VWL Groupies & Lovers Thread (Special Collectors Edition 2.5) updated 2 February 2025

[sleepydog25]

Well, you guys sure have a way of brightening the day of a snowbound Sleepy. Though I don't generally say much about it, I am proud of my service. The ways I helped ensure our freedoms were mostly small (one day at a mini-meet, however, I can regale you with stories of when I was an ICBM combat crew commander ), but I did always feel as though my actions were for a greater common good, a trait my dad passed down to me and for which I'm truly grateful.

On that note, I have a new game. Thinking about my dad made me wonder if there were things about each other most of us don't know. This is the best bunch of people on the DIS and a close bunch in many regards, but I would bet there are everyday details about each of us that few know. We also did this the other night at a read-through for a play I'm in (I know, I know, me being involved in theater is a real stretch, right? ). As we introduced ourselves, the director asked us to share one thing the others might not know. For example, the director shared that she hates arugula.

I'll start this "Hmm, Who Knew?" game by linking it back to the statement about my dad in the paragraph above. He was a preacher, thus making me a PK.

 

[ottawagreg]

Jimmy, I am sorry for your loss. WWII guys are incredible people. My partner in business has a father that served in the Pacific, who is is now in a VA retirement home. He says that it is extremely difficult to see a once great man fading. I hope you can take solace in knowing that he and others like him set a high bar for the rest of us. Examples like that help the rest coming behind to be good and noble people as well. God bless him.



I am in need of a little advice. Do any of the Groupies have opinions or experience with restaurants at Epcot/Italy? Our summer vacation is coming soon (despite the snow on the ground this morning-Argghhhh!!). I see that a Billy Joel band and then a Boston tribute band is going to at American Gardens Theatre while we are there. I am trying to talk my daughter into going there twice in one week. I have often thought about dining in Italy. Both Tutto Italia and Via Napoli are $30 per adult entre. Tutto appears to be a bit more upscale judging by appearances when I waddled past there last time. Which one would be the most fun for a young teenager? Also, is the food good? Some meals at Epcot have been mediocre for me the last time or two.

Thanks for your input.

 

[Corinne]

ottawagreg~we have never been to Tutto, mainly because we absolutely love Via Napoli. The food is fantastic! The service is usually great as well. We have been dining there each trip since they opened. I would not hesitate to take your daughter there, especially if she likes pizza!

 

[horselover]

Jimmy - I'm very sorry for your loss.

On that note, I have a new game. Thinking about my dad made me wonder if there were things about each other most of us don't know. This is the best bunch of people on the DIS and a close bunch in many regards, but I would bet there are everyday details about each of us that few know. We also did this the other night at a read-through for a play I'm in (I know, I know, me being involved in theater is a real stretch, right? ). As we introduced ourselves, the director asked us to share one thing the others might not know. For example, the director shared that she hates arugula.

I'll start this "Hmm, Who Knew?" game by linking it back to the statement about my dad in the paragraph above. He was a preacher, thus making me a PK.

Ok I'll play. Back in the day (waaaaaay back in the day) I was accepted to Berklee College of Music as a voice major. I didn't end up going but way back when I used to be a fairly good singer. But you know the saying use it or lose it. It's true. I just sing in the car now.

I am in need of a little advice. Do any of the Groupies have opinions or experience with restaurants at Epcot/Italy? Our summer vacation is coming soon (despite the snow on the ground this morning-Argghhhh!!). I see that a Billy Joel band and then a Boston tribute band is going to at American Gardens Theatre while we are there. I am trying to talk my daughter into going there twice in one week. I have often thought about dining in Italy. Both Tutto Italia and Via Napoli are $30 per adult entre. Tutto appears to be a bit more upscale judging by appearances when I waddled past there last time. Which one would be the most fun for a young teenager? Also, is the food good? Some meals at Epcot have been mediocre for me the last time or two.

Thanks for your input.

I love Via Napoli. Their pizza is fabulous. It's authentic Italian pizza (we went to Italy on our honeymoon). They make the mozzarella cheese on site. It's so good. I think the sizes are a little misleading. The individual size is more like a small pizza you'd get at a local pizza shop. I can never finish one. We've had the large size & split it between 3 of us & still didn't finish it. The XL is huge! Their Arincini & Sangria are really good too. It's been many years since I've been to Tutto Italia but I remember the food being ok. I'll be having lunch at Via Napoli on Friday.

Maria - how's everyone holding up? I really hope we get a chance to see each other this weekend! I did verify & I have your cell in my phone but I won't bug you because I know you'll be busy. Text or call me if you're around this weekend & I'll make a meet happen!

