(Almost) Solo in May - Update 11/17 - Not sure if I'd call that Pixie Dust!

[jenseib]

I finally saw the Memories castle show this Aug, with Patty and Mindy. It was so awesome.
I just watched that youtube video of the single rider guys. Thats too funny.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I love that Sarah was surprised by MSEP and Wishes. Very nice to see the Disney magic working!

Those ice cream floats look amazing and I am DETERMINED to try the Taco Salad next time, that looks so yummy and just like the one I had a few years ago at POFQ that they no longer sell.

It was fun to see the magic wash over her a bit, she sorta "got it". Her and her husband do talk of returning to the World at some time!

The Taco Salad is awesome. I just LOVE that you can make it your own using the toppings bar. The one over at Tortuga Tavern is the same, but they don't have the melted cheese in case you prefer that!

What a fun MK afternoon! I know the 2 hr Splash wait was not in the plans, but I love your attitude!
I agree with you about that Taco salad I think I ate 3 of those on our last trip. We had the CS plan for 9 nights....I never get tired of that yummy salad
I also love the Memories show on the castle. My 12 yr old was on the castle show back in June. She was riding the carosel and I talked with the Photopass Photographer for a good while when he was getting pics of random kids. He said he picked the photos for the show, and she would be on. She was...not sure if he really picked them, or if it was a coincidence. It was neat for her to be up there, though.

We truly just went with the flow - nothing we could change about it, and Splash was a ride that we both very much wanted to ride. Plus, waiting without a kid? Easy!

That is SO cool!!!!!!! We had a PhotoPass Photographer take a random picture of Henry later on in this trip, but we didn't stay for Wishes that night, so not sure if he made the Castle. Also in August we had one take pictures of our family on the Flying Blankies, but I didn't see them up on the Castle. I would have loved to! How fun!!!!!!! Were you able to get a picture of it when it appeared?

My favorite picture? the one of your feet on TTA...nothing like kicking your feet up after a long day at the MK.....2 hours waiting for Splash..OY!

Hope all is well.

I agree! I love doing the feet pic on the TTA. Henry even knows the drill now.

I so want to see the Memories show, but I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to, the plans just don't line up well for it. I'm going to do my best though!

Beautiful photo!

Oh Michelle, you HAVE TO! Seriously, it's amazing!!!!!!!!!! It's completely worth the time and effort to squeeze it in. I have been blown away every single time! I hope you can make it work!

2 hours for Splash? That's what you can do solo or with a girlfriend. You want to do it, you can. Glad you made the best of it and still managed to get some rides in.

Exactly! With a small child, no way! (or a teen-even worse! LOL!)

Wow...amazing day. Love the pictures, as always. I can see why you'd use that Mickey pic for all of your TA stuff; its great. Wishes! is so wonderful, I can't believe how long its been since I've seen it.

Thank you! I was really happy with that Mickey pic and it's just worked out so well for using for work stuff.

Have you missed Wishes your past few trips?? February, it's a MUST DO!!

That picture of the Mickey statue is awesome!!! Just perfect for your TA work!!!

Two hours for Splash? Wow! You have more patience than I would have had!

Love Sleepy Hollow root beer floats and of course, I love that Sarah enjoyed the MSEP!

Well, we didn't realize it was going to take 2 hours, we figured the sign said 60, we guessed more like 45-ish....and we didn't know what was taking so long until we were deep into the queue and chatting with those girls, so we figured we might as well wait it out! I'm glad we did though, it was something I hadn't done in forever and such a fun ride! (Plus, I knew I would be back to MK before my trip was over and Splash was Sarah's favorite!)

That is a really great shot of Mickey in front of the castle! Sounds like you guys had a great MK day! I'm really hoping "The Magic, The Memories, and You" is still playing in January, it really does look amazing!

I hope it is too! It's so incredibly popular, if anything, I just hope they change it a bit for the new year. I have a feeling the "Let the Memories" begin theme is going to stick around for another year, so I bet the show will stay the same.

How did I miss this starting.. Joining in!

I keep forgetting to announce it over on my other TR! Glad you found me!!!

It took me awhile after our trip to get caught up, but I'm finally here Brook!!!

I loved the pictures from Animal Kingdom -- you won't believe what I did! I lugged my zoom lens with me in my carry-on bag (and I swear it made it 5 pounds heavier! LOL!) and then I FORGOT to take it with me to AK! I specifically wanted close-ups of the animals during the safari -- but realized as soon as we got off the bus at AK that I didn't have it! I had put it in the safe & just forgot to get it out (and after I start my TR, you'll see this isn't the only time I did this!)

