Turning 30 with the Mouse - 05/12/09 update

[Dolce27]

On the way to the TTC, we pass the new DVC tower at the Contemporary.

It looks to be coming along well.

I love taking the monorail into EPCOT since you travel thru Future World on your way into the station.
(views from above)

Once we pulled into the station and stepped off the train, everyone headed to the same three turnstiles, and I do mean everyone (except for me!) and there was a bit of a back-up to enter the park.

I go to one of the ten empty turnstiles a little further down.

Note: Don’t follow the heard, be observant.

I approach an empty turnstile and the CM never even knew that I went through.

Seriously.

She had her back to me and chatted with three of her co-workers – all formed a small circle – of which none even looked up to glance my way. The CM in charge of this particular turnstile never turned around once.

I had trouble with the machine; it didn’t want to let me in. I figured that yelling and screaming at it wouldn’t do a bit of good. After all, it got me nowhere with the FP machine at Space Mountain. This machine looked even more obstinate.

I put my card in and put my finger on the scan thing and it denies me. (How dare it!)

I put my card in a second time and put my finger on the scan thing and it denies me again. (Why you stupid piece of metal!!! or whatever you’re made out of)

I turn my card over, as I’ve seen CM’s do at other parks to other people’s cards, put it in and press my finger on the scan thing.

Finally! It allows me entrance. I jump up and down. I stop thinking hostile thoughts about the machine.

OK… I do none of that. I just simply pass through and enter the park.

The CM never even noticed. Seriously. I wonder what would have happened if I just hopped over the turnstile. Do you think she would have noticed then?

Off I go to cut thru the park with my entire purpose of walking directly to the International Gateway and go home. (Hey! Three parks in one day! Should I keep walking to DHS and make it four?)

(view from the ground)

It was pretty much as I walked past Spaceship Earth that a problem occurred:

The rum hit.

Hey! I told you that I wasn’t much of a drinker. And seriously, if this was the weakened version of the Lapu Lapu, I better never order the full version. I won’t be walking otherwise. Well, I won’t be walking a straight line at least. I was barley doing that now.

But EPCOT suddenly wasn’t looking quite as steady as it should have been. I was feeling a bit on the light headed side…… yup, things are a little bit unsteady … Wait a minute! Am I reading the board right? (I really don’t know… I’m having some difficulty reading words at the moment) Mission Space still has fast passes left for the day?

Woo-Hoo!!

I jump up and down.

Not really, I’d probably fall flat on my face in my unsteady state had I attempted that.

Veering my unsteady self off to the left, I continue on. I want to go to Mars (orange side, of course!)
There was no wobbling in the veering to the left – I promise! Just light headedness – not drunk. I’ve never been drunk!

(Actually, I haven’t… despite several attempts from college friends at dorm parties back in college. No desire to get drunk. This is as wobbly as it gets for me.)

I wobble… uh, I mean, walk closer to Mission Space… and attempt to read the second board as I approached the attraction. The first board was wrong. No fast passes.

It said that there were FP’s left for the day. It did!! I read it … it just took a couple of minutes longer to make out what it said than it normally would have….

So, no flight to Mars today. Darn.

Oh well, off to home. (I’m still moving into the Boardwalk. Disney just doesn’t know it yet.)

Fountain of Nations was exploding as I walked past.

Oooohhh… Ice Cream….

No ice cream today. Darn. How do I know that?

CM’s are outside of the building vs. inside of the building. That's never a good sign.

And security isn’t letting anyone in

“Closed?”

“Temporarily” came the response.


Well, no ice cream calls for a stop at Club Cool.

OK, one negative to being solo: I didn’t have anyone with me to try the Beverly trick on (darn! I just realized that I forgot to do it the day I had family at EPCOT.)

So, I’ll have to settle for a stranger instead.

I know, I’m mean! Mean, mean me!

I’m entering the store with a woman on a scooter.
“Don’t you love that Beverly?” I ask, looking down at her.

“Yup, not too bad.” She calls back up to me.

She knows which one was the Beverly – right????

