The LIVE from Riverside PTR!

[happybratpack]

popcorn:: Hi All !!

I wasn't going to do a PTR this time, but thought what the heck! I wanted to start it so I could add some updates while I am there this next week for anyone going soon. I have the Blackberry ready to go for up-to-the-second line, weather, crowd updates so be sure to check back.

OK, I'll do the best I can at least. :thumbsup2


So who is going?

The plan started like this...

Me, Maryann, 35 (ick but better than 40) planning a birthday trip for Larry (see below)
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a351/adoptiontrail/memono.jpg

The SO aka Life Partner aka One I Live in Sin With, Larry, he'll be turning FORTY ONE on this trip :::insert evil I'm-Still-In-My-Thirties laugh here:::
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a351/adoptiontrail/larryturkey.jpg

My sister Janice, age withheld upon request, decided she wanted to go too. Her last WDW trip several years ago was a disaster and this would be her first REAL trip. She's taking days off from teaching 6th graders to come which is a smart move IMO. For the fun of it here are pics of Jan and I at the Magic Kingdom in 1976. That's a hat on her head in the second picture. I hope.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a351/adoptiontrail/jani76b.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a351/adoptiontrail/jani76a.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a351/adoptiontrail/jani76.jpg


Lo and Behold, Jan's son Ben decided he wanted to come along too...he's 19 and hasn't been since he was 10 so this is really like a first trip since he doesn't remember much. He's in college but is a big kid.

Plans are made....then my fave cousin Denise decided to drive from Jacksonville and join us too. I'm withholding her age not at request but for fear of my life. She can drink me under the table on any given day, it's impressive and sometimes a bit scary.

*Pics of Ben and Denise coming soon...I'm nothing if not behind.

As an added bonus we're meeting up with fellow Diser wvdisluv2 (aka Shannon) & her DH Sam for merriment and nonsense along the way...there shall be pictures but I'm making her squat because I'm super short and she's like super model tall. My ego can't take it.

Where we're staying...

Port Orleans Riverside is the resort for this trip after much contemplation and debate. This is my #2 fave resort after the AKL but for some reason we haven't stayed here in FIVE years. :sad2: I deserted it for the lure of the savannah at AKL or the beckoning call of dirt cheap rates at Pop. I'm a horrible, unloyal guest. I'm looking at it like a whole new adventure seeing as how five years is an eternity to my memory.

Coming up next....FOOD and The Plan. Oh, and some pictures so this isn't an incredibly dull and boring report except for those wanting to hear about the weather. :lmao:

[happybratpack]

OK, I know FOOD and the plan was coming up next, but I figured I'd throw in the weather forecast too. I've been watching weather.com, accuweather, you name it the last 2 weeks and it's been all over the place. I've decided to go with the local weather forecast straight from Orlando as my packing guide.

So here it is...

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a351/adoptiontrail/local_weather.jpg

Hmmm, I know I'll sound like a weirdo but I'm hoping for a slight cold front. We were at WDW in January 06 when a big front came through and we essentially froze our rears off (although sadly mine isn't actually SMALLER). Despite the cold we somehow had a completely incredible time, it's just such a change from the heat. We packed for the forecast which was sunny and warm so we dumped the dough on warm winter wear and those ever cute Mickey gloves and hats that I can't find now.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a351/adoptiontrail/freezing.jpg

I vow to pack the 2 for a buck stretchy gloves from Target this trip so I'm not spending $6 a pair on the ones there. We shall see if I actually remember. Or I'll remember then leave them in the room. OR I'll remember and lose one, leaving me looking like Michael Jackson.

Next...Food and the Plan. Really. Unless I think of something more exciting first.

[B9erSteve]

Just Subscribing. Since we'll be there shortly after you leave I want to hear all about your vacation!

[dwayfordisney]

subscribing! This is my first post and our first time to POR in just a few days!:cool1:

[happybratpack]

Just Subscribing. Since we'll be there shortly after you leave I want to hear all about your vacation!

subscribing! This is my first post and our first time to POR in just a few days!:cool1:

Thanks for stopping by! I'll post as much as possible while I'm there!

dwayfordisney...I hope you LOVE POR, it's such a great resort. Keep an eye out for us!

[happybratpack]

You know, as much as I love going to the World there's a down side...

That's leaving the Brats! It's never easy and I always feel horribly sad and guilty. Luckily I have a completely awesome friend :cheer2: coming in town to stay with them so I'm really relieved about that part. Now I hope they're good for her...is that so much to ask???

