Ferb, I know What We're Going to Do Today! - Updated 9/30

[All7OfUs]

Yes, I think you DEFINITELY need that solo trip! I know you will love it; you already have so many fun ideas that you want to see/do/ experience!

 

[praisehisname]

I don't like the ominous tone of how the last installment ended!

 

[TarzansKat]

Not commenting as much, but just wanted to let you know that I am still here and reading along.

I'm really loving the holiday themes at the different resorts, thank you for taking so many photos of that.

 

[If U Had Wings]

Yes, I think you DEFINITELY need that solo trip! I know you will love it; you already have so many fun ideas that you want to see/do/ experience!

I will do it one of these days. I just want the chance to soak up the atmosphere on my own time.

I don't like the ominous tone of how the last installment ended!

It was a bad night. I don't think I've ever been so grouchy while at Disney.

Not commenting as much, but just wanted to let you know that I am still here and reading along.

I'm really loving the holiday themes at the different resorts, thank you for taking so many photos of that.

Glad to have you pop in. I loved all the holiday decorations at the resorts. Checking them out is one of the few things on my to-do list that I actually did.

 

[If U Had Wings]

Your probably thinking that this day really isn't sounding too bad yet. A little rain, some changed plans, nothing too bad right? It wasn't up until that point. Sure the rain had made me a bit grouchy because my plans were shot, but an afternoon at DTD wasn't too bad of a trade off. Unfortunately that's when things took a bit of a turn.

We made it back to our room so we could get changed for MVMCP. The temperatures were really dropping, and I wanted to be sure I was wearing some warm jeans for the night out in the park. I had also brought along a holiday t-shirt for the occasion. We were out the door at about 4:15 or so for our 5:20 ADR at Ohana. We were half way down the walkway to the bus stop at the Boardwalk when we noticed that a MK bus had just showed up. I was all for running down to catch the bus, but my friend didn't want to run so we just took our time and missed that bus.

In the words of Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman -

Big Mistake. Huge.

I didn't even get to go shopping afterwards.

If you've never stayed at the Boardwalk, the bus stop there is pretty small. Since they don't offer bus service to either Epcot or DHS there is only one small covered area. We sat down and watched about 4 buses show up heading to DTD, and another 3 or 4 show up heading to the AK.

No buses for the MK.

In the mean time the area is becoming more and more crowded. It seemed like there everyone was heading to the MK for the Christmas party and where getting more and more cranky that no buses were coming. We spent some time chatting with a group who had just arrived in Orlando from Minnesota. An hour passed by and still no bus. A CM had come by at one point and called for a bus, but it didn't seem to be helping any. It was now 5:20 and we were officially late for our dinner ADR. I was getting more and more irritated and cranky as the minutes were dragging by. It was now wall to wall people in the small bus area, groaning in unison everytime a bus going somewhere else showed up.

I probably should have just went and called a cab earlier, but in the back of my brain I was afraid that as soon as we ventured away from the bus stop the bus would show up. I had just given myself a 5 minute deadline to call a cab when a MK bus showed up.

Two seconds later all pandemonium broke out. It was at that moment that I realized how nice those line corrals are at the value resorts. The doors of the bus opened to find a solidly packed bus. I think only about 10 people got off. My friend and I were standing pretty close to where the door had opened, and as we had been waiting there longer than anyone else I was determined to get on the bus. As the bus first let off a wheelchair guest, I watched a couple hop on the bus through the back door while the rest of us were waiting to board the bus properly. The woman hadn't been waiting all that long, but was complaining loudly that she was going to miss her ADR at the GF and didn't care. One of the men we had been chatting with pointed out a large group of about 20 people that had just arrived, but were pushing through everyone determined to get on the bus first. When the door opened up to board the bus he stepped over to block the group long enough for us to hop on without being trampled.

We squished onto the bus, and I got stuck standing near where the *****y lady who had hopped on the back of the bus had planted herself, still going on about how she was entitled to get on because she was going to miss her ADR. The guy we had made friends with wanted to step on her toes, and tempting though it was we all held back from injuring her. I don't know how many people got on the bus, but the depot was still packed as we pulled away. The people already on the bus told us that the bus had gotten lost driving back to the Epcot resorts. They had been nearly back to the resorts when the bus somehow looped around and headed back to the MK. They had been on the bus for nearly an hour taking the scenic tour of Disney property. There was more ugliness as we stopped at the Yacht/Beach Club and the Swolfin to find equally packed bus stops and equally cranky people. Finally we were on our way.

