How A Trip Goes From Relaxing To Lets Do Everything? 2 Week Pic Report From Mar '11

[skidisney]

So where could we head to? Well, we turn right after the Great Movie Ride and down to the Streets Of America.

And then on to another point of controversy. One of my favorite attractions and pre-shows is

I love the Muppets and watch all the shows. However, I am pretty sure that Brittany could live her entire life without hearing the word Muppet again. She may be a full blown Muppet hater. You may direct your comments towards her. I wish they had made the originally conceived Muppet ride in the Studios. But alas, , they did not.

On to another attraction that I hadn't ridden in years.

Let's talk about this. What a disaster. I am so saddened to see what this attraction has become. It used to be so much better. Now they don't even let guests act out the rolls in the water tank area.

See the empty, but used to be occupied by someone's unfortunate dad, captain's chair

You just get the feeling that they didn't want to spend the money to even take the water tank portion out of the tour. I mean using Pearl Harbor and The Rock and Con Air to sell this attraction. Come on!!!

Poor empty chair

Look, the water is on fire, exciting

And a prop from Hannah Montana: The Movie

The Tram Tour now basically drives around in a circle and has a few interesting sights. What was really cool about our portion of the tram tour was we were on it while Lights, Motors, Action was going on and we got to see a lot of the behind the scenes goings on.

Lucky timing on that one.

The slightly lopsided, ok really lopsided cage from Pirates.

The original icon

Costuming for the entire resort's cast members

Hi Mr. Man from LMA

Walt's Plane

And Catastrophe Canyon

And the back of it

Bashed up Herbie, poor Herbie

And the finale

Next: AFI and a gift shop of course

 

[jmsdvc]

Great pictures and TR.
Especially love all your pictures of PORS.

 

[skidisney]

At the end of the Backlot Tour, AFI puts an exhibit in that is changed every once in a while. This might be one of the most interesting parts if you like props from the movies like i do.

And the Monsters Inc. area

So our goal here on the first full morning at the Studios, espescially with it getting crowded, and knowing that we had two weeks to come back and hit the headliners, was to try some attractions we had never completely experienced before. On this list was

If you have not been in here, you are missing out. There are great props and models from Imagineering in here and the movie (although a condensed version of Walt's life) is pretty good as well. And it is air-conditioned and a very relaxing place to take a load off for 10 minute.

Of course Walt's office

A model of Peter Pan

Original Figment and Kitchen Cabaret and Horizons items

Paris' Castle

Model from Tokyo DisneySea

California Adventure

NEXT: More fun in the Animation Courtyard

 

[skidisney]

So we come out of the theatre for One Man's Dream and come into the Animation Courtyard to this:

Stroller Central. Granted, it was about 12:15 at this point. I spot the Art of Animation store to the left of Disney Junior and we are just trying to pad for our lunch ADR so we decide to go in. Upon exploration, we find this is the back way into The Art Of Animation meet-and greets and hands-on activities. So we keep going back and find some cool stuff

An actual animator

She's working on Snow White

And Lotso

We played the "What Character Are You Most Like?" game and Brittany is, no surprise here

Time to walk to lunch

No, not Min And Bill's today

Not Dinosaur Gertie's either

Not even Hollywood & Vine

Next: Where could it be?

 

[skidisney]

Subbing!

I'm heading down to WDW this summer for a two weeks trip so I'm curious to hear about yours.

I like your TR so far, but I have to say that I particularly enjoy the pics of Winter Summerland as we so rarely see pictures of the mini-golfs.

Hope you have as much fun as we did. I am sure you will. Winter Summerland is a really fun place to spend and hour and have a great time.

 

[skidisney]

Great pictures and TR.
Especially love all your pictures of PORS.

Thanks for joining in. There are more pics of Riverside and some French Quarter coming up.

