Cheers, Fears, and Tears - a completed trip report

[SavvyMom]

Hello and welcome to my trip report. Pull up a recliner and have a drink. I’ll start with the cast:

DD10 - also known as JJ. She liked Dinosaur but refused to ride Expedition Everest. She loved Test Track, but hated the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. She wanted to ride Mission Space Orange over and over, but refuses to ever ride Space Mountain again as long as she lives.

DD14 - also known as Cookie. She loves almost all rides – the faster the better. She loves to eat at Table Service restaurants, but doesn’t like the food. She loves to shop, but doesn’t want to buy anything.

DH - also known as Critter. He had never been to WDW until we took our oldest when she was 3yo. He was hooked. He has unending stamina and is sooo tolerant of my whining and moaning. He wants each of us to have the perfect souvenir. He never picks anything for himself, but wants us to get what we want. TBHITW (The Best Husband In The World)!

Me - also known as Pirate Mom. I’m 37yo and I LOVE the Pirates of the Caribbean movies/ride/junk they sell in all the stores. I’m willing to ride any ride, but also willing to sit one out with JJ. I sweat a lot and burn easily. I’ve been to WDW several times, and never seem to get enough.

We just returned from our big trip – June 8-14 – at the All Star Music Resort. We had last taken a trip to WDW in 2004. Last year we went to Universal. We had a great time, but the overwhelming opinion was, “It ain’t Disney World.”

We had planned this trip for months. We made our original reservations at ASMu in a smoking room near the front. No problem. Then I read on DISboards – at the last minute - that WDW was instituting a no smoking policy in the rooms. When the maps of DSAs in the resorts were finally released, I desperately tried to move us to a Mod resort. No dice. (No flames please – I’m not starting a debate, just reporting the facts) Sooo, I called and requested a room near the front and a DSA. I was told, “No problem.” Did you know that what a CM tells you on the phone has very little to do with what happens in real life? More on that later. Anyway, we took 473 trips to Wally World to purchase the necessary equipment for a 6 night trip to WDW and made sure our pets would be taken care of then packed everything we owned in rolling suitcases that were on sale at Sears. ((((Sigh)))) I love Disney World.

Stay tuned for Day 1.

 

[SavvyMom]

Day 1.
When we left the house, we had to go by and take my Darling Dog, Sonny, to the kennel. Now, Sonny is my sweet baby. We ‘rescued’ him from Animal Control and he is the most wonderful dog in the world. He’s a terrier mix – very much mixed – with the sweetest personality ever. Can you tell I really, really love this doggie? Anyway, we dropped him off and took off on I95.

Now, for some reason the trip to WDW is twice as long as the trip home. It seems to take 8 hours to get there, but according to Critter, it only takes 3 1/2 hours. I had printed the all-important directions from mapquest.com and off we went. We only stopped once on the way. With 3 ladies in the car, that is a miracle. When we finally arrived at ASMu, we did take off to the bathroom in the lobby. No children or animals were harmed in that mad dash, but it was a close one.

Critter and I stood in line to check in while the kids wandered restlessly around the lobby. They would periodically circle back around to us to ask, “Are you done yet? What’s taking so long? Is our room ready?” When we finally got to the head of the line, we reiterated our room request (near a DSA and the front). The CM told us there was no smoking in the rooms. Uh, yeah, that’s why we want a room near a DSA. She consulted a manager and marked some X’s on a map. She told us where our room was and we were on our way.

Now, we have always had our room requests honored – at least somewhat – in the past. This time? No, not at all. We were way in the back of the resort. I mean WAY WAY in the back. As in, “Are we still in Florida?” in the back. It was 27 miles from anything to our room. Cookie said, “At least it’s quiet back here.” Yhea, until the school groups show up – but I digress. Okay, so we get our stuff as soon as we got to the room. Gosh she was fast! And she didn’t even complain that we brought more stuff than a family of four should need for a month in the wilderness. We kind of stacked our bags near the walls and decided unpacking could wait. Mickey was calling to us!! We strapped on our fanny packs and took off for the bus stops.

