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

[cdotla]

Ok...I think this TR is going to be known to me as (1) MEK's funniest one ever, and (2) the one that turned me onto my own resort.

You are absolutely right Mary Ellen...Congress Park pool looks beautiful! I feel like silly knowing so little about my own home resort (that I have never even stayed at ) but is this the one that go refurbished? I seem to recall that one of SSR's pools had a big refurb in the last year...maybe it was the main pool. Regardless, I am sure at some point in time we will end up at SSR. Potentially even for Jan 2013 if we end up booking a last minute trip given that everything else is fully booked for marathon weekend. You are making me very anxious to check it all out in person!

 

[cdotla]

Trish!!!!!! So excited to have you hear joining in. Have you been on hiatus from the DIS boards? I haven't seen you around for awhile. I noticed on Cynthia's TR that you mentioned a F&W trip. When are you going?

Yes, I actually have been away for quite awhile. I have popped on briefly from time to time to look for some specific information on the disunplugged, theme park or disneyland board, but I have really been absent from the trip report boards (which traditionally has been homebase) since Sept-Oct of last year.

No real reason other than getting busy with work, the kids, ect. However, I am happy to be back and having loads of great TRs to catch up on.

As for my F&W trip, I will be going from Sept.27-Oct.2nd for F&W, the Tower of Terror run, and Epcot's 30th. Cynthia advises I will miss you two by about a week. Drat! Oh well...I am sure we will meet up one of these years!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Okay, I'm back to get everything finished up. LOL. Oh, thanks for the comment on my tickers. I had to change them up, because my plans changed. Surprise surprise.

D'oh, foiled again with the treehouse pool being closed. Man, that stinks. I'd be like "I give up".

It's very smart to always disguise adult beverages as fountain drinks.

I'm glad you made it to WPE. You know I love eating there. Like four times in one trip eating there. But I agree, it's not THAT great. Just a good value for the QSDP.

Awwww, how nice of you doing the family thing instead of the 'rita thing. I can't say I would have done the same.

I like the QSDP analysis. I'm super anal-retentive and I always track what we would have spent versus what we actually did spend.

I'm glad that they finally were on board the Disney train and loved DHS.

I.....LOVE......QUEEN. Freddy Mercury was amahzing!

I could imagine that after that experience you would have a love hate relationship with thrill rides. I worked at Six Flags for six years, and I've now reached the point of no fear at all. I miss the nerves.

Your redneck ride photo for ToT is great. Those people in the front row are hysterical!!! Your expression is like "yeah, okay, whatever..."

All right, I'll be back to finish up tomorrow hopefully.

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Hey Mary Ellen,

Love those links... Help you get through lots pretty quickly

Ahhh... Brothers... Love them but I think some of them...have a contrary chip implanted in them...

Love getting to see SSR... Looks really nice... Great option for larger party...

I want some of those contraband adult beverages in the dis mugs...

Bethany looked really nice... As a Philly girl I have heard going down the shore my whole life but I think I'm an eccentric... I've always preferred beach and actually really prefer the eastern shore (in md) to new jersey (no hating) but I've heard really nice things about the Delaware beaches...the kayaking looks like so much fun... Have to but them on bucket list...

Btw did I notice one of your nephews wearing a Phillies shirt and a Nats baseball cap? Lol ... Covering all his bases? Can't blame him withnthe way the Phillies are playing...

looking forward to more...

 

[MEK]

Yay for finally getting to use your Star Tours Fastpasses! I have to agree with you on giving away a Fastpass and then wondering whether or not the person ever used them. I've given them away before and then thought "I wish I had found somebody else to give them to because I bet they don't have a clue how to use them."

Exactly! That happened to me once with TSM FPs. I think I had three and I handed them to some lady with two kids and she could not speak a lick of English and just looked at me like I was crazy. Ugh. There was no way to communicate to her that she could use them in about 2 hours for a ride that had a 90 minute wait.

I have a friend who stayed at SSR last Summer and they used that same pool. She loved having a view of DTD while they were swimming and lounging.

I really enjoyed that view. We rented points at SSR before we ever bought there and we stayed at CP so we went to that pool every day. After that trip I knew I needed to buy DVC points. There was no turning back.

