5 Days, 4 Parks, 3 DIS-meets, 2 ADR’s, and 1 Solo DISer! Done! Finished! Completed!!

[MRYPPNS]

On my train in the morning I poke back. It's usually men, who feel the need to sit with their legs wide apart, while elbowing me as they read the NY Times. After ages of putting up with it I now give a gentle elbow back.

Good for you!

So did you collect the $20

Naw....she looked like she could use it to buy more cheap romance novels.

Finding out you have officially started your TR is such a nice Friday afternoon treat, Heidi! People who hog my armrest annoy me, too. No consideration whatsoever!

Thanks for letting us know that you stuck to your plan of using the restroom before getting on ME.

I guess she felt like since she was stuck with the middle seat that she should get BOTH armrests.

Nah, I'm not a much of a writer. Besides, my kids would be horrified if I told embarrassing stories about them, and without that it would be a short, boring trip report. I'm much more of a reader, so keep going!!

Well feel free to add a story or two here if the mood strikes!

I do not like arm rest hoggers! Glad you stuck to the plan and hit the restroom. Looking forward to more.

Can you believe the first one had a line? Hello people there are restrooms in the airport like every 50 feet!

I'm glad you remembered to hit the restroom

That is so annoying about the arm rest, I can't stand that!

OK so here I go with the TMI....the airport bathrooms are a sign to me that's I'm not home anymore in NH and am on vacation because of the paper toilet seat covers....we don't have them up here!

Armrest hogs are the worst!!

Not as bad as OB, be they're up there

 

[MRYPPNS]

Yes I have been unemployed and found a job with AAA. I am hoping for some good discounts. We needed me to have a job more than going on vacation. I am sad and happy at the same time. I will really like this job and it alows me to stay home during the day and only leave a couple of hours before Lexi goes to bed. Jon (my dh) said that since we moved our dates a whole year later we can stay deluxe.

Well planning is half the fun anyways and you get Deluxe to boot! Which resort are you thinking about?

I can't wait to hear about your resort experience.

Pictures coming up in the next update!!

I have to admit....I was behind-and missed all your plans. BUT, I just read them and they looked fantastic! I loved your planning cards, very good idea. How did they work out?

They worked out great! Folded in half they were the perfect size for the outside pocket of my bag. They were just enough info to keep me going and remind me of the important things. I think I will do the same thing for the next trip!

Awwww, cute little airplane cookies. Surprised you got even that. I'm glad you had taken the apple cake snack. Super good choice of diet coke to wash it down. I'd have gone with a latte, but anything with caffeine is all good with me.

Breakfast worked out well for me....I would have loved a Dunkin's coffee that morning but I avoid coffee when flying. In fact I went the whole vacation without coffee!

Yay for not fainting on the plane!

Denise

Yes that was a very good thing. If it had happend, I don't think anyone would have noticed anyways.

PS...thanks for the little leaf thing...got to see if I can get it into my siggie!

 

[MRYPPNS]

9/30/09
Making good time...

I made my way down to Level 1 to the Magic Express area. I was pleased to see that you didn't have to go to the counter if you had your little booklet...they just scan it as you get in line....(FYI to KathyRN: there are video monitors in the lines showing clips of Disney shows as you wait for your bus).

Within 5 minutes we were boarding the bus. It would stop at ASports first, ASMu second, then finally ASMo. I sat very near the front....my entertainment was the Disney video and 3 1/2 year old Ben. Funny kid! He was SO EXCITED to be a Disneyworld....because you know the bus is Disneyworld to a 3 year old. I knew his name was Ben because Mom or Grammy had made matching shirts for everyone with their name on the back. Remember that for another day.
I watched bits and pieces of the video...I was disappointed that Disney gave away some of the Kim Possible clues on it....I turned my head as I didn't want them spoiled for me. Dork.

We arrived at the resort and me and Grammy went to the online check in line. The wait was way too long so something so simple. I don't think it was the CM's fault....I think it just happened to be a lot of uneducated guests mucking up the flow.

Score! My room was ready and I don't even think it was noon yet. Rock Inn building 3. I don’t think I could have gotten closer without paying for preferred. I decided to buy a mug at the food court then head to my room.

View looking left from my door.

View looking right from my door.

My room was super clean and wicked quiet. All you hear is toilets....and I had 2 toddlers next door to my room, not a peep! I'm glad I stayed at a value solo....now I know it's not big enough for the family. It was fine for me....I do prefer Pop over Music....better food court and bar at Pop.

Bus Stop.

The activities schedule. I must say that I was impressed with this for a value resort….I don’t remember them doing any of this at CBR last year.

 

[Native NYer]

It's so great that you didn't have to go to the ME check-in counter.
And yay for a room that's ready early

Love your room!

It's nice that they have lots of resort activities.

Is the food/alcohol selection at Pop more extensive than ASMo?

Do the buses stop at each All Star resort?

