Why Not Just Queue Up Another Disney Trip? Link to New TR 6/24 p136!

[rndmr2]

Glad you liked the new Star Tours. That was one I wanted to try but we never got back to HS to do it, we were in WDW for the opening but didn't get to ride.

I just can't do ToT or RnR. I don't like the drop or being upside down. I have done ToT once with my neice and that was enough

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

We were also thrilled to learn that Nick is the coach's choice for captain next fall. He was so happy and I know he will do a great job.

Congrats Nick!

While not a Star Wars freak, I love anything that has a simulator involved. I can do this type of rides over and over again.

Just a side rant about the turnstiles…….WHY, OH WHY am I always in the longest one? No matter which one I pick, it always seems to be plagued with people who can’t get their park pass to work. So frustrating and I could feel myself becoming impatient. Fortunately it didn’t last long.

I have this problem in stores. I will always pick the cashier line where somebody needs a manager, forgets something, finds the one item that doesn't have a price, etc. So I guess we should never, ever get in line together.

I loved the ride. I can’t say much about it other than the simulation worked great and the digital video was outstanding in color and clarity. I loved the different sequences. The ride is definitely a keeper and I know my nephews will love it!

Can't wait to try Star Tours out!

I have no idea why Denny's face looks so freakishly red in that photo?

Because he's pulling 3G's?

Once we got inside I actually think people were starting to get upset with me for pausing to take pictures. Oh well.

Too bad. The pictures are great.

The ride itself was fun and for once I was in a elevator without a screamer. I always get a screamer. This time I was prepared and I even tried to pick out the potential screamer. But everyone was quite calm and laughter instead of screams filled the air.

Screaming? During the gentle ups and downs of ToT? Puh-leeze.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Definitely! And if you and Julie ever want to go out and you need a sitter, call me. I'm responsible. Sort of!

Be careful what you wish for! We just might take you up on this someday...

Woodstock is Friday at 8pm and Saturday at 3 and 8pm. Dress rehearsal Friday at 5pm. Send good thoughts that I don't forget any words. I am very nervous about that since I always play/sing with music.

Is that at the Everett?

(side note for other readers: the Everett Theater in Middletown is where the climactic play was staged in Dead Poets Society)

I saw it on his thread also, but I'm so glad that you got to meet Captain Oblivious and his family.

I didn't wear my checked shirt, though.

 

[Wicket's Mom]

Let me add my congrats to Nick for being selected captain!

I love TOT & all of the neat artfacts that are in that queue. It is one of my favorite rides. The Star Tours is so much fun & it's supposed to have 6 different programs. We had two different ones when we rode it in Sept. I can't do Rn'R, it goes upside down & that doesn't work for me.

I haven't done OKW or AKL. I considered AKL, but OKW's rooms sounded more like something I would like. I didn't like the idea of the bunks in the room.

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Woo hoo for a great morning at DHS!! Those are some great pictures of TOT! If anyone has a problem with you taking them they need to take a hike!

 

[glennbo123]

I didn't wear my checked shirt, though.

How did she know it was really you?

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

How did she know it was really you?

She started singing It's A Small World and I immediately dropped to the ground, writhing in agony.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Double post due to agonizingly slow DISBoards.

 

[MEK]

YAY for meeting fellow DE Dis'ers looks like you all had fun!

It was so much fun. What goes better than a DIS meet and Friendly's? It's next best to being at the world.

Congrats for Nick - Captain! yay!

We are all very excited for him! He is just thrilled.

How nice to be able to decorate your new home away from home. I like your pics, but of course am partial to this print myself

though its interesting ..... we have the statue of the same, and do you know what is missing on the police officer's uniform?

BTW - the police office is missing a gun. he has a holster on his gun belt, but no weapon. interesting.

Thanks for pointing that out because I wouldn't have even looked for a gun on a Disney world post card. It would have taken me a while to figure that one out.

