Where did this heat and all these people come from? The new PTR/TR link 5/7

[brookelizabeth]

Trilo-butt! Love that!

 

[MeMom]

Those flamingos can put their necks in all kinds of crazy ways. It is so interesting to watch.

Glad you liked Dinosaur.

The desserts look scrumptious. I have yet to have the pistachio creme brulee, but I sure do want to get that one of these days.

I'm always ready for a good, deep Disney sleep after about three nights.

 

[kschafer]

Trilo-butt! Love that!

One of my favorite geology geek jokes!!

Those flamingos can put their necks in all kinds of crazy ways. It is so interesting to watch.

Glad you liked Dinosaur.

The desserts look scrumptious. I have yet to have the pistachio creme brulee, but I sure do want to get that one of these days.

I'm always ready for a good, deep Disney sleep after about three nights.

they are crazy birds for sure!

I LOVED Dinosaur!

Yummy desserts to top off an amazing filet...I could go for one of those right now...yes, for breakfast!

yes, I should have scheduled more down time but it is so hard for me to give up that good Disney fun!!

************************************

Happy Halloween everyone!!​

So no, the busyness of my life has not calmed down but I am not giving up on this TR!!!

Thanks everyone for popping in, I do appreciate it

 

[kschafer]

Day 6 – Thursday, May 6

As I sat down to write this update, I remembered something from the night before. Today was the end of our package reservation and the start of our room-only ressie. The night before when the taxi dropped us off, I went to the registration desk to see if there was any way we could take care of it then instead of taking the time the next morning but despite the CM’s willingness to try, they were unable to do it so Thursday morning not only brought us the challenge of making it to MK EMH’s but adding a stop to take care of the reservation as well (luckily if you recall, I had already made arrangements to stay in the same room so at least we didn’t have that to worry about) All of this after having hit that stupid wall the night before! So did we make it…..

Not only did we make it, we made it EARLY!! I guess I was driven by the fact that I wanted to be sure we saw the opening ceremony, I had another Dismeet scheduled for this morning and it really helped that we had an afternoon off planned so I knew a nap was in my future

We took a few pictures while waiting

And before we knew it, a Main Street citizen was greeting us

And some more came out to say…good morning, good morning

Then the train came down the track (oh I humor myself!)

And a few characters got off to greet us.

I was surprised at how few there were, in 2008 when we saw the show, there were about a dozen of them. Soon we were off and headed in this direction

As we were quickly making our way through the non-existent line, I got a text from Julia (Julezdisney) who had arrived in Orlando the day before. She and her daughter were with a friend and were staying offsite. We had plans to meet at regular opening time and do fantasyland together. Unfortunately Julez was texting to let me know that her daughter and friend had vetoed that plan in favor of hitting the beach so they weren’t going to make it…BUMMER!!

So Shelby and I made our way alone in that direction. I loved all the Walt quotes hanging on the construction fence.

I was hoping to ride Dumbo but the line was already quite long so we just said hello to these fellows

and moved on to visit the 100 acre wood

I was ready for some spinning but Shelby wanted nothing to do with it so she walked around while I rode

 

[kschafer]

We stopped here and grabbed FP’s. Such interesting ways to maintain the appearance!

Then it was time for a trip around the world

Shelby had been asking when we were going to make it here and although I knew the line would stay short for awhile, I had to give in to her wish since we were right here

Oh how I adore these dolls!

And after the cute it was time for the scary so we stopped momentarily to once again enjoy this spot that I love so much

Before heading into a beautiful mansion

With some interesting décor!

Not sure who our hitchhiker is but I was happy anything turned out with this picture attempt

At this point, we had accomplished most of our must do list and it wasn’t quite 10:00 yet! We had lunch reservations at 12:15. What should we do until then?

 

[cdotla]

Hey Katie...I am finally caught up again!

Love that picture of your son. Happy belated birthday to him. And great cake...did you make it?

Your recap of dinner at Jiko sounds as great as our dinner was there. I LOVE Jiko!!! Too bad you were too tired to really enjoy it...just another excuse to go back again!

Sounds like a great time meeting up with all of those Dissers!

