Anyone Game? 2 Castles and a Road Trip TR! Last Day and TR Wrap Up! #2796; 10/01

[areweindisneyyet]

A trip report by Princess in Oz, I am hooked and bleary eyed as I catch up. Thanks PIO for reminding me what the dis is about oh and for the other great life lesson - Pork Belly. Who knew. Back to where I am up to but I'm all subscribed now and enjoying the ride.

 

[rentayenta]

All caught up! Love Main St. So magical.

We'll have to try the BCV one day. I agree it's showing it's age but love the color scheme.

Glad the Magic Bands are working great. I've heard so many mixed stories.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Aaaaahhh!!!.....HOME! Yes, MK is first and last park. Always. GREAT pictures!...I love how empty it looks there!

And no, I don't sleep much on my Disney trips. You can sleep at home! Too much to see and do in the World and besides, I've gotta be up early for my coffee walk.

.

Thanks.

Sadly, the empty park didn't stay empty for long.

I love the photos of the morning sky. When did you leave to find everything so empty? I know the buses from the Epcot resorts are the stuff that my nightmares are made off and I have never seen Main Street and the hub so empty.

Corinna

We left BCV around 7.40 am and got to MK by 8 am. We were let in straight away and the park was pretty empty at that time of morning.

We were pretty lucky with the buses out of BCV for this trip and only waited about 10 minutes max for all but 1 bus. But I know what you mean.

I read your comment completely different. I though this was based on the experience with the Magic Bands and of course I had a complete nightmare with them and more so with the attitude of some cast members when it went wrong. I am not overly tall either.

Corinna

I think we were talking about different things. I was talking about your reference to the 'thrones'.

I know there are a lot of stories of poor MB experience out there and I did follow your experience with sympathy. My MB experience was the complete opposite.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Really enjoyed this last post .... Lovely!
Particularly liked the pic of the castle reflected in the water

Thanks. I hope you enjoy some of the other pictures to come.

Lovely family photos

I would definitely start with MK too!

And I think the view from your room is nice (as is your whole room!). No park view of course, but at least it's not a carpark

Thanks Zanzibar.

The view from this room wasn't too bad. It certainly beats the view we had the last time we stayed at the BCV where we just looked straight into the trees (and could make out the road between the foliage). And you're right....it's not a carpark.

Oh so many things I want to comment on I hope I don't forget: so in no particular order:

There is talk of Fred's job MAYBE sometime this year opening or taking over a truck terminal in FL IF that happens he will eventually be put on salary and be home on a daily basis IF that happens ...I know small word "IF" but lots of meaning.....If that happens then the savings will begin in full force and YES you can expect a guest in your home. That's the only way it could ever happen so he could be here for all the animal/kids ...I would gladly knock myself out with a sleeping pill or some liquid courage for that long flight time just knowing you DH and DS were on the other end of the journey


I LOVE your pictures of Main Street and the accompanying lyrics You also managed to get a picture of "Pluto's cousin" and his handler ....VERY cool !


The WDW entrance sign, I am surprised it was dark, as you know I work nights
and criss-cross through Disney property to get to my job I have NEVER in over 3 years seen it dark , the occasional word darkened, but never the whole sign perhaps Mickey decided the fireworks were enough of a gift to you that first night which I think was pretty awesome ! or more likely someone may have been planning to work on the sign for the aforementioned word

Funny you mentioned the chairs in the BC lobby, its the table in between them that for some reason I have fallen in love with If the refurb includes the lobby boy I would love to get my hands on that I was fortunate enough when they refurbed AKL prior to becoming DVC to get one of the armoires/TV cabinets that were in the rooms...my most prized furniture possession

Alrighty then, on with your show......

Ruthie!!!! I hope Fred gets that job. Just let me know when I need to pick you up from the Melbourne airport.

Thanks.

Yes, I thought they left the lights on that entry sign all night so I was quite disappointed to see it all in the dark. Gives me something to come back to 'get'.

You have an AKV armoire? I'm definitely going to have to visit your place next time.

Oh wow! You've made it to DW!! I made it back just in time! Love the family portraits!

Yes, I FINALLY made it to WDW in this TR.

Might take me a couple or four updates but you ARE back just in time.

After my DS and DD made the trip over when they were each 15 it has been on my wish list to get down under.

I get some long time to catch up every once and a while. Very nice pics of everything PIO.

Thanks Ed. So....when am I heading to Melbourne Airport to pick you up?

Two years of planning is definitely a lot, glad it was able to come to fruition

Love the different perspectives from your MK photos.

