Up, down and all around...a trip we will NEVER forget - COMPLETE 1/19

[SoonerGirl]

Great pictures of World Showcase! With all the time I've spent in Epcot, I've never taken the time to really explore WS or watch the shows - that is on my must do list for next time!

I'm sorry your DH was feeling ill, it really sucks to be sick on vacation, and I have a feeling it's going to get worse before it gets better

 

[CJsMom]

I thoroughly enjoyed the tour around World Showcase! But now I am worried about both of you being sick!

 

[Lady Lallie]

You got some amazing pics of World Showcase! WS completely overwhelms me even when I have the best intentions of taking it slow and going through it. It seems like you were able to power through it pretty quick though.

I hope the sickness goes away and stays away!

 

[Donald is #1]

It would make me nervous to use this soap!

My nephew and I noticed those soaps too. We had a great time reading the various names and laughing at them. But I agree that I am not sure whether I would buy them.

 

[brookelizabeth]

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't have time to fully catch up now but I was just checking in and see that you are going back in 1 month and 28 days and all signs point to DVC purchase.

Wahoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can't wait to come home tonight and catch up completely. I'm so excited for you!!

Thanks! We are very excited too - it's a bit unbelievable that we are going back in less than 2 months and I haven't even made one ADR.

Wow Brook, you are an updating machine!

So sorry Joe was feeling poorly. On our June trip, the stomach flu struck about 2/3 of our family (group of 15) in 2 different waves. Luckily we were offsite and only planned to visit the park on half of the days so we had flexibility in the schedule to still visit all the parks. Nothing worse than being sick on vacation!

I would love to hit F&W some year but looking at those menu boards it looks like I would have to spread it out over 3 or 4 days, Wow!

There were soooooo many things at F&W that I wanted to try, but there was just no way. Spreading it out over the days is a smart idea, you could literally eat a very hearty meal between all the samples.

That is awful about the stomach flu hitting your group! It does just plain stink being sick on vacation...I am not sure what hit us, but...it was pretty close to the stomach flu. Ick. But, it is one of the big reasons we voted to go back in January rather than later 2009!

I am currently feeling a bit under the weather, but I'm going to try to at least get pictures uploaded so I can post the next update soon!

Amazing pics! Since it does not seem like I will be back for a while, this is really giving me a great Disney fix!

Sorry to hear about the upset tummies! And 'Ohana trouble?!? Oh No!

Glad to supply the Disney fix - lots more to come!

And yep, 'Ohana trouble. But no 'Ohanas fault...

I was so excited to see you posted an update and a super long update! But for some reason it's not letting me see your pictures at work. I plan to catch up tonight.

Ah! I hate it when work blocks stuff. Thankfully our company hasn't gone to that extent yet. But, I rarely have time to eat, let alone DIS.

The "May the Forest Be With You" shirt is the most hilarious thing I've seen all day!

I am tickled that there was a Baton Rouge food booth! There is all of the exotic food from around the world and smack dab in the middle is a little slice of Good ole' Lousy-ana. The bread pudding did look great, though!

I'm glad someone else found the t-shirt equally as entertaining!

They had a whole Baton Rouge area - if I recall correctly, there was even music! It was kinda funny that we had all these exotic dishes, and then there was LA. It was grateful for the food booth though, that bread pudding was faaaaaaantastic.

Brook yau are the update QUEEN!!! really!! I hope that all the speculation is correct, and you ARE buying DVC! Sounds like its a good idea for you (even if you haven't yet...hint hint!!)

I'm so sorry your DH is sick! I hope you don't get it too, but I sorta have this feeling.....

Keep up the great TR!!! I'm one that LOVES immediate gratification...so I really like how quick you are putting up the updates

Paula

DVC?

I am really going to try to keep up the pace on the TR, I want to get it done before our next trip, and it's hard to focus on both a TR and planning. Of which, I haven't really done at all!

So, if what I think is the case IS in fact the case, I am SOOOOOOOOO jealous.

We did a DVC tour and Nic flat out said no before we even walked in.

I convinced him that MAYBE later on in life, it was a slight possibility.

That is sad about Nic saying no to DVC! Hopefully you will be able to convince him at some point.

Great pictures of World Showcase! With all the time I've spent in Epcot, I've never taken the time to really explore WS or watch the shows - that is on my must do list for next time!

