Trip Report There's Something About Mary...and it's called DRAMA!

fractal · Oct 8, 2013

Sandy,

I don't know much about cakes but that cake was subpar. You paid for something and they didn't deliver - and how can they screw up the flavor?

By the way, I'm with your Dad. I grew up in the restaurant business so I know a bit about tipping. An appropriate tip for a buffet is 10% - more for superior service and less for bad service. I mean doesn't it make sense? The waitstaff works less vs. a full service restaurant. It does allow them to cover more tables, but for lower tips per table. I can't believe they tagged you for 19% of the bill plus the cake! It takes a lot to get me going but that would have p*Ssed me off.

Hopefully your day goes better at Epcot. As far as the insurance issue - they are obviously trying to see what they can get away with. I'm glad to hear you were sticking up for what you are entitled to.

HouCuseChickie · Oct 8, 2013

fractal said:
Sandy,

I don't know much about cakes but that cake was subpar. You paid for something and they didn't deliver - and how can they screw up the flavor?

By the way, I'm with your Dad. I grew up in the restaurant business so I know a bit about tipping. An appropriate tip for a buffet is 10% - more for superior service and less for bad service. I mean doesn't it make sense? The waitstaff works less vs. a full service restaurant. It does allow them to cover more tables, but for lower tips per table. I can't believe they tagged you for 19% of the bill plus the cake! It takes a lot to get me going but that would have p*Ssed me off.

Hopefully your day goes better at Epcot. As far as the insurance issue - they are obviously trying to see what they can get away with. I'm glad to hear you were sticking up for what you are entitled to.

They will be hearing from me...not quite ready to do it yet, but custom cakes are pricey enough...they should reflect the price charged.

I'm fine with a lesser tip on a buffet...I just hate that Disney forces you into the whole auto-gratuity for larger parties. This woman earned a sizeable tip that she didn't deserve...all b/c of WDW policy. She didn't even serve the cake. We had a cake delivered to cali grill last Nov and they at least sliced/plated the servings.

I think the day was pretty good minus the cake issue.

The insurance- well, that's a totally different story, but I made some progress today. Who knows...if I'm lucky, maybe I can go out and by my vehicle's clone by next weekend...although that's probably being a bit too optimistic.

HouCuseChickie · Oct 8, 2013

Back to the 21st...

We'd arrived at Mission Space...

For some reason, I was thinking the green side was 40”, but obviously – I was wrong and we were turned away because of Sammie. She’s about 42.5” right now…so close, but not close enough.

So, we walked away…walked past this...

…decided to get a drink (not of the fun variety)…

…and decided to check out Test Track (even though I had 0 desire to do this again), but the wait was more than I was willing to go for at this point, so we moved on.

We were still too early for our FP+ window for Spaceship Earth, but we figured we’d walk that way.

When we got there, standby was only 10 min, so we decided to just go ahead and ride it.

And no matter how often we ride this one...I always stand there like some crazed tourist - snapping pics of everything.

It wasn’t long before we were boarding our cars…I was with Sammie and DH had Kendall. It was really funny- I was adjusting my camera at this point when all of a sudden there were all kinds of flashes going off behind me. Now, I will take 50 million blurry photos on a dark ride before I use my flash… and DH knows this, but I think he decided to use this as a way to show this people his displeasure with others using a flash in such a ride. Now, the CMs manning the SSE area right there reprimanded the people – who just didn’t seem to get the point, but then DH started turning around to me- pretended it was me and was loudly saying to me “Yeah- stop using your flash!!!” I’d laugh back that it wasn’t me, but I don’t recall seeing a single flash go off behind me after this.

HouCuseChickie · Oct 8, 2013

And finally, we were on our journey inside SSE…
I promised myself I’d try pics of different things this time…not a lot of success, but it’s fun trying.

Sammie and I also looked ridiculous in our future. I totally forgot about the camera before it was too late…and I came out looking like I had freaky ponytails.

In the end, both Kendall and Sammie look like they have their arms up. Odd.

