View Full Version : It was the worst of times...oh, it was the worst of times....
I'm burnt, bruised, beat.
And, I'm still here. WDW, and my kids, have chewed us up and spit us (Mr Nono and me) out. :faint:
Our motto has become: This is the best place to have a lousy vacation. :)
We flew down a week ago and spent Sat. evening at the Hilton in DtD. Very nice! We watched Wishes from afar and generally chilled out. The next morning, we enjoyed a Character Breakfast at the Hilton and met with Minnie, Brer Fox, Brer Bear and Pluto. My S totally freaked out at the characters. D, who's a bit older, really enjoyed herself. The buffet itself seemed really decent, though I didn't actually see it as S was glued to me and therefore me to my chair.
We spend the rest of Sunday shopping at Walmart and Chamberlains to get food for the week. Got a nice 1 br in OKW in the Turtle Pond area. Dinner was at the Brown Derby for Mother's Day. S suddenly wasn't in the mood for any sit down dining, which turned out to be a theme for the week. Well, he won't be this young forever.
I'll append this thread as I can with more info from the rest of our trip.
DVC Mike
05-18-2008, 02:47 PM
I'm burnt, bruised, beat.
And, I'm still here. WDW, and my kids, have chewed us up and spit us (Mr Nono and me) out. :faint:
Our motto has become: This is the best place to have a lousy vacation. :)
Wow, I hope it only gets better! Since we don't have any kids, we can only imagine the issues that parents must have doing WDW with kids!
Tammy
05-18-2008, 03:16 PM
How old is your son? It is a funny there have been times at disney where I am just like "shoot me!" but then later after I have been home for a bit I really miss it and only seem to remember the good parts! I recall I was talking to a friend of mine about a month after the trip telling her only the great parts and she said "don't you remember it was me you called when you had locked yourself in a bathroom stall with your son waiting for your husband and daughter to get out of the presidents hall exhibit because Josh was throwing such a huge tantrum that you to had to have them stop the boat to let yall off its a small world ride before it barely took off?" "Oh ya" I said. " I forgot about that!" I guess its like child birth, we all sort of forget the bad parts or we would all have only one child!
tinkerbella's mom
05-18-2008, 03:23 PM
Nono
Sending pixie dust down your way so that it gets better. Our first trip down there with kids was in '06, DD was 4 and DS 2, and she was the one who would not go near goofy or any masked character, oh and the looks she would give us she fit right in with the CM's at haunted mansion the ones that greet you at the door. Keep us posted, know that others have shared same vacation experiences. Our last in '07 was much better, now looking foward to '08 in Nov.
bababear
05-18-2008, 03:46 PM
Awwwwww HUGS Nono......
poor little guy was probably in overload,,,new places ,,new faces...and he's so cute that I'll bet everyone wanted to say "Hi " to him. Many experiences over the years with those "monster characters",,they do out grow it Hon. We were the family that shut down Haunted Mansion due to my middle sons interaction with a "dressed up character"major asthma attack followed with emergency services. We still tease him (22) today about it.The Hilton sounds wonderful,and I'm glad you got away even if it wasn't perfect it's still a family memory,,hang on to them--they grow so fast.
Hugs Mel
I remember a trip with our daughter when I called the airport to see how much it would cost me to bail out 5 days early taking a loss on everything prepaid. Since the airfare would have been an extra $2,000 we stayed. I then realized that we had her up early, no nap in late--we pushed, she cried etc. We spent the next day in the children's area of Typhoon Lagoon, completely chilled out and had a different child as a reward==sweet. My motto since then has been to enjoy what we do see--it will always be there to see what we miss another time. Also, they only have to enjoy what they do--remembering that they had fun is my only criteria. Hope it gets better. Mary
Our first trip ever to WDW... November 1989. Kids were 3/5/7. We had a full agenda... drove to BDL, flew to MCO, Mears shuttle to Poly... then off to our first dinner... monorail to Epcot, walk to Japan... Teppanyaki dining room. The kids were totally shot, and were really losing it. If it wasn't for the cast members helping them make spring loaded chopsticks... I don't think we would have made it through dinner.
While we continuted to bring the kids to nice dinners... DW and I would often get babysitting while at WDW and we would have date nights by ourselves. Sometimes you just need it!
/Jim
AFMom
05-18-2008, 04:05 PM
:hug:
It'll get better..... I promise. Kids are now 10 and 11, and all those horrid days are now good memories somehow, and I even occasionally look wistfully at someone with toddlers and babies.... :hahahaha: nuts, I know!
tomandrobin
05-18-2008, 04:12 PM
I'm burnt, bruised, beat.
And, I'm still here. WDW, and my kids, have chewed us up and spit us (Mr Nono and me) out. :faint:
Our motto has become: This is the best place to have a lousy vacation. :)
Oh, I really, really hope your trip gets better. Remember, WDW is the Happiest Place on Earth.........at least for my wife!
We flew down a week ago and spent Sat. evening at the Hilton in DtD. Very nice! We watched Wishes from afar and generally chilled out. The next morning, we enjoyed a Character Breakfast at the Hilton and met with Minnie, Brer Fox, Brer Bear and Pluto. My S totally freaked out at the characters. D, who's a bit older, really enjoyed herself. The buffet itself seemed really decent, though I didn't actually see it as S was glued to me and therefore me to my chair.
Wow, I didn't know they had Disney character events at the off-site resorts. My kids would love it, especially the oldest.
We spend the rest of Sunday shopping at Walmart and Chamberlains to get food for the week. Got a nice 1 br in OKW in the Turtle Pond area. Dinner was at the Brown Derby for Mother's Day. S suddenly wasn't in the mood for any sit down dining, which turned out to be a theme for the week. Well, he won't be this young forever.
All kids grow up and eventually will appreciate eating at nicer restaurants. Not sure the age of your kids, but around 13-15 the eating gets better.
glypnirsgirl
05-18-2008, 05:54 PM
Oh Nono - my heart goes out to you. I can remember when my son was little. He was afraid of all of the characters except for Chip and Dale. He would scream and stick his head between my legs if other characters - especially Goofy and Mickey - came close to him. We were staying at the Poly at the time. There were only 2 parks: Magic Kingdom and Epcot. He actually liked Epcot better - fewer people, less crowded. less stimulation.
I gave up on everything but Dumbo, Small World and the Carrousel. We did those over and over and over. (I swear they had fewer Dumbos on Dumbo back then - you could wait an hour with a small line in front of you). After a frew days, we just gave up and stayed in the pool. And ate at Kona. That was it.
Until we discovered the Neverland Club. DS enjoyed staying there and ExH and I went and did some other things. I think that we had him stay there twice. And I believe that there was a 4 hour maximum (too tempting to just park and leave them I guess).
I hope that things get better soon.
Elaine
Until we discovered the Neverland Club. DS enjoyed staying there and ExH and I went and did some other things. I think that we had him stay there twice. And I believe that there was a 4 hour maximum (too tempting to just park and leave them I guess).
Elaine,
We used babysitting service on every trip... including all of the clubs.
On our 2nd trip, Greg was only 4, and we felt he might be too young to go to HDD so we booked him into the Neverland Club while we took the girls (ages 6/8) to HDD. When we dropped off Greg... the other girls just started crying and crying on why they had to go to the show and could not stay there with Greg!!!
Our girls never did go the the Neverland club. Back then (1990) it was $9/hour per child, with no multi-child discount. I don't think that Debbie and I liked each other enough to justify paying $27/hour to be alone! However... we would bring them to the contemporary or GF babysitting places because there it was only $4/hour for the first child... and $0.50/hour for each additional hour. So I guess the exact economic value of our relationship was worth somewhere between $5 and $27 per hour at the time ;)
Another thing we would do is get an in-room sitter. We had the heeby jeebies the first time... and were very careful in choosing the particular sitter from the agency. Then we used her year after year to watch the kids.
Our vacations were typically 2+ weeks long... and we would generally go out about 3 nights by ourselves if I remember right.
/Jim
7swans
05-18-2008, 07:53 PM
All kids grow up and eventually will appreciate eating at nicer restaurants. Not sure the age of your kids, but around 13-15 the eating gets better.
This is true, it does get better, albeit more expensive!
This is true, it does get better, albeit more expensive!
Mine are in their 20's and cost is still increasing. Aren't the costs supposed to go away? There are no proof points from my household!!!
/Jim
I appreciate all the hugs and pixie dust. I should say we're not having a lousy time...just a totally out of sync, messed up time. We have all traveled all over together, even when we just met (the kids), so luckily, we can endure a lot without melting down enitrely or picking at each other visciously. Oh, and my S is 16 mo and ahead physically and behind verbally. Ugh. Not an optimal travel timeframe! My D is 4. My H & I are about 102 each now...but were in our early 40s before the trip started! :slyasafox
Our D has been a foodie since we've known her, so she loves table service restaurants. S -- not against them, just wants to become one with me, and really, I just want no one on my lap. BAD MOMMY! :bagovermy
Monday was Epcot. We got there more or less on time and did the Butterfly Garden and playground near there for F & G. We also did a bit of Innoventions East, I believe, which I hadn't set foot in for years. Then up to the updated Mexico boat ride, which my S loved!!!! It's a nice update overall I think. We enjoyed all the F & G displays, including D participating in a ladybug release, which was a big hit.
