"I'm beginning to think you are selling drugs" UPDATE: THE END

[lisaviolet]

I stole this from another DISer's TR at DLR

Look at the little money maker acting so coy!

SO FUNNY!

Thanks Alison. You must pop over and take a picture of his Christmas digs.

 

[lisaviolet]

Before I finish up with Conclusion number -drunk - one. Well let me share a family funny.

We do Secret Santa now in our family. Picking out of a hat for presents. We have one of my nieces who lives in Kenya and doesn't partake do it. Why? Why is that necessary? So that we have a list to go back to. Because some can't even remember who they picked. Truly. Year after year. And they're not old.

It's made - for me anyway and my idea - Christmas so much more relaxing and well thoughtful. You know when people buy just because they must buy and it ends up so impersonal. I hate that.

Anyway, we put this $75 limit - which is funny it itself because I could care less what the limit is - but certain personalities stick right to it.

But this post isn't about it in general - it's about how amusing I find male shopping. Totally entertaining.

Let's start with my father. I could tell you tons of funnies but I think I will just limit it to a few years ago when he had me. We put out lists. So I guess I put the word chocolate on it.

Big mistake. I can hardly type this out.

He bought me a CD that I asked for - told me anything else was too far to get - and so I received about $60 dollars of chocolate. I so wish I had the picture. Giant this - giant that. They just kept coming and coming and coming.

So because of that year I make sure that I only say " a SMALL amount of chocolate" as my words.

We've already exchanged because some of my family members are going to Florida. I have a pre-Christmas meal here every year - and I had eleven people in 407 feet - no small feat.

So here we are - Secret Santa fun. And this year I get another male.

Are you ready? Small amount. SMALL AMOUNT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wait you don't how small my TV is - let's compare it to an appropriate food group.

So I did this - just to save myself. And you can't even see from the picture how HUGE each piece is - MASSIVE.

As for the baggies. I doubt it wil help since I ADORE Toblerone. But oh well!!!!! I tried.

And by the way - I never check calories - not into that but this time for fun I did. One of those pieces - 240 calories EACH.

I love funny gifts. Do we ever really remember the *normal* ones?

Nope. But these ones are a lifetime of fun.

 

[lisaviolet]

Okay - conclusion numero uno.

Let's call it a difficult and stressful decision.

Not the choice of last day activities. I knew it would be Kona for breakfast and then a wonderful day.

I always make the last day - well last.

I would take the late night flight but this time I compromised with late afternoon - or maybe it was early evening. It's too long ago to remember such details.

So Kona.

You know how much I ADORE. Every meal there.

The day started out with comedy of errors. And stress from the little comedy.

I couldn't find our passports. And since I didn't put them in the safe there was no way in he!! that you were ever going to know that on the DIS. EVER.

Well turns out I picked them up with my underwear and had no idea. Makes no sense. I'm aware.

We checked our baggage - which is wonderful. They were carry-ons but often I check on the way home.

And we left here:

For here:

Kona was heavenly as usual.

Jean and I both ordered the Big Kahuna.

And something started to come over me. I remembered the Lapu Lapu fiasco and got quite sad. Here I was not budgeting this trip and wanted my Lapu Lapu and we are at the last day. No Lapu Lapu for me.

Oh well.

And I continued eating.

And simply had no peace.

Continued to be bothered about it. And had many a conversation with my noisy brain.

Too bad - Lapu Lapu time is gone. Next trip.

No I don't want next trip.

Leave me alone didn't help.

But it's breakfast time. Don't be ridiculous.

But no one knows my name here.

So I worked myself up.

You can't ask for it.

ASK!!!!

You can't ask for it.

ASK!!!

I can't.

YOU CAN. ASK.

And finally after making it like it was a life changing decision. Well I asked.


Hi. Is it possible to get a Lapu Lapu?

Are you ready for her reply?














With alcohol?

You should have seen the look on her face.

And mine when I quietly said "yes".

She was lovely. And she got it.

All this back and forth fretting over a little rum in a pineapple.


Well I had no idea how much rum was in that sucker.

Loads of rum. Can't you see it?

And I know from this picture that I was a tiny bit drunk because I clearly remember saying "TAKE MY PICTURE" "TAKE MY PICTURE" like it was an emergency.

