Going from Friday the 13th to Enchanted- Day 9: 'Round Midnight update 7/19/11

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Good decision waiting for the second show, that is what we always do.

Too bad you didn't like Chef Mickey's, at least the character pictures turned out to be really cute!

 

[pinkxray]

I really wish they could improve Chef Mickey's food. I love that you can see the Fab 5 together, but with the subpar food it's better to just go to the character spot in Epcot and have counter service there.

I can't believe people were already lining up for the second Fantasmic. It worked out for you though since they weren't in the TSM line.

I didn't like the bathrooms in CR either. I hated the one at CM's since you had to go downstairs. Usually the deluxe resorts have such nice bathrooms, so I was surprised the one at CR looked like a bathroom in a basement of an abandoned building.Gross.

 

[lizzyshakuntala]

Love Katie's new hair do!! She looks even more adorable now And after seeing how cute the pixie dusts look on your hair, I'm thinking of getting my hair pixie dusted too!

Sorry you missed Joe's initial reaction upon seeing his gift, but I bet he's loving it! I don't know how I'd feel when I finally get to see a picture of Joe actually wearing his medal, coz I got a little teary eyed just from seeing the package

20 mins line for TSM during Fantasmic!?? We'll definitely do that if we couldn't hit TSM earlier in the day.

Looking forward for your next posts

 

[Moira222]

Good decision waiting for the second show, that is what we always do.

Too bad you didn't like Chef Mickey's, at least the character pictures turned out to be really cute!

This was a first for us - in '09 when we went , it was a full stadium but not standing room only. Guess that's a benefit of a January trip.

The breakfast looked a bit better from Diane's TR (I think it was hers!)
but after seeign pix from Cape May, I'd go there again. I wish Liberty Tree Tavern was CM again because that was good food and fun in '07.

I really wish they could improve Chef Mickey's food. I love that you can see the Fab 5 together, but with the subpar food it's better to just go to the character spot in Epcot and have counter service there.

I can't believe people were already lining up for the second Fantasmic. It worked out for you though since they weren't in the TSM line.

I didn't like the bathrooms in CR either. I hated the one at CM's since you had to go downstairs. Usually the deluxe resorts have such nice bathrooms, so I was surprised the one at CR looked like a bathroom in a basement of an abandoned building.Gross.

I am practically a bathroom inspector so I really was surprised. We didn't inspect those in Chef MIckey's so I didnt know they were downstairs. wierd. I wonder if its because the Contemporary was one of the first resorts, different standards?

DHS was almost empty during the first show of Fantasmic. it was majorly awesome. frankly, I think if I know there are two F! shows, I will ALWAYS plan to do the park during the first show and then see the 2nd F!

Love Katie's new hair do!! She looks even more adorable now And after seeing how cute the pixie dusts look on your hair, I'm thinking of getting my hair pixie dusted too!

Sorry you missed Joe's initial reaction upon seeing his gift, but I bet he's loving it! I don't know how I'd feel when I finally get to see a picture of Joe actually wearing his medal, coz I got a little teary eyed just from seeing the package

20 mins line for TSM during Fantasmic!?? We'll definitely do that if we couldn't hit TSM earlier in the day.

Looking forward for your next posts

Kate's hair makes me consider going short,but I need to have a ponytail length for the summer.

I wasn't sure if they'd do adult cuts & color at the barber shop - I know they do women but when I called to make Katie's appt, the CM helping me had never heard of a woman getting her hair done there. I was not brave enough to be the first

Joe's birthday is coming up next so you'll see him with his medal. I get all teary eyed too.

 

[blessedmom4]

AMAZING updates, Fabulous Pics and Katie AND you look adorable following your fun at the "salon". I have to agree about Chef Mickey...food was not that great, the pace was frenetic for my sensory overloaded folks and Rachel ate half a doughnut and drank 2 sips of her milk...for $18.95...I will never forget the experience (I could say more but I won't, I know others LOVE it)! I knew JOe was going to love his gift, it was just perfect! So...Fantasmic IS worth it? I will have to plan to see it sometime! I worry about the W/C seating, it often isn't the best and that is hard with a child who is in the chair. I will remember to see the second show if they have one! Thank you for all of the pics with your entire family being showcased, I love it!!!

