How long are you going for again? - A May 2011 Trip Report

[pas130]

I knew Gramma would LOVE the cake And that chocolate cake looks like a "slice of Heaven" YUMMMMMMMMMMM

 

[WDWKOOK]

Chapter 5 - "Double Surprise!"

It's the moment you've all (and by all, I mean WDWKOOK ) been waiting for! The dinner at the California Grill!

We got on the bus to the Contemporary and got back around 7:00pm. Just enough time to freshen up before going to dinner. We were ready about 7:20pm and decided to go to the shops to kill some time. I found some stuff I wanted like a photo album, which I believe I ended up buying after dinner. I can't recall. All I know is that it was late at night when I bought it.

At about 7:45pm we went to the desk for the California Grill and they took us and a couple who had just gotten married up to the California Grill. We were pretty early so we didn't expect to get seated right away. Plus, it was really busy. The couple got seated first and they had a great seat next to the window a little after 8:00pm. 20 minutes or so later, they had our table ready, but they were going to seat us basically in the back. We didn't make it to the table because we quickly knew they were not going to put us by the window where you can view the castle even though there clearly were some tables available that hadn't been touched in 10 minutes.

My gramma complained to the guy because we waited about 40 minutes for our table and we were not going to sit in the back. They told us that we could get up after we eat to view Wishes at the observation deck. My gramma wouldn't allow it. She wanted us to sit by the window to view Wishes. She told him that it was my birthday, I made these plans well in advance so I could watch Wishes and there was no way we would be able to get everything ordered and eaten by 9:00pm. People were also getting served slowly.

So the CM took us to the CM who was dealing with the seating arrangements who is from Illinois as well. He's from a town no more than I wanna say, 40 minutes from me? Anyways, my gramma talked to him and explained the situation and he said that we would have to wait longer. We obviously said we would wait so we did. We didn't get seated 'til about 8:40pm I think, but we got a great view. I would have preferred a table that wasn't in a corner, but I wasn't going to complain.

Here is a picture of us at our table that the waitress took of us. She said that Tinkerbell was above my head. lol And I'm sorry I look so terrible! Ick!

The view had some obscurities, I dealt with it because I was at Disney World and I was going to watch Wishes while eating dinner. Though I wouldn't have said anything about getting a table that didn't have a view of Wishes. I would have kept quiet, but I probably would have been on the verge of tears, if not crying when I got seated.

We had a wonderful waitress. I wish I remembered her name. She was a sweetheart! My gramma and I both ordered alcoholic drinks. I got an Apple Martini and my gramma got a Mai Tai. I tried the Mai Tai and it was so yummy! My Apple Martini sucked. I couldn't even taste the apple. There was no flavor to it. It was basically just a Martini. I have vowed to never get an Apple Martini anywhere else but Dave and Busters after the Apple Martini I had at a local restaurant in my boyfriend's town. Dave and Buster's apple martini is fruity and yummy. I couldn't even finish the Apple Martini. I just couldn't stand the taste.

The Appletini:

For dinner, I ordered the Sonoma Goat Cheese Raviloi. I don't remember what my gramma ordered, but it looked really good! We watched the "Let the Memories Begin" show as we waited for our food. You couldn't hear it from the restaurant though which worried me when it came to Wishes. I was worried we wouldn't be able to hear it. We got our food just in time for Wishes! It was really exciting! I couldn't get any pictures because they didn't turn out well. Without flash it was blurry and with the flash I would get a reflection. Being able to hear and see Wishes from such a wonderful view was wonderful! I would do it all over again!

After Wishes, the waitress waved me over to her. She said that my card number didn't go through and asked if I had a different card. I told her I would give her my actual card so I grabbed it and gave it to her. It was really hard to try and keep it a secret from my gramma since I was running back and forth. The reason my card didn't go through before was because they wrote my debit card number down wrong. One number was wrong.

When I got back to the table I had to distract my gramma until they brought the cake out. When they brought it out, my gramma's reaction was priceless. She laughed and smiled and thought the cake was beautiful! Then I confessed that I ordered it a few weeks prior to the trip as a thank you gift. It did end up being a vanilla cake. I never called to make sure.

That was surprise number one. Surprise number two was this:

The waitress brought out a cake for me for my birthday! I was so surprised! I joked with my gramma and asked her if she ordered a cake for me. I was so surprised. I was very grateful. The cake was really yummy as well as the cake I got for my gramma. It was a wonderful way to end the evening! Despite the hiccups earlier, it ended up being a perfect night!