I asked DH if he wanted to ride again now that we were in our FP+ window…got a big fat no! Pretty disappointing since we had time and I really enjoy this one...I think the kids do to. I still think fondly about our 2011 trip when Kendall thanked me profusely for taking her into space...and that she'd never been to space before riding SSE.

HouCuseChickie · Oct 8, 2013

So, we decided to head towards the World Showcase, since the plan was to meet my parents and brother/SIL/nephew in Mexico. The goal- Margaritas at La Cava! Along the way…

(yeah- we changed shoes to crocs)

…we passed some great Agent P merch…just wish there was more with Doof.

...more walking.

Always love getting that pic with Morocco and Tower of Terror to show how TOT was partly designed to blend in with that specific angle of Morocco.

And I can see Mexico.

Funny, but with all of the Food & Wine booths around us (obviously, not open yet since we just missed the start of F&W), it got DH and I to talking on this subject.

Basically, he felt we really don’t explore the WS enough and really need to devote more time to all of the food, drinks and cultural fun. Now, I’d already pitched the idea of just us going in 2014, but now it was really sounding like he was on board with this idea. WooHoo!!! Me- him- Epcot- food- drinks = WIN!
And finally- we have arrived in Mexico!

Jessica Meier · Oct 8, 2013

Love the bag!!!! Alas, I never found what I wanted. Balloons or Minnie bows don't seem to exist in the cross body or letter carrier style.

LuLaSue · Oct 8, 2013

Love the skirts!

disneygirl1 · Oct 9, 2013

Great update!!!!! Dang girl with all this crap you are dealing with from the accident sounds like you and DH could really use a vacation stat!

HouCuseChickie · Oct 9, 2013

Jessica Meier said:
Love the bag!!!! Alas, I never found what I wanted. Balloons or Minnie bows don't seem to exist in the cross body or letter carrier style.

That's kind of my big complaint...I settled for this style, but really would have loved it in one of the bag styles below.

I know they can't make every bag in every pattern and style, but I was really hoping for something a bit bigger. Then again, I have a few gripes with how it holds up to every day wear...so maybe it's a sign I should get a bigger leSportsac in the small world line...not that I need it.

akayw0718 said:
Mmm, food in Mexico. Also, the SSE comments from Kendall previously are so cute. Your daughters are super adorable!

I wish I had a recording of her saying, because with her then 5 yr old voice and tonal inflection- it was so sweet.

LuLaSue said:
Love the skirts!

Thanks! I figure I have a couple years left (if that) before they refuse such attire, so I try to capitalize on it now- as much as possible

disneygirl1 said:
Great update!!!!! Dang girl with all this crap you are dealing with from the accident sounds like you and DH could really use a vacation stat!

Thanks! Yeah- I'm really feeling that way. DH and I are talking about a small trip with the girls just after New Year's, since they're off until Jan 8th. I can't go too nuts with it though, since the current plan is to ski for spring break in March.

HouCuseChickie · Oct 9, 2013

Sorry...no TR updates tonight folks

We were running late b/c we've started seeing a chiropractor. DH was having his 2nd visit - basically going over x-rays and doing his first treatment. Mine was taking the initial thermals, x-rays, and assessing the initial pain and mobility. The pain is still there- so we have to do something...and the muscle relaxers are not making me a happy person.

I did work out my frustrations (to some degree) tonight in true Sandy fashion...I was kneading fondant.

We're doing a service appreciation week at work...and tomorrow is CAKE WARS! Last year, they neglected to tell us that we could bring supplies from home. This year- I'm ready! They supply the cakes and basic decorating supplies, so I will have to turn a sheet into a round to achieve my vision- no biggie there. I'm essentially taking one of the print ads from our current ad campaign and making it into cake. I also created our company logo with a fondant/painted rice krispie treat sculpture. Funny to be going to work with a bag full of cake supplies.

I hope to get some pics edited tomorrow night and get some more added to the TR either tomorrow or Friday.