I had no idea they had seating at Flame Tree BBQ! And what an awesome view you had while eating!!! I actually made it a point to stop there & ended up with only onion rings! We then headed over to Restaurantosaurus to sit down. The CM there was soooo funny! She kept telling me to get my smelly onion rings away from her -- far, far away from her! LOL!

I could just sit & stare at the Tree of Life for hours . . .

Love all of your gift shop pics!!! I had read one update before leaving for our trip & it inspired me to just walk around slowly at the AK shops & take it all in! So thank you for that! I even had a very nice conversation with one of the CM's about how the AK shops are so nice because they have different, and very colorful items in them! It's not the same "themed stuff" like at the other parks!

YUM! Your jalapeno pretzel looks delish! I also think the Chai drink you got looked super yummy! I tried to get one while my DH was riding Kali but they were already closed for the day (it was around 4:45pm I think). I was really disappointed because I needed a coffee that day! Disney in-room coffee just doesn't fulfill my coffee cravings!

Woohoo for single-rider lines!!! It makes things so much quicker!

My pics of POTC never turn out either. I've tried all settings but the ones that take great pics at night require no movement -- so its hard to get a good shot in a moving boat!

I was impressed with what all you accomplished at MK! I thought the wait for Splash may put you behind a little -- but you still did so much!

We discovered Pecos Bills this trip by accident -- and I know what you mean -- those taco salads are YUM!!!!

I am really enjoying the pics from All Star Movies! My favorites are the broom & the giant hat!

Now that I'm all caught up, I promise to stay caught up!!!

Oh no! That stinks about forgetting your zoom! Ugh! That is the one thing I don't look forward to when we buy more lenses---carrying them. We travel so light now, it's almost worth it to not have the perfect pictures. Almost.

Glad to hear my trip inspired something new for you!!! Those shops really are neat and have quite a few unique things. I usually breeze past them, but I've done more shopping at AK in the last two trips than all my others combined!!

And don't even get me started on the Disney in-room coffee. Seriously. How much do we pay for a hotel and we have to drink THAT?! Give me something at least a LITTLE bit better. I truly hope that contract ends sometime soon, it's crappy motel coffee, IMO! (we always bring our own now! I'm not a happy camper without my drug. LOL!)

Jen has gotten some AMAZING pictures of the dark rides - she said it's her lens. So we'll have to ask her what lens she has! I just looooooove looking at her dark ride pics, it makes you feel like you are almost riding it.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE that Mickey statue picture!! What an awesome pic!!!!!!

Sorry you had to wait 2 hours for splash but it sounds like you still had an amazing evening!

I know I'm looking forward to spending time watching Wishes and MSEP!! Of course I'm looking forward to MNSHHP even more LOL!

Thank you Jen! I was very happy with that one too!! We did have a great evening, it's amazing how much you can get accomplished with 2 adults.

I HAVE to get to MNSSHP next year. From doing so much research on it this year for clients I found myself wanting to go - I had never really wanted to before since we don't really celebrate Halloween (we more focus on the "fall" aspects of it), but man....seeing all those characters and the fireworks - I know I would enjoy it! It's on my list for November 2012.

You are off today for a most wonderful girls trip - enjoy every single moment!

I love these pictures. Great job. And I so love the memories castle show. And like you I so hope they keep it. I keep thinking that they will since I have recently seen new Disney commercials with the memories theme, so maybe they will keep it around for another year.

Can't believe that you waited for 2 hours for Splash wow. And the fact that you spent that time talking to others is one of the many reasons why I love Disney. I find myself talking to more people (random strangers) when I'm at Disney then any other place. I think it's the share of the love of Disney that makes it so easy to talk to others.

I agree - and they told me, with Henry's picture, it would be used for "Let the Memories Begin" campaign, so I cannot imagine them starting a new campaign so late in the year if it wasn't going to be used again for 2012. Perhaps they will add a twist to it. I'd love if they started giving out nights in the Castle again!

Me too! I love meeting random people at Disney - and it's even more fun when you see them again later in your trip! One trip I kept seeing the same woman and her child over and over, it was funny!

I finally saw the Memories castle show this Aug, with Patty and Mindy. It was so awesome.
I just watched that youtube video of the single rider guys. Thats too funny.

Isn't it incredible?! I just love that show! It's crazy what they have done with simple projections on the castle - the part where it all looks like building blocks always amazes me because it doesn't even look like a real structure. It would be really neat if they incorporated that technology into a fireworks show, wouldn't it?

The Single Riders video is a hoot! I think the guys were CPers if I remember correctly.

 

[jenseib]

What is CP? as in CPers? I'm sure it's something obvious.

