Adventure #9: Firsts, a Dream, an Anniversary, & Three Destinations...

...I need another drink! :hammer:

I know I've neglected a whoooole lotta TRs out there for a long time. There's a reason for that. I vowed to myself to stop reading and start writing. I also vowed not to even begin posting until the report was completely written and assembled so posting would literally be cut & paste. This puppy was quite the monster to tackle but I did it! Enjoy.



Greetings to my dedicated readers, friends, family, and noobs alike! Boy, do I have a story to tell you so let’s get this thing rolling...

First, the basics:

Who? The usual suspects, of course. That would be me (The SweetPee), the old man (Tracey), the 15 year old all-knowing son (Chandler), and the 13 year old not-so-baby-of-the-family son (Brian). Later in the trip you’ll see a character from my very first trip report return for more fun. Yep, you guessed it! My big brother, the uncle extraordinare, Jerry!

What? Duh. Vacation. Anywhere but home fits the bill. Thankfully, we had 3 awesome destinations to hit. And celebrating. Can’t forget that we celebrated our 18th anniversary in style!

When? September 9 - 24, 2011.

Where? September 9: on the road & Hampton Inn, Clermont
September 10 - 15: Wilderness Lodge
September 15 - 18: Disney Cruise Line’s Dream
September 18 - 24: Yacht Club

If this is your first time reading a SweetPee report, feel free to peruse my previous reports down there in my signature. There’s better intros with pics there.

Like most folks, it’s amazing how much life you can live in less than a year. When I last left y’all at the end of our 8th adventure in November 2010 I wasn’t 100% sure where or when we’d be back. I wasn’t even sure WDW would be our destination of choice. I managed to find us some new Disney experiences to try...one of which has taken over our souls! You won’t believe it! We sure don’t!

Life has a way of keeping the adventure alive. Towards the end of January this year Tracey got sent on a project in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Don’t know where that is? Yeah, there’s a reason for that. LOL! It’s about halfway in between Dallas, Texas and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The good part was all the moolah all that overtime brings + paid expenses. The bad part was ice, snow, and working 7 days a week for months on end. We got to see a different part of the country, experience real snow & ice (which completely blows), see the Oklahoma City National Memorial, meet new people, and learn new things. After Tracey finished up in Oklahoma he came back to an assignment on a project that was plagued with deadline challenges. Again, great to have all that income from the overtime but bad because he never had any days off. Literally. The only days I think Tracey had off this year were when the snow & ice were dangerous enough for the project to shut down, Easter, and a couple sick days. That’s it. Not even July 4th or Labor Day. And so, that’s how we funded our adventure and were able to shoot for the stars. Tracey worked so hard for so long. If he said “upgrade us to club level” or “add another day to the front of the trip” I didn’t argue. He earned it.

 

[Disneyfalcon]

Okay, I wrote down stuff as I read so I wouldn't forget. First, thank you to your Mom!

I’ve had the Mickey bowls 5 years I’m pretty sure. Just the bowls, nothing else.

Isn’t that first view of the ship so exciting! We all burst into applause whenever we see it. Or maybe that’s just me…:lookaroun

Our impression of Vibe and Edge was the same as Chandler’s. Vibe is so much cooler!

I am cracking up that you took a picture under the bed. Genius!!

You had the most awesome Fish Extender gifts!! Wow!! I want to be in your group next time!

You answering the door in the towel cracked me up!! I’m sure they’ve seen much worse too.

Your pedicure story was horrible!! Oh my word! I get my nails done all the time but I am terrified of pedicures and that is exactly why!! I’m so afraid they will hurt!! Now, after reading your story, I know I will never ever try one. Uh uh. No way. And I can’t believe she was still giving you the sales pitch after making you bleed!! Crazy!!

I have always read that you should ask for “No sales pitch” right when you check in. Your story reinforces that.

I’ve definitely had emotional breakdowns on even the most perfect of vacations.

Yes! Nigel is back by the elevators and Cabanas on deck 11.

Your story about the 5K and Brian’s excitement was so neat.

I felt so sad for Chandler!! Did he try to call you on the wave phones? I’m sorry! I’m glad you got to play golf with him later.

You and Guy – best picture ever!! Shout out to the Girl’s cruise!! Your trip report is getting me so excited about it again!! Woo hoo!!! :sohappy:

I desperately want those butter knives. Why oh why won’t they sell them to us?

I agree, Animators on the Dream is about my favorite restaurant on the planet. I’m anxious to see if the Fantasy’s version will be as awesome. It sounds promising!

Shutter's rules are always crazy. That place is a cash cow though. The shops are hardly ever open on 3 night cruises. They can’t open in port so it really is hard to spend enough time in there sometimes!

Ah man, I want to see the whole dress after that story!! :lol: That cake is beautiful!

And I’m so glad you got a picture of the Newfies!! :sohappy:

 

[jhoff3405]

Haven't been on for a week or so, and what a nice surprise to see your report! Just spent the last hour reading.

Things I remember:

~I am in total agreement that any/all professional photos in the World are well worth the dollars spent.

~Love the Dooney Cruise bag. I own zip, zilcho of any type of "fancy" bag...practicality always seems to win out. But, two of my boys and myself are headed down this weekend to the world and that might change.

~Your 5k experience was great, and congrats to your son as well. Just think, you ran a race on a Disney private island!

~When we stay in the World we are the Fort Wilderness RV type, and FW shares the Wilderness Lodge boat to MK. I totally agree, that is almost a "ride" in and of itself. It really gets you in the mood to pull up into MK on a boat instead of a bus.

~As a fellow woman that got married at 19 and suffered through the "Are you pregnant? You are making a mistake. You are too young....etc" I totally get you. We will be 20 years next June and I swear it seems just like yesterday it all started!

~Your dinner with fellow DISer's was great to read about!

~Girls cruise? Where exactly can I find out more about this?

 

[TakeMeThere81]

I'm so happy your TR is up!! I have finals next week but this weekend I was thinking I actually have time to read a TR if some good ones came up, and low and behold yours appeared! Yay!!

Ok, so like I do sometimes, I am replying in increments, otherwise I always seem to lose my place!

~You crack me up about how Tracey would say, "Upgrade this or that..." and you said you couldn't deny him thanks to his hard work! What a great wife you are! But seriously, why would youdeny an upgrade, right?!? That would be nuts! I'm thankful that while planning our upcoming trip, my DH has been meeting my ideas with, "Whatever you want honey *kiss*" :king:

Your Spanx ordeal had me LOL!!

We really like Hampton Inn, very nice!

LOL~your carwash pics!

Great behind-the-windshield pics! I guess you can thank your need to keep your car clean for those!

Annoying children...ugh I don't get it! My kids are really well behaved while at Disney, I mean they are loving life and so happy! They hardly fight because they are having the time of their lives!

Lastly, I hear your hair-washing chore...I am with you. My hair is very long these days and since it is winter and cold, I won't go outside while my hair is wet. I have a pretty good system going on where I only blow it dry every-other-day. Then the other day I can wear it "dirty" and it still looks great. But yes, such a chore! It takes me about an hour to do from dripping wet to styled finish. Who wants to spend that amount of time in front of the mirror? I usually read a magazine or something while I'm drying it.

 

[NewfieFan]

I totally understand about being alone with the 2 kiddos and fighting to keep your nose in what you're interested in. Yeah, we should try the Four Seasons again when the food is fresh. Still, where's the product consistancy? If you're open the food should be consistantly the same no matter what point in your operating hours you're in. That's what annoyed me. It's the failure to maintain product quality and consistancy. I do like their desserts and have always been pleased-as-punch with their fresh, uncooked offerings.

Oh yes, much more to come! :wave:

Oh, I hear ya... the food quality should be consistant!

