Morning sunshine!
We got up and ready at around 9:45am.
Is this even possible?
I'm too used to going to be around 1am and getting up for the next day at 5am.
We left the room at 11:15 and there was a boat waiting there to take us to Magic Kingdom!
Talk about Disney service!
Ah. So you purchased the VIP bus pass did you?
(Which applies to boats too, of course.)
Here’s our lovely longhouse, on a somewhat cloudy morning.
It's a somewhat lovely longhouse on a cloudy day.
Has anyone who’s visited Mickey at the theatre noticed this before?
Never visited Mickey.
I can't look him in the eye after trapping some of his relatives.
These items on the shelves are meant to represent the four parks!
(Books = MK castle, crystal ball = Epcot, plant = Animal Kingdom, hat = Hollywood Studios)
Cool! Did you notice that on your own?
Ugh. You're so cute. Run away and marry me right now.
Oh, right. You've got a younger and better looking guy already.
Oh, well.
Probably for the best.
Ruby probably wouldn't approve.
(Then again, she might not
disapprove.
"I'm running off to marry Katie!"
"Fine. Whatever. Just take out the trash before you go."
So
much going on in this photo!
From left to right.
1. Minnie, obviously in mid faint, is about to face plant on the stage.
2. 1st lady in a blue dress has just managed to free herself from Disney servitude and while her hands are still bound behind her back, she's making a break for it. Poor thing is crying hysterically and no one is helping her.
3. First guy with a tie is holding his eye from when...
4. ...Mickey, obviously drunk, whacked him in the eye with his ear.
5. 2nd guy with a tie is holding up...
6... 2nd girl in a blue dress, who's obviously been drinking whatever Mickey was drinking but is in the giggles phase instead of the obnoxious phase. Still needs help standing though.
7. Donald is sleeping standing up. I thought they tucked their bills under their wings when they did that? Whatever.
DO NOT EVEN TALK TO ME ABOUT HOW THEY’VE JUST GOT RID OF DREAM ALONG WITH MICKEY.
OMG! You're using all caps! You must be terribly upset!
But you know what, honestly,
I don’t even particularly care for the plot of the show.
So upset about a show that you don't even like!
I’m glad Princess and the Frog will be a part of it, I love that film and its soundtrack.
Finally saw that movie a couple of weeks ago!
Who needs a shrink when I’ve got you guys?
Interesting.
I would've thought you'd
need a shrink
because of us guys.
We went to Memento Mori where Jamie bought his Ghost Host t-shirt for the Halloween party!
Good!
Then we used our fastpass at Buzz.
Who’d have thought?!
So. Shocked. For reals. Seriously. Yup.
We defended the galaxy against the evil Emperor Zurg.
Some of us better than others 
Considering the "thumbsup" I assume you won.
And therefore, Hymie pouted.
As we sat down I experienced a momentary panic attack where I thought I had some kind of huge blood clot bruise on my leg…!!!! 
I thought it was a temporary Darth Vader tattoo that was already half rubbed off.
Today we did something unprecedented; we sat in the gallery!
Only place I haven't eaten yet.
Hadn't planned on it... perhaps I will now.
We both got the turkey sandwich with green beans, as always.
Don’t ever underestimate our ability to be totally boring.
That's okay. I'm the same with the braised beef.
Maybe I'll have the turkey sammie next time to go with the new room.
Probably not, though.
He was upset today though because I got three slabs of turkey in my sandwich, and he only got one.
I gave him one of mine because I know how much protein means to him. I know, I'm great.
You shared your meat?
That's real love.
I guess you
really won't dump him for me.
We also split a strawberry cupcake!
Doesn’t it look perfect.
Actually... yes. It does.
But what is the deal with these wrappers?!
Unless we’re being totally dumb, they seem impossible to remove.
Why don't they make the wrappers out of sugar? Why?
When we were in the stretching room, right after “of course, there’s always MY way…”, ie. the most intense moment in the preshow,
SOMEONE TOOK TWO FLASH PICTURES that lit up the room and totally ruined that momentary effect on the ceiling.
Jerk! Too bad someone (come
on, Jamie!) didn't take his camera and stuff it up his ask anyone and they'd agree!
We had a fun ride, and the ghosts at the end swapped our heads over!
Love that. Freaked out Kay, though.
