tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77800880037842971872024-03-14T07:42:05.472-05:00Ronni Loves Disney!the ramblings of a Chicago-based Disney geekUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780088003784297187.post-73725102517556466722016-03-30T10:30:00.000-05:002016-03-30T10:30:09.719-05:00Epcot 2015<center>
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Hi! I know it's been a while. It takes a lot to put one of these posts together, and I've been super busy with work. But today my brain is scattered in 23849 different directions, so I thought, why not catch up. Or try to, anyway?<br />
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Aidan and I went to Epcot twice while on our trip. The first day, it was the two of us, and we had a good time. There was adventuring and characters and rides! There was one part that sucked, though. We were in line to meet Donald Duck when my phone started going crazy, showing me all these fraudulent charges using my Capital One. Then we were next and Donald had to go eat a taco (It was the Mexico Donald Duck.) I'd been trying to get a Donald all trip and argh. The card stuff eventually got sorted, so it all worked out. And that evening? We ate at Garden Grill and had an amazing time. Seriously, that restaurant blows me away EVERY SINGLE TIME I go, and this was my 11th time there.<br />
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We got the HOOKUP for dessert, thanks to Sam, the amazing manager. Check this out:<br />
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Can you even believe? I still can't.<br />
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We watched the fireworks with my friend Joey and he dropped us off at the hotel after which was so nice of him.<br />
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The 2nd day we went, it was our last day in a Disney park for our trip. So those days are always bittersweet. Aidan wanted a hat, but not any hat. THIS HAT:<br />
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I'd just gotten the official word that Humana wanted to hire me as a contractor, so I was happy to buy it for him from the China pavilion.<br />
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We did the Character Connection, which is always different every time we go!<br />
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Eventually, Aidan and I met up with Joey and his daughters (Bella and Victoria) that afternoon and ate pizza at Via Napoli. That pizza tasted FREAKING DELICIOUS. We rode Test Track and Mission: Space with them as well. Aidan wanted to ride Orange: More Intense and so did Bella. Joey didn't want Bella to ride it at first; I just think he didn't want her to go alone. When I told him that I was letting Aidan go, he let her go too. I love that I can let Aidan do that. I was never going to tell him "no."<br />
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Victoria and I played the games in the Mission Control part while we waited, and when that ended, I got her some astronaut ice cream, which she'd never even heard of, let alone tried!<br />
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At some point during the day, this bird somehow got ahold of a mayo packet. There was a cast member standing under the tree trying to get him to drop it but this bird was like LOL.<br />
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That night, I had to pick up my rental car. Aidan and I were crashing out at Joey's for a couple of nights before heading up the Florida coast. Joey made us dinner and let me do laundry, and we got to talk to Ricky Luna on video chat, and watch Wishes (the Magic Kingdom fireworks) from Joey's window. Then we had to go to bed. It was LEGOland the next day!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780088003784297187.post-42020381910968686902016-03-27T15:50:00.001-05:002016-03-27T15:51:32.299-05:00Hollywood Studios 2015<center>
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Aidan and I spent one day at Hollywood Studios, and it was a great day. We skipped Toy Story Midway Mania and Tower of Terror (which gets a resounding HELL NO from Aidan), but I got to do Rock'N Rollercoaster (yay single rider!). We shopped and watched the Muppet show they have there, and met characters and ate and rode Star Tours a LOT. We also rode The Great Movie Ride, which has a super long line all the time now for some reason. Thank goodness we had Fastpasses. The ride has been redone a bit, maybe that was the draw. Anyway,<br />
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We met Baymax and Phineas & Ferb and Goofy! Doesn't he look dapper?<br />
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We hung out and acted silly.<br />
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And we drew a picture of Mr. Frederickson from Up! Aidan's looks professional. Mine is HUGE.<br />
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Hollywood Studios may as well been called Frozen Studios. It was All Frozen, All The Time. I don't mind Frozen. Aidan is not a fan of it. At All.<br />
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There was a Frozen clavicle, where they stopped and sang Let It Go and skated around, wearing winter clothing in 90+ degree temperatures. There was also "snow." It was so strange. We did the Frozen Sing-Along which was fantastic. The comedy bits were on point (there was even an Arrested Development joke!), and the singing was great. Let It Go again. Then there was the Frozen Dance Party, where there were remixed versions of Let It Go to dance to. I left all my stuff with Aidan and joined the dancers on the dance floor. It was super fun. Then, there were the Frozen Fireworks. Which were OMG beautiful.<br />
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After Frozen-time, we watched Fantasmic! which is always gorgeous. It was Aidan's first time seeing it and he enjoyed it!<br />
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Hollywood Studios is usually a fun, easy park for me and Aidan. We don't have rides we really need to hustle for if you go on the right day (and we did! the lines for Star Tours were never more than 10 minutes the whole day), and 50s Prime Time Cafe, where we had dinner, is always yummy and a good time. So many changes are coming to the park soon. I wonder what it'll be like then?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780088003784297187.post-68277764739689972502015-10-05T08:30:00.000-05:002015-10-05T08:30:00.510-05:00Magic Kingdom 2015<center>
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Yay, Magic Kingdom! We went to Magic Kingdom twice. The first day, Wednesday, Aidan and I got there at about 7:40 or so, but the park was already open! I was confused until I realized that this is a *thing* they do--open super early. We'd even missed the welcome song. No worries, though. We were still there early enough to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad twice in a row, the Barnstormer twice in a row, and get some yummy things to eat!<br />
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We managed to pack a LOT into a very long first day. Haunted Mansion (Aidan finally got brave enough to try it--and ended up LOVING it), Carousel of Progress, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, Mickey's Philharmagic, wow, so much. Character greetings (I finally got to meet Merida and she loved our hair!), general people watching, and both parades plus fireworks. And I finally got to eat at Casey's! I still didn't get a hot dog, but we shared a big order of fries and they were great. I also got my chocolate-covered pineapple, which always makes me happy. I can't even remember where we ate dinner. OH! It was Liberty Tree Tavern! Aidan loved the mac and cheese, and I enjoyed the cake.<br />
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Our second day, that Friday, we ate lunch at Be Our Guest. I had the Croque Monsieur (grilled sandwich of carved ham, Gruyere cheese, and bechamel with Pommes Frites) and oh my God yes. It was perfect! Aidan loved his pasta with marinara sauce as well. We got there TOO early (I thought the park opened at 8, nope, it opened at 9) so we spent a lot of time people watching. The park did open early again, though, and this time we headed toward Tomorrowland, which was so empty! I got to ride the Astro-Orbiter for the first time in ten years and it was as fun as I remember! And then we did Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger spin, another one I hadn't done in years. So much fun!<br />
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We didn't do too much on that second day. I did convince him to do Country Bear Jamboree, which he found entertaining (especially that Blood on the Ground song), and Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Mountain happened again. I didn't convince him to try Space Mountain. Maybe next time! OH I did get him to try my churro and he liked it so much he wanted to buy his own! Only a rainstorm rolled in and the cart shut down. So we hung out and waiting until it was safe to open again, then we had to wait for the fresh churros to arrive. SO WORTH IT. We also met the talking Mickey Mouse in Town Hall, and Tinker Bell!<br />
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We ended up leaving earlier than I wanted. A storm was rolling in, and Aidan was getting tired and cranky. I was tired too. We headed back to the hotel to rest up. I'm always sad when I leave Magic Kingdom, but I was looking forward to the next day of nothing before heading back to the parks on Sunday.<br />
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I can't wait to go back. :)<br />
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(<a href="http://anywhere-is.net/index.php/2015/08/30/epic-adventure-magic-kingdom/" target="_blank">crossposted</a> at <a href="http://anywhere-is.net/" target="_blank">anywhere is</a>)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780088003784297187.post-50814772070137082992015-09-30T08:30:00.000-05:002015-09-30T08:30:02.460-05:00Animal Kingdom 2015<center>
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Our first day in the Disney Parks was Animal Kingdom. It used to be Magic Kingdom always, but I think the crowd calendar or dining reservations or something factored into my decision to start with a different park this time. It was a fun, but short day, even though Animal Kingdom stayed open until 8pm that day.<br />
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We got there and immediately headed over to the dinosaur section, where we hopped on to Primeval Whirl and Triceratops Spin. Aidan was excited to ride Dinosaur again. That ride is fun but it has a lot of jump scares which I am not a fan of, but I'll take that over Tower of Terror any day (which I used to LOVE).<br />
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He didn't want to see the Finding Nemo show ("I don't like musicals") but I dragged him to The Festival of the Lion King because I wasn't going to miss it. He liked it. We ate Pizzafari for lunch, went on the safari, and took the train over to the Conservation Station where I made him hold the elephant poop.<br />
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We watched the Flights of Wonder show and that was really cool. I'd never seen it before. I got selected to sit on stage with my camera and *try* to photograph the owl coming at me. I couldn't do it. It was fun being on stage though!<br />
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We had a minor emergency! After using our FastPasses for a second go-round on Primeval Whirl, we marveled at how much faster and spinnier it was compared to that morning. We walked along and I noticed that Expedition Everest had a 10-minute single rider wait. Aidan has no interest in riding that coaster, but it's one of my favorites. He sat down to play on his phone...and there was no phone there. He'd had it before we got on Primeval Whirl, so I deduced it had to have come out in there. Back to Dinoland USA we went, and we talked to some cast members. Sure enough, they found his phone in one of the cars. The ride was so much more spinnier it spun the phone right out of Aidan's pocket! But we got the phone back and all was well! And I got to ride Expedition Everest with only a 5-minute single rider wait.<br />
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Animal Kingdom is undergoing a lot of renovations, so a lot of what makes the park so beautiful was masked by tall fences and signs. There were some pretty parts, though.<br />
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We didn't have a very long day at Animal Kingdom. We did everything we wanted to do, and I had a phone call scheduled, so we made an early day of it. It was a super fun day, though. Not too tiring or overwhelming. After my call, we hung out at the resort. I sunbathed by the pool and sent Snapchats. Then at 7:30, I watched the Movie Under the Stars (which was Wall-E) and ate a turkey sandwich and Doritos. It was a relaxing night. We knew we'd need to rest up for Magic Kingdom the next day!<br />
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So obviously, my next vacation post will be about Magic Kingdom! So, till next time!<br />
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(<a href="http://anywhere-is.net/index.php/2015/08/28/epic_adventure_animal_kingdom/" target="_blank">crossposted</a> at <a href="http://anywhere-is.net/" target="_blank">anywhere is</a>)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780088003784297187.post-21890133739053317022015-05-07T01:09:00.000-05:002015-05-07T01:09:21.412-05:00It's About That Time<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/9208765489" title="That's Incredible by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7335/9208765489_bf3bc6af6d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="That's Incredible"></a><br />
2013</center><br />
I made the BIG payment last week--you know what I'm talking about. MagicBands have been customized for the (hopefully) last time, FastPass+ plans have been scheduled, ADRs made, and now I'm just waiting for the travel documents to show up. And in just over a month, Aidan and I will be heading to Orlando once again!<br />
