Where are we, Jersey? Bye, Phoenicians! An August 2017 TR * NEW DINING/TR LINKS*

[MinnieWebster]

Steve had been trying to bribe Chris into riding RnRC for the first time-

Not as funny as the picture from his first TOT ride, but funny enough! We promised him a $50 PS4 game when we got home, but it was worth it to finally ride this as a family. We didn't have a FP but strangely enough, the SB line was only 30 minutes when we got there and ended up only being 20. His thoughts? Not as bad as he thought it'd be but, no plans to ride it ever again However now the only roller coasters we still have to get him on are EE and Space!

Love his expression!
DH has told me about when he was a kid, his dad bribed him with a Coke to ride one of the coasters...I think it was Space. That was almost 20 years ago! Bribes have become more expensive with time DH now loves all of the coasters at Disney. And TOT is one of his favorites

 

[heathsf]

Ricky tore his ACL last weekend in his football game and has to have surgery.

Oh no! How awful, I'm so sorry to hear this. He must be devastated.

He said once you become part of the RCK basketball family you're ALWAYS a part of the family, and they all need to help Ricky through this and support him while he rehabs after surgery as it won't be easy. I'm tearing up again writing this!

What a great coach. In a crappy situation like this, I hope there's some solace in having such a great support system for Ricky.

He did come back with a banana every morning so figuring our discount, if you price each banana at say, $300, he ate his $$'s worth in CL foods

Steve was able to get in the lounge AND our room, imagine that!

No way!!!!!!!

Verdict: neither was impressed and both wished it were bigger.

which you've seen if you're friends with me on FB

How do I find you on FB?

I love how dominating and foreboding the music is and how you can hear/feel it from almost anywhere in the park.

That's really a perfect way to describe it. I felt the exact same way.

We got stuck in OZ for about 10 minutes and I totally didn't mind this time.

Awww.... glad you got some extra GMR time in!

 

[ariane37]

Hey all! I seem to have lost my place with whom I've quoted and where I stopped, so if I'm double quoting you I'm sorry and if I miss you twice, I'm also sorry

Chris's face is priceless on RrC, so funny! It looks like he is thinking Holy S***! Ha ha!

That's exactly how he looks! We were dying when we saw the picture!

Sounds like his coach is AMAZING!!!! So glad to hear that they are being supportive.

Both his varsity coach and the weight room coach, who has been one of his PE teachers since 7th grade, are being better than I ever imagined as are his friends and teammates. The football coach not so much but I don't really care since he's never playing football again!

I am glad we aren't the only ones to bribe there kids to go on a ride. Not glad to hear that it get more $$$ the older they get!

Oh yeah, unfortunately the bribes get bigger and more expensive. However the time does come where you can just tell them you don't care if they do it or not! I think the last time we bribed Ricky he was 12, and then we just started saying ok don't do it, we'll meet you here lol

Spoiler Alert: I didn't drink a single Shofferhofer our whole trip!?! But oh so good!

What?! Well I've had a trip or two where I end up not have a grey goose slush and I don't even realize it until the trip is just about over, but I've always had enough other adult beverages to make up for it

Good coach. Good for Ricky. Surgery sooner is definitely better...even with a brace, he could do a lot more damage to it and build up scar tissue which would make the surgery potentially less effective.

True on all of that. The second surgeon we saw was pretty adamant that he not play on it before surgery whereas the first surgeon was kind of like, "eh, if you want to you can, although you may damage it more", and I'm happier with the second surgeon's stance.

Yeah, the one thing about WL that I wish were different. Compared to other resort slides, this one is lame.

It IS lame, although better than not having one! Ricky's pretty much outgrown pool sides anyway but Chris still likes them. Not even sure which ones he'd like since he never wanted to use the one at Stormalong Bay, but maybe AKL

I would have expected a gutter moment more there

Ew!! Seriously though yeah that was a perfect spot to hit the gutter

Cool shirt and cool friend for doing that. I remember when you first got them and thought what a wonderful person @Whit64130 must be.

She is a VERY cool friend and definitely a wonderful person! Wishing she lived closer to me

Funny picture. You and Steve - Woo hoo! Ricky - Meh. Chris - Oh crap, why did I agree to this?

lmao you hit that on the head! I always tell Ricky to try animating his face more when he knows ride photos are being taken!

Now, I want to see the ToT picture. Is that in one of your other TRs?

You know, I can't remember if I posted it in my TR from last Nov., but even if I did it won't be there now because of stupid photobucket. But I'll try finding it and posting it again in my next update!

Premature e-post-ulation. You know there's treatment programs for that?

I wish I thought of that!

I get like that too. I think that's part of why I like WDW as a vacation destination so much…I can only sit around so much.

