900 Miles, 5 Parks, 2 Resorts, 6 ADR's, and 3 days of Celebration!!! Update 3/8/13

[jmskinner]

Oh, wow, that was really scary about the motorcyclist. So glad that you were able to find out how he is doing.

The twist and turns in your plan were really interesting! That is great that Jacob got to spend the night with his friends.

Knowing he is going to be ok sure did ease our minds. He was in our thoughts all the time while on this trip.

Jacob and the boys sure were excited. They are about to move to CO, so who knows if they will get to see each other. He hasn't made any friends here, or at least any he wants to invite over or go to their house. Hoping this year he finds at least one good friend.

 

[jmskinner]

I had booked this trip back in January. And for the first time in a long time, I used a travel agent. Remember I work at Kohls, I had waited on a customer with a Mickey wallet. Got to talking with her and she gave me her card, so I thought I would be nice and use her for our trip. There was never really any decision on where we would stay. Port Orleans Riverside is where we stayed for our first trip to WDW and has been our favorite ever since. As you can see by my Signature, we have stayed at deluxes and didn't like them as well as POR. And we never have pool or river view rooms. Doesn't matter if I walk out the door and see a parking lot, because you turn a corner and there is some beautiful landscaping.

The travel agent, Shelly, looked into our dates and said the only military rate rooms available were the Royal Suites. I really didn't want one, but if it is all that is available ok. I really thought they should be left for a family that really wanted those rooms. We had stayed in a pirate room before and Jacob was more impressed with the flat screen tv, than the cool atmosphere of the room. No way was a Princess themed room going to excite him.

Jonas and I arrived at the resort. I get so excited, like a little kid. I had heard the reception area had been redone and it was gorgeous. Pics of it will come later. The CM gave me a long explaination about the resort. Usually they will ask you if you have stayed there before, but she didn't so honestly it was torture to have to stand and listen to her, but she never stopped to breath and give me a chance to tell her I probably knew more than her.

We found our room and Jonas had already been threatened not to destroy the room until I got pics, so he sent me on my way, with just the computer bag and his backpack.

And here is room 9905:









I took 10 different shots trying to get a good one of the faucets


Ok, it is a decent shot.



Am I right that they have changed the tops on the shampoos, love the Mickey ears.










Oops, Mousekeeping missed something







We were given a scroll when we checked in, this is what it was (I managed to wrinkle it coming home )






I'm going to go ahead and continue in the next post. I know I am flying through this, but I won't be able to update tomorrow. Work getting in the way of Dis'ing.

 

[jmskinner]

I knew we needed to activate our tickets and the Photopass+ I had preordered. I was so excited to finally have ride photos. We could have done this at the parks, but who wants to waste precious park time? So off to the boat we headed. And of course, I was busy taking photos, well attempting to get those great shots.



And I think we see this guy every time we are at POR






I'm not happy with my settings on these shots. I wanted the sky to look more blue, I eventually got it, but not on this day.


The greenery around the Tree House Villas has really grown


By the way, if you ever stay in one, remember the boats run until 11. A previous driver mentioned they sometimes see more than people want them to. Or maybe they do.

We made it to DTD and decided we wanted to eat. I had downloaded the new Disney Experience app on my phone. Used it to look up any available ADR's. Of course we will get an ADR, it's 5:30 on a Saturday night...but we did. Any guesses where?

Thought I would also do a little PTR in the middle of this TR. And since we are going for MNSSHP, thought I would go with an orange, gothic font. So the hotel is booked, CSR. It will be another resort checked off our list. There were no rooms with a king bed availabe at POR. And I booked my airfare last night, leaving around Noon on October 11th, arriving a little after 2. Need to call and add magical express to my ressie. Wow, haven't gotten to use it to arrive to the park since our first trip in 2005. The last time we flew, we flew to Tampa to househunt, and then drove over to WDW. Need to get those MNSSHP tickets ordered. That takes care of Thursday night. We have one day passes we had to purchase when we did the Premium plan for our Anniversary in 2011, so we can use them Friday. Trying to figure out if parkhopper is worth it. I know we want to do Epcot for the Food and Wine Festival.