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We're both very excited. I'm also a little nervous. It will be just the two of us for most of this trip. He's been wanting to do a mom-son trip for a long time, and I wanted to really do this and make it special for him before he became a teen and decided that being seen with me in public is a travesty. (I really hope that never happens but you never know.) I really hope we can spend the time to talk about anything and everything, and just enjoy each other, and have fun together.<br />
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This time we're staying at <b>Pop Century</b>. He really wanted to stay at <b>Art of Animation</b>, but the thing about that is the only room that is practical for us would be The Little Mermaid rooms and he really did not want to stay in one of those. However, we're going to be so close to AoA that I figure we can walk over and explore on our "resort" day. <br />
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I made ADRs for <b>The Garden Grill</b>, <b>Liberty Tree Tavern</b>, <b>50s Prime Time Cafe</b>, and <b>Be Our Guest</b> (lunch). I am looking forward to having a Dole Whip, eating a churro, and having a chocolate covered pineapple. If they have brought back the Reese's Pieces covered marshmallow wands, I will have one of those as well.<br />
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Because he and I have gone so many times, and because I have the FastPass+, I feel like we can take it pretty easy this trip. It will be crowded and hot, so I'm hoping we won't feel the need to rush or cram a bunch in. Also, the longer trip will help spread things out. We don't have Park Hoppers, but I reserve the right to add them if I feel led to.<br />
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I have so much to look forward to! We'll be there soon.<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/17083879" title="The Incredibles by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/10/17083879_9e7fe596bd.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="The Incredibles"></a><br />
2005</center><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780088003784297187.post-65173837699533871212014-12-10T11:30:00.000-06:002014-12-10T11:30:00.574-06:00My Top Five Disney Snacks<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/15614938450" title="Untitled by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7542/15614938450_bff3c486e7.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Untitled"></a></center><br />
Eating is a very important part of life and therefore, and important part of any Disney vacation. And what's a vacation without snacking? NO FUN is what I say to that!<br />
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Needless to say, I enjoy snacking when I'm on vacation at a Disney park. I walk a lot (nearly 9 miles per day in the Parks) and I get hungry. A sister's gotta take care of herself. And when the scent of delicious confections fill the air, it's really hard to say "no." So I don't! :)<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8529474963" title="Treats by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8389/8529474963_ab23e5eb97.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Treats"></a></center><br />
5. <b>Mickey Ice Cream Bars</b>. Those Mickey Mouse shaped ice cream bars. So simple, and yet so pleasing. Sadly, I can never finish a whole one. That doesn't stop me from trying.<br />
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4. <b>Dole Floats</b>. Take pineapple juice, plopped in a swirl of pineapple soft serve, and you have a treat that is delectable. The lines for this thing are out control sometimes, but dang, is it good. And refreshing!<br />
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3. <b>Mickey Cake Pops</b>. I tried one of these babies on my most recent trip and OH MY GOODNESS. Best cake pops I have ever tasted. Ever. The ears are marshmallow, and the inside is this ooey-gooey rich chocolate heaven. I devoured the entire thing without even thinking twice, that's how good it was.<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8530579986" title="Treats by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8510/8530579986_e575a83c96.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Treats"></a></center><br />
2. <b>Churros</b>. I LOVE churros. I don't even care if they're stupidly overpriced. They're a perfect snack. Not too big, not too small. Not to sweet, not too savory. Just right. I can always go for a churro.<br />
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1. <b>Marshmallow Wands</b>. Disney World used to have those chocolate-covered marshmallow wands that were covered in tiny Reese's Pieces candies. They have recently discontinued these delicious, amazing treats, much to my disappointment. However, they still have the ones covered in mini M&Ms, and while they're not as good as the Reese's Pieces, they do in a pinch. My favorite snack at the Disney parks HANDS DOWN. I just really hope they bring back the ones with the Reese's Pieces. Soon.<br />
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Honorable mention: These big ole cookies. My son loves them.<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/6893880679" title="Mickey Cookies by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7046/6893880679_41a7196888.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Mickey Cookies"></a></center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780088003784297187.post-9216102249052631082014-12-05T10:30:00.000-06:002014-12-05T10:30:00.543-06:00All Hail Mickey Mouse!<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/15838126515" title="Disney World 2014 Collage by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8605/15838126515_b41e2119df.jpg" width="500" height="400" alt="Disney World 2014 Collage"/></a></center><br />
Guess who recently returned from a really cool Disney vacation? If you guessed ME, you'd be right! :) I didn't post much about it here because well, it was such a random, sorta last minute thing. See, my brother-in-law Eli and his wife Melissa both work for the Disney company in California, so they get free tickets (four each!) and discounted accommodations for the parks. They also run marathons and crazy things like that. They came to Orlando to do the Wine & Dine Half Marathon and then to vacation a bit. Adam's family was joining them, along with Melissa's mom. That left one space for me! I just had to pay for my flight and contribute a bit to the room cost, which was VERY VERY reasonable, what they asked. And of course, buy my own food, etc.<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/15816833542" title="Untitled by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5616/15816833542_1679ed4dea.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Untitled"/></a><br />
the gang!</center><br />
The trip was from November 7-15. I had to be with Eli to get let into the park, and then I could do whatever I want the rest of the day. Sometimes I stuck with Adam's family (his mom, dad, sister, and niece), sometimes I hung with Melissa, Eli, and Vicky. Sometimes we were ALL together. A lot of times I went off by myself. I took a lot of selfies! Ha.<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/15782703985" title="Back at Epcot!! ???? #Epcot #disneyworld #selfie #disney by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5604/15782703985_0ff83050e6_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Back at Epcot!! ???? #Epcot #disneyworld #selfie #disney"/></a></center><br />
The Magic started right away, when I went to check in and the guy at the desk gave me a pile of stickers and coloring books and crayons and buttons! And it just kept continuing, with people doing nice things, my friend Joe getting us into Garden Grill for dinner even though it had been booked for months, big hugs from Mickey Mouse and the gang, and so much more.<br />
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Here are the things I've learned the times that I was on my own at Disney World:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>1. It's an interesting experience. I loved the freedom of doing what I wanted when I wanted. It was much faster and easier to weasel my way through crowds when I was by myself. I enjoyed just answering to myself. If I wanted to do something, I did it. I didn't have to get approval or wait for people, I could just go for it. And single rider lines for rides are the best. I pretty much walked right on to Test Track more than once. And there are some really warm and open people at Disney World. I talked to one wonderful woman about ten minutes and by the end of the conversation, she was embracing me. Little girls seemed to love me--so many would just stop and smile and/or say "hi" to me or just start talking to me. Little boys, too! And I got a free churro because I was at the Christmas Party by myself. If I wanted to sit and people watch, it was OK for me to do that. I didn't feel like I was putting people out when my tiny bladder made its needs known loudly and often. If people in the group were doing something I wasn't all that into, I liked being able to say "I'm going to do [some other thing] and I'll catch up with you later." I loved that.<br />
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2. Eating was so cheap when it was just me! Before I left for Disney, I purchased $150 in Disney gift cards from Target (using my RedCard so I'd save 5%), and I didn't use all of it. Granted, one meal was an expensive one and I paid for that NOT using the gift card, but the rest? Well, I came home with $20 left, and I'd even bought a souvenir with some of the gift card money. This was done with some extra help though: I had granola bars and Pop-Tarts in my room. I bought one bottle of water and kept refilling it, and I also bought a refillable drink mug (with a gift card!) to use when I was at the resort. Seeing as I was there so many nights, it was a good investment, especially on my resort day. I also have a small appetite, so many times, the kid's meal was adequate for me. I also forgot about my gift cards and got a couple of Food & Wine entries with cash. So, truthfully, I probably spent about $180 to feed myself at Disney World for nine days, including a refillable drink mug, a fancy sit down meal, and novelty snacks. I'd say $20 a day isn't bad.<br />
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3. During a long trip like this, a day in the middle to do NOTHING is a fantastic idea. I never knew the value of it until last week. I realized that I am absolutely capable of melting down like the toddlers at the end of the night (or morning or whenever) who have had ENOUGH. I was like that Monday night after the Christmas party. I was just DONE. Then I dropped my brand new phone INTO the Murphy bed that I was sleeping on (which was very comfortable by the way). I didn't sleep well. By Tuesday morning, I was a mess. I got on my computer while waiting for maintenance to come and help me get my phone out. I took my medication, and tried to calm down. It worked. Maintenance came and my phone was rescued and unharmed. The meds kicked in. I pulled on my bathing suit and decided to stick around the resort all day. I hung out at the pool and had a drink, and talked to my mom and Aidan on the phone. Then I took a nice, hot bath before heading to the food court for something yummy to eat. (Probably corn dogs, seeing as I can't seem to get enough of the things lately.) It was a nice, relaxing, much-needed day of downtime and self care. I highly recommend a resort/pool day for all long Disney trips.<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/15147533314" title="Poolside drinksies!!!! #vacation #goodlife #disney #disneyworld #selfie ?????????? by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7561/15147533314_b6c0c4b9cb_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Poolside drinksies!!!! #vacation #goodlife #disney #disneyworld #selfie ??????????"/></a></center></blockquote><br />
I got to spend time at Disney with a little kid, which doesn't happen often. I mean, there are kids THERE, but they're not with me, so yeah. Hanging out with Lola was great. To hear that little voice say "I want to sit with RONNI" was soooo fun! <br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/15613939109" title="Untitled by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7514/15613939109_a2b6b14deb.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Untitled"/></a><br />
how cute is this?</center><br />
And I had to admire how they kept her fed and happy with PB&J, fruit, cheese sticks, popcorn, etc. They didn't have to spend a lot of money on her nor worry about feeding her since she can be a picky little eater. And because she was in her stroller, they could just feed her just about anywhere. Chris and I didn't do that with Aidan! Not that he'd have eaten PB&J anyway....<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/15746484832" title="Untitled by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3946/15746484832_f3b6d32906.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Untitled"/></a></center><br />
I got to do some new things this trip. I finally got to see Fantasmic! :) I'd been hearing about this fireworks show for years and years but it always seemed like a pain in a butt to get to. You had to line up a million years before to get a good seat or even a seat at all, blah blah blah. But FastPass+ made it possible for Cassidy and me to get front row center seats (now, we'd have normally never wasted a Fast Pass on a show but that's about all they had available by the time we made it to Hollywood Studios that evening), so there it was. And I LOVED it! It lived up to the hype for sure!<br />
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I sat at the Pinocchio restaurant and waved to people riding it's a small world. That was fun.<br />
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The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is so much fun! Such a cute coaster!<br />
