9 Days, 6 Parks, 3 resorts, and 1 "Villainous Arabian Night" SURPRISE Party! (updated 4/13)

[vinotinto]

So then the maintenance guy went out on the balcony and shut the door behind him.

You guessed it... he got stuck out there. Thankfully, one of the other people got it open again. The maintenance guy said he wanted to test his theory.... which was... the door was broken.

Obviously.

Needless to say, we didn't use our balcony again.

OMG, I'm sure this was not funny at the time, but now that we know there's a happy ending, this is really funny!

 

[TeamSy]

I'm so pleased you were able to phone for help from your balcony. I did the exact same thing years ago in Tenerife but this was before cell phones. We were stuck there for hours before we saw people pass below and called for help

SAB looks like so much fun, pity you couldn't relax though.

I'm sorry that happened to you!!! I had that fear flash before my eyes - stuck there for hours - or even days - before someone noticed us!!

 

[TeamSy]

OMG, I'm sure this was not funny at the time, but now that we know there's a happy ending, this is really funny!

Eh it was still a little funny at the time too - we have a pretty good sense of humor

 

[TeamSy]

Day 1 Continued: Hollywood Studios!

Last I left off, Josh and I were taking the boat to Hollywood Studios from Yacht Club. I *LOVE* the fact that you can do this from the Epcot resorts. Between that, WALKING to Epcot, and the many, many, dining options - Yacht/Beach/Boardwalk are our favorite onsite hotels.

We waited about three minutes for a boat, and then off we went. Fast and easy.

Welcome to Disney's Hollywood Studios - where most of your favorite attractions are CLOSED.



Like I said before, my brother and his girlfriend arrived the day before us (yesterday in trip report land). They were already at the park, so I texted them as soon as we got off the boat. They were finishing up their lunch at Sci-Fi Dine In.

Since they were at the park for most of the afternoon, and already went on The Great Movie Ride, they said they'd meet us at the exit as soon as they were finished eating.

Josh and I entered the park, and I was pretty shocked to find TGMR at a 30 minute wait. Yikes! I don't think I ever NOT walked on that ride. Thanks to the additional Fast Passes we received earlier, we decided to use two of them on this. But first, we ran into Daisy Duck and Goofy in the plaza area.



We got off TGMR, and it was TEAMING. We stayed under the exit's cover, debating what to do. We didn't have an umbrella with us, and OF COURSE we forgot our ponchos in our room. Side Note: We never could figure out why people WITH poncho's AND umbrella's were scared to go out? You are covered, people! Leave the space for those who aren't!!!

Anyway, my brother and his girlfriend met us there, since they had their ponchos. We said hello and I basically threw cash at them, begging them to go buy us some (even though we already had - just not with us)! THANKFULLY they did, and Josh and I are now proud owners of two sets of Disney ponchos, which ended up being pointless, since the entire week this was the ONLY time we needed them.

So now that we were all ponchoed (?) up, we decided to head over to Aerosmith since it's an indoor ride, as is most of the wait. We had Tower Of Terror fast passes, so as you know, you can't Fast Pass TOT AND Aerosmith. The wait was LONG, so Josh and I used the other Fast Passes we were given earlier in the day. Unfortunately, my brother won't ride it, and we didn't have a third FP for his girlfriend, but we all got in line and stayed basically in the same spot - us in fast pass and her in single rider. We were then briefly split up, until she hopped the line and ended up coming on with us.

Once we got off Aerosmith, the rain was down to a drizzle. We were right next to the Beauty & The Beast stage show, so we headed there next.



By the time that was over, the rain was nothing more than a distant memory.

Next we grabbed some snacks. I'm pretty sure I love Disney so much partly because of the Mickey shaped pretzels and ice cream bars.

My first of MANY Mickey pops!


Our first actual fast pass - Star Tours - was about to start, so off to the Star Wars area we went. My brother doesn't handle motion well, so he didn't go on this either. Luckily, they got fast passes within the same window as us, so we got to use ours and my brother's girlfriend got to use theirs. And just a side note... we booked our trip MONTHS ago. I did our FP at the 60 day window. They did theirs two weeks before the trip (when they decided they were going to come). We got EVERYTHING within the same window EXCEPT 7DMT. Although we didn't get the same time, she was STILL able to get hers on the same day as ours, just at a later time - and that's two weeks out people!



So after Star Tours (which was pretty much a walk on even without FP), an Indiana Stunt Show was about to start, so we thought, why not?



I really hope they never take this show away. It's so classic and we love it!

Then, it was time for our TSMM FP. Again, we all got within the same window, and ALL FOUR OF US were able to go on it together. Also, finally, a group pic (in the form of a selfie attempt via my camera)!!



We all take this ride VERY seriously, and sadly, Josh beat us all.



