Almost Live Trip Report OKW

[Shazzie B]

Crikey, don't know how other people do 'live' trip reports, I can't keep up, respect to those that manage it

We waited ages at the bus stop for aMK bus, saw 3 for DHS, 2 for AK etc. We eventually got to MK by about 1pm, and as we hadn't eaten much all day headed to Pecos Bill for our 1st CS meal. DH & I had beef in Taco shell and then added lots of 'fixins' that's the best thing here, onions, mushrooms, lettuce, cheese, gherkins. DD had Pulled Pork & DS had Angus Cheese Burger. DD & I gave our desserts of Chocolate cake to a couple of girls on the next table,too much food already. The boys ate their cheesecakes though

Then we rode Big Thunder Mountain (with FP DH fetched before Pecos Bill)' Haunted Mansion, It's a small world, wandered around new fantasy land but queues all 30 mins plus. Then Splash, WDW Railway, Pirates of Caribbean, Liberty River Boat before dragging them on Hall of Presidents. We found the park quite hot & crowded, we're not really used to touring In the afternoon- but reading that back now we got a lot done

We then headed to Crystal Palace for our6 pm ADR, not sure if it's because we were all so tired, but didn't enjoy as much as we usually do- we visited on every trip. Food was nothing special and server forgot to bring out the cupcake I'd requested for DD's birthday ( it was actually in Aug, but with the stress of A level results thought she deserved an extra treat- not that she got it) We were too tired to make a fuss about it so left after we'd seen all the characters.

We were luckier with the bus home, didn't wait more than 5 mins. DH & DS got off near HH to pick up our mugs. DD & I went straight back to villa where our luggage awaited, we quickly unpacked and were in bed not long after 9, well after a quick game of hide & seek with the bed linen for the sofa beds

 

[Shazzie B]

 

[Shazzie B]

Headed to bus stop at about 9:15 for an easy day at Typhoon Lagoon, bus arrived same time as us, result. Queued until opening times and then laid claim to a spot to the right of the wave pool, towards Crush & Gusher. We rode all 3 crush & gusher rides, without incident, tubes have bases in now so ther was no repeat of ruining a costume, having to buy a new Mickey one (only one that fitted) and nasty friction burn on backside, which was a relief for everyone, but especially me. We then did the shark swim, which we hadn't done for several years, I really enjoyed it this time, too nervous to enjoy before as not very used to using a snorkel and not sure about 'being In with fish' Done more snorkelling now so more relaxed. Then spent the day in& out of wave pool & lazy river as didn't fancy any of the other slides or queuing! We had lunch at Leaning Palm, Pulled Pork Burgers & Chilli dogs. I was very virtuous and had fruit cup for dessert. Not so virtuous later in the afternoon when we got 3 ice- creams as snacks, DD & I shared a Sundae and still didn't manage to finish it. We left the park at about 4pm and struck lucky with a bus straight away again. We really enjoy Waterpark days, they are our rest days.

Home & showers before dinner at Teppan Edo

 

[arieliwish]

We were at typhoon lagoon this morning too! Left around half one and came back to our pool at OKW. It was hot wasn't it?! What was teppan Edo like? We're there fri night.

 

[Shazzie B]

Teppan Edo was great, suspect I'm posting too late for you though.

Once back to villa we all showered and headed off to Epcot, again struck lucky with a bus arriving just as we did. When we arrived at Epcot the wind was picking up and we guessed it was going to rain pretty soon. We got into park as quick as we could, trust Japan to be the far side of the lagoon, we stopped in the Trading Post and purchased 4 ponchos. We then made away around the lake to Japan, everyone else was going the other way as by now it was pouring. We checked in and waited about 15 mins to be seated, guess a lot of people had dived in when it started raining. Couple behind me were moaning about the friends they were supposed meet, they were 20 mins late already and no wher to be found.

We waited out on the balcony watching the rain and when I popped back in to the ladies the restaurant smelt delicious.

