Will You Chill Out if I Sprinkle You With Pixie Dust? The End p136 *New TR Link* p138

[annmarieda]

Prelude to a Meltdown 3

about Nick and his phone. What is it about boys that age? My oldest is ALWAYS texting!!!

I hate it when people stop dead in the center of a row when they are suppose to move to the end. Ok... I can understand if it isn't going to be a full theater...and it doesn't take a genius to figure out if it is a packed show. If you can see more people are filtering in behind you... keep moving!

 

[annmarieda]

The Meltdown! 1

Oh my gosh. I did not read your PTR and I was not aware of all the drama between you and your brother. I made me so very very sad. I can relate. I have, I fear, become a sort of joke to my inlaws. Sil and Bil have never taken their kids to Disney. They both live on the other side of the state from us...and I believe the "biggest" vacation they have taken the kids on is to travel to our area (where of course they don't tell us to until after the fact and so we don't see them) My dh isn't quite into Disney like I am..but when pushed to answer just how much "into it" he is... his answer is usually, a "well, I can't hate it...look how many times I have let you talk me into going" Both dh and I have suggested to them Disney and they laugh and kinda poke fun. I know behind my back they scoff and me and my trips. (I do go without dh on occasion) Dh and I though... we feel that before they know it those kids of theirs will be grown and gone. So... I have the feeling like I and my favorite place are this joke to them... but I also feel sad that while they joke (I think they too use the "Disney koolaid" reference) they really are missing out and more importantly...so are their kids.

 

[annmarieda]

The Meltdown! 2

I guess I don't understand why he was blaming you for the weather? Why was he so angry with everyone "trusting Disney" to keep them safe from the storm? Not that I think most of us Disney people trust that Disney will keep us safe... but what if we did? What did he care? It isn't like he was told he had to just trust in Disney. (which...is kinda an absurd thought)

I am glad they got back to their car ok though... I imagine that could have caused even more problems had they not.

 

[annmarieda]

Transportation Mojo.....or Not? 1

Oh I hate it when bus mishaps happen. An hour and 12 minutes to MK?

Love the eyeore pics!!!

 

[annmarieda]

Transportation Mojo.....or Not? 2

$225 for all of you for breakfast... not too shabby. We paid not a lot less for 4 adults and one child at Goofy's Kitchen recently in DL. I can see where having the TIW card saved you a bit of money.

That is quite the line for the People mover!!!

 

[amazingact21]

Oh boy...what a day. No shortage of TR material, that's for sure.

It's a bummer that your SIL had an unpleasent moment (it's possible the heat mixed with the coaster mixed with a little stress, perhaps(?) caused the sickness.). Is it terrible of me to say that....at least you were almost out of the park at that point and didn't have to deal with the issue head-on?


I seem to always end up at Pizzafari, but I usually eat there because Alex is NOT adventureous when it comes to food, so I have to find a place that caters to, "You know what you're getting"/"Familiarity."



Ugh, a pool closure, would've been a great way to cool off after all that trekking around. But at least you were able to catch a ride and there were drinks in close proximity.


A drama free night?! Yes! Plus, I hope you were able to make it back to AK!

 

[annmarieda]

Transportation Mojo.....or Not? 3

That is crazy that you got high score not once, but twice in the same ride vehicle!!! I am lucky to get a fraction of that score.

 

[annmarieda]

Fast Past or Fast Fail?

That is kinda sad about your sil not really "knowing how" to use the fast pass machines.

for the pool side adult drinks.

for going back to MK

Holy cow that does look like the beam is split on the monorail. Cant be though...right?

Sometimes, Splash is just too much for me. I am not sure if it is the getting wet part or the drop. Either way, good for you for braving it!

Pecos bills... I love burgers..and in the past have liked Pecos bills... in December though, it wasn't very good.

 

[annmarieda]

You're Leaving Now? 1

I didn't realize you were going in the fall. Looks like your dates are just after mine though.

I can't believe the abrupt departure your sil pulled

I am glad you stayed though! Awesome pictures!!!

 

[MEK]

Joining in !!! Your TR reminds me to never travel with family members. I planned a trip with my sister who would get a military discount. Really just too good of a deal to pass up. And we had a free place to stay for them, but she cancelled about a month before the trip saying she couldn't afford it. But the real truth was, it just wasn't something she wanted to spend her money on. In the end, it turned out to be a good thing. We did take my husband's daughter (my step daughter) with us in 2010 and she was lots of fun and a big help with the kids. Looking forward to reading more .....

jecskc. Thanks so much for joining in. sorry it's taken me so long to post a reply. I feel like such a slacker.

