Adventures of a DisneyWORLDholic! Updated1/24 I was an unofficial WDW tour guide.

[jmskinner]

Awesome!!! You are back!!! That is so !!! I am glad I was able to help out!!

So this is from the post I PM'd you just to "make it official"!

I love Silver Springs. It was one of my first trips to Florida as a kid! Those pictures brought back great memories! And those cars! Wow, so many and several were very awesome!!

Onto the Epcot/Spring Break post...HOW can anyone live so close to WDW for so long and not go?! That is blasphemy!!!! I guess we could form a club (or support group) for Disneyworldholicsnobs!!

I think you headed to Soarin'!!

Was this your first stay at POP? Can't wait to see how you liked it since we both feel the same for POFQ. POP is on my list even though it is a value...it just looks so cool!!

Thanks again for letting me know it had been closed. Wonder how long it would have taken me to notice, probably would keep going out to check, see no one had posted and think you all had given up on me.

Again, glad I could bring back some good memories. It really is a nice park and maybe we can see it in the Spring, Summer, or Fall instead of during the Winter.

Glad to know I am not the only one that thinks that way about people living so close to the parks and not going. It's amazing how many people haven't been that live here, really gets me when they have kids. So many benefits for FL residents.

Hmmm, sounds like we may need to start a new group, Disneyworldholicsnobs unite!!!

No, already had FP's for Soarin, this was a line for FP's for another ride.

Apologies from me! Life has been so crazy busy for the last month or so that I haven't kept up on your report, so I actually appreciated that you took a break!

Great finish to your anniversary trip. The Segway tour at WL sounds and looked amazing! As did Saana. What a fantastic view you had!

Did you have a favorite tour or favorite meal of that trip?

Silver Springs looks like fun, too. Mustangs are my favorite type of car, so I enjoyed looking at the pictures from the car show.

So far your trip as unofficial tour guide has been great, even with a little miscommunication...

I agree with Tinksthree- Soarin' of course!

Look forward to hearing about the rest of your Florida adventures... and beyond.

We are not going to Disney this summer. Sort of. We booked a short, 4 night trip to Universal/IOA (Portofino Bay Hotel at US) with a day planned at Sea World. Well, after I made plans for the trip, the family revolted. Why aren't we going to Disney? My DH has been the worst one of the bunch! So I think we are going to spend one day at MK. We haven't told the kids, so that will be a surprise for them. I have been charging up my Disney Visa like crazy (paying it off every month, though) and we have earned $165 Disney dollars, so that will cover almost two admissions...

The trip is in less than two weeks- July 11.

I fully understand about being busy. Part of mine was staying off the Dis so I could get some work done. Once I'm here, seems like I am here for hours. I have a lot of TR catching up to do myself.

I think the Segway tour through the Wilderness was my favorite. They were all good though and the CM's were fantastic. Our favorite meal was the Yachtsman. Hopefully we can go back sometime.

Fantastic about the trip. That will be a nice surprise to go to MK. Wonder how long it will take them to figure out where you are going. I love IOA/Universal and Seaworld also. Jonas got a free ticket to Seaworld in the mail, but we don't have time to go and only the person it is addressed to can use it. If they had addressed it to me, Jacob and I would have gone. Have a great time!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Okay, backing up...

Are those Oscars on the bottom of the river? The only thing I could think of, and other than if you are saying the water was in movies that got Oscars, not sure why that would be so!

And, you fed dung to the alligators??? I just...can't imagine...why they would eat that.

And, finally, cool to be able to be their tour guide through this trip. I would just love doing little trips like that, staying at the value resorts to see what it was like. Sounds like you guys are having a good time!

 

[jmskinner]

Okay, backing up...

Are those Oscars on the bottom of the river? The only thing I could think of, and other than if you are saying the water was in movies that got Oscars, not sure why that would be so!

And, you fed dung to the alligators??? I just...can't imagine...why they would eat that.