There is a kid over by one of the machines, eagerly trying out the dinks.

“Tried the Beverly?”
“Nope.” He switches to the Beverly.

I watch his face. Closely. Nothing. No reaction whatsoever.

What???

His dad walks up.

“Is it good?” He asks the kid.

The kid nods his head yes. The guy grabs a cup, fills it up with the Beverly and the two walk off.

Hmmmmm…..

Stupid karma.

I grab a cup of something that’s not the Beverly and walk off.

Hey, let’s look at the bright side here: I got two people to join the Beverly fan club because let’s face it – it needs a fan club. I’m not so mean after all, just trying to help out the Beverly cause.

I finally make my way to the World Showcase. It was supposed to have been a direct walk – no stopping – right?

Yeah, whatever.

By this point I’m not feeling so wobbly or light headed. Shouldn’t the WS be the place for the wobbliness?

So… I do things out of order. Everyone does the WS lightheaded and wobbly – or worse. I decided to try out Future World instead.

Don’t judge me now.



As I approach the lagoon, I notice something that I found to be odd:

The Illuminations globe was out in the center of the lagoon. Was it supposed to be out there? Funny, I never noticed it out early on Christmas Day.

“Is it normal for the globe to be out?” I ask a passing CM

“Yes” came the reply. Hmm…OK. That’s normal.

I work my way out of the World Showcase

…. oh, about thirty minutes after I should have done so. Not that I was in a rush to be anywhere in particular. I planned to hang-out on the boardwalk for the night and check-out Jellyrolls.

 

[Dolce27]

Leaving, EPCOT behind, I manage to snag a couple of shots of the Yacht Club – while close enough for my little point and shoot camera to capture it:

And I even take a quick stroll through Sea Breeze Point

( Due to my (sometimes) lurking on the wedding forum; I actually knew what that place was. See… I learn something from lurking over there. There’s a reason for the lurking. )

I make a quick stop at the Bakery for some milk. No milk.

What???

I need milk for my chocolate. I just do.

Had to check out the candy shop.. it was right there. It was demanding my attention. It wouldn’t let me pass without a stop.

I don’t buy much….

…. Just that little yummy guy. And he was yummy!

I think that the guy behind the counter suspected that I had been a bit wobbly and light-headed a few minutes earlier … he was giving me odd looks.

Hmmm…. I was standing straight and was fine.

I promise!

*sigh*

He informed me that I could locate milk at the general store, which I do. Back up to my room where I must have one of my treats.

This guy was the first to go

(sorry.. I’d broken off his ear and taken a bite before I thought about a picture)

And, in case you’ve forgotten, my wonderful view from my balcony:

*sigh*

This was the life....

… but I need real food in me so I head back down to the Spoodles Pizza window to grab a slice of cheese. It wasn’t bad. I’m sitting out on the boardwalk, it’s now dusk, the boardwalk is alive and everything is beautiful. The family at the table next to me was on a fried food frenzy. The mother and two children sat while the Dad ran back and forth picking up orders of cheese sticks, fries, onion rings…

…. Suddenly, half way through my pizza slice, I’m not feeling so good any longer. The pizza doesn’t taste so good either. It was fine just a moment ago but not it just was not. I was tired. I didn’t want to spend the evening on the boardwalk – I wanted a bed.

I go back upstairs and order room service. As my stomach is suddenly feeling less than stellar, I try to order stuff to sooth it: chicken noodle soup, bread, fruit and a Diet Coke.

I lay out, watching tv. All that was on was celebrity gossip. The food arrives and … come on people! Don’t attempt to make chicken noodle soup fancy! It was horrible. I just wanted normal chicken noodle soup. The rolls that I ordered didn’t taste so great either. The soup came with crackers (had I known that, I wouldn’t have ordered the rolls) and I ate crackers and fruit for dinner. Even the Diet Coke tasted off.

Finished with my so-called dinner, I place the tray outside the door and curl up with Breaking Dawn and spend the remainder of the night reading.

 

[Dolce27]

Off to play wii tennis. I will post more this week-end.

