January 2009. . . Calling all Snowbirds ~ Part V

[Dancegrl624]

Originally Posted by dklam

Hi Everyone:

Do you all remember the old commercial "Calgon, Take Me Away"?? Well, mine is now "Disney, Take Me Away"!! It has just been a horrendous day. Had about 6 inches of new snow that changed to sleet - OK, we can deal with that. But, woke up this morning - flushed the toilet, and immediately knew that something didn't sound right. It flushed, but no new water came into the bowl. So, opened the tank cover and could see that something had come disconnected. Woke DH up - he tried to shut off the valve to turn off the water to try to fix it, and the handle wouldn't budge, even with pliers. So, he knows that he is not a "Mr. Fix-it" type of guy, so we decided to call a plumber (on a Sunday morning - YIKES!) We looked in the Yellow Pages, found one that advertised 24-hour emergency service, called, left a message with the answering service, and waited two hours and still no call-back. Oh, did I mention that we live in a 1 BATHROOM HOUSE?? Luckily, the MacDonald's down the street is open and has relatively clean facilities - LOL! I just knew when we bought this house 12 years ago that someday, this would happen. We have always talked about adding another bathroom, but things always came up, and now with college tuition to pay - no way is there any extra money lying around for major home improvements.

Then, I had to drive DD to Boston (one-hour trip) to catch her bus back to college in NY for the week, where she decided to go and work because she is bored at home - she is flying back to school directly from Disney after our trip. So, she and I leave, but DH had to stay home to wait for the call from the 2nd plumber we left a message with after getting the run-around from #1.
We get to Boston relatively smoothly, even though the highways weren't exactly snow-free and had plenty of time to spare. I wait until she is on her bus, and I take off for the return trip home. I am making EXCELLENT time (will make it home in 50 minutes, not 60) - and just as I was approaching my exit, I hear a popping sound, and then a gush of air. I think the back window is open, but it's not. I get off the ramp and pull over to the side of the road as soon as it is safe, and yes - A FLAT TIRE!!!! I am literally a mile from home, but DH cannot come and help because he is still waiting for the plumber to arrive.................

So, I tell him not to worry, I will call AAA Road Service. They tell me maybe an hour, but 1 1/2 hours later - finally they arrive and change the tire. In the meantime, I am absolutely amazed at how fast the cars are flying down the hill after coming off the highway - the speed limit is 30 - cars are going 50-60 easily. I have to be very careful when I get out the car to clean the junk out of the trunk so the driver can get to the spare tire. And, there is all of this new snow piled up on the side, so the roadway is even narrower.This was in our old neighborhood, and I remember how someone's dog got loose and got hit by one of these idiots driving 60 through a residential neighborhood.

Well, finally got the tire changed, called DH who told me that the plumber had arrived and yes, I should go to McDonalds first for another pit stop (after sitting in my car for 1 1/2 hour, I needed a pit stop - LOL!) Get home, the toilet is finally fixed (and ONLY $170.00 for the labor and parts - I had envisioned well over $200). Then DH says "BTW - I had to run the load of towels through the dryer 3X before they dried"!! WHAT??? - We just paid $125.00 three weeks ago to that repairman..................

To make an even longer story short - I missed my play rehearsal (I'm missing several already due to our vacation), and now, I have decided that I am going to relax for the rest of the day and have a nice (large) cocktail and do some more Disney planning!! I am enjoying reading everyone's trip reports, and trip planning. I am very sorry that this is SO long and whiny, but I just needed to vent somewhere, and I knew that all of my Snowbird buddies could identify with how I just can't wait to get out of here and head south next week!!

Oh well, it's time for that cocktail..............................

Have a great night (and wish me luck getting my tire fixed tomorrow!!) The little donut tire is not exactly safe in the snow!

Edit - BTW - I forgot to add that when I called AAA, they told me that there were 5 other flat-tire calls that had just come in from that area of highway where there was some kind of metal strewn in the road right around the time I called. That is one reason it took 1 1/2 hours to get the road service.