Our meal was absolutely gorgeous, one of the best I've had on Disney, we liked the rituals, being taught how to use chop sticks and the Chef was really entertaining. Only downside was the 4 guests we sat with made very little effort to interact, even though I tried, but guess it could have been because it was the very same couple & their late friends. not sur if they had fallen out, they didn't really speak to each other much, or because the one couple realised I'd heard them moaning The only real conversation they had was, where are you going tomorrow, we're going to Animal Kingdom, oh we don't like that park because it's dirty!

Pics to follow.

 

[Shazzie B]

Chef cooking in front of us

Desserts were good too, Green Tea Cheesecake.

 

[Shazzie B]

Epcot again this morning,for park opening. Straight to Test Track to ride & collect Fast Passes, here's the girl's car

The boys beat us on power though

Plan was to do Mission Space, but it was down, so went across to Seas to do the ride and see Turtle talk with Crush, I know it's for little kids, but I love it. On way over we stopped to see these two fella's - watch out for pickpockets in Epcot. DH fetched FP for Soarin.

we the did Imagination, went back to try mission space, standby 35 mins so got FP, and rode TT again. The boys won again! we then had lunch at Electric Umbrella, nothing spectacular, Chicken Nuggets & Meatball subs. we decided to forego Mission Space on full stomachs and headed out of park about 2pm, doing Spaceship earth on the way. Crowds felt much more manageable today.

 

[Shazzie B]

Back at OKW we headed down to quiet pool at Turtle Pond, the snack bar there does the drink re-fills which is really handy as Hospitality House is too far to walk for drinks.

Then usual shower routine & headed out nice and early to catch boat to DTD, as we left I said, will we need ponchos? DH said no, blue sky. As we approached bus stop a bus arrived so we took the lazy option and hopped on, but when we got to HH the boat wasn't running as within 5 mins the sky had turned grey, bus again then. We stayed on the bus until Pleasure Island stop to allow rain to ease off, it worked. We then walked back to World of Disney to trade in voucher for 100 dollars, and spent 95 of it on gifts to take home, pens for our co-workers, small cuddly toys for 3 of DDs friends & DSs girlfriend as well as a 2013 photo album.

It looked like rain was heading back so set off for Raglan Road Irish Pub. Another great meal, which was good as when we had our family vote for ADRs to book it didn't make it, but I snuck it in anyway

I had Beefy Murray, a beef curry pie which the server warned me was very spicy, it was hot but OK for me and I only eat medium currys at home.

DS had Sausage & Mash, with Stew, DH Shepherds Pie, & DD Cluck Curry, all plates were emptied.

Lemon Meringue Pie for dessert, DS had a kind of Chocolate Bombe, DH a crumble!

Irish dancers & music throughout our meal

We then called at Hess for a bottle of wine to enjoy on our balcony on our free evenings, another handy tip from the DIS.

Whilst on the subject of tips, WayneG, you advised us not to book ground floor villas, well don't book 1st (American 2nd) either, we had a guest last night!

 

[arieliwish]

Just reading your thread as we're waiting to be seated in teppan edo! Your pics look great, looking forward to it now, although hope we get better company. The two new york men and kids we sat with in Germany were in beaches and cream last night and we chatted with them again, the kids mum was asking if they'd been well behaved (the kids not the men lol!).

 

[Shazzie B]

Animal Kingdom, we caught bus about 8:15 and were only ones on it. Touring Plans had crowd level at 1.1, it was certainly quit 1st thing. We did EE,Primeval Whirl & Dinosaur by 9:30. then did safari & decided to stop for a snack as we wern't having a CS lunch today as Yak & Yeti booking for 4:45.

Funnel cake certainly good use of snack credit, 1 between two is plenty

Plan was working great, we even had time for some characters, DS collecting autographs for Gf's sister.

. Seems if you want great character interaction carry a bag!

