Figaro's almost live trip report**Updated post 15 BLT lounge**

[mikki.young]

Part 1 - setting off

Tuesday 12th October (Day 1)
We set off to fly from London Gatwick to Orlando International. “We” are me (Figaro the Toy Cat) my humans Mikki and Andrew, and my two cousins Floppy cat and Travelling Beanie. I always travel in Andrew’s hand luggage but Mikki says today is special so Floppy joins me there. Andrew doesn’t need anything else for this journey.

We are travelling on Virgin Atlantic Upper Class. This starts with the lounge. Everything is lovely. First, the humans have a tasty, freshly cooked breakfast brought to them. Later, they will each have a neck and back massage. In between they read newspapers and sip Mimosas while I try out lots of chairs to have my picture taken in. It was all very relaxing – not something most people can say about airport departure lounges.

Next comes the flight itself. In Upper Class, there is only one seat on each side of the aircraft so my humans had the two at the very front so they were as close together as they could be. It was a splendid way to travel – the most important point being that neither of the humans complained afterwards about tiredness, aches or stiffness. Believe me, that is something with my humans! They both made use of the ability to turn the seat into a bed (and they both slept) but that wasn’t the feature they appreciated most (it was a daytime fight). They loved the extra legroom. They loved the big table – with food served on china plates, one course at a time. Andrew specially loved the television screen. It wasn’t just that it was larger than others – it was the many ways you could move it that meant he could position it where he could see the picture at all.

I watched one of the movies with Andrew: Toy Story 3. It was terribly sad. Andrew had to keep telling me that there was a happy ending for Buzz, Woody and friends. I’m still a little worried that this is the first time they have had a cuddly toy as a character and he turns out bad. We’re not all like that.

We travel Magical Express to Old Key West and are checked in to building 26 (very close to the Peninsular Road bus stop). We have our luggage with us and bell services offer to bring it round for us. That led to our first negative experience: they fail to bring our suitcases and do bring us someone else’s “Owner’s Locker” box.

By now it’s after 9 p.m. – after 2 a.m. UK time – so the humans decide there’s just time for a little unpacking and then for sleep. This leads to our next two negative experiences.

First, Mikki goes to switch on her bedside table lamp. It turns on OK – but the bulb is hanging loose at such a crazy angle she worries whether it is safe. They swap table lamps (Andrew doesn’t need light). If we’re passing Front Desk when not wanting to catch a bus, we’ll report this.

Next, there are new pillows on the bed. They are thick and solid. They are so thick and solid that Andrew can not lie comfortably on them. Tonight, he tries bashing them flatter. Later, he will give up and sleep on one of the cushions. By then, we are nearly ready to leave OKW for the moment. Andrew will certainly ask about alternatives when we come back.

The humans suspect a connection between the new pillows and the sales literature on the living room table for “The Disney Resort Collection”. Well, as far as Andrew is concerned, Disney can come and collect these whenever they like!

 

[florida sun]

Great start, looking forward to more

 

[suzycute]

I'm very impressed at Figaro's writing skills!
Sounds like an amazingly privileged cat to be travelling in Upper Class!!

 

[Ware Bears]

Great start, I always enjoy Figaro's reports.

 

[mikki.young]

Wednesday 13th October (Day 2)
We go to breakfast at Olivia’s. Mikki is sorry to see the Home Style Hash (formerly Ocie’s) has disappeared from the menu. She has an omelette and Andrew tries some Banana Bread French Toast. That is definitely a dish for people with far sweeter tastes than Andrew but Mikki’s omelette is good with shrimp and avocado.

We get a bus to Epcot. First stop is Guest Relations where Mikki upgrades her Annual Pass to a Premium one. She wants to visit Typhoon Lagoon but is also interested to know how much benefit she will get from the extra discounts.

Inside, we are dismayed – but not surprised – by the long lines and wait times. We look in “Art of Disney” and “Mouse Gear” by which time World Showcase has opened. We complete the circuit. Andrew buys a new sun hat in “China”. We have not tried anything from the Food and Wine Festival stands until about to leave when the humans decide it is time for a beer.

