ABCs of A Trip Worth Waiting For + PNWMM: P: A Practically Perfect Pacific NW Mouse Meet- pg. 26

It appears that the city council thinks otherwise. There is a huge tax incentive scheme going on for building 5-star hotels. Of which the only ones are GC and DL Hotel so far it appears. All the other hotels are only up to 4-star level. I think there are now three to be built under that tax-incentive scheme. The one Disney is going to build, one that is over by the shopping mall and the one that goes onto the Anabella's spot. I am not sure what to think of it. I find the low cost hotel prices very high in Anaheim, but I wonder if there really is a market for so many 5-star hotels.



Well perhaps all the people that Disney thinks will be spending $15K for dinner will stay at them. ;)

Occasionally I price out hotels for friends who are coming to stay and if you want to stay somewhere that is a step above the lowest end motel, you're looking at $150 maybe, in the off season. Most of the decent places within walking distance are $200+ per night. I'm so glad to have my points!
This is an interesting discussion! I hadn't heard about the tax incentive deal, but really? 3! more luxury 5 Stars? Just.... why?! Sorry, I just don't see the demand there. Alison, is it your experience that the GC and DLH are filling up consistently even now? Curious. (I have no idea.) I am just truly beyond saddened that my go-to place is being razed. It was close, nice, convenient and best of all affordable on my budget.

Now, when I go again, (and I'm hoping for yearly trips now) I'll have to start from square one again.
 
Sounds like you had a great morning. Lovely pictures of the park. I hope someday to make it to the West Coast and visit Disneyland.

Thanks, Vanessa! I had a ball there this last trip!

My Rocky was pretty polite about our food. Dad ate in the living room and would set his plate on the floor to go to the kitchen or bathroom and rocky knew to leave it alone unless he was told "ok Rocky" But I had friends over and we were all sitting on the floor eating pizza. Rocky didn't know them, so decided the rules didn't apply. When Kris looked away Rocky took her pizza, walked about 3 feet away and ate it in front of her. Lol

This is hilarious!

I'm late to this shindig, but I'm here. Or should I say I'm back. :wave: Going back to read.

Well howdy, Stranger! I'm so glad you're here Kat!! One is never late to a TR; glad you're jumping in here and joining in. Lots more to still come!

Oh, what a lovely read so far! I'm :lmao: over your scary hotel. You are a brave, brave soul. I'm sorry to hear about your mom, I hope she's doing well now and I'm glad you were able to get there. Your level of exhaustion going into this trip reminds me of how shot I was on that trip I took when Nana had passed, and I debated not going but went anyway. I was so lucky I made it there in one piece. It's so nice to see someone go back to their roots, and the photos are beautiful. And of course, I obviously love walking "with you" through Main St in DL. :goodvibes

Aw, thanks!! It was a harrowing process to just GET there, but in the end, I made it safely and had a great time.

I remember that trip of yours well. That was a really hard time for you, but I'm glad you did it anyway. I think it was cathartic in the end.

More chapters soon....
 
Alison, is it your experience that the GC and DLH are filling up consistently even now?

Honestly, I can't really tell you much about hotels there. I always use my pints at the villas when I stay. But people do pay outrageous sums of money to stay at the Grand and the DLH. I'm always surprised to hear people talk about a bargain rate of $285.

And then when you were here, Bret stayed out in Placentia because he couldn't find a decent rate around the DLR.

I always like Hilton Brand hotels, but they are not everyone's cup of tea.
 
Well howdy, Stranger! I'm so glad you're here Kat!! One is never late to a TR; glad you're jumping in here and joining in. Lots more to still come!

Why, thank you!


Aw, thanks!! It was a harrowing process to just GET there, but in the end, I made it safely and had a great time.

I remember that trip of yours well. That was a really hard time for you, but I'm glad you did it anyway. I think it was cathartic in the end.

It was one of the best things I could have done. I got a lot of flack for it from a variety of people, but in retrospect, I fully made the right choice.
 


Whew, finally caught up around here I think. I really enjoyed reading about your home town. It's too bad it's not quite the same as it used to be...like pretty much everything...sigh. But it still looks darn purty....I can't imagine what it was like growing up there. Well even living somewhere that so many things actually grow...well things you'd actually want to eat and scent the air with lol.

How lucky that you scored a ride to the parks!! What are the odds!! DL looks quite a bit different than MK. I have been to California Adventure but not DL. We only had one day when we were there and chose to do CA because we figured that was really different than going to MK if we only had one day. Would love to go back sometime.
 
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They made (or bought?) you a cake, too???? Wow! You have pretty darned good relatives!

with a bee-bop in her booty

Was it the bee-bop that caused your sore booty?


Nice shot of you!

D'OH!!!!!! You doofus! You used it to take photos of orange trees and left it 20 minutes back in Hemet.

Whoops!

