An Imagineer Fell For Bill - **New 10/19 Last 2 installments**

[mrsksomeday]

And we are off... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41445764&postcount=2)

Where is the bus?? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41452051&postcount=16)

Bill’s happy place (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41579724&postcount=62)

Topiaries everywhere!! Part 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41707390&postcount=99)

Topiaries everywhere!! Part 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41707420&postcount=100)

Topiaries everywhere!! Part 3 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41707609&postcount=101)

Topiaries everywhere!! Part 4 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41707631&postcount=102)

Bill wants a walk up?? Part 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41773649&postcount=125)

Bill wants a walk up?? Part 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41773690&postcount=126)

Bill wants a walk up?? Part 3 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41773707&postcount=127)


Destination D Day 1 Part 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41971818&postcount=152)

Destination D Day 1 Part 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41971843&postcount=153)

Destination D Day 1 Part 3 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41971851&postcount=154)

Dave Smith Part 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42161797&postcount=203)

Dave Smith Part 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42161812&postcount=204)

Dave Smith Part 3 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42161825&postcount=205)

Dave Smith Part 4 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42161828&postcount=206)

Destination D End of Day 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42354742&postcount=241)

Destination D Day 2 Part 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42736643&postcount=267)


Destination D Day 2 Part 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42766455&postcount=279)

Destination D Day 2 Part 3 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42766485&postcount=280)

Destination D Day 2 Part 4 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42950138&postcount=302)

Magic Kingdom bound (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42991062&postcount=318)

Time to leave our Happy Place (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42991080&postcount=319)

[mrsksomeday]

I am addicted to most things Disney … Walt Disney World, Disney movies, Disney TV shows, etc. I can change about any conversation into a Disney one and we can come up with just about any excuse to schedule a trip. Those pesky Annual Passes whisper to me - “book a trip, book a trip” and most of the time I listen. When D23 dangled Destination D in front of me, I had to go, didn’t I? So we went to Walt Disney World May 11th - 17th. I will be posting pictures from two different cameras and my cell phone.


Who are we?

ME: Tracy http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/smiley_omg.gif, 41 I am a DOCP (Disney Obsessive Compulsive Planner) and I have recently learned I have PWDD (Preoccupation With Disney Disorder)thanks to the DISer BoBippity. I am either planning a WDW trip, writing about a WDW trip, or writing a pretrip report about our next WDW trip. I dream about Walt Disney World all the time [IMG] http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/Disneysleepanimation.gif. Bill and I make plans for the next trip while we are in WDW. It is a sickness that I never want a cure for.
I will make a confession up front, you will not see one picture of me from this trip, none were taken. I have already been punished http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Enchanted%20Smileys/buttkick.gif by oregonmommyof2, I promise there will be pictures of me when we go in December. I am very overweight and extremely upset with myself at the moment, but am as we speak working on the issue.

HIM: Bill http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/wavesmile.gifhe always has a smile on his face, 41 (as of this week), he loves Disney as well, he just hides it a lot better than I do. He is a computer geek, wickedly intelligent, and has excellent driving skills. It is NOT easy driving a power wheelchair through massive crowds at WDW, but he does it with ease. Bill has Cerebral Palsy and has never let him hold it back from doing anything he wants to do. He is my hero.

Here are two pictures from us on previous trips:

We love Dopey!!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/11-08%20wdw%20trip/1%20Travel%20and%20day%201/BillTracyDopey.jpg

On our favorite ride EVER!!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/Destination%20D/tsm1.jpg

** photo credit oregondaddyof2 **

We live in Southern Illinois so the logical choice of an airport would be St. Louis, but we are NOT logical people. We drove to Nashville, TN. Now why would we do that? We had to meet his parents at their vacation home in the Smoky Mountains after the WDW trip. This way we would be closer to that destination. I will never do two back to back trips like this again. Bill and I are just not Smoky Mountain people. We look at the wonderful mountains, ohh and ahh for about a day and are ready to go home and plan our next WDW trip.

Some people think we are crazy, but face it, you have to be as well or you wouldn’t be reading this now would you?

Besides the Disney planning disorder, I also suffer from chronic lateness when it comes to leaving for a WDW trip. I have all the intentions in the world of getting to the hotel and going to bed early. Does that every happen? Not that I can remember. It has turned into a joke, a sad pathetic but funny joke between the two of us. Now this time it wasn’t just me, Bill decided to download some movies onto his Droid and that took longer than expected. So we were finally off and before we made it to Nashville it was dark. Bill decided to watch his movie “The Other Guys” and we piped the audio through the van speakers. A good idea until they started shooting and it freaked me out before I realized it was the movie. Oh and the sirens didn’t help my nerves either. I kept looking for a cop and Bill was cackling at me. The hotel gave us nice room we had picked up dinner and were off to sleep before we knew it.

We usually take the first flight out but changed it up this time and weren’t flying until 11:20am. The hotel doesn’t have an accessible shuttle and we were going to have me drop off Bill and the luggage, go back and park the van (would have been free parking while we were gone) and take their shuttle back. In the end we just decided to park the van at the airport. They had some handicap parking spaces free right next to a shuttle stop. We were out of the van, I had taken the luggage out, and a shuttle van pulled up… shuttle mojo http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/thumbsup.gif.

The shuttle van was awesome! The ramp built into the floor at the front right of the van, they had a great tie down system and it went quickly. Bill got to sit up toward the front for once:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/camera%20pictures/droidpictures115.jpg

I sat down and took a picture of where the heck I parked the van so we could get back to it.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/camera%20pictures/droidpictures113.jpg

Great airport mojo for the line to get our boarding passes:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/camera%20pictures/droidpictures116.jpg

We do this instead of online because they have to check Bill’s wheelchair. They note any damage, the color, what type of batteries, etc. Then we got in line to go through security. I love the Nashville airport, the wait was so short. I had decided to check all bags except for the one on Bill’s chair. It was great not to have to put all that stuff in bins. I got to walk through the metal detector while Bill was doing this:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/camera%20pictures/droidpictures117.jpg

We walked to our gate picking up something to drink along the way. We both just messed with our phones wasting time. One the way back from the bathroom I did a double take. I told Bill I thought the guy behind us was the lead singer from Lonestar, a country group. I said I wasn’t sure. Bill said “his name is right there on his bag”. So I sneaked a peek and the tag said: “Richie McDonald”. Decisions, decisions… do I say anything to him? I didn’t want to have a bunch of people bother him. I took a stealth picture:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/camera%20pictures/droidpictures118.jpg

I couldn’t take it so I said “excuse me, are you Richie McDonald from Lonestar”. His face lit up, he smiled and said “yes I am”. I told him I didn’t want to bother him, I just wanted to let him know “Amazed” was one of my favorite songs. He thanked me, he told Bill Hi, and I told him I didn’t want to take up anymore of his time. I turned to talk to Bill and about 5 minutes later I got a tap on the back. It was him asking me my name, he pulled a CD out of his backpack and signed it for me:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%201/May2011greycamera001.jpg

Wow I didn’t expect that. I said thank you about 3 times and he went off toward his gate. About 15 minutes later I heard them calling for boarding on the other side and Richie came back over told us to have a good flight and to tell Mickey Hi for him. What a sweet guy!

Before long we were called to board. They let persons with disabilities on the plane first. Since Bill has a power chair they almost always let us be the first ones on the plane so I can get him situated. I noticed the plane looked a little different than the ones we had flown before. I went to step right before the door of the plane and instead of it feeling like a hard surface it was squishy and twisted my ankle a bit. The flight attendant asked if I was ok and I said I was fine, got Bill where he wanted to sit, then showed the ground guys how to work the chair. After I sat down I noticed the strap on my left Mickey Croc was broken, it must have happened when I stepped weird.

We took off, got clearance to use electronic devices, and got Bill set up to watch a movie. I saw that he fell asleep so that was my cue to do the same. The flight seemed fast and we had the smoothest landing we have ever had. I want that pilot every time! By the time we got the chair and got down to ME it was 3pm. We got some ME mojo too. Look at the lines:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%201/May2011blackcamera067.jpg

A CM always has to request an accessible bus, one came in about 5 minutes. Here is the annual Bill hanging off the side of a bus picture:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%201/May2011blackcamera074.jpg

I sat in the front for two reasons: 1) I seem to want that Walt Disney World sign shot every trip and 2) being a big woman I don’t like squeezing past all those people when it comes time to get off the bus. It makes me uncomfortable, them uncomfortable so I just would rather not do it. Bill has no problems with it:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%201/May2011blackcamera076.jpg

I did get a picture of the sign but YUCK they need to clean their windshields every once in a while don’t you think?

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%201/May2011blackcamera079.jpg

There was a French speaking family right behind me and it was so cute when the video came on. The little boy was talking fast in French then I heard “Mickey Moust” and “Nemo”. That just made me smile even more than I already was.

We stopped at Caribbean Beach first, then:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%201/May2011blackcamera080.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%201/May2011blackcamera081.jpg

Everyone got their luggage, strollers, etc and went in while I patiently waited for Bill. We had done online check in so I didn’t care about the rush to get in.

Next installment… Where is the bus? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41452051&postcount=16)

[oregonmommyof2]

Here!! :flower3:

[Belle83]

I looove the picture of you two on TSM! That's awesome. :thumbsup2 The celebrity encounter sounds very cool, it's great that he was so nice about it.

Can't wait to read more!

[Tinkermom76]

Great start Tracy! Can't wait to read more!!! :thumbsup2

[Tinker_Tam]

What an awesome thing to wake up on birthday and find... A TR by Tracy!!! Its got to be a good year when it starts off this way!!! :lmao:

[pooksma]

Great start! I am looking forward to following along.You have some great trip Mojo going :lmao:

[ddstratton]

Woo Hoo! You got started! Can't wait to read more of your trip.

You guys had some major mojo going on this morning, huh? Shuttle Van mojo, boarding pass line mojo, celebrity meet mojo (how cool was that???) and ME line mojo. I'm hoping this keeps up throughout your trip. It sure made for a good start!

[Rozz]

Welcome back! I've been looking forward to your trip report. The title is intriguing. Can't wait to read more!

Happy Birthday to Tinker_Tam!

[IheartDDuck]

Joining.

:wave2:

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Joining in!

Sounds like a wonderful first day and how amazing to meet a singer that you like and have him be so friendly. :thumbsup2

[Mickey_Mom]

Hello there! :wave: What a great start, wonderful mojo so far, and to meet the guy from Lonestar?? I love I'm Already There too. :lovestruc

[beckanoah]

Hopefully first page. Been waiting not so patiently for this report :D

I broke my no disboard posting streak too. It's been a while!

[mrsksomeday]

Here!! :flower3:

Hi :hug:

I looove the picture of you two on TSM! That's awesome. :thumbsup2 The celebrity encounter sounds very cool, it's great that he was so nice about it.

Can't wait to read more!

I am so grateful to Terry for taking that picture, Bill looks so happy.

Great start Tracy! Can't wait to read more!!! :thumbsup2

Thanks for joining.

What an awesome thing to wake up on birthday and find... A TR by Tracy!!! Its got to be a good year when it starts off this way!!! :lmao:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! :hug:

Great start! I am looking forward to following along.You have some great trip Mojo going :lmao:

Thanks for being here!

Woo Hoo! You got started! Can't wait to read more of your trip.

You guys had some major mojo going on this morning, huh? Shuttle Van mojo, boarding pass line mojo, celebrity meet mojo (how cool was that???) and ME line mojo. I'm hoping this keeps up throughout your trip. It sure made for a good start!

Hi Darla!! We were happy with how the day was going, thats for sure :).

Welcome back! I've been looking forward to your trip report. The title is intriguing. Can't wait to read more!

Happy Birthday to Tinker_Tam!

Hi Rozz, thanks for joining. I always have such trouble with the report titles.

Joining.

:wave2:

:wave2:

Joining in!

Sounds like a wonderful first day and how amazing to meet a singer that you like and have him be so friendly. :thumbsup2

Hi Lessa, he was such a nice guy. Part of me wanted to ask for a picture with him but didn't want to draw attention to him.

Hello there! :wave: What a great start, wonderful mojo so far, and to meet the guy from Lonestar?? I love I'm Already There too. :lovestruc

HELLO!! I love that song too, but Amazed it what popped in my head :rotfl:.

Hopefully first page. Been waiting not so patiently for this report :D

I broke my no disboard posting streak too. It's been a while!

So nice to see you here, thanks for joining!

[piglet50]

yea, you're here! loved the picture of bill in the back of the bus. he looks so happy. can't wait to read more.

[mrsksomeday]

Bill was safely off the bus and we checked in. We got 70’s section, room 0170 in between the Twister game and the Big Wheel. This is looking to the left for some reason I never took a pic looking to the right?


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%201/May2011blackcamera085.jpg

This was a convenient location close to the food court one way and close to the busses the other. By the time we got in the room it was 5pm. We weren’t in the room five minutes and there was a knock on the door, I opened and a CM was holding these:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%201/May2011blackcamera087.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%201/May2011blackcamera088.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%201/May2011blackcamera089.jpg

Pictures don’t do these flowers justice. The arrangement is called “All my Love”. They bloomed throughout our stay. It was so amazing to come back to the room at night and see more and more flowers.

I noticed no fridge, I had requested one. The guy came in and wanted to plug it in right next to the bed, I told him we couldn’t do that I had to be able to get around the bed to lay Bill down. I suggested he put it in the hole that they were always in and he said he couldn’t do that??? Ok, well he ended up putting it next to our table. I thought that was weird. Has anyone read or heard anything about there being issues with the fridges in the dresser units at Pop?

Ten minutes after that the luggage arrived. I got things situated a little and we decided to not go to Kona Café and head to DTD instead. I called reservations and cancelled our Kona Reservation. We went to the DTD bus stop and there was a huge line, but there was a bus loading and another bus waiting behind it so we got on the second one.

We had never been near T Rex, so it took a bit to figure out how to get there. We checked in and they said it would be about a 20 minute wait. We were happy with that and started looking around. We came so close to buying a plush dino for Ace but didn’t. Then I was looking at the shirts and saw this one:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%201/May2011greycamera006.jpg

This made me smile and think of (DISer) brookenglish’s Henry. He loves the dig site at Animal Kingdom. I showed it to Bill and said “isn’t it crazy how a message board can change your outlook on things”? They called our name and we headed to the line to wait for our server Abdul. We sat down and ordered drinks.

Here is my little lush with his Caveman Punch:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%201/May2011greycamera018.jpg

I got a Category 5:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%201/May2011greycamera020.jpg

Bill got the NY Strip Steak:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%201/May2011greycamera023.jpg

I got the Chicken Salad, it was HUGE, I didn’t finish half of it:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%201/May2011greycamera024.jpg

Pictures from around where we were sitting:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%201/May2011greycamera012.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%201/May2011greycamera022.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%201/May2011greycamera027.jpg

Our server was very attentive and friendly. Another employee, Adam, came over and talked to us, he asked us how many trips we had done and what were in town for. When we told him about the D23 event he didn’t know what D23 was. We found many CM’s didn’t know about D23 either. We thought that was odd, he talked to us for 15 minutes. We were too full to get dessert so we paid and left.

We walked up to the bus stop at 10:40pm and there were many people waiting. A bus came and it was packed and only took a couple people. The bus driver got off the bus came over to us and said he had called in to let them know a wheelchair was waiting. I thought that was nice. I said we can wait like everyone else.

Bus after bus came for All Star Resorts and none for Pop. A relief driver, Bob from St. Louis, came to stand by us and couldn’t understand why the bus wasn’t there yet. He talked to us and told us we needed to move down there. Twenty-five minutes after that Pop bus came. It was full also, only standing room available. Bob said he would call in again and tell them how many people were waiting. At 12:10am a bus from Grandstand-Treehouse Villa came. The bus driver Kathy from St. Louis said she came because she kept hearing calls go out to pick up a wheelchair and she couldn’t believe no one had come. I had a transportation number to call to complain to but had left my phone in the room to charge like an idiot, that number is now in BOTH cell phones. We thanked Kathy over and over again for coming to get all of us. By the time she came to the Pop Century Pleasure Island stop, I had counted 9 All Star Resorts busses. Kathy said a tip she had would be to always go to the Marketplace bus stop especially if you are in a wheelchair. I thanked her, but said we shouldn't have to do that :mad:. We should be able to use any bus stop that an able bodied person does and expect to be able to get on the bus in a reasonable amount of time.

We got in bed around 2am.

(an email has been sent to WDW, I will let you know if I get any type of reply)

Next installment… Bill's happy place (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41579724&postcount=62)

[mrsksomeday]

yea, you're here! loved the picture of bill in the back of the bus. he looks so happy. can't wait to read more.

Hi!! I love that picture too. He has the best smile :love:.

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

:mad: That must have been really frustrating watching all the buses go by and not being able to get on.

[Tinker_Tam]

Wow! So sorry to hear that you had to wait for what seems like forever to get on a bus. Hope things get better this trip.

We LOVED T-REx when we went!!! We did get that huge dessert to split though! YUMMY!

[heaven2dc]

How exciting - another TR! Loved the pics of Bill suspended in air getting ready to board the bus and the one at the back of the bus :)

I agree with you - you should be able to go to any bus stop and expect a bus in a reasonable amount of time. Your dinner at T-Rex looked yummy :upsidedow

[jcc0621]

I'm here:cool1:. We loved T-Rex when we were there. Jimmy absolutely aleloved, since he want to be a palantoligist (sp?) when he grows up. He want sot be a teacher and a vet too. He will be inschool until he is 60:rotfl2:

See, as you know I am in the midst of planning a trip for next year and your pics are making me miss POP. I could always upgrade to preferred there...hmmmmm.

Stinks about the bus wait at DTD.

Can't wait to read more:goodvibes

[ddstratton]

Wow! Sounds like your mojo ran out when it came to the Downtown Disney bus. :sad1: That was absolutely ridiculous!

You did have good mojo going until then -- nice room location, beautiful flowers, and your food at T-Rex looks DELICIOUS!!!!

[IheartDDuck]

I had a bus experience similar to yours at DHS. My dad and I were waiting for an AKL bus. During the time that it took for our AKL bus to come, six Pop Century buses came. It was absolutely ridiculous. I think we ended up waiting about 40 minutes. I can definitely empathize with that.

[Shoopdeedoo]

I can't wait to read more! I couldn't get T REX ADRs so we're going to risk it and just hope we go at a good time. Those drinks and food look so yummy!

[ljcrochet]

Can't wait to read about the rest of your trip!

[Disneyland_Mama]

Yay!! :banana: Another Bill & Tracy report!!

:cool1: on the all the early mojo! That was really nice of that band member to give you a signed CD! Love the pic of Bill in the bus - he looks so full of Disney excitement!

