CR/Yacht Club, No ADRs and ONE KILLER UPGRADE!!! UPDATE on the upgrade!

[natebenma]

Enjoying your update about the Halloween party. How nice to be able to enjoy it with friends. on the great weather!

 

[cjnix29]

We went to toontown, through the treat trail. There was a candy stop at Mickey's house...but the line was out the door! You got to see Mickey at the end, but we opted out, and headed for Alice....and the treat trail between toon town and tomorrowland. Our friends had no idea this walkway existed. This is one of the great hidden gems at the MK! always a nice shaded stroll, that saves you a few steps if heading from one land to the other. It's about time to find a fireworks spot now. The halloween fireworks are my absolute favorite at disney. It's honestly one thing we consider when deciding when to go each year! But I don't like dealing with the masses on main street. DH picked the best spot...someplace we have never watched them before....the noodle station terrace! There were some people there, but we grabbed chairs, sat right by the railing, and had a great spot without crowds. Now, we couldn't see all the lights, etc. they put on the castle, but we could see plenty that was for sure. For those of you that haven't seen this fireworks show....DO IT! The music, the themeing, the colors...FANTASTIC!!!!

So once the OOO's and AAHHH's were done, it was getting close enough for the villians show, and soon the parade. I was very excited for the parade. There was NO RAIN, so that meant I would FINALLY, after three years of trying, get to see the headless horseman!!!! And I wanted prime seats!! So we went up to the hub, and parked ourselves right across from the bridge to Liberty Square. We would see everything as it was coming down the street and turning the corner. Beautiful! We were right on the edge, no one could get in front of us. Woo Hoo!! We were there a bit early, so Shannon and Ethan started in on their candy. How surprising....well, can't say mom and dad didn't snag a few pieces! Have to get me some bit o honey!! The dad's were happy too, because they could stand at the back and lean against the railing, without having to cop a squat on the concrete. Now...we wait! But not for too long, as the villian show started.

Now to be honest, I was not that impressed with the show. It was kind of cheesey, but you did see the villians you don't regularly see, and they did come down in front of the castle for pictures. So if you like that, great. We didn't move from our spot to see them, so we were left with just the show. Glad I didn't camp out just for that! Here's some pics from the show. I really need a better night/zoom on my camera. (We debated before we left whether or not we should buy a new one....seeing as how we would be using the zoom from our balcony, but reason won, and we saved the money.)

It wasn't too much longer after the villians show that the parade was to start...and the moment I have been waiting for!!!

 

[cjnix29]

Finally.....

I remember in years past hearing that he really rode fast through the parade route. Not so much this time. He was going pretty slow. When he rounded the hub, it did look like he sped up a bit, but we couldn't see him any longer, so I'm not sure. But I didn't care! I got to see him.

And now for the parade. I'm just going to post pics here. They aren't very good, so I apologize. DH thought I should take the pictures this time, since he is normally the camera guy. I think he will keep the camera from now own! Also, we were at a crazy angle with the lights that were still lit, so you will see that in the pictures. And another word about our location....it was great to see everything, but not so good for pictures. It was hard to get the entire floats in the pictures, especially Hook's ship. But...I did the best I could, and I will have the memories! So here goes....

Now this next one, while not technically a great pic, I thought it was cool, since they were supposed to be ghosts anyway!

 

[ScrappyRN]

How fun to be the Epcot family of the day.

 

[mickeystoontown]

I was soooo very happy to see that you were finally able to see the Headless Horseman. The picture you snapped was perfecto!

 

[froggebombe]

>>.LADIES....PLEASE PUT YOUR BREASTS AWAY! THIS IS A FAMILY PLACE!!! I have never seen so much cleavage pouring out of shirts in my entire life!!

LMBFAO!!
I loved reading your trip report and your photos are wonderful, I can't wait to go back, but this just had me rolling.....

 

[ronnmel]

I'm enjoying reading your trip report!

I think it's awesome that you go to be Epcot's family of the day! Such great pixie dust for you guys!

I'd love to one day be able to attend MNSSHP.

 

[cjnix29]

>>.LADIES....PLEASE PUT YOUR BREASTS AWAY! THIS IS A FAMILY PLACE!!! I have never seen so much cleavage pouring out of shirts in my entire life!!

