TR: Two Guys, a ‘gull, and a Peninsula of Pleasure

[BigDipper 80]

Ah, Cedar Point vomit stories... they always bring back the best memories for me from my time working there. You haven't truly lived until you've had to use your hands to scoop up someone else's regurgitated Panda Express and Cinnabon out of a train because the chunks were too big to wash down the drain holes in the floor of the car.

[CoasterRench]

Great report, truly have enjoyed reading and seeing the pictures so far. I had been debating on purchasing FL + when my wife and I go up in July, after what you had said, you have sold me on it.

[coasterbill]

Great report! We were on a flight last night with no wifi so I actually saved it to iBooks to read on the plane. Despite the toilet adventure it sounds like you had a great time.

[prozach626]

Very entertaining TR, Bert.

[bert425]

Great report! We were on a flight last night with no wifi so I actually saved it to iBooks to read on the plane. Despite the toilet adventure it sounds like you had a great time.

 

and there's still 2 1/2 days to go!

 

I'm torn between "what happens on vacation STAYS on vacation" and . . . "oh, this was interesting/funny as hell, and I'm going to talk about it".. .

 

I'll have to see what comes out when I write up the next installments, and run it by others to get clearance. . LOL

 

but the remaining days should be good.

[bert425]

Ah, Cedar Point vomit stories... they always bring back the best memories for me from my time working there. You haven't truly lived until you've had to use your hands to scoop up someone else's regurgitated Panda Express and Cinnabon out of a train because the chunks were too big to wash down the drain holes in the floor of the car.

 

 

EW!

 

(and LOL)

 

yeah, none of them seemed too phased, they just got the buckets and went to work. I was surprised it was before the ride started tho!

[bert425]

Great report, truly have enjoyed reading and seeing the pictures so far. I had been debating on purchasing FL + when my wife and I go up in July, after what you had said, you have sold me on it.

 

if it's a weekend in July?

 

I"d say you need them. The + only gets you the additional "big" 4 coasters. . but there are a lot of other rides with FL entrance that will cut on waits too (Gemini, Magnum, and even the Ferris Wheel has FL entry -- which you'll need if you want to ride it).

 

I likely wouldn't buy it on a weekday (we didn't need it Monday, or Friday), but on a weekend? yeah, I'd get it.

[Nrthwnd]

I got our FP+ tickets a few months ahead of the trip. Through the CP thread, I was seeing advice about "not buying till you're there" kind of stuff.

But I figured a Saturday is still a Saturday, and although a couple of the lanes (like MF and GK) ended farther back in the queue than we expected,

it was still great to use on flat rides that used it, where there were long queues there. It was worth the extra $.

 

So yes, if it's a Saturday visit, go for the FastPass+.

Here's my shot, of the same shot Bert took, of the amount of queue we got to skip using FP+ on Valravn. (o:

[bert425]

^ where are your food pics from Sat. . . I know you got a pic of the desert plate from Midway Market. .

[Nrthwnd]

^ I was waiting for the "thread interest" to die down...

 

And obviously, this will never happen, WOOT!

I am constantly amazed at your on-point memory about the trip!

 

 

I think I "used to be" good at it too, when I was much younger (MUCH).

But even having photos in order doesn't help me much, nowadays. But still...

(I also don't have any cell phone of ANY kind...so yeah, there's that, too.)

 

I'll post my take on Day 3, with all the pix, later this evening.

 

And while I'm at it... I Challenge you to The Throne, Bert! Best ~ Pose ~ Wins!

[PKI Jizzman]

Great read! Always fun to follow along on a CP story.

 

I was beyond confused about the guy "dressing up with a red hat" until the photo hahahahahaa. Excellent, bert.

[Nrthwnd]

^ This is the shot I took of him. Too close for comfort I felt. But the staff was right on them,

after his group started smoking cigarettes, so props to the park for immediate action.

[Nrthwnd]

Day 3 at CP - "Lots to Do and Eat and Drink.... and (eventually) Ride."

 

First of all, I believe in fairly scheduled times for eating, when doing these days at parks.

TPR Tours taught me that eating at scheduled times helped make the day go longer.

Also, if a hotel was within an easy timed distance from the park(s)...why not use it for

a rest period, and then recharge for the last hours the park is open? I learned that

from mainly Tokyo Disney Resort.

 

Having a FastPast+ was a good thing to have as well, with us that day. The crowds did tend

to get bigger and bigger through the day. And although Dragster and Maverick still became

problematic and really messed everybody up through the day, it was a great day altogether!

