Emmysdaddy Accompanies the Damsels & Yes, He Posed with Princesses 2/2 Completed

[emmysmommy]

Tuesday August 21, 2012: Day 4, Part 3​

Short re-cap.....we had finished lunch at Sci-Fi so headed back into the park to enjoy some of our favorite rides and attractions. Tower of Terror was our first stop.

Rock ‘n Roller Coaster (RnRC) was next door so we walked over there next. The stand-by line said 40 minutes; however, it was more like 5 minutes and was practically walk on. After our “limo” successfully delivered us to the concert venue we added the ride photo to our photopass+. I also added the ride photo from the 1st night onto our account. However, I noticed when I got the photopass CD in the mail that the first photo was not loaded. Oh well. Em and I decided to go back on RnRC again since there was no wait.

1st ride photo - from our 1st nite:

2nd ride photo:

Now for some fun with characters! I had heard from some of my Dis friends about Characterpalooza at the Animation building from 4:50-5:50pm (times vary depending on when F! takes place.) Em and I had coincidently been to Characterpalooza during our second girl trip without realizing what it was. We kept going back to the Animation building the remainder of that trip and for subsequent trips and didn’t see the unique characters again. I thought what a dud this place turned out to be! Now that I know….makes a big difference to understand that I just kept going back at non Characterpalooza times.

From our 2011 Girl Trip:

So with that we entered the Animation building and saw the standard Mickey, Pooh, The Incredibles (Mr. Incredible and Frozone), and then the special characters….Hook & Smee, Meeko, and Mary Poppins with penguins. There was also the Evil Queen but she was exiting not long after we arrived.

We hopped in line for The Incredibles first. The moment we got to the front of the line Mr. Incredible challenged Michael to an arm wrestling match. It was too funny. Not sure if Michael gave it any effort but Mr. Incredible was the victor!

I'm sure Michael let him win!

Hook and Smee - Hook didn't take too kindly to my comment that I thought I heard a tick tocking...I was just looking out for him! :

Next was Meeko from Pocahontas. A couple poses with this cute critter (including a meow pose) and then we decided to leave since most of the other unique characters had already rotated out.

My best Merida imitations:

We left the Animation Courtyard and were headed to the exit when I spied a photopass dude. Michael and Em were starting to roll their eyes every time I stopped to get yet another photo. Heck, these were quality family photo opportunities – they didn’t seem to understand that!

We took the boat from DHS to the Swan hotel and walked across the bridge back to our room at the BW. One hint that we learned early on is that it is much quicker and allows me to get more steps in to hop off the boat at the Swan and simply walk the short distance back to the hotel rather than awaiting two more stops of the boat to return to Boardwalk.

We had a 7:25ADR at Yachtsman Steakhouse and it was after 6:30 now so we had to hurry to shower and dress for our Signature dinner. We were cleaned up, spiffed up, and standing at the boat dock by 7:25pm. Unfortunately, the boat was taking forever and I didn’t want to be late so I talked Em and Michael into walking over to YC from the BW. Of course when we left the boat dock the boat came 2 minutes later. It was still slightly quicker to walk.

Read here for my review of our lovely Yachtsman Steahouse dinner - Part 1
and here for part 2.

Bonus photo not included in my DR: Michael's "smile"

Following dinner, Epcot was open for EMH until midnight but after the big meal, no one wanted to walk around with a full belly. We took the boat back to BW and crashed in the room. Nothing exciting to tell regarding sitting in the room watching TV while doing some laundry and packing so that we could change resorts in the morning.

Next: Bay Lake Tower Welcomes Us Home!

 

[smile4stamps]

Wonderful character meets!!!

I've heard rumors of the character palooza moving outside the animation building!

I was hoping to catch it as well but I have a feeling I will forget!!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

It really is faster to walk between the stops of the Friendship boat than ride it...but it is a peaceful boat ride!

Your meal at Yachtsman - minus the goo! - looks really good!!

 

[SAT887]

I never knew that about the animation building.... I will be looking out for that in December! With 2 little ones the more characters we can see at once the better! I don't know how much I can keep them in one place! Looks like a great time- every update you guys look more relaxed!!

 

[alwayspooh]

Brenda I am learning new must do's on our next trip. Can't wait to stop by and visit Characterpalooza and I have always wanted to try Yachtsman Steakhouse. The petite is another fav of mine. Wow we have alot in common, good cupcakes (red velvet) and great steak.

