10,000th post - with a Trip Report and a full Disney Dining Plan Analysis

how busy could it be in canada??? its not like there watching hockey.
and they just had another hackin holiday on monday!!!!! :rotfl2:
i guess we will have to help him out. anyone with me? :hyper:
 
how busy could it be in canada??? its not like there watching hockey.
and they just had another hackin holiday on monday!!!!! :rotfl2:
i guess we will have to help him out. anyone with me? :hyper:

It's all the turkey he consumed yesterday - he's still in a food coma. Give him at least one more day ;)
 
how busy could it be in canada??? its not like there watching hockey.
and they just had another hackin holiday on monday!!!!! :rotfl2:
i guess we will have to help him out. anyone with me? :hyper:

Cut him some slack. I'm in the next update. He's probably sat down a dozen or so times to write the update but keeps getting lost in the awesomeness. It's OK, it happens to lots of people.
 



:welcome:

Pay no attention to these Pirates... we were waiting for you to continue.

:rotfl2:

I apologize... to the rest of you, I have been a bit busy... but will get an update this weekend.

I did have a lot of Turkey on the weekend...

And yes, Barry is in the next update too... I am just waiting for Barry's report to catch up to mine... :lmao:
 
Tuesday August 21

We have another long day planned, starting bright an early with a Scheduled DISDad meet up.

Not only DISDad meet ups, but friends and neighbors as well.

It started a 30 minutes before the park was scheduled to open. We had planned for the DISDad's and their respective families to save the universe from Evil and restore peace in the galaxy. That's right we are going to train our your padawan's to be Jedi Knights.

Before the gates even opened there were a few meet and greets outside the park. Most notably the proud hostess herself.

Photo0499FiveBySeven457x640.jpg


We met Barry and his family outside in line. After a few pictures, and kids scurrying around and getting reacquainted they finally opened the park and the Dads headed over to Toy Story Mania to get Fastpasses, while the Mom's and kids went to register for Jedi Training.

But first (ok, maybe a little out of sequence as this pic was taken later in the day) we need our DHS Sorcerer's hat picture.

Photo0949FourBySix427x640.jpg


Heading into DHS there was a mixup with park tickets. My DD's KTTW barcode wouldn't scan, and the magnetic strip wasn't working properly, so we were sent to another line to filter our way in to the park... They manually got hers to work, and DS's and DW's, and I thought mine as well. Either way we were all inside the park. When I went to get the Fastpasses for TSM my ticket said it was not registered at the front gate (luckily it was mine as everyone else was signing up for JTA). I told the CM about the mixup, and she gave me a Fastpass entitlement card, so I would be able to ride with the family at the printed return time.

So I headed back to guest services at the front gate. they asked if they can help, I said "Yes, I am not sure if I am here or not" :rotfl2:
I explained what happened, and indeed although I appeared to be there, I actually was not. So they scanned me in - so now I am officially there, and they offered me another TSM fastpass for the trouble. SO now I have 5. Well, I may as well head back, and get 1 more since I am now in the park. So on the way back up Hollywood Blvd. I run into another DISDad. His name is Ron, but around here he is better known as COMMANDO! Remember I told you we were planning to save the world, yadda yadda yadda... well the original plan was with Commando... but unforeseen busing issues had him running behind.

So Ron and I went to get TSM fastpasses once again... and then met up with the rest of the families at the signup area.

During this whole ordeal My family and Barry's family all rode Star Tours together. Once I rejoined them, I rode as well.

We then headed over to meet Phineas and Ferb.

Photo0585FourBySix640x427.jpg


Oh, there you are Perry

Disney2012670640x480.jpg


After that it was off to Radiator Springs to meet Lightning and Mater. Here's My kids with Barry's and Ron's kids... future DISDad's and DISMom's.

Disney2012676640x480.jpg


And the Dad's

Disney2012678640x480.jpg


Then the lot of us then went to Monstropolis to meet Mike and Sully.

Kids
Photo0602FourBySix640x425.jpg


Dads
Photo0608FourBySix640x427.jpg


That's 3 main meet and greets in the span of 30 minutes. That's COMMANDO touring at it's best. :thumbsup2
 


Tuesday August 21 con't...

After our Meet and Greets we get on our speeders and raced back to Tatooine, where our young padawans will defend us from the evil Sith Lord.

Photo0536FourBySix640x427.jpg


Photo0522FourBySix640x427.jpg


Here are my young Jedi's in deep concentration preparing for battle.

I feel a disturbance in the force...

Photo0659FourBySix427x640.jpg


I feel it too...

Photo0656FourBySix427x640.jpg


We better get prepared

Disney2012697640x480.jpg


Sure enough, guess who showed up. None other than Darth Vader himself.

Disney2012719480x640.jpg


But he was no match for the highly trained future of the free world.

