Weird and Ninja’s Pre-Disneymoon [Completed!]

[Believeinfairytales]

Where'd you go??? We have arrived and now we're gone!!!

I hope that all is well with you. Hmmm...are we engaged yet? Is this why you haven't posted? Now I'm beginning to wonder if you're no longer with us, but residing on .

 

[Brave teacher]

I remember reading and getting myself caught up sometime this weekend. I thought I had posted though...ANyway, I'm glad yall finally made it to the resort. Can't wait to see what comes next!

 

[RachelNinja]

Phew... just in time I really have to go potty

Those stores are creepy! I think they'd give me worse nightmares than being trapped in CoP by myself

So funny about the Olive Garden and Super Target... I bet you were all punchy from being in the car so long. I would have celebrated too. Plus all the bready and target-y goodness so close. I'm sure that will prove to be a definite bonus!

And I love the picture you snapped of Weird snapping a picture... I do that too.

P.S. Happy 3 weeks of school left.

Maybe those creepy store mascot things are conspiring with those who are trying to trap us in CoP!!! Haha, now THAT'S a super nightmare!

Haha, I like that term "punchy."

Thanks for the well wishes! At this point it's 1.5 weeks!

Your almost there! At least you had a fun few days getting down there. It took us 10 hours.....yeah it was crazy!

I was this -------------------------------------------- close to buying into the DVC. If only I had enough money at the time for a down payment.

This past year or two, my parents have been talking about selling the timeshare. I'm upset about that because I really like it, and I grew up going there almost every year! The only time we didn't stay there was when we went to Tampa to my grandparents' vacation place and then went up to Orlando just for the parks for a few days; we stayed at a regular hotel.

The only good thing about it if they sell is that Weird and I will be "forced" to stay on Disney property! Hehe.

All Right--We are here-
Love the pics of all the different buildings.
We love to look and point--never thought to take a pic(or have we-i will have to check old photos)

The pic with weird looking out the window in search of his next 'target' is great--such concentration.

Looky we are under 30--finally

Haha, if we didn't take all those random photos, we would have made it to Florida a lot faster! But I like extending the trip. Still in such denial that it's over, and it's already June!!!

Yay!! You made it!!

I have been trying to talk DH into buying to the DVC ever since I graduated college, and he's finally starting to crack. Seeing you guys enjoy your timeshare makes me want it even more!!

I love having all the space. It'd be fun to go with my cousins and their significant others when we're all married and such. It'd be great to have our own space but then be able to hang out together in the living room and kitchen! But the one "bad" thing about having a timeshare that's comfortable is that we don't mind just hanging around and lounging all day long! And then that becomes a "missed" day of vacation even though rest is needed, of course.

Ahhh, slap bracelets, I had a couple of those before our school banned them!

Yes, my DD informed my DH this morning that the silly bandz weren't really as "in" anymore. He asked why they weren't wearing them much and that was her answer. She's in 4th grade. I thought they didn't wear them because they aren't allowed to trade them at school and maybe that took the fun out of it.

And Yay! for making it to Orange Lake!

Those buildings are pretty creepy, I agree!

Those silly bandz so quickly left the scene! It's kind of fun being able to see the one thing that then becomes a huge thing! The funny thing now is that there are DISNEY CHARACTER SILLY BANDZ now too! One of the kids in 4th grade offered the Mickey to me because he knows how much I love Disney, but I didn't take it since I knew I wouldn't wear it.

Ugggg, those souvenir store fronts are creepy!

Yay! You're finally there

I wonder who was the genius who thought up the design for those stores!

Yay you made it!

They have Cici's commercials up here too in MA with none within driving distance.

The funny thing is that they make me want to go to a Cici's so badly, but I'm not really that crazy about pizza that I'd eat a lot of it! I mean, I have to really be in a mood for pizza, and even then, I'm not big on different varieties. For example, I don't like any pizza that doesn't have tomato sauce. It's not that I don't like the taste; just don't call it pizza! Anyway, I would love to try a Souplantation & Sweet Tomatoes though!

Yippee...we made it!!! :

Haha, so exciting and then I let everyone down by not posting anything for SO SO SO long!

