Welcome, Foolish Muggles! IoA/US/MK/SW *July 2013 Trip Report Link*

[natebenma]

Too bad you didn't get to the show. We didn't see that either probably for the same reason-not high on priority list. My kids loved MIB too went on that quite a few times. I liked E.T. thought it was cute.

hey Dee I have a question you might be able to answer if not I'll post it somewhere- We are renting a car in April b/c we're staying in my parents timeshare. We were going to rent a minivan but have my parents drop us off at the parks a couple of days so they could do their own thing and visit a friend. How can we do this without them having to pay for parking?? Where can we just get dropped off?

Hey Deb- hope it went well for you today!

I hear the show is slightly risque, but that would be fine for my family. I don't mind the 13 year old getting the humor, but I know anything like that would fly right over Ben's head. Missing this show and Cat in the Hat were probably the two biggest disappointments. Whenever next time is, I'll be sure to do these. Hopefully Rip Ride Rocket, too.

If you want to avoid a parking fee, get dropped off at one of the resorts-I think they will let you through the gates if you say you are getting dropped off, not parking.

For MK- go to the Contemporary and walk or take the mono (the walk is really easy and I even have directions if you need it)- our towncar let us off at the CR the day we were visiting MK.

For EPCOT- go to the Beach Club- they should be able to pull into the parking lot and let you off, then you can go through the lobby and out through the international gateway.

Hollywood Studios- Hmmm- Yacht Club or Boardwalk (or Swan/Dolphin) and walk or take the boat. Don't know if there is a better way

Animal Kingdom- Since you have to take a bus from any resort, I would say either Animal Kingdom Lodge or the All Stars but any resort would do.

I assume that you can also drive and get dropped off at the Universal Resorts without paying a parking fee, so for IoA, I would go to RPR or for the Studios, go to the Hard Rock and walk from there.

I don't like to drive when on vacation, but it certainly is very easy to get where you want to go around Orlando with all of the signage.

Hope that helps!

 

[natebenma]

uh-oh...comin to an end


Looks like a funfilled, packed morning tho! GOTTA go out with a bang

I'm sorry you missed the show...it is a decent one to catch. Maybe next time??

oh...and I guess I shouldn't mention the shortcut around the parade?

Almost done

But first there will be some pyrotechnics!

We usually have a pretty early flight planned on travel days. This trip our flight was scheduled for 6 PM, so we had a lot more time to play around in the parks on our final day.

Yes, I will make a point to catch the show next time. Whenever that will be. The kids are now convinced that it makes sense to combine Disney/Universal vacations. Can you join me in a chorus of "Mom was right!"

OK, spill the shortcut info!!!

 

[bubba's mom]

Shortcut is behind Cafe LaBamba...

Go thru garden if going INTO the back of the park.

After Woody's area, on your way out, cut thru on left.

Just don't walk the 'main' walkway...look for alternative route where you don't think there is one.

Hard to explain and believe it or not, I don't have a picture.

 

[jenneth79]

OMG that penguin is MOCKING YOU!!!

In all seriousness, that stinks that you missed the show... that happened to us wtih a showing of One Man's Dream in DHS, and almost kept us from our Casey's hot dogs in MK. I love parades, when they aren't in my way!

So sad the trip is almost over... but it does sound like you packed a ton in. I like the idea of a WDW/Universal trip split, and we will probably try that next time we head down for over a week!

 

[eandesmom]

That stinks!!!!!!!!!!!!!

at times like that, all I can think of is, Parades suck.

LOL!

Sometimes I want to shake my family when it's something like that that you really want to do but try to be nice and accommodating about. I think they should notice when we request to do something specific and make SURE we get to do it, even it if means missing something for them.

I can wish, can't I?

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Hey Deb- hope it went well for you today!

I hear the show is slightly risque, but that would be fine for my family. I don't mind the 13 year old getting the humor, but I know anything like that would fly right over Ben's head. Missing this show and Cat in the Hat were probably the two biggest disappointments. Whenever next time is, I'll be sure to do these. Hopefully Rip Ride Rocket, too.

If you want to avoid a parking fee, get dropped off at one of the resorts-I think they will let you through the gates if you say you are getting dropped off, not parking.

For MK- go to the Contemporary and walk or take the mono (the walk is really easy and I even have directions if you need it)- our towncar let us off at the CR the day we were visiting MK.

