"We're All Mad Here," A Mad BLTea-Party for Thirteen!

[Scott MC]

Aaaah! So sorry! Going to do that right now!!!

 

[Scott MC]

I know what will stimulate this thread......

WHO IS NOT COMING TO THE TEA PARTY

It's PET time!.....Yaaaay!




I think that everyone on this trip either has or has a significant other who has a pet. Mine will go first...(as they should)

Meet Grace (L) and Henry (R)

They are my precious kitties (as Tom calls them) and usually they rule the roost. They don't pose for too many pictures together, but here are a few.

I'll discuss Grace first, since she wouldn't have it any other way. She is 9 pounds of woman and she's all woman. I call her Mighty Mouse sometimes. She's much smaller than her brother, yet always seems to be completely in charge. This was her reaction to me going to the GF last year....

This year, she didn't take it much better....

She really is my heart and sleeps right up against my heart every night. All kidding aside, she's a living doll.

Henry is 17 pounds of love and a bit needy. He had some unnecessary surgery last year and has been a bit of a clingy, nervous wreck ever since, much to the chagrin of his sister...and my wallet paying for the pills!

He really is as loveable as they come and is the more outwardly friendly of my two cats. His size makes you just want to squeeze him for hours, and he'd be happy to oblige.

My lovely sister Erin will be cat-sitting while I'm gone, but the babies insist that it won't be the same. At one point, Henry got a little rowdy and escalated his volume.

I'm going to miss them so much!

 

[monymony3471]

I know you love your kitties and they are very cute and cuddly, except for that last shot. It is just scary!

 

[Corysmom]

Scott, great idea! Our babies should be included in the PTR, leaving them at home is probably the only bad thing about our trip. My baby is Cory:

Cory was adopted by my grandparents in the summer of 1999. Shortly thereafter, Grampa got sick and had to go to the nursing home, and I moved in with Nana. So Cory and I have been living together since 2001. When Nana became sick, Prof. Bicycle and I had already fallen madly in love, so we said we would become Cory's new parents. Cory is an amazing dog - for years he lived with Nana and I while she struggled with Parkinson's disease. He was her CONSTANT companion, and she loved him so much. Even now that she is very ill, and does not always recognize her family, she responds to Cory, and will call him by name. Animals are amazing. Also, Cory is super cute, and too smart for his own good. And fabulous:

He never takes a bad picture:

Cory has been having a hard time recently. He is almost 12, and his back has been bothering him. Then last week one of his best friends, Stan the Pug, passed away. We will all miss Stan. Luckily, Cory's best friend Olivia is only 3, and will be with us for years to come! Olivia is my sister, the Shih Tzu.

Cory and Ollie spend a lot of time together, and he is trying to show her how to behave like a lady. This past Halloween, they dressed up as a devil:

And a witch:

Even though I miss Cory when we travel, I know he will be happy in the capable hands of my mom. He's happier over at her house anyway.....she has central air.

 

[NessieBird]

Scott...FAB idea! I love it. Seeing all the pics of H & G together really drives home how he has such a sweet, tender gaze. It also makes it clear that she is staring into the depths of my soul and is judging all she sees. For a little bit, she certainly is intimidating.

PrincessCtr: I need a copy of this pic. SO great. And I think I'm slowly getting used to the fact that you adopted your uncle as your son.

My baby is Cory:

As for my kittie-bittens...............................................................................
I can't show them to you. (Where is the indignant, pursed-lip emoticon??) What's the point of a phone having a USB cable if I cannot hack into my phone from my computer? Until I get Mikey's assistance, I will give a brief rundown:
Minette

Minnie is my roommate. She's 12, French, and headstrong. And completely, jaw-droppingly, stop-in-your-tracks gorgeous. Well, that's what she tells me and, though I might be biased, I believe her. She loves belly rubs and her food and demands a refill if a tiny bit of bowl can be seen. She also babysits my other kitties.
Growler and Wheezie

Of these two was born my description of "failed foster." They were super sickly when I took them in at the beginning of last year. They also wanted little to do with people. But through lots of snugs and cream cheese, they are now my buddies. They are tiny because they were so malnourished as babies. Now Growlie is super-sweet, if a bit wobbly, and enjoys head-butts. I enjoy giving him big hugs. Wheezie likes attention on her own terms. And when it's her terms, she likes purring and very forceful head-butts. She's also classically lovely.
Marcel

Mr. Marcel also helped me become a failed foster. He started off purr-hissing and now all he does is follow me around and purr. He's a year younger than the babies, but twice their size. He's also an attention hog. I can't call another cat because he comes running. So I need to gesture wildly and silently to get the others' attention. He was named after Marcel Marceau because as a baby I'd hold him on his back and he'd knead into the air, like a mime.
Twinnie

Twinnie lives in my basement and wasn't so sure about me in the beginning. I took her in from outside and she quickly became plump and healthy-looking. She now talks to me all the time and also tries to kill me by weaving in and out of my legs so I can't even walk to the washing machine.

