What a disaster!!

[GGOOFY1]

Topdog, I have enjoyed your trip report and I am waiting patiently for the next update. Thanks for sharing your trip, your family, your pictures and your great outlook on life with us. You are the best.

 

[rlk]

Another long time lurker finally posting to say thank you for such a wonderful TR.

 

[KeepSwimmingDory]

I am so glad you are writing and enjoying the process. We are certainly enjoying living your trip through your words and pictures.

You are the kind of guy we all would like to have for a friend. How sweet of you to treat the elderly couple to their dinner. I'm sure it made their night!

 

[Millie12591]

This is the door that we decorated on the DCL Wonder two years back (my niece in the picture) and those Home Depot Mickey Heads sure came in handy!!
*********Millie12591 that is a great idea with the grommets and plastic...now I have some work to do!! Thanks for the great idea!

You are so welcome! We Disers do what we can to help our fellow Dis brothers and sisters to have a more well rounded Disney experience.
BTW, the door totally rocks!!! How did you get the LGMH so big?? I love it!

 

[Millie12591]

Awww, TopDog! I've cried many a TR, but never has my heart been touched like it was tonight. I bet that couples fixadent turned loose when they found out what you and your wife did in honor of their love for one another.

 

[SleepyatDVC]

I finaaaaaally got caught up with your trip report and it ROCKS!!!!

I stumbled across it about a few weeks ago and almost caught up on the second day and then like you, seasonal allergies knocked me and both my kids out. So, I started falling behind.

My youngest DD8 and I have bad allergies every year but usually only need to take regular Claritin. My house is stocked with the stuff because I always pick it up when it goes on sale. Preferred the regular to have as little drugs needed as necessary, especially since I was giving it to a child for weeks at a time.

However, this year my oldest DD10 finally succumbed to seasonal allergies and when she did, she had it the worst of all of us. While the regular Claritin helped a little, the 3 of us were still suffering. Mine wore off in about 12 hours instead of the 24 stated. (I had to take 2 a day - shhhh) DD10 looked like she was partying all night and was hung over with the red and puffy eyes and the ginormous bags under her eyes. We went through eye drops like water.

It was time to switch to the Claritin D. And because they sell it in such small quantities now, a trip to the drug store is needed every 3rd day. In fact, I am sending DH to the store to pick some more up tomorrow. A pack of 15 is gone in 5 days between me and the 2 kids - and that is if it is the 24 hour kind - many places only carry the 12 hour kind. We are all still taking it every morning because the sneezing starts up already by bedtime. But thank goodness for modern medicine.

I just hope that this allergy season is over soon (it's not yet here in NYC) because I don't want my heart or my kids' heart to start pounding like yours did! The packaging on the D only shows the dosage for kids 12 years or older. Good thing their doctor told me to give it to them.

Anyway, between allergies, work, and surfing the net planning my parent's trip to Italy this summer, it took some time to get back to catching up on your trip report. In the meantime, the pages had multiplied like rabbits!

I was hoping that by staying away for a while that I would get to find out more but no such luck!

Love your report, your story telling and your outlook on life. Oh, and your sense of humor!!

Sorry to hear that your wallet was not found. I really admire your attitude about not letting it ruin your trip. In fact I really admire your attitude and how you view the world and the people around you. You have skills of viewing things in a unique and beautiful way not only through your camera lens but through your heart.

Glad to have finally caught up so that I could post. I'm kinda anal about waiting to get to the end before doing so.


Waiting for more now with the rest of your fan club... especially about your pokey foot...

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

Good morning,

What a nice thing to do. Those random acts of kindness are the most touching. That wonderful couple will tell their family and friends what happened, and someone will hear the story and do something nice for someone else, and so on. All because "Our TopDog and DW" are so kind and generous not only with their money but with their time and outlook on life.

I have seen so many TRs with thousands of hits, and then when I see that there are over 800 posts, I decide not to read. This time I have been here from the beginning. I feel very lucky.

Have a great weekend!!

 

[LindaBabe]

TD, the old lady (me) could just HUG you to death! You are SUCH a sweetie!

 

[GoofyFairie]

Topdog, I just have to say that your trip reprot rocks! I have been enjoying your photographs and your writing style since the beginning. I have not found the later posts to be too long or drawn out, but rather more detailed and descriptive. Don't even think of leaving out a detail or thought!!! I am thrilled that you have been kind enough to share the trip and personal story ofyou and your DW with us. I look forward to checking my email to see if any updates have been posted. I can't wait to see what is coming next, but I will be sad when the trip is completed. Thanks for being you.