LMBFAO!!
I loved reading your trip report and your photos are wonderful, I can't wait to go back, but this just had me rolling.....

Glad someone laughed at that! I just couldn't believe what I was seeing!! Like a free for all or something!

 

[cjnix29]

I'm enjoying reading your trip report!

I think it's awesome that you go to be Epcot's family of the day! Such great pixie dust for you guys!

I'd love to one day be able to attend MNSSHP.

Thanks!! And hopefully you will be able to go, I highly recommend it!!!

 

[cjnix29]

After the parade, we walked around some more, and the kids wanted to ride space mountain. So, the men took the kids while the women sat and watched everyone in costumes, and the 626 Dance Party. It took them a looong time to get finished...it was Shannon's first time riding it, and she loved it! So...they went again!


When they all got done for the second time...it was midnight! We had managed to stay til the end of the party. Never saw that coming! But with heavy candy bags, sore feet, and weary bodies...we headed towards the exit. Our friends were staying at the Polynesian, so they headed towards the boat, as it was less crowded. And much to Ethan's chagrin, we headed towards the walkway back to the Contemporary.

I had to get to bed! I had a very exciting morning planned. Stay tuned for the best sixty bucks I have ever spent at Disney!

 

[jlhill4444]

Great report! I love all the pictures!

 

[cjnix29]

Great report! I love all the pictures!

Thanks for reading! I like posting the pictures, although for some reason it doesn't seem to be working. Hopefully I will get it right soon, because I have some more really goods ones to post!!

 

[cjnix29]

 

[cjnix29]

It's Friday...well, in real life, and also in my trip report! I have been waiting for this day for awhile, since I was about to do something I have always wanted to do...but you'll have to wait a minute for it!

I woke up before DH and Ethan. Got showered, and grabbed breakfast in the club lounge. I think it was croissants (by now I was an addict!) some yogurt, fruit and oj. Went back to the room to grab my bag, and headed to the MK. Had to be there at 8:15 because I was taking the Keys to the Kingdom Tour!! I was so excited!!! Ethan wasn't old enough to go, not that I would want him to go anyway ...don't want to spoil the magic! DH had not as much interest as I did in going. So he and Ethan were going to have a boys morning, while I went on the tour.

I headed out of the CR to the walkway. So peaceful walking along that early. I watched the buses come, and the world sleepily start to get ready for the day. When I got to the turnstiles, I went to the reservations line. I wasn't asked for any specifics, just let through the turnstiles. The line was actually pretty long on the other side of the turnstiles. I almost couldn't get through them. They were holding us all for a few minutes. It was fun...a group of women in purple shirts came up, there must have been atleast a dozen of them. They were all celebrating a birthday, headed to the Crystal Palace. The whole crowd sang them happy birthday. So fun, but I'm sure they livened up the place at the CP...they were all loud and happy!

They finally let us into the MK. I watched most of the crowd head towards either CP or the castle. I went to check in for my tour. I was the only one in the "single rider line" for the tour, but I didn't care. I was excited to be going! I got my nametag, and a bottle of water. There were still about 15 minutes or so until the tour would start...so I thought I would get some empty pics of the MK.

Love that!!

Time for the tour!! My tourguide was Scott. (I think that was his name, I apologize for not remembering!!!). He was AWESOME!!!!! I am sure the quality of your tour is hugely dependent on your guide. So this tour rocked!! He had worked for Disney for 10 years, and had done many, many different jobs at WDW. You could tell he loved it. He worked at the haunted mansion, jungle cruise (I think), he worked now for guest services doing tours, and other things, but also serves as one of the concierge staff of the Cinderella Suite. How cool is that!!!!!!! I won't give away all the cool information he told us that day. Because you really have to take the tour!! But he was a wealth of information. SO much fun!! We stood back and watched the running of the guests. Fun to watch that from the sidelines!

I loved hearing all about Walt and Roy, and their ideas and differences. It was interesting to hear about the influences/changes between Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Learning about the thought processes behind the park, and how things were laid out. We rode Jungle Cruise, Pirates...did you know it is really haunted? Haunted Mansion....did you know there are hidden Donald's and a hidden Jack Skellington? We went backstage, and in the utilidors. Lunch was served at the Columbia Harbor House. We had placed our orders in the morning. I'm pretty sure I didn't get what I ordered, but no big deal. Still yummy!