I know many don't feel this way but I'm not, like, a beach vacation person. First I don't like beaches lol, and second I can't just CHILL on vacation. I can do that for like a day but I need to DO things on vacation! Sightseeing, things like that, so that's exactly why Disney is a great fit for me

What's that?? I've never seen it!

Some of the "new" interactive stuff at RnRc! Similar to what they now have at HM and IASW (although we've never gotten anything personalized there) and EE. So cool!

First off, I'm so happy to hear about Ricky's basketball coach and his reassurance and support. Anxious to hear about how Monday's appointment goes, and I'll be crossing my fingers for it!

Appt. went great! Well, other than the fact that he still has a torn ACL, but we really like the surgeon and are more than comfortable with him doing the surgery. It'll be down in Westchester since that's where the Dr. primarily practices and has hospital privileges, at Westchester Medical Center - which I'm only mentioning to you since you know NY

Ahh, Ariane, your word choice never disappoints.

I do try my best, it's stressful lol

Nope, not a better person than you

So glad I'm in good company

I honestly can still hardly look at pictures. My stomach just totally turns. I think I get more sad about it with time. I rode GMR at least 5 times each trip, and it just doesn't feel the same visiting DHS without it.

I am not looking forward to seeing the empty building next month, I know I'll cry. And I know the first time I ride the new coaster I'll be trying to figure out where all parts of GMR were............

Oh no so sorry about Ricky's ACL super bummer. But after doing xrays for 30+ yrs. I can tell ya modern medical technology has advanced so much his recup time should be much easier.

That's very good to hear

 

[ariane37]

What?!?!?!

Yup, no A/C in our schools! We'd really only need them in part of Sept. and June (and well, this week in Oct. ) so I guess they don't want the cost..................crazy, I know! Occasionally in June the kids will get out early if it hits a certain temp, because they can't serve lunch if the kitchen gets above a certain temp.

Ohhh he looks fun. Nick and I are going to have to check out the Boardwalk at night!

You are there NOW and I hope you both get to check out the BW! Happy Anniversary!!!!

I've been reading along and never commented. However, I wanted to send my thoughts to your son! I can't imagine what the kid is going through.

First, to my report, I'm so very glad to have you along and I hope you're enjoying it! Second, thank you for your thoughts. There's nothing else to say except that it SUCKS big time and it breaks my heart more every time I start to seriously think about it I will say at this point he's handling it better than I am! And luckily he's in like, almost zero pain. If you didn't now what happened you wouldn't know anything was wrong, but I guess that's the nature of an ACL tear...........the hard part is still to come but he's a fighter and strong, and he's determined to come back stronger and better than he was and I have no doubt he'll succeed

No, Whitney @Whit64130 does NOT have a shop. However someone we know keeps telling her she should open one.........

And that someone will continue to tell you to open one lol

This is absolutely the best pic ever! Chris is hilarious!

Yeah, hilarious isn't the word I use most of the time when thinking of an adjective for his behavior

I'll be thinking of you tomorrow and am hoping for the very best as you meet with Ricky's surgeon.

The meeting went very well and we're happy with the decisions we've made; I'll update soon!

Clearly I live in the gutter with you

Isn't that where we met?

Casey is finally tall enough for it and says she wants to try it when we go next (which she has no idea is about a month away)

I can't wait to hear her reaction when you finally tell her!

We're headed to Hershey park in 2 weeks so we'll try her out on their looping coaster first. Its much tamer than RR.

OOh have fun We haven't been there in years but I've been wanting to go back! It's only like 2.5 hours from us.

DH has told me about when he was a kid, his dad bribed him with a Coke to ride one of the coasters...

Man I wish we could get away with simply offering our kids a soda as a bribe lol!

Oh no! How awful, I'm so sorry to hear this. He must be devastated.

Thank you, he was devastated and deflated when we got the news. Not a good day at all! Luckily within minutes of finding out and texting the coach he was told to go meet with him which eased it a bit, and then within a few hours he'd had a wonderful talk with the coach and felt tons better. Still upsetting and very hard to swallow with a difficult road ahead, but we're dealing with it ok. Him better than me! As I'm sure you're finding out, pretty much the worst thing as a parent is seeing your kids hurting and knowing there's nothing you can do about it

What a great coach. In a crappy situation like this, I hope there's some solace in having such a great support system for Ricky.

Definitely. I truly believe the coach, as well as Ricky's teammates and friends, have all made a HUGE difference in how he's handling this so far.

How do I find you on FB?

Ariane Costa DeVizio. Friend Me!

 

[Tracy161]

Appt. went great! Well, other than the fact that he still has a torn ACL, but we really like the surgeon and are more than comfortable with him doing the surgery. It'll be down in Westchester since that's where the Dr. primarily practices and has hospital privileges, at Westchester Medical Center - which I'm only mentioning to you since you know NY

I'm so glad to hear the appointment went well. Just to have this all underway must feel like you're making progress at least. Yup, I sure do - and I'll be sending good vibes from not-so-far-away for a successful surgery and speedy recovery

I do try my best, it's stressful lol

It might be stressful, but you're rockin' it!

