[catfish1999]

I started posting this days ago and the server pooped out after I had typed for 45 minutes. I decided to give it another try today, so here goes...

Our last minute (and I mean LAST minute) whirlwind trip to WDW. (part one)

So I’m driving home from work on Thursday, Jan. 12, talkin’ to my DH on the cell phone as usual. I ask, “so, what’dya wanna do this weekend?” (ok, grammar has never been my strong suit). He says, without skipping a beat. “DISNEY WORLD”. Ok, fine with me.
I get home after 6 pm, pick up DH to head to the AAA office to buy tickets. Dang it, they close at 5:30. Pick up dinner and head home to dial up Disney (keep it on speed dial for emergencies such as this). Anything available for Coranado Springs? Nope. Wilderness Lodge? Nope. Pop Century, All Stars, Port Orleans? Nope, Nope, Nope.

Getting a little sweaty now, but not to the point of panic. So, what IS available? (this is MLK weekend so a little busier than a normal Jan. weekend). Oh…how ‘bout GF? That’s the only one with a room available on property and it’s…. EIGHT HUNDRED A NIGHT!!!! Well, that’s out so now we’re looking off property. There’s a vacancy at the Grosnover across from DTD. SOLD.

While on the phone I decided that we needed annual passes. Used to have them, let them expire, regretted it..

Ok, by now it’s late and I have an early Friday meeting. Off to bed.

Friday a.m. usual rush to get off to work, get DS off to school. Friday is now officially the LONGEST day on record. E-mailed DH 50 times to ask if it was 6:00 yet. Yes, Friday I have to work til SIX!!!! Dang. DS got out of school early because he had exams, so I called him around lunchtime. Conversation went something like this:

Mom: “Hey, make sure you do your laundry, and that you have some warm clothes ready”
(yes I can hear some of you “yankees” giggling, but a real honest to goodness cold front was heading to FL!!)
Son: “Why?”
Mom: “Because it’s supposed to get chilly this weekend”
Son: “So”
Mom: “So you’ll need warm clothes”
Son: “Mom, it doesn’t get COLD in South Florida”. (Duh)
Mom: Thank you son, I am well aware of that, however, it does get cold (ish) in ORLANDO”
Son: “So”
Mom: “So that’s where we’re going this weekend”
Son: “Why?”
AAAAAAAAAAAArrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhh
Mom: “Because your brother is in Orlando and I thought it’d be nice to see him” (he’s a student in the Orlando area)
Son: “Why would we want to visit him?”
Mom: “Good question…well there are OTHER things to do in Orlando”
Son: “Like what?”
Mom: “Like what do we usually do in Orlando”
Son: “DISNEY WORLD???”
Mom: “Ding ding ding…we have a WINNER!!!”

I found out that’s one way to get him to do his laundry!

OK, I get home close to 7 pm and realize I haven’t done MY laundry yet! Dig out a couple of sweatshirts and jeans (it was supposed to get down to the 30’s or 40’s and windy…brrrrr).

Pack really quick, order a pizza, shower, and off to bed by midnight or so.

[Andrea]

This is fun. Don't let the server get you down, let's have more! (And I'm sure you've learned your lesson about composing online! )

[catfish1999]

(part 2)
We were awakened quite rudely at 4:15 am by what sounded like a herd of elk thundering across the roof. When hurricane Wilma came to visit on Oct. 24, she took the flat roof on our addition in the back with her. It’s been covered with a tarp and a prayer for 3 months while we wait for insurance and a roofer. Well, Sat. am the winds were kicking upwards of 40 mph and the tarp had no chance. The 4 x 4 boards holding it down came loose and were flying across the roof (hence the thundering herd sound) and the tarp was flapping like a sail.
DH and I were up on the roof trying to put things back in place in the dark and COLD wind, but it was a losing battle. We rigged it as best we could, said “to heck with it, let’s go!” We loaded the car, got sleepy DS up and hit the road by 5:45 for the 3 hour drive. (Priorities man, priorities)

Now I know that a lot of you are charter members of Disney over planners anonymous, but I confess I am NOT! On the ride up we discussed which parks we wanted to hit and which restaurants we haven’t tried yet. We decided to go to Epcot on Sat., MK on Sun. and AK on Monday. (on the ride up DH decided he’d take off Monday too!)

We stopped for gas and breakfast at a turnpike rest stop (10,000 calorie Cinabon) and then straight on to Epcot. We got to the gates just after opening, picked up out tickets at guest services and headed to M:S. Hoping the Cinabon had mostly digested, we got in a very short line and were on the ride in 5 minutes. It was GREAT!!! We then hit Soarin’, picked up a fast pass, rode the ride (20 min wait), then got right back on with the fast pass. Love that ride. It’s so calming to me. Don’t know why they have those warning signs.

We skipped most of the rest of Future World this trip. TT was closed for refurbishing (DS was bummed…that was his favorite ride, but now he says its M:S).

