If You’re Screaming that Means You’re Still Alive!” Updated x4 3/12!-The End!

[JessM]

Joining in to hear all about your fun trip. Going to head to the pre-trip to read about the redo as well.

Welcome! So happy you are here!

Subbing in, just read your PTR and last TR, can't wait to hear more about this trip

Welcome! I can't wait to share more!

Aww that is so cute that Baxter knew what was up. Animals are so intuitive and amazing.

Oh... My... GOD!!! Look at those security lines, or perhaps better to say LACK of security lines. My airport is like that too.
I haven't gotten the security Fastpass yet though.

Awww what about all the people on the flight going to Universal???? Oh wait, there aren't any.

YAY Dollar Express. So Awesome!

And YAY for POP AND for 50's. This is the best part of the trip. Everything is all yet to come!! So exciting.

I found it really interesting since the two trips I took in Nov he seemed clueless I was leaving, he finally caught on

I love small airports!

Haha exactly, we were a fully WDW bound plane!

LOVE Dollar Express, saved SO much time and aggravation

Even though we never walked around it was still cool to finally be in the 50's!

 

[JessM]

I got to do the express line at MCO security, it was awesome!

LOVE the car sign pictures.

Ahhh I am so excited to be heading back to Pop. We booked preferred (my aunt insisted) so hopefully we get as good of a location as you guys did!

At MCO the express would be so key! Those lines get so long!

Thank you! I would love to arrive during day light hours to try to get a better one someday.

I hope you do too! We were so close to Classic Hall, it was AMAZING at the end of the day!

Awesome update!!

Looks like your journey over to Disney was good and fun one! I've heard great things about SW and am sad that they don't fly from Canada lol! They seem awesome!

Pop is home! Love it there, especially in the 50's!

Thank you!

Hopefully someday they will expand their service up there so you guys can experience them!

I love how many people on here love POP just as much as I do. I've been missing home so much this week I can't wait to go back!

I'm here, so glad you've started your TR! Glad travel day went smoothly!

So happy you're here!

Its always such a relief to touch down at MCO after a smooth travel day!

 

[khertz]

Joining in!

 

[JessM]

Joining in!

Welcome! So glad you are here!

 

[JessM]

*Thank you everyone for following along with me! It really means a lot! Now on with the show!*​

Our First Dose of Disney Fun!

Thursday December 5th-Part 2!


We were finally ready to hit our first park of the trip!

But first things first

Magic Band on!

*As a side note, we had a great experience with our magic bands during this trip. Ill try to comment some more as I go along, but we had no real issues with them and I thought they worked great!*

We loaded up in the car and headed over to the Boardwalk! We, well I, wanted to check out the resort after Epcot closed because *spoiler alert!* Im staying there in February!

I really wish this one had come out better, all well!

We headed over the IG and scanned our magic bands and no problem we were in! Our window was open for our TT FP+ so we booked it over there to get in our first ride of the trip.

None of us had been on TT since the refurb and we were all pretty excited!

I was glad we had FP+ for this, the line was still really long and that quene didnt look very interesting.

Our magic bands worked perfectly in the design studio to link our car. The one drawback I saw was that they had every party design a car together, I think we all would have liked to design our own but I get that they are trying to send as many people thru at a time as possible.

Heres our masterpiece haha!

It was pretty congested exiting the design studio but we finally made into the line and headed for the loading platform.

So for the ride&

Im still not sure how I feel about the re-furb. The tron theme is cool, and our designed car did follow us on the boards through the ride but it just seemed like it was missing something. Definitely still a fun ride and Im looking forward to giving this one another try on my next trip!

Heres our ride photo!

After TT our Soarin FP+ window was open! We were loving FP+ tonight, but now that its tiered its kind of a bummer.

Anyways, my Dad ditched us to catch the last candlelight processional concert. What can I say hes obsessed so just Mum and I ventured over to the Land to finally be reunited with Soarin!

<3 Love the Land

We went through the FP line quickly and soon enough I was being re-united with the lovely Patrick

He just cracks me up, he was fabulous in the Emperors New Groove.

We ended up in row one next to a group of teenage boys who were too funny. A couple of them with legitimately scared of heights and they were hilarious to listen too. Im also happy to say there is hope for humanity and they were not annoying on the ride at all. They all had a great time and were so impressed, they were a ton of fun to ride next too.

Apparently we really worked up an appetite Soarin over all of California so we decided to hit up Sunshine Seasons for a late dinner.

