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[jenbear123]

Love the pictures! You got a really good shot of Bubba by the lake. I like how the trees are reflecting in the lake.

Thanks! It was a very photogenic morning.

First of all, Babycakes looks great and your pictures of the castle show are really cool. The one where the castle is one fire...

I need to find a good recording of that show. It's so cool to watch.

Gotta love rope drop. Personally, I'm all about it. Love the feeling of an empty park. You make a point about Soarin' though, for sure. Although, I haven't ridden it since 2010, I think I'll be in that group making a beeline for it on my EPCOT morning.

That's completely fine! I've been part of the Soarin' and TSM herd too many times to count I've become quite the early bird now that I have a regular schedule at work. I can't sleep past 7am anymore. It's kind of annoying on the weekends but sometimes I don't mind getting up early to enjoy the day. It's especially helpful in WDW to get to an empty park! It's pretty much the only time you'll get to see it that empty. Unless you stay past park closing for dinner or something. I like AK the most for that. It's so rare that it's open late that being there after the sun goes down is something special

The garden in Canada is absolutely gorgeous. Probably the nicest one in all of WS and that's saying a lot. I am amazed that your sister can fall asleep like that. I dont' think I could ever.

Japan must be a close second to that. I know it's trying to represent the Butchart Gardens in Victoria, which itself is gorgeous. Disney did a good job here. I certainly didn't inherit that gene of sleeping where ever your head falls that Bubba has!

Here's the thing, though, am I the only one that finds it just a bit disheartening that Futureworld is so lacking that you had time so spare waiting for WS to open? I know there were plenty of things that you could have done, but aside from Spaceship Earth (which is almost my favorite attraction in all the world), Test Track and Soarin', and I understand why you did not want to deal with that mess, what else is there that's a must do? Am I alone in thinking Disney needs to give FW some serious TLC?

Ok...sorry the mini-rant.

I don't think you're alone. Nemo is good but you can only spend so much time looking at the fish. I think they really need to spruce up the Circle of Life show. Put something else in there that will really draw people in. Or update the Universe of Energy. I love Ellen Degeneres but isn't it getting a bit dated? I mean, I loved Bill Nye growing up but that was my generation. I'm sure kids nowadays have no idea who the guy is.

I broke the news to my kids today that Test Track will be under refurb when we're there in June...they were not happy. Glad you got a couple of rides in.

Uh oh. Well, at least it's one less thing to be running to do! I hope they aren't going to change it a lot. I love the ride the way it is. It sounds like they are changing the entire concept.

So Bubba slept on a rock wall near her place of work?

Yeah. She does that.

Too bad that telescope picture didn't turn out better, but that was a good try!

Thanks. It would've been cool to spy on the maintenance crews hehe

Such a pretty morning in a relatively empty Epcot!
I can't believe Bubba slept on a rock wall. How I wish I were that flexible! I pretty much can't sleep unless I'm in my own bed.
Yayyyyy for Test Track twice already. Great start to the morning!

I'm like you. Can't sleep unless I'm completely horizontal, with blankets and a pillow. I'm glad we got in so many rides on TT, especially since it'll be closed next time I go.

 

[redlight]

I can't sleep unless I'm in a bed too.

 

[onescgirl]

What is the Magic, Memory show? Will they be showing it in Sept? I hope so, because the castle looks so pretty in your pictures.
I love your TT pictures & the pictures you took in Canada are beautiful!
That's funny how Bubba just took a nap there!

 

[jenbear123]

What is the Magic, Memory show? Will they be showing it in Sept? I hope so, because the castle looks so pretty in your pictures.
I love your TT pictures & the pictures you took in Canada are beautiful!
That's funny how Bubba just took a nap there!

The show is something new they added middle of last year I think? I highly doubt they are planning on discontinuing it any time soon. You should be able to see it when you go back in Sept It starts just before Wishes.

 

[jenb1023]

Love rope drop! No mad dash to Soarin'? - the horror! That is really cool that you had a car to yourself for the first TT ride! I wish WS would open earlier! I can't believe Bubba can sleep anywhere - that is a talent!