 

[MaryAz]

Yay for skipping the counter. I would not watch the clues either. ASMo looks nice. Good to know you like POP better. Can't wait to hear about your next adventure.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Yay for making it to Disney World - whether you are 3 1/2 or not!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I think it is adorable that you turned your head to avoid watching the KP clues! Having done a "few" of them , I do think knowing what happens ahead of time would have spoiled a lot of it.

ASMusic looks very fun and clean -- but like you said, I just don't think it would be big enough for my family -- maybe just Charles and me though.

 

[praisehisname]

Thanks for the heads-up about the KP clues on the bus. I don't want to ruin anything, either!

Denise

 

[MRYPPNS]

It's so great that you didn't have to go to the ME check-in counter.
And yay for a room that's ready early

Love your room!

It's nice that they have lots of resort activities.

Is the food/alcohol selection at Pop more extensive than ASMo?

Do the buses stop at each All Star resort?

There just not as many choices at the food court that I liked. I'm sure the bar offerings are the same (at all the resorts).

The bus did share with the other All Star resorts. I think we got a direct bus once to MK in the morning and we always had a direct bus to Music from MK at closing. I'm beginning to realize that all resort transportation averages out to about the same no matter what resort you are staying at. Plan for the worst, hope for the best!

Yay for skipping the counter. I would not watch the clues either. ASMo looks nice. Good to know you like POP better. Can't wait to hear about your next adventure.

All Star Music was nice, and it's seemed to be well staffed which is always a plus!

Yay for making it to Disney World - whether you are 3 1/2 or not!

Very True!!

I think it is adorable that you turned your head to avoid watching the KP clues! Having done a "few" of them , I do think knowing what happens ahead of time would have spoiled a lot of it.

ASMusic looks very fun and clean -- but like you said, I just don't think it would be big enough for my family -- maybe just Charles and me though.

Yeah I think a couple could do a value.....man and woman couple....there just doesn't seem to be enough sink space for 2 woman ....although I know families make it work. There was plently of storage space by the tv because there was room for a fridge (even thou they give you no fridge!)

Thanks for the heads-up about the KP clues on the bus. I don't want to ruin anything, either!

Denise

I was surprised by seeing them on the video....everyone here on the DIS has been so good about not posting pictures.

 

[Native NYer]

There just not as many choices at the food court that I liked. I'm sure the bar offerings are the same (at all the resorts).

The bus did share with the other All Star resorts. I think we got a direct bus once to MK in the morning and we always had a direct bus to Music from MK at closing. I'm beginning to realize that all resort transportation averages out to about the same no matter what resort you are staying at. Plan for the worst, hope for the best!

Seems like Pop is the value of choice of a lot of people on the DIS. I just wish they'd finish and open the Legendary Years.

Where the rooms at the All Star resorts refurbed?

I guess when it comes to Disney transportation, it's best to be patient and leave early if you need to be somewhere a specific time.

 

[mrsksomeday]

I didn't know you could skip the counter at ME now . I wonder if I will still have to go up there because we have to have an accessible bus. I might be asking on the DISabilities board.

It is great that your room was ready. Thanks for the wonderful pics of the room and resort, I still love Pop. I can't wait to read what happens next.

 

[creativeamanda]

Heidi,

I didn't subscribe to your PTR, but I have to do a subbie to your TR--see my siggie--I'm doing a solo trip in December to celebrate me! I'm getting into the why a solo trip soon, but I get the concept completely! And I didn't even think of doing Kim Possible! I'm gonna have to give it a try in December!

Too funny that you worked in that scheduled bathroom break!

 

[All7OfUs]

Score for you! Can you tell me exactly what "little booklet" it is you need to bypass that line?

I just in the couple of days did a bunch of research about exactly what a Kimpossible thing is, and have decided to give it a try in Sept. It really looks like a ton of fun! Thanks for the warning that they could potentially wreck it on the bus.

Cool that your room was ready!!

Sooo, why do they charge for a bingo card?? Can't you play bingo for free and have a great time?? confused....

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Sorry about the arm rest hog! Those annoy me too. On my flight home, I was the one who put the arm rest down - not sure the guy next to me even knew it was there - and then he promptly put his arm on it! Oh well, I mostly wanted it to define my space.

Don't you love that you don't have to wait in the ME line anymore? But I couldn't figure out what anyone would be doing in the line? I guess if you forget the booklet?

All Stars looks cute. Glad you scored a good room! Can't wait to hear what you did next.

 

[LISAMWDW]

Love your notes on the plane! LOL!!! I get so annoyed with people flying who aren't considerate! Looks like you got a great room location! Score!

Can't wait for more!

 

[If U Had Wings]

That's great that you were able to get into your room so quickly. The room looks great. It definitely calms my concerns over my few nights at Sports in Dec.

 

[MRYPPNS]

Seems like Pop is the value of choice of a lot of people on the DIS. I just wish they'd finish and open the Legendary Years.

