A Magical Journey...Bookended by Some Airport Troubles...(Updated 12/06!!!!!!!!) [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

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katoot

03-29-2011, 06:45 AM

Hey there, everybody! Get ready for quite possibly THE FIRST trip report from South Korea! (too lazy to do the research right now:laughing: ) Well, I DO know it's THE FIRST trip report from ME. :)

Might as well get down to it with the INTROS!!

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Katoot (Me): Originally hailing from NE Wisconsin, I've been spending the last three years teaching English to elementary and middle school students in South Korea (three years, three cities, all very close to Seoul). My previous Disney trips were in (I believe) 1987 & 1988 to WDW, and in 2006 to Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea. I love roller coasters and other thrill rides.

DW (Soon Ae): Originally from South Korea, currently lives in...South Korea. :lmao: We first met in the summer of '08, started dating on New Year's Eve, and just got hitched in August of this last year. She has never been to Disney (of any sort) before this trip. She's afraid of heights, so she doesn't like roller coasters or scary rides. (However, she was quite the trooper during this trip :love: )

With Guest Appearances By:

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Turkey Lurkey (http://www.disboards.com/member.php?u=300591) (My Dear Brother)
TLW (His Wife)
TLD (His Daughter)

Why Did We Go?

Why, to celebrate our honeymoon! And also to visit family (although, that was unfortunately cut short....more on that later)!

When Did We Go?

We left Korea on January 19, and came back on February 6th, giving us a good two and a half weeks in America.

What are these airport troubles of which you speak?

Well, that will have to wait till....next time.

Oh, and just a warning...(I tend to use parentheses a lot)

Chapters (in the off chance that other people will post on this thread)
Day 1-2: Puddle Jumpin' and Wisconsin Travelin' (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40510289&postcount=2)
Day 3: A Spectacular Start (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40523905&postcount=3)
Day 4: Well, At Least One of Us Got to See Illuminations... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40623264&postcount=4)
Day 5: The Aftermath of Epcot (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40819720&postcount=7)
Day 6: So, We're Not at Disney Anymore? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40871367&postcount=16)
Day 7: Will Castle Magic Keep Rain at Bay? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40960025&postcount=27)
Day 8: Where Was I? Oh Yeah! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41356313&postcount=35)
Day 9: Fancy Meeting You Here! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41398726&postcount=36)
Day 10: The Great Katoorkey Family Meet Pt. 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43411431&postcount=46)

katoot

03-29-2011, 08:17 AM

Day 1- January 19th

Late day starting out in Korea. Our flight isn't until about 6:30pm. I had been the one planning the entire trip and the one who was more excited about spending 10 days in Florida (only because Soon Ae had not yet been privy to the magic that is WDW). We leave at about 3pm, taking the bus to the airport (a good 1 hour ride). We get checked in, through security and immigration, with no problems. I run through the checklist in my mind, making sure we didn't forget anything. As far as I could tell, we didn't. We get on the plane and try to sleep as much as we could on the 13 or so hour flight. We arrive in Detroit at about 5pm (an hour early) the same day (that's right, we arrived in America an hour before we left South Korea...time travel, baby! :banana: ). Not being used to traveling married, at immigration, I go through the US citizen line, and Soon Ae goes through the Foreigner line. I'm able to get through in about 10 minutes, and see that the Foreigner line is quite the wait, so I go to baggage claim and pick up our suitcases. About a half hour passes, and Soon Ae hadn't met up with me yet. I look through the lines, and see that she's now in a US Citizen line (due to them not having anyone to wait on). However, she spends about 10-15 minutes longer there than I did. She's soon escorted into an office (Airport Problem #1), but I can't accompany her. I wait for close to an hour and she finally comes out, quite upset. She had a problem with her visa (she thought it was good for another trip to America, but apparently, it wasn't). Side note, this was our third trip to America together, and we never had this problem. Anyway, we got all of that sorted out, but, like I said, she wasn't too happy about it (keep in mind, we're both smokers, and hadn't had a cigarette since we left S. Korea). So I'm basically dancing in circles, trying to get her in a better mood. However, we still have about a 3 hour layover before we can board our plane for Green Bay.

We get to our gate, and she tries to take a nap. After about a half hour, I look around, and think I see a familiar face. It turns out a cousin of mine is on the same flight as us. It was quite nice to get an unexpected surprise and to see a familiar face. Soon it was our time to board the plane for the 1 1/2 hour flight to Green Bay.

Once we arrive, my cousin offers to give us a ride to our hotel, which is right across the street (but not close enough to walk in the wonderful Wisconsin weather at 11pm in January, especially with to large, fairly heavy suitcases).

We check into the hotel, bring our stuff to our room, and try to sleep.

Day 2- January 20th

Unfortunately at 3am, both of us are wide awake (darn jet lag), so we decide to go to the adjoining casino. We spent a couple hours there (and stayed relatively even, money-wise), then go back to our room for a quick shut-eye for the wife, while I go back to the airport to get the rental car for the day.

Since we didn't want to lug two different sets of clothes (winter for Wisconsin, and lighter for Florida), we head up to my hometown after we did some shopping (mostly for a comfy pair of shoes for me- it's impossible to find shoes my size in Korea). We say "Hi" to TLW and TLD, give TLD a few gifts for her trip (they are going to Disney around the same time as us, but we wanted to have "separate trips," only planning to meet up for one day), drop off one of our large suitcases, and head back down to Green Bay.

We arrive back at the hotel and try to get to sleep relatively early, since we have a 6am flight to Orlando the next morning.

katoot

03-30-2011, 02:06 AM

Day 3- January 21st

Again, we both wake up at 3am (again, darn jet lag). I make sure we have everything packed, while Soon Ae fixes a couple Cup Ramens for breakfast. Everything is good to go, so at 5am, we check out of the hotel and head for the airport for our 6am flight (Green Bay is a pretty small airport, and we're two of about 40 people there that early). Fortunately, this trip to the airport, and subsequent flights, went without a hitch. Unfortunately, that makes for a rather boring read. So, I'll just skip to the part where we arrive at Orlando.

But first, I think I'll talk a bit about the schedule I planned. Now, I mentioned in the previous entry that I was the one who did all of the planning. Soon Ae thought I was crazy for planning "so many" (only 8) days at WDW. Also, even though I had everything planned (as far as where we would go on what days, and what I wanted to see and what I thought she would enjoy- didn't go as far as attraction order or a strict timetable), I'm more of a go-with-the-flow kind of guy. As is Soon Ae (well, not the guy par :laughing: ). This would come in handy very soon in our trip. Anyways, this was our initial schedule:

1/21- Arrive in Orlando, Stay at Pop Century, Dinner at California Grill
1/22- Relaxed day at Epcot
1/23- Epcot until the afternoon, then to Disney Hollywood Studios
1/24- Disney Hollywood Studios, Dinner at 50's Prime Time Cafe
1/25- Relaxed Day, no parks, Breakfast at Chef Mickey's
1/26- Magic Kingdom
1/27- Animal Kingdom, then Magic Kingdom in the evening
1/28- Magic Kingdom with Turkey Lurkey and family, Dinner at the 1900
1/29- Check out of WDW, and into a hotel near Universal
1/30- Universal Studios
1/31- Islands of Adventure
2/1- Return to Wisconsin

Notice, I said "initial." Due to an unforeseen happening (which will be in the next entry) and a certain football game, our schedule changed quite a bit. And, since I didn't take any notes for this TR on the trip, it will be interesting to see how well I remember our final schedule.

