I'M JUST SHOWBOATIN' AROUND THE WORLD! & getting pooped on. Jan 13 TR! NEW TR POSTED!

[RachelNinja]

Curious to know how your feet did in crocs. I've gone to the parks in Reebok, Skechers, New Balance, and crocs (different than what you've had), and so far the best have been New Balance. In the hotter times though, I am leaning towards crocs because I hate sweaty feet and how it rubs against the socks.

I hate anticipation too! I think that's why I could never ride ToT again. I rode it when they only had those 2 drops, but once they added the random sequence, I knew I wouldn't be able to handle it!

 

[Aussiesalad]

Those photos are AMAZING!!! They are all just so wonderful in their own way, including the guy that snuck into Matts!
Your photo seriously takes the cake though! I love it so much!!!

I'm interested to hear how the crocs worked out. They have such a cult following at the Disney parks!

Those great photopass pics. I love the second pose they make you do! Never gets old!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Ahhh! I seriously love the ride photos. I laugh every single time I look at ours, the faces are just priceless, even when we don't look like ourselves! Ok, so you know I've never done ToT, right? 5 trips and I have gotten to the point now where I'm pretty sure I will never do it! I'm like Matt, but it sounds like worse...I HATE drops. HATE them. The takeoff on RcRc FEELS like a drop to me and I have to count through it b/c it's nearly painful (but then I LOVE the rest of the ride)...and EE, well, that drop turns and there's only 1. BUT, I don't like Splash at all b/c of the drop, so after reading countless explanations of the "pulling down" vs. "falling" feeling on ToT, I have decided I will hate it. It's a shame too b/c I'm sure I would love the queue but I won't use the chicken exit either and I'm worried I will end up sick if I try it!

 

[LisaAnn06]

I gotta say ToT is my absolute favorite ride at Disney World!!!

You should tell Bruce sickness at Disney World is not allowed! That comment aside I hope he didn't have to miss out on too much fun.

That black and white picture of ToT is AMAZING! It looks like it came straight off a post card!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Hahaha I love the comparison of your's and Matt's TOT pics to Bruce and Amy's! They really do look like they're just posing for a random picture around the parks!

Uh oh...hopefully Bruce wasn't getting sicker!

 

[danimaroo]

Your face on ToT is PRICELESS!!!
But on a serious note, great update! I really do love your trip reports, they're always so fun!

Hahahaha thanks, I was laughing pretty hard at it!

Thank you so much, I'm glad you love my TRs because it makes it way more fun to write them knowing people actually read/enjoy them!!

I take back what I said about your previous ride photo from TT. This is the single. Best. Ride photo. I have EVER seen. Seriously, love it. I love that you posted it for us to see! Thank you for giving me a mid workday chuckle to carry me through the rest of the day!

Hahaha, okay, spoiler alert: This is not the best ride photo you will see during this TR!! You are in for a treat when I get to that specific update!

omg I wanna go to disney with u ,u seem way too fun !!! I love ure sillyness it's so awesome.

Hahaha, thank you! We just go all out and have the BEST time; it's the one place where I can just be myself and be free to do whatever the heck I want... and clearly, that is being ridiculously silly whenever possible.

Uh oh, I hope this isn't a sign of (foot) trouble to come.

FRIENDSHIP BOATS.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Omg, your face in that picture. Poor little Dani!!!

OH NO, poor Bruce. I sadly know how that feels. I hope it doesn't linger!

It maaaay or may not be.

Friendship boats ARE love.

Bahahaha, it was scary for me! Seriously, I had no idea I was that terrified until I saw that photo.

Yeah, I know you know how it feels. We felt so bad for him.

I may have already posted to let you know I'm following along; I don't remember. I don't feel like looking back/searching to see, so I'll just post again! I'm enjoying your trip report and can't wait for the next installment!

Hmm, I don't think you have, BUT I'm glad you've posted and that you're following along... AND that you're enjoying it!!

I love your TOT pics of everyone. Hysterical!

Hahaha, oh my gosh, just wait for one of our future ones. It had us all in tears from laughing so hard.

