VWL Groupies...yes, we love the Lodge, a lot!!

[rusafee1183]

Finally made it through most of what everyone posted while I was gone. Looks like a pretty eventful week! Lots of people to and from our happy place!

Happy belated Mothers Day to all the Groupie moms! Mom's truly are the most amazing people in the world!

JT - Hope you're enjoying your trip! Happy belated anniversary!! Loving the pictures!

Maria - Happy belated birthday to you as well! Love the Teddy Roosevelt picture!

Bagsmom - I will be praying for your friend. I truly hope she makes a turnaround and can be here for those babies.

On the plus side, your school is out - and your trip is right around the corner! What have you decided about the FP+? I agree that you can very easily have a FP photographer take your pic and save the money, but if you like to have the backgrounds and play with the effects, it may be worth it! Also, doesn't it now come with all the ride photos? I think that would be cool!

Eliza - Hope you are having (had?... are you back now?) an AMAZING time in Europe! I have never been, and I can not WAIT to hear about it and see pics! That's on my bucket list for sure

Pirate Granny - CONGRATS on receiving your contract!!!!! WOOOOHOOOO!!

We are hoping to be "official", what do you guys call it? POVWLG? or something.... in the next few weeks as well. We are at day 19 of ROFR and I am on pins and needles. All I can hope is that if my contract is ROFR'd, Sleepy and luv get their WL fullfilled.

I hope everyone in the world had/is having a fabulous time. And I am loving all of the pictures! Thanks to EVERYONE who posted! My DH and I rented points to a friend who is leaving tomorrow! I am SO jealous, but happy for them! They are surprising their kids and telling them after they land right before they get on the M.E. They are 5 and 3, so she doesn't think they will be able to figure it out beforehand.

I have uploaded a handful of our Alaska photos to photobucket, but they upgraded it since I last used it and I can't figure out how to make my pics smaller? I did a 'test' upload and tried to put a few here, but they are GIANT. Anyone know how to make them smaller? Follow up: If I can not figure this out, does anyone care if I post lifesize pictures of Alaska?

Lastly, I know there are some hockey fans around here!! Anyone's team still in it? I thought we may have had some Bruins/Rangers fans around here. The Pens are coming! .....

 

[bagsmom]

rusafee -- I did decide to get the photopass plus. This is the last trip we will make while the kids are kids. It does include ride photos now -- and photos from the different dining experiences. I figured it would be really nice to have pictures with all four of us together. Oh -- there is also an PP photographer at the water parks. I don't think we'll bring our cameras there, so that will be nice.

Granny -- love that picture of the applauding people!

 

[rusafee1183]

rusafee -- I did decide to get the photopass plus. This is the last trip we will make while the kids are kids. It does include ride photos now -- and photos from the different dining experiences. I figured it would be really nice to have pictures with all four of us together. Oh -- there is also an PP photographer at the water parks. I don't think we'll bring our cameras there, so that will be nice.

Granny -- love that picture of the applauding people!

That's awesome! You'll have to report back if you like it/think it's worth it!

We generally skip it, mainly because it's just myself and my DH on our trips. If we went with a bigger group, I would probably do it! My whole family are a bunch of hams, so I guarantee the pictures would be worth it

 

[sleepydog25]

Fun stuff SleepyDog!! I would have been doing this - and then probably this !

It was hard not to do so, certainly.

Whoa Sleepy! You are practically a movie star!!! That is a most awesome story. Now we need to dig out that movie and look for Sleepy

All the military extras were invited to the premiere in D.C. which was at the Smithsonian. No stars showed up, but it was cool to have the area reserved for us. We did not get paid, either, since our roles involved what we did on a normal basis. I was fine with that.

Sleepy..you've been holding out on us! What a great story!

Sleepy -- VERY cool story!

Great story SD! That must have been one of those on unforgettable lifetime experiences.

It is a fun story to relate, no doubt about it, though when I first suggested this topic, I was strictly thinking about Pat Sajak and Bill Russell. Then, I had this "duh" moment when I recalled the movie. lol

.....REALLY cool story !!!! love it ! My husband is an xtra along with my youngest daughter in Transformers 2. He met and spoke with the director Michael Bay and the lead actor Shia LeBeouf. Both very nice. But they are barely noticeable in the movie--mostly ended up on the cutting room floor I guess. But the experience was worth it's weight in gold my hubby and daughter said.

