You know what I did when I was 12? I got a job! 1/31 update

[msmith1026]

I love your recap of your MNSSHP night, looks like you guys all had so much fun. Next time we go i think we'll all dress up, only Zoey did this time.

I had so much fun meeting you guys--even briefly.

Love the server you had at 50 PTC--he sounds like a blast! I wish we had made it to DHS on our trip, but the day we were supposed to go, Zoey slept so late and decided she'd rather just hang by the pool. Sometimes, I forget she's just 5! I'm glad we decided to make the whole day a rest day.

 

[tlenzendorf]

Can't wait!

I'm SOOOOOO excited!!! I can't wait either!!!

50's is so fun! Your server sounds just like the one we had a couple years ago. I can just picture Mariah's face when he told her to get to work!

She had that what just happened look on her face. It was the funniest thing that happened all trip for sure.

OK - so what day is this now? I am so lost!..............
The girls clothes are so familar.....oh that's right, this was the same day as the DISmeet....

Are you lost because of the Peach Snaps?

So I don't have any pix of our 2 gangs from this day, but I'll just throw in a few miscellaneous pix from our first few days up to this point:



The BOYS

I am loving the matching shirts! We meant to do them but just ran out of time.

View from our room at BLT

GREAT view!

The Kitchen Sink!

I still have to try one of those. I've wanted to every trip and it just hasn't happened. Maybe in February?





I have some real cute ones from our night together at EPCOT....so get goin girl!

I'll probably do one later tonight

I love your recap of your MNSSHP night, looks like you guys all had so much fun. Next time we go i think we'll all dress up, only Zoey did this time.

MNSSHP was my favorite thing we have ever done in 4 trips. I would love to be able to go again.

I had so much fun meeting you guys--even briefly.

I know! I'm still sad we didn't make it to the second one that day. I'm such a bonehead for not checking Facebook again

Love the server you had at 50 PTC--he sounds like a blast! I wish we had made it to DHS on our trip, but the day we were supposed to go, Zoey slept so late and decided she'd rather just hang by the pool. Sometimes, I forget she's just 5! I'm glad we decided to make the whole day a rest day.

Sometimes rest days are the best thing to do. We did one on our Wednesday and it was perfect. I highly recommend 50s PT, it's been a lot of fun every time.

 

[tlenzendorf]

Only 4 days later... I'm working on an update now, coming soon!

 

[tlenzendorf]

Last I left you we were at the bus stop at HS park closing. We were in the VERY long bus line for the TTC. After waiting quite awhile and seeing bus after bus for other resorts go by we decided if the bus for the Contemporary came by we would get out of the TTC line and get in that line.

The Contemporary bus came and we headed over there, the bus was pretty empty. We got off the bus and started walking to the MK. What a nice walk that is, it's even better when fire works are going off. Man do those fire works echo off of BLT though! I wonder if you have a theme park view how loud that is? It seemed like the whole building shook.

While we were on the bus I was talking to Dizneydawn aka Dawn. Her and Dan were down for their honeymoon. We agreed to meet up when we got there.

We headed over to SM I think which is where they were by. Mariah wanted to ride, but no one else did. I think next we headed to BTMR, the later it got the more the park cleared out. I can't remember what exactly we all rode, I know we did BTMR, PotC, Aladdin's Carpets for sure. There was supposed to be a Dismeet at 10:00, but when I looked at Facebook it looked like everyone had cancelled, so we didn't go there. I ended up finding out later that a couple people did go and I felt bad.

We left Dawn and Dan after the carpets I believe, they wanted to get some dinner. I think it was maybe 11:00 or so? Brent took the older 2 girls to do Splash I believe and I took Ellie to do BTMR again and then I discovered that Ellie left her bag someplace! Away we went back to the carpets. Lucky for us they had grabbed it off the carpet ride and it was still there in the area where they run the ride.

My attempt at artsy photos.....