No sooner did I think that to myself when I realize the bath scrunchie I packed for the resort is gone....:angel:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a351/adoptiontrail/rulonscrunchie.jpg

I guess he's not happy about the suitcases. :rotfl2:

The Brats...
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a351/adoptiontrail/IMG_0739.jpg

Next...Food and the PLAN. Yea, I know I said that before. Twice. :hourglass

[wvdisluv2]

You know, as much as I love going to the World there's a down side...

That's leaving the Brats! It's never easy and I always feel horribly sad and guilty. Luckily I have a completely awesome friend :cheer2: coming in town to stay with them so I'm really relieved about that part. Now I hope they're good for her...is that so much to ask???

No sooner did I think that to myself when I realize the bath scrunchie I packed for the resort is gone....:angel:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a351/adoptiontrail/rulonscrunchie.jpg

I LOVE Millie looking on innocently in the background:lmao: (*note to self...pack scrunchie*;) )

I guess he's not happy about the suitcases. :rotfl2:

The Brats...
[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a351/adoptiontrail/IMG_0739.jpg[/IMG

Next...Food and the PLAN. Yea, I know I said that before. Twice. :hourglass

Here and Subscribing!:cool1: I'm too lazy to do my own tr so I'm going to live vicariously through yours;) 48 hrs and we're there!!! (where's the dancing banana?!?!?)

[happybratpack]

***Before I post further about the plan there's something I have to make as clear as mud. There are some unknown factors going on for Larry's birthday that are a surprise...seeing as how I can't bet he won't read this before we leave I can't post them here. SOOOO I'll post in the regular trip report when we get back.***

OK, back to business.

Jan, Ben & Denise will be with us until Sunday. So that leaves 3.5 days to cram in all 4 parks, dining and Downtown Disney. Stop laughing.

On Thursday we're taking DME from the airport, we've had great luck with it in the past plus it's free so there ya go. Now that I put that in print it will be a disaster. That's how we roll.:rotfl:

So....check in, get their passes, off to the MK we go. This is a tradition, if we go to another park first it curses us. Seriously bad juju and I just can't risk it. The last time we stomped all over the tradition we had to leave two days early to get out before a hurricane. Anyway, I'm rambling. We're going to wander Main Street and grab a snack before heading out to MGM, DHS, whatever. I don't do change well, I'm still bitter about Dixie Landings.

We have dinner at 50's Prime Time planned that night...we usually always have good luck here so I'm hoping for the best even though the reviews lately have been less than great. I'd love to see Ben in trouble. :thumbsup2

After that we're headed to Downtown Disney to hit a few stores then back to POR.

I'm tired already.:rotfl2:

I guess I shouldn't be going into all these details or nobody will want to read the actual report.:sad1:

So Friday is Larry's actual birthday so he's opting for the Birthday Fun Card where hopefully he'll buy me something exciting.:upsidedow Just kidding. Kinda maybe. Since it's his birthday he got to choose some of the stuff going on for the day...that being Crystal Palace for breakfast and Le Cellier for lunch. (This is where we're meeting up with Shannon and Sam...woohooo!) We're going to the MK for bfast then to ride Peter Pan (again his choice) then to Epcot for the remainder of the day.

Gee, now that I read this maybe we should just call Friday the All Larry Day.

Saturday we're doing the MK all day....starting off with a 7:30 Kona Cafe breakfast. :scared: Yea, 7:30. All the way at the Poly from POR. Sigh. That night we're planning on catching Bob Jackson (http://www.yehaabob.com/) back at the resort. What's another 19 hour day? :coffee:

Sunday is AK....I haven't made any other plans because I'm a huge slacker. :wave2: Everyone leaves us this afternoon....it'll be sad.:sad1:

Monday on?

I've got nothing. Nada. Zippo. We've made no plans, I could break out in hives just thinking about it. Some ideas in no particular order...

-We're going to do a Resort Photo Shoot with our $25 deal from pre-purchasing the Photopass CD.

-I've always wanted to do the train tour but I need to check the schedule and look deep within myself to decide if I can be up in time after the commando first four days.

-We want to spend a lot of time just wandering taking pictures, it's one of our fave things to do around the parks.

-Umm, I want to eat. Probably a lot and several times a day. At the top of my list is the Cream Cheese Pretzel at The Lunching Pad. How have I not heard about this? I should have to relinquish my ears.