 

[RachelNinja]

You made ittt!!!

Your store & scenery pictures are so fun to look at! The touristy stores are so creepy Especially that mermaid one, good shot! I remember going into one of them for "shopping" during my senior trip in H.S.

Weird took that shot. I love that he did because even though I've seen these things so often, I never thought to take pics of everything. I just took it for granted. I think that even though they're creepy, it'd be weird if they're ever taken down. They were those "we're for real almost there" landmarks!

I love Olive Garden! It's my most favorite place! I applied for the Olive Garden Culinary Institute contest. Didn't win but it would have been cool if I did!

I think it's funny that Olive Garden doesn't have many things with olives in it! Haha, it's just the salad really (and maybe a topping on pizza?). I love eating the olives that have been covered with their dressing! It really would've been cool if you won that contest!

I love those creepy souvenir shops!! We always used to stay in Orlando, because we'd always go to US, too, and I LOVED those shops as a kid! There's something so Florida about them to me, haha. Glad you're finally there!!!

Yes, I agree! Haha, it wouldn't be the same without them! If Weird and I ever have kids, I think it'd be part of a trip to drive by and see them!

So glad you made it! The journey was fun getting there, but I'm ready for the good stuff!

I can't wait to finally be able to write about Disney even though I'm still not done with Sunday ... hehe.

Whoohoo ~ we're there!

I was just as excited as your mom to have a Super Target close by! I actually work at Target and we don't have any of the Super stores here. We are always saying at work how we'd like to become a Super Target so I made sure I got a picture of it and I grabbed one of the store maps while we were shopping to take back to my girls at work. We are easily amused.

I had never gone into any of the creepy shops until this trip ~ there was one that really gave us the heebie jeebies once we got inside.

Can't wait to hear about the rest!

Target is just the GREATEST! I was so happy when they finally built one closer to where I work! Normally, we'd have to drive to NJ to get stuff! I loved it when people would ask me where I got a certain clothing item, and I'd proudly say, "TARGET!" This way years ago when Target wasn't as popular as it is now. I remember when it first came out and people thought it was equivalent to Kmart. Nope, not in the slightest! We wouldn't be going crazy over a Kmart! Haha, grabbing the store map is hilarious!!!

Woo hoo, you are finally there!

I love the Olive Garden. It's funny because we've eaten there several times when we've gone on vacations...so far I've eaten at OG's in Arizona, North Carolina, and the one in New York in Times Square (that was my bday dinner last year!). We've only eaten at the one here once.

Haha, OG tastes better when you're in a different state! I don't like going when my family wants to go back at home because it's about 45 minutes away. But on vacation, sure! Bring it on because that means a day for leftovers too!

I love the pictures of the crazy tourist shops! I remember passing by them all the time when we stayed in Kissimmee two years ago. I definitely remember the mermaid one and the wizard one.

I wonder what the people who work there say because you can't say that you just work in a tourist shop; there are too many of them! Haha, "I work at the wizard one. Oh, and it's the wizard with the open hand, not the other one holding 2 objects." (Haha, I forgot the exact distinction, but I know there was a difference between them!)

Yay! You finally made it. I remember seeing that mermaid store when we went down a few years ago. It creeped me out too!

I think it was me who posted about CiCi's. I vaguely remember that!

PS. How's the ring?

Hehe, the ring is in Weird's possession. I think we're actually going to return it and get a smaller one so that that cost can cover the e-ring and 2 wedding rings instead. I don't know; that's the last we talked about just because I'd rather move up the time table for our actual marriage!

I'm totally new to your trip report and I've barely read anything yet, but, after reading your backgound I had to comment! I'm a 25 year old 6-8th Middle School teacher (social studies, and geography, and political science, and math lab . . . . jack of all trades ) from NY as well! I, like you, incorporate Disney whenever I can (studying Tourist Maps sound boring? Well we did touring plans of Magic Kingdom!)

Anyway, It's nice to know there are similar people out there that share a love for all things Disney!

Ok . . back to reading!