Ugh - can't believe your SIL passed on that deal. I actually passed on a free place to stay last September. I so wanted to go with my GF, but I already had 3 trips planned in a calendar year and I felt way too selfish to take a 4th. But, obviously that wasn't the case for your SIL. How frustrating for you. So nice of you to take your step daughter. I think little kids love, love, love to be with older nieces, nephews, or siblings. Sounds like a great trip!

Wow!! LOVED the rest of your FOTLK pictures!! Also, even though I am not usually impressed with camera phone pictures, yours are great!

Thanks! My FOTLK were taken with my regular DSLR, but the other pictures were taken with my cell. It's an iphone so it takes pretty good pictures, but it took me awhile to get used to it. Its very handy for food pics. In fact, I think I took all my food pics with it.

Just saying here, I don't normally drink, as I'm diabetic, but at that point....I would have had two!

Two of those sugar can mojitos and even I would be reaching for the insulin. Still dying to try one!

My grandsons always want to go to Pizzafari. We went there on their first trip, so for them it is now a tradition. If I eat there, I have the Hot Italian Style Sandwich. Well 1/2 any way. That thing is HUGE! Usually though, I am going to Yak and Yeti CS, or FTB and carting stuff back, so we can all eat together.

That's exactly what I had and it was pretty good. But a couple years ago I had the veggie sandwich at Restaurantsaurus and its was out of this world delish. I love veggies and this sandwich was really, really good.

WSo sorry for your sister in law, and so happy you are going to have a drama free evening!! Looking forward to more!

I know - I felt really bad for her, too. And I was so glad I wasn't there to see that. Ugh - God knows what I would have posted on FB if I had been there. Sheesh. Thank goodness she recovered quickly.

Got behind. RL stinks sometimes. LOL!

Tell me about it. RL can be a big fat pain in the "you know what" sometimes. Fortunately, I have had a pretty calm week since my fall, so I have nothing to complain about.

Love the FOTLK pictures. I really want to watch it when we go. I can't wait!!

So glad you love the pictures and I am sure you must be really excited to go. It will be here before you know it!

We will stomach Pizzafari only if DS really wants to eat there. It's definitely not our favorite place to eat at AK. We definitely love Flame Tree. It's one of our faves.

Flame tree is yummy and its been awhile since I have eaten there. My last few trips (prior) to this one I have had TS ADRs. I need to get myself back to Flame Tree!

I had to laugh when I read about you SIL getting sick. Not that it's funny, but because that happened to me. Of course I was 15 and did not like roller coasters. To this day I still swear that I lost my lunch for the past three weeks. LOL! It took me years before I would brave another coaster.

Oh that's terrible. Ugh! I feel so bad for you. What a terrible experience. Can you ride coasters now without getting sick?

Sugar Cane mojito! Sounds yummy!!

Doesn't it? I still wonder what it tastes like!

Can't wait to read more!!

More coming this weekend!

I am ever so far behind!! I am so sorry. I have decided I will go back and use your chapter links till I am caught up. I am going to comment on each as I go along...

So... (and this is sad how far back in links I had to start with..where has July gone?? )

Don't be sorry. I am so impressed that you are all caught up and that you left so many great comments.

Considering you vacationed in July, I'm sure it was a fast month for you. But, in general I always find July to go super fast. I'm not sure why. But we are already done 2/3rds of the summer and that's a bummer.

Prelude to a Meltdown 1

I love eating upstairs at CHH. I think of all the counterservice restaurants, I love the theming of this one the most.

I agree. Its a great restaurant and thats why its always my first pick for MK. Love it!

I am so glad you got a group shot. I know that is one of those things that can be a "we will get to it later" and then end up not doing. It is always nice when you do take the time and it ends up being a good thing. Happened to us on our recent DLR trip. I wanted an entry arch pic and everyone told me there was time to get it later. I am glad I got the one I did because even though I though "yeah, I will get a better one later" I never did.

I am so thankful I got that picture because after that there was always one reason or another for us to NOT pose together. I actually found one later at HS, but I wasn't in it. Oh well. Glad you got your arch picture!

I love the picture of CP!!! What an amazing shot.

Thank you!

