10,000th post - with a Trip Report and a full Disney Dining Plan Analysis

[BigTikiDaddy]

In Aug 2011, WDW offered Free Dining for the 2012 year. It was offered for certain days up until March 2012 for the general public, but it went right into August and September for Canadians only... Yay Canada.

.

Yeah, they didn't offer it up this year...we were kinda hoping on it based on last year...still time to happen I guess.

Yes....Canada indeed rocks!

Heck, I think meeting King Louie would be better than meeting Barry. :lol:

That's not really fair. I really look forward to meeting King Louie.

 

[twokids0204]

Heck, I think meeting King Louie would be better than meeting Barry. :lol:

From our 2010 trip - Meeting King Louie was quite a momentous event.

We were at Epcot, and walking over the brindge between UK and France and saw King Louie at the International Gateway, with NO ONE there.
We listen to a lot of Dinsey music in the car, and my son had memorized all the words to "I wanna be like you" and he sang the whole thing to King Louie.


Now I'm the king of the swingers
Oh, the jungle VIP
I've reached the top and had to stop
And that's what botherin' me
I wanna be a man, mancub
And stroll right into town
And be just like the other men
I'm tired of monkeyin' around!

Oh, oobee doo
I wanna be like you
I wanna walk like you
Talk like you, too
You'll see it's true
An ape like me
Can learn to be human too


King Louie Loved it, and they danced back and forth waving there arms like Jungle Apes. Really wish I got it on video. But here's a pic... (Oh, and notice Barry's NOT there )

 

[dvczerfs]

From our 2010 trip - Meeting King Louie was quite a momentous event.

We were at Epcot, and walking over the brindge between UK and France and saw King Louie at the International Gateway, with NO ONE there.
We listen to a lot of Dinsey music in the car, and my son had memorized all the words to "I wanna be like you" and he sang the whole thing to King Louie.


Now I'm the king of the swingers
Oh, the jungle VIP
I've reached the top and had to stop
And that's what botherin' me
I wanna be a man, mancub
And stroll right into town
And be just like the other men
I'm tired of monkeyin' around!

Oh, oobee doo
I wanna be like you
I wanna walk like you
Talk like you, too
You'll see it's true
An ape like me
Can learn to be human too


King Louie Loved it, and they danced back and forth waving there arms like Jungle Apes. Really wish I got it on video. But here's a pic... (Oh, and notice Barry's NOT there )

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

What a great little moment.
One of those moments when you really wish you’d have thought to have the video camera running, but it’s a great story either way.


Too bad Baloo wasn’t there as well.
That would have been a party.




Baloo: Heyyy! Dazapbanownay.
Hapdeebeebadnladadapdanowwwwn.
HENNNNdabebedepdootsabadoodaDAYsdoobopadooba
DAYz a BONES a BAP BAP BAbaay.

Louie: Habadoodee!

Baloo: With a Reep-a-nazza.

Louie: Hebadohbadoyy!

Baloo: With a la-pah-ziti.

Louie: Waddlabot Hooddlabot,

Baloo: seepladat doe-day.

Louie: HOOT HOOT HOOT HOOT

Baloo: with a HAH HAH HAH HAH

Louie: RRRAWRAAAW

Baloo: get maaaad babeh

Louie: Haddalahadalat

Baloo: with a hadalatalhadoodoot.

Louie: Hoedeloedelheedoodoot!

Baloo: goozooggeladatatadat

Louie: Joodlegut! Joodlegut!

Baloo: Zeebadedah HABADAH.

Louie: Yoo--hoo-hoo! (hoopdeeweep)
I wanna be like you-oo-oo (hapdeedoobedoobop)


Both: I wanna talk walk you (cheep)
Talk like you (cheep), too-oo-oo (weebadeebadoodop)

You'll see it's true-oo-oo (Shhobeedeeboo)
Someone like me-ee-ee (scoobeedoobeedooweep)

Can learn to be
Like someone like me

Baloo: TAKE me home daddy!

All: Can learn to be
Like someone like you

Louie: ONE more time! yeahhh

Baloo: Can learn to be
Like someone like meEEEEE!


seedeedabapbapbadehdootleDAAtnDAAtnDAAtnDAAtnDAATn...?