 

[Dizny Dad]

OK Sleepy, I'll play too . . . . . (dragging my best half along with me)

DiznyDi & I have EMT and Paramedic training and back in the day (as Julie says) volunteered for a local ambulance service.

 

[DiznyDi]

OK sleepy, I'll play too...
DDad and I were married as 'kids'. We were both 21. He was in college and I was the bread winner. I had the distinction of being the youngest female branch manager in the history of our local bank.

Who's next?


Not ignoring your question ottawagreg. We've not eaten at either so can't advise. Sorry.


Julie - have great fun! I hope it works out for you and Maria to get together.

For those in the path of yet more snow - stay safe and warm. I think Ohio is going to miss this one. I could really use some sun....

 

[Dizny Dad]

OK sleepy, I'll play too...
DDad and I were married as 'kids'. We were both 21. He was in college and I was the bread winner. I had the distinction of being the youngest female branch manager in the history of our local bank.

OK, so I knew if I was going to freeload, it should be off of someone close to the money . . . . and now you all know I was a child bride.

 

[jimmytammy]

OttawaGreg We like Via Napoli, never been to Tutto

Sleepy Great game! Let me see, Tammy signed me up to win a 3 day Buck Baker racing school and I won, got to drive fast at Rockingham, NC and attended the school 2 weeks after Jeff Gordon

 

[sleepydog25]

I am in need of a little advice. Do any of the Groupies have opinions or experience with restaurants at Epcot/Italy? Our summer vacation is coming soon (despite the snow on the ground this morning-Argghhhh!!). I see that a Billy Joel band and then a Boston tribute band is going to at American Gardens Theatre while we are there. I am trying to talk my daughter into going there twice in one week. I have often thought about dining in Italy. Both Tutto Italia and Via Napoli are $30 per adult entre. Tutto appears to be a bit more upscale judging by appearances when I waddled past there last time. Which one would be the most fun for a young teenager? Also, is the food good? Some meals at Epcot have been mediocre for me the last time or two.

Thanks for your input.

Luv says to tell you (I guess her typing fingers are tired ) that Via Napoli is the place to go if you want pizza, but if you want a better variety and some classic Italian dishes, Tutto would be the choice. You're correct in that Tutto is a bit more upscale. I think either would be a good choice. However, if I'm going to spend an equal amount of money, I'd rather do more than pizza, and we've found the food at Tutto to be quite good.

I'm loving this game! So far, we have a talented singer, a NASCAR driver, youthfully wed EMTs, and a PK. I love the variety of lives which makes how we've come together in this small band even more delightful.

 

[eliza61]

.

On that note, I have a new game. Thinking about my dad made me wonder if there were things about each other most of us don't know. This is the best bunch of people on the DIS and a close bunch in many regards, but I would bet there are everyday details about each of us that few know. We also did this the other night at a read-through for a play I'm in (I know, I know, me being involved in theater is a real stretch, right? ). As we introduced ourselves, the director asked us to share one thing the others might not know. For example, the director shared that she hates arugula.

I'll start this "Hmm, Who Knew?" game by linking it back to the statement about my dad in the paragraph above. He was a preacher, thus making me a PK.

Love a new game.

Ok, so you guys didn't know I had a "dark, criminal past" and it involved disneyland.

So waaay back in the day I was a girl scout and with our cookie sales proceeds we decided to do Disneyland (disneyworld was still swampland).

Well some how, the rumor went around that the Jackson Five were staying in the same hotel. Now since I had every intention of being Mrs. Marlon Jackson, I took this as a sign from God that it was "meant to be". My friend Donna and I took it upon ourselves to knock on every single door at midnight (we concluded that this was the best time because they would certainly be in their room). needless to say the hotel guest were not amused. Around the 3rd floor down (we started at the top figuring all the best people stayed at the penthouse. see we did have a plan) hotel security came and got us and strongly suggested our group find lodging else where.

My dad swore never again to travel with me. Go figure.

 

[sleepydog25]

Love a new game.

Ok, so you guys didn't know I had a "dark, criminal past" and it involved disneyland.

So waaay back in the day I was a girl scout and with our cookie sales proceeds we decided to do Disneyland (disneyworld was still swampland).

Well some how, the rumor went around that the Jackson Five were staying in the same hotel. Now since I had every intention of being Mrs. Marlon Jackson, I took this as a sign from God that it was "meant to be". My friend Donna and I took it upon ourselves to knock on every single door at midnight (we concluded that this was the best time because they would certainly be in their room). needless to say the hotel guest were not amused. Around the 3rd floor down (we started at the top figuring all the best people stayed at the penthouse. see we did have a plan) hotel security came and got us and strongly suggested our group find lodging else where.