I've been thinking about wandering over to CSR and trying the food there. I'm not a real big fan of fish tacos but your's looked really good and the dessert looks like it was, indeed, heaven on a plate.

There were a ton of food choices. I really wish I could remember what everyone else had, but I am just drawing a big blank. Anyway - I found it a great place to eat. Good choices and the service was fast.

Mary Ellen, my sister and her hubby are headed to see my nephew in South Carolina over the Thanksgiving holidays. They are going to makes stops in Savannah and possibly Hilton Head along the way. I told her about your trip report on that area and was going to send her the link but I can't remember when you posted about your trip. Any clue on where I can find it?

It's the "Why not Queue up another Disney trip" link. In that trip I wrote about Williamsburg, HHI, and Disney. The HHI is marked pretty well with links. I hope it helps. I hope they love South Carolina and Savannah. I can't wait to go back.

omg that dessert looks like it's calling my name!!!

Best dessert of the trip - no question. And believe me, every other dessert there looked equally amazing.

I love the SSR pics! Can't wait to try that pool out next month

If you have never been to the congress park pool - check it out. Love it. But if you are in the Carousel or Paddock section make sure you go to the pool over there and take lots of pictures. That pool was refurbed and has a water slide. I'm curious to see what it looks like.

Your dinner at Pepper Market looks really good! Can you believe we stayed there for a week and never ate there Guess we need to go back and check it out

I think its a great place to eat if you are on the dining plan. It really is a great QS option. I'm glad we finally got around to trying it and I really want to check out the lunch buffet.

I've had times when I tried to give them away and people have refused or looked at me like I have 3 heads.

I know - is that NOT the strangest thing? Funny story - I was at Universal studios years ago and got a 4 "FPs" when we got stuck on that mummy ride. We didn't need them because we already had front of the line access, so I found this family of four to give them too. When I said, "would you like these", the mom of the group FLIPPED out. I mean crying hysterically and saying "NO, NO, NO. I will never go on that ride. NEVER". Apparently, her husband and two sons were also stuck on the ride, so she freaked. I mean loudly freaked, drawing attention to all of us. The husband just looked at me apologetically, took the passes, and mumbled "thanks".

Pat will be proud.

Seriously - Bo is such a Disney icon!

I'm just looking at these DTD pictures and pining for my lost chance at the balloon ride.

Me TOO! I saw that balloon so many times in June and now I totally regret not going for a ride. Little did I know it would be shut down like a month later. What a shame!

Glad this was a better day! I love DHS lit up at night. The neon really looks cool.

Such a better day. DHS is so cool at night and totally not regret taking pictures with my real camera. Oh well.

 

[MEK]

I'm sure you'll do a great job. To be able to make an educated decision on this fine job....we'll need photographic evidence, video is fine.
Sorry for the hi-jack, Mary Ellen.

No apologies necessary. I can't wait to hear how this all plays out for Dawn. All I can say is, better her than me.

Looks like DHS day turned out pretty good! It sounds like everyone was getting into the spirit of being there.

Totally in the Spirit. We started the day in the right spirit and ended the day the same way. Yeah!

Yeaaaah for CSR, my home resort. I love it there, pictures just don't do it total justice, I don't understand why?

My pictures don't do it justice, but I have seen some pretty fabulous pictures of CSR. I actually think it is the most photogenic of all the resorts. I would eventually like to get back there and take some pictures with my good camera, as I have never done that. Its a gorgeous place.

Pepper Market has some great choices to pick from, I think it's a buffett during the morning and afternoon hours (just ask Pat) , and all for a counter service credit. Pretty good if you ask me.

Poor Pat I remember reading about that in her TR. She just missed the close of the buffet by 3 minutes and then ended up eating the peas in DTD. Poor Pat!

I can't blame Denny for being perturbed about the pool situation, nice choices outside of it. I liked the pool you went to, I love the view over the DTD area.

Denny was really hot that day. I really didn't mind, but might have if we didn't have a car. I love trying different pools, so to me it was an opportunity. To him it was a major inconvenience.

It is so disappointing when gifting some fastpasses falls flat. I've had that happen too. C'mon, show some excitement...I just dropped a barrel of on you!