 

[danimaroo]

I'm such a Matt when it comes to ToT. I am usually a good sport, agreeing to one ride per trip, but I just like the theming and not especially the actual ride...except the part where you're going through the stars/doing the Twilight Zone thing before you are even in the elevator shaft. That's pretty cool. I guess you just read in my TR that we skipped ToT altogether this trip! Rain, I don't hate you.

Your faces are sheer perfection. Absolutely wonderful.

Poor Bruce. Everyone in my family knows what it's like to be sick in WDW due to that infamous 2011 trip, and it stinks. HORRIBLE. Worst place to be sick ever. I feel for ya, dude.

So...anyone know what tomorrow is for you? Hmmm? And Sunday for me? HMMM?? HECK YES. ADR day, baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hahaha, you guys really ARE the same because he loves that part, too, where you go through the stars/Twilight Zone!! In fact, he LOVES it. But the drops? NOPE. It's a must-do for me at least ONCE on our trip, but that's about it for me!

Bahaha, thanks.

Ugh yeah, getting sick in Disney is the woooorst. I felt really bad for Bruce that morning, he just looked so miserable.

YEAAAAHHHH... except the website is broken. But I'm also too lazy to call up... and in no rush since our 2 ADRs we are making are for not at the "Be Our Guest" popularity level. Buuuut you were right on top of making those other 2!! And thank you again for making those!! WE CANNOT WAIT!

Oh Dani, you returned the favour! You said I gave you a laugh on my TR and then you go ahead and top it with that wonderful TOT close up. Precious!

BTW, I'm not ashamed to admit that I have indeed worn crocs to the parks.

And, oh yeah, I love the editing on the TOT street pics with the blurred background.

Bahaha, I'm glad you thought it was hilarious because yeah... Not my proudest moment but I knew people would appreciate that photo.

Crocs are a-okay in my book for the parks! They're fantastic for switching out between sneakers!

Actually, funny enough, the photos where the background is a little blurry were taken with my camera. My 35mm prime lens is fantastic for portraits and has an insane depth of field, resulting in a sharper photo for the subjects of the photo. The other one was taken by a PhotoPass photographer.

Curious to know how your feet did in crocs. I've gone to the parks in Reebok, Skechers, New Balance, and crocs (different than what you've had), and so far the best have been New Balance. In the hotter times though, I am leaning towards crocs because I hate sweaty feet and how it rubs against the socks.

I hate anticipation too! I think that's why I could never ride ToT again. I rode it when they only had those 2 drops, but once they added the random sequence, I knew I wouldn't be able to handle it!

I'll definitely be giving a good review of how the Crocs went for me down the line. My New Balance sneakers I wore were GREAT for not giving me blisters, but I think I should have ordered wider sneakers due to the issue with my sesamoid bone. That part of the sneaker got a little too narrow at that part of my foot and gave me a lot of pain at times.

But yes, Crocs were REALLY great for the hotter days; I had one big issue with them though that I discovered at the end of Day 3.

Yeah, ToT is so not nice when it comes to the anticipation thing. Once or twice in a trip is plenty for me!

Those photos are AMAZING!!! They are all just so wonderful in their own way, including the guy that snuck into Matts!
Your photo seriously takes the cake though! I love it so much!!!

I'm interested to hear how the crocs worked out. They have such a cult following at the Disney parks!

Those great photopass pics. I love the second pose they make you do! Never gets old!

Hahaha I thought they were pretty hysterical! Mine just shows you pure terror, bahaha.

I will say this: I am a sneaker/shoe snob. I do not like wearing shoes/sneakers that I think make me look like a doof. I heard so many good things about Crocs though that I wanted to give them a shot... I'll give them a review during this TR though for sure!

Haha I know, it's super cheesy but awesome.

Ahhh! I seriously love the ride photos. I laugh every single time I look at ours, the faces are just priceless, even when we don't look like ourselves! Ok, so you know I've never done ToT, right? 5 trips and I have gotten to the point now where I'm pretty sure I will never do it! I'm like Matt, but it sounds like worse...I HATE drops. HATE them. The takeoff on RcRc FEELS like a drop to me and I have to count through it b/c it's nearly painful (but then I LOVE the rest of the ride)...and EE, well, that drop turns and there's only 1. BUT, I don't like Splash at all b/c of the drop, so after reading countless explanations of the "pulling down" vs. "falling" feeling on ToT, I have decided I will hate it. It's a shame too b/c I'm sure I would love the queue but I won't use the chicken exit either and I'm worried I will end up sick if I try it!