So sorry to hear about all of this. You definately need a cocktail tonight!!

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

Originally Posted by dklam

Hi Everyone:

Do you all remember the old commercial "Calgon, Take Me Away"?? Well, mine is now "Disney, Take Me Away"!! It has just been a horrendous day. Had about 6 inches of new snow that changed to sleet - OK, we can deal with that. But, woke up this morning - flushed the toilet, and immediately knew that something didn't sound right. It flushed, but no new water came into the bowl. So, opened the tank cover and could see that something had come disconnected. Woke DH up - he tried to shut off the valve to turn off the water to try to fix it, and the handle wouldn't budge, even with pliers. So, he knows that he is not a "Mr. Fix-it" type of guy, so we decided to call a plumber (on a Sunday morning - YIKES!) We looked in the Yellow Pages, found one that advertised 24-hour emergency service, called, left a message with the answering service, and waited two hours and still no call-back. Oh, did I mention that we live in a 1 BATHROOM HOUSE?? Luckily, the MacDonald's down the street is open and has relatively clean facilities - LOL! I just knew when we bought this house 12 years ago that someday, this would happen. We have always talked about adding another bathroom, but things always came up, and now with college tuition to pay - no way is there any extra money lying around for major home improvements.

Then, I had to drive DD to Boston (one-hour trip) to catch her bus back to college in NY for the week, where she decided to go and work because she is bored at home - she is flying back to school directly from Disney after our trip. So, she and I leave, but DH had to stay home to wait for the call from the 2nd plumber we left a message with after getting the run-around from #1.
We get to Boston relatively smoothly, even though the highways weren't exactly snow-free and had plenty of time to spare. I wait until she is on her bus, and I take off for the return trip home. I am making EXCELLENT time (will make it home in 50 minutes, not 60) - and just as I was approaching my exit, I hear a popping sound, and then a gush of air. I think the back window is open, but it's not. I get off the ramp and pull over to the side of the road as soon as it is safe, and yes - A FLAT TIRE!!!! I am literally a mile from home, but DH cannot come and help because he is still waiting for the plumber to arrive.................

So, I tell him not to worry, I will call AAA Road Service. They tell me maybe an hour, but 1 1/2 hours later - finally they arrive and change the tire. In the meantime, I am absolutely amazed at how fast the cars are flying down the hill after coming off the highway - the speed limit is 30 - cars are going 50-60 easily. I have to be very careful when I get out the car to clean the junk out of the trunk so the driver can get to the spare tire. And, there is all of this new snow piled up on the side, so the roadway is even narrower.This was in our old neighborhood, and I remember how someone's dog got loose and got hit by one of these idiots driving 60 through a residential neighborhood.

Well, finally got the tire changed, called DH who told me that the plumber had arrived and yes, I should go to McDonalds first for another pit stop (after sitting in my car for 1 1/2 hour, I needed a pit stop - LOL!) Get home, the toilet is finally fixed (and ONLY $170.00 for the labor and parts - I had envisioned well over $200). Then DH says "BTW - I had to run the load of towels through the dryer 3X before they dried"!! WHAT??? - We just paid $125.00 three weeks ago to that repairman..................

To make an even longer story short - I missed my play rehearsal (I'm missing several already due to our vacation), and now, I have decided that I am going to relax for the rest of the day and have a nice (large) cocktail and do some more Disney planning!! I am enjoying reading everyone's trip reports, and trip planning. I am very sorry that this is SO long and whiny, but I just needed to vent somewhere, and I knew that all of my Snowbird buddies could identify with how I just can't wait to get out of here and head south next week!!

Oh well, it's time for that cocktail..............................

Have a great night (and wish me luck getting my tire fixed tomorrow!!) The little donut tire is not exactly safe in the snow!

