A MUCH needed trip...April 15-23, 2008...LOTS of pictures!! **UPDATED 7/27**

[misscmac]

Great start! I love the pictures and the margaritas look delicious Hope you are feeling better and up to writing some more!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Just got caught up and enjoyed your first 2 updates. I dream of one day staying within walking distance of Epcot! Bummer about the chips. And I can't believe how chilly it looks - we had to deal with pouring rain when we were there earlier in the month, but at least it was warm. I hope the crowds thinned out and the weather warmed up. Can't wait for more!

 

[MomofCKJ]

Great start! Sorry to hear about the chips, that is a bummer. I like me a good chip and salsa too.

Sounds like a nice start to your vacation! You two are an adorable couple!

And as I knitter I won't tell you how much the sweaters I have made cost. Not $395 but knitting with good quality yarn from a nice yarn shop, well it opened my eyes! But once you've gone good yarn you'll never go back!

Allyson

 

[Happy_Mom]

Love it so far!

 

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

Just found your TR...love it! I'm so jealous of you Disney wedding......DH and I want to renew or vows or something in Disney.....I can relate with you somewhat....I'm 27 and DH is 29...yet we have 5-year-old triplets! We did things the fast track way ....i think it's so great you get to enjoy Disney before kids....how cool! Can't wait for more!

 

[abk96]

Hi! You two are too cute!

Enjoying your trip report. Can't wait to read about AK.

 

[BeeBopp]

I still can't believe that you are back and already writing your report. My gosh how time flies!

Loving the report. Bummer about the chips. Seems like a lot of things around WDW have been changing. No more special home made touches but rather sponsored items.

Looking forward to more!

Time does fly. I can't believe it's been 2 weeks since our first night there!

Great start! I love the pictures and the margaritas look delicious Hope you are feeling better and up to writing some more!

Will be writing another post tonight. Stay tuned!

Just got caught up and enjoyed your first 2 updates. I dream of one day staying within walking distance of Epcot! Bummer about the chips. And I can't believe how chilly it looks - we had to deal with pouring rain when we were there earlier in the month, but at least it was warm. I hope the crowds thinned out and the weather warmed up. Can't wait for more!

We are so lucky to have DH's parents who have timeshare, or else we wouldn't be staying in the Boardwalk area too often.

Great start! Sorry to hear about the chips, that is a bummer. I like me a good chip and salsa too.

Sounds like a nice start to your vacation! You two are an adorable couple!

And as I knitter I won't tell you how much the sweaters I have made cost. Not $395 but knitting with good quality yarn from a nice yarn shop, well it opened my eyes! But once you've gone good yarn you'll never go back!

Allyson

You know what the funny part was, they even "heated up" the chips before bringing them to the table. How cheesy!

You're right, I've never thought of how much yarn would cost!

Love it so far!

Thanks!!!

Just found your TR...love it! I'm so jealous of you Disney wedding......DH and I want to renew or vows or something in Disney.....I can relate with you somewhat....I'm 27 and DH is 29...yet we have 5-year-old triplets! We did things the fast track way ....i think it's so great you get to enjoy Disney before kids....how cool! Can't wait for more!

Wow, triplets! That must be a lot of fun, especially now that they are older!

Hi! You two are too cute!

Enjoying your trip report. Can't wait to read about AK.

Thanks! I will be writing up another installment right now. Stay tuned!

 

[BeeBopp]

Our first morning in Disney, Yeaaay!

We both woke up at 6:30...DH went for a walk on the Boardwalk, even though it was pretty chilly out. The weather is expected to get warmer each day...we'll see! While he was out for a walk I got ready and had breakfast (Donuts and milk we bought for the room.) We went down to get a bus by 8:15. Brrrrrrrrrr! Wow was I glad I brought my sweatshirt! But at least it was sunny, as it was for the whole week to come. We waited a little bit longer than we would have liked for a bus, but it finally came.

We arrived at the AK right before 9am, and decided to go though the Rainforest Cafe to use that entrance (I HIGHLY recommend this by the way!) We headed directly to Everest and got right in line! I snapped some pictures while in line...

