Wow! And did you say, "No Characters?!" Finale About This Page:

[Diz]

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Excellent TR!! More please!! Spit Spot!

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[kimdisneynut]

Another great update

[Diz]

Day 7 Part 2



My MIL, DH and I start off towards Pirates. We go down the castle, past those evil Dole Whips and I tell my MIL about the Dole Whips vs. Mickey Bars debates on Passporter. Then I tell her that fortunately for her son, he loves Mbars! If he didn't, I just don't know if I'd be able to live with him! She laughs saying, which wins? I, of course, say Mbars hands down! LOL!



On the way to Pirates, we stop off at Tikibirds. MIL doesn't remember seeing this last time she was here and she really enjoys music so...Tikibirds it is. She loved the show!



We finally reach Pirates. And once again, everyone is in line for the right side and no one is going in the left. DH and I head left and MIL thinks we're jumping line. We explain and she's more at ease. We had no wait, just walked right on.



She loved the ride! She was ooohing and ahhing and wanted to go back on! This is the woman who hates rides, right?!



And she was just like a little kid on the way out! She had to stop and shop! She bought a really cute outfit for our dinner tonight. It took about an hour of shopping before she was ready to go.



We headed back by Tikibirds to go to Liberty Square. But we didn't make it far. She stopped at the shops by Aladdin! LOL! She was having a ball!



After more shopping, we head on to Liberty Square. We decide to grab a bite of lunch at Columbia Harbor House. After all, DS#1 is working today! So DH went to HM to get us fast passes and my MIL and I go into CHH and search for DS#1. We found him working hard! He's such a great kid! He was talking with a guest and was being so patient and kind. When he was finished talking, I whipped out my camera and started snapping away. Got a few pics of him and Grandma. DH finally found us. We gave him the money for lunch and we went to find a table. Poor man, he's doing a lot of running around for us today!



Lunch was good. It was fun sitting and watching DS#1 work. He seems to really like it. My MIL was really impressed. After lunch it was time for the HM fastpass. We wait less than 5 minutes and we're inside. I let DH ride with his Mummy...I mean Mom and I ride alone. I can only imagine the two of them together...they love to talk politics so I'm sure she didn't hear much of what was going on. I was looking for hidden mickeys...but only found the same old one at the banquet table. I'll have to look them up in my HM book for next trip.



We leave HM and DH leads us to Frontierland. I know what he's up to. He wants to see if she'll ride Splash! I see it in his eyes. He takes us around the path and over the bridge, but she looked left and saw it. The plunge. Nope, no way...she wouldn't do it. Oh well, he tried to sneak her by!



We decide to head over to Philharmagic. Another show, but I know she'll love it. And she did! It was a rather long wait inside, though. It seemed to take 40-45 minutes when the time outside said 15. Don't know what happened! While we were waiting, DH and his Mom talked more politics so all was well.



We walked through Fantasyland and my MIL said she was getting tired and wanted to go back to the resort. So we head down Main Street towards the exit. She then spots the train and says, can we just take a quick ride on the train? Of course. It is always an enjoyable ride and she was able to see parts of MK she hadn't walked around yet. She told DH, don't even think of tricking me into going on Space Mountain. LOL!



We finally make it back to POR and we split up for naps/rest. We had dinner scheduled for Hoop-De-Doo Revue and we made plans to meet around 7:30pm. Back at our room, DD called to confirm the time and then DH and I were alone! It was reallly nice to be in the air conditioning and have some quiet time together.



DD made all the reservations for tonight's dinner. She said the last seating offers a CM discount (if there are seats available). So she was in charge. When we all meet at the resort, we find out the $49+ tickets only cost us $25 including tax and tip! Not a bad discount! DD bought a ticket for her friend Beth too and so it ended up being $125 instead of $250+! Wow!



Now for the fun part! We decided to drive over to Fort Wilderness. This is my first time to this resort and I was excited to see what it looked like. We enter FW and of course we were in the wrong place! We were sent down the road a little further and we were there...in a parking lot! LOL! We knew we had to get a bus, but it still was funny. MIL thought we had taken her into deep, darkest FL and was going to leave her there! Now that's an idea!



We get a bus over to Pioneer Hall and it still isn't quiet time to go in. We look around a bit. I saw the hay ride sign and went to explore. This is something I would like to do sometime! Maybe in October!



It is now time to go in. Boy, we didn't have to worry about the CM discount -- the bottom floor was only about 1/2 filled and no one was on top! It was a quiet night in August.



