Hoop de Doo ~ a video & report for you! October * MNSSHP * Characterpalooza 1/19/17 Update

[cynditech]

Hi all & welcome I've been inspired by so many of the great trip reports that I've read on Disboards - I've decided to try my hand at one!

So - here it goes...................

We have been to Disney World three times now, 2012, 2013 & 2014. In 2012 we said this would be our one time trip, LOL - didn't work out that way. DS9 has Autism, and we didn't know at first how he would deal with all of the stimulation of Disney. Well, he loves it now. The first year was ok (he was obsessed with Haunted Mansion, which we rode over 25 times, LOL). The second year he was more comfortable - and this time he did great. He loves interacting with the characters so much (as you can see in the video). Many of the characters took extra time with him and we truly appreciated that.

This trip was from October 24th to October 30th, 2014. For the first two days it was myself (Cyndi), hubby (George) and son (Nicholas, 8). Then our friends joined us for the rest of our stay!

Please also check out our Disney Trip Video below as well. We purchased a GoPro two days before the trip - so we weren't quite well versed on it's usage. That said - it was the best purchase I've ever made - I loved coming home and having all of us watch the clips together - they were so fun!!!

Trip Report Links ​

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GoPro Disney Video 2014

Reveal Video for October 2015 Trip

GoPro Disney Video 2015

2016 Disney World & Disney Dream Cruise Video​

DAY 1 ~ TRAVEL, MK, EPCOT, CAPE MAY CAFE

DAY 2 ~ EPCOT, OHANA DINNER, MAGIC KINGDOM

DAY 3 / PART 1 ~ YES PROGRAM AT HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

DAY 3 / PART 2 ~ LIBERY TREE TAVERN/PIRATES LEAGUE/MNSSHP

DAY 4 / PART 1 ~ ANIMAL KINGDOM

DAY 4 / PART 2 ~ HOOP DE DO REVUE, MAGIC KINGDOM​

DAY 5 ~ HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS, JEDI TRAINING, MAMA MELROSE​

DAY 6 ~ HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS, MK A&E MEET, EPCOT, VIA NAPOLI​

DAY 1



We departed Detroit Metro Airport around 8:30am (our original flight was delayed slightly). The flight was fine - the plane was a newer one that we looooved! Very nice big screens for each seat with a ton of movies and tv shows. We all settled in - attached our earbuds - and kicked back and enjoyed the flight. Oh - and the highlight for Nicholas was that he got to hang out with the pilot a bit and check out the airplane!



On our way to Beach Club Villas! We reserved a Studio for the first two nights and then switched to a 2 bedroom villa for the rest of our stay.



Quick bite from the Marketplace. DS got the flatbread pizza, which he really liked. DH got the ham sandwich which he loved!! I got an apple, LOL! I was planning on seriously hogging down at dinner - so I wanted to save room!!!



Yay - at MK!!! This is typically our first stop on the first day of any of our trips! We love to take it all in on Mainstreet - check things out, etc. And our first ride usually is Haunted Mansion of course!



Then to my favorite ride - Splash Mountain (which we did get soaked on for the first time ever)!!!



We hung out until around 4ish and then headed back to Beach Club because we had reservations at Cape May Café (which is a favorite of ours). Dinner was good, as always. We were surprised with a dessert plate for our Anniversary (23rd) - and a cupcake for Nicholas' birthday (9th).



Seriously - two things in this picture make us love going to Cape May. 1 - the fact that the kids can draw all over the table - which gives me time to enjoy - 2 - the desserts!



Our room was not ready after dinner, so we decided to check out the resort. Nicholas was bugging us to go swimming - so we just let him swim in his shorts, LOL! We figured our room would be ready soon anyways! So, he swam for a bit - then we received a text that our room was ready - so we went to sort things out there!



After unpacking, we walked over and checked out Food & Wine at Epcot for a bit.



We naturally stopped at the Poland booth (since I'm polish) and I got my absolute favorite frozen szarlotka (apple pie) - mmmmm! Then we hit Germany for some beers and bratwurst (which Nicholas ate two of). We ended up sitting with another family and hung out & talked with them for quite awhile.

We then headed back to our room and went to sleep - getting plenty of rest for our next day!


Thanks for reading Up next ~ DAY 2

 

[cynditech]

DAY 2 ​

We awoke fairly early (for us) and headed over to The Yacht Club for breakfast at Captain's Grille.