Back in the room, Mikki gets a little bit of Disney magic for her birthday celebration tomorrow: a special greeting card with a lovely picture signed by “your Pal, Mickey Mouse”.

After a rest in our room, the humans head for the Magic Kingdom, hoping to see the “Main Street Electrical Parade”. The park is busy – busier than they expected for this time of year. The line for “Haunted Mansion” stretches into the square.

They go to eat at “Columbia Harbor House”. This used to be their favourite fast food restaurant because the food was reasonable and there was usually lots of space if you took the trouble to go upstairs. Well, there’s still plenty of space upstairs. Andrew has the fish and chicken combo platter and finds both indigestible - tasting more of burnt batter than either alleged content. Given that there was a very obvious delay waiting for food from the kitchen, it was doubly surprising that it was so overcooked and dry. In most places, your compensation for waiting is a freshly cooked batch! Mikki had a new dish of fried shrimp and was pleasantly surprised.

After their disappointment at “Columbia”, the humans check the menu at “Pinocchio’s Village Haus” (I am pleased to report they did not go in without me). Now I can’t claim great enthusiasm for the Figaro Fries. They were very messy to be near. But these, too, had gone. The humans are familiar with the idea that the table service restaurants have simplified and standardised (dare I say, “dumbed down”) their offerings for the Dining Plan. Until now, they have not had such a clear feeling of the same thing happening with the fast food places.

With over an hour to go before the parade, many places to see it are already 6 deep. My humans give up, come back to Old Key West and have a beer at Gurgling Suitcase.

Tomorrow things look up

 

[SusanEllen]

I'm starting to be seriously worried that Andrew will starve on this trip. If he doesn't have a change of luck with Disney food soon this could be the most expensive reducing diet ever. Will one of you humans, please, give Figaro's back a little pat for doing such a good job of reporting? Thanks, Susan

 

[mikki.young]

Thursday 14th October (Day 3)
Mikki is celebrating her birthday today.

We start at “Chef Mickey’s” for breakfast. Mikki has very fond memories of doing the same thing 10 years ago for another “big 0” birthday. She was thrilled that it was a similar magical experience. We have a nice table with lots of space. The breakfast buffet is excellent. Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald and Goofy all come to the table for pictures with us all. Minnie Mouse seems especially pleased to see me. They bring my Mikki a little birthday cake with a candle. And when they play the birthday song Mickey Mouse comes running to give my Mikki another hug.

Next, it’s a bus direct to the Marketplace. It may be a mistake for the humans to go into Art of Disney first. They come out laden. They have postcards (some to send and some for Mikki’s collection). They have pictures. They have a small “Lennox” figure of TinkerBell. OK, they have also found two new Figaro trading pins so far.

After another afternoon rest in the room, the humans prepare for their evening meal at “Bistro de Paris”. On the way through Epcot, they are very naughty: they go to the “Character Spot” without me! I suppose Mikki wanted pictures while she was dressed up for dinner and I know I will get my chance later. The wait was just 15 minutes.

My humans really loved their meal at “Bistro de Paris” – just as they had in February. Food and Service were both impeccable. Mikki had a steak in peppercorn sauce (a favourite of hers anywhere) and Andrew had medallions of venison. Mikki decides that even the cost is quite reasonable for what you get.

Mikki observed there was one possible reason the food was so good and distinctive. Bistro de Paris does not participate in the Dining Plan.

 

[SusanEllen]

Figaro,
You're doing such an excellent job of reporting, I think Mikki and Andrew can retire and leave all the trip reports to you from now on. Please, tell them that I said they should take you on their next trip to Bistro or Chefs as I'm sure that there's bound be plenty of cream in those kitchens, the kind you especially like. Thanks for the WDW news. Susan

 

[mikki.young]

Friday15th October (Day 4)In the morning, Mikki goes to Typhoon Lagoon while I start typing this Trip Report. She enjoys being able to go in for a short time without it costing a whole days ticket. She doesn’t have to wait long for a bus to come home.

