A Guide to Taking it Easy at WDW. Oct 2014 Mother/Daughter Trip Updated 3/6x2 The End!

[missangelalexis]

What a cool magic shot!!

Wow, good call on getting that FP+! Glad you both enjoyed it.

I love the glow in the dark shirt you bought, so cute!

Glad dinner at WPE was so enjoyable.

What an adorable Vera Bradley bag!! Great purchase.

Sorry about the mishap at the end of the night

 

[rteetz]

Great magic shot! We had one with Sven in July.

We also spent a lot of time in the marketplace co-op. My favorite section was the one with the home goods and I ended up buying the try the grey stuff plate. I almost bought the dole whip dish as well.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

So THAT'S where the Ann/Elsa Magic Shot was. I saw the setup but didn't know at the time it was set for that. Bummer. Oh well, I can make one if I want to I suppose...

Do you remember if they were giving away the passes for the Sing-A-Long as well. Honestly, this was the weirdest setup I'd seen. When I was there they had one line for FP, one for the passes, and then standby. People were so confused, lol.

Your pictures are WAY better than mine. And LUCKY that you actually had people singing a-long. My crowd stunk.

Cupcakes...way too big... BLASPHEMY!!!

Ooooh I like that Glow in the Dark shirt!!!!

Ahh, we all make mistakes Arianna. And frankly, Disney changes things so much there's no way to keep up on it all.

 

[Chicago Mo]

SHOPPING!!!!! And CUPCAKES! this is by far my favorite post! HA HA HA

Ohhh that Peanut Butter cupcake is HEAVEN! your right they are HUGE! i shared mine with the kids and we still had some left over! Tom had the chocolate one and threw half his away.

HS is my favorite shopping! I almost bought that Glow Castle- i was going back and forth over and over finally i think i bought a hoodie instead! LOL

another i never had- Mr. Pucks. Another on the bucket list!

Did you see there is a pet/dog store in DTD now? FINALLY!
TAKE PICTURES when you go please!!!!!

Sven is still my favorite.. Such a silly puppy.

Frozen... What can i say. it IS a great movie. Great music.. Yet i am tired of it being pushed in our faces. I don't like how Disney is making Frozen take over EVERYTHING. From Cinderella's castle- to the Christmas parade this year.

ANYWHO.. I adore everything you bought-traded-brought home!! especially your Mom's awesome find for your PIN!

you taught her well....

 

[PrincessInOz]

Wonderful pictures of Frozen. That would have been so cool to have it snow in the theatre.

Looks like you got great merchandise to take home with you. Love the Pluto!

I actually like the WPE margherita pizza. It's gotta be one of the best pizzas in WDW.

 

[MEK]

That is an adorable bag. Love it. Glad you treated yourself.

That pizza at WPE looks super yummy.

Love the pictures of POFQ - such a pretty resort!

I have to admit, I never thought about going to the Frozen Sing a long, but it looks like it was a lot of fun. I can only imagine how much those little girls where enjoying themselves.

And finishing off the show with a Staring Rolls cupcake is a great idea!

Fun update!

 

[ToddyLu]

I just discovered your TR and we could be twins. My DH Todd does not like to travel at all...but I can get him to WDW if we fly. We live down South on the Gulf Coast and do not have children. We are DVC Members and go to WDW once or twice a year. We were there just after you and will be heading back in May with my parents...who also like to take it easy.

and then there is Vera...gee where do I start? I could have spent a couple of hours just looking around the Co-op. I told the CM at the Vera Store how much I enjoyed each little area and she said that it had been success she thought and a good way to see how certain vendors would do before getting maybe a store in the new Disney Springs...time will tell. She and I agreed that they would have to have a few more Vera patterns for her to get a store there. ( By the way I have the pink pattern backpack)

I have enjoyed your TR very much and wish you Happy Travels in December.

 

[Chicago Mo]

stopping in to wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving!

 

[DMGeurts]

I am thinking this is the correct TR to post in this morning. LOL

Loved your last 2 updates!

I really hope you enjoyed staying at FQ...

I would have done the same thing with the bus/vs. boat - we had to do that once too, it saddened me, because I love taking the boat to DTD, but when the line is that long... You're just better off. At least there is that option.