She didn't want an old dude's head.
I believe her exact words were: "Noooooooooo!!!!!"
On the way out we saw the piano player outside Casey’s.
He’s always worth stopping to watch, even in the heat.
We walked up Main Street and exited the park, and there was a boat right there.
Isn't the VIP bus package so worth it?
The hotels are probably what I obsess over the most out of everything at Walt Disney World.
Really?
For me it's the atmosphere and the way I feel totally relaxed and happy.
And the food.
And the rides.
And the food.
As we walked through the upper floor of the lobby towards the monorail I realised it must be a Halloween party night because there were a few people walking around in costumes.
Cool! That must've been fun to see.
Then, as we were waiting to board the monorail, one of the Russells came up to me, and asked if I was Katie from the Disboards!!!
Lucky!
I keep hoping someone will do that to me, but.... probably never happen.
Those costumes are great!
Jamie was really excited too, I don’t think he realised that some people actually read my Disney ramblings!
This gift shop has a lot of resort-specific merchandise such as clothing, mugs, flasks etc.
I love that kind of thing.
And the Disney accountants that you for your interest.
(Which is ironic considering the video that surfaced recently…
)
What's this video you mention?
Haven't heard of it.
And apparently you can hear music playing under the water!
Heard about that. I love that idea.
This model of Crush is HUGE!
I think maybe you’re supposed to be Nemo-sized in this section?!
Cool! I bet you're right!
Of course you did.
Yeah, okay. He's a keeper.
I’m THAT guy that gets THAT shot at the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
(Yes, I’m being serious. I actually have that picture.)
I believe you.
Jamie took that picture? And he didn't get jealous?
Impressive.
Katie. psssst..... turn around reallll slow.
There's one. Right. Behind. You!
(Unpopular opinion: I kinda like Cars.)
Why unpopular? It was a good movie.
I put together a little video, because we were singing this song from the movie the whole time we were exploring Cars!
Shoot. At work. Later.
Our next stop was Coronado Springs!
Interesting.
I've just heard too many bad things about CSR.
Too big.
Pepper Market too weird.
Too many business people.
I dunno if I'd risk staying there.
This was our first visit to Hollywood Studios this trip, and we were passing straight through!
How could you do that!?!?
Coronado Springs has about a billion bus stops.
Ok, like four.
But still.
Four. One billion. Almost the same thing. Close enough.
Coronado has a large convention center so there were a lot of business people about. We hardly saw any children throughout the entire resort!
I love seeing the kids all excited though.
It's part of what makes me smile at Disney.
I dunno, girl...
Who’s spotted the hidden Mickey in the check in area?!
I'll admit I didn't at first.
I was looking at the print
on the wall, not the light.
I lost Hymie for a minute, but I found him crouched down playing with the Star Wars toys
Just an FYI. That
never changes.
They had huge cakes and muffins, and the muffins were just $3!
Did you buy one billion of them?
The gelato looked great too.
I'll take one of everything.
Ha. Ha. Just kidding.
Make it
two.
We got a bottle of water from Pepper Market, and I had to be dragged away from smelling everyone’s food.
"Excuse me? Miss? I'm awfully hungry. Could you please remove your nose from my taco?"
An unused hammock and you passed it by?????
Even though we didn’t take a proper look around, Ranchos would probably be my least favourite option at Coronado.
But I don’t really know what I’m talking about.
Ah. Thanks for clearing that up!
Jamie said he wouldn’t want to stay here because it is so huge, and if you were placed at the back of Ranchos it’s quite a trek to the main building.
And that makes a huge difference for me.
After staying in another State while at ASMu.... nope.
I'll take close, if I can.
Or at least not stupid far.
An Animal Kingdom bus came along real quick, and Jamie mentioned how lucky we’d been with transportation today.
Yep!
But just as he said that, the bus drove straight past us as we stood out in the rain.
It was like a comedy sketch
We got off the bus and had no idea where to find an Animal Kingdom Lodge bus, so we were dashing around leaping over puddles like crazy people
Now
that would've made for a fun video!
Although those icy-cold buses aren’t the best when you’re soaking wet!
erp. No. I guess not.
Someone doesn't look all that comfortable.
AKL is my second favourite Disney resort for theming and overall appeal, just ahead of WL.