 

[SavvyMom]

Day 1 – The Magic Kingdom
It takes forever to get to the Magic Kingdom from ASMu. We were coming out of our skin with the excitement. When we finally arrived, we almost ran to the gates to get in. It was about 12:30pm. At this point we didn’t yet have any injuries or blisters and we had plenty of energy. Then finally…. that first glimpse of Cinderella’s Castle down Main Street. That is what makes it real. We were really there.

<<dramatic pause>>

We took off toward POTC. I am a big-time, silly, gone overboard fan of Pirates of the Caribbean. The rest of my family loves it as well. Cookie decided when she saw the first movie that she was going to marry Johnny Depp. She was 10 at the time. It was kind of weird to say the least. I mean, he was THE MAN when I was a teenager. 21 Jump Street ahhhhhhhh . Yep, he’s aged well.

Anyway, the Pirate Tutorial was going on as we went past. He sounded just like Captain Jack! He probably looked like him too but I couldn’t see anything but elbows and bottoms . So I suggested we keep going. I didn’t want to hear it until I could actually see it. We got on POTC with very little wait. YAY – our first ride!! Wow, it was different. We loved it. I personally think it’s better than it was. I know some will disagree and I respect that. They did change a classic ride, but they did a good job of it. It still has the original spirit. Rats!! I forgot to call for George the ghost. Oh well .

We could then safely eat lunch. I don’t know what or where we ate. It could have been sand and water for all we cared. We shoveled the food down so we could move on, and move on we did. That day we all rode POTC, TTA, the Magic Carpets, Space Mountain, and the race cars. Cookie and Critter rode BTMRR. JJ does not like roller coasters. She did ride Space Mountain and hated it. No amount of nagging or blackmail from Cookie was going to get her on BTMRR. We all rode Buzz Lightyear. Critter made the rest of us look like we slept through the ride. I was embarrassed. He had like 50,000 points while I had maybe 8,000. If Buzz had his way I would have been banned forever from carrying a laser gun .

We all went to see Stitch. Critter, Cookie, and I had all seen Alien Encounter , JJ was too young at the time. There was no comparison. Even JJ said it was lame. I might have liked it better if I could have kept myself from comparing it to AE. I just couldn’t stop myself.

I, being the good little DISer, had made ADRs for our trip. We were on the DDP so I didn’t want to take any chances that we wouldn’t be able to get a table at a TS restaurant. Our ADR at Crystal Palace was for 7:20. We checked in at 7:10 and got our pager and waited. And waited. And waited. Apparently, there was a problem with the computer. As you probably know, after about 30 minutes, people start comparing ADR times. So everyone is asking everyone else, “When was your reservation?” “When did you make your reservation?” Then you watch to see if a later reservation is getting in ahead of you. If there is (and there was) somebody is obligated to announce it. “Hey, their reservations were after ours!” or “Hey, they just walked up!” We were also peaking in the windows and seeing empty tables everywhere. After an hour of thinking about all we could be doing, Critter finally returned to the window. He was very polite and the CM was very apologetic. We got in. Of course, other guests saw this process and decided to line up at the window, too . The restaurant filled up fast after that. We had a lovely CM and a good meal. That pasta stuff was really yummy. The kids were really not interested in meeting the characters, but we got some cute pictures anyway .

After dinner, we walked some more and rode some more. The long day and sleepless nights finally caught up to us around 11:30. We headed for the bus stops. Critter and I rode standing up back to the hotel. Then we walked the 27 miles to our room. I was beginning to get a tad snippy about our room location, but I kept it to myself. Cookie? Not so much. She fussed about being away from everything. Couldn’t we switch to another hotel? I had thought about that, but since I had tried before arrival I didn’t think our chances were any better now. We unpacked and went to bed. Thus ends our 1st day at the Happiest Place on Earth.

 

[IATink]

Loving your trip report! My husband and I also stayed at the ASM once and we were way in the back. We have never stayed there again. We were so disappointed, and I think it kind of ruined the resort for us.

I am glad to hear you liked the Crystal Palace. We have ADR's there this summer. We have never been there before so I am looking forward to it!

Can't wait to read more!

