Who Invited My Mother In Law? A Moderately Deluxe TR All New X 3 & PTR Link 2/3 !!

[ShortStuff]

I love karma!!!! It's great when you get to see it in action!!

Yumm, your pot pie looks good! I am not a fan of mostly crust pot pie either. Give me the chicken and vegies with a little crust or puff and I'm happy!!

That is so awesome that you got to ride TSM 3 times in a row!! And how cool is it that your DH had the top score for awhile
11 Karma bit that whole families backside!!

Can't wait to see what's next!

 

[smidgy]

I'm so sorry you're not feeling well. . get as much rest as you can!

one of Nebo's favorite things to eat are chicken pot pies. not homemade ones, the Swanson or even banquet. he loves to eat them with a piece of bread on the plate, then the pot pie on top. (but I think he likes corn dogs better)

 

[shan23877]

After our fun and filling lunch we were in need of something slow moving and air conditioned. The logical choice was of course the Great Movie Ride.

I can only assume that in naming the attraction the fine minds at Disney intended the Great part to accompany the Movie part and the Ride just got tacked on at the end. The only parts of the ride that I truly enjoy are the queue for all of the memorabilia, and the montage at the end. I’m a sucker for a good montage, and if put to the right music a montage will reduce me to tears every time. Sad but true.

So anyway, even though it’s no one’s favorite ride in we went. The wait time was posted at 15 minutes, but it wasn’t even 15 seconds. We literally walked right into a boat. Our driver/host/narrator was pleasant, but had a strange voice (reminded me of Kermit) so we spent much of the ride translating her spiel for Maddie. She got a little nervous when we were hijacked by a renegade cowboy, but proudly said to me “I know it’s just pretend Mommy”. Once the ride was over Mads was thrilled to report that “even though that ride was dark, I wasn’t scared a bit!” I call that a success.

​

Once our journey through the movies was complete, so were our plans. We were at a loss. We parked ourselves on a bench to discuss our options. I offered up another trip on Star Tours for Bryan and Maddie, but neither of them felt much like it, we’d seen the Muppets, the Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast, wandered through the Animation Building, and taken 3 turns on TSMM. Bryan and I didn’t exactly offer up waiting 1 ½ hours to meet Buzz and Woody or spending an hour at Disney Jr. Live, but Maddie didn’t suggest them either. American Idol had been on Maddie’s list since her first trip, but we’d just missed a show so we’d still need to fill an hour or so. There was only one thing left that we (Bryan and I) wanted to do.

“Maddie what is it about Tower of Terror that scared you?” I said

“Mommy, I’m scared of that ride.”

“I know baby, but what part scared you—was it the drop or the movie?”

With suspicion in her voice she responded, “It was the movie part, where the little girl disappears. Plus, it messed up my beautiful dress”

With forced cheerfulness, “Well you’re not wearing a princess dress, and I was thinking that we could cover your eyes during the movie like we did during the scary Bruce part of the Nemo ride!”

“Maybe that would be okay...”

“We’ll buy you a new guy…” (stuffed animal)

“Well, okay. I guess I could try it”

“Then what are we waiting for! Let’s go!”

We quickly made our way to Tower of Terror before she could change her mind. The queue entrance was being manned by two college program CMs who took an immediate liking to our girl’s shirt. We waited for several minutes while they told her how cool it was, and how cool she was for being brave enough to ride.

ToT had no wait to speak of either. During our brief tour of the hotel lobby Maddie pointed out all of the things that were “pretend scary” and we had a good laugh at the silliness of it all.

Before we knew it, we were being loaded into our elevator. As per our agreement, once Maddie was safely buckled in she covered her eyes with her hands and I put mine over the top ‘just in case’. As soon as the movie was over, I told her to open her eyes, and we dropped.

The second the ride was over a triumphant shout from a 5 year old princess could be heard by all, “I wasn’t scared of that ride!!!”

She was ready to shout it from the rooftops, but unfortunately there was no one to tell. The first CM that we saw was either really in character or in a really bad mood (I choose to believe the former) so she didn’t provide the satisfactory response that Madde was after. I though for a moment, and then told Maddie to follow me. We trooped right back up to the entrance to the queue (thank goodness there hadn’t been a shift change) and Maddie regaled her new CP friends with the jubilant tale. High fives and stickers were exchanged, and we left with a very happy and proud little girl in tow.

Bryan chose to skip RnRC all together this trip, so after some stops for photopass we made our way out of the park. We offered Maddie the choice of Epcot or pool time, and she chose the pool.

