Canadian Buffoon's Sweet 16 Celebration - Update 01/28 - The End

[pkondz]

That's how it works! The way I heard it expressed was that inspiration strikes while you're in the process of creating, not before.

well, it didn't work for me!
Did you read that drivel?

Good practice for the DC Beltway, then.

So you were wishing you had brought your Harley?

Actually.
I really, really was.
But... two large suitcases
put that one to rest.

I am considering renting
a bike for next time, though!

Is it legal for the people in cars to suddenly open their doors?

Hey!

And do they wear it on their rucks?

Where exactly is that, Mark?

Of course! See that homeless guy over there? That's Pauly Shore!

We all have the same reaction when we're used to the Florida park.

It's right there. Right. There

Don't worry. They still apparently let @afwdwfan into the Florida parks.

He's the exception.
Not the rule.

I expect they took pity on his kids,
as opposed to him.

Very few rides are worth that!

I can think of two.

I remember trying hard to experience things at DL that were new or different from what was in Florida...but still didn't really go out of my way for this one.

I won't do it again.

What does that tell you?

If she were Canadian, she would have at least politely apologized while she elbowed people in the head.

Until you crop-dusted them. That swung the opinion polls.

It always does.


Odd.

Yeah...I'm kinda getting that.

But close! Sooooo close.

Just plain dirty. Cruel and unusual punishment, if you ask me.

Kids.
They fight dirty.

Yeah! Take that!

Yeah! <High five!>

Why do I still feel like we lost?

Well, duh. Who doesn't?

Well, if I was given a free
ticket to Disney...
But told I couldn't go
on any rides.

I'd be okay with that.

So much more than rides.

Of course I do. It's right there.

Glad you remembered to look for that. I'm glad my wife remembered to take a photo, too.

I almost forgot.
But as soon as I started back
towards city hall, I remembered.

Wow, she's starting her fairy godmother work early.

Happens in every nature movie I watch with crocodiles. So cliche at this point.

I actually considered not
posting that photo.

That's my favorite one.

A whole ride dedicated to Dad jokes. What's not to like?

Exactly!

Indiana Jones...

Ummm.... what am I missing here?
(Don't make me go back
and re-read your TR.
That's just mean.)

Yep, that's how I saw it too.

Well, of course.
I never lie.

Fried dough and sugar is a pretty simple pleasure.

Yup. But nothing that I need
to stand in line for.

Just pure ride experience--Expedition Everest.

Good choice.

When you take into account memories and nostalgia and general Disney-ness, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Ahhhh... yep.

Absolutely. I didn't know that was there!

I didn't either.
I think Alison pointed it out.
Glad she did!

That's awfully forward!

I was shocked. Shocked!!

How much time do you spend planning these?

Great! I'll wait by the mailbox for the invitation.

Good! Just stay there.
It should be there any second.

I'd go back.

I am!
It's on the list.

I'll put it in inviso-text:

Of course, there's no need to worry about the metric system with chicken.

Except for the giant
meter long ones.

Buncha weirdos.

What is wrong with them???

Me too. Something about stepping onto a submarine.

Fun fact: every movie about a submarine is inherently awesome.

and...



Mind you, Hunt for Red October
is to date the only movie
I've ever had to leave to
go to the bathroom.

All that water.

Whoa, he put her head right in his armpit! Ew....

Never even thought of that!

Is it a day that ends in Y? Time for a Dole Whip Float.

And the best time?
When the minute hand points.

At anything. Doesn't matter.

Maybe the best thing about the California parks! Best argument for a park hopper ever.

You just... stroll over!

She knows what she's doing.

She was a Godsend.

Agreed. They really knocked it out of the park with Cars Land.

I thought HPL was amazing.
But this!

Thanks to the child swap, my kids got four rides in one day there. Not a bad deal if you can get it.

Not bad by half!

What about parent meltdowns? Not that I'd know anything about that.

Nah. One statistic at a time.

Oh, I don't know. I'd probably lean in that direction as well.

I've seen you eat.
I believe you.

More likely she just noticed you there. "Oh, it's pkondz. I should probably throw this drink at him."

Well.... true.
I can't argue with that.