Edit - BTW - I forgot to add that when I called AAA, they told me that there were 5 other flat-tire calls that had just come in from that area of highway where there was some kind of metal strewn in the road right around the time I called. That is one reason it took 1 1/2 hours to get the road service.

YIKES!! You SO deserve that very large cocktail! ENJOY and remember you'll be in Disney soon!!

[distherapy]

You poor thing!!!
I'm going to have a cocktail for you - that day needs some "moral support"...

[Mndisneygirl]

Originally Posted by distherapy

You poor thing!!!
I'm going to have a cocktail for you - that day needs some "moral support"...

Yeah, I'll join you tonight! I feel really bad for you and I should show my empathy...

Originally Posted by Dancegrl624

This is from the disney rewards website:

-Character Meet 'N' Greet photo opportunity offered daily between 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM at Innoventions West at Epcot®.
-Must present a valid Disney Rewards Visa Card for admission (limited to 6 people per card).
-Enjoy a personal photo experience with some of your favorite Disney Characters and receive a complimentary 5 x 7 photo. It's one of the most unique benefits of being a Cardmember at the Disney Parks.
-Separate Theme Park admission required.
-Operating times, days of week, and appearance of Characters may vary. See Guest Relations for more information.

Innoventions is right by Spaceship Earth.

I have to make a note of this too. I'm worried I'll forget! Maybe I should write it in on my Epcot day! I understand that each person with a Visa can get the picture, so if you and your spouse each have one, that could get you two pictures!!

[Dancegrl624]

Originally Posted by Mndisneygirl

I have to make a note of this too. I'm worried I'll forget! Maybe I should write it in on my Epcot day! I understand that each person with a Visa can get the picture, so if you and your spouse each have one, that could get you two pictures!!

Hmm....I may have to get two photos. One for us and one for my parents! This reminds me.....I need to post some more things to my PTR!

[MAGGIED]

Originally Posted by jenjolt

Alright ladies I have a question for you...can any of you give me the exact location of the Disney VISA rewards photo op in Epcot!! I have a general idea but maybe give me an idea of what attractions are closest to it and what not...I'm drawing a blank and can't picture EPCOT at all right now...I'm off to find my maps and see if they will be helpful at all.

Jen... here is the location as best as I can describe it... as you are walking up the hill towards the fountain in Epcot.. Innovations will be on both sides... go to the one on the right. When you get inside follow the path... you will then come to the area where they do the Segway demonstrations.... right before that on the right is the wall where you line up to get the photos done. Its kind of hard to spot but I think they do have a small sign. So if you have gone past the Segway demonstration you have gone to far. Hope that helps..

Originally Posted by dklam

Hi Everyone:

Do you all remember the old commercial "Calgon, Take Me Away"?? Well, mine is now "Disney, Take Me Away"!! It has just been a horrendous day. Had about 6 inches of new snow that changed to sleet - OK, we can deal with that. But, woke up this morning - flushed the toilet, and immediately knew that something didn't sound right. It flushed, but no new water came into the bowl. So, opened the tank cover and could see that something had come disconnected. Woke DH up - he tried to shut off the valve to turn off the water to try to fix it, and the handle wouldn't budge, even with pliers. So, he knows that he is not a "Mr. Fix-it" type of guy, so we decided to call a plumber (on a Sunday morning - YIKES!) We looked in the Yellow Pages, found one that advertised 24-hour emergency service, called, left a message with the answering service, and waited two hours and still no call-back. Oh, did I mention that we live in a 1 BATHROOM HOUSE?? Luckily, the MacDonald's down the street is open and has relatively clean facilities - LOL! I just knew when we bought this house 12 years ago that someday, this would happen. We have always talked about adding another bathroom, but things always came up, and now with college tuition to pay - no way is there any extra money lying around for major home improvements.

