The Wacky Hijinks of the Crazy Lady Trio at Mousefest **Updated 3/10** - Page 7 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Day One – Wednesday, December 5 A Magical Beginning
So my alarm clock went off at 4:30 a.m. It actually wasn’t terrible, since I’d gone to sleep at 9 the night before, but it was still dark outside, so I still didn’t think it was time to get up. Of course, I was heading to Disney, so I hopped out of bed and got ready.
DF was kind enough to drive me to the airport at the butt crack of dawn ( Dad!), and since it was only 26° when we pulled out at 5:20, I made a note to bring him back something really nice.
We got to the airport at 5:40 (DF’s a slow driver – I can make it in about 13 minutes ) and I caught DF eyeing my suitcase to see if there was room for him to stow away. I checked out the line at curbside check in, but since it was only 26°, I decided to head inside.
There was nobody on line inside, and I checked my bags and headed for the security gate. The line there was a bit longer, but not more than a dozen people. On the way to the gate, I spotted a brand-new Starbucks. I guess my little airport is moving up in the world. I’m so proud. Now if I only drank coffee, that would be exciting news for me.
I checked the time when I found a seat at the gate – exactly 6:00. Not too shabby! Unfortunately, my flight wasn’t leaving until 7:10, so I had some time to kill. I went and got some fruit, then listened to my iPod until it was time to board.
This was the first time I was using the new boarding system at Southwest, so nobody was camped out in the A line like before. I wasn’t ever a camper, I usually joined the end of the A line when boarding began. I forget what my number was, but it was something pretty high, like A43 or something. It wasn’t as bad as it seemed, though, because the first 15 or so spots were reserved for the suckers who paid full price for their tickets (and there were only a couple of people lined up in that bunch). When boarding started, everyone grouped under their number and we boarded in order. Easy-peasy. The new boarding system benefits me especially, because I’m an early checker-inner and a late liner-upper.
The flight was pretty empty, so there wasn’t anyone in the middle seat. It was also pretty smooth and quiet. Best of all, we arrived in Orlando a full 15 minutes early! Sweet!
I headed to the DME check-in on the B side, and was feeling pretty smug because I knew exactly where to go, so I was able to zip right over there much faster than everyone else who’d landed at around same time as me. Of course when I realized that the buses leave on something of a schedule (from what I can guess, on the hour and half-hour), this only meant more time sitting on the bus. But at least I got a seat up front.
When I checked in at DME, I noticed that the Pop Warner folks had their own check-in line. There wasn’t a crowd there yet, but I guess they got their own bus (or more likely dozen buses) when they did arrive.
I sent a text to Eileen that I’d landed and was on the bus and noticed I’d gotten a text from her. “Did you work some magic or did we just get extraordinarily lucky?” I figured that meant we’d gotten upgraded, and knowing we’d reserved a theme park view, the only upgrade would be to concierge!
We had a fun bus driver this time, but I forgot her name. She told us she was new on the job and proceeded to hand me a map to help her navigate. Good thing I can find my way to anywhere on WDW property! The bus finally left the airport and I enjoyed the DME film. When we approached the gates, I was able to get a decent shot of them.
The bus stopped first at the WL, so I snapped some pictures of it from the bus.
The next stop was at the Poly, then the GF. The bus also stopped at the Contemporary. I think the bus should stop first at the GF, but what do I know? And I think it’s ridiculous to make people sit through three other resort stops before finally arriving at their destination – particularly when they’re paying what guests do to stay at the Contemporary. But then again, if you can afford to stay at the GF, I guess Disney figures you probably wouldn’t be using Disney’s Cheapo Express.
Since Eileen and Karen had checked us in already (and worked a little more magic – details coming soon), I just stored my carry on bag and headed for the park! Woohoo! While waiting for the monorail, I snapped a photo of the lobby.
The first monorail that came in was full, so I had to wait for another one. I called DM to let her know I’d arrived safely, and that it was beautifully warm and sunny (warmer than 26° at least ). When I got off the phone with DM, I got a call from Karen to meet the rest of the CLT® in the MK at the Haunted Mansion.
I made my way through the turnstiles and headed to Liberty Square. On the way, I got a call from a friend at work, and I was telling him that I forgot to RSVP for our office holiday party and asked him to do so on my behalf. Then I spotted the CLT® and the Two Dips, and much screaming and hugging ensued. Poor Chuck probably thought I’d gotten attacked or something. I wasn’t rude, but I totally gave him the “call ya back, bye.”
I’d half convinced myself that Bob would hate me on sight for being a bad influence on his wife, but he didn’t (or he hid it well). And Calder is just as cute in person as he is in photos. I liked Eileen’s family instantly because they are so much like her! Now that the CLT was reunited, Karen & Eileen filled me in on the concierge upgrade, and also informed me that they’d gotten (the GF concierge CM whose name I don’t remember) to land us an ADR for that night at 1900 Park Fare. Awesome!
Karen filled me in on her flight – she had about the exact opposite experience that I did, but she tells the story so much better than I do. Then we headed in to check out the new effects in the HM. Like probably everyone else in the world, I thought they were terrific, and the enhancements to the sound and lighting were much needed.