​

In short order we were back at CBR. Bryan veered into the gift shop to pick up the packages that we’d sent back while Maddie and I picked out her stuffed Donald reward for bravery. Mommy may or may not have let her get a stuffed Jasmine too.

We changed into our suits and left the room with the intention of trying out the Aruba quiet pool. We stopped for a few minutes to wiggle our toes in the sand and while Bryan went ahead of us to the pool. When he walked back toward us shaking his head, I had to see for myself. That’s when I discovered that our peaceful little corner of CBR had been invaded. We had Cheerleaders.

They were everywhere. And so were their parents. Every table was occupied, and some industrious dad had pushed 3 or 4 of the tables together and assembled an impressive bar.

We turned around and took the familiar path back to the Pirate pool. After an hour or so, I rounded up my troops and got everyone back to the room to change for dinner. It wasn’t hard- we had reservations at Bryan’s favorite place.




**Not to worry friends, I'll be back to posting many, many pictures in the next installment.

 

[shan23877]

that is SO funny.. so much like nebo. he loves lists. used to make them at work all the time when he was bored.

(when I make a list of things to do, and then do something that's NOT of the list, I add it n the end, just so I can cross it off)


oh yeah, waht is the movie "centerstage"? never heard of it.

That's so funny! Who knew that Nebo and I were so much alike! Sometimes I do that too, I enjoy the satisfaction of marking something off!

Centerstage is a teen dance movie set at the American Ballet Company. I love it, but it's certainly not a movie that I'd actually recommend that someone seek out.

Sounds like a great day at DHS! Toy Story three times in a row must be a record! We went to DHS for the first time this year and missed all the shows. Changed our PTC reservation for the Moma Melrose Fantasmic! package. Next time, I'll have to plan our DHS better. While we had a wonderful lunch at MM, I really missed not doing PTC, especially after reading your experience!

I'd like to try Mama Melrose, but I've read really mixed reviews. You guys liked it? Would you do it again? PT just seems to get more consistent reviews, so that's why I booked it.

And, that's a problem for us, too many places, as my DGD wants to do 'everything' we did before! It's getting hard to slip in new places and keep the old. She loves the characters meals.

Thanks Karen

We have the same problem! I tried to sketch out a "plan" (for a trip that isn't really planned yet ) for next summer's trip. I told DH that there are too many places that we want to eat, and not enough days! Maddie loves those character meals too, and as long as she's young we'll keep doing them. I find that breakfast are nice for them, starts the day off on a high note for her.

Yeah, I have visions of taking Willow and a friend when they are tweens/teens. THAT should be amusing!

Wouldn't that be awesome! Taking a mouthy teenage girl and letting the server give them the business! Sounds great!

Oh, yes, the DDP credit thing. I never remember that since we don't do the DDP. I just can't stand the thought of a full day in broiling hot DHS without a lunch stop at the fancy Brown Derby for a champagne flight and cobb salad.

That sounds great, especially for a nice cool lunch. We are slaves to the DDP though, and there's just too many other signatures that we want to try!

Hey Shan! Just to let you know that I haven't abandoned you and your TR. Been crazy busy at work last little bit but I'm slowly catching up.

I'll be back soon.

How soon?

That was fast!

I sooo want to go there.

Someday...

Do try it! It was lots of fun, and I think that since your DDs are older they'd really enjoy it.

And thanks for that. I don't think I've ever seen photos of the living room.

It's such a cool place. Looks exactly like a movie set.

Are there a lot of TV tables? Majority? Minority?

I think it's a minority? The TVs play 50s type commercials, and old Disney cartoons. Perfect for those of us with a tired 5 year old.

That's great! I've heard of a few Dissers not getting the 'family' treatment, so it's nice that you were able to get the full 'treatment'.

I have too, and I'd have been so disappointed if we'd gotten a dull family member. To me that's the reason to go!

Only in Disney! How many other places have you been (outside of possible local places you go to lots) where you not only know the menu buy have already decided what you'll eat... before you even get there?

It's ridiculous isn't it?

That's just.... strange. Usually the kids selection is lousy and here you can't get a milkshake but Maddie can?

I don't know what was up with that. I was just glad that Bryan got his shake, so I didn't ask any questions.



Note to self: Bring soap from washroom to table.



Yup... forget the crabcakes... gotta save room for the good stuff!

I think that's how he felt.

I've never even heard of a wedge salad... it looks good though.

