Don't touch that! I need a picture first! TR - **NEW 04/17 PTR IS UP

[Flossbolna]

I mentioned somewhere along the way. Anyways doesn't matter because I wouldn't be taking it if I was accepted. It's just not possible right now for me. I really need to catch up on your PTR! Goodness, how terrible of me. I can never keep up with all these threads

Don't worry, no PTR to keep up with yet! Still the TR from more than a year ago.

 

[jenbear123]

Wishing Bubba good luck!

How cool! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Bubba! If she gets it, how soon would she be working there?

Please wish Bubba luck for me, Jen!!!

Thanks you guys! I will let her know she has lots of people wishing her luck

Don't worry, no PTR to keep up with yet! Still the TR from more than a year ago.

Whoops... I meant TR. Sorry! At least you still have something to reminisce about from your last trip. I'm surprised you'd be able to remember everything! The way this TR is going, it might end up the same

 

[jenbear123]

We took the boat over for a change from the Polynesian after dinner to head to MK. I made sure to make a night to see the Main Street Electrical Parade. I've heard mixed reviews over it coming back to MK. Some love it and are so happy to have it back and others wish SpectroMagic would come back already. What would I think?

There was a gorgeous sunset as we went over on the boat which cast a lovely glow behind GF

and an even nicer orange glow onto the castle and train station

When we were walking up to the bag check, we saw these lovely fashion statements

Really? At MK? In a theme park??? REALLY?!?!

It was only 6:30pm and the parade wasn't scheduled to start until 8pm. We had loads of time to kill! I thought we could get in a few rides, maybe a quick dessert



But then...............



We saw people were already securing spots for the parade. Seriously??? More than an hour and a half before the parade starts people are waiting for it to start?!? I was in no way prepared for this. In fact, I started to get really frustrated. This was October. How busy can the parks be in October?? I mean, just look at Main Street that night

I know it's nothing compared to summer but you must agree with me it was pretty busy for just a regular night at MK. Since it was my first time seeing the parade, I really wanted a good view so we picked a spot in Liberty Square on top of the rock wall in front of LTT.

And we started waiting....

and waiting.....

Until finally at 8:30pm the parade got to where we were sitting. That was nearly 2 hours waiting for a parade!!!! And even then we still had people getting in front of us. Lesson #2,500,452,901 Don't waste valuable time waiting for a parade/fireworks because people will always come in at the last minute and block your view.

The parade was wonderful though! I really enjoyed the music....at first. Then it started to get a little repetitive. Maybe that's why some people don't like it? It really felt like a blast from the past which was fun to be a part of. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

Believe or not, I prefer SpectroMagic over this parade. This one is good but I find the ambiance and music of Spectro much better. I'll still make time to see this one but definitely will not waste 2 hours of sitting around waiting for it.

The plan was to leave MK before Wishes to beat the crowds so we could head over to Epcot for EMH. First, we had to ride Jungle Cruise. The ride is always better in the dark, in my opinion.

It was 8:45pm when we were getting on so we had 15 minutes to ride and get out of there! I think we went on it twice because the first time we had a horrible skipper who really wasn't funny at all and didn't do anything out of the ordinary. So we hopped on again because there was no line. This new skipper was FANTASTIC! She came up with the best line I have ever heard in my life: "To scare them (hippos) I always tell them what I say to my boyfriend: I WANT A COMMITMENT!" She screamed out that last part but oh my, it was hilarious! She said a few other witty things but I sadly do not remember them.

On our way out, I wanted to get a Dole Whip but we literally had about 7 minutes before the fireworks were going to start. Bubba made a pitstop in the bathroom while I waited in line.....which wasn't moving. After a minute I said screw it and decided to get one over at the Poly. We boarded the boat and just as we were leaving the dock, the fireworks started! We had a fabulous view of the show. Our timing had been perfect!!

