I Told You Driving Was Bad For Your Health! *2/2* NEW TRIP REPORT LINK P102

[dizneeat]

Happy New Year!

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[Nermel9]

OMG I am SO behind on your TR! I'm trying to get caught up on the DIS right now, and I thought I was maybe one or two updates behind here, but I'm like 20 behind! I will get caught up, it's just going to take me a while, I just didn't want to think I abandoned your TR!

Happy New Year!

 

[Leshaface]

Yay all caught up!!

Haven't been on BTMRR at night in YEARS! The line is always way too long and I always forget to get FP's.

What a gorgeous balloon ride! That's awesome that you got to stay up there longer. Need to remember your tip!

Don't think i've ever seen an empty DTD like that before. Crazy!

I haven't been to a water park since I got stung by a wasp when I haven't been to a water park since I got stung by a wasp when I was 8. The only water park I would visit would have to be a Disney water park. I'm so with you about the Wave Pool. Sounds a little scary with all those people. Ouch about your skin!

So excited that Denny was totally onbaord about VGF!! Congratulations!

Sorry about your dinner at Mama's. Usually, IMO, whole wheat pasta never has enough flavor like regurlar pasta. Sucks trying to choose healthy entrees sometimes

 

[MEK]

Ok, so I surprised myself. I WAS able to finish getting caught up.

I'm impressed! Way to go.

Your DHS day looked fun. Mama Melrose use to be a place we went to each and every trip. (for the fantasmic package) Between the menu changing slightly and the food not being as great, we skipped it the last two trips and have no plans for our next.

I didn't realize there was a big change to the menu. I used to think it was a good "go-to" restaurant for the F! package. My meal really wasn't that bad, it just wasn't the best pasta I have ever had.

Your condo was quite nice! It almost makes you not want to stay on property when you can stay somewhere like that.

The condo was really nice and it was great for an alternative. I'm glad we tried it. It was nice and spacious and really convenient to everything.

Great use of 4 of your fast passes. I too like what was done with the new TT.

It's pretty cool, isn't it? I really enjoyed it. I loved the inside theme. Plus I never liked going through the "hot" and "cold" room.

I literally at the picture of hook and the kids...and your comment. I am glad you take those pics... I always want to take those types of pictures too...but my family members don't approve.

I remember you said that. My family usually doesn't even notice when I take those kind of pictures because I disguise it pretty well. Plus those kids were too cute.

I hope you had a very wonderful Christmas and that the new year brings peace and comfort!

Thanks. I will the same for you and your family! :good vibes

I love that you gave Bo love Mary Ellen! I'm glad he's not being neglected when you are in town.

Bo and I go way back! I know he's your man, but I appreciate you sharing.

Your condo is very spacious! Your own bathroom - that's truly vacationing n style! What a great looking unit. Oh, and I love your red polka dot 'Minnie' bag. I'm into a Minnie phase that continued tonight with my new cell phone case from Disney.

The condo was great. I did enjoy having my "own" room and having lots of room to unpack.

New cell phone case? Nice! I love that Minny bag. I originally picked it up at walmart a couple summers ago thinking Nick might want to give it to his GF as a souvie. But I ended up keeping it for myself!

Very good choices to use your FPs on those E-ticket rides. You are a pro!

You know I HAD to check out the new improved TT. It was under refurb during my previous trip, so I couldn't wait to check it out.

Congratulations on gaining some of your life back with not having to put in OT starting next month. That's great news!

Thanks! I am very happy that my OT days are coming to an end. I am sure there will still be some occasions where I'll be asked to do OT, but for right now I am getting a reprieve.

Loved your last few moments at HS!

Me too! It was a fun evening!

I think your pictures are the only ones I have seen of the Jack Sparrow exhibit. Really interesting photos! Thanks for sharing. Sound like the attraction is at least an improvement from the Narnia thing (which my family did, but I managed to miss)

I never did Narnia so I can't compare. But I did think this was pretty cool. I enjoyed the special effects. It was very cool.

The pictures of the buildings at night are great! Somehow the details seem a lot sharper than during the day.

I agree. I think the buildings in HS all look SO cool at night. I love it there at night.

Bye Bye Bo!

Parting is such sweet sorrow!

The condo looks really nice. You must have loved having all that space.

I did. I absolutely LOVED having my own "dressing room" and bathroom. It was great! I felt very spoiled.

for another trip into the bubble.

The last one. sniff sniff

DVC FP at EPCOT is an excellent way to end a Disney trip!

Those FP's totally saved the money or I think we probably would have gotten one headline ride before we needed to go.

