IluvKingLouis
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 18, 2004
- Messages
- 1,658
Saturday, Jan. 20th
For Glen and I, this will be our ninth trip to WDW, and the fourth trip for Linnea. It will be our first time staying on Disney property and we are very excited to see how this will differ from our previous stays.
We took the Magical Express from the airport to our first hotel, All Star Music. We will be here for three nights then we will switch to Caribbean Beach Resort for our last four nights. The shuttle service takes care of your bags making the trip in a breeze. We are booked into the Broadway building and really like the theming. We have one of the newly renovated rooms and its very nice. The beds are super comfortable. The room is small but certainly adequate. There is a faux street (Broadway imagine that) outside our room, which is nice as we dont have any courtyard noise or pool noise. Good location and about a 5 minute walk to the main building.
Its about 6pm and since well be buying annual passes we decide to go into a park this evening. We decide on Epcot since I had added the Disney Dining Experience and I needed to pick up a temporary card at Epcots customer service (this is different from the Disney Dining plan and allows you to get a 20% discount at the sit-downs and certain counter services).
As were waiting for an Epcot bus (we just missed one) an MGM bus pulls up. There is signage at the stop stating MGM is an extra magic hours park. We decide to go to MGM, but once we board the driver tells us that the sign is from this morning and MGM will be closing at 7pm. We decide we can take the boat from MGM over to Epcot and can buy our APs at MGM while waiting for the boat. That worked out well.
We took the boat to the Swan/Dolphin stop and walked through the Boardwalk and to Epcots International Gateway. Once at Epcot (we were starved) we decided to eat at the counter service in Mexico (weve never eaten here before). Ok, I will probably never do this again. We had nachos (served with the gloopey cheese sauce) and dd4 had a quesadilla. I guess I remember the days when Disney dining was always good, but this was very Taco Bell at best. Now we know where not to go. While I went to the front of the park to get our Disney Dining Experience (DDE) card, dd4 and dh went on the Norway boat ride (usually a walk on). We met back in Norway and watched the fireworks. The show is amazing. Its over the lake and utilizes water, fire and lighting effects as well as the fireworks. This is the first time dd4 stayed up for this. I was hoping the noise wouldnt be too loud for her. She loved it and didnt mind the noise one bit.
It was then back to the hotel.
Sunday, Jan. 21th
We had breakfast at the ASMu food court. Linnea and I had oatmeal and dh had a breakfast platter. Our breakfasts came to about $10.00 with the 20% discount.
Today we head into Magic Kingdom as its supposed to be a low attendance day. The crowds were very light. The first thing Linnea wanted to do was the Haunted Mansion. She hasnt been on this one before (except for when she was nine months old and slept through it). She loved Halloween this last year and was totally into creepy things. We had told her about the ride and she seemed very anxious to go on it. She was very nervous in the stretch room. But once on the ride she really enjoyed it. She loved the ballroom/birthday party which we had talked about before our trip. Once in the attic I saw her jump when the first ghost jumped out at us. So I made a game of it and each time a ghost popped out from a hiding place I would say, Silly ghost, go back down while pushing them back down with my outstretched arm, and of course the ghosts obeyed. The only part of the ride that really bothered her was when the doom buggy went downhill backwards. Other then that, she was completely ok with the ride.
Next we went on Pirates which she also loved. When we were in the room with the ship shooting cannon balls she did ask us if it was real. We reassured her that just about everything at Disney is pretend and she was ok. She loved seeing Jack Sparrow on the ride. The effects are just amazing. I loved the Davey Jones waterfall! That effect is just so cool. We went on Pirates two more times!
Then it was off to Fantasyland. The crowds were light and we never waited for more then 5-10 minutes. We did Teacups, Winnie the Pooh, and Small World (2xs). We ate lunch at Cosmic Rays (I had the veggie wrap --- very good), and then it was back to the hotel to rest up for the extra magic hours at MK (yes the park would be open from 9-midnight for resort guests).
We went for a little swim while back at the All Stars Music. Then we tried to go back to our rooms for naps. Well, dh was the only one who managed a nap. Dd had no interest in napping (she normally is not a napper). We had dinner at the All Star food court and got the 20% DDE discount (since there is no sit down, counter service qualifies), then it was back to MK.
