See what a little Wishin' can do? A very ENGAGING January 2015 trip! *COMPLETED 10/9*

[Landslide305]

I love the pic of you two looking at the castle from behind with the Mickey ears!

 

[KathyM2]

Loving your report and more fun times!! I never got to try the "brew" but hope to next time...I think I "may" have as many sweet teeth as you I also wished I'd had room for the cinnamon roll...sigh..so much good Disney food. That's actually interesting that you noted the actual FP+ kiosk wait was only five mins...funny how it can seem so much longer. I remembered seeing a kiosk and so many people around I wondered at the time if it was worth waiting...to avoid more waiting...but I guess it depends...how LONG you have to wait lol! Love your parade pics too!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Minne ears, Ariel shirt, Super cute castle photos.... Yeah you got it going on Candace.

I learned something about this particular location later that evening...stay tuned.

Oh you tease!!!

This is a great case of having too much information going into 7DMT. I wish my expectations hadn't been so high initially. When I rode it a second time, I loved it. A souped up dark ride.

I agree. LeFou's is heavenly.

That is the same FP kiosk spot I used. I also found that it felt slower than it was.

OMG how great is FoF?????? I hate that it's so good so I can't bare to skip it.

 

[sailored]

All these cliffhangers! You're killing me!

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

I'm joining in! Great trip report. I love how much you got done on the AK day. Glad you did the shows, it seems a lot of people skip the shows besides FOTLK.

I'm getting very excited for the big reveal coming!

 

[jennynyholm]

Haha I can totally relate on the sweet "teeth!" Looks like a great afternoon! I'm so excited to ride 7DMT and see FoF- 2 things that were not there on our trip last year. Can't wait to see your coming posts!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Glad to read that your brainwashing of Joe is working ... well, let's at least call it brainmassaging

Really great pictures - I especially think this one is nice:

I think the deal with the 7DMT is that your expectations for it totally dictate your view after experiencing it. I think because your expectations had been tempered you were able to experience it for what it was. For people who thought it was going to the crowning jewel to Newish Fantasyland and the next BTMRR and a true E-ticket attraction were left a bit disappointed at the length. Personally I thought it was super well done and really enjoyed it - though think it was a tad on the short side to be "amazing". Definitely something I would ride again (and I do want to experience it at night) but not something I would wait 70 minutes for. I like the PP Pictures and Video - they didn't have those available yet when we went.

We had a BTMR FP coming up next and decided ("decided" - HAH. Like I'm spontaneous. It was in my plans...) to take the train over.

Well, to be fair, you did "decide" on it when you made your plans We love the railroad and try to ride it at least once each trip - I think knowing how Walt viewed trains makes it even more significant to us.

Glad you enjoyed the parade so much - definitely still bummed it was rained out our last trip. Oh well, another reason to go back

 

[cgutman]

great TR and congrats!!!

 

[ashw100]

Sounds like a lot got done this day. Disney world maybe one of the few times where time slowing down Is a good thing. Can't wait for the next post, very clever cliffhanger.

 

[FromKansas]

Omg. Just got all caught up and loving the report. I can't wait the next update. Eeeeeeek

 

[beckyx3]

The picture of you two with the ear hats really is super cute! And a slow day at Disney is the absolute best

 

[lauraleh]

So excited to read your next installment!

 

[amberg93]

I know I know...I get the MSU hatred from so many friends and family members all the time And they all make fun of me when I continue to root for MSU even though I went to grad school at U of M. My loyalties will always be with the Spartans...but hey, I like Disney so we can still be friends right?

Of course Besides, one of my best friends just graduated from Michigan State (I have another graduating next month from Michigan) so it's all in jest. At least Disney can bring all people together.

I don't think there's a thing as too many photopass pictures, especially not when you're in the Disney mood. Plus, they look great.

Great pictures of the Hub area, it's so beautiful there.

7DMT does have too small of seats for comfort but I can't deny that it is a really smooth ride. It's not a must do for me, but I do think it's enjoyable nonetheless.

Philharmagic is always an excellent idea.

Gaston's Tavern is great just for the themeing alone.