 

The buffet at the Midway market was fine, Not great, Probably not worth any repeat. But for us,

it worked fine. My only complaint was the too-thick breading on the fried chicken. And the "age

thing" was amusing to listen through at the front cashier. In the end we saved some money so,

great!

 

The BBQ & Brew was being 'threatened' by another breakdown at Maverick, we were near.

I had timed doing our BBQ for 7-9 pm allowing time after to still ride stuff before closing time.

But when (again) it looked like Maverick was not immediately up and running, and closing in

on my 7pm plans... I panicked and told Bert we could ride it later, if it opened later. I wanted

to eat and drink, now. So we did, and nearly a 1/2 hour later, Maverick reopened. And after eating

and drinking, we rode Maverick in an awesome night ride!

 

For myself, bug-free, I have no idea why!

 

I also discovered I didn't seem to be sick on coasters, after eating! In the mornings I did

get queasy, being that I didn't have much to eat in the morning, in the first place. Noted!

 

And then we got a look at "Luminosity" in a pretty good rehearsal run. I was impressed....

I started this morning with a coffee frapp and a raspberry swirl loaf slice. Yum!

So here's Bert.

And here's Myself. Both awesome shots, actually.

And the crowd we got to pass by, with FP+.

Colours everywhere!

Tower.

Rougarou....rouing. And we roued it.

From the Sky Ride. It looked like the childrens area....

...in Europa Park! Sort of.

Lunch!

First plate - I loved the Asian stuff!

Spaghetti was good; Chicken was too "breaded."

Desserts. Loved the hot sauces, cherry and peaches!

A lot of stuff ridden, then this, and I was out to the hotel for a rest.

Giant Jenga on the sand!

Another caffeine hit. Note stuff bought. Back to the room. And then...

Out to meet back with up Bert in the park.

Fresh sand to mess up!

The End of our BBQ & Brew. I was hungry! And thirsty! ("Luminosity" to come...)

[bert425]

Rougarou....rouing. And we roued it.

 

yeah. .that is one LOUD coaster.

 

when standing by the window in our room, we could actually hear it in the morning, when they were getting it ready to go!

 

the "howling" sound works really well with the misters to create atmosphere. . that pic you got of me with the sign is great.

 

just wish it was a better coaster!

 

 

 

edit: and you got a pic of the pink fizzy drink that I liked, but it was better with the Banana Cream Pie, rather than the pecan tart..but you got a pic of the tart at least!

[Nrthwnd]

^ I remember looking and looking at it, trying to visualize what it was as a standing coaster (Mantis?), back then.

Would have been quite the ride, from what I saw in all those twists and turns in the track.

 

And I enjoyed the chocolate stout(?) in the sampler cup, with the pecan tartlet. Much preferred over the "cream pie."

[Nrthwnd]

"Lumiosity"

 

This was a fun show to watch, even though it was still in rehearsal stage. We got the chance to see it, as we were leaving the park, 10pm having been struck. The show started around the 10:15pm mark, and it was a full half hour of music, singing, dancing, acrobatics, aeriel stunts, screen visuals...and curtains, one of which got a bit stuck for awhile, before it was finally lowered and retrieved.

 

All in all, a fun way to end the day we had spent there, especially Bert having been the entire day at the park. If I was a regular pass holder to CP, i would definitely have come back to see the finished product, which opened this past weekend! Cheers and Break Legs to the cast and crew of Luminosity! I hope it gets awesome audiences for every performance!

An evening shot from the exit of our Maverick ride.

And a shot of Maverick itself.

Millenium Force - awesome on the night ride!

Whoo - 33 seconds till production liftoff!

Pretty cool to see, even without costumes.

Tubular, dude!

The guitarist is high, literally!

A reminder what the production is called.

Wheel shot #1.

Wheel shot #2.

Back to the hotel.

And another cocktail (or three) to end the evening.

Mmmmm fire. And THANK YOU Bert, for handling the toilet "roll back."

[Nrthwnd]

...and this shot, I dedicate to you, Bert. And to whoever that wonderful housekeeping lady was! (See Page 7)

In the best way possible! I am glad you tipped her immediately, for what she did for us, so late that evening.

And that we tipped General Housekeeping afterwards, just when we left such a great hotel.

These people are awesome! (o: And any of you who stay in any hotel ~ Be sure you Tip Your Housekeeping Staff!

[bert425]

Day Four, Sunday - or: “Sex on the Beach? No thank you, I’d rather sleep. . . and besides, the shore is full of dead fish!”

