"We're keeping the moon!" Another Nikki and Tom Adventure! Update 5/23 pg. 25

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Hello friends!!! My husband Tom and I just got back from a looong weekend in Walt Disney World and I'm so excited to tell you all about it!

I know I'll see many of my friends who've followed my previous trip reports but I hope to make some new friends with this TR too! If any new readers are interested, I've got my previous TRs in my signature.

A little bit about this trip:

Dates: Wednesday February 1 - Sunday February 5.

Cast: Me - Nikki

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0548.jpg

This trip was my 20th trip to Disney World! My first trip was at 18 months old.



DH - Tom

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0094.jpg

This was Tom's 8th trip. His first trip was with me in 2006!


Our last trip was September/October 2011. At that time, we got annual passes so all that was left to get for this trip was airfare and the resort.

Being an annual passholder, we got an awesome rate so we upgraded from our usual moderate resort to my favorite resort - Wilderness Lodge!!! Can't beat 40% off!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0028.jpg


As a teacher, it is really hard for me to take off during the school year so the majority of our trips have been in the summer. Our trip this past Fall was planned around a school break and just happened to coincide with the 40th anniversary of WDW AND the Food and Wine festival AND the Wine and Dine Marathon, which I did the 5K in....so it was perfect but very busy!! (Again, the TR for that is in my sig!) So this trip was planned as a relaxing, nothing going on at all, time of year. But that required me to take three personal days, which is not easy!! Most jobs, you can just take your vaca days and not worry about it but as a teacher, I had a LOT Of planning and preparation to be able to leave. But it was worth it!!





So I'm not sure how soon I'll actually get started, as I'd like to wait for the photopass CD and another cd of pictures from a special event we did on this trip (!) but who knows when that will happen so we'll see......





Any guesses on what the title of the TR might mean?

There might be a prize for someone who makes a semi-correct guess!!

[Zuzu03]

Yay! I'm in for another TR!!!! :goodvibes Can't wait to hear about it! :thumbsup2

[stephielela]

I'm in!!!!

[jecskc]

Yay!!! I love your TR's. Looking forward to this one as well !!

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Yay! I'm in for another TR!!!! :goodvibes Can't wait to hear about it! :thumbsup2

Wooo Hooo!!

I'm in!!!!

Stephanie, you're more than "in"...you're "in it!" :goodvibes

Yay!!! I love your TR's. Looking forward to this one as well !!

Thanks for joining in!!

[AshtonsMom99]

I am so in!!!!

[jenseib]

hey there girl!!! :cool1:

[Nermel9]

Yay, I'm here! :woohoo: Your hair is so long, I had no idea! Makes me wish I didn't just chop like 8 inches off of my hair a few weeks ago! :sad1:

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

I am so in!!!!

Hey April!! Glad you're here!


hey there girl!!! :cool1:

Hey Jen!! So happy you're reading along!


Yay, I'm here! :woohoo: Your hair is so long, I had no idea! Makes me wish I didn't just chop like 8 inches off of my hair a few weeks ago! :sad1:


Hahaha! Yes my hair is super long. I hardly ever wear it down though, especially in the summer, which is usually when you see pics of me. I rarely cut my hair too. And when I do, I cut like a foot and donate it.

[ortholablady]

Hi Nikki! It was nice to meet you and Tom. Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your trip. I'm planning on starting a trip report myself soon too.

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Hi Nikki! It was nice to meet you and Tom. Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your trip. I'm planning on starting a trip report myself soon too.

Heyyyy! It was so nice to meet you too - even if your brother thinks you're a stalker! Haha! Definitely let me know if you start that TR!

[Tracy161]

I'm in! Wouldn't want to miss this one!!! :goodvibes

[tinkerbell60]

I cannot believe how long your hair is - and you are right, you never have it down in the summer - so it is surprising! Now, have to ask what IS that on Tom's funnel cake?

[IheartDDuck]

Joining! Can't wait to hear all about it.

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

I'm in! Wouldn't want to miss this one!!! :goodvibes

Yay!! So glad you're here!

I cannot believe how long your hair is - and you are right, you never have it down in the summer - so it is surprising! Now, have to ask what IS that on Tom's funnel cake?

Hahaha! THAT is a giant slab of vanilla ice cream on top of that funnel cake!

Joining! Can't wait to hear all about it.

Woo Hoo!! Thanks for joining!

[Native NYer]

Joining in!

[Dream426]

YAY!! Joining.

[Avery&Todd]

Im IN!!! I found your last TR, and followed along, and Im so excited to hear about this trip!

Our first 2 trips to WDW, we stayed at WL, and we LOVE that resort!!

this summer we'll be staying at BC, and even though I know I'll miss the WL and the boat rides to MK, walking into Epcot will be great too!!

[Grumpy's Wife]

It looks like I get to join this party at the beginning instead of the end of your last one. Can't wait to hear all about it.

[Timon]

Looking forward to it Nikki! popcorn::

[disneybarbie]

Hi Nikki! Can't wait to read about your latest trip :goodvibes enjoyed seeing a few pics & status updates on facebook last weekend... looked like you were having a fantastic time!


Emma princess: x

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Joining in!

Yay!!

YAY!! Joining.

Wooo Hooo!!

Im IN!!! I found your last TR, and followed along, and Im so excited to hear about this trip!

Our first 2 trips to WDW, we stayed at WL, and we LOVE that resort!!

this summer we'll be staying at BC, and even though I know I'll miss the WL and the boat rides to MK, walking into Epcot will be great too!!

Welcome! I would love to stay at BC just for the proximity to Epcot. But I do love that WL!

It looks like I get to join this party at the beginning instead of the end of your last one. Can't wait to hear all about it.

Yay!! Glad you're here from the start!

Looking forward to it Nikki! popcorn::

Thanks Cass!

Hi Nikki! Can't wait to read about your latest trip :goodvibes enjoyed seeing a few pics & status updates on facebook last weekend... looked like you were having a fantastic time!


Emma princess: x

Glad you're here Emma! We really did have a great time!

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

No guesses on the meaning behind the title of the TR?

[NMW]

subscribing

[ronnmel]

I'm in! I was gonna ask what the heck Tom is eating in that picture, but I see someone beat me to it. It does NOT look like ice cream though. Looks more like a giant slab of butter! :laughing:

I have no idea hat the title could mean... Maybe Mission Space?????

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

subscribing

Glad you're here!

I'm in! I was gonna ask what the heck Tom is eating in that picture, but I see someone beat me to it. It does NOT look like ice cream though. Looks more like a giant slab of butter! :laughing:

I have no idea hat the title could mean... Maybe Mission Space?????

Haha! yes, that is a giant slab of vanilla ice cream but we always joke that it looks like butter! That would be gross!! Isn't it genius? It's flat and wide so you get an equal funnel cake to ice cream ratio in each bite! :rotfl:

And no for Mission Space but I like that you took a guess!

[DisTeacher07]

Just subscribed! Can't wait to read another Nikki and Tom report!

[hellokitty86]

Looking forward to reading more!

I'm wondering about your title...I'll think about it and see if I can come up with a good guess.:idea:

[Nermel9]

No guesses on the meaning behind the title of the TR?

I'm thinking, but I can't come up with anything! Can you give us a hint? :rotfl:

[MelMel11]

Count me in!

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Just subscribed! Can't wait to read another Nikki and Tom report!

Yay!! Thanks for joining in!

Looking forward to reading more!

I'm wondering about your title...I'll think about it and see if I can come up with a good guess.:idea:

Haha! Okay good!

I'm thinking, but I can't come up with anything! Can you give us a hint? :rotfl:

Hmmm......yes, I will give a hint.

Count me in!

Yay!! Welcome!

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Alright, alright. There haven't been many guesses but I love games so I'll give a hint! Haha.

"We're keeping the moon." So think - what can you keep or....not keep? "Not keep," is this case, is synonymous with another word that will totally give it away so I'm saying "not keep" instead of that word!

[chloe770]

Alright, alright. There haven't been many guesses but I love games so I'll give a hint! Haha.

"We're keeping the moon." So think - what can you keep or....not keep? "Not keep," is this case, is synonymous with another word that will totally give it away so I'm saying "not keep" instead of that word!

Checking in and saying WOW, now I'm really confused. No clue here. Nope, not ever a guess.:confused3

[Nermel9]

Alright, alright. There haven't been many guesses but I love games so I'll give a hint! Haha.

"We're keeping the moon." So think - what can you keep or....not keep? "Not keep," is this case, is synonymous with another word that will totally give it away so I'm saying "not keep" instead of that word!

What the #*&^??? :rotfl2: I'm soooo confused now! I bet it's something totally obvious too! :rotfl:

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Checking in and saying WOW, now I'm really confused. No clue here. Nope, not ever a guess.:confused3

What the #*&^??? :rotfl2: I'm soooo confused now! I bet it's something totally obvious too! :rotfl:

Wow, I totally thought I was giving it away with that one! :rotfl: Hahah!

JEN! YOU should totally know what I'm talking about!

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

What can you get in Disney World that you can either KEEP or NOT keep.....

[disny_luvr]

Joining in! I've read some of your other TRs and really enjoyed them.

We love, love, LOVE the WL. For our next trip we are giving the BC a try. DH is really disappointed that we won't be staying at the WL and keeps on bringing it up. Hopefully the BC will be as awesome as many claim it to be.

[Zuzu03]

Wait, "keep or lose?" What? I'm sooooo confused! hahahahah! Yup, I bet it is something totally obvious! *racking brain*


throw away? pitch? chuck? ARGH! hahahaah!

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Joining in! I've read some of your other TRs and really enjoyed them.

We love, love, LOVE the WL. For our next trip we are giving the BC a try. DH is really disappointed that we won't be staying at the WL and keeps on bringing it up. Hopefully the BC will be as awesome as many claim it to be.

So glad you're here! WL is my absolute favorite. I really think BC will be awesome. I would love to stay there but if I'm going deluxe, WL is way cheaper! I don't know that we'll ever stay BC but maybe one day!

Wait, "keep or lose?" What? I'm sooooo confused! hahahahah! Yup, I bet it is something totally obvious! *racking brain*

Noooooooo....if you don't keep it, you don't lose it. That's not the right word. You can KEEP what you have OR.....something else. If I say the word, it's a total give-away! Haha!

[Zuzu03]

Toss? hahahah! :headache:

[Nermel9]

I got it!! Vinylmation trading! You either keep it or you trade it!

[jenseib]

you are so confusing and not making ANY sense!!!!

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Toss? hahahah! :headache:

Nooooo.....

you are so confusing and not making ANY sense!!!!

Hahahah!

I got it!! Vinylmation trading! You either keep it or you trade it!

:idea: :teeth:

[podsnel]

Tom was going to shine a moon, but then decided to keep it?

Nooooo...that can't be right.

You were drinking a Blue Moon and the waitress tried to take it before you were finished??

Nooo...probably not...

Someone wanted to sit with you on a bench and share your view of the moon, but you wanted to be alone and tossed them off?

WOW. That one's REALLY a stretch!

Ok, I admit it. I got nothin! :rotfl:

[Zuzu03]

Hmmmm, so the trading seemed to get a positive reaction here! Hahahah! Or is it the Vinylmation? Pin trading?

[merbobear]

Following along! :thumbsup2

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Tom was going to shine a moon, but then decided to keep it?

Nooooo...that can't be right.

You were drinking a Blue Moon and the waitress tried to take it before you were finished??

Nooo...probably not...

Someone wanted to sit with you on a bench and share your view of the moon, but you wanted to be alone and tossed them off?

WOW. That one's REALLY a stretch!

Ok, I admit it. I got nothin! :rotfl:

Haha!!! Excellent guesses! "we're keeping the moon is totally something I would say to a waitress who tries to take a blue moon that wasn't finished! But alas, that did not happen...

Hmmmm, so the trading seemed to get a positive reaction here! Hahahah! Or is it the Vinylmation? Pin trading?

Mmmm hmmmmmmm.....

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Following along! :thumbsup2

Welcome!!!

[dvc4life]

Here to follow along Nikki. Love your reports.

But I was thinking along the same lines as Ellen with the Blue Moon. Which, was not correct. Dang.

So, you traded a blue moon vinylmation? Or you blue mooned somebody for a vinylmation? :lmao: Sorry, couldn't help myself. :rotfl:

Can't wait to find out what it is.

[chloe770]

Ahh. It is vinylmation. If I recall Tom is a collector. Didn't they just release a new limited addition "moon"?

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Here to follow along Nikki. Love your reports.

But I was thinking along the same lines as Ellen with the Blue Moon. Which, was not correct. Dang.

So, you traded a blue moon vinylmation? Or you blue mooned somebody for a vinylmation? :lmao: Sorry, couldn't help myself. :rotfl:


Can't wait to find out what it is.


Don't get too excited! Now I'm afraid this won't be nearly as exciting as I've built it up to be! Haha!

Ahh. It is vinylmation. If I recall Tom is a collector. Didn't they just release a new limited addition "moon"?

Okay! Good job everyone! Nice teamwork! I think you've gotten just about enough as will make sense until I get there in the TR.

[anjalee6]

I can't believe you are on the fourth page of your TR already. I can't wait to hear about your trip. Hope getting back to work wasn't too bad.

[LuvMySoldier07]

I don't post much anymore but was excited to see another TR so I wanted to drop in and say hello! Can't wait to read more!
Btw My fiance and I are vinlymation collectors also and I believe the moon you are referring to is one of the Park Starz, right? On our last trip in November my fiance was obsessed trying to find the Abraham Lincoln one. :)

[dara00]

I can't believe this is on the 4th page and it's all just chat! :)

I really just wanted to stop by and tell you I know where Garwood NJ is! I grew up in Berkeley Heights.

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

I can't believe you are on the fourth page of your TR already. I can't wait to hear about your trip. Hope getting back to work wasn't too bad.

I know! I'm excited about all this chatter! Glad you're here!

I don't post much anymore but was excited to see another TR so I wanted to drop in and say hello! Can't wait to read more!
Btw My fiance and I are vinlymation collectors also and I believe the moon you are referring to is one of the Park Starz, right? On our last trip in November my fiance was obsessed trying to find the Abraham Lincoln one. :)

Hey!! So glad you came and posted! That's funny about Abe Lincoln. I am not into the vinylmations AT ALL but it can get reeeally addicting when you want to find that one you're looking for!

I can't believe this is on the 4th page and it's all just chat! :)

I really just wanted to stop by and tell you I know where Garwood NJ is! I grew up in Berkeley Heights.

Haha! Hopefully I will start soon! Maybe tonight. That's so funny! My wedding reception was in Berkeley Heights at the Berkeley Plaza!

[mike the canuck]

Following along

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Following along

Welcome Mike!

[tinkgurl]

I'm here!!!

[Tinkerbellie16]

Joining!

Your hair is SO long! Didn't you just cut it???? My hair is finally growing out and can be considered long but yours must grow fast!

Holy beans on that vanilla ice cream on Tom's funnel cake. I thought it was butter :rotfl:

Well if you don't keep something, you give it away? Oh well, just gives me a reason to keep reading :thumbsup2

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

I'm here!!!

Yay!! Wooo Hooo!!


Joining!

Your hair is SO long! Didn't you just cut it???? My hair is finally growing out and can be considered long but yours must grow fast!

Holy beans on that vanilla ice cream on Tom's funnel cake. I thought it was butter :rotfl:

Well if you don't keep something, you give it away? Oh well, just gives me a reason to keep reading :thumbsup2

The last time I donated it was two years ago, right after my wedding. I've cut it a few times since then but not in a while. I usually donate every two years or so.

Glad you're here!

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Okay, time to get this party started!!!

Day 1 - Wednesday February 1, 2012

Normally on these "short" trips, I take two personal days from work and leave after school on Wednesday. This time, I took three personal days so even though we still stayed four nights, we got an extra day in by leaving first thing Wednesday morning.

After days of prepping for the trip and struggling for hours and hours on what to bring to wear on this trip, I was finally packed and ready to go the night before.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0006.jpg

You know it's ON once the ME tag is attached to the suitcase!

I fell asleep fairly quickly Tuesday night but didn't sleep well at all. I had the alarm set for 5:00 but was awake well before then.

If you remember from my last trip, the night before the 5K, I had a very scary anxiety attack and wasn't able to sleep. That was the first time it had happened and unfortunately it happened once again since then and even though it wasn't as bad, I couldn't help be scared it was happening again.

Having had only a few hours of sleep, I was still very excited to be on our way!

We were on the road to the airport by 5:30. The security line wasn't too bad and pretty soon we were waiting to board!

The flight down was pretty uneventful. I had just purchased two John Mulaney albums (he's a comedian) so we listened to them on the way down. If you've never heard of him, he's hilarious!! Made the two hour ride go by very quickly. This is my favorite bit he does. OMG, it's so funny!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99bNIJeosjU

Anyway, while I listened to that, this was my view....

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/IMG_0551.jpg

Just beautiful! Even more beautiful was the announcement from the captain (pilot? what do you call him?) that we would get into Orlando 20 minutes early! Woo Hooo!

As soon as we got off the plane, we headed straight to ME - didn't even stop to pee!


On the MCO monorail...

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0008.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0010.jpg


And without even looking at the map in the booklet, I knew exactly where to go! We were directed into the line for the WL!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0020.jpg


There was a short wait on the bus and soon we were off! First stop - Wilderness Lodge! Love when that happens! I practically skipping into the hotel. Such a difference from the mods - CMs were outside to greet us and take us into the lobby and to the front desk. I didn't know they do that! It seemed a little unnecessary but whatever! We went with it!

There was no line to check in and pretty soon we were talking to a CM who was earning his ears! That always makes me nervous but everyone has to start somewhere.