Love your new Disney VB! It drives Josh nuts that I don't carry my own bags at home - he thinks is "sacreligious" so to speak, but I just don't like to carry them... I've carried them before, but then I feel awkward when people comment on them, so I just carry my Disney VB, which I LOVE too! And I don't think anyone has noticed there is hidden Mickeys on mine (Perfect Petals pattern) - which makes me feel like I am a little sneaky. Hehehe...

Your DHS day looks great too... Your new Sven is adorable!!! To be honest - I don't like Frozen that much (no secret), but if I were to like Frozen, Sven is my favorite! And I've never seen that stuffie before... He is really cute!

And I love your glow-in-the-dark shirt too... Really cool! I don't remember seeing those! I just ADORE Disney merchandise - I wish it wasn't so expensive! LOL

Anyways...

I just stopped by to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

D~

 

[Elevationist]

Hi, Ariana! Following along!

POFQ is just gorgeous. I've been over there to visit and have lunch at their food court, but haven't stayed there yet. Right now I'm booked at AoA for my next trip, but pending availability, I'm hoping to upgrade to POFQ once the military rates come out this summer. Fingers crossed!

I'm to glad to see another positive Mama Melrose experience! I've avoided it for years due to all the negative I've read. But it's made the short list of ADRs I'm going to book for my next trip, as I'd really like to give it a try!

The one thing I regret not doing on my recent solo trip is MORE SHOPPING! I think I was being really really reserved with my spending, and not even wanting to tempt myself by looking too much. On the next one, as my aunt will be with me, and she's not big on rides, I think much much more shopping will get accomplished. I hope!

Sven! I wish I had seen the Sven plush, I totally would have snatched him up! I just love him.

Don't beat yourself up too much over the DTD boat mistake. (1) It's a freakin' mess down there right now, so confusing. (2) I think we've ALL done similar at some point... or worse!!

 

[Pluto0809]

Really enjoying all your pictures as I have no idea what DTD or DHS looks like lately, haven't been near either one in almost a year. I've heard very good reviews about the Frozen show, not sure I could deal with all the kids singing that song though as I am OVER it

I was shocked at how different DTD was just between October and December. I'm sure it's changing daily. The Frozen show was cute and I loved all the little kids singing. Most of them were sooooo serious about it, that it was almost funny.

Hmmm what was up with the CM and the AP discount, unbelievable ? Very rude ! NICE Vera hipster, I'm not a fan of VB, but the one you picked is super cute.

I don't know what that guys problem was! I do like VB but I wish they would make some with other characters besides Mickey and Minnie. Of course you know who I want.

Margherita Pizza YUM my absolute favorite pizza in the world

Personally I prefer cheese or if I get any topping, just grilled chicken. But that Margherita was yummy!

Wow that was a long trek re-the boat, not that either one of you need the exercise but just chalk it up to you walked off every calorie you consumed that day

Yeah, we sure did walk of the calories that night!

LOVE the Sven and the Pluto magnet

Me too.

What a cool magic shot!!

That one was pretty cool. I love finding unique ones.

Wow, good call on getting that FP+! Glad you both enjoyed it.

I usually don't think they are necessary for shows but this one definitely was. I did notice in December that they are now giving the FP people the best seats at the shows so at least it gives you some advantage.

I love the glow in the dark shirt you bought, so cute!

I do too! I need to find some more places at night to wear it.

Glad dinner at WPE was so enjoyable.

I enjoyed it so much that I went back again in December.

What an adorable Vera Bradley bag!! Great purchase.

Thanks! I was super happy to find one with such good placement of the Mickey's.

Sorry about the mishap at the end of the night

I sure was frustrated with myself but Mom just laughed about it.

Great magic shot! We had one with Sven in July.

I looked for the Sven one but couldn't find it when we were there.

We also spent a lot of time in the marketplace co-op. My favorite section was the one with the home goods and I ended up buying the try the grey stuff plate. I almost bought the dole whip dish as well.

I wanted to buy everything in that store!

So THAT'S where the Ann/Elsa Magic Shot was. I saw the setup but didn't know at the time it was set for that. Bummer. Oh well, I can make one if I want to I suppose...