And, finally, cool to be able to be their tour guide through this trip. I would just love doing little trips like that, staying at the value resorts to see what it was like. Sounds like you guys are having a good time!

They do sort of look like Oscars. Went out to the parks website, Sea Hunt was filled at the park, and so were 6 of the original Tarzan movies. Never Say Never Again is the movie with those statues. Along with many other movies and TV shows.

I really do enjoy being an unofficial tour guide, don't mind running to get FP's for everyone and that way they can take their time and look around. Jacob was really a great help with this. Of course, I'm sure he hurried them along. Plus, there was no way I was going to let them go during Spring Break without someone to help them because it was a busy time.

And some day you will have to slum-it with us people that have to go value sometime. Just giving you a hard time, if not for you I don't think I would have ever stayed deluxe.

 

[jmskinner]

The line I ended up standing in for FP's was TT. It was so bad I had time to stand there and think "I gotta get a pic of this"


And this is after I had posted a comment about the line on FB. It was about 15 people deep when I got in line. And notice the guy in front of me, guess what he is? A TOUR GUIDE!!! One of those Brazillian or some other large group tour guide. What was I thinking getting behind him. Luckily he was only getting 20 or so FP and not their usual 100.

I think the reason the FP line was so long is because everyone rushed in for FP's for Soarin' and now it was time for the second one of the day.

Got our FP's and then stopped to get Jacob a coke and noticed Mickey now sells his own chips


Went back and met everyone at our table and finished eating. Noticed this guy hanging out above us


Then stopped for a quick flower pic


We decided to head back this way


Marcia and her boys are always growing herbs, unlike Jacob they eat just about anything. Anyway, I thought they would love to see Living with the Land.

Even Jacob likes to check this one out




I believe we took our tour of CA after the Land tour and then we headed out of the park to check into our hotel for a little rest. Here are some pics of the Toy Story display for the Flower and Garden Festival.






Before heading to my truck we decided to take a monorail tour. Marcia's youngest was really wanting to ride, so we surprised him and rode it to the TTC and then back to Epcot. This is my favorite part of the monorail, I love where it goes through Epcot.

Next up, pics of POP!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

And notice the guy in front of me, guess what he is? A TOUR GUIDE!!! One of those Brazillian or some other large group tour guide. What was I thinking getting behind him. Luckily he was only getting 20 or so FP and not their usual 100.

Oh, man, I would have been so upset about that!!

Got our FP's and then stopped to get Jacob a coke and noticed Mickey now sells his own chips

I'm guessing Frito Lay was trying to tell the Mouse what to do, so the Mouse decided to "do away" with Frito Lay?

Went back and met everyone at our table and finished eating. Noticed this guy hanging out above us

Awwww!! I love the birdies. I bet if you were to gently toss a Mickey cheese curl particle out into the open, your little beggar would have come to take care of it for you...

Thanks for this update!

 

[natebenma]

Wow- a FP line for TT! But that makes sense with everyones window FP window opening up around the same time. I love that you rode the monorail to nowhere! It really is a bonus atttraction.

Sounds like a great day so far!

 

[jmskinner]

Wow- a FP line for TT! But that makes sense with everyones window FP window opening up around the same time. I love that you rode the monorail to nowhere! It really is a bonus atttraction.

Sounds like a great day so far!

Thanks! We really were having a great time. And after all the trips I have made that was my first time running into a FP line like that, that late in the day.

Your right, the monorail is a bonus attraction.

And, you were up late!

 

[TinksThree]

After I went back and looked, I should have realized it was Test Track!

Oh those lovely tour groups! We had several on our last trip and Keith kept getting upset with me because I would all but run to stay one step ahead. After waiting in the first line though...he understood!! But ours was the usual 100!

Love the Toy Story topiaries!! I think I may be there for the Flower and Garden Show next year! Only it is a band trip so I won't get to schedule and I am unsure of the exact dates yet!

I hope your packing is going well!! I do not envy you that task in the least!!

 

[jmskinner]

After I went back and looked, I should have realized it was Test Track!

