Yes, CLQ-1, there is a Santa Claus - Updated 1/13 COMPLETE!!
About This Page:

**DyanKJ130** · 01-10-2009, 11:19 AM

Great updates! Looking forward to more hilarity

**Luvsun** · 01-10-2009, 08:54 PM

What a fun day at the MK! Sounds like good fun, good times and good friends!!!

travismom · 01-10-2009, 10:22 PM

What a magical day at MK!!

**OhToodles!** · 01-10-2009, 11:40 PM

All caught up again. It sounds like you had a fabulous time and made memories to last a lifetime. Can't wait for more!

Jillybean · 01-11-2009, 08:58 AM

Sunday, December 14 Day Four Part Three

With one last

to the castle, we slowly made our way out of the park and to the bus. Heather left us at this point, but I snagged her cell phone number first so that she could meet back up with us later at DHS. Lesley, Eileen, Larry, Bob and I hopped on a bus to our respective hotels (even though Lesley was officially staying at SSR we had made her an honorary BC resident also

). Once at YC, we waved

to the boys with plans to meet up with them at DHS.

We immediately headed for the lounge and filled our plates with yummy foods such as marinated asparagus and artichokes, olives, cheese, hummus and crackers. The warm appetizer of the evening were duck quesadillas which were absolutely delicious.

The soup was mushroom soup which was good, but after having the mushroom soup at AP the night before, Eileen and Lesley declared that it couldn’t hold a candle to the original.

With full glasses of wine, we sat around our table eating, sipping and talking about anything and everything.

At one point, I almost really embarrassed myself when I went up to the side board to pour myself another glass of wine.

The white wine was behind the red wine and somehow I managed to knock over the bottle of red wine with the bottle of wine.

Thank goodness that the cork was on securely and that the bottle didn’t break when it hit the granite counter top. It made a loud noise, but at least there wasn’t red wine every where. I think Eileen and Lesley thought about pretending that they didn’t know me,

but that would have been a lost cause since I quickly poured my glass of white wine and sat back down quickly.

Larry and Bob had been texting Eileen with reports of how long they were having to wait for a boat to DHS, so we decided to take our time before heading down to the dock. Eileen popped down to the room while Lesley and I sat and chatted some more. We knew it was time for us to join Eileen when Lesley spotted a teenager in the kids’ area who had on low riding jeans and wouldn’t stop leaning over. We were about to erupt into giggles, so we decided to take our leave while we still had some decorum about us.

We went down to the room, grabbed Eileen and some jackets and took off down to the dock. I did stop long enough to take a picture of this cutie.

Larry had sent Eileen another text saying that they finally had made a boat to DHS, so we felt that the coast might be clear by now. We really, really wanted to stay at the hotel long enough for the dessert service to be put out, but we also wanted to get to DHS so the sweets had to be sacrificed that night.

There was a little crowd already at the dock with not a boat in sight. When we did finally see a boat coming over from the Boardwalk, we moved to form a line. When the boat docked, the skipper came out and asked for 9 people. A man who wasn’t even in line yelled “We have 9!” and busted through the line. Then the boat left.

The ones of us who were ahead of this infidel just stood there with our mouths open.

To quote Stephanie from Full House “How rude!”

We started chatting with the people who were in front of us and Eileen suggested that we should make a human chain to keep others from doing the same thing. The fact of the matter was that Eileen, Lesley nor me would have made that boat anyway, but the fair thing would have been for the people in front of the line to go first. Isn’t that the Disney way?

So . . . when the next boat arrived, we allowed just enough room for people to disembark but not an inch more. This was how the infidels got through the first time. Thankfully, we made this boat with nary a problem.

Continued in next post . . .

Jillybean · 01-11-2009, 09:29 AM

On the boat, I sent Heather a text telling her that we were on our way. She sent a response saying that she would meet us at Sid’s. Who the heck is Sid?

Eileen, Lesley and I had fun trying to figure this out all the way through the gate. Our question was soon answered when Heather popped out of the first store on the left. Oh, that is Sid’s!