Disney2012730640x480.jpg


Photo0744FourBySix640x427.jpg


Photo0849FourBySix640x427.jpg


There's even some video proof, The force was strong with them.

At the JTA we were joined by yet another DISDad. From left to right...
Me, then Barry and Nick known around here as DisneyDaddy-O

Disney2012685640x480.jpg


Turns out Nick who's also from Canada lives about 45 minutes away from me. But it takes travelling to WDW to meet up. It was really cool to meet up with so many awesome families, that we talk to every day online, and finally put some flesh and blood behind the already established friendships and personalities.

After JTA we headed over to Starring Rolls for an early lunch. No pics... :sad1:

After lunch we went to Muppetvision 3D

Disney2012738640x480.jpg


We sang in the rain

Disney2012745480x640.jpg


And we rode TSM. At TSM we briefly met up with my next door neighbor, they were waiting in Standby we had Fastpasses (before going I tried giving them some tips on successful touring, but I guess they like waiting)... :rolleyes1

Then it was off to Animation Building where we met Pooh Bear. My kids brought Pooh a present... that's right, they took a few packets of Honey from the Riverside Mill in the morning to give to the tubby little cubby all stuffed with fluff

Photo0924FourBySix640x427.jpg


Pooh was overjoyed, excited, and even more confused and bewildered, and didn't know what to do with his honey packets. He handed them off to his character handler, but I am sure he enjoyed them later. ;)

Next we did the Animation Academy where we got to draw Minnie Mouse. For those who didn't want to draw Minnie, they had the option to not add eyelashes, and a bow... and voila they had Mickey.

These pics were taken today (at home)

67B38ABB-15C1-4A37-BE84-443017FF46FF-11062-000011BE8A6A2F1D.jpg


And here's a little known secret that's worked for me twice. After the class if you ask the instructor nicely, they may just give you their copy as well. :banana:
Here is my DD with the instructors copy. As I always say... best free souvenir in Disney.

2F985122-F248-49E9-AADC-532B93ABF3BB-11062-000011BE9296A46E.jpg


After Animation Academy we rode The Great Movie Ride, and quickly checked out American Idol (we didn't stay for the whole show)

Disney2012776640x480.jpg


DS and I then rode Rock N' Rollercoaster, while DW and DD had an Ice Cream. :mickeybar

DS and I headed over to the Hollywood Tower Hotel to ride Tower of Terror, but once again... the pre show scared the bejesus out of him, and he just couldn't take the main elevator. So instead we took the other elevator which safely takes you to the waiting area.

Once safely outside the clutches of the Twilight Zone DS had his Mickey Head Ice Cream bar.

Disney2012753480x640.jpg


I then met up with not one but 2 co-workers who happened to be in WDW at the same time. And "by happened to be" I mean, One of them I planned the trip for their family from the booking, to the dining, to the touring plan, etc... :rotfl2:

Insert random touring and Dinner here... (see next post for Dining Details)

We planned to end a long day of touring and Meetups with Fantasmic!

Well like with all good plans - Mother Nature has a way of budding her head into it...

We got in line early, got prime seats right up front...and Voila... RAIN!

BAECEED1-1FEB-4534-A118-850218D18FF4-733-000000E8214A2060.jpg


The same thing happened to us in 2010.

So we head back to POR for a good night sleep.

Disney2012811640x480.jpg
 
:thumbsup2 UPDATE!!!!!!
great up date brian!!! i has the same problem a few years ago with the ticket. glad that worked out for you.
kids did a great job at jedi trainning. im most likely the only 47 year old in the free world who hasnt seen a star wars movie. :confused3
ice cream and honey look good as always!
i seem to sleep like a baby myself as well as the kids.
some day, some how, we have to meet up!!!!
 
Man you scored great seats for Fantasmic!! Too bad for rain!!! Taht does suck!!!
 
Tuesday August 21 - Dining Credits

Starring Rolls

3 x Turkey Sandwich
M&M Brownie
Strawberry Parfait
Cinnamon Bun

3 X Counter Serve = $49.64

DHS Ice Cream Cart

2 x Mickey Premium Bars
2 x Mickey Ice Cream Sandwich

4 x Snacks = $14.00

Fantasmic Theatre

Grapes

1 x Snack = $3.62

For Dinner we went to 50's Prime Time

Disney2012795640x480.jpg


Here are the kids making themselves comfortable in the living room from my grandparents house.

Disney2012785640x480.jpg


Disney2012784640x480.jpg


The kids both enjoyed a THICK chocolate shake. Here's the waiter giving them strict instructions on how to pour the shake.

Disney2012789640x480.jpg


The wait staff at 50's is quite a hoot... If you haven't been there, you really outta' try it. But go in with thick skin... because you never know what you will be up against.