DisneyDebNJ · Oct 10, 2013

I am so sorry you guys are still in pain, but very thankful you were all able to walk away from that horrible situation. The chiropractor may be able to really help! Try ice for the spasms. I did that along with seeing my chiro. It helped immensely. Feel better!!!!

Pooh'sBuddy · Oct 11, 2013

How fun with the cake wars!!! Please share pics of your masterpiece. I hope the chiro visits help y'all. My visits have always helped.

I got a 40th Anniversary Dooney off ebay and love it. I don't want to use it too often and mess it up, so I bought a Wonder Mickey barrel bag from a friend. That bag and I are now inseparable, although it stays home for our son's soccer games.

HouCuseChickie · Oct 11, 2013

DisneyDebNJ said:
I am so sorry you guys are still in pain, but very thankful you were all able to walk away from that horrible situation. The chiropractor may be able to really help! Try ice for the spasms. I did that along with seeing my chiro. It helped immensely. Feel better!!!!

Thanks Deb! I'm happy it comes and goes and is rarely really bad. The chiro the dr recommended also does PT & massage therapy...so hopeful. I'll have to try ice. Heat seems to bring me comfort, but ice may be better to deal with all those enflamed muscles.

Pooh'sBuddy said:
How fun with the cake wars!!! Please share pics of your masterpiece. I hope the chiro visits help y'all. My visits have always helped.

I got a 40th Anniversary Dooney off ebay and love it. I don't want to use it too often and mess it up, so I bought a Wonder Mickey barrel bag from a friend. That bag and I are now inseparable, although it stays home for our son's soccer games.

I'll post a pic of the cake in a little bit.

I'm hoping the chiro can help. I'm also kind of holding out hope that it won't be too bad for me. It's not been a good day for accident related stuff.

I don't know if you're on Facebook, but there's a Disney Dooney group on there as well and a lot of them sell between members in the group and put up alerts to selling issues on ebay...i.e. if a new seller with bad practices pops up. Love the wonder mickey bags and I'd really like to buy that 2nd bag in my post above. Maybe I'll treat myself if we ever get past this accident stuff. I will say this...I know it's hard, but I say go out and wear that 40th bag.

I have a few pricey bags (non DD) in my collection that have some serious wear, and while I think about how much they cost (even on sale), I know they were loved. Wow- I'm sounding like a crazed bag hoarder!

HouCuseChickie · Oct 11, 2013

I promise to post some real TR updates later on tonight. I am all ready to go...I just need a moment to vent...OK... more like cry. :cry:

I hate being such a broken record of accident mess and negativity, but it's dominating my life right now. Skip down to the cake if you want to skip the mess.

I went by the collision center today to get the last few things out of my vehicle that I wanted before it was taken for salvage. The insurance guy there who is handling the auto portion of my claim had several levels of very bad news for me...news that I was previously unaware of...news that now makes me suspicious of everything this company has done since day 1. :cautious:

When I called him the other day, he told me he didn't have the authority to finalize the auto portion of my claim due to the dollar amount. I figured it was just general approval because of the higher dollar amount. So, I called the girl - the one who has been IMPOSSIBLE to reach - who is my current adjustor (they reassigned this quite a few times over the course of the first week). She actually got back to me that day- amazing!-and informed me she only handles the medical portion and has no control over any other aspect. Ummmmm- OK. Kind of contradicts things, but I do know the auto payout would be separate from the medical. She in turn transferred me to their total loss dept since they'd cover that portion. The total loss guys, however, couldn't do anything since the local auto adjustor (the one who told me everything goes through that girl) had to update another area in their system to finalize the total loss and approve the offer for settlement. They said they'd get with him so the ball could get rolling on this portion. Well, nothing ever happened...and the reason why it never happened....

...well, I found that out today. Apparently, the hag that hit me has the most basic coverage allowed by law. So her policy doesn't cover even a fraction of the property she destroyed, let alone my rental. There's even the possibility we may have to fight for the health reimbursement beyond the normal fighting - due to her cruddy coverage. The rest was all off the record, but he thinks they're trying to stall me since they likely all know that the policy is not enough to cover what she did.