I still need to take the train sometime. We never seem to make that decision for whatever reason.

Up next...RINGING in a perfect evening

Hmm.. I wonder what could be happening in the next eagerly awaited chapter??

 

[Cando86]

Love the pics!!! I didn't get to ride 7DMT in March because my DD was afraid!! I'm so glad you liked it!!

Ohh! How old is your daughter? I used to be deathly afraid of roller coasters. 7DMT is so smooth, you barely notice you're on one. It's like a fast train! Which I suppose was the point...

Can't say I blame him. I know you'll never really see those people again but I am right there with him. LOL... that and I dance like a big goofball.

Hahaha, see that's my philosophy. Joe doesn't seem to agree. Oh, and trust me, I dance like a big goofball too. Unless I've had a couple adult beverages...then I think I'm Michael Jackson.

I love the pic of you two looking at the castle from behind with the Mickey ears!

Thank you!!! I love it too - definitely our favorite picture of the trip! Made getting Memory Maker worth it for sure.

Loving your report and more fun times!! I never got to try the "brew" but hope to next time...I think I "may" have as many sweet teeth as you I also wished I'd had room for the cinnamon roll...sigh..so much good Disney food. That's actually interesting that you noted the actual FP+ kiosk wait was only five mins...funny how it can seem so much longer. I remembered seeing a kiosk and so many people around I wondered at the time if it was worth waiting...to avoid more waiting...but I guess it depends...how LONG you have to wait lol! Love your parade pics too!

Thank you!!!

Definitely try the brew next time - especially if your mouth is also filled with sweet teeth! Oh the cinnamon roll! That is definitely on my Disney bucket list.

I agree about FP+. It seems counterproductive to wait to avoid waiting. It definitely depends on how long you have to wait too. At MK it actually worked out for us, but that wasn't the case at the other parks unfortuantely.

Minne ears, Ariel shirt, Super cute castle photos.... Yeah you got it going on Candace.



Oh you tease!!!

This is a great case of having too much information going into 7DMT. I wish my expectations hadn't been so high initially. When I rode it a second time, I loved it. A souped up dark ride.

I agree. LeFou's is heavenly.

That is the same FP kiosk spot I used. I also found that it felt slower than it was.

OMG how great is FoF?????? I hate that it's so good so I can't bare to skip it.

Tease, whatever do you mean?!

That's kind of the danger of the Disboards...I mean, I have learned SO much here but sometimes you can over-do it on the planning/reading about something. I read so many negative reports about Downtown Disney, 7DMT and FP+ before our trip - and none of it mattered in reality (to us anyway).

7DMT is definitely a souped up dark ride! But, hey, we love those dark rides!

All these cliffhangers! You're killing me!

I...propose...that cliffhangers are coming to an end soon...

I'm joining in! Great trip report. I love how much you got done on the AK day. Glad you did the shows, it seems a lot of people skip the shows besides FOTLK.

I'm getting very excited for the big reveal coming!

Hi there!!! Thanks so much for reading!

I love how much you're able to get done at AK even though it closes early (though it sounds like that won't be the case for long!).

More is on its way!!

Haha I can totally relate on the sweet "teeth!" Looks like a great afternoon! I'm so excited to ride 7DMT and see FoF- 2 things that were not there on our trip last year. Can't wait to see your coming posts!

Hehehe I'm so glad I'm not the only one with sweet teeth. Disney is the BEST place to put them to use!

You will LOVE 7DMT and FoF! They are both so well done.

Glad to read that your brainwashing of Joe is working ... well, let's at least call it brainmassaging

Really great pictures - I especially think this one is nice:


I think the deal with the 7DMT is that your expectations for it totally dictate your view after experiencing it. I think because your expectations had been tempered you were able to experience it for what it was. For people who thought it was going to the crowning jewel to Newish Fantasyland and the next BTMRR and a true E-ticket attraction were left a bit disappointed at the length. Personally I thought it was super well done and really enjoyed it - though think it was a tad on the short side to be "amazing". Definitely something I would ride again (and I do want to experience it at night) but not something I would wait 70 minutes for. I like the PP Pictures and Video - they didn't have those available yet when we went.