We had no idea what we were getting into on that one. I just saw a PP photographer with no line so we went for it.

Do you remember if they were giving away the passes for the Sing-A-Long as well. Honestly, this was the weirdest setup I'd seen. When I was there they had one line for FP, one for the passes, and then standby. People were so confused, lol.

I don't remember anything about passes that trip. There were three lines in December but the third was for the Dessert Party people.

Your pictures are WAY better than mine. And LUCKY that you actually had people singing a-long. My crowd stunk.

Our crowd was pretty good. I had an awful time getting good photos. I was even closer in December and still couldn't get clear photos. I think it's just the lighting in there.

Cupcakes...way too big... BLASPHEMY!!!

Maybe it was just the heat that day or the big lunch at Mama Melrose. I usually don't have any trouble finishing a cupcake!

Ooooh I like that Glow in the Dark shirt!!!!

Thanks, it's one of my favorite shirts now and I think it sold out fast because I didn't see it anywhere in December.

Ahh, we all make mistakes Arianna. And frankly, Disney changes things so much there's no way to keep up on it all.

I know but it still doesn't stop me from getting frustrated with myself!

SHOPPING!!!!! And CUPCAKES! this is by far my favorite post! HA HA HA

It was a fun one, right?

Ohhh that Peanut Butter cupcake is HEAVEN! your right they are HUGE! i shared mine with the kids and we still had some left over! Tom had the chocolate one and threw half his away.

They are really big aren't they? And the icing on them is super heavy which doesn't help.

HS is my favorite shopping! I almost bought that Glow Castle- i was going back and forth over and over finally i think i bought a hoodie instead! LOL

I was so set on the Glow Castle but anything with Pluto on it wins every time with me.

another i never had- Mr. Pucks. Another on the bucket list!

Definitely give it a try, very yummy.

Did you see there is a pet/dog store in DTD now? FINALLY!
TAKE PICTURES when you go please!!!!!

There and gone now, a least I'm pretty sure it was gone in December I don't remember seeing it. Mom and I did check it out but it was all generic crap that you can find at any pet store but way more expensive. Not a thing with Disney on it.

Sven is still my favorite.. Such a silly puppy.

He is, I always seem to love the animal side kicks the best.

Frozen... What can i say. it IS a great movie. Great music.. Yet i am tired of it being pushed in our faces. I don't like how Disney is making Frozen take over EVERYTHING. From Cinderella's castle- to the Christmas parade this year.

Still haven't watched the parade but I heard it was awful. I've got it on the DVR but haven't had a desire to watch.

ANYWHO.. I adore everything you bought-traded-brought home!! especially your Mom's awesome find for your PIN!

you taught her well....

She did really well on that one!

Wonderful pictures of Frozen. That would have been so cool to have it snow in the theatre.

The snow was very cool and all the kids loved it.

Looks like you got great merchandise to take home with you. Love the Pluto!

That's one problem with Disney, there's always something new to bring home.


I actually like the WPE margherita pizza. It's gotta be one of the best pizzas in WDW.

I had the cheese one in December and it was super good too!

 

[Pluto0809]

That is an adorable bag. Love it. Glad you treated yourself.

It is very cute and I get a lot of complements when I carry it.

That pizza at WPE looks super yummy.

I think it's some of the best I've ever had. DH didn't like it though because it was too "real" for him. I guess he prefers the processed variety.

Love the pictures of POFQ - such a pretty resort!

It is a beautiful resort that's for sure.

I have to admit, I never thought about going to the Frozen Sing a long, but it looks like it was a lot of fun. I can only imagine how much those little girls where enjoying themselves.

It was a lot of fun plus something new that Mom and I had never done.

And finishing off the show with a Staring Rolls cupcake is a great idea!

Fun update!

I think a cupcake finishes of anything well.

I just discovered your TR and we could be twins. My DH Todd does not like to travel at all...but I can get him to WDW if we fly. We live down South on the Gulf Coast and do not have children. We are DVC Members and go to WDW once or twice a year. We were there just after you and will be heading back in May with my parents...who also like to take it easy.

