Disney over New Years? Are you insanely NUTS? (One last thing)

[cj9200]

V&A sounds great but i think my husband would lose the very expensive meal he just ate at the sight of the bill. He likes to splurge and spoil, but I don't think I could justify that one I will keep living vicariously through everyone else's trip reports...

This was a once in a decade type of extravagance. DD wants to go back and my response to her is to be quiet and eat your PB & J sandwich. That is what we are eating now. Not really, some days we have mac and cheese.

 

[irenep]

What a wonderful experience for you all at V&A. It looks and sounds amazing - glad you all enjoyed it so much.

Looking forward to next instalment.

 

[cj9200]

I was up early and took the camera to the lobby to take some pics. The resort was asleep so I was able to get some photos with no one around.

Have to love the Boardwalk lobby. A little dustier lobby at ToT.

I went to the Bakery and had to wait for it to open at 6:30. Mom and SIL were leaving today and DD and I were headed to the parks. DD and I had our breakfast while they got ready to leave. Goodbyes were said and our half of the party walked over to Hollywood Studios. Made the rope drop and in fact were in the front of the line at the kickoff (I mean drop). The first goal was to get Fast Passes to Toy Story Mania. There were two holding pens, one by the Brown Derby and one to the left of that off the main drag. We made it to the front of the line at that rope. They give the all clear and the CMs kept us down to a brisk pace. Then they detour the left line to the area by Ariel which cost people in our area some time. What a madhouse. Get to the fast pass machines and there is already a pretty good line. One guy is asking people what this line was for and I told him fast passes. For what ride he asked. Duh? The one we are standing next to, Toy Story.

I wanted to get in line for the ride but it probably was a minimum of 30 minutes plus to ride and this was only 15 minutes post rope drop. DD suggested no and it was a good idea. We headed over to Tower of Terror which had a posted wait of 13 minutes. Princess was a bit confused at the off time but I explained that is the opening wait signifying the hotel’s 13 floors. When we turned the corner to head to the entrance the posted time started flipping out and finished at 30 minutes. It was pretty much an accurate estimate to the time it takes is to enter our elevator. A good ride with many big drops.

It was almost time to get another FP, so we waited by Rock and Roller Coaster for a few minutes. Got the fast pass there and by now it was time for TSMM. Love the ride along with the rest of the masses. We will not talk about who won between the two of us. I claim faulty equipment.

Daughter’s nickname is Andy so she had to take these pictures.

We happened to pass High School the Musical as it started.

I asked her if she wanted to see the show and her answer was, “Eew, NO!”

From there it was Star Wars, Muppets and then Disney Animation. We just missed getting into the Animation Academy where they teach you how to draw a character. It was close to our R&R FP time so instead of waiting for the next show we went over to ride our limo. We will do this another time because Princess can draw and I think she will like it. Of course I will be doing stick figures.

My American Idol

The wait times were getting long, so……

it was time to head back to the resort and have lunch

In hindsight, we should have had lunch at DHS. The one bad thing about Boardwalk is the lack of quick food places. The kiosk shops were not yet open (and they are terrible anyway) and I did not want to wait for ESPN. I really had a craving for a tuna sandwich. Decided to give a shot at Beaches and Cream not knowing how long it would take or if they have tuna fish. Forty minutes and no they don’t. Stopped at a number of places as we went through the maze that is Beach/Yacht Club hallways. Nothing really excited me so I went to the next stop, the next stop, and the next stop. Finally gave up at the Yacht Club’s Captain’s Grill. I asked for a menu and DD started to roll her eyes. OK, we will eat here.

After studying the menu I order a beer. I thought it was a Bud Light but was a designer Bud product. Note: I like good wine but only drink wimpy beers. They do not have wimpy beers here even though it is on the menu. Took it anyway and forced myself to drink most of it. Debated between the cheeseburger and the chicken sandwich when I discovered a soup and tuna sandwich combo. OH Boy (Best Mickey voice). DD ordered the wedge. It is big hunks of iceberg lettuce with blue cheese, egg, bacon (she had them leave the bacon off) with a green goddess dressing. My soup was corn chowder. Both picks were perfect.

Stop taking my picture

We still do not have the take a picture before you start eating thing down yet

This was what was left of the wedge. At least it was before she licked the plate. Really neat idea and we have since made it at home.

Since we are going to Hoop Dee Doo at 7:30, I took half of the sandwich and soup home with me for later. The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing in the room and getting ready for the show.