For EPCOT- go to the Beach Club- they should be able to pull into the parking lot and let you off, then you can go through the lobby and out through the international gateway.

Hollywood Studios- Hmmm- Yacht Club or Boardwalk (or Swan/Dolphin) and walk or take the boat. Don't know if there is a better way

Animal Kingdom- Since you have to take a bus from any resort, I would say either Animal Kingdom Lodge or the All Stars but any resort would do.

I assume that you can also drive and get dropped off at the Universal Resorts without paying a parking fee, so for IoA, I would go to RPR or for the Studios, go to the Hard Rock and walk from there.

I don't like to drive when on vacation, but it certainly is very easy to get where you want to go around Orlando with all of the signage.

Hope that helps!

The interview went ok- it's a math coach job and they are really hope to hire someone math certified which I'm not so not to confident. They would hire someone who's not if they were desperate. I thought of having my parents drop us off at CR or Poly but the last time we got dropped off (August) there by a car service, they asked for our reservation # before they let us through. I know that didn't happen to you when they dropped you off but I worried now.
I did post question on transportation board and they said same thing you did.

 

[natebenma]

Shortcut is behind Cafe LaBamba...

Go thru garden if going INTO the back of the park.

After Woody's area, on your way out, cut thru on left.

Just don't walk the 'main' walkway...look for alternative route where you don't think there is one.

Hard to explain and believe it or not, I don't have a picture.

Thanks!

OMG that penguin is MOCKING YOU!!!

In all seriousness, that stinks that you missed the show... that happened to us wtih a showing of One Man's Dream in DHS, and almost kept us from our Casey's hot dogs in MK. I love parades, when they aren't in my way!

So sad the trip is almost over... but it does sound like you packed a ton in. I like the idea of a WDW/Universal trip split, and we will probably try that next time we head down for over a week!

D*MN flightless bird!

That stinks!!!!!!!!!!!!!

at times like that, all I can think of is, Parades suck.

LOL!

Sometimes I want to shake my family when it's something like that that you really want to do but try to be nice and accommodating about. I think they should notice when we request to do something specific and make SURE we get to do it, even it if means missing something for them.

I can wish, can't I?

Yes, our families should know by now that they should listen to Mom! We know what we are talking about and if we have a suggestion about what we should or shouldn't do, they really should listen.

But I think I lost all of my cred with the trip on the High in the Sky Trolley.

The interview went ok- it's a math coach job and they are really hope to hire someone math certified which I'm not so not to confident. They would hire someone who's not if they were desperate. I thought of having my parents drop us off at CR or Poly but the last time we got dropped off (August) there by a car service, they asked for our reservation # before they let us through. I know that didn't happen to you when they dropped you off but I worried now.
I did post question on transportation board and they said same thing you did.

Again, best luck to you on the job search. Fingers and toes are crossed for you!

Even if you don't have a reservation number, I would chance pulling into the parking lot and explaining that your parents are just dropping you off. I can't imagine they would turn you away.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Again, best luck to you on the job search. Fingers and toes are crossed for you!

Even if you don't have a reservation number, I would chance pulling into the parking lot and explaining that your parents are just dropping you off. I can't imagine they would turn you away.

Thanks for the well wishes!! I'll keep you posted.
I guess we will chance it. If that doesn't work they could always drop us off at DTD w/ no problem.
Deb

 

[natebenma]

When we arrived at the Portofino dock, we proceeded directly to Sal’s Deli for lunch.

My apologies in advance to those of you out there who do not enjoy "Food Porn"

Fried Mozzarella

Garlic Bread Sticks

Toscana- Turkey, pepper cheese, pesto mayo with Caesar side salad

Michelangelo- Meatball sub with marinara, Provolone and Parmesan

Oreo Cheesecake

Brownie Sundae

From Here:

It was close to 3 PM when we finished our lunch. Our driver was scheduled to arrive at 3:15. When we were arranging the pickup time for our 6 PM flight, he recommended 3:15, and said the absolute latest he would be comfortable with was 3:30 on a Friday afternoon, especially with the possibility of an afternoon thunderstorm.

We were very pleased with this driver on our trip from the airport to the Portofino and to/from the Magic Kingdom. I told Mark I wouldn’t be surprised if he was early, so I went out to the resort entrance to check. Nope.

