A Girl's Trip Becomes So Much More! My Trip Report is Posted!! 6.8.11

[pinkxray]

Sorry to hear about the awful weather that started the New Year and the loss of power.

The pictures from 85 are great! Thanks for sharing. I am thinking my first trip would have been in 85 or 86 but unfortunately my mom was awful with storing pictures and I can only seem to find 2 from that trip which I think somehow landed in my sister's hands.

 

[TinksThree]

Boy did I get behind. Loved the memories of your first trip. Your dad showing you the castle cracked me up. I'm glad its a good memory for you, but we were speaking with a guy one time that told us his dad drove them to WDW, into the parking lot and said "You've been to WDW" and then drove off. Glad your Dad had good thoughts when he did it.

My husband had been to WDW when he was younger and when I was planning our first trip as a family, he was all excited about 20,000 Leagues Beneath the Sea. Then I found a website discussing rides that had closed...hubby wasn't too happy and still complains about it not being there.

Your ADR's look great. 50's Primetime is a favorite of ours. Haven't done the HDDR, but while I was drinking around Epcot last October, the rest of the Dis'ers I was with went to HDDR and had a great time. Most had been before.

And you didn't point out one important item about staying at POFQ when you are...the refurb should be done by then (or I would think it would be) so nice new rooms. Hoping to get a refurbed room when we go in a couple of weeks. Actually, that may be part of the reason POR will be full, it is suppose to be next for the refurbishment.

And glad you were ok after those storms. When I first read that statement, I had to look to see where you live again because I had heard the news on how bad those storms were.

Hope you got all the decorations undone, and Happy New Year.

I am glad you enjoyed my memories! I think my dad must have handled it really well, or else we already knew when we were returning. But I do know it was a good memory! That would be cruel to do that to a kid as if that was the trip to WDW!

I am super excited about HDDR. All I have heard are good things and how could I forget about the refurbs at POFQ! I saw a picture someone took of an almost completed room and it looked pretty nice! Queen beds I think. I also read on the POR/POFQ "official" web site that they are beginning the refurb on POR April 2011 so that very well could be why the rooms booked so quickly.

It is scary being that close to a tornado! I have only been close to one 2 other times in my life....and it isn't something I like repeating! And all decorations are down....a distant memory now!

Yikes! I can't believe the tornadoes got so close to you! The closest one to us was 12 miles away. It still set off my weather radio at 4 AM.

I love the pictures from 1985. You have so many more than I do from my early trips. I can't wait to see the ones from Epcot.

The 80s clothes just makes me . I love the knee socks on that kid in the picture with Goofy!

12 miles is too close for me too! Those weather radio are so good to have. around here it seems like we always get bad weather in the middle of the night.

Glad you enjoyed the pictures! The clothes have me also! And the glasses were terrible. My mom said she looked like she had two big bugs on her face. What a sad style! I hope to post Epcot tonight.

Sorry to hear about the awful weather that started the New Year and the loss of power.

The pictures from 85 are great! Thanks for sharing. I am thinking my first trip would have been in 85 or 86 but unfortunately my mom was awful with storing pictures and I can only seem to find 2 from that trip which I think somehow landed in my sister's hands.

I had just gotten the camera and so it was definitely a novelty to me and as soon as they were printed I put them in an album. Otherwise I probably would not have as many or have them so easily accessible! I became a picture taking freak around this time and still love taking pictures. Keith always rolls his eyes and asks how many pictures are needed of the same thing!

 

[TinksThree]

When we went to Epcot it was a whole different experience! I honestly do not remember World Showcase that much except that I got motion sick in the movies for Canada and China. I also vaguely remember the boat ride through Mexico. What I do remember on the boat ride was the restaurant. In my pre-teen mind that was the most romantic and coolest place ever to eat!! I made a promise I would return and eat there when I grew up!! When I planned our trip in 2009, I knew without a doubt that I would be eating at San Angel Inn!

World Showcase pictures:
Mexico:

China:

Germany:

Japan:

France:

I think this is in England. It is sort of blurry so I am guessing here:

With Epcot my most vivid memories reside in Future World. And sadly, the things I remember most will have to always reside in my memories or else watching You Tube! I am so thankful for You Tube to help me “remember”!!

