All those plans, and I missed my DIS meet!! Finished 1-3-2014!!!

[OhMari]

Ok, I finally got my pictures off my IPad

We were doing our The UnDISCOVERed Future World Tour.

Pictures of EPCOT before the park opened.
My pictures are all walk-by's.
I was glad it was cloudy today.
Temps were suppose to be in the high 80's,
which is hot,
when you are doing a tour and standing out in the sun.

That is my dh way ahead of me on his phone.

Love that the fountain was on and music was playing.

We started our tour, by introducing ourselves and saying where we were from and we had to be our name tags on and we also got our laynard's to give us special permission to be "behind the scene's." We also got our head phones, so we could hear our CM talk.

Our tour started in Guest Services and we got to go behind a trap door that we all had to stoop down and walk under. They did it this way, to make everyone feel like they are special and going to an unseen area where no one is allowed.

We all had to take an oath that we would not take pictures. Or disclose to much of what we saw.

I do not want to spoil to much of the Magic of EPCOT, but the tour went into the garage where they fix all the cars for Test Track-I think I could of left my dh in there for the duration of the tour-he was fascinated.

We got to go into the CM "uniform" building. We watched 4 Cinderella's get ready for work. I was very shocked how young they all were and how much they all looked alike. It is amazing how wigs, make-up transforms them all into Cinderella. They were all headed over to the Norway to the Akershaus Banquet Hall for the lunch Buffet. The rotate out every 15 minutes.

Our tour went into Innovations East and West and we were shown different areas, that I never knew existed. We did go back and do the tour of the House of the Future.

Did you know there is only one Sponsored Lounge left in all of Walt Disney World? It is at the Coral Reef. HP is the last standing Sponsor to own a lounge for their employees. 2 CM's work there daily. If you work for HP, you can stop in for a bathroom break, soda, water and sit and relax and enjoy the Aquarium. You can see people walking on the other side. I think the Lounge is right above the Coral Reef Restaurant. We were told many HP employees will use the Lounge for their wedding receptions.

The tour took a break at The Land and I grabbed a soda and at the bottom of my receipt, I noticed a coupon for $25% off merchandise at some major stores at WDW, if I used it before 11:00 a.m. I also had a week to use the coupon. I also went and got us Fast Passes for Soarin with a return time of 5:30-6:30 p.m.
After our break, guess where we went?

 

[OhMari]

I am sure many good DIS members know this.
But the 4 globes that hang inside the Land
are the Seasons of the Year.
The Globe above rotates around, for each season.
Sorry, this was just my Ah- ha moment.
I learn something new all the time.

Our tour was led out the doors by the bathroom and we were going in the back way to Soarin.
We waited awhile outside before we were let in.
And, the reason we were waiting?
Soarin was down.
They let us wait another 15 minutes
but it wasn't going to be. Bummer.
Now I am glad I got our own Fast Passes.
Our CM told us after our Tour,
we would all be given a Fast Pass
for up to 5 people, and also a
designated area by Italy tonight to watch Illuminations.

We walked behind the scenes again at the Customer Child Center, First Aid bathrooms. We were told that at least 5 more countries can be built at Epcot.
Where? I have no idea. We walked behind Mexico, Norway and came back into the entrance of China and that concluded our Tour.
I think we were done around 12:30.

We always seem to stumble on camera crews,
someone said the young boy is on the Disney Channel.

We hightailed it over to Italy,
we had a ADR at Via Napoli at 12:30 p.m.
Sorry no pictures, but it was nice
to sit down in air conditioning.
I had Mezze Rigatoni alla Creme con Pollo - cream, chicken and peas.
Order pizza-if you go here.
My dh order his own personal pizza.
I am not a huge pizza person, thus my pasta-
but I have to say, it was very good.
For dessert my dh had gelato-ice cream
and I do not know why I ordered Torta di "Mamma Rosario" - apple cake with almond sorbetto-yuck. I just ate the ice cream.

After lunch we decided to go back to our room for a rest, but we stopped at the Aquarium-Coral Reef and saw the Nemo ride had no line.

Sorry, bad picture of Nemo.