Hahaha, I agree. Ride photos are hysterical!

I DID NOT know this information! But based on what you just said, I don't think you'd like ToT at all. The drops are NOT fun for people who hate them. The "weightlessness" part of ToT is what terrifies me, and it's guaranteed to basically happen at least once during your ride sequence... basically you go up and down without stopping. It's not bad when you go up, stop, then drop.

But that is a bummer because the queue and also everything BEFORE the drops on the ride is SO neat and honestly creepy... but you definitely would probably leave the ride really unhappy, unless you got a "tamer" sequence (which HAS happened to me before).

I gotta say ToT is my absolute favorite ride at Disney World!!!

You should tell Bruce sickness at Disney World is not allowed! That comment aside I hope he didn't have to miss out on too much fun.

That black and white picture of ToT is AMAZING! It looks like it came straight off a post card!

I can totally understand why! The theming is impeccable... but those drops I can only do so many times!

Haha I wanted to, you could tell he was just really bummed out about feeling so sick.

Thank you! I thought it might be fun to edit a few of my photos I took and I thought that one captured the feel of ToT pretty well.

Hahaha I love the comparison of your's and Matt's TOT pics to Bruce and Amy's! They really do look like they're just posing for a random picture around the parks!

Uh oh...hopefully Bruce wasn't getting sicker!

Bahaha, I know, right?! I was like, oh hey, happy photo for those 2.. Matt and me, not so much. Wompwomp.

Yeah, we'll see about his sickness... Dundundun.

 

[DisneyDoc5]

Hi from Michigan!

I just wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying your TR! You should be a writer! I totally get and share your sense of humor and LOVE the way your incorporate it into the TR with the great pics (Canon girl here, but loving your shots!)

So congrats on DVC - I would be lying if I didn't admit I am totally jelly, but happy for you guys! Looking forward to more!!! Quick!!! One more update for my Sunday night Dis fix!!!!

Oh, and by the way - the cigar guys would have made me really

Thanks bunches! Erin

 

[cocofifi]

The ride photos are great! Love the one of you on ToT - terrified, yet adorable. Matt is my kindred spirit - I don't dig the drops either. I can ride RnR all day long, but Splash is pure evil with that drop!

 

[okw19]

Ahhh I have to b quick this morning!
I love mornings at MGM, I mean DHS
The ToT ride photo is so great. I love your expression in it.
I hate that Bruce is starting to feel bad, and I hope your Crocs turn out to be a good idea!

 

[danimaroo]

Hi from Michigan!

I just wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying your TR! You should be a writer! I totally get and share your sense of humor and LOVE the way your incorporate it into the TR with the great pics (Canon girl here, but loving your shots!)

So congrats on DVC - I would be lying if I didn't admit I am totally jelly, but happy for you guys! Looking forward to more!!! Quick!!! One more update for my Sunday night Dis fix!!!!

Oh, and by the way - the cigar guys would have made me really

Thanks bunches! Erin

Hi Erin!! I am so happy that you are enjoying my TR AND that you commented, seriously! And thank you for the wonderful compliment! I was an English major in college and I think secretly wanted to one day be a writer... buuuut I'm not. So instead, I write Disney TRs. Who knows, though, maybe one day!

I love making people laugh and smile so the fact that you're enjoying it so much is all the better!!

I still can't believe the whole DVC thing. I wanted to post another update yesterday but then got kind of side-tracked by having a Veronica Mars marathon with Matt all day. Whoops. I forgot how much I loved that show! But I have an update coming here very shortly.

And yes, Cigar guys were bums, BUMS!

The ride photos are great! Love the one of you on ToT - terrified, yet adorable. Matt is my kindred spirit - I don't dig the drops either. I can ride RnR all day long, but Splash is pure evil with that drop!

Hahaha thanks. That's so funny, you guys really are kindred spirits when it comes to the drop thing! He rides Splash for me, and he's admitted he enjoys everything except for the big drop on it... oh, and getting soaking wet like we did in Disneyland. I don't think he'll ever go on Splash again with me in Disneyland.