D'oh! She'll probably throw a drink at you next time she sees you for that.

Hah! I'm prepared.
Gonna wear a poncho.

Yep. Or not sit, and stand packed like sardines while trying to see through people with their kids on their shoulders and take it all in.

There's that magic again.

Oh, yes.

Absolutely, yes.

1,000% yes.

Now I know there will be exploding helicopters.

Pretty much has to be, no?

And got your PM, too.

 

[pkondz]

Enjoyed reading about your day at Universal.

Thanks!

I have been to the one in California a couple of times, but it was over 30 years ago. No hint of Harry Potter back then. But my family has visited the one in Florida "The Theme Park Which Must Not Be Named."

Don't say it!
Don't say the name!!!

Harry Potter land is amazingly themed!

I suspect Florida is even
more amazing.
(There's two for Pete's sakes.)

You are correct about the butterbeer- frozen is indeed the superior brew. (The hot is pretty good as well, my second favorite)

Hot?
I didn't see hot.
I saw frozen or chilled, only.

My favorite review of this ride was a trip reporter who tried to hold her breath during the entire ride. She came close, but didn't quite make it (no she didn't die, but did inhale). The ride is THAT short!

Challenge... accepted!

Glad you and Kay enjoyed Mummy. I think that is my favorite ride anywhere.

It was really good!
But after the second time,
I was "Okay... no more."

Skipping the Simpsons was a good call. My family does ok on it, but only if we take Bonine that morning.

Ha! So I chose wisely!

I like that the Back Lot tour really has some back lots and some authentic sets. Right? That really is the Psycho house isn't it?

It's cool that some of the marquee rides are part of that tour. I remember the parting of the Red Seas and Jaws from back in the day, but sounds likes they have some excellent additions.

No parting of the Red Sea now,
but Jaws was a fun trip
down nostalgia lane.

I've seen that.
Cracks me up every time.

 

[pkondz]

That's great that you ran into Steppesister in the parking lot (you didn't really run into her, did you?)

I'll never tell.
Nor will the tire marks.

Where's the castle?

Right there!

Where? Oh, behind the cottage?

No. It IS the cottage

This is a gorgeous picture!

Thank you!

Good call! No way without a Fast Pass and you can't get one here!

Ain't got time for dat!

(On our 4 day trip to DL/CA, we rode Peter Pan once, during an early opening and waited about 45 minutes in line. Pretty much same ride as WDW)

Okay, thanks!

Strangely enough, we didn't ride any of the other rides you have gone on so far- Storybook ride, Toad, Alice, Sleeping Beauty- teen boys- not interested or Tea Cups- the puke thing.

No.
Definitely not "thrill" rides.

At all.

Totally magic!

Single rider line is a great way to get in multiple rides on RSR as well. My son Ben rode 6 times in one day

No way!
Didn't think that'd be possible.
I totally forgot about single rider.

 

[natebenma]

Awww.... He's doing well now?

Sky doing well. The pictures I posted were from March, so he is now about 9 months old. He is kind of the low-goat on the totem pole- it took awhile for him to get comfortable with the other animals since he spent so much time with people. The other goats would push him away when kids come to feed them, but he has started to come to the fence now.

Well....

Unfortunately, they got complaints.
I believe their neighbors moved in
and didn't like their zoo.
Soooo... they got rid of all
the animals and moved.

Which really sucks.

I actually looked for their Facebook page earlier today. Found it and learned the sad news. That really stinks!

We get complaints sometimes from "well-meaning" people. Someone writes to the newspaper about our pigs during the winter. They have very large houses to go in to keep warm. And blankets. Yes, pigs in blankets! They were meat pigs who were rescued and will live out their lives with us. No good deed

How many times did
he drive off with the kids?

As far as I know, Socrates never left on a bus.

But our goat Apple (the one I posted on your other report as "Frozen Goat") once snuck into a mini van while the mom was strapping in her preschooler. I don't think she discovered it until she was at or close to home. She called us to let us know "I have your goat" And fortunately didn't demand a ransom.

It always comes back to goats.

I did know that!
I witnessed that turkey
doing that for several hours.

Cool, isn't it!