Well, you're just speeding right along with this TR, aren't ya! I'm having a hard time keeping up. I got to hear a lot of these stories in person but it's so great to read them too and see the pictures that go along with it. You pretty much sold me on the cruise when you told me all about it but I'm even more excited now after reading this. Come on 2013!!!

You're so silly (yes, I was cracking up reading the part about us)! Thanks for respecting our privacy but you can use our names (Sarah and Pete). Oh, we are sooooo NOT "well-to-do" type people and I think it's funny that you or your hubby thought we might be. Just b/c Pete has more letters after his name than is in his name doesn't mean a darn thing. And I have to say (and I'm not just saying this to put it in your TR) we had a great night with you guys. Seriously, both Pete and I throughly enjoyed ourselves... I feel like we've known each other forever. It was such a break to have a night out with adult conversation. I would love to make plans in the future. Will you be visiting WDW again or are you a cruise snob now? :animwink: And when are you coming to Newfoundland???

 

[Disneyfalcon]

~Girls cruise? Where exactly can I find out more about this?

Right here!! Come join us!

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=816925

 

[dixiegirl]

LOL, thanks Sweetpea, for answering my question about the photos!!

 

[Southern_Tink]

I was so excited when I saw that you had a TR up! I love reading all about your trips, they never disappoint!
A few things:
-You MUST show us a full length picture of you in that dress. You looked gorgeous!
-I also LOVE most Disney dishes, but I've also worried about the paint chipping in the dishwasher and I refuse to hand wash dishes.
-Love all of your pictures!
-Our next trip is in May, which is a time of year we have never been. So, I plan on re-reading your old May trip report so I can get some tips on the weather, crowds and such.
-My husband and I were married very young as well, and believe we are more an exception as well. You worded it perfectly. We've had times that are so wonderful and I know others that have been married longer haven't experienced the joy we have. On the flip side, we've had struggles I would never wish on anybody-but we got through it and that has made us appreciate each other and our marriage even more. I would discourage my son from getting married as young as we did, so he has more time to grow up, but I very much know I did the right thing by not listening to my parents! (My son doesn't have to know that! )
Looking forward to reading more, and Happy Belated Anniversary!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Okay, I wrote down stuff as I read so I wouldn't forget. First, thank you to your Mom!

I’ve had the Mickey bowls 5 years I’m pretty sure. Just the bowls, nothing else.

Isn’t that first view of the ship so exciting! We all burst into applause whenever we see it. Or maybe that’s just me…:lookaroun

Our impression of Vibe and Edge was the same as Chandler’s. Vibe is so much cooler!

I am cracking up that you took a picture under the bed. Genius!!

You had the most awesome Fish Extender gifts!! Wow!! I want to be in your group next time!

You answering the door in the towel cracked me up!! I’m sure they’ve seen much worse too.

Your pedicure story was horrible!! Oh my word! I get my nails done all the time but I am terrified of pedicures and that is exactly why!! I’m so afraid they will hurt!! Now, after reading your story, I know I will never ever try one. Uh uh. No way. And I can’t believe she was still giving you the sales pitch after making you bleed!! Crazy!!

I have always read that you should ask for “No sales pitch” right when you check in. Your story reinforces that.

I’ve definitely had emotional breakdowns on even the most perfect of vacations.

Yes! Nigel is back by the elevators and Cabanas on deck 11.

Your story about the 5K and Brian’s excitement was so neat.

I felt so sad for Chandler!! Did he try to call you on the wave phones? I’m sorry! I’m glad you got to play golf with him later.

You and Guy – best picture ever!! Shout out to the Girl’s cruise!! Your trip report is getting me so excited about it again!! Woo hoo!!! :sohappy:

I desperately want those butter knives. Why oh why won’t they sell them to us?

I agree, Animators on the Dream is about my favorite restaurant on the planet. I’m anxious to see if the Fantasy’s version will be as awesome. It sounds promising!

Shutter's rules are always crazy. That place is a cash cow though. The shops are hardly ever open on 3 night cruises. They can’t open in port so it really is hard to spend enough time in there sometimes!

Ah man, I want to see the whole dress after that story!! :lol: That cake is beautiful!

And I’m so glad you got a picture of the Newfies!! :sohappy:

Ooohh...good info on the bowls. 5 years, huh? That's pretty good. Must be better quality than the stuff off Disneystore.com.

Isn't it amazing how much space is under that bed?! Tracey had a total moment when I ran into the room and flung myself on the floor to get a good look underneath. I'd read how much space is there so I was itching to see it. LOL! I also totally love that the nightstands are attached to the wall so you can still store stuff underneath there, too. I actually kept my box I shipped my stuff in under my nightstand so I could put all our incoming FE treats inside it. I'm telling you, for the most part those staterooms are pure genius with all the storage solutions that make the most of the space.

See?! I guess I'm just not as savvy as some folks! I had noooo clue you could make the "no sales" thing known up front without looking like a total class-less idiot. That's great info!

Aw man! I didn't mean to put you off to having your toes done, Tammy! I've had mine done more times than I can count over the years. Until recently I always kept up my pedis at salons because I ruined an expensive duvet and messed up our carpet with nail polish several years ago doing my own. Tracey has a "thing" about my nails looking pretty. I have never ever eeeever had anything like the toe-hacking happen to me. Not even close. I'm not one of those that goes all gaga over having my toes done and rave about how relaxing it is. It's something I sit thru to get to the end product: pretty toes without ruining stuff. If you've never done it you should try it. If the cuticle trimming or any aspect scares you just tell them up front not to do that. I always specify not to rub or massage my shins or calves. I hate that!

The thing with Chandler was really sad. I felt so bad for him. We didn't take the Wave phone out on the beach because we were trying not to take any valuables. I was afraid it'd get messed up and I'd be out $250. We took for granted that we'd have no problems that we would've needed the phones for. Oh well. Stuff happens. I made it up to him in the end the best I could. He understands.

I want the entire place settings for Animator's! AND the butter knives! That place is just amazing from floor to ceiling. The food is da bomb! I think I'm with you: favorite restaurant in the whole wide world!

Shutters was so annoying. I knew going in that they're a total cash cow (good way to describe it). Of course they weren't going to make buying an assortment of pics affordable. They really do push those photo cds. Looking back I regret not spending to buy the Captain Jack pic. I definitely cut off my nose to spite my face on that one. After I found out about the pricing structure I was hell-bent on not spending as much as I originally was going to.

Oh geez! I've packed on a few pounds since the trip. My killer dress might not be as killer. I'm afraid to even look! When I get home I'll give it a shot. It's the simplest dress, made out of a jersey material.

I'll be posting more tomorrow. I got like 3 hours sleep and have been going all day. I'm so sleep-deprived now it's hard to keep my mind focused enough to reply coherently. Not good. LOL!

Haven't been on for a week or so, and what a nice surprise to see your report! Just spent the last hour reading.

Things I remember:

~I am in total agreement that any/all professional photos in the World are well worth the dollars spent.

~Love the Dooney Cruise bag. I own zip, zilcho of any type of "fancy" bag...practicality always seems to win out. But, two of my boys and myself are headed down this weekend to the world and that might change.

~Your 5k experience was great, and congrats to your son as well. Just think, you ran a race on a Disney private island!

~When we stay in the World we are the Fort Wilderness RV type, and FW shares the Wilderness Lodge boat to MK. I totally agree, that is almost a "ride" in and of itself. It really gets you in the mood to pull up into MK on a boat instead of a bus.

~As a fellow woman that got married at 19 and suffered through the "Are you pregnant? You are making a mistake. You are too young....etc" I totally get you. We will be 20 years next June and I swear it seems just like yesterday it all started!

~Your dinner with fellow DISer's was great to read about!

~Girls cruise? Where exactly can I find out more about this?

Oh yeah! You totally have to join us on the cruise! Get busy!