Like you said, there are very mixed reactions to the new Test Track. I liked it too. I thought the black lights in the ride were pretty cool.

Exactly. The black with the neon was very cool. I loved it. Like I said, I think they did the best they could at retooling the other ride. Very effective.

for a couple of rides on Soarin!

Always a favorite!

OK, don't know what you are going to do with those last couple of FPs. Living with the Land? Maelstrom?

Nope!

And even more intrigued to hear about your surprise meal! Mmmmmm!!!!

It WAS really Mmmmmmmm! Coming with the next update!

Wishing you and your family a wonderful 2014

Thanks Dee! Same to you and your family!

 

[MEK]

Nice pics in the Pirate attraction.

Thanks. I really struggle in there with the low light.

I like the ride of TT but hate the building of the car.

Really? Why? Just curious. I thought the car building was neat, but I let Denny do most of the work. I thought it went really fast. We were always putting the finishing touches in place.

Glad you were able to squeeze in some rides.

Those FP's really saved the day because it WAS pretty crowded and the wait times were high.

Yeah you will more free time

I am SOOOOOO excited about that. You have NO idea!

Yay, no more OT starting January! That's awesome. :good vibes

I know! I loved the OT money, but my free time is really more important to me!

I haven't done the Legend of Jack Sparrow yet. I keep meaning to check it out just out of curiosity, but we never make it inside.

The effects are pretty cool and its short. I feel like we were only in there 10 minutes, 15 tops.

I wanted to sit at one of those desk's when I was a kid too! But then when I got to third grade, and I got one of the nifty ones with the top that lifts up, I was satisfied.

I swear I used to play "school" and pretend I was a teacher because I was so obsessed with school desks and supplies. Clearly I was not right as a child.

Yo Bo!

I see you are also on a first name basis with the Bo man!

I like the new TT. I just find the queue unbearable, but the queue has always been unbearable there, so I guess it's nothing new. LOL.

I actually like this queue better than the last one. If I had to go in the pre show area one more time I don't think I could have taken it. SO annoying. With this one I actually enjoy doing the car design.

 

[englishrose47]

We didn't go into the Jack Sparrow attraction when we were in Hollywood Studios so I really enjoyed your pictures. It reminds me of the time they had the Narnia attraction in the same building.

I'm sure that you are more than happy that your work is letting up a little.

The Narnia Attraction was zzzzzz er !!!Ranks right along there with the Film in Norway!!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

The Narnia Attraction was zzzzzz er !!!Ranks right along there with the Film in Norway!!!

You're right Rosie! We always exit through the theater at Norway as fast as we can. Don't want to get stuck having to watch the film.

 

[jenseib]

I am kind of interested in seeing the Jack Sparrow thing too. I heard it's nothing great, but I kind of want to see it. I do love pirates!

Yayfor getting a little bit of free time back!!!! I seem to not have much lately too.

 

[MEK]

One of these days I'm going to have to enter Test Track through the regular standby queue and experience the whole design process. So far I've only gone through the condensed version of the vehicle design available for single rider and FP lines. That whole design process in the standby queue looks a whole lot more interesting!

I like the design process. It sounds like some people don't, but I think there is some challenge towards developing the car with the highest points. Every time we went up on power we went down on efficiency. I know that sounds obvious, but there has to be a way to increase one without affecting the other. We have yet to find the perfect combination in the allotted time .

How exciting that you added vgf points. I can't wait to see your pictures when you stay there.

ljcrochet! We are very excited about the points and I really can't wait to stay there, especially after I've seen some amazing pictures from the actual resort!

That is certainly some good news. Welcome back to a somewhat normal life!

Thanks! I am happy not to have OT hanging over my head and I think once this weekend is over things will be a lot more relaxed for me!

I think your pictures might be the first that I've seen of the inside of that attraction. It looks really neat. Might be worth checking out, but I'm going to guess that it would likely freak the kids out.

It might. It's not really that "in your face" as the pictures might lead you to believe. It was cool. I'm glad we took a look!

I'm sure he could have passed it on the next try.

Even though Denny is no aeronautical engineer he still did better than I could do! So I'll have to give him that!

Hook and Smee are big boys... Oh... you mean those kids...

Let's see... it is EPCOT and you have FP's. I'm going to guess another ride on Soarin' and Test Track. Cause what else are you going to do with them?

Bingo! Another ride on TT is in our future. This time with more pictures!

Happy New Year!

Same to you and the family!

That looks like a really nice room! Very pretty.

I loved our off site room. It was very lovely and so spacious for the two of us. For an extra trip when we didn't have points to use it worked out perfectly!