I hope.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Just wanted to say thanks for the posts. Been bored out of my mind here at work tonight and the plans for Sat morning were changed (bummer) so when I saw an update, it made the whole night worthwhile! Just wanted to say thanks! (and of coarse Keep Em Comming!)

 

[TeresaNJ]

Just caught up! I have to tell you, your TR always makes me laugh and smile, and cry a little when I read about your dad. My dad also died unexpectedly and fairly suddenly in 1996, six months before his 65th birthday, which we were planning on celebrating in Walt Disney World. Your report brought back so many memories.

Even though I am old enough to be your mom, we share some similarities. I too hate beer, always have, and I've also never been drunk, although have been "tipsy" once or twice. I hate the taste of beer! Where we differ is that the Boardwalk is one of my least favorite resorts. I'm sorry, I hope I didn't hurt your feelings. I've stayed at the Inn once, and the Villas three times, and it's just not my cup of tea. The only thing I like about it is it's proximity to Epcot and HS. Wilderness is my absolute favorite, with the Beach Club coming in a close second. The thing I love about WDW though, is the fact that there is so much to choose from.

 

[TeresaNJ]

Hey NateNLogansDad, I just noticed you were from Glenolden. We had neighbors here in NJ that were from there. Did you know the Linkers? LOL

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Hey NateNLogansDad, I just noticed you were from Glenolden. We had neighbors here in NJ that were from there. Did you know the Linkers? LOL

No, we've only been here a few yrs now but it is a small world!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

-Editing this post, to much of a downer-

 

[MainStMandy]

Loving the view from your hotel!! And your pics are gorgeous. Did you ever mention what kind of camera you have?

 

[Disneyfan71]

I've been away for a few days and this is what happens...I get behind Oh well I'm all caught up now---love your pictures of Epcot btw...and sorry you had such a bad dinner that night

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Just bored at work.....

 

[Dolce27]

Just caught up! I have to tell you, your TR always makes me laugh and smile, and cry a little when I read about your dad. My dad also died unexpectedly and fairly suddenly in 1996, six months before his 65th birthday, which we were planning on celebrating in Walt Disney World. Your report brought back so many memories.

Even though I am old enough to be your mom, we share some similarities. I too hate beer, always have, and I've also never been drunk, although have been "tipsy" once or twice. I hate the taste of beer! Where we differ is that the Boardwalk is one of my least favorite resorts. I'm sorry, I hope I didn't hurt your feelings. I've stayed at the Inn once, and the Villas three times, and it's just not my cup of tea. The only thing I like about it is it's proximity to Epcot and HS. Wilderness is my absolute favorite, with the Beach Club coming in a close second. The thing I love about WDW though, is the fact that there is so much to choose from.

Although I can't believe that you said the Boardwalk is one of your least favorite resorts.

Loving the view from your hotel!! And your pics are gorgeous. Did you ever mention what kind of camera you have?

Hey! Welcome back from Disneyland!! How was the trip? I have a Casio Exilim that's a couple of years old.

I've been away for a few days and this is what happens...I get behind Oh well I'm all caught up now---love your pictures of Epcot btw...and sorry you had such a bad dinner that night

That's ok. They just need to stop making chicken noodle soup 'fancy'. Chicken noodle soup isn't supposed to be 'fancy'.

Just bored at work.....

I'm sorry that the update didn't happen. I burnt out on dealing with the pictures in photobucket. I will work on one this week... but it may not be posted until next week-end.

 

[Dolce27]

It’s Saturday, December 27. The alarm is set for 6:45 am. I wake up at 5:00 am. Grabbing my conveniently located book on the bedside table, I read until 6:30. Today is a no park lazy day. Family members are arriving later that afternoon and I’m going to soak up the rest of my soloness.

Dressing, I go downstairs, out onto the boardwalk and manage to do breakfast walk-up at Spoodles. A classic golden waffle with whipped mascarpone cheese, honey and chopped pecans drew me to the table. And, one waffle later, I can assure you that It. Was. Good.