:mad: boo for the crappy bus service!


:surfweb:

[mrsksomeday]

:mad: That must have been really frustrating watching all the buses go by and not being able to get on.

It was very frustrating for everyone around us. I was kicking myself for not having my phone with me :mad:.

Wow! So sorry to hear that you had to wait for what seems like forever to get on a bus. Hope things get better this trip.

We LOVED T-REx when we went!!! We did get that huge dessert to split though! YUMMY!

It was about a 90 minute wait all together. We really enjoyed T-Rex.

How exciting - another TR! Loved the pics of Bill suspended in air getting ready to board the bus and the one at the back of the bus :)

I agree with you - you should be able to go to any bus stop and expect a bus in a reasonable amount of time. Your dinner at T-Rex looked yummy :upsidedow

He was a little nervous being suspended this time, the driver wasn't as experienced as the ones we have had in the past. Bill loved the steak at T-Rex.

I'm here:cool1:. We loved T-Rex when we were there. Jimmy absolutely aleloved, since he want to be a palantoligist (sp?) when he grows up. He want sot be a teacher and a vet too. He will be inschool until he is 60:rotfl2:

See, as you know I am in the midst of planning a trip for next year and your pics are making me miss POP. I could always upgrade to preferred there...hmmmmm.

Stinks about the bus wait at DTD.

Can't wait to read more:goodvibes

Hi Janet!! I love that Jimmy has all those ideas of what he wants to be, he is so cute. I really love Pop, we aren't going there in December, but I think I am going to miss it.

Wow! Sounds like your mojo ran out when it came to the Downtown Disney bus. :sad1: That was absolutely ridiculous!

You did have good mojo going until then -- nice room location, beautiful flowers, and your food at T-Rex looks DELICIOUS!!!!

Very ridiculous. Those flowers didn't look the same later in the week, irises and stargazer lillies bloomed like crazy. T-Rex was very delicious!

I had a bus experience similar to yours at DHS. My dad and I were waiting for an AKL bus. During the time that it took for our AKL bus to come, six Pop Century buses came. It was absolutely ridiculous. I think we ended up waiting about 40 minutes. I can definitely empathize with that.

It is so frustrating seeing bus after bus for another resort going by.

I can't wait to read more! I couldn't get T REX ADRs so we're going to risk it and just hope we go at a good time. Those drinks and food look so yummy!

Welcome! Have you tried calling the restaurant directly? I had tried to get a reservation through the WDW website and never could. I called the restaurant at (407) 828-8739 and almost had my pick of times. Good luck, when are you going?


Can't wait to read about the rest of your trip!

Thanks for posting! I am going to try to get through this trip rather quickly, I am in the middle of planning the trip for December :rotfl:.

Yay!! :banana: Another Bill & Tracy report!!

:cool1: on the all the early mojo! That was really nice of that band member to give you a signed CD! Love the pic of Bill in the bus - he looks so full of Disney excitement!

:mad: boo for the crappy bus service!


:surfweb:

Hi T!! Thanks for joining us. Bill never really gets excited until we are on the Magical Express then he is smiling from ear to ear.

[disneyeeyorefan]

Excited to read your trip report!!! Sorry about the buses, that is crazy. We drove through the Smokies on our way to Disney and my husband oohs and ahhs continually and he knows I think they are pretty, but could not imagine being there any length of time...I need to go go go on vacation...LOL:sulley:

[dseth]

Love your trip reports!! Looking forward to your next installment!:thumbsup2

[All7OfUs]

I'll round out the Salem, Oregon contingent. :goodvibes

ETA: Went back to read the updates... .lovely start... on YOUR part. Disney's part however, has something to be wanted! Sheesh!! 2:00 AM is unacceptable to get guests back to their resort for bed! I'll be VERY interested to know how that turns out!!

[DisMomAmy]

Hi Tracy & Bill!!! I'm so glad you started your report!! :banana::banana: Off to a great start so far... unfortunately it doesn't sound like your trip was off to the best start. That really stinks about the buses! :mad: I hope things improved quickly!

[mrsksomeday]

Excited to read your trip report!!! Sorry about the buses, that is crazy. We drove through the Smokies on our way to Disney and my husband oohs and ahhs continually and he knows I think they are pretty, but could not imagine being there any length of time...I need to go go go on vacation...LOL:sulley:
The Smoky Mountains are beautiful where Bill's parents vacation home are, I am the way you are though. I will discuss that trip at the end of this one :goodvibes.


Love your trip reports!! Looking forward to your next installment!:thumbsup2

Thank you so much for following along!

I'll round out the Salem, Oregon contingent. :goodvibes

ETA: Went back to read the updates... .lovely start... on YOUR part. Disney's part however, has something to be wanted! Sheesh!! 2:00 AM is unacceptable to get guests back to their resort for bed! I'll be VERY interested to know how that turns out!!

Hello, thanks for coming over! I will clarify, we were in bed by 2am, not back to the resort.

Hi Tracy & Bill!!! I'm so glad you started your report!! :banana::banana: Off to a great start so far... unfortunately it doesn't sound like your trip was off to the best start. That really stinks about the buses! :mad: I hope things improved quickly!

Hi Amy!! Thanks for joining us. I have to get caught up on your PTR, I am so far behind with everyone, but I will get caught up :goodvibes.

[brookelizabeth]

I'm here! I still have to read...can't wait to hear all about it! :yay:

[tinytreasures]

Sounds like a rough start. Hope our ankle is Okay for the trip.
Sorry about the busing :headache:

[MickeyReeds]

Hi! Just want to let you know that I am enjoying reading your report. I'm off work for the summer, so i have more time to dis and was looking for a new report to follow! Glad I found yours! Sorry to hear about your bus troubles! Seems like the bus service can be hit or miss in the world at times. I know we experienced a few long waits on our last trip, though nothing like yours. We didn't make it to DTD though. Long story, but it did involve busses! Looking forward to reading more about your trip!

[sharkB8HooHaHa]

I cannot believe you had to wait that long for a bus! Lesser people would have had a hissy-fit or two, Tracy. Yay! for Kathy for hearing a need and taking care of it. :thumbsup2

[mrsksomeday]

I'm here! I still have to read...can't wait to hear all about it! :yay:

Hi Brook, thanks for posting!

Sounds like a rough start. Hope our ankle is Okay for the trip.
Sorry about the busing :headache:

Hello! The ankle did give me issues, I just walked slow which wasn't hard when it was in the upper 90's.

Hi! Just want to let you know that I am enjoying reading your report. I'm off work for the summer, so i have more time to dis and was looking for a new report to follow! Glad I found yours! Sorry to hear about your bus troubles! Seems like the bus service can be hit or miss in the world at times. I know we experienced a few long waits on our last trip, though nothing like yours. We didn't make it to DTD though. Long story, but it did involve busses! Looking forward to reading more about your trip!

Thank you so much for reading our report. I am going to be posting another installment very soon, I won't be dragging this out.

I cannot believe you had to wait that long for a bus! Lesser people would have had a hissy-fit or two, Tracy. Yay! for Kathy for hearing a need and taking care of it. :thumbsup2


Hi, I can't believe the people around us didn't start a riot with all the All Star busses passing us :rotfl:. Kathy was amazing, I thanked her over and over.

[GeminiAngel]

:cool1::cool1: Going back to read!

[GeminiAngel]

Great start! I love Bill's flower tradition. :love:
What the heck gives with the bus service? It almost seems like the drivers choose for themselves which resort they are going to service, instead of being assigned. :confused:

I found buses to be an issue in 2007 when we stayed at Riverside.

[mom3sonstt]

http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-greet022.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php) checking in!

That stinks about the wait time on the bus. I know you shouldn't have to go to a different bus stop, but I know that I always try to plan to end up on the Marketplace end - especially if it is later at night. The buses are so inconsistent at Downtown Disney moreso than anywhere, I like to try to get the best shot possible for getting a spot!

This year I am going to try to go Downtown without the scooter. I feel so much better after the transplant (its been almost 4 months and I still have almost 2 months until our trip). I think if we aren't doing a major shopping expedition that I should be ok. I may try it on the solo part of my trip so if I need to stop for awhile I wont be bothering anyone else. I want to eat at Earl's and I recently saw some pictures at the Christmas store I want to try to hunt down. I know DH would have no patience for that, so maybe I will do that little hunting expedition before he gets there!

How cool to start your trip with a celebrity meet! And what a nice guy he was. :lovestruc

[lovegrumpy]

Can't wait.

[Dreamer & Wisher]

Great start to your report so far. We stayed in the '70s section too! Right by the Mickey Phone, our rooms were very near the elevator which was good for my MIL since she was in a scooter.

We had issues with the buses leaving Pop in the mornings. They were using big Mears buses with no accessibility and also the Disney Cruise Line buses so we had to separate our group every morning to get to the parks. There were plenty of buses. We couldn't understand why they would use the buses that aren't accessible because every time we looked around each bus stop had a scooter or wheelchair waiting to board. They shouldn't send two in a row that aren't accessible to the same bus stop either. My Brother in law went and talked to a CM that morning and he used a dyad to send us a bus that was accessible. It took us an hour to get to the Animal Kingdom that morning. Even though 4 buses had come to that bus stop.
It took a long time to leave the Magic Kingdom and we were at the bus stop before Wishes started. We watched the whole show from the bus stop before a single bus pulled up. There were plenty of busses at the other bus stops that night as well.

[eandesmom]

That is some major early trip mojo and what a very cool celebrity sighting! I love those guys, and that song. How special to get a CD like that.

I am appalled though at the fridge and bus wait issues. UGH. Sounds like TRex was a hit though.

[Baloo]

I thought I posted on here but it must have been FB!! :rolleyes1


T-Rex food looks good! Little Lush made me :rotfl2:...what flavor was your drink?


The bus incident sucks!:headache:


Looking forward to more!!:wizard:

[brookelizabeth]

Okay, caught up now! :goodvibes


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%201/May2011greycamera001.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%201/May2011blackcamera076.jpg



So cool about meeting Richie McDonald!!! And what a nice guy. :thumbsup2 I love that picture of Bill, you can really see his "we are in Disney!" excitement!


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%201/May2011greycamera006.jpg

This made me smile and think of (DISer) brookenglish’s Henry. He loves the dig site at Animal Kingdom. I showed it to Bill and said “isn’t it crazy how a message board can change your outlook on things”? They called our name and we headed to the line to wait for our server Abdul. We sat down and ordered drinks.



:lmao: As soon as I scrolled down and read the shirt I thought, "That's perfect for Henry!" and then I read your paragraph! You are so right! And yes, it's funny how a message board changes our perspective on things, I see things for other DISers all the time....like this last trip I was on when they double-loaded the buses and 8 wheelchairs had to wait even longer, I thought of you two right away. Thankfully, it wasn't too long of a wait for them and they had the buses flying in one after another...unlike your time at DTD! :headache: What a pain! And yes, I agree with you, you should be able to load at any bus stop and only have to wait a reasonable amount of time, not 1.5 hours! Good job to that driver to come over and assist! I hope this didn't become a trend for the trip...

[mickeyfan71]

Joining in! Your chicken salad from TRex looked so good! I'll have to remember that! Sorry y'all had such a hard time with a bus that night-that had to be so frustrating!
Looking forward to more!

[Lesprivate]

I am here :wave2: Awesome no wait for the Magical Express. That chicken salad is huge, my daughter would love that shirt for my grandson. That sucks about the bus service. I noticed the bus service has gone downhill, we waited one day for the bus to DHS for 25 minutes and 6 AK buses came :confused3. I can't wait to hear all about D23

[jenseib]

Wow...already way behind. LOL! Now to go back and read!

[Mickey_Mom]

Bill, you really must have a conversation with my husband. ;) What a wonderful tradtion those flowers are!

That bus experience just sucks. :headache: Honestly, it really shouldn't be such a difficult thing to address. Can't wait to hear what response you get.

[jenseib]

How awesome you got to the see the Lone Star guy. I would've probably never recognized him.let alone know his real name. LOL!
Looks like you got great mojo for most of theday. Thats a shame about the DTD buses though. I swear , they are the worst there though. I have waited 45 minutes for one to come before.

[JolllyHoliday]

Don't usually post to much on here, but just wanted to say how much i am enjoying your report.
So sweet to get flowers at the begining of your trip.

[mrsksomeday]

Great start! I love Bill's flower tradition. :love:
What the heck gives with the bus service? It almost seems like the drivers choose for themselves which resort they are going to service, instead of being assigned. :confused:

I found buses to be an issue in 2007 when we stayed at Riverside.

I love Bill's flower tradition too :rotfl:. We have decided to not do that if we go in December though as the heat in the room makes the flowers die way too quickly. I didn't get why the busses were so horrible that night either.

http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-greet022.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php) checking in!

That stinks about the wait time on the bus. I know you shouldn't have to go to a different bus stop, but I know that I always try to plan to end up on the Marketplace end - especially if it is later at night. The buses are so inconsistent at Downtown Disney moreso than anywhere, I like to try to get the best shot possible for getting a spot!

This year I am going to try to go Downtown without the scooter. I feel so much better after the transplant (its been almost 4 months and I still have almost 2 months until our trip). I think if we aren't doing a major shopping expedition that I should be ok. I may try it on the solo part of my trip so if I need to stop for awhile I wont be bothering anyone else. I want to eat at Earl's and I recently saw some pictures at the Christmas store I want to try to hunt down. I know DH would have no patience for that, so maybe I will do that little hunting expedition before he gets there!

How cool to start your trip with a celebrity meet! And what a nice guy he was. :lovestruc

I am so happy you are feeling better!! We have to go back to Earl's I really loved their sandwiches.

Can't wait.

:goodvibes Hello!

Great start to your report so far. We stayed in the '70s section too! Right by the Mickey Phone, our rooms were very near the elevator which was good for my MIL since she was in a scooter.

We had issues with the buses leaving Pop in the mornings. They were using big Mears buses with no accessibility and also the Disney Cruise Line buses so we had to separate our group every morning to get to the parks. There were plenty of buses. We couldn't understand why they would use the buses that aren't accessible because every time we looked around each bus stop had a scooter or wheelchair waiting to board. They shouldn't send two in a row that aren't accessible to the same bus stop either. My Brother in law went and talked to a CM that morning and he used a dyad to send us a bus that was accessible. It took us an hour to get to the Animal Kingdom that morning. Even though 4 buses had come to that bus stop.
It took a long time to leave the Magic Kingdom and we were at the bus stop before Wishes started. We watched the whole show from the bus stop before a single bus pulled up. There were plenty of busses at the other bus stops that night as well.

I wonder why they were using Mears and Cruise busses? That was horrible that it too you so long to get to AK. The busses are so hit and miss it is crazy.

That is some major early trip mojo and what a very cool celebrity sighting! I love those guys, and that song. How special to get a CD like that.

I am appalled though at the fridge and bus wait issues. UGH. Sounds like TRex was a hit though.

It was so sweet of Richie to give me that CD. T Rex was fun, we will go back.

I thought I posted on here but it must have been FB!! :rolleyes1


T-Rex food looks good! Little Lush made me :rotfl2:...what flavor was your drink?


The bus incident sucks!:headache:


Looking forward to more!!:wizard:

Hi!! I can't tell you what was in my drink. I liked Bill's better because I ordered one after I was done with my drink.:rotfl2:

Okay, caught up now! :goodvibes



So cool about meeting Richie McDonald!!! And what a nice guy. :thumbsup2 I love that picture of Bill, you can really see his "we are in Disney!" excitement!




:lmao: As soon as I scrolled down and read the shirt I thought, "That's perfect for Henry!" and then I read your paragraph! You are so right! And yes, it's funny how a message board changes our perspective on things, I see things for other DISers all the time....like this last trip I was on when they double-loaded the buses and 8 wheelchairs had to wait even longer, I thought of you two right away. Thankfully, it wasn't too long of a wait for them and they had the buses flying in one after another...unlike your time at DTD! :headache: What a pain! And yes, I agree with you, you should be able to load at any bus stop and only have to wait a reasonable amount of time, not 1.5 hours! Good job to that driver to come over and assist! I hope this didn't become a trend for the trip...

I thought that shirt was just adorable. I have no problem going through the regular line but I don't like wheelchairs/ECV's getting to the front and waiting while bus after bus passes them by. There has to be a happy medium somewhere. Kathy from St. Louis was wonderful, a sweet CM.

Joining in! Your chicken salad from TRex looked so good! I'll have to remember that! Sorry y'all had such a hard time with a bus that night-that had to be so frustrating!
Looking forward to more!

It was good, there was so much of it though, it was huge.

I am here :wave2: Awesome no wait for the Magical Express. That chicken salad is huge, my daughter would love that shirt for my grandson. That sucks about the bus service. I noticed the bus service has gone downhill, we waited one day for the bus to DHS for 25 minutes and 6 AK buses came :confused3. I can't wait to hear all about D23

Hi!! Thanks for posting. I don't understand why certain busses come over and over and some are never there.

Bill, you really must have a conversation with my husband. ;) What a wonderful tradtion those flowers are!

That bus experience just sucks. :headache: Honestly, it really shouldn't be such a difficult thing to address. Can't wait to hear what response you get.

I told Bill he needs to give seminars to husbands about how to treat their wives :thumbsup2. It could fund future WDW trips :lmao:. I loved the flowers they were gorgeous after all them started blooming.

How awesome you got to the see the Lone Star guy. I would've probably never recognized him.let alone know his real name. LOL!
Looks like you got great mojo for most of theday. Thats a shame about the DTD buses though. I swear , they are the worst there though. I have waited 45 minutes for one to come before.

I couldn't remember his name until I saw it on his luggage. You would think WDW would want their DTD shoppers happy ;).

Don't usually post to much on here, but just wanted to say how much i am enjoying your report.
So sweet to get flowers at the begining of your trip.

Thank you so much for posting. Sometimes you wonder how many people are really reading. The flowers were so beautiful.

[jkldesigns]

Subscribed! Can't wait to read more :)

[oregonmommyof2]

Ok, I am caught up...

I was so excited for you when you sent me the pic of Richie... Love him!!

Bus situation was ridiculous...

Bill is one handsome man... :lovestruc

[mrsksomeday]

Subscribed! Can't wait to read more :)

Thanks for joining us!

Ok, I am caught up...

I was so excited for you when you sent me the pic of Richie... Love him!!

Bus situation was ridiculous...

Bill is one handsome man... :lovestruc

I know the bus situation was ridiculous, you would have went off on somebody :rotfl2:. I know Bill is :love:.

[ericamcl]

I'm a little late joining in, but am loving the start of this TR - well, except the bus issue.

I think you should get a job with WDW and be in charge of the busses - seriously!

[katiebelle21]

Welcome back! I can't wait to hear more about your trip! Your flowers were beautiful! Bill is so thoughtful.

