Back from our very first trip to WDW!!!

[CdnDisneyLover]

Your trip report is great. Love the pictures too! Brings back my Disney memories

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

I am loving your report. Thank you so much! Please tell me how you did your cluster of pics. I love that idea and would love to try it out. I can't wait to read more! Thanks for shareing!

I wish I could tell you I used some simple template but really I just created it myself. I just made them all the same size and then spaced them how I liked.

Your trip report is great. Love the pictures too! Brings back my Disney memories

I am so glad that there are still some people reading my mini TR. I have enjoyed sharing it with everyone.

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

Day 3 Picture Highlights...

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

Day 4 picture highlights...

Hopefully I will get Day 9 up sometime tomorrow!

 

[mae5731]

The picture of DH the Idol star and an adoring fan is greatness!

 

[rumblytumbly]

June 1 - Crystal Palace, Magic Kingdom, Tony's Town Square

Got out bright and early to be at the parks before our scheduled breakfast at 8:05. I was very excited to get an ADR for Crystal Palace before park opening because my top priority was to get a group picture in front of the castle with no one else in them but us.

As we arrived at the parks, we headed for the gate that would be open. As we approached the gate, I noticed a familiar design of Bayou Mickey and introduced myself to him and his wife. As I had already stated, we were able to visit with them while waiting in line and they were both very nice. It was quite a treat to go all that way and see someone from the boards.

Upon entering the park, we headed for the castle area and looked for the Photopass Photographers. We could not find one which surprised me. There was a man who was waiting to take a picture for a choir and he nicely took our picture for us. After snapping a few pictures of our own, we noticed the Photopass Photographers had arrived. We had a few taken by them and then headed over for our breakfast. We checked in and were seated within 5 minutes. Since we were not doing autographs during this trip, we decided to do an autograph shirt during the character meal. The kids thought it was fun to have the charcters sign the shirts. (The shirts were not being worn but hand carried in)

After breakfast, we went to Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. We went on the ride and got a fast pass for later. We thought that the queue for the ride was much cooler than the one in Disneyland but the ride itself was harder to play than the one in Disneyland.

Hubby wasn't feeling well so he went back to the hotel and the kids and I were on our own. Since Magic Kingdom is pretty similar to Disneyland, there was not a lot on our "Must Do" list. We had allotted two days for Magic Kingdom.

We then did The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Snow White's Scary Adventures, got Fast Passes for Peter Pan's Flight, It's A Small World, Haunted Mansion and Mickey's PhilharMagic.

We liked the effect on the Haunted Mansion that the crystal ball actually floats - this was better than the DL version. I thought the storyline seemed a little more graphic on the WDW version but the kids did not agree.

We absolutely LOVED Mickey's PhilharMagic. This was one of our favorites at Magic Kingdom. Everything about it was great - the movie, the effects, the smells/wind - LOVED IT!

From there we headed to Adventureland. We wanted to do the Country Bear Jamboree when hubby returned and The Enchanted Tiki Room was closed so we headed for Pirates of the Caribbean. On the way there, the kids got a little distracted by the Tiki Fountains so we stopped there for awhile. Just long enough for them to be cooled off but not soaked. The kids noticed some details missing in the WDW Pirates version but overall it is the same. We then did the Swiss Family Treehouse. This was neat for us because the one in Disneyland has been changed to Tarzan and the kids never saw it before it was changed. So even though the premise is the same, the theming of the Swiss Family Treehouse (in my opinion) is better.

Then we stopped for snacks. DS and I had churros and DD had a turkey leg. We stopped out front of the Liberty Square market area and sat while we ate. It was here, we encountered the IBIS birds. They are quite the aggressive birds sometimes. There was a poor lady by us that had to keep picking up her food and walk away from it so it would leave her alone. Then it wanted some turkey meat that had fallen just underneath my DD feet. This freaked out my DD as it kept approaching her and her feet.

From there, we went to Mickey's Toontown Fair. We rode Goofy's Barnstormer. We really liked the queue. DS even found a Hidden Mickey. Then the kids played in Donald's Boat and of course got soaked. I called hubby and woke him up so that he would be back before dinner.