Next time on Hannah's Birthday Trip Report, "We just went to all 4 parks in one day, didn't we?"

Phew, you didn't have to change a tire or eat turkey legs, but I was not happy about the big run around you and Gramma were getting. I have found that CAG is one of those restaurants that can be spectacular and really impress and/or it can be less than spectacular sometimes and rather frustrating. I'm so glad that the evening turned around for you and that you ended on a high note. You are such a thoughtful grandchild to have ordered the cake for Gramma. I bet that's a gesture she won't soon forget.

In the future, can you ask for your drink heavy on the apple, light on the vodka? Those drinks are so pricey that I think you should get them just like you like them.

Did you have any appetizers? I love their sushi. Your goat cheese ravioli sounds yummy. I love goat cheese and DD loves ravioli. The night we arrive we're eating at CAG and I'll bet DD will order the ravioli and I can tell her that Hannah ordered it, too, to which she'll ask, "Who's Hannah?"

BTW, you and Gramma look beautiful!

I took my grandmother with me to Disney world for my 21st birthday!! I cant wait to read your TR!! This is awesome!

We went May 2004! And we camped in a tent at Fort Wilderness! I also did all the planning, hence thinking camping would be great. Which at the time I thought it was but looking back, what was I thinking?!
I had my first legal beer at hoop de doo revue.

Awesome!

Camping with your Grandma? That sounds really neat! I have to ask, if your first beer was at HDDR and it's all-you-can-drink there, did you only have one beer?

 

[Lillian Gracey]

Chapter 6 - "We just went to all 4 parks in one day, didn't we?" Part One

So we got up at about 7:30am or maybe earlier. All I know is that it was early. lol I quickly got ready and let my gramma get ready. We were on the monorail about 8:30am or so. We rode it to the TTC and grabbed the Epcot monorail. We got there just before rope drop. We walked into the park and I saw that Daisy was signing autographs so I waited in line and got her autograph! I was so happy! She's my favorite of the Fab 6! She even wrote Happy Birthday! She was so awesome!

Here's a picture of us:

After getting Daisy's autograph, we got fastpasses for Soarin'. On our way to Mission Space I saw the Fab 5 were having a meet n' greet so I hopped in line and got their autographs and pictures. I was mostly going for Donald because he's my boyfriend's favorite of the Fab 5. I told Donald, "Don't tell my boyfriend, but you're my favorite." It was dorky, but fun. I gave him a smooch on his beak.

We went on over to Mission Space and the wait was non-existent. We got into the Green line because we weren't sure how intense it was going to be and waited a few minutes and then went on in. We loved seeing the guy from CSI: NY on the TV screen. We are both a fan of CSI and did watch the season finale of the original CSI on that Thursday. Mission Space was pretty fun. I wouldn't mind trying the Orange side. Green wasn't that intense. My gramma liked it as well.

After getting off the ride, I bought an awesome Tron Legacy shirt that I love wearing!

We decided to go on Spaceship Earth since the line was super short when we passed it on our way to Mission Space, but when we got there, the line was really long. I didn't care if we went on Spaceship Earth or not so we went on over to Soarin' since we were able to use our fastpasses. The wait wasn't too long for fastpasses. When we watched the video before getting onto Soarin', I squealed on the inside because it was Patrick Warburton! He voices a character on one of my favorite shows. I immediately texted my boyfriend because it made me so happy!

We were in the lowest row, but it was awesome! My gramma is afraid of heights, but was ok with Soarin' because you are strapped in. I'm like her. I couldn't stand on top of a tall building with a simple railing. I'd feel like I'd fall over easily. I was in Colorado and we were on top of this mountain and I had to stay near the shop because I didn't want to go anywhere near the edge because I didn't want to fall.

Anyways, Soarin' was lots of fun! I felt like I was really there. It was very pretty and I loved seeing Disneyland! I wouldn't wait a long time for Soarin', but I would get a fastpass for it. My gramma left my sunglasses in the compartment underneath the seat since I gave her my sunglasses so we waited 'til the next ride was over to grab my sunglasses. They were nice enough to let me do that. I was so glad I had an extra pair in our room had we not waited to get them.

After Soarin' we decided to leave for MGM. We went on over toward the UK because we were going on the boat. I think we went on every type of transportation at WDW. We also saw most resorts as well just by riding the bus, monorail and boat. The only ones we didn't see I believe were the values and AKL.

