A Salute to All Orlando Area Theme Parks But Mostly Walt Disney World ***THE END***

[khertz]

I love the idea of getting a pic with a CM in every country!! Hmm, my little DS at the age of 2.5 is quite the ladies man himself, this might be an idea I have to steal.

Also love getting to hold the wait time card! Now that you mention it, I totally agree that we should get some kind of honorary CM name tag for doing this task for them!

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi Rob! I know you've probably ridden EE about 20 times by now and seen 10 fireworks shows! Loving following along with your FB posts!

 

[glennbo123]

I'm caught up, and now you're out creating new adventures to read about....well, I look forward to reading about them and I hope you're having a great time.

Some comments on what I caught up on today:
Epcot Character Spot - my only complaint is the backdrops, they look pretty lame in my opinion. I'd rather have something not so cartoony. Your photoshop work of you with the Fab 5 is awesome!

Wow, when you tour California, you really tour California!

Love the idea of (female) cast members around the World. How did that guy get in there? You must have been too polite to ask him to step to the side.

I thought Alice looked a little old, and um, busty.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Rob: Ha! Ok, I admit I have stuck my finger in the trolls nose! You know me well!

Yes, I saw that Disney is doing the 24 hour day again.... During Memorial Day weekend. Errr... that is already a busy time so why then? We'll see if it is worth it but at least it is both parks this time. Guaranteed the parks will be at capacity. Em and I will just be back from a trip otherwise I'd take that Friday off work and go early before it gets too crazy.

I wish you all the excitement, fun, and sheer crazy joy for your trip! Pose with lots of characters, have another grey goose slushie and enjoy being on property.

Ha, I knew it.

Yeah, it's going to be super nuts there for this. I expect more broken records.

Thanks Brenda. As you know, it didn't end well, but the rest was mostly good. I'll have to see if I feel up to doing a TR on it just because the ending soured things so much.

I love the idea of getting a pic with a CM in every country!! Hmm, my little DS at the age of 2.5 is quite the ladies man himself, this might be an idea I have to steal.

Also love getting to hold the wait time card! Now that you mention it, I totally agree that we should get some kind of honorary CM name tag for doing this task for them!

Haha, thanks. It can be a lot of fun, and the CM's are usually very obliging. I did it again on this last trip though it was tougher being alone and having to find not only a CM for the picture, but also someone to take the picture. But... mission accomplished.

Oh my the wait time card is so cool.

Hi Rob! I know you've probably ridden EE about 20 times by now and seen 10 fireworks shows! Loving following along with your FB posts!

Thanks Brenda! Unfortunately, with the wallet losing situation I only managed 11 runs on Everest. Not bad though. But the attractions+ photopass is AWESOME! For only $44.95 I got 29 ride photos total. Pretty good deal. It would have been 31, but the other 2 had idiots doing inappropriate things so they couldn't sell them.

I'm so glad you were along on FB. That made me super happy.

I'm caught up, and now you're out creating new adventures to read about....well, I look forward to reading about them and I hope you're having a great time.

Some comments on what I caught up on today:
Epcot Character Spot - my only complaint is the backdrops, they look pretty lame in my opinion. I'd rather have something not so cartoony. Your photoshop work of you with the Fab 5 is awesome!

Wow, when you tour California, you really tour California!

Love the idea of (female) cast members around the World. How did that guy get in there? You must have been too polite to ask him to step to the side.

I thought Alice looked a little old, and um, busty.

Thanks Glenn!

Yeah, the backdrops are pretty cheesy really considering this is the big 5! The character spot is under refurb right now, so the backdrop for the temp location is much better as it uses an Epcot mural. Maybe after the refurb the new backdrop will be better.

Indeed!! Why just fly over it when you have the option to sight see, lol.

Haha, thanks. I was able to accomplish it again this past trip.

So funny that I saw the exact same Alice in Magic Kingdom a few days ago.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

THE BEACH, THE BOOZE, THE BUCKET LIST, AND THE BIG BANG!
Day 4 – October 11, 2012 Part 5


When I last left off over a week ago, (because, you know, I was IN DISNEY) we had ticked off a few bucket list items and were ready to tick yet another.

If there’s one thing one can say about me, it’s that I am decidedly NOT a beach person.

I’ll take a journey through space, an encounter with a Yeti, fireworks high above a castle, and a possessed elevator over lying on the beach any day.

But even I had to admit, this is pretty darn cool and beautiful.

