tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34849051384264204102024-03-13T22:53:17.835-05:00Williams FamilyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1246125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484905138426420410.post-57902999715635748892023-12-04T06:30:00.000-06:002023-12-04T06:30:36.070-06:00Williams Family: Disney Retirement Job Update--It's Been Three Weeks<p> </p><p>It has been three weeks since I began employment with the Disney Company. I have experienced two days of training at Disney University, one day of training at the Magic Kingdom that required business casual dress and comfortable shoes for our four-hour tour. And, have completed four days of training in costume (uniform) at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I have two more to go including an assessment day. </p><p>Most of the training days have been early or opening shifts beginning at 5:30, 5:45, or 6:30. I have a closing shift coming up.</p><p>The husband has been dropping me off at the Magic Kingdom Cast Member parking lot bus stop as I take the internal shuttle to the utilidors, then walk to the Frontierland door to get upstairs and "on stage", then walk to the breakroom to store bag, lunch, use the restroom, clock in for my shift, etc. We leave the house 45 minutes before I am expected to clock in at my station.</p><p>The learning curve has been steep. Many new words, phrases, and procedures to demonstrate in action and/or on an assessment. The physical part has been challenging, too. As a morning track walker, it required climbing to the top of the second highest mountain in Florida. I will say as a guest there would be more walking and standing than I am experiencing as a Cast Member due to the rotations through positions, about 45 minutes in each, and the breaks (two paid 15 minute breaks and a 45 minute unpaid lunch).</p><p>Speaking of pay, hourly Cast Members experienced a raise as of December 3. Either $1.00 more per hour, bringing the hourly rate to $18, or a raise of 4%, whichever was higher. Automatic deposit of weekly paychecks (EPCOT--Every Paycheck Comes On Thursdays) can be directed to up to four accounts and I am using our account here in Florida as well as a new account at Partners, a credit union for Disney employees, which offered specials for new enrollees. </p><p>Fellow Cast Members have been friendly, welcoming, and helpful. It is definitely a team endeavor to operate Big Thunder safely and efficiently and offer great service to guests. The question I get most often is, "Are you new to the company?" I'm sure my age has something to do with it as I am on the older end of the scale for the group. When I respond with yes, some are curious about what I did before and I say I worked in education. One of the trainers told me that he could see that as I had a nurturing vibe. </p><p>Serving guests is the best part, for me. I enjoy interacting with guests and am still amazed when they call me by name as I forget I'm wearing a nametag. Had a guest from Omaha try to figure out where I was from and Highway 34 sealed the deal. </p><p>There are many positions to rotate through on the mountain and I have done all of them except the specific closing roles. There are some that are easier and more enjoyable for me and interestingly, the opinions vary among the Cast Members as to which positions they prefer. </p><p>As I was riding to work at 5:00 am in the dark, I was thinking that there are guests waking up right now and getting ready to come to the Magic Kingdom. Some, possibly for the first and/or only time. And, it is up to me to make sure their visit is magical!</p><p>P.S. No pictures as phones aren't allowed.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484905138426420410.post-77479409654255030082023-11-16T06:17:00.003-06:002023-11-16T06:17:46.917-06:00Williams Family: Retirement Job #3 Disney!!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVigEi6RbcmTVXaLgWeO_MMlCJh09q2K_laNJ0XsLQlParXwN5mJfnoO-kjH2SilZodFyiui7weCKqrwzT0nQAzAJOf8GCuKR8ZS_eN343_0KNSZqmzULRhNsvGcQpvZVZxZM_IM-lD0W5EaSoS_BHYhyphenhyphenBL0r3cxfq5zS8rHM5KjoDoANxbdC4_mqe809V/s5568/45db1412-ede0-4adb-93a8-59015ebf5b0e.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVigEi6RbcmTVXaLgWeO_MMlCJh09q2K_laNJ0XsLQlParXwN5mJfnoO-kjH2SilZodFyiui7weCKqrwzT0nQAzAJOf8GCuKR8ZS_eN343_0KNSZqmzULRhNsvGcQpvZVZxZM_IM-lD0W5EaSoS_BHYhyphenhyphenBL0r3cxfq5zS8rHM5KjoDoANxbdC4_mqe809V/s320/45db1412-ede0-4adb-93a8-59015ebf5b0e.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>It all started with a Mouse; and visits to the House of Mouse as a child, as a teen, and many, many times as an adult with our family. Walt Disney World was (and still is) a refuge, a playground, a feast for the senses, an escape, a bubble protected from the real world. Somewhere along the way a dream was hatched about working at the Most Magical Place on Earth.</p><p>Yesterday, that dream came true as I experienced my first day as a Walt Disney World Cast Member attending Traditions, a training for new Cast Members, at Disney University! </p><p>After moving to the Orlando area in April and getting settled, I browsed the Disney Jobs/Careers website and applied for a couple of roles in June and July with polite decline messages in return. In August, I applied for a role on the Monorail. Shortly after submitting my application, I was invited to take a web based virtual interview, which was answering a series of questions in a short period of time. A few days later, I received an email informing me to stay tuned as I would be scheduled for an interview with a recruiter via Zoom.</p><p>The Zoom interview happened in early September. I was asked "Why the Monorail?" My response was that it is iconic! I learned that training includes platform and pilot. I was thinking that I had <a href="https://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2022/07/williams-family-retirement-job-1.html">learned how to drive/ride different mowers and vehicles at the golf course,</a> I could learn to drive a monorail. Then, I learned about the safety assessments that included being on top of the train when it was 80 feet in the air. When asked if I was comfortable doing that, I replied, "No." I now have greater respect for the Monorail operators and platform attendants! </p><p>My "No" did not end the interview and the recruiter and I talked about other possibilities. When was I available to begin? Immediately. BUT I was going to be gone for the month of October, traveling with Disney. </p><p>Unable to guarantee the needed time off, my name was added to a "wait list" with a potential Nov. 6 start date. I would receive an email with an offer and have 48 hours to respond. Please, please, please have that email arrive before we set sail!!! No such luck.</p><p>While we were on board the Disney Wonder, I played time travel tricks. If I purchase a 24 hour data package at 10:00 am on a Tuesday in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and we turn the clock back an hour tonight, it will be 5:00 pm in Orlando and I can check for an email sent on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. I can do that twice and then we'll be on land and I can check email. . . This plan worked and the email came! An offer for Part Time Attractions. No indication of which park, which attraction(s). I'll take it! More emails arrived to give permission for background check and drug testing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EFwl3lDQ4d-7-IITzVk-VMQ-8zfYOTLGcr-OkorM5Ym4RYhueGlmB-RQGLkUoy1k5LWXjXVj8UDv2izMwS6CMAHOA5j7MuY66IyYcYh0HKgqIljlQ3hDpL-YYd1pUO8c_iwbfjZf0T7lU3WODOe6nEXBwaX4kCC3rEjor_45jhBCGOT_yU_RZAXaTp6p/s1252/CM%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="1078" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EFwl3lDQ4d-7-IITzVk-VMQ-8zfYOTLGcr-OkorM5Ym4RYhueGlmB-RQGLkUoy1k5LWXjXVj8UDv2izMwS6CMAHOA5j7MuY66IyYcYh0HKgqIljlQ3hDpL-YYd1pUO8c_iwbfjZf0T7lU3WODOe6nEXBwaX4kCC3rEjor_45jhBCGOT_yU_RZAXaTp6p/s320/CM%201.jpg" width="276" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>We were on the second leg of our cruise, neigh on to Sydney, when the email arrived and I bit the bullet for a data package to cover the remaining portion of the sailing. Good thing, too, as there were multiple email exchanges to arrange a phone call. I did need that to be once we returned to the state. The AI scheduler could tell the location of my phone and was offering up AEST times--Eastern Australia Times!! I was now googling "If it is 4:00 am AEST on Nov. 1, what time is it in Orlando?" Answer: 1:00 pm on Oct. 31. I'll take it! </p><p>During the call I was given more directions. Drug test within 48 hours, appointment at Casting near Disney Springs on Friday, and Traditions on November 15. More information and tasks would come via email. And, they did--multiple emails to fill out pre-employment paperwork, scan documents, indicate knowledge of policy and procedure manuals, etc.</p><p>The drug testing was a hoot! This was the second time for me as it was required <a href="https://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2022/11/williams-family-retirement-job-2.html">when I was hired at the hospital.</a> Everyone was so nice and as a prospective Disney employee, there is a special back door. My first attempt was not as productive as needed. I was escorted to a special area to wait--I could wait only 2 hours--and was given 2 bottles of water, but could only have 2. Also, the clock was ticking on the 48 hour timeline. I drank the 2 bottles and walked laps in the waiting area. Then I pulled up YouTube videos of streams, waterfalls, rain. I did discover a white noise machine on a table that produced similar sounds. The waiting area was near the special back door and a clinic employee asked if I was going to get the door when the doorbell rang since I was nearby. Happy to, if you would like. After 40 minutes, I was ready to try again. Facing performance anxiety, production anxiety, and time constraint anxiety, I was ready. I told the nurse that I had been listening to water (you can't have the sink on in the bathroom) and asked if she could play that outside the door. She did!!! And, it worked! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Z5C8msKaGiDdUtZBMifYkUBGvGJd6cmEL2xTR0k-hXEM9PlB3XA7IDs6nGzUoG-A5EfqitAZ3JHrRWiJTwVGuWCi1ZM2Z6WHsw-Yt5T8PrPxt_YTy2uAHinfmyvL151W54qrvbHn3jumqllfF4SRwDohT_73oxJtcGC_6yyH-KNY2lDVOe74Z3RIAgmy/s4032/CM%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Z5C8msKaGiDdUtZBMifYkUBGvGJd6cmEL2xTR0k-hXEM9PlB3XA7IDs6nGzUoG-A5EfqitAZ3JHrRWiJTwVGuWCi1ZM2Z6WHsw-Yt5T8PrPxt_YTy2uAHinfmyvL151W54qrvbHn3jumqllfF4SRwDohT_73oxJtcGC_6yyH-KNY2lDVOe74Z3RIAgmy/s320/CM%205.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>The appointment at Casting was for fingerprinting, which I have never had done before. Taking an ID photo was also a part of the appointment and ensuring that all required paperwork was completed. While I had already scanned my ID, Social Security Card, and Passport, I brought all of those with to the appointment, which was a good thing as both my ID and Passport were scanned again. I was told that I would receive my employee ID, name badge, assignment and training schedule at Traditions.</p><p>The Friday before the Wednesday Traditions, the email came with my assignment, costume requirements, and schedule for November. Magic Kingdom!! Frontierland!! <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/big-thunder-mountain-railroad/">Big Thunder Mountain Railroad!!</a></p><p>When the boy was little, he would have some hesitation to ride Big Thunder and we would tell him that we picked the "slow side" when walking down the incline and the queue divides in two to get to the trains. He eventually figured it out and it has been a Williams Family inside joke since. Fitting that this attraction would be the beginning of my journey with the Company.</p><p>There may have been some tearful moments at Traditions yesterday. Isn't storytelling supposed to be emotionally compelling? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xJb8L8FfAYisnSP9f_S_jx5ftuDy1wsSTwO-Gj8EHEjZb9EMmzOBCEkkPCJhoBPdoydI-EMX_BWl0qPWGvIH-tAJl6kHTg0YocRpK-cxNvAgZe7RnxBCpTNdZIEQl3ymXAm3axaVY8ybmWQiSQFqKaG098K-AtXrVrT_-B06DwJ9Iz_mJQZ3pEsfs5tQ/s4032/CM%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xJb8L8FfAYisnSP9f_S_jx5ftuDy1wsSTwO-Gj8EHEjZb9EMmzOBCEkkPCJhoBPdoydI-EMX_BWl0qPWGvIH-tAJl6kHTg0YocRpK-cxNvAgZe7RnxBCpTNdZIEQl3ymXAm3axaVY8ybmWQiSQFqKaG098K-AtXrVrT_-B06DwJ9Iz_mJQZ3pEsfs5tQ/s320/CM%204.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I also learned that my blue employee ID would allow me to enter any of the 6 Disney Parks World-wide! I'm sure there are more perks that I will learn about. In the meantime, a dream has come true! I am a Walt Disney World Cast Member!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484905138426420410.post-82123437489436329272022-11-07T04:46:00.001-06:002022-11-07T06:44:20.425-06:00Williams Family: Retirement Job #2<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DkNGJwEzUf60kPEQwPKN1VPOklvxqcewHDU_JZu3KU7Zn2Ei54EhM9AJ6oeWqBUL2llAuFNqy4kkNvHWmhHoGrS8-J4pt3LhQB7P7G5mzwg7RbCvXaESQ1cygYY42bosVIsQA8EyWjK1BjX7cP7A6tNwfO-5TxJVRdNA0XZb9FDI8ADPxADMg9wQIQ/s300/phone%20operator.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="239" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DkNGJwEzUf60kPEQwPKN1VPOklvxqcewHDU_JZu3KU7Zn2Ei54EhM9AJ6oeWqBUL2llAuFNqy4kkNvHWmhHoGrS8-J4pt3LhQB7P7G5mzwg7RbCvXaESQ1cygYY42bosVIsQA8EyWjK1BjX7cP7A6tNwfO-5TxJVRdNA0XZb9FDI8ADPxADMg9wQIQ/s1600/phone%20operator.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br /><p>"Switchboard Operator" can conjure many images, including the one above. My second retirement job is manning the switchboard at the local hospital. It doesn't look exactly like the picture above, but there are multiple cords and a headset! There are also multiple computer monitors and phones. I'm heading into my third month in the part time position.</p><p>The training for the job took multiple days and included specific, hands-on training, online training, and general hospital orientation. There were also background checks and medical tests prior to employment. </p><p>Benefits: Great people and working conditions. The pay isn't bad, either, with a "shift 2" bonus on weekends and there is an employer contribution to a 401K. The hours also fit with <a href="https://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2022/07/williams-family-retirement-job-1.html">retirement job #1</a> when I was working both jobs. Sadly, the golf course is no longer in need of me as the season winds down. There have also been opportunities to work more shifts/hours. </p><p>Another benefit is helping people. On the end of every phone call is someone needing something. And, I am able to help the team I work with, too. </p><p>My supervisors are appreciative and are in disbelief that I will be working for 4 more months. I was upfront about the timeline and future plans during the interview process. As one supervisor put it, "I was hoping you would change your mind." Hmmm. . . nope. </p><p>Wasn't it Mary Poppins who said, "In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun"? That is what it is like to learn and perform retirement job #2. I'm grateful for the investment the hospital made in me and for the opportunity to serve.</p><p>I wonder what retirement job #3 will be. In the meantime, collecting experiences and building the resume for Disney!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484905138426420410.post-31334420293270105282022-11-06T07:29:00.002-06:002022-11-06T07:29:37.777-06:00Williams Family: Meeting New People and Making New Friends on a Disney Cruise<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNcfL0ywDi5s6mB8cIdiI1YA9blYvWdOTU5u17cdZYUxB-8O_qJc8Yts5FLpA6CDSmeHp98ZL1k9XHP1T2V_ZXUXnWBjmch6zfP2T789CBJWNOk9Mrg8__ONhKB4vuw68ahjvsfX2q7gRuf6pNaq5IPZ_f6ExifRHnaaRPulfUr9f0fXevIWZ1TPXhQ/s2784/2022-08-25%20-%20Disney%20Fantasy%20-%20Disney%20Fantasy_21.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1856" data-original-width="2784" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNcfL0ywDi5s6mB8cIdiI1YA9blYvWdOTU5u17cdZYUxB-8O_qJc8Yts5FLpA6CDSmeHp98ZL1k9XHP1T2V_ZXUXnWBjmch6zfP2T789CBJWNOk9Mrg8__ONhKB4vuw68ahjvsfX2q7gRuf6pNaq5IPZ_f6ExifRHnaaRPulfUr9f0fXevIWZ1TPXhQ/s320/2022-08-25%20-%20Disney%20Fantasy%20-%20Disney%20Fantasy_21.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>One of the many great things about a Disney Cruise is meeting new people, many of whom are Disney fans, just like us. Our most recent cruise on the Disney Fantasy was no exception.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdz3iYv5x20h73UX3yaRpusf0QeMlUBZ901IYP1MyaGRRvMUTD9VkRVRW8wTiqtcMzuUoZ-kr3v3P558lfP7xqq87tr4GzcPByay1sMCG-1gvaMVAOPczdq8M1sc3OLPbHzAtxp0V2-cgD9Ug7yqMK1XabYBO6eeXDnic-kP6PBgucUpmzbwv_TtSPg/s4032/20220823_193132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdz3iYv5x20h73UX3yaRpusf0QeMlUBZ901IYP1MyaGRRvMUTD9VkRVRW8wTiqtcMzuUoZ-kr3v3P558lfP7xqq87tr4GzcPByay1sMCG-1gvaMVAOPczdq8M1sc3OLPbHzAtxp0V2-cgD9Ug7yqMK1XabYBO6eeXDnic-kP6PBgucUpmzbwv_TtSPg/s320/20220823_193132.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The first evening on board, we met Michael, Natalie, and their son, Jonathon, from Cleveland. We were waiting to get our photos taken, they were right behind us. I asked Jonathon if he was in the 1820 Society and he said he was headed to the 1820 coffee meeting next. Brent was already there so I told asked Jonathon to look for Brent and tell him that his crazy mother said "hi." It must have broken the ice as Jonathon and Brent became fast friends with similar interests--acting, movies, Star Wars, Marvel, trombones, college--to name a few, and they spent much of the cruise together with the "gang" staying out until the wee hours of the morning. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJrNQgZuZQFmz_dU42CWOkgwdXRVKPM7c1qZeY9iP5zJT2IxbSnUrzJ1iMr81huGgAQ_GlbOJL5e8poUfknaZkMVw_i_gI30wp7VLTugB38iWwyvTfMzXuXhC0sYzb_c7XhdnK1ycQnejbxIzzYm_M8Og6nKiFM2JtVrLOZL147MSGigDKuk-UpfgqA/s2784/2022-08-23%20-%20Disney%20Fantasy%20-%20Disney%20Fantasy_25.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1856" data-original-width="2784" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJrNQgZuZQFmz_dU42CWOkgwdXRVKPM7c1qZeY9iP5zJT2IxbSnUrzJ1iMr81huGgAQ_GlbOJL5e8poUfknaZkMVw_i_gI30wp7VLTugB38iWwyvTfMzXuXhC0sYzb_c7XhdnK1ycQnejbxIzzYm_M8Og6nKiFM2JtVrLOZL147MSGigDKuk-UpfgqA/s320/2022-08-23%20-%20Disney%20Fantasy%20-%20Disney%20Fantasy_25.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5J_edmX5lOlYrW6MB4Md2BZQ1zZFNRYFhwSyI3JcKxBiSc530xjQkneJYzG9-IdTfplG1MwLnB4tvUbAa-xad5lIEoSsQWwfzJOap4JTDXsbIskLHYrlzIvt0wjWIOD-W5MMZfEkwc4eHlncbINFb-gbo4Mvyh0diIAmquFw1VoskCM4N06YbUmnzA/s2784/2022-08-23%20-%20Disney%20Fantasy%20-%20Disney%20Fantasy_27.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1856" data-original-width="2784" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5J_edmX5lOlYrW6MB4Md2BZQ1zZFNRYFhwSyI3JcKxBiSc530xjQkneJYzG9-IdTfplG1MwLnB4tvUbAa-xad5lIEoSsQWwfzJOap4JTDXsbIskLHYrlzIvt0wjWIOD-W5MMZfEkwc4eHlncbINFb-gbo4Mvyh0diIAmquFw1VoskCM4N06YbUmnzA/s320/2022-08-23%20-%20Disney%20Fantasy%20-%20Disney%20Fantasy_27.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>And, we kept bumping into Natalie and Michael at various activities throughout the ship. Sometimes our young men would join the festivities---one of the few ways we got to spend time them! Eventually, the parent couples started to plan activities together. We were also on the same dining rotation but were not seated together. We would wave across the restaurant!</p><p>Note: Natalie and I are bemoaning the fact that we will miss each other by a few hours on our next Disney vacation as they fly in shortly after we fly home. Next time! And, the boys continue to communicate via their chosen social media platforms. I'm sure our paths will cross again!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTyBkTwkdZlRlnJSS_2gFk-C4aUfmHPN3dlwOE7sXLrlUc968He4lvPOROFrOgQJz3FM-91Q_yoPdCv0C0tCwo1Hh05dQCRer6moKBUtSDrXEHFn2DTeziQu6lHyX2zXvc4_bKJRY5u0AP8MC-oOftRuWMeDDeK5QendEZqUO6Jcl0MmFtK4y4MjMcQ/s4608/DSCF3516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTyBkTwkdZlRlnJSS_2gFk-C4aUfmHPN3dlwOE7sXLrlUc968He4lvPOROFrOgQJz3FM-91Q_yoPdCv0C0tCwo1Hh05dQCRer6moKBUtSDrXEHFn2DTeziQu6lHyX2zXvc4_bKJRY5u0AP8MC-oOftRuWMeDDeK5QendEZqUO6Jcl0MmFtK4y4MjMcQ/s320/DSCF3516.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Todd and Michael at Castaway Cay</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We also met some of our soon-to-be neighbors in Windermere. The husband and I were set to play trivia and a young woman sat alone at the next table. We asked her if she was competing by herself, and she said that her family wasn't able to join her for this session. We invited her to join us. A part of introductions on a ship is "where are you from?". Turns out Christina lives in the same condo complex! Oh, the questions we had for her--in between trivia questions and answers! She was incredibly helpful on all accounts! </p><p>Christina and her husband, Rudy, joined us, along with Natalie and Michael. . . and the boys, at the next trivia contest. The next day, we met Christina's parents at Castaway Cay. </p><p>Another meet cute from our recent Disney Cruise was two parts. As we headed to the elevator on the morning we docked in Tortola, another couple was rushing just in front of us talking about rain and Jost Van Dyke. We let them go ahead. Later that day, after the rain and returning from Tortola, the husband and I were floating in the Quiet Cove (adults only) pool and bumped into the couple.