So glad I'm in good company

I am not looking forward to seeing the empty building next month, I know I'll cry. And I know the first time I ride the new coaster I'll be trying to figure out where all parts of GMR were............

I know! And I'm sure the poor new ride just doesn't stand a chance of me liking it.

 

[amalone1013]

I'm all behind!

I think the new film is beautiful, even when it's bent

Haha, I don't understand why they did that... I never saw the old film, but I really enjoy this one. The scents weren't working on some of our rides last month though.

Normally I go with the very smooth Avocado margarita

I had one... it was delicious! Except I kept giving myself brain freezes

The best part of the meal by far for Chris was a return of the end-of-meal hot towel:

I love Chris and his love of the hot towel.

His fear and first thought when the Dr. said torn ACL was that his HS basketball career was over and his coach made him feel so much more confident that he doesn't need to worry about that now, which of course made me feel better.

Poor Ricky! What an awesome coach. I know that I would have no idea what to say to my child in such a situation, especially with my lack of sports participation. So cool that he has been so involved and caring.

Oh, we had a wonderful surprise in the morning-our MB's were working Steve was able to get in the lounge AND our room, imagine that! So I'm glad I didn't expend too much energy being angry over it because luckily, unlike our yucky 2015 BW experience, this one resolved itself to our liking fairly quickly and we still got the $100 credit.

It just seems crazy to me that it took so long to get that figured out.

I was terrified of roller coasters at his age. I rode one and didn't ride any again until college. I still can't do some of them - I could only handle one time on Rip Ride Rockit and Hulk at USO.

After dinner it was time to ride the Great Movie Ride for our 2nd to last time T

Noooooo..... I was so upset that they closed this so quickly after the announcement.

 

[ariane37]

Hey guys, long time no............I haven't been here. I've been busy as we all have and happily it hasn't all been yucky. Last Sunday we went to see "A Bronx Tale" on Broadway which was Steve's bday gift





It was really good and also the boys' first Broadway show. Steve is from the Bronx and enjoys going back there but does not enjoy going into Manhattan and it's hard for me to get him to go. Buying him tickets to a show without his knowledge and getting the kids excited beforehand is pretty much the only way to do it! We all had fun though. Before the show we went here, which should be no surprise to anyone:



Times Square Disney Store! It's multiple levels and there was lots of cute stuff, but I didn't want to be carrying big bags into the theater. I did buy a neat NY Disney shirt which I forgot to take a picture of. It's in the laundry now but I'll add a picture later Some other cute NY-themed merchandise:



Statue of Liberty Minnie!


The following day after school we went to see another surgeon for Ricky's ACL. We liked him and he'll be doing Ricky's surgery on 11/10, 2 days after Steve and I return from our Food & Wine trip. Until then Ricky has p/t 3x a week; it's extremely important that both his legs are as strong as possible prior to the surgery, this will help him with his rehab and hopefully make it a little less long. His coach is still completely awesome and didn't flinch last night at Parent's Night when I again thanked him and cried like a baby lol. Instead he hugged me and went on and on about Ricky and how he'll do whatever it takes to keep him in the program, and even though he has to sit this year out he feels Ricky will learn a lot following the Varsity team this year and be stronger when he returns to the Varsity team next year. It truly made my heart happy and hearing it all in person has taken a bit of a load off my mind.
​

When I left off actually talking about our DISNEY trip, we'd come off our almost last ride on GMR. Next up was something we hadn't done in a couple years:



I believe it was the 5:45ish show. I know it's been around forever but since we hadn't seen it for awhile it was cool to watch and it held the boys interest.
Finally it was time for our 3rd FP:



Guess where, guess where???? I love the TOT gardens but I can never quite get a decent shot of the eerie yet beautiful statues. Only Ricky and I were riding as Chris had had his fill of "thrill" rides earlier with his first ride on RnRc



Notice Ricky's thrilled look. I disrupted his usual "I'm not interested" ride look when I attempted to point out the fact that you could see the Slinky Dog Coaster from the top of TOT! It was really neat!!!! We got to ride twice using Steve and Chris's MB's.
While we were on TOT Steve took Chris to the 6:30 Pixar Live show. I'd read reviews; I didn't tell Steve I though Chris would hate it and I'm glad I didn't because they both loved it! Chris kept saying he wanted Ricky and I to see it but unfortunately we weren't able to fit it in at all during the trip.

