City, Sand, and Savanna - Link to new trip report

[RGirl]

Love the "rain capes"! That reminds me - I need to make sure to buy some new rain capes.

The PP pics turned out really nice (the woman butting in aside, of course ); I especially liked the ones of the happy anniversary couple.

Too bad about Poppy's experience on SM. I am pretty darn impressed that they decided to ride!

Hi Roni! No worries, I’m glad that you were able to get back on and are caught up. I was holding off on posting too much just for you!

I figured you would be - you seem very considerate that way.

The ladies really loved their Tea there. They made some really nice memories and I’m glad that they were able to do it.

I’m a little intrigued by 1900 Park Fare, if only for the Steppesisters -- from the TRs I’ve read, they provide some really fun interactions with the guests!

I am definitely going to have to keep that tea in mind to do sometime when DD is a little older. It really does seem like a great mother-daughter experience.

We are VERY excited about the stepsisters. I hope they live up to the hype! I have made personalized autograph cards for all the characters, and we decorated the stepsisters' cards with glass slippers - I'm curious to see how they will take that.

Thank you! Yes, I suppose that the giraffes need to be kind of bendy, being so tall. They’re the pony-pal-Pokey (from Gumby fame) of the animal world.

Exactly!!!!

I highly recommend it. Great food!

We are trying a lot of new restaurants this trip, but Flying Fish is one of the ones I am most looking forward to. Of course, it doesn't hurt that, with the resort discount that came out, I switched us to the BW, so that will make dining there very stress-free as far as transportation.

Well, now that you are…let’s post another chapter, shall we?

Again, very impressed that you are willing to make it all about me!

 

[englishrose47]

8 more posts to a possible update !!!

 

[englishrose47]

We are VERY excited about the stepsisters. I hope they live up to the hype! I have made personalized autograph cards for all the characters, and we decorated the stepsisters' cards with glass slippers - I'm curious to see how they will take that.

Our first trip there my daughter couldn't find a pen and the step sister was well being a step sister and after my daughter said " Wow I thought Disney Characaters were supposed to be nice" We all laughed and told her they were being IN Character the Mean Sisters !!!So yes their interaction is hysterical !!!

 

[jecskc]

Wow, there is a lot of Judy's in that update.

We keep meaning to do the Sorcerer's thing, but never get around to it.

NEXT trip, we need to try it !!

We did something similar on the Dream and it was really fun.

I only know of two people allergic to peas and they are both from the DIS. Your daughter and Poolrat.

Anyhoodle .... looking forward to reading more !!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

"Rain capes"...I like that! Sounds much more fun than ponchos!

Nice photopass pictures!

 

[RGirl]

Our first trip there my daughter couldn't find a pen and the step sister was well being a step sister and after my daughter said " Wow I thought Disney Characaters were supposed to be nice" We all laughed and told her they were being IN Character the Mean Sisters !!!So yes their interaction is hysterical !!!

That's hilarious!!!! I hope we have some funny moments with them - my DD is really looking forward to their antics.

 

[marvali]

Sorry I'm just getting around to this update. Very busy week last week and you posted while I actually had some time to be out taking care of errands I hadn't had time to do. Then Friday evening Drew had his third soccer game of the week out of town. Things are just a little crazy right now...........

Before we start the retelling of the next day of the trip, I need to go back and clear up the mystery of Lauren's entrée at the Flying Fish.

So you're saying before the retelling, you need to do some retelling???

Anyway, we didn't have very good bus mojo this morning and a Magic Kingdom bus didn't show up for almost half an hour. But, the silver lining was that there were actually 2 MK buses that pulled up, and we got on the first one. Once we got underway, the driver asked if anyone needed to stop at Jambo House because if not, he was going to skip it and just go on to the Magic Kingdom, since the bus was full. Fortunately, no one was going to Jambo House and we got the express to Magic Kingdom, arriving at about 9:15.

So poor bus mojo turned into good bus mojo...... Love how that often works out like that.

As you can see, it was one of those mornings when you have to decide which is worse: the aggravation of the drizzle, or the aggravation of wearing a rain cape.

