Boo to YOU!! A halloween adventure!**1/7 X 2!!! DHS & MK!!**

[eandesmom]

Melissa -

I don't know how I missed your 1/1 update, but your itinerary looks smashing. I have no idea why I just picked that adjective, but I'm sticking with it!

I am so excited for you and your family. In just a few short days you will be back at your happy place and, correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't this your first trip to Kidani? You are going to absolutely love it!

I like what you and Patricia said about the boards and I've been wondering myself why I feel like I really know the Disers that I communicate with on a regular basis. And I've finally put my finger on it......I think the reason that we form such a bond is because we communicate by written word. Where else do people communicate by such an elaborate, and sometimes labor intensive, way? I think when you write something you share yourself on a deeper level. Written words are permanent and they bear a little piece of the author's soul and a big piece of the author's personality.

They are a gift that we give and recieve. They are a warm welcome that we look forward to enjoying. They are a source of relaxation and entertainment.

Anyway - not quite sure why I got on a tangent there, but have a super, awesome trip!

Beautifully said! And so very very true.

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Melissa -

I don't know how I missed your 1/1 update, but your itinerary looks smashing. I have no idea why I just picked that adjective, but I'm sticking with it!

I am so excited for you and your family. In just a few short days you will be back at your happy place and, correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't this your first trip to Kidani? You are going to absolutely love it!

I like what you and Patricia said about the boards and I've been wondering myself why I feel like I really know the Disers that I communicate with on a regular basis. And I've finally put my finger on it......I think the reason that we form such a bond is because we communicate by written word. Where else do people communicate by such an elaborate, and sometimes labor intensive, way? I think when you write something you share yourself on a deeper level. Written words are permanent and they bear a little piece of the author's soul and a big piece of the author's personality.

They are a gift that we give and recieve. They are a warm welcome that we look forward to enjoying. They are a source of relaxation and entertainment.

Anyway - not quite sure why I got on a tangent there, but have a super, awesome trip!

I love the word smashing!! Great word and thank you!!

This is indeed our first trip to Kidani and I'm so excited!!! I can't wait to get into that beautiful room! Not to mention the view I've promised myself to take pics before the masses destroy it!

I think your right MaryEllen! Especially nowadays were everything is so fast and instant communicating like this not that common.Granted, the technology and speed of the world has made it possible. It takes time, it takes thought and it takes caring. It's not like text message that it took 30 second to write while someone is online at the grocery store or sneaking it at work. It's really a commitment!

I loved your tangent BTW!!! Your very right!

I can't wait for this trip! Although I's like it to be a little warmer!!!

Beautifully said! And so very very true.

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Our last day in WDW! Boo!

No sleeping late today! It was get up, get ready and pack up anything else we needed to and call for Bell Service to get all our stuff for our transfer to WL!

Luckily a little preparation along the way made for a relatively easy morning!

Bell Service arrived shortly after our call and the CM that came was very super nice! I explained that we were transferring to WL and he gavea whole list of fun stuff at WL to do! LOL! I didn’t tell him that WL is my favorite resort and I fancy myself a little bit of expert on it He had worked there for several years before being moved to SSR!

He took our bags and our big, purple Owners Locker and we were on our way to DHS!

I didn’t want to be there before or at rope drop because I just can’t handle that madness. I think we arrived maybe 9:05! Perfect!

Not at lot of people at the bag check or turnstiles and not a mad rush of people to TSM!

We did, of course, head to TSM. DH was going to get FP but there was quite a line and the standby wait was 10 minutes! I called to DH and we decided just to go standby.

I think we waited more like 15 minutes but it still wasn’t bad, especially after waiting 20 or more minutes in the F line last Jan. It also gave me the opportunity to take some pictures!













We had a fabulous time on TSM, although I still hate the way it whips you around from scene to scene!

Then it was off to find some breakfast for our growling bellies! Starring Rolls here we come!!

We had yummy breakfast of cinnamon rolls, muffins and fruit! It was pretty good! The cinnamon rolls definitely weren’t the ones from Main Street Bakery, but they were pretty good!

After breakfast it was time for Playhouse Disney Live!!! Ryan, of course, loved it! He got to see his 3 favorites all in one show! Mickey, Pooh and Handy Manny! Very exciting and very cute!!!








