Jeff and Jon's 1st trip to da World...Jan. 18-25 2009 Trip Report with pics!

[Jeff90]

Hey, you're doin' a great job at this trip report, just like a pro!

It's so cool to hear about someone's first trip, isn't Saratoga Springs nice 'n laid back after a long day at the parks?

Anxious to hear 'n see more of your trip report.


I sure hope he took more food pics.

Thanks so much....I appreciate it!

 

[Jeff90]

Sounds like a good trip so far...looking forward to hearing more.

I'm glad to hear that you liked the Carousel. I've heard so many people complain about it because it's "so far" from the main building (less than 400m according to satellite images), but, it's always looked good to me.

The location was perfect...no complaints here! The walk to the main building was not too far, it was nice morning walk for the 2 of us!

 

[hematite153]

The location was perfect...no complaints here! The walk to the main building was not too far, it was nice morning walk for the 2 of us!

That's what I've always thought. We did request Springs when traveling with our 4 yr old niece and nephew who insist on walking for themselves. But, otherwise, we've left it up to chance figuring that every section has its charm.

 

[Jeff90]

Hey Everybody!
Thanks for the great comments! Jon hasn't read anything from this trip report, I told him he would have to wait till I was finished.

Okay...here is the pic that I promised to post of Wishies from the night before!

Like I said before, We loved this! The fireworks were amazing....it put my hometown's 4th of July fireworks to shame! It was so cool and if y'all have never been, go, its a must! Loved it!

Okay...onto Day 2. This day was planned for DHS! The day began with breakfast at our resort at SSR. Folks, I am so sorry, but I did not take pics of our breakfast. Sorry! Being from NC, I had to have my biscuit and gravy which was very good, nothing like my granny's, but really good! Jon had the western omelette. Jon said it was delicious! We paid OOP for this meal b/c it was so cheap. After a nice hearty breakfast, we jumped on the bus at the depot that was right behind the pool. We knew it was going to be a busy day....everyone was there waiting for the bus! The bus did get a little cramped. The traffic to DHS was crazy. Cars were lined up at the intersection over by the Hess Gas Station waiting to get into the DHS' parking lot. Keep in mind this was MLK so we knew it would be crazy. Here's a pic of our arrival to DHS...

This was the calm before the storm.....that place was jam packed by the afternoon! We did get to ride the Rockin Roller Coaster and HTT....we got fast passes for both and waited about 10 mins for each ride. I do recall both FP booths closing mid-afternoon for both rides. Here are some pics...
I wish we purchased the pic of us on this ride....it was so fun! Loved the theme of the Twilight Zone....

This is me giving Jon the "look"..."Will you come on!!!!" Bless his heart, he was taking so many pics....trying to capture every moment!

We spent a lot of the afternoon in shops and spending snack credits. Jon was in full swing of his pin trading. While he was at the pin cart, I notice the American Idol attraction had a line. I thought it was not suppose to open til Feb. 14th, but the cast memeber said they were doing a "soft opening." The previews for American Idol looked awesome, so we can't wait to go back and give it try.

Oh, DHS was doing work to the hat. I hated they were b/c we couldn't get a good pic. I will share it anyway.
Looks like they were painting it.....

We had a ADR for Prime Time at 530pm. We were excited about our 1st table service and we were starving.....I had one of those Turkey Legs earlier in the afternoon and I could not finish it. It was too big and I felt like a caveman eating the darn thing. Jon did take a video of me eating the thing like wild animal from the jungle....but I do have a pic of Prime Time. Sorry, no food pics at this one.
Jon got applause from the staff for cleaning his plate. He also got scolded for playing with his Blackberry at the table. "Mom is going get you for that one!"
The meal was fabulous and very fulfilling!

Jon had the pot roast and I had the sirlion steak. Both were really good and tasty. We wanna do this again when we go back! Our waiter was Craig, he was great but was really tame and didn't really go all out to make a scene like they do here. The atmosphere reminded me of my great aunt's house....took us back in time. I loved the 50's TV shows that were playing! We got to see Leave it to Beaver clips, that Wally is a cutie.