Never heard of a wedge salad? You're breaking my heart here! It's just a quarter head of iceburg lettuce with bacon, tomato, and bleu cheese dressing. Onions optional. I don't care for much nutrition in my salads, so it's perfect for me.

Better late than never. I hate a picture of food after the second half is eaten...



Consider yourself lucky. I can't get DD11 to eat fruit at all. The occasional apple... and only the 'right' apple.

Does she like honey crisp apples? They're my favorites, and will be coming into season very soon. Maddie would gladly live on fruit. It's the protein and vegetables that we have a hard time with.


'cause he was afraid you'd steal it?

We men can be very possessive of our food, ya know.

It all has to do with that whole 'hunter/gatherer' thing...

That explains it! He does not share food. I don't really blame him. He works hard, and shouldn't be forced to share his meal with anyone.

I just wanted a nibble of the chicken skin though.

I will never, ever order chicken pot pie. I'm not fond of the sauce and...

A long time ago (in a land far, far away... sorry) I was on a training course that lasted 9 months. During that time we had cafeteria food. Pretty much once a week the cafeteria would serve Chicken Pot Pie. If you have left-overs it's a great way to get rid of 'em. Throw everything in a dish, slop some runny cream sauce in and hide it behind a pie crust, call it 'pie' so the gullible will think of Mom's apple pie and serve it up to the unsuspecting.

My group of 15 - 20 people would all troup down to the cafeteria and get the chicken pot pie (meals were included in the course). Once everyone had a pie and were seated at the tables, we'd all dig in and have a contest to see who would be the first to find an elusive piece of chicken in the 'chicken' pot pie. The first person who found one would be declared the winner. (Sometimes, there were no winners) Afterwards we would all go out for pizza.

How awful! No wonder you won't order it. I can assure you that this pot pie was much better than than the one you described sounds.


I don't think anybody really wants to eat much when it's hot out. But I'm glad you had fun. It sure sounds like a hoot.

It was a great time! I'm so glad that we tried it. It's so hard to make yourself eat when it's that hot out, but we know we need the energy for full park days.

Now I definitely want to add it to our next trip. Thanks for the chapter Shanisticious.

Thanks Ponzilla! I hope that you try it next time-- maybe next summer right?

Hope you feel better! Your fan club awaits.

Jill in CO

Thanks so much Jill, that made me smile!

Feel better soon!! It seems to be going around here to. We have a few friends who are sick so we're trying to stay away from them for now.

Thank you! I don't blame you-being sick it the worst, and then of course you just have to wait for the whole family to get it too...

Oh no! Hope you feel better soon!!

Thanks Amanda! I am feeling much better tonight. Unfortunately this is one of those things that only rest and time can take care of. It's frustrating!

Hang in there hon! Maybe watch some Empire Records (maybe some Can't Hardly Wait too.....love that movie) to make you feel better.

That's a great idea! I should have thought of it! I just watched Bachelor Pad, the Voice, and Hell's Kitchen instead.

Can't Hardly Wait is another fave. How do you feel about She's All That?

I love karma!!!! It's great when you get to see it in action!!

It was nice to see bad behavior rewarded accordingly.

Yumm, your pot pie looks good! I am not a fan of mostly crust pot pie either. Give me the chicken and vegies with a little crust or puff and I'm happy!!

It was great, and that's exactly how I like mine too.

That is so awesome that you got to ride TSM 3 times in a row!! And how cool is it that your DH had the top score for awhile
11 Karma bit that whole families backside!!

Can't wait to see what's next!

It was a fun morning! I'm so glad that we got our rides in early-made for a much more relaxed afternoon.

I'm so sorry you're not feeling well. . get as much rest as you can!

Thanks Smidgy!

one of Nebo's favorite things to eat are chicken pot pies. not homemade ones, the Swanson or even banquet. he loves to eat them with a piece of bread on the plate, then the pot pie on top. (but I think he likes corn dogs better)

I haven't had one in years, but I grew up with them. My mom used to carve each family member's initials into the top before they were baked because we all liked different fillings.

Over the years I've made so many fancy meals for Bryan, but one if his faves will always be hamburger helper with a side of white bread and margarine.

I'm a mini-corn dog gal myself..

 

[jedijill]

Yay for Maddie! So happy she was able to conquer her fears and yay for the awesome CP CM's!

And boo to cheerleaders!

Jill in CO

 

[Backstage_Gal]

Great chapter.

