I Knew You Would Eventually Get Tired of Disney World - April '12 TR - Completed 2/9

[TriniandBre]

Every time we go to Disney we go to the Hoop De Doo I never seem to get tired of it and the kids love it. I'm glad you guys had a great time there. I can't wait to read what's next.

 

[JeanetteK]

What a great way to pay homage to Dan -- by stuffing yourself silly on the chicken. You didn't mention the potatoes though!! The real question is, were you TOO stuffed to try the strawberry shortcake??

I would have loved to see Emily's dance routine -- I'm sure it was spectacular!

For the rest of my life and especially every time we visit Coronado, I will never, NEVER forget that blood curdling (sp??) scream that came from your room.

Loving the updates and can't wait to read more

 

[JeanetteK]

deleted - duplicate sorry

 

[TheNewMrsB]

Hoop De Doo was definitely a great time for us. We went on our honeymoon and while I can't say I need to go back any time soon (which I think has been proven by the fact that our honeymoon was 3 trips ago...!), that chicken was worth a repeat visit at some point.

 

[nilla]

I'm glad to read such good things about HDDR since I'm going there for the first time for my birthday in July. When you're leaving, they have buses for all the resorts?

They do. That surprised me, since we usually end up getting a cab home when we eat at a resort and don't return to a park afterwards. I guess the demand was there.

We all really loved this meal, and the show was fun. I'd definitely consider doing it again.

The Sorcerers game is starting to sound a little frustrating. Perhaps I'll skip it after all.

Give it a shot and see how it goes for you. Kristin and electronics tend to not get along.

Love HDDR! We wanted to go there in October, but they are refurbing it??? .

As with all refurbs, this refurb will most likely mean the "end of WDW as we know it". Let the rumors begin!

I am not trying that Sorcerers magic thing if my card is going to stop working. Forget that.

See comment above.

I remember two years ago when the sword in the stone did come up for Emily and Dylan's face - OMG!

That was one of our all-time great Disney moments, though Dylan wouldn't agree. He'll get another shot this year.

2 rides on the carousel? You're a good dad.

I did three in a row on that Triceratops ride in Animal Kingdom last year while waiting for Kristin and Dylan to finish up on Primeval Whirl, so this was nothing! I love the music on the Carousel, too, so it's not all bad

I love the Hoop De Doo! It's so cheesy, but so fun!

Poor Dylan, he's getting closer and closer to being embarrassed by everything his family does.

I've warned him many times that the more easily embarassed he becomes, the more prone to us intentionally embarassing him he gets as well. You don't let these sharks get a sniff of blood.

Loving your report!

That's pretty much the most interesting thing I have to say.

It's as interesting as anything I ever have to say in these "reply" posts, so thanks!

I'm a fan of any fan of beer

The transitive property of beer is a beautiful thing. Thanks for reading! I promise there is more beer to come.

Great Update! Love your new "name" for the Carousel.

Disney really has become more up-front with their marketing, haven't they?

Every time we go to Disney we go to the Hoop De Doo I never seem to get tired of it and the kids love it. I'm glad you guys had a great time there.

It'll be hard to no go back there next time, whenever that next time might be

What a great way to pay homage to Dan -- by stuffing yourself silly on the chicken. You didn't mention the potatoes though!! The real question is, were you TOO stuffed to try the strawberry shortcake??

I kept thinking "strap on the feed bag" as I was eating. You two had a profound effect on us this trip, really

I had a few bites of the shortcake. It was good. Any more than a few bites was not physically possible at this point. mily loved it, though.

For the rest of my life and especially every time we visit Coronado, I will never, NEVER forget that blood curdling (sp??) scream that came from your room.

Sadly, that kind of scream has happened enough that it doesn't really stand out as unusual to me anymore!

deleted - duplicate sorry

Just don't let it happen again.

More updates coming tonight. I did the tedious "select-resize-upload" process for the Day 4 pics last night, so I should be able to just run with the writing this evening. This TR stuff is time consuming

 

[appleorchard]

On the way, we grab a shot of the area where we will be watching the fireworks on our final night.

Looks great!