Some other places on the dining list...
*Brown Derby for lunch one day
*I want to try out the Tusker House breakfast after all the good reviews.
*Columbia House for lunch
*Boma for dinner

Now I'm starving and can't focus, I'll have to finish later.:hyper:

[happybratpack]

Here and Subscribing!:cool1: I'm too lazy to do my own tr so I'm going to live vicariously through yours;) 48 hrs and we're there!!! (where's the dancing banana?!?!?)

Just post your report here too, then maybe we'll attract 10 readers total.:rotfl:

[Leleluvsdis]

I'm here :wave2: :wave2: :wave2:
I see you are leaving in 2 days so I guess I should say can't wait to read yout TR vs more on thr PTR!!!:thumbsup2

[DRRluvsWDW]

Love live reports!:)

POR is great! The surrey bikes are an entertaining challenge!
The cream cheese pretzels are completely addictive, we got one by Dumbo, go early though, the line is RIDICULOUSLY SLOW! The apple pretzel in DHS was incredible also!
Our photo shoot at the POLY was priceless, my favorite pictures ever!
Take a cab for your 7:30am ressie, much quicker!

Have fun!

[happybratpack]

I'm here :wave2: :wave2: :wave2:
I see you are leaving in 2 days so I guess I should say can't wait to read yout TR vs more on thr PTR!!!:thumbsup2

I'm cramming the PTR before it's a live trip report then a regular trip report...exhausting. :coffee:

Love live reports!:)

POR is great! The surrey bikes are an entertaining challenge!
The cream cheese pretzels are completely addictive, we got one by Dumbo, go early though, the line is RIDICULOUSLY SLOW! The apple pretzel in DHS was incredible also!
Our photo shoot at the POLY was priceless, my favorite pictures ever!
Take a cab for your 7:30am ressie, much quicker!

Have fun!

I looove POR! (and Bob Jackson!)
OK...so they're by Dumbo too. How do I not know this???:confused3 Is it odd I'm planning a visit around stuffed pretzels??

Apple pretzels too? I'll be at DHS tomorrow afternoon, I'm adding them to the list. :thumbsup2

We're having a hard time choosing where to do the photo shoot at, we did it at the Grand Floridian last time and really liked how they turned out. Here's a couple...
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a351/adoptiontrail/3.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a351/adoptiontrail/2.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a351/adoptiontrail/4.jpg

Hmmm...we look the same in all of our pics.:rotfl: Anyway, I'm trying to decide between the Poly and WL. While I love AKL I'm not too excited about the pics I've seen from there...we'll probably end up doing the Poly.

Sorry, I'm rambling.

[happybratpack]

Just a quick test post before tomorrow to make sure this works on my phone. :)

[MissMichelle]

YAY! I can't wait to read your LIVE updates!!!

[bluechic03]

You are one of two subbers on my thread so I figured I would return the favor:thumbsup2 How exciting you are leaving TOMORROW!!!!!!! All your talk of stuffed pretzels is making me drool..... I hope you have a lotta fun at POR, we had AKL booked, then switched to POR to save money, then I decided what the heck this is my last trip without kids and gosh darn it I am staying at AKL! So we switched back..guess I should be on that "addicted to resort switching" thread :lmao: . I've never stayed at either one so I will live vicariously through you at POR :cool1:

[bluechic03]

Oh I also forgot that that is a HILARIOUS pic of your dog with the bath scrub!:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[happybratpack]

YAY! I can't wait to read your LIVE updates!!!

Thanks for coming by! I love reading everyone's live reports so thought I'd attempt to return the favor.:thumbsup2

You are one of two subbers on my thread so I figured I would return the favor:thumbsup2 How exciting you are leaving TOMORROW!!!!!!! All your talk of stuffed pretzels is making me drool..... I hope you have a lotta fun at POR, we had AKL booked, then switched to POR to save money, then I decided what the heck this is my last trip without kids and gosh darn it I am staying at AKL! So we switched back..guess I should be on that "addicted to resort switching" thread :lmao: . I've never stayed at either one so I will live vicariously through you at POR :cool1:

:welcome:
I am horrible at resort switching...you're going to LOVE AKL! It's my favorite but this is a budget trip. :::boo hiss::: That said, POR rocks too so it's not like we're slummin'!

