What Time is the 4 o'clock Rain? -- Updates 11/2-4 -- Tim's surprise and Marco&Recap

[blessedmom4]

Thanks for sending me over Kathy, you know I always love hearing stories of your honoring your Dad and you once again touched another families life.

I am so confused, TR's and PTR's and where to write. Just please keep me straight and I will NOT get lost...well, maybe not TOO much!

 

[pas130]

to you Kathy! I meant to stop in yesterday and tell you that I just bought a plane ticket for my Daddy to come up to NJ next week. He moved last year and we miss him. He can't afford to come up, but we need to see him and Skype doesn't cut it. My father was MIA for many years due to actively drinking...but he is sober and has been back in our lives for 5 years (he just met his grandkids 5 years ago). So long story short (too late) life is precious, and you inspired me to seize the day and grab time with my Dad when I can. We also do the balloon tribute for our DIS angels Ok sorry to hijack your TR...just wanted to share!!

 

[Woth2982]

Finally caught up! Sounds like you had a pretty great morning at the MK! I always am in tears when you tell the balloon story! My friend actually texted me last night that her dad has days to live and could she crash my February trip since she think Disney is the only thing that may cheer her up. I am hoping to make it special for her. I am gonna share this story with her.

 

[that's nice]

It was a gift from my very first real DIS friend, Tim (that's nice) and his family:




Thank you again, Tim, Mel, Juliana, Christopher and Gabriella for the 30th Anniversary gift. That was very sweet of you. And "that's nice." Love you guys.

Anytime Kathy. It was the least we could do. You are too kind to our kids. You send them gifts throughout the year and we truly appreciate that. I know you feel a connection to Juliana and we can't wait to meet you in person someday.

I didn't realize that a Mickey came with that. Cool!


Can you tell I haven't been DISing for a few days? I've had no time except to check the canceled ADR threads a few times a day.

I did read all your updates though. I do love the tribute to your dad.

 

[happybelle]

I came over from Judy's thread. That is a very sweet tradition in honor of your Dad.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

No matter how full we get after lunch, we NEVER pass up dessert here.

I'm in favor of not passing up dessert anywhere.

However, before we could do that, I had the most important tradition of all to take care of.

Still love this beautiful tradition. I'm so glad the family was so touched by it.

 

[annmarieda]

Saturday, August 17 (Part 1)




Up next, Star Tours and more attractions.

I love all the pictures. Especially the ones with Donald and Daisy in their "hollywood" attire.

cute!

It was finally time for our fastpasses for TSM. When we got there, we were in shock. The line for standby was at 180 minutes!!! And, not only that, there was a line OUT THE DOOR for the fastpass return. I will say it went quickly, but I have never seen it like that in all of our visits.

That is quite the wait. I wonder why it is so long. It doesn't take long to load... maybe it breaks down a lot? I was able to take advantage of the villians party last month and ride it... but I am not sure I caught it last fall... and know that I didn't in February. The line is just too crazy! You got some great pictures though!!!

What did I think of it? It was one of the most disgusting things I had ever eaten. It was absolutely horrible.
Our waiter came to see if we wanted dessert and we said no. He asked how we liked our meals and saw I had hardly eaten anything (thankfully I had those onion rings) and I told him I didn't like it at all. Much to my surprise when he came back with the check, he had the meal removed from the bill. I certainly didn't expect this or want it...I know everyone can have a bad meal. It did kind of make up for his really terrible service (a trend this trip, unfortunately).

He did take a picture of us before we left:

I am sorry the meal wasn't good. There are definitely restaurants at WDW like that...where it is a gamble. It could be good... or horrible. It was nice he took the meal off the bill though... I suppose that does help a tad. And the pic was nice too.

We got Rapunzel. Seriously? I love Rapunzel, don't get me wrong. But I wanted Mickey or Eeyore or someone like that.

Let's just say that our drawings were so poor that I did NOT take pictures of them and they ended up in the trash.

Wow, I can imagine that she would be a hard one. Maybe fun to attempt... but only something a few could pull off. (I myself, not being one of them )

my lunch was not all that great, I decided I needed a little something to hold me until our dinner ADR. So I got what every health conscious person would get

I love popcorn... I mean... LOVE popcorn. Yet I have never tried it in WDW. (well, the caramel corn.. yes, but not the regular kind) I have had people around me get it... but I have never partook. I have such trouble with swelling that I worry the salt would do me in.