Next up: Hoop Dee Doo and the MK at night

 

[cj9200]

Of course when you say to yourself you have plenty of time, you end up squandering it. DD was running late and when we got to the bus stop it took forever for the bus to arrive. Made it to the MK and another long line for the boat to Ft. Wilderness. We went from having plenty of time to we are going to be late. Saw these little boats pull up for the other resorts and think this is going to take forever. Then here comes a big boat and I am saying please be for us. It was and I gave a sigh of relief. WE’RE GOING TO MAKE IT!

It was important to get early because when I called them to make sure they have DD’s vegetarian needs met I asked where our seats were. We are priority 2 and we can be either on the sides, back or up top center. They had us placed on the second floor. Did not really like that so I asked if we can be changed to the first floor. The person on the phone was very nice and I said I would be willing to go get new tickets if necessary. She does some magic and says to exchange the ticket when we get there that night.

So we stand in line to check in. Did the yes, I called and they were going to change my seats to the first floor. Was told I had to go to the ticket booth. OK, go to the ticket booth and the CM asks another person about the cj9200 family table she gets the answer and writes it on our tickets. Then back to the check in line to guess what, check in. We pass on getting the family photo and are left with about a 15 minute wait before they open the doors. Decided to explore a bit.

The Fort Wilderness Tree

A tricked out golf cart. We did not tour the area to see what I hear are amazing Holiday displays of guest’s motor homes.

A family rings the dinner bell and we are let into the joint. Check in was very efficient and we are escorted to our table. Bob is our server and he is fantastic. He has been there forever and you can tell he enjoys his job. I explain that DD is a vegetarian and he tells me that he has it noted. She gets a grilled vegetable plate and pasta. She orders a coke and I opt for a beer. Both drinks are promptly brought to the table.

The salad and cornbread are waiting for you when you sit down and people were digging in before the players come out to get the crowd into the evening’s entertainment.

The salad was really good

The cornbread was also tasty. A little on the sweet side but very good.

Part of the cast getting the show started

Bob brings out our vittles and more beer. Way to go Bob.

DD’s pasta and grilled veggies. They were rated as OK, nothing to get excited about.

My food

The chicken was excellent. The beans were OK, mashed potatoes good, the ribs not so much. Way too much food but mostly tasty. The show was corny but fun. The cast is very professional and the audience is definitely involved. They ask for birthdays and other special celebrations. Of course I called them over for DD’s birthday.

Here is the “Blonde” announcing DD’s birthday. Notice the beauty queen wave Princess is doing.

The girls

One of the guys, he is the one lampooned through the show

Near the end when we are given washboards to play along

Desert was strawberry shortcake which was presented with great flair on stage. Ours is to be shared by the two of us. We could not do it justice because we were both so full. I have to admit my favorite was the salad and cornbread which we kept on the table so I could have extras. That and the fried chicken.

It was over with all too soon. DD needed to use the restroom so I told her to hike it over there before the masses departed. She did and man was that a timesaver. The line for the women’s restroom got really long.

We really liked doing this. The show itself is a hoot. They play with the guests and each other. Would I do this every time I visited, no? Would I do it again, Yes. Surprisingly, the wait for the boat was not long and we were soon at the Magic Kingdom where we decided to stop in and look around.

The Contemporary from the water

A blurry picture of the train station

Ran out of picture space so our night at the MK will be in the next post.

 

[irenep]

I am really enjoying reading your trip report. You have provided so many lovely photos and lots of really useful information. It all looks absolutely amazing.

Thank you so much - I will try to remember all the little snippets for our trip this New year.

HDDR is one I have never been sure about - but I will give it a go now - the photos really helped me here.

Looking forward to your MK photos

 

[cj9200]

Thanks again irenep. Some of the photos turned out well others not so much but I put them in anyway. Hoop is a lot of fun if you are into interactive experiences like that. We are. The cast puts on a corny but great show. The food is good, not gourmet but you will not leave hungry. The vegetarian dishes were so so at best. DD likes it and put this on the list for possible dinners for her 16th birthday trip.

It has been a while since my last post because I just got back from a diving trip in the Keys (Florida Keys for those that do not know) and DD is flying in this morning from Georgia where she spent the long weekend with Mom. Next one should be up later today or tomorrow. Thanks for reading.

 

[cj9200]

My favorite place to be at WDW during Christmas is either at the Grand Floridian (sorry Boardwalk) or on Main Street. What a festive atmosphere here.