We got stuck at GF as the electrical water pageant went by. At least this time I wasn't trying to get back to our resort to watch the fireworks from our room like in April

So this time we watched it go by being happy we had such a good view. Then we finally got to the Poly and got a Pineapple Dole Whip to share

Like my swirlie skills? I can thank working at McDonald's for that. And just look! Bubba just about took a scoop off the top before I got a picture of my handiwork. Tsk tsk

From there, we walked (I think) over to the TTC (or we had parked at the Poly since we ate there for dinner), hopped in our car and headed to Epcot. For those of you keeping track, this was our 3rd park of the day.

Most of the night was spent strolling around WS. I think we might have gotten on Test Track and Nemo but the queue for Soarin' was way too long for what it was worth. When we went on Test Track, the stand by line was too much of a wait but the single's rider line was only about 10 minutes. Bubba and I didn't care if we rode together so off we went!

We totally did not plan to do the exact same gesture. And who knew we'd be sitting in the exact same seat too!

My first and top priority once we got to WS was to check if Karamel Kuche had those caramel chocolate covered strawberries I had wanted a few days back. This would be my absolute last chance. We walked into the store, I scanned the glass display and.......

...




......





.........






..............

THERE THEY WERE! The wonderful ooey gooey delicious looking strawberries I had been wanting my whole trip!

Yes, they were $4 per two strawberries but I didn't care! So I happily bought one and a few other werther's candies. Once out of the store, I tore into my strawberries because I could not wait any more to try one. And you know what? I actually liked the caramel apple better

In Germany, we tried a glass of Gluwein (Glow Wine). Trust Bubba to try another kind of wine.

It was served warm and was quite delicious. It tasted similar to warm grape juice with a kick. It was a generous portion so Bubba and I easily shared it. I'm curious if this wine is actually commonly served in Germany....

By 11pm, we decided to call it a night since we'd be up early tomorrow to head to AK. We picked up a School Bread for a sweet morning treat the next day. We sauntered back to the entrance, taking in all that is great and wonderful about an empty Epcot.

Coming up....

We slept in?!?
A morning at AK
Afternoon Tea
Two Crazy Canadian Girls say goodbye to WDW

 

[jenbear123]

Back on my post of MNSSHP, I forgot to mention my quest to find these two pins. I was determined to find the pin for the party and the secret Passholders pin that you only get if you specifically ask for it.

I'll never forget walking aimlessly through stores on Main Street with Bubba in so much foot pain I'm sorry but I can't help but laugh at the situation from that night. Bubba really puts up with a lot from me!

Anyway, I did finally find both pins and here they are for your enjoyment

 

[bellebookworm9]

We saw people were already securing spots for the parade. Seriously??? More than an hour and a half before the parade starts people are waiting for it to start?!?

The parade was wonderful though! I really enjoyed the music....at first. Then it started to get a little repetitive. Maybe that's why some people don't like it? It really felt like a blast from the past which was fun to be a part of. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

I'm that person who begins to wait obscenely early for parades/fireworks.

I think our times were something like:
1 hour for Wishes (first time), 2 minutes the second time
1-1.5 hours for Spectro
1.5-2 hours for IllumiNations (first time), 10 minutes the second time
1.5 hours for Fantasmic

Not something I'm proud of, but we got a great view every time!

I understand how you feel about MSEP. I've never seen it in person, but I watched in on YouTube and after about 5 minutes I wanted to turn the sound off. I much prefer SpectroMagic, which I will gladly listen to over and over!

 

[YukiPhnx]

Jen! Before I comment on your latest post I just gotta give you this for going throught that blizzard.

A couple of weeks ago, I was ALSO stuck in a Saturday blizzard. You know, the one we were SUPPOSED to get on a Wednesday, but didn't come and without warning, came on Saturday? I was driving to Toronto from Waterloo and it was TERRIFYING. No lights, no lines on the road, no cars, and complete white-out. I was literally, scared for my life.

