I think I gained 5 pounds at the Food & Wine Festival - An Oct 2012 TR **NEW 3/18**

[klacey1]

Count me in as another non-fan of Soarin. It's okay, I'm just not in love with it. Zach is afraid of heights so he won't even try it!
We do love Mission Space though! I think the line is super cool. I don't think the orange side is that intense either, but it's still fun.

 

[jenny105]

Count me in as another non-fan of Soarin. It's okay, I'm just not in love with it. Zach is afraid of heights so he won't even try it!
We do love Mission Space though! I think the line is super cool. I don't think the orange side is that intense either, but it's still fun.

I like it but I don't see why it always has a 60 minute wait. It's the Peter Pan of Epcot.

I don't get the Soarin' hype either? It's not THAT great...I guess the ride mechanism is pretty cool, but that's about it. Definitely not interested in standing in a super long line just for that attraction. It actually makes our Epcot mornings easier because while everyone is rushing there, we are heading off to everything else in the park.

Haven't done Mission Space in awhile, but I got a laugh out of Kris' "after" photo!

I think Kris was just exhausted from the entire week at that point. He said he wanted to take a nap right there on the grass.

Sweet! That's the night I met ya!

 

[jenny105]

Around 7:30 we left Epcot and hopped on the monorail and made the switch at the Ticket & Transportation center to go to MK. Well we got stuck three times on that monorail! They held us up at the station before we left, again before we went through one of the resorts, and yet again before we pulled into the MK station. So what should’ve been a quick ride turned into a 45 minute trek!

The MSEP was in full swing as we walked into the park so we were routed off Main Street to avoid it. How you ask? They showed us down one of the ‘side’ streets and into the backstage area to go around. WOW! Way to kill the magic. I don’t think Walt would approve of that. We saw a bunch of employees just goofing off because I guess they were on break and the backs of the Main Street buildings. I wanted to take pictures but I had a feeling I would’ve been reprimanded for that. I couldn’t believe Disney allowed that! If that were my first time at Disney I would've been put off.

The Laugh Floor didn’t have much of a wait so we headed over there first. I never noticed this little door before.

Laugh Floor was cute as usual and we followed that with Buzz Lightyear. We ventured over to Fantasyland and I was dying to ride the teacups. Believe it or not I’ve never been on them. Everyone I go to Disney with does not like spinning rides and I didn’t want to ride solo so it was always skipped.

I love the photo op on this ride!

As you can see, by the end of the ride Kris regretted his decision because I spun the teacup as fast as I possibly could.

We walked over to Pooh’s ride next but the line was too long. I managed to sneak in a great picture though.

It was almost time for the second MSEP for the night and since I haven’t seen it since I was a kid I wanted to check it out. So we headed toward Main Street once again.

We were hungry at that point so we stopped in Casey’s which was PACKED. I waited in line while Kris went to snag a spot for the parade. I ordered corn dug nuggets & fries and called Kris to see where he was. He grabbed a curbside seat on the corner near the Emporium. As we waited for the parade to start I texted my DIS friend Heather because I knew she was in the park that night. Main Street was a madhouse and I didn’t think she’d find me…but she did!

Main Street crowd

Me and Heather!

We chatted for a bit until her kids decided it was time to hit up more rides! I think you guys were off to Pirates?

Right after Heather left the parade started!

After the parade we decided to head back to AKL. On the way out I saw that the line to meet Mickey was super short so we hopped in. This is the picture taken with our camera. I have a Photopass shot but I’m going to post those after I’m finished with the TR.

Clowning around in the gift shop.

Yes you will see me real soon! But not soon enough.

After what seemed like the World’s longest bus ride we were back at AKL by 11:15. I was super sad knowing this was our last night but we had a late flight the next day so there was more fun to be had.

Stay tuned for our last day in Disney…

 

[khertz]

Seems like a fun night, except for the slow monorail. I love being in the MK at night! It has an entirely different feel to it than during the day. The last night in the parks always stinks though, even when you know you have a few hours the next day.

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

wow that did go fast already on the last day...booo but when is hte next one planned.

 

[HeatherLassell]

I'm surprised I found you too!

 

[hobbs6799]

I have really enjoyed your TR. I did not realize how beautiful AKL is!!!

 

[jenny105]

Seems like a fun night, except for the slow monorail. I love being in the MK at night! It has an entirely different feel to it than during the day. The last night in the parks always stinks though, even when you know you have a few hours the next day.

I love MK at night too. Especially Tomorrowland! I just love how it looks all lit up.

wow that did go fast already on the last day...booo but when is hte next one planned.