I used to think that there were dinosaurs in the big ball…now I know that what I am remembering is Universe of Energy. I have not gone back to Universe of Energy but it is on the plans for this trip!!

Horizons: I thought this was so cool…especially the part where they were “living” in space. I so easily imagined what it would be like living in outer space. I like Mission Space okay but there is just something about this old attraction!

World of Motion: The funny thing I remember here was when we were exiting the pavilion GM had a card you could complete and they would mail you a travel guide book for the US. I wonder why this was all I remember??

Wonders of Life: Cranium Command, Body Wars, Kitchen Kabaret and Food Rocks: I very well remember the singing fruits and veggies. And I think I left it thinking “That was so corny!!”

The rainbow tunnel at Journey into Imagination is the one thing I wish they would bring back the most! It might not live up to my memories but I thought it was so cool!!

And finally, I am assuming in Communicore is where I talked with a robot…which actually responded(!) and designed my own roller coaster…which failed every safety test given!!

Well, those are my vague memories of my 1st trip to WDW in 1985! Some memories are much more vivid than others. We left and I did not return for 14years when I took my little girl to Disney World!!

 

[TinksThree]

My decision to go to Disney World in 1999 was a fluke. It came from nowhere really and developed into a full-fledged plan within days!! For this trip it was me, Madison who was 3 ½ at the time, my Mom and my Dad. Since Madison was so young I decided not to do Epcot at all. Animal Kingdom had recently opened and I thought it was just another zoo type attraction. So we planned a day at Magic Kingdom and then Silver Springs in Ocala on our way home. In 1985 we had gone to Silver Springs after our WDW days and I wanted to take Madison there as well!

This trip was in October….October 8 to be exact! We left on my birthday (Oct. 6) and drove to my sister’s house in Pensacola. I was sick that day with allergies or a cold so I slept the whole way trying to make myself better for my little girl’s big day! We never told Madison where she was going until the morning of October 8 when she woke up. I would have had to answer “Is it today?” constantly and thought a surprise would be fun!!

Our day at Magic Kingdom was all about Madison and her having a fun day! As I look back on these pictures, I remember what a great time she had and she actually remembers some of the trip…although I think the pictures help keep that memory alive!

Madison’s ticket for the day!

I thought the price for one day was very interesting!! I know it has been 11 years but what an increase!!

I had purchased a guide book and had several things as “musts”. For instance I knew to be at the park 45 minutes to an hour early and to head directly to Dumbo to avoid long lines. Well, I am unsure when we made it to the park entrance but we had plenty of time! Madison was beyond excited!! We were pretty close to the front and had a great view for the Welcome Ceremony (which I love!!)

We entered the park and first stop was the emporium for the most important autograph book and Mickey ears! As we exited the Emporium, there stood Twiddle Dee or Twiddle Dum but we had no idea who he was! So Madison got her first autograph of (to us) an unknown)!!

Then about that time Pluto came out onboard the fire truck! This was the
1st highlight of our trip! We got in line and managed to get a ride around the square! Madison even rode in Pluto’s lap!!

We stopped for the "required" castle picture:

And It was then time to make our way to Dumbo!

And then we went off to Fantasyland. Even though we had not rushed to Dumbo, the line was not a long wait and soon we were riding!

Then we enjoyed some of the other Fantasyland rides:

Winnie-the-Pooh

The Carousel

It’s A Small World

We rode everything in Fantasyland. And Madison got to see Ariel which was at the time her favorite princess.

Madison and Ariel

Madison played in the fountains while we waited for Ariel.

This was a long wait…probably close to an hour! It also was an off and on rainy day. Due to the rain the afternoon parade was cancelled as well as the fireworks….well they shot some but not the whole show.

We also enjoyed Tomorrowland. Madison was ecstatic when Buzz Lightyear saw her and waved.

We rode the Astro Orbitor which scared my mom but Madison handled like a champ!! We also took advantage of the Speedway during a rain shower….everyone disappeared so this allowed some short lines for a few other rides also!!

We went into a gift shop to purchase some ponchos and Madison took a break in a Mickey blow-up chair.

I think we may have jumped around a little because I recall that we walked to Frontierland and Adventureland. The only things we did over there was POTC, Jungle Cruise and the Swiss Family Tree House.

After POTC Madison tried out playing a pirate!