Another quick note. We were on the Quick Service Dining Plan, but did have a couple ADRs throughout the stay.

Back to Orlando:

So, at about 11:30am, we finally arrive in Orlando to start the Official Honeymoon part of our trip. We get in line for the Magical Express, and Soon Ae's amazed at all of the people who were going to WDW. Not just how many there were (which was a pretty decent amount for a Friday at noon in January), but also the different kinds of people- families, college kids, older couples with no kids, etc. When she told me this, I simply replied, "That's the magic of Disney!":wizard: After a brief wait, we're on the ME and on our way to Disney!

We finally arrive at Pop Century at around 1pm. I go to check in while Soon Ae sits by the luggage. It takes about 10-15 minutes (our initial room wasn't ready yet, but they were able to find a new one), and I escort Soon Ae to our home for the next week- a 4th floor room in the 60's building, overlooking the Hippy Dippy Pool. We drop off our bags and head for the Classic Hall for a quick bite to eat.

We get back to the room and relax for a bit before we have to go to California Grill for our 7:45 reservation. There's a knock on the door. Turns out, we were selected as "Family of the Day" and got a free Pop Century-themed Rubik's Cube! :cool1: (Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of it before Soon Ae Jumbled it up)

5:30 rolls around and we get on the bus for the Magic Kingdom. Soon Ae is amazed at how long it takes and how big WDW is (this happened a lot on this trip). After a transfer to the monorail at Magic Kingdom, we arrive at the Contemporary Resort and walk around for a bit. Soon, we are sitting at our table (almost window seat, but not quite) at the California Grill. We both order the Filet of Beef, and I get a Long Island Iced Tea. While we were waiting for our dinner, Wishes started (and Soon Ae LOVES:love: fireworks). It was fantastic! Definitely lived up to its name- Spectacular!

We finished our dinner and our server (whose name escapes me at the moment) brought us a piece of chocolate cake, compliments of CG, for our honeymoon celebration. We were too full, so we get it to go and head back to Pop, ending our first day at Disney.

All in all, I thought it was the perfect way to introduce Walt Disney World to Soon Ae- a relaxed afternoon where we weren't trying to navigate through a crowded park, a (fairly) romantic dinner, and an unbelievable fireworks show.

Coming Up Next

Our first day at a park, plus the reason for the lack of pictures thus far...

katoot

04-06-2011, 11:05 AM

Day 4- January 22nd

Now that we are getting to the parks part of the report, I may have some things mixed up or out of order due to going to some parks on multiple days.

Our first morning in the World, we're both up at 6am (no alarm, and that's about the time we woke up most days). We take our time getting ready and eating (this is, after all, supposed to be our relaxed day, for us to get used to the time zones, and for Soon Ae to familiarize herself with the World).

At about 9am or so, we're ready to go to our first park- Epcot. It's a beautiful sunny day, although a little on the cold side. We go to the bus stop in front of Pop and wait. There's only a couple other families heading the same way as us. I look at the lines for the other parks- Magic Kingdom is almost full, and Hollywood Studios also looks busy. I think to myself, "Great planning so far." We only wait for the Epcot bus for a few minutes, and soon, we're at the park, going through the bag check.

I figure the best way to introduce Soon Ae to the World is to see Captain EO first (she loves Michael Jackson). It was just as I (vaguely) remembered it from more than 20 years ago. Soon Ae really enjoyed it. Success!

We're wondering around the western side of Future World, and suddenly, I hear, "Mine? Mine?" I'm instantly drown towards the Seas with Nemo and Friends attraction. After a few pictures in front of the Nemo statue and the seagulls, we head in. Overall, I thought the ride was enjoyable, but not very impressive (it seemed like the clam car we were in was a bit out of synch with the audio and visual- we seemed to be one step behind the narrative). We are both a little hungry around this time, so we decide to go to Sunshine Seasons for lunch.

Side Track- Now, I don't remember what we ate at every meal: 1) because I didn't take notes, and 2) because we ate a LOT (especially for us- we normally only eat dinner everyday, only sometimes do we have another meal). What I do remember is eating fairly well- salads, veggie entrees, but also the usual pizza and burgers.

While we are eating, I ask Soon Ae if she would be willing to try Soarin. Not surprisingly, she say no (remember, she's quite afraid of heights), which I was fine with. I mean, yeah, I'd like to ride it, but it doesn't bother me to miss it.

Anyway, we finish eating and make our way to the east side of Future World, stopping at Mouse Gear to browse the selection. We find a few things we want to buy, but hold off for now, since we don't want to carry stuff around the park (and yes, I am aware that they could deliver to the resort- we really just didn't want to spend money yet).

After we make our way through Mouse Gear, I ask Soon Ae if she'd like to try Mission: Space. To my surprise, she says yes. We wait in line for maybe 5 or 10 minutes (taking the less intense of the two options) and get in the simulator. I explain what her job is (I don't remember the title now, but she was in the third position) and we blast off to Mars. When the ride finished, she said she enjoyed it, but didn't seem blown away.

Test Track is up next, and Soon Ae seemed to enjoy that much more than Mission: Space. It also had the longest wait time of our entire trip (about 30 minutes).

Around this time (about 2 or 3pm- I know it doesn't sound like we got a lot accomplished, but remember, this is supposed to be a relaxed day, plus we are planning on coming back to Epcot the next day), we decide to make our way around the World Showcase, starting in Mexico. My personal goal: attempt to drink around the world. Soon Ae is willing to try a few beers, as well.

We browse around the inside of the Mexican Pavilion, taking pictures as we go, and stop in the small cantina that looks like it can comfortably hold only about 20 people. We each get a different beer (don't remember what, I just know it wasn't Corona), and enjoy the atmosphere.

Next up, Norway. Again, more pictures of the surroundings. We each order a pint of the local beer and walk around. It's starting to get a little colder, especially the wind. Without gloves, Soon Ae finds it too cold to walk around with a beer, so she gives the rest of hers to me.

In China, I opt not to get a beer, since they only had TsungTao, which I've had before and I just want to try new beers (also, I'm still trying to finish the extra beer Soon Ae gave to me). So we take a few pictures and head to the African Outpost, where Soon Ae decides to get her face painted with a unicorn.

How we got a unicorn to be our touring buddy, I'll never know. /Groucho Marx voice :lmao:

Now, I'm pretty sure I didn't get a beer here, since we could get African beer in Animal Kingdom. However, I could be mistaken.

Soon her unicorn facepaint is finished and we head to Germany. While she decided to forego another beer and go window shopping, I get in line for a German Beer. Here's where I make a mistake. I see Rumpleminz on the menu. I haven't had a shot of that in years. So I get a shot and a souvenir mug of beer. Once I finish those, I'm feeling a bit tipsy (it's now around 6pm- a good six or seven hours after we last ate). However, I still know what our plan is, and what we want to do. I remembered hearing the taiko drums from Japan back when we were in Norway or China, and had checked the schedule for their next performance, which was 15 minutes from the time I looked at my watch in Germany.

We bypass Italy and America and head to Japan, getting there about 5 minutes before the performance. It's starting to get dark, so it was difficult to get some good pictures. Once the performance is done, it is time for a bathroom break. I check my map and see the closest restroom is in America. So we head back there for a short rest.