 

[skidisney]

I knew you would figure it out

I was very concerned about this restaurant. I was interested in the food but not really happy about the concept with 2 grown adults. Call me silly (I am sure you will,) but it just didn't tickle my fancy on paper. The result was that it was ok. The food was pretty good but not great. The service (Aunt Janice) was nice enough without being to overbearing. The speed of service was slower than usual but tolerable. The one issue we seemed to have at all of the Table Service restaurants in the theme parks (not at all in the resorts) was that we would get put at a table that had about a foot and a half gap between another 2 seated table and there were always people at the next table. So it felt like they were part of the conversation. Oh well, what can you do, Disney is trying to fill up as much space as possible. Let's check out the restaurant.

The Living Room (Lobby)

The Tune-In Lounge

Not too bad with the ADR. About a 5 minute wait.

You can see how close we were to the next table

I had a milkshake ($4.99) that came with the extra cup with more milkshake. It was literally like 3 milkshakes. (Sorry Britt must have missed the pics of the shake.) Brittany had the Cherry Coke ($3.19.)

And for the meals

Brittany had the Grandma's Chicken Pot Pie - creamy mixture of chicken, mushrooms, carrots, celery, peas, and onions topped with a flaky pastry $16.99

It is huge!!!

I really enjoyed Dad's Traditional Meatloaf - a blend of beef and pork topped with tomato glaze, served with mashed potatoes, and green beans $14.99

One last shot of the hostess stand.

All in all, a pretty good restaurant. Very noisy. Would I go back? I am in no hurry but I wouldn't discourage anyone from eating here.

TIW Savings on this meal was $8.03
And the total after the discout for two of us was $41.45

Next: 20 Minutes til Toy Story, What to do? What to do?

 

[Sammy Cat]

I've only gotten to Day 2 so far in your trip report, but I wanted to stop and let you know that this is the BEST trip report I've ever read on this board (and I've read quite a few). I love that you are no nonsense and straight to the point about all the stuff that matters, such as getting there, your feelings upon arrival, the resort, etc. And THANK YOU for posting so many great pics! We'll also be staying at Port Orleans Riverside in about six weeks time, so seeing all the pics and reading your comments got me very excited about our trip! Good job so far, can't wait to read more!

 

[skidisney]

So we got out of 50's Prime Time at about 1:45 and decided to see something we hadn't seen before (remember the goals of this trip originally was to focus on seeing things we hadn't seen before and was still holding true at this point.) So we wandered over to where the new Star Tours will be debuting in May and caught the Jedi Training Academy. Really fun show, but I will tell you, we walked by later in the trip and it wasn't as good with a different actor portraying the Jedi Master. This guy was really funny and good with the kids.

This kid was great. His hood is clearly too large and he would not take it off and he would bang his fists on his legs every time he would get "ready for battle."

Old posters were still up over the stage

Walking back through the Muppet Courtyard to get to Pixar Place

Pretty crowded at this point

And finally to

Apparently, we were having so much fun, the camera disappeared until

Now here is a hint I hadn't known about before. If you have Fastpasses or are just 2 or less people in your party in Standby (or are willing to split up into 2 or less,) when you reach the merge (right after you pick up your glasses,) mention to the CM that you are 2 or 1 and they will direct you through a gate that will send you right to the front at the loading station. This saves about 10-20 minutes of wait time. I'm just saying, haha.

On our way out we saw the pre-parade coming out

And at 2:45 PM we decided to call it a wrap for the Studios for the day.

Next: More Riverside Exploring And Let's See How Disney Transportation Is Doing

 

[skidisney]

I've only gotten to Day 2 so far in your trip report, but I wanted to stop and let you know that this is the BEST trip report I've ever read on this board (and I've read quite a few). I love that you are no nonsense and straight to the point about all the stuff that matters, such as getting there, your feelings upon arrival, the resort, etc. And THANK YOU for posting so many great pics! We'll also be staying at Port Orleans Riverside in about six weeks time, so seeing all the pics and reading your comments got me very excited about our trip! Good job so far, can't wait to read more!

So awesome that you are enjoying it. I hope you keep reading because I have some more Riverside coming up. Thanks again for your kind comments.