We ate counter service in Morocco and eventually swung around and did the Nemo ride before heading out. I cooked dinner in the villa and made serious Tropical Rum Martinis for the adults (we have another couple visiting), which makes everything else rather hazy about the night. Lots of balcony time after the kids went to sleep. We may have hit the Turtle Pond pool too...like I said, a bit hazy...
To be continued!
Rozzie
05-18-2008, 09:19 PM
I was wondering when you would get around to what alcohol was served. :tilt:
Tammy
05-18-2008, 09:39 PM
Yea Nono! Drinks on the balcony with friends?!! I think your trip is looking up my friend! Keep us posted!
CRSNDSNY
05-18-2008, 10:38 PM
Our motto has become: This is the best place to have a lousy vacation. :)
That's so well stated. :laughing:
S suddenly wasn't in the mood for any sit down dining, which turned out to be a theme for the week. Well, he won't be this young forever.
Oh, don't we know!!!! :hammer: Pre-kids our vacation centered around where we wanted to eat. But with kids it's SO different -- they don't want to sit and you never know when the freak out is going to happen.:idontgeti
Welcome back!
CRSNDSNY
05-18-2008, 10:43 PM
All kids grow up and eventually will appreciate eating at nicer restaurants. Not sure the age of your kids, but around 13-15 the eating gets better.
ACK! I can't wait that long! :headbange Don't tell me that!!!! :crymeariv
LOL
glypnirsgirl
05-19-2008, 12:11 AM
ACK! I can't wait that long! :headbange Don't tell me that!!!! :crymeariv
LOL
Yes - it is hard to know what is worse. That they suddenly become enamored of eating out and want the most expensive thing on the menu or they will not be more adventurous than a fish sandwich in their happy meal.
My DS went from one extreme to the other in a heart beat. On his 6th birthday he told me that he wanted to have Peking Duck for his birthday. And Peking Duck was the request until he turned 14 when he decided he wanted to invite 5 friends to Old Warsaw for his birthday party. I told him there was no way that we would do that every year, if he wanted it he would have to rotate with hamburgers on the grill every other year. What I want to know is how old until you can stop hosting their birthday parties???
On our 2nd trip, Greg was only 4, and we felt he might be too young to go to HDD so we booked him into the Neverland Club while we took the girls (ages 6/8) to HDD. When we dropped off Greg... the other girls just started crying and crying on why they had to go to the show and could not stay there with Greg!!!
Our girls never did go the the Neverland club. Back then (1990) it was $9/hour per child, with no multi-child discount. I don't think that Debbie and I liked each other enough to justify paying $27/hour to be alone! However... we would bring them to the contemporary or GF babysitting places because there it was only $4/hour for the first child... and $0.50/hour for each additional hour. So I guess the exact economic value of our relationship was worth somewhere between $5 and $27 per hour at the time ;)
And this is TOO FUNNY. You might say that ExH and I never put enough value on it. We only had one child!
Elaine
Colorado Belle
05-19-2008, 01:52 AM
Only had one child, so it's much harder to relate: with one, when you are going nuts and need a break, the other adult can often solo it for enough time to get some sanity back! Ours was a good Disney tripper anyway...until 7 she slept 2 hours both morning and afternoon so there were quiet times AND she adored the characters from even 6 months. BUT there are good reasons why only one child isn't easiest or best forever.
I"m sure you'll find a happy medium tween martinis and margaritas!!!!!!
Heck...it sure beats being in New Jersey!!!! (esp with housemoving).
Hope the Nono's have a better second week in the World...and that little munchkins chill and sing their happy song.
aamove
05-19-2008, 04:52 AM
Nono- our DD was like yours we never had a problem with the characters or sit down meal. We have anephew like your son always wanted the confort of being held. That meant the parents had to eat in shifts, they would even order their food that way. They knew that they wouldn't be able to enjoy a full meal otherwise. Glad it's starting to be more enjoyable for you.
KatiebugsMom
05-19-2008, 12:59 PM
It's ok.....you will laugh on this someday....and have ammunition to tease them about, like when you take them and their finacee to WDW for the first time.....
"oh son, remember when you ran screaming from the characters and wrapped yourself around me........." Sweet revenge does come.....Heeheehee!
I certainly have mine....Katiebug and Handa broke the Carousel of Progress on her 3rd trip after the lightning scene freaked her out. :hehehehe:
But it does get better, this past trip she discovered the joy of 3D attractions and laughs thinking about Donald's butt from Philharmagic and placed her own order of Sushi at Tokyo Dining. Sigh....they grow up to fast.
OK, I'm home, now where was I?
Oh yeah, before drinks on the balcony Monday night, we had some quality time at the Old Turtle Pond pool. Service closed promptly at 5 pm, right as I was thinking about getting a beer. Oh well, we know it all turned out all right as rum drinks were had instead!
Tuesday morning, I got up and ran from OKW down to the Westside -- did a couple loops in the parking lot there, and then through PI and the Marketplace, back through SSR and back to OKW. Ran out to the end of Southpoint, then back to Old Turtle Pond for a total of 5 mi. Mr Nono then went out and did a slightly shorter version of this while I got breakfast ready and then we all went to the pool. Had lunch at the Snack Shack at Turtle Pond pool, and enjoyed ourselved. This is where the whole week started to fall apart. Mr. Nono had to suddenly, unexpectedly work. So he leaves me with the kids at the pool, and D, she does her best putting sunscreen on me. Did a great job, 'cept missed a 2 inch strip from the top of my shoulder down my back a bit. Right where my S likes to bite me (still teething) and where every bag I had with me wanted to rest for the remainder of the week. Luckily, I had pure aloe with me, and so far, haven't peeled. And, am no longer sporting a lobster strip. :hehehehe:
Anyway, Mr Nono spent the next two days trying to reel in several groups at work, with one particular comment being, "Can someone please explain to me why I have to be on a call refereeing Level X employees when I could be riding Space Mountain???" It really wrecked his rhythm, and he takes awhile to recover.
We rallied in the afternoon and saw Jammin' Jungle Parade, then D and I did her first KALI RIVER RAPIDS ride as she's finally tall enough. She got the super-full soaking. It was great and she couldn't stop grinning. Then, met up with the rest of our group and had dinner at Yak and Yeti. Good times again. S got super-fussy and finally passed out cold in my arms.
Then we zoomed over to Epcot to meet up with John and Brian and crew from Owner's Locker, and S was a mess. He was hungry but didn't eat well...D was all impressed that I could converse in French in full sentences when I ordered in the little back pastry shop (whatever it is called).
John and Brian were kind enough to keep me in beer until we had to pull the kids out. Got home, and started the overnights of hell. D was having things similar to her old night terrors, and then she'd PO her brother, so S would start screaming in irritation from being woken up. Me: :boohoohoo. Mr Nono: <snoring> (He's still alive, somehow.)
So, Tuesday didn't really end for me...it just blurred right into Wednesday with a few catnaps overnight. :(
Pics from Sat/Sun/Mon:
Waiting for Wishes while at the Downtown Disney Hilton:
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/nono_33/waitingforwishesfromhilton.jpg
After dinner on Hollywood Blvd. in DHS:
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/nono_33/mickeybarmomentDHS.jpg
Monday morning at the Butterfly Garden entry:
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/nono_33/enteringbutterflygarden.jpg
glypnirsgirl
05-21-2008, 04:12 AM
Nono - I love the picture of your children waiting for Wishes. It is so precious!
Hmmm, wish you a better vacation next time...
Elaine
Thanks Elaine. We have to have an "off" one sometimes, right? We still had a nice time, just not as great as usual.
WEDNESDAY -- We got up, scarfed some breakfast in the villa and were off to MK. Rode Dumbo, then got whole family loaded into one ship at Peter Pan and D had a FIT! She wanted the boys in another ship. As a penalty for her bad behavior, we rode Small World next! :slyasafox Then, we headed over to Adventureland and did Aladdin's Magic Carpet and Tiki Room. D was very interested in seeing how it was different from DL, and she liked the WDW version...now we know it's geared towards a 4 yr old's taste. :magnify:
We had lunch reservations at Kona Cafe, so we took the boat launch to the Poly...got seated, son freaked out, then in a few minutes, passed out. So once again, he missed a meal. But I didn't. :highfive: Had their salad and the soup and yum, I was revived from the overnight of no sleep.
S woke up as we were leaving, and we walked back to our car in the MK parking lot and met up with friends in DtD. They were staying overnight at OKW, so we eventually decided som Turtle Pond swimming was in order, and the kids had a blast. Then the visiting adults and Mr Nono took the kids up to the playground near HH, and I stayed at the villa and cooked dinner. Whew! Time to myself. Had a beer, did some laundry and got a chicken and rice dinner pulled together that everyone enjoyed.