<turns around, adds 40 minutes to her commute, and retrieves camera, and says a thanks of praise she noticed it only 20 minutes too late, not 2 days too late. That would be really, REALLY dumb>

Sure would.

Steppe should have paid attention to the route, but sometimes Steppe should have gone blonde, not sassy red.

:laughing:

A blonde and a redhead approach a river from opposite sides. The redhead shouts across "How do I get to the other side?"
The blonde shouts back "D'uh! You are on the other side!"

it took Steppe about 14 times longer to walk back than it should have.

oy. Follow the yellow brick road.

In case you need to ever rent and return a car at Disneyland, go with National.

::yes:: Then again, I get perks with them with my company.

(In case you wondered, it's where you can still see a hat.)

And I'm glad that's the only place you can see it.


Nice shot.

“Yes, Steppe, we left it open just for you. Please come on over and have unlimited drinks on the house.”

Sweeeeet.

Okay, okay. Only half of that is true.

They closed the bar, but had unlimited drinks delivered to your room?
Soused in bed! Nice perk.

Steppe slept very, very well, after a perfectly wonderful day and evening.

:) Glad you had such a nice time.

Secure after a journey around the sun, Steppe opened her eyes with visions of Prince Charming dancing in her head and ready to start her own fairy tale adventure in the parks.

Wait.... you slept for a year? Then that should be Prince Phillip, Miss Sleeping Beauty.

Hey, you over there: Shush!!

I never said a thing!

"You've just won the Publisher's Clearing House Sweepstakes and will never have to work ag....."

Sorry, wrong story. Let's try that again:

But it'd be a pretty good one.

“Yeah! Headed to the park?”

“I am! You guys?”

“Yeah, hop in! We’ll give you ride.”

That was you?

Once or twice they did end up at the same attractions in Fantasyland and rode together,

It was funny how we kept bumping into each other. :)

She knows there is ALWAYS time for a mosey. Always. Stop rushing! You miss so much!

Okay! Okay!!

(The next day she would discover something there all on her own without any prior knowledge of it. Come back to find out what that was!)

Standing by...

The very first order of business was to pay homage to her aunt. It was in front of this very spot, more than 60 years prior that Steppe's mom, her mom's sister, and their closest cousin took a photo together. Little did they know that almost 60 later they would meet again in that very same spot and recreate that photo completely unplanned and unexpected, and that it would be the last photo ever taken of them.

Nice memory. :hug:

(Now it serves as a snack and fruit cart rather than a flower cart.)

Tragic. Truly.


Another nice shot of you. You're very photogenic.

Because something happened to Steppe for the first time ever for her; the ride broke down and she was evacuated along with a bunch of others:

That ride???? How does that ride break down??

(For the record, the music for this ride is WAY better at DL than at MK.

If you say so. I must admit to not even hearing it.

Whales eat krill. And occasionally runaway prophets and wooden boys.

:laughing:

Speaking of castles... wanna go IN one? Too bad, we're goin' in... deep. Steppe says so:

Dang it!!! I forgot you could do that. Crap. It was on my list of things I wanted to do.

and a world cruise with happy, singing dollies.

I'll pass on that one.

Steppe's Solo Time drew to a close and it was time to meet up with her DISPals. What ̶m̶a̶y̶h̶e̶m̶ adventures would they seek and find? Would there be laughter and silliness? Stay tuned to enjoy the next portion of our Epic Escapades Everywhere!

Looking forward to it!
 
Honestly, I can't really tell you much about hotels there. I always use my pints at the villas when I stay. But people do pay outrageous sums of money to stay at the Grand and the DLH. I'm always surprised to hear people talk about a bargain rate of $285.

THat is outrageous, but no much more than a deluxe at WDW. And I've paid that. No, not for an entire week, but enough to get a nice taste of them.

And then when you were here, Bret stayed out in Placentia because he couldn't find a decent rate around the DLR.

I remember that but didn't know why. Now I know... yikes. A long way's out to find a pretty good rate.

I always like Hilton Brand hotels, but they are not everyone's cup of tea.

Not sure I've ever stayed at a Hilton...

It was one of the best things I could have done. I got a lot of flack for it from a variety of people, but in retrospect, I fully made the right choice.

In a lot of cases, best not to listen to the flack. The older I get, the less people's opinions matter to me. Giving a crap gets lower and lower on the priority list.


Whew, finally caught up around here I think. I really enjoyed reading about your home town. It's too bad it's not quite the same as it used to be...like pretty much everything...sigh. But it still looks darn purty....I can't imagine what it was like growing up there. Well even living somewhere that so many things actually grow...well things you'd actually want to eat and scent the air with lol.

Aw, thanks Kathy! It was a nice trip down memory lane. Yes, it was definitely a treat living there and I was privileged to have called it home.

How lucky that you scored a ride to the parks!! What are the odds!!

