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

[Flossbolna]

Seriously! Although according to @Flossbolna , they've been around a lot longer than me or you or most others even realized. But I guess the TTC was involved somehow.

Ok, the old system was:

AK-Epcot: direct bus
AK-DHS: direct bus
AK-MK: bus to TTC, connect to monorail or ferry there

Epcot-DS: boat from International Gateway or direct bus from front exit
Epcot-MK: monorail to TTC to connect to monorail or ferry there

DHS-MK: bus to TTC, connect to monorail or ferry there

The new system is:

AK-Epcot: direct bus
AK-DHS: direct bus
AK-MK: direct busre

Epcot-DS: boat from International Gateway or direct bus from front exit
Epcot-MK: monorail to TTC to connect to monorail or ferry there

DHS-MK: direct bus

ETA: obviously this works in both directions the same way, so I did only post the new combinations, not both directions.

I know that @Poolrat must have known the old system because I remember her being inconvenienced by the change in system on a previous trip...

 

[kid-at-heart]

Summer break has begun so maybe, just maybe, I finally will be able to post some comments to a trip report. For years I have enjoyed reading yours and everyone else's reports but most times, have not have time to reply, except in my head, which does no good since I am the only one hearing my thoughts. (I am a professor at an inner city community college so sept-may tends to be very busy.)

It was here that we started to see the downside of the FP+ system. Yes, it’s convenient to know that you’ll definitely be getting on the headliners and won’t have to rush to get there. But the system has performed as Disney intended—it spread people throughout the parks to the other attractions. And so, on a crowded day, the FP+ system feels more like you’re being told, “Just pick the three rides you want to do today, and please spend the rest of the time in the gift shops.”

I hate the new fast pass system. It seems we go to Disney, ride three rides a day and then give up and return to our resort. With the new system, the standby lines are too long, even during off-season.

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.

I prefer Boma, but then I am not a steak and potatoes type of person.

Our first destination was the Animal Kingdom,

Animal Kingdom, my favorite park. I could spend days there just roaming around looking at the animals, pretending I was in Africa. We have a nurse friend who is in Africa now doing volunteer (low pay) work. I am so envious, but I have to admit, I am a wimp and would be terrified to be doing what she is doing.

The animatronic lion has an “awake” cycle!
I can honestly say I’ve never seen that before.

We saw the lion attempting to mount the lioness one time, the driver very quickly left the scene saying something about "nature".

Keep reporting! Love reading your adventures.

Kate

 

[pkondz]

I know, pkondz, and thanks for noticing.

Seriously! Although according to @Flossbolna , they've been around a lot longer than me or you or most others even realized. But I guess the TTC was involved somehow.

Just read her post... see comment below.

Fine. It was an eyesore.

Atta boy.

Of course I did. I HATE the free-fall sensation. It's hard to make your brain tell your hands NOT to hold on. We'll see if my daughter forces me to ride this one next time.

If she does, try it without holding on.
You know you're not going to fly out of your seat. Your subconscious is telling you otherwise, but just remind yourself that Disney isn't going to put you in a position where you can sue them. So don't hold on, suck it up... and who knows, maybe you'll be just as surprised/shocked as I was.

I just hope Star Wars and Toy Story lands are worth it.

We'll see.

I remember going out to eat with my grandparents at 4:30 p.m. I was always the youngest person in the restaurant by about 40 years.

There were rumors of a Guardians of the Galaxy overlay on this one, which I think would be a huge mistake.

Oh, man. Please don't... the theming of that place is perfect.

I was goofing around with the server when I asked about it. He said I'd have to work it out with the other table; he wasn't getting involved. Smart man.

Which would make it the best thing since...

since? since??? since what? What?? WHAT?????????

Maybe your kids are better-behaved than mine.

Do you beat yours regularly with a stick?

So you missed the Vader scene? Aw, man, it's awesome!

Have you seen all of these kids running around? I don't think there's an issue.

But they all look like the mailman, so...

To be fair, I don't think anyone else wants a photo of my forehead and nose hairs with something interesting obscured in the background, either.

That's fair.