Great day -- then another bad overnight. D had another screaming fit -- no words just sounds, and eventually she woke up in my arms, but then was screaming English making no sense. I drove her up to the HH, and after sitting there awhile, we went back to the villa, and she fell asleep. Then, S flipped out screaming and took awhile to be consoled. Then he stirred every few minutes with a sharp cry, and would resettle. Finally, I realized he stopped doing that. Just as the sun was rising and peeking in our bedroom door. :faint:
Couple of Wednesday's pictures:
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/nono_33/ridingdumbo.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/nono_33/palmtreeshadow.jpg
glypnirsgirl
05-21-2008, 01:51 PM
... and Tiki Room. D was very interested in seeing how it was different from DL, and she liked the WDW version...now we know it's geared towards a 4 yr old's taste. :magnify:
I always wondered what happened. Mystery solved!
(Poor you, where did your children learn that sleep deprivation is a torturing technique!!!)
Elaine
Ginger
05-21-2008, 02:19 PM
Nono, your children are growing up so fast. Thanks for sharing.
tomandrobin
05-21-2008, 02:48 PM
I am getting exhuasted reading your report. I forget sometimes how much time and energy is required for small children. More power to you and your husband, but 10 years from now you'll want to have these times back again.
I love the "waiting for wishes" picture too!
beaskelly
05-21-2008, 02:55 PM
[QUOTE=nono;149439]I'm burnt, bruised, beat.
And, I'm still here. WDW, and my kids, have chewed us up and spit us (Mr Nono and me) out. :faint:
Our motto has become: This is the best place to have a lousy vacation. :)
(Quote)
Oh boy! You are not the only one... we will do this together as our kids grow up. Mary is doing a little bit better for meeting characters when we went to Tokyo Disney. Benjamin is really good now and wanted to meet the characters right away which we teach him to wait for his turn. I just remembered your little boy, he is so cute and he is almost same age as Mary. I felt that way if the kids not participating very well. Beat- tired and wanted to sit on the ground hehehe.... But anyways, we will still enjoy those stuff... a great story for their albums
Till next time
Betty
NYDVC
05-21-2008, 03:01 PM
:hug:
It'll get better..... I promise. Kids are now 10 and 11, and all those horrid days are now good memories somehow, and I even occasionally look wistfully at someone with toddlers and babies.... :hahahaha: nuts, I know!
ITA Kristy. Nono, my money is on you will miss these times. I do. Not to say having two beautiful 16 and 14 yr olds is not a blast. Just different.
beaskelly
05-21-2008, 03:13 PM
I am getting exhuasted reading your report. I forget sometimes how much time and energy is required for small children. More power to you and your husband, but 10 years from now you'll want to have these times back again.
I love the "waiting for wishes" picture too!
I love the waiting wishes pictures.. you definitely put that one in an album for them to look up when they are on their age... of having gf/bf... and of course don't forget the story about the trip. It is so funny after many years...
More vacation to come, we are looking forward to come back in the states next year and visit WDW... I missed states.. I missed my home....
Betty
B'rer Karen
05-21-2008, 03:43 PM
Oh nono, you must be so exhausted. I too love that picture of the kids waiting for Wishes. They are so adorable!
I think you should talk to our resident frog MD into a perscription for baby valium. :) (just kidding of course)
I am getting exhausted reading your report... and I am not even out of bed yet!!!
/Jim
tomandrobin
05-21-2008, 04:10 PM
I think you should talk to our resident frog MD into a perscription for baby valium. :) (just kidding of course)
Or some of that "special" Kool-Aid for traveling. :burp: :dazzled: :faint: http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r197/tomandrobin/smileys/wink.gif
handa
05-21-2008, 05:39 PM
DD is good 80% of the time, so the "challenges" are a bit easier to deal with when they do happen.
DW neglected to mention being asked to, then TOLD that we had to, depart the GMR early and be escorted to the exit. There are also inevitable meltdowns due to that fun combination of lack of sleep, overstimulation, and not being on a typical schedule. DD also thinks that Mommy and Daddy should win every carnival game and can't understand why we don't get a prize every time. It doesn't help that her charisma has earned her some gifts from operators and people playing the game who really don't wan to lug that big monkey around the park all day anyway (and the stuffed animal would just make lugging the monkey that much more difficult)!
I've adopted my mantras to include, "Remember, you may not get to do it this time, but you will next time!" as I've gotten out of ride lines, left show arenas, and ended my meal before I could get another piece of quadruple death by chocolate from the dessert bar. That being said, DD has created some really cool memories during character interactions, has stopped CMs dead in their tracks to pay attention to her, and really does enjoy a lot of what Mommy and Daddy have come to love. It all balances out in the end.
Nono, when you recover a bit more, I'm anxious to hear more about the trip. The pictures are great and it looks like there's a lot of fun that went on in-between the sleepless nights and chaotic meals.
Chris
P.S.--I like to point to the "Disney Episode" of JOHN AND KATE PLUS EIGHT to show people how to NOT have a good time at WDW. Sometimes you have to worry less and just deal with things like dirty clothes and kids wanting to do the exact opposite of your written plan. Kate isn't very adaptable in these situations, and gets mad when John "goes with the flow."
greenban
05-21-2008, 06:27 PM
Or some of that "special" Kool-Aid for traveling. :burp: :dazzled: :faint: http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r197/tomandrobin/smileys/wink.gif
Long before it was common, when I had a scared little kid with a facial or oral laceration that needed repair, we gave them that special kool-aide, oral versed.
Versed is a super stong morphine analog, and provides an antegrade amnesia.
So we'd have these 2-6 year old little kids, becoming fall down drunk over the 15 or so minutes it takes to work. And let me tell you, they were all nice drunks, not a mean, loud or abusive one in the pack. 10 minutes later, after slurring their speech, and laughing at jokes no one else could understand, they'd fall asleep for 15 or so minutes, then zip, fixed their cuts.
(This is needed, because in order to maintain a sterile field, I had to cover the face (often both eyes and nose) with a sterile drape. To prevent the kiddo from freaking out (already scared, now can't see, often feels they can't breathe) we'd use the papose (a straight jacket for kids, but stiching a moving tongue or lip, without getting bit and getting good results was 'challenging')
The kiddo woke up, remembered nothing and asked when he/she was getting their stitches. It adds 30-60 minutes to the ER time, but saves the kids from so much trauma, that I feel it is worth it. And it is *FUN* to watch!
So, I will prescribe versed for DVC points.
-Tony
FDA, DEA just kidding about trading scripts for points!
P.S. I was banned before it was cool!!!!
Rozzie
05-21-2008, 06:45 PM
Reading this TR has officially solidified my DINK status. ;)
I am just tickled pink D got her Kali ride in. I would have paid big bucks to have seen that grin in person. And man oh man, little man is growing like a weed! :beatinghe
mickeyndvcfan
05-21-2008, 07:21 PM
Great pics & I also love the fireworks one.
Exhausting trip report though. Glad you enjoyed yourself in spite of the sleep deprevation.
B'rer Karen
05-21-2008, 07:56 PM
Reading this TR has officially solidified my DINK status. ;)
You know Roz, I had the same thought! :)
diva452
05-21-2008, 11:21 PM
Oh Nono!
I'm so sorry about your trip. Actually, I'm scared to death!!! I'll be travelling this Saturday with DH and DD who is 3.5. This is the first time we are travelling without "help" in the form of a grandparent. The last long trip we took DD on she was a little beast from the time we got out of the van to the time we boarded the red eye back from Maui to LAX.:headbange
Here is a thought. At least neither child has had diarrea in a 5 star resort pool. That happened to us 3 weekends ago at La Costa where DH's company had their worldwide sales conference. DH is hi profile at his company and everyone knows him and all those people were around the pool. I was taking photos and heard those telling words "Daddy, my tummy hurts". The next thing I know he's lifting her out of the pool with her little bum exploding everywhere. I wrap her in a towel and rush to the bathroom, stopping for a second to tell the waitress what happened. She turned to the lifeguard and said the code word for "some kid just pooped in the pool" and they made everyone get out and put yellow caution tape around it. Needless to say, we were extremely embarrassed until we realized that the other parents were breathing that sigh of relief when they think to themselves, that could have been my kid!!!!!!!! On a positive note, this will become ammunition when she's older and decides to be bad..:lmbo:
I hope things get better!
Melissa
Thanks for all the comments and as for staying DINKS, good idea! It's my public service announcement to those not initiated in the evil ways of the wee ones. :fresh:
THURSDAY -- So the sun was up, and I had this little 176 heart read on the treadmill at the Hilton on Sunday morning, so what's a girl to do? Yep, get dressed in her running gear and run the HELL OUT OF THE VILLA, away from the torture. I headed over to SSR's gym via the running trail and then ran 2 1/2 mi on the treadmill to get a good heart rate read. Yep, couldn't get it over 136, so I was in a bad way on Sunday at the Hilton. Their gym was about 105 degrees and it was 4 a.m. and I couldn't sleep, and was probably still drunk on 2 drinks, but still -- 176??? So after I got a good heart rate reading and found out I wasn't in immediate danger of my :beatinghe exploding (as that's 100% max for my age) I ran back to OKW for a total of 5 mi. Yeah, I was nuts and went back to those people. :D
Mr Nono ran next, then it was off to the Turtle Pond pool. Swam a bit, and got S to nap (he's pretty good at napping "al fresco"). Mr Nono slept poolside too (yes, unbelievable that he's still alive today...). I drank a margarita as with no sleep I feel hung over anyways...so why not? (Beer logic at work, n'est pas?) I don't like tuna salad anywhere but at a DVC bar, so I had the tuna sandwich for lunch and it didn't disappoint!