The next trip? Not until 2014 or early 2015. I haven't decided if I want to go in the fall again for F&W or go around this time where it's not as hot and the crowds & prices are low. We don't want to go back until Fantasyland is done.

I'm surprised I found you too!

You have good eyes!

I have really enjoyed your TR. I did not realize how beautiful AKL is!!!

Thank you! AKL is gorgeous!! I feel like people don't give it a chance because it's so far removed from everything else but that's one of the nice things about it.

 

[jenny105]

Well here it is. Our last day in Disney.

We awoke that morning around 9 and I dont know about Kris but I was super sad! We had done most of the packing when we switched rooms and finished up what we needed to before heading down to breakfast. We decided to leave the bags in our room and come back for them after. Breakfast this morning was at Boma. What better way to say goodbye to the lodge?

One last look from our balcony&

Breakfast at Boma was delicious and we had a very chatty server! His name escapes me but he was wonderful. They serve the same juice as Tusker House. Yum! I love that stuff.

After breakfast we retrieved our bags, packed up the car, and waved goodbye to AKL as we headed to Epcot one last time. We arrived there between 11:30-12 and headed over to the attractions we skipped during our previous visits: Captain EO and Journey into the Imagination. Captain EO makes me laugh. Its so old school! Not that I miss HISTA but is Captain EO there to stay?

I was a new Disney Visa cardholder and knew they had a Chase lounge at the festival so we headed over there next. Not really much to see. Its a separate room that you need to show your card to gain access to. There are some free soft drinks and they give out wristbands for some of the Eat to the Beat shows but other than that, there wasnt much going on!

Then we took advantage of another cardholder perk  a free photo op with the characters! Ive heard they change them at random so I wasnt sure who we were going to get. We lucked out and ended up with Goofy, Mickey, and Minnie!

After meeting three of the fab five we headed into the WS to try some more F&W carts. First stop  Mexico! Not for food but to take the Gran Fiesta Tour. I love Donald!

Then we made stops at the Germany, Poland, Italy, Carib, and cheese carts. Dont ask me what we tried. I didnt write it down. By this point we were boiling hot and dying for some shade so we kept ducking into WS shops for some AC! We did this until we worked our way to the WS exit. I promised Kris wed stop for ice cream at Beaches and Cream. I took him here during our 2010 trip and that was one of his two restaurant requests for the trip (the other was Ohana). Kris got a brownie sundae and I got a two scoop chocolate ice cream sundae drizzled with peanut butter sauce. Yum!

Kriss sundae

At this point this trip wasn't even over yet and I was looking for places to stay during our next trip so we took a stroll through the Yacht Club. Ive stayed in the Beach Club before and I think I prefer their laid back vibe over YC. I wouldnt turn up my nose at staying there though! Stormalong Bay anyone?

We caught the boat back to Epcot and walked over to the UK just in time to catch British Revolutions set. If you recall we saw them on our very first day in Epcot. This time they played Bohemian Rhapsody and I was in awe. Ive never seen any cover band even try to attempt that song and they nailed it! Plus they head banged ala Waynes World. If youve never seen them theyre worth checking out!

After their set was done we made one more cart stop  Canada. I had to have my cheddar cheese soup one last time! Delicious. At this point it was time to go. On the way out we stopped to pick up our free Visa photo and headed back to the car. Goodbye Disney. See you when Fantasyland is complete.

On the way to the airport the skies opened up and it began pouring. We stopped at a few gift shops along the way and made it to the airport in plenty of time. Our flight was pushed back 30 minutes but no big deal. We were stuck with the C boarding group this time and werent able to get seats next to each other but Kris ended up in the row in front of me. The flight was uneventful and we were landing before I knew it. We grabbed a taxi back to the Courtyard and were in bed by 11:30. I couldnt believe our Disney vacation was over. All that planning and it flies by!

Im going to post a few more entries with will include my overall thoughts for this trip and photopass pictures. Stay tuned&

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

you should have bought the hat.

 

[jenny105]

you should have bought the hat.

And wore it on the plane!

 

[klacey1]

Last days are awful :-( We always try to book a semi-early flight home because I don't think I could enjoy going to a park or Downtown Disney! I'd be way too sad!
Mmmm-- Kris's sundae looks delicious! Love the Oreo Mickey ears!

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

And wore it on the plane!

excuse me pardon me big hat coming through,

 

[jenny105]

Last days are awful :-( We always try to book a semi-early flight home because I don't think I could enjoy going to a park or Downtown Disney! I'd be way too sad!
Mmmm-- Kris's sundae looks delicious! Love the Oreo Mickey ears!

