WHAT A DIFFERENCE 6 MOS. MAKES (or how I learned to love MK) COMPLETE-WRAP-UP 12/29

[ChefDisneyLu]

PS....Poly is beautiful and awesome! I fell in love and I know you will love it!

Lisa

 

[Missyrose]

Wuh-hoo for double-digits! You're going a few weeks before we are.

Totally agree on the lack of Cars stuff. Even the big kids like my DBF love Cars and would love to see more done with the movie in the parks!

Love the DHS M&G photos.

 

[PirateKate]

I've always thought that the Cars meet and greet was kind of weird, too. They don't even talk to the kids, do they? That would be cooler.

 

[Moira222]

Hi Tina! Now that my furry guests are gone I am getting caught up on three months of 15 ptr/trs...sorry!!! I am still behind (on p 23) but almost there. but it is WAY past my bedtime now so I am commenting and hitting the sheets!

....to Disney's newest AP holder!!!! So, when the GP discount for February became available and then stopped on February 20th, I was sad. I suppose that one night discounted would be better than nothing...but seriously...I was poised to pay rack rate at the Contemporary! Was I completely bonkers??? Perhaps... :

yay for such a great deal and the saved money on tickets for your next trip!!!

I laughed because this is how katie played in the boneyard -- all soaking wet in that trickling water!

As I read on through your day, it seems to me that much of your day was related to you not feeling well -- I know when I am not feeling well I sort of lose it bit by bit - forgetting things, losing my patience, just feeling a little gretzy before I even realize there is a physical reason. don't beat yourself up, its happens, sorry you lost your coke in the bushes. eeeewwww but hey, at least you didnt puke in the elevator of the Marriott Marquis elevator in NY Times Square

LOVE that you switched to Poly. NOW THAT hotel I can see the attraction for. I was not impressed with CR when we visited for dinner.

to the pre school teacher who didn't have the energy to deal with Max so put the blame on him. grrr. Katie's first grade teacher was like that. we switched schools at easter break and her school and teachers have been so much better and amazingly no one else things that she needs to see the school psychologist or go to the remedial classes that her first grader teacher kept bringing up.

your first description of DHS day four seems so much better! Looking forward to catching up on the rest of your trip.

 

[tinacaplan]

I had NO idea I was so far behind on replies...being far behind on other people's PTRs/TRs...yes...behind on updating, that, too... oh, dear...

I am normally a TR lurker but I just read this whole report and can't wait for the rest!

I don't know if anyone answered your question but the cream cheese pretzels in MK are in tomorrowland and they are awesome!

Thank you for sharing

Lisa

and thank you for coming out of lurkdom even if just to say hello! I love new readers and I love when people identify themselves.

Thanks for the MK pretzel tip!

PS....Poly is beautiful and awesome! I fell in love and I know you will love it!

Lisa

I think we're going to seriously fall in love...I'm a little worried about that actually..will it spoil me for all other resorts?

Wuh-hoo for double-digits! You're going a few weeks before we are.

Totally agree on the lack of Cars stuff. Even the big kids like my DBF love Cars and would love to see more done with the movie in the parks!

Love the DHS M&G photos.

Hi! So sorry...I am SO behind on your TR. And thanks!

I've always thought that the Cars meet and greet was kind of weird, too. They don't even talk to the kids, do they? That would be cooler.

Oh..you, too...so far behind...I will get over there soon, though, I promise. It would be cool if the cars could talk! Or do...SOMETHING. Anything. But they don't. They just sit there. Sigh... A missed opportunity in my opinion.

Hi Tina! Now that my furry guests are gone I am getting caught up on three months of 15 ptr/trs...sorry!!! I am still behind (on p 23) but almost there. but it is WAY past my bedtime now so I am commenting and hitting the sheets!

Worry not...I am dreadfully far behind, too, and I'm updating this very sloooowly... too bad, too, because I'd love to be working on a PTR for February right now. Oh well. I think I actually prefer writing PTRs for some strange reason.

yay for such a great deal and the saved money on tickets for your next trip!!!

Thanks...also gives us the perfect excuse to go back again in the summer and for me to go in the fall for a quick weekend at Food and Wine!

I laughed because this is how katie played in the boneyard -- all soaking wet in that trickling water!

Yep...I got some great pictures of that, too. Best fifteen minutes of the day, probably.