I used to be Mrs. Practical to a fault. I never ever bought pricey bags. Finding them on sale is a must for me and I don't buy many at all. Oftentimes when I'm ready to buy another bag I'll clean up older ones I don't use anymore and resell them. That helps a LOT! I also tend to stay content with a bag longer if it's one I spent more on and truly love in a complete way. Check out some of the Dooney's on Disneystore.com, too. Several are on sale right now. I bought one a few months ago when I had a 25% off discount code and, because of the price, got free shipping. Not bad! I don't know if you like smaller bags but I'm selling my first Disney Dooney sketch tassel tote because it's too small for everything I carry. :animwink:

I'm so happy your TR is up!! I have finals next week but this weekend I was thinking I actually have time to read a TR if some good ones came up, and low and behold yours appeared! Yay!!

Ok, so like I do sometimes, I am replying in increments, otherwise I always seem to lose my place!

~You crack me up about how Tracey would say, "Upgrade this or that..." and you said you couldn't deny him thanks to his hard work! What a great wife you are! But seriously, why would youdeny an upgrade, right?!? That would be nuts! I'm thankful that while planning our upcoming trip, my DH has been meeting my ideas with, "Whatever you want honey *kiss*" :king:

Your Spanx ordeal had me LOL!!

We really like Hampton Inn, very nice!

LOL~your carwash pics!

Great behind-the-windshield pics! I guess you can thank your need to keep your car clean for those!

Annoying children...ugh I don't get it! My kids are really well behaved while at Disney, I mean they are loving life and so happy! They hardly fight because they are having the time of their lives!

Lastly, I hear your hair-washing chore...I am with you. My hair is very long these days and since it is winter and cold, I won't go outside while my hair is wet. I have a pretty good system going on where I only blow it dry every-other-day. Then the other day I can wear it "dirty" and it still looks great. But yes, such a chore! It takes me about an hour to do from dripping wet to styled finish. Who wants to spend that amount of time in front of the mirror? I usually read a magazine or something while I'm drying it.

Hey girl! OMG! The hair thing was nuts. I didn't even bother with it the majority of the trip. I kept it pulled up. Last week I had about 5 inches cut off and I feel like such a free woman now! It helped a LOT. Still, with that much gone it's weird. I'll prob'ly grow it back out just because I love when it's really long. So does my hunny!

Oh, I hear ya... the food quality should be consistant!

Well, you're just speeding right along with this TR, aren't ya! I'm having a hard time keeping up. I got to hear a lot of these stories in person but it's so great to read them too and see the pictures that go along with it. You pretty much sold me on the cruise when you told me all about it but I'm even more excited now after reading this. Come on 2013!!!

You're so silly (yes, I was cracking up reading the part about us)! Thanks for respecting our privacy but you can use our names (Sarah and Pete). Oh, we are sooooo NOT "well-to-do" type people and I think it's funny that you or your hubby thought we might be. Just b/c Pete has more letters after his name than is in his name doesn't mean a darn thing. And I have to say (and I'm not just saying this to put it in your TR) we had a great night with you guys. Seriously, both Pete and I throughly enjoyed ourselves... I feel like we've known each other forever. It was such a break to have a night out with adult conversation. I would love to make plans in the future. Will you be visiting WDW again or are you a cruise snob now? :animwink: And when are you coming to Newfoundland???

Awwww, Sarah, y'all are too sweet! Thanks again for such a killer night out! I agree, it did feel like reconnecting with old friends you always knew. So cool. I'm not sure exactly when we'll be going back to WDW. Personally, I don't intend to go back there until 2013 at the earliest. Next year I want to go on the Eastern cruise and see Disneyland. If only 1 of those 2 happens we've already agreed it will be Disneyland. I wouldn't say I've made it to full cruise snob status but I sure wouldn't mind being there. I really hope when we go on our cruise you have the total earth-shifting feeling I did. It was such fun!

LOL, thanks Sweetpea, for answering my question about the photos!!

You're welcome! Anytime!:wave:

I was so excited when I saw that you had a TR up! I love reading all about your trips, they never disappoint!
A few things:
-You MUST show us a full length picture of you in that dress. You looked gorgeous!
-I also LOVE most Disney dishes, but I've also worried about the paint chipping in the dishwasher and I refuse to hand wash dishes.
-Love all of your pictures!
-Our next trip is in May, which is a time of year we have never been. So, I plan on re-reading your old May trip report so I can get some tips on the weather, crowds and such.
-My husband and I were married very young as well, and believe we are more an exception as well. You worded it perfectly. We've had times that are so wonderful and I know others that have been married longer haven't experienced the joy we have. On the flip side, we've had struggles I would never wish on anybody-but we got through it and that has made us appreciate each other and our marriage even more. I would discourage my son from getting married as young as we did, so he has more time to grow up, but I very much know I did the right thing by not listening to my parents! (My son doesn't have to know that! )
Looking forward to reading more, and Happy Belated Anniversary!

I'll have to see about squeezing into my killer dress when I get home from my folks house. I quickly piled on about 10 lbs. after our vacation so there's no telling what the dress will look like on now. I'll have to see. Maybe if I do a 2nd or 3rd Spanx layer.... LOL!

We tend to be somewhat rough on the daily dinnerware. If Disney would just sell us the place settings from Animators I'd make the jump to "good dishes" for special occasions and daily use cheap-o stuff. Disneystore.com hasn't put any new dishes out in a while. The last several designs they had all looked pretty similar. I'm ready for something different!

I've been in May twice, actually! The earlier in May you can go the better. As far as the heat, my brother has been to WDW in May, June, July, and September. He swears the September trip was waaaay hotter than any of the others.

Oh yeah! I always say that I don't recommend getting married young. I really do hope my boys will wait a little longer than I did. My Gramma & Grampa (Gramma was in the pics with us) eloped when she was 17....like 9 days after she first met my grandfather. They were married almost 60 years when my grandfather passed. I guess sometimes you just know. Right?

Thanks for all the kind words. You made me feel all warm-n-fuzzy. I sure do miss Tracey. Him being away on business really blows. **sniffle sniffle**

 

[TakeMeThere81]

Ok, I've gotten through day 2!(well the day with the portraits and MK Evening EMH)...

First off, what a great experience with your pictures! Wow!! Y'all looked soooo great! Especially you, Kelly, you are one gorgeous lady! I can't believe how much the boys have grown since your last pictures. It is surreal, huh?

Hair frizz...ugh I feel you on this! In fact on my list of things I HAVE to have before our next trip is a good anti-frizz hairspray or cream. I have had good ones before and the miracle is that they work. Either doing that or going wavy with mousse...that seems to be the only options. But yes, there is nothing more frustrating than working hard on your hair only to step outside and in T-20 seconds your hard work is crimping up and sticking out everywhere!

I ordered this picture on our last trip but my hair looked wrecked! It promptly went up in a ponytail after this picture:

Anyway, I think your hair looked great! No frizz as far as I could see!! And I LOVE the pictures of you and Tracey together, all of them. Wonderful!

So it got me to thinking...I have always wondered why World Showcase never opens earlier than 11am. I figured it had to do with the fact that Disney is not going to serve alcohol any earlier...and while that is a good reason, they could still open earlier and not serve...but then I thought it is a thankful thing that they don't open, because there are several hours of awesomeness where families can experience special things like your portrait session.

I love all of your tops and outfits, they are so girly yet understated! Right up my alley!

Platforms, stillettos...yeah I never understand why any idiot would wear those through the park...you know that they are saying, "Oh no, they are actually comfortable..." and inside they are saying, "I am a friggin' idiot!! The things I do to impress this guy!!"

Sorry about those cupcakes...noted.

Ben loves Space Mountain, it's one of his faves. For me, I agree with you, it is so jerky and I've never grown to love it because I come out in pain. Last time I almost lost my breakfast! I don't mind sitting it out or trading it for a ride on the TTA while my boys go.

That proposal, how awesome! What a great moment and planned right at the end of a great day. How cool that you guys got to experience that.