And I am so glad that despite all the odds you somehow still managed to be at the MK for the 8am EMH opening. Isn't that Opening Show fantastic? I have only seen it once because we are always typically in the park for an early pre-opening ADR. Christine was supposed to go with me on our trip earlier this month, but she bailed after a late nite! Which was fine, because it allowed me to sleep in too!

 

[SoonerGirl]

I'm impressed you were able to get yourself up and moving so early in the morning! It sounds like it was worth it since you were able to get so much done in just a few hours

 

[Charleston Princess]

Gotta love Fantasyland in the morning. Hurray for spinning on the teacups and seeing Alice! Too bad Julez wasn't able to meet up with you.

 

[KatMark]

Great update, Katie. I love that you had no problem getting to CSR early and you got some great photos. Sorry you didn't get on Dumbo.

 

[Poolrat]

Great early morning at MK. Considering you hit that wall and had to take care of reservation issues and you still managed to get to Early EMH Early.

Now that is pixie dust- having the energy to do that after being so tired the night before.

 

[MeMom]

It will be interesting to see what they do with the interactive Haunted Mansion queue. All the gravestones were boarded up when we were there a couple of weeks ago.

It will also seem so strange to go into Small World through the exit and come out through the entrance. Brooklynn will wonder what is going on the first time we start going in to the out ramp!

 

[MEK]

Katie - So excited you update again!!!!! Your update took me right back to that date. I think it was the day of my AI fiasco.

I will admit, as much as I don't like IASW, I do think the hippos are pretty darn cute.

Great MK pics and nice pictures of your ghost. I can NEVER get the ghosts pictures. Hmmmmm.....at least now I know it is possible and I must try again!

Hope all is going well with you and the family!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Great update Katie and you certainly did cover a lot of ground. Love your pix of the Mansion and the hitchhiker.

 

[manntra]

So happy that the wall didn't deter you for too long
I remember the next morning when I woke up...I was absolutely starving!!! It was crazy because we ate so much the night before and so late....I don't know how I had time to get hungry!!

Tracy

 

[brookelizabeth]

You got a lot done that morning! Getting up and getting moving so early truly paid off - despite the canceled DIS meet!

Love the pic of you two in front of MK!

I think maybe you are going to head to Toon Town....

 

[kschafer]

Sorry, sorry, sorry!!!!​

I have been meaning to get back here and update and for some reason my energy level lately only allows me to read on the Dis but I have done very little posting. Responses then an update coming right up! Thanks for hanging in there with me!!!!

Hey Katie...I am finally caught up again!

Love that picture of your son. Happy belated birthday to him. And great cake...did you make it?

Your recap of dinner at Jiko sounds as great as our dinner was there. I LOVE Jiko!!! Too bad you were too tired to really enjoy it...just another excuse to go back again!

Sounds like a great time meeting up with all of those Dissers!

And I am so glad that despite all the odds you somehow still managed to be at the MK for the 8am EMH opening. Isn't that Opening Show fantastic? I have only seen it once because we are always typically in the park for an early pre-opening ADR. Christine was supposed to go with me on our trip earlier this month, but she bailed after a late nite! Which was fine, because it allowed me to sleep in too!

Hey Trish! Thanks...yes, I made the cake. It wasn't my best but it turned out cute.

Jiko was delicious but I heard something recently about the filet...maybe they weren't pairing it with the mac and cheese? That is a bummer!

It was so great meeting everyone...definitely a highlight of the trip!

I do love the opening show, someday I'll have to make a point to get to one of the others, MK is the only one I have really seen (was at DHS and Epcot but from WAY back where you can't see)

Is there a TR for the October trip?

I'm impressed you were able to get yourself up and moving so early in the morning! It sounds like it was worth it since you were able to get so much done in just a few hours

It was perhaps the least crowded day we had on this trip so yes, we got a lot done!

Sorry to say the wall reappeared

Gotta love Fantasyland in the morning. Hurray for spinning on the teacups and seeing Alice! Too bad Julez wasn't able to meet up with you.