Ok, the old system was:

AK-Epcot: direct bus
AK-DHS: direct bus
AK-MK: bus to TTC, connect to monorail or ferry there

Epcot-DS: boat from International Gateway or direct bus from front exit
Epcot-MK: monorail to TTC to connect to monorail or ferry there

DHS-MK: bus to TTC, connect to monorail or ferry there

Ah! Thanks for that.
I was thinking older.
As in pre-AK.
And never evolved from that point on.

 

[Flossbolna]

Ah! Thanks for that.
I was thinking older.
As in pre-AK.
And never evolved from that point on.

I never went to WDW pre-AK! But I can see that before that there was only one trip that needed a bus: DHS-MK. And for that you could easily just take a bus to one of the MK resorts and hop on the monorail from there instead of taking a bus to the TTC.

I know that the bus DHS-Epcot front entrance was an exciting new addition some time around 2006 to 2008 when I was planning my second or third trip. I was really happy when I found out about that!

 

[pkondz]

I never went to WDW pre-AK!

First time I went I didn't worry much about busses.... there weren't any.

I know that the bus DHS-Epcot front entrance was an exciting new addition some time around 2006 to 2008 when I was planning my second or third trip.

Okay, that makes sense. When we first took both DDs, it was prior to that and the next time we didn't have hoppers.

 

[Flossbolna]

First time I went I didn't worry much about busses.... there weren't any.

So, that means that you visited the old EPCOT Center with World of Motion, The Dreamfinder and Horizons? I am green with envy!!

 

[pkondz]

So, that means that you visited the old EPCOT Center with World of Motion, The Dreamfinder and Horizons? I am green with envy!!

Nope. Think earlier. You know how some people say WDW when they mean MK? I was there when that was correct.

 

[Steppesister]

No time right now to read the inbetween chatter (I'll have to go back next week after the folks leave) but loved the chapter; it IS my 2nd favorite park, ya know.

Anybody have a few thousand dollars you’re not planning on using?

Yes, I also have some excellent farmland in Central Florida I'd like to offer you as well.

However, it’s a great-looking movie

Which could be promising. I'll reserve judgement.

The hippo...

But was it hungry, hungry?

was sixth in line

I'd have demanded APs. That's FAR too long to wait.

For us, it’s hard to beat the combination of good bbq with an outdoor seating area and a nice view of Everest across the lagoon.

A trifecta.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Love it!

Thanks! I was proud of that one.

That is actually pretty amusing. I guess you could stop for ice cream on your summer road trip, dump Julie's sandwich in, blend it up, and she'll be a happy camper at lunchtime.

I'll have to offer that to her and see what she thinks!

Glad you got to experience that!

Me too.

Wow, well if I ever see you taking a selfie with vegetables, I'll know it's your best day ever.

You might be waiting a long time for that one.

Hi Mark!

Hi Karin!

I can't believe I fell behind! What's wrong with me? I guess I have had tunnel-vision with planning and then going on our Disneyland/California trip. Oh, and there's school. Mainly busy with the kids & school. Been a crazy year. Anyway... as always I am loving your report! What an amazing trip you crazy kids took together!

It was fun! But it was over too quickly.

Your tour sounded great! We did the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour in DL a couple weeks ago & loved it. Hope to do a Disney World one someday.

I'm sure you would absolutely love it.

Well-played with Expedition Everest single rider line. And that safari craziness sounds entertaining!

That was definitely memorable!

I've always enjoyed the Walt Disney attraction at the Studios & hope the film doesn't completely disappear! Sad and wrong to do that.

I guess we'll have to cross our fingers and see what happens.

Julie has it 1000% right about that pb&j shake! Love, love, love it! I have the recipe and have made them at home. Yum!

Wow! You know, we'll be in your neck of the woods in about a month. Maybe she'll want to swing by?

Thanks so much for taking the time to write your fun TR.

Thanks for taking the time to read it!

And a (very) belated happy birthday to Scotty! And a huge congratulations on your well-deserved promotion!

Hooray!!!!

Thanks so much!

I love the Beaker eyes, but Animal hanging by his leg is the best!

Yeah, that definitely takes it over the top!

I understand your reasoning, but I still contend that it's a waste of a FP. You do see all of these pictures of little kids on ToT, right?