We walked through Mickey's Country House. I didn't care for the fact that everything was like a museum and not open and interactive but absolutely LOVED the garden area. DD found a Hidden Mickey in Mickey's yard. We skipped the photo-op at the Judge's Tent because of the long line and the kids were not interested. We then walked through Minnie's Country House. It was much more crowded in Minnie's house.

After leaving Toontown, we went back to Peter Pan to use our fast passes from earlier. Not much different than the one in DL except the missing stars. As we got off the ride, hubby called saying he was waiting for us in front of the castle. We had to walk around because the pass thru was closed but soon found out it was because of the parade. As we met up with hubby, he was in the best spot for the parade (Celebrate A Dream Come True) - directly in front of the castle, on the Partner's side of the street. Since the parade started in 20 minutes, we didn't have to wait long. The CM entertained us and then they had jump roping for the kids right in front of where we were standing. The parade was very cute and the dancers were amazing as always!

After the parade, we headed for Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. We all enjoyed this! We have always enjoyed Turtle Talk with Crush and since this is along the same lines, it was right up our alley. Very funny! We were all rolling!

From there we headed toward Main Street for our ADR at Tony's at 5:00. Since we were a little early, we pit stopped at Casey's Corner to watch "Jim" play the piano. We are always amazed at the talent at Disney. Jim was no exception. Incredible!

We stopped in City Hall to ask where Pluto was in the park (since he is both of my children's favorite costumed character) He was located right across the hub just inside the park. We quickly went over and got in line and within 5 minutes or so it was already our turn. The kids had Pluto sign their shirts and posed for pictures.

We then went to our dinner at Tony's. The food was fantastic and the service was great as well. Bad Mom - forgot to order the kids food without sauce and decided to just scrape it off. I had decided that since it was my fault, I was not going to have them re-do the order. The waitress noticed, and brought out replacements without even being asked. Very Nice! Dessert was of course very yummy as well!

After dinner, we made it back over to the Tiki Room (we all decided we like the original better). From there, we went to the Country Bear Jamboree. I am so sad we do not have this in DL anymore. It was great to see this again for hubby and me and a first time for the kids. They liked it as well. Now that hubby was back, we had to take him to see PhilharMagic. This time we got better seats and we liked it even more than the first time!

It was then time to find a spot for the Spectromagic Parade. The kids were less than excited about the parade but it was something on my "Must Do" list. We got a great spot (in the area across from Liberty Tree Tavern - I think). The kids were right up front and we were right behind them - so no people blobking our view. Gotta Love it! We all LOVED the parade (even the kids). Our favorite part was when all the lights would go from colored to white in a blink. Very cool!

After the parade we went back to Buzz Lightyear to use our fastpasses (since I had promised my DS). By the time we got off, the fireworks were happening. Since we have seen Wishes at DL numerous times, this was not on our list. We decided we were ready to leave and knew that it would be better if we got out before the fireworks ended. So we quickly headed out of the park.

After a full day at Magic Kingdom, we had done everything on our "Must Do" list except one parade. We decided as a family, that we would use our 2nd MK day for a Downtown Disney day instead. This way it would give us more time in Disney Quest and not feel rushed trying to get there after our Typhoon Lagoon Water Park Day. This was a good decision.

* wanted to add * that at some point during the day a man approached my hubby and said that they really enjoyed him in American Idol and that his daughter could not stop singing the song. This was quite a boost for my hubby. Very cool!

Amy,

I'm caught up to Day 6 which sounds like a perfect day! Makes me long to go again!

Kari

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

Amy,
I'm caught up to Day 6 which sounds like a perfect day! Makes me long to go again!
Kari

Hi Kari! Thanks for popping in, it's makes me feel better knowing that some people are reading!

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

June 4 – Monorail, Poly Beach, Epcot, Garden Grill, Kitchen Sink

This day was a full day of many and various things. Our day started with breakfast at the hotel. This was the only day we ate breakfast (aside from Crystal Palace). My son really wanted to eat breakfast at the hotel so it was agreed that we would. The breakfast was very yummy at POP – we all ate lots and then were on our way.

From the hotel, we took the bus to MK and then hopped on the monorail to the Polynesian Hotel. Since my daughter was so disappointed about the night of the storm and not being able to play on the beach, hubby and I decided that we would surprise the kids and try again. As we got to the hotel, I told DD why we were there and she was truly happy. We stopped for a few pictures inside by ‘Ohana and then headed outside. The kids had a blast playing in the sand and writing their names commemorating our first trip. We snapped a few pictures of them in the hammocks and then DD took one of hubby and I in the hammock as well. I loved the tropical beachy feel of the Poly resort. After a little while longer, we decided it was time to head out.

