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

[Momof2Disneyboys]

We all love RNR Coaster and its so nice to be able to ride it as a family instead of ride swapping. Ds who just turned 12 does not like TOT, the rest of us like it and he will ride it once a trip. He loves all other thrill rides though.

Sorry I forgot to answer your question about crowds. I think thats what keeps us coming back at that time of year. Plus now ds is in middle school now and I don't really want to take him out for a week even though the school is okay with it. He would rather not miss school either. The last week of August in particular has been great. We went once the week after Thanksgiving and it was more crowded then and the boys couldn't swim much since it was cold. In fact we went to an amusement park a few years ago and they didn't understand why we had to stand in line so long. We never stand in line at Disney for more than 10-15 minutes. This year we are going to Universal for the first time and a few other things off property so we will be there for 2 weeks.

I have a question for you. I had originally booked CBR for our trip but a friend told me the main pool didn't have any shade. Is this accurate? Sometimes we don't want to swim with the boys but I can't imagine sitting in the afternoon sun with no shade at the main pool. Are the quiet pools shaded? We ended up switching to POR again even though I'm leary about another frog or something falling on my head! I'm a little sad about not sticking with CBR though we have never stayed there and thought we would really love it too.

You're lucky that your whole family loves RNRC! I don't think I will ever get DS9 back on there.

DS11 never wanted to ride TOT for the longest time. Until last November (2009) when I bribed him with $5 to give it a try. Now it's one of his favorites!

Glad to hear the crowds are so low. We are in the same situation with DS starting middle school. The school is fine with it, but he would have a ton of make-up work and he gets overwhelmed and would just rather not miss school. So I figured we will try it this way. And if we love it, then that will be our new time to go each year. And if we hate it, then maybe we will just pull them out for WDW every other year.

Hmm. . . I think that is pretty accurate, I don't think there is much shade at the CBR pool. As far as trees I mean. Of course it would depend on the time of day as to what shade you will get and when from the big pool structures. There is definitely more tree shade at POR. Which I guess would be nice in the summer! I just remember that causing a lot of leaves and little branches in the water when we were there last November. (it was really windy a few of the days) CBR's quiet pools might have more shade. We've never really spent much time at them (the main pool is so awesome!). They are tucked in between buildings and probably more trees.

I have to comment before I read today's update on your TR Shelly.

First off I could not sleep last night so I started looking at a thread on here of Crowd Pics, and I am going along scrolling page after page and all of a sudden I see a pic with a boy no wait 2 boys I recognize and sure enough when I scroll back up it was a post you made from your January 2009 tirp

All along I have been thinking if they offer discounts further into the year that I am going to switch my dates and go later in Oct but I have to say the crowd pics from September really look good, end of October it seems is quite busier, so hot and sticky or low crowds

I went end of August Shelly and I do recall it being hot but I do not recall big crowds so they must not have been bad at all

As for Rick Springfield, I did not know he was 61 that is even older than me and I am old

Tiger Beat there is a name you do not hear often either

Now back to the new installment of your TR

How funny that you saw the boys on the crowd thread!

You are not allowed to switch dates (or resorts) again!!

I hope late August is not crowded at all.

Rick Springfield - a day older than dirt, who knew?

 

[princessjv]

Omy goodness I missed Thursday and went back and caught up. The pictures of you and your older son are great! Those short amounts of time that you divided and conquered probably meant the world to your kids! I can no longer do either ride. No way, no how.


BTW- Kozzina was never very full when we'd walk by. I have heard very mixed reviews. I'm scared to try it, which would mean giving up one of my favorites.

 

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

Thanks for putting together such a great and detailed TP! I have been researching the Crescent Lake area resorts so I especially appreciate all of the photos of BWI. It looks like you had a wonderful trip. You've got me dreaming of Tonga Toast. I can hardly wait for my first week long trip in 2012.

Thanks again, I will keep reading...

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Great Update- I am starting to think we just might never get to ride TSM, since we just are not rope drop people, last time we went it was so crowded being Spring Break so we did not even try to ride TSM. Of course I would choose a 2 hour wait for TSM over a 15 minute wait for TOT or RNRC but since I was with thrill ride enthusiasts they won out. I need to go to Disney with your DS(9)

The photopass pics of you and older DS came out realy nice.

Nothing wrong with ice cream in the morning at Disney, frozen bananas was one of my DS's favorites.

Didn't you know there is a unwritten rule that a child must always choose opposite what the parent likes?

I do not think I have ever taken pictures inside TOT, granted I only rode it twice and was totally crazed both time, I see you sat in the very front, that is where I sat the first time and one of the reasons why I think I hated it so much, plus my fear of heights and falling

I hope you get to ride TSM! Yes, you and DS9 would have lots of fun together!! Maybe you should change your dates again. . .

The frozen banana was good except it had little nuts all over it. They were okay, I just think it would have been better without them.