 

[Moira222]

AMAZING updates, Fabulous Pics and Katie AND you look adorable following your fun at the "salon". I have to agree about Chef Mickey...food was not that great, the pace was frenetic for my sensory overloaded folks and Rachel ate half a doughnut and drank 2 sips of her milk...for $18.95...I will never forget the experience (I could say more but I won't, I know others LOVE it)! I knew JOe was going to love his gift, it was just perfect! So...Fantasmic IS worth it? I will have to plan to see it sometime! I worry about the W/C seating, it often isn't the best and that is hard with a child who is in the chair. I will remember to see the second show if they have one! Thank you for all of the pics with your entire family being showcased, I love it!!!

Judy, I totally think that Fantasmic is a great show, although I am not sure I would wait in line for an hour or more for a seat. We have seen it each of the three times we have been to WDW. The first time was spur of the moment, we stood in the back (Katie sat on Joe's shoulders) and it was great. The second time we had a package and were rather annoyed at losing almost two hours of precious ride time sitting and waiting for the show to start--I would not do that again at all. This year really worked out the best. While I didn't plan to catch the second show (didn't know about it till we got there) I would definitely plan for it next time. we got to do a ride we really really wanted to to (TSM), the great movie ride AND wander the park with minimal people. If you can stay up late, that is the way to go!

Dont they have a wheelchair section way way over to the far left of the theater (left as you enter it)? that is a good visibility place, and makes exiting very easy - that was the way we left and it took us right to the front of the park.

 

[Moira222]

I'm just going to warn you -- this is an especially photo heavy day. We had a special treat mid day and I am loading you up on photos!!

Yeah for Daddy’s birthday! This being Joe’s birthday, we are taking it easy. A slow morning, I head downstairs to do some laundry while Joe and Katie have a bite, do some homework, and watch TV.

One note about doing laundry: The dryers on the top work much better than the dryers on the bottom row. ;-)

I have to fess up: I spilled a cup of coffee all over the floor in the laundry area. I quickly went down to Roaring Forks to get some paper towels and alert a cast member to my mess. By the time I got back there was already a guy from house keeping mopping up. Now THAT’s fast! I helped where I could and then kept out of the way.

Reading my book and enjoying some coffee to the dull hum of the dryers was rather relaxing. I did pop upstairs to see how the homework was going, and to give Joe all of his birthday cards – I’d asked our family & friends who normally send him a card to either deliver it to me early or have it sent to the resort, so even though we were not home, he had all of his cards and birthday well wishes.

Chores over, it was Joe’s turn to pick our park(s) and rides for the day. First stop: Disney Hollywood Studios!

We stopped for some pin trading at the front kiosk and made our way back to Studio Catering for lunch. Haha I cannot remember what we really ate – my notes say “Joe turkey Me Veggie, Katie PB&J” I actually do remember now that the veggie sandwich there was very good. We all had the cheese cake for dessert (Katie used a snack credit so she could have it too)

Since we’d spied the entrance to the Studio Back Lot tour the night before, we knew right where to go.

There was a very short line, just long enough for us to check out all of the models in the queue area, then we were in the front row to see the show. It was a lot of fun.

We really didn’t know what to expect but we really loved seeing how they did the special effects. It was also really helpful because we’d been trying to explain to Katie how they use special effects in movies and TV to give the appearance of something happening.

Seeing this was perfect! We really enjoyed the tour, and I did snap some
photos of the tour as we went along.

Of course Katie loved seeing the shed from the Hannah Montana movie

Hidden Mickey on a fridge

sort of a Mickey depending on your point of view:

Herbie!!

continued next post

 

[Moira222]

Our backlot tour gave us a sneak preview to our next attraction: Lights! Motors! Action! where we have a special treat prepared.

most of my indoor shots were bad -- too dark or fuzzy.

We left the Backlot and headed to the 1:15 show of

We had something special in store, but didn’t know what. A friend of Joe’s from here in PA has a daughter that works for Disney. This is an older gentleman that Joe has known for years. When he heard that we were going to Disney, he mentioned it to his daughter –and she arranged VIP seating for us at LMA!

It was a little surreal when Joe gave our names to the cast member at the line’s entrance. We were given directions to bypass the line and walk around to the seating area’s entrance. eeeee just this was awesome. So we were then escorted to seats at the very front of the stadium. If you were facing the seating area, you’d see two separate sections, one on either side of the tunnel where stunt cars go in and out. We were on the left from that same view. The area was marked off “Reserved’ VIP Seating” …and we were going in! OMG awesome! We had nice comfy director’s chairs with a great view to everything going on.