Considering we stayed at the same hotel and had a plan to meet not much later in the day, not as low as you'd think. Still a nice surprise along the way. :)

DL looks quite a bit different than MK. I have been to California Adventure but not DL. We only had one day when we were there and chose to do CA because we figured that was really different than going to MK if we only had one day. Would love to go back sometime.

It's got a very different feel to it. All the attractions are closer together giving it a much quainter feel. I really love it. CA is growing on me too the more I visit it. But DL is very.... sweet.
 


They made (or bought?) you a cake, too???? Wow! You have pretty darned good relatives!

They are definitely a nice and fun lot. :)

Was it the bee-bop that caused your sore booty?

Naw, had a sore booty before the bee-bopping.

Nice shot of you!

:cool2::blush:


Right?! I mean who would do that?

:laughing:

A blonde and a redhead approach a river from opposite sides. The redhead shouts across "How do I get to the other side?"
The blonde shouts back "D'uh! You are on the other side!"

:rotfl2::rotfl::lmao:

oy. Follow the yellow brick road.

I only do that when certain young ladies pilfer my shoes. Mounted on a broom.

::yes:: Then again, I get perks with them with my company.

Can't complain about that!

And I'm glad that's the only place you can see it.

ME TOO!!!!!!


They closed the bar, but had unlimited drinks delivered to your room?
Soused in bed! Nice perk.

Maybe even as good as National Rentals.


:) Glad you had such a nice time.

:goodvibes:goodvibes:goodvibes

Wait.... you slept for a year? Then that should be Prince Phillip, Miss Sleeping Beauty.

That's Sleeping Beauty Your Highness to you. (Notice how I disregarded the scientific correction? :lmao:Although sleeping for a year ain't such a bad proposition.)

But it'd be a pretty good one.

Could you even imagine?! What would you do first?

That was you?

I make a very convincing double for Steppe, don't I?

It was funny how we kept bumping into each other. :)

Especially just in time for Alice! And the Puke Cups.

Standing by...

With a little luck, maaaaaaaybe an update this week. but sooooooooooo far behind on threads!


Nice memory. :hug:

I found half of what I was looking for:

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Carol is holding the photo from 1956?

Tragic. Truly.

:guilty:

Another nice shot of you. You're very photogenic.

:blush:

That ride???? How does that ride break down??


This is a great mystery. I saw Maintenance going to it later in the day, so it must have just been having a really bad day.

If you say so. I must admit to not even hearing it.

Shoot, I should have pointed it out.

Dang it!!! I forgot you could do that. Crap. It was on my list of things I wanted to do.

Maybe hopefully someday you'll be back in Anaheim and can make sure you get in there. It's kinda cute and for what it is, very well done.
 
Honestly, I can't really tell you much about hotels there. I always use my pints at the villas when I stay. But people do pay outrageous sums of money to stay at the Grand and the DLH. I'm always surprised to hear people talk about a bargain rate of $285.

And then when you were here, Bret stayed out in Placentia because he couldn't find a decent rate around the DLR.

Hotel rates are getting crazier and crazier these last 5 years around the DLR. The hotels across the street are quite expensive along with the convention hotels. I remember when I stayed at the GCH in 2010 where I paid $200 a night for a standard and that is with my AP discount. Now today it is twice or more of what I paid. It is nice to stay on-site at the DLR but it can be quite expensive if you want to stay on-site even at Paradise Pier and the Disneyland Hotel.

I could have stayed around the DLR during my trip but the rates were 2 to 3 times of what I paid for at Placantia and the rooms at certain hotels that I would have stayed were not available since I made my reservation about less than a week and a half. With Spring Break and WonderCon Anaheim 2017 together, the rates were very high.

Originally, I was planning on going to the D23 Expo this year in July but with everything going on, I decided not to go since I will be working. The rates around that time are very high from the Hilton Anaheim, Best Western Stovall's, etc. The rates are higher from the D23 Expo in 2015 in August. But with popular events and high demand days, it doesn't surprise me that these hotel chains will charge crazy rates which people will pay during certain events.


I remember that but didn't know why. Now I know... yikes. A long way's out to find a pretty good rate.

It was quite a drive from Placentia to the DLR and this one might got me never to stay off-site during certain busy seasons. It took me about 30 minutes to get from the hotel to the Toy Story Parking lot during rush hour traffic. The Mickey & Friends Parking structure was already filled and didn't allow any cars in so Disney detour the cars to the Toy Story which can take quite some time. When I got to Toy Story, I had to spend about another 30 minutes wait for a bus/walk from the Toy Story parking lot to the bus loading area (not through security tent). If you care about saving money, it does require you to lose vacation time which I have done before.