I think the last time we ate here was 2008. More and more people seem to be going here now. Makes me wonder if i am missing something. Last time left me less than impressed.

This is on my list for January! Looks like you enjoyed it if you had several?

 

[jenseib]

Darn it Kathy. Everytime I hear that story, i get tears! Its such a special tradition.

 

[scottny]

Nice safari pics.
I think the name was Bamboo and was a cousin of Divine.
I agree about ‘Ohana.
I love that mini golf course.
Ooh Soarin’ my favorite. I hope the rumors are true about it getting a refurb and becoming Soarin’ 2.0
Oh yum. Love your lunch choice. I have to ask my doctor next week if I can have escargot when we go.
Great photopass pic.
Nice pics of the countries.
Beautiful pics of Cookie. Sorry again for your loss.
Dismeets are fun.
Okay so who was stalking who. LOL. You keep running into Brenda.
Looked like a nice relaxing time by the pool.
Those sandwiches look so good from Earl.
Nothing like booze and Disney to bring strangers together. LOL.
I have never done an morning emh anywhere. I might need to change that in December.
You really did get a lot done.
The balloon is a great way to honor him.
I am caught up. 1 hour and 8 minutes later than I said. LOL

 

[KatMark]

THe balloon story of your dad had me all choked up .... What a great tribute to his memory. We have never eaten at the Plaza although years ago we tried to, before adrs.

Judy, thank you. My dad was a very special man...my best friend. The Plaza is nice comfort food after all the big meals we eat throughout the trip.

The Plaza looks wonderful - it's a restaurant I've always wanted to try, but never have. I think I need to be in MK for 3 full days to eat at all the restaurants I'd like to. LOL Your meal looked fantastic!

We love it there; LTT we can do every other trip; BOG is probably off the list for awhile just because we have other places we want to try.

When you told me the balloon story later that day - it choked me up... and again it does now... Such a wonderful way to remember your dad, and let his spirit live on in another child. (((Hugs))) to you, my friend.

D~

Thank you, D.

I always look forward to this day in your TRs. Cannot type through tears...

Christine, for reasons that I'd rather not, we have a gond on that day. Hugs to you my friend.

What a beautiful way to honor your dad's memory.

Thank you.

Your balloon stories always tear me up. I think its so lovely that you do that. I know your dad is watching you and giving you the strength to approach total strangers. And I know you made that family's day and that's a moment they will always remember.

So special!

Thanks, MaryEllen. I truly believe that my Dad is with me when I give that balloon away every year.

Over 30 yr WDW visitor & I have never eaten at the Plaza I have lunch there this Thurs I will raise my glass & say a prayer in honor of your Dad

Awww...thanks, Ruthie. I appreciate that very much.

May I join the chorus of the Disers who loved that smoochy photopass photo of you and Mark with the pop of fireworks from the castle. Very nice! After 30 years I'm glad to see that you are still sweet on each other.

Thanks, Brenda. Someone has to put up with me...and I'm glad Mark has for 30+ years.

That shirt that Mark is wearing at the Plaza Restaurant I adore. The image of Walt on Main Street with Mickey is precious. I have a handbag that I purchased at MK last year that has that image. Love it!

It's one of my favorite shirts.

Plaza Restaurant has become a last lunch tradition for us as well.

Isn't it great after all of those heavy meals (Yachtsman) that we eat?

How sweet that the family that was the recipient of the balloon were so touched. What a perfectly fitting way to honor your dad's memory.

Thank you, friend.

 

[KatMark]

What an awesome keepsake. In this day and age of disposable marriages, it is so nice to see a couple still love each other after so many years together (not that you are old... as I try to back myself out of trouble) Seriously Kathy, I agree with so many others, what a wonderful picture.

It's okay Bob...I know I am old (but Mark is five years older so that makes me feel better). Thanks; I rather like it too.

Every time I read this story of your tradition of honoring your late father it moves me the same way as the first time I read it. What an awesome way to remember your dad. I hope you have many, many, many more years of doing this tradition and sharing it with us as well.

Thanks, Bob.

I think Walt would have loved hearing this story.
I am a big sap when it comes to family and Disney things, so when you combine the two, tears can come pretty easily. I cannot wait to be there with my family again in December, especially to show Brandi our fun place. Just seeing your parade pictures makes me long to be there. It's something so simple that most people out here in the real world would think is such a little nothing of a thing to think about, but it makes me so incredibly happy!