 

[blessedby3]

Hey Brook...no we didnt get a picture of Olivia on the castle during the show. We were on the bridge to Liberty Square...not a great spot, because we had just realized that Kayla had lost her cell phone and we were trying to find the guy who had it. It was definately our craziest night there, and there were literally a gazillion people right in front of the castle. Gridlock!!!!! We caught a glimpse of Olivia on the castle and then I proceeded to find our good samaritan to retrieve the phone. I was so unnerved after finally getting it back that Kayla, her best friend, Alexa and I left right after that. Tony stayed late with the other kids, but it had been a horrible couple of hours Glad we got to see Olivia up there, but wish I could have gotten a picture

 

[KatMark]

Great update, Brook. LOVE the pic of Mickey Mouse.

We were told by a CM while we were there a couple of weeks ago that on average Pirates breaks down 7 times a day, and Splash Mountain has not been far behind!

 

[glennbo123]

Woo Hoo, I'm caught up!

I'm glad you've been able to get in some "never-done's"...staying at All-Star Movies, riding Kali and finally getting a jalopeno cream cheese pretzel.

What was Joe's reaction when you showed him all of your purchases?

 

[jordanyosh]

I applaud the great parenting of Henry. Teaching him important WDW musts--i.e. putting those tired feet up when on TTA...

Teach him to nap on COP or in the Hall of Presidents

 

[brookelizabeth]

What is CP? as in CPers? I'm sure it's something obvious.

College Program - those guys from the Single Riders song, I believe, were CMs in the College Program (I've seen that they call themselves "CPers" for short.)

Hey Brook...no we didnt get a picture of Olivia on the castle during the show. We were on the bridge to Liberty Square...not a great spot, because we had just realized that Kayla had lost her cell phone and we were trying to find the guy who had it. It was definately our craziest night there, and there were literally a gazillion people right in front of the castle. Gridlock!!!!! We caught a glimpse of Olivia on the castle and then I proceeded to find our good samaritan to retrieve the phone. I was so unnerved after finally getting it back that Kayla, her best friend, Alexa and I left right after that. Tony stayed late with the other kids, but it had been a horrible couple of hours Glad we got to see Olivia up there, but wish I could have gotten a picture

Oh my! What a night!!! What a good, honest person that found the phone though!!

Great update, Brook. LOVE the pic of Mickey Mouse.

We were told by a CM while we were there a couple of weeks ago that on average Pirates breaks down 7 times a day, and Splash Mountain has not been far behind!

Wow! 7 times a day! That's a LOT! It doesn't fully surprise me about Splash...and I guess not Pirates either now that I think about it - there are a ton of AA's on both rides, so if one breaks down, I imagine they have to stop and fix him quick, or reboot, or something. I know I have seen non-working AAs on the rides before, but if it's something terribly obvious I'm sure they stop it. But still, 7 times a day! I *believe* Splash will be undergoing some serious refurb in the coming months, hopefully it's number will go down.

Woo Hoo, I'm caught up!

I'm glad you've been able to get in some "never-done's"...staying at All-Star Movies, riding Kali and finally getting a jalopeno cream cheese pretzel.

What was Joe's reaction when you showed him all of your purchases?

It really was a good "never done" trip - there were quite a few things!

He just sorta rolled his eyes and let it go. I am not one to buy a lot of things for myself until I really, truly need them. He's usually the one encouraging me to buy things, I'm the frugal one in this family!

I applaud the great parenting of Henry. Teaching him important WDW musts--i.e. putting those tired feet up when on TTA...

Teach him to nap on COP or in the Hall of Presidents

Yep, that's right - we have brainwashed...er...raised him well.

He has napped during the American Adventure and during Spaceship Earth - he LOVES the CoP, but perhaps in the Hall of Presidents...that might be a good one for him, and I like that show...

 

[brookelizabeth]

Before we begin, I apologize for the lack of pictures. My camera battery was dying and I realized I had forgotten to bring the battery charger with. I took very few pictures (for me) this day until I got my hands on a new charger and some batteries!


The next morning Sarah and I woke up bright and early - we were on a mission.

Rope Drop at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Star Tours was now open, plus we had to get Toy Story Mania.

Could we do it?!

Yes, yes we could!

I have no idea what time we made it into the Food Court at Movies, but I know it was early. I was shocked at how quickly I could get ready without a child and a husband (and free DVC internet...and a coffeemaker) distracting me!

This looks completely unappetizing, but it was good.

I got a Mickey Straw from the CM working the cash register for my birthday.