If you try a food, and you can't stand it, you don't continue to eat it. If you touch a hot burner and burn your hand, you don't continue to touch it. This is called masochism.

If you continually hope someone else keeps suffering for your entertainment, this is called sadism.

I never noticed the name "Cafe Fracas" in the background before.

Good catch!

I once was attacked and given a wedgie by indigenous tribesmen on planet Jakku, so I retreated to planet Nerdu where I knew I'd be accepted.

It's ok, the Nerdus win in the end.

You can tell because that's the same look she made the first time she laid eyes on you.

You might be right!

Has that always been on the menu? I don't remember a sampler!!

As far as I can remember. I just go straight for the fried chicken, though.

Which is quite a bit at that place, actually.

Duration of the meal? You mean duration of the TR.

Tomato, tomahto. I've been called worse.

Now that I'm thinking about it, I think a great place for this would be Epcot, where it seems like there's plenty of room. Space is at a premium at its current location. Plus, Epcot was a vision of Walt's so I think it'd fit there even better.

I could get on board with that! It would definitely fit in with Epcot.

I actually think they should have put something like this into Disney Springs. Shouldn't every self respecting town have a museum? And considering the bizarre back story that involves Walt Disney's parents, it would even fit. Make it free if you have a park ticket and charge everyone else 5 $ or so and I think it would be a great success!

That makes sense, too! You guys are good.

Well you'll definitely see some of that soon!

Works for me! They need to hire us as Imagineers.

Hey, can I come too?

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Ok, the old system was:

AK-Epcot: direct bus
AK-DHS: direct bus
AK-MK: bus to TTC, connect to monorail or ferry there

Epcot-DS: boat from International Gateway or direct bus from front exit
Epcot-MK: monorail to TTC to connect to monorail or ferry there

DHS-MK: bus to TTC, connect to monorail or ferry there

The new system is:

AK-Epcot: direct bus
AK-DHS: direct bus
AK-MK: direct busre

Epcot-DS: boat from International Gateway or direct bus from front exit
Epcot-MK: monorail to TTC to connect to monorail or ferry there

DHS-MK: direct bus

ETA: obviously this works in both directions the same way, so I did only post the new combinations, not both directions.

I know that @Poolrat must have known the old system because I remember her being inconvenienced by the change in system on a previous trip...

Looks like it basically just added a couple of new direct buses. I just think it's funny that so many of us here consider ourselves Disney experts, and yet most of us didn't know those buses existed! I hereby nominate Magdalene for Disney Trip Planner Emeritus.

Summer break has begun so maybe, just maybe, I finally will be able to post some comments to a trip report. For years I have enjoyed reading yours and everyone else's reports but most times, have not have time to reply, except in my head, which does no good since I am the only one hearing my thoughts. (I am a professor at an inner city community college so sept-may tends to be very busy.)

Makes sense to me! Welcome back and enjoy the summer break!

I hate the new fast pass system. It seems we go to Disney, ride three rides a day and then give up and return to our resort. With the new system, the standby lines are too long, even during off-season.

I have a feeling it works just fine as long as you get to the park at opening and squeeze some rides in before it gets too crowded. It definitely had an effect on the wait times around the park, though.

I prefer Boma, but then I am not a steak and potatoes type of person.

Sounds like you and Julie would get along just fine.

Animal Kingdom, my favorite park. I could spend days there just roaming around looking at the animals, pretending I was in Africa. We have a nurse friend who is in Africa now doing volunteer (low pay) work. I am so envious, but I have to admit, I am a wimp and would be terrified to be doing what she is doing.

I'm sure she is doing great work. I have a cousin who is working with the Peace Corps in Madagascar. I have the same feeling--part of me would love the adventure, and part of me doesn't know if I could do that.

We saw the lion attempting to mount the lioness one time, the driver very quickly left the scene saying something about "nature".

Keep reporting! Love reading your adventures.

Kate

They're just playing hopscotch, honey. Look, a squirrel!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Atta boy.

I feel better now.

If she does, try it without holding on.
You know you're not going to fly out of your seat. Your subconscious is telling you otherwise, but just remind yourself that Disney isn't going to put you in a position where you can sue them. So don't hold on, suck it up... and who knows, maybe you'll be just as surprised/shocked as I was.