 

[carrie6466]

I have a heck of a time to hold back my emotion. Finally, when we finished our dinner and on our way out to pay for the check, I told the hostess I want to pay for their dinner. The hostess told me that couple were there a week ago to have their 50th anniversary dinner there. It was such a privilege to buy them dinner. I felt like I just won a million dollar.

That was so nice!!

 

[Leger13]

A little off topic here.

I was so glad I wrote this TR because I made so many new friends along the way who followed my TR thru either here, PM, Facebook or personal email. One thing I was curious is the statistic of my TR. Since I work in a marketing department, it's natural for me to study statistic.

I was amazed how many hits I got since I only started my TR at the end of February. The last time I checked, it has over 77,000 hits. That was quiet overwhelming for me. I was "shocked" how popular my TR has became consider this is my very first TR.

This is a new experience for me also. I never wrote anything this long in my entire lifetime and it was a lot of fun. I still have a lot to write even the trip is getting close to the end. There are lots of detail I don't want to leave out. You can see my TR from the last 2 parts have became more wordy than visual. That's because my thought process has gone overdrive.

I don't intent to drag my TR. It will continue in a normal pace to the end. I am just asking if there are any lurkers out there reading. Please don't hesitate to post your comment or question. PM works too if you choose to be a stealth.

BTW, I won the lottery tonight. Well...not really bu felt like it. DW and I went to a local diner we frequent regulary for dinner this evening. Not too long after we sat down, a much older couple came in and sat at the booth next to us. Both were about 80 years old but very loving. The husband held the wife's hand until she sat down. When the wife's gets up and go to the restroom, the husband would hold her hand and walk her to the restroom and wait for her to come out. Even after they sat down, they would hold hands together until their dinner arrive. They look at each other eyes the whole time without saying a word. I only wish I have my camera with me. Talk about about a Kodak moment.

I have a heck of a time to hold back my emotion. Finally, when we finished our dinner and on our way out to pay for the check, I told the hostess I want to pay for their dinner. The hostess told me that couple were there a week ago to have their 50th anniversary dinner there. It was such a privilege to buy them dinner. I felt like I just won a million dollar.

Wow Wow Wow!! I got goose bumps reading about the old couple. You are SO sweet to have purchased them dinner! I'm sure you totally made their evening just like they made yours so special. That's usually something that you would only hear about/see in WDW. Way to spread the Disney magic in real life. I think that's just great

 

[manntra]

Awwwwwww topdog that was really special what you and your wife. Thanks for taking the time to share that with all of us!
I am thinking it is time for you to start planning another trip so that when this TR is done you can start on a pre-trip report!! Going to miss your great storytelling and fabulous pictures!

 

[tiggrbaby]

Wow, what a special thing you did for that couple! That's why you really get the magic of Disney!

 

[topdog]

You made me cry!!! What a touching story, thank you for sharing it with us. You are a kind and generous person to do such a nice thing. Your trip report is fun and entertaining, but I also feel like you have become a "friend" to us all.
Thanks for having such an open heart.

TopDog,
I am coming out of lurkdom to say that I have been thoroughly enjoying your trip report. You tell a great story, and you pictures are incredible. You have such a great attitude. Had I lost my wallet while at Disney, it probably would have ruined my whole vacation. Should it ever happen to me, I need to channel my inner TopDog and remain calm.

You have also inspired me to play around with my camera a bit more. I bought an XTI two years ago before our trip to 2007 Disney trip. It takes great pictures and I use it all the time, but I think it is time to start branching out into some other settings.


Anxiously awaiting more.....

What a wonderful story about the elderly couple and such a generous thing you did!

Aww! That was so sweet of you!

You really are a Top Dog!!


Kathy

Topdog, I have enjoyed your trip report and I am waiting patiently for the next update. Thanks for sharing your trip, your family, your pictures and your great outlook on life with us. You are the best.

Another long time lurker finally posting to say thank you for such a wonderful TR.

I am so glad you are writing and enjoying the process. We are certainly enjoying living your trip through your words and pictures.

You are the kind of guy we all would like to have for a friend. How sweet of you to treat the elderly couple to their dinner. I'm sure it made their night!

Awww, TopDog! I've cried many a TR, but never has my heart been touched like it was tonight. I bet that couples fixadent turned loose when they found out what you and your wife did in honor of their love for one another.

I finaaaaaally got caught up with your trip report and it ROCKS!!!!

