Our Disney Trip to Sara-topia! Sept/Oct MNSSHP & F&W trip(link to dining review 11/1) [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

jecskc

09-13-2011, 06:37 PM

Here's our schedule for the trip:

September 24

Drop off the dog, have breakfast and hit the road. WDW is about 7.5 hours from our house. But ....DH can make it in 6 hours :drive:

Check in at Pop Century. Get settled in and explore the resort. Maybe go swimming.

Watch football. Our team, the South Carolina Gamecocks play Vanderbilt.

September 25

Get breakfast at Everything POP

Check out and head over to Animal Kingdom

Enjoy the park, leave about 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM and head over to our next resort to check in. We are staying at an RCI resort for about 4 nights. This resort stay is part of a cruise package that we purchased last year. We take the cruise in April. Five days on the Disney Dream. Very exciting !! We have stayed here before and it is very nice.

Dinner ADR at the Grand Floridian Cafe at 6:45 PM

September 26

Epcot - Future World. Our plan is just to tour Future World on this day. Touring Epcot all day is just too tiring, so now we split it up so we aren't so exhausted.

September 27

Sleep in at the resort. Rest

Head over to MK at 4:00 PM for MNSSHP. This will be our first party. We are VERY excited about this.

September 28

Typhoon Lagoon

Fantasmic

September 29

Sleep in. Check out of Silver Lake and check in at Saratoga Springs. We had the Silver Lake resort until Sunday, but I just HAD to try out our new DVC membership, so we are staying at Saratoga Springs that last three nights

Dinner at Whispering Canyon 6:25 PM

September 30

Breakfast at Kona 7:30 AM

Epcot - Food and Wine - enough said

October 1

Magic Kingdom for the 40 year anniversary. One of my besties and her daughter will meet us there that day.

Lunch at Tony's at noon

October 2

check out

Hollywood Studios

Head home :sad1:

jecskc

09-13-2011, 06:49 PM

We are very excited about MNSSHP. DD9 wants to be Alice and we plan on buying her Alice costume at the UK in Epcot. Maybe we will do this the first night we are there.

DH, DS12 and myself plan on wearing these shirts

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/100_3101.jpg

I also ordered some string backpacks for the kids to use as treat bags for MNSSHP. I figure we can just carry them into the park in our backpack and the kids can wear them when the party starts and use them for trick or treating.

jecskc

09-14-2011, 03:18 PM

So we have been making T-shirts. I have been looking at the Creative DISigns thread and I found some really cool transfers.

Here are some of the ones we are doing

On a blue shirt

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/HannahAriel1.jpg

On a white shirt

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/hannahtink.jpg

On a pink shirt

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/hannahrapunzel.jpg

And on a purple shirt

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/MMSSHP2010FourGals.jpg

I changed the zero to a one in Photoshop.

So fun stuff to pass the time until our trip. Which is in TEN days !!! :cool1::banana::cheer2:

Pixie Princess

09-14-2011, 07:22 PM

LOVE the Mickey head Halloween shirts! Normally DD dresses up for MNSSHP, but this year has decided against it opting for a really cute Halloween t-shirt we saw at Justice and a super cute ear headband with a witches hat and braids. I'm wearing this shirt and a Minnie witch hat!

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n601/ktiesmommy/booyah.png

I really think you should add HDDR to your 10/1 itinerary! ;) We could probably work it to sit together. Sigh. One day we'll all get to go together...if we can actually end up planning trips where we are both there more than one day that is!

jecskc

09-14-2011, 07:50 PM

OMG !! I LOVE :lovestruc that shirt !! Where did you get that ??? I wish we could to Hoop De Doo with you as well. I know DH nad the kids would LOVE it !! But alas, we have lunch at Tony's that day, I think. Are you eating there 10/1 or 9/30 ?? Our next two trips are Nov 22-27 and April 6-10 ... BE THERE !!! :rotfl::rotfl2:

Pixie Princess

09-15-2011, 09:24 PM

I got my Minnie witch hat today!!! :banana: It is so cute!

We are going to HDDR at on 10/1. The 5:00 show, so plenty of time for your lunch at Tony's to settle. ;) I got the Boo Ya shirt from flippinsweetgear.com.

jecskc

09-16-2011, 02:58 PM

OK. I'll check the prices and confer with the bean counter .. I mean DH and get back to you. Do you think you can get us added to your reservation ?? Do they take TIW ?? That would really soften the $$$ blow. Let me know !!! Did you get the new Minnie Witch hat ?? The one that kinda looks like sorcerer Mickey's hat ?? I didn't really like the one last year that had those long thin thingys sticking out. I tend to go for more traditional designs, I guess.

Oh, and SEVEN more days !!! I'm soo excited !!!

Pixie Princess

09-16-2011, 08:23 PM

You can only use TiW for the 9:30 show of HDDR. Yeah, that's just a tad late to be eating that kind of meal! That was one of the reasons I decided against TiW last year. Right now there aren't tables for a group of 4 or 6 for the 5:00 or the 7:15 show, but since we're already in maybe they can shift some tables around. It'll be a long shot if the accounting department gives the thumbs up, but you don't know unless you ask, right?

My hat is like the socerers hat, so like a real witch hat. There's a pic on this thread (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2788456). DD is getting the headband with the braids. I desperately wanted a Minnie witch hat last year, but couldn't find one that wasn't headband style. The ones the year before was so cute, so I was kicking myself for not getting one.

2 more weeks for us. Woo hoo!

jecskc

09-16-2011, 08:51 PM

Yes. That is the hat I was talking about. If you can get us in to HDDR, then we will come. Let me know what you come up with :-)

jecskc

09-17-2011, 06:16 PM

One week !!! One week and we will be there !!! :cool1::banana::dance3::yay::woohoo::cheer2:

jecskc

09-18-2011, 06:14 PM

jecskc

09-20-2011, 09:20 PM

OH !! And try a Dole Whip !! I've never had one of those !!

disneygirl66

09-21-2011, 12:44 PM

jecskc

09-21-2011, 05:48 PM

Hi there!! I have not been on the boards in awhile but i needed my Disney fix so I popped on today & I have to say I love love loved your previous trip report. Congrats on the DVC purchase..we were there back in July & also did the tour. I am getting closer to getting my DVC..just want to pay down some bills then I am all set!! I am looking forward to your next trip report!! Have a wonderful trip!!!

:welcome: I'm so happy you enjoyed my other TR, It was so much fun to write !! We leave on Saturday and we are BEYOND excited. Be ready for more of the same in this TR when we get back !!

jecskc

09-22-2011, 07:38 PM

So i am packing tonight. About 80% done. Finishing up some laundry as well. Then one more day of work tomorrow. Tennis with the kids after work and then back home to finalize packing. And then on Saturday, as early as I can get DH out the door, we are leaving - YAY :cool1::banana::dance3::cheer2:

PS - Tomorrow is going to be the longest day EVER !!!

jecskc

09-24-2011, 07:55 AM

So I'm sitting here STARVING waiting for DH and DD to come back home after dropping off the dog. When they get here, we will all get in the car, eat breakfast at Waffle House and head out of town. I HATE waiting !!! I wanna leave NOW !!!

So in about 7-8 hours ..... we'll be pulling into the Pop Century parking lot - YAY !!!

Pixie Princess

09-24-2011, 05:48 PM

Things that we haven't done on our previous trips, but are determined to do this trip:

See The Festival of the Lion King at AK

Visit the Polynesian Resort

See Fantasmic

Go to MNSSHP

MAYBE ride Tower of Terror - maybe

See the Castle show at MK

See the 3:00 PM parade at MK

See One Man's Dream

See Rapunzel

6 more days !! I can't wait !!

Anyone reading - feel free to comment. I know .... I know. The exciting stuff is coming, I promise. TONS of photos and food porn !! I am scream-in-my-pillow excited !! This week is going to last FOREVER !!!

I can't believe you haven't seen FOTLK yet!!! It's like me and and the AK parade..LOL! It will be well worth your efforts! The BEST show in all of WDW IMO.

Give TOT a try. I love it. DD not so much. I got her on it again this past May b/c her friend wanted to ride it. My legs and hands were shaking when we got off. It was awesome! DD has asked not to ride this trip, and I have reluctantly agreed. You need to ride it so I can live vicariously through you. LOL!

jecskc

10-03-2011, 07:03 PM

I can't believe you haven't seen FOTLK yet!!! It's like me and and the AK parade..LOL! It will be well worth your efforts! The BEST show in all of WDW IMO.

Give TOT a try. I love it. DD not so much. I got her on it again this past May b/c her friend wanted to ride it. My legs and hands were shaking when we got off. It was awesome! DD has asked not to ride this trip, and I have reluctantly agreed. You need to ride it so I can live vicariously through you. LOL!

It's funny what you just can't get to in 6 or 7 trips isn't it ?? I still didn't ride TOT ...... next trip maybe .....

jecskc

10-03-2011, 07:30 PM

So we are home. Got back late last night and the transition back to reality has begun. And it is as difficult as always. I have chosen a trip report name and the explanation for it will reveal itself as we continue. First day coming up !!!

jecskc

10-03-2011, 08:00 PM

Day 1 – Part One

So I wake everyone up at about 7:30 AM. I have everything ready and DH had packed some of the car the night before. He and DD loaded up the dog and took her to the kennel while I ran a load of laundry and started the dishwasher. I cruised Disboards and facebook while I was waiting and finally DD and Dh were back and we went to Waffle House for breakfast. I would have been fine with a bagel in the car, but the kids wanted waffles so we went. Plus, a big breakfast held us over to dinner time as I had snacks packed for the ride down.

We finally leave at 10:30 AM and our GPS said that we would arrive at 5:15 PM. But I was pretty sure we would arrive before that. We stopped for a bio break in Georgia and as we were approaching the State line, we saw splat, splat, splat on the windshield. For a split second, we thought, “Well, it is raining ..” But no. It was bugs. Lots of bugs. Everywhere. The windshield was a mess. We stopped at the Georgia Welcome Center and when I got out I could see …. It was love bugs. They were everywhere. Gross. DD was a little freaked by it. We stopped for gas and to clean off the bugs and then got closer to our destination.

See the bugs all over the windshield ?? You can’t really see it good in the photo.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3103.jpg

DD and DS not into getting their picture taken yet.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3105.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3107.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3108.jpg

DH was OK with it.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3106.jpg

DD warming up to the camera

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3110.jpg

Some more boring highway shots. Actually, these were the highlights ….

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3112.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3115.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3116.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3118.jpg

DS finally giving us a happy face

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3123.jpg

Getting closer

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3126.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3133.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3135.jpg

And finally …… (scroll through these next three fast)

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3140.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3141.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3142.jpg

jecskc

10-03-2011, 08:42 PM

Day 1 – Part Two

We arrived at about 4:35 PM. And our first night would be spent here

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3144.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3145.jpg

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http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3148.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3149.jpg

I love this place. It has such a positive vibe. I checked in and our room was ready – YAY !! We were in the 50’s section.

Oh, and by the time we got here, the love bugs were all gone. I assume they were in season in Georgia but had passed their season in Florida. We saw some. But they weren't crazy

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3150.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3151.jpg

View from our room. It was a nice quiet room.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3153.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3154.jpg

Inside. Very small beds.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3155.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3156.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3157.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3158.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3161.jpg

Bath area.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3159.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3160.jpg
Bedspread detail

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3167.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3168.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3169.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3170.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3171.jpg

Towel animal.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3172.jpg

Carpet detail.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3166.jpg

mimiecp

10-04-2011, 12:18 PM

jecskc

10-04-2011, 04:24 PM

Hi! I'm so happy I found your trip report and can't wait to read it. We were at the POP on 9/24 too but we were way over in the 90s. It was a great location too though and very quiet. We were only there one night too before moving to the Coronado. Looking forward to hearing the rest. We had a fantastic time and, frankly, I'm having trouble adjusting to real life. :laughing:

Hey girl !! Welcome back !!! I hate that we missed each other. I would have loved to have met you !! I am having a tough time adjusting to reality as well. Life is rough outside the Disney bubble ....

jecskc

10-04-2011, 04:43 PM

Day 1 – Part Three

Views.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3162.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3163.jpg

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http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3165.jpg

More photos near the room.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3173.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3174.jpg

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http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3177.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3178.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3179.jpg

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http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3181.jpg

So for this night, we were on the dining plan. DH and I LOVE the dining plan. I love not having to cart food around and DH loves not having to think about how much everything costs. So we did our best to make the dining plan work for us for this one night we are staying at Pop Century. So on the way to dinner at Everything Pop.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3182.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3183.jpg

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http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3185.jpg

We decided to use three counter service credits on this night and use the remaining one for breakfast the next day. So DH and I shared the Chicken Penne Alfredo

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3186.jpg

DS got chicken nuggets

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3187.jpg

DD just got Penne Alfredo – or as she calls it “noodles with white sauce”.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3190.jpg

For dessert, DH and I had tie-dye cheesecake.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3193.jpg

DD had a Oreo Cupcake

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3192.jpg

DS had some yogurt.

DD LOVES kettle corn so I had to buy her some of this

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3189.jpg

I really liked this as well.

Our food was good and filling and we enjoyed our dinner at Everything Pop.

Up next …. Shopping !!

jecskc

10-04-2011, 06:11 PM

Day 1 – Part Four.

After dinner, we went to explore Everything Pop !! I really like this store. It seems to have a little of everything. I got this shirt,

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3198.jpg

Here’s some other ones I liked but didn’t buy.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3199.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3200.jpg

I think this was a lantern, but the popcorn buckets looked exactly like it.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3201.jpg

Both of the kids had birthday money in the form of Disney gift cards and DD’s was burning a hole in her pocket. She got a charm bracelet.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3202.jpg

Some more Halloween Merchandise

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3203.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3204.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3205.jpg

jecskc

10-04-2011, 06:59 PM

Day 1 – Part Five

After shopping, the kids wanted to play in the arcade. DH went back to the room to watch football.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3207.jpg

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http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3210.jpg

Then the kids wanted to swim so we went back to the room so they could change. Some photos on the way …

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%201/100_3211.jpg

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We watched football until everyone fell asleep.

Coming up !! Day 2 - Animal Kingdom !!

Stringbean&Wingnut

10-04-2011, 07:26 PM

Joining in!! :yay: Can't wait to read more about your trip! Day one looked like lots of fun! :goodvibes

jecskc

10-04-2011, 07:32 PM

Joining in!! :yay: Can't wait to read more about your trip! Day one looked like lots of fun! :goodvibes

:welcome: Stringbean !! I have so enjoyed reading your trip and dining reports and I am so happy you are here and following along !!

jecskc

10-05-2011, 12:32 PM

Day 2 – Part 1 – Sunday September 25, 2011

So we get up about 7:30 AM and head over to Everything Pop for breakfast. Some morning photos.

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DH and I shared the bounty platter.

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DS had French toast

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DD had a Pop waffle and some bacon

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And I had a chocolate croissant.

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All of the food was OK. It was breakfast. It filled us up. The chocolate croissant was really good though and DH fussed at me for not sharing any of it with him.

So I check out and we head over to Animal Kingdom. When we went through the parking gate, the CM looked at our parking pass for Pop and said, “Do you know what that means?”. I said “Um, no.” He replied, “It means you can go play now. And be careful, it’s a jungle in there.” It was pretty funny. Anyway, we got to the park right after rope drop.

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We got through the turnstiles and DH headed over to the safari to get FP’s. I stopped and bought a pouch for my lanyard to store all my cards and money and DD wanted some sunglasses.

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Some more photos as we made our way over to Expedition Everest

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So we met DH at EE and there was no wait for the ride. DS and I got right on it. DH and DD won’t ride this. I am not sure why. I don’t think this is a really scary coaster. While we were on the ride, DD conned DH into buying her a Yeti Cat.

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jecskc

10-05-2011, 04:40 PM

Day 2 – Part 2

After EE we headed over to ride the Kilimanjaro Safari. We waited about 15-20 minutes in the Fast Pass line. I was pretty sure that everyone in the park was waiting in line for this ride. The standby line was LONG.

Safari photos.

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Right after we saw this gorilla taking a nap.

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After the safari, the kids needed a snack, so DD got some ice cream and DS got a root beer float.

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After that we got Kali River Rapids FP’s and then went over to ride Dinosaur. It was walk-on. No wait.

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Then DD and I rode Triceratop Spin. About a 5-10 min wait.

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jecskc

10-05-2011, 05:48 PM

Day 2 – Part 3

Primeval Whirl wasn’t running so we went over to play in the Boneyard.

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The kids played while DH and I rested and had some water. It had cooled down some here and the humidity had really backed off before we left. But NOT in Florida. It was mid 90’s with 90% humidity and it was oppressive !!! It didn’t feel this hot when we went in June. The temps were the same then, but the humidity this time was horrible. We dealt with it though.

After the Boneyard, we went to the Noon showing of The festival of the Lion King. We have never seen this and it was on our must-do list for this trip. Our camera takes terrible pictures in the dark. But here are some.

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We really enjoyed this show and we were really glad we took the time to see it. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it.

After the Lion King, we went over to Pizzafari and had some lunch.

DH and I split a cheese pizza and so did DD and DS.

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We got some photos at the DVC booth.

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I can’t remember where this was, but I like the photo.

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Then the kids and DH went over to ride Kali River Rapids

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They got soaked !! I wasn't into getting soaked down to my underpants, so I just chilled on a bench and caught up on E-mail and facebook !!

At this point my camera quit working. I was hoping that the problem was just that the battery needed recharging.

After Kali, the kids wanted some more snacks, so DD got some popcorn and DS and I got some frozen drinks. I got Raspberry Lemonade and DS got a coke slushie. These were so good and refreshing. After our snack, we were tired and decided to leave to check in at our NON-Disney resort – Silver Lake.

Stringbean&Wingnut

10-05-2011, 06:23 PM

jecskc

10-05-2011, 07:22 PM

Disney chocolate croissants really are extra delicious, aren't they? It's okay, I don't like to share mine either! :laughing:

The Yeti cat is so cute! Definitely a good purchase! :thumbsup2

Can't wait to hear about Silver Lake! :goodvibes

YES !! Those croissants are soo good and they go so well with your morning coffee. DD sure loves stuffed animals. There will be many more pictures of her with her stuffed animal purchases. Silver Lake coming up !! And also - and you will love this - dinner at the Grand Floridian Cafe .....

mimiecp

10-06-2011, 05:49 AM

jecskc

10-06-2011, 09:10 AM

I wish we would have run into each other too! It would have been great to meet you. We left POP on Sunday by 7:30 because we were trying to make the opening show at MK and wanted to check into CSR first. We didn't get to spend as much time at POP as I had hoped and never got to the arcade which was to the great disppoinment of DS. I like POP. The rooms are small, but the price is great and it's a fun place to be.

Great updates from AK. We were there on 9/24 and I agree about the heat. It was brutal. We did get frozen cokes based on your recommendation from the last TR and they were great. Very refreshing! I rode EE twice, once as a single rider and once with my dad. I agree it's not a scary coaster. I think my kids would ride it if we went back. We didn't get to do all the things I had hoped at AK, mainly because of the heat. By 2:30, everyone was ready to leave and head to the pool.

Look forward to reading more!

It was seriously hot at the beginning of the week. I was glad we were used to it or it really would have been miserable. I can't imagine how the guests from up north were handling it. We like Pop, too but the rooms are really small and so are the beds. It really is a good place to stay just for that one night when you get in and just need a place to sleep. I think it is worth it to switch to another resort the next day. You can really save some money for sure.

