The "Yeah, I'm famous, I'm on Youtube!" report-Opinions needed 2/22

[Hedy]

Well, hello there. I'm Heather, Hedy on these boards and elsewhere on the Internet. I'm a 23 year old Disney (and Disney Planning) addict. I live with my mother and two cats, Oscar and Isabelle.

I graduated from college last year. Some people, once they reach a certain level of maturity, decide they want a dog. Or to live in New York. Me? I decided I wanted to go to WDW every other year. So after my fabulous trip for Spring Break* last year, I decided I wanted to go down in Early December of 2007.

WhenBut when to go? There were too slightly large issues-1) I wanted to avoid the dreaded Pop Warner week and 2)The appearance of my dad's death day. I hate the fact that it keeps on coming up in my planning, because I feel like I'm attention seeking, but it's kind of a fact of life. And, his death day (3 years!) falls neatly in the midst of my chosen dates-12/8-12/15. He would want me to go. So I picked the second week in December.

Who was I going with? My friends are either not into WDW, or doing silly things like getting their master's, or can't afford it. So I asked my mother, known to those of you who read the trip reportette from my July NYC trip as MamaKat. I believe the conversation went something like this:
Hedy: Mom, when I go to Disney world next December, do you want to come?
Mom: It's January. I don't know.
Hedy: Ok, I'll add you to the room only reservation until you decide.

Where were we staying As evidenced by my ticker, I have stayed at a wide variety of WDW resorts...both POR AND Dixie Landings. (LOL) So I was determined to NOT stay at POR this time. But where to stay? POFQ would be ok, CBR and CSR don't appeal to me (CBR is too big, and the conventioneers at CSR, plus the fact that I've lived in Mexico, make CSR unappealing to me). How about a deluxe? My brother (hereafter referred to as YoungestDB) and DSIL (DisneyMSF on the boards) heart AKL something fierce, but IMO, if I'm paying for a deluxe, I want an option for transport other than buses. How about WL? Same price point as AKL, lovely theming. I called CRO. They had an almighty standard view, but no AAA discount, pricing the lodge out of my budget. I booked the room only anyway, just in case money fell from the sky or WL had an AAA rate available. I decided to make contingency plans..what about...the Dolphin...close to Epcot, not as pricy as WL...and they offer teacher/government discounts. MamaKat is a retired teacher who gets her paystub from the Commonwealth of MA, so I decided to call the Dolphin to see if they extended to retirees. Nope, they do not, but AAA had good rates. So I had two rooms booked, and 11 months to make my decision. And I flipped and I flopped-the Samantha Brown special made me flip towards WL, NMAmy's TR flopped me towards Dolphin. I hoped to make enough money on Sunshine Rewards (SR) and the now-defunct CashDuck to make up the difference.
Then I got an e-mail from Chase with a special offer for Disney Card Holders. I called them as soon as I got home from work. No luck getting WL, but if I tried POFQ-the savings would be ridiculous-like trip insurance+tickets+room would be less than just a room at either WL or Dolphin. I was in :). I left a voicemail for MamaKat, who has pretended she has a say in WDW planning since I was 9** and we were off. We were staying all the way across the street-we were really living it up.

What to do I had a few goals on this trip: 1. Eat a Character meal not at Chef Mickey's (I had a less than magical experience there last year) 2. See the American Adventure (I've never seen it) 3. Go to MVMCP. I've never been to any WDW party (as I've always gone peak), but YoungestDB*** and DisneyMSF, as well as MiddleDB and his DW and their boys ElderNephew and YoungerNephew have greatly enjoyed MNSSHP. So I planned on doing that one night.

How was I going to get there. For me, this is a no brainer-I <3 Jet Blue. I got my tickets a week after the fares came out.

Coming up next, ADR's ahoy
* Things I learned during my Spring Break trip last year:
1. Just because that brand of flip-flops suited you fine in DLR last year, does not mean you can get a new pair and wander all over WDW willy-nilly
2. Heat rash is real. Pack cortisone.
3. Ladies, if you have an RX you need to take at a certain time every day...TAKE IT ON TIME AT WDW. Ahem.

**When we were planning that trip, I devoured every guidebook I could. We got there, and I found out that somehow my dad had told the travel agent I was 10 (as I turned 9 mid-planning, he probably told the TA I was nine, then mentioned I'd had a birthday a month later.) See also: why I planned our cruise the next year.

***They're not coming with me, but as they will more than likely be mentioned again and it's easiest to explain once: Hedy's family 101:
I have three half brothers, all of whom are older than I am. We have:
OldestDB and DSIL, as well as DNiece13
MiddleDB and DSIL, who have ElderNephew12 and YoungerNephew8
YoungestDB and his DW, Disney MSF

Pre-trip

Chapter 2: Pictures, plans and to-do (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=20472110#post20472110)
Chapter 3: Coinstar (OMG 3 months!) (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=20709099#post20709099)
Chapter 4: Worries ahoy (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1549359&page=3)
Chapter 5: MamaKat and tinkering my plans (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=21285444#post21285444)
Chapter 6: Paid in Full (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=21366925#post21366925)
Chapter 7: Yuletide Fantasy Tour, or Why my family rules (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=21516997#post21516997)
Chapter 8: DME, and yet another To do list (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=21595963#post21595963)
Chapter 9: Doc, glorious docs (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=21640316&posted=1#post21640316)
Chapter 10: One month! (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1549359&page=6)
Chapter 11: MVMCP: Input wanted (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=21765886#post21765886)
Chapter 12: Needless exposition, or how I learned to stop worrying and love the Yule (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=21798569#post21798569)
Chapter 13: The Obligatory pre-trip trip to Target (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=21826028#post21826028)
Chapter 14: Would this be a pre-trip report if my ADR's didn't change? (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=21835885#post21835885)
Chapter 15: TWO WEEKS! (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=21911525#post21911525)
Chapter 16: In which I am amazed by human kindness, and save money (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=21953482#post21953482)
Chapter 17: Single Digit Dance (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=21978790#post21978790)
Chapter 18: Attitude (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=22029642#post22029642)
Chapter 19: Soapboxing re Pixar (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22064213&postcount=132)
Chapter 20: I'm too excited to sleep! (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=22084666#post22084666)
Actual Trip Report
Chapter 1: The Journey is the Destination (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=22180973#post22180973)
Chapter 2: Welcome to the Magic Kingdom (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=22187094#post22187094)
Chapter 3: A Broccoli post, or Epcot (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=22208733#post22208733)
Chapter 4: Animal Kingdom (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=22251143#post22251143)
Chapter 5: Tusker House Review and Boing, boing (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=22259726#post22259726)
Chapter 6: Lights, lights,action (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=22318308#post22318308)
Chapter 7: Tonga Toast and Epcot (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=22335383#post22335383)
Chapter 8: Two long lines, but a Very Merry Night (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22482258&postcount=201)
Chapter 9: Yuletide Fantasy Tour, pt I-contains spoilers! (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=22550633#post22550633)
Chapter 10: Yuletide Fantasy Tour, pt. II (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22565817&postcount=212)
Chapter 11: DTD and PI (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=22584065#post22584065)
Chapter 12: EMH and...a dream? (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=22743442#post22743442)
Chapter 13: Epcot and Le Cellier (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=22803774#post22803774)
Chapter 14: Magic Kingdom (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=22840098#post22840098)
Chapter 15: AK, Boma and DTD (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22966150&postcount=247)
Chapter 16: Last Day-1900 Park Fare, and our last trip to MGM ever! (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23118706#post23118706)
Chapter 17: The End (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23227157#post23227157)

[the4princesses]

welcome! I'm in!!
We are going Sept.22-Oct.1 at POP,free dining:yay: Can't wait!!
Kathy

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I am in!

You and I are scarily similar.We are about the same age and I also plan on traveling to Disney in December with my mom, December 2008 that is:sad2: I also live at home with my mom and two cats:lmao: I am also the vacation planner of the family. I basically planned our July 2007 trip on my own. See creepy isn't it?:eek:

I am glad you are going to MVMCP as I really want to do this as well so I will really be looking forward to your report on it.

Can't wait to hear more about the trip!

[Hedy]

I am in!

You and I are scarily similar.We are about the same age and I also plan on traveling to Disney in December with my mom, December 2008 that is:sad2: I also live at home with my mom and two cats:lmao: I am also the vacation planner of the family. I basically planned our July 2007 trip on my own. See creepy isn't it?:eek:

I am glad you are going to MVMCP as I really want to do this as well so I will really be looking forward to your report on it.

Can't wait to hear more about the trip!

LOL. That's scary. :)

[Hedy]

So, my original duty was to talk about ADR's this installment, but I have a SEERIOUS CRISIS, Internet, and I need your help! On Saturday I managed to lose my dear less than 1 year old camera. :( It's rather irritating to me as I've had cameras (precociously good ones, even) since I was a wee Hedy and have never lost one before. So obviously, I need to replace it ASAP. Which is where you, dear internet, come in (because you know you want a pre-TR with pictures, right-and not just ones of my last trip and what I looked like on my high school graduation trip, right)? They no longer make my camera (a Canon SD600), so I'm debating whewther I should get another SD600 off of Ebay (they ones that are ending have final values, with shipping, pretty close to what an SD1000 is going for new). I could probably save $20-$30 by getting an SD600, but that requires eBay stalking. So tell me, dear Internet, do I save a character meal* and get a used one off eBay, or get a new one?

*Am I the only one who measures money in WDW installments? I referred to the camera earlier this week as "one night at WL".

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I would get a new one as I love new toys but if it will save you a lot of money to get the old one on ebay than go for that if the difference in price is important to you.

[Abby's Dad]

Hi Hedy - saw you had a pre-trip, thought I would visit. So you get there exactly 3 months after us - we'll tell Mr. Mouse to make sure that everything is tidy for you!

Can't help much with the camera, as I haven't shopped for one since we got Abby hers - but the best advice is that if you get something different, give yourself plenty of time to get totally familiar with it before the trip. I know one feature that I regret not looking for with Abby's camera was a remote - we use that a lot with our Olympus, particularly for night shots, like fireworks, and the like. I know that Abby loves her camera, it is a Canon, just can't remember which one.

[abbybeth]

Heather! You have a pre-TR and I'm not subscribed yet? Something is clearly wrong in the world :)

I do absolutely LOVE :love: :love: :love: my camera. It is the Canon PowerShot A540 and was my grad school graduation present. It goes with me everywhere. If I don't have it in my purse, it's a rare happening. I was torn between that and one of the elphs, but the final decision was up to my dad (former professional photographer and fount of camera knowledge) He chose to get me more features over slim size and he made the right choice. I've had it for a year and am still learning everything that it does and I love it.

If you're between a used version the departed and a new version, I would tend to lean towards the new, just because electronics is the one area that I am leary of purchasing something used. I did a lot of research on camera reviews, and that helped a lot too ... do some looking around before you decide ...

[Hedy]

Heather! You have a pre-TR and I'm not subscribed yet? Something is clearly wrong in the world :)

I do absolutely LOVE :love: :love: :love: my camera. It is the Canon PowerShot A540 and was my grad school graduation present. It goes with me everywhere. If I don't have it in my purse, it's a rare happening. I was torn between that and one of the elphs, but the final decision was up to my dad (former professional photographer and fount of camera knowledge) He chose to get me more features over slim size and he made the right choice. I've had it for a year and am still learning everything that it does and I love it.

If you're between a used version the departed and a new version, I would tend to lean towards the new, just because electronics is the one area that I am leary of purchasing something used. I did a lot of research on camera reviews, and that helped a lot too ... do some looking around before you decide ...

Ooh! I like the look of that one. I though I remembered from my last camera hunt that the A's had a flip-out LCD, but that one doesn't. I think I'm going to Best Buy tomorrow to play with them (since I'll be ordering online for the SR credit ;) ). My e-bay expedition has only been 2 days and I've already gotten an off eBay offer, :badpc: so new is looking better all the time. :)

[KathyRN137]

:santa: Signing on for the merriment....


Kathy

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Ooh! I like the look of that one. I though I remembered from my last camera hunt that the A's had a flip-out LCD, but that one doesn't. I think I'm going to Best Buy tomorrow to play with them (since I'll be ordering online for the SR credit ;) ). My e-bay expedition has only been 2 days and I've already gotten an off eBay offer, :badpc: so new is looking better all the time. :)

I have an Canon A series camera and it has the flip screen. It is really neat and comes in handy when you are trying to take a picture of yourself. It is also great b/c when the camera is not in use you can fold it in so that the LCD screen is protected. Less chance of it getting damaged.:thumbsup2

[M 'n C]

Hi Hedy. I just saw your dilemma with the camera. I have a canon powershot A80 or something close to that number with the flip around screen. I love mine. I would definetly check out best buy and circuit city and see what their prices are. Buy.com is another good source and I believe they are on SR as well.

[Hedy]

And...we have a solution to the dilemma. After playing with many cameras in Best Buy today, I am buying the Canon SD1000-essentially the camera I had before. I got it through New Egg (which is on SR, natch), it had a good price, plus it came with a new memory card.
Now I just need a new case, and new slim line clip for my gorilla pod, and I'll be as good as new. I also e-mailed YoungestDB to see if I can get the pictures of YoungestNephew's birthday party, as I lost all of mine.

As a reward, you get pictures:
Me with Goofy at the Disney Visa Character Meet on my March 07 trip. Please not my WDW bag of choice-the LL Bean traveller bag, and the M&M's container for pressed pennies.: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/wdw05038.jpg
My grandmother (1910-2004) and I on my high school grad trip in 02. It was the only trip to WDW she came along on. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/P2170123.jpg
And my dad on the same trip at the TOT. He'd wanted to get the picture of us falling on TOT for months-but when we got it he decided it was too much money. :rolleyes: So I give you this picture.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/P2170120.jpg
MamaKat hates having her picture taken, so we have no pictures of her.

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Hurray for the new camera:cheer2:

[abbybeth]

wheee! new toy! :) Congrats on the new "baby"

[KathyRN137]

What wonderful memories you must have of your grandmother at WDW....it was a real blessing to have been able to share that experience with her! :goodvibes

I'm also glad about the new camera...we expect lots of pix now!


Kathy

[Hedy]

What wonderful memories you must have of your grandmother at WDW....it was a real blessing to have been able to share that experience with her! :goodvibes

I'm also glad about the new camera...we expect lots of pix now!


Kathy

That it was-she was beginning to "slip" mentally then, but if the worst thing you can say about me at age 92 is that I think I'm in France at Epcot, I'll be a happy lady. It was just wonderful to share my favorite place with my favorite person.

Abby-Thanks! The gorilla pod thingy is ordered, and I have a case, so I'm almost back to new.

Now we're just waiting for the camera to arrive so I can show off what I've got so far.

[CriminyCrafft]

Hey there - great pre-TR! Did I read correctly that you're staying at the Dolpin? I'm staying there Oct 21-28 - I hope it's good. I read that it lacks Disney magic so I'm slightly worried but being walking distance to MGM and Epcot should make up for it!

Can't wait to read more!

[hjd0411]

Hey, Heather - good work so far! Great about your camera, too. I know I had ;) to get a new camera for WDW. I got mine a couple of months ago and have been practicing, practicing, practicing! I'm thinking I will get a gorilla-pod, too. Do you find it easy to use ad Disney? And easy to carry?

Looking forward to more updates!

From another Heather...

[Hedy]

First off, since I now have a Camera, you can see:
My personalized Maps (edited, because I'm paranoid)! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/pretrip001.jpg
My touring bag (also edited): http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/pretrip004.jpg
The two pin lanyards I won off of eBay-I need to buy some more pins. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/pretrip003.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/pretrip002.jpg I plan on attaching the pocket to the blue one using a keychain.

Now My intererary:
Saturday December 8
Take Jet Blue from Boston to Orlando. Wave goodbye to Mom, who is taking ? airline to Key West.
Take DME to POFQ. Try to remember I am going to POFQ and not POR. Check in. Do magical "Change into FL clothes" in POFQ restroom, sunscreen up, drop luggage at Bell stand* and go to MK.
Go to MK. Get Fast Pass for Splash Mountain. Then go to a) POTC (it was closed the last time I was there) or b) TTA. Ride Splash. Eat lunch at Pecos Bill's. Continue to Enjoy MK-maybe see Mickey's Philharmonic? Have dinner at Columbia Harbor House. Head home mid-evening ish. Retrieve carry-ons from bell services. Go to room.

Sunday, December 9
Grab breakfast at POFQ's quick service if I'm hungry. Purchase refillable mug. Take bus to Epcot. Wait for rope drop. Go to Soarin. Ride. Go to Test Track. Do the same. Go to Club Station Cool-drink. Head to World Showcase. See American Adventure, ride Maelstrom, ride new Mexico ride. Vow to bring trunks of Albrejes (those wooden animals) home when I go back to Oaxaca (I lived there for a semester in college, and let me tell you, WDW has quite the mark up on them...actually everywhere in the US does). Get Dad a new Viking Mickey pressed penny for his grave (they disposed of his last one, although it stood strong for over a year). Lunch at Marrkesh.
Head to Epcot resort area. Grab dinner someplace (Spoodles walk-up? Beaches and Cream?) Go to Jellyrolls meet up.

Monday, Decemer 10
EMH at AK. Ride EE, grab Kali fast passes. Ride Safari. Ride Kali. Hang out in DinoLand. Eat (Yak and Yeti? Tusker house? Will wait on reviews. I, for one, am very happy that AK is getting more table service-I prefer doing TS lunches, generally, and I'm sorry, but I don't see the magic in going to a place to eat I can drive 20 minutes from home and go eat at). Look at animals. See Parade. Head to MGM. Osbourne lights. See Fantasmic. Possibly grab past pass for RnR or ToT. Eat at ABC Commissary. Go back to POFQ

Tuesday December 11
Morning: open. I don't know what I'm going to want to do today. Maybe tour resorts.
Evening: MVMCP. I keep on flip-flopping on whether to ADR someplace at the MK or go with Counter service-as I don't have my ticket in hand for MVMCP. I like CS just fine, but maybe a TS would be more magical? Who knows. Perhaps DIS meet up-it depends on how my mood is.

Wednesday December 12
MGM. Hit ToT, RnR, Muppets, Backlot Tour, Lights Motor Action. Go back to POFQ. Take boat to DTD. Shop, browse, have dinner at PH. Go to PI.

Thursday December 13
I'm planning on having breakfast at Captain Cook's at the Poly and heading to MK. Meet MamaKat later in the day. This requires organization, as I will have her ticket and she will have a rental car. We have an ADR at Le Cellier for Dinner however.

Friday December 14
Whatever Mom wants. Dinner at Boma.

Saturday December 15
Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare. Going home in the evening. :(

You may notice the lack of ADR's on my list. This is due to the fact that, as I mentioned above, I like to eat at TS restaurants for lunch. As everyone and their mom does the DDP these days, people do TS dinners. This enables me to generally walk-up or make an ADR that morning at my hotel for that day. Also, it's pretty easy to get seated as a solo traveler. The Le Cellier reservation is because MamaKat has stated that she would like to see Epcot at night with Xmas decorations. Boma's is because we both liked it when we went in 2002.
To do list:
*Call CRO with my flight info for DME.
*See that MamaKat makes her flight and rental car reservations.
*Call WDW (CRO?) to make sure that a)it's ok to use the 8 day PH I already have, even though I got a three day PH with our tickets and b)that it's ok for MamaKat not to be there at check-in.
*Buy Pins.
*Order MVMCP ticket
*Liberate Mickey Heads from Home Depot.
*Possibly get Room decorations. I'm planning on some Mickey Heads. I may also pack my Statue of Liberty Minnie, but I don't know (I brought her last time to take her to see Minnie at Chef Mickey's, and then didn't take her). I also may pack Mickey the DLR build a bear. Of course, Sunshine the 18 year old stuffed cat is coming (it's his 5th trip too), but he's, erm, rather loved looking so not exactly decoration material.
*Decide on what to get in terms of clothes. I'm debating whether to get a cute Xmas t-shirt at Target or get an MVMCP shirt once I get there. Of course, I'm getting some sort of Mickey Santa hat (I still regret not getting one from my Xmas week trip in 1996.)
*Take MK popcorn bucket o'change to Coinstar. I tried lifting it up yesterday-it's HEAVY, and I rarely use cash. I'm planning on splitting it between cash and a Disneyshopping e-gift certificate.

[Hedy]

CriminyCrafft Hey there - great pre-TR! Did I read correctly that you're staying at the Dolpin? I'm staying there Oct 21-28 - I hope it's good. I read that it lacks Disney magic so I'm slightly worried but being walking distance to MGM and Epcot should make up for it!

Can't wait to read more!
I'm actually staying at POFQ. I was worried about that with the Dolphin, but I figured what you're thinking re walking to the parks.

hjd0411Hey, Heather - good work so far! Great about your camera, too. I know I had to get a new camera for WDW. I got mine a couple of months ago and have been practicing, practicing, practicing! I'm thinking I will get a gorilla-pod, too. Do you find it easy to use ad Disney? And easy to carry?

Looking forward to more updates!

From another Heather... This is actually my Gorillapod's first trip-it's really small and light though, so I don't see it being a problem.

[abbybeth]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/th_pretrip002.jpg I plan on attaching the pocket to the blue one using a keychain.

To do list:
*Call CRO with my flight info for DME.
*See that MamaKat makes her flight and rental car reservations.
*Call WDW (CRO?) to make sure that a)it's ok to use the 8 day PH I already have, even though I got a three day PH with our tickets and b)that it's ok for MamaKat not to be there at check-in.
*Buy Pins.
*Order MVMCP ticket
*Liberate Mickey Heads from Home Depot.
*Possibly get Room decorations. I'm planning on some Mickey Heads. I may also pack my Statue of Liberty Minnie, but I don't know (I brought her last time to take her to see Minnie at Chef Mickey's, and then didn't take her). I also may pack Mickey the DLR build a bear. Of course, Sunshine the 18 year old stuffed cat is coming (it's his 5th trip too), but he's, erm, rather loved looking so not exactly decoration material.
*Decide on what to get in terms of clothes. I'm debating whether to get a cute Xmas t-shirt at Target or get an MVMCP shirt once I get there. Of course, I'm getting some sort of Mickey Santa hat (I still regret not getting one from my Xmas week trip in 1996.)
*Take MK popcorn bucket o'change to Coinstar. I tried lifting it up yesterday-it's HEAVY, and I rarely use cash. I'm planning on splitting it between cash and a Disneyshopping e-gift certificate.

Love that blue lanyard! I hope I can find one like that down there, it's great :) Like the Cheshire Fan Club pin too ... I think I'm getting in to the whole pin thing, it's a dangerous, sliding slope...

yay! lists! I have to decide what, if any, stuffed animals will be accompanying me on our trip...

[KathyRN137]

I think that taking a morning or afternoon to tour the different resorts is a great idea! They are absolutely gorgeous when done up for Christmas!

Have you considered doing the Yuletide Fantasy Tour with Mom?? :santa: You get to see the theme parks and some of the resorts and get a behind-the-scenes peek at what goes into all the fab decorations, like the giant gingerbread house at the GF! Sounds like fun!


Kathy

[maiziezoe]

Great PTR!!

I took a solo trip when I was 21-ish. It was great to do what I wanted when I wanted!

...and I ate ice cream for lunch every day and no one rolled their eyes at me! :)

[iggbees]

hi! i think i remember you posting once that you went to an all women's college in ma? i went to mt. holyoke and i still live in the area and go to umass for grad school now.

anywhoo, have a great time! you're going to love the gorilla pod, it's fantastic and i got so many great shots with it when my boyfriend and i went back in jan. it's really small and light and i had no problem finding a place to prop it for different shots!

[Hedy]

KathyRN137-I've considered that tour, but even with my Disney Visa discount, it's still enough that we could other things with the money. Plus as my mom's only going to be there Thurs-Sat, we're going to squeeze in a lot already. :)

maiziezoe :welcome:

iggbees:welcome: I graduated from Smith! Small world. What are you studying at UMASS?

[Hedy]

Can we get a double digit dance? :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:
99 days, baby! Woo hoo! :banana: I remember when I was excited when that ticker in my siggy said 10 months.
In other news, I have procured retractable sharpies at an excellent price at Ocean State Job Lot. My flight down to Orlando went down $10, so I have that as a credit with Jet Blue.

Does anybody else experience Disney relativism? I'm not concerned about finding my mom's friends' place in NYC that we're staying at soon, even though I've been there once, am taking the subway and meeting up with MamaKat once I get there. I am, however, worried about MamaKat getting from where she drops her rental car off to meeting me in WDW. :confused:

[Abby's Dad]

[QUOTE=Hedy;20573223]Can we get a double digit dance? :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:
99 days, baby! Woo hoo! :banana: QUOTE]

I remember that double-digit thing - and I can't believe how fast the time has flown by! Gotta pack!:dance3:

[KathyRN137]

Happy Double Digits!! :cloud9:


Kathy

[iggbees]

iggbees:welcome: I graduated from Smith! Small world. What are you studying at UMASS?

oh smith! cool! i LOVE northampton! yeah, it is a small world, especially since nobody seems to know about our little women's colleges. haha.

i'll be studying molecular and cellular biology (i graduated from mhc with a degree in biochemistry). what did you study at smith?

i sang once at smith for a 5 college choral festival thing my first year at mhc (spring of 2002). i've also been there a couple of times for seminars and my boyfriend gets to hang out with the social work people over there for his PhD project at umass. it's a lovely campus.

wooo for double digits! :banana: not much longer now!

[abbybeth]

what? Double digits? That's absitively-posilutely DANCE WORTHY!!

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

[Hillary12.8.07]

Joining in! You will be there part of the same time we are!! I think we'll prob be at the same parks at the same time too, I'm still working on my itineraries but I know some of your days look the same!

