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

[jmskinner]

Someday I want to get to the world for Halloween.

Any word yet on orders and PCSing?

I hope you do soon!

Nope, no orders yet. Probably March or April.

 

[DFD]

 

[jmskinner]

I promised a couple of videos of the Boo To You parade, here ya go (click on the pictures):

Jonas got the headless horseman, which I missed (I apologize that you hear me complaining about this)





Love this band


Merchandise, after much debate with myself I went ahead and purchased a shirt


Love the shrits this year. They had the black with this design, but when I saw that they had this sort of purple/blue tie dye I had to get it. I have so many black t-shirts.

And these pins






And here are the photopass pics





I don't normally order the pics that Disney puts out there on the Photopass website, but I just thought that would make a great photo. And with 40% off with the MNSSHP discount, I couldn't pass it up.

 

[jmskinner]

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Oh, man -- Jordan would totally flip over that Jack Skellington pin!! She loves him.

I love the HM Photopass pic!! That spook on the carriage really looks good.

I had to chuckle at Jacob's hair in the pics, though -- it looks like he got really scared, and it stuck!

 

[dismagiclover]

Love the PP pics. Hopefully we can get one with the ghost.

 

[jmskinner]

Oh, man -- Jordan would totally flip over that Jack Skellington pin!! She loves him.

I love the HM Photopass pic!! That spook on the carriage really looks good.

I had to chuckle at Jacob's hair in the pics, though -- it looks like he got really scared, and it stuck!

I'll see if I can pick her up one in a couple of weeks.

And your right about the hair.

Love the PP pics. Hopefully we can get one with the ghost.

I'm sure you will!

And I meant to leave some comments about the party. We really did have a great time. And it's funny, every year I plan on trying to ride all the rides. I've read people saying they did this, but I don't know how. Unless we missed the parade and fireworks, which is my whole reason for going. Also, the trick-or-treating took a few minutes each, but that is part of the fun. For all of you that hope to go one day, you make it. To those going this year, have a wonderful time!

 

[natebenma]

Super update on the parade! The pictures you posted are great! Kind of weird seeing costumed characters in costumes.

Sound like a lot of fun!

Your photopass pictures are great!

 

[jmskinner]

Super update on the parade! The pictures you posted are great! Kind of weird seeing costumed characters in costumes.

Sound like a lot of fun!

Your photopass pictures are great!

I think that is my favorite part, seeing the characters in costume. I think that is why I like SWW so much.

I need to catch up on TR's!!!!

You must have had one of those can't sleep nights by the time of your post. Hope you got some.

I apologize for not doing an update. Was going to come out here and post when I saw Natebenma had posted. I have three mini TR's to post, but it will have to wait until next week.

I leave today for MNSSHP with a whole lot of Dis'ers. Very excited to see friends I haven't seen in months and meet some new people. I believe we are having dinner at Kona (will be able to mark that one off of the list), then on to the party. Tomorrow, rope drop at DHS. There is lunch planned, but a certain Duck won't spill on where it is.

As excited as I am, yesterday we learned Jonas is on his way to Afghanistan, next Wednesday. It is only 45 days, but that is one place that makes me nervous. But that is his duty and we will say our prayers and send him off.

Anyway, hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Anyone doing something special?

 

[heaven2dc]

MNSSHP looks like so much fun! I think my DD31 would love to go during this time of year - she absolutely loves Fall and Halloween time of year.

 

[natebenma]

I think that is my favorite part, seeing the characters in costume. I think that is why I like SWW so much.

I need to catch up on TR's!!!!

You must have had one of those can't sleep nights by the time of your post. Hope you got some.

I apologize for not doing an update. Was going to come out here and post when I saw Natebenma had posted. I have three mini TR's to post, but it will have to wait until next week.

I leave today for MNSSHP with a whole lot of Dis'ers. Very excited to see friends I haven't seen in months and meet some new people. I believe we are having dinner at Kona (will be able to mark that one off of the list), then on to the party. Tomorrow, rope drop at DHS. There is lunch planned, but a certain Duck won't spill on where it is.