 

So Sunday was our “day off” from the park, and after 17 hours on Friday, and 13 hours on Saturday, I figured I could really use the down time.

 

Besides, as noted, the weather forecast had changed and they were predicting storms as of Saturday night. So we decided to sleep in – but I still think we were both up by 9:30.

Actually, what woke me up was the rain on the window, and yep, it was pouring outside.

 

We puttered around the room for a little bit, and I texted my friend Don, who was planning on coming up from Cleveland to meet us for late lunch.

 

Don is a friend I know from the old Comic Book Site I used to hang around on in the 90’s, CBR (Comic Book Resources. . but haven’t been on there for years). . . one of the highlights every year for me at Dragon*con in Atlanta, is the Saturday, “CBR lunch”. . where all the old posters from way back when meet up for lunch/hanging out for a few hours. A tradition we’ve had for going on 20 years.

 

But this year, I’m skipping Dragon*con. . . I’ve gone so many years in a row, I needed a break (and it’s gotten SO big it’s just not as much fun any more due to crowds), and by not going this year it allowed me to have enough vacation to go to Coastermania!, so it ended up being a good trade off. But I was depressed I wasn’t gonna get to see my long-time friends. And then Don pinged me on FB and reminded me he lives in Cleveland – so of course we had a plan to meet up. He had to work on Monday, and with the weather we were trying to work out logistics, but since it looked like it was clearing out, we made plans to meet at 3pm at Famous Dave’s.

 

We’d take the Hotel Shuttle, and he would just meet us there. Amazingly, they let him come in without paying, and just issued him a pass for Famous Dave’s. We had given him the Breakers confirmation number we had been told he’ll need to get on the peninsula, and they had told us that he’ll still have to pay but bring him by after we eat, and they’ll refund his $20 at the front desk.

 

So yeah, another case of Breakers front desk clerks not knowing the correct info.. . but it worked out well that he didn’t have to pay at all (and I don’t think he even needed to supply the confirmation number, I think he just told them he was meeting us).

 

ANYWAYS.. we decided that today would be the day we’d try Perkins in the lobby, even tho I figured it would be crowded because it was Sunday, and lots of folks would be checking out.

I was correct in that the lobby was just packed with folks checking out, and Perkins had a pretty good line of folks pouring out into the lobby waiting.

 

Now, it really wasn’t *that* crowded, but because some idiots had parked two (yes, two) double wide strollers in the waiting area, there were literally only 4 seats inside the restaurant to wait! So that is why everyone was standing out in the lobby. . and yet, none of the Restaurant Mgs said anything / did anything to remove the strollers. That’s the kind of crap you leave up in the room, or ask the lobby to check. You don’t block the waiting area..sheesh. (keep in mind, we hadn’t eaten yet today, so yes, I was crabby).

 

Also adding to the wait? There were a *lot* of open tables inside the restaurant, but the host told us that they didn’t want to “overwhelm” the servers so were purposely leaving tables open. Ok. .that’s a training issue. And if not a training issue? Then a staffing issue. And should be resolved.

 

I know I sound like a pain in the butt, but this is the exact same issue we saw at Melt! when Liz, Dianne, and I went on Friday – there were a bunch of open tables, but they wouldn’t seat us on the patio because they didn’t want to “overload the waiter.” . . .and come to think of it, they tried to put us at a crappy table at TGI Fridays on Thursday, because the table we preferred (and ended up sitting at anyways) was not supposed to be used to keep the tables down for the server, but a server from a different area took care of us at this table.

 

now I don’t know if this is an Ohio thing, but how nice to go to a Tex-Mex place on Thurs in Austin, w/ my hubby, and the place was absolutely packed, yet we were seated right away (and our waitress had 5 other tables, including a couple of 10-tops, and she still took care of us). I only mention this because I commented to her how happy I was they hadn’t made us wait for a table since she was so busy, and told her about our experiences in Ohio. .and she was like, really?

 

Yeah.

 

Oh well. .1st world problems, right?

 

Once we were seated, with a very young waitress. . nice but lots of “deer in the headlights” look . . LOL, I guess Bill and I are a sight in the morning, we ordered coffee right away, and we knew we had to eat light, since we were expecting a big meal around 3pm.

Bill ended up getting the senior Eggs Benedict (only because it only had one egg instead of full serving), and I ordered the Potato Pancakes. . which were very, very good.