</p><p>I asked how their day turned out. I learned that Jost Van Dyke is an island off the coast of Tortola, BVI, that is noted for the famous Soggy Dollar Bar featured in a Kenny Chesney song. The name of the bar was because you had to get out of the boat and walk to the beach making your money wet or soggy. </p><p>There was more to the conversation with the man and his wife. Turns out he lives in Florida by way of North Carolina and has done artwork for Disney for almost 20 years. I kept listening and the conversation lasted for several minutes. Then, I asked if I could inquire his name. David Doss. I was stunned, put my hand on my chest, and turned to look at the husband who was also stunned. I told David Doss that I was trying not to "fan out" at the moment but we collect his work and it is displayed in our dining room. In fact, I had purchased a new piece the night before at one of the shops on the ship. He was flattered and agreed to sign the piece. He would look for us before dinner in the lobby atrium.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2Uk_W4yC-R-3tPRVMbP3zvUlkeqhKwFudyZRdl5GJRGFulYz4fT_Qv19gvNnx4wcYkoOU7CLIA0pbnjcDhKJ6g8Hby62X0HsjI4jEAeAAIzMZyCIuwQBunw2WDHt8ugIVJ0kwLHc6xIsC4gXXvnK50cKpIr54uQ3ync3dA0PrNDAt0EpSqXV_0xyVg/s4032/20221106_065443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2Uk_W4yC-R-3tPRVMbP3zvUlkeqhKwFudyZRdl5GJRGFulYz4fT_Qv19gvNnx4wcYkoOU7CLIA0pbnjcDhKJ6g8Hby62X0HsjI4jEAeAAIzMZyCIuwQBunw2WDHt8ugIVJ0kwLHc6xIsC4gXXvnK50cKpIr54uQ3ync3dA0PrNDAt0EpSqXV_0xyVg/s320/20221106_065443.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>That evening, before dinner, David Doss did sign our newest art piece! He was gracious and I was over the moon. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgal00KMszrWOSuOJ8C1i_RyaPWyf5YsDm8LuyXROYhqVL0GtGzSo1pRdyI6NuaxdiWjzMXeVFCVJ5hmIs63G64O-uPnMrb0UyAQg2Dpvg6aV1di_Cdo66GTG96iF6HlkRoZ_gsCkxn9CJCWvwvcKG5DHOuJmE1ZEK87p9FRIZdOGXNYjiM23b2aXEzDg/s4032/20220823_201221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgal00KMszrWOSuOJ8C1i_RyaPWyf5YsDm8LuyXROYhqVL0GtGzSo1pRdyI6NuaxdiWjzMXeVFCVJ5hmIs63G64O-uPnMrb0UyAQg2Dpvg6aV1di_Cdo66GTG96iF6HlkRoZ_gsCkxn9CJCWvwvcKG5DHOuJmE1ZEK87p9FRIZdOGXNYjiM23b2aXEzDg/s320/20220823_201221.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>We bumped into David and his wife, Robyn, on Castaway Cay in Serenity Bay. We had another great chat. What lovely people! We are now following their Facebook page and am hopeful to bump into them again during one of David Doss' shows at EPCOT. </p><p>Interestingly, Michael and Natalie, from Cleveland, also collect David Doss' art and met him the day before we did. It is a small world!</p><p>This isn't the only Disney Cruise where we have met great people. Sean and his wife from Texas come to mind along with Nancy and her family from Michigan! </p><p>It has been our philosophy to say "yes" and come to play when we visit Walt Disney World and we approach a Disney Cruise the same. Being open to new places, experiences, and people is a gift that keeps on giving!</p><p>Related Posts:</p><p><a href="https://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2018/07/wiliams-family-reflecting-on-kids-clubs.html" target="_blank">Reflecting on the Kids' Clubs on Disney Cruise Line</a></p><p><a href="https://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2014/09/whats-best-part-of-disney-cruise-ease.html" target="_blank">What's the Best Part of a Disney Cruise? The Ease!</a></p><p><a href="https://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-rainforest-room-our-afternnon-of.html" target="_blank">The Rainforest Room--Our Afternoon of Relaxation!</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484905138426420410.post-46835954517697624972022-07-21T04:44:00.002-05:002022-07-21T04:44:49.714-05:00Williams Family: A Part of the Story<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwn4WIaeHuSfHYobFSAm3QfUyzHznXLULvgzOlv7_Rft4axzs6bnMCQ0TAMHRLANreQfgo6gtFJTeNd0WL3A4D-DOtg26CIEQyzKLXX-lGQ3DqlNdpwKYonUrPjOiClpcSQm_x8dfDfwfDvd2AU039Liihd1QIdFh_oRtZDEt_ptlG_lT46y6UuGCBA/s611/Wedding%2022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="368" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwn4WIaeHuSfHYobFSAm3QfUyzHznXLULvgzOlv7_Rft4axzs6bnMCQ0TAMHRLANreQfgo6gtFJTeNd0WL3A4D-DOtg26CIEQyzKLXX-lGQ3DqlNdpwKYonUrPjOiClpcSQm_x8dfDfwfDvd2AU039Liihd1QIdFh_oRtZDEt_ptlG_lT46y6UuGCBA/w241-h400/Wedding%2022.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><p>Yesterday was the husband and I's twentieth wedding anniversary. Today, would have been the 49th anniversary for the couple pictured above, but they passed away eleven months from each other--May 6, 2021, and April 23, 2022. Who are they? My dad, for the first nine years of my life and then again from my mid-20's until now, and his wife, my stepmom, who was also my first grade teacher. The young man in the photo is my half-brother, who I have known since he was born, but he didn't know I existed until he was 18. I am so grateful to have had them at our wedding and the moment captured in a photo. Who isn't pictured? My younger brother, who did attend our wedding, and my mother, also in attendance, who passed away a decade ago. Who didn't attend our wedding, my stepdad turned adoptive dad at age nine. He refused to attend because the people in the photo were in attendance even though the events that took place happened over twenty-five years prior.</p><p>You see, fifty odd years ago two couples were married, one couple had two children, and both couples divorced. And each couple married the opposite spouse. My first grade teacher became my stepmother, and her ex-husband, a man who I had never met, became my stepfather. Custody battles ensued, my dad and stepmom had a son--pictured above, parental rights were terminated to coincide with an adoption of my brother and I, and my dad, his wife, and their young son moved several states away. </p><p>My brother and I were sat on the couch in the living room and told to call our stepdad "Dad" and that we would never see our dad again. Our grandparents, who still lived in the community, insisted on staying in contact with us as "the divorce and adoption" did not impact them legally. The new "Dad" agreed for visits for a while and then even that became contentious. Also, we were growing up and had activities that kept grandparent visits to a minimum. It was through my grandmother and grandfather that I knew what my dad was up to, where he was, and what he was doing. I suspect that is why the new "Dad" wanted to block contact. It took me years to figure out that was one of the reasons we had a post office box for mail instead of the mail being delivered to the house. </p><p>I remember a time in high school when I was working at local sporting goods store and my grandfather came in along with my dad, stepmom, and half-brother. I froze. I was uncomfortable and didn't know what to do. We spoke briefly. By the time I got home, the new "Dad" had learned of the interlude, and I was punished. </p><p>As the years wore on, I drifted from home. A full ride college scholarship and working multiple jobs kept me some-what financially independent from the parental units. I graduated from college, got a job, an apartment, and set out on adult life. </p><p>It was several failed relationships that helped me understand the need to reconnect with my dad. With the assistance of my grandmother, I was able to write him a letter. I remember trembling and crying as I wrote. What if I didn't hear back? What if he didn't want to see me? Neither were the case, and our correspondence went from writing to phone calls, to a plane ticket for me to come for a visit. This is when my half-brother learned the news of his half-siblings. </p><p>The cross-state visits continued for years. Driving alone and with friends, flying with a future husband, and then flying with an infant. </p><p>The advent of cell phones and social media helped us to stay connected. There were annual visits until Covid-19. Our last visit was in July of 2021. It was the three of us and just Dad--our last visit.</p><p>A few weeks ago, I posted on social media about how there had been some hard weeks and my dad's passing had been one of the reasons. Folks who may not have known my story thought that it was my stepdad turned adoptive parent who had passed. I can assure you that he is alive and kicking. He is active on social media and sends cards/checks on appropriate occasions. </p><p>While some know the history due to verbal storytelling, this is the first time I have put it in writing.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484905138426420410.post-15597701396267998042022-07-08T06:41:00.002-05:002022-07-08T06:57:46.240-05:00Williams Family: Retirement Job #1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45RWWxqF6y01FR-_s1jZ_-xqq6vLLSDpHEG1NhpB11QlK3JG4luQqEXBOotj8VNrR6Ys_6sMg2iSkKGZel1FlD4snNcP0Hsd7uwP8fvB-hpUQrV39fk7DEqeBPkuyI7pP_E90zEJtumHGBNQauFxzspdhIrgqB16pJ4sk6NQwkuEMpXT_OHX4UbJWBQ/s300/jennifer%20lopez%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="300" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45RWWxqF6y01FR-_s1jZ_-xqq6vLLSDpHEG1NhpB11QlK3JG4luQqEXBOotj8VNrR6Ys_6sMg2iSkKGZel1FlD4snNcP0Hsd7uwP8fvB-hpUQrV39fk7DEqeBPkuyI7pP_E90zEJtumHGBNQauFxzspdhIrgqB16pJ4sk6NQwkuEMpXT_OHX4UbJWBQ/s1600/jennifer%20lopez%201.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>Retirement, schmirement! For the first time in a long time, I can try new jobs, roles, experiences, like Jennifer Lopez' character in 'Monster-in-Law' without worry of "losing the farm" so to speak. And, as a friend said, "Build my resume for Disney."</p><p>On day two of retirement, I applied for three part-time, non-IPERS employer, jobs. Two applications were online. The third application required an in-person pick-up and I decided to complete the application right there and had a brief interview when submitting the application. </p><p>By the end of the day, I had an email exchange for one of the online applications to set up a time for a phone interview the next day. The phone interview seemed to go well, and I was told that an in-person interview would be next but there would be a week's delay due to a vacation. </p><p>On the fourth day of retirement, I had a call with an offer of employment. "Yes", was my reply. </p><p>Retirement job #1 is being a member of the grounds crew at a local golf course. It means reporting early in the morning, learning the course, golf terms, and learning how to operate a zero-turn mower. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG593ajYQfFtivIPKQQ2FybZSRtdhSjzWBTNxEYf_D8RTvyiEtheIfguiLovxOz7QJAZltD0Y8_Q8lJCK17DgpJcWb1JbxdJHVjbi4jv36CSw5tn0_7-aty73BYkO0oT_cC2w-42AvshRy0h17yMi-cHH2SGSJRZpOjU6nJQZsvP9iwwOjHbsIwzdDnw/s300/zero%20turn%20mower%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG593ajYQfFtivIPKQQ2FybZSRtdhSjzWBTNxEYf_D8RTvyiEtheIfguiLovxOz7QJAZltD0Y8_Q8lJCK17DgpJcWb1JbxdJHVjbi4jv36CSw5tn0_7-aty73BYkO0oT_cC2w-42AvshRy0h17yMi-cHH2SGSJRZpOjU6nJQZsvP9iwwOjHbsIwzdDnw/s1600/zero%20turn%20mower%202.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>The benefits: outside, beautiful scenery, can wear earplugs or earbuds to listen to music or books, early start on the day, and very friendly people! Even a few familiar faces! The stress is minimal--not running out of gas and keeping the line are the biggest worries. That and being mindful of golfers! <div><br /></div><div>Why do I want to work? Trying new things is at the top of the list. Then there's keeping busy. Pay is nice. I can make up for some rewards, bonuses, and incentives that I wasn't eligible or didn't qualify for. </div><div><br /></div><div>There has been no response to the third application, submitted online. </div><div><br /></div><div>Stay-tuned!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484905138426420410.post-71174906997187106762022-06-30T19:39:00.008-05:002022-07-01T06:21:37.680-05:00Williams Family: We Aren't The Only Williamses Moving To Florida--Some Are Already There!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaA638BySLeV4Ld7ACXLn2RAiaIad1SQr1MC22TzSgVpkhdNHVtd7xu8MjCxJtJ8YyT-SjjpLWByGO9in9kii-MAlAmN7gCgQhl07eqzSF9SjBp3WYNZOuzXhnBYGGPLwAK8Y3bp8lYkug6JRJsYEuUcS44mqnYD7j-Zq71VNVJfYqOT2D9DIdVfWuMw/s960/Diane%20Williams%20in%20Windermere.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaA638BySLeV4Ld7ACXLn2RAiaIad1SQr1MC22TzSgVpkhdNHVtd7xu8MjCxJtJ8YyT-SjjpLWByGO9in9kii-MAlAmN7gCgQhl07eqzSF9SjBp3WYNZOuzXhnBYGGPLwAK8Y3bp8lYkug6JRJsYEuUcS44mqnYD7j-Zq71VNVJfYqOT2D9DIdVfWuMw/s320/Diane%20Williams%20in%20Windermere.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Our <a href="https://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2022/06/when-will-we-be-floridians.html" target="_blank">timeline to be Floridians</a> is 10 more months or so. But the husband's brother and his wife, have beat us to Florida!</p><p>In April, we got the call. Their plan was to drive to Lakeland, Florida, the beginning of May and find a place to live. Winter Garden maybe.</p><p>On May 2nd, their townhome in Iowa was under contract for sale and on May 3rd, the drive south began.</p><p>A few days later they were back in Iowa, property in Lakeland, Florida, under contract for their purchase.</p><p>By Memorial Day, May 30, their two cars were packed, and they began the trek south the next day.</p><p>Since then, they closed on their house in Iowa, closed on their property in Lakeland, and are undergoing refurbishments--flooring, countertop, bathrooms getting a redo, new roof, and more! New bed, appliances, and furniture are being delivered and soon, they will inhabit their new Florida home! Did I mention that there is a "Florida room?"</p><p>In the meantime, they took a drive and ended up in Windermere, specifically, by our condo, and took pictures of course. </p><p>The pictures came via text and made me chuckle. They made it to Florida and our condo before us! I guess that is what big, I mean older, brothers are for.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHg861RBWGUNa3uUsyfRNUNj4Dytc-HQ9HK-uTbzYvO1s1Hd5lCUa-ZpoFJBhUz4ZkIW3Q62toXKA1QuPBiFS_oBiGS7ehtDrLpcjNoMP1D2rwXM6_SAJmqcYTS6U8nFoio7y5YuchLQAjhfjpsckCbuAmKyvF9Ee5lH4NqMevWaPnBIjtAUKJLnHOA/s800/John%20Williams%20in%20Windermere.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHg861RBWGUNa3uUsyfRNUNj4Dytc-HQ9HK-uTbzYvO1s1Hd5lCUa-ZpoFJBhUz4ZkIW3Q62toXKA1QuPBiFS_oBiGS7ehtDrLpcjNoMP1D2rwXM6_SAJmqcYTS6U8nFoio7y5YuchLQAjhfjpsckCbuAmKyvF9Ee5lH4NqMevWaPnBIjtAUKJLnHOA/s320/John%20Williams%20in%20Windermere.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>When we were Disney dreamin' it never occurred to us that family would be near and now, that dream has come true, too. </p><p>The report was that the drive from Lakeland to Windermere wasn't too bad, smooth actually, other than (insert colorful language) drivers in I-4. Also heard about driving "right through the Magic Kingdom" to get there! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq86hOhpQNLkPQKKD4gmEKqQq7U37HS50QEtqCQSVxr4wjb36cMVio9PsLZ4C4UaFCYxPIr3kWTTWbHj1OdfgswU2KwjUUUbu77JhPWRfglQIpcnPAJQq60o0bq-Mfa28u878zqX7az5sTEdstTndtuBIwRu_vXpNgMEE966RK7jHACFguClTjWzRcyw/s1024/11434%20Jasper%20Kay%201.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq86hOhpQNLkPQKKD4gmEKqQq7U37HS50QEtqCQSVxr4wjb36cMVio9PsLZ4C4UaFCYxPIr3kWTTWbHj1OdfgswU2KwjUUUbu77JhPWRfglQIpcnPAJQq60o0bq-Mfa28u878zqX7az5sTEdstTndtuBIwRu_vXpNgMEE966RK7jHACFguClTjWzRcyw/s320/11434%20Jasper%20Kay%201.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p>What is taking us nearly two years took them less than two months! I can't wait to be living in Central Florida near them! </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484905138426420410.post-30661763012718013742022-06-29T11:36:00.029-05:002022-06-30T06:24:18.237-05:00Williams Family: Plans Are In Ship Shape For Our 7-night Eastern Caribbean Disney Cruise<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJVHLsrJJLhx0GDYNBRVImdSQv9415tfhws63QC5wH7d6DynANp0EnhJTtE7pb1OcRAwi4D4Eu2Jp5m3nD7HQ18Q19HptFv7MiEvN5rrjY06N9p9PoLJkFZH3nuG9s0YPT0KexO5ATqF1INgLLctg1050WXaS44sNiKcjXaHTQomyTo4ADOYCLJ09tQ/s3000/1119-7599997-Embrk-2555_GPR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3000" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJVHLsrJJLhx0GDYNBRVImdSQv9415tfhws63QC5wH7d6DynANp0EnhJTtE7pb1OcRAwi4D4Eu2Jp5m3nD7HQ18Q19HptFv7MiEvN5rrjY06N9p9PoLJkFZH3nuG9s0YPT0KexO5ATqF1INgLLctg1050WXaS44sNiKcjXaHTQomyTo4ADOYCLJ09tQ/s320/1119-7599997-Embrk-2555_GPR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>As seasoned Disney Cruise Line travelers, we're <a href="https://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2010/09/disneys-castaway-club.html" target="_blank">Platinum Castaway Club members</a>, we are gearing up for our first 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary on board the Disney Fantasy. The "new" in the previous sentence is Eastern Caribbean.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbVTgVYBxK5mh006lFe5z4mPmkOq2BV2iRrNvetjrVEW9HNj1PtOpt7JyJ1KGh9NGMB3pCHH6ExQQfmW0BnJ_u3uKGdP5DQYUWS5CNuJya2mX-y5AzZTCQ6RxdkJl4pPmJf3nk6v3OfaI6dAyugoKqQi1R9slei2Zs_1KAoJkxoLuPqPU-tpterv-xw/s967/DCL%20fantasy%20eastern%20caribbean%20itinerary.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="967" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbVTgVYBxK5mh006lFe5z4mPmkOq2BV2iRrNvetjrVEW9HNj1PtOpt7JyJ1KGh9NGMB3pCHH6ExQQfmW0BnJ_u3uKGdP5DQYUWS5CNuJya2mX-y5AzZTCQ6RxdkJl4pPmJf3nk6v3OfaI6dAyugoKqQi1R9slei2Zs_1KAoJkxoLuPqPU-tpterv-xw/s320/DCL%20fantasy%20eastern%20caribbean%20itinerary.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Our itinerary includes stops at Tortola, British Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and our personal favorite, Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line's island in The Bahamas. We will also experience three at-sea days to explore and enjoy the ship. </p><p>Part of the planning fun is selecting Port Adventures, sometimes knowns as excursions. The husband selected our Port Adventure for Tortola, a forest hike and beach visit. It also includes a stop for a beverage at Mountain View Restaurant in Sage Mountain National Park. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj42upRhYvaiJHY71_LtOkLL6HdrfPg1DOhk83CTmoMSK5TUS3mPQv5Qg2M5NMf7xlMF8DfBAK8qHhZsctvtXzoE6bn9F2lASOMHOE-UjRF9qBOWw6tKkWnx4gHARcBmFYOr0nlno4aRVn0UgBuaK_FPOmE0nIp-DJt2Rj2TDwFH-WKhfKdYzbELwm7Nw/s614/DCL%20Fantasy%20Forest%20Hike%20and%20Beach%20Tortola,%20BVI.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="614" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj42upRhYvaiJHY71_LtOkLL6HdrfPg1DOhk83CTmoMSK5TUS3mPQv5Qg2M5NMf7xlMF8DfBAK8qHhZsctvtXzoE6bn9F2lASOMHOE-UjRF9qBOWw6tKkWnx4gHARcBmFYOr0nlno4aRVn0UgBuaK_FPOmE0nIp-DJt2Rj2TDwFH-WKhfKdYzbELwm7Nw/s320/DCL%20Fantasy%20Forest%20Hike%20and%20Beach%20Tortola,%20BVI.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #253b56; font-family: Avenir, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 18px; text-align: left;"><i>On this adventure you will… </i></p></blockquote><ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #253b56; font-family: Avenir, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 18px; text-align: left;"><ul><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: left;"><i> Board an open-air safari bus for the approximately 20-minute ascent high above the harbor to Belle Vue. Drive along the scenic Ridge Road to Sage Mountain National Park, rising 1,716 feet above sea level, for a one-mile guided hike through a semitropical rainforest. </i></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: left;"><i> Enjoy some of the island's best views and the significantly cooler temperatures as your guide leads you along the trail pointing out a variety of flora and fauna. </i></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: left;"><i> After your hike, enjoy a beverage at the Mountain View Restaurant before reboarding the bus for the drive back down the mountain. </i></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: left;"><i> Upon your arrival at Cane Garden Bay, your guide will escort you to a beach chair reserved especially for you. Then, relax and unwind with 90 minutes to explore the white-sand beach and swim in the stunning azure waters. </i></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: left;"><i> Conclude your tour taking in the sights of Tortola during the 30-minute drive back to the pier.</i></li></ul></ul><div><span face="Avenir, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #253b56;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span face="Avenir, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #253b56;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In St. Thomas, our second port stop, we have selected the Flyboard and Beach Adventure. . . for one of us! The boy will experience the 400 pounds of pressure to make him fly like Ironman.