Maaaan.





I’m gone, man, solid gone…

 

[twokids0204]

Saturday Aug 18th
Travel Day

We are flying out of Rochester NY. About 200 miles (3 1/2 hours) from home. Flight it around 5:30 pm.

But you never know what kind of delays you may encounter:

- Traffic
- Border Wait
- I gotta pee
- Airport security

So we planned on leaving home around 8:00 am. At least that's what I told the family. Really I was ok, pushing it up to 9:00 am at the latest.

But sure enough, by 7:50 am everyone was ready to go, and we were on the road by 8:00 on the nose. I guess everyone was excited and stoked to go.

A quick breakfast stop at Tim Horton's and the adventure begins.

We were in no huge rush to get there, so we took our drive at a leisurely pace. We crossed the border at around 11:00 am. Security let us through, no hassles... Suckers!

So we had lots of time before we had to be at the airport (which is still another 90 minute drive away.

We stopped in Niagara Falls, although we've been to Niagara Falls many times in the past, we've never seen it from the US side.

Goat Island is where the main viewing location of the Falls is.

As we crossed a bridge over the Rapids approaching the Falls. You can see the Skylon tower off in the Distance, that is in Canada right next to the Falls.

I was quite surprised with the pedestrian bridge, and some of the forest trails that feed the rapids and eventually go over Niagara Falls. The thing I was surprised about was... that there really was no effort (fences, or barriers) to keep people from jumping over or "disposing of a body".

The view of the falls is very different, it's more of a side view, and you can get quite close.

That previous picture was taken in the landing seen in this next picture.

You can also take an adventure on wooden decks, paths, and stairways at the foot of the falls. You will get SOAKED from the mist, and in fact there are portions where the water from Niagara Falls flows right over your feet. It's called CAVE OF THE WINDS, they give you the Standard Niagara Falls rain poncho, but they also give you flip flops as your feet will get soaked! We didn't do this, as we were going to board an airplane in just a few hours. But we will go back again one day.

And finally the family shot in front (or actually behind or off to the side of) the Canadian Horseshoe Falls - quite a sight to see... but from Canada. The majesticness of it is really lost on the American side.

Ok... Continuing on our journey.

 

[BigTikiDaddy]

So far, so good...

From our 2010 trip - Meeting King Louie was quite a momentous event.

In 2010 we had a lengthy meeting with Louie and Baloo at AK we were the last in line before the cut off and they took some time to play with the kids and their stuffies. HIghlight was Louie taking off with our stroller.

Saturday Aug 18th
Travel Day

We are flying out of Rochester NY. About 200 miles (3 1/2 hours) from home. Flight it around 5:30 pm.

But you never know what kind of delays you may encounter:

- Traffic
- Border Wait
- I gotta pee
- Airport security

So we planned on leaving home around 8:00 am. At least that's what I told the family. Really I was ok, pushing it up to 9:00 am at the latest.

But sure enough, by 7:50 am everyone was ready to go, and we were on the road by 8:00 on the nose. I guess everyone was excited and stoked to go.

A quick breakfast stop at Tim Horton's and the adventure begins.

We were in no huge rush to get there, so we took our drive at a leisurely pace. We crossed the border at around 11:00 am. Security let us through, no hassles... Suckers!

I think the way the economy is, the more $$ you are planning to spend, the more eager they are to let you cross. That explains our hassle-free monthly spendothons.

We did the US side and Goat Island years ago, and while the vista might be more spectacular in Canada, the experience at Goat Island looking at the Falls is something special. It's the only way to look at it in a more "natural" setting.

 

[middlepat]

Cool vistas from the US side of Niagara. As a good Canadian growing up we went there a few times but always from the "better" Canadian side. Nice to see the other perspective. I think when we take our girls there we'll have to give equal billing as they are dual citizens.

 

[mapleleafmom]

i lived in oakville for 3 yrs, before moving here last aug.
I MISS TIMMY"S!!!!!!! and the plan for THIS summer was to visit the usa side of the falls..although i do LOVE the cnd side. We moved here instead..which is closer to WDW so not too bad of a trade off. I still cry at the cnd pavillion, lol

can't wait to read your trip report and your dd looks JUST like her MOM!!!