My humans have a light lunch at Olivia’s (just right). This was better than the breakfast. The overly sweet banana bread is offered here as a dessert. This may work better than as a breakfast main - but not today.

This afternoon Mikki’s friend Christine comes to visit with some goodies for us. She has also bought a surprise birthday present for Mikki from herself and Ellen (a friend who lives in New York). It is some local chocolate and 2 smart DVC coffee mugs and some Starbucks coffee. They obviously know Mikki well!

Tomorrow is moving day – so today we collect our hire car. We are given a Ford Focus. The humans can now eat off property so they go to “Outback” near the Premium Outlets (Yes, they visited the Disney Character Outlet there first).

Saturday 16th October (Day 5)It’s moving day. We check out of Old Key West, leaving luggage in storage, and set off to do some jobs before we can check in at Marriott’s Cypress Harbor. First stop is the post office as Mikki wants to get some items in the post as quickly as possible.

With my humans it’s not surprising they decided that a visit to Florida Mall would be a good idea next. They go for a walk around the mall, including sections they don’t always visit. They bought some yummy chocolates and then turned a corner and found a great hat shop with a knowledgeable owner. They soon had a great sun hat for Andrew and a funky fuschia sun hat for Mikki.

Lunch at the mall was not as pleasant as in the past, the food was still nice from Asian Chao but there are now large blaring TV screens all over and it was really noisy. They headed for the exit stopping off to buy a funny joke book and some supplies from JC Penney. They then made a tactically bad decision to go to the Bronze Lady shop which usually had great Disney ornaments. They thought they could look now and buy later but I know my humans. They came out with 3 big boxes. They decided to see if they could check in at the new hotel and drop the shopping off before collecting the luggage from OKW. Phew. They were able to or they might have struggled getting all the cases in!

So, it was back to Old Key West to collect the cases and wish everyone a fond “au revoir” for a week. Then to Publix to pick up (mostly liquid) supplies and back to unpack.

 

[mikki.young]

Sunday 17th October (Day 6)
We have “Not So Scary” tickets for tonight so the humans worked out a plan of a lazy morning and going to the Magic Kingdom in the afternoon – while they could still park free with an Annual Pass.

We don’t go straight to MK, but stop at the Polynesian and have lunch at Kona Cafe. The food is good but the server not. Fortunately we are not in a hurry and are in comfy seats. We tried the Banana chocolate crème brulee to share for dessert. It was very yummy.
Once in the MK it is nice and quiet. We explore Tomorrowland to look for possible character meets in the evening. My Mikki is a “cosmic commando” on Buzz Lightyear and they go on the newly renamed Peoplemover. Ah that brings back memories!
Then we move round to Frontierland and Mikki does Big Thunder Mountain while Andrew and I sit in the shade. Then we ride Pirates of the Caribbean. When we come out we see Goofy as a Pirate so get pictures with him. It is still an hour to the party but they are already feeling weary. Not a good sign.

As the party gets going, the park fills up: busier than during the day. It’s fun that so many people dress up. Most are more elaborate than my humans – but at least their shirts covered with glowing skulls were on a Halloween theme. Otherwise, Mikki spotted everything from pirates and princesses to a few refugees from Star Trek! As we waited for Mickey Mouse, we were surrounded by so many TinkerBells that I wondered if we were in the wrong line! It was nice to discover when we arrived in his room that Minnie was with him – but even they hadn’t got Halloween costumes on (I’m sure they have them). He was a pirate and she a princess (just as they used for the Pirate and Princess Party).

On the way out of Toontown we discovered the spot where all seven dwarfs were waiting (on the path between two lots of boarding for the redevelopment of Fantasyland). It was another long wait but rather more worthwhile for something unusual. Andrew tried to cheer up the dwarf next to him by pointing out he was taller than Andrew but the dwarf stayed Grumpy.

Mikki looked at the special party pins but didn’t buy anything (she must have been tired!). She had wanted to see the Villains Mix, but by the time she had seen the fireworks she decided we were all so tired it was time to go.