I really wanted to avoid involving an attorney, but it sounds like we're going to have very little choice. Obviously, we will also be contacting our insurer to look into them going after the other company...but at this point, it's been a little over 3 weeks since the accident...we are no closer to getting this fixed that we were 3 weeks ago...and we're looking at a mess of medical issues on top of the vehicle and the rental. And to think I was actually starting to look at vehicles online today and thinking I might have this resolved between Halloween and Veterans' Day. At this rate...we'll be lucky if this is resolved by Christmas!

I guess at least I've narrowed down a few vehicles I'd like to look at.

On a more positive note...we won the cake competition yesterday!!! I had quite the audience since I was the only one who showed up with bags full of supplies and set up a work table in our break room. Imagine that. Hey- the coordinators told me I could! Plus, they told the others they could get outside supplies too. All's fair in CAKE WARS! I had to turn a sheet cake into a round, so that was part of the challenge. The rest was time constraints and training my helpers. I only had 2 hours to do this... I really needed 3hrs to do what I wanted the way I wanted it to look. I also sacrificed 30 min of solid work time to have other members of my team help me. It meant that the bear trap at the bottom would be missing its hinges, bolts, spring mount, and trip wire...but from a corporate brownie point perspective- I think it was better to conceptualize the design to be a "team player." The 3D mountain- our logo- is a rice krispy treat covered in fondant. I actually used the box the cake came in to be our stand (covered in decorator foil) to make it look like a large print ad poster. I'm still very pleased with the mountain. The mountain is an interesting story (read more on it below cake pic)...the company logo is a essentially a 2D graphic conceptualized version of Ama Dablam...so I had to make a 3D mountain based on a 2D concept of a very real 3D mountain.

Ama Dablam is also in the Himalayas in eastern Nepal. While not as tall as Everest, some have referred to it as the Matterhorn of the Himalayas. If you check out the pic below you can see the real Ama Dablam off to the right and Everest in the background.

HouCuseChickie · Oct 11, 2013

Sept 21st continued…

Ever since I was a kid, I LOVED going inside the Mexico pavilion. The initial entry area has sort of a museum like feel to me, but the marketplace with the dimly lit pyramid and volcano has always seemed so inviting. That being said, we were wooed by all of this way back when and decided to eat dinner here. Like everything, we all have our own opinions…ours was not very favorable. Still, a very pretty place.

And it just wouldn’t be a trip to a WS pavilion without trying on a hat.

Really, aside from meeting my parents, I had one goal here…LA CAVA! I had forgotten that it doesn’t open until noon, so we had a few minutes to spare. There was a small line outside the door, but nothing major…so, I hung back with the girls since I just wanted to grab drinks and go. i.e. I figured everyone in line just wanted a table. Well, I was right about that part…what I wasn’t banking on was a group of “kids” lurking nearby to turn this into a major wait. Seriously, DH came back to us just as the doors were opening and about 15 early twenty-somethings sprinted to the door and took over every last bit of space at the bar…2 deep in some areas. Had I been standing there and they actually shoved in front of me- I would have had some grounds to gripe directly at them, but since I was just turning around to head towards the door when they rushed in…well, not much I could do but be annoyed with the wait.

What made the wait a true pain- they all wanted to sample and do shots before ordering drinks. There was one girl who had to have her stuff tested by half the group before she could make up her darn mind. There was another girl who wanted to sample, but then took forever getting out her ID…making sure to point out to the group that she was soooooooo old and ancient…at the wretched old age of 23. I was at least having a nice chat with the 2 guys behind me – who were equally annoyed- but also fun. I did at least try and take some pics during this wait.

