Happy Birthday From Goofy- My First Dis Trip Report

[jwwi]

I was thinking the same thing. A lot of Epcot this trip. But if it is just a short stroll away, why not? The topiaries are so pretty, what a great time of year to visit. The sand sculpture from an earlier post looks like snow to me, sad isn't it? Your trip sounds like fun, and your picture of Morocco with TOT in the background is so cool. Where are you standing when you can see that?

 

[wisblue]

Your trip sounds like fun, and your picture of Morocco with TOT in the background is so cool. Where are you standing when you can see that?

That view is from the bridge that leads to the Mexico pavilion.

 

[wisblue]

Tuesday, March 15 (Cont.)

When we returned to the Beach Club Villas, we received our usual greeting from Ariel

Back at the room, Emma had a special birthday gift and greeting from Cinderella.

After a brief rest, we were on our way to DHS for our early dinner reservation. Because we saw that a boat was on the way, we walked over to the Swan and Dolphin boat dock and boarded a Friendship there for the short ride to the Studios.

We had a few minutes before our reservation time, so we strolled up Hollywood Boulevard taking in some of the sights there, including some of the footprints in front of the Chinese Theatre and the statues in the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame plaza

Then, it was time for our dinner at

The 50’s Prime Time Café has been one of our favorite sit down dining spots at WDW for several years. We love the casual and humorous atmosphere and the food, while not exactly gourmet dining fare, is just the kind of basic comfort food that we like. The Formica top tables also remind me of the kind of table we had in our kitchen when I was growing up in the real 50’s.

We each ordered our usual favorites. Appropriately, I had “Dad’s Meatloaf”, Sue had “Mom’s Pot Roast” and Emma had “Aunt Liz’s Fried Chicken”. The portions are always generous so we don’t have to worry about having enough to eat. We also made sure not to put our elbows on the table, lest we receive a stern reprimand from our "Mom". When I went to the restroom, I also made sure to note the color of the soap, because I knew that Mom would ask as a test to make sure that I washed my hands.

I also enjoy the old sitcom clips that run on the old style TV sets

Sadly, I actually remember when a lot of these shows were on the air as original programming.

After finishing our main courses we were pretty full, but we couldn’t pass up sharing a dessert. So we ordered an apple cobbler a la mode and three spoons. When the server brought the yummy dessert, there was a candle in it, and the server announced to the room that everyone should sing “Happy Birthday” to “Cousin Emma”. Everyone did sing, and Emma was suitably embarrassed.

The next main part of our plan for the night was to see Fantasmic, but we still had some time to stroll around the park and digest our dinners. Emma then suggested that we go over to the Animation building to take another shot at the Animation Academy. So, we did that and were pleasantly surprised to hear that we would be drawing Mickey Mouse The instructor went through the process pretty fast, and I had trouble keeping up, but I was reasonably satisfied with my finished product

Next, we went over to see the short film about Walt Disney’s life at “One Man’s Dream” in Pixar Place. Anyone who loves WDW and/or the Disney movies really should see this 15 minute film (for which there is never a wait) at least once. It is narrated by Julie Andrews and presents a nice summary of Walt Disney’s life and how his incredible vision, imagination, and willingness to take risks provided all of us with a lifetime of entertainment. The displays in the building are also magnificent, and provide some nostalgic moments for old timers like me.

When the film ended it was still about an hour before the 8:30 Fantasmic show but, because the park seemed pretty crowded, we decided to head over to get our seats for the show. The theater was filling up rapidly and it looked like we might have to sit way over on the left side of the theater. But, as we walked over there, a cast member waved us into some seats in the middle of the theater in one of the last few rows that are usually reserved for people with special needs. So, we had good seats that would provide us with a reasonably quick exit.

Fantasmic is my favorite of the night shows at WDW. No matter how many times I see it I enjoy the music and the visual effects.

When the show ended, we made our way through the crowd and out of the park. Rather than fighting the crowds at the boat dock and bus stop, we walked back to the Beach Club. If you turn and look back, the walkway to the Boardwalk provides a really neat view of the bright lights of DHS reflecting off of the water. This picture doesn’t do it justice, so you’ll just have to go see it for yourself sometime to get the full effect..

When we returned to the Beach Club we also got to enjoy the view of the Boardawlk on the other side of the lagoon.

With another great day behind us, we were ready to call it a night.

Coming Up- “That’s Interesting. There doesn’t seem to be any track.”

 

[PlutosRHM55]

I think now I'll have to put 50's Primetime Cafe on my list of "Must-do(someday)" It sounds like such a fun experience. Do they seriously ask you to tell them what the color soap is in the bathroom to make sure you washed your hands? I love that! The food also sounds very down-to-earth and nice. I love the pictures you took of DHS from across the water and the BoardWalk. They both look so beautiful. And that's one awesome Mickey Can't wait to read more! Update soon!