I turned around and snapped this picture to post to facebook as I was checking in!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/IMG_0553.jpg


After I paid the balance of the room, we got our room number and I was happy to see an odd number - from my research, I knew that meant we truly had courtyard view and not a view of the villas. BUT the number started with a 6 and I had requested the 4th or 5th floor.

We headed to the elevator in the lobby when the CM who was helping our CM came running after us to tell us that we needed to go to the elevators by Roarin Forks in order to get to our room. Good thing she caught us because we would've been totally confused if we got up there and couldn't get to our room!

Oh I forgot to mention, (in case you didnt' already figure it out!) our room was ready! SCORE!

Here are some pics of the room!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0024.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0023.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0025.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0026.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0027.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0031.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0028.jpg

Because we were on the 6th floor, our balcony was kind of covered. There was a wall so we couldn't sit and see out, if that makes sense. If you look in that last picture, you can see what those rooms looked like from across the way. It wasn't ideal but we could live with it.

After we took a few pictures and dropped our bags, we were out the door to Epcot!!

Up next: Empty Epcot and a fun day with a new friend!!

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Phew!! I thought my update didn't post and I was really mad about it for a second!! But now I see it, so it's all good! :)

[Nermel9]

Yay you started! :banana:

Yay for ME tags on your luggage! I really want to give ME a try someday, but I'm nervous they would lose something! :eek:

I love getting to Florida early! It must be nice to bypass baggage claim and the car rental counters, I feel like that takes up so much time!

OMG WL! :lovestruc It's SO beautiful! I really love that place, your pictures are so pretty! I always request the 4th or 5th floor too, I was always nervous about those 6th floor rooms with the wall instead of bars, but actually, your balcony looks pretty nice! The view from it is amazing!

[Zuzu03]

Yayay!!!! First of all, I keep saying this on all of your TRs, but I'm so jealous that you can stack your personal days at your school! hahahah! We get 3 a year and we have to tap dance like crazy to get them approved - never mind being able to use them all at the same time! LOL! And forget using them before ANY school breaks (tried THAT before!). Okay, I'm done whining! LOVE that you got to MCO early, LOVE that you were whisked right away to WL and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your room view!!! Looking forward to more! :goodvibes

[Grumpy's Wife]

I love when you land earlier than expected. Starting off the trip with a little pixie dust before you even get there.

The view from your room is gorgeous. Even though you have to stand up to see it.

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Yay you started! :banana:

Yay for ME tags on your luggage! I really want to give ME a try someday, but I'm nervous they would lose something! :eek:

I love getting to Florida early! It must be nice to bypass baggage claim and the car rental counters, I feel like that takes up so much time!

OMG WL! :lovestruc It's SO beautiful! I really love that place, your pictures are so pretty! I always request the 4th or 5th floor too, I was always nervous about those 6th floor rooms with the wall instead of bars, but actually, your balcony looks pretty nice! The view from it is amazing!

Yes! I got that from you to request the 4th or 5th floor. Didn't work, unfortunately. :( You have GOT to use ME! It's awesome. So easy.

Yayay!!!! First of all, I keep saying this on all of your TRs, but I'm so jealous that you can stack your personal days at your school! hahahah! We get 3 a year and we have to tap dance like crazy to get them approved - never mind being able to use them all at the same time! LOL! And forget using them before ANY school breaks (tried THAT before!). Okay, I'm done whining! LOVE that you got to MCO early, LOVE that you were whisked right away to WL and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your room view!!! Looking forward to more! :goodvibes

Haha, it is pretty cool. In my old district, we didn't even get personal days at all! We are also not allowed to use personal or sick days attached to any breaks.


I love when you land earlier than expected. Starting off the trip with a little pixie dust before you even get there.

The view from your room is gorgeous. Even though you have to stand up to see it.

It was pretty exciting, as it always is when you first arrive! Now that I'm looking at it, it seems like the balcony itself wasn't as big as the ones on the floors below either. Glad I didn't notice it at the time because it would've made me feel a little ripped off!

[jenseib]

awesome room view!!!!!!

[IheartDDuck]

Woo hoo, you landed early! That's always a great bonus. Great view from your room.

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

awesome room view!!!!!!

Woo hoo, you landed early! That's always a great bonus. Great view from your room.

Yes, it really was a great view!!

[Tinkerbellie16]

The last time I donated it was two years ago, right after my wedding. I've cut it a few times since then but not in a while. I usually donate every two years or so.


Oh, that is so incredibly awesome of you to do!!!

And the TR is off!! :banana:

We stayed at the WL Villas last May. That lobby is incredible!!! And I love the music they play. My favorite is the Prelude from How the West Was Won. Walking from the villas to the lobby (not far at all), we could always hear the music. And they even pump a campfire smell in at night - did you smell it? It was really strong in the walkway to the villas. Oh, I can't wait to hear all about the trip!!!

[disny_luvr]

You had a great view at WL! We always stay in courtyard rooms too, and I always request to be inner courtyard so we aren't facing the villas. Actually, in one of your pictures I can see our room form our 2010 trip.

I already learned something new. I thought the rooms on the sixth floor with the balcony like you had were concierge level. Who would've thought.

[stasijane]

Is this your first short trip? I have a short 4 night trip planned for the end of Sept and almost feel its a waste not to make a longer trip out of it, but I will take what I can get as long as my other half gets to come with me. (he don't get time off work like I do)

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Oh, that is so incredibly awesome of you to do!!!

And the TR is off!! :banana:

We stayed at the WL Villas last May. That lobby is incredible!!! And I love the music they play. My favorite is the Prelude from How the West Was Won. Walking from the villas to the lobby (not far at all), we could always hear the music. And they even pump a campfire smell in at night - did you smell it? It was really strong in the walkway to the villas. Oh, I can't wait to hear all about the trip!!!

They actually HAD a campfire on the beach around 5 or 6 to roast marshmallows! It was so cute! I LOVE that resort!

You had a great view at WL! We always stay in courtyard rooms too, and I always request to be inner courtyard so we aren't facing the villas. Actually, in one of your pictures I can see our room form our 2010 trip.

I already learned something new. I thought the rooms on the sixth floor with the balcony like you had were concierge level. Who would've thought.

I thought those rooms were concierge too! In fact, when we walked by and I counted up and saw that the covered balconies where were we would be, I thought maybe we had been upgraded to concierge...but alas, it's the 7th floor.

Is this your first short trip? I have a short 4 night trip planned for the end of Sept and almost feel its a waste not to make a longer trip out of it, but I will take what I can get as long as my other half gets to come with me. (he don't get time off work like I do)

Actually, this was our fourth short trip...and actually the longest of our short trips. Two previous short trip TRs are in my sig. Our last one was the end of Sept this past year.

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Oh BTW, the phot cd from the Wild Africa Trek came in the mail today. I can't believe it came so soon! It was exactly a week ago that we did it.

[Cheryl726]

Looking forward to hearing about your newest adventure! Our first family trip we stayed at WL villas!

[knewton64]

SUBBIN!!


Little late but I am here.:goodvibes



Also - gotta ask a NYC ?:confused3
Isnt there a Disney Store that has multiple floor levels?? Where is it? whats the address????
Reason is I wanna do some shopping there on Sept 5th and would love to go there.:cloud9:



ALLRIGHTEE - give me a few daz & I will get caught up on u2.:)



A HUGE THANK U for the NYC ?.






T.T.F.N.

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Looking forward to hearing about your newest adventure! Our first family trip we stayed at WL villas!

Thanks for coming!! WL is my absolute favorite!


SUBBIN!!


Little late but I am here.:goodvibes



Also - gotta ask a NYC ?:confused3
Isnt there a Disney Store that has multiple floor levels?? Where is it? whats the address????
Reason is I wanna do some shopping there on Sept 5th and would love to go there.:cloud9:



ALLRIGHTEE - give me a few daz & I will get caught up on u2.:)



A HUGE THANK U for the NYC ?.






T.T.F.N.

Well.......there sort of is. There USED to be an actual World of Disney store just like the one in DTD - had all park merch and anything you can get at WoD DTD and even some NYC themed merch. Unfortunately that closed but they opened a Disney Store (just a regular Disney Store) right in Times Square. You can't miss it so you don't need an address. It does have two floors (The WoD had three.) but it's really nothing fantastic. There still have some NYC themed merch so that's cool but really it pales in comparison to the old store.

[Shannon84]

I'm in...love the WL it is so beautiful!! Where do you like for moderates? We usually stay at POP but are thinking of doing a moderate this fall instead (haven't stayed at anything but POP since I was a teenager so I'm not sure what we are going to pick :confused3)

[dvc4life]

What a great start to your trip! Looks live a very nice room you had with a gorgeous view. We have stayed at WL once and while it is a beautiful resort, it just reminded us too much of where we live. So it was really like being at home.

Can't wait to see your adventures of EPCOT. You always have such a fun time.

[Queenofallthings]

I'm inpopcorn:: Can't wait to follow along!

[stephielela]

I was very excited that your flight got in early! It meant the fun could start even sooner!! :drinking1

Keeping... AP's?

[MissDisney121]

I'm subbin'. I love reading your tr's. I second the idea that the title has to do with pin trading. and by the way I love Tom's Scott Pilgrim shirt from mco. Can't wait to read more.

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

I'm in...love the WL it is so beautiful!! Where do you like for moderates? We usually stay at POP but are thinking of doing a moderate this fall instead (haven't stayed at anything but POP since I was a teenager so I'm not sure what we are going to pick :confused3)

We've stayed at CBR twice but POR is really our go-to mod. It's really nice!

What a great start to your trip! Looks live a very nice room you had with a gorgeous view. We have stayed at WL once and while it is a beautiful resort, it just reminded us too much of where we live. So it was really like being at home.

Can't wait to see your adventures of EPCOT. You always have such a fun time.

That's funny about WL reminding you of where you live.

I'm inpopcorn:: Can't wait to follow along!

Yay!!!! Thanks for joining!

I was very excited that your flight got in early! It meant the fun could start even sooner!! :drinking1

Keeping... AP's?

Wooo Hooo!!

I'm subbin'. I love reading your tr's. I second the idea that the title has to do with pin trading. and by the way I love Tom's Scott Pilgrim shirt from mco. Can't wait to read more.

AH! Tom will LOVE that you knew that shirt. He always gets obscure t-shirts that most people don't know what they mean.

Glad you're here!

[FloridaDreaming]

:wave2:I'm new to your TRs but, I wanted to say I'm following along!

[Nora03]

Hi Nikki
I'm mostly a lurker, but I love your trip reports and I've read them all. It's great to see someone who has so much love and enthusiasm for WDW. We love it too.

Just have to make a guess on your title. Does it have anything to do with an ADR? You can keep or not keep ADRs.

Will be watching for more TR.

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

:wave2:I'm new to your TRs but, I wanted to say I'm following along!

Hi!! So glad you're joining in!

Hi Nikki
I'm mostly a lurker, but I love your trip reports and I've read them all. It's great to see someone who has so much love and enthusiasm for WDW. We love it too.

Just have to make a guess on your title. Does it have anything to do with an ADR? You can keep or not keep ADRs.

Will be watching for more TR.

Hey! Glad that you came out of lurkdom to comment! Thanks for the guess....but no. :rotfl:

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Just wanted to chime in and say that I know most people don't read the comments, just the updates (I'm totally guilty of that) but I DID pretty much confirm the most correct guesses of the meaning behind the title so if you want to know, you'll have to go back and find that! Or just wait and see...... :goodvibes

[Megablocks]

Kinda late but I'm joining in! WL looks AMAZING!

[kdevoe]

I'm in!!!!:yay:

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Kinda late but I'm joining in! WL looks AMAZING!

I'm in!!!!:yay:

Welcome guys!!!

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Day 1 Wednesday February 1, 2012

So after the excitement of checking into the WL and seeing our room, we knew we had no time to waste! My friend and travel agent coworker Stephanie was waiting for us in Epcot! She had planned a very short trip kind of last minute and I practically begged her to make it during the time we would be there. She had just gotten in the afternoon before and was leaving the next day so this was her only park day.

Anyway, we head down to the bus stop and were quickly on our way. At this point, I was not feeling well AT ALL! Not only was my sciatica killing me from sitting on the airplane for hours, I now had a slight headache and my stomach felt queasy. I was trying VERY hard to ignore all of that - especially because the first time you get on a bus to go to the park is usually SO exciting!

My excitement picked up a bit when we got up to the park and saw how empty it looked. There was absolutely NO line for security bag check. Just before the entrance, there was a photopass photographer who offered to take a pic with our camera too.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0034.jpg

Now in that picture it looks like there were people at the turnstiles but I always look to see if other turnstiles are open because most people just follow the crowd. Lo and behold, just to the right - no one!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0035.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0036.jpg

Brook, do you see the stand with the maps and times guide just inside the turnstiles?

Just after we got in, we took another photopass pic (CD hasn't been ordered yet so we'll have to wait for those...) and then I texted Stephanie to tell her we were there. She wrote back saying to meet at the margarita stand and that the first round was on her!

We practically skipped down there, excited to be hearing the music and soaking up the sun, stopping to take a pic of how empty it all was!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0037.jpg

Look at this poor photopass photographer all by himself! No time to stop though! Straight to Mexico!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0038.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0039.jpg

As we turned the corner past Mexico, I spotted Stephanie right away with her pink Mickey ears headband! We said our hellos and chatted for a minute before ordering our margaritas. I looked only at the "menu" sign that was outside and noticed that only lime and strawberry margaritas were listed. BUMMER!! On our last trip, I became totally obsessed with the mango 'ritas so I was quite disappointed. I didn't really know if I wanted strawberry or lime so Tom and I got one of each and shared.

Our next stop was Germany because we had been talking about getting a pretzel for days! Stephanie and I sat and chatted with our drinks while Tom went and got the pretzel. When he came back, it was quite obvious that this was NOT the pretzel we had been hoping for. It was just a dry, regular pretzel and it was not delicious at all! Such a disappointment. At the time, we thought that Germany had done away with their special pretzels and were just selling the regular ones that you can get anywhere else in the park. Booooo!

This is the only picture I took during that disappointing snack time. I didn't even take a picture of the pretzel! I think it was just so exciting to have a friend with us that we kind of neglected the camera for a little while!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0040.jpg

After finishing our margaritas, we made our way to Morocco. A cousin of mine, who had honeymooned in Disney World a few months ago, came back raving about a frozen drink for Morocco, which I had never even heard of before! So I was determined to try that next. It was called a Moroccorita! It had vodka, lemon and lime juice and triple sec. Tom got a beer and Stephanie (I think) got the daquiri with rum and strawberry and orange blossom water. (That was from the menus I just found on google.)

This was the beer Tom got.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0041.jpg

And pics of our drinks!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0042.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0045.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0046.jpg

Mine was very sweet - almost candy-like, which is good but can be a little much after a while. As we were drinking, we spotted Marie in France, all by herself!

She chatted with us for a minute...

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0047.jpg


Then we posed for a pic...

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0050.jpg


We then continued our way around and decided we'd stop by Test Track and see if we can get a FP. Now at 2:00 in the summer, chances are your return time will be for much later in the day, if you can even get one at all. So imagine my surprise when we go there and saw there was only a 20 minute posted wait time! Wooo Hooo!!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/IMG_0556.jpg


Imagine my FURTHER surprise when we go in, and there's actually NO line at all!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0052.jpg

It was fantastic!


We had a great ride in the front row and even came up with a really funny pose idea. You'll see when I get the photopass cd!

[dvc4life]

Wow. What an empty park. How lucky were you for that. I can't even imagine what a good time that was.

[IheartDDuck]

WOW! That park was completely empty! That's what I love about going during the time of year you were there. Just so few people. *sigh* Just makes things so nice.

No mango 'rita and no yum yum pretzel?! Sacrilege!

[anjalee6]

This looked like the perfect time to go to Disney. That's when I want to go....Epcot like that is my dream. Maybe I will make my next trip February. Oh wait...I chose July instead! Lol. Well, Disney crowded in the summer is better than no Disney, right? We have been in July many times so I have the park touring down, but looking at Epcot like that makes me seriously want to book a mid-winter trip!

[Tinkerbellie16]

Epcot looks so empty! It makes me nervous for our family trip in July :scared1: Hot and crowded. But I love your July 4th TR so I know it will be a good time :thumbsup2

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Wow. What an empty park. How lucky were you for that. I can't even imagine what a good time that was.

That was definitely the emptiest we've seen it. The crowds picked up later in the trip.

WOW! That park was completely empty! That's what I love about going during the time of year you were there. Just so few people. *sigh* Just makes things so nice.

No mango 'rita and no yum yum pretzel?! Sacrilege!

Yes! That's exactly what we thought! Two disappointments in a row! But that wasn't the last we'll hear about either.........

This looked like the perfect time to go to Disney. That's when I want to go....Epcot like that is my dream. Maybe I will make my next trip February. Oh wait...I chose July instead! Lol. Well, Disney crowded in the summer is better than no Disney, right? We have been in July many times so I have the park touring down, but looking at Epcot like that makes me seriously want to book a mid-winter trip!

It was very odd, especially considering out last trip was the first weekend of Food and Wine so World Showcase looked like a completely different place. I personally love Disney in the summer. Who cares, right?!


Epcot looks so empty! It makes me nervous for our family trip in July :scared1: Hot and crowded. But I love your July 4th TR so I know it will be a good time :thumbsup2

No, don't be scared! It's great in the summer!

[PopArtGal]

Here I am.

Taking a break from doing report cards hehe

[PopArtGal]

I can get to ME with my eyes closed too ;)

Did they change the coffee makers in the room?