 

[twokids0204]

So far, so good...

Thanks sir...

In 2010 we had a lengthy meeting with Louie and Baloo at AK we were the last in line before the cut off and they took some time to play with the kids and their stuffies. HIghlight was Louie taking off with our stroller.

We always try to interact with the character's a little more than just a picture. I like testin' them on there backstory...

We did the US side and Goat Island years ago, and while the vista might be more spectacular in Canada, the experience at Goat Island looking at the Falls is something special. It's the only way to look at it in a more "natural" setting.

They really do present it in it's natural setting... Guess they have to make up for the view.

Cool vistas from the US side of Niagara. As a good Canadian growing up we went there a few times but always from the "better" Canadian side. Nice to see the other perspective. I think when we take our girls there we'll have to give equal billing as they are dual citizens.

Worth the trip over for the day, also there is some pretty good shopping.

i lived in oakville for 3 yrs, before moving here last aug.
I MISS TIMMY"S!!!!!!! and the plan for THIS summer was to visit the usa side of the falls..although i do LOVE the cnd side. We moved here instead..which is closer to WDW so not too bad of a trade off. I still cry at the cnd pavillion, lol

can't wait to read your trip report and your dd looks JUST like her MOM!!!

Thanks for joining... I am guessing you are going to enjoy our day in the Canada pavilion at Epcot. Stay tuned.

And Yes, my DD is a spitting image of Mom.

 

[dvczerfs]

nice uopdate brian!!! i had to laugh, every time i have been to the falls, we always went to the canadian side.
nice pics.
wheres barry?

 

[BigTikiDaddy]

They really do present it in it's natural setting... Guess they have to make up for the view.

A very good book to read is Niagara:A History of the Falls by Pierre Burton. Very good for insight between the two sides.

 

[AJRitz]

Yeesh. I'm eight pages late to the trip report and you haven't even gotten to Orlando yet? Someone wake me when this thing actually starts.

 

[Cinderella's Fella]

Yeesh. I'm eight pages late to the trip report and you haven't even gotten to Orlando yet? Someone wake me when this thing actually starts.

 

[twokids0204]

nice uopdate brian!!! i had to laugh, every time i have been to the falls, we always went to the canadian side.
nice pics.
wheres barry?

Thanks...
Next time you are there, give me a call then head North about 90 minutes, I'll fire up the grill.

A very good book to read is Niagara:A History of the Falls by Pierre Burton. Very good for insight between the two sides.

Will have to check it out...

Yeesh. I'm eight pages late to the trip report and you haven't even gotten to Orlando yet? Someone wake me when this thing actually starts.

We were waiting patiently for you to arrive.
Welcome Aaron...

Now off to Orlando!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

We were in no huge rush to get there, so we took our drive at a leisurely pace. We crossed the border at around 11:00 am. Security let us through, no hassles... Suckers!

Even with all the grenades in the trunk?

I was quite surprised with the pedestrian bridge, and some of the forest trails that feed the rapids and eventually go over Niagara Falls. The thing I was surprised about was... that there really was no effort (fences, or barriers) to keep people from jumping over or "disposing of a body".

Well, you are in New York.

That previous picture was taken in the landing seen in this next picture.

Looks cool!

You can also take an adventure on wooden decks, paths, and stairways at the foot of the falls. You will get SOAKED from the mist, and in fact there are portions where the water from Niagara Falls flows right over your feet. It's called CAVE OF THE WINDS, they give you the Standard Niagara Falls rain poncho, but they also give you flip flops as your feet will get soaked! We didn't do this, as we were going to board an airplane in just a few hours. But we will go back again one day.

That sounds awesome. We'll have to try it out sometime.

And finally the family shot in front (or actually behind or off to the side of) the Canadian Horseshoe Falls - quite a sight to see... but from Canada. The majesticness of it is really lost on the American side.

Yeah, I remember that being the case from years past. It's just a better view.

 

[twokids0204]

After our side excursion to Niagara Falls, it's off to Rochester to catch our plane.

We set the GPS for Rochester Airport and hit the highway.

It's about 12:30 now, and we are all getting hungry. Just outside Niagara Falls, NY. A solid 2+ hours from home, we pull over to a highway rest stop for lunch.

