We Ditched The Kids! - UPDATE (7/22 - NYC trip)

[pkondz]

I'm going the alternate route--I'm just losing it all. Or my forehead is growing.

Good move. I'm doing the same.
Gotta make room for all that extra intelligence.

I think they were just using me anyway.

Yeah, they probably were.

I would.

I'd probably try and ride at least once per trip. But it wouldn't kill me to miss it, as opposed to, say, BTMRR.

That's pretty much exactly how I feel.
And... well, I'll answer that in a second.

Ever get that feeling of deja vu?

We'll see if I break down next time.

Bring the kids. That'll make you break down.

Now there I do have to disagree. I really did love that soup.

I know. And that was my problem.
I fully expected to take one little taste and then basically see the face of God as the Heavens opened up before me.

It wasn't anywhere near as good as it'd been built up to be.
It was okay... just.... I expected fireworks.

Well, it's great when you can't go wrong. Julie and I solve that by ordering one of each and then sharing.

Nice.
We go to a steak house.
I can't decide between filet or prime rib.
Ruby always orders.... chicken.

I knew it! Ok, start spilling details.

Zero details.
There are a few DISers going in September. A few more in October.
DISers that I know and would love to meet, I mean.
I can get some time off.
I'm taking a grand total of zero days off during the summer...

But at this point it's still in the pondering stage.

No fireworks for you!

<hangs head in shame>

Is that where the trail of Reese's pieces led?

Yup.

 

[Steppesister]

Hope that new job of yours is going well, Mark. (Prime rib, med-rare)

 

[GoofyFan1515]

Captain Literal

Duh da DUH!

So why didn't they pick Julie?

Hopefully Julie doesn't fit the qualifications...... or you got some serious 'splainin' to do around here. ...

I kept waiting for a server to say, "We don't serve your kind here."

Yes, I was expecting that to show up in your TR while I was reading......

I can't say that in public!

Turning over a new leaf?

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Good move. I'm doing the same.
Gotta make room for all that extra intelligence.

Yeah, sure. Let's go with that.

Yeah, they probably were.

I would.

Better take a number.

That's pretty much exactly how I feel.
And... well, I'll answer that in a second.

+1

Didn't you just ask me that?

Bring the kids. That'll make you break down.

Way ahead of you.

I know. And that was my problem.
I fully expected to take one little taste and then basically see the face of God as the Heavens opened up before me.

It wasn't anywhere near as good as it'd been built up to be.
It was okay... just.... I expected fireworks.

That's happened to me before. Sometimes things get built up with so much hype that there's no way they can possibly hold up under the expectation. People built up the Five Guys burger chain to me like that. When I finally ate there, I couldn't figure out what all the fuss was about. It was a regular ol' burger.

Nice.
We go to a steak house.
I can't decide between filet or prime rib.
Ruby always orders.... chicken.

I will never, ever get that. Julie's done that before too. "But I really like their fried chicken!"

Zero details.
There are a few DISers going in September. A few more in October.
DISers that I know and would love to meet, I mean.
I can get some time off.
I'm taking a grand total of zero days off during the summer...

But at this point it's still in the pondering stage.

I would LOVE to be there in October to help Liesa celebrate. I just don't think it's in the budget. But it would be so cool!

Hope that new job of yours is going well, Mark. (Prime rib, med-rare)

Thanks! But I haven't actually started yet. The people I was working for were really good to me so I am spending some time in transition to try and make sure I leave them in a good place. I'll start at the new job at the beginning of the month. Then we'll see how fast I can screw it all up.

Hopefully Julie doesn't fit the qualifications...... or you got some serious 'splainin' to do around here. ...

I just want to see somebody give her grief for once. Oh wait--that's my job.

Yes, I was expecting that to show up in your TR while I was reading......

I'm still waiting to be kicked out.

Turning over a new leaf?

I'm trying respectability out. Is it a good look for me?

Don't look at me like that.

 

[pkondz]

Yeah, sure. Let's go with that.

Think they'll buy it?