Here are the boys waiting in the lobby.

3:15 came and went. No car.

At 3:20, I called. The driver told me he was stuck in traffic.

“How much longer?”

“10 minutes”

He gave assurances that we would be fine, there would be no problem getting to airport in plenty of time for check in.

I relayed this news to Mark. He was not happy. Travel days are stressful enough when everything is working perfectly. This did not instill confidence in us. Obviously, if our pick up time was 3:15, the driver must have known that he was going to be late by 3 PM.

3:30. No car. No call.

I placed another call, demanding to know where he was.

“I’m at the light at the off-ramp”

“If you are not here in 5 minutes, we are taking a cab”

“Don’t do that! You will be fine.”

3:35. No car. No call.

We headed out to the portico to talk to a valet about calling a cab.

I placed one more call telling him we were hailing a cab. He said that he was right there, but if we took a cab he would meet us at the airport and pay for the taxi.

At that moment, our driver pulled up.

He tried to make excuses. We replied “Just get us there”.

He continued to try to explain what had happened. “Traffic was bad. Life happens”

At this point, we lost it. “You were the one who told us 3:30 was the latest we should leave” “You should have called us as soon as you knew you would be late”

He did not understand the source of our frustration. He once again tried to defend his actions, but I told him it would be a good idea just to stop talking and get us to the airport.

To his credit, he did. It was a very quiet, uncomfortable ride.

Then, 15 minutes after we got into the van, it started raining. Hard! Lightning and thunder. Driving rain that made it difficult to drive. Or see the road. But at this point, there was no way the driver dared stop or slow down.

I think we arrived at the airport a little after 4 PM.

As it turned out, we did indeed arrive in plenty of time to check in for our flight.

But our stress level was definitely in the red zone.

Could our return home get any worse??? (Yes, it could)

Next up: I wish we could use Floo Powder to get home

 

[bubba's mom]

When you don't leave first thing in the morning, yes it's stressful. The price we pay for a lil fun in the morning....

I HATE relying on someone I don't know to get me to my plane HOME.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

OMG Dee!!! I would say I can't believe that but I CAN. We had a similiar situation with our arrival car service. Never showed up called severl times and finally said forget it!!! we're getting a taxi!!!!! I was furious to say the least. I was yelling at them on the phone and told them I would never use them again and would never recommend them to anyone.
We used the same service last yr. w/ no problem.
Whatever. Can you pm me the service you used? Just curious.
Hope the rest of the trip home was better. but I'm thinking not?
I wish this wasn't coming to an end. I'll have to start posting some pics. soon huh???
Can you believe I can make my ADRs next week!!??? It feels like I just got back and I'm planning already. It's so weird!!!!
Deb

 

[DrMomof3]

As someone who MUST be at the airport AT LEAST 2 hours before any flight, I can tell you that I would have been freaking out!!!
How frustrating that you missed the show because of that parade.

Amanda

 

[JanetMom]

Could our return home get any worse??? (Yes, it could)

Don't like the sound of that!

We know you got home eventually, but not good to hear you had trouble along the way.

 

[natebenma]

When you don't leave first thing in the morning, yes it's stressful. The price we pay for a lil fun in the morning....

I HATE relying on someone I don't know to get me to my plane HOME.

This is one of the few trips we have taken where we did something on our departure day. We had several hours to tour on the last day when we went to Washington DC last October, but other than that, we have had early morning flights home.

Yes, it is so tough when you you are relying on someone else and let me tell you that it is even tougher being the one who made the arrangements when they don't work out!

OMG Dee!!! I would say I can't believe that but I CAN. We had a similiar situation with our arrival car service. Never showed up called severl times and finally said forget it!!! we're getting a taxi!!!!! I was furious to say the least. I was yelling at them on the phone and told them I would never use them again and would never recommend them to anyone.
We used the same service last yr. w/ no problem.
Whatever. Can you pm me the service you used? Just curious.
Hope the rest of the trip home was better. but I'm thinking not?
I wish this wasn't coming to an end. I'll have to start posting some pics. soon huh???
Can you believe I can make my ADRs next week!!??? It feels like I just got back and I'm planning already. It's so weird!!!!
Deb

I'll PM the name to you. I'm curious about who you used, too.

Wow, I LOVE ADR day!!! One of my favorite quotes is "I don't know what I'm having for dinner tonight, but I know what I'm having 6 months from now!"