Totally disappointing. I always want the person to say, "thank you. Wow -this is awesome. thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!", but they never do or rarely do. I must just pick the wrong people, but at least this couple knew what they were for.

Oh wow, that dessert at the Pepper Market looked good!

It was so yummy and all the other desserts there looked equally good. They had some excellent food and dessert choices. I would not hesitate to eat there again.

There's a hidden Mickey! The formation on the left.

You know Glenn - it took me awhile to figure out what the heck you are talking about. I had to keep looking, and then I say it - the most perfect Mickey profile, right down to the nose. Strong work!

Im late to join in here but I just read through everything you've posted so far and a big I really appreciate that your posts arent too short or too long and your pics are great! Thanks for getting me excited for our upcoming trip!!! (in just 8 short months )

bluechic! Thanks so much for joining in. And thank you for the compliment on my TR. I am so glad you are enjoying. Also - woo hoo - for your trip in 8 months. I hope the wait goes really fast!

So glad everyone enjoyed Star Tours! So much fun! Your pictures from the queue are great, by the way!

All the boys really enjoyed and my brother liked it as well. I think only my SIL sat out because of her newly diagnosed motion sickness. Its really a great simulator ride. I could ride it over and over again if I didn't have to wait.

Ugh... that pool situation must have been REALLY annoying. Nice that you got to swim in your favorite pool though! That backdrop really is fantastic.

Denny was getting so annoyed about the pool. I sort of took it in stride. It would have been nice to have it open for a quick dip, but all the other pools are really a lot nicer. Plus, I love checking out pools. I'd like to go in every pool on WDW property.

TH

AT CAKE. Oh wow... that looks good.

Believe me, that was one tasty piece of cake. Good to the last crumb!

Well I had fallen behind, but thanks to your links on page one, I'm caught up! Changing subjects at school, moving my first-born to college, cheerleading and football practices.....all of it is kicking my butt! :

Wow - sounds like you have been really busy. I know that the college move-in is a really big deal. I did it last summer with my oldest and I felt like it took all summer to get ready for it. But its also such an exciting time. September starts to get busy for me because my younger son starts his senior year, college applications, soccer, ect. ect.

Sounds like your beach trip was relaxing and fun! I love how the DIS is a secret society! :

It was a really great trip. I totally enjoyed it. And I DO think the DIS is like a secret society, mostly because you have to be part of it to understand it.

My personal favorite is when you offer some FPs to a stranger, and they look at them like their stolen goods!

That is pretty funny. It really is surprising how many people really don't understand the FP. In December that totally worked to our advantage because it seemed like only a small portion of the crowds knew how to use them. There were lines, but we kept getting great FP return times because no one was using them. Craziness, I tell you!

Great Update! I can't wait to try the new Star Tours, even though that ride usually gives me a headache, it's still fun (the original one) and the new one can hopefully only be better.

Ugh - I get coaster headaches, so I know what you mean. It really is a big improvement over the original and its great that is never the same ride twice. Well, that is unless you ride it 50 times.

I knew that pool right away!! That's the section we stayed in so we spent a lot of time in that pool, I agree, it's a really nice one.

It really is, isn't it? I love that pool. I think SSR is such a great resort especially for non-park trips because the grounds and the pools are so lovely. And nothing beats that back-drop of DTD.

Your dinner at Pepper Market sounded good and that cake did look like heaven on a plate!!

The Pepper Market was one of the best QS options that we tried. I would not hesistate to go back there and try another entree and another amazing dessert. All the desserts actually looked like heaven on a plate, so there is not way you could go wrong.

 

[amazingact21]

Loved all the DHS pictures at night. Made me excited to return to the park in a few weeks.


I understand completely about the FP situation. One time, Alex tried to give Soarin' FPs to this couple at Epcot, and they did not understand AT ALL. They looked at Alex like he was trying to explain String Theory to them or something. Afterwards, I looked at Alex and said, "If they only knew...."


How fantastic that you were able to ride Star Tours twice and were able to fit in some pool time in the afternoon. I can only imagine that those pool breaks were a must during the summertime heat. Not to mention, I bet it was a great way for the boys to burn off some energy.

