"I'm With Sneezy!" A Mom-&-Me/Solo October Trip! Upd 12/16

[Dis_Yoda]

I told myself if no one commented I'd just quit writing, but it's hard as I want to relive the trip in the future! I guess I could write it out for myself but what fun is that?

I understand that feeling well!


~~

As far as feeling like you wasted money on the tour, I don't blame you on that one, I don't see it being worth that cost either especially the time of year you went. That said, some of the tours are worth it. I personally have done Keys to the Kingdom in Magic Kingdom & loved it. I also did a tour that has turned into what is now called Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom which for the price, felt it was worth the money.

 

[ZehnJahren]

I understand that feeling well!

~~

As far as feeling like you wasted money on the tour, I don't blame you on that one, I don't see it being worth that cost either especially the time of year you went. That said, some of the tours are worth it. I personally have done Keys to the Kingdom in Magic Kingdom & loved it. I also did a tour that has turned into what is now called Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom which for the price, felt it was worth the money.

I think I may take a hiatus from the tours. I know there are many others; I just don't know how I feel spending money on them. ha! I loved the Epcot Segway tour, I thought it was a lot of fun, but it's the only other one I had done before this one. Keys to the Kingdom was one I was thinking of for this trip, but now... Who knows. I don't even know now when I'll be back, so it's all a moot point anyway!

 

[ZehnJahren]

This morning, we were up bright and early; I checked the website the night before, and it said US opened at 9 a.m., but I wanted to be very early and get there around 8 a.m. or so. As we were taking the I-4, Mom would be driving this morning.



I checked some of my forums on the way in, and found quite a few people talking about the norovirus going around WDW; oh boy. I entreated mom to WASH HER HANDS. She likes to use sanitizer only, and that just doesn't cut it. Hand washing from here on out, I insisted (I'm a major hand washer; held over from my food service days as a teenager).

We got to US/IOA and parked.



Mom bought the tickets, so I sprung for preferred parking. We probably didn't need it; the clouds were already gathering again and we knew it would be another wet day. I paused to take a picture of Rip Ride Rockit in the distance. It appeared to already be cycling an hour before park opening.

Hm.



It was just before eight o'clock (we'd gotten here much faster than planned) so we stopped in Starbucks.



I had a coffee, and mom had an iced mocha. I just started drinking coffee about 6 months or so ago, so all I order is "the smallest regular coffee you have, no room for cream or sugar." I really don't have a preference as to WHICH coffee, but I usually go for a medium roast when there's a choice.

Anyway.

We easily find CityWalk (I believe Starbucks was part of it) and head through. I see a worker and ask him where the "new Harry Potter is; you know, the one with Gringott's". He tells me that would be at IOA. Hm, I don't know if that's right but we'll head over there. So we walk towards the closed IOA gates and towards waiting crowds, seeing the kiosks that we need to print our ticket out of. I ask mom to get our tickets while I check where Gringott's is online; she works the kiosk while I work my phone, and by the time she hands me my ticket I have to tell her that we're at the WRONG PARK and we need to walk back to US. *sigh* Seriously?

So back we go. When we get to US, I see that people are walking in. Are they holding them down the street, like they do for Main Street at MK? I don't know, but it's only about 8:30 and we're heading in.

No again. Turns out, US opened at 8. So much for being one of the first in so we can ride Gringotts without a massive wait. The park has been open for a half hour already; no wonder there was no line. *SIGH*

We head in; and I want to go STRAIGHT for Gringott's.



We don't get very far and it starts to rain. We get to the "magic wall" near the train station and mom decides she needs to go to the bathroom. *SIGH!*



I waited outside for her with my coffee, standing under an awning, trying to decide if I needed to get out my poncho. So far my hat has done fine; let's just leave it for now.

Finally we're ready to go... again. So we head back to the entrance to Diagon Alley and go inside. And see this:



Wow, really awesome theming! The dragon is very lifelike and we get a couple of pictures. We have to kind of search to find the entrance to the Gringott's ride, but we do, and it says it's only 20 minutes, so in we go!



I didn't take many pictures in here; I was too busy looking around at everything. It really is astounding. Towards the end of the line, they really drive it home that this is a "fast moving ride" with "twists and turns" and is not for "the faint of heart". I start wondering about my neck; should I be chancing this? But I heard it wasn't really that bad, so I decide to go for it, hoping I don't regret it.