Stuffed, I walk to the bus stop and jump on the first bus to Downtown Disney. I was the only person with that destination in mind and had a great chat with the driver along the way. She had been driving Disney buses for the past eleven years. Before that she worked in the electronics and technology industry doing a lot of government contract work. As government contracts end at a certain point, she would find herself in periods of unemployment. A friend suggested that she drive school busses during that time. She did that for three years before she wasn’t able to tolerate the kids any longer (and as a previous school bus kid, I know exactly how bad they can be) and applied at Disney. With a quick adieu, I’m off the bus and at the entrance to the Market Place

… which doesn’t open for another 30 minutes.

*sigh*

Time to amuse myself. I take a picture of these guys

.. as I do every trip. However, this is the first time I’ve been here and they were ‘in season’. Since I had time to spare, I attempted to get me into the photos.

Why not?

It’s reaaaally hard to take self photos with statues for some reason.

So, note to anyone planning a solo trip: Skip the self photo attempts with statues. I could do it with people…

Off I go to explore a closed Marketplace.

That’s how the Marketplace looks before opening. FYI.

I walk through to Pleasure Island…

They had displays set up for various religions:

RIP Adventure Club

That has to be one of the stupidest decisions Disney has ever made. The Adventure Club was unique and would have fit in well enough with the new stuff after they shut down the clubs. Seriously? Who wants to go up in a hot air balloon over Downtown Disney??? Really?? That just sounds boring to me. Completely, utterly boring. The Adventure Club was anything but boring.

Stupid decision Disney… stupid decision.

 

[Dolce27]

And on to the West Side:

I’m making my way back up from the West Side, back towards the Marketplace, when I receive a text message from Tamera.

I am at the airport.


Which airport?? She couldn’t be in Orlando yet – could she? She wasn’t to text me until she reached Orlando. It’s too early for her to be in Orlando.

I had to be at the hotel to check her into my room. Well, crap. Am I going to have to head back before I can even shop? I attempt to call her cell phone. No answer. I attempt to call my uncle. Phone is out of service. Figures, that big storm that contained possible tornados was probably moving into the area right about now.

After a few more attempts of contacting my uncle; finally there was success. She was at DFW, not Orlando. With a sigh or relief, I quit my panicking and return to shopping… or soon to be shopping as the stores were finally opening up. I then receive another text:

Flight going to be late. I will call or txt when I get to Florida.

I begin to wonder about the status of my mother and grandmother; they had an earlier flight out. I tried to call my mom. No answer. They must have made it out before the storm moved in. Honestly? If someone’s flight had to be delayed, I was thankful that it was my aunt’s and not my mother and grandmothers. I had an evening planned and my grandmother would need an afternoon rest before that.

So, with an updated status of my relatives; I begin my shopping. I’m still looking for something that had to do with Alice in Wonderland for Julie. I tried the World of Disney first. The store is huge, there had to be something there right?

Wrong.

Next I go over to arribas bros

where I bought this little guy in 2006:

Isn’t he cute?

Nothing there. The same woman works in the store that worked there in 2006, I recognized her. She informed me that many people ask for Alice stuff, but nothing is ever made.

Out of luck and of ideas for where to look, I aimlessly begin looking around the Marketplace. I spot the pick a pearl kiosk. I planned to do that at the Japanese pavilion in EPCOT for my birthday but I decided to walk over and see what settings they had incase I preferred them and wanted to have my pearl set there.

No sooner had I walked up when I wished I hadn’t.

“These are all real pearls” A snooty voice informed me as I began to browse the display case.

I just looked up at her. “I know.”

She continues to glare at me down her nose so I informed her that I was just browsing and planned to pick a pearl at the Japanese pavilion later that week.

Uh-oh. Shouldn’t have mentioned that. The woman went off about how the Japanese government owned that pavilion and this stand sold pearls from Hawaii and were much better than the ones sold at EPCOT.

Let me tell you: I couldn’t get away fast enough! The woman was atrocious! I find it hard to believe that she ever made any sells with that attitude.

Quickly leaving her stand, I begin to make my way back to the West Side. Somehow I found myself in the Magic Shop.