GREAT FINDS at the outlet mall! You got the exact same cross-body bag -I- got on our dismeet, just in a different pattern. Next time we meet up, we should wear the same bag. I also have the same boots, just in black, haha. Now it'll be easier to match! JKs

I LOVE your new haircut. You look so good in it!!!!

Woooooooooow, my jaw dropped when I saw what Bubba got you. Wow. E-ticket patches???? IT'S ALL SO FREAKIN AWESOME. I wish I were going this year so I could get the 40th anniversary stuff.

 

[Flossbolna]

In Germany, we tried a glass of Gluwein (Glow Wine). Trust Bubba to try another kind of wine.

I am glad that you enjoyed the Glühwein! But please note: Disney made quite a spelling error there: it is GlüHwein, not Glüwein!!! But they made a reference to my home town!

I just posted an update where I mentioned mine and Katharina's dislike of the MSEP - and it is very much the music which we did not enjoy! I know many people love it, but I can understand why you would prefer Spectromagic!

And I was extremely impressed with your Dole Whip!

 

[YukiPhnx]

Ooh, what a nice end to your night! Mmmmm, dole whip.

I didn't see much of the MSEP on my trip. And it was on twice!

I totally agree about JC being better in the dark. So much cooler. Your 2nd skipper sounds very funny~ It's ALL about the skippers on this ride.

Haha, what a funny coincidink on TT!!

Mmmm, those strawberries look SO good, but $2 for one???

 

[glennbo123]

You and Bubba are too funny, making the same gesture from the same seat. Although, if I had to bet what gesture you'd make....that'd be it.

I'm not a fan of candy corn, but I like that Chip and Dale pin with the candy corn on it.

 

[NMW]

Subscribing

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

great update!!! I love the glow wine! We didn't get any in Dec but they sell something similar to it at our one grocery store here so we pick it up from time to time! I am not a fan of the parade. I saw it in Aug and was sooo thrilled to see it and recall it from when I was a kid and at the end I said...THAT WAS IT??!! I guess that means I'm a huge Spectro fan

 

[All7OfUs]

I guess I am in growing minority- I LOVE the music, and in fact, that's what makes it! I still cry. I said the same thing on Magdelene's TR that I think it has more to do with the fact that I grew up with it, and it brings back so many memories. Much like perhaps Spectro is for the younger set now.

MMMM.... those berries looks fantastic! YUM! I can't wait for berry season!

That is a LARGE Dole Whip!

That isn't so common for Disney to make such a glaring error like that in spelling- Glad we have the experts right here!!

 

[marvali]

Hi Jen! All caught back up. Love the picture from the boat of the glow the sunset made on the Castle and Train Station.

 

[jenbear123]

Jen! Before I comment on your latest post I just gotta give you this for going throught that blizzard.

A couple of weeks ago, I was ALSO stuck in a Saturday blizzard. You know, the one we were SUPPOSED to get on a Wednesday, but didn't come and without warning, came on Saturday? I was driving to Toronto from Waterloo and it was TERRIFYING. No lights, no lines on the road, no cars, and complete white-out. I was literally, scared for my life.

Yikes. You definitely understand what I was going through then! Definitely was not a good night for travelling!

GREAT FINDS at the outlet mall! You got the exact same cross-body bag -I- got on our dismeet, just in a different pattern. Next time we meet up, we should wear the same bag. I also have the same boots, just in black, haha. Now it'll be easier to match! JKs

Oh my gosh really?!?! We have the same purse and boots just different colours?! Great minds thing alike!

I LOVE your new haircut. You look so good in it!!!!

Thanks Yuki!

Woooooooooow, my jaw dropped when I saw what Bubba got you. Wow. E-ticket patches???? IT'S ALL SO FREAKIN AWESOME. I wish I were going this year so I could get the 40th anniversary stuff.

It's a very nice keepsake. It's too bad you won't be going this year. Are you still planning on going in 2012? Maybe all the 40th anniversary stuff will be marked down

I am glad that you enjoyed the Glühwein! But please note: Disney made quite a spelling error there: it is GlüHwein, not Glüwein!!! But they made a reference to my home town!