I'm sorry your DH was feeling ill, it really sucks to be sick on vacation, and I have a feeling it's going to get worse before it gets better

Thank you for the comments on the pictures! WS is just HUGE, we were so tired, thankfully we had another Epcot day on this trip so we could finish exploring. It really is neat though, tons of beautiful and interesting things to look at. And despite exploring it all, I still see stuff here on the DIS that we completely missed. I love that about Disney!

I thoroughly enjoyed the tour around World Showcase! But now I am worried about both of you being sick!

Glad you enjoyed the WS! The sickness was noooooo fun....!

You got some amazing pics of World Showcase! WS completely overwhelms me even when I have the best intentions of taking it slow and going through it. It seems like you were able to power through it pretty quick though.

I hope the sickness goes away and stays away!

The WS completely overwhelmed us too! It kicked our butts! We did go through pretty quick-we didn't catch any shows, and didn't buy anything. Just window shopped and enjoyed the architecture and light fixtures.

My nephew and I noticed those soaps too. We had a great time reading the various names and laughing at them. But I agree that I am not sure whether I would buy them.

I think I would buy one as a gag gift for someone, or part of a Christmas gift as a laugh! Maybe some nice Basin stuff, and then a Beaver Butt soap!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Did you buy DVC at the Contemporary and get developer points? Hmmmm...

Beautiful photos from WS -- I love the sour cream in the shape of a Mickey head, and I am so glad you tried the praline bread pudding -- that was the one thing I wish I had been able to try at Food and Wine -- maybe next year!

So sorry to hear about Joe not feeling well -- Charles had a rough time at Epcot on our first day there last June -- that's when we discovered that Mouse Gears sells Pepto behind the counter.

Hope he feels better soon!

 

[brookelizabeth]

When I left off we had just arrived back at the WL and were going to our room. We quickly and easily found our room on the 3rd floor. We walked into a very nice surprise!

After ooohing and awwwwing over our card, balloons and towel Mickey, I went straight to the balcony for the view. It was not a Bear Face room, but VERY close to it. It was in the corner, so did have a great view of the lake and the pool.

Looking straight out

Looking a bit to the right

Looking to the left

I inspected the room and found it to be very clean – no hairs on the bathroom floor! However, there was no Pack & Play. Oh man, not this again… so I called Mousekeeping who gave me a similar spiel as Pop did, the request at check-in probably just didn’t go through, but they would deliver one. We also did not have our Garden Grocer order, which I very much wanted for Henry’s milk. I called the front desk after Mousekeeping and they would look into it.

I took a bunch of pictures of the room before we messed it all up!

A very comfy chair

These little hooks were SO handy to hang our jackets on

I loved this little dresser in the hallway, the fridge is in the bottom

Beautiful fixtures and countertop!

Detail of the headboard

Light fixture that was on either side of the bed that you turned on and off with a light switch that was IN the headboard. Oh so handy.

Detail of the drawer pulls

Joe showing the fridge, he understands why I take these pictures even!

Light fixture above mirror, above table and chairs.

Detail on mirror

Balcony, two chairs and a table.

Hidden Mickey in the bedspread

Continued in the next post

 

[pilferk]

LOVING the TR so far!! Great pics.

That pic of you "rocking" the beret at Epcot...too funny.

Can't wait to hear the details about "that thing" that led to your next trip.

And SOOO sorry to hear about the "sickies" going around....we had that happen one trip, years back. First me, then DW....NOT fun.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post

Carving on the bed post.

Carving on the bed post.

The night stand next to the bed, and Henry going RIGHT for that phone!

We changed and freshened up for our dinner at ‘Ohana. Joe rested a bit in hopes of feeling better, and Henry explored the room while I unpacked our bags. It felt sooooo nice to put our clothing into the dresser knowing we would be there for several more days.

In the midst of my unpacking, our Pack & Play was delivered! Yea!!

And before I knew it, we had 30 minutes until our ADR! I quickly starting putting Henry’s bag together (with an extra outfit this time!). I glanced at the Passporter that had our schedule in it and noticed the reservation was for 10 minutes earlier than I thought! Eep! We only had 20 minutes to get to the Poly!

We got out the door about 5 minutes later and almost ran to the bus stop. Of course the bus wasn’t there. And didn’t come. And didn’t come. And didn’t come. A cab drove up and was just sitting about 40 feet from the bus area. Joe looked at his watch and made a decision that we were taking that cab. $5.00 for a ride to the Poly! Score! Joe said the guy kinda chuckled at him when he told him where we were going-I have zero sense of direction, but I guess it’s literally over one major road and you are there. Hence a cheap cab ride! So, we were there in about 5 minutes, thanked the driver and hustled in.