Ok, all done, moving on! Loving your report lady!! :sohappy:

 

[TakeMeThere81]

...There was no slowing down for pics. This started a cycle for us. Brisk walking. I stop to take some pics. Tracey fusses or turns to glare at me without slowing. I run to catch up. Brisk walking. I stop.... etc.

UGH, Ben does this too!! I hate it!! He gets in commando mode and always right at the beginning of the day(less people, I get it), right when the money photo shots are! It is a tough compromise! Our next trip we have 2 whole weeks so I'm hoping that it will give us more flexibility...either we'll tour at a more relaxing pace or it will give me the opportunity to slip away and photograph at my leisure perhaps. We'll see!!

TR is so great, I miss The World so much! I am up to the Dream and I snuck some pics of the Castaway 5K *LOVE!!* I am going to stop before you boarded the Dream though so I can actually accomplish something on this Sunday:animwink:

But here are my last notes/comments:

Loved your braids on your EPCOT day. I may be stealing this!

15 minutes for Test Track! Lucky! I will be glad if we ride it at all. It seems whenever we go it is either down or the line is rediculously long. I have a love/hate relationship with TT because we can't ever get in leisurely.

Did you order your PhotoPass CD ahead of time? You got so many great shots and I love the effects you can add to them. I especially love the shot with the whole family with Mickey and Minnie and the "magic dust" border. I love it!

I can't wait for Star Tours! I keep skipping over people's specific voyages that they have gotten. I want to be surprised!

Ok, at Roaring Fork, you said you had a Ham and Tillamook Panini...well we happen to live just an hour north of that very place, Tillamook, Oregon! It is where they make all of the cheese and while it isn't nearly as exciting as Disney, you can make a day of it and tour the cheese factory, sampling the cheese and getting some of their awesome Tillamook Ice Cream. Anyway, something you probably didn't know and I know you were dying to! :lol:

I agree, Dinosaur is WAY too loud, especially the park in the "red room" where you are headed back in time. I always make everyone cover their ears. It definitely stimulates not just hearing receptors, but PAIN receptors in your ears!

Tusker House, hmmmm. We've never eaten there and your experience sounds some what typical from what we've heard. Such a bummer too because it has such potential, what with being one of the only table service restaurants in AK. Bummer. Good on you guys for giving feedback...I believe Disney wants to know when things are subpar and with enough complaints hopefully things will change for the better.

How weird and awesome that the boys are old enough to head out on solo adventures while at WDW! How cool!

Lastly, love the carved ring you got from Adventureland. I will have to check it out, looks cool!!

 

[Disneyfalcon]

Isn't it amazing how much space is under that bed?! Tracey had a total moment when I ran into the room and flung myself on the floor to get a good look underneath. I'd read how much space is there so I was itching to see it. LOL! I also totally love that the nightstands are attached to the wall so you can still store stuff underneath there, too. I actually kept my box I shipped my stuff in under my nightstand so I could put all our incoming FE treats inside it. I'm telling you, for the most part those staterooms are pure genius with all the storage solutions that make the most of the space.

Aw man! I didn't mean to put you off to having your toes done, Tammy! I've had mine done more times than I can count over the years. Until recently I always kept up my pedis at salons because I ruined an expensive duvet and messed up our carpet with nail polish several years ago doing my own. Tracey has a "thing" about my nails looking pretty. I have never ever eeeever had anything like the toe-hacking happen to me. Not even close. I'm not one of those that goes all gaga over having my toes done and rave about how relaxing it is. It's something I sit thru to get to the end product: pretty toes without ruining stuff. If you've never done it you should try it. If the cuticle trimming or any aspect scares you just tell them up front not to do that. I always specify not to rub or massage my shins or calves. I hate that!


I want the entire place settings for Animator's! AND the butter knives! That place is just amazing from floor to ceiling. The food is da bomb! I think I'm with you: favorite restaurant in the whole wide world!

It is amazing how well they planned storage in those little rooms. Genius is right!

It's not just the fear of pain. I also have hideous feet and can't bear the thought of someone spending that much time examining and touching them.:lol:

I do want the entire place settings. The dinnerware in there is amazing. And I love the bread basket in there and Royal Palace. They could make a fortune off us!!

 

[Crush Dude!]

Just starting to read :sohappy:

 

[tiaragirl]

Kelly, baby girl, why do you and Holly and Tammy ALWAYS do this to me? I have a thousand years of work to do and you all post amazing, complete TRs that I spend an hour and a half reading - it beats talking about al-Awlaki, drones, and the War on Terror for 25 pages, but c'mon, give an undergrad a break!

Holy trip, Batman (Lorne MacDowell-ism)! What a crazy run! Disney-Cruise-Disney would be a lot for anyone to handle, I think, so the tears on the Dream were definitely warranted. There's something about a Disney vaca that makes me emotional anyway! And I'll let Mom know that she's not the only one that teared up when she saw the Dream - and I quote: it's just been planned for so long, and you guys are so excited, and you're all grown up and who KNOWS when our next family vacation will be.. Mothers. Seriously.

All the food pictures have me drooling - I'm actually going to go make nachos because it's the closest thing I have to yummy food. Also, a Crispy Crunch bar, but that's not going to compete with the key lime pie on the ship. Sigh. If I could eat breakfast buffets every morning I would be okay with that.

Can I just say that the boys are getting so OLD? I know you hate this, but these TRs (and everyone's, really) make it like watching everyone get big. Your "flashback" pictures were priceless - I definitely see a huge difference in Brian. Good for you for letting them spread their wings! Safest at Disney - bummed about Chandler's Castaway experience (and your lack-of-beachness but hormone hell PROBABLY didn't help).

PS: Good for you on the showers. I like that.

Thanks for another solid TR and bringing me to relive my Disney Dreamin' days. I'm not going to lie, probably going to go read my August TR after this and pretend that our February girls cruise is on the Dream and not the Wonder. I just love that huge mural of Walt.. he's my boii.

Thanks again bbb guuurlllll.. you're my fav. But I hate you for booking the cruise for when I'm probably going to be doing my B.Ed or Masters. SIGH.

 

[diddy_mouse]

Whew! I think I'm all caught up for the time being...and there was a lot to comment on (most of which I forgot) so I'll just post some random comments :lol:

First off I absolutely LOVE your road-trippin commentary. I too enjoy hitting the open road, especially when going to Disney! It makes me wish I had kept a journal of all those road trips I took as a kid/teenager. Man those were some good times...

Wow, you basically had three whole vacations all rolled into one. And your pictures of the Wilderness Lodge made me miss that place sooooooo much. The boat ride to the MK was probably one of my favorite things there. It was nice having another transportation option besides the bus.

Your portrait session at Epcot looked so lovely. You have some handsome boys there!

I think it's great that you went to Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom's opening instead of the safari or Everest. Definitely made for some great pictures as you walked to catch that first Time Rover of the day.

Ah....the Dream. One day I will sail the Disney seas and how could you not want to on such a beautiful ship?

I love that you and Brian ran a 5K together. Major props to the both of you!

Man, every time I see pictures of the Animator's Palate I know I would love that place. And I completely agree with you about the dishes!

Arrival at the Yacht Club? Loved it! There is just something magical about pulling up to a Disney resort in the morning.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

My responses will be in bold.

Ok, I've gotten through day 2!(well the day with the portraits and MK Evening EMH)...

First off, what a great experience with your pictures! Wow!! Y'all looked soooo great! Especially you, Kelly, you are one gorgeous lady! I can't believe how much the boys have grown since your last pictures. It is surreal, huh?

Thank you! You're too sweet! I can't believe how much they've grown, too. I swear I'm not feeding them Miracle Grow!

Hair frizz...ugh I feel you on this! In fact on my list of things I HAVE to have before our next trip is a good anti-frizz hairspray or cream. I have had good ones before and the miracle is that they work. Either doing that or going wavy with mousse...that seems to be the only options. But yes, there is nothing more frustrating than working hard on your hair only to step outside and in T-20 seconds your hard work is crimping up and sticking out everywhere!