And you know what? It WASN'T that bad. I wasn't even one time in fear for my neck and upper back; it was very smooth and really didn't jerk you at all. I enjoyed it a lot!

Next up, we walked through some of the shops and then headed around the circle at US. We had plans on riding the train over to IOA but not quite yet - IT wasn't open yet. So we headed to MIB and used our express pass.





It was just alright. I don't like Buzz, and it was just like Buzz, except you spun all the way around sometimes.

We kept walking, looking for anything we might like.



We stumbled across ET, and it was a favorite of mine as a child, so we went in, not knowing exactly what it was.



Later we said that this was one of our favorites. It was like Peter Pan at MK, only longer and just more fun I think! We really enjoyed it.

Next up was a ride we had been itching to try. The Mummy!



We got in line with the express pass and took off our ponchos as we walked. The queue was very well done, but it did get pretty dark at some points and mom can't see in the dark so I had to walk in front of her slowly so she could watch my feet.

Our verdict was mutual. Though there are a lot of people who sing its praises, we HATED it. HATED it. H-A-T-E-D it. I was glad we tried it, but I will never ride it again. While interesting, it had some parts that were terrifying - one in particular being a REAL FIRE while you're STRAPPED DOWN INTO A RIDE VEHICLE. I thought that would be neat, but instead was left wondering what you're supposed to do if the fire goes wrong. It was actually scary and I'm glad I know the reasons why I never want to ride it again. I found myself praying on the ride, it scared me that much.

We came out to - you guessed it - more rain. We decided to go see Shrek 4D, not knowing what to expect, and by the time we got into the line, it was POURING.





But I love Shrek, so I was looking forward to what I thought would be another Philharmagic, or ITTBAB. Boy was I wrong!

After a too-long preshow (seriously, it had to be 20 minutes), we were led into the theater. Due to the rain, the theater was packed, and we took the far end of the very very last row. We had "heard" that there were some seats in the theater that "didn't participate" like the others, but didn't know what that meant. We soon found out, as we were lounging back in our seats relaxing when BAM! The seats all snapped to attention and started bouncing around like crazy! We had no idea that was going to happen and were laughing our heads off.

After Shrek, we decided we were STARVING. Mom had seen a Margaritaville and wanted to eat there; I had no problem with that, so we headed out of US and towards CityWalk.



We were the first people in Margaritaville; I talked to the waitress about my allergy and decided on a buttermilk fried chicken plate. We enjoyed being dry for a little bit while we waited.



When my food came, I was very pleasantly surprised. It was SO GOOD.



I ate this until I thought I would bust. It was perfectly cooked, very moist on the inside, and well-seasoned. I could go for it right now.

After we finished up, we decided to head right on over to IOA, skipping the Hogwart's train. Stupid idea as we never got to ride it, but we donned our ponchos and were on our way!

 

[STLMickeyMom]

oh, I'm sorry your tour wasn't what you were hoping. it sounds fun, but I agree, I don't know if I'd pay extra for it again. at least you tried it and now you know, right?

we haven't been to universal in years. I'm so excited to see all your pictures! the dragon is AWESOME! and I loved MIB so much. we always had to wait in such a long line for it, but I just think it's so fun.

we've never done the mummy ride. I guess we'll have to try it once and see what we think.

I remember doing the shrek thing, but don't remember much of it. it sounds like it was a lot of fun though!

 

[SarahDisney]

I finally found the time to sit down and read through your description of the tour (I've had the window open for a few days and never have the time to read through - almost had a moment when my internet went out, but then it came back).

I love you and your mom in the Splash picture.
I would be the one on that ride wearing a poncho - who wants to walk around in wet clothing all day?

Sad that you couldn't go on SM and RnRC - hopefully by your next trip you'll be back to 100% and can go on!

I love your face in the Spaceship Earth pictures!

I'm sorry to hear the tour was a disappointment. You should definitely write to Disney - we've gotten stuff for complaining in the past, but even if you don't get anything, maybe in the future if they get enough complaints they'll change the description (or the tour).

Side point - you're right about the hand washing. I'm a santizier user, but only where there's no sink around. I've worked in healthcare, and they tell you that there are many things that sanitizer doesn't really help with - washing is definitely the preferred method.

I'm glad to hear you enjoyed Gringotts!

I did Shrek in California and I liked it, but the preshow there may have been shorter - or I may have just blocked that part out of my memory.