-Val

WELCOME!!! So glad you could join me! Haha, do you have a certain kind of crazy in you too? I think all middle school teachers have it. WOW, touring plans of MK? Can I sit in your class??? I'll be good and always do my homework and raise my hand and never call out and respect you and bring you apples!

I love that DIS has so many teachers, but I particularly like getting in contact with middle school teachers because they just know what I'm going through! I can't begin to understand what it's like to be an elementary school teacher and be with the same kids all day!

Rachel, you haven't posted in awhile. I hope that everything is fine and you are just building the suspense. We finally made it to Florida and next up is...

Sending you a hug just in case you need it, though!

Thanks for the hug! I know I haven't posted; it keeps hanging over me because I want to do it, but it's the end of the year madness! I had to grade a huge stack of book reports over the weekend and grades for the final trimester were due this morning at 9AM. There were a lot of final tests to give and grade before even doing the grades too! It'll slow down soon ... well, soon as in after I finish making up the summer assignment packets and writing up student profiles for next year's teacher!

Where'd you go??? We have arrived and now we're gone!!!

I hope that all is well with you. Hmmm...are we engaged yet? Is this why you haven't posted? Now I'm beginning to wonder if you're no longer with us, but residing on .

I'm okay, thanks for the comment! Hehe, no, we're not engaged yet. I definitely would let you guys know by just typing with really big font: "WE'RE ENGAGED!" Haha, even if I didn't have time to write out the story just yet. Just too much going on with the end of the school year! Only 1.5 weeks left though!

I remember reading and getting myself caught up sometime this weekend. I thought I had posted though...ANyway, I'm glad yall finally made it to the resort. Can't wait to see what comes next!

Thanks for sticking around even though I'm STILL on Sunday!

 

[RachelNinja]

Sunday, April 4: Our Temporary Home

The last time I wrote an installment on 5/23 (whoa, that was a long time ago!), we just arrived at our timeshare! Woohoo! I wasn't so excited about the whole check-in process because there have been times when it's taken a long time! There are two lines for it - one for guests and one for members. Shouldn't the members line be shorter??? Sometimes it's not, but thankfully this time I had a reason to be extra excited!

I was soexcited to go in and get the maps for the parks! Because of DIS, I knew that times change so what I saw online at home may have changed for the week we were actually there.

What was great was that just after a few minutes on line, a lady came from an office inside and said that she could check us in instead. Yay for not waiting so long! We walked down the hallway to some unknown, secret place! Haha, well, it wasn't really secret, we just never went down there before!

Kay checked us in and she was actually really funny! I think we were all in good moods because we were finally out of the car. I was thrilled that I could finally drink! I always limit what I drink since I don't want to have to use the bathroom at the worst time! We were allowed to take soda from here:

Of course, this was no Club Cool! In fact, I drank the sip of Sprite and found it extremely flat, so I dumped it. There's no point in drinking in all those calories if it didn't have the fizz! It's just drinking sugar water, and I knew that on vacation, I'd already be pushing it with diet and everything.

We were finally ready to head to our condo! WOOHOO! Haha, I was so excited to show Weird even though he's seen pictures before. We walked in and we were actually ALL surprised because they had remodeled it! New furniture and new decorations and bedspreads and even a new dividing wall between the dining room and the living room (there used to be a "fence" there instead).

The first task was to lug everything inside the house. Remember when Matt unzipped the bottom part of the legs of his pants? Well, they were brought inside and left on the table, so what does a big sister do? She puts them on herself!

I wanted Weird to take pictures of the place so I could post them here. I knew that it'd be different having him do it since he was seeing it all with new eyes. Like these framed pineapples? I didn't even notice them until a half hour later!

I hung up our track jackets in the closet. I decided to be really corny and mushy by tying the sleeves together so that they could "hold hands" while hanging out!

I also moved all the decorative flower things out of the way. They have one in the middle of the dining room table and on the small table in front of the mirror and next to the TV and just about everywhere you wouldn't want them to be! So I took them and tried finding new places for them. No one really thought this was a good idea though. Guess I can't be a designer!