I could pay the price on hotels on walking distance but I have stayed at BW Placentia and have enjoyed the room. The rooms at Placentia are way better over Best Western Park Place Inn, BW Anaheim Inn or Stovall's by far. I only stay at certain hotels which
 
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Naw, had a sore booty before the bee-bopping.

Bee-bopping be not the cause. copy.

I only do that when certain young ladies pilfer my shoes. Mounted on a broom.

Smart. Always get air superiority first.

ME TOO!!!!!!

Thank goodness! Otherwise I don't know if we could be friends.

That's Sleeping Beauty Your Highness to you.

Whoops! A million pardons, m'lady.

(Notice how I disregarded the scientific correction? :lmao:Although sleeping for a year ain't such a bad proposition.)

I did notice! :laughing:

Could you even imagine?! What would you do first?

faint.

Especially just in time for Alice! And the Puke Cups.

Yes. and... don't remind me.

With a little luck, maaaaaaaybe an update this week. but sooooooooooo far behind on threads

Ha! I was there. Now mostly (mostly) caught up.

Carol is holding the photo from 1956?

Very nice. Very nice memory. :)

Maybe hopefully someday you'll be back in Anaheim and can make sure you get in there. It's kinda cute and for what it is, very well done.

Hmmm... don't know.
Slight possibility?
 
In a lot of cases, best not to listen to the flack. The older I get, the less people's opinions matter to me. Giving a crap gets lower and lower on the priority list.

Oh I am SO with you, my friend. I could give a not very nice word about what people think at this point in my life. I think that is one of the joys of being at the tail end of my thirties. The experience that comes with time has brought me to a point where I just do not care. Which almost sounds rude, but that's really not the case. I am who I am, and if you like it, that's great, and if you don't, feel free to move along. :thumbsup2
 
E is for: Epic Escapades Everywhere!
With some lovely solo time under her belt (which was all she had under her belt since she’d skipped breakfast) Steppe headed to the front of the park, making sure to check the portcullis of her castle along the way. Nice and sturdy, that’s the way she likes them. (Keeps the riff-raff out.)

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With plenty of time to mosey, dilly-dally, sashay, saunter, or whatever mode you happen to enjoy most, Steppe soaked in the old-timey Joplin and even braved the $ixbucks for a pastry.

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She got the only pastry that was appropriate for Main Street- a chocolate croissant, having shared one with her aunt last time she was there in 2011. Cheers, Cherie! This one’s for you!

What was it like in $ixbucks, you ask? While the staff was efficient, the customers were not. People! It’s coffee, not a custom Ferrari. Is it that freaking difficult to look at the menu and decide what you want BEFORE you get to the cashier? Really? You’ve had 10 minutes standing there with a menu as big as my teenager’s mouth in front of your face; just figure it out. 15 minutes later with a choco pastry and a water, Steppe was bee-bopping back up Main Street in cadence with the ragtime hoping the Trolley Show would pass; it was not to be. She needn’t have despaired; for later in the week she’d be treated to an even better surprise on a trolley.

Most people whine about the walk back up Main Street, but this was no ordinary jaunt along the avenue. For on this morning, Steppe was on her way to meet up with some old friends. No, not old in age- age is merely an attitude. For yes, although she’d only met one very briefly, and the other only a short time once before, she felt like she’d known them forever. Introducing: @pkondz (pkondz) and his daughter, Kay (HI, Kay!), and @franandaj (Alison). They’d pre-arranged this Meet for quite some time and, at long last, it was time to unleash some crazy amounts of fun. The day did not disappoint. Alison, being a local, regular visitor with an AP, was able to make sure we toured most efficiently and, despite the insanely massive crowd, the 4 got in a surprising number of rides. Everyone had a small bucket list of things they wanted to do, and for the most part, each was accommodated.


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Today was not a day to focus on photography, and Steppe pretty much abandoned all attempts given she had some pretty fabulous company beside her to laugh and play with. She did snap a few with her phone, but generally, she simply enjoyed her time together with friends.

@Poolrat - Hey, someone loves you; keep your head about you!

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They all agreed that an indulgence of beignets and mint juleps was in order. Why not? (Please, stop trying to find a valid reason for not splurging on these; there isn’t one.) The line moved very quickly and soon the little group was sitting in the shade goofing off with their deep-fried Mickeys. The powdered sugar exploded off these things more copiously than a teenager sheds his crap on the way to his room… always, ALWAYS landing where you don’t want it to. Mom’s usually have a solution for issues such as this; here was Steppe’s:

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The foursome meandered from Land to Land, doing what they could- given the lines and their whims. The weather was perfect, the company delightful, and the day progressed nicely. They neither dawdled nor rushed, taking Alison’s lead on how best to tour the park. At some point, they stopped for a Dole Whip- because that’s what’s done. Every time.

Don’t you agree we make a pretty good looking trio?

