I Can See Epcot From Here! ~ A November Trip and Dining Report ~

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I'm not exactly sure what time we headed out for DHS, but I'm going to guess it was around 2:00ish. I wasn't going to tell about the part, because it was so dumb, but it is kind of funny now looking back! So this is what we did. . . We got all ready and went out to the bus stop and sat and waited. A bus came for MK, then DTD, then AK, then another for MK. And just as I said it I realized what was going on, I said – Geez all the other buses have came, where the heck is the DHS bus? OMG. There isn't a bus to DHS from the BWI. DUH!! You either walk or take the boat. So we all look at each other like why didn't you remember that? And we hop up and head for the boat dock. Only to see that the boat left the dock a few minutes prior and was almost at the YC/BC dock. So we made a mad dash for the Swan/Dolphin dock and made it there just as the boat was pulling up.

Okay, now I am totally embarrassed!!

Here are the kids waiting on the bus that never came.

So anyway, we eventually made it to DHS and we were all happy!

YAY the first glimpse of my favorite park!

And some photopass pics ~

It didn't appear too crowded. We were headed right for RNRC. DS11 and I LOVE this ride. DS9 had never been on it. He didn't think he would like going upside down. Well, last year DS11 conquered his fear of Tower of Terror to the tune of a $5 bribe, and he loved it! So DS9 remembered that and had told me months ago that he was riding RNRC for $5! He was looking nervous when we got to DHS, so I thought we should just get straight to it before he changed his mind.

Stand by said 10 minutes!!!

There was actually no real wait. We waited about 3 minutes before we into the preshow room.

DS11 was pumped!

DS9 on the other hand was not.

DS11 sat with DH, who had only been on this ride once before and didn't much care for it. And I sat with DS9. Well, I could hear him nearly crying through the whole ride. I felt so bad. When it came to a stop at the end he says – Is it over? I told him it was and I was holding his hand and he wasn't actually crying, but did tell me that he didn't like that at all!

I wasn't going to post his pic because I look like such a dork, but I just have to show you everyone's expressions!! DS11 and I always ride this by ourselves and always do the 'rock on' sign for the pic. So I assumed he was doing it, but it ends up I was the only one doing it! Him and I look like we are having the time of our lives, DH looks like he is asleep, and DS9 looks terrified.

We got off and left DH and DS9 in the gift shop while DS11 and I went to ride again. We couldn't pass up a no wait time on RNRC!! By the time we took our second ride and got back to the gift shop DS9 & DH were having a good time talking to a CM.

Then the kids started messing around!

Next we were headed to see what the wait time for TSM was and get fastpasses for later. . .


Up Next: More DHS – Backlot Tour and Sci-Fi Dine In dinner

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Shelly - that is too funny about the bus to DHS!!
I just read another TR and they did the same thing from Beach Club! So don't feel bad - you're not alone!

Poor DS9! He was so brave to do RNR - tell him I won't ride it! More importantly, did he get his $5???

 

[sjs314]

Shelly- DH and Ddil loved the books although they both had tears in their eyes as they looked thru them. I know my Ddil especially apprieciated the book since she only had one picture from our vacation, the one taken at the HDDR. They had forgotten their camera but did bring their video cam but the darn thing would not recharge so they ended up with no pictures. I had started working on a book almost as soon as we came home, even showed what I had done one day to DS but then when he died I just could not go back to finish it ................until this Christmas

 

[sjs314]

Too funny about waiting for the DHS bus, it sounds like something we would do. It is moments like that, the memories you end up talking about over and over again years later.

Tell your DS(9) I think he should have upped the price to $10 for riding RnRC

You would never get me on that, another one I waited out when everyone else rode it on our last trip. I know that look on DS(9) face well both waiting for the ride and while on the ride, although I am usually the one with my eyes shut like your DH.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Shelly - that is too funny about the bus to DHS!!
I just read another TR and they did the same thing from Beach Club! So don't feel bad - you're not alone!

Poor DS9! He was so brave to do RNR - tell him I won't ride it! More importantly, did he get his $5???

Well now I don't feel quite so bad about it!