Haha, kidding. I just put it there and started cracking up about how it looked and how it was bound to fall and break in a matter of minutes! I actually moved the flower things behind and under the tables in the living room so we could get them out of the way. Don't worry; I paid attention to where I got them so that I could put them back before we left.

This little section here was an odd use of space. Why have that there? I mean, I know the vent is there, but it just seems like such a waste! Haha, Weird wondered if that's where he should put one pair of sneakers.

Mickey and I wondered if that's where we should stand.

Mickey got bored after a while even though I was thoroughly entertained. He wanted to explore some more. This is in the master bedroom where my parents stayed.

He's sitting atop another weird decoration and space waster. I mean, yeah, it looks nice, but with all the toiletries and whatnot? It had to be put away. I stuck it in the cabinet under the sink. And yes, I put it back when we were leaving.

Since I touched the decoration and it was kind of dusty, I had to wash my hands afterwards. Weird, being the guy he is, had to take a picture of me washing my hands!

This is the other bedroom where Matt and I stayed. He was in the bed on the left because it's closer to the door and also because I have a better view of the TV. The light is coming from our bathroom.

I was super excited when I saw that the shower curtain was on the rounded shower curtain rod! I hate it when the shower curtain touches me! I don't like it when it happens at home, so I really don't like it when it happens with a shower curtain that's not ours!

Separate shower/toilet and sink areas really make getting ready in the morning and getting ready for bed at night that much easier.

This was our sink area. I like the big mirror because I can back up and find out if my entire outfit is looking okay or if I need to change!

I'm sure you all know what faucets look like, but I like this picture so I'm posting it! Oh, mom and I hate the bar soaps they give at hotels because it makes our hands feel weird. That's why we always bring our own liquid soap.

Another pic of us in front of the mirror! The better one was by the other mirror. It can be found in the first post of this trip report.

After all the exploring in the condo, I was extremely thirsty. Oh right, I was thirsty! Haha seriously, I tend to forget or not even feel it until it gets really bad. Weird's always reminding me to stay hydrated. I finally was able to finish my Vitamin Water, but then I was sad because it wasn't enough! I needed more!

Unfortunately, we didn't have anything to drink really (I didn't want to open up a new Vitamin Water), so it was a good thing we were off to check out the supermarket and get dinner! Will my thirst be quenched soon?

Sidenote: I haven't been keeping up to date with many of your trip reports because of the end of the school year madness! I'll catch up slowly; I promise! Thanks for sticking with me!

 

[therussells08]

Yay!! You made it to your home away from home! I love it!

You crack me up! I sat here and laughed at that picture of you and Mickey standing in that useless corner for so long my dogs started looking at me like I was crazy!

Yummy...Vitamin Water is soooo good!

 

[Brave teacher]

What is with the flowers and that useless corner. I would have probably done the same as Weird and told the boys to make it into their "shoe spot." I search for a shoe spot for my boys everywhere we go. They have this tendency to lose their shoes whn they don't have a spot for them.

The condo looks lovely. I'm interested to see where yall eat.

 

[klacey1]

Great update-- glad you're finally there!! The condo looks so spacious and full of light! Really nice!!

 

[Believeinfairytales]

Yay, you're back!!! We missed you!

Your last update was awesome, but I expected no less. I love all of the pictures that you take b/c they really tell the story well. Too funny about the useless wall. I mean, really, what were they thinking? That's such a strange thing to do. But hey, you guys were smart and made it a shoe spot. I think it is the perfect place to store your shoes.

Can't wait for more! I'm glad it's nearing the end of your school year. Our schools have been out for about a week now, so I guess I was thinking your schools were already out too.

 

[wdwgirl03]

haha, love the tour of your condo! You look like you are cracking up in that picture of you in that little corner for shoes. That is a weird place for a mini wall.

Have a GREAT end of the school year...hope it goes by quickly.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Like everyone else, I'm totally cracking up at you and Weird trying to figure out what that corner was for!

Your condo looks very nice

 

[Cat0727]

Great update, loved the tour of your condo!

The bootleg Club Cool is so funny, I got a kick outta that!