We finally arrived at the Magic Kingdom, and made yet our second mistake of the night. We probably should have just skipped heading over to Ohanas and just headed to the party, but we both really wanted to eat there so we decided to just go to the Poly and see if they could fit us in. We headed over to the monorail station to find a resort monorail just pulling in. Our relief of catching a monorail right away soon slipped away when it became apparent that we weren't moving anywhere. A message came on over the intercom telling us that they were pulling a new monorail into service so we would be delayed until it was operating.

Ugh!!!! About now is when I wanted to just start crying and go home and curl up into a little ball. I really didn't care anymore at this point. We were already an hour and a half late for our ADR thanks to a bus driver who didn't know where he was going and now we were delayed again on the monorail. I stood there watching out the window at the large clocks on the wall counting down the minutes that the two monorails were sitting motionless on the platform. I think that when it hit 15 I may have whimpered a bit. My friend was trying to make some conversation with me, but at moment I wasn't feeling any Disney magic at all.

The monorail started moving again, and we finally made it over to the Poly at, according to my Facebook post, 6:10. Two hours after leaving our room at the Boardwalk we had made it to the Poly.

STRIKE 3

I felt like I was on the verge of losing what little grip I had on things at this point. Everything that had been building up over this trip seemed to be just about hitting a crescendo. At the Ohana check in desk I explained to the CM what had happened, and asked if there was anyway she could possibly fit us in. I don't know if she could tell that I was just fried or what, but she assured me she's get us in as soon as possible.

We've already hit 3 strikes for the day, there couldn't possibly be anymore waiting for us could there be?

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

I'm highly saddened by the fact there are no Earl of Sandwich's near me. I think Logan Airport in Boston is the closest place.

There's an EOS at LOGAN?!?!

OMG

There IS one at Logan! In Terminal E. I'm still trying to figure out if you have to go through security to access it. Because if not, this is totally doable for lunch.

 

[If U Had Wings]

There's an EOS at LOGAN?!?!

OMG

There IS one at Logan! In Terminal E. I'm still trying to figure out if you have to go through security to access it. Because if not, this is totally doable for lunch.

How cool is that??? I don't know how I managed to miss out on trying one for so long. I seriously crave that sandwich!

 

[TarzansKat]

Ouch.

And let me tell you, we've all had Disney days like that, but they still s-u-c-k.

Big

 

[aprilisis]

What an awful day! I can't wait to hear how it ends.

 

[MRYPPNS]

Oh I know how your night got worse....they sat you at a table right next to the wal-mart version of the Hawaiian entertainment that you and I love so much.....NOT.

After reading that story I just increased my taxi money stash. I swear to god it's so worth $20 to take a taxi from resort to resort when you have to been something at a certain time.

And I'm all for having cues at ALL the bus stops. They could theme them for the Deluxes and Mods. Little aside: most Americans don't realize that lining up and waiting your turn is a cultural thing and some countries don't have that in their cultural. Remember Liesa's DH trying to get circus tickets in Blank-a-stan?

 

[miprender]

OMG...that just reinforces us on renting a car each time. With the 3 kids, two strollers and the other crap we have to lug around, there is no way I would be able to put up with people shoving there way on the bus.

Why is that the mods/deluxes don't have lines? When we stayed at POFQ last year on our last day we needed to take the bus and I think a orderly line makes things better and I was suprised there wasn't anything.

 

[micandminforever]

Sorry about all the problems getting to 'Ohana, that's what make a do over necessary and you already have one lined up. I agree all resorts should have a line up spot. They put them in the parks why not the resorts.

 

[If U Had Wings]

Ouch.

And let me tell you, we've all had Disney days like that, but they still s-u-c-k.

Big

I was getting really irritated with myself for not just going and calling a taxi earlier. I just hated the feeling of helplessness. It would have made me feel much better if someone from Disney would have just told us what in the world was going on.

What an awful day! I can't wait to hear how it ends.

Oh, there is still more to come. I like to think of it as the topping on the night.

Oh I know how your night got worse....they sat you at a table right next to the wal-mart version of the Hawaiian entertainment that you and I love so much.....NOT.

Ha, ha! She was there that night. It should tell you something that she barely dented my mood. I love that term wal-mart Hawaiian entertainment. I always just want to shake that woman and make her talk in a normal voice. It's so phony!! The Don Ho Tiny Bubbles guy really is better. Not by huge amounts, but better.

After reading that story I just increased my taxi money stash. I swear to god it's so worth $20 to take a taxi from resort to resort when you have to been something at a certain time.