Later that night, everyone and their cousins went to Fantasmic. We wanted to go, but we arrived a little late and the show already had started. After the seeing the huge pack stadium style venue, we left. It was not worth it being caught up in the crowd after the show. So instead, we jump on Toy Story Mania! 20 minute wait, no FP! I guess while everyone was at the Rolling Stones Final Concert...(aka Fantasmic), no one was in line for Toy Story Mania! Here are some pics that I took of the que line....LOVED IT!

The man that needs no intro....he was entertaining as we waited in line. Not sure how all the "magic" works on this one, but Mr. Potatoe Head wanted to talk to me. Kind of freaked me out, but he knew what color of shirt I was wearing and wanted to ask me some trivia questions. I had to brush him off and kept the line moving....

Jon won with 60,000 points and 37% accuracy. I was like 10,000 points behind Jon, with 70% accuracy, whatever that is suppose to mean!

The night continued with one final ride on the Rockin Roller Coaster and another pin purchase. We were worn out and hoped back on the bus, gus....there was no line for our bus and we had a very quite ride back "home."

Stay tuned for Day 3.....a "dramatic" day for me.

 

[Jeff90]

Wonderful! Great report so far. OMG...you are both so handsome!
Keep it coming!

Hey Rosiep! Thanks for the nice comment....I think its going smoothly! Thanks for tuning in!

ADORABLE couple!! So far, looks amazing!! Keep em' comin!!

Hey there fellow Tarheel! I see that you are just down the road from us! You will have to stop by sometime if you over this way! Thanks for your comments!!!

Shhhhh! Don't give him any points of reference of negativity. They're enjoying themselves.

We did have a great time. You will have to stay tuned for Day #3....it gets a little nutty....

 

[Jeff90]

DVCajun took the words right out of my mouth! You two are just absolutely adorable! My sons are just a little older than you...Love the pictures!

Well thank you for the sweet comments! We had fun and Im glad that you are enjoying the TR....

Glad I could help. Keep up the pics and the posts.

You are a doll my friend....and since you are so close to us, you are gonna have to come to Asheville for a visit!

I love the Ear Crowning Ceremony bit

Yes, I loved it too. I smacked him with a kiss when I slapped those ears on...

Something tells me you'll be going back really soon.

Oh yes, I hope Evilqueen takes me in September....

Great so far! More pics and more story please... Oh and I really want to see your puppy! I can barely make him out on your avatar - but he almost looks like mine

Thanks! More will come, I promise....and my puppy is Miss Gabbie, she rules the roost. Jon has had her snice she was a baby, she was rescued...she's a lasa terrier mix. She is 15, but acts like she is 3! It was hard leaving her for a week. She also has a sister name Drucilla. I will try to find another pic to upload and post it for you soon.

 

[Jeff90]

Gosh you boys make a cute couple! Thanks for the trip report and the fantastic photos. I'm subscribing so I don't miss anything.

Oh, I visited Asheville a few years ago. I loved visiting Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn (which reminded me somewhat of the Wilderness Lodge).

Thanks for the sweet comments!

Asheville is a great town and I agree with ya on the Grove Park....it does have a Wilderness Lodge feel to it...hopefully WL will be home next time for us, that or the BWV....

 

[Tony-NJ]

can't wait for day 3 Great so far!

 

[MAF]

I LOVE men in Mickey ears.

 

[I<3EvilQueen]

I LOVE men in Mickey ears.

I think alot of us have that thought

 

[Goofyluver]

Okay...I'm signin' on!

You two are stinkin' cute.

 

[Jeff90]

can't wait for day 3 Great so far!

It's coming up shortly! Thanks for joining in....

I LOVE men in Mickey ears.

Oh yes! I'm there with you bud....

I think alot of us have that thought

There's something about it....I made Jon wear his all night....

Okay...I'm signin' on!
You two are stinkin' cute.

Thnak you for signing on....I feel so special now!!! hehehe!

 

[soulmates]

Hey Everybody!
Thanks for the great comments! Jon hasn't read anything from this trip report, I told him he would have to wait till I was finished.