We eventually rallied, showered and headed over to DHS. Got a good spot for the Block Party Bash and enjoyed the heck out of it. Last time we saw it was in DL/DCA in 2005, and our D was the exact same age our S is now. Same look of amazement on his face watching the show -- worth everything. We got two balls at the end of segment, which delighted D. We then headed out and had dinner at Chevy's at the Crossroads. S finally managed to sit in a high chair and have dinner. WHEW! I thought this was going to never get better. Had the LARGE blue margarita :yummy: which made me feel wonderful! We came back and walked the kids up to the main playground at OKW and I continued the margarita theme at The Gurgling Suitcase. Our friends came back from the Space Coast and had dinner sitting at The Suitcase, and the kids wouldn't fall asleep so we took them home and Mr Nono went back up to spend a little time with the guys. I enjoyed some time at "home." :clappingh I snoozed on the couch and the kids had a roaring bad overnight again, but did calm down by 4 a.m., so I slept in 'till about 8 a.m. Yahoo!!!!
CRSNDSNY
05-22-2008, 10:58 AM
D was all impressed that I could converse in French in full sentences when I ordered in the little back pastry shop (whatever it is called).
Are you kidding? I'M IMPRESSED!!!
Your children are adorable and sweet! Sleeping is always the biggest challenge for us when traveling. I have a 3yo and 11mo. I see your daughter is 4yo, how old is your son?
Are you kidding? I'M IMPRESSED!!!
Your children are adorable and sweet! Sleeping is always the biggest challenge for us when traveling. I have a 3yo and 11mo. I see your daughter is 4yo, how old is your son?
16 months old now...
CRSNDSNY
05-22-2008, 11:03 AM
BTW, did you read a few months back that I thought you were next to us at the Boardwalk? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFHJdy3XMqk) I thought it was you and I had my husband ask the mother in the party if they were on Mouseowners! Much to my husbands embarassment, it was not you. LOL Poor guy. When we got back I read that I think you were actually at OKW. Here's the video of the little girl I thought was your daughter. LOL (http://www.mouseowners.com/forums/BTW, did you read a few months back that I thought you were next to us at the Boardwalk? I thought it was you and I had my husband ask the mother in the party if they were on Mouseowners! Much to my husbands embarassment, it was not you. LOL Poor guy. When we got back I read that I think you were actually at OKW. Here's the video of the little girl I thought was your daughter. LOL)
Some pics from Thursday:
after dinner at Chevy's:
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/nono_33/chevysisfun.jpg
Heading up to HH/The Suitcase:
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/nono_33/headingtoTheSuitcase.jpg
D proudly still wearing her KRR wristband:
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/nono_33/kaliwristbandstillon.jpg
S enjoying the playground:
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/nono_33/funatplayground.jpg
H enjoying a moment to sit down:
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/nono_33/watchingkidsatOKWplayground.jpg
(Note the coming full moon....)
BTW, did you read a few months back that I thought you were next to us at the Boardwalk? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFHJdy3XMqk) I thought it was you and I had my husband ask the mother in the party if they were on Mouseowners! Much to my husbands embarassment, it was not you. LOL Poor guy. When we got back I read that I think you were actually at OKW. Here's the video of the little girl I thought was your daughter. LOL (http://www.mouseowners.com/forums/BTW, did you read a few months back that I thought you were next to us at the Boardwalk? I thought it was you and I had my husband ask the mother in the party if they were on Mouseowners! Much to my husbands embarassment, it was not you. LOL Poor guy. When we got back I read that I think you were actually at OKW. Here's the video of the little girl I thought was your daughter. LOL)
Oh yes, I do remember. My daughter is not nearly so sweet. She's just not. :crackedup
CRSNDSNY
05-22-2008, 11:30 AM
LOL
Great pics! We hope to stay at OKW one of these times. The grounds look lovely.
greenban
05-22-2008, 02:54 PM
Some pics from Thursday:
after dinner at Chevy's:
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/nono_33/chevysisfun.jpg
Heading up to HH/The Suitcase:
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/nono_33/headingtoTheSuitcase.jpg
D proudly still wearing her KRR wristband:
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/nono_33/kaliwristbandstillon.jpg
S enjoying the playground:
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/nono_33/funatplayground.jpg
H enjoying a moment to sit down:
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/nono_33/watchingkidsatOKWplayground.jpg
(Note the coming full moon....)
Looking at these adorable children and their sweet and angelic smiles in the above photos, it is my professional opinion that nono is a big fat liar!
I can not imagine these angels acting in the manner ascribed to them by nono.
And notice how DH suppossedly slept through these alleged possessions, thus no witnesses.
Until nono can provide photographic proof, or another adult witness. I say the children are as cute as buttons and innocent!
-Tony
Glad to hear D was tall enough for KRR. And to get the full soak as well! Now that is a thrill she'll remember.
I think you need a do-over.
JaneBanks
05-22-2008, 05:39 PM
I remember those times with DD, we occasionally break out the home movies so we can have a laugh. (I'm the evil mom who videos everything!)
It's a miracle we ever went on vacation again after our first WDW trip. She was two months shy of three and an absolute terror.
We tryed to cram too much into that week, going to a park every day with no breaks.
Didn't want mommy and daddy to go ride anything, didn't want to stay with lala and papa. Had roaring temper tantrums in MGM, it was horrible.
I felt a little better after we went to the Ice Cream Social at Epcot. She made friends with the characters there, played peek a boo with them. Mickey took her by the hand when it was time to go, signed I Love You to DD, and walked us out out the restaurant.
That experience, not the tantrums in the days before, totally changed my outlook and in part, spurred us on to become DVC members.
Nono, your kids are adorable BTW. Love the picture where they are waiting for Wishes.
I remember those times with DD, we occasionally break out the home movies so we can have a laugh. (I'm the evil mom who videos everything!)
I have a good friend Mike Scopa... who has now retired from high tech, and I think now writes for MousePlanet and maybe some other WDW sites. We used to vacation with him and his family at WDW during the pre-ubiquitous Internet days... when it was harder to find other Disney addicts.
We used to say that Mike had the terrible super-glue accident. Some spilled on his camcorder eyepiece one day... and he was never able to remove it from his eye.
/Jim
So Friday, we eventually got going and went to Epcot. Our friends were running late too, so we headed to The Land and pulled fastpasses for Soarin' and then road the Listen to the Land. I really like this much better without the cast member riding in the front and giving an uninspired speel. By then, our friends had arrived, and we went to the movie (see, I'm not even going to pretend right now that I know the names of the attractions -- I used to, but it's really not worth the effort to try to pull the names out of this old, sleep-deprived brain). :3dglasses S did fine in the movie -- he's really quite tolerant of all sorts of attractions ('cept dinner :headbrick). Much moreso than his sister was at this age.
Then it was Soarin' time. H stayed with the kids and D did the Kidcot station. Got first row and it was great! Then, everyone rode again on babyswap pass and I got to have S sleep on me and D pulled up some carpet in a corner not far from the Kidcot station and "rested." We had lunch -- well, I had wrestlemania -- at the Garden Grille. D loved the characters! We had a very lovely server, and things went well overall. The design of the restaurant is good in that my S's fussing really didn't affect anyone other than us. Whew!
After lunch, we hauled out of Epcot as we were pretty tired, and got everyone back for a nap. Naps went long, and then we went to Celebration for a change of pace and to have dinner at D’Antonios. Good Italian food at much more reasonable prices than on-property, and very attractive employees made for a decent evening for me, but S was a mess. H & I took turns walking him outside as he just would not stay inside without fussing. Our friends were with us, so when we were "off duty" from walking S, it made for good dinner companionship.
And then everyone went down easily for bed, and H and I stayed up a bit and talked in the living room. Finally, I had to call it a night as I was running a 5K in the morning on I Drive.
handa
05-23-2008, 02:16 PM
I'm assuming that the movie is still "The Circle of Life" w/ Pumbaa and Timon. I personally kinda miss the tour guides (and third boat in the chain?) but see how this would be a HUGE drain on resources and staffing needs are better met elsewhere, especially in that particular pavilion. It has to be the busiest pavilion in all of EPCOT!
I haven't been brave enough to go back to GG w/ DD just yet. I'm concerned that the rotation past the storm scenes may result in a hasty exit. She's ridden LTTL at least twice, but doesn't like the dark, stormy parts.
Chris
I'm assuming that the movie is still "The Circle of Life" w/ Pumbaa and Timon.
Chris
Yep, that would be the one. I personally liked the darker, "Slash and Burn the Earth" one that preceeded it. :bugeyed:
Here's a couple pics from the GG lunch:
S tolerating Mickey
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/nono_33/stoleratesMickeyforamoment.jpg
Our whole family talking simultaneously with our hands
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/nono_33/chipandthehandtalkingfamily.jpg
The Money Shot with Pluto
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/nono_33/dandpluto.jpg
diva452
05-23-2008, 03:00 PM
I love the photos!! I'm getting very excited for tomorrow!!!! I just hope dd cooperates!!!!!
Melissa
7swans
05-23-2008, 03:03 PM
That picture of your D w/ Pluto is precious!