DW ordered the Pot Roast - really tender and flavorful

Disney2012799640x480.jpg


I had the Fried Chicken. Probably the best fried chicken I've ever had.
I asked the waiter if I can substitute the Collard Greens.
He said I can get "Corn or Green Beans".
I said "OK"
He asked "Well which one do you want?"
I told him Surprise me"
He looked at me with this glare, and said really snotty "I am just going to hit which ever button is closest!" :rotfl2:

Disney2012798640x480.jpg


After he brought it (you can see he clearly brought the Green Beans). He came by and asked if everything was all right. I told him it was not, as I actually wanted the corn! :rotfl2: :rotfl2:
He didn't think it was too funny... :rotfl2:

And both the kids ordered the Chicken Pot Pie. Really tasty, and the pie is a puff pastry shell.

Disney2012800640x480.jpg



DS ordered the Dads Brownie Sundae
Disney2012804640x480.jpg


DD Ordered Strawberry Sundae
Disney2012803480x640.jpg


DW had the Boston Cream Parfait
Disney2012802480x640.jpg


And as much as I wanted the Brownie Sundae as well, I really wanted my kids to try the S'mores, so I ordered it so they could have some.

Disney2012801640x480.jpg


Little Brat's wouldn't eat any though, and stuck me with a dessert I sacrificed for them... Oh the things we do for our children. :rotfl2:

4 x Table Serve = $115.43
 
Tuesday August 21

We have another long day planned, starting bright an early with a Scheduled DISDad meet up.

Not only DISDad meet ups, but friends and neighbors as well.

It started a 30 minutes before the park was scheduled to open. We had planned for the DISDad's and their respective families to save the universe from Evil and restore peace in the galaxy. That's right we are going to train our your padawan's to be Jedi Knights.

Before the gates even opened there were a few meet and greets outside the park. Most notably the proud hostess herself.

Photo0499FiveBySeven457x640.jpg


We met Barry and his family outside in line. After a few pictures, and kids scurrying around and getting reacquainted they finally opened the park and the Dads headed over to Toy Story Mania to get Fastpasses, while the Mom's and kids went to register for Jedi Training.

But first (ok, maybe a little out of sequence as this pic was taken later in the day) we need our DHS Sorcerer's hat picture.

Photo0949FourBySix427x640.jpg


Heading into DHS there was a mixup with park tickets. My DD's KTTW barcode wouldn't scan, and the magnetic strip wasn't working properly, so we were sent to another line to filter our way in to the park... They manually got hers to work, and DS's and DW's, and I thought mine as well. Either way we were all inside the park. When I went to get the Fastpasses for TSM my ticket said it was not registered at the front gate (luckily it was mine as everyone else was signing up for JTA). I told the CM about the mixup, and she gave me a Fastpass entitlement card, so I would be able to ride with the family at the printed return time.

So I headed back to guest services at the front gate. they asked if they can help, I said "Yes, I am not sure if I am here or not" :rotfl2:
I explained what happened, and indeed although I appeared to be there, I actually was not. So they scanned me in - so now I am officially there, and they offered me another TSM fastpass for the trouble. SO now I have 5. Well, I may as well head back, and get 1 more since I am now in the park. So on the way back up Hollywood Blvd. I run into another DISDad. His name is Ron, but around here he is better known as COMMANDO! Remember I told you we were planning to save the world, yadda yadda yadda... well the original plan was with Commando... but unforeseen busing issues had him running behind.

So Ron and I went to get TSM fastpasses once again... and then met up with the rest of the families at the signup area.

During this whole ordeal My family and Barry's family all rode Star Tours together. Once I rejoined them, I rode as well.

We then headed over to meet Phineas and Ferb.

Photo0585FourBySix640x427.jpg


Oh, there you are Perry

Disney2012670640x480.jpg


After that it was off to Radiator Springs to meet Lightning and Mater. Here's My kids with Barry's and Ron's kids... future DISDad's and DISMom's.

Disney2012676640x480.jpg


And the Dad's

Disney2012678640x480.jpg


Then the lot of us then went to Monstropolis to meet Mike and Sully.

Kids
Photo0602FourBySix640x425.jpg


Dads
Photo0608FourBySix640x427.jpg


That's 3 main meet and greets in the span of 30 minutes. That's COMMANDO touring at it's best. :thumbsup2

What a Good Looking bunch of guys:eek: But the kids are cute together:grouphug:

I really wanted to be there for JTA sign ups, I had pletty of time to get there, who would have thought I'd be waiting for a bus for 45mins:furious:, I was glad to redeem myself a bit, stumbling onto the 2 meet & greets and with the assumption the the 3rd would also be no wait, I'm glad you guys were only a text away and we got to do it together:thumbsup2 Good times:goodvibes

You guys were all great and I'm glad we met up, The kids all had a blast it was like they already knew each other, I hope we will get to meet up on a future trip:banana:
 
I guess the main point of that whole day is that if you want to see Fantasmic! you shouldn't plan to have a Dis meet with Brian in DHS that day. :rotfl2::rotfl::lmao:
 
Awesome job with the DisDad meets! :thumbsup2 Did you happen to know every single person in the park that day or did it just seem that way?