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I saw Finding Nemo: The Musical. I liked it, but The Festival of the Lion King wins. I missed the Jammin' Jungle Parade. So sad it's gone. I heard it is coming back after all the work is done in Animal Kingdom. I hope so.<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/15721229976" title="Untitled by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5610/15721229976_f0331d58a6.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Untitled"/></a></center><br />
Animal Kingdom in the dark! That was certainly new! It either closes so early or it stays dark so late that I've never see it at night. It's just as pretty.<br />
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And there was Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, where I got to meet these guys:<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/15147956633" title="Untitled by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7548/15147956633_2c3ed678f5.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Untitled"/></a></center><br />
And see Main Street look like this (complete with fake snow):<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/15767398795" title="Untitled by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5612/15767398795_1a75285c35.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Untitled"/></a></center><br />
<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/15768965362" title="Untitled by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5602/15768965362_1f036550c5.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Untitled"/></a></center><br />
The pictures do not do the castle justice, how pretty it is. It's incredible, and now they've incorporated Elsa and Anna and Olaf (from Frozen) into the castle lighting in a very clever way. I approve! :) Here's a video of the very ending, complete with a "wooo" from me.<br />
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<center><iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/zHv8E25fLm0?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center><br />
And oh oh oh, I got to see the Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights! It was sooooo cool. Definitely will put you in the holiday spirit, as long as you can handle the crowds!! Here's a snippet!<br />
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<center><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/PTmg6P5OODI?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center><br />
Honestly, I cannot even begin to put all the stuff I got to see and do. It was just a nice, long, awesome vacation. If you'd like to see more photos, click <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/sets/72157649191743982/" target="_blank">here</a>! There's lots to see! :)<br />
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And I leave you with a photo of Mickey and me. Because yes.<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/15614867867" title="Untitled by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8665/15614867867_8a757388ef.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Untitled"/></a></center><br />
Till next time! :)<br />
<br />
(<a href="http://anywhere-is.net/2014/11/20/hail-mickey-mouse/" target="_blank">crossposted</a> to my <a href="http://anywhere-is.net">personal blog</a>)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780088003784297187.post-54032788922116182992014-11-25T14:00:00.000-06:002014-11-25T14:00:01.620-06:00My Top Five Disney Coasters<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/15179819634" title="Space Mountain by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5606/15179819634_cbfff495a2.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Space Mountain"></a></center><br />
Disney has so much to offer, and their rides are no exception. Now, I grew up in Cleveland, OH, which was just a couple of hours from <a href="https://www.cedarpoint.com/" target="_blank">Cedar Point</a>. Cedar Point is known for its record-breaking and unprecedented coasters, and I'd ridden almost all of them, until I moved from OH in 2008. <br />
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Because I'd been reared on riding the tallest, fastest, blah blah blah coasters, I just have to say that I've <i>never</i> been afraid of Disney coasters. That's not to say Disney coasters are for wimps or that they're no fun. They are loads of fun, because they're not just full of thrills. They're also amazingly themed and fit in well with Disney's brand.<br />
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Wow, did I just use the word <i>brand</i>?<br />
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Anyway, here are my favorite Disney coasters:<br />
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5. <b>Space Mountain</b>. A classic. The dark, the space, the whole 80s vibe makes Space Mountain truly magical. I have to say that I'm a bigger fan of the Disneyland version, though, with the music right in your car and being able to sit next to your companion. I love them both regardless.<br />
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4. <b>Rockin' Roller Coaster</b>. The blast off at the beginning is the BEST. It's the only coaster at Disney World that goes upside down and has corkscrews and let me tell you, they are amazing. The coaster is kind of jerky, which is hard when you have to keep your head smashed to the seat back for that blast off. But it's a lot of fun to ride and probably the most thrilling coaster in all of the Disney parks.<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/6893877055" title="Rockin Rollercoaster! by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7197/6893877055_594dc59ca5.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Rockin Rollercoaster!"></a></center><br />
3. <b>7 Dwarfs Mine Train</b>. This new coaster is freaking adorable. Smoothest ride in the park, and the cars gently rock from side to side! The queue for this coaster is the best queue of any coaster, with fun activities and beautiful theming. <br />
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2. <b>Big Thunder Mountain Railroad</b>. This coaster has some of the best theming in the park. It's an old favorite--a runaway train in a mining town. There's something sweet about it and I love, love, love to ride it. Over and over and over.<br />
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1. <b>Expedition Everest</b>. OK, I lied when I said I wasn't afraid of Disney coasters. The first time I rode Expedition Everest, I was terrified. I didn't know why. Probably because I knew it was in the dark and it went backwards and there was a YETI inside. But I'm a brave soul. I rode it and LOVED it and it became my <b>favorite</b>. If I can, I ride it multiple times in a day. I love it just that much.<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/5361735287" title="On Expedition Everest by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5285/5361735287_1989be05b5.jpg" width="398" height="500" alt="On Expedition Everest"></a><br />
my first time riding!</center><br />
Honorable mention: I am not sure if it even counts as a coaster, but I freaking LOVE <b>Test Track</b>. It's just such a well-designed ride that is great for all ages. At first, I wasn't a fan of the redesign, but now I'm in love with it.<br />
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So, there you have it. My five favorite coasters at Disney Parks. I hope to make this a series, so keep coming back! :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780088003784297187.post-87503185975671393672014-11-20T18:04:00.001-06:002014-11-20T18:04:10.991-06:00Ten Trips to Garden GrillGarden Grill is my favorite restaurant at Disney World. It's a family-style all-you-can-eat place, with fresh vegetables, succulent meats, and the best character interaction in the parks. Instead of going to a buffet, they bring the food to you. And the restaurant rotates, so guests are looking over the ride "Living With the Land" for part of their meal. This restaurant also has the best character interaction in all of Epcot and possibly Disney World.<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/6894013733" title="Dinner at Garden Grill by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/6894013733_5c490213c1.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Dinner at Garden Grill"></a></center><br />
The <a href="http://allears.net/dining/menu/garden-grill/dinner" target="_blank">menu</a> changes ever so often, but they tend to keep a few favorites: turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy; some sort of beef; some variety of fish; and a type of cobbler for dessert. They're often accommodating when I ask if I can have some of the macaroni & cheese from the kid's menu. They used to use Stouffer's macaroni & cheese, but this year they seem to have come up with their own recipe.<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/6894013279" title="Dinner at Garden Grill by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7206/6894013279_10c80cc698.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Dinner at Garden Grill"></a></center><br />
I've been on ten trips to Disney World, and managed to eat at Garden Grill on every single one. Check out this picture history!<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/2800198869" title="I Finally Met Mickey! by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3251/2800198869_2aa6907e03.jpg" width="500" height="466" alt="I Finally Met Mickey!"></a><br />
August 2001 - my first Disney trip and my first time ever meeting Mickey Mouse!</center><br />
<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/54433492" title="Me and Mickey! by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/32/54433492_9e45209df5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Me and Mickey!"></a><br />
May 2005</center><br />
<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/2893474377" title="I Get a Kiss from Dale by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3161/2893474377_f1dd9d2eb3.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="I Get a Kiss from Dale"></a><br />
September 2008 - on my DisneyMoon with Adam</center><br />
<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/3847122522" title="Ronni and Chip by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2602/3847122522_20f6113190.jpg" width="448" height="500" alt="Ronni and Chip"></a><br />
August 2009 - Chip and me.</center><br />
<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/5361420687" title="Me & Mickey by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5163/5361420687_8e5512ed65.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Me & Mickey"></a><br />
January 2011</center><br />
<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/5820496224" title="Us With the Boss! by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2383/5820496224_8929f8522a.jpg" width="500" height="340" alt="Us With the Boss!"></a><br />
June 2011</center><br />
<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/6894015247" title="Me and Chip by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/6894015247_d567279e53.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Me and Chip"></a><br />
Valentine's Day 2012.</center><br />
<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8530564242" title="Dancing with Pluto by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8246/8530564242_c9101f7fda.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Dancing with Pluto"></a><br />
February 2013</center><br />
<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8999058484" title="Untitled by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5464/8999058484_12d2f170b2.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
June 2013</center><br />
<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/15614867867" title="Untitled by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8665/15614867867_8a757388ef.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
November 2014</center><br />
Interesting to note how the outfits have changed over the years! Mickey got a completely new makeover from when I first saw him. At one point, the chipmunks wore overalls. See?<br />
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/54433504" title="Me & Chip! by Ronni Selzer, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/27/54433504_6009f05460.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Me & Chip!"></a></center><br />
Some things that have not changed though: amazing service, delicious food, and awesome characters. I will continue to go back to Garden Grill.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780088003784297187.post-21114131709491047062014-05-25T17:00:00.000-05:002014-05-25T17:00:00.253-05:00Jammin' In The Jungle<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/9211550990/" title="Animal Kingdom by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Animal Kingdom" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5338/9211550990_8c2972fe06.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a></center>
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previous posts:<br />
<a href="http://anywhere-is.net/2013/07/08/epic-disney-world/" target="_blank">epic disney world!!</a><br />
<a href="http://anywhere-is.net/2013/07/09/a-magical-day/" target="_blank">a magical day.</a><br />
<a href="http://anywhere-is.net/2013/08/05/two-worlds/" target="_blank">two worlds.</a><br />
<a href="http://anywhere-is.net/2013/08/10/a-slow-start-for-hollywood/" target="_blank">a slow start for hollywood.</a><br />
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Our last day at Disney World took us to Animal Kingdom, which is painfully underrated in my opinion. Of course, there is the safari, and Dinosaur, and Expedition Everest, but it's just a beautiful park in itself. It's one of those parks I'd like to just go and hang out in and read or something, except there's too much to do and see to just sit! Ha.<br />
