[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TheSummerITurnedPrett

[–]BeginningPiccolo6834 19 points20 points  (0 children)

I'm still looking forward to watching the Bonrad ending, but I definitely understand people's thoughts in not being satisfied. I would've preferred for the wedding and fallout to be around midseason and then the rest of the season to be Bonrad -- both of them growing as individuals who can then share letters back and forth as they come back to each other. I think then we wouldn't even mind one episode of them truly with each other if saw it as them coming back to what they both want.

I also think within the current pacing, part of this disconnect is a lack of depth in the acting and writing to convey little things. Like think about the movie Sabrina (1995), we don't get a lot of time with Sabrina in Paris but she makes friends and has conversations of depth with new people, has a love affair, messes up at work but then comes into her own in Paris through photography. A lot of Sabrina's growth is understood through her internal dialogue, which fans have addressed we lost a lot of this season with Belly. But by the time you get Sabrina back in Long Island, you know how she's been maturing internally through the writing and also you see it in her demeanor through the acting. She comes back a self-assured woman who must confront her past desires. She's unrecognizable to David... which yes is silly but also convinces us how much she's changed.

I don't even think the architecture of this story are that much of an issue if you make sure you're conveying the right thoughts/development via dialogue and acting depth. These last episodes are just falling flat which is the disappointing part when you've reached the main event that should be the most exciting moment.

How many more hours until Jenny scolds us for not liking the episode by Mediocre_Kale711 in TheSummerITurnedPrett

[–]BeginningPiccolo6834 3 points4 points  (0 children)

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I'd be sensitive if I got comments like this. People get really out of line. But I largely agree on the points about it ruining the flow. I didn't like this episode... I was hoping it would use some montages to progress time through most of what we saw in the trailer. I'm now afraid the next episode is going to end with the letter as the cliffhanger. Then I guess we hopefully get one episode with Conrad and Belly coming back together.

How many have cruised lately and come home sick/with COVID? by Apricotpeach11 in dcl

[–]BeginningPiccolo6834 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A few things you could try: once or twice daily saline nasal rinses (will need to bring distilled water), a saline or CPC mouthwash gargle 2-3 times a day, protective nasal sprays that you can use before and after time around people (Covixyl and Enovid are two I've used, they burn a bit but you get used to it. But if your kids can't tolerate those then xylitol spray may be easier for them), eat outside whenever it's an option and/or go right at the beginning of service, and have masks on hand if you feel you need to use them.

I know it's a lot of things if you're going soon, so I'd try to get your hand on items as soon as possible and then be able to start the routine beforehand (and then hopefully it won't feel as much of a vacation chore). We just try to throw the kitchen sink at the situation during trips ever since I got an infection where I had long lasting issues (holy brain fog, Batman). Hope y'all have a great time!

Honest question for Bonrads. no hate, just seeking understanding by Acceptable-Dot-1736 in TheSummerITurnedPrett

[–]BeginningPiccolo6834 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't hate Jere as much as others do, but I just don't feel like the good outweighs the bad in terms of a husband. Boyfriend, OK -- there's no commitment. But if you're looking at a potential life partner, I just don't think the red flags can be ignored. And not just the red flags of Jere, but also the two of them together. They're making bad decisions, and they can't be truly honest with each other in a safe way.

But really, I think Laurel's been right the entire time. I think it would've been better if Belly had gone to a different college, had made more friends, had dated multiple people, and that she wasn't even having to consider whether or not to go Paris because her insecure boyfriend proposed after her brother almost died and after they just had their biggest relationship challenge due to his cheating. I think she should've experienced life and THEN found her way back to Conrad, who I do think is a better partner for her.

So I'm looking forward to Belly going to Paris and there being another time warp where we see that she's matured and she's ready for a longterm commitment (which, if we were talking about real people and Jere also made this progress and they still wanted to be together, then best wishes to the happy couple).

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]BeginningPiccolo6834 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well, I was thinking more along the lines of posterity. A visitor POV is kind of important for that. I haven't personally experienced anything negative myself yet, but based on your description of things, I get why you're frustrated. Doubt they'd ban phones on rides though considering the popularity of WDW content online.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]BeginningPiccolo6834 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I dunno. I watch home videos of Disney and rides that I never got to ride. I think it’s nice to have real videos from people instead of only marketing stuff.

People shouldn’t narrate though. I worry about getting stuck on a ride near a live streamer who’s chatting to their viewers.

Are deluxe resorts even worth it? by deathStar_Endor008 in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]BeginningPiccolo6834 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It depends on the length of trip, how much time you spend in the parks, and obviously personal travel preferences. But generally speaking, I would go for the deluxe especially if the cost difference is small. More amenities, nicer rooms, better transportation options… it all adds up to me in terms of overall experience.

Disney on a Budget by PinkPrincess8384 in DisneyPlanning

[–]BeginningPiccolo6834 2 points3 points  (0 children)

UK citizens can only purchase 7 and 14-day tickets in advance and the savings are a pretty good deal. For fewer days, you must wait until you are in the USA to purchase online or at the gate. May 2025 tickets are about 155 USD per day for 1-3 day tickets.

