A Week in the World Including MNSSHP (No Plan Survives First Contact)

[RipperSB]

Just got back from our trip to WDW that included tickets to MNSSHP. First a little about us... DW and I are in our 50's, DVC members since 2013 and this marks our 4th trip since our DS and DDIL (who are also DVC members) thought it would be a grood idea for a family trip during the holidays and planned our first visit, as their guests, in Dec 2012. After planning our Christmas trip, in 2013, and a trip for the Epcot Spring and Garden Show, in 2014, we thought a Halloween trip would be fun as we always do up our house for the trick or treaters!

The kids love it and I get a big kick out of it too! So we planned 7 nights with a Dining Plan, tickets to MNSSHP & a Fireworks Dessert Party. Later we discover Food & Wine is going on too.

Departure Day

It's an 0330 wake up as we still have a 75 km (45 mi) drive to the airport to catch our flight from western Canada, via Denver, to Orlando. The weather here was rainy but it stopped just prior to our departure. There was no problem driving to the airport but there did seem to be a lot more people in the terminal than we have seen in the past. Check-in and security screening was fairly rapid and we had time for a Tim's before boarding the jet.

Time for departure selfie:

After start up and push back we get our first bit of drama as there is a minor malfunction with the anti-icing system. After a phone call to the maintenance dept, the aircrew are given some instructions to try and resolve the issue and are successful... yay!! After clearing customs in Denver we head to our
concourse and look for some early lunch at the Woody Creek Bakery. DW orders a turkey club and I get a ham and swiss... both come with a big chocolate chip
cookie. They were very tasty and I highly recommend this place!

After an another uneventful flight we arrive at Orlando and so... arrival selfie (note the smiles):

We take the DME to the Contemporary and check-in. We get a room on the 16th floor of BLT, here's a look from the balcony:

We then partake of our arrival ritual of a late dinner at the Contempo. DW orders the lobster roll and house made chips (crisps) and I get the smoked turkey BLT with fries. For our dessert, we begin the Cupcake Crawl with a Frozen and a Red Velvet cupcake:

We plan an early night to get lots of rest for our first full day in the parks. Tomorrow it's the Animal Kingdom.

 

[RipperSB]

We awake fairly refreshed and set out for our AK, leaving the room at 0900 to catch the bus for our 0940 breakfast reservation at Tusker House. It is not a good beginning when we wait 30 mins for the bus to arrive (in the meantime, we saw 3 ea for DTD and HS). We then do the circuit to the Poly and Blizzard Beach before arriving at AK. Oh well... we have never been late for a reservation before, I guess now we'll see what happens when you are.

We get to the gate and we have the same problem as we did during our last visit - the MBs don't work for park entry (they work for everything else). During the last visit, the CM just told us to use our AP card for entry (they could not identify nor fix the problem), which we happily did, but this CM seems to recognize the problem (something about us not "claiming our reservation") and directs us inside to another CM, Nesto. Nesto scans our bands and with a few clicks fixes the problem. We tell him about our being late for breakfast and he says "No problem, I'll call them and let them know". And so we arrive at Tusker House, a full 60 mins late and we check in. Sure enough, no problem as we are directed to the photo area:

and then are seated. They start us off with the Jungle Juice (DW asks for a bigger glass) and coffee. The breakfast buffet was very good with the usual fare and a few interesting items that we had not tried before, like the coconut sweet potato casserole, and it was all hot and fresh. The characters came out and we got some photos done:

Daisy was very flirty, planting a kiss on my cheek and got even more so when DW "ahem-ed" rather loudly at that! I could not stop grinning!

