I Can't See a Thing and Tiger Lady, Oh My! A Nov Mother & Daughter TR Update 5/7

[Pluto0809]

EEEEK! I fell so far behind! Three updates since I have posted any comments! Well, let me just start by following up on your visit to RR...

We didn't care for it either. We too were SO excited for this one. We actually went on our first night at Disney, before even visiting any parks. There was drama before we even got there (check my March 2012 TR to get the scoop on THAT story ). We didn't like the bread at all. We sort of liked the dip, but not enough to change how we felt about the bread. I ordered the Shephard's Pie and I didn't like it either. I do have to agree on the Lamb. DH ordered that and it was delicious! My oldest DD ordered the Sod the Stew and it too was so good. So if we ever DO go back, I will order one of those. I got the Bread Pudding. Just like your mom, I loved it but only ate a few bites. So hard to see so much go to waste! We were seated in the "music room" with a pole between us and the stage, but we were lucky enough for a few dancers to come all the way back to our section to give us a little side show. That was cool. Overall, RR was underwhelming for our family as well.

No problem, I totally understand why you were behind.

I did read your TR and remember your squirrel drama very vividly. As for RR, what a disappointment. It was one that I was most looking forward to because of the music and dancing.

 

[KatMark]

You have been an updating machine! I'm trying to catch up after a week off the DIS with being sick and catching up at work.


I jotted down some notes so I wouldn't, hopefully, forget anything.

I love walking that trail at the AK and seeing the gorillas; you got some great pictures.

I can understand a small child being afraid of DeVine...she is rather big.

The photopass pics at the AK are great!

We have never done the bird show...not a fan of birds flying over my head (probably because of all the darn pigeons in Chicago!).

What a beautiful tree at the AK for Christmas (I hope to see it this year since we missed it last year).

I'm glad you got a chance to see OKW; we love it there and can't wait to be back "home" in August.

We really liked that tree at Fulton's too.

I'm so sorry you didn't like your meal at Raglan Road. We've eaten there two out of our last three years, and we really enjoyed our meal both times.

Aren't the GF decorations spectacular? I could have spent an hour just looking at that tree and the gingerbread house.

I wish the PP photographer had been there when we were to get some photos. Maybe this year.

We've never done the Wave...I've heard good things about it.

 

[Disney9.9.10]

All caught up!

I love your pictures of the tree of life! They are beautiful.

I'm sorry that you didn't like Raglan Road, I've never been but I've heard great things!

Breakfast at the wave looks delicious! I've only ever eaten lunch there. We also found that it wasn't busy.

 

[katt789]

How awesome that the bus driver was able to just drop everyone off where they were going, that’s great!!

Oh man! Multigrain waffles? Sweet potato pancakes!? Sounds like a delicious buffet of yum! Haha, I would love to try them!

Man, I love the view from the monorail, like, being on the monorail is awesome enough as it is, but with that view it’s just amazing!

The deluxe resorts have such amazing decorations, like, everything is so pretty and done up awesomely, so pretty! I’m excited to hear all about your MK day!

 

[Pluto0809]

You have been an updating machine! I'm trying to catch up after a week off the DIS with being sick and catching up at work.

Welcome back and very glad you are feeling better! I have been posting a lot but it's probably going to slow down some now. My slow time at work is over, I'm starting to get really busy now so it will be hard to find time to update as often.

I jotted down some notes so I wouldn't, hopefully, forget anything.

I love walking that trail at the AK and seeing the gorillas; you got some great pictures.

I could probably spend hours just watching the animals at AK

I can understand a small child being afraid of DeVine...she is rather big.

Yes she is! I found her slightly creepy myself.

The photopass pics at the AK are great!

Thanks! I love the growling one.

We have never done the bird show...not a fan of birds flying over my head (probably because of all the darn pigeons in Chicago!).

about the Pigeons. I have family in Chicago and visit once in a while. I don't remember seeing too many Pigeons, maybe I missed them.

What a beautiful tree at the AK for Christmas (I hope to see it this year since we missed it last year).

It was beautiful, one of my favorites but that's probably because I love animals so much.

I'm glad you got a chance to see OKW; we love it there and can't wait to be back "home" in August.

It was very beautiful! I would love to stay there someday. I don't think DVC would ever work for me since DH has no interest in going often. But maybe I could rent points there on a future trip.

We really liked that tree at Fulton's too.

That tree was really unique. I liked how different the decorations were at DTD.

I'm so sorry you didn't like your meal at Raglan Road. We've eaten there two out of our last three years, and we really enjoyed our meal both times.