Absolutely true! Apart from occasional mental lapses (see above), I'll never forget it.

. . .instead of calling you sleepydog, you will now been known from this day forward as slydog25

All those in favor of calling Sleepydog 'Slydog' say YEA

Sounds good! Slydog25 it is!!

We are at day 19 of ROFR and I am on pins and needles. All I can hope is that if my contract is ROFR'd, Sleepy and luv get their WL fullfilled.

Such a great sentiment, but we'd much rather you guys get the points. We've got enough to do us right now.

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Anniversary twokats!!!!

 

[jimmytammy]

Here is the hope chest with the young lady who received it
A few more shots from our trip

Jim Cummings,aka Winnie the Pooh and Tigger voices
Warwick Davis aka Wicket the Ewok
Ashley Eckstien, voice in The Clone Wars
Thats us, front right!

 

[jimmytammy]

wfc4life and sechem32 enjoying their PB&J Milkshake, I can verify, they were very good. Several of us became members of the clean plate club, we have stickers to prove it!Saw cheer4bison at Biergarten at a impromptu meet

 

[jimmytammy]

Got home safe and sound! Tried a different route, and saved about 15-20 mins, best part was, we avoided traffic by avoiding Columbia SC, and Charlotte, NC, esp. with a race going on last night. And got to eat at one of our fav. restaurants in a town about 45 mins from our house A very uneventful drive both ways which always makes the trip all the better!

Capt. D marked the Days til Disney on our ref. door as soon as all the luggage was in the house, thats my boy!! Im so proud of him 140 to go, cant wait!!

 

[Corinne]

I'm am quite late, but wanted to make sure I offer Maria my heartfelt best birthday wishes. And since I can't compete with Maria on awesome graphics, I'll just take this moment to recognize her artful contributions to our daily lives here on the Groupies thread!

​

Ditto!!!!!!! Maria~ I am so sorry I missed your birthday! You are always so great at remembering everyone here, and as Granny acknowledged your fabulous graphics are always so fun!!! I hope you had a GREAT birthday!!!!!!!

I always find it hard to get back on the boards after a trip, but it really should be the place TO go! Hope you are all well.

 

[sleepydog25]

Got home safe and sound! Tried a different route, and saved about 15-20 mins, best part was, we avoided traffic by avoiding Columbia SC, and Charlotte, NC, esp. with a race going on last night. And got to eat at one of our fav. restaurants in a town about 45 mins from our house A very uneventful drive both ways which always makes the trip all the better!

Capt. D marked the Days til Disney on our ref. door as soon as all the luggage was in the house, thats my boy!! Im so proud of him 140 to go, cant wait!!

What route did you take that was different and saved you time? I'm sure we go a similar route to you (I-77 to Columbia, then I-26 to I-95, right on I-95 and then go on what seems like forever before finally hanging a right on I-4). Also, Warwick Davis also played a few characters in the Harry Potter movies! Cool!

 

[DisneyFreaks]

sleepydog25 just read your Harrison Ford story. Like Wow. My DS is a big movie freak and HF is one of his favorites. I cannot wait for him to hear your story. So Cool!!

jimmytammy Thanks so much for all of the gorgeous pictures! Glad you got home safely and had a wonderful trip!

And HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TWOCATS!!!! HAVE A TRULY MAGICAL DAY!!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Thanks Corinne for the bday wishes and no worries on being a tad late. We all have hectic lives & we do the best we can to keep up with DIS lives I'm sure ! I appreciate you remembering me

And glad you are back safe and sound JT ! Love all the pics

 

[bagsmom]

Jimmy -- the hope chest is lovely!

REALLY enjoyed the pictures of the trip!

Here's a question for all. We are 10 days from the trip! Wooooooooo!

How do you weigh in on the Tower of Terror? Would a slightly nervous 10 year old like it?

He is wanting to branch out a little. I told him we'd try Big Thunder first. If he likes it, he can try Space Mountain. (Although at 15, I did NOT like Space Mountain, so I don't know if he would....) Not sure how crazy T of T is in terms of stomach blooping. Is it like a really fun elevator, only crazy? Or is it truly scary?

What do y'all think?

Jimmy -- tell us more about the traffic and your alternate route. Was there construction?