Yes - DS got his $5!! Although he tried to tell me he deserved $10 for riding that darn thing!!

Shelly- DH and Ddil loved the books although they both had tears in their eyes as they looked thru them. I know my Ddil especially apprieciated the book since she only had one picture from our vacation, the one taken at the HDDR. They had forgotten their camera but did bring their video cam but the darn thing would not recharge so they ended up with no pictures. I had started working on a book almost as soon as we came home, even showed what I had done one day to DS but then when he died I just could not go back to finish it ................until this Christmas

I bet it was an emotional day. I'm so glad you were able to do the books and they loved them.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Too funny about waiting for the DHS bus, it sounds like something we would do. It is moments like that, the memories you end up talking about over and over again years later.

Tell your DS(9) I think he should have upped the price to $10 for riding RnRC

You would never get me on that, another one I waited out when everyone else rode it on our last trip. I know that look on DS(9) face well both waiting for the ride and while on the ride, although I am usually the one with my eyes shut like your DH.

I felt so stupid for forgetting one the the perks of the resort!! Oh well, it is funny now!

He tried to up it to $10!!

His face on RNRC is priceless. It says it all. He did not like it one bit. Funny how the kids are so opposite!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

I had no idea about the DHS bus thing. I wouldn't have known either!! I hope that's posted somewhere for people who don't read the Dis.

What a great time in DHS so far. I love the $5 bribe! Whatever works, right? Your picture is really cute!

 

[T*Bird]

Too funny about the bus! Glad you included that in your TR - thanks for the laugh! We have all done those kinds of things before, at least I have! But the boys sure looked cute waiting!

Your Photopass pics are great! And it looked like a beautiful day. The sky is so blue it almost looks fake.

Bless your little DS's heart - he looks so scared in the preshow room. He sure overcame some fears on this trip, didn't he? Congrats to him for being so brave! I may have told you this story before, but one year we went to Silver Dollar City with my DSis and her family, who had been before. My niece had my DS so pumped to ride one of the roller coasters, and that was all they had talked about. So we get on the ride (first thing we rode) and slowly start off. I'm riding with my DS (I think he was about 9, too) and I look at him and he looks terrified. I said, "What's the matter, Drew?" And he said to me, "I don't think I can do this!" Well.....it was a little too late. We all survived, but I don't think he rode it again that year. It's one of those stories we still laugh about years later. I'm glad your DS recovered quickly and was able to be silly in the gift shop!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Looks like it was a beautiful day!! The sky was so blue!

That's too bad that DS9 didn't like RNRC...

 

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

LOVE all the updates! It just looks like so much fun to be there during the holidays!

Do you happen to still have the box/numbers for the ornament set? I just love it and would like to call disney merchandising and see if it's still available....thank you!!

 

[drakes]

I LOVE the family picture on RNR Coaster ! I think it depicts the moment perfectly... and what a cool mom to ROCK ON!

The fact you wore shorts that day means it must have been warm. I haven't worn shorts in Florida on any of our trips with me as the mom.

As kids we went during March Break, and I remember it being very hot.

Edited to add.... I plan on riding RNR Coaster for the first time... I may have a face like your DS 9

 

[mickeystoontown]

I hate that your son didn't like the coaster. The first time Hunter rode it, he was very apprehensive but it's now one of his favorite rides. Who knows...maybe your youngest will "grow" into loving it too.

As far as the mister fans go, I'd definitely say get the boys one. We used to take the big ones but then we'd get tired of carrying them around. A couple of years ago, I bought a little mister fan from our local Walmart. It's about the size of a cassette tape and it has a strap on it. Hunter would snap it on his belt loop and then use it whenever he wanted to. We refilled it from waterfountains. If you think you want one or two and can't find them, let me know and I'll see if I can find them here. I know they had them this past Summer and they were about $3.00 each.

 

[Practically_Perfect]

DS11 was pumped!

DS9 on the other hand was not.

I love this!! Don't the pictures just say it all??

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I had no idea about the DHS bus thing. I wouldn't have known either!! I hope that's posted somewhere for people who don't read the Dis.

