Where have you people been? NEW! We're on a PODCAST + MNSSHP 05/20

[buffy0214]

Happy Birthday and happy new puppy!!
Very cute, one of my dogs is named Bailey Marie.

Thanks I haven't had a puppy since I was a teenager so I'd forgotten how much work those little fellas are---just like kids.

OMG what an adorable puppy! We've been wanting a dog for the longest, but we have a cat who's rather antisocial.

So glad you're back! I hate it that you're having the post trip blues. Here's my vote for you to plan another trip!

I so wish that I could start planning another trip, expecially since I didn't get to do so many things on my "list". I don't think we will be ready to go for a long trip until '09. We usually go every other year. Although, we tend to sneak in a "weekend" trip on those off years.

Oh my gosh the puppy is too cute! I am waiting for my CD also...it should be here on Monday and then I am will be all about writing my TR! Can't wait to read all about yours!

I finally got my CD, now all I need is some time. I feel like it has been taking me forever to get my report going

That puppy is sooo cute!! My mom has 2 miniature yorkies and I really want one!

Aren't they sweet. I had been putting off getting a pup because, frankly, the 3 kids are enough Bailey is really sweet, though, and wants to please. It will be nice when he sleeps through the night, however

 

[buffy0214]

Okay, I think I'm ready to start my Trip Report. Sorry it took so long but it just takes me a while to get back into things.

Day 1, part 1
Oct 7-----Travel Time

Whoo-hoo!! It is time to go! After months of planning, DIS-ing, and counting down, we are finally ready to go!!!!!

Rachel wanted everyone to get up at 5am so we could get an early start. We all vetoed her because we hoped to be able to check into our room when we arrive. So we head out at 7am. The car is decked out and we are blaring “What Time Is It?” from High School Musical 2. My mom arrives just in time and her first words are, “Are we going to be listening to that, I’ve already got a headache” Sheesh!! We are getting psyched up here! My Dad gets a chuckle from seeing my DISMagnets and antenna topper.

We have a happily uneventful trip, and 350 miles later we arrive home I just love how they greet you at DVC resorts. Old Key West is starting to feel like home to us now. What can I sell around here on Ebay in order to become a member?



We arrived just after a flight had, also, so we had a little wait. A CM there made balloon animals for the kiddos. And we got the oh-so-rare Mickey stickers. Really, I think we came home with about 100 of these.



We have a small problem at check-in. Pete gets out of the line and says our room isn't ready and we can call to get our room assignment after 4. I thought, "That's weird, I was sure I read on the DIS that you can get your room assignment at least even if it isn't ready".

I ask hubby if he inquired about being near the hospitality house and he said CM responded, "not likely to get it as everyone asks for that". I let him know that yeah, but we asked for it back in April. Then we noticed that on the card he was given it said we need a code to enter when we call back. "What's the code?" "IDK".

Pete goes back in to find out the code. (A little background on hubby. My mom used to call him the senator because he has a way of getting people to do things for him. He is never mean or forceful but for some reason people like to help him. This will come into play in the next senario.) He talks to a guy who noticed our t-shirts when we checked in and he had chatted with during the wait. The guy said that we we shouldn't need a code and should have gotten our room assignment. Whew! I knew it! It turned out to be the manager. He fixed it up so that not only did we get our room assigment but we got the coveted building 12. See how close it is to the hospitality house and how there is no traffic nearby. Awesome



Not only that, but our rooms were ready!!!!! Way to go Pete!!!

We go out to the car and notice that my DISMagnets were gone That's so strange because we were there at Okahumpka. We had two people stop us there and inquire about our tie dye tees. We got more response from those tees than anything else! We loved 'em as it was so easy to pick out our party. They will be a staple in furture Disney trips.

I run out of the car in order to get these pictures of our glorious 2-bedroom suite. I knew it would never be as clean as it is at this moment. That is the down-side of renting DVC. No maid service.

Our room is on the lower level.



We are greeted by these little guys. A towel-purse and towel-mystery-things. Any guesses as to what these little guys are?



Living Room and view




The Dining Area and Kitchen



The guest bedroom


The master bedroom. Super comfy.



The master bathroom and more little towel-guys. Ghosts?



I never could get the drain stopped up so that water would stay in it. I shoved a washcloth in the drain.


Lastly, Pete waving to me from the master bath into the master bedroom.