I stumbled across it about a few weeks ago and almost caught up on the second day and then like you, seasonal allergies knocked me and both my kids out. So, I started falling behind.

My youngest DD8 and I have bad allergies every year but usually only need to take regular Claritin. My house is stocked with the stuff because I always pick it up when it goes on sale. Preferred the regular to have as little drugs needed as necessary, especially since I was giving it to a child for weeks at a time.

However, this year my oldest DD10 finally succumbed to seasonal allergies and when she did, she had it the worst of all of us. While the regular Claritin helped a little, the 3 of us were still suffering. Mine wore off in about 12 hours instead of the 24 stated. (I had to take 2 a day - shhhh) DD10 looked like she was partying all night and was hung over with the red and puffy eyes and the ginormous bags under her eyes. We went through eye drops like water.

It was time to switch to the Claritin D. And because they sell it in such small quantities now, a trip to the drug store is needed every 3rd day. In fact, I am sending DH to the store to pick some more up tomorrow. A pack of 15 is gone in 5 days between me and the 2 kids - and that is if it is the 24 hour kind - many places only carry the 12 hour kind. We are all still taking it every morning because the sneezing starts up already by bedtime. But thank goodness for modern medicine.

I just hope that this allergy season is over soon (it's not yet here in NYC) because I don't want my heart or my kids' heart to start pounding like yours did! The packaging on the D only shows the dosage for kids 12 years or older. Good thing their doctor told me to give it to them.

Anyway, between allergies, work, and surfing the net planning my parent's trip to Italy this summer, it took some time to get back to catching up on your trip report. In the meantime, the pages had multiplied like rabbits!

I was hoping that by staying away for a while that I would get to find out more but no such luck!

Love your report, your story telling and your outlook on life. Oh, and your sense of humor!!

Sorry to hear that your wallet was not found. I really admire your attitude about not letting it ruin your trip. In fact I really admire your attitude and how you view the world and the people around you. You have skills of viewing things in a unique and beautiful way not only through your camera lens but through your heart.

Glad to have finally caught up so that I could post. I'm kinda anal about waiting to get to the end before doing so.


Waiting for more now with the rest of your fan club... especially about your pokey foot...

Good morning,

What a nice thing to do. Those random acts of kindness are the most touching. That wonderful couple will tell their family and friends what happened, and someone will hear the story and do something nice for someone else, and so on. All because "Our TopDog and DW" are so kind and generous not only with their money but with their time and outlook on life.

I have seen so many TRs with thousands of hits, and then when I see that there are over 800 posts, I decide not to read. This time I have been here from the beginning. I feel very lucky.

Have a great weekend!!

TD, the old lady (me) could just HUG you to death! You are SUCH a sweetie!

Topdog, I just have to say that your trip reprot rocks! I have been enjoying your photographs and your writing style since the beginning. I have not found the later posts to be too long or drawn out, but rather more detailed and descriptive. Don't even think of leaving out a detail or thought!!! I am thrilled that you have been kind enough to share the trip and personal story ofyou and your DW with us. I look forward to checking my email to see if any updates have been posted. I can't wait to see what is coming next, but I will be sad when the trip is completed. Thanks for being you.

That was so nice!!

Wow Wow Wow!! I got goose bumps reading about the old couple. You are SO sweet to have purchased them dinner! I'm sure you totally made their evening just like they made yours so special. That's usually something that you would only hear about/see in WDW. Way to spread the Disney magic in real life. I think that's just great

Awwwwwww topdog that was really special what you and your wife. Thanks for taking the time to share that with all of us!
I am thinking it is time for you to start planning another trip so that when this TR is done you can start on a pre-trip report!! Going to miss your great storytelling and fabulous pictures!

Wow, what a special thing you did for that couple! That's why you really get the magic of Disney!

First of all, thank you to all the lurkers who came out and to the one who PM me. So glad you join us for the ride.

Second, I never even thought about buying the couple dinner was spreading the magic. Now that everyone said it, it does sounds like Disney magic has spreaded all the way to Kresgesville, PA. I am just very lucky to have the opportunity ran into this couple.

 

[MICKEY4EVER!]

HELLO, TD!

Okay, it just has to be said from me, too. You really are a great guy and I have said it before, and I'll say it again now, your DW is a lucky gal (even if she can beat you up!).

I too think you have a wonderful personality, a great talent, a nice sense of humor, and I think your TR is fun and makes me feel like I'm right there with you (I'm really missing Disney these days).