Prelude to a Meltdown 2

Dh tried the lobster roll at CHH in December. I don't think it was that... um... that goopy then. I could be wrong though.

That's what I hear - apparently it should NOT be that goopy. Maybe that is the June, July, and August version. Despite all that mayo, it was actually pretty tasty.

Love the IASM pics. Honestly, I am never bothered by the occasional flash going off. It is a split second. My dh is so anti picture taking on rides that he hates me to snap pictures even with the flash off... I love when he isn't with me so I can get the occasional one with the flash. Pictures like you got are just so worth being a bit naughty for.

I have never gotten really bothered by flash photography, but I became sensitive to it from reading so many flame posts on the boards. For example, a few years ago I read that you could take a flash photo of the wall across from the cavemen on Spaceship Earth. If you did you would get a picture of hieroglyphics. So I did it and I got the picture, but you can't believe how many people wanted to flame me for that. Sheesh.

Prelude to a Meltdown 3

about Nick and his phone. What is it about boys that age? My oldest is ALWAYS texting!!!

It's not stop at my house. My oldest is actually worse. When I would look at his cell phone records I was amazed. Now that he has a GF he has slowed down his texting considerably. I hope they never break up.

I hate it when people stop dead in the center of a row when they are suppose to move to the end. Ok... I can understand if it isn't going to be a full theater...and it doesn't take a genius to figure out if it is a packed show. If you can see more people are filtering in behind you... keep moving!

Exactly! Thank You! That is definitely one of my pet peeves. Hate it!

The Meltdown! 1

Oh my gosh. I did not read your PTR and I was not aware of all the drama between you and your brother. I made me so very very sad. I can relate. I have, I fear, become a sort of joke to my inlaws. Sil and Bil have never taken their kids to Disney. They both live on the other side of the state from us...and I believe the "biggest" vacation they have taken the kids on is to travel to our area (where of course they don't tell us to until after the fact and so we don't see them) My dh isn't quite into Disney like I am..but when pushed to answer just how much "into it" he is... his answer is usually, a "well, I can't hate it...look how many times I have let you talk me into going" Both dh and I have suggested to them Disney and they laugh and kinda poke fun. I know behind my back they scoff and me and my trips. (I do go without dh on occasion) Dh and I though... we feel that before they know it those kids of theirs will be grown and gone. So... I have the feeling like I and my favorite place are this joke to them... but I also feel sad that while they joke (I think they too use the "Disney koolaid" reference) they really are missing out and more importantly...so are their kids.

So funny because it sounds like your family is a lot like mine. My brother gave me so much grief about this trip and was really so ready not to go. I feel like I shamed him into going by telling him to "get over it" and do it for his kids.

Your DH sounds like mine, too. He will never come out and say he loves Disney, but I know he has a good time each and every trip and he really is fun to go to the parks with (maybe because he lets me do whatever I want to do)

The Meltdown! 2

I guess I don't understand why he was blaming you for the weather? Why was he so angry with everyone "trusting Disney" to keep them safe from the storm? Not that I think most of us Disney people trust that Disney will keep us safe... but what if we did? What did he care? It isn't like he was told he had to just trust in Disney. (which...is kinda an absurd thought)

I am glad they got back to their car ok though... I imagine that could have caused even more problems had they not.

I'm not sure if was blaming me, but he was definitely lashing out at me because he was tired and this storm was freaking him out more than usual because of his fatigue. I think he was angry with me because we did get into a "jammed up leaving the park" situation. I felt like I couldn't do anything right that night. Thank God they made it back to the car. If they hadn't - ugh - I shudder to think what might have gone down.

Transportation Mojo.....or Not? 1

Oh I hate it when bus mishaps happen. An hour and 12 minutes to MK?

It was really painful. What else can I say?

Love the eyeore pics!!!

Thanks! Eeyore is totally my favorite. Love him. Some nights I actually take my stuffed eeyore to bed with me. It's so childish, but I can't help it.

Transportation Mojo.....or Not? 2

$225 for all of you for breakfast... not too shabby. We paid not a lot less for 4 adults and one child at Goofy's Kitchen recently in DL. I can see where having the TIW card saved you a bit of money.

The TIW came in very handy this trip. Denny and I used it for several more meals after everyone left. I love that card!

That is quite the line for the People mover!!!

Tell me about it!

 

[MEK]

Oh boy...what a day. No shortage of TR material, that's for sure.