Would you believe we never did it? We meant to and when we arrived I noticed all the ride lines were really short, and got carried away with them.

Saturday we leave, my flight is at 1pm. Jonas can't order his ticket until after the 1st. Hoping he gets the same flight.

Have a good Wednesday and Thursday, I'll be back Friday since I don't work until 6pm.

 

[lovethattink]

I'm so sorry there was an accident on your way to Disney. Thank goodness he wasn't killed! I guess it was good traffic was moving slow, or hitting that metal fast may have had different consequences. I'm glad you were able to get some follow up too. I'm sure it meant alot to his mom to have your family stay with him through the whole thing.

Wow! Love the princess room!! Wonder if I can talk my guys into that for March for my birthday? Maybe there will be a good bounceback rate? Did you feel like royalty?

 

[lovethattink]

Thought I would also do a little PTR in the middle of this TR. And since we are going for MNSSHP, thought I would go with an orange, gothic font. So the hotel is booked, CSR. It will be another resort checked off our list. There were no rooms with a king bed availabe at POR. And I booked my airfare last night, leaving around Noon on October 11th, arriving a little after 2. Need to call and add magical express to my ressie. Wow, haven't gotten to use it to arrive to the park since our first trip in 2005. The last time we flew, we flew to Tampa to househunt, and then drove over to WDW. Need to get those MNSSHP tickets ordered. That takes care of Thursday night. We have one day passes we had to purchase when we did the Premium plan for our Anniversary in 2011, so we can use them Friday. Trying to figure out if parkhopper is worth it. I know we want to do Epcot for the Food and Wine Festival.

Would you believe we never did it? We meant to and when we arrived I noticed all the ride lines were really short, and got carried away with them.

Saturday we leave, my flight is at 1pm. Jonas can't order his ticket until after the 1st. Hoping he gets the same flight.

Have a good Wednesday and Thursday, I'll be back Friday since I don't work until 6pm.

CSR is my "home" resort!! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

 

[thumperjr9]

So my DS is back to school today and I'm finally getting caught up on my Dis reading. Also caught up from our trip...it's always seems so hectic getting back from a vacation.

That's scary about the guy on the motorcycle! I never liked motorcycles because I saw a guy get killed on one when I was a teenager. I'm sure it was a relief when you found out he was going to be OK.

I'm hoping I won't regret reading your TR and all the fun we missed at Celebrations.

We stayed at POR several years ago. We really liked it (I love the boat to DTD). However, my guys would rather stay at CSR which is fine as well.
The Royal Suites look nice.....very fancy! We didn't have those cute shampoo bottles with the Mickey ears.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Mel, it has been awhile since we stayed at POR and it has really been updated. I understand your room is a suite but it is still very swank. Never wanted such before because I lived that way all the time but now that I live in smaller and less opulent, although quite nice, circumstances it might appeal now.

You guys are so special to have stopped and did what you could for that poor motorcyclist. I am sure his parents are quite grateful. Thank you for the update because he has been on my mind and not just because his age and name are the same as my oldest grandson.

You are forgiven for not giving up your limited vacation time to come and visit me. Heck, my own daughter was in the area a bit ago and did not tell me. You would have been more welcome though.

SG/Linda

 

[Sooze]

Wow... what a scary start to your trip! You are such kind people to take the time to stop and stay with the kid. Glad to hear he was okay (for the most part)

We love POR, too! I completely agree with the view not mattering since the resort is so beautiful wherever you go.

Can't wait to hear what's next!

 

[angwill]

That room is beautiful. I especially love the faucet.

Your pictures are beautiful thank you for sharing.

 

[jmskinner]

So my DS is back to school today and I'm finally getting caught up on my Dis reading. Also caught up from our trip...it's always seems so hectic getting back from a vacation.

That's scary about the guy on the motorcycle! I never liked motorcycles because I saw a guy get killed on one when I was a teenager. I'm sure it was a relief when you found out he was going to be OK.