No idea how that happened… ok, yes I do. I’ve always wanted to learn magic. What I expected in the magic shop were tricks that I could purchase for $$$ and a sales guy trying to tempt me into purchasing said tricks for $$$.

What I found was 20 minutes of non-stop laughter. The two guys working the shop were hysterical! As I was the only customer, I had my own 20 minute magic/comedy show. It was great!

Yeah.. yeah.. I walked out of there $100.00 less. But, hey. It was a lot of fun. I highly recommend that you stop by and see these guys.

On my way out they asked me if I was going to send them a copy of their picture. I asked how? Address an envelope to the Magic Shop at Downtown Disney? They then recommended that I give them my e-mail. Honestly, with those two’s sense of humor, I was a little afraid of what would turn up in my e-mail in-box so I didn’t hand that over. But, again, if your in Downtown Disney, I highly recommend that you give these two a visit.

Well, shopping done. In one stop. I walk, once again, back to the Market Place and straight to Ghirardeli. It’s lunch time. But, after a huge breakfast I don’t want actual food. I want a sundae. Unfortunately, all of the sundaes on the menu looked really heavy; lots and lots of stuff poured over ice cream. I just wanted strawberries. Could they do strawberries?

Why, yes they could.

I then receive yet another text message from Tamera:

Still on the tarmac at DFW.

Still?? Poor Tamera, stuck on a plane during a storm.

Not good.

Alright, back to food.

Strawberry sundae and Cherry Coke before me, I sit down and compose an e-mail to my co-worker whose birthday was this day. With the birthday e-mail containing lots of stuff about ‘looking like a monkey’ and ‘living in a zoo’ sent (don't worry, he deserved it. You should have heard the stuff he was saying about me reaching 30 before I left work that last day), I head off to … where else? Goofy’s.

I’m going to be sick again tonight – aren’t I??

And…. enough of the food porn.

I approach the counter and have three pretzel rods created. All three were dipped in dark chocolate, two covered in Reece’s Peanutbutter Cups and the third in Butterfinger. All three drizzled in white chocolate.

In all honestly, I only eat one (and it was soooooooo good) and the other two wind up tossed in the trash later in the week due to lack of room in the stomach. I glance around the store, looking for trail mix or something for my mother and grandmother when they arrive as they’ll probably be hungry. It was then that I receive the phone call from my Mom stating that they had, in fact, arrived. Woo-hoo!

I quickly pay for my purchases and race to the bus stop. I hop on to a Caribbean Beach Resort bus just as it is about to take off. After a series of calls to my mother, and quick chats with the bus driver, I figure out where to get off. They were at Customs House as their room had yet to be assigned. I took one look at my 76 year old grandmother and think Uh-oh. The poor woman needed a bed. But, that couldn’t be helped at this time. We took the inner resort shuttle around to Port Royale to find lunch for them. I had proudly handed over the trail mix to my mother and grandmother only to be informed by my mother that she was allergic to papaya and the trail mix contained papaya.

Since when was she allergic to papaya???

Fine. Here Granny, I bought you some trail mix. My grandmother, at least, appreciated the thoughtful gesture.

My mother, however...

Humph.

I hold down the table while they go off after hamburgers.

The room wasn’t scheduled to be available until 2:00 and it was only around 12:30 at this point. My grandmother left the table for something and my mother turned to me, concerned. My grandmother does suffer from congestive heart disease, which leaves a lot of fluid in her body. My mother knew that she would need some place to lay down and prop her feet up. Soon.

Off I go in search for something.

Not more than a few yards out of the back door to the food court, I come across three lounge chairs on the “beach” waiting for us. A quick call to my mother to inform her of the location, I plop down and receive yet another text from Tamera:

Arrival at 3pm. I have a driver in Orlando so that should be quick.

Still, not concerned; I just needed her here by 4:00 at the latest. My mother and grandmother join me on the “beach” and we lay out for awhile.

My uncle calls me: ‘Have you heard from Tamera? She’s not answering her phone. She should have landed by now.’