The frozen drinks really do help with the heat. But you have to make sure you don't drink them too fast so you don't get brain freeze :headache: I LOVE EE and want to try to get DH and DD to ride it, but so far I have not been able to. We were always done by 2:00 or 3:00 as well and went back to rest or swim.

jecskc

10-06-2011, 12:02 PM

So I was super excited about today thinking that it would be my 180 day mark to start making ADR's for my April trip. But NO !! I have to wait three more days :headache:. So now I am bummed. The sad life that I lead ..... :sad2:

jecskc

10-06-2011, 02:54 PM

Day 2 – Part 4

Here’s the story about Silver Lake. We currently own a time share through RCI which we purchased in 2008. About a year ago, someone from RCI got DH (who can’t say no to people sometimes) on the phone and talked him into a cruise package. With it we got two 7 day cruises and a free 7 day resort stay. After several months, we decided to book and come to find out, the cruise didn’t include the kids unless we combined the two cruises. This was fine, because I didn’t want to go without the kids and we don’t have anyone who can keep them while we are away for that long anyway. So we ended up booking a 5 day Disney cruise for April of 2012 and using the resort stay for this trip.

BUT …. In June we bought into Disney Vacation Club and I really didn’t want to stay at Silver Lake. DH didn’t want to bag Silver Lake all together because we “paid” for it. I guess we did, but the resort stay was marketed as “free” with the cruise package. So we compromised and agreed to stay at Silver Lake for 4 nights and then stay at a DVC resort for the remainder of the trip, which was only three nights AND we could get the dining plan. And then later on, we decided to add a night at Pop Century.

So anyway, we have stayed at Silver Lake resort two other times and we really liked it. It is very close to everything, quiet and we got a two bedroom unit which had tons of space. The two previous times, we stayed in the newer section and it was updated with granite counter tops, etc. But this time we got a room in the older section and it wasn’t as nice. We still had lots of space, but the décor was definitely late 70’s early 80’s. Clean, but pretty bad in the décor department. An example is they had WALLS of mirrors. The whole entire wall. DD said to me, “Momma, what is with all of the mirrors ??” Anyway, it wasn’t the nice Silver Lake that we remembered. So, if you ever stay there, ask for a room in the NEWER section. It really is very nice and updated.

I guess we could have asked for another room, but I knew we were checking into Saratoga in a few days. And despite the bad décor, the beds were really comfy and we had tons of space, so it was fine. I knew we would never be back because we were DVC members now, so I decided just to stick it out for a few days. I was so indifferent to this resort, that I didn’t even get photos of the room. Something that I regret now because I would love to see what everyone thought about the décor.

So we unload the car and as soon as we get done, it starts pouring down rain. We rest, get a shower and get ready for dinner at Grand Floridian Café. AND I charged the camera and it was working again !!! YAY !! Food porn coming up !!

Even though we had checked out of Pop Century, we still had our dining plan until midnight that night. And we still had 4 table service credits. I had made this ADR beforehand. I have read many dining reports and this place always got good reviews. Oh, and it stopped raining just in time for dinner – YAY again !! So we hop in the car and head on over to the Grand Floridian.

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DH didn’t want to spring $12 for valet parking, so we parked in self parking across the street.

Walking in to the resort.

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Did I tell ya how bad I want to stay here one day ?? Well, I do. Bad. I was happy to hear that they were building a DVC section. I bet the points will be crazy for it though ….

We go there early so we could cruise all of the gift shops. We hit them all, but didn’t buy anything. I was tempted to buy a bath pillow at Basin and now I wish I had because the Basin in DTD didn’t have them in stock.

More resort photos.

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I just love these luxurious touches. Towels right inside the door in case you get all wet when it rains

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We checked in for our ADR and we were given a buzzer. We waited a good half hour before our table was ready. Some photos while we waited.

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Then finally ….. dinner. We were starving. Our server was Geoff and he was amazing !! He brought us drinks. Sodas for the kids and a Magical Star Cocktail for me.

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I just love the Magical Star Cocktail. I thoroughly enjoy its tropical goodness and that light up ice cube in the drink. I think I have 6 of them now. They are so much fun.

DH and our waiter got into a cerebral discussion about red wine. I can’t drink it because it always gives me a migraine, but DH ordered a red wine our waiter suggested. It was a blend. I don’t remember the name of it and I can’t find a wine menu for this restaurant online.

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In any case, DH really liked it. A fresh rose on the table.

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Our waiter brought this basket of bread. Some plain sourdough rolls and these AMAZING whole grain rolls with currants in them. And they we soooo good !!

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For starters, our waiter highly recommended the French Onion soup. Which was the BEST I had ever tasted.

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It had four different kinds of cheeses on top ....ohmigod ...... it was so good !!

For dinner DD ordered the kids pizza.

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DS got the burger, but he ordered it plain. And the waiter suggested the fries, which were perfect !!

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Dh and I ordered the New York Strip

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It came with potatoes, carrots and edamame. THIS was amazing !! Cooked perfectly. And it came on the bone and it was huge. The carrots could have been cooked a little more, but other than that, a most excellent meal.

DH ordered another red wine – a Cabernet this time. He liked it but he said the blend was better. For dessert, DD got the worms and dirt which she loved.

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DS got vanilla ice cream

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And DH and I got the sampler for two.
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And it was sooo delicious. There was key lime pie, Boston cream pie cake, a fruit tart and lemon cheesecake. And to top it all off a dark chocolate Mickey.

We very much enjoyed our dinner here and would definitely go again.

jecskc

10-06-2011, 07:05 PM

Day 2 – Part 5

After dinner, we decided to try to catch the MK fireworks from the Poly. But DH took forever to settle the bill at GFC. He gets the receipt and looks over it for like 15-20 minutes. I’m not sure why. I guess he is looking for some kind of mistake ?? Anyway, I adore him, but this drives me crazy. So by the time we got on the monorail to get over to the Poly, Wishes had started. We made it down the beach to watch the last few minutes.

Some really bad night photos of the volcano pool.

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We went back inside to look around the gift shops. I got some Mickey Mouse head scrapbook scissors and a pink sparkly wine stopper.

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DD got a Baby Pluto doll

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Some photos around the resort

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Then we called it a night and went back to our resort to get some sleep.

Up next ….Epcot !!

Stringbean&Wingnut

10-06-2011, 07:47 PM

jecskc

10-06-2011, 08:38 PM

I'm so glad you guys had a great dinner at GFC!! I've only ever had breakfast there, but the lunch and dinner menus look really good too! (I'll admit, that dessert sampler might be the thing that gets me to make an ADR there! :laughing:)

Wishes from the Poly beach sounds so nice and relaxing! I've actually never seen Wishes from any location except on YouTube (I know, right? :eek:) - I'm DETERMINED to see it (live! in person!) on our upcoming trip!

Dinner there was soo good !! And the dessert was amazing !!

We have been to Disney 3 times this year and we still haven't seen the castle show "Magic Memories and You". It really is hard to fit everything in. We saw Fantasmic for the first time this trip. Wishes is a must see. I love all of the fireworks, but Wishes is my sentimental favorite. I hope you get to see it in January !!

mimiecp

10-07-2011, 11:06 AM

wahoostampingirl

10-07-2011, 12:17 PM

jecskc

10-07-2011, 12:19 PM

Your dinner looks fantastic. I would kill for some French Onion Soup right now!

We mananged to see Wishes that Sunday night in MK, but it was so crowded that it was not very enjoyable. I was disppointed because I agree it is my sentimental favorite. We did ride a few rides afterwards at EMH, but my family does not have late night stamina at all.

Look forward to hearing about EPCOT.

That soup was sooo good !! We are definitely going to eat there again.

My family can't stay out late either. We would rather get up early and be at the park until about 2:00 PM and then go back and swim and have dinner and then turn in. If we go to a park at night we plan ahead and rest all day and then hit the park late afternoon, early evening so we don't get too tired. Our first couple of trips, we went too commando and halfway through the trip everyone was exhausted and got sick, etc. We try to take it much more easy now. And it is nice to have that option.

jecskc

10-07-2011, 12:27 PM

I just finished reading your previous TR and had to pop over to this one to say how much I loved it! This one is starting off great too.

I have B/G twins who are 10, so I love reading TRs written by someone who has kids around the same age. We were at WDW for our 6th trip this past Aug. and finally got around to visiting POP Century. My kids loved the vibe of the resort and would like to stay there. I'm concerned about the room size and the sleeping arrangements. My kids do NOT like to share a bed anymore. On our last trip, we stayed 3 nights at the Poly and then moved to a 3 BR townhouse, so they each always had their own bed. Do you mind if I ask what your family did about that? My thought is to get 2 rooms, but I'd rather not spend the money if I don't have to. But, the rooms look awfully small.

Looking forward to your next update.

:welcome: Thanks for taking the time to say hello. I like Pop for one night at the beginning or the end of a trip, but I wouldn't like to stay there the entire trip. I agree that the rooms are too small. This time, I sleep with DD and DH slept with DS and for one night, that was fine. We like the rooms with queen beds so we can spread out more. If you can, get a resort that has bunk beds. We had those at Wilderness Lodge and the kids really loved those.

Since we have DVC now, we can get a 1 BR unit and that provides us plenty of space. If you don't have DVC, look into renting DVC points. We did that in June and the cost to do so was less than booking a moderate through WDW. We got a 1BR unit at Old Key West and it was awesome !!! Also, they have that Art of Animation resort that is being built next to Pop that has family suites. You could look into that.

Thanks for reading !!!

jecskc

10-07-2011, 04:44 PM

Day 3 – Part 1 – Monday September 26, 2011

Our goal this morning was to make to rope drop. We got up about 7:30 AM at went to Chik-Fil-A for breakfast and got chicken biscuits. DS liked these very much and still asks when we can get them again. We got to Epcot for rope drop and DH took off for Soarin’ fast passes and the kids and I headed over to Test Track where he was supposed to meet us. Some photos on the way.

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There was NO ONE around.

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DH met us at Test Track.

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We walked right on the ride – didn’t even have to watch the pre-show – woo hoo !!!

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Display vehicles outside the ride

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DD in her new ride.

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DS in his new ride

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DD wanted that one too.

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Then we rode Sum of all Thrills.

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Well the kids and DH did. I just wasn’t into it. I always have to ride with DS and he designs some crazy coasters that make me feel wuzzy. So DS rode by himself and DD and DH designed a really tame one that they could ride. It is fun, though. If you haven’t tried it, you should !!

We went by the Storm Struck booth and the kids played a game and answered some questions about storms.

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jecskc

10-07-2011, 08:39 PM

Day 3 – Part Two

We still had some time before our Soarin’ FP’s so we went to Spaceship Earth to ride it.

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And this fountain was running and going along to the music. So we watched it for a little while.

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Then we headed to Soarin’.

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The standby line said something like 25 minutes, but it looked a lot longer than that.

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I completely love this ride and we asked for front row and we got it – YAY !! I just love all the sights, sounds and smells. Oh, and the music. My favorite ride EVER !!

I think the reason why this park looked so deserted was because most of the people were in this pavilion. The kids wanted a snack, so I got DS a jawbreaker and DD a Twix.

We rode The Land after Soarin’ and there was about a 15 min. line.

After that we rode Nemo.

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And Figment.

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And then we went to Club Cool.

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The kids really love Club Cool and DD was disappointed that her favorite flavor – which was China, I think – was out. They wanted to buy some souvenirs with their birthday money, so DD got a blue Puffle

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And DS got a little coke. This cost something like $3 which I thought was a major waste of cash, but it was his money. Whatever.

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jecskc

10-08-2011, 03:28 PM

Day 3 – Part Three

One of my besties texted me and said that she had read somewhere that Rapunzel had a meet and greet in the International Gateway, so we hiked over there to see if the rumor was true.

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It wasn’t. I asked the lady in the gift shop there and she told me that sometimes the new princesses will train there, so maybe that is what it was. Oh well.

It was super hot and muggy so we decided to make our way back out.

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We rode Mission Space which was down when we first got there, but was up and running now.

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I just love Gary Sinese. I don’t know what it is exactly, but there is just something about him that I really like ….

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Anyway, after Mission Space – Green side – we went back the resort. We had hot dogs for lunch and DH took the kids swimming. I hung back at the room and did some laundry and rested. Then it started to really pour. I mean really hard. And while we were hanging out that afternoon the phone rang several times. I know that they wanted to try to get us to go to a time share meeting, but I just wasn’t in the mood to talk to them. Just you wait. This comes up again later and it gets ridiculous !!

We went to Outback for dinner and the plan was to go to DTD for some shopping, but it was still raining, so we went back to the resort and watched football.

Up next ……. MNSSHP !!!!

jecskc

10-08-2011, 06:44 PM

Day 4 – Part 1 – Tuesday, September 27, 2011 – MNSSHP !!

So this was our Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party day and the kids were REALLY excited about it. Our plan was to sleep late, just lay around the resort, get some of the kids’ homework done and then head over to Magic Kingdom about 3:00 PM. Well, we got to sleep until 9:00 AM and then the phone started ringing. I just kept hanging it up. And they kept calling back. DH said to just answer it and then they would stop calling. So I did. And of course they wanted us to come to a time share breakfast. I said no and hung up. And a few minutes later … they called back again. And a few minutes after that, they sent a maintenance person to our room to check and see if our phone was working. We assured him that it had been ringing aaaalllll morning. They called again and I got mad and told them to please quit calling us. It was really annoying.

And this is when DD asked me when we were moving to Sara-topia. Hahahaha. She meant Saratoga as in Saratoga Springs Resort, but I just thought Sara-topia was just so funny and so appropriate. I was dying to get over there, too. But we didn’t move over until Thursday and this was just Tuesday.

And that is how I got our trip report title.

Anyway, we got up and had breakfast. I straightened up and did some laundry, DH took DD to the pool and DS hung out and did some homework. We left about 2:45 PM to head over to Magic Kingdom. We had to pick up our tickets for the party and we were taking this time to renew our annual passes. You get a KILLER discount on annual passes if you are a DVC owner. DH was very happy about this. This whole process took about 45 minutes and about 10 minutes before 4:00 PM we are at the front gate. We decided to just wait until four and use our tickets to get in instead of our AP’s.

Some decorations as we arrive at the front of the park.

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Magic Kingdom all gussied up for the party.

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DD being silly as we wait for DH to go through back check.

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There was a pretty big line at the turnstiles at 4:00 PM and we saw some really neat costumes. There was this one guy with a giant magnet (not a real one, one made out of fabric) with these baby chicks all over it (again, not real). He was a chick magnet. We thought this was really funny.

We got in and got our wristbands.

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We got a CM to take a couple of photos.

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Some more Halloween decorations.

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Some Main Street photos.

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And the castle with the crane. I thought about photo-shopping that out, but I have plenty of good castle photos from other trips.

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They use the crane to put up the Christmas lights. We are going in November and this will be the first time that we will see all of the Christmas decorations and we are VERY excited about it.

DS wanted to ride Space Mountain right away so we headed over to Tomorrowland.

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I usually ride with him, but in January I rode it and something popped in my neck. I didn’t think much of it until the next day and I felt this huge knot at the base of my skull. DH looked back there and he said it was all black and blue. He said it looked like someone bashed me on the head with a baseball bat. It hurt a little, but it was more weird than anything. I put some ice on it. We figured I popped a tendon there at the top of my neck or something. Anyway, I haven’t ridden it again because I have had some really bad back problems this year due to some degenerative discs acting up and it is just too jerky for me. But DS loves it and he doesn’t mind riding by himself. So we let him and picked a spot to meet up with him.

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The rest of us rode the People Mover or otherwise known to us as The Blue Train. We knew this would be walk-on and it was. I just love the blue train.

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The CM photo bombing - putting the bunny ears on an oblivious DH. DD was laughing.

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See our T-shirts ?? As you can see, Myself, DH and DS wore these and DD was Rapunzel. It was really hot again on this day and we were roasting in those black T-shirts. We couldn’t wait until the sun went down so we could get some relief.

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Me and DD on the blue train.

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Checkers

10-08-2011, 07:34 PM

:)I'm loving your TR and the photos! We will be there in 2 wks. so thanks again for sharing!

jecskc

10-08-2011, 07:49 PM

:)I'm loving your TR and the photos! We will be there in 2 wks. so thanks again for sharing!

:welcome: Thanks so much for taking the time to say hello. We had a super time !!

Also, I noticed that you guys are staying at Old Key West. We stayed there in June and I wrote a TR about it if you want to take a look. It is "My Feet Are Killing Me and I Want a Lollipop" and the link is in my signature below. We really loved OKW and I have a TON of photos of the resort.

Will this be your first time staying there ?? You will be getting better weather for your trip that is for sure. It was still so hot when we went. Tell me all about your plans. I bet you are so excited !!

Checkers

10-08-2011, 08:34 PM

:welcome: Thanks so much for taking the time to say hello. We had a super time !!

Also, I noticed that you guys are staying at Old Key West. We stayed there in June and I wrote a TR about it if you want to take a look. It is "My Feet Are Killing Me and I Want a Lollipop" and the link is in my signature below. We really loved OKW and I have a TON of photos of the resort.

Will this be your first time staying there ?? You will be getting better weather for your trip that is for sure. It was still so hot when we went. Tell me all about your plans. I bet you are so excited !!

Yes, we are very excited. I will for sure read your TR when I am done with this post. Your photos are so great. I have not mastered the art of posting photos yet but I'm working on it.

:)OKW is one of our home resorts (we also own at BWVs) and we love it. For the F&WF we like to stay at the BWVs but I waited too long to make my reservation this year. It will be just my DH & myself and will be a laid-back relaxing trip. There will probably be some days we won't even go to the parks and I have only made 2 lunch and 2 dinner ADRs and we are going to just go to the F&WF and trust our luck when we are hungry for all other meals. We have never gone hungry at WDW! I am hoping you are right and the heat & humidity are long gone when we arrive, also I understand they are having quite a bit of rain this week and I am hoping that is gone as well. Am I wishing for too much?!

Looking forward to reading the rest of your report. And, again, thanks for taking us along. Btw, your son and daughter are darling and a good age to really enjoy all that WDW has to offer.

I particularly liked your photos of the Halloween decorations. We are not going to the MNSSHP this year but next year we are taking my DD, DSIL, 3 DGC (who recently moved to Seattle) then we will do the Party. My twin sister, her DD & family will be joining us next year as well. Should be a fun time and we are looking forward to it.

jecskc

10-08-2011, 08:54 PM

Yes, we are very excited. I will for sure read your TR when I am done with this post. Your photos are so great. I have not mastered the art of posting photos yet but I'm working on it.

:)OKW is one of our home resorts (we also own at BWVs) and we love it. For the F&WF we like to stay at the BWVs but I waited too long to make my reservation this year. It will be just my DH & myself and will be a laid-back relaxing trip. There will probably be some days we won't even go to the parks and I have only made 2 lunch and 2 dinner ADRs and we are going to just go to the F&WF and trust our luck when we are hungry for all other meals. We have never gone hungry at WDW! I am hoping you are right and the heat & humidity are long gone when we arrive, also I understand they are having quite a bit of rain this week and I am hoping that is gone as well. Am I wishing for too much?!

Looking forward to reading the rest of your report. And, again, thanks for taking us along. Btw, your son and daughter are darling and a good age to really enjoy all that WDW has to offer.

I particularly liked your photos of the Halloween decorations. We are not going to the MNSSHP this year but next year we are taking my DD, DSIL, 3 DGC (who recently moved to Seattle) then we will do the Party. My twin sister, her DD & family will be joining us next year as well. Should be a fun time and we are looking forward to it.

We are staying at BWV for our Thanksgiving trip and we are beyond excited to stay there.