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span face="Avenir, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #253b56;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Avenir, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #253b56;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzrFlBx-gZajYCrj0svMPzoxjZZ9EnaUJU2fxsljX18GQvE2BWJOg76VBTHrz2KpNTu67RNm2I7C0AUC04yUps7kvkxrHioLJwREu9keW2ETk5s8RkwW9GjmESYDxprOoQZAYuI-o_bBZxork1NGNuLppZB6tQ1pX0nYhBmxZ9LeYKF6fNu9-tN1_Fg/s671/DCL%20Fantasy%20flyboard%20and%20beach%20adventure%20st%20thomas.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="671" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzrFlBx-gZajYCrj0svMPzoxjZZ9EnaUJU2fxsljX18GQvE2BWJOg76VBTHrz2KpNTu67RNm2I7C0AUC04yUps7kvkxrHioLJwREu9keW2ETk5s8RkwW9GjmESYDxprOoQZAYuI-o_bBZxork1NGNuLppZB6tQ1pX0nYhBmxZ9LeYKF6fNu9-tN1_Fg/s320/DCL%20Fantasy%20flyboard%20and%20beach%20adventure%20st%20thomas.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="Avenir, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #253b56;"><span>The husband and I have selected the Flyboard and Beach Adventure<u><b> Observer</b></u> option.</span></span></span></p><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #253b56; font-family: Avenir, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 18px;"><i>Voted “Best Water Sport” in St. Thomas, flyboarding is a thrilling and unique experience. </i></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #253b56; font-family: Avenir, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 18px;"><i>On this adventure you will… </i></p></blockquote><ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #253b56; font-family: Avenir, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 18px; text-align: left;"><ul><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><i>Board your taxi safari for a scenic drive to Emerald Beach. </i></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><i>Receive one-on-one training from certified flyboarding instructors for the safest, most enjoyable experience possible. </i></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><i>Get on your board and feel the rush of soaring above the beautiful waters and sand of Emerald Beach. </i></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><i>Spend about 2 hours swimming, sunbathing or just relaxing on the sand. </i></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><i>Those not interested in flyboarding can watch participating family and friends on the Observer version of this adventure (ST63). </i></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><i>Your tour includes flyboarding and beach time. Amenities such as kayaks and paddleboards are available for an additional cost.</i></li></ul></ul><p style="text-align: left;"><span face="Avenir, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #253b56;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At our favorite port, Castaway Cay, we selected Parasailing.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span face="Avenir, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #253b56;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Avenir, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #253b56;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMezvZsrGBSgdWrCgbi4_15jvbqQnzZsVJmw5II5hzcuATUOePJhxbubOdJXSrIOMbcvmtFI6FkyRfcGqdGC-J73NJweBRL2pTRnzJ_r1KtnEpMLgWCE14srfv243QfDft4wGu6RloYw4x8EVdT17mgbZVQvqPUIH4np1GPKaCWzDVTSiAuT_KQ-rbQ/s663/DCL%20Fantasy%20parasailing%20castaway%20cay.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="663" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMezvZsrGBSgdWrCgbi4_15jvbqQnzZsVJmw5II5hzcuATUOePJhxbubOdJXSrIOMbcvmtFI6FkyRfcGqdGC-J73NJweBRL2pTRnzJ_r1KtnEpMLgWCE14srfv243QfDft4wGu6RloYw4x8EVdT17mgbZVQvqPUIH4np1GPKaCWzDVTSiAuT_KQ-rbQ/s320/DCL%20Fantasy%20parasailing%20castaway%20cay.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span face="Avenir, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #253b56;"><br /></span><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #253b56; font-family: Avenir, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 18px;"><i>On this adventure you will...</i></p></blockquote><ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #253b56; font-family: Avenir, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 18px; text-align: left;"><ul><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><i>Make your way to Marges Barges, located just 100 yards from the ship's gangway - the starting point for your parasailing adventure.</i></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><i>After a short safety briefing, Guests will be divided into groups and escorted to a waiting boat.</i></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><i>Meet your friendly captain and mate and head out into open water to soar high in the sky while harnessed to a parachute tethered to the boat.</i></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><i>Enjoy the unforgettable beauty and serenity as you parasail for approximately 5 to 7 minutes at heights of 600 to 800 feet over the waves before returning gently to the boat.</i></li></ul></ul><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #253b56;">When selecting parasailing, guests have to select an available time. We chose 9:00 am, first thing. The last time we did this was eleven years ago, so it will be fun to do it again! <a href="https://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2011/08/parasailing-on-disney-cruise-lines.html" target="_blank">Click here to read about our first parasailing adventure. </a></span></p><p style="text-align: left;">Other onboard fun on our agenda includes <a href="https://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2017/12/mixology-on-disney-dream.html" target="_blank">Mixology</a>, and <a href="https://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2013/02/whiskey-tasting-on-disney-dream.html" target="_blank">beverage tastings</a>. We also have some spa treatments booked and both brunch and dinner at <a href="https://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2014/03/considering-champagne-brunch-while-at.html" target="_blank">Palo</a>, one of two adult only fine dining restaurants on board. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zQL9gwfi4g3rQhxvWb3Ocv2TNIbWoTHJuen1OucvkuOtIpohiAhjA28f5laQohUV9DZ78Ld0jCwi9zxiQOOIijvEP5sftcTPlUlpzWTYUZ_mYIeuF-GLmQ2WJbqMmpECdZSudlq3NPeZC2Xtzp_Lif-Qx4XT6mS5SPIa3nDbX2IQcOjgHy7YcgaLTg/s438/cruise%20shirt%20front%206.23.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="438" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zQL9gwfi4g3rQhxvWb3Ocv2TNIbWoTHJuen1OucvkuOtIpohiAhjA28f5laQohUV9DZ78Ld0jCwi9zxiQOOIijvEP5sftcTPlUlpzWTYUZ_mYIeuF-GLmQ2WJbqMmpECdZSudlq3NPeZC2Xtzp_Lif-Qx4XT6mS5SPIa3nDbX2IQcOjgHy7YcgaLTg/s320/cruise%20shirt%20front%206.23.22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">We will be celebrating our 20th Anniversary and retirement!</p><p style="text-align: left;">We are also looking forward to an extended verandah stateroom and sailing the during the boy's college "late summer break" at the end of August. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484905138426420410.post-6237770168859218932022-06-29T06:16:00.001-05:002022-06-29T06:20:05.265-05:00Williams Family: I'm Officially Retired<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu18JaKO04Vsb4UPrV5TGI32NhQpDJtPXJfd3IQKtYBbMw41xpVHNiRI2FIxFd79BAVZbWTDyQ2XULfZ8lISxAnPSfY3Zy34XAzD1LCtjZuW1mqlgUy0D-mIccrX8YMqagKLPhh2zb0kvoBKtjRL4jD2Mjus4kpSxx4zhCNooAszomwJa_iZKJ1Lzufw/s300/it's%20a%20wrap.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="257" data-original-width="300" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu18JaKO04Vsb4UPrV5TGI32NhQpDJtPXJfd3IQKtYBbMw41xpVHNiRI2FIxFd79BAVZbWTDyQ2XULfZ8lISxAnPSfY3Zy34XAzD1LCtjZuW1mqlgUy0D-mIccrX8YMqagKLPhh2zb0kvoBKtjRL4jD2Mjus4kpSxx4zhCNooAszomwJa_iZKJ1Lzufw/s1600/it's%20a%20wrap.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>It's a wrap!</p><p>After 33 years as a public school educator, the keys are turned in and I am retired.</p><p>What a ride! 3 school districts: Ballard Huxley, Ankeny, and Ottumwa--all in Iowa. 8 schools: Slater Elementary in Slater, Iowa; Southeast and Northeast Elementaries in Ankeny, Iowa; and Wildwood, Lincoln, James, Wilson, and Horace Mann Elementaries in Ottumwa, Iowa. A classroom teacher for 9 years: 3 years teaching kindergarten students, 4 years teaching third grade students, and 2 years teaching fourth grade students. An elementary principal both K-6 and K-5 for 24 years. Thousands of students and parents, hundreds of staff. </p><p>I've seen programs and initiatives come, go, and come again. I've been subpoenaed, threatened, hit, bit, kicked, tripped, and hugged. Oh, so many hugs! </p><p>I've hired and fired. Transported students and staff to the emergency room. Managed water main breaks, gas leaks, and power outages. </p><p>I've weathered extreme heat and cold to make sure students departed safely. And, ridden in the back seat of the police SUV in the middle of the night to look for a lost child. </p><p>I've pulled teeth, stopped nose bleeds, stabilized potential broken bones with magazines, book bags, garbage bags, and duct tape, and transported students home to get personal care products when parents couldn't be reached. I've held and hugged distraught students, staff, and parents. </p><p>I've experienced an Amber Alert for a student who didn't make it to school, needed a Notice of Injunction for a supervisor, and have been called names by parents both in person and on social media.</p><p>I've responded to late night and week-end vandalism, playground fires, alarms, and break-ins. My favorite story was the night the police had me lead them into a school with a sounding alarm armed with flashlights. I flipped switches and turned on all the lights, reducing the suspense significantly. </p><p>I've listened and heard about affairs, marriages, divorces, babies, lost babies, deaths, illnesses, and medical procedures. Helping when I could and if needed. The principal's office is sometimes a confessional. </p><p>There was a year of running two schools. There was a year of being the adjunct principal at preschool while managing another elementary. There were years of coordinating guidance counselors, talented and gifted program, and mentor teacher program. </p><p>As a teacher, I attended two National Conferences--in New Orleans and Phoenix. As a principal, I attended one National Conference--in St. Louis--as a presenter with a great team of teachers. </p><p>A B.A. and two advanced degrees and I worked two, sometimes three jobs for many years. There were the Wal-Mart years and the years of teaching graduate classes to teachers. </p><p>Will I miss it? </p><p>I'll miss the connections with students, families, and colleagues, the people. Well, most of the people. I'll miss the routine and purpose. I'll miss the challenge of solving new problems, the feel of a smooth-running school, the anticipation of what needs to happen next, and serving people well.</p><p>The list of what I won't miss is long. </p><p>A third of a century in service. Over half my life so far. Grateful for the opportunity. </p><p>It's time for new adventures! </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484905138426420410.post-12489094490349596712022-06-28T05:13:00.001-05:002022-06-28T05:13:41.237-05:00Williams Family: Transitions<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOET1D6oOmxoitGUHaelpKLqdKjIrSDP_7fHFFWqaJgZ7dA2dVGxT9S0S7pYHGbJaIaWbzgNrIifT1fesB0PUql51K_feSE2Ybmjsq5AE9xazCFeoKqQcvm82YerMasaGGnTMs_nX7Tq66GyubNKeXtqO44xoeOBZWQfECuAxgl0WIYN6fRXBnqJGpQ/s300/time%20to%20retire.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="300" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOET1D6oOmxoitGUHaelpKLqdKjIrSDP_7fHFFWqaJgZ7dA2dVGxT9S0S7pYHGbJaIaWbzgNrIifT1fesB0PUql51K_feSE2Ybmjsq5AE9xazCFeoKqQcvm82YerMasaGGnTMs_nX7Tq66GyubNKeXtqO44xoeOBZWQfECuAxgl0WIYN6fRXBnqJGpQ/s1600/time%20to%20retire.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>I'm transitioning today from full time working gal to retired individual, not just summer vacation. The plan to make this transition has been in the works for a while, several months. Therefore, I have had a lot of time to process. There have been some surprises along the way.</p><p>I was surprised by how comforting it felt to be replaced. As soon as there was an announcement of who would be taking the position as our school principal, I felt pleased and relieved. </p><p>I was surprised by parent reactions. There were congratulations, cards, and one extremely touching email. There were also social media posts calling me "useless" or was it "worthless" and the parent who said to me, "I'm so glad you aren't going to be here next year." I kept the touching email and forwarded it to my personal email. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUr6QP-gE2ADftUAs3GhbCfmuajmpbX0shQm9RrB49DVHDC6WV5yXnHBc0jm8wpwG2lYB-TiSCN2OKfyiWQmecgFnMhnZUcywCOq2bdt_VVWp3xPoe4uGAqQIaGvmZqfqjmuIEOAK8I1-uBtOt3tk-7E4kFipy5E6s7726z7_xSrIvYDzOSPC7HFlmg/s960/happy%20retirement.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="960" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUr6QP-gE2ADftUAs3GhbCfmuajmpbX0shQm9RrB49DVHDC6WV5yXnHBc0jm8wpwG2lYB-TiSCN2OKfyiWQmecgFnMhnZUcywCOq2bdt_VVWp3xPoe4uGAqQIaGvmZqfqjmuIEOAK8I1-uBtOt3tk-7E4kFipy5E6s7726z7_xSrIvYDzOSPC7HFlmg/s320/happy%20retirement.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I was surprised by our students and staff on the last day of school. Yep, they got me. I was speechless and emotional as the signs appeared when it was time for the Pledge of Allegiance and circle of love and well wishes on the playground. Do you hear that? You got me!</p><p>I was surprised by how quiet I was in meetings and in general as the school year progressed. I remember standing in a school office several years ago proclaiming about not being able to wait until the year I retired as I was going to tell it like it was. One staff person inquired a bit puzzled, "How much are you holding back now?" My response, "A lot!" which surprised them. As the school year progressed, I grew quiet, and I was told by a superior, who has moved on from the district, that my questions at meetings were seen as "gotcha questions." Interestingly, when I told that to a teacher colleague they said, "When you ask a question, I say to myself 'finally' because you are asking what the rest of us are thinking." </p><p>I was surprised by how hard it has been to say good-bye to so many quality educators. I know those folks will carry the torch!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484905138426420410.post-81620478415395854972022-06-25T16:22:00.005-05:002022-06-26T07:01:39.637-05:00Williams Family: "How Are You Going To Get That Cheaper?"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSghcDqhYOj9lfqwou1vsVeDpdjIYicQkKC2k-IwtZ13vXMoqKW77xMRE3i0jf168spb2Quu49A5ZSwbX0gP9_NfS4J34zJ2oHdURR7zEG0NNim282uQ9D_YUapsP2TrLfldlzPGoI4-yXgoqmJndox4mSQupQJANmFocQD4avoWHKxp1e9wwMrMCWdQ/s300/saving%20money.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSghcDqhYOj9lfqwou1vsVeDpdjIYicQkKC2k-IwtZ13vXMoqKW77xMRE3i0jf168spb2Quu49A5ZSwbX0gP9_NfS4J34zJ2oHdURR7zEG0NNim282uQ9D_YUapsP2TrLfldlzPGoI4-yXgoqmJndox4mSQupQJANmFocQD4avoWHKxp1e9wwMrMCWdQ/s1600/saving%20money.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>"How are you going to get that cheaper?" asked the cashier at the grocery store as I held two dozen eggs that were on sale for less than $1 each. The question was rhetorical and a jab at my savings record. She was the same cashier that watched a few days prior as my $100 grocery total went to $60 in a flash due to sales and coupons. At one time I taught a coupon class. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, I'm more about clicking than clipping to find savings. A recent example is the savings to be had on our personalized t-shirt purchase from Zazzle. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGS79oAwx6ZZRVCvjxh5M8dsiY4EF9IRDXDxm3k3iQjpSl30ohwTtRii0-ppnVLHh6VHDhw2kB2wprCQWQvWg0tUTUsEepCpsyFfVvN9Gxk-zWpzdWiyBO80SmwLsNUlweVQeJ_tbL21uVL4p71lFxKkhuHhheBbjaoJZA1vsKJuhLrUn-dS0CrrWbg/s438/cruise%20shirt%20front%206.23.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="438" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGS79oAwx6ZZRVCvjxh5M8dsiY4EF9IRDXDxm3k3iQjpSl30ohwTtRii0-ppnVLHh6VHDhw2kB2wprCQWQvWg0tUTUsEepCpsyFfVvN9Gxk-zWpzdWiyBO80SmwLsNUlweVQeJ_tbL21uVL4p71lFxKkhuHhheBbjaoJZA1vsKJuhLrUn-dS0CrrWbg/s320/cruise%20shirt%20front%206.23.22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The initial savings came from a discount code on the <a href="https://www.zazzle.com/" target="_blank">Zazzle website</a>, and I knew about the code due to an email alert. If using Zazzle is of interest for you, sign up for their emails. Also, you can save your design anytime, then add to the cart for purchase when discount codes are offered.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGZnAH1Alzu96K_ctWE1gwZU1ANS--0zIGmHSVrsZf8DWJr4_d2G59guG4Sir99eOwbXDjTVWjpF9GHwl2nhkM1dfz4HT9cldazBzzWOchl5wAwZ9uMoS65-EndzA3x9HIivyYV6jH8PSZDKJHpOTpOFcMUzSYJihzh3NZUjZJ4SszHyjU8xeP8c81A/s432/Cruise%20shirt%20back%206.23.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="379" data-original-width="432" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGZnAH1Alzu96K_ctWE1gwZU1ANS--0zIGmHSVrsZf8DWJr4_d2G59guG4Sir99eOwbXDjTVWjpF9GHwl2nhkM1dfz4HT9cldazBzzWOchl5wAwZ9uMoS65-EndzA3x9HIivyYV6jH8PSZDKJHpOTpOFcMUzSYJihzh3NZUjZJ4SszHyjU8xeP8c81A/s320/Cruise%20shirt%20back%206.23.22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Before any online shopping, I go to<a href="https://www.rakuten.com/r/TODDAN176?eeid=28187" target="_blank"> Raketun </a>(formerly Ebates) first and searched for Zazzle. Voila, there was 5% cash back on Raketun. I pushed the "shop now" button which took me directly to the Zazzle website and my cart was waiting. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.rakuten.com/r/TODDAN176?eeid=28187" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="121" data-original-width="300" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGJNOI6haxBRtSJrJV3n7C_G4lI3yD8WDdEg7hIlleac2yB2MWe-EFqYqFGJdYEmoh7LEWanT95iWTKVWJFuXNBmJml1va0hvgSLvuN5u8U3jYkpR-vjxQ6fcQk3ECLPcW9kmZ0VkU97uFrC4JhgxwwLGbotxInaR9tzYPEzOGFbLIGQCB3ek_KbR-g/s1600/raketun%20big%20fat%20check.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.rakuten.com/r/TODDAN176?eeid=28187" target="_blank">Raketun</a> pays out in "Big Fat Checks" 4 times of year if your quarterly cash back earnings are over $5. Otherwise, the cash adds up until the next payout. The percentages for cash back vary from day to day and store-to-store. If you are new to <a href="https://www.rakuten.com/r/TODDAN176?eeid=28187" target="_blank">Raketun</a>, there are great offers to get you started!</div><div><br /></div><div>For online purchases, I use our <a href="https://www.referyourchasecard.com/200a/4C3Q147EDG" target="_blank">Disney Visa</a>. For this particular purchase, there was a special offer for Zazzle, that I activated prior to purchase. 10% back as a credit on the Visa balance. There were 15 different offers that I could activate for the account, but this offer was one I knew I would use. The special offers have expirations so be sure to check if they are still active or new offers need to be selected.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.referyourchasecard.com/200a/4C3Q147EDG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="197" data-original-width="300" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAJ6yFztkN1fQ4O2Vat2DJyDz5ZUw2FJyZyk7a2WS8FcWft7qmjevRVV1cKXDjcbUy6cIt1PaQCWWpLy7cHAoyV_pcxCZIlU_3IJDWjO5GQziPaajbzumvZOT2T2Gd4vgyq_gNPDqzlQhkci6cvZxiYQFMe4m7HGSG_q4zy4gOU2iEmtHTICY8kIFjA/s1600/Disney%20chase%20visa.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In addition to the percentage back on the Visa, I earned Disney Rewards, that translate into Disney Reward Dollars. The Zazzle t-shirt purchase was a 1% back in Disney Rewards.</div><div><br /></div><div>And, if your email is attached to the Reciept Hog app, you can earn coins/spins. Whoa! Saving Receipt Hog for another time.</div><div><br /></div><div>There you have it. New matching shirts for the family for upcoming Disney Cruise and at a savings!</div><div><br /></div><div>This savings thing isn't new for us!</div><div><br /></div><div>While this post is about Ebates, Raketun works the same. <a href="https://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2012/12/ebates-get-money-back-when-you-shop-on.html" target="_blank">Ebates-- Get Money Back When You Shop On-Line</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2012/04/our-cheap-lifestyle-supports-our-disney.html" target="_blank">Our "Cheap" Lifestyle Supports Our Disney Habit</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2013/07/how-couponer-does-disney.html" target="_blank">How A "Couponer" Does Disney</a></div><div><br /></div><div>H<a href="https://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2018/07/williams-family-how-many-loyalty.html" target="_blank">ow Many "Loyalty" Accounts Does It Take to Make It Through Summer Vacation?