900 Miles, 5 Parks, 2 Resorts, 6 ADR's, and 3 days of Celebration!!! Update 3/8/13

[natebenma]

I was a wee-bit behind on the updates!

What a fanatstic morning you had a MK. You certainly hit the headliners hard! Space- Buzz- HM- BTM-Splash- Pirates

I think it is HILARIOUS that Jonas was so impatient and concerned about meeting Merida.

I really enjoy seeing your pictures! The castle pictures are stunning, and the blue sky with the clouds is just right.

Great photopass pictures, too. Thanks for sharing the story "behind" the scenes with us.

I love zipping over to EPCOT from MK on the monorail. I'm glad you had a nice, but brief meet with a friend, a good lunch even if some of your faves were missing, and a successful mission replacing Jonas' beer glass.

 

[natebenma]

Question about Space Mountain. In the ride photo, your camera is around your neck. Is that how you rode? Any problems holding on to the camera?

 

[jmskinner]

Really 1500 photos?? That's impressive! Don't know how you stayed so dry on Splash Mt. Both times we rode this trip my DS and I sat in the front and DH sat behind us and we were soaked!! Even a CM in the gift shop commented on how wet we were. It's so worth it though....I love that ride.

The question is, how many of those 1500 are true keepers.

Oh, we got wet later on. Splash is my favorite ride of all the parks, but log flumes have always been a favorite. I like the gently floating and then the thrill. There is a water slide at Schlitterbahn like that and its my favorite too.

I was a wee-bit behind on the updates!

What a fanatstic morning you had a MK. You certainly hit the headliners hard! Space- Buzz- HM- BTM-Splash- Pirates

I think it is HILARIOUS that Jonas was so impatient and concerned about meeting Merida.

I really enjoy seeing your pictures! The castle pictures are stunning, and the blue sky with the clouds is just right.

Great photopass pictures, too. Thanks for sharing the story "behind" the scenes with us.

I love zipping over to EPCOT from MK on the monorail. I'm glad you had a nice, but brief meet with a friend, a good lunch even if some of your faves were missing, and a successful mission replacing Jonas' beer glass.

Sunday was a great day to be at MK, even later that night for EMH. We had trouble later on in the week though.

He has to watch himself, those redheads can get him in trouble.

Question about Space Mountain. In the ride photo, your camera is around your neck. Is that how you rode? Any problems holding on to the camera?

I've always ridden like that. I've held my camera on RnRC also. Once I goofed and just hung it around my neck and the shoulder harness came down and my strap really wasn't long enough so I had to ride leaning forward a little. The CM's don't like it on RnRC, but once that harness is down, they don't want to unlock it. Sometimes I do put it up.

It was a little scarier since I was also holding a lens that probably cost $600 that didn't belong to me..

 

[jmskinner]

After leaving Epcot we went straight back to the room for a nap. We were both exhausted. A couple of hours later, we changed and headed back to the lobby. I needed to apply my Disney Visa Reward Dollars to our room account. Some quick pics of the resort:







It always amazes me how many rooms are at this resort, yet you can walk around and not see people.



The view around the corner from our room.


The lobby




I can't remember if it was this day or the next, but while standing in line a lady looked up and saw those ceiling fans and thought they were about to do something really cool. I told her I think they are just a fancy fan. I had to laugh because I could just see her standing there for 10 minutes waiting on something to happen, something my mother would do. WDW is magical, but not that magical. I know, I'm being mean now.



On our anniversary trip we took a carriage ride, but this wasn't our horse.


I think some of those pics were taken on the way to the room and some on the way back.

We made it to MK and Jonas yet again would not slow down so I could get pics of the castle. I did grab this one.



See how the castle looks so small, but you get more of the foreground. That was something I had to get use to with the wide-angle lens.

We grabbed FP's for Space Mountain. We hadn't been to the parks since they started enforcing FP times and I wasn't sure how they would handle FP's during EMH. I didn't do any research for WDW before the trip. We were able to get FP's, but for 8-9:00pm. We would be watching the fireworks at that time, but I said we will just see what they say.

Then we took a quick trip on the Peoplemover. It was about to storm, so we wondered if we would get stuck on it.




They had closed down the raceway, everyone in line was having to walk on through and exit the ride. I had never seen this before.





As you can see, the storm was getting closer


As we exited the Peoplemover, this greeted us.