Okay...here is the pic that I promised to post of Wishies from the night before!

Like I said before, We loved this! The fireworks were amazing....it put my hometown's 4th of July fireworks to shame! It was so cool and if y'all have never been, go, its a must! Loved it!

Okay...onto Day 2. This day was planned for DHS! The day began with breakfast at our resort at SSR. Folks, I am so sorry, but I did not take pics of our breakfast. Sorry! Being from NC, I had to have my biscuit and gravy which was very good, nothing like my granny's, but really good! Jon had the western omelette. Jon said it was delicious! We paid OOP for this meal b/c it was so cheap. After a nice hearty breakfast, we jumped on the bus at the depot that was right behind the pool. We knew it was going to be a busy day....everyone was there waiting for the bus! The bus did get a little cramped. The traffic to DHS was crazy. Cars were lined up at the intersection over by the Hess Gas Station waiting to get into the DHS' parking lot. Keep in mind this was MLK so we knew it would be crazy. Here's a pic of our arrival to DHS...

This was the calm before the storm.....that place was jam packed by the afternoon! We did get to ride the Rockin Roller Coaster and HTT....we got fast passes for both and waited about 10 mins for each ride. I do recall both FP booths closing mid-afternoon for both rides. Here are some pics...
I wish we purchased the pic of us on this ride....it was so fun! Loved the theme of the Twilight Zone....

This is me giving Jon the "look"..."Will you come on!!!!" Bless his heart, he was taking so many pics....trying to capture every moment!

We spent a lot of the afternoon in shops and spending snack credits. Jon was in full swing of his pin trading. While he was at the pin cart, I notice the American Idol attraction had a line. I thought it was not suppose to open til Feb. 14th, but the cast memeber said they were doing a "soft opening." The previews for American Idol looked awesome, so we can't wait to go back and give it try.

Oh, DHS was doing work to the hat. I hated they were b/c we couldn't get a good pic. I will share it anyway.
Looks like they were painting it.....

We had a ADR for Prime Time at 530pm. We were excited about our 1st table service and we were starving.....I had one of those Turkey Legs earlier in the afternoon and I could not finish it. It was too big and I felt like a caveman eating the darn thing. Jon did take a video of me eating the thing like wild animal from the jungle....but I do have a pic of Prime Time. Sorry, no food pics at this one.
Jon got applause from the staff for cleaning his plate. He also got scolded for playing with his Blackberry at the table. "Mom is going get you for that one!"
The meal was fabulous and very fulfilling!

Jon had the pot roast and I had the sirlion steak. Both were really good and tasty. We wanna do this again when we go back! Our waiter was Craig, he was great but was really tame and didn't really go all out to make a scene like they do here. The atmosphere reminded me of my great aunt's house....took us back in time. I loved the 50's TV shows that were playing! We got to see Leave it to Beaver clips, that Wally is a cutie.

Later that night, everyone and their cousins went to Fantasmic. We wanted to go, but we arrived a little late and the show already had started. After the seeing the huge pack stadium style venue, we left. It was not worth it being caught up in the crowd after the show. So instead, we jump on Toy Story Mania! 20 minute wait, no FP! I guess while everyone was at the Rolling Stones Final Concert...(aka Fantasmic), no one was in line for Toy Story Mania! Here are some pics that I took of the que line....LOVED IT!

The man that needs no intro....he was entertaining as we waited in line. Not sure how all the "magic" works on this one, but Mr. Potatoe Head wanted to talk to me. Kind of freaked me out, but he knew what color of shirt I was wearing and wanted to ask me some trivia questions. I had to brush him off and kept the line moving....

Jon won with 60,000 points and 37% accuracy. I was like 10,000 points behind Jon, with 70% accuracy, whatever that is suppose to mean!

The night continued with one final ride on the Rockin Roller Coaster and another pin purchase. We were worn out and hoped back on the bus, gus....there was no line for our bus and we had a very quite ride back "home."

Stay tuned for Day 3.....a "dramatic" day for me.

We too live in NC (not from) and as much as I LOVE biscuits and gravy...my veins clog at the thought of it! Pics are great!!!