Our waitress was a really sweet lady. She had a beautiful smile. If you know me by now, I had to connect with her and so we ended up seeing her smile everytime she came to the table. She was very impatient with the table beside us. She only frowned near them. They had little ones (8-10 years of age) and the parents wouldn't control them. The one boy tried (I mean it, he tried) to trip the waitress over and over again. The father thought it was funny.



This is our first Hoop-De-Doo Revue (except DD). I didn't know what to expect. I was surprised all of the waitstaff were older. There was no one on staff (waitstaff or musicians) under 35-40 years! I don't know why, but this stood out to me!



The show is corny, but that's what it's all about right! It was fun. MIL tapped her feet so I know she had a good time. DH loves corny jokes so he was in his glory. DD leaned over to me and said, you don't like it do you? I said it's okay. She said, I knew you wouldn't like it. LOL! It's not that I didn't like it, I like all kinds of music and shows...it's just not what I expected. I would go again. The food was okay (not that hot!) but it tasted good. I liked the presentation of dessert. The waitstaff dance on stage (with dessert in hand) and then bring it to the table. I just didn't like the taste. It was strawberry shortcake and all I could think was...where's Beaches and Cream when I need them! They have delicious strawberry shortcake.



Overall, it was a fun night. MIL and DH had a blast! DD's friend Beth laughed her head off (and Beth rarely laughs!)



As we were leaving, our waitress actually thanked us for being so nice with her. Boy, I hope she isn't treated badly all the time!



We head back over hill and dale to the parking lot. The bus was full -- but not with parking lot people. It was full of resort people. So I was able to see a lot of FW. It was funny because one guy told the bus driver where he needed to go. We stop there and the bus driver tells him it's his stop. The guy looks out the window and says, nope this isn't it. The driver said, did you want...and the guy said yes. The bus driver said, this is it. The guy looks out the window and says...no it's not. LOL! They banter back and forth for ever! Finally the guy stepped out and still said, no it's not. His DS looks around and said, Dad...yes it is. It was very entertaining!



We were the last off at the parking lot. We head back to the resort. Swimming is in the plans, our nightly routine. The Dteens are back from MK and have tales to tell. They had a ball! They rode Space and Buzz over and over again!



The Dteens were hungry so they went to get a snack...red velvet cake, cookies and stuff. They even bought a pizza.



DH and I head off to MB and call it a night. Just as my head hits the pillow the phone rang. DS#1 says, are we going for pins in the morning. Dejavue! I'm like, what? Pins Mom...Epcot...tomorrow. Can we go at 7:30? Ahhh! Not again! But of course, Mom said yes. So I reset the alarm and

!

[Colexis Mom]

Another great update Diz I'm glad your MIL enjoyed the MK And what a discount to get on HDDR

Hurry back with more

[luvnwdwgal]

So glad your MIL is having such a nice time!!
Btw.....Dole Whips RULE!!!
Looking forward to more!!

[DrDolphin]

What a great update!!! SO glad to hear MIL had a good day - too bad DH was unable to get her on Splash mountain -- oh well, next time!!

More please.

[poohsgirl]

<font color="purple">I love the way you tell a story! More please! </font>

[sarah_belle]

I love reading this TR! I can't wait for more!

[wdw4me]

Thanks for the update - so glad your MIL had a good time. Looking forward to the next installment.

[Diz]

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Btw.....Dole Whips RULE!!!


[/ QUOTE ]

Mickey Bars Rule!

[Big Baloo]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Btw.....Dole Whips RULE!!!


[/ QUOTE ]

Mickey Bars Rule!

[/ QUOTE ]

[Diz]

Day 8



Oh Mickey woke me up way to early! But he did tell me to get up and at 'em so I had to listen. It's Mickey after all! I nudge DH and he grunts. I think for a second and decide, let him sleep. I get showered, grab some money, make sure I have my AP and off to pick up DS#1. When I get to Alligator Bayou, not only is DS#1 there, so is DS#2. #2 is my sleepy head and it really shocked me that he was up and ready to go for 7 am.



