Just-Pete
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jun 10, 2009
Okay I was gonna post last night, but here it is now:
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!!!
--------------------------------------------------------------
Day 2.
So it was another early start today, as we had a breakfast booking, Chef Mickeys at the Contemporary. So once were all washed and assembled we made our way to the bus stops and boarded the MK bus. It was a nice morning, and I didnt see the point in trekking across the entrance at MK to board the Monorail and convinced the group we may as well just walk to the Contemporary. Once we were in, we made our way to the concourse level and joined the queue for Chef Mickeys as we had arrived first, after a bit Chris, Kayles and Matt joined us, technically Matt had work today as unlike the other two hes a 9-5er. But hed arranged to go in late. Once wed announced ourselves to the staff members we received our pager and occupied ourselves over by a large set of windows looking out over the contemporary pool and Bay lake. We didnt have to wait long and soon we were being seated at a large table by the windows looking out towards the MK, although we couldnt really see much as there was loads of condensation.
The server here was excellent and took excellent care of us, yet could somehow tell instantly that there were Cast-members amongst our group, (this would be a trend as the holiday progressed) but she was still amazing to us all. We met the fab 5 as theyre referred to: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy. Plus Pluto, so I make it six? I dont know which one isnt technically one of the group? The food here was really nice, if you ignore what the Americans insist on calling Bacon, and we all finished the meal off with a large bowl of Gummy Bears to share, just because were healthy like that.
After Breakfast it was time to split the group again as the other 3 had to go to work, and the remainder of us had decided to return to Hollywood Studios as the girls were keen to try Toy Story Mania. When we arrived it was still quite early as wed had an early Brekkie booking, but regardless the park was already heaving. Toy Story had a massive queue, and the Fast-Pass was already into the late afternoon, when we werent planning on being here. So we nipped over to Rock n Roller coaster for a fast pass, then after stocking up on bottles of drink we joined the Toy Story Mania queue (somewhat against my better judgement) the wait board had said 70 minutes and I wasnt looking forward to the portion of it that would be spent outside the building in the blazing heat. But to be fair the whole queue in total was more like 40 minutes, and once inside seemed to fly by as were having so much fin checking out the themeing. Now the ride itself was fun and definitely enjoyable, but I left feeling a little let down. I put this mainly down to my friend who returned from a holiday here two weeks before I departed and raved about this ride constantly telling me it was the best part of his entire holiday. I realise now that he must just be easily pleased. After this we went on Studio Backlot tour, which Ive done to death, both here and at DLRP, but some again some of the others hadnt, and we made a pact, that the veterans amonst us wouldnt stop the newbies from experiencing anything.
After the backlot tour we enjoyed a mooch round Streets of America, a quick whiz on Star Tours, as Im a star Wars geek and then a snap with Mike Wazowski, much to the girls delight, but judging by this pic, not mine??
By now we were well into our allocated Fast Pass spot for Rock n Roller Coaster, so mooched over only to find it currently shut down. Were informed we could come back anytime later and try again So after I called into one of the stores to buy a rather fetching pink Mickey T-Shirt (I dont think pink is as acceptable for guys in the US to wear as I tended to get a lot of funny looks, and even overheard a few comments when I would go on to wear said garment on later excursions) we realised we were flagging a bit so decided to go back to All Stars for a spot of relaxing.
By the time the evening had arrived and we were finally hungry again after such a big breakfast we made a few texts to the others, and made our way to Downtown Disney to meet them outside the new T-Rex café place and formulate a plan for the evening as this was one of the few nights we didnt have a dinner reservation. T-rex was rammed, and we realised wed have just as long to wait for any of the big name diners here, Rainforest, Planet H etc. So after some debate we ended up settling on Portobello, who doesnt like Italian?? There was a brief wait for a table so we went through to the bar, Chris and I got started on the Margaritas whilst the others chose some random Cocktails. We all enjoyed a mixture of Pizza or Pasta as well as three more Margaritas for me. One was free, as they forgot Kips Meal. So I claimed a free drink on his behalf as he was on his last day of antibiotics for a tooth infection and couldnt yet drink.