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We'd had mild weather all week, and this Friday was the first day we'd gotten to experience the true Florida summer sun. Even I wasn't prepared for it... but I still loved it. <br />
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<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8997894825/" title="Untitled by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2837/8997894825_9e3dfd3f10.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a></center>
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<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8999097232/" title="Untitled by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8137/8999097232_8c42e2c176.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a></center>
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We didn't ride much at Animal Kingdom. Aidan and I rode Dinosaur. I was really impressed he wanted to ride it--it's kind of a scary ride! <em>I</em> still have to close my eyes at parts... but we still had fun. <br />
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We spent some time over at Rafiki's Planet Watch. I like to go over there because I get to do things like make Falandos hold a big pile of poop.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8997900871/" title="Untitled by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3774/8997900871_2db5cdffb2.jpg" height="500" width="333" /></a></center>
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All four of us did the safari, and there were lots of animals out. Our Fast Pass time was later than I'd normally have it, so I was worried. I needn't have.<br />
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We finished the safari just in time to see the Jammin' Jungle Parade! YAY! Now that I know most of the dance steps, the parade dancers like to come over and dance with me. It's really cool!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8999103990/" title="Untitled by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3814/8999103990_d412506c4a.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8999104588/" title="Untitled by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3767/8999104588_66a3c0f7fc.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8997920859/" title="It's Sarah! by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="It's Sarah!" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8140/8997920859_d66719aa82.jpg" height="500" width="333" /></a><br />
yay, sarah! she's one of my favorite disney performers.</center>
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This was our last day at Disney World. :( After finally making our way back to the park, it was a mad dash to meet our car (this time an Escalade!) and head to the airport. Where the travel snags started again.<br />
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Our flight was to leave at 7:45. Imagine our shock when we saw that our flight had been delayed until 11pm. And as we stood there, the numbers flipped until after MIDNIGHT. Well. We figured we'd just relax, shop, have dinner... except randomly, they gave us another flight, which left at 8:15. I was convinced we were going to miss our flight. It was 7:45 already. Security was taking FOREVER. Talk about stress... trying to make it our gate on time.... where they weren't even boarding. We made it home OK. Hungry, tired, and sad that the trip was over, but happy we had a few days together to talk about it and relive it through our pictures and stories.<br />
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So naturally, we'll be planning next year's trip soon....<br />
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That's all of the trip reports for this Disney vacation. If you want to see all the pictures, just <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/sets/72157634030484220/" target="_blank">click here</a>! :)<br />
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Till next time!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780088003784297187.post-20603895602759488102014-05-19T09:00:00.000-05:002014-05-19T09:00:01.108-05:00A Day in Hollywood<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/9208761643/" title="Hollywood Studios by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Hollywood Studios" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3696/9208761643_79e7e16b2d.jpg" height="500" width="333" /></a></center>
<br />
previous posts<br />
<a href="http://anywhere-is.net/2013/07/08/epic-disney-world/" target="_blank">epic disney world!!</a><br />
<a href="http://anywhere-is.net/2013/07/09/a-magical-day/" target="_blank">a magical day.</a><br />
<a href="http://anywhere-is.net/2013/08/05/two-worlds/" target="_blank">two worlds.</a><br />
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Thursday morning was a slow start for us. We slept in, took our time getting ready, and then, when we were finally on our way out the door, the rain came down with a fierceness. THEN, a friend of mine, Joey, who used to live in Chicago but had relocated to Orlando wanted to have lunch with us. So we hung around the resort and waited for them. <br />
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We played in the arcade while we waited for Joey and the gang. With our package, we got some free play time, but Falandos and I went ahead and splurged for a bit more. I'd never done that before--I feel like Aidan plays enough video games that it's stupid to go to freaking DISNEY WORLD and play more, but because we were waiting and it was rainy, we both went for it. Aidan racked up the tickets.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8999064816/" title="Untitled by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3688/8999064816_57fd2177ea.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a><br />
aidan playing fruit ninja</center>
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We had a great lunch, catching up, making new friends, hanging out. I'm not a huge Hollywood Studios geek, so I didn't mind not getting to the parks super early in the morning. (Really, the only reason to do that is to get on Toy Story Midway Mania, which Aidan and I both said wasn't a "must do", and for Tower of Terror, which gets a resounding HELL TO THE NO from Aidan.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8999065406/" title="Untitled by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3754/8999065406_ea5d5fcb7b.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a><br />
lunch with friends and family</center>
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We got to Hollywood Studios and the clouds were looking crazy ominous. We made our way to the Animation building and proceeded to spend hours inside, meeting characters, drawing pictures, and people watching!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/9208765489/" title="That's Incredible by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="That's Incredible" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7335/9208765489_bf3bc6af6d.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a></center>
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By the time we got out of there, the rain had cleared up! It was a beautiful evening with perfect weather and low crowds. We rode the Great Movie Ride, went on the Backstage Tour, and saw Muppet Vision 3D. Then, it was time for dinner at 50s Prime Time Cafe.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8999071294/" title="Untitled by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5349/8999071294_5e586ef6f4.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8999070226/" title="Untitled by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7364/8999070226_ab13e79557.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a><br />
cutest mommy ever!</center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8997886841/" title="Untitled by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3763/8997886841_83e7a5d73c.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a><br />
aidan finishing up his drawing before diving into that big ole pile of friend chicken</center>
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My mom said this was her favorite meal out of the three table service restaurants. The food was yummy, the atmosphere was fun, and we LOVED when Falandos got reamed out by "Mama." <br />
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After dinner, we enjoyed the outside some more. The crowds were pretty non-existent. Aidan and I rode Star Tours three times in a row with barely any wait. He even got to be the Rebel Spy on one of the "flights"!<br />
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We finished off our night in the gift shops, of course! <br />
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When we got back to the resort, Aidan wanted to use up the last of his arcade points. He did and hit a lucky jackpot on one of the machines and got a TON of tickets! He got to pick out bunch of little cheap toys and candy, which made him pretty happy.<br />
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It was a low key day, but it was really fun, relaxing, and fulfilling. We all had an awesome time. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780088003784297187.post-63423038888302062092014-05-12T07:30:00.000-05:002014-05-12T07:30:00.760-05:00Two Worlds<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/9211536816/" title="Epcot - Spaceship Earth by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Epcot - Spaceship Earth" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2843/9211536816_517b5a2fe6.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
previous posts:<br />
<a href="http://anywhere-is.net/2013/07/08/epic-disney-world/" target="_blank">epic disney world!!</a><br />
<a href="http://anywhere-is.net/2013/07/09/a-magical-day/" target="_blank">a magical day</a>.<br />
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Our second day at Disney World consisted of a trip to Epcot! It looked to be another wishy washy weather day, so once again, we all lugged along our ponchos and raincoats. I even brought my umbrella.<br />
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We started the day in The Land, where I got us Fast Passes for Soarin'. Then we went on Living with the Land, which my mom thought was really cool. Living With the Land is a favorite of mine because I love hearing about all the food they grow there, and the research they're doing. And seeing everything growing is also really cool.<br />
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We walked around and did things as we were exploring--saw Captain EO, went into one of the Innovations buildings, and met some characters at the Character Spot. Now, back in MY day, the Character Spot had loads of characters to meet, even though it still felt rushed. But now, there are fewer characters, so the line goes quicker, but I was disappointed that Goofy wasn't there, or Donald Duck, like they used to be.<br />
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But I wasn't that disappointed. We still had fun with Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto, who were all sweet.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/9211538950/" title="Meeting Mickey Mouse by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Meeting Mickey Mouse" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5442/9211538950_74d3ed0ab0.jpg" height="500" width="333" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/9211540210/" title="Meeting Mickey Mouse by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Meeting Mickey Mouse" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7415/9211540210_c072d6e9e3.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/9208760143/" title="Meeting Minnie Mosue by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Meeting Minnie Mosue" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3756/9208760143_609cdde111.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/9211542008/" title="Meeting Pluto by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Meeting Pluto" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7400/9211542008_14139829ff.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a></center>
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Of course, we tasted the sodas at Club Cool. I got video of Falandos tasting the infamous Beverly, but my camera would NOT FOCUS so I didn't upload it. The the rain caught up to us. It poured for quite a while, and we hung out under the awning at Club Cool until it let it. Then we made our way to World Showcase. We stopped in some countries along the way, and we also ate at the America Pavilion because that's easy. The rain had let up enough for us to sit outside and enjoy our lunch.<br />
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We played in some of the stores in the countries, but we didn't have a lot of time to really explore. I remember last time I was there with Adam, we found places in the countries that we'd never seen before.<br />
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I had to take a photo from the bridge over the lagoon. I was so used to seeing this particular section of the park in February, when it looks like this:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8529447455/" title="Prettiness in Epcot by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Prettiness in Epcot" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8368/8529447455_2ffd995e80.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a></center>
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That it was neat to see it all green and lush in June:<br />
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We made our way back to Future World, where we took pictures and Aidan and I got Fast Passess for Mission Space. Then we headed to The Land again, because I do like the pavillion even though it can get crazy in there. Plus, it was time to redeem our Soarin' FPs!<br />