And I'm all for having cues at ALL the bus stops. They could theme them for the Deluxes and Mods. Little aside: most Americans don't realize that lining up and waiting your turn is a cultural thing and some countries don't have that in their cultural. Remember Liesa's DH trying to get circus tickets in Blank-a-stan?

I'm definitely building a budget in for that my next trip. It was just awful. I still can't believe it took my 2 hours to get to the Poly.

I don't think I've ever seen such a mob scene at one of the bus stops at the resorts before. Some of those people were going to get on that bus no matter who they trampled to do it. Sadly it was mostly the people who had arrived the latest.

The GF woman was really grating on my nerves. I don't care that your eating at the GF. Everyone waiting was going somewhere, your no different. Hoping on the back of the bus just rubbed me the wrong way.

OMG...that just reinforces us on renting a car each time. With the 3 kids, two strollers and the other crap we have to lug around, there is no way I would be able to put up with people shoving there way on the bus.

Why is that the mods/deluxes don't have lines? When we stayed at POFQ last year on our last day we needed to take the bus and I think a orderly line makes things better and I was suprised there wasn't anything.

With 3 kids, strollers and other carp, I'd definitely recommend a rental. At the end of the night you'll be glad you did. I always feel so bad for some of the families you see waiting in the queues at the end of the night. The kids are all sleeping and you have to fold the strollers up on the buses. I'm usually barely functioning at the end of a day in the parks. Poor kids!

I've never seen a crowd like that night at a resort. I'm used to staying at POFQ and there was never more than a handful of people getting on at one time at the hotel. (End of the night is a different story at the parks). I would guess that there had to be at least 30 to 50 people waiting to get to the MK by the time the bus showed up. Because of the Christmas party that's where everyone was going. An orderly line would have been wonderful that night.

 

[All7OfUs]

After reading that story I just increased my taxi money stash.

Little aside: most Americans don't realize that lining up and waiting your turn is a cultural thing and some countries don't have that in their cultural. Remember Liesa's DH trying to get circus tickets in Blank-a-stan?

Me TOO!!! I wonder what a good hard stop time would be?? 30 minutes?? I guess it depends on what you're going to be late for??

It's so true! So many cultures enjoy the push and shove method- I guess?

 

[Charleston Princess]

Ugh, I don't blame you for being a basket case by the time you reached Ohana's! I can't believe it took two hours to reach your ADR from leaving your room!

I am also kind of surprised that the bus driver went ahead to the other two resorts even though the bus was already packed. I have been on buses many times before that once they are full they head to the park. Clearly the guy was relatively new.

Poor Crissy! I hope things don't unravel too much more!

 

[skier_pete]

Wow! That is pretty horrendous! I am quite surprised that the bus situation got that bad.

But, this past trip, we went from DHS to Typhoon Lagoon, via the boat to the Swan and Dolphin, and then the bus. I was blown away that at these deluxes resorts you have to share buses with 5 (!!!!) different hotels. Our DTD / TL bus went from the Swan / Dolphin / Beach Club / Yacht Club / Boardwalk. It honestly took the bus 20 minutes to get from the first hotel to the last. This was by far the longest bus ride of our entire trip. Meanwhile, staying at Pop Century, we never were on the bus longer than 20 minutes at any point, because they don't share buses. You would think for paying 5 to 10 times more, that the transportation service at these hotels would be better not worse!

Personally, I want nothing to do with a rental car. I love having Disney drive me around...but I would've been pissed! I wouldn't let it ruin my day (or at least I'd try not to) but at the END of the day, Disney would have heard about it from me!

SkierPete

 

[Lady Lallie]

I was horribly, HORRIBLY behind. I just caught up though and I read every single post.

I even took notes.

#1. Love your picture with Ariel. How cute are you with her? I still haven't met her. Sniff.

#2. Brown Derby = Isn't that cobb salad so delicious?

#3. Your time at the spa sounds heavenly. I want to go there someday. And that picture of your feet in the hammock is too cute.

#4. Boardwalk looks great. It's the deluxe that I most want to stay at. It is very pretty and there is something about the decor that I just like.

#5. Thank you for taking light fixture pictures on Tower of Terror. I don't know if I will ever ride it but now at least I have seen the lights.

#6. I don't even want to know what else is coming up on your bad day!

 

[praisehisname]

What an awful mess at the bus stop!

I was feeling your anxiety as you sat on the monorail; I would have been so stressed about missing out on the party!