My dad swore never again to travel with me. Go figure.

You gotta love a person with conviction! That's so funny!!

 

[Granny]

Love a new game.

Ok, so you guys didn't know I had a "dark, criminal past" and it involved disneyland.

So waaay back in the day I was a girl scout and with our cookie sales proceeds we decided to do Disneyland (disneyworld was still swampland).

Well some how, the rumor went around that the Jackson Five were staying in the same hotel. Now since I had every intention of being Mrs. Marlon Jackson, I took this as a sign from God that it was "meant to be". My friend Donna and I took it upon ourselves to knock on every single door at midnight (we concluded that this was the best time because they would certainly be in their room). needless to say the hotel guest were not amused. Around the 3rd floor down (we started at the top figuring all the best people stayed at the penthouse. see we did have a plan) hotel security came and got us and strongly suggested our group find lodging else where.

My dad swore never again to travel with me. Go figure.

Hmmm...so all of a sudden I'm thinking that Sid and Rizzo didn't fall that far from the tree.


Let's see...my own dark past. I guess most people don't know that I was a Peace Corps Volunteer.

 

[rusafee1183]

Eliza, that is hysterical!

OttawaGreg - I have never had Tutto, but we love Via Naploli! They have fantastic pizza, appetizers and cocktails

Fun game Sleepy.... OK, I guess my deep dark secret is that I have webbed toes. Not all of them, just my last 2 toes on my right foot.

No, I am not a duck. No, I can't swim any faster. Trust me - I've heard them all.

 

[sleepydog25]

Hmmm...so all of a sudden I'm thinking that Sid and Rizzo didn't fall that far from the tree.


Let's see...my own dark past. I guess most people don't know that I was a Peace Corps Volunteer.

Wow! How cool is that? What admirable work they do.

rusafee: You didn't come from the island of Dr. Moreau, did you? That's a neat fact, actually.

 

[MiaSRN62]

ottawagreg~we have never been to Tutto, mainly because we absolutely love Via Napoli. The food is fantastic! The service is usually great as well. We have been dining there each trip since they opened. I would not hesitate to take your daughter there, especially if she likes pizza!

Tutto is a bit more upscale. We found the CM's very attentive and nice but a bit more on the formal side (and we were there for lunch). My daughter and her fiance at at Via Napoli and loved it. So for a teen, I'd go with Via Napoli for sure Ottawagreg

 

[MiaSRN62]

Maria - how's everyone holding up? I really hope we get a chance to see each other this weekend! I did verify & I have your cell in my phone but I won't bug you because I know you'll be busy. Text or call me if you're around this weekend & I'll make a meet happen!

Running around and packing now. Our flight leaves Friday at 1:50 pm. You will NOT be bugging me Julie!!!! We will be staying overnight Friday in St Augustine at my daughter's apartment. Most likely stay a good portion of Saturday too---if the weather is nice I'd love to hit the beach (she lives 10 min from the ocean!!!). Should check in to POR after dinner time is my guess on Saturday. That night is open---no plans----have to check the WDW calendar for park times. I've been consumed with wedding plans and can't believe I don't have any clear cut theme park strategy this trip! Call or text any time. Sunday will be a park day---hanging with our friends and we're thinking AK on Sunday. Let me know your dates again---we MUST make it happen this time

 

[twokats]

Jimmy, so sorry for your loss.

Sleepy, nice game, love learning about people. Nothing really interesting about me. When I was young, I was very very shy. Most people that have know me in the last 30 years don't believe that, but college and a divorce and having a disabled child, really makes a person grow up and stand up for oneself and the children.

We have started doing short sessions of exercise on my arm and I find it amazing how weak it is after being wrapped up for a month. I know it will take a while for it to heal and get slightly back to normal. The leg is doing fine.

Those heading to the world, enjoy, and I hope everyone has a good week.

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Birthday Horselover!!!!

Julie, I am so sorry, I missed it by a day. I am failing at this Bday/Anniv. thing

 

[sleepydog25]

Yikes!!! Mea culpa, I missed Julie/Jules special day by one. I even knew it was yesterday because I've been trying to keep up with such things more conscientiously of late, yet I still missed sending you well wishes (I blame it on the dang winter weather still annoying me). I hope you had a wonderful birthday full of love and special moments.

 

[Dizny Dad]

Seems I'm in good company AGAIN . . .

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULIE!

Once again at the back of the queue when it comes to keeping up with things.

Maybe it is just that I am beginning to feel the incredible pull of the black hole that has been pulling on my life since birth, but is just now starting to show itself as I see ahead the 60.0 mile marker; it is hard to see stuff as it flies by at this speed! (Hold on DiznyDi, the best is yet to be!)