After finishing breakfast, we had a look at our FP timings and had to move things around (no plan survives first contact). We were able to do so but it meant criss-crossing the park a few times.
We also had our first Magic Shots done with the PhotoPass photographers. They were very well done and after we saw the results asked every other photographer if they had any:

Our first FP was for Festival of the Lion King. This was our first show in the new venue, the Harambe Theatre and the performers put on a spectacular show! I always liked the monkey tumblers but the aerial display and the singing also killed!
Next was the Killaminjaro Safari which is always a fun drive thru the park. After that I went solo on Expedition Everest, which is one of my favourite rides!

Towards the end of the day the clouds were building up and let loose with a fairly mild shower. We thought it had a nice cooling effect and so just kept right on walking.
We were going to have dinner at the Yak & Yeti Local Foods but decided to head back and have dinner at the Contempo instead. DW had the Calabrese Flatbread and I had the grilled Mahi sandwich, both were delicious. We continued the Cupcake Crawl with the Agent P and the Worms & Dirt:

The night concluded with a viewing of Hallowishes, from the Top of the World. We saw some of it from the balcony on the Contemporary but this time we got to hear the soundtrack and it made the diplay even more entertaining!

Tomorrow, it's Hollywood Studios.

 

[RipperSB]

Great start to the day as we catch the first bus at the bus stop. Actually, we saw the bus at the stop from the elevator (on the 16th floor) and I was wishing for a new ride - a zipline from the elevators to the bus stop; I would use a FP for that! The bus was still there by the time we rode the elevator down and walked to the stop... it's the little things that make you happy.

Arriving at the the park, the first order of buisness for me is Star Tours. Had a great ride and standby time was minimal so DW says "why don't you go again?" So in for the second time and it was a different experiance the second time.

Flight glasses - Check!

After leaving Tatooine we were walking around and caught the last part of a Mulch, Sweat & Shears show which was rockin'! They were getting the crowd involved and everybody had a great time.

Next it was time for another one of my favourite rides:

Incidently, the MemoryMaker/Magic band combo worked flawlessy. All the ride photos and videos showed up on my PhotoPass+ account automatically (except for Splash Mountain... not sure why that was.

Lunch today was at the Starring Roles Cafe. DW gets the ham sandwich and I get the turkey, both are on foccacia bread with lettuce, tomato and mozza and served with chips (crisps). The sandwiches were absolutely fantastic!

And, as you can see, we also continued the Cupcake Crawl with a Butterfinger cupacake and a Minnie Witches Hat Cupcake.

In the afternoon we did Muppetvision 3D and The Great Movie Ride. Now I know these are two attractions that alot of people think are way overdue for an update. I can't really argue against that but I still enjoyed the shows all the same.

Some character shots:

Dinner was at the 50's Primtime Cafe. DW orders the fried chicken again as she swears it is the best ever! I am torn... last visit I couldn't decide so I ordered the sampler (fried chicken, pot roast & meatloaf) which was excellent. I thought I would be able to pick one of the three for a meal but, alas, nope. I get the sampler once again and both of us enjoyed another fantastic meal. For dessert we select the apple crisp and the Boston Cream Parfait, both were delicious.


Tomorrow, it's the Magic Kingdom and Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

 

[Nora03]

Enjoying your trip report. Hope you continue. What a wonderful view from your balcony. Loving the Cupcake Crawl.

 

[RipperSB]

Today we had planned to take it easy, maybe sleep in, brunch at the Contempo, and relax by the pool until it was time to get ready for MNSSHP. That was until yesterday when, while at Hollywood Studios, DW was chatting with the folks at the DVC booth. We usually stop at these booths while in the parks, proudly proclaiming our membership since 2013 and trading pins. Anyways, she had some questions about adding on points, what was available where, what incentives were available (if any), and some other general questions. So we set up an appointment to speak with a guide for today at 1030.

So, new plan… we do breakfast at the Contempo, which will be a first for us and then meet with a guide. DW orders the French toast and I get the Breakfast Platter and it is all quite good. Having been fed and coffee’d we head down to the first floor and check in with the DVC desk. They tell us our regular guide, Cesar, is not working today and that Johanna (hope I spelled that right) will be meeting with us.