Next, we noticed Woody and Buzz were meeting across the street, so we hopped on that line. This was probably the longest wait we had all trip... and all for the photo person to crop me out .



I REALLY wanted to catch The Little Mermaid show, but our TOT FP was about to end, so we headed there next...

This is my favorite structure in all of Hollywood Studios, and if they ever take it down like they took the hat down, I will die.



Continued...

 

[TeamSy]

Day 1 ...Continued

So our last Fast Pass was for Tower Of Terror. I went on it once when I was nine, and it scarred me for life. I tried to go on it last time, but took the chicken elevator out. Josh went on alone. I know, I suck.

Anyway, I was so excited when I found out my brother and his girlfriend were coming - for many reasons, obviously - but one of them being I knew she would go on TOT.

First up, we took pics with it, because despite it being terrifying - it simply looks awesome.



And one of my brother with his girlfriend.


I tell you, we all agreed it was nice going with other people, because then we don't have to ask strangers to take pictures of us LOL.

So Josh and my brother's girlfriend went on Tower Of Terror using our last Fast Pass, while my brother and I waited. Everyone was getting hungry, so while they went on, I made reservations at 50's Prime Time Cafe and took pictures.



Josh said it wasn't as scary as the last time, because he was sitting in the second row, rather than the first, where he didn't have anything to hold onto. Still, it remains a hell no for me. Isn't it weird tho - that I can do Aerosmith but not TOT?

We made our way to the restaurant, only briefly getting lost, because I'm also pretty sure that the last time I ate at 50's Pime Time I was 9.



Ahhh, here it is!



This has to be one of the best themed restaurants in Disney. It's beyond amazingly decorated and so well thought out!



We took full advantage of our surroundings, and at some point while we waited, we decided to just make our own dinner.



Just kidding.

We got to our table and basically DIED OF LAUGHTER the rest of the meal. It was HYSTERICAL.

More coming up, but first, another adorable shot of my brother and his girlfriend!


Continued...

 

[ALEXandFAB]

Loving your report so far!

 

[TeamSy]

Day 1 ... Still Continued...

So I was in the middle of doing a million things last night as I was doing this. I ended up stopping before finishing the day, so last part of Day One... here goes... Back to our meal at 50's Prime Time....

Overall, it the food was good. Not great, not bad... but good. I would 100% go back, because like I said, I LOVE the theming!

We started out with the onion rings, which were amazing. They come with a horseradish sauce that is just out of this world.



For dinner, I had a caesar salad with chicken and Josh had the meatloaf.



And if you don't finish your veggies... something like this happens:


We were DYING, I tell you. SO FUNNY. I probably shouldn't have laughed as hard as I did, because this happened next:
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="

" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

We had so many snacks today that we opted to skip dessert, which I know, is a travesty.

We headed outside to find that the fireworks had already started. I have to say, I was impressed. They were amazing!



My brother and his girlfriend wanted to wait and watch it "snow," but Josh and I were beat. We said our goodbyes with plans for them to pick us up at Yacht Club in the morning to head to Typhoon Lagoon.

Josh and I watched from outside the park exit for a few more minutes before seeing a boat pull up.



The boat back to the resorts was packed, but we made it on. I have to say, I LOVE how friendly the staff is - even the boat drivers. They actually made an otherwise cramped and uncomfortable ride fun.

In no time we made it back to our room. We finished unpacking a few things, showered, and were off to bed. But first!! I needed to watch a few minutes of my good pal, Stacy! I am OBSESSED with this channel! I think it's one of the main reasons I love staying on property. And can we just take a moment and look at the picture I snapped? LOL



Tomorrow is not only a busy day, but Josh's Birthday!

We're off to breakfast at Cape May Cafe, then to Typhoon Lagoon for the day, followed by dinner at Yachtsman, and then, after that, Josh's birthday surprise at Epcot!

 

[Bebella]

Following along! I checked out your blog...I really like it! Makes me wish my husband and I traveled before we had kids...we've done a couple smaller trips (LA & Jamaica) without them but it's just not the same. And is it just me...or are the photos in your last few posts not showing up?

 

[TeamSy]

Following along! I checked out your blog...I really like it! Makes me wish my husband and I traveled before we had kids...we've done a couple smaller trips (LA & Jamaica) without them but it's just not the same. And is it just me...or are the photos in your last few posts not showing up?

Thanks!!!

I'm not sure what's going on with the photos!! I think it's a Dis issue, since I'm uploading via that tool. They appear to work in the beginning, when first uploading, but then if I click back on the thread they're gone

 

[gluestickgirl]

Jumping in - love your report so far & can't wait to follow along!

As I understand it, you only get to bypass the desk if you have a CC linked to your band and a pin set. And the moon may have to be in the right phase, too - it's definitely hit or miss.

 

[Bebella]

Thanks!!!