The waitress was very surprised when I asked for a side of sour cream, which I found rather odd as they were serving them with applesauce anyways, so they were basically Latkes.

I ended up explaining to her (a Jew from Texas, but I suppose that’s one more Jew than is in Sandusky ??) that these are Latkes / Potato Pancakes, and the best way to eat them is with a layer of Sour Cream on top, then a layer of Applesauce, then a sprinkling of salt. No syrup needed, as they aren’t that kind of pancake.

 

She looked a bit confused, and said “ooo.. I’ll have to try that”

 

I sincerely doubt she did, and rather guess the moment we left her table, she forgot about us. Still, the food was decent, and we made a plan to come back on Tuesday morning before leaving.

 

We had taken our time eating, and by the time we finished the rain had stopped and it was starting to clear up (Perkins is inside the center of Breakers, with no windows looking outside – only into the hallway, so we didn’t know if it was pouring still or not, until we headed over to the bar/Starbucks area in the tower base, and saw thru the windows. I can’t recall if we stopped and got a drink. .but I think likely so, and we ended up going out back and walking up and down the boardwalk area looking at the beach/pools, and just wandering. Some folks were already in swimsuits and were going out to Lake Erie.

 

We just kind of hung out and people watched as the clouds moved away and the sun started to come out. We noticed that several rides were running with almost NO people, and even considered maybe going to the park. . but decided not to, as we really did need the “down” day, and we were meeting Don shortly.

 

So after relaxing for a bit, we went back up to the room to change and head over to Famous Dave’s.

 

the front desk called the shuttle for us, and I very much enjoyed chatting with the bellhop folks at the front of Breakers about the cottonwood whisps that were floating everywhere, and they told me about how Monday is employee night and they get to ride and hang out in the park after close every Monday so they were looking forwards to that. I also heard some stories about the “dorms” since they are right next to the Marina, so when they heard we’re going to Famous Dave’s he started telling me how much he’s enjoying it, but that it’s like living in a smaller college dorm, and how there are cameras EVERYWHERE so it’s not hard to stay out of trouble since they know they are being watched and CP has a police station on site – which is right next to the men’s room outside of the main midway arcade by the way . .LOL, I had noticed all the uniformed folks going down that alley every time I went to pee while at Cedar Downs, or the Arcade.

He asked why we wanted to take the shuttle, instead of just cutting across the park. . which is how he got to work each day. And would have been easy – Windseeker gate is sorta/kinda just across from the Marina gate – so one could easily cut thru, it’s true.. but we didn’t have admission this day, and weren’t going to burn our last day pass just for a shortcut – besides, we needed the break!

 

I think Bill was taking pictures while I was being chatty Cathy (as Nick calls me when he’s teasing me), or maybe was just sitting on the bench. Soon enough, the shuttle came, and it was full (all one family) who were staying at the campground, so the driver swung by Breakers first. So we had to stand for just one stop, until he pulled into the campground lot (near the waterpark), and they all got out – and didn’t tip him! Sheesh. . always tip your shuttle driver, they are doing you a service!

 

once it was just Bill and myself in the shuttle, he took us over to the Marina, and told us where to go to get the shuttle back to the hotel, and how to call for the shuttle if there isn’t anyone there to ask when we’re done eating. We appreciated having that information, although we were expecting Don to drive us back, since he’d have to get his refund.

 

it was about a quarter to 3, and I texted Don to tell him we were there and he responded: “about 30 minutes”. . so we walked up and down the pier for a bit and checked out the restaurant, with the lobby wall of hot sauces.

The sun had definitely come out, and the morning rain had made it pretty humid. Bill didn’t really want to wait outside, despite all the Adirondack Chairs that CP has out along the dock.

Probably also a key factor was that Famous Dave’s has a bar. . LOL.. so Bill went inside and had a couple of drinks, while I relaxed in the chairs, people watched (the Marina has a lot of activity on a Sunday afternoon. .I was surprised) and watched all the water snakes swimming in the green (yes, bright green.. ew) water.

There’s a little quickie-pickie type convenience store right there too, connected to the Marina office – which I thought was odd, until I remembered the onsite dormitories are right there too. . so made sense then. The store also sold lots of chachkis ..so I went in to have a look, and found a great deal on CP Marina Polos (only $12!) and picked one up for Nick as a gift.

 

after a while, Bill came out to see if Don had shown, and I showed him my purchase, and he went in to have a look (and he ended up buying a small snow-globe from there). .so recommended if you want cheap souvenirs! Eventually, I saw Don pull up, and we went to meet him from the parking lot.