During the beginning of this trip there was so much fodder for a TR. It's actually surprising to me! Things are going to calm down soon, though!

It's a bummer that your SIL had an unpleasent moment (it's possible the heat mixed with the coaster mixed with a little stress, perhaps(?) caused the sickness.). Is it terrible of me to say that....at least you were almost out of the park at that point and didn't have to deal with the issue head-on?

Heat, empty stomach, stress, and not knowing what to expect. You are probably right. All those things combined and ........

I was VERY glad I was at the front of the park when that happened. You have no idea.

I seem to always end up at Pizzafari, but I usually eat there because Alex is NOT adventureous when it comes to food, so I have to find a place that caters to, "You know what you're getting"/"Familiarity."

When my kids where younger we ate there every time we went to AK. It's just what we did, so I get it. Maybe that's how I got burnt out on the place. I realized there were other places to eat which I enjoyed more. I know I keep coming back to that veggie sandwich - but it was really good!

Ugh, a pool closure, would've been a great way to cool off after all that trekking around. But at least you were able to catch a ride and there were drinks in close proximity.

Drinks! Ride! If that treehouse pool would have been opened I can tell you I would have broken the rules and dove right in!

A drama free night?! Yes! Plus, I hope you were able to make it back to AK!

One thing for sure - it was pleasant and drama free. so much so that I might start losing readers.

Transportation Mojo.....or Not? 3

That is crazy that you got high score not once, but twice in the same ride vehicle!!! I am lucky to get a fraction of that score.

I had the game gods with me on that trip. It was weird. Each time I just found a target that I was giving high points, so I kept firing on it until it started to jump up by 50,000 points a pop. It will never happen again. Trust me!

Fast Past or Fast Fail?

That is kinda sad about your sil not really "knowing how" to use the fast pass machines.

I know. I really didn't think I was going to have to give her a tutorial on it, but apparently I should have.

for the pool side adult drinks.

I had so many pool drinks by the end of this trip that I told Denny I needed to go home and "dry out"

for going back to MK

I LOVE MK at night. I was going whether I went by myself or not.

Holy cow that does look like the beam is split on the monorail. Cant be though...right?

Is that the craziest thing? Seriously? I had to do a double and a triple take after I uploaded that picture. I'm sure it's not possible, but... yikes!

Sometimes, Splash is just too much for me. I am not sure if it is the getting wet part or the drop. Either way, good for you for braving it!

I do NOT enjoy the getting wet part and I think I may have skipped it all together in December because I didn't want to get cold. In summer I don't mind because I dry in about 5 minutes.

Pecos bills... I love burgers..and in the past have liked Pecos bills... in December though, it wasn't very good.

Wow - Pecos bill is really getting some bad reviews lately. I will definitely think about it before I get another burger there. Can't stand a bad burger. Yuck!

You're Leaving Now? 1

I didn't realize you were going in the fall. Looks like your dates are just after mine though.

That's such a bummer. I wished we overlapped. This will be my first F&W trip and I am so looking forward to it. It's a tough time for me to go because Nick will be a senior and he plays soccer, but hopefully he will forgive me for missing two games if I can get to all the others.

I can't believe the abrupt departure your sil pulled

The more I think about, the more I think she was the one who was ready to go.

I am glad you stayed though! Awesome pictures!!!

There was no question as to whether I was staying! Glad you liked the pics!

 

[annmarieda]

You're Leaving Now? 2

I love BTMRR too. I have never rode while Wishes was going. I can only imagine how cool it is. Recently, we rode the Matterhorn in DL while the fireworks were going..it was pretty special. That is the only time we have ever been on a ride while the fireworks were going off.

The castle show sure is cool! We saw it in December... amazing!!!

 

[annmarieda]

I am so impressed that you are all caught up and that you left so many great comments.

Not quite caught up... and all the great comments? I feel bad for bogging down your TR with all my posts.

have never gotten really bothered by flash photography, but I became sensitive to it from reading so many flame posts on the boards. For example, a few years ago I read that you could take a flash photo of the wall across from the cavemen on Spaceship Earth. If you did you would get a picture of hieroglyphics. So I did it and I got the picture, but you can't believe how many people wanted to flame me for that. Sheesh.

Oh no! being flamed for something innocent enough is never fun. I have not experienced too much flaming here on dis... but I know it happens. I think there is the "usual" areas on the board that it takes place... but then when you get hit out of the blue it just stinks. I have seen it happen on individuals reports..where honestly I feel like a person has a right to write about what they want to (within reason) on their own thread.