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Soarin' is when one of my favorite moments of the ENTIRE trip happened. We took off, and I glanced over at my mom. I have NEVER seen such a look of pure awe and joy on her face in my life. It was ADORABLE. On the other hand, Falandos looked like he wanted to poop his pants, and his reactions were cracking up the little girls on the other side of him. Riding Soarin' with them was definitely one of the Top Five moments of my trip. I'll never forget the look on her face.<br />
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The rain started full force, so when it came time for our FPs to be redeemed, Aidan and I braved the elements and went over while my mom and Falandos stayed in The Land and watched that Circle of Life movie and people watched. Aidan and I had a blast, splashing in puddles and walking barefoot. The rain had scared a lot of people away, and plus, Epcot is so spread out that walking barefoot feels really good and liberating. I'd NEVER walk barefoot in Magic Kingdom--I'd get my toes crushed in a heartbeat.<br />
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By the time Aidan and I made it back, it was time to check in for dinner at The Garden Grill! :) I was really excited for this because this was my mom's time to FINALLY meet Chip & Dale, her favorites!!<br />
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Here she is with Dale. So cute! :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8997867951/" title="Untitled by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5330/8997867951_9ff4e0ec6b.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a></center>
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I also adore this picture of Aidan, Chip, and Falandos!<br />
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We had a wonderful dinner, and then we just randomly explored a bit more. Rode Spaceship Earth, went to some shops, and then ended up catching part of Illuminations. We were on our way out the park, but the fireworks started and well, if you leave in the middle of fireworks at Disney World, there is something very strange about you. So we didn't get to see the huge display with the Earth and stuff, but we saw the high, loud stuff and that was just fine. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8997877729/" title="Untitled by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5337/8997877729_f6da60683f.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8997876775/" title="Untitled by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2880/8997876775_ee9314b75b.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a><br />
aidan sitting with my mom during the fireworks</center>
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My mom said that Epcot was her favorite of the parks, and that Soarin' was her favorite attraction. Despite the rain, it really was a pleasant and relaxing day. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780088003784297187.post-90124736033730203922014-05-08T16:00:00.000-05:002014-05-08T16:00:01.026-05:00A Magical Day<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/9244652232/" title="Giving 'Tude by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Giving 'Tude" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7451/9244652232_dc52356f87.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a></center>
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No matter what, I always like to start my trips to Disney World off in the Magic Kingdom. I mean, it's the Magic Kingdom! That's where Cinderella Castle is and that's where the magic really begins. With all the music and beautiful "lands" and the yummy scents. Magic Kingdom is the most crowded and congested park, but it's also the one everyone thinks of when they think of Disney World.<br />
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So of COURSE we had to go there on our first day. We got there just when it opened and when we walked through those gates, all was right with the world.<br />
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Falandos and I have the sort of relationship where we tease each other relentlessly. So when he asked "Can I just say something?" while we were walking down Main Street, I was expecting him to say something smart. But instead, he grabbed me and hugged me and kissed my cheek and said "Thank you." That made me feel like a million dollars.<br />
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We took loads of pictures!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/9211529924/" title="Magic Kingdom by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Magic Kingdom" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/9211529924_18da6b0ff9.jpg" height="500" width="333" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8997826141/" title="Untitled by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3797/8997826141_c15a9d3b09.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/9208747179/" title="Magical by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Magical" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5533/9208747179_e4e09aea00.jpg" height="500" width="333" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/9208748323/" title="Celebrating! by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Celebrating!" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7391/9208748323_fa5929db61.jpg" height="500" width="333" /></a></center>
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After all that, we headed back to the new Fantasyland to ride the new Little Mermaid ride. Everyone liked it. Then we made our way over to Storybook Circus, where Aidan and I rode Dumbo while Mommy and Falandos hung out in the souvenir gift shop. Oh, we also made a stop to meet Minnie and Daisy!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/9208748927/" title="Meeting Daisy Duck by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Meeting Daisy Duck" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3674/9208748927_8db3cb20c0.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8997835051/" title="Untitled by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8543/8997835051_2ed2c6d0b2.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a></center>
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We met my friend <a href="http://www.notinjersey.com/" target="_blank">Dara</a> for lunch, and then headed to the Hall of Presidents. After that, we got stuck under an awning to wait out some major rain!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8999022024/" title="Untitled by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5342/8999022024_1fb69d29c7.jpg" height="500" width="333" /></a></center>
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It could have been a bummer, but it wasn't. We just waited it out and hung out and chatted. We dodged the rain a lot as we made our way back over to Tomorrowland for Carousel of Progress, the People Mover, and Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, which has been updated to include Monsters University stuff!<br />
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We ended up missing the parade, but with the weather so bad, I wonder if it even showed. We were watching part of the Dreams Come True show but it got rained out. Eeek.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8997846915/" title="Untitled by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8279/8997846915_4060e08c14.jpg" height="500" width="333" /></a></center>
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Falandos and I got Dole Whips. Yum. Not sure what we were thinking, having them so close to dinner, but who can resist them right? I had one for breakfast once....<br />
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We ate dinner at The Crystal Palace. My mom loves her hot sauce and managed to get a tiny bottle.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8997847469/" title="Untitled by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7319/8997847469_20c0604c3a.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a></center>
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We had fun meeting our friends from the 100 Acre Wood!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8999033126/" title="Untitled by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7324/8999033126_99bcda8f63.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8999037300/" title="Untitled by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8408/8999037300_1de3501885.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a></center>
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After Crystal Palace, we headed over to First Aid and the bathroom. I'd taken a yucky fall and needed a Band-Aid. By the time we got done, it was raining AGAIN. Aidan really wanted to ride Pirates, so we braved the rain drops and went for it. My mom and Falandos were wary of Pirates--for some reason, they were under the impression that it was outside and they were sick of being wet. When I explained to them how the "waterfall" worked, they were still a bit wary but went for it. (Falandos was actually terrified, but don't tell him I told you that.)<br />
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My mom LOVED Pirates of the Caribbean! <br />
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Then we made our way to It's a Small World, and watched Wishes, from behind the castle. Then we made our way to the front of the park--we were all getting tired and we were pretty tired of the damp. <br />
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But as we were leaving, a Cast Member stopped us and talked us into staying for the Main Street Electrical Parade. Which Falandos really, really loved.<br />
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the one picture i really liked!</center>
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<u>Attractions Experienced</u>:<br />
The new Little Mermaid ride (I can't remember the name for the life of me!)<br />
Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor<br />
Mickey's Philharmagic<br />
Peoplemover<br />
Carousel of Progress<br />
Pirates of the Caribbean<br />
Dumbo<br />
it's a small world</blockquote>
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We didn't ride a whole lot, but we still had a lot of fun. And for your viewing pleasure...here's a short (44s) video of some of our morning at the Magic Kingdom!<br />
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And with that, I bid you good-bye for now. More soon! :DUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780088003784297187.post-72019786923581187072014-05-05T16:30:00.000-05:002014-05-05T16:30:00.637-05:00Epic Disney World!<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/9209315559/" title="Disney Collage! :) by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Disney Collage! :)" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2863/9209315559_eb9a6d525f.jpg" height="500" width="333" /></a></center>
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Welcome to part one of the trip report for our epic Disney World vacation. I took my mom, who had never been, Aidan, who had been three times, and we met my cousin Falandos at the airport in Orlando. He also had never been.<br />
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I was a little bit nervous because I knew I'd have to do things differently than I was used to with Adam or Aidan and Adam. For one thing, my mom needed a scooter and I'd never toured the parks with a scooter before. She's also a slow eater, so I knew we'd be betting a lot of downtime so she wouldn't feel rushed during mealtimes. I really wanted to make sure she was comfortable and enjoying herself and not getting bored or cranky, but the funny thing is she was doing the same for me! She and Falandos both kept saying, throughout the trip, this this was my vacation too and I was entitled to enjoy myself as well. That was nice. :)<br />
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Anyway.<br />
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Our journey to Orlando began with a massive flight delay. The cause of the delay? THE PILOT HAD TO TAKE A NAP. I am not kidding. There were some scheduling snafus, and the pilot had a mandated rest period. I was unhappy, but my mom told me to calm down and that everything would be OK. So, we had lunch and hung out in the airport, playing Tetris Blitz on our tablets and reading. Let me tell you, it was cruel to see the flight that was scheduled an hour after our original departure take off on time. *sigh* It was also cold in the airport. And on the airplane. And in Chicago in general. I was so anxious to get to Orlando and bake in some heat and humidity!<br />
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We finally got to Orlando and rode into town in a Town Car. I went with the car service and it was great. The grocery stop was awesome--we picked up bottled water, pineapple juice, snacks, a poncho for Aidan, and I got some Mickey Mouse pajamas. I know, how sad that I was buying souvenirs BEFORE WE EVEN GOT ON DISNEY PROPERTY.<br />
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Our driver was awesome, slowing down so we could take pictures of the Disney World sign! :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/9212481876/" title="The Sign of Awesome by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="The Sign of Awesome" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5333/9212481876_54a9c32bee.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a></center>
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We stayed at Pop Century, and check in was easy and pleasant. Soon, we were on our way to Downtown Disney, stopping to take pictures along the way!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8999002098/" title="Untitled by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3720/8999002098_2a4e253f14_m.jpg" height="160" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8999002592/" title="Untitled by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2833/8999002592_46c51cebe2_m.jpg" height="160" width="240" /></a></center>
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We did some shopping at Downtown Disney--of course, Aidan had to hit the LEGO store. <br />