The wait for busses is always terrible at DTD, but an hour and a half wait is totally unacceptable! Especially that late at night!

[Disneylvr]

Subscribing! I always enjoy your trip reports and purposely search for them on the DIS.

[CandleontheWater]

Hi There!

I hope you don't mind me joining in! I was down at WDW at the same time as you and I really wanted to go the D23 seminars. It was a family and friends vacation, and I didn't really want to take time away from them, so I'm really interested to see how it all went.

How neat that you met a celebrity! I wouldn't have recognized him, but I do know some of his songs. Awesome that he was so nice to you!

I'm glad you had such a nice meal at T-Rex! We've eaten there once and had a nice time also! I just love the shirt picture that you posted! I'll have to look for it next time we're at Disney, it is just perfect for little boys!

So sorry you had trouble with the buses, that really is unfortunate. I hope it didn't ruin your evening, and I hope that you only had good bus luck for the rest of your trip!

[Bethmsu]

Hey! Looking forward to hearing more! I am a big fan of your reports!

[mrsksomeday]

I'm a little late joining in, but am loving the start of this TR - well, except the bus issue.

I think you should get a job with WDW and be in charge of the busses - seriously!

Thanks for joining us!! I would love to be in charge of the busses, not just for the accessibility factor. I can't stand it when bus after bus after bus goes to one stop while so many people are waiting at the other ones. Why can't they do this better?

Welcome back! I can't wait to hear more about your trip! Your flowers were beautiful! Bill is so thoughtful.

The wait for busses is always terrible at DTD, but an hour and a half wait is totally unacceptable! Especially that late at night!

Thanks for posting. Bill is a great guy :). I was not happy that night.

Subscribing! I always enjoy your trip reports and purposely search for them on the DIS.

Thank you so much, that is such a sweet thing to say.

Hi There!

I hope you don't mind me joining in! I was down at WDW at the same time as you and I really wanted to go the D23 seminars. It was a family and friends vacation, and I didn't really want to take time away from them, so I'm really interested to see how it all went.

How neat that you met a celebrity! I wouldn't have recognized him, but I do know some of his songs. Awesome that he was so nice to you!

I'm glad you had such a nice meal at T-Rex! We've eaten there once and had a nice time also! I just love the shirt picture that you posted! I'll have to look for it next time we're at Disney, it is just perfect for little boys!

So sorry you had trouble with the buses, that really is unfortunate. I hope it didn't ruin your evening, and I hope that you only had good bus luck for the rest of your trip!

Thanks for joining us. I understand not wanting to take time away from the family/friends vacation. I thought that shirt was so cute. Busses were better for the rest of the trip.

Hey! Looking forward to hearing more! I am a big fan of your reports!

Thanks for posting :goodvibes.

[mrsksomeday]

We were up at 9am at the bus stop by 10:30am. Before we left I cancelled the Crystal Palace reservation I had for later and booked a 50’s Prime Time Café reservation. When we left our room we saw an army of landscapers:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%202/May2011blackcamera103.jpg

This sign made me sad and it stayed there our whole trip:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%202/May2011blackcamera104.jpg

Bill was so happy to be back at DHS, the home of his favorite ride. We headed to Indiana Jones and got a seat up at the top, we normally go down front but the sun was shining down there and it was already hot so we decided to stay in the shade.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/camera%20pictures/droidpictures125.jpg

By now I was missing Toni aka oregonmommyof2 so much. We had such a great time with them on the last trip and we try to talk every day so I texted with her quite a bit this day. I finally turned my attention to the show, I love watching reactions from the crowd during this show, especially the part where the “tourist” gets beaten up. It is so funny to see the looks on people’s faces when they are watching.

It was time to check in to 50’s. I decided to start a little game on FB posting a picture to see if people could tell me where I had taken the picture. I
posted this one:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/camera%20pictures/droidpictures126.jpg

We were called to our table and our server wasn’t playful, that’s ok there was one close to our area that was a hoot and we watched her. It has been a long time since we had done lunch, Bill thought he would give the “Sampling of Mom’s favorite recipes” a try:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%202/May2011blackcamera109.jpg

I went with the fried chicken:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%202/May2011blackcamera110.jpg

We were so happy to be back in DHS, we just kept smiling at each other. Bill LOVED his meal, you can’t go wrong with Crispy-fried Chicken, Fork Tender Pot Roast, and Traditional Meatloaf with all the fixings. He says he wants that every time.

I had to order the S’mores in honor of my DBFF oregonmommyof2 aka Toni. I texted her this picture:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/camera%20pictures/droidpictures128.jpg

What she texted next had me laughing outloud and the next table looked at me like I was crazy, she said:

“OMG, I want to lick the phone!!”

She always knows how to make me laugh even when she isn’t feeling well. That day I was worried about her, she had a bad ear infection and I felt awful sending her texts with “look what fun we are having” while she was in pain.

We finished our lunch, watched part of the Pixar parade, and made our way over to Beauty and the Beast. I know you have seen multiple pictures from this show from us, we just can’t help ourselves. We adore this show.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%202/May2011blackcamera128.jpg

We got there early enough to go down front, where I got so sit beside Bill, unlike how things went down in the Dec. 2010 trip. While we were waiting CM’s were seating other people with disabilities. A man was wheeling his son past us, a gorgeous little boy with Cerebral Palsy, and the Dad commented on Bill’s shoes. He has Larry Bird 33’s by Sketchers. The man said he loved the Larry Bird shoes, Bill and I smiled and Bill said thanks. On our first couple of WDW trips Bill had special shoes because he had ankle issues and his right foot was turned inward. Then one summer he had tendon release surgery and was able to wear “normal” shoes for the first time. He has gotten so many compliments over those shoes, we just think it is hilarious how much attention Larry Bird shoes get http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/confused24.gif.

Time for an over abundance of Beauty and the Beast pictures:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%202/May2011blackcamera117.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%202/May2011blackcamera118.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%202/May2011blackcamera119.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%202/May2011blackcamera120.jpg



http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%202/May2011blackcamera123.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%202/May2011blackcamera126.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%202/May2011blackcamera127.jpg

After the show we decided to look around some shops. I had been texting with Toni about Dooney’s and sent her this picture to see if this was the purse she was talking about:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/camera%20pictures/droidpictures130.jpg

It wasn’t, but she liked looking at the picture anyway. You could say Toni has a bit of an obsession with Disney Dooney’s.

We took a ride on our favorite attraction ever Toy Story Mania and decided to get in line for the finale of AMERICAN IDOL!! Does anyone besides me hear Ryan Seacrest in their head every time I see those words?? Just me??? Ok http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/rolleye11.gif.

Last time we had went to the show we were in the very back of the theater. This time they sent us to be up front. We didn’t have that long a wait and they opened up the doors. I took a couple of pictures while we waited for the show to start:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%202/May2011blackcamera132.jpg



http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%202/May2011blackcamera133.jpg

We made our way to the bus stop and made our way back to Pop:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%202/May2011blackcamera139.jpg


Bill doesn’t care for these lift busses, he prefers the ones where the ramp folds out. We got dinner at the Pop food court and had to get this for dessert:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%202/May2011blackcamera140.jpg


Made us think of sweet little Gavin from our December trip. I will always remember him yelling “THEY HAVE CARROT CAKE” to Tammy when we met them. It always makes us smile.

Night time at Pop Century:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%202/May2011blackcamera142.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%202/May2011blackcamera143.jpg


Next installment… Topiaries everywhere part 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41707390&postcount=99)

[GeminiAngel]

Bumpity, Bump!

OOPS WRONG THREAD!! SORRY TRACY.

[oregonmommyof2]

I had to order the S’mores in honor of my DBFF oregonmommyof2 aka Toni. I texted her this picture:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/camera%20pictures/droidpictures128.jpg

What she texted next had me laughing outloud and the next table looked at me like I was crazy, she said:

“OMG, I want to lick the phone!!”

She always knows how to make me laugh even when she isn’t feeling well. That day I was worried about her, she had a bad ear infection and I felt awful sending her texts with “look what fun we are having” while she was in pain.





And now I want to lick my computer screen... :tongue:


I loved all the text messages I got while you were on your trip! I was in bed the whole time with that darn ear infection and you were my only source to the outside world!! Well, you and Facebook... :laughing:

[IheartDDuck]

I loved the platter at 50's Prime Time! You're so right, who wouldn't love the sampling of the offerings that they have.

[RunningGirl]

Your trip reports are always so wonderful to read! You do a great job with both words and pictures. But I think this one was missing a photo - we need to see those shoes! ;)

Sounds like such a nice, relaxing day. Wish I could spend today just like that.

[Mickey_Mom]

Nice day! :thumbsup2 Oh and yes, one must say that show as, "This! I-i-i-s ....... American Idol!" in Ryan's voice. :rolleyes:

[Lesprivate]

I didn't know 50's PTC had a sampler platter, I will have to try that next time, it looked delicious.:thumbsup2

[DisMomAmy]

Mmmm... That sampler of Mom's favorites looks good! :thumbsup2 I have a hard time deciding at 50s PTC... maybe that's the way to go next time.

We've never seen the American Idol show but I'm sure I'd be comparing it to the real thing.

[jcc0621]

50's PT is on our list for next year. IT was a toss up between there and Sci Fi (jimmy's loves both) but he told me I have to set the table becasue he got stuck doing it last time!:lmao:

How was the Bell in your show? Lessa was saying when she was there she was awful!

[ddstratton]

Sounds like you guys had a nice day at DHS. You fit quite a few shows into one day! That sampler platter at 50's Prime Time looks delicious!!!

[mickeyfan71]

Thats the "where are we" picture I got right on facebook! :thumbsup2
I have never stopped to watch Beauty and the Beast or the Indiana Jones show but I will try in October! I am looking forward to the new Star Tours though! Love the food at 50's-the sampler must be new-it looks good!

[tinytreasures]

Sounds like a fun day. My husband had that dessert at the 50's too. It was so cool he didn't even want to est it :thumbsup2

[Tinkermom76]

What a great day!!! I want to see the finale of AE on one of my trips... Eryka would love it!!!

I still haven't seen Beauty and the Beast but it is priority this trip!!!

[disneyeeyorefan]

He Goofy Pop Jets were not operational when we were there the following week:confused3
We at at 50's with our kids for the first time and had a playful waiter, of course my 16 year old tried to get in trouble..LOL and my 9 year old wasn't quite sure when he was told "no shooting at the table" with his new Star Wars gun...:darth:
Someday I will get to see the Beauty and Beast show, every time I tell my family "I am seeing it this time", but something always happens:sad1:

[GeminiAngel]

Without question 50's PTC is on my list next time!
Also on my first time see list is the Indy show.

[pooksma]

looks like you had another great time! Beauty and the Beast is my fav show after FOTLK.

And as a HUGE Celts fan, I too want to see those shoes.:banana:

[Disneyland_Mama]

Looks like a great day in DHS!

I can't wait to try 50's PT, now. :goodvibes I'm in love with all the Disney Dooney's and can't wait to add another to my collection!

OMGosh! WDW is the only place I eat carrot cake - it's the best!:thumbsup2

[Pakey]

Hi Tracy. I see it's another trip report that I'm late for, but not too late.

I think when I stayed at Pop, I had the room next to where yours was, or at least very close (we had the corner room right by the Big Wheel).

[lovegrumpy]

Every time I see pop pictures makes me wanna stay there again. Boys get to chose were we stay next and they chose riverside. I keep wanting to try 50's and never have. Maybe we should next time.

[CarolynK]

I've been reading along since your last trip report, I just wanted to say "HI" and tell you I am enjoying reading your adventures! My family and I have just returned from a week in Vero/WDW--we swam mostly....Did go to DHS one morning, to ride the new Star Tours. We were able to ride it 4 times before leaving! It is fantastic! Sad to say, we still have never done TSM! We grabbed FPs at about 11 for a 6 pm return time but between the park closing at 7 and the heat, we didn't return after our break....

[Disneylvr]

That Sampling of Mom's looks delicious!!! Was the chicken white meat or dark meat? I am picky and only eat white meat chicken. We haven't eaten at Prime Time in awhile and I think it is time to go back!

[jenseib]

Fabulous update. I always want to try 50's too. And I didn't know they had a sampler platter. That looked so good!
I haven't don AI either. Maybe someday I'll check it out, but I really don't watch the show either.

[KathyRN137]

The Studios certainly IS your happy place! :goodvibes And you can NEVER have too many pictures of B&B...what an amazing show! (Although I definitely miss seeing Four For A Dollar while waiting...)

It amazes me how Bill can eat and eat like he does and not get fat...his metabolism must burn calories at a super-human rate!! :lmao:


Looking forward to more!


Kathy

[mrsksomeday]

Bumpity, Bump!

OOPS WRONG THREAD!! SORRY TRACY.

:thumbsup2 No problem :goodvibes

And now I want to lick my computer screen... :tongue:

I loved all the text messages I got while you were on your trip! I was in bed the whole time with that darn ear infection and you were my only source to the outside world!! Well, you and Facebook... :laughing:

:rotfl2:I had a feeling you would say something like that about the s'mores. I was so worried about you. I am glad you liked the texts.

I loved the platter at 50's Prime Time! You're so right, who wouldn't love the sampling of the offerings that they have.

Bill really enjoyed it.

Your trip reports are always so wonderful to read! You do a great job with both words and pictures. But I think this one was missing a photo - we need to see those shoes! ;)

Sounds like such a nice, relaxing day. Wish I could spend today just like that.

Thank you so much for reading. I will post a picture of the shoes in a bit lol. We are going to be having more days like that in WDW from now on, no more running to get everything done in one day anymore.

Nice day! :thumbsup2 Oh and yes, one must say that show as, "This! I-i-i-s ....... American Idol!" in Ryan's voice. :rolleyes:

Thanks for saying that about the voice :rotfl2:.

I didn't know 50's PTC had a sampler platter, I will have to try that next time, it looked delicious.:thumbsup2

I am not sure if the sampler is just for lunch or not. I don't see why they wouldn't be able to do it for dinner too.

Mmmm... That sampler of Mom's favorites looks good! :thumbsup2 I have a hard time deciding at 50s PTC... maybe that's the way to go next time.

We've never seen the American Idol show but I'm sure I'd be comparing it to the real thing.

I know it is on the lunch menu, if it isn't on the dinner I would just ask. The Idol stage looks amazing. We thought it was fun.

50's PT is on our list for next year. IT was a toss up between there and Sci Fi (jimmy's loves both) but he told me I have to set the table becasue he got stuck doing it last time!:lmao:

How was the Bell in your show? Lessa was saying when she was there she was awful!

That is funny about setting the table. I agree with Lessa's assessment of that Belle, well not awful but just not up to par with the others we have seen in the past.

Sounds like you guys had a nice day at DHS. You fit quite a few shows into one day! That sampler platter at 50's Prime Time looks delicious!!!

It was a great day. We have learned how to get a lot of shows in on one day but we also know that if we don't see it, we will see it the next time :goodvibes.

Thats the "where are we" picture I got right on facebook! :thumbsup2
I have never stopped to watch Beauty and the Beast or the Indiana Jones show but I will try in October! I am looking forward to the new Star Tours though! Love the food at 50's-the sampler must be new-it looks good!

I know!! You did a good job :). We LOVE the Beauty and the Beast show, so fun. The Indiana Jones show is fun to watch too.

Sounds like a fun day. My husband had that dessert at the 50's too. It was so cool he didn't even want to est it :thumbsup2

That dessert is sweet and gives you a sugar rush :rotfl:. I can't eat it all or would go into a sugar coma :rotfl2:.

What a great day!!! I want to see the finale of AE on one of my trips... Eryka would love it!!!

I still haven't seen Beauty and the Beast but it is priority this trip!!!

Idol is really fun getting to vote. Oh I hope you like BATB.

He Goofy Pop Jets were not operational when we were there the following week:confused3
We at at 50's with our kids for the first time and had a playful waiter, of course my 16 year old tried to get in trouble..LOL and my 9 year old wasn't quite sure when he was told "no shooting at the table" with his new Star Wars gun...:darth:
Someday I will get to see the Beauty and Beast show, every time I tell my family "I am seeing it this time", but something always happens:sad1:

I think it was ridiculous that the jets were not working in that type of weather. Any relief would have been great for the guests. I know what you mean about something happening, we never got to Animal Kingdom again this trip :(.

[mrsksomeday]

Without question 50's PTC is on my list next time!
Also on my first time see list is the Indy show.

Great picks!!

looks like you had another great time! Beauty and the Beast is my fav show after FOTLK.

And as a HUGE Celts fan, I too want to see those shoes.:banana:

Oh I love FOTLK too. I will post the shoes after this post. They are not green and white though :rotfl:.

Looks like a great day in DHS!

I can't wait to try 50's PT, now. :goodvibes I'm in love with all the Disney Dooney's and can't wait to add another to my collection!

OMGosh! WDW is the only place I eat carrot cake - it's the best!:thumbsup2

50's is a fun time and good food in our opinion. I have one Dooney and Toni got it for me, I am just not a purse person. I spend my money on WDW :lmao:. WDW is the only place I eat carrot cake too.

Hi Tracy. I see it's another trip report that I'm late for, but not too late.

I think when I stayed at Pop, I had the room next to where yours was, or at least very close (we had the corner room right by the Big Wheel).

Hi Pakey, thanks for joining us. We had a good location, we went toward the Big Wheel took a left and went by the parking lot for the busses it was a quick walk.

Every time I see pop pictures makes me wanna stay there again. Boys get to chose were we stay next and they chose riverside. I keep wanting to try 50's and never have. Maybe we should next time.

We love Pop Century, also really enjoyed Riverside, 50's is fun.

I've been reading along since your last trip report, I just wanted to say "HI" and tell you I am enjoying reading your adventures! My family and I have just returned from a week in Vero/WDW--we swam mostly....Did go to DHS one morning, to ride the new Star Tours. We were able to ride it 4 times before leaving! It is fantastic! Sad to say, we still have never done TSM! We grabbed FPs at about 11 for a 6 pm return time but between the park closing at 7 and the heat, we didn't return after our break....

Hi to you, thanks for posting. Sounds like you had a great relaxing vacation. Great to hear that you got to ride Star Tours so much. I will say with TSM that even if the wait time says it is 70+ minutes, go take a peek in the line. When we were there in May in the afternoon the wait time was something like 80 minutes but there was hardly no one in the line, the wait was really only like 10-15 minutes. It was this way two different times.

That Sampling of Mom's looks delicious!!! Was the chicken white meat or dark meat? I am picky and only eat white meat chicken. We haven't eaten at Prime Time in awhile and I think it is time to go back!