Surely you've seen pretty woman?

Yes, so I did get that reference. Big Mistake!

What is wrong with you????

Would you like the list alphabetically or chronologically?

 

[natebenma]

Don't say it!
Don't say the name!!!

"It"

Hot?
I didn't see hot.
I saw frozen or chilled, only.

The hot offering was newish when we went to US Florida in Feb 2015.

And welcome because it was cold that week.

Ha! So I chose wisely!

No way!
Didn't think that'd be possible.
I totally forgot about single rider.

The SRL works really well for RSR because there are a lot of families waiting for the ride who do not (or can't due to age) split up.

Ben did it a bunch of times and we did it once as a family. I'm pretty sure we all ended up in different cars, but that was fine.

 

[pkondz]

I always see magic at Disney parks! How could you not??? Disney is such a magical place!!! <3

It really is!

My favorite ride(s) are HM and People mover. I always HAVE to go on them AT LEAST once. ALWAYS.

Woot! Another HM lover!

jungle cruise is make or break depending on your guide.

Oh, absolutely!

I had a real dud once.
Longest ride ever.

I've gotten lucky the past few times I've ridden we've had funny ones!

Good!
Makes for a fun ride, right???

Also, sorry for the family busyness you've been dealing with. Truth be told I was nervous I would be so behind, because I've been busy myself.

Thank you.

Yeah, not much going on here
for a little bit.

That should change.


Or not.
Christmas is coming!

And you get to go back to Disneyland??!! LUCKY!!!

Yep!

*PM sending

Got it!

 

[pkondz]

At DL, either Big Thunder or Pirates. Probably Big Thunder.

I gotta ride BTMRR again!

Non!

After just explaining that I would probably get a lot of your references, I have no idea on this one.

You'll see.
Next update.

Congratulations on your engagement! Best fishes to you both!

Thanks!

Well, according to the picture with Gaston, it looks like Kay got over her reluctance to meet with the characters she had while on Rodeo and at Universal.

Love conquers all.

Sounds like you had an awesome time at 1901. Where is that???

I don't know!

I just went where I was told
and wound up there.

Google says it's inside
Carthay Circle Theater
or beside it.

PMing you.

Got it!

 

[pkondz]

Sky doing well. The pictures I posted were from March, so he is now about 9 months old. He is kind of the low-goat on the totem pole- it took awhile for him to get comfortable with the other animals since he spent so much time with people. The other goats would push him away when kids come to feed them, but he has started to come to the fence now.

Way to go Sky!

Still cute!

I actually looked for their Facebook page earlier today. Found it and learned the sad news. That really stinks!

Yeah. It definitely does.

We get complaints sometimes from "well-meaning" people.

You know what we need?
Less "well-meaning" people
and more "informed" people.

Someone writes to the newspaper about our pigs during the winter. They have very large houses to go in to keep warm. And blankets. Yes, pigs in blankets!

Why am I hungry
all of a sudden??

They were meat pigs who were rescued and will live out their lives with us. No good deed

Oh, brother.
indeed.

As far as I know, Socrates never left on a bus.

"as far as you know"

But our goat Apple (the one I posted on your other report as "Frozen Goat") once snuck into a mini van while the mom was strapping in her preschooler. I don't think she discovered it until she was at or close to home. She called us to let us know "I have your goat" And fortunately didn't demand a ransom.

Probably frozen in the back seat.

It always comes back to goats.

Cool, isn't it!

It really was!

Yes, so I did get that reference. Big Mistake!

Huge!
I have to go shopping!

Would you like the list alphabetically or chronologically?

Numerically.

 

[pkondz]

"It"

Aiiggghhh!

The hot offering was newish when we went to US Florida in Feb 2015.

And welcome because it was cold that week.

Hmmm... maybe it's only
offered in Florida?

The SRL works really well for RSR because there are a lot of families waiting for the ride who do not (or can't due to age) split up.

Ben did it a bunch of times and we did it once as a family. I'm pretty sure we all ended up in different cars, but that was fine.

I had Kay.
(Talking about WDW,
but it applies here too.)
I think we rode EE once,
single rider.
She said. "Dad, I came here to be with you."