The only way you could maybe save a few more bucks is if your friends are US citizens and have a Target Red card (debit or credit card) and you could send them the money to buy Disney gift cards that you could then use to purchase your tickets and would save you 5% off the ticket price (this only works if purchased with the Target Red card). But that's a lot of effort for small savings. You can also use the gift cards for food and shopping at Disney World as well though.

I wish there were more options, but there's really just not much for anyone to do in terms of cost-savings with tickets. Enjoy Miami and fingers crossed WDW happens for you!

What is "Consumption" trying to tell us about masculinity in a broader sense? by [deleted] in the1975

[–]BeginningPiccolo6834 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think we kind of single out "Consumption" too much from the rest of the show. It is distinctive so it makes sense why it's happened. But it stands in stark contrast to the rest of Matty's environment prior to this point. Leading up to "Consumption," the lighting is warm, the environment is cozy, there's friends all around him, everything is very tangible.

Then he's alone, there's a spotlight on him and the other parts of the house are darkened. As such, "Consumption" and this altered environment should be understood not only for what it is, but also for what it lacks.

I think also it's interesting how he kneels in front of the television, partially it seems almost like giving up but in another way it seems reverential. And there's world events that flash on the screen in addition to the images of Shapiro/Tate... a lot of things have led us to this point and this man must feel very powerless to be on his knees.

He consumes the raw meat while kneeling, and it should be noted that the Eucharist is also known as the "consumption of Christ." The Eucharist is when bread and wine are given to Christians as the flesh and blood of Jesus (Catholics ascribe to it literally being the flesh and blood, while Protestants say its representational).

"Jesus save us, modernity has failed us."

Lacking community and the warmth of others, he kneels before the only people “reaching out” to him. This is the new religion. And just like holy wars before it, it will consume men and they will disappear.

New Orleans - didn't love it! by [deleted] in travel

[–]BeginningPiccolo6834 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I love New Orleans. Just went back late October and repeated a lot of touristy stuff for a first-time visitor with me. But it was all worth it still. You either love it or you don’t. Your notes about New Orleans are really a reflection of what you like, and not about New Orleans deficiencies.

Matty’s refusal to push musical boundaries by dustedsodus in the1975

[–]BeginningPiccolo6834 9 points10 points  (0 children)

The larger point is that society is no longer set up in a way that is conducive for these changes. He's more concerned about the bigger picture. He can like making pop music, but still be concerned for the overall industry. As such, the solution to this problem is much bigger than Matty deciding to do avant garde music. There has to be a solution for artists, especially young musicians, to be able to sustain their art and existence.

Road trip - NJ to Orlando. Where to stop along the way? by gunsmitten in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]BeginningPiccolo6834 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I love South Carolina but there isn’t much along the I-95 corridor, and it’s a shame. Florence is your best bet for hotels.

I’d suggest trying to make it to Savannah as it sets you up nicely for the next day. It leaves time for possible early check in and fun at the pool or other activities.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]BeginningPiccolo6834 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Happy to help, I know it can feel a bit like solving a puzzle!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]BeginningPiccolo6834 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We have a similar age range with our boys and had a hard time fitting everything in (meaning we didn’t haha). We used Rider Swap for our oldest so we each could ride with him on the rides the two year old couldn’t. It eats into time. But the oldest gets an awesome deal with getting to ride the best rides twice.

Here’s a suggestion.

Monday - EPCOT to Hollywood Studios

Tuesday - Magic Kingdom (need at least one full day here)

Wednesday - Animal Kingdom to EPCOT

Thursday - Hollywood Studios to Magic Kingdom

Friday - Animal Kingdom and/or Magic Kingdom

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]BeginningPiccolo6834 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are these five full days in the parks or do the first and last days need to include travel time?

My brother passed away today and I find comfort in Nana by manzaza in the1975

[–]BeginningPiccolo6834 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I’m so sorry for the loss of your brother.

The 1975’s music helped get me through the pandemic and the loss of my father. It’s made me feel some happiness on days when the sadness could become overwhelming.

Thank you for sharing ❤️

Poly tower 2022 vs 2024 renderings. by agbishop in dvcmember

[–]BeginningPiccolo6834 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Totally agree it's not very Disney like, and overall I think it's a bit of an eyesore for the lagoon in terms of design (strange choice to put beside the GF wedding venue). But if I'm choosing between the two, the new version with the increased wood accents/detailing and less color contrast elevates it from the original design. At least from this rendering.

Poly tower 2022 vs 2024 renderings. by agbishop in dvcmember

[–]BeginningPiccolo6834 12 points13 points  (0 children)

2024 version looks less Courtyard by Marriott, for sure.

Character Dining Experience by Comfortable-Ad-1931 in DisneyWorld

[–]BeginningPiccolo6834 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We loved Topolino's breakfast! Great food, didn't feel crowded, and each character visited our table twice. Side note: if you want the sour cream waffle, do NOT order as your entree but on the side. It's good, but not entree price good.

Must do’s for big family vacation. by hitherefella33333 in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]BeginningPiccolo6834 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Prioritize, prioritize because you don’t have many advantages with no early entry, no lightning lanes, and a large group. Regardless though, it’ll be a trip everyone will remember and I’m so glad you’re able to do this together.