At the end of our stay, the weather really took a dip and the humidity finally went away. Our last day, it started out in the low 60's and only got up to 83 so it was feeling good by that time so I am pretty sure you will have good temps. We had some rain but never an all day event. Mostly just later afternoon stuff that lasted an hour or two. The forecast said rain every day, but aside from the one night we planned to go to DTD, rain never got in our way.

The kids really are at a fun age and I think that is why we have been scheduling so many trips. Well, that and I'm totally Disney obsessed !!

I am not the best photographer and typically DH takes better photos than me. He says my hands shake too much and he is right. But I manage to get a few good ones in there. I really wish I had time to study the art of photography, but I just don't have the time right now. I have seen some really excellent photos here on the Disboards that is for sure.

Thanks for reading and enjoy your trip !! It sounds nice. I LOVE Food and Wine !!

mimiecp

10-09-2011, 06:36 AM

jecskc

10-09-2011, 08:57 AM

Great updates! It's ironic that we were at Epcot on Monday. We didn't make rope drop much to my disappointment, but between my kids and my parents, they just didn't get going as early as I would have liked. When we did get there, we managed to get fast passes for Soarin and ride living with the Land and Journey into Imagination before our 1 p.m. ARR at Teppan Edo. We had a great lunch but after that it all went downhill. I think the heat was partially to blame, but my dad snapped at my mom (which is very unusual) and my kids almost started a fist fight over the communicator in the one Kim Possible adventure we attempted. At this point, my mom and I looked at each other and vowed we'd come alone next time! :rotfl:

Anyway, the day ended well with a great ride on Soarin - it was the first time for all of us! What a great ride. We had to wait out the storm in the Land building (and rode Living with the Land again) but managed to get back to the hotel during a break in the weather before it really started pouring again. As soon as the rain let up, the kids and I went swimming at the Coronado pool while my parents grabbed dinner alone and the day ended well.

We didn't attend MNNSHP, but were in the MK on Tuesday for most of the day before the party. We had a great time - much better day. We rode all the major rides and attractions. I was so happy my kids loved BTMR and HM and we rode each several times. My dad got to be "that guy" in the Laughfloor, which was hilarious! We spent several trips around the track on the peoplemover. It's a very relaxing ride. I love the MK and am excited to see the new Fantasyland expansion.

Look forward to hearing about your party experience!

OMG !! This post just kills me. We were in the same place at the same time more than once and we didn't get to meet !! GAH !!! Look for yourself in some of my photos !!!:rotfl:

The heat can really make you grumpy that is for sure. Even though we are used to it, it still sucks the life out of you. Being in World Showcase on that day would have been brutal. It was soooo HOT. And did it EVER rain hard that day !! The kids really wanted to go to DTD but by the time it quit raining we were all settled in and didn't want to go back out.

My DS likes Kim Possible, but DD doesn't really care about it, so thankfully they don't fight over it. It really is a fun activity for him.

Going to MK on a party night is a very good strategy. Attendance is usually low at the park and you can get so much accomplished !! I am also SUPER excited about the Fantasyland expansion. I don't think there is a disser who isn't !!

Lots of party photos coming up !!!

jecskc

10-09-2011, 09:51 AM

Day 4 – Part 2

After riding the Blue Train we met DS at our meeting place and he said he got right on Space Mountain and didn’t have to wait at all. As a matter of fact, from 4 until 7 we walked on everything. We rode Buzz next.

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I tried to get a photo of our photo and failed miserably.

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After that, DS wanted to see Stitch’s Greatest Escape. DD and I hate this attraction see we decided to get us some frozen drinks because it was soooooo HOT !!! We went to the Lunching Pad

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and got these

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A Raspberry Lemonade for me and a Blue Raspberry for DS.

DD wanted Blue Raspberry and Cherry combined and the super nice CM made it like this

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Very yummy looking. So DD and I sat and enjoyed our drinks while we were waiting on DS and DH. It was so hot that I was seriously worried DS’s drink was going to melt before they got out, but it only melted a little bit thank goodness. But it was melting fast. While we were enjoying our drinks, we watched all of the cool costumes walk by. There was this one family that was all dressed up as Alice in Wonderland. The little girl was Alice, the brother was the Mad Hatter, the Father was the Rabbit and the mother was the Cheshire Cat. Really cute stuff. I bet they were hot though. Did I say it was hot ?? Well it was ….very hot.

After that we headed over to Fantasyland and DD wanted to ride the Tea Cups. I hate the Tea Cups and their spinny-ness and avoid it if I can, but she begged and promised not to spin it too much, so I agreed to ride. We waited one rotation and got on the ride. So about 5 minutes.

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Please Mom can we spin it some ??

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OK …. A little

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Pooh had a 30 minute wait so we skipped it and rode Snow White. I keep hearing that they are going to close this ride and I keep expecting it to be gone but it is always open. There was no wait so we rode it.

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Stringbean&Wingnut

10-09-2011, 10:35 AM

jecskc

10-09-2011, 11:44 AM

I was wondering where Sara-topia originated...it's kind of funny that I've never been to Saratoga since I'm a Sara! A Sara-topia sounds good to me! :thumbsup2

Love the photobomb on the TTC! The MK looks like so much fun all dressed up for Halloween!

My DD is so funny with the stuff she comes up with. DS is really funny, too. If you guys ever get a chance, give Saratoga Springs a look. We really loved that resort. Lots of photos coming up on that !!!

That photobomb was funny. As I was posting the photo, I noticed a lady in the car behind him was laughing, too. :rotfl: MK was decorated so fun. I am really excited to see it all dressed up for Christmas.

jecskc

10-09-2011, 01:46 PM

Day 4 – Part Three

Then DS and I went into the gift shop while DH took DD on the carousel

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DH was really fascinated with the crane for some reason.

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We went to the Castle Couture store and DD got some pixie dust.

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Next we saw Philharmagic. I just love Philharmagic. We do it every time we go. Wouldn’t miss it.

Next we rode Peter Pan. The standby was 20 minutes. It was really only about 15 or so.

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DD wanted to ride It’s a Small World and there was a 5 minute wait so she and I did that.

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In the meantime, DH got DS some ice cream and took some photos.

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He’s twelve … what can I say ??

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I REALLY wanted to get our picture taken at the coach. But we never did get around to it.

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After that, it was about 6:45 and the party was set to start at 7:00 PM. DD wanted to see Rapunzel REALLY bad and I promised her that we would make it a priority this trip. So we decided to head back to the front of the park to the Town Square Theatre and get in line. Right then, they opened the trick or treat trail right there by Peter Pan so the kids jumped in line.

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So then DD and I headed to the Town Square Theatre. It was really crowded on Main Street as the day guests were leaving and the party guests were entering. So it took us a while to get down there.

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When we got there, it was about 7:05 and the wait was listed at 40 minutes. So we got in line and thought that it wouldn’t be that long. After all, the line didn’t seem that long. So we waited … and waited. And DD remembered that DH had her autograph book in the back pack. So we called him and he came back to give it to us. DD was really excited to meet Rapunzel and she was especially excited that Flynn was going to be there, too. So we waited some more. And I took a good solid hour to get through that line.

Oh, I have to tell you. There was a group of 20 somethings in front of us in line and they were all dressed as Toy Story. There was Woody and Bo Beep. Bo Peep’s costume was awesome, she even had this little purse with cotton balls pasted all over it to look like a sheep. Woody’s was really good, too and he had a string with a big ring on his back. I wondered if I pulled it if he would shout out “There’s a snake in my boot!” Mr. and Mrs. Potato head, Rex, the porcupine (from Toy Story 3) and the best of all was Jessie. This girl was a gorgeous redhead and she was just so pretty. She had on a cowboy hat and a Jessie bustier, a bandana, cowboy boots and tight jeans. She ROCKED this outfit, seriously. It would have looked trashy on anyone else, but she was just so pretty that she pulled it off famously. The guy that was Rex kept his arms inside his shirt and just had his hands out like Rex’s little arms. They were all just precious. They all got their pictures taken as a group so they didn’t hold up the line.

jecskc

10-09-2011, 05:08 PM

Day 4 – Part Four

So three groups of princesses were there. First was Cinderella and her prince.

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The photo pass person had left for some reason, so I made sure to get lots of photos.

Next was Snow White and her prince.

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Then at long last …. Rapunzel and Flynn.

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These two had a photopass person, so I just took a few photos because my flash interfered with theirs. I hope to get the Photopass photos in a day or two. I will insert them and remind everyone to go back and look if you want to. :)

They were all really great and spent a lot of time with DD. So I can see why it takes so long to get through the line. I would say that it was worth it, though. DD was very happy.

When we got out it was 8:00 PM and it was dark. We called DH and he and DS had been doing some of the trick or treat trails and were all the way over in Fantasyland. The Villians Mix and Mingle was going on so we stopped to watch some of that. I tried to get some photos, but I just can’t get good ones in the dark. It was pretty packed in the hub. So watched until the show was over and met up with DH and DS in Liberty Square.

So about this time everyone was lining up for the first parade. We took advantage of the short lines at the treat trails and got some candy.

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They had good candy and gave out about 3-4 pieces each time. DD is allergic to peanuts and they were really careful not to give her any peanut candy.

Then we rode Haunted Mansion. The CM’s all wore Halloween make-up which looked professionally done and there was extra cob webs all over. It was cool. We prepaid and got the $99 photopass deal and got some photopass photos with ghosts in them but I haven’t gotten them yet. I will insert them when I get them.

Then we went over to BTMRR and rode that. It was walk-on. DD wanted to ride it again, so we did. Walk-on again. We did the trick or treating over there and took a bio break.

After that, we went over to the hub to wait for the fireworks. LOTS of people here. We sat down and ate some candy while we waited and busted out some glow sticks I got at the dollar store. Here’s a picture DS with her string bag that we used as a treat bag. DS had a black one. I got them for about $2.50 each on Ebay and they really worked out well. The kids were able to just wear them like back packs when they weren’t trick or treating.

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jecskc

10-09-2011, 07:32 PM

Day 4 – Part Five

Finally, the fireworks started. There was a tree to our left that kinda blocked our view but we still had a pretty good spot. Anyway, we didn’t feel like fighting the crowds to get a better spot.

DH took photos and got some pretty good ones.

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We really loved Hallowishes !! Very enjoyable !! DH especially loves fireworks and really enjoyed this show.

I was hungry so we stopped to get some root beer floats to share. They made them with vanilla ice cream, but it was orange in color. This threw the kids off a little until they tasted it and were OK once they realized they tasted like vanilla.

So when we were done with that, we just snagged a spot for the second parade there in Liberty Square. We were in the second row behind the rope and the people in front of us were kids, so they sat down the whole time and so we were able to sit the whole time and watch. The kids chatted with us and we talked to their parents as well. They were really nice people and they said they were going to board the Dream on the next day and they seemed real excited about it. We go in April and I can’t WAIT !!! It was really nice to have a good spot for viewing the parade and some nice people to share it with.

Pixie Princess

10-09-2011, 07:47 PM

jecskc

10-09-2011, 07:52 PM

How freaky! We stayed in the room right above yours at Pop! At least they gave us a different room this stay. The last couple of times we've had the exact same room.

DD has that same Yeti cat. His name is Spotty. She's come a long way with the names of her animals since we bought him. LOL!

You're back !!! Did you just get back today ?? I can't wait to hear all about your trip !! I hope you had better weather than we did. Geez, except for those last couple of days, it was wicked hot !! I saw on Facebook that it was raining there today, so I was thinking about you and wondering if you did a park or just decided to come back home. The kids were disappointed that they didn't get to see your DD for very long. It was bummer that our trip didn't overlap more. Post some pics !! I wanna see !!

Pixie Princess

10-09-2011, 08:22 PM

You're back !!! Did you just get back today ?? I can't wait to hear all about your trip !! I hope you had better weather than we did. Geez, except for those last couple of days, it was wicked hot !! I saw on Facebook that it was raining there today, so I was thinking about you and wondering if you did a park or just decided to come back home. The kids were disappointed that they didn't get to see your DD for very long. It was bummer that our trip didn't overlap more. Post some pics !! I wanna see !!

We got back today, but left WDW on Sat. morning. We stopped in Perry, GA to see Blake Shelton and the JaneDear Girls. I was ready to get home, and could have skipped this, but it was DD's replacement b-day present so I let her decide.

The weather was fabulous most of the week. It heated up to the mid 80s on Thurs. and was more humid that day than any other during the week, but it wasn't the killer humidity that had been going on while you were there. Plus it was windy which was nice. Friday was quite windy, and it rained off and on, but Sat. was just constant rain while we were there, and until we got to about Gainesville, FL. It would come in bands of heavy rain then drizzle. We stayed our last night at Pop in the 60s section, and DD was really looking forward to swimming in the Hippy Dippy Pool. It was raining as we unloaded and got to our room. Then the a thunderstorm complete with lightning moved in , so swimming was out of the question.

DD was bummed she didn't get to hang out with your kids more too. I think she was trying to figure out how to wrangle staying with ya'll instead of going to the Mom's Panel Meet. LOL! She ended up having a really good time though.

jecskc

10-09-2011, 08:42 PM

We got back today, but left WDW on Sat. morning. We stopped in Perry, GA to see Blake Shelton and the JaneDear Girls. I was ready to get home, and could have skipped this, but it was DD's replacement b-day present so I let her decide.

The weather was fabulous most of the week. It heated up to the mid 80s on Thurs. and was more humid that day than any other during the week, but it wasn't the killer humidity that had been going on while you were there. Plus it was windy which was nice. Friday was quite windy, and it rained off and on, but Sat. was just constant rain while we were there, and until we got to about Gainesville, FL. It would come in bands of heavy rain then drizzle. We stayed our last night at Pop in the 60s section, and DD was really looking forward to swimming in the Hippy Dippy Pool. It was raining as we unloaded and got to our room. Then the a thunderstorm complete with lightning moved in , so swimming was out of the question.

DD was bummed she didn't get to hang out with your kids more too. I think she was trying to figure out how to wrangle staying with ya'll instead of going to the Mom's Panel Meet. LOL! She ended up having a really good time though.

We would have loved to have her hang with us while you went to the Mom's panel. I wish I would have known that. The kids really enjoy her company. We really need to coordinate our trips better :) We have time though. Have you given any more thought to the Spring break trip ?? We are at AKL April 6-10. Let me know :) I just made our ADR's today for that trip. Good stuff. I thought I would be able to on the 6th, but it turns out I had to wait until today. Sadly, it was the highlight of my day.

Oh, and I need to hear all about AKL. Did you stay there ?? Did you love it ?? We sooooo did not have enough time together !!!

kcandbella

10-09-2011, 09:29 PM

:goodvibesJoining in! Our trips overlapped so we were there part of the time you were. Can't wait to read more!

jecskc

10-09-2011, 09:36 PM

:goodvibesJoining in! Our trips overlapped so we were there part of the time you were. Can't wait to read more!

:welcome: We had such a good time, but boy was it ever HOT !! Looks like you got to enjoy more of the cooler weather than we did. I will have to go visit your TR and see If I can see myself in any of your photos :lmao::rotfl: Thanks for reading !!!

Poolrat

10-09-2011, 10:13 PM

jecskc

10-09-2011, 10:26 PM

Joining in - Yes it was soooo hot the first part of the week. It got me too.

MNSSHP on Tuesday - Yep I was there until 7. The lines were short alright- Loved it. The crowds started building Thursday and then through he weekend.

:welcome: Thanks for coming over !!! It really was hot. It was the hottest I had ever experienced in the WDW. I agree that it progressively got more crowded. It didn't bother us much though. We stuck with our plans and didn't have to wait much. It really turned out to be a perfect weekend. The weather was gorgeous near the end !!

Stringbean&Wingnut

10-10-2011, 05:23 AM

You guys got a lot done at the party! How great that you found nice parade neighbors, you never hear about that happening! :laughing: The orange ice cream would have confused me too, I have to admit!

jecskc

10-10-2011, 04:43 PM

You guys got a lot done at the party! How great that you found nice parade neighbors, you never hear about that happening! :laughing: The orange ice cream would have confused me too, I have to admit!

We did get a lot done. We didn't get some of the photos I wanted, but that's OK. We did like our parade neighbors. And I know what you mean about that. all those thread about people waiting an hour before the parade and getting all mad when the crowd comes ?? Do they really think that parade is coming down the street JUST for them ?? Disney gets crowded. Deal with it. The sense of entitlement these people have .... Whatever. Throughout life, I find that the majority of the people in general will be nice to you if you are nice to them. Just smile and be pleasant and you will meet the nicest people.

The orange ice cream threw me a little as well. I was like wha ?? And then it dawned on me :idea: .... oh yeah, they colored it for Halloween ..... it was very yummy. I just love good soft serve ice cream with root beer.

jecskc

10-10-2011, 04:52 PM

Day 4 – Part Six

Finally, the parade begins.

DH took photos again.

Headless Horseman

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He was so cool.

Boo to You parade – YAY !! I was excited to see this because everyone had said how much they loved it. There’s a lot of photos, so get your scrolling finger ready.

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jecskc

10-10-2011, 04:54 PM

Day 4 – Part Seven

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We really loved the parade !! I don’t know why the photos are so bad. They seem really dark, but when we watched it is seemed like there was more light. Maybe DH thought there was enough light to not use the flash. I dunno.

After that we headed over to Adventureland to ride Pirates and do some more trick or treating. After that it was after 11:00 PM and we were getting pretty tired. DD wanted to ride the carpets, so we did that

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After that, we left the park and made it back to our resort about 12:30 PM.

Overall, we really loved MNSSHP. I feel like we had a good strategy and executed it very well. We were able to ride everything except Splash Mountain and Pooh with little to no wait. We got a TON of candy and got to see the fireworks and the parade. We didn’t bother to stand in line for any villains because they were kind of long. The kids really didn’t care as they were more interested in the trick or treating. And although there was a lot of people in line for candy, we really felt like the line moved very quickly so we didn’t feel like we had to wait too long.

There was this whole thread about how some people went on September 27th and how hot and awful it was. They said it was so crowded and they didn’t have fun at all. And I was like, whatever dudes. We had a great time. I mean it WAS hot and crowded, but we got a lot accomplished and really enjoyed ourselves. The ride waits were short, that was for sure. Also they said that the monorail had stopped running after midnight and that exiting the park was nuts. We left about 11:30 and the monorail was still running and we didn’t have any trouble getting to our car. So I guess not everyone has an awesome time at the party. But we did !!! And I really think we would do it again if we have the chance.

Stringbean&Wingnut

10-10-2011, 06:00 PM

That's great that you guys had such a good time at MNSSHP! I agree, some people are going to complain, but if you plan things out well and know what you want to do, then a great time is sure to be had!

jecskc

10-10-2011, 06:16 PM

Poolrat

10-10-2011, 09:02 PM

It is odd that I sing along with the pictures of the parade???? Even the Chicken part??? :lmao:

jecskc

10-10-2011, 09:42 PM

It is odd that I sing along with the pictures of the parade???? Even the Chicken part??? :lmao:

Of course not !! We really loved that parade !! And the song was so cute and catchy. I especially loved the undertaker dudes with the shovels and how they made sparks fly up. It was so cool.

jecskc

10-11-2011, 03:15 PM

Day 5 – Part 1 – Wednesday, September 28, 2011

We stayed up LATE the night before with the Halloween party and all, so we really slept late on this morning. Oh, and the resort called us AGAIN at 9:00 AM. I picked it up, hung it up and pulled the cord on all of the phones so we could sleep some more. I halfway expected them to send their maintenance man again to see if the phones were working but no one came, thank goodness. Anyway, we didn’t get up and going until around 10 and our plan for this day was to go to Typhoon Lagoon for the day and then go see Fantasmic that night. We had never seen it, so it was a priority this trip for us.