Then we headed to One Man’s Dream!! We all really, really enjoy OMD and I took a bunch of pictures just in case the rumors of its demise are true!
















Next we headed to Star Tours! No trip to WDW would be complete without a trip on Star Tours! In fact in January of 09 DS and I rode it about 7,000 times!

Luckily it was a walk on and DD decided it was time for her first adventure to Endor!!

She loved it, as DS and I expected, but we were sad that we once again didn’t actually get to Endor! Maybe next time!

Then we were off in search of the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground!

Along the way we stumbled upon 2 very good friends of Ryan’s!!! Lightening McQueen and Mater!!!





He really enjoyed meeting them!!! It was a great experience and he still asks me to show him his McQueen and Mater pictures!

Then we were off to our original destination of the playground!

The kids had a fabulous time playing there and Ryan really, really enjoyed the slides!

It was the first time he ever went down a slide that wasn’t a baby slide all by himself! What a big boys!




Then it time to head to our lunch ADR at SciFi Dine in! We checked in and waited. At SciFi Dine in, for those who haven’t been there, there is a very large bench that runs along on wall. 2 families were taking up the entire bench because some of them had decided to lie down and take a rest! Err! We decided to sit on the floor because we really wanted to sit!!

We waited for at least 30 minutes and saw 3 couples walk up and get turned away.

When we finally got called to go in I was shocked to see there were a lot of empty tables! Why did we wait so long and why were they turningpeople away?!

We were taken to our car and the whole car was supposed to be for us but with 3 rows, 2 adults and 3 kiddos it just didn’t work well for us. So DH and DS7 sat in the front and DD, DS2 and I sat in the next row back.

Very soon after we settled into our car a couple was seated in the back row! But, we still hadn’t seen our server!

We waited 10 minutes easily before our waiter showed up and took our drink order. We waited at least another 10 minutes for our drinks. All we ordered was soda!! The waiter took our order and disappeared again! UGH!

We waited 20-25 minutes for our food. I wouldn’t be too annoyed about that but for half of that time the people behind us, who had been seated after us, had the same waiter as us and ordered after us had their food!


Ryan was getting very, very restless and really wanted his french fries! I decided to take him for a walk around the restaurant to check out the scenery!

That made him a lot happier and shortly after we got back our food finally arrived!

Our food was enjoyable, although nothing too special. DH and I had cheeseburgers and fries and all 3 kids had pizza.

When our waiter returned during our lunch, which I’m frankly surprised he did, I prompted everyone to order dessert. I figured it may take awhile!

A few minutes after we finished our meals our desserts arrived! Ice cream for all 3 kiddos and shakes for DH and I! Those shakes were to die for!!! Yummy, yummy, yummy!!!!!!!!

I had the waiter for our check when he brought the dessert and explained that we had 2 adult TS credits and 2 kids TS credits, leaving 1 meal still to pay for. I told him we would pay for it on room charge. I guess this was one of those times I should have left well enough alone because I confused the guy!!! If I hadn’t said anything he would have just returned to the table with a bill for the unpaid portion. Oh well! We paid and hightailed it out of SciFi!!!

Our ScFi experience was terrible! The service was a among the worst I’ve ever received at a restaurant! The food was ok, but not great. Will we return there? IDK!

We decided to head toward the GMR and then head out.

We somehow ended up walking through Pixar Place again and we found the Green Army Men!! DS7 loves them!!

One of the Army men approached and paid special attention to DS7 and his friend Squeak!

Squeak is DS’s special stuffy! He goes everywhere and does everything with DS! He’s webkinz mouse and he used to be white! As you can see by the pictures he’s turned a nasty gray color overtime that can’t be washed out!


notice DH in the background












DS loved the attention and laughed hysterically!!! It was so fun watching him interact with the Army Man and have so much fun!!!

After our unforgettable Green Army Man encounter we headed to GMR. We just about walked on and soon found ourselves in the gangster scene again! We’ve never been in the cowboy scene!!! Boo!!

Then we headed toward the front of the park and the WL bus stop!!!


more to come later today...​

 

[If U Had Wings]

We saw the same thing happening at restaurants on my last trip. They were turning people away, but the tables were 1/2 empty. It baffled me. Doesn't Disney want to make money?