How can you not love the castle all lit up

These are a couple of the bazillion pictures I took of the castle

Looking back down Main Street

The secondary goal was to do some shopping so we did. I bought a couple Tees and a Mickey/Minnie/castle “throw” blanket type thing that could be purchased if you spent more than $50. DD also bought a few little things. It is rare when I am the one to be spending the money shopping.

This place in the castle walkway is special to me.

When the DDE started out, they offered its members special dining/wine tasting experiences. One of those was a black tie, wine makers dinner at the castle for about 100 people. We made a special trip just to do this. What a night.

After the park closed, they boarded us on a ferry where we took a meandering boat ride to the MK while everyone munched on hors d'oeuvres and drank wine. We walked down Main Street to the walkway under Cinderella Castle. The carousel was lit up and running and there was a long table set up. Mom and I were seated right in front of this part of the mosaic. By luck, the VP and GM of the MK and their wives were seated across from us. Great conversation and special insight into the day to day workings of the MK. After the dinner some people rode the carousel. I tried to talk the GM into getting the keys to Splash Mountain and go for a ride. He chuckled. At the end of the night we walked down a deserted Main Street with the music playing in the background. To this day, I still think of that evening when I hear that music.

Anyway, back to now. DD and I did not do or attempt to do one ride tonight. Funny how our park habits have changed. In hindsight, we should have done Space Mountain though because it will be down for a while for a refurbishment. As we were leaving we saw part of the parade.

We had good luck catching our bus back home before the masses exited after the parade. Wound down a little bit on the patio before it was off to bed because we were getting up early for EPCOT opening.

Another fun day. We did what we wanted to do at DHS and Hoop was great fun. The only problem was that it was starting to hit me that the clock was ticking and our vacation was going to be over soon.

 

[kaffinito]

What a great trip report! I have really enjoyed reading it!

 

[bellazachmom]

OK, I just have to say again what a wonderful read your TR is!!

I purpously stayed away for a few days so that I would have more than one installment to read when I came back and boy, I was not disappointed!!

V&A's sounds wonderful and your descriptin actually has me considering it for a future trip. I don't think we can manage it for our trip in April and next year's trip is for my big 4 - 0 .. we are doing a GG and have about 20 family members joining our family of 5. Our splurge will be celebrating my day on the Grand I while eating birthday cake and watching Wishes -- if we can manage to get it booked! Maybe in 2011 ....

Can't wait to read more!

 

[irenep]

Another great post and again some more great pictures - the castle just looks so amazing

I hear what you say about Space Mountain - I don't know when to tell my son that it will be closed when we go in the summer- it's his favourite ride and he'll be so upset. Hopefully it will be back for New Year.

 

[cj9200]

What a great trip report! I have really enjoyed reading it!

Thanks for reading and letting me know you are enjoying it. We are heading down the home stretch on our odyssey. The next part should be up tomorrow unless I get ambitious tonight.

 

[cj9200]

V&A's sounds wonderful and your descriptin actually has me considering it for a future trip. I don't think we can manage it for our trip in April and next year's trip is for my big 4 - 0 .. we are doing a GG and have about 20 family members joining our family of 5. Our splurge will be celebrating my day on the Grand I while eating birthday cake and watching Wishes -- if we can manage to get it booked! Maybe in 2011 ....

Can't wait to read more!

Wow, 20 family members on one trip. Make sure there are no sharp instruments around. The Grand I, that is too cool. I saw it docked and it looks great. Good luck booking it and enjoy! You should put V&A on your to do list. An amazing experience. Also, thanks for the kind words about the TR. Glad you are enjoying it.

 

[cj9200]

Another great post and again some more great pictures - the castle just looks so amazing

I hear what you say about Space Mountain - I don't know when to tell my son that it will be closed when we go in the summer- it's his favourite ride and he'll be so upset. Hopefully it will be back for New Year.

Better than Balmoral Castle? Well, maybe with the lights. Space being down is a bummer and I hope your son takes it well. I didn’t. Cried like a baby when I realized that we would not be riding it this trip. Hopefully they put in the music effects like the one in Disneyland (think Rock and Roller Coaster). One of the same rides that is better in Disneyland than the MK. Add Pirates to that list.

Oh, I got good news to report. Called member services today and we got a Grand Villa for DD’s 16th birthday. Woo Hoo! When booking it the CM asked for the guest’s names and I explained that we don’t know yet because it was a group of her girlfriends. He then asked how many adults and I answered just me. His response was, “Oh dear.” We both got a laugh out of that.