How was the food @ GG?
tinkerbella's mom
05-23-2008, 03:19 PM
Nono, I must agree with Tony, your kids are "cute as buttons", absolutely adorable and look angelic. I hope you get some sleep when you're home, reading about your sleep deprivation is making me tired.
Must say you got fabulous pictures of your kids. When they are older and the trips get easier you can show them the pix and tell them all about the Disney trip where mommy got no sleep.
Thank you for all the kind words about my kids. Just tells me that pictures can lie! :crazy:
So, my Saturday morning started at about 12:15 a.m., which was about 15 min after I had fallen asleep. Basically, the worst night of all was had with both kids flipping out continually so that I had NO sleep. Mr Nono was periodically helping, but when I expressed concern that I needed sleep as my alarm was going off at 5:45 to go race, he said some non-helpful words. "You never have had a good night's sleep before a race." Yeah. He was right. And, it really annoyed me.
Long story short is at 5:15 a.m., I had not slept in 5 hrs., my alarm was to go off in 1/2 hour, the kids were finally asleep and Mr Nono was snoring away, and I reached over, turned off the alarm, and went to sleep. I skipped the race. :( Now for non-runners or non-athletes, I know this sounds like no big deal. But, I LOVE RUNNING and I LOVE RACING. I had put in a lot of effort in the last month to set myself up to break my 5K personal record. It was also a race at a perfect time of day -- 7 a.m., just when I like to run. And, it would have been the only thing completely for me during the week. A little escape from my full-time job of wife and mother that doesn't really go away when we are on vacation. Also, I've never not shown up to any event before. I feel like a part of character was broken that day. So, when I woke back up at 7:15 a.m., I wasn't in a good mood. Kids were also in a bad mood from crazy lack of sleep. Mr Nono wasn't so bad as he had more sleep than the rest of us (yes, he's still alive :jawdroppi)
We got organized and headed to AK. We got parked, I opened the trunk and pulled the first stroller out. And something came flying past my head and landed in the middle of the parking lot. The CAMCORDER! WHERE THE HELL DID THAT COME FROM???? Oh, Mr Nono, in his "I'll pack lighter today but not tell anyone" decided his ballcap was a good place to store the camcorder and it got stuck in the folded up sunshield of the stroller I just pulled from the trunk. Mr Nono goes and retrieves the camcorder and does a quick inspection and shakes his head slowly with distain. I sarcastically ask if there's any booby traps in the second stroller, and he says he didn't booby trap the first one. Net is, I tell him that since I had no FREAKIN' (I might have said that) idea that the camcorder was on the loose in the trunk, and he's always the slower one, leaving me to get the crap out of the trunk, I feel like I'm getting set up for failure. If I know the camcorder is in the trunk, and then I am careless, well shame on me. But, I had no idea the trunk was any different from any other day.
I was so POed, I couldn't shake it so, before we got to the tram, I decided to pull out. I kissed my D and sent her with Mr Set-me-up-for-Failure, and S and I left. I went over to Coronado Springs. In the middle of all this confusion was about 5 phone calls among our friends who were staying and trying to hook up with us at AK, and local friends who were deciding where to meet us later in the day. It's not even 10 o'clock! And, I've had 2 hours sleep and broken the camcorder. I don't feel magical, I feel HAD!
A walk around the lake at Coronado Springs, and some playground time, and S and I head back to AK. We meet friends, Mr Nono and D at Yak & Yeti takeout. D & Mr Nono have ridden KRR 3x and everything on them is soaked. We get some Tiger Beer and lunch and chill out while we wait for my KRR fastpass time to come around. At that point, our local friends have decided they are heading to DtD, so we know that's on the schedule for later in the afternoon. Got my KRR ride in with D and one of our friends, and we headed to DtD. S pent the afternoon sitting next to the Margarita Stand and drinking myself silly with my friend and letting the kids run around. Our kids were annoying, but that was our husbands' faults, as they don't pick up the slack when the ladies get "in their cups." :cheers2:
We eventually decide we can't drink anymore, and head our separate ways. Went back to the villa and Mr Nono made the best nacho plate for dinner. I got a nap on the couch and then we decided, what the heck, let's go to the MK. It was a good idea! We arrived around 8 pm, did MILF for the first time, Buzz, PeopleMover, watched the fireworks, rode Winnie the Pooh, and then decided we were most hungry. Headed to Casey's and chowed down, :yummy: and then D said we had to go. So we went.
Better sleep on Saturday night, but I did have 2 hours of actively coaching my D not to go full-blown night terror before she settled down for a restful sleep. :faint:
Few pics from AK:
I'll call this one: Beer isn't working yet (and looking scarily like my Mom, who I don't resemble)
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/nono_33/beerisnotworkingyet.jpg
My favorite Mother/Daughter shot of the trip:
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/nono_33/motherdaughtermoment.jpg
A close up of KRR joy:
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/nono_33/krrandd.jpg
CRSNDSNY
05-24-2008, 01:18 PM
S pent the afternoon sitting next to the Margarita Stand and drinking myself silly with my friend and letting the kids run around. Our kids were annoying, but that was our husbands' faults, as they don't pick up the slack when the ladies get "in their cups." :cheers2:Yes, we might be kindred spirits.
Sorry to hear about your camcorder. :teleport:I can totally relate to you, though, with your DH (bless his heart). My DH is the same exact way. I'M the one up dealing with non-sleeping kids. I'M the one moving things along because my DH has the tendency to move slower than molasses. Yeah. I get it. :highfive: Mine, would have totally booby trapped that stroller.
glypnirsgirl
05-24-2008, 01:28 PM
Nono - my heart goes out to you. Children are our greatest source of joy and our greatest source of pain. Many years ago, one of the Abby/Ann people conducted a suryvey and NINETY per cent of people said if they had it to do over again, they would not have children. When my son was 2 I asked my sister to come help take care of him. After taking care of him during the day (and being paid for it) my sister reached the conclusion that she should not have children --- they are just too much work. I remember nights when my son would just not go to sleep and thinking, I know how people with less self-control than I have, kill their children - something that was unimaginable to me before having them. Before I had a child, I prosecuted child abusers. Because of the experience investigating and prosecuting child abuse, I had decided on a "no hit" policy when raising my child. I am glad that I did, because I think that if I had ever started hitting, I might not have ever stopped!
My son is 25 now. It is an easy age. I may like it better than all other ages.
Elaine
CRSNDSNY
05-24-2008, 02:39 PM
....and every stage is a new challenge. :faint:
Although it is still very very trying at times, I love every second.
handa
05-24-2008, 04:51 PM
We arrived around 8 pm, did MILF for the first time, Buzz, PeopleMover, watched the fireworks, rode Winnie the Pooh, and then decided we were most hungry.
:jawdroppi:jawdroppi:jawdroppi:jawdroppi:jawdroppi
:grouphug:
The Group for the Education and Teaching of Acronyms Listed on the Internet for Future Explanations, a.k.a. GETALIFE, has decided that there needs to be a new and officially designated acronym for Monsters' Incorporated Laugh Floor.
They also feel that Mr. Nono should not hold you responsible for present or future damage of electronic recording equipment, either currently available or not yet invented. So there.
Chris
I just read my account of Saturday's events to Mr. Nono and he said, "That's pretty accurate." Though we both think that maybe we didn't ride Winnie the Pooh but maybe Small World. Pretty sure Winnie hadn't been done yet.
I should also insert that the night terrors were probably my fault. :scary: I mentioned when we were walking through the Boardwalk at some point very early in the trip to my daughter that we used to rock on the rockers out there in the middle of the night as she always had night terrors the first night we traveled. So I basically re-awoke those things! (Lesson learned. OH, lesson learned! I never said I was good at this job!)
Chris, the other night on Leno he made a MILF comment, and he said "Everyone in the audience younger than 40 is laughing hysterically and those over 40 are saying 'Huh?'" As we are in our early 40s, I asked Mr Nono if he knew what MILF was, and he didn't. I had to 'splain it to him. Now he thinks Monster's Inc Laugh Floor is even funnier. :jester:
You all realize that despite all this insanity, we are still having a relatively good time, right? :wearenumb We travel a lot, so sometimes, it's not going to come together. But, we weren't so much unhappy as just totally mystified at how well it wasn't going and completely unable to right the ship! <insert smilie of boat sinking here>
Hats off to Mr Nono. It seems that he has developed the finely crafted art of "consumer electronics upgrade despite spousal approval".
Please pass along my respect for his ingenuity. :)
/Jim
glypnirsgirl
05-24-2008, 06:15 PM
Chris, the other night on Leno he made a MILF comment, and he said "Everyone in the audience younger than 40 is laughing hysterically and those over 40 are saying 'Huh?'" As we are in our early 40s, I asked Mr Nono if he knew what MILF was, and he didn't. I had to 'splain it to him. Now he thinks Monster's Inc Laugh Floor is even funnier. :jester:>
The Group for the Education and Teaching of Acronyms Listed on the Internet for Future Explanations, a.k.a. GETALIFE, has decided that there needs to be a new and officially designated acronym for Monsters' Incorporated Laugh Floor.