Sarah and I were on the bus in no time and on our way to DHS. We waited in line to go through the gates when suddenly a woman to our right started falling over - I didn't notice at first, but another guest suddenly grabbed her as she was sinking and recognized that she was having a seizure. I immediately started to help and used my big 'ol mouth to shout (good thing I'm not shy!) for a doctor or a Cast Member. That got some attention. By that time the woman had been gently brought to the ground by some other guests, and a woman, who was a nurse, was at her side making sure she didn't choke on her tongue or anything. I was on the phone with 911 and shaking so hard and crying I could hardly speak. Just thinking about that moment has me in tears again. It was completely frightening and the first time I've ever seen anything like it happen. The woman was alone, but when the Cast Members made their way to her, they recognized her - she is a regular guest. A manager-type Cast Member had already contacted 911 (I'm guessing they have some sort of direct access and don't have to answer the bazillion questions the 911 operator was asking me about the woman I didn't know), so I hung up with mine. The Cast Members stood near her, protecting her from the crowd as she came back to. The nurse was still on her knees helping her. As she came to, and had assistance from others who knew what they were doing, I stepped back. I was a WRECK! I couldn't stop crying, I was shaking - it was incredibly scary. One of the Cast Members noticed how shaken up I was about it and stopped to make sure I was okay! I was, I just had all the adrenaline still pumping through my body. The Cast Member thanked me and then handed me

FastPasses for Tower of Terror. A nice gesture that I didn't expect.

Sarah and I slowly made our way through the gates and I eventually calmed down.

That morning was extra packed, the American Idol (Scottie, right?) was going to be there and actual news stations were filming the Rope Drop. We were too far back to catch anything special that they might have done though.

The rope dropped, the crowd started to move. Sarah and I opted to go right for Star Tours. I was really looking forward to seeing it! We pretty much just ran right through the queue, there were people behind us and I didn't want to hold up the line or make Sarah wait - I figured I would get queue pictures later, so this is the only one!

The ride was AWESOME. I was in awe! When the screen opened I remember saying "WHOA!" Very, very, very nice refurb. It has a good mix of the nostalgic feeling of Star Wars, but updated with good new tech. Momma like.

After our ride I noticed the first Jedi Academy was already starting - Henry has become a huge Star Wars fan and loves Darth Vader. I stopped to snag a few pictures for him. And...I did get a little teary eyed here, imagining my little man fighting Darth Vader.

We didn't linger long - we had to get FPs yet for TSM! And that's just what we did.

We moved on to the other end of the park - Star Tours done, TSM FPs, ToT FPs, what's left? Single Rider line for RnRC of course!

The CM noticed my birthday button and sent us a bit of Pixie Dust in the form of

4 FPs!

I'm pretty certain we either hit the Single Rider line, or we used 2 of the FPs at this point.

We were craving some coffee after our ride, so we headed again to the other end of the park.

Sarah and I both had one of these

Which was only meh. This is Sarah's, which was almost twice the size of mine! Something crazy happened in the bakery with hers!

And we both had some

Their coffee here really is pretty good for Disney coffee. I've had better from my own kitchen, but for Disney coffee, it's about as good as it gets.

After we were caffeinated, we wandered a bit.

Or perhaps we ditched the meh pastries and sipped our coffee and wandered.

My neighborhood in Queens has buildings that look almost exactly like this.

Next up, Beauty and the Beast!

Sarah and I both agreed that it was pretty awesome that a bookworm was the main character of this beloved story and she becomes a princess.

And then some ToT action!

And we used a set of FPs for a ride on

It was time for lunch, so we stopped at Starring Rolls. I looooooove this place, their sandwiches are delicious!

The CM here also noticed my birthday button and I got

That cookie was HUGE, I didn't think I could eat it all, but well....it went down pretty easy. He he.

While we were eating Sarah suggested we hit American Idol, it was something her and her DH did not do last time, and I never had - so we went for it! Neither of us really watch the show, but we both enjoy live performances of nearly any kind.

This was GREAT! We both really, really enjoyed it. The first woman could not sing well. However, she went and auditioned in hopes that her AI-fan daughters would have a better chance of meeting Scottie. Well it turns out her plan COMPLETELY backfired. Since her daughters were under 18 they had to have their Mom present when meeting Scottie, and their Mom was in her audition while Scottie was there! So they let her in and she got to sing. It was such a sweet story, she got a big standing ovation just for being an awesome Mom. Sarah and I saw them later in the park and asked if they ever got to meet Scottie...they didn't! Such a bummer. I told her she was a fantastic Mom and her daughters agreed. They weren't upset, but instead proud of their Mom.