I was really bumed not to meet up with Julez We still had a great morning though

Great update, Katie. I love that you had no problem getting to CSR early and you got some great photos. Sorry you didn't get on Dumbo.

I haven't been on Dumbo since I was a kid, I think it will be higher on the priority list for the next trip.

Great early morning at MK. Considering you hit that wall and had to take care of reservation issues and you still managed to get to Early EMH Early.

Now that is pixie dust- having the energy to do that after being so tired the night before.

I was determined to make the opening show but I think knowing that we had a planned afternoon off was the only saving grace that morning!

It will be interesting to see what they do with the interactive Haunted Mansion queue. All the gravestones were boarded up when we were there a couple of weeks ago.

It will also seem so strange to go into Small World through the exit and come out through the entrance. Brooklynn will wonder what is going on the first time we start going in to the out ramp!

Hmm...I hadn't heard they are doing a refurb on HM, should be interesting!

Has IASW reopened? It will be fun to see the changes

Katie - So excited you update again!!!!! Your update took me right back to that date. I think it was the day of my AI fiasco.

I will admit, as much as I don't like IASW, I do think the hippos are pretty darn cute.

Great MK pics and nice pictures of your ghost. I can NEVER get the ghosts pictures. Hmmmmm.....at least now I know it is possible and I must try again!

Hope all is going well with you and the family!

Aww man...crazy people at AI!

I have seen other people get decent pics of the hitchhiker, mine just looks like a fuzzy blob on my lap

We are good but life is hectic. Basketball has started so Greg is scarce these days. How are things with your teens?

Great update Katie and you certainly did cover a lot of ground. Love your pix of the Mansion and the hitchhiker.

Thanks Sharon it was a nice morning!

So happy that the wall didn't deter you for too long
I remember the next morning when I woke up...I was absolutely starving!!! It was crazy because we ate so much the night before and so late....I don't know how I had time to get hungry!!

Tracy

I'm not sure now if I also was starving this morning or if you told me that already

It wasn't an action packed day luckily or I wouldn't have made it!

You got a lot done that morning! Getting up and getting moving so early truly paid off - despite the canceled DIS meet!

Love the pic of you two in front of MK!

I think maybe you are going to head to Toon Town....

Hey Brook, nice to see you dising on your vacation!

Toon Town was on our maybe list and we ended up skipping it because the walk back there just seemed too long at the time

 

[kschafer]

Day 6 continued

After our visit with 999 happy haunts, we made our way into Liberty Square where I got into a bit of trouble and was punished according to local law

But Shelby bailed me out and we continued down the much less crowded street than a few days earlier

We contemplated a ride on Splash

But despite the fact that logs were running and people were in them, the attraction was actually closed.

Some lucky individuals were going to be a part of some happy Disney video but we weren’t invited so we moved on

I decided to attempt some pictures while on the ride…a first for me

I love that wildest ride in the west!!

Next we decided to do something neither of us did in 2008 with the kids

Yes we decided to go explore Tom Sawyer Island.

It was cute, it would have been nicer if there hadn’t been a super competitive Dad desperately trying to find the paintbrushes riding the same raft. Seriously, BTMRR was a walk-on, grab your own FP for Splash…chill out dude!

It was kind of fun to walk around but I’m not sure I would do it again without kids. I can see my boys really enjoying it here though! I liked how the sunlight looked through the glass bottle here

We returned to the mainland,

and watched this guy for a little while looking for an early lunch

Splash was still not open to the rest of us so my MK mountain trifecta was not going to be but the time had now come to use these

 

[kschafer]

After our flight, the time had come for my favorite Fantasyland attraction!!

I took this picture for Patrick (in case you weren’t around for my 2008 report, one of my favorite memories is his reaction to Donald flying out of the movie. It was one of the few pieces of magic he believed in and I’ll never forget that moment!)

At this point, we were about an hour away from our lunch ADR and we decided we had done everything we wanted so we began a leisurely stroll out of the park. Our first stop was at a hat cart. Shelby had seen a McQueen ears hat she wanted for her son and they had a princess ears one for her daughter. I thought these were interesting, I hadn’t seen them on any other reports

They had scratch and sniff stickers on them…Mickey bars and Disney popcorn!