Oh those lovely tour groups! We had several on our last trip and Keith kept getting upset with me because I would all but run to stay one step ahead. After waiting in the first line though...he understood!! But ours was the usual 100!

Love the Toy Story topiaries!! I think I may be there for the Flower and Garden Show next year! Only it is a band trip so I won't get to schedule and I am unsure of the exact dates yet!

I hope your packing is going well!! I do not envy you that task in the least!!

I remember those tour groups only being around during the Summer, but it seems they are year round now.

Can you believe I never got a pic of the Cars topiaries?

Have fun with the band. Be like me when I went to Universal this past May with Jacob's. "We are riding Harry Potter!!!"

Thankfully we don't have much packing to do since the movers do most of it. Just the special things I don't trust them to pack and then figuring out what we will need since we will be in hotels for over two weeks and who knows how long it will take to get our furniture. Guess we need to get busy buying blinds for windows in the new house too.

 

[jmskinner]

After our little detour on the monorail, we found the truck and were off to POP! I had an idea of where it was, but still got turned around. Marcia and I were having a blast. But we eventually found it







We didn't take our luggage because I thought we would have to move the vehicle to be closer to our room, but turns out we were in adjoining rooms on the opposite side of the main pool, just a few doors down from where we could see construction on the new resort. I realized later that this was an excellant location when Minnie&Nana pointed it out to me.

The CM's there at Pop were fabulous. Every member of Mousekeeping that we passed stopped to help us locate our room.

Managed to take a view pics before Jacob destroyed the room.







Once in the room, the boys changed to their swimsuits and we headed out to the pool.

Stopped for pics on the way to the pool, this is right outside our door












Now, I thought the staircases were too cool, that's them in the Yo-Yo!
















My boy:


Marcia and I had a Margarita while the boys swam. It was sooooo good. Can't believe I didn't take a photo. I didn't get a pic, but this beautiful couple decided to layout right in front of us. I'm sure our DH's would have enjoyed the view of the wife, but Marcia and I enjoyed our view of the hubby.

On the way back to our room, I had to get this pic (don't think it was part of this TR, but I had one whole weekend where every animal pic I took was of the rearends).


We had the boys get dressed so we could head back to Epcot.

My boy being cool




Jacob wanted to go here


He would be perfectly happy to go to WDW and spend all of his time in the arcade.

More Epcot coming up.

 

[natebenma]

Great pictures of POP! It is funny, but I think this is the resort I would pick if for some reason ($$$) I couldn't say at my beloved Beach Club.

 

[TinksThree]

Love the POP pictures!! One day I plan to stay here because it just looks so vibrant and fun!!

Shame there wasn't a picture so we could enjoy viewing the hubby too!!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Makes me want to go!! Sometimes I do feel like Jacob, and just want to take advantage of all the things the resort offers -- pool, arcade, and other fun stuff. Heck, even just lounging around in the room!

I love how colorful this place is. I'd love to take my nephew there!

 

[jmskinner]

Great pictures of POP! It is funny, but I think this is the resort I would pick if for some reason ($$$) I couldn't say at my beloved Beach Club.

I really enjoyed POP. Food court is a good size, and theming is fantastic!

Love the POP pictures!! One day I plan to stay here because it just looks so vibrant and fun!!

Shame there wasn't a picture so we could enjoy viewing the hubby too!!

I wish I had spent more time wandering around taking pics.

I really should have taken a picture of the guy. He could have been on a fitness mag!

Makes me want to go!! Sometimes I do feel like Jacob, and just want to take advantage of all the things the resort offers -- pool, arcade, and other fun stuff. Heck, even just lounging around in the room!

I love how colorful this place is. I'd love to take my nephew there!

He would love it Vickie. The values really are fantastic for families. So many great things for kids to do.

 

[jmskinner]

We made it back to Epcot


Continuing my butt pics




We used those FP's for TT




Dad had better not see this pic


"Jacob, we are a Mustang family!"