The four of us took off for ToT where we picked up FP’s that would be ripe within the hour. When I sent Thom a text telling him that we were on our way to EMH at DHS, he sent a reply that said “I’ll give you $20 if you ride both ToT and RnRC tonight.”

I shared this with the ladies, so of course, we now had a mission.

RnRC was another ride that I had only been on once and that had been 4 years ago. I wasn’t nearly as scared as I was going on ToT, but I did get a little nervous when we took off for the single rider line since the standby line was so long. Within 10 minutes, we were in the pre-show area and then, before I knew it, we were standing in the line and being picked off one-by-one.

First Eileen . . . then Heather . . . then Lesley . . . and then finally it was my turn. I was paired with a young guy who didn’t even acknowledge my existence, so I figured he wouldn’t be holding my hand either.

Our limo showed up all too soon and I climbed in and checked and rechecked my shoulder harness to make sure it was secure. I may have banged my head on PP earlier in the day, but this girl was not falling out of her limo tonight.

Soon we were in position and we were off! Wow! If that initial propulsion doesn’t increase your heart rate exponentially, then you just might be dead.

I closed my eyes for that part, but when we got into the first loop and I realized I was still alive I thought I would peek just for a second to see what the tracks looked like. Well, believe it or not, when I opened my eyes my first thought was “Cool!” I kept my eyes open the entire time and just enjoyed every turn on this smooth coaster. I know that I was grinning from ear to ear because not only had I done it, but I was loving it.

I found the ladies pretty quickly after my ride and we were all walking on air. Heather and I paused outside for her to take a picture of me in front of the ride, but Eileen and Lesley continued on for a bathroom break (imagine that!

). After unsuccessfully trying to get a picture of me with my cell phone (they were all too dark), Heather finally gave up and just took a picture with her camera.

Believe it or not, Heather and I then decided that we actually needed to go to the bathroom.

When we came out, we couldn’t find Eileen or Lesley, but I shortly received a text from Eileen asking “Where you at?”

I think we finally met up at ToT where Bob and Larry were waiting on us.

Bob and Larry didn’t have FP’s and the standby line was pretty long by this time, so they urged us to go ahead without them. We said okay and took off (although I was sad that my original ride buddies wouldn’t be going on with us again

). The four of us flew through the FP line, but one of us noticed along the way that our FP’s actually weren’t ripe yet - - we still had about another 15 minutes.

We debated for about 5 seconds and then decided we would just try it. The CM was either (a) not very observant or (b) didn’t care because we were ushered right to the pre-show.

And what do we get this time . . . but the front row!

I was pretty sure that Eileen and Lesley would not let me hang on to them this time (although Lesley did demonstrate how she could raise her arms with me hanging on therefore raising my arms too - - she’s sneaky, that woman

), so I made sure to find those little hand grips (I may have also ripped some flesh from Eileen and Lesley’s thighs - -

about that).

As our car started moving, the ladies decided that we should pose for a picture - - and it had to be something other than me screaming for dear life.

With not a lot of time to ponder, we quickly came up with the idea of praying (which was rather apropos for me

). Before I agreed to do anything that involved my hands coming off of those hand grips, I had to find out exactly (and I mean exactly

) when the picture was taken. Those ladies are good because they knew the exact moment!

We were soon flying up the Tower and, at the moment indicated, we put our hands together for our prayer picture. I had serious doubts that my hands were in the proper place because I felt like I put them up and then put them down just as fast to grab my hand grips (and Eileen and Lesley’s thighs

). We had a totally fantastic sequence of drops - - and this time we had a couple of good 13 floor drops! Once again, I absolutely loved the feeling of coming out of my seat! One of these days, I’m actually going to raise my arms!

When the ride was over (whew!

), we checked our ride photo and I was tickled pink to see that we were all in a perfect pose of prayer!

I think that Eileen and Heather have a ghetto copy which I’m sure one or both will be sharing.

About that same time, I also sent my husband a text telling me that he owed me $20!

We met up with our guys outside of ToT and then we all took off for the piece de resistance - - the Osborne Lights! And when I say “took off” I mean it because Eileen received a text from Sharon saying that she would meet us at the lights and Eileen was determined to beat her. That woman was doing some walking! Heather did the best job of keeping up with her, but I had to slow down when I got a stitch in my side!