 

[twokats]

Today has been nice and very relaxing. DH and I have made comments about how different our anniversary celebration today is versus our WDW/Fantasy cruise of last year. At this time last year we were up on the upper deck watching Florida fade into the sunset as we headed for the Western Caribbean. And now I am sitting here recouping.

Jimmy -- the hope chest is lovely!

REALLY enjoyed the pictures of the trip!

Here's a question for all. We are 10 days from the trip! Wooooooooo!

How do you weigh in on the Tower of Terror? Would a slightly nervous 10 year old like it?

He is wanting to branch out a little. I told him we'd try Big Thunder first. If he likes it, he can try Space Mountain. (Although at 15, I did NOT like Space Mountain, so I don't know if he would....) Not sure how crazy T of T is in terms of stomach blooping. Is it like a really fun elevator, only crazy? Or is it truly scary?

What do y'all think?

Jimmy -- tell us more about the traffic and your alternate route. Was there construction?

Yes, Jimmy the chest is absolutely magnificent!

Bagsmom, my DD has loved ToT ever since she was 10 years old. The actual ride, I don't think is so bad. Just up and down and really nothing scary to us. The hard part that I have seen for most of the ones that are nervous to begin with is the preshow and the area that you walk thru to get to the elevators. It is an old library that shows the Twilight Zone theme and then the area you walk thru is like the lower boiler room of an older building and it is a little dark. As I said my DD absolutely loves it and will ride it over and over as long as I will let her. I think it is fun and I guess a little funny!!!

 

[twinklebug]

How do you weigh in on the Tower of Terror? Would a slightly nervous 10 year old like it?

He is wanting to branch out a little. I told him we'd try Big Thunder first. If he likes it, he can try Space Mountain. (Although at 15, I did NOT like Space Mountain, so I don't know if he would....) Not sure how crazy T of T is in terms of stomach blooping. Is it like a really fun elevator, only crazy? Or is it truly scary?

I wouldn't say ToT flips the stomach around, it's more of a "hang on, here we go" type of ride. Everyone is different though.

Take into consideration his likes/dislikes and fears before putting him in the queue line for anything. If he has an aversion to the falling sensation or to heights I'd stay away from TOT

If speed and music are things he loves RnR may be what he'd like.

 

[DiznyDi]

Wishing twokats a very Happy Anniversary!

 

[sleepydog25]

Jimmy -- the hope chest is lovely!

REALLY enjoyed the pictures of the trip!

Here's a question for all. We are 10 days from the trip! Wooooooooo!

How do you weigh in on the Tower of Terror? Would a slightly nervous 10 year old like it?

He is wanting to branch out a little. I told him we'd try Big Thunder first. If he likes it, he can try Space Mountain. (Although at 15, I did NOT like Space Mountain, so I don't know if he would....) Not sure how crazy T of T is in terms of stomach blooping. Is it like a really fun elevator, only crazy? Or is it truly scary?

What do y'all think?

Jimmy -- tell us more about the traffic and your alternate route. Was there construction?

The actual lead-up to the ride at ToT is scarier than the ride itself and reason to give pause for taking a hesitant 10-year old onto it. I like your idea of starting off with BTMR then SM. . .an escalation of sorts. However, ToT is more of a whole experience thing than either of those two coasters. There is the whole sitting in darkness thing, the Twilight Zone theme playing, the anticipation that might knock him off his stride. The ride itself isn't tough to do. . .just the unknown before the ride.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Happy Anniversary twokats !

 

[twokats]

Hey groupies, tomorrow sechem32 (Liz) is going to have a



Happy Birthday, Liz!!
Hope it is a good one.

 

[Muushka]

Happy Birthday sechem32 AKA Liz!!!!

Happy Anniversary TwoKats and Mr Twokats!!!
(may you continue to recover, pain free and swiftly!!)

We love all the pics JT! Glad you got home safely and quickly!

Bagsmom, I love TOT!! Highly recommend it for anyone tall enough (except for Mr Muush)

Rusafee, you were already official even not owning at VWL!!! But good luck and we can't wait to see the pictures of AK.
Sorry, not a hockey fan. But enjoy and good luck!

SlyDog your experience just keeps getting cooler and cooler! Premier at the Smithsonian!! One word. Wow!