Luv the pics especially Michael arm wrestling, Em on RNR, her expression is priceless and your Merida impression.

Can't wait for the next update when Bay Lake Towers welcomes you home!
Carol

 

[Linda67]

Well I've never heard of Characterpallooza so thanks for the tip

Great picture of DH with his "bready" smile

 

[natebenma]

Love that first picture of the Tower of Terror. Where was that taken from?

Michael posed with princesses, but he also got to ham it up with some manly men, too! The pictures with Mr. Incredible are hilarious and I am jealous that you posed with Hook and Mr. Smee. Thanks for including your 2011 pictures too. You did meet some great characters.

Great ride photos from RNR!!!

We have not dined at the Yachtsman, but oh, my that looked fantastic from finish to end. I would have even braved the goo. Everything sounded amazing. Sorry that you weren't all able to try dessert, but thanks for sharing the descriptions.


Even your little non-dessert dessert treats looked yummy. You had me at passionfruit. It is my favorite fruit, and I have never seen it candied.

Once again, stealing your review with the awesome pictures and detailed menu photos, unless you have an objection!!!

 

[emmysmommy]

Wonderful character meets!!!

I've heard rumors of the character palooza moving outside the animation building!

I was hoping to catch it as well but I have a feeling I will forget!!

Hi Paula! You are out of here this week.. how excited are you??
I think they may do some characters ouside the Animation building too, I know they do by the big hat as well.

Yeah, it is kinda hard to remember since it is not officially listed as character meet and greets. Sometimes you run in to the greatest character at random so you never know.

It really is faster to walk between the stops of the Friendship boat than ride it...but it is a peaceful boat ride!

Your meal at Yachtsman - minus the goo! - looks really good!!

Love the boats, hate the wait! There now you know how I really feel! Actually, I would rather walk so that's the whole story. I hope all is well and plans are moving forward at light speed for your return trip this month!!

I never knew that about the animation building.... I will be looking out for that in December! With 2 little ones the more characters we can see at once the better! I don't know how much I can keep them in one place! Looks like a great time- every update you guys look more relaxed!!

The Animation Bldg is back behind Sunset Street.. through the big Disney's Hollywood Studios sign where the Little Mermaid and Disney Jr. attractions are located. Mickey Mouse (Sorcerer Mickey) is always there and I believe Pooh is now a standard character besides the Incredibles. The others rotate around - usually about 5-6 more. It really is a great spot to go once and have a lot of character photos taken!

You are cute... by the time we reach the end of our trip we should be looking rather like slugs!

Brenda I am learning new must do's on our next trip. Can't wait to stop by and visit Characterpalooza and I have always wanted to try Yachtsman Steakhouse. The petite is another fav of mine. Wow we have alot in common, good cupcakes (red velvet) and great steak.

Luv the pics especially Michael arm wrestling, Em on RNR, her expression is priceless and your Merida impression.

Can't wait for the next update when Bay Lake Towers welcomes you home!
Carol

Thanks for hanging in there and reading!! BLT is really our "home" resort - even though we don't own DVC we have stayed there at least part of every on-property trip.

Glad that I can offer some suggestions for your next trip!

Well I've never heard of Characterpallooza so thanks for the tip

Great picture of DH with his "bready" smile

DH is a goof! Linda I can totally picture you with Hook and Smee!

Love that first picture of the Tower of Terror. Where was that taken from?

Michael posed with princesses, but he also got to ham it up with some manly men, too! The pictures with Mr. Incredible are hilarious and I am jealous that you posed with Hook and Mr. Smee. Thanks for including your 2011 pictures too. You did meet some great characters.

Great ride photos from RNR!!!

We have not dined at the Yachtsman, but oh, my that looked fantastic from finish to end. I would have even braved the goo. Everything sounded amazing. Sorry that you weren't all able to try dessert, but thanks for sharing the descriptions.


Even your little non-dessert dessert treats looked yummy. You had me at passionfruit. It is my favorite fruit, and I have never seen it candied.

Once again, stealing your review with the awesome pictures and detailed menu photos, unless you have an objection!!!

Hi Dee! the ToT photo was taken from the entrance to the RnRC ride - right before you go inside.

