Four Brits hit the world the TR! ~~~Completed 28/11~~~

[irongirlof12]

fab piccies, looks like you had a great time

 

[CHEK]

Great report , I want to go back NOW!!

 

[mark&sue]

What a brilliant start to your holiday.

Looking forward to reading more


susan

 

[DisneyJo]

After our very late night last night we were having a later start than usual, I went to the PM to get us all some brekkie, caught the cart and was there within minutes I loaded up the tray and went to pay, I put all the food and bottles of juice next to the till and the tray slot is not big enough for the trays and it all fell on the floor Luckily everything was boxed up or in bottles but how stupid Oh also I got a bit upset this morning my eye was getting quite bad and when I was waiting at one of the stations to get breakfast I chatted to a lovely English lady but I could see her keep looking at my eye So I get back to the room and just burst into tears, I know bit of an over reaction but I was so down about my eye and what with chucking my food everywhere and probably a bit of tiredness it just became too much. Well David didn’t know what to do, this was so out of character for me, and the girls were really shocked too. It really made me realise how insensitive we are to other people, I would actually have rathered people just asked what was wrong, rather than stared!!!!


OK so all tears were mopped up and we headed for AK even with our late start we were there by 10.45am not too bad I thought We headed straight for the safari to get FP’s as this is one of DH’s favourites so a must do today. We then walked the trail whilst waiting. The girls kept themselves busy

At the gorillas they measured their hands.

We still had loads of time before our FP (the down side of arriving late!) so we had a look at the time for the rapids, it was baking already and we needed a cool down! But it was way too long so we headed into the Flights of Wonder show, I know lots of you hate this but I like it even the cheesy tour guide, well maybe not that bit so much David wasn’t quick enough putting up his hand to be chosen to sit on stage and the owl swoops directly at you, the lady next to us got chosen and she loved it, maybe next time! After the show our time was finally up that we could grab another FP so I went and FPed the rapids, with strict instructions that we would meet at Safari! We had an awesome driver who was really in character, which makes it more fun, David took a ton of photos but here are just a couple…..

It looks as though he’s going to ram us

Those darn ostriches

And right at the end I made him take one of us

Continued here

 

[DisneyJo]

After seeing lions we now became one in the LK show, this is a lovely show full of vibrant colours, acrobatics and amazing singing and yes I do sing along, sorry to those sat next to me, I do try and keep it quiet though There was a sweet little girl in a wheelchair who was chosen to lead the giraffes and she had the hugest smile on her face, it was so cute.

We were now hungry and went to Pizzafari, which we actually enjoy, Tusker and Flame tree just don’t appeal, we wanted a light meal. Also I remember the ceaser salad here being nice. We ordered 1 pizza and a ceaser salad yes we’re sharing again And both were yummy and just the right amount for the 4 of us. One great tip I got from the DIS was that cups of water are free, yes something at WDW is free So when we ordered drinks we always got at least one bottle of water to take away, always ask for large, a cup of fizzy or lemonade and always a cup of water. Dessert here is frozen lemonade which the girls loved, better than choc cake in this heat IMHO.

We thought we’d try our luck with EE FP’s but at 1.30pm they’d all gone, oh well another day. But we did see this go past….

And the girls reckoned Minnie waved just at them!

Off to use our Rapids FP and we were on in literally a few minutes, we love this ride, the UK doesn’t have the weather for anything like this It’s always fun to try and work out who will be the ones to get absolutely soaked and today it was Jess But she loved it Don’t have any photos, sorry.


It’s now half an hour before the next Nemo show but would you believe the queue went past the big yellow dinosaur so we skipped that as I’d read if it was past that you probably wouldn’t get in So we walked onto PW instead, well Jess and I did, David and Ellie went in search of some shade. Wow is this a jerky ride, it would have been great if it wasn’t jolty but Jess liked it so that’s all that mattered. Ellie found this dinosaur whilst waiting.

We also walked onto triceratops or whatever the dino dumbo is called, the CM was from DH’s home town of Norwich but the girls refused to say anything to her, not sure why they’re not really that shy

It was now close to 3pm and the original plan was to stay and watch the parade and go straight to Spoodles, but we were so yucky and sticky so headed home instead for a much needed swim instead.