My dh convinced me to video tape the ride.
He told me I can go back and capture pictures
off the video.
(No you can't).
I was right-and I didn't realize this till after I video taped Illuminations.
But I do love watching my video I know have.

We went back to our room and rested and I took a shower and changed clothes.
This is the only time I will wear Disney clothes
is when I am at WDW.
This is my favorite shirt.
I wanted to find another shirt at the aquarium
that says, "Mine, Mine, Mine" but they didn't have any.
"Mine is getting worn out."

So, here I am before we left Coronado Springs
to go back to EPCOT to watch Illuminations and eat supper.

We got back to EPCOT in 5 minutes.
I love having a rental car
and I love the Coronado Springs is very centrally located.

Soaring-check-never gets old.
Test Track-check-my dh loved all the new improvements.
He got off and got right back on in the single riders line.
(I have never ever seen him do that-ever).

I had an ADR for the Rose and Crown at 7:30 p.m.
I wish I would of kept it, but since we were invited
to a special area for Illuminations I cancelled. I thought
it would be a good idea to eat at the Food Booths
that were set up for the Flower and Garden show.

Remember how I thought my dh would like something
and he ended up hating it?
Or something I thought he would hate and he loved it?

The only thing he enjoyed was going to Germany and getting
a Brat and a Beer.

I used all the snack credits and tried different food items around the world.

Since this was way back in April,
the only thing I can remember is spitting out
the ground bologna bun/meat in England.

We walked to our area in Italy and gave them our names.

Our view,

And us,

Only 3 groups from our tour group showed up.
Just as the show started a family walked in and the CM
let them stay.
I was on the bench on the side standing so I could video tape the show.
But I did take one or two pictures before I video taped.

You can see the family pretty good in the picture.
It sort of bothered me, but than again, the space
really wasn't being used, so why not.

We walked the long walk back out to the parking lot.
I wanted to park at the Boardwalk, but I forgot-we got to EPCOT so darn fast.

Long day.

 

[OhMari]

Tuesday, April 16, 2013.

Today was another no park day.

I know I went to fill our mugs this morning
with ice and lemonade.

My dh met me outside and he decided he wanted to eat breakfast.
It was such a beautiful morning,
I told him I didn't want to eat inside, but outside today.


To avoid setting down inside at The Pepper Market,
go to the cash register and tell them you are taking your food to go.
They give you a ticket to get your food stamped and a tray.

My dh got a "build your own omelet'"
I think I got a muffin and chocolate milk.

DtD day.
I had a lot of money left over on my
Disney VISA Rewards card.
I thought with the Dining Plan
you had to pay Tax and Tip,
but it is only the tip that needs
to be paid out of pocket.
I like being in control of my gift cards and
rewards card, but if I ever do the Dining Plan
again, I would will put my rewards card on
my Key card, or wrist band.
I have ran into so many problems with
restaurants that have to deal with the Gift
Cards and Rewards cards. I think the stores
are better equipped handling the cards. Ok, rant over.

Since I had my handy dandy 25% off coupon to use
at World of Disney,
I was ready to shop.
I bought a white, diamond Chrystal Mickey Watch.
Mickey Kitchen Mitt
a new key chain and a 2013 photo album.

On Sunday with the thunderstorm that went thru
in the afternoon, we didn't get to ride the Ferry
to POR or PORFQ.

Today, was sunny and 80 and we went to have lunch
at Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory Lunch/Dinner

Just some random pics on the boat ride.

We used our C.S. credits and I went into POFQ customer service to change or cancel one of our ADR's for Cape May Buffet. For some reason it let me book 2 and I needed to cancel one, so I didn't get the $10 fee.


The afternoon my dh needed to work so I went to the main pool.

I left my refillable mug, under my lounge chair.
I didn't realize it, till I packed up our things the next day.

In the evening we went to Cape May.
I was hoping I would receive a phone call
from a friend on our April FaceBook page
that had a Illumination Cruise this evening.
If he had people that didn't show up, he said
we could take their place.

Tonight we parked at the Yacht Club.
Me and my sisters stayed their last year
and I wanted to show my dh around.
We have been on the boardwalk plenty of
times, but never around the vicinity.

We got drinks at Hurricane Hannah's and sat and people watched.