Ahhh I have to b quick this morning!
I love mornings at MGM, I mean DHS
The ToT ride photo is so great. I love your expression in it.
I hate that Bruce is starting to feel bad, and I hope your Crocs turn out to be a good idea!

It's okay!!

Mornings at HS can be a blast, even though it's not my favorite park in the world.

Hahaha, thaaanks. I was kind of terrified, just a little bit.

Yeah, I felt bad for Bruce. So sad. And we'll see about the Croceroos!

 

[danimaroo]

Chapter Fifteen: "You're a little internet celebrity!" & Matt meets his Disney twin
Day 3: January 19th, 2013

We made our way over towards Star Tours, and crossed in front of the hat... Matt REALLY dislikes the hat; he hates that it covers the Chinese Theatre and doesn't understand why they built it. It doesn't bother me as much, though I do agree that I wish it didn't cover the Chinese Theatre.

Anywho, we got to Star Tours and it had a 15 minute wait, so we hopped in line since the queue is neato mosquito.

I love the AT-AT, and I love that Disney just casually put one in.

I'd actually never had to wait in the longer queue area, so seeing the Ewok Village was actually a new (and awesome) experience for me!

As you already know, I love bothering Matt for surprise photos while we're standing in line. More often than not, they result in something similar to this sequence of photos:

My husband clearly loves it when I do that!

Soon enough we were inside and I took more photos because I love the inside area way too much.

This little guy always cracks me up. I was glad there was a line allowing me to actually get his photo for once.

Anyway, as we were getting close to loading, Bruce suddenly stated he was REALLY not feeling well again, so he was going to wait for us at the exit. I felt so bad for him, but he insisted we go on it and he'd be waiting for us.

Onward we went, and we FINALLY got the last sequence that Matt and I hadn't seen yet! It was Kashyyyk with Chewbacca on the speeder bike scene. We were overly excited about it, hahaha.

We're clearly nerds.

We found Bruce waiting by the exit and he looked MISERABLE. I just felt so bad for him because no one wants to get sick in Disney World, nevermind on only our SECOND full day in the parks.

At this point we walked outside and Amy and Bruce made the decision to head back to their room because Bruce clearly needed to go lay down. They ended up giving us their TSMM FPs since they weren't going to use them, which was really nice, but we still felt so bad for them.

After they left, Matt and I decided to go pick up Carrot Cake Cookies (to eat later) at the Writer's Stop, since it was on our way over to TSMM.

The line in there was long, and it was not moving fast whatsoever. Everyone and their mom was getting a fancy coffee drink (didn't someone tell them that Disney doesn't serve actual lattes or cappuccinos yet?)... so it took much longer than we anticipated.

BUT it was all worth it once we had our delightful Carrot Cake Cookies in hand! We kept them in their paper bag, put them in my backpack, and headed over to use our TSMM FPs!

The FP line was a bit long, then again, no surprise there since the park was really busy at this point. I like this ride a lot more than Matt does; he thinks it's okay but will never wait more than 10-15 minutes for it.

His main issue is that you can actually buy the game and play it at home, that you're just shooting at a bunch of screens, yada yada. I admit, I do see his point, but I still think it's pretty fun... probably because I'm competitive and love games that involve trying to get a high score, haha.

Plus, I like wearing 3D glasses.

Fortunately, being a party of 2 worked in our favor, as we were told to walk up the faster staircase, though we still had to wait in line there for a bit. I didn't mind, since it allowed for more photos on my iPhone.

I. did. terrible.

Okay, well, not TERRIBLE but not great either. Matt beat me! BOOOOHISSSSS.

After we got off, we headed back towards the Fast Pass line and realized that the FP line was literally all the way outside! We couldn't believe it. We both looked at each other and were debating on whether or not to try to ride again, or just give our FPs away.

Yes, you heard me..

Give our Toy Story FPs away.

I love doing that kind of stuff, it makes me really happy when I'm able to give away FPs to an unsuspecting couple of people and to see the look of "Are you for real?... OMG THANK YOU!" appear on their faces.

That, and I believe in good karma/pixie dust coming your way for random acts of kindness.

So while we were standing there debating, a woman suddenly walks up to me with her family and asks, "Hey, are you Dani?"

I look at her and respond, "Yeeaahh?" and she told me she knew me from the DISboards!