[Native NYer]

Epcot is so empty!
Your drinks look delish.
I may have to visit during early Feb. next year.

[ronnmel]

Wow! As much as I like the idea of walking-on on rides, I also like the energy of a crowded park. Where was the picture of Tom showing the (lack of) crowd? Was it the area behind the Fountain of Nation? It looks so different without people, I barely recognized it!

How were the margaritas? The lime one is the one I tried last August and I found it way too strong.

[stasijane]

I am with almost everyone else, that empty park looks AMAZING!! Its going to be a long 27 days before I get myself a margarita :goodvibes

[Zuzu03]

Wow! I LOVE Epcot with no crowds!!! Looks like it was perfect weather too!

[PopArtGal]

Wow! As much as I like the idea of walking-on on rides, I also like the energy of a crowded park. Where was the picture of Tom showing the (lack of) crowd? Was it the area behind the Fountain of Nation? It looks so different without people, I barely recognized it!

How were the margaritas? The lime one is the one I tried last August and I found it way too strong.

Isn't it strong? My mom said she could get drunk from the smell lol

[Queenofallthings]

Nothing better than an empty park and when you throw in a 'rita.....:cloud9: Looks like a great start to your first park day!

[jenseib]

Just wanted to chime in and say that I know most people don't read the comments, just the updates (I'm totally guilty of that) but I DID pretty much confirm the most correct guesses of the meaning behind the title so if you want to know, you'll have to go back and find that! Or just wait and see...... :goodvibes

Well I have read all the post and I'm still not sure.. :lmao:

Fun times with Stephanie!!! I am so jealous. I love the empty park too. I want to go NOW!!!!

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Here I am.

Taking a break from doing report cards hehe

I can get to ME with my eyes closed too ;)

Did they change the coffee makers in the room?

Yay! Oh I was doing report cards hard core before the trip. I'm not sure about the coffee makers - we've never used it.

Epcot is so empty!
Your drinks look delish.
I may have to visit during early Feb. next year.

Drinks are always more delish in Epcot! ;)

Wow! As much as I like the idea of walking-on on rides, I also like the energy of a crowded park. Where was the picture of Tom showing the (lack of) crowd? Was it the area behind the Fountain of Nation? It looks so different without people, I barely recognized it!

How were the margaritas? The lime one is the one I tried last August and I found it way too strong.

I agree Mel - it was kind of eerie almost! Yeah, that pic was in that wide open area behind the Fountain of Nations, you can see the monorail track in the background that might help with perspective a little.

The margaritas are soooooooo good! They are strong but I honestly think they don't even use tequilla, I'm pretty sure it's grain alcohol.

I am with almost everyone else, that empty park looks AMAZING!! Its going to be a long 27 days before I get myself a margarita :goodvibes

Oh 27 days is not far away at all! You'll have that margarita in no time!

Wow! I LOVE Epcot with no crowds!!! Looks like it was perfect weather too!

The weather really was just perfect! I got a little cold at night and in the mornings but that's just me. Most people were fine in t-shirts and shorts while I was shivering in my sweatshirt!

Isn't it strong? My mom said she could get drunk from the smell lol

Hahaha! I definitely start to feel it after the first one but then I just level out somehow!

Nothing better than an empty park and when you throw in a 'rita.....:cloud9: Looks like a great start to your first park day!

It was definitely a perfect start to the trip!

Well I have read all the post and I'm still not sure.. :lmao:

Fun times with Stephanie!!! I am so jealous. I love the empty park too. I want to go NOW!!!!

Haha!! Don't worry - you'll find out soon. We really had a great time that day. Would have been more fun if you and some of the other girls were there too!

[Nermel9]

OMG. I would do anything to go to an empty Epcot! That's like, my dream come true! :banana: It was almost that empty when we went in November in 09, but not quite!

Sorry you weren't feeling so well, there's just something about travel day that sometimes makes you feel crappy. :( Hope your 'rita helped! :thumbsup2

Looks like you guys were having a lot of fun meeting up with Stephanie! :cool1:

[stasijane]

Oh 27 days is not far away at all! You'll have that margarita in no time!


I know I am so excited I can hardly contain myself! :cool1:

[Tracy161]

Cannot believe how empty Epoct was!!! :thumbsup2 Sorry to hear you started your time there feeling not so great! :sad2: Can't wait to read more! :goodvibes

[Shannon84]

Wow EPCOT looks incredibly empty!!! that is one park I think would be so much fun to explore when empty!

[beachgirl2000]

I love your trip reports! I just subscribed! :thumbsup2

And I cannot wait to hear about Wilderness Lodge -- I am thinking that we may try there next. :woohoo:

[stephielela]

I could really use one of those margaritas about now... :goodvibes

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

OMG. I would do anything to go to an empty Epcot! That's like, my dream come true! :banana: It was almost that empty when we went in November in 09, but not quite!

Sorry you weren't feeling so well, there's just something about travel day that sometimes makes you feel crappy. :( Hope your 'rita helped! :thumbsup2

Looks like you guys were having a lot of fun meeting up with Stephanie! :cool1:

It was pretty empty but believe it or not, we've seen it like that before ON the 4th of July in the morning because it was raining. It was eerily empty! It wasn't like that the whole trip - just that day.

I know I am so excited I can hardly contain myself! :cool1:

:goodvibes

Cannot believe how empty Epoct was!!! :thumbsup2 Sorry to hear you started your time there feeling not so great! :sad2: Can't wait to read more! :goodvibes

Yeah this was not the best trip was far as health...the issues didn't end that day unfortunately....

Wow EPCOT looks incredibly empty!!! that is one park I think would be so much fun to explore when empty!



I love your trip reports! I just subscribed! :thumbsup2

And I cannot wait to hear about Wilderness Lodge -- I am thinking that we may try there next. :woohoo:

Glad you joined!! You have GOT to try the Wilderness Lodge! It's my favorite, for sure! So peaceful and beautiful!

I could really use one of those margaritas about now... :goodvibes

Haha! Oh me too!

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Day 1 Wednesday February 1, 2012

So after our ride on Test Track with NO wait, we decided to see if we would have the same luck on Soarin'.

I must have mentioned it in my past TRs but MAN that hike up to The Land pavilion is a killer! Especially after a few drinks! :rotfl:

I don't remember exactly what the wait time was (I think from my notes it was 40 mins) but it was longer than we wanted to wait so we got FPs. Again, couldn't believe how empty the FP area was!! Normally in the summer, this area is a total disaster and it always makes me nervous to try to get to a machine without being stuck behind a tour guide with a stack of tickets two-inches thick. So a picture was warranted....

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0053.jpg

So what do you do when you just got FPs for Soarin and don't want to leave yet because you think about how much energy it took to get up that damn hill? Ride Living with the Land, of course!

Now there was NO line whatsoever for this ride but there were people going to it, if that makes sense. So it was very funny with the CM handed the red card to Stephanie!!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0054.jpg

She had it in her hands for literally less than 30 seconds!

After our brief stay in Future World, it was back to World Showcase! This time we started on the right going counterclockwise. I think I must've stopped in the UK bathroom because before I knew, when I got to a bench, Tom had a beer, chips and a water, which the CM at the Fish and Chips stand gave him for free! It was in a cup with a straw so I'm sure it was just tap but still, it was nice.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0056.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0057.jpg

At this point, I was not feeling well. I think Stephanie got a drink too and I chugged the water (all of it!) while we shared the delicious chips! Those things are SOOOO good!

Having had all that water, I felt it was safe to get another drink so while we passed France, I stopped and got a Grey Goose slushie! Stephanie got one too and Tom got a wine from....I don't even know where!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0058.jpg

Sorry, don't have a pic of the slushies for some reason! :confused3

As we rounded Mexico again, I took a closer look at the menu - NOT the one outside but the one behind the counter and lo and behold, there was the mango!! I was soooo happy! It was such a disappointment to have only lime and strawberry to choose from so even though we were about to head back to The Land to ride Soarin' I just HAD to have that mango 'rita!

BUT WAIT! There's MORE!

Not only did they have the mango but they then asked if I would like a shot of pomegranate liquor. But of course!! They put it on the bottom of the cup then add the frozen 'rita and it makes this awesome design!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0059.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0060.jpg



Stephanie got a fiesta 'rita, also with the pomegranate.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0061.jpg


We made it about halfway up the GIANT hill to The Land pavilion and someone had the brilliant idea to stop and rest. (Haha! I know it's ridiculous! I guess it's not THAT bad, I'm just really lazy!) I think the real reason we stopped was because we weren't finished with our drinks - either that or our FP time wasn't up yet. Either way, it was really nice to sit and watch people coming and going from The Land and it was also a nice time to chat a little.


Here's a pic I took from where we were sitting...

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0063.jpg


We made our way in and in no time were watching Patrick tell us about staying safe! Oh man...I love Patrick!

But before he came on....our feet.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/IMG_0558.jpg


"Nice work, pal!"

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/IMG_0561.jpg


The ride was amazing and surprisingly, there were no narrators this time. You know what I mean - the people who feel the need to comment on every scene they see, usually mentioning New York City at some point.....

When the ride ended, we grabbed our things out of the compartment under our seats and I heard a loud CLUNK! Tom had the camera bag and it was either not zippered or the zipper got snagged as he was putting it in/taking it out. Regardless, the cluck was the sound of the very large, very expensive camera falling out of the bag and hitting the floor. I actually stayed pretty calm and just grabbed it to take a look and make sure it was okay. As we were walking out, I took some shots to test it.


http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0067.jpg

Working just fine! :thumbsup2


After Soarin', it was BACK to World Showcase. We still had a bit of time to kill before our 7:45 ADR at La Hacienda so what were we to do? Get more drinks, of course!

Actually before we did that, we stopped in the store at the entrance to World Showcase for some Duffy clothes shopping. My sister had called me to tell me she heard about the "3 outfits for $30" deal and to see if I could pick some up for Emma's Duffy - or as she calls him "Tuffy!" She wanted the sailor, Germany and Italy. There was much confusion because I couldn't tell if the France outfit was supposed to be France and Italy because it kind of looked like it could be a gondolier's outfit but the helpful CMs showed me the doll of Mickey dressed in an Italy outfit and that was NOT it! They told us to look at MouseGear and I'm actually glad I didn't get back to it until a few days later because by the time I did, a new outfit had come out! A Mousketeer outfit and that was too cute not to get!

Anyway.........clockwise around World Showcase we went. I must've gotten a 'rita but there are no pictures so I can't be sure. Actually it's possible that I didn't get a drink at all because my head still didn't feel great. WAIT, now I remember. I got a coffee! I was hoping the coffee would help fix my headache once and for all! I also think this might have been the point where we stopped and got a picture with Duffy. I know we got a pic with him at some point, just not sure when. This might have been it.

By the time we got to Italy, Stephanie's new drink of choice was a Peach Bellini.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/IMG_0563.jpg

We had a seat in Italy and Tom went off to get who knows what! But imagine my surprise when he came back with a Red Stag Lemonade!!

This was especially exciting because it was sold in America at the drink stand but as an extra just for the Food and Wine Festival! It even came in the F&W size! Not sure why it was still available...maybe they thought it was popular enough to keep year-round. Either way, I was thrilled!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/IMG_0564.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0071.jpg


As you can see, it was starting to get dark by this point but we still had a ways to go before our ADR. That kind of freaked me out because, again, usually when I go in the summer, it doesn't get dark until minutes before Illuminations starts and then everything closes. So that fact that it was getting chilly and it was getting dark with everything still open was almost disorienting to me!

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

We kept moving on from Italy and we must have been getting tired because we stopped again to sit in America. We were sitting on a ledge under a tree and just chatted for a while. Suddenly, a leaf fell off the tree and landed PERFECTLY in my drink! It was the weirdest thing. We actually heard it fall into the cup and what are the odds that it would land exactly there?!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0072.jpg


This is my, "What the heck?!" face.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0073.jpg


Rounding the UK, Tom stopped inside the Rose and Crown to get one of his favorite beers - Boddingtons.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0080.jpg


By the time we came around to Mexico again, it still wasn't quite time for our ADR and Stephanie expressed interest in getting a pic with a large hat. You don't have to ask me twice!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0084.jpg


After our pic, we headed across the way to La Hacienda. It was pretty weird to be in a place so familiar and it be all new. (Did that make sense?) I mean, I have been enjoying the Mexico Pavilion for years and now I'm there with this totally new place! It was very pretty inside and we only had to wait a minute or two before being seated.

It doesn't look like Tom has a Boddingtons in his cup so I'm pretty sure he stopped and got ANOTHER beer somewhere!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0085.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0088.jpg

At this point, I was really not feeling well at all. My leg/butt was still killing me and my stomach wasn't great, which was probably a result of the headache I've had all day. But I've had the Queso Fundido on my to-do list since I first read the menu of this new restaurant!

Just for a back story, Queso Fundido was my dish of choice at San Angel Inn when I was younger. The last time I had it was in 2003. When Tom and I went in 2006, I was soooo upset that it was no longer on the menu. Cut to years later when the menu for La Hacienda is first released and it was like a dream come true!

So Stephanie and I both ordered that and Tom ordered the tacos trio - all from the appetizers. To be honest with you, the prices for the entrees were very high. And get this - while we were waiting, we saw chips and salsa being brought to some tables so I asked our waitress if we could have some. She said they were $4.50! What a rip! But we got them anyway....

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0090.jpg

Pretty soon our meals arrived. Oooooh, cheesy goodness!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0091.jpg

This dish at San Angel had a layer of chorizo under the cheese which I was expecting with this but see that little sprinkle of chorizo on top? That was it! I didn't think it was going to be enough but it was so flavorful, you only needed a little bit. Oh by the way, it came with flour tortillas so you could scoop the cheese in and roll it up. So delicious! But it was VERY filling and, as I said, my stomach wasn't the greatest as it was so I only had a little bit.


Here was Tom's tacos. It was pork, chicken and....something else.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0092.jpg


Tom ate his tacos all up and then proceeded to take little nibbles of my cheese!! Stephanie and I kept warning him he's going to regret it later!! It was the kind of thing that tasted SOOOO good but you knew if you ate too much of it, it could be bad! :lmao: Tom was a little drunk to understand that at the time so we tried to warn him!

We finished our meals with plenty of time to spare before Illuminations. The original plan was to maybe watch Illuminations from the restaurant but as soon as we sat, that plan was out the window. We were seated on the opposite wall.

So what do we do with time to spare before Illuminations? Walk around World Showcase of course! YES, that makes FOUR times around World Showcase that day. I felt like I could throw up any second and couldn't BELIEVE when Tom said with certainty that he was getting a funnel cake!

So we walked with pretty much no stops until we got the America for this beauty!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0093.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0094.jpg

And then we kept walking.... We pretty much made it all the way around by the time Illuminations started. We were close to the Promenade Refreshments stand, if you know what I mean. I was happy with this spot because I was glad to make a quick exit after the show. SOooooo unlike me, right?! I'm usually the hang around, take the long way out, kind of person but all I wanted was to go to bed. Remember, I hadn't slept much the night before at all and was on my way to the airport by 5:30am that morning.....

Illuminations was AMAZING, as always! It's my absolute favorite and I'm pretty sure I teared up a bit! Despite having just walked until the show started, we had a great spot just behind one row of people against the railing and they even bent down so I attempted to take many pictures. Here's on that came out semi-okay....

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0107.jpg


As soon as the show was over, we headed out and my reasoning for taking the long was out was confirmed. It kind of stunk to be in the herds of exiting guests but I was trying to enjoy the last few minutes we had with Stephanie before saying goodbye.

We made a quick stop at the lockers on the way out. I had NEVER been in there before so I had to take a picture, of course!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0117.jpg


We continued our looooong walk to the buses and parted ways to find our respective bus stops.


Despite not being at my best, it was sooooooo much fun hanging out with Stephanie and getting to know her better. And what better place to do that than Epcot!!!!! I hope to see her again on another Disney trip VERY soon! I might have to insist that she align her travel with ours from now on!


Up Next: Uh-Oh - Will I ever sleep again?! and Wild Africa Trek

[Tinkerbellie16]

I am really surprised you were able to make it to Illuminations with your headache and stomachache. Of course, now I'm wondering if you got any sleep. I'm hoping you did!! Can't wait to hear about the trek!!

I read about the red stag lemonade being on fife & drum's permanent menu. I'm so excited! My DH loves red stag so he'll enjoy having another drink to try (because we can't find ANYTHING yummy at Epcot :lmao:)

[PopArtGal]

Seems like a fun day. But I can understand how your body was starting to complain.

[IheartDDuck]

I'm glad that they had the Mango 'Rita at the other location! And how awesome that they put the pomegranate shot in it to make it pretty.

I love queso fundido, and I would also be disappointed if it only had that amount of chorizo on it. But, if it was flavorful, then I guess it's okay.

I'm sorry about the headache and generally not feeling well. Good job making it through the day though. I don't know if I would have been able to.

[beachgirl2000]

Stephanie and I kept warning him he's going to regret it later!! It was the kind of thing that tasted SOOOO good but you knew if you ate too much of it, it could be bad! :lmao: Tom was a little drunk to understand that at the time so we tried to warn him!




HAHAHAHAHA -- Been there/done that!!!!!! :rotfl2:

What in the world is on top of the funnel cake -- at first I thought it was cheese and then butter (gag) but I am guessing ice cream? OMG! Beer and ice cream! :lmao:

[DisneyCrafter]

DH and I always stop at various QS locations to get ice water, they always give it for free. :) I think we bought 1 bottle of water our entire trip last year.

I give you credit for trucking through and consuming alcohol with a headache/stomachache. You still looked so happy. :)

[disneybarbie]

Hi Nikki, looked like a really fun evening in Epcot - perfect start to your trip :goodvibes

That margerita you had looked so pretty.. I'll have to look out for it in August or October this year!