I'm not sure what's going on with the photos!! I think it's a Dis issue, since I'm uploading via that tool. They appear to work in the beginning, when first uploading, but then if I click back on the thread they're gone

They are there now! Yay

 

[belle aube]

Great report! Can't wait to read about the rest of your trip!

 

[TeamSy]

Jumping in - love your report so far & can't wait to follow along!

As I understand it, you only get to bypass the desk if you have a CC linked to your band and a pic set. And the moon may have to be in the right phase, too - it's definitely hit or miss.

This literally made me laugh out loud!!

They are there now! Yay

Ugh, still not for me! Some are, some aren't. Then they come back, then disappear again! I posted on the Tech board and it definitely seems like DIS is having some issues! Hopefully it's all fixed soon!

 

[jandlinz]

Joining in! Sounds like you had a full day. I can't do TOT either. I suffer from nightmares of being stuck in an elevator as it plummets. Lol. I really do have elevator nightmares though. Hope you get enough sleep and the birthday surprise is special.

 

[kristenlees]

enjoying reading your trip report! i can't see your pictures from hollywood studios though, hope they pop back up soon

 

[Rosebud123]

So excited to read your TR! We're were there from 08/28 - 09/07 and at the YC for 5 of the nights. We fell in love with it and preferred it to the Poly. I actually loved our room and didn't think it was outdated at all. I prefer them to the look of the new BC rooms which, although pretty, look very generic.

Can't wait to read along!

 

[N8sgirl12]

My girls and I had the same server you had at 50's Prime Time! She was great! My daughter kept putting her elbows on her table on purpose to see what would happen...the server made her sing "I'm a Little Teapot" with motions in front of everyone. We cracked up. Glad you had a great time as well!

 

[TeamSy]

enjoying reading your trip report! i can't see your pictures from hollywood studios though, hope they pop back up soon

They seem to be going in and out for some reason

So excited to read your TR! We're were there from 08/28 - 09/07 and at the YC for 5 of the nights. We fell in love with it and preferred it to the Poly. I actually loved our room and didn't think it was outdated at all. I prefer them to the look of the new BC rooms which, although pretty, look very generic.

Can't wait to read along!

That's so funny! We loved it too and can't wait to go back! I think out of BW/BC/YC, YC is our favorite! I am interested to see what they do to the rooms though! We stayed at Grand Floridian & Boardwalk last trip, and also prefer the Epcot resort area! I REALLY WANT to love the MK area more, but I dunno, Epcot resorts are just a win for me!

My girls and I had the same server you had at 50's Prime Time! She was great! My daughter kept putting her elbows on her table on purpose to see what would happen...the server made her sing "I'm a Little Teapot" with motions in front of everyone. We cracked up. Glad you had a great time as well!

How awesome!! She was definitely hysterical!

 

[kristenlees]

the photos are currently 'in' for me so hopefully they stay up

 

[TeamSy]

Day 2: Breakfast @ Cape May Cafe & Typhoon Lagoon

As some of you are noticing, my pictures seem to be disappearing, reappearing, and then disappearing again in some sort of not so magical fashion.

I have no idea why.

I think it's a DIS issue. I also have been noticing my avatar keeps reverting to/from my old one and back again. Hopefully it all gets fixed soon, but in the meantime, I'm continuing this thing...

We woke feeling excited and refreshed. And YAY! Today is Josh's Birthday!!!



While I was less than thrilled by the early hour (I am NOT a morning person), we had a character breakfast to get to! My brother and his girlfriend did their own thing this morning at the Marriott, while Josh and I dined at Cape May Cafe. We didn't eat here last time we stayed at Beach Club (I don't remember why), but considered it an easy breakfast to get to, considering we're right next door at the Yacht Club.

We don't love buffets, but can go either way when it comes to breakfast buffets. I prefer the character breakfasts at Akershus, Ohana, and CRT, just because they are't buffets, but you can't really beat the location of Cape May Cafe to YC/BC, so it won out today for convenience.

We got dressed in our bathing suits, since we're headed to Typhoon Lagoon later this morning, as well as another Etsy shirt find. They say, "My favorite Disney Prince/Princess is my Husband/Wife" and then on the back is says, "I'm 99.9% sure I'm a Disney Prince/Princess."

Josh isn't thrilled about wearing matching shirts, but he will if I ask nicely lol. He HATES the attention they attract, which is why he didn't even wear his birthday button this entire trip . I decided we'll wear the shirts today, since we're going to a water park, and they won't be on ALL day. See, compromise?



So we ate breakfast. It wasn't the best character breakfast, but it wasn't the worst either. For example, I liked it better than Chef Mickey's, but it wasn't nearly as good as Ohana. I wouldn't make a point to go back unless I was staying at either YC/BC. It's really very easy to do in that case.