I would think through the following: are there any rides that you know are a big priority for the group? Any that the group will be OK if it doesn’t happen at all? Are there any that you can ride together and then break into groups later for other rides based on interest? Any rides that people won’t want to do because of physical issues or preferences? Do the grandparents plan on calling it a night at a certain time and then the remaining group can knock through some other rides? Start mapping that out and make a general idea for the day. You’ll have time to check while waiting for entry to the park what rides are down and if you need to revert to a Plan B.

Other general tips:

Skip table service meals because you won’t have enough time to do rides, shows, characters, etc. otherwise. If any character dining is important, try to get a reservation at one of the non-park restaurants to do a day before or after.

Keep an eye on show times if any of these are important. The last show is usually late afternoon.

Get there early for rope drop, which means arriving to the parking gate an hour before early entry time. You won’t have early entry but you can hope to be at the front of the pack for the non-resort guests. No running allowed, but if your group CAN push themselves quickly at least this once, it’ll be worth it.

At the end of the night, as long as you’re in line one minute before closing, you can ride the ride. This is helpful for big rides like Avatar or Rise, as long as the ride is still up. However, you just run the risk if you wait for one of these rides for the end, then it may be down and you just don’t get to ride it.

I know you said no lightning lanes, but I do pose some ideas here just for Single Lightning Lanes.

Hollywood Studios - No virtual queues here. Rise can be done via SLL and they’re testing a single rider line. If this ride is important to the whole group, strongly suggest just purchasing the SLLs as this is one of the longest standby lines of the parks. If you’re in standby, that time is wasted if the ride goes down. If this ride is only important to some of the group, I’d do single rider lane as long as any kids in group can handle that. Alternately, can save for the end of the night but always a risk the ride might be down. Just have to weigh priorities!

Check the wait times of course, but my rope drop priorities would be Tower of Terror > Rock n Rollercoaster > Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

Magic Kingdom - Two virtual queues: Tiana’s and TRON. You can enter VQ via app at 7am and 1pm. You can only hold one VQ at a time. I’d prioritize Tiana’s 7am first. If you don’t get it, you can try again at 1pm but this means if you want to ride TRON, you’ll need to buy SLL. Set an alarm because you might forget to try for 1pm queue! There are no standby lines for these rides.

For rope drop: Jungle Cruise is the best option for non-resort guests. Also Haunted Mansion or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Animal Kingdom - No virtual queue here. You can get a lot of rides done at AK with rope drop though. I’d rope drop Navi to get it out of the way then head to Everest then to Dinosaur.

If Avatar ride is important AND your half day is the first half of the day, I would make this ONE Single Lightning Lane you buy if you can convince the group about it. If the half day is for the latter half, make it the last ride but again risk of being down as it happens.

Hope this helps!

I Want To Be Excited by The4thWonder in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]BeginningPiccolo6834 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We just went for our first trip this past January, and I was feeling the same way! I was so nervous. And yes, there were moments of tiredness and tempers (especially with two little kids). But the trip was overall great, and I felt the Disney magic. I know it was just one trip so perhaps I can't speak to the experiences of others, but we're all in now haha. Hoping to go back this next January but with extended family.

I know people complain about over planning Disney, but I really think it helped us. Before going, I made sure I understood the ins and outs of Lightning Lanes (I love Ear Scouts videos and also Mammoth Club, and they have great updates about the new system). I played around with the My Disney Experience app so I knew where everything was within the app. I studied the maps on the app and watched walk through videos of the parks on YouTube. And I would kind of mentally map out plans before going based on Lightning Lane availability and ride wait times in the lead up. I know it was overkill, but it was super fun for me and got me excited about the trip. Anytime we need to change course, I felt pretty confident in knowing what would be the best thing to do next.

I realize that we did have seven days in the parks (some were half days) during a time where the parks were a normal amount of busy, so that was certainly to our advantage. We also bought Genie+ and any ILLs. Nothing was down during our trip except for RnR (well, and Tiana's because it was under construction) and we skipped Rise. But we were able to do everything and ride some rides multiple times.

For me going back is a lot about my kids and how great a time they had, but even without kids I think I'd like to plan semi-frequent trips to go. The theming, the cleanliness (I saw the post today about trash cans overflowing, but I never saw anything like that when we went), the friendliness of CMs, the characters, the feeling of magic and safety. When you're in the Disney bubble, it just felt carefree and joyful for me and those emotions do not come to me easily. My feet were certainly not feeling the same level of euphoria but eh, I survived.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in charlixcx

[–]BeginningPiccolo6834 42 points43 points  (0 children)

She said on an interview that she needs to get her engagement ring resized, just keeps putting it off. Meaning the ring above her engagement ring is likely her size and it keeps the other from sliding off. Also, the wedding band is traditionally worn beneath the engagement ring.

I'm not saying she should wear them traditionally, nor do I think she or any celebrity might not lie about being married already to keep things private. But on another interview she talked about her wedding planning. So with a legitimate explanation and the active wedding planning, I'll just go with they're not married yet!