I'm hoping I won't regret reading your TR and all the fun we missed at Celebrations.

We stayed at POR several years ago. We really liked it (I love the boat to DTD). However, my guys would rather stay at CSR which is fine as well.
The Royal Suites look nice.....very fancy! We didn't have those cute shampoo bottles with the Mickey ears.

I finally got all the washing done and put up. I can always get it washed, its the putting up that I never want to do.

Where did you stay? Now I'm curious if only certain resorts have those Mickey ear shampoo bottles. Sure wish I had taken a couple now.

Hope you don't regret missing Celebrations too, the next one is a little further away...Germany! Yup, we aren't making that one.

It was a huge relief to hear he was ok since I couldn't get him out of my mind. Tried to Google his name and thought that since nothing came up about an accident, he must be ok.

Are you doing a TR?

Mel, it has been awhile since we stayed at POR and it has really been updated. I understand your room is a suite but it is still very swank. Never wanted such before because I lived that way all the time but now that I live in smaller and less opulent, although quite nice, circumstances it might appeal now.

You guys are so special to have stopped and did what you could for that poor motorcyclist. I am sure his parents are quite grateful. Thank you for the update because he has been on my mind and not just because his age and name are the same as my oldest grandson.

You are forgiven for not giving up your limited vacation time to come and visit me. Heck, my own daughter was in the area a bit ago and did not tell me. You would have been more welcome though.

SG/Linda

Hopefully we can catch each other some day soon. Room was nice and it isn't really a suite. Those new Queen beds make it feel a lot smaller.

Wow... what a scary start to your trip! You are such kind people to take the time to stop and stay with the kid. Glad to hear he was okay (for the most part)

We love POR, too! I completely agree with the view not mattering since the resort is so beautiful wherever you go.

Can't wait to hear what's next!

I got one pic of the resort from the parking lot that most probably never see. I'll post it later.

That room is beautiful. I especially love the faucet.

Your pictures are beautiful thank you for sharing.

I love the faucet too, that is why I took so many pics trying to get it just right. Need to play around with that pic in Lightroom and see if I can get it to look a little better.

And thank you, you know I love taking pics.

 

[jmskinner]

CSR is my "home" resort!! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

The pictures of it are fantastic, I'm really looking forward to this next trip. Hope I find time to take some pics.

I'm so sorry there was an accident on your way to Disney. Thank goodness he wasn't killed! I guess it was good traffic was moving slow, or hitting that metal fast may have had different consequences. I'm glad you were able to get some follow up too. I'm sure it meant alot to his mom to have your family stay with him through the whole thing.

Wow! Love the princess room!! Wonder if I can talk my guys into that for March for my birthday? Maybe there will be a good bounceback rate? Did you feel like royalty?

I think he missed the metal and Jonas told the officer that he had a choice, hit the pavement or come through our back window. Can't imagine if that had happened since Jacob was back there.

No, didn't really feel like royalty. Not really sure why. Guess I always think of hotel rooms as just hotel rooms. Now, let me try that Cinderella Suite in the Castle and I might change my mind.

PS: Don't know why I had to respond to yours separate, I really thought I clicked on it, but then realized your response wasn't there.

 

[natebenma]

Wow, that is a seriously beautiful room!!! I love all the attention to detail. Like you said, that faucet is just awesome.

Love that boat ride between DTD and the resorts. The return buses from DTD are so horrible that we use the boats when we are staying at the Beach Club. When we are ready to go back to our resort after visiting DTD, we take a boat (any resort will do) and then take a bus to EPCOT and spend some time there before heading back to our room. (Park Hoppers may be needed and EPCOT needs to be open)

Dinner guess- I'll go with Ragland Road.

for your October trip!

Where did you stay? Now I'm curious if only certain resorts have those Mickey ear shampoo bottles. Sure wish I had taken a couple now.

They had the shampoo bottles with the Mickey ears at All Star Movies when we stayed in June. A few may have made it into my luggage.