After that we met up I wanted to search for my GMR AP limited edition shirt that so far had eluded me. We walked in every shop down Sunset Blvd. to no avail. We then went in every store up and down Hollywood Blvd and in the big one whose name I can't remember and am too lazy to look up, I found the non-AP one. I would have gotten it except they only had one size left and it was far from my size, UGH! I had decided I REALLY wanted this. The CM there said that on Thurs., which was two days away, there would be lots of inventory available on the Shop Parks app.
After unsuccessfully shopping we all decided we were hungry. We were waiting around for the evening shows so we weren't going anywhere. I honestly can't remember what the guys got but we separated; I know I went to Oasis Canteen and got me some funnel cake! Of which I have no picture. I love funnel cake and I always say I'm going to get some in Disney but I never do, mainly because there's so much other good stuff to eat there. But tonight it was the perfect snack. I took it to a covered table right outside Oasis Canteen and texted Steve to meet me while I dug in.
Unfortunately the couple sitting at the table next to me were smoking In a NON-SMOKING AREA. Imagine that! I used to smoke and I smoked plenty, so I don't have a complete hatred of people who smoke or anything like that. But now that's it's been almost 16 years since I last had a cigarette, the smell of it (especially when I'm eating) isn't pleasant to me. I made faces at them and noised like "eck" "UH" but they didn't put them out lol, so I moved.

As much as I don't like waiting around for evening shows, especially when we have to stand, we now headed over to the front of the chinese theater to get a decent spot for the new-ish show, Disney Movie Magic. While waiting we noticed the CM on guard next to us had a GMR uniform on - she was making sure nobody blocked the walkway or stood in the area reserved for people at the SW dessert party to watch that show. Somehow we struck up a conversation with her, her name was Courtney and she'd been working at GMR for just over a year as both a ride CM and a performer in the gangster role. It was Tuesday; she was going home for a visit in the morning but coming back on Friday in order to work the last two days the ride would be in operation. That led to me asking questions of her such as the following:
ME: You must be sad about it closing (duh)
HER: OMG yes, I don't know how I'll make it through my shift on Sunday. Tons of former GMR CM's are coming in this weekend just to ride it again.
ME: Did you guys have any idea prior to D23 that it would be closing?
HER: Well we had an inkling it would be soon but had no idea it would be THIS soon. It was really pretty much a total shock. I still can't believe it's really closing..........
So here I start telling her how I fell in love with the park and the Old Hollywood theme of MGM, which I won't recount for you since I've done that here before. She started telling me about her first visit years ago when it was MGM and also loving that vibe (although she's about 20 or so years younger than me). I tell her there are MANY, MANY people who are angry and saddened that GMR is going away, that many have great nostalgia for the ride and are mourning the loss of the overall theme of the park even though we know things have to change and they'll be great blah, blah, blah. My kids are rolling their eyes at me and poor Courtney starts crying, I felt horrible! She's saying how happy she is to hear guests have so much love for GMR but I start apologizing for making her cry. Then she hugs me and since I can't leave well enough alone I then ask her how they all found out about the closing.
HER: Everyone working the day of D23 was watching the convention on screens in the break room. Shortly before the announcement we were called to another room where they broke the news to us; so we pretty much found out in real time. It was horrible, most of us were bawling and then had to go right back to work. Even management was crying as they found out about 20 minutes before us.

You are welcome for that behind the scenes info. on how Disney makes their employees sad. And me sad. Happy to have had that conversation with Courtney but once again, sad about the change that was a-comin'.

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST

 

[ariane37]

CONTINUED FROM LAST POST

Disclaimer, I did not proofread that last post so if I messed anything up, sorry!
​

Soon Disney Movie Magic started and I have to say, while not big on projection shows I think this is my favorite because - say it with me - it has that "Old Hollywood" feel:




I had pictures of some of the older films shown but they didn't come out well. We all enjoyed this and then kept our spots for the SW show. We were mainly seeing this for Ricky since he's recently watched some of the movies for the first time, although I was a little excited for it since I'd never seen it.
I know warn you to stop reading if you're a SW fan, as I know many of you are.

None of us really liked it. I want fireworks and there are hardly any, making me miss the first SW show they did a year or so ago more. Now that was great! Even Ricky didn't like it. With a couple minutes left we turned and walked away with the intent of getting to the bus stop before the crowd, but as soon as we hit the corner of Hollywood Blvd. some fireworks started so we turned to watch. They were decent, there just weren't enough. Sorry friends! But now I can say I've seen it.
Our wait for a WL bus wasn't bad. Once back at the resort the lounge was closed so no evening cobbler for me, we had to make do with the turndown chocolate left on our bed!! This was such a nice day between relaxing in the morning at the pool and our time at HS, I was looking forward to hopefully more lounge time the next day as well as 2 new to us Disney thangs!

Have a great weekend guys!
​

UP NEXT: BYE, PHOENICIANS!