Ooops. Someone wasn’t communicating with her husband. I told him of her flight delay and told him that she’d probably call him when she landed.

Finally, at 1:00, my mother phones the front desk. They inform her that the room was now ready. Woo-hoo! Gathering our stuff we begin the very slow trek towards their building. My grandmother isn’t able to walk distance very well and needed to stop and rest every now and then.

Yes, these guys were moving faster than we were.

We finally reached their building; only to discover that their room was upstairs. My mom looked at the staircase in horror and then back to my grandmother. I guess that she didn’t think to request a downstairs room; either that or they weren’t able to accommodate her request.

My mother begins to dig for her phone, to call and request another room. My grandmother cuts her off as she determinedly makes her way to the staircase declaring that upstairs was fine. Actually, I knew my grandmother just needed to lie down and if she had to conquer a staircase in order to do so; she’d conquer that staircase.

Staircase conquered, we found the room and my grandmother headed directly towards the bed. I bid them good-bye, so they could rest, and found the bus stop for a bus to the Hollywood Studios.

 

[Dolce27]

I hop off the bus, once reaching the Studios, and race towards the path to lead back to the Boardwalk. The ferry was docked at the Studios and I was determined to beat it back. I’m pretty much at a run as I race down.. and down… and wind up at the end of the DHS parking lot.

Darn it. I missed the path.

*sigh*

I turn around and race back to the path. Power walking, keeping my eye out for the ferry, I spot a family, that I’d raced past moments before, in front of me. Apparently they hadn’t missed the path’s entrance.

I’m quickly gaining up on them, to pass, when I hear the son – probably around seven or so – and the father in an amusing, but quite sensitive subject conversation.

“Dad? Why do people take the ferry, why don’t they walk?”

“I’ll have to answer in a minute, son.”

I realized what the father wanted to say and I realized that I was the cause for the moment of silence.

“It’s ok.” I tell him as I pass them by. The father turns to his son and begins to explain how our American society, in general, is quite lazy. And I agree with him; we are. We wouldn’t have near the amount of health problems if we got out and walked more, exercised more. But we don’t. And, honestly, Disney probably isn’t the place to start walking more if you’re unaccustomed to walking to/from places in the first place. I don’t begrudge or look down on the people taking the ferry. Nor do I for the ones using the motorized scooters in the parks (my grandmother was going to need one this trip). It’s not my place to judge; and I don’t. I don’t look around at the people and think to myself “Do they really need that scooter?”

But, now, as for my own family. I spent two months before the trip telling my mother – No, you’re not getting a scooter. There is nothing wrong with your legs other than the fact that you never use them. You’re walking.

I got a lot of sighs and pouts for that one. But she walked the entire trip and didn’t complain.

I continue on with my quick stride, leaving the family behind me in my haste. I look back. Crap. The ferry is on my heels. Not having taken the ferry before, I didn’t know that it would stop at the Swan and Dolphin and the Yacht and Beach Club before the Boardwalk. I finally reach the Boardwalk Villas, cut through by the swimming pool, race across the courtyard, to the side door and up the stairs to the elevator bank.

Woo-hoo! I beat the ferry.

Back up in my room, I continue to read while I wait to hear from Tamera. I finally get the text:

We’re on the ground.

I continue reading and finally decided that she should be arriving soon. I’d texted her instructions to my room but since my room was in France, remember?, I decided to go downstairs and meet her. I was a bit concerned that she’d get lost in the endless hallways.

I hesitated at the elevator bank. What if she was on an elevator up while I was on the way down? I look at my watch again. Nah, I’m fine. I go downstairs and wait out front. Suddenly my cell phone rings. It’s Tamera.

“Where are you?”

“Standing out front. Where are you?”

“Standing outside your room door.”

Darn! I knew that would happen! I race back upstairs, a bit concerned with the news that I was going to tell her: she was running so late that we’d have to take a cab over the MK. Now. No time to rest. We had to meet Mom and Granny at the ferry dock. We had 5:00 dinner reservations at the Hoop Dee Doo Review at the Fort Wilderness Campground.