My dh smokes- He hates that he smokes, I
hate that he smokes,
I wish he could stop.

It surprised me that a CM was
riding his bike so fast.

Our reservations were for 7:15.
I can tell by how dark it is getting.

The flags were at half staff for the
Boston Marathon runners.

We are half way around,
but still working our way
to Cape May

I priced out those rooms behind me,
at the Beach Club,
without a discount $850 a night.

We finally made it to Cape May.
I knew I shouldn't have had a Margarita,
sometimes my stomach gets upset with alcohol.
Still makes me want to cry.
This is why we have a rental-
my dh knew to blast the air conditioner
to bad I couldn't go back in and eat.
I felt one hundred times better.
(I did eat something, but not what I wanted).

Tomorrow is our last day at Coronado Springs.

 

[smidgy]

I, for one, did NOT know that about the globes in the Land pavillion. thaks fo the info, oh mari!!!

that tour sounds pretty cools. we have done the keys to the kingdom tour, the seeds tour at the Land pavillion, and 2 segway tours at epcot. the original "silpy segway" and the "segway around the world".

I would like to do the one you did, and the fort wilderness segway tour. given a bunch of money, i would love to do the Africa trek at AK, and (if I had the certification) the under the water"Tour" at Living seas.. why not, ya know?

dont' you just love CSR? esp that Maya pool. sucks that you forgot your mug!

 

[pwdebbie]

Yay for updates! About the family that watched Illuminations in your reserved area -- Well, they got some pixie dust! I know that's how I would have felt if I'd been allowed into a reserved area.

Your tour sounds interesting -- but something that I would have to do on a solo trip. Dh doesn't hold up that long!

 

[scottny]

The tour sounds great.

Fun times it sounds like at Epcot and DTD.

I love the boat ride to POR. One of my favorite things to do.

 

[OhMari]

The tour sounds great.

Fun times it sounds like at Epcot and DTD.

I love the boat ride to POR. One of my favorite things to do.

Me too Scotty-my dh even suggests that we do, which is rare.

Yay for updates! About the family that watched Illuminations in your reserved area -- Well, they got some pixie dust! I know that's how I would have felt if I'd been allowed into a reserved area.

Your tour sounds interesting -- but something that I would have to do on a solo trip. Dh doesn't hold up that long!

it was long, we started at 9 and we it was till 12:30 p.m. When the tour started we were behind the scenes at Guest Services for a really long time. If you didn't know anything about EPCOT, this would be a good tour to take.

I, for one, did NOT know that about the globes in the Land pavillion. thaks fo the info, oh mari!!!

that tour sounds pretty cools. we have done the keys to the kingdom tour, the seeds tour at the Land pavillion, and 2 segway tours at epcot. the original "silpy segway" and the "segway around the world".

I would like to do the one you did, and the fort wilderness segway tour. given a bunch of money, i would love to do the Africa trek at AK, and (if I had the certification) the under the water"Tour" at Living seas.. why not, ya know?

dont' you just love CSR? esp that Maya pool. sucks that you forgot your mug!

I am sad too I forgot my Mug, but with the new system in place it doesn't matter anymore. I would love to do the Under the Water Tour too at the Living Seas. Maybe one day we can do it together.

 

[smidgy]

I thought you had to have a scuba certificate to do the underwater tour?

 

[OhMari]

I thought you had to have a scuba certificate to do the underwater tour?

Probably, maybe we need to go to an All Inclusive Resort in the Caribbean. They give free lessons in their swimming pools.

 

[OhMari]

Oh, How The Time Does Go By.

Why is it so hard to get this TR done.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

I did laundry this morning.
My life feels a tad tilted if I don't do a load or
two on my vacation.

I was up at 7:00 a.m.
Found the laundry room and managed
to separate the laundry into three loads.
If anyone is wondering, Disney charges $2.00 a load.

I went outside and swam my laps.
After my laps, I threw the clothes in the dryer,
went back to my room and took a shower and got dressed
and-clothes were dry, folded and we packed up.

I wanted to either go on the Sea Racers and then do Disney Quest.
My dh wasn't having it.
I hate hate hate these kind of days.
I then suggested going out to the bus stop
and letting the first bus decide where we should go.

