The One Where I Go To Disney World for the Tenth Time: Aug '14 TR - COMPLETE 5/21 LIFE U/D 7/7

[kastoney]

Okay... Photobucket is in infuriating me right now! I tried to rotate one photo and it told me it couldn't but then it flipped the rest of my album upside down or sideways, no joke! I gave up on it last night and hoped today it would be working better but it's not. Does anyone have any suggestions? In the meantime, I'm just going to keep writing updates in Word without pictures and whenever this gets resolved I'll add the photos and post. Doesn't Photobucket know I don't have time for this!? I'm on the clock!

I was having trouble last night too and would have to hit save on pictures about 5 or 6 times each before it took. Another option is to just attach them right to your message since you can do that now

 

[ariane37]

I was just thinking of you last Sat. when I was in Jersey! Hope you get the picture issue resolved soon - doesn't Photobucket know you have to post pictures here of that baby when she comes ??

 

[heathsf]

I was having trouble last night too and would have to hit save on pictures about 5 or 6 times each before it took. Another option is to just attach them right to your message since you can do that now

Oh that's a good idea! I will do that if I can't get photo bucket to cooperate! Let's see if I can get the posts I've already written posted... Thanks!

I was just thinking of you last Sat. when I was in Jersey! Hope you get the picture issue resolved soon - doesn't Photobucket know you have to post pictures here of that baby when she comes ??

What were you doing in Jersey? And then I was thinking... do I know where you live? Around here? I can't remember... If I'm forgetting please remind me!

 

[ariane37]

LOL I'm in NY - Wappingers Falls - Hudson Valley. It's 10 minutes from Poughkeepsie which is where Marist and Vassar colleges are . I went to William Paterson University (except it was College way back then in the late 80's/early 90's) and every few months I get together with my college friends. We're spread out now, NY, NJ, PA and VA so usually we still meet in NJ or occasionally PA, and sometimes we go to the Palisades Mall in Nanuet, NY (I don't know if you're by any of these places I'm mentioning!) . Saturday we were at Willowbrook Mall in Wayne for lunch/shopping/pedicures.

I'm in Mahwah quite often - my one friend from college is there and since we're both stay at home moms we hang a lot. Mahwah is less than an hour from me.

 

[heathsf]

LOL I'm in NY - Wappingers Falls - Hudson Valley. It's 10 minutes from Poughkeepsie which is where Marist and Vassar colleges are . I went to William Paterson University (except it was College way back then in the late 80's/early 90's) and every few months I get together with my college friends. We're spread out now, NY, NJ, PA and VA so usually we still meet in NJ or occasionally PA, and sometimes we go to the Palisades Mall in Nanuet, NY (I don't know if you're by any of these places I'm mentioning!) . Saturday we were at Willowbrook Mall in Wayne for lunch/shopping/pedicures.

I'm in Mahwah quite often - my one friend from college is there and since we're both stay at home moms we hang a lot. Mahwah is less than an hour from me.

You were right in my backyard! The Palisades Mall is about 25 minutes from here, Mahwah is about 15. In fact, I was in Mahwah last night! Willowbrook is very close too but I only ever go there if I absolutely must get something from the mall on a Sunday, which doesn't happen very often. I grew up in Paramus, land of the malls, so I enjoy having Sunday off from shopping and traffic!

 

[heathsf]

Episode 40

The One with the Campground
​

After the safari we got some snacks and headed to Festival of the Lion King. I got something I had been craving since our day in Disneyland when DH got it and shared a few bites with me: the jalapeno cheese pretzel!

Unfortunately, either I remembered it being much better than it was or it was just a lot better in Disneyland.
We hurried to the new location for FoLK where we were barely going to make it in time for the next show. The theater was pretty much full by the time we got there and the CM let us in, but first we had to put our snacks away. Oops. We probably should have planned that better. I didn’t know we wouldn’t be allowed to bring food/drink inside. So we put the food away for later and it was totally worth it because this show is amazing.