 

[KatMark]

Okay...I'm a few updates behind...please forgive that darn engaged couple for keeping me occupied.

Okay, where is Babycakes? I'm at Downtown Disney this Sunday night and I have never seen that and I want to go!!! Please...where do I find it?

Love your updates. I don't blame you for skippin' the Soarin' dash...it gets old after awhile. Love that you were the only two in car for TT. How long is that going to be closed?

My darling DH is like Bubba...he can sleep about anywhere and would probably be able to sleep on that rock too.

 

[jenbear123]

Love rope drop! No mad dash to Soarin'? - the horror! That is really cool that you had a car to yourself for the first TT ride! I wish WS would open earlier! I can't believe Bubba can sleep anywhere - that is a talent!

I know! I know! It was weird not being part of the mad dash. When I go in May I just might have to be a part of it again to oblige my mom. After all it's her favourite ride I too wish WS opened earlier! I never really understood why it doesn't open at the same time

Okay...I'm a few updates behind...please forgive that darn engaged couple for keeping me occupied.

Completely understandable!

Okay, where is Babycakes? I'm at Downtown Disney this Sunday night and I have never seen that and I want to go!!! Please...where do I find it?

You'll be in DTD this Sunday?! Did I miss the memo that you were embarking on another trip? Okay, you know where T-Rex and Pollo Campero is? Babycakes is located inside Pollo Campero which is across from T-rex. If you go inside Pollo Campero and still can't see it (it's in a nook at the back corner) just ask a CM. They will point you in the right direction.

Love your updates. I don't blame you for skippin' the Soarin' dash...it gets old after awhile. Love that you were the only two in car for TT. How long is that going to be closed?

I think it's closed until the fall. Not sure if exact date it will be re-opening.

My darling DH is like Bubba...he can sleep about anywhere and would probably be able to sleep on that rock too.

So strange!

 

[KatMark]

You'll be in DTD this Sunday?! Did I miss the memo that you were embarking on another trip? Okay, you know where T-Rex and Pollo Campero is? Babycakes is located inside Pollo Campero which is across from T-rex. If you go inside Pollo Campero and still can't see it (it's in a nook at the back corner) just ask a CM. They will point you in the right direction.

Business trip for hubby. No Disney, but I do get a night in Orlando and get to go to Downtown Disney to shop and eat at Raglan Road. I'll be sure to go find Babycakes while we are there. Thanks.

 

[jenbear123]

When we went back to WS, it was finally open. We walked around counter clockwise towards Japan. I wanted to get a Hello Kitty souvenir for my co-worker who is as obsessed with HK as I am with Disney. Then we made a stop in Canada so I could pick up a moose hat for my friend Stitch (who you may remember from my last unfinished TR).

It was getting on for 11:30 and I really wanted to check in at POR so we had a good chance of getting a decent room. We got in line at check in but it was no where near as busy as ASMusic had been. A very friendly, enthusiastic CM approached us and invited us to come with him to get checked in. He punched in our reservation into his computer. We had reserved a Water View but he told us he did not have any more rooms. So he picked up the phone to talk to who I assume was the Room Assigner. The CM said we would probably get upgraded. I wasn't sure what we could get upgraded to at POR - maybe one of those new Royal Rooms? Didn't matter though because we were getting a free upgrade!

The CM got off the phone and told us this:

"We are overcapacity so we can accommodate you at either Old Key west or...


GET THIS


...Saratoga Springs"





Is there any doubt which one I chose?! I was going to stay at SSR after all!!!!!!

The CM made all the arrangements and told us we could head right over to SSR and that they would be expecting us.

I practically bounced off the walls out of the lobby and into Bubba's car!

I had never seen or stayed at SSR. Never! I was beyond excited

Bubba had stayed here many times before so to her it was no big deal, but as soon as I set foot in that lobby, I was picture happy!

To top it off, my favourite cartoon episode with Chip & Dale was on!