 

[suse66]

Sounds like an awesome day at the Studios! I am so glad Chris and Steve loved Music of Pixar Live......that was one of my favourite experiences from my trip! How fun to ride ToT twice in a row and fab expressions during the pics. You have to love teenagers! You know, I've never had a funnel cake at HS. How are they? Did you have strawberries and whipped cream on yours too? What is it with people smoking where they should not? I would have had to say something to them.....typically I am the super polite Canadian but smoking makes me crazy, especially in an eating area. You handled it much better than I would have.

Sounds like you had a wonderful day in NYC! I love it there but have only been once for our 10 year anniversary back in 2009. How was the show? And so fun to go to the Times Square Disney Store!

Happy long weekend! It is Thanksgiving here so I am off to prep for dinner tomorrow. I am making 4 pumpkin pies! (one each for the twins and the other two for the rest of us, lol!)

 

[buzzrelly]

Times Square Disney Store! It's multiple levels and there was lots of cute stuff, but I didn't want to be carrying big bags into the theater. I did buy a neat NY Disney shirt which I forgot to take a picture of. It's in the laundry now but I'll add a picture later Some other cute NY-themed merchandise:

So fun! You can't go to Times Square and NOT go here!

We liked him and he'll be doing Ricky's surgery on 11/10, 2 days after Steve and I return from our Food & Wine trip. Until then Ricky has p/t 3x a week; it's extremely important that both his legs are as strong as possible prior to the surgery, this will help him with his rehab and hopefully make it a little less long. His coach is still completely awesome and didn't flinch last night at Parent's Night when I again thanked him and cried like a baby lol. Instead he hugged me and went on and on about Ricky and how he'll do whatever it takes to keep him in the program

Happy you have a plan now, and hopefully he'll soon be on his way to recovery and back on the court And what a fantastic coach! So sweet of him

I disrupted his usual "I'm not interested" ride look when I attempted to point out the fact that you could see the Slinky Dog Coaster from the top of TOT! It was really neat!!!!

I was wondering what you were pointing at! That's cool!

Unfortunately the couple sitting at the table next to me were smoking In a NON-SMOKING AREA. Imagine that! I used to smoke and I smoked plenty, so I don't have a complete hatred of people who smoke or anything like that. But now that's it's been almost 16 years since I last had a cigarette, the smell of it (especially when I'm eating) isn't pleasant to me. I made faces at them and noised like "eck" "UH" but they didn't put them out lol, so I moved.

Yuck! They're going to spoil it for the people who actually follow the rules and smoke where they're supposed to. I'm actually surprised that they still even allow smoking in the parks…and this is coming from a former smoker, as well. When I started my first full time job at a credit union, we used to smoke in the office…we actually had ash trays on our desks That was in 1988, though. It's 2017 and here in CT, there is no smoking in public places anymore. I'm surprised WDW hasn't gone that route.

ME: You must be sad about it closing (duh)
HER: OMG yes, I don't know how I'll make it through my shift on Sunday. Tons of former GMR CM's are coming in this weekend just to ride it again.
ME: Did you guys have any idea prior to D23 that it would be closing?
HER: Well we had an inkling it would be soon but had no idea it would be THIS soon. It was really pretty much a total shock. I still can't believe it's really closing..........
So here I start telling her how I fell in love with the park and the Old Hollywood theme of MGM, which I won't recount for you since I've done that here before. She started telling me about her first visit years ago when it was MGM and also loving that vibe (although she's about 20 or so years younger than me). I tell her there are MANY, MANY people who are angry and saddened that GMR is going away, that many have great nostalgia for the ride and are mourning the loss of the overall theme of the park even though we know things have to change and they'll be great blah, blah, blah. My kids are rolling their eyes at me and poor Courtney starts crying, I felt horrible! She's saying how happy she is to hear guests have so much love for GMR but I start apologizing for making her cry. Then she hugs me and since I can't leave well enough alone I then ask her how they all found out about the closing.
HER: Everyone working the day of D23 was watching the convention on screens in the break room. Shortly before the announcement we were called to another room where they broke the news to us; so we pretty much found out in real time. It was horrible, most of us were bawling and then had to go right back to work. Even management was crying as they found out about 20 minutes before us.

Oh my gosh, the poor girl I'm sure she likes having people ask her about her experience though. What an awful way for them all to find out!

None of us really liked it. I want fireworks and there are hardly any, making me miss the first SW show they did a year or so ago more. Now that was great! Even Ricky didn't like it. With a couple minutes left we turned and walked away with the intent of getting to the bus stop before the crowd, but as soon as we hit the corner of Hollywood Blvd. some fireworks started so we turned to watch. They were decent, there just weren't enough. Sorry friends! But now I can say I've seen it.