There was a small line to check-in, the guy in front of me was told the wait (for a walk-up) would be at least an hour. There were people waiting in almost every available seat in the lounge. The CM said it was fine that we were 10 minutes late because they were running late too-we’d just have a shorter wait in the lounge since our ADR time was just past. Yea! Always a bonus with a baby.

He gave me the buzzer thing and we found a seat.

I explored a teeny bit,

and within about 10 minutes our buzzer was going off (which Henry found very entertaining ).

We were led to our table, and our waitress was very nice and explained things. She took our drink orders and said the bread would be right out. Woo-hoo! I’ve been waiting to taste this yummy bread! Henry was very hungry and becoming a bit fussy, bread would be the perfect item to tide him over.

We waited. And waited.

No bread. Our waitress was invisible, because I certainly couldn’t find her when Henry started to really cry and fuss because he was hungry. The sauces and salad came (nothing Henry could really eat there-can't munch salad with 8 teeth!),

then the potstickers which I managed to rip in small pieces for Henry, so he was satisfied.

Then the wings.

Finally our waitress came back to our table and I asked for the bread. She said she would be right back with it, and she was. So, I don’t know if she just got really busy, or forgot.

After the bread was the veggies.

And the controversial noodles.

And the meat!

Steak (sorry about the messy plate, they bring the meats much later than all the other goodies!)

Pork and turkey

Holy Hannah, this was good stuff. Joe still wasn’t feeling well, it was still coming and going in waves, so he picked at the food and couldn't really enjoy, but Henry and I packed it in! Every last item was delish!

Henry especially loved the noodles.

Our dessert arrived and Joe wished he could enjoy it more – I was literally rolling my eyes with delight at everything. So tasty!

Continued in next post

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post

I was completely, ridiculously, and embarrassingly stuffed. I had eaten almost half of that dessert by myself after I had feasted on everything else!

I waddled out of the restaurant and out to the monorail. It had gotten very chilly out, thankfully I had packed Henry’s fleece. Three monorails went by in the opposite direction before we had one, but I entertained Henry while we waited by singing and dancing and just being silly. A man was filming his two girls who were hamming it up big time for his camera and I was acting like a big dork in the background playing with Henry. I’m sure everyone in their family will have laughs about that for the next 20 years!

But I didn’t care. I had awesome food in me, I was in Disney World, life was good! I just wish Joe had been feeling better. Despite not feeling good, he was having a great time and still playing around with us.

When the monorail finally arrived it was off to MK and then a bus to WL.

MK bus stop WL sign

At the MK bus stop

A bus came almost right away, but it was only dropping off! It was really pretty cold out by this time so everyone in the line groaned. But, another bus came about a minute later.

Henry being a goof on the bus

Back at the WL, we stopped at the Bell Services desk and asked about the GG order, which we found out it was not listed on the day’s deliveries. The CM called into the back and asked if they could see anything for our name. They reported that yes, there was a bag in the cooler with our name on it! Yea! I informed the CM that there would be more than just cool stuff, and he said they would find it and send it up very soon. Perfect.

We took a few pictures on our way back to the room

One of many awesome light fixtures

Lobby-the picture doesn't do it justice

Lobby-the picture doesn't do it justice

Where the stream that runs out to the pool starts

This little guy is in the elevator, holding up the railing, which looks like a stick

Reading nook by the elevators on the 3rd floor

Todem pole in the lobby

I love hallway shots

Hidden Mickey in the carpet

Hidden Mickey in the wallpaper

and when we arrived in the room, we had received turn down service!

How very nice! Even some chocolates were left on the bed.

Too bad my stomach was already hanging over my jeans, otherwise I am sure I would have stuffed those in too.

Henry had an excellent time on the bed. He found his new favorite pastime. First he would take all the chocolates and move them from the blanket to the sheet.

He found great entertainment in this. Then, he would stand up on the bed with his hands on the headboard and fall backwards onto his butt, then onto his back. He would laugh and laugh. This became a nightly ritual. And it was adorable!

Within 10 minutes of arriving in the room we had a knock on the door from Bell Services, our GG order was here, yea! We opened the door, he handed us one bag.

