Happy Birthday From Goofy- My First Dis Trip Report

[PlutosRHM55]

Awesome update!

I can't believe you got so much done after rope drop at DHS. That is crazy stuff! I was there for EMH and I don't know if I got that much done, though I think it may have been caused by the fact we split off and I was the only one who actually knew what I was doing, but that's another story ... I have been in the Toy Story Mania stand-by line before and it was the longest wait of our entire trip. I don't get how it could be that quick at rope drop. I must do that next time. I love the American Idol Experience! It is such a fun show and the show it is based off is so iconic, when I go with friends, we find it pretty awesome to vote and be a part of it since we had watched at least one season in our lives. Can't wait to hear more about your Studios adventures! Update soon!

 

[wisblue]

Loving the report and the pictures so far. Thanks!

Any idea how long the dock at the YC/BC will be down? I know it's posted somewhere, but what's the progress look like?

It's funny, because I detest the TV show American Idol, but I thoroughly enjoy the attraction.

Thanks for reading.

Sarah said that the YBC boat dock was open on her trip two weeks after ours.

 

[wisblue]

Awesome update!

I have been in the Toy Story Mania stand-by line before and it was the longest wait of our entire trip. I don't get how it could be that quick at rope drop. I must do that next time.

The standby line at TSM builds up very quickly, but because so many people go to the FP machines first it doesn't take long to get through the ride if you go right there. Remember too that there are no FP returns right away, so the standby line moves more quickly than when it has to share with FP returns.

Usually when we get off the ride we can get FP's with a return around 12-1 PM, which is perfect for us. I like doing it twice, but I'd rather split the trips up.

 

[wisblue]

Monday, March 14 (Cont.)

For lunch, we decided to stop at the Backlot Express, another place where I could use my Disney Reward Dollars.

After placing our order, and while waiting for the food to come up, one of the cast members looked at me and said “John, we have a phone call for you.” He led me over to the phone on a nearby wall, dialed a number, and handed me the phone. I then heard the unmistakable voice of Goofy saying “I heard it’s your birthday”, and he proceeded to sing “Happy Birthday” to me. That was definitely a unique, and unexpected, surprise.

While we ate our lunch on the outside patio, the Jedi Training Academy started up at the nearby Star Tours building. If you have never seen this, it is definitely worth a look. The little kids are so cute as they get their training, and then unexpectedly have to put it to the test when Darth Vader appears. The instructors are always funny too as they assist their trainees. For example, if a kid forgets to duck when he’s supposed to, the instructor might say “He’s so fast you can’t even see it”. This session had an especially funny moment because one of the trainees was wearing shoes with pictures of Darth Vader on them. Of course, the instructor had to comment on that.

After lunch we wanted to do something relaxing before the return time for our Toy Story Mania FP’s. So, we headed over to the Animation building to try our hand at the Animation Academy.

We had never tried the Animation Academy until my trip with Sarah last April but, now that we have done it, it has gone on to our “must do” list. Not only is it fun, but when you’re done you have a free souvenir of your visit. I am the world’s worst artist, but even my pictures end up looking like the character.

On this visit we drew Jiminy Cricket, which was a little disappointing to me because I had done him last year. At least this time we did a different view than I had done the last time.

When we finished our drawings it was time to go back to Pixar Place to use our FP’s.

I could play Toy Story Mania over and over, although my arm would probably be dead the next day. Pulling on those spring guns can be tough on an old arm.

We exited TSM and headed to the right toward the Backlot Studio Tour. There was not much of a line so we could see that we would be entering with the next group, which we did in about 10 minutes. Emma got some good shots of some of the things I like to see on this tour, including

The Earful Tower

One of the cages from Pirates of the Caribbean movie (Dead Man's Chest)

Walt Disney’s private plane, Ear Force One

and the ill-fated tanker from Catastrophe Canyon

We got a bonus on this trip because the Lights. Motors. Action stunt show was in progress, so we got to see some of the vehicles from the show while they waited in the staging area and then raced into the action.

By now we were ready for our afternoon break, so we decided not to stick around for the parade. After a quick stop at Mickey’s of Hollywood, we headed over to the boat dock to return to the Beach Club. We exited at the Swan and Dolphin dock and, on the walk from there to the Beach Club, Emma took some random snapshots of this wonderful resort area.

Coming Up- An evening walk around the World

 

[wdwgirl03]

Oh, that's cool that the stunt show was going on when you were on the Backlot Tour. We will have to go see LMA sometime because I read that Lightning McQueen will be making a guest appearance in it now. I guess that means it's the end of Herbie.

Claire and I also got a phone call at OKW from Mickey and Minnie for our birthdays. I can't remember if we even told you that, haha.