This is a bummer! I've only seen the old SW fireworks once (April 2016), and we were blown away! I had never seen anything so good! I'm a little apprehensive now, though I have us booked for the SWDP on 11/2. Mike is a huge SW fan, so hopefully we'll like it

 

[kastoney]

It was really good and also the boys' first Broadway show. Steve is from the Bronx and enjoys going back there but does not enjoy going into Manhattan and it's hard for me to get him to go. Buying him tickets to a show without his knowledge and getting the kids excited beforehand is pretty much the only way to do it! We all had fun though.

Glad that all your conniving paid off and the boys enjoyed

The following day after school we went to see another surgeon for Ricky's ACL. We liked him and he'll be doing Ricky's surgery on 11/10, 2 days after Steve and I return from our Food & Wine trip.

I'm sure its a big relief for you to get this scheduled!!!! So awesome that you all are getting so much support from his coach. I know all will go well!

I believe it was the 5:45ish show. I know it's been around forever but since we hadn't seen it for awhile it was cool to watch and it held the boys interest.

Wow, that is a throwback there. I'm guessing I may have been a teenager last time I saw this show. With GMR closed we'll have to introduce Casey to this.

Notice Ricky's thrilled look. I disrupted his usual "I'm not interested" ride look when I attempted to point out the fact that you could see the Slinky Dog Coaster from the top of TOT! It was really neat!!!!

I was wondering what in the heck you were doing. I thought you were doing some sort of strange move from Cats.

As much as I don't like waiting around for evening shows, especially when we have to stand, we now headed over to the front of the chinese theater to get a decent spot for the new-ish show, Disney Movie Magic.

This must be newish as I have never even heard of it!!!!! Is it just the movie projections on the theater?

She's saying how happy she is to hear guests have so much love for GMR but I start apologizing for making her cry. Then she hugs me and since I can't leave well enough alone I then ask her how they all found out about the closing.

What a great interaction, even if you did make the poor girl cry. So sad they didn't even tell the cast members ahead of time though. Still haven't even wrapped my head around the fact that its gone. As you said there must be progress, but you'd think they could just build something new rather than unraveling what already existed.

None of us really liked it. I want fireworks and there are hardly any, making me miss the first SW show they did a year or so ago more.

Good to hear, I think we'll be sure to skip it. We liked the old SW fireworks, but hadn't seen the new show yet

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

It must be good to have a date for Ricky's surgery. Now time to wait.

I didn't realize they changed the Star Wars show. We loved the one that I am assuming you liked. It was amazing! I want to check out the projection show before next time!

 

[Raeven]

Times Square Disney Store! It's multiple levels and there was lots of cute stuff, but I didn't want to be carrying big bags into the theater.

We went last year, and I was disappointed they didn't have a ton of stuff for adults.

Notice Ricky's thrilled look. I disrupted his usual "I'm not interested" ride look when I attempted to point out the fact that you could see the Slinky Dog Coaster from the top of TOT!

You look so excited

I made faces at them and noised like "eck" "UH" but they didn't put them out lol, so I moved.

Gross!

HER: Well we had an inkling it would be soon but had no idea it would be THIS soon. It was really pretty much a total shock. I still can't believe it's really closing..........

That's how I felt too, I knew it was coming, but didn't think it would be before we went again.

Everyone working the day of D23 was watching the convention on screens in the break room. Shortly before the announcement we were called to another room where they broke the news to us; so we pretty much found out in real time. It was horrible, most of us were bawling and then had to go right back to work. Even management was crying as they found out about 20 minutes before us.

That's so incredibly sad.

None of us really liked it. I want fireworks and there are hardly any, making me miss the first SW show they did a year or so ago more. Now that was great!

You know I didn't really like it. I wish we could've seen the old one that did look cool.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Last Sunday we went to see "A Bronx Tale" on Broadway which was Steve's bday gift

That's a great birthday gift. It looks like Chris enjoyed himself, too.

Statue of Liberty Minnie!

That Minnie is adorable. We have Chicago themed Disney stuff at our store in downtown Chicago. But nothing as cute as this one.

His coach is still completely awesome

Ricky is really lucky to have a coach like this. It must make you feel better to know that Ricky isn't going to be kicked off the team because of his injury.

Steve took Chris to the 6:30 Pixar Live show. I'd read reviews; I didn't tell Steve I though Chris would hate it and I'm glad I didn't because they both loved it!

We enjoyed this show. Do you have plans to see it in November?

Soon Disney Movie Magic started and I have to say, while not big on projection shows I think this is my favorite because - say it with me - it has that "Old Hollywood" feel:

I loved seeing the old movie film clips. It was nice to have two shows back to back in the same spot, too. It helped to pass the time.

know warn you to stop reading if you're a SW fan, as I know many of you are.