 

[jmskinner]

Wow, that is a seriously beautiful room!!! I love all the attention to detail. Like you said, that faucet is just awesome.

Love that boat ride between DTD and the resorts. The return buses from DTD are so horrible that we use the boats when we are staying at the Beach Club. When we are ready to go back to our resort after visiting DTD, we take a boat (any resort will do) and then take a bus to EPCOT and spend some time there before heading back to our room. (Park Hoppers may be needed and EPCOT needs to be open)

Dinner guess- I'll go with Ragland Road.

for your October trip!




They had the shampoo bottles with the Mickey ears at All Star Movies when we stayed in June. A few may have made it into my luggage.

You wouldn't need the park hoppers if you went to DHS and then caught another boat.

On one of our day trips, Jacob and I were going to DTD and hopped the first bus to a resort, can't remember where we started. Ended up at POFQ and waited on another bus which was taking forever. After about 15 minutes I remembered the boat.

Raglan Road was a choice, but I'll leave it there.

So, I can still get my shampoo bottles.

 

[jmskinner]

When we arrived at DTD, Jonas mentioned getting something to eat. I thought we would try Wolfgang Puck's Express since we have never eaten there. I guess Jonas was hungry because he wanted to see if any other restaurants had anything available. I had downloaded the My Disney Experience before we got on the road and thought I would check it out. By the time we left the boat and before even reaching the area with the train we had an ADR. We got a 7pm ADR for Wolfgang Puck. Neither one of us could believe it. I can remember on our very first trip listening to a man try to get an ADR anywhere at DTD over the phone on the bus to DTD, he had no luck, so I knew how really lucky we were. There was availability at just about all of the restaurants and I was really surprised that Jonas chose Wolfgang over Raglan Road.

We had an hour to kill so we thought we would wander around a little.

Jonas freaked when he saw this


I had forgotten that he didn't go to DTD with us on our last trip because he was gaming at a tournament that last weekend as Florida residents and that last trip was very close to the reopening of the Lego store.







I still was trying to figure out those manual settings on the camera and getting that sky blue.

The ducks were enjoying DTD also.


We saw that The Dark Knight Rises was showing, but I didn't want to see it without Jacob. Wandered through the art shop, and we always see so much we want, but can never afford it.

We were starving so we headed over to Wolfgang's to get in line to be seated. Boy was I surprised when we weren't given a beeper, but were asked to follow the greeter. I show my first pic taken at 6:35.

Since Jonas arrived home from a year in Iraq, he is now like a police officer. Can't sit with his back to the restaurant. We were seated at a table with one chair and a bench seat. Of course he has to have the bench seat so his back will be against the wall. I didn't want to sit with my back to the restaurant because this was the view



There were actually two small tables close together so I asked if it would be ok if I sat next to him and the waitress said that it would be fine, it was actually a table for four. It was such a beautiful view.

And with a little adjustment to the camera, I got this pic


I find it cool that with a little adjustment, sitting in the same spot you can change the pic so you look out the windows, to looking at the restaurant.

We both ordered the Ceasar Salad and the drink was some sort of Orange mixed drink. I can't find the name of it, but it tasted like a Creamcicle. Very good, but would make a better dessert.


For dinner we both got the Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf


Honestly, once we sat down we couldn't figure out what we wanted. I have heard so much about meatloaf in fancy restaurants that I thought I would try it. Jonas seemed to love it, especially since it wasn't like mine, which he calls meatmush since it never comes out as a loaf when I cook it. I thought it was ok, but the Ceasar Salad was so good I wish I had just gotten one as my meal.