We got back on the monorail and rode it all the way around the resort line (if that’s what they call it) and were lucky enough to ride in the front. We had an amazing pilot. My hubby filmed her (Donna) joking around with us. It was a very fun ride and she even gave us the co-pilot cards. Very cool!

After we made it back to the Transportation Center, we got off and got on the other monorail that took us to Epcot. The kids wanted to ride in the front again but I told them to let someone else have a chance, so we just entered a regular car.

We got to Epcot and decided to start where we left off, in China. Our goal for the day was to finish World Showcase and get the remainder of the kids’ stamps in their passport books. On our way back to the World Showcase, we were going to pit stop at Club Cool so DS could try Beverly (he was the only one who wimped out the first time) and so hubby could have more of the watermelon one. Sadly, Club Cool's power was out and was closed.

We got back to China and just missed the show, so we decided to go a little further ahead and come back. The kids played on the drums for a little while in the Outpost and then we looked around the little outdoor stores in the area. It had started to rain/sprinkle so we tried to keep under cover a little. (It seemed like it only rained in Epcot when we decided to do the World Showcase and the kids passport books)

My DD and I went ahead a little and found a neat store that sold wood carved animals. There was a really nice man who was carving a piece right then so we stopped to watch him. DD and I were mesmerized. After a few minutes, he asked DD if she wanted to try. She of course said “yes”. She loved being able to try it and he was very kind about showing her how to do it. After a little while, hubby and DS caught up with us and got to watch DD carving. Then, he said my DS could try as well. They both really enjoyed this and it was a great memory.

From there, we decided we better head back to China. It was still raining some, so we got a little wet but we were not going to let the rain stop us.
We got to the China theatre and as we walked in, Mulan was just inside the door. DD decided she wanted a quick picture. We then walked around the lobby area until it was time for the show.

We then did China, Germany, Italy, American Adventure and Japan. It was raining off and on, so sometimes we were just kinda ducking into stores to get the kids’ stamps. We were lucky enough to be in Germany on the hour and saw the little German dolls come out and ring the bell. We saw the Spirit of America Fife & Drum Corps outside the America theatre. The kids got up front and enjoyed the little show. We then headed into the theatre and waited in the lobby. The Voices of Liberty group came out for the pre-show entertainment. They were absolutely incredible! I was getting teary eyed just listening/watching them. The kids sat up front. After the show, I look over and my DD is talking to one of the choir members. DD is always so friendly and kind and aspires to be a singer herself, so talking to the woman was very nice for her.

By this time, we were all getting a little hungry but did not want to spoil our appetite for our dinner at Garden Grill. We stopped and got one Funnel Cake and 3 Khaki Gori shaved ice snowcones and shared them all. We then decided to head for the ferry to get to the other side instead of walking all the way around. As we headed for the ferry, we stopped and watched a group in Morocco (Restaurant Marrakesh). They were a band and belly dancer. We watched for about a song or two then headed to the ferry. The ferry driver said that we may be the last ferry for awhile because of the sky/storm coming. We got to the other side and headed for Garden Grill for our 4:00 dinner. As we got to the building, it was already starting to rain some. We checked in and were seated after about 10 minutes or so. The lobby was packed with people.

More later...

 

[Ohana90]

Sounds like you had a great time. Loving the TR and photos are priceless as well. Congrats on your hubbys AI experience. My sister would be in hog heaven

 

[rumblytumbly]

June 2 - Typhoon Lagoon

On our way out - I did not make the same mistake twice. I made sure, as well as hubby and kids that we had all the park tickets before leaving the hotel. We got to the park at opening and found a spot for our stuff in the last row of chairs by the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool.

Our first stop was Shark Reef. We picked up our gear and got in line. As we stood in line both children said that there was chemical on the snorkel. I figured it was to sterilize and told them it would be fine. My DS put it in his mouth once and said it was burning his lips. He could not/would not put it near his face. As we got closer to the front of the line, the CM said the chemical could be rinsed off but that we did not have to use them. Luckily my son had his regular goggles with him and the CM said he could just wear those, so he wore his goggles. I wore just the mask and my daughter wore both the mask and snorkel (after she washed it off). Hubby decided to sit out this ride.