I know. I just knew he would pick the other shirt. Little stinker!!

Yeah, you should probably stay off TOT if you have a fear of heights and falling! We were in line longer than expected, so it gave me the opportunity to get some good pics!

What a great morning!
I love how you were able to get some pics of just you & your DS 11! I can't believe he passed up TSM, but at least you didn't have to wait in that long line!

Thanks!

DS11 would much rather do a thrill ride over TSM any day! Especially with the wait at TSM. I bet DH & DS9 waited close to an hour.

Hopefully we will all be able to ride it with a short wait this summer.

Omy goodness I missed Thursday and went back and caught up. The pictures of you and your older son are great! Those short amounts of time that you divided and conquered probably meant the world to your kids! I can no longer do either ride. No way, no how.


BTW- Kozzina was never very full when we'd walk by. I have heard very mixed reviews. I'm scared to try it, which would mean giving up one of my favorites.

Thanks! We do have to split up sometimes and it works out good. DH doesn't really care for the thrill rides, so he's good with taking DS9 to do other stuff. I just hope I can continue to keep up with thrill-seeker DS11!

I don't know if I'd give up a favorite to try Kouzzina. It is fun trying new things though. You just never know until you try something for yourself!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Thanks for putting together such a great and detailed TP! I have been researching the Crescent Lake area resorts so I especially appreciate all of the photos of BWI. It looks like you had a wonderful trip. You've got me dreaming of Tonga Toast. I can hardly wait for my first week long trip in 2012.

Thanks again, I will keep reading...

Welcome!

Thank you so much, I'm glad you are enjoying the TR!

I am dreaming of Tonga Toast most days.

Congrats on your 2012 trip!

 

[seacrestpromo]

Hi Shelly -

Great update today!

Your photopass pictures came out great! I agree with everyone else here you definitely had a good photographer.

About the crowds in August: We felt that it was not crowded at all. The only time we got stuck in the "sea of humanity" was after fireworks in the hub. OMG, we couldn't move for like 15 minutes - a human traffic jam - stroller hell.

We are looking forward to our trip back in August, despite the heat.

Other than that dealing with the heat, you will have a fantastic time!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Hi Shelly -

Great update today!

Your photopass pictures came out great! I agree with everyone else here you definitely had a good photographer.

About the crowds in August: We felt that it was not crowded at all. The only time we got stuck in the "sea of humanity" was after fireworks in the hub. OMG, we couldn't move for like 15 minutes - a human traffic jam - stroller hell.

We are looking forward to our trip back in August, despite the heat.

Other than that dealing with the heat, you will have a fantastic time!

Thanks Sea!

Ah, the dreaded strollers. Sometimes between them and the scooters it is hard to move at WDW.

August must not have been too bad since you are going back! Are you still going in May? When is that?

 

[lala3291]

Great update! I especially love the pictures of you and DS11 in front of ToT. They came out very nice!
I think that the cold air where you are moved up here to Massachusetts! It was -1 earlier today! Now I think it is about 8 degrees! I'm ready for WDW!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Great update! I especially love the pictures of you and DS11 in front of ToT. They came out very nice!
I think that the cold air where you are moved up here to Massachusetts! It was -1 earlier today! Now I think it is about 8 degrees! I'm ready for WDW!

Thanks Lauren!

I'm sorry you are getting the bitter cold temps now! It was still in the single digits here this morning, but I think it is almost 20 now. Yes, I sure could use some Disney right about now too!

 

[seacrestpromo]

Yes, we are still going in May! My father is getting married on the 14th in FL, so we are going to make it a extra long weekend, the 11th-16th or 17th.

Wife's birthday on the 16th. Guess where I am taking her for her birthday when we get back?

No, August isn't horrible, you just have to prepare in your mind that it will be very hot and to make the most of it, despite the heat and being uncomfortable. Thankfully, there are lots of places to duck into and cool off.

Drink lots of water, use a mister, I was constantly grabbed the ice from the ODV carts to cool myself off and fill up the mister.

BTW, I am sending out some of my nice weather from Cali to you all. Here comes some our 78 degree heat for you...

Sea

Thanks Sea!

Ah, the dreaded strollers. Sometimes between them and the scooters it is hard to move at WDW.

August must not have been too bad since you are going back! Are you still going in May? When is that?

 

[cyndiloveswalt]

When we were at DHS during Thanksgiving, we went for rope drop one morning to get fast passes for TSM and we ran straight to it and my DH still had to wait in a line for about 40 mins to et fast passes!!! He was nice enough to volunteer to stay while I took the boys to the drawing class.
Your pics with you holding the balloons are adorable! I haven't seen that one (I'm still jealous that I don't have a little girl to hold Tink in front of the castle!)

 

[Monny2AE]

Lots of fun at DHS! I would have picked the other shirt too. Great PP pics!

