Walking on Sunshine : Celebrating Spring at Universal & SeaWorld - an April/May 2016 PTR

[Ritchielace]

@ElenaJane , I could kiss you today! The power of suggestion is a wonderful thing!

Look what arrived in the mail this morning:



Happy day!

Cutest phone holder ever. You will find it the best for vacation. Most sat days all I carry with me is my phone case with ID, credit and some cash. So happy your extra ticket found a home. Best of all 10 days and counting. Can't wait for a trip report!

 

[Tricia's mom]

Joining me in the single digit dance ???

I am 8 days away from our trip. Still not packed. I am keeping the trip a secret from my 9 yr old dd. Tomorrow while she's at school I'll have time to pack. I also leave for NC on Saturday for a business trip, I'll return in enough time for my Disney trip!!!

Only need to pack a few things... Having the washer/dryer will be sweet !!!
Our iteinaray as of yet ( not as detailed as Ginas )

April 22nd - business as usual ! DH- work, Dd- school ( not knowing she'll be heading to Florida !!! ) and me , my normal day off - getting ready for our trip.
The airport is only 10 min from home and our flight leaves at 6:20. Pm . My friend is kind enough to drop us off.
Hopefully by11 pm we will check into svr . We will need to get our rental car and stop for some beverages for the room.

April 23rd - up early and off the awful house for breakfast . Then getting to MK for rope drop. Afternoon reservations at BOG. FP also set up.

April 24 - rope drop again, this time at Epcot ! FP set up no other plans .

April 25- maybe a rope drop day... Maybe pushing it. MK !

April 26- rest day ! Aren't I kind ?? No plans for the day. We have neighbors who are also in Orlando for the week so hopefully we will have time to see them.

April 27 - rope drop Epcot !!

April 28- MK !

April 29 - sleep in .... Departure day. Maybe hang out at the pool, maybe drive to coco beach - depending how we feel. Our flight isn't til 7:30.

Hopefully we will fit in some dining at our guilty pleasures of the south : sweet tomatoes, golden pig trough, awful house, cicis pizza.

Maybe I'll even see Gina !

 

[dancin Disney style]

Oh no....she's rubbing off on you!!!

I would be very afraid LOL!

Maybe, just maybe, it's the other way around ????????

 

[ArwenMarie]

Not all Canadians.. trust me. Basketball is pretty low key around here for the younger kids, but when we play SOME teams from Toronto area it's a whole different experience. The parents can get really nasty. I'll never understand mocking children as long as I live. Thankfully there has only been a handful of those experiences and the overwhelming majority has been really fun and positive. I hear hockey can be way more intense. I know it was when my brothers played.

Basketball parents are generally pretty civilized. Its the hockey parents you need to look out for. At Jake's minor hockey games I've seen fist fights break out between moms, a grandma get arrested, and one time one of the opposing team's mothers even grabbed Jake by the front of his jacket on our way out of a tournment and screamed at him that she wanted to see proof of age.

Ah, that makes sense, they go nuts over the hockey. Probably more likely to have professional dreams with that coming from Canada than other sports?

A grandma got arrested! That's crazy.

 

[dancin Disney style]

On the vicious sport parents topic. My brothers boys both play hockey and lacrosse. Fortunately, both those leagues are pretty civilized but there have been a few incidents over the years. It's mainly been parents yelling at the refs.

Between my 2 girls I have been a competitive dance mom for 20 years now. The studios that my girls have been with have always made good sportsmanship from both parents and students mandatory. They even require that we all sign a code of conduct and it's enforced....you break it, you're out. For the first time in 20 years we went to a competition 2 weeks ago where we witnessed the most disgusting display of bad sportsmanship I have ever seen. It was both dancers and parents for 2 of the participating studios. You know it's really bad when the kids notice it before the parents. Our team cheers on everyone. They congratulate their competitors when exiting the stage. These competing studios were giving our girls the eye roll for saying 'good luck' and 'nice job'. They were saying 'ya, thanks' with attitude/sarcasm. Then there were the parents of these kids.....OMG. I had 2 mothers sitting behind me when Grumpy Cat's bestie came on stage. I hear 'not her again' and after she finished dancing 'well that was a waste'. I was about to turn around and say something but DH grabbed my arm.

In general, dance is very polite and most dancers will cheer each other one. It is one sport that is filled with good sportsmanship all the way around.

 

[dancin Disney style]

Ah, that makes sense, they go nuts over the hockey. Probably more likely to have professional dreams with that coming from Canada than other sports?

A grandma got arrested! That's crazy.