Looks like Gram decided drizzle aggravation, Poppy the rain cape..........

Once inside the gates, Lauren and Marlene took our tickets in order to run and get some Space Mountain fastpasses for us. Judy, Gram, and Poppy went to explore some of the shops on Main Street, and I took James to sign-up for Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom (SotMK) at the Firehouse.

I need to try SotMK the next time I make it back to WDW........purely for research purposes of course.

James had to wait for some other kids getting their cards, and in the meantime Lauren came back with the fastpasses. I met her on Main Street to get them. Pretty good times considering that we entered the park well after rope-drop.

Yep, nice job on the FPs!

I really like this castle shot and the close-up family shot!!!

The photopass photographer didn't let Judy and I off the hook; we had to pose for some "couples-only" pictures too. Please try to ignore the person bending over behind us. (Now I've spoiled it -- it'll be impossible for you to ignore!)

It's nothing that a little cropping can't take care of.

It's times like this that you find out how hard it is to kiss and smile for the camera at the same time.

Sounds like you need to practice more..............

By the time our photo session was over we were within our Space Mountain fastpass window, so we met up with the rest of the crew and got in line. I didn't know if Gram and Poppy were going to try it, but they thought they'd give it a shot. I wasn't sure if that was a good idea after Poppys experience on Star Tours earlier in the week, but he'd been on this ride before, a decade or so ago. While in line, we talked about how this ride was a favorite memory (or at least a favorite story) for Poppy from our Christmas 2001 trip: He loves to tell of how he saw the signs that said to remove your eyeglasses, but he figured that he'd just "snug them up a bit". By the end of the ride his glasses were out to the end of his nose because they slid down and he was too scared to let go of the handles to push them back up.

Flash-forward to 2012 and according to their "in-flight" picture, they were doing pretty well at the start.

I guess you mean Poppy, since he wasn't wearing his glasses............. Either that or he already lost them completely!!!

That is one funny story. Reminds me of the first time my Mom and I tricked my Dad into joining us on the Runaway Mine Train at Six Flags...............

Upon reaching the exit, we found that Poppy didn't handle his space travel very well. He felt terrible and needed to find a bench for a while. We gave him some water and some time to recover. That would be his last "adventurous" ride of the trip.

Those initial ride looks can be deceiving. Maybe that is why they take the picture first thing so people can't see what they might be in for...........

That is correct! There was one in the first post that was kind of hard to find...I'm surprised that the first person to respond found it. But good job Katharina!

Congrats to Katharina! Nice job!

And congrats to the Rules Committee for getting this round correct also.......

Only eleven more points and I can beat Marv!

Great job on closing that gap! And you are now ahead of your big sister!!!

As for your win my response is..............

ALAIWPP..........OD..........OR!!!

As Long As It Wasn't Poolrat Pat.........Or Dan......Or Rosie!!!

 

[englishrose47]

:

And congrats to the Rules Committee for getting this round correct also.......

As for your win my response is..............

ALAIWPP..........OD..........OR!!!

As Long As It Wasn't Poolrat Pat.........Or Dan......Or Rosie!!!

I just knew there would be a comment that involved us !!!

 

[Poolrat]

ALAIWPP..........OD..........OR!!!

As Long As It Wasn't Poolrat Pat.........Or Dan......Or Rosie!!!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

James did not share any scallops after all. There you have it, the mystery item was macaroni and cheese.

That was a lot of legwork to get to that conclusion. If it had been my son's meal, we would have jumped to mac-and-cheese immediately.

Before we left the suite, Gram asked if we'd need our rain capes again today, and I was like, "what are we, rain superheroes?"

I wouldn't wear it. I saw The Incredibles. No capes!

My notes next say "James and Poppy puddle", and I have no idea what that was about. James doesn't remember either. So, feel free to let your imaginations run wild with that one.

I'm going to fervently hope it didn't have anything to do with anyone needing to use the bathroom.

Here are some pictures of James getting instruction on how to play Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom. If you haven't experienced or read about this yet, it's kind of like the Agent P (formerly KimPossible) missions at Epcot.