We strolled along and gawked at the Beach and Yacht Club resorts.

What a gorgeous area!

We didn’t explore them too in depth, content to view the luxury and beauty from the outside.

CONTINUED NEXT POST​

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Day 4 – October 11, 2012 Part 5 Cont.


We made our way to the Dolphin (which, let’s be honest, looks like a carp, NOT a dolphin. Seriously, who designed THAT?) to grab a couple photos

Before finally entering the Boardwalk.

Yes, I want to stay here some day.

In fact, they had a DVC show unit open house, so we sauntered inside to snoop around.

Unfortunately, neither of us took any pictures inside, but let me tell you, it was lovely.

And to be able to walk outside to that view and actually see Epcot and be walking distance to Hollywood Studios, well, I’m sold. If only it fell in my price range.

Oh well, maybe someday!

After we finished looking around, we headed back towards Epcot. But not before a lovely couple offered to take a photo of both of us.

With that, we headed back to through the International Gateway to continue enjoying all the Epcot-ty goodness.


TO BE CONTINUED… ​

 

[rachel09985]

Not sure if I have commented yet but I love your trip report! you are an awesome write. I love the old Disney pics in the first post. Also love the pis with all of the International CMs!

 

[wiigirl]

Wonderful update....love the pics!

 

[Marsheliz]

Hi Brenda!!! Less than 24 hours to go. Unreal.



Awww, but i love trolls.



Bahaha, you mean to tell me you've NEVER done that or at the very least had someone in your group do it? I think you may be the exception, but I do get what you're sayin'.



I know seriously. Donald no pants, Mickey no shirt. In the cartoon form anyway. I guess they ran out of money building things like Rapunzel bathrooms. Of course I'm super excited to see them anyway.



Boardwalk in the next update!



Thanks you so much Brenda! I'm super glad you'll be following along on my ramblings.

Wow, if I had even a teansy tiny percentage of "fans" that the Frumps do, that would be scary. Of course, I always prefer quality over quantity anyway!

Also, I saw that Disney is doing another 24 hour event on May 24. Looks like they're opening both parks out west, just MK back east. Wow, D-Land is going to be EXTRA crazy this time I think with both parks and it being a Friday.



Aww thank you Wendy!!! I hope you enjoy your trip as well. The weather actually looking really good here in the city for the weekend.



Isn't the wait time card the best? It's just so dog gone exciting for what is essentially free labour!!!



Mexican Donald is pretty much like regular Donald, but different outfits is always fun. I met him once before while I was wearing a Mickey shirt. He was NOT impressed. He made me cover it for the photo.



I know right!? It's my favourite indoor pavilion just because it's like you walked through a portal.



, I love when that happens!!!!



Hi Marcie, yes I definitely got that. Thank You!! I'm so very happy about that.

I was looking at the photos of you and your Mom. Just beautiful. I am so so sorry for your loss, I can't even tell you. But I am very happy to read that you are planning to run tonight in her honour.

I saw the FD as well. I think it's unofficially official, lol. I really hope you are able to put a trip together. Disney truly is medicine for the soul. Stay strong young lady!

That's so sweet, thank you. Mom was my hero and I miss her so much and its only been 3.5 weeks.. I am looking forward to planning something Disney for us.. Hopefully we will be there in 4 months! Cant wait to read more!

 

[danimaroo]

Sorry I haven't commented in centuries... at least it feels like it's been FOREVER! ARGH. But oh man, I hope your trip was super fun! I mean, you DID take a photo holding a sign for me on Dinosaur so THAT in itself was amazingly awesome. Haha, seriously, I'm still sitting over here just laughing at how awesome that was.

OKAY SO I AM VERY HAPPY you went to the Epcot resort area! Because of course, that's my home and my favorite place and yeah. I just love it there. It's so amazingly pretty and that fact that you're close to HS and Epcot is an awesome bonus, too! If you want to save and try to stay at Boardwalk, might I suggest renting DVC points?! Seriously, you can rent points for a studio room for possibly LESS than you'd spend at a moderate! Just something to consider!!

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi Rob! What a lovely little stroll around the Epcot resorts.

I totally agree, if the Dolphin was going for a carp motif, they succeeded. Dolphins don't have scales! They either got the name of the hotel wrong or they put the wrong statue thingie on top of the hotel.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Not sure if I have commented yet but I love your trip report! you are an awesome write. I love the old Disney pics in the first post. Also love the pis with all of the International CMs!