Exactly! You spend a solid hour making the hair look totally fab then have it totally ruined in less than a minute. I just wanna smack someone!

I ordered this picture on our last trip but my hair looked wrecked! It promptly went up in a ponytail after this picture:

Anyway, I think your hair looked great! No frizz as far as I could see!! And I LOVE the pictures of you and Tracey together, all of them. Wonderful!

That us such a darling pic of y'all together! I don't think your hair looks all that bad but then you don't think mine looked bad in my pics and I think it looked terrible. Thanks for the compliments on the pics of Tracey & me. I love those, too. Speaking of looking at pics of yourself with a harsh eye, Tracey looked at a lot of the ones with him and said, "Dang, I'm fat." LOL!

So it got me to thinking...I have always wondered why World Showcase never opens earlier than 11am. I figured it had to do with the fact that Disney is not going to serve alcohol any earlier...and while that is a good reason, they could still open earlier and not serve...but then I thought it is a thankful thing that they don't open, because there are several hours of awesomeness where families can experience special things like your portrait session.

Yeah, I agree. I don't think World Showcase opens earlier because the food and drinks aren't really geared towards breakfast hours. It's prob'ly a money-saver to just let guests enjoy Future World for a couple hours. I think the opportunity for pics and weddings in that area while it's still closed to the public is a huge side-perk, tho.

I love all of your tops and outfits, they are so girly yet understated! Right up my alley!

Platforms, stillettos...yeah I never understand why any idiot would wear those through the park...you know that they are saying, "Oh no, they are actually comfortable..." and inside they are saying, "I am a friggin' idiot!! The things I do to impress this guy!!"

Thanks for the compliments on my fashion choices. I like simplicity but then I still want to indulge the girly-girl in me. Just about all the tops you see me in are $20 or less. I shop sales and looooove Target. I see chicks in those platforms, stillettos, and/or wedges and I just laugh. I suppose that's the utmost in commitment to the desired "look". Thankfully, I'm not that commited. Ha!

Sorry about those cupcakes...noted.

There are good cupcakes to be had. That's still yet to come!

Ben loves Space Mountain, it's one of his faves. For me, I agree with you, it is so jerky and I've never grown to love it because I come out in pain. Last time I almost lost my breakfast! I don't mind sitting it out or trading it for a ride on the TTA while my boys go.

I hear Space Mountain out in California is much less of a beat-you-to-death experience. I'm looking forward to checking that out...

That proposal, how awesome! What a great moment and planned right at the end of a great day. How cool that you guys got to experience that.

That girl was so surprised! It was adorable. Part of me sees that and can't help but be jealous of the planning that goes into such. Tracey and I have always been so spontaneous...our "proposal" if you want to call it one was pretty much him saying in some conversation we were having about something we would do in our future together in his truck while parking at a Delchamps in Pensacola , "Really? For real? You would actually marry me?!" My response was, "Sure. I couldn't imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone else."

Ok, all done, moving on! Loving your report lady!! :sohappy:

UGH, Ben does this too!! I hate it!! He gets in commando mode and always right at the beginning of the day(less people, I get it), right when the money photo shots are! It is a tough compromise! Our next trip we have 2 whole weeks so I'm hoping that it will give us more flexibility...either we'll tour at a more relaxing pace or it will give me the opportunity to slip away and photograph at my leisure perhaps. We'll see!!

Yep. Drives me bonkers.

TR is so great, I miss The World so much! I am up to the Dream and I snuck some pics of the Castaway 5K *LOVE!!* I am going to stop before you boarded the Dream though so I can actually accomplish something on this Sunday:animwink:

But here are my last notes/comments:

Loved your braids on your EPCOT day. I may be stealing this!

Was that a 2 braid day? Sometimes I do just 1 braid to the side.

15 minutes for Test Track! Lucky! I will be glad if we ride it at all. It seems whenever we go it is either down or the line is rediculously long. I have a love/hate relationship with TT because we can't ever get in leisurely.

Yeah, while posting the report I noticed how low the crowds were prior to the cruise then how much they picked up after. I wish Jerry could've seen it before. He only gets to take his girls during off-school months so he thought the week he went was amazing.

Did you order your PhotoPass CD ahead of time? You got so many great shots and I love the effects you can add to them. I especially love the shot with the whole family with Mickey and Minnie and the "magic dust" border. I love it!

I did! I always say the pics are pathetic because they have declined in quality so much over the years. Every trip I vow to not do it again but then I do. This go around I debated it quite a bit and finally decided to pre-purchase and have it available if I wanted it after the trip. If I decided afterwards that I didn't have enough good shots to make it worth-while I'd just have them refund me. I thought we had some decent stuff this time around. Still, I think they can do a whoooole lot better but I can see a little bit of improvement so I won't gripe so much.

I can't wait for Star Tours! I keep skipping over people's specific voyages that they have gotten. I want to be surprised!

It's mind-boggling!

Ok, at Roaring Fork, you said you had a Ham and Tillamook Panini...well we happen to live just an hour north of that very place, Tillamook, Oregon! It is where they make all of the cheese and while it isn't nearly as exciting as Disney, you can make a day of it and tour the cheese factory, sampling the cheese and getting some of their awesome Tillamook Ice Cream. Anyway, something you probably didn't know and I know you were dying to! :lol:

Actually, this is veeeery interesting to me and I'm glad you said something! When I read the menu and was debating what to order I said, "Ham and Tillamook. What the heck is Tillamook? That's got to be a cheese." A man standing nearby said that it was and simply referenced where it was from. Interesting! I didn't know they did ice cream, too! Very veeeery cool! I don't know that I'd want to go on the tour and eat the samples. I looooove cheese but it doesn't love me back so much. Hahaha!!!

I agree, Dinosaur is WAY too loud, especially the park in the "red room" where you are headed back in time. I always make everyone cover their ears. It definitely stimulates not just hearing receptors, but PAIN receptors in your ears!

I'm telling you, it's soooo much more enjoyable with earplugs. I keep a baggy of the disposable ones that Tracey gets at work in my Disney travel box.

Tusker House, hmmmm. We've never eaten there and your experience sounds some what typical from what we've heard. Such a bummer too because it has such potential, what with being one of the only table service restaurants in AK. Bummer. Good on you guys for giving feedback...I believe Disney wants to know when things are subpar and with enough complaints hopefully things will change for the better.

I was pretty disappointed because we have had some good breakfasts at Tusker House. When we've gone before it was early in the morning closer to opening so I'm sure the food was more fresh then. The service was inexcusable. I was pretty miffed on that one. The parade o'kiddies...oi! It's cute and I get where they're going with that but it's already a loud space with terrible accoustics. Add the kids and blaring music and I want to run away.

How weird and awesome that the boys are old enough to head out on solo adventures while at WDW! How cool!

It is! I know things are different now than they used to be but we ran the Disney parks without adults since we were 11 or 12 and we had noooo cell phones. I think if it was a place the kids weren't familiar with they'd not be okay with going out on their own. They know their way around just as good as us so no worries that they'll get lost. They know the transportation and how things work. It is veeeery strange watching your little men strike out on their own but then having a quiet stroll or a relaxing nap with just the hunny or even a little focus-time while just 1 of them is off is a nice thing. On the ship Chandler really stuck closer to us moreso than Brian which resulted in some good Chandler-time with us. I know he enjoyed that.

Lastly, love the carved ring you got from Adventureland. I will have to check it out, looks cool!!

The carved ring rocks! I wear it all the time!

It is amazing how well they planned storage in those little rooms. Genius is right!

It's not just the fear of pain. I also have hideous feet and can't bear the thought of someone spending that much time examining and touching them.:lol:

Just tip extra good. LOL! Or, think of how much mooore satisfaction that nail tech will have when she finishes your once-hideous feet and they look totally fabulous. Right?!