I love the army guy pictures with your son. You can tell he was really enjoying himself. I love the army men over at pixar place.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I was SO FAR BEHIND! I didn't realize I didn't catch up on your TR before I left...

Anyway-a million things to comment on, first, Congratulations on the 100 point add-on! What a very, very nice gift!

Love your Halloween costumes! You guys looked great!! The whole evening sounds like it was a lot of fun, despite the heat.

Your upcoming plans for your trip in TWO DAYS!!! sound really great - coming from WDW with 5 adults and 1 toddler, I'll give you this advice, "roll with it." Sometimes it's so hard to do, but.... Sounds like you are already doing that by your comment about the whole planned schedule might get thrown out the window - so I'm sure you will have a great trip!! I'm excited for you and will be thinking about you guys and wishing I could just be stuffed in your suitcase.

Your DHS day sounds completely awesome...love the picture of you with Mater and McQueen! So cute! And the interaction with the Green Army Men was fantastic! Such great shots of your DS, his smiles are huge-you can tell he's loving it!

I hope those rumors about One Man's Dream are WRONG.

 

[mickeysmyboy]

We saw the same thing happening at restaurants on my last trip. They were turning people away, but the tables were 1/2 empty. It baffled me. Doesn't Disney want to make money?

I love the army guy pictures with your son. You can tell he was really enjoying himself. I love the army men over at pixar place.

It was crazy! Why where we waiting so long and seeing people turned away with empty tables inside?! It baffled me too!

DS had such a great time with the Army man! It was a lot of fun!

I was SO FAR BEHIND! I didn't realize I didn't catch up on your TR before I left...

Anyway-a million things to comment on, first, Congratulations on the 100 point add-on! What a very, very nice gift!

Love your Halloween costumes! You guys looked great!! The whole evening sounds like it was a lot of fun, despite the heat.

Your upcoming plans for your trip in TWO DAYS!!! sound really great - coming from WDW with 5 adults and 1 toddler, I'll give you this advice, "roll with it." Sometimes it's so hard to do, but.... Sounds like you are already doing that by your comment about the whole planned schedule might get thrown out the window - so I'm sure you will have a great trip!! I'm excited for you and will be thinking about you guys and wishing I could just be stuffed in your suitcase.

Your DHS day sounds completely awesome...love the picture of you with Mater and McQueen! So cute! And the interaction with the Green Army Men was fantastic! Such great shots of your DS, his smiles are huge-you can tell he's loving it!

I hope those rumors about One Man's Dream are WRONG.

Yippee Brook!! Welcome home!!!

I'm so happy with the 100 points! We now have 100 09 point banked, 100 2010 points to use and will have 300 points available for 2011!!! So, for the trip I want to take in December I'll have 500 points at my hands! WOW!


I have to be flexible with this upcoming trip! With 10 people, 2 kids, 1 toddler, 2 teenage girls, 1 teenage boy with Aspergers Syndrome and 4 adults ranging from 34 to 48 there's a lot of personalities and expectations! I don't want to have a diasaster on my hands!!!!

We had a great day at DHS! Ryan was soooo excited to see Lightening McQueen and Mater!! I was suprised he didn't freak when our turn was up! Johnny had a great time with the army man!! LOL! It was really cute!!

I really hope the rumors about OMD are not true as well!!! I read that they want to expand Pixar Place but apparently they're going to expand the other direction. The Studio Catering Company, Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground and Backlot Tour are going to close in Feb for refurb. We'll see what happens!!!

 

[jenjolt]

OY the ever evasive Cowboy scene...I have seen it but once and I wonder if I will ever see it again...I hope to try in the near future!!!!

Wow your Sci Fi experience sounded a lot like me and C's except we were the ones in the car who got our food instead of the family in front of us and there was still quiet a wait for ours!!!!! By far the worst service I have had at a Disney restaurant!

Loved that DD finally went on Star Tours and loved and enjoyed the interaction of the Army Men with DS!!

YAY for a great update!