Bill says he thinks the chicken was white meat, I do too because he doesn't like dark. I would ask first and have them substitute if needed.

Fabulous update. I always want to try 50's too. And I didn't know they had a sampler platter. That looked so good!
I haven't don AI either. Maybe someday I'll check it out, but I really don't watch the show either.

I think the sampler platter is only on the lunch menu, not sure. I don't see why they couldn't do it at dinner too.

The Studios certainly IS your happy place! :goodvibes And you can NEVER have too many pictures of B&B...what an amazing show! (Although I definitely miss seeing Four For A Dollar while waiting...)

It amazes me how Bill can eat and eat like he does and not get fat...his metabolism must burn calories at a super-human rate!! :lmao:


Looking forward to more!


Kathy

I am a picture taking fool at BATB, I can't help myself. I also miss Four For a Dollar :sad1:. You are right about Bill's metabolism, it is insane. His "wild thing" arm is constantly moving even while he sleeps.

[mrsksomeday]

By request a picture of Bill's Larry Bird shoes :rotfl:.


http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/tabrx/Mountains%20Sept%202008/008-2.jpg

Bill thinks it is hilarous that guys go crazy over these pretty plain shoes :confused3.

[pooksma]

SAAAWWWWEEEETTTT shoes Bill!:thumbsup2

[Elcheetah]

Hi, just joining in, I'm really enjoying your report. Waiting 4 more!!!!

[pooh'smate]

Joining in, now I am going back to read. :goodvibes

[ddstratton]

Very cool shoes!

[ericamcl]

Great update - I've never seen the Beauty and the Beast show - may have to add that to our list of "to do's" for our September trip :goodvibes

[Mrs. Sojourner]

Enjoying your TR; can't wait to read more! 50's PTC looks delicious. I think I'm going to have to try that next trip. And, Bill's shoes are awesome. :thumbsup2

[nebo]

Hi Trace, just found your report.

Way cool about Richie Mac, I'm a big fan too, but an even better Lonestar song is just perfect for trips...."What about now?".
The entire song is about loading up the car and saying the heck with it, time to hit the interstate,, that's the first cd I put in once we hit the open road.

Nice to see you again, tracy and bill, now I have someone to pester again!

[Tinker_Tam]

I have no idea how I missed the update! I don't think I got m e-mail!

What a great update. Dinner at 50s looks so yummy! I think the sampler is full of the best of everything.

So glad you got to sit with Bill at B&B. I know that was a big disappointment for you on your last trip.

Yea!!!! THEY HAVE CARROT CAKE!!!!! I still think back to that night and just laugh. Not sure what the deal was. When I make carrot cake here he isn't as excited over it... not sure if it was because he thought it was the whole cake and he could eat it all... no idea. :confused3

Cool Shoes, Bill!

Can't wait to hear more. I will remember to just check in and not wait for an e-mail!

[SiAmCrAzY]

Hi Tracy! :goodvibes It was so nice to meet you & Bill,( I know I am late in sub'ing) Can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip! I <3 all of the pics. Makes me wish I was more organized and dedicated so I could do one :rotfl: Hope to see you both soon somewhere in the World! :thumbsup2

[Koda Bear]

Just found your trip report (it was the flashing pictures in your signature line)! My DD and I were there the same time as you guys - we checked in on 5/11 and we were in the 80s section. We only stayed till Saturday because we only came down to do the D23 scavenger hunt (boy it was hot!!!!!!!!!!!!). You right one awesome trip report! Maybe one of these days I will do one - more of a lurker on the boards but come September it will be out 16th trip and I am like you always thinking in Disney mode for the next trip (umm my pocket book for Disney is on my door knob and stuff is already making its way into & we don't go back till Sept:rotfl:).
I feel your pain with the buses - have traveled twice with my sister who needs a scooter because she has lung cancer and can't walk very far at any given time - most of the time the buses were great but when the buses would come and they were full already - uggghhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Bring on the some more!!!!!!!!:cool1:

[mrsksomeday]

SAAAWWWWEEEETTTT shoes Bill!:thumbsup2

Bill said "thank you".

Hi, just joining in, I'm really enjoying your report. Waiting 4 more!!!!

Thanks for joining in!

Joining in, now I am going back to read. :goodvibes

Hi, thanks for reading.

Very cool shoes!

:thumbsup2

Great update - I've never seen the Beauty and the Beast show - may have to add that to our list of "to do's" for our September trip :goodvibes

Oh you should give it a chance.

Enjoying your TR; can't wait to read more! 50's PTC looks delicious. I think I'm going to have to try that next trip. And, Bill's shoes are awesome. :thumbsup2

We enjoy 50's PTC for the atmosphere, the CM's, and the food.

Hi Trace, just found your report.

Way cool about Richie Mac, I'm a big fan too, but an even better Lonestar song is just perfect for trips...."What about now?".
The entire song is about loading up the car and saying the heck with it, time to hit the interstate,, that's the first cd I put in once we hit the open road.

Nice to see you again, tracy and bill, now I have someone to pester again!

:goodvibes Hi Nebo!! That song is a good road trip son. You can pester us anytime. Say hi to Smidgy!!

I have no idea how I missed the update! I don't think I got m e-mail!

What a great update. Dinner at 50s looks so yummy! I think the sampler is full of the best of everything.

So glad you got to sit with Bill at B&B. I know that was a big disappointment for you on your last trip.

Yea!!!! THEY HAVE CARROT CAKE!!!!! I still think back to that night and just laugh. Not sure what the deal was. When I make carrot cake here he isn't as excited over it... not sure if it was because he thought it was the whole cake and he could eat it all... no idea. :confused3

Cool Shoes, Bill!

Can't wait to hear more. I will remember to just check in and not wait for an e-mail!

Hi Tammy, Gavin saying that is one of our favorite memories of that trip. You have to make sure the carrot cake has a little frosting carrot on the top :thumbsup2.

Hi Tracy! :goodvibes It was so nice to meet you & Bill,( I know I am late in sub'ing) Can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip! I <3 all of the pics. Makes me wish I was more organized and dedicated so I could do one :rotfl: Hope to see you both soon somewhere in the World! :thumbsup2

Hi!!! It was great to meet you. Are you going back in December? Maybe we will see you?

Just found your trip report (it was the flashing pictures in your signature line)! My DD and I were there the same time as you guys - we checked in on 5/11 and we were in the 80s section. We only stayed till Saturday because we only came down to do the D23 scavenger hunt (boy it was hot!!!!!!!!!!!!). You right one awesome trip report! Maybe one of these days I will do one - more of a lurker on the boards but come September it will be out 16th trip and I am like you always thinking in Disney mode for the next trip (umm my pocket book for Disney is on my door knob and stuff is already making its way into & we don't go back till Sept:rotfl:).
I feel your pain with the buses - have traveled twice with my sister who needs a scooter because she has lung cancer and can't walk very far at any given time - most of the time the buses were great but when the buses would come and they were full already - uggghhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Bring on the some more!!!!!!!!:cool1:

Hello, glad my signature drew someone in :rotfl:. I admire you for doing that hunt, it was brutally hot that weekend. I really enjoy writing trip reports, you should try one. The busses are a blessing, I love the fact of not having to drive anywhere. It can be very frustrating at times though, I just try to remind myself that heck even though we are waiting we are in WDW.

[mrsksomeday]

(This installment is in 4 parts, I wanted to get the entire day posted together)

YAY!! It was finally time to go to Epcot and see what the amazingly talented landscapers had come up with this year for the Flower and Garden Festival. I had purposely tried to avoid pictures, I wanted to see them in person first. I had seen a couple of pictures, I mean I HAD to read some of my friends TR’s that included pictures.

We took a bus to DHS, Bill and I have found out that we just love the boat ride from DHS to Epcot, it is relaxing, beautiful, and gets us directly to the World Showcase, one of our favorite parts of WDW. As I was waiting for the bus driver to get Bill unhooked I noticed this sign I hadn’t remembered ever seeing before:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera145.jpg


I hope they post more signs, especially ones about the proper procedure on how many people can load from the back of the bus with a mobility device and why they are loaded first. Maybe that would help with the snide comments and glares we get from time to time for loading first?

Anyway back to the beautiful May day back in WDW, we walked to the boat dock:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera146.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera147.jpg


Once we got in line waiting for the boat we had a pretty view:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera148.jpg


And a not so pretty view:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera149.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera150.jpg


This highly annoyed me, PEELING PAINT IN WDW??? What is up with this? It looked awful and I hope it is not that way now.

We had boat mojo and one was there quickly. They make anyone in ECV’s/wheelchairs sit inside at the back of the boat so that is where we went. I loved watching little kids looking at the birds, the other boats, and the resorts on our journey. The excitement and the happiness is just contagious.

Once we arrived at the World Showcase and got off the boat we saw this to the right:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera151.jpg


After you walk up the ramp you see many beautiful flowers before you ever get in the park, sad to say it was so hot I didn’t go over there and spend time seeing what the signs said:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera152.jpg


It is great how they have special brochures for all the events, the Flower and Garden guide was very handy:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera153.jpg


As we were walking up the hill to go to the pavilions Alice came skipping down the hill and went past us on her way to where the characters take a break:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera154.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera155.jpg


Running after her was a little girl about four years old with no parent in sight and she was trying to get back stage. Character handlers were getting ready to step in when her Mom (all fake tanned up, chest hanging out, way too short mini skirt, drink in hand, in high heels) walked past us saying “baby get back here”. Bill and I rolled our eyes at each other and were on our way.

Our goals for today were to see the topiaries and do some things we hadn’t done before. We have never really spent time in the France pavilion or watched the movie so we decided to try it. The France pavilion is really beautiful:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera157.jpg


On the way we started to see the topiaries, we couldn’t stop smiling.

Cinderella and her Prince:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera159.jpg


Then Sleeping Beauty and her Prince:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera161.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera162.jpg


It was so nice to go into the waiting area for the film, it was cool and not crowded. The inside of the theater was very pretty and as with the other films in the World Showcase the screens were huge:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera166.jpg


We enjoyed the film, it was beautifully done. We came out and started looking for more topiaries.

Perfume bottle:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera169.jpg


Chip and Mrs. Potts, Cogsworth, and Lumiere:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera174.jpg


Beast and Belle:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera178.jpg

Aladdin:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera180.jpg


When we got to Japan we were delighted to see all these bonsai trees:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera183.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera184.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera185.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera186.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera188.jpg


continued.. Topiaries everywhere part 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41707420&postcount=100)

[mrsksomeday]

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera189.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera190.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera191.jpg


As you can see it wasn’t that crowded that day:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera192.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera193.jpg


I really enjoyed all the topiaries around the American Pavilion:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera194.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera195.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera196.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera200.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera201.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera204.jpg


See this cute little guy hanging out on the bed frame? He totally freaked some people out and they went running away from him:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera206.jpg


Hmmm, this needed to be back at the DHS boat dock, don’t you think?


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera208.jpg


There were hanging baskets and flower groupings everywhere:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera209.jpg


Next stop was Italy pavilion, this was by far my favorite topiaries (Bill’s favorite topiary was seen on another day):


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera212.jpg


The details on the eyes are outstanding:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera214.jpg


Gorgeous flowers everywhere:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera217.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera218.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera221.jpg


We could spend all evening in the Italy pavilion, it is amazing. Bill was happy we were going back to Tutto Italia again, not only for the food but for the eye candy. He was smitten with Teresa Maria from last year. Poor Bill wouldn’t be flirted with his time, it Alberto was our server:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera227.jpg


I think I might have blushed a couple times. Between his accent and smile, I was a giddy school girl. Bill thought it was hilarious. We ordered our food and talked about our day.

Bill got this and I have no clue what it is called (Bad Trip Report writer BAD)


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera229.jpg


I got the pork chop again:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera230.jpg


Funny thing about the above picture, the food was placed in front of us by another person not Alberto. I got my camera out, took the picture of Bill’s entrée, then went to take a picture of mine Alberto pops up from nowhere and turns the plate so I would have a better a shot. I blushed, he smiled, I blushed again, he nodded and off he went. Bill was cracking up and making fun of me.

Bill almost always uses a spoon when he eats, it is much easier for him. We like to take pictures of the spoons restaurants give us because usually they are huge and we are hysterically laughing about it. That night I was happy to report a regular spoon, I documented it and oops accidently got our servers backside in the shot:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera233.jpg


Time for the desserts, Bill’s:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera234.jpg


Mine:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera236.jpg


Continued... Topiaries everywhere part 3 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41707609&postcount=101)

[mrsksomeday]

Had to get a close up of the cup, it is so darn cute:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera237.jpg


After we paid our bill, we started walking again and came upon this:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera247.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera243.jpg


Every so often you would hear Rapunzel singing, it was lovely. Later that evening from our wheelchair accessible fireworks spot between Germany and Italy we heard her many times. I felt a cool breeze all the sudden and looked up at the sky:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera248.jpg


Now being a Midwesterner I didn’t appreciate the look of that cloud and I kept an eye on it.


We always stop at the train set in Germany. The little touches for the Flower and Garden Fest were adorable:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera252.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera255.jpg


I am going to really bore you now. We saw the Snow White and Seven Dwarfs topiaries and I went insane taking pictures:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera262.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera264.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera266.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera267.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera269.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera271.jpg


The Dwarfs were charmingly adorable. Their little faces were marvelous and it just emphasized how creepy the faceless princesses/princes were. Again WHY???

Next was the Lion King characters:

Pumba:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera275.jpg


Timon:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera278.jpg


Rifiki:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera283.jpg


It was odd to go stake out our fireworks spot with the sun just starting to set. We are used to it being full on dark because we usually go in December. I took advantage of the light to take even more pictures:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera296.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera297.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera302.jpg


The castmember let us into the wheelchair accessible area and we had a view of these:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera305.jpg


Before we knew it we had a visitor:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera310.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera311.jpg


You could tell this bird made the CM nervous, I told her not to worry about it, I am the bird magnet and if it was going to attack or dive bomb it would go after me. I attract that type of behavior for some reason. I flash back to the dive bomb day in MK a couple years ago. The birds would just not leave me alone that day and I still find myself flinching every time I see a bird trying to fly near me.

Ok, enough of my post traumatic bird disorder, remember that cloud?

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera315.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera317.jpg


I felt a couple sprinkles and of course the ponchos were in the room, so I went to Italy to buy Bill one. Best way to guarantee no rain is to buy a poncho. It worked like a charm.


Continued... Topiaries everywhere part 4 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41707631&postcount=102)

[mrsksomeday]

Illuminations was wonderful as usual, we sat as the park cleared. It is so peaceful in Epcot after the crowds have thinned. The music is still playing, you just hear it and the occasional child doing a combination of laughing, running, crying, or yelling. We wait for them to go on then peace is back. We tried to see more topiaries on the way out.

China (Why no Mulan?):

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera328.jpg


Norway:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera330.jpg


Mexico (we missed the real topiary I think):


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera332.jpg


Bad picture of Mater and Lightening McQueen:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera335.jpg


A wonderful Tigger, cause Tiggers are wonderful things:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera342.jpg


Rabbit:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera344.jpg


Pooh:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera350.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera355.jpg


Minnie, Mickey, and Pluto:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera363.jpg


By the time we got to the bus stops they had started combining resorts to get people home, guess we were in there for longer than I thought. We didn’t have far to walk at all compared to schlepping all the way back to stop #12. We were home before we knew it.

Next installment… Bill wants a walk up?? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41773649&postcount=125)

[Blueyed Girl]

Love, Love, Loved this installment!!!!! We really loved our May trip to the flower & garden festival back in 2008. I wish we could go see it all again. You took some great pictures, though! I felt like I took a mini journey right along with you! :)

Our last meal this past trip was at Tutto Italia. DH and I haven't eaten there since 1997!!! I was hoping it would be okay for DS and his food allergies. They were EXTREMELY helpful and we all had to roll ourselves out of the restaurant because we were so stuffed!! I think this may have been the best meal of the trip. I got the same desert you did. LOVED IT!!!

[Tinker_Tam]

Ok, I would almost... almost battle the heat to see the topiairies! I will be sticking to the nov/ Dec time frame for a while though, but wow! Those are amazing. I will have to pull the pictures up tomorrow and show Brenda. She will love them all!

[CandleontheWater]

You got some wonderful shots of the topiaries! I agree with you, Italy is my favorite. I just love the container gardens, so colorful and lovely.

It looks like you had a wonderful day!

[jcc0621]

Love, love, love all the pictures.

And sure, Alberto's butt just "happened" to get into the picture. Yeah, I'll buy that:rolleyes1:rolleyes::rotfl2:

[KathyRN137]

That cloud would make me nervous, too! :eek:

I loved seeing all the gorgeous flowers and topiaries... you two bring new meaning to the phrase, "take time to smell the roses!"


Kathy

[IheartDDuck]

Love all of the pictures that you took of the Flower and Garden Festival. I love the topiaries. You're so right that the details are so amazing on them. I am just fascinated with how they do it.

Such a shame that you accidentally got a picture of your server's backside at Tutto Italia.....;)

[piglet50]

the pictures of the topiaries are wonderful. we were there for the f & g show in 2007. the weather was great and not too crowded. thanks for the new post. i really enjoy hearing about your trips.

[ddstratton]

Beautiful topiaries! That sky would have scared me, too. EEK! Oh, and nice photo of the ... um... spoon! Yeah, that's what was in the picture! :rotfl2:

[pooksma]

When the day comes that I retire, this is going to be one of my trips. Due to my schedule, we can't go in May but I WILL GET THERE :lmao:

Topiaries are beautiful, I agree about the "faceless" princesses and princes.
Lady and the Tramp was gorgeous.

I love that feeling of leaving Epcot after the fireworks and the majority of the crowds. It's a very special time.:hug:

[Lesprivate]

The Topiaries are beautiful, I love the boat to Epcot so relaxing and beautiful.

[MickeyReeds]

Great pics of all the flowers and topiaries! I would love to take my mom there to see that some day! Great updates!

[burly]

count me in too. Love your trip reports....:goodvibes


KIM

[eandesmom]

Great update!

I couldn't agree more that the princesses need real faces, it detracted from those topiaries for me big time. Not only is it creepy, it's almost like a political statement...it's just weird! Lady is unbelievable isn't she?

I loved my meal at Tutto list last trip, the other ladies not as much but I was thrilled with mine. We did decide though that Via wins the cute waiter award, followed by La Hacienda and then Tutto. We think some of the Tutto guys defected to Via.

:rotfl:

[jenseib]

I love all your pictures. I don't think I got all the topiearies myself. It just seemd to be so many and we were always rushing around. Though near the 2nd half of the day we slowed down and took some in the countries.

[luvfigment]

I am way behind and need to catch up on your TR. Can't wait to read all about it!