I got my Lapu Lapu PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy for me?

Yeah for me. Aren't I good?

Some people have lovely memories of Mickey in the park. I have wonderful memories of drinking at breakfast. To each their own.

UP next: DVC's next resort. And if it was difficult for me to get there.

 

[DizBub]

Oh Lisa, this was SO worth the wait!!!

And YES I/we are very happy for you.

 

[franandaj]

So glad you got your Lapu Lapu! So does only Kona have them or can you get the at 'Ohana too?

 

[spleen]

Yay for Lapu Lapu!

 

[dbs1228]

LAPU LAPU I love it when a plan comes together!

Loved your TR and the FW part brought back so many memories of staying in a tent as a kid up to bringing my kids to stay in the cabins for 15 years in a row just always wished DVC would build cabins that were 2 bedroom/2 bath because I would have been a member a VERY long time ago. We still prefer the grounds at the Fort over all other resorts but out grew the murphy beds and 1 bath! (3 teen daughters) Every year we went I would say to DH "boy they r shrinking these beds on us"

Thanks again for sharing and making me excited for our stay in Feb, 10 nights at the THV cannot wait to try them out!

 

[lisaviolet]

Well I failed on finishing this sucker up this weekend. Have family coming any minute - so most likely Monday or Tuesday.

Oh Lisa, this was SO worth the wait!!!

And YES I/we are very happy for you.

Hey! DizBub - I need to hear a little more about your trip. Was it your first time at Christmas? I'm been so curious and it's killing me.

So glad you got your Lapu Lapu! So does only Kona have them or can you get the at 'Ohana too?

Why thank you!

Yes both - I would think. Because they come from the main bar in the Ohana area. I haven't even been to Ohana. Probably it's because I'm not a fan or buffets or the serving style of Ohana. I prefer a la carte menus. I should go and give it a whirl. One day.

Do you like it Alison?

Yay for Lapu Lapu!

Thank you spleen.

LAPU LAPU I love it when a plan comes together!

Loved your TR and the FW part brought back so many memories of staying in a tent as a kid up to bringing my kids to stay in the cabins for 15 years in a row just always wished DVC would build cabins that were 2 bedroom/2 bath because I would have been a member a VERY long time ago. We still prefer the grounds at the Fort over all other resorts but out grew the murphy beds and 1 bath! (3 teen daughters) Every year we went I would say to DH "boy they r shrinking these beds on us"

Thanks again for sharing and making me excited for our stay in Feb, 10 nights at the THV cannot wait to try them out!

Thank you dbs1228.

Oh FW!!!!!!!!!!!! First, I've stayed in the cabins and I was frustrated knowing I couldn't do it again. I'm just a person that needs a lot of light.

But I LOVED staying at FW. The year I took my niece .......

Oh FAMILY HAS ARRIVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have to go dbs1228 - more to say - loved your post. I'll edit later....

 

[DizBub]

Hey! DizBub - I need to hear a little more about your trip. Was it your first time at Christmas? I'm been so curious and it's killing me.



Lisa,

You can call me Rae.

Not going to do a "trip report" (because I would truly suck at it) but can tell you a little about our trip because you asked so nicely.

We had pretty much just returned from a 2 week extravaganza, last week of Sept & 1st week of October. The latter week involved 2 of our 3 daughters and an infant grandson. I will only say that friction became the order of the week.

Needed to "cleanse the palate" so to speak.

Once home, I was looking on a rent/trade/transfer board and saw a confirmed reservation for the very end of Nov, 4 nights at SSR. Priced so low we could not pass it up. Had never rented points before and it was a great experience. Added bonus was that we got to extend our stay 2 nights using some of our own points. So with the 1 night stay at All-Star Movies on $ and 6 nights at SSR we had a full week at WDW. By ourselves.
SSR was an unexpected delight. So peaceful and beautiful. We were in Congress Park with a lovely view of DTD and did the walk over daily. I dream about going back.

No, we have never been at Christmastime before and I was really excited to see the castle draped in lights and the Osborne Lights were spectacular. Definately worth the trip.