What are you thinking? Keep us posted, please.

As someone who MUST be at the airport AT LEAST 2 hours before any flight, I can tell you that I would have been freaking out!!!
How frustrating that you missed the show because of that parade.

Amanda

It was not a pretty scene!

As much as I would like to make the penguin parade the scapegoat for missing the show, I think the blame actually belongs on that last ride on MIB.

You're going to both parks in December, right? Think of me as you are watching the show!

 

[ProudMommyof2]

Well who needs that stress?!?!?

I always book a late flight when we go home from WDW so we can squeeze in those last last magical moments. Magical Express is a wonderful thing!

Hope you didn't too many more difficulties getting home!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Wow, I LOVE ADR day!!! One of my favorite quotes is "I don't know what I'm having for dinner tonight, but I know what I'm having 6 months from now!"
What are you thinking? Keep us posted, please.

LOVE THAT!!! Every year we always try a few new restaurants. I think I love eating there more than anything else lol. I look forward to trying something new all the time. But this trip I think we only have one new one we haven't tried yet that we really want to- Via Napoli. The past 2 trips we said we were eating here but something always beat it. All the others are favorites that we just want to eat at. My parents will be with us too and a lot of the places will be new for them so I'm excited.
These are the ones I'm thinking: (not sure of which days yet)
Garden Grill
Rose & Crown- to watch Illuminations
Cali Grill
Sci-Fi (boys' favorite)
Via Napoli
Flying Fish or Kona (new)
Chefs de France

I replied to your PM
Deb

 

[natebenma]

Don't like the sound of that!

We know you got home eventually, but not good to hear you had trouble along the way.

OOPS!!! Missed your response yesterday.

Yes, we did get home, but it wasn't that same day!

Well who needs that stress?!?!?

I always book a late flight when we go home from WDW so we can squeeze in those last last magical moments. Magical Express is a wonderful thing!

Hope you didn't too many more difficulties getting home!

You definitely know where you stand with the Magical Express. 3 hours before your flight!!!

I'm glad we had the extra time that day, but boy was it a long time getting home!

 

[natebenma]

LOVE THAT!!! Every year we always try a few new restaurants. I think I love eating there more than anything else lol. I look forward to trying something new all the time. But this trip I think we only have one new one we haven't tried yet that we really want to- Via Napoli. The past 2 trips we said we were eating here but something always beat it. All the others are favorites that we just want to eat at. My parents will be with us too and a lot of the places will be new for them so I'm excited.
These are the ones I'm thinking: (not sure of which days yet)
Garden Grill
Rose & Crown- to watch Illuminations
Cali Grill
Sci-Fi (boys' favorite)
Via Napoli
Flying Fish or Kona (new)
Chefs de France

I replied to your PM
Deb

Sounds like a great lineup.

We have not been to Garden Grill (but love Chip and Dale), Rose & Crown, Cali, Napoli, Flying Fish or Chefs.

My boys love Sci-Fi, too.

Obviously, we love Kona as this was the restaurant we chose on our MK day.

Wishing you pixie dust that you get your picks! Do you call or go on-line? For our last Disney trip I did the online reservations on my ADR day and got everything pretty much at the exact times I wanted. I think my Ohana was 6:20 instead of 6 PM.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Sounds like a great lineup.

We have not been to Garden Grill (but love Chip and Dale), Rose & Crown, Cali, Napoli, Flying Fish or Chefs.

My boys love Sci-Fi, too.

Obviously, we love Kona as this was the restaurant we chose on our MK day.

Wishing you pixie dust that you get your picks! Do you call or go on-line? For our last Disney trip I did the online reservations on my ADR day and got everything pretty much at the exact times I wanted. I think my Ohana was 6:20 instead of 6 PM.

I always do online res. and usually get everything I want.
You'll have to try some of these restaurants soon!!
Now to figure out the days- this is the part I hate DH usually figures it out- it's usually not too hard b/c we get PH tix.
Deb

 

[Missyrose]

Ugh, what a frustrating way to end your vacation and it doesn't sound like your journey home will get much better!

This is our first Disney trip without a rental car and leaving our transportation back to the airport is one of my sore spots. I'm so worried something will go wrong! But everyone raves about DME, so I'm hopeful we'll get there okay.