Here are a couple of PP photos we had taken that day.

We were lucky enough to have a Simba one taken…..

Anyone see anything missing???? I couldn’t believe it when I saw Simba missing Good job my good DIS friend DM is handy on the computer, thanks so much DM

Now that looks better doesn’t it


To sum up even though we weren’t at AK for long that day we still got most of what we wanted done

Click here for next installment

 

[DisneyJo]

When we returned to our room there was a message saying we had 2 parcels waiting so whilst Dave and Ellie went to grab towels and refill our mugs Jess and I went to the business centre to see what we had One was a parcel from DisneyLandMama and it was 2 mistymate fans that she had bought from Walmart for me And the other was a little croc called Felicia who we were adopting for our holiday

After a refreshing swim the girls had a little bite to eat

We had made these at Goofy’s in DTD 2 days ago, Ellie had a rice crispy head dipped in milk chocolate, smothered in sprinkles, drizzled with caramel and cookie crumbs added to the top The CM had not realised Ellie wanted half sprinkles half oreo crumbs so added 2 lots!!!!! Jess went for a much healthier crispy head dipped in chocolate just with sprinkles and chocolate You’ll be glad to hear they took another 2 days to finish!


Once washed and dressed again we caught a bus to Epcot, the plan was to get TT FP’s if they had any to use on the way home but that was a silly expectation really and they were as we thought they would be all gone. So we walked to the International Gateway and caught a boat to Spoodles, this was the first stop. On our way David turned around and said “We’re not meeting any mad DISser’s tonight are we?” now up to this point we’d only briefly met Zorylee, little did he know what would happen later in the holiday


We were sat within a few minutes and I was quite impressed, I thought the atmosphere was great and loved the whole feel of the restaurant Overall the food was nice but Jess and I found it too spicy, we had the Kabobs and wish we’d asked for the sauce on the side, the waiter said to David about his meal being spicy (which David said it wasn’t!) but never warned us I had the Crème Brule which was nice, Jess was meant to order off of the adults menu but really wanted ice cream and this is what they brought her……….

Once our tummies, well David’s and Ellie’s, were full we had a mosey around the Boardwalk, I love this area so peaceful, relaxing and pretty. We wandered a few shops, grabbed a box of doughnuts using a SC for our breakfast tomorrow, watched a great entertainer who balanced a ladder on his chin and just chilled out! We decided to go check out the mini golf near the Swan hotel, for those of you who don’t know just walk between the swan and dolphin and keep walking, it’s just the other side of the road! Well the fun one (Fantasia Gardens) had a 30 minute wait which we decided was too long but the tough one (Fantasia Fairways) was a walk on but the CM said it was really difficult, would take 1 ½ hours, really tough etc etc well I really wanted to pull David’s PGA card out and say do you think we’ll find it hard But I didn’t Anyway we decided that this it was too late to start that course and we headed back. We decided to catch the bus to MGM but took a few photos on the way……..

Felicia really wants to stay here one day!

At MGM Jess traded pins, she chose a Lion King one and the CM told her that it was a keeper and not to trade it as it was a limited edition and only 1000 were made, well done Jess

We were home to CSR by 9pm watched a little Tele before dreaming of which water slides we’d be zooming down tomorrow

Click here for next installment

 

[DisneyJo]

Today was a water park day Last trip we went to both water parks but we loved BB best so that was the plan today. The water parks have EMH’s every morning and although I normally avoid them like the plague this was different. We ate some doughnuts and cereal bars for breakfast washed down with pink lemonade, very healthy


We boarded an empty bus, one of the huge perks of CSR is that the buses were very rarely crowded even after fireworks, and we were soon at BB, it literally is only across the road. We waited about 10 minutes before the park opened and we got our wristbands and we were in. We had decided not to take any valuables with us and just chuck our stuff on a chair and save a few bucks David kept our KTTW in his sealed trunks pocket.


