Cue the Music: How we MADE money and slept with Ariel! Done!

[aliciamakino]

following along! Great report!

 

[Rista1313]

I forgot a big something in the updates that I just posted! You'd think that I'd remember the dang name of the report and how it came about. But, until I posted the name of my next update, I totally forgot.

After we put our things in the room and while we were explorin', we went to resort check-in. I needed to pick up our Hoop Dee Doo Revue tickets. There were probably three or four other families in front of us so we had a short wait. A cast member who was working at a computer behind the others came over to see if she could help us. I told her that we had done online check-in and had already accessed our room but I needed to get our Hoop Dee Doo tickets. She seems a little confused and asked us to wait there. She consulted with another cast member who I could tell was showing her what to do. The second cast member came over and apologized for the wait. She went back to help the other cast member. They were tap tap tapping away at the computer. The first cast member finally came over with a piece of paper that had our Hoop tickets printed on it. But, then she asked us to wait. So we did.

The second cast member came back and asked us if we would like to forego mousekeeping. She explained that we would get a credit for every night of our stay with the exception of the first night. We could still ask for linens, towels, washcloths and toiletries. We would basically be skipping out on mousekeeping making our beds and taking out the trash. We could give the mouskeepers our trash when they brought towels or we could place it outside the door or near the elevators and they would pick it up.

I had already asked John if he wanted to take the offer if they asked. We were a little leery about doing it but when they explained that we weren't missing out on much, we decided to do it. The cast member confirmed my email address and said that I would be receiving an email soon that had an e gift card. We could use that gift card anywhere on Disney property that we wanted. Sweet! Cha-ching! Second time we made money on this trip!
​

My first time reading what of your trip reports! Looks like I have a lot of catching up to do. Question though: Hoop dee doo tickets? I made reservations and it's on my experience app, so is that normal? Do I need to go get my tickets at checkin?

 

[Clarf]

Oh my gosh, John doesn't like EE? Well, he can hang out with Maura then. She refuses to try it, even though I know she'd love it.

I don't get the ponytail holder thing either? Why?

Yay for package delivery! We used it for the first time this year and loved it! It was our first visit without a stroller and we didn't want to carry stuff.

 

[pollyanna30]

I also literally laughed out loud at that gorilla/yeti picture. I was staring at it thinking they had made the yeti look a bit different, but I did believe it! Also, you mentioned your husband buying a shirt. Wasn't he the one that had an ordinary shirt he used to wear on trips that people always commented on? I don't know why that stuck with me from past reports, but I always thought that story was funny!

 

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Loved your latest update! You cracked me up about the ponytail holders belonging to the Yeti.

 

[TinkAriel111]

Just now joining in! I am a paralegal as well and a Disney lover!!! I am working on my own pre-trip report for a July '18 trip with a party of 12.. .This will include a 2 year old, 6 year old and a 6 1/2 months pregnant momma... It should be fun!

I cannot wait to read all about your trip!

 

[pktbMouse]

Loving the trip report...we are heading our usual first week in June to our beloved CBR Pirate room. We did the usual look at every other resort but nope...all roads led back to CBR. It was nice to see you like the All Stars...we may be heading for a weekend in October budget trip for the Halloween party and plan to stay in a Value. We are driving to Orlando this year...ugg. You know us Brits hate driving anywhere...lol I will honk the horn in the Mobile tunnel for ya

 

[mmeb144]

I'm loving your trip report. I wondered why the yeti didn't have a ponytail, and, now I know. lol

 

[jenseib]

I stopped getting notifications too. I am back to read it all. I will catch up eventually!!!

 

[Steppesister]

Hey, I have 1 2 4 10 just like that!

It's so cool that you can google an image and a Diser's pic pops up.

It is cool!! Done that myself!

That's because he's left all his ponytail ties on the mountain!

He's all, "Screw the bad hair day!"

(yes, funnest is a word)

Yes, it is!

it was time for a leisurely stroll and another coffee break.

Never too many of those!

Awwwww! So cute!

 

[buteraa]

Hi..Loving your trip report. Love...love...love the gorillas, I agree you could just watch them all day.

 

[jenseib]

All caught up! I am loving it.
I agree about the Value resort bus stops. I love them much better.
I am like you with Pandora. I think I watched it once all the way through and have seen bits and pieces of it here and there.
I am glad you got more gift card money. At first when you said $80, I thought that sounded way too low. Another 70 makes it totally worth it!