As I read on through your day, it seems to me that much of your day was related to you not feeling well -- I know when I am not feeling well I sort of lose it bit by bit - forgetting things, losing my patience, just feeling a little gretzy before I even realize there is a physical reason. don't beat yourself up, its happens, sorry you lost your coke in the bushes. eeeewwww but hey, at least you didnt puke in the elevator of the Marriott Marquis elevator in NY Times Square

I actually think the story is funny now.... and I'm fairly convinced it was something I ate at breakfast at Tusker, because once it was done, it was done and neither Mark nor Max got sick, thank god! I can't imagine anything that might have been worse and the two of them getting sick was my biggest fear at that point.

LOVE that you switched to Poly. NOW THAT hotel I can see the attraction for. I was not impressed with CR when we visited for dinner.

You know...I love the CR. I really do. I will stay there someday. When I can afford a TPV room with no guilt and no second guessing. Who knows when that day will be? The truth is that the rest of the resort just doesn't seem all that resort-like, in my opinion and I want to relax a bit on vacation. Just seemed like apart from the view and the monorail (oh...and the walkway to MK, there IS that), there wasn't much going on at the CR.

And the Poly still puts on the monorail, so we're super close to MK and the Poly is just gorgeous. No doubt about that. I can't believe that you can see the castle from the pool! That just seems crazy to me!

to the pre school teacher who didn't have the energy to deal with Max so put the blame on him. grrr. Katie's first grade teacher was like that. we switched schools at easter break and her school and teachers have been so much better and amazingly no one else things that she needs to see the school psychologist or go to the remedial classes that her first grader teacher kept bringing up.

your first description of DHS day four seems so much better! Looking forward to catching up on the rest of your trip.

Sorry about your teacher troubles...when teachers are bad they are very, very bad and being one myself, I can say that without any trepidation. So glad we changed Max's schools. He's much happier now and so are we! Sounds like things worked out well for Katie, too.

DHS did got a lot better. Just wish I could find the pictures. Oh well... my ineptitude with downloading/uploading pictures is the biggest reason I'm so far behind on this TR!

 

[eandesmom]

Ah Tina, you'll need to get Max out to Carsland when it opens! The M&G area is a bit better at DCA, very cute area that really fits in well compared to how it is just stuck in there at DHS.

 

[tinacaplan]

Ah Tina, you'll need to get Max out to Carsland when it opens! The M&G area is a bit better at DCA, very cute area that really fits in well compared to how it is just stuck in there at DHS.

I know! I would love to check it out when it opens...but there's something about the length of the flight that puts me off the idea. Did I mention I hate flying? I can do the Orlando flight from here because its under three hours direct and I'm used to it now...but a flight out to the West Coast...don't know.

 

[tinacaplan]

I have no idea why I’ve put off doing this update...after all, the hard part, the pictures, is off the table, as I seem to have lost an entire day’s worth of pictures. Too bad, too, as this was the day Max learned how to take pictures and, believe it or not, he got a great one of me crouching down in front of his stroller...no, seriously.

Anyway.... once Mark had hooked back up with us at the Buzz and Woody meet and greet, we walked back out into the jumble of people that was Pixar Place. And having no FPs, we did the unthinkable...we jumped in the stand by line for Toy Story Mania! This ended up being the longest wait we had for any ride during the trip, but it was well worth it. For one, the queue is just so darn entertaining and being in line with some nice people makes all the difference! The woman in front of us was very funny, cracking jokes about the people who were grinding the line to a halt to take twenty pictures in front of Mr. Potato head. She very kindly took a quick pic of us...which is now lost to the ages. Sigh.

We were on within forty minutes, which was not horrible. Our ride was well worth it, too. Again, I marvel at what it is about this ride that is so captivating and I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I LOVE this ride. It is, perhaps, one of my absolute favorites in all of Disneyworld.

We emerged back into the bright, blinding sun and made our way to the Voyage of the Little Mermaid. I love this show. Although, I have to say that Ariel’s voice sounded a bit thin, especially when compared to the truly incomparable Jodi Benson. This movie came out when I was in highschool and I was part of the theater/chorus crowd and we loved singing “Part of Your World.” I had a good friend with flaming red hair no less who did a mean “Little Mermaid.” Small wonder she’s a working theater actor in NYC now.