Hmmm…well, this was our cold stuff, but I assured him that there was other items. I listed a few of the things we had ordered and he apologized and said he would check and be right back.

We decided we would skip going back to Epcot and just relax for the rest of the evening, since Joe still wasn't feeling the best, I could barely move, and it was very near Henry’s bedtime.

We hung out in the room and very soon the rest of our GG order arrived. The CM was so nice, he apologized again and made sure our entire order was there.

We got Henry ready for bed and the light parade started! The music was very loud, but it was cute and we could see it from our balcony. After it was over we laid Henry down in the Pack & Play and said good-night. Joe and I headed out onto the balcony and enjoyed just looking out and the beautiful view. After a short time we peeked in and Henry was sound asleep. Joe decided to go to the hot tub for a bit and I sprawled out on the bed and collected my thoughts in my trip journal.

Now here is where the bad stuff comes in. *Warning!*

Joe was back after a short time and we both fell asleep quickly. Around 3:00 am I woke up with a horrible, horrible stomach ache. I tried to ignore it, but couldn’t. I felt awful. I got up and grabbed a bottle of water and sat on the edge of the bed drinking it. I went into the bathroom because Twinkle Bell called, but I very soon realized I was going to be repeating the Chef Mickey’s Incident.

Thankfully, not nearly as severe though, and not in public!

I have not been sick like this in 20 years. I have a VERY strong stomach, I couldn’t believe it was happening. And on my vacation. But, I have to say, I felt quite a bit better after it was all over. I brushed my teeth and went back to bed. Joe had woken up and gave me a little squeeze asking if everything was okay. It was. I thought for sure it was from over eating since I went to bed feeling just fine. All the rich food just must have been too much for me.

I fell asleep quickly after this and slept soundly until the next morning when our H-Alarm woke us up…

Up next: RD? DHS TSM FP?

 

[pilferk]

Well, the trip title is certainly making a LOT of sense, now....pretty clever!

Hoping the stomach ailment passed quickly!

Can't wait to hear about DHS and your TSM experience...it's one of the things we're "worried about" this trip. Our plan is to go straight there at rope drop and just deal with the lines. Then DW and I will head over to RRC and TOT, and Fastpass those. Admittedly, we cheat a bit: We use OUR tickets for 2 FP's at one of them, and then use the KIDS tickets for FP at the other. Works for now..until the kids are big enough to want to ride, too. I suspect that's coming soon for our oldest......

Our family LOVES Ohana's...but sadly won't get to make it there THIS trip. They were completely booked up the night we wanted to do it..something about a wedding rehersal dinner there, that night. But it is a super, Grade A, #1 priority for our September trip. Since MY mom and step-dad are joining us, it's one of those places I really want them to experience.

Keep up the good work!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Did you buy DVC at the Contemporary and get developer points? Hmmmm...

Beautiful photos from WS -- I love the sour cream in the shape of a Mickey head, and I am so glad you tried the praline bread pudding -- that was the one thing I wish I had been able to try at Food and Wine -- maybe next year!

So sorry to hear about Joe not feeling well -- Charles had a rough time at Epcot on our first day there last June -- that's when we discovered that Mouse Gears sells Pepto behind the counter.

Hope he feels better soon!

Hmmmm....Developer points?

I was giddy about the sour cream Mickey head! All the rest just had a drizzle. I counted it as PD that I got it.

Next year for F&W if at all possible! It was a lot of fun to even just wander and enjoy the atmosphere. I would recommend NOT going on the last day though, it was so busy.

WL also sells Pepto thankfully!!

LOVING the TR so far!! Great pics.

That pic of you "rocking" the beret at Epcot...too funny.

Can't wait to hear the details about "that thing" that led to your next trip.

And SOOO sorry to hear about the "sickies" going around....we had that happen one trip, years back. First me, then DW....NOT fun.

Hey pilferk!

"That thing" is coming up very soon, we've got our DHS day, and then AK day, then....

I love all the quirky hats at the WS. I've seen some HILARIOUS ones here on the DIS. If we do end up in Epcot for this coming trip, I might suggest we just do a hat/picture taking spree. It would be so silly!

Ya, the sickies was not, not, not fun at all. But, at least we could laugh about it in the moment! I was tempted not to write a TR due to the "lovlieness", but well...here I am!

Well, the trip title is certainly making a LOT of sense, now....pretty clever!

Hoping the stomach ailment passed quickly!