 

What’s funny is that I had told Bill I know Don from CBR and Dragon*con, and that he’s a huge Star Wars fan.. . .so what does Don show up wearing? A Star Wars Jersey. . LOL. . he lived up to my hype

 

We go into the restaurant, get seated right away with a very bubbly, and fun waitress (who’s name I can’t recall. . famous Kara maybe?). Anyways, she pulls out a plate, and uses the multiple BBQ sauces on the table to write out intials of each sauce IN each sauce, and gives us fries to dip into them and try them (maybe that’s a Famous Dave’s signature move? . . we don’t have those in Texas, but thought it was really cool).

 

When taking our drink orders, she warned me that the Bloody Mary I had ordered was spicy, to which I told her that I’m from Texas and I love very spicy, and mentioned how I hadn’t found a sauce at yesterday’s Brews and BBQ spicy enough to my tastes. She said they had a sauce that wasn’t on the table, but she’d bring me a sample of it, and it’s super hot. Can’t recall the name of it, but I absolutely LOVED it, and used it on everything in my meal.

 

Don ordered a burger and a soda, but Bill had a ½ rack of ribs (and a Margarita), and I had with my Bloody Mary, the Brisket/Catfish fingers combo with beans and corn – that as noted I slathered the brisket in the spicy sauce, so, so good. The spicy Rémoulade that was served with the catfish was amazing too. And as an appetizer I ordered for the table the burnt bits. . which was wonderfully tender and tangy beef tips.

 

the company was great, the food was fantastic (and because of the sauce options, it was much more to my liking than some of the prior night’s offerings. .and I really could have eaten my whole plate. . but the moment the waitress asked if we saved room for desert, I took ½ and put it in a to-go, and we shared the bourbon bread pudding with ice cream. . so, so good.

 

I had been nursing the bloody mary, as I was enjoying the spice, and I was really feeling it too.. but hey, I wasn’t driving! Heh.

 

We asked Don if he minded driving us back to Breakers (which would give him a chance to take a look at Mean Streak, as most folks don’t know to drive back that way) and he was willing, so he drove us back and dropped us off . .and the folks at the booth just before Magnum simply waved us thru, so Don got to see a side of CP he’d never seen before.

 

we said our goodbyes and went up to the room to put the leftovers in the fridge, as Bill had taken some of his Ribs back to the room also.

 

I decided since I wanted to relax, I would go sit in the hot-tub, kids be damned. I switched to my suit (KISS board shorts. .yep I had Love Gun on my butt), and put on the red wristband they had asked us at the front desk to wear, and headed down to the Pool area. . I think Bill wanted to rest in the room for a bit.

 

as expected TONS of kids, many of them also in the hot tubs, not an adult with them in sight, and most of them *not* wearing the wristbands we’d been asked to wear. Oh, there were a lot of folks that were wearing them, but many were not, and no one was at the pool enforcing it. At all. Even the bar waitress who was out at the pool taking orders, didn’t care if folks had the bands on or not. I saw the group we had been on the shuttle with at the pool. . none of them with bands. I don’t know, do folks at the Campgrounds get access to the Breakers pools? I would assume not, since none of them had the wristbands.

 

So yeah, the pool area would benefit greatly, not from lifeguards, but from guard-guards. . just to enforce that if you are in the pool, you are staying at Breakers, and no kids allowed in hot-tubs without chaperones.

 

I got a lounger by the pool on the left of the hot tubs, and made sure to save the one next to it for Bill, and headed into the hot tubs to relax (they kind of look like a Mickey, with a central pool, and then two “ear” pools). I spent maybe an hour boiling in there, talking to the adults that were on my side of the 3 pools (while the center pool was all kids, and the other side was a mix of very young adults and grammas with toddlers). But I had a good time talking to the others in the tub about other parks, and CP. . I had a long conversation with one lady about Knoebel’s, and I really think she’s going to plan a trip there soon, so yay!

 

Bill eventually made it over to the pool, and I pointed out where the lounger was, and he put his stuff down and joined us in the hot tub, tho not for too long, he was in and out between the hot tub and the pool, and even went down to Lake Erie to go in up to his waist.

 

I eventually got too hot in the tubs, and decided that I too should go into Lake Erie, so I could say that I did.

 

I walked down the beach, past all the pristine sand (that Breakers “mows” to make it all pretty (and make sure there’s no glass in)), and to the edge of the water . . . . where there were two dead fish bobbing in the waves. There was another dead fish a little higher up on the sand.