Emma princess: x

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

I am really surprised you were able to make it to Illuminations with your headache and stomachache. Of course, now I'm wondering if you got any sleep. I'm hoping you did!! Can't wait to hear about the trek!!

I read about the red stag lemonade being on fife & drum's permanent menu. I'm so excited! My DH loves red stag so he'll enjoy having another drink to try (because we can't find ANYTHING yummy at Epcot :lmao:)

My ailments weren't actually THAT bad but they were just THERE, if you know what I mean. I think it helped to have so many distractions. If I was home doing nothing it probably would've been worse.

Seems like a fun day. But I can understand how your body was starting to complain.

It was really fun, despite the sickness.

I'm glad that they had the Mango 'Rita at the other location! And how awesome that they put the pomegranate shot in it to make it pretty.

I love queso fundido, and I would also be disappointed if it only had that amount of chorizo on it. But, if it was flavorful, then I guess it's okay.

I'm sorry about the headache and generally not feeling well. Good job making it through the day though. I don't know if I would have been able to.

That rita was the best surprise! It made me so happy! Hahaha!

Stephanie and I kept warning him he's going to regret it later!! It was the kind of thing that tasted SOOOO good but you knew if you ate too much of it, it could be bad! :lmao: Tom was a little drunk to understand that at the time so we tried to warn him!


HAHAHAHAHA -- Been there/done that!!!!!! :rotfl2:

What in the world is on top of the funnel cake -- at first I thought it was cheese and then butter (gag) but I am guessing ice cream? OMG! Beer and ice cream! :lmao:

Hahaha! It's ice cream on that funnel cake but it totally looks like butter!

DH and I always stop at various QS locations to get ice water, they always give it for free. :) I think we bought 1 bottle of water our entire trip last year.

I give you credit for trucking through and consuming alcohol with a headache/stomachache. You still looked so happy. :)

I never thought to get water from a QS location. It was great! I'll definitely be doing it again!

Hi Nikki, looked like a really fun evening in Epcot - perfect start to your trip :goodvibes

That margerita you had looked so pretty.. I'll have to look out for it in August or October this year!

Emma princess: x

It was a great day/night!! The pomegranate shot made it look sooo pretty and it made it taste great too! :thumbsup2

[ortholablady]

Hi Nikki! Looks like fun so far despite how you were feeling! I started my TR too (barely). Things have been a little crazy. My father decided to move from NY to NC while I was away. Kind of a long story. My mom passed away in May and Dad hasn't been dealing with it well. But I've been left to go through all their personal stuff and it took forever. I will get an update in there soon. Is there an easier way to post pics without going back and forth to photobucket for every one? I took alot and it seems like there must be an easier way.

[Nermel9]

OMG I hope we are in Disney at the same time sometimes, you and Tom look like you would be SO much fun to go around the World Showcase with! :banana:

Ugh, I'm with you on the hill before the Land being obnoxiously long and steep...it always seems like such a long walk to get there from anywhere in the park, and then you have that loooong hill!:scared1:

Yay for your mango 'rita! And the pomegranate liquor added sounds awesome! And it's so pretty! I don't really like frozen 'ritas, but I might have to try one of those in May!

I love to just wander around and take the long way out after Illuminations, it's so nice once it clears out, and I love soaking up every bit of Epcot that I can! :cool1:

[SRUAlmn]

I love it! You two tour like us! A lot of snacking and drinking with a few rides thrown in here and there :thumbsup2 Can't wait to read more :goodvibes


Oh, PS, as a fellow teacher....SOOO jealous that you were able to go during a season that wasn't either PACKED or HOT! ;)

[Zuzu03]

Your first day looked like so much fun!!!! I love that you got your Mango'rita!!! I haven't tried that yet, but may just have to in April! :goodvibes And I'm jonesing for those chips right now!!! Yum!!!!! :thumbsup2

[anjalee6]

I'm totally jealous that you are able to drink that much at Disney. With our little ones, that just isn't possible anymore. I will live through you as you drink around the world. :laughing:

[Tinkerbellie16]

I'm totally jealous that you are able to drink that much at Disney. With our little ones, that just isn't possible anymore. I will live through you as you drink around the world. :laughing:

As a mother of two, I can tell you it is possible :lmao:

[anjalee6]

As a mother of two, I can tell you it is possible :lmao:


That is hilarious! Maybe I need some pointers. I am out of practice when it comes to multitasking. :rotfl2:

[ronnmel]

Such a fun night! You seemed to have made the best of it despite not feeling great. :thumbsup2

[jenseib]

I think I would've been falling down giggley drunk with all those drinks. :rotfl:
I'm not so young anymore. And Tom can really pack the food in...my kind of guy...except how does he stay so skinny?

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Hi Nikki! Looks like fun so far despite how you were feeling! I started my TR too (barely). Things have been a little crazy. My father decided to move from NY to NC while I was away. Kind of a long story. My mom passed away in May and Dad hasn't been dealing with it well. But I've been left to go through all their personal stuff and it took forever. I will get an update in there soon. Is there an easier way to post pics without going back and forth to photobucket for every one? I took a lot and it seems like there must be an easier way.

Oof, sounds like you are going through a lot! I keep photobucket open in a separate window and yes, I do just go back and forth. I'll have to find your TR!!

OMG I hope we are in Disney at the same time sometimes, you and Tom look like you would be SO much fun to go around the World Showcase with! :banana:

Ugh, I'm with you on the hill before the Land being obnoxiously long and steep...it always seems like such a long walk to get there from anywhere in the park, and then you have that loooong hill!:scared1:

Yay for your mango 'rita! And the pomegranate liquor added sounds awesome! And it's so pretty! I don't really like frozen 'ritas, but I might have to try one of those in May!

I love to just wander around and take the long way out after Illuminations, it's so nice once it clears out, and I love soaking up every bit of Epcot that I can! :cool1:

It would be so fun if we were there at the same time! Ugh that hill!!

You really should try the mango rita. It might be my favorite thing ever!

I love it! You two tour like us! A lot of snacking and drinking with a few rides thrown in here and there :thumbsup2 Can't wait to read more :goodvibes

Oh, PS, as a fellow teacher....SOOO jealous that you were able to go during a season that wasn't either PACKED or HOT! ;)

Snacking and drinking is the best way to do it!! Hahaha! I am really lucky I was able to take those personal days. Like you, most of my trips have been in summer.

Your first day looked like so much fun!!!! I love that you got your Mango'rita!!! I haven't tried that yet, but may just have to in April! :goodvibes And I'm jonesing for those chips right now!!! Yum!!!!! :thumbsup2

We really did have a great first day. You MUST try the mango 'rita! It's magical.

I'm totally jealous that you are able to drink that much at Disney. With our little ones, that just isn't possible anymore. I will live through you as you drink around the world. :laughing:

As a mother of two, I can tell you it is possible :lmao:


That is hilarious! Maybe I need some pointers. I am out of practice when it comes to multitasking. :rotfl2:


Hahaha!! We know full well that when we have children, our touring style will change drastically. But I will NOT completely eliminate the 'ritas!

Such a fun night! You seemed to have made the best of it despite not feeling great. :thumbsup2

Yeah it really was a shame I wasn't at my prime but I wasn't feeling TOO too bad.

I think I would've been falling down giggley drunk with all those drinks. :rotfl:
I'm not so young anymore. And Tom can really pack the food in...my kind of guy...except how does he stay so skinny?

First of all, as much as he'd love the compliment, Tom would not consider himself skinny! He's gained 30 pounds since our wedding 2 years ago!! We both hide our chubby parts really well! Haha!

Keep in mind, we spaced those drinks out over like 9 hours! Tom was a little drunker than I've normally seen him in Epcot but not smashed. :lmao:

[hlrababy]

I'm here girl!! A little late, but here! :)

[stasijane]

Hey! I'm glad to hear about the reg stag lemonade. I didn't get to try it during the food and wine festival last year and was pretty bummed. I gota say though, thats how I love to tour Epcot too!!:thumbsup2

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

I'm here girl!! A little late, but here! :)


Hey Heather! I'm glad you're here....you're not too late!


Hey! I'm glad to hear about the reg stag lemonade. I didn't get to try it during the food and wine festival last year and was pretty bummed. I gota say though, thats how I love to tour Epcot too!!:thumbsup2

Oh you definitely have to try it on your next trip!

[Zuzu03]

Excuse my ignorance, but what is Red Stag? I feel stupid, but I have no idea what it is and neither does DH - like he says, as much as he's experimented with alcohol, he's still in the shallow end of the pool! hahahahaha! And I'm still in the kiddie pool!

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Excuse my ignorance, but what is Red Stag? I feel stupid, but I have no idea what it is and neither does DH - like he says, as much as he's experimented with alcohol, he's still in the shallow end of the pool! hahahahaha! And I'm still in the kiddie pool!

Actually, I don't really know! It's Jim Bean, I know that. All I know is that the drink is frozen and tastes like lemonade. :goodvibes

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Day 2 Thursday February 2, 2012

Well let's back track a little to the night before....

To recap, I hadn't slept much the night before and we were on our way to the airport by 5:30am.

On top of that, I wasn't feeling my best on arrival day so by the tie dinner rolled around, as much as I was thrilled to be in Epcot and happy to be hanging out with Stephanie, I couldn't wait to get into bed!

So we get back to the room and I put in a wake up call for 6am. Why so early? We were doing the Wild Africa Trek the next morning at had to BE at AK by 7:45am.

So I turn on the tv and sit on my heating pad to try to relieve some of the sciatica pain. I remember closing my eyes and starting to drift off so I got up and unplugged the heating pad because I didn't want to fall asleep with it on.

But when I got back in bed, I couldn't fall asleep!!! AGAIN, my head was spinning, my heart was racing...I was having another freakin' anxiety attack like I did on my last trip!

Again, it's when I have to be up early for something the next morning. I just couldn't understand it though because I hadn't really slept the night before so how could it be that I'm up AGAIN! It didn't bother me as much as it did the first time it happened on our last trip because at least this time I knew what it was. I just kind of did the best I could and I think I did end up sleeping a little bit off and on but I know that by the time it was 5:30, I just got out of bed because it wasn't worth trying anymore....

Here are some pics I took that morning from the balcony...

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/IMG_0565.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0121.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0123.jpg

Then I took a shower and went back out to take some pics of the sunrise...

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0125.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0126.jpg

Fortunately, my headache and nausea was completely gone so that was good! I just felt all weird from lack of sleep. Surprisingly, I didn't feel tired at all, just....weird. And scared because....what the hell? All of a sudden, I have anxiety? Not cool.

Anyway, we were up and ready and on our way out by around 7. The sun still wasn't fully up yet!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0128.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0130.jpg

When we got to AK, it was EMPTY!

Security bag check...

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0132.jpg

When I walked through with my hipster, the security guy actually said, "Ah, first Vera of the day!" :lmao:

After we went through bag check, we king of hung around in front of the turnstiles because they weren't letting anyone in yet....

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0133.jpg

Seriously, NO ONE was there!

While we were waiting, a castmember came out to check us in for our tour. She went through all the rules and terms and conditions, had us sign a waiver, checked our addresses and advised us to use the bathroom one more time because we wouldn’t have the chance to again in a while! They also checked to make sure we were all wearing closed-toed shoes. One woman had sandals on and they assured her that they would find her a pair of sneakers, which they did!

Once we were all checked in, we were told to enter through the turnstiles and meet up again in Africa. On the way in, I stopped for a quick picture on the bridge to Africa with Expedition Everest in the background!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0134.jpg

Once we all met up again near the Dawa Bar in Africa, we were whisked through a gate and led just short way down to the area where they set us up with our gear!!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0136.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0138.jpg

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

This is also where we met our guides. We went around to the back of this hut where we found our lockers. We were told we could only bring what we could carry and any cameras either had to be strapped to the wrist or worn around the neck. Everything else would have to be stowed.


After we locked our belongings away, we were weighed (completely privately) and given our vests. The guides were so great about gearing us up, I honestly don’t even remember everything they did! There were straps going around the top of each leg and the vest itself was quite heavy. We were also given water bottles, which we were told to fill from the water cooler. The last thing we were given was an earpiece so that we could hear our guides talk about what we were seeing as we walked.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0139.jpg

We were then led to a practice bridge so we could get a feel for what the rope bridges on the tour would be like. If we could make it across this without any trouble, we would be fine.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0140.jpg

After going over the practice bridge, we were given some Jungle Juice.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0141.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0142.jpg

While we drank our juice, the three guides came over and officially introduced themselves. One would be speaking, one would be taking pictures and one was following along to learn from the others, which they often do. It was also at this point that they reminded us that they would be taking pictures throughout the tour and we would receive a disc of all the photos included in the price of the tour.

We walked back up to the Dawa Bar and before entering Africa, we stopped for a couple of group shots.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/Wild%20Africa%20Trek/WildAfricaTrek-001.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/Wild%20Africa%20Trek/WildAfricaTrek-002.jpg


We were told to do an animal shot. Everyone went with some sort of tiger or something....I went monkey!


http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/Wild%20Africa%20Trek/WildAfricaTrek-003.jpg

We walked through the actual park itself for just a few minutes, starting in Africa and going into the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail where we passed a few animals and walked through the aviary, all the while the guide was giving us information on what animals we were seeing.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/Wild%20Africa%20Trek/WildAfricaTrek-005.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/Wild%20Africa%20Trek/WildAfricaTrek-007.jpg

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http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/Wild%20Africa%20Trek/WildAfricaTrek-014.jpg

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Up to this point, we were seeing all things that could be seen by any park guest but before I knew it, we had veered into the forest and were walking through a wooded trail. When we emerged into a clearing, we were joined by a man who was there to tell us about the hippos. At this point, we were also hooking ourselves in so that we could stand on the edge of the hippo enclosure without any wall or fence in front of us.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0144.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/Wild%20Africa%20Trek/WildAfricaTrek-023.jpg

The hippo was laying very peacefully for a few minutes while the guide told us a little about their behaviors.

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After a few minutes, he threw a head of lettuce close to the hippo. At first it seemed like he didn’t care but slowly, he lifted his head and pulled himself up to have his snack. After he ate the lettuce he meandered over to where we were standing. It seemed all very routine to the hippo!

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More please!

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After our visit with the hippos, it was back through the woods until we came to another clearing where we encountered the first of a series of rope bridges. Now they said if we could cross the practice bridge in the beginning, the rest of the bridges would not be a problem. Well these bridges were a HUGE difference! First of all, they were a lot longer, which made them way shakier. They were also very high off of the ground and the planks seemed very far apart at times. They were very cool looking, though!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0155.jpg

The guide with the camera crossed first and also served as the example for what we were to do in order for the other guide to get us strapped in.

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We crossed one at a time and once each person was a good length down, the guide would tell the next person to go.

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Looking down…..

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Just has I was crossing, this giant bird swooped down and perched right next to me. I froze and slowly pulled up my camera to get this shot. I love that you can see another guest crossing the next bridge.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0160.jpg

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Here is the first bridge after I crossed it. More birds had joined the first!

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The path for the Safari ride also went under that bridge so it was very cool to see the trucks coming through as we were crossing.

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Then we crossed the second bridge.

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And then onto the third bridge. They were all in a row so you would go from one bridge to a platform then right onto the next bridge without even having to unhook and rehook back in.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/Wild%20Africa%20Trek/WildAfricaTrek-059.jpg


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There were alligators under this bridge!

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There was a forth guide stationed at this final platform taking all our pictures as we came in. I love this silly shot she took of our three guides once they all crossed!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/Wild%20Africa%20Trek/WildAfricaTrek-082.jpg


After we unhooked from the rope bridges, we stopped to look at and talk about the alligators for a while.

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After that, we took one last picture with our gear on and were all happy when we were told we could take it all off! I didn’t realize how heavy it was until I took it off and felt so much better!

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

We were then whisked onto a private truck and drove out into the safari! We were on a similar route as the safari ride but we took our time looking at each group of animals and would occasionally pull off to the side so we had more time to talk about and look at the animals. They also provided us with binoculars!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0179.jpg

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Aside from the awesomeness of seeing the animals, it was pretty cool to have the safari ride vehicles going by and waving to us as if we were somebody special!

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I should note that all of these pictures were either taken with my camera by my husband and me or by the guide.

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At some point, we were directed to look at this structure in the middle of the savannah and that’s when we were told that that is where we would be stopping for an African inspired snack!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0182.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/Wild%20Africa%20Trek/WildAfricaTrek-096.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/Wild%20Africa%20Trek/WildAfricaTrek-098.jpg

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

When we arrived at the hut, we couldn’t believe how beautiful and amazing everything was. It’s one thing to be in the middle of the savannah in a ride vehicle but there’s something about not having a cover over your head and being able to stand up and walk around that made it so incredible.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0222.jpg

The guides then explained the different foods that we would find in our individual tins.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0223.jpg


There were tables and chairs set up in the shade but I found a comfy chair in the sun right up against the railing and was told that we could pull up another chair and have our snack right there!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0224.jpg

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More Jungle Juice! YUM!

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http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/Wild%20Africa%20Trek/WildAfricaTrek-108.jpg

Now, I am a very picky eater and normally wouldn’t try a thing that was in this tin but since it was a special occasion, I actually went to try to salmon!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0245.jpg

It was okay but I still with the fresh fruit and pita bread mostly.



After eating, we had time to just look around and soak it all in. Mostly we saw the giraffes. They were literally right there, walking by the hut we were in.


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http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0254.jpg

There was a walkway that went around to the back.