So we got to Typhoon Lagoon about 11:00 AM. Here are some photos as we enter the park.

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At this point, I am sorry to say that I didn’t get any more Typhoon Lagoon photos. We didn’t want to get the camera wet and when you are at a water park, there is just no easy way to carry it around.

We rented a locker and the kids wanted to hit the wave pool first so we decided to do that. DD rode the slide that empties right there in the wave pool. She did that a few times while DS and DH hit the waves. This wave pool scares me to death. These waves are so strong and the undertow when they recede is very strong. And the bottom is very rough. I guess it is for traction in the wave pool, but you can get seriously scraped up if you don’t watch out. So I don’t like it much and it make me really nervous when the kids are out in it. After DD was done with the slide, then I took her over to DH in the wave pool so she could play with them while I waited on a bench off to the side.

While I was watching, this older woman at the end of the slide got hit by an errant wave and it knocked her down and just moved her along and she took out about five other people. When she got up, she had this very bad scrape on her hip. It was very big and bleeding. I felt really bad for her because it looked like it hurt really bad. Some people helped her out of the pool and I assume she got some first aid.

Anyway, DH and the kids when out there jumping the waves and I found a bench at the shallow end of the pool. When the waves start, you hear a big Whoosh and then everyone starts screaming. Then these HUGE waves start coming. I was getting pounded with them where I was even. I didn’t really mind it because I was able to stay on my bench, but still get the benefit without getting knocked over. Seriously, I’m surprised that no on has drowned here. The waves are that strong. The kids did OK. DH taught them to time the waves and they escaped unscathed. We spent over an hour there.

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Then we decided to try the family raft ride which is called Gang Plank Falls. The line was LONG and it took forever to get on – about 45 minutes. It is very slow loading and then ….. the ride lasts ten seconds.

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So, it was lame. Next we went over to the tube slides.

Keelhaul Falls and Mayday Falls

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These slides were fun and we didn’t have to wait long. So those were fun.
Then we got into the Lazy River

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to ride over to the other side of the park to ride the Storm Slides.

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I opted out of this. I was really just too tired. So I waited on the bleachers at the end of Humonga Kowabunga.

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DS tried this one and said he didn’t really like it. And after hearing all of the comments from people getting off this slide, I could see why. I heard some pretty funny comments. Everything from “atomic wedgie” to “water high colonic”. Apparently, the water really did a number on your bottom. There were several that tried it once and then left.

After that, DS really wanted to do Shark Reef. DH wasn’t really into it. He and DS did it in 2009 and he said the water was REALLY cold. But DS talked him into it, so he went.

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DD and I just watched from the overlook there by the pool. DD really thinks this is cool and loves to do it.
After that, we decided that to ride Crush n Gusher so we went over there. So in 2009, we all rode this was it was really fun. Even DD rode it multiple times. So DS and DH paired up and DD and I paired up.

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So we get a tube and I walk all the way up four flights of stairs, sit down in the tube and then …. DD doesn’t want to go. She starts crying and saying she’s too scared. I was so surprised and a little frustrated. So we had to go back down. I just didn’t get it. She loved last time.

Anyway, I rode once with DS and after that DD and I just hung out in the pool while DH and DS rode a few more times.

While we were in the pool, DD scraped her nose on the bottom of the pool. She didn’t realize that it was getting shallower and she really got a good scrape on her nose. The lifeguard came to check on her, but I said she would be fine. He still came back after a few minutes to double check. At this point DD was done and so was I. So DH and DS rode one more time and then we left.

jecskc

10-11-2011, 06:29 PM

Day 5 – Part Two

We got back to the resort and I started packing up our stuff since we were switching resorts the next day. DD asked me again when we were moving to Sara-topia and when I told her the next day, she was really excited. We were all looking forward to getting back to staying at a Disney hotel. We had dinner – just hot dogs at the resort – and headed out to Hollywood Studios about 6:00 PM.

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When we got to the parking lot, the parking attendant was waving us to spaces waaaayyy out in the parking lot. And we were like – oh no – we KNOW there are empty spaces up close at 6:30 PM so we rebelled and drove up front and sure enough there were MANY empty spaces. So we parked right up front and were able to walk in instead of waiting for the tram. YES !!!

Entering the park.

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Loved these topiaries.

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More HS photos

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And for Poolrat

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DD posing for photos

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Entry photos

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DD wanted to ride Star Wars first. So we got in line. It was only about 15 minutes to get in.
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See how cloudy it is ?? We kept checking the radar and there was a storm cell nearby, but thankfully, it never rained – YAY !!

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After that we rode the Great Movie ride. All of us really like this ride. We still had a little time, so DS hopped in the single rider line for Aerosmith

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By that time it was about 20 minutes before Fantasmic, so we headed over to grab a seat. Wow, this area is so big !! We had never been back here before. As we were filing into the stadium, we were wondering how many people it holds. My BFF said she thought it was about 7,000. Anyway, there were a lot of people there.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%205/100_3683.jpg

Anyway, while we waited DH went and got us some drinks and DD some popcorn. She was very happy.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%205/100_3684.jpg

See her little nose ?? This what happened when she scraped it on the bottom of the Crush n Gusher pool at Typhoon Lagoon

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%205/100_3685.jpg

While we were waiting, I noticed this large family in front of us. There was the parents and something like 5 or 6 kids. So the mother busts out this 2 gallon zip lock bag full of already cooked spaghetti. There was a separate bag of cheese as well that they passed around. Everyone had a paper plate and they all had dinner right there before the show. I could actually smell it and it really smelled good. Anyway, I thought it was so industrious and economical of them to do this.

Because there was that storm in the area and some lightening our show was delayed several minutes. Someone got the wave going in the crowd and the kids enjoyed doing that. And finally they cleared the show to start – YAY !!

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%205/100_3687.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%205/100_3688.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%205/100_3689.jpg

We really enjoyed it especially DS who said it was the best one out of all the night shows at WDW. Personally, I still pick Wishes as my sentimental favorite but this one was different and entertaining. We made our way out of the park and headed back to the resort for our LAST night at Silver Lake !! YAY !! We were moving over to Sara-topia the next day !! I was so excited !! Oh, and we are back on the dining plan, so food porn will resume !!

kcandbella

10-11-2011, 06:48 PM

jecskc

10-11-2011, 07:33 PM

I remember going to Typhoon Lagoon as a teenager and loving the wave pool. As an adult, I'm sure it would freak me out more than anything! We always ended up with several scratches and scrapes from the rough bottom. Your poor DD and her nose!!! I bet that hurt.

We have seen Fantasmic on both of our recent trips and really enjoyed it. But you're right, Wishes has that nostalgia about it that nothing can compare to!

That bottom is very rough and there were a lot people with scrapes. I bet first aid is busy around there. DD's nose is just now healing up. Just one little tiny scab left.

We loved Fantasmic, but Wishes is still tops in my book.

Poolrat

10-11-2011, 07:46 PM

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%205/100_3656.jpg

At first I thought this might be my reference. :lmao: With the garbage can.

While I was watching, this older woman at the end of the slide got hit by an errant wave and it knocked her down and just moved her along and she took out about five other people. When she got up, she had this very bad scrape on her hip. It was very big and bleeding. I felt really bad for her because it looked like it hurt really bad. Some people helped her out of the pool and I assume she got some first aid.
DS tried this one and said he didn’t really like it. And after hearing all of the comments from people getting off this slide, I could see why. I heard some pretty funny comments. Everything from “atomic wedgie” to “water high colonic”. Apparently, the water really did a number on your bottom. There were several that tried it once and then left.

While we were in the pool, DD scraped her nose on the bottom of the pool. She didn’t realize that it was getting shallower and she really got a good scrape on her nose. The lifeguard came to check on her, but I said she would be fine. He still came back after a few minutes to double check. At this point DD was done and so was I. So DH and DS rode one more time and then we left.

Ouch and double ouch. They do make the bottom so you don't slip but if you get knocked down it hurts big time. As for the atomic wedgie you really have to "tighten up" when you go down or you will find yourself running to the bathroom.:lmao:

And for Poolrat

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%205/100_3668.jpg

My buddy BO. :love:

Charleston Princess's daughter Chelsea claimed him first but I think she may have moved on. Fickle teenagers. :rolleyes1 So now he is mine. :laughing: As long as Bo is there, all is good with the world.

jecskc

10-11-2011, 08:33 PM

My buddy BO. :love:

:lmao: I thought of you immediately when I saw him !!! I remember from your TR that he was gone for a while, but I was glad to see him back.

Stringbean&Wingnut

10-12-2011, 05:21 AM

Wow, the bottom of the pool definitely left its mark! Your poor DD!

jecskc

10-12-2011, 10:24 AM

Wow, the bottom of the pool definitely left its mark! Your poor DD!

Yep. It will scrape you up pretty good. Saratopia coming up next !!!

mimiecp

10-12-2011, 12:22 PM

jecskc

10-12-2011, 05:42 PM

I'm finally cought up. I'm glad you enjoyed the Halloween Party. It sounds like a great time.

I'm glad I did not take my kids to TL. The wave pool sounds scary to me and without my husband along, it really would have scared me to keep an eye on both kids. I'm sorry about your daughter's nose!

We went to BB on Friday that week after my parents had to go home, but I think we were all so tired at that point, we were only there 2 hours before going back to the pool at the CSR. DS would have stayed longer, but DD and I over-ruled him. I thought the wave pool there was rough on the bottom too although the waves sound much more managable.

We were at HS on Wed but did not stay for Fantasmic. I have not yet seen any sign of my group in your photos, but I am looking. I laughed out loud abou the lady with the spaghetti! It is very economical, but I cannot imagine doing that. I'm sure my bags would rupture in transport and make a tremendous mess.

Halloween Party was awesome.

I would not let my kids in that wave pool alone and I am not the one to be there with them. I was surprised it was the Crush n Gusher pool that she got a scape in and not the wave pool.

I always try to get to a water park early in the trip or after a rest day. They can really wear you out. Especially BB. It has more stairs.

Keep looking for yourself. It seemed like we were at the same place at the same time often during this trip. You are bound to be in there somewhere :lmao: My spaghetti bag would burst, too. That is just my luck as well.

jecskc

10-12-2011, 05:48 PM

Day 6 – Part One

So THIS was our day to move over to Sara-topia or Saratoga Springs. DH was snoring and I woke up at about 5:30 AM and decided not to go back to sleep. Instead, I got up and packed up everything in sight. I was so ready to get out of this resort. About 7:00 AM, I woke up DH and asked him if he thought it was a good idea for me to go over to Saratoga Springs and check in while he got up and got everything ready.

He sighed tiredly and said OK. So off I went over to Saratoga Springs.

Some photos of the entrance and lobby.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3690.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3691.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3692.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3693.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3694.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3696.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3697.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3698.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3699.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3700.jpg

So I make my way up to the desk to check in. The CM checking me in was very kind and he said that our room was ready – YAY !!! I was sooooo excited. This means we can get there even earlier than I expected. He showed us where we were located and he said it was a nice quiet area, but did I want him to look and see if there was a better room for us near Downtown Disney. I said yes, of course. Who doesn’t want a better room ??? He found one in Congress Park which I had read is a good area. And again, he said our room was ready. I was so happy. He gave me our keys and paperwork and then I headed back to Silver Lake to see if DH was up and getting things together.

On my way up to the room, I snagged a baggage trolley so we get everything in one trip …. Hopefully.
When I get in, the kids are still asleep and DH is laying in bed watching a movie.

Nooooooooooooooooo !!! This is NOT good. Once DH gets into a movie, he HAS to finish watching it. And it doesn’t matter if he has seen it before, once something is on, it is virtually impossible to move him without starting a fight. GAH !! So I started to get the kids up and pack up the refrigerator stuff and load the trolley. And this is something DH can’t stand because he thinks that everything needs to be loaded up just so. I told him to finish watching his stupid movie and let me do the work.
He went back into the bedroom muttering while I got everything together. After about 20-30 minutes, his movie was over and I quickly switched off the TV in case he got involved in another one. Seriously, he would sit there all day if I let him. He wanted to know what my hurry was. I just wanted to leave that place. And THEN to reiterate, the maintenance man wanted to come in and fix our phone. We told him it was working just fine and that we had unplugged it because we were tired of getting their annoying phone calls.

And finally at long last, we loaded up the car, checked out and left Silver Lake – forever.

Silver Lake pros and cons.

Pros – lots of space, quiet, friendly staff, the kids each had their own bed, comfy beds

Cons – old décor, nagging phone calls, old TVs with bad pictures, coffee pot that leaked an entire cup of water before being finished brewing the pot.

Seriously, it was OK – but it wasn’t Disney.

jecskc

10-12-2011, 05:59 PM

Day 6 – Part Two

So finally, we made our way over to Saratoga Springs. We were all excited to see our room.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3754.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3753.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3752.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3751.jpg

Elevator. DD said, look Mom even the elevator is better. Yes, yes it was.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3747.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3748.jpg

We were in room number

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3796.jpg

Room photos before we made a huge mess.

Foyer

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3715.jpg

Cute lamp

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3701.jpg

Kitchen

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3702.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3723.jpg

Living room

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3722.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3703.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3704.jpg

Dinette

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3705.jpg

Master bedroom.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3708.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3709.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3710.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3730.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3731.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3734.jpg

jecskc

10-12-2011, 06:14 PM

Day 6 – Part Three

More room photos.

Bathroom photos

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3724.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3725.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3706.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3707.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3711.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3713.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3750.jpg

Washer and dryer.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3714.jpg

Closet

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3712.jpg

Balcony.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3716.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3721.jpg

Views.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3717.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3718.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3719.jpg

Hidden Mickey.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3720.jpg

jecskc

10-12-2011, 06:19 PM

Day 6 – Part Four

AND …… some more room photos !!

I loved the old photos on the wall.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3728.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3729.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3732.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3736.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3737.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3739.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3740.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3741.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3742.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3743.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3745.jpg

Even though the kids had to share a bed, we were VERY happy with our room.

One thing that I thought was strange is that here was no luggage trolley. So we had to lug all of our stuff up to the fourth floor and it took about 4 trips. It would have been nice to have a trolley, though. Very strange that they did not have one.

Anyway, we got all settled and we were hungry AND back on the dining plan – YAY !! So we decided to head over to Wolfgang Pucks and try that out since we had never eaten there.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3755.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3756.jpg

DH and I got spaghetti and meatballs to share.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3764.jpg

Very yummy and plenty of food for two people.

DS got chicken fingers and French fries. I thought I got a photo, but I can’t find one. Oh well, everyone knows what those look like. Maybe it was because he ate them so fast. He really enjoyed them

DD ordered the kids pizza.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3763.jpg

She said it was just OK and that next time she was getting chicken fingers. I had some and it wasn’t bad and it wasn’t great either.

For dessert DH and I shared the cheesecake.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3762.jpg

Very good and creamy. It had kind of a crème brulee type top to it that we thought was interesting. It was delicious.

DS got a cookie which he enjoyed.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3759.jpg

DD got a brownie and she loved it. Said it was really good.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3758.jpg

After our very enjoyable lunch, the kids wanted to do some shopping …. And well, so did I.

DD wanted to ride this little carousel.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3765.jpg

But the attendant had gone to take a break, so we went over to Once Upon a Toy.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3766.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3767.jpg

Where DD bought a baby Marie animal.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3797.jpg

jecskc

10-12-2011, 06:52 PM

Day 6 – Part Five

Then we went to the kitchen store

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3770.jpg

Where I bought come chip clips

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3802.jpg

And a trivet

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3801.jpg

Then we went to World of Disney, but didn’t buy anything there.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3784.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3785.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3786.jpg

While we were there, DH took DS over to the Lego store where DS got an Alien Lego set

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3798.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3799.jpg

He just loves these Lego sets. I’ll post photos later of what the end product looked like.

DH and DS met us back at the World of Disney

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3787.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3788.jpg

We cruised the Ghiradelli store.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3790.jpg

I easily could have spent $100 in here. But it was still so stinkin’ hot that I was afraid it would all melt by the time we got them back to the resort. And although I WANTED the yummy chocolate, I didn’t need it. Sigh.

Next we went to Basin.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3789.jpg

Where I bought this canister of bath bombs.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3800.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3830.jpg

This deal was $19.99 for as many bath bombs you could fit in this canister. I got seven of the small ones. Two of them smell like Soarin’. One is the ocean smell and the other is the oranges smell. I can’t wait to try them. It is still warm here n the mid 80’s every day and the AC still comes on every day. I tend to take more baths when it is colder, so I will get to them for sure.

The attendant was back at the carousel and DD still wanted to ride. So I said OK. What she really wanted to do was get in the little tea cup like thing and spin, spin, spin. And so she did.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3771.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3772.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3773.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3774.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3775.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3776.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3777.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3779.jpg

She was just spinning and spinning and I heard her laughing every time she swung by the bench I was sitting on. It was fun to watch her.

We checked out Team Mickey and Tren-D, but didn’t buy anything. There is a Ridemakerz in Team Mickey and the kids had fun playing with the remote cars.

After that, it was hot and I was tired so we headed back to the parking lot and got these photos on the way.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3791.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3792.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3793.jpg

jecskc

10-12-2011, 08:02 PM

OK y'all, I just about had me a mini panic attack. I noticed in Photobucket that day 6's photos and day 7's photos were exactly the same. And because DH needed the camera, I had erased all of our photos off of the little disc thingy (sorry for the technical jargon, I'll try to dumb it down a bit) !! After hyperventilating and checking everything, I found them all safe and sound on the downstairs computer. Whew :upsidedow. So it's all good now ... all good. I wouldn't say no to a valium though. I would even settle for a Xanax ..... just sayin'. too bad I don't have any of that stuff. So I'm having a glass of Pinot instead .... Oh, and the photopass photos came so I will posting those as well YAY !!

Poolrat

10-12-2011, 08:46 PM

Stringbean&Wingnut

10-13-2011, 06:02 AM

SSR looks so nice! I can see why you were so excited to get moving and get there!

I love meandering around DTD...but you didn't stop by my favorite place! How could you pass up Goofy's Candy Company?? There's a bunch of things there that wouldn't have melted! :laughing:

jecskc

10-13-2011, 06:19 AM

I cruised by SS once and cut through to get to the Treehouses once. Not exactly a tour you might say. :lmao:

SSR is the first three days of the NYE trip. AKL is the second three. I am looking forward to staying DVC. :love:

I have seen the lobby and the pool so I am looking forward to exploring and actually being close to DTD. I never seem to get there unless I am close.

We STAYED at SSR and they wouldn't let us in to drive around and look at the Treehouses which I thought was really strange. We were "allowed" to walk over there, but I was too tired. I'll save me feet for the parks thankyouverymuch. We are looking to stay there sometime next year.

We are staying at AKL in April and I am REALLY excited about it. AND we are staying at Boardwalk in 40 short days and we are looking forward to that as well.

SSR looks so nice! I can see why you were so excited to get moving and get there!

I love meandering around DTD...but you didn't stop by my favorite place! How could you pass up Goofy's Candy Company?? There's a bunch of things there that wouldn't have melted! :laughing:

SSR was nice. We really loved it !! We make our way over to Goofy's, don't you fret. I mean DTD was right THERE, we had to go back !!

jecskc

10-13-2011, 08:54 PM

Day 6 – Part Six

We went back to the resort and we all wanted to try out the new Paddock Pool and water slide. I forgot to take the camera, but here are some photos from the Allears.net website.

http://allears.net/acc/g_PaddockPoolSaratogaSprings.html

The photos make the pool look larger that it really is. It was a little crowded but it wasn’t too bad. The water was really refreshing. Not too warm. The kids really enjoyed the slide and I did too. It was fun. I got a Long Island Iced Tea to keep the New York vibe going and found a nice shady place to rest. The CM’s got a bingo game going and I came soooo close to winning a couple of times, but never did. We stayed about an hour and a half and then went back to the room to chill and get ready for our dinner ADR at Whispering Canyon.