Looking forward to reading about IOA (that's the part I've done)!

 

[bankr63]

No go on the rain letting up. Spoiler alert: it poured the next day (our US/IOA day) as well.

We often plan US/IOA for rainy days. Figure that those two parks are so determined to get you wet, that you might as well pick a wet day. Of course we always tour in March, so the giant people dryers are appreciated if/when you get too cold!

 

[ZehnJahren]

oh, I'm sorry your tour wasn't what you were hoping. it sounds fun, but I agree, I don't know if I'd pay extra for it again. at least you tried it and now you know, right?

we haven't been to universal in years. I'm so excited to see all your pictures! the dragon is AWESOME! and I loved MIB so much. we always had to wait in such a long line for it, but I just think it's so fun.

we've never done the mummy ride. I guess we'll have to try it once and see what we think.

I remember doing the shrek thing, but don't remember much of it. it sounds like it was a lot of fun though!

I did finally break down and write Disney today. I was clear that I was only unhappy because I was told such different things than what happened, and that I felt like I paid for fastpasses when I thought I was getting more of an experience for the price. I let them know I was happy with the rest of my trip, though!

Yes, the dragon was SUPER cool! I thought MIB was fun, but it wasn't something we had to go on twice.

The Mummy is a pretty crazy ride, but I can see why it's a favorite. It just wasn't for us.

We loved Shrek! It was about this time that we realized we were thinking US/IOA was going to be more like WDW and we were growing disappointed, when we really had no reason to think US/IOA was anything at all like WDW.

I finally found the time to sit down and read through your description of the tour (I've had the window open for a few days and never have the time to read through - almost had a moment when my internet went out, but then it came back).

I love you and your mom in the Splash picture.
I would be the one on that ride wearing a poncho - who wants to walk around in wet clothing all day?

Sad that you couldn't go on SM and RnRC - hopefully by your next trip you'll be back to 100% and can go on!

I love your face in the Spaceship Earth pictures!

I'm sorry to hear the tour was a disappointment. You should definitely write to Disney - we've gotten stuff for complaining in the past, but even if you don't get anything, maybe in the future if they get enough complaints they'll change the description (or the tour).

Side point - you're right about the hand washing. I'm a santizier user, but only where there's no sink around. I've worked in healthcare, and they tell you that there are many things that sanitizer doesn't really help with - washing is definitely the preferred method.

I'm glad to hear you enjoyed Gringotts!

I did Shrek in California and I liked it, but the preshow there may have been shorter - or I may have just blocked that part out of my memory.

Looking forward to reading about IOA (that's the part I've done)!

Thanks for reading everything!

I'll be glad when my neck is 100%; it will get there, it just takes time. A LOT of time!

I did go ahead and write Disney. Just to let them know. I tried to make it clear I didn't want anything but for them to possibly change how they market the tour - I guess that's asking a lot though, huh?

IOA will probably be up tomorrow, unless my plans fall through for tonight. Trying to get this written as fast as possible so I don't just let it drop!

We often plan US/IOA for rainy days. Figure that those two parks are so determined to get you wet, that you might as well pick a wet day. Of course we always tour in March, so the giant people dryers are appreciated if/when you get too cold!

Hi and !!

You have a point! When we finally got to IOA, we threw caution to the wind and stopped caring about getting wet! That's when everything went crazy! (It's also why we didn't ever end up taking the train!)

 

[IheartDDuck]

Wow, first car of the day at the TTC! That's so cool, I've never had that happen before.

Only seven people? That's crazy!

Hahaha, ponchos, really? Love your poses on Splash!

That was nice of you in an earlier post to say that I should have just told you I wanted a HM Dooney. I didn't want to impose upon anyone so I didn't ask the question. I should have re-thought that.

There are booths that take MM? OMG I have to remember that!

Your Mom's face in the Buzz photo is great! So focused and happy to be there.

Your mentioning the actual size of the RNRC building makes me realize how great of a job Disney does at actually looking like they're using very little space. Kind of like the Soarin' building at Epcot. No on pays attention for it and you totally go into the Land like a ding dong thinking it totally fits in there.

Maybe they should actually do the tour and offer some insight into the attractions? I would be all for that if they offered information or something. I could understand how it could feel like a letdown.

I'm reading your interaction with the CM and I'm like NO NO NO NO, IT'S NOT IN IOA! How frustrating!