And right in the wheelhouse of 6-to-12-year-old kids. Or 40-ish adults who don't seem to notice the kids in line behind them.

But eventually I did, and even though we were a smaller group than what we arrived with, we posed for some Main Street/Castle photopass pictures.

Some keepers here!

Please try to ignore the person bending over behind us. (Now I've spoiled it -- it'll be impossible for you to ignore!)

And don't think of pink elephants.

Marlene and I opted for a "dumb" look for our picture, which fortunately isn't too much of a stretch for me. (I know someone will comment on that, so I might as well beat you to the punch.)

Curse you Glennbo!!!

Upon reaching the exit, we found that Poppy didn't handle his space travel very well. He felt terrible and needed to find a bench for a while. We gave him some water and some time to recover. That would be his last "adventurous" ride of the trip.

D'oh! Sounds like he needs a calm kiddie-type ride, like the Mad Tea Party.

Up next: What youve all been waiting for -- New Fantasyland construction pictures from June 2012! Very timely!

 

[glennbo123]

Only eleven more points and I can beat Marv!

You’re so close! Keep it up!

I think it is not only me but also the ride - a lot of people complain, there is some talk about new seats and maybe even new vehicles, so I hope I'll be able to ride it again sometime!
Yes, first visit to a Disney park with my husband. I'm very nervous, on the one hand I am sure he it good "disney material", but on the other hand DLP is just not as entrancing as DL and WDW and we will be there in the summer with the crowds...

Will you be writing a report? If so, I look forward to it!

Yes, for someone who is on the fence about Disney, the crowds can be the thing to push them over into not enjoying it, unfortunately. I hope you’re able to avoid most of the chaos and long lines, and that you have a great time.

First off, way to go on the win, so sorry to see marv didnt win. and im sure we wont have to read about some injustice he will come up with after he comments

From our Marv? You can’t be serious!

im going with the story that since they had there "rain caps" on, that they jumped in a puddle on purpose not realizing that poppys rain cap didnt go all the way around his shoes and he got his socks all wet.

Sounds good to me. Maybe Poppy thought that he could leap a puddle in a single bound?

looks like you start in different areas, our cards told us to start at the window in adventure land.

It makes sense for them to spread them around a little.

Looks sort of like that person is tackling the other person next to them.

It got pretty rough at the Magic Kingdom that morning. MK Smackdown.

it is the weirdest but funniest pictures they make you take.

You’re laughing while they’re taking them.

as soon as i read the dumb look for the picture i had many comments, but since you went there first.

ill just say at least you accepting the first step, "admitting" you look dumb.

At least it wasn’t a natural expression…I had to work at it.

Thanks for the update. It's a dreary cold wet day here in Missouri and I needed a little Disney pick me up!

Yay! Glad I could help.

AHA - The dreaded peas Good to know in case I happen to order the scallops.

They get you every time! It’s not a common allergy, and they sometimes show up where you don’t expect them.

I don't mind getting the chef out for the sit downs but I always feel bad doing so. Nothing will really be life threatening and all I need is an ingredient list. Most listen to me and let me decide and some just tell me I can't have certain things.

CS is another thing- It seems really hit or miss there sometimes.

In Andy’s (afwdwfan) TR, it was CS that did his sister in…she lost a day or so of park touring.

WHoo Hoo Katharina - Good Job ont he Judys. That what I get for being out running errands this afternoon.

I’ve always told you that you should sit on this thread and just keep hitting ‘refresh’.

I agree with Katarina !!! And dang it 3 hours to early for me !!!

But before your cruise! You should’ve gotten it.

Great PP pix of all 4 of you and the couples too!!

Thanks for the compliments on the pictures.

ow for the James and Poppy Puddle !!! Dis they both not make it to the bathroom Or did 1 of them and then blame the other As for the "Dumb " look I will leave that to Marv , heck he didn't get a point so he needs some consolation

Do you think that guys would do something like that and then blame it on someone else? That doesn’t sound like us.

 

[glennbo123]

James seemed to have fun with SOTMK! I am curious to see that when we visit in July, as well as Agent P at Epcot, and I know my nephew and nieces, who we will be going with, will definitely love them.