Shannon, you gave me encouragement. I have never ridden TOT, and we have our Service celebration in November (40 yrs for me, ackk!) with selct rides open for the party. If TOT is, I vow to try it. YIKES!

 

[jedijill]

Great chapter.

Shannon, you gave me encouragement. I have never ridden TOT, and we have our Service celebration in November (40 yrs for me, ackk!) with selct rides open for the party. If TOT is, I vow to try it. YIKES!

Marita, you can do it! Just remember, Disney will never do anything to hurt you!! (well, except your pocketbook!)

Congrats on 40 years!

Jill in CO

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

So proud of Maddie!!
Julia swears she's going to ride ToT this time...we'll see. She also wants to ride the Great Movie Ride, and I hope she doesn't freak out when we get hijacked! I also am worried about the Alien part--was Maddie scared of that at all??
A good montage gets me every time, too. I fully expect to tear up, and I'm not even that much of a movie buff.

So glad Maddie found some enthusiasm from the CP CMs! Way to go, brave girl! (<---Oh, wait...cheerleaders are bad!)

 

[shan23877]

Yay for Maddie! So happy she was able to conquer her fears and yay for the awesome CP CM's!

And boo to cheerleaders!

Jill in CO

She was so proud of herself! It was a nice moment.

Great chapter.

Shannon, you gave me encouragement. I have never ridden TOT, and we have our Service celebration in November (40 yrs for me, ackk!) with selct rides open for the party. If TOT is, I vow to try it. YIKES!

Congratulations on 40 years Marita! That's impressive!

You can do it! It's really not that scary, and even my MiL who's deathly afraid of heights loves it. I can't wait to hear how you like it!

Marita, you can do it! Just remember, Disney will never do anything to hurt you!! (well, except your pocketbook!)

Congrats on 40 years!

Jill in CO

So proud of Maddie!!
Julia swears she's going to ride ToT this time...we'll see. She also wants to ride the Great Movie Ride, and I hope she doesn't freak out when we get hijacked! I also am worried about the Alien part--was Maddie scared of that at all??
A good montage gets me every time, too. I fully expect to tear up, and I'm not even that much of a movie buff.

So glad Maddie found some enthusiasm from the CP CMs! Way to go, brave girl! (<---Oh, wait...cheerleaders are bad!)

Maddie wasn't at all scared during the GMR. She wasn't fazed by the Alien part, the hijacking only bothered her for a minute, and she really liked the fire. She thought that was really cool.

Go Julia!!!

I love a good montage. During the Olympics I was crying every night. I love them.

I don't think that cheerleaders are all bad--after all I was one for 12 years. However, cheerleaders en masse with little or no supervision? Not great. We really had no problems with them at the resort. They were practicing on the lawns, but without yelling. At the parks it got a little hairier, and the pool thing was disappointing, but not too terrible.

 

[Cinderella909]

]

We have the same problem! I tried to sketch out a "plan" (for a trip that isn't really planned yet ) for next summer's trip. I told DH that there are too many places that we want to eat, and not enough days! Maddie loves those character meals too, and as long as she's young we'll keep doing them. I find that breakfast are nice for them, starts the day off on a high note for her.

We all enjoyed Moma's Melrose. For the Fantasmic! package you get an appetitizer, entre, and dessert on the DDP. We shared the calamari and each got the chicken pasta. We really enjoyed the calamari and our pasta! The dessert was a sampler, which was good, but not nearly as good as the appetizer and pasta. Would go back, but then we won't be able to PTC. And, I think we'll do PTC on next visit.

I'm too sketching out a plan for a trip that may or may not happen next year. But, my DGD is already planning.. "next year I'm going....". And, she says, "I just love Chef Mickey's!". So, while we aren't exactly excited, her excitement more than makes up for our lacking.

We did skip the Norway princess dinner this year, as we were just too full from lunch at Le Chefs. My DS didn't want to return there anyway, and DGD has never mentioned anything about it, even when we walked over and canceled our ADR. So, that frees up one ADR.

I was impressed that you got Maddie to ride Tower of Terror. My DGD wanted to ride, insisted she would be fine. As soon as the ride was over, I looked over at her and said, do you want to ride this again? She was so quick NO!!! We laughed and said good, cause I knew I wasn't going to ride that again!

Karen

 

[amandaw]

I'm right there with you about a good movie montage. I almost always cry.