Well, to be fair, you did "decide" on it when you made your plans We love the railroad and try to ride it at least once each trip - I think knowing how Walt viewed trains makes it even more significant to us.

Glad you enjoyed the parade so much - definitely still bummed it was rained out our last trip. Oh well, another reason to go back

Brainmassaging is my new favorite term

That's a really good point about 7DMT. I also think the same philosophy applies to FP+. So much negativity surrounding it that we were able to experience it for what it was. I'm glad you liked 7DMT too. And I don't think I'd wait 70 minutes for it either - but there's not a lot at Disney I WOULD wait that long for - especially after learning how to tour Disney the right way.

That is true - I DID decide, you are right!! I agree on the significance of the railroad - something I don't think most visitors know or appreciate (besides us awesome, knowledgeable, Disney brainmassagers here of course).

great TR and congrats!!!

...hehe, Thank you!!!

Sounds like a lot got done this day. Disney world maybe one of the few times where time slowing down Is a good thing. Can't wait for the next post, very clever cliffhanger.

It was definitely a busy but AWESOME day - and it isn't even over! The best was yet to come...

Omg. Just got all caught up and loving the report. I can't wait the next update. Eeeeeeek

YAY thank you so much!!!

The picture of you two with the ear hats really is super cute! And a slow day at Disney is the absolute best

Thanks!! We love that picture . A slow day at Disney is a great day - especially because most days seem to FLY there!

So excited to read your next installment!

It's on its ways! Thanks for reading !!!

Of course Besides, one of my best friends just graduated from Michigan State (I have another graduating next month from Michigan) so it's all in jest. At least Disney can bring all people together.

I don't think there's a thing as too many photopass pictures, especially not when you're in the Disney mood. Plus, they look great.

Great pictures of the Hub area, it's so beautiful there.

7DMT does have too small of seats for comfort but I can't deny that it is a really smooth ride. It's not a must do for me, but I do think it's enjoyable nonetheless.

Philharmagic is always an excellent idea.

Gaston's Tavern is great just for the themeing alone.

I still need to take the train sometime. We never seem to make that decision for whatever reason.


Hmm.. I wonder what could be happening in the next eagerly awaited chapter??

I'm excited to see the NEW hub! Probably will be taking way too many pictures of it next trip.

I was shocked at the size of seats on 7DMT! I had read they were small but wow.

Philharmagic...last night Joe and I saw the picture of us with the 3D glass on and he couldn't remember the name of the show...he said "well it isn't a Bug's Life..." and I high-fived him for knowing that...and finally he was like "Oh, Philharmagic! Where the doors open automagically toward you!" I was so proud !!

 

[pagek83]

Great report!! What a cliffhanger! Congrats!

 

[disneyguy4life]

Hahaha, see that's my philosophy. Joe doesn't seem to agree. Oh, and trust me, I dance like a big goofball too. Unless I've had a couple adult beverages...then I think I'm Michael Jackson.

I have about two moves on the dance floor. First, slow dancing. I can go around in a circle like a pro! Second, the running man. Specifically the version you see Will Smith do in Fresh Prince of Bel Air. But not as cool. That is it. I only bust them out on rare occasions and I really have to be in the mood. LOL!

 

[Cando86]

When I Provide You With The Most Accurate Wait Times

After the parade, we headed over to Not-so-new Fantasyland (NSNF) to use our JOTLM FP.

So when we got our JOTLM FP, I was pretty happy with that particular choice because waits had been hovering around 30 minutes for most of the day. You know, one of those opportunities where I could point out the reason behind all the ridiculous planning I do. Aka an opportunity to pat myself on the back and prove to Joe my talents in Disney planning.

Or not. We hiked over to NSNF to use our much-needed FP+...where we used it only to board the ride at the same exact time as the SB-ers. The ride was a walk-on.

But there's always a silver lining, right?!



RIGHT.

These are taken very seriously in my family.



From 2007. I'm surprised I can only find one past picture of one of us with this. IT'S SERIOUS BUSINESS.



Oh, and a picture of the actual attraction for you.

After helping to provide you with the most accurate wait times, we headed to Dumbo!