After the meal I wanted to get some more pics:


Finally got that sky blue. But lost it again


There were a lot of those white birds in the trees by Planet Hollywood


They are redoing the volcano at Rainforst Cafe


Me playing with the settings again




I use to find it funny that the value resorts had all these games and movies for the kids, but not the moderates. I see now that they have started doing these things at the moderates, they were showing a movie when we arrived on the boat


All the times we have stayed at POR, we have never seen Bob Jackson perform. We have walked through the lobby and heard him, but never stayed to watch or listen. When we arrived, there wasn't any place to sit. I ran to the restroom while Jonas held our stuff and then I did the same for him. Right after he left, I looked over my shoulder and saw a nice table with comfy chairs available. I sat down and checked out the drink menu. I ordered a Margarita and Jonas ordered his usual whisky sour. We couldn't see the show because of everyone standing, but it made for a great ending to the evening. Our waiter was great until he took our room key. He forgot about it. We waited probably 15 more minutes when he asked if there was a problem "Yeah, can we have our room key back?" He was very apologetic.

We stopped to purchase our refillable mugs and headed back to the room. Of course I played with the camera some more



And I love how this one came out


Next up, we are on a mission to find a certain redhead for Jonas.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Wow, that's some good photography! How did you make the pitcher of water disappear in the 2nd W. Puck pic?

We were on pins and needles about the dude on the motorcycle with you -- I kept thinking, that is not a good omen for a trip! But looks like things went well, otherwise -- good for Jacob getting to see his friends!

I absolutely love the room you guys got -- would have been oo'ing and aw'ing over everything, even the soap. Isn't funny how, even with something as magical as that room, you can't get that "first trip to WDW" feeling back again, unless you're with someone who hasn't experienced it?

Anyway, can't wait for the parks!!

 

[angwill]

Funny I noticed the table was set in the second WGP pic. lol I love the night pics at POR.

SG and I vote for the macadamia nut chicken at WGP next time. We enjoyed it there together one day after SG raved about how good it was and she was absolutly right about it.

If your meatloaf isn't staying together you probably need more eggs in it. If you want a good meatloaf recipie try a box of savory herb stuffing mix, eggs, bbq sauce and then whatever else you want to put cheese, onion, garlic etc. It is simple and Will and Al said they have yet to find meatloaf anywhere else they like as much as the above. I have no clue because anything with ground beef grosses me out. lol

I wants to see the redheads with Jonas!!!!!!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Mel, I am so enjoying this trip report. When you know the people involved it makes it so much better. Not to mention those beautiful pictures. You are so talented.

I could make do with a smaller feeling room if the beds were big and comfy. Still trying to get used to sleeping in a queen instead of a king here.

The reason putting away the laundry is so much harder than doing it is because there is not a machine to do it. If I ever had a huge house again (not likely or wanted) I would have a big central closet with the facilities inside it so you could just hang the clothes up as they go and have built in dressers with sections for each person's clothing. It would also be a dressing room. I are lazy. I forgot TWO dryers as it takes twice as long to dry as wash.

I am with Jonas about not sitting with your back to the area. You are not safe any old where and you and Jacob can relax knowing he 'has your backs".

You cannot get the Macadamia Chicken at the WGExpress anymore. I think it is in the $30 range in the sit down and neither one of us is inclined to spend that, sans drinks, dessert and tip. It is sooooo good though.

Be aware that Bob Jackson is intoxicating. That an a pitcher of beer and a low tolerance for alcohol. I know.

I will sit here, somewhat patiently, for the next installment.

SG/Linda

 

[lovethattink]

I love your night time pics at POR! I might have to go find that book you got. My night time and flash shots are lousy.

Would you get the meatloaf again? I always get a bowl of butternut squash soup at WGP.

 

[jmskinner]

Wow, that's some good photography! How did you make the pitcher of water disappear in the 2nd W. Puck pic?

We were on pins and needles about the dude on the motorcycle with you -- I kept thinking, that is not a good omen for a trip! But looks like things went well, otherwise -- good for Jacob getting to see his friends!

I absolutely love the room you guys got -- would have been oo'ing and aw'ing over everything, even the soap. Isn't funny how, even with something as magical as that room, you can't get that "first trip to WDW" feeling back again, unless you're with someone who hasn't experienced it?

Anyway, can't wait for the parks!!