Caren, thank you. I think Walt would have loved it too. I agree, people here in the real world just don't understand our love for Disney unless they've experienced it themselves. I'm so happy that you are going to be able to show all of this to Brandi.

Okay, late commenting here, but I was already fast asleep when you posted your update, so I hope I am excused.

Sleep? Who sleeps when you can DIS? Of course you are excused.

Love all the photos, the ones at the Partners statue are so neat. And I love your tradition of having lunch at the Plaza! The food there is really good. How do I know? Well, I read about this in a TR, - YOURS of course.

Thanks; I thought those pictures turned out pretty well considering it was rather congested in that area at that time. We do love The Plaza.

And as often as I have already read about you giving away that balloon to a child, it ALWAYS brings tears to my eyes. It IS a wonderful thing you do in honour of your dad!

Thank you so much, Karin.

Yum, the Plaza! Yes, ice cream is always a must there.

Absolutely; I'll leave half my lunch before I'd give up ice cream at The Plaza.

What a lovely story about your dad and the balloons; made me tear up this morning. That's such a nice way to remember him.

Thank you; I think it would make my dad very, very happy.

Everytime I read the story of the balloon, I cry. What a sweet way to remember your dad. He would be proud of you for keeping the tradition alive. I am so glad that you found a family that cherished the moment as much as you. Ok, I am going to stop now before I am sobbing.

It's okay...now I'm sobbing. Seriously, for all my dad did for me and my children, it's the least I could do in his memory.

 

[KatMark]

love your PP photo, bummer they lost most of them but that one is definitely a keeper!

I would have been really upset if I didn't have at least the one.

we are FINALLY eating at the Plaza for dinner! looking forward to eating there!

Hope you love it as much as us.

I love that you do something so sweet in your dad's memory

Thank you, Lisa.

Kathy, I just love how you honor your father's memory. And I was so happy to read that your recipient this year was so touched by your gift. Still makes me cry every time, though.

Thanks, Linda. I've been fortunate with all of our recipients thus far.

Your meal at the Plaza looks good. We have never eaten there. Maybe have to try it some time.

Get it on the list...you will love it (save room for dessert).

I am not ready for your trip to end.

Me neither; but at least I have another one right around the corner.

I have to ditto all the comments about the kiss photo. And what a bummer pp was messing up.

Thanks; I really like it too; I've heard a lot of complaints about pp lately.

But, the balloon interaction, is just a reminder that truly, if we open our hearts we can all be affected in a sensitive way by each others joy and pain. Kathy, you are amazing to put forth such a wonderful gesture of remembrance. Although, I'm sorry it still causes tears, I am so happy for you that you had that much love that it still causes tears. Thank you for setting an example for me to do something positive for the living to remember my loved ones that are no longer here physically, but are always present in my heart.

Dee, this just made me tear up. Thank you so much.

Now, about the Plaza... we keep saying we are going to try it, but for whatever reason we don't. I'm going to write it on my to do list for next visit.

Please do try it; I think you would all enjoy it.

Kathy, I can't even pick on you after this update. I love your traditional last day at MK, especially the tribute to your dad.

Andy, I think I just . Seriously, thank you very much. That means a lot to me.

oh goodness. Now you did it..
I am crying at work! Every time you tell the story about your Dad i get so weepy!

I'm sorry, Mo. I should have given you a heads up.

thankfully i went back and looked at your pictures! HAPPY STUFF! the picture with the castle is like everyone has said already. just so sweet, totally you and mark the PP Photographer just captured you both perfectly!!!!

Thanks, Mo. I do love that picture. The PP Photographer was awesome!

Thanks for sending me over Kathy, you know I always love hearing stories of your honoring your Dad and you once again touched another families life.

Thanks, Judy.

I am so confused, TR's and PTR's and where to write. Just please keep me straight and I will NOT get lost...well, maybe not TOO much!

It's okay; I don't think you posted on my TR since I started it, and I know you like to read about my Dad tribute. TR should be done in a couple of weeks...with luck sooner.