Johanna arrives and DW outlines her questions. Aside from VGF which is very near sold out, there is nothing else available direct. She places a call to contracts and we discover that there is 101 points available at BLT they can split into two 50 point contracts with no incentives – pay regular price (plus closing costs) but buy now and get this year’s points. DW and I discuss and, after number-crunching, decide to pull the trigger on a 50 point contract. This brings us to 250 and now allows us a solid two weeks, minimum, during adventure season as we haven’t been able to book a Standard view in three trips.

OK, let’s go party!

 

[RipperSB]

Well, we managed to squeeze in some time at the pool but it's timeto get ready for the party! I'll be going as a privateer (like a pirate only legal), DW will be going as an ocean goddess. We get our costumes on and walk over to the Magic Kingdom (love BLT!) aiming for a 4:00 PM arrival time as we've got FP for 7DMT, Pirates and Haunted Mansion along with dinner at CRT before the party officialy starts at 7:00 PM.
I have seen differing opinions of 7DMT and after 1 ride, I think it's a fantastic attraction!

Here we are right at the front and I will definately be looking forward to riding again!

We then head over to Cinderella Castle for dinner at the Royal Table. We checked in and were invited in for our photo. There was a family in front of us and then Cinderella arrived. The parents of the little girl in front of us told Cinderella how shy their daughter was and Cinderella turned on the charm. It was magical watching her get this shy little girl to relax and soon was completely comfortable and smiling for the camera. Our turn came and we get a sample of her charm as well! I thought it proper to doff my hat for the photo:

We then head upstairs and are seated. For the appetizers, I select the crawfish and shrimp with grits and, after much scrutiny, DW settles on the salad. The grits dish was very good but DW was a little put off by the arugula in the salad. for the entrees, I get the pan seared chicken with mac and cheese & collared greens and DW gets the beef tenderloin & shrimp. She requests the beef cooked well done and it arrived exactly as requested. It was also presented on top of sliced tomato which she said was a very pleasent surprise and tasted delicious. The shimps, however, while large in size were very tough to chew. The chicken was tender and delicious. For dessert, she had the cheesecake and had a chocolate mousse concoction that was shaped to look like a clock at midnight. All in all, I thought it was a very tasty and satisfying meal.

The princesses then came out and visited the tables, chatting and posing for photos:

We chatted with Snow White about our recent trip through the 7 dwarf mine and how we saw her dancing in the cabin. She laughed and told us how much she enjoys dancing

DW told Aurora how I rescued her and Aurora told me I must be very brave. I replied that I was not nearly as brave as Prince Philip! She seemed to like that.

Ariel was bubbly and she and DW spent a lot of time comparing baubles and shiny things.

Jasmine (and all of the princesses) was gracious and charming, like they stepped off the screen.


After dinner it was out to the party. Aside from being a little crowded (it was Oct after all), the part was a blast!

Club Villian and the Monster's Inc dance parties were rockin' with everybody having a good time!

During the first parade, we decide to head to the Haunted Mansion and it was a fantastic show as the cast step it up several notches.

We then started trick-or-treating our way through the Magick Kingdom. As DW commented, I cannot remember the last time I went trick-or-treating and had so much fun... only at Disney!

So, as the second parade time was approaching, we were around the castle and there was still a whole lot of people around. We figure on heading over to Frontierland, hoping it will be less crowded... nope! Still, we managed to find a good spot for viewing but not great for recording but, all in all, not bad. We finish the night taking in he Villians Mix & Mingle at the castle. It was a pretty tewrrific show but there was no mixing and/or mingling afterward as they all took off right after the last number.

Overall impressions were of a great experiance! I'm glad we did it but I'm not sure we need to do it again. Add to that - coming to WDW in Oct is quite a bit different that in Dec/Jan, with the heat, humidity and rain/thunder storms to cope with.