[mkluvsmickey]

So glad you've got another trip report, Tracy! I love to read all about you and Bill in WDW. :flower3: Sounds like a great start to the trip. The topiaries are just gorgeous (well, except for the creepy faceless princesses). ;)

[mrsksomeday]

Love, Love, Loved this installment!!!!! We really loved our May trip to the flower & garden festival back in 2008. I wish we could go see it all again. You took some great pictures, though! I felt like I took a mini journey right along with you! :)

Our last meal this past trip was at Tutto Italia. DH and I haven't eaten there since 1997!!! I was hoping it would be okay for DS and his food allergies. They were EXTREMELY helpful and we all had to roll ourselves out of the restaurant because we were so stuffed!! I think this may have been the best meal of the trip. I got the same desert you did. LOVED IT!!!

We really enjoyed this day, the flowers and topiaries were amazing. The only thing we didn't care for was the heat. So many CM's would say "it isn't usually this hot yet". Bill LOVES the food at Tutto, it is second on his ADR list after Ohana.

Ok, I would almost... almost battle the heat to see the topiairies! I will be sticking to the nov/ Dec time frame for a while though, but wow! Those are amazing. I will have to pull the pictures up tomorrow and show Brenda. She will love them all!

We will go back even with the heat, it was so lovely. I love the November/December time frame though.

You got some wonderful shots of the topiaries! I agree with you, Italy is my favorite. I just love the container gardens, so colorful and lovely.

It looks like you had a wonderful day!

It really was a wonderful day, no agenda, just taking in the atmosphere and the beauty of it all.

Love, love, love all the pictures.

And sure, Alberto's butt just "happened" to get into the picture. Yeah, I'll buy that:rolleyes1:rolleyes::rotfl2:

:eek: I can't help it if he walked into the shot right as I was taking the picture :confused3 ;).

That cloud would make me nervous, too! :eek:

I loved seeing all the gorgeous flowers and topiaries... you two bring new meaning to the phrase, "take time to smell the roses!"


Kathy

I think with all the bad weather we had been having a home I was really freaked out by any weird cloud formations. We did get to see a lot that day, I wish we could have spent more though.

Love all of the pictures that you took of the Flower and Garden Festival. I love the topiaries. You're so right that the details are so amazing on them. I am just fascinated with how they do it.

Such a shame that you accidentally got a picture of your server's backside at Tutto Italia.....;)

I would love to watch them make the topiaries, it is fascinating to me too. Ya know I almost didn't post my spoon picture because Alberto almost ruined my shot :rotfl:.

the pictures of the topiaries are wonderful. we were there for the f & g show in 2007. the weather was great and not too crowded. thanks for the new post. i really enjoy hearing about your trips.

Thanks, I was happy about the crowds that day. It was not crowded at all.

Beautiful topiaries! That sky would have scared me, too. EEK! Oh, and nice photo of the ... um... spoon! Yeah, that's what was in the picture! :rotfl2:

I have turned chicken in the last couple of years when it comes to storms. Bill laughs at me.

When the day comes that I retire, this is going to be one of my trips. Due to my schedule, we can't go in May but I WILL GET THERE :lmao:

Topiaries are beautiful, I agree about the "faceless" princesses and princes.
Lady and the Tramp was gorgeous.

I love that feeling of leaving Epcot after the fireworks and the majority of the crowds. It's a very special time.:hug:

If they can make the dwarfs, the Lion King Characters, etc have faces why not hte princesses/prince? It is so weird to me. I LOVE the time after the fireworks at Epcot, I can't wait for that time on our next trip.

The Topiaries are beautiful, I love the boat to Epcot so relaxing and beautiful.

We really enjoy the boat rides, I think it is because we aren't crammed in with other people like the busses. I do like my personal space.

Great pics of all the flowers and topiaries! I would love to take my mom there to see that some day! Great updates!

Thanks, it really is gorgeous.

count me in too. Love your trip reports....:goodvibes


KIM

Thanks for posting :goodvibes.

Great update!

I couldn't agree more that the princesses need real faces, it detracted from those topiaries for me big time. Not only is it creepy, it's almost like a political statement...it's just weird! Lady is unbelievable isn't she?

I loved my meal at Tutto list last trip, the other ladies not as much but I was thrilled with mine. We did decide though that Via wins the cute waiter award, followed by La Hacienda and then Tutto. We think some of the Tutto guys defected to Via.

:rotfl:

Detracts.... that is the word I was looking for, you are so right!! Lady was amazing. I am trying to talk Bill in to Via but he looks at me like I am crazy.

I love all your pictures. I don't think I got all the topiearies myself. It just seemd to be so many and we were always rushing around. Though near the 2nd half of the day we slowed down and took some in the countries.

I have finally learned to just slow down and really look at the beauty of the parks.

I am way behind and need to catch up on your TR. Can't wait to read all about it!

Hi!! Thanks for being here.

[luvfigment]

Ok all caught up! That is so cool you saw and got a autograph of Richie from Lonestar. The was DH and my weddding song!

Bill is so sweet for having the flower waiting for you! I had fun looking at your FB "Where are we pictures."

Beautiful pictures of the topiariers at Epcot! Man I am getting Disney fever but have 1-2 yrs before we will make it back.

Looking forward to the rest of the trip and D23!

[Millie12591]

Love your TR! :goodvibes Where in the world did you find the sleeping smiley dreaming of disney?!? So cute!

[mrsksomeday]

Ok all caught up! That is so cool you saw and got a autograph of Richie from Lonestar. The was DH and my weddding song!

Bill is so sweet for having the flower waiting for you! I had fun looking at your FB "Where are we pictures."

Beautiful pictures of the topiariers at Epcot! Man I am getting Disney fever but have 1-2 yrs before we will make it back.

Looking forward to the rest of the trip and D23!

It is a beautiful song, I love it. Bill does spoil me, I am very blessed to have him in my life. Epcot is my favorite park, the topiaries made it even better.

Love your TR! :goodvibes Where in the world did you find the sleeping smiley dreaming of disney?!? So cute!

Thank you.

The dreaming smiley had something else in the animation. I used paint shop pro, adding the Disney stuff frame by frame, then put it all back together in Animation Shop :thumbsup2.

[Phibbles]

faceless princess is very creepy. :eek:


You really do need to try Via Napoli. We've been twice and enjoyed it very much. It is run by same company that runs Tutto, so the food standards are the same. And the brick ovens are so hot, you get a very special pizza from them. Of course, it is "just pizza" for many but my family appreciates the difference.

[mrsksomeday]

faceless princess is very creepy. :eek:


You really do need to try Via Napoli. We've been twice and enjoyed it very much. It is run by same company that runs Tutto, so the food standards are the same. And the brick ovens are so hot, you get a very special pizza from them. Of course, it is "just pizza" for many but my family appreciates the difference.

I would really love to see inside the place. I will get Bill there one day :thumbsup2.

[mrsksomeday]

Another beautiful, blistering hot day in the land of magic dawned and I didn’t want to step foot out the door LOL. Oh I knew it was going to be a scorching one but we had plans so I slathered on the sunscreen and off to Epcot we went again.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011greycamera029.jpg

Well via our DHS/Ferry boat. We had a stop to make first. Bill had wanted to try the ESPN Club forever being the manly man he is, so we decided today was the day.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011greycamera035.jpg

Bill actually let me take a picture, he was in his “Perry” t-shirt:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011greycamera042.jpg

The theming there was great:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011greycamera043.jpg

I got a burger, he got a bbq sandwich and then we got these ridiculous desserts that there was NO WAY we could finish them:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011greycamera045.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011greycamera046.jpg

We were stuffed, not a good thing to be when you are going back out in the heat again. We got to Epcot and saw these amazing, yet still creepy faceless topiaries:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011greycamera047.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011greycamera049.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011greycamera051.jpg

We were making our way to the Pixar Weekend exhibit, there were so many displays explaining a variety of things:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera372.jpg

I made Bill stop for a picture, look at the left hand on his hip, that is what he does when he is mildly annoyed with me, but look at the smile:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera373.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera374.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera375.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera376.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera377.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera378.jpg

Looks like we weren’t the only ones checking out the characters:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera381.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera382.jpg

BOO!!!!!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera388.jpg

Sadly we didn’t get to get a picture with her, the line was always insanely long.

There was a line for Mr. Potatohead, a line for Boo and the other Monsters Inc. characters, a line for the “Up” characters, one for The Incredibles, and a line to stand next to a Mater truck all in a fairly tight area:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera392.jpg

We opted out on the Mater line:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera396.jpg

We went to see The Incredibles:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera398.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera401.jpg

After that we made a dash to the Mr. Potatohead/Lotso line, they were taking a break so we got in a very short line:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera404.jpg



Next post... Bill wants a walk up?? Part 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41773690&postcount=126)

[mrsksomeday]

We got out of there, got a drink, and made our way towards the front of the park. There was an awesome playground set up for the kids:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera410.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera411.jpg

The sand sculpture was amazing:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera415.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera416.jpg

Gorgeous flowers everywhere:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera419.jpg

We found the butterfly garden:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera421.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera422.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera425.jpg


Now for Bill’s favorite topiaries:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera427.jpg

How adorable are they??

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera429.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera430.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera431.jpg

It was time to take the Monorail, we were headed to the Contemporary Resort to check in for Destination D. Aww WDW thanked us for coming:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera434.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera436.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera437.jpg

Hmmm, what is that strong strawberry smell?? It’s LOTSO!!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera438.jpg

Waiting for the monorail:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera440.jpg

Another informative sign:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera442.jpg

Not many people going to the T&TC:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera443.jpg

We found the convention center and goodness the line was long:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera446.jpg

Well the line was long for the merchandise that is, for registering the spot was off to the right and we were the only ones needing assistance. On the way back to the monorail we ran into Dave Smith the retired chief archivist. He started the Disney Archives many years ago, I was completely tongue tied. We told him we couldn’t wait for his talk the next day. He was very nice.

Our original plan was to head to the Polynesian resort and eat at the food court but Bill had other ideas, he wanted us to try a walk up for Ohana. The restaurant I had been trying to get reservations for every day for 45 days. Yeah, that will work. I went up to the podium took a deep breath and said “I don’t have a reservation, I know it is crazy of me to ask for a walk up but is there any way you could fit us in?” She looked at her monitor and said “could you wait anywhere between 45 minute to 90 minutes?” Bill said yes so we took a buzzer and waited in the lounge. We ordered some yummy drinks and waited. Not even 20 minutes later the buzzer went off.

The host came up to us and asked if we had ever been there, we told him many times and how happy we were for the walk up. He said since we were such a small party they can usually do it. That made Bill feel even more happy.


Nex post.. Bill wants a walk up?? Part 3 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41773707&postcount=127)

[mrsksomeday]

May I present our dinner (or what I took pictures of):

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera448.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera450.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera455.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera456.jpg

Why do I never take pictures of the skewers??

We were right by the huge Tiki’s? Is that what you call them?:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera451.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera452.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera453.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera454.jpg

We paid the bill, while I went to the restroom, Bill wandered around. When he saw me he waved me over to one of their little stores. He was so happy to show me the huge Dasini water bottle he found. Here he is with it at the bus stop. Forced perspective makes it look even bigger:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera462.jpg

It was great to see the designated spots for wheelchairs at the different resorts:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%204/May2011blackcamera460.jpg

The driver asked where we were going as he was doing the tie downs. We told him the Marketplace so we could transfer to Pop, he told us he was going to ask to see if he could change his route by going to DTD first then picking up Pop Century people. It was so nice of him wanting us not to have to transfer.

Next installment… Destination D Day 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41971818&postcount=152)

[mom3sonstt]

All your pictures are wonderful! The topiaries, the rare characters, the food :rotfl:, and of course Bill!

The first picture you posted of the playground area in Epcot - I thought the little girl was just a prop :rolleyes: She just looked too perfect with her dress, and little bobbed hair cut and head band...then in the next picture I saw there were other kids playing and she was moving on. :rolleyes1

I really need to try OHana sometime. I am starting to get DH to venture away from burgers and chicken strips....well, at least from restaurants that only serve burgers and chicken strips. He still winds up searching for a steak, burger, salad, or chicken strip option even if we go somewhere you can try to be a little more adventurous. :sad2: I'm not a real big meat eater, so I probably wouldn't get the most out of the skewers, but the food pics that you posted look right up my alley!

[sharkB8HooHaHa]

All along I've been hoping you made it to the front of the park. Lotso was awesome and I LOVED the strawberry smell :thumbsup2 And I thought they did a great job recreating the sandbox.

Great news about 'Ohana. Got to love the successful walk up :thumbsup2

[DisMomAmy]

All caught up! I love seeing all the topiaries, even though I was there in March! All of the flowers do look so much better after they've grown in a bit! You are so right about the creepy no-faced topiaries... :confused3

The Pixar Weekend event looks really cool!

I love the panoramic of the sand sculpture - I can do those with my camera but I always forget! :headache:

Sounds like you were having good restaurant & bus mojo! :thumbsup2

[GeminiAngel]

So Lucky for that walk up!!!!! I LOVE Ohana!!
I found those huge Dasni bottles at OKW.
Very nice bus driver. :thumbsup2

Come to Vegas so we can go to the Lion King together!!!!

[pooksma]

Pixar weekend looks like so much fun! DS is crazy about Lotso and would have loved it!

An Ohana walk up? Great work. We have a supper ADR for the first time since our second trip (usually we do the breakfast) and are looking forward to it.

Thanks for more great photos :thumbsup2

[luvfigment]

Great pictures at Epcot and the sand sculpture...that is pretty impressive. I am amazed you were able to walk up to O'Hana! Looks like a yummy dinner...I need to head there one time. Looking forward to hearing about Destination D!

[Belle83]

That's so cool you were able to get into Ohana like that, and what a great bus driver :lovestruc

[Lesprivate]

We didn't stop in the Pixar tent for character. That is great that you got a walk up for Ohana, that is one of my favorites.

[JolllyHoliday]

Enjoyed your lastest update. Seeing all your flower and garden pictures really makes me want to plan a trip to see it all in person.

[burly]

OMG i cannot believe you ran into Disney Royalty Dave Smith, how awesome is that!!!!:cool1:

Great pictures, i always love your trip reports, so nice.

Cannot believe you arranged a walk-up at O'hana's.:worship:

Pixie dusted day for you two, huh?pixiedust:

KIM

[Mickey_Mom]

As much as I don't like getting behind on TRs, I love getting caught up on lots of updates all at once. ;) Your pictures are all wonderful and your humor cracks me up. Alberto, the rain poncho, the birds.... :rotfl2:

The Bambi topiaries are adorable and UGH to the faceless princesses! :scared:

[Koda Bear]

Yeah for the walk up at O'hana's - that is amazing:yay: and meeting Dave Smith all in one day:banana::banana::banana:
Love the topiary pictures - have them all myself cause I have a topiary addiction :lmao::lmao: my favorites are the Croc from Peter Pan and Lady & the Tramp. Totally missed the miniture ones in Germany at the trains.

[mkluvsmickey]

Another great update, Tracy. Those desserts at ESPN Club look Amazing! *drool*

Love all the pics of Bill smiling. I bet your smile was just as big. :upsidedow

Can't wait to hear all about the Destination D events. I was so excited to follow along with people who were there that weekend and so wish I could have been. Totally something that would be my kind of thing.

Woo hoo on the 'Ohana walk up! You just never know, do you? I had the same thing once. We were with friends who never plan ahead and they wanted to eat at Garden Grill for dinner. I told them there was no way we'd get in without an ADR (I had tried to call) but he walked up and they sat us within 10 minutes. :laughing: Oops, I guess overplanning isn't always the only option.

[jenseib]

How awesome to walk in. I should give that a try.

[mickeyfan71]

Catching up now that I'm back from vacation.
Love all of the pics from the F&G at EPCOT. My mom loves flowers so I need to take her one year for that.
Congrats on the walk up at Ohana! I am so ready to eat there in a few months!:cloud9:

[okw19]

Just read all of your chapter links so I could get caught up quickly! Reading your TRs was what made me come out of lurkdom and join DIS! :) I absolutely love reading about you and Bill's adventures! Can't wait to hear about the Destination D event! popcorn::

[RunningGirl]

Just a bump to say hope you're doing well and out having fun! Can't wait to continue reading about your trip.

[mrsksomeday]

All your pictures are wonderful! The topiaries, the rare characters, the food :rotfl:, and of course Bill!

The first picture you posted of the playground area in Epcot - I thought the little girl was just a prop :rolleyes: She just looked too perfect with her dress, and little bobbed hair cut and head band...then in the next picture I saw there were other kids playing and she was moving on. :rolleyes1

I really need to try OHana sometime. I am starting to get DH to venture away from burgers and chicken strips....well, at least from restaurants that only serve burgers and chicken strips. He still winds up searching for a steak, burger, salad, or chicken strip option even if we go somewhere you can try to be a little more adventurous. :sad2: I'm not a real big meat eater, so I probably wouldn't get the most out of the skewers, but the food pics that you posted look right up my alley!

That playground was really cool. I like Ohana, Bill LOVES it. Your DH sounds like my son, he would take a burger over just about anything, drives me crazy.

All along I've been hoping you made it to the front of the park. Lotso was awesome and I LOVED the strawberry smell :thumbsup2 And I thought they did a great job recreating the sandbox.

Great news about 'Ohana. Got to love the successful walk up :thumbsup2

Lotso was amazing, all the topiaries were, but the strawberry smell was yummy.

All caught up! I love seeing all the topiaries, even though I was there in March! All of the flowers do look so much better after they've grown in a bit! You are so right about the creepy no-faced topiaries... :confused3

The Pixar Weekend event looks really cool!

I love the panoramic of the sand sculpture - I can do those with my camera but I always forget! :headache:

Sounds like you were having good restaurant & bus mojo! :thumbsup2

I still can't get over the no face topiaries. Pixar weekend was cool, I wish it hadn't been so hot we would have done more character meet and greets. I think they should have set them up like they have it at the Character Connection. People would stand in line ONCE and get pictures with all the Pixar characters. Would have been so much more functional.

So Lucky for that walk up!!!!! I LOVE Ohana!!
I found those huge Dasni bottles at OKW.
Very nice bus driver. :thumbsup2

Come to Vegas so we can go to the Lion King together!!!!

I loved that huge Dasani bottle :rotfl:. We have talked about going to Vegas to see Lion King, if we ever do it I will make sure to let you know we are coming :thumbsup2.

Pixar weekend looks like so much fun! DS is crazy about Lotso and would have loved it!

An Ohana walk up? Great work. We have a supper ADR for the first time since our second trip (usually we do the breakfast) and are looking forward to it.

Thanks for more great photos :thumbsup2

We have never done Ohana breakfast and probably never will unless we are staying there, Bill loves to say "one more hour" when the alarm goes off :rotfl2:. Thanks for posting.