And yes, please feel free to use any of the photos or other items I have posted! Glad I can help with any updates.

Enjoy your week!

 

[Alysa]

Love those character photos! I never knew about characterpalooza either. You guys looked like you had so much fun!

 

[AvasMommy526]

Love that first RnRC!!! Great faces
Love the character interactions, I didn't know about that, I'm definitely going to check that out with DD!
Can't wait for BLT update, that's where we are staying

 

[MEK]

Wow - A 5 minute wait for RnR when the posted wait time was 40 minutes? that's awesome!

Wish I could see your pictures right now, but I'm at work. boo!

I did read your Yachtman review and it sounds wonderful. I think I want to eat there this summer with DH. It's one of the few signatures I haven't tried, probably because I always pick fish or seafood over beef. But I am sure the filets are amazing.

Thanks for the warning about the chees goo.

 

[sushi candy]

Love the photos, Brenda! Especially the ToT. I always find it off that the wait times for TSM is so nuts. We did the fast pass to that one. I also liked the photo of the Fantasyland expansion. I wish we had stopped by and did One Man's Dream.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Catching up on your report now - love the photos from DHS! Together, the 'front' of DHS (Hollywood & Sunset Boulevard) is one of my favorite themed areas in a WDW park. Your RnRC pics are so entertaining.

 

[emmysmommy]

Love those character photos! I never knew about characterpalooza either. You guys looked like you had so much fun!

Thanks Alysa! I stop everything and drag my family along when I see some of the unique characters. They are not as thrilled as me apparently!

Love that first RnRC!!! Great faces
Love the character interactions, I didn't know about that, I'm definitely going to check that out with DD!
Can't wait for BLT update, that's where we are staying

Oh how wonderful that you are staying at my favorite resort!!! Do you have a lake view, theme park view or standard view? It is really a wonderful resort - very quiet and obviously convenient to all the monorail resorts/restaurants.

Yeah, that first photo was our silly look.

Wow - A 5 minute wait for RnR when the posted wait time was 40 minutes? that's awesome!

Wish I could see your pictures right now, but I'm at work. boo!

I did read your Yachtman review and it sounds wonderful. I think I want to eat there this summer with DH. It's one of the few signatures I haven't tried, probably because I always pick fish or seafood over beef. But I am sure the filets are amazing.

Thanks for the warning about the chees goo.

Hi Mary Ellen! The RnRC wait was completely unexpected - the wait time must not have been updated or some glitch??

Yachtsman also has a great fish option, Columbia River Salmon. It might be worth checking out. And yes, you have been sufficiently warned about the goo!!

Love the photos, Brenda! Especially the ToT. I always find it off that the wait times for TSM is so nuts. We did the fast pass to that one. I also liked the photo of the Fantasyland expansion. I wish we had stopped by and did One Man's Dream.

I need to make it early enough to DHS to get fast passes for TSM next time! I love the queue at DHS better than DCA.

Catching up on your report now - love the photos from DHS! Together, the 'front' of DHS (Hollywood & Sunset Boulevard) is one of my favorite themed areas in a WDW park. Your RnRC pics are so entertaining.

Hi there Mr. DDW! The entrance area sure makes for a great first impression! Plus Sweet Spells isn't too far away... it has some magnetic pull for me now that I always get a carrot cake cookie there!

 

[Lisa29]

I was a bit behind and all caught up now. Great updates again.

After seeing Em's face on RnRC, I don't think I will be going on it!

Can't wait to read about Bay Lake Tower, I LOVE it there!

 

[KatMark]

Oh good...I wasn't as far behind as I thought I was.

I don't recall if I commented on it before, but I love the photo of the threeof you on TOT! Priceless.

What a fun afternoon at the Studios. Great character photos...we got to see the characters from the Incredibles this trip too and had a blast.

Okay, I should now be able to keep up because yours was the second to last thread I had to catch up on.

 

[AvasMommy526]

Oh how wonderful that you are staying at my favorite resort!!! Do you have a lake view, theme park view or standard view? It is really a wonderful resort - very quiet and obviously convenient to all the monorail resorts/restaurants.

Yeah, that first photo was our silly look.

We have a theme park view!! I'm so excited! Fireworks from our balcony! I'm happy that we will be so close to MK with DD!

 

[emmysmommy]

I was a bit behind and all caught up now. Great updates again.