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Looking back to the main hut…

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0261.jpg

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

After we all used the facilities, it was time to go. One last look at our snack venue as we drove away.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0262.jpg

There was still more of the animals to see so we continued to drive through the savannah.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/Wild%20Africa%20Trek/WildAfricaTrek-120.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0274.jpg

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As we were pulling back into our final destination, we were given some information about Disney’s Conservation Fund. We try to donate a few dollars every time we go to Animal Kingdom so we were thrilled to hear that a portion of our tour cost was going directly to the animal of our choice.

We were led to a Survivor-style box where we were to choose a rock and put it with the animal we chose. We could pick between big cats, elephants, or rhinos. Tom and I both chose the rhinos for different reasons. I figured everyone would pick the big cats or elephant and didn’t want the rhinos to get left out. Tom heard that rhinos put out fires.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0285.jpg

After choosing which animal to donate to, we were led back to the lockers where we got all of our things together.

Here we are with our three guides.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0286.jpg

And here is the whole group!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/Wild%20Africa%20Trek/WildAfricaTrek-127.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/Wild%20Africa%20Trek/WildAfricaTrek-128.jpg

Overall, the tour was just about three hours. By the time we got into all our gear, practiced our rope bridge and got moving, it was 8:20. The walking portion was until around 9:30, when we started driving around the savannah. Our snack and time at the hut was about 45 minutes and then we finished up around 11:00.

[disneybarbie]

:goodvibes WOW... the Wild Africa Safari Trek looks amazing!! I only skimmed through your photos, because I'm hoping to book this for our trip in October... but I am even more excited about it now :cloud9: ... would you recommend doing the 7.45am one, or would a later one be ok too?


Emma princess: x

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

:goodvibes WOW... the Wild Africa Safari Trek looks amazing!! I only skimmed through your photos, because I'm hoping to book this for our trip in October... but I am even more excited about it now :cloud9: ... would you recommend doing the 7.45am one, or would a later one be ok too?


Emma princess: x

If you don't think waking up that early would be a problem, I would say do the early one but I don't think it makes much of a difference what time you do it. What's the weather like in October? Still pretty hot? If you were doing it in the summer, I'd say definitely do the early one because it might get too hot later in the morning....

[IheartDDuck]

Oh man, that stinks that you had an anxiety attack. That's no way to start an early day for sure. I'm glad that it subsided though and you were able to go on and have a good morning.


First off, love the picture where you're all animals. I saw yours, and immediately I'm like "MONKEY!"

The Wild Africa Trek looks amazing. Definitely going to have to be on my list of things to try at WDW.

[ronnmel]

I LOVE your review of the Trek! Great pictures, and it makes me want to do it even more! I think my favorite part would be the suspended bridges. :D

Not being able to sleep sucks, but at least you got to see a sunrise.

[Aristocath]

That tour looks amazing! I'm putting it on the list of possibilities for our next trip.

Really enjoying your trip report!

[PopArtGal]

The jungle trek looks amazing!

[Nermel9]

Oh no, another anxiety attack?? :hug: That's so strange that you have them in Disney. :( Well, at least you got some amazing pictures of my WL, the sunrise is beautiful! :thumbsup2

The Trek looks like so much fun! That makes me nervous that they have to weigh you though. Is there a weight limit? I know there is for the Epcot Segway tour.

Crossing the rope bridges looks crazy, I'd love that!! And all the animals and the hut where you had your snack...I'm definitely going to consider this tour for a future trip! Thanks for such a detailed review! :cool1:

[jecskc]

The trek looks amazing. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. This is something I know that my DH would love to do. He always balks at the cost of things like this, but I know if he reads you account of it he would so love it. I will have to check the age limit to see if we could take the kids. Loved your update. So awesome. Sorry about your anxiety attack. I hope you got some rest later on in your trip.

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Oh man, that stinks that you had an anxiety attack. That's no way to start an early day for sure. I'm glad that it subsided though and you were able to go on and have a good morning.


First off, love the picture where you're all animals. I saw yours, and immediately I'm like "MONKEY!"

The Wild Africa Trek looks amazing. Definitely going to have to be on my list of things to try at WDW.

Haha! Glad you picked up on my "monkey" impersonation! I like to be different, if you haven't figured that out yet! :lmao:

I LOVE your review of the Trek! Great pictures, and it makes me want to do it even more! I think my favorite part would be the suspended bridges. :D

Not being able to sleep sucks, but at least you got to see a sunrise.

The bridges were really fun! Definitely make you feel like you were being adventurous!

That tour looks amazing! I'm putting it on the list of possibilities for our next trip.

Really enjoying your trip report!

Definitely think about doing it! It was such a great experience!

The jungle trek looks amazing!

Do it!

Oh no, another anxiety attack?? :hug: That's so strange that you have them in Disney. :( Well, at least you got some amazing pictures of my WL, the sunrise is beautiful! :thumbsup2

The Trek looks like so much fun! That makes me nervous that they have to weigh you though. Is there a weight limit? I know there is for the Epcot Segway tour.

Crossing the rope bridges looks crazy, I'd love that!! And all the animals and the hut where you had your snack...I'm definitely going to consider this tour for a future trip! Thanks for such a detailed review! :cool1:

The anxiety attack was so strange for many reasons but honestly I think now that it happened once, it's even more "in my head" because I know it can happen and that almost causes it to happen...if that makes sense.

Okay, they weight you in total privacy and in fact, they don't even tell you they are weighing you! They kind of distract you while asking you to stand here and I was like, "You're weighing me, aren't you?" And she was like, "No, we're just doing a gravity check!" or something like that. I don't think there is a weight limit...I think it has to do with your gear.

The trek looks amazing. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. This is something I know that my DH would love to do. He always balks at the cost of things like this, but I know if he reads you account of it he would so love it. I will have to check the age limit to see if we could take the kids. Loved your update. So awesome. Sorry about your anxiety attack. I hope you got some rest later on in your trip.

It was quite expensive, I have to admit but I think it was worth it. I'm pretty sure the age limit is 8.

[dara00]

wow, I'd never heard of the trek before. it looks really fun, something more than the regular Animal Kingdom experience. I think it's too expensive for me, but maybe someday!

[Zuzu03]

AWESOME update!!! So sorry about your anxiety attack, that sounds horrible and scary. :( But what beautiful shots of the resort early in the morning - there is definately something magical about watching and documenting the resort waking up for the day! And WOW!!!! The Trek looks phenomenal! I have to try to schedule this for one of our trips with DD, she would LOVE it!!!! I love that you can do something different now at WDW beyond the typical park stuff. Your pictures are gorgeous, definately frameworthy!!! :goodvibes

[SRUAlmn]

I don't think there is a weight limit...I think it has to do with your gear.



It was quite expensive, I have to admit but I think it was worth it. I'm pretty sure the age limit is 8.

I went on Allears because I thought this looked so cool, and I saw that there is a weight limit! I guess they have to weigh everyone (even if you obviously look to weigh less than that) because what are you going to do? Single someone out and weigh them and embarrass them? You know? Here is the list of restrictions:
There are a number of restrictions associated with this tour. Participants must:
-- Wear closed-toe shoes with a backstrap, or hiking boots. Skirts/dresses are not recommended.
-- Weigh at least 45 pounds and no more than 310 pounds.
-- Be at least 48 inches tall.
-- Be at least 8 years old.
-- Be in general good health, and ambulatory, with sufficient stamina. Pregnant women should not attempt the Trek.


Oh, as for the anxiety. I get that way when I know I need to be up for something that is out of the norm. I don't know if it comes from teaching and knowing that you HAVE to be there at a certain time or what. If there's a teacher work day or something that involves getting up at a different time, I check my alarm like 20 times and have a hard time falling asleep, worrying that my alarm won't go off or that it wasn't set correctly. Funny enough too, I always end up waking up right before the alarm goes off! ;)

[stasijane]

The trek looked like a greak way to get a different view of the animals, and the pictures they took were incredible! :thumbsup2

[ortholablady]

Wow the trek looks awesome! And maybe a little scary going over those rope bridges. But I will definitely be adding it to my to do list.

[jenseib]

Great morning Nikki!!! I love your review ot the African Trek. I would love to do this in Nov....but Claire will be 1 month shy of 8 then. I guess I could call and ask...but my guess is they will say no.
So was the food OK. I hear from others it is good, but it does look wierd to me. ;)
I have a lot of sleep issues at Disney too. The night before our cruise, I think I slept a total of 2 hours. As long as I keep moving, I'm OK, but stopping and sitting makes me sleepy.

[Queenofallthings]

What an amazing morning! I definitely think this is something we need to look into in the future! Looks like a great time! Love all the pictures too and how great that you had a photographer along !:thumbsup2

[Native NYer]

The trek looks AMAZING!

[dvc4life]

That safari trek looks like it was a lot of fun. And your photos are excellent. So many nice shots of you and Tom while doing the trek.

[disny_luvr]

Wow! The Trek looks amazing. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us. I love your sunrise pics of WL too. What a beautiful resort.

[Tinkerbellie16]

I had no idea the trek was THAT cool! Those foot bridges are so neat. It looks fantastic and I'm glad you enjoyed it even with the anxiety attack the night before.

I started getting anxiety attacks as I got older (well, not THAT old - mid to late 20s). I take Xanex for them and it really helps. It just mellows me out (no, the plane is not going down in a ball of flames) and let's me fall asleep (if I want, they don't force me asleep).

[anjalee6]

So sorry about the anxiety,but the trek looks so fun! Didn't know it involved all of that. Glad you had fun.

[beachgirl2000]

Another anxiety attack? It sounds like you get them when you are overtired and stressed! Ugh! At least you still had a great day! I love your pictures. Thanks for sharing. Have you ever stayed at AKL? It looks a whole lot like WL. I think you would love it! It was the most amazing place!:yay:

[tinkerbell60]

I love your review of the Wild Africa Trek - maybe someday - but between my fear of heights, and birds (if one landed near me I would freak) I am not sure that I would make it. Amazing pictures!!!!

So sorry about your anxiety attacks. That is no fun! Maybe you need to avoid those early morning activities ( easier said than done). I have trouble sleeping when I know I have to get up early, which should be fun with our 6am flight this summer.

[Tracy161]

Your pictures of the Trek are amazing!!! Sounds like, despite the rough time you had the night before, you didn't let it stop you from having a blast! It looked like SO much fun!!!!!! :goodvibes

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

wow, I'd never heard of the trek before. it looks really fun, something more than the regular Animal Kingdom experience. I think it's too expensive for me, but maybe someday!

That's exactly why we wanted to do it - to have a different experience than the regular AK....it is kind of expensive though!

AWESOME update!!! So sorry about your anxiety attack, that sounds horrible and scary. :( But what beautiful shots of the resort early in the morning - there is definately something magical about watching and documenting the resort waking up for the day! And WOW!!!! The Trek looks phenomenal! I have to try to schedule this for one of our trips with DD, she would LOVE it!!!! I love that you can do something different now at WDW beyond the typical park stuff. Your pictures are gorgeous, definately frameworthy!!! :goodvibes

It really was nice being up that early. First morning in WDW is always awesome, even if you haven't slept the night before.....

I went on Allears because I thought this looked so cool, and I saw that there is a weight limit! I guess they have to weigh everyone (even if you obviously look to weigh less than that) because what are you going to do? Single someone out and weigh them and embarrass them? You know? Here is the list of restrictions:
There are a number of restrictions associated with this tour. Participants must:
-- Wear closed-toe shoes with a backstrap, or hiking boots. Skirts/dresses are not recommended.
-- Weigh at least 45 pounds and no more than 310 pounds.
-- Be at least 48 inches tall.
-- Be at least 8 years old.
-- Be in general good health, and ambulatory, with sufficient stamina. Pregnant women should not attempt the Trek.


Oh, as for the anxiety. I get that way when I know I need to be up for something that is out of the norm. I don't know if it comes from teaching and knowing that you HAVE to be there at a certain time or what. If there's a teacher work day or something that involves getting up at a different time, I check my alarm like 20 times and have a hard time falling asleep, worrying that my alarm won't go off or that it wasn't set correctly. Funny enough too, I always end up waking up right before the alarm goes off! ;)

Good to know! Thanks for looking into that info.

It really sucks being this much of a spaz! Haha!

The trek looked like a greak way to get a different view of the animals, and the pictures they took were incredible! :thumbsup2

Thanks! It really was amazing

Wow the trek looks awesome! And maybe a little scary going over those rope bridges. But I will definitely be adding it to my to do list.

It was maybe a little scary but mostly fun!


Great morning Nikki!!! I love your review ot the African Trek. I would love to do this in Nov....but Claire will be 1 month shy of 8 then. I guess I could call and ask...but my guess is they will say no.
So was the food OK. I hear from others it is good, but it does look wierd to me. ;)
I have a lot of sleep issues at Disney too. The night before our cruise, I think I slept a total of 2 hours. As long as I keep moving, I'm OK, but stopping and sitting makes me sleepy.

Thanks Jen! Definitely put it on your list to do with Claire...if not this trip, the next one!

Ugh, the sleep issues are the worst!

What an amazing morning! I definitely think this is something we need to look into in the future! Looks like a great time! Love all the pictures too and how great that you had a photographer along !:thumbsup2

Definitely look into it! It was so much fun. And having the phtoographer included was a great bonus!

The trek looks AMAZING!


:thumbsup2

That safari trek looks like it was a lot of fun. And your photos are excellent. So many nice shots of you and Tom while doing the trek.

I am in LOVE with the pictures we got during the trek!

Wow! The Trek looks amazing. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us. I love your sunrise pics of WL too. What a beautiful resort.

WL is my absolute favorite!

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

I had no idea the trek was THAT cool! Those foot bridges are so neat. It looks fantastic and I'm glad you enjoyed it even with the anxiety attack the night before.

I started getting anxiety attacks as I got older (well, not THAT old - mid to late 20s). I take Xanex for them and it really helps. It just mellows me out (no, the plane is not going down in a ball of flames) and let's me fall asleep (if I want, they don't force me asleep).

The rope bridges were really fun. Hmm, Xanex? I guess I should mention it to my doctor. I would love to have been able to take something just relax my mind and be able to sleep.

So sorry about the anxiety,but the trek looks so fun! Didn't know it involved all of that. Glad you had fun.

Yeah, the trek was really awesome! I'm so glad we did it.

Another anxiety attack? It sounds like you get them when you are overtired and stressed! Ugh! At least you still had a great day! I love your pictures. Thanks for sharing. Have you ever stayed at AKL? It looks a whole lot like WL. I think you would love it! It was the most amazing place!:yay:

Yep, overtired and stressed. I guess I should talk to the doctor about that. The good thing is, I really don't let it affect my day! I've never stayed at AKL but I think it is similar to WL.

I love your review of the Wild Africa Trek - maybe someday - but between my fear of heights, and birds (if one landed near me I would freak) I am not sure that I would make it. Amazing pictures!!!!

So sorry about your anxiety attacks. That is no fun! Maybe you need to avoid those early morning activities ( easier said than done). I have trouble sleeping when I know I have to get up early, which should be fun with our 6am flight this summer.

Yeah I'm not sure if this Trek is for someone who is seriously afraid of heights. I mean, I'm afraid of falling from a great height but you are really not going anywhere! :lmao:

Your pictures of the Trek are amazing!!! Sounds like, despite the rough time you had the night before, you didn't let it stop you from having a blast! It looked like SO much fun!!!!!! :goodvibes

It really was so much fun! Glad I was able to enjoy it after a restless night!

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Day 2 - Thursday February 2, 2012

So after our amazing Africa Trek, we had planned to spend the rest of the morning/afternoon "doing" the rest of Animal Kingdom.

First stop was the Royal Anandapur Tea Co. for a frozen cappuccino! YUM!

On our way there, we passed by this amazing musician who no one seemed to even notice!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/th_IMG_0569.jpg (http://s1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_0569.mp4)


http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0288.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0289.jpg

Tom wanted a little snack so he picked an egg roll.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0291.jpg

We were both a little our of sort with having gotten up so early and me not having had much sleep at all. We walked over by Everest and although there was not a long line at all, we just weren't feeling it. As we came over the bridge, they were letting people into Nemo. Normally in the summer, the line for Nemo stretches all the way to Dinoland and you have to get on it at least 30 mins in advance. Soooo, we took this opportunity to jump in and see the show!

It was great but probably not the best thing for the type of mood we were in. In fact, there was really nothing that seemed to fit the mood we were in so after we got out of the show, we decided to hit up Dinosaur (because we CAN'T miss that) and then headed back to the WL.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0296.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0304.jpg

I wasn't thrilled with the decision to leave AK, especially since we hadn't been able to go there at all on our last trip but it was just the right thing to do.

I guess the plan was the "nap" but I'm not really a napper AND when we got to our room, Mousekeeping was there!

So since it was lunch time, we decided to go get something to eat at Whispering Canyon.

There was no wait at all. Since we had a big dinner planned for the night, we just got some apps to split.

Pork Spring Rolls (Sooooo good!)

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0313.jpg


Chips and queso (Good but not fantastic)

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0317.jpg





The whole time I'm eating, I just know that I'm not going to be able to take a nap and now it's more in my head that there's something wrong with me for not being tired.



So after lunch, after stopping to enjoy the lobby for a few, we went back up to our room and laid down and watched some Stacey for a while.


http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0318.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0323.jpg

It felt very strange to me to be "resting" when it was only day two and it was the middle of the day. I didn't like it. I knew it was probably good for me but I just didn't like doing it at all. And as I predicted, I did not even come close to falling asleep.