She'd been reading my Christmas Disneyland TR and apparently had no idea I was going to be in Disney World at the same time as her, so it was a total surprise when she spotted me!

Her username on the DIS is ag98, and so we chatted a little bit, before I asked her if she by any chance wanted some TSMM FPs.

She said yes and thanked us both, and I was happy to give them away to someone from the DIS!

We said goodbye and Matt was giving me a look...

Me: "Whaaaaatttt?"
Matt: "Well aren't YOU just a little internet celebrity?!"

He evidently thought it was funny that I was randomly recognized from the DIS again (for those of you who read my last WDW TR, you'll remember something very similar happened during our last trip while we were in England!)..

Anyway, I told him he was just jealous, hahaha.

We headed off to do some shopping, since the crowds were just crazy and we didn't really want to wait in any more lines.

I honestly cannot remember all of the stores we specifically went into, but I found these fabulous Jack Skellington sugar cookies. I didn't buy one because I didn't want them to taste like cardboard, but they were pretty cute.

I know we went into Villains in Vogue because we wanted to see if they had any good Oswald stuff, plus I knew they sold Vinylmation in there.

They had an Oswald t-shirt but Matt decided to pass on it (since he already has one), but I picked up a Vinylmation that I'd wanted for awhile, and also traded for a Donald Duck!

While we were in there, Matt decided to do some pin trading when he spotted a CM with Stitch and Donald! We were making out like bandits this morning, as I'd also snagged an awesome Muppets Vision 3D glasses pin, too!

I also looked at some Dooney bags because I was debating on getting one this trip. Matt looked at some watches and found one that he REALLY liked. We both decided to hold off on our purchases for now, as we wanted to keep looking to make sure there wasn't anything else we loved.

On our way out, Matt spotted a Darkwing Duck t-shirt and I told him he had to buy it. He agreed, because I mean, that man loves his Disney afternoon and the t-shirt was pretty amazing.

After looking around a bit more, we finally dragged ourselves out and decided to head back to the resort for a little break from the crowds and to see how Bruce and Amy were doing.

We headed over for the boat dock, and watched a boat leave just as we were walking up to it, wompwomp.

We plopped ourselves down on the ground, and spotted some Disney ducks nearby, too.

While we were waiting we made conversation with some people behind us who were asking us a bunch of questions about Disney World and such... I love answering people's questions!

Anyway, we waited about 10 minutes before a boat showed up, and once we got on, we decided to sit in the outside area because it was so beautiful out!

Right after we sat down, a younger guy, who was wearing a signed Donald Duck hat, and his fiancee sat down next to us. As the guy sat down next to Matt, who was wearing his Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers t-shirt, he immediately got excited and asked him where he'd found it.

Let me back up here for a second and mention how Matt is normally not a big fan of making conversation with strangers; he just doesn't really love awkward small talk. But if he feels comfortable around the person, he tends to be pretty okay with it... but still, not his favorite situation to be in.

That was evidently not the case here.

These two were like two peas in a pod, seriously. This guy was Matt's TWIN. Not twin as in they looked like each other, but twin as in they loved the same stuff!

We (though primarily Matt and the guy) seriously spent all 20 minutes of the boat ride talking up a storm about Disney World, Disneyland, Disney trips as kids, where we were all from, the West coast, etc.

While we were chatting about going to Disneyland during the Christmas season, Matt's twin said, "Man, if there's one thing I love more than Disney, it's Christmas."

OH.

MY.

GOD.

Yup, this was a true bromance happening in front of my very own eyes. As some of you may know, Matt's love for Christmas is infinite (and thank goodness because I love Christmas, too, so being married to him means Christmas wonderland at our house)... but anyway, when the guy said that, I just started laughing because they really were twins!

In between their conversation, I did snap a photo of Matt and me on the boat... It was so nice to be on a boat with such perfect weather!

We had SUCH a fun time talking to the two of them, we actually walked with them all the way back to Beach Club, as they were on their way to Epcot.

They had the option to stay on the boat, but we mentioned it would actually be quicker if they got off at BC/YC and then just walked the rest of the way to Epcot (since the boat still had to stop at Boardwalk before heading to Epcot)... so they followed along with us.

Once we got back to the resort, I was actually sad to say goodbye to our new friends.