We are all good swimmers but my DS was nervous, so I ended up holding his hand as we swam. That made it hard to swim and we ended up using the platform in the middle to make it easier to cross. We did see some fish and the kids saw some sharks but with my son being so nervous and my goggles fogging up I saw very little. It was a neat experience but I am sure had I done it alone, I would have gotten more out of it. When we were out, we all wandered downstairs to see the tank and what we 'should' have seen.

From there we did the Storm Slides, Humunga Kowabunga and the Mountain Trail to the other side. We headed back to our stuff and went in the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool for a short time. We then hopped on the Castaway Creek. The kids liked the part where other people could spray us with the water guns. We weren't paying attention to where we were or how long we had been on but when we had had enough, we got off. The funny thing is that we had gotten off exactly where we had gotten on - so we had made the full circle around the park.

Since we rushed the kids out of the surf pool, we decided to head back there. Hubby and the kids loved the surf pool. They were having contests who could ride the waves the farthest. I tried instead to stay standing which was next to impossible. After a while, I decided to sit on the back wall while they played in the waves. This way, we were all happy. Right before we got out, my hubby took my DD all the way to the back for one big wave. My DD said she really didn't like having to tread water for so long (waiting for the next wave) and felt like she was going to drown.

We all agreed that the best part of Typhoon Lagoon was HEARING the wave coming and then the SCREAMS that followed. You could hear it from almost anywhere in the park. Each time we heard it, we couldn't help but smile!

After quite some time, we got out and decided to have lunch. While hubby waited in line to order, I made a quick stop into the first aid for a bandaid for my toe (which I had scuffed in the wave pool, I think). There was a girl in there who had gotten sunscreen in her eyes and it reminded me of how that happened to my niece when she was little. I was talking to the nurse about it.

I then joined the family outside at Leaning Palms for lunch. We witnessed some Ibis birds at lunch but they were a little better behaved than the one at MK. After lunch, while we were all pretty dry, we pit stopped by our stuff and re-applied sunscreen. Then we headed for Mayday Falls. We didn't get very far when my DS said his eyes were burning - he had sunscreen in his eyes. I tried to wet some napkins and dab his eyes. When that didn't work, we used my hubby's tshirt, that didn't work. Then tried to get him to go into the bay area and get his eyes wet. That still didn't work so off we went back to the first aid station. I could not believe this was happening after the conversation I had just had with the nurse - talk about ironic. After putting drops in DS's eyes, we were again on our way to Mayday Falls. We all enjoyed Mayday Falls. Hubby said he thought he was going to bump his legs on the sides of the slide because his legs are so long.

We then went to Keelhaul Falls. As we were getting our tubes in hand, there was an announcement about an incoming storm. Something about the park being closed due to a thunderstorm warning and to get under cover. The crazy thing is that when I first heard it, I thought it was fake and just went along with the theme of the park. I actually asked a CM if the announcement was real. The CM explained that we needed to find cover in a structure with a lightening rod. That was a little freaky.

We headed back to retrieve our stuff (that is after hubby stopped to buy some fruit - I thought he was crazy but the CM said we had a little time). At first we were all disappointed to leave but as we gathered our stuff, put on our shirts, and stopped to use the bathroom, I felt relieved to be leaving the park. It seemed like there were just too many small things that were happening this day that were meltdowns waiting to happen. As we sat outside the restromms, the park announced that they were re-opening the park. By this time, I was more than ready to go and said to the kids - "why don't we just go back to the hotel and swim?" They agreed and off we went.

Since the kids had already tried the Hippy Dippy Pool, this time we decided to try the Computer Pool. I sat on a lounge chair while hubby took them in the pool. I could have easily fallen asleep right then and there. After a short time, I walked back to the room to get some towels. After returning, hubby decided to go back to the room to get some work emails and phone calls returned. The kids swam a little longer and then we decided to go to Bowling Pool. On our way out, the kids played on the big 'keyboard' and typed their names - fun!