So we had a 6:25 PM reservation at Whispering Canyon. DH really enjoyed this dinner in June, so I booked it again. We hopped in the car about 5:45 Pm and made our way over to Wilderness Lodge. I just love Wilderness Lodge. We stayed there on my birthday trip back in January. We really need to make a point to stay there again.

Anyway, we got there and checked in and I took some photos of the light fixtures, which I love.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3803.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3804.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3805.jpg

Fire extinguisher

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3806.jpg

We got a buzzer and shopped some in the gift shop. I saw a puzzle that I wanted there that I sooo should have bought. Now I’m kicking myself for not buying it. It is a 1000 piece puzzle of a Thomas Kinkade painting of Cinderella’s castle. I so should have bought it. Durn.

Anyway, we waited quite a while before we got seated and we were super hungry by then. The previous time we ate there, it wasn’t quite as busy and we were seated in a quieter section. Not this time. We got seated in the middle of the action and it was REALLY noisy. So Whispering Canyon is really just a pretty name. Don’t let that moniker throw you off into thinking this will be a nice quiet dinner …. Because it won’t. And to top it all off there was a large party seated right next to us. They had a little girl – not quite two – who screamed her head off the entire time we ate. Seriously, there were 8 adults at the table and they ALL ignored her for at least an hour and then finally someone got up and took her away. It was so loud in there that you noticed it, but only if you were close by. As a matter of fact, there was a screaming kid pretty much wherever we went. I mean I understand. I paid my dues with the screaming kids. I get how it is. But I would not have just let my child sit there and cry. I would have bagged dinner and gotten someone to bring me a box of food and took her back to calm down or sleep or whatever she needed. Seriously, this reflected badly on this whole table. And there was this other couple that had another little girl – about four, I think – and she spent the entire dinner under the table with her dress up over her face. Just kicking the table. At least she wasn’t screaming the whole time.

Anyway, rant over. Our server was Suzanne and she was really perky and fun. She teased DS the whole meal. She got out drink orders ….

I, of course, had to have another Magical Star Cocktail. I needed more light up ice cubes.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3807.jpg

DH had the Margarita

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3809.jpg

There’s some yummy cornbread in the background there.

DS had soda. And DD had a chocolate milkshake.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3810.jpg

For dinner, DH, DS and I got the all you can eat skillet and DD got chicken nuggets. Here is a photo of her meal.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3813.jpg

It came with fruit and cookies. DH and I dug into the salad.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3808.jpg

It was very fresh and yummy.

Then out came the skillet which we really enjoyed. There’s chicken and ribs and brisket. Corn on the cob, beans and mashed potatoes. DH LOVES this kind of food, so he was happy.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3814.jpg

Seriously, the three of barely made a dent in it. It was really good though.

While we were eating DD did the horse races. They have these horsies on a stick and they gallop all around the restaurant. It was cute.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3811.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3812.jpg

I ordered another drink. And the kids had fun playing with my light up ice cubes.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3818.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3819.jpg

For dessert DD had her cookies that came with her kids meal. DS had vanilla ice cream.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3817.jpg

I wanted the Smores cheesecake but our waitress told us they had switched just last week. I was bummed because we had that in June and it was really good. Why is Disney always trying to fix what isn’t broke ?? GAH !!! So I ordered the chocolate cake.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3815.jpg

And it was really good.

DH got some kind of berry cheesecake which he really liked.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3816.jpg

DS, DD and I went outside on the second floor balcony to enjoy the evening while DH did his look at the receipt for 20 minutes thing. There was an impressive lightening show going on but it didn’t rain on us. It was a very pleasant night and we really enjoyed watching the lightening in the distance. After DH was done settling the check, we headed back to the resort.

DD took a bath and wanted to use one of my bath bombs. So I let her use the blue one. While she was doing this, we heard this pop, pop, crackle and we were like, “What is that ??” We opened the window shade and realized we could see the Epcot fireworks from our master bedroom window. How cool was that ??? DH went out on the balcony and said he could the MK fireworks, too !! Bonus !! It was so cool to see them right from our room. So nice and unexpected !! We could see them really well, too !!

The DH went out to smoke a stinky cigar and got some good Downtown Disney photos.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3832.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3833.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3834.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3837.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3838.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3839.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%206/100_3841.jpg

He said you could see all of the lights and hear the music from Planet Hollywood. It was really pretty. So we really DID have a great room !! Thanks for switching us Mr. CM guy. I don’t remember his name but it started with Kh ….. something. Anyway, he was super awesome to switch us to this primo spot.

We were loving us some Sara-topia, that was for sure !!

Pixie Princess

10-13-2011, 10:53 PM

Of course not !! We really loved that parade !! And the song was so cute and catchy. I especially loved the undertaker dudes with the shovels and how they made sparks fly up. It was so cool.

The gravediggers are my favorite part of the parade! I'm so happy ya'll had such a good time. I wish I could say our MNSSHP experience was as good this year. I found myself saying something at that party I thought I'd never hear myself say, "I'm want to leave the Magic Kingdom." :scared1: Our party was so much more crowded than the same party last year. We got very little accomplished, and I still missed the Villians Mix and Mingle!!! I told DD that we needed to take a break from MNSSHP next year. Of course by the time that rolls around, I will probably have forgotten all about how I felt about this year's party and be all excited to head back. LOL!

I agree the candy lines moved very fast considering how long they were. I think they did a better job of making sure people knew there were two lines for each barrel.

Stringbean&Wingnut

10-14-2011, 08:02 AM

Is this the puzzle you were looking at? (http://www.amazon.com/Disney-Thomas-Kinkade-Castle-Puzzle/dp/B005G0GKJEhttp://www.amazon.com/Disney-Thomas-Kinkade-Castle-Puzzle/dp/B005G0GKJE) Amazon is very useful for souvenir regrets!!

Your meal at WCC looks yummy! The screaming kids would have driven me a little nuts though! That stinks about them getting rid of the s'mores cheesecake, it always looked so good!

How awesome that you were able to see the fireworks from your room! Your view definitely looks great!

jecskc

10-14-2011, 10:48 AM

The gravediggers are my favorite part of the parade! I'm so happy ya'll had such a good time. I wish I could say our MNSSHP experience was as good this year. I found myself saying something at that party I thought I'd never hear myself say, "I'm want to leave the Magic Kingdom." :scared1: Our party was so much more crowded than the same party last year. We got very little accomplished, and I still missed the Villians Mix and Mingle!!! I told DD that we needed to take a break from MNSSHP next year. Of course by the time that rolls around, I will probably have forgotten all about how I felt about this year's party and be all excited to head back. LOL!

I agree the candy lines moved very fast considering how long they were. I think they did a better job of making sure people knew there were two lines for each barrel.

The gravediggers are so cool. I like that this was our first party and even though it was crowded, we had a good time. We aren't going back in September/October next year since the school gave me so much grief for having DS out for a week. Whatevs. So anyway, I don't know when we will get the opportunity to do it again. But it was really fun. Sorry your experience wasn't ideal. I really felt like we did everything besides get some more character photos. Our photopass photos came out really cool. I will post them tonight or this weekend sometime.

I have to prepare for our tennis tournament in Charleston next weekend, so that will take up some of my free time. Girls weekend !! I soooo can't wait !!

Is this the puzzle you were looking at? (http://www.amazon.com/Disney-Thomas-Kinkade-Castle-Puzzle/dp/B005G0GKJEhttp://www.amazon.com/Disney-Thomas-Kinkade-Castle-Puzzle/dp/B005G0GKJE) Amazon is very useful for souvenir regrets!!

Your meal at WCC looks yummy! The screaming kids would have driven me a little nuts though! That stinks about them getting rid of the s'mores cheesecake, it always looked so good!

How awesome that you were able to see the fireworks from your room! Your view definitely looks great!

YES !! That is the one !!!! I am so ordering that !!! Thanks for finding it for me !! You are the bomb-diggity, Sara !!!

We really like Whispering Canyon and have a breakfast scheduled there in November. Hopefully, no screaming children will be there this time.

It was really cool to watch the fireworks. We only got to see them twice because we were at Downtown Disney one of those nights fighting a massive crowd. More on that coming up :)

jecskc

10-14-2011, 02:57 PM

Photopass photos

First day at Animal Kingdom

DD and baby Simba.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0008FourBySix.jpg

We took a group photo before this, but I don't know what happened to it. Oh well.

Second Day Epcot

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0009FourBySix.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0011FourBySix.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0013FourBySix.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0015FourBySix.jpg

The photopass guy humored DD and took a bunch of photos of her and her blue puffle.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0016FourBySix.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0018FourBySix.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0020FourBySix.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0021FourBySix.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0022FourBySix.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0024FourBySix.jpg

MNSSHP photos

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0026FourBySix.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0029FourBySix.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0030FourBySix.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0035FourBySix.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0039FourBySix.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0041FourBySix.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0042FourBySix.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0043FourBySix.jpg

jecskc

10-14-2011, 03:06 PM

More MNSSHP Photos

DD Meeting Snow White

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0048FourBySix.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0051FourBySix.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0053FourBySix.jpg

And Rapunzel

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0054FourBySix.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0056FourBySix.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0058FourBySix.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0062FourBySix.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0063FourBySix.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0064FourBySix.jpg

And our cool ghost photo

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0065FourBySix.jpg

Our Haunted Carriage Photos. Do you see Madame Leota up there on the hill. I think that is who it is supposed to be

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0067FourBySix.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0069FourBySix.jpg

So that catches us up on Photopass for now.

jecskc

10-15-2011, 04:01 PM

Day 7 – Part One

We got up early because we had a 7:30 AM breakfast ressie at Kona. We got there a little early and Kona opens at 7:30 AM, so we just hung out and took some photos.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3849.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3851.jpg

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http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3853.jpg

Sorry …. I stink at taking dark photos.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3854.jpg

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http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3858.jpg

Finally, we got in and got seated. I made a note of DD’s nut allergy on our ressie. In some places, I don’t have to worry at all. But here, with all of the macadamia nuts they use to cook here I didn’t want to risk cross contamination. So we ordered drinks, coffee for us sodas for the kids, and waited for the chef to come out. He was really nice and smiled a lot and was very accommodating.

DH ordered this platter. It was called Two Eggs Your Way but it also came with potatoes, bacon and a biscuit – and a pineapple wedge.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3865.jpg

The potatoes were good but the eggs were kinda runny. Bacon and biscuit were OK.

DD got Mickey waffles. They weren’t on the menu, but the chef said he could get some for her, so she was really happy. So loves the Mickey waffles.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3866.jpg

I got pancakes with sausage

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3868.jpg

I was really in the mood for these and to me they were really good. The sausage is really good, too. It was think and moist and had a lot of flavor.

DS got French toast.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3867.jpg

He said it was good, better than the French toast he had at Everything Pop and ate all of it.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3867.jpg

I really liked the breakfast here and the kids seemed to like it but DH didn’t really enjoy his. And the ladies at the hostess stand were not super friendly. So we will be trying out some other breakfast spots instead of coming back here.

I just love the Polynesian Resort. It’s so pretty and tropical. I just loved all of the water features. More photos.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3869.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3870.jpg

We went here because DD still had some money on her gift card. And she got this necklace.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3873.jpg

These face jewels

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3874.jpg

After that, we headed over the Epcot. Today was my much anticipated Food and Wine Festival day.

Up next … Epcot.

Poolrat

10-15-2011, 05:50 PM

Sounds like you had a great time at MNSSHP. Love teh hitchhiking ghosts pictures.

Sorry about Kona. Maybe it was just an off morning, so early. :confused3

jecskc

10-15-2011, 07:48 PM

Sounds like you had a great time at MNSSHP. Love teh hitchhiking ghosts pictures.

Sorry about Kona. Maybe it was just an off morning, so early. :confused3

I liked Kona and the kids liked it, too. But DH's eggs were pretty gross. It is just that we didn't LOVE it, so we will try some other things. There's so much to try. I love the ghost pictures, too.

jecskc

10-15-2011, 09:26 PM

Day 7 – Part Two

So after Kona, we headed over to Epcot and made it just at rope drop. We got some photopass photos.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0070FourBySix.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0072FourBySix.jpg

Some Festival display photos at the entrance

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3875.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3876.jpg

Then we rode Spaceship Earth.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3877.jpg

A lady in the car in front of us took flash photos the entire ride. Seriously people, this is soooo rude. I said something to her but she ignored me. Actually, I don’t think she was “from here” so I don’t think she understood me and figured I wasn’t talking to her. Anyway, it peeved me some.

I wanted to check out the Festival Center

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3878.jpg

But it didn’t open until 10 AM

So we rode Test Track.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3879.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3880.jpg

It was walk-on but we had to do the pre-show.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0074FourBySix.jpg

I can never figure out when they take this photo so I can …… I dunno look different than I do here.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0074FourBySix.jpg

After that, we rode Mission Space.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3881.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3882.jpg

All three of these rides were walk-on.

When we were done, it was just about 10 AM so we headed over to the Festival Center. We had been to the Food and Wine festival before a couple of times, but I didn’t ever have the chance to get over to see it. So I made it a priority this trip.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3883.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3884.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3885.jpg

So inside was a lot of festival merchandise and there were some demonstrations going on. I have wanted to do some of the demonstrations, but with the kids along, I decided to wait until they were older and wouldn’t be whining about how bored they are during the whole thing.

We saw Vern Yip from HGTV. He had a long line of people waiting to take photos with him.

Also, there was a pretty large area with wine and liquor. Lots of pretty bottles and interesting wine. We didn’t get anything because the kids were already bored and were starting to fuss, so we moved on. I would have liked to have more time to look around and see what they had.

Then DH stopped at the Cutco display. We love Cutco. It is a brand of knives, etc. We bought a set about 10 years ago and we still use them every day. My mom has a set she’s had for easily 40 years and has never had a problem with them. SO DH stopped to see what they had that was new. The lady at the counter said she had a friend that was working for Cutco in our area so we set up a time to see her friend. She just came by the house yesterday and DH got a cheese knife, some scissors (heavy duty cooking scissors), a bread knife, a serving fork and long paring knife and it all came with a new block to hold them in so we were pretty excited about that. DH loves to cook and I do too, so I know we will use and enjoy them for many years to come.

So after that, we left and started making our way over to the World Showcase to begin our Food and Wine Festival !!

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3886.jpg

They had this cranberry bog right there in the middle of everything. They had a couple of guys standing in it answering questions and the kids found it very interesting. It was cool.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3887.jpg

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It wasn’t quite 11 AM so we took our time heading over to World Showcase which doesn’t open until that time.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3891.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3892.jpg

Stringbean&Wingnut

10-16-2011, 06:50 AM

That stinks about your disappointing breakfast at Kona! I don't like runny eggs either :crazy2:

That's really cool that Epcot had a little cranberry bog! It's funny, the school where I went to college was apparently built on a cranberry bog (you wouldn't really know beyond it having a tendency to flood in the grassy areas :laughing:), so that reminded me of there!

jecskc

10-16-2011, 07:24 AM

mimiecp

10-16-2011, 07:48 AM

jecskc

10-16-2011, 08:02 AM

I'm glad you love Saratoga Springs - it looks very nice. The fireworks are a bonus! Love the photopass photos from the party.

We had a really great lunch at Kona during our trip. It was one of the best meals of our trip but I could see how breakfast is just breakfast and there are so many other places. This was the first time I was in the Poly and it is so pretty and tropical. Having the monorail right there is cool. Someday I'd like to stay at a monorail resort.

Saratoga Springs was so nice. I loved the Poly,too, and it was easy to see why so many people just love it there. And I would love to stay on a monorail resort, too. We hope to snag Bay Lake Tower for Thanksgiving next year. And the Grand Floridian is building a DVC villas section as well, so we hope to get over there. I agree that the monorail resorts are amazing.

Poolrat

10-16-2011, 09:16 AM

I know I got over to the F&W about 10:30 and then wandered around the world. I will be on the lookout for me in the background of your photos. :goodvibes :laughing:

jecskc

10-16-2011, 09:21 AM

I know I got over to the F&W about 10:30 and then wandered around the world. I will be on the lookout for me in the background of your photos. :goodvibes :laughing:

:lmao::rotfl2: Feel free to point yourself out !!

jecskc

10-16-2011, 10:06 AM

Day 7 – Part Three

Food and Wine Festival

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3893.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3894.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3895.jpg

We decided to head in over at the Mexico side. We waited a little while – about 5-10 minutes and then they had a little opening ceremony and we were let in.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3896.jpg

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http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3901.jpg

And we rode

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3902.jpg

We were the first people to ride this ride and they gave us our own boat. Since we had our own boat and there wasn’t anyone behind to be bothered by it, I took the liberty of taking photos. But I would not have done so if anyone else was aboard our boat or in a boat behind us.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3905.jpg

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http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3911.jpg

We put our feet up.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3912.jpg

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kcandbella

10-16-2011, 11:24 AM

jecskc

10-16-2011, 11:40 AM

Did you know that some of those guys in the cranberry bog are from the commercials? I didn't but my friend noticed it so we got our picture with them! So cool!

I would have done the same thing on the Fiesta Donald ride, you got some great pics! My DD loves that ride!

We didn't get close enough to recognize them, but that is interesting.

We find that ride really relaxing and like most other dissers, we refer to it as the mexican small world ride.

jecskc

10-16-2011, 03:58 PM

Day 7 – Part Four

Some wooden giraffes after the ride.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3925.jpg

And DD started her Kidcot project.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3926.jpg

And then I decided that it really wasn’t too early to drink, so I stopped and got a fiesta margarita. But I asked them to leave out the mango, which I don’t really like. And here is DH sharing it with me.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3927.jpg

It was yummy and since this day was still pretty warm, we were all about some frozen margarita action. It wasn’t AS hot on this day as the others, but still …. It was high 80’s. What made it better was it wasn’t as humid.

Anyway, next was Norway.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3928.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3929.jpg

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http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3931.jpg

And we hopped on Maelstrom.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3932.jpg

And of course we empty into the gift shop. And I saw this sweater.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3933.jpg

It’s a sweater. It’s OK. Not super gorgeous, but pretty enough. Now look at the price tag.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3934.jpg

Um yeah …. This sweater is not THAT great. Does someone really pay that much for a sweater ?? It boggles the mind.

DH and DS with the troll. DS making sure there isn’t any drippage.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3935.jpg

And DD did her Kidcot.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3936.jpg

DH and DS

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3937.jpg

Next was China. We always rush through here, so I tried to take my time and see everything.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3938.jpg

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http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3940.jpg

Oh and I forgot. DS started a Kim Possible mission. We signed up for it at the kiosk in Norway. He really likes the Kim Possible missions.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3941.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3942.jpg

The terra cotta warriors were so cool.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3943.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3944.jpg

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Stringbean&Wingnut

10-16-2011, 07:18 PM

jecskc

10-16-2011, 08:49 PM

I love the painted animals in the Mexico pavilion, but they're always SO expensive!! The only ones within my price range are the teeny tiny turtles :laughing:.

The Norwegian sweaters are so expensive too!! (This was an expensive souvenir post :laughing:!), but they're apparently the warmest thing you'll ever wear. Or so DBF tells me every time we walk by them. I just always beeline for the fun candies! :thumbsup2

Yes, those animals are crazy expensive. They are kinda cool, but I wouldn't spend that much on them for sure. I love all of the bright colors they use, though.