If for no other reason, I will want to stay on Disney property again for the extra magic hours (the evening EMH). It was so awesome having the park so empty for three hours. We went on most of the Fantasyland rides, and again on Pirates. While walking over to Pirates we notice Aladdin riding on the magic carpets with a family. Wow! I have never seen a character on a ride before. The fact that he was riding with a family was really wonderful to see. What a magical moment that must have been for that family!
Next, I head over to Space Mountain, which had about a 15 minute line. When I met up with dh and dd, she was fast asleep. It was not quite 11pm, but we decided to head back to the hotel.
Monday, Jan. 22th
Breakfast again was at the food court. We headed into MGM today since we had lunch reservations at Prime Time Café. We saw Beauty and the Beast stage show .always very good but they didnt have the opening act (4 for a Dollar?) which is almost as good as the show itself. We did the Movie Ride. Several months ago we rented Wizard of Oz so Linnea would enjoy that portion of the ride. She really enjoyed it and had no problem with the scary stuff. She is such a trooper. Pirates really scared me when I was her age.
It was our first ever meal at the Prime Time Café. I loved the interaction. The menu is rather ordinary. I had a vegetarian dish; a pepper stuffed with grains and ratatouille. The deserts were good. Glen had some kind of huge brownie Sundae. The dessert that came with the childrens meal was very cute. Although it was just ice cream, it came with little candy decorations and syrups served on the side in little cups so that the kids could decorate their own dessert. The 20% off was applied to this meal. I think MGM is probably one of the worst parks to eat in. The counter service is very mediocre and the sit downs are average as well. We went to Brown Derby on our last trip, and thats probably your best bet if you are looking for something a little more upscale and can make ressies.
Oddly, Linnea did not want to go on the Muppets movie (something shes loved in the past). I went on Star Tours; one of my favorites. The family behind me was taking on a 4 and 5 year old who ended up loving the ride. Upon leaving the ride the four year old looked upset, when I asked her mom if she was ok she replied, Oh yes, she was just upset that it was over so quickly. I wish I had tried to talk Linnea into going but I had just assumed it would be a little too rough for her. Next time I will definitely ask Linnea to join me.
It was back to the hotel to rest. We had tickets to the Pirates and Princess Party at the Magic Kingdom this evening. Once again, Linnea didnt nap. Dh did, and I may have nodded off for 20 minutes. We had dinner at the ASMu. I had the veggie burger .possibly the best veggie burger I have had on Disney property. Later this trip I had one at Cosmic Rays and it was not nearly as good. Im always a little surprised at how virtually the same food can vary so much from place to place.
We arrived at MK around 7:00 (party began at 7:30). We got our wristbands and Treasure maps. They were lighting up Main Street with Pirate and Castle themed lights. It was very cool. The crowds were almost non existent. I loved how so many people (including adults) were dressed up. We waited in a few of the Treasure lines. Im not sure if Id do that again. The treasures were milk chocolates and Mardi Gras beads. In my opinion, simply not worth it when all the rides are walk on and the character meet and greets involve A LOT more interaction then is normally the case. I guess were not big on milk chocolate (now dark chocolate is a different story), and the lines seemed like a poor use of time.
Linnea met Cinderlla, her Prince, Sleeping Beauty and Belle in Toontown. They spent a lot of time visiting with Linnea. She was thrilled about meeting a Prince.
We lucked into a character meet and greet line for Jack Sparrow. We later learned that Jack Sparrow is not available during normal park hours because hed be so sought after. We waited about an hour to meet him (this was unusual). I was really wondering if this would be worth the wait. I was blown away. This guy could have been Johnny Depp. His mannerisms, accent, diction, everything was spot on. Linnea had fallen asleep while waiting to see him. He was so sweet and gentle trying to wake her. Come on Princess, say hello to Jack Sparrow. She was so sleepy but she did manage a smile. We apologized for our camera being slow (the flash takes longer then most to kick in). Us, sorry, we have a slow camera. Jack Sparrow, Thats awright, Im a slow Pirate. It was the highlight of my evening.