Ya but the joke of it is that millions of Canadian kids play hockey and literally only a handful even make it to the rep level, let alone going to the NHL.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Ya but the joke of it is that millions of Canadian kids play hockey and literally only a handful even make it to the rep level, let alone going to the NHL.

LOL

Same here, well not for hockey, but baseball and football. But so many parents think all of the time and money they spend is going to pay off one day, whether with a college scholarship or beyond. Like it's an investment.

 

[dancin Disney style]

LOL

Same here, well not for hockey, but baseball and football. But so many parents think all of the time and money they spend is going to pay off one day, whether with a college scholarship or beyond. Like it's an investment.

I spend way more per year on dance than what hockey costs. I do actually consider it an investment BUT it's an investment in my DD as a person not as a future career.

 

[vrajewski10513]

SINGLE DIGIT DANCE!!

 

[pigletto]

While basketball has been overall really good, those few incidents I alluded to were appalling. I'll tell you one thing for certain in any sport.. when you see kid being rude and obnoxious and a poor sport, there is always a parent acting the same way in the stands. We sure teach them how to behave.
None of these kids are making it to the NBA, so for the love of pete , settle down.
I applaud you for not turning around dancin'... I don't know that I would have been able to do the same.

In other news.. Only 15 sleeps to go. I am so ready!!
We got an email on the weekend that the Days Hotel in Buffalo (our park and fly hotel) has extended their "Canadian at par" rate until June 30th. I was happy. We're now paying about $100 Canadian for our hotel stay, free breakfast, and 10 days of parking.
Gina, I have all my fingers and toes crossed that they make up their horrible service to you on this visit. I've never had a bad stay yet, but I know you have and if they blow it a third time for you I'm done with Days. I'm giving them another shot because you are and I've never had a problem. They are on thin ice lol.

 

[pepperandchips]

golden pig trough

I cracked up at that one

YOUR COUNTDOWN IS GETTING SMALLER GINA!!!!

 

[bankr63]

I spend way more per year on dance than what hockey costs. I do actually consider it an investment BUT it's an investment in my DD as a person not as a future career.

Well, you never know. Maybe she's the next Brittany Cherry in waiting...

Ask her how she'd feel about teaching a carroty topped Brit all the moves he needs. Although I guess that one's been done already; but there must be what, hundreds of pop idols who can't really dance? I see Drake could use a bit of help; even Thomas Mulcair rocked Hotline Bling better.

ETA: for you Americans who are feeling bad about the Republican race, Google Thomas Mulcair Hotline Bling. The guy dancing was (at the time) the leader of the official opposition in the Canadian House of Commons. See, we all have awkward and embarrassing politicians.

 

[pattyw]

Maybe, just maybe, it's the other way around ????????

Ok we're both just

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Hi Gina - I have been lurking on this report and I have to say that you guys make me laugh. Keep up the fun reports. Judy

Hi Judy, aboard! So glad you came out of lurkdom to join us!!

I do have the most entertaining bunch of friends here on the Dis....there's never a dull moment, that's for sure. They are the best group of people to whittle away time with as I wait for our next adventure!

Cutest phone holder ever. You will find it the best for vacation. Most sat days all I carry with me is my phone case with ID, credit and some cash. So happy your extra ticket found a home. Best of all 10 days and counting. Can't wait for a trip report!

I am SO looking forward to carrying minimal stuff around the parks. The less in my purse/backpack, the happier I will be! Especially when its hot......and initial reports sure seem to suggest that that's going to be the case.

Joining me in the single digit dance ???

I am 8 days away from our trip. Still not packed. I am keeping the trip a secret from my 9 yr old dd. Tomorrow while she's at school I'll have time to pack. I also leave for NC on Saturday for a business trip, I'll return in enough time for my Disney trip!!!

Only need to pack a few things... Having the washer/dryer will be sweet !!!
Our iteinaray as of yet ( not as detailed as Ginas )

April 22nd - business as usual ! DH- work, Dd- school ( not knowing she'll be heading to Florida !!! ) and me , my normal day off - getting ready for our trip.
The airport is only 10 min from home and our flight leaves at 6:20. Pm . My friend is kind enough to drop us off.
Hopefully by11 pm we will check into svr . We will need to get our rental car and stop for some beverages for the room.

April 23rd - up early and off the awful house for breakfast . Then getting to MK for rope drop. Afternoon reservations at BOG. FP also set up.

April 24 - rope drop again, this time at Epcot ! FP set up no other plans .

April 25- maybe a rope drop day... Maybe pushing it. MK !