I really wanted to like it! Maybe it was just an off day. I'll probably go back sometime but not for a few year.

Aren't the GF decorations spectacular? I could have spent an hour just looking at that tree and the gingerbread house.

Yes they were!

I wish the PP photographer had been there when we were to get some photos. Maybe this year.

Isn't that the great thing about Disney? Even if you miss something there's always a futre trip!

We've never done the Wave...I've heard good things about it.

It was very good. I'm not a huge fan of breakfast foods but there was a big enough variety that I found plenty to eat.

All caught up!

I love your pictures of the tree of life! They are beautiful.

I'm sorry that you didn't like Raglan Road, I've never been but I've heard great things!

Breakfast at the wave looks delicious! I've only ever eaten lunch there. We also found that it wasn't busy.

Thanks! I can never go to AK without taking lots of pictures of the tree. And every time I go I catch a new animal I didn't notice before.

I had read almost all great things about RR too. I felt bad because it was my pick and neither of us enjoyed it.

Breakfast was really good. You should give it a try sometime.

How awesome that the bus driver was able to just drop everyone off where they were going, that’s great!!

It was a great little bit of pixiedust!

Oh man! Multigrain waffles? Sweet potato pancakes!? Sounds like a delicious buffet of yum! Haha, I would love to try them!

It was yummy! As often as you go I'm sure you can fit it in sometime!

Man, I love the view from the monorail, like, being on the monorail is awesome enough as it is, but with that view it’s just amazing!

Yep definitely amazing! The picture of the castle above the trees is one of my favorites from the trip. I think it makes the castle look so real since you can't see anything around it.

The deluxe resorts have such amazing decorations, like, everything is so pretty and done up awesomely, so pretty! I’m excited to hear all about your MK day!

They were very pretty!

 

[Pluto0809]

I decided not to to a formal PTR for my February/March trip but I thought I would babble a bit about it on here. I'm trying not to plan too much but writing it down will help me organize my thoughts. There won't be any pictures, sorry! If they are boring, just skip these and wait for another TR update. I won't be offended.

I fly out 2/28 on an 8:55 am flight. I'm not exactly sure how I will get to the airport. I would like to drop my car at DH's work (he's halfway between home and the airport) and then have him take me the rest of the way. I get back on 3/5 around 2 pm so he could pick me up and then go back to work while I head home. I haven't talked to him yet because he is still a little upset about the trip. I don't think I mentioned it but he was most upset because I didn't invite him along. He would have never gone but I guess it was the principle! If he won't take me, I'll probably have to drive and pay for parking.

I land at MCO around 10:30 am. I plan to book it straight to the ME and get to ASMu as soon as possible. I would like to eat lunch no later than noon since I have an early ADR that night. If my room is available, I'll probably head there first and then have lunch at the resort. But if I'm early enough, I may head to Epcot for lunch at Sunshine Seasons. I love this food court but also want to be hungry for my dinner.

Once I'm at Epcot, I'll probably check the wait times app and if there are FPs still available for Soarin' I may grab one. Next I'll probably head straight to TT and get in the single rider line. I missed this one last time and am anxious to see the changes.

Depending on the time, I may give the Visa Picture Place another try. Maybe I'll get to see my Pluto this time. I doubt I'll bother getting the free 5 x 7 since I've already prepurchased the PP CD.

After that, I'll head into World Showcase for the afternoon. I have several goals this trip for WS.

1. Try more drinks. For sure I want to try the Fiesta Margarita in Mexico and have a glass of wine at the new Wine Bar in Italy. Any other suggestions for drinks? I can't drink beer but I love hard liquer drinks that are slightly sweet. I've already tried the Orange Slushy in France.
2. See more of the entertainment in World Showcase. I want to sit and watch Mo Rockin, Off Kilter and maybe the band in England (can't remember the name). Any other suggestions here?
3. See the movie in China. It's the only one I haven't seen.
4. Eat more snacks. I want to try the Mousse cake in Norway and a Napoleon in France. I don't like carmel so the shop in Germany is out.

I'll probably start in Mexico and make my way around and see what I can get done before my 5:30 ADR. I'm eating at Rose & Crown. I already know that I will be getting a Scotch Egg appetizer and Fish and Chips for my entree. Dessert will be something chocolate. I think there is a chocolate cake on the menu.