Afterwards we walked over to Dinoland to use our last FP+ of the day for Dinosaur.

I don’t know what my problem is but this ride genuinely scares me every time. I know it’s not real. I know exactly where the scary dinosaur is. Maybe because it’s so loud? I don’t know. M thought it was hilarious that I was actually scared. We forgot to scan our Magic Band for the ride photo but the sensor worked because it ended up on our account anyway!

at DH!

This shirt cracked me up and I sent a picture of it to my brother because I knew he would appreciate it.


At this point M and S were still wet from Kali and DH and I were still fairly soaked. With it getting later and later the chances of drying were getting slimmer and slimmer and there was no way I was going to be happy spending the rest of the night in soggy underwear. We decided we should leave AK early and go back to AoA to get changed before dinner.

We took care of that as quickly as possible (and of course there was time for a selfie with Timon and Pumba) and jumped back on a bus. We asked a CM for the best way to get to Fort Wilderness and he told us to take a bus to Downtown Disney. There was also a bus to Epcot available but he told us not to take that because we’d have to take the monorail to the TTC and then to MK and then a bus to Fort Wilderness. I wasn’t sure that was true but we decided to just go with the bus to DTD.

Even though we didn't actually leave the bus stop, I had to take a picture of Genie


Once we got to DTD I asked another CM what we should do and he said the Fort Wilderness bus would take us to the Settlement Outpost where all the main stuff is, including our destination. That was definitely not true, as it turned out. The bus from DTD ended up taking us somewhere in Fort Wilderness, but I can’t even begin to tell you where, and then we had to get off and switch buses and take the Orange Line to the Settlement Outpost. Dang, Fort Wilderness is huge! And the bus rides were not short so if you’re headed there, leave yourself lots and lots and lots of time! Once we knew for sure we were on the right internal bus, we were able to relax and get excited for our night!

P.S. FW seems like it would be an awesome place to stay at and explore. It’s officially been added to my list!

 

[heathsf]

Episode 41
The One with the All the Yahoo!​

We ultimately made it to our destination on time…somehow! And where was our destination? Well, if you haven’t figured it out by now… we were here:

We checked in at 8:10 with plenty of time to spare. There were still plenty of people checking in behind us. We chose the 8:30 dinner and show because we were using the dining plan and wanted Category 1 seating which is only an option on the dining plan with the latest show. And boy were we glad we did that because our seats were awesome.

We had some time to kill so we watched the pretty horses eat.

Soon enough we were brought inside. Not only were we in Category 1 seating, but we got really lucky with our table and were right in front of the stage, dead center. We were SO excited! M and S had seen the show recently and loved it. I saw it with my family on my first or second Disney trip in the early 90s and had zero memory of it whatsoever. It was brand new for DH too.


Looking back from our table. DH thinks he's "getting" me by photobombing but now his silly face is on the internet. Who gets the last laugh now!?

The show was so much fun and we really enjoyed the food. DH loved the fried chicken. I thought the dark meat was really good but the white meat was dry. The ribs were okay but I’m not a big fan of ribs to begin with so I may not be the best judge. The mashed potatoes were super yummy. And last but not least, the strawberry shortcake was the best I ever had! Yum!!

Overall, we had a fantastic time! Yahoo Hoop Dee Doo!

Afterwards we decided to avoid the confusion of the buses and instead headed to the boat dock. And got on the wrong boat. We somehow realized it at the last second and the captain let us off. He was really all ready to pull away so I’m surprised they let us jump back onto the dock. Phew. Worst case, we just would have had to walk to the MK from the Contemporary but S was not liking that idea, so good thing we were able to jump ship! We waited just a few minutes for the correct boat to take us to MK.

We were able to catch a glimpse of the end of the Electrical Water Pageant. I had never seen it before and was hoping to on this trip. It was too far away to see much but I could tell it was the patriotic floats. We couldn’t hear the music though. The boat ride was really beautiful. The view was awesome and it was a beautiful night. There were lots of bugs/frogs/something else making a lot of noise. We couldn’t figure out exactly what it was. The lights from the Contemporary and Magic Kingdom were just gorgeous. I was so happy we decided to take the boat.