I really loved the ride right up until the drops. I remember reading your advice about letting go (sorry) in your TR. I just don't know if I can force myself to do that.

We'll see.

Yep.

Oh, man. Please don't... the theming of that place is perfect.

Agreed. It's already a classic in terms of the theme, the effects, the feel of the ride. It doesn't need any "fixes".

since? since??? since what? What?? WHAT?????????

Uh...spreadable cheese in a can?

Do you beat yours regularly with a stick?

What?? No! No way! How barbaric! What kind of an animal are you?!

I use a leather belt.

But they all look like the mailman, so...

You know, I have never been able to figure out where Dave and Drew's blond hair came from...

That's fair.

I thought so.

Ah! Thanks for that.
I was thinking older.
As in pre-AK.
And never evolved from that point on.

I never went to WDW pre-AK! But I can see that before that there was only one trip that needed a bus: DHS-MK. And for that you could easily just take a bus to one of the MK resorts and hop on the monorail from there instead of taking a bus to the TTC.

I know that the bus DHS-Epcot front entrance was an exciting new addition some time around 2006 to 2008 when I was planning my second or third trip. I was really happy when I found out about that!

2006-2008...only took me 10 years to notice it.

First time I went I didn't worry much about busses.... there weren't any.

Careful! You're dating yourself.

Okay, that makes sense. When we first took both DDs, it was prior to that and the next time we didn't have hoppers.

So, that means that you visited the old EPCOT Center with World of Motion, The Dreamfinder and Horizons? I am green with envy!!

I did! I remember World of Motion being fun, and the Dreamfinder just giving you a song that stuck in your head for days like IASW. But man, I loved Horizons. I must have ridden that one over and over again. I loved getting to choose different endings for the ride.

Nope. Think earlier. You know how some people say WDW when they mean MK? I was there when that was correct.

I was, too! But I was about 7 years old. Don't remember much.

No time right now to read the inbetween chatter (I'll have to go back next week after the folks leave) but loved the chapter; it IS my 2nd favorite park, ya know.

Well, sure. I think you developed an appreciation for it much sooner than I did.

Yes, I also have some excellent farmland in Central Florida I'd like to offer you as well.

Oooh! Is it oceanfront?

Which could be promising. I'll reserve judgement.

Seems like the best course of action.

But was it hungry, hungry?

It did seem particularly interested in a bag of marbles nearby.

I'd have demanded APs. That's FAR too long to wait.

Darn right!

A trifecta.

 

[ajjoplin1]

Just found this TR...love it! Been trying to talk my wife into this too. Can't make it for our 10th next year but I think she's on board for '18....if we go again with the kids! Twice in one year....let's go! Anyway signing on to follow.

You have a secret, unspoken wish. You can only whisper it. Anything more than a whisper and it will vanish.

BTW...love the reference to "Gladiator"!

 

[pkondz]

I really loved the ride right up until the drops. I remember reading your advice about letting go (sorry) in your TR. I just don't know if I can force myself to do that.

It was accidental.
I wanted to get a picture for the TR so I concentrated on that.
When it dropped, I was like "Hey! That was way less painful/scary."

Uh...spreadable cheese in a can?

Got it. Thanks for clearing that up.
Oh... And, blech.

What?? No! No way! How barbaric! What kind of an animal are you?!

I use a leather belt.

That's definitely more evolved.

You know, I have never been able to figure out where Dave and Drew's blond hair came from...

Don't look at me. That's grey you're seeing, not blond.

2006-2008...only took me 10 years to notice it.

Congrats. That's pretty good for you. <slow clap>

Careful! You're dating yourself.

I have to. No sane woman would.
(Ruby being the exception. She's very much the "can we adopt this dog? He's so ugly and broken down!" type.)

 

[MNtwinsplus1mom]

I'm sure you would absolutely love it.

Someday...

While I'm dreaming... What looks really interesting is the Adventures by Disney Backstage Magic trip where guests can see Disney Imagineering & all kinds of other normally inaccessible areas. Unfortunately, I would need to sell my children to afford it.