Being in my 50's I had not picked up on this at all. Completely flew over my head. I read it to my husband who did not get it either. DH then called in bonus son and read the post to him. Right on cue he started laughing hysterically. Then he explained it to us. :innocent:
Rozzie
05-24-2008, 07:23 PM
This is officially my favorite TR of all time. Destruction of valuables, alcohol, the Suitcase, more alcohol, running, one member of traveling party leaving site of "fun" in a huff, and no sleep. Gosh, is this not my own TR? I never feel like it's a trip to WDW without all of the above experienced. :D
I just love the pics of the kids. They are just so precious to me. :beatinghe
MILF! Mr. Roz didn't know this either and needed a little "education". It's now his favorite MK attraction...
handa
05-24-2008, 07:40 PM
On a non-entendre point, DW is pretty fond of saying "A bad day at Disney is better than a typical day almost anywhere else."
Back to the regularly doubled entendre: DW probably won't appreciate me saying that I want to go to MK to ride "The MILF," but you know that I will...:goodnevil
...and the rest of you will either smile or snicker almost involuntarily as you walk by, leaving you the option of explaining it to other members in your party or enjoying your own private moment of adolescent silliness.
Chris
Back to the regularly doubled entendre: DW probably won't appreciate me saying that I want to go to MK to ride "The MILF," but you know that I will...:goodnevil
What was Disney thinking when they named MILF?... it's not like they don't realize that everything at WDW gets abbreviated!
On a similar topic... a friend who lives in the Seattle area (Cruisn here on MO)... told me that the new public transportation system in his area is South Lake Union Transit... and now you can buy teeshirts that say "Ride the SLUT".
/Jim
greenban
05-24-2008, 08:57 PM
1) Are there fast passes to do the MILF?
2) I'm 48 and have known the non-Disney definition for at least the last 20 years.... and I don't watch Leno or Letterman.
Why did I post this?
Nono, while I too admire DHs upgrade technique, my DW upgraded me with the back of her hand, upside my head technique. Fortunetly I was trainable, and I do pick up the slack when the ladies are in their cups, often without being asked!!!! so I feel for you too!
-Tony
glypnirsgirl
05-24-2008, 11:06 PM
1) Are there fast passes to do the MILF?
2) I'm 48 and have known the non-Disney definition for at least the last 20 years.... and I don't watch Leno or Letterman.
Why did I post this?
-Tony
SUGGESTED MOTIVE - Desire to particpate in adolescent humor despite your age and dignity :innocent:
OR
Renouncing age and dignity to engage in adolescent humor :goodnevil
OR
a DEEP ROOTED DESIRE TO LYAO! :jumpingbe
Elaine
SUGGESTED MOTIVE - Desire to particpate in adolescent humor despite your age and dignity :innocent:
OR
Renouncing age and dignity to engage in adolescent humor :goodnevil
OR
a DEEP ROOTED DESIRE TO LYAO! :jumpingbe
Elaine
DW's history of describing her age is as follows:
45 - 49 (in my 40's)
50 (just turned 50)
51 - present (almost 50)
She figures that since she is not exactly 50 anymore... the phrase "almost 50" is technically accurate. I think she will utilize this grammatical loophole until she is 55.
/Jim
glypnirsgirl
05-24-2008, 11:43 PM
DW's history of describing her age is as follows:
45 - 49 (in my 40's)
50 (just turned 50)
51 - present (almost 50)
She figures that since she is not exactly 50 anymore... the phrase "almost 50" is technically accurate. I think she will utilize this grammatical loophole until she is 55.
/Jim
And so she is. Then I am almost 50 also (and I can remain "almost 50 for 1 more year and 2 more months). I have no qualms about my age. I am 53. I turn 54 in August. I have loved whatever age I was except for 15 when I was aching to be 16 so I would be old enough to drive.
Elaine
I like that--I too am now almost 50. Mary
Cruisin
05-25-2008, 04:23 AM
My wife just refuses to use the F word, she will be in her thirties until she turns 60:laughing:
greenban
05-25-2008, 10:40 AM
My wife just refuses to use the F word, she will be in her thirties until she turns 60:laughing:
You know there are 2 F words or F-Bombs in common use around here...
So do you mean
Fifties
or
the
other
one.......
Fourties?
Enquiring frogs want to know!
-Tony
CRSNDSNY
05-25-2008, 12:13 PM
:teleport:I refuse to ever turn 40.
7swans
05-25-2008, 03:16 PM
:teleport:I refuse to ever turn 40.
Me too, but my body seems determined! :thumbsway
Cruisin
05-25-2008, 04:03 PM
You know there are 2 F words or F-Bombs in common use around here...
So do you mean
Fifties
or
the
other
one.......
Fourties?
Enquiring frogs want to know!
-Tony
Yes, fourty and fifty, I am not even allowed to say the words, I don't even know what would happen if she knew I was typing them!
Yes, fourty and fifty, I am not even allowed to say the words, I don't even know what would happen if she knew I was typing them!
Blackmail material... remember... I have her number on speed dial too! LOL
/Jim
glypnirsgirl
05-25-2008, 10:20 PM
Nono - I think that everyone understands that you are on vacation in Disney, so although it may not be the ideal vacation there, it is still a lot of fun.
Just to up the fun quotient, I would like to suggest duct tape properly applied to DS would substantially improve the fun quotient.
Here is a picture of duct tape properly applied:
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t221/glypnir/wallbaby.jpg
That is just too funny:laughing:
Duct Tape... the universal problem solver.
/Jim
Don't laugh. I never go on a trip without duct tape...
Will continue the saga tomorrow...Long day today, and not because anyone wasn't sleeping! :o
tinkerbella's mom
05-27-2008, 03:32 AM
[QUOTE=nono;150712]I just read my account of Saturday's events to Mr. Nono and he said, "That's pretty accurate." Though we both think that maybe we didn't ride Winnie the Pooh but maybe Small World. Pretty sure Winnie hadn't been done yet.
I should also insert that the night terrors were probably my fault. :scary: I mentioned when we were walking through the Boardwalk at some point very early in the trip to my daughter that we used to rock on the rockers out there in the middle of the night as she always had night terrors the first night we traveled. So I basically re-awoke those things! (Lesson learned. OH, lesson learned! I never said I was good at this job!)
Chris, the other night on Leno he made a MILF comment, and he said "Everyone in the audience younger than 40 is laughing hysterically and those over 40 are saying 'Huh?'" As we are in our early 40s, I asked Mr Nono if he knew what MILF was, and he didn't. I had to 'splain it to him. Now he thinks Monster's Inc Laugh Floor is even funnier. :jester:
Nono, thanks for clarifying and mentioning Leno's explanation. I'm 44 and did not know what non Disney MILF was, then last yr. cousin's 20+ daughters threw away my "mommy jeans" ( they were comfy) and bought me some MILF jeans, then educated me on what that meant. Now I was reading this thread and took a while to figure out Monsters Inc. Laugh FLoor. Now my DH is laughing hysterically.
handa
05-27-2008, 05:02 AM
Apparently, the name "Laugh Floor Comedy Club" fell out of use at some point, and the attraction is definitely listed on the Disney website as "Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor." At first, I thought this was just a funny "Nonoism" but obviously I am wrong and Mr. Iger and Mr. Lassiter know many things that I don't.
For the record, I prefer a "Disney MILF" to a "Non-Disney MILF" any day of the week. It just makes good sense.
Chris
Colorado Belle
05-27-2008, 06:32 AM
LOVE the duct taped baby....never ever go anywhere without duct tape.
Now, non Disney MILF isn't translating for me.
Don't mean to get anyone in a huhu or anything, but is it similar to
CFM shoes?????
Don't mean to get anyone in a huhu or anything, but is it similar to CFM shoes?????
CB... you must mean "Crocs for Moms". Yes... it has a nice WDW ring to it.
/Jim
OK, I've let this thread meander long enough. :birhdaypa
SUNDAY. Anyone taking bets on this day?? Well, it went pretty well. We went to DHS. Not in a hurry, but we got there mid-morning. Went to Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground right away. Not many people there, though as soon as we got in there, a Dad was changing his kid on one of the features. :rolleyes: I find this more offensive than PDAs by teens/adults. Apparently, so does my D, who's 4. She walked over, caught the Father's eye, and gave him the most disgusted look, and turned on her heel and walked away. I looked at Mr Nono, who was already bent in half laughting. Yep, I had seen what I had seen. :bowdown: Easily spent an hour in the playground. Both of my kids were a sweaty mess when we left, and we walked around a bit while the kids sucked down some drinks. S fell asleep, so D and I went to watch the Muppets. She enjoyed the 3D features a whole lot, and I had hte best time watching her get unabashedly into reaching for the effects.
Now it was lunchtime. We walked into Pizza Planet for the first time and kept walking right out. :idea: time. Let's torture S one more time with a sit down lunch! We went to Mama Melrose, and yes, they were just opening and yes, they could take us. And, you know it, YES son wasn't interested in sitting. Or even sitting on Mom. So, I stood rocked S. He liked that. He did eat some lunch (I ordered him the Artesian Bread appetizer, and he was very happy with the breads and spreads). Our server got a straw and put it in my sangria. :lovestruc It was great to have someone do something so silly, yet so understanding, of my eating/drinking dilemma with squirmly S in my arms.