We are Star Wars fans and I really liked it. I had heard that the fireworks were nothing special so I was prepared for that. Dana wasn't too impressed, though.

 

[Lesley Wake]

Only Ricky and I were riding as Chris had had his fill of "thrill" rides earlier with his first ride on RnRc

Haha! Poor kid! Though I found Tower of Terror to not be too bad, especially compared to RnRC and now the Guardians version at DCA!

While we were on TOT Steve took Chris to the 6:30 Pixar Live show. I'd read reviews; I didn't tell Steve I though Chris would hate it and I'm glad I didn't because they both loved it!

That's cool! It seemed interesting and I wonder if they'll bring it back next year.

Unfortunately the couple sitting at the table next to me were smoking In a NON-SMOKING AREA. Imagine that! I used to smoke and I smoked plenty, so I don't have a complete hatred of people who smoke or anything like that. But now that's it's been almost 16 years since I last had a cigarette, the smell of it (especially when I'm eating) isn't pleasant to me. I made faces at them and noised like "eck" "UH" but they didn't put them out lol, so I moved.

Argh-that just makes me mad! Once at DL I was enjoying a Dole Whip and a couple on the next bench started smoking (also non-smoking area). Within about 30 seconds a CM came up and told them to stop . When I was walking away I made a point of thanking that CM (and the guests who I realized had alerted him to the smokers).

Everyone working the day of D23 was watching the convention on screens in the break room. Shortly before the announcement we were called to another room where they broke the news to us; so we pretty much found out in real time. It was horrible, most of us were bawling and then had to go right back to work. Even management was crying as they found out about 20 minutes before us.

Aww-that is a sucky way to find out! I have a friend working a Build a Bear at Downtown Disney who found out her store was closing via a Disney blog post and she would be out of a job in a month! Thankfully they extended the closing date so she has a job until the end of the year!

Soon Disney Movie Magic started and I have to say, while not big on projection shows I think this is my favorite because - say it with me - it has that "Old Hollywood" feel:

We didn't get to see it (were doing the SWAGS dessert party). I do like the look of the Mary Poppins chimney scenes!

None of us really liked it. I want fireworks and there are hardly any, making me miss the first SW show they did a year or so ago more. Now that was great! Even Ricky didn't like it.

Yeah, I am a huge SW fan and just thought it was OK. My sister and her boyfriend got to see the previous version so she definitely didn't like it as much!

 

[Neverland_Girl]

It was really good and also the boys' first Broadway show. Steve is from the Bronx and enjoys going back there but does not enjoy going into Manhattan and it's hard for me to get him to go. Buying him tickets to a show without his knowledge and getting the kids excited beforehand is pretty much the only way to do it!

I'll have to remember this for when I'm married

Notice Ricky's thrilled look. I disrupted his usual "I'm not interested" ride look when I attempted to point out the fact that you could see the Slinky Dog Coaster from the top of TOT! I

It looks like the girl next to Ricky is doing the same thing

As much as I don't like waiting around for evening shows, especially when we have to stand, we now headed over to the front of the chinese theater to get a decent spot for the new-ish show, Disney Movie Magic. While waiting we noticed the CM on guard next to us had a GMR uniform on - she was making sure nobody blocked the walkway or stood in the area reserved for people at the SW dessert party to watch that show. Somehow we struck up a conversation with her, her name was Courtney and she'd been working at GMR for just over a year as both a ride CM and a performer in the gangster role. It was Tuesday; she was going home for a visit in the morning but coming back on Friday in order to work the last two days the ride would be in operation. That led to me asking questions of her such as the following:
ME: You must be sad about it closing (duh)
HER: OMG yes, I don't know how I'll make it through my shift on Sunday. Tons of former GMR CM's are coming in this weekend just to ride it again.
ME: Did you guys have any idea prior to D23 that it would be closing?
HER: Well we had an inkling it would be soon but had no idea it would be THIS soon. It was really pretty much a total shock. I still can't believe it's really closing..........
So here I start telling her how I fell in love with the park and the Old Hollywood theme of MGM, which I won't recount for you since I've done that here before. She started telling me about her first visit years ago when it was MGM and also loving that vibe (although she's about 20 or so years younger than me). I tell her there are MANY, MANY people who are angry and saddened that GMR is going away, that many have great nostalgia for the ride and are mourning the loss of the overall theme of the park even though we know things have to change and they'll be great blah, blah, blah. My kids are rolling their eyes at me and poor Courtney starts crying, I felt horrible! She's saying how happy she is to hear guests have so much love for GMR but I start apologizing for making her cry. Then she hugs me and since I can't leave well enough alone I then ask her how they all found out about the closing.
HER: Everyone working the day of D23 was watching the convention on screens in the break room. Shortly before the announcement we were called to another room where they broke the news to us; so we pretty much found out in real time. It was horrible, most of us were bawling and then had to go right back to work. Even management was crying as they found out about 20 minutes before us.