With dinner over it was time to take the second trip to HS today and the third of the holiday already as we were off to see Fantasmic!! I was very excited, as I love this show more than life itself, just as anyone should right?? Chris, Matt and Kayles had obviously come in Matts car. A mini, I love it. It looks crazy amongst all the American cars. So they drove to the Studios taking Jo with them, the rest of us decided to get a cab, as a few of us were a little wobbly after dinners drinks. Imagine our joy when the taxi driver put Jesus loves U FM or some similar radio channel on, and we were serenaded all the way by a song about trials and tribulations and coming through the flames with lord on your shoulder. I wouldnt call it top 40 material, but by the third Chorus, Amy and I had picked up enough of the song to drunkenly attempt to sing along anyway. We arrived at HS and I drunkenly handed over a $20 dollar bill saying keep the change, for an $11 dollar fare. Im told now this was too much, but it was Kathryns money anyway!!! Onwards!
We still had an hour and a bit till Fantasmic, which gave us plenty of time to redeem our turn on Rock n Roller Coaster from earlier in the day and persuade the CMs to let the other three who had now join us use the fast pass route with us. Wed sobered up now and joined the queue for Fantasmic, which I wasnt really looking forward too, as the wait and the queue had been chaos last time. But we were fine this time, and after Matts careful guiding (Hes an avid Fantasmic fan, and watches it three or four times a month) we found ourselves about 5 rows from the front dead centre. Perfect seats.
The show was perfect, and the seats were amazing, definitely allowing us to enjoy it even more than last time. I dont think Kathryn & Amy knew quite what they were about to witness, so were a little thrown by the scale of it all. Again their faces here were amazing as each new twist to the show took place.
Once the show was over we filed out along with the masses, and after a fairly short wait were back on the ASM Bus. In what was now becoming a trend, the other four managed to find a seat while I was forced to stand, exposing my sweat patches to the world as I clung to a hand hold for dear life.
After the four day walk from the bus stop to our rooms, we were all tucked up in bed at 23:48.
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!!!
--------------------------------------------------------------
Day 2.
So it was another early start today, as we had a breakfast booking, Chef Mickeys at the Contemporary. So once were all washed and assembled we made our way to the bus stops and boarded the MK bus. It was a nice morning, and I didnt see the point in trekking across the entrance at MK to board the Monorail and convinced the group we may as well just walk to the Contemporary. Once we were in, we made our way to the concourse level and joined the queue for Chef Mickeys as we had arrived first, after a bit Chris, Kayles and Matt joined us, technically Matt had work today as unlike the other two hes a 9-5er. But hed arranged to go in late. Once wed announced ourselves to the staff members we received our pager and occupied ourselves over by a large set of windows looking out over the contemporary pool and Bay lake. We didnt have to wait long and soon we were being seated at a large table by the windows looking out towards the MK, although we couldnt really see much as there was loads of condensation.
The server here was excellent and took excellent care of us, yet could somehow tell instantly that there were Cast-members amongst our group, (this would be a trend as the holiday progressed) but she was still amazing to us all. We met the fab 5 as theyre referred to: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy. Plus Pluto, so I make it six? I dont know which one isnt technically one of the group? The food here was really nice, if you ignore what the Americans insist on calling Bacon, and we all finished the meal off with a large bowl of Gummy Bears to share, just because were healthy like that.
After Breakfast it was time to split the group again as the other 3 had to go to work, and the remainder of us had decided to return to Hollywood Studios as the girls were keen to try Toy Story Mania. When we arrived it was still quite early as wed had an early Brekkie booking, but regardless the park was already heaving. Toy Story had a massive queue, and the Fast-Pass was already into the late afternoon, when we werent planning on being here. So we nipped over to Rock n Roller coaster for a fast pass, then after stocking up on bottles of drink we joined the Toy Story Mania queue (somewhat against my better judgement) the wait board had said 70 minutes and I wasnt looking forward to the portion of it that would be spent outside the building in the blazing heat. But to be fair the whole queue in total was more like 40 minutes, and once inside seemed to fly by as were having so much fin checking out the themeing. Now the ride itself was fun and definitely enjoyable, but I left feeling a little let down. I put this mainly down to my friend who returned from a holiday here two weeks before I departed and raved about this ride constantly telling me it was the best part of his entire holiday. I realise now that he must just be easily pleased. After this we went on Studio Backlot tour, which Ive done to death, both here and at DLRP, but some again some of the others hadnt, and we made a pact, that the veterans amonst us wouldnt stop the newbies from experiencing anything.