Ice cream at 10am is one of those things that only happens at Disney Usually it's my DH asking for it though

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Great update Shelly! I think it's great that you did the things you wanted to and didn't hang around for the sake of staying there all day. I like the idea of taking the afternoon and swimming!
Cute pics of you and DS11 too!

My DH was pretty excited about the Steelers win. Now I have to convince him that he does not need to watch the Super Bowl because we have tickets to a Broadway show that night! HA! I might be taking someone else out that night.

 

[Practically_Perfect]

I love these pictures! I didn't even know this was one of the special poses. Very fun!

I just love the detailing at TOT. The last time I went with my family, my little brother (9) did RNR, but wouldn't do TOT. I think I'm going to have to borrow your bribe idea, because I know he'll love it!

 

[sjs314]

Good Morning

Ah it is warmer here today but snowing . No worries only 1-2 inches this time , but come tomorrow another 6-10 inches I am so sick of winter, schools were delayed again today

Something occured to me while reading your TR, someone needs to let Disney know that there is a serious problem with the fast passes for TSM-the point of fast passes is so you do not have to wait in long lines , not wait in line for the fast pass instead of for the actual line.........Disney's next promo should be book a room at rack rate and get fast passes for your entire family without having to wait.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

When we were at DHS during Thanksgiving, we went for rope drop one morning to get fast passes for TSM and we ran straight to it and my DH still had to wait in a line for about 40 mins to et fast passes!!! He was nice enough to volunteer to stay while I took the boys to the drawing class.
Your pics with you holding the balloons are adorable! I haven't seen that one (I'm still jealous that I don't have a little girl to hold Tink in front of the castle!)

I know, those FP lines for TSM are ridiculous. That was nice of your DH to do that!

I hadn't seen that balloon picture before either. He just told me to hold up my hand and told DS to pretend he was holding me down!

Lots of fun at DHS! I would have picked the other shirt too. Great PP pics!

Ice cream at 10am is one of those things that only happens at Disney Usually it's my DH asking for it though

Thanks Kim!

I know, there are certain things that are only allowed at WDW! Ice Cream at 10am being one of them!

Great update Shelly! I think it's great that you did the things you wanted to and didn't hang around for the sake of staying there all day. I like the idea of taking the afternoon and swimming!
Cute pics of you and DS11 too!

My DH was pretty excited about the Steelers win. Now I have to convince him that he does not need to watch the Super Bowl because we have tickets to a Broadway show that night! HA! I might be taking someone else out that night.

Thanks Sheree!

Yeah, we were pretty flexible that day. We try to be on vacation! Especially towards the end when we have already done plenty. We had a great afternoon at the pool!

We are not football people, but you kind of have to get into it around here when it's the Steelers going to the Super Bowl!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I love these pictures! I didn't even know this was one of the special poses. Very fun!



I just love the detailing at TOT. The last time I went with my family, my little brother (9) did RNR, but wouldn't do TOT. I think I'm going to have to borrow your bribe idea, because I know he'll love it!

Thanks!

Yes, try the bribe. If he likes RNRC he will probably like TOT!

Good Morning

Ah it is warmer here today but snowing . No worries only 1-2 inches this time , but come tomorrow another 6-10 inches I am so sick of winter, schools were delayed again today

Something occured to me while reading your TR, someone needs to let Disney know that there is a serious problem with the fast passes for TSM-the point of fast passes is so you do not have to wait in long lines , not wait in line for the fast pass instead of for the actual line.........Disney's next promo should be book a room at rack rate and get fast passes for your entire family without having to wait.

Hey Sheila

It is warmer here today too. It is around 36 and that feels so warm after this weekend's temps. I think we are to get some rain tonight and possibly freezing rain in the morning. At least that's what they were saying at school today.

Yes, you are right. Something really needs to be done about TSM. I'd hate to see that area during a busy time. I could not even imagine.

I like your promo idea!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Great update! It's kind of nice to break away from the entire family and spend some one-on-one time with just one child. Especially when that child is a daredevil like your oldest.

Did you hear that Rick Springfield was supposed to be The Talk today? I usually watch the previous day's episode during my lunch hour and can't wait to see that old hottie tomorrow at Noon.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Great update! It's kind of nice to break away from the entire family and spend some one-on-one time with just one child. Especially when that child is a daredevil like your oldest.

Did you hear that Rick Springfield was supposed to be The Talk today? I usually watch the previous da's' episode during my lunch hour and can't wait to see that old hottie tomorrow at Noon.

Thanks Lisa! Yep, DS11 & I have lots of fun together at WDW! I need to find something for DS9 & I to do together next time too. . .

No, I didn't know that! You'll have to fill us all in!

 

[mari360]

Shelly - i am so LOVING all your pics and your TR.... Its making me miss WDW so much.... but it's ok i'll be there next year..... Hopefully by then they have some part of fantasyland open.... i hated seeing all the walls when we went in June...

Your TR is almost coming to an end... i'll probably reread it all.... lol