We decided by now that it was close enough to lunchtime (11ish) and headed to Mexico. No ADRs?, no problem! It was empty. They don’t start seating until 11:30, so we shopped a bit. Bought a nice leather backpack, some Mexican vanilla, a CD, and one of those little brightly colored birds that sit on a metal ring.

Lunch was pretty good. Skipped the margaritas this trip…too early, too strong!
DS and I posed for a picture wearing sombreros and it was decided then and there that we needed a collage of the family in various WDW hats. So there it began. When I figure out how to post some pix I’ll show you some.
We trekked around WS, stopping to shop, try on hats and snack. Ever have a cloudberry cone in Norway. Mmmmmm. Picture in a Viking helmet, very attractive.

We really enjoyed just looking around and admiring the place this trip. The crowds were very light.

In Japan we always have to buy some of the interesting foods (Pocky, Crunky, Shrimp chips…) They had the heat on so high I had to leave. It was in the 40’s outside but felt like 90 inside.

In Germany we sampled the wine and bought a box of chocolates called Katzenzungen (or something like that). It means “cat’s tongue” and they’re supposed to be shaped like a cat’s tongue. We just bought it ‘cuz the kitty on the box is ADORABLE!!! (Picture in what look like wizard hats, not sure what it’s supposed to be!.)

Shopped more in Italy and Morocco. (picture of DS and DH wearing a fez!) Skipped the pastry in France this time (have to have a reason to come back, right?)

By about 3 we headed to Canada at the WS. I was really hoping to catch Off Kilter, but they don’t play on the weekends. The CM said that they’d be there on Sunday tho! Whoo Hoo!!! “Change of plans hun, we’re coming back to Epcot tomorrow!!!” Bought their newest CD, gazed at the beautiful garden (or as I like to call it, MY garden). Did I mention that it was COLD and WINDY??? I was thankful that I packed a jacket in addition to the sweatshirts. DH posed for photo wearing a very comical moose hat. Cute idea of family in Disney hats is now turning to obsession…note..DS is getting crankier with each hat I cram on his head. Must find more hats.

We decide to go find our hotel around 3 and then rest up for dinner at DTD and to meet up with my older DS.

If anyone out there is considering staying at the Grosnover I have one word of advice, …Don’t! It may be convenient to DTD, but it is drab and dingy and WAY overpriced. We didn’t use their transportation because we didn’t want to wait around, but I heard it is very unreliable. At least it was a bed (hard as a slab of concrete tho) and shower and walking distance to DTD.

[catfish1999]

(part 3)
Rested, showered and tried to get through to older DS, but kept getting voice mail. Decided that waiting for him is probably not a very good idea since he’s on college freshman time, so we walked to DTD for a little shopping and for dinner.

I wanted to try Raglan Road. So we got there around 6ish and were seated right away. I loved the atmosphere, but the food was just ok and the service was poor. I am usually so impressed by the service at all Disney restaurants but our waitress must have had a very bad day. She never smiled, never asked if we needed anything and actually started taking my plate away when I had ¼ of my food left on the plate and a forkful in my hand! I had the shepherds pie, DH and DS had pork chops. Would go back for a pint, but probably not for dinner. (posed for a picture in a leprechaun hat) Wish I’d bought that hat! (Birthday is St. Patrick’s Day).

Back to the Gross-nover (as it was now called ) by 9 pm. It’s been a VERY long day and we’ve got another long one tomorrow. By now my 19 yr old had called and we agreed to meet at MK in the morning.

[lovemysons]

Oh hooray this is sooo fun! I am so envious of you! A spur of the moment trip would be soo much fun. By the way, I love those 10,000 calories cinnabons!! Yummy!! By the way,I agree with Andrea, don't let the server deprive us of a great trip report!! Sorry about the Gross Venor.(That's how I have always pronounced it, by the way)

[catfish1999]

(part 4)

I was up and at-em (well maybe not "at-em", but I was definately up) about 6 am. After showering and layering we headed to DTD for cheap-o breakfast at Mickey Ds. We were the ONLY ones there! It was in the 30’s and I was FREEZING!!!
We drove to MK and got to the gates about 5 mins after opening. Good timing! Called DS to meet us and surprise, surprise…he’s not awake yet! Said he’d be there by 10…Not holding my breath!)
DH and I have a “thing” we have to do every time we go to MK. (warning…this is really mushy!) We got married in the little pavilion to the right of the castle. It was a very impromptu wedding with just our kids (from 1st marriages) and my friend the notary who was to marry us. Anyway, everytime we visit now, we stop there and say “I still do” and have a lil kiss (feel free to vomit now)
So that’s where we went first. Took a few photos of the castle, went to FL to ride PP, SWA and IaSW. Fourteen year old is now engaged in full embarrassment mode, but who cares??!!

Went to HM, decided to skip SM (did I mention it was COLD?) and called DS to see if he was up yet. Says he’ll be there by 11. Tried to get dinner ADRs for LTT, but hmmm nothing available. Oh well we’ll just wing it. Asked if DS wanted to go there for lunch and he said he’d like to go somewhere “cooler”. Geez.