We were back on land outside MK at 10:50. The park was scheduled to “close” at 11 and I wanted to go in. But no one else believed me that we’d be able to get in or wanted to try. I even told them that there was a second MSEP that started at 11 and I knew with 100% certainty that we could still get in, but they just weren’t interested. Ugh, these people… I considered going in alone but I’m not enough of a MSEP fan to sit and watch it by myself, plus the lines for the buses looked really short at the moment, so I decided to go back to AoA with the party poopers.

 

[ariane37]

We did the HDDR for the first time last Aug. and really enjoyed it. DH ended up being Davey the Angel LOL those pictures are priceless! And I agree about the mashed potatoes and strawberry shortcake, I would've been happy just eating those 2 all night! Yeah yeah, lots of carbs but hey, there's fruit in there

My friend and I do Paramus mall also - can you tell we like to shop? And thanks to the Dis I'd recognize you if I saw you!

 

[heathsf]

Episode 42

The One Where We Accidentally Become Disney Rebels​

I opened my eyes at 7 something and it crossed my mind for a minute to go to DHS on my own but it didn't take me long to decide that I was just too tired and fell right back asleep until after 9. Which is so late for me. On vacation or otherwise. When I got up M was already ready to go down to the pool and I told her I would meet her there. I guess I was moving really slowly because by the time I got ready and put on sunscreen [bathed myself in sunscreen] it was 10:25. A few minutes later I found her at the Finding Nemo pool. We went into the Crush building to get some towels off of a housekeeping cart. We hung out in the pool until 11. I was really disappointed that the sound feature under the water was broken. I guess we'll just have to go back and experience it another time! The rest of the pool was awesome though!

The boys never even made it down to the pool. We went back to the room and showered and got ready for the park. We were all moving pretty slowly. We left the room at 12:15 to get lunch at the food court. I got the create-your-own pasta again. It took a while this time and the pasta was way too oily. I ended up pouring oil out of my bowl which was pretty gross. I do love that garlic bread though. I got an "Everything Brownie" for dessert and it was so rich it was literally hard for me to swallow. The cake was really moist though. If you are a hardcore chocolate lover I would have to say it was fantastic.

Looks like DH got some sort of salad. I didn't write it down.

And some sort of mini pie for dessert, which I also didn't write down. But if I know my hubby I'd guess it had apple filling.

We walked to the bus stop where we waited a solid 30 minutes for a bus to MK! There were two separate sun showers while we were waiting. The second one was longer and it rained pretty hard.

A bus finally arrived at 2:00 and we had a FP+ for Space Mountain from 1:05-2:05 so that had to be changed. Unfortunately the only availability we could find was from 8:45-9:45 which meant we wouldn't be able to get a 4th FP+ until after that, instead of being able to get one after our originally scheduled last FP+ which was BTMRR at 3 or 4 something. I was pretty frustrated and having some very mixed feelings about FP+ in that moment.

(Side note: Did I hear something about now/soon being able to schedule more FP+ as you use them instead of after using all 3?)

We arrived at MK at 2:20 and went right to Splash. It was SO HOT OUT! The sun was so incredibly strong.

And then I liked FP+ again because we were able to get right on Splash Mountain.

So like we often do, we planned out a ride photo for the drop. We didn't think we were doing anything inappropriate, but when we got off we saw that our ride photo had been "washed away!" We assumed the other people in our log must have been doing something inappropriate so we waited on a decently long line to find out if we could get the photo anyway. When I got to the front I asked the CM for our picture and she looked at it on her computer screen and said something along the lines of, "I'm sorry but you can't have it because it violates Disney's rules." I asked her if it was us or the other people in our log and she said it was us! Oh my gosh! I was a Disney Rebel! I had broken the rules! I was so surprised and so upset. And worst of all, I was really bothered by the idea that we had ruined another family's ride photo! Well... I really hope that the other people had magic bands with Memory Maker because the photo still linked to our account! We just didn't realize it until way later.