Tomorrow, it's Epcot.

 

[RipperSB]

Arrived at the park fairly refreshed, considering the late night before. We headed straight to one of our "love to do" (we really don't have any MUST DOs) attractions - Spaceship Earth. Every time we ride, it never fails to impress.

Here we are, in the future leaving for our Disney trip:

After that it was over to Mousegear for some shopping as DW is on a quest for Vera Bradley bags. I grab a couple of tee shirts and a Mickey Mouse watch (always wanted one of those). Quest completed, it was off to the Seas with Nemo and Friends and then to the Sunshine Seasons Cafe to continue the Cupcake Crawl with a Lemon Blast and a Carrot Cake:

After cupcakes, it was over to Soarin which is always a great experiance but I am looking forward to some new vistas for that attraction.

We then begin our tour of the World Showcase, heading over to the Twinings to stock up on some tea that, so far, we've only been able to find in this store. After that it's time for lunch at Yorkshire County Fish & Chips. Finding a table can be a challenge but timing is on our side and we grab a recently vacated one by the lagoon. We each ordered the two-piece and they were excellent! Tender, meaty fish in a light, crispy coating that was fried to perfection! The chips were thick-cut, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside - it was a fantastic meal.


We continued our walk around the world taking in the street entertainment in France and Italy. By the timme we get to Germany, it is snack time so we stop for a beer & pretzel:

Oooops... guess the camera was too slow!

Continuing on around the world, I should point out that we had also looked at all the Food & Wine booths but did not really see anything that made me say "Yeah, I gotta try me some of that!"

We feel the fullness of the day approaching, so we decide to check-in for our dinner at Via Napoli an hour earlier. Soon, we are seated and after a quick scan of the menu DW orders the funghi (mushroom) pizza and, having had a pizza at our last visit, I order the veal parmagiana. We both select tiramisu for dessert. Via Napoli does not disappoint as everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, about our dining experiance is outstanding. From the ambience, to the waitstaff, to the food, really could not have asked for better.

After dinner, we make our way back through the park to the monorail and call it a night. Tomorrow is DTD.

 

[RipperSB]

Today we planned a lazy day as we have a rather ful day planned for tomorrow, our last day. So, after a light breakfast and coffee in our room it's away we go to the bus stop. By the time we get to DTD it's 1130 so we decide to go right over to Wolfgang Puck Express and get some lunch. DW gets the smoked turkey club and I get the meatloaf sandwich and both are amazing. For dessert we select the cheesecake and the cream brule and those were perfect finishes.

We spend the next few hours wandering around the shops, marvelling at the work done and the work yet to come to transform DTD into Disney Springs.

At the Pin Trader

Photos from the Lego store.

We're done looking around so it's back to the resort and dinner at the Contempo. DW orders a sandwich and chips and I get the meatlovers flatbread. Continuing the cupcake crawl, we get the Red Velvet (again) and the Spiderweb:

We get the meal to go and enjoy our dinner back in our room.

Tomorrow it's our last full day and we have a full one planned for the Magic Kingdom.

 

[RipperSB]

We are very happy that we took it easy the last couple of days as we have planned a fun-filled day today. We entered the park a just took in the ambience that the Main Street decorations provide.

We wander down Main Street, heading towards Frontierland, and are engaged by a couple of Cast Members. I truly felt sorry for them dressed as they were in this heat and humidity, despite it still being early in the day. As they lined up for a photo, someone gets the idea for a dance-hall style number.

We arrive at Splash Mountain and, with our FP, quickly go through the queue and get loaded on the last row of our boat. Splash Mountain, as always, does not disappoint and is an enjoyable ride.

For our next FP, we move next door to Big Thunder Mountain and DW, always the trooper, grits her teeth and hangs on (she’s not an enthusiastic fan of the thrill rides). After that we pause and take advantage of a nearby PhotoPass photographer.