Can't wait to hear about DHS and your TSM experience...it's one of the things we're "worried about" this trip. Our plan is to go straight there at rope drop and just deal with the lines. Then DW and I will head over to RRC and TOT, and Fastpass those. Admittedly, we cheat a bit: We use OUR tickets for 2 FP's at one of them, and then use the KIDS tickets for FP at the other. Works for now..until the kids are big enough to want to ride, too. I suspect that's coming soon for our oldest......

Our family LOVES Ohana's...but sadly won't get to make it there THIS trip. They were completely booked up the night we wanted to do it..something about a wedding rehersal dinner there, that night. But it is a super, Grade A, #1 priority for our September trip. Since MY mom and step-dad are joining us, it's one of those places I really want them to experience.

Keep up the good work!!

Ya, we had our ups (in more than one way) and our downs! The trip was just emotional all over the place! And completely unforgettable.

I am actually going to try to post the DHS TSM installment today yet. We are headed out of town for a long weekend, so I'm pretty certain I won't be able to post at all.

We cheated too! Henry obviously didn't get a pass, but we took advantage with the child swap and with Joe's Guest Assistance Card (info on that coming soon).

When are you going in September? We are looking at that time of the year again as well...nothing is concrete for it though. I'll be able to share more about that on the day I explain "that thing".

I bet your folks will love 'Ohana! We plan to go back when Joe isn't feeling so awful so we can both enjoy the food. But, I will LIMIT myself this time around!

 

[pilferk]

Hey pilferk!

"That thing" is coming up very soon, we've got our DHS day, and then AK day, then....

I love all the quirky hats at the WS. I've seen some HILARIOUS ones here on the DIS. If we do end up in Epcot for this coming trip, I might suggest we just do a hat/picture taking spree. It would be so silly!

Ya, the sickies was not, not, not fun at all. But, at least we could laugh about it in the moment! I was tempted not to write a TR due to the "lovlieness", but well...here I am!

I'm thinking "coming up soon" is going to be a relative term. I'm just hoping it gets posted before I leave next Wednesday! Otherwise, I'm going to have to be browsing your TR from AKL (or sit in suspense for another week on the details). I'm not sure how high that would rate on the "wife acceptance scale". I'm guessing not high.

Ya, we had our ups (in more than one way) and our downs! The trip was just emotional all over the place! And completely unforgettable.

I am actually going to try to post the DHS TSM installment today yet. We are headed out of town for a long weekend, so I'm pretty certain I won't be able to post at all.

We cheated too! Henry obviously didn't get a pass, but we took advantage with the child swap and with Joe's Guest Assistance Card (info on that coming soon).

When are you going in September? We are looking at that time of the year again as well...nothing is concrete for it though. I'll be able to share more about that on the day I explain "that thing".

I bet your folks will love 'Ohana! We plan to go back when Joe isn't feeling so awful so we can both enjoy the food. But, I will LIMIT myself this time around!

We're going in September from the 16th - 26th. We'll leave home on the 16th, drive down (the plan right now..we'll see what airfare does) and arrive on the 17th. We'll be at the AS Music, in a family suite, the first 2 nights, then AKV, at Kidani, for the rest of the trip. We'll leave WDW on the 25th, and arrive back here in CT on the 26th. In other words, we'll be AT WDW the 17th - 25th.

And during that time we'll incorporate 2 birthdays (DS turns 5 on the 20th, Youngest DD turns 3 on the 27th, but we'll celebrate early), one 10th wedding anniversary, one "surprise" (which I've mentioned in the AKL Lite threads, but can't talk about in detail because I know DW is now lurking the disboards), and my mom and step-dads FIRST trip to WDW EVER (they're joining us for a little more than 1/2 the trip, arriving on the 19th and leaving on the 24th...they're flying). It's gonna be an "interesting", and fun (I hope) trip.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I'm thinking "coming up soon" is going to be a relative term. I'm just hoping it gets posted before I leave next Wednesday! Otherwise, I'm going to have to be browsing your TR from AKL (or sit in suspense for another week on the details). I'm not sure how high that would rate on the "wife acceptance scale". I'm guessing not high.

Ya, probably not! I will try my bestest! I have the DHS TSM FP all queued up and I'm about to post again! I love slow work days when I'm working from home!