Monday 18th October (Day 7)
Monday we have a quiet start because we are due at a Marriott presentation at Grande Vista at 10.45 a.m.. Marriott is changing its system from buying a week to a points system that sounds very like Disney. The lady who invited us to the presentation gave us the impression we could convert but it turned out that – for the moment – owners at resorts in Europe can not. Generally, the system sounded interesting and I am sure my humans will watch how things are going to see if Marriott can include their resort at Disneyland Paris. Sadly, as I get ready to post this a week later, I suspect their interest in Marriott resorts may have increased a lot!

Next, the humans go shopping again. I stay at home and rest. They go to Prime outlets and of course the Disney outlet. They are pleased to find this food court does not have the huge noisy screens. A few more bits of window shopping and they come back to give me a cuddle.

 

[buzz for boys]

Wow figaro you have amazing writing skills A lovely report that has made me smile !!

 

[Chilly]

Will we be getting some photo's Figaro?

 

[mikki.young]

Chilly - my humans should get round to getting some pictures on the PC soon

Tuesday 19th October (Day 8)
We go to the Studios. I admit that Lotso is cuddly but I am not happy to have a cuddly toy as a bad guy in the movies. I have my picture taken with him anyway. He does smell of strawberries. I am less amused when the humans hold me up for pictures by the “Daycare” sign. Lucky for them I am so good natured! We also see a green army man who is nice to me.

The humans walk twice round the park looking for a snack before settling on flatbreads from Mama Melrose for lunch. They are yummy and the server, Michael, is the best they have had this trip.
Mikki is starting to get worried as nowhere seems to have the crocs she wants anymore so she drives to Downtown Disney. Here they are either too big or too small. The information desk says the only place on property with the right size is the shop at the Contemporary Resort - so Mikki has to go there. The nice valet people let us park on the forecourt while we run up to the shop. We have a slight delay as a voice calls out to Mikki – it is JohnY from Intercot. What a nice surprise. We go on to the shop and Mikki finds the shoes and buys them. We go home and have a cuddle. Prrrrrrr.


Wednesday 20th October (Day 9)
We set out early to be in Epcot for opening. I get a picture with Daisy Duck before rope drop.

First stop is Soarin. It is first stop for just about everyone else too so the line is still long but the time we get there. We just take Fast passes and head towards Mission Space. This means we have to pass the Character Spot so we go in.

The line is not as long as it often is and the “minders” do not feel the same need to hurry people along. That is nice. I get pictures with Mickey and Pluto (who is very good and refuses my Mikki’s invitation to eat me) and then we go to Minnie Mouse. Minnie is in playful mood – but it is not me she wants to play with. She doesn’t even recognise me. She puts out one hand to push Mikki away before grabbing Andrew with both arms and hugging him. Other guests in the line look on amazed as Mikki explains she has had trouble like this with Minnie Mouse before (she was quite notorious when there were breakfasts at Hollywood and Vine). Fortunately, Mikki is satisfied that Andrew was not sufficiently encouraging for him to get into real trouble!

We walk on to Mission Space (Orange Team) where I am Pilot. Mission Space is great fun but Mikki is not sure she likes more than one ride at once.

We go back to Soarin and use our fast passes. I ride in the passenger compartment but enjoy the ride as much as the humans. A couple of quick stops and then we leave and head for a look around Walmart. We also go back to Bronze Lady and Mikki gets a couple more Mickey Inspearations figurines

Then we have lunch at a new place, Logan’s Roadhouse. The food was good but the service poor with orders not done right. I’m not sure if the humans will go again. Anyway after that it was back home for more cuddles and a quiet night in.

 

[SusanEllen]

Minnie is in playful mood – but it is not me she wants to play with. She doesn’t even recognise me. She puts out one hand to push Mikki away before grabbing Andrew with both arms and hugging him. Other guests in the line look on amazed as Mikki explains she has had trouble like this with Minnie Mouse before (she was quite notorious when there were breakfasts at Hollywood and Vine). Fortunately, Mikki is satisfied that Andrew was not sufficiently encouraging for him to get into real trouble!