</a></div><div><br /></div><div><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: #ffffcc; color: #555544; font-family: tahoma, "Trebuchet MS", lucida, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.6px; margin: 5px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></h3></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484905138426420410.post-46913279678496434892022-06-05T18:54:00.001-05:002022-06-05T18:54:38.985-05:00Williams Family: When Will We Be Floridians?<p> When will we be Floridians?</p><p>It has been our dream to live in the middle of the magic, near the "house of mouse." With each passing day, we get closer to the dream! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5stIYNZpFY7Uzq23x0QK0yjsntIT_n_ARKQSCQPuof_P8aEA5N3q4ypELAY9K7MjjU8KAjMsyuSP8vdziX_5cip0_EKQuFVKv4bVUUKOhOOEsWo46bQxb9g7npNL_Yh0j4b7ar-i8WOKQCL1i8DJ4Bq8JICstFonw4SobdjmjA3aAiLn5dKYogoDmQ/s691/map%20of%20condo%20in%20windermere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="574" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5stIYNZpFY7Uzq23x0QK0yjsntIT_n_ARKQSCQPuof_P8aEA5N3q4ypELAY9K7MjjU8KAjMsyuSP8vdziX_5cip0_EKQuFVKv4bVUUKOhOOEsWo46bQxb9g7npNL_Yh0j4b7ar-i8WOKQCL1i8DJ4Bq8JICstFonw4SobdjmjA3aAiLn5dKYogoDmQ/s320/map%20of%20condo%20in%20windermere.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Distance from our condo to The Magic Kingdom</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>In August, 2021, we closed on a 3 bedroom/2 bath ground floor condo in Windermere, Florida. We had spent May and June searching for a property with the help of Paul Donovan, our realtor in Orlando. Many hours were spent watching videos, searching for listings, and touring properties with Paul, each on our phones. When we purchased the condo, it had a tenant. The HOA for the complex allows for 12 month leases and we renewed the lease in March 2022 for another year. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oUHklZY6F-6TTBZXvBiuBv6_GpJDI_45eAmqbaCBYrhFF70UScQ1WpyETwjvZRw3cqEVcLlXMBTxYhLYPCRLmydDUMZdJicfgpEcDpcuP43eZP2hpq5dDb7uaRQ1ARKw3zn7esAspuiMJjJoS0Bw2sQ1eOeOb8hJUwpypA9w14shfGEN507ncNYlQw/s1024/11434%20Jasper%20Kay%201.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oUHklZY6F-6TTBZXvBiuBv6_GpJDI_45eAmqbaCBYrhFF70UScQ1WpyETwjvZRw3cqEVcLlXMBTxYhLYPCRLmydDUMZdJicfgpEcDpcuP43eZP2hpq5dDb7uaRQ1ARKw3zn7esAspuiMJjJoS0Bw2sQ1eOeOb8hJUwpypA9w14shfGEN507ncNYlQw/s320/11434%20Jasper%20Kay%201.webp" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our ground floor condo in Windermere</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Then, there were work considerations. In October 2021, our local school board approved an early retirement package for employees that met the requirements of age and years of service. Voila! Once the paperwork was sent to the husband and I, we were the first ones to submit our intention to retire at the end of the 2021-2022 school year. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprG2dBYmCP43JiATDOm8fR_h8Ge1SzELnru353di_LRkQ5Nt_DDB0LTa1SVECCkY71zSQiNia7uPF2zyiOl-uG1VTSqv8lStIFMciRtV4CQNy5QAw22fBrFHenwV8pxnxk5HWctghHV-vaDotmRzzQnscuOX2O3WE6Ha-23oBjGJ5WXpnrLFSp6b0Fg/s300/time%20to%20retire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="300" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprG2dBYmCP43JiATDOm8fR_h8Ge1SzELnru353di_LRkQ5Nt_DDB0LTa1SVECCkY71zSQiNia7uPF2zyiOl-uG1VTSqv8lStIFMciRtV4CQNy5QAw22fBrFHenwV8pxnxk5HWctghHV-vaDotmRzzQnscuOX2O3WE6Ha-23oBjGJ5WXpnrLFSp6b0Fg/s1600/time%20to%20retire.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>Being a public school employee retiring in Iowa, allows for payments from the pension program. Both the husband and I qualify to receive those payments. Once payments are received, there are time limits for returning to any type of employment and the payments are determined by pay scales, etc. The husband is deferring payments from the pension program, so he can be a substitute employee without having to wait for the "bona fide retirement" window. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEOCpMGW4HaHqa9lvEmFEK3hjdfzi2gFovRD_zmvm6jJSikgSHhuLBE_WCC7IG1TY5y_WVyJgEehF4ron9nqm0_OfwzitN2eIgquO4P1nluPUHdimjPG4ccy8eqxyVWEPLTB8vG788EofOl5LSfpuUWETGuCX4wqCzFcumRGqvu6Mu15aBuXbgEl2sA/s960/happy%20retirement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="960" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEOCpMGW4HaHqa9lvEmFEK3hjdfzi2gFovRD_zmvm6jJSikgSHhuLBE_WCC7IG1TY5y_WVyJgEehF4ron9nqm0_OfwzitN2eIgquO4P1nluPUHdimjPG4ccy8eqxyVWEPLTB8vG788EofOl5LSfpuUWETGuCX4wqCzFcumRGqvu6Mu15aBuXbgEl2sA/s320/happy%20retirement.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My last day with students May 2022</td></tr></tbody></table><p>What will I do? That's the beauty. I don't know. Nor do I have to know. </p><p>Then, there's the boy. He may decide to move with us to work and go to school. In the meantime, he has another year of community college.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWer1FioK5czcBtX3CmmnXLacXZ5u60HWY2qorPNtjZUMliUfEMdXO7TpzUUsuYUQABX2rv_kO8vLvphM1P_82EmZgFENRcLWtg3_2CYVCi-v_DvyQAOE7znm3P34lheSFww402S0n7q52_Kc8ZG12xOOTl3sLOKeZ-ugW2CEB-PgxUD_ibRDC02xOA/s960/brent%20IHCC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWer1FioK5czcBtX3CmmnXLacXZ5u60HWY2qorPNtjZUMliUfEMdXO7TpzUUsuYUQABX2rv_kO8vLvphM1P_82EmZgFENRcLWtg3_2CYVCi-v_DvyQAOE7znm3P34lheSFww402S0n7q52_Kc8ZG12xOOTl3sLOKeZ-ugW2CEB-PgxUD_ibRDC02xOA/s320/brent%20IHCC.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boy is in college now</td></tr></tbody></table><p>When will be Floridians? Sometime after March 2023. </p><p>Each day, our dream gets a little closer!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1P2F4tc2MDH9SJw5NC2RxN_HqemL2jtbuFQq3to_e-cxPq-iqLxF44Ce6AHxGCczhp9bgKiNdGdiy7BE3tveJ0S_uO7BF4py7r7HQ8Xv2XCUQBtu_iWWgdkuOcOnepaMNhaqtx1HsKd34ETfTW4RGM32QWAKHBvG0mKrYBMkD36CAC-M5JXWNSesL4g/s300/dream%20is%20a%20wish%20your%20heart%20makes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="133" data-original-width="300" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1P2F4tc2MDH9SJw5NC2RxN_HqemL2jtbuFQq3to_e-cxPq-iqLxF44Ce6AHxGCczhp9bgKiNdGdiy7BE3tveJ0S_uO7BF4py7r7HQ8Xv2XCUQBtu_iWWgdkuOcOnepaMNhaqtx1HsKd34ETfTW4RGM32QWAKHBvG0mKrYBMkD36CAC-M5JXWNSesL4g/s1600/dream%20is%20a%20wish%20your%20heart%20makes.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484905138426420410.post-26534558667423266462019-09-02T07:57:00.002-05:002019-09-02T07:57:48.285-05:00Williams Family: Our 4th of July!<br />
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The 4th of July is the quintessential patriotic American holiday in the middle of the summer and is typically marked by BBQs, beverages, beach visits, fireworks, and family. Our plan for the 4th of July, 2019, many items from the list. . . just in The Bahamas!<br />
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When we booked our July 2019 "double dip" Disney Cruise on the Disney Dream, we knew the first stop at Castaway Cay was going to be the 4th of July. We had been on the ship on the 4th before--in 2017, also a "double dip" and were excited about the possibilities!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comfy chairs on Deck 4</td></tr>
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The morning began with room service delivering coffee, juice, fruit, toast--enough to get us up and moving. We got dressed and headed to Cabanas on Deck 11 for breakfast part 2, a more hearty sustenance and to watch the view as the ship backed into Castaway Cay. Soon, we found a spot on Deck 4 and waited for the all clear announcement that signaled that we could leave the ship.<br />
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After scanning our Key to the World cards and making sure that the husband and I, as we are 18 or over, had picture ID's we gathered towels from the Cast Members handing them to guests on the pier and made our way further onto the island.<br />
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We did make a stop for pictures taken by ship photographers already set up to capture smiles!<br />
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We waited just a few minutes for the tram at the tram stop to take us to Pelican Point, the second stop for the tram. The first stop is for the Family Beach and shops. We prefer Pelican Point which is another family beach.<br />
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After finding a home base for towels and our bag, it was time to play in the warm water and on the sandy beach.<br />
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The boy built a sand fort and the guys took off on a bicycle ride on the island.I relaxed in a chair near the water's edge.<br />
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The boys returned from their bike ride it was just in time to take some pictures with one of the ship's photographers. Yes, they come to you on the beach! The boy took some time to rest, too.</div>
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There are three locations on the island to get lunch and the menu is almost the same in all of the locations. Lunch on Serenity Bay offers a few different selections. We dined at Cookies, Too which is near Pelican Point. Guests get a tray with a plate, silverware, and cloth napkin to go through the line for BBQ selections. The boy's favorite is ribs! During one of our cruises, he had to forgo the corn on the cob due to his braces, but not this time! </div>
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After lunch, we returned to Pelican Point. We secured a float and the husband ordered a beer. Adult beverages get delivered to you right on the beach! Notice the clouds forming? Keep an eye on the clouds in the upcoming pictures.<br />
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Our port adventure, also known as excursion was scheduled to leave Marge's Barges at 1:30, so shortly after 1:00 we made our way to the tram stop to take the tram back towards the ship.<br />
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Marge's Barges is located near the ship pier on Castaway Cay and we arrived, checked in for our excursion, signed necessary releases, and waited. <br />
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We were called to head to Roval's boat for our Sandbar excursion. We were in life jackets in the boat, waiting for the word as to whether we would proceed due to the weather. Roval got permission to go! I asked Roval to take us to the sunshine!<br />
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Within minutes we went from cloudy and stormy to sunshine! We were on our way to the Sandbar!<br />
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The boy spotted some dolphins playing so Roval slowed the boat and we watched the dolphins play. I did my best to get pictures. The dolphins swam on both sides and even dove under the boat.<br />
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Very soon, we could see the sandbar in the distance! Roval pulled the boat around and soon we were off the boat and on the sand!<br />
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The feeling of being isolated on a strip of sand in the middle of the ocean is incredible. The warm sand and warm water and the colors. .. I want to bottle the colors and take them home. The closest I can come is to take photos.<br />
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The boy explored and found two conch shells, both with live beings. We looked and he placed them back in the water.<br />
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Roval cranked up the stereo on the boat and there was a dance party on the sand!<br />
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All too soon, it was time to leave the sandbar, gather on the boat, and return to Castway Cay. We could still see and hear the storm in the distance.<br />
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Note: The Bahamas has its independence holiday on July 10.<br />
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Once back on the ship, we cleaned up and got ready to celebrate 4th of July. There was time for photos with characters and with our family.</div>
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The patriotic leis were left over from another 4th of July, so I brought them along to help us celebrate.<br />
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After pictures and dinner, the boy headed off to his club--Vibe. The husband and I had a rum tasting in Cove Cafe. We hadn't been in Cove Cafe in all of our cruises, so the location along with the subject matter was intriguing.<br />
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We got to taste several rums and learn about the history and economics of rum making. There were some I liked better than others, so the husband definitely was the winner of the event.<br />
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Since it was 4th of July, Disney Cruise Line had planned fireworks for the occasion. (Our cruise had fireworks on two of the four nights--4th of July and Pirate Night!)<br />
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After the rum tasting, we made our way from Deck 11, which is where the adult pool is located in the pool above to Deck 12 for a better view of the fireworks. See the round porthole windows in the photo above? That is the location of Cove Cafe. It was very convenient to exit, head up the stairs, and be in a great spot for fireworks viewing!<br />
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The firework blasts were a fitting end to our great day in paradise! We had avoided the storm, enjoyed a great day on the island, and made some terrific memories as a family!<br />
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Note: This was our third time enjoying the Sandbar adventure with Roval and his team. Here are more links if you would like to read more.<br />
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: #ffffcc; color: #555544; font-family: tahoma, "Trebuchet MS", lucida, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.6px; margin: 5px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;">
<a href="https://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2017/12/castaway-cay-sandbar-beach-excursion.html" target="_blank">Castaway Cay Sandbar Beach Excursion--"Rum, Sun, Sand, and Stories"</a></h3>
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: #ffffcc; color: #555544; font-family: tahoma, "Trebuchet MS", lucida, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.6px; margin: 5px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;">
<a href="https://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2018/07/williams-family-we-did-castaway-cay.html" target="_blank">Williams Family: We Did The Castaway Cay Sandbar Beach Excursion AGAIN!</a></h3>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484905138426420410.post-10148397204933838632019-05-19T18:43:00.003-05:002019-05-19T18:44:24.598-05:00Williams Family: Traveling Medicine Cabinet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A fellow Disney traveler asked out what we take with us on our Disney vacations. In addition to a <a href="https://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2012/11/whats-in-your-park-touring-bag.html" target="_blank">Park Bag</a> and a "<a href="https://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2019/04/williams-family-our-macgyver-bag.html" target="_blank">MacGyver Bag</a>", we also have a traveling medicine cabinet. The list below contains many items, but not all of them are packed together in a luxurious gallon size ziploc bag, some are in a toiletry kit that is in the checked luggage and some are in our quart-size bag of liquids that is in our carry-on. I also want to note that there are many of these items available for purchase at Walt Disney World Resort gift shops, it just may not be the brand, size, you want/need and it may be expensive.<br />
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For prevention and/or care of various maladies, check out the list below:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Ibuprofen (in my purse, too.)</li>
<li>Ibuprofen PM</li>
<li>Tylenol</li>
<li>Allergy/decongestant tablets</li>
<li>Anti-diarrhea pills</li>
<li>Antacid Tablets</li>
<li>Naproxen (I take 2 daily)</li>
<li>Motion sickness tablets</li>
<li>Flonase</li>
<li>Vicks Vapor Rub</li>
<li>Cough drops</li>
</ul>
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You would be amazed what the items below can cure! Upon arrival, these items get transferred to either my purse or the park touring bag. I remember bandaging the boy after he fell and cut his forehead while we were waiting for a cruise port adventure.</div>
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<ul>
<li>Triple-antibiotic ointment (this is in the quart size bag in carry-on)</li>
<li>Hydro-cortisone cream (also in carry-on)</li>
<li>Bandaids</li>
<li>Moleskin (either already cut into appropriate size pieces of with scissors for cutting--scissors need to be in checked luggage)</li>
</ul>
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Well, the Epsom Salts are great for putting in warm water and soaking sore feet as well as other ailments. I also pack any needed menstrual supplies and a Good Nights bed mat that sticks to the mattress/sheets that you can find in the diaper/pull-up aisle.</div>
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<ul>
<li>Thermacare menstrual cramp heat pads </li>
<li>Epsom Salts (put some in an empty plastic container, like butter/sour cream)</li>
</ul>
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Since we typically travel to a warm, tropical climate:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Suncreen</li>
<li>Aloe/after sun cream</li>
</ul>
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And, the requirements!</div>
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<ul>
<li>Vitamins</li>
<li>Prescription Medicines (We/I forgot one of the husband's prescription medicines and we learned about Turner Drug that delivers to Walt Disney World Resorts.)</li>
</ul>
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For a treat for the feet:</div>
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<div>
<ul>
<li>Peppermint Foot Cream</li>
<li>Fuzzy socks</li>
</ul>
<div>
We've heard that some guests appreciate bringing some sort of anti-chafing cream/powder, foot fungus cream, and any other creams for frequent rashes.</div>
</div>
<div>
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<div>
Here's our <a href="https://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2013/08/our-must-pack-list-for-any-disney.html" target="_blank">"Must Pack" list</a>.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484905138426420410.post-54691314299031301222019-04-28T15:24:00.003-05:002019-04-28T15:24:41.442-05:00Williams Family: Our "MacGyver" Bag<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmVE-iSIBkioK7rX930nTJluPsMoVpJ9G36uSwOnPdCIsqkqE2t8d9fzRSEYfclp7ciMPzBjjR0lUgagkdPVRW6BmvK9mwPkhftBLv-PlscSM_bkTjfQh9j5-6c2M1F4ziX3hKZDwCSXB/s1600/SAM_1773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmVE-iSIBkioK7rX930nTJluPsMoVpJ9G36uSwOnPdCIsqkqE2t8d9fzRSEYfclp7ciMPzBjjR0lUgagkdPVRW6BmvK9mwPkhftBLv-PlscSM_bkTjfQh9j5-6c2M1F4ziX3hKZDwCSXB/s320/SAM_1773.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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What you see in the photo above is a gallon size plastic bag that our family refers to as the "MacGyver" bag and it goes with us on every trip.<br />
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Some background. MacGyver was a seven-season action, mystery television show from the late 80's where the hero, MacGyver, solved problems using everyday objects. Our bag is full of everyday items that have come in handy on many of our trips, hence the name.<br />
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Items in the bag include wooden clothespins--the pinchy kind. We use these to keep curtains closed in hotel rooms, hang bathing suits for drying, even hang up towels if needed. We also have magnetic clips. These are used when on the cruise ships as the stateroom doors are metal and we use them to hang paper items like excursion tickets, list of cruise activities, etc. Horizontal space is a premium in staterooms, so this allows us to hang items, even lanyards. <br />
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The roll of duct tape is to repair broken suitcases, broken shoes, and even once, used to keep the toilet lid up. The hotel had remodeled and installed a shelf behind the toilet, but the shelf was so wide that the toilet lid, when up, did not have enough room to make a 90 degree or more angle and therefore would either fall down after each use or require to be put down. Let's just say it was tricky and the duct tape kept the lid up. <br />
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In the middle of the duct tape roll is a baby jar with powdered dish washing soap. The soap is for use to clean any dining items, such as mugs or cups and it's in a glass baby jar to be protected from moisture or leaks. It can also be used to wash clothing items in a sink or bathtub if necessary. The fact that it is powder rather than liquid helps with TSA screenings, too.<br />