 

[ILMICKEY]

I totally want to do that George thing when we go.

My family will probably think I have lost my mind.

Well, even more than I already have!!!

Sounds like you had a wonderful time.

 

[SavvyMom]

IATink - Thank you! I was beginning to think I was the only one reading it . I would definitely eat at Crystal Palace again. It had a good variety of foods for my variety of eaters.

ILMICKEY - I can't believe both me and Cookie forgot to do this every time we rode this ride. Um, yhea, we rode it more than once.

 

[SavvyMom]

Day 2 AM – Epcot
Stitch called to wake us up at 7:30am. Nobody sprang out of bed ready to go. None of us had slept well the days leading up to our trip. We were too excited. But, we knew we needed to get a move on. The plan was to go to Epcot in the morning and MGM in the afternoon. We had ADRs at Hollywood and Vine at 5:30 for the Fantasmic package. We ate breakfast in the cafeteria and moved on into the obligatory trip to the gift shop. I bought my hat. This hat is awesome. It is, of course, a pirate themed baseball cap. It has a skull and crossbones with a heart and little POTC patches. I also bought one of those one-time-use digital cameras. We brought our own digital camera, but the screen that shows the picture looked like a television with the antenna all wonky. We were afraid it wasn’t working so I bought the camera. Now, when the clerk at a Disney gift shop says, “Oh my gosh, is that right?” you know something is expensive. 50 bucks that thing cost me. But, it takes over 200 pics and comes with software and a USB cord. I know, that’s a lot. Never let it be said that Disney doesn’t know how to capitalize on the vacation mood tinged with desperation.

When we arrived at Epcot, we headed straight for the Leave a Legacy monstrosities, I mean, obelisks. Back in 2004 when we came before, our package included a tile with the kids pictures on them. We, miraculously, had the paperwork with the coordinates for our tile. Am I the only one that had trouble finding a specific tile? I know people say school teachers can’t follow directions (it’s true – for me at least), but I think I could’ve found an easier way to catalog those things. We finally found it, and with the aid of a flashlight, magnifying glass, and some colorful language we saw our little darlings immortalized in metal. We took a picture and struggled to our feet. Off we went in search of adventure.

Here I have to say that my family gives meaning to commando touring . I was already limping because of an impressive blister on the sole of my right foot. I had scoured websites and boards to get a good price on Croc Capris. I finally got them for 22 dollars. I love them, but not for Disney World. I wore my Teva Mush flip flops for the rest of my trip and they were heavenly . Anyway, I whined that we needed to slow down and we did. We headed straight for Soarin to get our fast passes (11:40). We rode Mission Space Orange which JJ loved. She hated Space Mountain, but would have ridden Mission Space over and over again. I just can’t figure it out . We all rode the Rocking Roller Coaster which is one of my favorite rides. JJ would rather stick hot needles in her eyes than ride that thing again. We rode the Nemo ride. It was okay, but I frankly expected better. We rode the ride in the Land then rode the Big Ball. That’s what we call it. Others know it as Spaceship Earth. It was predictable and enjoyable. I can’t wait to see what they change. I guess it is kind of outdated, but I still enjoy it. Then, we rode Soarin. Despite the Reeboks hanging over our heads, it was an awesome ride. We only got to ride it once. It is very popular and yo have to get there early for fast passes. We then returned to the hotel and went for a swim. We were really looking forward to our afternoon at MGM.

 

[IATink]

We call Spaceship Earth "the big ball" too! We love it, and I am so bummed out that it is going to be under rehab when we go this summer. I am also curious as to what they are going to change.

Enjoying your report! Looking forward to the next installment.

 

[betsywdw]

Subscribing! Love your TR so far!!!

 

[ILMICKEY]

Are you serious?

You got a blister from crocs??

I have been putting off buying a pair because they are not the most beautiful things. Then, last week, I decided to buy a pair because everyone said they were the best thing next to heaven.

Now you are telling me you got a blister?????

Oh my!

 

[SavvyMom]

Thank you BetsyWDW! I'm having fun writing it!