 

[PirateKate]

It was interesting to see their view from Characters in Flight. I always wondered how much could be seen from up there.

Was the line long to meet Minnie and Goofy at the Visa meet and greet? I'd kind of like to try that someday, but I know my boys wouldn't want to wait too long.

Glad to hear they are getting a better handle on Toy Story rope drop madness. I've never actually been for it, but it sounds unpleasant. Of course, the rest of the day sounds great.

 

[wisblue]

Was the line long to meet Minnie and Goofy at the Visa meet and greet? I'd kind of like to try that someday, but I know my boys wouldn't want to wait too long.

We waited maybe 10-15 minutes which is about the same as the other times we have done it.

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Firstly, I don't understand why everyone goes to the Backlot Express and when I was there it was closed. Is it a seasonal thing or something? Seriously, I could've seen the Indiana Jones stunt show if it was open. Gosh! LOL Enough of my ranting. I love the pictures you took of the BoardWalk area. I really want to stay at the Yacht Club so its nice to see pictures of that area. The Animation Academy also sounds like tons of fun if someone who isn't really the artist-type can enjoy it, I must do it. Update soon!

 

[jwwi]

I think I should plan to watch the Jedi training next trip, sounds like the kids are pretty cute. I love the animation academy, really fun to see everyone's drawings at the end too. The weather looks so beautiful, was it nice during your trip?

 

[wisblue]

The weather looks so beautiful, was it nice during your trip?

Yes, the weather was perfect. It was sunny all week with high temperatures in the upper 70's to low 80's.

 

[wisblue]

Monday, March 14 (Cont.)

When we got back to the Beach Club, Sue and Emma settled in at the DVC pool, but I decided that I had to check out Stormalong Bay. They were actually checking room keys and giving out wristbands to make sure that only Yacht and Beach Club guests were using the area. They didn’t do that when we stayed at the Beach Club in December, 2008.

After I got my wrist band, I took a spin down the long water slide and then drifted along through the long pool. It really is a great facility, especially for kids. After about 30 minutes I returned to the serenity of the DVC pool.

I mentioned earlier that we don’t follow a strict touring plan, and today was a good example. I originally thought that we could go to MK for the Electrical Parade and Wishes this night but, when the time came, we decided to stay closer to “home” and stroll around the World Showcase because we hadn’t seen that much of it the night before. There would be time for the Electrical Parade later in the week.

Because none of us felt like having a big dinner, we walked over to the pizza window on the Boardwalk for a slice of pizza before heading over to Epcot through the International Gateway. From there we went on a long, casual stroll around the World Showcase enjoying the pavilions,the Flower and Garden displays, and an occasional character. I’ll let Emma’s pictures tell the story:

"Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair"

When we got around to the Mexico Pavilion, we took a quick cruise on the

I also had to point out to Sue one of my favorite views from the World Showcase:

This photo is from a previous trip, but I think it’s amazing how they constructed the back of the Tower of Terror so that it would blend in with the Morocco pavilion.

As we worked our way back toward the International Gateway, we stopped to see the O’ Canada movie with Martin Short (excellent) and caught a couple of songs from the British Invasion

Before Illuminations started, we left Epcot and walked over to the Boardwalk for a snack. We also saw a couple of the sidewalk shows, including a magician who did some pretty amazing card tricks.

After another wonderful day, we headed back to the Beach Club and called it a night.

Coming Up- Another Birthday Celebration

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Great update! I find it very interesting that a pool can be so popular they have to give out wristbands for only the hotel guests to get in. I don't think I've ever heard that before. That may be another plus to staying at one of the BoardWalk resorts I love the pictures from around World Showcase, especially the Rapunzel one, I don't know how I missed that and the Tower of Terror thing is always so cool to look at since it is just so cool how it can blend in perfectly with the Morocco pavilion. Good to see you saw the British Invasion since they are leaving WDW now... Can't wait to hear more! Update soon!

 

[Maleficent's Dad]

Great update! I know what you mean about SAB pool. Most people swear that they're so strict there, but I've stayed at the BC plenty of times when they don't have anyone checking room keys.

 

[wisblue]

Tuesday, March 15

By now you're probably getting the idea that our days at WDW follow a common pattern. We almost always start the day at a rope drop at one of the parks and cover our favorite attractions before the crowds build up. Then we have an early lunch and cover a few of the less busy attractions. We also usually return to our resort for some rest and relaxation in the room or at the pool. Then in the evening we usually go to one of the parks, often to catch one of the night shows. If our trip is long enough, we try to start at least one day at each of the four parks.