 

[skidisney]

So we left DHS via our personal car at 2:45 PM and got back to our room at 3PM on the dot. Not to bad. I am guessing it was faster than Disney transportation based upon our next experience.

So after a little rest at the hotel, we had a 7:15 ADR in Downtown Disney. So we left the room for the boat dock at 6:05.

We arrive at the boat dock at 6:15 to what looks like a small wait.

Across from the boat dock

Look, a boat

Not ours

After about 5 boats, ours arrived. Now I have always thought that Disney Transportation was a nice thing to have and I was thinking that the boat to DD was an awesome feature. But as each of the 5 boats that weren't ours. Waiting for the boat to pull up, dock, tie up, unload, count new people to load, load, untie, and set off all done by one person (the captain of each boat respectively) with no one manning the dock. This process began to seem a bit ridiculous. The time we actually got on our boat was now 6:40.

Remember, we have to go to French Quarter, repeat the above process and then set sail for Marketplace which is good enough even though we had to walk to Pleasure Island.

Regardless, here are some of the sights from the river. Fantastic views here.

French Quarter

La Nouba and Disney Quest

Would like to eat here someday. Not this trip though.

The views are great. It is relaxing if you are not trying to get anywhere on time. Arrival in the Marketplace was at 7:05. With some speed walking through Marketplace we were able to make it to what is left of Pleasure Island and made our 7:15 reservation with no room to spare.

Next: It's what's for dinner.

 

[ronnmel]

I'm wondering where all those other boats were going? I thought that POR only had boats going to DTD.

 

[skidisney]

I'm wondering where all those other boats were going? I thought that POR only had boats going to DTD.

It does only run between Riverside, French Quarter and Downtown Disney. Our issues came because of capacity allowed on the boats. We had approx 45 people ahead of us but they would only allow a certain amount on each boat. We were the 5th boat out of the docks but at a spacing of 10-15 minutes, I just want people to be aware of the time investment it may take to do the boat. Busses run as well between Downtown and Port Orleans and I suspect it goes much faster than the boat trip.

 

[skidisney]

We had questioned whether having 3 ADR's a day was possible for us but we really wanted to explore the restaurants on this trip.

We walked at a fast pace to

So after cutting it close with the boat ride, we made it to our reservation right on time at

That's right

We were sat next to the bar at a high top table

It has an open kitchen which is nice

We decided to get 3 appetizers to split between the two of us

First the very delicious Chorizo & Beef Skewers - (serves 2) Spicy Chorizo & Marinated Beef Skewers. Served with Chimichurri Pita Bread, Marinated Mushrooms & Citrus Yogurt Sauce $15.99

Also the very good Quesadillas - Flour Tortillas Stuffed with your Choice of Steak or Chicken. Topped with Imported Cheeses and Served with Sour Cream and Pico de Gallo $12.99

And just because, the Mac & Cheese Bites - crisp on the outside, creamy on the inside, served with a jalapeno and cilantro dipping sauce $8.50

All was very good and the server Chris was excellent. If I have to be honest, one of the reasons I wanted to come here was for the "coldest beer on earth." I had two, neither was very cold.

I lost the receipt on this one but I believe the TIW discount was around $8.00.
The total for the two of us after discount was $48.98.

After the meal, we decided to walk through

Pretty busy in DD

We then got to the boat ramp for the Downtown Disney boat shuttle. We waited for about 10 minutes, got on the boat, had to stop by the Pleasure Island dock, and finally to the Marketplace dock.

At this point, we could go back to the end of the line to try and catch the water taxi back to Riverside, however the line was 30-45 people long again and we saw how long that took last time. We opted for the bus. Short walk past Rainforest to the bus stop. Waited 5 minutes there, boarded a bus and then how to stop at West Side (where we just came from, mind you,) where they needed to do a driver switch. 10 minutes there. I believe I said to Britt at this point "I don't care how many circles we have to drive in to find a parking spot, next time we are driving."

I will say that once the busses are back in Port Orleans it may be the most efficient multiple stop hotel on the transportaion system. Bus stops are well spaced and the busses are very frequent but not in the way.