Wow! You know, we'll be in your neck of the woods in about a month. Maybe she'll want to swing by?

I would be happy to make a batch! Evil desserts taste better shared.

I think it is so cool that your family is making your way out to our state. We like it here, but considering all of your options, I would have guessed MN would be about 48th on the list...

I'm sure you have a lot of plans already, but if your family is up for a DISmeet, it would be our honor to connect with you all wherever convenient. Our kids are similar ages (the older ones), & we have so enjoyed your reports. You get a lot of the credit for our adding on another island to our Hawaii trip & landing us in a vacation home there (thanks again for the VRBO tip!), giving us some excellent dining advice in Hawaii & California (although no one in my family would split a Monte Cristo with me!), and inspiring us to do more family road trips (like our big trip last fall, which included the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which I know you all enjoyed). Thanks so much for the inspiration!

(We just had our first DISmeet in California, by the way, with Nancy of the DIS Unplugged Disneyland podcast team. It was very fun! The team helped my family plan our trip on their show.)

Looking forward to reading more...

 

[Poolrat]

I know that @Poolrat must have known the old system because I remember her being inconvenienced by the change in system on a previous trip...

The Buses at the TTC were back in an odd area where maybe charters used to park. It was a bit of a secret as I never really saw all that many people there. Now it seems that the Charters park in EPCOT- more room maybe.

And YES - I was not only inconvenienced but basically embarrassed by the change in system. New Years 2010 maybe I used the TTC to get from the Poly - Walked the 5 min over and took a bus to DHS. Some trip later I was "smart" to walk over again and be told there are no buses to parks. Not anymore but like I imagined it all and they never existed..... It was my go to when the monorail loop buses got so bad it was always easier to get to the TTC and then get to a park.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Just found this TR...love it! Been trying to talk my wife into this too. Can't make it for our 10th next year but I think she's on board for '18....if we go again with the kids! Twice in one year....let's go! Anyway signing on to follow.

Two trips in one year? We should all suffer so much!

BTW...love the reference to "Gladiator"!

+1 Nice catch! I don't think anyone else spotted that one.

It was accidental.
I wanted to get a picture for the TR so I concentrated on that.
When it dropped, I was like "Hey! That was way less painful/scary."

Distractions always help, I'm sure. Psychologically, I know I'll be fine. I just really hate feeling like I'm falling. I don't get any enjoyment out of that whatsoever.

Got it. Thanks for clearing that up.
Oh... And, blech.

Sorry about that. Have some PB&J.

That's definitely more evolved.

I would hope so. This is the 21st century, after all.

Don't look at me. That's grey you're seeing, not blond.

I guess it'll always be a mystery.

Congrats. That's pretty good for you. <slow clap>

Thanks! I really feel good about--

HEY!

I have to. No sane woman would.
(Ruby being the exception. She's very much the "can we adopt this dog? He's so ugly and broken down!" type.)

I know the feeling. We take what we can get.

Someday...

While I'm dreaming... What looks really interesting is the Adventures by Disney Backstage Magic trip where guests can see Disney Imagineering & all kinds of other normally inaccessible areas. Unfortunately, I would need to sell my children to afford it.

That would be so cool!

True confession: I get the Adventures By Disney brochure every year just so I can flip through it and daydream. I'd love to do that someday, but it's so hard to justify the exorbitant expense.

I would be happy to make a batch! Evil desserts taste better shared.

Mmmm...evil dessert...

I think it is so cool that your family is making your way out to our state. We like it here, but considering all of your options, I would have guessed MN would be about 48th on the list...

Clearly, you've never been to Delaware. Anyway, we need to get all the states!

I'm sure you have a lot of plans already, but if your family is up for a DISmeet, it would be our honor to connect with you all wherever convenient. Our kids are similar ages (the older ones), & we have so enjoyed your reports. You get a lot of the credit for our adding on another island to our Hawaii trip & landing us in a vacation home there (thanks again for the VRBO tip!), giving us some excellent dining advice in Hawaii & California (although no one in my family would split a Monte Cristo with me!), and inspiring us to do more family road trips (like our big trip last fall, which included the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which I know you all enjoyed). Thanks so much for the inspiration!