What a great time in DHS so far. I love the $5 bribe! Whatever works, right? Your picture is really cute!

The thing is, I knew about the bus/boat thing. And it is posted!! I don't know what happened!

Yep, whatever works. Sometimes you like something you've never tried, and other times you don't. I'm glad he at least tried it.

Too funny about the bus! Glad you included that in your TR - thanks for the laugh! We have all done those kinds of things before, at least I have! But the boys sure looked cute waiting!

Your Photopass pics are great! And it looked like a beautiful day. The sky is so blue it almost looks fake.

Bless your little DS's heart - he looks so scared in the preshow room. He sure overcame some fears on this trip, didn't he? Congrats to him for being so brave! I may have told you this story before, but one year we went to Silver Dollar City with my DSis and her family, who had been before. My niece had my DS so pumped to ride one of the roller coasters, and that was all they had talked about. So we get on the ride (first thing we rode) and slowly start off. I'm riding with my DS (I think he was about 9, too) and I look at him and he looks terrified. I said, "What's the matter, Drew?" And he said to me, "I don't think I can do this!" Well.....it was a little too late. We all survived, but I don't think he rode it again that year. It's one of those stories we still laugh about years later. I'm glad your DS recovered quickly and was able to be silly in the gift shop!

I'm glad my stupidity could provide you with a good laugh!!

Yes, DS looked so scared before the ride. I felt so bad afterwards, I probably shouldn't have taken him in. He was determined though. Probably because his brother wouldn't have let him hear the end of it if he chickened out!!

Aw, your poor DS. My kids did that last year in the Haunted Mansion. They wanted out when it was too late! But they ended up loving it and riding again!

Looks like it was a beautiful day!! The sky was so blue!

That's too bad that DS9 didn't like RNRC...

It was a beautiful day.

I know, I was so hoping he would love RNRC like DS11 & I do!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

LOVE all the updates! It just looks like so much fun to be there during the holidays!

Do you happen to still have the box/numbers for the ornament set? I just love it and would like to call disney merchandising and see if it's still available....thank you!!

It is a fun time of year to go to WDW!

I do still have the box. It's packed away with the Christmas stuff (I already took everything down), but I will take a look later when I go downstairs and see if I can get some numbers off it for you!

I LOVE the family picture on RNR Coaster ! I think it depicts the moment perfectly... and what a cool mom to ROCK ON!

The fact you wore shorts that day means it must have been warm. I haven't worn shorts in Florida on any of our trips with me as the mom.

As kids we went during March Break, and I remember it being very hot.

Edited to add.... I plan on riding RNR Coaster for the first time... I may have a face like your DS 9

That picture sure says it all!

It was a warm day. Not hot by any means, but I think it was in the upper 70's.

I hope you don't have the same face as DS on RNRC!

I hate that your son didn't like the coaster. The first time Hunter rode it, he was very apprehensive but it's now one of his favorite rides. Who knows...maybe your youngest will "grow" into loving it too.

As far as the mister fans go, I'd definitely say get the boys one. We used to take the big ones but then we'd get tired of carrying them around. A couple of years ago, I bought a little mister fan from our local Walmart. It's about the size of a cassette tape and it has a strap on it. Hunter would snap it on his belt loop and then use it whenever he wanted to. We refilled it from waterfountains. If you think you want one or two and can't find them, let me know and I'll see if I can find them here. I know they had them this past Summer and they were about $3.00 each.

I hope he grows into it, but I kind of doubt it. He is much like DH in that sense. They are happy on IASW, Soarin, TTA, etc. They are very laid back. Not like DS11 & I who want to try everything!!

Thanks for the info on the mister fans. We will definitely want to get the small ones then. I hope they have them at our WalMart this summer. I don't want to have to buy them at WDW!

I love this!! Don't the pictures just say it all??

Thanks! Yep, those pictures definitely say it all!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

After RNRC we thought we should head over to TSM to get some fastpasses for later. Too bad they were all out and the wait was something horrible like 90 minutes or more. Guess there would be no TSM for us today.

But we did get a quick pic with this guy!