Jacob being cool


We headed over to the WS in search of more drinks and food...notice drinks come before food.





I was excited for Marcia and her boys to see the topiaries






We headed over to Moracco to eat, but grabbed some pics first








Had to point this out to Marcia


We had our dinner, which was very good. Well, everyone except Jacob, he wouldn't eat in Morocco.

I pointed out the star of Illuminations.




Bonsai trees


We then stopped for drinks and ice cream in France and found a spot to watch the show. I spent some time trying to get more pics of Morocco


I had never watched Illuminations from this spot, so I was totally shocked when this happend


That little bomb to the left of the screen, was shot out very close to where we were. We all let out a scream.



Marcia's boys were past their bedtime and needing sleep, but I said they had to ride Spaceship: Earth. So we rode it real quick...ok not a quick ride, but at least you sit for it.

We then went out to wait on the bus and Marcia youngest was asked to help out the CM and direct the bus, which he was then given this


I was soooo jealous. Now that I think about it, I wonder if the CM chose him because he didn't have any pins or a lanyard and hoped it would start him to becoming a collector.

On the ride back to the resort, Marcia's oldest passed out. I have a great pic of him asleep, head back, mouth wide open. He requested I delete it, but I can't do that.

Marcia and her boys headed back to their room, while Jacob and I stopped at the food court to get him chicken nuggets. That place was busy, even at 10:30pm.

Next up...Magic Kingdom!

 

[jmskinner]

I know I am flying along now, but I realized as of Monday, we won't have internet access , except for on our phones. Plus we will be busy watching packers and cleaning up. Then we probably will not be online again until the 25th somewhere in SC. So let's get this moving along.

This trip with Marcia and her boys was just a one night stay, we were both needing to get back to get ready for a large community yard sale. Now, being the "WDW Pro" that I am, I planned our park days so that we arrived at MK on an EMH morning. I forgot to mention Epcot was an EMH evening day.

We got up bright and early and headed out the door. Here is a pic of the pool, so nice and quiet this early in the morning.


I wish we had hopped on


We have never done any of the MK special transportation offered.





We stopped to eat in the bakery and while everyone was eating, I headed out to Space Mountain to get FP's. Then we headed over to PoTC. Check out the crowds






We had a nice ride and the boys enjoyed themselves in the store. Next it was off towards the other mountains




Too early for Splash, but BTMRR was calling our names, and the boys got to ride up front


I caught a rainbow


(A little off topic, have you seen the video of the lady filming the rainbow in her sprinkler water and she is asking what the government is placing in our water that causes this. That what I think of every time I see this occurence now. Guess this would be a little Disney magic.)



We decided to ride again since there was no wait. This time I got in front so I could take pics of everyone


Jacob doesn't really like this ride, one reason is due to how loud it is.

Next we headed over to Tom Sawyer Island


What is me and pics of flowers




The boys had a great time and so did Marcia. I mentioned the paint brushes and we saw a couple of families with them and Marcia was then on a mission. Anywhere it looked like people had walked off path, she just knew there had to be a brush. Me, I'm one of those, you don't go off path at Disney. Sadly we didn't find one, but she sure did try. We also lost her youngest at one point, but finally found him. We've lost Jacob there a couple of times also.

Jacob loves the fort




A TSI tour wouldn't be complete without the wacky bridge


We decided to head back to the mainland


And I started playing around with the monochrome (black and white) function


Next up: Haunted Mansion

 

[TinksThree]

I adore this picture!!!



And this one too!!
Had to point this out to Marcia


Man! I forgot to find this one on our trip to point out to Keith!! And I wonder if the woman "posing" realized?! (That wasn't Marcia was it?!)

I love Epcot!!! Really loving your pictures!!!

 

[jmskinner]

I love Epcot!!! Really loving your pictures!!!

Thanks. No, that isn't Marcia and I think that woman is pregnant, which for some reason I find even funnier that she is leaning against that.