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Before hopping to “the other side” (ie. over to CA), the troupe filled their bellies at The Plaza Inn. They didn’t really have a plan for this meal, but ended up there mostly due to where they were at the time. The wait was minimal, but then again, the group had at least one VERY lucky girl in the mix. (You have no idea…) Steppe got a very small salad, and it turns out, given what dinner was to be, was a very wise choice.

House Salad - Mixed greens, carrots, tomatoes, and choice of dressing. $4.59


Ponzi and Alison split the fried chicken meal and seemed to enjoy it quite a lot. There were leftovers which Alison took home for Fran for her dinner.

Plaza Inn Specialty Chicken - three pieces of chicken, fried to a golden brown, seasoned with distinctive herbs and spices. Served with mashed potatoes, buttermilk biscuit and mixture of vegetables $17.49


Kay ordered the pasta, which she seemed pleased with:

Penne Pasta - topped with Parmesan cheese, served with a breadstick and one of these flavorful sauces: marinara, Bolognese, chicken pesto Alfredo sauce $14.49

The atmosphere is quite nice and there were plenty of laughs and stories shared around the table. Sorry, again, zero food porn, as Steppe was decidedly NOT in Trip Reporting Mode this day. (Please DO stick around though, because Steppe gets her TRing mojo on with Turbo Power after this. You won’t be sorry!)

There were 3 decided highlights of this day for Steppe, as far as things seen or done in the parks were concerned: seeing Carsland for the very first time, our dinner coming up shortly, and World of Color after that. But first, Carsland.


Ummm… wow!


Pretty sure Steppe’s jaw got bruised when it hit the ground. Don’t worry, it was still able to yap nonsense. Alison surprised the group by making sure they entered through the “back way” so they could get a grand vista as their first impression.


Ho.Ly. Crap.

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Disney seriously scored a bullseye on this one. Kudos, to an Imagineering job well done! Don’t ask Steppe where this “back way” was or how to get there. She was merely following along like a sheeple and couldn’t retrace that path even if there was a Dole Whip at the end of the trail.

Duly floored, they rode the racers and geeked out over the incredible detail poured forth into this area. This was one time Steppe did wish she had her DSLR at the ready… ah well… a perfectly great excuse to make sure she visits once again. Is an annual pilgrimage too extravagant? I think not.

The rest of CA was enjoyable for Steppe and Friends, Soarin’ was soared upon, California Screamin’ was screamed on, and Toy Story was mania’d in. Well, mania might have occurred, but Steppe sat that one out, as she needed to make a call back to Kentucky and check up on her Mama. After the call, she wandered a bit and took…. 1… photo.

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Mostly, she just sat in the shade and watched the inevitable late afternoon meltdowns and shook her head at the bad behavior around her. PSA: Know when to pack it home, Folks.


TSMM was the last ride of the day and it was time to enjoy the 2nd big highlight of park time for Steppe. Alison, being a local, had many friends, and one happened to invite us here:

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The 1901 Lounge, set inside of the Carthay but with limited entry, is both cozy yet, sophisticated all at once. No feeling of being ostentatious here, but it was luxurious all the same. The copious amounts of memorabilia and artwork surrounding Walt’s early years accented the walls and added interesting conversation to the over-the-top scrumptious meal that was to follow, which I’ll get to shortly. Your authoress won’t delve into a lengthy review of all things 1901 Lounge as there are many on the interwebs for your perusal, should you care to delve yourself. Suffice to say, this is Steppe’s single favorite place she’s visited in any Disney park, anywhere, ever. If there is ever the fortune of her getting to return, much, MUCH more time could be devoted to enjoying the variety of newspaper articles, and other museum pieces housed there.


Here are the few photos I took of the interior:

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For those who know Steppe a bit better, you know that her own home has many touches of Art Deco, with a smidge of "Mission" and "Arts and Crafts" styles thrown in for kicks and giggles. While Steppe can afford a genuine Tiffany or Lalique about as much as she can afford a new washing machine right now, repros fill the bill. Regardless, the early 20th Century opulence kinda floats her boat. If you were to bestow lavish gifts upon your Royal Highness, Mucha prints do very nicely. Like this one:


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Steppe did not waste time in ordering up her first cocktail. In the most elegant style possible, drinks arrive by cart and some are crafted tableside, including the one Alison ordered. The ice spheres are pressed for some serious wow factor, and it’s the little touches that push this place into the realm of dreamy and posh... yet comfortable. Like the candied violet garnishes.

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Here is a sampling of what was ordered:

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Not shown were some pastry-wrapped hog dogs for the less adventurous (read teenager) of the group. Off to the side in one of the photos, there was also some queso and chips for noshing. No one left hungry. At all. In fact, The Gang of Four over-ordered by a bit, but not to worry! It was all consumed in due time. The remainder was skillfully boxed and Steppe gleefully took these “home” for later nibbling.