(Aulani would be first.)
The resort lobbies usually have a distinct smell, but AKL just seems to smell of food!
I'm okay with that.
We spotted a big fireplace that was calling our names.
We needed to warm up and dry off!
Good idea. Must've felt great.
I can’t believe they still do this t-shirt!!
I had this when I was a kid, only it was a plain white tee.
I
so want to photoshop the tiger with Pooh in his mouth.
The gift shop also had an African man making hand-made gifts!
Cool! I remember watching a guy carving in AK.
We couldn’t admire him for too long, because when in Africa, we had to do as the Africans do.
Lightsaber fights.
Yup. Pretty much. There's an epidemic of lightsaber duels happening in Africa right now.
Tragic, really.
Here’s the cute fire pit area
That'd be great to sit around with some friends.
Never seen it from that angle.
Beautiful!
Oh, wow! Look! Ducks!
Impressive. It's right there, but you can hardly see the fence.
Here are the children getting a better view:
Who am I trying to kid, I joined them up there
Of course you did! I would've been shocked if you hadn't!
I was very curious to see what you thought of this.
The smells coming from the buffet were making me drool (staying classy).
Maitre D' approaches: "Excuse me miss, could you please put this on?" (Hands Katie a bib.)
Ok, I’m almost embarrassed to share this meal with you.
But we’re all friends here right?
Well, I had THREE PLATES of dinner,
AND I had an additional plate of pretty much every dessert on offer.
Holy cow! Where on Earth did you put it all!!!!!
THE BOMA COMA IS REAL PEOPLE.
Jamie got the coconut elixir
Ew.
Will. Burst. Before. Quitting.
Must. Try. Every. Dessert.
Bread pudding, chocolate cake, zebra domes, Mickey cupcake and Kenyan coffee tart.
mmmmmmmmmmmm........ zeeeeeeeeeeeeeeebraaaaaaaa dommmmmmmmmmes.
The zebra domes were so tasty, they’re described as “amarula mousse dome covered with a chocolate ganache.”
described incorrectly.
Proper description: "Little spheres of heavenly awesomeness."
I’m quite a fussy eater, but I got to try some new foods without worrying.
I would say you are anything
but a fussy eater.
I took the entire family there.
Ruby, Elle and Kay only ate the mac n cheese.
On our way through the restaurant I saw a young boy who was literally passed out on the bench with his stomach out and food all over his face.
BOMA COMA IN THE WILD.
As we were calling at the Grand Floridian, we saw the Electric Water Pageant alongside us!
Nice!
Jamie and I were the only ones left on the boat after stopping at the Grand, so the captain offered to take some photos of us on our private cruise!
How nice!
That was nice of him.
Hey! You brought a sweater along!
Smart cookie.
So while Jamie was freezing in his wet t-shirt, you were basically pointing at him and laughing while I warm and toasty.
We got back to the Hawaii longhouse at around 9:30pm, and we HAD to look at what desserts were out…
OMG. No. You didn't...
Nope, I just couldn’t do it.
You know you’ve eaten too much when you pass on free brownies.
Oh, thank heavens.
I know... I
just know you would've exploded.
MORE FOOD.
What are you trying to do to me, Disney?
If you're too full to move, then you have to stay another night, right?
Would anyone believe me if I told you I actually lost weight on this trip…?!
WELL I DID.
Disney magic folks.
HOW DO YOU DO THAT????
I’ll forever associate HalloWishes with our Poly stay.
Awww....
It was difficult to get good photos of the fireworks, but it kind of added to the Halloween theme. It was more spooky I guess.
When the show ended everyone down our longhouse clapped and cheered again!
It was so great, I had a huge smile on my face.
Thanks for another fun update, Katie!
I'm a little embarrassed that I did a little happy dance on the couch. We'll be down about the same time Sept 10-20. So hoping I end up running into you two. I've really enjoyed your joy filled trip reports.
I use it on the weekends when I know I can relax. But now I need to check out those other mugs next time that are hanging. Don't remember ever seeing them!
so it could just be that.
But yes, as far as Day 1 rope drop, we're usually pretty good at it!
WHY UK WEATHER?! WHY?! 
Can't wait to read more! I love your afternoon of resort hopping- how fun!
Where will you be staying? Eeep not long now!! 