So plan for the day, rides, rides, rides We got into the near enough empty queue for the chair lifts, shows how empty it was as we didn’t even have a single rider with us We were nearly at the top and we stop, now have I told you that my oh so brave hubbie is scared of heights and it is a huge accomplishment for him to get on here in the first place, well as we’re swinging there for absolutely ages, me and Jess are spotting lizards, watching daft people going down summit plummet just having a nice girly chat whilst David is holding on for dear life whilst trying not to show his fears to Ellie We literally were stopped for 10 minutes and all I was thinking was we were losing valuable EMH time!


Once we get moving again we walk straight on to Teamboat Springs, our favourite ride here, and it didn’t disappoint, we jumped straight into our own raft, remember we are completely dry, and OMG I totally forgot about those rollers at the top just before the raft is put onto the flume, they’re bumpy on your bum Then we were off you zoom down a really wide open flume and the raft twists and turns and OMG that waters freezing first thing, now my wonderful husband manages to steer this thing, he grabs the handles and uses his body so I’m the one going down backwards So I’m there trying to counter act it We get to the bottom and oh so gracefully we get out, why is so incredibly hard to get out of those rafts and keep your dignity


So we get off and what do we do? Yep want to do it again but we didn’t want to risk a long chairlift queue so it was up those 698 steps (well that’s what it feels like) to the top and it’s another walk on We then caught the lazy river for 2 stops and grabbed 2 double rafts for Runoff Rapids, again another walk on, I went with Ells and whooped every time we went over a bump, she made me When we got to the big pool I got off the raft and managed to tip the whole thing over and dunked Ellie, whoops, good job she’s a good swimmer We then all grabbed single rafts and were off again, once at the top we didn’t realise that single rafts had to go down the covered flume and Ellie, who did it in 2005 and loved it, totally freaked and refused So get ready to flame me, we told her to stay put and we rode down We then grabbed another single and a double and walked up again, we were slightly wishing now that there was actually a queue because our legs were burning from all the steps So we find our little angel and she’s perfectly fine and all is well again. Ellie and I jump in the double whilst Jess and David go singularly. We decide that after 3 turns we really should go find another slide.

Continued in next post here

 

[DisneyJo]

Caught the lazy river for one stop, we had this to ourselves Next stop was Downhill Double Dipper, we grabbed a ring and within a few minutes we were plummeting down, this is a great ride but near the bottom you go through a wall of water and ouch that hurts your face! Up some more steps to the Toboggan racers, we all lined up and I won David said I cheated and went before I was meant to, sore loser I think David and Jess went again whilst Ellie and I went on Snow Stormers which is right next door. Ellie doesn’t like TR because she is the lightest so she never wins She loved SS but all those twists and turns hurt my back, obviously being short was good on this ride On both rides you have a foam toboggan which you lay face first on holding the handles, now the trick on TR is to just kneel on it and when the CM says go you launch yourself forwards and down to get extra speed Oh just remembered that the first go on TR as I launched myself I missed the raft and scrapped all my knees on the way down at least I won though It was now 9.20am and we’ve done so much, I can’t stress enough you must get there early it’s great! We did another race down TR and David did win this time, it happened every time after that, that I would win right up until the very last moment and as we went under the finishing line he’d pass me Must be because he’s soooooo much heavier


Back in the lazy river, why do the girls refuse to be lazy here? They swam and pulled us around in our floats. We then did the raft ride 2 more times and there was now a photopass man there.

The girls wanted to play in the kiddie area…………….

Neither of them could manage the one where you have to hold on to netting above you and step onto the icebergs, I think Jess managed 2 steps and Ellie 3

It was now 11.15am and we were starving, we had lunch at Avalunch as normal we shared, we had a hot dog and a Turkey club wrap, these came with a bag of crisps, drink and a choice of ice lolly, a good deal for a CS I think. It was all delicious and the girls enjoyed having some crisps rather than fries for a change.


We gathered our stuff had a quick dry off dumped our towels and headed to the mini golf. Last trip we played the Winter Course so this time we played the Summer one, sorry there are no photos as we didn’t want to leave our camera when we went to BB. Again we don’t get mini golf like these here in England so we have tons of fun. And with David being a golf pro things get a bit competitive, first hole Ellie and I get a 2 whilst D has a 3 and J a 4, E and I are beating D Well it didn’t last long!!!!! Now things I’m afraid get really fuzzy sorry, I do remember that it was great fun but incredibly hot, D, E and I got 2 holes in one and J got 1 and the final scores were pretty tight Jess took 46 shots, Ellie 44, me 39 and David 37, way off the course record I would highly recommend the course but maybe not in the middle of the day

Up next HDDR!