Are you going to the Dessert Party? If so, that's not where it is lol. I made the same mistake in March with my know-it-all son in law in tow. I barged our way in there, saying I didn't understand why our name wasn't on the list. I was nearly in tears and the CM let us in! When my DD and SIL went to buy a sweatshirt, I realized (because there were no desserts, you see) that we were in the wrong place. I had to apologize to the CM and drag my DGD to the RIGHT place, hoping my DD would figure out where we were!

The dessert party is right next to the tomorrowland terrace restaurant. Don't embarrass yourself like I did lol. Since you're back now, you probably already know this, I just realized!

 

[nilla]

The dessert party is right next to the tomorrowland terrace restaurant. Don't embarrass yourself like I did lol.

NOW you tell me!

No, had some kind of special seating through AAA. That was the right spot. We think.

Your story sounds more fun, though. Maybe I'll try it in reverse next time

Ok, on to the updates!

 

[nilla]

Before we get into Day 4, there is some unfinished business surrounding Day 3.

While the Hoop Dee Doo Revue did brighten Kristin's spirits, her experience with Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom still left a bad taste in her mouth and dampened her already grim opinion of what she calls "The Refurb Kingdom". To the casual observer, she may seem justified. However, one must realize that Kristin has a knack for having electronics not work for her. More importantly, she is not someone who likes to leave a job half-finished. Upon learning that, in spite of their efforts, they still had a ways to go to defeat the game, she became immediately disgruntled. I asked why she couldn't just play a little and forget about beating it, but that's just not how she operates. Therefore, it may be worth it to give the game a shot and see for yourselves how you like it. We met a lot of people who loved it.

Also, I forgot to post a very important photo, which is my return to "Jon's Pukeful Spot":

No, this was not an official visit - my stomach was fine at this point, so there would be no turning green on It's a Small World or comtemplating how to use my shirt as a barf bag in the Haunted Mansion.

Speaking of IASW and HM, how did we manage to miss those? My favorite ride and one of Emily's top choices, but skipped. What the-?

Oh well. We have two more days in this park, so we'll absolutely deal with those ommissions before we're done.

Finally, I fear I've been largely leaving alcohol out of our story thus far. Part of that is because we don't really drink in the non-Epcot parks (besides at dinner), but another part is that I've failed to mention our nightly in-room drink selections. Kristin's been either drinking boxed wine or a mixer featuring the previously-mentioned Swedish Fish vodka, while I've been downing Malibu Gold mixed with Coke. I'm more of a beer guy, personally, but economics are dictating my choice of resort drinks this year. But don't worry - I'll be sure to blow a nice bit of change on beer once we finally hit Epcot. Which is right...

...now!

 

[nilla]

 

[nilla]

The plan for this day is usually to hit Epcot at rope drop and have Kristin and the kids head over to Test Track while I go to the Land for Soarin' FPs. But as you know, there is no Test Track this year, so the plans have been adjusted. The first change is that we are no longer adamant about getting there for rope drop. In fact, we're no longer desperate but not serious, standing and delivering, acting like a goody two shoes, or anything else one could associate with being adamant. We may be a bit debbyharry or morissey about things, but certainly not adamant.

Of course, sleeping in until 9:00 just does not happen for me if I'm going to bed before 2 am, so I'm up with the roosters, showered, shaved, and off to El Centro while the others are quietly dreaming. Ok, the "quietly" part is up for debate for some people in this family, but I won't name names.

Since I've got time, I decide to go the long way to El Centro, snapping a few pics on the way. Ok, maybe more than just a few pics.

It looks foggy, but it's really just that bright. Now where was I? Shoot - I'm lost. But wait -

Ok, I know where to go. And when we go to the pool, this might help:

Alright, moving on.

I loved this. Kristin and the kids could sleep as long as they want. This walk is the best.

Tired yet? No problem. This post is over, and the next one won't have any CSR pics.

 

[nilla]

Or maybe it will.

There's so much variety here. I've said it many times before, but this is my favorite resort.

Ok, I've made it to the Casitas. I passed some more runners on the way. People run at CSR. Often. I continue to walk...

Hold on, we're almost done.

Alright, enough's enough. Let's get to Epcot. Or El Centro, at least.

 

[nilla]

I get to Rix and it's MOBBED. In front of me are kids with Parkland High School shirts. I ask them if that's Parkland, Pa. (near us). It is. There are 150 of them here, he says. I ask what park they're going to today.