So do you just make one travel book per year and put all of your assorted trips and mini trips in it? I was cleaning the office over the weekend and debated to keep or not to keep past years' trip planning binder. I kept them. they are good references! and a fun tie in to the pictures etc from afterwards.

Yes - I do one for the year and I put all my ressies in one section, flights in another, rental car in another, ADRs and park plans in another, and I keep copies of all my park passes and such. That way if I ever lose them I'm covered. Oh - I also have a spot for the DVC travelex insurance which I got this year because I am using all 300 points so I want to be covered.

WOW you got a lot done on your first day and a half! I will have to remember to send Joe & Colin over to star tours first thing -- they won't have patience to wait for TSM FP's, and I don't have the stomach for riding simulators. they are far worse than actual roller coasters for me. thanks for the tip!

It worked out perfectly, so I highly recommend you keep that plan. If for some reason you get down before them you can always treat yourself to something yummy in the Writer's stop!

TOT -- if you see me, you will have an easy target of picking out the screamer i think its half the fun of riding a crazy ride! but funny laughter filled screams, not usually horrified terror screams

Funny screams are find, but I have had the experience of listening to petrified screams on that ride. Seriously - the first time I rode it I was certain the woman in front of me was going to have a full blown panic attack. It was THAT bad!

 

[MEK]

I forgot to say CONGRATS, NICK!

Thanks Kathy! He is super excited!

Love the update. ToT is one of my favorites! I wasn't able to go this time because that Star Tours made me quite dizzy. I was not pleased. I think it was because we did it two times in a row, but I wasn't able to to either ToT or RRC.

Well, that stinks! I would hate to miss ToT and RnR because of Star Tours. I mean, I love Star Tours and all, but it doesn't sound fun to get that dizzy on it. Maybe next time ride it last!

About AKL and the safaris. The Sunrise Safari which includes breakfast at Animal Kingdom you have to be club level. The sunset/Wanyama Safari is available to all guests at AKL and that one you go on the grounds of the lodge in a truck with two animal keepers and they give you an extensive tour. Afterwards you have dinner family style at Jiko which includes wine tasting. Either experience I greatly recommend. If you need prices I can let you know.

That sounds really cool. I did not know that the sunset safari was open to all guests at AKL and includes dinner and wine tasting. That sounds very cool. Cynthia - did you know that? Definitely something to consider. How far in advance so you make reservations? Definitely interested in prices. Thanks!

yay, I could finally catch up on your TR now that the boards are moving at a regular speed for me today. They were so slow for me for a while there.

The boards have been ridiculous lately. It makes it really hard to reply to comments when you are busy and can't wait. I hope it gets fixed soon.

I find it funny what the security person told you when you said you were eating at B&C. I am suprised they weren't stricter with the parking considering it was the holidays.

They were pretty strict the next night when we parked at the contemporary. They checked our name against the list. But I guess they really don't know whether you are going to Beaches n Cream. You could also be going to any point on the Boardwalk and its much easier to park at the BC compared to the BW.

I can't wait to ride Star Tours! I can't believe that the TSM stampede is still that bad. I would have thought that the hysteria would have died down by now. We have been at that point in the FP line many times. Usually I have my husband run ahead while I walk a litle slower with the stroller. And I still usually have the stroller parked and am waiting at the standby entrance before he is done with that line. We wouldn't do the FP at all if it weren't for the fact that we know our little girl likes to ride it again and again.

I wish you could get a FP for RnR right when you walk in and then go straight to ride TSM. To me that would be perfect. TSM has got to be more popular than even Soarin. It was crazy congested. Thank goodness for organization.

It's good that your little girl is not interested in the other rides yet. That makes it so much better when all you want to ride is TSM.

Love how you have decorated your office. I don't have an office to decorate so the only Disney touch I can get away with is my Disney tees and using my refillable mug at work.

Thanks. I had fun with the decorations. I warn my non-Disney work friends that its a little over the top so they know what to expect when they go.