Here's a pic of my tour guide on the Jungle Cruise. We couldn't take any pictures backstage or anything, so sorry....you'll have to take the tour!

The tour lasted five hours. It was long, but so worth it!! I only ended up paying about $59, because there was a discount with my disney visa. I only called about two weeks before and there was plenty of availability. It was seriously the best thing I have ever done at Disney. Well, with the exception of getting married at the wedding pavilion. I may do it again sometime, the tour, not the wedding!

We ended the tour at the statue (did I spell that right? doesn't look right...) of Minnie and Roy. It actually brought tears to my eyes when the tour guide said he imagined Minnie sitting with Roy, telling him that they would move on after Walt died, and she would be there with him to help. So very sweet. What he said was actually longer than that, but I can't remember it all. And if I did, I'm sure I would tear up thinking about it again! Just awesome!!!!

If you are thinking about it...DO IT!!!!! and ask for Scott for your guide!!

 

[cjnix29]

Forgot to add...while waiting for my tour in the morning, I got to see the MK family of the day be taken in and on the beginning of their exciting day! Not sure what they do at the MK, but I was really excited for them, knowing what had happened to us! Not sure what their name was, but I hope they had an awesome time!

 

[NOLAdisneymom]

Love your TR so far! You are a great writer, very upbeat! You make me soooooo excited for our trip in 42 days!

Can't wait to read more!

 

[cjnix29]

Love your TR so far! You are a great writer, very upbeat! You make me soooooo excited for our trip in 42 days!

Can't wait to read more!

Thank you!! I hope you get some pixie dust, and have a great trip!!

 

[cjnix29]

After the tour, I had to find DH and Ethan. They had lunch at the Plaza. They actually had an ADR for this one. We try to eat at someplace we have never eaten before on most trips. This is about the only place we haven't tried at the MK. I think he described it as underwhelming. Not bad, but not great. Hmm....that seems to be what we think of most Disney food....so it was standard.

The skies were turning dark, and the raindrops were about to fall. I caught up with Ethan and DH. We decided that since it was now about 2, we would head back to the hotel for awhile. The crowds were really bad that day for some reason at the MK. Ride lines were pretty long. I was told at that time that Ethan caught up with his girlfriend that morning. They got to ride haunted mansion together. Hit of the day! Dave jokes...says that Ethan made the "yawn move". OMG! So not ready for any of that!

The heavens had now opened up. Fortunately, I had ponchos in my purse. We all put them on, and ran for the monorail. Just caught one, and headed to the CR. We weren't real sure what we were going to do the rest of the day. DH was tired, and didn't want to brave the crowds at the MK any more that day. (We didn't have park hoppers, not sure if I mentioned that before. We debated it, but every time we buy them, we use them maybe one day. So not worth the extra expense!) It was our last at the CR, so we were just going to hang out there. We checked out the gift shops. Ethan has gotten into the vinylmation figures. Although to hear him say it, they were Violation figures. Cracked me up! We bought him a vinylmation journal, where he can actually draw his own. He spent most of the afternoon drawing different figures. So cute! We came back to the room and I started cleaning things up and packing for our move the next day. We still hadn't figured out how we were going to get to the Yacht Club. We had talked about taking a taxi. But in the end decided to walk to the MK, and take the bus to the Yacht Club. More on that later....

Around 5 we headed to the lounge to get some appetizers. Can't remember what there was, but it satisfied us enough. I got Ethan a kids meal from the Contempo and brought it back to the room.

DH and I were discussing what to do that evening. I wanted to go back to the MK, after all, it would be our last day to spend there. I was just going to take Ethan with me, while DH stayed at the hotel. In the end, DH came with us. It was still a little overcast, so we packed the ponchos. Headed to the walkway....

When we got there, we thought we would do some things we hadn't done in a long time, if ever. First up....the Carousel of Progress. I can't remember if I have ever done this one before. Good standby! I think I appreciated it more after my tour. I didn't know that this was one of the rides Walt designed for the World's Fair. Got someone else to pay for it, and then got to take it back to his park when it was over. Brilliant! And what follows the Carousel of Progress....but the Peoplemover! I don't think Ethan had ever ridden this one before. But he enjoyed seeing the inside of Space Mountain! Dave snapped some pictures while we were on it.

