A Clamshell Trip Report w/ Pics & Videos (COMPLETED 7/29/07)

[Minnie]

You might be wondering about the title of this trip report. As I was pondering for an idea I thought about all that we did and the AP soft opening of the Finding Nemo ride was what really sticks out. Though the MNSSHP was a close second. I will be getting to all of that shortly but first let me explain a little more about this trip.

Though the timing of making the reservations for this trip was shorter than any other the anticipation of this trip was for me anyone stronger than any other trip since our first. There have just been so many pitfalls that my family has gone through lately that we needed something to look forward to and this trip was it. To be very honest I was almost sad that the time for the trip had come as I knew that it was a short trip and the anticipation and fun would be over all too soon.

Before I go any farther I need to introduce the cast members:

Mom – This is a wonder woman that more than keeps up with us and is the voice of sanity in commando touring plans. She had other plans though this trip that I would soon learn.

Stitch – My son age 13. He is very young for his age and has ADD but is the sweetest most caring child if I do say so myself. Named stitch as he is always talking and full of life.

Me – Fulltime a lot of things right now (accountant, MBA student, mother, daughter, fiancée – life can be very full). Self proclaimed trip commando.

The planning for this trip started on a weekend when the post Disney doldrums had set in fierce and nothing but the thought of planning the next trip could possibly help. At one point we even thought we might have a couple more family members going as they were too trying to get over their post Disney doldrums but alas that was not to happen.

One Wednesday the special sound that we all await for happened - the SWA Ding! This Ding found us airfare from STL to MCO for only $49 each way and the times were great. There was no way that we could turn this down so a few quick swipes on the keyboard later and the tickets were booked and the anticipation and planning began in earnest.

The all important make or break your vacation decision of where to stay was next up. The WL was our #1 pick and I spent many hours on the phone with CMs or on the Internet looking for room to open but it never did occur. Just as we were about to book AKL, I received a PM from a wonderful DVC member here on the DIS. We were offered the magical chance of staying in a 2-BDR at OKW as their trip was being cut short and it was going to be left empty. We jumped on this like a child after a Mickey bar and our plans were made.

Next since we were staying at OKW a rental car was a natural choice so I scoured the boards looking for deals and found a great one through Dollar.

Now if you by any chance have read my earlier trip report then you know that I have a tendency to be a bit of a trip commando. Okay a bit is an understatement but you get the idea. On this trip though my mom had requested no ADRs and no spreadsheets. Oh the horrors of an unplanned WDW trip but I did as she requested.

All was done but the waiting. Up next arrival day, MNSSHP, and a Clamshell report of Finding Nemo the AP soft entry.

 

[NAB]

No ADR's

Great start, now don't let us hang to long.......

How many days in total were you gone....it seemed very short.I was telling you to get packing.

 

[1000thhappyhaunt]

Beautiful.

Quiet.

Really nice resort.


You're right.

You DO need a car.

Even just to get to the main pool. With the waterslide.


Keep comin'.

Cheers, Mel.

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

Minnie - I found you!

As you already know, we love OKW!

And I'd love to get a DING sometime too!

Looking forward to more!

 

[GADISNEYGIRL]

Ready to hear about your very own Whirlwind Trip Minnie!

 

[Backstage_Gal]

Yikes Minnie,I you are already back? Looking forward to your report.
.

 

[Minniespal]

Excellent ~ Thanx for posting.

 

[Minnie]

Nab - I was very worried about the no ADR's but had no problems. We were even able to make an ADR for O'Hanas at the last minute. We were gone Wed-Sun (in WDW Thurs-Sat).

Mel - We ended up lucking out big time with Bld23 which was an amazing location. The pool and bus stop were about a 2min walk from our room Some of those other buildings though - ouch.

Yak - Is SWA in Canada? Our flight out of STL worked great as the flight was about 1/2 full. The one from MCO though was hell . I'll get to that in a bit.

Rhonda - Your "whirlwind" reports gave me the courage to give this quick trip a try. It worked out fabulously and I'd do it again in a heartbeat

Marita - Yep unfortunately I'm back already . It's cold in Iowa today so wishing I was still in Florida. Only 6 more weeks though

Minniespal - I remember you from my July trip report. Thanks for finding this one and posting

 

[Minnie]

As our flight left STL at 7:50 am we decided to book a park and fly and drive up the night before as the airport was about 3 hours from our home. The hotel was nothing to right home about but it was clean, comfortable, and had a free shuttle to the airport and included parking

The alarm went off very early the next morning and as I got to sleep with it was not a restful night. Let me give you a little background on . This child errr teenager can bend his body in ways that would make the professionals at Cirque du Solei jealous. He is never still even in sleep so I got a few bumps on bruises that night . In my head though were visions of that 2 BDR villa at OKW which I knew had count them 3 separate beds for all 3 of us

We got ready quickly and made the first shuttle to the airport by packing in like sardines. Thankfully we were the first stop and headed off to security. I was a touch worried about the timing here as it was on the news that morning that President Bush and the First Lady were coming to St. Louis that day. My worries were unfounded though as we zipped through easily. I didn’t even have to take my liquid bag out to be screened. The agent did ask about the “extra” bag I was holding but thankfully let us carry it on as was also allowed a bag. (This would be a major worry later in the trip but for now we were through with no checked luggage for this quick trip).

