Bargain Betty and Workaholic Starring In:What Are You, A Disney Expert?

[WrightFamily06]

I'm here ! Great intro and beautiful pictures of POP I've never stayed there but it would be my pick out of the values !Can't wait to read more !

HAPPY BELATED ANNIVERSERY !!!

 

[dawnbu40]

Ok, here's a bit of an off topic question. Where did you get the clings for your window at Pop? We love to decorate, and I'd love to pick some up to hang up

We got the Mickey Halloween clings at Walgreen's. They had 2 sheets for 3$

I'm here ! Great intro and beautiful pictures of POP I've never stayed there but it would be my pick out of the values !Can't wait to read more !

HAPPY BELATED ANNIVERSERY !!!

Hi Wright Mom! I'm so glad you've joined us! How have you been? We were a little unsure about staying at a Value, since we weren't happy with our last stay at ASMo, but we really liked it! Pop does deserve all the praise it gets on the Dis! I am actually working on an update right now so...

 

[disneygirlinnj]

Hey Dawn! I'm here! cant read right now at work but just wanted to sub in before i forgot!

 

[dawnbu40]

After our walk around Pop we realized we needed to head toward the bus stop for Downtown Disney. It was about 6:30 and we were meeting friends at the House of Blues at 7:30. Well it was our lucky bus day....we walked right onto ME at MCO and now as soon as we got in line the DTD bus pulled up! While we were on our way to DTD we got another text from Caitlin. She knew where we were headed and had some things she wanted us to find. All the items were pretty easy but they were all on the shopping side and we never made it over there however, there was one item we could not figure out. She wanted a picture of "Mrs. Nesbitt". We racked our brains but we were clueless. It actually took us 2 days to figure that one out....

After a short ride we arrived at DTD. They are working on the bus stops at the shopping side so we were dropped right near Planet Hollywood. I hadn't been over here in a few years (usually don't make it past Fulton's) and I loved looking around!

As we passed Planet Hollywood we saw Forrest's boat

Then we looked up and saw the Character's in Flight balloon.(Dale and Caitlin did this in May and loved it! Dale wanted us to do it but no way am I getting on that thing )

I loved all the colorful signs

and the cool lights strung between the buildings.

There is a lot to see over here and I'm not sure why we always miss it
We eventually made our way to The House of Blues. The HofB has a couple different buildings...
The Store

A bar

These musicians were playing out front and they were really good!

and the restaurant

It was now just about 7:30 and our friends were nowhere to be found but just as we were about to call them our phone rang. They were staying at the Dolphin and had gotten on a bus they thought to DTD 45 minutes ago but somehow just went in a circle and were rather confused. They told us to go in and sit down and they'd be there asap. Our adr was for 7:45 but we were seated immediately and the place was pretty empty! Our waiter,John, came right over and was absolutely adorable! I thought he'd make a great souvie for Caitlin but Dale wasn't on board. (sometimes dads are no fun!) We decided to get an appetizer while we waited. John suggested the crab and artichoke dip and it was yummy!

Just as we finished that up Buck (actual name Mike) and Kim arrived. We were so happy to see them and had a great time catching up!
We all thought the food and service were outstanding!

At John's suggestion Dale had the Creole Seafood Jambalaya

Kim had the blackened chicken

Buck had the club sandwich (sorry no pic) and I had just a tossed salad.

We left there around 9pm and grabbed a bus to the Boardwalk. I'd always heard about JellyRolls but never been able to go on our family vacation's so this sounded like a perfect fit for a big kid's night out.

(it was too dark to get pics inside JR but this mural is between the men's and ladies rooms)

JR has a 10$ covercharge pp but it is worth it! This place is so much fun and the entertainment is non-stop! There are 2 sets of piano players and each duo plays for an hour and then they rotate. The music is great and we had a ball singing along! We were able to grab a spot quickly but it was soon SRO. (If you go make sure you eat first because the only food is the complimentary popcorn) We stayed for 2 sets and then decided it was time to head back. We took a few pics out front

and then we decided to walk them back to the Dolphin and catch a cab from there. The walk was nice and the resorts are much closer together than I would have thought.
I'd never been in the Dolphin but it looked lovely!
The lobby fountain

