Friends go to Disney for dinner and turn it into a week long trip! New updates 12/4

[tazdev3225]

What kind of camera are you using for those fabulous pictures? If you've already had this discussion in this trip report, I missed it! This is the first time I've come out of ""stalker" mode on these boards, but I enjoyed your photos so much I HAD to know!!!

Thanks for coming out of stalker mode and Hi!

Thanks so much I'm glad you've enjoyed the photos. I used a Sony DSC-HX200 on this trip. It is a great camera and I've been happy with it. Fabulous zoom, better than my DSLR believe it or not.

There are a few more photos to come tomorrow. I plan to do an update while watching one of my favorite subjects to take pics of - my granddaughter.

 

[tazdev3225]

DAY 7 and we leave for home

First we had some things to do.

I was up at 7. No need to rush. After I showered I packed what I had left and headed to the gift shop to pick up my packages. Kristel was packing her car. I think we were both a little moody that morning because we were a little short with each other. While she packed her car I loaded my suitcase, back pack and the battery on the scooter and headed to resort check in. That I should have gotten a picture of. But picture in your mind my driving with all of that wearing the boot. It was pretty funny to watch.

Check-in was a breeze and I even got my boarding pass. It was then off to Bell Services to drop off my backpack and the battery. Finally I was off to the bus stop. Kristel was there waiting to go to DTD so I joined her. I had one last thing I wanted to look for. I didn't get it there. We just had some major miscommunication at the room. She was going to Goofy's Candy Co. so I went there too. Got a pic of the Flights in Fancy balloon while we waited for the shop to open.

It's hard to tell but that balloon was drifting sideways ALOT!!! There is no way I am ever going on that. I took a pic of our destination

Then we realized they were already open. We each had some snack credits left so I was looking for something for the plane. She was looking for driving home snacks. What to get though there are so many choices

I settled on a Snickerdoodle cookie and this

rice krispie treat dipped in dark chocolate, covered in mini M & M's and drizzled with white chocolate. It was my treat for a week. We headed to the bus stop and then tried to decide what bus to take. Well I did anyway. She was taking her things to her car. I had my mind made up for me when the first bus to arrive was going to POFQ. When we got to the resort she headed to her car and I got back in line for DHS. We had one last meal planned there with Scott and Vinny. The bus for DHS arrived just after Kristel so we were off. When we arrived I had one picture I wanted to get

I never had time before or it was crowded. Kristel needed a bathroom break so I waited and decided I was not using water fountains ever again

This little guy was taking a bath in it. I stopped at the camera store and bought a Mickey Strap for my camera. It is really cute but very uncomfortable. Word of advice - don't buy one. We were then off to 50's Prime Time. Kristel had texted Scott and they were running late. We decided to just wait. So of course I took more pics

Kristel tweeting, I'm not even sure what that is but she did it a lot.

I watched some TV

And Scott and Vinny were there. They had issues with laundry and switching resorts. Now I have had a very quiet time here and I had a waiter who really got into the routine. We had a great "cousin". We took some pics
Kristel and I

Scott and Vinny

someone said something funny

Scott had onion rings. This changed from last year. Now they come in a little fry basket

We all had shakes. I had a chocolate malted

That was so good. Nice and thick and plenty of malt. Vinny didn't like his shake because he said it was too thick. He wanted a thin shake. Kristel and Scott had the PB&J shakes. They said they were good.

For entrees Scott had the chicken, Vinny had the meat loaf and Kristel and I got Mom's sampler, it had the chicken, meat loaf and pot roast too

It was going to be my only meal of the day so I ate more than I would have normally. I thought everything was very good especially the vegies. Scott and Kristel didn't like the greens and Vinny had a real issue with the carrots. He doesn't like carrots from what I could gather. Carrots were in the meatloaf and in the green beans. Our cousin tried to feed him

Scott was having a good time watching

I waitressed through college so out of habit I stack my dishes. I didn't eat all of the chicken But I am weird about chicken. I only eat the outer layer. I can't eat what's near the bone. Weird I know. I was labeled argumentative because I argued that at least I at all of my vegies. She also announced it to everyone near us. I got up and waved. It really was a lot of fun. For dessert Kristel got a Boston Creme Parfait

Scott and I each got this monstrosity

The Brownie sundae. We should have just gotten the one that came with my meal and 2 plates. It was HUGE!!! Sadly our lunch came to an end and we headed to the exit. Scott and Vinny were off to their new resort and Kristel was headed back to POFQ and her car. After some hugs we parted ways. I was off to MK as I still had some time before the ME came for me.