We saw Ariel in her gown and The Mad Hatter. No one was in line for them. I was going to get their autographs, but I ended up not getting them. I was watching The Mad Hatter interact with a lady and she was/looked so confused. She didn't get what an unbirthday was or anything! It was so embarrassing to watch. I was close to just going on over to The Mad Hatter and playing along with him because I understood everything. He was so funny and cool. I wish I did talk to him.

After that we got on the boat that went to S/D, YC, BC and BWI. It was nice sitting in the cool boat since it was really hot out. I loved seeing YC, BC and BWI! I wouldn't mind staying at BWI. It looks so pretty in person!

Here are some pictures I took while in the boat:

After getting to MGM we went on over to TSM to see what the line was like. On our way there, I did a penny press. I love penny presses. When we got to TSM, it was a 50 minute wait and no fastpasses were available. I could live with not waiting 50 minutes for TSM. At a shop across from the fastpasses for TSM, there was a penny press and I did two of them. I got a Hamm one for my co-worker and a Wheezy one for me because I love penguins!

We decided to go on the Great Movie Ride since it was only a 15 minute wait. I loved that ride when I went last time so I decided to go again. I get scared when things pop out at me so I was on edge during some of the scenes. I did not look back to see the Alien in the Alien scene because I did not want to see it. lol We got the cowboy scene which was pretty awesome! I think that's the scene we saw last time as well. Gramma and I really enjoyed seeing some of the films we enjoyed.

Afterward we walked toward ToT. I didn't want to go on it alone and I was kind of chickening out even though I really wanted to go on it and the line wasn't that long, but I chickened out and went on over to Rock n' Roller Coaster. It was a 20 or 30 minute wait, but I wanted to go on it. When I got to the entrance a CM holding some tickets said Happy Birthday to me and asked if I wanted a fastpass. I told him yes and he gave me one. I smiled and thanked him. I was so happy! I went on over to the fastpass line and gave them my fastpass and went on in!

I was getting so nervous and excited at the same time! I ended up sitting in the back. I loved the launch. It reminded me of the Mr. Freeze ride at Six Flags in St. Louis! The ride was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed it a lot.

After I got off the ride, I went on over to gramma and we went into some shops looking for a Beauty and the Beast shirt for my mom since that's my mom's favorite Disney movie. I was determined to find her a shirt! Something similar to the Broadway shirt with the silhouette of Belle and the Beast. We ended up not finding a shirt.

I loved seeing the Pink and Yellow Ranger suits at the Planet Hollywood store! My friend and I are huge Power Ranger fans so I took a picture of them for him.

Here are some other MGM pictures I took:

We went to the guest services building to find out which is the fastest way to go to Animal Kingdom since I wanted to ride Expedition Everest. They said to take a bus to POP and get on a bus to AK. Before we left my gramma went to the bathroom and I just stood by guest services for her. There was a group of high schoolers and they sang happy birthday to a fellow classmate and then they saw my birthday pin and I think I said it was my 21st birthday. I don't think they asked how old I was. They asked if I was sober and I told them I was. I didn't have anything to drink. They also sang happy birthday to me. It was very sweet of them. They were very enthusiastic. lol

When my gramma got back I told her about it and we left for the buses. On our way to the buses, I saw a girl with a shirt that I absolutely loved. She had a shirt with one of my favorite super hero's symbol on it. Her friends were wearing comic book super hero shirts as well. I ran up to her and told her how much I loved the shirt and ran back to my gramma. It was so awesome seeing her shirt! There was a bus specifically for AK so we got in that line and headed on over to AK. It was only a little after 2:00pm.

Next time on Hannah's Birthday Trip Report, "We just went to all 4 parks in one day, didn't we?" Part One

 

[WDWKOOK]

Chapter 6 - "We just went to all 4 parks in one day, didn't we?" Part One

So we got up at about 7:30am or maybe earlier. All I know is that it was early. lol I quickly got ready and let my gramma get ready. We were on the monorail about 8:30am or so. We rode it to the TTC and grabbed the Epcot monorail. We got there just before rope drop. We walked into the park and I saw that Daisy was signing autographs so I waited in line and got her autograph! I was so happy! She's my favorite of the Fab 6! She even wrote Happy Birthday! She was so awesome!

Here's a picture of us:

After getting Daisy's autograph, we got fastpasses for Soarin'. On our way to Mission Space I saw the Fab 5 were having a meet n' greet so I hopped in line and got their autographs and pictures. I was mostly going for Donald because he's my boyfriend's favorite of the Fab 5. I told Donald, "Don't tell my boyfriend, but you're my favorite." It was dorky, but fun. I gave him a smooch on his beak.