 

[wdwgirl03]

I think now I'll have to put 50's Primetime Cafe on my list of "Must-do(someday)" It sounds like such a fun experience. Do they seriously ask you to tell them what the color soap is in the bathroom to make sure you washed your hands? I love that! The food also sounds very down-to-earth and nice. I love the pictures you took of DHS from across the water and the BoardWalk. They both look so beautiful. And that's one awesome Mickey Can't wait to read more! Update soon!

Yes, they do all sorts of crazy stuff at the Prime Time! It really is a lot of fun.

 

[Maleficent's Dad]

Loving this report and Happy 21st to Emma!

 

[wisblue]

Loving this report and Happy 21st to Emma!

Glad you're enjoying it.

I'm enjoying reliving a wonderful week.

 

[wisblue]

Wednesday, March 16

I mentioned earlier that we didn’t plan to spend much time at the Animal Kingdom on this trip because it is Emma’s and Sue’s least favorite park. So, I thought this would be a perfect day to visit DAK because Emma and I were going to see the Braves exhibition game at the ESPN Wide World of Sports in the afternoon. So, with AM EMH at DAK we would have time to hit our favorite attractions before the game.

After our usual breakfast in the room, we got the bus to DAK and were there for the park opening at 8AM.

We immediately began execution of our standard DAK opening strategy. Emma and I hustled off to Expedition Everest (which Sue doesn’t like to ride) while Sue took a leisurely stroll toward Kilimanjaro Safaris, where we would meet up with her after riding EE.

Things started out well, as Emma and I got onto EE with virtually no wait and then picked up FP’s so we could ride again later.

Then we walked quickly back to Harambe Village where we saw something we had NEVER seen before. The line for the Safari was WAY outside of the normal queue area and extended down the road and well past the Tusker House. Sue said that the line hadn’t moved at all, suggesting that either the attraction did not start up right at 8, or that the cast members were engaging in some really serious and devious line blocking. At first, the posted wait time was 25 minutes, which seemed too short, but it quickly went up to 50, and this was at about 8:15. Usually when we take this approach the line for the Safari is no more than 10 minutes.

We all enjoy the safari, but we’ve done it enough times that we weren’t about to get into a line that long, especially when we had to wonder if the ride was even operating. If I had had any idea that the line would be like that I wouldn’t have gotten FP’s at EE and we could have gotten them for the Safari. But, like I said, we had never seen anything like this before. So, because we would be leaving the park early, we were going to have to pass on the safari for this trip.

After that disappointment we went back to ride Dinosaur (another one Sue won’t ride) with no wait, and then came back to stroll around the Pangani Forest trail.

If nothing else I wanted to see how much Lilly, the baby gorilla that Sarah and I saw last April, had grown. If you don't know about Lilly, she has baffled the DAK staff because she has not grown or developed as quickly as she should, and they don't know why. Here are a couple of Sarah’s pictures of Lilly with her mother. This one is from last April, when Lilly was two months old

And this one is from Sarah's trip in March of this year, two weeks after ours.

We also strolled around the Tree of Life to look at some of the animal displays there and admire some of the magnificent carvings in the Tree of Life.

Next we headed over to see the first performance of the Festival of the Lion King, something all of us enjoy. I especially like the Tumble Monkeys

After the show, Emma and I wanted to use our EE fast passes, so Sue decided she would leave the park then. She planned to spend the afternoon strolling around the Boardwalk and the World Showcase and lounging by the pool while Emma and I went to the game.

After our second ride on EE, Emma and I headed out to the bus stop. We had to catch a ride to the All Star Resorts and then transfer to a bus to WWOS for the baseball game.

Coming Up- Take Me Out to the Ballgame

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Awesome update! I'm sorry you didn't get to ride Kilimanjaro. I always get a ton of pictures on that ride, even when I don't feel like it Haha But at least you got to ride EE twice to that. You seemed to have gotten a lot done. I must see FotLK someday, everyone is always raving about it. That will be one of my must-dos next trip I can't wait to hear about your Braves game since I've never been to the Wide World of Sports. Update soon!

 

[jwwi]

I love Prime Time, they really have fun with the guests there. And the meals I have tried have all be good too. It is usually a place I recommend to anyone who asks.
Cute Mickey picture, and it is fun to go through the exhibits at one man's dream. After my recent DL trip in July 2010, I would now like to go back to see it again.
Did you enjoy the Spring Training game? I think the facility is really nice. My DH got hit by a foul ball during a game there in 2008, but the ball ended up in another person's hands. The crowd wanted him to get the ball back, which he truly did not care about. But then one of the CM's brought him down to the fence by the field to get another baseball from an Astro's coach.
I kinda wish the Brewers played in FL during Spring, but there is so much travel between the facilities I think I like going to AZ better.