 

[Mom&RN]

I think the last day blues make everyone grumpy. Glad you both had obviously cheered up by lunch. We have a reservation and 50s for our upcoming trip. I know my husband will get a kick out of the decor (he was born in 1950) but am worried he won't find the servers funny. I'm hoping if I warn him in advance he will enjoy it. However, he does not like attention drawn to him so that is my big fear. I think the servers must be able to pick up on when to push and when not so I'm sticking with the reservation and hope he enjoys it. Your Goofy's treat looked very decadent!

 

[tazdev3225]

I think the last day blues make everyone grumpy. Glad you both had obviously cheered up by lunch. We have a reservation and 50s for our upcoming trip. I know my husband will get a kick out of the decor (he was born in 1950) but am worried he won't find the servers funny. I'm hoping if I warn him in advance he will enjoy it. However, he does not like attention drawn to him so that is my big fear. I think the servers must be able to pick up on when to push and when not so I'm sticking with the reservation and hope he enjoys it. Your Goofy's treat looked very decadent!

I really think that was part of our problem, that and my just being in pain. We are planning a trip together in 2014 so I think we are good. Keep the reservation. They really do seem to know who to play with and who to back away from. The table next to us had a couple who really seemed to not be in to the whole experience and they had the same waitress as we did. She never bothered them at all.

That Goofy's treat was decadent. I ate a little piece every day for a week. Any more and I would have been on a sugar high but it really was good.

 

[tazdev3225]

We had said our good-byes and I was on my own. We left 50's Prime Time around 1 PM according to the time info on the last picture have. I was lucky that a bus to the TTC came almost immediately. I made good time and an express monorail arrived almost the second I got to the platform. With that my luck ended. I was sitting on it and the doors weren't closing. The express monorail was going off line. I had to transfer and then stop at all of the resorts. I wasn't happy.

Finally, 1 hour later I was seeing this.

I have to say it's one of the best shots I have ever gotten. Usually there are a lot more people in my way. I was on a mission. I drove as fast as I safely could to Fantasyland. Of course once in that area I go at a snails pace as it is crowded and difficult to manuever. Soon I reached my destination. I was going to get a preview of the Fantasyland expansion. I wound up going in the side they were using as an exit. The CM tried to make me go around and for once I argued back and stood my ground. I didn't choose to go in the exit I was forced in there by the crowds. I told him that if he wanted to run interference I would go around the 10 feet to the other side. BUT since the entrance was going to the same spot I was already at I was going in. I felt bad afterwards but I only had a little time.

Just pics coming up with a little commentary.

I believe this is all for Be Our Guest

Gastons Tavern

Not sure where this was but those people in the lower right corner don't look happy

The gift shop

I wanted to go on the Little Mermaid ride and the wait time was about 20 minutes. So on I went. Following pics are from the queue

I can't even begin to describe how wonderful all of the little details were

This was for the interactive part. It was a little to crowded as so many people were trying them out

Right around here is where I separated to park the scooter.

I loved the whole queue area and wish I hadn't been worried about the time.

 

[tazdev3225]

And then I was on the ride

The ride vehicles are clams like Finding Nemo but I felt that they were a tad bigger. The whole ride was so worth the wait and I'm really happy I was able to experience it.

I went over here next

I had hoped to see Ariel but the wait was too long. I was already pushing my time limit.

One last shot of Belle's castle

And I really hope this opens early so I can ride it next year

With that I had to leave the MK. Of course it was just before 3 PM and and the parade was due to start. I had to try and beat the parade and deal with the crowds to exit. I had an hour for the ME bus but needed to get the scooter back so I woudn't be charged for a full day. I called Walker Mobility to tell them I was running a little late so I was OK there.

Next update will be the end of the trip.

 

[Lesprivate]

I was so happy to be able to ride the Little Mermaid.

 

[rndmr2]

Looks like your meal at 50's was a good one. I would like that fried chicken but from what I have seen it comes with greens and I would have to substitute the green for another veggie because I don't like them either. I definitely wouldn't want them to feed me those! LOL

Glad you were able to see the New Fantasyland! You got some nice pics. I can't wait to see it and get on that Little Mermaid ride.

 

[tazdev3225]

I was so happy to be able to ride the Little Mermaid.

I was too. I knew when Scott said that they were open I had to try and get over there before I left and was so thankful I had enough time. It was too bad that Kristel had to leave earlier than I did.

Looks like your meal at 50's was a good one. I would like that fried chicken but from what I have seen it comes with greens and I would have to substitute the green for another veggie because I don't like them either. I definitely wouldn't want them to feed me those! LOL

Glad you were able to see the New Fantasyland! You got some nice pics. I can't wait to see it and get on that Little Mermaid ride.