This was a lot of rain. We found cover under the track of the Peoplemover. We had ADR's for something special and were worried it would be cancelled. We moved our way closer to Buzz, but stopped when we hit a lot of other people taking cover also. Finally when the area we were at started to flood, Jonas wanted to move because he didn't want his shoes getting wet.

We made a mad dash for the Tomorrowland Terrace and waited in line for the Dessert Party. Or we thought we were waiting in line. Turns out they had moved the line from the last time we had eaten there. So, we thought we were first in line, and ended up being about 15th party. Would have been nice if all the CM's seeing us stand there had said something to us. But, I had forgotten that they reserve tables and we ended up with a really nice table in the second row. One note, if you have go to do this, do get there early because they do start running out of the food.

Here was my first plate


I know it looks empty, but those other two cups were on it and then it was full.

Some of Jonas'




We loved the new show on the castle "Memories and Me" or whatever it is called. It was amazing. It had been postponed for 15 minutes due to the weather, but we didn't mind.

Then the fireworks started, sadly no Tinkerbell, but I knew she wouldn't be flying.







It amazes me that the castle isn't black after that.



And we did grab a photopass pic before the fireworks


And yes, he is grabbing my butt again.

Let's hope the FP's were still good.

 

[tazdev3225]

I came over to check out your TR.

I have seen a couple of motorcycle accidents and they are scary. That was really great of you to stay and help out. My younger brother was almost killed in a cycle crash many years ago and I wish I knew if anybody stayed to help him.

The pics are great. What kind of camera were you using? I don't always take my big cameras to Disney just because I hate switching lenses all of the time. I solved that by buying a second DSLR but still need to switch lenses for rides. Now I just use the high end P&S. I get decent pics most of the time. The yellow look on indoor pics has to do with the white balance. That's another one of the adjustments you have to make on the camera. I always forget and have the same problem.

Where are you stationed in VA? My brother is a colonel in the army although I think he may have finally retired. He was stationed at Ft. Belvoir many years ago and fell in love with the area. When he switched from active duty to reserves he moved down there permanently. It's been interesting watching the changes to the Manassas area over the past 20 years but it is a pretty state.

 

[jmskinner]

I came over to check out your TR.

I have seen a couple of motorcycle accidents and they are scary. That was really great of you to stay and help out. My younger brother was almost killed in a cycle crash many years ago and I wish I knew if anybody stayed to help him.

The pics are great. What kind of camera were you using? I don't always take my big cameras to Disney just because I hate switching lenses all of the time. I solved that by buying a second DSLR but still need to switch lenses for rides. Now I just use the high end P&S. I get decent pics most of the time. The yellow look on indoor pics has to do with the white balance. That's another one of the adjustments you have to make on the camera. I always forget and have the same problem.

Where are you stationed in VA? My brother is a colonel in the army although I think he may have finally retired. He was stationed at Ft. Belvoir many years ago and fell in love with the area. When he switched from active duty to reserves he moved down there permanently. It's been interesting watching the changes to the Manassas area over the past 20 years but it is a pretty state.

Thanks for following along. Did that storm look familiar to you?

You are so right about the white balance. That book I purchased discussed that about page 3 and opened my eyes. I never knew what the "WB" button was for.

I have a Canon Xsi. Hoping to upgrade soon, but probably be a bit longer before I can. I tried to use the wide-angle lens I rented most of this trip so I could get a good feel for it.

Jonas is stationed at the Pentagon, but actually works at Bolling. We are about 30 minutes from Manasses, close to Leesburg. Found a nice small town, but I'm sure it will be like Manasses in 20 years.

 

[tazdev3225]

Thanks for following along. Did that storm look familiar to you?

You are so right about the white balance. That book I purchased discussed that about page 3 and opened my eyes. I never knew what the "WB" button was for.

I have a Canon Xsi. Hoping to upgrade soon, but probably be a bit longer before I can. I tried to use the wide-angle lens I rented most of this trip so I could get a good feel for it.

Jonas is stationed at the Pentagon, but actually works at Bolling. We are about 30 minutes from Manasses, close to Leesburg. Found a nice small town, but I'm sure it will be like Manasses in 20 years.

Was that one of Bryan Petersons books? I have all three of them. I have Sony's, an A300 and an A550 for the Dslr's. I take a lot of baseball pics in the spring and fall and didn't want dust getting on the sensor so I bought a second body. Of course I needed a camera ASAP when the screen went black on the 300 and my DGD's dance recital was in a couple of days. Just the excuse to get the second camera.