Great pictures at Epcot and the sand sculpture...that is pretty impressive. I am amazed you were able to walk up to O'Hana! Looks like a yummy dinner...I need to head there one time. Looking forward to hearing about Destination D!

That sand sculpture was amazing. I was shocked about the walk up.

That's so cool you were able to get into Ohana like that, and what a great bus driver :lovestruc

I thanked that bus driver no less than 6 times. They know how hard it is to get a transfer from DTD>

We didn't stop in the Pixar tent for character. That is great that you got a walk up for Ohana, that is one of my favorites.

The Pixar tent was packed, they could have had more room in there, don't know why they made it so tight, but Bill had fun.

[mrsksomeday]

Enjoyed your lastest update. Seeing all your flower and garden pictures really makes me want to plan a trip to see it all in person.

It is gorgeous there during the festival, flowers everywhere. We really loved it.

OMG i cannot believe you ran into Disney Royalty Dave Smith, how awesome is that!!!!:cool1:

Great pictures, i always love your trip reports, so nice.

Cannot believe you arranged a walk-up at O'hana's.:worship:

Pixie dusted day for you two, huh?pixiedust:

KIM

Dave Smith is fantastic and amazing. We were thrilled to meet him. Thanks for reading along!

As much as I don't like getting behind on TRs, I love getting caught up on lots of updates all at once. ;) Your pictures are all wonderful and your humor cracks me up. Alberto, the rain poncho, the birds.... :rotfl2:

The Bambi topiaries are adorable and UGH to the faceless princesses! :scared:

Thanks for reading. The birds really do freak me out, it cracks Bill up. Glad to make him smile while I am ducking and running :rotfl:.

Yeah for the walk up at O'hana's - that is amazing:yay: and meeting Dave Smith all in one day:banana::banana::banana:
Love the topiary pictures - have them all myself cause I have a topiary addiction :lmao::lmao: my favorites are the Croc from Peter Pan and Lady & the Tramp. Totally missed the miniture ones in Germany at the trains.

The Croc was amazingly detailed, if it hadn't been blazing hot we would have spent a lot more time looking at the topiaries, we really enjoyed them. I didn't notice the miniature ones until I saw the pictures when we got home. I saw the little people but didn't pay attention to all the other stuff :rotfl:.

Another great update, Tracy. Those desserts at ESPN Club look Amazing! *drool*

Love all the pics of Bill smiling. I bet your smile was just as big. :upsidedow

Can't wait to hear all about the Destination D events. I was so excited to follow along with people who were there that weekend and so wish I could have been. Totally something that would be my kind of thing.

Woo hoo on the 'Ohana walk up! You just never know, do you? I had the same thing once. We were with friends who never plan ahead and they wanted to eat at Garden Grill for dinner. I told them there was no way we'd get in without an ADR (I had tried to call) but he walked up and they sat us within 10 minutes. :laughing: Oops, I guess overplanning isn't always the only option.

Bill loved ESPN, we will be going back there definitely.

How awesome to walk in. I should give that a try.

Yes you should :thumbsup2.

Catching up now that I'm back from vacation.
Love all of the pics from the F&G at EPCOT. My mom loves flowers so I need to take her one year for that.
Congrats on the walk up at Ohana! I am so ready to eat there in a few months!:cloud9:

You should go, it is gorgeous there, the flowers and all the details are fantastic!

Just read all of your chapter links so I could get caught up quickly! Reading your TRs was what made me come out of lurkdom and join DIS! :) I absolutely love reading about you and Bill's adventures! Can't wait to hear about the Destination D event! popcorn::

Thank you so much for reading and posting. Sometimes you really don't know if people are reading, welcome to the DIS!!

Just a bump to say hope you're doing well and out having fun! Can't wait to continue reading about your trip.

Thank you for the bump. I will be posting an update very soon :goodvibes.

[kathleen27]

Epcot looks gorgeous for Flower & Garden Festival. We had a sneak peek of the festival this year - we were there about a week or two before it opened. Some of the topiaries and flowers were there, but nowhere near as many, plus we kind of rushed through.

Your photos are amazing!
Those Bambi topiaries are adorable, and I love the Lady & the Tramp display (did see that one in person too!)

All your meals look great so far! I haven't been to any of those resauraunts, :sad2: but would like to try a few of them. Those are quite the desserts at ESPN!

The Pixar event looks neat, but very crowded!
I was going to tell Jacob that Bill met Mr. Potato Head, but I think he'd be more excited that you met Dave Smith!

Can't wait to hear about Destination D!

[KatGarcia]

I haven't been on the boards in months so forgive me for being late...i plan to catch up over the weekend tho! can't wait to read all about it!

[mmeb144]

I love reading your trip report. All those Flower & Garden pics remind me of our trip during F&G about 10 years ago. The park looks so nice! I can't wait to hear about the Destination D weekend. Thanks!

[Rozz]

Just a shout out to say Hello! Hope you and Bill are having a great weekend!

[mrsksomeday]

Epcot looks gorgeous for Flower & Garden Festival. We had a sneak peek of the festival this year - we were there about a week or two before it opened. Some of the topiaries and flowers were there, but nowhere near as many, plus we kind of rushed through.

Your photos are amazing!
Those Bambi topiaries are adorable, and I love the Lady & the Tramp display (did see that one in person too!)

All your meals look great so far! I haven't been to any of those resauraunts, :sad2: but would like to try a few of them. Those are quite the desserts at ESPN!

The Pixar event looks neat, but very crowded!
I was going to tell Jacob that Bill met Mr. Potato Head, but I think he'd be more excited that you met Dave Smith!

Can't wait to hear about Destination D!

We loved the Bambi topiaries, they were so cute. We are trying to do at least 1/3 new restaurants each trip from now on. Dave Smith is amazing, I am in awe.

I haven't been on the boards in months so forgive me for being late...i plan to catch up over the weekend tho! can't wait to read all about it!

Hey Floridian!! I hope things are going well for you.

I love reading your trip report. All those Flower & Garden pics remind me of our trip during F&G about 10 years ago. The park looks so nice! I can't wait to hear about the Destination D weekend. Thanks!

If the weather would have been just a bit cooler, it would have been perfect, thanks for posting!

Just a shout out to say Hello! Hope you and Bill are having a great weekend!

Hi Rozz!!

[mrsksomeday]

Saturday May 14th, 2011, it was finally time for Destination D!! We were up and out the door early. We took a Magic Kingdom bus then walked to the Contemporary. It is a nice short walk, it would have been even nicer if my sinuses weren’t giving me fits. I was taking Dayquil and popping throat lozenges like candy, but nothing and I mean NOTHING was going to make me miss this event.

We went the same way we had the previous day and saw this:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/camera%20pictures/droidpictures140.jpg

Not one but two lines http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/confused-8.gif hmmm, what to do?? ASK SOMEONE!! The line on the right was for merchandise, the one on the left was to get into the ballroom. I am looking through the crowd to see if there are any DISers, podcasters, etc. that I might recognize, but didn’t see anyone. There were a bunch of people and like any Disney event, we got to stand in line to wait, move a couple feet, wait, well you know the drill. When we were finally allowed in the ballroom there were ushers escorting the wheelchairs/ecv’s to a designated spot. We were in the last row of the first set of seats. There was an aisle behind us then another set of chairs. Bill could see perfectly, he was already smiling. We always worry when we get to a venue we have never been to before about him being able to actually see things. We were both very pleased.

As we were sitting there I was watching people filing in and filling up all the available spots. Then one person in a pink shirt caught my eye. Oh my goodness, was it? She said she was coming and wow there she is. LURKYLOO!! Some of you might be asking who/what is a Lurkyloo. She is a fabulous DISer that has tirelessly helped out on the Official DISNEY cake thread (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2413710), she has an amazing blog – Disney Travel Babble (http://disneytravelbabble.com/), she turned her research for her wedding into writing a PassPorter book Disney Weddings & Honeymoons (http://www.passporter.com/weddings.asp), is a part of the Inside Disney Weddings (http://www.insidedisneyweddings.com/)podcast, writes HIGHlarious trip reports and Bill and I can’t get enough of and showed us the beauty that is the photography of The Roots. If you followed our December 2010 trip report you read how over the moon I was to meet Jensey and Nathan Root in person. Check out their Root Photography Blog (http://rootweddings.com/blog/), mirror shots and first looks are my favorite, but back to Lurkyloo, aka Carrie. I had posted on her latest TR that we would be at DestinationD and we had talked about saying hi, although I didn’t want to bother her and knew there would be two whole days and I would probably run into her at some point, so I left her alone, although I did take a picture:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/lls.jpg

As we were sitting there I heard a familiar voice and turned around. It was Lou Mongello, WDW Radio Show Disney Podcast host. I took a crappy cell phone picture:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/camera%20pictures/droidpictures142.jpg

I enjoy listening to him and knew KathyRN137 enjoyed him to, so I did something I rarely do… I went over and introduced myself, he was very pleasant. I excused myself and went back over to Bill. Not two minutes later he came over to us said hi to Bill and asked us if we had ever gotten any of his audio guides, I told him no and he handed me this:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011blackcamera473.jpg

Do you think I hogged Bill’s table? My cell phone, my camera, and my journal. Bad Tracy, Bad!!

How nice of him!! We thanked him and he went back to his seat, it was almost time for Destination D to begin and the room was buzzing with excitement! I was looking through the schedule they gave us and it said:

Opening Program
9:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.
D23 Head Steven Clark welcomes D23 Members with some special guests and a few surprises you won't want to miss!

Steven Clark and Josh Turchetta (D23 Armchair Archivist) came out on the stage. Josh has a great sense of humor and they play up the fact that he sometimes doesn’t listen when they tell him not to show, touch artifacts, or do things he isn’t supposed to do.

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It seems Josh brought some pictures of Steven from some of his trips to Disney. Look at the pictures behind Steven:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011blackcamera490.jpg

Steven had some things to share with us, like the fact that even he gets a renewal letter for his D23 membership. Note the “Dear Mr. Clark” and “Best, Steven B. Clark”:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011blackcamera494.jpg

He then introduced us to Walt Disney World’s first ambassador, Debbie Dane Brown. She worked in the Welcome Center in 1970 that was set up before Magic Kingdom opened up. She had to promise she wouldn’t get married while she was a Disney Ambassador:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011blackcamera503.jpg

She talked very lovingly about her time with the company. She admired Roy Disney a lot:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011blackcamera505.jpg

After she got done speaking it was time for:

Weird Walt Disney World
10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Walt Disney Archives director Becky Cline and Disney historian Paul F. Anderson

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http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011blackcamera510.jpg

Bill and I were really looking forward to this because we had met Becky back in December and she was so nice and funny. She and Paul did not disappoint!!

They told us that they were going to start out with some Disneyland weirdness because it was just too odd not to share. I will let the pictures do the talking:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011blackcamera525.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011blackcamera527.jpg

Ok well I have to talk a little bit about the next couple ones. We were told a story of how several little people were hired to dress up like Pinocchio and sit atop the theater marquee.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011blackcamera539.jpg

According to our presenters, the characters were given libations and by the end of the red carpet experience, they weren't wearing their costumes. Paul said they had photographic proof:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011blackcamera543.jpg

Oops that darn Disney legal team!!!

Here is a little blurb in a newspaper about Walt, how it was supposed to run:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011blackcamera545.jpg

Then here is how it actually ran:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011blackcamera547.jpg

There was an ad that featured the centaurets in Fantasia:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011blackcamera550.jpg

Apparently it was a little too risqué and there was a note written about it:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011blackcamera552.jpg

“Put a sweater on her”, so it was done:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011blackcamera553.jpg

The early Dwarf costumes had a problem, look above the “eyes”:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/003.jpg

They used to have creepy, scary people walking around Disneyland:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/006.jpg

Characters when Alice in Wonderland opened in Disneyland:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/009.jpg

They said Walt was not happy that you could see the CM’s head out of the back of the Rabbit costume.

Continued in next post Destination D Day 1 Part 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41971843&postcount=153)

[mrsksomeday]

Back in the day you could fish at Disneyland and take home what you caught:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/011.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/012.jpg

Next up it was time to talk about Aunt Jemima’s Kitchen and what they sponsored, pancake races:

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http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/018.jpg

Not bad for flipping some pancakes!!

ENOUGH of Disneyland, time for some WEIRD WDW:

World Showcase Characters (Never knew about them, did any of you?):



http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/038.jpg

More odd/out of place people:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/043.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/044.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/047.jpg

After that:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/048.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/049.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/051.jpg

Earlier in the presentation there was a “clown alert”, I didn’t take any pictures of that, but I HAD to take pictures of this:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/055.jpg

SPECTROMAGIC!!!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/057.jpg

Those last two slides got HUGE applause, I pray Spectro comes back to WDW, I miss it so much!! Ok, Spectro rant/begging over back to:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/058.jpg
Excuse the blurry picture, but I had to show D23 Head Steven Clark:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/059.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/061.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/062.jpg

Onward to:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/065.jpg

The Mickey Mouse Revue:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/068.jpg

Kitchen Kabaret:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/070.jpg

Food Rocks:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/073.jpg

Then:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/081.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/082.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/084.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/089.jpg

Continued Destination D Day 1 Part 3 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41971851&postcount=154)

[mrsksomeday]

Next:

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http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/097.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/098.jpg

And…..

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http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/105.jpg

They jokingly said they were going to be giving some things away:

A sign:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/110.jpg

A Contemporary Resort rug:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/115.jpg

They actually did give something away:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/117.jpg

Next installment…. Dave Smith

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

:laughing: Loved all the weird stuff, especially the picture of Bonhomme and Mickey in front of the castle, so random!

[mrsksomeday]

:laughing: Loved all the weird stuff, especially the picture of Bonhomme and Mickey in front of the castle, so random!

So happy you liked it, I didn't even use all my pictures, I went nuts taking pictures at this event. I guess I just didn't want to forget any of it.

[Tinkermom76]

More odd/out of place people:



http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/044.jpg




It's Bonhomme from the Quebec Winter Carnival!!! Love him!!!

[okw19]

Love all of the pictures!! I hope Carrie sees your LurkyLoo sighting pic!

[ddstratton]

Love the pictures! Looked like a fun time.

[jcc0621]

What a great event! Can't wait to hear about Dave Smith!

[tazdev3225]

I've been away from TR's, busy planning my own trip. It looks like a great trip so far. I loved the Flower and Garden Festival last year. The topiaries are amazing. We are going to T-Rex this trip with my DGS. He saw the pics you had and got really excited. I have never been there so had nothing to show him. Looking forward to more.

[Lesprivate]

I love all the old photos weird or not :lmao:. What a great event:thumbsup2

[DisneyGuy758]

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%203/May2011blackcamera229.jpg

I'm sorry if this has been answered, but I'm only reading with the chapter links.

I believe this is a risotto and shrimp meal. It looks delicious and I am adding it to my (long) list of items I want to try.

I'm loving this TR so far. It's one of the best I have read to date on the Dis (my own included :lmao: ).

I can't wait to get back reading more about you and Bill. You have such a great relationship and look like you are having the best time in the World.

[RunningGirl]

What great pictures! Thank you so much for sharing them with us - they were lots of fun to look at. I think I may have been scared of Disneyland back in the day!

[hmmurdock]

popcorn::

[mmeb144]

My DD16 and I want Spectro back, too! The Spectro guys are NOT weird. :lmao:

[pooksma]

Those are the coolest photos! Some are down right :eek:

I NEVER want to see the castle done up like a birthday cake again. That is just so wrong!

What a fun event to attend.

[lurkyloo]

:rotfl2:

Whoa... I've never had my own photo caption complete with ARROW before—thanks!!!

I'm loving re-living Destination D through your report, although it is also making me feel guilty that I have not yet started my own report... or the one on Destination D at Disneyland last year... or finished my D23 Expo (http://disneytravelbabble.com/trip-reports/d23-expo-2009/) trip report... :scared:

[mrsksomeday]

It's Bonhomme from the Quebec Winter Carnival!!! Love him!!!

I had no clue, thanks to you and Lessa I know now!!

Love all of the pictures!! I hope Carrie sees your LurkyLoo sighting pic!

She is so busy I doubt she does see it, I might post it on her TR :rotfl:.

Love the pictures! Looked like a fun time.

Thanks Darla!! It was really fun.

What a great event! Can't wait to hear about Dave Smith!

I am so happy we decided to do this event, it was amazing.

I've been away from TR's, busy planning my own trip. It looks like a great trip so far. I loved the Flower and Garden Festival last year. The topiaries are amazing. We are going to T-Rex this trip with my DGS. He saw the pics you had and got really excited. I have never been there so had nothing to show him. Looking forward to more.

Planning is fun. Your DGS will love T-Rex, I am glad he liked the pictures.

I love all the old photos weird or not :lmao:. What a great event:thumbsup2

Paul and Becky made it even more fun with their commentary. We talked to both of them at different points during those two days. D23 people are just fanastic!!

I'm sorry if this has been answered, but I'm only reading with the chapter links.

I believe this is a risotto and shrimp meal. It looks delicious and I am adding it to my (long) list of items I want to try.

I'm loving this TR so far. It's one of the best I have read to date on the Dis (my own included :lmao: ).

I can't wait to get back reading more about you and Bill. You have such a great relationship and look like you are having the best time in the World.

I do know that Tutto likes to change their menu around, I hope it is still there when you go. Thank you so much for reading and posting on our trip report. Bill and I do love WDW. It truly is our happy place.

What great pictures! Thank you so much for sharing them with us - they were lots of fun to look at. I think I may have been scared of Disneyland back in the day!

There was some crazy stuff in those early days of Disneyland. There are even more stories, I just hit the highlights. The weird presentation was jam packed.

popcorn::

:goodvibes

My DD16 and I want Spectro back, too! The Spectro guys are NOT weird. :lmao:

I don't think they are weird either :thumbsup2.

Those are the coolest photos! Some are down right :eek:

I NEVER want to see the castle done up like a birthday cake again. That is just so wrong!

What a fun event to attend.

We really enjoyed the presentations, some of the pictures were down right hilarious. I never want to see a pink cake castle again either, ewwww!!!

[mrsksomeday]

:rotfl2:

Whoa... I've never had my own photo caption complete with ARROW before—thanks!!!

I'm loving re-living Destination D through your report, although it is also making me feel guilty that I have not yet started my own report... or the one on Destination D at Disneyland last year... or finished my D23 Expo (http://disneytravelbabble.com/trip-reports/d23-expo-2009/) trip report... :scared:

Well I am trying to draw in readers so I used you as a prop :lmao:. I did promote all your websites though :thumbsup2. You are quite busy so I understand why you haven't been able to do all those reports.