I do want the entire place settings. The dinnerware in there is amazing. And I love the bread basket in there and Royal Palace. They could make a fortune off us!!

Amen. Disney is tooootally missing the money boat with the dishes!

Kelly, baby girl, why do you and Holly and Tammy ALWAYS do this to me? I have a thousand years of work to do and you all post amazing, complete TRs that I spend an hour and a half reading - it beats talking about al-Awlaki, drones, and the War on Terror for 25 pages, but c'mon, give an undergrad a break!

Awwww...I'm sorry to be such a distraction. Think about it like this: in the future what info will be more useful for you? Knowing about al-Awlaki or knowing the ins-n-outs of Disney navigation? I'm betting on the latter. Why don't they have a degree in that?! We'd all be PhD's by now!

Holy trip, Batman (Lorne MacDowell-ism)! What a crazy run! Disney-Cruise-Disney would be a lot for anyone to handle, I think, so the tears on the Dream were definitely warranted. There's something about a Disney vaca that makes me emotional anyway! And I'll let Mom know that she's not the only one that teared up when she saw the Dream - and I quote: it's just been planned for so long, and you guys are so excited, and you're all grown up and who KNOWS when our next family vacation will be.. Mothers. Seriously.

Someday you will be here, too. It's true. Us mom's gotta soak it up while we can because we know it won't last forever with our babies. We don't get to keep 'em for just ours. Some days that day when they go away can't get here fast enough but then I know when it comes I'll be the most saddest mop bucket ever. **sigh** Hug your momma for me.

All the food pictures have me drooling - I'm actually going to go make nachos because it's the closest thing I have to yummy food. Also, a Crispy Crunch bar, but that's not going to compete with the key lime pie on the ship. Sigh. If I could eat breakfast buffets every morning I would be okay with that.

I love breakfast. It's my favorite meal. I can eat breakfast for every meal and be totally happy.

Can I just say that the boys are getting so OLD? I know you hate this, but these TRs (and everyone's, really) make it like watching everyone get big. Your "flashback" pictures were priceless - I definitely see a huge difference in Brian. Good for you for letting them spread their wings! Safest at Disney - bummed about Chandler's Castaway experience (and your lack-of-beachness but hormone hell PROBABLY didn't help).

Oh yeah. They grow up so fast. I know it's totally cliche to say it but it *does* feel like last week they were babies held close in the crook of my arms or little squirts plopping down in my lap for a mommy-cuddle. Brian especially. It all has gone by so fast...too fast. Christmastime is a very stark reminder. I soooo miss buying toys!

I'm just not at all a beachy girl. Never have been. I remember the first time we took the boys to the beach when they were 3/4-ish. We got all set up on the beach in Panama City, Florida ready to spend several hours. We brought the sand buckets and commenced to showing the boys how to build sandcastles. They both just stood there in utter disbelief looking at us like we'd lost our ever-loving minds. Within seconds they figured out that the sand was sticking to them and cried. I think we were there all of 15 minutes. Those are myyyyy boys. LOL!

PS: Good for you on the showers. I like that.

When you think about it, the shower is one place where nobody comes knocking on the door so if we have serious stuff to discuss that's a great place. LOL!

Thanks for another solid TR and bringing me to relive my Disney Dreamin' days. I'm not going to lie, probably going to go read my August TR after this and pretend that our February girls cruise is on the Dream and not the Wonder. I just love that huge mural of Walt.. he's my boii.

I love that mural, too. It's so grand...as is Walt...and the rest of the Dream.

Thanks again bbb guuurlllll.. you're my fav. But I hate you for booking the cruise for when I'm probably going to be doing my B.Ed or Masters. SIGH.

Perhaps you should let us know when we should plan a celebratory cruise when you're done with all the schoolin'..... I'd go!

Whew! I think I'm all caught up for the time being...and there was a lot to comment on (most of which I forgot) so I'll just post some random comments :lol:

First off I absolutely LOVE your road-trippin commentary. I too enjoy hitting the open road, especially when going to Disney! It makes me wish I had kept a journal of all those road trips I took as a kid/teenager. Man those were some good times...

Oh yes! Nothing like a road trip, especially before handheld gaming devices and in-car entertainment systems were available. We had to get creative....like watching my brother snort pixie stix....good times!

Wow, you basically had three whole vacations all rolled into one. And your pictures of the Wilderness Lodge made me miss that place sooooooo much. The boat ride to the MK was probably one of my favorite things there. It was nice having another transportation option besides the bus.

It was like 3 vacations over 2 weeks. In hind-sight we would make it just 2: the cruise then WDW or WDW then the cruise. I think we would've enjoyed it more that way.

Your portrait session at Epcot looked so lovely. You have some handsome boys there!

Thank you! I think they're pretty good-looking young men, too.

I think it's great that you went to Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom's opening instead of the safari or Everest. Definitely made for some great pictures as you walked to catch that first Time Rover of the day.

That was the best strategy move ever! We got a ton done with little to no waiting. It was really cool!

Ah....the Dream. One day I will sail the Disney seas and how could you not want to on such a beautiful ship?

I'm anxious for you to sail with Mickey. It's amazing beyond words!

I love that you and Brian ran a 5K together. Major props to the both of you!

Thank you. It nearly killed me, but thank you!

Man, every time I see pictures of the Animator's Palate I know I would love that place. And I completely agree with you about the dishes!

Animators is like the creme de la creme of Disney dining experiences. There's nothing else like it. It's so much more than a meal. It's a destination.

Arrival at the Yacht Club? Loved it! There is just something magical about pulling up to a Disney resort in the morning.

So true!

Just starting to read :sohappy:

It's a lot to take in, I know. Good luck and happy reading!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Tuesday, 9/20: Meet Miss Rocky and the Walt Disney Resort Villains Club!

I woke up and got moving at 7:45 a.m. No alarm set. No plan to get up. I just woke up and moved. Nice to not set an alarm on vacation. Don’t get me wrong, I love love love being in the parks early because they’re peaceful but I hate hate hate getting up early in the morning particularly if I had to set an alarm to do it. We all got moving and had breakfast at the Regatta Club lounge before heading out to DHS. Pretty morning:

Why haven’t we explored this yet?

I took this pic because it’s the thing sisters do. My dad used to catch a lot of flack the way he’d talk perfect strangers to death. When we were in college it was fun for Jerry to abandon his friends in the living room with Dad yacking away while he sat upstairs just laughing at the predicament he left them in having to listen and be polite waiting for him to finish talking (which didn’t happen). Here’s my brother as he evolves into traits that are reminiscent of Dad:

Next thing you know he’ll be standing outside the shower house at campgrounds waiting for people to come out so he can talk ‘em to death.... LOL! Tracey & I giggled as we plotted how I’d take that pic and put it in the trip report with some reference to Dad-behavior. LOL! I love you, Jerry!

On our way in:

I’m sure those who have read my reports before are thinking we got up early to make it to DHS rope drop for our usual foot-race with the herd to TSMM for fastpasses and a ride. Remember my last report where I said I was fed up with that stress? Remember how I said I didn’t want to do it anymore? Well, guess what? I didn’t. We chose, instead, to go do other things.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Tracey opted to sit it out while the rest of us hit up ToT with a walk-on. We were out in a flash. Of course the next stop would be RnRC!