 

[KatMark]

to you Kathy! I meant to stop in yesterday and tell you that I just bought a plane ticket for my Daddy to come up to NJ next week. He moved last year and we miss him. He can't afford to come up, but we need to see him and Skype doesn't cut it. My father was MIA for many years due to actively drinking...but he is sober and has been back in our lives for 5 years (he just met his grandkids 5 years ago). So long story short (too late) life is precious, and you inspired me to seize the day and grab time with my Dad when I can. We also do the balloon tribute for our DIS angels Ok sorry to hijack your TR...just wanted to share!!

I am so happy that you are having your Dad come visit you...you are right, SKYPE doesn't cut it. Good for you.

Finally caught up! Sounds like you had a pretty great morning at the MK! I always am in tears when you tell the balloon story! My friend actually texted me last night that her dad has days to live and could she crash my February trip since she think Disney is the only thing that may cheer her up. I am hoping to make it special for her. I am gonna share this story with her.

I am so sorry for your friend. Give her a big hug and tell her it does get better, but it takes time.

Anytime Kathy. It was the least we could do. You are too kind to our kids. You send them gifts throughout the year and we truly appreciate that. I know you feel a connection to Juliana and we can't wait to meet you in person someday.

I adore your kids, even if I haven't met them. Yes, I do feel a connection with Ana since you were my first real DIS friend and I've watched her grow up and be cancer-free!

I didn't realize that a Mickey came with that. Cool!

He is sitting on my dresser in my room.

Can you tell I haven't been DISing for a few days? I've had no time except to check the canceled ADR threads a few times a day.

I keep checking that ADR for you...and keep hoping it pops up.

I did read all your updates though. I do love the tribute to your dad.

Thanks, Tim.

I came over from Judy's thread. That is a very sweet tradition in honor of your Dad.

; thank you so much for coming over and posting and the nice words about my tradition for my Dad.

I'm in favor of not passing up dessert anywhere.

I agree 110%.

Still love this beautiful tradition. I'm so glad the family was so touched by it.

Thank you.

 

[KatMark]

I love all the pictures. Especially the ones with Donald and Daisy in their "hollywood" attire.

cute!

Thanks, Ann.

That is quite the wait. I wonder why it is so long. It doesn't take long to load... maybe it breaks down a lot? I was able to take advantage of the villians party last month and ride it... but I am not sure I caught it last fall... and know that I didn't in February. The line is just too crazy! You got some great pictures though!!!

I don't know what the problem was with it that day.

I am sorry the meal wasn't good. There are definitely restaurants at WDW like that...where it is a gamble. It could be good... or horrible. It was nice he took the meal off the bill though... I suppose that does help a tad. And the pic was nice too.

I should have known better than to order pasta at a drive-in.

Wow, I can imagine that she would be a hard one. Maybe fun to attempt... but only something a few could pull off. (I myself, not being one of them )

It was horrible; normally I save those drawings but that one went right in the trash.

I love popcorn... I mean... LOVE popcorn. Yet I have never tried it in WDW. (well, the caramel corn.. yes, but not the regular kind) I have had people around me get it... but I have never partook. I have such trouble with swelling that I worry the salt would do me in.

You have never had Disney popcorn? You know it is THE best popcorn in the world, don't you? Perhaps you should try it on your way out of a park when you are done for the night?

I think the last time we ate here was 2008. More and more people seem to be going here now. Makes me wonder if i am missing something. Last time left me less than impressed.

This is on my list for January! Looks like you enjoyed it if you had several?

I'm not sure what these two quotes were as the pictures didn't show up.
The last one I believe is my drink...and yes, I had several.

 

[annmarieda]

I'm not sure what these two quotes were as the pictures didn't show up. The last one I believe is my drink...and yes, I had several.

So weird! If I am viewing as an individual post in my phone- I don't see them either. As the thread in it entirety- I can see them. Weird.

First is your Ragland road pic- next is yes... You and your drink.

 

[KatMark]

Darn it Kathy. Everytime I hear that story, i get tears! Its such a special tradition.

Thank you, Jen.

Nice safari pics.Thanks, Scott.

I think the name was Bamboo and was a cousin of Divine.

That would make sense, I guess.

I agree about ‘Ohana.

Glad we tried it, but we won't be back.

I love that mini golf course.

It's a lot of fun.

Ooh Soarin’ my favorite. I hope the rumors are true about it getting a refurb and becoming Soarin’ 2.0

I had not heard that; I will say the screen needs to be replaced or something with all the "spots" in it.