I want to thank you again for taking the time to talk to us during Destination D, I didn't want to bother you, you were so nice to us.

[IheartDDuck]

How awesome was that event?! I love all of that random stuff.

The World Showcase people? Had absolutely NO idea about that. Kind of bizarre.

I love how they think that Kitchen Kabaret and Food Rocks were weird shows. I loved them when I was a kid. Wait, does that mean I'm WEIRD?! :lmao:

[lurkyloo]

Well I am trying to draw in readers so I used you as a prop :lmao:. I did promote all your websites though :thumbsup2. You are quite busy so I understand why you haven't been able to do all those reports.

I want to thank you again for taking the time to talk to us during Destination D, I didn't want to bother you, you were so nice to us.

Oh, I didn't know if I'd spoil the report by mentioning that part, but I really enjoyed getting a chance to chat with you! It felt like running into old friends. :goodvibes I love how the DIS draws us all together that way!

[JolllyHoliday]

Yeah!! An update. Love your trip report. Looking forward to reading more!

[DisneyGuy758]

I do know that Tutto likes to change their menu around, I hope it is still there when you go. Thank you so much for reading and posting on our trip report. Bill and I do love WDW. It truly is our happy place.

It's my happy place too, but I haven't been since 2007. Hoping to go next August....can't wait.

I hope maybe that meal has been brought back into rotation by the time I get there. Shirmp and risotto...I could eat that every day.

I can't wait for an update.

[mrsksomeday]

How awesome was that event?! I love all of that random stuff.

The World Showcase people? Had absolutely NO idea about that. Kind of bizarre.

I love how they think that Kitchen Kabaret and Food Rocks were weird shows. I loved them when I was a kid. Wait, does that mean I'm WEIRD?! :lmao:

You aren't weird, people there were loving those pictures of Kitchen Kaberet and Food Rocks :).

Oh, I didn't know if I'd spoil the report by mentioning that part, but I really enjoyed getting a chance to chat with you! It felt like running into old friends. :goodvibes I love how the DIS draws us all together that way!

I am sorry I rattled on and on to you, I get that way when I am nervous. I have alway enjoyed your reports so much so getting to meet you was great. :goodvibes

Yeah!! An update. Love your trip report. Looking forward to reading more!

Thanks!

It's my happy place too, but I haven't been since 2007. Hoping to go next August....can't wait.

I hope maybe that meal has been brought back into rotation by the time I get there. Shirmp and risotto...I could eat that every day.

I can't wait for an update.

Oh I hope you get to go next August!! Bill LOVED that meal he hopes it is still around in December.

[jcc0621]

OK, I posted yesterday and my post went poof:confused3

Anyway....

The event sounds awesome. I remember reading about the Mickey Mouse Revue. Can't wait to hear about Dave Smit.

Um....DLR can keep Spectro, I LOVE the ELP so much better:thumbsup2

[Mrs. Bob Loblaw]

Been lurking for a while now, but wanted to say how much I'm enjoying your trip report! I love the pic if you and Bill on Toy Story Mania!! :thumbsup2

I'm wondering if Mickey Mouse Revue is the one that's at Tokyo Disneyland. :confused3

[Disneyland_Mama]

Oh, I love all the weird/odd Disneyland photos!

We used to eat at the Aunt Jemima Pancake House every time we visited DLR. It's now called the River Belle Terrace, but still has killer pancakes. :thumbsup2

The picture of Minnie with Dolly Parton cracked me up. Wonder why Minnie's wearing Sally Jesse Raphael glasses? :confused3

I hope you get your wish and Spectro returns to the MK.... we miss our MSEP. :guilty:

[mom3sonstt]

What a fun looking event! All the Weird Disney was great (and sometimes creepy) to see. I loved the Food Rocks and Kitchen Kaberet and wish there had been a way to salvage them when Soarin went in.

[KatGarcia]

I'm finally all caught up!!!! GREAT stuff so far!!!!

[jenseib]

I love all those weird pictures. It's so funny. Great updates!

[mrsksomeday]

OK, I posted yesterday and my post went poof:confused3

Anyway....

The event sounds awesome. I remember reading about the Mickey Mouse Revue. Can't wait to hear about Dave Smit.

Um....DLR can keep Spectro, I LOVE the ELP so much better:thumbsup2

Spectro isn't at DLR, last I read the floats are still at WDW. MSEP moved to WDW because Spectro needed a refurb and with all the construction on California they decided to bring the old parade back here.

Been lurking for a while now, but wanted to say how much I'm enjoying your trip report! I love the pic if you and Bill on Toy Story Mania!! :thumbsup2

I'm wondering if Mickey Mouse Revue is the one that's at Tokyo Disneyland. :confused3

Thank you so much for reading and replying. I didn't write down the info about the Mickey Mouse Review so I researched to make sure I remembered right.

From allears.net:

“The Mickey Mouse Review” was an original attraction designed and built for the Magic Kingdom and was an opening day presentation.

EPCOT Center was being designed at the same time as Tokyo Disneyland. The Oriental Land Company, the owners of Tokyo Disneyland, wanted a copy of the “Mickey Mouse Review” in their park. However, Disney man-power was in short supply due to the simultaneous planning of two parks so a decision was made to close the Florida attraction and move it to Tokyo.

Oh, I love all the weird/odd Disneyland photos!

We used to eat at the Aunt Jemima Pancake House every time we visited DLR. It's now called the River Belle Terrace, but still has killer pancakes. :thumbsup2

The picture of Minnie with Dolly Parton cracked me up. Wonder why Minnie's wearing Sally Jesse Raphael glasses? :confused3

I hope you get your wish and Spectro returns to the MK.... we miss our MSEP. :guilty:

I was hoping you would see the Disneyland stuff!! That picture was hilarious.

What a fun looking event! All the Weird Disney was great (and sometimes creepy) to see. I loved the Food Rocks and Kitchen Kaberet and wish there had been a way to salvage them when Soarin went in.

I know, I couldn't believe all the creepy stuff :rotfl:. Many people are like you and wished the Kitchen Kaberet and Food Rocks could have been saved

I'm finally all caught up!!!! GREAT stuff so far!!!!

Thanks for reading!

I love all those weird pictures. It's so funny. Great updates!

Thanks, I am so happy posters are enjoying the pictures!

[jcc0621]

Spectro isn't at DLR, last I read the floats are still at WDW. MSEP moved to WDW because Spectro needed a refurb and with all the construction on California they decided to bring the old parade back here.


THen they can send them there after the construction;)

[DisneyGuy758]

Ok, so I was going through withdrawal from this TR when I noticed a BUNCH of links in your sig.

I've torn through two TRs so far, and am just starting my way on #3. Your writing style is fantastic, straight to the point and not too over the top.

One thing I've noticed in each one is, Bill has a heck of an appetite and great taste in food.

Ok...I'm going back to TR #3. I'll be back...

[eandesmom]

I'm dying over the fact that the "weird" chair is still at Boardwalk!

That was some seriously weird stuff. I almost choked on a pretzel laughing.

great updates. Wonderful World of Welches? Pancake racing?

[Rozz]

I'm so glad you shared photos of Weird Disney! I guess the pancake races were replaced with the contest to see who can diaper the most velcro babies. I remember the cake castle. :cake: I couldn't decide if it was truly hideous or just a fun party castle!

[DisMomAmy]

So cool that you met Lou Mongello!

Those are definitely some strange pictures they showed you! :laughing:

[brookelizabeth]

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/061.jpg


Oh man! They made the women wear heels?! Yuck! :laughing: It looks nice, but ughhhhhh, that had to be awful for them!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/097.jpg


PAUL! :rotfl: And yes, he is TOTALLY WEIRD! (yet, I like him)

Loved, loved, loved the Destination D updates! Can't wait for more!

[mkluvsmickey]

Really, really enjoyed reading all about your 1st morning at Destination D (with envy...;)). Totally something I would have loved to experience. How cool that you got to meet Lou! It was so much fun to follow along on Facebook/Twitter with people who were there.

[CandleontheWater]

Thank you for the Destination D updates! I loved all the photos of "weird Disney" I agree some of those photos were over the top (and very funny!).

I really wish I had taken the time to go to the event, but maybe if we move back to Florida next year, it will be easier for me to be involved in things like this in the future.

[Tinker_Tam]

I am loving reading all the Destination D info!! I just learned so much!

Thanks for the Disney fix today. I am in desperate need of a trip and your TR helped this morning!

[jenseib]

PAUL! :rotfl: And yes, he is TOTALLY WEIRD! (yet, I like him)

Loved, loved, loved the Destination D updates! Can't wait for more!

I thought of you as soon as I saw that chair! Good ole Paul!

[nebo]

Hi Tracy, great job posting all those pictures from the show, I know how much work that can be.
And I was very greatfull to find no pictures of myself in the Weird Disney segment, whew! Especially that time in Swiss Family Treehouse when we,,,,, um,,,, oh, never mind.
I too am missing Food Rocks and Pita Gabriel and Chubby Cheddar and now I have to add SpectroMagic to the list.
I was really hoping it would be bacjk by September but i guess no chance for that.....I may just have to throw Smidgy in front of the Main Street Electrical Parade out of spite.
Say hi to Bill...neb

[mrsksomeday]

THen they can send them there after the construction;)

:eek:

Ok, so I was going through withdrawal from this TR when I noticed a BUNCH of links in your sig.

I've torn through two TRs so far, and am just starting my way on #3. Your writing style is fantastic, straight to the point and not too over the top.

One thing I've noticed in each one is, Bill has a heck of an appetite and great taste in food.

Ok...I'm going back to TR #3. I'll be back...

Thank you so much for reading my trip reports, I know I am a litting nutty, go on and on in my installents, and use way too many smileys but I am who I am :rotfl:. Bill eats like a horse, I don't know how he does it.

I'm dying over the fact that the "weird" chair is still at Boardwalk!

That was some seriously weird stuff. I almost choked on a pretzel laughing.

great updates. Wonderful World of Welches? Pancake racing?

That presentation was awesome, I had no idea about Pancake races all of it cracks me up.

I'm so glad you shared photos of Weird Disney! I guess the pancake races were replaced with the contest to see who can diaper the most velcro babies. I remember the cake castle. :cake: I couldn't decide if it was truly hideous or just a fun party castle!

Thanks for reading!! Oh I would have so disappointed if I had a "once in a lifetime WDW trip" and had to see the cake castle. I prefer the classic version.

So cool that you met Lou Mongello!

Those are definitely some strange pictures they showed you! :laughing:

He was really nice.

Oh man! They made the women wear heels?! Yuck! :laughing: It looks nice, but ughhhhhh, that had to be awful for them!

PAUL! :rotfl: And yes, he is TOTALLY WEIRD! (yet, I like him)

Loved, loved, loved the Destination D updates! Can't wait for more!

I couldn't imagine having to wear heels working for WDW. I have to take a picture of PAUL!! I got all excited and Bill looked at me like I was crazy then I had to explain what the happiness was all about :rotfl2:.


Really, really enjoyed reading all about your 1st morning at Destination D (with envy...;)). Totally something I would have loved to experience. How cool that you got to meet Lou! It was so much fun to follow along on Facebook/Twitter with people who were there.

Destination D was more than I ever imagined, we LOVED it!

Thank you for the Destination D updates! I loved all the photos of "weird Disney" I agree some of those photos were over the top (and very funny!).

I really wish I had taken the time to go to the event, but maybe if we move back to Florida next year, it will be easier for me to be involved in things like this in the future.

I hope D23 puts on more WDW events. We are curious to see what they offer for Magic and Merriment this year.

I am loving reading all the Destination D info!! I just learned so much!

Thanks for the Disney fix today. I am in desperate need of a trip and your TR helped this morning!

Hi Tammy!! I will try to help any way I can to get you a Disney fix!!

I thought of you as soon as I saw that chair! Good ole Paul!

:thumbsup2 I thought of her too!!

Hi Tracy, great job posting all those pictures from the show, I know how much work that can be.
And I was very greatfull to find no pictures of myself in the Weird Disney segment, whew! Especially that time in Swiss Family Treehouse when we,,,,, um,,,, oh, never mind.
I too am missing Food Rocks and Pita Gabriel and Chubby Cheddar and now I have to add SpectroMagic to the list.
I was really hoping it would be bacjk by September but i guess no chance for that.....I may just have to throw Smidgy in front of the Main Street Electrical Parade out of spite.
Say hi to Bill...neb

:lmao: :lmao: You crack me up!! I have never seen Food Rocks or any of the other older shows. My first trip was 2006. Oh now be nice to Smidgy :rotfl:.

[Mrs. Bob Loblaw]

Darn it! I saw a new post by you and thought we got an update. Oh well, your old trip reports have been keeping me happy. I'll be patient... for now! ;)

[mrsksomeday]

Darn it! I saw a new post by you and thought we got an update. Oh well, your old trip reports have been keeping me happy. I'll be patient... for now! ;)


:goodvibes I am hoping to have an update tomorrow evening possibly.

[JolllyHoliday]

Looking forward to reading the next update!

[GeminiAngel]

:goodvibes I am hoping to have an update tomorrow evening possibly.

:banana:
______________________________

Woo Hoo! were off to Disneyland tomorrow!

[KathyRN137]

As we were sitting there I heard a familiar voice and turned around. It was Lou Mongello, WDW Radio Show Disney Podcast host. I took a crappy cell phone picture:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/camera%20pictures/droidpictures142.jpg

I enjoy listening to him and knew KathyRN137 enjoyed him to, so I did something I rarely do… I went over and introduced myself, he was very pleasant. I excused myself and went back over to Bill. Not two minutes later he came over to us said hi to Bill and asked us if we had ever gotten any of his audio guides, I told him no and he handed me this:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011blackcamera473.jpg


Oh, I'm so glad you decided to say hello; Lou does seem like a great guy... very genuine. How kind of him to give Bill that audio guide!

(More later)

Kathy

[Beana9802]

:goodvibes:goodvibes. Hi I'm here! :thumbsup2 so far! :hug:To Bill!

[brookelizabeth]

I thought of you as soon as I saw that chair! Good ole Paul!


I couldn't imagine having to wear heels working for WDW. I have to take a picture of PAUL!! I got all excited and Bill looked at me like I was crazy then I had to explain what the happiness was all about :rotfl2:.



:lmao: Corn dog nuggets and creepy clowns, that's how I'm known around these parts! :rotfl2:

[mrsksomeday]

Looking forward to reading the next update!

Thanks!

:banana:
______________________________

Woo Hoo! were off to Disneyland tomorrow!

Hope you had fun at Disneyland!

Oh, I'm so glad you decided to say hello; Lou does seem like a great guy... very genuine. How kind of him to give Bill that audio guide!

(More later)

Kathy

Hi Kathy!

:goodvibes:goodvibes. Hi I'm here! :thumbsup2 so far! :hug:To Bill!

Hello!! Thanks for joining us :grouphug:.

:lmao: Corn dog nuggets and creepy clowns, that's how I'm known around these parts! :rotfl2:

:rotfl2:

[mrsksomeday]

Walt Disney World: The Way We Were
11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Join Walt Disney Archives founder Dave Smith as we explore vintage pictures of Walt Disney World theme parks and resorts, including rare photos of construction and a fond look at some favorite attractions, shops and restaurants of the past.

We were so happy when this logo popped up:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/126.jpg

Dave took the stage and said he was going to share some rare photos that had never been seen publicly before.

Desolate highway before Disney came:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/133.jpg

Cat’s out of the bag:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/140.jpg

Looking over plans:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/142.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/147.jpg

We learned about the Disney Celebrity Sports Center and Disney's management of the Hilton Inn South in Orlando. They did this as pre-opening training for running the resorts and facilities of Walt Disney World.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/151.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/152.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/154.jpg

The first picture is the Welcome Center Debbie Dane Brown worked at before she became the first WDW Ambassador, the second is her (the taller CM at work there):

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/155.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/156.jpg

Time to talk about the:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/157.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/158.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/160.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/161.jpg

Fifty five miles of levees and canals were built, under the muck there were white beaches:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/164.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/167.jpg

Main Street under construction:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/168.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/170.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/171.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/173.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/174.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/176.jpg

Mr. Smith said he remembers taking this picture, pouring Main St.:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/179.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/181.jpg

Continued in next post…. Part 2

[mrsksomeday]

This picture is of the Jungle Cruise. The Imagineers planted trees and bushes early on so the attraction would look lush for opening day.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/183.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/184.jpg

Swiss Family Robinson construction pictures:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/187.jpg

Haunted Mansion:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/188.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/190.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/192.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/193.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/195.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/198.jpg

The Castle coming together:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/199.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/201.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/204.jpg

Working on the mosaics in the castle:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/202.jpg

Toward Tomorrowland:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/207.jpg

Contemporary Resort Construction:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/209.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/211.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/213.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/215.jpg

Epcot Center construction:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/218.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/219.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/221.jpg

Living Seas:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/222.jpg

Disney’s MGM Studios/Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/223.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/224.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/225.jpg

Continued in next post… part 3

[mrsksomeday]

Time for the:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/229.jpg


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/230.jpg

Roy and his wife Edna walking with Mickey on dedication day:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/232.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/233.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/234.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/235.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/237.jpg

Swan boat:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/239.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/240.jpg

People went crazy clapping when this picture was shone:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/241.jpg

Country Bear Jamboree – “Vacation Hoedown” was at the Magic Kingdom from 1986 - 1992. Christmas Show” ran seasonally through 2005:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011greycamera064.jpg

The Skyway:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011greycamera074.jpg

The original Dumbo had only 8 ride cars:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011greycamera076.jpg

King Stephan’s Banquet Hall:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011greycamera077.jpg

Mickey Mouse Review:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011greycamera079.jpg

Huge applause for this:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011greycamera084.jpg

The next park to open was:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011greycamera106.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011greycamera124.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011greycamera130.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011greycamera131.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011greycamera132.jpg

It will always be Disney’s MGM Studios to me:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011greycamera136.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011greycamera137.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011greycamera142.jpg

Continued in next post… part 4

[mrsksomeday]

Animal Kingdom:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011greycamera146.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011greycamera150.jpg

Stylin…

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011greycamera153.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011greycamera156.jpg

Bag picture of River Country:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011greycamera158.jpg

Treehouses:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011greycamera162.jpg

Massive applause for this:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011greycamera165.jpg

Did you know that WDW had its own air strip:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011greycamera167.jpg

Dave was very entertaining; I could have listened to him for hours. After this it was time for lunch, they had someone there selling basic lunch items and we just decided to eat there.

I know these installments are very picture heavy. I hope I haven’t bored you to death.