Would you believe we sat at the bus stop 20 minutes and
no bus.
Nothing, zilch.

Finally I said, "let's go to The Animal Kingdom"
and walk around slowly and treat it like a zoo day.

Screw the busses, see still no busses.

We got in our rental and drove over.
And parked out in BFE.

I learned my lesson and I take pictures in the section that we park.

I was looking for a Tram-this is the first time, I ever saw a parking lot this full.

I'll just show you the rest of my pictures.

We did make someone's day and bought them lunch with a left over credit.

And we had our Six degrees of separation moment at WDW.
While we rode the tram to the Animal Kingdom gates,
a couple sat down with us and the guy had a Green Bay Packer
t-shirt on.
They were visiting their dd who worked at The Animal Kingdom in Guest Services. This couple asked us where we were from and we told them WI. Of course they asked what part of WI and they both looked at us funny,and they both graduated from our town that we live in. Plus I knew their brother and sister-in-law really good. Me and their sister-in-law talk Disney all the time. She tells me how her niece used to run Typhoon Lagoon as Head Lifeguard. She know is a CM at Guest Services at The Animal Kingdom. Ahh, small world.

Safari ride at 1 in the afternoon blows.
I think he agrees.

This is such a pretty area.

I am going to make a canvas picture of this for my bedroom.

I was on the wrong side of the pond. I heard their was a alligator in the other pond by Flame Tree Barbeque. This is a little hidden gem area.

Always a favorite and I don't mind if I take a quick cat nap now. I've seen it plenty of times.

Nice day-but also a sad day.

We were suppose to meet up with Steve and Diane.
"2 beautiful kids,"
"that live in the heart land."
aka Nebo and Smidgy.
I didn't realize Smidgy don't text.
I did leave a message to tell them where we were,
but Diane didn't call till Friday.

Maybe next time.

 

[OhMari]

We were checkin in at The Ritz today.

Yep, nothing like being hot and sweaty after a day at The Animal Kingdom.

I did take off my tennis shoes and put on a nice pair of flip flops.

Valet-just a waiting.

But the finally stopped making
it mandatory that you Valet your car.
Plus a price tag of $25 a day to park~~~~crazy.

If there is a bad room at The Ritz-we got it.
The room carpeting was dirty,
we over looked the roof on top of the entrance.
One evening our door was left open after turn down service.
I was livid.
We should not have walked into our room.
We should of went downstairs and got someone to come up to the room with us.
But my dh walked in first and checked the room out to make sure nothing was missing.
I still was upset and walked downstairs and told them about the room.
They handed me a piece of paper to fill out for the manager.

We had a maintenance guy come up to the room to fix the door.
He told us the spring on the door wasn't being opened wide enough for the door to slam shut.

How was that my fault, that the maid didn't make sure the door was shut behind her. The maintenance guy told us, he would come up the next morning and fix it. It never got fixed.

The only thing I like about The Ritz-
Weddings.
This place has a wedding going on at all times.

Wouldn't this be a pretty place to walk up to
and get married?

All those rooms facing the pool and we get a crappy roof view.

I never spend to much time at this hotel.
I usually venture back to Disney and go solo.
Which will be my next post-Disney Studios.

 

[OhMari]

Thursday, April 18, 2013

I am not one to sit around a swimming pool
all day.
Many of the wives that attend the conference with
their husbands do enjoy sitting out by the pool.
They say it is their one chance to wind down and just relax.

I, myself figure I can relax when I am dead.
I am in Florida,
I am going to Walt Disney World—-

I started out by day, with the free breakfast
that everyone is invited to attend.
I could eat lunch and supper also if I choose to do so.
At the convention this evening, supper is a walk around event.
You can fill your plate at different stations and then try
to balance your plate while standing up and eating.
Vendors are scattered around the room and they
try and get your attention while you eat.
I told my husband this year, he can attend without me.
I had a date with a cupcake and a few other plans up my sleeve.


Time to conquer Disney Studios.
At opening..
At EMH to be exact.
I was going to try to get in with our parking pass
that expired yesterday and my room key that also expired yesterday.