After seeing Em's face on RnRC, I don't think I will be going on it!

Can't wait to read about Bay Lake Tower, I LOVE it there!

Hi Lisa29followed by more #s!! I think Em's face was a fake out. She's a thrill ride junkie so no real fear for her!

BLT is a must do for us!

Oh good...I wasn't as far behind as I thought I was.

I don't recall if I commented on it before, but I love the photo of the threeof you on TOT! Priceless.

What a fun afternoon at the Studios. Great character photos...we got to see the characters from the Incredibles this trip too and had a blast.

Okay, I should now be able to keep up because yours was the second to last thread I had to catch up on.

Ha ha! Kathy you are probably getting caught up quicker than me since I'm trying to get this updated and then stroll along and check in on my favorite Chicago burb's TR Diser!!

Love the Incredibles - did you get photos?

We have a theme park view!! I'm so excited! Fireworks from our balcony! I'm happy that we will be so close to MK with DD!

Hi there! HOW AMAZING!! I not only love seeing fireworks from the balcony (when we're in the room which only happened once last trip) but seeing Seven Seas lagoon and the boats and watching the monorail and seeing the train at the front of MK and seeing the construction for the FLW... I think I have a lot of reasons to love that view! Plus, I love the walk to MK.

 

[emmysmommy]

Wednesday August 22, 2012: Day 5 Part 1​

I awoke at 3am not feeling so well and regretting such a huge meal the night prior. I finally managed to get back to sleep and slept in until 7:45am. We had an 8:30ADR at Kouzzina. I knew that I wasnt feeling well enough to eat breakfast so I discussed with Michael and Em what they wanted to do. If they wanted to go to Kouzzina on their own that was perfectly fine. They decided that taking it easy and stay with me in the room. I called to cancel our ADR and we ended up skipping breakfast. I still felt ick and didnt feel like eating quite yet anyway.

We ended up finishing our laundry and packing. Once I was packed and ready to roll the obsessive compulsive side of me emerged and I HAD to strip the beds, empty the trash and recycling, and make a run through the villa dusting and double checking everything to make sure we hadn't forgotten anything. (Not sure Mousekeeping appreciated my help!)

Em chilling:

We called bell service for luggage transfer to Contemporary Resort. The gentleman I spoke with said that they had a high volume of transfers that day and although typically the bags are transferred between 1-3pm, it would be later today so our bags may not show up at CR until after 4pm. No problem, we didnt need our luggage earlier than that so I told him that timeframe is fine with me.

Bell service was there within 10 minutes and gave us our luggage claim ticket and we were free to be on our way. Which is what we did. We walked down the stairs and out the back door to walk to DHS. It felt a little funny that I didnt take the time to go a farewell photo tour of the resort. It was 11:15am when we started our walk to DHS. We had a 1:20ADR for lunch so we had a little time to spare.

Goodbye Boardwalk! I miss you already!

Upon arrival at DHS, I said my prerequisite hello to Bo!

The street performers were out on Hollywood Blvd and were so hilarious. We watched the antics for a period of time before we moved on to The Great Movie Ride. Always a cool adventure to be in on the action! That was followed by our pals Kermit, Miss Piggy, Beaker, and the rest of the gang for Muppets 3D. After a couple of photos with the snowman by Mama Melrose we were ready to go to lunch at 50s Prime Time.

One of my favorite scenes:

Yikes - who let the Aliens in here?

Not in Kansas:

The coolest things that have hands up their backs:

Sure is cold here!

Here's where we were heading:

Here's my 50's PT Cafe lunch review.


Next Up: Bay Lake Tower how I've missed you!

 

[natebenma]

Sorry you were not feeling well and had to skip breakfast. Really sorry, because I have never been to Kouzzina so I love reviews from there and Greek is one of my favorite cuisines. But I will join you next time!

Probably not a bad idea to have a mellow morning on moving day.

I see you tackled some of the tamer rides at HS. Spectacular picture of the alien on GMR!

Once again, thanks for showing the menu at Prime Time. It has been a few years since we have been because the boys always insist on Sci Fi. I'm a sampler- I love to try a little (or a lot) of everything, so the Home Cooking sampler plate they offer with meatloaf, fried chicken and the pot roast would be perfect!

The Boston Cream Parfait was added to the menu after our last visit, but I would be geographically obligated to try it and judge!