 

[buffy0214]

Oh, wait, you might want to see the laundry-room, too. Well, maybe someone does


We bring our luggage in and then toss some Mountain Dews, apple juice, and water in the fridge and head out to the bus stop. MAGIC KINGDOM HERE WE COME!!!!!

Hey, it's a love bug. Woah, those are super rare, check it out kids, you might not see another.


Pete, Calvin, and Becky are ready.



Grandma and Rachel are ready.


I'm ready, too, but there is no photo proof of this fact. The kids loved the autograph purses and backpack I made and had their pin attached. These quickly became too difficult for the kids to keep up with. I got tired of continually reminding them to not leave them behind, so for the rest of the trip they stayed in the room. Oh, well, they were cute, though, weren't they.

A seemless arrival day. We arrived at OKW at 1 and were getting our baggage checked in MK by 2:30. Wait, 2:30? Doesn't something happen on Main Street round-about this time?

 

[Jillnkids]

Loving your TR so far! We saw bunches of love bugs the first part of the week but not as many later in the week. My kids called them "two-headed bugs". Dh and I laughed our heads off over that one. We just let them call them that all week and we just laughed every time!

Can't wait for more!

 

[winkers]

It's about time!

I didn't relize that you don't get mousekeeping at the dvc resorts! That's one of the things I love most. Beds that magically make themselves!

 

[Beast0214]

Hey!

This is Buffy's DH. I had forgotten how cute and little our girls were in those scrapbooks. We had a great time then. Of course, we had a great time this past trip. We took a little longer and were able to relax a little more.

I think the kids are getting old enough to enjoy other things, but they still love the pool. I love the Hot Tub as it feels great on aching feet and back.

 

[andiepie]

Hey! Glad DH made an appearance. I'd been wondering where ya'll have been!

Come on! We need more!

 

[OhMari]

I see that you are home now and telling us about your trip to WDW. I am going to move you over to our regular board.

Marisa

 

[buffy0214]

Loving your TR so far! We saw bunches of love bugs the first part of the week but not as many later in the week. My kids called them "two-headed bugs". Dh and I laughed our heads off over that one. We just let them call them that all week and we just laughed every time!

Can't wait for more!

That's hilarious

It's about time!

I didn't relize that you don't get mousekeeping at the dvc resorts! That's one of the things I love most. Beds that magically make themselves!

No kidding! You do get mousekeeping if you stay as a regular guest but not as a DVC member. This is for sure one of the down sides for me. I really don't like making beds on vacation

Hey!

This is Buffy's DH. I had forgotten how cute and little our girls were in those scrapbooks. We had a great time then. Of course, we had a great time this past trip. We took a little longer and were able to relax a little more.

I think the kids are getting old enough to enjoy other things, but they still love the pool. I love the Hot Tub as it feels great on aching feet and back.

Finally! I've been waiting for ya. Funny that you think we had a long time this time. I so totally needed at least 3 more days.

Hey! Glad DH made an appearance. I'd been wondering where ya'll have been!

Come on! We need more!

I was waiting on hubby I will try and get another section up today.

I see that you are home now and telling us about your trip to WDW. I am going to move you over to our regular board.

Marisa

Thanks, Marisa

 

[mindyd]

Hi,

I just read your whole journal and I am very jealous with how crafty you are I love the car magnet and the shirts.

 

[Beast0214]

Hi,

I just read your whole journal and I am very jealous with how crafty you are I love the car magnet and the shirts.

Buffy0214 likes crafts, although she does not seem to take as long as I imagine I would... and she does crafts so much faster than I.

I cannot wait to see how she puts together all of those pictures. I always look at her pages and think how much better they look than just the pictures by themselves.

 

[buffy0214]

Hi,

I just read your whole journal and I am very jealous with how crafty you are I love the car magnet and the shirts.

I'm glad to have ya here! Please don't be jealous. Those magnets were so super easy that anyone who knows how to print can do it.

Buffy0214 likes crafts, although she does not seem to take as long as I imagine I would... and she does crafts so much faster than I.

I cannot wait to see how she puts together all of those pictures. I always look at her pages and think how much better they look than just the pictures by themselves.

You do crafts? You might have to wait a while before I get those pages together. I still haven't finished our last trip. Maybe I'll do a Disney scrapbook weekend marathon.

 

[buffy0214]

Day 1, part 2
Oct 7-----Magic Kingdom time!!!!!

On the way to the bus stop I noticed hubby, who always carries a book around, putting a book in the backpack. I was floored! Who would need a book at Disneyworld? A Dad with 3 kids should not have any downtime to read. “Honey, you are not going to need a book, we are at DISNEY!!!” He replied, “you never know” Weirdo.