On the way, Larry turned to me and asked simply "Duck quesadillas?" Now this may seem like an unusual question to most, but I knew exactly what he meant and responded with a

. Throughout our trip, we had been keeping tabs on what the concierge lounges in the YC and the BC were serving at night to test our theory that they actually served the same foods. Bacon wrapped scallops . . . check . . . duck quesadillas . . . check. Our theory was correct!

When we made it to the lights in record time, I was determined to get a picture of Heather when we turned the corner because she was the only one who had never seen this “spectacle.” I think this picture says it all.

We spent the next 30 minutes oohing and aahing. Of course, Eileen had to go and find the black cat, so we owed her a drink (me thinks someone’s competitive nature has rubbed off on Eileen - - first racing us to the Lights and then frantically trying to find the black cat first

). When we weren’t being bedazzled by the lights we were taking pictures of each other in front of the bedazzling lights.

We even stood in line for a PP picture which I believe that Heather has, but a CM also took one with my camera. I love this picture even though it is missing a very important person - - Sharon - - who we hadn’t been able to find.

Continued in next post . . .

Jillybean · 01-11-2009, 09:51 AM

When we made it back to the main drag after inspecting a really cool side street (I loved how they had lights on everything including a bicycle leaning against a lamp post and a basketball goal

), we finally found Sharon or rather she found us!

After watching the lights for a few more minutes, we decided that it was time for Eileen to cash in on her “black cat” prize and went looking for a FAB.

One of the beverage stands informed us that a FAB stand could be found across from Sci Fi. We walked all the way down the street, but never found it so we had assumed that they had packed up for the night since it was well after 10 p.m. Oh well! Apparently my powers of finding FAB's are limited to Epcot.

We still owe you one, Eileen!

Not to be deterred, we kept walking right over to TSMM where we hopped in line. I believe the wait was listed at 40 minutes, but I don’t think we waited nearly that long. Of course, time flies with this bunch so we could have been there for hours and not realized it for all of the yapping.

I rode with Bob this time with Sharon and Larry in front of us. I managed to snap this blurry picture of them before we took off. Notice that Sharon’s gun is aimed right for me - - not sure what that means.

Bob and I had a blast shooting everything in sight. He had me beat until the final round when my rapid fire marksman skills edged me over the top although he did take me on accuracy . . . and in the end we both still came away with beavers.

After TSMM, we were all officially pooped so we headed for the gates. We said

to Lesley and Heather and then the YC/BC crew went to stand in line at the dock. When we finally got on the boat, we took the outside seats and enjoyed a beautiful ride back home!

We said bye to the boys at the dock and then trudged back to our room. This has been quite a day and we were all pooped! I think I was

before the lights were off!

Up next . . . . oh noooooo!!!! My last day already?

lindawdw · 01-11-2009, 10:03 AM

Just got caught up and it sures sounds like a fun time was had at the MK!!! Loved your side story about MaryDevall's name! I often wondered how you chose her name. Hurry back with more please.

MontiMouse · 01-11-2009, 10:26 AM

What a great report. I just spent the last hour or so sipping my morning java reading about you great Mousefest trip!! Wow, what fun!! The "Bob and Larry Dining Experience" sounds like the most amazing meal ever and great job on conquering your fear of ToT (something I have not been able to do yet). Glad you loved RnRC (which I love as well). Now I am off to read everyone's elses versions of this trip!!!

wvugrrrl · 01-11-2009, 10:56 AM

2x's on the ToT? (As Joey would say,) "Who are you?!" Look out for Jill - she's the wild and fearless one of the bunch! And you rode the RnRc? I'm in awe. Apparently there really is nothing you can't do!

...time for you to leave? I don't want you to go home! I'm enjoying your TR too much!

**Caldercup** · 01-11-2009, 11:07 AM

Jill, what I liked most about your reaction to the wine bottle falling over was that you instantly picked up the wine you wanted and then not only refilled YOUR wineglass, but also Lesley's and mine! (In fact, I think you basically kept me topped off for the entire two hours we were in the lounge -- yes, Karen.... TWO HOURS IN THE LOUNGE -- which is why I ended up on my "incredible journey," trying to find our room later... on the wrong floor... in the wrong hallway.