I know where Leesburg is, nice area. They have been building up down in VA quite a bit. I know it's progress but I hate the way it changes the small towns. When my brother first went down there it was a quiet area now it's more like a big city.

 

[natebenma]

Thanks for all of the great pictures of the resort. I have never been there, but it looks so pretty!

Wow, those storm clouds looked super scary! Glad you were able to enjoy the Castle Show and the fireworks undercover, though. And with all those sweet treats!

Love your fireworks pictures!

I bet you luck out with those SM FP!

 

[jmskinner]

Was that one of Bryan Petersons books? I have all three of them. I have Sony's, an A300 and an A550 for the Dslr's. I take a lot of baseball pics in the spring and fall and didn't want dust getting on the sensor so I bought a second body. Of course I needed a camera ASAP when the screen went black on the 300 and my DGD's dance recital was in a couple of days. Just the excuse to get the second camera.

I know where Leesburg is, nice area. They have been building up down in VA quite a bit. I know it's progress but I hate the way it changes the small towns. When my brother first went down there it was a quiet area now it's more like a big city.

Yes, it is Bryan Peterson's books. Sure wish I knew about them when I first got my camera.

DGD's are the perfect excuse for a new camera, no one can argue it.

We looked at the Gainesville/Haymarket area, took about 2 minutes in mid-day traffic for Jonas to say "We can go back now." Wouldn't be so bad if the towns would plan ahead instead of just looking at potential tax dollars.

Thanks for all of the great pictures of the resort. I have never been there, but it looks so pretty!

Wow, those storm clouds looked super scary! Glad you were able to enjoy the Castle Show and the fireworks undercover, though. And with all those sweet treats!

Love your fireworks pictures!

I bet you luck out with those SM FP!

There are more pics to come, I just love POR.

I wasn't real happy with my fireworks pics, but I never really like them unless I am on Main Street.

We shall see about SM.

 

[jmskinner]

Thought I would give an update on the October trip. Not only did I get us added to ME, but I already have the paperwork. Hopefully Jonas can get the same flight back as me so I don't have to call again.

Also, he really wanted breakfast one day. I refuse to do so Saturday morning since we have to worry about when ME will pick us up. It would have to be Friday morning. WDWINFO.com had that the sit down restaurant at CSR had breakfast, so I thought we would book there. Nope, it doesn't anymore, only dinner. That means getting up early to make it somewhere else. To be honest, I am not looking forward to this. Jonas didn't really want to do any character breakfasts, so Epcot was out. He finally told me he wanted Kona for the coffee, so that is where we are booked Friday morning at 10:30. Maybe we can sleep in a bit. Then we can catch the monorail over to Epcot and try out the F&WF after breakfast. Seems silly to go eat and then hit the F&WF, but that is what he wants. Oh well, I always end up hungrier after eating breakfast.


So you may be wondering about the title of this little update and also why I just changed fonts again. Last week I was checking out the CSR thread and someone posted there were no rooms for CSR in August. What in the world is going on in August? Didn't see anything too big, but something caught my eye...Mustangs at the Mickyard! "What!?!? No Way!!!" I was actually getting all excited and saying this out loud. I googled it and found a thread on the Mustang Club of America message boards. The Grand National Mustang Show is going to be held at WDW Speedway. And not only that, but they are offering a great rate on rooms. Now, the host resort is CSR, but it seems another organization has over 1900 rooms reserved, it sounds like the week before this event. Many people tried to book rooms and couldn't get in at CSR, so Disney worked magic and started offering the same rate at...POR!

"Wait, when does school start?" Yes, I was talking to myself yet again. Due to the Kings Dominion Law, school is not allowed to start in VA until after Labor Day. "Oh wait, Jacob is going to be freshman next year, when will orientation be?" "And what if he stays in band and has to attend summer practice?" This school year orientation was the Friday before school started, but maybe they will have it earlier with the Labor Day weekend. I doubt it, but worth a shot. I even started thinking, Jonas could head down and then Jacob and I could fly down after orientation. Boy I am addicted. So we are booked at POR next August 27 through September 1st. We may have to cancel but its worth a try.

Have a great day everyone!

 

[LukenDC]

I've been enjoying your trip report, especially the fantastic photos. I'll be at WDW in early October as well. I'll be sure to say hello if I see you out and about.

Thanks for sharing your Disney adventures with us!