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First really big Magical Moment of the trip--Aidan had $60 to spend, and of course, he wanted to spend it on LEGO sets. So he got two. And then he asked about the Jor-El exclusive minifig or something, I don't know. But he needed to spend $75 to get it. But the guy at the LEGO store gave one to Aidan anyway! It was so cool. Aidan was THRILLED and I was so happy for him. And that's reason number 4985748953 I love going to Disney World. You just never know what sort of surprises you'll end up with.<br />
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We shopped some more, taking a look at stores at Downtown Disney I'd usually pass over. I also took pictures of the snacks because that's the kind of gal I am.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8997819079/" title="Untitled by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5462/8997819079_5a91b24335_m.jpg" height="160" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8997819585/" title="Untitled by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2876/8997819585_d830fd449a_m.jpg" height="160" width="240" /></a></center>
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We ate dinner in the food court at the hotel. Pop Century's food court has these delicious "pizza bread" things. It's like French bread pizza but yummier. I got a meal with two of those, a Caesar salad, and a Vitamin Water. Aidan got the kid's meal version, which just had one piece of pizza bread, but he put red pepper flakes on his and tried to pawn it off on me. Blech. Still yummy, though. Mommy and Falandos got stuff from the "healthy options" line. <br />
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By the time we made it back to the hotel room, we were pretty tired (although excited)! Falandos and I went to pick up the scooter, and then we loitered in the Great Hall, looking at the decorations. <br />
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There's nothing like that very first day of vacation, when you have your whole trip ahead of you. So many possibilities and things to look forward to. <br />
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We tried to turn in early, but well, we were at Disney World and excited! Still, we did the best we could to get a good night's rest for ... Magic Kingdom! Which was a great day in itself... but that's a post for another day.<br />
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Till next time....Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780088003784297187.post-53989421971186713392014-05-05T07:00:00.000-05:002014-05-05T07:00:01.942-05:00M.I.A.Oh my God. Has it really been nearly a year since I've last updated here? That's awful!<br />
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OK to be honest, I forgot about this blog for a while. I KNOW, horrible? The thing is, I get all excited and crazy about obsessive, and then it fizzles out. But that didn't happen with this. I just got overwhelmed, knowing I'd have to make a trip report for my AWESOME trip last summer, and I just sort of blocked it out of my mind. Terrible.<br />
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But no fear. The trip reports are coming. I promise. And I'm planning on going back in September of this year, so there is that. There will be more. So keep checking back.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780088003784297187.post-81744644156758508642013-05-08T19:19:00.000-05:002013-05-08T19:19:00.899-05:00I Have Some Decisions To Make<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8530126666/" title="Cinderella Castle by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Cinderella Castle" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8229/8530126666_c36928ceaa.jpg" width="333" /></a></center>
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In less than a month, I'll be heading to Disney World. I've been listening to Disney World music and whipping myself into a fever pitch of excitement because DISNEY! Music! Food! Dancing! Awesomeness!</center>
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I got my travel documents sometime last week. You know once those show up that it's not much longer!</center>
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As usual, I felt like I had plenty of time to plan things and well, time is running away from me. Like time does. I mean, the last time I posted here was in March, and I still owe you trip reports. Oops.</center>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I have some choices to make.</span></b> </center>
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In the past, I've taken the <b>Magical Express</b>. It's easy, it's free, and they play the video to get you all excited. My mom and Falandos have never been to Disney World, and I'd love for them to experience the fun of the Magical Express.</center>
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BUT. I've been toying with the idea of getting a car service instead. I've seen reviews for two particular services and ooohhh, it's so tempting. It would be an additional cost for sure, but we'd get a 30 minute grocery stop, where I can pick up a case of bottled water and some pineapple juice for my mom, and we'd possibly get to our hotel sooner. And on our last day, we'd probably get at least 30–45 extra minutes in the parks, so we could leave at 430 instead of 330 or something like that. THAT is really appealing to me, as I do not want to miss the Jammin' Jungle Parade!</center>
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So, I did some pricing and looking at the different options. Honestly, I think the Escalade would be the best for us because it would fit all of our stuff (none of us are light packers--Falandos has already prepaid for two carry-ons!) and would be fun to ride around in that. But I'm not one of those people who is obsessed with SUVs--in fact, I strongly prefer to AVOID them. I feel like most people who drive them are bullies and they take up too many parking spaces. And they're ALWAYS parking in the compact car spaces--what is up with that? ANYWAY. I have reservations about that. I was thinking of a limo. Aidan's never been in a limo and I know he'd get a kick out of it. I've been in loads of limos--for all sorts of things. Bachelorette parties, funerals, casino nights, grocery store runs.... so it's not a big deal for me to ride in one. In addition, there was that terrible limo fire that just happened in San Francisco, so I have a friend who is begging me not to get a limo for that reason. A town car just seems boring. I mean, they're NICE and everything... but it's really just a fancy car. </center>
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I would love a car just to go back to the airport... but none of them seem to do that. It's either round trip or one way from MCO to Disney.</center>
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The other choice I'm trying to make is whether or not to do the <b>Photopass</b> thing. I want to pre-pay because you save $50 by paying before vacation.... but I also remember feeling so liberated, not having to stop at every Photopass photographer so I got my money's worth. </center>
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So, these are the agonizing decisions that have been plaguing me the past couple days. If any of you have any insight, please let me know. I could use some advice! :)</center>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780088003784297187.post-53603776514115398542013-03-24T18:42:00.001-05:002013-03-24T18:42:50.746-05:00I Owe You A Trip Report!I owe you guys a serious trip report. We had <b>such</b> a good time at Disney World. I really did not want to come home and the only thing that saved me from being super sad about leaving was knowing that I'm going to be back in a few months.<br />
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Anyway, I'll be posting a MULTI-PAGE trip report soon. If you don't want to miss it, then be sure to <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/2810760/?claim=6k4kht7gwas">follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>!!!<br />
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See ya real soon! :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8529453281/" title="Me and Mickey Mouse by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Me and Mickey Mouse" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8086/8529453281_ee4cfbdc43.jpg" width="333" /></a></center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780088003784297187.post-16726349577297592422013-02-15T23:54:00.002-06:002013-02-15T23:54:48.975-06:00Ten Days!!You guys!!! Just ten more days until DISNEY WORLD!!<br />
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And I've been so busy making plans for the June trip that I keep forgetting to be excited about THIS trip. HA.<br />
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The cool thing about this trip is that one of my yoga teacher trainee classmates will be there with her family. We're going to try to meet up at some points. She has the Park Hopper and we don't, so they'll have a lot more flexibility. It's going to be so much fun! :)<br />
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I'm only just now starting to think of what to pack. And a game plan--as I start a new freelance gig the same day we fly out for vacation. Depending on the schedule, I may have to lug my computer into the parks with me. Thank goodness Disney has free WiFi now. I know, it's silly to start a job the day I'm going on vacation, but I am freelance and I'm not turning down extra income, yo.<br />
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For the second time, I am not doing the Photopass CD. We didn't do it last time and I was fine. Now for June? I think I will just because it's going to be such a momentous trip.<br />
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I keep seeing, on various forums, that Disney (especially Magic Kingdom) is super crowded this time of year for some reason, when it normally isn't. Tour groups, cheerleading and dance competitions, the new Fantasyland, and Free Dining are my suspect culprits. That will be disappointing, but I'm sure I'll manage. I just have to get lots of rest, stay hydrated and medicated, and exercise huge amounts of patience. Which I don't have a lot of in big crowds these days.<br />
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I do hope the weather is amazingly warm. I'm ready for short sleeves and the sun on my skin. This winter in Chicago hasn't even been that terrible, but I still miss summer. I'll be happy to get a taste of it in a few weeks. Or, if not summer, then spring.<br />
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Let the countdown SERIOUSLY BEGIN!!! :DUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780088003784297187.post-2931461435842748742013-02-06T08:30:00.000-06:002013-02-06T08:30:01.163-06:00Booking Madness<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/5820462720/" title="Goofy by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Goofy" height="333" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3008/5820462720_651509c7d0.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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Planning the summer 2013 trip for my mom, Aidan and me has been more stressful than I am used to. There are so many factors to look into that I haven't had to deal with before, such as my mother's health issues, predicted high crowd levels, and flight times/costs that were ... less than satisfactory.<br />
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I'd originally decided we'd go from June 3-June 6. The plan was to fly out early on June 3, leave our bags with bell services if the room wasn't ready, and hit Magic Kingdom. On our last day, we'd go to Animal Kingdom, and then fly back that evening. Sounds good, right? Adam and I have been doing that, or a variation of that, for years and it worked out fine.<br />
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Except the airlines would not cooperate. Well, I'd found a decent deal with Airtran a few weeks ago (just over $800 for the three of us round trip), but I didn't book it because things weren't finalized yet. Every week, I watched those fares creep up and up and up, and I decided to set up a watchdog for fares. When I got an email this morning with the right prices, I jumped on the chance. BUT. My original times? They were either sold out or SUPER expensive. I'm taking $300-$400 to fly one way. I was frustrated. VERY frustrated. And nervous. Because what if I kept waiting and ended up having to pay thousands for a crappy flight with connections and entire days of traveling?<br />
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Adam told me that it was way too early to book. That prices go up and down all the time. I was very concerned about the times I wanted being sold out, though, and those were the times whose prices were jumping up all the time.<br />
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When we took a trip around this time frame in 2011, the flights we wanted were going to cost us $1200 with Southwest, which is usually our first choice. Adam looked at other airlines and asked me how much would it cost to stay an extra night. Well, he'd found a flight on Airtran that flew in on Saturday night instead of Sunday morning, and round trip for me, him, and Aidan was just over $700. Even staying an extra night, we came out hundreds ahead. AND WE GOT AN EXTRA NIGHT AT DISNEY WORLD. It was a win-win!<br />
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And I wondered...<i> could I possibly get that lucky again?</i> So I played with the numbers. Found flights for the three of us for $662. <b>$662 total round trip for three of us</b>. Instead of flying in Monday morning, we'd have to fly in Monday afternoon BUT by adding an extra night (room only), I come out $200 ahead.<br />
