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

[NAB]

Minnie where are you .......

Finding us a pic of you....okay any pics will do.




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[Lauralee131]

Hey Minnie...off to a great start - I'm hooked already! I've got my popcorn ready and it's going down fast...Please, please, please don't make me eat a 2nd bag waiting!!!!

 

[scrap4u]

Hi Minnie! So glad to see you back again with another great trip report!

We did MNSSHP on 9/15 and really enjoyed it. It was our first time so we didn't have anything to compare it too. I tried to get a picture of the headless horseman as he raced by but another person leaned out in front of me to try and get his own picture and all I got was the back of this guys head! He completely blocked out the horseman! Oh well. Can't wait to see your video.

Keep it coming.

 

[Minnie]

Grammy – we were very happy with the whole renting experience!

Nab – I’m sorry but my family has asked that no pictures of us be posted. Thanks for the bump!

Cheryl – Thanks for posting on my trippie! DF loved the Depp photo maybe I’ll get him to WDW yet!

Kim – The Headless Horeman and Nemo videos are coming up next!

Lauralee – Wow thanks for posting what a compliment!

Scrap4u – Oh how neat that you came and found me again! Bummer on that photo op people can be so rude. My video isn’t the best and I didn’t even have my camera out for the 2nd parade when I had an upfront close pic opportunity but at least I have this much.

Vidoes of Headless Horseman and Nemo coming up next!

 

[Minnie]

As promised from earlier here is the Headless Horseman video. The HH appears towards the end (it gets lighter or reddish and then he goes by).

I consider this a better than nothing video. It was taken with my digicamera and is not up to snuff

(If you click on the picture it will take you to the video)

 

[scrap4u]

Thank you Minnie! That was great! Even just listening to the music and the announcer was great and brought back some great memories for me. Thanks for sharing it!

 

[horsegirl]

Okay so that was cool Minnie! Of course a Horsey would come looking for a fellow equine, but I was heading over here anyway. Loved that the HH was galloping by to the tune of "Ride of the Valkyries"! Awesome!

Love your pix. Love the ding, love OKW. Bldg 23 was quite the score! A free 2br villa no less! Yowza!

You go girl!

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

Hey Minnie!

Great report and pictures!

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.

No SWA doesn't fly from Toronto (not to MCO anyway) but we can easily get to Buffalo. They have daily non-stops to MCO, so I'm always watching the DING's!

 

[Minnie]

Scrap4u – Since it’s a digital camera it is real difficult to get a steady picture so the quality is pretty poor but I love watching it. Makes me feel like I’m there.

Horsegirl – I so wish I’d had my camera out for the 2nd parade. I stepped out of a store on Main Street just in time for an up close view. The size of that horse is something else. If I had to guess due to size & color I’d say possible Fresian but I’m not certain. Oh and the OKW villa wasn’t free but the DVC member gave us a great deal!

Yak – I’ve seen Dings for Buffalo many of times! Hope you score a great one!

 

[Minnie]

The morning came bright and early as mom woke me up as she knew I wouldn’t want to spend the morning in bed on our only full day in the “world.” And yes I have to admit my mom was right about this one.

I got ready and then told Stitch if he was going to Epcot today to hurry getting ready himself. Now as a little aside has anyone else discovered that there seems to be a bit of magic built into the Disney beds that send normally “don’t make me tell you one more time” talks into “your already ready?” Well it happened just like that.

Before Stitch came out mom and I had this conversation:

Me – “So are you ready to go to Epcot?”
Mom with a look of are you nuts – “Nope I’m spending the day right here.”
Me – “Are you serious????????”
Mom – “Absolutely! You too will get through it faster without me.”
Me – “That’s not true or the point.”
Mom - “I’ll go if you really want me too.”
Me – “But you don’t really want to right?”

At this point it was clear that Mom really was spending her only full day at the “World” out of the parks. Now as a “reformed” trip commando I have to admit I felt a little “off-kilter” cause who would want to miss out on Epcot to stay at the resort refrain kept going through me head but I eventually went along with it.

Stitch and I quickly ate breakfast (rolls and donut holes from the marketplace) yes I know but we are on vacation!