20 minutes though, score!

We are huge fans of ET too.

I'm sorry that you didn't enjoy the Mummy. It's one of my absolute favorite attractions in Orlando. I just wish it was longer.

 

[BridgetR3]

Found your TR today and boy am I glad I did!!

I am loving it! Thanks so much for taking the time to write it!

I didn't know about the Ultimate Thrills tour but since I don't ride most of those rides, I'm probably NOT a good candidate for it! lol.....

I love your new bag!

Hope you didn't get Norovirus!

We will get to Universal one day and I appreciate your candid review of the Mummy. My oldest and I surely won't be riding that one!

 

[wannabee]

Thanks so much for the detailed review and honest feedback on the tour. I think I will still do it next summer as I planned. Will just re-adjust my expectations. My travel companions dont do the big rides. They will do Keys to the Kingdom while I do Ultimate thrill.

 

[SimplyGoofy]

I'm sorry you didn't love your tour. I really appreciate the honest feedback - the "ultimate thrill" rides are usually my favorites and it's a tour I may have looked into. I may still try it one day - but I think Keys to the Kingdom will come first.

It's too bad that CM was mistaken and you went all the way to the IOA gates! However, I'm glad you liked Gringotts and Diagon Alley. I'm pretty excited to see it!

You seemed to get a lot done despite the rainy, drizzly day!

 

[ElenaJane]

Thanks for your review of the tour. I can understand the build-up and then being let down by the change in expectations. I kind of felt that way about Club Level! I am glad you wrote Disney to give them your perspective. I bet you'll get a phone call.

Hooray for US/IoA part of your TR! We had such a blast there in July. Diagon Alley blew us away. Gringotts was not open at the time, so I can't wait! Will and I are in the pro-Mummy camp. I like the fire part! That is why they need to keep making rides, so there is something for everyone!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

A little late to the party, but I'm here!! And lovin' every minute of your report!

Love the balloon story......I am so glad you treated yourself to something so fun .

Great report on the tour at Disney. While I'm sorry it didn't live up to your expectations, the review was so detailed and fun to read. And hey, I love an honest account....positive, negative, or otherwise.

Did you ever find out where the cat came from at the Vistana???? That's so bizarre!!! (he was adorable, mind you....but his presence at the pool was still strange!)

Can't wait to hear more on your Uni days. You are writing a fabulous report, my friend. Keep the updates coming.

 

[ZehnJahren]

Wow, first car of the day at the TTC! That's so cool, I've never had that happen before.

Only seven people? That's crazy!

Hahaha, ponchos, really? Love your poses on Splash!

That was nice of you in an earlier post to say that I should have just told you I wanted a HM Dooney. I didn't want to impose upon anyone so I didn't ask the question. I should have re-thought that.

There are booths that take MM? OMG I have to remember that!

Your Mom's face in the Buzz photo is great! So focused and happy to be there.

Your mentioning the actual size of the RNRC building makes me realize how great of a job Disney does at actually looking like they're using very little space. Kind of like the Soarin' building at Epcot. No on pays attention for it and you totally go into the Land like a ding dong thinking it totally fits in there.

Maybe they should actually do the tour and offer some insight into the attractions? I would be all for that if they offered information or something. I could understand how it could feel like a letdown.

I'm reading your interaction with the CM and I'm like NO NO NO NO, IT'S NOT IN IOA! How frustrating!

20 minutes though, score!

We are huge fans of ET too.

I'm sorry that you didn't enjoy the Mummy. It's one of my absolute favorite attractions in Orlando. I just wish it was longer.

That is actually my second time as an early bird to TTC; on my first solo trip, I rented a car while staying at AKL and ended up in the first row of cars as well - just not the VERY first. I love me some early time at MK!

I would have totally gotten you an HM. As it stands now, I'd wait to see if quality goes up. Mine are holding up just fine, but so many reviews of ones that aren't.

The buildings are really amazing to see. You never think of it while you're in the park, but those inside rides are massive. Think about the loops on RNRC! All that is indoors! And the building is so big! We all noticed the big building, but Frank had to tell us what was in it before we REALLY noticed it. He asked us if we knew what the building was for and no one did; when he said "RNRC" we all collectively said "OOHHHHHH!".