It was only about a 15 minute wait...we got the back seat I LOVE roller coasters!

Excellent, Excellent new ride! Very impressed. It was a little different than I expected, but in a good way! I don't want to get into details in case some of you haven't rode it yet! From there we headed over to the safari and grabbed fast passes. It was starting to warm up at this point, the sun was up and feeling nice! We then went over to the tree of life for It's Tough to be a Bug.

And some pictures of the cute posters while we waited...

I just love the ending to this show. Even though I've seen it several times, I always forget about the ending, when you're asked to stay seated because the bugs will be the first to leave...feeling them under your seat!

We then headed to Dinosaur, got all the way to the entrance and, DOH! It's closed down temporarily! So we decided to look around in a couple of the gift shops. We walked past that time board thing that tells you the wait time for all the rides, and I asked a CM if Dinosaur was back open. She said yes so we went all the way back over and got in line...it was only about a 10 minute wait. Here are more photos while in line!

After riding Dinosaur we decided to check out Everest again, but there was a 50 minute wait! Forget that, our fast passes for the safari were for 11:15 and that was soon approaching! Only about a 10 minute wait in the fast pass line. We saw quite a few animals this time! Giraffes walking on a hill and a hippo standing up (usually they are in or under the water) I apologize, I do not have any pictures. They never seem to come out that great because the animals are pretty far away, and I always seemed to be on the wrong side of the truck to get a good picture!

After the safari I was craving a Mickey bar...actually I had been craving this ever since we booked our trip! I couldn't wait!! MMMMMM!!! DH opted for a Mickey ice cream sandwich. We then headed toward the exit and caught our bus. We decided to get off at the Swan Hotel bus stop and walk back to the BW. We usually do this only because the BW is the last bus stop for our bus.

Some photos from our walk back...

We rested for awhile back at the room before our 2:50 ADR at Coral Reef. I was getting pretty hungry and working up an appetite! Before leaving we decided to call the Doggy Daycare to check on our dog and see how she did her first night away from home. They told us she was doing just great, and even slept on the bed with the women that stayed there that night! We were relieved...we had both been worrying about her a little bit.

Up next...Epcot and Coral Reef!

 

[kykatt2]

Other than the "Product Placement Chips" your thread is looking great. Don;t you just LOVE "Everest".. Did you take a Picture ON the Ride ?? "You Know Where"..
Not too sure about that "return" to the Bottom Part just after the Photo Moment" and we have rode it 4 times I think.

Cant wait for the next installment.

 

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

Can't wait for CR at Epcot!! We will be eating there for the first time during our upcoming trip...and I surprised DH and booked the diver!

 

[abk96]

After we rode EE in Nov. my dh and I were not feeling too well. I guess we're not as young as we think we are anymore. Dizziness...followed by sweating. Not a good feeling.

Can't wait to read more.

 

[NStitches]

EE rocks, but I still love Space Mountain.

 

[MomofCKJ]

Love EE! Glad you enjoyed it too! We had friends there last week from the 17th-25th so it is going to be neat to see what those days were like for you crowd and weather wise.

Looking forward to your Coral Reef review!

Allyson

 

[brookelizabeth]

When DH and I went on It's Tough to Be a Bug, I literally SCREAMED when the bugs left, it totally took me by surprise! Knowing me, I'll shriek this time too, even if I remember that it's coming.

 

[BeeBopp]

Other than the "Product Placement Chips" your thread is looking great. Don;t you just LOVE "Everest".. Did you take a Picture ON the Ride ?? "You Know Where"..
Not too sure about that "return" to the Bottom Part just after the Photo Moment" and we have rode it 4 times I think.

Cant wait for the next installment.

I thought about a picture on the ride, but with my luck I'd drop the camera or something!

Can't wait for CR at Epcot!! We will be eating there for the first time during our upcoming trip...and I surprised DH and booked the diver!

ooo, the diver, cool! I should be writing my next post tomorrow. Stay tuned!

After we rode EE in Nov. my dh and I were not feeling too well. I guess we're not as young as we think we are anymore. Dizziness...followed by sweating. Not a good feeling.

Can't wait to read more.