Dawn and Dan on the carpets

Me and Dawn

We were supposed to meet Brent and the girls someplace but ended up changing that because of the bag issue. On the way back to Main Street we ran into Dawn and Dan at Casey's. We then all headed out the gates to go our separate ways, but we would meet again. We hit the bus back to AKV and they went to their car to head back to BC. It was a little later than we had planned on and we had an early morning meeting for something fun with Laurie and the gang!

What did we do???

 

[msmith1026]

OMG, i feel like you met a celeb! I love Dizneydawn's PTR and TRs.

JP and I went to the meet at Aloha Aisle that night--we ended up chatting with the nicest couple who happened to be having Dole Whips as well. They were so adorable and it was fun to chat. I finished my Dole Whip and we were getting ready to leave when someone yelled out to me if I was looking for someone. When I said yes, and sheepishly said "but i don't really know who, because it's from an online board" she was like "the DIS?" ha ha, it was so funny. I can't remember who it was now, but she was awesome, and we ended up chatting for awhile, and then went our own ways!! I wish you and I had been able to meet up longer, but there's always next time (and FB).

 

[tlenzendorf]

OMG, i feel like you met a celeb! I love Dizneydawn's PTR and TRs.

I KNOW!! I totally felt like I met a celeb, too!!

JP and I went to the meet at Aloha Aisle that night--we ended up chatting with the nicest couple who happened to be having Dole Whips as well. They were so adorable and it was fun to chat. I finished my Dole Whip and we were getting ready to leave when someone yelled out to me if I was looking for someone. When I said yes, and sheepishly said "but i don't really know who, because it's from an online board" she was like "the DIS?" ha ha, it was so funny. I can't remember who it was now, but she was awesome, and we ended up chatting for awhile, and then went our own ways!! I wish you and I had been able to meet up longer, but there's always next time (and FB).

I totally wish you and I could have met up longer as well. But yes, there is next time and FB. Plus we are planning an east coast trip sometime or another... One that's a driving trip with lots of time to do lots of things. Maybe by then you'd have your shop open! Cause I totally need some of Zoey's Cupcakes!!

 

[LJD2143]

Last I left you we were at the bus stop at HS park closing. We were in the VERY long bus line for the TTC. After waiting quite awhile and seeing bus after bus for other resorts go by we decided if the bus for the Contemporary came by we would get out of the TTC line and get in that line.

The Contemporary bus came and we headed over there, the bus was pretty empty. We got off the bus and started walking to the MK. What a nice walk that is, it's even better when fire works are going off. Man do those fire works echo off of BLT though! I wonder if you have a theme park view how loud that is? It seemed like the whole building shook.

This is one of our very favorite reasons for staying at the monorail resorts.....you can grab any bus, including the Poly, GF, CR, and TTC - to get back to your resort. You may have to walk or transfer to a monorail - but it sure beats a long wait in the bus line or an overcrowded bus!

We headed over to SM I think which is where they were by. Mariah wanted to ride, but no one else did. I think next we headed to BTMR, the later it got the more the park cleared out. I can't remember what exactly we all rode, I know we did BTMR, PotC, Aladdin's Carpets for sure. There was supposed to be a Dismeet at 10:00, but when I looked at Facebook it looked like everyone had cancelled, so we didn't go there. I ended up finding out later that a couple people did go and I felt bad.

I missed that DisMeet too

Dawn and Dan on the carpets

Without the picture - that's just a funny statement!
BTW - haven't seen her here yet?

We were supposed to meet Brent and the girls someplace but ended up changing that because of the bag issue. On the way back to Main Street we ran into Dawn and Dan at Casey's. We then all headed out the gates to go our separate ways, but we would meet again. We hit the bus back to AKV and they went to their car to head back to BC. It was a little later than we had planned on and we had an early morning meeting for something fun with Laurie and the gang!

What did we do???

Yum - Caseys! A family fave!

As for what you did the next morning....ask me! I know, I know!!