I can see not being happy with someone who is snap, snap snapping away... but one here... one there. A split second flash is not going to ruin my experience. I think sometime I may even take longer to blink that the time it takes for a flash to go off.

not stop at my house. My oldest is actually worse. When I would look at his cell phone records I was amazed. Now that he has a GF he has slowed down his texting considerably. I hope they never break up.

Thanks! Eeyore is totally my favorite. Love him. Some nights I actually take my stuffed eeyore to bed with me. It's so childish, but I can't help it.

I don't' think it is childish. It is sweet.

The TIW came in very handy this trip. Denny and I used it for several more meals after everyone left. I love that card!

My friend going in the fall has a TIW card. I am thinking of upgrading my tickets to an AP...well, pretty sure I will... what I am considering is then that TIW card.

I know. I really didn't think I was going to have to give her a tutorial on it, but apparently I should have.

I think it helps to explain why the stand by line can get so congested. I know that dh once had heard someone talking as though the fast passes were some sort of scam and they refused to use them. I figure, "oh well, more fast passes for me"

Is that the craziest thing? Seriously? I had to do a double and a triple take after I uploaded that picture. I'm sure it's not possible, but... yikes!

I had dh look at the picture. He thinks it is a cable line and not a supporting member. Maybe... but then it looks to me like there are some braces that could be reflecting the sun right into that spot.

Wow - Pecos bill is really getting some bad reviews lately. I will definitely think about it before I get another burger there. Can't stand a bad burger. Yuck!

yeah, me neither. I am not trying to be a debbie downer..but it was less beefy and more soyey (is that even a word ) to me. Course it was late...and maybe they were not the freshest? Even my ds thought they were odd.

That's such a bummer. I wished we overlapped. This will be my first F&W trip and I am so looking forward to it. It's a tough time for me to go because Nick will be a senior and he plays soccer, but hopefully he will forgive me for missing two games if I can get to all the others.

This will be my first F&W too.

I bet your son will forgive you.

 

[annmarieda]

You're Leaving Now? 3

All I can say is OMG!!!

the positive OMG is for the beautiful castle pics.

The negative OMG is for the snippy comment Matt made. Really? OMG! I can't wait to read how this turned out. Tell me he and his "you wake me too early" self missed out on something because he didn't want you to wake him.

 

[annmarieda]

Before the Cookie Toss 1

Oh, the irony! This is where I got just a tad bit snarky. I said, "I am NOT getting your kids up. You'll have to get your own kids up. Matt was quite clear with me last night when he asked not to be woken up. We're going to AK now. Just follow the signs. Call us when you get there."

Before the Cookie Toss 2

Oh your pictures from AK are just amazing. There is so much to look at in AK and your pictures really capture that.

Yay for FOTLK. I hate missing that...but it seems like I do every other trip.

Before the Cookie Toss 3

I NEVER can get any pics of FOTLK. Course, a.... I am a horrible photographer and b. I have a horrible camera.

Can't wait to find out what a cookie toss is. If it were in my house... I would figure something unpleasant.

 

[annmarieda]

The Cookie Toss
Not surprisingly, there has been some speculation on exactly what happened during the cookie toss.
FOTLK was a success with my bro’s family. After the show we got lost in the Camp Minnie/Mickey maze and ended up in a character line instead of the exit. Once that was corrected, we started to head in the direction of Pizzafari. My SIL said, “the boys want to eat here”.

Funny, I don’t remember the boys saying that, but OOOOOOOOOOOOO Kaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyy.

Not sure about you guys, but Pizzafari (IMHO) is good for two things: AC and cool, bright scenery. As far as the food – I’m generally not a fan of the same type of pizza I can make at home in my own oven. I would have preferred Restaurantsaurus (home of the best veggie sandwich on the planet), Yak and Yeti, or Flame Tree. Believe it or not, the humidity was actually reasonable today and eating outside was a definite option.

Cell phone pic

When we arrived at Pizzafari we grabbed a couple outside tables to regroup. I reminded everyone that I still had 2 FPs for EE that needed to be used fairly quickly. I knew LJ would take advantage of one of the FPs, but I wasn’t sure who would claim the second. Matt wasn’t a huge fan of Space Mountain (he didn’t hate it, but he didn’t love it either), so he was out. My brother is the biggest chicken on earth and the younger boys weren’t candidates. That left me, Denny, and SIL. And since we confiscated Denny’s splash FP last night, that bumped him up in the running.