Our next stop was it’s a small world. Eileen was highly offended by the bagpiper in the white room. She said he was playing a completely different song. If I’m honest, bagpipers to me always sound like they’re playing the wrong song. When we got to the white room, Eileen was all “See, he’s playing the wrong song! Harrumph!” I’ll just say the rest of us were … less offended.
Earlier in the day, Calder had found a paintbrush on TSI, and he’d gotten a special FP for Splash for his discovery. He wanted to wait to ride it with me, which is why they’d saved it. (And if that’s not why, Eileen and Karen, shut up! That’s what I want to think! )
When we boarded our boat – Bob & Calder first, then Eileen, and me and Karen in the back – we stepped forward as the group ahead of us was climbing out. There was a woman and a child in Eileen’s row and as they were about to climb out, Eileen asked if it was running wet today. The woman replied that it wasn’t bad, but when she stood up, her wet pants slid down so far that Karen and I became more acquainted with her than we ever wanted to be. Then she yanked her pants up and walked off. Eileen had to sit in the butt-crack seat, and she turned to us with the most priceless expression on her face and said “anybody got a sanitizing wipe?”
We all got at least a little wet. I got very wet. My entire right side was soaked. And did I mention I was wearing a white t-shirt? Fortunately, the Goofy design on it was strategically placed so there would be no wet t-shirt contest entries on my part.
Bob and Calder’s time in the park was running short, so we asked Calder what he wanted to do. His answer: the train. We caught the train in Frontierland and rode around to Toontown. When we got off there, Calder didn’t want to do anything. He was pretty bummed to be going home soon. Poor kid, I knew just how he felt.
It was decided that the boys would just head back to CBR, so we walked back to the hub, where we stopped to get a shot from the Photopass photographer. I also asked him to get one with my camera.
Once we ditched the boys (and I gave Eileen a hard time for it), we decided to head back to the GF to see if our room was ready. We waited for a few minutes for a boat, then enjoyed the ride to the resort. Our room still wasn’t ready, but Karen had heard that you can get roasted chestnuts, so we went in search of them.
Now I’ve never had fresh roasted chestnuts before, and after trying them, I can say I’ll never have them again. They weren’t awful, just not particularly delicious. Karen seems to love them, though. But she’s from California, so that probably explains it (kidding!). I certainly didn’t hate them as much as Eileen did, but I can think of about 5,738 things I’d rather eat. But they did taste better than lima beans, I guess. Gah, enough about the stupid chestnuts already! I’m so sure nobody cares.
We headed back to check on the status of our room and it was finally ready…
Up Next: The Most Amazing View EVER!
__________________
Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
We got to the airport at 5:40 (DF’s a slow driver – I can make it in about 13 minutes )
LOVE IT!! You little speed demon!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by PrincessSharon
I sent a text to Eileen that I’d landed and was on the bus and noticed I’d gotten a text from her. “Did you work some magic or did we just get extraordinarily lucky?” I figured that meant we’d gotten upgraded, and knowing we’d reserved a theme park view, the only upgrade would be to concierge!
Yeah... I'm still suspicious about this "upgrade to concierge"... I still think that Miss Sharon used some Disney Math to rationalize spending the "unspent" money from her cancelled trip in October to get a little taste of the high life!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by PrincessSharon
I made my way through the turnstiles and headed to Liberty Square. ...[snip]...I spotted the CLT® and the Two Dips, and much screaming and hugging ensued.
I just read this to Calder and he yelped "HEY!!"
Quote:
Originally Posted by PrincessSharon
I’d half convinced myself that Bob would hate me on sight for being a bad influence on his wife, but he didn’t (or he hid it well). And Calder is just as cute in person as he is in photos. I liked Eileen’s family instantly because they are so much like her!
After meeting Karen, ANYone seems normal to Bob... Actually, he adores both of you and told me later that he'd like to spend more time around you to see if you're more "normal" than Karen and I are ('cause that's the impression he got.)
Quote:
Originally Posted by PrincessSharon
Our next stop was it’s a small world. Eileen was highly offended by the bagpiper in the white room. She said he was playing a completely different song. If I’m honest, bagpipers to me always sound like they’re playing the wrong song. When we got to the white room, Eileen was all “See, he’s playing the wrong song! Harrumph!” I’ll just say the rest of us were … less offended.
Harumph INDEED!! He was so oTOTALLY off... even for a bagpiper! (Don't know why this rubbed me the wrong way so severely, but I find my temper flaring just thinking about it now!!) --Sheesh, I need a new hobby.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PrincessSharon
When we boarded our boat – Bob & Calder first, then Eileen, and me and Karen in the back – we stepped forward as the group ahead of us was climbing out. There was a woman and a child in Eileen’s row and as they were about to climb out, Eileen asked if it was running wet today. The woman replied that it wasn’t bad, but when she stood up, her wet pants slid down so far that Karen and I became more acquainted with her than we ever wanted to be. Then she yanked her pants up and walked off. Eileen had to sit in the butt-crack seat, and she turned to us with the most priceless expression on her face and said “anybody got a sanitizing wipe?”