The next stop was to try to pull the sword but no luck on this day!

Just taking in the sights

Stopping for more wishes

Making sure we said thanks to the man who started it all

Then worked our way down main street through the shops. I love the glass vase you can see in this picture!

Since this was our last day on the dining plan, we stopped at the confectionary and burned the 12 snack credits we had left and got some yummy treats to take home! Then we came out to find these gentlemen.

We stalked them until they stopped and played for a bit

Then went on into Le Chappeau to get the hats Shelby bought stitched with the kids names. We entertained ourselves while we waited

Then finally made our way out of the park

Our lunch destination today was only a monorail ride away

To the resort with the most amazing flower arrangements!

The Grand Floridian Café!! Shelby started with Strawberry Salad - Field Greens with Crumbled Feta, Cashews and Strawberry Vinaigrette $5.99

It was yummy. I can’t resist a good bowl of Caramelized Onion Soup au Gratin Quattro Formaggio and Provolone $6.99

Delicious!! I had planned to get the burger with lobster, asparagus and hollandaise sauce but didn’t want something quite so heavy so Shelby and I both ended up ordering The Grand Sandwich - Open-faced hot Turkey, Ham, Bacon and Tomato, with a rich Boursin Cheese Sauce and Fried Onion Straws $11.99

It was good but huge and with that sauce, still heavier than I was hoping for. I picked at it and ended up leaving a good bit behind, I think Shelby did too. Perhaps you can tell that I was getting tired of deluxe dining at this point and was very glad this was our last day of it!!
For dessert we ordered A Sweet Ending to Your Celebration... Dessert Sampler - Tiramisu, Chocolate Mousse, Key Lime Tart, and Lemon Cheesecake $9.99

The chocolate mousse was good but too heavy for the way I was feeling this day. I didn’t think the tiramisu was very good. Shelby on the other hand loved both of these. I was however quite fond of both the cheesecake and tart. They were a bit lighter and more suited to my mood this day so although we started out trying all 4, in the end we were both happy with our 2 favorites.

We made our way out of the GF

Then returned to MK to grab a bus to CSR for an afternoon break. While waiting I got a kick out of these ducks eating this kids popcorn and how close they let him get. I expressed my surprise to a CM working the bus lines who commented that they hatch right there by the lagoon and don’t know they are supposed to fear humans. (and that popcorn is one of their favorite treats!) I guess that makes sense but it still took me by surprise.

My plans for the afternoon had been to go for a swim and relax then meet up with MEK for dinner at Ohana. I had been really looking forward to our plans but that stupid wall was still in my way. By the time we got back to our room, I wanted nothing but a nap, I knew there was no way I would be hungry again in only 4 hours and the thought of going through the transportation game that would have been necessary to get to the Poly just did not appeal to me so I talked about it with Shelby and we made the disappointing decision that we were going to stay put for the rest of the day. I texted Mary Ellen to let her know we weren’t going to make it. I was really bummed but I knew there was no way I would find the energy for it. In the end, it was the right choice but I was bummed to not get a chance to enjoy a lapu lapu with MEK

 

[PrincessInOz]

Fantastic update and I love your pictures. Those food porn pictures at GFC are making me drool.
I can't believe that you went to Tom Sawyer Island without kids! My DS would kill me if I ever did anything like that without him.

I wonder whether the Disney promotional video has gone to air yet....

And you know it was the right decision to just sit and chill! Sometimes, it's just good to relax and enjoy the resorts.

 

[MeMom]

Hmm...I hadn't heard they are doing a refurb on HM, should be interesting!

Has IASW reopened? It will be fun to see the changes.

They had the graveyard covered up with boards in October. They are supposedly creating an interactive queue.

Small World was closed when we were there, but opened before we left. We didn't go back to MK, though, so we haven't seen it except in pictures. You just go in through the former exit, over the bridge, down the ramp, and onto the ride. You come out the former entrance. It'll feel weird doing that the first time!

I think he succeeded.

That salad with strawberries looks good!

Great update to start my last day of school this week.