 

what’s up with that??

 

And Ew.

 

So yeah, I just dipped my feet in (it was COLD and with all the dead fish? No way was I getting into that!), then went back to the pools, and to the lounger to dry off and people watch.

As noted there were TONS of kids, who were roughhousing and throwing a football back and forth over the main pool which was way too cold to get into, but I hung out on the lounger for at least an hour or so, chatting with folks and watching what there was to look at (no, not the kids! Shame on you!).

 

I made friends with a 4 some (a man and his wife, and his nephew and his husband) and their kids. That happened because one of the younger kids was looking for them after they went to the

Bar to get another bucket of beers, and he looked panicked and lost, so I said to him – they went to the bar, they’ll be right back. And this kid, who was probably 7, says, “you know who I’m looking for?” and I said “I think so, the two guys, and the man and woman, right?”. . and the kid says “yeah, and one of the two guys is REALLY fat.. them!”

 

(and I don’t have a picture, because I didn’t have my phone down at the pool. . it was in the room charging. . but the one he said was *REALLY* fat, was probably a size 38 waist.. I guess to a skinny little kid, that’s really fat! LOL).

 

and of COURSE I relayed this description to when they got back with the beers and they laughed hysterically. . . . I wish I had gotten their names, but I did see them again later that night (and even “willed” them a pizza that Gina ordered and then only had one slice of. . .she was going to throw it away, I couldn’t let it go to waste) 

 

Bill had wandered off while I was down at Lake Erie. . he apparently came back by the hot tub and the folks I was talking to had said that I had left (even tho my shirt was still on the lounger), so Bill went to the bar or up to the room, I think. . . I wasn’t keeping tabs on him, I ain’t his daddy !

 

so after about another ½ hour of people watching, I headed back up to the room to change out of my suit and take a shower. Bill was in the room resting, and he told me that his travel clock had bit the dust.. . so we were going to have to depend on the wakeup call for the park in the morning (remember, the alarm clock in the room was wrong and there was no way to reset it).

 

He asked where I had gotten to, and I told him I was right there at the same lounger and was surprised he hadn’t seen my shirt. .but screw it, let’s go down to the bar.. and so we did. Gina and her husband were there at the bar inside, and the hotel was setting up the giant projection screen on the beach to watch a playoff game (Bill and I both went.. “sports. . baaah”). . .LOL

 

We grabbed the two stools next to them at the bar, and I had my Midouri Sour and Bill thinks about it for a second and decides he wants to try a Sex on the Beach, as he’s never had one.

Oh boy, did he like it. . he liked it many, many times that evening.

 

At some point Sleepy Time Snoopy passed by in the lobby, and I ran and got a picture with him, it’s SNOOPY! In pajamas!.. and feeling a bit buzzed, we also went to the front desk to ask about a wake up call for the morning, because it hadn’t worked on coastermania! Day. (and as tipsy as we were already, I’m shocked that the wake up call actually DID happen on Monday morning when we needed it to).

 

We hung out for quite a while inside at the bar, and as it got darker, and they started showing the game on the big TV outside, we moved out by the firepits, where we continued hanging out and visiting. Gina ordered that Pizza, as mentioned, and they were going to toss it after 1 piece. I had a slice even tho I wasn’t hungry at all! (hey, it’s drunk pizza. .who passes that up).. well, Bill, LOL. . he didn’t want any because he had ribs up in the room. (and if you asked anyone who was out at the bar that night about that guy with the long hair?.. they’d say: he has ribs up in the room from Famous Dave’s. . . LOL. .I think he told everyone. multiple times).

 

as he “enjoyed” more Sex on the Beaches, he got a bit chattier . . . keeping the folks around the firepits in stitches.

He was fun to watch/listen to, and I just wanted to enjoy my buzz and people watch, so was mostly quiet while he entertained.

 

this is where it all comes together.. . so the guys who I willed the rest of the pizza to? They had been down on the beach watching the game and drinking lots of “buckets o beer” . . you know how some folks get when they get really lit? well the younger of the couple was really, really lit. . staggering and crying, and just a mess.

 

He came over to talk to me because I had met them earlier, remember, and it was a friendly face he could sorta remember that he kept passing by as he was going to and from the bar. . . well, I just wasn’t really in the mood to deal with whatever was going on (something within his relationship), and Bill at this point wasn’t really feeling any pain either. . so I introduced this guy to Bill, and then stepped out of it and watched from the other side of the fire pit.