My favorite time period is the 50's. I would have loved to have been a teenager in the 50's. The theming of the Bowling Pool was very fun and "right up my alley" - pun intended. We loved the bowling balls, bowling shoes, and giant jukebox. After swimming for awhile longer, we went back to the hotel to change, ate downstairs and got to bed a little earlier than normal.

Amy,

I always loved the water days the best!

Meant to say I love your Goofy autograph shirts. What a great idea to cover the Disneyland with a transfer.

Enjoying your reports so much.

Kari

 

[rumblytumbly]

I still have not received my Photopass pictures yet, but wanted to add a few pictures. Here some highlights of Day 1...

Great photo collage!

 

[rumblytumbly]

June 3 – Downtown Disney

Originally this was supposed to be our second MK day but we decided to do a more relaxing day at Downtown Disney doing and seeing things we have never experienced. I had cancelled our reservation at Liberty Tree Tavern and was lucky enough to book (only the morning before) an early lunch at Planet Hollywood for 11:30.

Since hubby had missed the Bowling Pool the previous night, the kids and I decided we had to take him to see it. Before heading out to the buses, we wandered around the hotel for a little bit. We first went over to the bowling pool and snapped some pictures there and then ended up doing the walk down Memory Lane. This is a walk by the water with little signs for each year with trivia and fun facts for things that happened during that year. We snapped some pictures of hubby and I with our birth years and also some of our favorites – like when Disneyland opened. We did not do the full walk because we figured we better head out for our lunch reservation.

By the time we got to Downtown Disney, we were early for our reservation, so we decided to walk over to the Characters in Flight and look into it for later on that afternoon. As we walked over, we talked about who wanted to do it. I am afraid of heights (I do not even like Ferris Wheels) but would have done it anyway – fear or not – if we all decided to do it. But my DS did NOT want to go, so it made sense that I would sit it out and stay with him. When we got over there, there was hardly anyone in line at all. Hubby decided that since we were so early that they would just go ahead and ride it then. They were only letting about 7 people on at a time so they did not get on the first ride but only had to wait a short time to get on the second one. My DD was nervous so it was good that they did not have to wait long. After getting off, they both said that the view from up there was incredible and that they enjoyed the experience.

When they got off the ride, we headed back over to Planet Hollywood. We stopped quickly and snapped some pictures in front of the fountain. Thanks to a nice man, we got some with the four of us. We then checked in at Planet Hollywood and were seated right away. We sat next to Dorothy’s dress from the Wizard of Oz. That was very fun! We treated the kids and bought both of them smoothies in a light up cup – why not – isn’t that what vacations are for? They loved them. While we waited for our food, I snagged my DD and we went to use the restroom – really I wanted to wander around. The restroom was really cool with a huge pair of black sunglasses as the mirrors behind the sinks – although with all the squares on the walls it was a little dizzy-ing (if that is even a word). We then got a little sidetracked looking at the memorabilia and got back to the table just after the food arrived. The food was incredible! After we finished eating, we all wandered around for awhile checking out everything. Our favorites were the mermaid tail from Splash, Dorothy’s dress, the Herbie car, Sly Stalone and Chuckie (which my children are afraid of and they have never even seen the movie).

From Planet Hollywood, we headed for Disney Quest. We had to pause and watch and cool lizard on one of the trees. Did I say my DD loves all wildlife? Ha ha The lizard had this cool red pocket thing that went in and out on his neck area. Very interesting!

We really enjoyed Disney Quest. There is so much to do there that at first, it is overwhelming. We tried just about everything. The kids favorites were the Mighty Ducks Pinball Slam, the Buzz Lightyear AstroBlaster and the CyberSpace Mountain.

The Mighty Ducks Pinball Slam was like virtual pinball hockey. Each person was a numbered hockey puck. You would move your puck by moving your body on the large joystick thing. The kids played this several times. My DS came in first once and my daughter came in second several times. Not bad since I think about 15 people play at a time. Even hubby and I played once, it was fun but tiring!

The AstroBlaster was like a bumper car ride setup. But it was different in that if you ran over the cannon balls, they would enter your vehicle and then you could shoot them at other riders. If you hit the other riders with the cannon balls, it would make their car spin and flash lights. The kids really liked this and rode this several times as well.