 

[manntra]

for the people lying down at SciFi! I know right where you are talking about. How rude is that! Funny you say that...when I was there in October the service was just eh....when I went in January we had an awesome waiter and some other CM working there took our picture at least 15 times! I don't ever need that many pictures of myself!! So I agree the service was marginal and the food was okay....although I rather liked the cherry Coke and the BLT soup but not enough to go back anytime soon.
You are sooooo close now to your trip! It looks like it is warming up a bit so that is good Can't wait to hear what you think of Kidani....I love it there
I love what ME said a few posts back...first the "smashing" She made me smile!
Really well put with the Dis friendship...always looking forward to seeing what is going on in each others life etc....

Tracy

 

[mickeysmyboy]

After an uneventful bus ride we soon found ourselves at WL! Ahhh!!!

Walking into the lobby is like walking into heaven, at least to me! I love, love, love WL!!!

Check in was quick and easy! We stopped at bell service before heading to our room to see about having our bags sent to our room. The very nice CM at the bell service desk explained that our bags had not arrived from SSR yet but should be there any minute. He suggested we settle into our room and call down in 30 minutes for the bags. Okey Dokey!

We headed to our room settled in on the beds to watch some TV. I’ll admit once again I didn’t take room pictures!! I promise I’ll take 50,000 pictures of every detail of our room at Kidani in 2 days to make up for it!

When I had reserved the room I didn’t specify a view and didn’t pay extra for water view. I figured for 1 night it wasn’t worth it.

In the past our stays at WL have had water view.This time we got a view of the roof of the bus stop and a large sand box next to the cubs den. For 1 night it was perfectly fine but in the past I’ve really enjoyed sitting on the balcony, especially in the morning looking at the lake, the pool etc. This wasn’t much to look at! Oh well!!

We waited a little longer than 30 minutes and I called bell service. No bags yet! Ok!

We waited another 40 minutes or so watching Phineas and Ferb but started to get a little anxious to get back to the parks so I called again.

Guess what?

No bags! Really, no bags!

When we had given the bags to the CM at SSR he told us that the transfers go out at 1:30 and usually get to the new hotel around 2:30. It was now after 4.

I was a little worried and asked the CM if our bag were lost. He assured me that they weren’t. I told him we were going to head out and told him I’d call again when we got back.

I admit I had vision of now clothes to wear!!! But I kept trying to tell myself that Disney would not lose our bags! I hoped!!

So we headed to MK!

I love the boat ride to and from WL/MK!!! It’s so peaceful and relaxing!!!

We reached MK and it was just around dusk! Everything looked so pretty!



It was also slightly windy and there was a tiny bit of a chill in the air which was nice after a warm week!!



We headed to Casey’s for a yummy hot dog for dinner. I completely forgot to try the corn dog nuggets!!! UGH! I have to remember next time!!!!

We took a long time to eat dinner. The kids really love sitting on the bleachers in Casey’s and watching the shows on the movie screen. Ryan was sound asleep in the stroller by then so it didn’t really matter!

After dinner we headed toward Adventureland and took journey with Capt Jack and his pirate mates.

The kids decided they wanted to head toward Fantasyland and do a few rides there before we left.

When we got into frontierland it occurred to me that Spectro was going to start soon so we decided to stop and watch!

We got good seats too!!

For some reason my pictures didn’t come out so great!




















After spectro we headed to IASW! When we got to the end of the ride we could her the thundering and booming of Wishes going on outside!

We hadn’t planned on seeing Wishes that night but we find ourselves in the middle of it! Literally!

Wishes from Fantasyland was such a different perspective! We really felt like we were in the middle of it!

Fireworks were shooting off from the tops of the buildings in Fantasyland, from behind Pinocchio’s, all over the place! It was really cool!









After our fireworks adventure we basically walked on Peter Pan, Snow White and Pooh! Very nice!!!

We decided it was time to call it a night, even though it was evening EMH and the park was open until midnight!

We were sleepy and we had an early flight the next morning!

We arrived back at our WL home to discover our bags had arrived safe and sound! Thank god!!!

We quickly go ready for bed and feel asleep with dreams of our next trip to Disney dancing in our heads!

But wait, what is that noise?! Why is the alarm going off?! Oh wait it’s not the alarm clock! It’s the phone!