I left Bubba to take care of checking us in. We had a new CM who was Earning her Ears. Remember that.

I was in my glory, can't you tell?

After I came back from taking a few pictures, Bubba handed us our package with room keys and were on our way. The CM had told us we would be staying in The Paddock section.

We grabbed some stuff from our car and went in search of our room. Finally after walking around taking a few wrong turns, we found our room. Or so we thought. I tried the first room key - didn't work. I tried another room key - didn't work. We couldn't get into what we thought was our room so we dragged all our stuff back to the car and back to front desk

Let me remind you that we had an ADR for Sanaa at 1pm. The plan had been to check in at POR, drop off our stuff then head over. We thought even with the relocate to SSR, we'd still have time. But by the time we went back to front desk a second time, I looked at my watch and it was only 5 minutes away from 1 o'clock. Sanaa just wasn't going to happen But I couldn't really complain all that much. We got a huge upgrade and I was staying at the resort I originally wanted to stay at!

I spoke to another lovely CM at front desk and explained the situation. She fixed our keys and sent us to the right room, which was located in...

Bubba was a bit bummed because every time she had stayed at SSR, was in The Carousel section. She was a bit perturbed by the whole run around plus she was hungry. Let's just say her patience was running a bit thin by this point. We went in search of our room (again) but left all our stuff in the car just in case. Thankfully our room keys worked this time. Yay!

Our view

Nothing amazing but again, can't complain.

We were both starving so we went in search of a meal.

continued in next post....

 

[jenbear123]

The horse theme was really prominent in this place.

On the table

Along the wall

Hanging on the wall

On the floor

In the windows

I still can't believe, after all this time, after all these years of going to WDW, I have never once stayed here. It's like this place was made for me! If you don't already know, horses are my favourite animal. They have been ever since I can remember. In fact, my dad took a video of me when I was around the age of 3 or 4 in MK, standing on the upper level of the train station. And all I keep saying is, "Daddy, I want to see the hawrse" (think little kid speech here). One of the horses was out pulling the trolley and I wanted to go see it up close. Of course my father just wanted to record me and by the time we were going to go see it, the horse started walking away. Sigh.... nobody listens to you when you're little

We had a very good meal at the Turf Club. We both asked for some pasta that was vegan friendly. Bubba also ordered a fancy drink.

The pasta was really good but the portion was HUGE for lunch. I really enjoyed this place. It felt very upscale and it was very quiet, despite there being several diners around us. We were both stuffed so we skipped dessert. On our way out, I noticed some more amazing horse paraphernalia.

Guys, I want this wine rack

Between the time we checked in and after we finished our lunch, the difference I noticed between SSR and ASMusic was substantial. The CMs were more pleasant and well spoken, unlike the frowny face we had at ASMusic. Even the guests had more manners! For example, I was walking down the hallway and a gentleman was walking towards us. He actually stepped to the said and said "excuse me" to let us walk by. Such courtesy! You wouldn't get that at ASMusic. I'm not saying the people who stay at value resorts are ignorant morons (because on more than one occasion I stay at values too!), but I just find it fascinating how different you are treated at a different class of hotel.

Now that we were finally settled in at SSR, we left to go to our next destination….AK!

Would we meet the same level of crowds I had seen the day before at MK? Also, stay tuned for our very vegan friendly dinner at Jiko

 

[wdwgirl03]

WOW, that is pretty exciting you were upgraded to SSR. Love all the pictures of our "home."

In all our stays there though, I've never been to the Turf Club. Glad to hear you enjoyed it. I'll have to add it to my list of places to try!

 

[Teresa Pitman]

Jiko? I love Jiko. I love AK too. Sigh. I wish I was there.

I'm glad you enjoyed being at SSR. I stayed there once with Dan and Sebastian when Dan was working at Le Cellier. The only problem was that it was a long walk from our room to the pool, and Sebastian felt strongly that we needed to go for a swim every morning before we went to the park of the day.