But first I had to get there.
The Ritz is right down the road from Sea World
Same road, just a mile more.
So after a few stop/go lights, I was on I4.
I4 has 3 exits to Disney and I took the last exit,
since I knew it was the back way into Disney Studios.
I also knew I wouldn’t encounter so many busses.
But darn, wouldn’t you know I missed my turnoff and
I was headed straight for the Magic Kingdom
But don’t you worry now,, Disney has the awesome roads that
turn you right around and get you back on the right road to
your destination.
Within 5 minutes I am looped back around and in the parking lot,
“waved right on through with the my old parking pass
and I was in.

I figured I better do something nice for someone today,
Since I got a $15 break on parking-
Sometimes KARMA bites you in the ***.

 

[OhMari]

Still on Disney Studio Day

For some reason it took way more minutes
To park my rental, plus I was parked way on the end of the parking lot row
I was closer to the Boardwalk that to Disney Studios.
When I approached the gate I did bag check and they
Were letting everyone in the gates without checking room keys.
A guy behind me said,
Disney Studios is suppose to open at 9:00 a.m. for the general public,
But the park is such a joke, they are glad that anyone comes, so they just
Let everyone in the park whether you have a room key or not.

Really?

Is he telling the truth or was that a statement that I should put in the thread,
Guess what I over heard at WDW.

Some DIS members question why there is such a hype for:
Toy Story Mania!!
There is a reason why Mania is included with the Toy Story name.
The game or ride is just plain fun.
Plus at 8:15 a.m. no one is in line.
So what do I do?
I grab a FastPass and get back in line.
I probably waited longer for the Fast Pass than I did standing in line today.
Felt sorry for the guy running the voice over today.
He had no one to harass.

I should of walked across the street after my 2nd time at Toy Story Mania.
I wanted a picture with Buzz and Woody,
but I wanted to try the new Star Wars ride.

Blah, Blah, Blah, next, next, next.

If there is no line for a character,
I will get in line, without feeling to wierded out.
The CM's made a few suggestions and had fun with me.

I read The Muppets is getting a do-over,
So I figured I better go in, before the do-over
Could eliminate some of the elements of the classic movie.

I finally got rid of my bad ju-ju for the day.
I offered to take someones picture/
And they kindly returned the favor.
But did that mean, I lost my good KARMA again?

Did I mention that I got sprinkled on today.
The umbrella was a working.
It is good to see Disney keep the little things
working properly.


The Animation Studio opened at 11:00 a.m.
I was super pumped to get over and try my hand
at animation.
Did I mention that I had the worst handwriting in the world
and Sister Roberta Jean-declared there was no fixin
what could never be fixed?
I would get straight A's in Elementary School, and I think
the good nuns gave me a D for at least trying in Penmanship.

 

[OhMari]

Still Disney Studio Day.

Guess what is really hard to find.
The Animation Studio
It is a tiny little door located
In the Animation Studio.
I probably walked by it dozens of times
While we got character pictures.

While I waited in line on a nice comfy seat
I looked at my IPad and tried to get
The free Wifi.

I always tried going online with
“My Disney Experience” and the
Only place I could get online was in our resort room.
Out of habit today, I went to Safari.

Up popped a message that if I wanted to choose
Disney’s free Wifi, I had to cross my fingers and
Sign-in that I wouldn’t do anything naughty or illegal.
So I signed up and then went to,
My Disney Experience.
Guess what, the program worked beautifully.


The class got to vote on what picture they wanted to draw.
I raised my hand for every character she mentioned.
Heck, I never drew any, o I didn’t care what we drew today.
And the winner was Chip.

Guess what the difference is between Chip and Dale.
Any guesses?

Chip has a brown nose and Dale has a red nose.
So let the class begin.

I missed the part on how to make Chips eyes happy.

Class done.
Now I need to go find
Chip and Dale.

Chip was so pleased I drew him today,
he grabbed it and ran away.
Dale was asking me in the back ground,
why I didn't draw him.

Dale tried to win me over though.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Awesome updates!! The tour sounds really interesting. I'm like you...if I'm in Florida and close to Disney...that is where I will be!

 

[scottny]

Great update and pics.

Love the interaction with Chip n Dale.

 

[OhMari]

Going to finish up.

Hollywood Studios is not known for great C.S. meals.

