No Work and All Play – Disney on the Company’s Dime! (8/1 There and Back Again)

[thecapells]

I figured since I was dressed appropriately, it was fitting to start my adventure with some Pirates

And who better to start a Pirate Adventure than a message from Davey Jones himself.
I tried to get a video of the cool effect:


Now one of the promises I made on this trip to the kids was that I would video everything so they could experience my trip when I got home.
This especially applied to the things they haven’t experienced yet.
I also decided to video some of the dark rides as the video comes out better than pics with no flash.
In addition, I thought I’d be able to “cut” out any shots from the video if they were good and use them as my pics.
So you’ll see a lot of that in my report.
For example, I took a video of the “we wants the redhead” scene but it was a bit dark and choppy.
I thought I could salvage this pic though:

I also had video on when I reached the doggie with the key.
So here’s a snapshot from that video:

And I was determined to capture Johnny Depp’s version of “Yo Ho” at the end but it was really bumpy at the end of the ride.
Here's the best I could do:


At least I was able to snag a decent snapshot from the video:

Lastly, I took a minute this time around to explore the gift shop some.
There’s some neat stuff in here!

By now, I was in full Disney mode.
It was about 8:30 and I hadn’t eaten dinner but I really was not very hungry.
There was too much to do and so little time.
The park was only open to 11 and I wanted to hit Spectro at 9 and Wishes at 10!
So I figured I could grab something on the go.
El Pericho was closed of course (one day that will be open) and Pecos Bill’s seemed like a lot of food.
I also wasn’t really in the mood for Golden Oak Outpost nuggets.
So I pressed on through Frontierland and into Liberty Square.
And what attraction should one definitely ride when the skies outside are dark?
Stay tuned and join me – if you dare…

 

[All7OfUs]

Sheesh, my bad!

If I had known you'd started I'd have been on page one!! I should have known better to check your siggie more often!!

Ah well... better late then never.

First off...

I hate that Mears gave you a hard time. That really stinks!

I also am steamed that the shuttle was misrepresented to you. Not a good way to get that magical feeling working for you.

But like you say, how could you stay grumpy once you hit the tunnel, and see the castle??

I had a feeling you'd hit Pirates first. The shirt gave it away.

HA! The great Photopass conundrum. Maybe you've acquired new skills in the everlasting vexation of what to do with your hands?

Great start!!

 

[praisehisname]

Great update! I'm going to try your videoing idea, since our kids aren't coming with us this trip!

 

[meeko_33785]

I can't even imagine staying off-property and not having a car! I'll be interested to see how that works out and if you have to take a taxi every time.

That's really sweet of you to video everything for the kids.

Sounds like a really rough arrival but a great first ride once you get to the park. Hope things only get better from here.

 

[dawnbu40]

You were off to a rough start but here's hoping the Disney magic kicks in and from here on it's all good!

 

[pipersmom]

Hooray for the start! Okay, that shuttle thing was just horrible, I hate it when hotels misrepresent things like that. Personally I'm hoping you meet another Disney-phile at the conference that you can hitch rides with! It looks like you had a great first night once you got there though. I'm guessing Haunted Mansion for the night ride, though that might be an easy guess, lol..I haven't been in so long I don't even know anymore what's IN Liberty Square! I hear you on the photo thing too, I hate getting my picture taken in general, Piper makes a good shield, lol.

 

[thecapells]

Sheesh, my bad!

If I had known you'd started I'd have been on page one!! I should have known better to check your siggie more often!!

Ah well... better late then never.

First off...

I hate that Mears gave you a hard time. That really stinks!

I also am steamed that the shuttle was misrepresented to you. Not a good way to get that magical feeling working for you.

But like you say, how could you stay grumpy once you hit the tunnel, and see the castle??

I had a feeling you'd hit Pirates first. The shirt gave it away.

HA! The great Photopass conundrum. Maybe you've acquired new skills in the everlasting vexation of what to do with your hands?

Great start!!

Was wondering if you'd make it over here!
Yeah, I'm still pretty pissed at Mears.
And BVS told me several times on the phone that they have shuttles back and forth all day.
I understand their schedule makes sense for most people.
But stopping after like 2:00 basically torpedo'ed my plans (and anybody else who planned to attend the conference during the day).

Great update! I'm going to try your videoing idea, since our kids aren't coming with us this trip!

Yeah, my camera takes pretty decent videos and the kids had a blast when I got home.
It actually got them even more excited to see stuff in person.
And it was cool since I got some video of stuff they'll never get to see (more on that later).