 

[thumperjr9]

Oh no....no rooms at CSR?? My DS and I were just talking the other day and he asked if we could go again next August and stay longer than a week this time. I told him that would probably work (can't believe I'm saying this....I was the one who said I would never go in Aug). Actually Aug ended up working great for us and if I ever get to writing a TR I'll explain why. When he finds out that we won't be able to stay at CSR he will be disappointed.

The desserts look good, how did they taste? Were your photos taken from were you were seated. It looks like you had a pretty good view. I think next trip I might schedule this so I can actually watch Wishes!!

 

[angwill]

I love that Rebecca kidnapped you that sounds like her. lol I love that about her though I don't think anyone is a stranger to her.

I did not know they closed the people mover during the rain. I love that ride. How the heck can they charge an arm and leg for a dessert party and then run out of desserts? That is just insane. So did Jacob eat any desserts or was he with his grandparents that day? I like the view of the fireworks from Main street better than the terrace but you do get a better view of Tinkerbell from there when she flies.

I am really liking all the pictures and still laughing about the lady watching the fans and wondering how long she stood there. lol

 

[lovethattink]

Great update! Love seeing pics of POR. At one time it was my favorite resort! We stayed there so many times. But that was back when you could get a FL resident rate of $79 a night. Boy, those days are long gone!!

Love the fireworks pics and the dessert pic. That's rotten that nobody told you about the line not being where you were. They run out of food?! For all you pay, it should continue to be replenished!! Good you knew to get there early!

CSR has a very nice buffet breakfast at the Pepper Market. If you are doing disney dining, it counts as a QS. If paying OOP it's about $15 a person. This has been going on since December. They pretty much have all the kinks out of it now and it is a very nice buffet. We go often for lunch since we aren't breakfast eaters usually. Supper at the Pepper Market is ala mode and not buffet.

I sure hope you get to keep your Aug/Sept resie. Would be great to meet you!

 

[jmskinner]

I've been enjoying your trip report, especially the fantastic photos. I'll be at WDW in early October as well. I'll be sure to say hello if I see you out and about.

Thanks for sharing your Disney adventures with us!

Thank you for following along. Please do stop us if you see us. Love Dismeets, even just the quick ones.

Oh no....no rooms at CSR?? My DS and I were just talking the other day and he asked if we could go again next August and stay longer than a week this time. I told him that would probably work (can't believe I'm saying this....I was the one who said I would never go in Aug). Actually Aug ended up working great for us and if I ever get to writing a TR I'll explain why. When he finds out that we won't be able to stay at CSR he will be disappointed.

The desserts look good, how did they taste? Were your photos taken from were you were seated. It looks like you had a pretty good view. I think next trip I might schedule this so I can actually watch Wishes!!

From what I read, they were waiting to see if that one organization was going to release some rooms, but not sure if they had a deadline date or what was going on.

Would love to hear why you liked that hot month of August. Even though I know at times it isn't that bad. I can remember one October walking out of City Hall at night and it was so hot it took our breath away. Every single person walking out was surprised.

If the family doesn't allow you to watch Wishes, I say leave them behind and go watch it on Main Street. I think I have seen it from every angle and Main Street is the absolute best view. But, if you want to see Tinkerbell, the Dessert Party is a great way to do so because you are right under her.

I love that Rebecca kidnapped you that sounds like her. lol I love that about her though I don't think anyone is a stranger to her.

I did not know they closed the people mover during the rain. I love that ride. How the heck can they charge an arm and leg for a dessert party and then run out of desserts? That is just insane. So did Jacob eat any desserts or was he with his grandparents that day? I like the view of the fireworks from Main street better than the terrace but you do get a better view of Tinkerbell from there when she flies.

I am really liking all the pictures and still laughing about the lady watching the fans and wondering how long she stood there. lol

Yes, it is so like Rebecca. Never met a stranger, and has a great heart on top of it.

I don't think they ever closed the Peoplemover, but do they allow it to run during a lightning storm?

Jacob was still with the parents. I guess Disney tries to not have much left over, but I remember them running out of certain desserts the previous time we went too.

I saved that poor lady because she had just walked in when she said that. I hope I didn't come off snooty.

Great update! Love seeing pics of POR. At one time it was my favorite resort! We stayed there so many times. But that was back when you could get a FL resident rate of $79 a night. Boy, those days are long gone!!

Love the fireworks pics and the dessert pic. That's rotten that nobody told you about the line not being where you were. They run out of food?! For all you pay, it should continue to be replenished!! Good you knew to get there early!