 

[KayleeUK]

Brilliant Jo Loving your reports.

 

[DisneyJo]

We had a nice well earnt rest out of the sun and about 4pm we headed to the front desk to pick up our tickets before catching the bus to MK, we decided to take the leisurely boat over to Fort Wilderness where Hoop dee doo review was being held. I never realised how much water there is out there, we passed loads of little speed boaters and most of them waved as they whizzed past. We were lucky to get a seat as several people had to stand!!!


We were there so early so we had a walk around, we found stables with about 6 horses in, these were huge horses not sure if they’re used in parades, but they were beautiful some had their tails all plaited. We were trying to find the petting farm but I’ve since found it’s gone, well they need to take the signs down then We came across a blacksmith and he was reshoeing a horse so we watched for about 10 minutes, it was really interesting how he shaped the metal, heated it up cooled it down etc I don’t think the girls have ever seen this done before and they couldn’t believe it didn’t hurt the horse when he hammered it on BTW it’s not a good idea to wear flip flops here

So we go and check in and have the obligatory photo taken, I wish this automatically went onto your photo pass! We found a cool spot to wait, the girls did a bit of pin trading and we just people watched. Well you can’t believe the scene we saw, this mum started shouting at her kid, dragged her off threatening her with everything under the sun. They returned and only about a few minutes later it happened again but with smacking too but this time we didn’t see them return, not sure if they ever went into the show, whatever my kids had done I wouldn’t waste 2 TS credits each

We eventually get called and our seats (category 3 all I could get even though I booked 180 days out!) were upstairs but they were great We all sat in a row along the balcony and the stools swivelled so you could eat then turn around to watch! When we got there salad and corn bread were waiting for us, not too sure about the corn bread

Here’s Felicia waiting for it to start.

Our waiter swiftly bought us our drinks and the show started. The actors came out with huge whoops and squeals it was really high energy, there was singing and dancing and silly jokes. They performed a silly song about ribs and chicken (well I think ) and our waiter came and literally slammed our food down, OMG I nearly had a heart attack The food was served in pails and it was pretty tasty, you could have extras of any thing, we got some extra chicken which had loads of meat on Then it was the main part of the show, it was all clean innocent fun and even though we weren’t American we understood most of it

They serenaded anniversary couples, honeymooners etc and sung birthday greetings. And before we knew it the waitresses were also on the stage singing about strawberry shortcake! Now this dessert was totally not what I was expecting, very different to here it was very cakey!

Even though we were sat upstairs we were still very much part of the show, the actors came upstairs too. After dessert washboards were handed out and the girls had a wail of a time playing these and twirling their napkins.

I was so worried David wouldn’t enjoy HDDR but I needn’t have as he said it was the best thing so far


We grabbed the first bus we saw which was to MGM so we could transfer but just as we were leaving FW a girl near us suddenly screamed and her and her dad jumped off the bus, the rest of her family told us that she had taken out her brace to eat her food and had left it there The bus driver was really kind and waited and within a couple of minutes they were back and luckily they’d found it just as the CM’s were about to chuck it all in the trash!!! The whole bus cheered


We did a quick transfer and were soon headed back to CSR as the girls were on a mission. Tonight was the premiere of HSM2 and we weren’t getting it here until September 21st so they HAD to see it We made it back in time and I went off to the PM to refill our mugs, but on the way had a quick relax in one of the hammocks, there was a man playing the steel drums and as I swung looking into a cloudless sky the music floated across the lake, maybe I was starting to like this resort after all After about 10 mins I went and refilled our mugs and used 1 CS credit on 2 croissants and an OJ, yes I know what a bad deal that I could have gotten a steak etc but we just couldn’t eat all the food and this way we had breakfast ready in our room for tomorrow, so it worked for us


The girls absolutely loved HSM2 and I think over the whole trip we must have watched it about 3 or 4 times!!!!