 

[MEK]

Haha, I've given FP's away a few times, and I swear, every time we get the "what are you trying to pull" reaction...like people are just SO shocked when strangers are actually nice to them! :

Isn't that weird? I just thought it be me and I was bad at picking FP recipients. I always look for a group with the right number and people who look like they "get it", but that doesn't always happen.

Yay Star Tours, it's always so much fun!:

I agree. I could ride it multiple times. Its really fun and I am a big fan of simulator rides!

Aww I'm sorry you didn't get to go to the Tune Inn Lounge, that's my new favorite place in DHS! :

Really? Your new fav? Did I know that? No worries. Cynthia already promised me we can go in October, so yeah!

OMG that view from the pool at SSR is so amazing! I need to stay there! It's so strange how I never thought I'd want to stay there in my life and now I think it's so pretty!:

I really think SSR is visually one of the prettiest resorts simply because of the way it is laid out and landscaped. To me, it has a lot of visual appeal and that pool and view just proves it. A lot of thought went into planning it. I just think the resort gets a worse reputation than it should.

Yum the Pepper Market sounds good, I'm sad I didn't get to try it my one night I stayed at CSR...I'll probably never ben going back there, since Brandon hated it so much! :

Did Brandon hate the Pepper Market or CSR? Wasn't that the night you went to bed with the terrible headache? I get it - he went to eat there and didn't like what he ordered. There really are a lot of good choices there. Too bad he didn't like it.

I love your photobucket editing! You know, I just started playing around with photobucket editing...do you know how to get a huge smudge out of pictures? I assumed with the airbrush, but when I click on it nothing happens! Something happened to my camera and a lot of pics have this black smudge on them and it's really upsetting me!

I have no idea. I usually edit on my iphoto. I only used the photobucket edits because I took a lot of those pictures with my phone and I wanted to try to get them to look better. I really do need to fool around with the photobucket edits a lot more. Ugh - to the smudge on your photos. That is SO annoying. I really hope you can crop some of it out. [/QUOTE]

It sounds like you guys had a lovely afternoon/evening! I love the new Star Tours too, and I'm glad you had the chance to ride it not once, but twice!

We did have a really good day/evening at HS. I can honestly say that everyone really enjoyed themselves. I wish I had riddent it more than twice, but I don't think anyone but me was interested in going a third time. Oh well.

Too bad you never made it back to the tune in lounge- they make some awesome drinks- although my personal favs are the alcoholic milkshakes at Sci-Fi- yummy!

I know they had milkshakes at Sci-Fi, but I did not know they had the adult beverage kind. See - you really DO learn something everyday. I'm going to the tune-in lounge in October. I'll make up for it.

You guys are pool masters! I keep telling myself it will only get easier, when I don't have to worry about swim diapers and the kids can put on their own sunscreen. Going to the pool with a toddler just feels like such a production, it defeats the whole purpose of relaxation!

I still am nagging my kids to put on sunscreen and putting it on their backs. That never changes, but I get what you mean about watching little ones at the pool. It's really NOT that relaxing. Sometimes it seems like too much trouble, but as much as children love pools, how can you NOT go?

Your meal at pepper market looks really good, I could go for some fish tacos right about now!

It was a really nice meal and, come to think of it, I could go for some fish tacos now too. And I just ate not too long ago.

Really wonderful update!

Thanks!

I totally agree about how frustrating it is when you are trying to give away Fast Passes- people totally think you are trying to scam them. We are always careful, and look for the right party size, only to be told they are with more people. Or like you mentioned, there is a language barrier.

Yeah - its weird, isn't. You think you have a cute match and then they just look at you like you're crazy. Oh well, at least you try. I hate to walk out of the parks and have unused FPs in my pocket. That just seems WRONG!

I love the pictures you took of the preride Star Tours movie. It is such a cute instructional video!

Thanks. I looked at those pictures and thought "so THAT's whats in the pre-ride" movie. How quickly I forget.

The Congress Park Pool looks AWESOME!!! What a view!

I LOVE that pool and the view is one of the best ever. That's one of my fav quiet pools. However, I did find another pool later in the trip that comes in for a close second.

Never been to the Pepper Market- glad to hear you really enjoyed it. I can totally see why!