I thought that was a spelling error! I actually googled it to find out more information on it and everywhere else had it spelt ast Gluhwein (I don't have those little dot thingamajigs) Next to you go you should correct their mistake! Or else I could... but it'll sound more sensible coming from a German.

I just posted an update where I mentioned mine and Katharina's dislike of the MSEP - and it is very much the music which we did not enjoy! I know many people love it, but I can understand why you would prefer Spectromagic! :

I read your post. That's too funny we said almost the exact the same thing about the parade!

And I was extremely impressed with your Dole Whip!

Why, thank you

Ooh, what a nice end to your night! Mmmmm, dole whip.

It was rather delicious.

I didn't see much of the MSEP on my trip. And it was on twice!

You didn't miss much. MSEP has no climax really where Spectro I find does. And at least the music with Specto is much more progressive where MSEP just keeps repeating the same tune over and over....and over.

I totally agree about JC being better in the dark. So much cooler. Your 2nd skipper sounds very funny~ It's ALL about the skippers on this ride.

Most definitely. That would be the best job. Although it could get hard thinking up new jokes all the time.

Haha, what a funny coincidink on TT!!

I LOVE the fact that you used the word coincidink.

Mmmm, those strawberries look SO good, but $2 for one???

Yeah I could buy a whole box of strawberries for $4 but I'm glad I tried them only to find out I didn't like them all that much anyway! If you ever get to try that place, go with the caramel apples

You and Bubba are too funny, making the same gesture from the same seat. Although, if I had to bet what gesture you'd make....that'd be it.

Yup! I was really surprised we did the same gesture especially because we didn't plan it. We must be related

I'm not a fan of candy corn, but I like that Chip and Dale pin with the candy corn on it.

Me neither. Seems to be a big theme on Halloween. There were a couple other choices but due to my undying love of Chip & Dale I got that one.

Subscribing

Thanks for joining in! Feel free to join in on the banter too.

great update!!! I love the glow wine! We didn't get any in Dec but they sell something similar to it at our one grocery store here so we pick it up from time to time! I am not a fan of the parade. I saw it in Aug and was sooo thrilled to see it and recall it from when I was a kid and at the end I said...THAT WAS IT??!! I guess that means I'm a huge Spectro fan

Wow, I'd love my grocery store if they carried stuff like glow wine. But stupid Ontario laws only let alcohol be sold in LCBOs (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) stores. It would be nice not having to make sure you get your booze before 10pm every night! Sounds like you prefer Spectro too! I think MSEP would mean more to me if I had seen it as a child. But even you did and you still prefer Spectro!

I guess I am in growing minority- I LOVE the music, and in fact, that's what makes it! I still cry. I said the same thing on Magdelene's TR that I think it has more to do with the fact that I grew up with it, and it brings back so many memories. Much like perhaps Spectro is for the younger set now.

This is what I think too. It's probably because you grew up with this parade so it has sentimental value. If they brought back the Skyway in MK, I'd be all over that thing! I have a home video of me as a child freaking out because I thought we were going to fall to our death

MMMM.... those berries looks fantastic! YUM! I can't wait for berry season!

I can't wait for ANY season as long as it's not winter!

That is a LARGE Dole Whip!

I made sure we got our moneys worth.

That isn't so common for Disney to make such a glaring error like that in spelling- Glad we have the experts right here!!

I knew Magdalene would be the expert.

Hi Jen! All caught back up. Love the picture from the boat of the glow the sunset made on the Castle and Train Station.

Hey Marv! Glad you liked those pictures

 

[jenbear123]

I'm that person who begins to wait obscenely early for parades/fireworks.

I think our times were something like:
1 hour for Wishes (first time), 2 minutes the second time
1-1.5 hours for Spectro
1.5-2 hours for IllumiNations (first time), 10 minutes the second time
1.5 hours for Fantasmic

Not something I'm proud of, but we got a great view every time!