And never rode SRL again.

 

[Tracy161]

I on the other hand decided
to head out for a sashay
around the hotel grounds and vicinity.

Ahhh, a good ole fashioned pkondz sashay

Would changing the laws of physics
be too much to ask????

No! It's Disney after all... we all know what Walt thinks of impossibility - he doesn't!

Street-ratville.

When we exited, I was only
a wee bit wobbly, so...

Ugh, I'm a wee bit wobbly just reading about the puke cups

Sometimes you just want to relax
and vacation, you know?

Really? How's that feel?

I had to take a photo
of the lamp burning in Walt's window.

I loved that ride.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

YES!!! Me, too.

Yup. We walked a few dozen steps
from the exit of one park
to the entrance of another.

Isn't that incredible?!

I mean... going from park to park
should involve a bus or monorail ride
shouldn't it?

Or both!

 

[mustinjourney]

This is a good rule to live by.
No really... live.

My dad was a homicide police officer in Houston for almost 20 years (35 years total with HPD). Needless to say he investigated far too many murders where "keeping it real" went horrifically wrong. He's told me some crazy stories.

There was one where the decedent's last words were literally "you don't have the balls to shoot me." Dude with the gun wasn't bluffing.

Like I said -- keeping it real gone wrong.

Speaking of which -- if you haven't seen this segment from Chappelle show -- get on it.

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/2c8c4b3b58/chappelle-show-when-keeping-it-real-goes-wrong-1

 

[pkondz]

Ahhh, a good ole fashioned pkondz sashay

I was wondering who'd
pick up on that.

No! It's Disney after all... we all know what Walt thinks of impossibility - he doesn't!

Correct!

Ugh, I'm a wee bit wobbly just reading about the puke cups

Kay told me to only
look at the wheel.
It seemed to help.

Really? How's that feel?

Honest?
Pretty darned good!

YES!!! Me, too.

I miss seeing those cool subs!

Isn't that incredible?!

Yes it is!!

Or both!

Frequently!

 

[pkondz]

My dad was a homicide police officer in Houston for almost 20 years (35 years total with HPD). Needless to say he investigated far too many murders where "keeping it real" went horrifically wrong. He's told me some crazy stories.

I'll bet!
I remember a story from a cop friend.
I won't share it here.
Wayyyy, too depressing.

There was one where the decedent's last words were literally "you don't have the balls to shoot me." Dude with the gun wasn't bluffing.

Like I said -- keeping it real gone wrong.

I've always thought just that
when I see a TV show where
the hero does that exact thing.

"In real life, he'd be dead."

Speaking of which -- if you haven't seen this segment from Chappelle show -- get on it.

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/2c8c4b3b58/chappelle-show-when-keeping-it-real-goes-wrong-1

I'm at work, and can't see it.
I'll have to check it out
when I'm home.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

well, it didn't work for me!
Did you read that drivel?

Uh...yes?

I mean, yes, absoutely!

Where exactly is that, Mark?

Well, you see, I'd show you, but...

I won't do it again.

What does that tell you?

That I was wise in not making time for it during my day there.

Kids.
They fight dirty.

I have no idea where they learn that from.

Yeah! <High five!>

Why do I still feel like we lost?

We're husbands and fathers. It's our default setting.

Well, if I was given a free
ticket to Disney...
But told I couldn't go
on any rides.

I'd be okay with that.

So much more than rides.

Very true. But I'd be pretty bummed about the rides.

Ummm.... what am I missing here?
(Don't make me go back
and re-read your TR.
That's just mean.)

Indiana Jones was the one ride I really wanted to experience that I didn't get to in DL. Hit everything else on the list. And Raiders is my favorite movie, too! Killed me not to be able to fit it in.

Good! Just stay there.
It should be there any second.

I'm getting bored. And cold.

Mind you, Hunt for Red October
is to date the only movie
I've ever had to leave to
go to the bathroom.

All that water.

Great movie, though. And book.

And the best time?
When the minute hand points.

At anything. Doesn't matter.

Totally with you on that one.

I've seen you eat.
I believe you.

<burp>

 

[Tracy161]

I was wondering who'd
pick up on that.