I was so excited to be at the Magic Kingdom. There were virtually no lines at the baggage check point so we walked right up. We chatted with the CM who checked our bags and then he asked Rachel if she liked Tinkerbell. She said yes and WE GOT OUR FIRST DREAM right away. A tinkerbell pin and one to share.

He told Rachel to share the other one with her sister. A dream granted as soon as we entered the park. This really got our visit off to a magical start.





Our plan was to head for ToonTown via the railroad. When we got to the top of the station, I showed Calvin the castle. The look on his face was priceless. We had been talking about the castle for quite a while now and there it was! He was happy to see it but mainly it was a look of anticipation of things to come.

Chip, Dale, and Pluto greeting people at the top of the station but we got there just a little too late. It was still neat to see them. What luck the train just arrived!! We hopped on raring to go to Toontown. Then a CM came over and explained that the train would be delayed for 20 minutes while the parade passed over the tracks. But I don't want to wait let's get this train a'movin'. Hubby taps me on the shoulder and I turn around to find him reading his book. Oh, yes, you are so funny. Keep it up funnyman. Put the book away, you are ruining the ambiance!

At first I thought perhaps we should get off and go see the parade from the station. It wasn’t on the itinerary but, ya know, timing is everything. Unfortunately, the train started going before the parade reached Main Street. Or, perhaps, fortunately, because we were on our way. The train stopped first at Frontierland and there were some very hot, tired looking folks waiting. Holy cow it looks crowded! What is with all these people? And the heat! I’m sorry but I really thought it would be a little cooler. No wait, kids, stay on the train we are going to the next stop. We arrive at toontown to see even MORE hot, tired folks. Lots more. This is not looking good. According to Tour Guide Mike this was not a recommended MK day. I see it looks as though he is right. We find out that the MK is going to have extra magic hours until 1 am. Woah! No wonder it is crowded. I looked like a lot of people are still here from this morning and many more were just arriving. Truly, I have never seen Toontown so crowded. Did I mention the crowds?

I then get asked about our t-shirts. Did I already tell ya'll about everyone asking me about our tees? We loved these! It was always a no-brainer on what to wear and so easy to spot our group members so these are a keeper for next time.

I was anticipating our first ride but I took time to tell the lady how to make them and then handed out my first DISBOARDS “business card” and told her to search for “tie dye”. Had to spread the word about the DIS.

Pete headed out to get Space Mountain FP. We were supposed to do character meet and greet but Calvin spotted the Barnstormer. This would become a deterrent to my itinerary. Calvin wanted only to ride the things he saw in front of him. I took Calvin and Becky on it. Rachel was too scared to ride for some reason so she waited with Grandma. Just nervous I guess. It was a long wait at 20 minutes.

Becky got to take the red pass that keeps track of how long the line is.


Becky had to ride by herself so she was a little nervous.


Calvin gives his thumbs up for his first ride.


Pete meets up with us and we head over to Stitch. This is my first time riding and I was unimpressed. Quite gross actually. Not the cute little Stitchy that I love. Still it was Rachel’s favorite. We stop in the shop quickly and I wanted to get a stuffed Stitch but I didn’t (my first regret). Becky got a robo-stitch and a stuffed baby Stitch. Calvin was jealous of Becky's robo-stitch so we had to backtrack and get another one.

 

[buffy0214]

Onto Buzz. I rode with Rachel and gave her some of the pointers that I learned on the DIS. I keep some hints to myself (sorry, hubby). The scores as follows:

• Bonnie 92200
• Pete 52180
• G’ma 10800
• Rachel 2400
• Cal 2300
• Becky 3200

I was able to snag a picture. Then I tried to “redneck” the photos but they didn’t turn out well. Being a Georgian you’d think I’d been very good at this. We shop again and Calvin get a laser gun.



Me and Rachel


Pete and Cal



We wanted to hit the people mover (TTA for some). It was the first time I had ever waited for this one so you could tell it was busy. The plan was to eat at Cosmic Rays by 5 so that we would have time to see the Spectromagic Parade. We made it to Cosmic Rays on time. Afterwards, the kids wanted to ride the teacups. Wait! Teacups? Right after dinner? Weird kids. Pete agrees to take them while Mom and I sit it out in Cosmic Rays.