I’ll have some better pictures of him playing the game, battling villains, later in the trip report. I think he enjoyed collecting the cards as much as anything.

I was actually off today, when you posted this entry, catching up on your TR (I read around 10 pages today!) so if I had been on the last page, I *might* have been able to reply before Katharina and get a win on the board. Oh, well...

Oh man, so close! Well, thanks for reading though…10 pages is a lot!

Edited - D'oh, I got the top of the page! Hope you weren't planning on posting an entry here... If so, sorry.

Guess I’m going to have to wait for it to come around again. JK

Wow... That seems like a pretty significant dinner experience. How did you forget that whole story???

I think I was too busy going, “Mmm, potato-wrapped red snapper!”

But I’m getting to that point where if it isn’t written in my notes, I’m not going to remember it.

Apparently, someone needs to take better TR notes.

I’m getting to that point where if it isn’t explicitly, detailed, written-out word-for-word in my notes, I’m not going to remember it.

That is the worst. Either rain or don't...

Exactly. …..or get off the pot.

Don't these people know they are supposed to stay back at the resort when it rains so it isn't as crowded for the rest of us.

We’d had so many days of rain by this time, that people were going to the parks regardless.

Uh oh. Hopefully it is a quick recovery.

He got his color back in no time. Except in his legs, which are perpetually white.

Now that you mention it, I noticed the picture of Main Street Bakery with the facade on the front of it. I thought about how you were so far behind on the time, that it is actually now current again.

See, there’s a benefit of taking your time!

Rain Capes... LOVE IT!!!

It’s so superhero-y.

I did not know about the music sounds in the alley. I'll have to check that out.

You need to go further back in the alley, farther than where James was in that picture, all the way to the end (which isn’t that far, it’s a short alley). You can hear music lessons being given on the second floor.

Yup, now I don't even see you guys in the castle photo anymore.

Oh that’s right, we’re in that picture too! I forgot myself.

That's so awesome that the folks at least went on Space Mountain. Troopers for sure! It is a rough one though. I try to push up and back with my legs and find it makes for a fairly smooth ride doing that.

They were still “here to do stuff”. Although that was it for my dad. But yes, they were troopers!

Great update as always! I too always worried about my glasses. I just kept 'em firmly in my grip the whole time I was on bumpy rides! And I sympathise with the queasiness, I'm fine on log flume rides, but some of the others... I dunno.

One ride on Mission Space (the more intense side, whichever color that is) and I’m okay, but after a couple, I’m feeling it. And there’s a ride at Sea World Orlando, I forget the name of it, it’s kind of like Star Tours where you get in a big contraption that gets jostled around by hydraulic lifts…I was ready for that one to end back in ’05, I think it was.

Oh, and isn't it amazing how a photo of WDW can cheer you up not matter the weather in it? It could be a force 9 gale and I'd still feel cheered up. Though I'm glad you didn't experience anything that bad!

Me too! I’m glad you enjoyed the update.

Great update!! Sorry Poppy didn't have a good Space Mountain experience...

Thanks! Yes, he was a good sport about it though.

I believe the date you listed was June 27th. Was there a strange parade of dancing girls in blue dresses that day??? I was there...but I can't remember which day that happened..

Hmmm, I don’t remember seeing any, unfortunately. But I’m sure I wouldn’t have thought of them as strange! Keep looking for yourself in my pictures…I’m waiting for the day that some random DISer says “Hey, I was in your picture!” (DISmeets don’t count Rosie!)

 

[glennbo123]

Love the "rain capes"! That reminds me - I need to make sure to buy some new rain capes.

I saw some at the grocery store the other day, and had to laugh.

The PP pics turned out really nice (the woman butting in aside, of course ); I especially liked the ones of the happy anniversary couple.

Thank you. Yes, Main St. at WDW is probably not the place to bend over for an extended period of time -- there’s no telling how many people’s castle pictures she butted into?

Too bad about Poppy's experience on SM. I am pretty darn impressed that they decided to ride!

Yeah, he gave it a shot. He’s a good sport.