We walked out front and asked the valet to hail a cab while we said our goodbyes. We all agreed it was a great night and hope to do it again the next time we're at WDW.
The hailed car pulled up and we entered. As we talked about our evening, we paid little attention to our surroundings until we saw the Walt Disney World "welcome sign" and realized we were LEAVING WDW! I started feeling a little nervous at this point so Dale spoke to the driver saying he'd gone too far. The driver said he "missed the turnoff" and would be turning around. But he didn't! We went all the way to Celebration before he turned around! At this point I was freaking out thinking he was going to rob us or something! After he turned around he proceeded to drive us all the way back to the Dolphin! He said that was the only way he could figure out how to get to Pop After 45 minutes, he finally dropped us at Pop and told us that would be $50!!!!! That my friends, is when we lost it! We were not going to pay for gas he used when he got lost and told him we wanted to call his supervisor. We ended up paying him the $15 we assumed it would cost for a cab and headed back to our room. I felt really shaky and stressed after all this and could not wait to get to bed! I was so upset that our wonderful day was ending on a bad note but when we got to our room there was a suprise waiting for us....

My dad and stepmother had sent us this cooler filled with treats,pop and water as an anniversary gift! They ordered it through Disney Florist and it was a wonderful suprise! (and a much nicer way to end the day!)

It was to be a short sleep though because we had a special breakfast adr the next morning!

PS-In case you were wondering about "Mrs. Nesbitt"...that is what Sid's little sister re-names Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story.

 

[thecapells]

Nice shots as usual.
We just saw the Toy Story 1 & 2 Double Feature with the kids so I think we all know who Mrs. Nesbitt is!
The question I had was where to locate one to take a picture of...
Do they have Buzz dressed as Mrs. Nesbitt somewhere?

How was Jellyrolls?
We've never been but were debating swinging by this upcoming trip.
A friend of ours is heading down at the same time and offerred to watch the kids one night.
We thought Jellyrolls may be the perfect destination!
The only problem is getting there as we'd have to go to DTD or a park first from CBR...
And what time should we get there by to get a spot?
Also, do you know what time it's open until?

 

[dawnbu40]

Nice shots as usual.
We just saw the Toy Story 1 & 2 Double Feature with the kids so I think we all know who Mrs. Nesbitt is!
The question I had was where to locate one to take a picture of...
Do they have Buzz dressed as Mrs. Nesbitt somewhere?

How was Jellyrolls?
We've never been but were debating swinging by this upcoming trip.
A friend of ours is heading down at the same time and offerred to watch the kids one night.
We thought Jellyrolls may be the perfect destination!
The only problem is getting there as we'd have to go to DTD or a park first from CBR...
And what time should we get there by to get a spot?
Also, do you know what time it's open until?

As far as I know there is nowhere with Buzz as "Mrs. Nesbitt". I think she just meant the Buzz outside the World of Disney store and was trying to be tricky. (which since she stumped us, she was)

If you like singing along to old music then JellyRolls is a "must-do"! We had a blast singing along to old songs ranging from Neil Diamond to Journey to the Muppets! I'd read that you should get there by 9 to get a table but we didn't arrive til 9:30 and still got one. (It did become SRO as the night progressed )I'm not sure how late they stay open...we left shortly after midnight and the place was still rockin so it must be open til 1 or 2? If I were you I would take your friend up on their offer and have a parent's night out! I'd take a bus from DTD and then take a cab back. I think that would be the easiest route.

 

[wannago2disney]

OMG I would have been sooo freaked at the cabbie. I bet you are not the first people he has tried to pull that scam on Glad the rest of your first day was magical...really nice of your Dad and his wife to send the care package .... and just when you needed too

 

[MEK]

Great update! And lovely pictures. You had such a nice, fun first night. But the cab ride - OMG! That sounds awful. He tried to charge you half of what we paid for a rental car. Thank goodness you got out of there with a $15 fee. For crying out loud, how could the guy not follow the street signs 10 mins to POP. Uggghhhh!

OK - I am so going to Jelly Rolls on my next trip. It sounds so fun. I must drink a couple red bulls so I can stay up late!

 

[dawnbu40]

I wish you would have brought the waiter back

I am glad you had a fun night with Buck and Kim you don't get to see them too often so it's good that you got too

I love dads smile in that pic with Buck

 

[PrincessCaitlin]

I wish you would have brought the waiter back

I am glad you had a fun night with Buck and Kim you don't get to see them too often so it's good that you got too

I love dads smile in that pic with Buck

sorry for posting under your name

 

[dawnbu40]

Hey Dawn! I'm here! cant read right now at work but just wanted to sub in before i forgot!

Hi there! Glad to have you along!