Then, I had to drive DD to Boston (one-hour trip) to catch her bus back to college in NY for the week, where she decided to go and work because she is bored at home - she is flying back to school directly from Disney after our trip. So, she and I leave, but DH had to stay home to wait for the call from the 2nd plumber we left a message with after getting the run-around from #1.
We get to Boston relatively smoothly, even though the highways weren't exactly snow-free and had plenty of time to spare. I wait until she is on her bus, and I take off for the return trip home. I am making EXCELLENT time (will make it home in 50 minutes, not 60) - and just as I was approaching my exit, I hear a popping sound, and then a gush of air. I think the back window is open, but it's not. I get off the ramp and pull over to the side of the road as soon as it is safe, and yes - A FLAT TIRE!!!! I am literally a mile from home, but DH cannot come and help because he is still waiting for the plumber to arrive.................

So, I tell him not to worry, I will call AAA Road Service. They tell me maybe an hour, but 1 1/2 hours later - finally they arrive and change the tire. In the meantime, I am absolutely amazed at how fast the cars are flying down the hill after coming off the highway - the speed limit is 30 - cars are going 50-60 easily. I have to be very careful when I get out the car to clean the junk out of the trunk so the driver can get to the spare tire. And, there is all of this new snow piled up on the side, so the roadway is even narrower.This was in our old neighborhood, and I remember how someone's dog got loose and got hit by one of these idiots driving 60 through a residential neighborhood.

Well, finally got the tire changed, called DH who told me that the plumber had arrived and yes, I should go to McDonalds first for another pit stop (after sitting in my car for 1 1/2 hour, I needed a pit stop - LOL!) Get home, the toilet is finally fixed (and ONLY $170.00 for the labor and parts - I had envisioned well over $200). Then DH says "BTW - I had to run the load of towels through the dryer 3X before they dried"!! WHAT??? - We just paid $125.00 three weeks ago to that repairman..................

To make an even longer story short - I missed my play rehearsal (I'm missing several already due to our vacation), and now, I have decided that I am going to relax for the rest of the day and have a nice (large) cocktail and do some more Disney planning!! I am enjoying reading everyone's trip reports, and trip planning. I am very sorry that this is SO long and whiny, but I just needed to vent somewhere, and I knew that all of my Snowbird buddies could identify with how I just can't wait to get out of here and head south next week!!

Oh well, it's time for that cocktail..............................

Have a great night (and wish me luck getting my tire fixed tomorrow!!) The little donut tire is not exactly safe in the snow!

Edit - BTW - I forgot to add that when I called AAA, they told me that there were 5 other flat-tire calls that had just come in from that area of highway where there was some kind of metal strewn in the road right around the time I called. That is one reason it took 1 1/2 hours to get the road service.

You poor thing... what an awful day.... I hope it gets better....

Originally Posted by distherapy

You poor thing!!!
I'm going to have a cocktail for you - that day needs some "moral support"...

sounds like a great idea!!!

[Kazooie01]

Originally Posted by Dancegrl624

Hmm....I may have to get two photos. One for us and one for my parents! This reminds me.....I need to post some more things to my PTR!

You can also get one everyday!! If you visit two different days you can get more pics

[Lil'Mermaid75]

dklam - Yikes! What a day you've had! Enjoy that cocktail - you've earned it!

[Dancegrl624]

Originally Posted by Kazooie01

You can also get one everyday!! If you visit two different days you can get more pics

I wish I was able to take advantage of this. We'll only be at Epcot one day. No park hoppers for us.

[dklam]

Thanks everyone, for all of the moral support (and the drinking - LOL!) I did have my nice, sparkling cocktail at home, and then DH and I went up to our local sports bar/restaurant and had some great appetizers (fried calamari and quesidillas (sp??) and a nice tall draft beer while watching some football. Now, home again getting ready to watch the Golden Globes.