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I worked and worked trying to figure things out. Naturally, the cheapest flights were to fly in late Monday and leave early Friday. That was not going to work because we'd miss an entire day in the parks. I ended up picking a midday flight to Orlando on Monday, and the last flight out to Chicago Friday night. It costed a bit more, but was worth it and much better than the $900-$1000 I was looking at the week before.<br />
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I was on the phone with Disney for 45 minutes getting everything set up. They were super helpful and nice. They shifted my original reservation to June 4-7, and added a room only to June 3. I didn't want the Dining Plan and park tickets for June 3 because I didn't see any point in wasting a park ticket on half a day. We can go to Downtown Disney, have dinner in the food court, and relax so we can be well rested for the Magic Kingdom rope drop the next morning. They also transferred me to Dining so I could change my reservations. On top of all this, they're running their Spring discounts on rooms and packages, and our stay falls right within the dates.<br />
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AND checking the <a href="http://www.easywdw.com/category/calendar/06-june-2013-crowd-calendar/" target="_blank">crowd calendar</a> on <a href="http://www.easywdw.com/" target="_blank">Easy WDW</a>, it turns out that the shift in our vacation plans and days we visit which park works out in our favor. It will still be crowded, but slightly less in the parks we're going to.<br />
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I swear, this is the most math I've done in years. I don't even know if it was algebra or what, all I know is that it made my brain tired!<br />
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I'll write again soon with more of the nitty gritty details of the trip itself. It will be my mom's first trip ever, and I want to make it really awesome for her! :)<br />
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'Til next time.....Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780088003784297187.post-5288703686756590472013-01-16T01:49:00.000-06:002013-01-16T01:49:08.135-06:0040 Days!!!<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/6893814207/" title="Cinderella Castle by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Cinderella Castle" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7047/6893814207_60e2931bd9.jpg" width="333" /></a></center>
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Forty days until my Disney trip and I have FINALLY gotten all my plans squared away. It's all paid off and now I'm just waiting for my travel documents to show up. I am so excited!<br />
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I'm changing things around a lot more this time than I've ever done. We're coming in on a Monday instead of a Sunday. THAT is going to feel weird! I know I'm going to be off the whole time I am there. Anywhere, here is the plan.<br />
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Monday - <b>Magic Kingdom</b> and dinner at <b>Be Our Guest</b><br />
Tuesday - <b>Animal Kingdom</b> and dinner at <b>Cape May Cafe</b><br />
Wednesday - <b>Epcot</b> and dinner at <b>Garden Grill</b><br />
Thursday - <b>Hollywood Studios</b> and dinner at <b>Grand Floridian Cafe</b><br />
Friday - <b>Magic Kingdom</b> and lunch at <b>Liberty Tree Tavern</b><br />
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We are trying three new places this time, and Liberty Tree for lunch which we have never done before; we've always had dinner there. I'm excited to try out the new places, and also hit a few old favorites as well. I don't think we'll make Fantasmic--I have this habit of scheduling dinners during the show. Everyone says we need to see it, and I don't doubt them. It's just something I want to keep saving for "next time." A reason to come back. Because I plan on coming back!<br />
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Here is my preliminary wish list for this trip:<br />
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- meet Gaston<br />
- have a Dole Whip float<br />
- see Wishes<br />
- ride the new Test Track<br />
- ride Soarin'<br />
- take <u>lots</u> more photos (and instagram more too!)<br />
- relax in the hot tub more often</blockquote>
This trip is going to be easy peasy. Fun, laid back, and a nice break from the Chicago winter (which honestly hasn't been that bad this year)!<br />
<br />
Next time I will talk about the FUN I'm having trying to plan a trip for my mom and my son for the summer. Until then...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780088003784297187.post-39364543678028000022012-11-17T23:11:00.001-06:002012-11-17T23:11:42.304-06:00Tis The Season! :)<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/8191545660/" title="Yay Mickey Mouse! :) by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8205/8191545660_f1879a5730.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Yay Mickey Mouse! :)"></a></center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780088003784297187.post-27948335682617729372012-10-20T16:01:00.000-05:002012-10-20T16:01:21.064-05:00Dining Dining Dining<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/6894013733/" title="Dinner at Garden Grill by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Dinner at Garden Grill" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/6894013733_5c490213c1.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
I am currently planning meals for our February 2013 trip. We got the free dining special, which makes it all the more sweet. I've made a few changes to our park schedule. In the past, I always put us in the parks that had the Extra Magic Hours. But I'm finding myself getting more and more irritable in crowds (ones of the reasons we go in February), so I've decided to put us in parks without the EMH to see if I could get even smaller crowds. But with this new schedule comes the dilemma of where and what to eat!<br />
<br />
I've already got two places reserved. <b>The Garden Grill</b> because hello, it's <b>The Garden Grill</b>. It's our favorite. It's where I first met Mickey Mouse! And <b>Be Our Guest</b> because it's new. It's in the new Fantasyland and HELLO IT'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. I mean, come on. I feel lucky to have gotten a reservation!<br />
<br />
So that leaves three table service meals. Nothing in <b>Hollywood Studios</b> appeals to me outside of <b>50s Prime Time Cafe</b>, and I haven't really wanted that in a while. I've heard not so great things about the <b>Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater</b>, so I've never gone there.<b> Hollywood and Vine</b> is just meh, and <b>The Hollywood Brown Derby</b> is too hoity-toity, in my opinion. OK I just don't want to spend the two dining credits. ;) So what we typically do is grab lunch at the <b>ABC Commissary</b> (I love everything about that place), and I book a resort restaurant for dinner. However, I can't think of a resort restaurant that I'm very excited about this time, so that means I'll have to research. I already know what I <i>don't</i> want, and that's <b>Chef Mickey's</b>. Blech. Last few times there was so blah and I felt like I was inconveniencing them. It just seems like a terrible restaurant to work in and the employees and even the characters seem miserable. I also don't want <b>Whispering Canyon Cafe</b>, because it's just too loud. And I didn't really like the meal I'd ordered when we went in 2011.<br />
<br />
I am considering <b>Kona Cafe</b> again--I did really like my meal and their dessert selection is amazing. I'm also considering<b> Boma</b>. I've eaten there before and I enjoyed it enough. I feel like my culinary horizons will be expanded enough with <b>Be Our Guest</b>, though, so I'll have to think about that.<br />
<br />
The problem is that I'm kind of a picky eater. I want to try new things, but it has to be within certain parameters. I don't want onions, mushrooms, weird seasonings, or strange sauces. This limits my menu selections a lot, but it's rarely crippling. I can usually find something, or I can usually ask for them to leave the offending menu items off my dish. But I like to try at least one new place every trip, but we have some favorites as well.<br />
<br />
<i>If you have any suggestions for table service meals (especially in resorts), please comment. I would love to hear them.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Counter service meals are way easy for us. In <b>Magic Kingdom</b>, we love <b>Columbia Harbour House</b>. I also truly enjoy <b>Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe</b>. It really depends on what I'm in the mood for (or if one is closed!) for us to decide one over the other. CHH almost always wins, except, as I said, if they're closed.<br />
<br />
In <b>Epcot</b>, we usually end up at the America pavilion for some boring old chicken breast nuggets and fries. I don't know... something about being in the midst of all those different foods we can try from other countries makes us run right for the boring stuff. I'm going to try to make an effort to eat lunch at one of the other countries this time. Try something new. As I said, at <b>Hollywood Studios</b>, <b>ABC Commissary</b> wins. And at <b>Animal Kingdom</b>, I have a hard time deciding between <b>Pizzafari</b> and <b>Flame Tree BBQ</b>. Both are super yummy. I guess it'll depend on what we're in the mood for. We typically eat lunch VERY EARLY at Animal Kingdom--I'm talking 10:30am.<br />
<br />
Now for the fun part. SNACKS!<br />
<br />
This part is easy. Look at these cookies. LOOK AT THEM. <i>Oh my God.</i><br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/6893880679/" title="Mickey Cookies by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img alt="Mickey Cookies" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7046/6893880679_41a7196888.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
If those babies aren't tempting me, there are <b>Dole Whips</b> of various varieties, those chocolate and candy covered marshmallows, churros, crepes, assorted baked goods from the World Showcase in Epcot, and more. Funnel cakes in Hollywood Studios--why am I just now learning about this? Adam and I always have snack credits left over, and we end up using them to pick up bags of gummies and things to bring home.<br />
<br />
Dining at Disney is definitely Adam's favorite part, and it's one of my favorite parts as well. I'm excited for what's in store for February 2013!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780088003784297187.post-32301015631075412022012-09-11T19:33:00.000-05:002012-09-11T19:33:33.834-05:00166 Days<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/6893808303/" title="Cinderella Castle by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7041/6893808303_efe20cecc4.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Cinderella Castle"></a></center><br />
That's right, folks. 166 days until our next visit to Walt Disney World!<br />
<br />
I know it's time for me to start looking at another trip when I start having dreams about being at Disney World but something weird is in effect as well. Like, I had a dream that we were going on a spontaneous trip, but that I'd forgotten to pack my camera and my bathing suit. Well, I had my pink point and shoot camera, but not my nice Rebel T3. Or I dream that I'm on a coaster and it's at Disney World, but when I wake up I realize the coaster wasn't actually at Disney World but in my dream it was...<br />
<br />
<center><font size=+3><b>ANYWAY</b></font></center><br />
The point is that I'm going back and I'm super excited! Last week of February, 2013. Flights are booked and dinner reservations for that first night are booked at Be Our Guest, the new restaurant based on Beauty and the Beast. Of course I have to fit in Garden Grill, Columbia Harbour House, and ABC Commissary while we are there as well.<br />
<br />
We've stayed in <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/port-orleans-resort-french-quarter/" target="_blank">Port Orleans French Quarter</a> the last three times. I really like that resort. It's small and pretty and easy to get around. But I was thinking of trying something new. I don't want to lose the intimacy of POFQ, so it's a hard choice to make. We'd save around $300 if we tried <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/art-of-animation-resort/" target="_blank">Art of Animation</a> and stayed in The Little Mermaid rooms, but Adam doesn't really want to do value again (and I'm OK with that). I would be interested in <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/caribbean-beach-resort/" target="_blank">Caribbean Beach</a> (but it sounds HUGE and I don't really want huge) or <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/coronado-springs-resort/" target="_blank">Coronado Springs</a>. Hmm. Anyone have any suggestions?<br />
<br />
Anyway, I'm very excited. I get to obsessively look at my favorite Disney blogs and message boards again. I get to plan and unplan meal reservations. And I get to dream of my trip. But the trip is more than four months away so I'm trying to be calm about it. I'm so very blessed that I get to go again to help break up my wintertime blues. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780088003784297187.post-29134001461079818822012-04-28T23:16:00.001-05:002012-04-29T00:00:47.431-05:00Fashion At Disney WorldJo-Lynne over at <a href="http://www.musingsofahousewife.com" target="_blank">Musings of a Housewife</a> has posted a helpful <a href="http://www.musingsofahousewife.com/2012/04/fashion-friday-what-to-wear-to-disney-world.html" target="_blank">tutorial</a> on proper fashion at Disney World.<p>
I have to admit, I've had my fair share of Disney fashion disasters. I could have used a post like that many years ago. Instead, I have a parade of some embarrassing and maybe not so embarrassing photos to share with you.<p>
Look at this mess:<p>
<center><font size=+2>August 2001</font><br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/2800195483/" title="Me in Epcot by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3052/2800195483_1511898d9f.jpg" width="352" height="500" alt="Me in Epcot"></a><br>