I thought about it for a second. SIL – hmmmmmm – maybe? Maybe not? She liked Splash. She never verbalized any particular issues with thrill rides like the typical – “I have a bad back, I get headaches, I get dizzy, I get motion sickness, or the ever popular – I am just plain old chicken” Most people who can’t tolerate thrill rides are rather verbal about it. So I took this as a good sign. That was my first mistake.

“Do you want to ride with LJ”, I asked SIL. “It’s a cool coaster with great views of the park, great theming, one drop hill, and, oh yeah, a backwards section in the dark. It doesn’t go upside down”.
She replied, “OK”.

And they were off. I kept every one’s park ticket to get Safari FPs and Denny went to order. I told him, “get me whatever, but NOT pizza”.

We actually ate outside and it was quite pleasant.

I love the chairs here

Denny and I got two different sandwiches and split them - I think. This is the only food picture I have.

When I was done eating I walked over to get the FPs. It was a crazy madhouse back there. Here’s the line for the queue.

Crazy crowded

And here’s where I discovered that we actually did have one card that didn’t work. The CM gave me a “fake FP” card for the day.

Continued in next post.......

So I am caught up now through your links... I am getting closer to being all caught up!

Glad your brothers family like FOTLK.

Pizzafari is ok. That sandwich you got is actually something I kinda like.

Hmm cant wait to read how it turns out with sil on EE

 

[annmarieda]

Continued......

On the way back I passed the Dawa bar. I saw a sign for this……
I’m not gonna lie when I say I almost detoured right over to the bar. But I decided that it might be just a little too early for an adult beverage.

I love this view. Didn't have my regular camera out, so I took this with my phone

When I returned to Pizzafari, I decided to try to call Nick again. I had already tried once or twice. I wanted to see how he was feeling. When he didn’t pick up the phone for the third time in about 15 minutes my “mommy-noia” started to kick in. I remember thinking – Ok I know Nick has a cold, but what if it’s something worse. Whatever if he feels so bad that he can’t even answer the phone. What if…..

I decided I was going to leave and go check on Nick. I also realized that he probably needed lunch. At the time I figured I could head back into the park later in the afternoon.

Around the time I was making this decision, LJ and SIL came back. SIL headed right to the BR and LJ told us all how “awesome” EE was. He was one happy kid and I was thrilled he got to ride.

I told Denny I was leaving and I suggested that he take the troops to Dinosaur, ITTBAB, and Safari. There was nothing obvious that suggested anything was amiss.

When I hit the front of the park I got a text from Denny that said…..I think we are leaving. SIL is throwing up in the bushes…….

Great.

I wanted to text back – Are you freaking kidding me, but instead I answered– OK – I’ll meet you at the front of the park.

Oh Brother. What a great day this was turning out to be.

Random front of the park cell phone pics while waiting

Fortunately, after about 5 minutes (probably just enough time to miss a bus) he texted back to say….SIL is OK. We are staying…..

All righty then. I headed for the bus stop. It was about 12 when I left the table at Pizzafari. It was 12:25 by the time a bus arrived. Somewhere during that time I reached Nick to tell him I was coming back to get him lunch.

Of course, I forgot about the bus stop at Blizzard Beach. DOH!
Then I had to sit through the endless bus stops in SSR – Grandstand, Carousel, Paddock, Congress Park, and then, FINALLY, the Springs.
I had been sitting so long at that point that I could barely walk across the street from my messed up plantar fascia. Fun Stuff.

Fortunately, there was little wait for Nick’s food. Once I had everything bagged to go I knew there was no way I was waiting for an internal bus. I headed to the main lobby and asked the greeter CM, “Please tell me the quickest way to walk back to the treehouse villas”.

He said, “Just have bell services take you over”

I said, “Really?” (But in my mind I was thinking – that’s for wimps)
However, when I hit the afternoon sun in full sherpa mode – backpack, camera, and lunch – I asked Bell Services how long I would have to wait for a ride over to the treehouses.

The reply – “No Wait at all”

Couldn’t turn that down. And I was literally back at the treehouse in 3 minutes. I thanked Mr CM about ten times and went inside to see that it was now 1:30pm.

My mode of transporation

Nick was up and watching soccer. What else?