Did a little shopping, taking it real easy today. I enjoy just parking on a bench and watching the kids coming through the gates for the first time. They were lining up on Main Street to get autographs and some of them were just so adorable. What happened to my little angels??? Oh yeah, the turned into teenagers!!!

Checked Tony’s on Main Street and they had 12:15 lunch available. Waited on MS for son and his GF. They showed up at 12 just in time!

I had never eaten at Tony’s before. I really enjoyed it. Had an Italian Panini and soup. Delicious. We had a great time with both my DSs there.

We all went to ride PoC, but younger DS wasn’t feeling well (ate too much?) so he decided to wait for us in the store. BIG mistake. The ride broke down at least 5 times while were were on it after a 30 min wait. Took about an hour to finally finish! I now have the speech where the pirate (old Bill ) is trying to give the cat some whiskey memorized. “Here, kitty, kitty, kitty….”
Tried on more hats in the Pirate’s shop. Got a good one of older DS and his GF in sombreros. The obsession continues.

We wandered around the MK for a while and then decide to head back to Epcot. Off Kilter’s playin’ today!!! So we hop the monorail, take a quick ride on M:S (20 min wait). Older DS has motion sickness, has never ridden before and is a bit nervous. Doesn’t want to hurl in front of GF, but he is fine….loves the ride.

The wait for Soarin’ is now 90 minutes…NO WAY . We skip it and go to Canada to catch the end of Off Kilter’s first set. This is where DS says…See ya mom. Not his cup of tea. What’s not to like about Celtic Rock??

We catch up with them in England and stop for a pint at the pub. It used to be “buy me a toy mom…buy me candy mom,…
Now it’s “buy me a beer mom” Sheesh

We wandered the world again, snaking, shopping and taking more hat pictures! By the time we’re back to FW, we decide it's time to head back to the hotel, DS and his GF decide to go back to MK or over to MGM. I’m pooped. Just want decent night’s sleep. We head back to the hotel and decide to check out their restaurant. Not a very good idea.

There’s some sort of convention going on, so the nicer ? restaurant is closed to guests, and there’s a wait at the other restaurant. We waited for a table and ordered a sandwich and watched football. Don’t know if I can make it back to the room…my dogs are screamin!!!

We finally drag our carcasses back to the room, catch the end of a fascinating episode of “Cops” and pass out.

[Erin]

THis is so much fun to read!!! You write a great report! I can't wait to read more! :c)

this is not the first time I've heard the gross-nover is, well, gross!

[Piglet75]

I love your idea of taking all the hat pictures - so funny! I want to try that next time!

I live in South Florida too, and the wind that saturday was CRAZY! The howling actually woke me up that morning.

Can't wait to hear the rest of your report!

[Andrea]

I'm also enjoying all the descriptions of hat pictures!

And I loved your "I still do" story.

[dhoughton]

catfish--this is such a great report!! I am loving every word!!

[lovemysons]

I still do

That is so romantic and sweet. You guys sound like a great match!!!

[catfish1999]

Thanks for the kind words. Here is the final installment of this TR. Hope to have a new one soon!

(part 5)

Monday am (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day). We were up early again and decided since we were going to AK today why not start out with breakfast at Boma at AKL? We’d never been there before and it sounded like a good idea. It was great! I’m usually not a big fan of the breakfast buffet, but they really do it right.

After carbo-loading, we arrive at AK as the gates were opening (again, timing is impeccable!)

We were hoping that it would be a soft opening day for EE, but alas, they were filming a commercial there, so we were out of luck. It looks GREAT tho… I can’t WAIT to go back and ride!!!

We saw It’s Tough to be a Bug (probably my favorite 30D show) and then headed to Dinosaur. DS does NOT like loud and dark rides, and didn’t want to ride. DH and I rode and then picked up fast passes to ride again. By now, DS decides he’ll try it. He said he enjoyed it, but not sure he’d do it again.

We went on Primeval Whirl (or as we call it, Primeval Hurl ) and then headed to the safari. The wait was an hour, which is about the max I want to wait. I do enjoy this ride, but the baby elephant story line gets old after a half a dozen or so rides. We did get to see the new REAL baby elephant born on Dec. 20. How cute!!!

There were really cool gymnasts performing near the bird show ( I think that's where it was…don’t have a map in front of me and I get confused in that park!) They were very entertaining and took time after the show to talk to the little kids. There were a few kids there tumbling on the mats afterwards. I love that kind of stuff!

We picked up some barbeque at Flame Tree and found a great spot by the lake across from EE to eat and feed the ducks. It was a beautiful day, a bit warmer and not as windy as the previous 2 days.
We could hear people on the ride screaming. Man was I jealous!

We left the park around 3 and headed for home. Forgot to mention that my camera had pooped out on me and I didn't get any hat pictures at AK, and we didn't go to MGM....guess we'll just have to plan (or not plan) another trip!!!