We all chose the buffet and felt that it was a pretty reasonable price. Everything was fresh and yummy!!! We would eat there again for sure. Nicholas had his standard Mickey waffles and about 10 pounds of bacon, LOL!!!



After eating, we headed down the dock and took the boat to Epcot. We walked around a bit, did some rides....................

Went to Turtle Talk with Crush, one of Nicholas' favorites ~



And we hit Test Track a couple of times!



Then we made our way over to meet some characters We ended up seeing Mickey, Minnie & Goofy - then went over to see Chip & Dale. The character interactions were great and Nicholas had a blast



Naturally we then headed over to France for some treats Nicholas has plain vanilla ice cream (this will be a recurring choice for the rest of the trip), I had a Chocolate Macaron which was amazing and George opted for two scoops of sorbet in a cone which he enjoyed.



We had plenty of time to relax in the afternoon - so we hung out a Stormalong Bay. Probably goes without saying - we loooooved the pool. We ended up talking with another family for the afternoon while the kids played. We could have seriously stayed there all day - but we had another reservation to hit!



So, after going back to our room and getting ready - we were headed to the Poly for our dinner reservation at Ohana (which was our first time)!!! We were seated very quickly and started off with a couple drinks - and I finally got to taste the Lapu Lapu Awesome drink!!!!



We honestly loved the meal - it was a favorite for all of us. George loved the lettuce wraps (I had none, no mushrooms for me), the wings were ok, loved the dumplings!!! We thought it was so great that Nicholas joined in with the other kids for the Hula dancing



And the dessert - OMG - yummmmmmm!!!! Needless to say, we had to get a second order, LOL! And, keeping with his norm, Nicholas had plain vanilla ice cream of course



With our bellies literally bursting, we decided to take the boat back to MK and walk around, hit some rides.



When we walked in, Nicholas saw a guy dressed as a princess? We chatted with him & his friends for awhile and Nicholas wanted a picture with him, LOL! He was super nice! We found out later - he's pretty famous in the youtube universe (Steve Kardynal) - and actually lives near us in Michigan! He was filming a video there - it seemed like every photopass photographer that we talked to was talking about him being there! ***Interesting note, our babysitter just ran into him at a local bar here the other night, LOL!!!



We knew we had a super busy day planned for the next day, so we headed back to the Beach Club and went to sleep. We had packed our room up, since we would be moving to another room tomorrow with our friends.

UP NEXT, DAY 3/PART 1 ~ YOUTH EDUCATION SERIES ANIMATION CLASS @ HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS ​

 

[leshunlenese]

Came over to check this out. Video was amazing!
Love cape may! oh i am hungry thinking about it.
My DS was obsessed with that pool. we were over wt the yacht club. Pretty much the one time I will be able to stay there. I cannot afford those room prices unless someone travels with me!
I am so excited to try food and wine!

Nicholas is awesome! I mean you cannot go wrong with all that bacon! I love it too!

Looking out for day 3!

 

[cynditech]

Came over to check this out. Video was amazing!
Love cape may! oh i am hungry thinking about it.
My DS was obsessed with that pool. we were over wt the yacht club. Pretty much the one time I will be able to stay there. I cannot afford those room prices unless someone travels with me!
I am so excited to try food and wine!

Nicholas is awesome! I mean you cannot go wrong with all that bacon! I love it too!

Looking out for day 3!

Thanks so much!!! It was our first time staying at BCV - we did like it, the kids liked the pool (though it was really hard to keep track of everyone)! We rented points, which is the only way we could make this work.

LOL - yep, Nicholas sure loves himself some bacon (we doesn't, LOL)!!!

 

[cynditech]

Day 3 ~ Part 1 ​

So, we had a very very very busy day planned for our third day. Our friends had arrived and we were switching from our Studio room to a 2 bedroom unit at Beach Club for the remainder of our trip.



So, while some of our group got ready for our room switch - and went to Costco for groceries - I took DS9 and my friends two girls to the Animation Class at HS. This was through the Youth Education Series program.

At the main gate of HS, waiting for everyone in our homeschool group!




Walking through an empty HS (which I thought was pretty cool). The class begins well before the park actually opens.



The class lasted three hours and taught the kids a lot about animation and the history of Disney animation. The kids enjoyed the class - as did I.


We finished up our class and grabbed the boat back to Beach Club (hoping our room was ready)! The kids were starving! I didn't plan well, and had basically some cheez-its and gum for them to share, LOL!