Next: Could this possibly be it for today?

 

[ronnmel]

It does only run between Riverside, French Quarter and Downtown Disney. Our issues came because of capacity allowed on the boats. We had approx 45 people ahead of us but they would only allow a certain amount on each boat. We were the 5th boat out of the docks but at a spacing of 10-15 minutes, I just want people to be aware of the time investment it may take to do the boat. Busses run as well between Downtown and Port Orleans and I suspect it goes much faster than the boat trip.

Ahhh, thanks. I get it now.

 

[skidisney]

Alright, so here we go. Time for a little EMH at the Magic Kingdom. Being that the regular operating hours are until midnight, that means EMH until 3 AM. That right there is Doug time. Obviously, I am a night owl way more than a morning person. We drove to the MAgic Kingdom and parked in the first row of Minnie and walked through the tram tunnel to the TTC.

On the monorail 10:20 PM, got the whole monorail car to ourselves. Love that. It seems so peaceful, compared to those days where we are all crammed on together like cattle.

We walked in during Magic, Memories & You but no time for that. We wanted to get out of the way for the Main Street exit that everyone was heading towards.

So we headed across the brand new bridge into Adventureland

And found our spot in Frontierland for the Main Street Electrical Parade at 11 PM.

My main man Goofy

Alice

Cinderella

The Final Float

Haunted Mansion was packed with the crowds from the parade afterwards so we moved on to Fantasyland.

Next: Let the EMH begin

 

[skidisney]

So we head to Fantasyland and walk by most everything, because of the long lines. It was still 11:55 PM and regular operating hours so all the days guests were running around trying to get in line for their last ride of the evening. We saw that Snow White had a small wait and jumped in line.

Another shot of the castle as we let the crowds from the day filter out.

We moved on to Tomorrowland where the crowds were still pretty heavy. Britt decided to have her first Mickey bar ever. Suprising considering we have been there 3 times together that it has taken this long.

We rode Buzz with a little wait. I scored a weak 444900. Someday I will be a galactic hero.

The TTA was not operating . This would start a trend I have never experienced in the Magic Kingdom before.

We moved around to the hub. Look, castle from the front.

At 12:30, we get on Pirates for the first time this trip. Side note, this was the first time our room key was checked during the night even though EMH started at 12. So we board Pirates and guess what, no sound and the Animatronics were not moving. We were basically floating through a Pirate Museum. It was very quiet, I will tell you that much.

So we get out of there and head to my favorite attraction in all of Disney World, SPLASH MOUNTAIN!!!

How exciting!!! (Brittany hates water rides as much as she hates Muppets, so she complains the entire time.)

Look at her in all her glory.

Enjoying the cruise. Hey, at least the soundtrack and characters are working.

And then the big drop is coming and ....

NOTHING. Broken down. Sitting in Splash for 25 minutes. Not being told anything and of course at the top of the mountain. The service lights come on, followed by some cast members and we are escorted out through a backstage area and by the parade float building.

At least for our troubles on this one, we receive some of these.

Poor Splash . Thank goodness we are here for two weeks, right?

Time to continue the cycle on our second trip around the park.

5 minute wait for Big Thunder so we ride that one.

And then we start walking on attractions. Isn't one o'clock in the morning great.

Walking on Haunted Mansion
Then Peter Pan.

Look what was a walk on.

Empty elephants.

On to Winnie The Pooh and the new queue. Really cool features here.

Goofy was out. So was Chip And Dale (Cast Member took the pic)

On to the Tomorrowland Speedway

Guess what else was a walk-on.

That's right

Ever wonder what Main Street looks like at 2:30 in the morning.
Well here you go.

A stop by the bakery (still baking things fresh) for an apple turnover for Brittany.

And a cool good night pic from the Magic Kingdom.

Our car is one of the 10 left in the parking lot.

And then it started raining.

Next: Remember when I said it started raining.