 

[tlenzendorf]

This is one of our very favorite reasons for staying at the monorail resorts.....you can grab any bus, including the Poly, GF, CR, and TTC - to get back to your resort. You may have to walk or transfer to a monorail - but it sure beats a long wait in the bus line or an overcrowded bus!

Staying on a monorail resort was high on my list until they changed the hours. Although I still want to stay at one just for the ambience of being that close to the MK!

I missed that DisMeet too

It was a long day! Plus with everyone saying they weren't going on FB I didn't think anyone was going to be there.

Without the picture - that's just a funny statement!
BTW - haven't seen her here yet?

Did I forget to post the picture?? I can't see pics at work so I'll have to check when I get home!!

Yum - Caseys! A family fave!

As for what you did the next morning....ask me! I know, I know!!

You can start off the next segment if you want to I have got to get this TR rolling faster. Otherwise we'll be going again and I'll get the trips confused!

 

[LJD2143]

Don't worry - you posted the pic of Dan and Dawn -I just deleted it in my reply - and your description just struck me as funny!

 

[tlenzendorf]

When my alarm went off this morning I was really regretting the late night the night before. The girls were hard to get up and a little cranky, but we had a class to get to!

A class you say?! Who the heck takes a class when you're in DW? We do! We got our park tickets with the great Youth Educational Services deal. You take a class and you get discounted park tickets. Perfect!

Our class was at 8:30 and we had to meet at the flag pole outside the gates at AK. We were doing the Wild by Design class. At about 8:20 I got a text from Laurie asking if we were coming, they had thought ahead and asked to be put in the same class as us. Yay! We were just getting there. We walked up and got checked in, got our ear pieces and name card things and we were off! To the gate... and then stopped right away for the opening ceremony...

Finally we got moving for the class. The lady who was in charge of our group taught us about animals and asked questions. Every time you answered a question correctly you got a clip, the person with the most clips got a special prize. We walked around the front of the park, did the Maharaja Jungle Trek, rode the safari, played a game and finished up our class.

Safari Photos:

The scariest animal!

Ellie and the Twins, Laurie and Nolan in the background

After that we decided that all 10 of us would ride Kali River Rapids. Our past 2 trips we hadn't rode it. Ellie was kind of scared so we told her we would ride the easy side... She was still a little freaked out, but we got her strapped in and away we went! Mariah got SOAKED!!! After that Ellie said she wanted to ride the hard side She didn't get that we tricked her at first. From there Laurie and Darren had reservations and Yak and Yeti and we were going to go grab some lunch as well so we parted ways.

All the kids and their buffs

We decided that we would try out Pizzafari. Not horrible.

After lunch headed back to the resort for some swimming.

 

[tlenzendorf]

When we got back to AKV Brent and the kids swam while I started some laundry and folded what had been washed so far. I thought this was vacation! After that I headed downstairs with the intention of swimming and ended up taking a nap on one of the chairs

Eventually we all headed back upstairs to get ready, tonight was our DTD night! I was feeling very much refreshed. We had 7:00 House of Blues reservations tonight. We had a $25 restaurant.com gift certificate to use that I had bought earlier in the year for $2.

Meatloaf with mashed potatoes and veggies

Kids Mac n Cheese

Brent's Burger

Mariah's Kid Burger

The food was pretty good I think. The bill I think was around $40 with our coupon.

Then we went shopping! I thought these were cute. I am planning on getting one this coming trip. I try to get souvenirs that aren't the usual t-shirts and is something I can tie into everyday life so I can look back and smile.

And THEN! Goofy's Candy Company!

 

[tlenzendorf]

Ellie with my pre-made choice on the left and her fresh made marshmallows

Mariah and Alyssa with their Rice Krispies

Brent's Apple

I thought this was cute

After several hours at a BUSY DTD I was tired and ready to go! I think maybe it was extra busy since it was a party night at MK. It was around 10:30 I believe when we went back to the car. We headed back to the resort and hit the hay hard again!

 

[LJD2143]

We arrived about 30 minutes early for the YES class because we took a taxi from BLT....there was no way we were going to rely on the bus to get us there on time.