You can always count on me

Honest?
Pretty darned good!

Good. I'll have to give it a try one of these days

 

[KRIS10420]

Good day sir! I've been away from the Disboards for quite some time as this year brought me a few life changing events. In April my two furbabies (kitties) passed away within 24 hours of each other and then my (ex)DH of 20 years and I amicably split up. Now, for the first time in my life, I am living alone.....and loving it

The first thing I did when I logged back on is check for any of your trip reports that I have missed, and of course I came across this one. Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your trip, and possibly the next one coming up in a few months?

In February I will be going to Disneyland for the 7th time but it will actually be the first time in 20 years that I'll see it in it's "normal attire". The past 4 times I've gone in November when all the holiday decorations are up. It is so magical and breathtaking at that time of year, it's going to feel so different this time, especially the Haunted Mansion. My best friend is joining me again and for his Christmas gift I have purchased two tickets to the Dessert Party for the World of Color. So looking forward to sitting during the show with some treats and a few alcoholic bevy's instead of being squished in like sardines trying to peer between people to see some of the show.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Well here I am, catching up! So busy lately. I have to say, I am really appreciating the things DH does for me every day. Now that he is away, I can really see all he does. Hope you are staying warm up there. I am chilly at high 50's, enjoying my last Winter in the south.
Only 4 hours to get to DLR? It is hard to time your travel to avoid the traffic sometimes.
Love the DISmeets, and seeing your first experience with this resort. RSR is so much fun! I hope you rode it in the dark, too? What is the 1905 Lounge? A second club 33 type?
I saw the magic, and spotted "it"
Looking forward to more. Heading to my parents for Christmas in Arkansas this year. If I don' get back here soon, Merry Christmas everyone!

 

[MeghanEmily]

forty odd miles to our next stop;
the now defunct, Anabella Hotel.
Located conveniently right smack dab
next to Disneyland.

We left with plenty of time to do the
two hour journey.

Hmmm...this sounds like foreshadowing...

Our two hour drive became three.
And then four.

Oh gosh. Ick!

The next part of this vacation
was just getting started.
Disneyland, here we come!

Woohoo!

Pity the British who have
rucksacks. Do they sack it?

Pkondz, always asking life's important questions.

She begged us for a ride
so she wouldn't have to pay for one,
and we reluctantly agreed.

That sounds like Liesa. Ugh.

Hmmm... odd.
No castle.
Wait... Is that it??
It's so... tiny!

Awww! Itty bitty baby castle!

I consoled myself with the thought
that really, they hated Liesa
and not me.
Or not as much.

Whatever makes you feel better. Liesa the line cutter! Again, ugh!

When we exited, I was only
a wee bit wobbly, so...
I'll consider that a success.
It would've been more of a
success if I'd puked on their shoes.
But we can't have everything we want.

Sadly, you can't always get what you want.

You're a braver man than I for taking on the puke cups!

But there's just something magical
about the place isn't there?
Disney seems to be the one place
on the planet that I can completely relax.

Couldn't have said it better myself!

I love that little touch.

I think this is so lovely! I really hope to get there to see it someday.

We rode a few more rides,
Indy and POTC,
where both Alison and Liesa
got wet bums
while Kay and I stayed dry.

I was okay with that.

Oh no! Lucky you! Wet bums are the only thing that deters me from water rides...

HM of course!
I mean... what else could it be?
(Bonus points. What's your favourite ride?)

Oooh bonus! I know this one! Splash Mountain! I believe @TheLittleKatie and I share this interest.

It's a petrified tree.
It's believed to be between
55 - 70 million years old.
Walt purchased it back in 1956.
His wife gifted it to the park in '57.

This is so cool! I'd never heard of this before. Thanks for the fun fact.

Unfortunately, Kay was slightly...
okay, a lot traumatized by my proposal.

"No! Dad! Think of Mom!"

Srsly Pkondz! Think of the children here! Your beautiful family...

"I don't want to have a fish
as a step-mom!"

Ok...that's a bit of a low blow...

But fear not! We'll set a date,
and you're all invited!

I love Disney weddings!