I never got a chance to ride the new Test Track on my last trip... it's nice to hear a positive review on it for a change! Most people don't seem to like it very much. Looks fun to me!

I'm not sure why people don't like it. I mean, seriously, if you have to use the nuts and bolts of the original ride there are serious limitations. It's not like a brand new ride. I think the new concept is great given the limitations in designing it. Come on people, I'd challenge them to come up with a better idea. Rant over!

Great news on no more overtime in January.

I am SO happy about that. I mean, I liked the extra money but I did NOT like the stress of knowing I had to work 11 or 12 days in a row plus stay overnight twice. It was just too much for me!

When we did the Jack Sparrow thing last December for Mark's 60th, we were told NO PICTURES ALLOWED. I am guessing they eased up on that.

Really? No one said a word. And I'm pretty sure there was a CM there. They might have a said no flash pics. I really don't remember.

I want one of those caramel apples right now, please.

Tell me about it!

Beautiful evening pictures at the Studios.

Thanks. It's so pretty there when the sun sets!

Your "secret hideaway" looks really nice and spacious for the two of you.

I loved having all that extra space. It was awesome! For last minute accommodations it worked out great!

Fastpasses for three rides for going to a DVC event. Score!

Well, sort of. We really got them because we made the purchase and because we couldn't get points for the 2013 use year. That was all he had to offer us, so we gladly took them.

I am not a fan of the new Test Track, but I know a lot of people like it. We will get in line if a short wait, but I won't use FP+ on it.

Really? Tell me what you don't like about it? I want to understand why people don't like it. I enjoyed it and I think they did a good job given the limitations of what they had to work with. I'm curious about what you think they should have done. I have no vision at all, so I like to hear other peoples ideas. Sometimes it give me a moment!

Love Soarin'.

ME TOO!

In case I don't get back here,

​

Thanks Kathy! I hope you and the family had a great NY Day. Wishing you all the best for 2014!

We didn't go into the Jack Sparrow attraction when we were in Hollywood Studios so I really enjoyed your pictures. It reminds me of the time they had the Narnia attraction in the same building.

I never saw Narnia so I was pretty determined to go into that part of the building at least once. I was pleasantly surprised with the visuals in the attraction. Fun for taking pictures!

I'm sure that you are more than happy that your work is letting up a little.

That is a great way to describe - MORE than happy! You know it!!!!!

 

[MEK]

I just found your report. I'm going to catch up with all of it. I just finished HHI. We are hoping to stay there this summer. We are also DVC members. We stayed at Vero Beach this past summer two times. We want to try HHI this year. It all depends on my husband's schedule. He is thinking of changing careers and if he does he will be taking classes during the summer (if they are offered).

Caralyn! Thanks for joining in!

I hope you get a chance to stay at HHI. It is really cool. I think its more interesting than Vero because the geography of the area is different. It's less convenient, not being on the ocean. But I think it being on Broad Creek is interesting.

I'm going to be starting a Pre-Trip Report soon for our upcoming trip in March. I hope you can stop by.

I would love to. Send me a link when you get it started!

Ohhh... the tr I read had the person stay at pop and hopping... I think. Maybe I am wrong. I do know what I read led me to believe that I would be able to hop when staying at CBR in October. It never ended up happening... glad cause I hate breaking rules.

I don't think you can do that, but I am not 100% certain. I mean, you probably could and no one would say a word. I have pool hopped multiple times (on DVC stays) and no one ever asks for identification. But I'm always prepared just in case.

Happy New Year!

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Thanks Karin! I hope you guys are having a WONDERFUL time in DLP right about now!!!!!

OMG I am SO behind on your TR! I'm trying to get caught up on the DIS right now, and I thought I was maybe one or two updates behind here, but I'm like 20 behind! I will get caught up, it's just going to take me a while, I just didn't want to think I abandoned your TR!

back stranger! Yeah - I was pretty sure you weren't coming back, so its nice to see you. I hope you are able to speed read and get caught up!!!

Happy New Year!

Same to you! I wish you and Brandon a wonderful 2014 with lots of Disney magic!

Yay all caught up!!

Yay!

Haven't been on BTMRR at night in YEARS! The line is always way too long and I always forget to get FP's.

If you hop on the ride during the one of the parades you usually don't have to wait too long. I often do try to get FP's when we get there. I LOVE it at night. So worth missing a parade for!

What a gorgeous balloon ride! That's awesome that you got to stay up there longer. Need to remember your tip!

You should really try it on one of your upcoming trips. It's so worth it. The view was amazing. Definitely a highlight!