 

[wisblue]

Wednesday, March 16 (Cont)

This is the first time since the Braves started training at WDW that we were at the resort during Spring Training, so Emma and I really wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to see a game.

When we arrived at All Star Sports, there was a bus loading for the Wide World of Sports, so it didn’t take us long to get to the complex. Because we had only seen WWOS from the parking area, we wanted to spend some time before the game exploring the grounds.

I’ll let the pictures tell most of the story:

We saw the Braves version of the All Star Mickeys that were created in connection with last year’s All Star Game in Anaheim. His Brewers cousin is at Miller Park.

Back then we had the eternal hope that all fans have in the spring that this would be a good year for our teams. (November edit: In hindsight, this turned out to be one of those rare great seasons for the Brewers; their first division title in 29 years and an appearance in the NLCS.)

We also saw the HP Fieldhouse (formerly the Milk House) where they play the Old Spice basketball tournament at Thanksgiving; Marquette played there in 2009. They were setting up for one of those cheerleading competitions that you see on TV

We also saw the massive grounds covered with dozens of fields of various types. A big high school lacrosse tournament was going on.

Finally, we entered the quaint Champion Stadium, where the Braves play

The view from our seats on the grass behind the left field fence

The Braves were playing the Boston Red Sox, and there were a lot more Red Sox fans than Braves fans at the game. We didn’t care who won, but it was great to soak in the sights and sounds of a ballgame. The first batter, Marco Scutaro of the Sox, hit a home run that didn’t land far away from us.

Because we wanted to go to the Magic Kingdom in the evening, and nobody cares who wins exhibition games anyway, we left after the 7th inning with the score tied 3-3

For the record, the Braves ended up winning 4-3.

They have buses leaving WWOS for the All Star resorts and Caribbean Beach every half hour on the half hour, and we wanted to catch the 3:30 bus, which we did. From the All Stars, we took a bus to DHS and, because we were tired from sitting in the sun for 3 hours, we got a bus from there back to the Beach Club.

Coming Up- My First Look at a Disney Classic

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Oooo... WWOS looks really cool. I like the pictures you took especially of the Braves mickey. That's so cool they have those. And then you go to the game, where they play THE RED SOX! YES! But of course they lost Why must the Red Sox lose in Disney?! SERIOUSLY! I'm a Red Sox fan (I don't know if big would be the right word yet, but maybe...) so I rant about stuff like that Can't wait to read more! Update soon!

 

[Maleficent's Dad]

Great baseball pics! Seems like that was a lot of fun & a nice diversion.

 

[wisblue]

Wednesday, March 16 (Cont)

After a quick break in the room, we headed to the bus stop to catch a bus to the Magic Kingdom. Our main objectives for the evening were to get something to eat and to see the Electrical Parade.

We arrived at the MK

and got onto Main Street just as the Move It. Shake It. Celebrate It. party was ending.

I always enjoy looking at the windows on Main Street, especially since I bought the book that gives the stories behind a lot of the names.

We walked right over to Cosmic Ray’s to get something to eat (again using Disney Reward Dollars). Then we took a casual spin on the Peoplemover while we digested our dinners. When the ride went through Space Mountain, the lights were on, so again they were having problems with SM. Next we took a walk up toward Fantasyland. We got lucky when we went in to see Philharmagic because they were just letting people into the theater when we arrived. So, all we had to do was sit down and enjoy the show, which is one of my favorites. It’s always fun to see the reactions of people who have never seen it before.

When we came out of the theater we could see that the crowd on Main Street was gathering for the Electrical Parade. Because we didn’t really plan to do much else, and would be coming back to MK for AM EMH the next day, we decided to take a seat on the curb and enjoy people watching for a while. We also continued an old tradition by enjoying Mickey ice cream sandwiches while we waited.

Before long it was time for the parade. I was anxious to see it because I had never seen it at Disneyland, and it didn’t disappoint.

You can tell that this was an old classic because all of the characters are from the older Disney movies. On the whole, I think I like Spectromagic better because there is more variety to the music, but the Electrical Parade is fun too.

When the parade ended we considered waiting for the castle show and Wishes but, because we had had a long day, and would be getting up early the next morning, we decided to head back to the Beach Club. I intend to see the other shows in August when I come with Emma to get her started in the College Program.

Coming Up- The Final Day

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Wow! I've missed a ton of updates!!!!!

I love 50s too The food is very filling though I agree!!!

Looks like a fun time at WWOS!!!