The night had been a bit rainy and cold but we had a great time. It was the first time we participated in an after hours party. If I knew the crowds would always be this light, Id be sure to do it again. I would probably pass on the lines for the treats/treasures, but the small crowds and extra interaction with the characters made it well worth the price of admission.
Tuesday, Jan. 23rd
Today we would be moving to the Caribbean Beach Resort. We were looking forward to changing hotels during our stay so we could experience something different. I had heard it was effortless. After dinner last night, I went to check in just to make sure I understood the process and had left them with the information they needed. We were to leave our luggage in our room by the window, and it would arrive in our new room later that afternoon.
We headed into Magic Kingdom today. I was on a mission to find Jack Sparrow. I asked at Guest Services if hed be making an appearance. I really wanted Linnea to meet him when she wasnt half asleep. Well, it turns out he is not available for meet and greets, but he would be appearing outside Pirates of the Caribbean and doing a Pirate Tutorial. This was not on the events list at all. So it definitely pays to ask! We made it a point to be there for his 11:20 arrival. Amazing. Its the same Jack from the night before. He is absolutely unbelievable. We enjoy the show so much so that we catch it two more times during this trip.
Again the lines were light. We did all the Fantasyland rides. Linnea enjoyed all of them, including Snow Whites Scary Adventures. She had no problem at all with the witch. We ate at Tonys for the first time (we got ressies that morning when I asked about Jack Sparrow). It had a very nice atmosphere and the food was pretty good. I hate to sound like a complainer, but I think a lot of the sit downs have become very average possibly due to the dining plan and maybe in an effort to push people towards the high end restaurants. It seems like several years ago we found the sit downs to be of higher quality.
We go back to the hotel and are surprised to find our luggage isnt there yet. We call bell service and are reassured theyll be delivered later.
We head to Epcot and get fast passes for Soarin. I explain to Linnea that like most things in Disney, its all pretend. We really wont be high up in the air, and when it feels like were going fast that is pretend too. We go on Living with the Land a few times (this turns out to be one of her favorites) and then have dinner at the food court. Glen has an amazing panini Italian sandwich that was huge! Linnea and I ate from the Chinese food station (it was ok). They had some very nice broccoli and how often can you find nice looking veggies when youre on vacation and from a food court?
I have been on Soarin once before and loved it. Glen is a little sensitive to motion rides but thought hed give it a try. Both Glen and Linnea loved it. No one had any problems with the ride. Oh, cute story. While waiting in the fast pass line I heard a family asking their young child if he was afraid of heights (he must have been 3 or 4). He replied, Im not afraid of heights but my eyes are. How precious is that?!
We went on Imagination, then on Test Track. Linnea decides that shes not too crazy about the loops at the end but liked the rest of the ride. She declines to go on it for the rest of the trip but once home has decided its a must do for our next trip.
Were now tired and worn out, its late and were back in our room. Guess what? No luggage. I call bell services and they seem not to know whats going on theyll call me back. They do so shortly and explain theyre looking for my luggage and will call me as soon as they find it. At about 10:30 pm I call back and ask if we can get toothpaste and tooth brushes delivered and are assured theyll be coming momentarily. After 11 I call and ask to speak to the manager. Im starting to panic a bit. He asks what he can do to make our evening more comfortable. I ask if we could possibly get some nightshirts, and he is more then happy to agree. Then rather awkwardly (Im a little tired and upset), I blurt out that tomorrow is dd4s fourth birthday and we had reservations for a Princess lunch in Norway and her Cinderella dress was in our luggage. Its something she has been looking forward to for the last 6 months. DD (almost) 4 is fast asleep so is completely unaware of our little crisis. At first the manager states that because it is All Star Musics mix up theyd need to take care of the dress. Then he paused and said, This is your daughters birthday and we are going to make it right. What do you need? He asked if we needed shoes (no, we didnt), a crown (nope). We just need a dress. He assured us hed get one to us if our luggage wasnt found. Well thankfully it arrived shortly after midnight, and although I was sweatin bullets I was very pleased with Disney customer service.
Im still working on the next 3 ½ days and hope to have them posted soon!