I'm glad you got to use the TSM Fast Passes. Your FPFP (Fast Pass Faux Pas) turned into a FPFP (Fast Pass Fantastic Plan)

Can't wait for your visit to EPCOT! I hope your brother and his family really love it, but I'm a little scared about your meltdown teaser!

 

[KatMark]

MaryEllen, I am back to playing catch up (darn kids monopolized my time all weekend when they came in for a visit).

I'm so glad you had A great day at the Studios and everyone enjoyed themselves.

So happy you got to visit "my home" even if only for a meal (I'm hoping after Todd and Nicki leave and we have our one added night, we can eat at the Pepper Market).

 

[MEK]

Finally caught up!

Well, my goodness, the Disney bug bit your brother! That is fantastic and as you said the escape from reality, tons of activities and customer service are hard to beat. As long as they aren't dependent on your points, I'd say this is victory!

In a weird short of way, it is a victory, because my brother was so convinced he was going to hate it and that he would have nothing to do. I am so glad I was able to prove him wrong and I do like the idea of vacationing again with my nephews because they are at the age to really enjoy Disney. It will be interesting to see how their vacation plans evolve.

LOVE Star Tours. It must address my inner geek or something. Totally agree with you on how disappointing it is when you try to share the magic and they just don't get it. But I think we still earn points for trying!

Star Tours is the best! I love a good simulator, so its right up my alley. I could ride it over and over again, as long as I had someone to ride it with.

Very odd about the pool - wonder why it was closed so much? But whatever pool you visit looks really nice. Walking to Downtown Disney would be cool... of course I'd be eating Earl of Sandwich 3x per day!

The pool had a broken filter that was discovered on Sunday and they were waiting for it to come in. Denny's beef was that they should have been able to overnight the part, not wait 3 or 4 days for it.

Congress Park is really convenient for walking. I think its probably able 1/2 mile walk to DTD and EOS from CP. You forgot to mention that you might also be visiting the margarita stand a couple times a day as well. I know I might.

What a nice day you had - DHS, pool, Pepper Market, DHS! Never been on Star Tours - might like it, but I get motion sickness, so I'm a bit nervous to try.

It was a great day and whenever a pool and an adult beverage is involved, I am a happy camper. I don't really get motion sickness, so I'm not exactly sure if this ride would cause it. Just to be on the safe side, I would recommend the front row vs the back row. The back row definitely rocks you are a bit more.

I'm wishing I was in one of those pools now. I think we leave in a little more than 6 weeks!!

There is nothing better than a Disney pool! Woo Hoo for 6 weeks! Before you know it you'll be floating in the AK pool. That is also one of my favorite! Love it!

Ok...I think this TR is going to be known to me as (1) MEK's funniest one ever, and (2) the one that turned me onto my own resort.

Thank you for the compliment. I am glad you are enjoying this TR. And I am so glad you know have an interest in staying at SSR. It's definitely underrated.

You are absolutely right Mary Ellen...Congress Park pool looks beautiful! I feel like silly knowing so little about my own home resort (that I have never even stayed at ) but is this the one that go refurbished? I seem to recall that one of SSR's pools had a big refurb in the last year...maybe it was the main pool. Regardless, I am sure at some point in time we will end up at SSR. Potentially even for Jan 2013 if we end up booking a last minute trip given that everything else is fully booked for marathon weekend. You are making me very anxious to check it all out in person!

The pool that was refurbed was actually located between the Carousel and the Paddock areas. It used to be a fairly small quiet pool (smaller than the CP pool) and it served a big area, so they made it bigger and added a slide. I actually did not go look at it other than to glance over as we were driving by.

I hope you do eventually stay at SSR. When I first joined DVC I had two stay there, but since I have been on a mission to stay at all the other DVC resorts. It was this trip that made me realize that I really do like SSR. It's a beautiful resort.

Yes, I actually have been away for quite awhile. I have popped on briefly from time to time to look for some specific information on the disunplugged, theme park or disneyland board, but I have really been absent from the trip report boards (which traditionally has been homebase) since Sept-Oct of last year.

No real reason other than getting busy with work, the kids, ect. However, I am happy to be back and having loads of great TRs to catch up on.