I can't even imagine staying off-property and not having a car! I'll be interested to see how that works out and if you have to take a taxi every time.

That's really sweet of you to video everything for the kids.

Sounds like a really rough arrival but a great first ride once you get to the park. Hope things only get better from here.

It definitely took some re-arranging to pull off the trip once I found about the shuttle schedule!

You were off to a rough start but here's hoping the Disney magic kicks in and from here on it's all good!

Yeah, things got much better from here on.
Didn't I seem like I was in a good mind?

Hooray for the start! Okay, that shuttle thing was just horrible, I hate it when hotels misrepresent things like that. Personally I'm hoping you meet another Disney-phile at the conference that you can hitch rides with! It looks like you had a great first night once you got there though. I'm guessing Haunted Mansion for the night ride, though that might be an easy guess, lol..I haven't been in so long I don't even know anymore what's IN Liberty Square! I hear you on the photo thing too, I hate getting my picture taken in general, Piper makes a good shield, lol.

No such luck on the Disney-phile but I did okay.
As for photos, I'm definitely not shy - just realized I need to invent some poses.

 

[WrightFamily06]

We stayed off property several times in a rental home which worked out well w/ our car or a rental car . I remember though when I was in middle school staying at a hotel near WDW with my family and we had the same problem as u the shuttles to the parks we few and far between . I myself though have to say we prefer staying on property also , mostly for the dinning , we always take our own car though due to the fact that WDW buses & my stomach don't get along ! LOL Beautiful pictures , POC is our Fav WDW ride . I'm saying your on your way to the HM , can't wait to see the pictures !

 

[HilJoy14]

We have stayed off-property several times and enjoy it. We almost always stay at the Hilton across the street from Downtown Disney. (Another option that we'll probably try, because it is cheaper, is the newly remodeled Regal Sun, also a block or so from Downtown Disney.) If you stay there, you're right by the Disney bus stop.

But if I was staying off-site, I would rent a car. It's something like $12 per day, and we like to come and go as we please.

(Just trying to let you know that staying off-site isn't always bad...)

Glad you perked up once you got to WDW. I know that would put me in a better mood right away!

 

[kbheap]

Your TR is off to a good start. Can't wait to read more.

 

[figment41]

OK finally checking in here. The budget board has been keeping me busy but now I am off to work on photopass. Can't wait to hear more.

 

[thecapells]

We stayed off property several times in a rental home which worked out well w/ our car or a rental car . I remember though when I was in middle school staying at a hotel near WDW with my family and we had the same problem as u the shuttles to the parks we few and far between . I myself though have to say we prefer staying on property also , mostly for the dinning , we always take our own car though due to the fact that WDW buses & my stomach don't get along ! LOL Beautiful pictures , POC is our Fav WDW ride . I'm saying your on your way to the HM , can't wait to see the pictures !

I was always a fan of staying on-site.
This experience definitely solidified that view.
And I'm not big on rental cars, parking fees, and trams - I actually prefer the Disney bus system believe it or not.

We have stayed off-property several times and enjoy it. We almost always stay at the Hilton across the street from Downtown Disney. (Another option that we'll probably try, because it is cheaper, is the newly remodeled Regal Sun, also a block or so from Downtown Disney.) If you stay there, you're right by the Disney bus stop.

But if I was staying off-site, I would rent a car. It's something like $12 per day, and we like to come and go as we please.

(Just trying to let you know that staying off-site isn't always bad...)

Glad you perked up once you got to WDW. I know that would put me in a better mood right away!

The hotel experience was a disaster but I wasn't going to let it ruin my fun!

Your TR is off to a good start. Can't wait to read more.

Then grab some popcorn!

 

[thecapells]

OK finally checking in here. The budget board has been keeping me busy but now I am off to work on photopass. Can't wait to hear more.

Glad you could join us!
Hopefully some fun stories will give you a nice distraction from the budget board!

 

[thecapells]

I bypassed the Frontierland food and headed for Liberty Square.
I thought I might have time for a trip through the dark and spooky Haunted Mansion!
Strike Two!
(one being the hotel and shuttle experience)

The Mansion was having technical difficulties and was currently down.
So, I re-routed through Liberty Square, back to Frontierland, and through the secret passage to Adventureland.
It was time for some cheering up – and that means Dole Whip!
But the line was reallllly long.
Strike Three!

So now I needed some cheering up.
It was time for old reliable – The Tiki Room!
I looooove the Tiki Room – the old show, mind you was my favorite.
I remember when I was little falling in love with Michael – my namesake Tiki Bird.
Ever since then, I’ve take a picture with him whenever I go back with the kids.
I’m not too fond of the new show – not a big fan of Iago or Zazu but it’s still nostalgic.
I can’t wait to go to Disneyland one day so I can show the original show to the kids.
But I digress.