 

[DisneyJo]

Saturday 18th August

Just wanted to start today with this photo of Ellie

Today was Ellie’s day to choose what we did and where we went and she had chosen, 180 days ago, to dine with Cindy in her castle and the wonderful Mother that I am I managed to book a much coveted ADR! But first we were on a secret mission, to get the girls to BBB with them not knowing! First a little back tracking, for the whole trip so far Jess had been admiring all the girls who had been to BBB I even had to lie saying that I found out about it too late and by the time I tried to book they were already full, can’t believe she believed I didn’t know about something in Disney

Well we had prepared the girls the night before that on our way to MK we would have to do a slight detour to DTD as David wanted to go to a golf shop which only opened on Saturdays : Yes they fell for it So we grab a bus and I’m praying no little girls will be talking about going to BBB and luckily we had it to ourselves, we arrive pretty early, we’d been up since 7.30am and eaten our croissants and had caught the bus at 9am our appointment was at 9.30am. So we amble around take a few photos.

We wander into BBB and I spring the surprise They are soooooo happy especially Jess, we check in and the girls are given the leaflet with their names on and they choose their hairstyle, both choose Disney Diva, at least they didn’t go for the multi coloured hair!

We were seated pretty quickly, you go in to a salon type room with about 8 chairs and fairy godmothers everywhere, I’m glad we had an early appointment as I’m sure they get back logged! Ellie’s FGM was called Rosa and Jess’s was Bea, the girls got to choose what colour makeup, which face jewel, hair colour and clips they wanted and they got to keep the unused stuff They both thoroughly enjoyed all the pampering, OMG what have I done

A few mid pampering ones.

Now before and after.

 

[DisneyJo]

We then headed over to the Photo Studio as thanks to the DIS I knew that you could have the shoot added to your Photo Pass. We waited whilst Jasmine and Belle had there photos done and I was now wishing I’d insisted the girls had worn better outfits, especially Ellie who was wearing sneakers Here are some of those photos.

In total about 20 photos each were taken and I know I’m biased but I think they turned out great!

After quite a bit of researching what was the best way to get from DTD to MK it was so simple in the end, we grabbed a bus to the Poly then monorailed over to the MK.

 

[DisneyJo]

So we’d made our way to MK at about 11.15pm and the girls were all Bibbidi bobbidi booed up, we had a date with Cinderella at 12.05pm so we had a little time, first a photo!

Oh and one from our first day that I forgot

We went and FPed Buzz and jumped on CofP I love this and can still remember it from when I was little. Come on everyone, you know you want to

There's a great big beautiful tomorrow
Shining at the end of ev'ryday
There's a great big beautiful tomorrow
And tomorrow's just a dream away

Man has a dream and that's the start
He follows his dream with mind and heart
And when it becomes a reality
It's a dream come true for you and me

So there's a great big beautiful tomorrow
Shining at the end of ev'ryday
There's a great big beautiful tomorrow
Just a dream away

Trouble was we were cutting it fine with our ADR and I found myself checking my watch all the time, even working out how long each segment took and trying to work out how long until we got off Luckily we were fine and made it to CRT a tiny bit early. We had to wait about 5 minutes to meet Cinderella and I can’t believe I forgot to put the free photo that you get onto my photo pass CD!!! So here is one of the ones we took

The castle is so pretty with lots of stain glassed windows and beams, the restaurant is on the first floor and to get there you need to climb a spiral staircase that seems to go on forever. Lord and Lady young were seated straight away quite near the middle of the room, our starter was quick to arrive and it consisted of a plate of meats, cheeses, salad and grapes, the girls I think ate a grape each David ordered the pasta and I had the Major Domo’s pie, this was delicious tender beef in a rich red wine sauce topped with puff pastry, the only bit I didn’t really care for was the shredded vegetables which were a bit hard! The characters were soon announced and this is who we saw………….

The Fairy Godmother was great and the first time we’d seen her, she was so “on” whilst chatting to the girls :

The girls had ice cream for dessert and loved the chocolate crowns

During dessert we had the wishing ceremony, the girls were told to hold up their wands and wishing stars that they’d been given when we arrived, to close their eyes wave the wands and wish. This was so cute and little lights sparkled all around the castle, sweet!