We found a quick breakfast and before long were in the “A” boarding line at SWA. Now if you all have never done this it is a unique experience. SWA has there version of the cattle call and you supposedly use the A, B, C pass to board the plane. Well they were not checking the passes whatsoever but thankfully the plane was not full and we found seats together. It was a quick and uneventful flight where I was able to complete my homework and forget about it for the rest of the trip. (I’m paying for that now but it was great then)

We arrived at MCO quickly and went straight to the rental car company. Now we may have paid a few dollars extra here but we have learned that renting at MCO is definitely the way to go when you’re in a hurry. We reserved a compact and were given a PT Cruiser. This ended up being the perfect size and we enjoyed this car. It is definitely though not for those with much luggage though.

I have to thank a Diser that led me to the directions on Mary’s site to OKW. We were at the gate to OKW quicker than I ever could have envisioned. Remember that Diser that I mentioned that gave us a great opportunity on the villa well we followed her directions to the letter and check in was a breeze THANK YOU!!!!!!

We followed the signs to our 2BR villa which was in building 23. This was the most fabulous location ever!!!! Far enough from the road that we heard no noise, steps away from the bus stop, and a quick walk to the pool and mercantile. I can’t say enough about this location it was truly a moment. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better though it did……..

Next up: OKW with pictures, lunch at Olivia’s, and MNSSHP – where did all these people come from?????

 

[Grammyof2]

Gotta love a SWA ding They have great airfares, but seem to crunch my wallet in other ways, like when I get to the destination

No ADR'S I seen to bemember this from before you left

 

[NAB]

Pictures everyone likes pictures....Can't wait to see.

 

[Minnie]

Grammy - Yep no ADRs but thankfully we did just fine

Nab - Pictures coming up next. Hope to have video to off the Nemo Ride soon.

 

[Minnie]

Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better though it did……..

We walked up the steps to our 2nd floor villa, opened the door to quite simply be amazed. We are used to the cramped but much loved rooms at the WL or even the room at the BC which we though was heavenly with the day bed so nothing really could prepare us for this.

The mousekeeper though was there trying to finish the villa for us though so we just took a quick peak and then went off in search of Olivia’s for lunch.

We took the 2 minute walk over to Olivia’s and were easily seated. I’ll do a restaurant review over on the dining board but I’ll just say the food was wonderful but the service was down right slow. I wouldn’t recommend it if your in a hurry.

We had just enough time for to take a quick dip in the pool so we walked the whole 2 minutes back over to the villa and marveled at all we discovered.

At first I tried to offer the master suite to my mom but she said that it would be better if I had it so I could do my homework and use the garden tub without interruption or keeping anyone else awake. I made some efforts of trying to offer it back but eventually was persuaded and moved in. Ahhhh I could have lived in this villa! Nice laundry rooms, Jacuzzi tub, 2 bedrooms, pull out sofa bed, and the view off the balcony.

View from balcony

Mom and I decided to change into our MNSSHP party clothes so only Stitch would have to get ready when we got back. We headed down to the pool area to see:

View of castle slide

All too soon according to it was time to go get ready for MNSSHP as I wanted to be there by 4pm to try to enjoy the park a little longer. We walked the 2 minutes over to the bus stop where we found we’d just missed the MK bus. As with the BC I found the OKW bus service lacking as MK really needs more busses as the travel time round trip really makes for long waits. Oh well we were in WDW so nothing it too bad.

Eventually the bus came we were off…. Not to WDW though but to the other 5 stops in OKW – that bld 23 was looking better and better 1st off and 1st on

We arrived at the MK and walked up to see the cool entry decorations. Things were looking up and we hoped the rest of MK would be as great. Here is where I have to stop and say something that may get me flamed….

The MK was just not as “decorated” as we’d hope it would be. At the MVMCP all of the MK seemed like it was Xmas. The decorations where beyond inspired and we felt a little bummed by the way the MK looked. It wasn’t as clean as we’ve normally seen it nor was the decorations up to par on what we’d come to expect. Oh well on with the party.

First up it was through the party only entrance where we immediately received our wristbands (no wait at all) and then we walked on through into the MK. As were walking to the hub we noticed the new castle show so we stopped to take a few pics:

Next up was the Pirates of the Carribean where I’d forgotten to try to get a good picture of “Cptn. Jack” last trip. This time though I succeeded and we got a little by the CM that suggested the left side with a wink which had us hopping on board with hardly no wait at all!

After this wanted to ride the carpets with Aladdin so mom to him there while I headed over for a dole whip. Which is the yummiest desert ever or at least until this point in the trip!

I got back just in time to see the look on Stitch's face when the automatic up to the sky occurred. It was priceless! We then headed over to the “Treehouse” which Stitch had never done before. He really enjoyed seeing how the running water pipes while I enjoyed the end of the darn steps. As we finished I told mom this isn’t what I remembered as a child and she told me then that what I remembered wasn’t even in WDW. Oh the memory of a child.