We went to Rafiki's Planet Watch after seeing all 3 shows, Lion King, Nemo & Flights of Wonder. Plan was to watch end of parade in Harambe, where it goes past twice as it's a tip we picked up a few years ago - you don't have to stake out a spot as everyone leaves after it goes past the 1st time

However bang on 3:45 the heavens opened, we had our macs today, so after watching the rain for a while he headed to Yak & Yeti early, no parade today & it's my favourite one, I normally cry, like I do at FoLK

Lo Mein at Yak & Yeti

Sweet & Sour Chicken, DD & I had half/ half. DH had Bourbon Chicken & DS had Crispy Honey Chicken. Nearly all clear plates again, but too much food for DD even though our only 'meal' today.

Dessert favourite was the Wontons

 

[Shazzie B]

Well now sat on the balcony with that bottle of wine, and nearly up to date, I'll share a few more photos from today, but we won't talk about my shorts falling down as I ran through the rain (only down to my knees before I caught them) or having to go barefoot as DD decided Crocs were better to wear than ruining her Converse! Or too many bubbles In the jacussi when DD used it, that had me running with armfuls of the things and throwing them over the balcony-you may hear reports of snow at Disney's OKW.

Ps ths safari has baby giraffes

 

[Shazzie B]

With rain like this it was a good evening to catch up with laundry, relax, and play Frog jokes on Mum.

Happy teenagers

Tomorrow, couple of hours inMK to try & catch Space Mountain open, pool time & then Epcot for Biergarten & evening at Boardwalk.

 

[Mummycat]

Thank you for doing this trip report you have a similar sense of humour to me and I have been chuckling to myself reading this through. The swimsuit and the shirts especially enjoy the rest of your holiday

 

[Shazzie B]

We were at MK in time for opening show & rope drop, I think it's a shame they don't do these at the other parks anymore. Headed straight to Space Mountain, fast walking no running We picked up FP and then rode. We had completed Tomorrow land area by 11am, apart from Stitch and 3 of us headed to castle plaza (is it called that) to watch dance parade thingy. They've updated Laugh Floor Comedy Club a bit and we found it really funny, was worried it would be the same as last Oct.

We then headed to bus and got straight on, thought DS would be on same bus, he'd gone to do Stitch whilst we watched parade.

We headed back to OKW and had lunch at their small CS 'window', I'd read a lot of bad press about this one, slow, rude servers etc. They used a pager system, wait not too bad and the servers were fine. I particularly liked that you could have an ice-cream for dessert and they'd hold until you'd eaten your main course. Only issue we had was cold fries - but to be honest I ate the as they were as they were getting so busy. Then pool time, pool here is a nice refreshing temperature, we found AKL too warm a few years ago.

We headed into Epcot about 4pm to do Mission Space that we missed the other day and have a wonder around World Showcase. we've seen and done most things numerous times but never really spent much time in the France Pavillion, DH always moves us on quite quickly there- not sure why. So this time we made him do the show.
Handy place to meet Belle

Spot the difference

He had the last laugh though, we found the film quite boring,and the compare before the show really made us cringe.

We then headed off to Biergarten, didn't get off on a good foot, they wouldn't let us check in until our allotted time, we were only 10 mins early. Meal was Ok, pleased we tried it, but not one we'd do again, suspect it's one you enjoy more with alcohol. we then exited via International Gateway for a wonder along the Boardwalk. Unfortunately this wasn't such a good idea as it seemed it was a nightmare getting bus back via DTD, waited ages for a bus then it was like a rugby scrum getting on. Driver told everyone to use front door but huge party jumped on back-skipping queue

 

[Shazzie B]

Thank you for doing this trip report you have a similar sense of humour to me and I have been chuckling to myself reading this through. The swimsuit and the shirts especially enjoy the rest of your holiday

Thanks, it does appear that one way or another Disney is determined to expose my backside

 

[Shazzie B]