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Other items include samples of laundry pods--a variety of brands. There are also rubber bands! Rubber bands have been used to keep the boys pants/shorts up when they have been too small and too big! One cruise, the boy put on his nice pants for dinner and they wouldn't button! I whipped out a rubber band and weaved it through the button hole and the button. Voila! On another trip, the boy's shorts were too big around the waist. Rubber band used to cinch up the back belt loops. Problem solved! Rubber bands can also keep shoes together and even attach suitcase zipper ends if they won't come together.<br />
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You may ask if the the bag goes in our checked or carry on luggage. The answer is either. Whatever bag has room.<br />
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Our "MacGyver" bag stays ready to go into a suitcase at all times. We have to be careful not to go to the bag for situations that occur at home as it would be easy not to replenish the bag and be left empty handed while traveling.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484905138426420410.post-90373523634706823722019-03-10T17:03:00.000-05:002019-03-10T17:06:09.534-05:00Williams Family: Our Four Parks; One Day Adventure--December 31, 2018! (Part 2)<a href="https://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2019/03/williams-family-our-four-parks-one-day.html" target="_blank">Click here to read Part 1 of Our Four Parks, One Day Adventure.</a><br />
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Let me remind you of the rules that we set for ourselves:<br />
<ul>
<li>A park icon photo at each park.</li>
<li>Use only Disney transportation system.(Could we use all forms in one day?)</li>
<li>Ride at least one ride at each park with a ride photo</li>
</ul>
So far, we had broken one of the rules as we didn't get a ride photo at EPCOT, just selfies in the line for Soarin'.<br />
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We strolled from Future World to the International Gateway at EPCOT and took the Friendship Launch from EPCOT to Disney's Hollywood Studios.</div>
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While on the boat, I used the My Disney Experience app to order lunch at Woody's Lunchbox using the mobile order function on the app. It was easy!</div>
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Do you see the 2019 in our picture? </div>
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When we got closer to Woody's Lunchbox, I used the "I'm here" button on the app and proceeded to the mobile order window to pick up lunch. Did I say this was easy? It automatically used our Quick Service Dining credits!</div>
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Soon it was time for our Slinky Dog Coaster Fastpasses. Everytime this ride is fun! Also, as soon as we exited the attraction, I was able to snag a Fastpass for DINOSAUR!</div>
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The lines for the Star War Characters were a bit long, but Disney Chase Visa has a character meet & greet in Launch Bay so we stopped. Good thing the husband had his wallet and photo ID!</div>
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We exited the park and made our way to the bus stop for Disney's Animal Kingdom. This was the longest walk of the day! The bus was full and we had to stand for the ride. </div>
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Just inside the entrance to Disney's Animal Kingdom, Terk and Meeko were greeting guests. We stopped to say "Hello!"</div>
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The photo above met the criteria for park icon photo! You can also see by the sun that it was later in the day.</div>
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On our way to DINOSAUR, we stopped to greet Russell and Dug and met a family from our hometown in the line, too! It really is a small world!</div>
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Since we were right there, we decided to see "It's Tough To Be A Bug" before making our way to Dinoland.</div>
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We rode DINOSAUR and the husband was so scared he forgot his part of the 2019 using his hands. Oh, well!</div>
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Time to exit the park and take a bus to Disney Springs. We had a dinner reservation!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaduKXoY2EjpR68ZBgpGbPBawSBiCYEE-7K-wAOlgDt46Du5MOy633IpuRR1OuI4R2xTeVtqohNSaMZv5b2f-cmL65b0dvqAbZoyW3mK_yDuuUcJHwgmVTjJ7Wu0_lIKIb_7nPaJXZVfAL/s1600/Enzos.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaduKXoY2EjpR68ZBgpGbPBawSBiCYEE-7K-wAOlgDt46Du5MOy633IpuRR1OuI4R2xTeVtqohNSaMZv5b2f-cmL65b0dvqAbZoyW3mK_yDuuUcJHwgmVTjJ7Wu0_lIKIb_7nPaJXZVfAL/s320/Enzos.png" width="240" /></a></div>
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Our reservation was for Enzo's Hideaway. Seafood and pasta favorites were on the menu. What was even cooler was the trip to the bathroom which is shared with The Edison. </div>
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After dinner, we took a bus from Disney Springs back to our resort.</div>
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We did it! We hit all four Walt Disney World Parks in one day, along with Disney Springs. We used Disney transportation throughout and rode buses, the monorail, and two different types of water launches. We even squeezed in a character meal and met characters at three of the four parks. We got attraction photos at three of the four parks and icon photos at all four.</div>
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December 31 is one of the busiest days of the year for the Walt Disney World Resort. Knowing this, we tried to move opposite the crowds in the order we visited the parks. </div>
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We saved time traveling without bags. The husband had the camera, portable phone charger w/cord, and wallet in his pockets. The boy and I each had our phones and sunglasses.We made no purchases other than food throughout the day.</div>
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Would we do this again? Sure! But now we're thinking both water parks on the same day!</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484905138426420410.post-28513365606312862972019-03-10T09:39:00.003-05:002019-03-11T05:42:25.822-05:00Williams Family: Our Four Parks; One Day Adventure--December 31, 2018! (Part 1)When planning our winter 2018 Walt Disney World vacation we decided to set a goal for ourselves on the last day of the year--December 31, 2018. The goal, visit all four parks in one day!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSIQ-uHEgkxdds2q5aUpbc__Omi1dJsN7POenk4Rl1iHI2mdsXy2tsggjqz2TujKErtzGTLTCW3w7qNfBCY2SxD7nhRtvWActpbN3qEXgKi09cCkBRNRRMwTFaLYwr4TxANb80ddgaAa3/s1600/49344833_2031811396874765_5860615181859553280_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSIQ-uHEgkxdds2q5aUpbc__Omi1dJsN7POenk4Rl1iHI2mdsXy2tsggjqz2TujKErtzGTLTCW3w7qNfBCY2SxD7nhRtvWActpbN3qEXgKi09cCkBRNRRMwTFaLYwr4TxANb80ddgaAa3/s1600/49344833_2031811396874765_5860615181859553280_n%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's us at Magic Kingdom prior to opening for Extra Magic Hours at 7:00 am.</td></tr>
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We set the rules for ourselves:<br />
<ul>
<li>A park icon photo at each park.</li>
<li>Use only Disney transportation system.(Could we use all forms in one day?)</li>
<li>Ride at least one ride at each park with a ride photo.</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnPSgKiDw7jBHylLwAqACszg66vynhMYk2oLuY-OLCA7HqOS_8hTHdDLXS_yfgi_mCi-giZLUEHKH53fbyPuASNFsLykofsi2XTRBbNOHz6O_v75MN08GyGQxuLyHoWR6ZvmNODdHRI5x/s1600/MK_MSCINEMA_20181231_415101612918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnPSgKiDw7jBHylLwAqACszg66vynhMYk2oLuY-OLCA7HqOS_8hTHdDLXS_yfgi_mCi-giZLUEHKH53fbyPuASNFsLykofsi2XTRBbNOHz6O_v75MN08GyGQxuLyHoWR6ZvmNODdHRI5x/s320/MK_MSCINEMA_20181231_415101612918.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We stopped for some photos on Main Street USA at the Magic Kingdom</td></tr>
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Our plans started to come together and involved some strategy. Magic Kingdom has a tendency to close early to new guests on this very busy day. We wanted to start our day there. We also had to think through Fastpass selection and decided to make a Fastpass for Disney's Hollywood Studios which we would visit later in the day. And, for fun, we added some Advanced Dining Reservations.<br />
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Magic Kingdom changed their operating hours and added morning Extra Magic Hours opening at 7:00 am, which helped our plans immensely! We were set!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikoimEN_kddE02UAih9VuTEHjVilbXKhh8mEzghGb2H_-oZcA3VfP10wHjFsuLHiAn1gW0TPjpNAVryElpi2OLvNweZiOIlENu1hJjDMplEM0sjCYdtpNBmpmn45SYzaevaLuozPSmxSTc/s1600/MK_MSCINEMA_20181231_415101612920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikoimEN_kddE02UAih9VuTEHjVilbXKhh8mEzghGb2H_-oZcA3VfP10wHjFsuLHiAn1gW0TPjpNAVryElpi2OLvNweZiOIlENu1hJjDMplEM0sjCYdtpNBmpmn45SYzaevaLuozPSmxSTc/s320/MK_MSCINEMA_20181231_415101612920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We were up and at the bus stop at our Disney resort by 6:00 am and on the bus to the Magic Kingdom shortly after. Security was operating smoothly and we were in front of the Magic Kingdom by 6:30 am, waiting for the park to open, which it did at 6:45 am. This gave us time for photos and a bathroom stop prior to attractions opening at 7:00 am.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-ezm0SqSCONtVcKrrJUMyU0G2dnpuPNtu1UjwNi3ykfQcwln7kNQqnlwrKqSbKb_Sh-U8UgakpZsMJImns1WWY9VTd4Uj9HjEpIXKG6vAlNvZv7NZvOv4ajh8oiepC5i0iY1bwgzSINj/s1600/MK_BUZZLIGHTYEARRIDE_20181231_415100766257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1592" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-ezm0SqSCONtVcKrrJUMyU0G2dnpuPNtu1UjwNi3ykfQcwln7kNQqnlwrKqSbKb_Sh-U8UgakpZsMJImns1WWY9VTd4Uj9HjEpIXKG6vAlNvZv7NZvOv4ajh8oiepC5i0iY1bwgzSINj/s320/MK_BUZZLIGHTYEARRIDE_20181231_415100766257.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Buzz Lightyear was our first stop, followed by Tomorrowland Transit Authority. Carousel of Progress was open and we enjoyed being the only guests in our theater! Carousel of Progress is an attraction at Magic Kingdom that Walt Disney personally touched.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4kdzR360lCrcnhPskrd9VtxzAMiOvf_0ejh_ShCrpsZv_9Xc-K0E6rlqjX0I-B9_udLkpz7tbJe1nPnGTyh8kXONf58MqKnjwqv4Bmhu2ByG7oJw-wvgjbC87yO764ljXTU3cTEjlnA8/s1600/49203170_2031813663541205_2617903749414256640_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4kdzR360lCrcnhPskrd9VtxzAMiOvf_0ejh_ShCrpsZv_9Xc-K0E6rlqjX0I-B9_udLkpz7tbJe1nPnGTyh8kXONf58MqKnjwqv4Bmhu2ByG7oJw-wvgjbC87yO764ljXTU3cTEjlnA8/s1600/49203170_2031813663541205_2617903749414256640_n%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a></div>
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As we made our way out of Tomorrowland, we stopped at the famous purple wall for photos. The goal was to be through the hub and in line for Adventureland to open at 8:00, so we could be some of the first guests on Pirates of the Caribbean.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTT0YHykWdue8y4ZoOcdQhWzwDbp_RBTMxbPQcJ1C0qYVYcp0SmoA_wQ0k2Cm9lZKOh2S-C1mulgS22zZmGA7rqG51xYWWGev6Uq9OXTEOUMSQ9JjhIiFCFKve0Bsyj18M6x6ZgyrUMJh5/s1600/49044885_2031811553541416_6101172138285203456_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTT0YHykWdue8y4ZoOcdQhWzwDbp_RBTMxbPQcJ1C0qYVYcp0SmoA_wQ0k2Cm9lZKOh2S-C1mulgS22zZmGA7rqG51xYWWGev6Uq9OXTEOUMSQ9JjhIiFCFKve0Bsyj18M6x6ZgyrUMJh5/s1600/49044885_2031811553541416_6101172138285203456_n%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a></div>
Our strategy worked, for the most part. While we were some of the first guests in the queue, there was a delay in the attraction opening.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZjxgJhIQ1UnhvwapM39eW6mwwtpv-aLx1VA4y6t9xBPrXXLcio7kjEcCwN5YYqAFsu6ZOrG1GiSGa_EcbUQdOw5TQNNBhyphenhyphenigax7OxQqGMaKtbvOoHp9rHTu1zqWb9i2G16MNpmFiiuSd/s1600/MK_PIRATESRIDE_20181231_415101852992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZjxgJhIQ1UnhvwapM39eW6mwwtpv-aLx1VA4y6t9xBPrXXLcio7kjEcCwN5YYqAFsu6ZOrG1GiSGa_EcbUQdOw5TQNNBhyphenhyphenigax7OxQqGMaKtbvOoHp9rHTu1zqWb9i2G16MNpmFiiuSd/s320/MK_PIRATESRIDE_20181231_415101852992.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The trick was that we needed to check in for our flights at 8:20 am. I told the husband that it would happen right in the middle of our ride. Nope, the time hit 8:20 just as we were exiting and riding the conveyor belt up to the exit and store. I stepped aside checked in for our flights on my phone at the top of the hill! Done!<br />
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We leisurely made our way back to the front of the park, enjoying the Main Street Singers show and all the guests making their way into the park.<br />
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Our next stop of the Grand Floridian and we enjoyed the boat launch to get to our destination. Our tummies were rumbly and it was time for some breakfast at 1900 Park Fair.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UYu7NlMFw3ZHIVPxoCfmYkgUh7OYjMhU8VvIemWcybNJ2ZeZeqC-Qz22TsD6Z2VJ7RtJU8Le-3UmLAFZVJnOALisztlOTvn_pf4Pe5l5PNtET5f-xe08nJX475KOInHhMqGY2tK3asf7/s1600/SAM_1632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UYu7NlMFw3ZHIVPxoCfmYkgUh7OYjMhU8VvIemWcybNJ2ZeZeqC-Qz22TsD6Z2VJ7RtJU8Le-3UmLAFZVJnOALisztlOTvn_pf4Pe5l5PNtET5f-xe08nJX475KOInHhMqGY2tK3asf7/s320/SAM_1632.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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1900 Park Fair provides a great character breakfast and buffet. Guest get to meet Piglet in the exit area of the restaurant for a total of 5 characters in all!</div>
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When our appetites were satisfied, we explored the lobby of the Grand Floridian. Each holiday season they construct a life-sized Gingerbread house. There is even a store inside.<br />
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A Photopass photographer was available to take our photos with the Christmas tree in the lobby as well as with the Gingerbread house.<br />
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At the Grand Floridian, we hopped on the monorail to the Ticket and Transportation Center and switched to the EPCOT monorail.<br />
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We we were on the monorail we could see the traffic trying to enter the Magic Kingdom backed up for blocks. I got an alert on my phone at 11:35 am that Magic Kingdom was closed to new guests.<br />
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Test Track was our destination. We stood in the Single Rider line with the times showing 45 to 60 minutes. Brent noticed that there were no cars roaring overhead. Then the announcements began. The attraction was experiencing difficulties and would take over an hour to be repaired and that we should exit the queue. We watched everyone begin to walk away from the attraction. We stayed put. Soon, we were at the front of the Single Rider line. A Cast Member inquired as to our plan, then graciously added Fastpasses, available for any attraction other than FROZEN or Illuminations, to our accounts.<br />
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With a bonus Fastpass in hand, we went to meet the Wreck-It Ralph characters. The line was about 45 minutes so we divided and conquered, with me being in line and the guys heading off for Starbucks. Worked like a charm! </div>
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We were hoping that Test Track would be back online by the time we were done with characters, but no such luck. We headed to Soarin'. No ride photo. We had broken one of our own rules for the day. As always, the ride was fantastic!</div>
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We made our way through Future World, getting our park icon photo taken, and headed to International Gateway in EPCOT for the next two parks on our four parks, one day adventure.</div>
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To this point, things that were making our day easier:<br />
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<ul>
<li>We were traveling without bags so we could enter parks using the "No Bags" line.</li>
<li>The husband had camera, phone, wallet, portable charger w/cord in his pockets.</li>
<li>Annual Passes that allows for park hopping.</li>
<li>Beautiful weather! We didn't need coats, ponchos, etc.</li>
</ul>
Want to read more about our four parks, one day adventure? <a href="https://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2019/03/williams-family-our-four-parks-one-day_10.html" target="_blank">Click here to read Part 2.</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484905138426420410.post-34395009851781509052019-01-20T11:17:00.001-06:002019-01-20T11:17:31.193-06:00Williams Family: Up Close With RhinosIn the Fall of 2018, Disney's Animal Kingdom announced a new tour--Up Close With Rhinos. Have already experienced Caring for Giants, we were intrigued by this new one-hour tour. <br />
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With a cost of $40 per person, we booked right away and got a 15% Annual Passholder Discount.<br />
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The tour is offered daily at 11:00 am, last approximately 60 minutes, and is limited to 16 guests.<br />
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Guests are directed to meet at 10:45 am at the Curiosity Animal Tours kiosk which is located on the left side of the sidewalk just prior to the entrance to Kilimanjaro Safari.<br />
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We arrived at the designated time, completed the paperwork--waivers. Since the boy was not yet 18, we had to sign a waiver for him, giving him permission to be on the tour. As for age limits, the tour is designated for ages 4 and up. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a participating adult.<br />
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The tour is coined a "hopeful" tour as it is designed around a hopeful interaction with a rhino. <br />
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There were 14 guests in our group. We were guided out the gate, across the parking lot, and loaded into a passenger bus that holds 16, hence the tour limit.<br />
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We drove around the perimeter of Animal Kingdom, specifically Kilimanjaro Safari. We could see the night barns for several different animals that are found on the safari.<br />
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Our guide was very helpful and told us about how the animals respond to different sounds/signals to return each night. We also learned that the animals have choice to stay on safari all night and would be called again in the morning for breakfast. We learned the animals who choose to do this return tired in the morning. The reverse is also true, the animals have a choice to go out each day. One rainy, cold day several rhinos decided that their warm barns were where they wanted to be!<br />
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Once we arrived at the rhino area, which is also near the large cat area, an electronic gate was opened for the bus to drive through and we were about to disembark and walk with guides to the rhino barns.<br />
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Much time and effort was spent explaining rules for our safety. There were certain colored lines we could not cross and were expected to follow all directions.<br />
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We got a close up look at the rhino barns. They are heated, have various toys, have padded areas, and are cleaned daily. The rhinos are rotated throughout various rooms in the barns, as some are larger than others. <br />
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On our tour, we learned about Duncan, a young male rhino who recently joined Animal Kingdom in the hopes of breeding. He had only been with his brother previously, so female rhinos were somewhat foreign to him. He had a large outside area and had been out to the safari a few times. When we saw him, he was in the barn area so that Helen, an older female rhino, could socialize him and show him the ropes.<br />
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It was Helen who we got to see close up. Her trainer was using a whistle, hand signals, and food to ask her to come closer to the gate so that we could have turn petting her. And, she let us!<br />
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After a few moments up close, we washed her hands, and were able to ask a few more questions. The trainers and guides were very knowledgeable and patient with our questions.<br />