Nothing cute about this.<br>
Although compared to the people around me...<br>
I guess I'm not so bad!</center><P>
<hr>
<center><font size=+2>May 2005</font><br>
To be fair, I think I did OK on this trip.<br>
I wore a lot of pink.<br>
It is one of my favorite colors, after all. :)<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/17083879/" title="The Incredibles by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/10/17083879_9e7fe596bd.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="The Incredibles"></a><P>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/17085669/" title="Belle by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/10/17085669_183a4486cd.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Belle"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/755041277/" title="Me, Dale, and Aidan by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1127/755041277_9c1fd56940.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Me, Dale, and Aidan"></a></center>
<hr>
<Center><font size=+2>September 2008</font><br>
Adam and I went to Disney World for our honeymoon.<br>
I think I did really well here.<br>
(If you ignore the bridal ears)<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/2893370711/" title="Hunny Bear Pooh by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3002/2893370711_c6ea79a0b5.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Hunny Bear Pooh"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/2959644533/" title="Love by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3042/2959644533_e7b59ccf5a.jpg" width="357" height="500" alt="Love"></a></center>
<hr>
<center><font size=+2>August 2009</font><br>
This is the year I ran into some trouble.<br>
<font size=+1>BIG trouble.</font><br>
I have no clue what I was thinking, buying those shorts.<br>
Or what Old Navy was <b>doing</b>, selling the ugly ass things.<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/3846287953/" title="Working It by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2651/3846287953_ae109842ca.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Working It"></a><br>
<font size=+1>NO NO NO NO!!!!</font><br>
The shirt.<br>
The hair.<br>
The shorts.<br>
THE POSE.<br>
ALL SO VERY WRONG!!!<P>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/3847109890/" title="The Fam and Belle by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3495/3847109890_f1600a2b16.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="The Fam and Belle"></a><br>
This shirt could have been cute....<br>
IF I HADN'T BEEN BUSTING OUT OF THE THING.<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/3847124584/" title="Up! by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2586/3847124584_e1cef1f223.jpg" width="500" height="428" alt="Up!"></a><br>
I have no words.<br>
Only shame.<p></center>
<hr>
<center><font size=+2>January 2011</font><br>
This was a tricky time of year because the weather was SUPER unpredictable.<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/5359573140/" title="Hanging with New Orleans Royalty! by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5048/5359573140_6fb7788c0c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Hanging with New Orleans Royalty!"></a><br>
This is mostly what I wore, give or take a hoodie or heavy duty coat.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/5377337092/" title="Me & Minnie Mouse by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5083/5377337092_07c941740d.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Me & Minnie Mouse"></a><br>
I mean, I know it looks crazy.<br>
But a sister had to keep warm, you know what I'm sayin'?<p></center>
<hr>
<center><font size=+2>June 2011</font><br>
Summer time. When I knew it'd be hot<br>
...and I could redeem myself for the ugly ass Old Navy shorts!<br>
By now, I'd learned some stuff.<br>
NO MORE UGLY shorts. ABSOLUTELY NEVER ALLOWED.<br>
Also no shapeless, boxy tee-shirts!<br>
It's possible to look cute and be comfortable!<br>
(Although I refused to give up the Keens.<br>
Ugly as those suckers are, they're really comfortable and much cuter than Crocs.)<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/5820452396/" title="Aidan and Me by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5033/5820452396_d8d25f8bd6.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Aidan and Me"></a><br>
LOVE my look here!<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/5819927993/" title="Hanging with Aurora by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2585/5819927993_89026b2298.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Hanging with Aurora"></a><br>
Meh. Not bad, but definitely not great either.<br>
I'm trying, dang it!<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/5932397372/" title="Look! It's Stitch! by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6141/5932397372_571169bb36.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Look! It's Stitch!"></a><br>
I remember this day.<br>
I was quite cranky at parts.<br>
Probably cause the tank top was a lot less flattering than I'd hoped.<br>
<i>Oh well.</i><p></center>
<hr>
<center><font size=+2>February 2012</font><br>
This was the trip when my luggage got lost.<br>
Unless I wanted to spend a fortune in gift shops<br>
...my choices were very limited.<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/6893823197/" title="Mickey and Minnie by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7196/6893823197_e15233a4ab.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Mickey and Minnie"></a><br>
You're going to laugh.<br>
But this was my favorite outfit from that trip.<br>
I do adore this striped sweater!<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/6894018285/" title="Hearts from Chip by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7190/6894018285_24152874d0.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Hearts from Chip"></a><br>
I think I look pretty OK here too, thanks to my friend Keri, who brought me clothes! NICE clothes!</center><p>
So there you have it. I wouldn't take ANY fashion advice from me, because clearly, I'm too hit or miss with the whole thing. Instead, hop on over to <a href="http://www.musingsofahousewife.com/2012/04/fashion-friday-what-to-wear-to-disney-world.html" target="_blank">Musings of a Housewife</a> and listen to Jo-Lynne. Although I disagree with her opinion on that adorable Mickey Mouse shirt, everything else is SPOT ON.<p>
And darned if composing this didn't make me homesick for a Disney Park. ANY Disney Park. Soon, my friends. I'll be back there soon. :)
Til next time! :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780088003784297187.post-58195652630820625272012-04-10T19:08:00.004-05:002012-04-10T19:20:35.581-05:00A Few Of My Favorite Things<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/6893820163/" title="Wishes by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7054/6893820163_b693a05221.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Wishes"></a></center><br />
<br />
There's no question that I think Disney World is amazing. I wouldn't keep going I hated it, right? People often ask me what I like the best, but I don't think I've ever broken it down in a blog post. Therefore, inspired by this week's <a href="http://www.allears.net" target="_blank">All Ears</a> newsletter, I decided to make a list of my favorite things to do at Disney World.<br />
<br />
<b>Arriving.</b> There's nothing like getting to Orlando International Airport, hopping on that little tram, and rushing down to the Magical Express. Once you're on that bus, the vacation really begins. They play a video as you take the long journey to the resort, and then once you drive under that gate, the rest of the world falls away. All I can think, when that happens, is, "I"m here! I'd better check in on Foursquare! YAY I'm here! And I have XX number of days left! YAY!!!" The anticipation is delicious!<br />
<br />
<b>Eat!</b> I love the food there. Our favorite place is Garden Grill, but I also really like Columbia Harbour House, ABC Commissary, and Pizzafari. Yummy!<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/6894013733/" title="Dinner at Garden Grill by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/6894013733_5c490213c1.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Dinner at Garden Grill"></a></center><br />
<br />
<b>Listen to the announcements on the buses.</b> I love it when they say "You'll be home soon." The funny music they play on the buses when we pull into Magic Kingdom. And I always laugh because they're so formal, calling the buses motorcoaches and saying they "depart" instead of "leave". In Chicago, I am no stranger to buses and they definitely don't call them motorcoaches here!<br />
<br />
<b>Take in the atmosphere.</b> I love to smell the scents, hear the music, look at the people. So many different types of people. Every time I go, I am more amazed at the things Walt Disney thought of, and the things the Imagineers continue to do. Just little things, like the ground changing as you go from land to land in the Magic Kingdom, to there never being more than 30 steps between trash cans because Walt <i>actually counted</i> how many steps it took people holding trash before they'd throw it on the ground. That meticulous attention to detail amazes me because that means there's always something new to discover on a Disney trip.<br />
<br />
<b>Meet the characters!</b> I've definitely calmed down from this, but I used to be a HARD CORE character meeter. I used to stalk them. Now that I've met most of the characters I wanted to meet, I don't see any reason to stand in long lines now... unless it's someone rare. For example, on Valentine's Day, the princes were out with the princessess. So even though I'd met Aurora and Snow White before, I'd never met Prince Philip or Snow White's prince. <br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/6894020919/" title="Snow White and Prince Charming by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7176/6894020919_9bda93c7e0.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Snow White and Prince Charming"></a></center><br />
<br />
I'll also go meet a character if there is barely any wait, and I ALWAYS have to meet Mickey Mouse at least once when I go to Disney World. I mean, how can you go and NOT meet Mickey every single time, right?<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/6893823197/" title="Mickey and Minnie by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7196/6893823197_e15233a4ab.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Mickey and Minnie"></a></center><br />
<br />
<b>Experience the attractions.</b> There are a few attractions that are must-dos for me. Like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I missed it my last trip, as it was closed for refurbishment. There are some that I just have to do at least once, like the Carousel of Progress. <br />
<br />
<b>See the parades.</b> I used to wonder why people would sit and stake claim on parade spots up to an hour before the parade even started. I mean, they could be riding rides or seeing shows or buying stuff, right? But then, one night, I lined up to watch Spectromagic. And THEN I GOT IT. Just so you know, Spectromagic was this huge light parade that ran nightly, sometimes twice nightly. IT WAS EPIC. And let me tell you, that's a heck of a parade to experience as your first one. The music STILL GIVES ME CHILLS and I even have it as my ringtone.<br />
<br />
<center><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/evPvbwWlpEo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
full spectromagic video</center><br />
<br />
Everything is lit up. The costumes! The floats! Everything. It's beautiful! And when they replaced it with the Main Street Electrical Parade, I was like "OK. I've never seen this one, so I'll give it a shot, but I hope they go back to Spectromagic before long!" Well, they're still running MSEP, so I have no pressing need to stay late for the Magic Kingdom parade until they bring Spectromagic back. I love that parade so much that I bought the soundtrack as soon as I could.<br />
<br />
<center><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fv2IlwcMXaM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center><br />
<br />
So yeah. Parades are the thing. Especially when you get to BE IN THEM!!!<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/6894189071/" title="Jammin' Jungle Parade by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7198/6894189071_4ea0ae12ca.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Jammin' Jungle Parade"></a></center><br />
<br />
<b>Shop.</b> Duh! Gotta get some souvenears (you see what I did there?) and pick up postcards to send to friends and family back home, right? I buy at least one new pair of earrings every trip. I also collect pins, ornaments, and magnets commemorating that particular trip. I always get one for the year we're there for sure, but if I fall in love with a new attraction or something, I'll get a pin for that as well. I love to look around the shops and let myself get tempted to buy things I don't need. :)<br />
<br />
<b>Being immersed.</b> There are many reasons we stay on site at Disney Resorts, even though it's usually cheaper to get a suite off site. Those reasons are a.) Dining Plan b.) Disney transportation c.) Extra Magic Hours d.) Total Disney immersion. That means no chain stores or dirty sidewalks. No fast food chains to tempt me or dog poop all over the place. It's a complete and total escape and I LOVE IT.<br />
<br />
I hope to get back really soon!<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilrongal/5819934975/" title="Rockin' Out With Phineas and Ferb by LilRonGal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3472/5819934975_15e3ac5756.jpg" width="500" height="391" alt="Rockin' Out With Phineas and Ferb"></a></center><br />
<br />
That's all I can think of for now. Hope you enjoyed this glimpse into a few of my favorite things about Disney World!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0