 

[cinderaimee]

All caught up and following along! What a fun start to your trip

 

[Tink3rbell86]

I started reading your trip reports before Lacy was married, I think before she even met her husband! I really enjoy reading them. You really bring your trip to life. Looking forward to the rest of your trip!!

 

[OhMari]

Really late getting to your report, but I am only on day 1.

1. I never knew Values had rooms with King Size beds.
2. We were given a King size room over at CSR, which we asked for, but it ended up being a handicap room.
We kindly asked for another room and got it, but I was told most King size rooms on property are handicapped. Never knew that either.

Enjoying your TR. continuing on.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Loved your Expedition Everest update. Good for you for being brave and looking and good for John for going along with you. What did he think of the ride?


I couldn't figure out your chapter title, I had forgotten all about those pony tail rings. SMH!

I LOL'ed at your "picture of the Yeti"- The way the picture is framed, it looks like when you see the video. I was thining "Cool! They added a background." You got me!

The gorillas are awesome to watch. The young 'uns were really cute when I watched them last year. They were playing and cuffing each other. Totally like siblings!

John had ridden EE before but he doesn't really care for it. It's kind of like Space Mountain with all the snatching and yanking. Those don't mix well with a back that is pretty banged up already.

I seriously thought that picture was the Yeti until I posted it on the Dis and I saw it blown up.

I love love love the gorillas!

This is what Gwen thought was the best part of this ride...


I haven't tried this yet. The girls always want there goods with them. Does it take awhile?

The package pickup service is amazing! You can either have it delivered to your resort gift shop (they say allow at least 24 hours sometimes more) or to package pickup at the park (give them at least two hours).

The Gorillas always make me a little sad. They are amazing creatures that really do resemble us as humans alot. We have a nice gorilla exhibit at the Philly Zoo here, and one of the male gorillas always sits right up against the window and you can really see how there hands look so much like ours!

I could watch the gorillas for hours. I so wish that our zoo was a nice one. Our's is pretty small and they have very few primates.

We love Expedition Everest, it is one of our favorites!

Very sweet of John to ride with you and do the Pagani Forest Trail with you too.

Oh my sweet John...he will do almost anything for me. But that goes both ways because I would do the same for him. Heck...I did....when I tried Tower of Terror the first time.
And I know the feeling of thinking you'll do less pictures and enjoy the moment, then wondering why you don't have any pictures later!

I learned my lesson that trip. I won't do less pictures ever again!

So, coins in fountains I understand...but ponytails on the side of mountains? Why?

I wondered that same thing! I have no clue why they do that.

When on the Dining Plan, a Starbucks drink really is one of the best values you can get for your snack credits. You pay a hefty price for needing that caffeine fix.

So true! And especially when you can get the largest cup of java they serve.


The gorilla interaction sounds great. Always fun to see the juveniles messing around.

They were sooooo cute!

Great update! John was such a great sport all day! Love that he sucked it up and went on the roller coaster AND the animal trail. I am with you on the coaster, and with him on the trail. Love the ride, don't care for the trail. I probably would have called it a clip board too. We had some friends over and called my fiancé's playstation an Xbox, you would think I committed some kind of cardinal sin! I got schooled real fast and responded EVERYTHING is an Xbox! Old School lol.

John could do without all the trails but I love them. He usually hangs back and find a nice quiet spot to people watch.

XBox? I'd have probably called it a Wii.

Looks like they cleaned quite a few of the ponytail holders off since our October 2016 trip. There were probably at least 5 times as many as what is in your picture. It was kind of disgusting, there were so many.

I remember there being a lot of them during one of our trips too. It's such a crazy/odd/weird/strange thing to see on Expedition Everest.

John and Hunter don't like EE? Wow. That's my favorite ride. What's not to like?

Hunter it just a plain ol' scaredy cat when it comes to coasters. Much like his mother used to be. John? He says that it kills his back.

That ponytail holder display is...odd.

VERY!

Love the photo of the baby gorilla whispering in mom's ear!

I loved watching him. He looked just like he was either tattling on the other or convincing his mom that he didn't do it.

 

[mickeystoontown]

following along! Great report!

So glad that you've joined in! I'll be posting another update soon!