OMG I would have been sooo freaked at the cabbie. I bet you are not the first people he has tried to pull that scam on Glad the rest of your first day was magical...really nice of your Dad and his wife to send the care package .... and just when you needed too

That cab ride was awful and I hope he doesn't do that scam all the time! We use a cab at some point on every WDW vacation and that was the first time we ever had any problem.

Great update! And lovely pictures. You had such a nice, fun first night. But the cab ride - OMG! That sounds awful. He tried to charge you half of what we paid for a rental car. Thank goodness you got out of there with a $15 fee. For crying out loud, how could the guy not follow the street signs 10 mins to POP. Uggghhhh!

OK - I am so going to Jelly Rolls on my next trip. It sounds so fun. I must drink a couple red bulls so I can stay up late!

You really must include Jelly Rolls in your plans for May! It is sooo much fun and the entertainers are very talented! You'll love it!

I wish you would have brought the waiter back

I am glad you had a fun night with Buck and Kim you don't get to see them too often so it's good that you got too

I love dads smile in that pic with Buck

sorry for posting under your name

I love his smile in that pic too! After a drink (or 2) your dad gets the silliest grin on his face

It was a little confusing that you posted under my name, but thanks for posting!

 

[WrightFamily06]

Hi Wright Mom! I'm so glad you've joined us! How have you been? We were a little unsure about staying at a Value, since we weren't happy with our last stay at ASMo, but we really liked it! Pop does deserve all the praise it gets on the Dis! I am actually working on an update right now so...

Hello Dawn

I'm doing good busy w/ the kiddies . DS5 just started Kindergarten this year and DD4 is in her second year of ballet, 1st year of tap . DS2 is starting to talk up a storm .

Great update ! Love the pictures from your meal at the House of Blues , the chips and dip looked so yummy . Wow, what a crazy cab ride you had , now I know why we drive our car ! Plus I get terrible motion sickness on WDW buses , so we have to bring our own car . LOL The little mickey cooler w/ all the snacks is adorable and I bet it turned a tense moment into a magical one real quick

 

[JOEYDIS]

Hello and welcome to our TR! You may remember us from our May TR but if you are new here is some background.....Since this was the year of "What will you Celebrate?" my wonderful husband and I decided to take our first trip to WDW without the family. (As you may imagine this idea was a big hit with our almost 19yr old Disney Addicted daughter ...however no need to feel too sorry for her since we were just there in May, as a family) We decided WDW would be the perfect place to celebrate 25 years of being together and 21 years of marriage so while we were at POFQ in May, we booked the Sept. Free Dining package. We feel very blessed to have been able to go twice in both 2008 and 2009!

(from May 2009)

Now that you know a little background allow me to introduce the cast...


Myself-Bargain Betty..aka Dawnbu40..aka Dawn. I have been madly in love with Mickey and WDW since my first visit in 1972! It was love at first sight and I cannot get enough of the place even after another 12 visits!

My Leading Man-Workaholic..aka TSManiac..aka Dale. Dale and I met in highschool and were friends for almost 2 years before we started dating. We actually started dating on the day of my highschool graduation and we've been together ever since. Dale has been to WDW 8 times and while he isn't the Disney Addict I am, he loves Disney Dining and Drinking! (so convincing him to go for free dining and the Food and Wine Fest was easy!)

Our Supporting Player-PrincessCaitlin...aka Caitlin. Caitlin is a sophomore at Eastern Michigan University and had classes while we were enjoying WDW. She is a great young woman and very responsible. She did an awesome job taking care of the house and 3 dogs while we were gone. Our only apprehension about leaving was that just days before we left she and her bf (whom we all really liked and cared for) broke up. so there was some drama just before our departure! Even though Caitlin was not "physically" on our trip she was there through the magic of texting so she does have a role in this TR.


Bit Players-Our bffs from highschool who also married 21 years ago...Buck and Kim who joined us on our first evening.

Location-Pop Century from September 27-October 1st. We upgraded to the Deluxe Dining Plan and our trip will take us to 3 of the 4 parks as well as the Food and Wine Fest and Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.

Now that you've met the cast and the stage is set I hope you will join us as we share the tale of "What Are You a Disney Expert?"

Hey Dawn
I found your trip report. how funny. I am so glad you had a great time. I hope you are doing well. I can't wait to read the rest of it.
Laure

 

[dawnbu40]

Hello Dawn

I'm doing good busy w/ the kiddies . DS5 just started Kindergarten this year and DD4 is in her second year of ballet, 1st year of tap . DS2 is starting to talk up a storm .