You must be wondering what it was that we did that was so bad. Do you want to see the picture? Disclaimer: I take no responsibility for any post-traumatic stress you may incur from viewing this picture. Okay, here it is: our uncensored rule-violating Splash Mountain ride photo!

It's not that bad, right? Obviously I'll never do it again but I don't think it was washed-away worthy...

We had about fifteen minutes to wait before our BTMRR FP+ window opened so we watched the Festival of Fantasy parade that was floating by. It was way too late to find any sort of decent spot but we could see well enough standing behind the crowds.

The dragon was amazing!

As the parade finished passing by everyone who had been watching started pouring into BTMRR. Oops, we probably should have anticipated that.

We got on the FP+ line and started walking through the queue when all of a sudden a girl and her father stepped in front of me as though I was invisible And I'm not talking about a mob of people merging together. We were well established on the line and they just completely and blatantly cut in front of me like I wasn't there. Then a minute later four more people cut in front of us to join them. I was furious but kept my mouth shut

Next we went to the Hall of Presidents. S had been wanting to go and we obliged so we could cool down. We were melting and my skin was painfully hot to the touch! That crazy Florida summer sun The last time I had been to the Hall of Presidents was almost ten years ago and I took a nap. Well, sometimes *history* repeats itself... (see what I did there? ) And yet I still managed to take an unnecessary number of pictures. That's talent!

 

[heathsf]

We did the HDDR for the first time last Aug. and really enjoyed it. DH ended up being Davey the Angel LOL those pictures are priceless! And I agree about the mashed potatoes and strawberry shortcake, I would've been happy just eating those 2 all night! Yeah yeah, lots of carbs but hey, there's fruit in there

My friend and I do Paramus mall also - can you tell we like to shop? And thanks to the Dis I'd recognize you if I saw you!

Glad you enjoyed HDDR too! Cherish those family photos Did you have as difficult time as we did getting there?

Do you go to Garden State Plaza? I try to avoid it as much as possible. I grew up a minute from there and I have no patience for the amount of traffic you have to sit in just to park! I'll go there only first thing on a weekday morning right when it opens. Otherwise I head to one of the smaller malls. And that would be hilarious if you recognized me at the mall! It would be my first Dis meet!

 

[heathsf]

Episode 43

The One with My Knight in Shining Armor
​

Next we decided to do something brand new for all of us, even though it had a posted 30 minute wait.

Luckily we didn't have to stand outside for too long and the total wait ended up being more like 15 minutes. And I passed the time taking lots of pictures of the impeccable scenery both outside and in the cottage.

View of the mine train from the ETWB queue

When we got inside Maurice's cottage there were little kids climbing all over everything as though it were a playground. Which clearly, it wasn't. Parents were even picking up their kids and putting them down in areas that were clearly blocked off! There was no CM in the room most of the time we were waiting in there, except when the door would open and they would call people in to the next room. I thought it was a little unusual that we were left so unsupervised.

When we did get called into the next room, Maurice's workshop, one of the kids immediately started climbing on the props in that room and the CM kindly but firmly told him to stop right away. The special effects in here were pretty cool. Actually, they were pretty cool throughout the entire attraction.

In this room the CM asked for volunteers and my charming and mature husband started boisterously pointing at me. The CM then walked right up to DH and said, "You're volunteering!" and made him a suit of armor. I heard DH mutter under his breath "dammit" and it was too funny. M, S, and I were hysterical. By the way, the wardrobe animatronic was fantastic.