I also wanted to mention that I think its great that you really seem to get to know each of your readers here, following their TR's and making personal comments. You get a GREAT BIG !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[topdog]

HELLO, TD!

Okay, it just has to be said from me, too. You really are a great guy and I have said it before, and I'll say it again now, your DW is a lucky gal (even if she can beat you up!).

I too think you have a wonderful personality, a great talent, a nice sense of humor, and I think your TR is fun and makes me feel like I'm right there with you (I'm really missing Disney these days).

I also wanted to mention that I think its great that you really seem to get to know each of your readers here, following their TR's and making personal comments. You get a GREAT BIG !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you. I just never thought I can make so many friends so fast all at once from all over the world. The internet certainly has changed our social habit.

 

[topdog]

Day #7 (Saturday) Valentine's Day Part 1

Finally, it's our last full day at Disney. I woke up at 6:00am., somewhat late for me, hoping to get a few good shots of the early sunrise. When I got outside, it was a little wet. It wasn't showering or raining, just wet like drizzle and lots of fog yet not humid. Not happy about that. I was afraid the wetness might get inside my camera. So I have to be careful where I set up my camera. I took most of the shots by the walkway area under the roof and I managed to capture a few shots from the bus station area pointing toward the WL main entrance really fast.

After that, I then move on back to the pool area and then a few at the front of the bear face area.

Everything was so quiet, I can hear a pin drop even with the waterfall. There is something about early morning fog. It seems every thing just stand still.

Looks like I am not going to see any sunrise at all this morning. Not with this kind of weather condition. By 6:45am, I packed my gear and headed back to the room. By the time I showered and DW is ready to go, it's already passed 7:00am. We were a little behind our schedule because our second character breakfast at O'hana this morning is at 7:30am. We quickly walked to the boat dock as usual and already there was daylight but no sun. Fog was still heavy.

I can feel the serenity when I saw the WL completely surrounded by fog.

We were the only couple on the boat. The only other passenger was this little guy who dropped by when we were about to dock CR. He was so close. My camera was having a hard time to focus.

Since this will be our last morning boat ride to CR, so I thought, I better capture some more restaurant shot that I might've missed just in case. By the time, we hopped onto the monorail and arrived at O'hana a little pass 7:30am. They were able to get us a table with in minutes. Very nice of the CM.

There is something about O'hana. I am not that big a fan of PR, WL is still my favorite but I really like the whole O'hana atmosphere. Once we walked in, the cooking area has the fresh fruit display and the grill has the flame going on. It feels really cozy especially with such cool and wet morning.

Once we sat down, the CM came and greet us with a smile as always. Explaining how the breakfast work. All we have to do was basically just sit and eat. I think we can managed that. In no time, the CM brought us our coffee, tropical fruit juice, bread and fresh fruit. We were cleaning them out.

Matter of time, the breakfast plate came out and we were having a feast. I just love those Mickey waffles and it's my favorite.

In the middle of the breakfast, the character began to come out and mingle with the guests. First Mickey, then Lilo, then Stitch of course, then Pluto. Here is a picture of me just put down my fork. As you can see, my eyes were barely open. Either the flash was getting to me or I was still half asleep. Take a pick. LOL...

Me with Stitch.

Me with Pluto.

Soon...our bellies were filled and we need to walked off these food. Since this is our last day at the park, we decided to have a relax day. Just to walk around MK before lunch at DTD. No more "Power Disney", so I thought...

 

[erika412]

As always, beatiful shots.

I'm curious why you don't like PR? We're planning to stay there for our next trip, but the jury is still somewhat out. I've read great things about it from obvious fans, but I'd like to hear the "other side."

 

[Jagdcarcajou]

Great morning shots! I love that kind of weather in the morning.

 

[topdog]

As always, beatiful shots.

I'm curious why you don't like PR? We're planning to stay there for our next trip, but the jury is still somewhat out. I've read great things about it from obvious fans, but I'd like to hear the "other side."

It's not that I don't like PR. I just prefer WL's layout better. Every thing is under one roof and the WL's lobby is just too breathtaking. Don't get me wrong. PR is still a beautiful resort. I stayed there in 1995. The only issue I have is lack of height. Third floor is the highest you can go. I prefer watching the view from higher elevation. I also prefer taking a direct boat ride from WL to MK.

Great morning shots! I love that kind of weather in the morning.

Thanks. Luckily it was cool and not humid. Otherwise, I would have a hard time breathing.