At one point, one of the guys in this group of 15 remarked up at the bar that he felt bad for the people behind them. He started going on about how they were all just dominating the bar … and to be totally honest- much of their party had their drinks at this point, but were just standing there taking up space. I forget how long we’d been waiting at this point, but it had been a while. Thankfully, my parents had arrived and were helping entertain the girls, but I just couldn’t bit my tongue any longer…so I responded – fairly loudly- to said guy’s remarks. I don’t remember exactly what I said, but it was something along the lines of, “yeah, some of us have young children and cranky parents waiting on us to get a quick margarita or 2.” I kept the edge out of my voice and said it with a laugh, trying to make it sound like I was the lucky one, but I also wanted them to wake up and realize that their monopolization of the bar had morphed into rudeness. And wouldn’t ya know it, space for at least 3 or 4 of us just MAGICALLY opened up at the bar right after I said this.

Once I did make it up to the bar, the service was great…courteous and quick. Plus the drinks were good…well, at least I thought so. Here they are!!!

One passion fruit and one avocado!!! YUM!!! I let DH and my parents try them, but nobody liked them. Crazy talk! So the only solution for me…DRINK THEM BOTH!!!!! That’s right, I was double fisting it with La Cava margaritas. Happy Birthday to me! Happy Birthday to me! I still can drink like a college girl…Happy Birthday to me!!!

I had promised Kendall a trip to visit Donald since she missed him at breakfast…so, our next stop was Donald. We were warned when entering the line that Donald might need to take a Duck break before it was our turn, but I was fine with waiting. A promise is a promise. DH and my dad took this opportunity to run off to Norway and grab beer. I think the beer in Norway is DH’s fave in the WS, and since my parents spent a bit of time in Norway during their 40th anniversary European cruise last summer, my dad was all over having Norwegian beer.

While we were waiting, another mom sporting a birthday button noticed my drinks. She wished me a happy birthday (I responded in kind) and then she showed me that she also was going for 2 different margaritas at the same time. And even better…they worked us in to see Donald before the break. Unfortunately, I forgot to change the settings on my camera. They were still set for the darkness in the Mexican pavilion…so, this is what we got (after some serious touch ups).

Well, you get the idea. They’re ALL like this. I guess it is kind of artsy looking, but I’ll probably play around with some of them a bit more to see if I can clean them up in better ways.

So, we were on the move again through the WS. The adults were all fine food wise, but the girls were hungry. There was nothing in Mexico that interested them, so we figured we’d just walk until we found something they wanted. At least there’s great scenery…

I think we’re walking too fast for them…

So, we decide it’s time to drum. That way they can rest a bit. In all fairness, my dad was having some pain issues, so the slower pace was understandable.

We actually ran into @Alison1975 and family while we were drumming. I think this is the first time I’ve ever, for certain, seen anyone from on here while at WDW. Actually, there were 2 or 3 other times where I think I may have seen WDW Magic peeps this trip, but I wasn’t 100%, and as crazy as I can be…I didn’t want to be a total crazy lady.

I was just about done with my drinks and the guys were finishing up their beer, so Germany was sounding like a really good stopping point. So, we started walking again. My parents also set plans with my brother & fam to meet up with us in Germany. So....onward to Deutschland!

ThatBrunette · Oct 11, 2013

Congratulations on winning CAKE WARS with your snazzy cake!

journ116 · Oct 11, 2013

Well, at least you had CAKE WARS to take your mind off of 'things,' even if for a little while! Good gracious, I feel so bad since you're feeling so bad...I have a similar story to share that involves my older sister: she was slammed into on the driver's side of her vehicle by an older woman running a red light...air bags deployed, bumps, bruises, and muscle damage ensued for my sister...kicker, her vehicle was 1 year shy of FINALLY being paid off (money in the pocket)...older woman apparently bought insurance the day of the accident, and the most basic at that...my sister was first told the older woman didn't have insurance, but my sister didn't want to sue because she knows what it's like to live on little income (sister is a self-employed traveling massage therapist)...needless to say, my sister was out of a vehicle, medical bills were piling up, and no income was coming in due to the extent of her injuries...my sister received a certain amount from her insurance to put toward a new vehicle (considering hers was totaled), but is still waiting on $ from the older woman's insurance company...accident occurred in May 2013...she is still in daily pain, but she tolerates it so she can work, and she was able to buy a newer-used car. I pray that your situation will move more swiftly than my sister's, and that your injuries will be healed! How are your girls doing?