Oh I also forgot that that is a HILARIOUS pic of your dog with the bath scrub!:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

Ah yes...the Angel... :angel:
That makes one wii remote, one buried/half eaten Directv remote and a bath scrunchie for the last two weeks. It's my fault for leaving stuff around, I'm not used to a puppy!! He's the permanent foster since I can't find anyone who passes my "walks on water" test to qualify to adopt him. :rotfl2:

Thanks to everyone reading and making me feel loved. I have deep hidden fears of unread, boring trip reports.:blush:

[wvdisluv2]

We're heading off to the "'Burg"!:drive: You guys have a safe trip and we'll see you on Friday:cool1:

[dwayfordisney]

I can't wait for the live report! Oh and thanks for letting me know about the stuffed pretzels they are on my list!!

How did you get the resort pics for 25? I prepurchased the cd and they told me they were 75......we are doing ours on Monday morn at GF

[happybratpack]

I can't wait for the live report! Oh and thanks for letting me know about the stuffed pretzels they are on my list!!

How did you get the resort pics for 25? I prepurchased the cd and they told me they were 75......we are doing ours on Monday morn at GF

Did you check the bottom of all the Photopass emails you got? There's a $25 offer on the bottom of some of them...hopefully on one of yours!

[MissMichelle]

HAVE A GREAT TRIP!!!! Can't wait to read your posts when you get there ;)

[happybratpack]

We're here! In the DME line waiting to check in...its long, out to the end of the queue but the actual bus lines don't look too bad.

[3princesses+aprince]

oooh, exciting, I can't wait to hear more:hyper:

[happybratpack]

Ok...at 3:15 at DHS

110 for Toy Story Mania
40 for both RnRC and TOT

No FP for any

Parks common areas are packed

[Yarna]

Ok...at 3:15 at DHS

110 for Toy Story Mania
40 for both RnRC and TOT

No FP for any

Parks common areas are packed
:sad: :sad: :sad: :sad:

Oh well, I'm not going to let crowded parks ruin my WDW vaca, which starts in 2 days!!! POR, here we come!! :cheer2:

Seriously, though, thanks for the instant reports. I hope you're having a great time.

[happybratpack]

I think it was people there because it was Fantasmic night. Don't worry too much.

Downtown Disney last night was pretty empty, the first time in ages I can remember being able to enjoy WoD. The bus back was packed and there was more than one busload waiting.
Bob had a big crowd last night till the last set then it thinned out.

On bus to MK for bfast then to Epcot so I will let you know re crowds.

Yesterday was chilly and cold at night. Its really cold this am...brrr. At least its not windy.

[happybratpack]

Sorry for spelling and such...its hard to edit on here!

[happybratpack]

Its warm! I shed the extra layers and its beautiful! In line for a Grey Goose Slush in Epcot. TT is down. MS ninety mins for red. Soaring sixty.

[B9erSteve]

this makes me so happy! I've been viewing weather reports on weather.com and seeing highs of 71 degrees. I really want to get some swimming in on this trip!

[sammax]

I'm excited to read your report! I'm going to be arriving on Sunday, and I'm hoping for good weather and low crowds! I would love to be drinking a slushie right now. Have fun!

[dwayfordisney]

sounds like it is going to be a great week !! We get to POR tomorrow night, checkin, eat then a nice carriage ride!

So is the resort packed?

[Yarna]

sounds like it is going to be a great week !! We get to POR tomorrow night, checkin, eat then a nice carriage ride!

So is the resort packed?

We'll be there tomorrow late morning. Check-in, then perhaps a dip in the pool and then dinner at Boma. Can't Wait!!

[happybratpack]

My battery is dying so I will catch up in the am on laptop, sorry.

The weather was gorgeous today!! Resort isn't packed at all but rush time busses are full.

Soarin Fp at 11:30 for a 2:15 return time

TT was 70 or so most of day. Rode during emh in 35 mins

MS over 60 mostly. Emh with a 15 min wait

Peter Pan at 9:45 with 5 min wait

Crystal Palace was half empty during our 8 am bfast

[happybratpack]

UUUGGHHHHH. MK is PACKED.

[B9erSteve]

Not incredibly suprising, being a Saturday. On my next trip to WDW I'm planning on going from Tuesday to Tuesday and have the weekend for rest.

[MissMichelle]

Thanks for the updates...I can't believe it is so busy---seems to have picked up since last week...Guess the warmer air is bringing the people back in.

We'll "see" you in 2 days!