I figured you would be - you seem very considerate that way.

Hey, might as well take credit for it when the timing works out!

I am definitely going to have to keep that tea in mind to do sometime when DD is a little older. It really does seem like a great mother-daughter experience.

I think so, I hope you get to do it someday.

We are VERY excited about the stepsisters. I hope they live up to the hype! I have made personalized autograph cards for all the characters, and we decorated the stepsisters' cards with glass slippers - I'm curious to see how they will take that.

I realized that I wrote “steppesisters” in my earlier reply to you. That’s because my DIS-friend Leisa, All7ofUs, who lived in Kazakhstan for a while, always wished that she had made her screenname “Steppesister” for the geography of where she lived and the tie-in to Disney.

Wow, I’m impressed that you made personalized autograph cards for the characters! They’ll love that. Yeah, the stepsisters might have something to say about that. Did you also put a glass slipper on Lady Tremaine’s? She’ll really have something to say!

We are trying a lot of new restaurants this trip, but Flying Fish is one of the ones I am most looking forward to. Of course, it doesn't hurt that, with the resort discount that came out, I switched us to the BW, so that will make dining there very stress-free as far as transportation.

I just saw an article on Disney restaurants in the USA Today, and they ranked the Flying Fish as the best seafood restaurant in Disney (considering all the parks and resorts globally).

Again, very impressed that you are willing to make it all about me!

We aim to please, here on the glennbo TR.

8 more posts to a possible update !!!

Wouldn’t you be surprised if I put one up today? (But not half as surprised as me, ‘cause it ain’t happenin’.)

Our first trip there my daughter couldn't find a pen and the step sister was well being a step sister and after my daughter said " Wow I thought Disney Characaters were supposed to be nice" We all laughed and told her they were being IN Character the Mean Sisters !!!So yes their interaction is hysterical !!!

They’re the best!

Wow, there is a lot of Judy's in that update.

Sometimes I try to confuse Marv with just sheer numbers.

We keep meaning to do the Sorcerer's thing, but never get around to it.

NEXT trip, we need to try it !!

My son is into collecting cards like that, so it was a must-do for him.

I only know of two people allergic to peas and they are both from the DIS. Your daughter and Poolrat.

You might know more, but not everybody shares their :laundry: like we do on the DIS!

Anyhoodle .... looking forward to reading more !!

Okey-dokey. Thanks!

"Rain capes"...I like that! Sounds much more fun than ponchos!

Now you’ll be looking forward to an opportunity to put them on!

Nice photopass pictures!

Thanks Sara.

That's hilarious!!!! I hope we have some funny moments with them - my DD is really looking forward to their antics.

I don’t think you have to worry…they’ll deliver.

 

[glennbo123]

Sorry I'm just getting around to this update. Very busy week last week and you posted while I actually had some time to be out taking care of errands I hadn't had time to do. Then Friday evening Drew had his third soccer game of the week out of town. Things are just a little crazy right now...........

Lucky for you that you’ve given yourself a little cushion.

So you're saying before the retelling, you need to do some retelling???

Pretty much, yeah!

So poor bus mojo turned into good bus mojo...... Love how that often works out like that.

It didn’t completely make-up for the long wait, but it helped.

I need to try SotMK the next time I make it back to WDW........purely for research purposes of course.

Well, yes of course.

I really like this castle shot and the close-up family shot!!!

Thank you sir.

Sounds like you need to practice more..............

That’s what I keep saying!

I guess you mean Poppy, since he wasn't wearing his glasses............. Either that or he already lost them completely!!!

That story was from back in 2001, he took them off for this particular ride.

That is one funny story. Reminds me of the first time my Mom and I tricked my Dad into joining us on the Runaway Mine Train at Six Flags...............

I’m sorry, but he must be pretty gullible to get tricked into anything with “Runaway” in the title!

Those initial ride looks can be deceiving. Maybe that is why they take the picture first thing so people can't see what they might be in for...........

I never understood why they took the picture so early in the ride. There have to be much better places that would catch some interesting expressions!

Congrats to Katharina! Nice job!