By this time, it's pretty dark, and we want to watch Illuminations on the opposite side of the World Showcase. We head through Morocco, France (window shopping break), the United Kingdom (again, window shopping), and Canada (yet again, window shopping).

It's about 7:30 now, so we head back to Mouse Gear, and buy a couple small things. On our way from there to World Lagoon, we stop at a little kiosk on the bridge and Soon Ae sees a shirt she likes. I take a picture or two so she can see what it looks like on her. She decides it looks good, so she buys it and we're on our way.

We find a nice spot between two gift shops to watch Illuminations. We're now both pretty hungry (and I'm still a bit tipsy), so I decide to run to the Cantina de San Angel in Mexico and order two taco meals.

It's 8:30 when I get back to Soon Ae. She asks me where her camera is. Oh no! Where was the last place we saw it? The kiosk! I tell Soon Ae to stay put to watch the show, while I bolt to the kiosk. There's a new cast member working, and she says she hadn't seen it. Maybe it's at Mouse Gear? I run that way, but again, no luck. They tell me to go to Guest Relations for Lost & Found. So I run that way and give a description of the camera. It's not there. By this time, Illuminations has finished. I run back and find Soon Ae to give her the bad news. We have a cigarette to wait for the crowds to die down.

Wait! Maybe I left it at the Cantina de San Angel? I run over there, but nothing. Disheartened, we head for the exit, with another quick stop at the kiosk and at Guest Relations. Still nothing.

We head back to the resort and I buy a disposable camera at the gift shop there. I want at least one picture from today, so I take a picture of Soon Ae's facepaint. However, all of the other pictures we took today, and from California Grill last night, and everything else....gone.

Angry, disappointed, and exhausted, Soon Ae says she just wants to stay at Pop tomorrow. I reluctantly agree. She quickly falls asleep while I try to reschedule the rest of our stay at Disney.

Coming Up Next

Did we ever find the camera? If we don't, can we still enjoy our trip? What does the new schedule look like?

Caretames1

04-15-2011, 08:32 AM

katoot

04-18-2011, 05:41 AM

Hi,:wave2: I'm subbing in. Now to go read it all;)

Ok, I read it all. HELLO WISCONSIN! :lmao: I think it's WI law you must sub to other WI TR's. :rotfl:We had airport troubles too. I can be a pain.I so hope you find your camera. I would just die if I lost mine:scared1:
My DH tried a few diiferent beers, but said none compared to his Lienies Red.:rotfl2:

Carey

Welcome, fellow Wisconsinite! :woohoo: And Yay! Now I don't have to use my "will anyone else post" question as a cliffhanger for my next entry! :banana:

It's been two years now since I've had a Lienies of any kind...hard for me to compare right now.

As for my next update, I plan on getting it up in the next day or so. I'm going through a possible slight career change right now. I just finished my last day at my middle school today (most foreign teachers here work on 1-year contracts) and, silly me, I haven't actually got a new job lined up yet. :confused3 There's a couple possibilities (an after-school program for elementary students and an English newspaper company), but nothing's set in stone yet. Long story short. I got lots of free time now. :rotfl:

katoot

04-21-2011, 11:19 AM

Day 5- January 23rd

I wake up before Soon Ae around 6:30am or so. Guest Relations at Epcot had given me a number to call for lost and found, but I can't call this early. The new schedule for parks has been figured out, but I'm slightly worried. If Soon Ae was exhausted after just one day at a park (granted, some of it was probably jet lag, as well), how well could she handle the rest of the week? In my original schedule, we had 3 days of parks, one day of rest, then 3 days of parks again. For the new schedule, today is our day of rest, then we have 5 straight days of parks.

It's finally time for me to call lost and found. I give the description again (Canon G7, with Korean menus). Nothing like that was turned in. So I decide to bite the bullet, get a taxi, and go to WalMart (can't experience over a week, or even one day, of Disney with no pictures to show for it, now, can I?). After the 20 or so minute ride to WalMart, I find myself staring at rows of point and shoot cameras. The entire time I'm looking, I think, "do I get a cheap, low quality camera in the hopes they find ours soon, or do I bite another bullet and get an expensive one in case we never see the wife's camera again?" After deliberating for about 20-30 minutes, I decide to get a decent quality Canon. Unfortunately, they are sold out. So I settle on a cheaper Sanyo that looks like it could take some decent pics.

The driver of the taxi I take back to the World was originally from Wisconsin, so we talk about the day's big game, the Packers vs. the Bears. Now, this was something that I tried to figure out how to watch the whole time I was planning this trip. I haven't seen a live football game, let alone a Packer game, in 3 years. But where can we watch it? Once I got back to Pop, I inquire at Petals, the poolside bar, to see if they are going to show the game. They are! :banana:

Soon Ae's in a little better mood now, and we have lunch together at Everything Pop. I test out the new camera during the pre-game.

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Notice how bundled up she is, yet one of the people playing ping pong is in a t-shirt and shorts. :rotfl2: She was a bit cold that day. :laughing:

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We cheer on the Pack to victory while drinking Miller Lights. Not quite the same as in Wisconsin, but better than in Korea.

After the game, I stay to watch the next one, but Soon Ae heads back to the room to relax, warm up, and turn in early.

We both have to get some rest if we want to get to the Hollywood Studios rope drop tomorrow morning.

Coming Up Next

Do we get to rope drop in time? Do we find out anything about the lost camera? Do I get more than one subscriber to this thread? :lmao:

Chaitali

04-21-2011, 11:45 AM

katoot

04-21-2011, 11:52 AM

I'm subscribing too! Sounds like a great trip (minus the airport trouble and lost camera). Your California Grill dinner sounds nice. I'm happy to hear that since my husband and I are planning to be there for dinner in May :)

Welcome aboard! :cool1:
We had a wonderful time at CG. It was a bit busy, but we got their early and only had to wait about 5 minutes for a table. And our server was wonderful, as well. Even though he was busy with other tables, he took the time to tell us a few jokes and take a pic of us enjoying our meal. Definitely a great place to watch Wishes!

OhMari

04-21-2011, 07:36 PM

wdwgirl03

04-21-2011, 09:18 PM

Well, if it is law to read other Wisconsinite (even former) TRs, then I'm in! Love your Packer shirts. :thumbsup2

I also like your comment about using lots of parentheses...as you can see I do too (and lots of dots, haha!). I am cracking up at that picture of your wife in the coat. :rotfl:

katoot

04-22-2011, 02:29 AM

Aren't you glad your moderator is from Wisconsin.
You caught my attention with teaching in Korea and from NE Wisconsin.
Where did you go to college.
My youngest is at UW-Green Bay.
My oldest dd graduated at Northern in Marquette MI.
She has 2 best friends teaching English in Asian countries.

Oh and Miller Beer-uck.

Welcome!
I went to university in a few places: Marinette for two years, Oshkosh for two years, and Japan for one year.
Although, I do have many friends who have gone to UWGB and NMU.

katoot

04-22-2011, 02:30 AM

Caretames1

04-22-2011, 09:23 PM

Love the picture of your wife all bundled up. If she was a native Wisconsite, she would have been wearing shorts and T's:lmao: We all were, the whole week.

We didn't watch the game , but I had about 6 people texting us with exciting plays and updated scores the whole time we were at Epcot. I fist-pumped and yelled when it was for sure Green Bay won. I think I made a few people stare weirdly at us:lmao:

Good Luck on the job hunt.

katoot

04-23-2011, 07:57 AM

Love the picture of your wife all bundled up. If she was a native Wisconsite, she would have been wearing shorts and T's:lmao: We all were, the whole week.