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Soon, it was time to board the bus and make our way back and re-enter Animal Kingdom near the kiosk. Our lanyards were returned for re-use, although we got to keep the nametags.<br />
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This tour was definitely a highlight of our trip. In addition to having a unique experience and learning more about rhinos and conservation efforts, it was refreshing to leave the park crowds momentarily all while being well taken care of with the tour.<br />
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<a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/animal-kingdom/up-close-with-rhinos/" target="_blank">Click here for the official site for the tour.</a> <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484905138426420410.post-57859759564716152352019-01-13T16:55:00.001-06:002019-01-13T19:53:16.547-06:00Storybook Dining at Artist Point With Snow White--Our Review<br />
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On December 16, 2018, Artist Point, a Signature Dining destination at Disney's Wilderness Lodge re-opened as Storybook Dining with Snow White.<br />
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We had an Advanced Dining Reservation for 6:00 pm on December 26, 2018, ten days after their re-opening.<br />
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Getting to Disney's Wilderness Lodge is relatively easy. There are boats from Magic Kingdom, The Contemporary Resort, or Fort Wilderness and buses from all other theme parks. We took a bus from Disney's Animal Kingdom.<br />
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If you take a bus, you'll walk up the path and into the lobby near the store. If you do this, you are directly across the lobby from the Artist Point check-in desk. If you come into the resort lobby via the main doors, walk through the lobby and turn left just before the windows. If you are coming by boat, as you enter the main building, walk up the ramp and you are right there--the check-in podium for Artist Point will be at the top of the ramp.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reservation check-in podium</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ramp down to the walk-way to the boat launch on the right.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ramp into the restaurant. Bathrooms on the left just at the top of the ramp before entering Artist Point.<br />
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We arrived prior to our reservation--Disney recommends giving your party 90 minutes of travel time, which we do, and therefore sometimes arrive early. Artist Point opened at 5:00 pm and we were seated shortly after, although our reservation was for 6:00 pm.<br />
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When we sat down, our table had a tree in the middle that is used for presentation and lovely red napkins with apple napkin holders that have the character signatures on the reserve side to take home. We moved the tree to the side of the table so that we could see each other over the table and talk.<br />
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The menu has a leather cover, similar to Tiffins at Disney's Animal Kingdom. We were using 1 table service credit each for the meal from the Disney Dining Plan.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnBvbDRAyFa2-Lzgfae0RvLPAwvq8jgcXriM19EIq3x3_gMcgtCL64XsdwGW92fSvUgeJN-LaAxk33-KRDDBvAEBqwVc0xfwiRt8thkYGmizC3V7u-lmU2ixKwmgcjwBtHKnb13_EZxjV/s1600/SAM_1516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnBvbDRAyFa2-Lzgfae0RvLPAwvq8jgcXriM19EIq3x3_gMcgtCL64XsdwGW92fSvUgeJN-LaAxk33-KRDDBvAEBqwVc0xfwiRt8thkYGmizC3V7u-lmU2ixKwmgcjwBtHKnb13_EZxjV/s320/SAM_1516.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The story of the restaurant.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ct3HUvIteVVa0_Kduw3R_HeQ1ijF5fqJlDfk9Bp1ganpJ7XIRlAgGw1ARdba2LX6T3XfIt1V90nrtG62IqC8KwakUCRhMsKRH_2Y_SMMWPaUjtv-tnoh4DVPogybGNexW9ASwJvM1HS7/s1600/SAM_1519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ct3HUvIteVVa0_Kduw3R_HeQ1ijF5fqJlDfk9Bp1ganpJ7XIRlAgGw1ARdba2LX6T3XfIt1V90nrtG62IqC8KwakUCRhMsKRH_2Y_SMMWPaUjtv-tnoh4DVPogybGNexW9ASwJvM1HS7/s320/SAM_1519.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Character signatures on the apple napkin holder to take home.</td></tr>
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The appetizers were served on three plates that exactly fit in the canopy of the tree that was in the middle of our table, but we moved. Know that the tree spins, but is heavy to move--the weight stabilizes the tree.<br />
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We were eating winter squash bisque with a caramel lollipop, Hunter's Pie that included chicken and black truffle with a stone fruit preserve in the jar, and wicked shrimp cocktail. The winner was the squash bisque. The boy ate all of the shrimp in the cocktail.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEU2QcIpErtPxKiWykgvdClGBQSbjC5eV6KK-I-181Pf5WIY3PP_c6UOzICotw3zmXmjdCWff9rfHTvLI9zvkLDyl3CyVIdidGwL4-aObyMlTVQtGfGiEqlIFzCAy33QE0Ex8h1rPfjYii/s1600/SAM_1521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEU2QcIpErtPxKiWykgvdClGBQSbjC5eV6KK-I-181Pf5WIY3PP_c6UOzICotw3zmXmjdCWff9rfHTvLI9zvkLDyl3CyVIdidGwL4-aObyMlTVQtGfGiEqlIFzCAy33QE0Ex8h1rPfjYii/s320/SAM_1521.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Since an adult beverage is included in with the Dining Plan for those over 21, the husband ordered the Enchanted Apple with <span style="font-family: "karla" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;">Skyy citrus vodka, DeKupyer pucker sour apple and white cranberry juice and I ordered The Antidote with </span><span style="font-family: "karla" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;">Bacardi Gran Reserva Maestro, agave, ginger beer. The Antidote tasted like cough syrup so I took the husband's drink instead. He didn't like The Antidote either, so they took it back and he ordered a Dead Rogue's beer, which hit the spot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "karla" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;">The boy ordered In the Clouds, which can also be an adult beverage. The small water glass was placed on the table with pink and blue cotton candy sticking out of it. The waiter had a science beaker--think potion--of blue liquid that he poured over the cotton candy making it dissolve. The beaker was empty and the small water glass was half-full of a blue colored liquid--$4 for that one! </span><br />
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Shortly after we ordered our meals, Snow White appeared at our table, but not before the fanfare. <a href="https://youtu.be/TxqupwKbem0" target="_blank">Click here for the video.</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKr9QLsW02kfzSkSqp1c_UnR8SXQ3q9sKjNIdSM0H9AAocgfXGTNQUz8vObcRBbDyqEuWttJAVm0JE4_j5uYFw_3wYQunlCF6I6NfH1aXbWz4mg2eniB8LM3kUdGUy6FqTOZUqNh2kZqVe/s1600/SAM_1523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKr9QLsW02kfzSkSqp1c_UnR8SXQ3q9sKjNIdSM0H9AAocgfXGTNQUz8vObcRBbDyqEuWttJAVm0JE4_j5uYFw_3wYQunlCF6I6NfH1aXbWz4mg2eniB8LM3kUdGUy6FqTOZUqNh2kZqVe/s320/SAM_1523.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
While we waited for our food, I noticed that the banquette seating extended all the way to the wall on both sides of our table--that's the neighboring table in the photo above.<br />
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And even though there was seating, there were no tables! I asked our server if the tables and seating were the same before the re-theming to a character meal and he said "yes." What a terrible waste of space! Not to mention, our table was wobbly!<br />
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The boy ordered the Cottage Seafood Stew with <span style="font-family: "karla" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;">shrimp, bay scallops, mussels, tomato, fennel. This was a difficult meal to eat as the mussels had to come out of the shells and the shrimp had to have their tails cut off. He had a few bites and gave up.</span><br />
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The husband and I ordered the Royal Prime Rib Roast with <span style="font-family: "karla" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;">horseradish mashed potato, hay smoked carrots, popover, jus. The "jus" was brown gravy that was covering up the raw meat. The husband said that the cow was alive when we sat down. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "karla" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;">Our server did not anticipate our needs by providing us with steak knives and we had to ask for them. I took one bite and realized that the meat was very under cooked and asked for it to be cooked longer. So did the husband. Our plates were taken away and returned with the meat turned over and more brown "jus." I couldn't stomach it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "karla" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;">We now had the attention of two servers--the one we started with and the one who we asked to bring us steak knives. They could tell we weren't going to eat the meat, but I did try the other items on the plate--the carrots were very good. They asked if we wanted something else and we declined. I regret not allowing them to try. At this point, our opinion of the restaurant and meal had already been formed.</span><br />
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Another sticking point, literally, was that the syrup used to coat the glass to make the cinnamon and sugar stick to the outside rim of the glass of my drink was running down the stem of the glass. Every time I picked up the glass for a drink, my hand would be sticky. I did tell our server this so that he could pass it on to the bar tender.</div>
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Grumpy was the next character, and last, to come to our table. We were told when we checked in at the podium that Dopey "had worked all day and would not be joining us." <br />
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Dessert arrived at our table on the plates that fit on the top of the tree. Selections included Miner's Treasures with green <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "karla" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">sponge cake, chocolate gems, and buttercream icing, Fairy Tale Gooseberry Pie, and white chocolate-apple mouse center "Poison" Apple. We all tried all three and had no favorites.</span><br />
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Next our server donned white gloves and brought the black box (all smudged with fingerprints) to our table to serve us The Hunter's Gift to the Queen which featured <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "karla" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">crackled maple popcorn, ganache heart. This was a tasty way to end the meal.</span><br />
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After paying our bill we made our way to see The Queen. A Photopass Photographer was with her and he scanned our MagicBands after taking our photo. </div>
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A stop at the restroom after we left Artist Point also told me that it was in need of an update/repairs. There is another restroom just left of the main entrance into the lobby at Wilderness Lodge as well as one at the bottom of the ramped hallway that leads to the sidewalk that takes guests to the boat pier.</div>
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As an aside, I asked our server if he had worked at this location when it was Artist Point, before the transition. He told us that he had worked there, for several years. And, that in the transition, only one new member of the restaurant team was hired as most members took the 3 week furlough (code for unpaid) while the restaurant was re-themed.</div>
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Pros:</div>
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Location. Wilderness Lodge is a Deluxe Resort that just underwent additions of Villas, Studios, and Cabins. Adding a character meal to this location made sense as all other Deluxe Resorts, including the new Four Seasons at Golden Oak, have a character meal on site.</div>
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Characters--the characters featured at Artist Point are rare and not easily found. Snow White appears at EPCOT and in various Disney Princess meals in Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. The Queen and Dwarfs are typically only seen at special events, parties, and parades.</div>
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Price for the meal is $55 per person 10 years and up and $33 for children ages 3-9. With the meal including appetizer and dessert the price comes in at a value. Beverages, adult or otherwise, are extra and rack up the total amount which is considered for tipping. Our bill was $202.00.</div>
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Cons:</div>
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Food. We're not sure who this restaurant plans to serve, but with it being a character meal, children and families will be attending, yet the menu doesn't seem to cater to those tastes. There wasn't one item that we left the restaurant wanting more. In fact, we had another reservation for our trip in March and it was the consensus to cancel the reservation, which we did.</div>
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Service. Time wasn't the issue, but lack of anticipation. Example, needing the steak knives or not realizing we had a sticky drink glass. We did appreciate the offer to fix our food and again, I regret not letting them try. There just wasn't anything else on the menu that was appealing or we would have ordered it the first time. </div>
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Lack of characters. Not having the full set of characters to meet was disappointing. The description of the restaurant indicates that guests will meet S<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "karla" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">now White and a few dwarf and forest friends, plus a visit by the Queen. Not sure who the "forest friends" are as we did not see any.</span></div>
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Bathrooms adjacent to the restaurant need updated.</div>
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Space wasted with banquette seating that doesn't have a table and the beautiful windows are not featured at night as the restaurant faces East. And, the menu features liberal use of possessives-singular and plural.</div>
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Our recommendation--try, but with caution--and don't put this restaurant in ahead of any favorites. It's the hottest reservation on Disney property right now, but there were empty tables all around us when we were there. Not sure if some tables are held for the Wilderness Lodge guests to walk-up and get a table. </div>
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This location, if it's going to be a character meal, would be a fabulous location for a breakfast. The beautiful windows would be on full display in the morning. That's our two-cents worth.</div>
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Let us know your experiences!</div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484905138426420410.post-32842140353044212772018-11-11T07:24:00.000-06:002018-11-11T07:24:18.533-06:00Anticipation, Another Holiday Season, And New-To-Us Experiences<br />
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We're getting set for the adventure of yet another Walt Disney World vacation. It's our third Christmas at Walt Disney World, but definitely, not our first time traveling during the winter holidays. Traveling at that time of year is something we have never regretted. . . it's all about anticipation and memories!<br />
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Often, I am asked about why we travel during the winter holidays. My first response is that we can. All three of us do not have school or work. The other reason is I want to avoid that "let down" feeling after the presents are opened, after days, even weeks of build up and we're looking a pile of wrapping paper and a kitchen full of dishes. Our first Christmas day spent at Magic Kingdom, I looked at the husband and said, "I haven't had that let down feeling yet." And, I didn't. . . the entire trip. We know our fun means that others may be missing time with family and friends and we make sure to thank them regularly.<br />
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Our 10-night stay at Pop Century this year allowed us to schedule some special tours and events: Up Close With Rhinos at Disney's Animal Kingdom, Yuletide Fantasy Tour which begins and ends at EPCOT, and UnDiscovered Future World which is also at EPCOT.<br />
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Last holiday season <a href="https://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2018/01/behind-seeds-tour-at-epcot.html" target="_blank">we took the Behind the Seeds Tour</a>.<br />
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We're also trying four new restaurants: California Grill located on the top floor of The Contemporary Resort, Storybook Dining at Artist Point located in Disney's Wilderness Lodge, San Angel Inn which is inside the Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT--you know the one that overlooks the volcano and is perpetually nighttime, and Enzo's Hideaway at Disney Springs. We had a reservation for Enzo's when we first started planning our trip, then cancelled it and have made another reservation, but on a different day than originally planned. While all of them are new and exciting to us, we are definitely looking forward to California Grill. Our reservation is for 6:00 pm on Dec. 30, which sounds like a regular reservation. Disney enthusiasts know that the Magic Kingdom has 4 sets of New Year's Eve fireworks. Two on Dec. 30 and two on Dec. 31. The first blasts are scheduled for 6:30 pm on December 30. We'll be watching the fireworks at California Grill! Have you ever seen fireworks that explode into the shape of a number? We have! And, it's the "countdown" fireworks at Magic Kingdom. . . 10, 9. 8, etc.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Williams Families Dec. 2017</td></tr>
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Something else that is new-to-us this trip, is planning with another family--a Williams Family! We've had our MyDisneyExperience accounts linked since the summer and have discovered the trips, traps, and joys of co-planning a Walt Disney World vacation. Our plans include Christmas Eve lunch, Candlelight Procession, and dinner, and Christmas Day lunch.<br />
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Two Williams Families--are we related? No. Friends who enjoy Disney, who are parenting boys, and have Todds! Our December 2018 trip isn't the first time our visits at Disney have overlapped, but this time we're more purposeful.<br />
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With Fastpasses selected and dining reservations made all we have to do now is wait and enjoy the anticipation. Well, pack and wait!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484905138426420410.post-6891115205314403982018-07-30T20:19:00.001-05:002018-07-30T20:20:10.146-05:00Williams Family: Ferrytale Fireworks Sparkling Dessert Cruise<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnenK1ZIszY-WDcnpjRiLFoQS2Jts-m4yMjDtRhGG00cDmbW-DiLZJbQKoWRO_GrxW3IRtpgpWAKqy6XILbfl5qio9c9bg3dGIK50L5xSwXmfQRwX7HwoZoRSL_SfXGlghKNytBnHf3N-/s1600/WDWRESORTSANDMORE_FERRYTALECRUISE_20180625_412154535824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnenK1ZIszY-WDcnpjRiLFoQS2Jts-m4yMjDtRhGG00cDmbW-DiLZJbQKoWRO_GrxW3IRtpgpWAKqy6XILbfl5qio9c9bg3dGIK50L5xSwXmfQRwX7HwoZoRSL_SfXGlghKNytBnHf3N-/s320/WDWRESORTSANDMORE_FERRYTALECRUISE_20180625_412154535824.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When planning for our summer 2018 Walt Disney World vacation, we wanted to try something new. The Ferrytale Fireworks Sparkling Dessert Cruise was just the ticket!</div>
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Guests for the Ferrytale Fireworks Sparkling Dessert Cruise gather at the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC) located across the Seven Seas Lagaoon from the Magic Kingdom. Guest who drive and park at the Magic Kingdom know this area well. Since we stay at Walt Disney World Resorts, the only time we head to the TTC is to transfer from the Resort Monorail to the EPCOT Monorail.</div>
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We had dinner at The Wave at The Contemporary Resort and rode the monorail to the TTC. We were ahead of schedule and our plan was to ride the entire monorail circle before getting off, but as our monorail pulled out of The Contemporary there was a very loud and very close-by strike of lightening. As the monorail pulled into the TTC it became evident that the lightening had taken out the monorail switch so our monorail wasn't going anywhere and neither were any other monorails, so we exited.</div>