We were a bit disappointed about not being able to ride TSM, but knew we were coming back later in the week. We went to the Backlot Tour next. That's always fun! And there was no wait! I didn't get any good pictures though because the sun was facing us.

It was getting to be time for our Sci-Fi dinner ADR, so we headed that way. The boys were curious to see if the Star Wars store was open even though the ride was closed for refurbishment. And it was!

I still don't know how all the fastpasses for TSM were gone when all of DHS was empty.

We had a fairly early ADR at Sci-Fi, something like 4:00. I had switched some of my days/ADR's around after we got the MVMCP tix, so I had to take what I could get. We had such a good experience at Sci-Fi last year and we were very excited to go again!

I checked us in and they said that since we had an ADR we were entitled to a 'car'. I never knew that mattered. We waited for almost 10 minuted and then were taken to our car. The same car we had sat in the other 2 times we were there!! Pretty soon our waiter came along and it was the same man as last year! I don't think he remembered us, but we definitely remembered him! He was so awesome & funny last year and took our camera and took a bunch of pictures for us. He was pretty great this year too and took the camera and took some pictures, but not near as many was last year. He must have had more tables this year!

We all ordered milkshakes, because they are the best ever!!!!!!!!!! Seriously, if you've never had a Sci-Fi milkshake you should go get one right away! DS9 & I got chocolate, DH got vanilla, DS11 got oreo.

Up Next: More Sci-Fi
(continued in next post)

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

The kids weren't that hungry and just wanted their milkshakes, but I made them at least get one kids meal to share. So they went with the pizza and fries. Our waiter even brought it out already split up for them!

DH got the Shrimp Pasta – “Bow tie pasta and sauteed shrimp tossed with artichoke hearts, kalamata onions, baby spinach, and feta cheese.” He liked it very much!

I ordered the Beef and Blue Salad, same as last year. “Sliced butcher tender steak with a wedge of lettuce, with blue cheese dressing, bacon, and tomatoes.” But, I made some changes to it again! No blue cheese or bacon. And added ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, and fries. It was fantastic again!

We left there very happy and full!


Total Bill: $74.89
Rating: 5 out of 5



Up Next: More DHS – The Great Movie Ride and the Osborne Lights!

 

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

That salad looks yummy-I'm thinking that may be what I order in exactly 28 days!!!! Ummm...minus the fries, thought! I seriously don't think I've ever seen fries on a salad! glad you enjoyed your lunch there. We've never been and I'm really looking forward to trying something new! Are the movies at all scary for the little ones?

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

That salad looks yummy-I'm thinking that may be what I order in exactly 28 days!!!! Ummm...minus the fries, thought! I seriously don't think I've ever seen fries on a salad! glad you enjoyed your lunch there. We've never been and I'm really looking forward to trying something new! Are the movies at all scary for the little ones?

Apparently you've never been to PA if you've never had fries on a salad before!!

28 days!! WOW!! I keep forgetting you are going, you need to get a ticker!

I hope you like Sci-Fi! I don't think the movies are scary at all. They are just little clips anyway. But it is very dark in there and sometimes very loud too.
I hope your boys like it!

 

[drakes]

Glad you enjoyed Sci Fi... we were there in 2007 and haven't returned. It was busy and the food not so good. Your food looks really good... maybe there's been a menu change (I would hope so).

The park does look empty, even the restaurant ! What are the chances of the same car and same waiter!

Our meal at DHS this year is at 50's PT. We've been before and loved it.

I am also planning a OOP lunch at the HBD - want my Cobb Salad

I did just realize my DHS day is a EMH evening day, with 3 showings of Fantasmic! YIKES ! I wanted to do rope drop so DH could see the running of the Bulls for TSM.... maybe we will and I will skip the lunch and head back to the resort for a nap?

The thing I don't like about DHS is that the shows never coordinate for us... we've never seen Indiana Jones or the Cars show and DD has no interest.... so our list of To Do is very short. She won't ride RNR, TOT, Backlot Tour, GMR. I plan on RNR TOT for sure. TOT is my favorite ride tied with Space Mountain, and my last trip to the world I missed both of them as it was just DD and I.

Seeing your pictures is making me very excited !