You know, I felt a little off too, and I NEVER get sick on rides. I know exactly what you mean!

EE rocks, but I still love Space Mountain.

Have you ever seen space mountain with all the lights on inside? If not, keep reading my trip report to see!

Love EE! Glad you enjoyed it too! We had friends there last week from the 17th-25th so it is going to be neat to see what those days were like for you crowd and weather wise.

Looking forward to your Coral Reef review!

Allyson

Yes, stay tuned for crowds and weather. One gets better , and one gets a little worse

When DH and I went on It's Tough to Be a Bug, I literally SCREAMED when the bugs left, it totally took me by surprise! Knowing me, I'll shriek this time too, even if I remember that it's coming.

 

[CHEK]

I must be a bit of a wimp, I don't like the Dinosaur ride & I wasn't to thrilled with EE, but then again neither was my eldest DD 8 , she had to be carried off by her Daddy , and vowed she was never going on it again!, but she loves the rides at Busch Gardens . Looking forward to reading about Epcot

 

[BeeBopp]

All refreshed from our rest back at the room, we walked over to Epcot for our Coral Reef ADR. DH decided to bring an adult beverage with him in a plastic cup (a Coors Light) I opted for water, getting hydrated up before drinks at Coral Reef.

We arrived in time to check out the line for Test Track. I can't remember what the regular wait time was, I just know it was something ridiculous, but the single rider line was 20 minutes, so we decided to do that. Well, the line was more like 40 minutes which was cutting it close to our ADR. While in line, there were some teenaged boys behind us that were being pretty rude. They were pretty hyper and kept bumping up against us, not realizing or knowing that they were doing anything wrong. I just don't get people sometimes. I mean, why don't some people understand personal space??!!

Anyways, the ride was excellent, as usual! I love love love the end, outside, when it goes really fast! The best!!

From there we had to walk pretty fast over to Coral Reef, and made it there just in time for our 2:50 ADR. I was very impresses with the atmosphere from the minute I walked in. Very nice! We checked in and got our buzzer thing. I decided not to request a table near the tanks, thinking that it would be a longer wait for this. While waiting, DH and I checked out the menu...

I knew what I wanted before I sat down. I was really thinking about getting a margarita again, it's just what looked and sounded the best! Our buzzer went off after about 15 minutes and we were off to our table. Darn! The furthest away possible table to the tanks! Well, I guess we couldn't complain, we never ASKED for a table near the tanks, right? Here was our view from the table...I had to put the camera on the table and take a night picture because the flash wouldn't reach that far...

Our very nice waitress came to take our drink order. I decided on the margarita and DH got a "Reef" Runner...

Mine was yummy (although not as strong as my margarita at San Angel Inn) and as you can see, DH wasn't as happy with his. We think it literally didn't have any alcohol in it at all! I mean, would it KILL them to make the drinks at least somewhat strong? For the price they charge, I think they could afford to do that!

Our waitress was back to take our order and also brought over some bread... and let me tell you, this was some of the best bread I've ever had! And for some reason the butter they provided for it tasted really good too! I decided to order the blackened catfish, and DH got the Mahi Mahi. We also ordered two more drinks, another margarita for me and DH opted for a Corona this time around. Before long, our meals arrived. Again, I apologize, I think I took a bite again before taking a picture, but I tried to hide it. Ooops!! Hey, I was hungry, OK?

and DH's Mahi Mahi:

My meal was EXCELLENT!! By far my favorite meal of the week. It had a bit of a spiciness to it, which I LOVED! DH's was also very excellent, I tried a bite of his too.

Although pretty far from the tanks, we could still see the different types of pretty fish and even saw a few small sharks! We saw a diver too. He wasn't holding any type of special sign or anything, I think he was just feeding the fish. All the fish were following him around in herds! (or should I say "schools!") It was pretty cool!


For dessert, we decided on the chocolate wave...

This, too, was very good. A couple next to us with their daughter were also enjoying the chocolate wave at the same time as us. The man said to us..."hey, did you notice the liquor inside the cherries?" YES! I told him, and it was pretty strong tasting too actually!