 

[NessieBird]

Apologies for the awkward ending of that post. I'm such a weirdo.
I do promise to post their pics bc the world deserves to see them. Well, at least Minnie says that the world should see her. But don't ask for a photo or autograph. She'll go Sean Penn on you.
Til later.

Ciaociao.

 

[kittyprincess]

Re the clown: Don't stand too close to the edge of the balcony at BLT...just sayin'.

LOL! As long as you do it AFTER our Ashkersh Princess Breakfast. You wouldn't want to be one princess fan short to support that event.

Another thing to discuss on this thread is packing list. I was shopping and realized I need to stock up on tank tops, sunscreen, and sneakers. Not to mention something tropical to wear to O'Hana (which means family). I know Coreysmom is working on a "don't cry to me if you forget these items" list. -Coreysmom want to share?
-Anyone else out there have good packing tips?

 

[kittyprincess]

He was named after Marcel Marceau because as a baby I'd hold him on his back and he'd knead into the air, like a mime.

LOL! How does Coreysmom feel about this? I think thats pretty close to a clown. I loved learning more of your kitties NessieBird. i have to meet them sometime!

Excellent idea Scott!
My pair of babies are Snickers and Chip (not to be confused with the boats named after them). Although skeptics claim that they are planning my demise, I heartily defend their honor and know they are purehearted kittehs.

I can supply a photo ONCE i figure out how to post a photo on disboards...sorry.

Snickers is the frisky one and enjoys racing up and down the stairs and usually gets his brother to chase him. He enjoys cardboard boxes, scratching the rug (naughty), looking out the window, and snuggling under my chin on chilly mornings.

Chip is my ritual cat. He has a ritual for getting treat (scratch the scratching post, look at me for praise, walk to the kitchen for a treat). He also has a ritual for cuddles. After I get in bed, he jumps up and licks my fingers and rubs his head against them. I think he's making me give him a bath. Then he'll read with me and purr as I pet his head. He also prefers drinking from the tub faucet, at 3 a.m. and alerts us of this with loud yowls. Jimmy is not too thrilled with that.

As I mentioned, they are my babies and will be missed very much on the trip! But they enjoy each other's company so I don't feel too bad leaving them. They are sometimes spotted curled up spooning while they take a nap. Adorable

 

[monymony3471]

Another thing to discuss on this thread is packing list. I was shopping and realized I need to stock up on tank tops, sunscreen, and sneakers. Not to mention something tropical to wear to O'Hana (which means family). I know Coreysmom is working on a "don't cry to me if you forget these items" list. -Coreysmom want to share?
-Anyone else out there have good packing tips?

This is just off of the top of my head.......

I have kids: (but can also apply to big kids), the stuff I am using to decorate my resorts windows with, (a strand of lights and the foam Mickey mouse heads I cut out and glitter glued our names on, Mickey and Minnie stuffed dolls to display in our windows, and dry erase magnetic board and dry erase markers for passersby to write notes on, my pre-made mouse keeping envelopes, my pre-made cards that I hand out to cast members who I feel went out of their way making our vacation extra magical, I might make some personalized window clings again.

Pull-ups, 3pks of rain ponchos from the dollar store (expect sudden showers throughout your days), double the sun screen, band aids, clear see-through back pack, kool-aid sticks for bottled water, I usually place an order with gardengrocer.com when we fly-to deliver diapers, wipes, cases of water, snacks, and juice to the room but we are driving this time, stroller, sunglasses, hats, pass porter book, pass porter ticket and room key holders, camera, battery charger, extra memory sticks, cell phone and charger, uploaded a free application on my phone called Ride Hopper Lite for wait times and park and parade times (looks really cool) shampoo, conditioner, shavers, extra socks, laundry soap, quarters, ID, insurance/medical cards, money, important papers, pony tail holders, ibuprophren, prescription meds, the itinerary, deodorant, comb/brush, clothes you plan on wearing, extra shoes, bathing suits, go on-line and put a hold on your mail delivery service, autograph books and LARGE Sharpies, lanyards and trading pins, princess costumes for 1900 dinner, daughter’s birthday presents (she is turning 6 while we are there), Benadryl, children’s Tylenol and Motrin, vitamins, insect repellant, bathroom spray (Lysol), the over the door pocket hanger to hold all the necessities, laundry bag for dirty clothes.........I may think of more.