 

[TuckandStuiesMom]

You two are stinkin' cute.

DITTO THAT!

 

[Jeff90]

Mornin' Y'all! Hope everyone is having a good Friday! Let's jump right in with day 3, shall we?

The morning begin with a very cold brisk walk to the main building at SSR for breakfast. The cold weather from Asheville had followed us down to Orlando....it was def a sweat shirt and jeans day. The sun was out, but it was so cold and I was cranky already b/c of this.....anyway, breakfast consisted of the same thing from yesterday and we paid OOP again. We boarded the bus for Epcot! I was excited to b/c everyone says that Epcot was fun and we were excited to see all the countries....

The bus ride was horrible....it was jam packed with folks. I was thinking that with the MLK holiday being over that most folks would have been heading for home. Wrong, they ALL decided to visit Epcot. I have never seen so many folks! Okay, Im not trying to sound like a sour puss, but the morning was just not going well. The weather, the crowded bus ride just really put me in cranky mood. There were large groups of scoccer teams from every nation visiting Epcot this day and they were all in Future World. It was around 11am and we headed for Soarin', the FP line return was already at 630p. The stand by line was already at 90 minutes. We had an ADR for Whispering Canyon that evening at 530p so FP for Soarin' was out of the question. So, we decided to get in the stand by line for Saorin'. Okay, I was really cranky at this point, I did not want to put up with a 90 minute line wait. We were both be trampled on by these large groups of folks with no manners... Jon was feeling my pain and keep suggesting to go visit another park since Epcot was packed. Here are some pics.....

Doesn't look crowded here, but as you went further the crowds got thicker...

Okay....the day started getting better. After waiting in the line with Walton's Family Reunion Group I think Tinker Bell came by and sprinkled some of her dust....A nice lady leaned over from the FP line and said, "I have 2 FP for Soarin' now if you want them!!!" I was like YES!!!! Jon grabbed those passes and we hopped over the bars to the FP line, and we were on Soarin' in 10 mins!

We both very much enjoyed this attraction! Loved it!!! It was just amazing how everything worked on that ride! Loved it! Jon agreed!
We were so happy and the day was getting better!

Jon loved it....look at that childhood grin.....

After we got off the ride, the building that houses Soarin', Living Land, and the restuarant....it was just so crowded. Reminded me of Newark Airport during the holidays.....Jon said that he thought we needed to head out at that time and just do Epcot another day. His suggestion was a good one, so we decided to take a monorail ride. Where to go? We just decided to anywhere but Epcot.....so we went on an adventure on the monorail....

*PLEASE STAND CLEAR OF THE DOORS.....POR FAVOR*

The Monorail was neat....I have seen it on TV 1,000s of times. Hardly no one was riding it and we did get to ride in the front and the nice cast member operatoring the train was still in training. It was a nice experience. Jon got a coffee at the TTC and we decided to hopped on the resort monorail to go check out the GF Resort.

We took some pics when we got there. Lovely hotel....don't let the sunny weather fool ya. It was 55 degrees!

I love those hammocks....SSR needs to get some for their property....

Loved the sandy beach they have there.....

It was nice visiting the GF, maybe one day we can try it out! Nice location too.

Okay, I will return later to finish Day 3.....I can tell the day did get whole lot better! Ta ta for now!

 

[disney's daughter]

OK...I just have to know...You have everybody telling you..You are adorable and cute....You have to be used to those compliments, aren't you? ..Love those great pictures, too...They give it a more personal touch...Keep it up!

 

[Jeff90]

We too live in NC (not from) and as much as I LOVE biscuits and gravy...my veins clog at the thought of it! Pics are great!!!

I had B&G every morning while there......I have to get back on track now and wacth what I eat now....this trip was another Pig Fest.....love the DDP!

DITTO THAT!

Thank you....I blush!

OK...I just have to know...You have everybody telling you..You are adorable and cute....You have to be used to those compliments, aren't you? ..Love those great pictures, too...They give it a more personal touch...Keep it up!