So I pick it up! Its bell service they want to see if we had somehow ended up with bags that didn’t belong to us. It seems that there was another family that had transferred from SSR to WL and some of their bags were missing! I told the person on the phone that I didn’t see anything that didn’t belong to us but I would double check and call back if I did. UGH!

It was 11:45 pm and I was out of bed checking around the room to see if there was a mysterious bag hanging out anywhere! Nope, no bag!

The next morning came very early and we were up and getting ready with a lot of moaning and groaning!

We called for bell service to get our bags and bring them down to ME for us. A very nice older gentleman soon arrived to take our bags!

It seems he was the one that located our bag the day before! When our bags and the other families bags couldn’t be found it was his job to find them! So he set out on a mission to find them with the notion that he may very well have to go to every resort looking for them! He told us he went to SSR to see if they had indeed left there and they had so he decided to head to AKL figuring there was a Lodge mix up!

Bingo!! He found them and was very thankful he had only been to 2 resorts!

We thanked him profusely and gave him an extra tip!

We headed down to Roaring Forks for a quick breakfast before our ME pickup!

Pancakes platters all around!

Then we were on our way!

We had an uneventful departure and left feeling like we had had a wonderful trip! ​

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Ahh!! I missed your posts, sorry!!!

OY the ever evasive Cowboy scene...I have seen it but once and I wonder if I will ever see it again...I hope to try in the near future!!!!

Wow your Sci Fi experience sounded a lot like me and C's except we were the ones in the car who got our food instead of the family in front of us and there was still quiet a wait for ours!!!!! By far the worst service I have had at a Disney restaurant!

Loved that DD finally went on Star Tours and loved and enjoyed the interaction of the Army Men with DS!!

YAY for a great update!

I'd really like to see the cowboy!!! DS2 loves cowboys and I think he would get a kickout of it!

SciFi was not a good experience!!! I remember mentioning to either you or C that our experience was very similar to yours! UGH!

DD was too funny with Star Tours!! DS had a great time with the army man!!

for the people lying down at SciFi! I know right where you are talking about. How rude is that! Funny you say that...when I was there in October the service was just eh....when I went in January we had an awesome waiter and some other CM working there took our picture at least 15 times! I don't ever need that many pictures of myself!! So I agree the service was marginal and the food was okay....although I rather liked the cherry Coke and the BLT soup but not enough to go back anytime soon.
You are sooooo close now to your trip! It looks like it is warming up a bit so that is good Can't wait to hear what you think of Kidani....I love it there
I love what ME said a few posts back...first the "smashing" She made me smile!
Really well put with the Dis friendship...always looking forward to seeing what is going on in each others life etc....

Tracy

I don't what the deal was with the people lounging all over! The whole experience was just bad! Hopefully it's not like that all the time! I really liked the shakes, but I don't see that being a reason to go back! I missed BLT soup!! That sounds delish!!!!!

I'm super duper excited about Kidani!!!! I can't wait to get there!!!!!!!

MEK made me smile too! Smashing is a wonderful word!! Dis is such a great and unique place! I know some people take issue with the way people respond to things in other areas of the board. I tend to stick with the PTR/TR part and I think we have a very nice community here!!

 

[manntra]

Yes...this is a very nice community I tend to stick here as well...sometimes I wander over to the dining boards and on the DVC but a lot of times on the DVC it is a bunch of complaining.... I have always been happy....and this is where I became very well informed on DVC before I bought in so I am thankful for that.
YES!! You must take lots of pictures of your Kidani stay!! I have been in a 2br in Jambo..studio in Jambo and studio in Kidani. I am sooooo excited for May and the 1br at Kidani with the extra bathroom and all the space. I think they are (all) such unique resorts and I am happy to be anywhere.

Tracy

 

[Flossbolna]

Wow, you really are updating a lot! I guess you want to finish it before your trip? I don't think I would have the nerve to write updates two days before my departure! I am usually getting very nervous before my trips!

Loved your last day - and how great that you did get your bags! I hope they found this other family's bag though!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Wow...2 more days...You do seem reallly calm...

Woot.....

I can't believe your service at Sci Fi or those rude people laying on the benches...(Hello-there are other people in the world...ahhh...it's times like that I wish I could tazer people......I would use it jusiciously...)