Okay... I don't think you're giving full breadth to the whole "inappropriate @$$-crack" incident. As that woman stood up from her bench (the soon-to-be-mine bench!! ), her pants slipped and slipped and slipped further still, exposing an expanse of her bottom that yawned like the Grand Canyon on a clear day. Seriously, if one of you ladies had leaned forward a little, you might have gotten virtigo from viewing the "chasm" she presented. To make matters worse, it was disappointingly evident to me that there had been parts of her anatomy making contact with parts of the seat that one doesn't wish to consider. Ick...
I was only marginally kidding about the sanitizing wipe... Though I'll bless her forever for giving us the new phrase "inappropriate @$$-crack!"
Quote:
Originally Posted by PrincessSharon
We all got at least a little wet. I got very wet. My entire right side was soaked. And did I mention I was wearing a white t-shirt? Fortunately, the Goofy design on it was strategically placed so there would be no wet t-shirt contest entries on my part.
That was reserved for our AK day, huh...
Quote:
Originally Posted by PrincessSharon
Bob and Calder’s time in the park was running short, so we asked Calder what he wanted to do. His answer: the train. We caught the train in Frontierland and rode around to Toontown. When we got off there, Calder didn’t want to do anything. He was pretty bummed to be going home soon. Poor kid, I knew just how he felt.
Yeah... he was having a tough time being jolly, but was manfully trying not to make the CLT® feel bad for the vacation that still lay before us. Poor guy....
Quote:
Originally Posted by PrincessSharon
Now I’ve never had fresh roasted chestnuts before, and after trying them, I can say I’ll never have them again. They weren’t awful, just not particularly delicious. Karen seems to love them, though. But she’s from California, so that probably explains it (kidding!). I certainly didn’t hate them as much as Eileen did, but I can think of about 5,738 things I’d rather eat. But they did taste better than lima beans, I guess. Gah, enough about the stupid chestnuts already! I’m so sure nobody cares.
Well, coming from someone who LOVES lima beans, the chestnuts were disgusting. I described them as "like eating wallpaper paste." Yick!! They tasted HORR-ible, but they gave us great opportunities to rib Karen about her love of nuts.
BTW, the concierge desk guy who helped us get that coveted ADR was named Dan. (I only remember this because I instantly thought of the great concierge guy at the AKL named Don and wondered if they all had to have three-lettered names starting with "D.")
I'll tell the story of checking us in to the GF when I get to that in the last day of the Two Chips and a Dip trip report.... That was a doozy!!
Sheesh... wonder when Karen will grace us with her presence...
Eileen
Holy cow, you three are too much!!! And the trip has just begun!! Living just an hours' drive away from the Grand Canyon, I am now forever going to be thinking of that plumber on your Splash boat whenever I describe the yawning grandeur of the Grand Canyon to visitors!
__________________
Saturday, October 9, 2014 - Kaitlyn and I before the Happy Haunted 5K at ESPN Wide World of Sports
inappropriate crack! And you KNOW that the water only spread the nast...now the whole dang Mountain is contaminated! Cripes, now everytime I wipe "Splash" water off my face I'm totally gonna gag
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Pixie Dust
It actually wasn’t terrible, since I’d gone to sleep at 9 the night before, but it was still dark outside, so I still didn’t think it was time to get up. Of course, I was heading to Disney, so I hopped out of bed and got ready.
Dad!), and since it was only 26° when we pulled out at 5:20, I made a note to bring him back something really nice.
) and I caught DF eyeing my suitcase to see if there was room for him to stow away. 
Now if I only drank coffee, that would be exciting news for me. 
Unfortunately, my flight wasn’t leaving until 7:10, so I had some time to kill. I went and got some fruit, then listened to my iPod until it was time to board. 
Of course when I realized that the buses leave on something of a schedule (from what I can guess, on the hour and half-hour), this only meant more time sitting on the bus. But at least I got a seat up front.
Good thing I can find my way to anywhere on WDW property! 
I liked Eileen’s family instantly because they are so much like her! Now that the CLT was reunited, Karen & Eileen filled me in on the concierge upgrade, and also informed me that they’d gotten (the GF concierge CM whose name I don’t remember) to land us an ADR for that night at 1900 Park Fare. Awesome!
When we got to the white room, Eileen was all “See, he’s playing the wrong song! Harrumph!” I’ll just say the rest of us were … less offended. 
Then she yanked her pants up and walked off. Eileen had to sit in the butt-crack seat, and she turned to us with the most priceless expression on her face and said “anybody got a sanitizing wipe?” 
But she’s from California, so that probably explains it (kidding!). I certainly didn’t hate them as much as Eileen did, but I can think of about 5,738 things I’d rather eat. But they did taste better than lima beans, I guess. 
), her pants slipped and slipped and slipped further still, exposing an expanse of her bottom that yawned like the Grand Canyon on a clear day. Seriously, if one of you ladies had leaned forward a little, you might have gotten virtigo from viewing the "chasm" she presented. To make matters worse, it was disappointingly evident to me that there had been parts of her anatomy making contact with parts of the seat that one doesn't wish to consider. Ick...
ANGIE
Suzie
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