Heading to the Tree House

I also know that Peter Pan was in the afternoon because this was the longest ride line and it allowed Madison to grab a 30 – 45 minute nap, which was perfect.

Continued in the next post.....

 

[TinksThree]

continued from previous post....

And finally we headed over to Toontown which we spent a lot of time in!

Madison loved Minnie’s house and played here for quite some time!!

And Mickey's backyard:

We went to the Judge’s Tent and saw Mickey:

And Minnie, who won Madison’s heart! Madison asked me while we were waiting why the characters could not talk. Minnie explained in Madison’s autograph book stating: “We have such soft voices that we must save them for our cartoon shows. So we are not able to talk when we are not ‘working’!” It was a really sweet moment and this Minnie was awesome!

As you can tell by Madison’s face:

Somewhere in the Judge's Tent Madison took a little break:

And we also saw Pluto here.

As we were leaving Pluto entered the hallway through a side door and saw Madison. He took her hand and they walked out together. This is still one of my favorite memories!!

And how could I forget Goofy’s Barnstormer! Madison loved riding this and rode several times that day! She even made a comment that to this day is used in our family! My mom doesn’t really care for rides…never has. But on this trip she rode many things to share the time with Madison. After the first ride on Barnstormer Madison said, “Nanie held on fa deah wife!!!” It was precious and a great moment. Plus DM said she really was holding on for dear life!! Even on Barnstormer!!

Also in Toontown: The truck picture

We spent the entire day at Magic Kingdom and left shortly after the fireworks show along with the masses! What a wonderful experience we had and memories were made that I will always treasure. I can barely believe she will be 15 in less than one month!!

 

[ksl5f123]

The World Showcase pretty much looks exactly like your 1985 pictures. You would think they would have at least repainted with some different colors in 25 years.

I really miss the "old" Futureworld too. Horizons was great! I don't remember a travel guide from World of Motion, just the slow moving cars.

Oooooh! The rainbow tunnel!!! I loved that!

Madison looks so cute in those pictures from 1999. I love the picture of her on Barnstormer with her arms up! Can you believe that I never realized you were allowed to touch things in Mickey & Minnie's houses? I guess I am brainwashed by all the museums my parents took me to growing up?

 

[TinksThree]

The World Showcase pretty much looks exactly like your 1985 pictures. You would think they would have at least repainted with some different colors in 25 years.

Madison looks so cute in those pictures from 1999. I love the picture of her on Barnstormer with her arms up! Can you believe that I never realized you were allowed to touch things in Mickey & Minnie's houses? I guess I am brainwashed by all the museums my parents took me to growing up?

I thought the same thing about the World Showcase! If my pictures were better, I think I could really complare the "then" and "now" pictures and it would be hard to determine which is which!

That picture of Madison on Barnstormer is my screen saver right now and I keep looking at it thinking "What happened to my little girl!". Everyone says it goes by in a blink....I just never believed them!!

I know what you mean by the museums and not touching! I set an alarm off one time at the White House... I really am going to miss those Toontown houses!

 

[TinksThree]

I always do this....I have my plans and then I begin to 2nd guess myself!! Do we really want to do this or try this one? So now I am having 2nd thoughts on my ADRs! In talking with Madison and DM we have decided with boys along for the trip maybe we should drop Akershus. A bunch of princesses may be better left for a true "girl's trip" plus we already have 1900 Park Fare (which ranks higher on my to-do list!).

Thus my dilemma!! We have been looking at two replacement possibilties: Coral Reef or Kouzzina.

We have been to Coral Reef before and it was pretty good but I remember not being wowwed by the service. DM loves Food Network and I think that may be the attraction to Kouzzina since it is Cat Cora's restaurant. Surprisingly, Madison has chosen Kouzzina and I am reading reviews and menus which makes me bounce back and forth.

What to do, what to do??? I need to decide soon so I can make any ADR changes. Of course if reservations aren't available, then all of this is a mute point anyway!!

 

[creativeamanda]

Joining in! I love the pictures from your previous trips. I so wish I had gotten the chance to go to Disney when I was younger!

Let me add in my 0.02 about Kouzzina versus Coral Reef. First of all, at this point it will be hard to get an ADR at Coral Reef. I probably would try for Kouzzina. It's an easy place to get reservations and one of my very best friends said that it's the best place she's been on site.