DD got back to NY safely and had somewhat of a surprise when she got to her room. It seems that her roommate has moved out and didn't tell her. Of course, school doesn't officially begin until the 28th, so maybe she will soon. She had kind of hinted around that she was thinking of taking a leave of absence, but I find it kind of odd that she didn't let her know that she actually followed through. It sounds like she didn't attend classes too often, was away from the dorm days at a time, and DD never saw her open a book to study during finals. So, obviously there will be a new roommate coming in assigned by housing for DD to adjust to. Hopefully, it will be a good match. I am waiting to hear from her because she said her RA would be in to "chat" tonight, so maybe she has some more of the story about the moveout.

So, this has been quite the day all around and I am sure glad it will soon be over!

Thanks again for all of your good vibes!!
-Donna

[Tropigal]

Just another quick question....

I see some of you planning parks.....are most of you doing this?

Do we need plans for each park? Last time we did MK we did Fantasy Land first and then worked from there. We gave up on most BIG rides cause DC are smaller but should we have a plan or do you think it will be slower where we won't really need to do this?

Thanks....
We leave in 5 days!!!!!

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Originally Posted by Disney Mommy 3

Shelly- I am 5'2", so yes, it's hard!! In fact, I just got another really cute pair(making my denim capri total 3 also!) from JCPenney. The American Living line is on sale and the little denim capris are perfect!!! You may want to check your local mall!! I looooove these--but am saving them for the trip!!!

Oooh thanks for the tip! I doubt I will get to JCP before vacation, but I will remember that for future reference. Actually I get most of my pants and jeans at JCP, they have a great petite section!

[drakes]

hello all,
Had to come on and report! I am still stressing- my nature ( I guess )
This weekend we got alot of snow!
I stayed in and did laundry, all our trip clothes
the suitcases are airing out in the spare room. Our trip itmes are in totes awaiting packing.
I am still waiting on my Minnie Jane Crocs
I finished our day by day recipe card travel plans and dh is having them laminated !
I JUST finished our tour book- this trip I became obsessive. last trip Dh made this great little book with menus, our adrs etc day by day... so I decided to do one for this trip... seriously ladies we could publish this thing!!!! So DH is getting it printed and bound tomorrow- crazy!!!!!

We also made our mousekeeping envelopes, pressed penny tubes and dining invitations.

We'll be going to the bank tomorrow to get some US cash, and calling disney to confirm our reservation.

DD made her autograph book.

Then today DD and I went for pedicures and I had my nails touched up. My manacurist made a Wishes design on our big toes! I love them... I got a princessy design on my finger nails...I loved this day at the spa with DD, I need one of those spa chairs! So nice!!!!

So I am done for this evening. I gotta be up early tomorrow and off to work! So much to do so little time!

I hope I can relax on my balcony in a sweatshirt and read too

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Sorry you had such a terrible day Dklam.

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

Originally Posted by dklam

Thanks everyone, for all of the moral support (and the drinking - LOL!) I did have my nice, sparkling cocktail at home, and then DH and I went up to our local sports bar/restaurant and had some great appetizers (fried calamari and quesidillas (sp??) and a nice tall draft beer while watching some football. Now, home again getting ready to watch the Golden Globes.


-Donna

Sounds like my kind of way to spend an evening. Not much better than some greasy fried food and a cold frosty one!! And I feel for your DD. When I first went away to college, my upcoming roommate called me and basically told me she was planning on shacking up with her boyfried, so she wouldn't be there and if her mom called, she wanted me to lie. I was terrified to be by myself!!

Originally Posted by Tropigal

Just another quick question....

I see some of you planning parks.....are most of you doing this?

Do we need plans for each park? Last time we did MK we did Fantasy Land first and then worked from there. We gave up on most BIG rides cause DC are smaller but should we have a plan or do you think it will be slower where we won't really need to do this?

Thanks....
We leave in 5 days!!!!!

I don't plan everything. We know what days we go to which parks and where our ADR's are. We have certain things we start with and then that's it. I'd like to one day do one of the touring plans, but my family isn't much into it. Plus we like to stop and enjoy the surroundings (the street actors at DS, the fountains at Epcot, etc. I think I will have a "don't miss" list because inevitably there are things I say I'm going to do then forget!