There was no rushing over this leisurely dinner. Each ordered another round of drinks, and stuck with the same beverage. PK may have skipped, but I’m positive none of the rest of us did. Isn’t that drink lovely? Way too perfect to….


Oopsies.


How did that happen?


Exactly how it USUALLY happens when Steppe is anywhere within 25 feet of anything that has even the remotest possibility of it causing a 100-year flood all over the table. Oh, don’t worry, she was nice enough to spare the nice duds of her tablemates, but it was close. They still giggled at her; maybe next time she should aim. ;) It wasn’t a total loss though, and Steppe declined to order a new one. The remainder was plenty.

The cute little 1901 cocktail napkins were dispatched, thus effectively wiping out a free souvenir pilfering. Regretful at best. Inward, shame and embarrassment filled Steppe’s heart, but she (probably not so effectively) passed it off coolly while dying a slow death on the inside. The final stake was neatly driven home when the sweet server noticed and cleaned up the table the rest of the way and brought her a brand new drink. (#3 if you're counting) The moral of this story is…. You just can’t take her anywhere.


The night was still young, and there were yet tender moments to be had. Many of you may not know that Steppe adores the music in and around the parks. All of it. She often will find a bench and just sit and listen to the background music. If there is a group playing, she’s that person who stops to listen- Disney never skimps on finding quality groups to perform. Personal faves of our heroine? The Dixieland in NOS, the little band that plays marches on Main Street, the Marching Band (video later in this TR), and especially the Dapper Dans. She could watch them all day long and more. So, it’s not surprising that on the way to watching WoC, Steppe stopped to listen to a little group performing; she’s pretty certain it was Five & Dime. The music was upbeat and fun with a decided Roaring 20’s feel, and it was time to get a bit of her bee-bopping on. Yes, again.

Nope, no photos, sorry; Steppe was busy enjoying herself far too much.

And then it was time for World of Color. If you haven’t seen it yet, you really should. It’s a gorgeous water and projection show, with fantastic music. Steppe would like to inform you that it’s her favorite Nighttime show after MSEP. That may change after she gets to see RoL at some point. Time will tell on that, but for now, WoC is pretty high up there. WAY above Illuminatons, but that’s another rant altogether. I’ll bet you’d like some photos.

Buahahaha!


Sorry.


Nope, she was enjoying herself FAR too much during this one too. There are times when it’s absolutely necessary and preferable to simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. This was one of them.

But here's one from before the show:

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Which is also when something very fun happened.

Steppe is known to strike up random conversations with just about anyone, and since she was a bit early for the show, it seemed appropriate to make a bit of small talk with the couple sitting next to her who was also waiting. After a bit of chit-chat, Steppe learned that the gal also grew up in Hemet and knew a few of her old classmates' siblings. Seriously, SoCal is a BIG place- what were the odds of meeting someone with mutual acquaintances from a place you'd just been back to after 10 or more years the previous day?!


Afterwards, Steppe called it a night and gratefully accepted a ride back with Kay and Ponzi. It had been a full and altogether lovely day of touring, made even better with altogether lovely company. I don’t know about you, Dear Reader, but that’s pretty hard to beat.

********************************************************

Your humble authoress deeply apologizes for the lack of photos to this point. There is a reason. Well, many reasons, but for now, let’s just say that from this point forward that will be rectified. In a big way. LOADS of photos coming your way starting with the next update. Promise.

I also apologize for the slower pace of getting chapters up. Life is a bit overwhelming right now with a crapton of stuff going on. Most of you also read my other thread (link in siggie), so I’m sorry for the redundancy of this brief life update. The biggest thing is that I’m starting Week 2 of Private Pilot’s Ground School and am needing to read and study. Secondly, work has become busier and I’m getting more hours in lately. Which is a good thing since there were several months of absolutely dismal amounts of hours. Lastly, we have our rental property on the market and are having to interface with the realtor quite a lot in addition to having to spend time getting it sale-ready. After that, since we’re doing a Starker Exchange (a 1031) we’ll have to spend time looking for a duplex to purchase (must be done within 45 days), and then fix it up to get renters into it. If that wasn’t enough, we’re getting a couple of kid goats this weekend that’ll have to be bottle fed for a few more weeks, summer is here which means spending time in our yard, and vacations. For all of those reasons, I doubt updates will happen as quickly as I’d like. Hang in there…. still loads to come, though.
 
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I promise I'll get to all of your threads soon! Alas, I've finally gotten my course materials and can study. So that's what I'm gonna do today. But I have tomorrow off and will get caught up around here, including the replies for here. :)
 
It’s coffee, not a custom Ferrari. Is it that freaking difficult to look at the menu and decide what you want BEFORE you get to the cashier? Really?

I have two different coffee orders there. One for hot weather and the other for hot coffee! It's not rocket science!

Everyone had a small bucket list of things they wanted to do, and for the most part, each was accommodated.