Figaro,
Please, tell Mikki that Minnie, precious though she may be, has from the very beginning had a reputation as a fast girl. Sorry, it's true. We know that about her and love her anyway, but it's probably a good idea if Mikki positions herself between Minnie and Andrew next time--you know, in a subtle way.

 

[mikki.young]

Thursday 21st October (Day 10)
Up early and to Disney’s Animal Kingdom for breakfast at Tusker House. Yes, Neil is working and serves us. He calculates that it must be about 17 years since he first met us. The food is as good as ever and I get pictures with Donald Duck outside and Mickey, Daisy and Goofy at the table.

We don’t try any rides but Mikki has to go into Art of Disney where she finally buys a “Mickey self-portrait” figurine she has been admiring for years. Looks like the 20% discount is working.

After a rest in our room, we go to Premium Outlets. The reason is so Mikki can pick up a guide map. Her sister has said she wants a half day at the shops so Mikki wants some guide maps to offer her a choice. However, we can’t visit without going into Disney Character Premier. They must have some new stock since we were last here. Mikki finds several things to buy.

We drive to Smokey Bones for an early evening meal. The humans have eaten here before but the last time was several years ago. They only want a light meal but come away very pleased. They have a specially pleasant surprise as they are leaving and are greeted by one of the Bell Services cast from Old Key West (who is going in for her meal).

Friday 22nd October (Day 11)The family arrive tomorrow and we have to move: two good reasons to have a relaxing day today. We get up late (extra cuddles) and set off for our appointment at Bay lake Tower for a DVC presentation.

We are a little early so pop into Community Hall. They have some really cute things there, including a chance to colour your own button ($1 a time). You get a little paper disk of a character, colour it to your satisfaction, and then get the cast member to make it into a button. Mikki decides to do one of Tinker Bell. It’s a bit disappointing they don’t have one of Figaro but I suppose there wouldn’t be much t colour in once Disney has done the black and white.

The presentation is in the Top of the World Lounge. They have nice sandwiches, cakes and coffee. Mikki has had the cheesecake recommended. She doesn’t normally like cheesecake but this one disappears quickly.

The presentation is done as a quiz. Instead of asking the audience to answer the questions, members of the audience are asked to pick one of a selected “panel of experts” to answer and then say if they agree. One of the “experts” was someone from the family who had been DVC members longest. Yes, that was my Mikki. I won’t say how well Mikki did but I can say some of the questions were very difficult. The audience seemed to get lots of prizes whatever answer was given. Sadly, the panel did the most work and seemed to get nothing at the end.

The presentation was all about getting the owners to buy more points and the presenters focused on the benefits of the new locations – BLT itself and Hawaii. Andrew commented that location is fine for an occasional visit but if you want people to add on significant numbers of points then they are going to stay longer and what is inside the unit moves up the priority list. The other family at our table – also owners at OKW – agree. Sadly, these words will come to haunt Andrew after we move to the refurbished unit at OKW!

After the presentation in the lounge, we had a tour of the “model rooms”: a one bedroom home and connected studio. I think the one bedroom was directly below the one we had in January (15 floors lower) but it was our first look inside a studio. I got some photos. Most comments were about the “Bathroom without a basin”: the wash basin is in the kitchen. Another guest told us he had been told DVC are moving the wall so the basin will be in the bathroom but nobody from DVC told us that.

As we leave, each of the humans get cards good for three “magic fastpasses”. Anytime in the next 4 days (that is up to Monday) they can collect a fastpass for the current time for any ride where fastpass is working. This is subject to a total of 3 fastpasses per card.

Next, it’s off to Epcot to meet John, Gary and Mel from Intercot. We are late but our DVC presentation was a fixed appointment. We meet them at the entrance to World Showcase. Once we split up, we use 4 of the humans’ magic fastpasses on Test Track and Soarin. These are both great rides but I am glad Mikki holds me nice and safe.

We leave the park and go to Outback so the humans can have an early supper before packing to move tomorrow. We arrive before 6 p.m. and it is quiet – but it is already getting busier by the time we leave.

 

[SusanEllen]

Magic Fastpass--that was a nice a treat.