Those sweaters are insanely expensive. I would rather have a cool Dooney and Bourke and be cold than have that sweater for that much money. But, I live in South Carolina and our air conditioner just cut off for the night, because it is finally below 70 outside. So without much experience with sub zero temps, I'm gonna say those sweaters are not economically sane.

Stringbean&Wingnut

10-17-2011, 06:30 AM

I would rather have a cool Dooney and Bourke and be cold than have that sweater for that much money.

:thumbsup2:laughing:

jecskc

10-17-2011, 04:28 PM

Day 7 – Part Five

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3949.jpg

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http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3952.jpg

This looks like such a nice little apartment. I want to live there.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3953.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3954.jpg

I took DD to get her bear stamped and she colored some more at Kidcot.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3955.jpg

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http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3957.jpg

She likes the puppets. So far I have avoided having to buy one.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3958.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3960.jpg

Then we met up with DH and DS who were just finishing up their Kim Possible mission. On the way out, we saw a photopass photog, so we got some photos.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0075FourBySix.jpg

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http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0081FourBySix.jpg

After that we head across the bridge and past the African Outpost were DD played the drums.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3961.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3963.jpg

jecskc

10-17-2011, 06:16 PM

Day 7 – Part Six

Then on to Germany. I really like Germany. So I took lots of photos.

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DS wanted a pretzel and I needed a beer, so we got some. I was a little peeved that their dining plan system wasn’t working and I had to pay for it instead of using a snack credit. I mean we had saved our snack credits specifically for Food and Wine.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3970.jpg

I forgot to take photo before we ate it. It was really good and the beer, an Oktoberfest, was really cold and refreshing.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3971.jpg

So then I went over the Karamel Kuche and got DD some chocolate covered mashmallows with caramel drizzled over them

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3972.jpg

Which she really enjoyed. I had a bite and I liked it, too. And for DH and I, I got a dark chocolate covered caramel with salt on top. Isn’t is beautiful ??

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3973.jpg

This was soooo yummy. The salt made it taste good with the beer. True story. Also, this would taste amazing with a cup of coffee. The same thing happened there with the snacks credits and I had to pay OOP. Annoying !!

We snagged a nice little shady table in front of Der Teddy Bear, so we camped there for a little while and got some rest. People were stalking us for our table. "Excuse me, are you leaving soon?" We were like, Um ...no. For realz people ??

DD did her Kidcot and DS fired up another Kim Possible mission. I took more photos.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3974.jpg

DH got a beer stein

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4059.jpg

and a decorative glass.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4061.jpg

The train on the way out.

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Moving on to Italy. I hit the food kiosk here and got some ravioli and a frozen primavera. DS snagged us a nice shady bench and we ate.

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Snack credits still not working and I had to pay OOP - AGAIN !! The manager was at the register trying to solve the problem and I told her it was really BAD that we couldn’t effectively use our snack credits. She said she was sorry and I knew that it really wasn’t her fault, but I was very frustrated with it. I wasn’t mean, though.

Anyway, I ordered two of the ravioli dishes and I got one bite. The kids LOVED these things and ate them so fast. I drank the primavera as the kids weren’t into it. It was good, but could have used some booze in it. :rotfl: DS asked if we could get some more ravioli, but I wanted to move on. More Italy photos.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3978.jpg

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We have a ressie here at Thanksgiving. I can’t wait to try it.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3982.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3983.jpg

I don’t get the brick tower here. It seems so out of place. I am sure there is a magical reason it is there. I’ll have to look it up. Googling ……..

OK here’s the explanation

Enter this beautiful pavilion filled with architecture reminiscent of the city of Venice and feel the allure and romance of this remarkable locale. Find true attention to detail in the bridges, gondolas, colorful barber poles, the Neptune fountain in the central Plaza del Teatro and a stunning 83-foot version of the bell tower, Campanile of St. Mark's Square. Buon giorno!

So that is interesting. Another Italy photo.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3985.jpg

Poolrat

10-17-2011, 07:29 PM

The train on the way out.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3975.jpg

I am glad I am not in your pictures right about here. I went the other way around the world but when I came to Germany I was determined to get a picture pf the F & W decorations in the train village.

I was bent over the railing trying to get my camera to cooperate but the angle was all wrong and I couldn't get the shot but anyone walking by would get a great view of my rear!!!! :rotfl2:

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3977.jpg

I was like - MMMmmm how did I miss that ?!?!? and then you said no booze and I thought That's how! :rotfl2:

jecskc

10-17-2011, 07:52 PM

I am glad I am not in your pictures right about here. I went the other way around the world but when I came to Germany I was determined to get a picture pf the F & W decorations in the train village.

I was bent over the railing trying to get my camera to cooperate but the angle was all wrong and I couldn't get the shot but anyone walking by would get a great view of my rear!!!! :rotfl2:

I was like - MMMmmm how did I miss that ?!?!? and then you said no booze and I thought That's how! :rotfl2:

Sorry I missed that Germany photo of you .. :rotfl:

Yeah, it was still really warm that day and I thought the kids would like it. But they were more interested in the Ravioli. I should have held out for more alcohol.

Poolrat

10-17-2011, 08:10 PM

Sorry I missed that Germany photo of you .. :rotfl:

What is sad is that my rear may pop up on someone else's report. :sad2:
It was crowded and many Disers out there.

Yeah, it was still really warm that day and I thought the kids would like it. But they were more interested in the Ravioli. I should have held out for more alcohol.

I found rather late in the day that the strawberry Margarita was a rather substantial serving. Wish I would have seen it earlier. :sad2:

jecskc

10-17-2011, 08:13 PM

What is sad is that my rear may pop up on someone else's report. :sad2:
It was crowded and many Disers out there.

I found rather late in the day that the strawberry Margarita was a rather substantial serving. Wish I would have seen it earlier. :sad2:

They were big. I think they should the Parisian Cosmo Slushie that size ... just sayin'.

Poolrat

10-17-2011, 08:19 PM

They were big. I think they should the Parisian Cosmo Slushie that size ... just sayin'.

Or the Cherry Colada. Those Colada cups were bathroom cup size. :lmao:

jecskc

10-17-2011, 08:33 PM

Or the Cherry Colada. Those Colada cups were bathroom cup size. :lmao:

That sounds yummy. I need to try that one.

jecskc

10-18-2011, 03:53 PM

Day 7 – Part Seven.

DD got her bear stamped in Italy and we headed over to the good ole USA.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3986.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3987.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3988.jpg

We never spend enough time here either, so I made the point to take more time to look around. We went through the museum and stuff. I wanted to see the American Adventure and listen to the singers, but the kids were ready to move on. Plus, it was 30 min to the next show, so I said, “next time”. We went to the gift shop

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3989.jpg

Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses, yearning to breath free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore,
Send these, the homeless, tempest tossed,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.

DD got her bear stamped.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3990.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3992.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3993.jpg

After that, we moved on to Japan.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3994.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3995.jpg

The kids really love the gift shop here and DS wanted to do another Kim Possible mission.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3996.jpg

Construction on the restaurant here.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3997.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3998.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_3999.jpg

We got DD’s bear stamped

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4000.jpg

And then it was on to Morocco.

Between Japan and Morocco, there is a drink kiosk that the kids always want to get a blue slushie. There it is on the left.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4001.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4002.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4003.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4004.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4005.jpg

DD in a fez. See her mouth ?? Evidence of blue slushie.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4006.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4007.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4008.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4009.jpg

DS and his blue slushie.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4010.jpg

The blue slushies always help the kids to get through the next couple of countries. But they make their lips, teeth and tongues very blue. It wears off after about an hour though.

While we were resting, DD was complaining about a blister and sure enough, she had quite a big one growing. There was a very nice lady next to us from Raleigh and she gave us a band aid. And she needed to take her DD to the bathroom, so we watched her stroller for her until she got back.

We really met a lot of very friendly people on this trip. Didn’t really encounter any rude ones at all, except that lady on Spaceship Earth with the flash photos. LOTS of crying babies, though. There was one everywhere we went. I don’t know if I never noticed it before, or if there were just more younger kids around on this trip, but they were there and they were squalling. DH said they were like fire ants. One would give a signal and they all started biting – or crying as the metaphor applies. Anyway, it seemed like they were everywhere this trip. I’m so glad mine don’t do that anymore.

jecskc

10-18-2011, 08:46 PM

Day 7 – Part Eight

Beast

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4011.jpg

Still have never gotten a photo with him.

Next up France !!

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4012.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4013.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4014.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4015.jpg

DD always wants to stop at the kiosk that serves these ice cream cones. It is vanilla and chocolate swirl and they are really good.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4016.jpg

France is my favorite Food and Wine kiosk. Mainly because it has my favorite drink, the Parisian Cosmo slushie !!

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4017.jpg

And their food is good, too. I got the coq au vin and even though it didn’t look very appetizing, it tasted really good.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4018.jpg

I thought the short ribs that they had the last two years were better though. I contemplated getting another Parisian Cosmo slushie, but I didn’t want to wait in line again. We were all getting pretty tired by this point.

The umbrellas. I love the doll-sized ones. Those would be perfect with an American girl doll.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4019.jpg

We got some Photopass photos on the bridge between France and UK.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0083FourBySix.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0085FourBySix.jpg

Next up was the United Kingdom.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4020.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4021.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4022.jpg

Look at DS knocking on that door. I just noticed that. Haha.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4023.jpg

It’s so pretty here.

As we entered the country, DD informed us that she didn’t get her bear stamped in France. So DH took her back over there to get that done while DS and I grabbed a bench in the garden in the back.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4024.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4025.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4026.jpg

Stringbean&Wingnut

10-19-2011, 06:07 AM

I really want to try one of those dark chocolate salted caramels...they look SO good!

:laughing: You weren't kidding about those blue slushies, they are very blue!!

jecskc

10-19-2011, 06:13 AM

I really want to try one of those dark chocolate salted caramels...they look SO good!

:laughing: You weren't kidding about those blue slushies, they are very blue!!

I would love one of those right now with my coffee. They were sooo good. The kids love the blue slushies. I have many a blue slushie photo. This one is my favorite

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/Disney%20October%202010/Picture251.jpg

It is DS, DD and their cousin from last year.

jecskc

10-19-2011, 04:53 PM

Day 7 – Part Nine

It was nice and peaceful back there and we were able to get a bench in the shade. DS wanted to take some photos so …. here they are.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4027.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4029.jpg

This is what he thought about Duffy.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4033.jpg

BAD DS !!! Poor Duffy !!

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4034.jpg

12 year olds. Sheesh. Some more that he took.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4037.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4039.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4040.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4042.jpg

DH and DD got back and DD ran through the hedge maze. She got her bear stamped and we moved to Canada.

Off Kilter

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4043.jpg

Construction up top

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4044.jpg

We were too tired to walk up there. But I love it.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4045.jpg

I just love the landscaping here. So pretty.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4046.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4050.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4051.jpg

DH took the kids to Kidcot and took photos

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4047.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4048.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4049.jpg

while I went to the Canada Booth and got us some soup.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4053.jpg

I just love this soup. How can you go wrong with cheese, bacon and beer ?? Sooo yummy. I got a Molson to go with it. Too bad that they don’t serve that soup with pretzel rolls at the F&W booth. The soup is even better with those.

We had planned on eating more, but our Kona Breakfast filled us up so we weren’t very hungry. And I was sad that we had not planned to do this another day because there were so many things I wanted to try or experience again.

kcandbella

10-19-2011, 05:22 PM

You got some GREAT photos from around WS!!! I wish we had gotten to spend more time there. The blue mouths are too funny!

jecskc

10-19-2011, 05:44 PM

You got some GREAT photos from around WS!!! I wish we had gotten to spend more time there. The blue mouths are too funny!

I never feel like I get enough time there. We are staying at Boardwalk for Thanksgiving and it will be so nice just to walk right over. Looking forward to spending some serious time in WS.

jecskc

10-19-2011, 08:42 PM

Day 7 – Part Ten

At this point, we were exhausted and headed towards the front of the park. Since DD was in shopping mode this trip, we HAD to stop by Mouse Gear. So we entered the store on the side entrance. And I have seen a thread one the Dis that talks about how it smells in there and I never really noticed it…. until now. And they are so right !! It smells like … well …. Poo, poo in there. You don’t notice it near the middle of the store or near the main entrance in the corridor on the way to the Land. But if you go through that side entrance ?? You can really smell it. Ew.

Anyway, I spotted these

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4062.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4064.jpg

And I had to have them. So I went to buy them and I was in line and holding them by their strings and one of the strings broke and the ornament fell and shattered. And I thought they were plastic. I know better now. So I got another and we got it cleaned up. A very nice CM helped me and said it was fine, ‘cause, you know, I felt bad.

As we were in line, by BFF texted me and told me to check out the AP Food and Wine pin.

So we head over to the pin shop and look around. And DS wants this one.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4060.jpg

So I got it. And I saw this.

2011 Annual Pass Exclusive Food and Wine Pin

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4063.jpg

And I liked it, so I bought it. I had souvenir regret after we left, though because DS showed me one of those pins that has a grape soda top on it. You know, from UP ?? And I didn’t buy it and now I want it. I’ll get it in November when we go for sure.

As we almost get to the entrance, DD spots characters. Characters with no line. This is a good thing. First there was Stitch. The kids love Stitch.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0086FourBySix.jpg

He was very playful with them.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0092FourBySix.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0093FourBySix.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0094FourBySix.jpg

Then there was Daisy Duck.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0095FourBySix.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0096FourBySix.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0097FourBySix.jpg

Then we tried to get DS to get a picture with her. But he wouldn’t do it unless DH got in there.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0102FourBySix.jpg

Some photos I took on the way out.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4055.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4056.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4057.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4058.jpg

And then we headed back to Sara-topia. The kids wanted to try out the High Rock Springs pool and the slide there.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4065.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4066.jpg

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http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4068.jpg

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http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4071.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4072.jpg

Poolrat

10-19-2011, 09:05 PM

jecskc

10-20-2011, 06:18 AM

I noticed it too. http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg310/happymommmy/Smilies/stink_b_laugh.gif

It really smells bad. I wonder what it is and why they haven't done anything about it. It is very noticable.

Love the smilies :)

Pixie Princess

10-20-2011, 01:53 PM

Pixie Princess

10-21-2011, 01:24 PM

DD is all about that slushie stand between Morroco and Japan. She mentioned it on this last trip, but not until we were around Norway. Umm, no we are not schlepping back over there for a slushie. Her fave is red, and I usually take a picture of her ruby red tounge and lips.

She also loves the Mitsokushi store. She is all about anything Japanese. We've decided that she needs to look in to whether there is a College Program at Tokyo Disneyland like there is here in the US. Surely there is right?

I agree they should sell the pretzle bread with that cheese soup. Of course I wouldn't eat the soup, but I'd buy it anyway just to get the pretzel bread. Dang that stuff is the bomb!

Jumping back to France, I tried the Cosmo Slushie. It was good, but has nothing on the Grand Marnier slushie. If you haven't tried it, give it a whirl. I can't imagine you'd be disappointed even if you didn't like it as much as the Cosmo.

What luck that you ran into line free characters! On 10/1 we ran into Stitch just hanging out in Tomorrowland with no line to speak of. He wasn't in his normal meet and greet spot, just walking around. It was pretty cool. Hardly anyone was there b/c folks were securing spots for the 10:00 presentation. When we first got back there, Chip and Dale were over at Club 626 dancing away with one child and her parents. No one else was around to join in, and I'm sure that little girl was having the time of her life having the characters to herself.

It is always so hard to leave yourself enough "room" to truly enjoy the F&W. I had to pass up a couple of dishes I really wanted in order to not leave the place miserably full. Usually we'll hit a couple of booths on our Future World day, but this go around the schedule didn't work out that way.

jecskc

10-23-2011, 02:04 PM

I'm super behind! What a bummer about your Kona experience. I've wanted to try there, but I know it would be a breakfast thing, and there is only so many b'fast meals I can justify in one trip! I mean honestly. DD was begging on the last trip to go to Boma and back to WCC for b'fast. Sheesh! I told her we'd try walk up (I almost wrote stand by LOL!) for WCC for dinner. We needed to try something different if we went there. Speaking of WCC, how cute is that horse parade thingy? DD and her friend did it when we went back in May, and she was mortified. She was thankful so few people were in the restaurant. She's a trip! She'll get up in front of all kinds of people and get in a math contest with a bird at FOW, but is embarrassed at the though of riding a wooden horse around a restaurant.

Just for the record I really liked my pancakes at Kona, it was just DH's eggs that were icky. And DH wasn't feeling the servers there. Said they weren't cheerful at the hostess stand.

Hahahha on "standby" at WCC. My DD was into the horse race. She was cute.

DD loves the China pavilion...or should I say she loves the gift kiosk outside the pavilion. Somehow we've managed to dodge the gift shop inside the pavilion. We have yet to see the movie over there, and something tells me when we do, that we'll discover the gift shop as well. *sigh* I have seen the terracotta warriors though. Pretty cool!

Okay..in November, you must, must, must see the American Adventure. It is a wonderful show! Don't make me come down there and drag you to it! Oh wait, on second thought....

For realz !! Please DO come down and drag me to it !!

As an FYI, I would avoid the outdoor pizza window in Italy. I know you have a ressie for Via Napoli, and that pizza is completely different than the pizza at the outside window. That stuff is just blech. DD LOVES pizza and even she didn't care for it. Too much crust (words I never thought I'd say) and cheese.

You have told me that. There are mixed reviews about Via Napoli on here for sure. But we will wait and see for ourselves. We have found that we like most places. Even those that get bad reviews sometimes.

I'm so jealous you got to see Vern Yip. I love him. I completely forgot about him being there that first weekend!

It was cool to see him. I was tempted to get in line, but it was REALLY long.

I'm only part way through Epcot day, so back to reading. More random thoughts later.

DD is all about that slushie stand between Morroco and Japan. She mentioned it on this last trip, but not until we were around Norway. Umm, no we are not schlepping back over there for a slushie. Her fave is red, and I usually take a picture of her ruby red tounge and lips.

She also loves the Mitsokushi store. She is all about anything Japanese. We've decided that she needs to look in to whether there is a College Program at Tokyo Disneyland like there is here in the US. Surely there is right?

You would think. Something for her to check into. Myt kids love that store, too.

I agree they should sell the pretzle bread with that cheese soup. Of course I wouldn't eat the soup, but I'd buy it anyway just to get the pretzel bread. Dang that stuff is the bomb!

I can't believe you don't like that soup. Girl ...

Jumping back to France, I tried the Cosmo Slushie. It was good, but has nothing on the Grand Marnier slushie. If you haven't tried it, give it a whirl. I can't imagine you'd be disappointed even if you didn't like it as much as the Cosmo.

I do sometimes contemplate the orange one. But I find that I always gravitate back to my beloved lemon one.

What luck that you ran into line free characters! On 10/1 we ran into Stitch just hanging out in Tomorrowland with no line to speak of. He wasn't in his normal meet and greet spot, just walking around. It was pretty cool. Hardly anyone was there b/c folks were securing spots for the 10:00 presentation. When we first got back there, Chip and Dale were over at Club 626 dancing away with one child and her parents. No one else was around to join in, and I'm sure that little girl was having the time of her life having the characters to herself.

It is always so hard to leave yourself enough "room" to truly enjoy the F&W. I had to pass up a couple of dishes I really wanted in order to not leave the place miserably full. Usually we'll hit a couple of booths on our Future World day, but this go around the schedule didn't work out that way.

Yes, we didn't eat as much as I thought we would. It turned out to be a good thing, though since we ended up having to pay OOP for most everything.

jecskc

10-23-2011, 03:05 PM

So I have been out of town for the last several days. My tennis team made it to the State Championships which is in Charleston. We had a complete blast and made it all the way to the semi-finals where we lost in a tiebreaker. I really needed some time away with just the girls and the weather was absolutely beautiful !!