LOVE all of your TOT pictures!! I absolutely love that ride

Thanks. I know that's one of your favs and you are so hard core you can ride it over and over again.

So many Disers in October!! I am currently booked at Kidani....will likely try to switch out at 7 months but if I don't that is fine with me....it's been about 3 stays since I have last been there and am kind of missing home And I guess it depends on who comes with me...

Well, if you stay at Kidani Cynthia and I should definitely try to switch so we can all noodle together. Where is C staying? (like I need to ask ) I know what you mean about missing your home. I am looking forward to staying at SSR this summer because I have not stayed there for 3 1/2 years. I've been too busy making the other DVC rounds.

Fun meet at Friendly's.....we have one right down the street from my work

Tracy

I love Friendly's! Good food and ice cream. Perfect spot for a DIS meet!!!!

Great morning!!!! But UGH on that TSM line. Major Bleh. My crew isn't wild about lunch at Starring Rolls either, although I found it rather good. Breakfast though, now that's another story.

I guess its just not a teen/kid thing. Hmmmmm - wonder why?

The TSM line was much longer than in May. I'll be super prepared in June.

Congrats to Nick, that is VERY exciting. And it is nice to see a Mary Ellen smiling picture in there!

Hey - I have been smiling lately. At least when the sun is not right in my eyes.

Nick is very excited. He takes this responsibility very seriously. It's nice to see him rewarded for his hard effort.

I haven't either, that is on my August wish list as well! Cool about the animal sounds at the pool, hopefully I'll get to hear those one of these days! I have a feeling the BWV villa pool is a good noodling spot too!

Did you read above that Tracy is staying at Kidani. If she ends up staying there we might consider a switch for some quality pool time. Of course C will have the blender at the BC, so that could present a problem.

The tea is fun, I'd be up for that!

In May I had mixed feelings about it, but I definitely think we should consider it, especially if we stay at VWL because we can always do the monorail pool hop thing after tea and that is fun. I really enjoyed that last year with Jen.

 

[MEK]

That TSM FP line is ridiculous! I'm glad to know it moves quickly once it gets going, maybe I'll give it a try sometime! I can just never really be bothered, it always seems too annoying!

You probably should give it a try if you haven't yet. It's worth it at least once. But I know what you mean about not wanting to be bothered. If Nick hadn't been there I probably would have skipped the whole thing.

Wow your ToT pictures are fantastic! Next time I'll have to do what you did, focus on little details instead of trying to get the whole room, or the whole queue!

As I recall you ToT queue pictures were quite good. No matter how you take the pictures, its an awesome place for photography. I just prefer to be a little less rushed.

I saw it on his thread also, but I'm so glad that you got to meet Captain Oblivious and his family.

I had a blast meeting Mark and his family! Very fun way to spend dinner.

Yeah, unfortunately that's the standard distance for the TSM fastpass line in the summertime when you just miss rope drop....which is what we always seem to do.

We are notorious for that as well, but I really don't remember it being that bad in the summer time. Perhaps the memory has faded. I will totally be ready in June! Even if I'm the only one in line. Every man for himself if the rest of the gang can't get up.

I always feel rushed going through the ToT queue also, when trying to get pictures.

Isn't that weird because when I don't take pictures I feel like I am in the line forever.

I've never seen those ears in the ToT dump shop...way cool!

If they were there before this is definitely the first time I have ever noticed them.

Glad you liked the new Star Tours. That was one I wanted to try but we never got back to HS to do it, we were in WDW for the opening but didn't get to ride.

That's a bummer. It's a great simulator if you like simulators. The quality of the video is great and I love the variable scene changes. Make sure you put it high on your list for your next visit.

I just can't do ToT or RnR. I don't like the drop or being upside down. I have done ToT once with my neice and that was enough

Upside down does not bother me nearly as much as being dropped. I never even can tell when I'm upside down because it happens so fast. I think watching a looping coaster is much worse than riding one. Now dropping - that's a different story. I think it "feels" worse than it looks.