I'm not sure what I will do after dinner but I have three ideas in mind.
1. Hop to MK - This is the least likely option. As much as I want to see the castle, MK closes at 9 pm this night so I'd probably only have about an hour there. It just doesn't seem worth it to go.
2. Stay at Epcot - If I manage to get a later Soarin' FP this will probably be what I do.
3. Walk to the Boardwalk and catch a bus to DTD. I'm having trouble fitting DTD into my schedule so if I'm not to tired a few hours there on this night might be an option.

Well, I think that is all for Day 1. So much for not making plans! Thanks for listening to my ramblings.

 

[KatMark]

I think the plans sound great. I can't help on the band in England (not a Beatles fan and they do a lot of that music).

You could always try the other slush in France -- the Grey Goose one (although I definitely prefer the Grand Mariner).

I'd skip the MK this night and save that; I like the idea of going to DTD if you aren't too tired.

 

[katt789]

Yay for solo trip! And yay for plans!!

We’ll definitely be at Magic Kingdom during your MK day, we should definitely meet up! 2 TS meals in one day is a LOT, especially on the dining plan, Mom and I really only ate once a day with the TS meals!

On the day you fly in, we’ll be at AK, then we have the Luau at the Poly that night, if we have time in between, maybe we could hop over to Epcot to have a drink?!

Getting excited yet? Hahah, Paige and I are freaking out, all we want is Disney now, we’ve planned out all our outfits (a lot which are Disneybound outfits) and it’s gonna be so great!!

As for Drinks, here's what I would reccommend:
-Fiesta Maragarita in Mexico
-Peach Snap (it's pretty sweet) or Green Tea Plum Slush in China
-Sangria in Italy
-Plum Wine in Japan
-Grand Marnier or Grey Goose Slush in France

 

[PhoenixStrength]

Sounds like a great first day!

I have never had any alcoholic drink at WDW, so I'm no help there! But I agree with Kathy to skip MK and either stay in Epcot if you haven't done all you wanted to, or head to DTD if you aren't tired.

 

[Pluto0809]

I think the plans sound great. I can't help on the band in England (not a Beatles fan and they do a lot of that music).

You could always try the other slush in France -- the Grey Goose one (although I definitely prefer the Grand Mariner).

I'd skip the MK this night and save that; I like the idea of going to DTD if you aren't too tired.

I'm not sure if I will like the band in England either. I'll probably skip that one. I have stopped and listened to Off Kilter and Mo Rockin and like both of them. I've just never sat for an extended period to listen.

I took a sip of the lemon one that Mom had and I did like it. I'm thinking about that one. The Grand Mariner one was good but got a little too sweet for me towards the end.

I'm pretty sure I won't go to MK. Maybe if it was open later. I want to do DTD but I'm not sure my body will be up to it after being up early that morning!

Yay for solo trip! And yay for plans!!

We’ll definitely be at Magic Kingdom during your MK day, we should definitely meet up! 2 TS meals in one day is a LOT, especially on the dining plan, Mom and I really only ate once a day with the TS meals!

Just text me when you get there and we'll figure a place to meet! I agree on the 2 TS meals in one day. In 2010 we got the Deluxe plan. I've never eaten so much food in my life! I gained weight that week despite all of the walking we did.

On the day you fly in, we’ll be at AK, then we have the Luau at the Poly that night, if we have time in between, maybe we could hop over to Epcot to have a drink?!

We could definitely do that, just let me know if you make it there.

Getting excited yet? Hahah, Paige and I are freaking out, all we want is Disney now, we’ve planned out all our outfits (a lot which are Disneybound outfits) and it’s gonna be so great!!

I am soooo excited! It's wonderful to have these boards because no one in my day to day life understands. As for outfits, I just ordered three new shirts off of the Disney Store online. I hope they fit.

As for Drinks, here's what I would recommend:
-Fiesta Maragarita in Mexico
-Peach Snap (it's pretty sweet) or Green Tea Plum Slush in China
-Sangria in Italy
-Plum Wine in Japan
-Grand Marnier or Grey Goose Slush in France

Those all sound good to me except the Peach one. I had a very bad experience with Peach Schnapps in college and still can't drink anything peach to this day!

Sounds like a great first day!

I have never had any alcoholic drink at WDW, so I'm no help there! But I agree with Kathy to skip MK and either stay in Epcot if you haven't done all you wanted to, or head to DTD if you aren't tired.

I'm not much of a drinker so one or two will probably be my limit! I always think I can do more but once I get there it most likely won't happen.

I do hope I'm not too tired for DTD.

 

[Pluto0809]

We finally made it to MK I want to say around 10:00 am. We missed rope drop by quite a bit but we were fine with that.