Much to my mom’s dismay the next place we wanted to go was across the park so we started hoofing it across to the park to Tomorrow Land where was about ready to escape – escape from the ride that is. You see my Stich has a scardy cat streak that he inherited from his mother quite honestly. However I do see it as my dutie to work on it as I can and that means riding a few rides outside his comfort zone so yes I’m one of those means moms that dragged her kid on a ride. Flame me now I’m ready. However as much as he disliked the ride the store and everything else was right up his alley. Go figure.

Next up though to make Stitch happy again we headed over to Buzz Lightyear. No FPs were needed here so we jumped in line and mom and Stitch battled it out. Next up was another of Stitch's favorites the “people mover.” After this “ride” if you can call it that we headed over to take a quick look at the raceway which also likes. Okay I just don’t get this one Stich has his own very expensive 4-wheeler at home that goes over 10x as fast as these little cars and a go-cart too so why is it that he feels the need to stand in line for this

 

[Minnie]

This was finally over and the party has started so we headed over to Toontown which had seen from the race track. Along the way I snapped this pic and then and I had our picture taken with Minnie (which as you can probably tell is my fave) .

Next up was an abbreviated trip through the trick or treat lane. After getting very claustrophobic I bargained with :Stitch: to buy him whatever candy he wanted at home if we could just get out of there.

By this time the villain show was getting ready to start so we headed up front to see it. I took several photos but non really that are worth sharing here. My camera takes very poor night pics of course that could just be me This was one of the better ones.

Soon after this it was time for the parade to start so we waited around for it. During this time mom and Stitch were able to snag a bench so we waited to watch the parade in comfort. During this time Stitch was looking a little flushed so I high tailed it over to Caseys to grab him a water. Trying to make it over there during this mess was like trying to drive during rush hour. Yikes!

Eventually I made it back to the bench in time to watch the parade and “try” to take more night pictures. Let’s just say they came out about as well as the others and move on……

We had quite a bit of time or so I though before Hallowishes so we headed towards the back of the castle to see if my fave store was still open but alas it was not. I was kind of bummed but it is something I will make up for next trip – that and getting a Mickey bar which I also forgot.

Along the way I was able to snap a picture of Cindy’s carriage Stich was no how no way getting his pic taken here. So we moved on to the Haunted Mansion only to find a line out to tim-buck-too.

Where in the h-e-double hockey sticks these people came from but it was packed in that area like sardines. It was definitely not what we’d expected going in. I really missed the light crowds at the MVMCP. See a pattern here?

We have this idea up and it was time for the start of Hallowwishes so we watched it from a roped off area behind the castle. While we felt part of the production I think we missed a lot by not watching it from the front of the castle. It was hard to watch it all and really see the shapes of the fireworks because we were so close.

After this was over mom decided it was time to eat. I’d drug them in a zig zag of that park long enough so we grabbed some grub and ate at Cosmic Rays. The food here actually wasn’t too bad but that could’ve been because we were so darn hungry. Mom and I split a double bacon cheeseburger which ended up being a great idea cause it was just enough food and had the single meal to himself. Worked about just about perfect.

Next up we decided to give shopping a try and worked our way through the shops. The headless horseman was going to come by again shortly and we had a great parade spot so we stopped to watch. I did get a neat video of the headless horseman and will try to figure out how to add that soon.

We finished our shopping and then headed out loaded down to the bus where we once again had just missed the bus. This would become a recurring theme through our trip.

Eventually we made it back to OKW and off to bed. I enjoyed the Jacuzzi tub and some peace on the balcony late at night before turning in.

Next up: We are ALL going to Epcot right????? And a photo & video tour of the new Finding Nemo ride.

 

[sheridac]

Hey Minnie!!!!

I didn't get to the Halloween party, but I agree with you that Christmas party ROCKS THE CASBAH!!!!

Loved your pics, esp. Johnny. Of which I did not get one decent one. Boo Hoo!!!!

 

[Grammyof2]

Minnie - The room looks awesome!!!! Sounds like a great choice.

Loved the pictures, even the night shots

I am with you on the amount of decorations. Not as much as I expected either

 

[NAB]

Hey I thought I was going to see a picture of you with Minnie.

Still got to see pics so I guess the will have to do. Can't wait to see more.

The villa sounds great and the view.

Thanks for sharing Minnie.

 

[NAB]

Just bumping you back up ......

Waiting to here about Nemo.

 

[Minnie_Moo]

Nice trippie so far, my Minnie sis! Did you put some pics up, then take them down? Just curious.

Great castle show and Depp shots!

 

[kpk89]

Hey Minnie!
I've never been to MNSSHP so I am sooo glad to hear your take on it. Video of Headless Horseman? Coming right up? Yes? (Pretty please?) That is very cool that you got to stay at OKW, too. It's such a pretty resort. I don't care what anybody says.

Looking forward to hearing about Finding Nemo!