The second and third gals could sing very well. It was a toss up. The 3rd girl was slightly better overall, but I liked number 2 better, so I voted for her. Number 3 won though!

Gal #2

Gal #3

It really was a fun show. I would go see it again - but not until Henry is older, or another adults-only time in the park.

And finally it was time to use those Toy Story Mania FPs.

Gotta love a man in uniform!

However, the FP return line was looooooooooooooong! Out the door long! I couldn't believe it! The CM said it would take at least 30 minutes to get through, and both Sarah and I opted to skip it.

Yes, we skipped Toy Story Midway Mania!!!! We both like the ride, but honestly...it's not something I HAVE to do. I felt good about what we had accomplished and so did Sarah, we were looking forward to Epcot. So we gave our FPs away to a mother/son just entering the park. They were completely confused and didn't realize how precious these babies were. I hope they figured it out later!

I posted on Facebook that we gave our TSM FPs away and Robin (sorry girl, I cannot remember your DIS name at the moment!) posted that she happened to be in DHS at the same time -- about 15 minutes later the line was gone and the FP queue was pretty much a walk-on. All well! We didn't mind that we missed it...on to Epcot!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Thanks for posting the link in your other TR... I didn't know you were writing this one!! Now back to catch up!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Yes, you are right, Scotty was the winner this year.

Glad you enjoyed AIE. You know how much we love it!

 

[KatMark]

Great update, Brook. I'm with you...that would have scared me to death.

What an awesome job on the FP's (I've not gotten anywhere near that in my TR, but I got some at the Studios as well).

That sandwich at Starring Rolls is the exact same one Mark and I shared last year -- yummy.

 

[danimaroo]

I just wanted to finally pop in here and say that I have been following BOTH of your TRs this whole time! When I saw a photo of Henry in your other one I just had to follow. He is so so cute and your videos of him are adorable. It's really fun being along for the ride on your TRs; I really enjoy them.

Just thought I'd pop in and say hi, long-time lurker, starting to come out of her shell and make an effort to comment on others' TRs!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Yikes Brook! I had no idea you were writing this TR too. I'm all caught up now though! It's been a fun trip so far! Just a couple questions for you.

You bussed directly from AK to MK? I didn't know this was possible. Do all parks have that option? Do the sandwiches at Starring Roles have any dressing on them? I have always wanted to eat there. Thanks!!

 

[glennbo123]

Great chapter Brook! It sounded like a great day at DHS.

Don't take this the wrong way, but I thought it was kind of funny that because you were shaken up (after the lady had the seizure) they gave you fastpasses to Tower of Terror. Some people wouldn't look at that as "calming".

 

[claryche]

Great chapter Brook! It sounded like a great day at DHS.

Don't take this the wrong way, but I thought it was kind of funny that because you were shaken up (after the lady had the seizure) they gave you fastpasses to Tower of Terror. Some people wouldn't look at that as "calming".

That is really funny that she got fp's for TOT. Even though I love TOT, I wouldn't ever think of it as calming.

 

[claryche]

I can't remember if Henry did the jedi training on your most recent trip or not. If he didn't, I'm sure he will soon and will love it. I love watching Jedi training and it's so much fun when your little boy is up there. Can't wait to ride Star Tours. It holds a special place in my heart because my ds rode it on his first trip to Disney at 18 months. They let us ride it just him and I with no motion, so nice of them. We had to start the love for all things Star Wars early and it worked. Now he is all about Star Wars.

Speaking of nice, love all the extras you got for your Birthday. That is so cool.

 

[Poolrat]

Don't take this the wrong way, but I thought it was kind of funny that because you were shaken up (after the lady had the seizure) they gave you fastpasses to Tower of Terror. Some people wouldn't look at that as "calming".

I thought the same thing.


Brook,
Despite the turnstile drama, you had a great day. I am finding the lines in general but usually the standbys run long and then short. I am thinking all the apps out there and people using them. People check find the short wait time and rush over there so if you are far away - the ride time changes substantially.

The TSM fastpass line being long probably means either big groups going back at once, or a CM who does not move the FP line effectively.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Don't take this the wrong way, but I thought it was kind of funny that because you were shaken up (after the lady had the seizure) they gave you fastpasses to Tower of Terror. Some people wouldn't look at that as "calming".

I was thinking the same thing too...lol. How scary though! I definitely would have been shaken up as well after that!

That stinks that the giant pastry was meh. It looks pretty awesome. Is it some sort of cinnamon bun hybrid thing?

 

[jenseib]

What a terrible scare. I would've been freaking out.
I can't beleive you gave away your FP's for TSM. I have only ridden it once. It was a neat ride, but I wouldn't wait in stand by for it.