I decided it was time for an adult beverage and a pool break, but I was greeted with this sign again at the treehouse pool.

I guess it was off to the Grandstand pool again.

Up Next? Would I make it back to the AK today and thank goodness for a drama free evening!

Oh... that is what I wondered. Sil didn't tolerate EE? That is no fun for anyone...everyone from her first of all..to anyone seeing her... in the bushes.

Glad you got back to the tree house using the bell service cart! I imagine that was pretty slick.

And with that I am all caught up with your TR!!

 

[MEK]

You're Leaving Now? 2

I love BTMRR too. I have never rode while Wishes was going. I can only imagine how cool it is. Recently, we rode the Matterhorn in DL while the fireworks were going..it was pretty special. That is the only time we have ever been on a ride while the fireworks were going off.

It's certainly not something I want to do every trip, but it can be pretty cool when it happens either by accident or on purpose. I know LJ loved it.

The castle show sure is cool! We saw it in December... amazing!!!

Really amazing. I can't believe that was my first time seeing it. I waited far too long.

Not quite caught up... and all the great comments? I feel bad for bogging down your TR with all my posts.

You're not bogging it down. I love all your comments. They are great!

Oh no! being flamed for something innocent enough is never fun. I have not experienced too much flaming here on dis... but I know it happens. I think there is the "usual" areas on the board that it takes place... but then when you get hit out of the blue it just stinks. I have seen it happen on individuals reports..where honestly I feel like a person has a right to write about what they want to (within reason) on their own thread.

I can see not being happy with someone who is snap, snap snapping away... but one here... one there. A split second flash is not going to ruin my experience. I think sometime I may even take longer to blink that the time it takes for a flash to go off.

I usually stick to the TR report section because I got sick of all the flaming on some of the other forums. I posted that information somewhere else, not on my TR. People here are nice. But there are people out there on the other forums that are seriously looking to start a fight and they get upset about the stupidest things. I finally got sick of all the people who "need to get a life", so now I stay here.

I don't' think it is childish. It is sweet.

My friend going in the fall has a TIW card. I am thinking of upgrading my tickets to an AP...well, pretty sure I will... what I am considering is then that TIW card.

It's worth it. I used it in December for all our meals (we had two signatures so it paid for itself right there). I used it for four TS meals this trip (was supposed to be 5, but one didn't happen) and Cynthia (eandesmom) and I will use it big time in October. It's good until the end of January, so they usually give you about a month longer than an AP.

I think it helps to explain why the stand by line can get so congested. I know that dh once had heard someone talking as though the fast passes were some sort of scam and they refused to use them. I figure, "oh well, more fast passes for me"

I don't know if you noticed this, but I noticed a disproportionate number of people in the standby line in December. I think there were a lot of newbies and many of them did not use FPs. You're righ - More FPS for me. Definitely worked to my advantage on that trip!

I had dh look at the picture. He thinks it is a cable line and not a supporting member. Maybe... but then it looks to me like there are some braces that could be reflecting the sun right into that spot.

I think its got to be the sunlight and some weird optical illusion. I actually should go look at it again, because its been awhile since I posted it.

yeah, me neither. I am not trying to be a debbie downer..but it was less beefy and more soyey (is that even a word ) to me. Course it was late...and maybe they were not the freshest? Even my ds thought they were odd.

You know if your DS thinks its weird, then its got to be weird. My DS's will eat any burger on earth and not complain.

This will be my first F&W too.

Where are you staying? Either I forgot or I just don't know. I am looking forward to staying at the Boardwalk over the weekend. That is going to make access to the food and adult beverages so much easier.

I bet your son will forgive you.

I know. I take pictures for the team for the final slide show. I told myself I was going to be super organized this year and get equal pictures for all kids. Plus, I am hoping to rent a real sports lens for a couple games. It should be fun!

You're Leaving Now? 3

All I can say is OMG!!!

the positive OMG is for the beautiful castle pics.

Thank you! So glad you liked them! I really am pleased with the way they turned out.

The negative OMG is for the snippy comment Matt made. Really? OMG! I can't wait to read how this turned out. Tell me he and his "you wake me too early" self missed out on something because he didn't want you to wake him.

Matt is usually very quiet and shy. The more I thing about it, the more I am convinced that Nick instigated this. Nick denies it, but I am sure he encouraged Matt to speak up. Matt is kind-of one of those kids who would be happy playing video games all day, so I'm sure he felt that way.

Before the Cookie Toss 1

The only way I would have gotten those kids up is if there had been a fire or a natural disaster. Just sayin!

Oh your pictures from AK are just amazing. There is so much to look at in AK and your pictures really capture that.

I love taking pictures at AK. It's my absolute favorite park to take pictures in. There is so much detail and the park is just so "alive" with nature and color. Thanks!

Yay for FOTLK. I hate missing that...but it seems like I do every other trip.

I missed it for four years in a row. Finally made it!

I NEVER can get any pics of FOTLK. Course, a.... I am a horrible photographer and b. I have a horrible camera.

When I bought my DSLR I was determined to learn how to use it and not just rely on auto settings. You can't take pictures in there unless you do manual settings. You need to adjust the shutter speed to prevent the blur. That's what I was trying to do. And even better lens with a lower f stop would help, but I can't really justify buying one (that's why I will be renting one this fall for soccer).

Can't wait to find out what a cookie toss is. If it were in my house... I would figure something unpleasant.

Right on Sister! Unpleasant is the word!

So I am caught up now through your links... I am getting closer to being all caught up!

Glad your brothers family like FOTLK.

I am too. It's a great show. Not sure if they would have liked Nemo more, but they never got a chance to see that.

Pizzafari is ok. That sandwich you got is actually something I kinda like.

I like it too and I've had it before. I just really wanted that veggie sandwich at REstaurantsaurus.

Hmm cant wait to read how it turns out with sil on EE

Well, by now you know and it wasn't pretty. So glad I missed it!

Oh... that is what I wondered. Sil didn't tolerate EE? That is no fun for anyone...everyone from her first of all..to anyone seeing her... in the bushes.

I know. I felt really bad for her. I had no idea she got sick on rides. Maybe she didn't know she got sick on rides. I never brought it up in her presence because I'm sure she was embarrassed. I also feel bad for any innocent bystanders! Ugh!

Glad you got back to the tree house using the bell service cart! I imagine that was pretty slick.

It was great. Really comfy and super fast. Plus, at the point I REALLY needed that ride. Life Saver!

And with that I am all caught up with your TR!!

I am so impressed you read with such great detail. When I get far behind I usually skim. Great job!

 

[MEK]

The Turtle Crawl

For you that are subbed to eandesmom (cynthia's) TRs, you know that she just left for OKW, then Vero, the Dream cruise, then AKL. Well, she texted me this picture yesterday of the infamous Turtle Crawl.

Isn't that just heaven in a solo cup? I got the text on my way home from work. Why do my friends torture me like this? No Seriously, I laughed. It was awesome!

Charleston Princess (Jackie) found the recipe

Turtle Crawl

1/2 oz Castillo rum
1/2 oz Bacardi Silver rum
1/2 oz Malibu rum
1/2 oz Myers dark rum
Splash Grenadine
Splash key lime juice
Equal parts orange juice and pineapple juice

- Shake to mix in an ice filled 12 oz cup

So if you are adventurous and need a little taste of Disney, I say - go for it!

 

[MEK]

Time for my next Update......

I bring you......Drama Free!

When I left off last I had just traveled an hour and a half to get home from AK and pick up Nick's lunch. I changed, grabbed an adult beverage, and headed to the treehouse pool to find it closed. Ugh.

Well, what's a girl to do but to take her second visit to the Grandstand pool.

Warning - this update is heavy on the pics and I'll just stop after I post 75 to 100.

Ready!

If you ever stay in a treehouse, just know that you will get your very own Mickey decal on the window

But, I was leaving the treehouses and heading here

The Grandstand villas are so pretty

But I had to keep walking to get to that pool

I could have stopped here to cool off

but I kept going

I like this picture, but I have no idea what that odd haziness is in the lower right hand corner.

I love the chimneys. I bet the grand villa must be awesome. Sigh! I'll never know unless I somehow get more points.

Clearly I was just going back and forth and shooting in each direction

I had so many opportunities to see the Flights of Wonder balloon in the air. Riding this remains on my Disney bucket list!

Sweat dripping off my forehead, I was getting closer!

My SIL called this the Saratoga 123 pool

I think Princess Caitlin took some cool pictures back here, so I did a copy cat

These horses are very photogenic, are they not?

In case there was any question as to my whereabouts....

I love umbrellas

Continued in Next post.......