Rachel, I don't think you have, but I'm very glad you did now! Thank you SOOOO much!!
Maybe I can start a trend for CM's around the World! That would be awesome! I did it again just recently as well.

Wonderful update....love the pics!

Thanks you very much indeed!!

That's so sweet, thank you. Mom was my hero and I miss her so much and its only been 3.5 weeks.. I am looking forward to planning something Disney for us.. Hopefully we will be there in 4 months! Cant wait to read more!

Thank you Marcie for saying that and for following the last trip on FB and for reading along on this TR. I'm so grateful for that.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Sorry I haven't commented in centuries... at least it feels like it's been FOREVER! ARGH. But oh man, I hope your trip was super fun! I mean, you DID take a photo holding a sign for me on Dinosaur so THAT in itself was amazingly awesome. Haha, seriously, I'm still sitting over here just laughing at how awesome that was.

OKAY SO I AM VERY HAPPY you went to the Epcot resort area! Because of course, that's my home and my favorite place and yeah. I just love it there. It's so amazingly pretty and that fact that you're close to HS and Epcot is an awesome bonus, too! If you want to save and try to stay at Boardwalk, might I suggest renting DVC points?! Seriously, you can rent points for a studio room for possibly LESS than you'd spend at a moderate! Just something to consider!!

Dani, it was an absolute pleasure to do it. It was just one of those things that just popped into my mind. As soon as I was at Dinosaur, all I could think of was your epic ride photo. It was for sure a trip built on spontaneity.

Wow, really??!! Yes, the Boardwalk would be seriously awesome. I may have to look into that for the future. It really was beautiful. Thanks for the tip.

Hi Rob! What a lovely little stroll around the Epcot resorts.

I totally agree, if the Dolphin was going for a carp motif, they succeeded. Dolphins don't have scales! They either got the name of the hotel wrong or they put the wrong statue thingie on top of the hotel.

Hi Brenda, thank you! it was just one of those stop and smell the flowers type of moments.

Haha, I just find it so bizarre, like who did THAT!? Of course, it's not a Disney hotel, so that may explain the lack of attention to detail.

 

[katt789]

Glad you're back! Hope to hear all about your adventures soon!!

I have to admit, the yacht/beach club areas are so amazing!! I absolutely love it!!

You should check out renting DVC points!! The villas and stuff over at boarwalk/yacht/beach work out to not be that expensive! I was considering yacht for Sept’s trip!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Glad you're back! Hope to hear all about your adventures soon!!

I have to admit, the yacht/beach club areas are so amazing!! I absolutely love it!!

You should check out renting DVC points!! The villas and stuff over at boarwalk/yacht/beach work out to not be that expensive! I was considering yacht for Sept’s trip!

Thank Katt, and now you're off to the World. YAY.

I was pretty blown away by the whole area honestly. Stunning. And I just love how you can just pop into Epcot.

Yeah, Dani mentioned the exact same thing. I know there's a great website for renting points, but I honestly just always thought it would still be pricey.
But now I think I will have to at least look into it.

 

[teekathepony]

I think Disney should rename it "The Carp hotel" That's appealing.

What a gorgeous area all around. I only recently fell in love with it through Disboards pictures, but I would love to explore the area like that some time.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I think Disney should rename it "The Carp hotel" That's appealing.

What a gorgeous area all around. I only recently fell in love with it through Disboards pictures, but I would love to explore the area like that some time.

Hahaha, I know right ?! It's suck a bizarre statue.

It really is stunning and there's so many resorts around the area that just makes it even more appealing.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

THE BEACH, THE BOOZE, THE BUCKET LIST, AND THE BIG BANG!
Day 4  October 11, 2012 Part 6


After viewing the beautiful Epcot Resort area, we made our way back towards Future World via World Showcase, snapping a few quick pics along the way.

I just love the little things that make Disney, Disney& and unlike any other place on Earth.
Others can create theme parks; Even really awesome ones.
But NOBODY can touch the Disney Details Difference!

Thank You Vanna.

Sponsored by Moosehead Beer, which is from my neck of the woods.

Incidentally, as you may have noticed, the Food and Wine festival was going on which is just a perfect excuse for a Cranberry Bog.
As if you really need an excuse for a Cranberry Bog.

We arrived in Future World dying of thirst; so we headed to Club Cool for some free sugary beverages& emphasis on FREE.

Of course a lot of peoples go to move consists of Give em Beverly and watch the fun.

Unfortunately, my attempt was met with

Complete and utter indifference.

