Life is too short for self-hatred and celery sticks: update 5/18 p. 85

[kaoden39]

Originally Posted by rentayenta

Add a scrambled egg and it's a gourmet soup. We've got chickens so the eggs are freeee!
The lanterns are great. We've incorporated the latern look on our mantel and on our deck.
I can see why you love Sanaa, it's amazing. I'm glad it's sort of under the radar.
DVC.










I'm glad you like the rental even though it's not home. Much better than a hotel though.

Thats a tough choice. Because you like them both equally, can you get references?




I love the idea of you taking each boy on a trip to Disneyland during Spring Break. The GCV are extremely difficult to get, even right at the 7 month mark, so I'll send you loads of We've been lucky a few times. We've not been able to book after the 6 month though.

Ireland?

I love that I'm not the only who plans 4 years out.

I have full faith you'll figure out a way to squeeze a family trip to WDW in before 2017.

We did decided to go to Zihua, Mexico next winter. Here's the condo. We're going with our dear friends. http://www.vrbo.com/116383

This does mean that Disneyland over Christmas is 99% not going to happen.

We may cancel Vegas this summer because this trip will be to celebrate our anniversary. It's just a little delayed. It'll mean I'll go on the cruise with Joshua and then two weeks later go to Mexico. It seems a little extravagant for me and I was debating moving the cruise to early december but we chose our week in January as it's the start of the term. The beginning is far easier to make up than the end.





I hear ya! We are also view junkies.






Now like 10 days! Are you beyond excited?

Yes they both provided them to me when we met for the first time. I also went online and looked at reviews and at the Better Business Bureau. They both have A+ rating on the BBB. One of them has been featured more than once on Curb Appeal on HGTV. They both have rave reviews. It is going to have to go down to gut instinct.


I am waiting on the washer and dryer to be delivered now. We need to do laundry. Plus I was told that the real estate office handyman is supposed to come by and see about fixing the glaring problems like the showers not working upstairs.

[PrincessInOz]

Originally Posted by rentayenta

We did decided to go to Zihua, Mexico next winter. Here's the condo. We're going with our dear friends. http://www.vrbo.com/116383

This does mean that Disneyland over Christmas is 99% not going to happen.

We may cancel Vegas this summer because this trip will be to celebrate our anniversary. It's just a little delayed. It'll mean I'll go on the cruise with Joshua and then two weeks later go to Mexico. It seems a little extravagant for me and I was debating moving the cruise to early december but we chose our week in January as it's the start of the term. The beginning is far easier to make up than the end.

That's a great looking condo. Enjoy!

[rentayenta]

Originally Posted by kaoden39

Yes they both provided them to me when we met for the first time. I also went online and looked at reviews and at the Better Business Bureau. They both have A+ rating on the BBB. One of them has been featured more than once on Curb Appeal on HGTV. They both have rave reviews. It is going to have to go down to gut instinct.

I am waiting on the washer and dryer to be delivered now. We need to do laundry. Plus I was told that the real estate office handyman is supposed to come by and see about fixing the glaring problems like the showers not working upstairs.

How are you all settling in?

Originally Posted by PrincessInOz

That's a great looking condo. Enjoy!

Thanks! Flights are booked, it's a go. I'm so very happy. It's our belated 20th trip.

Sorry it's taken so long to check in. With the gorgeous weekend and Mother's Day and the garden needing to be prepped, I've been silly busy. I'm hoping to have an update tomorrow.

[rentayenta]

Hi all. Sorry its taken so long to update. I couldnt find my Passporter. I'm one of those who writes down notes and puts them in my handy dandy Passporter. Best $14.95 ever.

After a fabulous nightcap at Sanaa and a great night's sleep, it was time to hit DHS. We had only been to DHS once this trip, remember our super fun dinner at 50s? We were ready for some more time at DHS. It's Michael's favorite park next to AK.

I made some toast and cut up fruit, we had some coffee and juice and we were off. DHS opened at 9 am and we were out and to the bus by 8:30. As you can tell by the look on the girls' faces, they were still very very tired (foreshadowing). We wanted to travel light today so all pics are from my cell phone. We packed a few snacks and waters but that was it. I think it's nearly physically impossible for me to travel sans snacks and water.



Think they're sick of having their photo taking? Think I care?



Joshua was protesting by closing his eyes in all of my morning pictures. I am surrounded by BEASTS!

The bus came in no time and we were on our way. We chatted about our must-dos which included RnR and TSMM. I was hoping for another peak at F! but it wouldn't happen this trip. We saw it once in 2007.

Rope drop. Poor Chloe looks exhausted and note Joshuas eyes.



We strolled in and ran to TSMM. The line was minimal so we grabbed FPs and also rode stand-by:



Potato Head:



Love these guys. The queue is so clever:



Gee, look whos eyes are still closed?