As excited as I am, yesterday we learned Jonas is on his way to Afghanistan, next Wednesday. It is only 45 days, but that is one place that makes me nervous. But that is his duty and we will say our prayers and send him off.

Anyway, hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Anyone doing something special?

I think I posted a little after 7 AM. Since I am usually up between 4:30 and 5 every morning, that is actually late for me!

Sounds like a FABULOUS weekend! Have a great time with friends and eating at Kona. We have only been for dinner once, but the food was excellent.

Thoughts and prayers will be with Jonas- many thanks to him for serving and for all of the sacrifices your family makes.

Weekend plans- 2 flag football games, a Coastal Crime Scene Investigation event at an Audubon sanctuary where I volunteer and on Sunday I am helping the PTA out with a running event, the Cider Mash 5K, Cider Dash 1 K and kids fun run at a local apple orchard.

 

[jmskinner]

MNSSHP looks like so much fun! I think my DD31 would love to go during this time of year - she absolutely loves Fall and Halloween time of year.

It is a nice time to be in Florida, it can still be hot thought. The decorations are fantastic. Who wouldn't love Mickey Pumpkins!

I think I posted a little after 7 AM. Since I am usually up between 4:30 and 5 every morning, that is actually late for me!

Sounds like a FABULOUS weekend! Have a great time with friends and eating at Kona. We have only been for dinner once, but the food was excellent.

Thoughts and prayers will be with Jonas- many thanks to him for serving and for all of the sacrifices your family makes.

Weekend plans- 2 flag football games, a Coastal Crime Scene Investigation event at an Audubon sanctuary where I volunteer and on Sunday I am helping the PTA out with a running event, the Cider Mash 5K, Cider Dash 1 K and kids fun run at a local apple orchard.

Thank you and sounds like you had a busy weekend. The Coastal Crime Scene Investigation sounds interesting.

On to more Mini-TR's.

 

[jmskinner]

Finally posting again. Sorry for the delay. With our Premium AP's about to expire, I thought I would take Jacob to DisneyQuest. I posted this on a Floridian thread, inviting others, and a Disney fanatic, Gary, said he had never been and would like to check it out.

When I go to DQ, I like to get there at opening before it gets crowded. With 11:30am openings, it is much easier to make rope drop. The night before I finally remembered to download Darth Vader on to the Tom Tom. So even though I know how to get to WDW and DTD, I let the Force guide us. Jacob and I had so much fun listening to that Tom Tom. Especially when we got off course to get some McD's.

Which turned in to a mistake, but in a way, a good one. I ordered Jacob a kids meal and me a meal. We wait for a long time and the lady hands me two kids meals. I told her I only wanted one, not knowing a refund would take forever. I was about to give up when she hands me $7. That's a lot for a kids meal. Turns out she refunded me for both. I told her of the mistake, but she said to take it and to take both kids meals. Hey, free food and money.

This whole time I am texting Gary to say we are now running late, but we finally get there. Oh, almost had a headon collision in the DTD parking lot. I looked right at the sign saying "Do Not Enter" and what did I do. I entered. Starting to wonder about my brain lately. But we finally found a parking spot and safely walked over to DQ.

Gary was waiting for us. Once on the elevator I told him to watch the preshow. Then we were out and on to my favorite attraction at DQ. Pirates:




We didn't do too bad.

After that we did the Jungle Cruise:


My arms always hurt after that thing. Sometime I need to try just sitting there and see if we move.

About this time our fellow Dis'er Sha texted us that she was in the gift shop and had our shirts for MNSSHP. So we went to meet here. Hadn't noticed this pic before:



After visiting for a few moments, we headed back in. The CM's at the turnstiles must have recognized us because they allowed us to go through the side door and skip the elevator and preshow.

Jacob wanted to do this.








This is a game for 4 people where one drives and picks up crew members, while the other 3 shoot. You have screens all around you so you feel like you are in the action.



This is fun, it is a comic type of virtual game. You hold a sword/light saber and take out the bad guys.


