Hunny even my socks smell like Disney! ~ "relaxing" Sept 2010 trip!1/24/11 RACE TIME!

[Shannon84]

First, I love your Halloween costume, Shannon. I've never seen the show, but our youngest son (age 22) watches it faithfully.

Poor Lee...he didn't like TOT. I'm with you, I could ride it over and over again.

Can't wait to hear about the rest of the day at DHS.

Thank you Thank you My costume embarassed Lee which made it 10x better to wear

I wish I could just skip the line and get right back on that elevator!! I love rides that drop, but I love them even more with a great theme

I am joining your TR, loving it so far and can not wait to read more. I went looking for TR for end of Sept and beginning of Oct and yours was the first I came upon. We had a trip planned for this November but had to cancel and decided on Nov/Dec 2011 but were talking today about maybe taking advantage of the FD which for now ends on Sept 29 so thought perhaps we will go end of Sept/Oct. We want to stay at the Beach Club during Food & Wine too , anyhow great trip report so far

I hope I can convince you that Sept/Oct is a GREAT time to go...well at least I think so We have been eyeing Beach Club ourselves, that would be a great spot to be at during food & wine, because its just a short stroll away

You are so right about that one with fastpasses being stressful. The last time I went, I did my normal dash to get fastpasses at Soarin. Of course, I ended up behind what I thought was a bunch of newbies, because they were all slow as molasses. So here I am behind them, muttering to myself to just get the fastpasses, and I was so tempted to do it myself. Well, I ended up eating my words on that one, because the fastpass machine was actually not working. Whoops. My bad.

This is why I dont say anything, but am always so very tempted to!! Other times I get flustered and move to another fastpass line and by the time I get to that one the return time is much later now

Wow! You have some remarkable powers of persuasion. Lee, Lee, Lee...if only I had been there to warn you... You could have at least let him read my write-up of this ride before you forced him on it.

I think he went on to avoid a guilt trip from me that he never tries new things (this probably didn't help my argument for the future)

Also we did have World War III over rollercoasters at Busch Gardens once...he might have been having flashbacks and just agreed to this in fear of me

Now that's just really cruel. So why didn't you buy it?

I should have...Im kicking myself now for not getting it!! I just have a hard time paying that much money for a picture when they print it out for probably $2

I've never actually ridden RnR. I don't know how I would handle going upside-down.

I LOVE the ride except for going upside down...it hurts my head when it bumps me around in the seat, Lee is convinced the harnesses are never safe enough (thats his excuse)

And we had an awesome time at 50's PT. Definitely a keeper!

We will be hitting up the 50s PT again soon...it has been great the last few trips

Just stopped by to say HI! I've enjoyed reading your TR. I am considering running the Princess Half in February with a couple friends, but I can't decide ... i've only done one 10k, but several 5Ks. I'm just not sure about a half. Was it enjoyable? Did Disney have the route fun and entertaining?

Glad you stopped in!! All I can say about doing your first half is DO IT AT DISNEY AND DO IT ASAP!!! Prior to the Wine & Dine half I had only run one 10k and multiple 5ks as well...and I am sloowwww...I have just recently started to pick up the pace actually

Once I get to the weekend of the race in my TR I will get more into detail, but I thought it was VERY enjoyable (even though others have said that this one needed some work in a lot of areas - which I agree - chalk it up to being the first year for this race) There were some areas of "boring" in the route...but overall this was the most fun and entertaining race I have ever experienced and want to go and do more Disney races now

Great update. Love the picture you got in ToT. At least you got Lee to go on it! Question - will he ever go on it again?

You lunch looks so yummy!

Great morning in HS.

OH - great Snooky costume.

He will NEVER go again he made that known as we exited In his mind though he promised me he would try new things...so he at least compromised with me here! Trust me payback is no fun, I had to ride spinning rides for him

Thank you - scary enough that costume was put together with all my own clothing

 

[UGAFan0829]

Hi, Shannon!!! I just stumbled across your report, and am LOVING it!! You and Lee are such a cute couple, and I love reading about his experiences as a first timer! I can't wait to see the Princess and the Frog picture that you mentioned from MK--Tiana is one of my favorite Princesses, so I can't wait to see that!
I'm also really excited to hear about the half! I did the Princess half earlier this year and am training to do it next year. If you ever get the chance, you should try it too--I think you would LOVE it!!
Keep it coming!

