It's been 549 days but we are finally home! ~ an August '21 birthday celebration! New PTR link 01/02

[suse66]

The one in which we become empty nesters! A quick RL update.

I never thought this day would come, especially when I was wrangling three littles, then managing the ups and downs of the teenage years with three boys. But it is official! We have three empty bedrooms in a very quiet house!

Jack was the first to go back as he has a house in Peterborough with some friends from Trent. He is very happy to be back in routine and is looking forward to an university year with (hopefully) less Covid related restrictions.

We took the opportunity to head to his local for lunch and some beverages.

After running errands for him, getting groceries and helping him get a few things set up, I treated myself to a Dole Whip before heading home. Just as delicious as in Disney!


Stuart was the next to move in. He is in video production at Durham College and is very excited to start his first year! Let's just say that the cost of his Canon R6 camera and lens would easily pay for a nice Disney trip!


Last but not least was Jamie. He is starting at University of Guelph and is doing a BA in history. He is very happy to be there AND also is loving the fact that his girlfriend is at Guelph as well.


After getting him settled in, we headed to an iconic Guelph pub to toast our new child free status! It was a perfect evening to enjoy drinks on the patio.




Back to regularly scheduled programming!

Continued in next post.....​

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

What an amazing achievement to have all 3 boys off to university! I’m sure the house seems quiet but you should be proud of yourselves and those young men you’ve raised. Glad you were able to toast your new-found freedom as empty nesters

 

[suse66]

Reunited and it feels so good!

After packing up and loading the car, we said goodbye to our lovely room at Coronado Springs. I loved this resort so much and look forward to staying here again. Can we just discuss how easy it is to have a car at Disney?? I was so spoiled. Within 15 minutes, we were pulling into our parking spot at the TTC. I was literally bouncing with excitement!


We made our way over to the ferry and were soon sailing across the Seven Sea Lagoon to the Magic Kingdom! I tapped my magic band and was thrilled to see it turn purple and say "welcome home". A nice touch for DVC members! Unfortunately Jack's band was not working and we ended up at Guest Services as we discovered his Canadian resident discount ticket was still not activated, despite having stopped at Disney Springs to do that the day before. Thankfully we had the best CM ever who diligently worked on it over almost 1/2 hr and finally got it working. I was sure to write a cast compliment for him as he really was amazing!

This delay put a bit of a damper on my touring plan but nothing took away from my feeling of joy being back on Main Street USA. Just look at my beautiful castle!

I made Jack into my official Disney photographer and of course had to have a picture done with my beloved castle. I love the new look for the 50th!



Next up we headed into Adventureland hoping to start with Jungle Cruise but the line was already 40 minutes! No thanks! So we walked on to Pirates followed by Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I tried to talk Jack into Splash but he was not feeling it. Instead we headed to Haunted Mansion and enjoyed our time with 999 Happy Haunts. Happily we caught one of the cavalcades as we were walking out. I love Tink!



I love IASW so headed there next but I think I broke Jack with this ride, lol. Definitely not his favourite! It was ridiculously hot this morning and I was worried Jack wasn't drinking enough water so we stopped and filled up. We then headed for the People Mover even though he did not
understand the need for the iconic foot photo!



We thought about Space Mountain next the lineup was crazy so we settled on Buzz Lightyear instead. As expected, Jack left me in the dust. It was pretty crowded so I was happy to have my KN95 mask (surprisingly light and comfortable in the heat).



After Buzz, it was time to head for our reservation at Skippers Canteen. We were seated in the main room, next to another table of 8. No spacing here! Unfortunately our service was lackluster and the food the same. We both went for the Belgian Moon shandy and the Perkins Thai Noodles. The noodles were such a small portion...I think Jack had a total of 4 very small pieces of chicken in his. I think if you do appies, Skippers is not a bad choice but I am over it. I'd much rather leave and head to one of the MK area resorts for lunch, like my beloved Geyser Point for example.




On the way out of the park we were luck to catch the Main Street Philharmonic. They are one of my favourites so this was a nice way to wrap up our MK time.