We do sound similar! I wish we were DVC members but that's just not in the cards right now.

and then there is Vera...gee where do I start? I could have spent a couple of hours just looking around the Co-op. I told the CM at the Vera Store how much I enjoyed each little area and she said that it had been success she thought and a good way to see how certain vendors would do before getting maybe a store in the new Disney Springs...time will tell. She and I agreed that they would have to have a few more Vera patterns for her to get a store there. ( By the way I have the pink pattern backpack)

Well they just issued two new patterns so maybe it will happen! I went back and forth between the pink and blue patterns.

I have enjoyed your TR very much and wish you Happy Travels in December.

Thanks, December was wonderful. Hope to see you in that TR. I'll be posting a link here in a minute if you haven't already seen it.

stopping in to wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Thanks Mo!

I am thinking this is the correct TR to post in this morning. LOL

Loved your last 2 updates!

I really hope you enjoyed staying at FQ...

We did enjoy FQ although I will admit it was not our favorite of the moderates. Mom and I both said we liked Caribbean Beach better. No real solid reason, just the feel of the places. But we would definitely stay at FQ again.

I would have done the same thing with the bus/vs. boat - we had to do that once too, it saddened me, because I love taking the boat to DTD, but when the line is that long... You're just better off. At least there is that option.

We did get to take the boat several times so I wasn't too disappointed with taking the bus that time.

Love your new Disney VB! It drives Josh nuts that I don't carry my own bags at home - he thinks is "sacreligious" so to speak, but I just don't like to carry them... I've carried them before, but then I feel awkward when people comment on them, so I just carry my Disney VB, which I LOVE too! And I don't think anyone has noticed there is hidden Mickeys on mine (Perfect Petals pattern) - which makes me feel like I am a little sneaky. Hehehe...

I have different bags for different occasions. My Vera is my weekend bag while your bags are my vacation bags. During the week I carry one of my Dooneys.

Your DHS day looks great too... Your new Sven is adorable!!! To be honest - I don't like Frozen that much (no secret), but if I were to like Frozen, Sven is my favorite! And I've never seen that stuffie before... He is really cute!

He is really cute but a little hard. I guess he needed to be that way so he would stand up but he's not really cuddly.

And I love your glow-in-the-dark shirt too... Really cool! I don't remember seeing those! I just ADORE Disney merchandise - I wish it wasn't so expensive! LOL

I'm not sure when the glow-in-the dark shirts came out. I saw them posted online somewhere and wanted the castle one. But Pluto was a must for me so I bought that one. I hadn't seen it online before the trip.

Anyways...

I just stopped by to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

D~

Thanks! Hope you had a wonderful one too.

Hi, Ariana! Following along!

POFQ is just gorgeous. I've been over there to visit and have lunch at their food court, but haven't stayed there yet. Right now I'm booked at AoA for my next trip, but pending availability, I'm hoping to upgrade to POFQ once the military rates come out this summer. Fingers crossed!

I'm sure you will love POFQ! I haven't had a chance to stay at AOA yet but I want to some day.

I'm to glad to see another positive Mama Melrose experience! I've avoided it for years due to all the negative I've read. But it's made the short list of ADRs I'm going to book for my next trip, as I'd really like to give it a try!

Not sure why it gets such bad reviews. I've eaten there four times since 2010 and it's been wonderful every time.

The one thing I regret not doing on my recent solo trip is MORE SHOPPING! I think I was being really really reserved with my spending, and not even wanting to tempt myself by looking too much. On the next one, as my aunt will be with me, and she's not big on rides, I think much much more shopping will get accomplished. I hope!

You know what, I did a lot less shopping on my solo trip than I did with Mom. Maybe because the trips were so close together and there wasn't a whole lot of new stuff. I do think I was a little shopped out after this trip.

Sven! I wish I had seen the Sven plush, I totally would have snatched him up! I just love him.

He's probably my favorite from the movie although I do love Olaf too.

Don't beat yourself up too much over the DTD boat mistake. (1) It's a freakin' mess down there right now, so confusing. (2) I think we've ALL done similar at some point... or worse!!

Oh, no worries I do something stupid at least once a trip. Wait till you read the funny thing I did on day one on the December trip.