ILMICKEY - I know I know. I almost didn't write that, but honesty is the best policy . I bought the croc capri flip flops because the regular crocs do not fit my yeti feet. The little massage nub thingies turned into a medieval torture device - but only in that one area . I'm a teacher so I stand on my feet all day, but I don't do a lot of walking (I don't think pacing counts). JJ wore knock-off croc clogs and loved them. No blisters, no sores, nothing. I guess my tootsies are just too country for these new-fangled crocs .

 

[SavvyMom]

Day 2 PM – MGM

I love MGM. I love movies and movie stars and movie memorabilia and movie music and movie junk they sell. The Magic Kingdom makes me a kid, Epcot makes me a scientist, Animal Kingdom makes me sweat (more), but MGM makes me a movie star.

I just realized that I said we rode the Rocking Roller Coaster at Epcot. No, it wasn’t magic just a faux pas . My bad. Sorry. We did ride it at MGM.

While we were at MGM, the High School Musical Pep Rally was going on. My girls are big fans of the movie and have the whole thing memorized (dialogue, dances, and songs). They critiqued it and complained that they had the words wrong. They said it was lame and stupid, but they couldn’t tear themselves away from it…all 4 times they watched it. Hmmmmm. We were even close to it at one point and I tried to get Cookie to go dance with them . No dice.

We walked around at looked at stuff then showed up for our ressies at Hollywood and Vine. Once again, we waited and waited. Our ADR was for 5:20 and I think we sat down at 6. Grrrr. The food was okay. I enjoyed it. The pasta stuff is not as good here as it is at Crystal Palace. It’s like they left something out, garlic maybe? JJ got pink lemonade with a glow cube in it. That was cool. It reminded me of the buffet restaurants at home like Ryan’s or Golden Corral. I don’t remember a lot about it if that tells you anything. I was tired and hot and a bit ruffled from having to wait so long. Maybe I’m not being fair.

We walked around and looked at more stuff. We rode the Great Movie Ride and loved it. We walked around and looked at even more stuff and shopped. Then we made our way to our reserved seating for Fantasmic. We felt privileged . Then we made the 2.5 mile trek to our reserved seating. I will kindly call the walk “behind the scenes”. Really, way behind the scenes. Couldn’t they put a potted plant or something back there ? Anyway we found our special area and sat down. Critter and Cookie went for snacks. They were gone a long time since the snack bar is 1.5 miles from the special seating. If you’re looking at the stage, the special seating is alllll the way on the right. The arena filled up quickly and the wave started. I was too tired and too hot to participate, plus my popcorn and coke was really good . So, I watched as the wave went from one side to the other 29 times . Finally, the show started. I love this show. You never know if Mickey is really going to make it. I mean, this could be the day when he succumbs to his nightmares and never makes it out . Good finally prevailed though and all was well. Princesses met up with their princes and the evil villains ran away to try another day. I always cry when I watch this show. I can’t help myself.

After the show, we walked out with the regular, underprivileged crowds. I couldn’t face the special, behind the scenes walk. We found a bench and decided to wait until the worst of the crowds got out . They just kept coming. I didn’t know there were that many people in Florida, much less that theater. Yikes! After 20 minutes of wall to wall people we finally decided to make our way out. Cookie and I noticed that the wait time for the Tower of Terror was only 20 minutes, so we went to ride that while Critter and JJ wandered off. I like the preshow and the premise, but I hate the actual ride. No, really, I HATE that ride . If I want my stomach in my throat I’ll get pregnant. I really hate that ride, but I rode it. Cookie enjoyed it. I hated it. We headed back to the hotel and went to bed. I really hate that ride .

 

[ILMICKEY]

Great chapter!!

About the RNR thing. I noticed you said you rode it in Epcot, but didn't say anything. I just figured you rode it in that "other" Epcot!!

The last time we saw Fantasmic, it had rained right before. Mickey came running out on that mountain and slipped and fell .

He got right back up and started doing his thing.

Can you imagine if he would have fell of that thing?? I mean, I'm sure he is probably harnessed up there, but still!!!

 

[alexramz1515]

Love your TR so far!