Next up, we head to the Boardwalk to check in to our home for the next three nights!​

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

I am here to hear all about your trip!

You know it always makes sense to spend money on a hotel room so you can have dinner at a new restaurant.

I love Disney Math....

We joined the walk up list for Three Bridges around 5:30 pm and had a 110 minute wait before we could claim a table. So we had a little time to chill and relax before heading over at about 7:15.

That is a pretty long wait! But def worth it!

After we finished our meals and were waiting for our bill, Tabitha surprised us with a champagne toast for Jack's 21st! What a completely magical touch to end a wonderful meal!

So nice.

I love IASW so headed there next but I think I broke Jack with this ride, lol. Definitely not his favourite!

Ha! Everyone has there limit...

 

[pkondz]

But it is official! We have three empty bedrooms in a very quiet house!

I'm not sure whether to say "Congrats!" or "Condolences".

looking forward to an university year with (hopefully) less Covid related restrictions.

I sure hope so... and yet... now they're saying the 4th wave could be the worst one yet.

I treated myself to a Dole Whip before heading home. Just as delicious as in Disney!

Did that myself, just a couple days ago. Except it was lime.

Let's just say that the cost of his Canon R6 camera and lens would easily pay for a nice Disney trip!

He is very happy to be there AND also is loving the fact that his girlfriend is at Guelph as well.

Well, that's convenient.

Can we just discuss how easy it is to have a car at Disney??

Funny. When I first stayed on sight, we had a car and never used it, the Disney transportation being so easy. But... I wonder now if that will change?

I tapped my magic band and was thrilled to see it turn purple and say "welcome home". A nice touch for DVC members!

Cool! Didn't know they did that.

Unfortunately Jack's band was not working and we ended up at Guest Services as we discovered his Canadian resident discount ticket was still not activated,

nothing took away from my feeling of joy being back on Main Street USA. Just look at my beautiful castle!

Instead we headed to Haunted Mansion and enjoyed our time with 999 Happy Haunts.

Nothing better than that.

headed for the People Mover even though he did not
understand the need for the iconic foot photo!

It must be done!

After Buzz, it was time to head for our reservation at Skippers Canteen. We were seated in the main room, next to another table of 8. No spacing here! Unfortunately our service was lackluster and the food the same. We both went for the Belgian Moon shandy and the Perkins Thai Noodles. The noodles were such a small portion...I think Jack had a total of 4 very small pieces of chicken in his. I think if you do appies, Skippers is not a bad choice but I am over it. I'd much rather leave and head to one of the MK area resorts for lunch, like my beloved Geyser Point for example.

Sorry to hear that... I've been to Skippers a few times and... it's very much hit or miss.

 

[kastoney]

I never thought this day would come, especially when I was wrangling three littles, then managing the ups and downs of the teenage years with three boys. But it is official! We have three empty bedrooms in a very quiet house!

❤ ❤ ❤ I cannot even fathom what it must be like to go from 3 boys at home to having them all gone. I'm sure you are so proud of all of them, but that's a big adjustment.

Unfortunately Jack's band was not working and we ended up at Guest Services as we discovered his Canadian resident discount ticket was still not activated, despite having stopped at Disney Springs to do that the day before. Thankfully we had the best CM ever who diligently worked on it over almost 1/2 hr and finally got it working.

Oh no! You'd been away for so long then can't even get in the park. Glad they got it resolved but how frustrating

I made Jack into my official Disney photographer and of course had to have a picture done with my beloved castle. I love the new look for the 50th!

Great picture, model, and photographer

After Buzz, it was time to head for our reservation at Skippers Canteen. We were seated in the main room, next to another table of 8. No spacing here! Unfortunately our service was lackluster and the food the same.

Yikes!!! That does not sound like an enjoyable experience. When we were there in June tables were still spaced out so we felt very comfortable. Hope this was a one off and not a new trend.

Sorry the service and food was a disappointed. I remember they were so on top of it when the opened but it certainly seems to be going down hill.