Do you know how they say "fried chicken"
in France?
(No. Not Royale with poulet.)
(Get the reference(ish)? Bonus points, yes or no.)

Nope. Do I still get the bonus for admitting defeat here?

Love!!

Of course it's always Dole Whip Float time.
We just hadn't had the opportunity
to indulge until now.

Naturally. When is it NOT time for dole whip floats...?

I really can't express how... foreign
that was to me.
I mean... going from park to park
should involve a bus or monorail ride
shouldn't it?

This would be the biggest adjustment for me, I think. But it would be fabulous!

And I'm happy to say
that out of the four of us,
I kicked some serious heinie!

Congrats! I get fairly competitive with this one.

I think, (help me out here Alison/Liesa)
the line for the ride was about two hours?

As it was, the fastpass line
took us... I think about 30 minutes
at least.

Woah!! That's wild! Glad to hear it was so excellent though. Worth it.

She had been keeping track
of every time she heard a kid having
a meltdown.

Today's tally stood at eleven.

I strongly suspect she missed... a lot.

Bahah love this! I suspect there were many more than eleven though. I'm sure you're right. Disney = perfect conditions for meltdowns.

I must have said something
that insulted Liesa.
We were just sitting,
chatting, when...
All of a sudden,
Liesa throws her drink at me!!

So pretty! This is a sight for sore eyes.

It was one of the best nights of my life.
Disney is.. well... magic. You know?
I fell in love. Well, more in love.

 

[Steppesister]

Well, I am using one of your photos
and the photopass photos from @franandaj
Thank you both.

Why you're very welcome!

My hope is that if I just... start...
the words will start to flow.

Apparently they did. For a long time, in fact.

the now defunct, Anabella Hotel.

(It wasn't all bad.
I fondly recall the two of us
singing along to Hotel California.)

Never a bad way to pass the time!

Luckily there was (and is)
a restaurant adjacent

Tiffy's!!!!

It was perfect
and just what I needed.

Awwww, after a long day and a very long drive, what a wonderful way to end the day and start something new!

I spied a familiar face.

Peek a boo!

It was @Steppesister !

Just little 'ol me.

Apparently she was waiting for
a cab or Uber or rickshaw.

Personally I prefer camelback, but...

Hmmm... odd.
No castle.
Wait... Is that it??
It's so... tiny!

But good things come in small packages, or so I'm told.

Liesa blithely hopped over the rope,
elbowed her way past some
angry parents and joined us.
I studiously avoided the glares
of the people behind us.

I am 50. I don't hop. As for elbowing? They were in my way. AND, the line was what... 5 minutes long?

So pretty!

Liesa was devoured
and we never saw her again.
On the bright side,
I survived so I can write
all about our trip.

Don't worry! I was effectively pooped out the other end and had a happy voyage behind me.

No...
Oh, no!
I am not doing....

Puke cups.

OH. But yes. You are. Er, did.

(apparently she came out fine in the end)

LOL! We think alike.

Do you see the magic?
(Why yes. Tell me. For bonus points.)

How could one not?!

Yes, definite magic going on there.

Okay, Update #1, done; 15 more to go...

 

[Steppesister]

If she were Canadian, she would have at least politely apologized while she elbowed people in the head.

But I'm not.

More likely she just noticed you there. "Oh, it's pkondz. I should probably throw this drink at him."

Um, there IS a slightly different version of this story on someone else's thread... eh hemm...

(you didn't really run into her, did you?)

He did try. But, apparently I got even with:

1) cutting in line to ride the (most boring ride ever- NOT!) Storybook Boats

2) making him ride the Puke Cups (which was a lot of fun!)

3) and spilling a drink on the table (of which not one drop ever touched him)

So, it all turned out rather well.

What is wrong with them???

I could start with the waistline as Item #1. Then we can move on to the flabby arms which closely resemble wet noodles. And perhaps finish with the thighs that will never see a set of shorts on them again in public.

Hah! I'm prepared.
Gonna wear a poncho.

And a helmet?



JK.

That sounds like Liesa. Ugh.

It does?! EEK!

Whatever makes you feel better. Liesa the line cutter! Again, ugh!

Uhh, I don't think anyone was serious upset with me...?