My first time reading what of your trip reports! Looks like I have a lot of catching up to do. Question though: Hoop dee doo tickets? I made reservations and it's on my experience app, so is that normal? Do I need to go get my tickets at checkin?

Whoa! You've been reading for a long time! Lacey and Jesse will be married 5 (wait...maybe 6) year so!

You should go to the concierge desk when you check into your resort. They'll print your Hoop tickets when you arrive.

Oh my gosh, John doesn't like EE? Well, he can hang out with Maura then. She refuses to try it, even though I know she'd love it.

Girrrrrrl, there's no telling what kind of trouble those two would get into while we were riding Expedition Everest.

I don't get the ponytail holder thing either? Why?

Ain't gotta clue! It makes no sense at all to me.

Yay for package delivery! We used it for the first time this year and loved it! It was our first visit without a stroller and we didn't want to carry stuff.

Isn't it a great service!!!!!

Loved your latest update! You cracked me up about the ponytail holders belonging to the Yeti.

Welllllll, he is a hairy dude!

Just now joining in! I am a paralegal as well and a Disney lover!!! I am working on my own pre-trip report for a July '18 trip with a party of 12.. .This will include a 2 year old, 6 year old and a 6 1/2 months pregnant momma... It should be fun!

I cannot wait to read all about your trip!

Welcome aboard! Sorry that it took me so long to say hello. A part of 12? I've been with 11 and it is a very different sort of trip.

Loving the trip report...we are heading our usual first week in June to our beloved CBR Pirate room. We did the usual look at every other resort but nope...all roads led back to CBR. It was nice to see you like the All Stars...we may be heading for a weekend in October budget trip for the Halloween party and plan to stay in a Value. We are driving to Orlando this year...ugg. You know us Brits hate driving anywhere...lol I will honk the horn in the Mobile tunnel for ya

I can NOT wait to get back to the CBR once Old Port Royale reopens. I miss it so much!

Oh you gotta honk the horn in the tunnel. It's like a law or something.

I'm loving your trip report. I wondered why the yeti didn't have a ponytail, and, now I know. lol

Thanks so much! Hopefully you are still here since I've been away so long.

[UQOTE="Tink3rbell86, post: 59142496, member: 253738"]I started reading your trip reports before Lacy was married, I think before she even met her husband! I really enjoy reading them. You really bring your trip to life. Looking forward to the rest of your trip!![/QUOTE]

Oh my goodness, you have been reading for a long time! Guess what? She's going with us this Thanksgiving!

Really late getting to your report, but I am only on day 1.

1. I never knew Values had rooms with King Size beds.
2. We were given a King size room over at CSR, which we asked for, but it ended up being a handicap room.
We kindly asked for another room and got it, but I was told most King size rooms on property are handicapped. Never knew that either.

Enjoying your TR. continuing on.

and I've really late responding to all of y'all's posts.

Yep, the values have kings! I love having a king size bed.

We initially asked if they could move us to another room since we didn't need a handicap room but they didn't have one available. When they offered to move us to Art of Animation, we jumped on it.

 

[mickeystoontown]

HELLO!?!?!



It's been almost two months since I posted an update!



Or maybe:



So where have I been? Well, a little over there, far away, somewhere, nowhere.........




Seriously, I've been sooooooo busy! I've been working at the law office and doing my travel agency job. Both have been busy which is a good thing considering two years ago, my boss died, John's boss closed the doors and we were both jobless. I'll take busy and hectic any day over the way it was.

We've planted a garden, have been working in it and am now sowing the rewards. I've made chow chow, pickles, canned tomatoes and tonight I froze some lima beans.

And, I've been sewing (making bows and purses to sell) and helping John in the shop making custom made trays and other woodworking projects. Oh and John's making cigar box guitars that he's selling. That man can make anything and everything.

I can't remember if I told you that we lost our sweet long hair chihuahua, Copper, right before Christmas. Lord have mercy, that was a tough time. We missed him so much and were so used to having a pup inside that we got another. And, of course, named him after a Disney character. The name came from The Muppets. Meet Beaker. He in no way takes the place of Copper but he does help ease the pain.