Pete told me that they got another small dream. While in line they asked Calvin if it was his birthday. He said no and they proceeded to sing “A Very Merry Unbirthday to You” then they gave him a certificate and 8x10 picture of Alice and the Mad Hatter. How cute! Pete said Cal loved be sung to. I think he was spoiled. He will expect to be sung to every time on teacups.

While we should have been heading over to Frontierland to view the parade but, as mentioned before, we were deterred. ….Best laid plans as they say….Calvin saw the Speedway. Boys + Cars = must see. Personally, speedway is not my fav, but seeing it through my son’s eyes gave me a whole new perspective. We rode again and were presented with a Tomorrowland Speedway Official License. Well, it’s something for the scrapbook.

Where's Becky? Grandma and Becky


Da boyz


Rachel


Next was the new Monsters, Inc. New for us. It was cute and the kids liked it but it was our longest wait, about 30 minutes. Not worth it for that wait. Maybe a 5 or 10 minute wait.

We ended our day with a snack at the lunching pad while we took turns riding Space Mountain with our FPs. Pete rode alone and I went with Mom. It was hilarious. I just couldn’t stop laughing the whole ride. I’m not sure what it was. I think because it has been so long since I’ve been on it. It was the highlight of the evening.

It was just about time for Wishes. Believe it or not I had never seen Wishes. Of course, I’ve seen the nighttime fireworks, but not Wishes from the front of the castle. I thought the timing was perfect. We may have missed Spectro but we could see Wishes tonight instead of on Tuesday. I was vetoed. Pete and Mom wanted to beat the crowd to the bus. Calvin was tired and the girls wanted to swim.

We did miss the crowds and got on the bus right away. It was quite a memorable ride. The guy missed a turn and almost hit a tree. Then he stopped at a stop but he didn’t turn on the lights nor open the door to let people off. We had to shout at him before he drove off again. Finally, he was about to miss another turn and hit the brakes hard. I really had to hold onto Cal before he hit one of the poles. That was really one of the most bizarre experience ever on a Disney bus.

The girls convinced Pete to take them for a swim. I stayed with Mom and Cal because we had an early start the next day for Epcot! Yea, Epcot! I have a lot of exciting stuff planned for this day. I enjoyed our first day and we did accomplish a lot but I was a little disappointed in the heat, the crowds, and Calvin’s lack of compliance. Plus, I hadn’t been able to get a Photopass picture yet. I prepaid so I need to get my $$$$ worth.

 

[winkers]

In defense of your dh, he's not a weirdo for taking a book! I'm very rarely without a book. I hate just standing in a line without something to read!

 

[buffy0214]

Oh, don't defend him, he isn't used to that

He can read two paragraphs at a red light. I have no idea how he does that. If the book is good don't you want to read more? If you read a few paragraphs at a time, don't you just loose your place?

 

[winkers]

I've been known to cook dinner and vacuum while reading. It's a special talent I have.

 

[Beast0214]

Onto Buzz. I rode with Rachel and gave her some of the pointers that I learned on the DIS. I keep some hints to myself (sorry, hubby). The scores as follows:

• Bonnie 92200
• Pete 52180
• G’ma 10800
• Rachel 2400
• Cal 2300
• Becky 3200

We did miss the crowds and got on the bus right away. It was quite a memorable ride. The guy missed a turn and almost hit a tree. Then he stopped at a stop but he didn’t turn on the lights nor open the door to let people off. We had to shout at him before he drove off again. Finally, he was about to miss another turn and hit the brakes hard. I really had to hold onto Cal before he hit one of the poles. That was really one of the most bizarre experience ever on a Disney bus.

The girls convinced Pete to take them for a swim.

I think you mis-wrote the scores here, honey. I had 102K. I remember because it was the first time I actually beat her. I was riding behind her and she told me about one of the big tricks, finally.

I went FP on Space Mountain, while Buffy and her Mom took the kids on Buzz. Bonnie, of course, could not stand me having a higher score...

I met everyone back at Home and took the kids swimming. I managed to avoid the bus trauma and my ride back was uneventful. I really had a good time swimming with the kids. It is interesting how awesome Disney is and yet the pool is always a highlight. I also found out the Canadian Thanksgiving fell on the same day as Columbus Day for those in the States.

 

[buffy0214]

Oops, sorry

I wrote them down as I heard them. Plus it made total sense that I was the winner

 

[nts4wdw]

Ohhhh, the Dh joins in.... should be interesting.... I am keeping up, just keeping quiet. Enjoying it!