Congrats Nick!

Thanks! Nick is very excited. He probably can't wait for next year's soccer season to start and its still 7 months away.

Can't wait to try Star Tours out!

There's nothing like a good simulator IMHO! You are going to love Star Tours. It's really fun. I hope the kids love it as well.

I have this problem in stores. I will always pick the cashier line where somebody needs a manager, forgets something, finds the one item that doesn't have a price, etc. So I guess we should never, ever get in line together.

Probably a good idea for us to avoid mutual lines. I don't even get upset now. It's a personal joke. I look at the lines and say to myself, "which one looks fastest?" Then I am ALWAYS wrong.

Because he's pulling 3G's?

Ya think? Actually, Denny has an excellence tolerance for thrill rides so I hope his freakishly red face didn't mean his blood pressure was 250/150.

Too bad. The pictures are great.

Thanks. I love most of those pictures. I found just the right settings for success. Probably can't replicate it though.

Screaming? During the gentle ups and downs of ToT? Puh-leeze.

I know. I mean - seriously - Is there anything about that ride that would make a normal person scream?

Be careful what you wish for! We just might take you up on this someday...

I wouldn't have offered if I didn't mean it. Parents of three school age children definitely need a date night once in awhile. I remember when my kids where that age and I never had a second to myself.

Is that at the Everett?

(side note for other readers: the Everett Theater in Middletown is where the climactic play was staged in Dead Poets Society)

No. There is actually a small stage area at Premiere Center for the Arts. It's small and its loud. It's called the Black Box because all the walls are completely black. When you look at PCA from the street you would think there is no room in there for a stage area, but there is.

I didn't wear my checked shirt, though.

I know there's a private joke here, but I'm almost afraid to ask what it is.

Let me add my congrats to Nick for being selected captain!

Thanks Doris. He is so excited and we are so happy for him.

L
I love TOT & all of the neat artfacts that are in that queue. It is one of my favorite rides. The Star Tours is so much fun & it's supposed to have 6 different programs. We had two different ones when we rode it in Sept. I can't do Rn'R, it goes upside down & that doesn't work for me.

Bummer about RnR, but I agree with you that ToT has one of the absolute best queues in Disneyworld. I do think everyone should walk through it at least once even if they aren't going to ride.

Is is 6 different programs or is it severals different sections with 6 different programs each which I guess gives multiple different combinations of the ride? It's a great way to do a simulator.

I haven't done OKW or AKL. I considered AKL, but OKW's rooms sounded more like something I would like. I didn't like the idea of the bunks in the room.

OKW does have a great room. It's nice and big with two queen beds. AKL doesn't have bunks in all the rooms, does it?

I hope you are able to get free dining and start planning your trip soon.

Woo hoo for a great morning at DHS!! Those are some great pictures of TOT! If anyone has a problem with you taking them they need to take a hike!

Thanks Melissa! We did have an awesome morning at HS and there is still more fun to be had!

I think that there were a lot of newbies at the world and I think people are less tolerant to picture taking during their first trip. They just want to go, go, go!

How did she know it was really you?

She started singing It's A Small World and I immediately dropped to the ground, writhing in agony.

He did...... Until the kids told him to get off the ground!

 

[MEK]

So tomorrow is Woodstock! I am signing off now to do a little rehearsing. I am hoping for an update on Sunday night. We have one show tomorrow at 8pm and two shows on Saturday at 3 and 8 pm. It's 20 songs. I only have parts in 3 of them. so its lots of down time. I am trying to decide what to wear which might look a little woodstocky.

Tie died T-shirt and head band perhaps?

 

[Queenofallthings]

Hands down, best pictures of DHS I have ever seen! They tell a story all on their own and that one of you of ToT...bored is exactly how you look, but how did you really feel

 

[Poolrat]

Mary Ellen,
Good luck at Woodstock.
Love the new Avatar.