I'm so glad it worked out that way. My bucket list was that you all got to see and do what you wanted!

They all agreed that an indulgence of beignets and mint juleps was in order. Why not?

Certainly, when are Mickey Beignets not in order?

Mom’s usually have a solution for issues such as this; here was Steppe’s:

OMG! I was not privy to the view from this angle. I was 90° from the photographer, from my angle it was clearly a Mickey. From the photographer's angle... :eek:

Don’t you agree we make a pretty good looking trio

Someone seems to have a scowl on his face. Maybe because we're making him take a picture and not eat the Dole Whip!

Sorry, again, zero food porn, as Steppe was decidedly NOT in Trip Reporting Mode this day.

I have all the food porn, and have two more bonus F&W updates, plus a surprise before I get to our day.

Alison surprised the group by making sure they entered through the “back way” so they could get a grand vista as their first impression.

When we got to go to the AP Preview for Carsland, that's the way they let is in and I thought it was stunning. I try to do the same for new folks I'm with.

Don’t ask Steppe where this “back way” was or how to get there.

It was from the Pacific Wharf food court area.

Not shown were some pastry-wrapped hog dogs for the less adventurous (read teenager) of the group.

Hey! I like those too!

You just can’t take her anywhere.

:lmao:

Steppe stopped to listen to a little group performing; she’s pretty certain it was Five & Dime.

Yup. That's them.

After that, since we’re doing a Starker Exchange (a 1031) we’ll have to spend time looking for a duplex to purchase (must be done within 45 days), and then fix it up to get renters into it.

Not familiar with Starker Exchange but nine years ago we did a 1031 Tenant in Common exchange. Those kind of 1031 exchanges are no longer legal as so many of them tanked. A duplex sounds like a much more solid investment.
 
New avatar. You look extremely determined.
I would not want to get in your way!

With some lovely solo time under her belt (which was all she had under her belt since she’d skipped breakfast)

Geez, why didn't you say so? I could've stopped somewhere.

Steppe headed to the front of the park, making sure to check the portcullis of her castle along the way. Nice and sturdy, that’s the way she likes them. (Keeps the riff-raff out.)

Doesn't work. I still got in.

With plenty of time to mosey, dilly-dally, sashay, saunter, or whatever mode you happen to enjoy most,

Guess which one I prefer?

Is it that freaking difficult to look at the menu and decide what you want BEFORE you get to the cashier?

Grrr.... Pet peeve of mine.

No, not old in age- age is merely an attitude.

Well, I'm old. You young ladies aren't. But I am.
Want proof? Photos coming up later in this update!

Everyone had a small bucket list of things they wanted to do, and for the most part, each was accommodated.

"For the most part"? Which ones didn't you get to do?

Today was not a day to focus on photography, and Steppe pretty much abandoned all attempts given she had some pretty fabulous company beside her to laugh and play with

Yep. Pretty much did the same.

They all agreed that an indulgence of beignets and mint juleps was in order.

::yes:: And they were darned good, too!


:lmao: I don't remember you doing that!!!


Oy. Three pretty ladies. One old fart who's seen better days.
Here. Let me help you with the cropping.

42adc772-f9be-47c6-a83d-d45fbc9951b9_zpsjcvwhbs8.jpg


Muuuuuuch better. Now you can eat that beignet and keep it down.

At some point, they stopped for a Dole Whip- because that’s what’s done. Every time.

::yes::

Don’t you agree we make a pretty good looking trio?

I agree 66.67%. The two without mustaches are definitely pretty good looking indeed.

Ponzi and Alison split the fried chicken meal and seemed to enjoy it quite a lot.

It was very good!
Definitely not KFC.

Sorry, again, zero food porn, as Steppe was decidedly NOT in Trip Reporting Mode this day.

Totally get that. Nor was I.

But first, Carsland.


Ummm… wow!

Pretty much sums that right up.

Don’t ask Steppe where this “back way” was or how to get there. She was merely following along like a sheeple and couldn’t retrace that path even if there was a Dole Whip at the end of the trail.

:laughing: I'm the same. I was just following along and not really paying attention where we were going.

Is an annual pilgrimage too extravagant? I think not.

Agreed. You should.

Well, mania might have occurred, but Steppe sat that one out, as she needed to make a call back to Kentucky and check up on her Mama.

I remember being very reluctant to go on the ride. I was concerned about you and your Mom.
But the teen was not to be denied.

Mostly, she just sat in the shade and watched the inevitable late afternoon meltdowns and shook her head at the bad behavior around her. PSA: Know when to pack it home, Folks.

:laughing: Did you know Kay and I were counting the number of times we heard children crying?

Suffice to say, this is Steppe’s single favorite place she’s visited in any Disney park, anywhere, ever.

High praise indeed!