Originally they assigned us to another group, but that one (gorillas, I think) filled up and was ready to go but you guys weren't even there yet. So we asked to be reassigned to a group that had room for all 10 of us (giraffes, right?). Right about then, you guys arrived!

Don't you just love this tree?

The instructor is demonstrating animal behaviors with jelly beans.

Counting up the clips:

The kids got along great! I love this one of Drew & Ellie with the same expressions

Nolan and I just had to laugh at your yummy treats from Goofys....Nolan and Mariah got the same exact, custom-made, rice krispie treat!

Jack and Drew prefer these - PURE SUGAR!

And here's a little teaser for our February trip....

 

[LJD2143]

Looking back on the Wild by Nature class, it was such an awesome deal for basically a private, guided tour and Park tickets. My favorite parts were the wireless headsets and front-of-the-line access to the Safari. I would do it again in a heartbeat!

The only negative aspect I can think of, is that our older kids - ages 12 and up - seemed somewhat bored. I think the instructor could have been more "dynamic" or "engaging" - especially to try and "pull-in" the tweens and adults. If we are able to do another YES class, I hope to find one for ages 10 and up.

 

[tlenzendorf]

We arrived about 30 minutes early for the YES class because we took a taxi from BLT....there was no way we were going to rely on the bus to get us there on time.

I think we drove that day cause there was no way I was relying on bus transpo that day, either!

Originally they assigned us to another group, but that one (gorillas, I think) filled up and was ready to go but you guys weren't even there yet. So we asked to be reassigned to a group that had room for all 10 of us (giraffes, right?). Right about then, you guys arrived!

I'm so glad you asked to be in another group! I think you are right, we were giraffes.

Don't you just love this tree?

The instructor is demonstrating animal behaviors with jelly beans.

Counting up the clips:

The kids got along great! I love this one of Drew & Ellie with the same expressions

That is a good shot!


Nolan and I just had to laugh at your yummy treats from Goofys....Nolan and Mariah got the same exact, custom-made, rice krispie treat!

That is really funny about the treats! Especially since they are both the oldest! Mariah said that is really ackward and laughed kinda funny. Hmm.

Jack and Drew prefer these - PURE SUGAR!

So they like to be wired? lol

And here's a little teaser for our February trip....

Yay!!! I am SO excited about the upgrade to BW view! Everything is really coming together perfectly. Now we just need that ADR for 4 for Ohana at 5:00 and everything is perfect!

 

[solana131]

Wow! Goofy's Candy Co.....how do you decide?! I want one of everything

 

[tlenzendorf]

Wow! Goofy's Candy Co.....how do you decide?! I want one of everything

It was a hard decision! I think we were in there around an hour!! Which is how I got so many photos...

 

[exwdwcm]

Great updates!!! We love 50s too- glad you had such a good experience, as the server can make it or break it. Our last experience wasn't great in 2010. Our server was okay, but it took forever to get our checks- we were a party of 14 and had free dining, but were in 5 separate rooms, every meal was a nightmare to handle. I swear we were there for 2 hours. It took almost 30 minutes to get and process our checks. ugh. I need to go back though, i do love their food!

Looks like a successful three park day and wow on hitting TSM with such short waits!

How was the YES program- how long did it last?

 

[ZehnJahren]

Nice DTD update! I went to DTD two trips ago, but I don't think we even SAW Goofy's Candy Co.! Maybe I'll get to go on my next trip... next week.

Also, those YES program classes are pretty cool - I wish they'd have had those when I was younger, because I would have been BEGGING to go!! I can imagine them kind of dumbing down the classes a little so that there are no complaints that it was "too hard" - but then you do end up with kids who are a little bored.

 

[tlenzendorf]

Darn you Photobucket You email me Wednesday saying I'm approaching my limit, I haven't uploaded any photos since then and today I get an email that I've gone over. What the crap?

I will either upgrade to Pro today, move some photos to a different photo place or wait until the 16th when the account resets.

Oy.