Day Seven – Part Eleven (wow – this is a really long day)

OK. So we left off with us enjoying the High Rock Springs Pool at Saratopia. Here are some more photos.

The water was really refreshing and the kids loved the slide.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4073.jpg

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.
http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4077.jpg

Taking photos was making me thirsty so DH went and got us a Mojito

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4078.jpg

DH rode the slide with the kids while I chilled on a lounger. I really like this place. Definitely coming back here. I got a Planter’s punch and drank that. We hung out for about an hour and a half and then headed back for a shower and to get ready for dinner.

The plan was to eat at the Artist’s Palette for dinner. So we headed over there.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4080.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4081.jpg

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http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4084.jpg

My DH is epitome of the Southern Gentleman. He ALWAYS holds the door for me.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4085.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4094.jpg

DH and the kids got a table while I ordered. They had these little easels set up around so the kids could draw.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4086.jpg

I thought that was nice touch.

The lights on the ceiling.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4090.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4091.jpg

For dinner, DH and I shared the chicken toga wrap.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4093.jpg

It was really good. The kids were disappointed that our meals didn’t come with French fries. But I really loved the chips. They were yummy and crunchy and salty. What's not to like ??

The kids each got chicken nuggets

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4092.jpg
They really liked the chicken. For dessert DH and I shared the carrot cake

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4087.jpg

DS got chocolate cake

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4088.jpg

And DD got worms in dirt.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4089.jpg

All good. No complaints.

We cruised the gift shop. I wanted to get a journal I was looking at when we were at Wilderness Lodge. But, you guessed it, they didn’t have it. So we got some pins.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4095.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4096.jpg

jecskc

10-23-2011, 03:12 PM

Day 7 – Part Twelve

Some more photos after.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4097.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4100.jpg

We went back to the room to rest. DS worked on his Lego set while DH, DD and I went down to walk along the water. There were some rockers there that you could sit in and enjoy the evening. This was a lovely evening. The humidity was gone and the temps were in the low 70’s. Perfect.

This where I again prove that I take lousy night photos.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4108.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4109.jpg

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http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4114.jpg

We headed back to settle in for the night and apparently DS got a hold of the camera again. And he took photos of his Lego set.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4118.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4119.jpg

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http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%207/100_4128.jpg

We poured a glass of wine and headed out to the balcony where we were able to catch Illuminations AND Hallowishes !!! I seriously loved our room location !! And so this ends our super long day 7. Up Next – Magic Kingdom 40th Anniversary !!

Stringbean&Wingnut

10-23-2011, 08:01 PM

jecskc

10-23-2011, 09:11 PM

:laughing: Very nice Lego interlude! Those sets have gotten a lot more detailed since the big red bucket of Lego's I had!

That does sound like you guys had a great room location, how cool to be able to watch the fireworks from there!

Legos really have gotten so cool. We still have the big bucket, but DS loves the sets. And so do I. But when he doesn't clean them up or the dog gets a hold of them, I don't love them so much. I have vacuumed up my fair share and they hurt like the dickens when you step on them. I would swear that he places them strategically around the house so I can step on them unsuspectedly.

Yes, if you ever stay there, ask for a room to the right side of Congress Park. Amazing fireworks view. DH remarked that our view of Hallowishes was better than the one we had at MK with the tree in the way.

Poolrat

10-24-2011, 09:34 AM

A lovely evening indeed.

Artist's Palette - no fries -just chips - made a note, DS will notice that for sure.

Can't wait to hear your take on the 40th.

jecskc

10-24-2011, 01:42 PM

A lovely evening indeed.

Artist's Palette - no fries -just chips - made a note, DS will notice that for sure.

Can't wait to hear your take on the 40th.

Or see if you are in any of my photos .... you know you will be looking. :rotfl: I'll post that later today.

jecskc

10-24-2011, 08:50 PM

Day 8 – Part One – Saturday, October 1, 2011
Magic Kingdom’s 40th Anniversary !!

We had a little trouble getting going that morning and didn’t leave as early as I had wanted. We were supposed to meet one of my best friends (Pixie Princess here on the DIS) at Rope Drop, but we were running a little late and got stuck in the MOB at the front of the park. I took us about 20 minutes just to get in the parking lot. We didn’t enter the park until about 9:30 AM

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4130.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4131.jpg

We waited for DH to get through bag check

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4132.jpg

And we entered the park which seemed crazy busy. They were giving out pins at the entrance.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4211.jpg

I texted BFF and she said they were in the hub, so we went to find her.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4133.jpg

When we found her, we were really glad to see her and the kids were excited to see her DD. She said that there was supposed to be a parade and a special presentation, so I decided to wait with her. She had a big stash of pins and she let the kids pick one out that they could have.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4208.jpg

The kids weren’t interested in the presentation, so DH took them all over to Tomorrowland while my BFF and I waited to see what would happen. It was nice to catch up with her for a little while without the kids interrupting. The weather this morning was amazing. High 60’s and NO humidity. Very enjoyable. You can see here how crowded the hub was.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4134.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4135.jpg

There was character parade, but I’m short and there were people in front of us, so I didn’t get very good photos.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4136.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4137.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4138.jpg

And the characters were always looking the other way.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4139.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4140.jpg

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http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4152.jpg

After the parade, there was a presentation which I thought was kind of boring. But I stuck it out for a while thinking my BFF was finding it interesting.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4155.jpg

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http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4158.jpg

There was a marching band that came out and played a couple of songs. There was some Disney execs introducing each other and talking, talking, talking. And I couldn’t really hear them. BFF turned to me and said she was kinda underwhelmed and we decided to meet DH and the kids.

Poolrat

10-24-2011, 09:12 PM

I was probably about 1000 people or 20 feet to your right.:lmao:

If you saw the little girl in the street with I guess her Dad and the PP, she was pretty much right in front of me.

jecskc

10-24-2011, 10:15 PM

I was probably about 1000 people or 20 feet to your right.:lmao:

If you saw the little girl in the street with I guess her Dad and the PP, she was pretty much right in front of me.

I couldn't see much of anything, really. It was just so crowded. Most of the photos I got were me holding my camera up and randomly clicking. It sucks to be short sometimes .....

Stringbean&Wingnut

10-25-2011, 05:49 AM

WOW that is a ton of people there!!! What a cool experience to be there, but I would have been so stressed about all the people!

jecskc

10-25-2011, 06:16 AM

WOW that is a ton of people there!!! What a cool experience to be there, but I would have been so stressed about all the people!

They were all in the hub, really. Once the presentation was over, MK was crowded but it wasn't too bad. It was neat to be there. I really wanna be there at the 50. Now THAT will be a crowd, I bet.

jecskc

10-25-2011, 05:14 PM

Day 8 – Part Two

When we met up with DH and the kids, they had already ridden Astro Orbiter, Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear and the Blue Train with no wait. We decided to ride Buzz Lightyear again.

BFF’s DD

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4160.jpg

The kids after the ride in jail with Zurg.

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http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4162.jpg

Escaping ….

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http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4164.jpg

After that DD needed some popcorn. Snack credits not working there, either. Had to pay OOP. Seriously annoyed by this !!

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4165.jpg

DS got a Root Beer Float

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4166.jpg

And we headed towards the teacups. BFF offered to ride with the kids while I went to the gift shop to exchange a shirt that didn’t fit. While they were riding, BFF got this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1atkwsPr6Oc

Which I really love.

We headed towards Liberty Square.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4170.jpg

DH snagged us some FP’s for Peter Pan and we all went to ride Haunted Mansion.

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http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4172.jpg

It was fun riding with my BFF. We pointed out things to each other that neither of us had noticed before.

After that, BFF and her DD had to leave because she was invited to a Mom’s panel lunch at Epcot. I was really bummed that she was leaving, but I understood . She has been trying to get on the Mom’s Panel for years, so I didn’t want her to miss it. She said it was really cool. Here’s a photo of us before she left.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4174.jpg

Stringbean&Wingnut

10-25-2011, 07:23 PM

How annoying that the snack credits continued to not work! That video from the teacups is so fun! I'm a bit dizzy now from watching it :laughing:

jecskc

10-25-2011, 07:42 PM

How annoying that the snack credits continued to not work! That video from the teacups is so fun! I'm a bit dizzy now from watching it :laughing:

Did you notice that DS is just sitting back and letting the girls do all of the work ?? :rotfl: I can't do the spinny rides.

jecskc

10-25-2011, 07:45 PM

Day 8 – Part Three

After she left, we rode BTMRR and hurried over to Tony’s for our noon ADR for lunch.

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http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4176.jpg

We were seated outside and since it was such a gorgeous day, we didn’t mind.

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http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4178.jpg

We had a good view and it was fun to people watch. I don’t remember our waitress’s name but she was really nice and did a good job.

DH and I ordered the zucchini fries as an appetizer.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4179.jpg

We really liked these !! We got DS to try one and he was horrified when we told him what it was. He liked it until we told him. Whatever. We are trying so hard to get them to try new things and like veggies. It is slow, but we are making progress.

Some more photos of our view.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4180.jpg

The Celebrate parade went by, but this CM with the balloons was blocking our view the whole time.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4182.jpg

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Cute Halloween decorations

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4193.jpg

DD and DS ordered Mickey ravioli.

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DD didn’t eat much but DS ate all of his and the rest of DD’s. They both said that they were good, but not as good as the ravioli at the Italy F&W booth.

I had the baked ziti

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4199.jpg

I liked it and ate it all. The bread was good, too.

DH got the Chicken Parmesan

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4200.jpg

He liked it a lot, but wished it had more sauce. Mine had lots of sauce, so I gave him some of mine.

For dessert DS got vanilla gelato.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4201.jpg

DD got an ice cream sundae

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4202.jpg

DH got the cheesecake of the day. Which was apple pie or spice or something.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4203.jpg

He said it was really good.

I got the ice cream bomb.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4204.jpg

It was really good, too !!

At this point, it was about 1:30 PM and DS and I were just exhausted. All of those days of walking were just catching up to us. But DD really wanted to ride Peter Pan, so DH took her to ride while DS and I did some shopping at the Emporium. I wanted to find the journal that I was looking for.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4205.jpg

And I found it !! Here’s the front.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4206.jpg

And the back.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4207.jpg

And the inside

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4209.jpg

We met back up with DH and DD and went to the confectionary to burn some snack credits. DD got a cookie and DS got one of those tubes of sugar.

After that, we headed back to Saratopia and DH took the kids to the pool while I took a shower and did some laundry and packed up because sadly, this was our last night there. DH came back and we watched football and the kids took a nap.

Poolrat

10-25-2011, 08:40 PM

I couldn't see much of anything, really. It was just so crowded. Most of the photos I got were me holding my camera up and randomly clicking. It sucks to be short sometimes .....

at 5'2" I know how you feel. But I have used the excuse to stand in front of someone tall since I don't really block thier view. :lmao:

I have several tall people put me in front of them for that reason. :)

The closest we were to each other proabably was at the hub. Hopefully our paths wil cross again and close enoughto say Hi. :laughing:

jecskc

10-26-2011, 06:23 AM

at 5'2" I know how you feel. But I have used the excuse to stand in front of someone tall since I don't really block thier view. :lmao:

I have several tall people put me in front of them for that reason. :)

The closest we were to each other proabably was at the hub. Hopefully our paths wil cross again and close enoughto say Hi. :laughing:

I am 5'-3" so I feel your pain. There was a really nice lady in front of us in an ECV and we were standing behind her. And then some people stood in front of her so we couldn't see very well. I thought it was rude for them to stand in front of her. She was so nice. I think people get excited and don't realize they are being rude sometimes.

I will still look for us in your photos :-) I do hope to meet you sometime :)

jecskc

10-26-2011, 02:17 PM

Day 8 – Part Four

After a while, we decided to head to Downtown Disney to eat at Wolfgang Puck’s Express again. When we got there ….. DTD was PACKED. We couldn’t find a place to park ANYWHERE. Seriously, it was nuts. DH dropped us off and we went to get a place in line while he went to find a place to park. He said he had to park waaaaayyyyy down at Cirque du Soleil. In hindsight, it would have made better sense to just walk from Saratoga, but we were just soo tired.

Anyway, the kids and I ordered and grabbed a table and he got there just was the food was coming out.

DD and DS ordered the chicken nuggets.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4213.jpg

They said they were yummy.

DH and I split the Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4215.jpg

This was REALLY good !! And definitely plenty for two people.

For dessert, DD got another brownie

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4214.jpg

DS got the same cookie as before and DH and I shared the cheesecake again. I didn’t get photos because the camera crapped out on me again. We really like Wolfgang Puck’s Express !! I want to try their breakfast sometime.

After dinner, we decided to head over to Goofy’s Candy Store to burn some snack credits. I managed to get one more photo

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%208/100_4216.jpg

And then the camera quit on me. I got a couple of bags of candy for the kids and decided to call it a night. DH said he would hoof it back to the car and come back and get us. And we waited and waited and waited. And finally, we got back to the resort, where we packed up some more and watched football and went to sleep.

Up next, our last day and Hollywood Studios.

jecskc

10-27-2011, 07:36 PM

Day 9 – Part One. Sunday, October 2, 2011.

Sadly, this day was our last day. We woke up at 8:00 AM and started to pack up the car. We checked out and DD got a crown from the same nice man that checked us in. Here she is wearing it.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%209/100_4229.jpg

We got to Hollywood Studios about 10 AM. It was pretty busy.

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We got a Photopass photo.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0108FourBySix.jpg

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Photopass/Photo0110FourBySix.jpg

We headed towards Toy Story Mania

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DD really wanted to ride it but the wait was an hour and the fast pass return time was 5:00 PM and we had not planned on staying that late. We asked DD if she wanted to wait that long and she said no. So we decided to skip it this trip.

I had had a bagel back at the room, but the others had not had breakfast yet. So we headed over to the Writer’s Stop to get some coffee and burn the last of our snack credits.

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DS got a cupcake

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%209/100_4231.jpg

He said it was just OK.

And DH and I shared the carrot cake cookie

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%209/100_4232.jpg

I really liked this !! Very good !!

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%209/100_4234.jpg

DD wanted ice cream so DH took her to get one. Hey, it was vacation. Let them eat what they want.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%209/100_4236.jpg

We stopped and got some photos

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Then we rode Star Tours

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The wait was about 15 minutes. I like the new ride, but it really makes me motion sick. So I think I will sit this one out next time.

I do like at the end where they say "Thank you for riding Star Tours, buh bye" :rotfl:

We headed back towards the Hat. DD spotted Pluto and Goofy with no line so we got photos with them.

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Poolrat

10-27-2011, 08:04 PM

jecskc

10-27-2011, 08:09 PM

Sunday was nice huh? The weather had really cooled down and the humidity was low. AAHHHH My favorite time.

I looked back at my pictures and I was at DHS from about 10 :20 - 12:20. I was hitting all four parks that day, taking care of the things I didn't get to do.

I went in and hit TSM- Ed was working and I got some Pixie dust. Then OMD and the IJ show and then I was out and over to EPCOT.

Sunday was a gorgeous day. It figures that the weather would be so nice at the end of our trip. My BFF enjoyed good weather that whole week after we left.

It is so funny that we were in the same place at the same time a lot. I can't wait to read about your 4 park day.

Stringbean&Wingnut

10-28-2011, 05:30 AM

jecskc

10-28-2011, 06:23 AM

Booo last day!!! That is pretty cool that DD got a crown! Very cute! :goodvibes

It stinks how long the lines for TSM get! We actually haven't even ridden it ever, just because we never wanted to wait in the line that long!

It was cool. That CM was so nice. He really made a difference in our trip, I think.

I love TSM, but not enough to wait an hour. Hopefully, you guys will get to ride in January. If you get there early enough of course, you can get a fast pass and the return time won't be so bad. Or you can come back for Fantasmic and ride it later in the day. The good news for you is that Wingnut won't have to push around in the wheelchair all day. Wait, maybe that is better news for Wingnut.

jecskc

10-28-2011, 03:00 PM

Day 9 – Part Three

We decided to ride The Great Movie Ride next.

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This is the first time I really looked at the handprints in the pavement.

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Some costumes

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The ride was actually pretty crowded and we had to wait about 15 minutes or so. AND we got the Cowboy scene. DH looked and me and said “that was different”. We liked it though.

The kids wanted to look at pins under the Hat. And DH ended up buying them some pins. DD got a Scamp pin

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%209/100_4310.jpg

And DS got a Stitch Tower of Terror pin.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%209/100_4313.jpg

The kids wanted to go over to the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground. So we headed that way. I just love the Streets of America. I can’t wait to see the Christmas Lights when we go for Thanksgiving.

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I found a bench outside to rest on while DH went in with the kids and took some photos.

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DH came out to rest with me and said that it was crazy with kids in there. He went back in to look for them and didn’t come out for a while. He came out and said he couldn’t find them and asked if I saw them come out. I said no that I was right there at the exit and hadn’t seen them. He goes back in to look for them. He comes out later and says he still can’t find them. I went in and looked and I couldn’t find them. DH was in full on panic mode by now and I had to get him calmed down. I said that they would come out eventually. We waited some more and then I went back in to look …. And I found them, finally. They had made friends with some other kids and they had a game of hide and seek going.

DH was very relieved and so we then headed over to the Muppets which we had never seen.

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I used to love the Muppets and we had to wait a fair amount of time. About 15-20 minutes.

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http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%209/100_4298.jpg

Silly DS !!!

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%209/100_4299.jpg

I thought the Muppet Show was pretty cute but DD said she thought it was stupid. But I saw her laughing. I think she was just tired and hungry, so we headed over to Pizza Planet to get some lunch.

Stringbean&Wingnut

10-29-2011, 09:21 AM

I love TSM, but not enough to wait an hour. Hopefully, you guys will get to ride in January. If you get there early enough of course, you can get a fast pass and the return time won't be so bad. Or you can come back for Fantasmic and ride it later in the day. The good news for you is that Wingnut won't have to push around in the wheelchair all day. Wait, maybe that is better news for Wingnut.

:laughing: I think it is definitely better news for DBF! I felt SO bad having to have him push me around! But it's also good news for me too! I'm excited to not have all of my pictures come out slightly blurry and really low to the ground :laughing:.

Awww hopefully your DD gave the Muppets another chance when she was less hungry! I totally get the grumpys when I'm hungry too lol.

Poolrat

10-29-2011, 09:28 AM

We must have been dancing around each other that day. :lmao:

I do the GMR once in a while. I think I have had both the cowboy and the gangster but more gangster than cowboy.

I like the muppets, but I do think it needs to be "refreshed". If I was hungry, I would probably like it less too. :)

Looks like you are having a great last day ...even though it was your last day. :sad1:

jecskc

10-29-2011, 04:32 PM

:laughing: I think it is definitely better news for DBF! I felt SO bad having to have him push me around! But it's also good news for me too! I'm excited to not have all of my pictures come out slightly blurry and really low to the ground :laughing:.

Awww hopefully your DD gave the Muppets another chance when she was less hungry! I totally get the grumpys when I'm hungry too lol.

We all do. We had to wait for the Muppets longer than I anticipated and we were all so tired and hungry.

We must have been dancing around each other that day. :lmao:

I do the GMR once in a while. I think I have had both the cowboy and the gangster but more gangster than cowboy.

I like the muppets, but I do think it needs to be "refreshed". If I was hungry, I would probably like it less too. :)

Looks like you are having a great last day ...even though it was your last day. :sad1:

The cowboy scene is a nice change for sure.