 

[SavvyMom]

About the RNR thing. I noticed you said you rode it in Epcot, but didn't say anything. I just figured you rode it in that "other" Epcot!!

Yhea, you didn't hear? The limo now goes from Epcot to MGM and back again.

The last time we saw Fantasmic, it had rained right before. Mickey came running out on that mountain and slipped and fell .

He got right back up and started doing his thing.

Can you imagine if he would have fell of that thing?? I mean, I'm sure he is probably harnessed up there, but still!!!

See what I mean? You never know if he's going to make it or not.

 

[SavvyMom]

Thank you alexramz1515. The next installment includes fears and tears!

 

[SavvyMom]

Stitch called and woke us up again at 7:30. Fortunately, after several trips to WDW, Critter and I wised up and started bringing a coffee maker to the hotel. It’s a good thing too since we were 27 miles away from the cafeteria. I can’t imagine that I would have been able to keep myself from throwing a hissy fit in the lobby if I had made that trip on no coffee . Cookie wanted to eat breakfast in the parks instead of the cafeteria, so we got dressed and trudged up to the bus stops. By this time, WDW was apparently having bus issues. There were Disney Cruise Line buses and charter buses picking up guests. Let me tell you, you have not lived until you have ridden a charter bus to the parks and back again. You have your own little AC vent, arms on the chairs, nice little foot rests, and cushioned seats. Talk about magic. Those buses rock! We felt like we had won something every time we got one.

Animal Kingdom is my least favorite park. To me, it’s confusing to get around. All that beautiful foliage blocks any hope of a breeze. They have improved it since the last time we went. They’ve set fans in the trees, but it’s still like touring in the rain forest. Hot, muggy, and crowded. We headed straight for Everest and got our fast passes. Then we scoped out a place to eat breakfast.

We found this little hut that sold frozen coffee drinks and muffins. Perfect. We were waited on by this lovely young lady. Critter gave her a travelers check to pay. She got out our change and I walked over to get straws. Then I heard this terrible bump-de-de-bump. Naturally, I looked at the kids to see what they had done, but the girl had passed out and hit the floor hard. Me, an older woman, and an older man rushed into the hut to check on her. The man checked her pulse and we started scrambling around to find a radio. No radio. Critter took off to get help. The woman and I started to talk to her and put cold rags on her. We were afraid to move her, but didn’t see any blood. The man gathered up the money and locked it in her drawer. He found her cell phone. He scrolled through her contacts but didn’t find any reference to “Office” or “Management” so he put it back down. An employee came over and asked if she was still out. She was. She left again. A few minutes later and I was the only one left in there with her. I kept talking to her and holding her hand praying she would wake up. Security finally showed up and ran me out of the hut. We told them what had happened and they stood guard to keep people away. I wasn’t leaving until I found out if she was okay. Critter looked at me with a guilty face and said, “She didn’t give me my change.” We felt terribly insensitive about asking for it, but it was $78.00. Johanna, that was the girl’s name, was unconscious for at least 20 minutes. We were so scared. The EMTs finally wheeled her out in a wheelchair. She looked disoriented, but she was awake and drinking something. That’s when Critter asked the manager for our change. I approached a security guard and made sure she was going to be okay. Cookie was mad because she said they were making jokes. I told her they were probably trying to make light of it so people wouldn’t freak out. We did finally move on to ride some rides, but I was a bit teary once the adrenaline wore off. I know I’ll never find out what happened, but if you’re reading this, please say a little prayer for Johanna at the Animal Kingdom.

 

[betsywdw]

AK is my least favorite park too. I always feel as if I may have some sort of heat stroke!

I cannot believe the poor girl passed out!!! I wonder what happened? It seems like it would be too early in the day for heat exhaustion. How nice of you to stay with her. I would have had done the same...you could not have enjoyed the rest of your day. Your poor DH! $78.00 is a lot of money! It would have been one thing if it were $5.00 but $78.00

What an eventful time at the AK!

 

[Tinkerbell's Mom]

Really enjoying your report!!

Poor Johanna, I wonder what happened to her, so sad you will never know

 

[alexramz1515]

I cant believe that happened! Very nice of you to stick around and make sure she was ok.