CSR has a very nice buffet breakfast at the Pepper Market. If you are doing disney dining, it counts as a QS. If paying OOP it's about $15 a person. This has been going on since December. They pretty much have all the kinks out of it now and it is a very nice buffet. We go often for lunch since we aren't breakfast eaters usually. Supper at the Pepper Market is ala mode and not buffet.

I sure hope you get to keep your Aug/Sept resie. Would be great to meet you!

Jonas doesn't want a buffet breakfast. It is all about the . Breakfast is his favorite meal, I can eat it, but would rather have lunch and dinner. We may try the buffet Saturday morning though.

When we went back for seconds, they were running out of stuff.

 

[jmskinner]

As soon as those fireworks were over, we practically ran to Space Mountain. I always think we must look silly running through the park, more like creaking at our age.

We had the FP's for Space Mountain out and handed them to the CM. I have a feeling by the look on his face, we were too late but he let us on in.

And this time I sat in the very front






Did that make you feel like you were blasting off?

And of course we have a ride photo


I have no idea what I was thinking of doing, but don't think this is what I had in mind. Jonas would say it is how I always am, "My big mouth open." The ride was a lot faster this time, but smoother up front.

It was sprinkling when we got off the ride, so I went ahead and put my camera up. I usually don't worry about it, but paying for a broken lens didn't sound like a good idea. I had purchased the insurance, but the one thing I remembered it said wasn't covered was "water damage".

After our ride, we headed towards HM. We almost hopped on IASW to call Jonas' Mom so she could "enjoy" the music. But my Mom called, so I tried to find a spot to talk to her. She had been worried about entertaining the boy before he arrived, what did she come up with? A Star Wars Kinect XBox 360. She did say it was his b-day and Christmas present for this year. I guess it has been over a year since they got to spoil him.

While talking to Mom I realized the line to PP was low. Jonas didn't believe me, but I knew that if it didn't go around that hidden corner, then it was nothing. Jonas asked because I think it showed 30 minutes or something, the CM said it was much shorter. The man never believes me. Sure enough, within 15 minutes we were on.

Then it was off to HM. We didn't go through the cemetery this time. I think this is where I irritated the hubby. He has the stretching room portion memorized and does it in my ear. But it felt like he was doing it really loudly, and I always think about the people around us who may have never been on the ride. I know, I'm no fun and he got mad at me for Shhhing him.

He got over it though and we rode BTMRR. And then it was Splash. Which is great at night because usually the lines aren't that long. And it wasn't this night. Now, when going through all the ride photos earlier in the day with the CM looking for ours, I saw a pose I thought would be fun. And here it is...


Or maybe we were really scared because we got soaked this time. We rode PoTC again, then we were out of there.

I wanted to stop and get some pics of the castle, and told Jonas I was going to do that. He didn't hear me and headed straight to a Photopass guy. Here is his pic




See how wet we were


I should have skipped trying to take pics of the castle, because they didn't come out very well





I don't remember anything exciting about the bus ride home. Had a little wait, but not too bad.

Ok, I gotta go. Volunteering for picture day at the school. I sure like to torture myself don't I?

Next up, Animal Kingdom!

 

[natebenma]

for Kona! That is my favorite breakfast at Disney. No, not the Tonga Toast. Macadamia Nut Pineapple Frickin' Pancakes!!! My very favorite thing to eat in the World! Mmmmm...

for another possible trip!!! I hope you are able to go!

 

[natebenma]

What an amazing night at MK!

So how long were you there after the Dessert Party. You certainly made the most of it.

The CM let you use the FP. I'm glad (and clairvoyant)-

Wow- what a short line for PP. I wouldn't have believed you either! The only time we will ever do standby for that is when the park first opens.

Love all your PP photos, but especially the one from Splash. Nice job. Love the lady in the row behind you with her eyes closed, too.

The pictures from the SM tunnel came out GREAT!!!

 

[LisaKeys]

I love the photo of you two holding on to one another for dear life - I'm going to have to do that pose the next time we go!

Another great update. I love the FP pictures in front of the castle before you left. His filter on the lens really did wonders on the castle, and both of you look great. Glad it wasn't cold out; you two were quite wet.

Read you soon.

 

[angwill]

That splash mountain picture was hillarious. You got some good pics and it looks like you had a great time. It would annoy me if my hubby said the stretching room spiel in my ear too. I would have to find creative things to shove in his mouth or move to another part of the room away from him. lol Anyone that has been on it enough knows the spiel by heart themselves anyway. Where to next?