After lunch, we met up with our friends, and they had done a bunch of "adult" stuff at DHS. We had heard from a CM on the playground that Toy Story Mania was in soft opening, so we headed there. YES! It was open! About a 15 min wait, and we were IN! I really liked it. Simple, yet fun!
From there, it was to the revised Playhouse Disney show, which we saw earlier. D had a great time again, and S tried to rush the stage again. This time, Mr Nono was in charge and he had a better time (no rug burn) corraling S. S only had to go to the back of the theater, not totally leave like the first time, so he was improving. He also apparently listened to my lecture ahead of entering to keep his voice down. :cool: Hard to always remember to set expectations, but even for a wee one, it's a lot easier if they know what is expected behavior ahead of time. After this, we hauled everyone out and back to OKW to nap. Including me! Yes, I had a :beer: and passed out on the couch!
To be continued....
So we all got freshened up after Mom's nap, and we headed to MK. Teacups were our first stop, as D had decided we needed to pull out the other night before we got to ride them. I was the elected parent to ride, and we met a lovely Mother/Daughter in line (unlike the court incident). In fact, the Mom had me take their pic in their cup before the ride started. D and I spun ourselves silly. We really practice all summer long here at the coast of NJ, so we seriously look deranged when we're on there. Factor in that my D looks barely 3, and I look like psycho-Mom. :thumbsup: Then it was over to Pirates for a nice, walk on ride. S is unaffected and D loves the skeletons at the beginning of the ride. :confused:
From there we backtracked to Buzz and rode 2x, then had dinner at the Noodle Station. Not bad. Then we did the Pooh ride, and watched Wishes from just outside there. Kids loved "Look left" "Look right" so if you have weird kids like ours, you might want to try to watch Wishes from there. :highfive: After that, we hit Small World, looked at the possibly most monstrous line I've ever seen for Peter Pan, and then went to the Haunted Mansion. For the first time, D was scared. As I rode with her, I thought, "Oh great. I've just cursed myself to another night of pain." But since our trip was winding down, I figured I'd just pour myself about 5 fingers of rum and "endure" the night keeping her calm. :burp:
We did some other things at the MK that I no longer remember, and left around 11 or so. Drove back, got the kids changed and to bed, poured that drink, had a few sips, then went to bed myself. KIDS SLEPT ALL NIGHT. :yes: I laughed my head off in the morning when I opened the 'fridge and there was my rum on ice staring back at me.
Moral of the story: Apparently, scare the crap out of your kids early on in the trip. Major rookie-like error on my part! :bagovermy
Lemme see if I can follow this....T-Cups to Pirates to Buzz to Pooh.
Tell me this isn't part of TGM's plan. :faint:
glypnirsgirl
05-27-2008, 07:56 PM
I personally think it was the prophylactic affect of five fingers of rum.
I really have enjoyed and commiserated with you on your trip report. It has been so "real."
Elaine
A few pics of that day...
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/nono_33/slidingdownpetal.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/nono_33/peekaboo.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/nono_33/toystorymanai.jpg
None of us have any pictures from that night. Sometimes it is fun to just be in the moment, vs. documenting it. Apparently, we were all in that mood at the same time! Could we be finally synchronizing? :listen:
carolina_yankee
05-27-2008, 10:17 PM
I'm so jealous you got to ride TSM!! We were there the first in May, but only at MGM 1/2 day and never really got to the area to check out.
Now, this day sounds like a slice of heaven at the MK with family, so I'm going to have to go back to the beginning and read 'the rest of the story.'
Oh, and having discovered a love for Martinis as Jim and I celebrated our 15th at Jiko's, I might have the fortification necessary to follow you guys around on a future trip. ;)
Dirk
Grandbuddy
05-27-2008, 11:30 PM
...until all those comments about old people with not a clue what milf stands for, and I realized I am one of them. I feel so out of touch.
But enough feeling out of touch. Just enjoyed the trip report. Ten years from now, if you can't find this thread, you will look at your photos and remember having a wonderful time.
Started taking my kids to WDW when they were 3 and 9 months (2 kids, 2 ages). Took my kids in December, along with their kids: 2 boys age 3 1/2, a 2-yr-old girl, and a 5 month old boy who wasn't even thought of when I booked the trip. We had a wonderful time, and any memories which were not lovely have been expunged. Then the wife and I took the oldest grandson on a solo trip in April, a week before his 4th birthday. Everything was planned around him, and we had a grand time. He became my little roller coaster buddy, as his DeeDee (my wife) liketh not the coaster.
Just bought SSR to continue the family memories - don't even have my membership # yet; and offering on a 2nd contract as of today.
Hope everybody has wonderful trips with their kids - or at least remembers them as wonderful. And if anyone wants to pm me to let me know what's so funny about that milf thing - I can take it!!
susandfam
05-28-2008, 12:21 AM
Wow! This has been quite a trip. You have given me a nice list of places to get drinks. I have recently develped a taste for fruity margaritas. Sorry you had some "bad times" on your trip. Those night terrors especially. My DD9 used to have those. They weren't horrible, but definitely unpredictable. DH always took her to the window and talked her down. We have been lucky she hasn't had any in the last few years.
I loved seeing pics of your kids. They are adorable!!
Take care!
Susan
jiggerj
05-28-2008, 12:34 PM
Loved your report nono! The kiddos are just beautiful! I cant believe how grown-up L is from just last Dec.! :)
7swans
05-28-2008, 01:01 PM
Ten years from now, if you can't find this thread, you will look at your photos and remember having a wonderful time.
Isn't that the truth!
cheapmom
05-28-2008, 01:11 PM
nono - your kids are so cute. It is exhausting with little ones- I highly recommend for anyone headed to WDW with toddlers to watch the Jon & Kate + 8 episode where they take the kids to Disney World just before you leave. How they did that and still managed to have a great time is beyond me- but they pulled it off!
Monday --
EPCOT. We went left and played in the playground behind the Butterfly Garden and then to the play area at the exit of Mission Space while S napped in his stroller. As everyone had slept well, we were a bit :idontgeti as to him napping so early in the day. But he didn't nap too long, and we met our friends at the entrance to World Showcase. They were flying out later in the day. We meandered along and got some fish and chips. S and D played in the English Garden for awhile, and we continued on. WS was mostly empty, and we poked around at carts, let the kids play and enjoyed the heck out of ourselves.
Here's a series of shots of my D goofing around in Italy.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/nono_33/one.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/nono_33/two.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/nono_33/three.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/nono_33/four.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/nono_33/five.jpg
And then the final, with her under control and S sneakily chewing on the end of my lanyard. :headbange
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/nono_33/six.jpg
glypnirsgirl
05-29-2008, 03:54 AM
:clappingh Now that looks like a happy girl (and mommy)! Adorable!
Elaine
:clappingh Now that looks like a happy girl (and mommy)! Adorable!
Elaine
Elaine... that's because its Disney... and stories always have a happy ending.
/Jim
Elaine... that's because its Disney... and stories always have a happy ending.
/Jim
I'm not done yet....
J/K!
There's really not much else to tell, 'cept, we did complete our tour of WS, with Mommy grabbing some more beer in China - amazing that I made it from UK to there, but I did! Such a proud Mommy moment. :birhdaypa
We went back to OKW and napped all together, then got up, fed the ducks and went to Olivias for dinner. It was a nice way to wind down the trip, as we were flying out late morning the next day. We took the boat to DtD, went to WoD just to remind outselves that there isn't a recession, at least not as far as selling plush toys is concerned, and then bussed back to OKW. The bus ride was great as the bus driver did the old route which totally irritated my D. I told her to enjoy the nostalgia. :laughing:
The kids went to bed quickly and Mr Nono and I got to work on the 6 pack of beer in the fridge. G*d, we are old. We barely made it through 2 beers each. :burp: We packed for awhile, and moaned about what a weird trip it had been. We discussed how soon it would be that we would entertain having a 2 br. But, then we thought about how with a second Owner's Locker, we could forestall that second bedroom for a long time. See, a second OL would mean easily storing two airbeds, and then we won't lose the living room to the pull out. We really like having our living room. So, I think we made a major decision that night that will work for us for a few years.
I woke super-early the next morning, opened the fridge, got my last beer out, and finished packing. The kids woke up and were :box: a bit, which kept them out of my hair while I cleaned up. Mr Nono woke up, walked to the fridge, got his :beer: and started lining up the bags. He volunteered to give the kids their last "big tub" bath. I finished packing! Ate our final breakfast and did final cleaning of the kitchen. We turned in what needed to go to Bell Services, and somehow got out the door around 9 a.m.
D was sad to be leaving, but happy to be going home to see our :dog:, so we didn't have any resistance from her. Easy flight home, as the 4 of us slept most of the way. Car service was there to pick us up at the airport. Our favorite driver was there for us, and as soon as we got on the road, all 4 of us promptly fell asleep in the car. HEY -- a family has to make up for 8 days of no sleep sometime! :yes:
jiggerj
05-29-2008, 12:13 PM
OMG nono the series of pics of dd in Italy had me grinning ear to ear! :worship: Hmm...will have to remember next time I see you to bring an extra lanyard for ds to munch on along with dd's cherries! :D
shamrock6
05-29-2008, 04:59 PM
your pictures are wonderful. The children seem like they had a great time. The tough times always get easier with children:clappingh. The trip reports were great. thanks for sharing.:Pinkflami
AFMom
05-29-2008, 05:34 PM
I love you pics.... Glad the trip ended well! The last thing you needed was a bad flight home to top it off!
tinkerbella's mom
05-30-2008, 02:27 PM
Your pics are amazing, kids are adorable. Thanks for the great updates.