After the backlot tour we enjoyed a mooch round Streets of America, a quick whiz on Star Tours, as Im a star Wars geek and then a snap with Mike Wazowski, much to the girls delight, but judging by this pic, not mine??
By now we were well into our allocated Fast Pass spot for Rock n Roller Coaster, so mooched over only to find it currently shut down. Were informed we could come back anytime later and try again So after I called into one of the stores to buy a rather fetching pink Mickey T-Shirt (I dont think pink is as acceptable for guys in the US to wear as I tended to get a lot of funny looks, and even overheard a few comments when I would go on to wear said garment on later excursions) we realised we were flagging a bit so decided to go back to All Stars for a spot of relaxing.
By the time the evening had arrived and we were finally hungry again after such a big breakfast we made a few texts to the others, and made our way to Downtown Disney to meet them outside the new T-Rex café place and formulate a plan for the evening as this was one of the few nights we didnt have a dinner reservation. T-rex was rammed, and we realised wed have just as long to wait for any of the big name diners here, Rainforest, Planet H etc. So after some debate we ended up settling on Portobello, who doesnt like Italian?? There was a brief wait for a table so we went through to the bar, Chris and I got started on the Margaritas whilst the others chose some random Cocktails. We all enjoyed a mixture of Pizza or Pasta as well as three more Margaritas for me. One was free, as they forgot Kips Meal. So I claimed a free drink on his behalf as he was on his last day of antibiotics for a tooth infection and couldnt yet drink.
With dinner over it was time to take the second trip to HS today and the third of the holiday already as we were off to see Fantasmic!! I was very excited, as I love this show more than life itself, just as anyone should right?? Chris, Matt and Kayles had obviously come in Matts car. A mini, I love it. It looks crazy amongst all the American cars. So they drove to the Studios taking Jo with them, the rest of us decided to get a cab, as a few of us were a little wobbly after dinners drinks. Imagine our joy when the taxi driver put Jesus loves U FM or some similar radio channel on, and we were serenaded all the way by a song about trials and tribulations and coming through the flames with lord on your shoulder. I wouldnt call it top 40 material, but by the third Chorus, Amy and I had picked up enough of the song to drunkenly attempt to sing along anyway. We arrived at HS and I drunkenly handed over a $20 dollar bill saying keep the change, for an $11 dollar fare. Im told now this was too much, but it was Kathryns money anyway!!! Onwards!
We still had an hour and a bit till Fantasmic, which gave us plenty of time to redeem our turn on Rock n Roller Coaster from earlier in the day and persuade the CMs to let the other three who had now join us use the fast pass route with us. Wed sobered up now and joined the queue for Fantasmic, which I wasnt really looking forward too, as the wait and the queue had been chaos last time. But we were fine this time, and after Matts careful guiding (Hes an avid Fantasmic fan, and watches it three or four times a month) we found ourselves about 5 rows from the front dead centre. Perfect seats.
The show was perfect, and the seats were amazing, definitely allowing us to enjoy it even more than last time. I dont think Kathryn & Amy knew quite what they were about to witness, so were a little thrown by the scale of it all. Again their faces here were amazing as each new twist to the show took place.
Once the show was over we filed out along with the masses, and after a fairly short wait were back on the ASM Bus. In what was now becoming a trend, the other four managed to find a seat while I was forced to stand, exposing my sweat patches to the world as I clung to a hand hold for dear life.
After the four day walk from the bus stop to our rooms, we were all tucked up in bed at 23:48.
great report !