 

[Pinkocto]

That sounds really cool. I did not know that the sunset safari was open to all guests at AKL and includes dinner and wine tasting. That sounds very cool. Cynthia - did you know that? Definitely something to consider. How far in advance so you make reservations? Definitely interested in prices. Thanks!

Just found my notes for that trip. The Sunrise Safari was $65 each person, from 7am-9am which is about 60 people I would guess. You do have to be club level to go on that one. They take you to Animal Kingdom and you have an early morning ride on Kilamanjaro Safari. They stop every time there is a good photo opportunity which was really nice. Afterwards there was this huge absolutely magnificent buffet breakfast. You have to have park tickets because they leave you in the park after breakfast and you have to get back on your own.

The Sunset/Wanyama Safari was $180 each person from 4pm-7pm or when you're done with dinner. It is a very small group, I think they only allow maximum 12 and there were only 8 of us in ours. Like I said that one is available to all guests at AKL but I think you have to be 8 so no small kids. You tour all the savannahs from Kidani and Jambo House. They show you all the animals and talk about them at great length. They are open to any and all questions you have. At one point one of the giraffes stuck her head in the truck. It took all my self control not to pet her. I think the savannah tour took about an hour and a half. Then you go to Jiko for dinner. It was a huge spread. The unfortunate part is they choose what comes out, but they had three different appetizers and three different entrees and everyone got their own dessert. At each course they had a different wine. I don't want to say it's a once in a lifetime experience because I really want to go again, but it was really really wonderful. The price is up there, but I'd willingly pay that much just for the savannah tour it was so nice to see the animals up close.

Oh, I booked this trip five months in advance and they still had plenty of spots. They do the Sunset Safari every night, we actually had to change ours because my mom got a migraine and there was no problem changing it to the next night which was a Saturday. The Sunrise Safari only goes Thursday and Sunday so there's more demand, but it was no problem getting in. Both are back on our lists to do again.

Sorry this was long winded

I hope this weekend goes perfectly

 

[manntra]

Have a groovy weekend!!

Tracy

 

[mickeystoontown]

I hope you have a ton of groovy fun at Woodstock!

 

[MEK]

Woodstock was a lot of fun tonight! It was so cool to watch the kids really pull it together (and the adults, too). Lots of great music and it was definitely bonding experience. Show 2 and 3 tomorrow.

Thanks for the well wishes. Comments tomorrow. I am going to bed.

Oh - and you'll love this - I am so freaking old I think I hurt my neck dancing to one of the songs.

 

[MEK]

Hands down, best pictures of DHS I have ever seen! They tell a story all on their own and that one of you of ToT...:

Thanks! I'm pretty pleased with my ToT pictures. I would have liked to have a few more minutes in there, but that's being picky.

bored is exactly how you look, but how did you really feel

Scared! I hide it well, don't I?

Mary Ellen,
Good luck at Woodstock.

Thanks Pat. The first show was really fun! The kids in the show are amazing. Pretty fearless. Why wasn't I like that as a kid?

Love the new Avatar.

Thanks! It occurred to me that it was definitely time for a change. I'm going to try to do better with switching it up more.

Just found my notes for that trip. The Sunrise Safari was $65 each person, from 7am-9am which is about 60 people I would guess. You do have to be club level to go on that one. They take you to Animal Kingdom and you have an early morning ride on Kilamanjaro Safari. They stop every time there is a good photo opportunity which was really nice. Afterwards there was this huge absolutely magnificent buffet breakfast. You have to have park tickets because they leave you in the park after breakfast and you have to get back on your own.

This sounds so great and I think the price is pretty reasonable. I hope I get a chance to do this some day. Maybe I'll get lucky enough to get a club level room waitlisting thtough DVC. You never know - it COULD happen!