Tinker Toys:



Grainy selfie with bad lighting but oh so much fun! Chloe and I love TSMM:



Los chicos:



Las chicas:



Ready, aim!



Mine and Chloe's score:



Continued in next post...

[rentayenta]

After TSMM, it was time for an RnR fix. This has to be one of my alltime favorite coasters.

It was also time to grab another FP so we grabbed one for RnR and also rode standby. Tacky pics of pics:





And I swear, the lady in the yellow hat would not budge. She looked right at us and wouldnt move. People are so weird.





Back to use our TSMM FPs. This time, Michael and I rode together and I won by just a little. Both beavers.



Per usual our sugar levels started to drop so everyone wanted a snack. The pastries in DHS are pretty decent.



After our snack of pastries, juice, and coffee, we went back to use our RnR FPs. Having to follow the return time really does change the way we toured. We pretty much stayed nearby until our FP window would open.



More tacky pics of pics:





We headed over to Star Tours which never has a long wait at WDW but always has a terrible wait at Disneyland. I have no idea why.

The store at the end of the ride is very cool. Its called StarTraders at DL but I'm not sure of the name at WDW. Chloe saw this and had to have it. Does she not look adorable?



I can happily say she still wears it. I hand wash it and its held up quite well. Kayla also got one but the adultss size didnt have the Ears. Adults like Ears too. They are the cutest best friends ever.



After Star Tours, the girls and Michael wanted to ride ToT. Joshua isn't a ToT fan so he and I headed to my favorite, The Great Movie Ride. He's always up for dorky mom rides.

We met back up and the girls had hit their wall. If youre reading my Disneyland report, youll see this is the pattern. They are gung ho, hit their wall, SLEEP, and then head back for more. They were beat.

Gabby waving to Stitch on our way out- hes her favorite.



We had a really good time and everyone got a little slice of DHS.

We headed out and to the bus. I don't recall any transportation issues. I read all about how far AKV is from everything but AK and I just don't get it. Of course it's not an Epcot resort but its not far either.



Up next: a little AKV pool time/pool party and dinner at Sanaa with my cousin.

To be continued.......

[PrincessInOz]

What a great update.

I think it is very interesting to read how the FP return time enforcement is affecting the way you tour the park. Especially at DHS; where a return time might overlap into a show. Hmmm....I think there might be more planning required for DHS.

[DrMomof3]

A good day at DHS! I have to say that DHS has really grown on us over the years. Maybe it's because the kids are older (and taller!) so they enjoy more of the thrill rides (except poor Zachary who gets scared).

Amanda

[catherines_mama]

Originally Posted by DrMomof3

A good day at DHS! I have to say that DHS has really grown on us over the years. Maybe it's because the kids are older (and taller!) so they enjoy more of the thrill rides (except poor Zachary who gets scared).

Amanda

And DHS seems like a choppy park where the spokes don't connect. I think if you could get from TSMM to RNR without going all the way back to the main drag and back in, it wouldn't feel like you are going so out of your way to get around for your FPs.

Anyway, sounds like a great 1st half of your day. Looking fwd to hearing about your afternoon at the pool.

[rentayenta]

Originally Posted by PrincessInOz

What a great update.

I think it is very interesting to read how the FP return time enforcement is affecting the way you tour the park. Especially at DHS; where a return time might overlap into a show. Hmmm....I think there might be more planning required for DHS.

It does take more planning in my opinion. No more stock piling FPs and coming back after a break to cash in. I know that's most likely why they started enforcing the rule but it was a good run while it lasted. DHS isn't user friendly too me; it's very choppy and there is a ton of wasted space. Most of the rides though are great though.

Originally Posted by DrMomof3

A good day at DHS! I have to say that DHS has really grown on us over the years. Maybe it's because the kids are older (and taller!) so they enjoy more of the thrill rides (except poor Zachary who gets scared).

Amanda

Michael and the girls love DHS. I like it but I don't love it. I agree though its so much better when the kids are older. Joshua gets scared too on ToT. He'll ride RnR and Space but won't touch ToT. I think it's the drops. He can't pinpoint it. I don't love ToT either. Once a trip is plenty for me.

Originally Posted by catherines_mama

And DHS seems like a choppy park where the spokes don't connect. I think if you could get from TSMM to RNR without going all the way back to the main drag and back in, it wouldn't feel like you are going so out of your way to get around for your FPs.

Anyway, sounds like a great 1st half of your day. Looking fwd to hearing about your afternoon at the pool.

I agree, DHS is very fragmented in terms of getting around. It always feel so hot there too; there's not a lot of shade. Don't get me wrong, it's a blast but its my least favorite of the parks. I enjoy the rides but not the park if that makes any sense.