excellent job with your 2 ladies. (I'm sure everyone else's kids are great too, but I only met Jo's)

Loved all the Goffy pics of the kids! They're all so cute. )

This will be said a whole bunch of times before all of our TR’s are done, but I’m not sure it can be said enough: these aren’t just acquaintances – these friends are the real deal. These are people I hope to have in my life for a long, long time. I hope that our kids get the chance to vacation together again and that WDW will long be a meeting ground for us all. And I knew all this within minutes of our meeting. LY/MI!!

Awwww, and that gave me a big goofy smile and I don't even know you guys for reals...well except Jo.


What a wonderful morning, I so can't wait for the Lapu reports!

 

[daisy_77]

I am starting to forget what TR's I have commented on. Sorry, if this is a repeat. I love the pics at SSR! You all have adorable kids and it looks like you had a great time. I am so jealous! I am looking forward to reading about your lapupalooza!

 

[KatGarcia]

The pics of SSR are just gorgeous! it's one of the few resorts we haven't visited, I def think we should check it out this time! I'm loving hearing everyones different views of what went down at the pools with all you DISers! great stuff!

 

[princessjv]

Oh my goodness, where to begin...

The drive down/over/up what evah sucked! I got stuck in one of those yesterday. However a tornado struck down abotu 1/4 mile away from where I was sitting in my car...with the kiddos...not a clue as to what was happening!

So POR is not all that and then some. I agree. The grounds are beautiful however. It is too bad they done squeeze a bit more $$ into the rooms.

SSR is absolutely beautiful! Wow! I am going to add that onto my list of must stays! I had seen pic's on LL's last TR, man...the pictures are just amazing.

Your pool meet was wonderful! I had goosebumps reading about the fun! All of those kiddos are just gorgeous! It is great that they all hit it off like that! I can't wait to read more about it from everyone else....I'm off to read T & Jo's updates...

 

[TheDISneyFamily]

SSR is amazing! You have a beautiful home! We stayed there about a month after it opened, and I think it's time for us to go back. I'm so glad that you are happy! What a wonderful day for everyone! (except for the driving part - let's just forget about that! ) It really sounded like all of your planning worked out perfectly! If the nighttime events are anything like the pool meet, I think we're in for some good reading!

Thanks for sharing your day with us!
Take care,
Michelle

 

[PrincessAlways]

Hold on....didn't you have a problem with a "smelly, moldy" room at CSR?? Is that luck or what???

Glad you were happy with your SSR decision. "Welcome Home" The kids looked like they were all having a great time together!

 

[DisneyJo]

I have to agree Jo, I was also very impressed with Jess and Ellie, you can see thier confidence already and that's great, because I know at that age I was soo shy, actually still am, but you did an excellent job with your 2 ladies. (I'm sure everyone else's kids are great too, but I only met Jo's)

Thanks Z Lets just hope they stay that way

 

[ArielSRL]

Enjoying the TR! Keep 'em comin!

 

[MeLaNie9]

Ooooh - I'm so excited to hear all about Lapupalooza!
The kids obviously had a great time together.
Between your report and Tracy's, I am so glad we switched out of POFQ (and didn't switch to POR esp. since MIL would have insisted on the Mansions over AB)! I stayed at Dixie Landings when it was brand new - sounds like it would look exactly the same right now!
We just did our own FDM and Fuzzy Disney Reservations and added 2 days onto our upcoming trip...I love that little itch!!!

 

[Miz Diz]

Love all the pics, but I really loved the reference to at least not walking from DTD.

 

[PrincessV]

We were all cold and wet weren't we

Yeah, but after our long, hot walk, it felt good!

Awww thanks, all the kids were absolutely excellent though don't you think?

I do. I was really impressed with how well-behaved they all were and how well they all got along!

Michael and Leo look like they got along famously.

They really did! It was funny - LL had long guessed that they'd get along well, but there's always that parental fear that your child's planned friendship won't work out as planned, right?

I feel for you on the traffic issue. When I lived in DC, I was amazed that any and all forms of precipitation (or even FOG for that matter) turned 495 into a parking lot.

And that's the crazy part, no? It rains HALF the year in FL - it rains and/or snows ever year in DC... it's not like these are foreign concepts!

They must've loved you - especially after that mess. Finally a low maintenance-knows her stuff guest!!

Yep, he was one happy CM!

V's check-in luck strikes again...

Seriously.

Actually, the meet was scheduled for 11, but we told you 10, so that when you arrived at 11, you'd be on time!

NO WAY!! Just so you know it was Gramma and Leo's fault, okay?

I'm glad to hear your reviews of SSR - that's a resort i don't know much about and am curious. What a lovely view you had!

It really was gorgeous - I can't wait to go back again!

Yeah, well I hope it's ritzier than FQ! Blah!

Uh.... no.

Yes, the did have a great time together. But now did had they met before?

Nope, that was the very first Leo/Michael meet!

Aw, thanks V. I'll admit I'm still working on Evan's social skills. Didn't he at one point splash you?

Yeah, but it was ll in good fun! I thought he and Maddie were an absolute delight; I didn't get nearly enough time with them, though.