Where the rooms at the All Star resorts refurbed?

I guess when it comes to Disney transportation, it's best to be patient and leave early if you need to be somewhere a specific time.

I wouldn't count on POP being finished as the Legendary Years.

I think the refurb was sometime in the last few years.

I didn't know you could skip the counter at ME now . I wonder if I will still have to go up there because we have to have an accessible bus. I might be asking on the DISabilities board.



It is great that your room was ready. Thanks for the wonderful pics of the room and resort, I still love Pop. I can't wait to read what happens next.

I do think that maybe online check-in helps with getting a ready room because you tell them when we will be arrive that day.

Heidi,

I didn't subscribe to your PTR, but I have to do a subbie to your TR--see my siggie--I'm doing a solo trip in December to celebrate me! I'm getting into the why a solo trip soon, but I get the concept completely! And I didn't even think of doing Kim Possible! I'm gonna have to give it a try in December!

Too funny that you worked in that scheduled bathroom break!

Good for you for a solo trip! I think you will enjoy it very much.

Score for you! Can you tell me exactly what "little booklet" it is you need to bypass that line?

It's the booklet they send you with your ME luggage tags and vouchers for the bus. The vouchers have bar codes so they just scan them once as you are getting in line for the bus and again when you board the bus.

I just in the couple of days did a bunch of research about exactly what a Kimpossible thing is, and have decided to give it a try in Sept. It really looks like a ton of fun! Thanks for the warning that they could potentially wreck it on the bus.

It's worth doing at least once.

Sooo, why do they charge for a bingo card?? Can't you play bingo for free and have a great time?? confused....

I think they had some nice board games as prizes...if it was free then everyone would take tons of cards to play.

Sorry about the arm rest hog! Those annoy me too. On my flight home, I was the one who put the arm rest down - not sure the guy next to me even knew it was there - and then he promptly put his arm on it! Oh well, I mostly wanted it to define my space.

I'm thinking of making a product that you slip over the armrest and it makes a shield do elbows can't leave their own seat. Would you buy one??

Don't you love that you don't have to wait in the ME line anymore? But I couldn't figure out what anyone would be doing in the line? I guess if you forget the booklet?

If you never got one...remember that almost happend to me!

Love your notes on the plane! LOL!!! I get so annoyed with people flying who aren't considerate! Looks like you got a great room location! Score!

Can't wait for more!

It was more that she was clueless than being inconsiderate...but when your on the plane it doesn't matter!

That's great that you were able to get into your room so quickly. The room looks great. It definitely calms my concerns over my few nights at Sports in Dec.

I wouldn't worry about Sports....and you get on the bus first!

 

[MRYPPNS]

9/30/09

So I’m in my room being manic about getting ready for Epcot. I had the first of many chats with myself about what is it that I really wanted to do right then and there. Did I want to rush out to Epcot or did I what to organize and put away all my stuff before I left? Well I took a vote and slowing down and organizing won. I tend not to live in the moment….it’s a work in progress.

Checking my notes: Plane was to land at 1125am….but we got in early. The ME bus was rolling by 1130am. I was in my room by 1215pm and waiting for the Epcot bus by 130pm.

I had decided against getting anything to eat at the food court. I didn’t want much and all the small things were sweets. I hadn’t eaten since 7am that morning….this could be a good thing or a bad thing as I head to Food & Wine.

Before heading out to Epcot, I purchased my MNSSHP ticket for the next night….and had the CM check my old tickets to see what I had left. (God I wish I had brought more tickets in 2005 for future trips.) I also got a general Celebrate button to wear. And I wasn’t shy about telling CM’s when they asked that I was Celebrating Me!

Please follow along with my photos and some comments:

Hello…can you say walk-on? SSE actually didn’t stop during my whole ride!

I need food! First stop Argentina for Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri and Boniato Puree

The meat was good, the Chimichurri would have gone better with the dish if it was served room temp instead of cold and the Boniato Puree….that’s code for best dang mashed potatoes of the trip. I would eat this again.

Next up the Mexico stand: Tostada Pollo

Basically it was a huge chicken nacho chip….very messy to eat…not enough spice. If you bought me one I would eat it again, but I’d rather spend my money on something else….

Like this: Mousse de Pina Colada y Coco

This little dessert was so refreshing and light….really the perfect dessert for Mexican food. On top is toasted coconut which added just the right texture to the mousse. I could eat this all day long.

I felt the need for speed at Test Track. And it started with the singles line. I literary walked right into a waiting car. I felt my first magic here as we went outside and gained speed…the rush made me giddy!

When did they replace the pre-show with a 20 minute safety warning for Mission Space??? I rode orange side….maybe I should have heeded the warnings…I too old for that &*#@!!!!

Next stop….the festival center.

 

[creativeamanda]

That's one thing I miss about not doing the food and wine festival this year--the food!

 

[MaryAz]

That was some yummy looking food! Yay for the single rider line. Great start.