During breakfast, "beach" Minnie, Donald, and Goofy all come around to say hi, and really, any time you can meet characters while eating is a plus in my book.



We're pretty fast eaters, and finished around 9am. My brother and his girlfriend have a rental car, so they offered to pick us up. We said okay (why would anyone deny this offer and take a Disney bus a million stops before actually getting to a water park?!). We told them to pick us up at YC at 9:10. They are NOTORIOUS for being late, but we know how to navigate this. Good thing we said early, since they didn't show up until around 9:30... which is actually right on time for when we REALLY figured lol.

They went to a grocery store last night, and I gave them money to get a case of bottled water for us, so the nice people at YC let them double park right out front, so the guys could carry it up to our room and put in the fridge. I also put my regular camera I had at breakfast away in the safe, and only took my GoPro to the water park.

We arrived at Typhoon Lagoon in no time. SO MUCH BETTER THAN A BUS! It was still pretty empty, so we got a great parking spot.

Here's a better look at our shirts.



We all entered the park, except for me, because I got the dreaded blue light.

I tried multiple fingers, and for some reason it just wasn't working. The cast member called another one over, and they finally took my picture, reset the band, and then let me through. To this day I have no idea what happened, but whatever, it didn't happen again the rest of the trip.

We pre-rented a cabana the week before, so we went to the check in desk at the gift shop to let them know we were here. Then an attendant met us and escorted us to our area for the day.



We requested to overlook the wave pool with easy access to it, and our request was met. We had Beach Comber Shack 11...



... and this was our view:



It was WONDERFUL. We rented another cabana at Blizzard Beach later in the trip, so I'll be sure to include a comparison when I talk about that one. But first up, Typhoon Lagoon's...

The Pro's
- COST: It only cost $240 ($120.00 per couple). We thought it was WELL worth it. It was AMAZING to have this "home base" to return to throughout the day.
- PRIVACY: The location was in a roped off reserved area. It was quiet and very private. No yelling, loud children running around, no obnoxious parents yelling after their kids ... it was... serene.
- AMENITIES: Unlimited dry towels (if you're anything like us, we go through A LOT), Unlimited COLD bottled water, drink re-fill cups (we were more interested in the water, but the cups made for an awesome keepsake), personalized service, large safe/locker.
- SERVICE: Amazing. We had two attendants and they were BOTH wonderful. They'd continually check on us, and if you want anything and they're not around, simply text them and they'll be right there. Extra dry towels? Sure! Hungry? Sure! They went and got lunch, snacks, you name it for us. We were able to place our food orders, go on rides, and return about 20 minutes later to find our food waiting for us. We got SO MUCH DONE and had SUCH a relaxing, wonderful day. We didn't have to waste time going back to our locker to change to get food, then wait on line for food, and then search for a table to eat it. We got to do stuff, then it was there waiting for us. Best of all, we got to relax in our cabana while eating and people watching the wave pool.
- THE ACTUAL CABANA: If it rains (which thankfully it didn't), it has a lightening rod on it and provides covered shelter while you wait out the storm.

The Con's
- AREA: While I LOVED the private area, it was in a SAND area. I HATE getting sand all over the place. It got in my swim shoes, and it overall just attracts ants. There were a lot of ants. This was actually a Pro to the ones in Blizzard Beach - those are on wooden porches and were not only sand-free, but ant-free!
- TIPPING: In true Disney fashion, the attendants won't accept tips. However, if you do the golden Disney rule of three (ask them three times), then they will FINALLY accept. I hate arguing with people to take a tip - just take it!!

So we got settled in, and first up for the day was all THREE Crush 'N' Gusher slides. We never waited long, and the four of us took turns using the GoPro. What a blast!



After that we hit the wave pool, which is just SO MUCH FUN.



I took a couple of screen grabs from our GoPro, and I am just laughing because they all end up like this:



You just get KNOCKED OUT by those waves!

So you'll have to wait to see the rest of our day at TL, because honestly, I am just not mentally prepared to tackle all of our GoPro footage just yet!! There's so much! But, when I do, I'll put together a nice video, I swear!

We spent the entire day at the water park and went on EVERYTHING (except the kiddie area, obviously). Every slide (some multiple times), the entire lazy river, and of course spent major time in that insane wave pool. We ordered a ton of food for lunch (a mix of everything - chicken, pizza, fries, etc). I'm not sure where the attendants got it from (which QS), but it was good. We snacked on donuts, Mickey bars, soft ice cream, etc. All good! Overall, it was an amazing day!

The park closed at 6, but we all left around 4:30. My brother and his girlfriend had their own offsite dinner to get to, and wanted to hang out at their resort's pool beforehand, while Josh and I wanted to get back to shower before our dinner at Yachtsman, followed by Josh's Birthday surprise at Epcot!

Continued...