Sorry for such a short update. But Tom just got home with the fixings for guac so I have to make it right now!!! :)

[Tracy161]

It doesn't help that I'm super hungry right now... but the frozen cappucinno and spring rolls look heavenly!!! :cloud9:

[SRUAlmn]

I love the Anandapur Tea Company! I've never had the frozen cappuccino, I always get the frozen chai (which is A-MAZING!) The only problem is the paper straw falling apart so it's basically always frozen paper chai ;) I'll have to try the cappuccino next time, looks good!

We have also had days on a couple of our trips where we felt the way you did. One time was our one year anniversary trip and it had POURED non stop for our first two days. We're normally pretty go with the flow, but it was rough. So we got food from the carry out place at the Grand Floridian, went back to our room, had a little in-room picnic and watched Princess Diaries. We could see a little bit of the tops of Wishes from our room too! We still remember it as one of the best times we've had in Disney :thumbsup2 Funny how things can look better in hind sight :goodvibes

[Grumpy's Wife]

It's not fun to be out of sorts at Disney. I feel like my time is limited and I must be doing something the whole time.

I love the Mickey tattoo on your foot. :thumbsup2

[dolfinjuls]

I don't think I've commented yet? I was sure I did! I've been reading along!

The Africa Trek looks amazing!!! One day... I'm sorry you had another anxiety attack, I know you want to take advantage of every Disney minute you can.

[Tinkerbellie16]

I love the Mickey tattoo on your foot. :thumbsup2

I second this!!!!

[Mindy5767]

I'm here I'm here!! :banana: I starting reading when you were on the first page... and then I got behind and just read all 12 pages!! wooo! :eek:

Gee, I can't believe you were able to drink all those yummy drinks feeling as poorly as you did! I'm amazed! :worship:

My favorite is the Mango-rita too! I'm so glad that you got to meet Stephanie.... I can't wait to someday meet both of you! I was showing Henry your TR and informing him of the beers that Tom got that Henry has not had.. and now he has to try them...Morocco and the one he got inside the Rose & Crown. Henry usually gets some really dark German beer or Guinness. :drinking1:drinking1

I think that wild Africa Trek looks awesome! What a great experience...but the early hour gives me pause. We're not very good about getting up in the early morning, plus, how long did you have to wait for a potty? My blood pressure pill makes me have to pee all morning! :sad2: Its too bad about the anxiety attacks at Disney :confused3 I'm the opposite. When I was first diagnosed with high blood pressure, the doctor had me checking it several times a day, so I took the thing to Disney with me...and magically, :wizard: as soon as I got there, my numbers went to normal.. and my conclusion was that I'm supposed to live at WDW :cool1:

By the way, I have that same EPCOT hoodie! I bought it like 5 years ago or so. I now have that frozen Cappuccino on MY to try list! :woohoo:

[Nermel9]

I love the Tea Company, I think I got the same thing in December, a frozen cappuccino! I was so tired from being sick, I thought it would wake me up!

Ugh, I know exactly how you guys were feeling...you're tired, but you don't want to waste your Disney time resting! That's the worst!

I'm not good with napping either, I can do maybe 20 minutes, that's IF I can fall asleep, but after that, I'm done. Brandon, however, can sleep for hours, it's so aggravating in Disney...I just want to rest for a little while and get going again, and he wants to like, sleep! :rotfl:

PS-I started my May PTR, stop by when you have a second! :)

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

It doesn't help that I'm super hungry right now... but the frozen cappucinno and spring rolls look heavenly!!! :cloud9:

Oh it's delicious!!

I love the Anandapur Tea Company! I've never had the frozen cappuccino, I always get the frozen chai (which is A-MAZING!) The only problem is the paper straw falling apart so it's basically always frozen paper chai ;) I'll have to try the cappuccino next time, looks good!

We have also had days on a couple of our trips where we felt the way you did. One time was our one year anniversary trip and it had POURED non stop for our first two days. We're normally pretty go with the flow, but it was rough. So we got food from the carry out place at the Grand Floridian, went back to our room, had a little in-room picnic and watched Princess Diaries. We could see a little bit of the tops of Wishes from our room too! We still remember it as one of the best times we've had in Disney :thumbsup2 Funny how things can look better in hind sight :goodvibes

Ugh, that paper straw is the worst!! It's kind of a tradition to get the frozen cappuccino from Anandapur.

It's not fun to be out of sorts at Disney. I feel like my time is limited and I must be doing something the whole time.

I love the Mickey tattoo on your foot. :thumbsup2

Exactly.....it was a very odd feeling! And thanks! I LOVE it too!

I don't think I've commented yet? I was sure I did! I've been reading along!

The Africa Trek looks amazing!!! One day... I'm sorry you had another anxiety attack, I know you want to take advantage of every Disney minute you can.

Glad you've been reading along!!

I second this!!!!

Thanks! :)

I'm here I'm here!! :banana: I starting reading when you were on the first page... and then I got behind and just read all 12 pages!! wooo! :eek:

Gee, I can't believe you were able to drink all those yummy drinks feeling as poorly as you did! I'm amazed! :worship:

My favorite is the Mango-rita too! I'm so glad that you got to meet Stephanie.... I can't wait to someday meet both of you! I was showing Henry your TR and informing him of the beers that Tom got that Henry has not had.. and now he has to try them...Morocco and the one he got inside the Rose & Crown. Henry usually gets some really dark German beer or Guinness. :drinking1:drinking1

I think that wild Africa Trek looks awesome! What a great experience...but the early hour gives me pause. We're not very good about getting up in the early morning, plus, how long did you have to wait for a potty? My blood pressure pill makes me have to pee all morning! :sad2: Its too bad about the anxiety attacks at Disney :confused3 I'm the opposite. When I was first diagnosed with high blood pressure, the doctor had me checking it several times a day, so I took the thing to Disney with me...and magically, :wizard: as soon as I got there, my numbers went to normal.. and my conclusion was that I'm supposed to live at WDW :cool1:

By the way, I have that same EPCOT hoodie! I bought it like 5 years ago or so. I now have that frozen Cappuccino on MY to try list! :woohoo:

Thanks Mindy!


I love the Tea Company, I think I got the same thing in December, a frozen cappuccino! I was so tired from being sick, I thought it would wake me up!

Ugh, I know exactly how you guys were feeling...you're tired, but you don't want to waste your Disney time resting! That's the worst!

I'm not good with napping either, I can do maybe 20 minutes, that's IF I can fall asleep, but after that, I'm done. Brandon, however, can sleep for hours, it's so aggravating in Disney...I just want to rest for a little while and get going again, and he wants to like, sleep! :rotfl:

PS-I started my May PTR, stop by when you have a second! :)


Exactly...no time to waste!

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Finally uploaded the photopass pics!! Here are a few from what we've I've written about so far.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/Photopass/Photo0007FourBySix.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/Photopass/Photo0013FourBySix.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/Photopass/Photo0016FourBySix.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/Photopass/Photo0023FourBySix.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/Photopass/Photo0024FourBySix.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/Photopass/Photo0029FourBySix.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/Photopass/Photo0033FourBySix.jpg

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Day 2 - Thursday February 2, 2012

So to catch up...this was day 2 and I hadn't been able to sleep the night before, which was odd because I was soooo tired the previous day, as it was travel day and who can sleep the night before travel day?

So after an awesome Africa Trek, I felt very weird.....not tired, and I actually think that freaked me out more than anything because I should have been exhausted!

We spent a few hours just laying down and watching Stacey before getting ready to go to DTD. Dinner tonight was at Raglan Road!


We were on our way around 5pm.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0328.jpg

We did a little shopping at WOD and basically just wandered from store to store. How cute is this shirt!?

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/IMG_0576.jpg


We got to Raglan Road around 6:30 (had a 7pm ADR) and were told we could either sit outside now or take a pager and wait. I was really excited about eating at this restaurant, especially because of the Irish dancers so we chose to wait.

We wandered around the little gift shop and at this point, I was really starting to feel very odd, like I could have a panic attack at any minute. I just couldn't stop thinking about not being able to sleep...but THINKING too much is most likely the problem in the first place. It's such a vicious cycle!! I just remember walking around the gift shop thinking, what if I never sleep again?! I knew that if I tried to sleep at that very moment, I wouldn't be able to. So what to do? Even though I didn't feel right I decided right then and there that BEER would have to be the solution - really what other choice did I have? :lmao:

I'm joking obviously but part of me really thought I just needed to relax so beers it is!

Finally, we were paged and were led to our seats right in the middle of the restaurant!

Tom ordered a Guinness and I ordered a Harp.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0329.jpg

This restaurant was really fun! There was a band playing Irish music and when they took their breaks, two guys and one girl would either take turns dancing on a very small stage right in the middle or they would all dance together on the main stage. It was great!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0331.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0350.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0333.jpg


A little video....

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/th_IMG_0580.jpg (http://s1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_0580.mp4)


For our meals, I got the jerk chicken (app) and a ceasar salad. Both were REALLY good!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0346.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0347.jpg


Tom got Bangers and Mash

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0348.jpg

This was really cute - when one of the men got up to dance, the second man was walking by and saw these kids trying to do the dance so he stopped for a second to show them a few moves!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0357.jpg


In total, I had three beers and I was really feeling better. Most likely because of the music and the food...and the drinks. It definitely kept my mind off of the anxiety. It was probably the perfect place to go that night!

Tom had two more beers after his first Guinness too and they were also Guinness but different kids. Whatever it is that makes the Guinness so "foamy" the second Guinness he got was LESS foamy and the third one was MORE foamy. He was like Goldilocks and the three beers! :rotfl:

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0356.jpg


We also had a good laugh over this beer description. Tom was almost tempted to try it!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0336.jpg


When we left Raglan Road around 9pm, we decided to torture ourselves and walk up the street of Pleasure Island. I can not stress enough how deeply saddened it makes me to see what has become of Pleasure Island. I remember when there was always a party going on, a DJ in the booth, dancers on the stage, people packed into the streets and a band playing on the West End Stage - and most of those memories come from when I was a kid! Luckily, I had a few adult trips where I was able to enjoy it before its demise.

So we wandered up the practically empty street and had to stop at the Adventurer's Club. I loved a lot of places on PI - 8trax, the Jazz Club, the Comedy Warehouse...but the Adventurer's Club was really something special.

So it was really a knife in the chest to see what had become of it.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0371.jpg

The last time we were there, it had been closed for a couple of years but still looked the same. Now to see the signage gone and the front just lined with giant potted plants was heartbreaking.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0365.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0370.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0362.jpg

We stayed a good 15-20 minutes before moving on to the West Side. We made our way to D-Street, were we were soon suckered into a very popular Disney Parks past-time - Vinylmations!

I have NO desire to buy or trade them (I can't stand things that have no purpose) but Tom has bought a few in the past and he likes the store. The ONLY Vinylmation I have is actually a chaser from one of the Park Series a few years ago. It's the Colonel from the Adventurer's Club!!

So while we were in the store, we saw a new line of Vinylmations - Park Starz.

These were unlike any other Vinylmations because they are not the same shape as all the others. That also made them more expensive. I can't remember all of them but most of them were pretty awesome! There was a kid/goat from Small World, Big Al, a Tiki Bird....but the best one was the Bride from Haunted Mansion. Just standing there for a few minutes, we heard a lot of people walking by saying how cool the Bride is. THAT'S the one that everyone wants. One woman had just traded and then bought another one...she was trying for the Bride but got this weird moon thing. It wasn't even in the display case because it was the Chaser. (For those of you who don't know, the "chaser" is like a bonus one that isn't officially part of the series and may or may not even be in the case of them.) This moon looked SOOOOO familiar to me but I just couldn't place it.

So of course, after standing around talking about them for a while, Tom HAD to try for the Bride himself.

The weird thing about these is because they are not all the same size, they also don't weigh the same! So here is Tom shaking them to try to "feel" the Bride!

(Oh and you can sort of see the other ones. Looks like a Yeti, the blue guy from Blizzard Beach, a pirate, some squid?)
http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0378.jpg

He bought it and right away he felt through the package what he had gotten...

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0379.jpg


This is him turning to the girl who showed us her moon and saying..."I got the moon!"

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0380.jpg


Now that he had it, it was killing me that I couldn't place where the moon was from. I asked the CMs behind the counter and most of them were clueless but then this one CM said, "I think it used to be the old Pleasure Island logo or something..."

OF COURSE!!!!

After I had just spent a good 30 minutes lamenting over the demise of Pleasure Island, we now had the logo! And when she asked if we wanted to trade, that's when I said, "We're keeping the moon!"

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/IMG_0583.jpg


I googled him on the way home and he has a name - The Funmiester!

Here's the logo...

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/pleasure_island_logo.gif


So now he appropriately sits next to the Colonel - two past figures of Pleasure Island whom I miss immensely.

So after our little adventure, we decided it was finally time to head to the bus and back to WL.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0383.jpg


Luckily, I slept just find that night! Phew!

[Dreamsdocometrue9112]

Joining in! I just caught up on your TR! The view from your room is amazing! I'm so sorry you experienced an anxiety attack; I bet that put a little damper on your day:confused3But, I saw the next title that you finally slept! yay!

Can't wait to read the rest!

[Dream426]

DH and I love Raglan Road. I always get the beef stew. I love it. I always say I am going to try something new but I never can. I love it too much.

[Tinkerbellie16]

I was able to go to Raglan Road on March 16 one year (alas, not the 17th!) for a conference after-party and it was soooo much fun. My favorite was the Irish dancers!

Oh, it pains me to see what's happened to the Adventurer's Club. I'm going to stay at the Disneyland hotel in a few weeks and I'm excited to go to the bar they have - I've heard they have Adventurer's club decorations and bar stools! :cool1:

[dara00]

wow, I had no idea that Pleasure Island was overgrown / all gone?? and how cool that the moon was the symbol for Pleasure Island. So appropriate for you to keep!

[stasijane]

Are you talking about the Arrogant ******* Ale? How funny, My Boyfriend was just reading me some of their descriptions the other day. It is from Stone Brewery I believe, they have alot of descriptive stuff like that on the bottles.

[tinkerbell60]

How fun that you got the PI logo when you have so many great memories from there!

I LOVE that T-shirt with the balloons!!!


Ashley and I went to the Irish Dance Recital at the school she used to attend today (a good friend of hers still dances there) - fun to come home and read your TR with your Raglan Road day - I think we are going to try it one of our next few trips.

[hjd0411]

Wow Nic, that Trek looks amazing! :thumbsup2 I think I will have to investigate that for October! I like to do at least one thing a bit different whilst I'm there, and I think the Trek might be it for this year!! So - thank you for bringing it to my attention!! :flower3:
So sorry to hear about your anxiety - hopefully you will be able to get it under control soon.
Thanks again for the updates - I look forward to more! :surfweb:

[disneydevil]

Hey Nikki!

I'm loving your TR. My husand & I were down for the 40th & it was PACKED!! I know I'm late joining in, but it was fun reliving our trip!!

We are neighbors, I live in Fanwood!!

I'm surprising my soon to be 12 year old son with a trip, in 10 days. I'm so excited, and he tells me he likes Animal Kingdom better than HS or Epcot. Well too bad, I have ADR's for LeCellier for our first night, which should be exciting since he is a hockey player. BUT...I'm thinking of adding the AK trek for a moring. I hope I can still get it!

Thanks for such a great report!

Terri

[merbobear]

How funny that you guys sort of accidentally ended up with an icon that symbolizes your past with disney! So cool, I'm glad that you didn't get the HM Bride (who is obvi cool in her own respect, but probably doesn't hold nearly as much sentimental value!). Also really glad that you got to sleep that night. I have had anxiety/panic in the past before, and it's not a fun experience, to say the least. I hope that it's not a situation that continues to plague you in the future. :goodvibes

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Joining in! I just caught up on your TR! The view from your room is amazing! I'm so sorry you experienced an anxiety attack; I bet that put a little damper on your day:confused3But, I saw the next title that you finally slept! yay!

Can't wait to read the rest!

Thanks for joining in! Hope you enjoy it!

DH and I love Raglan Road. I always get the beef stew. I love it. I always say I am going to try something new but I never can. I love it too much.

I totally understand that! I rarely try new things!

I was able to go to Raglan Road on March 16 one year (alas, not the 17th!) for a conference after-party and it was soooo much fun. My favorite was the Irish dancers!

Oh, it pains me to see what's happened to the Adventurer's Club. I'm going to stay at the Disneyland hotel in a few weeks and I'm excited to go to the bar they have - I've heard they have Adventurer's club decorations and bar stools! :cool1:

So glad you understand about the AC. It's so sad. Oh you have to take lots of pics. Trader Sam's, I think it's called? I heard they will even make you a Kungaloosh, if you ask!

wow, I had no idea that Pleasure Island was overgrown / all gone?? and how cool that the moon was the symbol for Pleasure Island. So appropriate for you to keep!

Well, it's not really overgrown, the potted plants were placed there. I'm not sure why....I guess to keep you from seeing what's going on inside the building. :confused3

Are you talking about the Arrogant ******* Ale? How funny, My Boyfriend was just reading me some of their descriptions the other day. It is from Stone Brewery I believe, they have alot of descriptive stuff like that on the bottles.

Yes, that's the one! :lmao:

How fun that you got the PI logo when you have so many great memories from there!

I LOVE that T-shirt with the balloons!!!


Ashley and I went to the Irish Dance Recital at the school she used to attend today (a good friend of hers still dances there) - fun to come home and read your TR with your Raglan Road day - I think we are going to try it one of our next few trips.

You should definitely try it! It was great!

Wow Nic, that Trek looks amazing! :thumbsup2 I think I will have to investigate that for October! I like to do at least one thing a bit different whilst I'm there, and I think the Trek might be it for this year!! So - thank you for bringing it to my attention!! :flower3:
So sorry to hear about your anxiety - hopefully you will be able to get it under control soon.
Thanks again for the updates - I look forward to more! :surfweb:

I'm the same way...always looking for one new special thing each trip. You should definitely do it!