Thanks for reading!
For Glen and I, this will be our ninth trip to WDW, and the fourth trip for Linnea. It will be our first time staying on Disney property and we are very excited to see how this will differ from our previous stays.
We took the Magical Express from the airport to our first hotel, All Star Music. We will be here for three nights then we will switch to Caribbean Beach Resort for our last four nights. The shuttle service takes care of your bags making the trip in a breeze. We are booked into the Broadway building and really like the theming. We have one of the newly renovated rooms and its very nice. The beds are super comfortable. The room is small but certainly adequate. There is a faux street (Broadway imagine that) outside our room, which is nice as we dont have any courtyard noise or pool noise. Good location and about a 5 minute walk to the main building.
Its about 6pm and since well be buying annual passes we decide to go into a park this evening. We decide on Epcot since I had added the Disney Dining Experience and I needed to pick up a temporary card at Epcots customer service (this is different from the Disney Dining plan and allows you to get a 20% discount at the sit-downs and certain counter services).
As were waiting for an Epcot bus (we just missed one) an MGM bus pulls up. There is signage at the stop stating MGM is an extra magic hours park. We decide to go to MGM, but once we board the driver tells us that the sign is from this morning and MGM will be closing at 7pm. We decide we can take the boat from MGM over to Epcot and can buy our APs at MGM while waiting for the boat. That worked out well.
We took the boat to the Swan/Dolphin stop and walked through the Boardwalk and to Epcots International Gateway. Once at Epcot (we were starved) we decided to eat at the counter service in Mexico (weve never eaten here before). Ok, I will probably never do this again. We had nachos (served with the gloopey cheese sauce) and dd4 had a quesadilla. I guess I remember the days when Disney dining was always good, but this was very Taco Bell at best. Now we know where not to go. While I went to the front of the park to get our Disney Dining Experience (DDE) card, dd4 and dh went on the Norway boat ride (usually a walk on). We met back in Norway and watched the fireworks. The show is amazing. Its over the lake and utilizes water, fire and lighting effects as well as the fireworks. This is the first time dd4 stayed up for this. I was hoping the noise wouldnt be too loud for her. She loved it and didnt mind the noise one bit.
It was then back to the hotel.
Sunday, Jan. 21th
We had breakfast at the ASMu food court. Linnea and I had oatmeal and dh had a breakfast platter. Our breakfasts came to about $10.00 with the 20% discount.
Today we head into Magic Kingdom as its supposed to be a low attendance day. The crowds were very light. The first thing Linnea wanted to do was the Haunted Mansion. She hasnt been on this one before (except for when she was nine months old and slept through it). She loved Halloween this last year and was totally into creepy things. We had told her about the ride and she seemed very anxious to go on it. She was very nervous in the stretch room. But once on the ride she really enjoyed it. She loved the ballroom/birthday party which we had talked about before our trip. Once in the attic I saw her jump when the first ghost jumped out at us. So I made a game of it and each time a ghost popped out from a hiding place I would say, Silly ghost, go back down while pushing them back down with my outstretched arm, and of course the ghosts obeyed. The only part of the ride that really bothered her was when the doom buggy went downhill backwards. Other then that, she was completely ok with the ride.
Next we went on Pirates which she also loved. When we were in the room with the ship shooting cannon balls she did ask us if it was real. We reassured her that just about everything at Disney is pretend and she was ok. She loved seeing Jack Sparrow on the ride. The effects are just amazing. I loved the Davey Jones waterfall! That effect is just so cool. We went on Pirates two more times!
Then it was off to Fantasyland. The crowds were light and we never waited for more then 5-10 minutes. We did Teacups, Winnie the Pooh, and Small World (2xs). We ate lunch at Cosmic Rays (I had the veggie wrap --- very good), and then it was back to the hotel to rest up for the extra magic hours at MK (yes the park would be open from 9-midnight for resort guests).
We went for a little swim while back at the All Stars Music. Then we tried to go back to our rooms for naps. Well, dh was the only one who managed a nap. Dd had no interest in napping (she normally is not a napper). We had dinner at the All Star food court and got the 20% DDE discount (since there is no sit down, counter service qualifies), then it was back to MK.