That's happened to me before. Sometimes things get built up with so much hype that there's no way they can possibly hold up under the expectation. People built up the Five Guys burger chain to me like that. When I finally ate there, I couldn't figure out what all the fuss was about. It was a regular ol' burger.

Funny. I had the opposite reaction.
I went to Five Guys expecting Burger King/Mcdonalds/Wendy's type of fare. So I was pleasantly surprised.

I would LOVE to be there in October to help Liesa celebrate. I just don't think it's in the budget. But it would be so cool!

I'm torn.
I may wind up doing nothing, depending on other stuff.
But there's people I'd love to meet going in September and October.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Think they'll buy it?

It's worth a shot. At least until people realize who they're talking about.

Funny. I had the opposite reaction.
I went to Five Guys expecting Burger King/Mcdonalds/Wendy's type of fare. So I was pleasantly surprised.

Gotcha. Definitely better than fast food. I was told by multiple people it was THE BEST BURGER THEY HAD EVER EATEN. So I was expecting that.

I'm torn.
I may wind up doing nothing, depending on other stuff.
But there's people I'd love to meet going in September and October.

Any excuse to go to Disney is a good excuse.

 

[pkondz]

It's worth a shot. At least until people realize who they're talking about.

Then it'll all fall apart like a rickety house of cards.

I was told by multiple people it was THE BEST BURGER THEY HAD EVER EATEN. So I was expecting that.

Nope. Not even close.
But it is good.

Any excuse to go to Disney is a good excuse.

 

[GoofyFan1515]

I just want to see somebody give her grief for once. Oh wait--that's my job.

You've got it covered. You know nobody around here ever takes advantage and piles on............

I'm still waiting to be kicked out.

You can relax after this long. I'm guessing you fooled them........

I'm trying respectability out. Is it a good look for me?

Well, we're only talking about respectability here now aren't we...........

I'm torn.
I may wind up doing nothing, depending on other stuff.
But there's people I'd love to meet going in September and October.

Glutton for punishment are we???

Nope. Not even close.
But it is good.

Five Guys is a good burger, but I prefer Cook Out. I prefer the choices to pile on the burger, and that there are many more options for sides and combos!

 

[pkondz]

Glutton for punishment are we???

I've had a few DISmeets with varying degrees of success.
One thing I would never do is plan an entire day or evening with someone I've never met. That's a recipe for disaster, I'd think.

Five Guys is a good burger, but I prefer Cook Out.

Took a look at their restaurant locator. Looks like they're only roughly in Tennessee and States east of that.
And took a peek at the menu too. Looks good. If I drive down, I'm going to have to try it out. (If I remember. A dubious proposition at best.)

I prefer the choices to pile on the burger, and that there are many more options for sides and combos!

Looks like less toppings for the burgers (but that's okay. I see the essentials.) but way more sides. And I really like their Shakes menu!

 

[Poolrat]

Unless it turns into a water ride............and then you're wide awake wondering What The............

Spitting dinosaurs and all.

Without a doubt, the tour threw us off our normal park strategies.

Yes it would. Basically coming in when all those who sleep in enter.

Being “That Guy” remains on the Bucket List.

Keep trying it will happen when you least expect it.

Please tell me this was you. Drool and all..

Don't know whether to or Can't tell if the sealion is trying to smile or wants to eat them....

Well, it looks like we can't do that anymore. They removed Wishes from the FP+ lineup.

I guess those areas area proved to be problems and with the additional FP+ even more issues. We were able to do it once and well it was nice when we did use the FP+ but we probably would not use it for that again.

Yeah, it's certainly not going anywhere. This was my first experience with it, so it was interesting to see how different it was than using the paper FP system.

There is definitely a learning curve with FP+. Took us a while to feel comfortable with decisions and how it all played out in the park. I am looking forward to the recent changes and how that changes the game once again.

They tend to only select the goofy types that really play to the camera.......

They sure had you pegged!!!!

Any Mickey tie is a good one. I picked that blue one because I didn't have any that color. I even wore it to my successful interview...