Just a sign.

Jacob started playing a jet boat game that he loves and I knew he could play it for an hour, so Gary and I headed down to the Buzz Bumper Cars.


These things are fun. So much fun that we rode twice. One person drives and tries to pic up large rubber balls while another shoots the balls at the other cars. If your car is hit, you spin out of control. Warning: When you get hit, the ball hitting the car is very loud! We had a blast.

We also played the Mighty Ducks Pinball game. Another great workout, at least for me anyways.

We also did the build your own rollercoaster attraction. This was the first time I got Jacob on this. He didn't really enjoy it, but it was fun watching his reaction on the video at the end.

About this time Gary decided to leave, he had done all he wanted. I was able to talk Jacob into doing the Buzz bumpercars. He enjoyed it, but still really loud for him.

Down by the bumper cars is the old video games, you know the original ones. Galaga is one Jacob loves, he has it on a GameBoy game. He played it and I tried to play Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Jr., Dig Dub (which I totally forgot how to play), and lots of PacMan games. There was PacMan, Ms. PacMan and Super PacMan. I didn't remember that last one, so I gave it a try. Here's some pics:




We decided to head out. It was a beautiful day. Low 80's and no humidity. I think it was the first day like this. Stopped in RideMakerz. Still want this car:




Watched this guy try to find some food:


This is when I realized, what are these guys doing for food. I'm sure they are use to finding McD's french fries on the ground. What are they doing now it is gone. He must have been starving because I thought he was going to jump into a stroller with a little one.



Of course we had to go to the Lego store.

Jacob had to build a racecar. For some reason there wasn't an attendant handing out the wheels, so it was fend for yourself on those.



While waiting for Jacob I noticed that the large Bionicle's rearend. Don't ask me why, just glad they didn't decide to add smoke or anything.


Strange thoughts you have at WDW. Or is that just me.

Doesn't he look like he is checking out that woman?

Then it was on to

I bought an ornament, not the one I went in for, but some little bells with Mickey and Friends on them. Think they will look nicely on the Formal tree.

After that we headed home. We were making another trip over the next day to meet some very special people!

 

[TinksThree]

I have read about DQ in guide books but not much else so I have always been unsure about it. It looks like fun!!

I love that serpant and so funny how he was checking that girl out!!

We know so many being sent to Afghanistan. It is such an unstable area and so scary. I must selfishly admit I was so thankful Keith did not get deployed there but I would have still proudly supported him all the same! Thanks to your whole family for your service!! Hopefully those 45 days will go quickly!!

 

[natebenma]

Great update! How fun to meet up with someone!


I love your pictures at DQ- it is so hard to get pictures in there! I agree- I think Pirates is a lot of fun, the best thing at DQ.

Galaga is (was) my favorite, too! I bought an XBOX game called Naamco Museum that has Galaga, Dig Dug, Mr & Ms. Pac Man and more. Haven't tried it yet, though because 1) I have so much to do besideds XBOX 2) Boys, get off the XBOX! Now! I really mean it!!!

Fantastic photo of balloon taking off (or is it landing?)

 

[carissanboys]

Melissa - you are too funny.

Loved your M&M t-shirts!

 

[jmskinner]

I have read about DQ in guide books but not much else so I have always been unsure about it. It looks like fun!!

I love that serpant and so funny how he was checking that girl out!!

We know so many being sent to Afghanistan. It is such an unstable area and so scary. I must selfishly admit I was so thankful Keith did not get deployed there but I would have still proudly supported him all the same! Thanks to your whole family for your service!! Hopefully those 45 days will go quickly!!

Glad Keith didn't have to go over there! Jonas had to go once before for just a week. I was more stressed that week than the whole year he was Iraq. Didn't help he was traveling the countryside, at least this time he should be staying in one place. I hope!

I really think everyone should try DQ at least once. And on this day it was so empty, hope we find it like that again. And if you trust your kids playing by themselves, they have a nice sitting area and great treats. Every time we go we see at least one person taking a nap there.