Can't wait to read more!

[Hedy]

Thank you, thank you all.
I'm pleased to announce we are now at...the 3 month mark. :woohoo: :woohoo:
I decided it was high time to Coinstar* the Magic Kingdom popcorn bucket I'd been saving since my trip in March of 2006.
Here's how full it was http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/pretrip005.jpg
And in a Ziploc http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/pretrip006.jpg

It wound up being around $120-I split it between a DisneyShopping gift thingy for pins, cutesy shirts, etc. and cash. I did pay the fee on cash, but I figure it's worth it for it being cash rather than a boat load of coins.

Let's revisit the to-do, shall we:
To do list:
*Call CRO with my flight info for DME. Done!
*See that MamaKat makes her flight and rental car reservations. Flight done, now we just need to reserve a rental car.
*Call WDW (CRO?) to make sure that a)it's ok to use the 8 day PH I already have, even though I got a three day PH with our tickets and b)that it's ok for MamaKat not to be there at check-in. I'm ok to use the package hopper as long as I do no expiration option for $20.
*Buy Pins.-I ordered some from someone someone on the Budget Board recommended, as AbbyBeth's seller seems to have disappeared. They haven't gotten back to me, so I may just get some from DisneyShopping with my "found" money
*Order MVMCP ticket-Done, although they wouldn't let me use a Disney giftcard and I was too worn out to argue.
*Liberate Mickey Heads from Home Depot.
*Possibly get Room decorations. I'm planning on some Mickey Heads. I may also pack my Statue of Liberty Minnie, but I don't know (I brought her last time to take her to see Minnie at Chef Mickey's, and then didn't take her). I also may pack Mickey the DLR build a bear. Of course, Sunshine the 18 year old stuffed cat is coming (it's his 5th trip too), but he's, erm, rather loved looking so not exactly decoration material.
*Decide on what to get in terms of clothes. I'm debating whether to get a cute Xmas t-shirt at Target or get an MVMCP shirt once I get there. Of course, I'm getting some sort of Mickey Santa hat (I still regret not getting one from my Xmas week trip in 1996.)
*Take MK popcorn bucket o'change to Coinstar. I tried lifting it up yesterday-it's HEAVY, and I rarely use cash. I'm planning on splitting it between cash and a Disneyshopping e-gift certificate. Done!

[DancinDaisyDuck]

I love Coinstar Machines! When I went to London last year I had $75. In pennies.

Great pre-trippie, it seems as though everything's coming together nicely for you!

[Hedy]

So remember how I ordered my MVMCP ticket last week? Remember how I'm going to MVMCP on my dad's death day?

My ticket came today....in an envelope addressed to my dad (I put it on my Disney visa, the reservation's linked to my cell phone)...I have no clue how my dad got in there. MamaKat put it as "talk about being there in spirit"...yeah. :confused: :confused:

[Hedy]

What does a DISer to when she's over two months out to her trip, her traveling partner* hasn't decided on a rental car (or any of her hotels yet. :rolleyes: If she were reading this, she'd tell you I take after my grandmother and father in planning ahead). Why, she worries, of course:

There's the petty:
OMG! I can't eat at Pecos Bills the first day! Why not? Because it's one of the few CS open at MVMCP. Ok, Columbia Harbor House, then.
Oh, I should make an ADR for my lunch at Epcot that Sunday....but I got one that morning just fine the last time...oh no...should I eat at the new Italy? I liked Naples at DLR! No, dine with the princesses!
Oh, no, I'm going to the MK on Saturday, Epcot on Sunday, and AK EMH/MGM on Monday...I'm following the same schedule as my solo trip in 2006! Does that make me boring? Should I book the Fantasmic dinner package? There might be an issue like the last time (it was canceled Saturday and Sunday, so my reserved seating was quite nice). So you tell people on the boards to book the Fantasmic dinner package, but debate it for yourself? What was that song from Alice, again...I give myself very good advice, but I very seldom follow it....
And the serious :rolleyes:
It sounds like Yak and Yeti might not be open by my trip! Do I just plan on a CS at Animal Kingdom? I could just do a TS at MGM...but where...
Mom still won't tell me what she wants to do. I'm hoping when DisneyMSF and YoungestDB come home from their trip in Oct (their first trip home to AKV, squee) they'll mention some things that pique her interest.

In short:
Am trying to decide on an TS at Epcot-most likely Asherkus, Marrakesh or Rose and Crown.
Am still debating Fantasmic package/calling off Yak and Yeti and doing an AK CS.
Need to prod MamaKat to tell me what she wants to do.
Still not Princess. ;)

[abbybeth]

*nudge, nudge* Princesses! *nudge, nudge*

[Hedy]

What does a DISer to when she's over two months out to her trip, her traveling partner* hasn't decided on a rental car (or any of her hotels yet. :rolleyes: If she were reading this, she'd tell you I take after my grandmother and father in planning ahead). Why, she worries, of course:

There's the petty:
OMG! I can't eat at Pecos Bills the first day! Why not? Because it's one of the few CS open at MVMCP. Ok, Columbia Harbor House, then.
Oh, I should make an ADR for my lunch at Epcot that Sunday....but I got one that morning just fine the last time...oh no...should I eat at the new Italy? I liked Naples at DLR! No, dine with the princesses!
Oh, no, I'm going to the MK on Saturday, Epcot on Sunday, and AK EMH/MGM on Monday...I'm following the same schedule as my solo trip in 2006! Does that make me boring? Should I book the Fantasmic dinner package? There might be an issue like the last time (it was canceled Saturday and Sunday, so my reserved seating was quite nice). So you tell people on the boards to book the Fantasmic dinner package, but debate it for yourself? What was that song from Alice, again...I give myself very good advice, but I very seldom follow it....
And the serious :rolleyes:
It sounds like Yak and Yeti might not be open by my trip! Do I just plan on a CS at Animal Kingdom? I could just do a TS at MGM...but where...
Mom still won't tell me what she wants to do. I'm hoping when DisneyMSF and YoungestDB come home from their trip in Oct (their first trip home to AKV, squee) they'll mention some things that pique her interest.

In short:
Am trying to decide on an TS at Epcot-most likely Asherkus, Marrakesh or Rose and Crown.
Am still debating Fantasmic package/calling off Yak and Yeti and doing an AK CS.
Need to prod MamaKat to tell me what she wants to do.
Still not Princess. ;)

*Re "traveling partner"-we went to NYC over labor day weekend, and stopped to spend the night in CT. Our hotel room was having issues-I stayed upstairs with our luggage while MamaKat went to the desk. An engineer was walking by and asked if he could help. I explained the situation, but being as I was not hatched yesterday, I wasn't about to announce to some random dude in an empty hotel hallway I was traveling with just my mother. "...my traveling partner is at the desk, but if you could help it would be great." Engineer fixes the door, radios down to the desk..."Room 1234 needed the key done, her partner is down there..." :lmao: :lmao:

[Hedy]

*nudge, nudge* Princesses! *nudge, nudge*
I just need to get over being a)twice everyone else's age at the lunch, and b)being a solo there.

[abbybeth]

I just need to get over being a)twice everyone else's age at the lunch, and b)being a solo there.

We didn't do the one at Norway, but we did breakfast at CRT ... I'd honestly say about 25% of the tables were adults only. And if Norway is set up like CRT, you'll be too busy eating and mingling with the girls to notice (or have anyone else notice) that you're solo-ing it up! And your waiter or the nice people the next table over will be more than happy to take pics!

we also did the Crystal Palace breakfast, and I'd say almost 50% of the tables were adults only ..

my rule is simple: If you want to do something do it - regardless of who you may or may not be with. You're putting out the money to have fun - don't let yourself or what you think other people might think stop you from having that fun!

[Hedy]

So. A reservation has been made at Asherkus for my second day lunch. Yay!
I told the extended family that I'm going to WDW in December this week. :cloud9: :cloud9:
I also liberated some LGMH's today. And *************** Yellow MH's. Plus some red and green ones should I need to decorate my room. And some purple ones. :rolleyes1 :rolleyes1 :rolleyes1

[abbybeth]

So. A reservation has been made at Asherkus for my second day lunch. Yay!
I told the extended family that I'm going to WDW in December this week. :cloud9: :cloud9:
I also liberated some LGMH's today. And *************** Yellow MH's. Plus some red and green ones should I need to decorate my room. And some purple ones. :rolleyes1 :rolleyes1 :rolleyes1

Good work Scout. Congratulations on furthering the mission of MPC liberation. You should be commended on your bravery!


and congrats on the Askerhaus reservation! Everything I've seen/read seems great!

[Hedy]

Good work Scout. Congratulations on furthering the mission of MPC liberation. You should be commended on your bravery!


and congrats on the Askerhaus reservation! Everything I've seen/read seems great!


Why thank you!

Jet Blue is trying to mess with my head. Yesterday I got an e-mail saying my flight out of Boston is moved up 10 minutes, which is all well and good (crossing fingers my AM migranes are behaving while I'm in WDW). I check that my seats are all set (I'm an obsessive aisle seat kind of girl). I then see that our flight home is leaving 20 minutes earlier on the website. :mad: Oh well. The later flight is too late for my tastes-we wouldn't get into Logan until after midnight. So I cope. MamaKat's a little pouty, but we'll live.
But does JetBlue have the guts to let me know my flight has changed right away? No, they send me the e-mail about that flight today, while I'm at work.
Clearly they're plotting against me.
;)

[jordanyosh]

I followed you over from your post on my thread. You have a great writing style. It seems like alot of people on the DIS do...except for moi....:confused3
I'm still having fun meeting all these new folks....looking forward to hearing more. FYI, we went in 2005 during Pop Warner Week and really didn't notice any difference....

[Miz Diz]

...and I ate ice cream for lunch every day and no one rolled their eyes at me! :)

:rotfl2:

[Miz Diz]

Those of you who do WDW Solo are so gutsy. Before I had kids, I hated doing stuff by myself. Although I did tag along with DH when he had to go to London for work and I toured London by myself. It was fun, but I was missing having someone around for people watching.

[Hedy]

Those of you who do WDW Solo are so gutsy. Before I had kids, I hated doing stuff by myself. Although I did tag along with DH when he had to go to London for work and I toured London by myself. It was fun, but I was missing having someone around for people watching.

Why thank you. It's quite nice to do what I want, OTOH I don't have my traveling partners giving strangers lap dances.

[KathyRN137]

Okay, so you're posting on everyone else's pre-trippies.... what's happening with your plans, hmmm?

We are in need of an update....


Kathy

[Miz Diz]

Why thank you. It's quite nice to do what I want, OTOH I don't have my traveling partners giving strangers lap dances.

In his defense, that was our nephew. Oooh that sounded bad.

[Hedy]

I had been holding off on an update until MamaKat got her computer back (it had a nasty error that required it to head off to be fixed at YoungestDB’s for a while). She had been saying that she would look further into KeyWest/Naples hotels and her rental car once she got it back, but she has been busy with the trip to NYC we took last weekend (it was the two of us and her two BFF’s from high school-we saw Curtians, which I highly recommend and she and my godmother got to see their old neighborhood) and b)the fact that we’re going to lunch with my uncle today (it is probably easier to schedule a lunch date with President Bush than my uncle). Additionally, apparent she's not 100% sure on the schedules of people she's seeing or her ferry from Key West to Ft. Myers, so it's not all her.

On the other hand, because YoungestDB and DisneyMSF had to pick up the desktop from our house, we got to talk Disney. As a matter of fact, they are, probably at the very moment I’m typing this, heading out of their off-site first night hotel and checking into AKV. Awesome. BTW, please allow me to mock-gloat about the fact that MamaKat and I have ADR’s for LeCellier, and DisneyMSF could not get any for her trip. :snooty: They are off to have a magical time, however, and will be eating at California Grill, Boma, and Jiko. I believe I have also converted DisneyMSF into a Passporter believer. However, in the course of DisneyMSF and I talking WDW, we were discussing the Haunted Mansion refurb, MamaKat piped up. “I like the haunted house. Can we see that?” Yay! We now have one request from MamaKat for this trip.
Everything else on her end of this trip has been like asking a four-year-old when they want for Christmas. “Mom, you like Epcot, right?” “I love Epcot.” “D you want to see it all decorated for Xmas?” “Sure.” “Ok, I’ll make a dinner reservation your first night so we can eat and see the decorations, ok?” “Sure.” Until the Haunted Mansion request, our planning conversations had gone either like that or me reminding MamaKat that it says Mom might have an opinion on my planning spreadsheet. So I am very happy about this. She also expressed an interested in POTC, post-refurb, and Mickey’s Philharmagic. On the other hand, she’s reminded me at least 3 times that Dad needs a new Viking Mickey Penny.

Thusly, my plans present look like this for MamaKat’s portion of the trip.

Thursday
???-I don’t know what time she’ll get in. She’s driving from Naples, which the Transportation Board says takes around 4 hours. My guess is she’ll get there around noontime, but I also think it’ll depend on the people she’s seeing’s schedules. I need to figure out where the best place to drop a rental car off in WDW is (Car care center? Dolphin? Grosvner?)-please chime in if you have any experience.
Afternoon-Head to Epcot. Wander future world. Ride Soarin’ (she loved it at DCA, I will be forever grateful for the nice FireworksMom at DL who convinced her it wasn’t bumpy and she could always close her eyes). Ride Figment. Visit countries. Ride Donald in Mexico. Dinner at LeCellier, possibly Illuminations if Mom is not too tired.

Friday
Breakfast at Float Factory (beniets) Decide if Mom should get a refillable mug. Be at MK for rope drop. Ride Haunted Mansion and POTC. Possibly also Jungle cruise. Have lunch at a CS of Mom’s choice-I’m thinking she’d like Columbia Harbor House, although I’ll probably also offer Cosmic Ray’s. Buy Dole Whips. MamaKat has decided we will go to AK since we'll be closer for Boma. We have a dinner ADR at Boma, after which we’ll look at the animals and the lodge.

Saturday
We will drop off our luggage at Magical Express and picking up our Mickey Mouse Boarding Passes. We have an early ADR at 1900 Park Fare. We will take the Royal Coach, AKA a taxi, where we will not be flim-flammed* by the cabbie. We will eat at 1900 Park Fare. Then we will head to either MGM for our last park. We will then sadly proceed to POFQ and board ME and return to Boston.

I’m also considering re-tweaking my plans, as I’ve found we have no time for a meal at Earl of Sandwich-I’m considering doubling up on Wednesday and having lunch at PH and dinner at Earl, but I do not know for sure.

*On my last trip, I took a cab to the Contemporary. When I went to pay, I offered a twenty for a $15ish cab ride. He balked and said he didn’t have change. He got a look (imagine me glaring, not amused). He then went over to another cabbie and got change.

[Hedy]

Things which I have yet to mention in this TR that I probably should have:
I am a vegetarian. I don't eat meat or fish. I also do not like eggs in the cooked form. This does effect my dining choices, although I cannot think of another resort area I can go to where I can walk-up and eat at 90% of their restaurants. For those of you who are vegetarians or vegans, I madly adore my Vegetarian WDW Guide (http://www.amazon.com/Vegetarian-Disney-World-Greater-Orlando/dp/0762727039/ref=sr_1_1/102-3047332-0390522?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1192324102&sr=8-1). However, this effects my touring plans as I am not yearning to eat at the skillet or pre-plated breakfast placed (eg Ohana or CRT), nor am I wanting to pay $35 for spaghetti (cough, CRT, cough). I'm also debating calling my Asherkus ADR for the price for pasta reason as well. But I'm not trying to be Debbie Downer-I love WDW food, and the variety. :) Ironically, as much as MamaKat finds it LOLworthy we're going to a steakhouse, LeCellier has options for both of us.
I have chronic migraines. Thanks to medications I have been prescribed since my last WDW visit, I fully hope this trip will be better. However, given that sunlight and hot, crowded places are my triggers, I am packing Excedrin and my anti-nausea ginger tablets (which I learned about on the DIS). :thumbsup2
Also, MamaKat had knee surgery in May. While she's been just awesome walking around Boston, NYC and Martha's Vineyard since then, I am mildly concerned about her walking, but she always packs Motrin, and we can take breaks,

[jordanyosh]

Things which I have yet to mention in this TR that I probably should have:
I am a vegetarian. I don't eat meat or fish. I also do not like eggs in the cooked form. This does effect my dining choices, although I cannot think of another resort area I can go to where I can walk-up and eat at 90% of their restaurants. For those of you who are vegetarians or vegans, I madly adore my Vegetarian WDW Guide (http://www.amazon.com/Vegetarian-Disney-World-Greater-Orlando/dp/0762727039/ref=sr_1_1/102-3047332-0390522?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1192324102&sr=8-1). However, this effects my touring plans as I am not yearning to eat at the skillet or pre-plated breakfast placed (eg Ohana or CRT), nor am I wanting to pay $35 for spaghetti (cough, CRT, cough). I'm also debating calling my Asherkus ADR for the price for pasta reason as well. But I'm not trying to be Debbie Downer-I love WDW food, and the variety. :) Ironically, as much as MamaKat finds it LOLworthy we're going to a steakhouse, LeCellier has options for both of us.
I have chronic migraines. Thanks to medications I have been prescribed since my last WDW visit, I fully hope this trip will be better. However, given that sunlight and hot, crowded places are my triggers, I am packing Excedrin and my anti-nausea ginger tablets (which I learned about on the DIS). :thumbsup2
Also, MamaKat had knee surgery in May. While she's been just awesome walking around Boston, NYC and Martha's Vineyard since then, I am mildly concerned about her walking, but she always packs Motrin, and we can take breaks,


I travelled w/ my vegetarian roommate in 2005. I chose restaurants based on menus I found at another WDW fan website. We had no problem and she ate very well. I also bought a book about Vegetarian eating at WDW. I think WDW does a pretty good job accommodating all types of diners....

[Hedy]

I travelled w/ my vegetarian roommate in 2005. I chose restaurants based on menus I found at another WDW fan website. We had no problem and she ate very well. I also bought a book about Vegetarian eating at WDW. I think WDW does a pretty good job accommodating all types of diners....

Oh, WDW is fabulous for vegetarians 95% of the time, and that book is the greatest thing ever.

[Hedy]

Well, I just paid off my trip. :) My 45 day mark isn't for another week, but Tricia at SR had e-mailed me the numbers of my gift cards from yesterday my request, so I figured I might as well pay it off. Plus, MamaKat paid me for her portion. I pointed out that her last leg of the trip has been paid for before she's booked the first part. She was not amused. I did some research on her rental cars (yay Costco!) but we don't have anything definite yet.

Oh, when I went to NYC over Columbus Day weekend I carried my Gorilla Pod around-it's comfortable to carry around all day. I think what I was carrying around all day was a good mockery of what I'll be carrying in WDW, more or less.

Either this weekend or next (I have the Boston Vegetarian Festival, plus MiddleDB's birthday party this weekend, but I have DNiece's birthday next weekend (um, I will be the aunt of a teenager :scared1: :scared1: as of next Thursday) I will be going to get glow stuff. I'll probably go to Dollar Tree or Ocean State Job Lot, unless I decide I can justify the half-hour trek to Target. I'm planning on going to Target before my trip, but I don't know if I want to do so so soon. Or I could just beg back the glow bracelets I gave the boys before their last trip-they said they didn't use them. :rolleyes: (That was sarcasm, incidentally).

It says what a Disney Geek I am that I'm excited for YoungestDB and DisneyMSF to get home so I can hear about AKV, doesn't it.

[Hedy]

popcorn:: popcorn::

[abbybeth]

OMGoodness! More concrete plans - that's so exciting! :) I'm glad to hear that WDW is so accomodating for vegetarians. I'm not one, but it's always nice to hear about them going the extra mile :)

You're getting closer each day and super big CONGRATS for getting it paid off ( and thank goodness for SR, right?)

[rentayenta]

:wave: Just started reading but wanted to say hi. I am going to try to hurry and catch up.

[Hedy]

:welcome: :wave: Just started reading but wanted to say hi. I am going to try to hurry and catch up.

[jordanyosh]

:banana: :banana: Paid off day is always so nice. Mine comes up in December, but I also have the 2 days at the tail end of my trip to think about.....:confused3

Congrats again......:thumbsup2

[Hedy]

Does it count as packing if you're putting clothes into a suitcase? :rotfl2: :rotfl2: Seriously, though. I'm doing the summer to winter clothing switch, and it occurred to me that instead of just putting my summer clothes in a box, I could put my WDW clothes in my suitcase so I'd know where they were. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/pretrip040.jpg
Left to right we have: two new sunscreen/moisture wicking shirts from Lands End, my My Little Pony tank, my jean skirt. We then have my water-proof shorts* (kali river rapids what?), my Whistler Mountain 2010** t-shirt that I'm wearing to LeCellier, my suncreened skort, and my New York Mickey shirt, my sparkly tank top for Pleasure Island, and shorts. In the wash is my Figment t-shirt (I CANNOT WAIT to meet Figment!):figment: :figment:

Also note Target bag containing Dr. Bronners for my refillable mug, Shout Wipes, and a Carabiner for my mug.

*I love these things. Also, they have a pair of earplugs ready for me-while the tip on AllEars referred to little kids, earplugs have revolutionized my WDW tripping (I'm not a big noise person.)
**Yes, JulieonthePodcast, I know that answer (where in Canada the Olympics are held). MamaKat got this shirt for me when she was there in August.

[jordanyosh]

Pre packing....I think you're in the acceptable time frame of less than a year.;)

[Hedy]

Pre packing....I think you're in the acceptable time frame of less than a year.;)

Pre-packing-that's a good term.

[KathyRN137]

I'm pre-packing, too. Only difference is our clothes are folded in piles on a table awaiting the final packing list check-off before going into our bags! :thumbsup2

And, I've got a 40 gallon tub filled with "stuff"... some to mail down ahead of us and some to pack in our bags.

Pre-packing is actually quite sensible... you can visualize what you've got, what you need, and what you can purge. Helps me a lot!

Congrats on paying off the trip; that's a good feeling! :goodvibes

Kathy

[WDW Poly Princess]

Aww, you are MVMCPing on my birthday! That is a Crystal-approved way to celebrate!

I've been pre-packed for about a month now- and now that it's time to pack for real, I'm so glad that I am!

Just a month and a half left!!

[Hedy]

Aww, you are MVMCPing on my birthday! That is a Crystal-approved way to celebrate!

I've been pre-packed for about a month now- and now that it's time to pack for real, I'm so glad that I am!

Just a month and a half left!!

Happy birthday early! Wow, you're already enroute to WDW.

[Hedy]

So, while I was laid up with dueling infections earlier this week, I got to sort out some nitty gritty:
The cats have reservation at camp, AKA the vets.*
We decided we're taking a taxi to the airport-I'd proposed doing park, sleep and fly, but even though it's not *that* much more than park and go, we decided we'd prefer the control of either park&fly's shuttles or a taxi. We also think a taxi's be better should the weather be bad, which of course it's not allowed to be :).
*Way back during our first trip to WDW, my late cat Megan decided that she didn't want to go to the vet's-she'd rather stay at home and play. So she hid from us outside while we were packing up, and came home as soon as we got back. :rolleyes: Fortunately, Oscar and Isabelle are indoor cats, BUT we're still a little superstitous. :cat:

[Hedy]

Go Sox!
http://pinpics.com/img/p903/pin45151

[Hedy]

So I saw YoungestDB and DisneyMSF for the first time since they got back from their first trip home to AKV, which they loved. They did both the Wild by Design and World Showcase Segway Tours, and adored them. So therefore they were wondering if I would like a tour at WDW as an early birthday present. Does Mickey wear red pants? I wanted to go on the morning of the 11th, but that tour was full. So I'm going the morning of the 12th. :) :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:
Ergo, my updated schedule for those two days looks like this:
Tuesday December 11
Morning: open. Either go to DTD or MGM. Possibly just chill around POFQ.
Evening: MVMCP. Eat at Float Factory or CS at MK. Perhaps DIS meet up-it depends on how my mood is.

Wednesday December 12
Yuletide Fantasy Tour. :woohoo: :woohoo: :santa: :santa: Go back to POFQ. Take boat to DTD. Shop, browse, have dinner at PH. Go to PI.

[jordanyosh]

So I saw YoungestDB and DisneyMSF for the first time since they got back from their first trip home to AKV, which they loved. They did both the Wild by Design and World Showcase Segway Tours, and adored them. So therefore they were wondering if I would like a tour at WDW as an early birthday present. Does Mickey wear red pants? I wanted to go on the morning of the 11th, but that tour was full. So I'm going the morning of the 12th. :) :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:
Ergo, my updated schedule for those two days looks like this:
Tuesday December 11
Morning: open. Either go to DTD or MGM. Possibly just chill around POFQ.
Evening: MVMCP. Eat at Float Factory or CS at MK. Perhaps DIS meet up-it depends on how my mood is.

Wednesday December 12
Yuletide Fantasy Tour. :woohoo: :woohoo: :santa: :santa: Go back to POFQ. Take boat to DTD. Shop, browse, have dinner at PH. Go to PI.

That was very nice of your DB and DisneyMSF.....:thumbsup2 Without having to do the research, what is the Yuletide Fantasy Tour about?

[Hedy]

That was very nice of your DB and DisneyMSF.....:thumbsup2 Without having to do the research, what is the Yuletide Fantasy Tour about?

To quote WDWinfo:
Yuletide Fantasy: Get a behind the scenes look at how holiday Magic is created at Disney World. You'll see how the Magic Kingdom is transformed into a scene from Currier & Ives, how Epcot captures the international flavor of the different cultures and their traditions, and how the Disney Resorts are transformed during this special time of year. You'll get an insiders look at the "tricks of the trade" and the enormity of this annual undertaking. At the conclusion of this walking tour, you'll receive a special holiday gift.