Well, I am glad your back. I know that the TR boards require a certain amount of time. I know I have to dedicate hours to maintaining my TR and keeping up with everyone else's. In fact, my DH just made a comment about how much time I spend on the boards.

As for my F&W trip, I will be going from Sept.27-Oct.2nd for F&W, the Tower of Terror run, and Epcot's 30th. Cynthia advises I will miss you two by about a week. Drat! Oh well...I am sure we will meet up one of these years!

Yup - we are missing you by two weeks. Bummer. I think the end of Sept is an excellent time for a trip. The ToT run does sound pretty cool. And, of course, Epcot's 30th is going to be great. I do hope we get to meet up one of these trips.

Okay, I'm back to get everything finished up. LOL. Oh, thanks for the comment on my tickers. I had to change them up, because my plans changed. Surprise surprise.

Isn't that the way it always is? I may already have to change the date of my HHI trip. Good thing I didn't make a ticker. Now I have to go check out what changed with your ticker.

D'oh, foiled again with the treehouse pool being closed. Man, that stinks. I'd be like "I give up".

The pump had a broken part and they were still waiting for delivery. I was ready to give up, but Denny was really irritated by the whole thing.

It's very smart to always disguise adult beverages as fountain drinks.

I totally agree. That way when you suck it down no one knows you are not drinking soda.

I'm glad you made it to WPE. You know I love eating there. Like four times in one trip eating there. But I agree, it's not THAT great. Just a good value for the QSDP.

It's a really good value for the QSDP. I wanted to go back again, but it never worked out. I just wanted to try another entree or one of their pizzas. I heard the pesto cheese pizza is amazing. 4 times in one trip is a lot!

Awwww, how nice of you doing the family thing instead of the 'rita thing. I can't say I would have done the same.

I had to. The rita thing waited until after they went home.

I like the QSDP analysis. I'm super anal-retentive and I always track what we would have spent versus what we actually did spend.

I will post the whole analysis after the last meal. I was actually surprised how much money we saved. I ended up liking the QSDP a lot better than I thought I would. I would definitely consider doing it again.

I'm glad that they finally were on board the Disney train and loved DHS.

Finally. It only took 3 days, but I was really happy to see them start enjoying themselves. I know I keep saying this, but being there at park opening made all the difference.

I.....LOVE......QUEEN. Freddy Mercury was amahzing!

You know - it's funny, but I never liked Queen when they were popular, but now I see what a great talent Freddy Mercury really is.

I could imagine that after that experience you would have a love hate relationship with thrill rides. I worked at Six Flags for six years, and I've now reached the point of no fear at all. I miss the nerves.

I can't imagine what its like to reach the point of no fear. I wish I could do that, you have no idea. I agree, a little bit of nerves is always a good thing.

Your redneck ride photo for ToT is great. Those people in the front row are hysterical!!! Your expression is like "yeah, okay, whatever..."

That lady is pretty funny! I never even noticed her during the ride because I was much more interested in those little girls in front of me. They were so darn cute and not one bit scared.

All right, I'll be back to finish up tomorrow hopefully.

Like I said before, you are doing great catching up.

 

[MEK]

Hey Mary Ellen,

Love those links... Help you get through lots pretty quickly

Patricia! I'm so happy to see you back on the DIS. And I am so glad that the links helped you catch.

Ahhh... Brothers... Love them but I think some of them...have a contrary chip implanted in them...

A contrary chip! I love that! Too funny! My brother definitely had that chip activated at the start of this trip.

Love getting to see SSR... Looks really nice... Great option for larger party...

It's such a beautiful resort and the treehouse layout worked out great for our party of 9.

I want some of those contraband adult beverages in the dis mugs...

That's why I always keep my mugs. I use them for adult beverages where ever I go. They certainly come in handy.

Bethany looked really nice... As a Philly girl I have heard going down the shore my whole life but I think I'm an eccentric... I've always preferred beach and actually really prefer the eastern shore (in md) to new jersey (no hating) but I've heard really nice things about the Delaware beaches...the kayaking looks like so much fun... Have to but them on bucket list...