The chicken does come with greens. I never really had them before but there is only one vegie I steer clear of and they weren'tas bad as that one. Watching the cousin try and feed Vinny was the best part of the meal. He was having none of those carrots.

I really was excoted to see the expansion. I knew it wasn't due to open til after I left so that was a real bonus. Now if the Snow White ride is open by next december I will be really happy. I can't wait to go back next year and really have some time to explore. One hour wasn't much time but it was really worth it.

 

[GeminiAngel]

Sorry you and Kristel got grumpy on each other. Good thing you bought those Grumpy shirts.

I can't wait to see the new Fantasyland. And according to the menu for Gastons Tavern it looks as if the idea of a special beverage is being copied.
Butter Beer, vs LeFou's Brew.

I had told Scott the Little Mermaid ride is exactly the same as the one in DLR's California Adventure. We should have an Ip-Dip on the west coast!

 

[tazdev3225]

Sorry you and Kristel got grumpy on each other. Good thing you bought those Grumpy shirts.

I can't wait to see the new Fantasyland. And according to the menu for Gastons Tavern it looks as if the idea of a special beverage is being copied.
Butter Beer, vs LeFou's Brew.

I had told Scott the Little Mermaid ride is exactly the same as the one in DLR's California Adventure. We should have an Ip-Dip on the west coast!

It was unusual for us. I think it was a combination of my ankle really hurting and swelling and her knee bothering her coupled with a miscommunication. I think we need to drink more by the pool. Which was also a problem as we had planned to relax by the pool a couple of afternoons and I didn't want to since I had to stay in the boot. Grumpy shirts do fit my personality at times.

I have never had Butter Beer but plan to change that next year. I am going to Universal after we check out of DIsney. It will be the first time since 2001 and then I was only there for 4 hours. My aunt got bored. I will have to do a comparison of the 2 brews.

I have never been to Disneyland. My dream is to one day get there an Ip Dip would be a great reason although I know Jim won't go. He hates California. Of course all he has seen of the state is prisons so I don't get it.

 

[GeminiAngel]

Well if you ever plan a trip out to DL or Vegas for that matter. I'm yur girl!
I could probably get anyone of you guys discount room rates for any Caesars Entertainment properities.

 

[tazdev3225]

Well if you ever plan a trip out to DL or Vegas for that matter. I'm yur girl!
I could probably get anyone of you guys discount room rates for any Caesars Entertainment properities.

That sounds good. Jim and I have talked about Vegas and a friend of mine has tried to convince me to give it a try. She was there last year and had a blast. Having seen her pics it looks like fun. I always thought Vegas was just casinos.

Kristel is actually planning a trip out there next year so she wasn't planning on attending the next Ip Dip.

 

[tazdev3225]

As I left you in my last update I was heading to the exit and leaving the parks for the last time this trip. I did stop and got a really good shot of the monorail

OK I cheated a little it wasn't moving so I was able to get a really nice picture. I got to the bus stop and there were only a few people there and the bus arrived right away, again. Why is it when you are leaving to go home the buses are always right there but when you want to get to a park you have to wait? Anyway I was off one last time to return to the resort. On my arrival I headed over to Bell services and picked up my backpack and the battery. Then I turned the scooter in hobbled over to get my last 2 snack credits. I got a chocolate croissant for the plane at the food court and then headed over to the gift shop for a bag of sour gummies for my grandson. Somehow between the food court and the gift shop I lost my room key. I then had to get a new one for just the last snack credit. I also wanted to make sure it was canceled as Kristel had left charging priviliges on the card.

That done I went over here to sit and rest

I watched the park buses going past and was a little depressed knowing that I was going home. I was scheduled for a 4:15 pickup and ME was on time. We were the last stop I guess as we went straight to the highway.

These signs aren't nearly as exciting

And this is probably the saddest sight

I amde it to the airport with plenty of time to spare. I will say that I don't like the Orlando airport. I had a wheelchair assist on my reservation. First you have to find Air Tran in the airport. Then you have to find someone who can help you. Then you have to wait for that person to find someone to get you to the gate. Finally I had my escort - Jim. I have good luck with that name. He was awesome. We got to security and I took the boot off to make it easier. They had a cane that I could use and we were through with no problems. He got me to my gate and said he would be back. He had to meet an arriving plane. He also parked me by the windows. I saw this plane getting ready to take off.

Plane decorated with the Baltimore Ravens logo. Jim actually came right back and wheeled me over to McDonald's so I could get a soda. He also came back to help get me down the boarding ramp. That guy was awesome and went way above and beyond in customer service.