[KathyRN137]

oh, Hurray! Hurray! Hurray!! :cool1:

I'm so glad you're doing that tour! I do so much want to do it myself, but the kids are still too young for it and we've never had an adults-only trip at that time of year. :santa:

Can't wait to hear all about it!! Take lots of pics, (if you can!)

Kathy

[jordanyosh]

Thanks for doing the leg work for me.;)

I would love to see what they do. I know some facts, but don't want to spoil it for you.

[Hedy]

oh, Hurray! Hurray! Hurray!! :cool1:

I'm so glad you're doing that tour! I do so much want to do it myself, but the kids are still too young for it and we've never had an adults-only trip at that time of year. :santa:

Can't wait to hear all about it!! Take lots of pics, (if you can!)

Kathy
I can in the public areas but not "backstage," per the CM on the phone. The warning even included cell phones-WDW legal team CM's are not slouches.

Thanks for doing the leg work for me.;)

I would love to see what they do. I know some facts, but don't want to spoil it for you.

I'm just hoping the Food Network special is on again before I go. :)

[Hedy]

Go Sox!
http://pinpics.com/img/p903/pin45151

Champions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:c ool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

[Hedy]

Well, I'm kind of disappointed that SSE will be closed when I'm there-I was looking forward to seeing the updates. I did, however, have (yet another) WDW anxiety dream-I was arriving at the Magic Kingdom and realized I lacked a ticket, my MVMCP ticket, or my massive envelope of tip money. :lmao: :lmao:

[Hedy]

Theere will be a larger update later this week (I'm finally putting stuff in my Passporter, although I'm still writing in pencil, as well as a more through to-do list.)

However, I feel the need to announce that As it is November, I am going to WDW....next month. :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

[OhioTony]

Theere will be a larger update later this week (I'm finally putting stuff in my Passporter, although I'm still writing in pencil, as well as a more through to-do list.)

However, I feel the need to announce that As it is November, I am going to WDW....next month. :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

US TOO!
I just popped over here to check out your PTR after you checked in on mine. It's the courteous thing to do:goodvibes .
I've enjoyed reading so far especially since we'll be there roughly the same time, at the same resort!
How cool is that!

[Hedy]

US TOO!
I just popped over here to check out your PTR after you checked in on mine. It's the courteous thing to do:goodvibes .
I've enjoyed reading so far especially since we'll be there roughly the same time, at the same resort!
How cool is that!
Very cool.

[jordanyosh]

Wow!!!! It'll be here before you know it..

If you do a TR, can you report on some of the better Veggie meals you have. I always like to try something besides the meat and potatoes diet....so any thumbs up meals you have and would like to share...that would be great.

[abbybeth]

it is VERY exciting that you are going NEXT MONTH!!!


that's SO exciting!:banana:

[Hedy]

Look what came today!
Lovely, lovely DME documents!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/pretrip016.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/pretrip015copy.jpg
I guess there’s no free PIN anymore, but they’re still lovely! I haven’t gotten the big package yet, but still-DME tags! They are now snugglebuggle in the Passporter
To do list of doom:
Before mid-November:
*Go to Dollar tree-get glow jewelry, possibly room decorations
*Book Mom’s rental car
*Book Mom’s Key West
*Fill out Passporter
*Cashout for last SR rewards before I go
*Order Disney Rewards Card-Done! :)
Before December 1:
*Soak LGMH’s
*Get covers to stick on LGMH’s and ADR list, and maybe clingy window stuff
*Decorate Mousekeeping envelopes
*Buy M&M tubes, unless I decide my RX bottles are sufficient
*Clean pennies and Fill tubes
*Buy spray sunscreen
*Get things for MamaKat’s St. Nicholas Day presents (suggestions welcome!)

[Montana Disney Fan]

Hey there Hedy. :yay:

I've seen you around the boards so I thought I'd stop in and take a "look see" at your report.

Looks good. I'll be you were happy to see those Magical Express tickets! :cool1:

[Hedy]

Hey there Hedy. :yay:

I've seen you around the boards so I thought I'd stop in and take a "look see" at your report.

Looks good. I'll be you were happy to see those Magical Express tickets! :cool1:

:welcome:

[Hedy]

And the much awaited "docs" came. I really like the plastic holder you get with a package. And..we got our $15 Planet Hollywood voucher. :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/pretrip018-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/pretrip017-1.jpg
In other amusing WDW annecdotes, the nephews were over last weekend. Now, there has been no flaw in their training-they're moving to FL to work for Disney when they grow up (actually, ElderNephew plans on owning WDW one day), and ElderNephew will randomly carry his KTTW card from their 2006 trip in his pocket. So ElderNephew was talking about Teppanaki, and then I was bemoaning that Spaceship Earth would be closed when I'm there. YoungerNephew, the future Imagineer, piped up "They should make it so that you can turn around and look for Hidden Mickeys!" :) They make me proud. :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

To do list of doom:
Before mid-November:
*Go to Dollar tree-get glow jewelry, possibly room decorations
*Book Mom’s rental car-not booked, but we know that she's booking through Dollar
*Book Mom’s Key West hotel
*Fill out Passporter
*Cashout for last SR rewards before I go
*Order Disney Rewards Card-Done!
Before December 1:
*Soak LGMH’s
*Get covers to stick on LGMH’s and ADR list, and maybe clingy window stuff
*Decorate Mousekeeping envelopes
*Buy M&M tubes, unless I decide my RX bottles are sufficient-bought one yesterday at Bed, Bath, and Beyond 20% off.
*Clean pennies and Fill tubes
*Buy spray sunscreen
*Get things for MamaKat’s St. Nicholas Day presents (suggestions welcome!)
-Feel free to make suggestions.

[Montana Disney Fan]

Hey, we just had a bunch of glow jewlery for Halloween!

I use that Spray Sunscreen on the top of my head. Gettin' a little thin up there. :rolleyes1

[Hedy]

Hey, we just had a bunch of glow jewlery for Halloween!

I use that Spray Sunscreen on the top of my head. Gettin' a little thin up there. :rolleyes1

::yes:: ::yes:: I meant to hit up a place for glow stuff before Halloween, but my immune system had other ideas-I'm hoping I can get some in the pre-NYE era.

[Hedy]

Poor MamaKat! She learned her ferry from Key West to Ft. Myers doesn't go the day she wanted to (and this wasn't on the website :sad2: ). So she's leaving Key West early and spending an extra day in Naples.
In other news, today I learned via Allears that Dave Barry will be at WDW on 12/8, and will be marshal of the parade. Cool! :) :)

[Hedy]

Work may be crazy...
I need to find a new Xmas gift for YoungerNephew since Aquadots were recalled...
I may be flip-flopping every day as to whether I'm going to my HS reunion in a couple weeks...
But....
I'll be at WDW this time next month!
To do list of doom:
Before mid-November:
*Go to Dollar tree-get glow jewelry, possibly room decorations
*Book Mom’s rental car-Done!
*Book Mom’s Key West hotel-Done!
*Fill out Passporter-done
*Cashout for last SR rewards before I go-done
*Order Disney Rewards Card-Done!
Before December 1:
*Soak LGMH’s
*Get covers to stick on LGMH’s and ADR list, and maybe clingy window stuff
*Decorate Mousekeeping envelopes
*Buy M&M tubes-done!
*Clean pennies and Fill tubes
*Buy spray sunscreen
*Get things for MamaKat’s St. Nicholas Day presents (suggestions welcome!)
-Feel free to make suggestions.

[jordanyosh]

You're doing pretty good on your list.:thumbsup2

[Hedy]

You're doing pretty good on your list.:thumbsup2

::yes::. To be fair, a good deal of the credit goes to Mom getting her reservations in order-apparently "we'll be there next month" is a good motivational tool.

This time next month, I'll be back at my room, having been to AK, and MGM earlier in the day. :cloud9: :cloud9:

[jordanyosh]

::yes::. To be fair, a good deal of the credit goes to Mom getting her reservations in order-apparently "we'll be there next month" is a good motivational tool.

That gave me a good laugh.:thumbsup2


This time next month, I'll be back at my room, having been to AK, and MGM earlier in the day. :cloud9: :cloud9:

Nice.....

[abbybeth]

This time next month, I'll be back at my room, having been to AK, and MGM earlier in the day. :cloud9: :cloud9:

isn't that the BEST game? I did that for over a month before our trip - at this time we'll be eating lunch here, or we'll be doing this or be in this park ... it definitely helps pass the time :)


it's SO SO SO close!

[Hedy]

So Allears.net listed the MVMCP schedule today:
Holiday Wishes--Celebrate the Spirit of the Season: 9:30 p.m.

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade: 8:15, 10:30 p.m.

Mickey's 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' Show: 7, 8, 9, 10:15 and 11:15 p.m.

Celebrate the Season Show - 7:45, 10:05 and 11:30 p.m. at the Castle Forecourt Stage

Belle's Enchanted Christmas Story: 7:15, 8:10, 10:00 and 11:15pm

I'm thinking I'll aim for the first Celebrate the Seasons show, first parade (go to second if the first is too crowded), holiday Wishes. then either the 10:15 or 11:15 Twas the night before Xmas.

Should I try to see Belle's story time (solo adult)? Any thoughts?

PS-One month from right now I'll be at LeCellier. :goodvibes:

[OhioTony]

So Allears.net listed the MVMCP schedule today:
Holiday Wishes--Celebrate the Spirit of the Season: 9:30 p.m.

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade: 8:15, 10:30 p.m.

Mickey's 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' Show: 7, 8, 9, 10:15 and 11:15 p.m.

Celebrate the Season Show - 7:45, 10:05 and 11:30 p.m. at the Castle Forecourt Stage

Belle's Enchanted Christmas Story: 7:15, 8:10, 10:00 and 11:15pm

I'm thinking I'll aim for the first Celebrate the Seasons show, first parade (go to second if the first is too crowded), holiday Wishes. then either the 10:15 or 11:15 Twas the night before Xmas.

Should I try to see Belle's story time (solo adult)? Any thoughts?

PS-One month from right now I'll be at LeCellier. :goodvibes:

Thanks so much for posting the times! Any idea on the times yet for the storytellers in Epcot?

PS 4 weeks from right now I will be heading to the Magic Kingdom for Dinner at Liberty Tree and the Christmas Party!

[Hedy]

Thanks so much for posting the times! Any idea on the times yet for the storytellers in Epcot?

PS 4 weeks from right now I will be heading to the Magic Kingdom for Dinner at Liberty Tree and the Christmas Party!

I haven't seen one.

I will be at DTD, readying myself for Planet Hollywood and the AC. :teeth:

[Hedy]

Oh, look, I've become banal daily updates pre-trip report girl. I studied WDW Poly Princess' TR's today at work though, so one can hope I'll improve (plus, I'm going to DollarTree and Target this weekend, so at least I'll have new stuff to take pictures of at that time).

Anyway, the menu for Yaking Yeti, I mean, Yak and Yeti is up, and I am underwhelmed (I didn't really see any veggie options, why the AK is the least veggie friendly park I will never know). Ergo, my Monday plan looks like this:
Monday, December 10
EMH at AK. Ride EE, grab Kali fast passes. Ride Safari. Ride Kali. Hang out in DinoLand. Grab snack. Look at animals. See Parade. Head to MGM. Grab fast pass for RnR or ToT. Eat at ABC Commissary. See Fantasmic. See Osboune Lights. Go back to POFQ. Grab snack at POFQ.

In other news, now that I'm taking my tour, it looks like I may not be using one park day on my 8 day park hopper. I'm considering adding to expiration to my ticket because of that, plus I would then have 5 plus options left, enabling me to buy straight park hoppers for my next trip (plus I'd have my 3 day park hopper from this package). :rolleyes1

[Hedy]

In picking up stuff for my DIS ornament exchange and SR Christmas exchange people yesterday, I realized there’s some long exposition I forgot to inflict on the internets.

See, I didn’t used to be a Christmas person, really. I didn’t actively dislike it (well, those years I worked in retail I did ;)-you ask me, Scrooge worked in retail for many years), but I wasn’t one of “those dang Christmas people.” Oh, I liked getting people presents, and cider, and the routine of putting up the tree, but it wasn’t a big thing for me.

As I’ve mentioned before, my father died on December 11, 2004. As he was dying, I remember asking my mother “are we doomed to become those people who are depressed around the holidays?” The question seemed rhetorical.

And then it was December 2005. I was interning at a cognitive therapy program on decision-making programs and choices for inmates at a jail near my college. And it occurred to me that I had a choice: I could become a person who’s depressed around the holidays (and there’s nothing wrong with that) or I could accept Christmas and December as a microcosm of life as a whole.

Sure, the first weeks of December are filled with “today x years I learned death was imminent” and I’m bratty and cranky and sad (see also, why I’m off to The Happiest Place on Earth in December). Then Christmas comes, and there are stockings to fill and food to cook and kiddos to hug. And at the end of December, I’ve got a solid, loving family that’s willing to try to carry on as we can. And at the end that’s all that matters.

And that, dear reader, is how I became a dang Christmas person.

</needless exposition>

I’m minorly bummed the Samantha Brown and Food Network Christmas at WDW are on after I leave, then I realized I’ll be at WDW-I don’t need any stinking special. (I may DVR them, though)

[jordanyosh]

In picking up stuff for my DIS ornament exchange and SR Christmas exchange people yesterday, I realized there’s some long exposition I forgot to inflict on the internets.

See, I didn’t used to be a Christmas person, really. I didn’t actively dislike it (well, those years I worked in retail I did ;)-you ask me, Scrooge worked in retail for many years), but I wasn’t one of “those dang Christmas people.” Oh, I liked getting people presents, and cider, and the routine of putting up the tree, but it wasn’t a big thing for me.

As I’ve mentioned before, my father died on December 11, 2004. As he was dying, I remember asking my mother “are we doomed to become those people who are depressed around the holidays?” The question seemed rhetorical.

And then it was December 2005. I was interning at a cognitive therapy program on decision-making programs and choices for inmates at a jail near my college. And it occurred to me that I had a choice: I could become a person who’s depressed around the holidays (and there’s nothing wrong with that) or I could accept Christmas and December as a microcosm of life as a whole.

Sure, the first weeks of December are filled with “today x years I learned death was imminent” and I’m bratty and cranky and sad (see also, why I’m off to The Happiest Place on Earth in December). Then Christmas comes, and there are stockings to fill and food to cook and kiddos to hug. And at the end of December, I’ve got a solid, loving family that’s willing to try to carry on as we can. And at the end that’s all that matters.

And that, dear reader, is how I became a dang Christmas person.

</needless exposition>

I’m minorly bummed the Samantha Brown and Food Network Christmas at WDW are on after I leave, then I realized I’ll be at WDW-I don’t need any stinking special. (I may DVR them, though)

Not needless at all. It just helps us all know you a bit better.

:hug: :hug:

[KathyRN137]

May I just say that, on behalf of myself and the other members of the Dang Christmas People Society, that we accept your application and welcome you into our Society with tidings of great comfort and joy.

God rest ye, Merry Gentlewoman!

Kathy

[Hedy]

May I just say that, on behalf of myself and the other members of the Dang Christmas People Society, that we accept your application and welcome you into our Society with tidings of great comfort and joy.

God rest ye, Merry Gentlewoman!

Kathy

Why thank you.

[Hedy]

So today was the day of the obligatory Target and Dollar Tree trip. It was very successful (I did Mom’s stocking/St. Nicholas Day shopping as well, and I picked up part of YoungerNephew’s Xmas present just in case I don’t see anything for him in WDW). At Dollar Tree, I got a copious amount of glow stuff. I figure what I don’t use in WDW I can use on NYE with the boys…right? ;) Except for the fact we don’t have them booked yet…oh well. :rolleyes1 I also picked up some light up Xmas pins for Mom and I to wear on our trip. I was kind of disappointed, other people on the boards had reported getting Disney Xmas window clings there but I didn’t see any Disney ones-I guess I’ll just have LGMH’s on my window.
At Target, I got a lot of toiletries, and travel sized stuff. I have Gold Bond Powder, generic Benadryl cream and generic calamine lotion-can you tell I’m trying to fight getting heat rash again? I also have Airborne, and some Christmas stuff. I opted to get a Christmassy sweatshirt or T-shirt at WDW rather than Target. I also picked up moleskin and blister band-aids. My cool locking pin backs also came today. :teeth:
I made my mousekeeping envelopes today. Yippie!
We watched the Travel Channel WDW show this week. It was very helpful to my planning. I learned Mom wants to see HM and POTC (which I knew), I also got her excited about Philharmagic. She’s not dying to go on Soarin’ again, which is good because I was worried about it since we’re going to Epcot in the afternoon. She also wants to go on Kali River Rapids if it’s not too cold, which surprised me-I didn’t think she liked it that much (I thought she liked Soarin’ better than Kali, if that makes any sense).
To-Do
*Go to Dollar tree-get glow jewelry -check!
*Book Mom’s rental car-check[
*Book Mom’s Key West hotel-check
*Fill out Passporter-Check
*Cashout for last SR rewards before I go-check, and I even got an extra one in thanks to Crazy Credits last week.
*Order Disney Rewards Card-Done!
Before December 1:
*Soak LGMH’s
*Get covers to stick on LGMH’s and ADR list, and maybe clingy window stuff
*Decorate Mousekeeping envelopes-They’re blah, but done
*Buy M&M tubes done
*Buy spray sunscreen-may be procured, thanks to Abbybeth
*Get things for MamaKat’s St. Nicholas Day presents-done
*Soak pennies
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/pretrip020.jpg
Rash-fighting, blister-fighting, little flashlight and light up pin.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/pretrip019.jpg
Glow stuff!

[abbybeth]

a package was sent out to you today! let me know when it arrives!

[jordanyosh]

Nice. I LOVE buying sundries for my trip. It's a rush.

I do have to comment on the statement about non Veggie choices at AK. I too am bummed about that. They had a great Grilled Veggie Sandwich on Foccacia bread at the Tusker House, but it's a buffet now so...:confused3 :confused3

[Hedy]

Oh, look, I've become banal daily updates pre-trip report girl. I studied WDW Poly Princess' TR's today at work though, so one can hope I'll improve (plus, I'm going to DollarTree and Target this weekend, so at least I'll have new stuff to take pictures of at that time).

Anyway, the menu for Yaking Yeti, I mean, Yak and Yeti is up, and I am underwhelmed (I didn't really see any veggie options, why the AK is the least veggie friendly park I will never know). Ergo, my Monday plan looks like this:
Monday, December 10
EMH at AK. Ride EE, grab Kali fast passes. Ride Safari. Ride Kali. Hang out in DinoLand. Grab snack. Look at animals. See Parade. Head to MGM. Grab fast pass for RnR or ToT. Eat at ABC Commissary. See Fantasmic. See Osboune Lights. Go back to POFQ. Grab snack at POFQ.

In other news, now that I'm taking my tour, it looks like I may not be using one park day on my 8 day park hopper. I'm considering adding to expiration to my ticket because of that, plus I would then have 5 plus options left, enabling me to buy straight park hoppers for my next trip (plus I'd have my 3 day park hopper from this package). :rolleyes1

Oh, the best laid plan of mice and men....
I logged onto AllEars today because I'm entering their Illumination Viewing contest. I noticed that the menu for Tusker House was up. I figured I might as well check it out, why not. Hmm...miniBoma....sounds good. Unlike Yaking Yeti, they have a whole vegetarian section. :goodvibes :goodvibes
So anyway, I cancelled my Asherkus ADR, and will instead be going to Tusker House for lunch on my AK/MGM day.

[KathyRN137]

If you like to talk to tomatoes,
If a squash can make you smile,
If you like to walk with potatoes,
Up and down the produce aisle,

...have we got a meal for you!!

(Freely adapted from the Vegggie Tales theme song.)

Glad you found a place to graze in Africa.... :goodvibes

Kathy

[Hedy]

If you like to talk to tomatoes,
If a squash can make you smile,
If you like to walk with potatoes,
Up and down the produce aisle,

...have we got a meal for you!!

(Freely adapted from the Vegggie Tales theme song.)

Glad you found a place to graze in Africa.... :goodvibes

Kathy

Thank you!

[Hedy]

Two Weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Two weeks from right now, I'll be in the Magic Kingdom. :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes :wizard: :wizard:

I trust you all had a good Thanksgiving? I did, thank you for asking.

Nothing much new on the trip planning front, save that I think I've figured out my packing strategy. I'm taking my big purple suitcase (checked), then I'm carrying on my small purple suitcase and my messenger bag with laptop. I may also pack a small duffle bag in my big suitcase just in case. I got some TSA locks at the mall last weekend (forgot to get them at Target) :headache: I'm packing my LL Bean purse in my small suitcase, and I'm also bringing my Sunshine Rewards string backpack.

I'm also making a things to buy list:
First day, as soon as I get into the magic kingdom or at Jackson Square Gifts: Pressed penny book, new autograph book, and a seasonal hat* (I'm flipflopping between Mickey, Minnie, Tink, and Princess). I am such a grown up.
Other times on the trip:
Christmas shirt of some sort
Perhaps something for YoungerNephew, unless I decide I like what I've gotten him already more than what I see
Grab bag from $10 store from ElderNephew
Christmas present for person I have in brother/in-law draw
Something for daughter of mom's friend's upcoming baby (they don't know what gender it is, so I'm thinking something other than Mickey ears)
Antenna toppers, as I now have a car which requires some
License plate frame
And you know there will be other stuff
*Which reminds me, if you were my lavender Red Sox hat, where would you be? I have my back up Tink hat, but I'll miss my Sox hat if I can't find it. It's become a running gag on the Jellyrolls meet thread that we're wearing Sox or Pats stuff, as a disproportionate amount of us are from MA.-ETA: Found-it was zipped in my messenger bag from when I was last in NYC...yes, I'm that girl who wears her Sox cap around NYC.

[jordanyosh]

Two Weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Two weeks from right now, I'll be in the Magic Kingdom. :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes :wizard: :wizard:

I trust you all had a good Thanksgiving? I did, thank you for asking.

Nothing much new on the trip planning front, save that I think I've figured out my packing strategy. I'm taking my big purple suitcase (checked), then I'm carrying on my small purple suitcase and my messenger bag with laptop. I may also pack a small duffle bag in my big suitcase just in case. I got some TSA locks at the mall last weekend (forgot to get them at Target) :headache: I'm packing my LL Bean purse in my small suitcase, and I'm also bringing my Sunshine Rewards string backpack.

I'm also making a things to buy list:
First day, as soon as I get into the magic kingdom or at Jackson Square Gifts: Pressed penny book, new autograph book, and a seasonal hat* (I'm flipflopping between Mickey, Minnie, Tink, and Princess). I am such a grown up.
Other times on the trip:
Christmas shirt of some sort
Perhaps something for YoungerNephew, unless I decide I like what I've gotten him already more than what I see
Grab bag from $10 store from ElderNephew
Christmas present for person I have in brother/in-law draw
Something for daughter of mom's friend's upcoming baby (they don't know what gender it is, so I'm thinking something other than Mickey ears)
Antenna toppers, as I now have a car which requires some
License plate frame
And you know there will be other stuff
*Which reminds me, if you were my lavender Red Sox hat, where would you be? I have my back up Tink hat, but I'll miss my Sox hat if I can't find it. It's become a running gag on the Jellyrolls meet thread that we're wearing Sox or Pats stuff, as a disproportionate amount of us are from MA.-ETA: Found-it was zipped in my messenger bag from when I was last in NYC...yes, I'm that girl who wears her Sox cap around NYC.

That's alot of bags...Can I call you the WDW bag lady?;)

When I went to WDW/DCL in Dec 05, alot of the stuff I bought for people doubled as Xmas gifts.:thumbsup2

[Hedy]

That's alot of bags...Can I call you the WDW bag lady?;)

When I went to WDW/DCL in Dec 05, alot of the stuff I bought for people doubled as Xmas gifts.:thumbsup2

Heck, I'm the everywhere bag lady. :teeth:

I'd been planning to do more shopping down there, but then I started to worry that I wouldn't find stuff that people would like down there, plus waiting to finish my shopping until mid-December would drive me nuts. I figure YoungerNephew should be easy, as well as my exchange person.

[KathyRN137]

I'd been planning to do more shopping down there, but then I started to worry that I wouldn't find stuff that people would like down there, plus waiting to finish my shopping until mid-December would drive me nuts.


Well, you could always try to do as much of it as you can before you leave and "wrap things up", so to speak, when you get to WDW!

I agree with you... I would be too nervous to plan on doing too much Christmas shopping while I was there.... too much pressure! :scared:

You're getting close now!! :woohoo:

Kathy

[Hedy]

:disrocks: :disrocks: Today I was again reminded why the DIS impresses me. As those of you who have been subjected to my to do lists have known, I needed to buy spray sunscreen. A couple of weeks ago, Abbybeth PM’d me and said she and her parents had some left over, would I like it? I said I would, thank you. Two bottles arrived today. :goodvibes: :goodvibes:

This sort of thing is what continuously wows and impresses me about the DIS. I’ve been engaging in various internet communities for years (I’ve had some sort of blog since 1999). The DIS has got to be one of the most caring ones I’ve seen.

In other news, my JetBlue rate dropped another $40. I was happy with what I paid in May (around $320 round-trip, MA to FL in December was ok by me.) However, the $90 I have in JetBlue credit will be put to good use, I anticipate.

[disneygirlinnj]

Ohhhhh just caught up on the whole trip report...have a great time!! :) haha..my mom is the same way 'what do you want to do mom?' 'ohhh i don't know... you decide' 'do you want to see the Christmas lights?' 'oh sure...that sounds fun'...haha!

[jordanyosh]

10 more days. wow.

[quiltymom]

Hey Heather -- :wave2:

I just read your report. If I were you I'd be bouncing off every wall in the house! The last week and a half just fly by...