You're so kind! I'm glad you've been able to get out as a family and enjoy so many great trips of your own. I'm humbled that you think of us as inspiration!

Seriously, though, who wouldn't want a Monte Cristo??

We are always up for DISmeets. It's always great to meet people IRL after you've established a friendship online, and it's pretty cool to have friends all over the country (or world!). That being said, I still don't exactly know what our schedule will be in the Minneapolis area. I know for sure we will be going to a Phillies/Twins game on the night we arrive (although I still haven't bought tickets). Then we leave immediately for Duluth and the Superior coast the next day. We return to Minneapolis on the afternoon/evening of the 4th of July and will be there on the 5th as well. Julie has friends from her old stomping grounds in PA where she grew up that now live in the Minneapolis area, and we're planning on getting together with them. However, I have no idea how long we'll be hanging out with them or what we're doing, so that makes it hard to know if/when we'll be available.

Feel free to PM me if you think any of these times sounds like a possibility!

(We just had our first DISmeet in California, by the way, with Nancy of the DIS Unplugged Disneyland podcast team. It was very fun! The team helped my family plan our trip on their show.)

Looking forward to reading more...

Cool! If I can ever find some free time, maybe I can wrap this thing up!

The Buses at the TTC were back in an odd area where maybe charters used to park. It was a bit of a secret as I never really saw all that many people there. Now it seems that the Charters park in EPCOT- more room maybe.

Seems like it wasn't always clear how the system worked, at least.

And YES - I was not only inconvenienced but basically embarrassed by the change in system. New Years 2010 maybe I used the TTC to get from the Poly - Walked the 5 min over and took a bus to DHS. Some trip later I was "smart" to walk over again and be told there are no buses to parks. Not anymore but like I imagined it all and they never existed..... It was my go to when the monorail loop buses got so bad it was always easier to get to the TTC and then get to a park.

You didn't get the memo on the secret handshake!

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Ummmm…
Hi?

I’m pretty sure I’ve been somewhat remiss about keeping up with my favorite TR writers for a little while here, and it’s high time I at least attempted to catch back up. Think I’ll start off here if it’s allowed.
Since I’m many several updates behind, it’d be impractical to give you the full amount of grief that your stories deserve, but I did want to at least graze the highlights.

So here goes…

Welcome to the Himalayas! Snow cone?

"Abominable! Can you believe that? Do I look abominable to you?

This is part of the problem with a long weekend--with limited time, we wanted to squeeze every dollar of value out of our park tickets. And this meant that we didn’t get a lot of time to enjoy the Polynesian resort.

Story of my life when it comes to Disney…
We never have enough cash on hand to work extra days in beyond the number of park days acquired so it’s almost always go, go, go and very little sit back and relax.

Anybody have a few thousand dollars you’re not planning on using?

Now what did I just get done saying?

The only problem is, the boards aren’t very helpful if they aren’t updated with actual, you know, information.

Yeah, well… perception is everything though.

If you ever get the chance manage such things, maybe you can work toward making signage more informative.
One never knows, it could happen.

I’m interested to see what they do with Avatar. I was not a huge fan of the movie. It’s basically Pocahontas or Dances With Wolves featuring 8-ft. tall blue people.

I’m shocked…
Here I thought I was the only one who described that film In nearly these exact terms.

“Everest is down--they don’t know how long.”

Might as well say "Christmas is cancelled."

Yep... stuff like that sure puts a crimp into a good rope drop plan.
As well as ripping a Scrooge sized hole in even the most seasonally uplifted heart.

Hey, what do you get when you cross an elephant and a rhino?


Elephino. (say that out loud.)

Thanks! Haven't heard that one since, ohhhhhh…
about the second grade (and remember, I’m OLD)

Actually, jokes of that caliber may well be the only non-horrific memories I can muster related to the 2nd grade, so there is that at least.

I’d say we sat there a good ten minutes as they tried to restore order.


That was so cool!

Cool indeed...
Your elephant story here is a nice example of ciaos theory in action.
And of how Disney battles ciaos with all their might.

So, let me explain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up:

OK, but just be sure you list the wheelbarrow in our list of assets while you’re doing so.