I'm sorry you started off the morning sad, sounds like the MK worked its magic though

Being sad on the first morning at WDW is pathetic. But that's just me knowing that the time at the World just races so quickly that the holiday is over far too quickly. But as soon as I hit the parks on the first day, I just put it out of mind.

Very nice pictures of the family on Main Street. A very nice day to start your trip at WDW is at the MK.

It is so neat to be able to see the Halloween decorations at the MK after you were at the DLR with the Halloween decorations. It is so neat to see the random pictures on MS where it wasn't that busy.

Great update.

Thanks Bret. I was very happy to be able to hit both the World and the Land on this trip. It was great to see the Halloween decorations at both parks. Someday, I hope to do the same for the Christmas decoration.

Yes, I had hoped to get pictures of an empty MS on this trip.

My favourite ADR, breakfast at Crystal Palace. It never gets old walking down an empty Main Street.

I think an early breakfast ADR at Crystal Palace rivals Tusker House. It's hard for me to pick between the two.

Wow, I can't believe how empty it was! When we retire to FL, I'll get to see the parks in their holiday glory.

BTW, we are planning to be in the World 4/13/14 to 4/17/14. I think it will be a go now as my sister just found out yesterday that she will only need a lumpectomy for her surgery!

That's a great retirement plan!


Congrats on locking in your vacay plans. Sounds like you'll have fun at F&G. If you're writing a PTR/TR let me know. I'll definitely follow along.

I'm sorry that your sister has to have surgery. Hope that it goes well and she has an all-clear.

A trip report by Princess in Oz, I am hooked and bleary eyed as I catch up. Thanks PIO for reminding me what the dis is about oh and for the other great life lesson - Pork Belly. Who knew. Back to where I am up to but I'm all subscribed now and enjoying the ride.

Nice to see you here!!!

Hope you enjoy the TR.....and anytime you want Pork Belly, you know where to find me.

All caught up! Love Main St. So magical.

We'll have to try the BCV one day. I agree it's showing it's age but love the color scheme.

Glad the Magic Bands are working great. I've heard so many mixed stories.

Welcome back yourself! Hope you had a great time.

Perhaps it might be a good time to stay at the BCV after the refurb. It's all about location, location, location......and SAB.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

I just noticed your updates. I've been quite excited about this part of you TR as, in a way, your pics also reflect my trip having been taken during the same weeks of 2013.

I love the empty MK shots. I loved our early Crystal Palace ADR for this exact reason (and to think it was the ADR I was least sure about and I almost cancelled it).
Also enjoying the pics of the Halloween decor. I must admit it really took my breathe away when I first saw MK decorated in a sea of orange. Photos just don't do justice to how lovely it looks.

I'm racking my brain trying to think which park we entered first. I think it was Hollywood Studios as we had a lunch ADR at Sci-Fi Diner. I'm not sure it would concern me which park I entered first, but I do understand why so many are loyal to MK. None of the other parks scream Disney in the way MK does.

 

[rentayenta]

Yeah, I can imagine SAB adds huge value to a BCV stay. One day.....I'd love a F&W visit while staying at the BCV. Still hot enough to swim but not sweltering summer heat.

 

[wiigirl]

Great update!

 

[franandaj]

Those are some nice pictures from MK that morning. I'm not of the mindset that MK needs to be the first park to visit, but it did work out that way for me this trip as well. Partially hoping our paths might cross and breakfast plans made it a no brainer. Looking forward to hearing about your breakfast experience.

 

[PrincessInOz]

I just noticed your updates. I've been quite excited about this part of you TR as, in a way, your pics also reflect my trip having been taken during the same weeks of 2013.

I love the empty MK shots. I loved our early Crystal Palace ADR for this exact reason (and to think it was the ADR I was least sure about and I almost cancelled it).
Also enjoying the pics of the Halloween decor. I must admit it really took my breathe away when I first saw MK decorated in a sea of orange. Photos just don't do justice to how lovely it looks.

I'm racking my brain trying to think which park we entered first. I think it was Hollywood Studios as we had a lunch ADR at Sci-Fi Diner. I'm not sure it would concern me which park I entered first, but I do understand why so many are loyal to MK. None of the other parks scream Disney in the way MK does.

I think that's why I like reading all the TRs of everyone that travelled around the same time. I feel like I'm thinking "what was I doing at this time" and reminiscing about the trip.
(HINT: I'm still waiting for you to clear your calendar so that you'll update your TR)

I do remember you posting about your plans on the first day you arrived at WDW. I also remember thinking - how unusual to pick that park as your first park to see; so that would rule out Epcot and MK in my mind. I'm pretty sure it was DHS that you hit as your first park. We met the day after this one that I'm writing up about; and we did chat about our time at WDW to date. You would think I would remember what you said!! I blame my horrible swiss cheese elephant memory!

Yeah, I can imagine SAB adds huge value to a BCV stay. One day.....I'd love a F&W visit while staying at the BCV. Still hot enough to swim but not sweltering summer heat.

We came back to enjoy SAB on at least 4 days out of the 7 that we were there. And I was surprised......I didn't complain about giving up park time to enjoy the pool.

Great update!

Thanks.

Those are some nice pictures from MK that morning. I'm not of the mindset that MK needs to be the first park to visit, but it did work out that way for me this trip as well. Partially hoping our paths might cross and breakfast plans made it a no brainer. Looking forward to hearing about your breakfast experience.

Thanks. It was actually fun planning out this day with you; and hoping for us to meet up.

I am hoping to have the next update up today.

 

[PrincessInOz]

A 4-Karat-er Crystal Kind of Breakfast



I had booked us an early breakfast to kick-start our day at Magic Kingdom.






I headed in to claim the ADR and was surprised to find that a MB scanner was also in operation here. Needless to say, it turned the right colour green and our details popped up on screen for the CM. (I snagged this picture from DH) So far, the MB were working a treat for me.






We waited for our name to be called.






It didn't take long at this time of morning and we were shown to our table.






Yes, there was sparkly Mickey heads on our table. Our stay coincided with DH celebrating a birthday and I made sure that we had put that little fact on every single ADR possible.






I've always like Crystal Palace. It feels so nice and bright inside.






It was nice and quiet when we arrived; but it did fill up quickly.






Our server brought us our morning drinks. Despite being on high octane, I had definitely needed a caffeine hit this morning. One of these years, I'm just going to HAVE to remember to BYO coffee.






Aside from getting into the park early and having breakfast, there was one other reason for being here. And it delivered in spades this morning. Every single one of the Fantastic Four was on-song and it was lovely to have that kind of interaction with them. DH, in particular, benefited from his wearing his birthday button and all the 4-karets were particularly attentive towards him.

I've always liked big cats.













I loved Piglet's ears.






I just had to try and mimic the ears with my fingers!







Let's just say that I had enough smile and happiness to go round for Eeyore and myself this morning.






Someone has to grin and Bear it. You can thank me later for the sacrifice of experiencing this so that I can share it with you.






About the only thing we regretted this morning was the fact that I had forgotten to bring DS autograph book with us. DS made the point of telling me that we needed to come back here at some stage so that he could re-do the meet and greet and collect the signatures. Who am I to argue with that kind of logic?




(Continued in Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Previous Post)


In between all the good character interaction, we did eat. It goes against my religion to place food in second place; but that's what I seem to end up doing every time I'm enjoying a character meal at Disney.






We were really stuffing ourselves this morning.






Still, breakfast is one of my three favourite meals of the day. When else can you indulge in full knowledge that you've got all day to work it off?






Okay. I admit it. I sampled from the kiddy's counter. Why should they have all the fun with Mickey head waffles? I don't mind that the kiddies sample some of that lovely breakfast lasagne; so fair's fair, right?






I do try my best; but DH is very good at resisting temptation. Disgustingly healthy.






The fruits were fresh; but by this time of the morning, I was only eating them to get my money's worth.






Lucky for me, Crystal Palace did supply DH with something that wasn't quite so healthy.







He might have had to share it with DS and myself; but it was a nice touch from the CP Kitchen.






After we'd eaten enough to stretch our bellies to dinner, we paid the bill.






For my money, it was worth the early entry and the character interaction pictures we experienced; DH definitely got the full 100 Acre Wood treatment this morning. All the characters noticed his birthday button and Tigger in particular enjoyed playing with DH's hat. Just for the interaction alone, it was worth the price. And breakfast wasn't too bad, which is always a bonus.


We lingered in the entryway a little after breakfast.






I quite like the entry piece with the paper flower topiary. I always make sure that I get a shot of the set.


Pooh






Eeyore






Piglet







Tigger







It had been a decent Crystal Palace experience but it was time to keep going!




(Continued in Next Post) 

 

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Previous Post)


Knowing I'm on the (Main) Street, Where HE lives



I'd pre-purchased the Photopass Plus before I left Oz and so we had to double back down Main Street to the Town Square Theatre in order to redeem it. I also had to link the early morning pictures to my photopass and was helped out by a very nice CM when I finally made it to the counter. By this stage, the park had opened and there was a flood of human bodies heading in the opposite direction to us. It had been nice to see the empty park whilst we could.


Whilst I was queueing up for and getting the plastic pass, the boys were in a different sort of queue themselves.






Yes, we were trying out our version of the 3-card trick by getting into two queues at the same time.






We had tried this trick before the last time we were at WDW in 2010 and I completely missed out. The boys got a complete set of Fab Five pictures at Epcot and I ended up looking at them from the computer screen. This time, the timing worked out perfectly for us. I got the frantic text message just as I was ready to go looking for them in the queue. They were right at the front of the line waiting for me to get there and that nice CM at the Photo Centre was very obliging when he realised what was happening. He let me in the side way so that I could walk past the queue un-noticed. I would have hated to have been left on the shelf again for this photo opportunity.






You know who I mean. Afterall, Main Street is where HE lives.






I will admit to being a lot jealous here. Guess who got the big cheese slice attention here? Birthday boy himself!







Our photopass picture from here.







I hadn't quite planned on meeting Mickey this morning; but it was nice to see that despite all the uber-planning needed with ADRs and FP+, we could still have a little spontaneity in the day.

 

[declansdad]

An excellent start to your day!

 

[Pinkocto]

The fun morning continues I've never eaten at CP so always enjoy seeing photos. Love the big smiles with the characters

I totally understand about feeling sad. This vacation you've put so much time and energy in planning and looking forward to is finally here but that also means it's going to be over. It might feel silly but I totally understand.

 

[mvf-m11c]

A great way to start your day at the MK by eating at the Crystal Palace. I haven't eaten at the CP and seeing those pictures want me to eat there one day. You all look so lively during the character M&G that morning. The breakfast looks very appetizing.

Great update.

 

[ejud]

A 4-Karat-er Crystal Kind of Breakfast
I've always like Crystal Palace. It feels so nice and bright inside.

Ahhh! Yes! That is it! Thank you!

I've always liked big cats.

There ya go! There's your Inner Mouse!

I just had to try and mimic the ears with my fingers!

Okay... Please don't tease the animals...



Jud

 

[ejud]

I will admit to being a lot jealous here. Guess who got the big cheese slice attention here? Birthday boy himself!

Why jealous- cause DH is grabbing Mickey's butt???



Jud

 

[zanzibar138]

Jealous! If there's one thing that will make me go to WDW one day, it is breakfast at Crystal Palace! Piglet is my absolute favourite, and he is so hard to find

The food looks pretty good too.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

I think that's why I like reading all the TRs of everyone that travelled around the same time. I feel like I'm thinking "what was I doing at this time" and reminiscing about the trip. (HINT: I'm still waiting for you to clear your calendar so that you'll update your TR) I do remember you posting about your plans on the first day you arrived at WDW. I also remember thinking - how unusual to pick that park as your first park to see; so that would rule out Epcot and MK in my mind. I'm pretty sure it was DHS that you hit as your first park. We met the day after this one that I'm writing up about; and we did chat about our time at WDW to date. You would think I would remember what you said!! I blame my horrible swiss cheese elephant memory! .

It's all coming back to me now. I had planned out our days using my practical brain rather than my emotional one.

We had 5 nights in BWV followed by 6 nights in AKV. I was determined to see as much of HS and Epcot as possible while we were staying so close. EPCOT wasn't an option for that first day as it was the first weekend (Saturday) of the F&W and Epcot was apparently crazy busy. I dismissed AK as an option as I saved all our AK visits for when we were sleeping 5 minutes away. And lastly, I dismissed MK since we had tickets for MNSSHP the following day (Sunday). That left HS.
I knew there was a method to my madness

If I went back to WDW and decided to be more emotional and less practical, I'd probably go to AK first. I know it's not everyone's top choice of park, but I loved everything about it, particularly the theming.

Love your CP updates. It's such a lovely, happy place to have breakfast. If I went back, it's one of only 3 ADRs (along with Biergarten and 50's Primetime) that I would absolutely insist on repeating. (All 3 for the atmosphere and overall experience as opposed to the quality of the food).

Ah, the memories. Thanks for helping bring them back.

As for my TR, I feel so bad it's come to a bit of an abrupt stop. For some reason writing it has become a bit of a chore. I'm hoping a sudden rush of excitement will bring me back to it. Maybe your TR will help

 

[franandaj]

We've only done Crystal Palace for Lunch, but I have loved it. Breakfast looks lovely too! We Love the pooh characters so this is a great fit for us! I'm so glad you had great time!