Even Felicia had a wish!

With the ceremony finished we were all stuffed and actually ready for a nap, but no time for that today, MK closed early due to another P&PP and we had a parade to catch!!!!

 

[Minniespal]

Lovely photos Jo

 

[KayleeUK]

What Gorgeous Girls Beautiful eyes

 

[natalielongstaff]

just catching up with your report what lovely pictires of CRT

 

[DisneyJo]

Thanks for the replies

 

[DisneyJo]

After finishing our meal we had a Buzz FP burning a hole in our pocket so we rode that before staking a parade viewing spot. It was absolutely boiling so a shady spot was essential, we had about 20 minutes before the parade started and we managed to find one outside the pin trading store underneath a planter. The girls asked if they could go look around the shop and this is one advantage of them getting older that I feel fine saying they can go together, also it was only about a metre away Well Jess comes back all excited saying she was given a certificate for speed trading, so what does a good Mum do? Well send Ellie back in to see if she can get one too She doesn’t get a certificate but she was lucky enough to get dream pins Now I explained that one was for her and one to give away, she replies that she wants to keep them both Again I explain, now she is an incredibly bright girl, top set for everything at school so what was so hard to understand? I went on about how standing right next to her ie Jess was someone she could share with. NO. OK Ellie you have to give one away and if not your sister then lets find someone else, eventually, literally it took about 5 minutes, she decided to let Jess have the other one, phew!!!

It’s finally time for the parade and even with the mistymates it was scorching, we were all dripping Here are just a couple of parade shots for you, look at how close Hook was he sure scared the girls

By now we were in dire need of some icy cold refreshment so where do we go? To try the infamous Dole Whip of course David, Jess and I had the dole float and Ellie had a coke one. I did enjoy this, the pineapple juice was delicious but I’m afraid it wasn’t as yummy as I’d expected! David even said he’d have preferred a coke one But it hit the spot so I was pleased we got one! I ran and FPed JC then we rode POC, it kept breaking down so took a while to get on but at least it was nice and cool. David even had a conversation with 2 teenagers about sports stars salaries When it was our turn to board it broke down again and we waited ages, eventually it started and a huge cheer went up!!! We had a family of 4 behind us 2 boys their Mum and Grandma and they were hilarious, when we went through the battle scene they were shouting out duck etc it was so funny.


By the time we got off it was Jungle Cruise time, luckily we had a great skipper who kept us amused with corny jokes, you really have to listen though to get some of them! We had time for one more go on Buzz, yes we really love that ride, before heading out. Now we’d decided to go play golf again so we caught a bus to the Swan and then made the short walk over to Fantasia Gardens and decided to try our luck on the hard course, we must have looked more the part today though as no comments about it being too hard We even have a few photos of this course as we hadn’t previously been to a water park with out our camera


The Fairways course isn’t your normal mini golf, the holes look like miniature real golf holes, with green grass fairways, bunkers (although no sand anymore) and lots of humps and bumps. The holes are pretty interesting and I started off with a 2 whilst David got a 6 But as always I didn’t stay the winner. I did get a hole in one though on the fifteenth Final scores were Ellie 77, Jess 73, Me 66 and David 64 so he only just beat me! Par for the course was 61 so we did OK.

And my hole in one hole!

We enjoyed it but wouldn’t recommend it to non-golfers, as it’s not as fun as the other courses!

We wandered back to the Swan and caught the first bus, which was to MK, then we transferred to CSR, it was now 8pm so we went to the PM for some food. This took forever, the girls shared a cheeseburger, whilst David and I shared Chicken Fajitas, by the time I finally got them the girls had already eaten their meal. The fajitas were huge and even with us sharing we left nearly half of it! We chose croissants for dessert, which we would eat for breakfast tomorrow. We had time for a swim and were in bed by 10.30pm.


Tomorrow we hit MGM, would Jess ride TOT with me? Would she survive RnR? Would we have any DIS sightings?

 

[natalielongstaff]

oooh i hope jess was brave enough to ride TOT

 

[KayleeUK]

Awww I hope Jess is brave