BTW, I am thoroughly enjoying the read of your TR!

HouCuseChickie · Oct 11, 2013

Maybe it's the beer, but we always seem to spend a bit of time in Germany if we make our way into the WS.

My mom and I decided to check out the Christmas shop while the girls ate and the boys drank and kept and eye the girls. I know- sounds like a great combo! We weren't gone for long- PROMISE!

Now I love ornaments, but this isn’t my thing. I collect Lenox, so I just admired what they had and moved on.

Actually, in the brief time we were gone- the girls decided it was time for a bathroom emergency. So, I snapped this pic as we headed that way...

Afterwards, we went back into the heart of Germany to join our little group. The girls were hungry, so I got some knockwurst for them at Sommerfest for a light snack for them to share. I guess the rest of us were having liquid snacks.

I didn’t take any actual food pics here, but the fabulous knockwurst I bought them should show up in at least one of my pics coming up.

So, we stayed put and continued to wait on my brother & fam. I took a number of pics as we waited.

I don’t know why, but this bird drinking from the water fountain cracked me up while we waited.

Silly birdie!

We were starting to grow tired of waiting, but DH found happiness in another beer- which he shared with me.

I had a few sips and then took the girls into a shop. Now, this picture is significant because this is the EXACT same park authentic Snow White costume that Kendall wore the previous night for MNSSHP. I bought it new with tags on ebay pre-trip for $39 and change. So, LOVE the savings.

The girls found the swords and shields…a small battle started to take off, but I stopped it since those things get out of hand quickly.

Sammie also asked if we’d brought her sword from Norway last year…she was hoping to make an exchange for a German sword. I had to inform her that the countries don’t accept sword exchanges and that her Norwegian sword at home would have to do.

ThatBrunette · Oct 11, 2013

The girls look adorable in their outfits.

Silly birdie, you aren't people!

HouCuseChickie · Oct 11, 2013

At this point, we’d been waiting a really long time for my brother and fam. I didn’t want to waste the day just sitting in Germany, so I suggested we start walking towards the IG to meet up with them. My dad got concerned that they might go in the other direction and we’d miss them, but after a call- it turns out they weren’t anywhere near Epcot. Well, they had been, but they decided to turn around. Ummm…ok???

Somewhere in all of the beer and window shopping in Germany, I’d overheard that Jake needed a diaper change. Last I’d heard, they were around the boat stop for Beach Club/Yacht Club. I guess I assumed they would have gotten off the boat, changed his diaper in the bathroom at BC (I remember there being one fairly close to the doors) and then just walked to the IG to meet up with us. Yeah- that didn’t happen. I know every parent is different – has their own way of doing things and has their own hang ups about certain things…but sometimes…well…I just don’t get it. I’m not sure if they stayed on the boat and went through the full cycle, waited for a boat heading back towards DHS, or if they walked. All I know, at least according to my mom, is that they went back to the Dolphin to change his diaper. I love them and all, but we’d waited long enough and my kids were antsy…so we were going to do stuff. So, we started walking towards IG so we could catch the boat to DHS…well, with some distractions along the way.

Gee, this familiar site again...

I suggested the American Adventure, but nobody was interested.

And by the looks of that clock...it was nearly an hour and a half that had gone by since the doors to La Cava first opened.

I guess at least nobody griped about me taking pics along the way. I’m actually kind of fond of this one.

It's actually kind of fitting at this moment...I can hear the music from Spaceship Earth playing for the girls while they sleep.

I suggested going into Japan to do pick a pearl…

the kids weren’t interested. I tried to explain it - especially since I REALLY wanted to do it and I know the girls would have loved it if anyone gave it a chance, but I was overruled by the rest of the group...so, it was full steam ahead to the IG.