 

[JNPants]

It's been months in the making, but I have finally broken down and joined the Disboards. Facebook may soon follow. We'll see.

For the three or so people reading along with this PTR, I'm Tom AKA Johnny No Pants. Don't worry, I do routinely wear pants. In fact I'm quite modest, I just packed poorly for a trip to Foxwoods casino and had to awkwardly compromise modesty for comfort in our coed hotel room. Thank you, Coreysmom for the nickname!

Let's see, my Disney history. Well, my first trip was in 1997 with my high school band. NERD ALERT! Yes, my music director scored us a gig playing a short set at the MK one afternoon during Magic Music Days. Imagine 15 year old Tom, with his still-unchanged voice and terrible Beatles haircut, lugging his giant baritone sax, that at that point was almost as tall as him, all the way to Disney for a glorious performance in front of the castle that would ignite his fiery passion for all things Disney for years to come. Sadly, we were rained out and relocated to what I believe was the Boardwalk. Or Downtown Disney. Who knows, it was 13 years ago. Despite the downgrade still an amazing time.

And of course, being a school group, we were hooked up with plush accomodations at the All Star Music Resort. Having never been away on a vacation, let me tell you, this place might as well have been the Grand Floridian to me. In retrospect, the rooms were small, and we were four teenage boys sharing one room (two of which were my brothers...yes, a FAMILY of band nerds!) so things may have gotten a little untidy, but it was still amazing. We spent a lot of time in the piano pool which pumped that horrible Sophie B Hawkins song on endless loop. You know the one, "As I lay me down to sleep blah blah blah". ARGH! That song still drives me a little batty.

The rest of my Disney history is shared with most others going on this trip, so I won't repeat what's already been discussed, but to summarize:

2008: Two words-Bob Lavender. LOVED that house, but, much to Scott MC's delight, I am 99% an on-property convert. Other highlights include being the clear winner of Around the World by being the most lucid and still having room for a martini at the California Grill that night. Also, Coreysmom and I sprinting (and I don't run...ever...clearly) across the park in Hurricane Fay to get on Space Mountain one last time before park closing, while Prof Bicycle and Scott Mc sauntered behind. They bask in smug victory, however, as despite their lethargy in getting there, they did indeed get to be the last two riders of the evening, but Coreysmom and I know the ride meant more to us.

2009: The year of the magical upgrade. Royal Palm Club at the GF, baby! I didn't know this existed. Walking into check-in we were whisked away by Frank past the desk. I was confused, but Scott started to get all excited and trembling while saying "It's happening! It's happening!" There may have been jumping and girlish squealing once we were shown our room.

Since Scott's doing a TR for the 2009 trip, I'll leave it at that. He's a better writer than I am anyways. Get crackin, Scott Mc!

And in the time it took me to write this, my laundry is done and needs to be folded, so no more tonight. Here's the laundry emoticon for your enjoyment. :

 

[Scott MC]

SWOON!



Isn't he Grand?

I knew he'd come around. Tom, I'm sure Vanessa will give you a pirate, I'm going to say that you get a Chewbacca.

 

[NessieBird]

Holla JNP!
Welcome to the Dis. Great timing as we're now in the home stretch and need all the posts we can get. And Scott is right; you totally get a pirate and a sound effect. Aaargh!

 

[Professor Bicycle]

Isn't he Grand?

I knew he'd come around. Tom, I'm sure Vanessa will give you a pirate, I'm going to say that you get a Chewbacca.

haha, Chewbacca emoticon...that is classic. Dancing banana is no slouch either

I know that I owe the story of epic before this PTR wraps up...I will get to it soon, I promise...

 

[kittyprincess]

Johnny NP I thought that was a nickname for your famous work mishap!

 

[JNPants]

Johnny NP I thought that was a nickname for your famous work mishap!

Ah yes, the famous work mishap! How many other people can say they were forced to remove their pants at work? Well, probably more than we think, but mine was for reasons of safety. As clarification for our readers, I work at a chemical company and spilled some nasty stuff on myself one day. Thus the need for disrobing. I really don't go around dropping trou on a whim.