It wasn't until I downloaded the photo that I saw how the serpeant seemed to be checking that lady out. Was she hot or was it hungry?

Great update! How fun to meet up with someone!


I love your pictures at DQ- it is so hard to get pictures in there! I agree- I think Pirates is a lot of fun, the best thing at DQ.

Galaga is (was) my favorite, too! I bought an XBOX game called Naamco Museum that has Galaga, Dig Dug, Mr & Ms. Pac Man and more. Haven't tried it yet, though because 1) I have so much to do besideds XBOX 2) Boys, get off the XBOX! Now! I really mean it!!!

Fantastic photo of balloon taking off (or is it landing?)

Thanks about the pics. I have some better ones from previous trips.

I know what you mean about trying to get the kids off of the Xbox. I have been known to take some time during my day to play on the Wii. No one else is home so I can play.

I think the balloon was landing.

 

[jmskinner]

Remember, we had driven over just the day before to visit DQ, well I totally forgot I had plans to meet some Dis'ers the very next day. I hadn't forgotten the meet, just the day. Had my weeks all messed up.

So, Jacob and I loaded up the truck and headed out. We were meeting Dr_Finkelstein "Di" and her family. We have been reading each others trip reports for about 3 years or so. Had meant to meet them during their previous trip the year before, but back then I didn't want to interfer with people's trips and wasn't sure about texting an international number. In fact, we figured out that we were at MK the same day, but were at opposite sides of the park the whole day.

Jacob and I arrived and Di told me where they were. Found her hubby right away, he was on his way for FP's for ToT. Then found Di and their twins. Now, we had decided to have a Football jersey switch. Ok, we know it as Soccer over here. Jonas has Scottish blood in him from way back, and just loves everything about Scotland. He has always wanted a Jersey. We originally planned on Gordon and Jonas switching, but they decided they would get their son a Donovan jersey. So they had Jonas' jersey with them, but the one I ordered hadn't arrived yet. Seems they don't have Donovan jersey's just sitting around, they add the name and number on to the jersey when you order it, so it took longer.

Here is Di and Gordon under the hat looking at pins their kids were finding:


Jacob took that one. He also took about 20 shots of some ducks, but I do like this shot:


Here's my son:


I believe we stopped and ate at this time. I found a table that would fit all of us, but I think it was the one table without any air on it because it was warm. We had a nice visit while enjoying some food.

Afterwards we headed over to Tattoine Traders for a little shopping, so sad to see Star Tours closed:





And I realized I didn't have a pic of the front of the store


I am usually walking out of it.

Getting my son out of this store is torture and I think Di will say that getting her guys out was a little difficult too.

Here is a pic of the three kids on the speeder bike:


They were having a great time pretending and luckily it wasn't too crowded.

From there we decided to give RnRC a try. Now, Jacob doesn't like this ride, but for some reason he decided to give it a try. I had told Gordon that all of his Peeps on Facebook were wondering where he was. His last post was that they were boarding the plane and then nothing else. While waiting in line, which I believe was about 30 minutes, I realized I could logout out of FB on my phone and let him log in. Di may regret me ever having that idea, because Gordon was on FB until we were inside the building.

My Redneck photo is horrible, so I won't post. From there we rode ToT. Seems their son doesn't like to ride and Jacob doesn't like to ride, so Di and I rode together and then Gordon and their daughter rode together. It was great ride and I noticed some changes even different than the ones this past Summer. I had no idea. Guess I need to Dis more.

After this we said our Goodbyes, or actually it was "see ya later". I wanted Jonas to meet them and he would be back the next week, so we planned another meet.

Would the jersey get here in time?

And Di has started her TR is you would like to join in, she will keep you laughing I'm sure Margarita or Bust - Son of Biergarten Trip Report 2010

 

[jmskinner]

Melissa - you are too funny.

Loved your M&M t-shirts!

Somehow I missed your post.

Thanks! I wear mine and Jonas' around the house now, so at least they are costumes not going to waste.

 

[carissanboys]

Looks like a great Dis meet! And I love that duck picture that Jacob took. Very cute.