 

[KCSherri]

Saturday, March 12 (Cont)


First we went over to the Epcot ticket window to pick up our park tickets. In anticipation of escorting Emma when she starts the college program, and visiting a couple of times while she’s there, I was getting myself an annual pass.

Great report!

I have a quick question...I am planning on staying at the Beach Club in August and need to pick up an annual pass, as well. I wasn't sure if there was a Ticket office by the International Gateway...so...I'm taking it, from your report here, that you WERE able to get an Annual Pass at the Gateway? You didn't have to go all the way to the front of Epcot???

Thanks!

 

[wisblue]

Great report!

I have a quick question...I am planning on staying at the Beach Club in August and need to pick up an annual pass, as well. I wasn't sure if there was a Ticket office by the International Gateway...so...I'm taking it, from your report here, that you WERE able to get an Annual Pass at the Gateway? You didn't have to go all the way to the front of Epcot???

Thanks!

Yes, there is a ticket window at the International Gateway.

Actually, you should be able to get the ticket at the Beach Club concierge desk, but they were having problems with their system that day, so we just made the short walk to redeem our ticket vouchers.

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Magic Kingdom just for food and a parade... Works for me! Haha It seems everyone really enjoys Cosmic Ray's. I definitely must go there. I've seen too many good food pictures now. I love MSEP! I never really got to see Spectromagic, but yeah I remember it being a little bit better than MSEP. Also it doesn't exactly exclude the parade to MSEP when you think about it (which they both follow the same route, but I think you get what I'm saying ) Well, great update, can't wait to hear more! Update soon!

 

[wisblue]

It seems everyone really enjoys Cosmic Ray's. I definitely must go there.

One of the things we've always liked about Cosmic Rays is the variety. When you're with a group, not everybody wants the same thing, and at CR you can get hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, soup, salad, etc.

When Emma and I are together we like to get the chicken/ribs combo because Emma eats most of the chicken and I eat the ribs. Sue usually gets a chicken sandwich.

 

[wisblue]

Thursday, March 17

It seemed like we had just arrived, but we were already to the final full day of our trip.That last day is always a little bittersweet, but I was determined to enjoy it while it lasted.

After an early breakfast (in the room, as always) we headed out for AM EMH at the Magic Kingdom. There are so many things we love to do at MK that, if our trip is long enough, we like to start two days with rope drops there.

This time we arrived in time for the welcome show and, when the park opened Emma and I walked quickly to Space Mountain while Sue stayed out of the way of the thundering herd (which seemed a little wilder than usual).

After we completed our usual tour of Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear, Emma decided that, because she had already done almost all of her favorite things at MK earlier in the week, she wanted to see what the line was like to see Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. So, we walked over to that area, and Emma took a few quick pictures on the way

The first session with Rapunzel (at 9:15) was already filled, but Emma decided that she wanted to wait for the 10:15 session, over an hour away.

While Emma joined the line, Sue and I took off to enjoy some more attractions and to see if we could pick up a fast pass or two to use later. We took a cruise on Small World, walked down to pick up FP’s for Splash Mountain, and came back for a tour of the Haunted Mansion.

By then it was getting close to 10 AM, so Sue went back to meet up with Emma. Because our FP return time for Splash Mountain was at 10:05, I walked back to Thunder Mountain to get FP’s for that when our window opened up. As I waited for the last two minutes to tick off the clock, a cast member asked what I was waiting for and, when I told him, he just produced FP’s for me without taking our tickets. So now, not only did I have the FP’s, but I could still get another one for something else. So, before meeting up with Sue and Emma I also picked up FP’s for Buzz Lightyear.

I made it back just in time to see Emma meeting with Rapunzel and Flynn

Doesn't that Flynn Rider look exactly like the character in the movie, right down to the facial expression?

After Emma got her pictures, we used our FP’s at Splash Mountain (Sue actually joined us this time) and Thunder Mountain, had lunch at the Harbor House, and used the FP’s for Buzz (where Emma had to take a picture of her personal high score).

She said she had no idea how she scored that high.

We also took another quick spin on the Peoplemover. Before we left the park Emma wanted to see if she could try the Haunted Mansion, but when she saw that the posted wait time was 20 minutes, she decided not to wait. Because she will be doing the College Program in the fall she knows that she will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy all of her favorite rides.

We then decided to take a ride around the park on the WDW Railroad, in part to see if we could see anything in the Fantasyland construction area. We boarded the train at the Frontierland station, where Emma took a picture of the crowd below.

She also took one of Thunder Mountain from the train

Not surprisingly, the construction area is pretty well closed off, so you can’t see much.

After we disembarked the train at the Main Street Station (watching our head and steps), we exited the park and said goodbye to the MK until our next visit, which we knew would not be too far away.

Coming Up- That’s a Wrap