I decided at 12 noon to do a walk-up to 50's Prime Time Café.
I was seated in 5 minutes, along with 3 other groups that did walk-ups.

I was given a nice quiet table in the back of the room and had
a wonderful waitress. I know it is suppose to be the 50's,
but she didn't bat an eye-lash when I pulled out my IPad.
I had comfort food-Grandma's Chicken Pot Pie - A creamy cheese mixture of chicken, mushrooms, carrots, celery, onions, and peas topped with a flaky pastry $18.99.

I just noticed the price went up a dollar, it was $17.00 and I got a lemonade. My waitress also received a great tip. She walked me out the door and gave me a hug and said, 'have a great day'. Hmm, I always wondered if she felt I was having a bad day.

I saved room for dessert and I know I went over to Fairfax Fair-which I didn't even know existed and got a Butterfinger cupcake. After I got it boxed up, I walked down towards Tower of Terror to get ice cream. I asked for just a small scoop and the CM told me I had to take the portion size for small. Seriously, portion sizes are outrageous. When I got my ice cream, I immediately, scraped off 2 scoops in the garbage and tried to eat my cupcake and ice cream. I managed to only eat a quarter of it and I boxed it up and put it in my back pack, minus the ice cream-I did eat that.

Since it has been so long since I was at Disney Studios, I know I went on Star Wars, sorry if I mentioned this. I went to Guest Services and exchanged our paper tickets for the new hard tickets. I love this sign outside Guest Services.

I was ready to go, but a PhotoPass CM walked out of Guest Services with me along with a CM that would be taking over and they asked if I would pose for a few pictures. It was early in the afternoon and not to many guests coming in, so I said sure. Here are a few.

I was going to go over and watch Lights Moto & Action, but I missed the show and did Back Lot Tours and The Great Movie Ride. I also wanted to see American Idol, but missed that show too. With all the shows going on, no one is in line at the characters.

I decided to go find Woody, - wow, that line was out the door and the air conditioning was not working. I turned around and decided to call it a day.

The photopass CM's were still at the entrance and I saw the Balloon guy, I asked if I could take a picture with the balloons. The CM's asked and they all agreed, that I could. So what a great way to end my day.

The CM had to have the balloons in his position at all times and he had to hang on too. I have a picture with him and then I tried a few ways, to eliminate his arm.

Great way to end my day.

I did want to come back in the evening for Fantasmic, but I didn't.

 

[OhMari]

Friday-April 19, 2013

I was going to go to SeaWorld today or the Magic Kingdom, but since I talked my dh into going last Saturday, I decided to sit by the pool. OMG, I was bored in 15 minutes. Luckily my dh was finished by noon and we had breakfast with his conference and a pool side luncheon.
My one and only picture of the pool.
The Ritz/Carleton has an okay pool, but the Marriott's next door rocks.
They have a wave pool, and a lazy river and I pretty much went over there
and floated all morning. This is the Ritz/Carleton pool, blah.

When we were finished eating lunch, I could not sit or float any longer, we decided to go on an airboat ride looking for alligators.

Boogie Creek Tours in Kissimmee.

It was a pretty area, I think Cypress Gardens, which is now Lego Land is right down the street.

Here comes our boat.

It was loud. You need to wear these.
Wow, I should put this picture on my refrigerator to motivate me to loose weight.

No alligator's, our tour guide found us a baby one, but you could barely see it.
The ride pretty much sucked. If you are going to do the tour, go to the very south side of Kissimmee, there are two locations, and the north side is not very good. We enjoyed the South side of the Lake better.

This was all we saw for the whole boat ride.

At the end of the ride, they had a baby alligator in captivity.
If I wanted to hold it, I was suppose to pay.
I also wasn't suppose to take pictures, they wanted you to pay for that too.
Oops.

We went back to the Ritz/Carleton for the evening closing meal.

On Saturday we flew home.
I know we went to DtD and ate at Earl of Sandwhich.

Our plane was waiting for us, which was unusual, and we boarded
45 minutes before we left.

Our dog George was very happy to see us.
It took a few minutes for him to come greet us.

 

[wiigirl]

Great update!

 

[pwdebbie]

Do you have another trip planned?