If for no other reason, I will want to stay on Disney property again for the extra magic hours (the evening EMH). It was so awesome having the park so empty for three hours. We went on most of the Fantasyland rides, and again on Pirates. While walking over to Pirates we notice Aladdin riding on the magic carpets with a family. Wow! I have never seen a character on a ride before. The fact that he was riding with a family was really wonderful to see. What a magical moment that must have been for that family!
Next, I head over to Space Mountain, which had about a 15 minute line. When I met up with dh and dd, she was fast asleep. It was not quite 11pm, but we decided to head back to the hotel.
Monday, Jan. 22th
Breakfast again was at the food court. We headed into MGM today since we had lunch reservations at Prime Time Café. We saw Beauty and the Beast stage show .always very good but they didnt have the opening act (4 for a Dollar?) which is almost as good as the show itself. We did the Movie Ride. Several months ago we rented Wizard of Oz so Linnea would enjoy that portion of the ride. She really enjoyed it and had no problem with the scary stuff. She is such a trooper. Pirates really scared me when I was her age.
It was our first ever meal at the Prime Time Café. I loved the interaction. The menu is rather ordinary. I had a vegetarian dish; a pepper stuffed with grains and ratatouille. The deserts were good. Glen had some kind of huge brownie Sundae. The dessert that came with the childrens meal was very cute. Although it was just ice cream, it came with little candy decorations and syrups served on the side in little cups so that the kids could decorate their own dessert. The 20% off was applied to this meal. I think MGM is probably one of the worst parks to eat in. The counter service is very mediocre and the sit downs are average as well. We went to Brown Derby on our last trip, and thats probably your best bet if you are looking for something a little more upscale and can make ressies.
Oddly, Linnea did not want to go on the Muppets movie (something shes loved in the past). I went on Star Tours; one of my favorites. The family behind me was taking on a 4 and 5 year old who ended up loving the ride. Upon leaving the ride the four year old looked upset, when I asked her mom if she was ok she replied, Oh yes, she was just upset that it was over so quickly. I wish I had tried to talk Linnea into going but I had just assumed it would be a little too rough for her. Next time I will definitely ask Linnea to join me.
It was back to the hotel to rest. We had tickets to the Pirates and Princess Party at the Magic Kingdom this evening. Once again, Linnea didnt nap. Dh did, and I may have nodded off for 20 minutes. We had dinner at the ASMu. I had the veggie burger .possibly the best veggie burger I have had on Disney property. Later this trip I had one at Cosmic Rays and it was not nearly as good. Im always a little surprised at how virtually the same food can vary so much from place to place.
We arrived at MK around 7:00 (party began at 7:30). We got our wristbands and Treasure maps. They were lighting up Main Street with Pirate and Castle themed lights. It was very cool. The crowds were almost non existent. I loved how so many people (including adults) were dressed up. We waited in a few of the Treasure lines. Im not sure if Id do that again. The treasures were milk chocolates and Mardi Gras beads. In my opinion, simply not worth it when all the rides are walk on and the character meet and greets involve A LOT more interaction then is normally the case. I guess were not big on milk chocolate (now dark chocolate is a different story), and the lines seemed like a poor use of time.
Linnea met Cinderlla, her Prince, Sleeping Beauty and Belle in Toontown. They spent a lot of time visiting with Linnea. She was thrilled about meeting a Prince.
We lucked into a character meet and greet line for Jack Sparrow. We later learned that Jack Sparrow is not available during normal park hours because hed be so sought after. We waited about an hour to meet him (this was unusual). I was really wondering if this would be worth the wait. I was blown away. This guy could have been Johnny Depp. His mannerisms, accent, diction, everything was spot on. Linnea had fallen asleep while waiting to see him. He was so sweet and gentle trying to wake her. Come on Princess, say hello to Jack Sparrow. She was so sleepy but she did manage a smile. We apologized for our camera being slow (the flash takes longer then most to kick in). Us, sorry, we have a slow camera. Jack Sparrow, Thats awright, Im a slow Pirate. It was the highlight of my evening.