 

[If U Had Wings]

Me TOO!!! I wonder what a good hard stop time would be?? 30 minutes?? I guess it depends on what you're going to be late for??

Had I been smart I would have left after 30 minutes. The problem was once it got that late, I was convinced that the next bus was right around the corner. It wasn't, but in my mind it was.

It's so true! So many cultures enjoy the push and shove method- I guess?

It was just crazy. I was afraid for the small kids in the crowd.

Ugh, I don't blame you for being a basket case by the time you reached Ohana's! I can't believe it took two hours to reach your ADR from leaving your room!

At the begining of the week I may have been able to deal with it better. When I only had one more day left, it was way too much. In a horrified way, part of me was fascinated with how long it was taking.

I am also kind of surprised that the bus driver went ahead to the other two resorts even though the bus was already packed. I have been on buses many times before that once they are full they head to the park. Clearly the guy was relatively new.

Poor Crissy! I hope things don't unravel too much more!

They had to keep going to the other resorts to let off the people who had been stuck looping around the Disney property. The couple who told us the driver had been lost said they had been on the bus for nearly an hour. Those poor people wanted off.

Wow! That is pretty horrendous! I am quite surprised that the bus situation got that bad.

But, this past trip, we went from DHS to Typhoon Lagoon, via the boat to the Swan and Dolphin, and then the bus. I was blown away that at these deluxes resorts you have to share buses with 5 (!!!!) different hotels. Our DTD / TL bus went from the Swan / Dolphin / Beach Club / Yacht Club / Boardwalk. It honestly took the bus 20 minutes to get from the first hotel to the last. This was by far the longest bus ride of our entire trip. Meanwhile, staying at Pop Century, we never were on the bus longer than 20 minutes at any point, because they don't share buses. You would think for paying 5 to 10 times more, that the transportation service at these hotels would be better not worse!

I had been a bit afraid of the shared buses, but honestly other than this one night we never had any problems. For us I think it helped that the Boardwalk was the first stop. No waits were ever as awful as the bus rides earlier in the week from Sports, and they were running separate buses to all the All Stars.

Personally, I want nothing to do with a rental car. I love having Disney drive me around...but I would've been pissed! I wouldn't let it ruin my day (or at least I'd try not to) but at the END of the day, Disney would have heard about it from me!

SkierPete

I was actually contemplating a rental for my next trip, but think I'm going to pass. Not because of Disney, but because of Universal. Since I'd have to pay for parking too I just don't think it will be worth it in the end.

I was horribly, HORRIBLY behind. I just caught up though and I read every single post.

Welcome back!

#1. Love your picture with Ariel. How cute are you with her? I still haven't met her. Sniff.

She was one of my favorites from breakfast. I thought she made the perfect Ariel.

#2. Brown Derby = Isn't that cobb salad so delicious?

I'm already planning on having it in October. My plan for that trip came down to Boma or the Derby. Cobb salad won out.

#3. Your time at the spa sounds heavenly. I want to go there someday. And that picture of your feet in the hammock is too cute.

It was wonderful. I only wish I had been able to do some other treatments, but it's just too crazy expensive. I almost talked myself out of the massage, but in the end I think it was worth every penny.

#4. Boardwalk looks great. It's the deluxe that I most want to stay at. It is very pretty and there is something about the decor that I just like.

It was my dream resort, and it lived up to all my expectations. I think if I was with kids it would be my first choice, but for an adults trip it was perfect. I loved having Jellyrolls so close, and the boat service to 2 parks couldn't be beat.

#5. Thank you for taking light fixture pictures on Tower of Terror. I don't know if I will ever ride it but now at least I have seen the lights.

I thought of you talking that. I think I have a few more that may be making a later appearance. I adore the themeing of Tower.

What an awful mess at the bus stop!

I was feeling your anxiety as you sat on the monorail; I would have been so stressed about missing out on the party!

That's exactly what I was starting to think about now. I was still holding out hope that we'd be able to make it to the party somewhere near 7ish.

It's amazing how long it can take for 15 minutes to pass by. I was there just watching the digital clock near the monorail exit just ticking of minute by minute. If I wasn't so annoyed by this point it would have been almost comical what was going on.

 

[MRYPPNS]

I was actually contemplating a rental for my next trip, but think I'm going to pass. Not because of Disney, but because of Universal. Since I'd have to pay for parking too I just don't think it will be worth it in the end.

A $100 taxi budget should do it.....must less then renting a car. But your gonna to need to discuss this when your friend ahead of time....I see her getting cheap on you and not wanting to take a taxi and split the fare.