If you haven't cleaned your pennies yet, after trying many, many variations on a theme, here's what has worked best for me: Barkeeper's Friend. I put a bunch in a small bowl, add just enough water to make it a runny paste, and let them soak in that for a while. Then just rub the pennies between your fingers for a bit and most of the gunk will be off.

Also I found that the Self Seal wallet card-size laminating pouches by GBC (Purchased at Office Depot) worked wonderful for the LGMH's. I made a bunch with regular non-heat laminating film, and I was not happy with the results. This new stuff is thick enough to keep from tearing, a definite bonus. I just punched a threading hole at the top and was good to go.

What fun to be doing a solo trip. I wouldn't mind doing one myself sometime, but I know the kids wouldn't dream of letting me go alone. Do anything you want - don't worry if you'll be the only adult. Heck - Disney turns all of us into little kids!

I can't wait to hear how your trip goes. Have a blast!

[Hedy]

Hey Heather -- :wave2:

I just read your report. If I were you I'd be bouncing off every wall in the house! The last week and a half just fly by...

If you haven't cleaned your pennies yet, after trying many, many variations on a theme, here's what has worked best for me: Barkeeper's Friend. I put a bunch in a small bowl, add just enough water to make it a runny paste, and let them soak in that for a while. Then just rub the pennies between your fingers for a bit and most of the gunk will be off.

Also I found that the Self Seal wallet card-size laminating pouches by GBC (Purchased at Office Depot) worked wonderful for the LGMH's. I made a bunch with regular non-heat laminating film, and I was not happy with the results. This new stuff is thick enough to keep from tearing, a definite bonus. I just punched a threading hole at the top and was good to go.

What fun to be doing a solo trip. I wouldn't mind doing one myself sometime, but I know the kids wouldn't dream of letting me go alone. Do anything you want - don't worry if you'll be the only adult. Heck - Disney turns all of us into little kids!

I can't wait to hear how your trip goes. Have a blast!

:welcome: Thank you! I think I'm leaning towards vinegar, as I have it in the house. I checked out my options for laminating my LGMH's earlier this week, but I decided packing tape was the most economical option. :teeth:

[jordanyosh]

Nine more days!!!!!!

[Hedy]

:dancer: :dancer: :dancer: :dancer: :dancer: :dancer: :dancer: I was going to do a YouTube link to Papelbon's ALCS dance, but I can't find any with DIS appropraite comments.
Can I get a...single digit dance? It's crazy, for months I've been saying "Once x happens, I'll be that much closer to WDW," and suddenly the last few things (memorial mass, MD appt.) are coming up! I'm planning on doing a crazy run through the Ultimate packing checklist on Saturday, plus soaking my LGMH's and pennies.
I'm planning on having:
a dole whip
MK popcorn
school bread
bengeits
a Mickey ice cream cone

Any other must haves?

[jordanyosh]

a turkey leg;)

Do you like hummus? Tangierine Cafe has some good hummus.....

[disneygirlinnj]

a churro! :)

[Hedy]

a churro! :)

I'll have to try one....I think I had one at that *other* Orlando park, but not at WDW

a turkey leg;)

Do you like hummus? Tangierine Cafe has some good hummus.....

LOL. I'll have to try the hummus.


Weather.com is going to be the death of me. I checked the forecast yesterday, and it was predicting rain in Boston, which doesn't help much with the parking vs. taxi airport dilemma. I checked it this morning, and it was predicting snow for Saturday. Nooooooooo! :scared1: :scared1: Now it's predicting partly cloudy. popcorn:: popcorn:: I'm breathing for now. It's scheduled to thunder in Orlando on Sunday, but I'll live.

In other news, I watched the two specials on the Travel Channel this week-I wasn't wowed by either, but that's JMO.

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

hi!! i just wanted to let you know i found your pre-tr just in time!! I love the pictures and was a target addict before my WDW trips!! I think i'm the only person in DIS history that has not been fond of the mole skin :( It does not stay on very well with crocs and flip flops haha!! The blister bandaids are wonderful tho!!!!!!!!

I hope you have a wonderful trip! Your going back in Jan? I'll be there around that same time moving in for the College Program. I get to skip winter this year and be in sunshine for 5 months!!!!!!

Have fun packing. I love packing ahead esp for WDW. I have stuff packed away in bins already for Jan, it's hard packing for 5 months and not a week lol.

[Hedy]

Well, pre-packing has become a massive pile on the living room floor. I still need to get big purple suitcase out of the garage.

My pennies are soaking, I ordered my water from Staples, and I made my LGMH tags-see?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/12012007014.jpg
Be on the lookout for those in the parks.

One week from today, I'll be in the MK! Squee!

[jordanyosh]

I'm actually getting excited for you.....:thumbsup2

[Montana Disney Fan]

One week from today, I'll be in the MK! Squee!



Look for Buzz cuz he'll be there. :yay: Me and my sister that is.

[Hedy]

Steve Soares' site was updated for Saturday (I started typing next Saturday, then came to my senses). They're doing showings of Mickey's Twas the Night before Christmas on Saturday, so I'm going to try to get to one, thereby freeing me up for other stuff during MVMCP.

[quiltymom]

Only 5 more days ... are you able to sleep at night, or are you too excited? :hyper: :hyper:

[Hedy]

Only 5 more days ... are you able to sleep at night, or are you too excited? :hyper: :hyper:
I'm a little too excited, but I've got a week of work to get through. :rolleyes:
Look for Buzz cuz he'll be there. :yay: Me and my sister that is.

Will do!

Partly based upon what I've seen perusing the boards this week, and partly because of a conversation we had over brunch yesterday, I've been pondering that small thing that makes a big difference-attitude. DSIL was asking me if I was just hanging around the hotel my first day, or going to park. Mom replied "Oh, she doesn't even wait for her room-she just stores her luggage and goes." Which is totally true, but it got me thinking-how much of WDW is in the attitude. I could arrive at POFQ at 11 in the morning, whine about how I had to wait for DME for 10 minutes then demand and whine until my room is ready. Or I can check in, presto-changeo, and hop off to MK, to get my room that evening. Who had the better first day-crazy me or normal me? I know I'm lucky in a)traveling alone, b) not having kids and c) not having any special needs, but I think the principle on a whole would still work. And I'm not going to start crying over the lack of Mickey Muesli (anybody else remember that)? I am, however, going to be totally stoked about my trip, and being in WDW.

Oh, and it's supposed to be really warm. :beach: :beach: woo-hoo

[jordanyosh]

Partly based upon what I've seen perusing the boards this week, and partly because of a conversation we had over brunch yesterday, I've been pondering that small thing that makes a big difference-attitude. DSIL was asking me if I was just hanging around the hotel my first day, or going to park. Mom replied "Oh, she doesn't even wait for her room-she just stores her luggage and goes." Which is totally true, but it got me thinking-how much of WDW is in the attitude. I could arrive at POFQ at 11 in the morning, whine about how I had to wait for DME for 10 minutes then demand and whine until my room is ready. Or I can check in, presto-changeo, and hop off to MK, to get my room that evening. Who had the better first day-crazy me or normal me? I know I'm lucky in a)traveling alone, b) not having kids and c) not having any special needs, but I think the principle on a whole would still work. And I'm not going to start crying over the lack of Mickey Muesli (anybody else remember that)? I am, however, going to be totally stoked about my trip, and being in WDW.

Oh, and it's supposed to be really warm. :beach: :beach: woo-hoo

Preach it sister!!!!! I agree with everything you said. I tend to be laidback when I'm on vacation!!!! If you can believe it. I'm at WDW that's all I care about.

[abbybeth]

ALMOST THERE!!!!!!:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

BTW, hummus and pita chips = super tasty and relatively nutritious!


I'm so excited for you and you won't get sunburned either! :lmao:

[Hedy]

ALMOST THERE!!!!!!:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

BTW, hummus and pita chips = super tasty and relatively nutritious!


I'm so excited for you and you won't get sunburned either! :lmao:

That I won't. :)

Preach it sister!!!!! I agree with everything you said. I tend to be laidback when I'm on vacation!!!! If you can believe it. I'm at WDW that's all I care about.

Same here.

I survived my MD appt today. Does anyone else feel like all pre-TR's run in a cycle: you make ADR's, go to Target, and go the MD, then off to the fake monorail? Just me? Isn't it always.

I took my 2006 UG to read at the waiting room today (as the Passporter is stuffed to the gills). When I returned, I found that mom was reading it. She was pretty vague about what she liked. She says she overheard my brothers talking about a 5-D movie, but I can't figure out what it was. It didn't sound familiar to her, so it's probably not ITTBAB, HISTA, or Muppets. She also doesn't think it was Philharmagic, although she thinks she'll like it. :confused: :confused: :confused:

Finally saw POTC3 today-I think I was the last female under 30 in America not to see it. It was better than POTC2, but not as good as one. I also picked up some Lara and Clif Z bars at Trader Joe's-because clearly I'll want to eat that and not Disney junk at the parks. Yeah right. I also got ginger chews, thanks to Ziehund-I figure I'll have my ginger tablets, but these I can pop in my bag.

[jordanyosh]

Mmm...ginger chews...

[Hedy]

I rented Ratatouille last night. I liked it. It was no Cars but it was good. I thought the cinematography (?) was very good-I like Brad Bird's style. I look forward to meeting Emil and Remy. That said, can I say something? I was reading a TR by someone my age a few weeks ago, and she was saying she was bleh on the Nemo show-because she was of the "Lion King and Little Mermaid generation." Know what? That made me really sad. Why can't we love all Disney creations? Oh, what? Computer generated animation is ruining classic animation? Um, remember when we thought it was so cool that the Scar/Simba fight was computer animated? And look at Ariel, Belle, and Jasmine. They're all fairly new princesses, but you don't see parents sighing and going "Oh, I wish Minnie didn't buy the Belle dress-I'm of the Snow White and Aurora generation." And I don't run around lecturing the boys about how they might have had their pick of theatres to see Cars in, but back when The Little Mermaid came out, we had to drive half an hour to find a theatre it was playing in. So I think we should welcome Pixar characters as part of our family. Just my $.02.

Two more sleeps! (And two more days at work!) I'm getting soo excited! I'm working on packing. I'm in a better place then Mom-the Key West Express has informed her there's a weight limit, but then the phone rep did something really stupid and told her she could pay for overages. At present, there is a massive pile of clothes on her little suitcase.

[OhioTony]

Hedy
Maybe we will run into each other at the resort. Did you make a request for a room location? We didn't. We aren't too picky so we never know where we will be.
I'll have a LGMH in the window with OhioTony on it so keep your eyes peeled.:magnify:

Lynn

[Hedy]

Hedy
Maybe we will run into each other at the resort. Did you make a request for a room location? We didn't. We aren't too picky so we never know where we will be.
I'll have a LGMH in the window with OhioTony on it so keep your eyes peeled.:magnify:

Lynn

No, it's such a small resort it didn't seem worth it. I'll have one up that says "Hedy" so keep your eyes peeled.

[TheDISneyFamily]

Heather-
Have an awesome trip! :dance3: I can't wait to hear all about it when you get back! Make sure you run up to Buzz and give him a BIG embarrassing hug if you see him! LOL! He needs a DISmeet!!! :goodvibes (J/K - you don't have to hug Buzz! :scared: )

:rainbow: Have a great time in WDW!!! :rainbow:

Take care,
Michelle

[Hedy]

Heather-
Have an awesome trip! :dance3: I can't wait to hear all about it when you get back! Make sure you run up to Buzz and give him a BIG embarrassing hug if you see him! LOL! He needs a DISmeet!!! :goodvibes (J/K - you don't have to hug Buzz! :scared: )

:rainbow: Have a great time in WDW!!! :rainbow:

Take care,
Michelle

I will, Michelle! Thnkas for visiting-I've been using your 06 TR as a study guide. :santa: :santa:

[Hedy]

Dear lord, I love my Passporter, but what century is their packing list from. Cd player? Film? :confused3 :confused3
Hi, my name is Heather, and I'm already worried about forgetting stuff...and I'm not leaving for 32 more hours.

In other news, my water is already at POFQ. I hope it's having a goos time.

[jordanyosh]

I'm bringing my boombox and my pager..............

[Hedy]

:lmao: I'm bringing my boombox and my pager..............

:lmao: :lmao:

So, the cats are at "camp" (they were NOT happy-Oscar was making noises that I'm pretty sure would be filtered if one could post in cat). :cat: I printed my Jet Blue boarding pass. :cool1: :cool1: Now I just have 8 more hours of work, then I'm dropping off Ratatouille and picking up dinner, then home to finalize packing. :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

[jordanyosh]

1 MORE DAY

[Hedy]

1 MORE DAY

I know! I keep on posting just to see my ticker. :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes
6 more hours of work.

[quiltymom]

Dear lord, I love my Passporter, but what century is their packing list from. Cd player? Film? :confused3 :confused3
Hi, my name is Heather, and I'm already worried about forgetting stuff...and I'm not leaving for 32 more hours.

In other news, my water is already at POFQ. I hope it's having a goos time.

My tip is to think about what you forgot last time and make sure to pack it this trip!

Have a fantastic time!

[Hedy]

My tip is to think about what you forgot last time and make sure to pack it this trip!

Have a fantastic time!

Problem is, just because I'm packing what I forgot, doesn't mean I'll pack less. ;)

I had a dream I was at DTD sans Passporter last night.

[jordanyosh]

Mere hours away....are you going to sleep tonight?

[Hedy]

Mere hours away....are you going to sleep tonight?

I went to bed early last night. I'm generally too excited to sleep before a vacation-used to drive my grandmother nuts. :hyper::hyper::hyper::hyper::hyper::hyper:

[Montana Disney Fan]

See you at Epcot Sunday!! I'll be the one front row center at the 2:30 showing of Off Kilter!! Just look for the spilt beer around my chair.

[Hedy]

See you at Epcot Sunday!! I'll be the one front row center at the 2:30 showing of Off Kilter!! Just look for the spilt beer around my chair.

I'll keep my eyes peeled.

[Hedy]

40 more minutes of work. :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

[Hedy]

:cool1: :cool1: Less than 12 more hours to my flight! And it's snowing, and it is presently 68 in Orlando. :goodvibes :goodvibes
Mail came today. I got a very timely Christmas present from my cousin and his family-an LL Bean travel thing. It's the new kind, and really nice. So now everything packed in the old thing must be moved into the new one. Also, the two personalized pins I ordered from DisneyShopping came-Mickey and Minnie for Mom, and Tink for me. :)

((phone rings)) Heather: Hello?
ElderNephew: Hi!
Heather: Hi, ElderNephew. Is anything new?
ElderNephew: Yes...you're going to Disney tomorrow! ((Little voice dripping with jealousy))
Heather: Can I say hi to anyone for you?
ElderNephew: No, thank you.

Off to pack. If I don't return to post tonight, I leave you with this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b95oyhSd5ls

[jordanyosh]

:cool1: :cool1: Less than 12 more hours to my flight! And it's snowing, and it is presently 68 in Orlando. :goodvibes :goodvibes
Mail came today. I got a very timely Christmas present from my cousin and his family-an LL Bean travel thing. It's the new kind, and really nice. So now everything packed in the old thing must be moved into the new one. Also, the two personalized pins I ordered from DisneyShopping came-Mickey and Minnie for Mom, and Tink for me. :)

((phone rings)) Heather: Hello?
ElderNephew: Hi!
Heather: Hi, ElderNephew. Is anything new?
ElderNephew: Yes...you're going to Disney tomorrow! ((Little voice dripping with jealousy))
Heather: Can I say hi to anyone for you?
ElderNephew: No, thank you.

Off to pack. If I don't return to post tonight, I leave you with this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b95oyhSd5ls


Have a great time.

[Montana Disney Fan]

I'll track her down for you guys and get some pictures. :thumbsup2

[disneygirlinnj]

ohhhhhhh you better be having fun over there!!!!!!! :) can't wait to read all about it!

[Hedy]

Have a great time.
Will do!
I'll track her down for you guys and get some pictures. :thumbsup2
Buzz! I missed you at WS! You'd said the 2:30 Off Kilter show, so I played WWBuzzDo with the times, and thought you'd go to the 3 o'clock to get more beer in. :(
ohhhhhhh you better be having fun over there!!!!!!! :) can't wait to read all about it!

I am, I am.

Hi all! WDW is wonderful. You know that NYC commercial-"I love New York-now, more than ever?" Well, I love WDW now, more than ever.

[jordanyosh]

Did we know you were going to have access to a computer?

Nice to hear that you're having a good time.

[Hedy]

Did we know you were going to have access to a computer?

Nice to hear that you're having a good time.
I didn't think it was relevant
Today was the first time I'd been online since Friday. :surfweb: :surfweb: Apparently I missed a fight between Pop Warner teams at the ASSp on Saturday, as well as a pistol-packing grandma. This is why I need a smart phone.

[abbybeth]

ooooh you're THERE!!! Hope you're having an amazing time and I just can't wait to see pictures!

[disneygirlinnj]

we missed the pistol packing grandma too! hahahahah!

[Hedy]

ooooh you're THERE!!! Hope you're having an amazing time and I just can't wait to see pictures!

I saw Ethel in the Food Court and thought of you and your parents.

[Hedy]

I'm back!
Stay tuned for:
*Food pictures
*Interactions with other guests
*Lots of me droning on and on.
And answers to some pressing questions:
*Did I meet the Dream Team?
*Why is the title of this TR what it is?
*And why, exactly, has Hedy been posting on the bounceback thread?

[jordanyosh]

Welcome Home.

popcorn:: popcorn::

[Hedy]

After finishing up most of my packing on Friday night, I went to bed a little early. I set my phone’s alarm to go off at four. Mom also set her phone, figuring we could use the buddy wakeup system. I woke up when my alarm went off. I dressed and put the last few items in my bag (nightshirt, stuffed cat). Mom finished up packing-she’d downsized to a purse, her LL Bean backpack, which she was carrying on, her small suitcase and a small duffle bag. I, meanwhile, being the bag lady I am ;), had my large purple suitcase, with a duffle bag crushed up inside, a carry-on purple suitcase, and a messenger bag with my laptop.
We were taking a taxi to the airport. It arrived a few minutes early, which is a rarity for people coming to our house (our street starts off as being Street A, but we live on Street B). We chatted with our driver. When he heard where I was going, he wanted to know if I was drinking around the world. ;) We reached Logan fairly quickly and we dropped Mom at American Airlines for her flight to Miami, where she would connect to Key West. Our driver commented on the cat hair on my suitcase. We headed over to the Jet Blue terminal. I hopped out, checked my bag, and went through security easily. I stopped at Starbucks for a Peppermint Mocha Frappucino, and also had a Larabar. I headed to my gate, and sat down. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07001.jpg
I turned on my iPod and started listening to all the WDW podcasts I had been hoarding. It was an easy flight to Orlando. We arrived at MCO. I boarded the fake monorail and headed to the terminal. The first thing I saw was the big tree by the MCO Hyatt, which I thought was a nice welcome. I headed over to the DME desk in Terminal B. I found the signage over there a little lacking, if I hadn’t had my map and done my homework on the DIS, I think I might have had a hard time finding it. The DME desk in terminal B feels more official than the olds area I was in in March of 06. I checked in at 10:10. I boarded my bus, which took people to POFQ, POR, SSR and OKW, at 10:20.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07003.jpg
I reached POFQ check in by 11. The lobby was packed-POFQ was cheerleader run-off for Pop Warner, and you could tell. There was a line to check-in, but the manager was out handing out folders, encouraging you to just have one person in your party check in, and apologizing. Man, I love CM’s. I checked in….and my room was ready! I was thrilled. The nice CM checking me in told me he thought Mousekeeping was on RedBull. ;) I asked about the water I’d had shipped to the resort. He typed some stuff on his computer and I heard the pause of doom( I work in customer service, so I know a pause of doom when I hear it). One phone call later, it turned out my water was there but the box was broken. I headed to my room. It was number 2319. I could not have asked for a better room:
*Former smoking room, but I didn’t smell it at all.
*Third floor, nice for a female traveling alone, and right near the elevator.
*Easy walk to the main building
*And…a Wishes view, which we only found out about the last day.
I had some friends waiting for me in my room:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07006.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07005.jpg

I unpacked, and bounced off to the bus stop for the MK.

This way to CH. 2 (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=22187094#post22187094)

[disneygirlinnj]

Ohhhh! Cute towel animals!! Sounds like your trip there went as smoothly as possible...always a great sign! :)

[abbybeth]

I saw Ethel in the Food Court and thought of you and your parents.

oh what a riot! She's a fun lady :)

I'm back!
Stay tuned for:
*Food pictures
*Interactions with other guests
*Lots of me droning on and on.
And answers to some pressing questions:
*Did I meet the Dream Team?
*Why is the title of this TR what it is?
*And why, exactly, has Hedy been posting on the bounceback thread?

oooooooh! On the edge of my seat, definitely ....


I stopped at Starbucks for a Peppermint Mocha Frappucino, and also had a Larabar.

YUM! I love Starbucks, especially their holiday drinks!



*And…a Wishes view, which we only found out about the last day.
I had some friends waiting for me in my room:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/th_wdwdec07006.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/th_wdwdec07005.jpg

I unpacked, and bounced off to the bus stop for the MK.

Wishes view? From POFQ? NIIICE!

and looks like you had some friendly faces waiting for you - did you get any more during your stay?


and most importantly, did you stay sunburn free?:lmao:

[jordanyosh]

It seems like you had a great start to your vacation even with the cheerleaders...

[Hedy]

The bus to MK was crowded, which to me was kind of a no-duh-it’s a Saturday in December, of course the bus is going to be crowded. I got there. I started bouncing when I saw my first peek of the castle. I entered my ticket (I much prefer the new bioscan than the old peace sign one) and I was in. http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2209/2114609197_62a89bcd42.jpg.
If walking down Main St and Cinderella’s Castle ever doesn’t make me tear up, something is terribly wrong. The Family Fun Day Parade (????) was going on, I caught a quick glimpse of Pluto http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07009.jpg.

I headed through Adventureland and made my beeline for Splash Mountain-my traditional first ride. I got my FastPass, and headed towards the HM. While in line, I overheard someone spot my LGMH and say wistfully “Oh, she’s a DISer,” but they did not introduce themselves. I really liked the refurb. I like the creaking, and the staircase. I also \thought the bride in the attic was well done. After that, I headed over to Splash. It was good, it was hot enough I liked the water cannons, but it does look like it needs the refurb. I was wearing one of those sunscreened, moisture wicking shirts from Land’s End, and it was dry by the time I reached Liberty Square. I wanted to grab a late/mid-Parade lunch at CHH, but that wasn’t going to happen. I went to see Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor. Michelle had been lukewarm on it, so I was curious. I got picked to be the red tag person-see? http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07015.jpgI thought it was good, but I thought the audience could play a bigger part in it being good or bad than with Crush. I then went on the CoP. I love the classic, but the last scene is soo dated-I don’t know why they don’t update it-maybe because they were going to close it? Enrout to Main St, I ran into Push.
Me: Hello, Push!
Push: Hello...Hedy?
Me: Heather.
Push: Hello, Heather. We match! (my shirt was turquoise)
Me: We do!
Push: How do you know my name?
Me: It says it on your can.
Push: That's not how you know my name...
Me: You're famous!
Push: Yeah I'm famous, I'm on Youtube!

I headed to Main Street, where I bought a Minnie Santa hat, autograph book, and Penny book. I was hungry now-I headed to Adventureland’s Eggroll cart, but it wasn’t there. So I grabbed some fries and a Cokewithnoiceplease at Casey’s and headed to Mickey’s Twas the Night Before Christmas. I got a seat. Shortly after I sat down, the toddler in front of me toddled into the ground. Predictably, the toddler started crying. Its mother and grandmother went for water. I offered up a band-aid from my purse, the father was very happy. The show started. Band-aid father stage whispered “The character’s mouths are moving!” I really liked the articulated heads. I also thought the show was excellent. Some other patron, however, was outraged that Minnie and Mickey were in bed together as they are unmarried.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07021.jpg
I had dinner at CHH-the Lighthouse Sandwich and a Cokewithnoiceplease. They were both good. http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2304/2115388868_3758433e42.jpg

I then wandered Fanttasyland-I stopped to trade a couple of pins-I learned this trip that Hidden Mickey pins are my weakness. I saw Mickey’s Philharmagic. It was cute. I noticed that during the “Be our Guest” scene, during the instrumenmtal part, the pie explodes in Donalds face during “Pie and Pudding en flambé!” I thought it was cool. I then had a Dole Whip Float http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2085/2115388986_920df09d26.jpg I rode Pirates, which I liked-I was really impressed with the Jack Sparrow audio-anamatronics. The tween girl in front of me kept on saying “Hi, Jack!” I thought it was cute.
As I walked down Main Street, I saw a family with TFW lanyards on. I focked them, but got no response. After determining that I do not like Spectromagic, I popped into the store to pick up a new KTTW holder and t-shirt with Cinderella’s Castle on it. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07031.jpg I headed back to POFQ. It was a long wait for my water, but all in all it was good.
This way to Chapter 3 (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22208733&postcount=174)

[jordanyosh]

another update already.....wow...nice.

CHH...my new favorite place to eat...:thumbsup2

I wonder if people will come up to me at WDW? Or if I will? Who am I kidding of course I will.....I think.:confused3

[disneygirlinnj]

ohhh! dole whip floats!!! that pic made me crave one even more now!! :) great report of the day!!!

[Miz Diz]

Hey Hedy! I am enjoying your TR so far.:thumbsup2
I like you encounter with Push. You didn't ask him how he knew your name, though.

[Hedy]

Hey Hedy! I am enjoying your TR so far.:thumbsup2
I like you encounter with Push. You didn't ask him how he knew your name, though.