Then after one last chance to mom to go with us Stitch and I headed for the bus stop. There were a few others waiting so our chances seemed a little better for a quicker bus than the “fun” of the night before and it wasn’t long before we loaded on the bus. Stitch had fun talking with the bus driver who announced to the bus “mom you don’t have to shush him we like to talk.” After that it was a free for all between the too and I’m sure it was one of Stitch’s favorite “rides.” Eventually the “ride” ended and we were at Epcot. Stitch said his good byes and we walked to the entrance where we saw………

Lines out the ying yang. What is up with these crowds for goodness sake – people this is October not July! We eventually made it through and though I intended to let Stitch lead the day I did mention that we needed to grab FP’s for Soaring if he wanted to ride. He said he did so we quickly made our way there and found return times for nearly 3 hours later – ouch! The lines were already at 60 minutes though so we were thankful for any FPs left at all even though it was still morning.

Next up on Stitch’s list was of course the Living Seas which he could spend days in without ever getting tired of. On the way to the entrance I noticed a line of people so we wondered over to take a look. On the way there though we were stopped by a CM parading by with a group of people – a wedding party heading to the Coral Reef restaurant. It looked like a very formal affair and I so wished that the bride was able to wear her gown into the park but as that is not allowed it was still very pretty.

Okay on the find out what that line is for – and then it hit me it was the new Nemo Ride which was open to AP and DVC members only that day as it was the very first day it was open! I looked at the line and asked Stitch if he wanted to wait – normally we don’t do long lines – but for this one he wanted to do it so we joined in.

Sorry I've gotta go. I'll be back soon though with pics, video, and thoughts on our experience with "Finding Nemo."

 

[Minnie]

Now remember this as it will be important later – there were several CMs walking down the line reminding guests to please have their passes out as they would need to have them checked to enter the ride – this is all that was said though. Major error but we’re getting there.

Of course there was also a couple CMs turning away the disappointed people with no passes too. And CMs doing the pass check.

I snagged this pic before we entered the cue area:

We then entered the old cue area of the Living Seas. Okay now I know this is only a “soft opening” but I sure the heck hope Disney isn’t done with this cause to be honest it bit the big one. Very plain basically just the old cue area with all the neat diving stuff gone. Then when you finally get past this you enter another cue area where the hand rails are really cool – looks and feels like metal that has been under the water for years and years and it is darker with a ceiling that is to portray being “Under the Sea” with schools of fish and an old boat

Pic of what you see of the boat:

Finally you enter the loading area – think Buzz Light-year with Clam Shells instead. Thankfully as this loads continuously the line moves fast!

Pic of the ride vehicle:

Now here is where the CMs that I mentioned early become important. The guy next to me in line snapped a pic of the ride vehicle using a flash camera. The CM at the control counter screamed – and I do mean SCREAMED!!!!!!!! At the poor guy for using a flash camera. No where no way did anyone ever state no flash allowed nor where there any signs. I called another CM over at that moment and spoke my displeasure with that CM as she was so rude! The CM said they were having horrible problems with people using flash cameras and I stated that no one said a word to that point and there were no signs. She said they were still working on that. Now we all know how many people work at WDW – and they are trying to say no one had time to stick up a sign at the beginning of the cue of have the CMs so concerned with telling everyone to have their stupid ticket out to say “no flash photography????????”

The nasty rude CM got right in people’s faces as they boarded and nastily stated “NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY!!!!!!!!” Sheesh woman I think they get the point without being such a well you know what.

We entered the ride and nope no flash photography used but I did snap these pictures and video with no flash which is allowed or was at the time we were there:

(Click on the picture to start the video)

Now what you can't see in this video is that in with the "characters" are actual fish in one of the huge aquariums which is cool.

To be honest this ride is just ok to me a little on the lame side. I really think Disney could have done so much more than what they did. Stitch loved it and it is geared towards children and the end (section with the video) with the characters swimming in the real aquarium is neat but overall just ok. Not as bad as the Stitch Ride but not as good as nearly any other in the park.

I was going to say something later about the “screaming CM” to a CM at the end that asked us about the ride but Stitch was in a hurry to go to the manta ray tanks so I let it go

Up next the rest of and I's day at Epcot.

 

[NAB]

Thanks Minnie for that little insight of the new ride.

I didn't know you couldn't wear a wedding dress in the park, don't really know much about the dress code at all. Since I prefer shorts and t-shirt. Jeans and a sweater if I really have too because I go there for the warm weather usually.

Can't wait to here how the rest of the trip went.

 

[Minnie]

Nab - Thanks for reading and posting

I could just kick myself now for not video taping the whole ride as the "shark section" could have helped a few with questions on it.