We both got the kids Panini pizza which was surprisingly good and I was finally reunited with my love&

The best strawberry shortcake ever, it was SO good.

The plan was to catch a spot around WS to see Illumination from so after we were done eating we wandered out of the Land.

We did stop and check out the gingerbread display first.

Was this here last year? I dont remember it.

A Disney cruise is definitely on my bucket list

We took our time meandering over to WS, it was such a beautiful night!

Imagination pavilion is so pretty at night.

Continued in next update​

 

[JessM]

Our First Dose of Disney Fun!
Thursday December 5th-Part 3!


We ended up meeting up with my Dad in front of Germany for Illuminations!

It was a pretty good spot one group back from the railing.

We could see Holiday Wishes going off in the distance, it got me so excited to go to MVMCP the next night!

Finally it was time for Illuminations!

Im not a huge Illuminations fan but I do like to see it once every trip.

I really just think the globe part is a bit too long.

During the globe part you could still see Holiday Wishes going on in the background and I was so jealous haha.

Once Illuminations ended we made our way out of the park.
We stopped into the Boardwalk and checked everything out before we headed home.

This smelled so good.

I loved the little mickey heads lining the top.

The ornaments in the garland were so pretty!

After wandering around for a while we finally tore ourselves away and headed back to POP.

We needed to rest up for our first full day!​

​

 

[scottny]

Sounds like an easy travel day.
I missed that DTD sign. It was cute.
Woohoo on the car upgrade.
Love that building at POP.
I like the refurb of the ride but hate the building of the car. Time wasted I feel.
Soarin’ is the best but needs a refurb.
Great updates and pics.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Glad your bands worked well. I too had a similar experience... mostly.

Tron Track is growing on me. I think as the time since the original closed grows, I'm liking the new one more. Still not a favorite, but I did for sure like it better this trip than last.

I'm glad you pointed out that the teens on Soarin' were great. We always hear about the bad apples, so it's nice to see the non bad apples get some praise.

Ahh those displays in the Land were so cool.

Haha, I was at Illuminations that night too. In England I think. I thought the Holiday finale was pretty great.

 

[LB1122]

Looks like a great first night. I agree I am not thrilled about the tiered system. we were lucky we booked our FP before they changed it.

 

[tinkerbell615]

I'm joining and enjoying your trip report also. We also always travel with our kids who are now grown and are now going with the kids and grandkids. I can't imagine it any other way. Love to see that you enjoy spending time with your parents at the most magical place on earth!

 

[I_Luv_Stitch]

Love the colour of your magic band!
I'm looking forward to trying out the new TT in July, but am not sure if I will like it as much!
I'm not a fan of Illuminations either so I agree once in a trip is enough!
Christmas at Disney is soo pretty!

 

[emmysmommy]

Jess this is eerie!! Rob is correct, we were watching Illuminations from England that night so we were across the lagoon from you. Even more coincidental... Em and I were staying at BW that trip so we were in the lobby probably a little later than when you swung by.... or maybe not! That will be so funny if I see you in our trip photos.

Glad you were able to finally try out TT. I'm not a fan of the design phase (yet) but I do like the ride itself. And Soarin' is always fun and exciting. What a great way to start your trip.

 

[courtneybelle]

I also had the pink MagicBand excellent choice.

I felt a little iffy about TT the first time I rode it but I liked it much better on the next trip!

PATRICK

Those gingerbread displays are stunning!

The Boardwalk is so amazing, it's so exciting that you're staying there soon!!

 

[missangelalexis]

Sounds like a successful first night! Love the pics of the gingerbread display, how beautiful!

 

[Goofy_Mom]

I can't wait to read more about your trip. Our second trip to WDW is scheduled around the same time next year. It'll be nice to see/read about crowd levels, though I think we'll have a little bit of crowds for the first part of our vacation (checking in on the day after Thanksgiving).

 

[JessM]

Sounds like an easy travel day.
I missed that DTD sign. It was cute.
Woohoo on the car upgrade.
Love that building at POP.
I like the refurb of the ride but hate the building of the car. Time wasted I feel.
Soarin’ is the best but needs a refurb.
Great updates and pics.

Thank you!
So happy to have an easy travel day, we were getting worried when they told us it was foggy in Baltimore but it all worked out!
So happy about the car upgrade, our luggage fit perfect!
I agree, Soarin does need a bit of a refurb, but I did think the screen looked better this year than last year.