We all rode RnRC together as a group which made us an uneven number so someone was getting a single-rider. The boys sat together and the big boys sat together. I didn’t mind at all. I ended up riding with a sweet girl who looked a little younger than me but not by much. As we rolled to the launch she introduced herself, “Hi! I’m Kim!” I’ve been on rides with single riders before and mostly we just smile or make a comment or two but never really, you know, speak to one another. Not that we had a ton of time to get acquainted before being launched, flashed, and looping but it was cute how Kim was so bubbly and friendly. Normally, I’d just ride the ride and enjoy it but Kim & I took our cues from one another, neither of us holding back. We both screamed like mad and sang as loud as we could through the entire ride and it was a full-on blast...every bit as fun as riding with anyone in my own family when it’s more fun to be experiencing the ride together. When we came to a stop we were both just laughing at how neither of us would normally just go balls-out sitting next to a perfect stranger. Kim even said, “You’re more fun than riding with my husband! You sing and scream with me!” Yay! I’m fun!!!! I’m no spring chicken anymore but I’m still fun! Woot!!! The moral of the story? Next time you’re a single-rider don’t resolve yourself to being a silent co-rider. You never know how memorable you can be or how much more fun you can make a ride!

I guess some people may find this next pic a little freaky but I adore anything out of the ordinary and/or repurposed. What better scarecrow could you ever have in a garden than this?! I mean, I think my tomatoes might actually be safe without a tented net if I had one of these:

Victory with Vegetables! Well said! I’m also a big Rose the Riveter fan. You can do it! And it all starts with good fresh veggies!

Puuuurty flags...especially to the daughter of a former USN Signalman:

Yay, Rosie!

As we approached Starring Rolls I suddenly remembered the raving reviews of the cupcakes and ran in to find one. I waited in line patiently. The place was packed. Would you believe there weren’t any in the display? Not a single one! I was so perplexed by this...and sad. I walked back out vowing to try again. I want to find a decent cupcake at WDW in the worst way!

Next up was a trip into the movies.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

We asked for the cowboy scene but were told it wasn’t available. Of course then Brian didn’t even believe us when we told him there was a cowboy scene skit vs. the usual gangster bit. I’m sure we’ve seen it once before but it’s been so long he doesn’t remember.

Yes, I was a good girl and put my camera away after I took those pics. No pics during the ride lest I disturb or interupt other guests’ experiences.

After our trip into the movies the guys all wanted to hit up Star Tours. I still had cupcakes on my brain. The guys went for their ride while I made tracks back to Starring Rolls to see if maybe some fresh cupcakes had arrived magically during my short absence. When I got back inside (still a huge line) there was a couple in the display but I saw the CM serving snacks go in & out of a door backstage carrying fresh cupcakes out as requested. Bingo! I couldn’t decide between the chocolate peanut butter cupcake and the red velvet cheesecake so I ordered both and figured leftovers weren’t a bad thing. I needed something to go with the bits o’heaven that awaited me so I also ordered myself a large iced coffee. The large was akin to Starbuck’s Venti size but only cost $2! Cha-Ching! I have found a beverage bargain in a WDW park! I asked for a couple boxes for my cupcakes and a bag so I could take them to go. I paid then took my treasures out to the nearest bench to pack carefully for their trip to our designated meeting spot. I “fixed” my coffee (Splenda & milk) then breezed my way over to the benches between Muppets 3D and Tattoine Traders that are near the restrooms.

I was so excited when I sat down and unpacked my new treasures. I had read so much about the Starring Roles cupcakes and had such pathetic cupcakes at other places in WDW. This just *had* to be the light at the end of the cupcake tunnel. Oooooooh...and it waaaaaass! The chocolate peanut butter was **insert expletive** delicious! I believe my toes curled! Oh how freaking awesome it was! Chocolate heaven paired with peanut butter heaven! Moist chocolatey cake and the perfect little finish with a little texture from the chocolate shavings on top. Perfection! I was so anxious I forgot to take a pic before I dove in but I stopped for a pic halfway thru.

As I sat there in absolute bliss a man and his sweetheart were strolling by and he asked, “Did you get that at Starring Roles?”

“Why, yes, I did. It’s fabulous. Go get one.” and they were off running towards Starring Roles, too!

I only ate half of the chocolate cupcake when it occured to me that the red velvet was sitting there waiting for me, too. I can’t neglect red velvet. I lovingly closed up my chocolate “O”-in-a-box ((winkwink)) and brought out the red velvet treasure. Oooooohhh...my goodness....so beautiful...........

You’da thunk I was the only person sitting there in my own little universe of toe-curling heaven but I was still annoyingly aware that there were other people around me. Not a big deal. My bench was empty as was the other bench next to mine. While I was sitting there basking and savoring I was aware of another person or two who would come sit on that other bench momentarily then move on when their family members reappeared. Just as I was getting ready to delve into the red velvet love another family appeared but this one was not the norm. No, even with that big ol’ bench totally empty and me sitting all the way to one end AND another full empty bench right next to mine this large, loud, obnoxious group with 2 strollers decided to sit on my bench with me. Did they sit at the other vacant end? Nope. They sat right up on me, practically in my lap. Eventually they were like all around me and I was uncomfortable then aggravated at their lack of respect for one’s personnal space. Was that necessary??? If they’d had their heads out of their butts they prob’ly would’ve noticed all that vacant bench real estate but they were so obnoxious in their carrying-on about what I couldn’t tell you because I was annoyed and longing to savor my red velvet beauty. About that time Tracey appeared from the direction of Star Tours. He kinda stood back trying to figure out why I was hanging out with this stranger family and I guess it didn’t take long for him to figure out I had been invaded. He just smiled. I grabbed my stuff, stood up, and loudly announced that I’d come sit next to him over there on the EMPTY bench since other people found sitting with me so cozy that there was no room for him to join me. And I stomped over and plopped down on the farthest end of the empty bench. A couple of them looked at me like “Huh???” but mostly they didn’t come up for air. Tracey was full-on laughing when he sat next to me. He knows I loathe lack of consideration for others just as much as I can’t stand to be distracted from something I’m focused on. To come between me and the enjoyment of a cupcake is...well...blasphemy. The whole thing was so insane in a who-does-that way we ended up having a chuckle over it. I offered him some of the cupcakes. I don’t even remember if he tried either one. I was off in lala land with red velvet and cream cheese frosting overload. The thing was totally yummy but it wasn’t the toe-curler that the chocolate peanut butter was. I’m not surprised. Chocolate and peanut butter together are my thiiiiiing...a constant craving. I ate half of the red velvet then put it away to polish off the first cupcake.

Brian was off riding Star Tours some more. I have no clue where Chandler was. Jerry went to get a coffee and carrot cake cookie from the Writer’s Stop nearby. here’s the carrot cake cookie:

I tried a bite of it, too, but it just couldn’t hold a candle to my cupcake of choice. There’s just no other for me. Another pic while waiting for the boys or boy or whatever.

It was getting pretty hot and we hadn’t yet visited our resort pool paradise, Stormalong Bay. We unanimously decided to get back the boats and make that our next stop.

Well, okay, almost our next stop. Being the laundry crack-heads that we are, we changed into our swimsuits, started some laundry, THEN hit the pool area.