We finally made the commitment and bought APs and so very glad that we did. So nice to just go into a park to see the castle lighting, have a dole whip and leave. Pop into Epcot for lunch in France. Go to the Studios just to see Osborne Lights. Also means we will HAVE to go back.................OFTEN. DH is ready to go back NOW!!! Pesky Christmas, family, doctor appts and Marshall (cat, anchor, albatross, anvil) are all thwarting him. But I'm really glad that he is finally on board with the Disney thing. We (kids and I) have been dragging him down there every year since 1975. We started out in Fort Wilderness in a converted van. We love it there too

DVC has made such a huge difference to us. Quality of life thing DH (Steve) likes to say. Such different experiences every time we go now. Small things. Special.

That's pretty much it. Thanks for reading. I'll let you know when we go back. Probably the day after New Years.

 

[dbs1228]

Btw my name is Denise I set up the DIS account using my email not very inventive as I have been told by DH, but what does he know (okay I agree with him)! lol

 

[lisaviolet]

Not going to do a "trip report" (because I would truly suck at it)

Well Rae - I doubt that since this post is highly entertaining!

We had pretty much just returned from a 2 week extravaganza, last week of Sept & 1st week of October. The latter week involved 2 of our 3 daughters and an infant grandson. I will only say that friction became the order of the week.

Needed to "cleanse the palate" so to speak.

Oh no!

Once home, I was looking on a rent/trade/transfer board and saw a confirmed reservation for the very end of Nov, 4 nights at SSR.

Good for you! It's like magic when it comes that way, eh? I found one of those once - renting beyond my own points - a last minute one bedroom Value AKV - for 4 nights for nada. I could not let it go to waste.
I'm glad you loved SSR. I own there (and BWV) and I hadn't stayed in years - since 2005 - and went back on my birthday this year and was pleasantly surprised. It's like it's grown into itself. Which makes me laugh because people on here treated it like it was the devil's spawn when it was first built. For months on end.

Wow - a Congress Park grab at that. Nice.

No, we have never been at Christmastime before and I was really excited to see the castle draped in lights and the Osborne Lights were spectacular. Definately worth the trip.

I did read you right. It was your first time at Christmas. Sighing - I can only imagine how wonderful that was for you both.

We finally made the commitment and bought APs and so very glad that we did. So nice to just go into a park to see the castle lighting, have a dole whip and leave. Pop into Epcot for lunch in France. Go to the Studios just to see Osborne Lights. Also means we will HAVE to go back.................OFTEN. DH is ready to go back NOW!!! Pesky Christmas, family, doctor appts and Marshall (cat, anchor, albatross, anvil) are all thwarting him. But I'm really glad that he is finally on board with the Disney thing. We (kids and I) have been dragging him down there every year since 1975. We started out in Fort Wilderness in a converted van. We love it there too

Said perfectly.

The lovely of the AP. And yes - it does make you want to run back. Quickly.

DVC has made such a huge difference to us. Quality of life thing DH (Steve) likes to say. Such different experiences every time we go now. Small things. Special.

Me too. As you know. So grateful.

That's pretty much it. Thanks for reading. I'll let you know when we go back. Probably the day after New Years.

Lucky you Rae!

Btw my name is Denise I set up the DIS account using my email not very inventive as I have been told by DH, but what does he know (okay I agree with him)! lol

Okay Denise - back on to finish up my FW rambling. My screen name is my email too - I was so excited when I found the DIS I didn't even take a moment to look around and well that's that.

So the year I took my niece to FW - 1986???? I had been saving and saving to take her. And I didn't know how tough it was to get a reservation at that time. No Values existed - unsure what was around with the others - no BW area for sure - GF was in construction that I remember - and FW trailer was the only reservation left - it was for just before Christmas. It was just under my budget so I was a tad . Didn't think I would have one $$$ choice. I was 19 maybe. Anyway, I'm glad it happened that way. Because if I had choice I wouldn't have spent that much. Fantastic memories. And I love that it hasn't changed because there are times when I'm at FW and I look around - well I feel like I can see the five year old her right there at FW and she's 30 this year.

And when we finally had the money together for DVC after ten years of dreaming I almost didn't buy because of FW. Ready?

I wanted to wait and see if CR came because that meant I could boat to FW. My only reason after dreaming for ten years. Too ridiculous.

So when the rumours came about FW this year for DVC I almost died. But I have mixed feelings even though I want to LIVE there. I don't want it to change. And DVC would change it.

You must have so many wonderful memories with your family. Totally jealous.

 

[lisaviolet]

Okay - well we're here.

Well I wasn't too tipsy because I took this lovely shot. I could still work a camera.

But I do remember the stairs being a total chore.

We must have been saying goodbye to the Polynesian - until we meet again.

And we decided to go see Jean's love.

Well I have no idea how my Lapu Lapu hair umbrella got in her hair but you can't argue with this concrete evidence -

Boy she looks so grumpy when she's going to HER Grand Floridian.

Let's see....

THAT'S BETTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Maybe she was bored on the LONG LONG trip from the Polynesian (I simply can't type it's short form).

I've been thinking about the GF DVC and the other night I laughed out loud. I was thinking - and I know I brushing with BROAD STROKES here folks - that some rich GF residents will hate the DVC. Truly. Because now the GF will not be all rich. Seriously, these are the places my mind goes.

Anyway, Jean has always loved this place. Me - take or leave. But she big time. Rich taste that girl. But for the last five years or so - she's been saying "it's just so cold".

And I thought "wow she's coming over to my side - that's what I get". I guess she's over it all.

I just found out last Thursday that she meant cold as in temperature. So her love affair is still on.

And I had a new appreciation of the place:

I wish this one was in focus because I loved watching them.

 

[lisaviolet]

Jean stayed on this GORGEOUS terrace while I took the pictures.

It's a smoking spot. Seriously, the most lovely spot at the GF and it's for smokers. I was JEALOUS.

But no one was out there so we simply took it all in.

And I found this poor trapped fella:

Why was it restrained when others clearly had their freedom:

Oh fashion.

I took some panoramas.

One I SHORTENED the GF. I blame the rum. The picture does look a tad tipsy.

The other I didn't see a hideous post becoming the focal point.

But overall I definitely had a new appreciation for the place. Not a
$175/point appreciation but an appreciation nonetheless.

It will be nice to stay there one day for sure. The lovely of DVC ownership. So many possibilities. Some people hate the growth. I like the options.

Well it was about that time.

Sighing.

THAT time.

Back to the BCV to meet our sad bus. The bus that leaves the property.

But as I said many times before ending a TR - we are all so blessed - planning and going are always just around the corner.

 

[lisaviolet]

Well I'm sitting here looking at the clock. It's after midnight. And I'm thinking "wow is it only six days to Christmas!!!". And all of a sudden I go

WHAT? WHAT DAY IS IT?

Are you ready?

I'm not.

Today is the 19th of December.

So what you say?

Today is the last day of my AP. Oh the irony.

Can you believe that? Last day of the TR. Last day of my AP - I feel like running to the airport.

SIGHING. LOUDLY.

Okay some closing - TOTALLY CLOSING NOW - thoughts.

Two last rambles.

One my father nabbed his Florida condo. Is leaving soon for three months. Did not pass on his extrovert nature to me. He's living with the owner for the first two weeks there. Totally entertaining he is - HE DOESN"T KNOW HER They decided it would be fine while she gets ready to go to Mexico for four months. The three of them playing roommates.

Two - Morocco. I was totally having fun. And want that to be clear.
Although both stories were true (90s) well nothing bothers me more than ignorance. So it's been playihg on me. When people say AFRICA when they are talking about a country not a continent or seem shocked that someone is from a major cosmopolitan city - well I want to scream. Okay, stepping down now.


So the trip.

Loved BCV. EXCELLENT service all around. Truly. Everyone went above and beyond. And a great summer choice. Hand's down.

Adored SAB. Again.

I've got to decide what/how I'm going to do restaurant budgeting. I found myself looking at prices - which are rising big time - and not feeling relaxed with it all yet hate the DDP. So if I can't prepay or won't - well I need a new mindset QUICKLY.

I realized that I must do Christmas again at WDW because I missed the extra late EMHs and the early bar at FW. And thought about that trip on this trip WAY TOO MUCH.

Our view/room was heavenly and shows that BCV does have some wonderful views after all. See below for that lovely.