Glad your bands worked well. I too had a similar experience... mostly.

Tron Track is growing on me. I think as the time since the original closed grows, I'm liking the new one more. Still not a favorite, but I did for sure like it better this trip than last.

I'm glad you pointed out that the teens on Soarin' were great. We always hear about the bad apples, so it's nice to see the non bad apples get some praise.

Ahh those displays in the Land were so cool.

Haha, I was at Illuminations that night too. In England I think. I thought the Holiday finale was pretty great.

Haha, well we had some charging issues but no band issues, hard to be perfect!

I'm hoping I'll feel the same way about the new TT after I ride it a couple more times. I'm a total sucker for anything at Disney so I'm sure it will grow on me haha.

Thanks! That's why I wanted to mention how fun they were. All I feel like you ever hear is how annoying teenagers are, they aren't all bad!

I loved the land displays! They actually looked like people made them very the gingerbread houses at the resorts looked too perfect

I'm glad you got to see Illuminations this trip! I love the Holiday finale I don't think I'll like Illuminations without it!

Looks like a great first night. I agree I am not thrilled about the tiered system. we were lucky we booked our FP before they changed it.

It was a perfect first night. The tiered system is SUCH a bummer. Hopefully that won't stick around. My parents thought I was crazy booking our Fp+ so early, but after it got tiered they were thanking me haha

I'm joining and enjoying your trip report also. We also always travel with our kids who are now grown and are now going with the kids and grandkids. I can't imagine it any other way. Love to see that you enjoy spending time with your parents at the most magical place on earth!

Welcome! Thank you so much for following along!

 

[JessM]

Love the colour of your magic band!
I'm looking forward to trying out the new TT in July, but am not sure if I will like it as much!
I'm not a fan of Illuminations either so I agree once in a trip is enough!
Christmas at Disney is soo pretty!

Thank you! I'm a total pink girl and proud of it!
I'm definitely glad we tried it and it did need an update, I'm looking forward to giving it another try on my next trip!
Illuminations should be updated, more fireworks, less globe.
I agree, I'm afraid when I go in Feb its going to look naked haha

Jess this is eerie!! Rob is correct, we were watching Illuminations from England that night so we were across the lagoon from you. Even more coincidental... Em and I were staying at BW that trip so we were in the lobby probably a little later than when you swung by.... or maybe not! That will be so funny if I see you in our trip photos.

Glad you were able to finally try out TT. I'm not a fan of the design phase (yet) but I do like the ride itself. And Soarin' is always fun and exciting. What a great way to start your trip.

That is so eerie! Two days in a row, same place, same time. You'd think we were planning it! You'll have to let me know if you see me in one of your trip photos!

Me too and I'm looking forward to trying it again next trip I think it will grow on me! Soarin, it was such a perfect way to start off the trip!

I also had the pink MagicBand excellent choice.

I felt a little iffy about TT the first time I rode it but I liked it much better on the next trip!

PATRICK

Those gingerbread displays are stunning!

The Boardwalk is so amazing, it's so exciting that you're staying there soon!!

I'm a total pink girl, it had to be done!

I'm hoping I feel the same way!

He's such a hunk haha

I agree they were so pretty and creative!

I'm SO excited you have no idea. I've always been in love with the Epcot resort area so I'm so excited to finally get to stay there.

 

[JessM]

Sounds like a successful first night! Love the pics of the gingerbread display, how beautiful!

It definitely was successful! They were so pretty and creative, I loved them!

I can't wait to read more about your trip. Our second trip to WDW is scheduled around the same time next year. It'll be nice to see/read about crowd levels, though I think we'll have a little bit of crowds for the first part of our vacation (checking in on the day after Thanksgiving).

It is a WONDERFUL time to go. Just beware, you might get hooked and never want to go another time of year ever again haha. That's what happened to us!

Crowds weren't too bad, a little heavier than in the past but that's to be expected, with a little planning, its a wonderful time to be at WDW!

 

[JessM]

It’s Like a Free Disney Day!
Friday December 6th, 2013-Part 1

We woke up bright and early ready for our first full day in Disney!
This was the view out our window…

It's a jungle out there!

Any of you who read my PTR might remember that Friday was scheduled to be our Universal day. Well, we ended up skipping it and adding a day to our Disney tickets instead! My Dad retired this year and his frugalness is back in full swing haha. He didn’t want to spend the money to check Universal out for the day, so while I was disappointed, it meant more Disney time! Works for me!