We drive over to Epcot for one reason and one reason only: evil pins! Why did I ever start my Dkids on pin trading?! (Like I could stop them! LOL!) We drive through the gate and begin to approach front row parking. We enter Epcot and what do we see? A line as long as could be! The pins are LE and this line really looked like it could mean trouble. DS#1 says, I knew we should have left at 6:30! We get in line and we start to hear what happened. The monorail guests were allowed in the park and in line long before the parking lot was open. This caused a few gruntled pin traders or should I say brokers! Most people in line were buying to sell. Even the CMs thought it was going to be close on this pin. It was a Stitch Olympic pin. The CMs were taking down the number we were going to buy: 1 or 2. They were keeping a count. About 45 minutes in line, a CM stood up and was saying how happy he was we were all there! I'm like...where's the coffee? That would make me happy. He never said that some of us wouldn't get a pin so I leaned to the conclusion that all of us in line still did not make the limit. And that was right. We finally made it to the head of the line - to get a writstband that would allow us to purchase the pins. After the wristbands, we decide to stay and buy them. That means another line! But first the best part...park opening. We were able to watch the Character bus arrive and the opening of Epcot. It was so much fun! We followed the bus up to the fountain and then all of the characters scattered to make lines for autographs and pictures. My Dsons got in line for the pins and I stood at the fountain and watched all of the smiles and dancing around me. What magic in and of itself! The wait was another 30 minutes, but finally the pins were bought and my Dsons were all smiles! That's worth every early moment!



We look at the clock and decide, why go back to the resort now! Let's ride TT. DS#1 runs to get us fast passes. They were for about a half an hour later so we grab a quick breakfast at the Electric Umbrella. The guys had cereal and fruit. I had the bagel sandwich. The food was okay - the time alone with my sons, priceless. (Sounds like a commercial, huh?) We had a great time sitting and talking. Finally it was time for TT. Off we go - get in line and no waiting whatsoever. Right into a control room. It was a breeze! We love this ride, but hate the wait. No wait today was so nice! We finish at TT and decide to check in on the rest of the gang. Some were up and ready, others getting ready so we decide to head back to the resort.



Back at the resort everyone is finally ready. The Dteens head off for MGM, MIL is doing some laundry, and I'm off to wake up DH.



I no sooner get back to our room and the phone rings. DS#1 decided not to go to MGM. He forgot something at DD's apartment and wanted to know if I'd drive him over. Okay. Why not! That's why I'm here. DH doesn't want to go so he hangs out at the room. I pick up DS#1 and off we go. DD's apartment is behind MK. A drive through back stage and we're there. DS#1 gets what he came for and asks if he has to go to MGM right away. I say, you don't want to spend time with your cousins today? He said, I'd really like to go to Disney Quest. Well, he's my son. Of course he can do what he wants. So off we go to DD. He calls DH on his cell and DH decides to take the ferry to DD and meet us there. He wanted a book from Virgin and thought this would be a great time to grab it. So the three of us meet at DD. The book is bought. DS#1 heads in DQ and will call when he's ready to leave. DH and I decide to hang around DD and then back at the resort. It was a very relaxing couple of hours.



We get a hold of DS#1 when it's about time to head for MGM. We check in with DD and she's on her way to the Studios. We'll meet at the gate. We have a 4:10 ps at Hollywood &amp; Vine for the Fantasmic Package. We arrive at the front gate, DD is there and right behind us is MIL. She's just arriving too. Inside, we run into the beginning of the Stars and Motor Cars Parade. We had an excellent spot, right before they went into the gate. It was perfect for pictures. DS#1 and DD had a ball taking photos. Near the end of the parade, the cell rings and it's 2 of the Dteens. They are at Hollywood &amp; Vine (the streets) but didn't see anyone else from our group there. We say are you in front of the restaurant? Their response: Restaurant, what restaurant? LOL! They were on the corner of the street trying to figure out where we were planning on eating at there!



We head over to save the lost ones and meet up with everyone else at the restaurant. We have a 5 minute wait and off we go inside. The restaurant was empty, but they separated our tables 2-4-4. They were close together and we could talk, so we didn't complain. Our waiter was very nice. The girls thought he was handsome. They smiled and batted their eyes at him! DH thought I did the same. Who me, no way! Right after we sat, DD says we should all ride RnR after dinner, before Fantasmic. That meant someone had to go get fast passes. DS#1 offered and off he went. Mom worried about him taking too long and not being able to eat. Before long, he returned. Dinner was delicious. We had a variety of food - the main dishes were sirloin steak, salmon, chicken. The desserts are good, especially the chocolate mousse. DS#2 missed out on dessert. I owe him some chocolate mousse next trip. He loves it and wouldn't grab some to go.