We then went into the next room for story time! It was adorable and for a group of adults it was definitely more entertaining because DH was in it. With little ones this is definitely a must-do attraction. Especially if your child is willing to get involved. Watching the little kiddies interact with Belle was so sweet. And the little girl who played the Beast was absolutely mesmerized by Belle. When they danced together the little girl could not take her eyes off of Belle for a second. It was seriously magical. Also, I must mention that the Lumiere animatronic was fantastic. My picture of him, however, isn't.

At the end all of the families received a photo pass card with all of the pictures from the show. Disney is brilliant.

Look at that suit of armor guarding the door. Bravo!

He's everywhere! He stole the show, if I do say so myself.

He saw me taking pictures and actually tried to hide

Gotcha!

And here are the Photopass pictures of my Knight in Shining Armor

He's just so dang cute

Afterwards we used the bathroom by Gaston's tavern and saw he was out meeting, but unfortunately his line was already closed. I was really disappointed because I really wanted to meet him. We watched him for a bit as he met the last few guests in line. He was hysterically funny!

After he left, we checked in a few minutes early at 5:25 for our 5:45 dinner ADR at Be Our Guest. We were told it would be about 10-15 minutes as they were backed up. We waited on the draw bridge and I took some pictures.

Does my hot, hungry and tired DH look happy here?

He has the same expression as the gargoyle

I was absolutely sweating my face off so I decided I really needed to get water on my face and neck to cool down so I spoke to the CM guarding the gate at the end of the bridge. (Seriously, she was guarding the entrance to the restaurant!) I asked if I could be let in to use the bathroom and she asked me a bunch of questions about having an ADR before she let me in! Beast must be beefing up security since he heard about Gaston's plans to run him out of town... Once I made it to the bathroom I splashed lots of cold water on my face and then went back outside. Just as I returned the buzzer went off.

 

[ariane37]

You must think I have nothing better to do today than sit on my computer and wait for your updates and responses lol! My DH also was a knight in ETWB. On that trip (Feb. 2014), I played cowbell with Mulch, Sweat and Shears in HS, DH was a knight, younger DS got picked in New Fantasyland to play around with the Giggle Group, and older DS "helped" the mime in France (Sergio?? name escapes me right now).
I cannot believe your Splash photo Who woulda thought???? Did she smile when she told you it was you guys, or was she like, "it was YOU " She had to have seen worse than that! That would be kind of interesting working a ride with photos, getting to look at all the "banned" ones

I used to go to the Garden State Plaza when I was in college but not anymore. It was ok - I remember a really cool bathing suit store but that was in 1993!!!! It was always more of a pain to get there as opposed to Willowbrook or Paramus, totally understand the parking thing!
We've gone to Bananas Comedy Club a couple times too- Hasbrouck Heights maybe? I can't remember now but it's not far either

 

[heathsf]

You must think I have nothing better to do today than sit on my computer and wait for your updates and responses lol! My DH also was a knight in ETWB. On that trip (Feb. 2014), I played cowbell with Mulch, Sweat and Shears in HS, DH was a knight, younger DS got picked in New Fantasyland to play around with the Giggle Group, and older DS "helped" the mime in France (Sergio?? name escapes me right now).
I cannot believe your Splash photo Who woulda thought???? Did she smile when she told you it was you guys, or was she like, "it was YOU " She had to have seen worse than that! That would be kind of interesting working a ride with photos, getting to look at all the "banned" ones

I used to go to the Garden State Plaza when I was in college but not anymore. It was ok - I remember a really cool bathing suit store but that was in 1993!!!! It was always more of a pain to get there as opposed to Willowbrook or Paramus, totally understand the parking thing!
We've gone to Bananas Comedy Club a couple times too- Hasbrouck Heights maybe? I can't remember now but it's not far either

The thought of you having nothing better to do than sit on the Dis all day never even crossed my mind! On the other hand, I've made it my goal to spend the day on here!

That must have been one magical trip, your family getting picked to participate in all of those things!

LOL about the CM at Splash. Your descriptions of how she may have reacted were too funny. She was just matter of fact about it but also apologetic. I bet those CMs do see some pretty inappropriate things from time to time. I wonder if they've ever had security track anyone down and scold them or kick them out?