After our delightful journey, we headed over to Disney Jr. Max was in a great mood and just did not want to stop. We did not wait long and met the Little Einsteins and Handy Manny while we were waiting for the next show.

I have to say that I thought the show with the puppets was a bit weird and not what I was expecting. I had assumed the show was performed by full size characters. Oh well. Bottom line: Max loved it and knew most of the music by heart. Nothing like screaming out the magic words in a room full of pre-schoolers.

It was now after two and we had not had anything to eat since our snacks at the Writer’s Stop much earlier. So we sought out what was a sensible lunch, given the heat of the afternoon; ICE CREAM! Yum! It was truly perfect and hit the spot.

Ice cream consumed, we tried to squeeze in a whirl on the Great Movie Ride, but Max got bored in the line, watching the old movie footage, so we decided to call it a day and headed back to the Beach Club.

 

[KatMark]

Great update, Tina. It always makes waiting in a lline so much better if you have fun people in line near you.

I'm sorry about the lost pictures.

 

[Missyrose]

Great update! Sorry you lost the pictures, but you more than made up for it with all the fun details!

 

[dizneeat]

Great update, Tina!

Sorry you lost your photos, but you have such an entertaining writing style that I can just picture it.
MORE please ........ and didn't you want to start your pre-trip report any time soon?

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

That stinks that you lost your pictures, but it sounds like you guys had a great afternoon! Ice cream for lunch is always a great plan!

 

[MEK]

So sorry you lost some of your pictures. You comment "no seriously" was so funny. I believe you, seriously I do!

I think everyone has their favorite ride in all of Disney world and I am sure you are not alone in your love of TSM. I do think the queue is a lot of fun and being around nice people does make all the difference.

I am actually shocked that someone with a "thin" voice is singing at Disney world. A sub perhaps?

Looking forward to seeing more Max pictures soon!

 

[amandaw]

So sorry about the lost pictures! I know you must've been heart broken. But, it sounds like y'all had a really great afternoon!

If you do a PTR and/or TR for your upcoming trip, please let me know! I haven't been on the boards much here lately because I'm helping my best friend plan her kids' 1st trip to Disney World - they are also going during President's Week/Mardi Gras.

 

[glennbo123]

So...now that you mention next summer...is a Glennbo PTR in the offing?

Yes, one is in the offing, but look for it to begin probably the week following Christmas. (I can just hear you updating your calendar. )

Sorry about your lost pictures, that's a bummer.

That wasn't too long of a wait for TSMM actually. Overall, it sounded like a nice day spent at DHS.

 

[annmarieda]

Sounds like a nice day. Sorry to hear you lost the pictures though.

 

[tinacaplan]

As my two darlings settled in for their afternoon nap, I decided that sleep wasn’t the sort of relaxation I was looking for. Rather, I wanted to take advantage of some of the luxury the beautiful Beach Club had to offer and so I decided I would sneak away to a (relatively) quiet and (relatively) secluded space to do some writing.
But first, I wanted to avail myself all the comforts of room in my deluxe resort. Many people say that the deluxe level resorts at Disney aren’t truly “deluxe hotels.” In truth, having never stayed at a so-called five star hotel, I would not know the difference. I have, however, stayed at my share of less expensive hotels and many a family-run motel and I can say that yes, the Beach Club was plenty plush for me. I might also point out that the three of us currently reside in a house that is under eight hundred square feet! While many of my NYC friends balk at my complaining, when one lives in an American suburb, one usually expects a bit more…space...and kitchen cabinets. We also have a bathroom that would fit in nicely about mid-way through the Carousel of Progress…
To me, the shower is gigantic and two sinks in the separate vanity area? Really??? Really! Max asked me, “Mama, what are there two sinks for?” I smiled and explained it him.
Next, I decided to check myself out in the giant make-up mirror that was handily attached to the wall. I used the magnifying side first. I would not recommend this anyone over the age of thirty…but there it was. Sigh.
Finally, I was ready. Armed with a mugful of Sprite and my trusty laptop, I snuck out of our room as quietly as I had ever left a room in my life, hopeful that my tiny cherub would actually really fall asleep. After all, I was looking forward to some pleasant dinner company and, quite possibly, a Kim Possible mission later on.