We're going in September from the 16th - 26th. We'll leave home on the 16th, drive down (the plan right now..we'll see what airfare does) and arrive on the 17th. We'll be at the AS Music, in a family suite, the first 2 nights, then AKV, at Kidani, for the rest of the trip. We'll leave WDW on the 25th, and arrive back here in CT on the 26th. In other words, we'll be AT WDW the 17th - 25th.

And during that time we'll incorporate 2 birthdays (DS turns 5 on the 20th, Youngest DD turns 3 on the 27th, but we'll celebrate early), one 10th wedding anniversary, one "surprise" (which I've mentioned in the AKL Lite threads, but can't talk about in detail because I know DW is now lurking the disboards), and my mom and step-dads FIRST trip to WDW EVER (they're joining us for a little more than 1/2 the trip, arriving on the 19th and leaving on the 24th...they're flying). It's gonna be an "interesting", and fun (I hope) trip.

Wow! Sounds like an awesome trip! Are you going to write a TR again? I would love to hear about the Family Suites at AS Music. And OF COURSE, to hear about Kidani!! It will be stunning, to say the least, I'm sure.

That is so fun about incorporating all the birthdays (and DS will get a free ticket, or a gift card for his birthday!) and the anniversary. I do recall your "surprise" as well - can't wait to hear all about it!!!!!

I'm sure it will be a busy trip, but I'm sure it will be FULL of fantastic memories and be a blast. I think it's impossible not to have fun at WDW. Even we had fun on this trip, despite the "ups" and "downs".

 

[pilferk]

Ya, probably not! I will try my bestest! I have the DHS TSM FP all queued up and I'm about to post again! I love slow work days when I'm working from home!

I'm right there with you on both counts. I'm running a bunch of data queries (you know...push button, watch progress bar, rinse, repeat) and also working from home. It's VERY nice...I really look forward to those 2 days a week, let me tell ya.

Wow! Sounds like an awesome trip! Are you going to write a TR again? I would love to hear about the Family Suites at AS Music. And OF COURSE, to hear about Kidani!! It will be stunning, to say the least, I'm sure.

That is so fun about incorporating all the birthdays (and DS will get a free ticket, or a gift card for his birthday!) and the anniversary. I do recall your "surprise" as well - can't wait to hear all about it!!!!!

I'm sure it will be a busy trip, but I'm sure it will be FULL of fantastic memories and be a blast. I think it's impossible not to have fun at WDW. Even we had fun on this trip, despite the "ups" and "downs".

There WILL be a TR for the September /09 trip (at least that's the plan)...and there will also be one for the trip that starts next week. We're doing the first two days in a Family Suite for THAT one too...we check in a week from tomorrow.

I'm really looking forward to Kidani. That's likely the way we'll go on our future trips, too. We have enough points to do a 2 br for 6 nights during value season every year. And that extra bathroom (not to mention the extra sq footage with teh 5 of us) is just invaluable. DW and I can have our own bathroom, DS can have his, and the girls can have theirs.

We're getting all hyped up for next week. I don't want to hijack your TR, though, so....suffice to say our yougest (who's 2) has been spending her days doing the "Disney dance". And the other 2 aren't far behind. I have video. I think I'm going to try to youtube it and then post it in our TR. Anyway...back to YOUR TR...which is awesome by the way. Have I mentioned that? LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the pics!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I love the DIS acronyms.

There is only one picture in this update, but we were on a mission, no time to take pictures!

Last I left you, we were sleeping the night away after our dinner at 'Ohana and a minor Chef Mickey's Incident repeat.

We had set a 7:30 am alarm for this day, but our trusty H-Alarm was ready to go at 7:20. Our goal was Rope Drop (9:00 am) at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to take part in the Fast Pass Dash for Toy Story Mania.

Both Joe and I were still feeling a bit queasy. Thankfully he had not repeated the Chef Mickey’s Incident, but he was still feeling off.

Now this is the strangest part...which really tells you how ill I was feeling. (However, not ill enough to not go to the parks!) I had packed coffee filters and Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee grounds (drooooool) to make coffee each morning in the room before our breakfast run. And, if you recall earlier in my TR I said how big of a breakfast eater I am – I usually wake up ravenous. This particular morning Joe asked “Do you want to make coffee?”

“No.” was my response!

NO!

AND, I didn’t want breakfast.

We opted for bottled water instead.

This was the day, of course, where we also had two TS’ planned. 50’s Prime Time for lunch and Mama Melrose for dinner. We thought we’d just play it by ear, and hopefully we would both be feeling better by the time lunch rolled around.