Okay I've never been to Bananas Comedy Club BUT!!! it's attached to the Hasbrouck Heights Holiday Inn which is where we stayed on our wedding night because we got married a few miles down route 17!

 

[heathsf]

Episode 44

The One Where the Beast is Bored
​

We were seated in the Rose Gallery room which is to the right of the main dining room and has the beautiful music box in the center of the room with Belle and Beast dancing. It was very empty in here as only a few tables were being used. It was a little weird but also nice to pretty much have the room to ourselves. Our waitress said she thinks of it as the VIP room because it's only used for dinner when it's very crowded and even then they only use part of the room. Gee, you think she was trying to spin it in case we were unhappy about being seated in there? But we were perfectly content seeing as we had already eaten lunch in the main dining room and explored the West Wing on another day.

While we were waiting for our food, the Beast paid the dining room a visit. Luckily, he paid our room a visit too. He waved at us and the few other tables of people and then tried to walk away with the dessert cart. A CM stopped him and told him no, not until later. It was pretty funny.

I had the grilled strip steak which I loved. My favorite part of the meal though was the fries and truffle aioli they were served with. Steak fries are my absolute favorite and these were outstanding. And I could not get enough of the aioli. M doesn't like that kind of thing (she prefers ketchup) so when I finished off mine I continued to gobble down hers.

Sorry, I don't know what DH got but I do know that he loved it. I'm sure someone who knows food better than me can identify it!

When we were done our waitress brought over the dessert cart. Mmmmmm... S couldn't wait!

Since I had tried the Grey Stuff on the Master's Cupcake the other day, I wanted a taste of something different and went with the Strawberry Cupcake. It was magnificent.

Everyone else got the Grey Stuff Brownie. I don't remember if it had a more official name than that.

We all agreed that all the food was amazing and we got up with full and happy bellies. On our way out we got to meet the Beast. He was in a separate room that was totally empty except for us! He kissed my hand and M's hand, high-fived S, and fist-bumped DH. We then took some pictures together so he would always remember the time we ate dinner at his castle

Hmm... apparently the rest of us didn't get the memo to make scary faces, including Beast

When we were done with our pictures, the room was still completely empty. We said good-bye to Beast but as we were walking out he started tiptoeing behind us making scary gestures when he thought we couldn't see. When we turned around he would act all innocent and casual, leaning against the wall like he was just chillin' It was SO funny! Then when we'd turn to walk away again he would go back to stalking us and making scary gestures again. And when we stopped and turned around he acted all innocent! This kept repeating until we were all the way out into the hallway and main entrance. He then hid behind a curtain and peeked out and waved at us. It was so so so hilarious. I guess he was really bored. I wish it was captured on film. M and I then went to the bathroom in the castle and when we came out DH told us that while we were in there the Beast stayed in the entrance and was "talking" to the CMs there (meaning he was making in-character gestures). What a fun interaction after a great meal!

 

[heathsf]

Episode 45

The One with the Worst Fast Pass Line​

After leaving Beast's castle we wandered deeper into New Fantasyland and found ourselves at Pete's Silly Sideshow. The wait to meet Donald was posted as 15 minutes so we decided to go in.

After waiting a solid 5 minutes and not moving at all at the end of a very long line, we realized it was going to be a lot longer than 15 minutes so I snapped a quick pic of DH's main man (or duck) and we left.

We walked to Tomorrowland via the back path along the edge of the park. DH commented that it was so quiet and peaceful there, and it really was.

We still had an hour before our FP+ for Space Mountain but we walked by it anyway and saw that the ride was down and the FP+ return line was crazy long. Good thing we still had an hour to go...

We then danced for a quick minute at the Incredibles Super Dance Party and then did Carousel of Progress. My silly DH does not enjoy this attraction but he toughed it out.

Hi, Rover. Or is that the dog from POTC?