I didn't even notice the Oreo Mickey ears. Good eye!
We always book a later flight home so we can enjoy part of the day in the parks. I pay good money to go to Disney - I want to squeeze out every last drop! lol
How about that game??? LGR!

excuse me pardon me big hat coming through,

I'm sure they would've LOVED me!

 

[khertz]

I can't believe that your TR is over! I feel like I spent so much time with you on our PTRs planning and planning for October. I still have a little bit to go on my TR but I think it will go faster as I get closer to the end.

You TR was really great! I'm sad to see it end.

 

[jenny105]

I can't believe that your TR is over! I feel like I spent so much time with you on our PTRs planning and planning for October. I still have a little bit to go on my TR but I think it will go faster as I get closer to the end.

You TR was really great! I'm sad to see it end.

I know! The PTR is nearly two years old. I was bored at work on Tuesday (it was slow) and I think I picked my dates for 2014 so as soon as those rates are published a new PTR will be in the works!

I still have photopass pics coming up so it's not over quite yet.

 

[jenny105]

Hi all! Trying to get my TR finished by the end of this month. This post will be some of my favorite Photopass pictures and I'll have a post with my overall thoughts on the trip later this week! I'm sad it's almost over. I tried to stretch this out as long as possible.

Here we go!

MNSSHP

Yes my hair is soaking wet! Love that FL rain!

Epcot!

DHS

AK

MK

I think this is my favorite!

Minnie was feeling Kris's muscles. Mickey didn't like it!

Hope you enjoyed!

 

[jenny105]

What I Loved:

• Animal Kingdom Lodge. What a beautiful resort! I loved the peace & quiet of it and the hidden hot tub. The pool is awesome and waking up to animals outside your door every day is a treat!
  
• Raglan Road. Delicious! The bread pudding alone is enough reason to go here.
  
• MNSSHP. I’ve been to it before and I’ll go again. I love the decorations, the candy, and the parade is the best in all of WDW.
  
• Via Napoli. Great service, tasty sangria, and YUMMY food!
  
• Food and Wine Festival. We got to sample plenty of the carts this trip and the Sugar Ray concert made it even more fun.
  
• Epcot’s 30th Birthday. It was a treat to be in Disney for this. We each purchased 30th Anniversary shirts with the old school Epcot logo and we saw a special Illuminations. I liked sharing a birthday with Epcot!
  
• The length of the trip. Usually my Disney trips are 5 nights but I don’t think I’ll ever stay for less than 7 nights again. We had time to do whatever we wanted – the parks, hang out at the resort, go to the waterparks. It felt more like a vacation and it was nice to be able to relax sometimes.
  
• Having a car. I don’t think I’ll ever go to Disney World without renting a car again. So convenient to come & go as you please and not have to rely on the shuttles.

What I Didn’t Love:

• Animal Kingdom Lodge. I know I just said I loved it and I did but I don’t disagree with the people who complain about the distance between AKL and everything else. If you are an AK fan it’s perfect for you. Not so much if you spend a lot of time at the other parks. That being said I did enjoy our stay but I don't think we'd stay here again.
  
• The weather. It was either brutally hot or pouring. I know, I know, it rains a lot in Florida. But I’ve never gone to Disney World and had it rain every day. I think next time we’ll go at the end of October or early November when it’s a little bit cooler.
  
• ESPN Zone. I’ve had enough of this place to last a lifetime. But since we’re planning to rent points and stay at BC or BWV next trip I’m sure I’ll be there again…

I think that’s it! Thank you all for reading. I hope you enjoyed reading about my trip as much as I enjoyed reliving it. I will have a PTR started as soon as our next trip is booked! TTFN!

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

What I Loved:

• The length of the trip. Usually my Disney trips are 5 nights but I don’t think I’ll ever stay for less than 7 nights again. We had time to do whatever we wanted – the parks, hang out at the resort, go to the waterparks. It felt more like a vacation and it was nice to be able to relax sometimes.
  
  

• 
  
  next trip you need to go for the 11-13 night plan...trust me
  
  enjoyed your trip report, and too bad we didnt end up getting to meet, but a little kid who is sick is no fun, and i didnt even think about trying to meet up with you when arrived in the park that late morning.

 

[jenny105]

next trip you need to go for the 11-13 night plan...trust me

enjoyed your trip report, and too bad we didnt end up getting to meet, but a little kid who is sick is no fun, and i didnt even think about trying to meet up with you when arrived in the park that late morning.

I wish I could afford the trip and time off to do this! Maybe some day. I'd love to spend two weeks in Disney.

Who knows? We could end up in Disney at the same time again!