Feeling a little peckish, we decide to start looking for lunch. I was surprised to see a number of the QS places were not open – Pecos Bill, Tortuga Tavern, Golden Oak Outpost all had signs directing you to the Liberty tree Tavern or Columbia Harbour House. Oh well, Columbia Harbour House it is. On the way over, however, I couldn’t help thinking that with all those other places closed how busy is it going to be? I was happy to see there was no line up outside but the line did stretch to the door, on the inside. There is no debate as DW orders the Lobster Roll and chips, with coleslaw on the side and I get the shrimp and fries. The fried shrimp is impressive as they are big, meaty and tender with a crispy coating that gives them a tasty crunch and, for someone who does not normally eat lobster, I love the lobster roll here – big, meaty chunks of lobster mixed with a tasty aioli/mayo all on a soft roll – delicious!

For the afternoon, we begin with the Jungle Cruise. I have taken this boat ride before and have also done the Jingle Jungle cruise, during MVMCP, but this trip was with the funniest boat skipper I have ever seen. Her material, timing and enthusiasm all gelled into side-splitting boat ride that will be long remembered.

We then make our way back to Frontierland to catch the Festival of Fantasy Parade. We wanted to get there a little early to get a good spot as I want to record it. We find a nice spot, next to a trashcan, that offers some shade a good sight line. Then, once again, no plan survives when at the very last minute, just as the parade is getting underway, some dude comes up and leans over the trashcan to try and get his on photos. I did mange to shoot over his head (yes, with my camera) and record the parade so mission accomplished. I thought it was a fun parade and the Maleficent float is impressive ominous and a little scary.

After the parade, I stop by a FP+ kiosk and see if we can load up another 7DMT ride but no joy. I settle for a solo trip aboard Space Mountain, thereby completing the MK Mountain Trilogy. On our way over there, we pause for a snack and get one of DW’s favourite treats and something we don’t find in Canada – funnel cake!

We spot another PhotoPass photographer and get some more Magic Shots. I can't show them here as I am limited to 10 images.

Then it’s time for Space Mountain, on of my favourite, thrilling rides. In the ride photo, it likes like I'm smiling but, in reality, I'm just gritting my teeth so i don't bite my tongue!

After that, we do the attractions with no/low line ups like the Carousel of Progress, TTA People Mover and the Mad Hatter’s Teacups. I was a little unsure of that last one as I have some pretty horrible childhood memories of a midway attraction called the Tilt-A-Whirl that the teacups reminded me of. In the end it was all good, being able to control the spin of the cup made the difference.

Now, it’s time to check in for our dinner at BOG. We are seated fairly quickly and scan the menu, DW selecting the shrimp and scallops and I order the pork rack chop. DW reports the shrimp and scallops are huge, succulent and bathed in a tasty lobster sauce. The pastry is tender and flaky on top but a little tougher on the bottom. My pork chop was cooked to medium and it was fantastic. Thick, juicy and flavourful! We have tickets for the Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party tonight so, for dessert here, we exercise a little restraint and finish off our Cupcake Crawl in style with a Triple Chocolate and a Lemon Meringue.

We attempt to kill time and walk off dinner by going around the park, looking in stores, riding the People Mover again until we check in for the Dessert Party. We are given our wrist bands and shown to our table and are delighted that we are right up front. Our seater points out the food and drinks, inviting us to indulge and informs us that we are free to stand at the rail when the fireworks start. We load up our plates, I grab a coffee and DW gets a tea (she is also happy to see they have Jungle Juice/POG) and sit down to enjoy the show.

Sure enough, as the castle projection show begins, some people start gathering at the rail in front of us. It’s not too bad until one dude picks up a child and places him on his shoulders, thereby guaranteeing that nobody behind them can see! When Wishes begins, the fireworks are so high in the sky, however, that everyone has a great view. The tasty desserts and the spectacular view of Wishes made for a memorable end to a fantastic final day!