I can't tell you how LOUDLY I laughed when I read this about your 1st return to RnR after a 4-year hiatus:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jillybean

I was paired with a young guy who didn’t even acknowledge my existence, so I figured he wouldn’t be holding my hand either.

Oh, Lordy Lou! I had completely been clueless to your anxiety... or I'd been a little too tipsy to consider it properly. You poor baby!

But, you survived and were the exultant bearer of $20 bucks from your DH, Mr. Crankypants. And that kind of victory is truly, truly priceless.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jillybean

Eileen and Lesley continued on for a bathroom break (imagine that!

).

Hey, I'd imbibed a great deal of liquids earlier (thanks for that, Jill) and now I had to uncork the seal.

Buuuuuut, I think this was my last bio break of the evening, so I'm not taking any more guff from you guys about this.

(At least not when it comes to this night.)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jillybean

The four of us flew through the FP line, but one of us noticed along the way that our FP’s actually weren’t ripe yet - - we still had about another 15 minutes.

We debated for about 5 seconds and then decided we would just try it. The CM was either (a) not very observant or (b) didn’t care because we were ushered right to the pre-show.

I think it was only 5 minutes prior to our FP window opening at TOT, so I was prepared to pull off into a curve in the FP line and wait, but you guys said we should just "wing it".... and you were right!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jillybean

And what do we get this time . . . but the front row!

I was pretty sure that Eileen and Lesley would not let me hang on to them this time (although Lesley did demonstrate how she could raise her arms with me hanging on therefore raising my arms too - - she’s sneaky, that woman

), so I made sure to find those little hand grips (I may have also ripped some flesh from Eileen and Lesley’s thighs - -

about that).

No ripped flesh here! And, Jilly, you should know that I don't raise my arms for this ride either. In fact, I grip my seat belt the whole time!

I *don't* have a guerilla photo of our ride on TOT, but I think Heather does....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jillybean

We met up with our guys outside of ToT and then we all took off for the piece de resistance - - the Osborne Lights! And when I say “took off” I mean it because Eileen received a text from Sharon saying that she would meet us at the lights and Eileen was determined to beat her. That woman was doing some walking! Heather did the best job of keeping up with her, but I had to slow down when I got a stitch in my side!

I had no idea that my walking (or competitiveness) had improved so significantly, but I certainly left everyone except Heather in the dust that night. Sorry 'bout that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jillybean

On the way, Larry turned to me and asked simply "Duck quesadillas?"

What makes me happiest about this funny little exchange is that now I can **totally** hear Larry saying that... in his own voice.... with his wonderful wry smile.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jillybean

When we made it to the lights in record time, I was determined to get a picture of Heather when we turned the corner because she was the only one who had never seen this “spectacle.” I think this picture says it all.

Charming, CHARMING, CHARMING!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jillybean

Of course, Eileen had to go and find the black cat, so we owed her a drink (me thinks someone’s competitive nature has rubbed off on Eileen - - first racing us to the Lights and then frantically trying to find the black cat first

).

Hey, I was thirsty!

Oh, if only it was THIS easy to go from Big Ol' Eileen to Tiny Jill... (I'm keeping this combo on my fridge as incentive!)

-->

Being in the Toy Story line with this gang was such a delight. We were all exhausted and sleepy, but it was still fun and funny to have even more time to chat and giggle. The ride was good too -- were you my partner, Lesley? I think I got the black cat again... because I remember crowing about it (in typical "me" style.

)

Sigh... that was a great night and I'm so glad you guys were willing to sit outside on the boat -- I just love the view at night.
Eileen

mousestruck · 01-11-2009, 11:46 AM

Great update, Jill! So you're a little scared of Rockin' Rollar Coaster, too??? Boy, we'd make great travel partners... we'd probably spend the entire trip in Fastasyland without coaxing! (I can handle every ride there!!!) Your concierge tales are making me hungry. Nothing beats that 5-7 p.m. cocktail hour... and it sure sounds like you girls made the most of it! Come back with more soon!