Everybody has been really sweet on here....we appreciate the comments! I'm not full of myself either...just full of biscuits and gravy..... The pics are good, thanks, Jon did well. I am trying to post different ones here....just sorry I don't have a lot food pics

Stay tuned, the rest of day 3 is coming up!

 

[Jeff90]

Okay....after visiting the GF and I kept repeating to Jon that we need to stay at GF next time (after we win the lottery) we got back on the monorail. We got on in the front car again and I took a video of the trip from GF to MK. We both decided to visit the MK again. And I am glad we did. It was not busy there at all! The day seemed like it was getting a whole lot better....after all, "It's a great big beautiful tomorrow..."

When entered in the MK and we were greeted by some friends.....

After a nice early afternoon stroll on the GF grounds and seeing Chip and Dale, my crankyness dissappeared....gotta love Chip and Dale and they were happy to see us....they are adorable!

We basically strolled around MK with no crowds in sight. We rode Space Mountain several times and TTA which was intresting....again, its going to be interesting to see what they do to Space Mountain during the rehab. I think it will be sad getting rid of the classic Space Mountain, but I sure Disney will do it well like everything else.

Here's some pics from that afternoon...
I was the map keeper. Jon has no sense of direction.....

The Haunted Mansion, which we rode 3 times straight, there is so much details that we missed so we kept riding it. Jon loved it and he is Jack Skellington freak...don't they do something special to HM during the holidays?

Okay! We had lunch at the Harbour House....fish and chicken! Used our CS credit for basically Long John Sliver's. It was okay. And for those of you that are addicited to Food Porn, I did break down and took a picture of Jon's Apple Crisp. It was okay. Tasted like McD's apple pie. Nothing to write home about.....

The late afternoon included some pin shopping and riding Thunder Mountain Railroad which was so fun! I get a chance to snap a pic of Jon at the garden area around the castle. I can just eat him up.....

We ened switching our ADR at the Whispering Canyon. We were enjoying MK so much that day we decided to have dinner at Liberty Tree Traven and relived Thanksgiving. It was good, not great, but good. Lots of comfort food that was welcomed on such a cold day at MK.

The night came to an end with another Wishes viewing. We bought some candy apples for the ride home. Here is another pic of Wishies for you guys...loved that show!
Not a very good pic, but I thought I would share it anyway.....

Again, we were the only ones on the bus home back to SSR from MK. Nice quiet ride back to our resort. We were both pooped out so we went to bed early.

Day 4- Animal Kingdom.....coming up next!

 

[OrlandoMike]

Jon loved it and he is Jack Skellington freak...don't they do something special to HM during the holidays?

Only in Anaheim, and if you ever have the chance to go, it's worth every cent!

 

[Jeff90]

Well...moving right along to day number 4.....but before I start, I sit here with my laptop looking at all these pics, and recalling our WDW week makes me wanna go back so bad. I asked Jon as I was uploading pics when he thinks we will be returning and he said, "well, whenever you want to is fine with me!" So, we are already trying to decide on another date.... yay!!!! So, hopefully soon I will be doing a my 1st PTR.....hehehe!

Okay..onto day 4! And it was another cold one.....

We started off our day with yet another trip to our resort's CS spot for breakfast. So, you can guess what I had. And Jon had his same. We were wanting to try something new, but we wanted to wait for our ADR at Chef Mickey's and I will be talking about that later in Day 5. Anyway....we ate breakfest and boarded the bus at SSR's main hub behind the main pool area.

We sat down......."Welcome to Disney's Transportation system...we are on our way to Disney's Animal Kingdom....we will be there shortly...la de da la de da...." Gotta love those automatic recordings....esp. the one on the monorail. Jon and I both were engaged in a indepth conversation with a family that was so into pin trading and gave us a few tips. Needless to say, Jon was all wound up on pin trading for the day. Actually, I am so glad that Jon found a new hobby, he is a collector of Buffy the Vampire Slayer Figures and I think he has all them, about 200 of them, now he has about 400 godzillion disney pins to find/collect to add to his now 150 pin collection. I admit, I am a bit into the pin trading thing, but not as bad as Jon is. He did have fun with it....I did enjoy watching him as he would approach a guest or CM with a lanyard asking them, "show me what you got!"