Their absolute favorite was CyberSpace Mountain. For this, they got to create their own virtual roller coaster and then ride it. The ride part itself was a chamber that spun, turned etc… to make you feel like you were actually on the coaster. When you created the ride, it would rate on a 5 point scale how scary the ride was – 5 being the scariest. Hubby took DS on the ride first and decided that it was not his thing because he gets motion sickness. So after that, I was the designated rider. Each of my children made a total of 3 coasters. The last time through, DS had picked all the scariest of items and his was rated a 5. Oh My! The plan was I would go with DD and then immediately go with DS. DD decided that she wanted to go on the 5, so I got out of it. The neat thing about the ride is if you are outside watching, you can see the ride (tracks) as the riders see it and also see the riders as they do it. It was funny to see their faces as they rode! You could also buy a DVD of the full ride and riders but we chose not to do this.

My DD also did the Animation Academy drawing class at Disney Quest. The ‘teacher’ showed them step by step how to draw Minnie Mouse. This was a fun experience because my daughter loves to draw.

Hubby and I enjoyed playing the retro video games in Disney Quest. It was fun to play games like Donkey Kong, Pac Man, Q-Bert, Joust and Frogger. I used to love playing Frogger and it was quite fun sharing that with my kids.

When we left Disney Quest, we rode the ferry to the other side of Downtown Disney. By this time, we were all starving. I had heard about Earl of Sandwich so we decided on that for dinner. The line was pretty long but it didn’t take too long to get our food. The food there was delicious. How can anyone make a sandwich that tastes that good? Very Yummy!

As we exited the restaurant, there was a CM entertaining the children (and parents) with music and dancing. My DS would have no parts of this but my DD was out there dancing up a storm. When they started dancing to the Chicken Dance, my hubby joined her. I, of course, snapped some pictures of that. That is/will be such a priceless memory!

We then went over to Once Upon A Toy because making a lightsaber was on our “must do” list. With a little help from a CM, my hubby and DS got a double lightsaber built complete with light and sound. DS was quite happy! On our way out, we also bought those cool light spin toys they sell at the parades. I am not normally a sucker and give into buying these things but this one was cool and they really wanted them. I think they were only $7 each.

Last stop, Goofy’s Candy Co. I had heard we could get dipped pretzels or marshmallows with our snack credits here so we stopped in for a treat. After wandering around for quite some time, we bought far more than we ever needed. We ended up with 3 containers filled with sour powder, 6 dipped pretzels rods (2 orders), a dipped strawberry, a cookie and a bag of candy. I loved the Goofy Candy Co logo made out of Jelly Beans and they kids also loved the crazy mirrors.

From here, we went back to our hotel to enjoy our goodies and then off to bed.

Sounds like a great day Amy!

 

[Disneymommy2006]

I am really enjoying reading you trip report! I can't wait to hear what you thought of Garden Grill....we will be eating there for the first time in August and I will be interested in your experience! Thanks for sharing with all of us!

 

[Dallas_Lady]

Oh my gosh!! How have I not discovered this forum before??? I am totally hooked, I want all the stuff for my next trip. Where can I find Amy's transfer paper?

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

Oh my gosh!! How have I not discovered this forum before??? I am totally hooked, I want all the stuff for my next trip. Where can I find Amy's transfer paper?

Hmmm...I thought there used to be a link in her signature. Maybe we can't post the link anymore?? Just google "Amy Mickey".

 

[M & E love WDW]

Thanks Amy. I am really enjoying the details. It makes me feel like I am there and I appreciate the vacation without actually using my limited number of vacation days.

Forgot to say that your shirts are awesome. I am planning to order some of your transfers and make a 1st attempt at shirts for dh and I for MNSSHP in Oct. If successful, will plan some for our Grand Gathering - Thanksgiving at Ft Wilderness.

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

We were seated at our table and from the minute we sat down, it was perfect. The waitress was right there, as well as Mickey who motioned he would come back later. The food arrived shortly and was very tasty. I like the family style meal options in WDW. To my knowledge, we do not have anything like that in Disneyland. We all ate way too much food but tried to have very little go to waste.

The characters here were very fun. The interaction was fabulous! The kids favorite was when Dale knew how to do the slide (it is a hand clapping game for those that are not familiar with it, and the thing my children do while waiting in ride lines to pass the time). I even have Dale on video doing the slide with my DS – priceless! We brought the kids autograph shirts to dinner to have the characters sign. I was so glad to see Mickey, my favorite, because the trip would not have been complete if I didn’t get to see him up close and say Hi!

My DD had said something about us being in a different place or things having moved while we were eating but I thought she was crazy until shortly before we left. It was then that we realized the entire restaurant spun – very slowly of course. My DD is so much more observant than the rest of us. It was really cool as we left to stand one foot on the stationary part of the restaurant and one on the moving part. What a bunch of tourists we were, standing in awe of the spinning restaurant. Ha ha

When we left the restaurant it was still raining outside so we decided to just do the attractions in the building. We have done Soarin’ many times in California so that was not a ‘must do’ for us, so we did both Circle of Life and Living with the Land. Hubby and I were not sure about the Circle of Life. In fact, for a minute there we thought about leaving before it was over but decided that it must have a positive message so we stayed. I was glad that the message became more positive at the end. It was a little hard on DD at times because of her love of all living things and nature.

We all really liked Living with the Land. The plants were so unique and interesting. DD’s favorite was the 9 lb. lemon. In her words, it is “sickly awesome”. This means cool - to those of us that are not 12. While we were on the ride, the rain/storm really picked up. We could hear the thunder and could see the rain pouring and flowing down from the top of the dome on the ride. It looked very neat but knowing we would have to go out in it made me a little nervous.

When we got off the ride, we knew that we had done everything we could in the building and our choice was to either wait it out or just go. So, we decided that since we still hadn’t done anything in Innoventions that we would hurry on over there and play around until the rain stopped. See, again when we should be back getting the kids’ stamps in World Showcase, the rain decides to change our plans.

We got to Innoventions and were all pretty wet. We played around for a while. We tried the Fire Hazard game thing which was fun (hubby and DD were on the winning team – which they loved rubbing in). Then the kids did the video game thing where they’re images are in the game. It first films them running, jumping and dancing and then puts them in the video game, which they get to play. The cool thing is that you can also send the link home (via email) and play it from home. Very neat!

After the rain finally stopped, we headed back to the ferry to go to World Showcase. On our way back there, we tried to stop at Club Cool again but it was closed. We never knew if they opened for the day or not. We did stop and talk to a CM and were told that the park was closing at 11:00 instead of 9:00 as I had thought. It was nice to know we just bought ourselves an extra two hours.

We took the ferry back and when we arrived in Morocco, the same group was performing so we caught the last song of their concert. We then went to Japan and saw the tail end of the performance by the drummers – Matsuriza. They were very entertaining. I can never believe the amazing talent I always see at Disney. After watching them perform, we headed into the Japan store. DS is really into Pokemon and we were hopeful we would be able to get some cards in Japanese. No such luck. They only had the same cards you can buy at any other store (for more money – of course).

It was starting to sprinkle/rain again so we quickly got the kids’ stamps for France and United Kingdom. By this time it was getting dark and we didn’t see too much. We just could not go home missing just one or two stamps. By the time we got every stamp, it was 8:00 pm. We took a few pictures of the kids in the red phone booth in United Kingdom being silly and decided it was time to head over to Beaches and Cream.

I had done a little research before going about Beaches and Cream and their amazing “Kitchen Sink”. I had been told that I could exit from right there (United Kingdom area) and that it was only a 5 to 10 minute walk. So it was perfect. We asked a few CM’s as we left the park and they were not too sure about where it was or how to get there. We exited and got to the fork in the road. Everything was pretty dark and we could see the boardwalk area. I listened to hubby and we turned left. For all of you out there right now, you are screaming into your computer screens – “no, do not turn left!” Well I wish I could have heard you. I am still not sure why I would have gone with his gut, you would need to know us personally, but my hubby does not have a gut when it comes to direction.

We walked all the way to the Boardwalk. Hearing the frogs on the way there was really neat – DD was dying to see one but it never happened. As we got to the boardwalk and we were not seeing the restaurant, we started asking around. No one seemed to know what I was asking about. Finally we asked someone by the ferry, which told me to ask the woman at the bike service and she told me it was clear on the other side of the water. She said we could either walk back the way we came or take the ferry across. We were all getting very tired and discouraged at this point so we opted for the ferry ride. Luckily during all of this time there was no rain. It started to rain again as we waited for the ferry. We rode the ferry across and luckily got to see some of the fireworks from Illuminations (just as we started our trip) as we walked to the Yacht and Beach Club Resort.