Let me just stop here to discuss laundry facitilities at the Yacht Club. Stop laughing. I know I have a laundry fixation (like I’m eyeballing the pile of dirty clothes sitting next to my dresser as I’m propped up in my bed at my parents house typing this). I like knowing all the laundry is done. The Yacht Club has 2 laundry facilities. One is on the ground floor inside the main building kinda out down the big wing towards the end. This laundry room is tiny and has like 2 washing machines. For people with a family this is useless on a good day. When the washers are broken it’s useless to everyone. We schlepped the laundry bags out to the big detached laundry room between the quiet pool and tennis courts. It’s pretty out there but it’s a looooong way if you’re not staying in one of those 1st floor rooms or if you’re sitting by Stormalong Bay. The machines worked fine and we were able to start our laundry. One thing I noticed and I’d like to piont this out to everyone for future reference, all the washing machines are front-loaders and every one of the washer doors was shut when we entered the facility. There was no clothes in the machines. They weren’t in use but the doors were shut. Just like with standard laundry mat etiquette, when you finish using a washing machine you should leave the door open so the next people who come along can see that the washer is available. With front-load washers leaving the door open is particularly important not just because it’s standard laundry mat etiquette. No, if you close the door between uses the residual moisture left behind after every use will get mold growth and funky odors started in the machine. When others come along to use the machine and it smells funk-tified then guess what their laundry will smell like after a cycle in there? Funk! So please, if you’re using front load washers in a laundry mat when you finish leave the door open a few inches at minimum so air can cirulate in there. No, we didn’t have any problems with our laundry being funk’d but I was really worried. This tip could also apply to those of you with front load washers at home. I’ve had mine for over 3 years and have yet to spend a nickel on those washing machine cleaner powders you see advertised for de-funking front load washers. Wanna know my secret? When the machine isn’t in use the door is wide open. Air circulates in there and it dries out. No mold or funky odors grow in there. See? Just leave the door open. With that, the home economics class shall conclude. Thank you.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

So we made our way out to Stormalong Bay. Swimming on our WDW vacations has never been much of a thought let alone something we do. We mostly travel in cooler-weather months when it’s just not on the list of things to do. When it’s hot outside like melt-your-face I-need-to-kick-someone hot AND you have planned your resort of choice because there’s a cool pool to take in things do change. The Disney resort pool thing was new to us so we weren’t sure what we’d think about it but we were game to try. We grabbed a table with an umbrella out of the way of the pool-goers path and a couple loungers. Not many people in that area. Looked like a good spot. Hey! It’s Goofy-Nana again sportin’ my sunglasses and huggin’ up on my un-sunblock:

Being in a bathing suit in the public is pretty un-fun for me. Yeah yeah...there’s plenty of you sitting there saying “Who cares?” but I’m self-conscious. Admittedly. I care a great deal. Still it was a bit uncomfortable for me and I had to make the effort to not think about it and enjoy myself. I’d be remiss if I didn’t include that tidbit in the report. I’m not the only one who feels this way, I’m sure.

The first stop for us was the Flying Jib slide. That was fun! The joints between the slide sections are bumpy on your back going down. I had read about this prior to the trip and made it a point to tell all the guys about it, especially Brian. Brian has has some bad slide joint experiences on his bony back at waterparks in the past so I was worried about him. My solution was to sit up. I have no idea what his solution was but he never complained about it in all his Flying Jib trips. When everyone was down off the slide we regrouped and swam along to check out the rest of the pool. The whirlpool area that twirls you in circles was kinda neat. I don’t think we ever went back to it and I wish we had. Then I wanted to go over to the “river” part of the pool. On our way there was an activities CM shouting things to people in the pool as they passed. I guess maybe a game or something had just ended. Anywhoo, he was asking over the microphone for anybody celebrating so Jerry pointed at Tracey and me and said, “Hey! It’s their anniversary!” He wanted to know how many years then didn’t beleive us when we told him. LOL! Other guests were shouting, “No way!” That’s when Chandler piped up, “It’s true. Look at me! That’s my parents!” The CM was so funny and sweet. We got lots of well-wishes and beads to wear. Fun! We made the trek up the stairs and over to the river section of the pool. I freakin’ loved that part! Wanna know why???? Because public pools are always shallow nowadays and that area has sections that range from 7 to 8 feet depth which allows you to actually swim! Yay! Just like so many other people, I’m sick to death of living my life by who might find a reason to sue someone. Liability with public pools? Lets make them all shallow enough that the average person can stand with their head out of the water. Why? There’s signs that tell you how deep the pool is. If you can’t swim and you’re shorter than that area common sense says “I should stay away from that part of the pool or I’ll drown and die.” No, lets do whatever we want and sue if it doesn’t turn out so swooft. Every stinkin’ aspect of our lives are touched by the fear of liability. I’m sick to death of it. So I got in that deep water and swam like a fish and enjoyed every moment to the utmost. Goodness knows there’s no telling when Disney will come along and decide to cut the depth to 5 wimpy little crappy feet. LOL!

We were ready for a refreshment so we retuned to our table. It started raining but we didn’t want to leave so we camped out under our umbrella table while we waited to order some beverages.

That’s when we met the completely awesome Miss Rocky! Woot!!! Shout-out to my girl! Rocky rocks! The drinky-drink CM, Miss Rocky, came over to get our drink order. She had the bubbliest personality and was such fun to speak with. While she ran off to get our drinks I snapped some more pics:

Miss Rocky came back with drinks. The rain chased off a lot of the other guests so she was able to hang out and talk with us a bit. We were so happy to have such a killer CM and we told her so. She was so cool! Somehow the subject of our less-than-stellar Yachtsman dinner came up and she told us she knew the manager over there and we should’ve said something. Oh well. What’s done is done, right? Anywhoo, here’s me (sans makeup **gasp**) and the lovely Miss Rocky:

Here’s Jerry’s top shelf margarita:

The beer I had was called Hurricane Reef. It's a local-ish brew. It reminded me a lot of Blue Moon. It was wonderful. Here’s the point where I remembered I wanted to take a pic of my beer:

We finished up the laundry, settled our tab with Miss Rocky, and headed upstairs to get costumed-up for our first ever MNSSHP! Woot! And no nap. Oh nooooooo!!!!! LOL!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Still feeling lovely from our afternoon by the pool we were on the way in our car.

We had cancelled our $38.99/each dinner at 1900 Park Fare for pre-party dinner because, let’s face it, which of us was going to eat a full $38.99 worth? At this point the thought of plunking down another $200 on less-than-awesome food was not high on my list of happy things so I cancelled it. However, we did still wish to park at the Grand Floridian and NOT be left with a stupid bus to get us back to the car after the party was over because Disney got skimpy on the monorail service after regular park hours. We had already paid the valet day at the Yacht Club. We valeted at the GF and went to the party. With that we commited one of the unforgivable Disney sins and, I’ll be frank, I don’t care.

Our “costumes”. I anticipated it being hot so back in June while visiting my mom & brother we sat on the front porch brainstorming costume ideas that essentially would be just a tshirt and shorts. No sense in being miserably uncomfortable to dress up, right? Someone said something about dressing up in swimsuits and being pool hoppers. Someone else said we could all carry around old resort mugs and be the dreaded refillable mug abusers. This decended into a laugh-fest over how many of the fan forum WDW resort evils we could represent and it evolved into emcompassing them all somehow. Here we are, the WDW Resort Villains Club:

From left to right we have:

Chandler / Pop Warner Hoodlum
Me / Cheer Team Brat (a few dirty looks but if your daughter is a cheerleader and not a brat then I’m not making fun of her. Duh)
Tracey / Tour Group Leader
Jerry / Refillable Mug Reuser (complete with Pop Century Grand Opening mug)
Brian / Resort Pool Hopper

We had hoped some of the CMs and maybe a few of our fellow guests would “get” us. Lots did! We got lots and lots of compliments, high fives, and laughs. It was awesome!

We were hungry so we hit an old favorite, Casey’s Corner! I’ll gladly spend $50 on hot dog dinner vs. $200 on average-ish buffet slop. I had the bbq coleslaw dog and it was yummy!

Peanut gallery?

That last pic is extra special. That was just prior to never seeing Chandler’s retainer again. He had a bad habit of wrapping his retainer in a napkin while he ate and it got throw away. Um, “Parenthood” anyone??? Ugh! We weren’t the parents dumpster diving, tho. Nope. The trash was carried off by a CM before we discovered it was missing so it was a loss. End of story. Thank goodness Tracey didn’t freak out or melt down over it. We just looked at Chandler and informed him if it was going to cost anything to replace it was on his dime.

The park was pretty zoo-like so we wanted to get away from the hub. Away. Away....to Jungle Cruise! Our skipper, Kyle, was great! Moving along awaaaaay from the hub we passed by PotC because it was down. Booo! Hiiiiss! Next was BTMRR which was maybe a 5 minute wait. The CMs there loooved us! Tracey led the tour group like a good leader: