"Are you done with that?!" A photo heavy, gluttonous, Jan 2012 Trip Report! NEW PG32

[exwdwcm]

What a great first morning. That first ride on PP gets me everytime too. I can't tell you how many people I see almost trip and fall trying to get a pic of someone just on the boat ahead of them in line on PP. Looked like a gorgeous day! I just love those early morning hours at the MK, my favorite time and place, ever!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I am amazed at your photos. They are wonderful!!! I need a new camera but, I am clueless when it comes to that kind of thing. Think you could help me out with that?? I love the photos that are close up and everything behind it is blured!! I really loved the photo or Rey and Savannah too!! I have a photo similar to that with my husband and son holding hands. It was his 5th birthday and I had a shirt made that said on the back I am 5 today it was so sweet!! I can't wait to hear more!!!

The question you will need to ask yourself is if you are wanting to LEARN photography. I have a DSLR, not a point-and-shoot, and there is a big learning curve basically. With a DSLR, you cannot really get great shots right out of the box, I had to learn how to use the camera, which takes time and effort. This is a big downfall if you just want a camera that takes good photos!

I think I would first look into "bridge cameras" where you don't have to change/purchase additional lenses, etc. You can't go wrong with Canon or Nikon usually, but as far as bridge or point and shoot cameras, I don't have any suggestions b/c I've been using my DSLR for so long!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

What a great first morning. That first ride on PP gets me everytime too. I can't tell you how many people I see almost trip and fall trying to get a pic of someone just on the boat ahead of them in line on PP. Looked like a gorgeous day! I just love those early morning hours at the MK, my favorite time and place, ever!

I know, I felt like such a rule breaker, trying to get a shot instead of getting right in, but I was pretty fast about it and the CM didn't say anything! The weather was PERFECT on the trip, we really couldn't have asked for better weather!

 

[-Hope-]

Love the update- that pic of Rey and the boys is priceless. They're facial expressions really show each of their individual personalities.

So glad you finally got to do Philharmagic. I think it's my favorite attraction aside from Soarin'.

That chocolate Mickey waffle had me drooling! Oh, my!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Love the update- that pic of Rey and the boys is priceless. They're facial expressions really show each of their individual personalities.

So glad you finally got to do Philharmagic. I think it's my favorite attraction aside from Soarin'.

That chocolate Mickey waffle had me drooling! Oh, my!

We all really liked it, even the boys, who were less-than-enthusiastic about most attractions. They weren't clamoring to go again, but I could tell they enjoyed it.

See you in an hour or so!

 

[danimaroo]

LOVED the updates! And also loved that chapter title! Thanks for the shout out, haha.

Going to CP before the park opens is the best! I love strolling down Main Street when it's quiet and with no crowds. It's so peaceful!

Your photos are beautiful! Seriously in love with them; it doesn't look like you had to rent that lens anyway because of how great everything is!

It's funny how when you go on your first attraction it just hits you how happy you are to finally be there again! I've had the song "Everybody's Got a Laughing Place" from Splash stuck in my head all day, but that's because I was working on my TR last night (I like to write a TON at once, then break it up into chapters so I'm always ahead of the game), and it was about our experience of getting stuck on Splash Mountain.

I love the food at CP, it's so tasty. The breakfast there is delightful, and even better when Pooh and friends stop by!

Totally get the nope to rope.. drop. People are so insane to be running/shoving people for a stupid FP. Like you said, you are at RD, you will get an early FP! People can be really rude/ridiculous sometimes.

Anyway, can't wait to continue reading and seeing your beautiful photos!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I agree, the tarps over the construction really don't look THAT awful. The one in front of the Bakery was a bit large though!

Glad you guys enjoyed your breakfast at CP!! You got some great pics that morning! The rope drop crowds really are aggressive, the guys didn't know what they were walking into! Glad Philharmagic cheered everyone up!

 

[KatMark]

Okay, after spending most of last night just doing responses on my TR, I finally got back here to catch up on yours.

Love the photo of the tye-dyed cake. We've never been to Pop and I've only seen some really crummy pictures of it; yours is the best pic I've ever seen.

We have never done RFC at Disney (did the one in Chicago and Vegas and that was enough); like you said, it is a chain and not very good at that and their prices are a little steep.

Love your nighttime shots at Pop...you take great pictures.

LOVE LOVE LOVE CP...it is my favorite character meal at Disney and Tigger and Eeyore are favorites.

Sorry Samantha was feeling sad and missing her pets.

Love the empty Main Street photos.

Can't wait for the next update.

 

[katt789]

Alright, considering I’m coming into the TR late, I’m going to jumble all my comments into one big comment!!

-Those are some great shots of AoA, I was in Disney in Jan (actually right along the same time you were there!) and usually stay at Pop, but splurged for the Poly this time so I never saw the construction over there up close! I’m super excited for it to open! (then again, what 90’s kid wouldn’t be?! I can’t wait to the LM rooms! Eeek!)

-Heck ya tye dye cheesecake!! It’s so delic! I love it!! You got a great pic of it too!!

-Hooly! The resort really is coming along!! That looks awesome!!

-I’ve been to RFC once, and I’m just not the biggest fan of it, yet I love TRex…weird I know, I just found that RFC was a little too loud for me, while TRex was just right (and I found the food options better at Trex…I know..I’m weird!)

-That volcano is something I’ve always wanted to try, in Sept Amy & I almost got it, but knew we couldn’t finish it ourselves & the boys refused to help, so it’s on my “to do” list!

-Ahh!! Bulldogs!! (that’s what we call the corona margarita’s!) so yummy!! I didn’t even know they had them there!!

-Every time I’m at DTD I wander through Goofy’s and never buy anything! I always want so much, but just can’t justify it! Even on vacation! Haha

-Oh my goodness, cutest dogs ever!!

-That’s a great shot of the girls back at Pop, love it!!

-Gah! Love the sign picture (even with the Ferrari) looks awesome, I love the sky behind it!

-Awesome shots of Rey & Savannah, gotta love it!! Also, the park, what a beautiful sight an empty park is!

-That stupid crane!! Ugh! I did the same thing when I was there “oh, I’ll get castle shots later, I’ve got places to be now!” and then when I did get them, the crane was out (and I mean out, off to the side, completely in the picture, rather than kind of camouflaged in the top of the castle. Booourns)

-Yum…crystal palace breakfast is one of my top picks! I love the chocolate mickey waffles (can you even get them anywhere else?!)

-I know what you mean about RD, it’s just not cool, some of the things we saw while we were down there were just down right scary (some parents pick up their kids and just BOOK IT with them, like, what if you trip & fall, you’re going down…on top of your kid…on cement…is Dumbo really going to be worth it then?)

-Phillharmagic is by far one of my favorite things in all of Disney World, just so awesome. You know, I’ve never managed to ride the carousel, I guess it’s not really on the to-do list when you’re with a group of 20 somethings…

-Yay! I’m finally caught up!! I’m excited to read more about your trip!! (and to find out if our paths ever crossed!)

 

[Tink-erin-belle]

What a great view from your room! Pop looks so cool! I really want a tie dye cheesecake! I also want to try Babycakes! I'm glad you enjoyed your treats from there. I can't wait to see the pics of your desserts. Oh, and thanks to your pic of a Conarita, I had to make an ADR for RFC and make a few other changes too! Actually, you saved me from a BIG mistake, but I wrote all about that on my PTR. Back to your trip, in sorry Savannah was having such a hard time leaving her animals. What a sweetie she is! That was a good idea to make the dog tags! Oh, and before I forget, IMO a TR can never be too picture heavy! I'm loving your pictures! Two of my favorites are Rey in the evil-rock-star-Kiss-face-mood and the one where your sons are "tolerating" their dad's perkiness Too funny!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I just want to say how excited I am to have so many readers and responders! My last TR was my first and I did it so fast (got a little compulsion there to finish things that sometimes makes me go too fast! LOL) and I didn't realize that when I finished the TR, they would CLOSE it! I was so bummed b/c I didn't want it to end and I had people come to my PTR and tell me that they had read it but couldn't respond b/c it was closed...so anyway, just really pleased that everyone is enjoying and reading!

LOVED the updates! And also loved that chapter title! Thanks for the shout out, haha.