 

[goofygal1975]

I've really been enjoying reading your report!! Thanks for sharing it with us!

I enjoyed seeing HDDR pictures....we have never ate there, and have it planned for our June 2009 trip. Dh & I enjoyed looking at the pictures of the food and actors.

 

[Donald is #1]

Oh, I got good news to report. Called member services today and we got a Grand Villa for DD’s 16th birthday. Woo Hoo! When booking it the CM asked for the guest’s names and I explained that we don’t know yet because it was a group of her girlfriends. He then asked how many adults and I answered just me. His response was, “Oh dear.” We both got a laugh out of that.

Wow, that is so cool!!

 

[cj9200]

I've really been enjoying reading your report!! Thanks for sharing it with us!

I enjoyed seeing HDDR pictures....we never ate there, and have it planned for our June 2009 trip. Dh & I enjoyed looking at the pictures of the food and actors.

Hope you and DH enjoy your trip and your stop at the Hoop. Lots of fun. If you are staying onsite, I would get to the MK and take the boat from there. Beautiful ride at night. Then it is just a short walk to the dining hall. Better than driving and then taking a bus which we did the time before. Thanks for reading.

Wow, that is so cool!!

Cool for them. Not sure if it is going to be cool for me. Although, with a Grand Villa (a first for us), I can barricade myself in the Master Bedroom. The CM on the other end of the line was really funny and he had a lot of sympathy for me. I am already plotting out the nearest places to have a drink if I need one.

 

[cj9200]

Today was another early rise day so we can make the opening of EPCOT. Around 8:30 we were at the International Gateway entrance, this time second in line. I thought they let us in so we could walk to a holding area in Future World. Wrong! We stuck it out and 10 minutes before the park opened, we were let in. We actually were the first group in line now because the family in front of us decided not to stand and wait.

An empty Epcot

DD walking briskly ahead

Here come the hordes

First goal was to get to Test Track for Fast Passes and then off to Mission Space. I think Soarin is Borin (don’t hate me) so no need to go over to that side of the park. We got a good jump on the crowds and there was no wait at the FP machines. Mission Space was also no wait. This is probably my favorite ride in all of WDW (Orange side of course).

I remember the first time DD and I did this. There all these warnings posted and one of them is if you do not like spinning rides, RUN AWAY. I cannot do tea cups. I mean, I really cannot do tea cups. It is not that I do not like it, I cannot do it. I walk off the ride disoriented and nauseous. Every time we saw the spinning warning sign or heard the announcement, DD would look at me and giggle. Evil child. Must get that from her mother. So when we get ready to ride, I am a bit nervous. Love the idea of space exploration so I have to do it. I got off and looked at her and said, “Cool, lets do it again.” On that trip, by some loading error we got to ride with just the two of us. We each had to do two of the roles. Way cool.

Anyway, on this trip we landed on Mars and decided to do it again. This time there was a little wait but we were soon loaded in the briefing room. They show the film and we wait. And Wait. And Wait. Finally a CM comes in and says they are having a problem with this side and he will load us on the other side in a minute. We are then led to another briefing room where we unfortunately have to see the film again. Many of us were wondering if they switched us to the Green side but no, this is the regular ride. Land on Mars again where we don't move a muscle.

It is now time for our FP for TT and we quickly boarded our car.

A bit of a blurry look at the crash door

40 mph

50

DD’s hair after the ride

Unfortunately, the audio and video in the car did not work which really downgraded the experience. From there we wanted to do Spaceship Earth but the line was too long. DD loves Energy so we went to visit Ellen. After the three hour tour (OK, 45 minutes) we hit the Seas to look at the fishes. On our way, DD wanted to hit club not so cool as it was when it was an Igloo to try different coke products.

On the way, we spotted Marie, a rare find

We are at Club Cool and I always talk her into trying Beverly. Hee Hee.
Last time our conversation went like this:
Me: Come on take a sip
Her: No
Me: Come on, it will make a great picture
Her: NO!
Me: (Doing a pitiful face) PLEASE.
Her: You are so pathetic.

Bev, the drink of champions

Come on, you can do it.

Sucker

After I stopped snickering we then went to the Living Seas. Instead of waiting to ride Nemo, we entered through the gift shop.

DD spent a lot of time looking at the animals. She just loves the seas.