I had both LGMH's and SYMH's on my bag. :teeth:

[Montana Disney Fan]

We were both at MK the exact same morning! Dec 8th!

Great towel animals. You probably already knew this but we stayed right next door to you at Riverside.

The castle looks AWESOME at night! I wish I would have stayed to see that.

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Great start to the report. Yikes, stuck at the resort with Pop Warner kids, I hope that you didn't experience any problems with them during your stay, I have heard horror stories....

The MK looks so beautiful with all its Christmas decorations. Very interesting that Mickey's Twas the Night Before Christmas was showing during the day. I thought it was a MVMCP exclusive show, guess not. :confused3

Can't wait to read more. :thumbsup2

[abbybeth]

I'm famous! I'm on YouTube! :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

way to keep with the times there Push :)

Sounds like you had such a fun day in the MK ... and just because Mickey and Minnie might have had a secret elopement and didn't have a billion dollar dream wedding doesn't mean they aren't married. By law at this point, even if they didn't have an official wedding, they would definitely fall under the guidelines of a common law marriage. No worries! :rotfl:

more, more, more .....

[Hedy]

I'm famous! I'm on YouTube! :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

way to keep with the times there Push :)

Sounds like you had such a fun day in the MK ... and just because Mickey and Minnie might have had a secret elopement and didn't have a billion dollar dream wedding doesn't mean they aren't married. By law at this point, even if they didn't have an official wedding, they would definitely fall under the guidelines of a common law marriage. No worries! :rotfl:

more, more, more .....
:lmao: :lmao: I seem to remember a "Minnie, Mickey's got a crush on you!" skit in an Xmas parade many years ago. I just found it funny you'd say that loud enough to be overheard.

I'm working on day 2, but I'm back at work :coffee: :scared: and my best friend is coming to visit tomorrow (she moved in Chicago in August), so you might need to hang on. :(
Great start to the report. Yikes, stuck at the resort with Pop Warner kids, I hope that you didn't experience any problems with them during your stay, I have heard horror stories....

The MK looks so beautiful with all its Christmas decorations. Very interesting that Mickey's Twas the Night Before Christmas was showing during the day. I thought it was a MVMCP exclusive show, guess not. :confused3

Can't wait to read more. :thumbsup2
The cheerleaders weren't bad, I've just never seen so many thin teenager girls and tweens in one place in my life (and my neice does a pagent each year!).
We were both at MK the exact same morning! Dec 8th!

Great towel animals. You probably already knew this but we stayed right next door to you at Riverside.

The castle looks AWESOME at night! I wish I would have stayed to see that.
I know! No Buzz sightings though. I'm sure all the men who were in the front row of the 3 pm Off Kilter show are still talking about the 20 something girl staring at them. :rotfl2: :rotfl2:


ohhh! dole whip floats!!! that pic made me crave one even more now!! :) great report of the day!!!

another update already.....wow...nice.

CHH...my new favorite place to eat...:thumbsup2

I wonder if people will come up to me at WDW? Or if I will? Who am I kidding of course I will.....I think.:confused3

With youe entourage, you'll be hard to miss!

[Hedy]

Sunday started bright and early. By bright and early, I mean I started waking up around 5:30 going "Ooh, can I get ready yet?" I finally gave in around 6:15 (stitch was calling me around 6:30). I packed my string backpack with my wristlet, camera, two bottles of water, ipod, stick of sunscreen. I had planned on wearing my Figment shirt when I met Figment, but when I took it out it had weird spots on it. I think it's a flaw with that shirt, my old Figment shirt had those spots, then the clorox I tried to clean them with ate through the shirt. :( As I could not go to a theme park with a shirt that started off dirty, I put on my Red Sox World Championship shirt (which I had planned on packing for the DIS meet at Jellyrolls I was going to anyway). I prepped my feet with Bodyglide and put on my LL Bean Coastal Crocs...I mean Clogs. I also applied some chafing stuff to my legs as I was wearing a skirt.

I stopped by the Sassagoula Floatworks Factory. I was surprised that for a food court that seemed so dinky, they appeared to by handling crowds as well as Riverside Mill would. I stopped by the sweet section and ordered beignets. There was a wait, but they were very efficient in serving them out. I did find myself wondering; however, if WDW is so into enviromentality why they use styrofoam to go containers confused3. I got my beineits-they were hot and fresh. I had a knife and fork :snooty: so as not to sully my shirt http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2032/2115389264_538ac2c683_m.jpg . They were very good-lighter than the ones I had at the Big E (New England exposition) in September. I finished my beignets and grabbed some more Coke in my refillable mug.

I head to the bus stop. I boarded the Epcot bus, and headed to Epcot. Asa I got off the bus, the drivers gave me a baseball card with WDW transport info on it. I went through bag check, and caught my first glimpse of the wandless ball http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2147/2114611273_fe22cd5911_m.jpg. Last time I saw the ball wandless, there was a cake in the MK. I like it well enough. I waited in line. I was in line behind an adorable British family of a mother, father, and two sweet blonde girls (8 and 6, maybe). The little one was wearing an "I'm not naughty, I'm autistic" button. They were taking pictures of each other-girls, mommy and girls, daddy and girls. I watched them for a while. I'm always hesitant to talk to strange kids-I know the world can be a scary place, and I can't say I wholly blame parents who discourage their kids interacting with strangers. But I offered to take their picture and they accepted gladly.

They let us into Epcot. I liked the topiaries a lot, but I had a larger mission-rope drop. I joined the rope drop stampede and we waited for the Track Car. It came, and a joined the heard of people trekking to Soarin'. The Sunshine Seasons staff was watching the mad dash-that would so be the entertainment of my day if I worked there. popcorn:: I got in line, and began the waiting game. I had my first feel view, and I lived. Then again, I had shoed feet-I'm not sure my clog-less feet were as pretty. :eek: I don't remember the DL at Xmas time the last time, but what do I know. As I was heading over to the Land ride, I saw some people getting dream fastpasses. My next stop, however, was Test Track. I love Test Track, except for the heat room (I squeeze my eyes shut to avoid a migraine). I did the single rider line, and pretty much walked right on. I then headed to Journey into Imagination. It was cute, but Figment was not yet out in his house. I asked the CM at Imagination. "He usually comes out around 10-10:30". Um, it's 10. I headed off to the land ride. It was packed-must have been Soarin' overflow. I got in line behind a mother with a girl about 2 in her arms.
"May I ask you a question?" Asked Mom.
"Sure!"
"Have you been on this ride before?"
"Yes, I have"
"Is it scary?"
"It's not too scary, but there are some fake alligators." Little miss was making it quite clear this was not happening. :(
I boarded the boat. I'm not too crazy about the scenes, but I love the greenhouse-and look, it was decorated. [picture]. I then met Figment http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2056/2115389872_4c3593bced_m.jpg
I had lunch at Sunshine Seasons-I had the vegetarian plate, which consisted of steamed broccoli, noodles, rice and fried veggie mix-it was very good, and fresh-I think it's the hotplates. In fact, Sunshine Season may be my new favorite CS. After Lunch, I headed into Nemo.
The queue was really well themed http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2231/2121060503_cd00ce5f65_m.jpg; however, are the Imaginers off in the head? The queue thingy is three bars perfectly placed to play on. Hey, I know, let's take one of the few rides for small kids at Epcot, which is ripe with Pixar characters, and take a bunch of over-excited little kids who are at WDW, and stick them in a queue ripe for playing on. confused3 confused3. I liked the Nemo ride-I thought it was cute, and I'd think it'd help some parents get a day at Epcot. I then headed into Turtle Talk with Crush-I agree with MrsKSomeday, it is a little hard to figure out where you're going. I sat down. It was cute as always. During the first audience interaction, Crush asked a kid her name "I don't know!" :( During the "tell Squirt what people do at the beach" segment, apparently someone in the peanut gallery didn't get to answer, as he raised his hand with a question and then said "I like to swim" :rotfl:

I was off to World Showcase-I really liked the tree. http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2119/2121061069_3c0723d9ec.jpg I stopped in Mexico. I then headed to Norway for schoolbread-I liked in, but am not sure it's worth its cult status (it was better than the lefse last year, though.) The line for Maelstrom was too long for my tastes, so I headed on to Rosa Regale-ville, I mean Italy. I got my Rosa Regale-I'd been planning on buying a bottle, but the price :faint: esp. when i'd be blanketing it in a t-shirt and praying it made it home in one piece.

I then headed onto the American adventure. The Voices of Liberty were singing, and excellent. We were directed into the hall. I liked all the flags. I wasn't really expecting much for the show. Was it blandified-yeah, probably. But there were some things that impressed me: the mention of the higher taxes Britons were paying over the colonies, and the mention of the Native American slaughter. It did bother, me, however, there was no post-WWII audio-anamatronics-why not a 1960's one? I think part of it was that on Pearl Harbor day I was pondering how long it’ll be before September 11 is as distant to us as Pearl Harbor day.

Buzz had said he was going to be at the 2:30 Off-Kilter show. The Times Guide listed a 2 and 3 O'clock show, so I had to play a game of WWBuzzDo. I figured he would opt for more drinking before the show, and go at three, so I hoofed it over to the Off Kilter show. No Buzz, but the men Buzz's age in the front row probably went home all "Dude, this 20-something girl was all staring at me today..." ;) So I headed back to France and got a Grand Marnier Slush http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2037/2121837922_50352fe275_m.jpg. Sakes alive, Disney does not use a light hand with the booze. As I was sitting in France, my phone rang and it was Mom. (sidenote to gentle reader-this conversation will be on the test)
"Hi, dear, bad news."
"Oh?"
"I found a Key Lime pie to ship home for Christmas, but it costs too much." :confused3
"Ok....Are you having fun?"
"Yes, I took a trolley tour and have seen a lot of cats."
"Do you have your camera?" (She managed to leave all 4 disposable cameras at home when she went to Seattle in July).
"Yes, I got a new one at Ocean State."
I then checked if there were any countries she didn't want to do, but she was game for all of them. I browsed in England, checked out Papa Noel in Canada. I had a 7 pm DIS meet at Jellyrolls to go to. I elected to head out to get dinner at 5.

I exited through International Gateway, and took the boat to Beach Club. I walked to the Beach Club lobby. I like the Beach Club, but I don't know I'd want to stay there...it looks like a hotel on Martha's Vineyard, where I go every summer. I reached Beaches and Cream. I was surprised by how small it was. I was seated quickly, as I was wiling to sit at the counter. I ordered a boca burger and a coke with chocolate syrup. The roll and fries were great-you could tell they were homemade, and the Boca burger is very good. Crystal was my waitress and she was excellent. I had planned on getting a No Way Jose, but when I saw the size of it, I passed. :(
I walked to the Boardwalk, and browsed in the shop there. I hung up in the lobby for a while. I took some pictures of their gingerbread house http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2009/2121061747_226fcc765f_m.jpg. The manager was talking about Samantha Brown being there and how she loves the BW. I stopped to call Planet Hollywood for my lunch there on Wednesday.

The Atlantic dance Hall was closed for the Suzuki company party, so people in cocktail dresses and heels kept on trekking by us. I went into Jellyrolls. I felt a little like an unpopular highschool girl-where's my clique? Fortunately, I saw someone with a lime green DIS shirt on, so I figured out I was in the right place.
"Is this the DIS meet?"
"Yes."
"I'm Heather."
"Hi..."
"Hi, I'm Heather AKA Hedy."
"Oh, hi Hedy!" I met CamColt, TLinden16 (Jellyrolls queen), goofy4Tink, Danny1649, magiroux, and Jen, who has no SN and was ashamed to be with us Bostonians as she's a Y******* fan. ;) CamColt also made the very important call home to assure that the Pats one-then some ladies in Steelers Jersies wandered in.
It was great fun, save for the bratty first-year teachers in the front row who kept on heckling the pianomen to play "Girls just wanna have fun" and the increase of smoke towards the end. I had a good time, but I think i would have had a better time if I'd gone with more people in my age bracket. When I left Jellyrolls, Disney transport had stopped running to Epcot (I'd only planned on staying an hour ;) ). I went to Boardwalk to catch a cab. At POR in March 06, you had to have the bellman catch a cab for you, but at Boardwalk you can just walk to them. I got home safely and went to bed.
This way to Chapter 4 (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=22251143#post22251143)

[Montana Disney Fan]

That's an awesome place for a DIS meet. I was there Thursday and Saturday night. Two of the piano guys are better than the other two.

What a great Epcot day for you! :thumbsup2

[jordanyosh]

epcot at rope drop? what a novel concept.

I also love seasons.....they have great sandwiches.

it sounds like a wonderful day at epcot.

Jellyrolls.....great w/ the right people. FYI Tuesday night is CM night and it's usually hopping w/ folks your age.

[Hedy]

Monday started bright and early. I dressed in a quick drying shirt, capris, and my Teva Mush flip-flips. I passed on breakfast (I have an award-winningly nervous stomach) and filled up my refillable mug with hot chocolate. Plans for today were AK in the morning, then MGM in the evening, where I was meeting up with my friend M.
I got to AK.. I went in the normal entrance. I headed to Discovery Island for rope drop. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07073.jpg We waited. And waited. Around 8:10, a little voice yelled out “Where’s Mickey?” Sounds like someone had gotten the schedule run down. LOL. Finally, we saw the expedition http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07075.jpg.

I joined in the dash off to Expedition Everest. I wasn’t totally in love with it when I rode in 2006 in soft-opening-I felt like my stomach was still at the top of the drop. I’d read on the boards it was like Splash’s drop, but it wasn’t. YoungerNephew’s review of EE once it was open was “I didn’t like that ride,” which seemed to cement my opinion. However, I liked EE a lot more this time than the last-I don’t know if it’s smoother now that it’s open, or my expectations are more realistic, but I liked it. So I’m glad I tried it again. J I then headed back to Kilomanjaro Safaris. This had a posted 20 minute wait that felt like it-I really wish they’d start up a solo rider line for KS. I got an aisle seat. The animals were out and great-there were a bunch of the baby animals out. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07089.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07087.jpg
After we saved Big Red, I headed off to the Nemo show. I really liked the musical-I thought the songs were good (they didn’t seem forced), and I was really impressed by the puppetry. Plus, they kept in the lobstahs talking ;). My notes indicate that I recommend this show highly.
I headed to Dinoland. I really liked the cheesy Xmas decorations they had here-very true to theme. I got in line for Primeval Whirl. I like PW, but I hate how you rattle around if you’re a solo rider. I thought it might just be because I’m large, but I was discussing it with my friend M, who’s about half my size, and she has the same problem. I then criss-crossed AK for my ADR at Tusker house…

[jordanyosh]

I too like Nemo.....not really a musical guy and I liked it.

[Hedy]

I too like Nemo.....not really a musical guy and I liked it.
I wasn't expecting to dislike it, but I was surprised at how much I liked it. UM likened it to Aladdin at DCA, which I thought was an apt comparison.
epcot at rope drop? what a novel concept.

I also love seasons.....they have great sandwiches.

it sounds like a wonderful day at epcot.

Jellyrolls.....great w/ the right people. FYI Tuesday night is CM night and it's usually hopping w/ folks your age.

Good to know, it's not that I had a bad time, it's just that songs everyone knows is so aged-based.

That's an awesome place for a DIS meet. I was there Thursday and Saturday night. Two of the piano guys are better than the other two.

What a great Epcot day for you! :thumbsup2

It was my first time there, I plan to return.

[Montana Disney Fan]

Please tell me you did the "Bird Show".

I fell down immediately after getting of PW. :scared: Haven't ridden it since. :rotfl2:

I've never done Nemo. Gotta give it a day in court next year. ::yes::

[caitty13]

We were at AK this same morning then had dinner at 50's prime cafe later in the evening. I only once saw one person with a Lime green mickey on there backpack. Wednesday evening at the poly. I like reading your TR, we stayed at POR so it's fun seeing if we might have crossed path's at one time or another. :goodvibes

[Hedy]

Please tell me you did the "Bird Show".

I fell down immediately after getting of PW. :scared: Haven't ridden it since. :rotfl2:

I've never done Nemo. Gotta give it a day in court next year. ::yes::

Nope, I'm afraid of birds.

[jordanyosh]

:santa: :santa: Happy Holidays!!!!!:santa: :santa:

[Hedy]

I got to Tusker House a little before my 11:55 ADR. There were some drummers playing while I was waiting. There was this little girl in those sparkly mouse ears who was just dancing her little heart out-it was adorable. When my buzzer went off, I went up to see a guy throwing a fit that he had to wait for his ADR.

Before I get to my play-by-play, review, I’d like to summarize my thoughts. I liked Tusker House for lunch, I liked it a lot, in fact. However, I don’t think I’ll ever eat there again. It’s too pricey for lunch, imo, especially when for $5 more you can have Boma in its entire splendor. But I did like it, a lot. However, I’m thinking next time for lunch I may actually bus myself over to AKL and have a falafel sandwich and zebra domes.

Anyway, my waiter’s name was Chris, and he was excellent. I had a lousy server experience at CM’s last year, so I was wary about solo buffeting it up this time, nut Chris was great-my dirty plates were always gone by the time I returned, and he kept my cokewithnoiceplease filled and ice-free at all times.

Now, onto the chow:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/wdwdec07092.jpg
Bread course: there’s “corn bread,” which was VERY good-it was like a peasant loaf studded with sweet corn. There was also chocolate mango bread, which was good, but I prefer a savory bread. The flatbread and hummus was also excellent.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/wdwdec07093.jpg
Salad course: tomato cucumber salad, which was good, but I was slightly disappointed in the tomato-it wasn’t as fresh as I would have liked. There’s also an apple, blue cheese, and endive salad-I really liked it, and I’m generally not an endive person. The couscous salad was ok, but nothing spectacular. The golden raisin and rice salad was good, though.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/wdwdec07094.jpg
Food itself. Chris said the samosas were a favorite among the staff. I thought they were good (I’m a big samosa fan) but nothing you couldn’t get at your local Indian restaurant, imo. The tandoori tofu was excellent-perfectly prepared and tasty. The couscous was good, better than the salad couscous, but the vegetables in it were slightly cold. The pearl couscous was ok, but slightly slimy.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/wdwdec07095.jpg
More food. I had more samosas with chutney, and cornbread. I also had basmati rice (good), orzo with spinach, tomato and feta (ok), and root veggies with saffron (good).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/wdwdec07096.jpg
Dessert! Chris had recommended the chocolate cake, which was good. I’d heard about the banana bread pudding from both Chris and Kevin on the podcast, and it lived up to its reputation. Thre chololate lava cake was ok, as was the passion fruit tart.

I went shopping, and picked up YoungestBrother, who I had in our family’s Christmas/Hanukah draw, an Animal Kingdom t-shirt. I then headed back to the room, where I checked my e-mail and my respective boards. I also double-checked an e-mail I had gotten from my DSIL (DisneyMSF) regarding a trip that may be occurring :ssst: with them, Middlebrother, DSIL and the boys in August. I then picked up my in-room phone and booked myself a bounce-back. I’m just going down for a long weekend, as WDW isn’t my main vacation next year, but I’m so excited to finally be there the same time as my nephews. I’ll be at POP-it was cheaper than POFQ by enough that it seemed worth it, plus they’ll be at AKV or BCV. If the Swolphin does their $125 rates again and they go for BVC I may switch, but otherwise I’m good.
I downed an Excedrin migraine and headed off to MGM to meet M.

Chapter 6: Lights, lights,action (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=22318308#post22318308)

[Hedy]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/dec07002.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/macro.jpg

Happy Holidays, all!

[Hedy]

It's too early to start a pre-TR for my August trip, so I'll follow in the steps of many great trip reporters and start mini-trip reporting on here. Fear not, another update is coming.
However, a few things have occurred regarding my August trip (tripette?).
1. I have received permission to loook after the boys for a night while the brothers and SILs go out. So far, thoughts include such role modelish activities are getting a kitchen sink. :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:
2. I learned I have one more vacation day than I thought. This means the carried over day is actually two (unless I get unwaitlisted and get Monday off). Therefore, I could go Thursday-Sunday, instead of Friday-Sunday. However, I'd lose my bounceback discount, so we shall see.
3. Jet Blue flights came out. I could book now (but I'm not going to, as I'm waiting for the 7 month window to see if the rest of my party is going to be at BCV or change their dates).

[girlbomb]

I'm glad to hear you booked a bounceback. Sounds like a great one, too! Especially with your plan to get a kitchen sink with your nephews. Me and DH gotta make more friends so we can order one of those one day...

[Montana Disney Fan]

I've never eaten at Tusker House so it was awesome to see a detailed report on it. :thumbsup2 I think they recently "changed" it didn't they? I think it used to be counter service... :scratchin:

I hear you about Boma. :)

I like your kitty.

I used FF Miles to book United at exactly the 11 month window for Oct 08 trip. We're all nuts! :rotfl2:

[Hedy]

Having checked my e-mail, and booked a bounceback, I was ready to head off to MGM studios to meet up with M. M and I went to high school together (she was 1 year behind me,) and she now lives in Orlando and goes to law school there-she texted me on 12/8 to say she was off to see SSE. :)

So I went in the gates and started soaking up the streetmosphere. I saw M sitiing on a bench near Oscar's, so I waited for her. We decided to go to RnR. As we were heading over, and discussing the merits of the single rider line. M then turned to met and said "The last time I was here last month with my mom, she didn't want me to go one this ride because she thought I'd rebreak my jaw." (M was recovering from a broken jaw, still wired and having surgery in Wednesday) :scared1: Now, I'm not afraid of ignoring warning signs on rides* (heck, my late father was essentially a warning drinking game, and he was my ride partner on everything but RnR), but I was a little scared. We made our way through the queue and got in line. We told the person we were a group of 2, but there was some confusion. Anyway, we ended up in the front of the limo. We sat back, had out heads against the back of the seat, and waited. I feel sorry for the people in ride photos I'm on, in nearly all of them I'm squinting to avoid a migraine. We rode-I always forget how much I love RnR until I ride it. We then headed to the animation tour. I thought the little show was cute (it'd be good to get out of the heat), and I liked that you could meet characters.

We then headed for the GMR. I'm probably going to get flamed for this, but there was this family behind us who was singing, loudly, the entire time. Kids will be kids, but I think adult should behave in public. I found it a little annoying and unnecessary. I think the GMR could really use a revamp with the new Disney Hollywood Studios-maybe add in a Pirates scene (even add an Erol Flynn scene to counterpoint it) or another recent live action movie scene. Also, I was kind of bothered by some of the clips after it, namely the famous GWTW stairs scene.

M and I headed towards the Osborne lights. On the way, we passed what M deemed "that eggnog cart that's been all over the internet as the downfall of civilization" :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: We did not imbibe. We headed towards the lights. They were excellent. M, however, pointed out that all the Osborne lights used to be in someone’s yard, which must have stunk for the neighbors.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07103.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07104.jpg Hidden kitty
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07105.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07107.jpg
Very brief video.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/th_wdwdec07113.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/?action=view&current=wdwdec07113.flv)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/th_wdwdec07112.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/?action=view&current=wdwdec07112.flv)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/th_wdwdec07110.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/?action=view&current=wdwdec07110.flv)

After that, we went on Star Tours. RnR made me fine, but Star Tours made me dizzy. :confused3 We then headed back. A bus showed up. It looked not full, but I was about the eighth person in line. Someone behind me asked, and the people in front of us said there was room, but they didn’t want to stand. Should you move over or something? I figured I’d rather stand on a bus than in line, so I hopped on. Someone gave up their seat for me, which was very nice, but being that I’m from Boston, made me momentarily wonder if I smelled or something. :rotfl: I went back to POFQ and had dinner there, which was a pizza and beignets. I don’t think Disney pizza is as bad as everyone says (and unlike my pizza at POR last year, it was sliced well); however, my mom pointed out later in the week that they used to have slices, which would seem to me to be easier and more economical. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07109.jpg

I then spent sometimes on the web-I know, you all are shocked. I also uploaded pictures and video, and began to wonder how I had any spare money while using film.

Next time: Is half-price Tonga toast as good?
*Just my opinion, in light of the recent EE tragedy please use good judgment. Thank you.
Chapter 7: Tonga Toast awaits! (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=22335383#post22335383)

[Hedy]

It's too early to start a pre-TR for my August trip, so I'll follow in the steps of many great trip reporters and start mini-trip reporting on here. Fear not, another update is coming.
However, a few things have occurred regarding my August trip (tripette?).
1. I have received permission to loook after the boys for a night while the brothers and SILs go out. So far, thoughts include such role modelish activities are getting a kitchen sink. :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:
2. I learned I have one more vacation day than I thought. This means the carried over day is actually two (unless I get unwaitlisted and get Monday off). Therefore, I could go Thursday-Sunday, instead of Friday-Sunday. However, I'd lose my bounceback discount, so we shall see.
3. Jet Blue flights came out. I could book now (but I'm not going to, as I'm waiting for the 7 month window to see if the rest of my party is going to be at BCV or change their dates).
I got Monday off (four day weekend! score!) so I'm sticking with my plans.
I'm glad to hear you booked a bounceback. Sounds like a great one, too! Especially with your plan to get a kitchen sink with your nephews. Me and DH gotta make more friends so we can order one of those one day...
Yepp, I'm thinking it's a good plan.
I've never eaten at Tusker House so it was awesome to see a detailed report on it. :thumbsup2 I think they recently "changed" it didn't they? I think it used to be counter service... :scratchin:
Yepp, used to be a counter service. Changed it, and moved the character breakfast there.

I hear you about Boma. :)

I like your kitty.

Thank you. For no apparent reason she started staring up with chimney in early December...maybe she's watched too many Holiday specials.