We met the rest of our group back at Beach Club. Shortly after we arrived, our room was ready. So, we rushed to the room to start unpacking a bit and to unpack our groceries. Everyone really wanted a rest - but there was no time for that - we had the MNSSHP to get to (as well as lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern).

So, we all basically were trying to get ready for the party and get to our ADR in time (which meant everyone was running around like crazy - and we were late for our ADR)!

Day 3 ~ Part 2 ~ Pirates League ~ MNSSHP​

 

[cynditech]

DAY 3 ~ PART 2 ~ PIRATES LEAGUE & MNSSHP​

Whew - so off we head to MK - literally running because we were late for our ADR at Liberty Tree Tavern. We finally found our way to the restaurant and were seated quickly. The kids were all jazzed up already, so of course they all were saying they weren't hungry So, we all just ordered a bunch of things and split it all.



Our drinks were brought quickly!



Once our food arrived, we all gobbled it up pretty quickly. I split a burger with hubby, which was pretty good! I was dying to try dessert - but we simply did not have time - as we had appointments for the kids at The Pirates League

On our way out of the restaurant, we saw some of the parade. And then booked it over to Pirates League



We had a bit of a wait - the place was absolutely packed beyond belief!!! But once each kid was called, it went pretty quickly.




Once done with Pirates League, we wanted to run towards the front of the park to get in line to meet Jack & Sally. On the way there, we took a detour and stopped to see Tiana & Naveen (who were so fun)!!!




So we finally made it to the line for Jack & Sally. I want to say we were in line about 90 minutes or so (the kids were losing their patience at that point). But, finally it was our turn and it was a fun meet for all.



Since the guys didn't care if they met Jack & Sally - we had them run ahead to the parade route and save a spot for the kids. So, once we were done with the meet & greet - we literally ran back towards Liberty Square with about one minute to spare before the parade started We got the kids settled in and ready to watch the parade.



Once the parade was over - we did some trick or treating, rides and meet & greets. Nicholas was most excited to see Jack Sparrow. This meet was fantastic and Jack spent a tone of time with the kids (we were the last group before break).



Now, the character we were most anxious to see was Madam Carlotta at the Haunted Mansion. The previous year, she had spent a lot of time with Nicholas. When we got home from vacation - we sent a letter to her, with a picture of them together - and a picture that Nicholas drew for her. Disney called to let us know that they received it all - and would be giving it to her and she would receive special recognition for such outstanding customer service Well, when she saw Nicholas this year - she remembered us, remembered the letter - OMG, it was just sooo cool!!! Nicholas was so excited - he had brought a ring for her this year! She spent a very very long time with us, visiting and talking - and then she took Nicholas on a ride in the Haunted Mansion. Needless to say - best character interaction ever!!!




After Haunted Mansion, we headed off towards the Rapunzel bathrooms and actually ended up watching the fireworks from there. The kids loved the location as the fireworks went off all around us. So, it was really nice to just sit and take a break there for a bit.



After the fireworks we went on some more rides and did a bit more trick or treating. At around 12:30ish, we stopped for ice cream before leaving (which is a tradition of ours).




Finally dragged our tired behinds back to the bus and back to Beach Club (I know Nicholas fell asleep on the way back, LOL)!!! Once back, everyone basically passed out!!! But, we had another early morning the next day, so no one would be sleeping in!!!


Stayed tuned for Day 4 ~ Animal Kingdom ~ Hoop De Doo ~ Magic Kingdom

 

[leshunlenese]

The class the kids took look so much fun! I heard a lot about the youth education series. It looks like it would be very good for the kids. My child isn't home-schooled though!
I love MNSSHP. Cannot wait to go back! That was so cool she remembered him and the letter!
We love watching the fireworks from fantasyland because they are all around and it is nice to get a different view!

 

[Pesky]

Love your TR so far. You are doing a lot of the things I hope to. DD is so excited by your pictures with Capt. Jack -- she is already dying to meet him. And I love the story of the interaction with Madame Carlotta. That is awesome!

 

[cynditech]

The class the kids took look so much fun! I heard a lot about the youth education series. It looks like it would be very good for the kids. My child isn't home-schooled though!
I love MNSSHP. Cannot wait to go back! That was so cool she remembered him and the letter!
We love watching the fireworks from fantasyland because they are all around and it is nice to get a different view!