We went on over to Mission Space and the wait was non-existent. We got into the Green line because we weren't sure how intense it was going to be and waited a few minutes and then went on in. We loved seeing the guy from CSI: NY on the TV screen. We are both a fan of CSI and did watch the season finale of the original CSI on that Thursday. Mission Space was pretty fun. I wouldn't mind trying the Orange side. Green wasn't that intense. My gramma liked it as well.

After getting off the ride, I bought an awesome Tron Legacy shirt that I love wearing!

We decided to go on Spaceship Earth since the line was super short when we passed it on our way to Mission Space, but when we got there, the line was really long. I didn't care if we went on Spaceship Earth or not so we went on over to Soarin' since we were able to use our fastpasses. The wait wasn't too long for fastpasses. When we watched the video before getting onto Soarin', I squealed on the inside because it was Patrick Warburton! He voices a character on one of my favorite shows. I immediately texted my boyfriend because it made me so happy!

We were in the lowest row, but it was awesome! My gramma is afraid of heights, but was ok with Soarin' because you are strapped in. I'm like her. I couldn't stand on top of a tall building with a simple railing. I'd feel like I'd fall over easily. I was in Colorado and we were on top of this mountain and I had to stay near the shop because I didn't want to go anywhere near the edge because I didn't want to fall.

Anyways, Soarin' was lots of fun! I felt like I was really there. It was very pretty and I loved seeing Disneyland! I wouldn't wait a long time for Soarin', but I would get a fastpass for it. My gramma left my sunglasses in the compartment underneath the seat since I gave her my sunglasses so we waited 'til the next ride was over to grab my sunglasses. They were nice enough to let me do that. I was so glad I had an extra pair in our room had we not waited to get them.

After Soarin' we decided to leave for MGM. We went on over toward the UK because we were going on the boat. I think we went on every type of transportation at WDW. We also saw most resorts as well just by riding the bus, monorail and boat. The only ones we didn't see I believe were the values and AKL.

We saw Ariel in her gown and The Mad Hatter. No one was in line for them. I was going to get their autographs, but I ended up not getting them. I was watching The Mad Hatter interact with a lady and she was/looked so confused. She didn't get what an unbirthday was or anything! It was so embarrassing to watch. I was close to just going on over to The Mad Hatter and playing along with him because I understood everything. He was so funny and cool. I wish I did talk to him.

After that we got on the boat that went to S/D, YC, BC and BWI. It was nice sitting in the cool boat since it was really hot out. I loved seeing YC, BC and BWI! I wouldn't mind staying at BWI. It looks so pretty in person!

Here are some pictures I took while in the boat:

After getting to MGM we went on over to TSM to see what the line was like. On our way there, I did a penny press. I love penny presses. When we got to TSM, it was a 50 minute wait and no fastpasses were available. I could live with not waiting 50 minutes for TSM. At a shop across from the fastpasses for TSM, there was a penny press and I did two of them. I got a Hamm one for my co-worker and a Wheezy one for me because I love penguins!

We decided to go on the Great Movie Ride since it was only a 15 minute wait. I loved that ride when I went last time so I decided to go again. I get scared when things pop out at me so I was on edge during some of the scenes. I did not look back to see the Alien in the Alien scene because I did not want to see it. lol We got the cowboy scene which was pretty awesome! I think that's the scene we saw last time as well. Gramma and I really enjoyed seeing some of the films we enjoyed.

Afterward we walked toward ToT. I didn't want to go on it alone and I was kind of chickening out even though I really wanted to go on it and the line wasn't that long, but I chickened out and went on over to Rock n' Roller Coaster. It was a 20 or 30 minute wait, but I wanted to go on it. When I got to the entrance a CM holding some tickets said Happy Birthday to me and asked if I wanted a fastpass. I told him yes and he gave me one. I smiled and thanked him. I was so happy! I went on over to the fastpass line and gave them my fastpass and went on in!

I was getting so nervous and excited at the same time! I ended up sitting in the back. I loved the launch. It reminded me of the Mr. Freeze ride at Six Flags in St. Louis! The ride was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed it a lot.

After I got off the ride, I went on over to gramma and we went into some shops looking for a Beauty and the Beast shirt for my mom since that's my mom's favorite Disney movie. I was determined to find her a shirt! Something similar to the Broadway shirt with the silhouette of Belle and the Beast. We ended up not finding a shirt.

I loved seeing the Pink and Yellow Ranger suits at the Planet Hollywood store! My friend and I are huge Power Ranger fans so I took a picture of them for him.

Here are some other MGM pictures I took:

We went to the guest services building to find out which is the fastest way to go to Animal Kingdom since I wanted to ride Expedition Everest. They said to take a bus to POP and get on a bus to AK. Before we left my gramma went to the bathroom and I just stood by guest services for her. There was a group of high schoolers and they sang happy birthday to a fellow classmate and then they saw my birthday pin and I think I said it was my 21st birthday. I don't think they asked how old I was. They asked if I was sober and I told them I was. I didn't have anything to drink. They also sang happy birthday to me. It was very sweet of them. They were very enthusiastic. lol

When my gramma got back I told her about it and we left for the buses. On our way to the buses, I saw a girl with a shirt that I absolutely loved. She had a shirt with one of my favorite super hero's symbol on it. Her friends were wearing comic book super hero shirts as well. I ran up to her and told her how much I loved the shirt and ran back to my gramma. It was so awesome seeing her shirt! There was a bus specifically for AK so we got in that line and headed on over to AK. It was only a little after 2:00pm.

Next time on Hannah's Birthday Trip Report, "We just went to all 4 parks in one day, didn't we?" Part One

I felt the same way on the Atrium Club's balcony during Wishes one night. There were too many people, IMHO, on the balcony and it was dark and made me nervous, especially when a young guy decided to be funny and lean backwards on the railing. I went inside after that.

I just love your character photos and your Tron shirt is so cool. You look like you're having a great time and Gramma did a great job of keeping-up with all the photo ops.

I get pretty nervous at the beginning of RRRC when it takes off, but after that it's a blast. Just wish that and TSM didn't always have such long lines. I will NEVER go on ToT again. I went years ago when DD was little and when it stopped dropping the first time she said, "I wanna get off this NOW." I felt the same way.

By my count, you have two parks left...

 

[Lillian Gracey]

I felt the same way on the Atrium Club's balcony during Wishes one night. There were too many people, IMHO, on the balcony and it was dark and made me nervous, especially when a young guy decided to be funny and lean backwards on the railing. I went inside after that.

I just love your character photos and your Tron shirt is so cool. You look like you're having a great time and Gramma did a great job of keeping-up with all the photo ops.

I get pretty nervous at the beginning of RRRC when it takes off, but after that it's a blast. Just wish that and TSM didn't always have such long lines. I will NEVER go on ToT again. I went years ago when DD was little and when it stopped dropping the first time she said, "I wanna get off this NOW." I felt the same way.

By my count, you have two parks left...

I was having a blast! I am such a kid. Gramma was great about taking pictures. She dealt with me stopping every two seconds to take a picture of something.

I went on ToT when I was 9 with my mom and I liked it. lol

And my next entry will be about Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom. I was going to put it all in one, but it ended up being longer than I thought so I cut it in half.

 

[pas130]

Gramma is taking fantastic pictures! You look like you are having such a blast. I did Mission Space when it first opened up...too chicken to go back on..now DS 10 goes on with DH Staying tuned Hannah!!!

 

[sjs314]

I would have done just like your grandmother and tried to get a table with a view at Cali Grill after all it was your B-Day. Your castle cake for grandma was nice and so was your special cake the gave you

I can not beleive you two did all four parks in one day can't wait to read about AK and MK.

 

[DizFan101]

I am totally loving your trip report.
I wish I could stay in the Contemporary Resort. I don't know why but i do. my mom says it's "okay".

i am looking forward to your next chapters which will have to be on monday.
my best friend from texas loves donald.

 

[Lillian Gracey]

@pas130: My gramma did a wonderful job! She got some pictures of me interacting with the characters. They are really neat!

@sjs314: I am too nice to say anything, but I'm glad my gramma did. I would have been so sad if I didn't see Wishes during dinner. And it's not that hard to do all four parks in one day actually. We just happened to do it on accident. We just did a few rides at each park. We did basically everything on day one so we decided to upgrade to a park hopper and go from park to park and do some rides I wanted to ride at the other parks since we had the time.

@DizFan101: Welcome! And thanks! I'm glad you are enjoying it! I love the Contemporary. It's so beautiful. I hope one day you will get to experience it. It may not have larger-than-life icons like the values or an obvious Disney theme to it, but being next to Magic Kingdom is a good enough theme. I felt the Disney Magic every time I stepped out of my room. Being able to see Cinderella Castle and Space Mountain was wonderful.

I will be updating tomorrow since I have the day off of work.