Like, they were just the type of couple who GOT Disney and were so enthusiastic about it, I could have gone and hung out with them for the rest of the day and it wouldn't have been awkward at all.

You don't meet people like that often (or you know, your husband's twin), but when you do, it just makes you happy that you crossed paths, even if only for the length of a boat ride...

Continued in next post​

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Great update Dani the internet celeb.

Re: the hat in front of the Theatre. I couldn't agree with Matt more. I've heard it's some kind of licensing issue, but who knows why really.

It's so funny how much most of us hate lines, but when there is no line, we miss all the photos.

OMG, the wookie sequence slayed me. I imagine you know what part I mean. It was just too funny.

On the line at the Writer's Stop... Don't people realize that they're not supposed to even know it's there?!

The party of 2 shortcut at TSM is awesome!

It funny how generally easy people are to talk to at Disney when otherwise it would be awkward. It's such a wonderful place!!!

 

[DanniDeer]

Thank you for perfectly timing this update with my lunch break, because I am pretty sure someone I work with is eating microwaved cat food and drinking anti-freeze.

I'm horrified to buy the TSM game in case it desensitizes me, then I won't get as excited to ride it anymore. It's my favorite. Probably because I always beat Johnny. Also probably why I hate Buzz, because he always wins...
But you guys should try doing the Easter eggs on the ride next time!

 

[nyck]

Love BOTH of your trip reports!! I own at BCV and they are by far my favorite resort at Disney!!! You have motivated me to try to do a trip report when I go on my Ultimate Disney Trip! DL, WDW, and Disneyland Paris between Christmas and New Years!

 

[cheekypoppins]

OMG i just bought that same Donald duck vinylmation yesterday at The disney store cause it was on clearance for 3.99 lol I think its too cute ( I also bought the goofy one from the same theme for my older daughters bday,but she won't know until October)

 

[GatorMommy2007]

Poor Bruce! I totally feel his pain, as I once got a stomach virus that activated as we were PULLING INTO THE HOTEL PARKING LOT at Disney. Ugh. Bless his heart!

You little internet celebrity--cracking me up!

Did you at least exchange contact information with Matt's twin?

Argh, and why is my ticker showing that we are no longer counting down? I have TWO DAYS! C'mon ticker, work with me!

 

[Nermel9]

Yay, Friendship boats! I just tried a Friendship boat on this past trip, and it was so nice, just to relax and look at all the sights on the way over to DHS!

I love the Tower of Terror! The drops are the best part!!! Love the pictures of you guys on there, ugh, the pictures of Brandon and I are always so ridiculous! He screams so loud, and he purposely makes faces, just so the pictures look awful!

Poor Bruce, feeling sick in Disney is no fun!

I love Star Tours, but I can only go on it once, I don't normally get sick from rides, but there's something about that one that makes me a little queasy! I can't believe you guys have seen all of the sequences, that's impressive!

Haha, I'm just like Matt, I'm not a big fan of small talk or talking to strangers usually BUT in Disney, it's different! Everyone is usually so friendly, and people just want to talk about DISNEY! It's fantastic! I wish I had Disney friends in real life, a Disney couple to hang out with and plan vacations with would be so awesome!

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

Oh, poor Bruce .
Well, gosh, I love the idea of a Disney twin!! Oh, wait!
I know that Brandon and I are always more willing to talk to people at Disney than we are in real life. I mean, if they're there, they must want to have fun and be kids at heart, right?? I think that holds true about 90% of the time. (It's a fact.)
We have the Toy Story Mania game on our xbox 360, and I have to say that it is NOT comparable to playing it at DHS! Sorry, Matt! BUT, with that said, I'm with him about not waiting long for it. I just can't.


Plus, I got peed on the last time I was in line there, so...

 

[marDgreen88]

The hat didn't really bother me... until I saw what Hollywood Boulevard looked like without it. It's not really the hat that bothers me, it's the location. I don't know where else they could put it really, but I'd be sad to see it go altogether! So basically I agree with you... hahah.

Poor Bruce.

People that don't play video games can't buy the game for home! It's just so much fun.

Ahh I want the PIGLET PIN!!!!!!!

Look at Matt, makin' friends! Disney magic takes away the awkwardness, I tell ya.