 

I dunno what the conversation was about, and I wonder if Bill remembers any of this at all, but I TOLD him I was gonna put it in my trip report (LOL). . . .

 

so at one point, really drunk guy says something about his relationship, and Bill comes back with a calming (but loud.. we could hear him across the firepits) story about how long he and his partner have been together and how there some things you just have to talk out, but you get thru them.

 

And when the guy gives him a look like he’s full of it, Bill says, “look, I’m 64 years old, I’ve been thru this”

 

And the guy stands up (yes, stands up), wobbles a bit, and goes:

 

“you’re 64????”

 

and Bill says “yes”

 

And the guy goes. . .

 

“You’re older than Blue Streak!!”

 

OMG. .so funny, people actually spilled drinks we were all laughing so hard. Funniest moment of the entire trip. . . and absolutely made my night.

 

If Bill was affected negatively by this comment, or the laughing from around the firepits, he didn’t show it. He just kept talking to the guy. . . but I had enough and told Bill I was drunk and exhausted and heading up to the room to go to bed.

 

and to be serious for a moment, in regards to the bartenders at Breakers “Shores” bar. . .they were serving folks who were very, very intoxicated. And that very much surprised me.

Maybe it’s ok since the people weren’t planning on driving anywhere (but how would they know if the folks got into a car out in the Hotel parking lot and got in a wreck??).

In Texas, at least, it’s illegal to serve someone who is obviously intoxicated. This wasn’t the case in the bar. Biggest glaring example is the drunk guy that Bill was talking to. .he could barely STAND, and they were still giving him the buckets of beer. But others as well, barely were able to make it to the bar to order more, and they still served them . . .I don’t understand that at all.

 

(ok, off of soapbox now).

 

Back up in the room, I had actually just fallen asleep (I think it was just past Midnight) when Bill came into the room, and made it to the bed.

. . and although I did not sleep well at all (only about 3 hours, waking up a LOT), neither of us were hung over at all, when we woke up for early entry into the park on Monday, so the universe was looking out for us.

 

 

 

Next: Onward thru the fog!

 

 

 

Note: Not a gigantic amount of pics in today’s update, since I didn’t’ have my phone with me the whole time out by the pool

what we saw out the window upon waking up.

 

It would clear up, and end up being a beautiful afternoon. . but yeah, this is how the day started

after eating breakfast at Perkins, we went to the "Tower" area, by Starbucks & the Surf Bar.

 

this is looking up from the center of the tower floor

and here us up at the top of the tower section looking down to the floor

and here's the view from the windows of the tower, looking at the park.

 

still overcast, but moving off, and drying out. Here's where we noticed how empty some rides were, and considered (for a millisecond) hitting the park today. but sanity won out and we used today to relax.

out on the boardwalk wandering around

really like this picture. . thru the little rental building

some folks out by the beach already.. still overcast, but warming up and getting humid

Magnum.. with only a few folks on it.

Kiddie pool, next to the big pools, and hot tubs.

Kiddie pool snake, hot tubs, and Windseeker.

ooo. . arty selfie

ooo ARTIER selfie

serious arty selfie. . .

from the dock outside Famous Dave's.

 

Raptor really is pretty. . but nope, not gonna ride again.

my friend Don showed up in a Star Wars jersey!

 

(and I wore a Dragon*con shirt.. so we would feel geeky)

dunno what was up with this sign (also noticed it in the men's rooms in Camp Snoopy, and Liz said they were in the women's rooms in CP). . .so there's *got* to be a story behind this.

 

all I know is when I saw it while washing my hands? Immediately I pulled out my camera to take a pic of Don. . .LOL

Sleepytime Snoopy!!

 

and slightly intoxicated bert

NO. . not gonna let go

but Bill wants to be in the picture too

what's this you've ordered, Bill? A "Sex on the Beach" to try for the first time?

 

is it good?

Mmmmmm-hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Sun is going down over the beach

and Moon is starting to come out.

 

let the evening festivities begin!

[ytterbiumanalyst]

Great update!

 

Of all the weird behaviour among super drunk people, the ones who get all emotional are probably the easiest to deal with. Plus, they're most likely to give you a fun story!

 

Good to know they can provide free parking if you're just going for a restaurant, but sorry they gave you bad information. This seems to be an issue in multiple places, and although I understand the reasons, it really is something they need to work on. Hotel turnover is outrageous, and I get that there are 100 things to learn before you worry about things like "My friend wants to meet us for lunch." Still, the park employees have the right information, so the hotel employees can be trained to give the right information too. Both industries pull from essentially the same pool, so I don't think it's impossible.