 

[TinksThree]

Joining in! I love the pictures from your previous trips. I so wish I had gotten the chance to go to Disney when I was younger!

Let me add in my 0.02 about Kouzzina versus Coral Reef. First of all, at this point it will be hard to get an ADR at Coral Reef. I probably would try for Kouzzina. It's an easy place to get reservations and one of my very best friends said that it's the best place she's been on site.

Welcome! I am so glad to have you reading along! There seems to be a lot of "readers" and few "posters"! I loved looking back at the pictures as I posted! Such good memories!!

Availability is what I am afraid of! I was making my original ADRs as soon as I could plus with it being free dining! I am glad to hear a positive on Kouzzina. I may check online and see what is available...that may make my decision for me!

 

[creativeamanda]

Good luck with finding availability. I found availability for Ohana last night, so there is hope!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

OMGOSH, I made it, and this is such an awesome treat!! I am love-love-loving your back-in-time pics...too much to exclaim over, but I will say the Pluto-Madison holding hands pic was over the top...!

That is SO FUNNY that you started out with a girls' trip and ended up with just about everyone!! My family, initially really happy with my going all by myself to see my BFF in February and "tour the World", is beginning to have some 2nd thoughts... if it weren't for the fact that I, by myself, am managing to go so cheaply, they would already be trying to book themselves along.

It's sad, really, because most of all, you want your family to go and be happy with you. We have an RCI timeshare week that we need to use, and I tried to find them some place to go during that time...and their hearts just aren't in it.

Even if you can't get everything in that you want to due to time/availability constraints, you are blessed to get to spend this time with them again.

(I think hubby has a secret love of WDW...)

 

[TinksThree]

OMGOSH, I made it, and this is such an awesome treat!! I am love-love-loving your back-in-time pics...too much to exclaim over, but I will say the Pluto-Madison holding hands pic was over the top...!

That is SO FUNNY that you started out with a girls' trip and ended up with just about everyone!! My family, initially really happy with my going all by myself to see my BFF in February and "tour the World", is beginning to have some 2nd thoughts... if it weren't for the fact that I, by myself, am managing to go so cheaply, they would already be trying to book themselves along.

It's sad, really, because most of all, you want your family to go and be happy with you. We have an RCI timeshare week that we need to use, and I tried to find them some place to go during that time...and their hearts just aren't in it.

Even if you can't get everything in that you want to due to time/availability constraints, you are blessed to get to spend this time with them again.

(I think hubby has a secret love of WDW...)

Yay!! Glad you found me! I was really surprised that DH decided to join us. I am only hoping that the holiday doesn't mess things up due to his job! He really doesn't roll his eyes like he used to when Dsney plans are mentioned, so maybe he sees what I tried tellling him!

I know what you mean by going on a trip and leaving loved ones behind! We missed Keith on our Spring Break trip in 2009. And I took a trip with some girl friends to Asheville NC one Spring Break. Of course I had fun but it just wasn't the same!

I am glad you enjoyed my little walk down memory lane! It was fun looking back. I just love the picture of Madison and Pluto too!

 

[TinksThree]

Well, after much discussion and too much thinking, we decided we would try Kouzzina. Madison liked the idea that we had never been there before and I think she also thinks it is a way to go to Boardwalk which is one of her favorite resorts. DM is pretty open to whatever. I think she likes just goign along for the ride and not having to plan too much!! She does like the fact that it is Cat Cora's restaurant and she is a Mississippi native!

So, we made the decision but then the next question and potential obstacle: would there be availability when we needed reeservations?

The simple answer is yes!! But I did have to do a littel rearranging of other ADRs we made. I had to switch around our 2 Epcot days and move San Angel Inn to lunch since Kouzzina is only open for breakfast and dinner.

Our new ADR list looks like this!
Friday: lunch at Crystal Palace
Saturday: supper at 1900 Park Fare
Sunday: lunch at San Angel Inn (switch from Wednesday supper)
supper at Kouzzina (addition and Akershus on Sunday is
now cancelled)
Monday: lunch at 50's Primetime Cafe
Tuesday: breakfast at Tusker House
5pm HDDMR dinner show
Wednesday: supper at Le Chefs de France (was supper on Sunday)
I plan on this being my final answer! I have made a decision and need to stick with it!! So now I can focus on my daily plans!!