I used FF Miles to book United at exactly the 11 month window for Oct 08 trip. We're all nuts! :rotfl2:

I was telling my mom I was waiting until I saw if they got BCV, and she paused..."when will that be?" I forget she has a life. ;)

[jordanyosh]

Nice update.....:thumbsup2

[Hedy]

Day 4: Hotels/Epcot

Today’s morning spreadsheet was pretty open. It was my father’s death day, so I decided to do what I felt like doing. I got up, turned on Stacey* and pondered. I’d considered today as my MGM rope drop day, but there was nothing at MGM I was in the mood for at the time. I perused my Passporter, hoping to find an idea for an off day. I opened to my Tuesday page, and found out I had been considering breakfast at Captain Cook’s. Sounded good enough to me-I popped on my Eeyore polo and headed off to catch a bus to the MK. This bus driver was the most animated I had all week, and hysterical. We all loaded on, and as we progressed to POR, the bus driver said that POR is as big as the MK. Someone next to me exclaimed something that would get him points if he posted it here. The bus driver then made the pre-programmed “Please watch your language” announcement. He then segued into mimicking various character voices, and lecturing on his days at the WDW laundry facilities. It was hysterical. He also advised you remember the first restroom you see, as it’ll be the last one you see before you leave, and as you’re waiting for your bus you don’t want to hear “I hafta go bafwoom.” LOL, and true. I disembarked at the MK, and crossed over to the monorail station. On my way, I noticed the opening of the MK was taking place. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07114.jpg Contemporary. Someday I will have the monies to stay there. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07117.jpg

I headed over to the monorail. When I got on, the person near me was asking about my pins (I made the foolish mistake of researching pins before I went, and I developed a voracious appetite for hidden Mickey pins.) I interpreted it (it’s one of the License plate ones). We pulled into the Contemporary, and I chatted with another woman-she noticed my Heather on my shirt (her name was Heather as well), and I pointed out my Heather Tinkerbell pin. There was this adorable little 18 month old in his parent’s arms wearing this adorable Donald Duck costume at the end of the monorail line. Entire monorail car “aww…” Woman in car “His parents should be shot! It’s got to be 90 degrees today!” I couldn’t help snickering. I fully presume Donald’s parents would be popping him into shorts later.

We finally pulled into the Poly, and I got off the monorail. I considered pausing to look at the Christmas stuff, but I decided to follow the signs to Captain Cook’s-after all, who knows who else was in on $5 Tonga Toast action? Before I left, I had read on AG Princess’ report that she had gotten Tonga Toast at Captain Cook’s. A lightbulb went on over my head. I rushed over to the restaurant board to verify this: one could have the notorious Tonga Toast, sans meat, at a counter service price? Why was this not more popular? Kona press post? Pfft…you people and your coffee. Heather does not do coffee unless it has been fully sissified for her. I was very excited about this meal. However, Captain Cook’s was kind of hard to find. I guess they figure that, unlike we pedestrians who stay at the other PO resorts, those who stay at the Poly don’t really need CS. I found Captain Cooks and got my bearings. I ordered a Tonga Toast, no meat. I got a little confused with the pay and get your buzzer deal, but I got in line. There was a little girl, 5ish, in front of me doing the OMG-I-at-WDW-OMG face stare.
Hedy “I like your Pooh’s bow.” (it had a elastic on it)
Girl “Thanks. I-put-it-there-myself-pooh-has-two-ears-but I only-had-one.”
Hedy “I like your Ariel pen. Is Ariel your favorite?”
Girl “Yes.Ariel.Is.my.favorite.I.am.going.to.meet.Ariel .today.and.she.will.sign.my.book.in.green.pen! I’m saving my pen for Ariel.” Her dad turned to me and said something along the lines of “She’s excited.” I just smiled.

I paid for my toast, got my buzzer, and got my toast. I sat down, had took pictures of my toast. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07119.jpgAnd ate it. I prefer crispy French toast to slimey French toast, and this was crispy, and I liked the banana. Captain Cook’s is definitely a must-do.

After my meal, I strolled around Boutiki and the other shops. I wanted one of those red/green/jingle bell mickey scrunchies, but I didn’t see any. Actually. I originally wanted those hair things you get at the BBB, but they don’t sell them in red. :mad: What do they do for Ariels or Giselles? I took some pictures of gingerbread houses. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07120.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07121.jpg I paused to survey the Kona menu, and found out their Tonga Toast with meat was $10.99. I rest my case.

I boarded the monorail. I headed off the GF. I have no desire to stay at the GF, but I always go there at least once per trip. I looked at the gingerbread house and the tree. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07122.jpg
I also found where 1900 Park Fare was, as we were having breakfast there on Saturday. I bought a shingle, but it wasn’t very good-might have been the dark chocolate. I went up to the gift shop. I’d poked around Basin, but didn’t see anything (I’d been pondering picking a little something up for too-old-for-Disney (I know, I know) Dniece13, but didn’t see anything. I love the GF’s gift shops-I always get something there. I found my scrunchie, just in time for MVMCP. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07124.jpgI headed over to the monorail. I got in line. And waited. And waited. The woman in front of me turned to me and said something about how she thought the monorail people didn’t have to wait as long as bus people did. She was staying at ASSp. We laughed. My phone rang. It was Mom.
Mom: “Hi Dear, I have my rental car. It’s big. It’s a Chrysler 300.”
Heather: “Oh, that’s the new Concorde.” (Which we had in the late 90’s)
Mom: “It’s big.” We chatted about our plans for the day. The monorail came.

I took it to the TTC and changed for Epcot. I love how the Epcot monorail loops around Future World. I headed towards Test Track, once again the single rider line served me well. I noticed on this trip that I saw fewer people taking the single rider line and then clinging onto the ride partners, which made me happy. I got picked to hold a red tag again. While riding Test Track, I found myself pondering if it had an effect on my insistence that my new car I bought earlier this year have ABS. Hmm. Could it also be why I insisted on a non-US brand car? :rotfl: I traded with a Test track CM for a Luigi pin. I popped in Test Track’s gift shop-is it just me or did they used to have a lot more car stuff in this shop? I didn’t see anything for Sally the Versa (who has ABS ;) ). Also, can we discuss the lake of diversity in the Cars merchandise? I stopped every time I had the chance looking for Sally stuff for Sally (natch) or myself, or Guido (his favorite car) stuff for YoungestBrother, but couldn’t find anything. They had the Sally small car, which I already have, and a Luigi/Guido small car set, which seems silly to get a grown man, plus I figured I could get that off-property. I didn’t even see any Sally pins on any lanyards.


I then headed off to World Showcase. Since I wanted to take pictures, I took my camera case out of my string backpack and tied it onto a belt loop. I was trying to switch off my LL Bean bag and my String backpack as I have problems with my back and I thought switching bags might help me the way switching shoes help my feet. I had found, however, that with my backpack on my back I felt awkward swinging it around to get my camera. As I passed the tree, I saw a couple in LSU t-shirts having their picture by the tree. The woman had dark hair and a hot pink bagallini. Since SR Janet’s picture of herself included a red bagallini, I thought the color might be off, plus she had dark hair is from Lousiana. I stared a little more, surmised it was not SR Janet, and headed to Mexico. Somewhere in LA, there’s a couple talking about how this weird redhead in a Red Sox hat kept on staring at them. I rode the Tres Caballeros ride. I liked it more than I liked the old ride (although part of it was me being all “Oh, Xochimilco! A Donald boat!” which might have effected my opinion.) I got out, and reached for my camera. It had fallen out, but I got it back. :blush: I had wanted to stop and chat with those making the alebrijes, as I lived in Oaxaca, but I chickened out. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07134.jpgAs I strolled along, I ran into Snow White in Germany-she was an excellent Snow White. Belle’s my favorite princess (Ariel was until BATB came out), but Snow White was my first movie in the theatres, so I have a soft spot for her.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07137.jpgI enjoy how HSM is the US’ big cultural contribution…and Beckham, apparently. The Statue of Liberty Minnies they had the last time I was here were more après pos. I headed towards Morroco, and stopped there for lunch.

Up next: The two longest lines I stood in all week…and they aren’t where you’d think, and MVMCP. (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22482258&postcount=201)

*Sidenote-am I alone in loving Stacey-I mean, you can watch CNN anywhere, but where else can you get Stacey yapping her head off?

[jordanyosh]

I love Stacey. I play her non stop.....You're not at WDW unless you've got WDW TV on 24/7. I do occasionally try and catch the Weather Channel...

[Hedy]

I love Stacey. I play her non stop.....You're not at WDW unless you've got WDW TV on 24/7. I do occasionally try and catch the Weather Channel...

Same here!

[girlbomb]

There was a little girl, 5ish, in front of me doing the OMG-I-at-WDW-OMG face stare.
Hedy “I like your Pooh’s bow.” (it had a elastic on it)
Girl “Thanks. I-put-it-there-myself-pooh-has-two-ears-but I only-had-one.”
Hedy “I like your Ariel pen. Is Ariel your favorite?”
Girl “Yes.Ariel.Is.my.favorite.I.am.going.to.meet.Ariel .today.and.she.will.sign.my.book.in.green.pen! I’m saving my pen for Ariel.” Her dad turned to me and said something along the lines of “She’s excited.” I just smiled.


The "OMG-I'm-at-WDW-OMG" face is brilliant. I love seeing that face! :cloud9:

[KathyRN137]

Whew, I'm so glad that I'm all caught up with your report. I am now kind of kicking myself for cancelling my upcoming WDW weekend just cuz no one would/could go with me... I should've just gone solo!

(Too much Mommy-guilt.)

Enjoy being in your 20's!! :laughing: It doesn't last forever!!

So far you seem to be having a great time and having lots of fun; I'm really glad! :goodvibes

[marivaid]

Hey there Heather, I just found your TR and got so much to catch up on !!!
It's funny, we did almost the same things, but I got to WDW the day after you left :(

Going back to read some more :wave:

[Montana Disney Fan]

Whew, I'm so glad that I'm all caught up with your report. I am now kind of kicking myself for cancelling my upcoming WDW weekend just cuz no one would/could go with me... I should've just gone solo!


Solo = Gud. I've done three days solo now and they are GREAT! :thumbsup2

Welcome back Kathy. :)

[Hedy]

The "OMG-I'm-at-WDW-OMG" face is brilliant. I love seeing that face! :cloud9:
Me too! I felt bad, I think the dad was embarrassed, but it was soo priceless.
Whew, I'm so glad that I'm all caught up with your report. I am now kind of kicking myself for cancelling my upcoming WDW weekend just cuz no one would/could go with me... I should've just gone solo!

(Too much Mommy-guilt.)

Enjoy being in your 20's!! :laughing: It doesn't last forever!!

So far you seem to be having a great time and having lots of fun; I'm really glad! :goodvibes

Welcome back! You would have had fun, but now you can put the money towards another trip...or the renovation.

Hey there Heather, I just found your TR and got so much to catch up on !!!
It's funny, we did almost the same things, but I got to WDW the day after you left :(

Going back to read some more :wave:

Yeah, I was reviewing your December pre-trip, and was like, hmm, that sounds familiar. :rotfl: :rotfl:

Solo = Gud. I've done three days solo now and they are GREAT! :thumbsup2

Welcome back Kathy. :)

Solo=gud. Argeed.

[girlbomb]

popcorn::

Looking forward to reading more, when you get a chance...

[Hedy]

***Spoiler Alert**
By Tuesday, my feet were hurting a little, but I could cope. Then they started to itch. “Oh,” I say, “Must be Epcot rash.” A row of bumpy things confirmed my diagnosis. I slathered on a combo of calamine lotion and bendryl cream and was good. I made it through my tour on Wednesday morning. Wednesday afternoon, my arch was itching. Kept on happening (I apologize to those who I probably squicked out in line itching my feet on my shoes). Saturday I put my Callies on. I notice my left foot is bigger than my right. “Oh well,” I say, “probably just heat.” Later the week, after I got home I couldn’t get my boot off. As of New Year’s Eve, my foot was still large, so I went to the doctor. Apparently it’s an allergic reaction to something-md did not know what (I hope not WDW ;) ). She said my body seemed to be taking care of it, but put me on prednisone. I now have an almost normal-sized foot, but spent the past week in a Prednisone induced haze. Additionally, our cable modem died on Saturday, further delaying this update. So I apologize for the lack of updates.

Spoiler over

So as we left our heroine, I believe I was heading towards Morrocco, right? I decided to have lunch at the Tangerine Café. I had the vegetarian platter: couscous, lentil salad, hummous, and Olive salad. And a roll. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07139.jpg The couscous was good, both fresh and flavorful. The lentil salad was a bust. It was lentils plus mayonnaise. Bleh. Not good or gud. The tabboleh was fresh, though, the hummus was also good. The hummus was heavier on the chickpea flavor, as opposed to the garlic at Tusker House. Both were good though. The olive salad was also good, the roll was kind of a non-sequitor but was eatable. It was ok with this meal, I feel like there are other CS’ in Epcot that would be better (or one could just snack around the world). The restroom in Morrocco have flush handles, rather than being automatic-I feel like I hear enough stories of wee ones too scared to wee in the automatic ones that that info ought to be useful to someone.

I walked around WS some more, which is always fun. I headed towards Future World, where I passed Innoventions and decided to pop in. I stopped by the fire display, and saw people trying out a Segway and the robot exhibit. I got in line for the free Visa picture. I waited. And waited. The woman in front of me turned to double-check that this was the Disney Visa line. We moved a little. The woman in front of me got into her double stroller (her kids were off with an older sibling). We waited some more. The woman behind me verified this was the Disney Visa line. Yepp. I told her it was the longest line I’d waited in all week. She laughed in a “that’s funny because it’s true” kind of way. I decided to cut my losses and skip my free photo this trip. :sad:

real SSE spoiler
I headed down more of Future World and was heading out the gates when I saw…was it? Yes, it was! SSE was open! W00t! I excitedly clammered on. M had said she was under-whelmed, as was the whole Internet, but hey, there are people out there that liked 20K leagues under the Sea, so I wanted to see it. The opening seemed the same as ever. The scenes seemed slightly upgraded-like they were crisper and hipper. Rome burned the same as ever. We got to the Steve Jobs scene, and then the stink began. Judi Dench lectured about the promise of the future, and we were directed to our touch screens. We were asked a series of questions about our lifestyles, and then we saw our future on the screen. It was very cheesy, and felt dated already-kind of like the end of the Carousel of Progress. Very cheesy, back to the Future. I was not a fan. Michelle pointed out that it was akin to Horizons, which I guess it was. I just felt pretty disgusted with it, and unimpressed. I saw some Imagineers at the exit, but they didn’t stop me. Also, I know I’m a germaphobe, but the whole touch screen screams “Yay, lets share diseases!” to me. Not something I’d want to see at the end of the day. In short, I deeply hope they take the disgust the Internet is hitting them with and fix it-or at least make it stink less.
spoiler over
My Yuletide Fantasy tour was scheduled to leave from Guest Relations at Epcot the next morning, and I was a wee bit confused-there’s a guest relations window outside of the park, and one inside the park. As I am somewhat fastidious, I wanted to determine which Guest Relations window I was to be at the next morning. This was apparently a difficult question. Finally, a CM told me that it was the one outside the park. As I was heading to my bus, I yawned. A CM saw me and said “When you’re yawning, it’s time to go home.” LOL.

I rode the bus back to POFQ. I went back to my room, and changed into my Cinderella’s Castle t-shirt and stuck my Minnie Santa Hat in my bag, and headed off to the MK. I also had a message remining me of my tour the next morning. I had switched my backpack back to my LL Bean Bag. When I got to the bus stop, there was a large family (a Grand Gathering, perhaps?) all in matching red t-shirts and khaki bottoms. They looked very cute. There was also a family with two tweenage girls, one in a Tink Santa hat, one in a princess hat. They must have been to WDW in a previous year, as the tiara on the girl’s princess hat was of a higher quality than the tiaras on the 07 princess Santa hat. We waited for the bus. And waited. It was around four-ish then, so I don’t know if they were trying to reduce people-traffic to the MK in anticipation of MVMCP (to avoid people getting there and being kicked out if they weren’t going to the party) or what, but it was a long wait. Finally, a bus came up. I boarded, and exchanged pro-Red Sox pleasantries with the driver. We boarded the bus, and arrived at the MK. As expected, I was able to enter with just my MVMCP ticket, and I received a wristband. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07141.jpg Now, all through today I had been having the best death day I’d had-it wasn’t the lousy day at work I had in 06, nor heading home for the day that had occur in 05, but I started passing the flag retreat and whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa came the tears.

I headed to Pecos Bill to grab dinner. With MVMCP, the number of CS options you have is reduced, owing to the cookie and cocoa stations. I had therefore chosen Pecos Bill’s for this meal. I had really liked their Chicken salad without the Chicken last trip-it was a garden salad with jicama and cheese. I ordered it at their touch screen stands, and found it to be renamed the “Vegetarian salad.” Good enough, if less comic-sounding. I got my salad and sat down. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07144.jpg Ugh. It was an el cheapo garden salad with some cheese. First dining disappointment of the trip. It tasted like those old McDonald’s salads. I choked some down, then decided I had eaten enough healthy stuff today that I could just eat junk all evening. I headed to Mickey’s Toontown fair. I rode Goofy’s Barnstormer-it was cute, but I see no reason to do it again. I headed into meet the main mouse himself. Now, most character lines others don’t really seem to care I’m an adult alone-maybe I’m sufficiently polite, or behaved, or something. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07145.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07146.jpg However, both this trip and my last trip, I got odd glances in Toontown. I waited patiently. There was a father holding a toddler behind me. Wishes started. The father asked “What was the noise?” I couldn’t tell if he was asking or if he was try to distract his daughter, so I said “Fireworks,” but not too loudly. They met Mickey. I met Mickey. As always, the Toontown Mickey was very good. As I was leaving Mickey’s house, the father looked up and went “Oh, fireworks”. LOL.

I exited Toontown and headed to Tomorrowland. On my way, I was stopped by a family with two older sisters (12 and 15ish) and a brother maybe 5. The mother was wondering about whether the rides were doing MVMCP, as I was telling her they were, the younger sister pointed to my lanyard. “Ooh, James, look! She has a Cars pin!” “You don’t even know if she trades!” Chided the older one. “It’s ok.” I smiled. “James, would you like to trade for my Luigi pin?” James shook his head. They bounded off.

I headed onto Space Mountain. I rode it. I love SM something fiece, but have to admit DLR’s all in the dark version is a little more fun. I then headed over to the noodle station and got my free cocoa and cookies. I wasn’t wowed by the cocoa, but I loved the cookie. And I loved how the napkin said MVMCP. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07151.jpg I crossed Main St. to use the restroom near Casey’s. As I was headed over, a CM checked my wristband. After doing my thing, I got in line for popcorn, figuring I’d get a bucket and eat it while waiting for the Celebrate the Season stage show and the parade. I got in line. And waited. And waited. There were enough CM’s (at least as many CM’s as it appears to fit) and the popcorn was flowing. However, I was behind a father, grandfather and teenager. All were somewhat complainey, but not too annoying. Then the grandfather and teenager started rough housing. Wow, that’s a really smart thing to do when you’re in a crowded line. I found a spot along the fence near the entrance to Fantasyland. I figured I was better off with an obstructed view of both that to try to fight for a good view-I got better things to do in WDW than just sit on my bottom, you know? http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07149.jpg The show was excellent. Like Mickey’s Twas the Night, it reminded me of the Radio City Spectacular. I was very impressed. There was also a big costumed Raggedy Ann, Mom’s favorite doll.

After the show, people started shifting to parade spots. I stayed put (and scratched my feet). A member of the family next to me was outraged that someone had a good spot then got shoved out the way. We waited for the parade. I called Mom to tell her she missed a really big Raggedy Ann. Guy complained again. We waited. Parade starts. I start geeking out and being happy (I know that float from tv! And there’s Belle!) I loved the parade! Then…the guy who was complaining about people getting in his family’s way….got in my way. Yes, seriously. I was far too tempted to take a picture of his back to shame him all over the interwebs, but I did not. :snooty: The parade ended, and I was tired enough of the finding a place drama that I headed over to Fantasyland for the fireworks. I stopped at Pinnochio’s Village Haus, politely informed the CM I didn’t mind obstructed view fireworks, and put my gorilla pod to use. I commandeered a second chair, popped the Gorillapod on it, and set it up to take pictures. Worth its size in gold, my wee Gorilla pod was. I loved the fireworks. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07164.jpg

As I headed out of Fantasyland, I saw the dance party in Ariel’s grotto was starting, and would be featuring the Ladies Tremaine. The Disunplugged had mentioned these were good, so I stopped to watch it. The DJ was talking with the little kids. He starting playing. You have not seen adorable until you have seen a bunch of princess, BBB-ed up little girls rocking out to Hannah Montana. The ladies Tremaine arrived and were fabulous. I was cracking up the whole time. There was this too cool tweenage brother videotaping his little sister. Anastasia came up and started dancing with him-it was hysterical.

I headed on through Fantasyland, had a churro (I was underwhelmed by it) and headed through to Tomorrowland. I passed Santa Goofy’s party, but didn’t go in. I wanted to get a Photopass picture with the Castle, but I saw no Photopass photographers. I also wanted a balloon with snowflakes, but I also did not see a balloon vendor. I headed home to POFQ, as I had a tour bright and early the next morning.

All in all, I loved MVMCP, it was completely worth the ticket price. I really hope there’s a PPP when I’m in WDW in August.

Chapter 9 this way! (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=22550633#post22550633)

[jordanyosh]

Yeah...update:woohoo: :woohoo:

I enjoy Tangierine Cafe. It's a nice alternative to burgers and fries

I am not a fan of Pecos Bill's.

I agree w/ you about Space Mtn., although there is the intrigue of whether or not you'll actually survive SM at the MK......

[Hedy]

Yeah...update:woohoo: :woohoo:

I enjoy Tangierine Cafe. It's a nice alternative to burgers and fries

I am not a fan of Pecos Bill's.

I agree w/ you about Space Mtn., although there is the intrigue of whether or not you'll actually survive SM at the MK......
True, true.

[girlbomb]

I'm glad you were able to have such a good time on such a historically difficult day for you. :hug: And you make solo tripping seem like so much fun! Except...lentils and mayonnaise? :scared:

[Montana Disney Fan]

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc316/Raazorred/IMGP2477.jpg

I had the "meat" combo. :thumbsup2

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc316/Raazorred/IMGP2478.jpg

Here's the menu.


Great Pictures! I love the night shots.

[abbybeth]

I'm back, I'm caught up, I want to go to MVMCP!!!

Glad to here that your gorillapod came in handy - I just got one for Christmas :)

sorry to hear about Epcot rash ... it doesn't sound too fun. But I'm glad you're having such a good time. It seems really fun to do a solo trip.

[KathyRN137]

Ahhh, how I envy you! I want to do that Yuletide Fantasy Tour in the worst way! And the Castle must have been gorgeous, all dripping in icicle lights! :cloud9:

I definitely want to do the P&P Party if they have it in April; the MVMCP was so much fun! And imagine...a free Disney souvenir!! (Napkin) ;)

Post lots 'o pics of the tour, okay? Thanks!


Kathy

[Hedy]

Warning: These upcoming posts contain spoilers for the Yuletide Fantasy Tour. Don’t say you weren’t warned.

(Sidenote: I’m e-mailing this section to YoungestBrother and DisneyMSF, so narrative may seem a little choppy. Or less self-deprecating and sober).

I dressed myself in my “A Very Merry Unbirthday to Me” t-shirt. I got it through Vista Print and got the design from the DISign boards. I thought I was pretty clever, myself. I had decided to take a cab to Epcot, lest I be late. It cost less than $10. I went through security, which seemed stricter than usual-maybe the pistol packing grandma effected it? I found the tour sign, and made small talk with the people near me-there was a nice older couple who was up from Vero Beach, where they work at the DVC resort. We met our tour guides, who were from the Disney Institute (or at least wearing their shirts). Our guides were Alicia, who had been working at the UN, came down to WDW for a two week vacation and wound up staying, and Kris, who came down to Orlando for mediation training, went to casting for a part-time job so she could go to the parks free while doing the course, and stayed. Alicia and Kris handed out our headsets, which I thought was a good idea, and very Disney (rather than the hollering that’s occurred on non-Disney tours I’ve been on.) Our first stop was at the restrooms, another very Disney touch. ;) While we were standing around waiting, a woman came up to me, noticed my LGMH’s and said “You must be form the DISboards.” I smiled and told her that I was, I asked her her name, she said she’s ScrapperDW, but she mainly lurks. She was also going to Thursday’s Podcast meet, which I was missing.

We headed backstage, where we were reminded, yet again, not to take pictures backstage. We boarded a massive yellow Mears bus with a “Yuletide” card in the window. As we drove past the backside of The Seas with Nemo and Friends and The Land, Alicia told us of the myth surrounding Mistletoe. The Norse sun god, Baldar, dreamed he was going to die. He told his mother, Freyja, of this dream. Freyja begged the elements not to kill Baldar, but didn’t ask mistletoe not to kill him. Loki shot Baldar with a mistletoe arrow and he died. His death brought on winter, and Freyja’s tears turned into white berries. She deemed that all who walked below mistletoe would have a kiss, so mistletoe would be paired with love rather than death. Alicia then held the mistletoe over the head of a married couple and they kissed.

We pulled into a backstage area. There was a trailer (for CM’s, I presume), the Illuminations globe, and the double decker bus from the old Characters on Holiday attraction. I was kind of surprised to see the bus, given the Youtube video of the wand remnants. We crossed into World Showcase, and were admonished not to take pictures as WS wasn’t open for the day, and ergo was considered backstage. The walkway was still wet from power-washing. We were near Germany, and we were split up into two groups-I was with Kris’ group. Kris told us how the decorations were red and green because those are the colors used in Germany. Kris also explained how the US tradition of ornaments started in Germany-the German glass blowers made ornaments to decorate the traditional Christmas tree. The owner of Woolworth’s liked them, so he bought them and sent them to the US. We also learned about the tradition of the pickle. It’s a blown glass pickle that you hide on your tree. The first child to find the pickle gets an extra gift. We then moved onto the train in Germany. Kris pointed out that the train even has holiday decorations. She then told us the tradition of Christmas Carols started in Germany: there was a flood and the church flooded. The floods subsided, but there was a mouse in the organ. The cantor wanted a song for Christmas Eve Mass, so he commissioned something which could be sung with a guitar-the result was “Silent Night.” Kris commented that they at Disney like that story because…it all started with a mouse.