Yeah - I did my research before arriving at US/IOA but I just don't know the parks so I second guessed myself and then believed the employee. It was more frustrating to see that they opened at 8; I checked the night before and both parks were listed as opening at 9 - I just didn't know better. And that Mummy ride - I can absolutely see why some people love it! It's a one-of-a-kind ride, that's for sure. But when they were shooting off the fire and I realized I was "stuck" in a ride vehicle, I just couldn't take it. Get me outta there!!!

Found your TR today and boy am I glad I did!!

I am loving it! Thanks so much for taking the time to write it!

I didn't know about the Ultimate Thrills tour but since I don't ride most of those rides, I'm probably NOT a good candidate for it! lol.....

I love your new bag!

Hope you didn't get Norovirus!

We will get to Universal one day and I appreciate your candid review of the Mummy. My oldest and I surely won't be riding that one!

Thank you for joining in and commenting! Thanks for taking the time to read it.

I love my new bag too! I think I might switch from my Lucy and wear it today!

Spoiler alert: we did not get the norovirus. We actually both ended up very healthy after returning home; all that hand washing I'm sure!

The Mummy is definitely a special one-of-a-kind ride. I just have too much anxiety to enjoy it. Guess I've gotten to where I "only" want to ride what I already know. Sigh, I'm getting old. I watched it on youtube, but it was so much more intense on the actual ride. If you like Gringotts when you go, you might want to give it a try, only to see if YOU like it. I'm just too anxious I guess.

Thanks so much for the detailed review and honest feedback on the tour. I think I will still do it next summer as I planned. Will just re-adjust my expectations. My travel companions dont do the big rides. They will do Keys to the Kingdom while I do Ultimate thrill.

If you like the thrill rides and your companions don't, it could be a great opportunity to get them all in in a short period of time. I just was expecting something different due to what I'd been told multiple times - but if you go into it with your eyes open, you could really enjoy it.

 

[ZehnJahren]

I'm sorry you didn't love your tour. I really appreciate the honest feedback - the "ultimate thrill" rides are usually my favorites and it's a tour I may have looked into. I may still try it one day - but I think Keys to the Kingdom will come first.

It's too bad that CM was mistaken and you went all the way to the IOA gates! However, I'm glad you liked Gringotts and Diagon Alley. I'm pretty excited to see it!

You seemed to get a lot done despite the rainy, drizzly day!

I think I would go for Keys to the Kingdom first too, unless they changed the ultimade day of thrills tour to be a truer VIP tour. You know, one where they actually tell you about the rides, and park, and hidden mickeys, etc.

We did like Gringotts a lot! It's truly very technologically advanced and unexpected. It was one of my top three for the day.

Thanks for your review of the tour. I can understand the build-up and then being let down by the change in expectations. I kind of felt that way about Club Level! I am glad you wrote Disney to give them your perspective. I bet you'll get a phone call.

Hooray for US/IoA part of your TR! We had such a blast there in July. Diagon Alley blew us away. Gringotts was not open at the time, so I can't wait! Will and I are in the pro-Mummy camp. I like the fire part! That is why they need to keep making rides, so there is something for everyone!

I can see why you'd feel that way about Club Level. I've never stayed, but I've been tempted; something else has always pulled me away from it and I've spent the money elsewhere. It's tempting to do, that's for sure. If they do call, I'll be clear that I'm happy with Disney and it's not that the tour wasn't fun, but that the deviations from what I told is what made it disappointing in the end. They really, really need to train those phone people!

Gringotts is just amazing. And I can understand why you guys like the Mummy; it's a very immersive ride. I just CAN'T with the fire, I just can't.

A little late to the party, but I'm here!! And lovin' every minute of your report!

Love the balloon story......I am so glad you treated yourself to something so fun .

Great report on the tour at Disney. While I'm sorry it didn't live up to your expectations, the review was so detailed and fun to read. And hey, I love an honest account....positive, negative, or otherwise.

Did you ever find out where the cat came from at the Vistana???? That's so bizarre!!! (he was adorable, mind you....but his presence at the pool was still strange!)

Can't wait to hear more on your Uni days. You are writing a fabulous report, my friend. Keep the updates coming.

HEY! Glad to have you here! Glad you're enjoying it!

It's ok about the tour. It wasn't horrible or anything; just not what I expected. That balloon though. It still cracks me up how much absolute joy I got from that thing - and I'm a grown-up. I suggest a light up balloon for all children (and adults); best $15 you can spend at Disney. You should have seen all the kids looking at me with longing in their eyes. I'll be buying another on my next trip if it's a longer stay, just because I really have always wanted one and really loved that thing. Stay tuned to see what happened to it at the end.