Maybe we needed a VIP time machine pass.

Those come along with that VIP Bus Pass you couldn't get a hold of either.
See if pkondz will loan you his next time.

I doubt I’d say that if I had a bad back, but hopefully that won’t be the case for a while.

May that be so...
Trust me, may that for the next very long while be so

Once again, I apologize for my lack of activity here. I've been transitioning to the new job so I'm kind of doing two things at once. Combine that with lots of evening activities for the kids and I haven't been able to be here much. I'll do my best to catch up!

Nope, can't accept that apology...
Given my record of absenteeism, it's unwarranted from you and I've no room to criticize.

Twenty Five Thousand Imported Italian Twinkle Lights.

Can I refill your eggnog for you?
Get you something to eat?
Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead?

As we entered, we were immediately struck by the absence of the big dumb sorcerer’s hat

Looking forward to being so struck myself one day…

we wanted to see the show one more time before it closed for good. Last time we’d been here, it had suffered a technical glitch before we could see the grand finale, so it was good to witness the pyrotechnics one more time. Julie is really good at getting this shot.

Good that you did...
That picture is the last time I'll see it.

So we wandered over to the Muppet theater to watch a Salute To All Nations But Mostly America.

You got 2 minutes!

the swirly light-up thingy scanned our Magic Bands

Tapstyles?

we headed into the docking bay for a tour of the galaxy.

“Goodbye now!
Have a nice trip, fellas!
Don't forget to write!
Adios!
Au revoir!
Bon voyagee!
Farewell to thee!“

But no Vader. Because that scene doesn’t really exist.

Yes... Yes it does
(and I’ve only ridden Star Tours once since the referb took place. Pbbbbffft!)

Gourmet Refined Overrated Snooty Stuff

Nicely done there Captain...
Nicely done.

Julie fell head-over-heels in love with the PB&J Shake.

Well, there really is no way for you to compete with such obvious perfection, now is there?

I was “Scooter” for the duration of the meal.

"Careful, nicknames like that have a tendency to stick with a guy."

I didn’t get the Vader Scene. And don’t call me Shirley.

OK Scooter, have it your way.

How had we never been in here before?

You always had kids in tow before.
Nuf said.

I was overcome with a sudden illness, had a defective pull-string mechanism on my shooter, and the sun was in my eyes. And Julie beat me.

I ran out of gas! I got a flat tire! I didn’t have change for cab fare! I lost my tux at the cleaners! I locked my keys in the car! An old friend came in from out of town! Someone stole my car! There was an earthquake! A terrible flood! Locusts! IT WASN’T MY FAULT, I SWEAR TO GOD!

Julie smacked me and said, “You just pull a string, you moron.”

That, right there, may be the quite of the TR.
Elegant, succinct, graceful in its simplicity, nearly flawless in its execution…
A moment of precise character assassination blended perfectly with character definition...

Bravo, Julie, Bravo!

they started playing Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24”, better known as their mashup of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “Carol of the Bells”, or also known in my house as “Awesome Christmas Music”.

Musically awesome it is...
Among my friends and in our house, it simply known as “Sarajevo”
No other explanation needed.





Nice work there Scooter.
I see that at some point I can look forward to at least one more update.
And I’m most certainly looking forward to sir.
Most assuredly…

 

[AllysonL]

I'm late to join in , but I'm all caught up! Really enjoying your TR so far. I had to send part of it to my husband...
We were just talking the other night about what would they do about wandering animals, and how do they control them if they get a little unruly. That must've been really cool to see!

 

[pkondz]

Sorry about that. Have some PB&J.

Sure!

(Love that stuff.)

Thanks! I really feel good about--

HEY!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Ummmm…
Hi?

I’m pretty sure I’ve been somewhat remiss about keeping up with my favorite TR writers for a little while here, and it’s high time I at least attempted to catch back up. Think I’ll start off here if it’s allowed.
Since I’m many several updates behind, it’d be impractical to give you the full amount of grief that your stories deserve, but I did want to at least graze the highlights.

So here goes…

Welcome back! I'm just glad you're back on the boards. Wasn't the same without you.

"Abominable! Can you believe that? Do I look abominable to you?