The only different in the two pics is one used an exposure of 1/40 (that's the second one that you view the inside of the restaurant), the one where you are attracted to the view, the exposure is 1/80. I may be wrong, but I believe that means the lens was open longer in the shot of the restaurant. Not sure if it matters, but of course when looking through the view finder, I was trying to get the view in one and the interier in the other. And as usual, no flash was used. And you will have to show Robert my pics on this trip. Him and I had a discussion about how inside pics without a flash always have a yellow tint to them, well I finally got away from that. And I thought I needed a better camera. Just a little photography education.

I kind of had that first trip for our girls only trip!

Funny I noticed the table was set in the second WGP pic. lol I love the night pics at POR.

SG and I vote for the macadamia nut chicken at WGP next time. We enjoyed it there together one day after SG raved about how good it was and she was absolutly right about it.

If your meatloaf isn't staying together you probably need more eggs in it. If you want a good meatloaf recipie try a box of savory herb stuffing mix, eggs, bbq sauce and then whatever else you want to put cheese, onion, garlic etc. It is simple and Will and Al said they have yet to find meatloaf anywhere else they like as much as the above. I have no clue because anything with ground beef grosses me out. lol

I wants to see the redheads with Jonas!!!!!!

The set table was on purpose I wanted a pic of the restaurant with a clean table.

I'm not a big chicken fan and never order it in restaurants. I know, I am weird. I'll mention it to Jonas though.

I might have to try that meatloaf recipe. Funny thing is, my issue with Wolfgang's was it seemed to dry, but I think that is how meatloaf is suppose to be. I like it juicy, so maybe I just like meatmush.

And don't encourage my husband!!!!

Mel, I am so enjoying this trip report. When you know the people involved it makes it so much better. Not to mention those beautiful pictures. You are so talented.

I could make do with a smaller feeling room if the beds were big and comfy. Still trying to get used to sleeping in a queen instead of a king here.

The reason putting away the laundry is so much harder than doing it is because there is not a machine to do it. If I ever had a huge house again (not likely or wanted) I would have a big central closet with the facilities inside it so you could just hang the clothes up as they go and have built in dressers with sections for each person's clothing. It would also be a dressing room. I are lazy. I forgot TWO dryers as it takes twice as long to dry as wash.

I am with Jonas about not sitting with your back to the area. You are not safe any old where and you and Jacob can relax knowing he 'has your backs".

You cannot get the Macadamia Chicken at the WGExpress anymore. I think it is in the $30 range in the sit down and neither one of us is inclined to spend that, sans drinks, dessert and tip. It is sooooo good though.

Be aware that Bob Jackson is intoxicating. That an a pitcher of beer and a low tolerance for alcohol. I know.

I will sit here, somewhat patiently, for the next installment.

SG/Linda

Reading your laundry idea, got me thinking. I'm want a separate laundry room off my bedroom, and then one for the rest of the house. Thankfully all the guest bedroom are close together, makes putting it up a little easier. By the was, Jonas' is still sitting in the basket. I can leave it on the bed and he will put it in the basket or on top of the dresser.

I'm thinking about asking Jonas if he would want to try to check out Bob Jackson again when we go in October. Friday night I'm sure Epcot will be so busy we won't want to stick around and Jonas doesn't care about Illuminations.

I think part of the reason we couldn't figure out what we wanted at Wolfgang's was the prices. We had some expensive meals coming and it was sort of a "Why are we doing this to ourselves?" moment.

You don't have to wait to long for an update.

I love your night time pics at POR! I might have to go find that book you got. My night time and flash shots are lousy.

Would you get the meatloaf again? I always get a bowl of butternut squash soup at WGP.

It's Understanding Exposure, let me know if you need a link. I know Amazon has it, I ordered from Books-A-Million just to give them a little business. The book even gives advice when using a point-and-shoot camera, so it really is a good book.

I probably won't get the meatloaf again. Honestly I think it will be awhile before we go back. They had changed the menu and seems like there wasn't a lot that we wanted.