Thanks everyone for riding along with my misery and enjoying the photos.
We're going back in September for our "mulligan." I've already titled the new trip report: "It was the best of times....Oh it was the best of times..." And I'm making sure I clue the family in as to what kind of report I need to write so they know their parts in advance! :laughing:
Nono,
16 years from now when the youngest is going off to college, you will forget about the report... think back about the trip... and say to Mr Nono "I am going to miss him... remember how much fun it always was at WDW".
/Jim
ilphil
06-01-2008, 11:16 PM
I agree with JimP 100%.
Our daughter heads off to college in August and when we go to WDW in 2 weeks I'm sure there will be a lot of memories of previous trips (some absolutely HORRIBLE) going thru all our minds.
And I wish she was a 2 yr old again so we could relive every moment of them...:sosad:
Easy flight home, as the 4 of us slept most of the way. Car service was there to pick us up at the airport. Our favorite driver was there for us, and as soon as we got on the road, all 4 of us promptly fell asleep in the car. HEY -- a family has to make up for 8 days of no sleep sometime! :yes:
Nono,
Leave it to the airlines to spoil an othewise perfect trip ;)
/Jim
glypnirsgirl
06-01-2008, 11:40 PM
:goob: This is me. I am happy! I am happy because DBS cannot go swimming! I get to go swimming without saying, "stop splashing." Yea for me!
It does get better when they grow older --- but you never know what is going to really make you happy until it happens!
Elaine
Nono,
Leave it to the airlines to spoil an othewise perfect trip ;)
/Jim
Ain't that the truth! :D
bernie
06-10-2008, 01:19 AM
We first started going to disney when my youngest was 4 years old. My other daughter was 10 and we went during the hot summer months because my oldest was in school. I would see many children tired, iriitable and absolutely exhausted. I didn't realize I would still be going twenty years later and now a dvc member so that first trip could have been my last and we tried to fit as much as we could . Most adults don't realize that Disney is for their children that is why you initially first go, you can't wait to see the looks of amazement and wonder on your childs face as they encounter mickey and minnie or cinderella for the first time. Children need rest. They will absolutely be happier when they are taken care of first. Although Disney can be exhausting try not to let it be. If you don't see everything see what you can at a pace that is good for your children. Over the years we were fortunate to go many times and everytime we would go at our childrens pace so that we all would be happy. I have seen children yelled at, grabbed, shaken because at 10 oclock at nite and sometimes 11 even though the adults aren't tired their children are. I have mentioned this many times to my family and just wish all parents could put themselves in their childrens place. Granted their are some children that become irritable for no reason and can spoil it for their other siblings and at that point that child should go back to the hotel and have one parent stay with the other. I have always wanted to write this somewhere and am glad that I have the opportunity to express this at mouseowners. Our children are now grown my 4 year old is now 24 and still comes with us because her memories of disney were happy and relaxing and now we still relax and just enjoy being here at disney even if we just walk down mainstreet and stare. So for all the parent of small children that read this enjoy your disney vacations and especially enjoy your most precious possesions, your children, because they will be grown soon enough and all their memories should be happy. This may not be the correct site but I thought this would be helpful , so for all the future children and their parents enjoy the magic. my family and I certainly did and still do
Follow up:
Apparently, all that went on last month was just a phase for my D. Last night, we slept in our new house for the first time, after several days of back and forth, mis-timed naps, and general mayhem. She slept soundly all night! :clappingh
Bernie, I'm not sure if you were writing in general, or writing specifically to me. But if you were directing it to me, I feel like I owe you a bit of explanation. This was hardly a trip of a lifetime, or even a year. Longtime members of the site know a bit of the backstory of my kids being "world" and "World" travelers. :hyper: And, I've been blessed with very good little travelers. That's what made this trip so darn :holymoly:, as it came out of left field.
I agree with most of what everyone wrote on this thread, and it was really fun sharing it with all of you. :computerg
7swans
06-14-2008, 12:31 PM
Congratulations on moving into your new home!
Glad D is feeling at home.
I enjoyed reading your report, great title BTW. You children are beautiful.
Trip reports with preschoolers give me a good idea what I might expect when we take our granddaughter, she will be almost 4when we are planning our next big family trip.
How does the dog like the new digs?
The dog loves this house, esp. the upstairs porch. We had a hard time convincing her to come in when it was time to go to bed!
jamstew
06-14-2008, 03:23 PM
Mine are in their 20's and cost is still increasing. Aren't the costs supposed to go away? There are no proof points from my household!!!
/Jim
Mine range from 29-42. It never stops. Now I pay for grandchildren, too :headbrick
Mine range from 29-42. It never stops. Now I pay for grandchildren, too :headbrick
Thanks for the positive outlook. LOL
Kimberly (DD24) just came home for father's day weekend. It is nice to see her again... and helps make all the pay'n worth it. :)
/Jim
AZDVC
06-14-2008, 07:40 PM
Yes, fourty and fifty, I am not even allowed to say the words, I don't even know what would happen if she knew I was typing them!
I recently celebrated the 2nd anniversary of my 24th birthday.
Patsy
AZDVC
06-14-2008, 08:10 PM
You all realize that despite all this insanity, we are still having a relatively good time, right? :wearenumb sinking here>
Yep. Nono, you've just been honest!! Even us DINKS have our moments on the trips and our occassional "bad trip".
We still joke and complain about a trip we won from Disney!
We had a gal from Buena Vista Television as our contact and as a California girl she knew nothing about WDW. Long story short, she thought I was crazy to want to book the trip as "early" as August for a December stay, we had to get reimbursed for our transport from airport and had to renegotiate what tickets she told us we were getting. But it was a great trip even with the SNAFUs.
You just told it like it is!! Have a flower and a margarita :flowerfor:margarita:margarita
(ok, 2 margaritas).
Patsy
jamstew
06-14-2008, 09:27 PM
Thanks for the positive outlook. LOL
Kimberly (DD24) just came home for father's day weekend. It is nice to see her again... and helps make all the pay'n worth it. :)
/Jim
It really is all worth it! My daughter and her 2-year-old just left a couple of days ago (and I miss them already).
bernie
06-15-2008, 02:13 AM
I am so sorry this was not directed at anyone and I did say probably not the right site. I just wanted to express my thoughts on taking children to disney. We just came back and are going again in Oct and Dec. We love our children as I know everyone does and during a lot of our trips I have seen so many little children yelled at by their parents just because it is late at night. and they are hot and tired. One particular night of the spectro magic parade this adult shook her child while she cried because Mommy wanted to see the parade. Just though I would express my thoughts to other parents who take their children. Love them, take care of them and listen to them and you will have a very magical trip. Your children were absolutely lovely and looked like all had a great time.
I am so sorry this was not directed at anyone and I did say probably not the right site. I just wanted to express my thoughts on taking children to disney. We just came back and are going again in Oct and Dec. We love our children as I know everyone does and during a lot of our trips I have seen so many little children yelled at by their parents just because it is late at night. and they are hot and tired. One particular night of the spectro magic parade this adult shook her child while she cried because Mommy wanted to see the parade. Just though I would express my thoughts to other parents who take their children. Love them, take care of them and listen to them and you will have a very magical trip. Your children were absolutely lovely and looked like all had a great time.
Yeah, I thought you were talking in general. But, I also felt badly that perhaps I had left some people out of the joke, as we have a lot of newer readers/participants here. I felt I owed you the "backstory." :reporter:
tinkerbella's mom
06-15-2008, 03:48 PM
Nono so glad your dd is not having anymore night terrors or whatever they were, and that both your beautiful kids are sleeping well and adapting to their new home. Your trip reports made me want laugh as well as want to hop on down to WDW to babysit for you and let you nap, or just to enjoy any of the yummy libations. Our first trip my son sobbed the whole first night because he missed his crib.
Chris, as Nono can tell you going with preschoolers is fun because you see the world through their eyes. Our first trip with ours in '06 dd-4 , ds-2 we did what they wanted to do, big change from our DINK commando style. Missed doing nights parades/shows as it was Sept and parks not open as late. Our kids would pass out in their strollers and we would head back to the room then. We figured that as they go older we would be back to WDW and do more. Now as DVC owners we'll head down in Nov for our 3rd trip.
7swans
06-15-2008, 07:47 PM
Chris, as Nono can tell you going with preschoolers is fun because you see the world through their eyes.
That's the plan, & I am really looking forward to it!
It was fun seeing it though the eyes of the teens on their trip too. :blueflowe
skidoc
06-15-2008, 08:42 PM
We have all been there.......
It gets so much better.....when we were at WDW in April, my 7,7 and 12 year olds had such an awesome time and so did we......so good that we bought DVC!!!
Being able to stay at the BOTTOM of Summit Plummet at Blizzard Beach while the kids went up alone (yes, I'm totally chicken)......priceless!!!!
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