I am sooo proud of Maddie! What a brave little girl! That's so great that she got on ToT....and liked it! Too funny though about the 1st CM not responding to her shouts of triumph. I'm glad you were able to find the other ones & that they reacted much better.

Oh no....cheerleaders! And their parents!! Glad y'all were able to still get in some pool time.

I'm excited to hear where dinner was that night!

Thanks Amanda! I am feeling much better tonight. Unfortunately this is one of those things that only rest and time can take care of. It's frustrating!

I hear ya....sounds like what I had a couple of weekends ago. Glad to hear you're on the mend!!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Yay for Maddie conquering the GMR and TOT!!! She is definitely braver than I am to go on TOT!!! Also, great idea going back to visit the CP CM's!

Oh no...hopefully the cheerleading group didn't affect your trip too much. How annoying.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Man oh man! That little daredevil of your's is something else! I didn't have the courage to ride Tower of Terror until 4 or 5 years ago. Give you a high five from Mrs. Lisa!

Cheerleaders!?!? I sure hope you aren't going to tell us that they took over the entire resort.

 

[marDgreen88]

Congrats to Maddie! If I had been around, I would have high-fived her as well.

 

[danielle79]

So proud of Maddie for riding TOT! Last time we went my baby (5 at the time) were the only ones who rode! Everyone else including my hubby and teenager chickened out! We didn't get a great reaction from the CM's either but many of the fellow passengers commented on how little and brave she was. She told the whole elevator that "BOTH of her big sisters were too scared!" She still talks about that ride today, she reminds the fam that "just her and mommy were brave enough"

 

[CandleontheWater]

Way to go Maddie on conquering ToT! She'll need to give Everett a pep talk when he hits that magical 40"! How awesome that you guys can ride now too, and don't have to worry about babyswap! That must be an awesome milestone to reach.

I think it was so funny you guys ran out of things to do at DHS after lunch, that is always how I feel! Pool time was a great choice, Maddie was on a roll! Too bad about the cheerleaders, but at least you made the best of it.

 

[smidgy]

Over the years I've made so many fancy meals for Bryan, but one if his faves will always be hamburger helper with a side of white bread and margarine.
***********************


OMG!! one of nebo's favorites!!!!!!! (and gotta have the gumy white bread with margerine on the side)

 

[smidgy]

Great chapter.

Shannon, you gave me encouragement. I have never ridden TOT, and we have our Service celebration in November (40 yrs for me, ackk!) with selct rides open for the party. If TOT is, I vow to try it. YIKES!

marita, I rode it once, and swore, "never again". I am SO afraid of heights.. but.. I missed all the stuff maddie was afraid of seeing, the special effects (cause I had my head buried in Nebo's armpit the whole time......maybe I passe dout from the odor? just kidding!)

I was afraid to see the outside if they opened the door. I keep getting tempted to ride it once more. (nebo, you didn' read that)

 

[tralin]

Great review Shannon, but as suspected would happen we are now out of time. We drive to Seattle TOMORROW! and fly out Very early Saturday morning. Thank you again for all your help, suggestions and adivce. Even if it did mean changing ADR's 100 times. I look forward to catching up on the rest of your trip once we get back.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I can only assume that in naming the attraction the fine minds at Disney intended the Great part to accompany the Movie part and the Ride just got tacked on at the end. The only parts of the ride that I truly enjoy are the queue for all of the memorabilia, and the montage at the end.

That sounds about right. But it is air-conditioned. So it has that going for it, which is nice.

Bryan and I didn’t exactly offer up waiting 1 ½ hours to meet Buzz and Woody or spending an hour at Disney Jr. Live

That seems like a dirty trick...

“We’ll buy you a new guy…” (stuffed animal)

Bribery. The go-to move of any parent.

The second the ride was over a triumphant shout from a 5 year old princess could be heard by all, “I wasn’t scared of that ride!!!”

I thought for a moment, and then told Maddie to follow me. We trooped right back up to the entrance to the queue (thank goodness there hadn’t been a shift change) and Maddie regaled her new CP friends with the jubilant tale. High fives and stickers were exchanged, and we left with a very happy and proud little girl in tow.

Good move! I'm sure the positive reinforcement helped. I could have used that after I rode ToT.

We changed into our suits and left the room with the intention of trying out the Aruba quiet pool. We stopped for a few minutes to wiggle our toes in the sand and while Bryan went ahead of us to the pool. When he walked back toward us shaking his head, I had to see for myself. That’s when I discovered that our peaceful little corner of CBR had been invaded. We had Cheerleaders.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...