 

[dellasgirl]

z

 

[RachelNinja]

Yay!! You made it to your home away from home! I love it!

You crack me up! I sat here and laughed at that picture of you and Mickey standing in that useless corner for so long my dogs started looking at me like I was crazy!

Yummy...Vitamin Water is soooo good!

It's even more of a relief when we've been traveling for so long!

I would absolutely LOVE to ask what the designers/architects were thinking when they made that corner! Haha, well, maybe they were cracking up about it too when they made it!

What is with the flowers and that useless corner. I would have probably done the same as Weird and told the boys to make it into their "shoe spot." I search for a shoe spot for my boys everywhere we go. They have this tendency to lose their shoes whn they don't have a spot for them.

The condo looks lovely. I'm interested to see where yall eat.

I love shoe spots! It makes me happy when I see them lined up neatly. I usually put mine in front of the dresser where my luggage is since I switch in and out of them to decide what footwear to have on. Haha, not that I have much of a choice; it's either New Balance sneakers or crocs.

Great update-- glad you're finally there!! The condo looks so spacious and full of light! Really nice!!

I can't imagine having that many people in a hotel room! We need some breathing room!

Yay, you're back!!! We missed you!

Your last update was awesome, but I expected no less. I love all of the pictures that you take b/c they really tell the story well. Too funny about the useless wall. I mean, really, what were they thinking? That's such a strange thing to do. But hey, you guys were smart and made it a shoe spot. I think it is the perfect place to store your shoes.

Can't wait for more! I'm glad it's nearing the end of your school year. Our schools have been out for about a week now, so I guess I was thinking your schools were already out too.

Awww thanks! I missed you too! It felt weird to be away from DIS, and in the past, I always made time for it. This time, it just wasn't possible, and I understood why others have to take breaks sometimes!

We're almost done! This last week is the fun week since it's a lot more easygoing. Still going to be teaching since I want to finish the math textbook, but I'm planning fun things too. For example, one of the books we read in the 6th grade was Surviving the Applewhites. They have a production of The Sound of Music in the book, and more than half my kids said they never saw it! I was APPALLED! So we're watching it probably on Tuesday. Then I might show Hoodwinked to my 8th grade class just because they retold fairytales at the beginning of the year from the point of view of a misunderstood antagonist. It makes sense to watch a movie with different points of view.

haha, love the tour of your condo! You look like you are cracking up in that picture of you in that little corner for shoes. That is a weird place for a mini wall.

Have a GREAT end of the school year...hope it goes by quickly.

Even though it wasn't Disney property, I was still very excited to take pics of the place just so I could post it on my TR!

Like everyone else, I'm totally cracking up at you and Weird trying to figure out what that corner was for!

Your condo looks very nice

That spot was a perfect spot to be after a hot day though! All that AC in that one concentrated area! Haha, although I'm sure it's not good for the joints.

Great update, loved the tour of your condo!

The bootleg Club Cool is so funny, I got a kick outta that!

Whenever it's hot, I always think about how much I want to walk into the freezing cold Club Cool and get a free drink (especially since I don't drink much, and a couple of gulps would suffice). Haha, I'll even deal with the sticky floor situation!

Yea for reaching your 'home away from home'
Glad you made it!!
Condo looks lovely

Now I can finally move on!

 

[RachelNinja]

Sunday, April 4: Stalking Panda

My last installment was about my dealing with this strange feeling called thirst! The supermarket visit was a must! Weird and I quickly left the combi (Matt used to call it the "combi" when he was much younger even though we kept telling him that it was a condo!) so of course, Weird had time to take more pictures of me.

Haha, you'll notice that Weird has a tendency to take many pics of me, and often times, I'm very willing to ham it up! But of course, why shouldn't I? We're apparently VIP!

Haha, well, everyone gets that VIP parking pass, but hey, I'm not going to argue being labeled as very important!

Here's a shot of more combis. A long time ago, there used to be alligators in those waters. Or that's what they said. I don't know. Okay, just pretend there used to be alligators in those waters.

We wanted to go to Target first, but it was closed due to the fact that it was Easter Sunday. We passed by the Olive Garden on the way and obsessed about it being so close once more!