Despite us waking up early, and not getting breakfast, we somehow managed to dawdle around the room until 9:00 am.

Maybe we were running late because we were distracted by this cute little boy playing on the balcony!

So much for making rope drop! However, when we got down to the bus stop, the DHS bus was waiting for us! My first thought, “We’ll only be just a bit late, there is still hope for a TSM FP!”

Then I saw the line for DHS.

Strechingggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg to Guam. It was like the ME check-in all over again!

There would be NO way we’d make it on this bus. “So much for Toy Story.” I thought.

But let me tell you, that bus was Mary Poppins’ purse! The people filed on, and on and pretty soon we were boarding. We, along with the family in line in front of us, were completely dumbfounded as to how that many people possibly fit on the bus. It was incredible.

So we are now BACK ON FOR TOY STORY!

Being one of the last few people on, Joe and I had to stand. So that meant holding my 25 pound baby, on a bus, while holding a pole. Joe had all the bags and stroller, so he too was getting his morning workout. All this with “eh” stomachs. Not fun.

However, a VERY nice man tapped me on the shoulder and insisted I take his seat. I love a gentleman!

I soon learned this was a big family together-aunts, uncles, Grandma, kids, etc. They were both sitting around me and standing. Three young boys had three seats in a row, followed by a girl cousin. I don’t know how it all happened, but all of a sudden the little girl was in tears. Big ‘ol alligator tears. The aunt, whom I was sitting next to, asked her what was wrong. The boys had teased her because she still wore pull-ups at night. She was just devastated. I started to well up (and am again as I write this), I'm such a sap! And of course she wanted her Mom, who was about 4 rows back, which was impossible to get to on this Disney bus.

Her uncle, the hero of a man who gave me his seat, crouched down to her level and gave her a big hug and tried to console her. The Grandma caught wind of the situation and told the boys to look at her and started to scold them. Their immediate response was “But she was teasing me!” “Never mind that!” was her response. Good Grandma! Two wrongs do not make a right! And obviously, her words were not as harsh as theirs.

Meanwhile, the young boy who was not involved in all this, who was sitting directly next to the alligator tear girl, the son of the woman I was sitting next to and Hero Man, his braces broke. A whole spring thing popped right out of his mouth and a metal band was hanging down. Grandma’s suggestion directly after this, whispering in the ear of the woman next to me, “Let’s have the driver drop us off at Hollywood Studios and drive the kids around all day.”

I also have to include a comment by one of the little boys in this family… “Look! There goes the Magical Express! NOT SO MAGICAL NOW!”

The boys were so rambunctious too, all over the seats, all over each other, making comments about poop…the woman next to me just sighed. What a ride! Definetly unforgettable!

We were almost there, or so we thought, and the driver comes on the speaker telling us he made a boo-boo and missed the turn, we were going straight for AK. Everyone groaned.

So much for Toy Story!

Joe told me later the driver saw someone walking along the side of the road and had to call in to security about it, thus missing the exit.

It was now just after 9:30 am and we finally rolled into DHS. Everyone slowly filed off the bus and meandered into the park.

I decided we had to at least try for TSM. So we were as quick as we could be with our bags, got through the bag check and gate and bypassed every Photopass Photographer. They just smiled at us knowingly as we zipped along with our eyes focused on the hat. They knew what we were doing.

As soon as we entered the Pixar area, it was madness! People everywhere! Nightmares of 20 minute FP lines danced in my head. I had Joe wait with the stroller while I made my way to the FP machines…and much to my delight, the FPs were NOT gone, nor was the line very long! Just a few people!

TSM FPs were ours!!!!!

Our return time was 1:30 pm, perfect! We could do 50s, and then ride TSM. Can’t get much better than that.

Up next: Mom Loves You!

 

[thewesterberg]

So the crud made a clean sweep through the whole family. You poor things!! But it made the trip memorable... if everything went according to plan, how boring would that be?!?!

Can I just say I love all your pictures of Wilderness Lodge?! It is so beautiful! When we ate at Whispering Canyon, we had a bit of a wait. Which was totally okay with me - got to enjoy sitting in that gorgeous lobby!

And I totally agree with you on the food at 'Ohana - YUM! DH has requested that as a "return to" for our upcoming trip. Just happy to hear that the sickness didn't spoil your appetite to eat there again.