We stopped and got a locker and then headed into the Park.

One of the stores that we were told carried the girls sweatshirt we were looking for was the dump shop for the Mickey Meet & Greet (I’ve totally forgotten what the name of the store was now) so we headed there first. They had the sweatshirt in all sizes and we spent a few minutes while Mom verified with my Cousin on which size to get. We then headed back out to the locker and dropped it off.

After that we finally made our way down Main Street. We saw the Dapper Dan’s ridding in the Main Street Fire Truck.

And also saw the Fire Chief. Love his Mickey ears on top of his Fire hat!

Isn’t this a beautiful site?

We stopped for a few PP pictures.

Getting closer…

They were setting up the stage because the Parade tapping was to take place in a few days so we headed around the castle:

Belle was out filming something on the lawn between the Castle and Tomorrowland.

She actually walked right by us as we were making our way towards Fantasyland. We went straight to Peter Pan and grabbed some fast passes.

Looks like they are making great progress on the Mine Train. I can’t wait till it’s done!

And here’s the beautiful new Castle walls:

We headed into the new section. I couldn’t believe the amount of detail! Check out the hoof prints on the ground:

And Beast’s Castle

The whole area was just stunning!

Continued in Next Post

 

[Pluto0809]

The line for ETWB was 45 minutes and neither one of us was interested enough to wait that long. We were both in need of some caffeine so we headed into Gaston’s tavern. While Mom ordered, I took lots of pictures of the interior.

We took turns using the restroom there and I guess I liked the lights in there so much I needed to take a picture:

I also took a lot of pictures of the area while Mom was taking her turn.

Outside of the bathrooms:

A quiet little corner:

The town square fountain:

Bonjour Village Gifts and the outside of Gaston’s Tavern:

I also spent some time talking to a Mom and Daughter who admired my Pluto bag. I gave them information so they could (maybe) get one of their own.

We went into Bonjour Village Gifts and looked around but I didn't take any pictures. Guess I was too busy drooling over the pretty stuff for sale.

Up Next: Little Mermaid Ride & the Rest of Fantasyland

 

[KatMark]

Great update. So glad you found the kids sweatshirt.

You got some shots I totally missed when we were there of the new Fantasyland. I do love how the horse hooves are in the sidewalk...so Disney!

I was drooling over several items in the shop myself, but only bought for Des. But maybe...just maybe....I'll get something this year.

Can't wait to hear what you thought of the Little Mermaid Ride.

 

[oopsiDAISY]

And also saw the Fire Chief. Love his Mickey ears on top of his Fire hat!

Isn’t this a beautiful site?

Okay let me see if I can do this properly...

So, I am thinking the driver of this Main St. car could be this really fun CM:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjlQBQMxs58

And the Fire Chief is DEFINITELY this pirate captain from our Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage:

Oh My~the crowds on Main Street!!! Loved your pictures of the new Fantasyland! I really think I want to avoid MK this October since we will only get one park day. I want to save new Fantasyland for when there will be lots of time to explore!

 

[PhoenixStrength]

Isn't New Fantasyland wonderful? I loved all the details too.

 

[katt789]

That’s what that stage was for!! Ah! I was attempting to watch Dream Along with Mickey one day I was down there and they didn’t finish it, I’m guessing because of the stage, but I thought it was for the Christmas party or something, now I know! Hahah

How cool that you guys saw Belle out filming stuff, that’s great!

I can’t get over how beautiful FLE is, the details in it are just fantastic! Ah, Jess said something about the bathrooms in there being themed awesome as well, and somehow I never used those bathrooms! Clearly it’s on my list of things to do next trip, as well as get pictures with the CMs in that area, the costumes are amazing!! I love all the stuff in bonjour gifts, I was nearly crying in there, like, the merch is so pretty!!

Also, remember the time we'll be back in Disney in like, two and a half weeks?!?! It's gonna be greattttt!!

 

[cheekypoppins]

Wow I was way behind!!!Happy to report i'm all caught up now though,loving your report so far and can't wait to read more

 

[Pluto0809]

Great update. So glad you found the kids sweatshirt.

You got some shots I totally missed when we were there of the new Fantasyland. I do love how the horse hooves are in the sidewalk...so Disney!

I was drooling over several items in the shop myself, but only bought for Des. But maybe...just maybe....I'll get something this year.

Can't wait to hear what you thought of the Little Mermaid Ride.