 

[Shannon84]

Hi, Shannon!!! I just stumbled across your report, and am LOVING it!! You and Lee are such a cute couple, and I love reading about his experiences as a first timer! I can't wait to see the Princess and the Frog picture that you mentioned from MK--Tiana is one of my favorite Princesses, so I can't wait to see that!
I'm also really excited to hear about the half! I did the Princess half earlier this year and am training to do it next year. If you ever get the chance, you should try it too--I think you would LOVE it!!
Keep it coming!

YAY thank you so much I really loved that movie and I loved that it was in that "old school animation" I was even able to meet Tiana after the Wine & Dine Half

The more I read about that race, the more I want to do it! I just can't swing it money wise for 2011...but maybe 2012?

 

[Shannon84]

I’m back!! Sorry it took so long to get this next update out…work has been a little crazy lately!

After our wonderful lunch at 50’s Prime Time I was on a hunt for Lotso, I had to find him before he had to leave his meet and great spot for the parade. We bypassed the movie and went directly into the Animation building so I could hurry to get in line and there was a substantial line to see him. There are very few characters I have the patience to wait in line for, but I really wanted a picture with him. Also the waiting area was themed like Sunnyside Daycare and it was really done up GREAT...I wish I snapped pictures of this area

Ok disclaimer and maybe a SPOILER if you haven’t seen Toy Story 3, but yes I do know he is evil in the movie…but before I went to see it I thought he looked ADORABLE and I still can't get over how cute he is in person either!! I CRIED when I realized in the movie he was evil…Lee laughed (mainly because I couldn’t stop talking about how cute this bear was). Yes he smells just like strawberry!!

Here is what we were able to get with our camera…the photopass ones are much better (patiently waiting on my cd to come in now) I enjoy the second one where it looks like I am about to fall asleep

Next we decided to try our luck at the animation class. Our character to draw was Ray from The Princess and the Frog. I thought it was a fun choice because it was something different and because Lee gave me that movie for my birthday. My drawing is on the left and Lee's on the right

After our fun drawing experience we were off to the movies – The Great Movie Ride….yes I loved this ride the first few times I rode and yes it still holds a special place in my heart when it comes to Disney childhood memories, but I probably could have napped this time around

My attempt at being “artsy”

We were off to venture through the Streets of America

Lee thought this was hilarious

I went in search of the umbrella I read so much about on the disboards and I was off to sing in the rain…but was sad when no rain came…so I climbed and posed instead

Lee wasn’t in the mood for Muppets 3D…but maybe next time

Next up was Lights, Motors, Action! I knew Lee would love this show…he really loved the trivia beforehand, but he was getting on my nerves because he was SCREAMING the answers out to me (he has no clue how loud he is sometimes)

Here is my video of the show ending



I timed it perfectly so that we would just make it in time for Indiana Jones when this show finished. Lee was VERY impressed with these two shows…he couldn’t believe this was all at Disney World

I tried really hard to be a volunteer for Indiana Jones…but no luck

I was so excited because it was FINALLY time for our TSM fastpasses I swear I am going to get in that regular queue one day…we flew right through the line and snapped a quick picture

I LOVE this ride and I wish we had time to ride it over and over again…I lost of course..though compared to the scores I see on the boards we both stink!

I really love the Pixar area

Lee demanded that I share his “hidden Mickey find” I’m not sure this really counts, he has been searching for them around the house ever since we returned home

We were on our way out of the park when I convinced Lee to go back in the Animation building with me to see what the line with Mickey looked like. There was NO line…YESSSS!! I showed Mickey my manicure and he was delighted!!

The building was empty and I was very excited to see a few characters for the first time

We both agreed it turned out to be a GREAT day and we were able to see so many attractions and some unexpected characters!