No problems with taking off this flight. I did have an annoying seat mate who was constantly fidgeting and changing positions. The whole seat moved. I just got my coke and took pics.

The sunset

And some really nice night shots

And we are approaching Philadelphia. There are 4 boats lined up in what I believe is the Delaware Bay or possible the Delaware river. Of course it could also be the Schuykill River.

The plane landed and I called my DH Jim. He was already on his way to get me. The airport employee that assisted me was nowhere near as friendly as the one in Orlando. I asked to stop by the rest room and she was like whatever. I think I interrupted her phone conversation. She took me to baggage claims and dropped me off at the wrong carousel. As I was struggling to get my suitcase a hand reached over and grabbed it. Jim knew the cop on duty at the exit and was able to park right there and come in to help me. Sometimes his job comes in handy. We went out to his waiting truck and it was much cooler than Florida had been. I got one last text from Kristel that she had made her first stop safely and with that my trip came to an end.

Final Thoughts - This was a great trip overall. I had a lot of fun with Kristel, Scott and Vinny. It was great seeing Kathy and Chris and Lily again.

The ankle made me a little difficult to deal with at times. I am extremely independent and relying on people to help me is hard. Taking a break from each other was really a good thing. We both needed it at times. Thankfully we are still friends.

Using the Dining Plan made me really think twice about future trips. The cost has made it almost not worth it except for my meals being prepaid. I don't always want a dessert and I always wind up with a ton of snack credits left.

POFQ was a wonderful resort. No issues with the bus service and the one time I had a wait they had another bus there very quickly. The boat to DTD was wonderful and relaxing. I just worried that I would roll right off of the dock and I can't swim. Plus with Frankensteins boot I would have drowned.

The F&W festival was great but crowded - insanely crowded. Even weekdays were hard to get around in EPCOT. I will say that the lines for rides and attractions weren't bad in any of the parks however. The usual rides had the long waits.

There will be no Ip Dip next year. Scott has cancelled it for the fall. Kristel wasn't going anyway. I am going back next year for the Christmas season with my husband and hopefully the Flower and Garden show the following May with Kristel.

I had a great trip that ended too soon. So I am now off to plan my Christmas trip next year. I hope everyone who read along enjoyed my trip. Those that stopped in to say hi thank you for reading along.

 

[Lesprivate]

Sorry your trip was over, it is always a sad time to fly home. Great report, glad you had a great time.

I still might be going in October next year for Emily and Andrew's birthdays.

 

[tazdev3225]

Sorry your trip was over, it is always a sad time to fly home. Great report, glad you had a great time.

I still might be going in October next year for Emily and Andrew's birthdays.

I hate flying home, it's depressing. Glad you enjoyed it and we did have a good time with a bump here and there.

I would love to go in October but don't think it will happen. We miss each other down there so we'll just have to have a meet up here again.

 

[Mom&RN]

So glad you got into the new Fantasyland on your last day! I'm looking foward to seeing it next month. The picture you took of the back of the welcome sign has to be one of the saddest pictures I have ever seen on the DIS - talk about summing up that "leaving Disney" feeling! So glad your hubby could zip in and help you with your bag, you must have been tired and ready for a helping hand at that point. Hooray for looking forward to two upcoming trips for you!!

 

[rndmr2]

So sad to see your trip and report come to an end! I have enjoyed reading all about your trip! Hope to read about your future trips!

 

[tazdev3225]

So glad you got into the new Fantasyland on your last day! I'm looking foward to seeing it next month. The picture you took of the back of the welcome sign has to be one of the saddest pictures I have ever seen on the DIS - talk about summing up that "leaving Disney" feeling! So glad your hubby could zip in and help you with your bag, you must have been tired and ready for a helping hand at that point. Hooray for looking forward to two upcoming trips for you!!

Thanks for reading along. I hope you really get to enjoy the new Fantaasyland. I loved what I saw and really wish I had more time. It's just a reason to go back.

The back end of the sign really is the saddest sight. I was surprised to see him but very happy. The cane, backpack and suitcase were going to be difficult to handle and as much as I hate help I appreciated his being there. Now I have a whole year to plan my next trip so I will be on here reading TR's and living vicariously through others. Have fun on your trip.

So sad to see your trip and report come to an end! I have enjoyed reading all about your trip! Hope to read about your future trips!

Thank you so much for reading along. I will definitely be doing a TR next year.

 

[GeminiAngel]

A fine report!

Kristel in Vegas? I don't think this city is ready for her!