As we were sitting looking around, we noticed that on the other side of the tunnel, in the other VIP area, was Jonas Rivera, the producer of UP! who we’d gone to see on Sunday afternoon. Did I mention this was awesome? I seem to be over using that word a lot. sorry. but it was… awesome that is!

Our host came out and chatted with us a bit, and asked if we could stick around when the show was over. Of Course!!!

It was odd to be sitting there as people started entering, wondering just who the heck we were!

We had a great view of everything

The really fun thing was that as the show was going on, the director and the producer are talking about how they are setting up the shot, where the cars are going to come from, etc. They mention that they have this really excellent stunt director, Joe (last name).

They mention this stunt director Joe (my Joe!)’s name a few times in the conversation. At first Joe looks at me and says “Oh how weird they have a stunt director with my name”

After a few more times, we catch on that they’ve worked Joe’s name into the script.

Herbie made an appearance = here he’s going into that tunnel

They also mention’s that its Joe’s birthday, and that he’s here visiting with his wife Mary Ellen and daughter Kathryn.

LOL We are all looking at each other and laughing.Its just really funny...and Joe is hoping he is not "being set up"

Joe taped pretty much the whole show. The nice thing about that little playsport was once you had your shot in view, you could just hold it in place and actually watch the show.

continued next post

 

[Moira222]

When the show was over, we waited for the crowd to filter out. Our host cam out and we chatted some more and gave Joe a very special birthday card

Then we got to walk out on to the stunt show course and go back and meet the drivers and their cars.

We posed by Herbie of course

and with the drivers who were all really nice guys.

We chatted for a little while, got to see the engines and the inside of some of the cars used in the stunts. It was a very special treat that we will remember for a long long time.

When we exited LMA we saw this band cruising out to perform somewhere, but we never did catch them.

It was hot but we’d heard that there were soft openings of Star Tours, so we headed over to see if we could get on.

That fountain was tempting!

No luck. The ride was closed, we were hot and just a little hungry. Good thing I’d heard about Writer’s Corner here on the DIS boards!!

Katie ordered a toffee… wow was that tasty! Joe had a chocolate chip muffin, and I just had a frozen cappuccino. MMMM Katie also had some frozen concoction with two different flavors mixed.

After our snack, we continued down a ways. TSM had a crazy line so we just passed it by. Katie wanted to do the Great Movie Ride again, and Joe was very happy to sit in the shade and finish most of Katie’s slushie while we did so.

HA! I did have photos from this ride, though lots are blurry and they are all very dark.

After finishing our fantastic movie ride (its just FUN! and CHECK! yet another never done ride has been crossed off my list!)

We moved on to yet another attraction that I’d wanted to do the last two times we were here: Narnia.

I admit it-- I have read the series about 4 times, at varying ages. Love the books, and have enjoyed the first two movies – I have not yet seen Voyage of the Dawn Treader. So I was really looking forward to something based solely on the title. It’s probably the only attraction that I was really disappointed in.

We grouped in the entry hall and there were a few props from the first movie . I don’t even remember if they played a movie or any intros but think they did not. We entered the next room which was a cave like room, and in the center of it was the stone altar from the first Narnia Movie (where the Snow Queen sacrifices Aslan) and they played some video about the movie. We exited into a room with some of the costumes from the movies. That room I like but really I was expecting something more like a ride or attraction, not so much a museum type show area. Oh well, live and learn. I liked seeing the costumes, they were cool.

After Narnia, we wandered out of the park, and headed to our dinner reservations. It being Joe’s birthday, we had a special dinner planned.
continued next post

 

[Moira222]

Joe just fell in love walking off the bus at the Polynesian. I see that we will have to plan a stay there sometime (you know, like some time when we make more money!). He LOVED the Hawaiian shirts everywhere, the décor, the Tiki dudes everywhere. The beach was just lovely.

(see the big hero medal?)

We stopped for our photo and then, since I totally forgot to do it ahead of time, we checked in and picked up our tickets.

We had a very short wait to be seated at our table. We were using DDP credits, so had the section one step up from the floor. But a good view of the stage nonetheless.

The Food:

The big salad and pineapple plate was yummy. I love salad. really. I could have eaten the whole big plate myself but I was kind and shared with my family.