We were due to go to HS for the day today, go in at lunchtime and stay for Fantasmic at 8:30pm. But as lunchtime entry at MK didn't work well for us so we decided on a lazy day at Blizzard Beach instead. Another nightmare bus morning, I'm quite relaxed with the bus system, sometimes you strike lucky sometimes you don't-but we waited 45 mins this am,and then you've guessed it two came at once. My understanding was that BB shared a bus with AK here, but the AK bus that arrived at 9:35 disputed this and said he just went to AK, funny that the two AK buses we'd already used & the two that came at 9:50 did though.
Anyway we still got a nice spot, we did the family raft ride, toboggan Racers & another one (???) before my knees decided they'd had enough of steps. Had a bob in the wave pool and relaxed on a sun lounger. Early lunch at about 12 (we don't have breakfast so tend to eat early) and a drift around the lazy river. We left about two and walked straight on to a bus, that had just come from AK

After showers etc we headed to HS, we noticed on tip board that ToT & R&R were 20 mins so we headed that way, My DE had wait for ToT posted as 10 mins so we did that & then just squeezed into Beauty & Beast show as it started at 4:15. Then R&R which stated 10 mins but was a virtual walk on. we then took a slow walk over to Prime Time Cafe browsing in shops whilst DH fetched FP for Star Tours. Dinner at PTC was great, DD and I had Pot Roast, DH Chiken Pie & DS Sampler plater. S'mores for dessert, DH had Dad' Brownie Sundae which was huge.

After dinner we went on Star Tours, didn't need FPs, and saw a version we hadn't seen before. Then Muppets & Great Movie Ride, gangsters version, haven't seen cowboy version for a couple of years- do they still do it? We then made our way to Fantasmic, stopping to pick up some gifts for DSs girlfriend on way, big Nightmare before Christmas fan. We went into Fantasmic queue about 40 mins before show, they were holding pack a FP queue and the standby line was sent to the far 3 sections, we sat towards the back for a sharp exit. I don't really like the pre-show so we were a very sad family & sat & played on iPads until show started.

After our nightmare bus journey the evening before we left just as show ended and power walked out- hoping it burnt loads of calories We were 1st on bus, and joined shortly after by a Mom & her grown up DD, Mom was out of breath so we joked about being made to run to get a seat. The bus left with just the 6 of us, result, quite expected him to wait until it was full,suspect the next bus arrived.

Not quite sure why but no pictures today

 

[Shazzie B]

As DH pointed out, 3rd Monday in America

Now originally this was supposed to be BB, but we swapped days, so should be HS. However as we got so much done yesterday and we still have a morning set aside for HS we decided to have a resort day instead. Currenty sat by pool doing a Disney A-Z Trivia Quiz. Anyway 1st question which 'A' is the type of gold that the medallions are made out of in Pirates of the Caribbean? Haven't a clue so can't see us doing well Just got 'F' name of Bambi's skunk friend - so it's lookin up

 

[queendisney]

As DH pointed out, 3rd Monday in America

Now originally this was supposed to be BB, but we swapped days, so should be HS. However as we got so much done yesterday and we still have a morning set aside for HS we decided to have a resort day instead. Currenty sat by pool doing a Disney A-Z Trivia Quiz. Anyway 1st question which 'A' is the type of gold that the medallions are made out of in Pirates of the Caribbean? Haven't a clue so can't see us doing well Just got 'F' name of Bambi's skunk friend - so it's lookin up

Its AZTEC gold by the way!

Have loved reading your TR, really good fun to read and obviously good fun at that end as well.

 

[Shazzie B]

Its AZTEC gold by the way!

Have loved reading your TR, really good fun to read and obviously good fun at that end as well.

Thanks, yes That's what we guessed, Came 2nd and won inflatable beach ball

 

[queendisney]

Thanks, yes That's what we guessed, Came 2nd and won inflatable beach ball

well that should come in handy! Well done.