That cat - he was there when my mom and I came over too, later in the week. I had a couple of pictures of him, as he really, really wanted to eat the food on the tables but was not happy with my presence. He'd eat a little then run away and stare at me, meowing. Then he'd go back. I talked to him, but didn't get close enough to pet.

IOA coming right up!

 

[ZehnJahren]

We headed back towards IOA. I thought about going back to US so we could ride the Hogwart's Express back over to IOA, but we didn't. I'm sort of sorry we missed this, but the fact is that when you're at the parks in the moment, you make a lot of random decisions that shape your day - that was one of ours.



We walked through the park in the rain; we paused to watch the Dudley Do-Right Rip Saw Falls and look at the Jurassic Park ride, both of which we wanted to do, but dang it it was POURING. Even in our ponchos, we were getting wetter and wetter.

And then we got to Hogwarts, and the clouds parted (literally).



I was not sure about Forbidden Journey, and I didn't think my mom would like it. We both can get motion sick in certain situations, and I'd heard it was jerky so my neck probably should do without. We opted to go for the castle tour, which ended up being a mistake. My mom can't see very well, and the castle was VERY dark. She had to hold on to me the entire time, watching my feet closely so she could see where to step; I exaggerated my steps so she could see my feet better; I'm sure we were quite the pair. Plus, the tour was so quick. There was almost no line for FJ, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I asked Mom if she wanted to go on, and she didn't. So we sadly skipped this ride this time.

We walked through the area, looking closely in all the shops.



We even stopped for some Butterbeer! We got it in a souvenir stein, which is in my kitchen right now. We got the frozen one, as I'd heard it was better.

At this time, the sun started blaring. We were starting to sweat inside our ponchos. Off they came, and we started walking around again. At this time, we had a discussion and decided that we were already partially soaked; we wanted to ride Dudley Do-Right and Jurassic Park; and we had some sun finally (and with it, major heat!). We stopped at Jurassic Park and left ALL our possessions - ponchos, phones, money, credit cards, purses, etc. - in a locker and headed to JP!

What a cool ride! I loved the dinosaurs. It was still hot and sunny, so we ran for Dudley Do-Right and rode it as well. That ride got stuck for awhile at the top of a hill, and my mom was starting to complain just a little by the time they got us going again. Wow, what a drop! We loved it, but by the time we came to a halt at the bottom of the hill and waited our turn to disembark, the clouds closed up and rain started again (just in time).

Back we went to the locker, and the ponchos went back on. We consulted the map to see what was nearby, but the rain was seriously dampening our spirits. We started to talk about actually leaving the parks and heading to DTD.



One last ride:



The Trolley in the Sky. It was adorable; I could see kids loving it. But BOY, US and IOA really wind you through their queues, don't they!? Whether you're entering or exiting, they have some of the longest, most winding queues I've ever seen - probably because they have entrances for stand by and express pass, and they go different ways. I would not want to be at US/IOA when they actually NEEDED those winding lines.



In spite of myself, I thought they were neat. Much cooler than a bunch of ropes, that's for sure.



At this time, we stopped in a little candy store and mom got a caramel apple - her favorite. We sat and talked about what we were going to do, and decided we would definitely leave. Sadly, we were not impressed with US/IOA, and neither one of us felt like we would need to come back for many years. Personally, I can see it being very fun to stay at US/IOA in one of their resorts and hang out at City Walk, but the parks seemed so darn small, I don't know if I'd also want tickets or not.

We made our way out of the park and headed back to the condo. Once at the condo, we took a nap, then got ready and called a cab to take us to DTD. We were less than three miles from DTD at the villa, so we figured it would be cheap and it was: rt from the villa to DTD and back again was only $24.

What a lovely night it turned out to be.



We browsed through the Co-Op, where mom decided she wanted one of the Vera Bradley Disney Dreaming purses - we decided to go to WOD first and check all their placements though before she bought.



I really wanted this Alex and Ani bracelet, because I LOVE Pluto.



We went to WOD to see if they had the Disney Dreaming VBs and to check out their DDB LC selection (I was still looking for one better than the one I bought at Epcot, but so far mine was my favorite). We went into the DDB/VB room and I suddenly jumped up in the air and called over one of the people behind the counter. "Please!" I said, "Can I see that Daisy Lucy down there!?"