So we checked in to Beaches and Cream and were told it would be about a half hour wait. By now it was already like 9:30. Boy, was it late. But there was no way any of us wanted to give this up. We said fine and luckily we only waited about 15 minutes. Just long enough to wander around the lobby and use the restroom.

We got our table and ordered right away since we already knew what we wanted. We all loved the production they make when they brought out the sundae. For those of you who do not know what a kitchen sink is – it is a sundae served in – what else – a kitchen sink. It has 8 scoops of ice cream, every topping imaginable including angel food cake, brownies, small candy bars and an entire can of whipped cream. They bring it out with lights flashing and an announcement about the ‘pigs’ who have ordered a kitchen sink. Or something like that. Very fun! Even with the 4 of us, we hardly put a dent in it. There was no way we could eat it all. After we were full to the brim, we decided we better get back to Epcot. There were still a couple things we wanted to do.

As we left the kids caught a gander at the pool. There were several kids riding down the slide. When the kids saw that the slide started on the other side of the walkway and went all the way across, that thought that was the coolest thing ever.

We walked – the correct way – back to Epcot. You were all right about it only being a 5 to 10 minute walk. We entered the park and what do you know, hubby wants popcorn. Oh My! We all share a small popcorn and head to Journey into Imagination with Figment. The kids didn’t love the smell part of the ride, in fact DD confessed that she plugged her nose. The ride was cute in its own way but was not a favorite. We exited the ride and played for a short time in the interaction area.

DS could not stop asking if we could go back on the ‘golf ball’ ride again before we left. We decided to end our trip just as it had begun with Spaceship Earth. The kids again had fun making funny faces and laughing during the entire final movie.

We stopped at the entrance to have one last picture with Photopass and when the CM’s camera was not working, she urged us to hurry to the buses. It was now after 11:00 and we hurried to get out of the park and to the buses. We had no idea how long the buses ran after closing but surely didn’t want to be stranded.

This was quite a full and long day. Our last full day at WDW was packed with memories!

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

Sounds like you had a great time. Loving the TR and photos are priceless as well. Congrats on your hubbys AI experience. My sister would be in hog heaven

It was quite the highlight of the trip for him. Even though my DD was jealous she couldn't try out, she took it pretty well.

Amy,
I always loved the water days the best!
Meant to say I love your Goofy autograph shirts. What a great idea to cover the Disneyland with a transfer.
Enjoying your reports so much.
Kari

Great photo collage!

Sounds like a great day Amy!

Thanks for all the nice words Kari! Did you get my email? I wanted to be sure you got the pictures I promised you! Thanks again for your help with the "Love" design.

I am really enjoying reading you trip report! I can't wait to hear what you thought of Garden Grill....we will be eating there for the first time in August and I will be interested in your experience! Thanks for sharing with all of us!

Garden Grill was our favorite character meal.. Granted, we only did 2, but it was great food and we loved the character interaction!

Oh my gosh!! How have I not discovered this forum before??? I am totally hooked, I want all the stuff for my next trip. Where can I find Amy's transfer paper?

I am personally unable to supply my web address on the DIS (DIS board policy) - but see Tom's post below yours or feel free to pm with your email address and I would be glad to email you the link.

Hmmm...I thought there used to be a link in her signature. Maybe we can't post the link anymore?? Just google "Amy Mickey".

Thanks Tom for pointing Dallas_Lady in the right direction! Did you see I used your fabulous name tag for our Resort Window? We loved seeing them everyday and it sure made it easier to find our room at a glance!

Thanks Amy. I am really enjoying the details. It makes me feel like I am there and I appreciate the vacation without actually using my limited number of vacation days.

I am glad to take you with us on our trip! And for FREE!!!! WOW!!!

 

[rumblytumbly]

Thanks for all the nice words Kari! Did you get my email? I wanted to be sure you got the pictures I promised you! Thanks again for your help with the "Love" design.

Hi Amy,

I didn't get your email. Can you send it again? I want to see the pictures!!

 

[donatalie]

Amy,
I absolutely love how you found joy in all of your experiences....big & small!
Our best memories are so off the beaten path. It sounds like yours are too!