So much GMR sadness! I watched some of the videos of the last day when the CMs took their final bow and I definitely got a little teary.

 

[ArielSRL]

FYI for those of you in the south: our schools don't have A/C

Oh my...

Were they always there? Anyone?

Someone probably answered this but from what’s I’ve read, they were there but got removed during construction, only to return. It was after our trip that they returned so we will look forward to seeing them in June!

Spoiler alert, that solar relief gel comes in handy later in the week and it's not for sunburn!

I’m intrigued.

Again she apologized and gave us $100 off our bill as well as pulling another key out of somewhere

Nice! Glad you were insistent.

This brought out Chris's attitude so he decided he didn't want to sit with us on the boat:

I am laughing so hard at this!

It was 5:20 when we finally walked off the monorail at Epcot; needless to say we took the bus to Epcot the rest of the trip!

Oh goodness. One and done.

the solar gel,

We had this in the villas along with the lotion, body was, shampoo, and conditioner and soaps.

 

[ArielSRL]

I wasn't a fan of the old Soarin' at all; it made me extremely nauseous and I had to keep my eyes closed the entire time. I didn't have high hopes for new Soarin' but to my surprise and delight I handle it much, much better and know I enjoy it. I think the new film is beautiful, even when it's bent

That’s funny bc DH has never done the older version but mentioned this one “got him”. I think it’s milder though. I made sure to request row b1 so no bent images for me.

Mexico pavilion at La Cava Del Tequila.

There wasn’t much of a line, if any, for the bar, when we were there, but there was for seating.

In the end I decided to try the PINEAPPLE MARGARITA: 100% Agave Tequila Reposado, ginger liqueur, caramelized pineapple nectar, fresh lime juice and gave nectar, served on the rocks:

Is this new? I’m not sure I remember it. I think I would’ve gotten it, if so.

Soon we were at the Beach Club and checking in for our dinner at Cape May Cafe.

Here is my dilemma....we loved breakfast in 2016, but seafood and crab legs are my thing so it may have to be dinner next. Chad seems to agree with dinner. Yep, he now has opinions.....oops.

The best part of the meal by far for Chris was a return of the end-of-meal hot towel:

He is just way too entertaining!

Ricky won a basketball and was nice enough to let Chris pick it out and have it. Then we got to yell at Chris repeatedly to stop dribbling it in everone's path along the BW.

We were there when Illuminations started:

Nice!

So, how did we get from BC to WL?

WHEE! This time we got an ACTUAL Minnie Van!!!

Love it!

I was very happy to find something Kari @kastoney had told me to look for:

I love me some cobbler.

Speaking of CL things we liked, when we returned that night our keys still weren't working. We did not like this, no we did not. While Steve and I were hanging in the lounge we asked the CM there what the heck was going on and he apologized, tried linking our bands again, but of course couldn't

This is so not good. WL dropping the ball.

 

[ArielSRL]

Hey all, some of you saw this on my dining report so you can skip it here. I'm sorry about the lack of updates but the last week has been a bit rough. Ricky tore his ACL last weekend in his football game and has to have surgery. He won't be playing basketball, his true passion, this season and it's killing him, and every time I look at him my heart breaks. Luckily his coach is being extremely supportive and has guaranteed him a spot on Varsity next year, and he'll also be part of the team this year even though he won't be playing. I'll go into a bit more detail and I promise another update asap, just haven't been feelin' it lately. Thanks all for being patient, I promise I'll see ya real soon ​

Oh no. This is the first I’ve heard of how serious it is. Makes me very worried about Will one day (AJ has already vetoed football). Hoping for a speedy recovery.

 

[ArielSRL]

He did come back with a banana every morning so figuring our discount, if you price each banana at say, $300, he ate his $$'s worth in CL foods

Oh, we had a wonderful surprise in the morning-our MB's were working Steve was able to get in the lounge AND our room, imagine that! So I'm glad I didn't expend too much energy being angry over it because luckily, unlike our yucky 2015 BW experience, this one resolved itself to our liking fairly quickly and we still got the $100 credit.

Nice!

I don't have a specific time down but I believe we were out to the pool by like, 9:30? This time Ricky went in:

My boys all loved the pool.

They contemplated trying the slide:

This was AJ’s First big slide. He loved it!

Ooh, just rereading that sentence. Is it wrong that I feel dirty writing it in relation to my kids? Yes, my mind went there because hey, that's who I am! If you don't get it you're a better person than I am

we spent more time swimming this trip

At my boys’ age, the pool is almost as cool as the park!

By 1:15 we were rested and at the bus stop headed to Hollywood Studios for the first time this trip! I was excited because I had a couple new-to-us things planned for our night