The show was about to start so I headed into the almost empty theatre bypassing the pre-show.
And away we go!
Somebody better go wake up the glee club!

The show was nice and put a smile back on my face.
I took lots of video this time around as well so the following are snapshots from that.
I think I managed a couple of decent ones of the Tiki goddess herself.

I liked her red eyes glowing as she departed

Lastly the girls joined the party for the Conga

The show ended and it was about 8:45 so I booked back over to Aloha Isle where the line had thinned.
Dole Whip Float please!!!
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
That makes everything better.
With my Dole Whip in hand (and in my tummy), I headed towards the hub.
Stay tuned for the night’s entertainment!

 

[WrightFamily06]

I was always a fan of staying on-site.
This experience definitely solidified that view.
And I'm not big on rental cars, parking fees, and trams - I actually prefer the Disney bus system believe it or not.

I'm not big on flying so we usually don't do rental cars either and I totally agree the parking fee of I think 12 or 14 dollars a day is crazy ! Glad to hear that you do well with the bus system , my family would be fine using it too but due to the fact that I would probably have to take dramamine to ride them everyday , I would just rather drive our car and since we stay on property the parking is free .

Great update ! Sorry all your plans didn't work out at 1st We love the Tiki Room also but I totally agree w/ u the original was much better ! Yummy , a Dole Whip Float that would make anyone forget about the events of the day that weren't so good !

 

[pipersmom]

All this dole whip talk..must get a dole whip! I don't remember seeing the Tiki Room show as a kid, but definitely a must do when we go as Piper loooooves Aladdin and will be all over Iago being in it!

 

[All7OfUs]

It's a travesty what they've done to the Tiki. I wish Disney would stop pimping itself out at every turn and just let the classics be classics.

Ah well, at least a Dole Whip got you to snap out of the bad luck funk yum!

 

[meeko_33785]

A Dole Whip sounds really good right about now. I've never tried the Dole Whip float, but I'm sure I'd love it. Maybe I'll make it a priority to try one next time I'm at MK- or do they do the floats at the Poly too?

I actually kind of like the new Tiki Room. It's not great and I wouldn't say it's one of my favorites, but it's cute to see every now and then.

 

[thecapells]

I'm not big on flying so we usually don't do rental cars either and I totally agree the parking fee of I think 12 or 14 dollars a day is crazy ! Glad to hear that you do well with the bus system , my family would be fine using it too but due to the fact that I would probably have to take dramamine to ride them everyday , I would just rather drive our car and since we stay on property the parking is free .

Great update ! Sorry all your plans didn't work out at 1st We love the Tiki Room also but I totally agree w/ u the original was much better ! Yummy , a Dole Whip Float that would make anyone forget about the events of the day that weren't so good !

Dole Whip Float definitely makes things so smoother.

All this dole whip talk..must get a dole whip! I don't remember seeing the Tiki Room show as a kid, but definitely a must do when we go as Piper loooooves Aladdin and will be all over Iago being in it!

Ah, then you definitely a trip to Disneyland to see the original.
I can't wait to take the kids so they can see it!

It's a travesty what they've done to the Tiki. I wish Disney would stop pimping itself out at every turn and just let the classics be classics.

Ah well, at least a Dole Whip got you to snap out of the bad luck funk yum!

Dole Whips can cure almost anything!

A Dole Whip sounds really good right about now. I've never tried the Dole Whip float, but I'm sure I'd love it. Maybe I'll make it a priority to try one next time I'm at MK- or do they do the floats at the Poly too?

I actually kind of like the new Tiki Room. It's not great and I wouldn't say it's one of my favorites, but it's cute to see every now and then.

The floats are only available at Aloha Isle in Adventureland.
The Poly has the Dole Whips without the pineapple juice.

As for the Tiki Room, we just saw Princess and the Frog tonite.
Both kids loved it and a family favorite scene was towards the end with Dr. Facilier.
Without giving anything away, we thought that scene looked like the Tiki Room gone nuts!
So of course Mom and I are thinking afterwards, now that would be a good retheming of the Tiki Room!
Get rid of Zazu and Iago and do Voodoo Tikis instead!!

Anyway, sorry I've been AWOL for a couple of days - it's been real hectic around the house and at work.
I hope to have a new installment tomorrow though.
So bear with me...

 

[All7OfUs]

We're bearing...