Instead of finding a tired looking, drug out aunt who had to sit on an airplane for an extra hour or two to wait out a storm before take-off; I found a beaming aunt that was happy that she had time to finish a book, begin another one and didn’t have to listen to a husband or kids for the last few hours. And, since she flew first class, she had a full breakfast served to her on the plane. She was ready to go.

Well. Great!

Off we race to the front of the resort, I’d have to deal with checking her in later, and we hop in a cab to the TTC. We get on the monorail and I’m beginning to panic a bit at the time. We were cutting it very close. I still had to pick-up the tickets. They couldn’t give them to me at the Boardwalk since not all of the party was staying there. Just outside of the Contemporary (Wait! Do I pass thru the Contemporary from the TTC. I do –right? I'm thinking correctly – right?) regardless of our exact location on the monorail; there were monorail problems and we were stuck sitting on the track. Figures. My mother begins to call me.

“Where are you”

“On the monorail. Where are you”

“At the ferry dock. Hurry.”

I’m trying! We finally reach the MK and find my grandmother already in line for the ferry. My mother told me that she was worried that Granny wasn’t going to wait for us but would have taken the ferry over by herself. We’re in line for the ferry and one of the guys working there, probably just a bit older than my mother, began chatting with us. Now, my mom is one to always joke and cut up with people. She embarrasses me 99% of the time but what can I do? I’m stuck with her. I love her but there are times, in public, which I’m trying to quietly get away from her because she’s embarrassing the crap out of me.

I still love her, I do! But… *sigh*

So, somehow she’s harassing this guy about being a pirate. Actually, put a pirate outfit on him and he’d look like one. So, he begins to speak as a pirate – and does a darn good job at it. So, all through the line, the “pirate” and my mother are acting silly. The rest of us just do a lot of sighing and rolling our eyes. We board the ferry. My grandmother and I grab one row

My mother and Tamera nab the row behind us. Finally the ferry begins to move. I’m still frantically staring at my watch as it is now after 4:30. I wouldn’t have been so concerned except for that I needed to pick-up the tickets.

The “pirate” is on board and apparently not the one steering the boat so he comes over and chats with my mother more in his “pirate” voice. After what seemed like five hours, we dock and I’m off the boat; racing ahead of the others to collect the tickets. I reach Pioneer Hall and see a massive line outside of the door for the 5:00 show. I manage to find the ticket windows and quickly explain to the man seated behind what I needed.

I then find out that I need to have my mother’s room key as she and my grandmother were on the Dining Plan. My aunt and I were not. With a sigh, I race back to find them, grab the room key and race back. Finally, I get the tickets and we walk up to an empty front door to the Pioneer Hall as everyone else was already inside. The man at the door greeted us with a smile.

“Perfect timing. You don’t have to wait in line.” And he leads us to our table. We’re on the bottom floor and to the left side of the stage… or stage right. The seats weren’t bad.

Our server quickly arrives

and I’m concerned about two things:

1) The food. I was less than thrilled with both Liberty Tree Tavern and Garden Grill. This is yet another family style restaurant and I was expecting the food to be horrid.
2) My aunt: This type of show is soooo my mother and grandmother but I knew it wouldn’t be my aunt’s cup of tea. She’s Grand Floridian – remember? Both my mother and grandmother would have been content at a campsite at the Fort Wilderness campground. So, I was concerned that my aunt wouldn’t enjoy herself at all and I really wanted her to have a good time.

The food begins to arrive … and you know what? It was good.. Everyone seemed to enjoy it.

The show begins:

And my mother, being the klutz and unobservant person that she can be was too busy talking to pay attention that she unintentionally unscrewed the top of the pepper shaker off and accidently poured pepper all over her food.

And me, being the ever loving daughter had to take a picture of it for memories sake

Dessert was great. Strawberry Shortcake. Yummmmmm…. They passed out washboards and other things to bang on. My grandmother seemed to be having a blast.

Which I was thankful for. This night was more about her and mom. I had another night planned with my aunt specifically in mind. But even my aunt got into it at the end. But, don’t worry; she’s already said that she won’t be back.