We scuba dive and have done Divequest twice. Really great experience. With some of the best diving available in the world down here we were more excited to look at the crowd than the fishes. They do tell you before you go into the public area that once you step out there, you are a cast member. They were serious and when you go out you do feel part of the show.

The last time we went, mom was eating at the Coral Reef so she got to see her daughter diving. There was this cute little girl sitting at a table up front. I waved to her and she meekly waved back. I waved harder then she waved harder. Then I waved with both hands so she did. Finally I shook back and forth and she did the same. Left her giggling. They use to have divers show special messages to people who were celebrating something and Princess was given a slate from one of Disney divers to announce something or another and the family applauded. Great fun.

OK, this was not at Divequest but a picture I took of a friend in Key Largo.

The dolphin interaction was going on so they were pretty active. Powerful animals. After looking at some more fishes for a while, we decided to head for home.

The backwards waterfall

At the room we did what we have been doing a lot this trip, relaxed on the patio. Up Next: Yeti then Yak and Yeti.

 

[cj9200]

We relaxed at the room a bit and then headed to Animal Kingdom. This is where I screwed up. We had reservations at Yak and Yeti for 3:30. By the time we got there, with the crowds it was too late to really do anything. Tried for a FP at Everest and they were all gone (Ya Think?). Then to Dino but the wait was 40 minutes. Safari had an early closing time because of the early sunset. What to do? Nothing much except hang out for our lunch. I looked to get in earlier but the wait list was long.

So we decided to just walk around.

Gerite’s cousin in AK

We were standing at Everest watching people ride and enjoying the screaming. Then there came a moment of pure pixie dust. Someone walks up to us. A nice Gentleman: “We have two FP’s we can’t use, would you like them?” Me: “Huh?” “We have two FP’s for Everest and you can ride right now. Would you like them?” “Of course, thank you, thank you, thank you.” What a nice gesture and made our day. With the number of times we visited during the year of a million dreams this is the first time we “got anything.” You probably won’t read this but if you were the person that gave us the FP, thank you.

Loading

Going Up?

Woo hoo

What happened to our track?

So we tempted the Yeti (although he was down this time) and were still able to make it to our ADR at Yak and Yeti. Both DD and I love this restaurant.

From where we sat on the second floor

I had the beef and broccoli and DD had the vegetarian lo mien. Food was good, beer was cold and we had the bonus of viewing the parade from our table. While we were not next to the window we were close enough.

My beef an broccoli and her lo mien

Parts of the parade

We had a nice meal and service was good. After our late lunch, we wandered out of the park and back to the resort. The rest of the night was chilling out watching some football on TV and street entertainers on the Boardwalk. Another good day with only one more left. Tears welling in my eyes.

Up next: Early Entry to the MK?

 

[Donald is #1]

From there we wanted to do Spaceship Earth but the line was too long. DD loves Energy so we went to visit Ellen. After the three hour tour (OK, 45 minutes) we hit the Seas to look at the fishes.

You have my deepest sympathy. This ride is just too long for me.

We are at Club Cool and I always talk her into trying Beverly. Hee Hee.
Last time our conversation went like this:
Me: Come on take a sip
Her: No
Me: Come on, it will make a great picture
Her: NO!
Me: (Doing a pitiful face) PLEASE.
Her: You are so pathetic.

Bev, the drink of champions

Come on, you can do it.

Sucker

Was this your revenge for having to sit through Ellen?

 

[irenep]

You have been pretty amazing in getting to rope drop in the mornings. I guess it's a must at that time of year though. Fortunately my kids are quite good at getting up early in WDW too (as long as its not every day!).

Thanks for the information about Mission Space too. I've never been brave enough to do it yet as I don't do teacups either! - it has given me some encouragement and maybe I will give it a go next time. Although I don't know how you can say Soarin' is boring - I love it (its so relaxing)

We were standing at Everest watching people ride and enjoying the screaming. Then there came a moment of pure pixie dust. Someone walks up to us. A nice Gentleman: “We have two FP’s we can’t use, would you like them?” Me: “Huh?” “We have two FP’s for Everest and you can ride right now. Would you like them?” “Of course, thank you, thank you, thank you.” What a nice gesture and made our day.

What a lovely thing happen - we were given one fast pass last year for Primeval Whirl. It was great - my DS was happy to go on his own and it meant I didn't have to ride with him (win-win ). We later gave away our own FPs for dinosaur as we decided we had had enough for the day. Its nice to pass it on too.

Looking forward to the MK report.