Hunter turned 21! And we did what all good parents do. We took him gambling. First time actually entering the gaming area of a casino. It was fun but it really was a lesson for him. We have several casinos in a town not too far away. We rarely visit but go maybe once a year. We wanted him to have the experience but still see how addictive it can become. To know that there's alcohol that flows freely to all those who are gambling. And to know just how quickly the money can be lost.

I'm not saying that gambling is a bad thing but it certainly can be if you don't know what you are doing. Having said that, John blew through $100 bucks in no time at all. On the other hand, Hunter came out ahead by $9.00 and I broke even.



Y'all know that my Mama is our neighbor and does a lot with us. She's 84 now and has convinced herself that she doesn't need to drive much anymore. She doesn't have a doggone reason why she came up with that but she just decided it one day. So, most Friday afternoons (I only work until Noon on Fridays.) I'm taking her to run errands. It's nothing for us to spend over a hour in Dollar General and three hours in Walmart Supercenter. I crap you not! She may have decided not to drive but she can't decide on anything else. LOL Thus the reason we are in the store so long. I'm going to make her one of these 'cept put names of various foods on it that she can't decide to buy at Walmart.




Mama's latest decision making dilemma is whether or not to join us on our Thanksgiving, 2018 trip. Oh that's what else I have been doing! John and I are going to Walt Disney World at Thanksgiving again. And guess who is going to join us? That would be the one...the only....actually the two....the two....our kiddos!

Jesse insisted that Lacey go with us this year. He's doing a couple of men's church group trips so he's going to stay home and tend to the animals at his house and our's. And Hunter is going! He's already put in his request for time off of work.

We've asked Mama to go but she's scared that she will "slow y'all down". We're still trying to talk her into it.

There's been some road trips mixed in with all of that. We've been to First Monday Trade Days several times. First Monday Trade Days is a ginormous humongous biggly big flea market. Hundreds of acres and room for 6,000 vendors! I'm telling ya, if you can't find it at First Monday Trade Days, you can't find it anywhere. What's "it"? Well, just about anything.

We've also been camping in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Sitting right on top of a mountain with no cell reception unless you stood in between two tall trees and stood with one hand on your hip and one leg in the air. Or drove down the mountain to a pullover and you might get a signal. We gazed at the deer meandering on the edge of the woods and laughed when the crows flew down and pecked at some campers' bread that they carelessly left out on the picnic table. We met a really nice dive instructor who was our next door camper and giggled under our breath when he couldn't light a fire to save his life. We played cards on the picnic table by the light of the lantern. As we were walking back from the bathrooms, I spotted a small snake slithering across the path and a nearby camper whacked it's head off for us. Oh and across the way at 4:00 a.m., the Park Rangers busted three young guys for maryjane and underage drinking. In all the times we have gone camping, we'd never seen that before. Always a first time for everything. Oh wait and on day two, some campers pulled up with mattresses on the top of their vehicle. With sheets still on them. Like they said "Just pull your mattress off the bed and come on! We're going tent camping!"

So, there you have it folks. That's what we've been doing. A whole lot of a whole lot.

I'm working on my next update but in the meantime, if you're still here, let me know it! I'm afraid that I've lost a lot of y'all because I've been absent from the Dis.


​

 

[OhMari]

Here, man I hate camping, the work of camping-you just take your whole house and move it temporary, hence the people with the sheets on the mattress. But I love walking around and seeing everyone’s set up. It takes a small village like atmosphere.

I heard Thanksgiving time is not so bad, good luck.

 

[natebenma]

You're back!

No need for excuses, but you have plenty of seriously acceptable ones.

So nice to read about what you have been up to, although I remember reading about how heartbroken you were when you lost Copper.

Fortunately, my immediate family doesn't have the gambling bug. I think Mark and I have spent a total of $5 a casino- we got a roll of nickels for the slots and when that was gone, we were done. We stayed at a place that gave us $20 credit at a casino. We played with that and stopped. When we were on the Carnival cruise in August, Nate was able to legally gamble so we loaded $10 on a card for him. He didn't enjoy it and I don't think we even used all of the $. PHEW!

Like they said "Just pull your mattress off the bed and come on! We're going tent camping!"

My kind of camping!



That being said, my son Nate is spending the summer out west working for the Conservation Corps, sleeping in tents in all kinds of weather and working trails. Not sure where he came from!


That is fantastic about your November family trip! I hope Mama feels she is able to come along.

Looking forward to more, my friend!