The chicken and ribs were terrific. Especially the ribs. Katie ate about six all by herself. We would have ordered more but apparently the servers are instructed to clear the tables before the main part of the show started because we were not given the chance. but that plate was totally empty!

Our dinners also included wine, and our server was really very nice – neither of the wines offered really appealed to me but she brought me two different types to see which I liked. When neither was quite “it” she came back with a wine spritzer – and a glass of sprite so I could make spritzers with the other two remaining glasses. It really didn’t look so good for me, sitting with three glasses of wine in front of me. Oh yeah, and they were definitely all empty by the time we left!

Katie went up and joined the other kids for a hula lesson. She looked so cute, though she later said she had no idea what she was doing (like all the other kids were experts!)

my goodness she looks so tall next to all the other kids!

Then they called up all the birthday and anniversary celebrants and Joe joined in the dancing fun! (wine helped!)

The Show:

The show was a lot of fun. We enjoyed the story and the fun banter between the characters.

The dancers were great. so great that I totally forgot to take a picture of our dessert! LOL. The dessert was great – thought it was odd that we were not offered coffee with our dessert but oh well, right? Maybe it’s not the Hawaiian way? One note: aside from the dance up front, there were no birthday cupcakes or anything like that. Bummer for Joe.

Let’s hear it for the band….

this guy was awesome

not to mention easy on the eyes!

aaahh I feel refreshed just writing this and going through all the pictures again. A totally different experience than the HDDR, we enjoyed it just as much.

continued next post

 

[Moira222]

After dinner we did some shopping inside. Such nice clothing in the Poly gift shop – Katie bought a new Hawaiian print dress, and Joe found a Hawaiian shirt made in Hawaii. I didn’t find anything that didn’t look like a mu mu on me so I just enjoyed their shopping finds.

Katie had to go into the restroom and change into her new dress right away.

Shopping and wardrobe change complete, we strolled to the Transportation Center from Poly. Nice walk. We considered going mini golfing (still have never done this!) but in the end decided to take the ferry over to the MK.

my photos are rather blurry. sorry!

When we saw the huge lines to get into MK for the evening, we decided to take the ferry to the WLR and relax for the evening. No pictures here, we went up & changed into swimsuits & headed down to the pool with our mugs filled (and rum in hand!) to relax and play for a bit. Kate and I made our way over to the beach to watch Nemo, and Joe followed soon behind. Once again, I fell asleep on the beach so when I realized it, we headed up to our room for the night.

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Wow, sounds like Joe had an excellent birthday!

The VIP seats at Light, Motors, Action were a nice treat and how fun that they worked Joe into the show.

 

[lbuzz52]

Your LMA experience sounds spectacular! How cool to go and meet everyone afterwords!

The movie and mommy drink and nap on the beach is a perfect ending to your day!

We did chef mickeys breakfast once and I enjoyed it. I hvent heard too many good things about the other meals though.

 

[pinkxray]

Your special treatment at LMA sounds awesome. What a very special birthday for Joe.

I have to say in all of your pictures at the Poly, you guys just look like you belong there.With all the issues you had with your room at WL, I can see a Poly stay in your future. Joe might even agree b/c you all look great in hawaiin print.

 

[Moira222]

Wow, sounds like Joe had an excellent birthday!

The VIP seats at Light, Motors, Action were a nice treat and how fun that they worked Joe into the show.

It was a really fun day, easy paced. Just right!

Your LMA experience sounds spectacular! How cool to go and meet everyone afterwords!

The movie and mommy drink and nap on the beach is a perfect ending to your day!

We did chef mickeys breakfast once and I enjoyed it. I hvent heard too many good things about the other meals though.

I wholeheartedly recommend bringing your own favorite grown up mixer - whatever you mix with soda at home. We moved to rum & cokes back when we started wt watchers - much lower in calories than the mojito buckets we had been enjoying on our camping trips. then you just fill your refillable cup at the QS spot and you are good to go. We did it last time with kahlua & then filled up with half and half at the QS

Your special treatment at LMA sounds awesome. What a very special birthday for Joe.

I have to say in all of your pictures at the Poly, you guys just look like you belong there.With all the issues you had with your room at WL, I can see a Poly stay in your future. Joe might even agree b/c you all look great in hawaiin print.