After COP I went to the bathroom and caught this stunning sky over SM. I took way too many pictures but this one came out the best. Of course the picture doesn't do it justice.

Up next we did the People Mover. Once again I was the only one who really wanted to do it and was about to go on alone but then everyone else felt bad and decided to join. It was empty and we decided to split up so we would have more room to take a relaxing ride. It was perfect, as always, and we got to enjoy views of the gorgeous sunset too.

We then went to Monsters Inc Laugh Floor but we had just missed the next show so we left to use our SM FP+. It was 8:30 at this point and this was the temperature:

And this is what it felt like:

Fun times in Florida in August

Anyway, we walked back to Space Mountain and entered the FP return line which was waaaaay backed up. Meanwhile, the people entering the standby line, which was posted as an 85 minute wait, kept walking right past us. It was so frustrating. We were actually stopping and waiting by the games, which aren't meant to be played from the FP+ line. So in order to play you had to lean across the standby queue, and then people would come in and pass us and we'd have to stop playing to let them through This is not how it's supposed to work! We actually started wondering if we should switch lines and get into the standby!

We stayed where we were and once we got closer to the merge we saw that the end of the standby line looked close to loading but zig zagged a lot. We were sent to another side that also zig zagged but not as much. In total we ended up with a 30 minute wait. It was really frustrating. Especially since we had somewhere to be after this! Right before we got to the loading area S decided to exit because he didn't feel up to riding. So it was just three of us blasting through space.

We rushed out afterwards and headed back toward the castle. We had reservations for the Fireworks Dessert Party and we were cutting it very close.

And then we went the total wrong way and got stuck in insane parade crowds. It was so awful. People were stopping and blocking the walkways to try to watch the parade. There were CMs everywhere with flashlights telling people they couldn't stop and needed to keep the walkways clear and it was amazing how people just blatantly ignored them or were outright rude to them. Those poor CMs! And also poor us because it took us forever to make our way to Tomorrowland Terrace because inconsiderate people kept blocking the walkways! It was a really stressful and annoying walk. The silver lining was that I snapped a few pictures of the parade as we walked/kept getting stuck.

Did I mention that trying to walk this way was completely awful? Don't try it!

 

[heathsf]

Episode 46

The One with the Fireworks Dessert Party
​

We finally made it to Tomorrowland Terrace to check in at 9:15 and we were literally the second to last ones there. Most everyone else was checked in and eating already. As it turned out the table that was reserved for us was right in front close to the railing with a great view of the castle. It really didn't matter though because everyone stood for Wishes anyway.

We hit the food right away. We had lost time to make up for!

Food food food food....

Pretty views of the castle...

Pretty view of Tomorrowland...

Food food food food...

I think this plate was mine:

I'm pretty sure we all got up for seconds (and thirds...) but I didn't take pictures of those plates.

When Celebrate the Magic was about to start everyone lined up along the railing. There was enough room for everyone at the party to have a front row spot.

And then Wishes started right after.

I decided to then put my camera down and just enjoy watching and taking it all in. This was the best view of Wishes I'd had in years (although to be honest, watching it from New Fantasyland earlier in the trip and being surrounded by fireworks was frickin' awesome!)

After it was over we contemplated staying at MK but decided to leave. We were directed to exit via a backstage area that we entered from near the Plaza restaurant. There were plenty of people around but I'm sure it was much less crowded than Main Street. It dumped us out by the Chapeau and then we exited through the normal exit under the train station. It was pretty cool seeing backstage for the first time. There were lots of movable bushes and planters back there.

The lines for the bus were long but there were CMs there asking if people wanted to step aside and wait for seats on the next bus. Turns out, lots of people did so we were able to get the last 4 standing room spots on a bus with no wait!

When we got back to the resort I took a picture of the giant wasp nest (or maybe they're hornets? These bees were HUGE) that we walked past every day in the stairs by our room. We had already called the front desk to let them know about it and it still wasn't taken care of. I don't like bees so this was super scary. Did I mention they were enormous? Yuck

We got back to the room and all went to sleep pretty quickly.