While Steppe can afford a genuine Tiffany or Lalique about as much as she can afford a new washing machine right now, repros fill the bill.

What's so expensive about beating clothes on a rock by the river?

The ice spheres are pressed for some serious wow factor

Gotta admit. That was pretty cool.

Not shown were some pastry-wrapped hog dogs for the less adventurous (read teenager) of the group.

I do believe she ate.... practically all of them.
So I ordered more. And she ate those too!

:sad2:

Exactly how it USUALLY happens when Steppe is anywhere within 25 feet of anything that has even the remotest possibility of it causing a 100-year flood all over the table. Oh, don’t worry, she was nice enough to spare the nice duds of her tablemates, but it was close.

Oh, it wasn't that big a deal. No one drowned.


It was close.... but no one did.

The cute little 1901 cocktail napkins were dispatched, thus effectively wiping out a free souvenir pilfering.

Oh! Crap. That's my fault. I grabbed them to sop up the spill. Wish I'd known you wanted them for souvenirs. I would've asked for more.

Inward, shame and embarrassment filled Steppe’s heart, but she (probably not so effectively) passed it off coolly while dying a slow death on the inside.

Oh, don't worry. No harm done and stuff happens. No one minded a little spill.

The final stake was neatly driven home when the sweet server noticed and cleaned up the table the rest of the way and brought her a brand new drink. (#3 if you're counting)

Well you spilled at least half your drink, so it was really only two and a half.

The moral of this story is…. You just can’t take her anywhere.

You were perfectly delightful company.

So, it’s not surprising that on the way to watching WoC, Steppe stopped to listen to a little group performing; she’s pretty certain it was Five & Dime. The music was upbeat and fun with a decided Roaring 20’s feel, and it was time to get a bit of her bee-bopping on. Yes, again.

Good for you!

Nope, no photos, sorry; Steppe was busy enjoying herself far too much.

Good!

Steppe would like to inform you that it’s her favorite Nighttime show after MSEP. That may change after she gets to see RoL at some point. Time will tell on that, but for now, WoC is pretty high up there. WAY below Illuminatons, but that’s another rant altogether.

Wait. You say it's your favourite... but way below Illuminations?

There are times when it’s absolutely necessary and preferable to simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. This was one of them.

::yes::

After a bit of chit-chat, Steppe learned that the gal also grew up in Hemet and knew a few of her old classmates' siblings. Seriously, SoCal is a BIG place- what were the odds of meeting someone with mutual acquaintances from a place you'd just been back to after 10 or more years the previous day?!

:laughing: No way!! (I will not say the words. Not in a Disney park where that ride lives.)

Afterwards, Steppe called it a night and gratefully accepted a ride back with Kay and Ponzi.

Well, we drove you there. Only fair.

Your humble authoress deeply apologizes for the lack of photos to this point.

Don't apologize. Lack of photos means more enjoyment. And after reading, it's pretty apparent that you were enjoying.

I also apologize for the slower pace of getting chapters up. Life is a bit overwhelming right now with a crapton of stuff going on.

No need to apologize there either. Totally get it.

Lastly, we have our rental property on the market and are having to interface with the realtor quite a lot in addition to having to spend time getting it sale-ready.

Know what you mean. Been dealing with MIL's place for a while now.

After that, since we’re doing a Starker Exchange (a 1031) we’ll have to spend time looking for a duplex to purchase (must be done within 45 days), and then fix it up to get renters into it.

Because you're not busy enough. Sure. Makes sense.
(Just teasing. I'm sure you have excellent reasons for doing that.)

If that wasn’t enough, we’re getting a couple of kid goats this weekend that’ll have to be bottle fed for a few more weeks

Yup. Plenty of time. You should get another job and start your own business too!

summer is here which means spending time in our yard, and vacations.

Oh? Where are you guys off to?
(I know about you going to your folks'... but you said "vacations" plural.

For all of those reasons, I doubt updates will happen as quickly as I’d like.

No worries! Sounds like you'll be pretty busy!

Hang in there…. still loads to come, though.

I'll be here! :)
 
My bucket list was that you all got to see and do what you wanted!

I can only speak for myself, but as far as I'm concerned, you can tick that one off the list.

OMG! I was not privy to the view from this angle. I was 90° from the photographer, from my angle it was clearly a Mickey. From the photographer's angle... :eek:

And here I studiously did not go there!
I saw it right away, and... "Nope! Not saying a thing!"

:lmao:

Someone seems to have a scowl on his face. Maybe because we're making him take a picture and not eat the Dole Whip!

Nah. He's just an ugly ol' coot.
 
You all did quite a lot of fun stuff that day at both parks. Glad to read your latest TR about your exciting day. I don't think I talked to pkondz that night when I talked with you and Alison.

Very nice pictures at NOS and the Mickey beignets are good to get. I can never get tired of the Dole Float which is the best dessert at DL.
 

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