Funny you should say that because I was pricing trips for next year at Poly, CSR, and CBR. Does Poly have a club level? Next year is our 20th anniversary. At this point he is saying Nova Scotia but I am still trying to work WDW back into the picture - 5 days, 4 night, just he and I.

 

[tinacaplan]

OK...so sorry I missed this until now! But I just read the whole thing and am really enjoying myself. I totally understand having a husband who seems to lack all those fun memories of childhood; my husband's experience is very similar! Your daughter is beautiful, too. I am really just enjoying watching the trip unfold through your eyes. It looks like you had a truly amazing time! And you worked so hard to bring so many special touches to your trip. Nice job!

I also have to thank you for the tip about Picasa. I HATE uploading to and using Photobucket, but thought it was the only way to post pics on here. I so prefer Picasa, so YAY!

 

[lizzyshakuntala]

The best seats in the house + having a personalized script just for your family read out What a special treat you guys had at LMA!

I've never seen any pictures of the Spirits of Aloha Show, nor have I read any reviews of them (Maybe because I never looked for it)... But it looks like a lot of fun! I don't think we'll be going to any dinner shows though, we'll save that for when we're taking the kids someday ~~Yes, DH and I still have months to go until we get to WDW, but we're already planning on going back! ~~

When I was around Katie's age my mom got me a Hawaiian dress thingy that looks very much like Katie's, but with a blue color scheme. I like that black one better

 

[Moira222]

OK...so sorry I missed this until now! But I just read the whole thing and am really enjoying myself. I totally understand having a husband who seems to lack all those fun memories of childhood; my husband's experience is very similar! Your daughter is beautiful, too. I am really just enjoying watching the trip unfold through your eyes. It looks like you had a truly amazing time! And you worked so hard to bring so many special touches to your trip. Nice job!

I also have to thank you for the tip about Picasa. I HATE uploading to and using Photobucket, but thought it was the only way to post pics on here. I so prefer Picasa, so YAY!

I'm glad you found Picasa - I am finding it very easy to use.

Katie and I will rave about our trip forever. Grumpy is still not over the room mix up at the beginning...which is killing me because I REALLY want to celebrate our 20th anniversary next year just him and I at WDW and I won't be able to if he hasn't found the magic again.

The best seats in the house + having a personalized script just for your family read out What a special treat you guys had at LMA!

I've never seen any pictures of the Spirits of Aloha Show, nor have I read any reviews of them (Maybe because I never looked for it)... But it looks like a lot of fun! I don't think we'll be going to any dinner shows though, we'll save that for when we're taking the kids someday ~~Yes, DH and I still have months to go until we get to WDW, but we're already planning on going back! ~~

When I was around Katie's age my mom got me a Hawaiian dress thingy that looks very much like Katie's, but with a blue color scheme. I like that black one better

The Spirit of Aloha show was very cool, we really enjoyed it. That said, for little kids, I think that HDDR is better - more fun and loud and fun for young kids. I don't think Katie would have enjoyed SoA at 5.

My little diva picked out the dress herself. she is so fussy/funny with what she will wear, so unless its ridiculously inappropriate, I let her go with it. Makes life easier!

 

[pinkxray]

Poly does have CL and that would be a perfect way to celebrate 20 years

Next time we go back I would like to do 2 days at Poly before we move over to AKL, but I priced out a weekend in 2012 in Oct. and it is like $1200 for 2 nights. Don't think so. We'll see if any discounts are available in a few years but if they don't have any we will never pay that much to stay in a room.

Good luck getting Joe to agree to going back. I know DH will never agree for us to go back alone again. I have a hard enough time convincing him we need to go back for Caitlin.

 

[lbuzz52]

Poly does have CL and that would be a perfect way to celebrate 20 years

Next time we go back I would like to do 2 days at Poly before we move over to AKL, but I priced out a weekend in 2012 in Oct. and it is like $1200 for 2 nights. Don't think so. We'll see if any discounts are available in a few years but if they don't have any we will never pay that much to stay in a room.

Good luck getting Joe to agree to going back. I know DH will never agree for us to go back alone again. I have a hard enough time convincing him we need to go back for Caitlin.

I priced out a couple nights at the Poly too- my eyes popped out so far they needed their own sound effect. I think I'd have an easier time talking DH into a trip if it was just he and I. Sure we would
spend our mornings on Splash and our evenings drinking through Epcot- but hey, whatever it takes, right?