Hey Nikki!

I'm loving your TR. My husand & I were down for the 40th & it was PACKED!! I know I'm late joining in, but it was fun reliving our trip!!

We are neighbors, I live in Fanwood!!

I'm surprising my soon to be 12 year old son with a trip, in 10 days. I'm so excited, and he tells me he likes Animal Kingdom better than HS or Epcot. Well too bad, I have ADR's for LeCellier for our first night, which should be exciting since he is a hockey player. BUT...I'm thinking of adding the AK trek for a moring. I hope I can still get it!

Thanks for such a great report!

Terri

Hey neighbor! You should definitely add the trek if you can! I'm sure your son would love it. BTW, what elementary school did you son go to? I teach at School One! :goodvibes

How funny that you guys sort of accidentally ended up with an icon that symbolizes your past with disney! So cool, I'm glad that you didn't get the HM Bride (who is obvi cool in her own respect, but probably doesn't hold nearly as much sentimental value!). Also really glad that you got to sleep that night. I have had anxiety/panic in the past before, and it's not a fun experience, to say the least. I hope that it's not a situation that continues to plague you in the future. :goodvibes

It worked out pretty perfectly! Although, I will tell you...we did try for that bride again later in the trip! ;)

[Tracy161]

Soo relieved to hear that you slept okay that night! I was worried based on the night and your anxiety about it. YAY!!! I'm so happy to hear that background story for the title of your TR! And what a coincident that you were JUST over there and talking about all of that and then got the moon! :rotfl:

[ronnmel]

I dislike almost all folklore music, but for some reason am a huge fan of Irish dancers. So thanks for that little video.

It was very fitting that you got the Pleasure Island logo. I can understand why you kept it!

[jwgm2012]

Loving your TR! My liver hurts just from looking through your first day's adventures, but it's absolutely something I would do too! I love trying new adult beverages! Yay! But ooouucchhh, your friend's sunburn just hurts to look at! Poor girl, glad you had some drinks to help ease the pain! LOL...
Can't wait for the rest!

[Tinkerbellie16]

So glad you understand about the AC. It's so sad. Oh you have to take lots of pics. Trader Sam's, I think it's called? I heard they will even make you a Kungaloosh, if you ask!

SHUT THE FRONT DOOR! I'm so there for a Kungaloosh! :dance3:

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Soo relieved to hear that you slept okay that night! I was worried based on the night and your anxiety about it. YAY!!! I'm so happy to hear that background story for the title of your TR! And what a coincident that you were JUST over there and talking about all of that and then got the moon! :rotfl:

I was VERY worried too but thank GOD, I slept fine. I really think the beer and fun atmosphere was just what I needed to relax.

I dislike almost all folklore music, but for some reason am a huge fan of Irish dancers. So thanks for that little video.

It was very fitting that you got the Pleasure Island logo. I can understand why you kept it!

Isn't it fun? I really liked Raglan Road a lot!

Loving your TR! My liver hurts just from looking through your first day's adventures, but it's absolutely something I would do too! I love trying new adult beverages! Yay! But ooouucchhh, your friend's sunburn just hurts to look at! Poor girl, glad you had some drinks to help ease the pain! LOL...
Can't wait for the rest!

Haha, that's funny! It seems like we drank a lot but it was spread out aaaalllll day.

Oh, I know! Stephanie's sunburn looks really bad in the pictures!

SHUT THE FRONT DOOR! I'm so there for a Kungaloosh! :dance3:

That's what I hear!! I also heard you may have to do the handshake to get it.....

[precious pixie]

I am enjoying your trip report immensely!! Even though my next trip is too far away (10/13) I am excited bc dbf and I will be doing the wild trek tour. It looked like soo much fun!

I am glad you finally got some rest.

Oh, and Guinness beers (at least the original dry stout Guinness) are nitro beers. They are dispensed/bottled using nitrogen (as opposed to carbon dioxide). Nitrogen allows for higher pressure and a beer with less foam and more full velvety taste. The other Guiness beers maybe were blends of nitrogen and carbon dioxide or just carbon dioxide. Cheers :drinking1

[Tinkerbellie16]

That's what I hear!! I also heard you may have to do the handshake to get it.....

Uh-oh. I barely remember it. Isn't some sort of elbow smack and then bring your hand up to your lips like you are drinking something as you say KUNGALOOSH! Can you tell me what it should be??? Thanks!

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Uh-oh. I barely remember it. Isn't some sort of elbow smack and then bring your hand up to your lips like you are drinking something as you say KUNGALOOSH! Can you tell me what it should be??? Thanks!

Hahaha!! Close. No elbow-smack. It starts with a fishy wave at your stomach, then the taking a drink move, then raise your hand in the air like you are pledging something and that's when you say, "Kungaloosh!'

[Nermel9]

Great update!

Awww, poor Pleasure Island. You know, I never got to go there while it was open, in all my Disney trips. :sad1: I remember walking through it during the day with my parents once, but then when I started going back as an adult, it already closed.

I knew that's the Vinyl your TR was named for, yay! :banana: When you started it and people were guessing, and I finally figured out that it was about Vinylmations, I googled moon Vinylmations and that one came up! The Park Starz are really cute, I didn't want to be addicted to Vinyls, but I am! They are pretty useless, though! :rotfl:

Oh, and Raglan Road looks awesome! I have to go there sometime!

[Wonders10]

Hi Nikki!

I'm in desperate need of a Disney fix so I went searching through the trip report forum and started reading yours...it's great!

There's too much for me to comment on since I just read all of your updates up to this point, but I will say that I also share in your pain that PI (Pleasure Island) is no longer there. I did the college program in 2002 and my friends and I made tons of memories hitting the clubs almost every week...my favorite was 8Trax because I thought they had the best dance music.

Looking forward to your next update!

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

I am enjoying your trip report immensely!! Even though my next trip is too far away (10/13) I am excited bc dbf and I will be doing the wild trek tour. It looked like soo much fun!

I am glad you finally got some rest.

Oh, and Guinness beers (at least the original dry stout Guinness) are nitro beers. They are dispensed/bottled using nitrogen (as opposed to carbon dioxide). Nitrogen allows for higher pressure and a beer with less foam and more full velvety taste. The other Guiness beers maybe were blends of nitrogen and carbon dioxide or just carbon dioxide. Cheers :drinking1

Wow, 10/13 is a loooong time to wait! Glad you are doing the Trek too. It was really so much fun!

Yes, you are totally right on with the Guinness thing. You said it waaay better than I could have!

Great update!

Awww, poor Pleasure Island. You know, I never got to go there while it was open, in all my Disney trips. :sad1: I remember walking through it during the day with my parents once, but then when I started going back as an adult, it already closed.

I knew that's the Vinyl your TR was named for, yay! :banana: When you started it and people were guessing, and I finally figured out that it was about Vinylmations, I googled moon Vinylmations and that one came up! The Park Starz are really cute, I didn't want to be addicted to Vinyls, but I am! They are pretty useless, though! :rotfl:

Oh, and Raglan Road looks awesome! I have to go there sometime!

Yes! You were so right about the title!! You should definitely go to Raglan Road, if you can. It was great!

Hi Nikki!

I'm in desperate need of a Disney fix so I went searching through the trip report forum and started reading yours...it's great!

There's too much for me to comment on since I just read all of your updates up to this point, but I will say that I also share in your pain that PI (Pleasure Island) is no longer there. I did the college program in 2002 and my friends and I made tons of memories hitting the clubs almost every week...my favorite was 8Trax because I thought they had the best dance music.

Looking forward to your next update!

Yay!! I'm so glad you are reading and joined in to comment! So glad to you understand the PI disappointment. 8Trax was so much fun!!

[podsnel]

I LOVE the We're keeping the moon story!! :lovestruc That's great!! :banana:

I'm glad you liked Raglan Road- that's one of the restaurants I hope Pods' family will want to visit in November- I think it's a blast! :goodvibes

[dolfinjuls]

Okay...I LOVE the new Photopass borders! I think I'll definitely have to get back there this year now. We were taking a year off. There may be some other reasons I have to go back too!haha

I think I may want to try Raglan Road! Now I have to convince my dh who has no desire to go there!

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

I LOVE the We're keeping the moon story!! :lovestruc That's great!! :banana:

I'm glad you liked Raglan Road- that's one of the restaurants I hope Pods' family will want to visit in November- I think it's a blast! :goodvibes

It really was a great time there!

Okay...I LOVE the new Photopass borders! I think I'll definitely have to get back there this year now. We were taking a year off. There may be some other reasons I have to go back too!haha

I think I may want to try Raglan Road! Now I have to convince my dh who has no desire to go there!

I love the new borders too! Much better than the old ones.

Good luck convincing DH! :thumbsup2

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Just had to say that I started working on the "video" for this trip and I have a feeling it's going to be awesome!! I've only done the first few seconds but they are perfect! And I think the start is always the hardest part so hopefully it will be done soon!

BTW, previous videos are in my sig, if anyone is interested. I don't think I added my last one...woops!

[Zuzu03]

Aaaahhh! NOW I get the "We're keeping the moon!" TR title! :) That's awesome. It makes me really sad too that PI is a ghosttown. We've had many fun nights there dancing and carrying on when we were younger! I miss the Adventurer's Club soooooo much, it was the BEST! :(

Glad you finally were able to relax and sleep, it IS scary when you can't figure out what is going on with your body!

I love your video and your photopass pix! Man, the prices of those beers at RR, though! :scared1: My DH would be grumbling for days about that! hahahaha!

[dolfinjuls]

Can't wait for the new video...you always do a fantastic job!!!

[Tinkerbellie16]

Hahaha!! Close. No elbow-smack. It starts with a fishy wave at your stomach, then the taking a drink move, then raise your hand in the air like you are pledging something and that's when you say, "Kungaloosh!'

OH! I totally remember it now! Thank you!

[jeremysdisneymom]

Joining in! It looks like you had a great time other than not sleeping the first few days. So glad you finally got some rest.

Wow, the Africa Trek looks like lots of fun. How neat that you just got to sit and relax while enjoying the savanna.

We have never done the vinylmation. My son has never gotten in to that. He is wanting to pin trade this trip so we will see how that goes. Too cool that you got some pieces from PI.

We :love: the WL, too. You had a great view!

:surfweb:Can't wait to read more.

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Aaaahhh! NOW I get the "We're keeping the moon!" TR title! :) That's awesome. It makes me really sad too that PI is a ghosttown. We've had many fun nights there dancing and carrying on when we were younger! I miss the Adventurer's Club soooooo much, it was the BEST! :(

Glad you finally were able to relax and sleep, it IS scary when you can't figure out what is going on with your body!

I love your video and your photopass pix! Man, the prices of those beers at RR, though! :scared1: My DH would be grumbling for days about that! hahahaha!

So glad you feel the same way about PI and the Adventurer's Club especially. It really was the best.

Yeah...the prices of everything everywhere in WDW really....we are not "spenders" in the real world but we just get what we want when we're on vacation in Disney! :lmao:

Can't wait for the new video...you always do a fantastic job!!!

Thanks! I worked on it a little bit again tonight. It's Movin' Right Along!! ;)

OH! I totally remember it now! Thank you!

You're welcome! :thumbsup2

Joining in! It looks like you had a great time other than not sleeping the first few days. So glad you finally got some rest.

Wow, the Africa Trek looks like lots of fun. How neat that you just got to sit and relax while enjoying the savanna.

We have never done the vinylmation. My son has never gotten in to that. He is wanting to pin trade this trip so we will see how that goes. Too cool that you got some pieces from PI.

We :love: the WL, too. You had a great view!

:surfweb:Can't wait to read more.

The relaxing in the savanna was the BEST!! I'm not really into the Vinylmation thing either but we just got suckered into this one!

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Day 3, Friday February 3, 2012

After finally getting some sleep, I was up early and ready to hit the MK for the first time this trip! I felt like we were very late when we didn't leave our room until about ten to 9am! But surprisingly, we made it to the MK by 9:15!! Gotta love that little boat ride from the WL!

On our way out, I took a pic of the hidden Mickeys outside our door.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0389.jpg


Walking path to the boat....

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0391.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0392.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0393.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0395.jpg


Poor Tom! I feel like every time I went through bag check and turned around, he was stuck with some wacky security guy who took forever!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0397.jpg


It felt great to walk under the train station and emerge onto Main Street USA! It was overcast that morning and although it hadn't rained, the streets were totally wet. This was something we noticed pretty much every morning and I realized that they must wash down the streets every night but I just never noticed it before because we usually go when it's crazy hot out so the water dries up before the park opens. It's funny the things you pick up on!

I stopped to take a picture in front of the Fire Station for my parents. My dad is a fireman. Has been for about 30 years. PLUS, I just downloaded this awesome app called "postagram" that allows you to send personalized postcards with your own pictures and text for 99 cents!! How awesome is that? So I sent them a postcard with this picture!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/IMG_0584.jpg


Once we got onto Main Street, we were just in time for the trolley and welcome song!! I love this so much!!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0399.jpg


I was seriously tearing up and Tom went to look in the Emporium real quick while I watched. Here's some video....

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/th_IMG_0585.jpg (http://s1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_0585.mp4)

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/th_IMG_0588.jpg (http://s1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_0588.mp4)



Our next stop was the Main Street Bakery!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0401.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0402.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0403.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0407.jpg


And by the end of that visit to the bakery....

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0409.jpg


Yeah...we both cleaned our plates!

After breakfast, we stopped for a few photopass pics.

First a little farther away from the castle...

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/Photopass/Photo0045FourBySix.jpg


Then we moved to a photopass in the hub. The guy we had was great. He had us sitting and standing and even took a few with our camera.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0412.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/Photopass/Photo0050FourBySix.jpg

We then walked through the castle with intentions to check out the progress in Fantasyland.


HOLY CRANE!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/IMG_0590.jpg

Seriously, this thing was massive! I've never seen such a big crane in my life!

So we hung around here for a while taking pictures, trying out our new zoom lens and just enjoying the atmosphere! (See how wet the ground is? Did NOT rain!)


http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/IMG_0589.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0430.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0432.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0420.jpg


The zoom lens was awesome, by the way!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0447.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0450.jpg


When we were done taking pictures, we decided to say goodbye to Snow White's Scary Adventures and ride it one last time. I'm not terribly sad to see it go but I am kind of nostalgic for original rides so it will be a bit upsetting. I'm very excited for the 7 drawfs mine train though!

After riding, we got FPs for Peter Pan and made our way to the Haunted Mansion!


I think they must water down the roofs too because as we walked under the bridge between Fantasyland and Liberty Square, so much water was coming down, it was like it was raining! But just in that one spot. It was very odd!

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

(Cont. from previous post...)

When we got to the Haunted Mansion, we decided to go through the new queue, as we had only ever seen it in the dark. We walked through fairly quickly and by the time we go to the spot where the two lines merged, it was pretty clear that the other side had the longer line!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0454.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/IMG_0591.jpg


HM was awesome, as always!

We stopped to take some near the exit.


http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0458.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0465.jpg

And we switched to the zoom lens again to get a good pic of Toad in the pet cemetery.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0464.jpg


Our next stop was the Tiki room. Haven't done this since the "Under OLD Management" refurb!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0467.jpg


This show was really fun! It's funny because I know this song word for word but it wasn't until I was watching them that I realized the 4 birds in the beginning are all different nationalities! Love it!

After Tiki, we walked back to ride Pan with of FP. We stopped to take a picture of the reason there was no MSEP showings the entire time we were there....

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0471.jpg


Pan!!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0472.jpg


I almost didn't make it onto the ride vehicle in time after I took that pic!



We couldn't stay too much longer, as we had a lunch ADR in Epcot but there was one thing we had to do before we left - TTA!!

We walked through Fantasyland on the way and took a few more pics.


http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0473.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0474.jpg


http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/IMG_0594.jpg

I LOVE this picture so much! It was just perfect timing for the train to be going by at just the right moment that we passed the track from the TTA! So glad Tom had the camera ready to capture it!


http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0487.jpg

Also from TTA...


http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0493.jpg


We stopped for a few more pics of the castle on the way out....


http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0494.jpg


http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/Photopass/Photo0054FourBySix.jpg


We walked out and headed to the monorail. We were just about to walk up the ramp when I remembered there is an express monorail from the MK to the TTC. So we turned around and walked all the way back around....only to see that this was closed. Bummer!! That was something I noticed about this winter trip too. A lot of things were only half opened.

But eventually we did get to the TTC and transferred to the Epcot monorail.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0503.jpg

And we were on our way to Epcot!


http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0504.jpg



Via Napoli and a great afternoon in Epcot!

[Nermel9]

Don't you just love the boat ride to MK?

We always notice that MK is wet in the morning! And Fantasyland is wet no matter what time of day it is, it's so weird, Brandon always comments on it when we're there! I wonder why it's like that?

I love your Photopass pics, the new borders are adorable! I wasn't planning on getting the CD for our May trip, but now I think I have to! :)

Wow, the zoom on your camera is crazy!!! :worship:

[dolfinjuls]

Awesome pics of the Fantasyland construction!!! Can't wait to see it...especially the 7 dwarfs coaster!

[dara00]

I agree, the photo of the train is great!

[ronnmel]

Wilderness Lodge has always the one resort I say I have no interest in ever staying at. Being from the North, and not being a fan of things that remind me of cold and snow, the theme is just not something that appeals to me. But after seeing so many gorgeous pictures, including that walk to the boat, I may end up changing my mind! Of course, the chance of me ever being able to afford a deluxe are very slim, so it's kind of a moot point.