Next installment… Destination D end of Day 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42354742&postcount=241)

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Thanks so much for sharing those photos! It is very cool to see how it all came together. :thumbsup2

[piglet50]

thanks so much for the update. i loved seeing the pics and remembering those fun rides. i would like to attend something like this and be able to learn so much. looking forward to your next installment.

[Tinkermom76]

very cool looking at all those constructions pictures.
Funny how now I follow along with the construction pictures of the new Fantasyland and someday they may be shown

[Lesprivate]

I love seeing these photos, they are wonderful keep them coming. :thumbsup2

[okw19]

Great pictures. It's so wonderful to see everything coming together like that. :) Can't wait to read more!

[mmeb144]

Pics are nice! Not as good as being there, but fascinating nonetheless. Thanks for posting!

[IheartDDuck]

I love all of the pictures! Definitely not boring in my opinion. I love seeing things from construction up.

[ddstratton]

Loved the pictures! Very interesting... the construction progress is just fascinating to watch.

[pooksma]

Not boring at all. These are things I find fascinating about WDW. :thumbsup2

[DisMomAmy]

Thanks for sharing all of those great pictures!!! I LOVE them all!!

It's funny because we watched two different Disney Parks videos on Netflix yesterday. One of them was about the building & opening of Magic Kingdom so it was very timely for me to be looking at your pictures today. :goodvibes

[JolllyHoliday]

The pictures were so interesting. It makes me appreciate all the effort that went into making the parks.

[jcc0621]

Great pictures!


Did you know that WDW had its own air strip:


::yes:: and a helipad, which my mother I accidentally wound up driving on one night:guilty::rotfl2:

[Beana9802]

Great pictures!




::yes:: and a helipad, which my mother I accidentally wound up driving on one night:guilty::rotfl2:

There's a helipad in Epcot behind the land and the seas. If you go on the Segway tour (nature inspired design I think it's called), you practice there. It's neat!

Tracy...not boring. We are living vicariously through you!popcorn::

[katiebelle21]

I liked all of the pictures! It is interesting to see how much has changed AND how much has stayed the same.

[mrsksomeday]

Thanks so much for sharing those photos! It is very cool to see how it all came together. :thumbsup2

Thanks :goodvibes

thanks so much for the update. i loved seeing the pics and remembering those fun rides. i would like to attend something like this and be able to learn so much. looking forward to your next installment.

It was so informative and Mr. Smith is a great presenter.

very cool looking at all those constructions pictures.
Funny how now I follow along with the construction pictures of the new Fantasyland and someday they may be shown

I never thought of that until you said it, so true.

I love seeing these photos, they are wonderful keep them coming. :thumbsup2

I went a little crazy taking pictures those two days.

Great pictures. It's so wonderful to see everything coming together like that. :) Can't wait to read more!

It was fascinating to us. Thanks for posting.

Pics are nice! Not as good as being there, but fascinating nonetheless. Thanks for posting!

We were so happy we could be there.

I love all of the pictures! Definitely not boring in my opinion. I love seeing things from construction up.

Thanks :thumbsup2.

Loved the pictures! Very interesting... the construction progress is just fascinating to watch.

It was amazing to hear from a person that had been there to witness it.

Not boring at all. These are things I find fascinating about WDW. :thumbsup2

Happy it isn't boring people.

Thanks for sharing all of those great pictures!!! I LOVE them all!!

It's funny because we watched two different Disney Parks videos on Netflix yesterday. One of them was about the building & opening of Magic Kingdom so it was very timely for me to be looking at your pictures today. :goodvibes

I lvoe seeing those videos on WDW. I will have to watch that again.

The pictures were so interesting. It makes me appreciate all the effort that went into making the parks.

I can't imagine the hours and people it took to make a swamp into our happy place.

Great pictures!


::yes:: and a helipad, which my mother I accidentally wound up driving on one night:guilty::rotfl2:

:rotfl2:

There's a helipad in Epcot behind the land and the seas. If you go on the Segway tour (nature inspired design I think it's called), you practice there. It's neat!

Tracy...not boring. We are living vicariously through you!popcorn::

I never knew about the helipad, I learn new things every day.

I liked all of the pictures! It is interesting to see how much has changed AND how much has stayed the same.

I could have listened to Mr. Smith all day.

[jenseib]

Wonderful update. I love all the old pictures. I have to ask, what is the 1st picture you mentioned that got a lot of applause.....the sign said tropical something, but I couldn't read it well.


Thanks for sharing all of those great pictures!!! I LOVE them all!!

It's funny because we watched two different Disney Parks videos on Netflix yesterday. One of them was about the building & opening of Magic Kingdom so it was very timely for me to be looking at your pictures today. :goodvibes

What are the names of them. I'm always looking for stuff like that.

[mrsksomeday]

Wonderful update. I love all the old pictures. I have to ask, what is the 1st picture you mentioned that got a lot of applause.....the sign said tropical something, but I couldn't read it well.




What are the names of them. I'm always looking for stuff like that.

The Tropical Serenade... it was the first "Enchanted Tiki Room" at WDW. People were so happy because they knew the original or closer to it was in the process of coming back. The refurb should be done by Aug. 15th.

[jenseib]

The Tropical Serenade... it was the first "Enchanted Tiki Room" at WDW. People were so happy because they knew the original or closer to it was in the process of coming back. The refurb should be done by Aug. 15th.


Thanks I didn't know it had another name before. We are going to try and see it this trip. It re opens while we're there.

[Mrs. Bob Loblaw]

I love all the pics! The one makes me miss Adventurer's Club so much. I hope I get to go to a D23 event someday, but I'm worried my DH would just fall asleep.

[Chernadan]

Those pictures are so amazing, in no way are they boring at all. I've been fascinated by them all day today and got no work done! LOL

It was so great to see that picture of the Adventurer's Club. I know I am not alone when I say that I miss that place so much. Kungaloosh forever!

Great job with the TR so far I am loving it.

[CandleontheWater]

WOW! those pictures were amazing! I especially loved the ones of the Magic Kingdom construction. I can't remember a time without Main Street, so its mind blowing to think of Disney constructing it out of nothing, it just seems like it was always there.

I remember the construction of Epcot and MGM, and AK, but there is just something about the MK. I almost believe that it was always there, and Disney just stumbled upon it in the swamps of Florida and decided to turn it into a theme park.

[jcc0621]

[FONT="Fixedsys"][SIZE="4"][COLOR="MediumTurquoise"]There's a helipad in Epcot behind the land and the seas. If you go on the Segway tour (nature inspired design I think it's called), you practice there. It's neat!



::yes:: My mother was a CM before she passed away. She took me to alot of interesting places!

[brookelizabeth]

Oh WOW! Anything but boring Tracy!!! It all brought tears to my eyes...amazing, amazing pictures!

[Pipperdoodle]

I loved all the pictures, thank you so much!

[marivaid]

As usual, loving your TR, Tracy !!!
Gosh the characters were creepy in the beginning, though!!
Did you ever hear back from Disney about the DTD bus incident ?

[Rozz]

I really enjoyed the photos of park construction and opening! I wish I could have been there with you to hear Mr. Smith and see it in person1

[KathyRN137]

Wow! That's about all I can say is just... Wow!

Next time this comes to WDW I will BE THERE!!


Kathy

[tazdev3225]

Loved the photos. I would love to have been there in the early days but the closest I came was a Greyhound bus terminal going from Tampa to West Palm Beach in the mid-70's to visit family.

[ortholablady]

Really amazing construction pics! Thanks for sharing!

[mrsksomeday]

Thanks I didn't know it had another name before. We are going to try and see it this trip. It re opens while we're there.

Hope you got to see it, I saw on twitter that Brooke got to watch it.

I love all the pics! The one makes me miss Adventurer's Club so much. I hope I get to go to a D23 event someday, but I'm worried my DH would just fall asleep.

Bill and I never got to see the Adventurer's Club :sad2:.

Those pictures are so amazing, in no way are they boring at all. I've been fascinated by them all day today and got no work done! LOL

It was so great to see that picture of the Adventurer's Club. I know I am not alone when I say that I miss that place so much. Kungaloosh forever!

Great job with the TR so far I am loving it.

Thanks for posting! I always worry about being boring, but the pictures are saving in this trip report.

WOW! those pictures were amazing! I especially loved the ones of the Magic Kingdom construction. I can't remember a time without Main Street, so its mind blowing to think of Disney constructing it out of nothing, it just seems like it was always there.

I remember the construction of Epcot and MGM, and AK, but there is just something about the MK. I almost believe that it was always there, and Disney just stumbled upon it in the swamps of Florida and decided to turn it into a theme park.

I loved the construction pictures, that kind of stuff fascinates me.

::yes:: My mother was a CM before she passed away. She took me to alot of interesting places!

:hug:

Oh WOW! Anything but boring Tracy!!! It all brought tears to my eyes...amazing, amazing pictures!

I am so happy you are liking the pictures.

I loved all the pictures, thank you so much!

Thank you for reading and posting!

As usual, loving your TR, Tracy !!!
Gosh the characters were creepy in the beginning, though!!
Did you ever hear back from Disney about the DTD bus incident ?

Hey you!! I got a "thank you for telling us about the situation" type letter. I have made sure we have the transportation number in all the phones and am going to be calling if anything like that happens again.

I really enjoyed the photos of park construction and opening! I wish I could have been there with you to hear Mr. Smith and see it in person1

He was amazing.

Wow! That's about all I can say is just... Wow!

Next time this comes to WDW I will BE THERE!!


Kathy

Kathy you would have LOVED it, the entire weekend was amazing!!

Loved the photos. I would love to have been there in the early days but the closest I came was a Greyhound bus terminal going from Tampa to West Palm Beach in the mid-70's to visit family.

It was so great to see all the photos and hear the stories. We are so happy we went.

Really amazing construction pics! Thanks for sharing!

Your welcome!!! Thanks for posting.

[sbynon]

I'm really enjoying your trip report. We were there last year over Thanksgiving and left right before the cold snap. Your TR is making me excited for this year's trip over the same week--a surprise for our 7-year-old. (We're going with friends--the PTR is here (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2764939), if you're interested.)

Thanks for posting about the accessibiliy at WDW--my brother has CP and I know it's so much easier for my mom to not have to transfer him in and out of his chair.

[mom3sonstt]

I just got back from our trip. Didn't take the buses too much this time. Stayed at Boardwalk for most of the trip. But the last couple days I was at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I had breakfast at Boma one morning, and was going to leave from there to Animal Kingdom. It was late morning, so I figured I had missed the morning crowds. (I had my scooter) When I got to the stop the AK spot was pretty empty, but the DHS was packed, and the DD/TL was pretty full. A DD/TL bus pulled up and when he started loading a cast member who was strolling around the bus stop area got on his phone or radio or whatever it was and called in that they had a bus there, that it was already pretty much full and would probably have to leave some riders behind, and that he had a crowd at the DHS spot and what was the ETA for that next bus. The DD/TL did leave a few people behind, and it was just a few minutes before another bus came to get them. And the DHS bus came about the same time. Both before my bus came...:rolleyes1 I'm thinking I had just missed the AK bus, because some of the people in my waiting area were actually going to DHS. When the bus did come it was crowded - not full to where people were standing, but most of the seats were full. I could not park it at all - there were teenagers with their legs sprawled out on one side of the bus, and a woman in a wheelchair boarded ahead of me and sat in the seat right next to where the scooter goes. Her knee was wrapped so I was afraid of bumping it. Fortunately I had a cooperative driver who offered to park it for me. I got off and he wrangled it into its spot. Other than that - I did great on the buses - they were always empty! :rotfl:


I guess the whole point of that rambling story was - that there was a CM at the bus stop - in the middle of the day. I have seen them every once in awhile during the busy morning hours, but never at a time that seems like it should be a slow time. It's too bad they don't have more of them out and about more often.

[jenseib]

Hope you got to see it, I saw on twitter that Brooke got to watch it.


Sadly I didn't. It closes at 9 PM and I never was in the park in time for it. it will be there next time..... I had a great time though.

[mrsksomeday]

I'm really enjoying your trip report. We were there last year over Thanksgiving and left right before the cold snap. Your TR is making me excited for this year's trip over the same week--a surprise for our 7-year-old. (We're going with friends--the PTR is here (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2764939), if you're interested.)

Thanks for posting about the accessibiliy at WDW--my brother has CP and I know it's so much easier for my mom to not have to transfer him in and out of his chair.

Thanks for posting :goodvibes. I love surprise trips, I hope you have a great time. I will come over and read your PTR! If you have any questions about accessibility please ask, if you don't feel comfortable on here, just PM I would be happy to help.

I just got back from our trip. Didn't take the buses too much this time. Stayed at Boardwalk for most of the trip. But the last couple days I was at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I had breakfast at Boma one morning, and was going to leave from there to Animal Kingdom. It was late morning, so I figured I had missed the morning crowds. (I had my scooter) When I got to the stop the AK spot was pretty empty, but the DHS was packed, and the DD/TL was pretty full. A DD/TL bus pulled up and when he started loading a cast member who was strolling around the bus stop area got on his phone or radio or whatever it was and called in that they had a bus there, that it was already pretty much full and would probably have to leave some riders behind, and that he had a crowd at the DHS spot and what was the ETA for that next bus. The DD/TL did leave a few people behind, and it was just a few minutes before another bus came to get them. And the DHS bus came about the same time. Both before my bus came...:rolleyes1 I'm thinking I had just missed the AK bus, because some of the people in my waiting area were actually going to DHS. When the bus did come it was crowded - not full to where people were standing, but most of the seats were full. I could not park it at all - there were teenagers with their legs sprawled out on one side of the bus, and a woman in a wheelchair boarded ahead of me and sat in the seat right next to where the scooter goes. Her knee was wrapped so I was afraid of bumping it. Fortunately I had a cooperative driver who offered to park it for me. I got off and he wrangled it into its spot. Other than that - I did great on the buses - they were always empty! :rotfl:


I guess the whole point of that rambling story was - that there was a CM at the bus stop - in the middle of the day. I have seen them every once in awhile during the busy morning hours, but never at a time that seems like it should be a slow time. It's too bad they don't have more of them out and about more often.

I have seen CM's at Pop watching the busses as well. I just don't understand why they send tons of busses for certain places but none for others. It is frustrating.

Sadly I didn't. It closes at 9 PM and I never was in the park in time for it. it will be there next time..... I had a great time though.

Glad you had a great time.

[mrsksomeday]

After eating we got in the line for the next presentation.

D23’s Steven Vagnini and The Walt Disney Museum’s Paul F. Anderson were the next presenters. They discussed Walt’s vision and why it never happened. Bill and I have always been intrigued by Walt’s idea for building a real city, he was very innovative.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011greycamera174.jpg

Here is a sketch Walt drew showing his concepts for the Florida property:


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011greycamera180.jpg

Walt made a film a couple weeks before his death in it he described what EPCOT was all about. He shot two endings, one most of us have seen, the other for the Florida government, a plea for their endorsement.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011greycamera181.jpg

Concept drawing:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011greycamera178.jpg

Even though the city of EPCOT never happened, many of Walt’s ideas have happened on the property. The utilidors, the Automated Vacuum Assisted Collection System and the Monorail to name a few. It is such a shame Walt’s city didn’t come to light, it was a great idea.

Next up was:

Past Forward: A History of Walt Disney World on Television
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Join Disney Archivist Rob Klein and Tim O’Day as they take TV remote in hand to stroll through some of the many highlights of Walt Disney World Resort on television.

There were several clips including things from Grad Night commercials to Glen Campbell hosting a show about the opening of Disney World. There were several laughs when the Grad Night stuff was on because it was so cheesy.

Bob Hope made some rather racy jokes for the times. When talking about the Contemporary’s large interior he said, “Now I know where the Goodyear blimp goes during mating season.”

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011greycamera190.jpg

We all laughed at that. There was a clip of Mike Douglas television special. It is hard to convey all that we saw. I was in camera battery saving mode at the time because I had gone insane that morning taking pictures. I was such a newbie when it came to this. I just wanted to try to remember it all.

The Walt Disney World That Never Was

4:30 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
What do the Western River Expedition, Asian Resort Hotel and Sleeping Beauty dark ride have in common? While these amazing experiences were crafted in the minds of skilled artists at Walt Disney Imagineering, they comprise a different kind of dimension of Walt Disney World history: the grand experiences that never made it off the drawing board or out of the model shop. With an array of rare artwork and photographs, longtime Imagineer Tony Baxter lifts the curtain and takes us on a behind-the-scenes tour through the incredible world of the Walt Disney World that never was.

There was no photography allowed during this presentation.

Did you know there were several resorts that were planned that never happened?
One of the original designs had several hotels surrounding Magic Kingdom. The Asian, Venetian, and Persian were planned but never built. There were also a few attractions never built, Sleeping Beauty, Mary Poppins, and The Sword and the Stone to name a few. He also told us about Thunder Mesa &The Western River Expedition. Steve Vagnini searched the Imagineering Archives and showed us a virtural ride through with concept art not seen in a long time. It was amazing.

After this there was a dinner break, we stayed close and waited to line up again. I know some people didn’t go to see all the presentations but Bill and I didn’t want to miss one.

The last presentation of the night was:

From the Vault: Walt Disney World Resort on Film

8 p.m. - Join your hosts Disney Imagineer Tony Baxter and Disney author and historian Tim O'Day as they screen these rare treasures from the Disney film vaults, plus newly discovered and restored documentation footage of the construction and early years of Walt Disney World Resort.

This presentation had a fantastic showing of studio-produced films, that included “Project Florida”, “The Magic of Walt Disney World”, “A Dream Called EPCOT” and “EPCOT 77”.

After the presentation we went to the bus stop at the Contemporary and were treated to fireworks:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/5-11%20WDW%20Smoky%20Mountains/Day%205/May2011greycamera200.jpg

It was such a great way to end the day.

Next installment… Destination D Day 2 Part 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42736643&postcount=267)

[Belle83]

Looove the new pics, especially the construction ones. Very cool :thumbsup2

[mrsksomeday]

Looove the new pics, especially the construction ones. Very cool :thumbsup2

Thanks!!

[DisMomAmy]

The presentations all look so interesting!! I would love to hear all of those Disney stories!

[ddstratton]

Sounds like a very cool -- and interesting -- time!

[okw19]

Wow, sounds like an interesting day! I wish I could have been there. Great update! :)

[mickeyfan71]

I have enjoyed the photos and stories in the last updates! Very interesting! I spent my Grad Night at WDW! It was a lot of fun!

[Lesprivate]

Such an interesting history behind Disney World, I love hearing all about it.

[CandleontheWater]

Well, you have 100% convinced me! The next time Destination D comes to WDW (and I've heard rumors it will be for Epcot's 30th), I will be there! It just looks too awesome to miss! Thanks for being such an inspiration (and enabler!) ;)

[piglet50]

thanjk you for another great update.