Now that is a LUCKY Mickey Tie !!!! Or your new boss is a Disney fan. Either way - worth what you paid for it and more.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Then it'll all fall apart like a rickety house of cards.

That's what I was afraid of. Sooner or later you get found out.

Nope. Not even close.
But it is good.

I thought it was decent for a chain. I did like the fries a lot, though.

You've got it covered. You know nobody around here ever takes advantage and piles on............

Here? NEVER.

You can relax after this long. I'm guessing you fooled them........

Well, that's a relief.

Well, we're only talking about respectability here now aren't we...........

Why, what else did you think we were talking about?

Glutton for punishment are we???

Five Guys is a good burger, but I prefer Cook Out. I prefer the choices to pile on the burger, and that there are many more options for sides and combos!

I think we stopped at a Cook Out on the way back from Disney World one time...we were pleasantly surprised!

I've had a few DISmeets with varying degrees of success.
One thing I would never do is plan an entire day or evening with someone I've never met. That's a recipe for disaster, I'd think.

Yeah, that's probably asking a bit much. Although we did hit it off with Barry (FreezinRafiki) and family when we met up with them in Chicago. I've had a lot of fun meeting DIS Dads and other DIS friends for meals over the years.

Looks like less toppings for the burgers (but that's okay. I see the essentials.) but way more sides. And I really like their Shakes menu!

You can never go wrong with a good shake!

Spitting dinosaurs and all.

Don't you hate it when that happens?

Yes it would. Basically coming in when all those who sleep in enter.

Yeah, I'm not a fan of that at all.

Keep trying it will happen when you least expect it.

Just like a promotion!

Don't know whether to or Can't tell if the sealion is trying to smile or wants to eat them....

That was so creepy...

I guess those areas area proved to be problems and with the additional FP+ even more issues. We were able to do it once and well it was nice when we did use the FP+ but we probably would not use it for that again.

I agree. If I had all day, I wouldn't waste a FP+ on a non-ride. We used it due to the time crunch.

There is definitely a learning curve with FP+. Took us a while to feel comfortable with decisions and how it all played out in the park. I am looking forward to the recent changes and how that changes the game once again.

Yeah, I'd like to take another crack at it and see how we do.

They sure had you pegged!!!!

Now that is a LUCKY Mickey Tie !!!! Or your new boss is a Disney fan. Either way - worth what you paid for it and more.

Absolutely! It's definitely my new favorite tie.

 

[Terra Nova guy]

OK, I'm just getting caught up on your TR. I've said it before but I really like this adults only trip idea.

I would love to do the Keys tour, but it seems it's really not one for kids. From your description, the tour sounds great. Something I really need to consider if the opportunity presents itself.

Something else I need to do, based on your pictures, is get to Yachtsman Steakhouse. I've heard it was good, but if it tastes half as good as it looks, I'm in. Unfortunately DW is not a steak eater but I think I just need to show her that dessert picture and she'll be convinced. Heck, just the words "chocolate peanut butter" are enough!

 

[pkondz]

I thought it was decent for a chain. I did like the fries a lot, though.

Yes and... yes.

Yeah, that's probably asking a bit much. Although we did hit it off with Barry (FreezinRafiki) and family when we met up with them in Chicago. I've had a lot of fun meeting DIS Dads and other DIS friends for meals over the years.

I know of a DISer who planned an entire vacation with another DIser.
They aren't friends anymore.

You can never go wrong with a good shake!

 

[afwdwfan]

Any Mickey tie is a good one. I picked that blue one because I didn't have any that color. I even wore it to my successful interview...

If only you'd bought a Mickey tie a few years ago...

 

[glennbo123]

Congrats on the promotion! That's awesome! I look forward to the improvement in the roads around DE, which will inevitably follow.

Dinner at Yachtsman and Julie still likes Boma better -- woo hoo!

 

[franandaj]

However, I felt like I needed to be in the MK today because I knew the tour would take 5 hours out of the day, so I needed to schedule around the party and make sure I could maximize the amount of hours we’d have there. We still had 3 Fastpass+ reservations to use, but…well, I’ll get to that.