My one complaint about the Beach Club is that the lobby is NOISY. I’m not sure why, but even in the middle of the afternoon, when Cape May isn’t open, it’s still noisy and seemed far noisier and busier than the few times I walked through the Yacht Club. But, on the other hand, I never did feel bad about traipsing back to my room with sand in my bathing suit.
So I snuck off to the solarium and found this quiet spot. It wasn’t, again, quite as quiet as I would have liked, but it would do nicely, thank you.

I typed for a bit, before I headed back upstairs to see what the boys were up to….

 

[tinacaplan]

Great update, Tina. It always makes waiting in a lline so much better if you have fun people in line near you.

I'm sorry about the lost pictures.

Thanks, Kathy! I'm really terrible with pictures. I love taking them and I love having them later on...I just don't love the whole uploading/organizing/editing process. Just seems super tedious to me.

Great update! Sorry you lost the pictures, but you more than made up for it with all the fun details!

Thanks...I'm super behind on your TR. I'll be over there ASAP...I promise!

Great update, Tina!

Sorry you lost your photos, but you have such an entertaining writing style that I can just picture it.
MORE please ........ and didn't you want to start your pre-trip report any time soon?

Thank you, thank you...hope I can folks entertained. Lord knows I keep everyone waiting long enough between updates!

I am dying to start my PTR for February, but unlike you, I can't possibly keep up with two threads at once. I can barely handle this one!

That stinks that you lost your pictures, but it sounds like you guys had a great afternoon! Ice cream for lunch is always a great plan!

We really had the best day! I was worried at first, but it turned out to be one of the best days of our trip!

So sorry you lost some of your pictures. You comment "no seriously" was so funny. I believe you, seriously I do!

I think everyone has their favorite ride in all of Disney world and I am sure you are not alone in your love of TSM. I do think the queue is a lot of fun and being around nice people does make all the difference.

I am actually shocked that someone with a "thin" voice is singing at Disney world. A sub perhaps?

Looking forward to seeing more Max pictures soon!

Its terrible. I'm just bad with computers...I didn't realize how bad I was until recently, actually. Oh well...luckily, we'll be back soon and I can take more pictures!

So sorry about the lost pictures! I know you must've been heart broken. But, it sounds like y'all had a really great afternoon!

If you do a PTR and/or TR for your upcoming trip, please let me know! I haven't been on the boards much here lately because I'm helping my best friend plan her kids' 1st trip to Disney World - they are also going during President's Week/Mardi Gras.

Tell your friend that its all about rope drop! Especially that week. You can do all of Fantasyland by eleven a.m.!

Yes, one is in the offing, but look for it to begin probably the week following Christmas. (I can just hear you updating your calendar. )

Sorry about your lost pictures, that's a bummer.

That wasn't too long of a wait for TSMM actually. Overall, it sounded like a nice day spent at DHS.

Glenn, believe it or not, I am absolutely looking forward to you starting a new PTR. Your humor is missed.

We really did have a great day.

Sounds like a nice day. Sorry to hear you lost the pictures though.

What are you gonna do? They're only pictures, I guess. It does bother me that I have an entire day of our trip with almost no pictures. One of these trips, I'll get better about taking pictures. Its hard with Max, I have to admit. And for some reason, I like pushing the stroller, which makes simultaneously snapping pictures a bit tricky.

 

[glennbo123]

Glenn, believe it or not, I am absolutely looking forward to you starting a new PTR. Your humor is missed.

Aw, thanks.

Regarding the solarium, I'm not familiar with the Beach Club, but I know they have a couple spots like that at AKL...quiet(er) library-type areas. They obviously recognize that people like a spot like that.

 

[natebenma]

I'm glad you had a wonderful day at Hollywood Studios.

A couple of years ago, my younger son and I were in the TSM standby line, and we were totally charmed by a 4 year old boy named Paul. We talked the whole time in line. He was from Tennessee, they were staying at the Boardwalk, could we come visit him at his resort? I told him we were leaving the next morning, so we couldn't come visit, but I would wave to him across the lake from the Beach Club.

I'm so sorry about the pictures! It sounds like you have made your peace with it, though. Speaking of pictures...

Thanks for your story about visiting the Solarium. In all my stays at the Beach Club (a whopping 2 visits), I have never stepped foot in there. I don't think I even knew it existed until I returned from our last trip. I have been there a couple of times during in photo form as "Flat Dee" during BC Dis meets, though.

I hope the guys had a great rest and that your enjoyable day continues.