Back in May, I'd been in WDW for the Flower & Garden Festival, and they'd released a DDB for The F&G festival only called the Daisy pattern. I went to the Festival Center and agonized over buying the Lucy style - it was a bigger purse but not massively huge (I carry mostly small purses), and I LOVED the pattern and the Spring-y-ness of it, but I just didn't have the money on that trip and I didn't buy it. I had come close to buying it second hand twice since then, but just kept putting it off thinking "no, no, you don't need that." Then I'd lost my job and moved, and I definitely wasn't going to buy it ... but there it was, one single Daisy Lucy DDB, hung up with all the sketch bags and all by itself.

The woman brought it down and I was again in love. My mom is the most terrible enabler, and she loved it too and kept saying "I remember you talking about wanting this, and here it is, only one left, look how much fun it is," etc. etc. I kept going over my budget in my head, thinking, plotting, figuring. Finally I knew - I'd just regret it if I left it behind, just like I regretted it in May. So I said "I'LL TAKE IT!" and made the CP CM laugh with how excited I was to have found it after all this time.

And now, my purse count was up to TWO.



We left WOD and went back to the Co-Op and mom picked out her VB; then we called our cab. We were hungry and everything at DTD had too long lines, so we decided to go back to SVR and get a pizza. We browsed in Basin while we waited for the cab.



Once we got back to the villa, we headed to the Tacky Tiki Bar. We got a pizza (which was delicious), said hello to the cat (who was back and scrounging), and then took our leftovers back to the villa where we went to bed fairly early. The next day would be a later morning, as we were attending MNSSHP that night.

 

[SarahDisney]

I didn't do the castle tour at IOA - I went on the ride and just tried to see whatever I could in the castle (big mistake - I should have done the tour), but I don't remember it being so dark - I remember being able to see a lot (and it was AMAZING!)
I really loved the ride, so I think you should definitely try it if you ever go back (but yes, it is a bit jerky and I can see why you wouldn't want to risk it).

Did you go into the stores? What did you think? There were insane lines to get inside when I was there, so I just looked through back windows mostly, but I thought they looked cool.

I've been there when they needed the winding lines ... not fun. But I do kinda like their lines - much better than just ropes.
I love everything in Seuss Landing, but I think Cat in the Hat is my favorite - you should have done more Seuss!! But I can see how you would not be impressed with US/IOA - I wasn't very impressed when I did it as a kid, and the only reason I went back a few years ago was for Harry Potter ... and the only reason I will be going back eventually is for Diagon Alley.

I love the daisy bag! That's such a nice pattern, I'm glad you finally got it after all this time!

 

[Sisa]

Catching up...

Great hub photos before your tour, love the tank tops. I have the Beauty and the Beast one, but so need that Olaf one!

Thank you for posting details on the tour, definitely will pass on that one. Having to go through FP+ instead of walking on would totally bum me out.

The photo of your Mom on Buzz is awesome!

Totally agree with you on the wet feet issue, the worst! Glad you had sandals waiting for you.

That was nice of the bartender to give you another drink instead.

Sorry you ended up at the wrong park for Gringotts, that wouldn't make me too happy. Glad you loved the ride though. I can't wait to visit the Harry Potter world there, unfortunately I have no idea when that will be.

Boy you guys sure had a good amount a rain...such a bummer.

Margaritaville food looks super yummy!

 

[STLMickeyMom]

Man, what a lot of rain! Thank goodness for the break so you could do some rides!

I always skip something at the parks thinking it's the best decision at the moment and then thinking I made the wrong choice when I get home. It happens, I guess.

The dr suess part of universal looks cute. I'd like to see the Simpsons part and the minions too!

Your purse is SO SO SO cute! I'm glad your mom was there to talk you I to getting it!

 

[Sisa]

Totally missed that last post.

Sorry to hear about your disappointment in US/IOA. The Dr Seuss area does look pretty neat. I really want to go specifically for the Harry Potter stuff, but with my kids being so young, I just feel like they'd enjoy more time at Disney instead.

That Daisy purse is SO cute, it was their last one, it was meant to be.

Love your Mom's bag too, so cute!

There are so many cute bags, I'd have a horrible time deciding on just one.

Can't wait to hear about your time at MNSSHP!