I love the picture of Tom pretending to steer the boat. :rotfl:

My grandpa was a fireman too. He was a captain by the time he retired. :goodvibes

You guys had quite the productive morning. Low crowds are great for that!

[jecskc]

We are eating at Via Napoli in 28 days !! I can't wait to read your review on that.

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Don't you just love the boat ride to MK?

We always notice that MK is wet in the morning! And Fantasyland is wet no matter what time of day it is, it's so weird, Brandon always comments on it when we're there! I wonder why it's like that?

I love your Photopass pics, the new borders are adorable! I wasn't planning on getting the CD for our May trip, but now I think I have to! :)

Wow, the zoom on your camera is crazy!!! :worship:

Yes, the boat ride from WL is awesome! Funny that you guys picked up on the ground always being wet too! In the dead of summer, it really isn't because it's so freaking hot! Definitely get the photopass CD. Soooo worth it!

Awesome pics of the Fantasyland construction!!! Can't wait to see it...especially the 7 dwarfs coaster!

I am really excited for the new FL too! Can't wait. I think I'm most excited for Belle's villiage and the Little Mermaid ride!

I agree, the photo of the train is great!

:thumbsup2

Wilderness Lodge has always the one resort I say I have no interest in ever staying at. Being from the North, and not being a fan of things that remind me of cold and snow, the theme is just not something that appeals to me. But after seeing so many gorgeous pictures, including that walk to the boat, I may end up changing my mind! Of course, the chance of me ever being able to afford a deluxe are very slim, so it's kind of a moot point.

I love the picture of Tom pretending to steer the boat. :rotfl:

My grandpa was a fireman too. He was a captain by the time he retired. :goodvibes

You guys had quite the productive morning. Low crowds are great for that!

Yes, if you ever find it in your budget to stay at the WL, DO IT! WL is waaaaay cheaper than the other deluxes, btw!

That was Tom doing his best Steamboat Willie impression!

We are eating at Via Napoli in 28 days !! I can't wait to read your review on that.

Oh you are going to loooooove it!

[Zuzu03]

Great update!!!! I love that you're putting these vids in!!!! Yayay!!!! I told DH, "Um, how have we NEVER seen the trolley show in the bazillion times we've been there." He's like, "Because you're all GI Jane and have to run to the rides." Hrumph!

Anyway, that is one HUGE crane! Hahah! crazy! Beasts castle looks A-MAZING! Can't wait until it's all open!!! I know how you feel about the Snow White ride - I'll miss it too, it's too bad they can't keep the original stuff and still add the new! I still miss Mr. Toad's Wild Ride - not that it was so exciting, just for that sentimental value, ya know? Can't wait to hear about Via Napoli!!!

[disny_luvr]

We love the boat ride to/from WL too. It is very relaxing after a busy day in the MK. My boys love the Tiki Room. They've already asked me about seeing it on our upcoming trip. The TTA is one of my favorite rides. I always ride it when I need a break.

[podsnel]

Really, really love that choo-choo pic!:lovestruc

Having a new camera is so fun, isn't it? :banana:

Interesting there was so much stuff closed- I have never been in the winter- not that I wouldn't go in the winter, but I guess I just have gone at other times. Thanks for all the pics of the fantasyland construction- I hope most of it is open in November when we are there for 9 nights! :cool1::woohoo:

[beachgirl2000]

I really enjoy your trip reports. You have a great way of telling a story. I think we may be able to go this October for the food and wine festival again. We are thinking of doing 3 nights on site in Universal and 3 in Disney. I know you love Fort Wilderness but have you ever stayed at Port Orleans?

[jenseib]

Great zoom lens!!! I love mine too. I have gotten some great shots with it. You never realize how great they are till you get one.

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Great update!!!! I love that you're putting these vids in!!!! Yayay!!!! I told DH, "Um, how have we NEVER seen the trolley show in the bazillion times we've been there." He's like, "Because you're all GI Jane and have to run to the rides." Hrumph!

Anyway, that is one HUGE crane! Hahah! crazy! Beasts castle looks A-MAZING! Can't wait until it's all open!!! I know how you feel about the Snow White ride - I'll miss it too, it's too bad they can't keep the original stuff and still add the new! I still miss Mr. Toad's Wild Ride - not that it was so exciting, just for that sentimental value, ya know? Can't wait to hear about Via Napoli!!!

Haha! So glad you like the videos. Oh you HAVE to see that little show! It's so cute!

Beast's castle and Belle's village is going to be awesome! I can't wait until it opens either. I'm so with you on Mr. Toad. I remember the whole "Save Mr. Toad" campaign! Haha!

We love the boat ride to/from WL too. It is very relaxing after a busy day in the MK. My boys love the Tiki Room. They've already asked me about seeing it on our upcoming trip. The TTA is one of my favorite rides. I always ride it when I need a break.

Totally agree about the TTA. It's just the best! And the boat ride to/from WL/MK is just so great!

Really, really love that choo-choo pic!:lovestruc

Having a new camera is so fun, isn't it? :banana:

Interesting there was so much stuff closed- I have never been in the winter- not that I wouldn't go in the winter, but I guess I just have gone at other times. Thanks for all the pics of the fantasyland construction- I hope most of it is open in November when we are there for 9 nights! :cool1::woohoo:

Yeah, it was weird. Like the crowds were obviously much lower but a LOT was closed or half/closed where in the summer, everything is up and running!

I really enjoy your trip reports. You have a great way of telling a story. I think we may be able to go this October for the food and wine festival again. We are thinking of doing 3 nights on site in Universal and 3 in Disney. I know you love Fort Wilderness but have you ever stayed at Port Orleans?

I've stayed at Port Orleans Riverside probably more than any other resort! Check my last TR! It's all about Food and Wine too!

Great zoom lens!!! I love mine too. I have gotten some great shots with it. You never realize how great they are till you get one.

It really is awesome. And we quickly developed a system for changing the lenses in a flash!

[Tracy161]

What a great morning in MK! Ahh... there's nothing like TTA... I could spend countless hours just circling its tracks... :cloud9:

[jeremysdisneymom]

Great pictures from the MK that morning. I think Disney cleans everything in the early morning hours. On our last trip, we found the Boardwalk hosed down every morning. You have to be careful on it if you have crocs. My DS went down one morning. :scared1:

Love the picture of the train from the TTA!

[jenneth79]

Love the pictures of your MK morning! :thumbsup2

We noticed the wet pavement as well on our last trip, makes complete sense what you're saying about it not being hot to dry it out! It was especially wet back in Fantasyland even during evening EMH, I wonder if it has something to do with the construction going on.:confused3

The pictures from TTA are amazing, especially the train.:cloud9:

Looking forward to hearing about Via Napoli.:goodvibes

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

What a great morning in MK! Ahh... there's nothing like TTA... I could spend countless hours just circling its tracks... :cloud9:

I agree! I love that ride!

Great pictures from the MK that morning. I think Disney cleans everything in the early morning hours. On our last trip, we found the Boardwalk hosed down every morning. You have to be careful on it if you have crocs. My DS went down one morning. :scared1:

Love the picture of the train from the TTA!

Oh man, I believe it! I slip and fall all the time! It is crazy how wet everything is!

Love the pictures of your MK morning! :thumbsup2

We noticed the wet pavement as well on our last trip, makes complete sense what you're saying about it not being hot to dry it out! It was especially wet back in Fantasyland even during evening EMH, I wonder if it has something to do with the construction going on.:confused3

The pictures from TTA are amazing, especially the train.:cloud9:

Looking forward to hearing about Via Napoli.:goodvibes

That's totally it because we have NEVER noticed it before in all our HOT trips! Maybe Fantasyland doesn't get as much sun? Who know!

Oh Via Napoli was AWESOME!!

[stephielela]

Caught up! I am never going to be MIA from DIS this long again! I still have a ton of subs to go back to! Now updating on my own TR... that's another story... maybe by April I will post an update :rotfl2:

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Day 3 - Friday, February 3, 2012

We had spent the morning in the MK and were on our way to Epcot via monorail! I tried to get some nice pics of the park from the monorail but this was the best I could do....

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0508.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0515.jpg

Like a bad, bad, Disney vet, we decided to hit up Spaceship Earth first. We figured it was late enough in the day for the people who don't know any better to have already ridden it before moving on, but surprisingly, there was a line!! It was probably only 15 minutes but still longer than I've EVER waited for SE before!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0517.jpg

So we get settled into our ride vehicle, and as per usual, it asks for our location and language. Just a few days before, we were talking with Stephanie about how we all speak a little Spanish but not fluently so Tom had the brilliant idea, "Let's hit Spanish as our language and see how much we understand." Great! Especially seeing it written, I'm sure we'll be able to answer those questions at the end, NO PROBLEM!

Well imagine our surprise when the ENTIRE NARRATION was recited in Spanish!! I was cracking up for the first minute or so but after a while, it got old and I was longing for Judy Dench, which is really saying something because I've been rolling my eyes about Judy Dench since they took out Jeremy Irons!

By the time they had asked the SAME questions they ask every time, we were able to answer them without a problem and soon had a look at our future.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0519.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0520.jpg


We had a little time to kill before our ADR at Via Napoli so, of course, we had to get a couple or 'ritas!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0524.jpg


We stopped at a table outside in the Italy pavilion to have our drinks!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0525.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0526.jpg


We were still a little early but decided to check in anyway. We had to wait just a few minutes but we were seated fairly quickly.

Chandelier in lobby.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0527.jpg


The restaurant itself was very cool looking. We were seating next to another couple and I immediately started getting excited about the bread and oil I saw on their table, but for some reason, we never got any. :confused3 Maybe he forgot or we needed to ask? Who knows.

But it didn't matter because we ordered a pitcher of sangria and that makes everything okay!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0528.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0531.jpg

I ordered the pizza!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0536.jpg


And Tom got the spaghetti and meatballs.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0538.jpg


And this is what was left when I was done with it!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0539.jpg


We were both really full but alas, we could no leave until we finished our sangria!! At some point, I decided to look at what was left in my glass and guess how many sips it would take for me to finish.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0547.jpg

Kind of like, "I can name that tune in....6 notes!" (Who remembers that show?!) I decided we could drink this sangria in...5 sips!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0548.jpg


Here we go.....

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0549.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0550.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0551.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0552.jpg


Ahhh....four sips. I underestimated our drinking abilities!


On our way out, we swung by the ovens to take a pic! So cool!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee453/nikkigwdw/WDW%20February%202012/DSC_0553.jpg


Needless to say, aside from the absence of bread on the table, the meal was fantastic and I'd definitely recommend Via Napoli!

[SRUAlmn]

That's our favorite game on Spaceship Earth!!! DH loves to pick a different language every time (since we know the spiel pretty well in English) to see how much we can figure out. The thing that makes us :rotfl: every time is that the word PAPYRUS is pretty much the same in every language. So we try to catch it and say it every time. blah blah blah and blah blah blah papyrus! :rotfl::rotfl:

[stephielela]

So the second I get all caught up you post another update?? You must be trying to kill me! :lmao: Did youlike tha Sangria??? I thought it was delicious!

[kdevoe]

OMG! That spaghetti & meatballs looked sooooo good!! Awesome pics of the construction!

[Dream426]

Love sangria!!!

[anjalee6]

Because of your review, I just booked Via Napoli for a July trip! Can't wait to try it out and I definitely need a sangria with my meal.

[smile4stamps]

Just found your TR and read through the entire thing! It sounds like you had a lot of fun!

I am very sorry about the Anxiety Attacks! I have issues with sleep. (I work nights) so my schedule is constantly being turned around. I always have a horrible time when I have to get up at a certain time that is not ordinary for me. When I have to fly it is even worse as I'm always paranoid I will miss my flight! I find that when I haven't slept the anxiety gets even worse which makes it even harder to fall asleep! I think your choice to have a few beers to help you relax was probably a good one!

Going to go back and read your F&W report now as that is when I am planning out next trip for!

[martinolichfamily]

I'm in! Gotta go back and catch up! Read the last update...Via Napoli looks great....will have to try it!

[disneybarbie]

Great update Nikki! Via Napoli is definitely on our list for ADRs in October :thumbsup2 I'm hoping to get a lunch there.. those pizzas look delicious.


Emma princess: x

[stephielela]

Happy Birthday Nikki! :cake:

[ronnmel]

I'm francophone so last trip we tried Spaceship Earth in French once. While I could understand everything, it was not as interesting as the English version.

Too bad about not getting the bread at Via Napoli, but then again, it left more room for the awesome pizza!

[jecskc]

Yay for a Via Napoli review !!!! We can't wait to eat there !!!

[Wonders10]

I love Via Napoli too! The Fritto Misto (fried veggies) is really yummy!

One of my favorite drinking games was just pointing at a person (preferably the people you are with) and saying a number (4!) then they have to take 4 sips of their drink. Very pointless and dumb but got the job done if you know what I mean!

[Zuzu03]

Oooooooh, that Sangria looks so good! And your waiter was a cutie patootie! Hahahah!

[dara00]

was the pepperoni on the pizza supposed to be in some kind of pattern? I can't figure it out!

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

That's our favorite game on Spaceship Earth!!! DH loves to pick a different language every time (since we know the spiel pretty well in English) to see how much we can figure out. The thing that makes us :rotfl: every time is that the word PAPYRUS is pretty much the same in every language. So we try to catch it and say it every time. blah blah blah and blah blah blah papyrus! :rotfl::rotfl:

Hahahaha!! That is so funny! I had no idea that the actual narration would change. Papyrus! :lmao:

So the second I get all caught up you post another update?? You must be trying to kill me! :lmao: Did youlike tha Sangria??? I thought it was delicious!

Haha! Yessss that sangria was so good! Loved it.

OMG! That spaghetti & meatballs looked sooooo good!! Awesome pics of the construction!

Tom's favorite Italian food is good old spaghetti and meatballs and they really were so delicious! (Yes, I had a bite...or two!)

Love sangria!!!

Me tooooo!


Because of your review, I just booked Via Napoli for a July trip! Can't wait to try it out and I definitely need a sangria with my meal.

Awesome!! I hope you like it! Definitely get the sangria!

Just found your TR and read through the entire thing! It sounds like you had a lot of fun!

I am very sorry about the Anxiety Attacks! I have issues with sleep. (I work nights) so my schedule is constantly being turned around. I always have a horrible time when I have to get up at a certain time that is not ordinary for me. When I have to fly it is even worse as I'm always paranoid I will miss my flight! I find that when I haven't slept the anxiety gets even worse which makes it even harder to fall asleep! I think your choice to have a few beers to help you relax was probably a good one!

Going to go back and read your F&W report now as that is when I am planning out next trip for!

You are so right about the anxiety getting worse if you haven't slept. It's like a vicious cycle! But yes, the beers helped!

So glad you are reading!

I'm in! Gotta go back and catch up! Read the last update...Via Napoli looks great....will have to try it!

Thanks for joining! Via Napoli really was fantastic! Try it, if you can.

Great update Nikki! Via Napoli is definitely on our list for ADRs in October :thumbsup2 I'm hoping to get a lunch there.. those pizzas look delicious.


Emma princess: x

Emma, so glad you are going to try it. It's really so great!

Happy Birthday Nikki! :cake:

Thank you Stephanie!!! :hug:


I'm francophone so last trip we tried Spaceship Earth in French once. While I could understand everything, it was not as interesting as the English version.

Too bad about not getting the bread at Via Napoli, but then again, it left more room for the awesome pizza!

Room for more pizza...Exactly! Now did they make the French version try to sound like Dench too because the Spanish version was very "denchy" but it couldn't have been her....

Yay for a Via Napoli review !!!! We can't wait to eat there !!!

:thumbsup2

I love Via Napoli too! The Fritto Misto (fried veggies) is really yummy!

One of my favorite drinking games was just pointing at a person (preferably the people you are with) and saying a number (4!) then they have to take 4 sips of their drink. Very pointless and dumb but got the job done if you know what I mean!


So glad everyone agrees how great Via Napoli is!

That's funny about the drinking game. Whenever you can make a game out of soemthing, it makes it so much more fun!!

Oooooooh, that Sangria looks so good! And your waiter was a cutie patootie! Hahahah!

Sangria was so delicious and yes! The Italian CMs are definitely the best looking! :lmao:


was the pepperoni on the pizza supposed to be in some kind of pattern? I can't figure it out!

Right?! I think it was all just willy nilly. If I hadn't already had a glass of sangria before it arrived, it probably would have bothered me because I like ORDER! :rotfl:

[ortholablady]

Love Via Napoli! And the sangria! Great pic of Tom as Steamboat Willy, lol! I did start my trip report too but I think it's buried at about page 7 or 8 at this point. :guilty: I really do need to get back to it.

[Deemarch]

Just read through your report! Lovin' it!

[J.ThaddeusToad]

I'm lovin' your TR and your Via Napoli pics are making me drool!! I'm also loving that I can see the table my hubby and I sat at (we've only been there once) in the background of one of your pics! It's the simple things in life. ;) Happy belated Birthday!

[Nermel9]

I never thought to try SE in a different language, that must be weird! :rotfl:

I love Via Napoli, but we didn't get any bread either! :eek: We saw everyone else getting it, and we kept hoping they'd bring us some, but nope! I suppose we could have asked, but it didn't matter, everything was so good and so filling that if we had bread before we ate, we wouldn't have been as hungry! Your pizza looks amazing! If I go there again, which I'm sure I will, I will definitely get a pizza! :cool1: And sangria!! I love sangria, I could drink a pitcher of it by myself! Brandon doesn't like it though, so I always have to order it by the glass, but a pitcher would be fantastic! :banana: