Just-Pete
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jun 10, 2009
Okay I managed to stay up and persevere with my naughty Laptop, so here's the second part 
:
A few reminders:
Pre Trip Report: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2200291
The Cast:
Me- Pete (27) Last WDW Trip Nov 07, with plenty of DLRP in between.
Jo (29) The second veteran from our Nov 07 trip, has also been to DLRP ten times in the last eight years
Kathryn (21) WDW Virgin, mad on Princesses, Alice in wonderland & Mary Poppins
Paul (21) Known as Kip, just along for the ride and cocktails if you ask me
Amy (23) Younger sister of Chris is over there working ,massive Princess and Tink fan. But she does hate all things HSM, so we may clash, eek!
Supporting Cast
Chris (25) On his year working in the Rose & Crown in Epcot
Kayleigh (23) see above
These two have proved very useful in the holiday planning / dining reservation department!!!
From Left to Right: Kayles, Jo, Amy, Kip, Kathryn, Pete (me) & Chris.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Day 1
So after a peaceful first nights sleep, the girls were the first up, and through the adjoining door to wake Kip and I up. I woke up sniffing to see if the room still smelt of cigarette smoke. It did. By the time we were showered Chris had joined us in the rooms, as Matt had dropped him off on the way to work, and we set off on the long trek back to the All Star Music Main building, and the Intermission Food Court. Id read some online reviews saying that the All Stars food courts were a bit of a circus and could be really slow. It was busy, and slow. Definitely moreso than what I had experienced at Pop Century, but I wouldnt have said it was awful. We all had a variety of things, I didnt take note of what everyone had, but I indulged in some French Toast, as Id never experienced such a delight till I went on my last holiday here in 07. They were yummy, but I didnt think they were as nice as my last visit. I assume theyre the same as you get in PC, so maybe the recipe has changed? It was off to the Bus Stops next via the reception desk as Matt had mentioned to Chris that we should be able to ask for them to put some kind of machine in the room whilst we were out that would rid of us the cigarette smell. I dont know what it was, a de-smellifyer? They said they would sort it and off we popped to the Hollywood Studios bus stop as this was where we had planned to go first. The queue was huge and out of the railings. Realising we would be lucky to get on the first bus, we waited and watched the Epcot bus turn up next to us, and drive off half empty. As we stood there with still no sign of the Hollywood Studios bus a second Epcot turned up. We looked at the empty queue and realised it was time to change our plan. Hopping over the railings, we boarded the bus and set off for Epcot.
Once at Epcot we bee lined for the Guest Relations window to pick up our 14 day ultimate tickets, exactly as we had last time. Of course this didnt go smoothly, and the nice lady told me at the window, that we should have been able to redeem them at our resort upon check in Which was fine as the woman at check in told us that we should collect them from a theme park when we make our first entry. Anyway the Cast Members at Epcot were brilliant and after a long wait in the blazing heat they had re-printed our room-cards/ now also tickets, and even presented us with a no strings attached to use on any ride to make up for the wait. We didnt actually use the no strings as once we were in we breezed straight through Epcot, stopping briefly to collect Kayles who was propping up the bar in the Rose & Crown (with a sprite) and out the other side through International Gateway. We boarded a boat (Friendship 1, for any boat-spotters reading) and set off for Hollywood studios, pointing out the sights to the newbies as we cruised along.
So once we were off the boat (I like taking them, but seriously, the lack of aircon is a killer) we made our entrance to Hollywood Studios. Now by now it was midday so obviously the rides were heaving. The only real new attractions since I was last here were Toy Story Midway Mania, 80 minute queue, no thanks. And American Idol. So we went straight into American Idol, since it was about to start, and it would be air conditioned. The auditorium was only about two thirds full, but the show itself was really good, we watched all three acts, the first one was a girl, late teens, who was rather unremarkable, and sung a Carrie Underwood song I didnt know. The second was pregnant 30 year old lady who sung another country song I didnt know, but was really really good. The third was a 19 year old guy who sung The Jacksons I Want You Back, in a baritone key, which didnt work at all for me. Or the judges. I have to say that seeing how we were in a Disney park, I didnt think the judges would actually give negative feedback. But they did, so that pleased a critic like me. In the end, we all voted for the middle lady, and she won. Yay!!!!
After idol we made our way out of there, and straight down Sunset Boulevard to catch Beauty and the Beast. The show was brilliant just as I remembered, and finally a great intro to the real magic of a Disney Holiday for the newbies. Watching Kathryns face for me was as entertaining as the show itself. My only grumble was that our Belle seemed a little off, straying from the melodies at time and seeming a little lost in the music, although Gaston more than made up for it. Also we were very close this time so some of the illusion was shattered for me as I realised that Gastons massive arms which seemed so well in keeping with the animated character were in fact part of his costume and had seams down the muscles!!!
After the show it was time for our first dining reservation of the holiday and back up Sunset Boulevard we went this time to the 50s Prime Time Café. I was excited instantly and was so engrossed in playing in all the 50s theming and stuff with Kat that we almost missed being called to our table when it was ready. The meal was fab, and our server was excellent, telling us off for having our elbows on the table and giving us all nicknames. Scooter, Spanky, Princess etc . Most of us had the chicken sandwich, not terribly exciting I know, but I did enjoy a Coke Float, in keeping with the American diner theme. And Chris wowed the group with his Peanut Butter and Jelly Ice Cream Milkshake.
After Lunch we rushed over to catch the Voyage of The Little Mermaid, which I could watch all day as the Little Mermaid is in my top 3 when it comes to Disney Music. Although this time our Ariel seemed to be holding back and not really belting where she could have, to the point that sometimes you couldnt really here her. Still the show is worth it, just for the part at the beginning with the lasers and bubbles etc. After the Mermaid we lead the group onto The Great Movie Ride, pretending it was really good, just so that we could see their faces as we went round and they realised it wasnt good at all. Hehe.
After a mooch round the Streets Of America and that side of the Park we headed back over to Hollywood Tower of Terror where we met Matt who had now finished work, and had a ride on it (fab as ever) before we left the park and caught the bus back to Epcot. We had come primarily to watch Illuminations but had plenty of time, so mooched round World showcase looking for a quick service to get a light bite from, starting with a Frozen Margarita from Mexico to keep me going of course. In the end we settled in the Morocco quick service, and whilst I didnt eat, the others indulged in something that looked a lot like the kebab I can get down the road to me?
After food we ended up in Italy to watch Illuminations, which was nice and a bit moving. Then exiting with the flow we said goodbye to Chris, Matt and Kayles for another night as they went off to find Matts car, and we headed back to All Stars. As a reward, Kip and I were relieved to find that our room smelt better, not clear of tobacco, but definitely better than it had been.
---------------
>Pete.
:A few reminders:
Pre Trip Report: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2200291
The Cast:
Me- Pete (27) Last WDW Trip Nov 07, with plenty of DLRP in between.
Jo (29) The second veteran from our Nov 07 trip, has also been to DLRP ten times in the last eight years
Kathryn (21) WDW Virgin, mad on Princesses, Alice in wonderland & Mary Poppins
Paul (21) Known as Kip, just along for the ride and cocktails if you ask me
Amy (23) Younger sister of Chris is over there working ,massive Princess and Tink fan. But she does hate all things HSM, so we may clash, eek!
Supporting Cast
Chris (25) On his year working in the Rose & Crown in Epcot
Kayleigh (23) see above
These two have proved very useful in the holiday planning / dining reservation department!!!
From Left to Right: Kayles, Jo, Amy, Kip, Kathryn, Pete (me) & Chris.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Day 1
So after a peaceful first nights sleep, the girls were the first up, and through the adjoining door to wake Kip and I up. I woke up sniffing to see if the room still smelt of cigarette smoke. It did. By the time we were showered Chris had joined us in the rooms, as Matt had dropped him off on the way to work, and we set off on the long trek back to the All Star Music Main building, and the Intermission Food Court. Id read some online reviews saying that the All Stars food courts were a bit of a circus and could be really slow. It was busy, and slow. Definitely moreso than what I had experienced at Pop Century, but I wouldnt have said it was awful. We all had a variety of things, I didnt take note of what everyone had, but I indulged in some French Toast, as Id never experienced such a delight till I went on my last holiday here in 07. They were yummy, but I didnt think they were as nice as my last visit. I assume theyre the same as you get in PC, so maybe the recipe has changed? It was off to the Bus Stops next via the reception desk as Matt had mentioned to Chris that we should be able to ask for them to put some kind of machine in the room whilst we were out that would rid of us the cigarette smell. I dont know what it was, a de-smellifyer? They said they would sort it and off we popped to the Hollywood Studios bus stop as this was where we had planned to go first. The queue was huge and out of the railings. Realising we would be lucky to get on the first bus, we waited and watched the Epcot bus turn up next to us, and drive off half empty. As we stood there with still no sign of the Hollywood Studios bus a second Epcot turned up. We looked at the empty queue and realised it was time to change our plan. Hopping over the railings, we boarded the bus and set off for Epcot.