She was on the ball.

And congrats to the Rules Committee for getting this round correct also.......

As always!

Great job on closing that gap! And you are now ahead of your big sister!!!

As for your win my response is..............

ALAIWPP..........OD..........OR!!!

As Long As It Wasn't Poolrat Pat.........Or Dan......Or Rosie!!!

I just knew there would be a comment that involved us !!!

He’s trying to get your goat.

 

[glennbo123]

That was a lot of legwork to get to that conclusion. If it had been my son's meal, we would have jumped to mac-and-cheese immediately.

Go figure. They tricked us up this time.

I wouldn't wear it. I saw The Incredibles. No capes!

You’re right! I have Edna Mode working on some safer raingear for me.

I'm going to fervently hope it didn't have anything to do with anyone needing to use the bathroom.

Hey, you never know. That little saying about yellow snow is sound advice.

And right in the wheelhouse of 6-to-12-year-old kids. Or 40-ish adults who don't seem to notice the kids in line behind them.

You know it!

Some keepers here!

Thanks Cap’n.

And don't think of pink elephants.

Heffalumps and woozles! Heffalumps and woozles!

Curse you Glennbo!!!

Sorry, I sapped all of the fun out of it for you.

D'oh! Sounds like he needs a calm kiddie-type ride, like the Mad Tea Party.

Hey, no peeking at the next chapter!

Do I know my audience, or what?

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

At least it wasn’t a natural expression…I had to work at it.

you keep telling yourself that...remember i met you and have seen your regular expressions.

 

[englishrose47]

He’s trying to get your goat.

Of course he is !!Imagine I jst spent hours making a brand new Wooden Marv!!!

 

[eandesmom]

What a fun update, well other than the annoying put on, take off, drizzle. That weather is annoying in a big way. Sorcerers really looks like fun, I think the E's would really enjoy it.

Big bummer that SM wasn't the best experience for Poppy, that is frustrating especially if was not so bad in the past.

Some really great photopass pictures, of all 4 of you but also of both couples. And nice to have a few adult only ones in the mix, even if all the kids were MIA at the time.

 

[MEK]

Lauren is allergic to peas? So is Pat and we all know what happened to her when she ate them at DTD. Good call on sending the peas back.

Too bad the whole group dispersed, but that allowed you to get some really cute couples pictures! Nice pics!!!!

And - so proud of the whole group for riding Space Mountain. Way to go Granny and Poppy! What did they think?

Yes - your self portrait pictures are pretty pathetic.

Love Judy's bag. So cute.

Way too late to count Judys.

 

[FairyGodmotherJen]

Wow! It took me quite a bit of time, but I actually caught up! I was away from the DIS for a little while, and I paid for it when I realized how many pages I was going to have to read!

I can't remember everything I wanted to post about as I read...should've taken notes. As far as what I do remember:
- Very cool idea to have a special graduation trip. Might have to file that one away for 2019 (WOW - that's only six years away. Heaven help me...)
- I think the first part of your (whole group) trip looked awesome! I love a good beach vacation, and if you actually can combine one with a little bit of Disney, I think it's great! DH is a little like your kids...not his cup of tea. I doubt I'd be able to get him to spring for some time there, at least not if it took away park time!
- I'm going to have to manage to get to AKL on my next trip. We've never even been over there. Your pictures make me want to put it on my list!
- We stayed at POR this trip, and I fell in love with it! I did catch a part of one of YeeHaw Bob's shows. I really want to do a whole show next time. Again, DH would rather plan park time...gotta work on him.
- I laughed at your Admiral Akbar video. We're a big Star Wars family, so when I showed it to them it was a hit! They're actually doing a May the 4th event this year... DH is horribly jealous.
- Flying Fish looks yummy! Glad you had such a good meal!

Ok, the memory is bad and that 's all I can remember right now! I'm sure I'm forgetting something, but it probably isn't wise to comment on everything I've read up until now! I'm looking forward to seeing James play Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom. It's another thing we didn't get to do in October, and my oldest son is not very happy about it (he really didn't find out about it until we'd left). I'd like to see what it's all about.