DENIED!!!

My devious plans foiled, we had a little bit of time before our Soarin fast passes kicked in, so we took a journey into the great big golf ball known as

Spaceship Earth Presented by Siemens.

Some people think its just Spaceship Earth& but they would be wrong and I have the photo evidence to prove it.

I dont know why people hit this first thing in the morning.
I mean, I understand its the first attraction you see when entering, and the icon just draws you to it, but later in the day this is ALWAYS a walk on.

Rookies!!!

After this, we FINALLY used our next set of Soarin fast passes to soar over California one last time (though not landing), before heading back outside so I could get my required monorail over the park photos, since I just knew one or two would be waiting to be photographed.

CONTINUED NEXT POST​

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Day 4 – October 11, 2012 Part 6 Cont.


We still had few hours before Illuminations, but I have to be honest, I have no photo evidence of what happened in between this point and then.

Embarrassed much? Yeah, I think so.

We’re talking approximately 3 hours of picture-less time.

Unacceptable!

So here’s a picture of Eric Stonestreet (Cam from Modern family) from my DLR trip in March for no apparent reason other than it ties in with my last picture-less period in this trip report and it was in a Disney park.

Incidentally, this photo was taken when, after filming the final scene of the Disneyland episode, he came over to all of us onlookers to shake hands and thank everyone for their patience.

I thought this was a very classy thing to do. He is so awesome!

I know that during this black hole period of time we strolled around the Showcase for a bit before grabbing some Greek food as part of the Food and Wine Festival and settled down in Canada to wait for Illuminations to begin.

Since I have no photos to document this obviously exciting period, I thought I’d share a brief story from my DLR trip in March 2012.

I was talking to a cast member (highly recommended) in one of the shops when she asked where I was from.

Now, I never know how to answer this since most people are not particularly familiar with my home town in Florida let alone California.

Undaunted, I told her I was from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Her reply was unexpected and excited, as she proclaimed her excessive knowledge of its location, despite my skepticism.

The reason, you see, for her familiarity was that she was a Titanic nut (in a good way) and had actually been to my fair city because of its affiliation with that tragic ocean liner.

We have some artifacts from the wreckage in the city on display and, tragically, many of the victims were laid to rest in the Fairview Lawn Cemetery in the city.

Given that 2012 represented the 100th anniversary of that tragic day, she had wanted to visit again, but financially would not be able to.

One of the gravestones bears a name some of you might recognize.

Alas, the stone is actually for one Joseph Dawson, not the fictional Jack Dawson from the movie

But that hasn’t stopped thousands from flocking to the location yearly.

The point of this story was really to illustrate it is indeed a small world after all; to always try to take some time to talk to CM’s whenever possible…

… And to fill in for the missing couple of hours with no photos.

We set ourselves up against the wall in front of Canada and chilled, which if you know Canada at all is appropriate.

I had another experience with yet another (possibly) Spanish only speaking family encroaching on my space.

I really only had 2 choices here; trade elbows with a 10 year old or let it go.

Suffice it to say… I’m due in court in 6 months.

Nah, of course I let it go as it wasn't THAT big of a deal.

The couple on the other side of us was a hoot though.

This became especially true when something scurried along the rocks in front of us and the lady and Katie both jumped, squealed, and basically freaked out (in an amusingly entertaining way).

Every little while, this cockroach looking bug would scurry around, never failing to elicit an amusing response.

It wasn’t much, but it helped to kill the time until Illuminations began.

And then… It did.

After Illuminations successfully reinforced my love for it (I mean seriously, that music is epic in how it can excite and move you), and renewed my hope that we as a people can indeed learn to work with, respect, and love each other (a pretty profound thing for a “fireworks display”), we joined the throngs and headed towards the exit.

Disney Difference people!!

Goodnight Epcot… and Thank You for being such a great host!



UP NEXT… “OMFG IT’S OPEN!!!!!!!!!!!!”​

 

[emmysmommy]

What? No reaction to the Beverly from Kate? Not even an "ick"? Wow, you were robbed!

Great photos of Illuminations and the Epcot ball after! Totally makes sense that you viewed from Canada land, I mean if you had to pick a country I'm sure it would be "home" Oh my gosh, that family with the 10-year old must be the same family that put their kid in the front of the line to see Buzz when we were there. Uhhhhh yeah... see the other people here? No? well, then ...

That's a great story about the D-Land CM being familiar with your neck of the woods, or rather coast.