Great update ! Love the pictures from your meal at the House of Blues , the chips and dip looked so yummy . Wow, what a crazy cab ride you had , now I know why we drive our car ! Plus I get terrible motion sickness on WDW buses , so we have to bring our own car . LOL The little mickey cooler w/ all the snacks is adorable and I bet it turned a tense moment into a magical one real quick

Aww starting kindergarten is huge! I hope he's enjoying it! I miss the elementary school days and the dance recitals! Those are special times!

I've never heard too much on the boards about the House of Blues but we enjoyed it. It's one of those places with a real diverse menu too so there is something for everyone.

I do prefer to have a car with us at WDW but I usually can't find a good deal and Dale commutes 2 hours daily, so he enjoys letting someone else drive while we're on vacation.

The cooler was a very nice and unexpected suprise!

Hey Dawn
I found your trip report. how funny. I am so glad you had a great time. I hope you are doing well. I can't wait to read the rest of it.
Laure

Hi Laure! Thanks for coming over! We did have a great time but we came back home to unseasonably cold temps (it's 34 this morning!) and I already want to go back!

 

[JOEYDIS]

I am going back in Nov and I can't wait. It is cool here today I think in the low 60 which is practically freezing in the south.LOL Glad to see the TR. I never seem to write one but I will have to try next time we go.

 

[dawnbu40]

Day 2 began with the trumpets blaring as my DW tried to rouse me from my slumber. (which during vacation is never easy) She was excited to be having breakfast with the Fab 5 and reminded me that this was the day we would be going to the Food & Wine Festival. But contrary to my DD's posts from our previous trip, it was the food not the wine that got me out of bed

We headed down to Classic Hall to re-checkin and met a wonderful CM named Alicia. She was one of the nicest CMs we've ever met and it was only 7am! My faith in Disney guest service was once again, reaffirmed! But enough of that and onto Chef Mickey's!

As soon as we walked outside the MK bus arrived. We hopped on and headed for the MK. We then made the short walk to the Contemporary. Arriving at Chef Mickey's

we realized that tables for 2 were in short supply but we had a secluded table (nice to be away from the "cheerful exhuberance" of the kids) next to a window.

Next came a calvalcade of characters who we found were just as fun with adults as they are with the kids. The interaction made our breakfast a very fun event.
First up was Minnie who was making kissy sounds to me

After visiting with Minnie we made our selections from the buffet

Our next visitor was Goofy and he was quickly flirting with my DW

We also saw Donald and Pluto

Our last visitor was the big cheese himself, Mickey! The people at the table next to us were kind enough to take a picture of the 2 of us

Near the end of our meal our waitress surprised us with a special treat in honor of our anniversary, which had been noted on our adr.( we were too full however and gave it to the kids at the next table)

On our way out we took a few pictures of the Contemporary sights

And now...on to the Food and Wine Festival

 

[MEK]

Our last visitor was the big cheese himself, Mickey! The people at the table next to us were kind enough to take a picture of the 2 of us

On our way out we took a few pictures of the Contemporary sights

What a great view you guys had. Just lovely! And such a great picture of your two! What a great way to start the day, I also love that cool picture of Mickey. I've never seen that before. Is that a window or a picture? I'm not even sure where it is.

Can't wait to hear about your first day at F&W.

 

[PrincessCaitlin]

I love the update

I swear that pic of you giggling is the only pic of you that I ever thought I looked like now I see the resemblance

 

[dawnbu40]

What a great view you guys had. Just lovely! And such a great picture of your two! What a great way to start the day, I also love that cool picture of Mickey. I've never seen that before. Is that a window or a picture? I'm not even sure where it is.

Can't wait to hear about your first day at F&W.

It was a great view and a nice, quiet table away from the noise and excited kiddos! Thank you, I like that picture too
The Mickey "thing" was a lighted window outside of the new (at least new to us) toy store in the gift shop area of the Contemporary. It caught Dale's eye and he took several pictures of it.

I love the update

I swear that pic of you giggling is the only pic of you that I ever thought I looked like now I see the resemblance

Thank you! People tell us all the time how much we look alike and I never see it either but as soon as I looked at that picture, I got it. We may not look all that much alike but we have a lot of the same mannerisms

 

[WrightFamily06]

Great pictures from CM ! You had a very pretty view from your seats . How nice that you gave you cupcake away , I'm sure that made those kids day ! A cupcake at breakfast is always nice