"Magic Kingdom."

"Good, we're going to Epcot."

It's always nice to get the park without the school groups.

We hit fast forward and I return, the kids eat, Kristin gets ready, we get out the door and we're at Epcot at 11:00. It's not rope drop, that's for sure, but the crowd doesn't look that crowded. I head over to the Land to get FPs. FPs are attained, and it's back to meet the rest of the family at Spaceship Earth.

While I was gone, these people arrived:

In line for Spaceship Earth, the woman behind us asks us what kind of ride this is. She's here from an island near the UK (I cannot remember with H-name it was), and will be at a conference. In the meantime, she has also hit Islands of Adventure and plans to visit Sea World. She says the Harry Potter land is "brilliant", which is a great adjective, I must say.

SA is great, as usual, and the girls' pic ends up on the big board.

It's hard to see, but Emily is doing the Dio "devil horns" sign...my girl

Games are played...

Quite a fun area. Kristin proclaims the adjective of the day to be "brilliant".

Outside we go. We spot a group of cheerleaders from China, and their makeup and hair is SPECTACULAR. Attention to detail. It makes a difference.

Ok, lunchtime.

 

[nilla]

I'm concerned that Sunshine Seasons is going to be mobbed, but we find a seat easily in the "Winter" section. Now excuse me while I bring up AllEars for some food identification...

...ok, there we go. I got the Reuben Panini.

Kristin usually goes Asian, and sticks to the formula again with the Mongolian Beef with vegetable fried rice.

Dylan got the Turkey and Monterey Jack on Ciabatta. He loved it. Emily loved him.

As usual, Emily got the mac & cheese and jello.

Ok, let's play "name that dessert".

Everyone ate great, and we're all happy. You can't go wrong with Sunshine Seasons. So much variety, and all of it delicious. Ok, what time are our Soarin' FPs for again?

[POST=44984502](next update)[/POST]

 

[MEK]

Sorry if I'm interrupting an update but I'm usually not up late enough to see your updates go on line!

I absolutely love the CSR pictures you posted. That resort is so gorgeous and since I will be visiting the Pepper Market in a few weeks I plan to take some of my own!

Thank goodness that school group was not getting on the same bus as the rest of you! Dodged that bullet, didn't you?

I thought about getting the swedish fish vodka but settled on an apple vodka from Stoli's for my trip. Then I bought an apple martini mixer from walmart. I hope I don't regret my choice.

 

[nilla]

Sorry if I'm interrupting an update but I'm usually not up late enough to see your updates go on line!

I was just thinking "I'm posting early tonight."

I thought about getting the swedish fish vodka but settled on an apple vodka from Stoli's for my trip. Then I bought an apple martini mixer from walmart. I hope I don't regret my choice.

You'll be fine

Thanks for the comments!

 

[Sam33]

Isn't Coronado Springs beautiful?! We stayed there on our honeymoon! I was very impressed. I had only ever stayed at the Poly before but when you're paying and not your FIL deluxe is out of the question. It was so calm there compared to the Poly. Definitely exceeded my expectations!

 

[GraceMonica]

Loving the pictures of CSR! I have never stayed on site, but when I do next year, I think CSR will be high on the list of resorts to consider!

 

[JeanetteK]

You are too much! Dan loved the comments -- especially "strappin' on the feed bag!" We are absolutely loving this report. Dan felt special that you mentioned him, and I had to remind him that we've been mentioned a few times here.

I love your pics from the resort. I want to be there so much right now! We are definitely going again next year. Kristin mentioned that you guys would be going in June maybe??? It would be great to meet up with you guys again, but I'm thinking we may be going back right around the same time as we went this year (thinking April 20-27). That may change though and we might change it to the following week or the week after that.

Can't wait to hear all about Fulton's (since I know you took our advice and went there).

 

[teekathepony]

The resort pictures are enough to make me want to stay there. So pretty. And the pool looks great.

 

[nebo]

Hey there Nilla, great looking family, but I hope your jaundice goes away soon. I've never been into the pre trip report either,,, for one thing, there's nothing fun to really talk about,, and I also feel like I might as well put a "FOR STEAL" sign in the front yard, although I'm not sure how much they would get, all our tvs still have picture tubes.
By the way, we also get the,, "Aren't you tired of Disney yet?"