While in tomorrowland, thought we would do Buzz one last time. DH always wins!! We wanted to catch Pirates again as well. I wanted to point out all the cool things I learned about this ride on my tour.

DH decided he had enough fun for the evening, and he headed back to the hotel. Ethan and I were going to stay for a bit longer. We weren't sure what we were going to do, so we thought let's hit Splash Mountain. Unfortunately, the line was longer than we wanted to wait for. Ethan had gotten a necklace at the pirate store earlier, that just broke. We took it back, and the let us exchange it. On to Haunted Mansion....more things to teach him that I learned from the tour!

It was getting close to parade time. But Ethan didn't want to watch the parade. He wanted a mickey ice cream bar....we hadn't had one yet. Yeah, I know! Crazy, we had been there for four days, and still hadn't had a mickey ice cream bar!!! It always amazes me where Ethan can get chocolate....his face was covered in it. Thankfully I still had some wet naps in my purse. Cleaned him up, and we were off. Since he didn't want to see the parade, we thought we would walk through the emporium a bit. I just remembered we had been through here earlier in the day. Have to share this. Ethan really wanted a stuffed minnie. But he was embarassed by it. He was going to spend his money on it, but he asked me if I would pretend it was mine when I bought it. Oh to be young and conflicted!

After we were finished browsing, we left the emporium to be swallowed up by the crowd watching the parade. It seemed there was no where to go! I had forgotten that this parade starts at the beginning of the park, not in frontierland! But fortunately, they have an exit plan, and they let people through at certain points in the parade. So we got to see some of it, and then exit the park. We said goodbye to the Magic Kingdom. Headed to the monorail...Ethan was tired of the walkway!

Had to get back to the hotel, and get everything all packed up...for our next stay...the Yacht Club!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

I rarely read TRs on Dis just because there's so many and they can get so long (I frequent another site more regularly..that's where my TRs are.. ). Anywhoo, just read everything up to now and I'm totally loving your report. Ethan is just adorable. What a little Romeo, too. LOL! So sweet!

Very cool y'all got to be the Family of the Day at Epcot. Now I've read reports for both Epcot & MK families. Of the two, I think we'd like Epcot best. So yay for you for such a huge score! Now, where exactly were y'all standing when this happened for you???

Ugh! Isn't the MK view from the Contemporary tower the best??? We've stayed twice and it's our fave by far. In the mornings when we get up we open the patio door (it was January so nice outside) to hear the sounds of the World coming alive. I miss it so much! And the beds are so dang comfy! Ugh!

Loving your report! Can't wait to read more!

 

[cjnix29]

I rarely read TRs on Dis just because there's so many and they can get so long (I frequent another site more regularly..that's where my TRs are.. ). Anywhoo, just read everything up to now and I'm totally loving your report. Ethan is just adorable. What a little Romeo, too. LOL! So sweet!

Very cool y'all got to be the Family of the Day at Epcot. Now I've read reports for both Epcot & MK families. Of the two, I think we'd like Epcot best. So yay for you for such a huge score! Now, where exactly were y'all standing when this happened for you???

Ugh! Isn't the MK view from the Contemporary tower the best??? We've stayed twice and it's our fave by far. In the mornings when we get up we open the patio door (it was January so nice outside) to hear the sounds of the World coming alive. I miss it so much! And the beds are so dang comfy! Ugh!

Loving your report! Can't wait to read more!

Thanks for joining me!! I haven't seen a report for a MK family, I'll have to find one. Epcot family of the day was just awesome! It was such a great start to our trip, we didn't think it could get better! But wait for the next installment! It was our first day there, so we were at the CR when it happened. The sad thing is that we got the VIP seating for illuminations, but we couldn't make it. In all the times we've been there I've only seen illuminations twice! Oh well, that means we have to keep going back!

We loved CR. So many people complain that it isn't disney enough. We liked it. It's an original, and just a different type of theme. Plus, nothing compares with that view!!! Although I do have to admit, I'm not sure I would like it as well if we were staying in a garden wing.

Thanks again for reading, and stay tuned!