We headed down to Classic Hall and got some breakfast, then headed out to the car!

So where were we heading this lovely morning…

I compromised on skipping Universal so it was my pick!

Hollywood Studios it was!

I couldn’t wait another second to be reunited with my love TSM <3

Before hoping in line my parents added a day to their park hopper and I upgraded to my very first (and hopefully not last!) Annual Pass!

In retrospect, I probably should have updated my last day in case I decided to come to come this same weekend next year but I didn’t think of it. Plus, I had just assumed the AP would expire the day you first used the pass not the day you upgraded… good to know to future reference! But if I do manage to squeeze in a third trip off this pass it will definitely be for MNSSHP and F&W Or for the Wine and Dine Half Marathon in Nov.

Anyways…

We got to Hollywood nice and early but there was still quite a line in front of us at the turnstiles.

While we were in line they opened up the breakfast turnstiles to all guests, people were running over there plowing children and the elderly over without a care. Just a word of caution if you are standing over there, be careful! We were a few rows in anyways so we just stayed put.

We mad dashed to TSM with everyone else since we were planning on using our FP+ reservations at MK later!

My Dad took our tickets to grab FP- while my Mom and I hoped in line!

We actually waited around 40mins! First thing in the morning! It was crazy but we kept ourselves entertained.

I never noticed this was Peter Pan before!

They really did do a fabulous job with this queue

We chatted quite a bit with the family in front of us. They were really nice but semi clueless. The Mom claimed when its your birthday you get a free park pass, balloon, FPs and dinner. All you have to do is bring a birth certificate. I’m not sure what planet she experienced all of that on but ok!

At least Mr. Potato head was up and running again (he was curtained off on my last trip)!

I just love the boarding area!

Before we knew it we were off to play!

These were our scores

I beat Mom! And it wasn’t a terrible score to start off the trip!

My Dad was over riding ST while we were on TSM, don’t worry he wasn’t just waiting around.

After TSM we met up with Dad and headed over to Sunset Blvd. It was time to get our thrill on!

RNRC had a long wait so we grabbed some FP- for my Dad and I to use later

We were being FP- hogs, I’m sorry! We actually only used one FP+ selection today so it evened out! I swear!

Next we headed over to the TOT!

The posted wait was crazy, I think it said an hour. I asked the CM if it was really that long and she simply said "no". And then I asked, “like a lot shorter or a little shorter” she wouldn’t say but we took the chance and entered the line anyways.

I took some pictures to stay entertained

Pretty flowers

More flowers! It had been months since I’d seen any at home so I couldn’t resist!

I have a confession to make: I really dislike the TOT.

There I said it.

I hate that dropping feeling so much.

BUT

I love the story and the theming so I do it anyways.

Its worth it

Its just SO well down

In the end… we waited 20mins before being loaded into our elevator. SCORE!

After TOT we headed over to the animation building. I really wanted to finally do the drawing class.

We got into the building just before they let a full class in. My Dad noticed he didn’t have his magic band on so he ran back to TOT to see if he dropped it there. My Mom and I decided we would just wait for the next class, I mean comfy seats why not?

We sat next to this family with 2 adorable kids. They had a boy who was probably around 9. I pin traded one of the bears from the prize screen at TSM and he was so happy. He knew all about the different prize levels. I had never even noticed them before! I’ve always been fixated on the #. He gave me a mickey watermelon pin in return. I actually really liked it and have it up on my pin board at home.

So didn’t realize we were being counted when we went into the holding area, and I didn’t realize we could have told the CM we had one more coming…

SO after my Dad found his MB and came back the CM wouldn’t let him in the waiting area : ( We felt like this was 2nd time we ditched him today... we are horrible people.

Dad went and saw the Animation movie while we did the class.

We drew Elsa from Frozen.

She was really hard! I was getting a little frustrated because I couldn’t help but think how much I’d rather draw Mickey or someone because a. It would be easier, and b. I had my heart on someone being able to sign my drawing (Elsa and Anna’s line was way too long!)

Plus I hadn’t seen the movie and I wasn’t even sure which one Elsa was haha

Lets just compare…

What Elsa should look like…

Mine!

Ok so it wasn’t terrible, but I definitely wanted to do the class again and try someone else. Anyone else haha.

After the class we had some FPs to use!

Stay Tuned!​

 

[tinkerbell615]

Now that's funny!