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Soon Cast Members were setting up including putting ropes around areas of the Ferry landing and a covered location to the right of the bathrooms at the TTC.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnayXJRLexlh7vFZHhyphenhyphenNJ1_IMY_k842V2Os75KeNtuAYa3DhiHGPyNopVDwp4NX_S8LpKxoT67GSl7ejCv-WL11qG86OVOQWhUwdfK-l8HoHLMUdhH5tA8LJShJYshuRIlgx7x-7KreuwL/s1600/ftdc+8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnayXJRLexlh7vFZHhyphenhyphenNJ1_IMY_k842V2Os75KeNtuAYa3DhiHGPyNopVDwp4NX_S8LpKxoT67GSl7ejCv-WL11qG86OVOQWhUwdfK-l8HoHLMUdhH5tA8LJShJYshuRIlgx7x-7KreuwL/s320/ftdc+8.png" width="240" /></a></div>
Upon check-in, guests were given a lanyard, that lights up. Also, when you look through the Mickey ears at lights or fireworks, you can see little Mickey's! The lanyard were also a way to designate which guests were a part of the party.<br />
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I immediately recognized one of the Cast Members from our Highway in the Sky Dine Around that we enjoyed during our March 2018 trip. I couldn't resist taking a photo! <a href="http://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2018/05/williams-family-does-highway-in-sky.html" target="_blank"> Click here to read about Highway in the Sky Dine Around.</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPlrQeudBmqnhAyqZi4cmbdeyvlPCfvLNLml2uGhwlCxTcfxbZwKV6kRdEqFZb1K1Xyy7NEs4n9S2DoV2mZy98rzkiMEHy0oKg9WW9ldXMAxztTagFUM-H8f2KP0ZdtbXvQOvC3YJlf1B/s1600/ftdc+10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPlrQeudBmqnhAyqZi4cmbdeyvlPCfvLNLml2uGhwlCxTcfxbZwKV6kRdEqFZb1K1Xyy7NEs4n9S2DoV2mZy98rzkiMEHy0oKg9WW9ldXMAxztTagFUM-H8f2KP0ZdtbXvQOvC3YJlf1B/s320/ftdc+10.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Guests gathered in the covered area and enjoyed snacks, water, and adult beverages--with ID--of beer and wine. There are standing tables and seats around the perimeter of the location.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnenK1ZIszY-WDcnpjRiLFoQS2Jts-m4yMjDtRhGG00cDmbW-DiLZJbQKoWRO_GrxW3IRtpgpWAKqy6XILbfl5qio9c9bg3dGIK50L5xSwXmfQRwX7HwoZoRSL_SfXGlghKNytBnHf3N-/s1600/WDWRESORTSANDMORE_FERRYTALECRUISE_20180625_412154535824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnenK1ZIszY-WDcnpjRiLFoQS2Jts-m4yMjDtRhGG00cDmbW-DiLZJbQKoWRO_GrxW3IRtpgpWAKqy6XILbfl5qio9c9bg3dGIK50L5xSwXmfQRwX7HwoZoRSL_SfXGlghKNytBnHf3N-/s320/WDWRESORTSANDMORE_FERRYTALECRUISE_20180625_412154535824.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
When the sun began to set, it was time to make our way to the General Joe Potter, one of the three ferry boats that serve the Magic Kingdom. There was a Photopass photographer on the pier with a life preserver decorated to commemorate the occasion. We scanned our MagicBand and voila, the photos were in our Photopass account.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7bjrret4bS6RlZEAgaDomdQhNmwF2hRuLSgvaKuVcGkE9r-6-fdhlxcOMM1Y5Be57uks9kMdPCu_dnncLAkUqOLvYbct8FK23n5BhQoAhVZ0F9rBlq2UIqJUxIE2DlsWjlnGNNCdAoTJ/s1600/ftdc+7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7bjrret4bS6RlZEAgaDomdQhNmwF2hRuLSgvaKuVcGkE9r-6-fdhlxcOMM1Y5Be57uks9kMdPCu_dnncLAkUqOLvYbct8FK23n5BhQoAhVZ0F9rBlq2UIqJUxIE2DlsWjlnGNNCdAoTJ/s320/ftdc+7.png" width="240" /></a></div>
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Once on board, guests either found spots upstairs or downstairs. We opted for upstairs. There were some tables with chairs, but mostly standing tables and bench seating near the railings. Centerpieces on the tables were designed for the event!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpJ6Ktk9kz1aVTx751pEw9tzbqi04JIddgiiwXhkytOR2rypKYfeY7PA_4iC_oWSVuhan8_gC8YcTZnU-opCE7a-h4McAPfdDfQou8GLN6TRipKS-k2ewo5LAEaF2kTyFHqAlcoYh8uBZ/s1600/ftdc+6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpJ6Ktk9kz1aVTx751pEw9tzbqi04JIddgiiwXhkytOR2rypKYfeY7PA_4iC_oWSVuhan8_gC8YcTZnU-opCE7a-h4McAPfdDfQou8GLN6TRipKS-k2ewo5LAEaF2kTyFHqAlcoYh8uBZ/s320/ftdc+6.png" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE16OPa2ZaJKklRBfszhJidOFcRO_zG2z27BDmjVdLi_KrAns8_nuOmorbWesRdfU-TISX6bi5EcgJOjgQtFWVQ27GN02Nu7KiG30NwpCZr9pWdhBtexbBtj0Ja9sJAMiJd8Hq9gY2c9ZR/s1600/ftdc+12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE16OPa2ZaJKklRBfszhJidOFcRO_zG2z27BDmjVdLi_KrAns8_nuOmorbWesRdfU-TISX6bi5EcgJOjgQtFWVQ27GN02Nu7KiG30NwpCZr9pWdhBtexbBtj0Ja9sJAMiJd8Hq9gY2c9ZR/s320/ftdc+12.png" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKE_HuCYCFqi1RGCdRnn2XWVtXWGb8LuI4JEC5jMG6qR9S5_H6NAq9374wnIqCzg-AkLgL26a59AW2a6T2fEp4SMPOXCojgE4ficmraNgkVT6KSqvBy1GCCFjVGJP-x8q7zgXJrQH2gvH/s1600/ftdc+14.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKE_HuCYCFqi1RGCdRnn2XWVtXWGb8LuI4JEC5jMG6qR9S5_H6NAq9374wnIqCzg-AkLgL26a59AW2a6T2fEp4SMPOXCojgE4ficmraNgkVT6KSqvBy1GCCFjVGJP-x8q7zgXJrQH2gvH/s320/ftdc+14.png" width="240" /></a></div>
Dessert offerings were on both floors of ferry with adult beverages downstairs. The husband made sure we both had our fill.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tETFMjB-kvbOSUHuoNthrF1OSf8os6JQM5Z0ck91s8WMSJCTr-3e7_WFLChxROXe2USGQsaL8jRXgpbk-sjvmN9E0AwnR651d7eQnjcHocRIxOV_w5pKYe05GEOiXU_RJg0-LZpueeeA/s1600/ftdc+11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tETFMjB-kvbOSUHuoNthrF1OSf8os6JQM5Z0ck91s8WMSJCTr-3e7_WFLChxROXe2USGQsaL8jRXgpbk-sjvmN9E0AwnR651d7eQnjcHocRIxOV_w5pKYe05GEOiXU_RJg0-LZpueeeA/s320/ftdc+11.png" width="240" /></a></div>
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While I didn't get a photo, a magician made his way to our table while we enjoyed desserts. He performed some great card tricks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-Xmmpjc9K5PO3RFczubXswTkAXWzuyFXLbzBupbEwGbkDV9rfSXnl0I9Kv2_cD4PfxNKzgpvmEzgchnG7Yc1TcmL9EGpAzzuEneO7FxC0aUgYPFQf2JKGXNFGah563UVFk7eqDIE3icm/s1600/WDWRESORTSANDMORE_FERRYTALECRUISE_20180625_412156022365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-Xmmpjc9K5PO3RFczubXswTkAXWzuyFXLbzBupbEwGbkDV9rfSXnl0I9Kv2_cD4PfxNKzgpvmEzgchnG7Yc1TcmL9EGpAzzuEneO7FxC0aUgYPFQf2JKGXNFGah563UVFk7eqDIE3icm/s320/WDWRESORTSANDMORE_FERRYTALECRUISE_20180625_412156022365.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The Photopass photographer continued to make their rounds throughout the cruise. They captured a proposal happening just on the other side of the ferry.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcaHiXXyjnZwbVjsdpK4dC3EGqdxAXnS-v6btpFJpeW-JtHIeBv27IX-jPnPhyLIIqxjLO0EjnwcLbCTl-9LD4I3Jv1e7wxkz725OtL0LSS2-cbChTiSvV2wus7h4FROXUF5Wirki30x_/s1600/ftdc+17.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcaHiXXyjnZwbVjsdpK4dC3EGqdxAXnS-v6btpFJpeW-JtHIeBv27IX-jPnPhyLIIqxjLO0EjnwcLbCTl-9LD4I3Jv1e7wxkz725OtL0LSS2-cbChTiSvV2wus7h4FROXUF5Wirki30x_/s320/ftdc+17.png" width="240" /></a></div>
I was able to snap a few photos of the Magic Kingdom as dusk fell and the ferry continued to make its way around Seven Seas Lagoon. There was an informational track playing on the speakers about the resorts we were passing, but it was difficult to hear.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkV-Zrltq-oezqKX5qWAb0WwLVWGoFwO5990cKRk-MBxaEBmLUWGQ-7hFxto-AJjN3KshT0pWJyJ9yomld586JGY5KurfPtnsCCFGIjpwCzSpZaDWE03yWZOiJF59unJ606QPp1gY3zzF/s1600/WDWRESORTSANDMORE_FERRYTALECRUISE_20180625_412156023222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkV-Zrltq-oezqKX5qWAb0WwLVWGoFwO5990cKRk-MBxaEBmLUWGQ-7hFxto-AJjN3KshT0pWJyJ9yomld586JGY5KurfPtnsCCFGIjpwCzSpZaDWE03yWZOiJF59unJ606QPp1gY3zzF/s320/WDWRESORTSANDMORE_FERRYTALECRUISE_20180625_412156023222.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our lanyards all lit up!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjciJLYfNJ7o4gRUZNXLHFuiCTszjtKknpstVMVgFeSqkDtn84T4jVGPsAvSqJ2fevmOlxaDApyBvEvwrDb-ju3DRidQofAPuzrbvjrRxgUiNBNxXijk4B0dUP_k6YxkhrN8Dw9gKdLvzb8/s1600/ftdc+13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjciJLYfNJ7o4gRUZNXLHFuiCTszjtKknpstVMVgFeSqkDtn84T4jVGPsAvSqJ2fevmOlxaDApyBvEvwrDb-ju3DRidQofAPuzrbvjrRxgUiNBNxXijk4B0dUP_k6YxkhrN8Dw9gKdLvzb8/s320/ftdc+13.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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As the time for Happily Ever After fireworks came nearer, the guests made their way to one side of the ferry, which caused the ferry to tip enough that water began to roll off the roof. The music was piped in over the speakers and we enjoyed the fireworks show. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKECIiLQb1q7bknxGWN70yjwmtor164eVN_6dG8tpOGN1HJTjz5EMuRBkC1S7pmBRxyI3xG8VmncrOvZRI5vm3vMl3ypfY8-buNP9AuAgneRSlMj1Uw-vd3G-snR7GXBXoZDIsLTFMA_Q/s1600/ftdc+18.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKECIiLQb1q7bknxGWN70yjwmtor164eVN_6dG8tpOGN1HJTjz5EMuRBkC1S7pmBRxyI3xG8VmncrOvZRI5vm3vMl3ypfY8-buNP9AuAgneRSlMj1Uw-vd3G-snR7GXBXoZDIsLTFMA_Q/s320/ftdc+18.png" width="240" /></a></div>
The photo above is a fireworks selfie. The photo below is one the Photopass photographer took as fireworks were in the background.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyS_DawdqHbdI5qrA7irxWeHOhrQbI5IY3viZIMRbwb9O_EZ1d3jK9kZfe9f_jeoeDAXfnKLNdV8iPTjltKzM4bvnMIcy48V7ZWJNPDcKNfxwogtMX_WxQKryCOj0lAHitLeCeDSy-gM89/s1600/WDWRESORTSANDMORE_FERRYTALECRUISE_20180625_412156293003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyS_DawdqHbdI5qrA7irxWeHOhrQbI5IY3viZIMRbwb9O_EZ1d3jK9kZfe9f_jeoeDAXfnKLNdV8iPTjltKzM4bvnMIcy48V7ZWJNPDcKNfxwogtMX_WxQKryCOj0lAHitLeCeDSy-gM89/s320/WDWRESORTSANDMORE_FERRYTALECRUISE_20180625_412156293003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When the fireworks were over, the ferry pulled back to the pier at the TTC. A Cast Member was waiting with balloons for the little ones. We were directed to a line of buses that were just for us! We told the Cast Member our resort, we were directed to one of the buses, and we were back at our resort in minutes, without having to navigate the exiting crowds at the Magic Kingdom! This feature was a surprise as we had wondered how we would get back to our resort and all scenarios included returning to the Magic Kingdom and taking our resort bus. </div>
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Cost: $99 per person for adults and $69 for children ages 3-9. It is recommended to make reservations ahead of time as capacity is limited. <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/ferrytale-wishes-dessert-cruise/" target="_blank">Click here to go to the official Walt Disney World website.</a></div>
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Some hints/tips:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Bathrooms are at the TTC and on the bottom level of the Ferry. The bathrooms on the ferry are primitive. Not as bad as a KYBO, but pretty close. </li>
<li>It can get chilly out on the water, so bring a jacket or sweater.</li>
<li>The desserts and drinks disappear as soon as the fireworks begin, so know this and plan accordingly.</li>
<li>Be ready to stand at a table or sit without a table.</li>
<li>Strollers, wheelchairs, scooters were all allowed on the bottom level of the ferry.</li>
<li>There wasn't a bad view of the fireworks, so don't worry about staking out a spot early in the fireworks cruise.</li>
<li>The ferry sets sail 50 minutes prior to fireworks start time, so plan accordingly.</li>
</ul>
All of us enjoyed the Ferrytale Fireworks Sparkling Dessert Cruise. It was nice to experience the Magic Kingdom fireworks from another vantage point and highly recommend the experience.<br />
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<u><b>Related Posts About Fireworks Viewing You Might Also Enjoy:</b></u></div>
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<a href="http://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2018/05/williams-family-does-highway-in-sky.html" target="_blank">Williams Family Does Highway in the Sky Dine Around</a>--Yes, there are fireworks!</div>
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<a href="http://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2010/04/pirates-and-pals-fireworks-voyage.html" target="_blank">Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage</a>--We've now done this twice and yes, there are fireworks!</div>
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<a href="http://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2011/01/wishes-dessert-party-at-magic-kingdom.html" target="_blank">Magic Kingdom Dessert Party</a>--our favorite now is the Plaza Garden View--which is less expensive!</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484905138426420410.post-11644134728678218892018-07-29T09:34:00.003-05:002018-07-29T10:03:55.820-05:00Williams Family: We Did The Castaway Cay Sandbar Beach Excursion AGAIN!<br />
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During our Summer 2017 cruise on the Disney Dream, we did the Sandbar Beach Excursion on our first day at Castaway Cay. <a href="http://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2017/12/castaway-cay-sandbar-beach-excursion.html" target="_blank">Click here to read our story.</a> We enjoyed it so much, we did it AGAIN this summer!<br />
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We greeted the team at Marge's Barge's at Castaway Cay shortly before 1:30 pm , which is the time the 2-hour excursion begins. The 1:30 pm excursion time gives us plenty of time to enjoy ourselves and eat lunch on the beach at Castaway Cay. <br />
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Waivers signed, shoes off and left on the pier, we loaded Captain Roval's boat, got life jackets, and found a seat. The crew for this excursion was 2/3 the same as last summer. The missing crew member, though, we said hello to on the pier as he had joined the parasailing boat crew team.<br />
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This summer, there were 15 of us on the excursion, compared to a much smaller group last summer.<br />
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When we pulled out of the protected area near the ship, I knew right away that something was different, as the boat turned to the right, instead of left. Captain Roval was taking us to a different sandbar than last summer!<br />
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After about 10 minutes on the speed boat, and a momentary slow down to get a good look at a shark, we could see the water color lighten, the waves crashing together, and the sight of sand in the middle of the ocean. It was our sandbar! And, it literally was a bar--a long, rectangular stretch of sand surrounded by water.<br />
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We threw our legs over the boat and explored the sandbar. We walked from one tip to the other, enjoyed the beverages, saw a living conch, played tug-o-war, snorkeled, learned some Nassau history, and played catch with a football.<br />
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As the husband headed off into the distance he said, "I'm channeling my inner Gilligan's Island and Robinson Crusoe." There's definitely a feeling of isolation. . . and peace on the sandbar.<br />
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Now, we need to decide what to do on our next double-dip cruise on the Disney Dream!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484905138426420410.post-49795945471065464272018-07-28T08:55:00.000-05:002018-07-28T08:55:21.711-05:00Williams Family: We Tried EVERYTHING in Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When planning for our summer 2018 family vacation, we soon realized that we would NOT be at Walt Disney World for the opening of Toy Story Land--we would be boarding the Disney Dream the day before! Not wanting to miss out on all the fun, we added a couple of days at Walt Disney World after our cruise. So, on Thursday, July 5, 2018, we woke up before the crack of dawn and made our way to Disney's Hollywood Studios to tackle Toy Story Land.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming upon the entrance.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome! Be sure to listen to the tall statues.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the big footprint on the ground? You're the size of a toy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQY-RJbdffJ1nJnYvuMvqadQHYLd7-qp0Tb-gwF5-43PkWqBPRcdGPAwDWIKoRIhc-miUSDj_7CQmBVGH-yzWvSUvXgT0HwaQi8zAAonfq5SB20gpwGddJ1ZpuA32RtImtzg6XTOP9_ZE7/s1600/SAM_1246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQY-RJbdffJ1nJnYvuMvqadQHYLd7-qp0Tb-gwF5-43PkWqBPRcdGPAwDWIKoRIhc-miUSDj_7CQmBVGH-yzWvSUvXgT0HwaQi8zAAonfq5SB20gpwGddJ1ZpuA32RtImtzg6XTOP9_ZE7/s320/SAM_1246.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the bridge to Slinky Dog Dash entrance.</td></tr>
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Extra Magic Hours, 7:00-8:00 am, were being offered to Walt Disney World Resort guests. We were at the bus stop at our resort at 6:00 am and on a bus--with other guests--by 6:15. When we arrived at Disney's Hollywood Studios around 6:30, guests were already being allowed into the park and the majority of folks were walking right to Toy Story Land.<br />
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We walked on Slinky Dog Dash for our first ride by 6:45, rode, exited, and back in line by 6:55 am with a 30 minute wait posted.<br />
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Next, we took a turn on Alien Swirling Saucers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This matched the theme of our shirts for the day, so thought it appropriate to take a picture!</td></tr>
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The music and queue at Alien Swirling Saucers is quite fun!<br />
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We then found the new entrance to Toy Story Mania and discovered that Mr. Potato Head was back in the stand-by queue! <br />
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We'd had a busy morning and it was time for a snack at Woody's Lunch Box. The line wasn't too bad and we tried the Breakfast Bowl and Raspberry Lunch Box Tart along with the Mini Babybel Snack Cheese. <br />
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Babybel, by the way, is the sponsor for Woody's so be on the look out for Babybel chairs! All dining is outdoors with tables for both sitting and standing. We didn't have any issues finding a spot to sit for our mid-morning snack.<br />
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While we didn't stop for photos on our way into Toy Story Land, we did stop on the way out. There were two Photopass photographers taking photos at the entrance sign, which made the process much quicker!<br />
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We took a break from Toy Story Land, but did come back later in the day as we had FP for Toy Story Mania. When we returned, we met the characters located in Toy Story Land, too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the bathroom entrance behind in this photo.</td></tr>
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The Green Army Patrol march back and forth Toy Story Land, interacting with guests and they now have their own drum corp.<br />
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<b>Now, for our review:</b> <br />
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The land itself is cute and creative. The boy noticed all the "sponsorships" that the land would need to make it look all plastic--Lego, K'Nex, Tinker Toy, etc. The queues are creatively done and do look like everything is a toy.<br />
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We would rate Slinky Dog Dash, just under Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in terms of thrill level. The last big hill is great! There's more room for legs, bottoms, bags, etc. on Slinky Dog than Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Coaster! Thank goodness!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4ZFUaxJX9e899mVSBm9QEnR2y7ySCbxwDJt7Lv8P6YKDq-JG8Mdh0-bjcencha-7Tk9EWqMe2tT-EQdNfXh7Oz6RbqQfcKmfJ5Uft_RS5apQ9ExicMxGsyvASYfQ4JHzBNu_3-ArgASt/s1600/STUDIO_SLINKYDOGRIDE_20180705_412317193565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4ZFUaxJX9e899mVSBm9QEnR2y7ySCbxwDJt7Lv8P6YKDq-JG8Mdh0-bjcencha-7Tk9EWqMe2tT-EQdNfXh7Oz6RbqQfcKmfJ5Uft_RS5apQ9ExicMxGsyvASYfQ4JHzBNu_3-ArgASt/s320/STUDIO_SLINKYDOGRIDE_20180705_412317193565.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There's a ride photo on Slinky Dog Dash that "automagically" connects to your MagicBand, just like FROZEN. So, no congregating at the exit to check out photos and watch guests take a photo of the ride photo. You get the photo with your Photopass account.<br />
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There are 7 attractions--including character meet & greets in Toy Story Land--and 5 of those are outside. Which means, only Toy Story Mania and Alien Swirling Saucers remain open during inclement weather. Add wind, and Alien Swirling Saucers will close down. We asked Cast Members what, if any, plans were in the works to relocate character meet & greets inside, and we were directed to Guest Services to ask/advocate.<br />