Going to CP before the park opens is the best! I love strolling down Main Street when it's quiet and with no crowds. It's so peaceful!

Your photos are beautiful! Seriously in love with them; it doesn't look like you had to rent that lens anyway because of how great everything is!

It's funny how when you go on your first attraction it just hits you how happy you are to finally be there again! I've had the song "Everybody's Got a Laughing Place" from Splash stuck in my head all day, but that's because I was working on my TR last night (I like to write a TON at once, then break it up into chapters so I'm always ahead of the game), and it was about our experience of getting stuck on Splash Mountain.

I love the food at CP, it's so tasty. The breakfast there is delightful, and even better when Pooh and friends stop by!

Totally get the nope to rope.. drop. People are so insane to be running/shoving people for a stupid FP. Like you said, you are at RD, you will get an early FP! People can be really rude/ridiculous sometimes.

Anyway, can't wait to continue reading and seeing your beautiful photos!

OMG, I cannot wait to hear about you guys getting stuck on Splash! If I don't have a new lens by my girls trip next year, I will be renting one. The biggest issue I had was that I didn't have a walk-around lens, I had to keep changing lenses for whatever type of thing I was shooting and that got old fast! I also HAVE to bring my tripod...but more on that later.

I agree, the tarps over the construction really don't look THAT awful. The one in front of the Bakery was a bit large though!

Glad you guys enjoyed your breakfast at CP!! You got some great pics that morning! The rope drop crowds really are aggressive, the guys didn't know what they were walking into! Glad Philharmagic cheered everyone up!

I totally didn't even think about how the guys were not experienced with RD or how they would react to it! In fact, I kind of didn't realize it wasn't RD yet, I think I thought it was after 9am at that point! We had some other RD issues later on in the week as well!

Okay, after spending most of last night just doing responses on my TR, I finally got back here to catch up on yours.

Love the photo of the tye-dyed cake. We've never been to Pop and I've only seen some really crummy pictures of it; yours is the best pic I've ever seen.

We have never done RFC at Disney (did the one in Chicago and Vegas and that was enough); like you said, it is a chain and not very good at that and their prices are a little steep.

Love your nighttime shots at Pop...you take great pictures.

LOVE LOVE LOVE CP...it is my favorite character meal at Disney and Tigger and Eeyore are favorites.

Sorry Samantha was feeling sad and missing her pets.

Love the empty Main Street photos.

Can't wait for the next update.

Thank you, thank you!

Alright, considering I’m coming into the TR late, I’m going to jumble all my comments into one big comment!!

-Those are some great shots of AoA, I was in Disney in Jan (actually right along the same time you were there!) and usually stay at Pop, but splurged for the Poly this time so I never saw the construction over there up close! I’m super excited for it to open! (then again, what 90’s kid wouldn’t be?! I can’t wait to the LM rooms! Eeek!)

-Heck ya tye dye cheesecake!! It’s so delic! I love it!! You got a great pic of it too!!

-Hooly! The resort really is coming along!! That looks awesome!!

-I’ve been to RFC once, and I’m just not the biggest fan of it, yet I love TRex…weird I know, I just found that RFC was a little too loud for me, while TRex was just right (and I found the food options better at Trex…I know..I’m weird!)

-That volcano is something I’ve always wanted to try, in Sept Amy & I almost got it, but knew we couldn’t finish it ourselves & the boys refused to help, so it’s on my “to do” list!

-Ahh!! Bulldogs!! (that’s what we call the corona margarita’s!) so yummy!! I didn’t even know they had them there!!

-Every time I’m at DTD I wander through Goofy’s and never buy anything! I always want so much, but just can’t justify it! Even on vacation! Haha

-Oh my goodness, cutest dogs ever!!

-That’s a great shot of the girls back at Pop, love it!!

-Gah! Love the sign picture (even with the Ferrari) looks awesome, I love the sky behind it!

-Awesome shots of Rey & Savannah, gotta love it!! Also, the park, what a beautiful sight an empty park is!

-That stupid crane!! Ugh! I did the same thing when I was there “oh, I’ll get castle shots later, I’ve got places to be now!” and then when I did get them, the crane was out (and I mean out, off to the side, completely in the picture, rather than kind of camouflaged in the top of the castle. Booourns)

-Yum…crystal palace breakfast is one of my top picks! I love the chocolate mickey waffles (can you even get them anywhere else?!)

-I know what you mean about RD, it’s just not cool, some of the things we saw while we were down there were just down right scary (some parents pick up their kids and just BOOK IT with them, like, what if you trip & fall, you’re going down…on top of your kid…on cement…is Dumbo really going to be worth it then?)

-Phillharmagic is by far one of my favorite things in all of Disney World, just so awesome. You know, I’ve never managed to ride the carousel, I guess it’s not really on the to-do list when you’re with a group of 20 somethings…

-Yay! I’m finally caught up!! I’m excited to read more about your trip!! (and to find out if our paths ever crossed!)

Now that I think of it, I didn't see chocolate mickey waffles anywhere else either?!? Wonder if that's something special for just CP! We have done it every time and I think it's kind of tradition now to get the 8am ADR and enjoy a breakfast in the park before opening!

What a great view from your room! Pop looks so cool! I really want a tie dye cheesecake! I also want to try Babycakes! I'm glad you enjoyed your treats from there. I can't wait to see the pics of your desserts. Oh, and thanks to your pic of a Conarita, I had to make an ADR for RFC and make a few other changes too! Actually, you saved me from a BIG mistake, but I wrote all about that on my PTR. Back to your trip, in sorry Savannah was having such a hard time leaving her animals. What a sweetie she is! That was a good idea to make the dog tags! Oh, and before I forget, IMO a TR can never be too picture heavy! I'm loving your pictures! Two of my favorites are Rey in the evil-rock-star-Kiss-face-mood and the one where your sons are "tolerating" their dad's perkiness Too funny!

Ooooh, I'm off to read your PTR and see what changes have been made! ...uh...after I make dinner for my family...the DIS could possibly suck me in and they won't get fed at all!

 

[Oliquig]

Okay, CP is going on my list for the next trip, without a doubt.

I could not get over the people actually "running" towards the rides at rope drop. Like there were $100 bills tucked in the seats of the first ride.

I love Phillharmagic too!!! Donald rocks!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Okay, CP is going on my list for the next trip, without a doubt.

I could not get over the people actually "running" towards the rides at rope drop. Like there were $100 bills tucked in the seats of the first ride.

I love Phillharmagic too!!! Donald rocks!

Yep, I don't think I could do our first morning at MK without CP now, I just love it!

Donald is quickly becoming my favorite character, I got the cutest pic of him in the parade, can't wait to share it!

 

[akayek31]

We have a CP lunch ADR that I am trying to decide on. DS and I are not early risers so I don't want to get charged for that missed ressie. After seeing your pictures I think I may have to make an exception.

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

We have a CP lunch ADR that I am trying to decide on. DS and I are not early risers so I don't want to get charged for that missed ressie. After seeing your pictures I think I may have to make an exception.

I think you should go for it! I've never been there for lunch or dinner, but they do a great job with breakfast!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

"Hey, STOP!" Day 1-Magic Kingdom (continued)

Where was I...(I really had to go look!) Ok, we had just visited with the White Rabbit and Savannah spotted the Speedway and started squealing... I think Dallas made a derogatory remark about that slow car ride, which didn't surprise me, he did it in 2009 and when we got off he was extremely annoyed, I think he thought the Speedway was actually going to be SPEEDY. Dylan wasn't interested either, but that was the theme of the trip for him, which I had prepared myself for. He just doesn't care for rides and would prefer to sit, take pics, and watch people...oh and EAT!

So, Rey went with Leslee and I went with Savannah. I have no pictures because Dylan had my camera! I take that back, Dylan took this picture of Dallas while we were on the Speedway. No idea how he got him to smile to big for the camera!

Ok, he took one of me as well walking towards him, but it was a hideous picture, so you don't get to see it! Neener.

It was time!

I was so so so excited! On our first trip in 2008, it was closed for refurb and in 2009 with the ILs, we never got to it...that was a theme as well, but that's another TR!

So we head over (all 5 of us, Dylan sat with the camera, no rollercoasters for him) and enter the FP lane. Right ahead of us we could see the two lines, standby & fastpass, side by side, divided by just a rail as it entered the building. We were headed that direction when I saw to teenage girls starting to climb over the railing into the FP lane. I didn't even THINK and yelled out "HEY, STOP!" kind of in the same tone I would if my kids were doing something? I have no idea why I even opened my mouth, I was actually a little embarrassed b/c I hadn't thought, just reacted! When I yelled, a CM close to them noticed and told them to get back over. They acted all confused like they didn't know what was going on and then continued down the standby lane. It was funny and embarrassing at the same time...apparently I'm the Disney police!

We rode in no time at all with our FP's and I LOVED IT! The rest of the reviews were mixed. Savannah was a little shaken up, she's had some ear issues lately, so I was thinking that had to do with it. Leslee didn't like it much b/c she couldn't see, Rey said it was ok but wouldn't wait in a line for it, and Dallas liked it!

We grabbed FP's for Buzz and headed towards HM, but as we got to the hub it was time for the parade (morning parade). So, the girls used a snack credit for ice cream and everyone got a soda. I paid cash b/c my family didn't want to use snack credits for drinks. They wanted to save them. Can you believe I forgot to get pics of the mickey bar/mickey ice cream sandwich? I was too busy with that parade.

Fun vantage point too, with the castle in the background!!!

heehee, he's so cute!

After the parade, we headed towards Haunted Mansion, Dylan took a few pics of Rey & I on the bridge heading over there.

Wait said 20 and it wasn't, although I wanted to check out the new que and there was a line for that. Everyone was sort of griping at me a bit when we realized that if you didn't go in the que, you could just walk straight through and we were standing in a line for an interactive que that no one really wanted to interact with.

It allowed me to get pictures though, and THAT is always a good thing!

Only got a couple inside, it's a hard ride to get good shots on and I wanted to enjoy it, I LOVE HM!

I nearly bought a HM LIFE game, I kind of wish I had now! Up next...how many times should we crisscross the park? I thought you were a DIS expert?!?!?

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Day 1-Magic Kingdom (Continued...part 653)

After Haunted Mansion, we sat down for a bit on a bench and tried to decide what was next. Savannah didn't feel up to Splash (her favorite ride!) so we decided that was unacceptable and punished the girls.

It was getting pretty busy, so we decided to go get either a FP for Laughing Floor or Stitch...anyone see a problem with this plan? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

That's right, all of you are laughing now b/c neither of those rides have fastpasses!!!! I think I must have gone into some sort of Disney-overload at this point. Not only was I considering crossing the park yet again, but forgot that there were no FPs for either of those. The boys decided to stay in Liberty Square and let us go for the "fastpasses". It kind of felt like fighting the crowds to get over there. WAIT. Stop the press. Isn't it late January? Everyone on the DIS told me this was low season and it was dead and low crowds??? I shrugged it off b/c I knew I had picked a Sunday with PM EMH and I usually pick non-EMH days and follow tourguide Mike or Easywdw. And in hindsight, it was slower than our 2nd MK day!

You will notice as I keep rambling that I have no photos to share. That's right folks, I had fallen into some Bermuda triangle at this point. I was wiped of all my Disney knowledge and now not taking pictures as I walked back across the park to my non-existing FPs.

We got there and I wasn't sure what bizarre world I had fallen into, but this was our first day and there are no Disney meltdowns on the first day! I actually laughed at my mistake, so it wasn't as if any of this was upsetting me at the time, just funny to look back on! Stitch was marked as 10 minutes, so I just decided to take the girls on it. See? Definitely in some poor-choice-mode! In my defense, I did know that I probably wouldn't like Stitch, but it's Leslee's favorite character and Savannah wanted to go on it to see what she was missing.

Still...no pictures...

*choice words*

Let's not do details here. We didn't like it. It hurt Leslee's back and Savannah's shoulders, even when I told them to sit up REALLY straight when the harness came down. And really? A harness just to sit in a chair? I dunno. It wasn't the worst thing ever, but it did take forever. Rey thought we had fallen in!

BACK across the park we went...see how boring my TR's would be if I didn't take pictures??

It was time for lunch so we headed right where I had planned to go... Columbia Harbor House! Just what we needed, to sit and enjoy lunch. Right?

It was busy, but I assured everyone that not as many people go upstairs (clearly thinking I had all my DIS knowledge restored at this point)

We separated into 3's (by our room, it was kind of annoying but how we had to order 3 meals on each card b/c we had two different rooms) I had no issues ordering for Leslee but Rey apparently had a CM giving him an attitude about Savannah ordering a kids meal b/c she was a vegetarian? I don't remember all the details and wasn't standing with them, but they did give her the meal and then an adult drink and adult dessert so it was fine. I think it was that Rey said she was a veggie and the CM was trying to get him to order an adult meal just b/c she could. Either way, I had headed upstairs and was shocked that my DIS knowledge failed yet again...it was PACKED. TOTALLY.

There wasn't a seat in the place. Ok, I lied. There was a table for TWO, so I grabbed it and figured we would just stand. At this point I was a little annoyed that we had thought the end of Jan. was slow and I've never seen a CS place full like this in September or October.

Rey came up looking annoyed, but there was some pixiedust in the air b/c just when I was about to scarf down my food while standing, a table of 6 got up and said they were leaving! WOOT!

I got seated and BAM...DIS knowledge was restored, all was right in the world, and the camera came out to get those food porn pics!

I think this was Dylan's? Or Rey's? I think Leslee had it too... (ok, maybe not ALL my DISbrain was back!)

Dallas had the lobster roll, he really liked it! I think Rey had the same, but I just can't remember if he had the same as Dylan or Dallas. (Savannah had mac-n-cheese nearly every meal, that's why I don't mention her very often)

and I saved the BEST for last! MINE! This was SO good. This is the lighthouse sandwich, a vegetarian sandwich (that can be made vegan without the sauce, but I wanted it on there) and it was SO good. Brownie was good as well, and rich.

Of course all was right in the world again. Bellies full of food, the whole place cleared out naturally! We all really enjoyed the food at CHH and I thought it was a great CS meal.

We headed back out and towards Adventureland!

This pic is from the refurb in Frontierland. This is why they were not having MSEP. I thought it looked better than I imagined, only because they just had areas sectioned off. When I heard they were redoing the road in Frontierland, I imagined the whole thing blocked off.

We headed towards Alladin and Jungle Cruise. I grabbed REAL FP's for Jungle Cruise...since they actually HAVE them!

Savannah was super happy because she found someone to spit on her! LOL. The girls had fun getting a little wet!

There's that spitting culprit!

The girls got in line for Alladin, it took about 15 minutes. The rest of us had a GRAND time watching people walk by, get spit on by the camel and look confused! It doesn't take much to amuse me.

I was pleased to catch the girls enjoying the ride!

After the girls rode, we had quite a bit of time before our FP's for Jungle Cruise, so naturally, what did I suggest?!?! Let's go all the way across the park again! Clearly I've lost my mind all together.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I hate when we fall into the "lets cross the park back and forth and back and forth" and you just can't stop! That ALWAYS happens to us at DHS!

Ugh. Stitch. Love him, not his ride.

We were surprised by the crowd levels during our trip too! Like, this is January, people! You aren't supposed to be here!!!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I hate when we fall into the "lets cross the park back and forth and back and forth" and you just can't stop! That ALWAYS happens to us at DHS!

Ugh. Stitch. Love him, not his ride.

We were surprised by the crowd levels during our trip too! Like, this is January, people! You aren't supposed to be here!!!

Yep, I think trying to "go with the flow" and not stress Rey out with my overplanning, I went a little overboard. That is what happens when you are a planner and you don't plan!

I'm glad you noticed the crowds too, I'm reading a couple other TR's and starting to think I am either spoiled by Sept/Oct trips or I picked the wrong days for the parks. It was definitely busier than we planned for, BUT, the waits were still short, which is what really matters!

 

[-Hope-]

Oh, I : your parade pics with the castle in the background!

No wonder your PF flared up with all that park crossing. No worries, when we go there won't be any non-planners or people insisting to go with the flow and we can do things RIGHT!