 

[skidisney]

After our late night out at the Magic Kingdom, we took our time the next morning and headed out to Epcot around 1:30 PM. Epcot is possibly our favorite park and we couldn't believe it took us this long to get there. Espescially with our first Flower and Garden Festival. The weather was, well lets just say it was wet. Well more then wet. It was pouring rain. Abosolutely, pouring and the forecast did not look very good for the rest of the day.

The rain was coming down and we even with our rain jackets, there was no protection it was coming down so hard.

So we stepped inside Innoventions West and did what any kid would do on a rainy day. Played some video games!!!

Then we darted over to the east side, trying to find any cover for our travels.

To be visited later.

We then went over to the festival center to check it out. Hey, it was dry inside.

We had bought tickets that night for the Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals spring training game, but when we called Wide World of Sports, we found out that the game was cancelled due to the rain.

Now on to the real reason we ventured out into this weather today. Lunch ADR!!!

It was an interesting choice considering Britt and I do not eat seafood and I had not heard great things about it but I had read in another TR that they had a great steak, so hey, I'm game. Besides, I had always wanted to see the inside of this restaurant since I was a kid.

Let's go in, shall we!

Blurry pic, I know, but it was the only one that turned out of the whole restaurant.

We were sat on the lower level, next to the window which was really cool.

Let's take a look at the menu.

I had a beer ($6.50 for 20 oz) and Brittany had a Sprite ($2.69.)

Brittany had the Seared Chicken Breast - served over spaetzle finished with Applewood smoked bacon - chicken broth $20.99.

I, of course, had the Grilled New York Strip Steak - served with horseradish smashed potatoes, watercress, and marketfresh vegetables $28.99

Another view from the table.

We also had the The Chocolate Wave* - served with raspberries $7.99 for dessert. But somehow, looking at the bill again now, this didn't make it on the check. We'll call it a Disney gift, I suppose.

Overall, food was decent. The chicken was made well and the steak was well prepared. Service was a lot slower than usual. It took a while to get our drink order and to get refills. The restaurant was far from full the entire time we were there. We overheard one family trying to find a place to have lunch and get out of the rain and they were told it would be a 45 minute wait. This seems to be the standard answer for walk-ins. We heard this time span at at least 6 different restaurants during our trip. The family left and the restaurant had 20 empty tables when we got to the dining room. I'm guessing they would have gotten a table within 5 minutes had they just stuck to their guns.

Our TIW discount for those keeping track was $11.83.

Total for the two of us, minus the dessert, was $61.07.

Next: And it rained, and it rained, and it rained, the deluge.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Hey there...my sister and I were there for some of the same time as you guys were. Yes, we were there for all that rain too. I'm with you, never seen anything like that!

Wow, the MK sure was dead that late! We were there that night too, though we were looong gone (we left after Wishes). But we were there for early opening that morning and crowds were not bad then either.

Looking forward to more of your adventures!

 

[elbodans]

first...i am loving this trip report. the pictures are great!

second...oh. my. goodness. you did SO MUCH on day one. that's an entire vacation's worth of stuff for me! i'm beyond impressed!

third...i hate the muppets, too.

fourth...this numbering thing is getting old!

when i was at DHS in early march, they still did do the thing on backlot tour where they had people act in the opening show.

in reply to your DTD boat experience, i think that disney boats are painfully slow. i took a boat from MK to wilderness lodge for dinner. i left the park an hour before my reservation, and was twenty minutes late. i am quite confident that i could have swam there in less time! i'm not sure why this is--but i'm glad i know that the DTD boats from POR are not great. the 'proximity' to DTD is the one reason i want to stay at POR; i will now change my mind and resume my love of the beach club.

i think getting to DTD is always annoying. when we visited DTD from BC, it took FOREVER to get back--we had a driver change, too, but it took WAY more than 10 minutes.

and in reply to your 'we will eat here some day' comment on fulton's--it's not great. your meal at paradisio (spelling?) looked great. i love sharing lots of apps! great idea!

have i mentioned that i'm loving this trip report??? can't wait for more!!!