Love the photos of DS with the Green Army Men...It's those moments, those interactions that make Disney so special...

Oh I hope that they don't get rid of OMDream...it puts the Walt into Disney World...I love looking at all those things too...

Well are you all ready...? You must be very excited....

 

[MEK]

Melissa-
Great ending to your TR. I am so glad you got to finish it before you leave. And yes, you are quite calm.

Your last day sounds so great. Sorry your meal at the Sci Fi was not "all that". And what is up with the family laying on the bench. That is so uncool.

I love the pictures of johnny and the green man. that is too cute.

I am glad you got your bags. Imagine them going to AKL instead of WL. Did you even get a chance to take any WL pictures?

Nice view of the fireworks!

Great TR. Have a wonderful trip!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I really hope the rumors about OMD are not true as well!!! I read that they want to expand Pixar Place but apparently they're going to expand the other direction. The Studio Catering Company, Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground and Backlot Tour are going to close in Feb for refurb. We'll see what happens!!!

500 points!!! That is a dream!!! Have fun with that!

I do recall a rumor of the playground turning into Andy's Room, so a similar feel, but updated, which I think will be just as neat! I like the current theme because it was such a hit movie years ago and I loved it, but an update would be good for the kids now!

I wonder what they will do with the Backlot Tour? Hmmm....

And already in Feb, huh? Wow. I bet all that will take quite a while to do too!


What a nice last evening - minus the whole worry about the bags! What a nice CM to go hunt them down for you!! We've never seen Wishes from Fantasyland before, from your pictures and description it sounds like a really cool, different experience! Might have to try that!

 

[eandesmom]

Next we headed to Star Tours! No trip to WDW would be complete without a trip on Star Tours! In fact in January of 09 DS and I rode it about 7,000 times!

Along the way we stumbled upon 2 very good friends of Ryan’s!!! Lightening McQueen and Mater!!!





He really enjoyed meeting them!!! It was a great experience and he still asks me to show him his McQueen and Mater pictures!

​

7,000 times?

I've never seen this shot with Lighting and Mater with Photopass. I love it!!!!

What a horrible lunch experience. I do recall the one time we ate there it took FOREVER. It was cute but it's not on our list to go back to either.

You had an incredible last day (well except for the lunch) and what a great wishes experience!

I'm glad your bags showed up, especially since you need them in TWO days!!!!!!

You do seem VERY calm!

 

[MeMom]

After an uneventful bus ride we soon found ourselves at WL! Ahhh!!!

Walking into the lobby is like walking into heaven, at least to me! I love, love, love WL!!!



After our fireworks adventure we basically walked on Peter Pan, Snow White and Pooh! Very nice!!!

We quickly go ready for bed and feel asleep with dreams of our next trip to Disney dancing in our heads!

We headed down to Roaring Forks for a quick breakfast before our ME pickup!

Pancakes platters all around!

Then we were on our way!

We had an uneventful departure and left feeling like we had had a wonderful trip! ​

Wilderness Lodge gives me that 'Aaaah!' feeling, too. I love that place.

Walking onto Peter Pan is always a good thing. We usually do that on morning EMH days and then feel sorry for the people we see standing in the long lines later in the day.

Dreams of the next trip - that's the only way to leave without tears. We booked our summer trip from Pop the day before we left, so it made it a bit easier saying 'See ya soon!' instead of 'Goodbye!'.

Pancake platters at Wilderness Lodge - you can't complain about starting a day like that! Glad you had such a wonderful trip!

 

[praisehisname]

Finally all caught up again! Sounds like you and DD had a lot of fun shopping together and spending time in Epcot! Yuck about all the stinky people in WS!

Then the picture I’m most proud of from this trip…

Gorgeous!!!

Sorry about your horrible experience at Sci-Fi!

Yay for getting an unplanned view of Spectro and Wishes!

So sorry your trip is over, but excited that another one is beginning TOMORROW!!!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Hi everyone! I know I have replies to do but I ran out of time!! I'm actually doing this update from bed on my iPod touch! I just wanted to swing by and say goodbye for now! I'll update a few times during the trip! Stay tuned!!

 

[MEK]

Sweet dreams Melissa because tomorrow morning you will be on your way to everyone's most favorite place in the whole world! Have a great trip!