As soon as we leave H&amp;V, something happens...oh no, what is that I feel? A raindrop! Yep, it rained...and rained...and rained. Instead of tip toeing through the tulips, we were tip toeing through the raindrops. It wasn't time yet for our fast passes so we decide to head for DH's favorite ride - The Movie Ride. The line is out the door, but we decide to stay. We made it inside the large room, about to the center when a CM says the ride is being closed. It ended up staying closed the rest of the night. Never found out the real reason why. We dart the rain and the Dteens stop in the pin shop while we decide where we are going. The Dteens want to go play games at Pizza Planet so off they go with Grandma and we make plans to meet at RnR. No games for me, I go shopping. The rain is beginning to worry me. It is not letting up. I didn't want the show to be cancelled. This was our last night - no other opportunities for the Dteens to see it. I kept asking for pixie dust to stop the rain.



We meet at RnR - MIL refuses to go on. The rest of us get in line and we have a 5 minute wait and we're in. The Dteens are excited. This is their first ride. The pictures were priceless! We had to buy them. They loved the ride! It was now time to go to the secret entrance of Fantasmic. Atleast we told the Dteens it was a secret entrance. They loved the intrigue. It was still raining, but not as hard. Pixie dust is working. Inside, we get seats about halfway up - and we take up about 1/2 the row! Now was the hardest part for the Dteens - the wait. They played video games, picked on each other, went to the restroom, bought drinks-cotton candy, and had a great time together much to their surprise. They loved the crowd's wave! Then it was finally showtime! Yeah! About 3 minutes into the show, everything went dead. Oh no! The crowd was not happy. An announcement came that they were not sure the show would continue. They would keep us informed. About 20 minutes later, they announced the show would go on! It took another 10 minutes for it to begin again. Everyone waited to see if it would die again in the same spot. When it didn't, the crowd cheered! The show was wonderful! The Dteens loved the giant snake. It was a big hit with everyone! After the show, we exit by the entrance - which I thought was strange! We walked out by ToT/RnR. I'm not used to that! We linger to shop and finally head to the van and DD's car. Back to the resort for swimming and the Dteens had cakes from the food court. The Dteens tell their tales of MGM. They had a blast! They loved Tower of Terror. They wanted to ride it over and over again. They rode just about every ride. DS#2 took them to New York Street and had them find the Singing in the Rain umbrella. It rained down water on them and they thought it was a hoot! They decided the Studios wasn't as bad as they thought it would be. They thought it would be boring, but they really had a great time! I like hearing that!



It is time to head off to bed. Tomorrow morning we pack the van and head back home. Everyone has mixed feelings -- the Dteens want to stay, but they miss their girlfriends, boyfriends, moms, dads. My Dfamily as usual just wants to stay. Of course DS#1 gets to stay with DD -- he's still working! DS#2 is supposed to stay another week and a half too. He has the same flight home as his brother.



So the question for today: Will DS#2 stay or is he ready to go home too?



After saying goodnight, we head back to our room. DH and I talk about going over to DD's apartment. He stays behind while I go spend some time with DD. (Really I had laundry at her apartment to pick up ). When I get there, she is very tired but trying to clean up. The Dteens were stopping by tomorrow to see her place. MIL wants to show them how important it is to get a real job and a place of their own. She thinks DD is a perfect example of the way to do things. So DD is trying to clean up and so I pitch in and help her. Even though she was tired, we had fun cleaning up and talking. I like hearing about her job, how she sees Disney from her perspective. We talk about her brothers. I try and figure out what is wrong with DS#2 that he is considering coming home early. All I ever hear is, can we go to Disney - each and every day of his life. DD says he is having a hard time with transportation. Even though her apartment is behind MK it is a good ways from the TTC and you have to have a cast id to get in the back gate. He has to rely on DD to have time to drop him off and with her working 10-12 hour days, it has been hard. So now I understand. I wonder what he'll decide to do. We finish cleaning and DD is ready to kick me out! LOL! She has to be up and ready for 4 am and it's already around 1 am! So we say goodnight. I head back to the resort. DH is so I just snuggle up close and join him!



Today's highlights:

Alone time with DS#1 &amp; #2 at Epcot

RnR with all the Dteens

The rain stopping and Fantasmic continuing after the 1st stop

Alone time with DD (even though I had to clean! )

[Colexis Mom]

Another great day Diz What a fantastic time you all are having!

I'm sorry it's all coming to an end!

[luvnwdwgal]

Great installment! So glad your DS's got their pins and that the kids enjoyed MGM so much!!

[LizardCop]

Great update...

Thanks!