Wow - that is unusual for a Philly girl to use the term beach. I grew up outside of Philly and it took me a good year to convert over to the "beach" term. The Delaware beaches are nice. They are different from the Jersey beaches, although I have not been to Jersey in forever. I also really love the eastern shore of MD. I love crabs! The kind you eat, that is. The kayaking was a ton of fun.

Btw did I notice one of your nephews wearing a Phillies shirt and a Nats baseball cap? Lol ... Covering all his bases? Can't blame him withnthe way the Phillies are playing...

My bro's family lives right outside of Philly. Josh loves baseball. it's totally his thing.

looking forward to more...

I am trying to update twice a week, so I should have another update up this weekend.

Loved all the DHS pictures at night. Made me excited to return to the park in a few weeks.

I know you must be so excited for your upcoming trip. Especially now that you moved it up a couple days! You are going to have an awesome weekend.

I understand completely about the FP situation. One time, Alex tried to give Soarin' FPs to this couple at Epcot, and they did not understand AT ALL. They looked at Alex like he was trying to explain String Theory to them or something. Afterwards, I looked at Alex and said, "If they only knew...."

That is too funny! The String theory. I am so glad to hear that I am not the only one who has weird FP experiences. Sounds likes its pretty common. Cause, seriously .....if they only knew?

How fantastic that you were able to ride Star Tours twice and were able to fit in some pool time in the afternoon. I can only imagine that those pool breaks were a must during the summertime heat. Not to mention, I bet it was a great way for the boys to burn off some energy.

I know the boys totally enjoyed the pools. They loved it! We all had such a great day. It worked out perfectly and I was happy to have the TSM FPs for later in the evening. perfect end to the day.

MaryEllen, I am back to playing catch up (darn kids monopolized my time all weekend when they came in for a visit).

I hope you had a wonderful time with the kids. Darn kids - How dare they monopolize all your DIS time?????

I'm so glad you had A great day at the Studios and everyone enjoyed themselves.

It was a perfect day, or at least near perfect. It was nice to see my brother's family enjoying themselves and developing a fondness for Disney.

So happy you got to visit "my home" even if only for a meal (I'm hoping after Todd and Nicki leave and we have our one added night, we can eat at the Pepper Market).

I have always been a big fan of CSR. I think its a gorgeous resort and I would love to go back and stay there, but now I have enough DVC points that I shouldn't have to do a non DVC stay. that's good, but its also bad because CSR is one of those places where I would love to stay again. The Pepper Market was very yummy. I can't wait to go back there.

 

[IheartDDuck]

Anything that has a body of water by it with sand I call a beach. It's always been a beach to me.

I think I've had that CM on the GMR before!

One of the best things about GMR is the movie montage. Because for real, who doesn't love a montage?

Wow, that accuracy on TSM was great! Very very impressed.

Oh no, such a rookie mistake on the FP's!!!! She meant well though. But I would have been like .

Wow, you've definitely got a lot of trips planned. And you're "in"? Wow, what a change of opinion on Disney.

We are like a secret society here, with our love of Disney.

I tear up every time I see One Man's Dream. I absolutely love it.

I love the new version of Star Tours. It was such a great update.

Ooohhh, your dinner at Pepper Market looks great! Haven't been there in years. I think '99 was the last time. Dang. I'm getting old.

Good end to a good day.

 

[ShortStuff]

Your beach trip sounded fantastic and love yout condo!! Very pretty!!

My goodness! I am so happy to hear your brother and family want to return to WDW! That's awesome!! Good idea referring them to Bonnet Creek, as financially it is a very smart move! I hope you get to go with them, for at least part og their trip!!

Looking forward to more adventures!!

 

[chloe770]

I'm sure you'll do a great job. To be able to make an educated decision on this fine job....we'll need photographic evidence, video is fine.
Sorry for the hi-jack, Mary Ellen.

No apologies necessary. I can't wait to hear how this all plays out for Dawn. All I can say is, better her than me.

I hear you. Well it turn out that Rich has realized that maybe playing ice hockey isn't the smartest thing for me to do as I probably WILL get hurt.DUH!!!! I I'm off the hook...and....I still get my trip in May

 

[MEK]

Anything that has a body of water by it with sand I call a beach. It's always been a beach to me.

I take you have never been to the Jersey "shore".

I think I've had that CM on the GMR before!