 

[jmskinner]

I tried to do this update last night, went to preview and lost it all. This will be my last attempt before the move, fingers crossed it works this time....

So we were hot and tired from TSI and I believe at this point I left everyone to get FP's for Peter Pan and met them back at CHH. We all enjoyed our meals and then headed over to HM. The queue was still under construction so nothing exciting outside and I took a few pics inside.



This one isn't very good, but it looks a lot scarier than the actual scene in HM, or at least to me.

Got these guys




We then wandered over to Space Mountain


Of course a good unofficial tour guide wouldn't let them miss the Peoplemover and this is a scene I am always trying to get a pic of


Now it was time for Splash, so we decided to take the train and I always get a gate pic


I like this part of the train since you go through Splash Mountain. Then we were on Splash


Poor Brer Rabbit


Then we decided to go for a Jungle Cruise


While in line an announcement was made "May we please have your attention. Would everyone in line please stomp their feet, jump up and down, and do the mashpotato. We had a crate break open and cockroaches escaped, but you have taken care of them. Thank you!" That was fun!



Sometimes while on this and taking pics I wonder if others think I think they are real.
Sure are cute aren't they.


And not so cute


From here it was


After that we had some dole whips. I of course got my pineapple dole float, can't remember what everyone else had except for Jacob. He had nothing. If it isn't chocolate, he doesn't want any.

Then it was time for


Of course I will give you a castle pic


Marcia's boys were getting tired but I told them we had to ride Buzz. They would love it.


After Buzz we made a quick stop in the Emporium to get Marcia's boys a souvenier and we were off. Us ladies had a yard sale to prepare for. It was nice quiet trip home except for Jacob complaining about the boys falling asleep on him. He doesn't tire easy at all.

Next up I believe is a trip to Fantasy of Flight, and there will be more with Marcia and the boys. Couldn't be a tour guide at just two parks now could I? But it will all have to wait until the movers leave, we clean the house, and spend one last weekend at WDW. Wow, that almost made me tear up. It's finally starting to feel real.

 

[jmskinner]

Hi everyone! Sitting here in a hotel room, bored at the moment.

So far move hasn't been too bad. Movers arrived as they should, except instead of showing up at 10, they showed up after Noon. So then the next day they arrived early, but still didn't have time to pack everything.

Moving truck came the next day and finished packing and putting stuff on the truck. Saw one guy drop a piece of one of our living room tables, Jonas was about to freak. Didn't have enough numbers to number everything, so hopefully it all makes it.

We then got the house cleaned and loaded the Mustang on to the trailer before a rain storm. It wasn't pretty because the chin spoiler kept hitting the ramps, made it look like the whole bumper was going to come off. We then headed to WDW. Bubblegum stayed at the new pet resort. Poor dog isn't handling the move very well, she seems really stressed.

Jonas had a great time at his tournament, but didn't win. Jacob and I spent a day at Kennedy Space Center, so I will have lots of pics for you. And of course we spent some time in the parks.

Last Monday we headed out, spending our first night in Waterboro, SC and the second in Ashland, VA. Made it to our hotel on Wednesday, I took the dog to the kennel. She wasn't happy at all. Jonas found a great spot to get the Mustang off of the trailer and no chin spoiler scraping this time.

We have been refrigerator and paint shopping. We picked out some samples to try and have narrowed down that fridge. We also finally got to see Harry Potter. What a great movie!!!! I walked out saying I would pay to see it again!

Everything seemed to going well, were suppose to close on the new house Monday but found out today that the air conditioners weren't fixed like we thought. Seems a part was ordered. Hmmm, our realtor was told two weeks ago they were fixed. She said we are not closing until they are fixed so now we are in a holding pattern, which drives my husband nuts. Hopefully the other realtor gets off of her you-know-what and does something. I would, that's $10,000 in her pocket. Really bites because our bank actually got ready a full week ahead of schedule, we weren't suppose to close until the 8th. It will all work out though, I just know it.

I hope everyone is doing well, have a great weekend!