DS brought his postcard with him to school today to share with his class! Thank you again!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I'm right there with you on both counts. I'm running a bunch of data queries (you know...push button, watch progress bar, rinse, repeat) and also working from home. It's VERY nice...I really look forward to those 2 days a week, let me tell ya.

I'm reading an incredibly fantastic manual on how to troubleshoot a new application we are intergrating with ours. It's so very interesting. <insert bored emoticon> But! It has to be done. And it will be our handy guide when this version of the software is GA'ed.

There WILL be a TR for the September /09 trip (at least that's the plan)...and there will also be one for the trip that starts next week. We're doing the first two days in a Family Suite for THAT one too...we check in a week from tomorrow.

I'm really looking forward to Kidani. That's likely the way we'll go on our future trips, too. We have enough points to do a 2 br for 6 nights during value season every year. And that extra bathroom (not to mention the extra sq footage with teh 5 of us) is just invaluable. DW and I can have our own bathroom, DS can have his, and the girls can have theirs.

We're getting all hyped up for next week. I don't want to hijack your TR, though, so....suffice to say our yougest (who's 2) has been spending her days doing the "Disney dance". And the other 2 aren't far behind. I have video. I think I'm going to try to youtube it and then post it in our TR. Anyway...back to YOUR TR...which is awesome by the way. Have I mentioned that? LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the pics!

Yea! I look forward to the TRs!!

And that bathtub and shower in the master in AKV...droooooool! It's STUNNING!! The space will be so nice for everyone. While the sitting on the balcony trick worked well for Joe and I this time, it would be very nice to have our own room and be able to have lights on/TV on without the fear of waking up Henry. Plus, the kitchen space, all the bathrooms, and that pool area, and, and, and...everything!

I can't wait to see the Disney Dance! That has got to be adorable. I can't believe she's two, turning three, already though. I remember your siggy saying when she was 0!

No worries on the hijack, I like 'em.

And thank you for the compliments on my TR. Glad to hear you are enjoying the pics! It makes the updates sooooo long, but I know for me, I love seeing pics of WDW, makes the next trip not seem so far away.
And for you, it's not!!! (well, I guess not for me either... )

 

[brookelizabeth]

So the crud made a clean sweep through the whole family. You poor things!! But it made the trip memorable... if everything went according to plan, how boring would that be?!?!

Can I just say I love all your pictures of Wilderness Lodge?! It is so beautiful! When we ate at Whispering Canyon, we had a bit of a wait. Which was totally okay with me - got to enjoy sitting in that gorgeous lobby!

And I totally agree with you on the food at 'Ohana - YUM! DH has requested that as a "return to" for our upcoming trip. Just happy to hear that the sickness didn't spoil your appetite to eat there again.

DS brought his postcard with him to school today to share with his class! Thank you again!!

Yep, the crud hit us all. But, like you said, it certainly made it memorable! We won't ever forget this trip? "Remember the time when Henry vomited his body weight at Chef Mickeys?" and even more of those laughable moments coming up. When I was telling my boss about the trip, I litterally had her in tears about it all!

WL is gorgeous! I was in awe of it all. I wasn't sure I would really like it, but it blew me away. There are so many neat little nooks on the various floors too, and a balcony you can sit on to enjoy the lake on about the 5th floor - I went exploring one night....LOTS of pictures from that time coming sometime soon.

I have to admit, when I think about eating at 'Ohana I sorta cringe. BUT, it was so good in the moment, and Joe really wants to eat there when he's feeling well. I think if we wait a while (maybe two trips from now), I'll be able to eat there again.

You are very welcome on the postcard! I love doing that sort of thing, and spreading the Disney joy!

 

[CJsMom]

Oh, yikes, I knew that was coming! So sorry you got sick on your vacation! I hope it's over after today - at least if it's fast-moving you won't miss out on much. I was just talking to someone who has three kids, and on their last trip to Disney they all got the stomach bug, staggered, of course, through all five of them, so they basically missed out on five days of their vacation. Occasionally mom or dad would feel well enough to bring the kid that was feeling ok to a park for a couple of hours, but it really ruined their trip. They are making up for it this year by going for 12 days!!

Hmm, rambunctious boys on the bus, eh? Brings back some memories for me. Not that my boys would EVER act like that... Of course, my boys then had to sit in the room and "practice" how to ride on a bus, instead of going to the pool, and that took care of the bus ride behavior from then on. I'm a mean mom who punishes her kids even on vacation.

Happy Thanksgiving!!