The Sunset/Wanyama Safari was $180 each person from 4pm-7pm or when you're done with dinner. It is a very small group, I think they only allow maximum 12 and there were only 8 of us in ours. Like I said that one is available to all guests at AKL but I think you have to be 8 so no small kids. You tour all the savannahs from Kidani and Jambo House. They show you all the animals and talk about them at great length. They are open to any and all questions you have. At one point one of the giraffes stuck her head in the truck. It took all my self control not to pet her. I think the savannah tour took about an hour and a half. Then you go to Jiko for dinner. It was a huge spread. The unfortunate part is they choose what comes out, but they had three different appetizers and three different entrees and everyone got their own dessert. At each course they had a different wine. I don't want to say it's a once in a lifetime experience because I really want to go again, but it was really really wonderful. The price is up there, but I'd willingly pay that much just for the savannah tour it was so nice to see the animals up close.

Oh, I booked this trip five months in advance and they still had plenty of spots. They do the Sunset Safari every night, we actually had to change ours because my mom got a migraine and there was no problem changing it to the next night which was a Saturday. The Sunrise Safari only goes Thursday and Sunday so there's more demand, but it was no problem getting in. Both are back on our lists to do again.

Sorry this was long winded

This sounds wonderful too! It also sounds like a perfect activity if I ever do a non-park trip. I can't imagine being that close to a giraffe. How fascinating! I've eaten at Jiko, so I know how delish the food is there.

I honestly did not know this existed so I really appreciated all the information. Not long winded at all. Very informative. This would be such a fun thing to surprise Denny with when we do our next solo trip. Not sure when that's gonna be, but this is so cool!

I hope this weekend goes perfectly

Thank you! I'll be glad when tonight is over just because there is a lot of down time and there are two shows. But its still a lot of fun with the adrenaline pumping throughout the cast.

Have a groovy weekend!!

Tracy

Thanks! Can I tell you how bad I wanted to wear a headband, but decided against it.

I hope you have a ton of groovy fun at Woodstock!

Thanks! Never made it to the original, so this is a good substitute. Much cleaner!

 

[tinacaplan]

We were also thrilled to learn that Nick is the coach's choice for captain next fall. He was so happy and I know he will do a great job.

Congratulations to Nick. That's great.

Space Mountain – check
Big Thunder mountain – check
Splash mountain – check
Haunted Mansion – check
Buzz Lightyear – check x 2
People Mover – check x 2
Carousel of Progress – check
Lunch at LTT
Dis meet with Roxychica7
Dinner at La Hacienda
Drinks at the Ditch
Grand Fiesta Tour
Maelstrom
And finally – touring the Christmas Decorations at the BC.
Not a bad talley for Day 1.

I'd say that's pretty impressive.

In fact, this was a major reason why I opted to take a park trip over a non-park trip. Let me back up. You probably don’t know this, but I actually considered NOT purchasing a park ticket for this trip. I considered just doing the Christmas party, resort dining and exploration, DTD, mini golf, a trip to Sea world or the dark side, a tour of Celebration, and possibly other miscellaneous Orlando attractions.

I could see doing this, actually. Maybe not any other Orlando attractions, but just hanging out at the resorts, I'd be cool with that. One of my dream trips, actually, is Christmas week at AKL, possibly without park tickets. There's so much to do at that resort and the parks are crazy.

I considered this for all of about 5 days and then I decided I NEEDED to experience the new Star Tours. While not a Star Wars freak, I love anything that has a simulator involved. I can do this type of rides over and over again.

Mark did this in July, I didn't. I hope I can in February. He said it was awesome. If not, I can always go in April.

That's terrible about the TSM FP line. Why, oh why, are the lines for the ride so crazy? I love that ride, but still...

I really hope I get to do ToT at some point. The queue looks so cool, although it looks like a ride that would make me ill. I can get sick riding in regular elevators, so... But RnRC..that's a different story. I'd love to see that track, too.

Good luck this weekend!