We had a good last day. The weather was amazing that day. But the last day is always a bummer and my feet are totally killing me by then. But I have lost ten pounds and I hope to lose 5 more before we go on our Thanksgiving trip, so maybe that will help them hurting so bad. It can't make it worse, that is for sure.

jecskc

10-29-2011, 04:41 PM

Day 9 – Part Four

Lunch at Pizza Planet

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Now it was about 2 PM at this time and we thought we might be beating the lunch crowd. Boy, were we wrong. This place was PACKED !! And the service was soooooo slow. I sent DH and the kids to find a table and they kept coming back to check on me to see how far I had gotten in line. We were so hungry. And it took forever to get our food. Something like 30 minutes. Finally, I had the food and I headed upstairs to the table they were saving. It was REALLY loud in there, too.

DS and DD got cheese pizza

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They got a cookie for dessert.

Each of the pizzas came with a little Caesar salad. The kids won’t eat salad so DH and I had those.

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And we shared a veggie pizza

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%209/100_4303.jpg

And a cappuccino cupcake.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%209/100_4302.jpg

The pizza was just OK. The cupcake was really good though. I think we would not come back here unless it was convenient and we were really hungry. It wasn't awful, it just wasn't great. and there are so many more options to try. Also, the line for the ladies bathroom was really long and that took forever. Finally, we were done and we were ready to head for home. :sad:

The last photos ….

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And this ends our September/October 2011 trip. :sad1: My Facebook status for that day was, “We are now leaving the Disney bubble. I must now return to reality where I have to flush my own toilet and no one will wish me a magical day.” It was funny because a couple of my friends told me randomly to have a Magical Day for a few days after that post.

Up next .... closing thoughts

Pixie Princess

10-30-2011, 03:39 PM

I'm back...showin' some love. :lovestruc

Artists Palett looks really cool. DD would love all the easles about on which to draw. We'll have to put this on the list of places to try. I'm so jealous of your parade pictures!!! Mine were horrible. I should have just held the camera up and clicked away. I think I'll just link people back over to your parade pics for my TR!

Okay..more reading now.

Pixie Princess

10-30-2011, 03:42 PM

Did you notice that DS is just sitting back and letting the girls do all of the work ?? :rotfl: I can't do the spinny rides.

:lmao: I don't think he had too much of a choice! They were pretty aggressive about the spinning. It is usually a fight when DD and ride together. :rotfl:

Pixie Princess

10-30-2011, 03:52 PM

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i408/jecskc/September%20Disney%202011%20-%20Day%209/100_4236.jpg

Mickey Bar...breakfast of champions. Love it!!

Pixie Princess

10-30-2011, 04:05 PM

jecskc

10-30-2011, 04:49 PM

Flush your own toilet. :lmao: :rotfl2: :rotfl:

I was in the bubble. I totally missed that!

For the longest time all we ever got was the gangster on GMR. Then one day we got the cowboy, and that's all we seem to get now. Weird, huh? We skipped this ride this go around. Instead we went to the Ariel thing..something we have never done.

I'm no fan of Pizza Planet. Actually, I try to not eat at HS if it can be helped. Well except for Starring Rolls. That place I like. DD loves pizza, and she doesn't like the place either.

Since I'm talking about food, let me backtrack and say, YUM to Wolfgang Puck Express. I love that place. We eat there almost every trip.

Also, why didn't ya'll take the boat to DTD instead of drive? Was your room too far from the boat dock?

I can't wait to see the Streets of America all lit up at Thanksgiving either!!!

The boat dock was too far ... at least I think it was. To tell the truth, I am not sure where it was. We should have just walked. But we were sooooo tired. Seriously, my feet were killing me !!

Wolfgang Pucks is the best !! I was so happy the find the right one this time. I was so confused when we went in June and it seemed like they were only serving pizza. I was like ...what ?? Where is all of the good food I saw on the DIS ?? Now I know .....

jecskc

10-30-2011, 08:29 PM

Closing thoughts.

Pop Century is a really great resort for staying one night. We have done this a couple of times now and we might do it when we go in April. We will get in late that first night and there’s no sense spending money or points on a place you are going to stay at for less than 16 hours. So Pop Century is a good resort for that.

We LOVED Saratoga Springs or Sara-topia as DD called it. Very nice resort and since it is our home resort, we are looking forward to going back.

The weather was surprisingly hot. We went last year about this time, and even though it was hot, it wasn’t as hot as this year was. The last two days were absolutely gorgeous however.

Our absolute favorite meal this trip was dinner at the Grand Floridian Café. I have read people’s posts on this place and many say that it is a hidden gem. And I absolutely agree.

I was glad we were at the Magic Kingdom for the 40th, but there really wasn’t much to it. I was very happy to have spent some time with my good friend and her daughter. But I didn’t get to see her the rest of the trip. We texted, but didn’t meet back up again. She and I need to get our schedules together so we can spend more time together at Disney. After all it is her fault that I love it so much.

I love Food and Wine. I really do. And I want to go back and do it again. We weren’t hungry enough to really enjoy it this time. Plus it was at the end of our trip and we were pretty tired.

And speaking of tired, my feet always just kill me at the end of a Disney trip. I wear good quality walking shoes and switch out with crocs, but I can’t avoid the inevitable achy feet. I am taking Epsom salts and some peppermint oil next time, but I would love some advice about how to not have achy feet. Because Disney would be so much more awesome if my feet didn’t hurt so much. I know that part of it is because of my weight and I am working really hard on that. I have lost 11 pounds so far. I hope to be down at least 15 pounds or more by the time we hit our Thanksgiving trip so I know that will have to help.

Thanks to everyone for reading and a special thanks to those who commented. I really like it when people stop in to say hello and give me their input. And it was so nice chatting with you and getting to know some of you better. I will most certainly be doing a TR for our Thanksgiving trip, so I hope you will join in for that one.

So as the lady says at the end of Star Tours “Thanks for reading, buh bye now.”

Poolrat

10-30-2011, 08:52 PM

Thanks for sharing your trip.

I will be staying at Sara-topia at our NYE trip. We are splitting with AKL.

I have less than 2 months until I go back. :goodvibes

marDgreen88

10-30-2011, 09:15 PM

jecskc

10-30-2011, 09:16 PM

Thanks for sharing your trip.

I will be staying at Sara-topia at our NYE trip. We are splitting with AKL.

I have less than 2 months until I go back. :goodvibes

We go back in 22 more days and we are staying at the Boardwalk Inn. We are super excited about it. If you have never stayed at Sara-topia, you will LOVE it. We are staying at AKL before our cruise in April. Can't wait for that either !! Thanks so much for stopping by to comment, Pat. I so enjoyed your posts and your company so to speak. I will continue to follow your TR.

jecskc

10-30-2011, 09:20 PM

Well I'm a little late to the party but I just got caught up and also JUST came out of lurker-ville. :lmao: I really enjoyed your TR though! I would love to do MNSSHP and Food & Wine someday. Sounds amazing! How awesome that you're going back so soon, I'll look forward to reading (and actively commenting on) the next TR!

:welcome: Yes we are excited about our Thanksgiving trip. We usually rent a nice cabin in Gatlinburg, but since we just bought into DVC, DH suggested just going back to Disney. And I was very agreeable to do so. MNSSHP and F&W are amazing and I can't wait to do them again. And yes, next TR, less lurking and more commenting :)

Stringbean&Wingnut

10-31-2011, 05:23 AM

Boo, your TR is over! And now you have to flush your own toilet! :rotfl: Loved reading about your trip, can't wait to hear all about your Thanksgiving trip too!

jecskc

10-31-2011, 09:58 AM

Boo, your TR is over! And now you have to flush your own toilet! :rotfl: Loved reading about your trip, can't wait to hear all about your Thanksgiving trip too!

I am sad, too. I really enjoy reliving my trips through the trip reports and getting to discuss Disney with everyone. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, Sara. I really enjoyed talking to you and I will continue to follow your PTR as you and Wingnut anticipate your trip. I may do a mini Dining Report just to keep me going for the next three weeks before we go back.

marDgreen88

10-31-2011, 10:12 AM

:welcome: Yes we are excited about our Thanksgiving trip. We usually rent a nice cabin in Gatlinburg, but since we just bought into DVC, DH suggested just going back to Disney. And I was very agreeable to do so. MNSSHP and F&W are amazing and I can't wait to do them again. And yes, next TR, less lurking and more commenting :)

Thanks! Aw, yeah, Gatlinburg is fun! But... I'd pick Disney too! How awesome that yall do DVC! Definitely, no more lurking for me. I'm officially out of hiding! I'll look forward to your next TR and hope your Thanksgiving trip is magical!

jecskc

10-31-2011, 02:02 PM

Thanks! Aw, yeah, Gatlinburg is fun! But... I'd pick Disney too! How awesome that yall do DVC! Definitely, no more lurking for me. I'm officially out of hiding! I'll look forward to your next TR and hope your Thanksgiving trip is magical!

I am sure it will be. I hope yours is magical as well.

jecskc

11-01-2011, 07:33 PM

Hey y'all. Just wanted to let you know that I started a dining report.
Here's the link if you want to go over and see

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=43124574#post43124574

I just didn't want my trip to end. So I decided to extend it a little until I can go back and make new memories.

I hope you will join in and read.

jecskc

11-05-2011, 11:43 AM

PIRATEGIRL007

11-17-2011, 01:16 PM

PIRATEGIRL007

11-17-2011, 01:33 PM

Day 2 – Part 4

Here’s the story about Silver Lake. We currently own a time share through RCI which we purchased in 2008.

I am so glad I read this TR with the info on Silver Lake and even happier I didn't let the in laws talk me into staying there this upcoming summer! I couldn't find enough on Silver Lake to make me happy that I would not be miserable and did read some reviews like yours: oudated decor, a little run down, etc. I held out for Bonnet Creek to use our RCI exchange on. I am not an off property gal but DH did agree to this Christmas trip as part of the bargain for going offsite in May and he promises that it gives me a little leverage for a potential Flower and Garden weekend. I am going to try to stretch this $2000 savings into as many trips as I can. I can hear it now 4 years from now........ "but dear remember when we stayed off site and saved all that money, well we can go again now b/c we saved all that money that one time. ":goodvibes

PIRATEGIRL007

11-17-2011, 02:01 PM

They use the crane to put up the Christmas lights. We are going in November and this will be the first time that we will see all of the Christmas decorations and we are VERY excited about it.

So as I'm scrolling thru your pics looking for us (we were at the 9/27 MNSSHP party too!) I saw this little gem that I didn't notice this till now but check out my ticker. :yay:

So there was the Myrtle Beach at the same time in July, Sept/Oct trip date exactly the same and now we will be back in November too. I'm calling stalker here. Don't know if it's you or me though! :goodvibes

PIRATEGIRL007

11-17-2011, 02:07 PM

Oh, I have to tell you. There was a group of 20 somethings in front of us in line and they were all dressed as Toy Story. There was Woody and Bo Beep. Bo Peep’s costume was awesome, she even had this little purse with cotton balls pasted all over it to look like a sheep. Woody’s was really good, too and he had a string with a big ring on his back. I wondered if I pulled it if he would shout out “There’s a snake in my boot!” Mr. and Mrs. Potato head, Rex, the porcupine (from Toy Story 3) and the best of all was Jessie. This girl was a gorgeous redhead and she was just so pretty. She had on a cowboy hat and a Jessie bustier, a bandana, cowboy boots and tight jeans. She ROCKED this outfit, seriously. It would have looked trashy on anyone else, but she was just so pretty that she pulled it off famously. The guy that was Rex kept his arms inside his shirt and just had his hands out like Rex’s little arms. They were all just precious. They all got their pictures taken as a group so they didn’t hold up the line.

We saw them too and talked to them they were CM's. Mr Prickle Pants and Rex weren't with them when we talked to them but saw them again later and they were back. 9/27 was the last CM discount night for the party. We met all kinds of nice ones in line and I got asked if I was a CM about 10 times (b/c I knew where the charecters where and stuff like that).

PIRATEGIRL007

11-18-2011, 10:19 AM

And this ends our September/October 2011 trip. :sad1: My Facebook status for that day was, “We are now leaving the Disney bubble. I must now return to reality where I have to flush my own toilet and no one will wish me a magical day.” It was funny because a couple of my friends told me randomly to have a Magical Day for a few days after that post.

Up next .... closing thoughts

It's funny but that and the automatic water in the bathroom sinks was one of the things I always missed most and had such a hard time getting used to when I returned to work. I have went to the sink and stuck my hands under it dozens of times after trips and just stood there looking at the faucet like something was going to happen. Last year about 3 weeks after our trip they finally installed auto flush toilets and touchless faucets in our bathroom. I loved it, for the first few weeks it was a reminder of WDW a few times a day. People at work thought I was wack-o but it's one of those "this is Disney" small things they do that makes the parks more magical.

PIRATEGIRL007

11-18-2011, 10:27 AM

And speaking of tired, my feet always just kill me at the end of a Disney trip. I wear good quality walking shoes and switch out with crocs, but I can’t avoid the inevitable achy feet. I am taking Epsom salts and some peppermint oil next time, but I would love some advice about how to not have achy feet. Because Disney would be so much more awesome if my feet didn’t hurt so much. I know that part of it is because of my weight and I am working really hard on that. I have lost 11 pounds so far. I hope to be down at least 15 pounds or more by the time we hit our Thanksgiving trip so I know that will have to help.

So as the lady says at the end of Star Tours “Thanks for reading, buh bye now.”

Can you take Aleve? I have massive feet issues that I finally got corrected before our Sept/Oct trip but I still have achy feet problems. I'm over weight and I sit all the time for my job so I'm just not used to standing and walking all that much, but in my defense when I was 60 lbs :eek: lighter, 10 years younger, and stood 20-30 hours a week for my job my feet still hurt me like crazy at Disney. Near the end I also start get pains in my calves from all the walking, not super bad all the time but definately soreness creeps in. A few years ago someone here suggested an agreessive aleve routine. 2 aleve very morning, every night. Whether your feet hurt or not and sleep with your feet propped up on a pillow. I start the Aleve the day before our trip and even when I still had my horrid issues it helped alot. It seemed like a lot (twice the recommended dose I think) so I asked my Dr about it and he said for a week or two at a time since it's gentle on your tummy it won't hurt. He also has been to WDW a few times so he understood the issue more than some would. Be sure to ask your Dr before you do it though. Also putting BioFreeze on my feet once or twice during the trip at night helped me too. And it just feels good after your up on your dogs all day long too.

jecskc

11-18-2011, 12:54 PM

Since I passed my time waiting for my last trip by reading your last report I figured I'd pass the time for my next trips with this one which is next week. Yep in under 15 days from returning the hampsters were spinning on how to convince DH to go back for Christmas. Then a little slip to my MIL about how we could do it super cheap and 3 days later DH caved and we are booked to go over Thanksgiving weekend with MIL.

I can't wait to read about all your experiences since we were there the same time.

We are going to be there at Thanksgiving, too !! I have never been during Christmas and I can't wait to see all of the decorations !!

I am so glad I read this TR with the info on Silver Lake and even happier I didn't let the in laws talk me into staying there this upcoming summer! I couldn't find enough on Silver Lake to make me happy that I would not be miserable and did read some reviews like yours: oudated decor, a little run down, etc. I held out for Bonnet Creek to use our RCI exchange on. I am not an off property gal but DH did agree to this Christmas trip as part of the bargain for going offsite in May and he promises that it gives me a little leverage for a potential Flower and Garden weekend. I am going to try to stretch this $2000 savings into as many trips as I can. I can hear it now 4 years from now........ "but dear remember when we stayed off site and saved all that money, well we can go again now b/c we saved all that money that one time. ":goodvibes

OK. I feel like I have given Silver Lake a bad rap. If I HAD to stay off site, I would DEFINITELY stay at Silver Lake again. I would just INSIST on having a villa in the newer sections. Like the 300 or 600 sections we have stayed in before. These villas were newer and the decor was up to date and very nice. LOTS of space. So, if you have to stay off site, you should stay there. The RCI point value is good and it is really very close to everything. Since we stayed at OKW this summer, it is just hard to go off site after staying on site. The trip just isn't as magical. And now that we have DVC, I hope to never have to do that again. But Silver Lake is really a nice place. There is tons of space and the beds are very comfortable.

So as I'm scrolling thru your pics looking for us (we were at the 9/27 MNSSHP party too!) I saw this little gem that I didn't notice this till now but check out my ticker. :yay:

So there was the Myrtle Beach at the same time in July, Sept/Oct trip date exactly the same and now we will be back in November too. I'm calling stalker here. Don't know if it's you or me though! :goodvibes

We are sooo stalking each other for sure. Let me know if you are interested in a Dismeet. Just a short one. No biggie if you aren't. We LOVED the MNSSHP. Even though it was super hot that night and very crowded, the kids still talk about and how much fun it was.

I think that will be our last trip to Myrtle Beach for a while. It just didn't seem all that great after our EPIC trip to Disney in June. Which was, to this date, our best trip EVER.

We saw them too and talked to them they were CM's. Mr Prickle Pants and Rex weren't with them when we talked to them but saw them again later and they were back. 9/27 was the last CM discount night for the party. We met all kinds of nice ones in line and I got asked if I was a CM about 10 times (b/c I knew where the charecters where and stuff like that).

That group was awesome. I loved their costumes. We met a lot of CM's that night, too and they were very friendly. We were watching the second parade and there was a group of CM's watching from the same place we were and they were cheering for all of their friends in the parade. They were fun. And since the CM's in the parade were waving at them, we felt like they were waving at us, too. It helped us get excited about the parade, which I thought was awesome.

It's funny but that and the automatic water in the bathroom sinks was one of the things I always missed most and had such a hard time getting used to when I returned to work. I have went to the sink and stuck my hands under it dozens of times after trips and just stood there looking at the faucet like something was going to happen. Last year about 3 weeks after our trip they finally installed auto flush toilets and touchless faucets in our bathroom. I loved it, for the first few weeks it was a reminder of WDW a few times a day. People at work thought I was wack-o but it's one of those "this is Disney" small things they do that makes the parks more magical.

Haha. I love the automatic toilets. And I really feel like it cuts down on germs about 80%. No one wants to be sick at Disney.

Can you take Aleve? I have massive feet issues that I finally got corrected before our Sept/Oct trip but I still have achy feet problems. I'm over weight and I sit all the time for my job so I'm just not used to standing and walking all that much, but in my defense when I was 60 lbs :eek: lighter, 10 years younger, and stood 20-30 hours a week for my job my feet still hurt me like crazy at Disney. Near the end I also start get pains in my calves from all the walking, not super bad all the time but definately soreness creeps in. A few years ago someone here suggested an agreessive aleve routine. 2 aleve very morning, every night. Whether your feet hurt or not and sleep with your feet propped up on a pillow. I start the Aleve the day before our trip and even when I still had my horrid issues it helped alot. It seemed like a lot (twice the recommended dose I think) so I asked my Dr about it and he said for a week or two at a time since it's gentle on your tummy it won't hurt. He also has been to WDW a few times so he understood the issue more than some would. Be sure to ask your Dr before you do it though. Also putting BioFreeze on my feet once or twice during the trip at night helped me too. And it just feels good after your up on your dogs all day long too.

Yes, my feet are always killing me at Disney. And I've lost 15 pounds so I hope that will help this time. I too, am overweight and sit all day at my job. I do play tennis though, so that helps some. I CANNOT take aleve. It makes me feel really nauseous and I have always had a problem with naprosyn and I'm not sure why. In any case, this time I plan to bring some Epsom salts and peppermint oil and see if that helps. I have some biofreeze around the house somewhere, so I will bring that, too. My DH says his feet don't hurt him at all and it just makes me mad. But, for Disney, I will withstand the pain :lovestruc