[happybratpack]

Thanks for the updates...I can't believe it is so busy---seems to have picked up since last week...Guess the warmer air is bringing the people back in.

We'll "see" you in 2 days!

Just talked to a lady...being Sat was my theory too but she said the last few days have been bad, they are local and said its worse January crwd wise in years. Who knows bit it stinks! (Not for Disney though)

[happybratpack]

Just rode BTMR...standby said 30 but wait was an hour. Splash standby says 60 but have FP for three hours later. POC says 40.

[happybratpack]

Ooops...double post

[happybratpack]

IASW 30 min
PP 50 min
SWSA 20 min
Pooh 50 min

Teacups 20 min

At 2:47

[PEANUT1]

this is awesome to have real time waits...I am rethinking going next january at this time...we'll see how the rest of your days play out.

[happybratpack]

this is awesome to have real time waits...I am rethinking going next january at this time...we'll see how the rest of your days play out.

Thanks for checking in!

I'm currently in line behind 22 women for the restroom in Tomorrowland. Yep, I counted. ;)

Tour groups all over too.

[B9erSteve]

happybratpack,
Here's a question for you... It was asked on another thread and I would like to know the answer too.

I know that the POR pool is closed but does that include the hot tub?

Thanks!

[happybratpack]

happybratpack,
Here's a question for you... It was asked on another thread and I would like to know the answer too.

I know that the POR pool is closed but does that include the hot tub?

Thanks!

To be honest I haven't been over there yet! I'll be there tomorrow and will report back. :)

[B9erSteve]

Thanks!

[happybratpack]

At AK today...crowded in common areas but attractions aren't bad. At ten got EE FP for 11 but they were gone an hour later. We are now back in line for 35 min wait. Safari was 40 mins at noon. Walk on ITTBB. At ten it was 20 mins for PW and 30 for Dino.

If you are coming soon pack layers. Its cool at nt and am but I'm hot right now in long sleeves and jeans.

Couple big tour groups but nothing like MK.

We have had a couple mousekeeping issues at PoR, I spoke w manager this am so we will see if they address it by tonight.

[happybratpack]

happybratpack,
Here's a question for you... It was asked on another thread and I would like to know the answer too.

I know that the POR pool is closed but does that include the hot tub?

Thanks!

Hey there

I just walked across the Island...everything is open, the pool was pretty crowded and lots of people laying on chaise lounges.

[B9erSteve]

Hey there

I just walked across the Island...everything is open, the pool was pretty crowded and lots of people laying on chaise lounges.

Oops! I forgot the pool wasn't slated to close until Feb 2! I'll have to hit someone up then!

[happybratpack]

Hi to the DISer at the POR bus stop just now! Sorry I looked like a deer in headlights, nobody has recognized me before, LOL. Are you here reading?! :)

Headed DHS for EMH mostly because we don't have the energy to think of anything else. Jan and Ben left about an hour ago to go home. :(

AK was pretty warm and crowded but all rides were manageable. Will check back in w more later!

[happybratpack]

Just checking in from dhs emh.
Tsmm has been at least 70 since we arrived. Tot was 10 min and rnr is 45 now. Lots of people milling around...its chilly but pleasant.

[happybratpack]

Waiting for the bus at MK now. Not happy with bus service this time at all.

Emh was not bad tonight but mk was really crowded during the day. Weather is pretty, in tshirts tonight.

[dwayfordisney]

Hi to the DISer at the POR bus stop just now! Sorry I looked like a deer in headlights, nobody has recognized me before, LOL. Are you here reading?! :)

Headed DHS for EMH mostly because we don't have the energy to think of anything else. Jan and Ben left about an hour ago to go home. :(

AK was pretty warm and crowded but all rides were manageable. Will check back in w more later!

Hi!!!! That was me!! Are you still here at POR?

[happybratpack]

Hey!!! We are here until Thurs...we are in Parterre Place. How long will you be here?

Hi!!!! That was me!! Are you still here at POR?

[dwayfordisney]

Hey!!! We are here until Thurs...we are in Parterre Place. How long will you be here?

We are here until early Sat. morning!

[wvdisluv2]

Hellllooooo?:wave2: We need an update here or somethin??? Maryann? Where are you????? I'm desparately trying to avoid the post-Disney depression and I'm counting on your trip report for help:thumbsup2 Come on, help a girl out here...I'm trying to avoid:laundy:

[B9erSteve]

methinks Maryann was having too much fun to post. See ya when you get back Maryann!