Our next stop was Publix because that's our go-to supermarket, especially since it's right next to the timeshare property. Here is momsicles looking at the times to see that it was also closed!

Okay, that's not working so let's find another supermarket! A long time ago before Publix was brought closer (and with better prices), we used to go to a place called Goodings. I was so scared of it because they had these Chinese robot doll things that moved as well as a huge panda robot that stared at you! I didn't want to go in, but it was kind of hot out. Plus, I figured it'd be okay with Weird.

Well, it wasn't Goodings anymore. I forgot the name; I tried Googling it but couldn't really find it. I think it was Winn Dixie. Phew, I could enter without any fear.

Oh WAIT, I was WRONG! They kept all the same decor! This is just a scary movie waiting to happen.

I tried to occupy myself with their section filled with Disney merchandise.

They were all so cute!

If I had a little kid, I would allow him/her to choose one of these pals.

They're so adorable!

I kind of wanted one for myself!

This was funny ... a round, not-so-creepy Cheshire Cat!

The Nemo was so much cuter though!

I'd love to have these when Weird and I have our own teeny tiny apartment.

The price on these Cars pens took me by surprise considering they're sold here for $1 at Michael's and AC Moore!

I saw these pens online on Ebay or something, but when I saw this price, I was like, no way! The bad thing about pens too is that if they're cute, part of me actually DOESN'T want to use them because I want to save them! Then eventually they dry out.

After a while, we had no choice but to walk by (run by) this creepy display. I vividly remember walking by when I was younger and the panda moved its head in the direction I was walking. Yes, I know it was just a coincidence, but I couldn't shake the feeling that the panda was just watching me!!!

On our way out, we saw this Krispy Kreme donut display. I'm not very into Krispy Kreme (even when I tried a fresh one at one of the factories in California; I prefer Dunkin' Donuts), but I liked how they put these donut holes in this container.

And of course, I had to take a picture of crullers although they don't look very fresh. DD crullers are so yummy, and because they're so light, I don't feel guilty eating it! It's half air!

The prices at the market were just too expensive, so my parents decided to just deal with supermarket shopping the next day. So without any purchases, we left the store.

Wait, an entire installment and I still didn't get anything to drink? Oh no! Hopefully, dinner will fix that!

 

[Brave teacher]

You crack me up so much. What a trip to the grocery store, and yall didn't buy anything! That is certainly some strange grocery decor.

 

[klacey1]

The price for those pens is crazy!! Leave it to you to have an adventure at the grocery store!!

 

[therussells08]

Yikes!! That decor is creepy! It's like they're trying to channel It's a Small World but instead they look like those Chucky dolls.

I want that kitchen set!! I love to buy Disney things for my kitchen. I love that kitchen store at DTD but all of their stuff is so expensive!

Oh my goodness, I am so in love with Krisy Kreme donuts. We have a store that makes them fresh like ten minutes from our apartment. If i'm driving by and see that "Hot-N-Now" sign I almost crash my car trying to get into the parking lot.

Can't wait to read more! You need to drink something before you get dehydrated, girl!

 

[floridascgirl]

Rachel, I just adore your wacky updates!

What do you think about this guy? I love using the Smilies, but I always seem to choose the same ones. I guess I never go to the 2nd menu. When I saw this one, I thought you might have a funny comment to make. Do you think he's a little scary? I know some people have serious clown issues. I thought his pants were cute, though. I actually saw a Dis Thread dedicated to the clown pool @ BWI...some people won't even stay there b/c of it.

 

[Cat0727]

Whenever it's hot, I always think about how much I want to walk into the freezing cold Club Cool and get a free drink (especially since I don't drink much, and a couple of gulps would suffice). Haha, I'll even deal with the sticky floor situation!

I think it's great Club Cool is free since nothing much is there days BF couldn't believe there was something free in Disney when we went to Club Cool lol.

The Nemo stuffed toy is so cute! He had a little tooth and everything haha.

Oooh I love Krispy Kreme. For some reason the stores that are located out of NYC have better & fresher tasting donuts. The hot glazed ones are the best