Looking at your times from the first time to the second time, you realized you don't really need to wait that early. But I'm always getting anxious because at different times of the year there are different crowd levels. The next time I go will be at the end of July during peak summer season. If I slack off after my experience in October, I'm bound to get a crappy view. But then I'll be stuck waiting around for 1.5 hours for a parade again! Maybe I'll try Plan A first, getting a spot early. Then Plan B, getting a spot 30 min before the show if Plan A was way too early and the crowds weren't that bad.

I understand how you feel about MSEP. I've never seen it in person, but I watched in on YouTube and after about 5 minutes I wanted to turn the sound off. I much prefer SpectroMagic, which I will gladly listen to over and over!

Yes me too!

 

[bellebookworm9]

Looking at your times from the first time to the second time, you realized you don't really need to wait that early. But I'm always getting anxious because at different times of the year there are different crowd levels. The next time I go will be at the end of July during peak summer season. If I slack off after my experience in October, I'm bound to get a crappy view. But then I'll be stuck waiting around for 1.5 hours for a parade again! Maybe I'll try Plan A first, getting a spot early. Then Plan B, getting a spot 30 min before the show if Plan A was way too early and the crowds weren't that bad.

In thinking back, we waited such long times because we had done everything we wanted to do for the day. I do remember that for the second viewing of Wishes I had an awful spot. It wasn't too different from the first time (in Town Square near the train station) but it was much more crowded and I couldn't see very well. That was also the night I wanted to take pictures and it just wasn't working out. Second viewing of IllumiNations the view wasn't too bad, but it wasn't the first row we had achieved the first time!

If you go with Plan A, definitely bring stuff to keep you occupied. I had my iPod for Fantasmic-though I wasn't anticipating waiting for that long-and it helped pass the time. For IllumiNations, we didn't have anything to do and were quite bored. For Wishes and Spectro, we struck up conversations with the people around us, and people watched.

 

[PirateKate]

Hi! I just finished reading your TR. I suspect it's almost over, since you'll be saying goodbye to WDW soon, but better late than never, right?

I loved reading about your night at MK and Epcot. I agree the music is a deterrent for MSEP. It sounds like a circus. Spectromagic sounds magical. Great pictures of the Electric Water Pageant. What a great view of that!

I'm glad they had your strawberries, even if you ended up liking the apple better. Otherwise, you would always have to wonder what they would have been like.

Oh- and those Halloween pins are so cool!

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Great updates Jen! The boat ride pics are gorgeous! It really did cast a warm glow over the entrance to the MK.

Those shoes! How were those girls wearing those in a theme park? Someone needs to direct them over here so they can learn what proper theme park footwear is!

Oh man, you waited that long for the parade?? Wow, that's dedication. I can't bring myself to do that, wait an hour + to see it. I prefer to just bully my way into other people's personal space instead and then obstruct their parade view. Ok, I'm totally joking! Still though, I wouldn't wait that long but maybe it's because I have kids? If I was waiting alone, with a nice dole whip float and on the disboards, ya, then I'd wait!

I am SO doing the Jungle Cruise at night next trip! We love that ride too, our last skipper was extremely witty! She was asking all of us where we were from and then saying 'me too' after each one!

Glad you still got your dole whip and yes, very nice swirling skills! The first one I made there at Captain Cook's looked horrible, kinda like the leaning tower of Pisa! Good thing the taste isn't based on how it looks!

Score for riding TT too! And those strawberries look incredible! Did you lick the paper it came on too? Don't want to leave any chocolatey caramel goodness behind now!

Love your MK pins, though candy corn nasty IMO (kind of like waxy chalk or something?) I just started collecting pins this past trip and it was soooo fun!

Looks like you and Bubba had a great time!