We were glad to find the sweatshirt too! Finding something for a 5 year old girl with one of the Fab 5 was more difficult than we thought. Everything for that age is Princess.

Thanks on the Fantasyland shots. There was a whole lot more that I wished I had photographed too. The area is so crowded right now it's hard to get good pictures.

I did want half of that store! The B&TB stuff was great but I also loved all of the Castle stuff they had.

I'm going to be lucky if I get another update in this week. Just got several projects dumped on me and I'm taking Friday off. There's not going to be much DIS time this week for me!

Okay let me see if I can do this properly...

So, I am thinking the driver of this Main St. car could be this really fun CM:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjlQBQMxs58

And the Fire Chief is DEFINITELY this pirate captain from our Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage:

Oh My~the crowds on Main Street!!! Loved your pictures of the new Fantasyland! I really think I want to avoid MK this October since we will only get one park day. I want to save new Fantasyland for when there will be lots of time to explore!

That's too funny that you recognized the CMs. I wonder if the one is Fireman by day and Pirate by night?

Main Street was crowded and so was the rest of the park but we didn't have much in the way of lines. It was kind of strange that day but I wasn't complaining.

New Fantasyland was really great but the Mine Train construction did take away from the whole effect. If you save that area for a later trip, you may just get to see the finished product.

Isn't New Fantasyland wonderful? I loved all the details too.

It was wonderful! I can't wait to see the final version once the Mine Train is done.

That’s what that stage was for!! Ah! I was attempting to watch Dream Along with Mickey one day I was down there and they didn’t finish it, I’m guessing because of the stage, but I thought it was for the Christmas party or something, now I know! Hahah

How cool that you guys saw Belle out filming stuff, that’s great!

I can’t get over how beautiful FLE is, the details in it are just fantastic! Ah, Jess said something about the bathrooms in there being themed awesome as well, and somehow I never used those bathrooms! Clearly it’s on my list of things to do next trip, as well as get pictures with the CMs in that area, the costumes are amazing!! I love all the stuff in bonjour gifts, I was nearly crying in there, like, the merch is so pretty!!

Also, remember the time we'll be back in Disney in like, two and a half weeks?!?! It's gonna be greattttt!!

Yep, they were filming on Friday and Saturday that week so that's what the stage was for. We were there those two days but chose to avoid the MK area.

It was really neat to see Belle. I wish I still had my camera out since she walked right by us after they were done.

You will definitely have to check out the New Fantasyland bathrooms. It was really nice inside them. There was something unique about the floor too but I can't remember what it was. I was going to take more pictures but was getting strange looks so I stopped.

23 days for me!! I am so excited.

Wow I was way behind!!!Happy to report i'm all caught up now though,loving your report so far and can't wait to read more

Thanks! No problem on being behind. I've been meaning to check out your PTR but haven't made it there yet. Probably won't today, got too much to do at work (bummer that work interfers with my DIS time. )

 

[brandihead2012]

Goose bumps from the new fantasy land pictures. I Cried on the way to work this morning thinking how close we are to going! I love Gaston. He has always been my villian of choice, I told Zac I was going to find him!


How much were the lockers? Do they take Dollars, quaters? I know Marsh is low 60s to high 80s, so I think I want to bring a sweatshirt for the night but dont want to lug it around all day.

Love that moment when you walk into MK and see the castle. Definatly my Moment of knowing I made it. It is normally my first stop but, we arrive on a Saturday and it is a no no I guess to go on Saturdays.

 

[Pluto0809]

Goose bumps from the new fantasy land pictures. I Cried on the way to work this morning thinking how close we are to going! I love Gaston. He has always been my villian of choice, I told Zac I was going to find him!


How much were the lockers? Do they take Dollars, quaters? I know Marsh is low 60s to high 80s, so I think I want to bring a sweatshirt for the night but dont want to lug it around all day.

Love that moment when you walk into MK and see the castle. Definatly my Moment of knowing I made it. It is normally my first stop but, we arrive on a Saturday and it is a no no I guess to go on Saturdays.

New Fantasyland was everything I hoped it would be! You will love it. Gaston does his meet and greet right by "his" fountain so you shouldn't have any problems finding him. He was actually right there when I was taking pictures.

The lockers are $12 a day but you get $5 back when you return the receipt at the end of the day. You actually go to a store near the lockers to rent them. Just look for signs if you decide to get one.

I agree that walking into the MK is the best sight ever! I'm actually going to be at MK on Saturday 3/2. I'm just going there after a morning at AK for dinner and then to see Wishes and the MSEP.