Florida summer nights are worth the days. HEAVENLY they are.

Of course the AP - continued to feel so thrilled to have it - OH NO!!!!!!!!!!! Past tense.

I'll get over it.

I think I'll leave off with this lovely -

There are days that I've stared at this picture and I feel nothing but joy.

Thank you BCV.

____________________________________________________________

To everyone who followed this TR a big thanks.

To those who kept me company an even bigger thanks. Because you all made the TR so much easier and joyful for me. Interaction is gold.

I don't have any trips booked. AS YET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't wait to hear about yours.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!

Lisa

 

[spleen]

And to you as well, Lisa - thanks for having us along! And love that last shot - very nicely done panoramic!

 

[ajf1007]

Oh Lisa, I can't believe it's come to the end already! NOOOOOOO!!!!! Well let me say, this has been such fun for me! I loved your TR, your pics, your commentary, it really was great! My favorite pic from your last post though is the umbrella in Jeans hair! That's awesome! How funny!

The pics from the GF were great! I have never been inside the GF so it was great to see. I will definitely have to take a trip over there in September. I'm sure a little alone time for me will be needed, seems like the perfect place!

Yay Dad and his condo! That's awesome!

Well, I am sad it's over, but we must keep in touch! I hope you have a wonderful holiday and excellent New Years! Hopefully we'll all get to meet up someday in WDW!

 

[DizBub]

Thank you for the ride. YOUR interaction is what truly makes the difference. You care that we care.

No, I am NOT READY for Christmas in any way, shape or form. But then again, I never am and somehow everything gets done.

Hope you have a very Merry Cristmas and a blessed New Year and Let's get this girl a trip to look forward to!!!!


Rae

 

[JLCJMC]

Thanks for all the terrific sharing. I have enjoyed it very much. I hope you have a new trip planned soon -- I wouldlove to read another report.
Happy Holidays!

 

[lisaviolet]

I scored a ten pound turkey for $13 today!!!!!!!! Okay then - just a sharin' again. I actually buried the sucker - under its larger cousins - while I did some errands and dragged the sweet little turkey on the subway and streetcar.

And to you as well, Lisa - thanks for having us along! And love that last shot - very nicely done panoramic!

Thanks Spleen. I LOVE that last shot as well. I KEEP staring at it.

Oh Lisa, I can't believe it's come to the end already! NOOOOOOO!!!!! Well let me say, this has been such fun for me! I loved your TR, your pics, your commentary, it really was great! My favorite pic from your last post though is the umbrella in Jeans hair! That's awesome! How funny!

The pics from the GF were great! I have never been inside the GF so it was great to see. I will definitely have to take a trip over there in September. I'm sure a little alone time for me will be needed, seems like the perfect place!

Yay Dad and his condo! That's awesome!

Well, I am sad it's over, but we must keep in touch! I hope you have a wonderful holiday and excellent New Years! Hopefully we'll all get to meet up someday in WDW!

Yes, of course we must keep in touch Amy!

It was lovely to see the GF again. The grounds are the true jewel for me - well and that terrace.

I can't wait to hear about your trip. September will come very quickly. I know it doesn't seem like it but it will.

Thank you for the ride. YOUR interaction is what truly makes the difference. You care that we care.

No, I am NOT READY for Christmas in any way, shape or form. But then again, I never am and somehow everything gets done.

Hope you have a very Merry Cristmas and a blessed New Year and Let's get this girl a trip to look forward to!!!!


Rae

That's the idea Rae - yes let's get this girl a trip to look forward - could come soon - I will probably plan for Christmas so that will take actually using my home advantage which I've done once in six years.

Your post was incredibly sweet Rae. Thank you so much. Enjoy your trip. I can't wait to hear - meaning MAKE SURE I HEAR.

 

[lisaviolet]

Thanks for all the terrific sharing. I have enjoyed it very much. I hope you have a new trip planned soon -- I wouldlove to read another report.
Happy Holidays!

Hey! How did you sneak in there?

Thank you for interacting with moi. It makes one feel like you're not talking to yourself. Which could be a problematic thought for me.

Have a wonderful holiday.

And a lovely summer vacation - wait! I don't know if you decided on the long one yet, do I? Did you?