I had a small surprise after the dinner for everyone – but primarily my grandmother.. .which was a good thing as she was the only one that didn’t know what the surprise was by that point. I’d previously managed to blab to the others.

At 7:30 we made our way over to a horse drawn carriage and my grandmother’s eyes lit up in excitement. She happily climbed on board and the rest of us followed.

This turned out to be the highlight of my grandmother’s trip. The campsites were extravagantly decorated with lights and Christmas decorations. The ride was fun, but over all too fast. We once again reached Pioneer Hall and made our way back to the ferry. We took the ferry back to the MK, the brightly lit lights shined on the water from the park. I was a bit sullen on the return trip. I was having so much fun but I knew that I was on the back end of my trip.

We made our way to the bus stops and I pointed Mom and Granny in the right direction for their bus – it was around from where ours was. We had bus stop number 7. Tamera and I begin the walk in that direction when I realize that there is a bus already pulled into that spot and it’s about to depart.

“Bus!” I yell and take off at a run. I reached it in time and, panting, climb on board. The bus driver looks at me.

“Anyone else with you?”

“Yes,” I replied, still panting. I turn to point… at nothing.

Where’s Tamera?

Finally I spot her walking up to the bus. She gives me an exasperated look before turning to the bus driver.

“She yells ‘bus’ and takes off running but she doesn’t say where!”

Oh. Oops. Laughing, the bus driver shuts the door and we take off.

 

[Dolce27]

Once again, at the Boardwalk, we get Tamera checked in and park passes added onto her room key. Neither one of us were ready for bed so we walk over to the Beach Club. I’d heard that they served gelato there and that sounded great to the both of us.

Upon entering the lobby, we spot the famous chocolate and gingerbread carrousel.

As Tamera has stayed at the Beach Club before, we quickly find the general store that sold the gelato. With our purchase in hand, we walk back out and find a bench in front of the Yacht Club, facing the Boardwalk, to wait for the Illuminations fireworks. Finally, the show has begun and the sky is filled with color

Show over, we slowly walked back to the Boardwalk and off to bed we went.

 

[MaleDisneyBeliever]

Great update! Cant wait for more!

Lol at your breakfast, then your sundae and soda, then moving to Goofy's and yet still considering the lighter option of the strawberry flavour! Indulgence! Dont hide it behind fruit names

BTW... you for sure dont look 30!!

 

[Disneyfan71]

WOW!!! That's some update And I really love the pictures too. Sorry about having a bad time with that lady at the pick a pearl shop. I can't imagine why some people are so rude. Oh well, that's life.

And I can't imagine why Disney closed the clubs...I think that's why everyone went. But I'm not sure if families were complaining or what!!! But honestly, who wants to go in a hot air balloon over Downtown Disney? I certainly don't If I want an hot air balloon ride, I'll rent one and fly over the mountains of NC for two hours!!!

 

[Hound 109]

I'm on page 6.

Good for you for leading interference for the boy (in the wheelchair) & his mother.

& good for you for being tour guide for the newbie family.

Doesn't at all surprise me that you did though.....always knew that you were one of the "good guys" (gender neutral).


& regarding your comment about Disneyland missing out by not having Mickey's Philharmagic.....I couldn't agree more. The two attractions at the World (besides World Showcase) that I would LOVE to see at DLR would be Philharmagic & Mission Space (& maybe Everest).....they're all E ticket attractions for sure.

I think it would be a perfect fit in the Hollywood area of DCA (maybe replace the very cute, but very very old Muppets attraction there).


Great report Dolce.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Do you mind another reader? What a great trip report. I've successfully avoided work today and read it all in one sitting.

I'll be 30 in September and am dreading it highly. I know I'll be depressed. I can't do to Disney since we're going in November so maybe I'll just lock myself in my bedroom and cry about it.

I love what you did for those families in MK on Christmas Eve. That's really special.

PS-Not a big parade fan myself. My kiddos were bummed until I explained to them how many rides we could manage while everyone else was watching said parade. They then loved me once again.