 

[Pluto0809]

So I finally made it back here to update this TR and start one for the December trip. Sorry I was gone so long. I came back from that trip to craziness at work plus I was really feeling the Disney blues with no trip to look forward too. Here's a link to the new TR and then I'll do an update for this one too!

How Many Times Did I Meet Pluto This Trip?

Hope to see you there!

 

[Pluto0809]

I don’t remember exactly what time we woke up on Monday, October 13th but I do know we were out the door and on a bus to MK by 7 am. This was the only time I remember having to circle all the way through Riverside before heading to the park. There was actually another MK bus right in front of us and we didn’t pick up a single passenger the whole way around Riverside. Besides Mom and I there was just one other family on the bus and they got on at POFQ with us.

Once we made it to MK, we managed to walk right onto a Monorail so it didn’t take us very long to get to the Poly. I took one picture out the window of the Monorail.



The Poly was quite a mess at that time, thanks to all the construction on the lobby. There were walls everywhere.





We had an 8:05 am ADR at O’Hana and we checked in about 15 minutes early. We didn’t wait very long at all before our buzzer went off. We were seated at a window table that overlooked the pool. Unfortunately it wasn’t a very nice view at that time.







They brought out bread and fruit trays first.





As you must know by now, I’m an extremely picky eater. I didn’t touch the breads but Mom said they were very good. As for the fruit, Mom was kind enough to let me pick out what I wanted then she ate the rest.



I did very much enjoy the special juice they have there. I think I drank at least 3 glasses of it.



Our family skillet came out and it was huge! I totally forgot to take a picture but it had bacon, sausage, eggs, potatoes and biscuits. Well it didn’t actually have eggs. I was surprised because I knew we were supposed to get some so I asked the waitress. She had accidently brought us a skillet that was supposed to go to a family of five with egg allergies. No wonder ours was so big. She then brought us out a separate plate of eggs. My main focus though was these:



I love, love, love waffles, especially Disney ones! I think I ate about 6 of them. I did try some of the eggs and biscuits (both good) and the potatoes (too salty for me) but I mainly ate the waffles.

Stitch was the first character to visit our table and he had a Photopass Photographer with him. Unfortunately he got a little ahead of the photographer and we didn’t get pictures of the beginning of the greet. Stitch noticed that we had an extra chair so he sat down and proceeded to “eat” our food. Then he posed with each of us.





Next was Lilo. I don’t remember anything special about the greet with her.



I had forgotten to give Mom a quick lesson with my camera and this is how my picture with Lilo turned out.



Luckily they had a parade with the kids next so I was able to show Mom how to use the camera. This next picture was the only one that came out of the parade.



Mickey visited next.



You can see part of the huge skillet in this next picture of Mom and Mickey.



Then it was time for my favorite guy! He was very happy to see me and liked my shirt.







And then he headed to the next table before we realized that we didn’t get a picture of him with Mom.

Overall we really enjoyed the meal. The food was amazing and the character interaction fun. We didn’t get a whole lot of attention from anyone but Pluto but we are two adults who are both kind of reserved when it comes to the characters.

I decided it would be quicker to walk to the TTC to catch the Monorail to Epcot which was our park for the day. We headed downstairs and ended up getting distracted by the gift shop. Mom was thinking about getting a Dooney and Bourke purse so we looked at those for a while. We stopped once again at the TTC to see if we could find the brick that my Aunt had gotten Jim and I as a wedding present. I had forgotten to bring the number (each brick has a unique number) and only had a vague idea where it was. We looked for a while but couldn’t find it so we finally headed to the Epcot monorail.

Up Next: Step 7: Skip the Headliners and Do Character Greets Instead.

 

[missangelalexis]

Sounds like a nice breakfast! The food looks/sounds really good, I may have to add Ohana breakfast to my Disney bucket list! Lots of good pics with the characters too!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I'm kinda glad I avoided the Poly in September. It sounds like a disaster with all the walls. And your out the window photo only makes that determination even stronger, lol. Yikes.

I have heard good things about the juice.

Oh my I love waffles too! I'm not a fan of pancakes, but I will eat waffles until I burst. Especially Disney waffles.

your Lilo photo. For what it's worth, my mother probably would have accidentally shot 1-2 seconds of video.