 

[jmskinner]

I realized I left out something from the day before. After placing the ADR at DTD, we first headed to take care of the Photopass+ I had ordered and to activate our tickets. I knew where to take care of the Photopass, but I remembered there being a ticket booth on the West Side by the parking lot and I thought that was where we needed to activate the tickets. We saw "Membership Services" there where the Photopass setup was. Jonas thought we should see if they could activate the tickets, but there was a long line, with a CM standing in line. I have never seen a CM standing in line, anywhere at DTD? Any of you? So we got behind her and then I saw the Photopass area and hopped out of line to head to it while Jonas stayed in line. Little bit of a wait at Photopass, but I got my lanyard and when I turned around, Jonas was already at the desk. I walked over and within a few minutes, we were good to go for the parks the next day.

Ok, now on to the next day. Sunday. We were on a mission this day. About a week before the trip Jonas had asked about Merida. I tell you, the man loves all the redheads. I researched where to find her and learned it opens at 10am. Our plan this morning was to be at MK at rope drop. For some reason, I just wasn't moving very fast. I had to wash my hair and straighten it. Now, usually I will shower, then Jonas and he heads over for coffee. No he gets up and just lays there. He doesn't want to get it, so we end waiting until MK. So much for purchasing those expensive refillable mugs.

Once out of the room, I realized I forgot my phone, so Jonas went to get it for me. Tired to play with the camera, but of course the lens fogged over, did get this pic of the fountain



Jonas was really fussing at me about the lateness, we were at MK at 9:15, wait, we were at Space Mountain at 9:15. I was telling Jonas that we weren't that late. He wouldn't listen to me though. Now the line to Space Mountain was all the way back to being under the track for the TTA, Peoplemover...whatever they are calling it now. Jonas was really fussing at me, but the line continued to move and it wasn't due to a wait, but all the people just trying to walk down the stairs and through the line. Why didn't they put ramps in when they refurbished this ride?

I snapped this pic while waiting


Tried to get a pic


And for those of you new to my TR's, I never, never use flash on the rides. It's a challenge to get a good ride photo.

After the ride I did get this


And the ride photo


The look on my face is due to usually riding on the other track where the camera is on your right, so I was thinking "Oh, I need to look this way!" Jonas said his look is all about "What's that light? Oh, picture time!"

I do have to say this about this ride. I didn't realize that I have never ridden in the back of the two car trains. I have always been a big fan of riding in the back car of a train because you get whipped around a lot more, but this was not a good whipping action. It caused my upper back and neck to bend all the way backward. I kept screaming "That hurt!"

I tried to talk Jonas into FP's for Space but he was worried about wasting our FP's. We wanted some breakfast, well Jonas wanted breakfast, I just wanted coffee. We stopped for Buzz FP's and headed to Main Street.

I hadn't mastered taking indoor pics without the yellow effect yet


We got a couple of pastry's and cups of coffee but there was nowhere to sit. We ended up sitting outside the ice scream shop, which was a very nice place to sit. I enjoyed watching this toddler chasing the birds. Mom kept trying to get her to look at other "Magical" things but she was all about the bird. We watched as they headed towards the castle and Mom kept having to chase her as she chased the birds. We both commented "How many $1000's spent on a WDW vacation, and she is most excited about the birds."

It was now 10:00 so we could meet Merida. I had an idea, but wasn't completely sure where to go. We stopped for a Photopass pic (I don't have the disk yet, ride photos are a download.) and meant to ask the photographer, but he moved us along so quickly, so we found someone else to ask. I then walked up to a CM who stopped me and said they would let us in a few minutes and pointed to a spot to stand. I saw a view of the castle I didn't have photographed yet, and walked over to take it real quick







Finally got that sky just the color I wanted it. These are probably my favorite pics of the whole trip.

When I walked back over to Jonas I could tell there was an issue with the lady in line behind him. Seems when told to stand in line, she proceeded to try to squeeze in line in front of him. I had even placed my bag and coffee down for my spot, so he was trying to hold everything. He wasn't happy.

Finally we got in. I'll post the photopass pics once I have them, but here are what I took with Jonas' phone:



Look at that smile! He was very happy as you can tell.



Some of my favorite rides coming up! Any guesses?