 

[kastoney]

First, happy mothers day!!!!

I got something I had been craving since our day in Disneyland when DH got it and shared a few bites with me: the jalapeno cheese pretzel!

Too bad this wasn't good, it looks delicious

I don’t know what my problem is but this ride genuinely scares me every time.

Your face is just priceless. I haven't done dino in years so I'd likely have the same reaction

Fort Wilderness is huge!

Wow, 3 busses to get to Hoop De Doo. Agree Ft. Wilderness is huge. We've contemplated staying in the cabins, but haven't done it yet purely because I don't want to deal with 2 modes of transportation to get everywhere.

I saw it with my family on my first or second Disney trip in the early 90s and had zero memory of it whatsoever.

I'm with ya. Though make the 90's the 80's ; )

The show was so much fun and we really enjoyed the food.

Your meal looks amazing.

We walked to the bus stop where we waited a solid 30 minutes for a bus to MK!

Yikes!

"I'm sorry but you can't have it because it violates Disney's rules.

I'm assuming this is supposed to be Obama but he looks like The Rock to me ; )

The CM then walked right up to DH and said, "You're volunteering!" and made him a suit of armor.

Poetic justice.

And here are the Photopass pictures of my Knight in Shining Armor

Please, please, please tell me you have this framed in your house somewhere ; )

My favorite part of the meal though was the fries and truffle aioli they were served with.

Truffle aioli. Yum. I could literally bathe in truffles if that wouldn't be frowned upon. How awesome that would be if they served it at lunch too.

I took way too many pictures but this one came out the best. Of course the picture doesn't do it justice.

Gorgeous!

In total we ended up with a 30 minute wait. It was really frustrating.

30 minutes with a fast pass? That is ridiculous.

It was pretty cool seeing backstage for the first time. There were lots of movable bushes and planters back there.

We got to exit that way last trip too. I've heard they are contemplating "theming" it but I like the behind the scenes perspective

 

[heathsf]

First, happy mothers day!!!!

Thanks, you too!

I'm assuming this is supposed to be Obama but he looks like The Rock to me ; )

He certainly didn't look as realistic as some of the other presidents did...

Please, please, please tell me you have this framed in your house somewhere ; )

I definitely should!

Truffle aioli. Yum. I could literally bathe in truffles if that wouldn't be frowned upon. How awesome that would be if they served it at lunch too.

I would most certainly not be frowning!! Mmmmmmmmm

 

[Dugette]

This shirt cracked me up and I sent a picture of it to my brother because I knew he would appreciate it.

I remember that shirt cracking me up when I saw it there!

Overall, we had a fantastic time! Yahoo Hoop Dee Doo!

Glad you had a good time - I've heard great things, but never been there. I did briefly try to work it into this upcoming trip, but there was just no way to make it work. Someday!

I was so happy we decided to take the boat.

I love being able to get places by boat at WDW. There and Venice are about the only places you can do that.

When I got to the front I asked the CM for our picture and she looked at it on her computer screen and said something along the lines of, "I'm sorry but you can't have it because it violates Disney's rules." I asked her if it was us or the other people in our log and she said it was us! Oh my gosh! I was a Disney Rebel! I had broken the rules!

You trouble-makers!

In this room the CM asked for volunteers and my charming and mature husband started boisterously pointing at me. The CM then walked right up to DH and said, "You're volunteering!" and made him a suit of armor.

Serves him right!

After COP I went to the bathroom and caught this stunning sky over SM. I took way too many pictures but this one came out the best. Of course the picture doesn't do it justice.

Gorgeous!

I don't like bees so this was super scary. Did I mention they were enormous? Yuck

Terrifying!

 

[heathsf]

I love being able to get places by boat at WDW. There and Venice are about the only places you can do that.

I'd love to be riding a boat in WDW or Venice right now

You trouble-makers!

I know, right?!

Serves him right!

Sure does!