 

[PrincessInOz]

What a fun breakfast! Shame that the characters didn't interact with two adult kids that much.....but at least Pluto played ball. That breakfast skillet does look huge.

I expect Poly will look stunning once all the construction is completed.

 

[Pluto0809]

Sounds like a nice breakfast! The food looks/sounds really good, I may have to add Ohana breakfast to my Disney bucket list! Lots of good pics with the characters too!

It was definitely a very fun breakfast and the food was fabulous!

I'm kinda glad I avoided the Poly in September. It sounds like a disaster with all the walls. And your out the window photo only makes that determination even stronger, lol. Yikes.

Yeah, the Poly was quite a mess. But Mom and I both wanted to try O'Hana so we put up with it. Breakfast was still wonderful.

I have heard good things about the juice.

I'm not even sure why it was so good but I certainly enjoyed it!

Oh my I love waffles too! I'm not a fan of pancakes, but I will eat waffles until I burst. Especially Disney waffles.

Same here. I'll eat pancakes but I'm going to choose waffles every time if they are available. I bought a Mickey waffle maker right before Christmas and it has been getting a lot of use.

your Lilo photo. For what it's worth, my mother probably would have accidentally shot 1-2 seconds of video.

I thought it was pretty funny too and just had to share the photo. Mom felt bad though because that was the only one she took with me and Lilo.

What a fun breakfast! Shame that the characters didn't interact with two adult kids that much.....but at least Pluto played ball. That breakfast skillet does look huge.

I bet they would have interacted more if we were into it. I don't even think we got up out of our seats when Lilo came around.

I expect Poly will look stunning once all the construction is completed.

I've seen pictures of the new lobby and I wasn't all that impressed. It looks so bland without the waterfall. Maybe it will be better in person.

 

[Pluto0809]

We of course arrived at Epcot from out breakfast well past rope drop. I knew that there was no way the line would be short enough for Test Track so I decided not even to head that way. I think I might have tried to look it up on my phone but I never had any luck with MDE working for me that week. Instead we headed towards our first FP of the day which was the Character Spot. This was kind of an extra FP that we weren’t sure if we would use or not. There was just nothing in the 2nd tier other than Spaceship Earth that we wanted to do.

We went past the Character Spot though because we had a little time and Mom had mentioned wanting to meet Chip and Dale. We had discussed having dinner at the Garden Grill so she could meet them there but Mom didn’t want to because I had just eaten there in May. I was perfectly fine with repeating the restaurant but Mom insisted she didn’t need to go there. So I really wanted to get the Chip and Dale meet and greet done for her. Luckily there was barely a line for them and at that time in the morning, the line was all in the shade. It wasn’t long before we were meeting them.









Next we headed to use our FP+ for the Character Spot. Our time was 9:20 – 10:20 am and we used it towards the end of the time frame.

First up was Mickey Mouse. I honestly don’t remember anything specific about these meets.







Then Goofy:





And finally Minnie Mouse:







Our next FP+ was for Soarin’ from 10:25 – 11:25 am. We timed it pretty well and it was almost at the start of the FP+ when we finished with the Character Spot. So we headed into the Land. I had been reading the Hidden Mickey book the night before and I remembered that there was a Hidden Mickey somewhere on the balloons. We stopped to look for it before heading downstairs to Soarin’.



We looked for a while and came to the conclusion that it was either this island or maybe the swirls in the water below it. Anyone know for sure where the Hidden Mickey is supposed to be here?



Next we headed downstairs and used our FP+ for Soarin’. We both love this ride so we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Afterwards we decided we were thirsty so we stopped at Sunshine Seasons for a drink. Mom got a coffee and I got soda. We drooled over the dessert case and almost got something but decided to wait since our plan was to do Food and Wine all afternoon.

We sat for a while and enjoyed our drinks while Mom did her daily check-in with my Great Aunt. We then checked on Living with the Land but the line was pretty long. It usually is during the morning hours. We decided to skip it and headed out of the Land building.

Up Next: Step 8: Spend Time Admiring the Pretty Fishes

 

[missangelalexis]

I'm glad you got to meet Chip & Dale for your mom!

Cute character spot pictures!

Yay Soarin!