Today, we started the day (Emma’s 21st birthday) with AM EMH at Epcot. Because the International Gateway was so close to our villa, we didn’t have to leave that early to get there for the 8 AM opening. When we reached the gate, we were surprised to find a long line that started at the bag check entrance. Even though it was almost opening time, there was nobody there to check bags!!! This was pretty disappointing, because on our previous stays at the Beach Club and Boardwalk they had let guests in through the International Gateway a little early so they would be able to reach the biggest attractions (Soarin' and Test Track) at about the same time as the guests entering through the main entrance. It was obvious that this time those guests would be getting a head start on us. By the time they started checking bags it was almost 8 AM, and the line behind us stretched way up the hill toward the Boardwalk and Beach Club.

Although this little glitch was annoying, it didn’t really affect us as we activated our usual Epcot opening plan. Like Sarah, Sue will not ride Mission Space, so she went off to get FP’s for Soarin’ while Emma and I hustled to Mission Space. Even with our delayed start, we made it to MS in time for the first flights of the morning.

I should say that I love Mission Space, especially the lift off, where you feel like the skin is going to peel off your cheeks from the force.

After Mission Space we met up with Sue and headed over to Test Track. The standby line was already pretty long, so we opted for single riders and ended up walking right to and through the preshow area and into the line. We were on the cars and off the ride within 15 minutes. We were thinking about trying the Sum of all Thrills, but because it wasn’t 9 AM yet, Innoventions was not open. So, instead we went on Spaceship Earth with virtually no wait.

After SE, Emma decided that she wanted to get some pictures from

We had to wait about 15 minutes, but we did get several pictures with all of the characters

After the Character Spot, we (1) used our Soarin FP’s, (2) visited Nemo and his friends at The Seas, and (3) saw the classic Captain EO. I saw Captain EO on one of our visits in the early 90’s and I remembered it being pretty strange. A second viewing 20 years later didn’t change my mind, but it was fun seeing it again. Still, I like “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience” better, and hope that returns someday.

By then it was just about time for the World Showcase to open, so we headed out for some lunch and another trip around the world.

Our first stop was at the bakery in France for some of our favorites: ham and cheese croissants, quiche, and chocolate mousse.

Emma also was able to get some more Flower and Garden pictures in the daytime sunshine

When we reached the American Adventure, we enjoyed some of the topiary displays there

the flag presentation

the choir

and the American Adventure show.

Then we continued our tour and Emma took some more pictures

We had an early dinner reservation at the 50’s Prime Time Café at DHS to celebrate Emma’s birthday, and we wanted to take a break at the room before that, so we looped back around to the front of the World Showcase, took a quick detour over to Mouse Gear, and then headed back to the Beach Club.

Coming Up- “Keep Your Elbows off The Table”

 

[PlutosRHM55]

I'm guessing your family are huge EPCOT fanatics, because you are consecutively updating with EPCOT trips. Its crazy Haha Its okay, EPCOT is a great park in its own right so I understand. I just love looking at those pictures of the topiaries your daughter took. They are just awesome to look at. Also, I wanted to add that the choir inside the American Adventure pavilion are the Voices of Liberty. Just had to add that little fact. They are amazing, aren't they? Can't wait to hear about 50's Primetime Cafe! Update soon!

 

[DisneyDianna]

I'm really enjoying your trip report. The photos of the flower and garden show are just beautiful. We plan on going during that time in 2013. Looking forward to more updates!

 

[wisblue]

I'm guessing your family are huge EPCOT fanatics, because you are consecutively updating with EPCOT trips. Its crazy Haha Its okay, EPCOT is a great park in its own right so I understand.

It really just worked out that way. As I mentioned in one of the early reports, my wife loves Epcot, especially the World Showcase, but she often feels shortchanged because we usually spend more time in the other parks. On this trip, I wanted to make sure we spent time there and, when you stay at the Beach Club, it's easy to do because it's such a short walk. Originally, we were going to go to the MK on Monday night, but we changed our minds when the time came.

I knew that we wouldn't be spending much time at the Animal Kingdom on this trip because that is by far the least favorite park for both Emma and Sue. Sarah and I, on the other hand, love DAK and spent a lot of time there on our trip last April when we stayed at the AKL Villas and did a Backstage Safari.

Without giving too much away, Emma and I did not go into Epcot again on the last 2 1/2 days of our trip.

 

[Villainess]

I'm going to join in - great report so far!

 

[Jazzabelle508]

Sounds like fun! How fun that emma got to celebrate her 21st birthday in disney!!!!!!! that is sooooooo cool! I'm pretty much a year shy from 21 (my 20th birthday is this upcoming sunday which is why i said pretty much a year), when I do turn 21 I really want to do a world tour of the different beverages from each country. can't wait to hear about your 50's prime time dinner (I love that place!!!!!) and I can't wait to hear if they did anything for emma's birthday.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

OOO!!! I can't wait to hear the 50s Prime Time Cafe update!!!!

Happy 21st to Emma!!!