We then headed onto Italy. Kris explained that the colors of the Christmas Decorations in Italy are softer colors to reflect the fact that in Italy Christmas is more of a religious event. Kris also mentioned that the holiday storyteller in Italy is the Old Befana, and told us her story. The befana had the three wise men come to her door. They spent the night, and invited her to go see Jesus. She declined, and then felt badly about it, so she sweeps the floor and brings Italian candy on the Epiphany.

Our next stop was the American Adventure. We were supposed to go into the rotunda, but there was a meeting of Disney’s new program where wounded soldiers will be working at Disney to gain a civilian experience on their resume. I’m surprised I haven’t heard more about this program-it sounds pretty impressive. Kris pointed out all the poinsettias near the tree. She explained that poinsettias, called Cuitlaxochitl in the language of the Aztecs. They were introduced to the US by the ambassador to Mexico, Joel Roberts Pointsett, whom they were named after. We also stopped by the Kwanzaa storytelling station, and Alicia told us a bit about Kwanzaa and the Kinara (that’s the traditional candle display).

We then headed onto to Japan-there was a CM painting one of those bird house type things, which reminded me we were backstage and also struck me as being one of those Disney touches. Kris began to tell us about the history of the Daruma doll. These dolls were originally sold by Mitsukoshi. At the start of the new year, you make a wish while coloring in one pupil of your doll. When the wish comes true, you color in the other eye. If it doesn’t, you throw it out and try again next year. Kris commented that this was especially popular with Mitsukoshi. Kris also pointed out some straw ropes (shimekazari) that are placed over doorways for good luck. Kris told us about how last year she wished on her Daruma that she would be sent overseas on work for Disney. Lo and behold, she did a training in South Africa-she she said she was getting another Daruma this year. :
Onto part II (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22565817&postcount=212)

[Hedy]

Ahhh, how I envy you! I want to do that Yuletide Fantasy Tour in the worst way! And the Castle must have been gorgeous, all dripping in icicle lights! :cloud9:

I definitely want to do the P&P Party if they have it in April; the MVMCP was so much fun! And imagine...a free Disney souvenir!! (Napkin) ;)

Post lots 'o pics of the tour, okay? Thanks!


Kathy

I'll post pics when I could take them...I meant to back and get more WS pictures, but that didn't happen. Hang on, and I'll tell you how the get the MVMCP "$40 sugar cookie" for free-ish.

I'm back, I'm caught up, I want to go to MVMCP!!!

Glad to here that your gorillapod came in handy - I just got one for Christmas :)

sorry to hear about Epcot rash ... it doesn't sound too fun. But I'm glad you're having such a good time. It seems really fun to do a solo trip.

Ooh, did you get the blue one?

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc316/Raazorred/IMGP2477.jpg

I had the "meat" combo. :thumbsup2

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc316/Raazorred/IMGP2478.jpg

Here's the menu.


Great Pictures! I love the night shots.

Thanks!
I'm glad you were able to have such a good time on such a historically difficult day for you. :hug: And you make solo tripping seem like so much fun! Except...lentils and mayonnaise? :scared:

Yeah, I highly recommend solo trips.

[Montana Disney Fan]

We then headed onto Italy. Kris explained that the colors of the Christmas Decorations in Italy are softer colors to reflect the fact that in Italy Christmas is more of a religious event.

Really?! I had no idea. That's a great bit of trivia. Thanks.

Kris also mentioned that the holiday storyteller in Italy is the Old Befana, and told us her story. The befana had the three wise men come to her door. They spent the night, and invited her to go see Jesus. She declined, and then felt badly about it, so she sweeps the floor and brings Italian candy on the Epiphany.


More good info. This Kris is invited to join the Man-Clan whenever she wants to. Does she drink to much whiskey? If so, I'm already in love! ;)

[KathyRN137]

Yes, after reading about it, I am definitely taking this tour if I possibly can!
Hakuna Matata about the WS pics, just post whatcha did get!!

Kathy

[Hedy]

On the bus to MGM, Kris and Alicia discussed how the 1930’s and 1940’s were the heydays of Christmas movies. They then discussed things such as how the loss of copyright of It’s a Wonderful Life led to it becoming a tradition. We disembarked near the LMA stadium and talked about the lights. Alicia talked about how Jennings Osborne had had them at his house, and how they lights had begin to measure events in the Osborne family lights: for example, after their grandmother, Ga-ga, died, a tribute to her arrived in the lights. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07187.jpg Alicia also noted that this year the “Breezy+her spouse” heart, as well as her spouse’s stocking, were noticeably absent. Alicia also told us about the hidden kitty, as well as numerous hidden Mickeys. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07184.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07183.jpg She also gave us some information about the crèche, which is very pretty. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07188.jpg. The tour was great, but this section was taking place in between the Cars meet and the Power Ranger meet-can you say loud?

As we waited backstage for the coach, I noticed that there was a great angle of the Earful tower. I took out my camera, and Alicia yelled “No!” :blush: I wasn’t thinking about it being backstage. I sheepishly boarded our bus and we were off to the GF.

We saw the gingerbread house, with its gingerbread-scented smoke. Kris had talked on the bus about how the decorations at the GF are Victorian-ivory, roses, and birdcages. These themes are repeated in the tree at the GF. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07189.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07191.jpg

We hopped back on the bus, and were off to the piece to resistance-the backstage area where they hold the Christmas decorations. Christmas is the only holiday where the entire Resort is decorated. Let me tell you, just getting to see this area was amazing. In the 1980’s, it’s where they made the fast food they shipped out to the parks. We walked in, and, as the guy next to me said “It’s Home Depot.” Really that’s what it felt like-huge scaffolding holding boxes and boxes of decorations. Every aisle was neatly put together: resorts, parks, DTD. They were also labeled in each section: WL5, AK3. This is where they store the trees (as all of WDW’s trees have been fake since 1996). Kris pointed out balls among the boxes and boxes of ornaments. She commented on how they had a lot of those balls with the frilly stuff on them, and recounted how many times the frilly stuff breaks off. To combat this, WDW has one CM whose job it is to hot glue every frilly thing to the ball. The ornaments are held onto the trees via floral wire. There are 25 CM’s who work at the Christmas warehouse, and the largest wreath is on the Cirque tent. They also discussed how there is a holiday convention in Atlanta every year where designers get their decoration ideas. Kris also spoke to the challenges which these CM’s face: for example, this year customs would no longer allow rice straw for the shimekazari in Japan no be imported, so they had to find a suitable substitute.

We boarded the bus for our last stop-the MK. We disembarked backstage once again, and were greeted by Christmas music. Kris said they have that to get the CM’s in the Holiday mood. We entered the MK and Kris spoke about how the tree moves from up towards the castle when they tape the Christmas parade to where it generally is on Main St. USA. Apparently there’s also a decorating contest between the shop windows on either side of Main Street-this surprised me because I always thought window dressings were decreed by the Disney powers that be. We also saw the Santa hat in the hat shop’s window, which is the biggest hat on Disney property now that the Earful tower doesn’t have one amymore. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07194.jpg
We drove back to Epcot. On the way, Alicia discussed how Princess Victoria started the trend of having Christmas be a child-friendly holiday. They also discussed the history of Coca-Cola Holiday bottles and Santa-appartently Wal-Mart was carrying ornament-shaped bottles this year (I don’t know if they were a Wal-Mart or Southern exclusive, as I didn’t see them at any grocery stores or CVS when I got home). We also discussed family holiday traditions. One person was from Iceland, where they have 13 different santas that come to your house…and if you’re bad you get a potato. We drove back to Epcot, got our pin and were off.

The tour lasted three and a half hours, and was very good. My only suggestions would be to make it longer, as well felt kind of rushed at points, but I get its only a seasonal tour. Also, I thought it was poor timing that we were looking at the lights while a Power Rangers meet and greet was going on. Also, the tour started before 9 and ended at 12:30. I had a 2 pm ADR at Planet Hollywood, but if you didn’t, your eating options were kind of limited-you’d either need to use your park pass to go into Epcot, or drive or take Disney transport somewhere else for food. Whereas if they’d let us off at the MK, you have five resorts right there people could grab food at, and drivers could take Disney transport back to the Epcot parking lot. I signed up to be e-mailed an evaluation form, but I think my Spam filter ate it.

Up next: Planet Hollywood, DTD, PI, and..another tour, maybe?

Onwards and upwards (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=22584065#post22584065)

[abbybeth]

The tour does sound fun - it would be great to see the storage/backstage areas.

And yes, my little Gorillapod IS blue!! ;)

[Hedy]

I had toyed with the idea of taking the bus from Epcot to another resort, as I saw the Port Orleans bus driving away just as I got in line. I decided to stay, though, as I figured having both the boat and bus to DTD would balance out the potential wait. There was a couple that had taken the tour with me, and we chatted while waiting. The bus pulled up, and the couple got one (the wife was in an ECV, so it took a bit). Another woman showed up and the bus driver remarked “Thank her [in the ecv], otherwise we’d be gone.” Ever notice how DISers whine about how long tying chairs up take, and supposed ECV abuse, but never say “Dude, because there was an ECV on the bus, I made a bus?”

We got to POFQ. I had debated stopping back at my room, but when I was walking to my building (it was right next to the dock) the boat was there. We boated down to DTD. The pilot spoke about how due to the combination of the ADA and wetlife conservation, the treehouse villas are now International program housing. He said something along the lines of “Since college students aren’t disabled,” which struck me as being a pretty messed up thing to say. He also pointed out how the leaves color the water and the birds who were waiting for lunch. We arrived at the dock near Rainforest Café and disembarked. I admired the decorations (and laughed at the kids avoiding Stitch’s spit), and then walked over to Planet Hollywood. On the way, I passed the Dinosaur restaurant-I thought it was opening Summer 08, so I was kind of bummed that it said Fall 08. ; ( Then again, the fact that I’m 23 and think that it sounds like fun and says something about me. I glanced quickly in Cooke’s of Dublin and then headed onto Planet Hollywood.

Now, this may be the most controversial statement I’ve made on the Internet in some time, but I love Planet Hollywood. There-I said it. I’ve been to the ones in San Francisco (start of the obsession back in 98), Las Vegas (x3, and I’m planning to stay there when I go this year), Baltimore (just stopped in, didn’t eat, too busy), Montreal, Toronto, New York (both locations old x1, new x3), and Orlando. I even got the parents to bring me back a PH Paris shirt when they went there for their 25th anniversary. It’s the restaurant I eat at solo most frequently (both in Orlando, and at the one in NYC), and the waitperson consistently rocks at service. However, I’d heard that once you tell them you have the $15 package coupon, your service goes down. My waiter asked if I had any coupons or discounts, and I said I had the $15 coupon. I wanted to look at the menu. I knew I was ordering the Pasta Pomodoro, but it was $14.95, but as my coupon was for $15, I decided to order a drink to bump it up. I’d been able to get a booze drink with my Entertainment Book coupon in NYC in September, but as that’s technically not supposed to happen, I ordered a smoothie. I wandered the restaurant while waiting for my food. My meal was fabulous as always. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07195.jpg I opted out of dessert, as I wanted to try Ghiradeli for dessert (however, I did then remember that I forgot to print my $1 off coupon before I left home). All in all, the food and service at Planet Hollywood was excellent, although, as I joked on the phone with Mom later, there may be a sign in all Planet Hollywoods saying “This woman will order pasta pomodoro and wander the restaurant, treat her well and she tips well.”

I walked over towards West Side. I’d been toying with the concept of going to Disney Quest, especially as word on the street is that its days are number. However, as it had occurred to me that I wasn’t using a park pass today, I decided to add no expiration, and I decided I’d rather save it for a future trip. I headed towards the Virgin Megastars, and the Candy Cauldron, when I saw a DVC kiosk.

Now, I’d been eyeing the DVC kiosks all trip. I’d been considering doing it out of sheerest curiosity, and when WDW Poly Princess reported that she got a $100 gift card for being “referred,” I figured it was worth a shot. Then YoungestBrother and DisneyMSF did the tour (after they bought at AKV) in October, and reported they had gotten Instant Fastpasses. On the way home from seeing them, Mom commented that “I don’t have time to do it, but you do, since you’ll be there for a long time.” Now, there are those of you out there who have mothers or are mothers. You know what it mean when a aren’t says that. So, I figured if the opportunity stuck, I’d do the tour. So I stopped and talked with the guy.

“Yeah I’d be interested.”
“If you do it, we’ll give you an instant fastpass.”
“Ok…” I hoped he’d up the ante.
“And free ice-cream if you’re good.” I gave him YoungestBrother’s name, and their guide was in. The guy who golf-carted me over there and I chatted about my t-shirt. They let me into the member area. I loved the Disney Mt. Rushmore. I received a “Heather” nametag and they let me among the free food. Tragically, I did not bring any ziplock baggies, nor did I feel comfortable taking pictures. However, I saw that in addition to coffee, water and lemonade, they had the very same red and green sprinkled sugar cookies that are served at MVMCP. A guide came for another family, and the kids were offered the option of the kids room, but elected to stay with their parents. What the chew toy is wrong with kids today? Hmm…fun vs boring timeshare presentation. I met with Humberto, who was YoungestBrother and DisneyMSF’s guide. He asked where I was interested in buying. “Boardwalk.”
“Boardwalk? You’re paying more for less years.”
“It’s where I want to stay.”
“All right, I’ll see what I have available.” We toured the rooms. I was impressed with the size of the studio, and the one/two bedroom, but gosh, the grand villa is amazing. I saw both the AKV and SSR versions. He then left me to explore the pool area (beautiful) and food court area of SSR. We met, he gave me the book, the Fastpasses, and the payment sheet (less than a car payment la la la). I got my ice cream, and headed back to DTD. If you’re considering DVC, or just curious, I highly recommend the tour.

Having had ice cream, I decided to skip Ghiradeli. I headed on into WoD. I wanted antenna toppers, a license plate frame, something for my mom’s friend’s grandbaby-to-be, and possibly a t-shirt. I had $50 in Disney Dollars as an early birthday present from MiddleBrother, DSIL, Elder and YoungerNephews. I was under strict orders from DSIL to spend it on myself…not on the boys. My response to her was vague enough. I would spend it on me, I just wouldn’t not buy the boys anything. I found the selection of antenna toppers paltry, but at least they were 30% off. I was disappointed in the license plate holder-it was plastic, and I don’t fancy its chances in the New England snow. I got the baby-to-be a plush Tigger that rattles. This was my first trip to WoD since it was redone-I liked the princess room and the pirate room. I thought the BBB looked cute-I really don’t get the people who think it’s creepy. I do, however wish I had a little girl I could take there-maybe a great-niece someday? Outside of WoD, they were making a sand picture in celebration of National Treasure II. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07199.jpg

I then headed onto the Once Upon a Toy Store. I didn’t see anything too interesting. I liked their tree. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07202.jpg I stopped in the 10 and under store-nothing in the 4 for $10 jumped at me, though I did explain to a lady how it worked. I got a photo album for $5.99, I was kind of bummed I didn’t see another 2 for $10 thing I liked. Oh well. I am kind of disappointed that Disney Tails appears to be disappointing, although they still have the front Display up. It was getting late, so I headed over to Earl of Sandwich. I had my Caprese with my Earl lemonade, which was very good. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07203.jpg I headed onto Goofy’s candy kitchen, where I got a Vanilla fudge cookie dipped in milk chocolate, with Reese’s Pieces and M&M’s. Mmm. I loved it. I ate about half of it, and saved the rest. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07204.jpg

I browsed in Arribas brothers-I was hoping for an “adult” Disney necklace, but didn’t see any. I likd the Mickey tiara, though. I stopped in Basin and didn’t see anything. After a quick call to Mom to try to finalize plans for tomorrow, I headed onto PI. The Adventuer’s Club was supposed to open at 7. I waited on the bench. 7 came. According to Pleasure Island radio, it was family night at the Adventurer’s Club and it had started. It opened around 7:15. I grabbed a Kungaloosh (which was quite good), and waited for the show to start. There was a guy who spent the entire time until the show started whining to his girlfriend about how much cooler Jekyll and Hyde in NYC is. There was a family with a baby, and a girl who looked about 13, but there were a couple of other young kids there. Then the show started, and it was hysterical. However, through out the night, the cast was saying things that made me wonder if they are on board with family night. Anyway, there was this one woman who kept on kind of “over pushing” the cast, then when Hataway Brown came out there was joking about it being his baby. Then we got the whole story-it’s loud lady’s grandkid, her 17 year old daughter’s kid (I thought she was 13, she looked it)! Dude, by the end of the night we knew her whole story. I don’t like to judge, but if an entire room of strangers knows your whole story (she’s a CM, her DD lives in a different state, she’s only 40, blah blah blah) after 1 hour, family therapy might be a better choice than Pleasure Island. However, the show was fabulous. I took the bus back to POFQ, and cleaned off the trip organizer, I mean what would be Mom’s bed.

[b] Up next….Mom arrives Passporter saves the day, and….a meeting with the Dream Team, perhaps?[b]

[Hedy]

The tour does sound fun - it would be great to see the storage/backstage areas.

And yes, my little Gorillapod IS blue!! ;)

I;m jealous-I bought mine (and my SIL's) before they were available in color.

Yes, after reading about it, I am definitely taking this tour if I possibly can!
Hakuna Matata about the WS pics, just post whatcha did get!!

Kathy
Done!
Really?! I had no idea. That's a great bit of trivia. Thanks.



More good info. This Kris is invited to join the Man-Clan whenever she wants to. Does she drink to much whiskey? If so, I'm already in love! ;)
She was a really cool tour guide-she's ex-Navy, so she told some anecdotes about when she lived in Japan.

[Montana Disney Fan]

Thanks for the Tour tips. My sister and I talked about going on this when we there in December but time was too short.

I love Planet Hollywood also!! :banana:

I'm not ashamed!! :blush:

Earl of Sandwich gets my nod as best sandwhich in WDW. :thumbsup2

[OhioTony]

Can't wait to hear your report on Tusker House to see if it meshed with ours!
I always like to check to see if we are either super positive or negative compared to others. You know , to keep our opinions in check!

[OhioTony]

Okay, still catching up.......
Yes we agree about Tusker House, good but too expensive for lunch.


Now a question..
Your picture of the Contemporary reminded me to ask. What is being built beside the Contemporary? I have asked a couple of people and they had not a clue. How can something be being built at DW and noone know what it is?:confused3

Off to read more....
Lynn

[Hedy]

Okay, still catching up.......
Yes we agree about Tusker House, good but too expensive for lunch.


Now a question..
Your picture of the Contemporary reminded me to ask. What is being built beside the Contemporary? I have asked a couple of people and they had not a clue. How can something be being built at DW and noone know what it is?:confused3

Off to read more....
Lynn

I'm glad you asked, Lynn. I asked my DVC guide that on my tour, He told me...it is going to be a Super-Walmart. You heard it here first. ::yes::


:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Word on the DIS is that it's either DVC or family suites.

[Hedy]

Attention those of you who listed to the DIS unplugged:
An e-mail from me will be read on next week's e-mail show.

:cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

[caitty13]

Attention those of you who listed to the DIS unplugged:
An e-mail from me will be read on next week's e-mail show.

:cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

Very Cool! :banana: :thumbsup2

[jordanyosh]

Nice update....I bet people are waiting for the Contemporary DVC's sales to start. Those will be gone fast.

I, too, am bummed that the Disney Tail's selection has greatly decreased. I just don't think they gave it enough time to develop a name for itself.:confused3

Mmm...caprese anything....:thumbsup2 salad, sandwich..whatever...I'm game.

[Montana Disney Fan]

Nice update....I bet people are waiting for the Contemporary DVC's sales to start. Those will be gone fast.

I, too, am bummed that the Disney Tail's selection has greatly decreased. I just don't think they gave it enough time to develop a name for itself.:confused3

Mmm...caprese anything....:thumbsup2 salad, sandwich..whatever...I'm game.


J, LtP and I are looking at Grand California DVC when we're down there. We'll probably buy in. DVC is a great value for our style of vacations.

[girlbomb]

Great updates! The Christmas tour sounds awesome -- even the DVC tour sounds like fun. Thanks for investing the time and reporting back!

[jordanyosh]

Found this on page 3.........

[disneygirlinnj]

great updates so far! finally got a chance to catch up!

[Hedy]

Chapter 12: EMH and I see the Dream Team

I awoke to Ashley Tisdale singing "Last Christmas," followed by Stitch. I packed up my bag, and headed off to the bus stop. I had spoken with the desk the night before regarding mom's arrival:
"I have a guest on the reservation coming tomorrow who won't have her room key. If she shows ID at the desk, will she be ok to be let in?" I had been assured she would be. I didn't know Mom's exact time for leaving-she'd said she hoped to get to POFQ noon-ish, but I figured she could entertain herself at POFQ.

I arrived at the MK and waited for rope drop. I started up a conversation with a family going to MVMCP that night-I told them how good it was, and I had my map in my bag, which I offered to them. we got a list of open attractions. I started on Buzz. I love Buzz Lightyear-I guess this goes back to my Pixar soapboxing, but I loved Dream Flight (I also used to love Delta, but that's another story for another day), but even though I miss Dream Flight, I love Buzz. My score was ok, in the 12K range, not great. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07206.jpg

I then headed off to Fantasyland. I love Peter Pan's Flight, I then headed onto Cinderella's Golden Carousel-it was cute, but not something I'd jump up to spend WDW time again. I did, however, have a fun chat with the little girl with a Jasmine doll next to me. I then decided to try Snow White's Scary Adventures-I spent the entire time I was nine on it burying my head in my dad's lap, and haven't tried it since. I also was a little scared of Pirates and HM then, though, so I figured I might as well try it again. I was in the front of the car. Ick. I wasn't scared, but it just seemed dull...and too creepy for wee ones-I'm surprised parents let their kids ride it. I think I'll wait another 14 years before going on it again, at least. I went on Winnie the Pooh-I love Eeyore, and I love this ride. It did stop a couple of times, though.

At this time, EMH were over, and I headed over to the MK bakery to grab breakfast-I wanted to try the famous french toast loaf. As I was in line, a person pointed out my LGMH to his companions and explained it was a DIS "secret symbol," but when I turned to ask him about it, he seemed embarrassed. I didn't like the French Toast loaf-too slimey for me, but if you like slimey french toast it's flavorful and fairly cheap. I saw the Dream Along With Mickey show-I liked it. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07222.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07213.jpg I then headed over to ride BTMRR. However, the wait was 20 minutes, where as the FP was for a half hour later. I figured I'd be better off getting an FP and going onto the HM instead of waiting in line. This would turn out to be a very good decision. On the way back to Liberty Square, I saw a family with two kids dressed up as Woody and Jessie, who had just met Woody and Jessie. They were adorable.

I rode HM, picked up my hitchhiking ghost, and headed over to BTMRR. I saw the Dream Team going to BTMRR's exit. "Rats," I thought, "just missed them." I rode BTMRR, which I love. I didn't share a car with anyone this time, thereby avoiding the awkward getting thrown on someone you don't know event that can happen. I disembarked, and headed out to the sun, planning to get a quick lunch at Cosmic Ray's before heading back to POFQ to get Mom. At this point I saw a Dream Team member waiting at the next turn "Have you heard of Disney's Year of a Million dreams?" "Yes?" "As part of that, you have won a Dream Fastpass for the Magic Kingdom today!" I began thanking both that Dream Team member and the one who gave me my Fastpass as if they had given my an Oscar. I took my Fastpass and put it around my neck. See-MKers, I won a FastPass. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07226.jpg

I gloated over to Cosmic Ray's, where I waited in line for my Boca Burger and coke. While in line, a father was bickering with his tweenage son over how ordering at WDW CS works. The son was right, but I don't think the father needed to hear that. I got my Boca burger and cokenoiceplease, and made my way to the toppings bar. Ketchup and relish later, I was good. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07227.jpg I sat down and took out my phone. I figured I'd call Mom after I ate. As I started eating my burger, my phone rang. It was Mom. She was approaching Orlando, and thought she'd get there in about an hour and a half, plus she needed gas for her rental. I told her I'd probably be at the MK a bit longer due to my Dream FP, if that was ok. It was. I finished lunch, and started seeking a CM, as I wanted a picture with my FP in one piece. I saw a custodial CM, and asked him. I noticed his nametag said a community college near where I live. "Which Massasoit do you go to?" I asked "The one in Massachusetts." We determined he goes to the branch further from my house, my still-small world. Picture taken, I strode off to Space Mountain. I was chosen to be a line card person again. I rode SM-and survived. I then went on Buzz again and got a better score. I then headed over to Winnie the Pooh, which stopped again, and Peter Pan's Flight. As I was getting off Peter Pan's Flight, I saw a Dream Team member, but she didn't give me anything. I decided to stick around, though, because I'm nosy like that. They had a big duffle bag, and were giving out Dream Ears about 10 people after me. I'd already gotten a Dream, so I was cool. It must stink to be on the Dream Team, though-every time I saw one I looked at then like they were a delicious Dole Whip or something, and I doubt I'm the only one. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07228.jpg

I deiced to head back to POFQ. As I was walking through Liberty Square, my phone rang and it was Mom. She'd gotten to POFQ, and was going to go get gas and come back. On my way out of the park, I was stopped by a survey person and I took a survey on food at WDW. I wish I'd had a more exciting meal-a boca burger's a boca burger, but it was easy, convenient and vegetarian friendly. I got my bus and headed back to POFQ.