Actually, none of our kids our homeschooled either! We joined up with a group that was going at the same time - for two reasons. 1) the ticket discount is amazing!!! 2) the class seemed like a great opportunity for the kids - it was really great!

Maybe we will see you guys at MNSSHP - I think we're going the same day hopefully!

 

[cynditech]

Love your TR so far. You are doing a lot of the things I hope to. DD is so excited by your pictures with Capt. Jack -- she is already dying to meet him. And I love the story of the interaction with Madame Carlotta. That is awesome!

Thank you so much Capt. Jack is always the big draw for DS, and honestly, this Capt. Jack spent an incredibly long time with the kids - I couldn't believe it! We are the biggest fans of Madame Carlotta - we're praying she will be there this year when we go!!!

 

[megveg]

Yoo hooo, hello famiLyy! Haha im heree! So glad your little one is into pirates, my absolute favorite! Icant wait to meet Ms Leota at MNSSHP! Im here to follow alonggg

 

[leshunlenese]

Actually, none of our kids our homeschooled either! We joined up with a group that was going at the same time - for two reasons. 1) the ticket discount is amazing!!! 2) the class seemed like a great opportunity for the kids - it was really great!

Maybe we will see you guys at MNSSHP - I think we're going the same day hopefully!

Oh really! the classes seem so much fun! I wish they had some for us adults!
I hope so! and to finally see what we actually come up with costumes, if I can ever decide!

 

[cynditech]

Yoo hooo, hello famiLyy! Haha im heree! So glad your little one is into pirates, my absolute favorite! Icant wait to meet Ms Leota at MNSSHP! Im here to follow alonggg

Hey Meg!!! You will just love MNSSHP! It's the best!!!

 

[cynditech]

Oh really! the classes seem so much fun! I wish they had some for us adults!
I hope so! and to finally see what we actually come up with costumes, if I can ever decide!

LOL - I have everyone right now trying to agree on costumes!

We were hoping to do a class this fall too, but haven't found anything yet.

 

[sahm2two]

Loving the TR so far! Looking at a trip for Oct. 2016 and planning on doing MNSSHP!

 

[cynditech]

Loving the TR so far! Looking at a trip for Oct. 2016 and planning on doing MNSSHP!

Welcome & thank you! October is our favorite time at Disney - you will absolutely love doing MNSSHP - it is such a blast!!!

 

[cynditech]

Just a quick update - we decided to tell the kids this past weekend about our upcoming October trip. I made a puzzle on Zazzle - figuring it would be a cute way to tell them. Long story short, maybe not the best idea. It seriously took over an hour and a half to put together, LOL!!! I didn't even think about how many pieced there would be!

 

[RunnerMommyof4]

Omg the puzzle idea is awesome we are a total puzzle family and it'd give us something to do Christmas morning when they open their gifts! Loving your report thus far! Another 2 bedroom villa for us up check out. We haven't actually been to WDW yet

 

[cynditech]

Omg the puzzle idea is awesome we are a total puzzle family and it'd give us something to do Christmas morning when they open their gifts! Loving your report thus far! Another 2 bedroom villa for us up check out. We haven't actually been to WDW yet

Thank you so much! The puzzle was a lot of fun - and the only way I could think to surprise all of the kids! That would be so much fun for you guys to do Christmas morning!!!

How exciting to go to WDW for the first time We're staying at Wilderness Lodge this year - so I'm anxious to see how it compares to Beach Club

 

[cynditech]

Day 4 ~ Animal Kingdom ~ Hoop De Doo Review ~ Magic Kingdom ~ Part 1
​

Even though we were up late the previous night at MNSSHP - we decided to get an early start for Animal Kingdom - which turned out to be a great plan! By going at opening, we were able to just switch our fastpasses to Magic Kingdom for later, as none of the rides needed a fast pass at AK this early in the morning!




The first ride we wanted to hit as K.Safari - and the kids loved it, as did the adults. The animals were fairly active that early in the morning too!



Next up was Expedition Everest! This was a first for DS9 and he absolutely loved it (though the picture would suggest otherwise, LOL)!



Then off to Dinosaur...



A couple of character meets...






I think we were out of the park by noon. Went back to our resort to rest up and swim. Since we had a full kitchen in the villa, while the kids swam, we prepped lunch and then ate by the pool. After resting up, we headed over to Hoop De Doo review - which I'll cover in my next post

Day 4 ~ Part 2 ~ Hoop De Do Review & Magic Kingdom​