I'd much rather leave and head to one of the MK area resorts for lunch, like my beloved Geyser Point for example.

Yup. Literally everything in one of the monorail resorts or WL is a better option.

 

[suse66]

What an amazing achievement to have all 3 boys off to university! I’m sure the house seems quiet but you should be proud of yourselves and those young men you’ve raised. Glad you were able to toast your new-found freedom as empty nesters

Thanks Moira! It feels a bit surreal to be honest but I am happy for them.

I am here to hear all about your trip!

Yay! Thanks for joining in!

I love Disney Math....

Disney math is the best math!

I'm not sure whether to say "Congrats!" or "Condolences".

I am not sure which I need to hear yet......

I sure hope so... and yet... now they're saying the 4th wave could be the worst one yet.

Oh my gosh, I can't even think about that. We go back to school on Thursday with no masking in kindergarten and full class sizes. So much for social distancing!

Did that myself, just a couple days ago. Except it was lime.

Love lime Dole Whip!

Funny. When I first stayed on sight, we had a car and never used it, the Disney transportation being so easy. But... I wonder now if that will change?

I chose to get the car because of the high case counts but I ended up really liking it.

Sorry to hear that... I've been to Skippers a few times and... it's very much hit or miss.

Yep...this was definitely a miss!

❤ ❤ ❤ I cannot even fathom what it must be like to go from 3 boys at home to having them all gone. I'm sure you are so proud of all of them, but that's a big adjustment.

It's pretty weird...even the cat is stressed out by the house being so quiet! It's bittersweet, I am definitely happy for them but a little sad for us.

Yikes!!! That does not sound like an enjoyable experience. When we were there in June tables were still spaced out so we felt very comfortable. Hope this was a one off and not a new trend.

Sorry the service and food was a disappointed. I remember they were so on top of it when the opened but it certainly seems to be going down hill.

I was not happy at all...paying $75 for a skimpy lunch is not my favourite thing!

Yup. Literally everything in one of the monorail resorts or WL is a better option.

Absolutely!

 

[pkondz]

I am not sure which I need to hear yet......

Standing by for either...

Oh my gosh, I can't even think about that. We go back to school on Thursday with no masking in kindergarten and full class sizes. So much for social distancing!

I know... We start Wednesday here. DD is very nervous about starting her first class from scratch.

I chose to get the car because of the high case counts but I ended up really liking it.

I can see that.

 

[suse66]

I know... We start Wednesday here. DD is very nervous about starting her first class from scratch.

Sending lots of positive thoughts for your DD....what grade does she have? If it helps at all, I have always found the most important thing for the first little while is focusing on routines and relationships. Having a strong foundation pays dividends for the rest of the school year. I am sure she will be great!

 

[CruellaNY]

I will not say I envy the empty nest situation because I'm hoping the next few years before Chris leaves go slower, but really so wonderful to have all 3 boys happily in University! Nice way to celebrate as well!

I cried when I got back to Disney in July of 2020 after just a 6 month absence so I cannot even fathom your feelings when you did

 

[pkondz]

Sending lots of positive thoughts for your DD....what grade does she have?

Thanks. She has gr 2, I believe.

If it helps at all, I have always found the most important thing for the first little while is focusing on routines and relationships. Having a strong foundation pays dividends for the rest of the school year. I am sure she will be great!

I'm sure she'll do great as well. Her rapport and ability with children is quite amazing and impressive.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Hoping you have better success with returning to school than we are having here. My son teaches Year 6 ( age 10) and they were back exactly 2 days before they had a positive case and had to close the class for a day to deep clean. He’s doubly vaccinated so after a negative pcr test result he can go back to work today ( he has to have another pcr on the 10th) but I think it’s going to be nightmarish trying to keep kids in school this year. Good luck and good health to you and pkondz’s daughter this year

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Onto happier things and I love all your trip photos but especially the feet pose on the “pooper” . Thanks to @kastoney for that name. I now can’t think of peoplemover as anything else .
Sorry Skipper’s was a bust. MK is hard when it comes to good food. My youngest wants to try The Plaza on our next trip- if we ever get a
next trip!