 

[Minnie]

Stitch and I spent quite a bit of time in the aquarium area as it is his favorite and heard more than 1 CM having to tell disappointed guests that the Nemo ride wouldn’t be open to the next day. Hmmm that’s news cause I read on the Dis before we left that it was pass holder only event for 3 days but okie dokie.

Next Stitch and I headed for Test Track for fast passes. The return times for this was 3 hours out to long past when I planned to be out of the park and Stitch noticed the single rider line was only 10 minutes so we hopped in it. We got some PD when the CM motioned us as the last 2 into the “chamber” which speeded up our wait a lot. We were able to ride together as a family of 4 were up next. They’d waited the 60 minutes and wanted to know about the single rider line. They had 2 very young children so I told them to ask the CM but I doubted it would work for them until the children were older as they have to be able to ride alone

After this Stitch wanted to ride MS so we wondered over and grabbed FPs which were only 30 minutes out. Long enough time to by some shades, water, and Motrin which my head was screaming for

We walked back over to MS and I walked with him up to the point of entering the ride vehicle then walked on out to take a seat in the arcade area. Stitch did the “spinning side” which is his fave and he was done so we headed on out.

It was time to go Soaring over California so we walked back across the park to the Land pavilion. Yes I know we did a lot of zig zagging but it kept the wait times down which helps a lot when you have a Stitch and a trip commando

I gave mom and call and asked if she wanted to meet for lunch or if we should find something and she said she was fine on her own so we wondered over to the “countries” where the Wine & Food Festival was taking place. We walked over to the Margarita stand in Mexico as I figured I’d earned an adult drink at this point. I ended up with a Strawberry/Mango w/sugar on the rim and felt more relaxed than ever the rest of the afternoon!

The only other place I really wanted to see here was France for the pastry shop so we took the boat over to France. After getting off we saw the France F&W entry and they had chocolate crème brulle so we stopped for that as well. A perfect $3 treat if I do say so myself!

As we finished I noticed Aurora with hardly any wait for pictures. Stitch wanted no part of this but I convinced him that I “knew” a little boy that loved Aurora and that I’d love to get to tell that we met Aurora! As my Stitch has a heart of gold he fell for this hook line and sinker and I got a great picture with him and Aurora. (Mark & Rhonda – let Wesley know that my Stitch liked meeting her!). After Aurora called him Prince he did a courtly bow to her that had her giggling and curtsying back – what a moment – drat I missed that photo op but I still smile when I think of it!

Next up was Beauty and the Beast in the shade tree corner which are my personal faves well other than (Minnie) so we waited in line and took another great photo.

Okay let me share something. My family has asked that I not share photos with any of us in it and I respect their wishes so I can’t post those pictures. Thanks for understanding!

Next up was the pastry shop where I ordered to go way more than we’d ever eat. We also got a ham/cheese crescent to share for lunch. I’d offered to stop anywhere Stitch wanted for lunch but he was ready to go to the pool so this was right up his alley. We split the sandwich walking back to the front of Epcot.

We went into the “Art of Disney” to look for a few photos that I’d had my eye on but didn’t buy the last trip. After quickly acquiring them we headed for the bus stop.

I got to say everyone. This is really what Disney is about. Stitch and I spent the day together laughing and enjoying the stress free time. He’s already 13 and I know these moments are far and few so it means all the much more to make sure to take and savor them whenever I can

Next up: A magical evening with the cousins at O’Hanas!

 

[NAB]

That is what family time is all about. Glad you got to make great memories. Kids grow up so fast. I stay that to my kids all the time. When did you get so big or smart. Makes you feel old too.

I understand about the pictures Minnie. I took my down after time too.

I ready for more Magic......

 

[scrap4u]

Another great installment Minnie. I really enjoyed reading about your day with Stitch. Keep up the good work.

 

[Backstage_Gal]

Minnie, I agree that Nemo was lame. I did not even notice the real fish in the tank. And that que line was endless and not very entertaining, I thought, although it appears I missed some things, as I was rushing through at the time.

Thanks for your story, glad you and stitch had a good time!

 

[Grammyof2]

All caught up. The videos are great. My DGD loves to watch them.

And no pics of you make me said, but that is OK. I am sure you all look exactly like the picture in my head

 

[Smileybug]

Minnie, I've really enjoyed reading your trip report. I'm glad you had such a great time with your son. Those kids of moments are priceless!!

 

[sheridac]

Minnie!!!!!!!!!!!!

Caught up!!! And. I must say. I LOVE feeling "Off Kilter" when I'm at Epicot!!!!