Ugh. Thats the part of the day where I want to be done. But you guys are young and in much better shape than me.

We had not yet had a Dole Whip on this trip. That needed to be fixed, pronto. So Aloha Isle was the first stop. Julie was so anxious she couldn’t even wait for the obligatory photo before diving in.

It's funny I had never even heard of a Dole Whip until I started hanging out on the DIS. The good thing about WDW is that the line doesn't snake back around the Tiki Room for half an hour like it does at land!

Our first FP+ reservation was for an afternoon ride on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, which we had not experienced yet. We had a little time to kill before then, so we looked for some other rides to check off the list. Pirates…wait time 40 minutes. Jingle Cruise…wait time 45 minutes.


We wandered up towards Liberty Square.


Haunted Mansion…wait time 40 minutes. Thank goodness we’d already done that one on the tour. Peter Pan…50 minutes. It’s A Small World…ok, I’ll be honest, I didn’t even look.

Yikes! Those are some crazy waits!

We could not find a single ride, even the lowlights, that didn’t have at least a 30-minute wait. At least it was a nice day.

Another reason at that time of day the air conditioned hotel room and a nap start sounding better!

“Just pick the three rides you want to do today, and please spend the rest of the time in the gift shops.”

That's not a problem for us!

A look at the wait time revealed that the standby wait was 100 minutes, so we were very thankful for the FP+.

I would be too!

Heigh-ho,
Heigh-ho,
It's off to work we--wait, it's over already? Didn't we just get on?

Where did the ride go? Why are you asking me to get off?

I think everyone has that reaction.

But it’s extremely short, and if I’d had to wait 100 minutes for that? I definitely would not have been happy.

Julie went big and ordered the Kansas City ribeye

Good for her!

Everything was absolutely delicious. The steak was really tender, and the potatoes were full of cheese and melted in my mouth. This wound up being my favorite meal of the trip. Julie, for her part, still preferred Boma. She’s weird.

OK Yachtsman just went on my list for the October trip.

The Peoplemover is classic Disney for me. I’ve loved it since I was a kid, and even though it’s doesn’t offer any thrills, there’s something about it that makes it a must-do for me.

I HAVE to remember to do this in two weeks!

Past the Tangled Tinkle Spot. We paid our respects to Rapunzel here by…well, never mind.

At first, everything was fine. But with only 2 minutes or so until the show started, the late-comers started pouring in. And they just filled in wherever, and then remained standing. None of the CM’s made a move. A few kind souls tried to move their strollers out of the way when they saw they were blocking the view, but for the most part the late-comers claimed their spots at the expense of everyone else. We scooted around as best as we could to see the castle.

OK after catching up on the banter over the past two days and the fact that I am down 22 lbs from when I started that extreme (vegan) diet, and just two pounds away from my preliminary goal weight, you and @pkondz have made me want a burger. Not McDonald's, Burger King, or Hardee's or any of that crap. I don't have time to go to my ultimate burger joint (need to move crap out of the old house), so drive through it must be. I'm having In-N-Out on my way to work on the old house today!

 

[pkondz]

OK after catching up on the banter over the past two days and the fact that I am down 22 lbs from when I started that extreme (vegan) diet,

Way to go! That's fantastic @franandaj

And I've heard good things about In-N-Out, but haven't tried them either.

 

[jedijill]

Great job! Mmmm, In-N-out sounds delicious.

Jill in CO

 

[franandaj]

Way to go! That's fantastic @franandaj

And I've heard good things about In-N-Out, but haven't tried them either.

Great job! Mmmm, In-N-out sounds delicious.

Jill in CO

Thanks! It's not "the best burger in the world, but it was tasty! Now I gotta move about 100 boxes to work it off!

 

[MrsHull1488]

I just said to my husband, please lets go to disney by ourselves this year when the kids are visiting their bio dad and other family. Then I felt the guilt of such an idea reek havoc on my brain, I have two trips saved in my disney account on the web site, one with and one without my four little ones......