 

[pkondz]

Hoping you have better success with returning to school than we are having here. My son teaches Year 6 ( age 10) and they were back exactly 2 days before they had a positive case and had to close the class for a day to deep clean. He’s doubly vaccinated so after a negative pcr test result he can go back to work today ( he has to have another pcr on the 10th) but I think it’s going to be nightmarish trying to keep kids in school this year.

Oh, man... That's rough.

Good luck and good health to you and pkondz’s daughter this year ☘

Thank you!

 

[buzzrelly]

We took the opportunity to head to his local for lunch and some beverages.

Love his Led Zeppelin shirt. It's funny to see the kids wearing old school rock band shirts…my Nicholas has a lot of them too, like Rolling Stones, ACDC, Bob Marley, etc…I don't know if he loves the music or just thinks the shirts are cool

treated myself to a Dole Whip before heading home. Just as delicious as in Disney!

Yum…seems like a decent condolence prize

After getting him settled in, we headed to an iconic Guelph pub to toast our new child free status! It was a perfect evening to enjoy drinks on the patio.

Also a decent condolence prize!

Can we just discuss how easy it is to have a car at Disney??

I think I may be spoiled now…I don't know if I could go without one now.

I made Jack into my official Disney photographer and of course had to have a picture done with my beloved castle. I love the new look for the 50th!

We then headed for the People Mover even though he did not
understand the need for the iconic foot photo!

Ha! It's kind of a hard thing to explain to people who aren't on the boards

I was happy to have my KN95 mask (surprisingly light and comfortable in the heat).

We wore those all week too and found them very comfortable

 

[disneyAndi14]

Ahhh I know empty nesting so well. Andi is almost 6 years younger than Jack and I cherished this age difference when he went off to college but time flies as you know and all to soon we are empty nesters.
I’m glad you enjoyed being back at MK, such a wonderful feeling to see the castle after a long time.
I love the PM and I actually enjoyed IASW this past week, we were the only 2 in our boat!
We always wear K95 masks and we double mask with a surgical mask on the airplane.
I did some research on the airplane ventilation an it actually is safer than being in a crowd of people because (at least on Delta Airlines) the filter can filter out the smallest viruses including SARS-COV.
Sorry to hear Skippers wasn’t the best, we only had one less than stellar meal this trip and it was one I was going to cancel and didn’t.

 

[suse66]

Hoping you have better success with returning to school than we are having here. My son teaches Year 6 ( age 10) and they were back exactly 2 days before they had a positive case and had to close the class for a day to deep clean. He’s doubly vaccinated so after a negative pcr test result he can go back to work today ( he has to have another pcr on the 10th) but I think it’s going to be nightmarish trying to keep kids in school this year. Good luck and good health to you and pkondz’s daughter this year ☘

Oh dear....it is going to be a mess. The Ontario government took two of the major Delta symptoms (sore throat and runny nose) off the screening protocols. So I think it is going to spread like wildfire. Plus my school board still has not mandated masks for kindergarten.

Onto happier things and I love all your trip photos but especially the feet pose on the “pooper” . Thanks to @kastoney for that name. I now can’t think of peoplemover as anything else .
Sorry Skipper’s was a bust. MK is hard when it comes to good food. My youngest wants to try The Plaza on our next trip- if we ever get a
next trip!

Thank you! Casey definitely came up with the best name, didn't she? I have the Plaza on my list to try but really it is so much better to head to one of the monorail resorts for lunch.

Love his Led Zeppelin shirt. It's funny to see the kids wearing old school rock band shirts…my Nicholas has a lot of them too, like Rolling Stones, ACDC, Bob Marley, etc…I don't know if he loves the music or just thinks the shirts are cool

Jack loves them too! He has Dead Kennedys, Guns and Roses, ACDC etc but he also loves the music. Plus we indoctrinated all our boys with our favourite '80s New Wave, lol!