We arrived at AK. The day was sunny and nice, but very cold, again with the high in the 50's. So we were bundled up again.....I am so blowed up looking in these pics b/c I dressed in layers. As we arrived we saw our freind Pluto....he is such a sweet doggie.

I was missing my baby girls so bad after meeting Pluto....I wish Disney would allow pets in some of the resorts, but totally understand their policy on pets. Gabbie and Drucilla would be insulted if we placed them in any kind of kennel....

We also ran into this guy......

Look how huge I look? Those biscuits and gravy plates for breakfast were catching up with me.....

Animal Kingdom was dead. No one was there and we were not complaining. We walked around and took some more pics.....

I am starting my diet on Monday......

I declined with a no when Jon said...."Oh honey, they have your turkey legs here too.....

I did a really bad thing and sent this pic to my best freind who is a vegaterian.....I did get a slap back from her when we returned! Anyway...

We got in line for Dinosour....there was no wait, we hopped right on. Again, I was leading the way heading to the loading area and poor Jon was trying to take pics.

We liked the ride. Cool special effects. It was funny when we saw that Claire from the Cosby Show was the host on the video screens.....Jon hated the Cosby Show back in the day and he hates it when I watch the reruns on TV Land. Anyway....we like the ride and did not do it again. The Yeti was calling our names......so we crossed over to that area where Everest was standing proud and tall.....

I love the fact that you can't really see any of the track until you are actually on the ride.....

We stayed on Everest the whole afternoon. I can't tell you how many times we rode it, had to been 12-13 times. We loved it! So cool! Loved the theming also! Jon took more pics of the que line.....

The standby line did not go over 20 minutes....so when we got off the ride, we got back in line. I wanted to ride in the front, but Jon declined.

We did eventually leave the Mt. Everest area and headed over the the Yak and Yeti CS for a quick bite. We did not eat that much b/c we knew a feast was waiting for us at Boma!

We did get a chance to see the Jungle Jammin Parade.....

Sorry, the pics are not all that great....but it was great parade!

We also did the Bug Life's Movie. Awesome! I highly recommend that....that was so cute! Loved the art work on the Tree of Life! Wonderful attraction.

We also did some shopping.....and grabbed some pins.....we wanted to see the Lion King Show, but we missed the last one! The CM said that we missed the last show, little did we know that Extra Magic Hours was in effect for AK, we could have seen a 6pm show. I wish the CM had told us about this....anyway..... We had our Boma reservation and I wanted to wonder through the AKL, which is another resort on our list to stay!

Jon and I headed over to the bus depot and we waited, waited for a long time. There were a flock of guests on scooters that were coming to AK from AKL for EMH and it took awhile for the CM to get the bus cleared out.

We boarded the bus to the AKL......wow! What a resort! That place is huge! We got a chance to walk out to the viewing areas for the savannahs. It was a little dark and the animals were sleeping already. Overall, the resort was top notch and all the CM were so freindly and nice.

Boma was busy. We had an 730 ADR and ended waiting for about 20 minutes. We headed to the bar for a drink.....and Jon finds a new hobby of collecting glow cubes! I was getting ready to call my cousin who is an attorney and ask him what we needed to do to calm bankruptcy j/k!

I questioned the fact of making an ADR at Boma. I have heard so many bad reviews. I am glad we went there....the food was excellent and I am glad that we went there. I was hooked on the salmon and chicken. Jon as well. We both really enjoyed all the different prepared foods.....and the deserts! OMG! They were really good too! Again, I am so sorry that I did not take any pics of the food......sorry food porn peeps!

We left AKL a little late. I was afraid that we would not be able to find a bus to take us back....but there was a bus that headed to DTD.....DTD is so close to SSR our driver was so nice to take us back to our building. Again, we were the only ones on the bus to "home."

Very nice day all together. We did not return to AK during our week but we will be back!

Thats it for Day 4! Stay tuned for Day 5.....Chef Mickey's and back to Epcot!