 

Oh, and is it "sex on the beaches" or "sexes on the beach"? Yes, I was an English major.

[boldikus]

Another great update, Bert! And great photos all around. It's hard to read a CP report and not pine to go back.

[CoasterRench]

Wonderful update.

 

Whenever we take a trip we always try to plan a "rest" day, often those day's tend to be the most enjoyable of the entire trip.

 

Famous Dave's is a must visit for me every time I visit CP. I used to bartend at one during my college days, unfortunately it closed down, so I don't get to visit it as often as I would like to.

 

I had no idea the shuttle would take you there, that helps us out come this summer instead of having to decide who will be the DD to get back to the hotel. Guess, I should actually ask around more often.

[bert425]

Great update!

 

Of all the weird behaviour among super drunk people, the ones who get all emotional are probably the easiest to deal with. Plus, they're most likely to give you a fun story!

 

Good to know they can provide free parking if you're just going for a restaurant, but sorry they gave you bad information. This seems to be an issue in multiple places, and although I understand the reasons, it really is something they need to work on. Hotel turnover is outrageous, and I get that there are 100 things to learn before you worry about things like "My friend wants to meet us for lunch." Still, the park employees have the right information, so the hotel employees can be trained to give the right information too. Both industries pull from essentially the same pool, so I don't think it's impossible.

 

Oh, and is it "sex on the beaches" or "sexes on the beach"? Yes, I was an English major.

 

thanks!

 

and agreed on the info stuff. . it was a bit frustrating. . but like i said, "1st world problems" right.

 

 

oh. .and it SHOULD be: "multiple refills of Sex on the Beach"

(hehe. i'm an English Minor. . . LOL)

Edited June 15, 2017 by bert425

[bert425]

Wonderful update.

 

Whenever we take a trip we always try to plan a "rest" day, often those day's tend to be the most enjoyable of the entire trip.

 

Famous Dave's is a must visit for me every time I visit CP. I used to bartend at one during my college days, unfortunately it closed down, so I don't get to visit it as often as I would like to.

 

I had no idea the shuttle would take you there, that helps us out come this summer instead of having to decide who will be the DD to get back to the hotel. Guess, I should actually ask around more often.

 

yeah, there are several shuttle stops between Breakers and the front gate. . somewhere i have the Breakers pamphlet info that lists the shuttle stop. They don't run regularly tho.. you have to call to get it to come (or ask at the front desk). . .maybe that's just prior to full summer season tho, as I'd imagine they'd start running them regularly as they get really crowded.

 

 

you used to work at Famous Dave's? is that 'initials in the sauce on the plate' a signature move? or did we just get a fun waitress?

[scottiemon]

I have really enjoyed reading about your trip! I have never been to CP, sadly, but hope to go next year. I feel like I know the park now better than ever.

 

By the way, you mentioned a couple times about wake up calls, and the room clock that could not be fixed. Why didn't you use your cell phone as an alarm clock? That has always been my travel alarm, and heck, I even use it at home.

[CoasterRench]

Wonderful update.

 

Whenever we take a trip we always try to plan a "rest" day, often those day's tend to be the most enjoyable of the entire trip.

 

Famous Dave's is a must visit for me every time I visit CP. I used to bartend at one during my college days, unfortunately it closed down, so I don't get to visit it as often as I would like to.

 

I had no idea the shuttle would take you there, that helps us out come this summer instead of having to decide who will be the DD to get back to the hotel. Guess, I should actually ask around more often.

 

yeah, there are several shuttle stops between Breakers and the front gate. . somewhere i have the Breakers pamphlet info that lists the shuttle stop. They don't run regularly tho.. you have to call to get it to come (or ask at the front desk). . .maybe that's just prior to full summer season tho, as I'd imagine they'd start running them regularly as they get really crowded.

 

 

you used to work at Famous Dave's? is that 'initials in the sauce on the plate' a signature move? or did we just get a fun waitress?

 

It's been a while, but yes I did. One of my all time favorite restaurants.

 

As for the initials thing, that's the first I have heard of it, not sure if that is something she did on her own, or that restaurant decided to start up. We never did that at ours, nor have I ever seen it done at the other one's I have been to. Sounds like you got lucky with an awesome server that thought outside the box.

 

Overall the job was very laid back, the only thing we were required to do was say that our name was "Famous (Insert first name)." Judging by your report, they are still required to do that.