 

[jenbear123]

If you go with Plan A, definitely bring stuff to keep you occupied. I had my iPod for Fantasmic-though I wasn't anticipating waiting for that long-and it helped pass the time. For IllumiNations, we didn't have anything to do and were quite bored. For Wishes and Spectro, we struck up conversations with the people around us, and people watched.

Good point. I'll definitely stock my iPhone with movies to pass the time!

Hi! I just finished reading your TR. I suspect it's almost over, since you'll be saying goodbye to WDW soon, but better late than never, right?

Latecomers are okay in my book Glad to have you!

I loved reading about your night at MK and Epcot. I agree the music is a deterrent for MSEP. It sounds like a circus. Spectromagic sounds magical. Great pictures of the Electric Water Pageant. What a great view of that!

Circus music! Yes! That's the perfect description of it.

I'm glad they had your strawberries, even if you ended up liking the apple better. Otherwise, you would always have to wonder what they would have been like.

Yes and then I'd be a sourpuss the rest of the trip No but I'm glad they had them even if I mentally hyped them up more than they were.

Oh- and those Halloween pins are so cool!

Thanks! I try to collect the special party pins whenever I can.

Great updates Jen! The boat ride pics are gorgeous! It really did cast a warm glow over the entrance to the MK.

I always get great sunset photos there. GF is in the perfect spot I guess.

Those shoes! How were those girls wearing those in a theme park? Someone needs to direct them over here so they can learn what proper theme park footwear is!

I seriously wonder about people sometimes. They were either coming from a fancy dinner and making a stop in MK or just wearing those shoes for fun. But you'd think they'd bring a change of shoes if they were planning on attacking a park

Oh man, you waited that long for the parade?? Wow, that's dedication. I can't bring myself to do that, wait an hour + to see it. I prefer to just bully my way into other people's personal space instead and then obstruct their parade view. Ok, I'm totally joking! Still though, I wouldn't wait that long but maybe it's because I have kids? If I was waiting alone, with a nice dole whip float and on the disboards, ya, then I'd wait!

I was really determined to get a good view of MSEP since I had never seen it. We probably could've gotten an equally good spot without waiting that long but oh well. I can see waiting with kids would be much harder. Unless they are totally zonked from the day and end up falling asleep.

I am SO doing the Jungle Cruise at night next trip! We love that ride too, our last skipper was extremely witty! She was asking all of us where we were from and then saying 'me too' after each one!

I really hope you get back there sooner than Jan 2012. That's just too long to wait for another Disney trip! You most definitely have to ride JC next time. Not to be missed!

Glad you still got your dole whip and yes, very nice swirling skills! The first one I made there at Captain Cook's looked horrible, kinda like the leaning tower of Pisa! Good thing the taste isn't based on how it looks!

It took lots of practice to get my ice cream swirlie skills down. My first ever cone at McDonald's was a disaster. It was small and skinny at the bottom but fat at the top if that's even possible. I almost wanted to give the guy his money back

Score for riding TT too! And those strawberries look incredible! Did you lick the paper it came on too? Don't want to leave any chocolatey caramel goodness behind now!

Oh don't you worry, I made sure every speck was taken care of. Even if that meant eating the paper too You know speaking of which, there's been times when I'll get a sticky candy and the wrapper ends up sticking to it. I just say screw it and eat it with the paper!

Love your MK pins, though candy corn nasty IMO (kind of like waxy chalk or something?) I just started collecting pins this past trip and it was soooo fun!

I think I may have tried candy corn once but didn't like it. You're right about it tasting like chalk because that's about all I can relate it too! It looked nice on the pin though.

Looks like you and Bubba had a great time!

There's more adventures to come!

 

[onescgirl]

Isn't it crazy waiting that long & wasting so much time to see a parade? It's crazy, but we are guilty of it too!

Hurray for your perfect timing to get on the boat just in time for the fireworks.

And, I'm very impressed with your park hopping skills. I imagine ya'll were pretty tired out at the end of the day! I would have fallen asleep after drinking that glass of wine with a busy day like yours!