We have returned...

[ktulu]

Well, we're back and I survived, even with a bit of an issue with my gout. We had a great time, saw a few SGT's that are beyond the normal rule breakers. No real detailed trip report, just some things I wanted to note.

First, the bad. Smokers (yes, touchy subject) seemed to be worse than at DL. We saw so many smoking areas, that we started to remember where they were (and I pointed them out to a couple SG's), the worst offender was the guy smoking a fat cigar right outside the entrance to The Land. I pointed out the policy and the nearest smoking area (used two finger point, Wombat would be proud) and I could tell he knew the rules, just chose to ignore them. The worst part was the woman who flicked her cigarette while walking right at my daughter (we didn't see the smoker until it was too late) so I said something to her and her response pissed me off even more, to the point where angry ktulu came out and I called her a bitch. My wife had to remind me to watch my language, but thankfully no one was around and my daughter was napping.

Only one real bad CM experience, but I got over it rather quickly when what I wanted was not as good as what I got (or rather what my daughter got to experience), but I still spoke to someone about it just to make sure something similar didn't happen again.

The dining plan, it sucks. We didn't book our trip as early as we normally do, since we were supposed to travel with friends, so we didn't get to book dining early enough. We ate more counter service than I cared to, but a CM at Epcot Guest Relations found us a spot at Nine Dragon's one night and we were able to get a couple other places so it wasn't horrible, but it could have been better. Disney needs to limit the use of the dining plan at restaurants that require reservations if they want to keep giving away free food.

Now for the good stuff. I did the Train Tour, which was awesome. I was the guest conductor and got to do geeky train things like signal the engine we were ready, and throw the switch for our trip to the round house. Jim, our tour guide, was awesome. I know now what I want to do when I retire or become independently wealthy, and that is become an Engineer!

My daughter finally warmed up to the characters, which shocked my wife and I. We went to Epcot, entered through the International Gateway, and Minnie and Chip N Dale were there, only a few guests with them. We asked Abby if she wanted to see Minnie, and she jumped out of the stroller and ran up to Minnie giving her hugs and just chattering away. That started the trend, and all the characters after that were sooooo much better than all the previous meets. Mickey didn't want to let her go when she met him at the judge's tent, and waved my wife and I on. Abby did a little dance that we now call the Mickey dance, since he danced right along with her. She got to play ring around the rosy with Cinderella, Belle and Aurora after meeting them and we got a group shot with Pooh and friends at the Crystal Palace after a late night dinner.

We met Zazu, SWMBO, and Big Wallaby for dinner at The Brown Derby. Dinner was excellent, and it was great meeting everyone. Abby was getting restless and even showed a bit of what the terrible two's can entail, including running around the restaurant and sticking her fingers down her throat until she threw up, but she is normally a really good kid, honest!

Anyway, I think I took about 1,000 photos I need to go through, then resize and then upload. I think I need a vacation from our vacation...

[Princess Susi]

Welcome back from the land of the magic! And still any trip to WDW is better than no trip at all. Sounds like overall you had a good time and loads of fun! I would like to see some pics! :)
Susi

[BRWombat]

Glad you made it back to Big D in one piece, ktulu -- even if you didn't take me with you! :D:

[ktulu]

Glad you made it back to Big D in one piece, ktulu -- even if you didn't take me with you! :D:

Well, I know I left a little bit of me behind, just so I can make sure I go back to collect it :D:

Oh, we requested the floors at the WL get re-done so it's all nice and shiny when you get there. They started working right away and so far the results have been spectacular. Seriously, I want to hire the guys doing the floors there to come out to my house and fix up mine :)

[darph nader]

And you didn't invite your 'almost' bestest bud??
That's OK,I'll live. So be there next month,the first one is on me. :D:

[Zazu]

I did the Train Tour, which was awesome. ... Jim, our tour guide, was awesome.

He should be. I trained him. Good to hear it stuck.

We met Zazu, SWMBO, and Big Wallaby for dinner at The Brown Derby. Dinner was excellent, and it was great meeting everyone.

Same here. Always nice to match a face to an avatar.

Abby ... is normally a really good kid, honest!

I believe you, but SWMBO may take some more convincing. Seriously, she was just acting her age (something I'm not very good at), so no offense taken.

I think I need a vacation from our vacation...

We finally gave up and just moved here. Works better for us.

[BRWombat]

Well, I know I left a little bit of me behind, just so I can make sure I go back to collect it :D:

Oh, we requested the floors at the WL get re-done so it's all nice and shiny when you get there. They started working right away and so far the results have been spectacular. Seriously, I want to hire the guys doing the floors there to come out to my house and fix up mine :)

Thoughtful of you! Except... we'll be staying at the Polynesian.

[ktulu]

And you didn't invite your 'almost' bestest bud??
That's OK,I'll live. So be there next month,the first one is on me. :D:

I think it was an open invitation to come along, you just needed to pay for your room, tickets, transportation to and from WDW, food and souvenirs :)

[ktulu]

Thoughtful of you! Except... we'll be staying at the Polynesian.

I thought you were staying at WL? Well, we trashed the Poly, sorry...