I love that my ticker is getting closer and closer!!! I have friends going between now and when we leave and I just keep thinking "But I will be there soon myself!"

 

[creativeamanda]

\Our new ADR list looks like this!
Friday: lunch at Crystal Palace
Saturday: supper at 1900 Park Fare
Sunday: lunch at San Angel Inn (switch from Wednesday supper)
supper at Kouzzina (addition and Akershus on Sunday is
now cancelled)
Monday: lunch at 50's Primetime Cafe
Tuesday: breakfast at Tusker House
5pm HDDMR dinner show
Wednesday: supper at Le Chefs de France (was supper on Sunday)

First of all, good luck with this being the final answer! I have a hard time deciding myself, and I don't know what my final lineup will be!

As far as your ADRs go--
Crystal Palace is one of our favorites. I personally prefer supper to lunch, but lunch is still good.
1900 Park Fare is really not a fave of mine, but my kids loved it, so it's a good choice.
Chefs de France is one of our favorites!
I haven't tried any of the other places, so I really cannot comment on them.

Looks good. Sometime I'll have to post our lineup!

 

[TinksThree]

First of all, good luck with this being the final answer! I have a hard time deciding myself, and I don't know what my final lineup will be!

As far as your ADRs go--
Crystal Palace is one of our favorites. I personally prefer supper to lunch, but lunch is still good.
1900 Park Fare is really not a fave of mine, but my kids loved it, so it's a good choice.
Chefs de France is one of our favorites!
I haven't tried any of the other places, so I really cannot comment on them.

Looks good. Sometime I'll have to post our lineup!

Thanks for the good luck wish! I am trying to be optimistic! I tend to change even when we get to Disney so deep down I know that other changes may be on the horizon!

I am glad to hear positive notes on Chefs de France! I hear so many negatives that I have been slightly concerned but it is one restaurant I really want to experience! Both Crystal Palace and 1900 Park Fare are new to us. 1900 PF is planned mstly for the characters since they are favorites of my mom. I did not realize there was much of a difference at CP between lunch and dinner!

 

[pinkxray]

Your line up looks great! I am trying so hard to fit in HDDR but I can't find a spot. I could cancel Ohana but I just don't know if I can give up the bread pudding.

Kouzzina looks different. I want to try breakfast first. We are kind of picky eaters so I'm not sure I'd like it. I can't wait to hear what you think of it. I really want to check out BW. I have never seen any of the EPCOT resorts in person.

 

[ksl5f123]

I am happy that you made a decision. Kouzzina gets mixed reviews which we all know on the DIS means absolutely nothing. I think the menu looks interesting. I am looking forward to hearing about how you like it.

Your ADRs look like a nice variety of food. You certainly won't be eating the same stuff everyday!

 

[TinksThree]

Your line up looks great! I am trying so hard to fit in HDDR but I can't find a spot. I could cancel Ohana but I just don't know if I can give up the bread pudding.

Kouzzina looks different. I want to try breakfast first. We are kind of picky eaters so I'm not sure I'd like it. I can't wait to hear what you think of it. I really want to check out BW. I have never seen any of the EPCOT resorts in person.

I was just on your PTR...maybe you could fit in HDDR now? I forgot all about Ohana! That one is one my to-do list for the next trip! I am glad I forgot about that bread pudding until now!! We loved the breakfast at Ohana!

We tend to like experimenting with food so hopefully we will be pleased with Kouzzina! We really like BW...there is just something about it. Beach Club/Yacht Club I want to check out since the pictures seem so awesome!!

I am happy that you made a decision. Kouzzina gets mixed reviews which we all know on the DIS means absolutely nothing. I think the menu looks interesting. I am looking forward to hearing about how you like it.

Your ADRs look like a nice variety of food. You certainly won't be eating the same stuff everyday!

The mixed reviews on all several of my choices have had me slightly concerned. I like to form my own opinions but I hate to waste a good table service meal on a bad experience!

Last year I wound up with a lot of breakfast ADRs and the food was all the same, so I aimed at not doing breakfast this time around. Well, I do have Tusker House but that Jungle Juice is divine and it isn't having breakfast but every ADR a breakfast!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I'm here! I know I'm late to the party but I've read every installment and am all caught up. I loved your trips down memory lane.

Keep a watch on my trip report because I have a HDDR installment coming up very soon.