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If you Fastpass Toy Story Mania, you will miss Mr. Potato Head, so we recommend using the Stand-by queue at least once. Be ready for the LONG walk to exit Toy Story Mania as it now exits in Toy Story Land.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbIRSMZhKEcRtWRZ2XWbzQ_4zq04ue92BFck0ldiE7NRFb2Yl36Vb3FReabPpOyWFw7PqVA3KvK9ctObp3oB_RI2oLLYlPcJUUENVFeqxC2vADiJUQOUn7ZP4brO4ishhRxSwgodjgX67/s1600/SAM_1247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbIRSMZhKEcRtWRZ2XWbzQ_4zq04ue92BFck0ldiE7NRFb2Yl36Vb3FReabPpOyWFw7PqVA3KvK9ctObp3oB_RI2oLLYlPcJUUENVFeqxC2vADiJUQOUn7ZP4brO4ishhRxSwgodjgX67/s320/SAM_1247.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stand-by entrance on the left, Fastpass on the right</td></tr>
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If you look at this photo, the Stand-by entrance for Slinky Dog Dash is on the left, while FP is on the right, but the long lines for Slinky Dog seemed to be to the right of the red umbrellas--look at photo below--most of the day, so I'm confused about what happens when those lines cross at the entrance!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQY-RJbdffJ1nJnYvuMvqadQHYLd7-qp0Tb-gwF5-43PkWqBPRcdGPAwDWIKoRIhc-miUSDj_7CQmBVGH-yzWvSUvXgT0HwaQi8zAAonfq5SB20gpwGddJ1ZpuA32RtImtzg6XTOP9_ZE7/s1600/SAM_1246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQY-RJbdffJ1nJnYvuMvqadQHYLd7-qp0Tb-gwF5-43PkWqBPRcdGPAwDWIKoRIhc-miUSDj_7CQmBVGH-yzWvSUvXgT0HwaQi8zAAonfq5SB20gpwGddJ1ZpuA32RtImtzg6XTOP9_ZE7/s320/SAM_1246.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guests in the Stand-by queue stand to the right of the red umbrellas.</td></tr>
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Bathrooms. There is one located on far to the left, across from Alien Swirling Saucers. It's themed and colorful--reminds me of Legoland Hotel. It's also big, which is helpful. What's not helpful is that there is only ONE paper towel dispenser for the entire location. Not one near the diaper changing station only ONE above one of the sinks. There are two other "blade" dryers above the sink area that require guests to stand in front of the sink and dry their hands making other guests wait to wash their hands AND since the "blade" dryers are above the sink, little kiddos can't reach them to dry their hands, nor can they reach the paper towel dispenser. I used the women's bathroom 4 times during our day and 2 out of 4 times that ONE paper towel dispenser was, you guessed it, empty.<br />
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We will add Toy Story Land into our touring plans. Slinky Dog Dash Fastpasses are now the hottest commodity on Walt Disney World property and will be until Star Wars Land opens in the Fall of 2019. <br />
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We came to tackle Toy Story Land, and we did!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484905138426420410.post-56709832283329221262018-07-27T15:38:00.000-05:002018-07-27T15:38:10.411-05:00Williams Family--How Many "Loyalty" Accounts Does It Take to Make It Through A Summer Vacation?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After we arrived home from our 20 day summer vacation that took us to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, The Bahamas via the Disney Dream cruise ship, and Houston, Texas, I took stock of the number of "loyalty" accounts/clubs/cards that we used during our trip to either save money on the spot or in the future. The number varies on each trip, but the longer the trip, the more opportunities there are to save!<br />
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<b>Flights</b>: We flew Southwest throughout our trip and all of us have Southwest Rapid Rewards Members. Yes, even the boy! While we haven't racked up enough flights/points for upgrades, we do get some perks. Southwest has sent us free drink tickets for use in flight. Southwest gift cards can be purchased with a 5% savings using Target Red Debit or Credit Card.<br />
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<b>Credit Card</b>: Our "go to" credit card is our Disney Visa from Chase. Just by having the card, we can get discounts while shopping on Walt Disney World property--10% off a $50 or more purchase. Discounts of up to 15% can be had on tours and events. There's also 6-months interest free for Disney vacation purchases including deposits on future vacations. And, we get a percentage back in Disney Reward Points that turn into dollars that can be used towards Disney purchases!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OYM82EOhSMhcDG5pWZI_AFJyFD_0fWLIf9H6ncIj5SDb26zR4-EQ5zbB_GZ9W5sP2qNNccpLtzmsur9k735ql-BXeIzNf3btICkTFm_meITPz-s7FMorPcL0SB1_sUsUz-XzcOYMefqr/s1600/Disney+chase+visa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="197" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OYM82EOhSMhcDG5pWZI_AFJyFD_0fWLIf9H6ncIj5SDb26zR4-EQ5zbB_GZ9W5sP2qNNccpLtzmsur9k735ql-BXeIzNf3btICkTFm_meITPz-s7FMorPcL0SB1_sUsUz-XzcOYMefqr/s1600/Disney+chase+visa.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of designs to choose from!</td></tr>
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We used our Disney Reward Points towards the purchase of our Walt Disney World Annual Passes and then used our Disney Visa for the balance. Win/Win! <br />
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New card holders can get $50-$200 statement credits after making their first purchases. Don't have a Disney Visa yet? <a href="https://draft.blogger.com/Earn%20a%20$200%20Disney%20Gift%20Card%20with%20the%20Disney%C2%AE%20Visa%C2%AE%20Card.%20%20No%20annual%20fee.%20I%20can%20be%20rewarded,%20learn%20more.%20https://www.referyourchasecard.com/200/4J81P7URXU" target="_blank">Click here to get started with the application!</a> (P.S. We have our Disney Visa since 2015 and haven't paid any interest, so it's the card that just keeps giving!)<br />
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We also have a Target Red Debit Card (a credit card is available, too) which saves us 5% on Target purchases including Southwest and Disney gift cards. Know that if you purchase Southwest gift cards there is a limit to using 4 forms of payment when paying for the plane tickets so purchase in increments that allow you to maximize the savings.<br />
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Stocking up on travel essentials, even suitcases, can be done at a savings by using the Target Red Card at your local Target.<br />
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<b>Dining</b>: In addition to getting dining discounts of 10% using Walt Disney World Annual Passes, additional discounts are available! We joined Landry Select Club several years ago and it keeps paying off, year-after-year. How it works? Pay the one-time $25 fee to join Landry Select Club. Members then get $25 to spend at any Landry restaurant. Members also get $25 each year on their birthday. And, each time members dine at a Landry restaurant, points accumulate to earn $25 rewards! There are several Landry restaurants at Walt Disney World--Yak & Yeti, Rainforest Café, and T-Rex Café. <br />
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Don't have a reservation to dine at any of those busy restaurants? No worries. Flash your Landry Select Club membership card and get the next available table! Merchandise discounts are also available as a club member. <br />
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We used our Landry Select Club rewards to take our family out to eat in Houston. Used rewards and earned rewards simultaneously! <a href="https://www.landrysselect.com/" target="_blank">Click here to sign up today for Landry Select Club!</a> Note: You can sign up at a restaurant BUT won't be able to earn points or the sign-up reward until your next dining experience. So, if you even think you might dine at a Landry restaurant, go ahead and sign-up for Landry Select Club.<br />
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<b>Shopping</b>: One of our favorite "loyalty" cards for shopping is our LEGO Vip card. Membership is free. The LEGO Vip card allows us to earn points for Lego purchases at any Lego Store. These points turn into dollars for future purchases. Having a LEGO Vip card also gets access to special purchases or gifts with purchases. We combine the LEGO Vip card with our Annual Pass discount for extra savings!<br />
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While there isn't a Stein Mart in our area, I've shopped Stein Mart while in Houston and I do have a Stein Mart shopping card that gives access to special coupons and savings.<br />
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Our Walt Disney World Annual Pass allows us to get a 20% discount at Walt Disney World shopping locations. But, what about while on the cruise ship? Well, we are Disney Cruise Line Gold Castaway Club members which allows us a 10% discount on purchases made while sailing with Disney.<br />
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<b>Entertainment</b>: You might be thinking that isn't Walt Disney World entertainment enough? Well, mostly, yes! And, when we travel to other destinations, like in this instance Houston, we enjoy seeing movies. One of our favorite ways to save is joining AMC Stubs program. There are two layers of the program--one is free--and the other is Premiere and has a fee. We joined the FREE version. It allows us to earn points that turn into dollars when we enjoy movies at AMC theaters. There are also regular perks, such as free popcorn refills and special lines for ticket and snack purchases. (I don't have an AMC card, although I could most likely get one. Our account is attached to a phone number.)<br />
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I also used my affinity for MyCokeRewards to stock up on AMC rewards! MyCokeRewards offered FREE movie tickets, popcorn, and drinks for entering MyCokeRewards codes. So, we watched movies and ate snacks for FREE while earning perks for future movie going. <br />
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There isn't an AMC theater where we live, but there is an AMC theater in the middle of Disney Springs!<br />
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There are ways to combine the above offers for additional savings. For example, we book our Disney Vacations through AAA and early AAA ExploreMore Rewards which pay off in $100 checks after so many vacations. We use our Disney Visa to pay off the balance, earning Reward Points. I told the husband the only other layer we could add would be to use our Target Red Debit Card to purchase Disney Gift cards at a 5% discount and then use those to pay off our Disney Visa balance. Doable--just more steps. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">(<a href="http://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2013/07/aaas-exploremore-rewards-program.html" target="_blank">Click here to read more about AAA ExploreMore Rewards.</a>)</span><br />
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Speaking of AAA, we can combine the 10% discount that being a member offers us at Landry Restaurants with Select Club for additional benefits. AAA also offers at 10% discount on SuperShuttle, which we used for transportation to/from the airport in Houston. <br />
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Planning on saving on future vacations, too. We booked our next Disney Cruise while onboard for a 10% savings. Used our Disney Visa for the deposit, which is then interest free for 6 months, and earning Disney Visa Reward Points for the purchase. When guests use their Disney Visa to pay for the entirety of their cruise vacation, additional perks apply such as merchandise discounts, photo, and spa purchase discounts. The perks change from time to time so check to be sure. <a href="https://disneyrewards.com/vacation-perks/disney-cruise-line/" target="_blank">Click here to see the savings onboard when using Disney Visa to pay for your vacation.</a><br />
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How many "loyalty" accounts did it take? I lost track! But no matter how many you use, savings can be yours. And, we learn more ways to save with each trip so don't beat yourself up if you missed a savings opportunity. There's always next time!<br />
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<u>Related Posts You Might Enjoy:</u><br />
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<a href="http://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2016/04/when-does-annual-pass-become-worth-it.html" target="_blank">When Does An Annual Pass Become "Worth It"?</a><br />
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<a href="http://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2013/07/how-couponer-does-disney.html" target="_blank">How a "Couponer" Does Disney</a><br />
<u><span style="color: #000120;"></span></u><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484905138426420410.post-73836589844509314232018-07-22T06:28:00.001-05:002018-07-22T06:28:41.082-05:00Wiliams Family--Reflecting on the Kids' Clubs on Disney Cruise Line<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4qN8axWcTP9fl5TcHOcZVrsXXfbEfceX-5rFnNDeQ97DRSgvj345a04RrrG-xfVxkx29M0d0nEXh7GkOW4vuVbmsjnr100fzdGL9TNI_jgbPb4CQrg8Z7ZChLt5dKeu-go8XdaBqZ-Po/s1600/Thanksgiving%252C+Christmas%252C+Polar+Express+2006+%2528370%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4qN8axWcTP9fl5TcHOcZVrsXXfbEfceX-5rFnNDeQ97DRSgvj345a04RrrG-xfVxkx29M0d0nEXh7GkOW4vuVbmsjnr100fzdGL9TNI_jgbPb4CQrg8Z7ZChLt5dKeu-go8XdaBqZ-Po/s1600/Thanksgiving%252C+Christmas%252C+Polar+Express+2006+%2528370%2529.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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I can recall the moment as clear as a bell. It was March of 2007 and we were enjoying our first Disney Cruise on the Disney Wonder--a 4 night itinerary to The Bahamas. Our stateroom had a verandah; a Navigator's verandah it was called as it was partially closed in. The then four-year-old boy was up, not happy due to the early hour, sitting on the verandah and bemoaned, "I just want 5 minutes in my club." Well, the day's agenda did not include a visit to "his club" but we got the hint.<br />
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Eight cruises later, he's spent time in all of the kids' clubs--minus the nursery for under 3-- on board the four Disney ships. Now that he's a teen, Vibe is his destination. And, we've learned that we get to enjoy the adult offerings on a Disney Cruise.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Pink on the Disney Dream</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the Rainforest Room on the Disney Dream</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quiet Cove, adult's only pool on the Disney Dream</td></tr>
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Disney Cruise Line Youth Clubs are based on ages, and potty training status, which thankfully, we don't have to be concerned about. Ages 3-12, Oceaneer's Club (usually for the younger ages) and Oceaneer's Lab (usually for the older kiddos in that age range) are the places for kids to be. Located on Deck 5 mid-ship, they are easy to find and the hallways nearby are usually very busy. The ages for this category somewhat merge for the convenience of siblings. The older kiddos get additional privileges, if parents allow, to check themselves in/out of the club. This privilege starts around age 9 and is automatic at age 11, unless parents them block/stop the privilege. Children registered for the Oceaneer's Club and Lab are given MagicBands featuring Captain Mickey. There's a charge for the bands upon receipt and then refund once the bands are returned. Of course, guests can keep them--for the fee--as they do open special accessories on the WiiU game back home!<br />
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For children ages 11-14, Edge is the designated spot for tweens. See the age overlap there? 11 and 12's can select which kids area they want to frequent and can actually do both Edge and Oceaneer's Lab! When the boy was 12, he could do both and spent most of his time in Edge, which has various locations depending on the ship. He received an Edge sticker for his Key to the World card which would be scanned as he entered and exited Edge, just like the MagicBands for the younger sailors.<br />
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For teens, ages 14-17, Vibe is the place to be. Again, age overlaps and 14 year olds get to frequent both Edge and Vibe. When the boy was 14, he was at both, depending on the activity. Teens who register themselves at Vibe, trade in their regular Key to the World card for a Vibe card. All the same info, just a special Key to The World card for the teens. Vibe's location varies by ship, too. As a 14 year old, the boy had a Vibe card with an Edge sticker. This last cruise, as a 15 year old, Vibe was his only choice and he loved it! <br />
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Our first afternoon on board, he went to Vibe while I was unpacking, got a new Key to the World card, and brought me the paperwork for the teen's only excursion--Wild Side--on Castaway Cay. After I signed, he returned the paperwork and was on his way. Almost any free time he had and Vibe was open, he was there. They also have a teen hangout on Castaway Cay, just like the other kids' clubs have designated spots on the island.<br />
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Want to know what's happening in the kids' clubs? Just check the daily Navigator. A paper version is provided to you as you board and then again each night for the next day OR you can download and use the Disney Cruise Line app which lists activities for the length of the cruise.<br />
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Goofy's pajama party, slime making, character visits, pool parties, magic play floor games, etc. round out the nearly round-the-clock activities for the younger set on board.<br />
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Unsure if your child would enjoy the clubs? On the first afternoon and then again for a portion of each day, the clubs hold "Open House" times. These are times when anyone can go into the clubs to play, including adults who enjoy the magic play floor, too! Families can go together and play so a child can become familiar. Children who are in the clubs when it's Open House, but are there for secure supervision, will go visit one of the other club locations for security purposes. When the boy was 14, we did this. We visited both Edge and Vibe the first afternoon on board so he could check them out and see which he liked better. It also gave me a chance to ask the Vibe staff any questions. Look for Open House times listed on the daily Navigator.<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The boy raced off to Vibe as soon as we gave him the green light our first evening on board. I have no idea what time he returned to our stateroom, but he was there in the morning. He already had a nickname--Chicken tendies. One evening I heard teens walking by our stateroom and a girl said, "That's where the Chicken Tenders guy lives." The other voices then chimed in about him being funny. I smiled and chuckled. One day we asked if he ate lunch and he said yes. He and another Viber delivered pizzas and chicken tenders for everyone. He also enjoyed pool fun, as Vibe on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy has its own pool space, just outside on Deck 5 forward. Only the teens get to use it . . . unless you go to an Open House!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3I6vFaJQOHTFyR79KkVDiEc-f332F-25u6QbuCpHAUSQLzIbL6Zqz22X5HIp4TDHWDLRiA0sAcn3kX9rMNcEULZjSgMzHii7n9DkQeJLV6AQbSV0wLFfRR1ERpA3LdOwpD_JfNZ5b1HYP/s1600/SAM_1217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3I6vFaJQOHTFyR79KkVDiEc-f332F-25u6QbuCpHAUSQLzIbL6Zqz22X5HIp4TDHWDLRiA0sAcn3kX9rMNcEULZjSgMzHii7n9DkQeJLV6AQbSV0wLFfRR1ERpA3LdOwpD_JfNZ5b1HYP/s320/SAM_1217.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">We were invited to return to Vibe on the last night of the cruise for a special viewing of a video featuring some of the kids in Vibe.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Here's the video! </span><br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZtG18bUWiGo/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZtG18bUWiGo?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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There are some rules that apply on the ship, too. No going into other's staterooms, unless we know them. And, no one in our stateroom while we are out. He abides by those rules.<br />
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Now that the boy is comfortable, and dare I say confident, in his use of Vibe, we're already planning ahead. The husband will point out activities for what is called the 1820 Society on the ship. This group has planned, but not hosted by crew, activities for guests 18-20 years old. Not old enough for the adult activities, but too old for the kids' clubs. We've seen this group out and about--bike riding on Castaway Cay, etc. Each time, we point it out so the boy knows what to expect next. . . after Vibe.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0