When she applied for her job at Disney world there was probably no question where they would cast her. The casting director probably looked up and said, "Great Movie Ride".

One of the best things about GMR is the movie montage. Because for real, who doesn't love a montage?

I totally agree. I love how it evokes so many emotions and memories all at once.

Wow, that accuracy on TSM was great! Very very impressed.

Josh is really good at sports and has a lot of natural coordination. I am not at all surprised that he did so well with his accuracy.

Oh no, such a rookie mistake on the FP's!!!! She meant well though. But I would have been like .

She totally meant well and, in the end, it turned out to be the best thing. It made everyone go back into the park that evening and realize that fun could be had in the evening hours as well as the daytime. So I have to give her kudos for making that happen.

Wow, you've definitely got a lot of trips planned. And you're "in"? Wow, what a change of opinion on Disney.

I always like to have stuff planned. It makes it so much easier to come home and - hey - look whose talking??

We are like a secret society here, with our love of Disney.

It's true, because outsiders totally don't get it. I think my friend that I went to the beach with made the comment that she would never meet a stranger on the internet. I wasn't there when she said it and I do understand that position. But I just never feel like any of us are strangers and I love having DIS friends in different parts of the country. It's cool.

I tear up every time I see One Man's Dream. I absolutely love it.

Me TOO! Every time. I always make sure my sun glasses are close in case I have to put them on.

I love the new version of Star Tours. It was such a great update.

It really was. It was so nicely down. It added so much to a ride that was starting to get a little "tired".

Ooohhh, your dinner at Pepper Market looks great! Haven't been there in years. I think '99 was the last time. Dang. I'm getting old.

Time to go back. It was very yummy and I really would like to try the lunch buffet on one of these trips.

Good end to a good day.

You said it!

 

[MEK]

Your beach trip sounded fantastic and love yout condo!! Very pretty!!

We had a wonderful time at the beach. I really enjoyed it. It was great to have a relaxing vacation to just sit around and eat, drink, and read.

My goodness! I am so happy to hear your brother and family want to return to WDW! That's awesome!! Good idea referring them to Bonnet Creek, as financially it is a very smart move! I hope you get to go with them, for at least part og their trip!!

I am very happy that they found a vacation destination they really enjoyed. I do think they need to take more family vacations. Soon their kids will be in HS & college and they won't want to be with their parents. So enjoy the family time now! I think BC is a good idea, although I also like Cynthia's idea to stay at Fort Wilderness in a cabin.

Looking forward to more adventures!!

I'll be posting again this weekend!

 

[MEK]

I hear you. Well it turn out that Rich has realized that maybe playing ice hockey isn't the smartest thing for me to do as I probably WILL get hurt.DUH!!!! I I'm off the hook...and....I still get my trip in May

Can I just say Woot Woot! I mean, really, who will take care of the kids if you break a leg, sprain an ankle, or get a concussion? In all seriousness, you really do have to think about those things when you have kids. After I had kids my willingness to try black diamond moguls on a ski vacation dramatically declined and rightly so.

Your May trip is going to be fantastic. I would love to go back in spring of 2013, but I have to curtail the urge. DRAT!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Ok, I have never noticed or heard of the Tune In Lounge! DHS is one of those parks that we usually spend minimal time in, only about 3/4 of a day per trip most of the time, so I know there are alot of things that I've just overlooked there. I'm going to have to scope out the Tune In Lounge now

Bummer on your pool being closed again, that was quite an inconvience You did end up with a lovely view at the Congress Park pool though!

Pepper Market is a great choice when you are on the QS dining plan and there are so many options that it is great for a large group too. That dessert looked to die for!

 

[chloe770]

Can I just say Woot Woot! I mean, really, who will take care of the kids if you break a leg, sprain an ankle, or get a concussion? In all seriousness, you really do have to think about those things when you have kids. After I had kids my willingness to try black diamond moguls on a ski vacation dramatically declined and rightly so.

My thoughts exactly! I have a hard enough time keeping up with the crazy princess without injury getting in the way. I think Rich was just scared he would have to pick up my slack

 

[englishrose47]

Great Updates !!!I think I might be able to do Star Tours !!The smileys sum up how sure I am !!!