I know what you mean about trying to help people plan their trips. You can lead a horse to water...

LOVE 50's Prime Time. I agree--the fried chicken is terrific. And it sounds like you gave as good as you got. Sorry you missed Fantasmic, though. :sad1:
 
:thumbsup2 UPDATE!!!!!!
great up date brian!!! i has the same problem a few years ago with the ticket. glad that worked out for you.
kids did a great job at jedi trainning. im most likely the only 47 year old in the free world who hasnt seen a star wars movie. :confused3
ice cream and honey look good as always!
i seem to sleep like a baby myself as well as the kids.
some day, some how, we have to meet up!!!!

One day we will make this epic meeting happen... I thought you were gonna go to Niagara Falls one of these days.

Man you scored great seats for Fantasmic!! Too bad for rain!!! Taht does suck!!!

Story of my life... Just another reason to return.

What a Good Looking bunch of guys:eek: But the kids are cute together:grouphug:

I really wanted to be there for JTA sign ups, I had pletty of time to get there, who would have thought I'd be waiting for a bus for 45mins:furious:, I was glad to redeem myself a bit, stumbling onto the 2 meet & greets and with the assumption the the 3rd would also be no wait, I'm glad you guys were only a text away and we got to do it together:thumbsup2 Good times:goodvibes

You guys were all great and I'm glad we met up, The kids all had a blast it was like they already knew each other, I hope we will get to meet up on a future trip:banana:

Yeah... was nice to finally meet a bunch of the guys. And yes, the kids got along like they were best of friends. :thumbsup2

I guess the main point of that whole day is that if you want to see Fantasmic! you shouldn't plan to have a Dis meet with Brian in DHS that day. :rotfl2::rotfl::lmao:

I think DW is starting to thing I am the jinx as well... :rotfl2:
Next trip me and DW will have to split up and do it separately, and see who's plays and gets cancelled.

Awesome job with the DisDad meets! :thumbsup2 Did you happen to know every single person in the park that day or did it just seem that way?

Pretty much felt like it...
 
That was a fun day, wasn't it?

And it sure was convenient going on Star Tours with your wife and kids. Especially when the loader CM miscounted and there wasn't enough room for all of us in the Star Speeder. I took the boys, your wife took the girls on the next ride and Madison was the Rebel Spy.

Not sure if I ever told you this or not, but while your DS, Evan and I were in Tatooine Traders waiting, I lost Evan for a few minutes. He was tucked up in a corner looking at some Star Wars Action Figures (not dolls) and I missed him. I made sure your DS stayed close because if I lost him too, it would probably be some kind of international incident. :eek:

And JTA was fun, but I'm sure the kids had even more fun doing it with their new friends. :thumbsup2
 
That was a fun day, wasn't it?

And it sure was convenient going on Star Tours with your wife and kids. Especially when the loader CM miscounted and there wasn't enough room for all of us in the Star Speeder. I took the boys, your wife took the girls on the next ride and Madison was the Rebel Spy.

Not sure if I ever told you this or not, but while your DS, Evan and I were in Tatooine Traders waiting, I lost Evan for a few minutes. He was tucked up in a corner looking at some Star Wars Action Figures (not dolls) and I missed him. I made sure your DS stayed close because if I lost him too, it would probably be some kind of international incident. :eek:

And JTA was fun, but I'm sure the kids had even more fun doing it with their new friends. :thumbsup2

That would be the second time he was lost at DHS... First was when he was 4 and he was running through "Honey, I shrunk the playground" and didn't want to stick with his sister.
DW and I were scouring that place and couldn't find him. I told the CM at the front that he was missing.... He didn't seem that concerned :rotfl2:.... But he did tell me to check the back corner, in the back of the cave (or something like that)... And sure enough that is exactly where he was. Makes me wonder if the CM and Seth were in cahoots... :rotfl:
He was missing for a solid 15 mins or so.... Enough to make you freak out and panic... I asked him what happened, and if he knew where we were. He didn't know, but wasn't to concerned. :confused3

Yes, Madison was the rebel spy... She really enjoyed being part of the show.
It really was a fun day. Bayley and Madison started holding hands walking through the park, like they'd known each other their whole lives. :thumbsup2
 

GET A DISNEY VACATION QUOTE

Dreams Unlimited Travel is committed to providing you with the very best vacation planning experience possible. Our Vacation Planners are experts and will share their honest advice to help you have a magical vacation.

Let us help you with your next Disney Vacation!











facebook twitter
Top