We overall had a great experience here. The service was good, and the food was great. The only two things I can recommend are:

1. Ask for a table near the tanks, it's probably worth the wait!!!
2. Don't get the Reef Runner drink.

Other than that, 2 thumbs up!

We left the restaurant and headed over to the Land. Only a 10 minute wait. This will be our first ride on the Land since they got rid of the tour guide. I will have to say, I didn't really notice too much of a difference, so I think they made a good choice here!! I took about 30 pictures, mostly for my mother b/c she LOVES plants and flowers, etc. Here are a few...

After the land we decided to go over to Spaceship Earth. Only a 10 minute wait. Sweet! Here is some Disney art while waiting in line:

Overall, loved the updates, but as always, missed some of the old stuff. The computer thing at the end was pretty neat, but at the same time I missed the old ending. I guess we always have youtube to watch the old, right? Here are a couple pics from the ride...not sure if I was supposed to be taking these, but I was dedicated to a picture filled TR on the DIS!!!!!

From there, it was my idea to go over to Ellen's Energy Adventure. I really enjoy this show/ride for some reason. It's relaxing, and you get to sit down for 25 minutes! We arrived with perfect timing, just before the pre-show.

We then decided to go over to Mission Space. I really enjoy this ride as well. I'll have to say, I didn't like this ride the very first time I went on it awhile back...I guess it was because I didn't know what to expect. But now I love it! Only a 10 minute wait. Awesome! We were whipping through these ride lines!

I decided I needed a water, so we bought one and then we headed over to Figment...never a wait for this and a cute ride!

From there we went over to the World Showcase, past china, where we saw the Dragon Acrobats (I think that's what they were called.) They were 10-15 year old boys. Very talented!!

We then went over to Norway again to check out the Maelstrom. I can't recall how long the line was, I think around 20 minutes, not too bad. While in line, there was a mother and her 3 children in front of us. One of the kids decided she had to go to the bathroom, so the mother left the other 2 kids (probably age 6 and 4) in line and left!! DH and I were shocked!! The mother was gone for quite awhile, and meanwhile the 2 kids were sort of all over the place, swinging around and hitting people with their paper Epcot masks and hanging on the railings. Yikes. i just can't imagine what was going through this mother's head that made her think it was OK to do this!! The mother finally came back and ended up pulling the children out of line anyways. So weird!

Anyways, the ride was great as usual, and of course we watched the movie after the ride!

From here we decided to head to the the exit...we were going to get another drink on our way out, but it was just too chilly out and we weren't in the mood. Overall, the crowds today were pretty heavy, but not TOO bad. Getting to the AK early is always smart!

We peeked into the ESPN Club for a possible drink on our way back to the room, but it was packed! There was a Red Sox/Yankees game going on. DH then remembered a small bar inside the Boardwalk called the Bell View that he wanted to try.

We walked over and sat down at a table, but the bar tender seemed to ignore us, and I don't think either of us were really into it, so we decided that it was just time to go to bed. We got up and left and headed back to the room. It was about 8:30, and we were both exhausted! We decided to make PB&J sandwiches and watched the Epcot fireworks from our balcony.

After talking about it, we decided to cancel our ADR's for the next morning at Kona Cafe. I was a little bummed, but DH really didn't think it was a good idea and was sick of planning our days around ADR's! I agreed, and we decided on MGM at 9am for the opening. (I know, I know, Disney's Hollywood Studies, but I'm sorry, It's going to take a lot more than one trip for me to start calling it that!)

Off to sleep......Dreaming about ToT and RRC!

 

[hopesmommy]

Great TR so far!!! It is making me want to tell DD that we are going in Aug, but then again...Do I want to hear, "Are we leaving today?" for the next 3 1/2 months?!

 

[stagemomx3]

Great update! The mom leaving her kids in line was weird. To bad about missing Kona, that's on my list for next time.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Great updates! I'm glad you didn't face very long lines at Epcot - especially with it being so crowded. You must have hit them just right!

I can't believe that mother at Maelstrom! My kids are 4 & 7 and if I ever left them alone in a line I wouldn't expect them to be there when I got back! It is a magical place, but come on lady - not that magical!