I think I may be spoiled now…I don't know if I could go without one now.

Totally agree!

Also a decent condolence prize!

Definitely! We were out Saturday evening too and then I went to see my aunt and cousins for an overnight visit. So a very fun and social weekend before getting back to work.

We wore those all week too and found them very comfortable

My sister who is an ER doc made me promise to use the KN95 and I really like them.

 

[suse66]

I will not say I envy the empty nest situation because I'm hoping the next few years before Chris leaves go slower, but really so wonderful to have all 3 boys happily in University! Nice way to celebrate as well!

I cried when I got back to Disney in July of 2020 after just a 6 month absence so I cannot even fathom your feelings when you did

Oh, I was pretty emotional and got mocked for it by my lovely 21 year old! I am used to Jack being away as it has been three years but Jamie and Stuart being gone is HARD! Enjoy every minute with Chris.

Ahhh I know empty nesting so well. Andi is almost 6 years younger than Jack and I cherished this age difference when he went off to college but time flies as you know and all to soon we are empty nesters.
I’m glad you enjoyed being back at MK, such a wonderful feeling to see the castle after a long time.
I love the PM and I actually enjoyed IASW this past week, we were the only 2 in our boat!
We always wear K95 masks and we double mask with a surgical mask on the airplane.
I did some research on the airplane ventilation an it actually is safer than being in a crowd of people because (at least on Delta Airlines) the filter can filter out the smallest viruses including SARS-COV.
Sorry to hear Skippers wasn’t the best, we only had one less than stellar meal this trip and it was one I was going to cancel and didn’t.

I have heard that about the airplane ventilation as well. I really like the KN95 masks and wish we were allowed to wear them at work. Unfortunately we can only wear board supplied PPE and they give us the ATSM level 1 masks which I don't think are that great.

Our children certainly grow up so fast! It is awesome to see them spreading their wings and doing what they love.

I was so happy to be back in the bubble! I was going to go back in December but cancelled that trip and will be back in March.

 

[KathyM2]

I'm so sorry I just discovered this TR! So nice to read a TR from a fellow Canadian who has braved travel to FL!!

We had researched what testing would be needed before crossing the border and found that we only needed a rapid antigen test.

Wow!! Do you mind me asking, is it the airline that dictates what kind of test, or just any travel to the US the rapid antigen test is good? I thought you needed the expensive PCR test...that is awesome!! Good to know for next time I want to go to the US!

But it is official! We have three empty bedrooms in a very quiet house!

Wow...I can't imagine. I have one down, one to go.

After running errands for him, getting groceries and helping him get a few things set up, I treated myself to a Dole Whip before heading home. Just as delicious as in Disney!

Yum!! I have to check out this place sometime!

Can we just discuss how easy it is to have a car at Disney?? I was so spoiled.

I agree, it really is luxurious. I think once I got used to the crazy roads around Disney it really is so easy to have your own wheels there.

It was pretty crowded so I was happy to have my KN95 mask (surprisingly light and comfortable in the heat).

I hear ya, these are the best. I was wearing them with a cloth mask over top when in the US lol

 

[suse66]

I'm so sorry I just discovered this TR! So nice to read a TR from a fellow Canadian who has braved travel to FL!!

Welcome Kathy! Glad you joined in!

Wow!! Do you mind me asking, is it the airline that dictates what kind of test, or just any travel to the US the rapid antigen test is good? I thought you needed the expensive PCR test...that is awesome!! Good to know for next time I want to go to the US!

According to the CDC, only a rapid antigen test is required.

Wow...I can't imagine. I have one down, one to go.

It is a little weird but good too.

Yum!! I have to check out this place sometime!

Worth the drive to Peterborough!

I agree, it really is luxurious. I think once I got used to the crazy roads around Disney it really is so easy to have your own wheels there.

Love, love, love having a car!

I hear ya, these are the best. I was wearing them with a cloth mask over top when in the US lol

There is Canadian company manufacturing the KN95 masks called "Canada Strong." I am going to order some more masks from them.