Yeah, I was pretty much in t-shirt and shorts the whole time. But I did also have a hoodie that I wore in the mornings when it was a little chilly.

katoot

04-25-2011, 02:41 PM

Day 6- January 24th

The usual spiel waking up. I figure if there is one park that we NEED to get to rope drop for, it’s Hollywood Studios! :cool1:

So we get on the bus around 8:15 and arrive just before rope drop (as well as, it turns out, about 75-100 other people, by the looks of the crowd). Rather than watch the pre-drop entertainment, Soon Ae and I decide to do a little window shopping in the nearby gift shop. She finds a cute iPhone case and as we purchase it, the rope drops. Now we aren’t in a huge hurry to get back to Toy Story Mania (there’s always fastpass), so we take our time heading back that way, getting our pics taken with Pooh and friends (who had a small line each), and Stitch (who had no line!).

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After getting our pics taken with them, we head back to Pixar Place, grab two fastpasses (for about two hours later), glance at the standby line for TSM (only about 30 minutes, but we decide to look around the park), and go on our merry way.

We wander around, and hit up Muppet Vision first (very cute show, and Soon Ae seemed to enjoy it). When that got out, I take a look at the time table, and it’s almost time for a Jedi Academy show.

We join the crowd and watch the show. The highlight of the show was definitely when Darth Vader had a slight prop malfunction. He was battling one of the kids, who swung his lightsaber a little to hard. The saber end of Vader’s….saber flew off and hit a little kid in the audience in the face. Everyone gasped for a second, but the kid seemed to be ok. Until he touched his nose a couple seconds later and looked at his hand. Suddenly, he screamed, “AH! I’m bleeding!!” and freaked out. He wouldn’t be quiet until his dad brought him away from the show. :lmao:

Soon Ae drags me out of the Star Wars area, but we still have time before we can use our fastpasses. I try my luck, asking if she would like to try Tower of Terror (remember, she’s deathly afraid of heights). In yet another surprise, she says yes! (Yes, I did tell her what would happen, and she was able to see the current riders screaming from the ride). On our way through the queue (which was only about 15 minutes or so), I keep asking if she’s up to it. She keeps saying yes. Alright. Our turn on the ride. Luckily, we get the back row, so the height factor shouldn’t be too bad. As soon as the ride starts, she clenches my hand and doesn’t let up until the ride is finished. She reluctantly says she enjoyed the ride, but needed a cigarette before we can go anywhere else. (We did pick up one of those ride pictures, if only because of the pure delight in my face :woohoo: , and the pure terror in hers :scared1: )

Time for Toy Story Mania. Now, the standby line is at 60 minutes. Even in the fastpass line, we had to wait about 15 minutes. However, Soon Ae loved the ride! Definitely her favorite in the World so far.

Now, we’re starting to get a little hungry, but on the way to finding someplace to eat, some Cast Members at the Backlot Tour are saying a show is about to start. We decide, why not, and head that way. Afterwords, we decided it was a little enjoyable, but probably not something we would go on again.

Lunchtime, and our first experience with the dreaded Brazilian Tour Groups. We head towards ABC Commissary. I get in line, she gets a table. Thanks to the tour group, it takes me about 15 minutes to get food. Unfortunately, we both thought our food was not at all tasty, so we actually throw most of it out (that’s how bad we thought the food was).

I look at the time table again, and it’s almost time for Lights! Motors! Action! We get our seats just as the show starts. Both of us really enjoyed it. We’re still in a bit of a stunt show kick, so we rush down to the Indiana Jones stunt show. I really thought it was fun, but I think Soon Ae enjoyed LMA more.

Parade time. Soon Ae’s first experience of a Disney parade. She records the show on her iPhone while I take pics with my camera. The best of both worlds. Did she enjoy it? Let’s just say I caught her dancing to the music a few times.

We’re starting to get a little tired, but we have a reservation at the 1950’s Prime Time Café at 5:35. I want to do the RocknRoller Coaster. I ask Soon Ae if she’s up for it. She says no. However, she’ll wait in line with me. Yay! I get on the ride, and have a great time.

We are really tired now, so we just relax a bit, get some photopass pics, and see if we can get in to eat a little early. We can!

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/217099_716757650473_71201476_37809189_7915118_n.jp g

Our server was very good, but didn’t give us any hard times (which, I think, was best, since Soon Ae might not have understood that it’s ok for them to do that). We really enjoyed our food, and had some left over onion rings, so we got a to go box. Unfortunately, we forgot it at the restaurant!

We get a couple more photopass pics on our way out and head back to Pop.

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/207319_716757660453_71201476_37809190_4342405_n.jp g

There are a couple cute towel animals waiting for us when we get back to our room. Soon Ae reminds me to call lost and found again for the camera, which I do.

They found it! :woohoo::woohoo:

Unfortunately, they thought we already finished our stay and sent it to my brother’s house in Wisconsin. :confused: That’s ok, though, since we’ll be heading up there after Florida to celebrate a belated Christmas. It’ll be waiting for us when we get there.

I tell Soon Ae the semi-good news, and call it a night.

Coming Up Next

Massive thunderstorms in the forecast. How will that effect our day?

Caretames1

04-26-2011, 08:37 AM

katoot

04-26-2011, 09:14 AM

Ah, yes the thunderstorms! I'm just glad we were back in our room before it all broke loose!

Hopefully you'll post your TOT pic! I love to see people faces there. I'm post mine later on my TR and my DD & I look almost bored:lmao:

YAY, on the found camera. We had a missing item but it was never found:sad2: A little purse for my little DD.

I will oblige. I, too, always look forward to other peoples faces. If I've been on a ride before, and I know exactly when the picture is taken, I sometimes try to do a funny expression for them.

Now, I have already started making a scrapbook, but I have my digital camera right here next to me...these were the best I could do.

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/225254_719902672823_71201476_37859991_1520802_n.jp g
The pic in the lower left was taken later that day, I believe after RRC. Soon Ae wouldn't stop staring at ToT (I imagine she was trying to convince herself that she actually went on that ride :lmao: ), so I decided to take a pic. I asked if she wanted to go on it again. She quickly answered with a very firm, "No!" :rotfl2:

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/225854_719902403363_71201476_37859984_4778835_n.jp g
I'd say you can definitely see the extremes of our enjoyment for the ride. :laughing:

Caretames1

04-27-2011, 08:40 PM

Bahahahaha:lmao: Now that is funny!

wdwgirl03

04-27-2011, 10:14 PM

HA, love the story from the Jedi Training! It is always funny watching the kids. :laughing: That TOT ride picture is hilarious! What on earth is going on in the front row?!

Uh oh, thunderstorms...hopefully it didn't last all day like they did when we were there. :rolleyes:

jesemeca

04-28-2011, 12:17 AM

I followed you over from my TR. Can't wait to hear more about your trip. We were in Epcot the day it rained. Nothing like being all the way in the back of Epcot in the middle of a downpour. Happened to me the last two trips. :sad1:

Turkey Lurkey

04-30-2011, 03:32 PM

Late to the party, but subscribed none the less.

TL

OhMari

04-30-2011, 06:18 PM

katoot

04-30-2011, 11:11 PM

All the CS restaurants in DS, stink.