Joe's only memory of Dumbo goes like this...when he was younger, he and his family waited in line for close to three hours to ride it. Once they were near boarding Joe decided he didn't want to ride anymore and forced one of his parents to take him out of the line. I'm never having kids.

Kidding. Maybe.

Joe's smile in this...THIS IS WHY WE DO DISNEY. If anyone ever questions why we return...THIS IS WHY. Just love it





Joe did a great job manning the elephant...you can hear the disappointment in his voice when we return to ground.

After this it was nearing our much anticipated ADR...

BOG!!! I should have been arrested for stalking for the amount of time I spent trying to get this reservation.





Nailed it.

 

[disgram]

I am so enjoying your TR....we, (my granddaughter and her SO) are planning a trip in Jan of 2016 and I hope we find the lines and crowds as you did!!!! Am hoping for the same outcome of your trip!!!! Congrats!!!

 

[Cando86]

Being Their Guests

We checked into BOG at 4 and were sat at 4:15.

I was excited to see where we'd be sitting. I was secretly praying for the ballroom but knew I didn't want to get either of our hopes up.

The CM led us to a table...



In the ballroom!

http://media.giphy.com/media/Oi6tJtKNThC6I/giphy.gif

I was so excited. We were sat kind of close to the front doors and I was worried it would take away from the atmosphere every time someone opened the doors but no worry was necessary. It was a great table in the best room!

So, though we were on the dining plan we kind of went all out on this meal. We ordered the Assorted Cured Meats and Sausages and a glass of wine for me and a beer for Joe. Obviously none of this was included on our dining plan. Worth it.



Let's be honest, there was no need for me to peruse the menu. I had already decided what I wanted months ago. Don't act like you don't do it too!



The sauteed shrimp and scallops for me...



and the grilled steak for Joe.

I LOVED my dish but I think Joe's was the winner. I couldn't believe how good the steak was! I don't know why I was expecting a lower quality steak but it was very good and cooked perfectly.

We each ordered another drink but switched this time - Joe got the glass of wine I had and I got the beer he had.

Once the dessert cart came by, again, I already knew what I was getting. There was a table of girls sitting next to us and when the dessert cart came by they were encouraging us to get the grey stuff. I entertained them and pretended they were the ones to sway me to get it...when really if they opened my phone and looked at my notes they would see "GREY STUFF FOR DESSERT" as a bullet point under BOG...



This was ... wow. One of my favorite things I ate all trip. Oh my gosh. Again, another thing I read negative reports about but they just simply weren't true to me!

Joe ended up going with...wait for it...an orange eclair.

I think my dessert was the clear winner as the first thing he said about the eclair was "first bite kinda tastes like Lysol but then it's good" ... I think you're doing dessert wrong, Joe.

We had a really nice couple sitting next to us who called the manager over to tell them what a great experience they had.

We really had to agree. We had the best time at BOG. The service was great, food was amazing and the atmosphere just can't be beat. It really was a perfect meal. So we followed suit and also asked to speak to a manager to express our satisfaction with the above things. He spoke with us for a few minutes and was very nice. We were happy we did it.

If you can't tell, we absolutely loved our meal here. Sometimes Joe and I play "if you were at Disney right now what would you be doing?" and usually BOG is included in the answers. We will absolutely be back every trip - if we can get a reservation at least...

We knew we could meet the Beast after our meal and after we paid and went to walk into the room where he was the lady who was at the door (nicely) told us that once we enter that room we can't return to the dining room so if we wanted to use the restroom or see the other rooms to make sure we did it now and we did just that.





The other rooms were fun to see - especially the West Wing. We had lunch FPs for later in the trip and decided this is where we'd want to eat for lunch. But for dinner? I was REALLY happy with the ballroom.

Even the bathrooms in BOG were magical...only in Disney can the restrooms be described that way.

Once we were done exploring we headed to the Beast!





I just loved this meet. He was such a gentleman!

As you walk out from meeting the beast, the suits of armor are there which was just another fun surprise that added another cherry on top to our BOG experience.

 

[scottygirl]

Michigander here joining the party late. GO GREEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!