 

[Corysmom]

Thank you Mony, that is a great packing list. Except for maybe the pull ups.....I think that has something to do with potty training, and we're all set I hope.

And yes, KP, I have been compiling a "don't come crying to me" list. Because the list that Monymony has is a great packing list. BUT, for most of that stuff, if you forget it at home you will be able to buy it from Disney for a small king's randsom.

However, there are a few things that you simply cannot replace on the fly, so I expect all travelers to bring the following:

TWO pairs of comfortable/broken in shoes
Camer/blackberry/cellphone
Camera/blackberry/cellphone/ipod chargers
Meds (let's face it....we're all on something)
Extra paid of perscription glasses
GAD voucher
credit card/liscense
Waterproof backpack/bag to carry around in the park (Spence and I will NOT be houseing everyones cameras and cellphone in Le Sport Sac)

More to come as I think of it.

 

[monymony3471]

Thank you Mony, that is a great packing list. Except for maybe the pull ups.....I think that has something to do with potty training, and we're all set I hope.

Depends on the seriousness of the around the world game........

 

[Corysmom]

Depends on the seriousness of the around the world game........

Yikes! You make a good point, after last time I should be prepared to take care of my husband under a variety of circumstances. Let's just say last around with world ended with him, in nothing but a pair of cargo shorts, standing in the driveway of Bob Lavender's house.

(And the "depends" was not lost on me!)

 

[Corysmom]

So I have a few exciting updates for the trip. We have added two new players!

Bok is my brother in law, Brof. Bicycle's brother. He just graduated from college with a dual major in economics and business. Or something along those lines. He can currently be found playing video games on his parent's couch. If anyone knows of a job opening...........Mom and Dad are sending him on this trip as a graduation present. And I secretly think they want the house to themselves for a week.

We have also added Mrs. Wirzburger. (We may come up with a better nickname later.) She has been dating our wonderful Burger for several months now, and as far as we can tell, that pot finally found it's lid.

So anyway, they are all signed up. The only problem is that we have most of our ADRs for 9 people, and we're going to be upwards of 11 a lot of the time. We'll just need some cast members to work their magic.

And as for me and Prof. Bicycle and our Disney adventures 2010. When we left off we had just finished 2 hard core days in Disneyland. While the rest of our party opted to fly to San Fransisco for the wedding, we did the 7 hour drive, simply because we love road trips! I got to see the Pacific Ocean for the first time, it was very romantic.

We also ate lunch at In & Out Burger....which was also super romantic. And just AWESOME. In & Out Burger gets a pirate and a star wars thing.

We had the BEST TIME in San Fran, the bride and groom spent a lot of time planning our trip, and it really paid off. On the first day we went to the Disney family museum. It was amazing - we spent hours there. One of the docents actually told our group we should hurry up, or we would never see it all. We saw Walt's Oscar for Snow White (the one with the big Oscar and 7 little ones) the FIRST drawing of Mickey, and just 100s of other amazing things. You are not allowed to photograph inside, but we can prove we were there:

The next day was the wedding. We took a trolley tour around the city, and had our picture snapped in all different places:

Then, the day after that, came Blazing Saddles. We biked TEN MILES AROUND A CITY MADE OF HILLS. It was horrible, and by the end of the day.....I will tell you....my saddle was blazing. Of course Starsky and Hutch came along for the ride. Here we are at the beginning of the day before my attitude changed:

On the last day we went on the Wine Train. It's pretty much the way it sounds, drinking on a triain. It was fabulous. We also kidnapped a guy named Cesar, but since that really has nothing to do with Disney I won't tell the story. Same thing with regards to the criminal activities involving a sourdough turtle named Tortuga, washing dishes as Hunan House, and why the tour guide at Alkatraz is like a stand up comedian. Everyone have a good night!

 

[NessieBird]

I'm so glad this thing is alive again! I'm posting to boost it further up the PTR queue with the hopes that some night owls will find it and invariably fall in love with it.
I'm also trying to clear my mind enough to FINALLY choose a shirt design for the group shirts we're ordering. The number of choices is staggering, plus Mikey, obvi, fell asleep early on this crucial night. Thusly I am making an executive decision on his design. And he best like it. (Where is the firm head nod emoticon?? I think I'm going to design my own and make a fortune off of it. And with that fortune, Princess Ctr, I will buy a posh Disney vacation home because some people are too cheap to fork over a few hundred k...) But I digress!!
Ok, back to t-shirt designs. I need to get this done and get to bed. I'm beat!

Ciaociao!