I lost my sunglasses on Space Mountain, and I made a report with L&F. They sent my sunglasses home, and they got there before I came home. Last year I got this big box from WDW after I got home, and it was from House keeping at PO. I forgot my pillow I brought along.

DW also lost her sunglasses on the trip, but we weren't sure as to where we lost them or how to describe them...fortunately, we found them two weeks ago in her backpack (we don't use the backpacks too often). :woohoo:

katoot

04-30-2011, 11:12 PM

Late to the party, but subscribed none the less.

TL

It's about time...I was about to send out a search party.

Turkey Lurkey

05-02-2011, 08:20 AM

It's about time...I was about to send out a search party.

Well, it's kind to get on to the interwebs with no computer.

TL

katoot

05-02-2011, 11:10 AM

Day 7- January 25th

We started our day slightly later than usual. 7am wake up time (again, no alarms…we didn’t use alarms at all this trip). Today is our first trip to the Magic Kingdom. However, I’ve been watching the Weather Channel almost non-stop. It’s supposed to rain today, quite hard. Hopefully, not while we’re at the MK. I want to leave a little early, but Soon Ae wants to relax. I oblige.

I finally head to the buses around 9:45 or so. A bus quickly picks us up and we are on our way. Before long, we are at the Magic Kingdom. We take a couple pictures in front of the train station before we head in. I’m most excited to see her initial reaction to seeing the castle up close (meaning, not from Cali Grill in the Contemporary Resort). We turn the corner to go on to Main Street and her expression is one of astonishment. I couldn’t be happier.

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/217623_716757670433_71201476_37809191_3761730_n.jp g
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/167136_664154592423_71201476_37549074_1157271_n.jp g

We take a few more pictures near the castle and head towards Adventureland (we’re planning on going to MK for parts of three days, so we’re in no rush to get to the most popular rides…we have two more days to check them out). The Jungle Cruise has a 10 standby, but we walked right on. It was quite nostalgic for me, and Soon Ae seemed to enjoy it, as well. Next, Pirates of the Caribbean. Again, pretty much a walk on. The slight drop scared Soon Ae a bit (and, admittedly, caught me off guard), but she enjoyed it.

We head towards Frontierland and spot Woody and Jessie doing a Meet and Greet. The line wasn’t too long, so we decide to wait. Right before it was our turn, they take their break. No worries. We are in no rush. The wait wasn’t even 10 minutes and we are getting hugged by the two and get our pictures taken.

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/217152_716757680413_71201476_37809192_7235458_n.jp g

Unfortunately, Splash Mountain is closed for refurbishment (which I knew, but, having never been on it, was still disappointed...especially since it was scheduled to reopen on the 29th, the day we leave Disney), so I ask Soon Ae if she’d like to try Big Thunder Mountain. Again, to my surprise, she says yes! Although, afterwards, I don’t think she’ll want to do it again (but I’d be willing to bet that she enjoyed it more than another ride on another day….I’ll get to that in a future update).

We arrive near Liberty Square just in time for the jamboree in front of the Country Bear Attraction and Soon Ae wants to try dancing with one of the characters. (I'd post the video, but my links aren't working...)

After a quick “break” in Liberty Square (maybe they didn’t appreciate her dancing:lmao:)…

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/168162_664154797013_71201476_37549083_4928755_n.jp g

We go to the Haunted Mansion, my favorite attraction. Soon Ae was a little scared, but enjoyed it, nonetheless.

After a quick lunch at Cosmic Ray’s (and, I believe, a viewing of Philharmagic), it was time for my mom’s favorite attraction, It’s a Small World. Soon Ae was especially excited to see the Korean representation on the ride (although, in the room of goodbyes, she thought it was amusing that the Korean goodbye was slightly misspelled).

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/168691_664154891823_71201476_37549086_4938964_n.jp g

Knowing the forecast, and seeing that it was starting to get a little cloudier, we decide to leave the park and do some quick shopping/browsing at Downtown Disney. However, before we left the park, we stopped for a quick show of the marching band.

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/231187_721403080993_71201476_37881686_7911310_n.jp g
Soon Ae’s reaction to leaving Magic Kingdom.

We arrive at Downtown Disney and do a lot of window shopping. I pick up a few Vinylmations and Soon Ae buys some souvenirs for friends back home. While we are in World of Disney for the second time, it starts to rain…hard. We wait it out a bit, and then head to Wolfgang Puck Express for a very good dinner. It starts pouring out while we are there.

Once we finish, we hurry for the bus stop, while rain is blowing every which way. The bus for Pop arrives and, somewhat surprisingly, a Brazilian tour group gets out. Oh, what fun they will have in this weather. We hop on the bus for what we hoped was a relaxing ride back to the resort. However, our bus has a few leaks…in the light fixtures! Fortunately, nothing happened, but it was a little troubling seeing water pour out of the lights.

We get back to the resort and head back to our room for an early turn in. I watch the Weather Channel some more and see that tornadoes had been spotted or touched down within 30 miles of WDW. Fortunately, they never came near the World.

Coming Up Next
Will they visit more than one park a day, considering they have park hoppers?

By the way, for a potentially much better Trip Report, go visit Turkey Lurkey's (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2711746).

Caretames1

05-02-2011, 08:38 PM

I see you didn't washed away to much by the storm. I was happy we made it back to the room before it all broke loose.

I know when I heard about the tornados, my girls were scared, but I made up a story that the rooms could take a tornado safely, due to being built for hurricanes.:rotfl2:

jelloarms

05-08-2011, 03:57 PM

Just letting you know I'm reading! That's cool that you teach English in South Korea. Can you speak it fluently as well? I was there in 2007 for a week vacation and would love to go back someday! Love the food there. Kim Chee soup is the best!

katoot

05-15-2011, 03:13 AM

Sorry for the lack of updates lately, but I've been slightly busy/unmotivated the past few weeks.
I've been without a job since April 18th (my school was dealing with budget cuts, and when it came to renewing my year-long contract, they opted to go with a gyopo, or Korean American, since they're cheaper). I've had a few interviews for a new job over the past couple months, such as at a high school, an iron ore refinery-type factory, and a newspaper gig, but nothing has come of those. I have another interview tomorrow for a private elementary school in the first city I lived in (Incheon), so hopefully I'll get some pixie dust magic to help me out with that.
Some other things that have kept me busy:
We had a few holidays here in Korea over the past week or so- Children's Day, Parent's Day, and Buddha's Birthday. For Children's Day (the 5th), DW and I took her daughter (from a previous marriage) to visit some of DW's sisters and their families. We had a nice picnic with them, but had to cut it a little short, as DW had to work that night. On Friday, I struggled to finish my scrapbook from our trip (did a fairly good job on it, too...considering I finished over 30 pages that night) in order to show it to DW's mom and brothers, who we were going to visit on Parent's Day (the 8th). We left on Saturday afternoon around 3pm. Traffic was HORRIBLE that day, as we didn't get to her mom's house until about 11:30pm (as a frame of reference, when we came back on Monday morning, we left at 4am and arrived at our home at 7am). We had a nice visit with her mom and her older and younger brothers. Tuesday, the 10th, was Buddha's Birthday. We didn't really celebrate it, but spent the day looking for a new apartment in Incheon (because of cheaper apartment prices and to be closer to three of her sisters). We looked at about 5 or 6 apartments, but weren't impressed by any of them except for the last one. It looked like it would fit us perfectly. On Thursday, we signed the papers, and we'll be moving to Incheon on June 21st.
If I happen to get this private elementary job, it would be great, as I would only have to work 8:30-4:30 Mon-Thu every week. I'd also get a summer and winter bonus, as well as 3 weeks off in those times (for a total of 6 weeks vacation). I could maybe start as soon as a couple days after the interview, but that would mean I'd have about an hour and a half commute each way until we move, but I can deal with that. Again, here's hoping I get some Pixie Dust working for me.
To kind of offset my current lack of income, I have been teaching two twentysomethings a conversation class for two hours a week the past month or so...it's not much, but it's something.