Once at Epcot we bee lined for the Guest Relations window to pick up our 14 day ultimate tickets, exactly as we had last time. Of course this didnt go smoothly, and the nice lady told me at the window, that we should have been able to redeem them at our resort upon check in Which was fine as the woman at check in told us that we should collect them from a theme park when we make our first entry. Anyway the Cast Members at Epcot were brilliant and after a long wait in the blazing heat they had re-printed our room-cards/ now also tickets, and even presented us with a no strings attached to use on any ride to make up for the wait. We didnt actually use the no strings as once we were in we breezed straight through Epcot, stopping briefly to collect Kayles who was propping up the bar in the Rose & Crown (with a sprite) and out the other side through International Gateway. We boarded a boat (Friendship 1, for any boat-spotters reading) and set off for Hollywood studios, pointing out the sights to the newbies as we cruised along.
So once we were off the boat (I like taking them, but seriously, the lack of aircon is a killer) we made our entrance to Hollywood Studios. Now by now it was midday so obviously the rides were heaving. The only real new attractions since I was last here were Toy Story Midway Mania, 80 minute queue, no thanks. And American Idol. So we went straight into American Idol, since it was about to start, and it would be air conditioned. The auditorium was only about two thirds full, but the show itself was really good, we watched all three acts, the first one was a girl, late teens, who was rather unremarkable, and sung a Carrie Underwood song I didnt know. The second was pregnant 30 year old lady who sung another country song I didnt know, but was really really good. The third was a 19 year old guy who sung The Jacksons I Want You Back, in a baritone key, which didnt work at all for me. Or the judges. I have to say that seeing how we were in a Disney park, I didnt think the judges would actually give negative feedback. But they did, so that pleased a critic like me. In the end, we all voted for the middle lady, and she won. Yay!!!!
After idol we made our way out of there, and straight down Sunset Boulevard to catch Beauty and the Beast. The show was brilliant just as I remembered, and finally a great intro to the real magic of a Disney Holiday for the newbies. Watching Kathryns face for me was as entertaining as the show itself. My only grumble was that our Belle seemed a little off, straying from the melodies at time and seeming a little lost in the music, although Gaston more than made up for it. Also we were very close this time so some of the illusion was shattered for me as I realised that Gastons massive arms which seemed so well in keeping with the animated character were in fact part of his costume and had seams down the muscles!!!
After the show it was time for our first dining reservation of the holiday and back up Sunset Boulevard we went this time to the 50s Prime Time Café. I was excited instantly and was so engrossed in playing in all the 50s theming and stuff with Kat that we almost missed being called to our table when it was ready. The meal was fab, and our server was excellent, telling us off for having our elbows on the table and giving us all nicknames. Scooter, Spanky, Princess etc . Most of us had the chicken sandwich, not terribly exciting I know, but I did enjoy a Coke Float, in keeping with the American diner theme. And Chris wowed the group with his Peanut Butter and Jelly Ice Cream Milkshake.
After Lunch we rushed over to catch the Voyage of The Little Mermaid, which I could watch all day as the Little Mermaid is in my top 3 when it comes to Disney Music. Although this time our Ariel seemed to be holding back and not really belting where she could have, to the point that sometimes you couldnt really here her. Still the show is worth it, just for the part at the beginning with the lasers and bubbles etc. After the Mermaid we lead the group onto The Great Movie Ride, pretending it was really good, just so that we could see their faces as we went round and they realised it wasnt good at all. Hehe.
After a mooch round the Streets Of America and that side of the Park we headed back over to Hollywood Tower of Terror where we met Matt who had now finished work, and had a ride on it (fab as ever) before we left the park and caught the bus back to Epcot. We had come primarily to watch Illuminations but had plenty of time, so mooched round World showcase looking for a quick service to get a light bite from, starting with a Frozen Margarita from Mexico to keep me going of course. In the end we settled in the Morocco quick service, and whilst I didnt eat, the others indulged in something that looked a lot like the kebab I can get down the road to me?
After food we ended up in Italy to watch Illuminations, which was nice and a bit moving. Then exiting with the flow we said goodbye to Chris, Matt and Kayles for another night as they went off to find Matts car, and we headed back to All Stars. As a reward, Kip and I were relieved to find that our room smelt better, not clear of tobacco, but definitely better than it had been.
---------------
>Pete.