+1

Story of my life when it comes to Disney…
We never have enough cash on hand to work extra days in beyond the number of park days acquired so it’s almost always go, go, go and very little sit back and relax.

Yep. Gotta squeeze the value out of every dollar!

Now what did I just get done saying?

I don't know. Weren't you listening, either?

Yeah, well… perception is everything though.

If you ever get the chance manage such things, maybe you can work toward making signage more informative.
One never knows, it could happen.

I'd certainly love to get the chance!

I’m shocked…
Here I thought I was the only one who described that film In nearly these exact terms.

I think it's a fairly common reaction. Cool special effects, recycled plot.

Yep... stuff like that sure puts a crimp into a good rope drop plan.
As well as ripping a Scrooge sized hole in even the most seasonally uplifted heart.

Urge to kill...rising...

Thanks! Haven't heard that one since, ohhhhhh…
about the second grade (and remember, I’m OLD)

Actually, jokes of that caliber may well be the only non-horrific memories I can muster related to the 2nd grade, so there is that at least.

That one's a classic, I don't care what anyone says.

Cool indeed...
Your elephant story here is a nice example of ciaos theory in action.
And of how Disney battles ciaos with all their might.

I was fascinated watching that. I had no idea the elephants were so territorial.

OK, but just be sure you list the wheelbarrow in our list of assets while you’re doing so.

If only we had a holocaust cloak.

Those come along with that VIP Bus Pass you couldn't get a hold of either.
See if pkondz will loan you his next time.

I have a feeling I'll have to pry it from his cold, dead hands.

May that be so...
Trust me, may that for the next very long while be so

If anyone would know, it would be you! How are you feeling?

Nope, can't accept that apology...
Given my record of absenteeism, it's unwarranted from you and I've no room to criticize.

Fine. Be that way.

Can I refill your eggnog for you?
Get you something to eat?
Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead?

I'd like to get you something...really nice.

Looking forward to being so struck myself one day…

Well, what are you waiting for? It's only money.

Good that you did...
That picture is the last time I'll see it.

May the explosions live on in our memories forever.

You got 2 minutes!

(gasp)

Tapstyles?

You've got @pkondz 's vote.

“Goodbye now!
Have a nice trip, fellas!
Don't forget to write!
Adios!
Au revoir!
Bon voyagee!
Farewell to thee!“

Suckers...

Yes... Yes it does
(and I’ve only ridden Star Tours once since the referb took place. Pbbbbffft!)

No! I'm not listening!

Nicely done there Captain...
Nicely done.

Thanks. I was proud of that one.

Well, there really is no way for you to compete with such obvious perfection, now is there?

I just don't have the tools to compete.

"Careful, nicknames like that have a tendency to stick with a guy."

OK Scooter, have it your way.

Eh, I've been called worse.

You always had kids in tow before.
Nuf said.

I ran out of gas! I got a flat tire! I didn’t have change for cab fare! I lost my tux at the cleaners! I locked my keys in the car! An old friend came in from out of town! Someone stole my car! There was an earthquake! A terrible flood! Locusts! IT WASN’T MY FAULT, I SWEAR TO GOD!

+1

That, right there, may be the quite of the TR.
Elegant, succinct, graceful in its simplicity, nearly flawless in its execution…
A moment of precise character assassination blended perfectly with character definition...

Bravo, Julie, Bravo!

Oh, hush.

Musically awesome it is...
Among my friends and in our house, it simply known as “Sarajevo”
No other explanation needed.

That one never fails to get you pumped up.

Nice work there Scooter.
I see that at some point I can look forward to at least one more update.
And I’m most certainly looking forward to sir.
Most assuredly…

Probably 2 more chapters. I want to try and finish before I leave for the summer vacation.

I'm late to join in , but I'm all caught up! Really enjoying your TR so far. I had to send part of it to my husband...
We were just talking the other night about what would they do about wandering animals, and how do they control them if they get a little unruly. That must've been really cool to see!

Thanks for reading! Glad I could help answer a question.

Sure!

(Love that stuff.)

Tag along on our vacation and see if you're still saying that by the end!

By the way, did you have any luck changing the date of that graduation ceremony yet?