We drive whether we can see or not up here in NY - blizzard and all! Oh yeah, you remember those days.

I think that's why I go crazy down here. I remember many days when I couldn't see 5 feet in fornt of the car, but, gosh-darn-it, I got to school on time in Buffalo!

I think the POR mansions are exactly the same as when Rob & I went back in 1997. They were very nice then but I would think that after 10 years .

I think I was last there about the same time and I haven't seen much difference.

Another smelly room?

I KNOW!! What is it with me??

Between your TR and Tracy's I am really glad we decides NOT to stay at POR or POFQ next year

To be fair, we loooooved our stay at POR in Alligator Bayou last Dec. 20 times better than BWI, in fact. But the hitch, of course, is that there's no guarantee you'll get AB.

They sure did! You all should have seen them!! It was so cute...they were like frick and frack...

LY too...all of you...my new bestest friends

DITTO!

And this, my friends, ate away at our Princess the whole time we were in the water with the boys. V, you're such a mom...

Neh, I just knew I'd suffer the consequences of a Gramma sunburn.

 

[PrincessV]

Oh No!!!!!
in NJ its just GO GO GO!!!!Get out of the way and GO. It doesnt matter if you cant see the front of the car!!!

I drove through Jersey once - on the Garden State - and LOVED it! These are MY kind of drivers

HOLY COW 3.5 hrs. Did Leo do ok for that long??

Actually, it was just the right amount of time for him - he got to watch Harry Potter in entirety!

Don't you love when they say "Welcome Home."

I do, and on a couple levels: 1. 'cause it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy, and 2. 'cause I just love a good marketing ploy!

: Was the couch a pull out?

Yep, and there will be some upcoming discussion about that pull-out sofa

I am starting to forget what TR's I have commented on. Sorry, if this is a repeat.

You're not alone!

The pics of SSR are just gorgeous! it's one of the few resorts we haven't visited, I def think we should check it out this time!

Definitely check it out The pictures really don't do it justice - it's far more impressive in person.

Your pool meet was wonderful! I had goosebumps reading about the fun! All of those kiddos are just gorgeous! It is great that they all hit it off like that!

It really was just... perfect!

SSR is amazing! You have a beautiful home! We stayed there about a month after it opened, and I think it's time for us to go back. I'm so glad that you are happy!

Thanks Michelle! I'm so inlove with SSr, I'm actually having a hard time getting excited about Dec. at BWV. But I'm sure that will change!

Hold on....didn't you have a problem with a "smelly, moldy" room at CSR?? Is that luck or what???

Yep. And at BWI. I'm curesed, I tell you.

Enjoying the TR! Keep 'em comin!

Thanks!

We just did our own FDM and Fuzzy Disney Reservations and added 2 days onto our upcoming trip...I love that little itch!!!

WOO HOO!!! Good work

Love all the pics, but I really loved the reference to at least not walking from DTD.

Heh, heh.

 

[TheDISneyFamily]

Thanks Michelle! I'm so inlove with SSr, I'm actually having a hard time getting excited about Dec. at BWV. But I'm sure that will change!

V- I promise that you'll like, if not love, BWV! Take a look at Susie's TR...

Susie's BWV pictures

She just got back from staying there and had a great time! But, I do agree, I love SSR's room interior better...

I can't wait to read your version of "Where did all the pineapples go?"

-Michelle

 

[Lauralee131]

V- I promise that you'll like, if not love, BWV! Take a look at Susie's TR...

Susie's BWV pictures

She just got back from staying there and had a great time! But, I do agree, I love SSR's room interior better...

I can't wait to read your version of "Where did all the pinepples go?"

-Michelle

Cool...I'm at BWV in January!

 

[cmp1111]

Hey, V, just got caught up with yours... I'm slowly making my way back after vacation!

I'm so sorry about the drive. The first snow every year appears to affect the NH drivers this way (LL, with me on this?) and I don't get that, 'cause, well, it snows a lot here.

Sorry, too, about yet another smelly room.

But, I love the SSR excitement and the initial meetings with the CA and Brit invaders. The pictures of all the kids are SO cute! Your sandwich looks great, too, so I'm sorry to hear that it didn't measure up.

I sure hope Gramma doesn't have to sleep on the pull out stinking up the room with Noxzema because of the sunburn!

 

[scottny]

Hi,
Just wanted to say I just read your report and it is great. Love the pics. SSR looks nice.

 

[PrincessV]

V- I promise that you'll like, if not love, BWV! Take a look at Susie's TR...

Susie's BWV pictures

She just got back from staying there and had a great time! But, I do agree, I love SSR's room interior better...

Thanks Michelle! Yep, I've actually got Sooze's TR in my Favorites, waiting for me to get time to catch up!

But, I love the SSR excitement and the initial meetings with the CA and Brit invaders. The pictures of all the kids are SO cute! Your sandwich looks great, too, so I'm sorry to hear that it didn't measure up.

It was such a fun day, despite the nasty, fat-laden sandwich. it did look good, thgouht, didn't it?

Hi,
Just wanted to say I just read your report and it is great. Love the pics. SSR looks nice.

Hi there, and welcome aboard! SSR is just wonderful - really!