The night had been a bit rainy and cold but we had a great time. It was the first time we participated in an after hours party. If I knew the crowds would always be this light, Id be sure to do it again. I would probably pass on the lines for the treats/treasures, but the small crowds and extra interaction with the characters made it well worth the price of admission.
Tuesday, Jan. 23rd
Today we would be moving to the Caribbean Beach Resort. We were looking forward to changing hotels during our stay so we could experience something different. I had heard it was effortless. After dinner last night, I went to check in just to make sure I understood the process and had left them with the information they needed. We were to leave our luggage in our room by the window, and it would arrive in our new room later that afternoon.
We headed into Magic Kingdom today. I was on a mission to find Jack Sparrow. I asked at Guest Services if hed be making an appearance. I really wanted Linnea to meet him when she wasnt half asleep. Well, it turns out he is not available for meet and greets, but he would be appearing outside Pirates of the Caribbean and doing a Pirate Tutorial. This was not on the events list at all. So it definitely pays to ask! We made it a point to be there for his 11:20 arrival. Amazing. Its the same Jack from the night before. He is absolutely unbelievable. We enjoy the show so much so that we catch it two more times during this trip.
Again the lines were light. We did all the Fantasyland rides. Linnea enjoyed all of them, including Snow Whites Scary Adventures. She had no problem at all with the witch. We ate at Tonys for the first time (we got ressies that morning when I asked about Jack Sparrow). It had a very nice atmosphere and the food was pretty good. I hate to sound like a complainer, but I think a lot of the sit downs have become very average possibly due to the dining plan and maybe in an effort to push people towards the high end restaurants. It seems like several years ago we found the sit downs to be of higher quality.
We go back to the hotel and are surprised to find our luggage isnt there yet. We call bell service and are reassured theyll be delivered later.
We head to Epcot and get fast passes for Soarin. I explain to Linnea that like most things in Disney, its all pretend. We really wont be high up in the air, and when it feels like were going fast that is pretend too. We go on Living with the Land a few times (this turns out to be one of her favorites) and then have dinner at the food court. Glen has an amazing panini Italian sandwich that was huge! Linnea and I ate from the Chinese food station (it was ok). They had some very nice broccoli and how often can you find nice looking veggies when youre on vacation and from a food court?
I have been on Soarin once before and loved it. Glen is a little sensitive to motion rides but thought hed give it a try. Both Glen and Linnea loved it. No one had any problems with the ride. Oh, cute story. While waiting in the fast pass line I heard a family asking their young child if he was afraid of heights (he must have been 3 or 4). He replied, Im not afraid of heights but my eyes are. How precious is that?!
We went on Imagination, then on Test Track. Linnea decides that shes not too crazy about the loops at the end but liked the rest of the ride. She declines to go on it for the rest of the trip but once home has decided its a must do for our next trip.
Were now tired and worn out, its late and were back in our room. Guess what? No luggage. I call bell services and they seem not to know whats going on theyll call me back. They do so shortly and explain theyre looking for my luggage and will call me as soon as they find it. At about 10:30 pm I call back and ask if we can get toothpaste and tooth brushes delivered and are assured theyll be coming momentarily. After 11 I call and ask to speak to the manager. Im starting to panic a bit. He asks what he can do to make our evening more comfortable. I ask if we could possibly get some nightshirts, and he is more then happy to agree. Then rather awkwardly (Im a little tired and upset), I blurt out that tomorrow is dd4s fourth birthday and we had reservations for a Princess lunch in Norway and her Cinderella dress was in our luggage. Its something she has been looking forward to for the last 6 months. DD (almost) 4 is fast asleep so is completely unaware of our little crisis. At first the manager states that because it is All Star Musics mix up theyd need to take care of the dress. Then he paused and said, This is your daughters birthday and we are going to make it right. What do you need? He asked if we needed shoes (no, we didnt), a crown (nope). We just need a dress. He assured us hed get one to us if our luggage wasnt found. Well thankfully it arrived shortly after midnight, and although I was sweatin bullets I was very pleased with Disney customer service.
Im still working on the next 3 ½ days and hope to have them posted soon!
Thanks for reading!
It is so cool that said it could be Johnny Depp in that coustume. 