Anyways, that's why I haven't had a real update on here for the past week or so. I'm going to try to get one up in the next few days (perhaps even later tonight)...perhaps I need to look through a few more of the other TRs on here and through my scrapbook to get a bit motivated.

Caretames1

05-15-2011, 11:19 AM

Well, here's some pixiedust: for ya! Good Luck!

Life happens to get in the way of our enjoyment of Disney. Doesn't it know any better:lmao:

afwdwfan

05-17-2011, 10:47 AM

Hey there, just found your TR. Enjoying it so far and looking forward to more!

katoot

05-17-2011, 11:21 AM

Hey there, just found your TR. Enjoying it so far and looking forward to more!

Welcome and thank you! As I mentioned on the DISdad rant thread...I'm having some difficulties with the forum regarding customizing (color, links, photos, and smilies are inaccessible right now)...once I get some time to look at some source codes, I'll update again. In the meantime, I had a job interview yesterday and another one tomorrow, as well as another possible one on either Thursday or Friday, so I'll be a little busy this week, but I'll do my best to get the next day up.

katoot

05-28-2011, 11:27 AM

Ok. So, obviously, I haven't updated the actual trip yet, but I thought I would take a moment to give another quick personal update. On the plus side, I don't have the problem customizing posts anymore. :woohoo: However, considering I don't have a job yet, I've been fairly busy and kind of unmotivated.

On the job front, I was able to get a contract for an after school academy (wasn't the job I was hoping for, but after being unemployed for about a month and a half, I'll take anything)...actually, it'll be the same place as my first year here in Korea. I start on the first of June, but we don't move to our new apartment until the 22nd. This means I'll have to commute about an hour or so each way by bus and train everyday. But only for three weeks. Once we move, I believe it will only be about a 20 minute bus ride. What I'm most worried about is the day we move, the 22nd, which is a Wednesday. Which means I work from 2pm-10pm. And DW would work that day, too, I believe...which would be about 6pm-4am Thursday morning. I'll not only have to take the bus home for the first time, but it's also at night. I just hope I don't get lost. :laughing:

I've also taken it upon myself (with some very strong nudges from DW) to try to finish my TESOL Course (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) before I start my new job. This was decided last Monday. Which would have given me just over a week to do a 100-hour course. It's now late Saturday night, and I'm about halfway done (quite exhausted mentally, however). The good thing about this course is it's online and I can go at my own pace. The bad thing is it's online and I'm easily distracted...:confused3
So I'm going to do my best to gung-ho through it over the next three or so days.

In other words, the next time I may have a chance to put a new update on here would be maybe next weekend at the earliest.

katoot

06-04-2011, 09:02 AM

Day 8- January 26th

I don’t wake up until around 9ish. Soon Ae’s still sound asleep, so I leave her be and decide to do the prerequisite pictures of our resort. I spend a good half hour to hour wandering and taking pictures of all of the giant pop culture statues, some of the shadowboxes in the lobby, and a few shots of the gift shop and cafeteria. By the time I get back to the room, Soon Ae is starting to wake up.

We decide that since we didn’t get many pictures at Epcot, and it was dark by the time we got to Japan, let’s start our day there. We get there around 11:30, which is perfect for us, since we mostly want to get pictures from the World Showcase. Our journey begins at Canada this time, and relatively uneventful, considering we’re only taking pictures and not going on any rides. That is, until we get to the American Pavilion for lunch. We decide to sit outside to eat and DW thought it would be a good idea to give a fry to one of the birds hanging out near us. Soon, we were swamped by it and its friends. Oops.

After we made it back to Italy, we feel we took enough pictures and decide to head towards the exit in Future World. I believe we went on Spaceship Earth at this time. Soon Ae thought it was alright…just a bit boring.

Just before 2pm, we go on the monorail, but not before I get a pretty awesome shot of Spaceship Earth.

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/252140_732184789363_71201476_38027360_4749660_n.jp g

We get off the monorail at the Magic Kingdom, just to make sure we use the Park Hopper at least once on the trip. We have a little bit of time before the parade starts, so we scope out a decent area to watch it just of the hub in Frontierland. Just like the parade at Hollywood Studios, she takes video of the parade with her iPhone and I take pictures with my camera. She thought the parade was wonderful….except for these annoying two late high school/early college age girls standing next to us who thought it would be fun to say to every character that walked by, “Oh, I love you (insert character’s name)! Your movie is my favorite!” Even better, we were able to capture their wonderful commentary on video, so we can cherish it forever!:thumbsup2 <-not a thumb

After the parade, I take a look at the timetable for the next performance of the show in front of the castle, as well as to find the closest restroom after our smoke break across from Casey’s Corner. I see that the next show is fairly soon, and the closest restroom is at the front of the park, so we just wander around Main Street until the show starts. Although I don’t think she understood much of it, DW seemed to enjoy the show. Again, she took video while I took pics.

Soon after the show, we head towards Tomorrowland. What luck! The Buzz Lightyear ride only had a 5 or 10 minute wait! :woohoo: Soon Ae loved Toy Story Mania, so she agrees to try it out. We both decided that, while fun, it’s not as good as TSM, especially since you can’t see where you’re shooting. After Buzz, I try my luck and ask DW if she wants to try Space Mountain. To my surprise, she said yes…although I can guarantee that she regretted it as soon as it started. It might have been a little better if we would have been able to sit next to each other, but since it’s just a single seater, that was not the case. I sat in the front seat and she was right behind me. I reached back to hold her hand as the ride started. Big mistake! She held on as hard as she could and never let go, especially on the sharp turns and dips in the track. By the end of the ride, I’m pretty sure I lost feeling in that arm. Needless to say, it wasn’t her favorite ride. :laughing:

We take another smoke break to help her calm her nerves. I look at the schedule again and see that the Move It! Shake It! Parade will be starting soon, so we head back towards the castle. She doesn’t take a video, as she’s still recovering from Space Mountain, but I get a few pictures in. The parade seemed to liven her up a bit, cause as we were heading to the back of the castle, she started dancing…apparently to other guests’ chagrin. :lmao:

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/166870_664155710183_71201476_37549121_6373058_n.jp g
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/167890_664155790023_71201476_37549123_2577539_n.jp g

It’s now about 6pm. We want to see Wishes up close, so we head to Toontown, the only land we haven’t been yet. We take our time wandering around and I suggest we go meet Mickey and Minnie.

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/179852_664155879843_71201476_37549127_4270030_n.jp g

Afterwards, we take the train back to the front of the park to wander Main Street again and do a little shopping.

It’s now about 7:30, just 30 minutes before Wishes is supposed to start. We find some places to sit at Casey’s Corner. We’re both pretty hungry, but nothing on Casey’s menu seems to interest Soon Ae. She wants a burger. I tell her to wait there while I go get our dinner. The first restaurant I try is already closed for Wishes…the second one, doesn’t have burgers! Grr! I finally get to Cosmic Ray’s, but wait in line for about 10 minutes. By the time I get our food, I hear the Magic Memories and You show starting, so I book it back to Casey’s.