Don't think i've ever seen an empty DTD like that before. Crazy!

It is weird seeing it so empty in the morning. It's a little eery, too! I've stayed at SSR and run over there in the morning and I always feel like I am trespassing.

I haven't been to a water park since I got stung by a wasp when I haven't been to a water park since I got stung by a wasp when I was 8. The only water park I would visit would have to be a Disney water park. I'm so with you about the Wave Pool. Sounds a little scary with all those people. Ouch about your skin!

I can see why that would turn you off from a water park. The theme at the Disney WP's is so great. I'm so glad we used that feature on our pass. Totally worth it. But just remember that the chlorine in the summer is hard on the skin.

So excited that Denny was totally onbaord about VGF!! Congratulations!

He was more than onboard with it. He actually suggested it. That was crazy because I did not go in there expecting to by. It was more for "research" purposes and look what happened.

Sorry about your dinner at Mama's. Usually, IMO, whole wheat pasta never has enough flavor like regurlar pasta. Sucks trying to choose healthy entrees sometimes

I am used to the taste of whole wheat pasta so that doesn't affect my judgment. I just found the sauce and veggies to be somewhat bland and that was disappointing. *sigh* Still, it was a nice meal overall.

The Narnia Attraction was zzzzzz er !!!Ranks right along there with the Film in Norway!!!

Yup. That IS bad!~ Can't get any worse, actually!

You're right Rosie! We always exit through the theater at Norway as fast as we can. Don't want to get stuck having to watch the film.

They should really do something else with that room. It's a shame because its totally wasted space. If they just turned it into a little museum with paintings and artifacts or posters that talk about the history of Norway. That would be far more interesting IMHO.

I am kind of interested in seeing the Jack Sparrow thing too. I heard it's nothing great, but I kind of want to see it. I do love pirates!

Because you love photography and great visuals I think you would like it. It's very vibrant and interesting to look at. Not a lot of substance, but visually entertaining.

Yayfor getting a little bit of free time back!!!! I seem to not have much lately too.

It's that time of year. Plus I am sure you are busy with your job. I hope you have a future trip planned. I am looking forward to another one of your Disney TR's.

 

[Disney9.9.10]

Eek, I've been gone so long! I hope that you guys had a wonderful Christmas and New Years!!

Looks like you guys had a fun night at DHS. I love your pictures from the POTC attraction! I've never gone in there either, but it looks really neat.

And what a gorgeous condo! It is so big and all of the finishings are beautiful.

I'm glad to read that you enjoyed the new TT. We haven't done it yet, but it is a favourite of some of my family members so I'm hoping that they all enjoy it too!

 

[MEK]

Eek, I've been gone so long! I hope that you guys had a wonderful Christmas and New Years!!

Hey Stranger! How are you feeling? 20 days until your due date. OMG - I remember how THAT felt! Hang in there. I hope everything has been going well!

Looks like you guys had a fun night at DHS. I love your pictures from the POTC attraction! I've never gone in there either, but it looks really neat.

Not a lot of substance to the attraction, but the visuals are great and it gave me another reason to take more pictures. Like I need a reason.

And what a gorgeous condo! It is so big and all of the finishings are beautiful.

That condo worked out perfectly for us. For a trip that almost wasn't, we really lucked out on the lodging.

I'm glad to read that you enjoyed the new TT. We haven't done it yet, but it is a favourite of some of my family members so I'm hoping that they all enjoy it too!

I really did enjoy it. I liked how they redid the inside and I enjoyed the whole car design process. It made it more interactive and sort of brings out the competitive nature!

 

[MEK]

I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year's and I wish everyone a happy and healthy 2014.

I used NY Day to play with my new Christmas present. Although I admit I wouldn't mind having a kayak like Wendy, I picked something I could use more year round and in the comfort of my own home. I got an Apogee mic / interface to use with the garage band on my mac. I spent all NY's Day making a music video for youtube. Since its still officially the Christmas season, I decided to record one of my favorite Christmas songs - Child of the Poor /
What Child is This

Here's my video if you care to take a look.

Child of the Poor

Test Track Design Wars

As crowded as it was, because of our instant FP's we already had two headliners under our belt.

Where to next?







How about this favorite non-FP attraction?



Time for a sugar high!



Then a little mouse gears maybe?



I was looking for a specific mug, which they did NOT have. But spoiler alert - I was able to bring that mug home in October!



Then it was time to head back here.



But I got distracted by the pretty flowers



I have no idea what that says, but it doesn't matter because we had instant FP's



Again - it's a mystery!



What?