Oh yum. Love your lunch choice. I have to ask my doctor next week if I can have escargot when we go.

I'd rather skip the escargot myself.

Great photopass pic.

Thanks.

Nice pics of the countries.

I love World Showcase.

Beautiful pics of Cookie. Sorry again for your loss.

Thank you very much; I still find myself looking for her at times.

Dismeets are fun.

They are the best because we all share a love of Disney.

Okay so who was stalking who. LOL. You keep running into Brenda.

It truly was funny how we kept running into each other.

Looked like a nice relaxing time by the pool.

It was; and we had sun for awhile anyway.

Those sandwiches look so good from Earl.

Best sandwiches ever.

Nothing like booze and Disney to bring strangers together. LOL.

Ain't that the truth?

I have never done an morning emh anywhere. I might need to change that in December.

I think with crowds, you really should; you get so much done.

You really did get a lot done.

We did get a lot done that morning.

The balloon is a great way to honor him.

Thanks, Scott.

I am caught up. 1 hour and 8 minutes later than I said. LOL

You did GREAT!

 

[KatMark]

So weird! If I am viewing as an individual post in my phone- I don't see them either. As the thread in it entirety- I can see them. Weird.

First is your Ragland road pic- next is yes... You and your drink.

Gotcha! Yes, I can't see it in the full screen on my computer.

The drink is yummy...you must try one.

 

[Disney9.9.10]

What a great MK day I've said it before, but you two are so cute! You can just see the love and joy on your faces and it makes me happy to see it.

The Plaza is so delicious, great pick for your last day tradition! And I agree with you about dessert - it is always huge and you are always full, but it is so delicious that you have to order something!

You had me all teared up with your balloon story. I absolutely love that you decided to do this and it is great that the family you chose was so receptive to it. Lots of hugs!

 

[KatMark]

So we left the Magic Kingdom, got in the car, and drove here:



We had been here previously during the trip, but we had missed riding this



because we dashed out before the storm came from the clouds up above (and we had made it to the car just in time).

We stopped for some photopass pictures first:







Well, then I just about

It was closed. I just broke down in tears and there was no consoling me. This was my dad's all-time favorite ride at Disney World and I wanted to ride it on the anniversary of our losing him. I was crushed that I had been such a bad DISer and didn't know they were shutting it down for a week for refurb. Mark tried to calm me down, but I was having none of it. I kept apologizing to my dad over and over again.

Finally, Mark got me to move and we walked over to a building because the storm clouds were forming again (I kept telling him it was dad because he was upset that I didn't ride Spaceship Earth for him).

We went into the Innoventions that has the Disney Visa photo op. I went to the restroom and cleaned my face and Mark suggested we have our picture taken since we'd never taken advantage of it before. So that's what we did while it poured outside.

A couple of pictures inside:





Then we got in line for our picture and within 10 minutes, we were in:





After the photo op, Mark asked where I wanted to go to next (he knew I was still upset), so I suggested we go see my favorite purple dragon and so that is where we went:











From there, we decided to go to World Showcase. We saw some friends along the way:



I know for a fact that we also ran into our other friends at this point, Brenda and Em. But for some reason I don't have a picture and I know that we took one.

Brenda, do you have it?

Some photos on our way to Canada:





We decided to go see the movie while we were there and I took some pictures of the flowers walking down the path.







O Canada:



Waiting to be let in the theater:



Continued in the next post

 

[KatMark]

Let the film begin:



GO BLACKHAWKS!!!!





After the film, we exited and walked over to the gift shop:



Mark knew that I was still upset so he said he knew just the thing to cheer me up. We went to the United Kingdom and went to see these guys:



We had to wait to see them for a bit as Pooh needed honey just as it was our turn. My husband told them that I was feeling down and that I'd not gotten a good picture of me with my favorite, Tigger, when we were at the Crystal Palace earlier in the week for breakfast. Well these Photopass photographers were just as great as the one with the castle and fireworks shot. Let the pictures do the talking:

















And then Tigger decided he was going to dance with me:













Mark thanked Tigger for cheering up his wife:



After 30 years together, I guess my husband knows what will cheer me up in a heartbeat. BEST HUSBAND EVER!

We left our Hundred Acre Wood friends, and decided to go to France and see the film there.

Along the way, we stopped for a few more photopass pictures on the bridge:





Up next, we arrive in France