Soon Ae’s not where I left her! :eek: The first thing that comes to my mind is I’m going to miss Wishes just like I missed Illuminations, searching for something I lost. After about five minutes later (and before Wishes actually starts), I luckily find her. We are able to enjoy the show together. Yet again, she takes the video while I take the pics. Except the first couple pics I try to take don’t turn out so well. So I decide to also take a video, to try out the feature on my new camera. Unfortunately, my camera’s battery died with about a minute or two left in the show. But that’s alright, since she got it on her’s. We both thoroughly enjoyed the show.

We have only last smoke break at the park, so that we can let the majority of the crowd leave before us. Meanwhile, DW is getting cold, so I give her my jacket. On our way back to the front of the park, I got so many comments from random guests saying how I was a better man then them since I was only in a T-shirt on the way to the exit (it was maybe in the lower 50’s/upper 40’s at this time). I just laughed and said I’m from Wisconsin. :cool2:

We head back to Pop and call it a night.

Coming up next:

Out of all the parks in all the World, they had to come to this one…

katoot

06-08-2011, 03:15 AM

Day 9- January 27th

We get up a little earlier today with plans to go to Animal Kingdom for most of the day, then, if we felt like dealing with the crowds, Hollywood Studios for Fantasmic! We get on the bus for AK around the time for rope drop, and got to the park soon after.

We take our time walking towards the Tree of Life, but don't see to many animals on the way there. Once we arrived at the ToL, we see a Photo Pass guy with a couple currently taking pictures, but other than that, no line. It is soon our turn. We have a lot of fun with the photographer, who tells us to make many different poses, such as making and angry face, or posing as if we are holding "something" in our arms.

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http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/216064_716757725323_71201476_37809196_541112_n.jpg

After we finish there, I decide to go counter-clockwise, hitting up Dinoland first. I ask the obligatory question to DW about riding Dinosaur. She says no, but will accompany me in the line and take the "chicken exit." It's a good thing she did. While I enjoyed it a good deal, I believe she would have had the same reaction as the lady in front of me on the ride. As soon as we stop and start deboarding, she says "never again!"

We mosey around the state fair portion of Dinoland and are mostly unimpressed. Definitely not Disney-esque. No CMs or guests anywhere to be seen. Every little kiosk and what not are all closed. The only thing we liked was the giant Brontosaurus statue near the exit of that land.

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/167260_664155999603_71201476_37549132_980838_n.jpg

As we are walking towards Asia, I'm a little more persistent about getting DW to ride Expedition Everest. To no avail. But she still joins me in the line, again taking the "chicken exit." I LOVED the ride! In my mind, I'm planning on going again later in the day.

Our plan is to head towards Africa and ride the Kilimanjaro Safari next. However, some CMs get our attention and tell us that Flights of Wonder is about to start. We go in and enjoy the show.

We finally arrive in Africa, but DW wants to go in Mombasa Market first. She finds a really cute straw leopard-print cowboy hat and a neat wooden spoon and fork set. We purchase them and she immediately puts on the hat while the CM wraps up the spoon and fork, which get put in her backpack.

When we get to KS, there's only about a 10 or 15 minute wait, so we get in line. DW had a blast. We both took a ton of pictures. After that, we got some Fast Passes, just in case we wanted to ride it again, and wander back towards Asia. We hit up the Maharajah Jungle Trek, which was alright. We were starting to get hungry, so we head back towards Africa and eat at Pizzafari. The food there was decent.

We have a smoke break afterwards (AK REALLY needs more than two smoking sections in the park) and I check the time table for the next Festival of the Lion King. 15 minutes till showtime, perfect. It was another show we both really enjoyed.

At this time, we have about an hour before the parade starts, so I suggest using the FPs and going on KS again. She just wants to relax in the sun, but says I can go by myself. While on the ride, I try to get pics that I may have missed before. Afterwards, I meet back up with DW who tells me she made friends with on of the African performers. :laughing: We're both pretty thirsty now, so I get a couple beers. While we're drinking them, I get the idea to go get some EE Fast Passes.

I head back to Asia, getting close to EE, when I hear "Hey stranger!" It's Turkey Lurkey's wife! I had completely forgotten that they were going to be in the same park that day. She tells me that EE is out of Fast Passes, but TL is nearby. So I go and say hi to him and Little Turkey, who was very shy and crabby at the moment. I invite them to watch the parade with us and they oblige.

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/188965_10150166699023745_509483744_8037898_2944193 _n.jpg

I get back to DW first and tell her I met some friends. She's very surprised and happy to see the Turkey Family a day before we were planning to meet. We watch the parade together and then go our separate ways for the day. Oh, DW said the AK parade wasn't nearly as good as the MK or HS ones. In fact, she thought it was rather boring. I kind of agree. :rotfl:

Yet again, we head towards Asia, with DW wanting a smoke break and I wanting to ride EE again. What luck! A 5 minute wait! Even better luck! It's walk on! I end up going on the ride 3 times in a row before I start getting a slight headache. Which is alright, since my final ride picture is the best one.

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250502_733662263493_71201476_38056076_4833540_n.jp g

It's now about 4:20, just in time for the final Finding Nemo- The Musical performance of the day, which we both enjoyed. Afterwards, we head towards the exit. Even though we didn't do much at AK, we were exhausted from all the walking. We decide against goint to Fanstasmic and fighting the crowd, so we call it an early night.

Coming up next

Will Little Turkey be more friendly at the Magic Kingdom?

afwdwfan

06-08-2011, 08:16 AM

katoot

06-08-2011, 11:26 AM

Looks like a good trip so far! It looks like you're a lucky guy that DW is at least understanding enough to let you go off on your own so you can still enjoy the rides she's not interested in.:thumbsup2

Indeed, I am very lucky! :cool2:

Speaking of DW, I just remembered (thanks to browsing a random PTR) we spotted DeVine. Scared the peanut butter out of her. :lmao:

Caretames1

06-08-2011, 02:48 PM

katoot

06-09-2011, 11:02 AM

I think us WI people can take temps up to freezing without complain!:lmao: We didn't really care for Dino Land either. We mainly just met some characters there and that was it.
We missed Flights of Wonder, but maybe next time.

EE is awesome, but 3 times in a row.......:eek:

I'm inclined to agree. I love the cold!

We didn't see a single soul in Dino Land other than our selves.

Yeah, it was the first time I've done a roller coaster more than twice...and possibly the last time :lmao:

Btw, I edited my last TR entry with the ride photo from EE. I'm the one who is "scared out of his mind." :rotfl:

Caretames1

06-09-2011, 07:03 PM

:lmao: LOVE the EE picture! Now thats one of the best ride photos I've ever seen.:rotfl2:

katoot

08-03-2011, 01:41 AM

I just realized it's been almost two months since I updated this. It's been a pretty busy "summer" so far for me. Started a new job in the beginning of June, moved to a new apartment in the middle of June, and since then have been trying to make said apartment more comfortable and like a home. Unfortunately, with the rainy season that we are (hopefully) just finishing up, it's caused quite a few problems (such as a mold buildup in a couple rooms and a leaky bedroom ceiling). Still, I feel fortunate that our city didn't get the flooding that some parts of Seoul got.

I'll try to get the Great Katoorkey Family Meet update up this weekend or so.

katoot

08-29-2011, 02:07 AM

Yes, I know, I didn't post the Great Katoorkey Family Meet that weekend as I had planned. This whole month went by pretty fast and has kept me pretty busy.

I thought I was all settled in to my new job and apartment (leaky ceiling stopped, and mold is under control)...and then last week, my recruiter informed me of a job opportunity that I can't pass up. It's for one of the top companies in Korea and I would be a fool to let it go by.

Well, my recruiter has been talking me up a storm to this company...so much so that when he last talked to them, they only wanted to talk about me!

Turns out I have an interview tomorrow before I go to work...over the phone...the company itself is on the other side of the country and I don't think I can squeeze in an 8 hour round-trip train ride before I have to be to work at 3pm.

So I'm asking for all the luck I can get in the hopes that I can secure this job pixiedust: ...once that's all cleared up in the next few days (they may have me do a face to face interview if the deem it necessary), hopefully I'll be able to return to the semi-regularly scheduled TR.

katoot

11-15-2011, 02:39 AM

Wow....it's been over two months...oops.

Still no trip update, but there's good reason for that.

So, I was supposed to have a phone interview the day after my last post....well, that didn't happen. I found out the next day that they wanted to have a face to face interview! Much to my school's chagrin, I took that Thursday (september 1st) off (mostly they were upset because of short notice and it was the first day of the new semester) and took a train to Pohang, South Korea.

Long story short (too late):

I now work as a Consultant for POMIConsulting (POSCO Management and Innovation Consulting), a division of POSCO (Pohang Steel Company), the third biggest steel manufacturer in the world, and one of the top companies in South Korea.

I've been working here for just over three weeks now, and I'm loving it. I work from 9-6, although with commuting added, it's more like 8-7. I teach English to my coworkers right now, but I'll have more responsibilities come the beginning of next year.

In other news, my new boss hooked my wife up with a possible job, which she interviewed for today. That means she won't be stuck at home all day, not knowing anyone else who lives in Pohang. I'll keep you guys updated on that front.

So, don't hold your breath, but I'll honestly try to get an update in here fairly soon (like, maybe the next week or two).

That is...if people are still following this thread... :confused3

Caretames1

11-15-2011, 09:15 AM

"climbing through the cobwebs......."

Still here, can I have a glass of water!:rotfl2:

Congrats on the new job, and crossed fingers for your wife!

katoot

12-06-2011, 06:38 AM

Day 10- January 27th

We made arrangements with Turkey Lurkey to meet by my “namesake,” Casey’s Corner at 10am. They would already be at the park, due to an ARD for breakfast.

We get to MK at about 9:30, a little early, so we get a few photopass pics take a few pics at Casey’s.

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/381077_826499661603_71201476_38918050_1320053397_n .jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/375329_826499576773_71201476_38918049_1973115_n.jp g

We meet up with the Turkey fam a little before 10 and head straight for the Winnie the Pooh ride. The whole way there, Little Turkey holds Soon Ae’s hand. Soon Ae then decides to play with LT once we get in line. We only had about a 10 minute wait, but that interactive queue area certainly made the time fly by.

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/179446_664156299003_71201476_37549143_4742321_n.jp g

After that, LT and Soon Ae go on the carousel, while TL, Turkey Wife, and I watch them. It was really cute watching them ride together.

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/379388_826499706513_71201476_38918052_182308303_n. jpg

I don't know how to post videos, so here's a link to it on my facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=826493419113)

Next up was the Haunted Mansion, I believe. LT was a little afraid at the beginning when the room stretches, but she enjoyed it. (We also enjoyed riding it again). Actually, LT asked to sit with me and Soon Ae, which surprised TL and TW (Soon Ae has a great rapport with LT…every time we visit, LT and Soon Ae act like best friends).

After HM, we head towards Pirates of the Caribbean. (The sudden drop still startled Soon Ae) Got a couple cute pics in the gift shop.

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/375237_826499671583_71201476_38918051_469517378_n. jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/180687_664156478643_71201476_37549151_4234026_n.jp g
We split up for lunch and agree to meet back up at around 1 or 1:30. Seeing as how it’s now been 10 months since we were there, I don’t remember what exactly we did during that time. We don’t have any pictures after PotC (at about 11:30) until close to 2pm.

If I’m not mistaken, this is when Soon Ae and I went to see the Country Bear Jamboree, although I believe we got some burgers at Cosmic Ray’s first. We had a little bit of time before the next show, so Soon Ae sits down on a bench to rest. I had a craving for a Mickey Bar all week, and finally got around to buying one.

I was about two thirds done and standing in front of the Jamboree building. I believe I was talking to Soon Ae at the time, but I’m not sure. Maybe not. Anyway, I was minding my own business, enjoying my Mickey Bar. All of a sudden, something hit my head and my hand, knocking most of what was left on the bar on the ground! Apparently, this seagull was craving Mickey Bars, too! :confused3 I just couldn’t believe what happened. There was a CM just outside the doors. She asked if I was alright, and said that it happens all the time. Well, now I know to protect my ice cream! :lmao:

We watch the show, which Soon Ae thought was really cute, but had a hard time understanding the songs and what not. I wish I knew the names of the characters, but I believe her favorite was the big fat one to the left.

It’s close to the time we’re supposed to meet up with the Turkeys again, so we head towards Liberty Square (they went to see the Hall of Presidents). We only have to wait for about ten minutes or so until we are all back together and head towards Toontown to take a tour of Minnie’s Vacation Home.

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/379140_826499751423_71201476_38918053_611120857_n. jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/378985_826499771383_71201476_38918054_1366351628_n .jpg

We head back towards Frontierland afterwards to watch the parade again. After the parade, we went our separate ways yet again, but we are to meet up at 4:30 in Main Street to head to our ADR.

All I remember about this part was going on the People Mover, then trying to get a photo of Soon Ae and the castle while some fireworks are going off at the end of a show.

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/383879_826498618693_71201476_38918048_683481179_n. jpg

It would have been perfect if that lady hadn’t walked right in between us…:mad::mad:

Anyway, we meet back up with the Turkeys, and head towards the monorails, but not without stopping in some gift shops first.

Coming up next

What ADR will we go to? Will it be another 6 months before another real update?

Caretames1

12-06-2011, 09:37 PM

Nice update! Soon Ae looked prety serious with that gun!:lmao: I could see they 2 girls were having fun!

I'll see ya in 6 months!:rotfl2:

afwdwfan

12-07-2011, 07:27 AM

Will it be another 6 months before another real update?

:lmao::rotfl2::rotfl:

That's great that your wife and niece get along so well, especially since I'm sure they don't get to spend much time together. :thumbsup2

katoot

12-07-2011, 07:33 AM

:lmao::rotfl2::rotfl:

That's great that your wife and niece get along so well, especially since I'm sure they don't get to spend much time together. :thumbsup2

Indeed. I believe that what she misses most about America when we are back in Korea.

katoot

12-07-2011, 07:35 AM

Nice update! Soon Ae looked prety serious with that gun!:lmao: I could see they 2 girls were having fun!

I'll see ya in 6 months!:rotfl2:

Hopefully it'll be sooner than that. :lmao:

katoot

02-15-2012, 07:42 PM

Since its been just over two months since my last update, I'm gonna try to get something up soon. When I finished the last one, I thought I had enough for the rest of that day to fill a post, but I don't think it will. So, the next update will include the end of day 10 as well as all of day 11.