I digress.

Let's get our ride on!





We were assigned Design Station #9



And after much deliberation, we selected English as our language of choice



Simple enough instructions to start





As you can see even small manipulations affect your score in one category or the other.



You can add the engine of your choice



Color selected. We only have 1:10 left. Seriously, I ask you, where does the time go when you are into precise design calculations?



Holy crap Denny, we don't have time for major modifications NOW!



Phew! We finished with one second to spare!



Waiting to load



Continued In Next Post…..

 

[MEK]

Continued From Previous Post



Safety first! got it!



Here is where you swipe your design card



Concept vehicle identified



And we're off







We won the power round, but we didn't do so great after that.





See what I mean



Getting ready to go outside



Hang on to your hats and sunglasses





Bam! And we're OUT!



That girl in the backseat looks like she is having a great time.



I look like I am in pain! Haha!

Close up!



We didn't have PP this trip because everything was sort of last minute. So I made Denny take a picture of me here to show what a great time I was having.



Beautiful day!

















Continued In Next Post

 

[MEK]

Continued From Previous Post

I think I was trying to kill a little time before our lunch ADR. I scheduled an early lunch ADR (11:30) because we were leaving for Daytona right after lunch.











Tired of the monorail yet?

NO - Of course you're not. It's cold outside and y'all wish you were in Disney right now. Am I right?



Our lunch destination



I deliberated over this one. Yes I did. But I went with it for two reasons.

Reason # 1 - I was trying to break even on our TIW card and this meal should push us into the black.

Reason # 2 I hadn't eaten here in FOREVER!

Reason #3 I've read some pretty good reviews lately and I wanted to check it out for myself.



We scored and got a table not facing other patrons



but facing this



Our viewing guide



I was pretty excited to be sitting so close to the tank



We had plenty of entertainment





We didn't see a diver, but we saw plenty of aquatic life



I hope you aren't the same type of fish that ended up on my plate. That would be just plain rude!











Look at me! Look at me!





Are you looking yet????? Huh? Huh?



Ok, enough of the tank. On to the food!

My last Disney drink!



Continued In Next Post

 

[MEK]

Continued From Previous Post

My entree

Grilled Mahi Mahi - with Laughing Bird Shrimp, Hearts of Palm, Jasmine Rice, Cilantro, and a Coconut-Lime Sauce $25.99



Denny's entree

Seared Rainbow Trout - with warm salad of white beans, arugula, tomatoes, crispy bacon, aged balsamic vinegar and brown butter $20.99



I was the winner in this round. Mine was fantastic and definitely my favorite meal of the trip. I'm so glad we decided (well, I decided) to eat here. It was a great meal to go out on. Just perfect.

All too soon it was time to leave. We promised our friends we would be in Daytona by about 3:30.

A few pictures on the way out











Bye Spaceship Eart. Until We meet again!





Bye Monorail



I saw this in the parking lot and decided I needed to find one! And guess what just a couple weeks later I got one in the mail!



Up Next - Daytona Beach

 

[emmysmommy]

What a beautiful performance for your song! I loved the two song tracks over-layed (or whatever you call it) - just fantastic! I think you are pretty happy with your new toy. Seriously, I'm so impressed.

Ahhh Test Track. My I like you but I don't really like you relationship with that ride. I like the ride just not the design phase... yet. I think I need to give it another chance. You have documented the design process very thoroughly!!

And no, you can't have too many monorail photos. Especially on such a clear and beautiful day. And thanks to Denny for being your personal photographer since he really did capture a happy you in that photo!

I've tried Em's mahi mahi at Coral Reef and although I don't really eat fish I was quite impressed with myself that I tried it and it wasn't bad. I really wanted to pick out the shrimp in the dish and eat those since I love shrimp. It's always good to have the winning entrée! Great close up of the sea turtle in the aquarium.

 

[rentayenta]

What a fun update. The new and improved Test Track looks like a blast. My boys will love designing their own cars.

I forgot Coral Reef existed. We ate there during our first trip in 2007. It was in celebration of one of our friend's birthday. I had emailed with the manager etc, sent photos for a special menu, only to show up and they lost it all, even our ADR and we were a party of 10! Our food was terrific and they did their best to accommodate us but I still haven't forgiven them. I may never. Your food looks delicious though. I love the aquariums too. They also make a great steak.


Can't wait for Daytona Beach!

 

[wiigirl]

Great pics!

 

[jedijill]

I'm not a fan of the new Test Track but I still like it. I've never eaten at Coral Reef but I need to make it there some of these days...it looks yummy!

Jill in CO