We pick up a quick bite, and sit down to eat it. As we are eating, my DD starts staring at a girl at the next table, and their daughter starts staring at my DD. To be honest I didn't even notice this happening, but they looked over at our table and asked... "Do you girls know each other?"

Both a little shy, but they nod .



I ask them where... well they went to Summer Institute (summer camp program) together earlier this summer.

Wow... Turns out they live about 3 minutes away from us.

OK, back on the road, bellies full, potty break done... No stopping until we hit Rochester.

Back on the road, and we hit Rochester by about 2:30, we find the airport, get our bearings straight, and find were we are going to park. Good... now off to Wal-Mart as my DS lost his sunglasses before we left. Picked up a pair of Phineas and Ferb sunglasses, and a box of Cereal for morning the mornings, and back to the airport.

Park the Car - Head to the Terminal - Security - Gate - Check in - Fly!

We had a stopover in Atlanta. We arrived about 15 minutes ahead of schedule... Yeah Pilot!

Our next flight is scheduled to fly out at 9:40 pm (start boarding around 9:10).

It's around 8:45 and the airplane is outside the gate, everything is looking up... then the announcement...

"Attention ladies and gentlemen, the airplane is on time and ready. However the flight crew for this flight is late coming in on another flight. They are scheduled to arrive around 9:15, then they have to deplane, and debrief with their captain on the other flight, then find their way to this gate, do preliminary checks, and a preliminary briefing with this captain, then they can start boarding".

Ugggggghhhhhh....

So after all that we finally board at around 10:00 pm.

But wait - it gets better.

As we are boarding, and they are about to close the plane door, a couple around the middle refuses to sit down in their seats. Why? The seat is wet and dirty from the previous flight. There was a full "Air Sickness" bag on their seat.

So now the crew has to call in the Maintenance team, with their heavy duty chemicals and they clean down the seat, remove any residue, and finally we are ready to leave. Around 10:30.

We arrive at Orlando International around 11:30 pm, and head straight to Baggage. Magical Express doesn't bring your bags after 10:00 pm.

So we get out bags, and head to ME counter, and board the bus around 12:00 am. We are the first ones on the bus. So we wait, and we wait... until the bus is about half full. It's now close to 12:45 am, and we finally leave to WDW.

We arrive at around 1:10 am. We are staying at Port Orleans Riverside.

First Stop - Contemporary
Second Stop - Wilderness Lodge
Third Stop - (almost 1:30 am) - Port Orleans.

Long Day...

 

[GoHerd1028]

Long travel day!!! Whew!!! I think if I had seen the seat on the plane that needed cleaning attention that they might have had to clean up a mess in the ailes! Sounds like you guys have found a new playmate for your daughter!!!

 

[dvczerfs]

wow!!! thats a long day.

 

[twokids0204]

We just flew in, and arrived at Port Orleans, and as the old joke goes "Boy are my arm's tired".

This was our first time at Port Orleans Riverside, and our first impressions, even that late at night were in awe. Such a beautiful resort.

The main check in area is themed after the Sassagoula Riverboat.

It's got a real turn of the century charm to it.

There are these HUGE bell like structures hanging on both ends of the room, any guesses what they are?

They are actually FANS... they sway back and forth moving the air around, the way they would have on the huge riverboat's.

Looking around at the decor, we even found a few Hidden Mickey's.

So we make our way through the huge 1:30 am crowd , to the online check in counter. I had called a couple of days prior, and made a room request. Although we booked standard view room, with the help of these boards and some friends that were made, I knew what to ask for.

I asked for the Magnolia Building, as close to the front as possible on the main floor.

And sure enough, that's what we got.

We walked into the room to find a Mickey Head made out of towels on the bed.

There is artwork of a old Louisiana Steamboat entitled "Celebrating Mardi Gras on the Mark Twain". The banners and Archways kinda look like they may also be hidden Mickey's.

The headboards were also very cool.

And a couple of other random Hidden Mickey's

The wallpaper border

The Coat Rack

OK, enough pictures - it's closing in on 2:00 am, and tomorrow is a Park Day.

Lights Out.

 

[theduck619]

Awesome update Brian. Sorry for the jabs......