Up Next: A quick trip to Downtown Disney...oh and a quick meltdown too!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Great update! I know what you mean about always feeling like you stink on Toy Story Mania. I go through that ride, pulling that string with all my might, I think I do a good job, and then I get to the end and see everyone else's scores and I'm like D'OH!

In one day, I went on it four times just trying to see if I could make it on the board. Talk about rubber arms. I need to figure out a better system.

Did I mention I'm competitive?

 

[Spartangirl]

Very cool that you two got to draw Ray! Both of your drawings turned out very well!

LOVE the pic of you guys with Sorcerer Mickey...very cute...and no line? That's even better!

Looks like you had a fantastic day......you got lots of attractions done and met some fun characters!

 

[KatMark]

Great update, Shannon. How nice to get a "different" character for the drawing at the Animation Studios (I know everyone usually gets one of the Fab 5 or Stitch on most occasions). So glad that Lee enjoyed the two shows. We've never done Lights, Motor Action, but your picture of the ending is great.

 

[acejka]

That is awesome that you came for the race! I'm excited to read about it. I want to do the princess half but there is no way I will be ready in time. I can't even do a 5k yet. I have to retrain myself to run after and accident and too many years of not running-oh yeah and some (wayyyy too many) extra pounds hanging around.

I used to live in VA too When I hit Richmond on my drives home, its a big sigh of relief-almost there! I was in NOVA.

 

[JMat]

How cute is Lee finding his own hidden mickeys?! I love that story. Kris points them out on car antenna's back at home and says "Found One!"

...not sure there's a challenge to that, but i'll take it!

Great updates & after all these animation posts, im thinking its a must do for me next. Did Lee like it or was he kind of indifferent. Might be a great change of pace! Thanks for the updates!!

 

[UGAFan0829]

Awesome update! I'm so glad you found Lotso! I agree with you--I was very sad when he turned evil in the movie--he's just to darn cute to be evil!! And wow, y'all really lucked up with the characters when you decided to go back!! Mary Poppins has always been a fun one--I love to listen to her talk! Can't wait for more!!!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Here is what we were able to get with our camera…the photopass ones are much better (patiently waiting on my cd to come in now) I enjoy the second one where it looks like I am about to fall asleep

Hmm. Are you sure he smells like strawberries?

After our fun drawing experience we were off to the movies – The Great Movie Ride….yes I loved this ride the first few times I rode and yes it still holds a special place in my heart when it comes to Disney childhood memories, but I probably could have napped this time around

Take out "probably" and put in "definitely."


Nice job on the Ray drawings, and I like your artsy shot, too!

That's disappointing that there was no water with the umbrella. We had meant to try it out, but didn't make it over there. And I share Lee's love of the stunt shows. If DHS didn't have them, I'm not sure I'd visit the park, to be honest.

Well, ok--I'd have to do TSM.

 

[Shannon84]

Great update! I know what you mean about always feeling like you stink on Toy Story Mania. I go through that ride, pulling that string with all my might, I think I do a good job, and then I get to the end and see everyone else's scores and I'm like D'OH!

That is exactly how I am I want to win so badly...but I get worse the more times I ride it!!!

Very cool that you two got to draw Ray! Both of your drawings turned out very well!

LOVE the pic of you guys with Sorcerer Mickey...very cute...and no line? That's even better!

Looks like you had a fantastic day......you got lots of attractions done and met some fun characters!

Thank you It was suprisingly one of my favorite days out of the entire vacation...I feel like it was the most relaxing, but we still got a ton done

Great update, Shannon. How nice to get a "different" character for the drawing at the Animation Studios (I know everyone usually gets one of the Fab 5 or Stitch on most occasions). So glad that Lee enjoyed the two shows. We've never done Lights, Motor Action, but your picture of the ending is great.

It was really nice to draw something different and that is one Disney princess movie that Lee really enjoyed...I think he liked that it was the old style of animation. The show is GREAT and I feel like everyone gets a pretty good seat in there no matter where you end up

That is awesome that you came for the race! I'm excited to read about it. I want to do the princess half but there is no way I will be ready in time. I can't even do a 5k yet. I have to retrain myself to run after and accident and too many years of not running-oh yeah and some (wayyyy too many) extra pounds hanging around.

I used to live in VA too When I hit Richmond on my drives home, its a big sigh of relief-almost there! I was in NOVA.

I LOVED running in Disney...I have been much more motivated since I have returned and I cannot wait to do another Disney race I really encourage anyone seeking to do a half marathon to do it in Disney...but definetly take your time with training as well. I ended up giving myself a stress fracture because I tried to do too much at first when I started up with running

How cute is Lee finding his own hidden mickeys?! I love that story. Kris points them out on car antenna's back at home and says "Found One!"

...not sure there's a challenge to that, but i'll take it!

Great updates & after all these animation posts, im thinking its a must do for me next. Did Lee like it or was he kind of indifferent. Might be a great change of pace! Thanks for the updates!!

Doesnt count...but its cute that they try!! Lee swears the shadow our cieling fan makes creates a hidden Mickey...he kills me!!

We skipped over the movie part..but Lee really liked that area...because it was air conditioned, you can see lots of characters there (especially at random times like right before park closing), and he really liked the drawing class (he is a pretty good artist ) Plus it was a relaxing break in the day

Awesome update! I'm so glad you found Lotso! I agree with you--I was very sad when he turned evil in the movie--he's just to darn cute to be evil!! And wow, y'all really lucked up with the characters when you decided to go back!! Mary Poppins has always been a fun one--I love to listen to her talk! Can't wait for more!!!

I still can't believe he was evil...he was SO cute in person...though I did go running into him for a hug and he sort of backed up a little
I had read here on the boards that they bring out characters at random times like right before park closing and they were right

Nice job on the Ray drawings, and I like your artsy shot, too!

That's disappointing that there was no water with the umbrella. We had meant to try it out, but didn't make it over there. And I share Lee's love of the stunt shows. If DHS didn't have them, I'm not sure I'd visit the park, to be honest.

Well, ok--I'd have to do TSM.

I think I may have scared Lotso because I was so excited I think they just pump strawberry air freshner in his area

I REALLY wanted to like Great Movie Ride, I mean I dont hate it, I just wanted to speed it up a little...I think a little part of it has to do with the fact that Wizard of Oz FREAKS ME OUT!!!

I stomped all over that umbrella...ran around it...did a little dance and nothing happened Though I was starting to draw attention from families in the area

 

[Shannon84]

After we left DHS we returned home to POP to change and relax for a little while. We decided we had the energy to do some shopping and have dinner at Downtown Disney this night. I wish we would have waited until the weekend, because it was really a false sense of energy

We were both STARVING by the time we made it to DTD and I really wanted something other than chicken fingers from counter service (Lee could live forever on just chicken fingers Im sure). This is where we had our first real AM - all others before this were just a drill

AM is an Adult Meltdown – much like a child’s tantrum, but much more embarrassing because it is coming from an adult. Lee was getting angry because both of my choices (Wolfgang Express or Earl of Sandwich) had huge lines. In the middle of DTD we yelled at each other and then stormed off in different directions. He went off towards some stores and I got in line for Earl of Sandwich...I win because he came back to find me Note to self - we are angry people when hungry

The line here moves VERY quickly and our food was excellent - so do not let a crowd scare you. We both had some sort of Hawaiian BBQ chicken sandwich – YUM! And they had the BEST cupcake there too. Of course I didn’t take any pictures – whoops!! We sat outside and watched the little kids play in the water area (the little water jet/fountain things in the ground - obviously I am excellent at describing things )

We realized we were both exhausted at this point, but we needed to find some souvenirs for friends and family (something I usually skip because 1. I am broke and 2. I always forget someone and hurt their feelings)

We found most of the things we wanted in the World of Disney…my favorite store!

I made Lee try on some silly hats of course

It was here that I spotted a Mr.Prickle Pants plush from Toy Story 3 again and I decided I really still wanted him (we had seen this plush at MK and DHS). I think he is soooo adorable – stole the pic…because I forgot to take one of him

We didn’t even make it to the other side of DTD, Lee was very tired and not as interested anymore after we purchased lots of things at World of Disney. We went home and crashed, I was hoping to get up nice and early for EPCOT the next day…did we do that?!?


Up Next: EPCOT and my only day of "regrets"

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

AM is an Adult Meltdown – much like a child’s tantrum, but much more embarrassing because it is coming from an adult. Lee was getting angry because both of my choices (Wolfgang Express or Earl of Sandwich) had huge lines. In the middle of DTD we yelled at each other and then stormed off in different directions. He went off towards some stores and I got in line for Earl of Sandwich...I win because he came back to find me Note to self - we are angry people when hungry

Pictures? Video? Anything? Pretty please??

Too bad I couldn't have warned you ahead of time. Earl of Sandwich always moves fast. That could have ended a dispute right there! Although it would be less entertaining.

The Hawaiian Barbecue is my favorite sandwich there! Good call on that one.

 

[KatMark]

I love the picture of Lee in the hat; he looks like he is still having an AM (adult meltdown). We all have them...even when you reach Mark's and my ages (50+). Hopefully, a good night's rest is just the ticket for the next day.

 

[IheartDDuck]

I think we've all had an AM before. I too am in the same boat. Get me hungry, and I'm sure to have an explosion sooner or later! This is why I plan a lot of my trips around food.....

 

[jc040404]

Ooohhh.. Where is this? I've never noticed before and wanna find it now! LOVE Roger Rabbit! Well, mostly Jessica actually, and only partly because we share a name.

Subbing! LOVING your TR so far. I really like how you describe things and you keep finding stuff I didn't know about. Awesome! I love that about TRs. I didn't know you could see the sign from a Pop building. Too nifty! Can't wait to read more!!

 

[Shannon84]

Pictures? Video? Anything? Pretty please??

Too bad I couldn't have warned you ahead of time. Earl of Sandwich always moves fast. That could have ended a dispute right there! Although it would be less entertaining.

The Hawaiian Barbecue is my favorite sandwich there! Good call on that one.

It was a sight to see...we have meltdowns here at home pretty often, but we get over them fast which helps It was so worth waiting for that sandwich, because I was really sick of the typical "fast food" lunches that Lee likes

I love the picture of Lee in the hat; he looks like he is still having an AM (adult meltdown). We all have them...even when you reach Mark's and my ages (50+). Hopefully, a good night's rest is just the ticket for the next day.

He does look funny in that hat...I think he was ready to get the heck out of the store and back to POP, but I could have shopped forever

I think we've all had an AM before. I too am in the same boat. Get me hungry, and I'm sure to have an explosion sooner or later! This is why I plan a lot of my trips around food.....

We are terrible hungry, especially paired with being tired At least we were in better spirits after eating...we found ourselves eating too much in WDW, because the dining plan includes so much each meal, even though I ran the half marathon I gained 5 lbs

Ooohhh.. Where is this? I've never noticed before and wanna find it now! LOVE Roger Rabbit! Well, mostly Jessica actually, and only partly because we share a name.

Subbing! LOVING your TR so far. I really like how you describe things and you keep finding stuff I didn't know about. Awesome! I love that about TRs. I didn't know you could see the sign from a Pop building. Too nifty! Can't wait to read more!!

Thank you for joining in

That is actually in DHS, it is over by the little lake area...over Hollywood and Vine restaurant in that area...you have to look up at the windows above the restaurant. Lee was so excited, because he LOVES Roger Rabbit. We actually found a Jessica shot glass and had to get it! It has a picture of her and says on the back "I'm not bad I'm just drawn that way"

 

[Shannon84]

YAY - my photopass CD came in So if you dont mind I am going to bombard you with awesome pictures

I am going to post up to the day I am up to in the report - and then just start adding them in as I add updates on here Hope you enjoy!!

Arrival Day at Magic Kingdom

YAY Castle!!

You stupid Fantasyland crane

Oh hello there Tink!!

At least we were able to have some night shots on the photopass, since our camera doesn't work well at night

 

[KatMark]

I LOVE your photopass pictures. I hate that STUPID crane (ours are closer to the castle as they were putting up the lights). I really like the pictures where you and Lee are looking at the castle. Don't take it the wrong way...I love seeing your smiling faces, but those pictures are just very magical looking at the castle.