Teresa

 

[tinacaplan]

WOW! What an amazing upgrade! And I can now personally say that I agree..SSR is a beautiful resort. I was surprised at how beautiful it was. And if you're a horse lover...then, yeah, I totally get it.

Can't wait to hear about your time at AK. I had a great day there last week.

 

[glennbo123]

on the upgrade to SSR! How perfect for a horse lover like you!

Bummer that you missed your ADR for Sanaa. I forget -- have you eaten there before?

 

[jenbear123]

WOW, that is pretty exciting you were upgraded to SSR. Love all the pictures of our "home."

In all our stays there though, I've never been to the Turf Club. Glad to hear you enjoyed it. I'll have to add it to my list of places to try!

You're lucky to call SSR your home. It's beautiful! You should give Turf Club a try. We went there on a whim and were pleasantly surprised.

Jiko? I love Jiko. I love AK too. Sigh. I wish I was there.

I'm glad you enjoyed being at SSR. I stayed there once with Dan and Sebastian when Dan was working at Le Cellier. The only problem was that it was a long walk from our room to the pool, and Sebastian felt strongly that we needed to go for a swim every morning before we went to the park of the day.

Teresa

Awwww Sebastian. Of course he'd want to go swimming! I really need to meet these grand kids of yours. Jiko will be in the next update.

WOW! What an amazing upgrade! And I can now personally say that I agree..SSR is a beautiful resort. I was surprised at how beautiful it was. And if you're a horse lover...then, yeah, I totally get it.

Can't wait to hear about your time at AK. I had a great day there last week.

Did you stay at SSR just on your last trip? Are you back already? My gosh all these trips fly by. Too bad time can't slooooow down. SSR definitely is great for horse people! Even if it's focused more towards racing.

on the upgrade to SSR! How perfect for a horse lover like you!

Bummer that you missed your ADR for Sanaa. I forget -- have you eaten there before?

It was perfect I have eaten at Sanaa before. Most recently was when I went last November. We did the whole Dine with an Animal Expert, which was really cool! Very informative. Also the food was fantastic. I love that place. Your trip is soon!! Can't wait for another Glenn TR

 

[PirateKate]

That's an awesome room upgrade! Too bad you missed Sanaa, but I'm sure it was worth getting to stay at Saratoga Springs!

 

[teekathepony]

Oh my, I've never seen pictures of SSR before! I didn't realize the amazing horse motif! I think I have a new favourite resort! Some day I have to visit.
Great upgrade!!

 

[onescgirl]

Wow! What a awesome upgrade!
I've never seen pics of SSR before either, so I'm glad you get the chance to share with us!
I would now love to hear "We are over capacity" when I check in our resort in Sept if they give you awesome upgrades like that!!!

 

[redlight]

Congrats on the upgrade! The The pasta looks delicious. My mouth is running over. I want some! Unfortunately, I can't have pasta often and keep my weight off.

So, are you and Bubba going dress shopping in 17 days?

 

[PlutosRHM55]

That is so awesome you got an upgrade to SARATOGA SPRINGS! I was shocked at first because I thought they only upgraded you within the resort, but... I stand corrected! Gotta keep that in mind next time I'm in the World SSR looks absolutely beautiful! I've been to Saratoga, NY and this place looks like a high class version of what I remember being there. So nice

Sorry you had a little room key trouble. I guess that's what usually happens with a newbie CM :/ Well, at least you got it all situated and still got a nice room. Sad to hear you missed your ADR at Sanaa (aka the BEST restaurant in all of Disney!) But the food at The Turf Club looks delicious!

That is funny how you notice the Value and Deluxe have a different vibe because I got that too, from the people mostly though. Over my two trips, I stayed at AKL and ASMu (one for each trip). AKL, the people who were staying there definitely were a lot nicer while at ASMu, they were nice but I ran into some not-so friendly people which weren't present at AKL. While I loved the CMs at both resorts, the people definitely were a study in contrasts. Though, I think they were a bit more contrasted in your stay... maybe I should stay at SSR then...

Can't wait to read about your adventures in AKL!