April 26- rest day ! Aren't I kind ?? No plans for the day. We have neighbors who are also in Orlando for the week so hopefully we will have time to see them.

April 27 - rope drop Epcot !!

April 28- MK !

April 29 - sleep in .... Departure day. Maybe hang out at the pool, maybe drive to coco beach - depending how we feel. Our flight isn't til 7:30.

Hopefully we will fit in some dining at our guilty pleasures of the south : sweet tomatoes, golden pig trough, awful house, cicis pizza.

Maybe I'll even see Gina !

I will definitely dance to single digits!!



We are getting so close!!

We should definitely exchange cell numbers so we can text each other if we happen to both be enjoying some time at the Fountains pool after a long day at the parks. PM me and we will swap info .

I spend way more per year on dance than what hockey costs. I do actually consider it an investment BUT it's an investment in my DD as a person not as a future career.

Beautifully put.

SINGLE DIGIT DANCE!!

The excitement is starting to kick in .

In other news.. Only 15 sleeps to go. I am so ready!!
We got an email on the weekend that the Days Hotel in Buffalo (our park and fly hotel) has extended their "Canadian at par" rate until June 30th. I was happy. We're now paying about $100 Canadian for our hotel stay, free breakfast, and 10 days of parking.
Gina, I have all my fingers and toes crossed that they make up their horrible service to you on this visit. I've never had a bad stay yet, but I know you have and if they blow it a third time for you I'm done with Days. I'm giving them another shot because you are and I've never had a problem. They are on thin ice lol.

Steve was just laughing last night about our upcoming stay at the Days.....we enjoyed a rare meal together and were chatted animatedly about the trip. The Days debacles came up in conversation, and Jake wondered aloud whether or not this time will be any better than the last two disasters. Steve's comment....I would bet this one will be totally different. I'm sure there's a picture of your mother in the staff room, with a "Beware Of This Woman" sign in black letters underneath it. They will probably have the red carpet ready to roll out for her, and mints laid out on our pillows with a little note that says "Please Mrs. Gina, just don't post any more negative reviews on The Dis or TripAdvisor"!

Everyone deserves a second change. In this case, they are getting a third. But I'm with you.....if this one is a bust, I'm out. For good.

I cracked up at that one

YOUR COUNTDOWN IS GETTING SMALLER GINA!!!!

I am so ready for Orlando! It's getting tough to concentrate at work.....which is a double edged sword, because the last week before vacation is always so unbelievably busy, and I desperately need the focus!

 

[Callie]

Excited for your trip Gina!
Hopefully the Days isn't too bad! Once my sister and I went to Chicago overnight alone for a NASCAR race. I was probably 14 at the time, and my sister was 18 (NO idea what my mom was thinking, but we are good girls). Only place that we could find cheap, that allowed our age to check in was an extended stay hotel. It reeked like smoke, there was a hooker in the lobby, and as we were going up the stairs some old dude invited us down to his room to have fun. We locked our door, stood on a towel in the bathroom, and got out of there so quick the next morning!
And yes, we behaved ourselves. Never did anything bad on the road trips my mom let us take.

 

[bankr63]

Excited for your trip Gina!
Hopefully the Days isn't too bad! Once my sister and I went to Chicago overnight alone for a NASCAR race. I was probably 14 at the time, and my sister was 18 (NO idea what my mom was thinking, but we are good girls). Only place that we could find cheap, that allowed our age to check in was an extended stay hotel. It reeked like smoke, there was a hooker in the lobby, and as we were going up the stairs some old dude invited us down to his room to have fun. We locked our door, stood on a towel in the bathroom, and got out of there so quick the next morning!
And yes, we behaved ourselves. Never did anything bad on the road trips my mom let us take.

 

[Ruthie5671]

I'm sorry to hear that Sunshine won't be joining you for the trip. I know how awful it can be with mental health issues and the effect it can have on the individual and those that love them. I hope she can continue to get the help she needs.

But how fabulous is it to say that you're in the single digit countdown dance??? Woo-hoo! Fingers crossed for a smooth flight, a quiet and calm stay at the Days and warm weather for your entire stay.

 

[Callie]

THankfully my family still allows me to do all of the hotel booking and choices for our trips. I generally snag an excellent deal via hotwire. Thankfully no more hookers in the lobby that I could tell.

 

[dancin Disney style]

@bankr63
They use the sink

 

[ElenaJane]

Gina, hope you don't mind if I join you in the single digit dance!!

This next work week is going to crawl by! But at the same time, this is the time to savor the excitement!

@Callie You have taught me not to read updates in reverse order. "No more hookers in the lobby".... I of course then had to backtrack some!