I walked over to Building 2, and Mom was waiting outside our room. We got her stuff inside, I acquainted her with the towel animals, and she told me her problem. She was returning her rental car to the hotel formerly known as the Grosvner, but didn't have directions to get there. She had called Dollar, but they weren't much help. She tried calling POFQ concierge, but they didn't know. I decided to, just for the heck of it, pull out my Passporter. There it was, on the flap, take that road to Disney vacation club way, and turn. Easy. We figured it was worth a shot-if we at least got to the DTD hotel area, we could ask for the Royal sun resort. We headed out to Mom's car. Dear lord, the thing was gigantic. According Mom, it was either that or an SUV. When we got in the car, Mom told me the story of her saga of her luggage.
She flew from Boston to Miami, then from Miami to Key West. When she got to Key West, her luggage was not there. She contacted the airline, and they said they'd have it on the next flight. So it kind of stunk, b/c of her luggage restrictions shed checked pretty much everything. So she waited for her luggage to arrive on Sunday. It didn't. At that point, she was on the phone with a friend of hers, who asked if she had travel insurance. She said she did. She called travel guard, and as it had been over 24 hours, she had a $100 cloting allowance. Also, they'd start nagging the airline. So she hit up Fresh Produce, turns out her luggage was in St. Thomas (where her flight went after Miami). They finally got it to her on Monday, but yipes. Remember when I told you about the phone conversation that be on the test? Yeah, don't you think she would have mentioned that? Now, as those of you on the Resorts/Budget/TPAS boards know, I'm a very strong proponent of travel insurance, and i think this is a perfect example why.

Anyway, Mom drove the massive 300 to the Royal Sun Resort. We parked the rental, and went inside. Mom turned in the keys, and I gave the mileage. We had been planning on walking to DTD and bussing it to the Beach Club, but instead we took the shuttle to Beach Club. We waited about 30 minutes for the shuttle-Mom called my godmother, who was sick. :( The shuttle arrived, and we were off to the Beach Club...

[jordanyosh]

Cool. An update and a dream.:thumbsup2

Did you like POFQ?

[DisneyGolfer]

Great report. I am caught up. Thank you for posting!! :cool1:

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

:woohoo: Dream fastpasses! How lucky!

My biggest fear about flying is losing my luggage. Glad your mom got it all back alright.

[Montana Disney Fan]

Oh man! LUCKY!!!!! That's sooo cool. What a great day!

[abbybeth]

DREAM FASTPASS! NICE :cool1: :banana: :cool1: Sounds like you had an awesomely productive morning. We never made rope drop while we were there, so that's something I'd like to catch at some point :) We've also not caught the Pooh or Buzz rides - on "the list" for next time ...

[Hedy]

DREAM FASTPASS! NICE :cool1: :banana: :cool1: Sounds like you had an awesomely productive morning. We never made rope drop while we were there, so that's something I'd like to catch at some point :) We've also not caught the Pooh or Buzz rides - on "the list" for next time ...
Rope drop makes SUCH a difference. Is there a cheerleading thread for your dad anywhere? :cheer2: :laundy:

Oh man! LUCKY!!!!! That's sooo cool. What a great day!
I was thrilled.
:woohoo: Dream fastpasses! How lucky!

My biggest fear about flying is losing my luggage. Glad your mom got it all back alright.
Yeah, it stunk that it was on a trip that everything kept moving for, but at least she got it.
Great report. I am caught up. Thank you for posting!! :cool1:
You're welcome!
Cool. An update and a dream.:thumbsup2

Did you like POFQ?


I loved POFQ-it's a great size, transport issues were minimal, and it's a good distance from the parks.

Speaking of transporation, I was in Chicago last weekend-after waiting 45 minutes for a bus in -16 degrees, I am never complaining about a WDW bus wait again.

[abbybeth]

Rope drop makes SUCH a difference. Is there a cheerleading thread for your dad anywhere? :cheer2: :laundy:


not yet .... but I think I need to start one - get some encouragement going his way ....

[disneygirlinnj]

yay for the dream fastpasses! we saw so many people with them but never got anything! :)

[Hedy]

We stopped to admire the Beach Club's Christmas Decorations. We walked through the Beach Club, and towards the International Gateway. We entered, and debated when to stroll through the WS or FW-I figured since we had a 7 pm ADR at Le Cellier, we should start at FW and work our way around. We walked by Off Kilter-I pointed them out to mom, as I got MiddleBrother their CD for his birthday in October. We headed thorough the archway, and after I confirmed with Mom that she did not want to go on Soarin', we stopped at Club Station Cool. I advised her not to try the Beverly, advising her it was bitter. She tried the Fanta, and I had Manzana Lift. I stopped to look to see if they had a little Cherry Coke something for ElderNephew, as I'd opted out of getting them surprise bags. As I turned back, I saw Mom getting another cup and getting herself some Beverly. "Mom!" I said. "I like bitter things," she said. She took a sip, made a face, and chucked it in the trash. I think she learned her lesson. She wanted a snack, so I suggested we go on Figment, then head over to the land. She hasn't been on the new Figment-they were re-doing it in 2002-so she was excited. She liked
it. We stopped by the picture taking kiosk, but none were available, so we conducted music with Figment and headed to the Land.

The plan was for Mom to get a snack, then ride Living with the Land.We went to Sunshine Seasons (I'd pointed out we'd seen it on Food Network). Stir fry? Baked good? Salad? She decided on a pickle.We sat down, she ate her pickle, and we headed onto living with the land. She liked it, as she always does. We then headed off to World Showcase.

We started off in Mexico-I pointed out the alebrijes, but in the interest of politeness did not comment on the mark-up. We boarded Tres Caballeros. Mom liked it. We then played in the market-she suggested we get Belle a small sombrero. ;) WE left Mexico and headed onto China. We waved to Donald. As we are in agreement over the annoyance of standy-movies, we just looked at the puppet cart, and headed onwards. We passed Germany, and headed towards Italy. "Want to go in Italy?" I asked. "What's there?" Mom asked. "Chocolate, wine sampling." "Ooh, wine samples!" Mom replied. We went in-I noticed the Rose Regale* sign was not up. I asked about it, the nice guy got out a glass, but I wanted to see what Mom got. She elected a red wine-but then was surprised when she had to pay for it. "Where I come from, samples means it's free." She enjoyed her wine, though,
and we headed further along the WS. In America, we passed the hordes leaving Candlelight Processional-I'd explained to her why we weren't going to wait for it, but the hordes confirmed it. We stopped in the store in Japan-she looked at some glasses cases, but they were out of her price range. We headed out into the dark and stopped in France. We debated getting stuffed Remys for the boys' stockings, but decided against it. Mom then pointed out a small stuffed Marie for me. (Story I forgot to mention during my DTD excursion: when I was in WoD in NYC in July, I saw a place where you could dress stuffed animals, including Figaro-I love Figaro (Isabelle's full name is Isabelle Megan Priscilla Figaro Lastname). I figured I'd wait to get at WoD in DTD. But when I went to get it, it didn't seem like a $13 stuffed animal). Anyway, this was the sibling Marie, so I declined it. We poked around the shop some more and headed towards Canada.

We checked in at Le Cellier, were told they were running behind schedule, and we opted to wait outside. We saw people leaving, so we decided to try waiting inside. One of the waiters noticed my Mt. Rainer 2010 t-shirt, and Mom chatted with him about her trip last summer. We sat down on a bench, and I talked with another Canadian CM about my license plate pins. A family with two daughters (about 11 and 8 I'd say) walked it. The younger one was holding a candy by Miyuki. We talked about that, and then the older sister announced that she had one made by Miyuki as well, but she ate it. The older sister seemed quite puzzled that her little sister would not let her eat her candy. Candy family was seated, and a family with a baby took their place. The podium people offered the family some Stitch stickers to keep the baby entertained. The little boy on the bench next to me turned to me and said "He's lucky, he got stickers." "Do you like Stitch?" "Not really, I like Mickey." "Did you go on Everest?" I asked, noticing his t-shirt. "Yeah, it went fast! I'm celebrating my birthday tonight!" We were then seated.

Our server was Patrick, but he was wearing his brother Brendan's nametag. My first question was if they still had the chocolate moose-which they did. I wanted to try Ice Wine, so I ordered the cheapest kind, and Mom ordered some white wine. Patrick came back and said they were out of that Ice Wine, but offered me a sample of a Riesling that was similar. I wasn't a fan, and I didn't want to spend $17 on a glass of wine, so I ordered a Glowtini. Let me tell you, if you want table envy directed towards you, order this drink. It's glowing and good (plus, you can keep your cube). http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07230.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07231.jpg (please excuse my horrible nails in the second picture-I don't take polish on vacation, and my nails were peeling with all the pinning/unpinning I was doing). I ordered the Heirloom Squash Ravioli - topped with roasted chanterelle mushrooms and finished with brown butter and smoked paprika oil sans mushrooms, and my mom ordered the Seared King Salmon - served over butternut squash risotto with maple butter and pecan vinaigrette. Patrick brought us the breadsticks, and yes, the pretzel breadstick is as good as everyone says it is. My ravioli came topped with watercress, and it was amazing-I think it was the best skin on a ravioli I've ever had. The squash inside was good, too. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07232.jpg My mom raved about her salmon, and she loves salmon, so it had a lot of other salmon dishes to live up to. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07234.jpg I also ordered a side of the cream cheese mashed potatooes, and they were creamy and flavorful. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07233.jpg Mom was too full for dessert, but I ordered the chocolate moose-it was good moose and tasty cookies, although Patrick called me a "vicious lass" for eating its eyes last. ;) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07235.jpg Patrick also recommended a viewing area for Illuminations near the store in the Canada pavilion. We stopped in the store and got a reindeer ornament for our tree, and a stuffed seal and lobster for the boys' stockings (include obligatory "here is your lobster, go to sleep" joke here for those of you who listen to the Podcast). We watched Illuminations from Patrick's area and it was great. We then joined the hoards and headed back to POFQ, where Mom unpacked and we readied ourselves for another day.

*I e-mailed the company, and found out there's a place that sells the divine stuff 30 minutes away. A bottle (a big one, for the price of a little one at Epcot) now sits in our closet-I'm planning on breakingit out during my birthday festivities.

[Montana Disney Fan]

Your glowtini looked scrumptious. Oh, and the food looked good also.

$17 for a GLASS of wine!

Last time we ate there we both had a glass of red wine and it wasn't on the bill at the end. I asked the server about it and she informed us that they took it off because they were late seating us.

Maybe you should have inquired about free drinks also. :confused3

[Hedy]

Your glowtini looked scrumptious. Oh, and the food looked good also.

$17 for a GLASS of wine!

Last time we ate there we both had a glass of red wine and it wasn't on the bill at the end. I asked the server about it and she informed us that they took it off because they were late seating us.

Maybe you should have inquired about free drinks also. :confused3

Hmm...maybe I should have.

Update on the pre-TR within a pre-TR-DisneyMSF got BCV, so they're staying there, and the dates are good. Ergo, tomorrow I'm requesting that Friday off. w00t. After that I will book my flight. :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

The plan for the night of a million dreams is to take them to 50's prime time, then hang out in MGM.

[jordanyosh]

That Glowtini is making me thirsty and that ravioli is making me hungry....

Your tour around WS sounds like it was fun. I like that you had conversations w/ complete strangers while waiting at Le Cellier. WDW does that to you.

[disneygirlinnj]

Le Celier sounds awesome! :) Can't wait to try it when I go!

[NMAmy]

Hedy, my friend, I am deeply ashamed that I have gotten so behind in my trip report reading that I am just catching up with this today. But I do want to thank you for a very entertaining morning!

And I even got a shout out in your very first post! :thumbsup2 I also got a Gorilla pod for Christmas from my SIL--I'd never seen one before but she knows I love using my camera.

I'm so excited that you got a Dream FastPass! :cheer2: We got one at the MK last year and I don't think I was every happier about winning anything.

I'm all caught up now and anxiously awaiting more installments!

[Hedy]

Day 7
We had a wake up call. I’d been hoping to get to MK at rope drop, but Mom was tired (who could blame her, after her whirlwind trips earlier in the week). We helped ourselves to water from our Staples pack. We headed off to the Float Factory to grab Beignets-Mom opted not to get a refillable mug, as she’d only use it today, so she grabbed a cup of Nescafe, while I filled my mug. We each had beignets-she agreed that they were lighter than the ones at the Big E, but she liked them. We headed off to the bus stop.

We got to the MK and decided to start at the Jungle Cruise-mom loves it. I kind of feel like it’s dated (gasp, horror), and honestly, when you can see real hippos not that far from MK, I just can’t get ecited over it. I did, however, get pwned by our skipper-he did the backside of water bit, then asked if anyone had heard the joke before. I raised my hand, and he said “That’s good, because you’re about to have water all over your backside.” Yepp-I got wet. A little boy, maybe 3, was picked to steer the boat. He was clutching a disposable camera while steering-Mom offered to hold it, but he declined. We returned to the Dock and headed onwards towards Pirates. Mom was a fan of the changes. We browsed briefly in the shop, but didn’t get anything.

As we crossed into Frontierland, we noticed the line for Splash Mountain was only 5 minutes. I decided to go on it. While I was in line, there was a girl with a birthday tiara about my age and her mother who wanted to ride in front, so they waited. They were in the front of my boat. Behind me were two parents and their kid, maybe 6. They were all bent out of shape that the CM wouldn’t let them sit in the same row. Now, my first two WDW trips were with both my parents, and you know what? Parts of WDW aren’t built for a family of three. Not to sound heartless, but sometimes you need to suck it up and deal. No one will die if Mom sits in the row behind Dad and kiddo. Anyway, they all squeeze into a row. We head off. We stop a few times along the route. At the bee scene, kiddo wanted to get out and walk around, and was quite put out that his parents said no. We went down. The birthday girl and mother were soaked and screaming. I commented they wanted to sit there-birthday girl replied “Yeah, we’ve been on this twice already.” I may or may not have snerked when family of three was stuck in their row-I wish the CM hadn’t let them do that.

I walked around trying to find Mom. On my way, I saw a toddler absolutely coated in Mickey bar, and her mother was taking a picture. I lolled. I met up with Mom, who had been on the phone with a friend. There had been a snowstorm the day before-I was glad the cats were boarding at the vet, and also glad we took a cab to the airport-no shoveling needed, We headed through Frontierland. Woody’s round-up was going on-I pointed out a Dream Team member to Mom, who noticed us and we chatted. We headed on through to Fantasyland. We rode on Peter Pan-Mom said it was shorter than se remember, but she still liked it. We went into Philharmagic. While we were waiting, we ran down what WDW trip this was for each of us-I’d thought it was her fifth trip as well (she and my dad went with my brothers in 81), but she went with my godmother the year it opened. We liked Philharmagic. We stopped in the dump shop, and I tried on a Magic Kingdom shirt. I got it. We picked up Fastpasses for Pooh, and headed towards Columbia Harbor House. Mom had been all set once I mentioned the vegetarian chili-she ordered that, I had the lighthouse sandwich again. Mom got a table-I had neglected to tell her to look upstairs, so we shared a table with some non-English speaking tourists, ergo, no food pictures. Mom liked her chili, though, and my sandwich was good, as were my chips. We headed onto Pooh, then walked over to Tomorrowland. We ran into Push, who posed for a picture, and then headed on Buzz Lightyear. After that, we went on CoP. As Mom saw CoP at the NY World’s Fair, she was very excited. But then she fell asleep. We went on Buzz, then headed over to Monsters Inc Laugh Floor. The entry CM noticed my Red Sox hat and congratulated me and shook my hand (have I mentioned I love CM’s?). We enjoyed the Laugh Floor-although as we left, Mom commented she hadn’t seen Monster’s Inc. We headed out to take the boat to the TTC, to head onto Animal Kingdom.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07245.jpg

[Montana Disney Fan]

First! :banana: :banana:


We AVOID the Jungle Cruise. As you say, go to AK for the REAL thing. :rolleyes:


The talking garbage can is awesome. It's always at Tomorrowland around 11 am. I've got pix of LG with it. What a hoot!

Great pix and thanks for the update!

[OhioTony]

hedy
I'm caught up AGAIN. I always say that because Tuesday is my day off so I have to do most of my Dising only one day a week!

Dream Fastpasses are cool. Especially for MK . You really know how to spot and follow the Dream Team.

That Glowtini looked fabulous! I"m glad your experience at LeCellier was good. Ours was just so-so.

Push is so much fun. We talked to him our first trip in2001 and the kids still talk about how much they liked him!

See you next Tuesday!

Lynn

[Hedy]

First! :banana: :banana:


We AVOID the Jungle Cruise. As you say, go to AK for the REAL thing. :rolleyes:


The talking garbage can is awesome. It's always at Tomorrowland around 11 am. I've got pix of LG with it. What a hoot!

Great pix and thanks for the update!

Glad you enjoyed it!

hedy
I'm caught up AGAIN. I always say that because Tuesday is my day off so I have to do most of my Dising only one day a week!

Dream Fastpasses are cool. Especially for MK . You really know how to spot and follow the Dream Team.

That Glowtini looked fabulous! I"m glad your experience at LeCellier was good. Ours was just so-so.

Push is so much fun. We talked to him our first trip in2001 and the kids still talk about how much they liked him!

See you next Tuesday!

Lynn

Ha-when you sadi you were interested in my Tusker House review-I thought-just wait for my Le Cellier review.
See you then!

:bday: to me!
:bday: to me!
:bday: to me
:bday: to meeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

:) :cool1: :cool1:

It's officially the 24th anniversay of what started as a routine pre-natal check up, and ended with me!

[abbybeth]

I know I posted over at SR, but I'll do it here too - Happy [now belated] BIRTHDAY!!! :cool1:

hope you had a great one!

[Hedy]

We took the ferry to the TTC. I’d never been to the TTC except to switch monorails before. We headed out to wait for the AK We waited. And waited. I don’t know why it took to so long for a bus to come, but it did. When it came, there were more WDW employees than I generally see on a bus. We took the bus to AK, took note of the AKL stop, and headed into AK. We used the RFC entrance, b/c we’re cool like that. Mom was impressed. We headed towards Kilomanjaro Safaris. I had thought we could use our DVC tour insta-fastpasses, but they had no more Fastpasses left. So we waited in line. It wasn’t too bad, we chatted with people in line. We boarded. I like the Safari ride-it’s always different. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/baboa.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07260.jpg Baby rhino! We exited, and found ourselves with about 45 minutes left to tour AK. We watched the parade-I liked the Holiday overlay. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07264.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07267.jpg

I suggested we head to Marahraja Jungle Trek. On our way, we stopped to take pictures by the Tree of Life. This was funny, actually. I stopped to ask the Photopass Photographer to take my picture. She declined, saying it was “too expensive.” After I looked puzzled, she laughed. She too a few pictures of me, then offered to include Mom. Mom refused, then she took a couple of pictures of her. It was amusing. I stopped to pin trade with a CM, then we headed towards the jungle trek. We passed some soaked people coming off of Kali River Rapids. A nearby CM made a guy put his shirt back on. “But he’s wet!” His companion objected. The CM replied with some very polite, but firm phrasing and got the guy to dress himself. As soon as the guy was out of earshot, the CM mumbled “If you don’t want to get wet, don’t go on the ride.” Seriously. I was highly amused, as was Mom. We headed towards the Jungle trek, but then Mom saw some glasses cases in a store-the Yak and Yeti gift shop. They were only $2.99, so she got one. I offered to get the other one she was looking at for her stocking, and she gladly obliged. In line we saw some Yak and Yeti stocking caps. She suggested it would be a good gift for ElderNephew, who collects Disney hats. I agreed, especially as ElderNephew loves AK, and has never been there. We got in line. Mom decided not to buy the hat because it said Yak and Yeti on it and ElderNephew has never eaten there. We headed out of the park, and onto the bus.

Now, I’m pretty tolerant of stuff that occurs on WDW buses, and most public transportation. But there was some stuff that happened on the bus to AKL that just left me slackjawed. We were towards the end of the line. Towards the front of the line, a family had their kid (who couldn’t be over 11) go on ahead of them (the others were behind us) and spread herself out over a row of seats. I was far too tempted to sit down on the spread out kid. I was kind of bothered the bus driver didn’t say anything to her, but I think it’s that messy area where CM’s can’t be unmagical to a guest. Even if they’re dumb, and using their kid as a weapon. We found standing space on the back of the bus, as a seat was taken up by a family holding a stroller. I really don’t think your stroller needs to block a bus seat, but given the number of T riders who think that their backpack needs a seat, I’m not surprised.

Anyway, we got off at AKL, and went to Boma. I was surprised at how much more quiet it was at Boma this time than my trip in 06. We checked in, and were seated. When the waitress came over, she asked if we had any special dietary needs. I mentioned I am vegetarian, she listed the vegetarian options on the buffet. This is solely noteworthy because when YoungestBrother at al. went to Boma in October, they were accompanied by friends of DSIL who were vegan and vegetarian. The chef prepared a special dish for them. I adore Boma and didn’t care that I didn’t get a special dish, but I thought it was interesting. We both picked out drinks-I remember not liking a wine in my red wine flight in 06, so I went with a hard cider. Mom got goat wine. We headed up for our first course.

I started off with the Butternut Squash soup, which was excellent. And Butternut Squash soup is like ravioli-I’ve had a lot of it. I also liked the avocado, tomato and grapefruit salad, although I was once again under whelmed by the tomato quality. I also liked the corn and fried plantain salad. I also had hummus and flatbread-IMO Boma has the best hummus on property. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07269.jpg
Mom, meanwhile, started off with a coconut curry stew-I think there might have been some seafood in it as well-she liked it. She also liked the salmon salad she had, saying that the sauce was nice.
I then moved onto pap, fufu, falafel, mealie (corn) bread and rice. I loved the pap, fufu and falafel; however, the rice was dry, and the mealie bread was just ok. I had more falafel and pap and fufu. I also had some black-eyed peas and vegetables. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07271.jpgI apparently didn’t take notes on what Mom had (sorry pescetarians! This is what I get for telling her she could eat her food, that she didn’t need to pose it first.) but she liked it. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07270.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07273.jpg

We went into the restroom in between entrees and dessert. In things only overheard in WDW, I could hear a mother cajoling her kid “C’mon sweetie, poo for Mickey!” I managed to make it back to our table without laughing, at which point I told my mother. We were dying.

For dessert, I had banana bread pudding (ok, I looked Tusker House’s better), peach crumble (yum!) and cookie and zebra domes (which I have since learned is not vegetarian :-( ). Mom had some sort of pineapple upside down cheesecake, which she was not a fan of, and zebra domes.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07273.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/htf130/WDW%20Dec%2007/wdwdec07274.jpg

We exited Boma. We paused to look at the menu for Jiko-DSIL (Mrs. Middlebrother) had raved about their menu, so we think we may try it next time, as they had things which appealed to us. We wander around the lodge-they were having an activity where you donated $5 to the Wildlife fund, and got to make an ornament. We didn’t partake, though. We paused to look around their store. I know this was because I’ve never looked for DVC stuff before, but I was surprised that they didn’t have any AKV merchandise-and their DVC merch was pretty paltry-a golf shirt, a girly t, and a neck safe. As we were off to DTD, we didn’t buy anything. We headed off to the DTD bus.

On the bus, we chatted with two little girls and their parents, we discussed HSM (they were missing HSM on ice to go to WDW, I agreed that was the right choice), the older one was outraged Mom napped on the CoP. We got off and stopped at the Holiday sign. I showed my mom around Goofy’s Candy Co. We looked in the $10 store, but nothing jumped out at us. We wandered through there into the Pooh store-Mom said she hadn’t been in there before, I pointed out that that’s where Dad bought his Tigger sweatshirt, which he then wore non-stop. She then remembered it, saying he always got complements on it. Seriously-my screensaver is family pictures-Breakfast with Santa ’02-he’s wearing it. Apple picking in fall ’03? Wearing it. :) We then headed onto the WoD. We started in the Boy/Pirate section. Mom picked out a hat-it kind of looks like an Abercrombie distressed hat with Mickey Mouse on it for ElderNephew, and a PoTC hat for YoungerNephew. We stopped the housewares section to pick something else up for YounestBrother-I got the Disney cookbook and the set of reuseable Mickey Head icecubes (BTW-he loved both-one Mickey head cube had to be frozen in our freezer during Xmas dinner-it worked, just in case you were wondering). And then someone stepped on my flip-flop. My back hurt, my feet were all Epcot-rashy, and I realized my bag and been open. After a brief Donald Duck moment, we headed on. I got the boys two pirate pens, which came with a sheath on a carabiner. I also got a pink sparkly pen with an H on it. We stopped to look at the BBB. I had seen a necklace I liked in the Princess room, but the chain was too short for my neck. :- (. As we were checking out, I noticed that their upsell included Mickey Santa hats for $10. I asked our cashier if I could get two. I heard Mom groan. So yepp, I got the boys each a hat. :blush:

We took the boat home-our pilot was good, polling us on what Epcot stood for. We got back to our room and packed, we had an early ADR at 1900 Park Fare the next morning.

[Montana Disney Fan]

First! :banana:

Gotta watch the Super Bowl though. Will respond tomorrow at work. Gotta have your priorities! :rotfl2:

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Boma looks great, I have to try a Zebra dome as so many people rave about it. I may have to go out of my way in December to get one. :laughing:

[Montana Disney Fan]

Boma looks great, I have to try a Zebra dome as so many people rave about it. I may have to go out of my way in December to get one. :laughing:

Boma is great. The service is a little rushed to get new peeps in but the buffet rules! :woohoo: